"Who are?" Talia asks, stepping closer to him, following his gaze with her own. She scans the road beyond their sprawling fields, anxiety building in her chest. Her hand instinctively moves to the grip of her blaster, holstered by her side.

  Before the conversation can continue, IG-22 approaches from the orchard, its dark form moving with measured precision, the red photoreceptors fixed on Ryu and Talia. The droid's metallic limbs glide smoothly, exuding a sense of quiet authority that matches its solemn demeanor.

  "King Alduin and Queen Myra are arriving," IG-22 states, its voice flat, concise, and efficient.

  With its message delivered, it turns away smoothly, heading back towards the orchard with purposeful strides as it returns to its task.

  Talia turns to Ryu and scowls, giving him a playful smack on the shoulder. "Don't scare me like that," she says, shaking her head with a small laugh of relief. Before Ryu can answer, Talia eyes widening slightly as she places a hand on Ryu's arm. "Oh, I forgot to tell you—my parents are arriving a day earlier."

  Ryu turns to her, his tense expression shifting to one of confusion. "Why didn't you tell me?"

  Talia gives him a small, sheepish smile, her eyes apologetic. "I didn't want to ruin your good mood," she admits, her tone gentle.

  Ryu sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Talia..."

  As she turns her attention back toward the road, Ryu glances down at Nikko and the twins, who have been watching him with wide eyes. Slowly, a giggle escapes Nikko's lips, followed by soft chuckles from Mirajane and Lisanna. Ryu can't help but laugh as well, his serious demeanor easing as the tension breaks. The girls' laughter is infectious, and for a moment, the air is filled with lightness again.

  In the distance, a section of the caldera's walls part, and a horse-drawn carriage comes into view, flanked by several riders. The riders, dressed in gleaming armor, are elven soldiers from Elaria, their presence marked by the Elarian crest emblazoned on their chest plates and the flags they carry. The carriage itself is an elegant work of craftsmanship, adorned with the same Elarian crest on its door—a symbol of royalty. The horses' hooves echo against the stone road as they draw closer, their polished tack glinting in the sunlight.

  The carriage comes to a smooth stop before the group, and the riders dismount, standing at attention. One of the soldiers moves forward to open the door, revealing Alduin, the King of Elaria. He steps out first, his posture regal as ever, his long black hair falling over his shoulders. He is dressed in a rich burgundy robe adorned with gold embroidery, a testament to his status.

  Behind him steps Queen Myra, elegant as ever, her presence commanding attention. She is dressed in a flowing emerald gown that shimmers as she moves, the delicate fabric fluttering in the breeze. Her fiery red hair, streaked with hints of silver, is styled into an elaborate updo, and she holds a delicate fan in her hand, which she uses to fan herself. Her beauty is undeniable, and it's clear from her features where Talia inherited her own striking looks. Myra's sharp blue eyes scan the manor grounds as she steps forward with grace.

  "Silvia!" Myra exclaims with joy as she steps forward and embraces her daughter. The two share a warm hug, though it's clear that Myra's eyes are already scanning for imperfections. "It's been too long, my dear."

  Meanwhile, Alduin turns to Ryu, the two men exchanging a firm handshake, their mutual respect apparent in the way they greet each other. "Ryu," Alduin says, his voice deep and resonant, "you've been raising my granddaughters right, I trust?"

  "Of course," Ryu replies with a smile, glancing over at Talia and their children.

  The twins and Nikko waste no time, rushing over to their grandparents the moment Alduin and Myra step out of the carriage. They shout with joy as they throw their small arms around them. Myra laughs heartily, her eyes sparkling with love as she kneels to meet them at their level.

  "My, my, look how big you've all gotten!" Myra teases, gently cupping one twin's cheek. "How old are two now? Three?" she asks playfully.

  The twins puff out their chests proudly. "We're five!" they giggle in unison.

  Myra feigns astonishment, raising her hand to her mouth in mock surprise. "Five?! Why, you're practically grown-ups now!"

  The twins giggle at their grandmother's theatrics. As the playful exchange with the twins winds down, Myra turns her attention to Nikko, her sharp blue eyes twinkling with warmth. She stands up straight, fanning herself lightly as she takes in the sight of the young girl before her. With an exaggerated gasp, she places a hand on her chest, her expression one of mock astonishment.

  "And that would make you twelve now, wouldn't it?" Myra exclaims, her voice playfully dramatic. She steps closer to Nikko, her gaze moving from the tips of the cat girl's twitching ears down to her boots, taking in her height with a thoughtful tilt of her head.

  Nikko, her tail swishing with excitement, nods eagerly, a proud smile spreading across her face. "Yes, Grandma, I am thirteen now!" she says, her voice filled with the eager energy of a child who knows she's grown.

  Myra steps back slightly, pretending to measure Nikko's height with her hand, lifting it to the level of her own shoulders. "My goodness, look how tall you've gotten!" she exclaims, her tone filled with over-the-top amazement. "Why, it seems like just yesterday you were barely reaching my waist and now look at you! You're nearly as tall as me!"

  Nikko giggles, her ears flicking with joy as she stands a little straighter, trying to appear even taller under her grandmother's playful scrutiny. "I've been growing a lot lately!" she says with a wide grin, her tail swishing more vigorously behind her.

  Myra chuckles warmly, reaching out to gently ruffle Nikko's hair, her touch tender despite the exaggerated nature of her words. "I can see that, my dear," she says with a smile that softens the playful edge of her previous words. "You're growing into such a beautiful young lady, just like your mother."

  Nikko beams at the compliment, her eyes shining with happiness. "Thank you, Grandma," she says, her voice carrying a mixture of pride and affection.

  Myra's smile widens, and she gently cups Nikko's cheek, her expression filled with genuine love. "You're very welcome, sweetheart. Just don't grow up too fast on me, okay?"

  Nikko laughs softly.

  The two share a warm, affectionate look before Myra leans down to give Nikko a gentle hug, her arms wrapping around the girl with a tenderness that speaks volumes about the depth of her love.

  Meanwhile, Alduin stands with the twins clinging to him, both calling him Gran-Gran with such frequency that it begins to wear on his patience.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  "You know, girls," Alduin says in his deep, regal voice, "I'd much prefer 'Grandpa.' Don't you think it's a little more... appropriate?"

  The twins shake their heads vigorously in unison, their mischievous smiles unwavering. "We like Gran-Gran better!" they say in perfect harmony.

  Alduin sighs deeply, resigned to his fate. "It seems I won't be able to change your minds."

  "Not a chance, Gran-Gran!" Nikko chirps with a grin, earning a small chuckle from Talia.

  As Alduin gathers his composure, he turns to Talia with a warm smile. The two share an embrace, his large frame engulfing her smaller one. "It's so good to see you again, Silvia," Alduin says softly.

  Talia smiles, returning the embrace before pulling back to greet her mother. Myra's hug is tight and full of warmth, her regal demeanor softening as she holds her daughter close. "It's been too long," Myra says fondly, brushing a lock of Talia's hair behind her ear as they part.

  Ryu, standing nearby, keeps his face composed, though his smile seems a bit forced. "You're early," he says politely as Myra steps toward him, wrapping him in a brief but firm hug. "We weren't expecting you until tomorrow."

  "We made good time," Myra replies, stepping back and giving Ryu a once-over. "Your daughters' clothes are filthy," she scoffs, gesturing to the mud-stained clothes of Mirajane and Lisanna.

  Talia sighs and rolls her eyes. "Mom," she says with exasperation.

  "I'm just saying," Myra continues, fanning herself as she speaks. "Children of royalty should be dressed elegantly, not running around in mud."

  Just then, two more figures step out of the carriage. The moment they spot Talia, they shriek with excitement and rush toward her. Talia's eyes widen in shock as they wrap her in a tight embrace. "Alora! Alissa!" Talia exclaims, surprised to see them.

  The three women share a heartfelt reunion, their laughter filling the air as they embrace. Meanwhile, Ryu, Nikko, and the twins watch with wide eyes, a bit confused by the sudden appearance of these two unfamiliar women.

  After a few moments, Talia pulls away from her sisters and turns to her family. "Let me introduce my sisters," she says with a smile. "This is Alora," she gestures to the eldest, "and this is Alissa."

  Alora, the eldest, is dressed in an elegant gown, befitting her status as the next in line for the throne. Her long red hair falls in loose waves over her shoulders, and her sharp features and piercing blue eyes give her a commanding presence. Alissa, on the other hand, is dressed in adventurer's gear—practical leather armor that highlights her role as a cleric. Her platinum-colored hair is tied back in a simple braid, her face freckled and youthful, with a spark of adventure in her blue eyes.

  Alora and Alissa bow slightly in greeting. Talia then steps toward her children and places a hand on Nikko's shoulder. "And these are my children," she says proudly. "This is Nikko," she gestures to the cat girl, "and these two rapscallions are Mirajane and Lisanna." She stands behind the twins, ruffling their hair playfully.

  Alora and Alissa smile warmly and bend down to shake the hands of Nikko and the twins. Mirajane and Lisanna stand still, still in awe of their aunts, while Nikko smiles warmly and shakes their hands.

  But Alora and Alissa's gazes soon fall upon Ryu, who has been watching the interaction quietly from the side. A gleeful smile spreads across their faces as they approach him.

  "So, you must be the Ryu our little sister mentions so much in her letters," Alora says in a sly tone, her eyes raking over him.

  Alissa giggles, throwing her own sly remark. "I can see why she's so smitten."

  "I can see why our sister fell for you," Alora adds with a smirk. "Quite the catch, isn't he?"

  Ryu, feeling slightly overwhelmed, scratches the back of his head awkwardly, his lips tugging into a faint smile as he tries to come up with a response. "Well, I do my best," he says sheepishly.

  Talia rolls her eyes fondly at her sisters. "All right, that's enough of that," she says, stepping forward to rescue her husband from their teasing.

  The twins, however, aren't as easily deterred and eagerly rush up to their aunts, their small hands tugging on their dresses. Their faces are filled with curiosity as they bombard Alora and Alissa with questions.

  "Auntie Alora, where do you live?" Mirajane asks with a serious expression, as if trying to imagine her aunt's home in vivid detail.

  Before Alora can answer, Lisanna pipes up, tugging on Alissa's sleeve. "Auntie Alissa, are you married?"

  Alissa, flustered and trying to keep up, laughs lightly, "No, not yet, Lisanna—"

  Mirajane interrupts, turning her gaze to Alora. "Are you as old as Mama?"

  Alora, still chuckling, tries to answer, "Well, almost, but—"

  "Auntie Alora," Mirajane persists, her voice filled with curiosity, "do you have any children? Why haven't you visited us before?"

  Alora opens her mouth to respond, but Lisanna jumps in with another question, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Auntie Alissa, what do you do for work? Are you like Papa and Mama?"

  Before Alissa can get a word out, Mirajane tugs on her dress again. "How long are you staying with us?" she asks with a hopeful smile.

  "And do you have pets?" Lisanna adds, bouncing on her toes, barely giving her aunt a moment to reply.

  "That's enough, you two," Talia finally interjects, stepping in to rescue her sisters. "Give your aunts some space."

  The twins pout but obediently step back, though their curiosity remains undiminished. Alora and Alissa both sigh in relief, smiling fondly at the children. As the reunion unfolds, Apollo stands quietly by the entrance, ever watchful, his imposing figure nearly blending into the shadows. His presence, while silent, is far from unnoticed. Alora, in particular, keeps stealing glances at the droid, her expression a mix of curiosity and unease.

  "Who is that?" Alora finally asks in a hushed voice, her eyes narrowing slightly as she observes Apollo.

  Ryu, catching her gaze, replies calmly, "That's Apollo. He's an old friend of ours. He keeps a keen eye on the estate and the kids. He's also become quite the tutor for them."

  Apollo steps forward slightly, his voice resonating with calm precision. "I teach the young mistresses basic writing, reading, mathematics, and history, among other subjects," he explains.

  Alora nods slowly, though the slight tension in her shoulders remains. "He's... quite intriguing," she says, though her voice carries a hint of apprehension.

  "He is," Ryu agrees with a slight smile. "But he's not much of a social person."

  Alora and Alissa pause, eyes widening as they notice the Crucible resting on the landing pad. The sleek, polished surface gleams under the sunlight, the starship's massive frame casting an imposing yet mesmerizing silhouette against the sky.

  "What... what is that?" Alora stammers, her gaze locked on the ship, awe mixed with disbelief in her voice. Even the elven soldiers, typically stoic, exchange looks of amazement and confusion, murmuring amongst themselves as they take in the sight of the alien vessel.

  Ryu crosses his arms with a small smirk. "That's the Crucible. My starship."

  Alissa's mouth falls open as she turns to Ryu. "Starship? You mean... it's a ship that can actually fly across the stars?" Her question hangs in the air as she tries to absorb the reality of it.

  Ryu nods, but Alissa and Alora both turn swiftly to Myra and Alduin, their expressions incredulous. "And we traveled by carriage for weeks when Ryu has a ship that could've brought us here in hours?" Alissa exclaims, a slight tone of exasperation in her voice.

  Myra folds her arms, eyeing the Crucible suspiciously. "I don't trust it," she says, narrowing her gaze as if the ship itself is something dubious.

  Ryu groans, rubbing his temples. "For the thousandth time, The Crucible is perfectly safe."

  Alduin chuckles, placing a reassuring hand on Ryu's shoulder. "Believe me, Ryu. There's no use. I've tried," he says, shaking his head in resignation.

  Alora and Alissa roll their eyes, muttering under their breath, while Nikko and the twins giggle at their aunt's frustration. Talia, standing beside them, can't help but let out a sympathetic laugh, reaching over to squeeze her sisters' hands.

  "How about some cake and tea?" she suggests brightly.

  Everyone eagerly agrees, with Mirajane, Lisanna, and Nikko the most excited at the prospect of cake. The group begins to make their way toward the backyard, where Talia, with the help of Apollo and Ryu, set up a beautiful tea party on the porch.

  The Elven soldiers gather near Alduin, their horses standing alert as they ready themselves to depart. One of the soldiers steps forward, bowing respectfully. "Is there anything else you require of us, Your Majesty?"

  King Alduin shakes his head, a calm yet authoritative expression on his face. "No. Return to Eldorith and await my call."

  The soldiers nod in acknowledgment, their respect evident as they mount their horses. The carriage carrying a few remaining supplies and provisions is prepared to follow, its wheels creaking slightly as it is maneuvered into position. With a final, respectful bow to their king, the soldiers turn their horses, guiding them toward the edge of the caldera.

  At their approach, the natural wall of the caldera begins to part, revealing a carefully carved tunnel that extends through the stone, illuminated by faintly glowing crystals embedded within the rock.

  One by one, the horses step into the passage, hooves echoing softly as they proceed. The carriage follows, its wheels leaving faint tracks in the stone path as they exit the caldera. The wall gradually seals behind them, leaving only a faint outline in the stone, as if the entrance were never there at all.