Embers of a Gentle Flame[Mixed Updates]

Prologue: Gift

"...Any second now." "Finn!"

A boy ran towards a tall young man with his backpack strapped and his shirt flying with the wind. This young man, Finn Taupe, is picking up his younger brother, Dave, from school. "Ready to see Ma?" "Yeah. Oh! I have to tell you about what happened!" The two continued as they walked. "Yeah?" "So I was trying to give my best friend a fist bump as we're getting out of class and Miss Violet got on to me. 'You two! Canteen!' Like, BRUH!" "I... What? Why would she take away your canteen time just for giving a fist bump?" "I dunno! These dang teachers are..." "Listen. I get it. But sometimes, you gotta consider what the teachers are going through, you know? Still... Kinda dumb to do that."

Both boys got into Finn's car before riding out to the school; it was a sub-compact vehicle. Finn didn't like the idea of wasting Lien. It was a quality hand-me-down from his father before he passed within the line of duty, before Dave was born. A few moments pass once they drive a considerable distance from the school.

"Hey, we need to go the pharmacy for a moment. Ma needs some of her monthly prescriptions." "'Kay."

...

"Same as usual, Finn?" "Yes ma'am. For Bestla Taupe." "...Alright. Here you go." "Thank you, ma'am."

Aside from the engine's humming and the humming that came with driving so low to the ground, it was silent in the car. But curiosity took over. "Finn? Why do you stay around the house so much?" A long sigh escaped from Finn's lips. "I stay because Mama needs help. She can't be goin' around takin' you to school because she's getting weaker and weaker. I work, sure, but not far from Mama. And I have to consistently change schedules to ensure I can take you to school and ensure that Ma's okay. I know a lot goes on and you can't handle all of that in your mind, but... That's how it goes." "And why not be a Huntsman?" "Dave, family is more important to me than a job or glory. Mama broke her back to make sure we were fed. I can't let all that labor go for nothin'."

...

The sound of a door unlocking echoed through a house: their house. The light from outside overtook the darkness within the kitchen and dining room to a degree. "Ma! We're home!" Finn placed his hand in the bag before handing the pills to Dave. "Mind takin' it to her?"

Dave nodded before he ran off, his footsteps echoing through the house. Finn started turning on the lights in the house before washing his hands at the sink; he was going to be cooking again. Footsteps echo once more, signaling Dave's hasty return. "What are we having tonight?" "Steak with a light sprinkle of chives, loaded mashed potatoes, and some garlic bread."

...

A gentle, sweet voice sighed with contentment. "My... What a lovely meal. You'd make a good husband one day, Finn." "Ma...!" At a small table, each plate was filled with a succulent steak with chives sprinkled for presentation, mashed potatoes with a light yellow hue and bacon bits, and two pieces of garlic bread with cheese on top. Three glasses were also present: Finn's containing mango juice, Dave's containing the "Purple Like Grapes!" soda, and Bestla's containing a cocktail of mead and the same soda Dave had. While the garlic bread was premade, the mashed potatoes and the steak were not. Each bite of the meal was savory. As Finn drank his mango juice,  and the transition between bacon and mango was immaculate.

Finn was the first to finish and wiped his mouth. But a realization stumbled upon him. "Ah! It's your birthday today! Lemme go get something. Close your eyes!"

He quickly ran into his room. It was messy, though organized at the same time. Looking at a corner, he finds a pot he had been hiding from Dave and his mother containing a marigold. After picking it up, his steps were slow and methodical. He sang with a gentle tone.

"Happy birthday to you. Happy to you. Happy birthday my. Dear. Moth. Er. Happy birthday to you... You can open your eyes." Bestla gasps with the warm flower in front of her. "Finn... You shouldn't have!" "I know, but.. I know how much you love flowers--a-and I haven't been able to do anything for you for your birthdays. I really, really tried to study what would be best and... A marigold was it." "Finn... I am forever grateful that you decided to stay. I'm so sorry--." "Don't be. It was my choice to stay."

Finn looks at his naginata. He can't follow his father's legacy, but that's okay. As long as Dave and his mother are safe, Finn will live.