#miriam tries so hard to be brave and strong but her fears are so real | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

lillabeast · 4 years

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Order Feast

This took a week to write and its kinda rushed but oh well. Chismest is having their annual feast and Miriam and Audrey decide to celebrate with Kawn and Boni. (there is some bardriam so hecc,,)

Audrey woke up to a heavenly smell wafting through the air. She was sprawled across her cot in her shed. She should order a better bed because her back was killing her and she did not get consistent sleep. She realized that the sun had barely even started to rise. She brought her attention back to the aroma. It smelled of pastries and donuts, and boy was she hungry. She got up, cursing herself for sticking with a cot this long and got ready for the day. She grabbed her boots and gloves and put on her scabbard and sword. Lastly, she wrapped her beloved golden scarf around her neck, giving off a dramatic flair as the ends fluttered down.

She headed out the door and went immediately to the chicken coop and grabbed the bag of chicken feed and filled up the feed bucket for her beloved chicken Marmalade. The hen was fast asleep, so She continued to where the smell was coming from: Kawn’s House.

She opened the door and was greeted to the sight of a table with plates full of the most gorgeous pastries she had ever set her eyes on. She couldn’t remember the name of any of them but they looked delicious. Immediately, she went over and tried to grab one, but suddenly…

“Audrey NO!”

Audrey immediately stopped and looked over, it was kawn. They were wearing their greenish-white long sleeved shirt, but their capelet and cap were still on the hat rack. Instead they were wearing a green apron that matched his pants. They weren’t wearing any hat, but they had a hair net on. They looked kinda ridiculous like that.

“Kawn? What the heck are you doing??”

“It’s almost Lights’ Eve! I’m making pastries to bring for everyone when we start setting up the tree!”

“...What?” Audrey had no idea what any of that meant, but Kawn had an exhausted look on their face.

“...Did...Did I not tell you?” Kawn looked confused and stressed.

“...No.”

“Oh Eya’s sweet chords…” Kawn paced a bit messing with his apron.

“That means I prolly didn’t tell Mim!! Ouugh I don’t have a ride to Chismest!!”

“...Can I have a pastry?”

“Wh- I mean… That is really important to the holiday… but… Oh! Here, have one of these, I was practicing these for Light’s eve and I was just going to give them to the mayor as a gift!” Kawn proceeded to pull out a plate of these triangular shaped donuts with a cinnamon sugar glaze smeared upon the treat. Audrey quickly snatched one up.

“Aw heck yeah now you’re talking!” she proceeded to take a bite and was shocked by the fact it was cream filled. She looked at the cream as she finished her bite, The cream had blue and red dye swirling within, it wasn’t fully mixed to be purple. There was also a fruity filling.

“Wh-”

“It’s a light cake!” Kawn beamed, proud of their work. “The Baron family is in charge of hosting Order’s feast, Boni is the bard of Chismest so They’re resting til the feast! As the only one who remembers how to make Light cakes in my family, It is my duty to make them.” kawn was now bouncing slightly, excited to share their family tradition with Audrey.

“Wait, your last name is Baron?” Audrey choked back a laugh as she finished her light cake.

“Uhm… Ye?” Kawn tilted their head slightly.

Audrey swallowed her donut. “How did you not know that The Baron was your Dad??”

“...Well Baron is a title, I didn’t think it was his real name.”

“Ok yeah that’s fair.” Audrey thought for a moment. “Hey, can i come with you to the feast?”

Kawn’s face lit up. “Yeah!! It’ll be so much fun!! You can help set up the tree in the town centre!!”

“Alright I’ll go get Miriam to get you to Chismest, She can come back and pick me up.”

“Wait I thought you could fast travel?”

“Eh I wanna experience a broom ride.”

She would soon regret her decision.

She was miles in the sky, clinging to Miriam for dear life. Miriam had the biggest smug grin on her face, probably enjoying the panic audrey was in.

“Wow, so much for the ‘Brave hero!’” She cackled.

Audrey couldn’t find the strength to reply. Instead she just held onto Miriam tighter.

Miriam’s smirk grew, and she turned to the terrified ex-Hero.

“We’re almost there, better hold on tight!” she called, with the most devilish grin anyone had seen.

Audrey whimpered in fear, and managed to tighten her hold on Miriam. The witch was surprised she could even breathe at this point. She was living for it.

She pointed the broom down and dove towards the town below. Audrey let out a loud and shrill shriek of terror as she squinted her eyes close, waiting for the nightmare to be over.

Suddenly Audrey heard a malicious cackle.

Audrey opened her eyes to see that she was in the town centre, no one was there yet but there was a table that had all the sweets that kawn made. The witch was cackling so hard that Audrey questioned if she even had lungs. She would have yelled at her, or have gotten angry, but she was still shaking like a leaf. She shakily and carefully got off the broom, and silently thanked Eya for letting the broom ride end quickly.

Suddenly the two heard singing. It was a very beautiful duet, a wordless melody that drifted through the air. The Ex-Hero and The Witch looked over to see Kawn, and their sibling Boni.

Boni was a tall and fairly buff figure, and they wore a light cyan sweater, a sea green apron, and turquoise pants. Their beanie was knitted from hand and was the same turquoise as the pants, though its brim was a bluish green. The beanie was also decorated with a single red flower with a yellow inside.

Audrey pondered if they were like Kawn and just had a multitude of the same outfits because that is the exact same outfit Boni wore when they first met in the Lumber town in Xia-Tian.

However, Kawn wasn’t wearing their usual outfit, instead they were wearing a spring green sweater, their hand knitted beanie was a darker green but with a mint brim. The pants matched the color of the beanie. Both of the siblings were wearing boots designed for cold weather and thick leather gloves. Audrey and Miriam noted that, despite Kawn being 5’7” tall (taller than the two of them) they looked short next to their older sibling who was 6’7”.

Boni and Kawn seemed to be lost in their song, joyously walking to the town Centre. Suddenly, Kawn let out an excited squeak and ran over to their friends. Audrey barely had any time to react to Kawn running over and hugging her, before they turned to Miriam and offered a hug. Miriam was glad that Kawn learned that she hated surprise hugs, but she was a tad jealous of the running hug Audrey got. She decided not to dwell on it and hugged The Bard, who sang out a short and sweet melody.

Kawn backed off and smiled at the two.

“How was your flight?”

Miriam smirked evilly.

“Oh it was just fantastic.”

“Ugh… I’m sticking to fast travel.” Audrey groaned.

Kawn felt like something happened, but before they could ask, Boni stepped up.

“Bitty? What is she doing here?” they asked. They were glaring down at The Ex-Hero that burnt their sibling to a crisp. They weren’t as forgiving as Kawn.

Audrey shrunk under the glare of the giant bard, she was sure her days were numbered.

“I uhm...I’m just-”

“Audrey and Miriam are here to celebrate with us!” Kawn quickly piped up. They seemed oblivious to the tension, and Audrey was about to suggest she go home to Langtree when Kawn continued.

“Why don’t you go get check if everyone is ready to set up the tree?” Miriam could tell kawn was panicking, their breathing had sped up a bit. She had gotten used to the small signs that showed they were upset.

Boni gave Audrey a tired glare before looking back at Kawn. “yeah that sounds like a good idea…” They gave a slight smile and headed off.

Kawn sat there for a second, and Miriam watched their breathing slow back down to a normal pace.

“Guess Bon-bon hasn’t forgiven you huh?” The bard gave a nervous chuckle.

“Can you blame them?” Miriam sneered, “You remember what Audrey did to you, and I know for a fact it still hurts!”

“Wait what!? Are we sure it’s not infected??” Audrey was now extremely concerned as she tried to check the scar.

“W-Woah Hey no no I’m fine!!” Kawn held the sweater down and hopped back, they were still smiling but even Audrey could tell that they were uncomfortable. “It doesn’t hurt Miriam!” They gave Miriam their best attempt at a comforting smile.

Miriam cocked an eyebrow, “Bet.” She grabbed some snow and rolled it into a ball and aimed for their chest.

“Woah WOAH WOAH HEY NOW LET”S TALK ABOUT THIS” Kawn started to sprint as the witch started to chase them on their broom.

Audrey watched the two run around the town square, Miriam was now using magick to form and chuck snowballs at the bard. While that chaos was happening, Audrey noticed a group of people. Well… “group.” It was three people, one of which being Boni. The other two were shorter than them but were also strong looking. One was carrying a pine tree, another was carrying lights, and Boni was carrying a generator for the lights.

Suddenly, the adrenaline from the broom ride wore off, and it prolly wasn’t helping that she had terrible sleep and an aching back, so it was no wonder Audrey suddenly felt exhausted. Kawn noticed this and was going to go over to check on her, but was pelted by a snowball.

“Ack!” the bard brushed off the snow from their head, “Audrey? You Ok?” Miriam frowned a bit, watching the hero.

“Ouuughh…” The hero groaned, before face-planting into the snow.

“AUDREY!!!!” Kawn ran over to their fallen friend.

“Mmmmsnnzzzz…”

“Oh…” Kawn frowned. “She must not have slept well last night.”

“We should just leave her there.”

“Miiiim! That’s mean!”

The commotion drew the attention of the older bard, who walked over and looked down at Audrey. They didn’t like Audrey, but they didn’t want her to catch a cold out here.

“You can take her to my room, you can put her in the guest room you’re using.” Boni sighed. Kawn nodded and struggled to pick their friend up. Boni may or may not have forgotten that Kawn wasn’t as strong as them. The younger bard slowly stumbled off with the sleepy adventurer to Boni’s house.

Boni sighed when Kawn left earshot, “I don’t understand it. Why are they so quick to forgive her?”

Miriam shrugged “I’m not sure, but it’s kinda annoying. But whatever, as long as they’re happy.”

Boni huffed and helped everyone set up the tree. They knew the first day would be uneventful as all the kids and families were busy at home making handmade decorations for the tree. Boni looked over at their two coworkers, Johann and Boris.

“You two go get the automatic watering fountain for the tree and some buckets of water, I’ll get started on the lights.”

Johann and Boris nodded and headed off.

Miriam huffed, “I can help with the lights, seems easy enough.”

“That would be great, thanks!”

After a few hours, the fountains were set up and half of the tree covered the tree when they ran out. Boni sent Boris and Johann to go get more lights. Eventually, Kawn and Audrey showed up again.

“Sorry about that! I also took a nap!” The bardlet sang as they skipped up. Audrey groggily lumbered after them.

“How are you so energetic all the time?”

“The trick is to be so upset with Eya that you enjoy life to spite her.”

“...Wait wh-”

“Oh! The tree looks lovely!”

Kawn completely ignored everyone’s look of concern as they skipped up to the tree and examined it. The only one who seemed unphased was Boni, but Audrey and Miriam figured she was used to this.

“Yeah we ran out of lights, I sent Boris and Johann to get more lights.” Boni said. They looked down at the smaller bard, before ruffling their hair. “I’m glad you didn’t sleep in a park bench, Bitty.”

“Ack!” Kawn stuck their tongue out before throwing some snow at their sibling.

“Oh is that what you wanna do?” Boni scooped up an enormous amount of snow and held it above the little bard, who squealed and ran.

“NOT AGAAAAAINNN!!!” Cried Kawn.

“YOU BROUGHT THIS UPON YOURSELF!!” Cackled Boni, keeping up behind them. Suddenly, Boris called Boni over. The two bards stopped and looked over.

“Hold up,” Boni said, dumping the snow on Kawn and walking over to Boris. The two talked for a bit before leaving.

“Ackpth” The bardlet dug themself free and playfully brushed themself off.

“So... ‘Bitty,” Audrey sneered, but her smug grin ended quickly as Kawn gave her the coldest glare she and the witch had ever seen from them.

The terrifying sight ended just as quickly as they looked over at the returning Boni and Boris, who were now carrying more lights, a ladder and another generator. Kawn ran over to help them, tho they weren’t very strong.

“...I...Is that normal?” Audrey asked.

“...Nope.” Miriam replied, “I’m not sure if I should be happy that Kawn is capable of being angry... or terrified.” she murmured.

The Ex-Hero only nodded in response before going to help.

They started to set up the generators and ladder, and Miriam got to work on her broom and Audrey got on the ladder and helped Miriam with the lights. It was getting late as they went along, and the wind had started to pick up. Audrey was reaching up to the top of the tree to put the last bit of lights when a gust of wind managed to blow her scarf off.

“NO!!” Audrey yelled before jumping off the ladder to try and catch it. The fabric slipped through her fingers as she fell quickly towards the ground. She did not think about how high up she was. Luckily, Boni was setting up a generator when she noticed the adventurer falling, and they quickly dove in to catch her so she would have a softer landing.

Audrey landed heavily in Boni’s arms, but still somewhat hit the hard cold floor, and immediately tried to get up and run after her scarf but Boni held onto her.

“What the hell are you doing!?” They cried, glaring down. However, their face quickly softened when they saw tears well in The small one’s eyes.

“MY SCARF!! I HAVE TO GET IT!!” She cried. Kawn was looking over from where they were fixing any broken lights, they started chasing after the scarf after they realized what had happened.

Boni wanted to stop them, but noticed Audrey wince when she put weight in her foot.

“Hey shh calm down, Kawn is going to go get your scarf...” Boni said, trying their best to pull off a soothing voice. Their sibling was much better at this, and it was hard because they knew what Audrey had done but...

They decided to put aside their feelings about Audrey for now.

They lifted up the protesting and sobbing hero, and looked over at Miriam who had floated down. Miriam started to say a snide comment about Audrey getting her comeuppance, but bit her tongue instead.

“I uh... How about I...” Miriam felt awkward trying to comfort the one who hurt both The bard and herself, “I Uhm... Brew up a potion to help soothe the pain. It seems she sprained her uhm... Ankle...” She shuffled nervously.

Boni nodded, “Boris, Johann, Take over for now, I’ll be right back. C’mon Miriam, let's get to my house.” The two headed home, Boni carrying the distressed ex-hero.

‘It’s just a scarf,’ Miriam thought ‘Why is she THIS upset about it?’

Then she remembered when her original broom broke. She was so mad and took her anger out on Kawn after they ran off and decided to help the witches that did that.

Eventually the three got to Boni’s and they set Audrey up with an ice-pack on her ankle, with a blanket, some of the sweets from the table and a nice mug of hot chocolate. Audrey still seemed upset but had calmed down.

Miriam was busy in the kitchen, with a bunch of ingredients for the potion. Boni had left an hour ago to finish setting up the tree. She looked outside and noticed that a blizzard had started up, and saw Johann and Boris heading home.

Suddenly, Boni walked in.

“Has Kawn come back?”

The witch shook her head as she poured the warm brew into a vial.

Boni huffed, “They’re gonna freeze out there.” The large bard seemed upset.

Miriam frowned and looked back outside. It was getting dark and Kawn had been out there for a long time.

She called her broom to her, “I’m going out to look for them.” Miriam knew Kawn would stop at nothing to find the scarf unless someone stepped in.

Boni huffed, “Not like that you’re not!” They dug in the closet before throwing a sweater at Miriam.

“I was going to give that to you for your birthday next year but it’s more useful now.”

Miriam pulled it off her face and looked at the sweater. It was a dark purple sweater like her dress with a cyan stripe across the middle.

“Thanks.” Miriam was thankful but her voice sounded dismissive. She put the sweater on over her usual outfit, pulling her cape over the sweater and heading off.

She followed the wind, since Kawn would still be following the scarf. It was extremely cold and her face stung as the wind sliced against her. Eventually, she saw Kawn trudging through the forest near Chismest, past the Nexus Point. They were shivering and still looking around, digging in the snow and looking in the trees.

Miriam swooped down and stopped in front of Kawn.

They looked up in shock and stared for a moment, processing everything happening.

“M-m-miriam?” The shivering bard cocked their head, “Wh-what are you doing here?”

Miriam huffed and lowered the broom and pulled Kawn on, “It’s too dangerous for you to keep looking for the scarf, c’mon.”

Kawn frowned and tried to resist but they were too cold to struggle much. Miriam flew back to Boni’s house.

Boni had finished making sandwiches for everyone by the time they got home. Kawn was still shivering when they hopped off the broom and stepped inside. Miriam hopped off the broom and went to go grab a blanket. Audrey looked up from her mug of hot chocolate.

“Did you find my scarf?!”

“N-n-no...” Kawn whimpered. Miriam was laying a blanket on them, and led them to the guest bedroom.

Audrey frowned and looked at the ground. Boni gave her a sandwich.

“Get some rest, tomorrow we’ll be decorating the tree.”

Audrey nodded a bit,”Thank you...” Her voice was low and sad.

Boni frowned, before they suddenly got a text. They looked at their phone, and then smiled. Soon, they quietly headed off to go work on a surprise.

The next morning, everyone was in the town centre. Parents, children, people who just lived here, all were working together to put their own creation upon the tree. Audrey’sankle still hurt but she hid the pain well, as she usually does when she gets injured. She was helping little kids find places to put their creations. She was still upset about her scarf, but she could just ask Kawn to go pick a new one up in Mount Ichor. It wouldn’t be the same, but... She couldn’t dwell on it. It was just a scarf.

She totally wasn’t still incredibly upset by the loss of her scarf.

Miriam was helping place the creations up on higher places, trying her best to prioritize children when working but usually just grabbing decorations and flying up. The two of them had been at this for hours, they were waiting for Kawn to finish cooking breakfast for them. Apparently it was tradition that at a certain point, everyone would go back to their home at select times for the three main meals of today, and the Barons, of all people, were the ones to call when breakfast starts.

Luckily, Miriam and Audrey were the Barons’ Guests.

Eventually, Boni showed up to let the town know that it was time for everyone to take time off for their family breakfast. Miriam quickly started flying home and Audrey started their way over to the house slowly on foot. They were still deeply upset about her scarf, despite what she would like everyone to believe.

Miriam and Audrey came in to find plates of pancakes ready on the table, as well as a pitcher of orange juice and some bottles of syrup.

“CREPES!!!” Audrey yelled.

Miriam rolled her eyes, “Pancakes.”

“Whatever.”

Kawn was passed out on the couch, holding a spatula. There was a cup of orange juice in front of them.

‘They must've been up extremely early’ Miriam thought, ‘They were cooking when I woke up and left.’

“Should we wake them up?” The ex-hero asked, lightly poking the bardlet.

“Probably not.” Miriam sat down in her chair and started serving herself. “Come eat or else it’ll get cold.

Audrey looked at the bard before going over and joining Miriam at the table and serving herself. Boni put a blanket on their sibling and joined the girls for breakfast.

“Eat up because tomorrow-” Boni ate some of their pancakes and downed some juice, “-is Light’s Eve.”

“Did you just eat an entire pancake in one bite?” Audrey was almost jealous.

“What’s Light’s Eve?” Miriam ignored what she just saw.

“The day before the feast. Tomorrow, We are only eating light meals. So you will be eating one slice of french toast for breakfast, a turkey sandwich for lunch, and a small chicken breast for dinner. I planned this all out ahead so i could give you two a heads up, you don’t have to join us with that but we won’t be cooking anything more substantial for you.” Boni was swallowing another pancake.

Audrey was watching in horror as Boni quite literally inhaled their breakfast. Miriam was a bit perturbed but ignored it.

“I’m sure we’ll be fine with a light meal. We were lucky to even have so much as light meals during our adventure, we were mostly living off of dried fruits and nuts!” Miriam was very glad to be having meals again after the adventure, she hasn’t really complained about a meal since then. Audrey looked at Miriam with concern.

“Excuse me, what!?”

“What?”

“You and kawn lived off of...that??”

Miriam huffed, almost insulted.

“Look-”

“I’m done eating, you two finish up so we can get everyone and continue the decorating!” Boni interrupted. Miriam realized they were trying to de-escalate the situation. Miriam huffed but nodded. Audrey still looked concerned but looked over at the sleeping Bard.

“What about them?”

Boni looked over at kawn, “They’re in charge of feeding you two, as well as me but like... I get special treatment? Basically I get today and tomorrow to be lazy, because at midnight during The Order Feast, I have to sing ‘The Order March’”

Mim cocked an eyebrow “That’s just the Overseer Song, Kawn did that and they didn’t get tired.”

Boni huffed, almost insulted “I have to sing loud enough for all of Chismest to hear.”

“Oh”

“At midnight.”

“...oh.” Miriam sunk into her shoulders.

Audrey was trying her best to imitate Boni and swallow a pancake whole, but was having a lot of trouble.

Miriam was taking a sip of juice when she went to look at Audrey and nearly spat out her drink. Audrey glared at Miriam as half of the pancake fell out her mouth. Boni smirked and got up to make sure Kawn was comfortable, and put the spatula on the counter.

The rest of the day was spent eating meals and decorating the tree. Kawn was usually asleep but Miriam figured (hoped) that it was just that they were tired.

During dinner, however, Kawn was awake and seemed pretty well rested and happy. They were talking with Boni while setting some gifts aside.

“Wait, were we supposed to bring gifts?” Miriam had a hint of panic in her voice.

“Well, you’re really only supposed to give gifts to your family. And like, traditionally they’re hand-made but people are busy, so most just buy gifts.” Boni said, dismissively.

Miriam’s brow furrowed. “Ok well I’m gonna go do that then! Audrey, you want to come with me tomorrow?”

Audrey still felt awkward without her scarf. Yesterday she could manage because she was busying herself helping with the tree. The tree was almost done, meaning she would have nothing to distract herself, and on top of that she had no gifts for Kawn and Miriam, who she kinda saw as her family.

“Yeah I’ll come...Wait are you going to make the broom ride really scary like last time?”

Miriam sighed, “No… as much as I want to.”

Kawn smiled and gave Miriam a thumbs up. Miriam rolled her eyes

Audrey nodded, thankful that Miriam wasn’t being mean for once. Dinner wasn’t very eventful, but it was still fun. Everyone was cracking jokes and poking fun at one another, and everyone seemed to be comfortable. It was as if the past had melted away and that.

Audrey and Miriam both wondered if this was what it was like to have an actual family.

The next morning, Audrey and Miriam headed off on the broom. Kawn had packed them breakfast and lunch. They were light meals, just as Boni warned. Kawn offered to make them bigger meals but Miriam and Audrey were determined to try to celebrate the holiday with the Bards.

“I’d go with you but I have to bake for tomorrow!” Kawn said apolegitcally.

“It’s alright, we kinda need this to be a surprise.” Miriam said, dismissively..

The two headed off as Kawn waved goodbye, Audrey may or may not have been screaming the whole way up.

The girls got to Grandma Sapphy’s, and Miriam got to work on some potions. She insisted that Audrey not look for fear of her “ruining the surprise.”

Audrey decided to ask Sapphy for help making gifts.

Miriam wondered why Audrey had three gifts, and if she had asked, Audrey would have asked The Witch the same thing.

They returned just in time for dinner, placing their gifts in their own hiding spots. Dinner was light and quick to finish (Audrey had tried to steal many of the sweets) and everyone went to bed. Miriam was in a sleeping bag in the guest room with Kawn, and a thought creeped into her head. The two have been this close before so the thought shouldn’t have scared her. She carefully crawled out and got up and went over to Kawn. They were asleep but she had to be careful not to wake them, they were a light sleeper.

She carefully leaned in, and carefully gave him a kiss on the head. The bard moved a bit which caused Miriam to dart away. They didn’t move anymore than that but they had a sleepy smile on their face. A small, yet genuine smile. Miriam, now content, went back in her sleeping bag and went to sleep.

It was finally the day of the feast. The group of four were carrying the presents and sweets. Miriam and Audrey stood off to the side with the gifts as Kawn and boni set up their pastries with the other food. Everything smelled amazing and the band from Chaandesh was here, playing some music. Once Kawn finished up, They excitedly ran off to talk to them.

Boni turned to the two girls, bearing a large grin.

“Ok you two,” they said, crossing their arms “Time to gorge yourself, give gifts, and just enjoy yourselves!”

Miriam immediately held a gift box up to Boni, who froze and looked down at it.

“Wh-”

“Thanks for uh...letting us celebrate.” Miriam was quiet and looked away. She wasn’t used to giving gifts to others.

Boni gave the witch a soft smile and opened up the box and gasped, pulling out a red leaf from Delphi. It was preserved and put in a frame barely big enough for it.

“Aw sweet!!!” Boni pulled Miriam into a bear hug, and the Witch let out a squawk that caused Audrey to chuckle.

Boni turned to the bemused Ex-Hero “Oh, did you want a hug too?” They gave a big devilish grin.

“Ah no no! But uh yeah I got you a gift too!!!” Audrey said, panicking. She didn’t want to be crushed by the giant bard.

Boni was taken aback. She was kind of mean to Audrey, yet she was giving her a gift?

They carefully took the gift and opened it. It was a necklace with a glass crystal that contained a small red flower.

“I uh… had help making it. I didn’t make it, Miriam’s grandma did.” The adventurer said, sheepishly.

Boni gave her a soft smile before handing Audrey and Miriam their own gifts. “I loved these, thank you so much. I have to go get ready for tonight, you two have fun. Save me some food.” Boni walked off, humming softly as she lumbered off.

“That was uncharacteristically soft.” Miriam commented. Audrey gave a sheepish nod as she opened her gift. She let out a loud gasp as she pulled out a long, golden scarf. It was just like her old one, but it didn’t have that annoying and itchy tag on it!

She immediately put it on, with an especially extravagant form to her flair. Miriam rolled her eyes and opened her own gift. Her eyes flew open as she saw a set of vials, perfect for potion making. They were just the right size to hold ingredients and potions, and were in a nice little crate she could place.

“Woah…” It was all Miriam could manage as she carefully put her hand on one of the corks. She quietly put the box lid back on and placed the box where the group had set up their own little hang out spot.

` Audrey was busy twirling and striking poses, but snapped out of it when Miriam whistled at her. The adventurer looked over and realized that Miriam was holding a gift out at her.

“Look, Kawn would have wanted me to make you feel included, so i got you...this.”

Audrey looked at the gift before grabbing one of her gifts and walking over and handing her gift to Miriam and taking Miriam’s gift to her. Miriam stared at the gift dumbfounded as Audrey opened the gift box.

“Wh-”

“It’s a potion of power.”

“Wow. That’s low.” Audrey chuckled as she pulled the potion out and looked at it.

“I kinda feel bad because I wasn’t expecting you to give me a gift back, now I just look mean.”

“Nah it’s all good, i could actually use this for my job.” Audrey pocketed the potion and looked at Miriam. “Again your grandma helped with this, so… yeah.”

“Mmm I’m sure it’s gonna be embarrassing.” Miriam carefully opened the box and looked inside. “Wait what?” She pulled out a book with a leather face. She flipped through the pages and smiled a bit and shook her head.

“Wow. She REALLY wants me to get into potion making. I mean, not complaining. I got some new fancy viles so I guess i'm doing this. She looked at Audrey.

“I guess you’re not too bad.”

Suddenly Kawn walked up holding gifts of their own to give. They were humming to the tune of the music as they skipped up.

“Hellooo!” they sang out.

“Sup.” Audrey flashed a piece sign at the bard. Miriam rolled her eyes and looked at Kawn. “Hey Kawn. I got you a gift.”

Kawn looked surprised, before giving a big smile. “I got you two a gift as well!!” They handed their gifts over. “Go on! Open them! I really wanna see how you react!”

Audrey decided to go first, she opened the box and saw an axe. It’s handle was made out of wood that was found in langtree, and there was a design of a sky seal swirling up the handle brandished into it. The blade had a leather sheath for it, and it had Audrey’s name embroidered into it in gold.

“Everyone in Langtree pitched in to make this for you!” Kawn piped up. Audrey teared up and blushed and hugged the axe.

“Wow- Gosh I’m sorry! I-if you don’t like it I cou-”

“NOO I LOVE IT!!” Audrey cried as she hugged Kawn, almost crushing them.

“Ouukh! Aw… You’re welcome!!” Kawn hugged Audrey as she backed off and wiped her face with her sleeve and looked at the Axe.

Miriam looked nervously at her box. Ot was small, it wouldn’t be nearly as flashy as Audrey’s gift. She was jealous of that but she couldn’t see herself using an axe. Miriam carefully opened her box, and she saw a small hair clip. It was dark blue with a yellow, star shaped jewel. Next to it, was a necklace that matched the hair clip.

“I talked to Sapphy as well, and she helped me make these. I chose the shape and colors!”

Miriam carefully put the hairclip and necklace on.

“Thanks.” She could almost feel her face burning. “I, uh, got you something as well.” She handed them her box and hid in her sweater.

Kawn opened the box and sang a giddy little note and pulled out a potted flower. It was yellow and shaped like a star.

“You also got me a star shaped gift!!” Kawn was ecstatic as they looked at the flower.

Audrey gulped as they looked at their gift. She doubted it would be as good as a plant, but she handed it over anyway. Kawn excitedly took it and put the plant down. The gift was small, but Kawn didn’t seem phased. They opened the gift and gasped before pulling out the pretty black feather from its protective box. It’s colors shifted to a deep turquoise in a certain light.

“It’s so pretty!!! Thank you!! Oh gosh these gifts are great!!”

Miriam smiled, they were always so easy to entertain. Audrey was still surprised by their simplicity but was busy hooking their axe to her sash.

“I’m gonna go eat til i explode” Audrey said, simply. “If you want me, I’ll be by the spicy stuff.”

“Ok!!” Kawn waved and turned towards Miriam.

Miriam noted the current song was a waltz. Sapphy had actually taught her how to waltz. Claimed it was important for her to learn for whatever reason.

Suddenly, an idea sprang in her head that terrified her.

“Miriam?” Kawn was wondering why Miram was suddenly blushing.

“Oh uh sorry. What’s up.”

“I wanted to know what you wanted to do!” Kawn presumed Miriam was just spaced out.

“I uh… How about we dance”

“Ok!”

“Together”

“Sounds fun!”

“I meant, like a waltz.”

“Su- wait what?”

Miriam grabbed the Bard’s hand and dragged him to a more secluded area where they could still hear the music.

The bard was still shell shocked as Miriam carefully took their hand carefully on hers, and carefully put their hand on her shoulder and her hand on their hip. She decide that she would be assuming the lead role, as she was the one who actually knew how to waltz.

“We’re just gonna do some steps, nothin fancy.”

It was Kawn’s turn to blush as they sheepishly nodded.

Miriam led them as they kinda shuffled about. Kawn was having fun but could tell Miriam was still nervous about this.

They decided to add a bit of their own pizzazz.

“I’m having fun, but ya know what would be greater?” Kawn smirked, Miriam raised an eyebrow, secretly terrified that Kawn didn’t like this.

Suddenly, kawn lifted Miriam's hand and then tried to spin, giggling as they went. Miriam fumbled as she wasn’t expecting this and accidentally knocked Kawn off balance.

“Oop-!” Kawn yelped, as they fell back. Miriam quickly caught Kawn and held Them up as they were leaning back.

“Woah-” Kawn gasped, “Nice catch.” Kawn blushed and sheepish;y smiled.

Miriam smirked and dropped Kawn,

“Ack!” Kawn flailed and sat up, giggling. “Aww c'mon, that was a good dance!”

“Then let’s have a second go.” Miriam said, holding out her hand. Probably the smoothest Miriam has or ever will be.

The two giggled and danced the night away, not really following the rules of waltz and just doing whatever came to their mind. Not caring what was happening or what the world might have thought.

It was the happiest Kawn had ever seen Miriam.

Suddenly, There was a loud and clear singing. The two looked up and saw the lights of the Nexus Point were at their brightest.

“It’s midnight.” Kawn gasped.

“We were out that long?”

“Time flies when you’re having fun, cmon!” Kawn took Miriam’s hand and ran for the tree, leading the confused Witch.

When they got to the town centre, they saw that the tree was lit up to match the Nexus lights. Boni was up in front of the tree singing to the entirety of Chismest, some sang along and some just watched. It wasn’t quite the same as the Lullaby, probably modified so that the Bard doesn’t just get chucked to the spirit world. The song was much longer, and some of the notes changed. Kawn quietly sang along, and rocked side to side. Miriam carefully laid her head on Kawn’s shoulder and hummed along with what she knew from Order March. She had a lot of fun the past few days, but she was looking forward to sleeping in her own bed after today. She let out a slight yawn as the song came to an end.

“Tired?”

Miriam sleepily nodded and rubbed her eyes. “Yeah, but i’ll be alright.”

“Nah let’s go to bed, we’ll fly home tomorrow.”

Miriam nodded and sleepily followed the bard back to Boni’s after they grabbed the gifts. Kawn put the gifts in a safe spot and tucked Miriam into bed.

“Wait isn’t this your bed?”

“Yeah but you’re flying tomorrow. Get some sleep.” Kawn gave Miriam a kiss on the cheek as they went and got ready for bed and slipped into the sleeping bag.

“...Kawn?”

“Hm?”

“...Can you sing the Wind Sonata?”

“I’d love to!”

The bard started to sing and the witch got comfy in bed. Today was a long day but she was happy she came. Slowly, she drifted off to sleep, she was very excited to show Grandma Sapphy her gifts.

#wandersong #wandersong sibling au #wandersong fanfic #wandersong kiwiam #wandersong bardriam

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