Chapter 15: Unexpected Surprises
Emmie's footsteps echoed softly in the card catalog room as she gathered her thoughts, waiting for the others to arrive. She had spent the past few days planning in secret, meticulously putting together an idea that had taken root in her mind ever since she'd overheard Jenkins mentioning Ardeth's birthday. Ardeth, she knew, would never draw attention to it, but she wanted to give him a small celebration—a gesture to show how much he meant to all of them.
She paced, rehearsing her thoughts. This wasn't just about celebrating Ardeth's birthday; it was about acknowledging all he had sacrificed, the loyalty he carried like a cloak, the strength he shared quietly without seeking recognition. She wanted to bring together the traditions he held dear while showing him that here, he was valued and understood.
The door opened, and Cassandra was the first to walk in, her face lighting up as she spotted Emmie. "Alright, what's the big mystery? You practically dragged us all here!"
Jake and Ezekiel followed close behind, looking equally curious, and Evelyn brought up the rear, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. Emmie smiled, gesturing for them all to sit around the large table.
"Thank you for coming, everyone," Emmie began, her hands clasped together in excitement. "I know this might sound unusual, but I wanted to organize a surprise for Ardeth… a celebration for his birthday."
The group exchanged glances, a collective grin spreading across their faces. Evelyn's eyes twinkled with enthusiasm. "Oh, Emmie, that's a wonderful idea! I think he could really use a reminder that he's part of something here."
Jake nodded in agreement, leaning forward with interest. "It's true. Ardeth's the kind of guy who'd keep something like that quiet. And a celebration… I think he'd appreciate it, even if he won't admit it."
Emmie's heart swelled with gratitude. She knew the idea was a little ambitious, but seeing her friends so on board made her feel that it was possible to create something truly special.
"Since he's quiet about his personal life, I thought we could keep it respectful and simple, but with elements that honor his heritage," Emmie continued, her gaze shifting to Evelyn. "I know you're familiar with ancient Egyptian traditions, so any suggestions you have would be perfect."
Evelyn nodded thoughtfully, her gaze distant as she mentally combed through her knowledge. "Yes, we could include symbols and artifacts that represent protection and strength. Maybe candles, a few of the Library's Egyptian relics, and tapestries with Medjai symbols. It's subtle, but meaningful."
Cassandra clapped her hands together, eyes shining with excitement. "Oh, I could create decorations based on ancient Egyptian designs! Imagine the patterns and symbols… and some color to add warmth to the hall."
"I'll bring some music," Ezekiel offered with a smirk. "Nothing says birthday like the right tunes."
Emmie chuckled, shaking her head. "I think Ardeth might appreciate something a bit more… subdued."
Jake let out a laugh, nudging Ezekiel. "Yeah, maybe keep the rock classics out of it this time, mate."
Ezekiel shrugged, feigning innocence. "Fine, fine. I'll keep it 'authentic' for the Medjai."
Flynn entered the room, spotting the gathering and quirking an eyebrow. "Is this a planning session I wasn't invited to?" His gaze shifted to Emmie, who quickly brought him up to speed on her idea.
Flynn's face softened, a warm smile crossing his features. "That's a thoughtful idea, Emmie. I can help you gather a few scrolls or trinkets that represent his lineage. There are some beautiful pieces in the restricted section that we could display temporarily."
Emmie felt a surge of gratitude as the team offered their ideas, each one bringing something unique to the plan. The more they spoke, the more she could see it all coming together. A quiet yet meaningful gathering that would respect Ardeth's heritage while giving him a sense of belonging.
Evelyn noticed Emmie's expression, and a knowing smile played on her lips. "You're really going all out for this, aren't you, Emmie?"
Emmie felt a warmth spread across her cheeks, glancing down with a shy smile. "I just want him to know that he's… appreciated," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's given so much to help us, and I want him to feel at home here."
Ezekiel couldn't resist a teasing nudge. "Someone's a little extra dedicated, huh?"
She rolled her eyes, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of pink. "It's not… I mean… He's done a lot for all of us. I just want it to be special."
Cassandra leaned over, grinning as she gently elbowed Emmie. "Don't worry, Emmie. We'll make sure it's a celebration he won't forget. Besides, I think it's sweet."
The teasing only made Emmie's heart beat faster, but she couldn't deny the happiness that came with it. She'd never gone out of her way to plan something like this, not even for herself. But for Ardeth… somehow, it felt right. She wanted to show him that here, he was valued, seen, and part of something that went beyond duty.
"All right, team," she said, feeling the excitement settle into determination. "Let's make this happen."
With plans set in motion, the group dispersed, each person heading off to begin their assigned tasks. Evelyn and Cassandra busied themselves with decorations, while Jake and Flynn headed to the restricted section to search for artifacts. Ezekiel, ever the self-proclaimed 'resourceful one,' wandered off with a smirk, promising to secure some ambient music. Emmie watched her friends go, feeling her heart swell with gratitude.
This was more than a celebration. It was a way of honoring Ardeth, of reminding him that he wasn't just a guardian to them, but someone they trusted, cared for, and respected. And, Emmie thought with a small, hopeful smile, maybe—just maybe—it was a way to show him how much he meant to her.
The days leading up to Ardeth's birthday were filled with quiet excitement as the team put their plans into motion. Emmie coordinated everything, ensuring each detail reflected Ardeth's heritage and personality without overwhelming him. She checked in with Cassandra and Evelyn, who had turned one of the Library's lesser-used rooms into a space that subtly honored Ardeth's Medjai background. Intricate tapestries with Egyptian symbols adorned the walls, and the soft glow of candles illuminated small relics and artifacts carefully arranged around the room.
Cassandra had truly outdone herself. "You know, Emmie," she said as she hung the last tapestry, "you might have a future as an event planner. This is going to look amazing."
Emmie chuckled, shaking her head. "I'll leave that to you. I just want it to feel meaningful for him. He deserves that."
Jake and Flynn had brought out a few ancient scrolls and small artifacts from the Library's archives, adding a historical authenticity to the decor. They were carefully set up to highlight Ardeth's dedication to his heritage, with a few Medjai symbols scattered subtly among them. Emmie took a step back, admiring their work.
"It's perfect," she said softly, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I think he'll really appreciate this."
Flynn gave her a knowing smile. "You've put a lot of thought into this, Emmie. Ardeth's a lucky man to have a friend like you."
The warmth in his words made her blush, but before she could respond, Ezekiel strolled in, balancing a pile of old records and CDs precariously in his arms.
"All right, I found some atmospheric music," he announced, a mischievous grin on his face. "I kept it authentic, like you asked, but I made a backup playlist in case we need to spice things up."
Jake raised an eyebrow, glancing at Emmie. "Should we be concerned about what's on that backup playlist?"
Ezekiel shrugged, feigning innocence. "Oh, just a bit of jazz, some swing—maybe a little rock. You know, in case Ardeth decides he's into the classics."
Emmie rolled her eyes, laughing as she shook her head. "Stick with the authentic playlist, Ezekiel. I don't think Ardeth's ready for a rock concert just yet."
Ezekiel pretended to be offended, clutching his stack of records to his chest. "I'm offended you think I'd ruin a perfectly good surprise. But fine—traditional it is."
Emmie and Cassandra exchanged amused glances as Ezekiel went off to set up the sound system, still muttering something about "expanding tastes." Emmie's heart felt light as she watched her friends bustling around, putting together each final touch. The teasing and laughter that filled the room made her feel more connected to them than ever. They were more than colleagues—they were family.
As she straightened a few of the artifacts, Evelyn approached, giving Emmie a soft nudge. "You're doing a wonderful thing for him, you know."
Emmie smiled, glancing down as she adjusted a small, ancient amulet. "I just want him to know he's… part of this. Of us. And that he's appreciated."
Evelyn's eyes sparkled with a knowing smile. "Yes, of course," she said lightly, her tone filled with gentle mischief. "And this has nothing to do with how often you look at him when he's not looking."
Emmie's cheeks flushed a deep pink. She tried to laugh it off, shaking her head. "It's just… gratitude, Evelyn. Ardeth's done so much for us."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow, her expression entirely unconvinced. "Gratitude. Sure. I remember the days of 'just gratitude.'" Her voice was warm, her teasing gentle, and Emmie couldn't help but laugh, feeling both flustered and delighted by her friend's perceptiveness.
The hours slipped by as the preparations came together, each detail fitting perfectly into the vision Emmie had held in her mind. By late afternoon, everything was ready, and the team took a step back to admire their work. The room was bathed in warm candlelight, casting a gentle glow over the tapestries and relics, while the subtle music added a serene atmosphere.
"Emmie, this is beautiful," Cassandra said, her voice filled with admiration. "He's going to love it."
Emmie's heart swelled, both from the pride of seeing it all come together and the excitement that bubbled within her. She could hardly wait to see Ardeth's reaction. She just hoped he would feel the depth of their appreciation, the way each one of them valued his strength, his loyalty, and his presence among them.
"Thank you, everyone," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "I couldn't have done this without all of you. I just… I wanted him to feel like he has a place here."
Jake clapped her on the shoulder, his expression warm. "You did a great job, Emmie. This is going to mean a lot to him. And hey, I bet he'll be just as surprised as we were to find out he had a birthday at all!"
The group laughed, the sound filling the room as they exchanged looks of mutual satisfaction. Ezekiel gave Emmie a sly grin, winking. "Just make sure you're the one giving him his gift. I think we all know who he'd rather hear from tonight."
Emmie felt her cheeks warm, though she couldn't suppress the smile that tugged at her lips. Despite the teasing, she was grateful to her friends for making the preparations not only possible but truly enjoyable. She felt their support, their shared excitement, and their sense of family, and it made the moment all the more special.
As the team finished the final preparations and began to disperse, Emmie took a deep breath, savoring the moment. She felt both nervous and excited, a fluttering anticipation filling her chest as she imagined Ardeth's reaction. She hoped that, in this small way, she could show him just how much he was valued—not only by her but by everyone who had come to see him as part of their family.
As the sun set, casting a warm glow across the Library, the team gathered in the decorated room, eager to surprise Ardeth. Emmie's heart pounded with a mixture of excitement and nerves as she made the final checks. The soft music playing in the background, the dim candlelight illuminating the ancient artifacts, the carefully chosen Medjai symbols—all of it was ready.
Emmie took a deep breath, looking over at Evelyn, who gave her an encouraging nod. She had arranged for Jenkins to bring Ardeth to the hall without revealing too much, using a small errand as an excuse to lead him their way.
And then, footsteps echoed down the corridor. Emmie's heart skipped, her palms growing clammy as she listened to Ardeth's approach. The team fell silent, exchanging glances filled with anticipation.
Finally, Ardeth stepped into the room, his gaze widening slightly as he took in the warm, welcoming scene before him. The surprise registered in his expression, a faint flicker of astonishment giving way to something softer, a warmth in his eyes that Emmie had rarely seen.
"Surprise!" the group chorused, grinning widely.
For a moment, Ardeth stood there, taking it all in—the candles, the tapestries, the familiar Medjai symbols woven into the decorations. His eyes traveled across the room, pausing briefly on each detail as though trying to understand how all of it had come together.
"Ardeth," Emmie began, stepping forward with a shy smile. "We… we wanted to celebrate you. You've given so much to help us, and we thought you deserved a night that honors you."
There was a rare vulnerability in Ardeth's gaze as he met hers, a quiet gratitude that shone through his usually composed expression. "This… is unexpected," he murmured, his voice tinged with emotion. "Thank you. All of you."
Ezekiel stepped up, grinning as he patted Ardeth on the back. "Come on, it's not every day you find out you're the guest of honor at a surprise party! Let's enjoy it while we can."
Cassandra nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! We have everything set up. And Emmie even made sure to keep it all… authentic." She shot a teasing glance at Emmie, who smiled sheepishly but with pride.
Emmie led Ardeth further into the room, and he followed, visibly touched as he looked over each element of the celebration. She could see the hint of awe in his eyes as he paused by a display of Medjai symbols, his fingers brushing over the delicate tapestries with a reverence that only strengthened her admiration for him.
They settled in, each of them taking seats around a low table where a small feast had been prepared, courtesy of Jenkins's surprisingly skilled culinary touch. The food was simple but hearty, and as they began to eat, the room filled with laughter and conversation.
Evelyn leaned forward, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "Ardeth, tell us a bit more about the Medjai. How did you come to be a guardian?"
Ardeth hesitated, clearly unused to being the center of attention, but Emmie's encouraging smile seemed to ease his reluctance. He began speaking softly, sharing snippets of his life with the Medjai, the training he'd undergone, the loyalty he felt toward his heritage.
He shared stories of ancient traditions, tales of bravery, and the rituals that had shaped his sense of purpose. Emmie listened intently, each word a reminder of the depth of his devotion. The warmth in his voice, the quiet pride that laced his words—it all made her heart swell with affection.
As the evening continued, Cassandra and Jake took turns sharing their own tales of mishaps and misadventures, sparking laughter around the room. Ezekiel, not to be outdone, began recounting a particularly exaggerated story of his own heroics on a recent mission, drawing chuckles and a few playful eye rolls from the group.
Emmie watched Ardeth as he relaxed, his guarded demeanor softening with each shared story and laugh. She felt a surge of happiness seeing him surrounded by friends, finally allowing himself a moment of peace and companionship.
When most of the food had been enjoyed and the stories began to quiet, Emmie stood, her heart beating a little faster as she held a small, wrapped box in her hands. She took a deep breath and approached Ardeth, her cheeks warming as she extended the gift to him.
"This is for you," she said softly, her voice filled with quiet sincerity. "I thought you might appreciate something… personal."
Ardeth's eyes softened as he took the box from her, carefully unwrapping the cloth that held it. Inside was a small, hand-carved amulet with Medjai symbols etched along its surface—a protection symbol she had carefully recreated from a book in the Library's archives. It was simple, but each line and mark had been crafted with care, a reminder of his roots and the duty he had carried alone for so long.
He looked up, a hint of surprise and gratitude in his eyes. "Emmie… this is… beautiful. I am honored." His voice was filled with emotion, a quiet strength that seemed to resonate through the room.
Emmie's heart swelled as she watched him, feeling the depth of their connection settle into a comfortable warmth. "You've protected so much, Ardeth," she whispered. "You deserve to carry something that protects you, too."
A comfortable silence fell between them, one that needed no words. Around them, the rest of the team watched with soft smiles, exchanging knowing glances as they witnessed the silent understanding between Emmie and Ardeth. Cassandra gave Evelyn a subtle nudge, whispering, "See? Told you they were meant for each other."
The celebration continued with more laughter and toasts, each person taking a moment to share what they admired about Ardeth. Even Jenkins, who rarely participated in social gatherings, offered a few words of appreciation, much to everyone's surprise.
As the night wore on and the candles burned low, Emmie felt a profound sense of contentment settle within her. The room, filled with warmth and camaraderie, seemed to pulse with the bond they all shared. And as she glanced at Ardeth, her heart fluttered with the knowledge that their connection was deeper than she had dared to hope.
As the night grew quieter, the room emptied, leaving Emmie and Ardeth alone amidst the soft candlelight and the familiar symbols of his Medjai heritage. Emmie lingered by the display of artifacts, her fingers tracing the delicate carvings on a small amulet. A deep sense of contentment filled her, knowing that the evening had gone beautifully and that she had given Ardeth a glimpse of how much he was valued—not only by her but by all of them.
Ardeth stepped toward her, his quiet presence grounding her as he drew near. She turned to face him, her heart racing as she met his gaze. His dark eyes were filled with warmth and gratitude, an expression she had rarely seen but which she knew he reserved just for her.
"Emmie," he said softly, his voice filled with emotion, "I did not expect any of this. I never imagined such a gesture could be meant for me."
She took his hand in hers, her fingers lacing through his as she gave him a gentle smile. "You deserve to be celebrated, Ardeth. More than anyone I know."
He held her gaze, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his expression as he lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a tender kiss to her knuckles. "Your kindness," he murmured, "it has given me more than you know. You make me feel… like I belong. Here. With you."
Her heart swelled at his words, her cheeks warming as his hand moved to gently cup her face, his thumb brushing along her cheek. The world seemed to fade away as they stood together, wrapped in a quiet intimacy that made her pulse quicken. She reached up, resting her hand over his, feeling the warmth of his touch and the strength of his presence.
They were so close now that she could feel his breath, warm and steady, mingling with her own. She searched his gaze, seeing the depth of his feelings reflected back at her, and felt a thrill of excitement mixed with the comfort of knowing that he was truly hers.
Slowly, Ardeth leaned down, his forehead resting gently against hers, his hand slipping around her waist as he pulled her close. She felt her heart pounding as he brushed his lips over hers, soft and reverent, a kiss filled with unspoken promises and quiet devotion. She closed her eyes, melting into him, her arms finding their way around his shoulders as they shared that tender, unhurried moment.
When they finally parted, Emmie felt her cheeks warm as she looked up at him, her smile soft. She could feel her heart brimming with emotions she had never thought she'd share with someone, and the quiet joy of knowing that he felt the same.
As they lingered, wrapped in each other's presence, Ardeth's hand gently cupped her face once more, his gaze never leaving hers. "Being here with you… it has shown me that there is more to life than duty," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "It has given me a sense of peace I thought I would never know."
Emmie smiled, her hand resting over his heart, feeling the steady beat beneath her fingers. "And you've given me that, too," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "With you, I feel… complete. I never thought I'd find that."
He leaned down again, capturing her lips in another kiss, this one deeper, filled with the warmth and intensity of all they felt for each other. The world around them faded as they shared that quiet, powerful moment, lost in each other's presence.
When they finally drew back, Emmie's fingers lingered on his hand, tracing gentle circles as they stood together, the soft candlelight flickering around them. For a long, peaceful moment, they remained close, the strength of their bond filling the silence.
They left the room side by side, the warmth of their connection lingering as they walked through the familiar halls. Emmie felt a quiet joy settle within her, knowing that with Ardeth by her side, she could face whatever lay ahead, her heart full of a love she had never dared to hope for.