The wagons seemed endless as the people surrounded them.
It was my first time up there inside the towers. The long line of black wagons, horses, and the golden-white men surrounding them looked like an army. A small one, but an army nonetheless. Those uniforms were easy to spot even from that far. Behind us, most of the town came out and lined up, taking in the number of people. It hit me hard just how fast we had expanded.
"Someone go and inform Setil and Stuart about our new arrivals." I climbed down a little and took Alexander's hand, who helped me jump down.
"Jake! Go to the tavern. Mirine, check in on the work at the house, find Metill, report back quickly," Alexander gave out the orders. The two closest ran off while two more opened the gates.
My husband slowly rode in on a horse ahead of the others. He stopped his black mare, jumped off, and walked the rest of the way toward us.
"Hello all." He gave me a little kiss and let Manata take his horse. "Mellos, lead them in and let the people out already."
One of the two men riding behind him took off his helmet and bowed toward Carlos. "Understood, Lord."
They galloped past us, some nodding with smiles while others who peeked out the wagons waived at Zephyr and Carlos, whom they actually knew.
"So many. Wasn't there any trouble on the road, little brother?" asked Alexander.
"No. They did have an extra hundred archers with them—they would need a small army of bandits to take them on." He was just in his black sweater, which he loved so much, as he turned back to me.
"Where is our kid?" he asked.
"Left her home with Granny and Ciren. She's getting restless, you know." I looked up to his face, blaming him for her moody behavior. "She wants to get back to training."
"Not until Monday, she won't..." he snickered.
"Why Monday?" I asked, confused.
He looked toward Carlos and my mother, who were waving to the crowd. "I promised Carlos's grandmother to visit her. The delegation must have arrived in Malai to see Levitan and his acolytes. In three days, we should have a date for the reunification/engagement party."
"Just a day, right?" I asked suspiciously. Jetting off for days without me will not happen again.
"Yes, my love, and it needs to be now. Once the date is set and people are reorganized, we have work to be done. Mining the quarry will come in full swing with Carlos at the helm, and roads need to be built. Nifa's merchants arrive soon, and we need to talk to them, and then..."
"Hush, hush..." I squeezed him tight, calming his racing mind. "...You have help."
He took a few deep breaths. "You're right. I have Alexander, Lucian, Carlos, Ciren, Manata, and Moritz, my sisters, and a wondrous daughter, not to mention..."
(TWACK)
"How about the woman you're spending the rest of your life with!?" His body was so solid it hurt my knuckles when punching it.
"I know. I rely on you a great deal," he smiled, lifting me a little.
"Liar... but keep saying things like that."
I felt his fingers so clearly now. We couldn't indulge in each other's touches because of all the extra layers winter required. Now, as he slid them up...
"Ahem..."
Mother played morality police after making me listen to... details... which I was not even allowed to tell Zephyr since he promised to move out if I ever did go into a play-by-play.
"Let us go and greet them." She pointed at the now empty road.
"Now go. Did you prepare a speech?" I asked him. We followed the others inside and let the gate close behind us.
"Pfft... don't need to, my love," he pointed at his head with a silly smile. "It's all up here. It's a gift, really."
I pinched him a little, but I was amazed how easily he talked to crowds of people, even way back in the day. No nerves or fear of any kind. I hoped our kids inherited this quality.
The Welcome Speech
Inside the town square were enough people to make me dizzy. We stood in the middle of it, and even if it had happened before, all these eyes on me made my heart pound and made me nervous, as if I were on display. I felt my hand squeezed. His usual confident smile helped me calm down like it was magic.
He turned to the others and raised his voice. "Welcome to Emet Village! I'm going to be brief. You've had a long journey and need food and a night of good rest!"
He talked loud enough so everyone could hear him. "Once feasted, our men will escort you to your brand new houses, which have been finished just this morning..."
""" WOOO... YEAH! """
He had to stop for the cheers to end. The people shared some happy smiles. They hadn't anticipated sleeping under their own roofs straight away. Once again, my husband's forward thinking allowed them to immediately start their lives inside their own homes.
"We will hold on to the actual celebration until we get to know each other a little better. I hope we all learn to live in harmony!" He already warned all about giving them a little space and letting our merge come naturally, like with those from old Tori village.
"Use the coming days to explore and mingle. Soon there will be even more changes. Tomorrow night! Our very own troupe of entertainers will act out their original play, Tragic Love."
He pointed at the Monroe family, who all displayed some tricks, jumps, and rolls as Ceron bowed proudly. It was hard not to laugh at my husband's pretended enthusiasm. He wasn't a theater fan, but the people from Dharma could barely contain themselves.
Just wait until our own theater is standing... I guess there were ways to spend the gold once everyone settled. If we can't indulge ourselves, then what is the point of it?
"Until then, enjoy the food and the ale. Those ready to see their houses right away can ask..." he looked around, searching. "...My little brother over there. His name is Manata Emil, and he will be largely responsible for your smooth transition. Thank you for listening... and welcome home!"
The people cheered him like it was a performance, and poor, naive Manata never looked prouder or happier.
"You're lazy," I said, giving my opinion.
He looked bewildered. "You dare!?" he said, starting to chase me.
It was a long time since we were able to run without fear of slipping down the mud and snow.
I let him catch me. "Let's grab our princess and join in."
I was okay with that, but since we were inside the forest and no one was around...
"But first..." I checked my panties. Good, I didn't need to take them down. "Let's celebrate a little... privately."
I pushed him on the nearby tree, and we did celebrate... twice.