Chapter 90: Home Comforts
After only a month away on his journey, it felt good for Eric to settle back into life at the Emberhart estate. The familiar spaces and routines were comforting, yet he saw it all with fresh eyes after his brief time away.
Lady Ellara in particular doted on Eric upon his return, intent on nurturing her son after his absence. She prepared lavish meals of all his favorite foods morning, noon, and night - rich stews brimming with meat and vegetables, honeyed cakes piled high with freshly whipped cream, savory pies bursting with gravy. As Eric ate his fill, she would sit nearby, catching him up on family happenings and estate business he had missed.
"Your cousin Leona is nearly ready to give birth," she said one morning as Eric dug into a stack of fluffy pancakes, drizzled in sweet syrup. "Perhaps we will pay a visit to see the new baby soon."
Eric nodded enthusiastically between bites. "I can't wait to meet my new cousin."
Lady Ellara smiled indulgently. "We received a letter from your aunt and uncle just yesterday. They are eager to hear of your adventures in the forest."
And so it went each day, with Lady Ellara keeping Eric apprised of all the family news and gossip he had missed. He was surprised how much could happen in just one short month away. But he was grateful for his mother's gentle fussing and nurturing spirit. It filled a hole in his heart he hadn't realized was there.
Lord Alaric was more reserved in his welcome. He greeted Eric with a strong clasp of his shoulder and a rare smile creasing his bearded face. "It's good to have you back, son," was all he said, but Eric detected a new glint of pride in his father's eye when looking at him.
A few days after his return, Alaric summoned Eric to the training yard to personally test his combat skills. He pushed Eric hard, seeing just how much his son had learned out in the wider world. Eric was eager to show off his mastery of both swordplay and spells. After an intense bout, Alaric stepped back, nodding in satisfaction.
"You have grown stronger indeed," he declared. "Whatever you faced out there has only refined your technique. Well done."
Eric swelled with happiness at the hard-won praise from his reserved father. It was a point of new understanding between them. Alaric clasped Eric's shoulder once more before heading off to attend to estate matters, Contentment settled over Eric as he realized his father had finally recognized him as a man.
In the quieter moments, Eric found himself drawn to the nursery and his infant sister Erica. She was just over 2 months old, an adorable, chubby-cheeked bundle of endless energy. She would squeal and babble excitedly, grabbing the bars of her crib, whenever Eric entered the room.
He delighted in scooping her up and playing little hand games, enthralled by her tiny grasping fingers and joyful giggles. Her bright eyes and toothless smiles never failed to melt his heart. Eric couldn't get enough of making her laugh. She seemed to share his own delight at their special bond.
At first, little Erica was wary when Shadow came near. But the great wolf showed his intelligence, always shifting to a puppy form before approaching her. Thus transformed into a harmless, floppy-eared ball of fluff, Shadow soon had Erica giggling as she tugged on his ears and tail.
Eric was overjoyed to see his sister and his loyal companion getting along so well. Their clear affection for each other matched his own. Eric knew Shadow would protect his little sister with his life, if need be. It comforted him to know she had such a stalwart guardian, even when Eric could not be there himself.
Eric settled contentedly back into the rhythms of home life, yet his thoughts often drifted back to his brief time in the Mistwood Forest. He missed the freedom and thrill of fending for himself in the wild. The comforts of home could not replace the exhilaration of adventure. He resolved that someday, once he had grown even stronger, he would venture out again to uncover the forest's hidden secrets. For now, he was grateful for the warmth of family.
On one quiet afternoon, as Eric rocked a sleepy baby Erica in the nursery, he gazed out the window at the lands surrounding the estate. In the distance, he could just glimpse the jagged line of the Mistwood Forest. Memories of exciting hunts and nights spent under the stars with Shadow flooded his mind. His hands itched to grasp the hilt of his sword once more.
"Someday, we'll go back," he murmured to the now slumbering Erica. "And you can come too, once you're old enough for adventures. You'll love the forest, I just know it. And Shadow will be there to protect us both."
The baby's lips curved into a hint of a smile, as if she understood. Eric set her gently in her crib, then headed off to find Shadow. They had training to do if they wanted to keep their skills sharp.
The days passed comfortably as Eric rediscovered the joys of home. But he stayed vigilant, committed to further developing his skills. Lord Alaric spoke ominously of dark forces stirring across the lands. As future Lord of Emberhart, Eric knew it would fall to him to stand against any threat to his family and his people. When the time came, he would be ready.
On a sunny morning just over a week after Eric's return, Alaric requested his presence in the map room. Eric entered to find his father studying a worn parchment map covered in small figures and markings. Without glancing up, Alaric beckoned Eric closer.
"There are stirrings of a kobold uprising in the western hills," he announced grimly. "Small raiding parties harassing the outer villages. It's not a full-fledged threat yet, but bears watching."
Eric gazed at the map, eyes quickly finding the western hills dotted with tiny sword icons. He felt a fluttering excitement at the prospect of conflict, a chance to test himself.
"What can I do, Father?" he asked.
Alaric gave him an appraising look. "For now, train. Hone your skills. We must always be prepared."
Eric nodded. When the time came, he would be ready.