The morning sun streamed through the windows of the Ironhead household, casting a warm glow over the kitchen table where the family gathered for breakfast. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling eggs filled the air as Seraphina hummed a cheerful tune, her melodious voice adding a touch of serenity to the bustling kitchen. The whole family was settled on the table ready to satisfy their appetites.
"Dimitri," Ajax began, his voice a low rumble, "I heard you've got another Swords of Warriors match coming up tonight. How are you feeling about it?"
Dimitri, who was busy cutting into a thick slice of bread, looked up from his plate, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'm ready, Dad. I've been practicing hard, and I think I've improved a lot since the last match. Plus, y'all will be there to cheer me on." Ravenna, ever the supportive sister, nodded. "You've got the talent, Dimitri. Just stay focused and you'll do great."
Lucia, her face smeared with a bit of jam, grinned at her brother. "I've seen him train. He's gotten really good. He might even win this time."
Doner, who had been hooked to a book, finally closed it when Lucia tried to peek at its contents. "Just remember, bro, it's not only about physical strength. Speed, Strategy and quick thinking are key, too." Dimitri, his distinctive cyan hair falling over his eyes, sat next to his fatherLucia, her face smeared with a bit of jam, grinned at her brother. "I've seen him train. He's gotten really good. He might even win this time."
Ajax, wiping his hands on a cloth, looked at Dimitri with a mixture of pride and challenge in his eyes. "How about a sparring match after breakfast? I want to see just how good your skills have grown. Think you can handle your old man?" Alistair, always quick with a quip, leaned over and whispered loudly, "Better watch out, Dimitri. Dad's got a mean swing."
A collective murmur of interest swept around the table. Dimitri straightened in his chair, a determined look crossing his face. "I'd love to, Dad, but you are a tough opponent and might wear me out before the game. How about real tough father-son match when we are celebrating my victory"
Lucia, grinning, chimed in, "Why chicken out Dim? I wanted to see dad kick your ass. If you get tired, we can always carry you home on a stretcher!" Then Dimitri, Doner and Allistair erupted in laughter, the family enjoying the playful banter.
Seraphina, placing a plate of eggs on the table, sent a sharp gaze towards Lucia. "Be careful what you spit with that dirty tongue little girl. Better of use that food on your plate to shut your mouth" Then turning towards Dimitri and Ajax she added "Both of you, we don't need any injuries before, during and after the big match." "Ok mum!" Dimitri replied. Dimitri felt a surge of gratitude for his family's unwavering support. He knew that no matter the outcome of his match, he had a strong foundation to fall back on, and that gave him the confidence to face any challenge that lay ahead.
As the conversation turned to chewing and cutlery noise, a knock at the door echoed through the house. Lucia, always quick with her tongue, flashed a mischievous grin. "Well, well, I wonder who that could be," she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Why don't you go ahead and open the door, Dimitri? I have a feeling it's someone special." Alistair joined in with a playful smirk, "Yeah, Dimitri. Who knows, it might be the love of your life." The whole table laughed for they had an idea who the visitor could be. Dimitri rolled his eyes at his siblings but couldn't suppress a smile. He stood and made his way to the door, opening it to reveal Dagger Oceanblade, her striking purple hair cascading around her shoulders, and her eyes and smiile lighting up as she saw him. Without hesitation, Dimitri greeted her with a warm kiss. "Morning love!," he said, pulling back slightly. "Come on in." Dagger smiled and stepped inside, her presence adding a new energy to the house. They walked towards the kitchen to join the rest of the family. "Good morning, everyone," she said as she took a seat at the table. "I hope I'm not interrupting." "Not at all," Seraphina replied, her voice melodious. "Would you like some breakfast? We have plenty to share."
"I can't say no to your delicious delicacies Mrs. Ironhead. Thanks!" Dagger said, settling into a chair next to Dimitri. Ravenna, always the observant one, offered Dagger a plate of eggs and toast. "Enjoy the breakfast." Lucia couldn't resist contributing to the conversation with a joke, "Dagger, or should I call you Mrs. Ironhead too, are you here to make sure our champion doesn't skip out on training or you have a cudling warm up training for him?" Everyone in the room laughed with Daggers laugh been the loudest. She then replied, "Something like that but I also came to check up on all of you." Dagger took a bite of her toast and added "I hope you will let him travel with me and we can all meet up at Estado" Ajax, who had been listening quietly, putting his cup aside for a moment, replied, "Just don't distract him too much and make sure you arrive at Estado early"
Dimitri, feeling the supportive energy from both his family and Dagger, smiled. "I've been practicing hard enough and with all of you cheering me on, I can't lose." Dagger looked at Dimitri with a mixture of pride and excitement. "I'd love to watch that." As they finished their breakfast Dimitri and Dagger excused themselves. "See you tonight at Estado fam!" Dimitri said as he stood up. "Bye Dim!" "Bye Everyone" Dagger added as she followed Dimitri who was already exiting the kitchen. "Bye Dagger!" the rest replied in unison. "See yah! Mrs. Ironhead!" Lucia added. The whole family busted out laughing. Dimitri felt a surge of determination. With his family's support and Dagger by his side he felt like a champion already. The two left the house and mounted on Daggers white unicorn flying towards their destination.