(Snowfrost 25, ninth hour, Ethan's POV)
We all sat around in the living room, I took my usual spot on the hearth, Helena in the chair and the Captain and his wife Laura on the settee. The twins were on the floor, ready to open their presents at the drop of a coin.
"Alright Gabhar, since you are the youngest you can go first." Gabhar started with the present his parents and Helena got him. He pulled it out and grinned, it was a book on the Battle of Beruna. He jumped up and gripped his parents in a great big hug.
"Now, I can earn bout dada." He said as he sat back down and set the book right next to him and opened his next gift from yours truly.
"That one is for both you and Gythar" I said, said twin scooted quickly to his brother and helped him open that small, wooded box. Their faces lit up as they pulled out the contents of the box, two wooden, Centuar soldiers.
"Now you guys have fauns and centaurs." I told them, I was quite surprised when they rushed me and hugged me. I patted them on the heads and smiled. It felt good to be around friends, especially friends I could trust. Gythar opened his present, and got a pair of leather boxing gloves. Helena got a fresh set of bandages and stuff since her personal supply was running low. I handed her the small box I had hidden in my sleeve, she opened it and I think she wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. She pulled out the simple necklace and let the light reflect off the pearl that hung from the silver chain. It was far from being a valuable piece of jewelry, but it's the thought the counts, right?"
"Since you're so fond of the color white I got you a necklace to match the dreaded place of terror."
"The what?" Iris asked.
"Healing ward." Helena clarified as she clasped the necklace around her neck. "You should of heard him complaining when he was there."
"I have gift for you too." The Captain said. "Since you have come along so well in your training I was wondering if you would like to join my battalion. I have the full permission of the Kings and the General. But as you know we are not simple soldiers, we are trained to be able to infiltrate the enemy and sabotage them, we are known for being the first to respond to attacks and being the first to the battle and the last to leave. Do you accept this offer?" I thought if over, knowing that it could affect the rest of my life. I came to a decision and spoke.
"I would be honored sir, thank you."
"Good, your swearing in will be in two days, you will have all details given to you by then."
"So," Laura said as she stood up. "Who wants breakfast?" Everyone did.