7: Reunion
Harrison and Ryker stood before the grand entrance of Harrison's estate.
It was a beautiful structure with tall spires, stunning architecture, and a large gate made of solid oak.
The estate was surrounded by tall trees, and a fog was starting to roll in off the nearby forest.
Ryker let out a low whistle as they waited for the guards to open the gate.
"Welcome back, Commander. I see some things haven't changed."
Harrison chuckled, his eyes scanning the familiar grounds.
"Some things never do, Ryker. But I have a feeling there are plenty of changes waiting for me inside."
As the gate swung open, Harrison and Ryker walked through and followed the path to the main entrance. Ryker stretched his arms over his head, arching his back.
"That was one long journey," Ryker said. "I'm thankful we made it without losing anyone."
Harrison clapped Ryker on the back.
"That's what happens when you have the best soldiers and the best commander leading them."
Ryker shook his head laughing. "You always were one for the dramatics, Commander."
As they approached the entrance, the large wooden door swung open.
A butler, dressed in impeccable attire, bowed low.
"Welcome, Lord Silver. It's a pleasure to have you back home."
Harrison smiled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Ah, Jenkins. Good to be back. I see you're still keeping everything in order."
Jenkins straightened, a hint of a smile on his face. "Of course, milord.
Though I must say, the addition of the twins has brought a certain ... liveliness to the estate."
Harrison's grin grew wider. "I can imagine. I'm eager to meet them.
Ryker, you're welcome to join me for a cup or two before you head off to rest."
Ryker's eyes lit up. "You don't have to ask twice, Commander."
As they entered the mansion, Harrison asked, "So, Ryker, what's the gossip? What have I missed?"
As Harrison and Ryker stepped into the grand foyer of the Silver Mansion, the sound of their boots echoed off the high ceilings.
The interior was just as impressive as the exterior, with gleaming marble floors, intricate chandeliers and lavish tapestries adorning the walls.
A majestic staircase curved upward like a golden ribbon, leading to the private quarters above.
As they entered, a sea of guards bowed their heads in unison, their armor glinting in the soft light.
"Welcome home, Lord Silver!" they chimed in perfect synchrony.
Harrison smiled, nodding in appreciation.
"Thank you, men. It's good to be back."
Ryker chuckled, shaking his head. "You'd think they'd be more subdued after all the times we've come and gone."
Harrison's eyes twinkled. "Ah, but that's what makes our return so special. It's a celebration, Ryker!"
As they made their way deeper into the mansion, Harrison stopped to greet a few of the guards.
"Ah, Thomas! How's the family?" Harrison asked, clapping a burly guard on the back.
Thomas beamed. "They're well, milord! My son's started training with the squires.
He's got your spirit, if not your skill."
Harrison laughed. "Well, tell him I said to keep practicing! And give your wife my best."
Next, Harrison turned to a younger guard, who looked a bit starstruck. "And you are...?"
The guard stuttered, "I-I'm E-Eric, milord."
Harrison grinned. "Welcome to the team, Eric! I hear you're one of our newest recruits. How's the training?"
Eric's eyes widened. "It's been... intense, milord. But I won't disappoint you!"
Harrison clapped him on the shoulder. "I have no doubt about that. Keep up the good work!"
As they continued through the mansion, Ryker leaned in to whisper, "You always had a way with the men, Commander."
Harrison's expression turned serious for a moment. "It's about trust, Ryker. They know I have their backs, and I know they have mine."
They approached a large wooden door at the end of the hall.
Harrison pushed it open, revealing a grand hallway lined with portraits of his ancestors. At the far end of the hall, a door led to the private quarters.
As Harrison entered the mansion, he was immediately enveloped in a warm embrace. Aria, with Luna and Elsie by her side, tackled him with a hug, tears streaming down her face.
"Harrison!" she sobbed, her voice shaking uncontrollably. "I thought you'd never come back! I thought I'd lost you!"
Harrison's eyes welled up with tears as he wrapped his arms around his family, holding them close.
"Aria, my love, I'm home," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "I'll always come back to you."
Elsie joined in, hugging their father tightly, their small faces scrunched up in excitement.
"Dad's home! Dad's home!" She said, her voice filled with joy.
Aria continued to sob, her body shaking with relief. "I was so scared, Harrison. The battles, the reports... I thought I'd never see you again."
Harrison stroked her hair, his touch gentle.
"Shh, my love. I'm here now. I'm safe. We're together again."
Ryker, standing at the entrance, smiled warmly, his eyes misty. "I'll leave you to your reunion, Commander".
Harrison nodded, his eyes never leaving Aria's face. "Thank you, Ryker. Take some rest. You've earned it."
As Ryker departed, Harrison led his family to the nearby couch, sitting down with Aria still clinging to him.
"Tell me everything," he said, his voice soft. "How are the twins? How have you been?"
Aria took a deep breath, her sobs slowly subsiding.
"The twins... Leo and Luna... they're perfect, Harrison.
They have your eyes, your smile... They're growing so fast!"
Harrison's face lit up with joy. "I can't wait to meet them. And how have you been, my love? You look a bit worn out."
Aria's expression turned wry. "Sleep deprivation, mostly. But seeing you walk through that door... it's like a weight's been lifted off my shoulders."
Harrison pulled her close again. "You'll never have to carry that weight alone again, Aria. I'm home now. We'll face everything together."
The family sat there for a moment, basking in the warmth of their reunion.
As Harrison sat on the couch with Aria, Elsie's eyes sparkled with excitement. She had seen her father before and couldn't wait to show him her new skills.
But Luna's reaction was different. She stared at Harrison with wide eyes, her tiny face scrunched up in curiosity.
She had never seen this man before, but something about him seemed familiar.
Aria smiled, watching her youngest daughter's reaction. "Luna, meet your father," she said, her voice soft.
Luna's gaze fixed on Harrison's face, her eyes roaming over his features. She took a step forward, her tiny hand reaching out to touch his face.
Harrison's heart melted as he gazed at his youngest daughter.
He gently took her hand, his fingers wrapping around hers. "Hello, little one," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.
Luna's face lit up with a shy smile, her eyes never leaving Harrison's.
She took another step forward, her tiny arms wrapping around his neck.
"Dad?" she said, her tiny voice tentative.
Harrison's eyes filled with joy.
"Yes,I'm your dad," he replied, his voice choked with emotion.
Luna's face lit up with a bright smile.
"Dad!" she squealed, her tiny hands clutching his tunic.
Harrison scooped her up, his arms cradling her close.
"I'm home, little one. I'm home," he whispered, his lips brushing against her forehead.
Luna nestled into his chest, her tiny hands clutching his tunic.
She looked up at him with wide eyes, her gaze filled with wonder.
Elsie, not wanting to be left out, climbed onto Harrison's lap, her arms wrapping around his neck. "Dad's home, Luna! Dad's home!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.
The three of them sat there for a moment, basking in the warmth of their reunion.
Harrison's heart swelled with joy, his eyes never leaving his daughters' faces.
Harrison bent down, his massive frame folding into a gentle squat as he scooped up Luna into his arms.
She giggled, her tiny hands wrapping around his neck, and he could feel her warm breath on his ear.
Luna looked up at him with wide eyes, her gaze filled with wonder. "Dad," she squealed, her tiny voice dripping with excitement.
Harrison chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Luna's face lit up with a bright smile. "Tell me 'about you, Dad!" she exclaimed, her tiny hands tugging on his tunic.
Harrison's eyes sparkled with amusement.
"Oh? What do you want to know, little one?"
Luna's face scrunched up in thought. "Tell me 'about how amazing' you are!" she said, her tiny voice filled with conviction.
Harrison burst out laughing, his chest shaking with mirth. "Oh, Luna! You're going to make me laugh"
Aria chuckled, shaking her head. "Sorry, Harrison. I think she's been listening to Elsie's stories."
Elsie, sitting on Harrison's lap, grinned mischievously.
"Hey, someone's got to keep the legend alive!"
Harrison playfully rolled his eyes. "Well, maybe another day, Luna. I think I've had enough praise for one day."
Luna's face fell, but only for a moment. "Okay, Dad. But you're still amazing!" she exclaimed, her tiny hands clutching his tunic.
Harrison's heart swelled with joy. "Thanks. I think you're pretty amazing yourself."
As they chatted, Luna began to explore Harrison's face, her tiny fingers tracing his features.
"You have scruffy cheeks, Dada," she said, her tiny voice filled with curiosity.
Harrison chuckled. "Yeah, I need to shave. But I think I'll keep the scruff. It makes me look more rugged."
Luna giggled. "You look like a big bear, Dada!"
Harrison grinned. "Well, I'm your big bear, little one. And I'm here to protect you and keep you safe."
As the Silver family continued to chat, they decided to move to the living room, where a warm fire crackled in the hearth.
They settled into comfortable couches, with Harrison holding Luna and Elsie snuggled up beside him.
Just as they were getting cozy, a commotion outside heralded the arrival of Kaid.
The door burst open, and Kaid strode in, his face flushed with excitement.
"Father! You're back!" Kaid exclaimed, his eyes shining with joy.
Harrison smiled, opening his arms for a hug.
"Kaid, my boy! How's my young mage?"
Kaid grinned, embracing his father.
"I've been training hard, Father. Both magic and swordsmanship. Since I've formed my mana core the knights have been allowing me to train with them."
Aria raised an eyebrow. "That's wonderful, Kaid. You're making great progress."
Harrison's eyes sparkled with interest.
"Show me what you've learned, son."
Kaid eagerly agreed and began to demonstrate his magical prowess, summoning a burst of elemental energy that he expertly controlled. Next, he drew his sword, showcasing his impressive swordsmanship skills.
Elsie clapped her hands in delight. "Wow, Kaid! You're a real mage!"
Luna watched with wide eyes, her hands clutching Harrison's tunic. "Dad, Kaid's magic!"
Harrison chuckled, ruffling Kaid's hair.
"You're a natural, son. Keep up the good work."
As they continued to chat, Kaid began to regale them with tales of his training adventures with the knights.
From his exaggerated battles with the training dummies to his experiments with elemental magic, Kaid's stories left them all in awe.
Ryker, who had been quietly observing from the corner, nodded in approval.
"You're becoming a formidable warrior, Kaid. Your father would be proud."
Harrison smiled, his eyes shining with pride. "I am proud, Kaid.
You're growing into a powerful mage and a skilled warrior."
The room fell silent for a moment, filled only with the warmth and love of the Silver family's reunion.
As the Silver family chatted and laughed, Luna's voice piped up, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Where's Leo?" she asked, looking around the room.
The room fell silent, and everyone's eyes met, wondering where the little boy was.
Harrison's brow furrowed, and Aria's smile faltered.
"Good question, Luna," Aria said
The Silver family exchanged worried glances, and the room was filled with a sudden sense of anticipation.
A/N
That's another chapter done, now we get to see what our MC's been up to .