You walk up the dirt path and stop at the large white doors in front of you. You look behind you and then go to knock, but before you get the chance the doors open and you are greeted with a familiar face. You smile and the little girl that opened the door flies into your arms. You hug her tight and pick her up. You place her on your right hip and brush her blonde hair behind her ears.
"Have you been good while I've been gone Canace?" You asked looking into her beautiful light purple eyes. Canace looked right back grinning from ear to ear.
"Yes, mommy. I'm so happy you're back!" She squealed hugging you again. You hug her back and close your eyes rocking her back and forth.
"Oh, I missed you so much sweetie." You let her go and walk into the large castle with her on your hip.
"Canace do you know where grandma is?" You ask looking at her.
"Yeah! I'll show you!" She says squirming to get down. You place her gently on the ground and she grabs you hand dragging you along. You walk into the back yard and head towards the gardens.
"This way mommy!" Canace says pulling you towards a white gazebo. As you get closer you see an older woman that looks to be in her mid 50's sitting and reading a book.
"Grandma!" Canace says dropping your hand and running towards her. You stop at the steps and wait.
"Grandma someone wants to see you!" The older woman stands up and kneels in front of Canace.
"Who is it hunny?" She asks smiling. Canace's eyes seem to sparkle.
"Mommy!" The older woman's face loses the smile as she stands up and walks quickly to the steps of the gazebo. She stops dead when she sees you.
"Hello Mother." You say as a small smile appears on your face. Your mother's face grows bright and tears sting her eyes. She quickly runs down the steps and pulls you into a hug.
"My baby. I'm so glad to see you!" She says squeezing you slightly. You return the hug.
"Hey! I want huggy too!" You and her break apart and look down. Canace is looking at you two with a frown on her face. You pick her up and hug her tight and your mom rubs her back slightly.
"You can always have a hug from me." You say smiling. You place her back on the ground as you and your mother go and sit in the gazebo.
"Alena what brings you back here?" She asks looking at you. You look to the floor.
"It's about...the 'promise' Mother." You say finally picking up your head. Your mother's smile disappears.
"What about it this time?"
"Mother…I…I've found someone. I love him very much and wish to be with him."You say staring at her. She smiles softly.
"Oh hunny you know of the rules." She says placing a hand on your cheek.
"I would like to marry him someday Mother. An when I return...I plan to bring Canace to live with us." You say standing up and walking to the railing. Your mother walks to you and rests her arms on the railing.
"Your father will never agree. He has already picked someone out for you to marry. He is very handsome and smart too!" She says as you both watch Canace playing in the garden.
"I will make father agree with me. The man he has chosen isn't right for me. Whether he's handsome, ugly, smart, or dumb as a rock." Your mother looks to you.
"I see. An you are sure that this Sesshomaru is right for you? How do you know that he will not hurt you in the future?" She asks quietly.
"I don't, but…I want to try. He makes me feel like I'm flying without my wings. Like I don't have to worry about all the evil in the world. He makes me feel safe when I'm in his arms." You smile looking out to Canace twirling in circles. You both stay silent for a few minutes before you see Canace stop twirling and yell.
"Grandpa!" She runs to him and jumps into his arms.
"Oh my dear. How are you today?" He asks calmly as he smiles, holding the little girl in his arms. The little girl giggles with a grin plastered on her pretty face.
"Mommy came home!" His face turns to surprise.
"What? She came back?" He asks looking into her eyes.
"Yes, I did." You say stepping down the steps.
"Alena. My daughter." He says placing Canace on the ground. He slowly walks to you.
"Hello father." You say as you are pulled into a hug. You two pull apart as you notice the soft smile on his face.
"Come. Let us talk about your travels and what brings you here." He says as all of you begin to walk back to the castle.