The return journey was far less eventful. They were able to keep it together for two days of traveling and a night camping. Their third quest was completed when they found the alchemic ingredient, blue-capped mushrooms. It was a small detour to a lake that took no more than 20 minutes. With everything gathered and packed, they returned to Restol as accomplished adventurers.
Eve was waiting at the village gate. Claire could tell from a distance that her mother looked anxious. She gets so nervous when Claire or Jane is gone for extended periods of time. Her scars from Ryley's abduction still deeply affect her.
Her entire posture perked up upon seeing her daughter in the driver's seat.
"Thank the gods!" She exclaimed as she ran to the carriage.
" Hey, Mom, sorry to make you worry!" Claire shouted to the racing women.
Right after she climbed onto the carriage, Claire began to explain their trip. She explained how the gathering went first, saving the fighting for last. Eve's expression changed from elation to worry as Claire explained the issues with team coordination. Elsie even apologized to Eve for harming her daughter.
Finally, Claire gifted her the yellow mountain flowers she picked.
"Thank you, Claire, these are very beautiful," Eve said. Her mood improved with the gift. "I'll put them on the dinner table, and I have the perfect vase for them too."
Claire smiled at her mother. She'd have to get used to Claire leaving eventually. This was a good test for her. They made it inside the village walls, and Eve hopped off.
Next, Elizabeth appeared and walked alongside the carriage.
"I see you made it back in one piece," She said to Claire.
"Yup! Though Elsie did try her best," Claire responded.
"Hey! Don't tell her that!" Elsie yelled from the back. There was fear in her voice.
"Did she now…" Elizabeth's tone made Claire shiver. She could only imagine what punishment Elsie would go through.
"I'm only kidding," Claire finally spoke. "It took her a while to get used to my movements, but she got it eventually. And Ana was able to out-heal any damage Elsie created."
"Thank the gods," Elizabeth's shoulders relaxed, and she let out a sigh. "Was worried she'd screw up and injure you. Or you get mad at her."
"Nonsense, she just needed time and practice," Claire spoke with excitement. "Now we have something we can work on while we prepare for more quests!"
She heard Elsie groan, obviously not a fan of training.
Elizabeth smiled at the girl, "That's true, hopefully your motivation for training rubs off on Elsie."
A quick thought passed through Claire at her words. Rubbing off was apparently enough for her beast to awaken. Had Elizabeth not been looking at her, she'd laugh at how little it took.
"Yeah…. Is it okay if we talk later?" She was able to get out. "Got to get this carriage back."
"Sure, got to get your quests filed anyway." The older woman responded. She jogged to the mayoral building, and Claire let out a sigh.
"Is 'rubbing off' really all it takes?" She asked herself
"Yes, apparently," Jasmine said from behind her. Her arms snaked around Claire's waist as she continued. "What'd you expect? Rubbing off on Elsie sounds quite enjoyable."
"Mmm, it does sound enjoyable." Elsie cooed as she popped her head out of the carriage. "Not before our date, though."
Claire laughed and headed towards the stables. Jane was waiting there to guide the horses back and take care of the carriage.
"Welcome back, Claire," Her mother said as she embraced Claire in a hug.
After unpacking the carriage, the group met up with Elizabeth at the guild hall to receive their rewards.
"I see you brought the whole flower back and not just the roots. I'll see if Lily will take the extra ingredients." Elizabeth said after examining the bag. "Maybe Jess could make Tyr's blood with the nectar."
"That was the plan." Jasmine chipped in. "Since they're all of age now, it'd be nice to drink with the entire village."
"I am curious how anyone could make the nectar edible," Claire added.
"We'll take the flowers to our mom then," Elsie said. "I look forward to trying it as well."
With that, she bowed and left with Ana. Claire moved to leave as well before Elizabeth stopped her.
"Wait, I want to talk to you." She said.
"About? Elsie and Ana's performance?" Claire asked.
"Yes, that," The older woman nodded and continued, "But also for your future plans."
Claire tilted her head. Outside of getting her brother back, she hadn't put much thought into the future.
"I know your goal is to get Ryley back…"
"Yes, at any cost," Claire declared.
"Even if you had to overthrow our lord?" She bluntly.
Claire was stunned. She never thought about it. Her goddess told her to save Ryley, too. Originally, she was going to work for his freedom or buy it. She never thought about using force to get him back. Let alone overthrowing Lady Lloyd.
"Lady Lloyd has squandered her power. Consolidating gold and resources from her people and abducting boys before their adults." Elizabeth spoke, spite clear in her voice. "I wish to rid the land of her. For Elsie, Ana, or any of you not to deal with her foolishness. Jasmine is confident that your class could do it."
Claire turned to Jasmine as she spoke. "Your class could empower us to overthrow her."
"We could establish a better leader, one who doesn't abuse her position." Elizabeth continued.
Claire felt dizzy. They were talking about treason. Going against their lord and rebelling against her. She looked at Jasmine and leaned on her.
She whispered a question to her, "Would I have to end her?"
"I'm an assassin, remember?" Jasmine shook her head. "It's in my job description."
Jasmine eased her to sit on the ground before hugging her. Claire took a deep breath as she started to think. What they said made sense and would get her brother back. But she hesitated.
She'd have to face humans, not monsters.
Could she live with herself if she took another person's life? She was prepared to fight beasts or animals. But a human? She felt queasy as Jasmine rubbed her back.
"I know I'm asking a lot of you. But if we don't stand up to Lloyd and her tyranny, then more people will suffer." Elizabeth spoke, her tone firm. "More Ryleys will be taken from their families."
"You don't have to accept it." Jasmine whispered in her ear quietly enough that Elizabeth couldn't hear her. "Nothing will change with us if you don't. I'll stay by you no matter what you decide."
Claire eased her shoulders and steadied her breath. Her words comforted her, but she knew this was what her goddess would want. The oppression She spoke of. Claire steeled her resolve and pushed away from Jasmine.
She stood up to meet Elizabeth face to face. Her thoughts cleared when she thought of her brother.
"I'll get him back even if I have to overthrow our queen."
Her voice came out with confidence she'd never felt before. She felt goosebumps travel across her skin and a surge of adrenaline. Both ladies had a moment of shock before Elizabeth embraced her in a hug.
"I know this is a lot to ask of you, but I'm glad you're willing to do it. Change is needed in this kingdom." She whispered in Claire's ear. "Men aren't some commodity for nobles to sling around. They're people with families. I hope we start that change here."
Elizabeth pulled back from the hug. She took a long, deep breath.
"For now, work on getting stronger. We're all rooting for you." She turned to Jasmine, her voice still full of emotion. "Guide her. And them. Make your parents proud."
"Yes, ma'am." Jasmine nodded and took Claire's hand. "I'll make sure that they're properly prepared for the fight ahead."
Elizabeth nodded. She wiped the tears from her eyes, offering them a hopeful smile.
Jasmine pulled Claire by the hand out of the office. They walked in silence for a while as their meeting swam in Claire's thoughts. What she'd eventually have to do. The actions she'd have to take.
Jasmine shook her shoulders and called out to her. "Claire!"
"Huh?" Claire blinked back to reality.
"You make me proud," Jasmine hugged her tightly and cried. "Shouldering this and the responsibilities of a Goddess's champion… Just don't let it wear you down. I'm here to support you."
Claire looked around. Jasmine led her to the shortcut. Where she had practically jumped her less than a week ago.
She hugged Jasmine back and spoke, "Thank you. For everything. For showing me how to get Ryley back. For accepting my feelings. I'll be okay."
Jasmine released her and stared into her emerald eyes. Tears welled up as she studied the girl's face. It was full of confidence and determination. With a deep breath and a wipe of her tears, Jasmine kissed Claire.
This kiss wasn't like the ones they shared before. It wasn't driven by lust or in the throes of passion. It was driven by a feeling Jasmine thought she'd lost long ago.
"Okay isn't good enough," She broke from Claire and whispered. "Lean on me when you need to. I'll be right here. Right beside you when you need me."