My heart instantly went out to this girl; she was alone, in the dark and scared. Not to mention that she didn't have a family. I know how hard it is to live without one member of your family, but I can't imagine a life without both my parents. At such a young age, too! I could tell that she was really uncomfortable with telling us that that was where she lived; I just prayed that it was a good place. I remembered that the one in the Waffle Kingdom was not the kindest of places. I never went there myself thankfully, but I had walked by it. The things I saw there haunted me for years. I grew out of those fears when I learned what real fear was on the Teacup.
I realized that since she had been out here for goddess knows how long, she must be hungry. I stood up and walked over to the food bag and produced a small roll of bread and an apple. Realizing what I was doing, Peasley asked her if she was hungry. When she nodded, I tossed the apple and he caught it single handed. She ate quietly and listened to the conversation in interest; we were talking about Glabella and what things he could offer for that alliance. I was baking the bread in the metal box to make sure it was warm as I asked about the possibility of him offering silk. As he was answering, I set the box in the grass and carefully opened the lid. There was a moment of silence as we were both thinking of different things to offer or ask for from this alliance. I checked on the bread and tore it into three pieces; giving one to Peasley and one to Cosette. He noticed that I gave her the smallest piece, and I silenced him with a look. She ate it silently and thanked me when she was done.
"Hey, Cosette." I asked casually. "Do you like chocolate?"
Peasley raised an eyebrow at me.
"I do, but Eric doesn't let us have it often." She answered. "Why?"
I watched her eyes light up when I pulled out the cookie I got from Luma in Sarasaland. "It's a little melted, but you can have it; you need it more than me. Besides, I am not a fan of chocolate; I prefer peppermint."
Thankfully, she was too occupied with enjoying the cookie to see Peasley's cheeks flush. I gave a short victory laugh and handed Cosette my handkerchief.
"What about you, Peasley?" she asked looking at him (his face was back to normal).
"Me? Well, I can be picky about it. I prefer dark chocolate." He winked at me. "It's my favorite flavor, actually." He returned his attention to her as my cheeks flushed. "What's yours?"
"Mine? Well, I like chocolate…and strawberry." She looked at me. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course." I sat down next to her and Peasley.
"Are you a knight?"
I blinked in surprise. "Why are you asking?
"Peasley is a Prince. It's late and he is not close to home. Are you his knight?"
"Well, I am his Guardian." I answered smiling. I stood up and bowed to her. "But, if you will allow me, I can be your knight, Lady Cosette."
She smiled a big smile and even Peasley grinned. She curtsied to me and I took her hand. I asked her where her Castle was, and she pointed in the direction as Peasley got our things. I apologized since I wasn't helping him, but he shook his head and told me to keep her occupied. We waited patiently for Peasley to gather everything, and we headed out into the dark forest. Cosette squeezed my hand as tight as she could.
"Lady Cosette." I whispered softly. "There is no need to be frightened. Sir Fiamo and Prince Peasley are here to protect you. Nothing will come after us, and if something does, your knight will take care of them."
The little girl nodded and held hands with Peasley as well. We walked silently through the darkness and I could feel her hands tremble in mine. I glanced at Peasley, and he nodded at me. I let go and took the equipment off of him. Once he was free, he gathered Cosette in his arms and carried her. She relaxed and rested her head on his shoulder. The forest was pretty dark, but I kept focused on my surroundings and if anything seemed off. Once on a while, Cosette would tell us to turn a direction or yawn. Hers was a soft sound and had an occasional squeak to it.
I sensed something and froze. Seeing my sudden stop, Peasley stopped as well and waited on my word. I gave up after a few minutes, saying that whatever I felt was too far away or gave up. We started walking again, and a few minutes later I felt the presence again. It was like an unseen pressure from behind me; a glare from the darkness. Peasley said that he could take some of the things so I could easily get to Angelica. I thanked him and handed him some of the bags. Cosette was set on the ground and she held on to the hem of his tunic. I closed my eyes and focused as hard as I could, trying to pick up any trace of anything or anyone. Once again, I picked up small traces, but not much.
All the sudden I felt someone running towards me. I spun around and slipped. As I crashed to the ground, a scythe sailed over my head. I sat there frozen for a few terrifying seconds before jumping up and locking my dagger with the snath. I realized in a panic that the blade was behind me, and that was enough time for the attacker to knock me off my feet again. I felt the chine against my throat, and I was forced to look at her eyes.
"Wait!" Peasley cried. "We mean no harm. Please…let him go."
The woman silenced him with her eyes. I watched them fill with anger.
"Give me a reason" she answered.
"Cosette; she's is only seven. She's too young to witness a murder."
She blinked and faced the girl. "Cosette…" She removed her hold on me and placed her scythe on her back. "Are you okay?"
The little girl gave out a sob and ran into her arms (the woman knelt down to her). I scrambled back and Peasley rested his hands on my shoulders. As soon as I stood up, I held my dagger in my hand. The woman glanced up and glared at me. She stood up fully and reached to grab her weapon.
"Danny." Cosette whispered. "They helped me. They're really nice; both of them! Fiamo made sure I was okay and Peasley wrapped my hand so it wouldn't hurt anymore. I went too far into the forest and fell down the hill. I've been trying to go back but got lost. I found them and they were helping me get back…"
The woman closed her eyes. "I see." She faced us. "Forgive me; we've been worried about her all afternoon. I feared that you were taking her."
"I understand." Peasley answered. "I'm just glad you didn't kill my Guardian."
"So am I." I added under my breath.
She sighed. "Let's…try this again." She relaxed and held her hand out to me. "Danny; assistant manager of the Kit and Kaboodle."
I shook her hand. "Fiamo; Prince Peasley's Guardian."
She released my hand and bowed to Peasley.
"Danny is really nice." Cosette spoke from her knee. "She's fun and plays with us. She worries too much, though."
"All of you?" Peasley pressed.
Danny nodded. "Kit and Kaboodle is the only orphanage around here. Thankfully, there are only ten of them counting her. Eric, my employer, has a very big heart." She faced Cosette. "He's been worried about you, missy. Kitty had to take his apron away for fear he would tear a hole in it. Let's go home."
"But Fiamo is my knight." Cosette countered.
I knelt down to her. "We aren't back yet, Lady Cosette. I will still keep my word and escort you back; it is the honor of a knight to do so."
Danny smiled as Cosette hugged her and thanking me for staying. She took the lead and held Cosette's hand and Peasley and I followed behind quietly. Nothing else too exciting happened, and soon we escaped the forest's hold and saw a small, log cabin-esque house. The porch light was on but the rest of the house was dark except for the entrance. There was a dim light on the desk and a man (I am assuming Eric) was resting his head on his arms on the desk. A woman who had long dark hair was on the other side of the room holding a frying pan. Danny told us to stay there with Cosette, and the girl clung to Peasley. After a moment, Danny walked up the steps and opened the door. We watched as she spoke to the others, and the man lifted his head slowly. A few seconds passed, and she gestured for us to enter. Peasley and I held Cosette's hands as we walked up the steps and entered the small house.
The man jumped up and embraced Cosette almost in tears. They held each other for a while until he stood up and the dark haired woman hugged the girl as well. They whispered to one another and they walked into another room. Peasley spoke to Eric for a few minutes before I walked up and joined the conversation. They were talking about Peasley's Trial and how we came to find Cosette in the first place.
"Mr. Winooski." Danny spoke cutting our conversation short. Her scythe wasn't with her and she was wearing a black newsboy hat. "I think we have a separate room for them to stay in for the night. If we don't, they can have my room; I don't want them out camping tonight."
"Why?" Eric asked.
"There is a storm coming; my hair is a complete disaster and refuses to cooperate. The Ogres will venture out farther than their home, and they might take them."
Oh, that explains the hat.
Cosette came back and thanked both of us for bringing her back. I made a comment about a Knight's Honor, and she snickered. The woman picked her up and hummed softly as she carried her up the stairs. It felt like all of my worries and fears just melted away and a warm blanket was wrapped around me. Danny sighed in relief and Eric put his waist apron back on.
"No matter how worked up one of them is, Cat can always relax them; lucky ability she's got." Danny spoke.
"Cat?" I asked.
"Cat, Catherine, Kitty…call her what you want." Eric faced us. "But if you so much as make a kid cry, she will attack you with that frying pan."
"It is not pretty." Danny agreed. The distant rumble of thunder cut her train of thought. "Well, looks like I was right about the storm. You two follow me; I'll loan you my room."
"But where will you sleep?" Peasley asked.
"Down here."
"It's not safe."
Danny smiled. "I'll be okay. You two need some rest, especially since you are on this big Trial of sorts. As you witnessed; I am capable of defending myself so no need to worry about me. I assume that you won't cause much trouble since you are on this mission." Peasley nodded, and Danny smiled. "Follow me; I'll show you to the room."
We followed her upstairs and I felt relaxed again when I heard Cat humming as she left the room where the kids slept. She approached Danny and mentioned something about a light. We got to Danny's room, and she made sure we had everything before wishing us good night and grabbed her scythe before closing the door. I sat down on the edge of the bed and Peasley sat down next to me. Concern filled his eyes as he wrapped his arm around mine and rested his head on my shoulder, waiting for me to say something.
"I just realized…" I lost my words in thought.
"What?" he asked softly.
"Cosette's scared of me."
"No; she spoke to you and held your hand."
"Only when I spoke to her." I faced him. "When we talked, she never looked me in the eye and preferred to be with you…am I that scary?"
"Maybe to a seven year old girl who has never seen someone with red hair." Peasley kissed my cheek. "You are pretty intimidating, Fi, but you have a big heart and are strongly built." I sighed. "…that's not the problem, is it?" I shook my head, "Then what is?"
"Do you remember how I spoke about the dream Eli and I shared?" I faced him as he nodded. "One of the things we talked about a lot was starting a family. "
Peasley held my hands and told me that we should change and relax. I blinked in confusion, but didn't question his motives. I removed my vest and shirt, and Peasley made a comment about the muscles in my arms. I laughed lightly as I got into a more comfortable shirt. He respected privacy and turned away as I changed into slacks. I did the same for him and once he was changed, he stretched out and told me to lie next to him. Once I did, he held my hand before asking me why I brought up the dream.
For most of the night, we stayed in that position. We held a deep conversation about dreams made and dreams crushed as well as our future. In that hour, we created a dream of our own to chase; one that had me living with him and having a daughter. The more we built this dream, the more I realized that this was what I really wanted. I cut him off, telling him that that was my ultimate dream. He smiled and asked if Cosette was the little girl in the dream. I nodded, explaining to him the feeling of empathy I had when we met her and how I wanted to make her feel happy. I mentioned that I didn't want her to feel the sense of loneliness that I did growing up; that I wanted to save her from that sadness and make sure that she is happy and had a good family. Peasley sat there in silence.
"Maybe we can foster her for a few days." Peasley whispered after a few seconds.
"But that's getting her hopes up and crushing them." I countered.
He shook his head. "It is the time for her to get comfortable around you and for her to see what you see. She knows you're a nice guy, but you just look tough and mean to her."
I smiled. "Are you sure? I know that you have a lot to do and…"
"Positive; I want to do this as much as you do."
I slept decently that night and I think Peasley did, too. The storm was raging on and on this morning, and we were downstairs working on some paperwork Peasley needed to get done. Once in a while we would hear the kids laughing and playing and it brought a smile to my face. I was writing down notes as Peasley was talking out loud, and he stopped mid-sentence to laugh lightly. A few minutes passed and glanced up to see Cat walking out of the playroom.
"Cat?" I asked. She looked up at me. "Can you help us out for a minute?"
"Sure." She approached us.
"Are you familiar with Glabella and their wares?" Peasley asked. She nodded. "Can you tell us what they thrive in? I have a general idea, but I want to get another opinion."
"Umm…I know that the flower business is blooming this season." She answered thinking. "They also are fine in the cotton and silk industry. Leather is okay. Crops are fine this year as well…tourism is terrible, but I don't think that is what you are looking for, is it?" Peasley shook his head. "Fine on fish, could be better in grain and rice. They get coffee beans from Adzuki."
"Drat." He whispered.
"That's all I am aware of right now, hun." She stood up. "Hopefully the rain will let up soon so you two can get on your way."
"We can leave if we are overstaying our welcome." I answered.
"Oh, if you try to leave Danny will chase after you two. Over concerned thing. She charged out into the afternoon once we discovered that Cosette went missing. Wouldn't listen to Eric at all."
Danny entered the house and she was soaking wet. Her scythe was not with her and she stayed silent as she walked up the stairs. Eric looked at her from his desk and called her back down. She stayed at the foot of the stairs. He placed his fingers in his mouth and let out a soft whistle. Danny started to counter, but the door to the playroom opened. A little girl with bright blue hair peeked around the door but disappeared before Danny could say anything more. A few seconds passed and she came back carrying a towel. She handed it to Danny.
"How bad?" she asked.
"Never appeared." She answered as she took the towel.
The girl ran back into the room.
"Alright, who's the scumbag that gets the frying pan?" Cat asked casually.
Danny snickered and all the sudden all ten children ran out of the room and tackled Danny, giving her a group hug. Four girls and six boys (yes, I counted) all hugged Danny until she asked to stand. She got on her knees and hugged each child for a few seconds. I saw Cosette in the group and she gave Danny a big hug. I smiled and the kids hugged her again.
"I'll be your boyfriend, Danny." One boy spoke.
She laughed lightly. "You're a little too young for me, sweetheart."
"I'm ten; I'm old enough!"
"Not quite, hun." Cat cut in. "You would have to be around twenty."
"Well, when I am twenty, I will!" He smiled a great smile.
"Thank you, Sky." Danny patted his head. "And thank you, all of you, for the hugs."
"Alright, little ones." Eric cut in. "Mr. Peasley needs to get back to work, so let's go on back. Lance, can you help Miss Kitty with lunch today?"
A little Elven child jumped in glee and said that he would. The others went back, and Cosette waved hello to us. We returned the gesture before the door closed.
"Sky and Adagio are pretty close friends." Cat said as the little boy approached her.
"Really?" Eric asked slightly irritated.
Cat lifted an eyebrow. "I have seen many things, Mr. Winooski."
Danny laughed as Cat and Lance went to the kitchen to make lunch.
"Eric, can I ask you something?" Peasley asked.
"Absolutely." He sat down at his desk.
"What do I need to do in order to be a foster parent?"
Eric looked up from his work and Danny gave a slight jump of surprise. They exchanged a quick look. "Well…it depends. Who are you looking at fostering?"
"Cosette."
He typed away on his computer, "Well, I am going to have to access your record to see if you can." I felt my face drain. He looked at his screen, and he blinked in surprise. "Well, this is…interesting."
"Not him; me."
"I know." He looked at Peasley. "You're a Prince?"
"Did the uniform not tell you?" Danny asked sarcastically.
"I was more concerned about Cosette, thank you." He returned his attention to the computer. "Well, it seems that you are able to, Peasley; your record is clean." He glanced at us. "Are you sure you want Cosette?"
Peasley nodded. "She was a little angel when she was in our care; I think she would enjoy hanging out with us for a few days. I also have a meeting with Glabella about the alliance, and I want to see how she acts during it; want to see if she can be in the Royal Family."
Eric smiled and Danny went into the playroom. "I'm sure you will take great care of her, Prince Peasley."
Danny returned holding Cosette's hand. Peasley approached her and knelt to her height, telling her that he was going to take care of her for a little while. She smiled a great smile and hugged him tight. A few seconds passed and she told him that she needed to grab something before they left. We watched her go back into the playroom and return a few seconds later, saying that it was in her pocket. I looked outside and the sun was shining brightly. I stood up and thanked Eric for his hospitality and paid him the fostering fee. Peasley held her hand and the three of us walked outside in the now sunny day.