Story Reader / Festival Event Story / The Destined Surprise / Story
In the evening, people are still immersed in the revelry of your birthday party. Amidst the continuous greetings and blessings, you quietly retreat to the edge of the room.
Babylonia is never quiet at night, but rarely does it have a joyous clamor like this.
Coming back to your senses, you find yourself a good distance away from the lights, now standing alone by the library's entrance.
In the night breeze that's been keeping you company the entire way, you, having come all the way here by instinct, push open the door like you have all those nights before.
Welcome, Commandant, or should I say "Happy Birthday" first?
Of course, I do. I even went looking for you around Gray Raven's lounge.
But I thought I shouldn't disturb you because you were surrounded by all these people. I meant to go to you to chat you up again... so I could hand you your birthday gift.
Noan lowers his eyes, sounding mysteriously amused.
Well, I presume you're all free now since you're here?
Well, then, this is for you.
Sitting in your palm now is a small photo frame filled with all sorts of paper sculptures, the soft lighting painting a scene of fireflies dancing in the grass.
Yup, that's what it is.
Some say... that fireflies are stars on Earth. They may not shine as bright as the stars, but they are within reach, and they communicate with one another using their own light.
How so?
...
Which is why I wanted to give this to you.
This is going to keep you company for me even when I'm not around you.
I'd love to do that, too, but there are many places that Dark Aries can't go.
Let me fix it for you if it ever breaks, then.
And now...
Noan takes out a notebook and pen and jots down a few locations and plans.
Want to pick one that seems interesting to you? Or should we rest here for a bit?
Alright.
Noan sits down as he always does and pulls out a piece of fruit candy from his pocket.
Here.
He nods earnestly, with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation, as if he really wants to see you eat it.
This is the only one I happen to have today.
We should probably split it, then?
