"Terra…are you…crying?" Xavien said as he leaned over to inspect her face, the water that welled up within her eyes were quickly wiped away as she turned away embarrassed from the realization that she was caught up in the moment. Xavien smiled as he turned back to the group and gave her a pat on the shoulder. He knew she was the type of person to get swept up in her emotions from time to time, but it was never a bad thing in his eyes. Seeing such a display could easily make someone feel a certain tenderness. The two continued to watch as Rita stepped up to Dante finally.
She scratched the back of her head, seemingly not knowing what to say at the moment. Dante waited, anticipating her next words before she reached out with both hands and began to mess with his hair. Dante was confused at the moment until it slowly began to rise as the weight left the bare of his neck. He didn't realize it until he felt that his hair was now tied into a ponytail. He seemed confused at the moment but he looked at Rita as a small smile sat on her face as she looked at him up and down.
"You have to look a bit more dignified when it comes to presentation Dove."
His face contorted as he was perplexed on why she went on to do such a thing. Rita turned her head as she looked towards Terra and Xavien. Their eyes widened at the sudden attention before being met with yet another smile from the toughened barkeep.
"Dove, you've made some new friends, and I'm happy to see that they're already having such a positive impact on you. Watching you grow up, it's one of the things I've always wanted for you. To meet trustworthy friends to help guide you down your long road ahead, I knew it'd happen eventually…but I didn't expect it so soon."
She took both of his hands and held them within hers. Looking forward, she saw that Dante was not just some little brat she used to take care of anymore, but a growing boy. He had even grown taller than her through the past year. She rubbed his hands tenderly as she traced her thumbs amongst his rough and rigid hands. The same ones she used to hold tightly to make sure he never got lost, or to pull him out of trouble if she ever needed to. They were tough, well trained, and experienced hands. She looked into his eyes as they shined the same emerald green as his mothers before him. Her face softened as she then pulled him in close for a hug. He was shocked at the sudden pull, but smiled and hugged her back. Though he knew that Rita wasn't his own mother, he had been raised by her as if she was and that would always mean the world to him. Even if they bickered from time to time, or argued, he always knew that she would have his back no matter what happened. She then pulled away before looking at the crowd and seemingly preparing herself with a small cough to clear her throat.
"Dove-...I mean…Dante has proven from time and time again to be a handful when it comes to interacting with new people, so please take it easy on him when he messes up or causes a scene. He's an earnest boy, and he just wants to make sure everything is okay for those he cares for.". A few nods and cheers of agreement came from the crowd, as Dante's face shriveled in the moment from embarrassment.
"Hey! I'm literally right here!" he yelled as Rita began to laugh at his response.
She smiled brightly before continuing.
"You two, from the academy…your names were…"
-
"Terra, from the Farren family of Auradelle."
"Xavien, of the Chalmers family of Auradelle."
The two stepped forward and bowed gently before looking back to see Rita doing the same, it surprised them as it was custom to bow when formally introducing yourself to a respected elder or someone you consider worthy of respect. She lifted her head as everyone's faces were shocked by the reaction, knowing only of her tough nature for years could shock anything that she'd be able to exhibit such decorum.
"I had some time I had to spend in the kingdom some years ago, well before this little bird came along. So I know a thing or two about etiquette. Though I humbly ask you two, please take care of him on your way. He may be a handful…but he's honest."
The words leaving her mouth stunned Dante as he slowly began to realize what he was hearing. He rushed in front of Rita and leaned in close.
"What are you saying? Are you saying I can go!?"
The intensity felt from Dante emanated greatly within the tavern's walls. She smirked as she began to rub his head as he did the kids. Her eyes filled with love and tenderness, she continued on with what she was saying.
"I can trust you two can appease my request, though I know it's a lot to ask of you."
Dante looked at them with wonder in his eyes, he didn't know if anyone would want to take on such a thing even if they were seemingly becoming friends. But he was met with two sets of smiles.
"Well…it can't be helped I guess. I do enjoy having a reason to come back here." Xavien said as rubbing the back of his neck.
"You can count on us, Miss Rita!" Terra said bowing energetically as she took Rita's hand and shook enthusiastically. Rita began to laugh once more as everyone cheered at the confirmation. Dante was then brought to the table again holding his cake with candles spread amongst it. Rita pushed him forward as he stumbled awkwardly before settling and looking at the cake again. A smile spread across his face as his goal of wanting to finally leave the village, had fully come to fruition at this moment. He took a deep breath before blowing all the candles out in one big blow. The candles fizzled quickly as everyone cheered for the occasion.
"Congratulations Dante!"
They all cheered as drinks clung together from their pints and jeers spread amongst the tavern. Music sounded off as the musicians of the village began to play joyous music and people began to dance and sing together once more. It was another celebration of sorts as they realized that in the end, his birthday would soon become a send off party of sorts. The night raged on and soon ended as the sound of snores and whistles were heard from the tavern. Safe assured, they all rested well through the night.