No Place Like Home || closed
@sahlintalas || the plot goes on
Kaaras knew Ferelden. Some parts, he knew like the back of his palm. The road from Skyhold to Southron Hills went through easy roads with little trouble. If this had have been ten or so years ago, it would have been flooded with darkspawn and bandits even. There were still bandits, but Inquisition scouts were always moving through the towns, particularly closer to his home--no thanks to his orders. He was a Fereldan man, and he wished for his home country to be safe. As much as any other country, too, but Ferelden was, admittedly, easier. At least with the long roads.
They’d made their turn down the West Road and passed South Reach. It was then flat plains most of the way across farmsteads until they’d reach the small horse trail road that lead to the farm. Now, by law, that land was owned by his mother. After payments and making sure said payment was sorted, it had been signed over under her name as hers. Not even Kaaras’ when he put it all through for her. A real home, a real voice in Ferelden and security that made a difference.
All of this was familiar now. It had been for quite some time. There weren’t a lot of places around here that Kaaras hadn’t travelled as a mercenary and as Inquisitor. The Korcari Wilds and further west were still areas he wasn’t familiar with, considering the lack of work there when it came to making a living as a mercenary.
There, just down the remainder of the hill, and by the forest line, he saw the farm come into view. From up here, he could see the rams and ewes nibbling at the grass. The farm wouldn’t have been unattended while his mother was out, so he assumed Aith was there. And it was long before he could see anyone that he could hear the deep calls of the mabari hound, Maxwell, echoing across the fields.
“I must admit, it’s good to be home,” he smiled. The look across his face said it all, without any need for words. His eyes were bright, and a little creased by the smile that he wore, wide even if closed. His chest puffed just a little as he was on Atlas, kicking him to go faster.
Now that it was in view, he couldn’t wait. And he could see his sister step out of the front door and try and wrangle the loud mabari until she looked up to see the mounts and the wagon. Kaaras kicked again, now at a gallop as Aith let Maxwell go and raced forward. It had been months since they’d seen each other, even longer since he’d been home. And it smelled and looked fantastic, a joy settling loud in his heart as the hooves thudded and kicked up dirt road behind.
Pulling on the reins, Kaaras stopped Atlas and jumped off the horse, pulling Aith into the tightest hug he could without breaking her bones.
“Uuuggh! Air, air!” she complained, hitting his arm with a balled fist before he let go. She didn’t, though, she clung on, arms wrapped around him as far as they could go around his thick midsection.
