Work Text:
“Good morning, Ma’am,” Kurt Vander said politely as he entered a little private home. It was the morning of their departure back to Leeves.
He was in his second proper year at the Thors Military Academy Branch Campus. There was no surprise that all of his classmates opted to continue their education after the crazy few months they had, saving the world and such. Their latest field exercise found them near one of his classmates’ hometowns, Alster.
“Good morning, Kurt, come in,” Old Lady Alma greeted him. He became familiar with the locals during the civil war. Also, they unofficially adopted him after finding out that he was a Vander. His older brother Mueller spent a good part of his own childhood in this quaint little town as Prince Olivert’s protector and friend.
“Pardon the intrusion,” the swordsman said, brushing off the non existent dirt off his shoes. “I would like to extend my gratitude again for the feast you threw for our class last night. Even Sandy was surprised.” Sandy was born and raised in Alster and even she had no idea about what the town had planned for them.
“Nonsense,” the old lady said, already pouring a cup of tea for them both. “It is our thanks to you for taking good care of us. For bringing the Prince back.” Kurt bowed his head before taking a sip. “Now, I know your time is short so what do I owe this visit?”
“Ah yes,” Kurt said, reaching into his pouch for his wallet. “I was wondering if I could purchase some grapes. I will be meeting Mueller shortly after we return to Leeves and I think it would be a nice surprise for him.” He remembered the old lady was reminiscing about the Prince and his brother playing along the vineyards.
Old Lady Alma immediately teared up. Kurt, surprised, stood suddenly. Waving him back down, she sniffed, “Oh ignore this old lady’s tears. They are happy ones after all.” Kurt sighed in relief. “Put that wallet away, I will give you as much as you can take. Those boys, and they will always be little rascals to me, brought so much life to Alster. They are always - always - welcome here. As are you and your friends.”
Kurt bowed again, in gratitude. He was not the kind to establish roots in any one place. He was born in Heimdallr, raised in Parm for some years, then back to Heimdallr for his secondary education. He also traveled a lot when both of his parents taught around the continent. He never felt any strong attachment to any of those places. He knew that after a few months or years, he’d be off somewhere again.
But the old lady’s words touched his heart. Maybe it wasn’t the place itself that stays with you… it’s the people.
“You and your brother might not look alike but you embody the same spirit and determination,” Alma continued, placing a wrinkled hand on his. “I know your noble family is tasked with protecting the royal family but I humbly ask to keep us in your thoughts as well.”
It was his turn to bite back tears. With his free hand, he placed it on his heart and said, “I swear by my sword.”
And Old Lady Alma laughed. “You don’t have to be so serious all the time, Kurt, my boy,” she said, leaning back. “Just pay us a visit when you can and that’s enough for us. And bring Mueller too.”
Kurt chuckled. It wasn’t too long ago that Mueller was at Alster. But a leisurely visit did sound good. Maybe they can make it as a brotherly getaway. “I will definitely do that, Ma’am.”
“Come with me now,” she said, standing up and collecting her tools. “You can harvest with me. Take some extra for the road and bring some to your mother. I know that young troublemaker Ash enjoys the taste of grape juice.” She laughed remembering Ash’s disappointed face as wine was passed around him while he sipped the non-alcoholic kind. “That other one, Crow, will just have to settle for the same.”
“Very well,” Kurt said, taking an empty basket with him and following the old lady out the door.
****
Ash (and Crow) did grumble but still finished off a huge bunch of grapes even before they reached Raquel.