Travel

The sun had barely risen over the horizon as the household gathered to bid farewell to the travelers. Vanya, Theresa, Paddy, and Mr. Jones were all set to embark on their journey to the main city, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation.

The grand carriage, adorned with the seal of House Emeraldae, stood majestically in front of the manor, its black stallions gleaming in the early morning light. Mr. Jones and Joseph had carefully checked the carriage and horses previously , ensuring that everything was in order for the long journey ahead abd had already hired a co-rider, a man known as Mr Dean who once worked for the house in his middle age, he was happy to travel with the family one more time especially to the royal house.

As they bid their farewells, Vanya couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. She was excited to be traveling to the main city, but she was also nervous about what lay ahead. She had never been on a journey this long before, and the thought of being away from home for an extended period was daunting.

As they set off, Vanya settled into her seat, her small pack containing her books and other items loaded beside her. She watched the scenery pass by, her eyes wide with wonder. Theresa, on the other hand, had her eyes closed, trying to rest. Paddy was already sleeping, her head nodding gently as the carriage moved.

As the hours passed, Vanya remained awake, either reading or watching the scenery. She noticed that Theresa was looking a bit green around the gills, and she felt a pang of concern. "Theresa, are you okay?" she asked, her voice soft.

Theresa opened her eyes, looking a bit queasy. "I'm fine, dear," she said, her voice weak. "I just get a bit travel sick sometimes."

Vanya's eyes widened in surprise. "I didn't know that," she said, feeling a bit sad that she hadn't known about Theresa's travel sickness. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Theresa smiled weakly. "I didn't want to worry anyone," she said. "But I think I might need to take a break soon."

Just then, the carriage stopped at a community in the lower town, where they would take a brief break to water the horses. Joseph jumped down from his seat and opened the door of the carriage. "We're stopping for a break," he said, smiling. "We'll be here for about half an hour." Theresa spoke with Mr Dean

Vanya nodded, feeling a sense of relief. She got out of the carriage and stretched her legs, looking around at the bustling community. Joseph came over to her, smiling. "We'll make good time today," he said. "I think we might arrive in the upper town before the day is out."

Vanya's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really?" she asked, her voice filled with hope.

Joseph nodded. "Yes, really. The roads are good, and the horses are strong. We'll make it in no time."

Vanya smiled, feeling a sense of anticipation. She was excited to arrive in the upper town and start their journey to the main city. As they stood there, Vanya couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Joseph and Me Dean. Joseph was always so cheerful and optimistic, and she appreciated his company she watched paddy and Joseph interaction with a smile.

It was time and they prepared to leave, Vanya turned to Theresa and asked if she was feeling any better. Theresa smiled weakly and nodded. "A bit," she said. "Let's get moving, shall we?"

As they continued on their journey to the uptown, the women inside the carriage began to discuss various topics, their voices hushed but lively. They would occasionally open the curtains to gaze out at the passing villages, where the villagers would look up in curiosity, wondering who the occupants of the grand carriage might be.

Mr. Dean, the driver, sang some old Odling songs, his voice rich and melodious, while Joseph hummed along, his humming echoed around the carriage a beautiful compliment to the odyling . Paddy would smile whenever she caught Joseph's deepened hymns in artistic rhythm , her cheeks flushing slightly.

Joseph has such great voice Vanya spoke knowingly, paddy blushed more abd Theresa nodded with her eyes closed.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape, the carriage continued on its way, passing through forests that grew denser and darker as the light faded. The barking of dogs in the distance began to make the women a bit nervous, and Vanya's thoughts turned to her kitten, which she had left in Mrs. Rue's care.

Vanya spoke softly I wonder how Daisy is, her voice wistful.

Theresa's expression was understanding. "I know, dear, but it's safer for the kitten to stay at home. We don't know what kind of inconveniences we might face on our journey abd she's just a recovering cat."

Vanya nodded, though she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. She had grown attached to her kitten, and the thought of being separated from it for so long was difficult to bear.

As night began to fall, the carriage sped along in silence, the only sound being the creaking of the wheels and the soft thud of the horses' hooves on the road. The lamp on the carriage cast a warm glow, illuminating the faces of the occupants.

As they journeyed deeper into the night, the darkness seemed to grow more intense, and the women could hear the distant howling of wolves. Paddy's eyes grew wide with fear, and she clutched Vanya's arm.

"Don't worry, Paddy," Vanya said, trying to reassure her or reassure her own self instead . "We're safe in the carriage."

Theresa's expression was calm and reassuring. "Yes, we're perfectly safe. Just relax and try to get some rest."

Finally, after what seemed like hours of traveling in the dark, the carriage pulled up in front of an inn. The sign creaked in the wind, and the windows were warm and inviting.

"We're here," Joseph said, jumping down from his seat and opening the door of the carriage. "Let's get some rest and continue our journey in the morning."

The women smiled wearily, grateful to have arrived at their destination. They stepped out of the carriage, stretching their legs and looking around at the inn. It was a cozy little place, with a warm fire burning in the hearth and the smell of food wafting from the kitchen.

"Let's go inside," Theresa said, smiling. "I'm sure we'll find some comfortable rooms and a warm meal waiting for us."

The women nodded, following Theresa into the inn. They were greeted by the innkeeper, a friendly woman who showed them to their rooms and promised to have dinner ready soon.

As they settled into their rooms, Vanya felt a sense of relief wash over her. They had made it to the inn safely, and they would be able to rest and refresh themselves for the journey ahead. She smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Joseph and Mr. Dean, who had driven them safely through the night.

"Let's get some rest," Theresa said, smiling. "We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

Vanya nodded, feeling a sense of anticipation. She was excited to see what the next day would bring, and she was grateful to be traveling with such a kind and capable group of people.

They washed up in their several rooms, paddy abd Vanya shared a room since paddy was actually Vanya's own handmaiden and Theresa had her room. They went down for their meals abd retired for the night.