As soon as Rudeous and Oliver stepped inside with everyone else, the warmth of the house wrapped around them. The faint aroma of herbs and roasting at drifted from the kitchen, mingling with the clean scent of polished wood.
Juliana ca forward with a bright smile and hugged Martha. "You have totally forgotten about us, haven’t you?"
"Of course not, Juliana. We just didn’t get the chance." Martha replied in a excited voice.
After that, Juliana slowly let her go from her embrace and looked at everyone else. "Welco, everyone! You must be tired from the road. Freshen up and rest a little—lunch is almost ready."
Before anyone could answer, Sandy tugged Daisy’s hand and pulled her toward the inner rooms, giggling all the way. Derek was still in her arms. ’I hope she doesn’t drop .’
Martha and Rudeous washed their hands and splashed their faces at the basin near the door.
Arthur sniffed the air, his nose twitching. "That sll... it has to be stew!" he whispered to Daisy as she returned, his eyes already sparkling with anticipation.
"You think of nothing but food," Daisy teased, though her own stomach growled in agreent. It was a long journey and they all had a rough ti too. So, though she didn’t want her courtesy to bow before necessity, how would her stomach know that?
Juliana chuckled softly. "Just a little patience. The table will be set soon." She disappeared into the kitchen, and the clatter of dishes followed.
Derek now again in Martha’s lap watched everything eagerly as if he too wanted to join them, talk with everyone, burst into laughter. ’I wish I could skip so ti. It feels like it will take forever before I can act independently.’
Soon the lunch was ready. Sandy ca rushing out carrying a basket of fresh bread rolls. "Here, fresh from the hearth."
Behind her, Juliana and Oliver carried trays—steaming bowls of thick at stew seasoned with herbs, roasted root vegetables glistening with butter, a platter of ripe berries and sliced apples, and wedges of soft white cheese.
The long wooden table quickly filled with colors and aromas. Everyone gathered around, settling into their seats with hungry eyes.
The al began with chatter, teasing, and the kind of laughter only family could share.
Oliver raised his cup with a grin. "Rudeous, you haven’t changed at all. Still carrying yourself like a stone wall."
Rudeous chuckled faintly. "And you haven’t changed either. Still loud enough to shake the rafters."
Juliana chuckled. "He only gets louder when he wants more food."
Martha smiled softly. "At least it keeps the table lively. And look at Sandy—she’s grown so tall. Daisy will have to catch up soon."
Juliana nodded warmly. "Those two will keep pushing each other forward. I can already see it."
Daisy and Sandy gossiped about their own training. Arthur too had joined this group of conversation.
Derek could only watch and listen, with his occasional, ’da_da_da’.
Though it was only a lunch, it felt more like a reunion. And after a long ti, it finally ca to an end. But only the lunch. And the gossip and chatter? It continued like there was no tomorrow.
After a long ti Oliver suddenly rembered, "I almost forgot. It’s already afternoon. Let’s go to the market. We will do our shopping and sightseeing at once. The sun has already started descending so the heat won’t be much of a problem."
Martha and Juliana nodded. And the kids all jumped up in joy.
______
Half an hour later, a wagon was waiting outside Oliver’s house.
From inside the house ca the sound of excited footsteps, followed by voices ringing with laughter. The door swung open, and Sandy and Daisy burst out together, their faces glowing with anticipation. Arthur trailed behind them, though the mont he caught sight of the wagon, he dashed forward as well.
All three scrambled up in a hurry, pushing and pulling as though it were so great contest of who could climb first. Their laughter echoed down the street.
Martha and Juliana followed more gracefully, Derek nestled comfortably in Martha’s arms. Rudeous and Oliver ca last, exchanging a quiet glance as if to say, children never change.
When everyone had finally settled into place, the coachman gave the reins a sharp tug. The horses neighed, and the wagon jolted into motion, its wheels clattering along the cobbled road.
---
The sun had already begun its slow descent, painting the sky in amber and gold. Warm light spilled over the rows of houses as they passed. Children played by the roadside, their shrill laughter mixing with the rumble of wagon wheels.
Soon, the streets grew livelier. Stalls lined both sides of the road, vendors shouting the prices of their wares, custors haggling with animated gestures. The aroma of roasted at, fried dough, and spiced broth drifted from the food stalls, teasing every passerby with its mouthwatering promise. The air throbbed with life, busy yet strangely comforting.
The wagon rolled into the heart of the market and ca to a halt.
"Let’s split up," Oliver suggested. "Rudeous and I will go handle the shopping. You all go enjoy yourselves."
Rudeous nodded silently, already eyeing the direction of the supply shops. For him, this trip was not about leisure but necessity.
Martha and Juliana exchanged smiles. "We’ll take the children," Juliana said warmly. "Don’t worry, they won’t get into trouble."
And so they parted ways.
---
The children wasted no ti. Sandy tugged Daisy toward a toy stall, where carved wooden animals sat in neat rows. Arthur lingered beside a weapon stall, his eyes gleaming as he stared at blades that were far too large for his hands. The girls laughed at trinkets and fabrics, their chatter filling the air as they moved from one colorful display to another.
Martha and Juliana walked a little behind, letting the children roam but always keeping them in sight. Their own voices blended into the market buzz as they spoke of family, of how quickly the little ones were growing, and of the mories they had shared in the past.
Derek, cradled against his mother’s chest, gazed wide-eyed at the bustling scene. His small hands twitched as if he longed to reach out and join the fun. The energy of the market seeped into him, making his young heart beat a little faster. ’Toys and sweets... what use are those to ?’ Derek sulked inwardly, watching Arthur stare at swords he could never lift. ’If only I had a body that listened to , I’d grab a blade right now. Damn this tiny form.’
His lips parted in a soft babble, but inside, the thoughts were sharp and restless
Ti slipped by slowly, each mont stretched by laughter, by sights and sounds, by the sheer weight of simple happiness.
---
By the ti the sun had set lower, the market began to thin. Oliver and Rudeous rejoined them, their bags heavy with the necessities Rudeous had carefully chosen. The children were still buzzing with excitent, but even they showed signs of fatigue as the family climbed back onto the wagon.
When they returned ho, the sky had already darkened.
Juliana hurried into the kitchen, Martha following at her side, and together they prepared a simple yet hearty dinner. anwhile, the children sprawled across the floor with toys and chatter, Derek nestled in their midst, squealing happily whenever soone tickled his tiny hands.
Dinner passed in comfort, the warm glow of lanterns filling the house. One by one, the children yawned, their energy finally spent. Beds were prepared, laughter faded into drowsy whispers, and soon the ho fell into the quiet peace of night.
---
The hours slipped away unnoticed.
And when the first rays of dawn crept over the horizon, brushing away the shadows of night, a new day began.
But far beyond the quiet streets of Solvane, the air above a barren plain rippled as two figures flew across the sky.
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