A Curse of the First

•«CHAPTER EIGHT»• •«BIRTHDAY»•

Birch had her arms wrapped around the statue of a Phobiaeos, crying. Why did she have to be like this? It's just a statue! She thought, pushing herself off the statue. Trying to get her crying under control, she wiped the tears off her face.

You have to handle it. They'll probably have you fight Phobiaeos statues tomorrow. She told herself, picking up her sword. She walked out of the room and headed through the tunnel.

It suddenly became brighter and Birch had to squint her eyes until they adjusted. She scowled when she noticed her long, straight hair was a complete mess. She made a 'hmph' noise and tossed her hair onto her shoulder, using her fingers to try to get it under control.

Birch's hair was to long for her to completely get under control and she realized she had to tie it up. She was never able to tie her hair up correctly, but somehow Fir was a master at it.

She rolled her eyes and headed to his room. Her hair fell off her shoulder and flowed behind as she quickly walked. Some of the Maomdeds she passed looked at her, thinking she was angry. But really the pitter-patter of the rain was actually calming her down.

She started climbing up the stairs and pulled her hair out of her face and tucked it behind her ears. Her armor felt heavy and she wished she had taken it off before committing to the long flights of stairs. But it was to late now, she was almost to his room. She had always been quicker at getting up the stairs then Fir, even with her armor.

Birch knocked on the door and waited. "Come in!" She heard Fir say as she cracked the door open.

"Hey, umm... can you help me put my hair up? You're pretty good at it." She asked, walking over to him. He smiled and nodded before pulling out some blue and white ribbon. "Fir, seriously? You know I don't wear blue or white." She chuckled.

"Birrchhhh! Pleeaassseeee? It's almost your birthday and you look great in blue and white!" He begged.

"But tomorrow I test to become a knight!" She protested.

"Uh Uh. I'm the prince and I vote you wear this." He said, waving the ribbon around.

"Finneee. Just for you." She pouted before turning around. He picked up all her hair.

"Braided or ponytail?" He asked.

"Uhh... you choose." Birch decided. Fir grinned and separated her hair into three parts before beginning to braid it.

Birch glanced at the window, "It's really raining, isn't it?" She asked.

"Yeah. I'm afraid it's going to flood really bad." Fir sighed, finishing up the braid and tying her hair together with the ribbon, "Done!" He said proudly.

Birch held her braided hair and looked at it, "How are you so good at this?" She marveled.

"I don't know." He replied, shrugging, "Hey, it's late out. Shouldn't you be heading to bed? You'll need some extra sleep for tomorrow."

Birch sighed and nodded, "I suppose you're right. Thank you!" She said gleefully, turning around and hugging him.

"You're welcome!" He replied, hugging her back. Birch wiggled out of his arms and headed for the door.

"Good night! See you tomorrow!" She added.

"Yep! I'll get you a present by tomorrow!"

"No need! Your friendship is enough of a present!" She said, waving and closing the door. Birch hurried down the stairs and headed to the Guard Tower.

When she got there, she rushed to her bunk and saw Starling sleeping. She changed into a long, black nightgown and climbed onto her bunk. After she draped her black blankets over herself, she rested her head down in her pillow and stared at the ceiling.