Author's Note: Here we are again with our next entry! There won't be any established order of characters (for the most part), so who knows who will come knocking on the summoner's door in subsequent entries? In any case, I hope you enjoy and have a great day!

LuigiG54: Thank you, and well said! I like how Askr's Anna is more of a caretaker than her 'sisters' (despite her Anna-like tendencies involving gold), so I like opportunities to showcase how unique she is amongst other Annas.

"Oh! Líf…?"

"Kiran."

Líf nodded in greeting at the surprised summoner. "The Winter Festival has begun and…certain individuals were becoming concerned that you were not in attendance."

"Oh, shoot, the festival started already?" Kiran murmured before placing a hand on his forehead with a groan. "Thanks for the heads up, Líf. I guess I got a bit carried away with decorating that I lost track of time! I'll be down there in just a second."

"Decorating?" Líf repeated before peering into Kiran's room and noticing the festive lights and decorations in the summoner's room. "Ah, I see." Before Kiran could step out of his room, Líf interjected, "Might I have a moment of your time, Kiran?"

"Um, sure thing." Kiran said, surprised once more by the grim swordsman's request as he stood aside, allowing Líf to enter his room. As he closed the door, Kiran watched as Líf glanced around his room at all the decorations Kiran had put up. As he did, Kiran could have sworn he saw a flicker of nostalgia in Líf's eyes. Chuckling softly, Kiran said, "Guess you aren't used to so many bright lights, huh?"

Snapped out of his reverie, Líf returned his gaze to Kiran as he shook his head. "Ah, not quite. I was…just lost in my thoughts. Or, rather, old memories..."

Kiran nodded, guessing what Líf was recalling and deciding to gently change the subject. "Well, if you're so entranced by these decorations, then you're gonna love the decorations at the Winter Festival! Oh, especially when it gets dark, and they start to light the lanterns all around the castle town and-"

"My apologies, Kiran," Líf interrupted, halting Kiran's excited rambling. "I'm afraid I only came here to ascertain your whereabouts and say my piece. I…have no intentions of joining this eve's festivities."

"Huh?" Kiran said, a look of disappointment flashing briefly across his face. "I mean, are you sure? If you're concerned about what the other Heroes will say or think, I'm sure no one will bat an eye if you join in. This festival is about bringing everyone together, you know."

Líf shook his head once more, his expression appearing somber as he replied, "You misunderstand, Kiran. What the other Heroes think of my presence is of little concern to me. I…simply believe it is not my place to partake in these festivities alongside everyone." Turning his gaze to a set of decorative candles Kiran had set up on his desk, Líf softly added, "Festivals such as these…are occasions to celebrate life and all of its splendor and blessings; the dead have no place there."

"Líf…" Kiran mumbled, a sympathetic expression on his face as he studied Líf closely, knowing that, deep down, the person the lethal swordsman once was wanted nothing more than to celebrate alongside everyone at the festival. Taking a deep breath, Kiran approached Líf and, after a moment's hesitation, placed a comforting hand on Líf's arm. "I can't say I agree with your sentiment, but I won't force you to join." Kiran flashed a smile as he added, "Although, if you ever change your mind, just know you're always welcome to join. In fact, I'm sure there are certain people out there now who would love to see joining the fun! I know I'm one of them!"

"Kiran…" Líf murmured, his eyes widening at the sight of Kiran's smile, a memory of a life long past flashing before him only to vanish just as quickly as it came. Steadying himself, Líf chose to instead focus on the reason he came here, giving the summoner's invitation a courteous nod of acknowledgement before speaking again. "In any case, the true reason I wished to speak with you was-"

"Ah!"

Líf's words were interrupted by a quiet gasp from the summoner as a chill wind blew into the room from outside. Noticing Kiran's shivering, concern briefly flickered in Líf's eyes. "Kiran? Are you feeling unwell?"

Kiran shook his head with a smile, though Líf was quick to notice the subtle trembling of Kiran's jaw as he fought to keep his teeth from chattering. "N-No, I'm good. Just a little chilly, that's all." Walking past Líf and turning his back to him, Kiran quickly made his way to his slightly ajar window, the curtains flapping in the wind. Shutting the windows, Kiran sighed in relief before commenting, "There, that's better! Sorry, Líf, what were you-"

The rest of Kiran's sentence was cut off by the feeling of something heavy and warm being laid across his shoulders, eliciting a soft hum of confusion from the summoner. Reaching over to feel the material, Kiran's eyes widened upon recognizing that the material draped over him was Líf's fur cape. Bewildered, the summoner glanced toward Líf, whose back was currently turned toward Kiran as the swordsman faced the doorway.

"The winters in Askr can be harsh," Líf spoke without turning to look at Kiran. "That cape will serve you better than I. It is also resistant to lower-tier magic." Turning his head just a fraction, Líf added softly, "In either case, you…will be protected."

"Oh," Kiran whispered softly in awe, examining the cape in more detail. With a smile, Kiran returned his gaze to Líf and said, "Thank you, Líf. I'll cherish this."

Líf offered no response aside from a subtle nod of his head before turning to face the doorway again. "That is all I wished to speak with you about. If you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way."

"Oh, right," Kiran said with a nod, going over to his boots before quickly pulling them on and pulling the heavy cape around him. "I probably should get going to the festival as well!" With a grin, Kiran slipped past Líf and opened the door leading out of his quarters, holding it open for the swordsman with a grin. "Well, let's get going, Líf!"

"What?" Líf murmured in confusion before narrowing his eyes at Kiran. "I have already told you that I have no intention in partaking in the festival."

"Yeah, I know," Kiran responded, still grinning. "But, I could really use a bodyguard for the evening. I've been told that festivals are the best times for an enemy to strike, and with my track record, well, I'd rather not leave anything to chance!" His grin turning into a smirk, Kiran added, "I'd be able to enjoy the festival a lot more if I knew I had…someone watching my back."

"You…" Líf starts before falling silent, a look of intense contemplation on his face. Finally, he releases a resigned sigh before saying, "Very well, Kiran. I…will accompany you to the festival. At a distance…to ensure your safety."

With a triumphant expression, Kiran says, "Alright! Well, then, let's get going!"

After locking the door, both Kiran and Líf make their way down the hallway towards the festival grounds. As they walked, Líf silently cast his gaze to Kiran, who wore a jubilant expression on his face as he drew his new cape around him. Seeing the carefree look on the summoner's face, Líf's countenance softened ever so slightly underneath his mask, memories of bygone days beginning to creep into his mind…

Shaking his head, Líf pushed those memories aside. Those days were gone, he chastised himself internally as he followed Kiran. He would not dwell on a dead past.

Hardening his expression once more, Líf stole another quick glance at Kiran before focusing his gaze forward. He had a task to accomplish; he would watch over Kiran and ensure that he would be able to enjoy the Winter Festival without fear. It would be the least Líf could do to honor the memory and wishes of those long gone. And also…

It would be the least he could do for Kiran…as thanks for gifting him the opportunity to live in the past, even if just for a single night.