Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem or the characters within.

Author's Note: Sorry for such a short prologue, but I needed a little setup for the main story. It'll get more interesting later, I'm sure.

Prologue

It was a day just like any other. Gerik's troop had completed their mercenary work for the day. They had set up camp in a forest clearing, with a large bonfire and several tents surrounding it at a safe distance. Tethys was dancing for her teammates while they watched eagerly, clapping lightly here and there.

Meanwhile, Saleh sat by the bonfire, not paying much attention to the performance. Rather, he was deep in his meditation, his Valega.

After Tethys finished her dancing, Gerik went over to the bonfire, sitting next to Saleh.

"Yo, Saleh. You missed a great dance."

Saleh gave him a casual glance. "I know. I've just...been thinking."

"Thinking? About what?"

"Well...tomorrow is your birthday, is it not?"

Gerik grinned at that. "Hey, you actually remembered! You surprise me, Saleh!"

"Why would I not remember? A birthday is a celebration of life. It's an important event, I would think."

Ewan popped up next to Saleh, sitting next to him. "So what kind of presents are you going to get this year, Commander Gerik?"

Gerik stroked his chin. "Aye, that's a tough one. I don't think there's anything I really need."

There's a pause before he added, "Then again, I could use a new sword. Mine's getting kind of rusty."

Saleh glanced at him, an idea coming to mind. He had been mulling about what to get for Gerik's birthday, but he was never good with gifts. A new sword would be perfect for him.

"Ah, well, I'll pick one up tomorrow, since we're not doing anything," Gerik went on.

"You mean you're not doing anything for your birthday?" Ewan asked, surprised.

"Oh, well, I meant as far as work goes," Gerik told him. "Of course we're gonna have a little party, have a few drinks, and just relax for the day. That's gonna be my birthday gift to everyone. They work and fight hard; they deserve a break."

"A few drinks?" Ewan asked.

"I think...I'll pass," Saleh mused.

"Oh, right," Gerik said. "Don't worry, I'll bring something non-alcoholic for both of you, so don't you worry."

"All right!" Ewan cheered. "Tethys would scold me if she caught me drinking."

"Speaking of which, it looks like Tethys is about to start dancing again..." Gerik stood up and began to leave to watch her performance.

Saleh stood up as well, calling out after him. "Gerik?"

Gerik stopped, facing the sage. "Yes?"

"Your party is tomorrow, correct?"

"Of course."

"Very well, I'll be there," Saleh said, with a small smile.

However, Gerik frowned. "You're not leaving, are you?"

"There is something I must take care of. I will return, I promise."

"All right, I'll see you then." Gerik returned to the spot to watch Tethys begin her new dance.

From there, Saleh slipped away from the camp silently.