Special Event - MC's brithday (Albert)

What to give MC for their birthday?

For days, Albert has been asking the same question again and again. He doesn’t want it to be something superficial, something bought without much thought. He puts his elbows on the dark wooden table of the tavern and frowns. No, MC has become a special person in his life, and the gift must be just as special, something that shows how important they’ve been, not just to the community of Sorrol, but to him as well.

"Albert, are you with us? It’s your turn," Ada’s voice rings out, carrying a hint of impatience.

The redhead blinks a couple of times to shake off his distraction, and sees his friends looking at him expectantly. Even Rayco’s pet otter seems to be watching him attentively, her head peeking over the edge of the table.

"Sorry, sorry," Albert mutters, grabbing the dice and rolling them.

"You've been quite distracted lately," Rayco comments once the small wooden cubes stop tumbling on the table. "Is something on your mind?"

Albert rubs the back of his neck and offers a shy smile. Rayco’s intuition never ceases to amaze him.

"Oh, it’s nothing. Just, uh, work stuff. It’s been tiring me out, that’s all."

"Worries and work related stuff stay outside," MC says with a smile, gesturing toward the group. "It’s hard enough for us to all meet up these days, this time is for enjoying ourselves!"

"Hear, hear!" Ada exclaims, raising her mug into the air.

Albert watches as the doctor takes a long sip of her drink, only to start coughing uncontrollably from drinking too fast, earning laughter from MC and a few pats on the back from Rayco to help her. Even his sister smiles at the show, however faintly.

And just like that, the idea hits him like a lightning bolt. He has finally found the perfect gift.

---

Once the game is over, Albert says his goodbyes and heads straight to his personal workshop in his garden. He picks up a short wooden plank and places it on the workbench. Running his hands over the smooth surface, he envisions the final result. Then, taking a deep breath, he grabs the chisel and begins carving.

Each strike against the wood echoes through the silence of the night, a steady, soothing rhythm. He first outlines the silhouettes, ensuring each one captures the personality of each of the people involved.

However, hours later, his progress is abruptly halted when a sharp crack splits the wood with an unmistakable sound, the result of a poorly placed strike likely due to exhaustion.

Albert grits his teeth as frustration knots in his stomach. Now what? After so much effort, a single mistake and it’s all ruined.

Sighing, he runs a hand through his hair and looks up at the sky. The night is deep, and his body urges him to rest. But how could he sleep, knowing that tomorrow he will have nothing to give MC?

Shaking his head, he discards the damaged piece and grabs a new plank to start again.

"Still awake?" a voice calls from behind him.

Albert turns to see Leire leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, her brow slightly furrowed.

"I, uh, yeah. This…" He glances at the unfinished sculpture and scratches his temple. "It’s going to take a while."

Leire steps forward. When she notices the discarded figure on the other side of the table, she lets out a resigned sigh and sits on the spare stool before picking up another chisel.

"Make some room. You’ll finish MC’s gift faster if I help," the warrior says.

Albert raises his hands. "You don’t have to, really. You can go rest. I know tomorrow’s going to be a tough day for you at the guard."

"If it’s important enough for you to stay up all night, then it’s important to me too. Just let me help," Leire replies, not waiting for a response as she starts working, glancing at the previous figure for reference.

Albert watches her for a moment, and a smile slowly spreads across his lips.

Together, under the dim light of the lantern, the siblings continue carving deep into the night. Until the sculpture is complete.

---

[Next day, with MC...]

You glance around at the garlands and colourful candles decorating Tamarant, all courtesy of Ada, who has ensured to prepare an unforgettable celebration for your birthday.

After being the centre of attention for most of the day, you finally find a quiet moment by the bar to enjoy a refreshing mug of Rayco’s best drink.

Some time later, you spot Albert approaching, and your curiosity is piqued when you notice the linen cloth wrapped around whatever he’s holding.

"Well, well, look at that!" you exclaim, excitement sparking in your chest. "Did you bring me a little gift too?"

Albert nods with a shy smile and sets the wrapped package on the bar. "I hope you like it."

With Albert watching expectantly, you unwrap the cloth, your eyes widening in astonishment as you take in what lies beneath.

The carved wooden figure captures a familiar yet deeply special moment. Your fingers trace the wood, admiring the intricate details so finely crafted that it’s hard to believe it was made by hand.

First, Rayco, arms crossed, wearing the smug grin he reserves for game nights. Then Ada with her face full of concentration, and Leire with her gaze sharp and calculating. Then, a miniature version of yourself, eyes gleaming with amusement. And finally, Albert himself, leaning slightly forward, ready to make his next move.

Even Enid is there, peeking over the edge of the table, her paw reaching for a tiny empty bowl that your mind instantly fills with olives in sauce.

"Albert… this is incredible," you whisper, lifting your gaze to meet his with a warm smile. "The clothing, the expressions, and… I don’t know, just everything!" Your excitement overflows, and you laugh. "I have no words, really. This… this is the best gift I’ve ever received."

"I wanted to make something special," Albert says, blushing at all the praise. "So… do you like it?"

Your smile widens. "I think that’s obvious, isn’t it?"

Albert chuckles. "Yeah. I think it is."

You can’t help but call everyone over to show off Albert’s work, proudly displaying your gift. His blush deepens until his entire face matches the colour of his hair.

That sculpture has a special place reserved in your home. Right on your nightstand, next to your mother’s pendant, where you can see it every morning as soon as you wake up.