The Return of the Arbiter! Hey, folks, I'm back!

Guy: WHERE have you BEEN!

Matt: Lloyd's beaten Tales FOUR times since you left!

Ok, I realize it took me long enough, but I'm here now! GOSH!

Disclaimer: I don't own Fire Emblem. Don't rub it in.

Guy and Matthew walked calmly back to the inn. Well, Matt walked calmly. Guy was shaking all over, exhilarated by finally getting rid of his stupid contract. Matt spoke once they were close to the inn.

"You know, Guy, you've gotten really good. Where did you learn such cool sword techniques?" Guy Shrugged.

"Picked it up along this journey, really. Whenever Mark chose to not use me in battle, I would find someone to spar with. Usually, I sparred with Lyn, but I've trained with Raven a couple of times. Wish I hadn't, though- he's a sore loser. Anyway, I've made sure to practice ever day that I'm not sick or injured, but there's still a lot I have yet to learn." He said the last part with a hint of regret in his voice, and glanced down at his sword hilt. Finally, the Thief and the Swordmaster reached the inn. Outside, there was a large caravan with bright colors painted on its side. Canas stood near a group of large kegs, which Bartre, a more than slightly stooped (pun) axeman, was eyed hungrily. As the two friends walked closer, they heard a rather odd conversation.

"Oei, Mr. Magic man, we need rum for this to be a REAL party!"

"Bartre, most of our group is too young for drinking rum! Besides, I don't think Sir Guy would appreciate having a bunch a drunks at his birthday celebration!"

"You callin' me stupid!" The Shaman blinked nervously.

"N-No! I'm merely stating that it wouldn't be a wise idea!" Bartre stared at the kegs of rum for a minute, then picked two of them up and headed toward the inn.

"We're havin' rum, so get used to it! I'll get help." Canas sighed and sat down, defeated. He then noticed Guy and Matt standing next to him.

"Oh! Sir Guy! Greetings! I suppose you heard all of that?" Guy nodded. "Oh, dearie me! It was supposed to be a surprise party! Oh, Lady Lyndis will have my head!" Guy smiled.

"I can still act surprised, Canas. It won't hurt them." Canas wiped his monocle on his sleeve.

"Hmm…..point taken. Ok then, Sir Guy, you may enter the inn. But please, try to be as surprised as you can. Lady Lyndis has been working on this all day!" Guy nodded, but his mind was racing. Lyn, organizing a surprise birthday for me? Well, that was nice. I wonder if I'll get any presents. Guy smiled. There is a boatload of people in this group…heheheh. That's a LOT of presents! Matt noticed the strange grin on Guy's face.

"What's with that look, Guy?"

"Oh, nothing, Matt……heheheheheh." Matthew shrugged and they entered the inn. Oddly, all of the lights were out, and not a noise was heard. Suddenly, the lights shot on.

The whole dining hall of the inn was transformed. The walls were strewn with colored streamers, and the ceiling had colored lights shining down. Lyn, Florina, Serra, and Wil all burst up, and cheered.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GUY!"

The whole group had showed up, and there was food EVERYWHERE. Apparently, Lowen had spent all day cooking for this. There were meats of all types, with large loaves of warm bread. There were kegs of drinks, mostly juice and light wine, but with some large kegs filled to the brim with a dark, strange liquid. Bartre, Dorcas, and Marcus all gathered around these kegs, waving and shouting oddly. Guy and Matthew joined the crew in the festivities, but stayed away from the beer.

Later, they all gathered around the table, ready to give presents. Serra shoved her gift in Guy's face, beaming as she usually does.

"Open mine first, Guy! You'll LOVE it!" Guy nodded and unwrapped the box. Inside, in a large wooden frame, was a portrait of Serra, smiling her best. Guy stuttered his thanks as sweat dripped down his face.

"Uh….t-thank you, Serra. It's……lovely?" Serra giggled.

"I know! I was gonna get one for everyone, but it is YOUR birthday, after all!"

"Oh, woe is us." Muttered Matt. Wil heard him and laughed. Erk approached next.

"Here you go, Guy. Kent and I saved up for MONTHS to buy you this."

"Erk, if I recall, your contribution was 26G and a packet of M&M's."

"Shhhhhh!" Guy shrugged and opened the package. Inside was a very old book, with a picture of a Sacaen on the front.

"It's a rare book, all about the life of Hanon the Horseman, legendary hero of Sacae. I figured you'd like it, seeing as it's your heritage." Guy grinned happily.

"Thanks a lot, Erk and Kent! This looks like a good book." Erk nodded, as did Kent. Hector and Eliwood came up.

"Well, Guy, you've been working hard lately, and, seeing as it is you're birthday and all, we've decided to raise your pay." Eliwood smiled, and Hector managed a grin.

"Also, I'm gonna give you a gift. Merlinus!" The plump merchant walked up, a large item concealed in cloth carried in his hands. He handed the item to Guy, who unwrapped it carefully. When he finally got it off, he gasped.

"Father Sky and Mother Earth! This is-" Lucius, a bishop, came up.

"This is a Holy sword, the legendary Light Brand. This sword is imbued with holy light magic, and can be used to attack those without good in their souls. However, this sword is very powerful, so use it carefully." Lucius bowed and said a quick prayer, then walked away with Hector and Eliwood. Priscilla, the groups Valkyrie, or mounted healer/spellcaster, approached shyly.

"H-Here, Guy. Happy Birthday." Guy took the gift from her, and noticed a fierce gleam in Raven's eyes. Guy gulped and unwrapped the gift.

HAHAHAHAHA! Cliffhanger!

Guy: Sweet! A Light Brand!

Matt: That pic of Serra, though……#shudder#.

Serra: WHAT!

#SMACK#

…….anyways, please review! I'll try and update soon.