Spirit's Awakening: The Path of Lightning and Water-Chapter 353: Catching up

As they reached the dining room, Gryphon pushed the heavy oak doors open with ease. "After you," he said, gesturing with a playful bow.

Inside, the dining table stretched long enough to seat twenty, but the family naturally gathered towards one end.

The Vanthar dining hall exuded an inviting warmth, with magical fires flickering in sconces along the walls and the faint hum of activity in the background as the kitchen staff prepared the meal.

Everard pulled out a chair for Egelina, his movements gentle, while Gryphon slid into a seat with his usual ease. Lassim hesitated a moment, but fell back into the same routine that he followed as a child, taking the seat closest to his mother.

Egelina’s hand remained lightly on his arm, with a mixture of joy and disbelief still across her face. "I can’t believe you’re really here, my baby," she said, her emerald eyes shimmering. "It feels like only yesterday you were running through these halls. You’ve been gone too long"

"I’ve missed you too, Mother," Lassim said with a soft chuckle. He placed his hand gently over hers. "And I’m glad to be back. But, I’m not here alone."

Lassim’s father raised a brow, as he reached for his goblet of wine that the maid just served. "Oh?" he asked.

Lassim leaned back slightly in his chair, his storm-filled eyes sparking, "I’d like you to meet my partners and closest companions. There were still little motes of light when we last said goodbye, but they’re here now." he said with warmth in his voice.

He extended his hand, and a ripple of violet and cerulean energy shimmered in the air. The temperature in the room shifted subtly, a faint crackle of electricity intertwining with the serene coolness of flowing water.

Then, with a ripple that seemed to bend the space around it, Marinelle appeared.

The Royal Dragon-horned Koi floated in mid-air, her massive, two-meter-long form moving with ethereal grace. Her massive and flowing silk-like fins undulated as though she were swimming in an invisible ocean, and the golden runes across her scales caught the soft glow of the magical fires, refracting light into dazzling patterns. Her dragon-like horns curved elegantly from her head, lending her an air of regal authority that even his parents and Uncle Gryphon felt.

Egelina’s breath caught. "Oh, my… Lassim, she’s stunning," she said, rising slightly from her seat as if to get a better view.

Marinelle’s serene gaze turned to Egelina, and she inclined her head gracefully. "Lady Vanthar, it is an honor," she said, her voice calming like a gentle brook in a forest.

"She speaks! What!?" Egelina exclaimed, her emerald eyes wide with wonder. She reached out tentatively, her hand hovering near one of Marinelle’s flowing fins. The water elemental spirit floated closer, allowing her touch, and Egelina let out a soft laugh as her fingers brushed against the cool, silk-like texture. "Usually spirits are only supposed to have the ability to communicate with others once you’re deep into the Spirit Transcendance stage. How remarkable! And, please just call me mother. You’re my child now too!"

Everard, his fiery gaze fixed on the ethereal being, gave an approving nod. "A remarkable elemental spirit. She carries herself like a queen. Call me father as well."

Marinelle inclined her head again, a faint ripple of amusement in her serene voice. "Mother. Father." she gracefully replief.

Before anyone could respond, the faint hum of static filled the air, and a sharp crackle of lightning heralded Zaphyrella’s arrival.

The massive thunderbird appeared in a burst of violet and gold light, her three-meter-tall frame nearly brushing the ceiling as she landed somewhat clumsily with a wobble and wings at her sides.

Her violet feathers shimmered with golden tips, and the full crown of golden feathers on her head gave her an almost regal appearance. Sparks of fused mana-fueled electricity danced across her feathers, and her eagle-like, intelligent eyes darted around the room, taking in her surroundings.

"Zaphyrella," Lassim said with a fond smile. "Be careful since we’re inside."

The thunderbird let out a chirp that carried a faint electrical hum before flashing forward in a burst of lightning, her talons clicking lightly against the stone floor as she practically teleported to a new spot next to his mother.

She leaned down to inspect Egelina, her beak mere inches from the woman’s face, before nuzzling her cheek. A static shock made Egelina gasp, but her surprised laugh quickly followed.

"She’s enormous!" Egelina said, her voice tinged with awe. "And so lively."

Zaphyrella straightened and turned her attention to Everard. In a flash, she appeared as his side. He remained seated but met her gaze unflinchingly. The thunderbird tilted her head, her crown of feathers rustling slightly as she inspected him. Then, with a playful chirp, she lowered her beak and gave his shoulder a gentle nudge.

Everard chuckled, brushing off the faint static charge that followed. "She reminds me of my Phoenix," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "But filled with so much more mischief and energy."

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"She’s been like that since she hatched from her mote," Lassim said, shaking his head with a grin. "Mari keeps her calm and is definitely acting as the older sister of us three, but Zaphy… She’s just full of energy and likes to be a part of fights, throwing around bolts of lightning or going fast."

Zaphyrella let out a series of chirps that sounded suspiciously like laughter before spreading her wings slightly, the faint crackle of lightning filling the air as she stretched.

Gryphon, who had been watching from his seat, raised a brow as a spark jumped from one of her feathers to his goblet.

"Careful with that, bird," Gryphon muttered, though the corner of his mouth twitched in a smile.

"She’s just saying hello," Marinelle said, her calm voice carrying a hint of amusement.

Egelina reached up to brush her hair back, strands of which had become slightly static. "Well, I think she’s wonderful," she said with a laugh. "Though I’m not sure our furniture would survive her enthusiasm for long."

Zaphyrella ruffled her feathers as if in response, then settled herself at Lassim’s side, her towering form nearly dwarfing the table. "Nice to meet you mom and dad!" Her voice chirped out with an awkward loudness that filled their minds.

Egelina, still brushing her hair where Zaphyrella’s static charge had left it slightly askew, turned to Everard with a fond smile. "I’m glad you’ve received such wonderful companions. Make sure to always take care of these sisters of yours then."

Everard leaned forward slightly, resting his arms on the table. "Speaking of remarkable companions," he began, his fiery eyes glinting with curiosity, "Your Drow friends have been quite busy since they arrived."

Lassim’s smile widened, "Oh? So, they’re doing well, then?" he asked.

"They’ve become an integral part of the estate in quite the short order," Everard said. "Their techniques and skills are unlike anything I’ve personally seen. Those other friends you invited, Cirra and Gregor, have been invaluable partners to them, setting up that apothecary shop in the city. The medicines and potions they’ve developed? Revolutionary. Not only are the rest of the nobles in neighboring territories started sending word about wanting shipments, we’ve had the Alchemist and Apothecary guild send notice about their intentions to send approvals to certify Cirra and Gregor’s establishment. Apparently there’s some sort of project they’re working on that needs some sort of additional funding? They’ve been working hard to push their sales in recent months—probably about six months ago now?"

Egelina nodded in agreement. "Indeed… The Drow have brought a sense of artistic revival to the estate! I do quite love their artistry and craftsmanship, especially with their designs always incorporating that unique, root-like pattern. The apothecary is just one aspect—but, oh, I must say, their children…" She trailed off with a soft laugh. "I haven’t seen so much life and energy in the estate in years."

"Their children? That’s great to hear!" Lassim asked as he fondly remembered the first sets of babies born while back in Khaalseru’s realm.

"Oh, yes," Egelina replied, her emerald eyes sparkling. "They’ve settled in completely. Sanvra, the head priestess, has been particularly busy. You’ll be pleased to hear she’s been working closely with Hallen."

Lassim tilted his head slightly, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "I gathered that they have started having an… interesting relationship? At least her last message to me on the communication disc suggested so."

"Interesting is one way to put it," Gryphon interjected with a chuckle. "I’d call it amusing. The way Hallen fawns over her—he’s practically a lovesick puppy."

Egelina’s laugh was warm and melodic. "He’s been very dedicated, helping them integrate into society and navigate the changes after so long in isolation. They’ve even started attending local festivals together. It wouldn’t surprise me if they…" She paused, her tone turning light and playful, "…too had a little child running around the estate as well in the near future."

Lassim raised an eyebrow, but his smile grew fonder. "Sanvra’s quite fierce. I can only imagine Hallen trying to keep up with her. She nearly killed me when we first met. Haha."

Everard chuckled deeply, shaking his head. "He’s managing somehow, though he’s likely worn out from how she never seems to sleep. Though, the Drow children certainly seem to adore him, so I think he’ll do alright if things keep going that direction. They’re often trailing behind him when he’s visiting the estate when he sends his reports."

"That sounds about right," Lassim said, his tone filled with warmth. "I really enjoyed having him escort me during the start of my journey to the southern continent. I’m glad everyone’s thriving though. They deserve a life of peace and prosperity after everything they endured in the dimensional realm they were trapped in."

Egelina’s hand that had never left Lassim’s arm stroked him gently as she said, "You brought them that peace, my love. They wouldn’t be here without you."

Lassim’s expression softened, but grew thoughtful. "Oh, have you heard anything about the Giffard family? About Sirium?"

Egelina’s emerald eyes brightened with recognition. "Ah, Sirium Giffard—your friend you told us about from the Academy, yes?"

Lassim nodded. "Yes. He was one of my closest friends back then. We haven’t spoken at all really since I left, but back then I wrote you both that letter to look after the Giffard family, to strengthen ties with them. How are they doing?"

Everard leaned back in his chair, the wine goblet in his hand and a small smile forming on his face. "The Giffards are thriving. Their merchant network has grown steadily, and their reputation as speedy, reliable traders has spread beyond our kingdom. As for Sirium…" He paused, his fiery gaze sharpening with interest. "You’ll be pleased to know he’s doing exceptionally well."

"What’s he been up to? I think I remember he mentioned he was noticed by someone powerful in the military, a general, maybe, when he went to the military academy instead of joining the Myriad Spirit Sect? " Lassim asked.

"Yep. That boy caught the attention of General Ferox a few years ago," Everard continued, his tone proud. "He recognized Sirium’s talent for strategy during one of the kingdom’s military exercises and personally recruited him into his own special task force. Since then, he’s risen quickly through the ranks."

Egelina chimed in, her voice warm. "He’s already at Spirit Evolution stage, level 3 as well. Quite the accomplishment for someone so young. It’s clear he’s been cultivating with an unmatched drive."

Lassim’s lips curved into a smile, though there was a hint of curiosity in his expression. "That’s… faster than I expected. Spirit Evolution stage already?"

Everard nodded. "One might say it’s as though he’s chasing something—or someone," he said, his fiery eyes glinting with a playful edge as they settled on his son.

Egelina caught the implication immediately and leaned forward, her own gaze sharpening with amusement. "Oh, I think I see what your father’s suggesting," she said, her voice teasing. "Possibly his childhood friend?"

Lassim chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Sirium’s driven by his own goals, I’m sure. If he’s chasing anything, it’s wanting to follow his own dream and not be stuck being a merchant like the rest of his family."

Gryphon, who had been quietly sipping his wine, finally spoke up, his tone dry but amused. "Well, I know one thing, and when I saw that boy at the last kingdom’s military parade. He lit up like a flare whenever your father took the stage with the kingdom’s prince, and he saw our family crest on our family’s guard uniforms."

Egelina laughed, her hand coming to her lips as she tried to stifle her amusement. "It’s true, my darling. Every banquet or gathering for the kingdom that we’ve attended where Sirium was present behind the general, he always seems to find a way to ask about you. He’s even approached your father a few times for updates."

Everard nodded, his voice gruff but approving. "He’s a fine young man. Smart, disciplined, and loyal. I’ve seen him trailing behind General Ferox at official events, taking notes and absorbing everything like a sponge. He’s going to make a name for himself."

Lassim’s expression softened, and a faint trace of guilt flickered in his eyes. "I’m glad he’s doing well. I wish I could have stayed in touch more. But it’s good to know he’s found a path that suits him. I hope I can see him again soon."

Egelina continued, "You’ve had your own journey to walk, my love. Sirium understands that. And knowing him, he’s probably hoping to surprise you with his accomplishments when you meet again."

"Perhaps," Lassim said, his tone thoughtful. "I’ll make a point to reach out to him when I can. It’s been too long."

Then, his mother had a mischievous look in her eyes as she posed the question, "But, Sirium wasn’t your only friend at the academy, right? What about that girlfriend of yours, that Alisone girl? Lustria, yes?"

Lassim instantly blushed and had red creeping across his face, nearly choking on the water he was sipping.