Prompt: For their valor, Kiran and the Order are awarded the Kingdom of Nifl's highest honors!
"Kiran? Shouldn't you be joining the festivities?"
Kiran looked up slightly so the cloak's shadows receded slightly to show the summoner's mouth. He dipped the glass toward Fjorm in greeting. "I'm fine in my corner, thanks." They managed a weak grin. "Don't worry about me. Go and enjoy yourself tonight."
Fjorm frowned slightly. "This party is about you," she said with a little more force. She jabbed lightly at the medal on the Summoner's coat, a representation of Nifl's highest honor. "You enjoy parties, do you not? You practically cause a quarter of the celebrations in the Order."
"And Anna creates most of the other 75%," Kiran sighed. The reason he was avoiding the party was exactly that it was being held in his honor. They dipped their head, scanning the room for an escape. Under the shadow of their robe, their eyes widened over the casino table. "It's an honor, truly," they said, an excuse forming in their head. "Don't get me wrong on that part. But I'll let you in on a little secret." Kiran leaned in closer to Fjorm's ear.
"The moment that I step out into that floor, Commander Anna is gonna market me to the moon and back."
Fjorm smile held an edge. "You don't need to worry about that then. Commander Anna is in a diplomatic meeting with Nifl representatives."
Kiran deflated slightly. "I have paperwork?"
Fjorm tugged on Kiran's sleeve. "Come with me."
Just their luck.
Sighing, Kiran placed their empty glass on the counter. "I don't suppose you are leading me to a quiet office?" they asked rhetorically. Kiran politely nodded to heroes and diplomats alike as the duo weaved through the crowd.
"Not quite," Fjorm said.
Kiran's eyes widened when he saw the destination. Reluctantly, he followed Fjorm's insistent tugging onto the dance floor.
"Won't you give me this dance?" Fjorm asked coyly.
"I'd expect this move from Gunnthrá more so than you," Kiran said tersely. They gingerly placed a hand on Fjorm's shoulder, letting her take the lead. "I'm glad that the people accepted her, even if this Gunnthrá isn't their own."
"I can be charming when I want to," she said with a light blush. Kiran noted that she didn't keep her voice entirely stutter-free. "You brought her back to us," Fjorm said, eyes softening. "You know, I saw you at the summoning altar spending your store of orbs to draw her for us." Fjorm smiled at the way Kiran's mouth widened in shock. "It seems that my debt to you grows larger still."
Kiran ducked his head. "But-"
"There is no point in dwelling on what cannot be changed," Fjorm said. "Do not let your guilt prevent you from enjoying yourself."
Kiran fell silent, swaying gently with Fjorm to the music. "Focus on the beat," they winced, stiffening when Fjorm got a little too close for comfort.
"You are good at dancing, although you could work on being a little less stiff," Fjorm chided. "Are lessons common in your world?"
Kiran shook their head. "Not quite."
Fjorm hummed. "Well, I'm glad you decided to take them then."
After what seemed like an eternity to Kiran, the song ended and Fjorm led Kiran off of the dance floor.
"Did you have fun?" Fjorm asked.
"Yeah, thanks," Kiran mumbled. He paused, momentarily debating something, then spoke up again. "It's not the entire reason I didn't want to join in."
"Sorry?"
"Your question earlier." Kiran unhooked Breidablik from its holster. The barrel glowed an eerie pulsating blue in reaction to the Rite of Frost still tearing at the girl beside them. "You remember how I told you I am from a different world?"
"The world of buildings that scrape the sky and of metal horses?" Fjorm smiled. "How could I forget such a bizarre place?"
Kiran nodded. "In my world, they'd probably classify my situation as Isekai."
"You mean that being summoned to other worlds is common in your homeworld?"
Kiran shook their head. "It's a type of story. One that usually doesn't end well for the protagonist" Kiran traced a finger over the barrel of the relic, the ruins momentarily lighting where their finger touched. "In most Isekais, the main character usually gains a special ability and changes because of it. Glory, power, fame, it all corrupts a person." Kiran chuckled bitterly, gesturing to Breidablik. "Lo and behold, I, a corruptible person, received a special power. And the question is how much have I changed because of it? And how much have I changed in anticipation of it? Dancing, etiquette, all manner of things I have practiced in hopes that this would happen to me."
Kiran waved off Fjorm's concerned look. "Don't worry about me. First world problems, no? Ah, that term doesn't exist here, sorry." Kiran laughed slightly. "The point is, parties like this in my honor tend to get to my head, and I don't need another boost to my ego." Kiran's eyes softened. "Still, thank you for all that you have done for the order. Both today and every day."
Fjorm remained silent, seemingly struggling to find the proper words.
"You don't need to say anything. Just having you by my side is enough for me."
"Know that you can rely on me if you need anything," she sighed, settling on those words.
Kiran smiled. "Of course." Though in all honesty, they hoped that day would never come.
