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You let out a big yawn and stretched your whole body while still under the warm covers. Satisfied, you roll over to the side and notic the empty spot next to you after opening your eyes. Ah, he was already up, wasn't he... you'll need to seriously lecture him on just disappearing like that. He's all grown up, yes, and peculiarly strong, not the scaredy little naga she once knew, yes, but still that doesn't make him invincible, and as his... family... it was all normal to worry about him, right?
"Ramses?" you call out to the empty tent, straining your ears for anything that would signal his presence. Silence. Well, not really, you could hear the animals skittering close to the meadow you were in, and cool wind rustling through leaves in the early morning. But not him. Sighing, you get up and the urge to let out a biiig yawn takes over you. Covering your mouth with your hand, you use the other to push aside the tent's flap and see outside. You quickly take in the surroundings. You're met with a rising sun and a clear sky, which promises you a good day. Meteorologically, at least. You walk outside and stretch your joints, ready to start the day, the thought of Ramses' whereabouts still lingering in the back of your head.
"Unusually quiet today, even for you. Quite... curious?"
You don't think your head's ever whipped that fast in a direction before. Without thinking, it turns to your right backside where you finally lock eyes with your dear naga. You started heading towards him with a brisk walk, the cool appearance you tried to put on at first breaking as you shifted to a sprint. Crashing into his chest and wrapping your arms around him, you hug him tightly, a smile on your face.
"Good morning... finally"
"A much obliged good morning to you as well, my dear" he hugs back, strong, muscular arms keeping you cradled close. Safe. Calm. You ruminate again for the millionth time of how good it is to be able to feel like this on the road. Sure, you never regretted being the strong, reliable, patient and calm one while you were on the road with baby Ramses, but now that things were changed you realised how that took its toll on you. "Are you ready for the day?"
"Mm, I'm still a little sleepy."
"You might want to wake up. I think you'll particularly enjoy today"
Raising your head, you give him a questioning look. He chuckles and a hiss escapes him. He seems to have made up his mind
"Happy birthday. There, just in case you forgot. Also I couldn't wait any longer to say it."
Shivers. That's what you felt your body do when you processed his words. "B-but I never... how..." you babble, lost while looking at him.
His grin is so insufferable. "You never told me about your birthday? You are absolutely correct, but it doesn't mean I don't have my ways of knowing."
"And what would those be?"
"Maybe a little bird told me. Or maaaybe I happened to overhear some, and I assure you, just some of a particularly heated conversation about signs you had at a point with a certain mage who is in my good graces. Would've never taken you for someone with belief in this, so consider me surprised by the way..."
"Wow, sounds like you know quite the verbose birdie. Introduce me to them sometime, would you? I've yet to see a talking winged being"
"Phahaha... consider it done"
"Anyways, what shall we do today? I'm unsure, I just know that I want to take it easier. Maybe we can lounge around 'round and just... chill together?"
"I do have something planned. It's just not much, but I hope you'll like it"
You could feel a nervous undercurrent in his voice, but your surprise only lasted but a moment. Of course he's a little unsure, after all it's the first time he's celebrating this with you and he may not be accustomed to human celebrations. Heck, has he ever celebrated his birthday? Does he even have one? You make a mental note to inquire about this later, anyway.
"Then what are we waiting for? I hope it involves food, though. I'm starving"
He snorts and takes your hand, turning you to face the back of the tent where a blanket is laid on the lush, vert grass. You two approach it and see some simple but appetizing dishes laid out on it, along with a small box and something circular but flat and... bumpy? which was covered by a cloth. You both get comfortable and take in everything for a moment. Ramses clears his throat and smiles warmly at you. No grinning, cruel smirking or anything the likes of. Just a genuine smile, content to be with you after centuries and to celebrate you this special one time.
"Before you dig in, let me at least show you one of the things I have prepared for you"
You nod eagerly as you're eyeing something on a plate nearby, and turn your eyes to him. He lifts the cloth to reveal a flower crown, and gingerly lifts it, allowing you to see it better.
"Please don't laugh"
"Why would I?" you ask in confusion. "It's gorgeous. Lemme scoot closer... here we go" you are now closer to him on the blanket and bow your head slightly so he can place the adornment on it. When you feel the weight of it you lift your hair and beam at him, trying your best to show your gratitude. He responds with a small smile too, seemingly satisfied
"Let's dig in and we can see what's next as we go" you say and don't even wait for his answer. You squeeze his hand "no need to rush, ok? We've got a whole day ahead" and he nods and joins you in your activity.
Satisfied, later, you two bask in the sun with full bellies and the wind caressing your faces. The soft blanket and the feeling of peace lull you into an unexpected nap but before you could even think to fight it you're whisked away to dream land. Warmth and security cuddle you sweetly.
You don't think that you actually dreamed when you wake up, though. A short trip into unconsciousness was all it was.
"Ah-ah-ah, look who's awake. You were sleeping so peacefully that I couldn't bring myself to disturb you. I kept watch. Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, yes, all good. Was I out for long?
"Not sure, but judging by the sun... maybe one hour? Two? Do not fret, after all we're not in a rush, right?"
He says that, but you notice how he keeps eyeing the small box waiting in a corner. You decide to rid him of the anxiety already.
"So, I gather that there's a gift for me there? Can you hand me the box?"
"You're going to need a little bit of context beforehand, and even with that I hope it won't be too weird..."
"Out with it, I've seen my fair share of things and we've been through enough together, remember? So don't overthink it, my dear."
Relief battles nervousness on his face but he makes up his mind. "So, remember how just not long ago you've helped me with shedding? Well, nagas have the custom to use the shed skin to make jewelry for those that have helped us through this vulnerable time."
"That sounds like such a beautiful thing." You say as you open the box and see the contents. A necklace and a bracelet which are both somewhat elastic but also delicate. You could see the craft and attention to detail he put into them, which pulls at your heartstrings. After all this time, he really still cares so much about you. He never forgot you for 3 whole centuries after you left this world too early. He's said before that you're family to him, and you know how your acts alone are what made him unable to hate humanity even after everything they threw at him. But you still manage to tear up and you turn your head away as he works on the bracelet.
"Hey, i-is everything ok?"
"Y-yes, it's all fine."