Professor Layton and the Angel's Prophecy

The Lavender Greeting

-Fourteen Months Earlier-

Hershel had once seen a little girl run at full speed to embrace her relative whom she clearly had not seen for quite some time. Such an embrace he did not expect with Luke as he walked out of his flight and into the waiting lounge, but just to see his old friend would have been the welcoming sight. As it was, he felt his heart flutter a little as he caught sight of Brenda standing amidst the waiting crowds.

She moved to embrace him then, and after they broke apart from each other, he grinned enthusiastically at her.

"I did not expect a welcoming party, I must say."

"Well, we couldn't let you stumble your way around such a big and foreign place. Not after the tightly-pressed streets of London."

"Actually, I have been to America once before on an Archaeological exhibition, though I must admit this part of the country is new to me."

They both shared grins and then stepped aside quickly as a pair behind them almost collided with them. Moving out of the path of incoming passengers, disgruntled after a long flight, they walked together, Brenda offering to carry Layton's bags, however he shook his head.

"It is the duty of every gentleman to carry their own bags. I could not put my burden on you."

"Burden?" Brenda half-scoffed, half-laughed. "Nonsense! You must be tired. Besides, we women can carry bags too you know."

Hershel blushed then, and before he could protest further, Brenda wrestled the bags from his arms.

They walked in silence for a bit, moving through checkpoints until they stopped by a little café in the corner of the airport. Brenda ordered Hershel to take a seat while she went to get them some tea.

"Would it be insulting if I got you coffee?" She had teased, nudging him softly in the arm.

"Of course not. I have no objection to coffee, however, I find that tea is-"

"A gentleman's drink?"

"Precisely."

She winked at him then, and before he knew it, he was pushed down onto a nearby table whilst she went to get their refreshments. As he sat with relief, he looked over to Brenda, noticing just how much had changed. Of course, her hair was the same mix of oak brown with a soft green tinge to it, however, that was really the only similarity. Her hair, once long with a curl, was now cut shorter, resting nicely on her shoulders. Instead of a lavender turtle neck, she wore a simple cyan blouse. Simple heels were replaced by more expensive navy blue shoes, and her trousers were a creamy beige colour.

Her skin was now darker, tanned from the warmer American sun. Really, Hershel had only recognised her from her face, her features greatly resembling that of her son.

A yawn escaped his lips and he felt his eyes grow a little groggy. There would be time enough for rest later, he told himself.

Brenda returned with a little place number and as she took a seat opposite him, Hershel only now noticed the delicate aroma about her – the scent of lavender. Perhaps she did still keep an aspect of her old life. He did know that shade of purple was a particular favourite of hers.

"It is good to see you again, Hershel."

"Likewise. It feels like quite the while since we last spoke, yet in reality, it has only been six months."

"That is a lifetime for Luke. He went on endlessly about you of course." A small hint of rose entered her cheeks and her head fell slightly. Her next words were softer. Melancholic even. "My, did that boy adore you. You were like a second father to him. You are an amazing person, Hershel, and I still sometimes find it hard to believe that I am friends with you."