After what felt like only a moment of rest, I woke up with a deep sigh, still feeling the residual drain from combining the two artifacts earlier. The process had taken more out of me than I'd expected, and though I'd managed to rest, a slight fatigue still lingered. As my vision slowly cleared, I noticed the sun had already set, leaving the house bathed in a warm glow from the lanterns.
I could hear the loud, lively chattering from the hall room, the unmistakable sound of my family gathered together. Their voices carried a sense of warmth and familiarity that made me smile unconsciously. With a deep breath, I pushed myself off the bed, feeling a bit more rejuvenated as I made my way toward the sound.
As I stepped into the hall, I was greeted by a sight that filled me with unexpected warmth. The entire family had gathered, their laughter and conversation bouncing off the walls. Rosalia was seated on a couch near Eldara and Hestia, the three of them engaged in a playful discussion. My aunts Nadia and Mira stood by the fireplace, their eyes bright with amusement as they listened to my sisters recount their day. Selene, Elara, and Liora were spread out, clearly enjoying the casual atmosphere, while Aurora seemed to be bouncing with energy as usual, her pink hair shimmering in the soft light.
As soon as I entered the room, all eyes turned toward me, their conversations halting for a brief moment. I greeted them with a soft smile, feeling the familiar pull of connection as I moved from person to person. One by one, I gave each of them a gentle kiss on the cheek, starting with my mother, Rosalia. Her eyes softened as I leaned in, and she gave me a small, knowing smile.
"I'm glad you're up," she whispered, her voice carrying the unspoken warmth of a mother's love.
From there, I moved to Eldara and Hestia, who both beamed at me with the same grandmotherly affection they always did. Eldara's eyes sparkled with wisdom, and Hestia's playful smirk was already in place.
"We thought you'd sleep the night away," Hestia teased, nudging me lightly as I kissed her cheek.
"I wouldn't miss this," I replied with a grin, feeling the familiar ease of banter with my grandmothers.
Next, I turned to my aunts, Nadia and Mira, who greeted me with equal warmth. Nadia gave me a playful wink as I kissed her cheek, while Mira's eyes held their usual softness, her gentle aura radiating around her.
And then came my sisters. Selene stood tall and proud, her calm demeanor never wavering as she gave me a small nod of acknowledgment. Elara's eyes gleamed mischievously as she raised an eyebrow, clearly teasing me for being absent earlier. Liora, ever the bold one, crossed her arms and smirked at me, though her smile was full of warmth as I kissed her cheek.
Finally, just as I was about to greet Aurora, she wasted no time and launched herself at me, her small frame flying toward me with surprising speed.
"Rosé!" she squealed, her pink braids bouncing as she leaped into the air.
Without missing a beat, I caught her gracefully, my arms wrapping around her as she clung to me. She was light as a feather, her energy and enthusiasm lighting up the entire room as she nestled against me. Her bright pink eyes, so full of joy and affection, met mine as she smiled up at me.
"You're finally awake!" she said, her voice filled with excitement. "You missed all the fun earlier."
I chuckled softly, holding her close. "I'm here now, aren't I?"
Aurora beamed at me, clearly satisfied as she wrapped her arms around my neck, refusing to let go. The rest of the family watched with amused smiles, their conversations briefly pausing as they took in the scene.
"You're spoiling her," Selene remarked dryly, though there was a soft smile on her lips.
"She's always spoiled," Liora chimed in with a teasing grin. "But I guess we can't blame you for that."
Elara leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms as she watched Aurora cling to me like a small koala. "She acts like she hasn't seen you in years."
"She's allowed to miss her big brother," Nadia added with a chuckle, her eyes twinkling as she observed the playful interaction.
As I held Aurora in my arms, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me. This was my family—the one I had been distant from for too long. But standing here, with Aurora in my arms and the rest of them surrounding me, I realized just how much I had missed them, even if I hadn't acknowledged it before.
"I suppose I have some catching up to do," I said with a small smile, meeting Rosalia's gaze across the room. She gave me a nod, her eyes filled with understanding.
"You do," she agreed softly. "But we'll be patient with you. We always have been."
Aurora snuggled closer, her head resting against my shoulder as she sighed contentedly. "Don't ever leave us again, Rosé."
"I won't," I whispered, more to myself than anyone else.
As I sat down on the couch i couldn't help but marvel at the beautiful fusion of nature and craftsmanship, made from woven vines and branches. Its seat and backrest were lush with living grass, adorned with wildflowers and soft moss. The armrests were crafted from gnarled branches, decorated with delicate ferns and leaves.
The couch was remarkably soft and comfortable, inviting you to sink into its embrace. The living grass was lush and springy, providing a gentle, cushioned support that cradled your body. The layer of moss underneath added an extra softness, enhancing the feeling of relaxation.
As I sat down Aurora wrapped her legs around me and hugged me ,Her head was rested on my shoulder as she bit on my collarbone.
"This is your punishment for ignoring me for so long"She said cutely .
I couldn't help but chuckling as a gently massaged her scalp.
While this was on the family conversation shifted to the topic of Elara's first Elantra.
Everyone's gaze shifted to me as bitter memories of the previous owner mercilessly deny and even belittle Elara when she asked him to be her partner.
They soon averted their gaze and tried to avoid this topic but soon Elara spoke up.
"My decision is still the same ,I will not conduct Elantra with anyone other than Rosé,I've loved him since we were kids!"She declared boldly.