The caravan slowly made its way through the untamed forests of Highever, rocking back and forth in a relaxing motion. Rendon Howe sat in the wagon, tapping impatiently against the stained glass. Visiting the Cousland´s wasn´t something he really looked forward to. The visits usually consisted of him wearing a forced smile while listening to Bryce reminiscing of their past "glory" or inform him exactly how skillful that brat of his had become with a sword. His own son Nathaniel had refused to come along ever since said brat had locked him in the castle larder for an entire day. Bryce had just laughed and said "boys will be boys" but Eleanor had become furious and disciplined both Fergus and Bryce. She was the one sane person in that family, with striking auburn hair and melancholy green eyes.
Yes, she was quite the catch, the only thing bearable with his visits actually. He looked out the window and saw the giant castle rising in the horizon. Howe hadn´t visited in many years, Fergus and Nathaniel had only been 5 last time, almost 7 years had passed without word spoken or sent. He sighed and braced himself for a week of sheer torment.
"Howe! So great to see you my old friend!" Bryce greeted him with open arms.
Howe managed to force a smirk to his face and met Bryce in the awkward hug.
"I see you still have an awful taste in attire." Bryce laughed half-jokingly.
How said nothing, he just laughed, with his head filled with the malice and jealousy he felt against Bryce and his perfect wife, his perfect home and his perfect little spoiled brat.
Eleanor appeared in front of him, looking as beautiful as ever with her long auburn hair in a loose braid down her back. Her beautiful body was being hugged closely by the deep purple and golden laced dress she was wearing and on the finger off her left hand was the golden wedding ring, mocking him.
"Rendon. It has been so long." She said kissing him gently on each cheek.
He almost shuddered under her warm breath, but managed to pass it off as a friendly hug.
"Eleanor, you´re looking as striking as ever."
"Thank you Rendon…" she was about to continue when someone tugged on the hem of her dress. A young boy, perhaps 5 or 6 years with auburn hair and green eyes just like his mother.
"What´s the matter Aedan?" She asked him, her voice drenched in motherly concern.
Young Aedan didn´t answer he just continued to look up at her with those green eyes hidden behind long, thick eyelashes. He´d probably grow up to be an arrogant pretty boy like his father, Howe thought to himself.
Eleanor hunched down and put her ear to Aedan´s small, but glossy and plump lips.
He whispered something and Eleanor shrieked.
Both Howe and Bryce looked at her in shock.
"I´m sorry gentlemen but it seems Fergus has pushed Nan down the well again!"
Bryce laughed and held his sides in pain. Eleanor smacked him upside the head and ran off towards the kitchens.
Bryce, Howe and Aedan stood silent for a second and then Bryce remembered.
"Oh forgive me, I haven´t introduced my younger son to you yet."
Aedan´s cheeks turned red as he hid behind his father.
"Howe, this is Aedan Cousland, my youngest son. He just turned six years old last week actually. Now pup, don´t be shy. Say hello to my friend."
Howe smiled, Aedan was really quite endearing with his cheeks all flushed and boiling.
"Greetings young Aedan, I´m Arl Rendon Howe. Me and your father have been friends for quite some time." He reached his hand out and Aedan timidly grabbed it.
"G-greetings." His voice was shaky and had a clear resemblance to his brothers.
His hands were small and supple against Howe´s own rough hands, marred by life and war.
And those eyes, just like Eleanor´s.