Nostalgia was all anyone could feel. The courtyard of Frelia Castle was stained with joyful tears from the four royals. Eirika and Ephraim came into a large embrace, while Tana jumped into Innes's reluctant figure. He attempted to envelop her in an awkward hug, which just stoked her nostalgia even more. Eirika and Ephraim kissed each other's cheeks in greeting. Tana gave Innes a big smooch on his cheek, to which he just turned around.
"Don't expect me to do that," Innes stated. Tana giggled.
"Innes…" Tana choked on tears. "You haven't changed a bit!"
"I see you haven't either." Innes turned back to face his family. Ephraim approached him with his right hand extended.
"It's good to see you again, Innes," Ephraim greeted. Innes took the offered hand.
"Hmph."
"Innes!" Eirika nudged his shoulder. "We're not doing this. Not this time."
"It's been a while," Innes said, making solid eye contact with Ephraim. Ephraim looked into the Frelian king, seeing both the hostility and respect within his adversary.
"You can say that again. I trust you've been taking care of my little sister?" Ephraim chuckled, taking his hand back from Innes.
"'Little?' Ephraim, you're about two minutes older than me," Eirika chimed in.
"Ah, to be young again," Ephraim sarcastically began. "I remember to be your age. Why, I believe King Innes was offering me a handshake!"
"Brother!" Eirika placed a hand on his shoulder. "Knock it off!" The four royals burst into laughter. It was good to be reunited.
"Guys! Ephraim and I have some news-" Tana began.
"Why don't we save it for later?" Ephraim chimed. "Let's just enjoy the moment, huh?" Though vexed, Innes and Eirika simply nodded.
"If we're done with all of this, let's head into the castle," Innes stated. "General Gilliam, would you please?"
"Of course, Majesty," the gruff knight called back. Gilliam opened the doors to Castle Frelia and returned to his position. Innes ushered his family into the hall.
"You never answered my question," Ephraim noted.
"Don't push your luck," Innes replied. "Why don't you ask her yourself?"
"He's just fine," Eirika announced. "Innes treats me as no less than a queen."
"How about you, Ephraim? How is my darling little sister still alive while under your care?" Innes snickered.
"I think she's just fine," Ephraim remarked. "Tana? Am I a bad husband?"
"No! I'm almost in the same shape I was on our wedding day!" Tana giggled a bit and turned a light shade of red.
"Can we stop keeping the castle waiting? Let's step in," Innes finally proclaimed. The family followed the king into his castle, all ready for the times ahead of them.
