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He'd missed the rivers, valleys, and mountains, as well as the cold after the rain,and the beginningof summer. He had missed his mother, his clan, and the land where he had been born. When the two of them arrived at the castle, Ronin was overjoyed to see how far his mother had gone to welcome him. The entire castle was decked out. He dismounted his horse and walked through the large gates to meet his mother who was standingon the stairs, her eyes glisteningwith worry.
Ronin took a deep breath as his gaze fell on her. She was still the same woman, buta lot older. He was well aware that this was the result of shouldering the clan's responsibility all by herselfafter his father's death. She had absorbed it all over her body, and the effects were severe. But he was there now — she would never have to face those burdens alone, ever again.
"Mother," he said, taking her hands in his and kissing them briefly. She drew him in into a warm embrace.
"Oh, Ronin, how I have missed you," his mother said, a single tear trailing from her eye, which she quickly brushed away.
"I missed you too, mama," Ronin assured her with a smile, and she nodded enthusiastically.
“Ye have grown to be more handsome than when I last saw ye. The same blue eyes and blonde hair but so much more bonny,” his mother complimented as he laughed.
"You just need a reason to praise me," Ronin shrugged, always uncomfortable with compliments. They entered the castle, relieved to see that it hadn't changed much since he had left. It still lookedlike home, and felt instantly at ease simply being there.
"Ronin, yemust be tired after yerlong journey.Lachlan will lead you to your room. Rest," his mother said affectionately. He was tired indeed butnot in the mood to sleep. He just wanted to rest for a while before venturing out to explore the land he called home. It had to have changed in the last eight years, and Ronin wished to see it all with fresh eyes.
"Yerright. I will take my leave," Ronin replied, walking towards his bedchamber, Lachlan close behind.
"Where do ye thinkyou're going?" Lachlan asked, stopping his friend.
"To my bedroom?" Ronin responded, his tone doubtful. He suddenlyfelt strange in his own castle, but he supposedthat is what happens when someone returns after a long absence.
"Yer bedchamber, my future laird, is no longer there.Yer mama thought her son ought to have a bigger one."
“Why?”
"Because ye have just returned from France, the land of the rich," Lachlan replied, his tone tinged with humor.
"The land of the rich you say? Ilived in a dormitory andhad to share a bedchamber with another lad. I am not used to riches," Ronin admitted candidly.
"Ye'll get used to it, ye'll see."
“Never.”
Lachlan turned around and led Ronin to the opposite side of the castle. As they walked, he became aware of the subtle changes around himand realized how much time had passed. They ascended the stairs, and the final door on the floor led into his new quarters. When the two young men entered, Ronin smiled as he noticed that all of his childhood possessions were still kept there. It was as if he'd never left. He took a deep breath in the familiar surroundings and went straight to the large bed in the center of the room.
“What do ye think ye are doing?” Lachlan asked as he saw Ronin walk towards the bed.
“Resting.”
"France has softened you, Ronin.Who evengets tired from traveling? Get up and change yer clothes. We must celebrate yerreturn," Lachlan said, but Roninmade no attempt to rise. He instead closed his eyes and shifted to a more comfortable position on the bed. Lachlan rolled his eyes as he approached the bed and sat down beside his friend.
“How was yer time in France? What did ye even study there?”
"France is a lovely country, my friend. We studied many things, but the one thing I will miss the most is poetry," Ronin sighed. He had thoroughly enjoyed studying the love poems — he could lose himself in the art of writing for as long as eternity itself. Lachlan scoffed loudly before raising his head from the bed and turned to face Ronin.
“Poetry meaning poems?”
“Precisely.”
“What kind of poems?”
“Love poems?”
“So ye must ken a lot of love poems?”
"Several," Ronin replied proudly, overjoyed that his friend was taking an interest. But then,Lachlan's loud laughter proved him wrong. "Whatever is so amusing?"
"Have they taught yeanything useful?" his friend askedafter suppressing his laughter.
