FIORA: DARKNESS BEFORE DAWN

VOL 1 - Chapter 2 - The Mother

In the waning light of the afternoon, the front door of the siblings' home creaked open, revealing the radiant figure of Laussinna, their long-absent mother. Her long, fluffy bright pink hair cascaded around her shoulders like a waterfall of rose petals, while her red eyes sparkled with a mischievous energy that belied her exhaustion. Clad in a dirt-streaked and worn-out adventuring outfit, she appeared both fierce and enchanting.

As soon as her gaze fell upon her children, Laussinna's face broke into an ecstatic grin, and she rushed forward to envelop them in a tight embrace, her voice bubbling with apologies and affection. "My darlings, I am so sorry for missing your birthday party! I promise I'll make it up to you!"

The siblings, overwhelmed with joy at their mother's return, clung to her as they led her to the living room, where they settled down amidst a sea of plush cushions and warm, richly-patterned blankets. Laussinna regaled them with tales of her adventures and exploits, her vibrant words painting a vivid tapestry of a world far beyond the confines of their quiet village.

From the kitchen, Matterinna watched the scene unfold, her hands submerged in warm, soapy water as she washed the dishes. A soft smile graced her lips as she bore witness to the reunion of a family long separated but still bound by the unbreakable ties of love and devotion.

As the evening wore on, the atmosphere in the living room was suffused with a warmth and contentment that had been absent for far too long. Laussinna had distributed her collected treasures amongst her children, each trinket a tangible reminder of her love for them, even during her prolonged absence. The siblings examined their gifts with awe and reverence, their hearts swelling with gratitude and affection.

Eventually, as the fire in the hearth began to dwindle, Illyanna turned her wide, light pink eyes toward her mother and asked in a small, hesitant voice, "Mom, where is father? When will he be coming home?"

Laussinna's radiant smile faltered for a moment, and she glanced down at her lap, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the worn fabric of her adventuring outfit. "Your father," she began slowly, her voice tinged with regret, "is still away due to unforeseen circumstances. He had to stay behind to handle some important matters, but he sends his love and promises to return as soon as he can."

The siblings exchanged worried glances, their earlier elation dampened by the continued absence of their father. Yet, in the midst of their concern, they found solace in the presence of their mother and one another, a reminder that their family, though incomplete, was still bound by the strongest of ties.

Laussinna, her eyes sparkling with mischief and excitement, turned to Matterinna, who was just finishing the last of the dishes in the adjacent kitchen. "Matterinna, my dear, it has been far too long since we had a bit of fun together, hasn't it?" She grinned, gesturing to the sturdy wooden table that occupied the center of the living room. "What do you say we engage in a friendly arm wrestling competition? Just like old times."

Matterinna, caught off guard by the sudden proposal, hesitated for a moment before drying her hands on a nearby towel and joining Laussinna at the table. "Very well, my lady. I accept your challenge," she replied, a hint of amusement in her voice.

The siblings gathered around the table, their eyes wide with anticipation as Laussinna and Matterinna locked hands, their faces set with determination. The firelight flickered across their faces, casting dancing shadows on the walls as they commenced their contest of strength and resolve.

The intensity of the arm wrestling match captivated the siblings, their eyes flitting between the locked hands and the focused expressions of Laussinna and Matterinna. As the match reached its crescendo, the two women seemed to be engaged in a silent, unspoken dialogue, their eyes communicating volumes beyond mere words.