The carriages rattled over the uneven road, the northern winds whipping faintly around them. Baker sat in the family carriage, Cel curled comfortably on his lap. The pup's icy-blue eyes glimmered as he subtly practiced Enduring Body magic, flexing muscles and channeling frost mana under Baker's gentle guidance. Every so often, Baker would adjust the energy flow, letting the pup reinforce his limbs without overtaxing him.
Ventis, sitting across from him, glanced at her son with a soft smile. "You've grown so much, Baker. Both in strength and in heart. I wonder… how will your grandparents react when they meet you?"
Baker's eyes lit up. "I've never met them, but I've imagined it a thousand times. Mother, what are they like?"
"They're nobles, very busy with their lands and duties," Ventis explained. "They live far north — about a month by carriage from here. But they've always… cared for you, even from a distance. They simply never had the chance to visit."
Clarisse leaned forward slightly, resting her hands on her knees. "I've met them in passing. They value family highly, though protocol and duties can make them seem distant. You mustn't let that worry you. They'll see the boy I've heard so much about — talented, kind, and resourceful."
Baker's fingers absently stroked Cel's frost-tinged fur, the pup kneading slightly as he maintained his silent Enduring Body practice. "I just… hope they like me. And Celsius," he added, smiling down at the pup. Cel yipped softly, tail flicking as if affirming the sentiment.
Ventis chuckled softly. "I'm certain they'll be pleased. You carry the family well, Baker. And… I suspect they'll be as proud as we are."
The conversation drifted to memories of Ventis and Clarisse's childhoods. Baker listened intently, imagining the lives his mother and aunt had led, the joys and struggles that shaped them. Clarisse shared small anecdotes from her travels and training, while Ventis described quiet moments of growing up in the northern lands.
As the carriage rolled steadily onward, Baker closed his eyes briefly, letting Cel's subtle Enduring Body pulses reinforce his own muscles. He thought about the journey ahead: meeting grandparents he'd never known, showing the skills he had honed, and introducing Cel, who had become more than a companion — a silent partner in growth and strength.
By the time the sun began to dip toward the horizon, the family carriage had settled into a rhythm. Cel yawned, frost-tinged fur ruffling, but kept one eye alert, practicing small bursts of magic even in repose. Baker smiled down at him.
"Soon, we'll be there," he murmured. "And you'll see, everyone will understand why you're special too."
The journey continued into the fading light, the northern road stretching ahead — a path of family, discovery, and quiet magic shared between boy and pup.
The sun hung low in the northern sky as the family carriage rolled steadily through the snowy hills. Baker sat with Cel on his lap, the pup's frost-tinged fur brushing his arms as he maintained subtle Enduring Body pulses. The quiet rhythm of the wheels over the road made it easy to listen as Ventis began speaking.
"Your uncle… he's taken on much of the family's northern duties while still receiving guidance and help from his parents," Ventis explained, her voice calm. "He's very much like your father in temperament — serious, dutiful, and unwavering when it comes to his responsibilities."
Baker nodded thoughtfully. "So he manages the lands and affairs while still… keeping the family's honor?"
"Exactly," Ventis said. "He's methodical, precise, and respected by everyone there. But unlike your father, he's still young enough to be shaped by experience. I think seeing you now… he'll be proud, but also cautious. Nobility often judges quickly."
Clarisse, brushing a few snowflakes off her cloak, leaned forward. "And he's expected to marry soon," she added with a small smirk. "He's the youngest of the three brothers, but he's already twenty — it's imperative he produces an heir to continue the line. Though…" She glanced at Baker, eyes twinkling slightly, "he has a good heart, so perhaps it won't be as daunting as tradition sometimes makes it seem."
Baker's ears twitched, curiosity mixed with amusement. "An heir… huh? So the family really focuses on continuity."
"Yes," Ventis said, nodding. "Duty runs deep in our bloodline. But so does care. Your uncle knows the balance — he works hard, yes, but he also understands family."
Baker's gaze drifted to Cel, who had curled a little tighter on his lap, tail flicking with subtle frost pulses. "I guess that's something I'll have to understand too," he murmured. "The responsibilities, the expectations… and somehow, still finding time to grow, train, and help others."
Clarisse chuckled softly. "You'll manage it better than most. You already carry the gifts of the gods, the skills of your family, and… companions who care for you. Just remember, Baker — balance is key. Strength without guidance is wasted, and knowledge without heart is hollow."
Baker smiled down at Cel, feeling a warmth that contrasted with the pup's icy magic. "I'll remember," he said quietly. "And… I'll do my best to honor them all."
The carriage continued on, the snowy northern road stretching ahead. Baker thought of his uncle, the legacy he had yet to meet, and the family he was about to see. Cel's subtle pulses of frost and Enduring Body magic reassured him — no matter what awaited, he was growing stronger every step of the way.