The pronade was built above the water line, creating a sea wall, and extended across a wide stretch of waterfront, including the area where so of the docks were. They had since been moved to more discreet areas to allow for a better view of the water and islands from the pronade.
The fishing dock was closer to the mouth of the river and a series of docks integrated along a pier. It was still being built in order to accommodate for fishern to offload their hauls. The transport dock was moved to the opposite end of the pronade, where a stone walkway led to the waters edge.
Small and dium sized vessels could dock to transport people to and from the islands. This was where guests who ca from larger vessels would be dropped off.
The sun had set, and Tori waited patiently on the pronade as she watched a ship carefully dock. She heard the familiar voices before she saw their owners and a wide smile filled her face.
Ava, dont run! Aiden was shouting, but Tori doubted that would stop her little cousin. From the open gate that led down to the waters edge, a small figure appeared with a canvas bag secured across her body. Her curly hair looked like a little lions mane around her head, but she had no fear when she reached street level.
Her big eyes swept across the pronade, first surprised at the paved and well-lit walkway, and then seed to land and focus on one person.
Cousin Tori! Ava didnt pay attention to the people walking around for their evening walks. She zood across the walkway, easily avoiding adults as they walked and prepared to launch herself into Toris arms, only to stumble to a stop. Her eyes widened and the excited look on her face disappeared. Wheelchair?
Tori gave her a weak smile. There was a bit of an accident.
Avas worried expression darkened. She stomped the rest of the way to Tori and grabbed on to her hands. Tell who hurt you, the little girl said in a serious voice. I will avenge you, cousin!
Youre not avenging anyone. A hand grabbed the back of Avas shirt collar and pulled her away. Cousin has crystal shock. Aiden kept a firm grip on Avas shirt as Ava tried to reach out to Tori.
Aiden, welco to Viclya, Tori said with a warm smile. Youve gotten taller.
A slight blush reached his ruddy cheeks and he looked away. Not much. Youre just seated right now.
How about ? Maeve slid in between them and wrapped her arms around Toris shoulders. Ive also gotten taller.
I think so, too, Tori said as she put an arm around Maeve and nuzzled her head. You all look so gallant. Was the voyage good to you?
Of course! Were at ho on the water, Aiden said proudly.
Aiden, release ! Ava was still struggling. I havent hugged her yet!
Aiden let her go and Ava pounced on Tori. She climbed up to sit on her lap and hug her. Tori chuckled. Miss ?
A lot, Ava said. She looked around and seed to finally notice the several teenagers around Tori. She cocked her head to the side. Are you my cousins friends?
We are. You must be Druid Ava, Ilyana said with a warm smile. Ava imdiately sat up straight, pleased she was acknowledged, and nodded.
Yes, and youre very pretty. You must be Ilyana, Ava replied with a cheeky smile. Ilyanas brows shot up, but her smile widened.
Wait, then who am I? Albert asked, pointing at himself.
Ava gave him a dull look. I dont know you. Alberts face fell and the others around him held back their snickers.
Dont you think introductions should be made when everyone is present? a womans amused voice asked. Tori looked back towards the gate and saw the beautiful, tall woman with braids in her hair walking towards them.
Cousin Bridget! Thank you for coming!
No, no, thank you for inviting us, Bridget said with a warm smile. I heard good things from Eili and Deidre.
Cousin Baldwin didnt co? Tori asked.
Hes overseeing the poaching ring, rember? It was in Anlar Territory, Bridget said. Tori nodded. She forgot that Bridgets husband had taken over. The investigation is more important than a holiday. Hell be fine.
It mustve been chaotic with these three, Sebastian said as he looked at the children rambling about playing gas and activities with Tori and the others.
I had help. Bridget looked over her shoulder. We picked up soone in Tres Arcos.
Tori and Sebastian both looked towards the gate and Toris brows shot up. An elegant woman with long, wavy brown hair appeared in a clean, olive colored dress and hat. A warm smile appeared on her face and Toris shoulders relaxed. Her eyes reddened.
Mama!
As if knowing that Tori had to greet her mother, Ava wiggled off Toris lap and then tried to push Toris wheelchair closer. Constantine smiled down at her and helped her push, but they didnt need to go far.
Antonia reached Tori and swept down to embrace her. My baby.... she said in a soft, pained voice. I was so worried about you.
Mama.... Tori reached up to hold on to her mother tight. Im sorry. I didnt an to worry you.
As long as youre all right. As long as youre safe, Antonias voice rasped in her ear. She stroked Toris hair back and seed to study her carefully with her eyes, as if searching for any hint of discomfort on her daughter.
Dont worry, Mama. Shes fine. The crystal shock is temporary, Sebastian said with a thoughtful look on his face.
Antonia slowly released Tori and stood up straight. She turned to face Sebastian with a stern look on her face and Sebastian shrank back a bit. You.... Antonia said in a low voice. Sebastian grimaced.
Mama....
You worried , too! The grown man was swept into his mothers arms, and he stood helplessly as Antonia embraced him tightly. What were you thinking? A tiger?
A lost, but warm smile was on Sebastians face as his arms rose and he gently squeezed his mother back. Mama, it was just a flesh wound. A few scratches, really.
A few scratches. Antonia pulled back and held him at arms length. Her sharp eyes narrowed more so. Youre reckless!
I know-
All your training and bragging that youre one of the best swordsn in the empire, and you cant even fight off a tiger!
Sebastians lips tightened into a line.
Mama, he was a bit distracted with the girl he was saving, Idunn said, trying to help him. He threw her a thankful look. Antonia released him and went to embrace Idunn.
If you didnt throw the knife, who knows what wouldve happened. You also need to be more careful, Idunn. Youre a researcher first and a warrior second. Antonia and Idunn exchanged cheek kisses.
Mama, Tori said from her seat. She furrowed her brows and looked up at her with confusion. What are you doing here? Papa said that you were in Presidio.
He wouldnt let co with him to Anlar, so I ca here instead, Antonia said in a proud voice. She stood up straight and looked confident with her decision.
Sebastian and Tori exchanged silent looks. Mama, he said, carefully. Does Papa know youre here?
Their little group was quiet for a mont, but Antonia didnt falter. I told him I was going out to run an errand for a few days. Since he wouldnt let go to the lakes to see you, I would go elsewhere by myself.
Toris eyes crinkled up. An errand...here?
I should tell him I arrived, Antonia said. She reached into the satchel across her body and took out her comcry. Call Gregorio de Guevera. The comcry almost connected imdiately and Tori heard her fathers confused voice.
My heart, where are-
Im in Viclya, Antonia said, cutting off her husband. Im going to stay with Tori and go ho when Sebastian does.
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