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, Captain."
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, Captain."
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, boys. 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, Captain."
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, Aria. I'm here now. I'm safe. We're all safe ."
Ryker, standing at the entrance, smiled warmly, his eyes misty. "I'll leave you to your reunion, Captain".
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.
"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.
"You'll have to show me later then."
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.