ARRIVAL
1503 Words
The heavy gates of the enormous citadel slowly creaked open before them as a group of masked men observed them silently from the top of their watching towers.
Souna let out a distracted gasp when the majestic view of the city gradually unveiled before her eyes as they patiently waited for the doors to fully open mounted on Ussi´s black feline.
Yahur stood in all its splendor before Ussiariah and his family for the first time ever, and she could feel the glee emanating from the warrior as his muscles tensed excitedly at the sight of this beloved place.
Once the path leading into the citadel extended clear ahead of them, Ussi emitted a distinct whistle and the beast pounced eagerly forward, taking them inside through the wide set of cobbled roads that branched intricately before them.
It had been two years since Souna had stepped foot into the impressive fortress, and her eyes wandered around in awe, taking in every little detail of it as they calmly advanced along the broad lane. An increasingly large crowd of masked and unmasked faces gathering around them. The first ones looking at them with reverence, while the latter seemed clearly dumbstruck by the image of this strange family walking into their home.
The circumstances of their return were abysmally different from the last time they had crossed those massive gates.
Souna had visited Yahur on a single, distant occasion. And that time she had been brought in as a prisoner, spurred at spear-point by Ussi himself... Today, she happily rode holding onto his bulky torso as she carried their baby daughter in a bundle strapped to her back.
The morning Ussiariah had left his home behind to embark on the quest that would lead him to his true fate. He had been transporting a cargo that he thought he didn’t want, and going on a mission that he considered a total waste of his time. The disgust he felt about it completely visible despite the mask shielding his face.
But now, he’d walked through that entrance with a big smile plastered on his uncovered lips, proudly holding the child he’d once mistakenly considered a burden as he cheerfully showed him around the place, leaning into his ear and whispering indistinct facts to him while they merrily paced towards the main hall.
Ussi clicked his tongue briefly when he spotted the large man approaching them in the distance, his smirk widening and his eyes sparkling as Kohu halted obediently and let out a saluting purr into the incoming warrior’s direction.
-Brother! – The Yahurian greeted him, briefly scratching the big cat’s ears and tilting his head at the freshly dismounted newcomer, pulling him into a hug – Welcome home!
He patted Ussi´s back repeatedly, holding him crushingly for another minute as they both laughed animatedly, before turning his attention to Souna, who had just jumped off the black feline and was picking the blue-haired kid up into her arms.
-Your Majesty – He said, his demeanor switching into a solemn nod – I hope you had a good journey.
Souna stared at him, blinking a few times with perplexity, before cracking up laughing and throwing herself into his muscled pectorals while still holding the child.
-What the hell’s gotten into you Xibu? – She exclaimed, amused, patting his large plated shoulder mockingly – It’s just me! Drop the formalities and give us a damn hug too!
-Well, you can’t blame a man for trying to be polite – The Yahurian chuckled, embracing her tightly, then taking the timid kid from her arms, rubbing a hand through his messy hair – Hi there, Axe! Are you hungry young man?
-Yes! – The kid replied excitedly, running a finger over his mask – Are we having sweets now?
-Oh kid, this is Yahur – The warrior snorted, amused – There isn’t a single sweet thing inside these walls!
He paused, noticing the infant’s disappointed look and rushing to bounce him merrily up and down, making him screech in delight.
-Hey! But listen…- He said, holding him over his face and winking playfully at him – If you behave and eat all your greens tonight, I’m sure that Fandhor might even make a little exception and agree to bake you a berry tart, how does that sound?
-Awesome! – The child admitted between laughs as the large man’s fingers tickled him mercilessly and his voice faded into a stream of euphoric squeals.
The massive soldier finally putting him down after a moment and letting him wander around the lines of soldiers, who swiftly took turns picking him up and eyeing him curiously, his sight redirecting to Souna and Ussiariah, who stood side by side.
-All right… Enough with the pleasantries – He said, straightening himself up and pointing towards the woman’s back, his brow arching in a demanding gesture, then looking around the crowd –We all want to meet her! Right guys? So, where is our new niece?
-You mean MY niece, Xibu? – A feminine voice suddenly asked, and everyone looked up to find Sehira standing a short distance behind the Yahurian Commander – No one's holding that baby before I do. It is my right.
-Little one! – Souna breathed out as they both sprinted towards each other with happy tears rolling down their faces – Look at you! You look stunning!
Souna inspected her rapidly from head to toe, noticing the clear athletic figure that her sister had built up in the past year, her lean body wrapped in a tight blue armor, a shade lighter than the one Pahoka-Xe wore, a large Yahurian spear clutched in her right hand and her long hair braided down her plated bosom.
Knowing perfectly well what they had traveled there for, Souna ran a sad finger through her sibling’s wet cheek, admiring her astounding beauty and intending to memorize it, aware that in just a couple of days she would not be allowed to see those features ever again. Her heart aching a little, but swelling with pride at the same time.
-Let me take a look at her – Sehira´s voice pleaded excitedly, nodding at the bundle hanging from her back – You’ve kept her all to yourselves for far too long!
Carefully, Souna untied the makeshift bag and held it between her arms, her hand pulling away the soft fabric and uncovering the little creature lying inside. A loud gasp escaping from Sehira´s throat as she peeked at the big, bright eyes staring back at her.
-Oh, Souna… - She whispered, her hand tentatively reaching for the baby’s rosy face – She’s perfect!
-Do you want to hold her? – Her sister offered, extending the precious infant towards the young girl and raising a brow.
-Yes, please – She rushed to say, taking the bundle out of her arms and pressing it against her chest, her eyes trained on the delicate features of the tiny person she was now holding, and absorbing every little detail. From the fair, plump skin to the light bristle hair covering her minuscule scalp.
The young girl sighed, feeling deeply content, as she noticed a delicate limb wrapping around her stretched-out finger, and she teared up distractedly.
-She has your eyes, Ussi – Sehira commented, looking up at the warrior and giving him a bright smile.
-Well… Yeah – He muttered, scratching his neck and blushing. An amused grin blooming on his lips as he pulled Souna closer to him, pecking her forehead – But thankfully, she’s got her mother’s beauty.
-Hi Skhana – She cooed, redirecting her attention to the baby – Nice to meet you little girl…I’m auntie Sehira!
-How did you know her name? – Souna asked, frowning with confusion - I am sure we haven’t told anyone yet.
-Oh… Axe told me – Sehira replied, casually shrugging off, her sparkling eyes glued on the child’s face.
Souna´s next question getting stuck in her throat when Axe abruptly emerged from within the crowd of soldiers and threw himself against her sister’s legs, hugging them happily.
-Auntie Sehira! – The toddler exclaimed loudly, holding to her calves and squeezing them tightly – I missed you so much!
-Me too! – She screeched back, swiftly placing the bundle back into Souna´s arms and picking him off the ground, making him spin around – Where's my favorite boy, uh? Where is he?
-So, where's the Guider? – Ussi chimed in over their loud laughters as he began pacing forward, gently placing a hand on the small of Souna´s back.
-She is in the main hall– Sehira answered, halting in place and nodding at him, extending a hand in the direction of the large building – She has been expecting your arrival all day.
-Good – The warrior replied, tilting his head at her - Let’s go then. We don’t want to keep her waiting any longer.
- Writer
