*Three hours after the event in front of the manor*
The turning of large wheels on gravel echoed through the manor as a four-carriage train pulled up in front of the entrance. Leading the carriage train was ten horses, five on both sides, hitched up to the front carriage with large metal chains. The carriage train itself consisted of three elegant looking carriage carts and one older style one that paled in comparison to the rest, as it looked like it had been on one too many journeys already. As Seran stood at the front entrance awaiting his masters, he stood alongside Reau, who was receiving the carriage-train from other elven stable hands.
Seran shuffled his feet to wear in his tattered leather boots a bit more as a steel sword, slung a little too low on his belt, shifted as well. On his left shoulder, he was now wearing a purple armband with the Harenhart symbol on it, and a worn leather cap that also bore the same symbol. Seran thought he was ready from the moment Brenda left him earlier, but Reau appeared a couple of hours later to hand him the sword and additional clothing that would represent his masters.
"It feels strange. Being trusted with such a task when I haven't even been a guard for a day yet." Seran said with a low sigh as he felt his armband with his right hand.
"You should be considering that an honor, young guard." Reau said without looking at Seran, "After all, not every new guard gets the opportunity to traverse with their masters."
"Have you traveled with them before, Reau?" Seran said a bit more comfortably.
"Yes, many times." Seran saw a smile appear on Reau's face as the old elf spoke, "In fact, I will be driving this carriage train for the duration of this trip."
"I take it that last carriage is for the—"
"Slaves, yes." Reau interrupted, "You and the others will be placed in that carriage."
"Others?" Seran raised his eyebrow, "How many of us are coming on this journey?"
"My…" Reau looked slightly annoyed as he put his hand up to his forehead, "You ask a lot of questions for a guard."
"I—" Seran stopped as if he knew he was overstepping bounds, but a thought came to his head instantly. "I am asking since I have been tasked with protecting Miss Brenda on this journey. I figured that I'd ask to learn as much as I can in doing so."
Reau, to Seran's surprise, turned and looked at him, now branding a coy smile. "Now, that is something I can respect from you, young guard. Seran, was it?"
"Yes, sir," Seran said with a salute.
"Seran, please protect Miss Brenda with all that you have."
Seran placed a hand on his sword's hilt and said with a serious tone, "I plan to."
"Good." Reau said, clearing his throat, as he pointed swiftly towards the manor door, "Now, the answer to your question."
Moving swiftly, two elven maids came forth from the entrance of the manor with a large push trolly that was filled with various sized luggage, as one of the stable hands helped them guide it towards the second carriage.
Seran instantly recognized both maids as the one who was with Reau when he went with the news of danger earlier, and Nadia, the maid that was his first official guarding request three hours ago.
As Seran watched the maids struggle to put the numerous luggage cases into the carriage, he was alerted as more footsteps were heard from behind him. He turned around and instantly saluted as Reginald, Claire, and Brenda appeared in the doorway. Seran's eyes fell directly on Brenda as she walked out, more dazzling than before, and his new sense of duty drew him to her in a way that felt somewhat uncomfortable. He couldn't place his finger on his feelings, yet.
As she stepped out into the daylight, Brenda's gaze fell upon the carriage-train in front of her. Her eyes exuded happiness, and she did her best to keep her composure from overtaking her. In her head and over the years, she thought about taking this carriage-train one day, and now that day has finally come. The smile that she was wearing on her face gave her away though to everyone.
"Sweetheart." Claire turned to her daughter, "That smile is worn much more than your outfit."
Brenda chuckled and turned slightly red, "Sorry, mother. I'm just happy I finally get to leave."
"Something wrong with the home then?" Reginald jested.
"No!" Brenda shouted before realizing she did so. She cleared her throat softly, "No, father. The home has always been great. I just can't wait to see something, you know—more."
"Indeed, you shall." Reginald chuckled before turning his gaze to Seran and Reau. Seran was firm in his salute, and Reau was deep in his bow.
"Is it ready then, Reau?" Reginald asked loudly, "Speak firmly."
"Yes, Sir." Reau said strongly, "We will be ready to depart on schedule. The first carriage is ready for you and the madam, while the third has been set for Miss Brenda. Luggage is in the second carriage as requested."
"Excellent." Reginald said proudly, "And the fourth carriage? Is all accounted for?"
"The two maids and three guards, along with myself as driver, are here and accounted for."
"We are only having three guards?" Claire asked coyly before looking stern towards Reau, "Are all of our other guards inadequate?"
Before Reau could speak, Reginald raised his hand in front of Claire. Claire took a step back as her husband turned to her with a smile, "Now, my dear. The lighter we travel, the less attention we will give ourselves. After all, I believe I am fully capable of handling any issues. Wouldn't you agree?"
Claire's expression softened as she turned to her husband, "Of course, my love."
"This guard here is for Brenda. She will need to become accustomed to having a bodyguard once we reach the capital, so here is a sort-of retainer for her to get used to."
"My own—retainer?" Brenda whispered aloud as she looked over Seran. Her eyes met his gaze which caused her to shrink back and blush slightly red.
Claire's eyes squinted as she walked over to Seran and looked him up and down, as Seran did his best to hold his saluting position. In truth, he was certainly afraid of the sudden appraisal. Claire scoffed at the young elven guard.
"You, a scrawny elf boy barely old enough to hold that sword, can protect my daughter?" Claire said in a mocking tone.
Seran, in turn, said nothing and kept his salute.
"Nothing to say?" Claire shouted angrily as she violently raised her right hand skyward. Before she could make her next move, Brenda spoke up with a smile on her face.
"Seran, speak."
Seran instantly dropped to one knee, swiftly dodging the incoming hand from his master's wife. His eyes reflected a firm resolve as a smile came over his face. Turning his gaze towards Brenda, Seran said loudly, "I will do my utmost to protect Miss Brenda from all danger and follow my master's wishes as he commands them. I swear on my life."
Claire's eyes widened in anger as her slave dodged her assault. Her rage emitted from her like an instantly lit fire as a red aura surrounded her. She held out her hand towards Seran, as another hand gently grasped around her wrist.
"Claire. Your temper is getting the better of you." Reginald said sternly, "The guard's response is well with me, and if it is well with me," He turned and looked his wife in the eyes, "it should be well with you."
Claire's aura dissipated within an instant as she turned slightly pale looking at her husband. "Y—Yes, you are right, dear." She took a step away from him, motioning to Reau to lead her away, "I will be in the carriage now."
"Good read on the situation, Brenda." Reginald said with a smile, "Your mother can get a bit fiery at times. Any slower, and you wouldn't have had a personal retainer on this trip."
"And I thought she kept you in check." Brenda giggled, as her father raised an eyebrow.
"Well, sometimes that's what marriage is. You will understand that soon." Reginald sighed and turned towards Seran, who was still on the ground.
"Rise, boy." Reginald said sternly, "Get to your carriage an—"
"Father." Brenda said swiftly, "I think I can do this part."
"Hmph." Reginald smiled, "As you wish, dear."
"Seran." Brenda said slightly mimicking her father's tone, "Help me into my carriage and then prepare for departure."
Reginald, pleased with the result, began walking towards the first carriage.
Seran rose instantly and saluted. Brenda extended her hand as Seran took it and led her to her carriage. As he held out his arm as a hold for her to step into the carriage, Brenda leaned close to his right ear and whispered, "Thank you."
Seran's eyes widened as he nodded slightly. Brenda smiled softly as he shut the door to her carriage, leaving Seran in his thoughts for a moment. With a deep breath, he went to the last carriage in the train, and as he was about to get in, he swore that he heard the door of Brenda's carriage shut again.