The Grantham household pulsed with warmth and light, the stone walls practically humming with joy as laughter echoed through the rooms. Elowen's presence had always carried a distinct kind of brightness—a sort of living. The kitchen buzzed with Maeryn's sarcastic quips and Lady Abena's rolling laughter, all while the soft scent of honeyed pies and sage-roasted vegetables lingered in the air.
They were midway through lunch when the crunch of carriage wheels interrupted the jovial atmosphere.
"It seems mother dearest is back," Maeryn said, half-standing from her seat, already peering through the front window.
Elowen sprang to her feet, her face glowing with excitement as she ran to the door. As Marianne stepped inside, she was instantly enveloped in a tight embrace.
"Mama!" Elowen squealed.
"Look who I brought." Marianne said, chuckling as Elowen loosened her hug.
