fic: A Harvest To Remember

[bonnefois]

Title: A Harvest To Remember
Series: Fire Emblem Heroes / Fire Emblem: Awakening
Character/pairing: Laurent/Noire, ensemble.
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Noire and her friends get dressed up for the Harvest Festival. But when a little girl's puppy goes missing, they end up on the search through the stalls to find where it could've gone.
Word count: 5803
Author's note:

Parentage (not tagged because they don't come up, except for Noire's parents who make a showing.)
Ricken!Laurent
Gaius!Noire
Chrom!Cynthia, Sumia!Lucina
Libra!Yarne
Lon'qu!Gerome
Virion!Inigo
Maribelle!Owain
Lissa!Brady
Donnel!Nah
Anna!Morgan
Gregor!Severa

Some canon notes:

Via the sparkling text conversations, Noire does canonly in lore have something like Counter on her, where if anyone attacks her they will get hurt as well. It doesn't show up in gameplay, unless you pass down counter to her, however.

The very beginning is meant to be callback to the end of Future Past, or at least Laurent and Noire's talk there.

Despite Noire and Tharja's final support has Tharja not wanting to teach Noire magic, the sparkling tile talks seem to say Noire's picked up a few skills in hexing and cursing on her own.



"Is everyone ready for the Harvest festival? Are the costumes ready?"

Laurent always had the energy of a hall monitor presiding over five year olds. Something which annoyed Severa to no end. They got in seemingly endless fights over his attitude--and everything else. Noire often had to break it up--which would always lead to more yelling on her part, and endless apologies.

Laurent gave the grounds a critical look. Noire looked too, albeit with more of a fearful than critical air. There sure were a lot of pumpkin lanterns lit tonight. It was kind of eerie, actually...

"Hmm. Where is everyone? We were to meet here at precisely seven. They have the temerity to be late now? I thought for certain that the promise of candy would make them be prompt for once. I see I am wrong."

"S-sorry."

"There's no need to apologize. You were so prompt that you were even here before I was."

Laurent smiled slightly as he looked her over, and studied her new dress.

One she was slightly regretting, with the night chill in the air.

"Traditional Plegian attire. That of a Sorceress, correct?" Laurent said.

"Uhh, I thought that the point of dressing up for the Harvest Festival was to be scary, so I went as a sorceress, like my mother. There's nothing scarier than my mother...not even Grima can compare. But now that I look at it, maybe it was too scary? I don't want to give the little children coming out for candy nightmares."

Laurent studied her. "There's no curses upon your vestments, if that's what you mean. Ah, I see you're surprised. I've been studying dark magic lately."

Noire looked alarmed. "W-What? A-are you sure that's...safe?"

She'd felt the wrong side of curses enough times to know dark magic intimately. The last thing she wanted was Laurent to deal with the kinds of affect effects which made mother not want her to take up the craft.

Like rashes, severe physical pain, and shortened life.

"I've no intention of becoming a Sorcerer, if that's what you mean. I simply asked Henry about curses and hexes, and gleaned enough to be able to spot one immediately on all items and clothing, and to dispel them on sight."

She let out a sigh of relief.

"T-Then...that's actually very useful," she said.

She might just have to invite him dinner, and have him meet her parents.

Which really summed up Laurent perfectly. He was always reliable, and always there to lend a hand. Even if somebody didn't want him to, like how she could never haul water without him appearing behind her, as fast as if he'd teleported and so alarmed that she might hurt herself.

She hugged her arms about her chest, but it didn't beat back the sudden burst of cold wind that rattled the golden leaves in the trees that surrounded the courtyard.

Even if it'd been a bit fun to sew together some of mom's old robes with dad's input, it was definitely made for desert climates.

And the place in Askr they were in was distinctly not arid, or warm. Lanterns were hung all about the stone paths of a courtyard. Orange and yellow leaves surrounded the courtyard, and rustled in the chilly night wind. All around there were stalls and people in costumes, just giving out sweets for free because of some tradition. No wonder father had looked forward to this festival for months.

The glow was rather eerie, now that she thought of it. Noire clutched herself more tightly and shivered, not entirely from cold. What if that wasn't the wind, but spirits?!

"Noire, are you quite cold? You keep clutching yourself."

"U-Um."

It was kind of embarrassing to admit that she'd gotten frightened by some Harvest Festival lanterns and rustling leaves. Yes, she'd gotten paranoid at empty rooms and shadows before. Still, she'd like to think she made some progress in being less afraid and paranoid when Grima of her world was defeated.

Then again, she'd run into Grima in these very halls before, brought by the summoner. Some kind of contract kept Grima from destroying anything but the enemies of Askr, but it didn't do anything to assuage her fears.

"Er, a little? I thought I...heard something."

"Hmm. Was it someone in a costume? Many do try and play pranks today and spook people in their frightening costumes. Folklore even says spirits come out this time of year to visit."

She shivered. "Spirits?! Ah... I...I'll be okay, with my talisman."

"That would offer some protection. Though, you needn't fear. I can sense them."

"You can?"

Laurent smiled.

"My life's work as a mage means I am at times even intimately acquainted with them."

"Of course you can. Mother can sense spirits as well," Noire said softly.

She could, as well. But she wasn't quite as talented as mother, considering that she'd become an archer and not studied as a mage.

Mother said she had the skill, but hadn't trained her up. Hadn't wanted her to feel the full weight of dark magic on her shoulders.

She was the only daughter in her family it hadn't been passed down to for centuries. Tharja was willing to break all family tradition to keep her safe one last time.

She kept hold of that thought as a reminder for when her mother was cold, or different from other mothers. In her own way, she was deeply and viciously protective of Noire. She'd left a curse on Noire's skin that would destroy anyone who tried to attack her in one last act of vengeance from beyond the grave.

Noire always had to warn when she sparred, lest the curse rear its ugly head again.

Still, her relationship with her mother was complex. The versions of Tharja she met from these eras were different from the hardened, bitter woman she had known who had devoted her life to vengeance when father had died. But, even in the past, Tharja was still Tharja. Still occasionally bitter, cold and harsh, even if not to the extremes of the one Noire had known.

"I'd copy her, but they never came to me."

Except, now that she thought of it, maybe Tharja had been protecting her from that as well. Just as she had chosen to not teach Noire dark magic, even when every person in her family had passed down the old ways, and the old magic.

Laurent removed his cloak, and held it out to her. He looked away, with a faint red to his cheeks.

"Your garb is ahem... meant for desert climates. So please do take this. I hope it will be warm enough."

"Ah, thank you... But, won't you be cold?"

Laurent shook his head.

"Oh, these robes are plenty warm. I will be fine. I'd offer to bring you some anima fire, but I daresay the magic might startle you. I know you are sensitive to such things."

"Actually, your magic isn't scary. It's got nice feel to it, if that makes any sense," Noire said shyly.

She blushed at the admission that she'd thought for some time. They often ended up in training rooms together, and she never started or pulled away when he worked magic. Something about Laurent was calming, and gentle, even when he was stern. Even things that would scare her, like his magic, could calm her in a second.

"Then I shall," Laurent said.

Laurent brought forth his big, red tome. The edges were gilded. He summoned forth a flame which followed them, like a wisp.

"There, feel free to warm your hands as much as need be."

"Thank you...though I hope it doesn't tire you out."

"I could use the practice to increase my stamina in summoning flames. I usually use wind tomes," Laurent said.

"Er, what's your costume supposed to be? Sorry...I don't recognize it."

His robes did look a bit different, more red in color, with sort of cream-colored pants, and dark boots. His hat wasn't there, and there was some gilded edging to the tunic. But, otherwise, he looked like just a different kind of mage.

"Azelle of the chronicles of the holy war. I think my hair isn't quite the same shade of red, but dyes are messy and impossible to deal with. I tried with berries and it was a disaster and I promptly decided my auburn hair was red enough. I couldn't find an exact picture of his hairstyle, though I did find a description of the robes of a mage of that era. I was able to get the costume at least. Though I know he does not wear spectacles and I do, I cannot see without them so that was one inaccuracy I had to deal with. Better that than to run into walls."

"You could just ask him? He has been summoned to Askr... And a lot of others from his time and country, too."

"Really? He's been summoned!? How could I miss it? I'm usually in the library, and that is where the mages congregate. Have I been so utterly consumed by my studies that I completely missed meeting him?"

Laurent rubbed at his temples. She had to cover her mouth to not laugh. She hadn't expected such a reaction from him.

"P-Probably? You do study very hard...In fact you only look up from your books and training to look after the army."

And look after them he did. He'd follow around like a nagging mother ensuring that everyone ate breakfast, everyone remembered to check their weapons, and no one had become to fall ill or injured. He could give quite a tongue lashing to anyone who was careless, too.

"I-I must rectify that. Why, he could personally tell me about the chronicles of the Holy War! And Sigurd himself! I can hardly


"R-right now? It's the Harvest Festival! Everyone's been waiting for months for it!"

"You're correct. I should attend to the tasks at hand. Did you see him here?"

"Ah, the ones from Jugdral don't come to festivals much. I guess they're more serious..." Noire said.

"Hmm, you make a good point. I suppose we shall go on. Though sweets are not to my taste and are quite unhealthy. Perhaps there'll be some interesting books here," Laurent said.

"I'll take them for you," Noire said quickly.

She'd inherited her father's sweet tooth, and then some. Like father, she'd get nosebleeds from eating too many sweets, and until they hurt her stomach. Laurent had helped her more than once, with a staff, or helping her bandage.

Better to go to Laurent than her mother, who would heal it--of sorts--but with side effects.

Laurent smiled. "Oh, good. Carrying them around would be an annoyance. I would have to find someone here who wanted candy. It could be quite troublesome. Your taking them off my hands will be very helpful."

She really didn't think finding someone who would want candy would be that complex, but she wasn't about to turn down free sweets.

"Oh, there they are now," Laurent said.

Noire studied Kjelle...except she didn't see a single difference.

"Kjelle, did you forget a costume? You're wearing the same armor," Noire said.

"Of course I'm in costume." Kjelle put her hands on her hips to better display the armor with much proud.

No matter how much she looked, Noire saw no difference from usual.

"Um? You are?"

"I'm a sword armor. See, I've got a sword! Plus, the armor is completely different. The breastplate has a slightly different alloy, and thickness and shape, because of the need for more mobility. I'd have to get closer to the enemy. It's a completely different fighting style."

She almost sounded like Laurent when she got started about armors. She could wax poetic for hours on the different styles of armors and swords. Sometimes, she and Laurent discussed them for a long time.

"Yes, I can see the work you put into your costume. Nicely done," Laurent said.

Lucina arrived just behind Kjelle.

"Then you are as Marth again? Or must you close a portal?"

"I put it on for old time's sake. I feel close to my ancestor Marth when I wear this. Though there is a portal to be dealt with," Lucina said.

"Of course, you could simply speak to him here," Laurent said. "I have had fascinating conversations with the Hero-King in the halls of Askr. He is surprisingly very humble and kind."

Lucina smiled. "Oh, I do. When I have time," Lucina said.

Owain struck a pose. He wore dark robes edged in gold, white pants and high boots.

"I am the wielder of the demonblade Mystletainn, the last heir of of the line of the lion!"

"Wait, so you went as yourself?" Noire said.

Which was something Owain would characteristically do.

His hair did look different, though. Less messy, and slightly longer. She couldn't tell if he'd grown it out for the festival or if he wore a wig.

"Oh, then you are Ares? You need to wear more black, and be a great deal...grumpier. If you need practice, spend time around Severa and Gerome. They excel at grumpiness. You could say they have a real talent for it."

Noire laughed softly. "And you don't?"

"My grumpiness is quite different than the type needed to properly portray Ares," Laurent said. "I studied his actions thoroughly, and it is not quite the same."

Well, they had a point there. Laurent's grumpiness was somewhere between angry schoolmarm and nagging mother-in-law, while Ares was more brooding and angry.

"To Severa and Gerome, I will be a sage apprentice in the art of pure grumpiness," Owain said.

Severa wore a fancy dress, long and coppery that complimented her red pigtails. On her brow was a gilded and shining tiara.

"A princess?"

Severa blushed. "Lucina suggested it. She even lent me one of her circlets for today."

"Fitting," Laurent said.

Severa blushed even deeper, and let out an angry outburst.

"What did you say?"

"That you have the temperament and bearing of a noble? And the fashion sense to make even Maribelle proud? I am sorry if it seemed blunt, I thought it a compliment. I suppose I need to study complimentary aspects in conversation again. I must've spent too much time in the library and forgotten again."

Severa blushed. "It was just nice of her, okay? I-It didn't mean anything, probably...It's just for the festival. It's not like she asked me to...d-don't look at me like that."

"I see," Laurent said.

Though Noire sure didn't.

Noire knew Severa enough to notice when her friend was flustered, and her cheeks were in a deep blush as she looked to Lucina. In fact, she kept close.

Knowing Severa she'd make some excuse about just going the same way, and there being nothing to it, really.

Brady had on a set of furry gloves, a tail, and a pair of fake fangs. His wolf ears were almost lost in his wild hair.

Brady sighed. "I should've figured that the gloves would make it hard for me to carry my staff. I might have to take them off. But..they're soft and fluffy...I just liked them, okay! It was like petting a puppy!"

Brady blushed.

"What if you fastened them to your sleeves with a bit of twine? Then they would be less likely to fall down," Laurent said.

"Oh! Good idea. Now I just need to get some of that,"

Laurent pulled out some rope from his satchel.

"Well, you beat me to it."

"I make a habit to be prepared. Besides...rope has many wonderful uses. Many wonderful uses. I have more if you need. I always keep it on hand."

"Thanks a bunch. Now I won't have to take off my fluffy paws."

"His paws will be the fluffiest—even the wuffiest paws around," Owain interjected.

"That doesn't make any damn sense," Brady said.

"I had the ears from earlier, they seemed a waste not to use," Nah said.

She wore the garb of a taguel, with little fake bunny ears sticking up from a headband on her head.

"I think these wings might fall off at any point," Yarne said.

He'd gotten a set of fake dragon's ears, and a garb of a dragon of an earlier time. "I still think this is a bad idea."

"Just don't try and use my dragonstone to transform," Nah said.

"Hmm, an interesting costume idea," Laurent said.

"I don't want to go extinct. I need to marry right away," Nah said. She tried to imitate the tenor of Yarne's voice, but it came off too high, and even mocking.

"H-Hey, I don't sound like that!"

"W-Wow! That's really neat," Noire said.

Inigo had a long dark cloak, a frilly cravat, a tapered perfect suit, and a pair of fake fangs. He lifted a elaborate chalice to his lips and he gave a smoldering look to any woman who would give him the time of day.

"Any lovely ladies that wish to spend some time with me?"

Severa rolled her eyes. "None, absolutely none."

"Hey now," said Inigo. "You don't have to answer for everyone."

"They all agree with me. Trust me," Severa said.

Two Morgans came, both dressed up with horns on their heads, and little pointed tails.

"Have you seen my mom?"

"Or my dad?"

"I'm afraid not," Laurent said.

"It was Morgan's idea," the male Morgan said. They'd found each other, and bonded almost immediately, like separated twins. Though the female Morgan always got them into trouble with her schemes and mischief, while the male Morgan always followed along. Her perfect little henchman, and brother, of sorts. If he could be called that.

"Tada!!!"

Cynthia flew down in a flourish of flower petals.

"I am the heroine of justice! Evil cowers from me!" She struck a pose and more flower petals spread out around her. She wore an extremely elaborate, frilly flower-themed dress, and carried some sort of...wand? Even her pegasus was bedecked with the flower themed attire.

"I am the Floral Flourisher! Evil trembles before my Flower Power!"

"Nice entrance!" Owain gave her an eager thumbs up, and completely dropped his grumpy character.

Maybe Ares wasn't the best costume, even if he was one of the original wielders of the demon blade, after his father, that is.

"Where's Gerome?"

"He's not much for festivals. He and Minerva are sneaking snacks at the corner. He didn't dress up, but he has a mask anyways so it's like dressing up," Cynthia said cheerfully.

"Well, it's his choice, I suppose. Now that most of us have gathered here, shall we go to the festival?" Laurent said.

"For candy!"

"To protect the world from evil!"

And more laughter. They could be a noisy crowd, for the last survivors of a dying world, who'd lost their parents and everything else to Grima.


*

They came to the courtyard all together, loud and crowded as ever. Many pumpkin lanterns were lit between the stalls. There were many candy stalls, and other beautiful accessories. Noire craned her neck to catch sight of a talisman store.

"Oh, there's father," Noire said.

Noire broke away from the group to speak to her father, and Laurent stayed close.

Gaius wore a pumpkin on his head, with two big pumpkin pails heaped with candy.

Tharja was beside him. She looked like a resident of Hel who had died on her wedding day. Her face was painted with makeup to have the appearance of being skeletal, even glowing. At points her wedding dress was ripped to show a glowing rib.

"M-Mother...that costume is a bit too realistic," Noire said.

Tharja laughed darkly. "Good. I researched it well. Though, should Hel come after me, I would steal her crown and take over the underworld myself. I could show her a thing or two about death."

Two heaping pails wasn't enough. Tharja and Gaius visited other stalls, and Noire held back a bit, and surveyed the festival grounds, with all its decorated pumpkin lanterns and costumed revelers.

At the corner of a stall, a little girl sobbed.

"What's wrong?"

"M-My puppy went losted..."

Tharja was surrounded in purple flames. Her face shadowed. "Those who harm animals deserve a thousand years of the most painful curses imaginable."

Laurent frowned. "Indeed, I concur."

Laurent bent to her level. "Can you describe the puppy?" He said softly.

"Spotty has spots. Black and white. Very cute. Big floppy ears, too."

She began to sniffle. "Sp-spotty is g-gone forever!"

"Now, now. There is no need for tears. We will surely find your missing puppy. That is a promise."

The little girl started bawling, and rushed towards him. Laurent was nearly pushed over by the force of how she clutched to him. He patted her on the back rather awkwardly.

"Has anyone seen her parents? Gaius, I'm afraid you're frightening her."

Gaius pulled off his pumpkin head, which only made the little girl shriek and bawl more. Noire drew back and flinched at the sight of the pumpkin head with its gaping teeth.

"Er...I do not think that helped," Laurent said.

"It's okay, Noire. Nothing to be afraid of," Gaius said.

"Her too," Laurent said.

"Well, it cannot be helped. I cannot simply leave her here. She'll simply have to go with us."

He lifted her up.

The little girl sniffled. "Are you sure you can find my puppy?"

"We will certainly do our best. You will be a great helper."

"I will scry the location of this missing puppy. And when I find the thieves, I will unleash a thousand years worth of curses upon them," Tharja said.

She was wreathed in flames and darkness. Noire took a step back. She was reminded of her mother's last moments, where she had taken out the last of the Risen, and had been almost completely consumed by her magic.

The voice she spoke it was flat and unnatural.

"What you are seeking is still here, and close by. The daughter with the blood of a dragon god is what you seek. That is all I know."

"Hmm...I'm not sure that narrows it down, considering," Laurent said.

Noire nodded. She knew dozens of heroes descended from dragons, even directly.

Tharja fell silent as her scrying finished.

"We'll go this way, you go that," Gaius said.

Coincidentally, her dad picked the place to search which still had the most candy stalls. She was pretty sure there'd be plenty of multitasking going on.

*

"Have you seen my Spotty?"

"Now that you mention it, I saw a dog that looked an awful lot like your Spotty in the arms of a young girl."

"Reaaaally?" The little girl said.

"What did she look like?" Lucina said.

"Well, you see, she was a lot taller with her crown. It was pretty creepy, like it was touched with blood.

"Veronica," Lucina and Laurent said at the same time.

"Could this be an attack?" Lucina said.

"Or, could it be something else?"

"Veronica may be a warlord bent upon conquest, but she is still a child," Laurent said.

"What do you mean?" Noire said.

"Perhaps it is optimistic, but she may want the dog simply because she wants a dog to have as her own."

"We can only hope," Lucina said.

"A lost dog? This is a job for Ares-dark, wielder of the mystletainn!"

"Still way too cheerful, Owain," Laurent said.

"I, Cynthia, will punish all who harm and steal animals in the name of the flowers!"

She struck a pose. Owain broke character to join in as well.

"Yeah, I'll just look over here past the circus that's going on right now," Severa said.

"Ooh, a circus! I should join it. You can be a juggler and I'll be a trapeze artist," Cynthia said.

"We need to hurry. The thieves might still be around."

"Severa, come with me. We'll look together."

"S-sure," Severa cleared her throat.

"I-I mean. Yeah, whatever."

"I'll go with the Ring-lings over here," Brady said.

That left the Morgans, Yarne and Nah, and Laurent and Noire--for Inigo had already wandered off to flirt with women, and Kjelle had been lost to the weapons stall. Gerome was still at the edges--presumably feeding treats to Minervakins.

"Come on, we have the honor of puppies at stake," Morgan said. She balled her fists, and Noire couldn't tell if it was part of a joke, or not.

Yarne and Nah went that way, and Laurent and Noire went this way. Laurent had the little girl in his arms, and she'd finally calmed down enough.

They asked at the nearest stalls.

"She's lost her dog. Have you seen the little pup?" Laurent said.

"Hmm, no. Hope your daughter finds them soon."

"She's not my daughter--"

But the stall keeper had already gone to the next customer.

It happened again, and again. The little girl was near dozing in his arms, and no amount of protests from Laurent would have them think they were anything but a little couple.

Noire couldn't help but giggle every single time, as she watched him flustered, occasionally sputtering, even with a faint blush. Laurent was so flustered as he tried to explain, but the shopkeepers just didn't care. One look at him and they saw a young father with his child and wife.

Noire kept stealing glances. It was sweet, really. He had a sort of gentle, warm, and yet strong demeanor. And on the way, as they asked at the stalls, he got mistaken for a father dozens of times.

*

"Spot! Spotty!"

He passed along a female shopkeeper with a basket of fluffy, squirming and yipping puppies. He saw the shopkeeper slip something from the treat box into the basket.

"Chocolate is no good for dogs, you know," Laurent said sternly.

"Aw, no worries. This is sweet rice cakes. No chocolate here. They've only got a bit of honey on them. I've got more than enough to share with these little ones."


They walked on, to the directions they had been given. Each of them called out the puppy's name.

"Spottyy!"

A little yip answered her.

"Spotty! That's you!"

They rushed over closer to where the puppy, and Veronica was.

"You make cute noises. You're cute. I'm keeping you," Veronica said.

Veronica had an animal mask on her face, but no other costume. Her massive crown looked like a torture implement.

She pulled off her mask.

The spotted dog had its tongue slightly out. It licked her fingers as she petted it.

"It's so small...but so fluffy. Xander, I do not understand. Just looking at this creature makes me feel...joy."

"Dogs often do, my lady," Xander said.

"Spotty!"

Veronica frowned.

"Taking lands brings me no joy...but this little one does."

She hugged the dog close to her chest.

"It's settled. Xander, we will invade Askr, and every realm by sun up. Bring me every dog. They will be mine. The amount of forces do not matter. I will summon as many as I can."

Lucina took a step forward. "Veronica! You can't steal every dog in the entire seven realms!"

"I can and will," Veronica said. "I will bring every single hero to do my bidding. These dogs that bring me joy...will be mine, whatever the costs."

"Veronica, what would Bruno think?"

"Bruno loves dogs too. He will be overjoyed to see our new hundred thousand dog companions."

"THIEVING WRETCH, I WILL END YOU! I-I mean, I saw a sign for free puppies there?"

"T-That's right. That's where I got Spotty. There were several others still available," the little girl said.

"Free puppies? They simply give dogs for free with no conquering needed? I do not understand this land. How could you let something so precious go?"

"That's what this festival is about. Sharing the harvest and goodness of these sweets," Laurent said.

"Xander, we shall go there. We will take all these free puppies. Surely there will be 'free puppies' in other places, too. I will take them all. And I will be happy. Let us go."

"Heroes...thank you for letting me know about this. I've never seen Veronica so focused," Xander said.

Veronica smiled. For her, that was rare.

"I'm glad it didn't escalate into anymore violence," Laurent said.

Noire laughed softly.

"Me too."

"Where did the rest go?"

"Check the nearest candy stand, I would surmise," Laurent said.

"That's where you'll find dad for sure," Noire said.

"Phew, it's gotten late," Noire said.

"Carrie! Carrie! Is that you!"

"Is this your daughter? Noire, and the rest of my companions were assisting her in finding her lost dog."

"Wow, you got lots of candy."

"Take it all, I've no need of sweets. But, please don't rot your teeth."

"I must have very strong teeth, inherited from my father. We've never had a single cavity ever."

"Maybe your mother has something to do with that," Laurent said.

"My mother? Eeep! You think it's a curse?"

"Possibly. It would explain why you have no tooth degeneration even when you eat sweets constantly."

"I suppose I'd rather the no-toothache curse than the runny nose curse."

"Yes, that's right."

Laurent dug into his satchel and brought out quite a number of sweets, more than anyone else had gotten.

"People kept giving this to me. I think they believed I was a father from what they kept saying? 'Take this back to your little ones.' It's all quite perplexing."

"Perplexing? All the children came to you, and you were carrying little Carrie around," Noire said.

"Well, I do feel like a caretaker at times, keeping everyone in line. Perhaps it's not that surprising."

Noire laughed softly. "You'd make a good father, you know."

"I suppose I do have certain qualities which are considered to be good for fathers. Though I've not much on-hands practice. I should try babysitting some of the little ones."

"The thousand year old Manaketes?"

"Yes. They can tell me more about the times they lived in, and I can practice this 'being fatherly.'"

"Er, good luck," Noire said.

They walked on in the cold a little more. News had gotten back that Spotty had been found. She caught sight of Gerome, in the corner. Minerva was surrounded by adoring children. Despite his best efforts, he hadn't managed to escape it all.

A dance had started up. Lucina bowed, princely in her own way, dressed as the Hero King. Severa blushed and took her hand. Owain and Cynthia danced out of time, sang off tune. Two bombastic heroes, together.

Inigo struck out with every single woman there, but found new friends. A blond knight in blue armor, and an academy student with red hair. They could bond together about just how bad with women they all were.

Nah and Yarne bent to pet the little Spotty, who greatly enjoyed all the attention.

Brady had a stand up, where he healed up anything from bruises to scraped knees. (Owain referred to it as "Brady's Boo-Boo stand.")

The Morgans went from stall to stall, filling their little pumpkin-shaped baskets with more and more candy. Gaius did as well, and his stash was even higher.

And Noire? She was here on the outskirts with Laurent. Laurent was people watching, as he did. Sometimes to learn, and sometimes to watch over his friends and family.

Askr was a lively place. Often full of war, but they sure did throw themselves wholeheartedly into a celebration.

The night was winding down. Soon, it'd be over.

"I should probably go to sleep soon. If not, I'll miss breakfast," Noire said.

"Was the festival enjoyable to you?" Laurent said.

"Actually, it was nice," Noire said.

"It's good to see you smiling. I was afraid the festival might alarm you unduly. I studied hexes and curses, and the breaking of to try and assuage those fears."

"That's why?" Noire said softly.

"Yes...though they are fascinating in their own right."

"They're less fascinating when you get them cast on you, trust me," Noire said.

"The truth is, I thought this festival might make me scared, but with you around I wasn't as panicked. You really helped keep everyone calm. Even when there were problems, you helped keep things together."

"It was a team effort. And, you were the one who suggested that bit about the free puppies. Quite brilliant, I must say,"

She blushed and looked down at her hands. "T-Thank you."

"May I please walk you home? It's gotten quite dark. I wouldn't wish you to be startled, or chilled," Laurent said.

"Please...that would make me very happy. I'm not sure where mom and dad went. Maybe dad's still looking for candy. I wouldn't be surprised, considering...He'll probably be out all night until all the stalls close."

And knowing father, he might go and ahem, get some of the five finger discount if he was still hungry after all that.

"Is it okay if I come closer? It's cold," Noire said.

"Of course," Laurent said.

"It'd make me happy, actually."

He smiled, and it warmed his face and removed his usual stern expression. It made him look so kind—so handsome, really.

She blushed and turned away.

The flames of his magic illuminated the darkness and painted the trees in golds. They walked back towards the castle.

Noire hesitantly reached out her hand and took his gloved one. Even on scary nights, Laurent was steady and calm. And he always watched over and guided them.

"I had good time."

"Until next festival? They happen about every two days here," Laurent said.

Two days almost seemed too much time. Then again, like Fjorm, Laurent could always be found in the nearest library.

Noire giggled. "Then you better ready your costume."

"I'll have to sew fast, I suppose," Laurent said.

They smiled at each other. Until then, until tomorrow. The lights behind them were a faint glow. And in her chest, too was the faint glow of some warmth growing between them.