Sunlight spilled through the windows of the Morwen home, spilling gold across the floorboards and walls. The smell of fresh bread lingered faintly from the kitchen, mingling with lavender from sachets tucked in corners.
Ariel leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, quietly watching Theron stride into the house. His boots scuffed softly against the floor, his posture still carrying that mix of authority and ease. It hadn't been long since he left for the palace, but seeing him here—so near, so alive—felt both strange and comforting.
Anna bounced on the balls of her feet, brushing her dark hair behind her ears. "Theron! You're home! I didn't think it would feel this… exciting," she said, eyes wide with the delight of seeing her brother again.
Daphne, arms folded, tried to hide her smile but failed. "I suppose it's nice," she admitted, glancing at him. "Though I still feel… off. The house feels strange without you here, even if it's only been a few days."
Theron's lips curved in a faint smile. "It hasn't been long," he said, voice steady. "But I'm glad to see all of you well."
Mother Thalira bustled around the room, tying her apron and gathering her tools. "Girls, we need to get moving," she said, nodding at the three daughters. "The shop won't wait for daydreamers."
Anna glanced at Theron, her smile softening. "I suppose we'll leave you to rest… or tell you everything that happened since you left."
"Don't rush," Theron replied, his eyes lingering on Ariel for a moment. "I'll hear it all when we sit again. For now… go on. Make the day count."
Daphne pushed open the door, smoothing her skirts. "We'll make sure the shop runs perfectly," she said, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Try not to miss me too much, brother."
Ariel chuckled softly, stepping aside to let her sisters pass. "Go, then. I'll stay a moment longer," she said, watching Theron with quiet fondness. She admired him—not for his uniform, not for his rank—but for the brother who had always believed in her when no one else did.
The door closed behind Mother and the girls, leaving Ariel and Theron in the golden light of the morning. The house felt different now—filled with quiet pride, unspoken bonds, and the simple comfort of being together again.
The house felt quieter once the door closed behind Mother, Daphne, and Anna. The faint scent of lavender and bread lingered, but the bustle of the morning was gone, leaving only the soft creak of floorboards and the occasional chirp of birds outside.
Ariel leaned against the doorway, watching Theron as he removed his coat, settling into the familiar space. It felt strange to see him here, in the family home, without the distance of palace walls between them.
"You look… different," she said quietly, her voice calm but carrying a thread of curiosity.
Theron glanced up, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I suppose I do," he admitted. "Acting general has its ways of changing a person, even in a day."
Ariel's brow arched. "A day? Surely there's more to it than that. How was it? Your first day in command?"
He ran a hand through his hair, leaning back against the table. "It was… demanding. The men are disciplined, but change always brings unease. I had to make decisions quickly, assign patrols, and ensure the borders were secure. And yet… seeing them respond, knowing they trust me—it was… reassuring."
Ariel stepped closer, her eyes softening. "I always knew you would do well, Theron. You've always carried yourself with… with steadiness. Even when we were children."
He looked at her, his gaze steady, and she felt the unspoken bond between them, the weight of shared memories and quiet understanding. "And you," he said after a moment, "how are you? Still training as fiercely as ever?"
"I am," she replied, meeting his eyes evenly. "It keeps me grounded. And it reminds me of who I am… even when the world outside changes."
Theron nodded, a shadow of pride passing over his features. "Good. Never forget that. Discipline, focus… they will serve you well, especially if the world grows darker than we expect."
Ariel smiled faintly, the warmth of family and familiarity settling around them. "I know. And I'll always have you to remind me, won't I?"
"For as long as I live," he said softly.
The quiet stretched, comfortable and grounding, a brief refuge before the duties of the day—before the whispers of palace affairs and distant threats intruded. For now, in this sunlit room, it was just them: siblings, steady and human, bound by trust and the unspoken knowledge that they would always watch over each other.
----
Theron adjusted the strap of his satchel, glancing at Ariel with a calm, steady expression.
"You're coming with me today," he said.
Ariel raised an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "You mean, to watch me show everyone how it's done?"
He let out a low chuckle. "Something like that. It's been too long since you've seen the full drills in action. Today, you'll be at my side. Observe, comment if you must—but don't hold back."
She nodded, shoulders squared, slipping her cloak aside. Following him to the training grounds felt familiar, almost comforting. She had spent years at his side during practice, yet each time, she discovered nuances she hadn't noticed before—his calm authority, the way Coren anticipated commands, and even the subtle intimidation of Keal, standing at the edge of the formation with sharp, watchful eyes.
Theron led her through the ranks. "Watch closely. These men respond differently than they did last week. Adaptation is key, and discipline only works when it is mutual."
Ariel's gaze swept over the courtyard, cataloging movements, noticing small adjustments, watching soldiers respond to Theron's instructions. Every parry, thrust, and step told a story. She didn't need to comment—her presence alone was enough.
From the corner of her eye, she spotted Kael, leaning against the fence with that familiar arrogance etched into his posture. Arms crossed, lips curved in a faint sneer, he lingered, ready to criticize, ready to undermine. She didn't flinch. Years of training had taught her some battles weren't worth the blade.
Theron caught her glance, a faint smile playing at the corner of his mouth. "Still unfazed by him?"
"Always," she said evenly, returning her attention to the soldiers before them.
The morning air rang with steel against steel, the rhythm of drills, and the quiet, unspoken bond of siblings, friends, and rivals moving together in a space that demanded focus, skill, and restraint.