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“What a beautiful day!” Alear exclaims, staring in awe at the vibrant blue sky. The air is the perfect temperature and the sun is the perfect companion, warm but not scalding upon Alear’s head. Thinking of their hair, they resist the urge to run a hand through it: if they couldn’t tame their bedhead this morning in front of their vanity, there’s no way they can do it now in Somniel’s orchard. During their hunt for apples, their hair has tangled with the leaves and branches of the trees plenty in the last hour, but it’s worth it: the first fruits of the year are ready for picking and Alear can’t wait to taste the apple-y deliciousness the army’s kitchen aficionados have promised to bake.
There’s so much to explore in Elyos and Alear intends to see, taste, touch, smell, hear it all. From the snowy mountains of Elusia, to the salty sea breeze of Brodia, to the delectable dishes of Firene, to the gorgeous animals of Solm, Alear can ask for no better gift than to be able to experience the wonders of the world, gathering souvenirs and enjoying themself as much as they can with friends new and old.
Goodness, a wintry retreat with Brodian-style Firene fries and a cute, cuddly companion sounds perfect right now! Lost in the daydream with their head tilted to the sky, Alear can just about feel the cool wind reddening their cheeks and smooth fur under their hand… awash with contentedness, they scratch the cat’s head, humming in pleasure. The cat purrs in thanks.
Wait, what?
Looking down, Alear finally notices the cat who has come to join them on their apple picking journey. He’s a small one, but taller than what seems physically possible as he props his paws above Alear’s knee, putting his head in petting range. Perhaps the optical illusion is because of his black fur, or perhaps it’s just one of the many mysteries of cats; either way, Alear smiles, kneeling down to the little guy’s height.
“Hello, you,” they say, giving him proper pets now and quickly finding his preferred way to be touched. His fur is so dark and silky that his big, yellow eyes look like moons lost in the vastness of the night sky… until he opens his mouth, showing a spot of pink tongue. “Oh, you’re adorable!”
“Alear! Oh, thank goodness you’re here!”
Footsteps on the grass accompany their name being called, causing Alear to look up from the cute cat. There, they see Chloé, Lapis, Merrin, and Zelkov jogging through the apple trees before coming to a stop before them. “You found him!” Chloé continues, arms spread wide in joy.
Alear makes to stand, but Merrin brushes them off. “Oh, no, please! Enjoy your gift! He’s for you!”
“He’s for… me? The cat?” Alear asks, confused.
Blushing, Merrin nonetheless puts her hands on her hips, adopting a cool and confident stance. “Well, I noticed how much you like cats, so Timerra and Fogado and I put our heads together to try to tame one for you! It seems he likes you better than any of us, though, considering how he ran away from me…”
“Aww, they’re so cute together!” Chloé gushes, bringing her hands to her face. In one of them, she’s holding a metal box, which Alear looks at inquisitively. Noticing their gaze, Chloé holds the box out like it is a precious artifact. “From Céline and Alfred, I present to you one of the finest teas in Firene. I can show you how to prepare it in the style you like best!”
Milk tea! Alear’s mouth begins to water just thinking about it. “Perhaps it would be best if someone else did the cooking,” Zelkov interrupts, stepping forward to rescue Alear from potential food poisoning. He’s holding a small, lacquered chest in his hands. With Alear’s attention on him, he grants them a rare smile before his deft fingers open the chest, revealing what is inside. “From Elusia, I present the richest pigments in Elyos, already made into paint for you. Ivy and Hortensia know how much you enjoy the arts.” Indeed, in the wooden chest are a slew of tiny glass bottles, each a different, stunning color.
Awestruck, Alear is speechless, accepting the tea and paints with reverence. They set them carefully in their apple basket, where the cat hops in of his own accord to investigate. Before they can find the right words, Lapis clears her throat.
“Um, I know you’re probably expecting a gemstone from Brodia, since, you know, you’re the Divine Dragon and you deserve all the nicest things… but with me being a potato farmer, and Diamant and Alcryst knowing you so well…” As she trails off, she opens her leather satchel. Instantly, a delicious smell wafts forth, carried delicately by the summer breeze. Even before Lapis pulls out the paper cup, Alear knows what the gift is. “I made you Firene fries, Brodian-style.”
Alear can’t take it anymore. Rushing forward, they grasp the hands of their four friends, thanking them for their gifts. “You’re all so sweet! How did you even know—”
“You are the Divine Dragon,” Chloé reminds them. “Your birthday is a holiday!”
“Woah,” Alear says. “So you mean…”
“All throughout Elyos, people are celebrating you,” Zelkov confirms. “Even in Elusia.”
“Here,” Lapis says, pressing the cup of fries into Alear’s hand. With a nod and smile of pure gratitude, they pop one into their mouth. It’s perfect! “You can expect to get a lot more gifts and well wishes today! We just know you like your quiet mornings.”
Alear could cry. “All for me?”
“You deserve it!” Merrin answers, pumping her fist. Looking between her companions, she seems to communicate a secret plan with them. Before Alear can wipe their eyes or the silly grin off their face, the four begin to sing:
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Alear
Happy birthday to you!