King of Days: The Veiled Guardians

Chapter 23 The Turning of Ages

After the 3 years prescribed by King Garret, Karíto was now free from this particular servitude. The Vírlas family had grown up and were happy and healthy. Hûstin now had three children, Mira, Jun and Pello, who was born while Karíto was away. Pello was said to be as steadfast as stone. Pruä had also been married, and she had borne a daughter who was named Ethel. She was said to have wise eyes even as an infant.
Karíto walked with his troupe to the city early in the morning, as they entered a clarian horn sounded. Was it to announce his arrival? Karíto was greatly elated as he made his way through the city; he had only been back in the city two times during his sojourn. Once was to attend the birth of his niece Ethel and the other time was to pursue a spy in the city. He was grateful to have been able to see his family for both times, though the visits had been incredibly short. All the while he had been worried about his mother whose health had begun to decline. Since he was free from the overseeing power of the army he was unsure of who to see first after presenting himself to the king; whether it would be his family or the Orou he knew not, for the ever present threat of the Pechem laid heavily on his heart, however he greatly longed to see his family.
As they were walking he met Crees and they walked together for several blocks. Upon arriving at the Knights Quarters, Crees excused himself so he could tell the family of his arrival. Karíto turned to the troupe, thanked them and departed from them. Though it was a difficult time together it had not been totally happeless. While he was lowered before them he still out ranked them, he did not lord it over them, but instead he was one among them.
Karíto proceeded into the Knight Quarters and was intercepted by a small band of knights. There were many stories shared and catching up, and there was great sense of joy among them. The knights had been told of his absence and they marveled at many of Karíto's famed triumphs. They walked together like a merry band of brothers, reunited after what felt like an eternity. They passed the gates, and began to walk toward the palace when Ella, Lucia's personal maid greeted them. She told Karíto that the princess was waiting for him in the garden. He took his leave from his compatriots and made his way to the gardens, as he drew nearer to the garden he felt anxious, a bit breathless and a stomach full of knots. He had not seen Lucia for three years to the day, and he did not want to be apart from her ever again. His mind was a flutter, for there was much to do and people to see, and time did not seem to be enough.
He pushed the gate open and walked through the perennial grove that led straight to the waterfall. As he neared the waterfall he caught sight of her, she was wearing a white dress that was illuminated by the sunlight. Her dark brown hair gently blew in the wind, for it was the breezy time in the garden. That moment he saw her, she felt his presence, and turned around. They beheld one another, two person's shared one gaze, the love and beloved, and they were caught up in the beauty.
To Karíto's delight Lucia had grown in beauty, being the most fair she had ever been. To Lucia he was a rugged handsome youth, and her heart beat for him. It felt like an eternal moment gazing there at each other, and neither knew when that moment had passed, and the next when they were running to each other. No words were shared, for at that moment they were not necessary, their embrace said all that was necessary. Tears mixed with joy and sorrow flowed away, their emotions and wounds were healed together. Uniting their hands the greatest joy spread throughout, if this was not bliss, then what else could be? All else had faded away, there was perfection as long as there was this unity in the garden.

Breaking away from the garden she decided they should go back to the castle.