Darim started immediately at the sound of his father's voice, his head whipping around so fast that it was a wonder he didn't manage to get whiplash. Sef was being embarrassing- like always- and was hopping up and down by their father's side, waving and pointing at him and trying to get Darim's attention. He stood very tall and straight, squaring his shoulders and bowing his head very deeply and respectfully in Al-Mualim's direction, determined not to act like a child now that he was in preliminary training.

Master Rauf clapped his hand on Darim's shoulder and addressed his pupils.

"That will be all for today. Do not let your heads grow too big with the compliments and work hard to perfect the art of not tripping over your feet when you step. You are dismissed."

It was earlier than usual, but judging from the way that Master Rauf's eyes seemed to smile more than usual, Darim had a reason to suspect it might be down to the return of his father. He politely thanked his teacher and returned his sword to the rack, all the while trying not to let his hands shake with excitement or run to his father like a small child. He had been told to be the man of the family while his father was away and he wasn't about to revert to being a boy now that he was back.

"Darim, Darim! It's Baba! He's really home!" Sef squeaked as his brother joined them.

Darim stopped just short of them and bowed deeply and respectfully, just like a good and grown up Assassin should.

"Welcome home, Al-Mualim sir."