When the time of the party finally arrived, Arthur was still trying to push away the thought of Alfred's arms around him. The sun was setting, and the peaches were long forgotten by his stomach. It didn't help that the most delicious smells were wafting from the cottage. Arthur had tried to help, but was banned from the kitchen soon after. "No, no! It's fine. Everything is under control. You know, once we put out the fire."

Thus, the children were sent out to set up for the party. Alfred was dragging tables into the field,, though it looked like he was just being modest. He probably could have picked them up. Arthur followed along, helping Matthew collect wood for the bonfire or setting out finished food.

It wasn't long until everything was done.

"Well, great work boys! Go ahead and call everyone." Alfred's mother said with a sweet voice and a matching smile.

Alfred and Matthew both punched the sky and took off running, Alfred grabbing Arthur's hand and tugging him along too.

Arthur didn't bother to complain, and instead focused on running over the uneven terrain. He almost tripped when he was tugged into a barn, but managed to keep his footing.

Not that it mattered, because Alfred tugged him off of his feet and—once again—set him on top of a horse. There was no courtesy "go" before the boys kicked the horses into action. They rode out into the open immediately and began galloping down the path. "DINNERS READY!" They repeated over and over. Arthur clung to Alfred yet again and had to keep his mouth shut to keep from biting his tongue.

People trickled from fields and houses, laughing together in groups or (in some of the children's cases) trying to run after the horses.

Matthew and Alfred rode down to the end of the fields, whooping and laughing, before turning around and heading back. Arthur's butt was really starting to hurt.

They stopped back at the barn and put their horses away, Alfred offering his hand to Arthur.

This time Arthur took it and hopped out of the saddle, but punched the blonde in the gut before he got any ideas.

Alfred rubbed at his new wound. "Oh c'mon, Artie! I was just trying ta be polite. Like you always say I should."

"Yes, but that's no excuse to treat me like a lady."

"No," Alfred smirked. He bent down and whispered into Arthur's ear, almost so quiet he couldn't hear him "I was treating you like a Queen."

Alfred danced away before Arthur could punch him again, laughing. Arthur ran after him, waving his fist about in the air threateningly and screaming "Come back here you git and face me like a man!"

Matthew rolled his eyes and walked after them. He couldn't help but feel that there was some kind of...

No, it was probably nothing.

When the blondes came to the field, everyone looked up from their conversations and jokes, smiling and laughing, saying various "Happy birthday, boys!" or "Well nice of ya ta join us!".

A few people recognized Arthur from when they had talked to Alfred earlier, and they made their way to him. "You're from the capitol, right?"

"Just as much as you are from the country."

"Ahaha! Yer alright!"

There were laughs to be had and drinks to be poured, but when the time finally came to eat, people sure did take great seriousness in it. "Alright, everyone grab a seat!"

The people walked calmly to the chairs around the many tables that Alfred had pushed together in a long line. Arthur was reminded of a Royal banquet.

But instead of frowning dignitaries picking at their high quality foods in fancy glass dishes, there were friends smiling at each other and pulling out chairs for one another, staring hungrily at the large home-made dishes in wooden bowls and plates. Each person had one fork and one knife, not twenty. Instead of making polite eye-contact every now and again they waggled their eyebrows teasingly or smirked because I get to sit next to the pudding.

Arthur smiled. This is how parties should be.

Alfred and Matthew sat at the head of the table, Al tugging down his Royal friend to sit on his right. Their parents sat on Matthew's left.

Arthur expected them to start eating or talking again, but instead, someone picked up their drink and held it out to the birthday boys. "Alfred, Matthew, you boys 'er great. Alfred, I'll never forget the time you helped me bring in that broken cart filled with wheat. Saved me lots o' money ya did!"

Others began doing the same, holding out their glasses. "Matthew, thanks for bringin' in those herbs fer Bonnie, she wouldn't 'ave made it without ya."

Even the twins' parents held out their glasses and wished them a happy birthday. Arthur felt obliged to say something too.

He held up his glass awkwardly, feeling everyone's eyes on him. "Um..." Arthur began eloquently, looking at the villagers. "I've not done this before, but I wish these two all the best in their lives. Matthew is a very kind person who is intelligent and polite. He will go far." Arthur looked at the blonde boy, eying him down. "And Matthew, please, I know you want to be an archer. How about I help you out in that department? Let's just say I know a few people."

As the others wondered just who this boy was, Alfred and Matthew's eyes lit up. Matthew was practically glowing. "Thank you Your Ma-Arthur!"

Arthur gave him a knowing smile, but then turned back to the rest of the table. "As for the git," (people chuckled at Alfred's indignant squawk) "He can be very daft but I find that when it matters most he always has something sharp to say. He's loyal and he's been a fantastic friend. I can't help you in terms of becoming an Ace, but I can cheer you on. You'll go far, Alfred."

Alfred smiled.

The whole table cheered and clanked their glasses together, startling Arthur. They drank from the glasses and the whole table was alive with joking and noise, some people smiling at Arthur.

"Artie, Artie! Did ya really mean that?"

"Yes, of course I did you twit."

Matthew poked his head around Alfred shyly. "How did you know I wanted to be an archer?"

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Please, Matthew. I've seen you late at night practicing, and my Cards I was impressed. Besides, Alfred here never shuts up about how good you are."

Matthew glared at Alfred accusingly but the boy merely shrugged and laughed. "Guilty as charged!"

Then the food was passed around and Alfred was lost into the abyss of his plate, leaving Arthur to converse politely with the people surrounding him. He had a lovely conversation with Alfred's mother about sewing, and then another with Alfred's father about war and politics. (The man was quite impressed with Arthur's immense knowledge.)

The person on Arthur's right had asked how he could make Matthew an archer, but the blonde just blew it off with a sly wink and a shrug. "Oh, when you live in Capitol as long as I have you work up connections."

People began to warm up to him soon after that, and Arthur found himself joking right along with them.

When belts were undone and the food was consumed, the sun had long set. Someone light up the bonfire and another produced a fiddle and began to play. People of all ages got up and danced.

This dancing wasn't like the dancing Arthur was taught, where the partners kept an appropriate distance away from each other and clasped their hands as they turned to a steady beat.

No, this dancing was sparring and jumpy, people hopping partners and swaying back and forth. It was quite impressive to watch.

Then, a young red head appeared next to Arthur. "Would ya like ta dance?"

She was sweet and innocent. She stared at him hopefully. "I'm terribly sorry, lass, but I'm afraid I don't know how."

"Nonsense!"

And so Arthur was whisked away into the crowd dancing by the bonfire.

He was caught up by the girl and forced to step here and there. She was a fantastic dancer, but Arthur kept stepping on her toes. Then the beat switched and she was gone, a young brown haired boy taking her place. "Howdy!" He smiled. Arthur was very confused, but then he realized that whenever the beat changed, so did the partners. Each person had their own style and Arthur had to adapt. Soon he had developed his own. He incorporated what he learned in the ballroom, but sped it up and added jumping. He twirled an older woman and she laughed.

The beat switched and suddenly Alfred was there. "Hey Artie!"

Arthur smiled. Alfred cupped the small of his back and pulled him close. Arthur hadn't had seen this move yet, and he stumbled. But he quickly regained himself as Alfred moved his hand down to his hip, the other following. Then he lifted him into the air. Arthur had gotten quite used to him doing this, and was prepared. He laughed at the fleeting feeling of flying. He returned to the ground lightly and danced around Alfred, then slipped back into his arms. Arthur took Alfred's hand and twirled him like he had been doing to others all night. But when Alfred finished the twirl he turned it back around on Arthur. Arthur laughed.

Soon the music stopped and Arthur bowed politely to his dance partner, who tipped his invisible hat.

"Would you like to see your birthday present?" Arthur asked him, slightly breathless.

"Ya got me a present? You're awesome, Artie!"

"Yes, yes. But I can't show you here. Follow me."

Arthur took Alfred's hand and led him into a wheat field. After the sound of the party faded and he was sure they were far enough away, he turned to Alfred and smirked.

"Alright, I want you to look up."

Alfred did as he was told.

Arthur concentrated as hard as he possibly could, and with a short BAM the sky lit up in dazzling colors that shook down towards them before fading out.

"WHOA! Artie, how'd you do that?"

Arthur opened his eyes and smiled at Alfred. "What, did you expect the future Queen of Spades to be powerless? Now hush, let me focus."

A few more bangs lit up the sky. Some started to take patterns as Arthur grew more experienced, stars and circles glittering above their heads.

When it was over, Arthur felt dizzy. Magic always drained him a bit of his energy. It didn't help that he wasn't often able to use it for fear of being caught. He stumbled, but Alfred caught him.

"You okay?"

"Yes, the Magic throws me off a bit but I'll be fine in a moment or two."

Alfred tugged the Royal into a hug. "That was the best birthday present ever, Artie. Thank you so much."

Arthur smiled and snuggled into Alfred's shoulder.

HA. I bet you thought they were gonna kiss. NOPE. MWAHAHA.

So, my wifi is out. So is my power. And my running water. You know why? There was a giant storm. It could have even been a tornado, we're not sure. So once the wifi gets back up I'll post this. MEH.

Thanks so much for your feedback! If anyone has any questions or critique feel free to speak!

Sorry for any mistakes. I'm American!

-Mallory