Bryson, Crystalsa, and Sansor stood together, the three watching as Kyera approached with Kendrick at her side. She offered a smile and her family smiled back, unsure of what to say. They had their suspicions.
"Kendrick; this is Grandest Mother Crystalsa, our cousin, Sansor, and" she glanced at him for a moment before focusing back on Bryson. "Our true Grandfather."
Kendeick looked surprised, and then coldly at Bryson. The larger man held out a hand to shake and the younger didn't try to take it. Bryson didn't seem to mind, he just pulled his hand back.
"Kendrick, I loved you Grandmother. My brother sent her away and banished your mother, not me." Bryson explained, knowing he had every right to be angry. He had expected this from Kyera as well but… that had been different. She had been so young she probably didn't remember what Fantasy had gone through.
"Forgive me for being wary. I have not been here long enough for Kyera to explain these things." Kendrick replied smoothly. He offered his hand in a show of good faith. Bryson smiled and shook his hand pulling him into a hug. Kendrick froze and looked helplessly at Kyera who chuckled.
"Our family are apparently big huggers, Kendrick." Kyera explained and he nodded when he got let go.
"I am seeing this." He replied as Kyera walked to Crystalsa and hugged her as well, though much gentler. The older woman smiled and patted Kyera's cheek as she pulled away.
"It is a pleasure to see the pair of you together. Strikingly powerful beauties the pair of you." Crystalsa commented thoughtfully. Kyera flushed with pride as she looked back at her brother.
"Yes, that we are." Kyera agreed and Kendrick stepped forward and partially bowed to the woman. Crystalsa laughed and shook her head.
"No, nothing like that within the family, Grandson." She chided him and instead gave him a partial hug, which he seemed to accept without as many visual reactions.
"Pleasure to meet you, Crystalsa." Kendrick greeted with a charming lopsided grin that made her heart warm. It reminded her so much of Bryson in his youth.
"The pleasure was had long ago. I remember you when you were just a cub." Crystalsa replied with a smile they were fond memories.
"I will bow out and let you catch up. I want to take my daughter and get a bath." Kyera got another hug from Bryson, and then kissed Crystalsa on the cheek.
"Take care of yourself, Kyera." Bryson reminded her before waving her off. The tigress smiled at him and walked over to her husband and their little girl.
Raina was more than happy to escape all the fussing with her mother. Everyone wanted to hug her, or ask her questions, or any other number of fussy things. It was exhausting and the child had already had her nights sleep stolen from her.
Kyera took her hand and led her away from the masses, and off down the hall. Akira was standing in the hallway, hesitating to approach. There was a tense moment of silence and Kyera took a deep breath and let the air pass between pursed lips slowly.
"Raina… I have someone I want you to meet my mother, Lady Akira Mei." Kyera introduced her and Raina became alert. She remembered how Mommy had responded when she asked to meet Grandma.
"Nice to meet you, Princess Raina." Akira greeted and the child seemed to be thinking hard.
"We have met before." Raina said matter of factly and Kyera raised an eyebrow as the child looked up at her. It was clear she had come to a conclusion that even her mother wasn't aware of.
"I believe I would remember if we had, Princess." Akira replied, completely unaware of what was going on.
"You know we have, you are Grace." Raina accused her folding her arms over her chest. Kyera had to suppress a chuckle as she beamed with pride. The child was intelligent, that she had to give her. Akira stared at her for a moment… lost for words.