A/N: Sheesh, its been a while since I've even worked on this story! Due to the fact that "vacation" and "homework" don't mix well with my teachers, they'll be plenty more updates! Hopefully, sometimes I find it really hard to work on another chapter merely a few days after I write it. Anyways, this chapter is gonna start with the POV of the kids. Then its gonna switch to Esme's, so hopefully that won't be too confusing. I'll make note of it with those pimptastic lines.
Meanwhile, at the local orphanage, something big was happening. The orphan Esme, who had finally turned eighteen, was scheduled to leave at any minute. The other orphans rushed to the windows to witness her departure. It wasn't everyday that an orphan was sent out into the world on their own. Normally they'd be taken away by a loving family. However, there were also the "special cases". Some orphans were taken away at earlier ages to train for war or to become "refined ladies". Others, like Esme, were forced to fend for themselves on the streets. Because in reality, they couldn't provide
"Good-bye!" they called to the two figures outside. One of the figures happened to be Camille Flemister, the old keeper of the orphange. The other was an orphan by the name of Esme. She had arrived at the orphanage approximatley ten years ago. Needless to say, she did age nicely. Her black hair was quite bushy and her eyes were greener than blades of grass. She wore the same attire she had worn as a youngster; which consisted of a tattered dress, stockings, and shoes. However, she was given some additional clothing to keep her warmer in the elements. Among these included fingerless gloves, an extremely baggy coat, a hat, and a scarf. The children watched with baited breath as Esme and Camille stood at the iron gate for several minutes. After what felt like forever, Esme finally opened the gate and ventured out into the world.
A/N: Esme's POV
Esme's fingers curled around the necklace she wore. It looked something like a dream catcher, but it looked like a map. Even though Esme didn't exactly know where the map lead to, it was still better than nothing. She had a vague feeling that whoever had given it to her must have loved her at some point. As a younger girl, she didn't know and didn't care to pay much attention to her old life. The orphanage was the only life she had ever known. And now that she wasn't even living there anymore, Esme felt the only logical thing to do was find her family. Camille Flemister, however, had other ideas. She had strictly instructed Esme to go to down to the harbor. Down there, she'd be responsible for harvesting fish. While it wasn't exactly the work for a woman, it'd be better than begging on the streets.
Trudging through the slush, Esme finally came to a sign. If she went to the left, she'd be taken straight to the harbor. If she went to the right, it would lead her further into the city of Paris.
"If I go left, I'll be Esme the orphan forever," she said sadly, picking at cuticles, "but if I go right..."
She paused mid-sentence, unsure of what to do. One path was set in stone for her, but the other was open to exciting possibilities. Still, there was the chance that she could fail. What if her family wasn't out there? Then what would would become of her. Squinting, she could barely make out the tops of Notre Dame's belltowers against the overcast sky. Maybe God would know the answer. Unsure of how to go about how to ask Him, she'd figure she'd shout aloud. After all, the street was practically vacated.
"Send me a sign!" she cried, throwing her hands up in the air, "uh... a hint! Anything!" Sitting on the snowbank next to the sign, Esme rested her head in her hand. Suddenly, she could hear the snow shifting behind her. Then, a goat's head popped up, blinking at her. His horns were gray and a golden hoop was pierced through his right ear. Bleating eagerly, he took hold of Esme's scarf and dashed with it. Thankfully, he didn't go too far. But it looked like he wanted to play...
"Give that back! I don't have time to play games. I'm waiting for a sign," said Esme.
The goat merely ran towards the right. Managing to grab hold of the scarf, Esme started tugging with her all her might. The goat, however, had other ideas. Running around her in a circle, he got Esme's leg's tangled up. With a shriek, she landed into the snowbank. Bleating yet again, the goat went halfway down the path that veered to the right.
"Ha! Would you look at that? A goat wants me to go to Paris," Esme scoffed, brushing the snow off her coat. Gasping, she spun around and looked at the goat with new eyes. He started bleating more eagerly as she came to get her scarf.
"Alright, I can take a hint!" she giggled, picking it up. She stared down the street, breathing deeply. Shaking slightly from nerves as well as the cold, she began to sing to calm her nerves.
Heart don't fail me now
Courage don't desert me
Don't turn back now that we're here
People always say
Life is full of choices
No one ever mentions fear
Or how the world can seem so vast
On this journey to the past
Somewhere down this road
I know someone's waiting
Years of dreams just can't be wrong
Arms will open wide
I'll be safe and wanted
Finally home where I belong
Well starting now I'm learning fast
On this journey to the past
Home, love, family
There was once a time
I must have had them too
Home, love, family
I will never be complete until I find you
One step at a time
One hope then another
Who knows where this road may go?
Back to who I was
On to find my future
Things my heart still needs to know
Yes, let this be a sign
Let this road be mine
Let it lead me to my past
And bring me home
At last!
After quite a few minutes of skipping through the snow and singing in tune, Esme finally ended up in the heart of Paris. It was so huge! Just staring at the towering cathedral of Notre Dame made her feel woozy. Looking more closely at the map, she could see letters entwined on the border of the map. It looked like Bucharest. Perhaps that's where her family was! All she had to do was find some way to get there. Spotting a stable ahead, Esme and the goat approached the stableboy. He was approximatley thirteen years old, with shaggy brown hair and matching eyes.
"Excuse me, but I need transportation to Bucharest. Can you provide me with some?" Esme asked kindly.
"I'm 'fraid I can't do that for ya miss. But if you're seeking to go there, see Clopin. He can help you," the boy said, handing the horse a carrot.
"Where can I find him?"
"In the Court of Miracles. You didn't hear it from me, though. It's located underneath the biggest tomb with a cross above it."
"Thank you," Esme smiled. Looking down at her goat, she beckoned for him to follow "come along, uh--"
"What's the matter?" the stableboy asked.
"I just don't have a name for my goat," she said lamely.
"Well, he's awfully jolly," the stableboy observed as the goat nuzzled his legs, "perhaps you could call him Djali?"
"That's a great idea, thank you!"
And with that, Esme and her new friend Djali set off in search of the Court of Miracles.
