The group gathered around the dining table, the aroma of the freshly prepared meal filling the room. Everyone was seated, with Ivy perched happily on Carter's shoulder, her chirps blending into the warm, homely atmosphere. As they began eating, the sound of clinking cutlery was soon accompanied by dramatic exclamations.
"Oh my gosh, this is amazing!" Lily said, her eyes wide as she stuffed another bite into her mouth. "Carter, you've outdone yourself again!"
Raena nodded, savoring her portion. "This is incredible. I've had good meals at the guild, but this… this is something else entirely." Her tone was firm, but there was a softness to her words, a rare glimpse of appreciation.
Elara leaned back slightly, a playful smirk on her face. "You're really spoiling us, Carter. If you keep this up, you'll have us all completely dependent on your cooking."
Aria, sitting beside Carter, smiled knowingly. "He has a way of making everything feel special, doesn't he?" She reached over, gently brushing his hand. "But don't let it get to your head, love. We'll expect this every night now."
Carter laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. I'll take the compliments, but don't think I'll let you all slack off. I'll need taste testers when I start experimenting for the shop."
Elara raised an eyebrow, her golden eyes glinting with amusement. "Taste testers? That sounds dangerous. What exactly are you planning?"
Carter grinned, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He set his fork down and looked around at the table. "Speaking of the shop," he began, "I've decided. Tomorrow, I'm going to the city to purchase the building from Gerard. It's time to start my dream."
The room went silent for a moment as everyone absorbed his words. Then, as if on cue, smiles broke out across their faces.
"Finally!" Lily exclaimed, clapping her hands. "Your shop is going to be amazing, Carter! I can't wait to help!"
Aria leaned closer, her tone soft and encouraging. "I'm proud of you, love. You've been working so hard, and this is just the beginning."
Raena, always direct, nodded in approval. "You've got my support. Anything you need, just say the word. I'll make sure no one messes with your shop."
Elara's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned her chin on her hand. "I'm already picturing it. Carter's Potion and Flower Emporium. Or maybe Carter's Magical Goods? You're going to have a line out the door."
Carter laughed, his cheeks slightly red. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I haven't even bought the building yet."
Aria smirked, playfully nudging him. "Oh, don't be so humble. You know we all believe in you."
Lily suddenly jumped up, pointing her fork dramatically. "This calls for a celebration! We need cake!"
Everyone burst into laughter, the joyful energy filling the room. Ivy chirped excitedly, as if agreeing with Lily's declaration. Carter shook his head, smiling warmly at his little sister.
"Alright, Lily, cake it is," he said, leaning back in his chair. "But only after we finish dinner."
Elara leaned toward Lily, whispering loud enough for everyone to hear, "You're going to eat Carter out of house and home at this rate."
Lily pouted, crossing her arms. "I'm just making sure everyone has fun!"
Aria chuckled, reaching over to ruffle Lily's hair. "Don't worry, sweetheart. We're all having plenty of fun."
As the laughter died down, Carter looked around the table, his heart full. "Thank you, all of you. This dream of mine wouldn't feel possible without your support."
Aria reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. "We're a family, Carter. We're in this together."
Raena raised her glass, her expression serious but her tone warm. "To Carter's dream. May it grow as strong as the roots of this tree."
Everyone raised their glasses, their voices blending together. "To Carter's dream!"
Carter and everyone began eating the cake, the delightful sweetness filling the air as Lily, true to her lively personality, dramatically took her first bite. Her eyes widened in excitement, and she jumped up from her chair, starting to spin around the room.
"CAKE! Cake is the best!" Lily sang at the top of her lungs, frosting smudged all over her face as she continued her impromptu performance. "CAKE DANCE!" She started twirling, arms in the air, as though the cake had granted her magical powers of silliness.
Aria burst out laughing, shaking her head at the sight. "Oh my, Lily. You're going to turn into a cake at this rate!" she teased, leaning her elbow on the table as she watched the lively spectacle.
Raena, still adjusting to the family's antics, couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "Is she always like this?" she asked, glancing over at Carter.
Carter laughed heartily, wiping a tear from his eye. "Oh, you have no idea. This is just Lily on a normal sugar high."
Elara, observing Lily's antics with wide eyes, burst into a soft laugh. "She's like a little whirlwind of energy," she said. "But it's honestly adorable."
Lily's antics escalated as she grabbed Ivy and started twirling with the fox. Ivy chirped happily, caught up in Lily's chaotic energy. The little fox seemed to be enjoying the spontaneous dance as much as Lily.
"Carter, do something before she spins herself into oblivion," Aria said, giving him an amused yet exasperated look.
Carter smirked, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. Time to bring her back to reality." Standing up, he raised his hand dramatically. "Skill: Root Bind."
Almost instantly, roots slithered out from the base of the treehouse, moving gently yet purposefully toward Lily. She barely noticed, still caught up in her cake song and dance, until the roots wrapped softly around her waist and arms, lifting her slightly and guiding her back to her seat at the table.
"Hey! What gives?" Lily pouted, though the frosting smeared across her cheeks undermined her attempt at seriousness.
Carter crouched next to her with a big grin. "Calm down, little sister, or you're going to make yourself sick. And then who's going to finish all this cake?"
Lily huffed for a moment, then broke into a giggle, patting Ivy's head as the fox hopped onto her lap. "Fine, but only because I love cake too much to waste it."
Everyone at the table burst into laughter, Aria leaning into Carter's shoulder as she tried to catch her breath. "That… that was perfect," she managed between laughs. "I've never seen someone stop a sugar rush with magic before."
"You've got to adapt when you live with Lily," Carter joked, ruffling Lily's hair affectionately.
Elara shook her head with an amused smile. "You're a braver man than most, Carter. But watching this, I can see how she keeps everyone's spirits up." She leaned toward Lily, who was still licking frosting off her fingers. "You're like a tiny, unstoppable force of joy, you know that?"
Lily grinned brightly at Elara, frosting still on her cheeks. "Thanks! Cake helps make me extra powerful!"
Raena smiled, her fierce eyes softening as she watched the family dynamic unfold. "It's… nice," she said quietly, her voice carrying a hint of warmth. "Being part of something like this."
Aria reached over to gently squeeze Raena's hand. "Get used to it. This is what family looks like around here."
Raena nodded, a rare but genuine smile gracing her lips. "I think I could get used to it."
The table fell into cheerful conversation once more, filled with laughter, teasing, and the occasional affectionate quip. And though Lily had quieted down, her joyous energy lingered, creating a warm, light-hearted atmosphere that felt like home.
After finishing the dinner and cake, Aria and Lily took charge of cleaning the dishes, their laughter and playful banter echoing softly from the kitchen. Meanwhile, Carter stepped out onto the balcony, a warm cup of tea in hand. The night sky was a canvas of stars, the gentle breeze carrying the soothing scent of the forest. Ivy perched on his lap, wagging its tail happily as Carter stroked its fur.
He glanced back at the scene inside the house—the four women talking and laughing together. A warm smile spread across his face as he spoke softly to Ivy. "We have a full family now, don't we, partner?"
Ivy chirped in agreement, snuggling up to his face, earning a soft chuckle from Carter. "Yeah, I thought so too," he said warmly, letting the moment sink in.
"It looks beautiful out here at night," came a voice from behind him. Carter didn't turn immediately, instead smiling as he responded.
"Yes, it is. Are you enjoying yourself, Elara?"
Elara stepped forward, her light footsteps almost silent. She joined him at the railing, her gaze lifting to the starry sky. "I am," she said softly, her voice tinged with thoughtfulness. "Your home… it's more than I expected. It's peaceful, warm… it feels alive."
Carter turned his head slightly to look at her. "That's the idea," he said with a grin. "How are you feeling about everything?"
Elara didn't look back at him immediately, her red eyes fixed on the stars. "I feel… grateful," she admitted. "Grateful to be here. This place, your kindness, the family you've built… it's unlike anything I've ever experienced. Thank you, Carter."
Carter's smile softened. "You're always welcome here, Elara. This is as much your home as it is ours."
Just then, the door to the balcony opened again, and Raena stepped out. The cool breeze brushed against her face, causing her to pause for a moment and take a deep breath. She looked up at the expansive sky, her emerald eyes widening in awe.
"This… this is amazing," she murmured, her voice filled with genuine wonder.
Carter and Elara both turned to look at her, their smiles growing. "So, my protector," Carter said gently, his tone playful yet sincere, "how are you feeling?"
Raena's cheeks flushed slightly at the title, but her expression softened as she looked at him. "I… I feel at peace," she admitted quietly. "This place… it's unlike anything I've known. And…" She hesitated for a moment, her usual fierce demeanor faltering slightly as her softer side emerged. "I'm honored to be here. To be part of this. And to serve you, Carter."
Carter chuckled warmly, stepping closer to her. "Raena, you're not just here to serve. You're part of the family now, remember?"
Raena's blush deepened, but she nodded, a rare but genuine smile appearing on her lips. "Thank you," she said softly.
Elara placed a gentle hand on Raena's shoulder, her own smile carrying a quiet understanding. "It's a good family to be part of," she said, her voice steady.
The three of them stood together on the balcony, the tranquil night enveloping them in its embrace. The sound of laughter from inside and Ivy's happy chirps added to the warmth of the moment. For a while, they simply enjoyed the serenity, a shared sense of belonging settling over them like the night sky itself.