#⚔︎ e: happy birthday!

[quartzhearted]

Knowing your King's, even if formerly, birthday was an easy enough task. Even out in Lapis's middle of nowhere type village had it been something just about anybody could tell you, and so as the days tick down, getting closer and closer, the date echoes fiercely in her mind.

Giving something to Diamant had been enough of an event to work up to, but given the rocky start Lapis had had with Morion since reuniting in Fódlan? It's even more nerve-wracking to be honest. But when she thinks of Alcryst making it abundantly clear that he wanted to meet her family and be proper to them...

...Well, to be honest, Lapis wanted to do the same for his. And so she vows to herself to push everything before aside and try and do this birthday right!

“ Your Majesty! ”  Lapis greets him, ramrod straight.  “ Um, happy birthday! I gotcha a gift. Hope it works for you. ”

She holds out the modestly wrapped present for him. As a measure of precaution, she explains it:

“ I made you a bunch of different remedies and fit them into a container that should be easy to carry no matter where you go. ”  The box is compact enough to fit into any bag, and inside the box were different compartments to keep its contents divided up cleanly.  “ 'Course, you can use the container for more than just remedies so long as it's small enough, like snacks or coins, but... ”

Though Lapis was known for being crafty, the box wasn't meant to be the star of the gift. 

“ Now that you're back, I'm sure your sons worry the world for you, ”  she admits her motive.  “ And, um, that includes me too now! But a warrior's always gonna go out and fight to protect what they love. No getting around that. So I won't stop you. But I thought if you had different medicines and poultices ready on hand, that'd help make sure you get back home. ”

If she could ease the concerns of her two princes, then all would be well. She knows a warrior's heart as she does a child's, and so she put her all into making sure she made the most effective remedies she could with what herbs and flowers she could find.

“ If you need a guide for what each one does, I'm more than happy to help! I've used them all before myself, so I can vouch for how well they work, mmhm. Shouldn't be any problems there. ”

as if morion's birthday couldn't get any better, lapis comes to him with her own gift---stiff as a board, sure, but she's here! ( he really needs to find a way to get her to relax around him... )

" good to see ya, lapis! " morion smiles, patting her shoulder. " though, really, you can just call me ' morion ' now. ' mister morion ' if you just can't live without the titles, but c'mon! we battled together! " anyone who can hold their own in a chain of battles that intense ( nevermind the absolute WALLOPING she'd given that shade back in the gold round, PHEW! ) is someone morion would gladly be equals with. " but we'll talk about that some other time. what's this, now? "

as lapis explains the purpose of her gift, morion can't help his expression going soft. sure, she's a worrier---make that three that he knows---but she knows a thing or two about morion's heart. acknowledging that he's not just gonna sit around and twiddle his thumbs is encouraging enough, but that she made something to assuage all the worry... goodness. now THERE'S a present.

morion feels warm. " well, now, lapis, that's very kind of you. " he pops open the box for a quick look. sure enough, remedies and poultices of all kinds sit in neat little sections, awaiting their use. " hardheaded as i am, i do get all sorts of nicks and scrapes. lots of times i don't have an elixir handy, and it drives the boys nuts---this is perfect. not just for me, but for them, too. you really do think five steps ahead. "

sigh. he sure is glad his sons have such dependable retainers.

...

...

wait a minute.

" ...whatd'ya mean, ' includes you now too '?? "

[quartzhearted]

Alcryst is the worst son a father could have.

This is the last straw, he's sure of it. This is what will make Father realize just how awful Alcryst is. Because what kind of son forgets his father's birthday?

Just thinking about it makes him physically ill. The logical part of Alcryst's mind knows his father would probably laugh at him for being so distraught over this. But he can't help but feel guilty. Last year, his father's birthday was a day of mourning. His death was still fresh in his mind. So to go from that to outright forgetting? Alcryst fears what that might mean. Does this mean he doesn't love his father, or that he's not grateful to have him back?

It feels like the end of the world. Though Alcryst knows that tomorrow will come and this will all be in the past, standing in his father's office right now he imagines himself dying in this very spot. He desperately needs to show how sorry he is, but knowing that his father hates to see him bow, he fears making things worse.

So Alcryst stands before his father, clutching a crumpled birthday card as he tries and fails to hold back tears. "I'm, I'm so, I'm so sorry..." He wants to tell him happy birthday, but he knows he's lost the right to say that. "I'm... I'm a disgrace." He says instead. "I'm a bad son."

(HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY MORIPOO sorry im late but i got a good idea out of it :^) )

morion had wondered where alcryst was when his birthday had rolled around, but it didn't bother him too much. not because he didn't care---seeing his sons made any day brighter, thank you---but because alcryst is old enough to make his own decisions about his time. perhaps he was busy, or perhaps he'd gone off somewhere for a few days. morion would simply wait for his return, whenever that was!

and it's today, happy days, that alcryst comes to his office---but the absolute state he's in makes morion worry. " alcryst--?? " he startles, rising from his chair. " alcryst, what's happened? is everyth--- "

then he sees the birthday card in alcryst's hands, crushed by guilt and anxiety's grip. ah.

at first, morion wants to laugh---this is what all the theatrics are about?!---but he knows that will only serve to further agitate poor alcryst. his heart lurches watching fat tears roll down his boy's cheeks. really, all this for a birthday...

so morion approaches alcryst, kneels to his level, and gently takes the card from his hands. he'll make sure to put some books on top of it to flatten it; this would make a great addition to his corkboard. pocketing the card, he then lightly squishes alcryst's face, large thumbs wiping off tears. " alcryst... come on, boy. you know there's no need for this.

" i understand you're upset about missin' my birthday. but shouldn't you be happy that we can all celebrate it at all? " his worried frown turns to a kind smile, the same one he's worn through all the times he's comforted dear alcryst. " i'm happy you came to visit me. you know there's nothing i love more than seein' you and your brother, no matter when. "

morion kisses alcryst firmly on the cheek and stands, offering a hand. " now, c'mon. go wash your face---your old man's thirsty, and it's about time i take you out to your first father-son pub crawl! "

[quartzhearted]

Lambert’s records didn’t include much of the academy’s faculty- at most some of their names and positions, nothing more. Anything else would have to be learned through interaction at best and mild eavesdropping at worst, though in this case it didn’t take too long for him to figure it out. Not when the subject in question already had a shining reputation among some and…well, was one of his closest friends.

“There you are. For a man so loud, I must admit finding you was quite the challenge for me. I did not think that I would be invited for a hunt when I set out to locate you, my friend.” He approached the other with arms crossed and a fond smile in his features. A demeanor that by now had already changed so many times that Lambert even felt bad for it, in part. But this was the norm he was meant to follow, this was a fraction of who he was meant to be. “Have you had a good day so far? You look quite good, so I assume yes.”

“But I hope I may be able to make it even better, in this case.” A wink, coupled with a smile bordering a smirk, before Lambert unsheathed a blade that had been quite well concealed under his cloak. 

Bright silver with a crimson holster, the sword was offered to Morion.

“Whatever it is that blocks your path my friend, carve your way with this blade. Allow this to manifest a future for you, your family and your nation that you can be proud of.” Another smile. “And perhaps think of me while you do it, will you?” A light chuckle became laughter. The blade actually used to be a rather rusty, old one that he had found in the Abyss. But after befriending the local blacksmith, Lambert was able to have it be completely restored and reinforced.

Ironic, how much like himself and the man before him, that blade too was allowed a second chance at life. “Happy Birthday, Morion. May the Goddess bless your every step.”

drinks with his son, a dragon's pendant. a beautiful gemstone star... morion never wants for anything, but the small things he's received make him happier than what should be possible. he's a man that knows the joy of marriage, the joy of fatherhood... really, little things like these should be minuscule, but...

aw, fuck it. it's nice to get cool presents from people that like you. anyone can agree on that.

he's taken some time to fish out in a remote section of the pond, thinking about life, death, and sweet, sweet fish. the waters are calm, the sun is deciding whether to set... ahh, it's nice.

it's made nicer by the arrival of a friend; lambert approaches, and morion turns his head to meet the voice. " ho there, lambert, " he greets, returning lambert's fond smile with one of his own. " didn't know you were lookin' for me. i would've tried harder to hide! heh heh.

" i've had a fantastic day so far. i got all my work done, got some nice presents... m' supposed to head out for a father-son thingy later tonight, and boy am i ready for that! " there's genuine joy radiating from all over his body. in all his time at the monastery---from his highs to his disastrous lows---he has never felt so happy to be alive again. to breathe, to see, to smile... he sure took those for granted back then. now he treasures each moment.

when lambert next speaks, morion's smile turns a little coy. " oh? you're gonna make it better, are you? and how's that? " his shoulders tense, waiting. if they're gonna start wrestling on the bank, then he's for sure gonna be ready for that!

but it isn't wrestling! at first, when lambert unsheathes the new sword on his person, morion reaches for his own ( which, as it would happen, was replaced by a fishing rod ). but the stance is wrong---he's not ready to fight. if not to clash, then why would he...

...

...

morion blinks a few times. looks down at the sword presented before him, thinks about lambert's words.

the sword is beautiful. its blade boasts a lustrous silver whilst its carrier burns a deep red---such weapons are expensive, made up for by their sheer power. it could not have been easy to get the sword to such a condition, and here lambert is presenting it on the bank of a pond.

the two of them have seen each other in many, many states. there is a lot lambert does not remember, and some that morion doesn't, too; each have made discoveries in each other's presence, expanded their worlds with each other inside them. where morion goes, lambert does not follow---he crash-lands, now with a big smile and a fiery attitude to match him.

morion is grateful to know him, now and forever. the man who has cut a path for him in this world, when he was alone and confused... how could he ever repay someone like him for all of that?

" ...lambert, " morion finally says after an eternity of silence. the breeze blows over crystal waters, sleepy sunset reflected off the mirror. " i'll always think of you. you've always been there when i needed someone most and... well, i... " dragons. he really is at a loss for words. " i just don't know how i'll ever thank you.

" so, yeah, i'll do what you said. use this sword to find my way... but you've gotta be there, too, all right? this thing's awesome and all, but it'll never replace you! " he pats lambert's cheek once, twice with the back of his bare hand. morion smiles gently.

" now, i've got an extra rod down here. you gonna sit down and fish with me or what? "

Morion has obtained the Wolf King's Sword!

[quartzhearted]

When it was Diamant's birthday, he had practically run from what he believed was the apparition of his father: a spectre conjured from the depths of his mind, his longing for a familiar, nostalgic warmth. But his father's presence had been true—a real resurrection, through forces none of them still knew by this point.

It all felt like some sort of dream. And as the days passed, it was one Diamant hoped he would never have to wake up from.

Having entered his father's office, Diamant slips a small piece of parchment across the older man's desk. Pinned under a gloved finger, he simply says: "Here."

It was one of the DOUs Morion had given him on his birthday: Dad Owes U. Except, in this case...

"It's been a while, hasn't it? Since we've gone out for drinks." Since Father has dragged him out for them, rather, "I know the paper says the bar tab is on you, but ignore that. It's your birthday, and so everything will be on me tonight, Father."

His expression remains level, though his eyes gentle. Pleading for forgiveness, even. Perhaps grasping the moment and making up for lost time would be some small way to make up for how Diamant shunned him months before.

morion is in his office, admiring the carving he'd received earlier from that odd girl. weird as she was, she's an excellent gemcarver. he'll have to find her again and talk to her about her skills---the world could always use more artisans.

he hears a knock on his door---" come in! " he barks, still distracted---and nearly jumps out of his chair when the visitor reveals himself. " diamant! " morion exclaims, smile as bright as the gem he holds. " come to see papa on his birthday, have ya? "

morion expects nothing for his birthday, especially so from his sons. the fact that they are alive and healthy ( and happy, here's hopin'! ) is all the gift he'll ever need, so when diamant taps something down on his desk, it's a little bit of a surprise. " huh? what's t--- "

oh.

OHHHH.

OHHHOHOHOHO!!!!

those little birthday coupons, dragons, morion's nearly forgotten about those! after how diamant had reacted when receiving them, nobody'd blame him if he tossed them away. morion would only have been heartbroken at how hurt his poor boy was on his own birthday! the fact he's kept them, the fact he's redeeming one...

THE FACT HE'S INVITING HIM FOR DRINKS!!!

" WA-HEY! " morion hoots, immediately rising from his desk to lock his precious diamant in a headlock. NOOGIE INCOMING! " never thought i'd see the day the reluctant diamant invites his old man for drinks! here i was assumin' i'd be the guy draggin' you for the rest of time! " damn, he's so happy he could die. but he probably shouldn't do that.

between the fatherly hair-ruffles morion notices the look diamant gives him. it's not something he's seen on diamant much---desperate apology, begging for some sort of repentance. what's this about? morion wonders. what've i got to forgive him for?

of course he remembers that fateful birthday; morion will never forget how broken his baby boy had looked. but today, the diamond seems to have repaired itself and shines so brilliantly! there is nothing that could make a father happier. that's all that matters!

" quit lookin' at me like that, boy, " morion grumbles, forcefully pressing a kiss on diamant's forehead. " you've got no reason to be all pathetic-like. now c'mon---your old man's thirsty! i hope you're ready to crawl home, 'cuz this'll be a night we're both gonna enjoy!! GA HA HA!! "

[quartzhearted]

He'd either be laughing at her, or rolling over in his grave if he knew. Her master, that is.

It's literally just a day. It shouldn't matter to her. She's better off keeping her head down and not acknowledging it at all than she is calling attention to the fact she knows. He's the absolutely top of the list, worst guy ever that she could possibly have asking questions about her.

(Her master would probably be calling her an idiot, actually, and that would still be one of the nicer reactions he'd have to this.)

It feels like penance. It feels like an apology she can't ever say without admitting to a hundred things she'd rather be buried with. It feels stupid and out of place and unwanted from some scum of the earth urchin like her and still-

"Hey." Her tone comes out less peppy than she planned. "It's your birthday, right? Here."

The small box holds a simple gift. A small, red star that she carved herself out of a gem she'd gotten from the market. She's not fully satisfied with it, but it's the closest she could find to the stones she remembers her father digging out of the mines without importing one in from Brodia directly.

..what is she supposed to do now that she's actually given it? Shoot, she didn't think this part through. "I, uh…happy birthday! Don't mention it! Okay BYE!"

morion's been so busy that he doesn't even remember that it's his birthday today.

between training, grading essays, and mourning on his hands and knees at the door of his favorite school restaurant that's closed for renovations, he's been too focused on literally everything else to even notice the days passing. it's probably a blessing when he thinks about it---being so active leaves little time to dwell on the past. looking behind him is a decidedly Not Morion Thing, so anything helps.

but perhaps what is odder is the person who reminds him of his birthday: someone he's never met before. she approaches him hesitantly, bearing a gift but holding it in a manner unlike a friend. what is it that weighs her so? shame? hatred? sadness? but why? morion's never even seen this girl before.

his gaze cuts, trying to connect the dots, but he can't do it before the girl shoves the present into his hands and flees. that's... really odd. dragons, and with the amount of people at this damned school, he'll probably never get answers.

whatever. he got a birthday present from a weird little girl. clearly there are no problems with this, so he opens it,

and the mystery only digs deeper.

it's a small star, intricately carved from a red material that shimmers wine-red in the sunlight. morion has seen these on the market here, but before that...

" pyrope? " he mutters to himself, inspecting the little star closely. " this is sorta close to the strains back in brodia... but why would she give me this kind'a thing when i don't know who she is?

" unless... she's...? "

[quartzhearted]

“Excuse me! Sir Morion?”

With a cold hand, Nils lightly tapped the tall man on the shoulder. He looked slightly bashful, left hand fiddling with the hem of his scarf while holding something with the right hand behind his back. “Today is your birthday, isn’t it? I hope it’s not too presumptuous of me to want to give something too! I still owe you for your kindness at the mines as well, so…”

Admittedly, he didn’t know Morion quite that well yet. So he couldn’t give some kind of super specific and personal gift.. He struck the dragon as a warrior type though, so that gave him an idea on what to work with, at the very least.

He showed what he was holding in his right hand: it was a silver colored chain, from which hung a blue gemstone that was slightly cool to the touch. It resembled his own dragonstone, just a little. “It’s a good luck charm, similar to one worn by many dragon warriors in my homeland.” He explained with a soft smile. “With it, you’ll be protected in battle by the spirit of ice! Or so they say at least, Hehe.” He couldn’t give his dragonstone outright, but these charms still contained a little bit of draconic power. For a man who seemed fascinated by dragons, the bard really hoped Morion would like it.

“And of course: Happy Birthday!”

out of all the people morion doesn't expect to see, the little squirt nils is among the most surprising. sure, he loved going on that adventure down into the mines, and sure, he'd 100% do it again if the boy ever asked him, but surely nils didn't know it was morion's birthday...?

yet he would be wrong to assume such, for the dragon-kid is here, present behind his back! " hey there, nils! " morion says with a small wave. " it sure is my birthday. how'd ya know? "

honestly, it's touching to know even nils has found out his birthday. morion isn't a guy who needs attention, and a birthday isn't top of the list of priorities... but it's a sweet gesture! the kid had to find out from somewhere, and the fact that he did was... well, it was just real nice!

BUT WHAT'S REAL NICER IS THE THING NILS IS GIVING HIM. NO WAY? NO WAY? NOOOOOO WAAAAAAAY??????????

" is that--?! " ahh, apparently it isn't a dragonstone---dragons, what the hell would he do with that---but it's something close. a warrior's charm, grasped by DRAGON WARRIORS. WARRIORS. THAT ARE DRAGONS. IS THAT NOT THE BEST THING EVER IN THE WORLD.

it's incredibly obvious how excited morion is at the gift---his smile is damn near ready to fall off, and his eyes glitter as much as the charm does. " i can't believe it! you're givin' somethin' like this to me?! " despite his massive hand, morion takes it as gently as he handles all precious stones.

" this... this is amazing! i've! i've gotta show alear! and diamant, and alcryst! and lambert, and--- ahem. " oops. morion laughs off some of his buzz, ruffling nils' hair. " ...thanks a whole lot, kiddo. i love it. "