Present

Our visit to Maemont was a pleasant experience. When I returned home with Alice I thanked her for hiding Luna's present for me, and with weeks gone by, Luna had no suspicions.

Today is now half a year from our visit to Maemont in the middle of the year. I had my 14th birthday but there was nothing special about it as all I remembered from it was having dinner with my family along with Alice and Luna. Fabian however was still at the academy dormitory where I'll be going to with Luna at the start of next year only 7 months away.

Everyone: "Happy birthday Luna!~"

I was now at Luna's house, along with her family and Alice. Nickolas looked quite like his father William, both sharing brown hair and a strong build.

Luna: "Thank you guys~"

We all gathered around in the lounge as Luna sat in between her parents, with me in between Alice and Nickolas. To the side of the couch Alice was on, my present for Luna rested up against it, still wrapped up but this time in a long box to not give away what it was.

William: "Here. This is for you"

He handed Luna a medium sized present, wrapped up in cloth wrapping.

Luna: "I told you I didn't want anything for my birthday dad"

William: "I know, but you'll be leaving home next year so this might be our last time to celebrate your birthday for a while. Plus you're going to need clothes."

Luna: "You kinda just spoiled the surprise haha"

William: "Ah I did haha. Well, just open it"

Opening the present, Luna found a light pink wooly dressing gown. From where I was sitting it looked incredibly warm and fluffy.

William: "For when it's cold"

Luna: "Thank you dad"

A wide smile appeared on her face before hugging him, her smile infecting everyone as it was impossible to not smile at the sight.

Elira: "Right, my turn~"

Her mother reached back to grab the present to the side before handing it to Luna; the dressing gown laying on Luna's lap. Elira's present was a small box that could fit in the palm of a hand as she gives it to Luna who had now stopped hugging her father.

Luna: "It's beautiful"

Elira: "Open it silly"

Luna had opened the box to reveal a necklace with a pendant on it. It looked very elegant with beautiful engravings along with a handmade engraving on the back side written: 'L.W'. Suddenly, a few tears started to build up in Luna's eyes as she opened up the pendant.

Luna: "T-thank you mum"

It was a portrait of her and her family as she again went to hug her mother.

Elira: "We're proud of you sweetie"

It was too wholesome for the eyes as I found myself tearing up a little while Luna was clinging to her mother.

Nickolas: "My turn!"

He slammed down on the table in front of us a hairbrush that looked overly girly. Looking over at the hairbrush, Luna lets out a small giggle.

Luna: "I already have a hairbrush Nick"

Nickolas: "Yeah well you're taking this one with you"

They laugh together for a bit before Luna grabs the brush, admiring it.

Luna: "Thank you hehe"

Was it my turn now? I felt nervous as I knew she would be angry if I bought her something, even towards her family she was still hesitant to accept their gifts at first.

Alice: "Ahem"

Contemplating what to do, I notice Alice handing me over the long box. I notice Luna looking over to my holding the long large box with a suspicious look.

Luna: "Ellen. You didn't-"

Ellen: "Yes, I did. Here"

Cutting her off with her pouting face, she looks towards the box.

Luna: "Fine~"

After a little time passes along with her parents nudging her to accept it, she goes to open the box, revealing a long object wrapped in leather. Unveiling it further, the shine of the hilt reflects from the lights inside the house accompanied with a black scabbard.

Luna: "E-Ellen..."

Ellen: "I got it when we went to Maemont together. Happy birthday"

She pick up the sword from the box, standing up from the couch before unsheathing the sword, revealing more of the shiny blade. Her mouth was wide open as she marveled at the beautiful engravings along the longsword. I could see a single tear slide down her cheek.

Luna: "Thank you. I love it!"

Smiling sweetly at me, I can't help but smile back. I'm glad she accepted it.

Ellen: "I saw that you didn't own a proper sword for you. So I wanted to get you something before the academy starts. It'll protect you when I'm not around"

I... Didn't realize what I said until I said it as I felt my cheeks getting hotter.

Luna: "Hehe"

Hearing her giggle at me just makes me try to hold back my embarrassment more, as she sheathes the sword back in its scabbard.

Luna: "Thank you everyone"

Alice actually forgot to get a present. I'm partially to blame however as we still do our daily training everyday, but she did help me hide the sword for Luna so in a way it was a present from the both of us.

After the presents were opened, Alice helped Luna's mother prepare dinner as we planned to have dinner at her place. It reminds me of fond memories back home when... Kaede used to help mom cook. How long has it been since the last time I thought of her, my mother too. "I miss them"

Luna: "Hey, you okay?"

Ellen: "Ah yeah I'm fine, just remembered a happy memory."

Luna: "What was it?"

Ellen: "Just remembered when my mother used to cook. Our family all sat down at the table together, our laughter blocking out the sounds of thunder."

Luna: "I didn't know your mother could cook, don't the maids cook for you?"

Ellen: "Mmm. Yeah she did cook... A long time ago"

Luna: "Hey. You're not meant to cry on my birthday you know."

I hadn't realized, but tears started to build up on my smiling face. I go to wipe away the tears before Luna grabs her handkerchief.

Ellen: "It's okay, I'm fine."

I really did miss my parents. Sure my mother now in this world is great, but my parents now could never replace my real parents. The tears weren't stopping.

Luna: "You're not fine if your making that kind of face... Come with me"

Standing up, she grabbed my hand pulling me up from my seat before taking me to her room upstairs.

Luna: "I'll be borrowing her for a moment!~"

Alice: "Sure thing!"

Closing the door behind us, she brings me to sit on the bed with her.

Luna: "What happened? People cry when they remember happy memories, but the way you were crying just now looked painful. What happened?

Ellen: "I..."

The tears halted now, as my mind is racing through the possibilities. "Do I tell her? I was meant to tell Alice, but this feels like a right time as any to say it..." I think to myself as Luna stares at me waiting for an answer. Taking a heavy breath, I open my mouth.

Ellen: "I... I used to have parents... before the parents I have now..."

Luna: "You mean like you're adopted?"

Ellen: "Uhm... Yes"

She gave me an opportunity to lie and I took it. "I'm sorry Luna"

Luna: "Huh, But your mother has the same red hair as you, even the eyes"

Ellen: "She wanted to find a child that would not be suspicious."

Luna: "That makes sense, Ohhh, that's why you're not good at magic."

Ellen: "Y-yeah..."

I didn't think of that but I'm glad that my lie started to make more sense, but I'm feeling worse as this lie goes on. I know I'll have to tell her soon. Seeing me get a little upset, Luna went to hug me, her warmth spreading throughout my body. The kindness Luna is giving me makes my lie all the more worse.

Luna: "It's okay, your secret is safe with me."

Ellen: "Uhm actually that's a lie. I am my mother's child but I can't... I just need some more time."

Luna: "Ellen. You can talk to me about anything, but if you need some time then I understand."

Her comforting voice along with her hug was too much as my arms moved on their own, wrapping around Luna pulling us into a deeper embrace.

Ellen: "Thank you. I promise I'll tell you about it when we go to the academy. So just a little more time?"

Luna: "Kay~"

She seemed happy with that as her voice went back to normal.

Ellen: "Can I ask something though?"

Luna: "Mhmm"

Ellen: "Do you believe in reincarnation?"

Luna: "Hmm. It would be nice if there was, but I don't think I believe in such a thing."

I can't help but giggle in our hug as she says that.

Luna: "What's funny?"

Ellen: "Nothing"

Luna: "Mmm, what about you then? Do you believe in it?

Ellen: "Yes"

Luna: "That was a fast response. What makes you believe that strongly in it?"

Ellen: "I'll tell you later when we start at the academy"

Luna: "Full of mysteries I swear hehe"

We continue to chat until dinner was called. We head back down stairs to join the others, continuing the celebration of Luna's 14th birthday, along with her admittance to Inasdale Academy. My tears from before had all dried up after my hug with Luna. "Thank you"