Arty and their mom stood in the doorway with expressions a mix of confusion and mild alarm as they see a lot of people suddenly appeared in their modest ho.
Though they were accustod to Erend's strange comings and goings, and even aware of his role as a Dragonborn, this particular mont caught them off guard.
The room was now bustling with voices and movents as Erend's unusual group of companions filled the small space with their presence.
Before the awkward silence could stretch too long, Erend's mother quickly composed herself. Her warm welcoming nature took over and she smiled, brushing her hands on her apron.
"I'm so sorry, everyone," she said with voice tinged with genuine hospitality. "The house isn't as clean as it should be and I wasn't expecting guests. Erend didn't say a word about this!"
Erend rubbed the back of his neck, offering a sheepish grin.
"Yeah... sorry about that, Mom. Arty," he added, glancing toward his sister, who crossed her arms with a raised brow, clearly unimpressed. "I, uh, didn't exactly plan this well."
Aurdis stepped forward gracefully, her flowing white attire and calm deanor a stark contrast to the lively chaos. She inclined her head politely.
"The fault is ours. We should be the ones apologizing for arriving unannounced. It was inconsiderate of us."
Her tone was gentle and each word carrying the soft cadence of nobility. As expected of an Elf Princess.
Erend's mother waved her hands dismissively, her smile widening. "Oh, don't worry about it, Aurdis. You're all welco here. Let's not stand around, though. Co on, let's head to the backyard, it's more spacious there."
They all made their way through the house to the backyard. Arty followed, her sharp gaze scanning the group while trying not to seem too obvious about it.
Once outside, the group settled around a set of chairs and a small table under the shade of a tree. The backyard was simple and not really that spacious but cozy, with a well-tended garden lining the edges of the fence.
Eccar who always felt curious and carefree observer, leaned back in his chair with a bright smile, his gaze moving from one corner of the yard to another.
"This place is so different," he said with amusent. "I like it."
Saeldir, on the other hand stay sat upright, his brows slightly furrowed. Though he kept his expression neutral he could feel the distinct lack of Magic in the air.
The world felt oddly muted compared to the vibrant, Magic-rich environnt of the Elven Palace. It wasn't uncomfortable, per se, but it was... unusual.
Still, he remained polite and offering occasional nods and small smiles, trying not to let his feeling show.
Aurdis sat with her usual composed elegance with her hands folded neatly in her lap as shee look around the surroundings.
Her posture and calm deanor showing her royal upbringin and she seed determined to leave a good impression on Erend's mother and sister.
"It's lovely here. Just like always," Aurdis said with an air of genuine admiration. She turned toward Erend's mother and offered a warm smile.
"Your ho has such a peaceful charm to it, Ma'am. I can see why Erend speaks of it with such fondness."
Erend's mother bead at the complint, her earlier flustered state easing into a comfortable pride. Arty, still standing near the doorway, just give her a small smile. She always adore how pretty and elegant Aurdis is since the first ti they t. She just like a princess from the animation show she watched.
As the conversation continued, the atmosphere lightened.
The backyard filling with casual chatter and the occasional laugh.
Erend felt a glimr of relief as he looked around at the people he cared about around him, each of them slowly finding their place in this mont of unexpected harmony.
He hope that this mont will last forever.
For a mont, an awkward silence settled over the group. The initial wave of chatter had died down and everyone not sure how to continue the conversation. Because they ca from different world.
The only sounds were the faint rustling of leaves in the breeze and the chirping of birds in the distance.
Then, Arty broke the stillness with a bright suggestion, her eyes lighting up.
"Hey, why don't we do a barbecue? There are so many of us here, and Mom and I just stocked up on at in the fridge. It's perfect timing!"
Erend's eyes lit up at the idea, a grin spreading across his face. "Now that is a great idea! It's been a while since we've done a proper barbecue."
Eccar leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Barbecue?" he repeated, the unfamiliar word rolling off his tongue. "What's that? It sounds exciting!"
Arty smirked at his enthusiasm, glancing at Erend. "You didn't tell them, did you?"
Erend shrugged. "No. Lets give them surprise."
Aurdis and Saeldir exchanged amused glances, both of them smiling softly. Although they didn't fully understand what a barbecue is, the excitent in the air was contagious.
"I'll help set up," Erend's mother said warmly, already moving toward the kitchen. "Arty, let's get everything ready."
"On it!" Arty chirped, following her mother.
Erend stood as well.
"I'll grab the grill and get it fired up. You guys just relax for now," he said to their guests with cheerful tone.
As the preparations began, the backyard humd with activity.
Arty and her mother bustled in and out of the house, carrying trays of marinated ats, vegetables, and other ingredients.
Erend set up the grill near the edge of the yard, expertly stacking charcoal and lighting it with ease with his fire Magic.
Eccar hovered nearby, his curiosity uncontainable. "So, you cook the at over fire? Like... a feast?"
"Pretty much!" Erend replied with a chuckle, fanning the flas. "It's a way to bring everyone together, eat so good food, and just have a good ti. Its not always about the food."
"That sounds amazing," Eccar said, grinning. "I like this world already."
Aurdis watched the scene unfold with quiet fascination, her hands resting neatly on her lap. "It seems like a wonderful tradition," she said.
Saeldir, anwhile, couldn't help but cast the occasional glance toward Arty as she worked. Her enthusiasm and energy were infectious and he found himself smiling despite the unfamiliar surroundings.
Within minutes, the sll of sizzling at filled the air and mingling with the laughter and chatter of the group.
The backyard had transford into a lively and inviting space.
The sll of sizzling at wafted through the backyard and growing richer with every passing second.
Erend stood by the grill expertly tending to the cooking at while Eccar hovered beside him like a starved beast, his eyes fixed on the food with an intensity that made Erend sighed.
"Eccar," Erend said, turning a piece of at over with his tongs, "you can't just hog it all. You've got to wait for your turn like everyone else. This is about sharing, alright?"
"Sure, sure," Eccar replied, waving a hand dismissively but keeping his gaze locked on the grill. "I'll wait. Don't worry."
Erend squinted at him, unconvinced. "Yeah, I'll believe that when I see it."
Monts later, the first piece of at was perfectly grilled, its juices glistening as Erend placed it on a plate.
Before he could so much as blink, Eccar snatched it up with lightning speed, devouring it in one bite.
"Hey!" Erend exclaid.
"This is amazing!" Eccar said, his voice muffled slightly as he chewed. "It's so different from Elven food. Richer, smokier... I love it!"
Aurdis, seated nearby, tilted her head in amusent. "Different, you say?"
Eccar grinned widely, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Yeah, its different but all of it is delicious and I'm not picky. As long as it's food, I'm happy."
Erend but couldn't help smiling as he turned back to the grill. A few minutes later, another batch of at was ready.
This ti, Arty swooped in, skillfully arranging the food on plates before carrying them over to Aurdis and Saeldir.
"I hope you like it," Arty said, her tone slightly apologetic. "It might not be as fancy as Elven food, but we did our best."
Aurdis accepted the plate with a gracious smile with her unwavering elegant deanor. "That's not fair to say. I'm certain we'll enjoy it just as much, if not more."
Saeldir nodded in agreent, his gaze warm as he took the plate from Arty. "Thank you. We appreciate the effort you've all done for us."
They each took a bite, the flavors imdiately drawing their focus.
Aurdis glanced at Saeldir, her brow slightly raised in silent inquiry. Saeldir gave a small nod, his expression softening into approval.
"This is delicious," Aurdis said with tone of genuine delight.
"Truly," Saeldir added, his usual reserved deanor giving way to a rare smile. "Your brother done an excellent job."
Arty bead at their praise, feeling a swell of pride. "I'm glad you like it. There's plenty more if you want more!"
The group settled further into the lively atmosphere, laughter and chatter weaving through the warm air.
Erend, watching the scene unfold as he continued to grill, felt a quiet sense of contentnt.
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