AN: I got this idea a while ago, and I started writing it almost immediately. I'm quite happy I got this done before Christmas. Anyway, enjoy the story.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Fire Emblem.
Sharena woke up to rays of sunlight beaming through the bedroom window. She couldn't forget what today was. It was the Winter Festival, the day where the Winter Festival Envoy delivers presents to all the well behaved boys and girls.
She didn't even bother changing out of her pajamas before rushing out of bed. However, her smile turned into a frown upon seeing the living room.
The plate of cookies on the table had been left untouched, and were now hard as rocks. Even worse, there was not a single present under the tree.
In the midst of weeping, Sharena heard some footsteps coming from the hallway.
"Good morning, Sharena." Alfonse greeted. He immediately noticed Sharena's gloomy tone. Knowing from experience that she wasn't normally like this, he asked what was wrong.
"Oh, brother! It's terrible, terrible! The Winter Festival Envoy didn't come! No sweets, no gifts, nothing!"
A saddening thought popped into her head.
"Did... did the Winter Festival Envoy not come because I was on the naughty list this year?"
Alfonse couldn't help but feel guilty after hearing what his sister said. He had forgotten to do the annual Winter Festival routine this year, and now he was going to pay the price. Unless he wanted Sharena to believe that she was a "naughty" person, he would have to tell the truth. It wouldn't be easy, but it was the only way out.
Alfonse walks up to Sharena, and puts a hand on her shoulder.
"Sharena, there's something I need to tell you."
Sharena stayed quiet, with her back facing her brother.
"The Winter Festival Envoy... it isn't real."
She turns around. This took her by surprise, although she didn't believe what he said at first.
"You must be joking! How else would millions of kids get their gifts each year?" Sharena lets out a chuckle.
Prepared for the worst, Alfonse takes a deep breath.
"Friends and family put the presents under the tree."
"W-what... but that means-"
"Yes, I'm the one who leaves the gifts and eats the cookies. I didn't want you to find out the truth because I knew how crushed you would be. I overslept and forgot to do it this year... I'm sorry..."
For a few seconds, there's nothing but silence. After a moment of thinking, Sharena puts the pieces together, and bursts into tears.
"THE WINTER FESTIVAL ENVOY ISN'T REAL!"
The Askr princess, now sobbing uncontrollably, hugs her brother. Her child-like innocence had been sucked out of her, and would never come back.
AN: Poor Sharena. Someone had to tell her at some point. At least she gets presents from Alfonse.
That's all for now. Happy Holidays, everyone!