Author's Note: Hey everybody! And happy birthday to me! Another blessed year on this earth, and this story is a special birthday gift to myself (I hope that's not narcissistic), a gift that I would like to share with all of you! (Also, in related news, I was able to summon a Ninja Duo Laegjarn with ideal IV's just prior to finishing this story; thanks, IS and RNG, for the early birthday present!)
I know I've said this plenty of times already, but thank you all so much for being here and supporting this story and all of my other stories! It really does mean a lot to me be able to share all of this with you all. I am so thankful that you all have stuck with me this far and have been so supportive and continue to enjoy all the crazy scenarios and ideas I post onto this site. I hope to continue putting out entertaining stories for you all to enjoy so long as I am here! With that all said, let's get started; strap in, this one's certainly on the longer side! Hope you all enjoy, and have a great day!
FireEmblemMaster101: Agreed! Hector is actually quite an intelligent and observant character just as you said; unfortunately for him, that same intelligence is often balanced out by his bluntness and hot-headed demeanor. Glad to hear from another FE 7 fan! Technically, Sacred Stones was my first introduction to Fire Emblem, with Blazing Blade following shortly after, but I grew to love the art style and cast of FE 7 more than any other title. If Mark were to be added, I could see him being some kind of infantry tome unit (perhaps with some animation similar to the Legendary Byleth's, but related to FE 7?), maybe more support based in role. I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far; thank you!
Half-beastdragonsoul2013: Thank you! Well, there was that conversation with Katarina where she theorizes that Kiran and Kris were the same person (before both Kris' got into FEH), so I could see similar parallels being drawn between Kiran and Mark. Also, yes, another thing Kiran and I share: a potentially unhealthy fascination with all manner of sweets!
Guest: Hmm, who knows~? I won't say it's impossible for her to make a surprise appearance in the future...
Brian303: You already know! The moment the trailer dropped, the creative gears were turning!
Something Special for Someone Special
The entirety of Askr castle was bustling with excited energy, a palpable buzz in the air. Throughout the halls, servants rushed hurriedly about, hardly acknowledging one another unless it was to ask for aid or directions. Even the Heroes within the castle pitched in where they could, chatting animatedly amongst themselves as they did so. And the reason for all the hustle and bustle?
It was soon to be the summoner's birthday.
It was Sharena who (excitedly) broke the news to anyone who would listen. As expected, this announcement sparked a firestorm of activity amongst the Order of Heroes, with even Queen Henriette herself declaring a special birthday celebration be held in the summoner's honor. Kiran, of course, attempted to refuse such a grand celebration be held just for him, but ultimately realized his efforts would be futile and relented to the preparation of the birthday festivities.
Hence why the castle staff was running all around the castle, dutifully seeing to the decorations for the celebration, including within the castle's grand ballroom. All around servants dashed madly to arrange tables, bring in linens, and hang up colorful streamers. So focused were they that they hardly spared a passing glance to a certain, visibly anxious Nifl princess pacing within the ballroom.
"Hmm…what should I do…?" Fjorm mumbled quietly to herself as she paced back and forth anxiously, careful to avoid colliding with any furniture or passing servant.
"Hi, Fjorm! Is something the matter?"
"Hm?" Shaken out of her thoughts by the cheerful greeting directed to her, Fjorm turned to see Sharena bouncing toward her with palpable glee. "Oh, hello Sharena. No, I'm quite alright, thank you. Just…" She sighed. "Just lost in my thoughts, I suppose."
"Oh? What's on your mind?" The Askran princess asked curiously as her mouth curved into a teasing smile. "Could it be…about Kiran~?"
"Wha-?!" Fjorm started, a faint blush dusting her cheeks as she bashfully averted her gaze. "Sh-Sharena! Lower your voice!" She admonished as she carefully eyed the various servants passing by the pair as they talked. "B-but…yes, you are correct." With a sigh, Fjorm faced Sharena who was waiting with an expectant expression for the Nifl princess to explain. In a hushed voice, Fjorm explained, "I…I'm not sure what I should get for Kiran as a gift."
Sharena had to repress an exasperated sigh, deciding instead to softly giggle at her fellow princess' answer. "Oh, Fjorm. Aren't you getting a little too worked up? I'm sure whatever you get, Kiran will love it." With a cheery wink, she added, "Besides, like they say, it's the thought that counts!"
Despite Sharena's words, Fjorm continued to fret. "Even so, I want to get him something special! However, I am having difficulty deciding what he would like to receive."
"Well," Sharena said, her mind racing with ideas to help solve Fjorm's plight. "How about…you bake something for him? You know how much he enjoys sweets!"
Fjorm shook her head, a thoughtful frown creasing her features. "The castle's kitchen staff are already taking care of the food and desserts for Kiran's birthday, and I heard that Oscar and Mercedes have been given specific oversight over the desserts. Besides," A small smile briefly lit up Fjorm's face. "I don't think we should encourage Kiran's sweet tooth."
Sharena giggled as well. "Ok, good point. Well then," the blonde princess hummed before her eyes lit up again. "Oh! How about a new coat? Kiran never goes out without his coat, so maybe he would appreciate something new?"
Fjorm considered the idea before once again shaking her head. "I thought that too. However, his coat is so iconic that, were he to change it, it may cause confusion on the battlefield. And…I think his current coat suits him."
"Hmmm…" Sharena hummed in thought. "Well, then. How about…oh, how about a new book? Kiran loves to read!"
"True," Fjorm agreed, though her brow furrowed in deep thought. "But what sort of book would he appreciate? A book on strategy? He already has plenty, in addition to the library. A novel, then? But what kind, and would he have the time to properly enjoy it?"
As Fjorm murmured absentmindedly to herself, a mischievous grin crossed Sharena's face as she stepped closer to the distracted princess. "I know!" Sharena began as she sidled up next to Fjorm. "How about you give Kiran…a kiss~!"
"Yes, I could give him-" Fjorm stopped, her previously distracted mind finally registering what Sharena had suggested before she whirled on the grinning princess with an angry blush. "Sharena! Stop that!"
Sharena giggled at her friend's outburst, unbothered by the frosty glare being sent her way. "Sorry, I couldn't resist!" Catching her breath, the princess of Askr gave Fjorm a sincere smile. "But honestly, Fjorm? I think you're making way too big a deal about this. Relax!"
Taking a breath herself, Fjorm slowly nodded. "Ok…I suppose you're right. I apologize, Sharena. I didn't mean to snap at you."
Waving off the apology, Sharena grinned as she gave a reassuring pat on Fjorm's shoulder. "No apology necessary!" With that, Sharena began making her way around Fjorm toward the ballroom's exit. "Well, I'm going to see if the servant's need any help with decorating. I'll keep on thinking of ideas for what you could get Kiran." As she left, the princess of Askr threw in one last cheeky wink as she added, "Although, feel free to use one of the ideas I already gave you!"
With an exasperated sigh, Fjorm waved her friend goodbye as she responded, "I…appreciate it, Sharena." Once Sharena departed, Fjorm began making her way out of the ballroom herself, her mind still racing with potential ideas for Kiran's gift. Deciding to consider her options over a cup of tea, she began making her way to the dining hall.
However, as she was making her way through the halls, she heard some faint voices coming from one of the castle's meeting rooms, the door slightly ajar. Curious, Fjorm gingerly approached the room to listen to the voices, immediately recognizing them as belonging to Anna and Queen Henriette.
"Oh my, how lovely! Would it be possible to obtain another copy?" Fjorm heard the queen say with wonder, which was soon followed by Anna's confident voice.
"Absolutely, Your Highness!" The redhead commander responded. "I'm sure I can negotiate a deal with one of my 'sisters' to provide you with a copy or two. And at a bargain price!"
Intrigued, Fjorm knocked on the slightly open door before poking her head into the room. "Pardon me, Your Highness? Commander Anna? I hope I'm not intruding."
Turning to face the princess, Henriette smiled warmly and beckoned Fjorm to enter with a free hand, the other holding an unfamiliar tome. "Oh, Fjorm! Hello dear. Not at all, please, come in!" As Fjorm approached the two women, the queen continued. "Commander Anna was just sharing with me this wonderful tome!"
"A tome?" Fjorm inquired, which prompted Henriette to show off said tome she was holding, an unassuming book with a navy-blue cover with a silver circular pattern on the front cover. As Fjorm studied its appearance, Anna stepped forward with a smile.
"Interested, Fjorm? It's called a Snapshot Tome, one of the other Anna's personal inventions." Gesturing with her hand, Anna continued, "It's a nifty little item that is able to magically capture images in real life and records them as accurate illustrations within its pages! A useful tool for everything from reconnaissance to commemorating special moments."
Fjorm gazed at the tome in wonder. "It…captures images?" She repeated curiously. Henriette nodded as she opened the tome, showing off one of the pages to the Nifl princess. Fjorm's eyes widened as she looked at the image displayed on the page, which was of the setting sun as it sunk behind a hill that was near Askr castle. The detail within the image was so vivid that it was as if Fjorm was seeing the setting sun for herself in real time. "Wow, amazing!" She breathed.
Henriette nodded with a smile. "Isn't it? There are more images if you would like to look, dear." When Fjorm nodded eagerly, Henriette chuckled as she proceeded to slowly flip the pages of the tome. As she did so, Fjorm saw various images of landscapes as well as people, most notably other members of the Order of Heroes.
As the queen flipped another page to reveal another image, Fjorm's breath immediately hitched in her throat at the image displayed. "Wait! Just a moment, please!" Surprised, the queen nodded as paused from flipping the page, allowing Fjorm to gaze at the image before her. There on the paper was an image depicting herself, Kiran, Alfonse, and Sharena smiling cheerfully with each other in Askr's dining hall amidst other Heroes in the background and periphery.
As she admired the image, a sudden burst of inspiration came to the Nifl princess's mind. "Commander Anna, Your Highness," She spoke up, capturing the attention of the two women. "Might I please borrow this tome? I promise to return it promptly and safely once I am finished with it."
Henriette nodded, albeit with a curious expression on her face. "I don't see why not. What do you say, Commander Anna? It is your property, after all."
Anna hummed in thought as she considered the princess' sudden request. "Hmm, well, I suppose I could loan it to you for a while, provided you keep your promise and don't damage it." With her hands on her hips, the redhead asked, "But why the sudden interest?"
Fjorm smiled gratefully as she carefully took the tome from Henriette's hands. "I just thought of a wonderful idea," she answered softly. With an enthusiastic glimmer in her eyes, Fjorm turned toward Anna. "Um, Commander Anna? I was wondering…"
"Yes?" Anna asked, wondering just what the blonde princess was going to ask of her next.
"Do you know where I can find Shigure? Or Ignatz?"
"Ok! Next up is…Fjorm!"
Fjorm swallowed nervously, acutely aware of all the pairs of eyes that were currently on her, Kiran's included, as she made her way over to the pile of yet unopened gifts.
The party was a grand success. The moment Kiran stepped into the ballroom, he was buffeted by a choir of voices shouting, "Happy Birthday!" followed by more various cheers and well wishes. From there, the Order of Heroes spent the day celebrating their beloved summoner with eating, dancing, and other forms of merrymaking. When it was time for cake, many Heroes shared a good chuckle at how wide Kiran's eyes grew in delight upon seeing the multi-tiered cake that Oscar and Mercedes presented with pleased smiles.
Finally, as the sun began to set and the crowd began to dwindle, those that remained partook in watching Kiran as he unveiled the various birthday gifts left for him. Kiran himself was shocked and overjoyed by the miscellaneous, yet wonderful, gifts that were given to him; everything from a simple flower bracelet from Eir and a significantly sized pouch of gold from Anna to a specialized jumpsuit from Reginn (and a reluctant Otr) and a specially made sword and sheath from Laegjarn and Laevatein. Of course, the most notable gifts were from Alfonse and Sharena, who had presented a newly designed, but still iconic, hooded cloak which Kiran wasted no time in trying on. The other notable gift was from Fjorm's own siblings, who presented Kiran with a handmade quality quilt with the emblem of Nifl emblazoned on it.
And now, it was Fjorm's turn to present her gift.
"Happy birthday, Kiran." Fjorm said with a sweet smile, doing her best to ignore the stares boring into her back as she held up her wrapped gift. The gift in question was quite large, a neat rectangle wrapped in ornate cloth. Around the pair, murmurs could be heard as everyone wondered just what the gift was.
Gently taking the gift, Kiran grinned bashfully as he had been doing since the celebration had started. "Thanks, Fjorm!" Examining the rectangular object, a curious expression crossed the summoner's face as he began removing the cloth as Fjorm watched intently, her breath held in anticipation of Kiran's reaction. Inside, her heart felt like it was about to burst.
Finally, Kiran removed the cloth entirely, and everyone in attendance could hear the loud gasp that escaped his lips. "Whoa…" Fjorm heard Kiran breath in unmistakable awe as the gift was revealed to be a large portrait, although only Kiran could see the image at the current moment. "F-Fjorm, how did you…?"
"Hey, don't keep us waiting! What is it?" Sharena called out from her place in the crowd, which was followed by numerous murmurs of agreement. Slowly, Kiran managed to turn the portrait around to face the crowd, and the reaction was immediate as the image within the ornate ivory frame was exposed.
The image depicted the whole core of the Order of Heroes, all set within the backdrop of Askr castle's interior. It was a collage of each member of the Order, all smiling with cheerful expressions, the banner of Askr waving majestically above everyone's heads, accompanied by smaller banners around it bearing the emblems of the various other realms that the Order had visited throughout their campaign. And at the center of it all, was Kiran, Breidablik gleaming heroically.
As the gasps of wonder and awe-filled comments gradually died down, Fjorm gathered up the courage to speak. "I…wanted to get you something special." She began, doing her best not to stutter as all eyes returned to her. "I had this commissioned by Shigure and Ignatz using various images within Commander Anna's Snapshot Tome." Shuffling where she stood, Fjorm fixed Kiran with a warm, appreciative gaze. "You have done so much for us, Kiran, even if you don't always realize it. The impact you've had in all of our lives…we will never forget it, nor you. With this, I hope that you also never forget us, no matter where you go."
Kiran was speechless, his mouth slightly agape at Fjorm's heartfelt words. "Fjorm…" He finally managed to whisper, his mouth gradually forming into a radiant smile. "Thank you so much. This is definitely one of the best gifts I've gotten…well, ever!" Fjorm breathed a quiet sigh of relief at that as Kiran carefully set the portrait down to avoid damaging it.
"But, you know," Kiran continued as turned his gaze back to Fjorm. "As great as the picture is, I don't need it to remember all of you, especially after today!" Then, with that same jubilant smile on his face, Kiran said directly to Fjorm, "And I know for a fact that I could never forget you, Fjorm."
Fjorm's breath caught in her throat as she felt her face begin heat up under Kiran's gaze. "U-um…" She attempted to speak, but her tongue and her mind refused to cooperate. Around her, she could hear various "awww's" from the crowd, both genuine and teasing. It took everything Fjorm had not to flee or buckle in embarrassment; why did Kiran have to say something so genuine in front of nearly the whole Order?!
Fortunately, Queen Henriette came to her rescue with a clap of her hands. "Alright, everyone, the day's not over yet! We wouldn't all the servant's hard work to go to waste; let the festivities continue!"
Cheers rang out across the ballroom as the Heroes who were gathered for Kiran's gift opening began to disperse, either to dance or to get more food and refreshments. Some of the Heroes approached Kiran to offer more congratulations, allowing Fjorm the opportunity to slip away unnoticed in order to catch her breath. Taking advantage of the momentary reprieve, Fjorm decided to get some fresh air, quietly slipping out onto the ballroom's balcony.
Now outside, Fjorm took a deep breath in an attempt to calm her nerves, her flushed face beginning to cool from the chilling evening air. As she took a series of slow breaths, her mind couldn't stop thinking about Kiran's words, recalling his smile…a smile directed solely at her for her gift. For her.
"Oh, there you are."
Fjorm jumped in surprise at the sudden voice, whirling around to see the very individual occupying her thoughts standing before her, gently closing the balcony door behind him. "K-Kiran?! You surprised me!" Fjorm managed to say, much to the summoner's amusement.
"Sorry, I didn't realize you were so deep in thought." Making his way closer to Fjorm, he continued. "I just wanted to thank you again for that amazing gift. I don't think I'll ever get tired of looking at it!"
"O-oh, you're very welcome." Fjorm stuttered, although this time she was completely fine with it since they were the only two people here. "Have you…decided where you want to put it?"
Kiran nodded. "Yep! After thinking about it, I decided the best place to put it would be…the main hall."
That caught Fjorm by surprise. "What? The main hall? You…don't want to put in your quarters?"
Kiran shook his head. "No, I thought about doing that at first. But…" He shrugged as he casually crossed his arms. "It's such a great picture, I didn't want to just keep it for myself. When the time comes, I'll be sure to keep it with me. But for now," he said with a grin. "I think everyone should have the chance to see it, so we can all remember each other by it."
"I see…" Fjorm said after a moment before a small giggle bubbled from her mouth. "That's just like you to still think of others, even on your birthday!"
"Hm? What's wrong with that?" Kiran replied with a chuckle.
"Nothing. After all," Fjorm responded with a smile. "It's one of your best qualities. Why I – WE admire you."
"O-oh," Kiran said dumbly, unsure how to respond to the surprise compliment. Fjorm, similarly, looked askance, having said what she did without thinking. An awkward silence settled between the two, neither knowing exactly how to break the lull that had now fallen upon them.
Finally, it was Fjorm who was the first to speak. "Um, Kiran?" She spoke, gaining the summoner's attention. "There's…actually something else I want to give you."
"Huh?" Kiran said, his face clearly expressing his surprise. "Something else?"
Nodding, Fjorm slowly made her to the summoner until she was a mere few feet in front of him. "If I may ask, could you…please close your eyes?" The Nifl princess asked bashfully.
"Oh! Uh, ok." Faintly blushing underneath his hood, Kiran dutifully closed his eyes as Fjorm requested. As soon as he did, Fjorm withdrew a small, rectangular item that she had managed to bring with her before coming out to the balcony. She hadn't expected to be giving this to Kiran so soon, but she felt this was a chance she couldn't pass up.
"Hold out your hands, please." Fjorm requested, and Kiran obediently did so with a silent nod, his eyes still closed. Taking a deep breath, Fjorm took another step forward and held up the small item in her hands, ready to lay it gently into Kiran's gloved hands.
"How about you give Kiran…a kiss~!"
Fjorm paused, her cheeks rouging once more as Sharena's teasing words entered her mind. Immediately, the reality of her present situation crashed down onto the princess.
She and Kiran were alone on the balcony.
Kiran's eyes were closed, completely obedient to Fjorm's request.
No one was around to witness the two of them here in this moment.
It was just them.
Fjorm's breath unconsciously quickened, her hands ever so slightly began to tremble. Her turquoise eyes darted down to the gift in her hands, then to Kiran's outstretched hands. Then to Kiran's face. Fjorm swallowed thickly, her mouth dry, her mind buzzing, her heart seeming to pound within her ears.
She…she could…just a small-
"Fjorm? You, uh, still there?"
Fjorm quietly gasped, the summoner's voice snapping her out of her stupor. Blinking rapidly as she came back to her senses, Fjorm immediately placed the object in her hands into Kiran's own. "R-right! Here! H-Happy birthday, Kiran!" With that rush of words, Fjorm quickly dashed to the balcony doors, throwing them open and disappearing into the small, but rowdy, crowd of attendees.
"H-huh?! Fjorm?" Kiran balked as his eyes flew open, looking around only to find himself alone on the balcony. Confused, Kiran looked down at the small rectangular object left in his hands, wrapped in the same ornate cloth as the portrait had been. Carefully, Kiran unwrapped the cloth, quicker than with the previous gift. And once again was left speechless as he beheld Fjorm's second gift.
Staring back at him was a framed image of himself and Fjorm standing together, both with joyful expressions, within the castle's dining hall.
After taking a brief moment to register what he was looking at, Kiran smiled gently as he lightly brushed the surface of the portrait with his gloved hand. Taking another few moments to admire the gift, Kiran carefully slipped it into the many pockets of his new cloak and turned to rejoin his party. As he grasped the handle to the balcony door with one hand, the other affectionately pat the pocket containing the framed image.
This portrait, he decided, was definitely going in his quarters. Where only he would be able to admire it.