The carriage gave a small lurch as it passed through the gates. Listening to the clattering of the wheels, Cale pulled back the curtain and his body felt at ease. Roksu mirrored his reaction upon seeing the streets of Rain City surrounding them. The city was lit up by lamps and the lights that came through the inside of houses and buildings. The paths were covered lightly in snow, most of it cleared as per standards and orders of the County.
"Is this your home, humans?" The black dragon asked, pressing his own face against the windows.
"Yes," Cale smiled, "We're home,"
Outside the carriage, the knights rode through the streets on their horses, guiding the carriage deeper and deeper into the city. It was not terribly late, though this time of year did have the sky darken earlier, there were still a good amount of people roaming through and enjoying the evening. At the sound of a carriage clattering along the stone paths, heads turned.
"The Henituse carriage?"
"It's quite a convoy..."
"Ah! Has Young Master Cale returned?"
The rumor of what had happened weeks before had been hot topic. Cale Henituse, the resident trash, had saved a child's life at the cost of his own health. Additonally, it was said he dove into the lake twice; the second just for something the girl owned!
When the servants of the Henituse County caught wind, the words were so shocking that it was mere days before the information was spread to their families and friends, and then so forth, enveloping most of the gossip.
That is why, eyes never strayed from the carriage as it headed towards the upper district. Whispers burst out and, by the following day, everyone would know of Cale Henituse's return.
"Do you two live close by?" The black dragon questioned, the three of them backing away from the windows and covering them again.
"Um," Roksu thought about it, "I suppose so?"
Cale chuckled, "Do you remember that hill we saw outside the window? With the huge building on top of it?"
The black dragon nodded. It was hard not to miss it.
"That's my house,"
"Oh!" the black dragon's eyes sparkled, "A special house!"
"Well, it's only natural," Roksu shrugged, "Cale's family is the one who rules the city,"
Cale nodded in affirmation, "Yup! Old man, here, lives in the affluent sector of the city; with the other wealthier residents. Business owners, low lords, bankers, and more. His family dominates the art scene,"
Roksu patted the black dragon's head, "I'll have Balint teach you about this,"
The black dragon let out another cheer. He was quite fond of learning new things. And all the humans didn't really devoid him of any knowledge. Or anything really. Roksu had to remind Balint and Cale to not overly spoil the dragon child multiple times.
The carriage clattered on for a few more minutes. After a particular bend though, Roksu felt an air of familiarity and he pulled back the curtains. As he expected, the road leading up to his estate was going past.
"We're here," Roksu says after a moment, the carriage slowing down a bit.
The carriage didn't stop though; the gates were already pushed open by a couple Nyphan guards that had hurried ahead. The carriage clattered through and the black dragon flew forward looking out the window beside Roksu, "This is home!"
"Yes,"
The carriage clattered around the round-about, stopping gently in front of the estate. Cale had also removed the curtains, calmly taking in the beautiful manor, "It's nice to see it after so long,"
The carriage door clicked open and Balint stood there, bowing, "We've returned, Young Master,"
The black dragon had turned invisible again, but his paws were patting Roksu excitedly, pushing him towards the open door, "Let's go Human!"
Roksu calmed him with a firm head pat, but had stepped out. He paused and turned back, noticing Cale hadn't moved, "Would you like to come inside?"
"No, it's alright. I'll wait in here until everything's done," Cale shook his head.
Roksu frowned, "Shall I wait w-"
A loud slam echoed from outside and the two turned their heads towards the estate. Siwan Nyphan stood in the doorway, her blond hair pulled back into a high-ponytail and dressed in a casual evening dress. Her gold eyes zeroed in on the carriage, "Roksu!!"
Roksu was surprised by how delighted she was. A maid called on from inside but the girl was already running out.
"N-noona?!" Roksu squeaked in fear.
He then grunted as she jumped at him, wrapping her arms tightly around him, "You're home!!"
Roksu stood there, frozen in her embrace. He didn't expect her to meet him like this...nor to welcome him like this. He mumbled, breathless by her gesture and her impact, "Noona..."
Siwan squeezed him tighter, "You were gone for so long, dongsaeng-ah! And you didn't call us as often as we were expecting!! And then the snow storms started- ah I was so worried!!"
"Oh,"
Roksu's throat felt tight as he swallowed the lump that had formed. His eyes shook, before closing and returning the hug. He pressed his head down into her shoulder, "Sorry,"
Siwan smiled reached up and stroking the back of her baby brother's head, "Silly. I'm just glad you've returned safely,"
Her eyes then look into the carriage. Cale has politely turned his head from them. Siwan didn't let go of her brother; she had truly missed him. But she called out to express her relief at the sight of him, "Young Master Cale!"
The redhead turns to her, caught off guard by being spoken to. Siwan grins warmly, "Welcome back! I'm relieved you've returned safely!"
Cale's fingers tightened on the cushioned seats, "Thank you, Lady Siwan,"
Roksu began to pull back, gently pushing Siwan back as well. He turned back to Cale, "Cale, come and wait inside,"
"No thank you," Cale smiled, "Old man, stop dawdling in the cold. I'll come by tomorrow or the day after,"
"...alright," Roksu gave him a firm look, "Rest tomorrow. Come after a day,"
Cale rolled his eyes, "Sure, whatever,"
The nobles shared small goodbyes, which was then followed by Balint wishing the redhead well and the chime of the black dragon. After that, the carriage door clicked and the four entered into the estate. As they did, those standing at the door and assisting in unloading all called out warmly for their youngest charge.
Balint took Roksu's coat, "My Lady, I shall draw a bath for the young master before dinner,"
"A wonderful idea!" Siwan proclaimed. She turned to her brother as they walked towards the stairs, "Oppa went to tell the cooks to prepare some of your favorites,"
"Hyung-nim did something unnecessary,"
"Nonsense," A voice called and Roksu glanced to the right to see his older brother walking towards them, "My younger brother has returned after weeks of travel,"
Roksu tsked softly. He then grunted as his body was yanked forward and he was, once again, hugged warmly. Roksu flushed, feeling embarrassed by his siblings, "Hyung!"
Elis laughed above him, pulling back after a few seconds. He kept his hands on Roksu's shoulder, blue eyes warm and a smile riddling with fondness targetted Roksu, "Welcome home, Roksu-yah,"
"Tch," Roksu looked away. He mumbled after a pause, "...it's good to be back,"
Roksu flinched when Siwan hugged him again, this time from the back which sent them both towards Elis, who chuckled and held both of them. Roksu's face went red, as Siwan cooed, "My baby brother is so cute!!"
"That's enough! Let go of me!!"
Balint smiled as laughter and giggles of the passing servants filled the hallway with the siblings' banter. The mage felt the black dragon hang onto his shoulders, "Human's siblings are funny,"
Roksu squirmed, wrestling and cursing under his breath, "Ugh- Noona! Hyung! Let go!!!"
The older siblings both exchanged matching looks of amusement and mischief. Elis cleared his throat, "Alright, alright,"
Roksu tsked and he relaxed as the arms unwound and he was able to breathe easier. Closing his eyes, he sighed tiredly at their antics. His siblings were soâ
Roksu's eyes flew wide as two pecks were pressed against his face: one on his forehead, Elis; the other on his cheek, Siwan.
His siblings both smiled innocently as Roksu's brain processed the entire thing. A horrified embarrassment crashed through him and his expression cracked, turning red and ashamed, "YOU TWO-!?"
"Hahaha!" Siwan laughed, "You still react like when you were ten!"
Roksu spun on his heel and stormed up the stairs, "You both are absolutely terrible!!!"
"We love you too, dongsaeng!" Elis taunted.
"FUCK OFF!!"
~~~
Cale leaned against the carriage, observing the passing scenery as the carriage climbed up the hill. The curtain was mostly covering the window, only a small sliver was open for Cale to entertain himself while he approached the marble estate.
Without Roksu or the black dragon in the carriage, it was boring and empty. Cale traced the shell bracelet again, straightening himself up as they passed through the estate gates. Pulling the curtain all the way, Cale adjusted his clothes and jacket, smoothening it out if needed. The carriage came to a gentle stop and Cale waited patiently, face as neutral as ever.
'They're fine. Everyone is perfectly fine'
When Ron opened the carriage door, the cold wind caused him a slight shiver down his spine. Ron smiled, bowing deeply and holding out a hand, "We've arrived, Young Master-nim,"
"Finally,"
Cale took the hand and let Ron help him out of the carriage. As he stepped down and away, he heard someone call in an oddly bright manner, "Cale!"
Cale lifted his head, surprised when he caught sight of Deruth standing ahead. Behind him, Violan also was walking forward, seeming to have just arrived like Cale. The redhead walked closer, bowing as he usual did so, "I greet the- hey!!!"
Cale jerked as hands landed on him, patting him down and then cupping his face. Deruth's face was scrunched up, one hand uncupping Cale's face as he pressed the back of his palm against Cale's forehead and neck. The teenager was appalled.
"How are you feeling? You don't have a fever, that's relieving! Was your journey alright? I hope the snow didn't trouble you too much- goodness, aren't you cold in that? Only a coat and not a thick cloak! Have you lost weight?"
Cale felt heat pool in his cheeks. This- just what the hell was this?! The hypothermia stuff was a while ago!
"Father!!" Cale reached for Deruth's wrists, pulling them away and stepping back, "I'm perfectly fine!"
Deruth stilled at that, eyes tracing over Cale again. He turned only when Violan touched his shoulder and gave it a quick squeeze, "Dear, calm down,"
Cale let go and shook himself slightly, clearing his throat. He turned to Violan, "Did the papers get sent in one piece?"
Violan blinked, before nodding, "Yes,"
Cale hummed, "Wonderful,"
He then turned away from them, "Ron!"
"Yes, young master?"
"Ron, stay here and coordinate all of the packages. You know which is which so I'll let you handle it. I'm going to go draw a bath,"
Ron eyed Cale subtly for a moment, before bowing his agreement. Turning back, Cale looked back at his parents. The three of them were silent until Cale lowered his head speaking firmly, "Right then, goodbye,"
He quickly walked around them and headed to the door. Violan and Deruth winced before following right behind him. The two knights stationed at the door saluted in greetings which was ignored by Cale and then put at ease by Deruth. The redhead exhaled subtly as he entered into the house's entrance hall.
Walking across the marble floor, he reached the foot of the grand staircase. Holding the railing he took a step up before his head flinched up in alarm at the loud slamming noise.
"Oh dear," Violan's voice let out a small laugh, "I was worried they'd do this,"
Cale turned to her, frowning, "What are you on about? Is there a guest?"
Deruth shook his head, "No guests. That running is for you,"
'Me?'
Cale's eyes hardened and he gave his Father a look, "I haven't done anything,"
"Hm? No- that's not what I meant?" Deruth frowned, "Why would you think that?"
Before Cale could react to that, the quick thudding became incredibly clear. A shriek echoed through the hall, "Orabeoni!!!"
Cale inhaled sharply, hand tightening around the rail.
"Ora-orabeoni- "
Swallowing and forcing the image away, Cale let his eyes take in Lily's young and breathing figure. She was, once again, running down the steps. Above, just entering the hall, Basen had also poked his head over the rails, "Hyung-nim. You've returned!"
'...were the sweets I sent that good?'
"You're home!!" Lily skipped the last two steps, just jumping at Cale, who immediately panicked and caught her by crouching down, "H-hey! Careful!"
Lily giggled, wrapping her arms tightly around Cale's neck, "I missed you!!"
Cale's lips parted, "...you...did?"
"Mhm!" Lily nodded, oblivious to the reaction her words caused.
Basen had neared them now and Cale stood up to properly greet him, adjusting his grip on Lily and ignoring her excited squeal at being carried. Red eyes gazed calmly at Basen and a hand reached up to pat the brunette's head, "Was it difficult?"
Basen glowed under the small pat, cheeks heating up. He slightly leaned into it, before shaking his head, "Not at all! Hyung-nim works much harder!"
Cale raised an eyebrow in doubt but said nothing.
Lily turned to Basen and held out one hand to gesture towards him and call him closer, "Orabeoni- Basen oppa ate all of the sweets!"
Basen flushed, "I did not!!!"
He gripped Cale's coat sleeve looking up with embarrassment and panicked denial, "I- I didn't really! I ate a lot but it wasn't all of them!"
Cale opened his mouth to say something, flinching when Lily retaliated loudly, "Basen oppa is a liar! Orabeoni Basen oppa finished them!"
Basen frowned, poking Lily in the cheek cutely, "Just because I ate the last one doesn't mean I ate all of them! You need to be careful how others can misunderstand, Lily!"
"Orabeoni, are there more?" Lily turned to Cale, who was caught in between his two siblings.
Hearing the question he went through his thoughts and shook his head clear of the chaos reigning it, "Er- yes? I think so. Maybe? Wait- no, not sweets. I did get some other gifts, sorry. I'll get more sweets next time,"
"Gifts!!" Lily cheered.
"R-really?" Basen glanced up.
Cale frowned, "I told you I would,"
Basen pressed his lips together, while Lily giggled again, singing slightly, "Orabeoni is the best!". Then, with a small glance at where Deruth and Violan were smiling and watching the scene silently. He swallowed a lump and wrapped his arms around Cale's waist tightly, hiding his face in Cale's torso. The elder stiffened up, eyes widening again, "B-Basen?"
Basen hugged tighter, ignoring his insecurities and the bitter words in his mind. He lifted his head, "Welcome back, hyung-nim,"
"..."
Cale rested a hand on Basen's back, giving his brother some slow and hesitant pats. It was awkward...unfamiliar. The entire situation. Cale wasn't sure what he was expecting, but it certaintly wasn't this.
'Well, they're both still young after all'
'Getting gifts from places they've never been must be exciting'
'Ah, that reminds me,' Cale turned his head, staring for a moment at the soft smiles on the faces of the Count and Countess. Clearing his throat, he began to speak, "I-"
The words died off.
Suddenly, Cale no longer wanted to admit it. He cleared his throat again, patting Basen a bit firmer this time and speaking up, "Alright. I'll have Ron bring you some of them during dinner. I'm craving a bath right now so, thats enough of this,"
Basen slowly unwrapped his arms, though he was a bit reluctant. Cale carefully placed Lily back on her feet after repeating his words to her, the young girl pouting at the fact she was no longer carried. The expression had Cale almost pick her up again, but he settled for patting her head. With a glance at his parents he gave a small bow, "Excuse me, then,"
He then climbed the stairs swiftly. He wasn't running, not at all. He just climbed faster than he had planned. The idea of a hot bath in his chambers sounded delightful.
As he left, Lily turned to her parents and grinned, jumping in place, "Orabeoni got me gifts!"
"He did," Violan smiled, eyes tracing after the boy that was her son in everything but blood. She felt a pit in her heart, that familiar doubt if she was doing the right things when it came to him.
Pulling her eyes away, she noticed Basen tug at Deruth's hand, "Father, can we...can we spend time with hyung-nim tomorrow...if he wants?"
Deruth smiled, ruffling Basen's hair, "Well of course! I don't see why you can't? You're siblings after all,"
"Come now," Violan picked up Lily, "Let's prep for supper,"
"Mother! Mother! I want to give orabeoni some sweets!"
"Why don't we stop by the kitchen, then?" Violan smiled at her daughter's enthusiasm, "Deruth,"
"Hm?" they were all walking now
"What sweets does Cale fancy?"
"Sweets?" Deruth repeated softly to himself.
The Count fell silent, thinking about it. Cale always had a sweet tooth so there were few sweets he didn't eat. If thinking about in terms of appropriate for dinner though, a smaller dessert would be easier and would allow for the kitchens to make it within the allotted time.
"He's fond of most sweets. Except extremely citrusy, sour, and coconut ones," Deruth smiled at the memory of a 6 year old Cale's face scrunching up at the taste of a lemon cake he had tried, "Hmm...he was always a fan of chocolate dacquoise,"
"Then we shall request that," Violan decided, eyes softening as Basen and Lily both smiled.
'I'm glad'