Illyana's smile was genuine as she showed it to Lucien. He was right, she did need to make sure that her sister saw that she was in good hands while she was searching for her. That would make convincing her to come along that much easier. So, she nodded, making a mental agreement with herself that she would try her best to take care of herself until they were reunited. Although, at the mention of eating properly she did blush a little. She had never been a strong eater, so she knew why Lucien would mention it. It wasn't something her parents ever worried over, but her peers did often comment that she ate like a mouse or bird. She was small for her age, but maybe if she tried hard enough she could grow out of it.

[color=a36209]"Seconded, on the eating especially."[/color] Faolan added in a joking tone. Afterwards, he turned the key and let the bus rumble to life. Once it had quieted, he lifted his foot from the break and pulled the vehicle back out onto the road. The sooner they were quit of this place, the better. Maybe some time on the open road would help the girl too, in the same way it helped him.

--------------------------------

After their errands, the quartet of misfits headed out onto the open road, searching for this Lorraine Murphy. They drove down into New Jersey before nightfall, but had to camp before moving on. 

Some of the tension seemed to have fallen from Illyana's shoulders. After the conversation, or confession, she'd had with Lucien and Faolan, she felt as though she was a little more free. There was no more lie that she had to cling to, now that they knew the truth. It had been scary at first, opening up, but it was true what they said about airing your burdens. Though she was still focused on the task at hand, she no longer felt like a cloud of uncertainty and doubt was hanging over her heads. She trusted these men to help her to the best of their ability. She was happy they had found her, and she knew that Isy would like them too.

Faolan was glad to see this in the child. Though she wasn't exactly beaming, and hardly smiled anyway, he could tell that she was feeling a little better after she had let go of what was holding her back. It made him feel better to, thinking that he had and could continue to help her in some way. He shared some looks with Lucien as they ate their evening meal, making sure to remind Illyana to try her best to finish what was on her plate, and if not that, then at least half. He even caught Aurel eyeing her extra portions of meat, but distracted the young man with a hair ruffle when he wasn't looking.

The next morning, they all awakened early and got on the road once more, pointing toward Lorraine. They reached the address at just past noon, but Faolan insisted that they all eat a lunch before Lucien went to see this woman. Illyana could hardly take it, but she ate more than he had ever seen her do, and faster too. He supposed making her wait was the best way to ensure she would get a proper meal.