Chapter 17

Keira sits quietly in the room she now shares with Mark, her gaze fixed on the window where soft snowflakes drift lazily from the sky. The world outside is blanketed in pristine white, each flake shimmering like tiny diamonds in the early morning light. She pulls her shawl closer around her shoulders, savoring the gentle warmth as she admires the beauty of nature's Winter spectacle.

As the snow continues to fall, memories of her life in the castle surface, unbidden but persistent. The grand stone walls, the echoing halls, and the ever-present air of formality. Her days had been a whirlwind of lessons and duties, each moment meticulously planned and executed. There had been no time for personal indulgence, and even less for idle dreams.

In the castle, Keira had been groomed for her role as queen from a young age. The weight of her future responsibilities had always been clear, a constant shadow looming over her every action. She had learned the intricacies of politics, the art of diplomacy, and the delicate balance of power. But amidst all the preparation, there had been an unspoken rule: for her protection, a queen never leaves the castle walls.

Her heart aches with the memory of it. The isolation, the endless expectations, and the knowledge that her life was not her own. She had often sat in her segregated room of the castle, watching the world beyond using alternate means. The gardens, the distant mountains, the villages she could see in pictures, books, and crystal balls—they had all seemed like unreachable dreams.

Now, as she sits in her cozy room, Keira feels a sense of liberation that still seems surreal. The snow outside is not just a pretty scene; it is a symbol of the freedom she now has. She can step outside and feel the crisp Winter air on her face, can dance under the falling snowflakes, can explore the world beyond the confines of a queen's duties.

Mark steps into their room, immediately noticing Keira sitting by the window, her gaze lost in the swirling snowflakes. He walks over quietly and stands beside her, the warmth of his presence a comforting contrast to the cold world outside.

"Hey," Mark says softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. "How are you feeling?"

Keira turns to him, her eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and contentment. "I was just thinking about the castle," she begins, her voice tinged with a touch of wistfulness. "About how different my life was back then."

Mark listens intently as she continues, "In the castle, everything was so rigid, so structured. My every move was planned out, my every action scrutinized. I was being groomed to become queen, but it felt like I was trapped in a cage. I was never allowed to leave the room you found me in, let alone the castle walls, never allowed to experience life beyond my duties and responsibilities."

She pauses, her gaze drifting back to the falling snow. "But here, in Forget-Me-Not Valley, everything is so different. I feel… free. I can step outside and feel the Winter air on my face, I can watch the seasons change, I can meet people and make friends. I can just be myself, without the weight of the crown on my shoulders."

Mark squeezes her shoulder gently, his heart aching for the life she once led. "I'm glad you feel that way," he says earnestly. "You deserve to be happy and free, Keira. This place, this life… it's ours now. We can make it whatever we want it to be."

Keira smiles at him, the warmth of his words melting away the last remnants of her melancholy. "Thank you, Mark," she says softly. "For everything. For giving me a new life, and for being here with me."

As Mark watches his wife, who he is falling quite hard for, sitting by the window and lost in the beauty of the falling snow, a peculiar thought crosses his mind. He moves to sit beside her, curiosity sparking in his eyes.

"Say, Keira, when is your birthday?" he asks, his voice gentle.

Keira turns to him with a puzzled expression. "What is a birthday?" she responds, genuinely curious.

Mark raises an eyebrow in surprise. "You've never heard of a birthday?"

She shakes her head slowly. "In the Hanabishi language, there is no word for 'birthday.' Could you please explain what that is?"

Mark crosses his arms, pondering how to explain such a common concept to someone completely unfamiliar with it. He takes a deep breath and starts, "A birthday is a day when you celebrate the day you were born. It's a special occasion where people come together to honor and celebrate your life."

Keira's eyes widen with interest. "That is intriguing. I suppose that back in my time, they never recorded the days when people were born. But the castle did keep records of everyone's name and family lineage."

"Then how do your people know how old they are?" Mark asks, his curiosity piqued further.

"My mentors told me about a special festival called the Mezameru Festival. In your language, that roughly translates to the Awakening Festival. It's a very important event for the people of Hanabishi."

Keira looks out the window, her gaze distant as she recalls the struggles of the people she was destined to rule over. "You see, for the Hanabishi people, Winters are especially harsh. The days are very cold, and warmth is often scarce. Many elderly or sickly people succumb to the cold, especially during snowstorms. My father would rush to those struggling the most, bringing them charcoal to keep them warm. But the kingdom was vast, and it was impossible to supply everyone."

Mark listens intently, sensing the deep connection Keira has to her homeland and its people.

"But on the twenty-sixth day of Winter," Keira continues, her voice softening, "the days begin to grow warmer in preparation for Spring. On that day, the Hanabishi people come out to celebrate the end of Winter. It's a joyous occasion, with everyone gathering to dance around a bonfire. It's a time of renewal and hope. Everyone's age increases by one, and many couples who have come of age meet their betrothed for the first time, sometimes leading to marriage."

Keira's eyes glisten with a mixture of nostalgia and sadness. "It's a beautiful celebration of life and survival. A reminder that even in the harshest conditions, there is always hope and a new beginning."

Mark ponders Keira's story about the Mezameru Festival. The idea of a festival celebrating life and survival is comforting, but he knows that times have changed. In Forget-Me-Not Valley, people now have enough resources to endure even the harshest Winters without fear of scarcity. Despite the differences, Mark finds inspiration in how the Hanabishi people marked their ages through this festival.

Turning to Keira, he says, "I have an idea. How about we make the twenty-sixth day of Winter your actual birthday?"

Keira's eyes widen with curiosity. "What do people do for their birthdays?"

Mark smiles, his excitement matching hers. "They hold a party at home, surrounded by people they care about. It's a celebration of their life, with food, music, and sometimes gifts. It'll be a special day, just for you."

Keira's face lights up with visible excitement. "I'd love to celebrate my first birthday!"

They both rush to the calendar hanging on the wall and check the date. Realizing the day in question is only a week away, they start making plans for the celebration. The anticipation of experiencing a birthday for the first time fills Keira with joy, and Mark is equally excited to share this new tradition with her.

Over the next few days, the valley buzzes with excitement as news of Keira's upcoming birthday party spreads. Mark and Keira spend their days delivering invitations to friends and neighbors, each one received with enthusiasm and warm wishes.

As the preparations continue, Mark finds himself pondering what gift would be fitting for Keira's first birthday celebration. Considering the significance of this occasion and Keira's unique background as a princess, he knows that a standard gift simply won't do. He wants to give her something truly special, something that reflects her interests and reminds her of her favorite moments growing up.

As Keira becomes increasingly absorbed in the party preparations, Mark's mind races with ideas. He knows that Keira's experiences and memories are unlike those of most people in the valley. Her stories of life in the castle, her love for the intricate and the beautiful, all point to something more personal and meaningful.

Suddenly, an idea strikes him. Mark decides to send an invitation to Nori and her family, inviting them to join the celebration in Forget-Me-Not Valley. However, Mark knows that even this heartfelt reunion might not be enough. He wants to give Keira something tangible, something she can cherish and hold close to her heart. He spends hours racking his brain, searching for the perfect gift that would evoke her favorite pastimes and memories.

Despite being married to her, Mark understands that there is so much more to learn about Keira and the culture that shapes her personality. The layers of her past, her heritage, and the customs of the Hanabishi Clan intrigue him deeply. However, he realizes that there isn't enough time to delve into her family's entire history on his own. Determined to make the upcoming celebration as meaningful as possible, Mark decides to seek the help of someone who has been studying the history of the Hanabishi Clan: Carter and Flora.

Mark heads toward the tent where Carter and Flora store the relics of the past. The tent is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and historical remnants, each item steeped in the mystery and tradition of a bygone era. As he steps inside, Mark is immediately struck by the sheer variety of objects. Intricate jewelry, fossils lost through time, and ornate trinkets fill the space, each piece telling a silent story of the Hanabishi people.

Just then, Flora enters the tent, her eyes lighting up with curiosity when she sees Mark. "What brings you here, Mark?" she asks, her voice filled with friendly interest.

Mark turns to face her, relief washing over him at the sight of someone who can guide him through this maze of history. "Flora, I need your help," he says earnestly. "I've been thinking a lot about Keira and her heritage. I want to make her first birthday celebration special, and I believe knowing more about her past will help me find the perfect birthday gift."

Flora's eyes light up with an idea. "I think I know just the thing," she says, leading Mark towards a small, carefully guarded display case in the corner of the tent.

Flora opens the case and retrieves the delicate, intricately designed hairpin, handling it with care. "Do you recognize this?" she asks, holding it out for Mark to see.

Mark's eyes widen in surprise. "That's the hairpin I found in the mines the same day I found Keira," he recalls. "What's so special about it?"

Flora smiles gently. "This hairpin belonged to Keira's mother. It was a precious gift from her father, a symbol of their engagement and the strength of their bond. In Hanabishi culture, such items are deeply cherished."

Mark gasps, understanding the depth of the item's significance for the first time. "I had no idea. This hairpin must mean so much to her."

"It does," Flora confirms. "But I think you can use this idea to craft something special for Keira. What if you had a new hairpin made for her, inspired by this one? It could symbolize the continuation of her family's legacy and the new chapter she's started with you."

As Mark continues to examine the hairpin, he marvels at its beauty and the deep significance it holds. "A custom hairpin inspired by this one would be perfect for Keira," he agrees, his mind racing with ideas. But as he continues to think, a feeling nags at him that something is still missing.

Suddenly, a thought strikes him. "Flora, do you know anything about a story involving an Onyx Warrior?"

Flora's eyes light up with recognition. "Yes, I do! In fact, Keira recently translated a story about an Onyx Warrior. It's a fascinating tale from Hanabishi folklore."

Mark's excitement grows. "Could you show it to me? I have an idea."

Flora nods and leads Mark to a pile of carefully organized books and manuscripts. After a few moments, Flora pulls out the bound book, "This is it! The story of the Onyx Warrior."

Mark takes the book reverently, reading the first few lines."This is perfect," he murmurs. "Thank you, Flora. But is it okay if I keep this?"

Flora smiles warmly. "Of course. I have copies, so feel free to keep it."

Mark nods with appreciation. He then returns home with the knowledge he will use to give Keira the best birthday gift possible.

Early the next morning, Mark sets out on his journey, leaving Keira engrossed in the party preparations. The trip to Mineral Town is long but invigorating, and Mark's mind races with excitement and anticipation. He arrives at Saibara's workshop and explains his vision for the hairpin, inspired by the one Keira's mother once owned. Saibara listens intently, his eyes gleaming with understanding and interest. They discuss the intricate details, ensuring that every element is meaningful and beautifully executed.

With Saibara hard at work, Mark returns to the farm, eager to dive into the tale of the Onyx Warrior. At night as Keira sleeps, he settles into a comfortable chair by the fireplace, the book resting in his lap. As he begins to read, he is immediately drawn into the fascinating story. The tale unfolds in vivid detail, painting a picture of a rogue warrior who becomes a hero to the people oppressed by a tyrannical ruler.

The Onyx Warrior is a captivating figure, fearless and noble, whose acts of bravery inspire hope among the downtrodden. But what truly captures Mark's attention is the warrior's affection for a princess, a bond that transcends the chaos and danger surrounding them. The warrior risks everything to rescue the princess from the castle, and together they embark on a perilous journey, evading capture and overcoming countless obstacles.

The narrative is intense and graphic, describing battles with vivid detail of the raw emotions of the characters and sacrifice they must make. Yet, despite the violence and hardship, the story is ultimately about hope and strength. The story ends when the warrior and the princess ride off into the sunset, determined to carve out a life of happiness and freedom away from the shadow of tyranny.

As Mark reads, he finds himself thinking about his own journey with Keira. While they do not gave such an intense or violent story, Their union had overcome some interesting challenges while they are building a life together in Forget-Me-Not Valley. The story of the Onyx Warrior resonates deeply with him, and he is convinced that Keira will appreciate the parallels between the tale and their own lives.

On the day of the party, the house is beautifully adorned with festive decorations for the party hand crafted by Keira, a blend of Winter charm and the vibrant warmth of friendship. The scent of freshly prepared curry and hearty dishes fills the air, mingling with the soft hum of cheerful conversations. Keira and Mark stand by the door, ready to welcome their guests.

The first guests arrive, bearing gifts and treats, their faces lit with smiles and excitement. "Happy birthday, Keira!" they exclaim, handing over their offerings. Keira and Mark greet each one warmly, expressing heartfelt thanks for their thoughtfulness.

As more guests arrive, the house buzzes with laughter and the clinking of glasses. The atmosphere is lively, filled with the joyous spirit of celebration. Keira mingles with her friends, basking in affection and camaraderie. Mark watches her, his heart swelling with pride and love.

Suddenly, there's a knock on the door that draws Keira's attention. She opens it to find Nori, Phillip, and their son Ryudo standing there, bundled up against the cold but glowing with happiness. "Nori! Phillip! Ryudo!" Keira exclaims, rushing forward to hug them tightly.

Nori returns the embrace with equal enthusiasm. "Happy birthday, Keira! We wouldn't miss it for the world."

Keira pulls back, her eyes sparkling with surprise and delight. "But how did you know about the party?"

Nori glances over at Mark with a knowing smile. "Mark sent us an invitation. We were so excited to come and celebrate with you."

Keira turns to Mark, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Mark. This means so much to me."

Mark smiles, feeling a warm sense of fulfillment. "I wanted you to have everyone you care about here today."

As the guests settle in, Keira introduces Nori, Phillip, and Ryudo to the rest of the valley's residents. The mingling of close friends and distant ones creates a harmonious blend of stories and laughter, filling the house with a vibrant, joyful energy.

The party progresses with games, music, and delicious food. Keira and Mark move through the crowd, ensuring everyone is having a good time. Keira's heart is light, her earlier nerves replaced by the sheer joy of being surrounded by so much warmth.

As the evening progresses, the time comes for Keira to open the gifts. The guests gather around, anticipation buzzing in the air. Keira, with a mix of excitement and curiosity, begins to unwrapped the brightly adorned boxes.

The first gift is a beautifully crafted piece of music Lumina had written for her. "I remembered you admired my work," Lumina says with a shy smile. "I hope you like it."

Keira's eyes light up. "I'm sure it's beautiful, Lumina. Thank you so much."

The next gift is from Griffin and Muffy, a collection of DVDs featuring Keira's favorite TV shows. "For those cozy nights in," Muffy winks, causing a ripple of laughter among the guests.

"This is perfect!" Keira exclaims. "Now I can watch these anytime I want. Thank you!"

As she continues to open each gift, Keira's heart swells with gratitude. Each present is a thoughtful reflection of what her friends have come to know and cherish about her. There are delicate pieces of hand crafted jewelry, handmade trinkets, and even a beautifully embroidered shawl from Celia who has finally mastered the art of knitting thanks to Keira's advice.

Finally, it's Nori's turn. She steps forward, holding a neatly wrapped package. "This is something very special, Keira," she says, her eyes twinkling with warmth.

Keira carefully unwraps the gift and gasps as she reveals a handwritten book. She opens it and sees pages filled with old recipes, the ink still fresh but the traditions ancient. "These are Konohana dishes," Keira murmurs, her eyes wide with amazement.

Nori nods, smiling. "Yes, these recipes have been in my family for many generations. I know how much you love Eastern cuisine, and I thought you might enjoy having some traditional dishes to make at home."

Keira's eyes fill with tears as she hugs the book to her chest. "Nori, I can't accept this. It's too precious."

Nori places a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It's a copy, Keira. My family's book is still safe at home. This one I made just for you, so you can bring a piece of our heritage into your home."

Keira's gratitude is palpable as she embraces Nori tightly. "Thank you, Nori. This means so much to me. I can't wait to try and make these recipes."

The guests cheer and applaud, sharing in Keira's joy. Mark watches from the sidelines, a satisfied smile on his face. He knows how much this means to Keira, and he's glad to see her so happy.

As the night winds down, the guests gradually take their leave, each one offering heartfelt birthday wishes to Keira. She stands by the door with Mark, thanking them all for coming and for their wonderful gifts.

After the last guest leaves, Mark and Keira step outside, standing side by side under the gently falling snow. The night is serene, the snowflakes shimmering in the soft glow of the moonlight. Keira's heart is full, her mind brimming with precious memories that she knows she will carry with her forever.

"Mark," she says softly, turning to him with a radiant smile, "thank you for making this day one of the most cherished moments of my life."

Mark smiles back at her, his eyes twinkling with warmth and affection. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Keira. But there's one more thing."

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small, elegantly wrapped box. Keira's eyes widen with curiosity as she takes the box from him, her fingers trembling slightly with excitement. She carefully unwraps it, revealing a shimmering gold and silver hairpin nestled inside. Her breath catches in her throat as she recognizes the design.

"It's… it's just like my mother's," she whispers, her eyes filling with tears of joy. She looks up at Mark, her gratitude evident in her gaze. "Thank you, Mark. This means so much to me."

Mark smiles, feeling a surge of pride and happiness. "You're very welcome, Keira."

Keira embraces the hairpin, then asks, "would it upset you if I decorated it?"

"Of course not. It's yours, do what makes you happy," answers Mark.

Keira nods, her smile widening. She reaches up to take off her hairband, her fingers deftly pulling her hair back. She tries on the hairpin, securing it in place. The pin glimmers in the moonlight, a perfect complement to her long flowing hair.

"It's beautiful," Mark says, his voice filled with admiration.

Keira touches the hairpin gently, her eyes shining with happiness. "It is. And it's even more special because it comes from you."

Mark then takes a lock of Keira's hair into his hand and kneels before her. "My princess," he begins, his voice filled with earnest emotion, "I have gifted you this as a token of my affection. From this moment forth, I shall be your knight in shining armor. I shall lay down my life to protect you." He then gently kisses the lock of her hair.

Keira gasps, her eyes widening in astonishment. This gesture, this pledge, it all mirrors the tale of the Onyx Warrior—a story she has cherished since childhood. Her face flushes a deep shade of red as her heart flutters with a mixture of joy and disbelief. In this magical moment, Mark has brought to life one of her most cherished dreams.

For that one fleeting instant, as he knelt before her with such genuine devotion, Mark truly was the Onyx Warrior of her dreams. Keira's eyes glisten with tears of happiness, her heart swelling with affection for the man who has made her childhood fantasy a reality.

"Mark," she whispers, her voice trembling with emotion, "you've made my dream come true."

Mark looks up at her, his eyes soft and filled with love. "And I will continue to make your dreams come true, Keira. For as long as I live."

Keira feels a profound connection to Mark in that moment, as if the stories of old have woven their way into their reality, binding them together in a tale of their own. She reaches out, touching his face gently, her heart overflowing with gratitude and love.

"Thank you, Mark," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "You are my Onyx Warrior."

They stand there, entwined in each other's presence, the snow falling gently around them. The night is silent, save for the soft whispers of the snowflakes as they touch the ground. In this serene moment, they find themselves not just bound by fate, but by the shared dreams and stories that have brought them together.

The world around them fades away, leaving only the two of them, bathed in the glow of their promise of a future filled with dreams coming true.