Author's Note: Well. It would appear that I am a bit late to the party.
I had quite a few ideas of where I wanted to take this story, but in the end I decided to do something a bit different and go a more creative route. Luckily, the TMS gang was added to FEH to allow for the opportunity for Fjorm to sing Christmas carols from our world, if for no other purpose. (In other news, I myself have started my first playthrough of TMS FE #Encore, and I must say I am enjoying it more than I initially believed I would.)
Anyways, I hope you all enjoy! A (late) Merry Christmas to you all and a Happy New Year! Here's to a great 2023, and I will see you all then!
Brian303: Thank you! Admittedly, her outfit isn't as revealing as certain other characters (*cough*Camilla*cough*), but it is a bit more bold than what Fjorm usually wears.
FireEmblemMaster101: I definitely agree! I also really enjoyed the sequel to Tactician's Testimony, especially with how they fleshed out certain aspects of Binding Blade like the legendary weapons and who could wield them. And yes, I'm sure the Nifl siblings will still have plenty to "discuss" with Fjorm in the future about her relationship with Kiran!
Half-beastdragonsoul2013: She might as well be what with her promise to "be his shield" according to her Ascendant alt. conversation. Also, it is stated quite often in character interactions that Kiran is quite sneaky, being able to sneak up on a lot of Heroes including some thieves to some degree.
Klaw117: Thanks! Yep, when Fjorm and Laegarn were announced, I couldn't Sharena and Ylgr, they would probably approach Plumeria with the same innocent mindset as Caeda and ask Plumeria to simply give Fjorm and Kiran a "very good dream", to which the poor fairy would certainly look at them with digust before declining!
Purple Zero: Happy New Year to you as well! Don't worry, this story is far from over!
A Home for the Holiday
"Commander Anna! Here are the last of the decorations."
Anna smiled as she nodded in appreciation. "Thank you, Fjorm! You can place them over in that pile with the rest of the decorations. I really appreciate the assist!"
Fjorm nodded as she set down the crate of decorations she was carrying. "It's no trouble at all. I'm glad that I can assist you all with the preparations for the Winter Festival."
The pair of women were currently standing outside in the pavilion of Askr's castle, all around them servants and Heroes scurrying about to assist with this year's Winter Festival festivities. Whether it was putting up decorations around the castle, assisting the townsfolk, or filling the role of the Winter Envoy and delivering gifts, it seemed as if all of the Order of Heroes were deployed to ensure this year's festivities were a resounding success.
As she approached Anna, Fjorm took a moment to admire the large wooden stage being prepared in the pavilion, with Heroes either assisting with the building of the stage or decorating it. This year, Kiran and Queen Henriette had proposed the idea of having the more artistically inclined members of the Order perform on stage for their comrades as well as for the people of Askr as a means of spreading holiday cheer. "Is there anything else I can do to assist, Anna?" Fjorm asked earnestly.
Anna shook her head as she gently replied, "You've done enough for now, Fjorm, what with gathering all the decorations for the stage. Why don't you head inside and get some rest?" To prevent any protests from the Nifl princess, Anna began walking toward the stage in order to direct the Heroes currently working on it. "I'll let you know if we need any more assistance, ok?"
"Ah, as you wish…" Fjorm murmured as she watched the redheaded commander walk away, already barking orders to servants and Heroes alike. Reluctantly, Fjorm headed back inside the castle, unsure of what to do next. She knew how important the preparations were for the Winter Festival, and especially how excited Kiran was for this particular event. So, she wanted to contribute as much as she could. However, if the commander had everything under control, there was nothing Fjorm could really do; the last thing she wanted was to get in the way.
With a sigh, Fjorm decided to wander around the castle, admiring the festive decorations lining the halls. A soft smile began to pull at the princess' lips, imagining how beautiful the castle and the nearby castle town would be once all the preparations were complete and the festival began in earnest. That smile was soon accompanied by a subtle blush as Fjorm wondered if a certain summoner would want to accompany her during the festival…
"H-Hashire sori yo~
Kaze no y-you ni~"
Fjorm slowed her pace, suddenly aware of a faint voice coming from down the hallway. It almost sounded like someone was…singing? There was a light melodiousness to the voice indicative of singing, but Fjorm wasn't familiar with the melody being performed. A song from another world, perhaps? Curious, Fjorm followed the mysterious voice, entranced by the unfamiliar song.
Eventually, Fjorm was led to a small parlor room, the door of which was slightly ajar. From within, Fjorm could hear more voices, engaged in conversation.
"Just relax, Tsubasa." A male voice gently reassured from within the room. Fjorm faintly recognized the name 'Tsubasa' as well as the voice speaking as another voice chimed in.
"Yeah, Itsuki's right!" A second voice, this time female, spoke in agreement. "You've performed before hundreds of people before; why is this any different?"
A third voice replied soon after, also female and noticeably nervous. "B-but, these aren't just regular people, you know? They're royalty! Heroes! What if I make a fool of myself in front of them?!"
A sigh was heard before another female voice spoke up and announced cooly, "Perhaps this would be a good time for a break. We can discuss the upcoming performance in detail in the meantime."
"Ah, sounds good. How about I bring us some tea and snacks?" The male voice responded, followed by the sound of approaching footsteps. Realizing she was standing a bit too close to the door, Fjorm stepped back just in time to avoid a collision with a blue-haired young man who was exiting the room. A look of surprise formed on the young man's face as he registered Fjorm's presence not far from the doorway.
"Huh? You're…Princess Fjorm, right?" The young man asked aloud.
Fjorm nodded as recognition blossomed in her eyes. "Yes. And you are…Itsuki, correct?" Before the young man could respond, a startled yelp sounded from inside the parlor.
"P-P-Princess?! Itsuki, d-did you just say 'princess'?" The voice squeaked from withing the room. Realizing she had been found out, Fjorm offered an apologetic smile to the young man – Itsuki, she now recalled – and entered the parlor to introduce herself.
"Um, hello." Fjorm bashfully greeted the four young women lounging in the parlor. It was then she finally recognized the young women and Itsuki as the group of performer Heroes summoned from a world that was apparently quite similar to the world Kiran hailed from. The Nifl princess recalled how excited Kiran was when he summoned Itsuki and his friends, relieved to meet individuals who were alike to him. She also recalled (with some jealousy) how Kiran spoke animatedly with a couple of the young ladies concerning the similarities and differences of their respective worlds.
"A-A-Ah! Princess Fjorm!" Tsubasa stuttered out nervously before bowing respectfully. "G-G-Good evening, ma'am! Er, I-I mean, Your Highness! O-Or-!"
"Calm down, Tsubasa." Kiria said as she stood from where she was leaning against a chair and approached Fjorm. "Good evening, Princess Fjorm."
"Hey, there!" Eleonora greeted with a smile and friendly wave from where she stood next to the unlit fireplace. Nearby, Mamori promptly stood up from the chair she was previously occupying and gave a polite bow towards Fjorm, or rather as much of a bow as she could manage in her bulky armor.
"Hello, Miss Fjorm!" The young girl said politely, causing Fjorm to giggle as Mamori straightened up with a quizzical look. "Is there something you needed?"
"No, I'm fine. I apologize for the intrusion." Fjorm replied, Itsuki trailing in behind her. "I was merely passing by when I heard someone singing and, well, I suppose I got curious."
"Wah! S-Singing?!" Tsubasa squeaked as she fidgeted in place. "That…m-might have been me. I'm sorry if it offended you!"
Fjorm shook her head as she held out a placating hand towards the distressed girl. "Not at all. Please, there is no need to feel nervous around me." As Tsubasa seemed to relax slightly, Fjorm continued. "Although, it was quite an interesting song, one I'm not familiar with."
Itsuki chuckled. "That's because it's a carol from our world." Gesturing over to Tsubasa, Itsuki continued to explain. "What you heard was probably Tsubasa doing some vocal practice for our upcoming performance."
"Upcoming performance?" Fjorm questioned as she looked around the room. "You mentioned that earlier, something about a performance. Are you all going to be performing in the pavilion during the Winter Festival?"
Itsuki nodded. "That's right. Kiran actually approached us and asked if we would be willing to perform on stage. He specifically asked if we could perform some Christmas carols from our world." Itsuki gave a bashful grin as he said, "It's a pretty big deal to be asked by the summoner himself to perform, so of course we agreed. Some…more enthusiastically than others."
"I can't wait to get on-stage!" Eleonora announced with excitement, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "To be able to perform in front of actual royalty…" She sighed with a blissful smile. "This is a dream come true!" With a haughty smile, Eleonora added, "Kiran had the right idea asking us to perform. Just you wait, Princess Fjorm; we'll put on a striking performance the likes of which you've never seen before!"
"Yeah!" Mamori agreed cheerfully. "We'll be sure to do our very best!" Nearby, Tsubasa nodded her head with a look of determination.
"That's…that's right! I can't disappoint Kiran. Rather, I won't disappoint him! I'll be sure to give it my all."
Fjorm smiled at the display of enthusiasm as she nodded. "I'm sure you all will. I admit that I am quite excited to hear music that comes from Kiran's world and see how the Winter Festival is celebrated in his world."
As Fjorm continued conversing, Kiria observed the Nifl princess with silent scrutiny from where she stood. Eventually, the twin-tailed young woman turned to Itsuki. "Hey, Itsuki." She spoke aloud, catching Itsuki's attention along with everyone else. "Weren't you going to get some refreshments for all of us?"
"Ah, that's right." The young man affirmed as headed for the doorway. "I'll be back soon, everyone. Oh, would you like some tea as well, Princess Fjorm?"
"Thank you, but I'm fine. I don't wish to intrude on your meeting so I will be on my way." Nodding, Itsuki made his way to fetch some refreshments, leaving Fjorm with the four Fortuna entertainers. "Well, I apologize once more for interrupting your practice, everyone. I will take my leave now so you all can-"
"A moment, please."
Fjorm paused as she turned toward Kiria, who had her gaze fixed upon the princess. "Hm? Yes, Kiria?"
"I would like to ask you something, if you don't mind, Princess Fjorm." Kiria stated plainly. Behind Fjorm, the three other girls began to drift closer, each looking at each other with curiosity as they wondered what Kiria was up to.
"Of course, I don't mind." Fjorm replied with a smile. "Also, just Fjorm is fine, no need for the formalities."
A wry smile briefly appeared on Kiria's face as she nodded. "Understood. Then I will speak plainly." A neutral expression once more settling on her face, Kiria leaned forward slightly as she asked what was on her mind.
"Would you like to be a part of our performance?"
A brief silence filled the room before it erupted in a chorus of gasps from all listeners.
"Ehh?! K-Kiria, what are you asking?" Tsubasa asked in shock. Beside her, Eleonora and Mamori wore the same surprised expressions.
Fjorm blinked in surprise as she slowly replied, "I…beg your pardon?"
Kiria elaborated in a matter-of-fact tone. "I had heard that you are a talented singer. Is that true?"
"W-well, I can sing, yes," Fjorm affirmed with a hint of timidity in her voice. "But I have never actually performed in front of a crowd before. Not like you all have."
"That's fine. We can help with that, Itsuki especially. He has a…talent, you could say, for supporting others with these things." Crossing her arms, Kiria fixed Fjorm with an expectant look. "So? Would you like to join us?"
"Um, well…" Fjorm stammered as she considered Kiria's invitation. Shaking her head, Fjorm finally said, "I'm sorry, I'm still not sure I understand. My ability to sing aside, why would you invite me to perform alongside you all?"
Kiria was silent for a moment before giving her response. "Because you want this event to be a success, right? For Kiran?"
"Ah?!" Fjorm gasped. Instantly, all three idol's eyes were on the princess as Kiria continued speaking.
"Kiran was the one who shared with me your affinity for singing. He seemed to enjoy your singing very much." Kiria held back an amused smile as Fjorm's face flushed a bright shade of red as she continued. "I think it would mean a lot to him if you went on stage to perform."
As Fjorm's mind attempted to process the knowledge that Kiran thought highly of her singing, Eleonora spoke up. "Hold on, are you perhaps…interested in Kiran, Fjorm?" Before the Nifl princess could even address the embarrassing inquiry, Eleonora then thought aloud, "Then again, you two do spend a lot of time around each other, I've noticed. Not to mention you just said earlier that you were looking forward to our performance specifically because it had to do with Kiran and his home."
"Th-that's…well…" Fjorm couldn't offer an argument to Eleonora's observations, her face burning as Eleonora's giggles filled the air. Nearby, Tsubasa and Mamori could only offer looks of sympathy toward the struggling princess, Tsubasa in particular feeling a certain empathy towards Fjorm's plight.
"Enough." Kiria's words cut through the air, instantly garnering everyone's attention once more. "To answer your question, Fjorm…" Putting a hand on her hip, the senior idol answered, "I believe Kiran is feeling homesick. When he approached Itsuki and I with the offer to perform, I could see in his eyes the longing for something…familiar."
"Kiran is…homesick?" Fjorm murmured, her embarrassment all but forgotten in the wake of this revelation. "I…hadn't noticed…"
Kiria nodded as she stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on Fjorm's shoulder. "As I said before, I believe it would be of great significance to him if you were to join us on stage. Music is a powerful way to reach someone's heart, even more so if it is conveyed by someone of significance to the recipient. Also…" Kiria offered a reassuring smile to the amazed Nifl princess. "I believe this will be beneficial to you as well. I find it much easier to convey my feelings through my performances than through simple conversation."
Behind Fjorm, Tsubasa nodded in agreement. "Mhm! Kiria is right, Fjorm!" Gaining Fjorm's attention, Tsubasa explained, "Just like you, I…also have someone important to me who I look up to." Placing a hand on her chest, Tsubasa said, "I'm…a bit of klutz with my words sometimes, but with Itsuki and everyone's help, I'm able to express myself through my performances. Through them, I can express my true feelings!"
"My…true feelings…" Fjorm wondered aloud. After thinking over Tsubasa's words, Fjorm nodded and gave an appreciative smile towards the young idol. "Thank you, Tsubasa. I believe I understand now." Turning to Kiria with a look of determination, Fjorm declared, "Kiria, I would like to perform alongside you all, if that is acceptable to you." Kiria smiled as she nodded in satisfaction.
"Hooray!" Mamori cheered. "This will be so much fun! I promise to support you with everything I've got, Miss Fjorm!"
Eleonora nodded with a grin of her own. "Agreed! Besides, it wouldn't do to disappoint Kiran, right?"
"A-ah, right…" Fjorm bashfully agreed.
"I'm back!"
All eyes turned toward the doorway as Itsuki entered carrying a tray bearing a tea kettle, cups, and a plate of biscuits. "Oh, Princess Fjorm. You're still here?"
Kiria stepped forward as Itsuki set down the tray of refreshments upon a table in the center of the room. "Excellent timing, Itsuki. There's been a change of plans to our performance."
"Eh? A…change of plans?" Itsuki questioned as everyone drew near to him. Kiria glanced at everyone before nodding to herself, her expression all business.
"We have a lot to discuss and a lot more work to do."
"H-Hello, everyone! Thank you for showing up!"
Tsubasa announced to the assembled crowd of Heroes in front of the stage. The Winter Festival was well underway, with everyone gathered within the castle's pavilion to watch the performances of various Heroes, with the Fortuna Entertainment Heroes taking the stage as the closing act. Before her, Tsubasa could see an excited Kiran at the forefront of the crowd, and the idol couldn't restrain her gleeful smile in anticipation of what was to come.
"I'm Tsubasa Oribe, age eighteen, and I'm an idol of Fortuna Entertainment and a member of the Order of Heroes! It's a mleasure to peet you!" Tsubasa realized too late her slip of the tongue, her cheeks warming at the sound of chuckles and confused murmurs throughout the crowd.
"A-Anyways!" Tsubasa soldiered on. "We have a wonderful performance prepared for you all, and we would like to thank Kiran for this opportunity to perform for you all!" A round of cheers and applause sounded out for the summoner, who Tsubasa could see give a bashful chuckle at the shoutout. "Also, I'd also like to say you all are in for a special treat today, as we will be joined by a surprise performer who will be making her debut today! Now everyone, put your hands together and give a huge round of applause for our special guest star…Princess Fjorm!"
Amidst the shocked gasps and murmurs, Tsubasa couldn't help but giggle at the look of absolute surprise on Kiran's face as she took her place behind the thick curtain on the stage alongside her friends and Princess Fjorm. Giving the princess a wink and a thumbs up, the assembled performers waited with bated breath as the curtain began to rise.
Fjorm sucked in a breath as she felt the shadow of the curtain lift off her, her earlier anxiety about performing on stage – in front of Kiran, no less – returning full force. Mustering up her rapidly retreating courage, Fjorm slowly turned to face the crowd…
…and immediately locked eyes with Kiran at the forefront of the crowd.
For a moment, everything stood still. Any hesitation or apprehension seemed to instantly melt away like a fallen snowflake as Fjorm beheld the awe and excitement lighting Kiran's eyes. Momentarily mesmerized, Fjorm was brought back to reality by the starting of the background music as well as by Kiria's advice prior to taking the stage:
"Don't think about your performance. Let your heart guide your voice."
Taking a deep breath as her cue approached, Fjorm opened her mouth and let her heart sing for her.
"I don't want a lot for Christmas…~"
As she sang, Fjorm noticed how Kiran's face to seem to brighten with recognition, his smile growing wider as he noticeably leaned in, his gaze focused solely on Fjorm. Emboldened, Fjorm continued to pour her heart out through this song, eventually being backed up by Tsubasa, Kiria, and the others as the song progressed.
As the song was reaching its finish, Fjorm had all but forgotten her nervousness, a bright smile on her face as she sang alongside Tsubasa. So elated was she that, in the heat of the moment, Fjorm began making her way to the center of the stage, something that did not go unnoticed by Tsubasa, who was supposed to take the lead according to their practice.
"Oh, I just want you for my own~
More than you could ever know.
Make my wish come true~"
Taking center stage, Fjorm found herself locking eyes with Kiran once more, making no mistake of who she was looking at, who she was really performing for. Raising an outstretched hand as if in invitation, Fjorm poured everything she had as she delivered the climactic verse.
"All I want for Christmas~
Is~ You~!"
Like true professionals, Tsubasa and the others rolled with the impromptu switch and gathered around Fjorm as they brought the performance to a close. However, Fjorm barely registered their presence, her eyes still fixed on Kiran, the slight blush on his features no doubt a match to her own as the crowd cheered around them.
"You did amazing, Fjorm!"
"Th-thank you, Tsubasa." Fjorm said breathlessly, nodding to Itsuki in thanks as he handed her a canteen of water, which she gratefully accepted. Following the end of their performance, the group had gone backstage while Anna addressed the crowd, thanking them for their attendance and encouraging them to continue enjoying the festivities.
"You did well for your first time." Itsuki complimented as he handed another canteen to Mamori, who was resting on a bench next to Eleonora and Kiria. "Even if the end was a bit improvised, everyone seems to have really enjoyed it!"
Fjorm blushed as the memory came back to her, still shocked that she had done such a thing and risk the success of their performance. "My apologies for that. Do…you think anyone noticed?"
"Noticed what?" Eleonora said with a teasing grin. "The fact that you went off-script, or the fact that you all but declared your love for a certain summoner in front of nearly the entire Order of Heroes?"
Fjorm groaned as her face heated up all the more, Tsubasa laying a sympathetic on the princess' shoulder while Mamori lightly smacked Eleonora's arm as the girl giggled at Fjorm's expense. Itsuki and Kiria merely shook their heads, amused smiles on their faces.
"Regardless," Kiria spoke up. "Our production was a great success." Nodding to Fjorm, Kiria added, "Thank you for joining us, Fjorm. I hope the experience was a fruitful one for you."
Fjorm nodded with a grateful smile. "I believe it was. Thank you, Kiria. Thank you all for allowing me to stand beside you all this evening…and for showing me how to express myself without fear." Kiria nodded again with a smile as Mamori giggled from where she sat.
"You have such a pretty voice, Fjorm!" The young girl gushed. "Maybe you can join us again sometime; I'd bet you'd make a great idol. Ooh, you can join us for our karaoke nights!"
"Did somebody say karaoke?"
All eyes were drawn to the side of the stage as a certain summoner leaned against one of the wooden posts, the bright smile he wore during the performance still on his face.
"Hey, Kiran." Itsuki greeted, shaking the summoner's hand when he approached. "How did you like our performance?"
"It was great! You all exceeded my expectations!" Kiran praised. Behind Itsuki, Tsubasa giggled nervously while both Eleonora and Mamori preened at Kiran's words. Kiria maintained a cool expression, though one could tell she was pleased by Kiran's words as the rest. But no one could rival the starstruck look on Fjorm's face as her mind replayed the summoner's praise.
"You especially, Fjorm."
"H-Huh?!"
Fjorm jolted out of her thoughts as Kiran approached her. "You…were really amazing up there. Listening to you sing that song, it…" Kiran took a moment to compose himself. "It was almost like I was home again."
"Kiran…" Fjorm whispered, feeling slightly ashamed of herself for not recognizing the burden Kiran must have been carrying since the beginning of the season.
"But," Kiran said as his gaze passed over everyone, lingering longer over Fjorm as his smile returned once more. "Seeing you all perform was honestly the best gift I could have received. Thank you, everyone!"
Fjorm smiled warmly as she received Kiran's words, even giggling as Mamori leapt up from her seat and embraced Kiran. Kiran chuckled as he patted the young idol's head as he was soon joined by Itsuki, Tsubasa, and Eleonora, with Kiria hanging back. Fjorm stood, unsure if she should join the others. However, one look from Kiria dashed those thoughts as quickly as they came. With confidence, Fjorm approached the celebrating group, Kiran welcoming her presence with a smile.
Kiran may not be able to celebrate the season festivities at home, but Fjorm promised in her heart to make sure Kiran would have a place to call home here in Zenith until then.