As the carriage rolled towards her duchy, Alca gazed out at the changing landscape. The sky, once ominous and gray, began to brighten, revealing warm hues of yellow and orange as the sun broke through. Its early rays kissed the snow-covered ground, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The trees, adorned in their white coats, sparkled in the gentle light, painting a scene that felt almost magical. It was a comforting view, one that made her feel as though nature itself was celebrating their return.
Inside the carriage, Sulas was peacefully asleep on Alca's lap, his head resting against her thigh. Eilora and Lioras, wrapped in their blankets, were also asleep, though they occasionally stirred, a faint tremor running through their small bodies. Alca had been vigilant throughout the journey, a protective warmth filling her heart as she kept watch over them.
Minutes passed, and the daylight grew stronger, gradually dispelling the darkness of the night. Soon, they could see the first signs of the duchy: the sturdy walls, the grand tower reaching toward the sky, and the intricately carved wooden gates that opened onto a meticulously tended path lined with hedges.
"Milady, we're almost there!" Alex announced from his seat beside the coachman.
Alca nodded, glancing down to check on the children. "They're still asleep," she murmured, a gentle smile gracing her lips.
Before long, the carriage slowed as they passed through the gates. Alca could see the familiar faces of her servants waiting at the entrance, their expressions lit up with anticipation. They stood as a welcoming committee, like a barrier of warmth and safety, ready to embrace their mistress after a long absence.
The carriage came to a halt, and Alex jumped down to open the door. "Welcome back, Milady!" he exclaimed, a broad smile on his face. "We're so happy to see you!"
The servants surged forward, excitement and joy palpable in the air, but Alca raised a hand to quiet them. "Please, everyone. I need to introduce the children."
The crowd of servants looked on, a mixture of surprise and delight crossing their faces. The warmth and curiosity radiated from them as Alca stepped out of the carriage, cradling Sulas in her arms while supporting Eilora and Lioras, who were waking up groggily. She could feel the weight of their gazes, the familiar kindness of her household reminding her of how fortunate she was to have them.
"They are adorable, aren't they?" she said softly, watching as Sulas rubbed his eyes, looking around with innocent wonder.
"Welcome, children!" the servants greeted in unison, their voices filled with affection.
Sulas, curious about the new faces, gazed back at them while Eilora and Lioras peered timidly from behind Alca's skirts.
"You're safe here," Alca reassured them, pulling them a little closer. "These are my people."
"What are their names?" one of the servants, a young woman, asked, stepping forward with a friendly smile.
"Please, treat them as your own," Alca said, her voice steady. "They need warmth and comfort after everything they've been through."
Alex, who had been observing intently, stepped forward. "I'll prepare rooms for you and the children, along with a meal. How about a nice hot soup to start?"
"Yes, please," Alca replied, her gaze softening as she looked at the children. "I think they could use something warm."
As the servants hurried to fulfill her requests, Alca took a moment to soak in the familiar sights and sounds of her duchy. The laughter of the staff, the smells wafting from the kitchen, and the bright smiles brought back a sense of belonging that she had longed for during her absence.
Once the initial excitement subsided, Alca gently led the children away from the bustling crowd. "Come, let's see your new rooms," she said, kneeling down to their level.
The children nodded, their curiosity piqued, and followed her as they ascended the grand staircase. Each step echoed with a sense of history and homecoming. Alca could feel the warmth radiating from the walls, and she cherished the thought of the children finding solace in their new surroundings.
As they reached the hallway lined with doors, Alca paused before one. "This will be your room," she announced, pushing the door open to reveal a cozy space adorned with simple furnishings. The sunlight streamed in through the window, illuminating the wooden floor and the fresh scent of the newly cleaned linens.
Sulas stepped inside first, his eyes wide with wonder. "It's nice!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing slightly in the empty room.
Eilora and Lioras stepped in behind him, looking around in awe. There were no toys or decorations meant for children, but the room felt inviting and warm nonetheless.
"Do you like it?" Alca asked, kneeling to be at their eye level.
"Yes!" Eilora replied, a smile breaking across her face. "Can we sleep here?"
"Of course," Alca said, her heart swelling with affection. "You can have it all to yourselves. We'll make it home together."
After a moment of exploration, Alca gently guided them back into the hallway. "Let's go see the dining room. I'm sure you're all hungry," she suggested.
With that, she led the way down the corridor, the children trailing behind her, their small feet padding softly on the floor. As they approached the dining room, the rich aroma of the soup wafted through the air, making their stomachs rumble in anticipation.
Once inside, they found a large table set for their meal, with bowls of steaming soup waiting for them. The sight of the warm food brought smiles to the children's faces, and Alca felt a wave of relief wash over her.
"Here we go," she said, seating them at the table. "Enjoy, my darlings."
As they began to eat, Alca watched them with a sense of pride and happiness. The simplicity of the moment was overwhelming; they were together, safe, and ready to start anew. With each spoonful of soup, laughter bubbled up, filling the room with warmth and joy.
This was the beginning of their new life together, and Alca was determined to ensure it was filled with love and happiness. The journey ahead would not be without its challenges, but with Sulas, Eilora, and Lioras by her side, she felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.