We arrived in Vergas, taking the wagon to an unassuming little place near the middle of town. One by one the children left the wagon, asking both of us stay behind while they clean up and find some space. Despite offering a hand they insisted on doing it themselves, offering instead we take a walk and familiarize ourselves with these new surroundings.

"Can't say I'd mind a good leg stretch after so much traveling," Daniel smiled and shrugged. "Really though, if ya need any help we'd be more than happy to."

"No, we've got it," Saffron said on her way to the side door. "Shouldn't take too long, anyway. We live pretty modestly."

"...Nine people in a house, though?" I thought aloud.

"If it helps, it's bigger on the inside," Daniel said, putting his arm around my shoulders. "It's a lot of people, but there's plenty of space. Do remember just how big the foster home was but how little space we actually used."

"...Do you think we made the right choice?" I asked. "Maybe we should have thought about it."

"You want my honesty?"

"O-Of course?"

"Not all decisions need hours of thinkin' on it," he said, leaning his head against mine. "Sometimes things just feel right. Your heart knows it, your brain knows it."

"...But...it was our dream to run the foster home," I sighed. "I feel sort of like I...failed Esmé somehow."

"To the contrary: If I recall, it was your dream to have a family," he explained, pulling me closer into his side. "The foster home idea was simply a vehicle by which that dream could be reached. But look here, Sam-- you got your family. You reached that dream. I'm sure Esmé is nothin' short of elated and proud, especially given how you surpassed all odds to come this far."

I really couldn't argue against that, remembering just what led to the realization of the foster home: A family of my own, of children the world didn't want.

...Children like I'd been; ones who deserved far more than their lot in life.

"How's about a walk around town?" Daniel asked. "Could use a stretch, plus I think you'll like this little place. People were pretty nice when I visited and it might be worth exercising that clean slate of yours."

"...I'd like that," I said, beginning my pace at his side.

---

It's been a little while since we moved to Vergas. Sure enough, the little home was bigger on the inside, Daniel and I given our own room in the building's living quarters. It was a modest little space, one much more typical of a bedroom-- even with windows! To further my delight the windows even hosted window boxes that we were free to use as we wanted.

We were fortunate to find a bed that would suit both of us. Not as obnoxiously large as the one we'd left behind, but still plenty big for two people-- even of Daniel's size. Living in a place with a new faraden market had its perks even as a pure type. I suppose Riv was especially glad considering his strong six-foot-four figure. He'd probably just about die if he had to sleep on a bed like those found in the south.

Living was overall less expensive, perhaps because this was a smaller town. Huot was about a thousand people while Vergas was maybe half that. Luckily, even despite this, both Daniel and I managed to find work.

Daniel took up a nursing slot at the nearby clinic. Because he was established with a family, he wouldn't be sent around from place to place anymore. He was all too happy to break the news, though after so many years of being passed around to different clinics I couldn't blame him, especially at his age.

For a while I worked as a freelance paper-pusher just like I had so many years ago. I never thought anyone would want to hire me, especially now with my affiliation to the late organization, so I was hesitant to stick my neck out and apply for arguably better, more stable work. With enough urging from Daniel I did finally apply for a receptionist position at the same clinic. Either by luck or by nepotism I was granted the position. I admit I was quite happy about it not just because of what it meant to hold a more normal, respectable job, but that I'd...not be too far from my partner. We'd been working so close together that it was strange to be apart for too long. Maybe to others that would be pathetic and sad, but to me his presence was a comfort.

Because this town was smaller and less expensive all around I found my credits going further. In my free time I'd also take commissions for signmaking and similar crafts. After a time I had enough to take this a step further with the purchase of a small pyrography machine, allowing me to expand my craft to woodburning. To my surprise this interested a fair number of people, so my weekends weren't so dull.

If nothing else it certainly beat filling out mountains of paperwork.

I found my savings steadily increasing while the cost of living had gone down. This change brought ideas into my mind I could only entertain as thought experiments before. Maybe it was time to exercise them now that I finally could.

During some work breaks and weekends I'd find myself in town -- by myself, which was strange -- to poke around what all this town had to offer. I wasn't confined to a desk anymore so I wanted to explore my options. Vergas was smaller than Huot, sure, but it had no shortage of interesting things and wares to see. Maybe, if I were lucky, it would have what I was searching for.

A few hours of looking around and asking for input and I found a place that offered what I sought. I opened the door and pushed my way in, a jingle above the door alerting a clerk to my presence. They promptly stood up to meet me, inquiring what I was looking for and so on. I provided what all I could and they directed me to a particular display for my browsing. Searching up and down, side to side I found the perfect thing.

It was simple and sturdy with a good weight to it.

I paid the desired price, plus a little more for their time and help. They seemed a bit confused by the tip but I assured them it was deliberate, their relenting and putting my payment in their register. My purchase came with a box and was small enough to stow away safely, inconspicuously in my pocket. With my business done I quickly departed the shop to head back to the clinic for the remainder of my work day.

---

A couple weeks passed.

Time spent with family was both welcome and strange. It was like those bad days had never happened, just moving on to better things and brighter futures. Daniel and I were surrounded by our odd little family, but it was our family regardless.

Riv worked as a cook, preparing foods that reminded us of home. He even took to baking, making the same breads and pastries Ulimi sold back down in Huot.

Sura worked as a clothier and tailor, even mending our clothes and providing us with a more varied wardrobe. I'd grown so used to black-with-black that it took a little time to acclimate to the variety. Daniel, on the other hand, seemed almost excited for something a little different.

Saffron picked up odd jobs around the town in the summer, not quite done with school yet. She'd mentioned a desire to become a teacher in her future after her compulsory education was finished. She'd picked up quickly on new concepts and her patience was saintly, so I could certainly see her reach those goals.

Harley and Connor were still in school, accompanying Xhias and Xhianei. That the latter two had found our five I couldn't have asked for better luck. They were growing well and had their needs met, though Xhias seemed more quiet and shy than his younger sister. I could see why, though, as his eyes were quite unusual. I'd see about getting him some concealers in the near future, maybe in a nice blue color. He and his sister hailed from Qaywas so maybe he'd like a pleasant ocean blue.

...Thinking back to what brought them here, I hoped their mother was alright. After receiving the paperwork for their arrival I hadn't heard from them again. I tried sending my own letters but never received a response. Considering I'd sent some even after the organization had dissolved I don't think it was due to interception by those in Faradus, and unfortunately I wasn't versed in the laws of the other region.

...Maybe the future would tell. I hoped it would.

Daniel and I retreated home after work, finally coming to the weekend. He and Riv often worked together to make dinner for such a big family, our all occupying the eat-in kitchen to indulge in everything on our plates. I couldn't help but notice a familiar meal before me-- pasta with a cream cheese sauce and topped with chicken, with a crusty bread set off to the side. I smiled a little to myself as I took my first bite, remembering a meal Daniel, Riv, and I all helped make on the larger man's birthday.

It even tasted the same. I ate slowly to savor the taste and feeling.

After dinner was finished the dishes were relinquished to be washed by the younger children. Since the adults all worked I suppose it was only fair, my laughing a bit as four small children set off to tackle so many dishes. They'd work in shifts, dividing the work in half so everyone pitched in and nobody got overworked. Quite adorable.

Given the season it was still light outside, the sun beginning to set. I took a moment to step outside and watch it for myself, the sky a gradient of yellow to red with fiery orange clouds breaking up the ombré. No matter where you went it seemed that sunrises and sunsets were always the same, bringing a little reassuring routine to what could be so chaotic at times.

I heard a door open and then close, with footsteps following. It was a rhythm I was familiar with.

"Ah, there y'are," came that deep voice and tickling twang. "Ya disappeared."

"I just wanted to see the sunset," I said with a shrug. "It's one of the few things that never seems to change no matter where you go. I find it calming."

"Eh, can't really blame ya," he said, pulling me into his side. "After a life of so much it's nice to have any kind of stability."

We stood in silence for a moment, just taking in the sight as the small town was bathed in an orange, rosy glow. Time seemed to crawl to a standstill whenever this happened, reminding me just how isolated each town really was. The feeling wasn't too unlike how I felt during the Huot riots, seeing the miles of nothing surrounding a town in chaos.

I felt my purchase still hidden away in my pocket as we enjoyed each other's company.

"We've known each other for a long time, haven't we?" I asked.

"Mm," he muttered in thought. "'Bout fourteen, fifteen years or so? Give or take a couple months."

"How long have we...been together?" I asked further.

"...Nine or ten years, I think?" he answered. "Geez, it's...been that long?"

"I guess it has," I chuckled. "There's something that's been on my mind that I'd like to ask you."

"Hm?"

I gently pushed off from his side, reaching into my pocket for the little box. With the box in my hand I walked around and in front of him, taking a knee. He looked confused with his ears askew and his head tilted.

"...Sam?"

"Daniel..." I trailed off with a little smile, opening the little box.

In it was a simple, wide gold band with a rounded edge and fit.

"...Will you marry me?"

---