Fate Weaver's convergence

C52

"How've you been kiddo? Mama's missed you a lot!"

"I missed you a lot too, Mama!"

Hatsumi was struggling to keep her voice in check from her excitement, squeezing Kiyomi with one final hug before releasing her. She hadn't anticipated being this elated at reuniting with her daughter, so she was doing her best to keep her emotions in check given the events the passed over the course of the week. Callum, his brother Stannis, and Chessa were not far behind; walking up just as the mother-daughter duo broke apart.

"Hey kid, we're back!"

Callum waved, most of the group now visible; illuminated by a closeby lamp post as they approached.

"Welcome back Uncle Cal! Uncle Stan! Auntie Ches!"

Kiyomi chimed back as cheerfully as she could.

"That's the first time I've been called 'Stan', I almost feel hurt if 'uncle' wasn't at the front end."

Stannis said in an exhausted tone, a horse coming into view just behind him, trailing the older of the group by a lead.

"Ah-Sorry, I-"

Kiyomi attempted to apologize before Stannis's hand planted on her head, ruffling the hair between her horns.

"Don't sweat it Kiyomi, I like it."

Stannis kept walking as he responded, Chessa, and the horse continuing to follow as they approached the gate.

"We'll see you in Lorn's office, Hatsumi."

The Elf in the group turned around, walking in reverse as she marked their departure from the other two of the party.

"I'll link up with you all if anything comes up."

Callum replied, dropping a bag to his side as they continued further away. Under his breath, a restrained complaint was uttered to himself.

"Still gonna ignore the kid, Chessa?"

Callum brushed himself off lightly before grabbing Kiyomi's attention from her mother.

"So, kid, where's my hug?"

Callum knelt to make it easier for Kiyomi to come in for an embrace but was met with an uninterested eye roll. Callum feigned his disappointment before feeling Kiyomi's weight slam into him and making him stagger.

"I'm glad you're all back, safe and sound, Uncle-Cal~."

Looking over the small demon, she was almost unchanged from the time they'd set out.

"Well, your mother asked you a question, kid. How've you been?"

Callum and Hatsumi both expected Kiyomi to light up as if she'd had all manner of tales, details, or questions to ask. The last thing the pair ever expected was for her to shrink away from Callum with a crooked frown.

"Miss Maria..."

Kiyomi looked to the maid rather than her mother nor Callum, to their surprise.

"Kiyomi?"

Hatsumi's ears tilted ever so slightly as her confusion mounted slightly as her daughter suddenly avoided eye contact with her.

"Lady Kiyomi, I'm sure you're still tired after today. Allow myself and Lady Sophia to explain what we can, you go join your friends."

With Maria's words, Kiyomi back away before turning and running back to the tent she'd just exited; catching Vaughn off guard and dragging him back inside alongside her.