The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the winding path that led Keros and Nina back towards Riverbend. The air was thick with the scent of wildflowers and the distant murmur of a babbling brook. It was a tranquil evening, a stark contrast to the tumultuous events of the grand tournament.
As they walked side by side, Keros glanced down at Nina, who was keeping pace with him. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, and her youthful energy seemed boundless. He cleared his throat, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them.
"You know, kid," Keros began, choosing his words carefully, "I wasn't always like this. There was a time when I lived in this village, with my family."
Nina looked up at him, her expression a mixture of curiosity and empathy. "What happened?" she asked, her voice gentle.
Keros sighed, a heavy weight settling on his shoulders. "I left them, foolishly chasing after glory in that damned tournament. I thought I could make a name for myself, prove I was something more."
Nina listened intently, her eyes reflecting understanding. "Was it worth it?" she asked.
Keros chuckled bitterly. "No, it wasn't. I realized too late that family is what truly matters. Now, I'm afraid of facing them after everything."
Nina's expression softened. "But you're going back, right? Maybe they'll understand. Families usually do."
Keros nodded, a mixture of gratitude and regret in his eyes. "Yeah, I'm going back. But I don't know how they'll react."
As they approached Keros' home, a sense of apprehension gnawed at him. The wooden door stood before him, a barrier between his past and his present. He took a deep breath and pushed it open, revealing the modest interior of his childhood home.
To Keros' surprise, the atmosphere inside was not one of anger or disappointment. Instead, warmth greeted him. Lena and Darn, his younger siblings, rushed towards him, their eyes alight with joy. They enveloped him in a tight embrace, their voices a chorus of happiness.
"Keros, you're back!" Lena exclaimed, tears of relief and happiness streaming down her cheeks.
Darn, though not as expressive, wore a genuine smile. "We missed you," he admitted, his voice cracking with emotion.
Keros felt a lump form in his throat. He had expected reproach and disappointment, not this overwhelming display of love. His eyes welled with tears he never thought he'd shed.
"I missed you too," he mumbled, his voice hoarse.
As the family reunion unfolded, Nina hung back, giving them space. She observed the tender moments, a smile playing on her lips. Keros noticed her reticence and beckoned her forward.
"Nina, come here," he said, a hint of gratitude in his eyes.
Nina stepped forward cautiously, unsure of her place in this intimate moment. Keros gestured to his siblings. "Lena, Darn, this is Nina. She...uh, she helped me a lot during the tournament."
Lena, with her hair cascading down her shoulders, approached Nina with a warm smile. "Thank you for taking care of our brother. We appreciate it."
Darn, a quieter presence with thoughtful eyes, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, thanks."
Nina beamed, her charismatic nature effortlessly winning them over. "It's no problem at all! Keros is quite the hero, you know."
Keros rolled his eyes at her exaggeration, but his siblings chuckled, appreciating the lively addition to their quiet home.
The warm glow of the family home spilled into the night as Keros and Nina reentered the lively gathering. The laughter and music filled the air, creating an atmosphere of joy that Keros hadn't felt in a long time.
His parents, Bearo Vaelstrym and Elara Vaelstrym, were engaged in conversation with some neighbors. Keros watched them from a distance, his heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. Nina nudged him playfully. "Come on, Big bro, it's time to face the music. Or in this case, your parents."
He managed a weak smile, grateful for Nina's attempt to lighten the mood. Together, they approached Magnus and Elara, who turned to them with welcoming smiles.
Keros's Father, a sturdy carpenter with greying hair and a warm demeanor, enveloped Keros in a bear hug. "Keros, my boy!"
Keros hesitated for a moment before returning the embrace. "Yeah, Dad. Sorry about that."
Keros's Mother, a kind-faced woman with a twinkle in her eye, joined in the hug. "No apologies, Keros. We're just happy you're home."
Nina stood on the sidelines, watching the family reunion unfold. His Father released Keros, holding him at arm's length. "And who is this young lady you've brought with you?"
Keros scratched his head, attempting to find the right words. "Uh, Dad, Mom, this is Nina. She, uh, kind of got stuck with me during the tournament. Long story."
Mother chuckled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Well, Nina, you're welcome here. Any friend of Keros is a friend of ours."
Nina beamed, extending her hand. "Nice to meet you both! Keros didn't tell me his family would be this friendly."
Father laughed heartily, patting Keros on the back. "We like to think we're a welcoming bunch. Now, come inside, both of you. There's a Lena and Darn waiting, and we've got so much catching up to do."
"I already met them," said Keros.
"So, you already met them? You didn't wait for me." He smiled and put a hand on his son's shoulder, giving it a brief squeeze. His eyes twinkled with pride and admiration as he chuckled to himself in disbelief at the boldness of Keros' decision-making.
As they entered the bustling house, Keros felt a mixture of relief and gratitude. The weight of his past decisions began to lift, replaced by the warmth of his family's acceptance.
Throughout the evening, amidst shared stories and hearty laughter, Keros couldn't help but marvel at the resilience of family bonds. Nina, ever the spirited companion, seamlessly became a part of the festivities, her infectious energy spreading joy to everyone around her.
Little did Keros know that, in the days to come, he would need this newfound strength and support more than ever. The looming challenges ahead were unknown, but for now, he allowed himself to savor the simple yet profound happiness of being surrounded by those who cared for him.
As the evening unfolded, Keros' mother, prepared a simple meal for everyone. The aroma of home-cooked food filled the air, creating a cozy atmosphere that had been absent from Keros' life for far too long.
Over dinner, Keros couldn't help but glance around at the familiar faces. The rustic walls echoed with laughter and shared stories. It was a stark reminder of what he had almost forsaken in pursuit of misguided ambitions.
Later, as the family gathered in the living room, Keros' mother turned to Nina. "You're welcome to stay as long as you want, dear. We appreciate the help you've given Keros."
Nina's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Thank you! I'd love to stay, if it's not a bother."
Keros nodded, secretly relieved that his family had accepted Nina without hesitation. It felt like a second chance, an opportunity to mend the strained relationships he had unknowingly damaged.