Left wherever Haurchefant can find it , was a package wrapped in plain brown paper & held in place with twine. With it was a letter addressed to him and its contents read ( in sloppy but legible penmanship ) , ❝ You did not judge me when I took my first steps on Coerthas soil , & now I get to return the favor. — Gilen. ❞ Upon opening the package were various flavors of coffee & two brand new mugs: in case the Viera visited & regaled Haurchefant about his adventures. / @knowroam
“ oh ━ “ a soft noise of surprise drops from lips ‘pon discovering the package left on his desk, plainly wrapped with a letter on top. ‘t is the envelope he goes for first, slender fingers plucking at the lip to pull out a neatly folded paper as he takes his seat, allowing the aching muscles in his back a hint of relief. truth be told, he’d not really expected much else ; most of his gifts had already been exchanged the eve before or throughout the day and with most of his time mired in writing responses to missives from the other nations’ well - wishers, as well as the planned visits to the various orphanages and infirmaries around the city with aymeric, he is about ready to be done for the day.
and yet there is no mistaken the joy that hushes across his features once his eyes move over the letter, a small smile tugging at his lips. not many a day goes by where he does not spare a thought for gilen one way or another ; wondering where he is, what he is doing, what new life - saving feat of heroism he is being drawn into. whether he gets enough rest, whether he is happy. to know gilen thinks of them ━ of him in particular in return warms him deeply. the gift then, once unwrapped, holding that promise of a shared drink next his friend visits is but a perfect bonus on top ; a promise haurchefant is more than ready to hold on to. was it not him who’d told gilen that with all the adventurers he’s met at the camp, it is ever their stories that he loves hearing most?
at least now, next time gilen visits, he will have a few stories of his own in return, he thinks ━ no longer is he bound to camp dragonhead alone. now he too can return that favor and share more than merely drink alone.
and he, for one, cannot wait for that day to come.