ONE YEAR LATER. It's the morning of Kate's birthday once again, and she's sleeping peacefully in her bed. Ashley walks into Kate's bedroom and approaches the bed. Standing over her, Ashley bends down and gently touches her best friend to shake her awake, speaking in a soft and calm voice to hopefully wake Kate up for the day.

(A)Hey Kate, wake up, sleepyhead. It’s time to wake up. You don’t wanna sleep on your birthday, do you?

Kate moves around a bit and begins to wake up while she slowly opens her eyes, groaning, and pulling the blanket over her head in annoyance. Ashley stands up straight, sighs, rolls her eyes, and crosses her arms. She stands there for a moment, thinking of a way to wake up Kate. Suddenly, Ashley has an idea, and a mischievous grin appears across her face as she looks back down at Kate and speaks.

(A)Hey, Kate, Merig’s here to see you.

Kate's serene expression shatters, her eyes snapping wide with alarm as she tosses the blanket off her head. Panic etches her face, her brow furrowed and her lips parted, letting out a gasp. With a sudden jolt, she springs upright, desperation fueling her movements. But her haste proves her undoing. Her feet snarl in the tangled blanket, trapping her. Kate's momentum falters, and she stumbles, her arms flailing wildly as she struggles to regain balance. Gravity claims her, and she crashes to the floor with a pained grunt. Ashley's gasp echoes through the room, her hand flying to her mouth as she watches in horror. Her jaw drops, her eyes fixed on Kate's crumpled form.

(K)Shit, that hurts. I think I landed on my hip.

(A)[snickers] Kate, oh my god, are you okay?!

(K)I’m fine, luckily the blanket broke my fall. It still hurts, though.

(A)I’m so sorry, here. Let me help you up.

As Ashley gazes down at Kate, she can't help but snicker at her best friend's amusing tumble. Kate lies on the floor, looking up and shooting a look of daggers back at Ashley while scowling. With a mischievous smile, Ashley extends her hand. Kate grabs it and pulls herself to her feet. As Kate stands, she pauses for a moment, her expression suddenly shifting as she comes to a realization. She turns to look at her best friend with another scowl, while Ashley can't help but smirk and sheepishly smile, giving away her guilt.

(K)Merig isn’t here, is he?

(A)Nope.

(K)You’re evil.

(A)Hey, it was the only way I could think of to get your ass out of bed. I didn’t think you wanted to sleep through your birthday. I’ve got the whole day planned, just the two of us. Then I’ve got a big surprise for you later on tonight.

(K)[sigh] Alright, I’ll get dressed.

Kate concedes with a heavy exhale, her shoulders slumping in defeat as she makes her way to the wardrobe to sift through her clothes, trying to decide what to wear for her birthday. Meanwhile, Ashley takes a brief moment to collect her thoughts, a smile playing at the corners of her lips, before she begins the conversation, her words floating effortlessly into the air as the two friends exchange thoughts and ideas.

(A)And hey, you never know, Merig just might finally confess his love for you.

(K)Yeah, right, I highly doubt that.

(A)What makes you say that?

(K)We don’t even know how he really feels.

(A)Oh, come on, Kate, it’s obvious he’s in love with you. Even you see it, I know you do. The way you both look at each other and talk, it’s painfully obvious how you feel about each other.

(K)[eye roll] Look, I’m human and he’s not. I doubt he wants anything to do with me, especially romantically.

(A)Hey, you don’t know that.

(K)And neither do you.

(A)Kate, I know for a fact he loves you.

(K)How do you know?

(A)I just do, okay? Trust me, I bet you anything he’ll tell you how he feels and you can tell him how you feel, too.

As Kate finishes getting ready for her special day, a moment of thought brings a rosy tint to her cheeks, and a smile emerges on her face. After deliberating for a while, she settles on an outfit choice and completes her preparations. Moments later, Ashley peers into Kate's room to find her friend looking stunning in a long, cute, black, loose-fitted dress with long sleeves and a teal cardigan. The two best friends share a smile as Ashley speaks up.

(A)Are you ready?

(K)Yep, I want you to tell me how I look. Do you think Merig will like it?

(A)[smiles] You look gorgeous as always, and I’m sure that goblin will love anything you wear. Now let’s go and enjoy your birthday.

(K)[smiles] Thanks for getting me out of bed, Ash. You’re the best.

(A)That’s what I’m here for, let’s go.

The two friends head out to enjoy the day together as Ashley treats Kate to breakfast and lunch throughout the day while they spend time together around the city. Later that night, on a beautiful autumn evening with a full moon, there seems to be a gathering at the Bright and Sherry pub. It’s a birthday party that Ashley and the locals have put together for Kate as a surprise. At the familiar table, Larry and Merig are waiting for Ashley and Kate’s arrival. Merig looks pale and nervous as he holds a small jewelry gift box and speaks to Larry in a discouraged voice.

(M)I don’t know if I can do this, Larry. What if she doesn’t like it?

(L)Just relax, you know Kate, I’m sure she’ll love it.

(M)Yeah I do, but that’s not the point. I want to tell her how I feel about her when I give it to her, but I don’t know if I can.

(L)Then do it. You’ve been talking about doing this for months, but you keep being a chickenshit. This is the perfect time for you to tell her, so do it or you’ll regret it later if you don’t.

(M)[sigh] You’re right, I’m just afraid that she won’t feel the same. I mean, look at me, Larry.

(L)Yeah, you’re one ugly bastard, I’ll give you that.

(M)[scowl] You’re not helping.

(L)Merig, don’t worry about what I think, it’s all about what Kate thinks about you. Everyone knows you’re in love with her, and she’s obviously in love with you, too. We all see it.

(M)I just can’t help but worry. What if I mess this up?

(L)You’re overthinking it, pal, you’ve been planning this for weeks, I’ve even heard you rehearsing what you want to say to Kate. I live right next to you, so don’t think I don’t hear or see you on your balcony late at night, talking to yourself.

(M)Well, that’s embarrassing.

(L)It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, Merig, speak from your heart and be honest, and don’t chicken out.

(M)You’re right, I can do this. The worst that can happen is that she runs away screaming, right?

(L)That’s the spirit! You got this!

The two hear the pub door swing open and instinctively turn their attention to the source of the sound. Their eyes lock on Ashley and Kate, who are making their entrance into the lively atmosphere of the pub. Merig's eyes widen in shock as the color drains from his face, and he begins to hyperventilate. Larry turns back to see Merig, pale and holding his stomach, his expression a mix of panic and distress. As the commotion settles, the arrival of Ashley and Kate casts a shadow of unease over Merig, leaving Larry to process the situation and come to terms with his friend's visible distress.

(M)My stomach hurts. I think I’m going to be sick, Larry.

(L)You’ll be fine, just take a deep breath.

Merig feels a heavy moment as he lets out a deep sigh and rests his head on the table, while Larry's concern for his best friend is visible. The locals greet Kate warmly, and their attention shifts completely to her. In a beautiful display of unity, they synchronize their voices to wish her a heartfelt happy birthday. Overwhelmed by the unexpected attention, Kate is left stunned, her face flushing with a mixture of surprise and joy, while a bright smile spreads across her lips.

(K)[giggles] Oh my goodness, thank you so much, everyone. I wasn’t expecting any of this. I bet Ash had something to do with it.

(A)You’d be right, everyone is here and wanted to celebrate your birthday with you. Sherry and I arranged it, and some of the other locals wanted to be here, too.

(K)Oh, I’m so glad you’re all here, I just might cry. They’ll be happy tears, I promise.[giggles]

As the party unfolds, all of the locals attending the celebration smile at Kate in admiration. One person in particular, a brunette woman named Donna, with her three children by her side, steps forward to greet Kate and wish her a happy birthday. Millie, a ten-year-old girl, and her twin siblings, seven-year-old Jack and Clara, giggle and smile, adding to the joyful atmosphere. Millie sheepishly steps forward from beside Donna, clutching something in her arms. She approaches Kate, who smiles warmly and kneels to Millie’s level while Donna speaks up.

(D)Happy birthday, Kate, we’re so glad we could be here. The kids were so excited to come, and we have a gift for you. It’s from all of us. Millie, go ahead and show her.

(K)Hey, Millie, what do you have there?

(ML)It’s a quilt. Mom made it, and we helped her. I helped pick out a lot of the patches. We hope you like it.

Millie hands Kate a large and beautifully handcrafted quilt made with colorful and beautiful patches. One patch in particular has the letter “K” embroidered on it. Kate looks down at the quilt and smiles while she admires it. Then, she looks up at Millie as she takes the quilt from her and thanks her for the wonderful birthday gift.

(K)[smiles] Oh Millie, it’s absolutely beautiful and I love it. Thank you so much.

(ML)You’re welcome, happy birthday, Kate.

Kate opens her arms to Millie as she gladly accepts and steps forward while the two wrap their arms around each other and share a gentle hug. Millie's twin siblings giggle and eagerly run from Donna’s side to hug Kate as well. Kate opens her arms as the twins wrap their arms around her simultaneously before Kate pulls away and speaks up.

(K)Hey you two, did you help your mom make this, too?

(J)Yeah! I told her you would like the swords.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

(CL)And I picked out the pretty flowers. Mommy said you would like those, too.

(K)[giggles] And she was right, I love them all. You all did such a wonderful job helping your mom make this.

(ML)Mom said it’ll keep you warm this winter.

(K)[smiles] She’s right again. It definitely will, and this one is special since you three helped make it.

Kate and the kids giggle and smile as they turn and run back to their mother's side while Kate stands up and tightly holds the quilt in her arms. Donna happily steps forward and opens her arms for a hug as Kate returns it. They both pull away from the hug and smile at each other while Kate expresses her gratitude.

(K)And thank you, Donna, it’s a beautiful gift and I’ll cherish it forever.

(D)[smiles] I’m so glad you like it. Happy birthday, Kate.

(K)I’m so happy that you and the kids are here.

(D)Of course, we wouldn’t miss your birthday. You’ve helped us so much, and a lot of other people here, so you deserve it.

(K)[smiles] Thank you, and thank you to everyone else for being here. It means the world to me!

Kate gazes at the other attendees as they exchange smiles and hugs with her. At the table, Merig and Larry have watched the entire scene with a smile as Larry waves to Ashley and Kate, attempting to catch their attention. They both turn to look at him and briskly stride over to their favorite table to greet the two goblins.

(A)Evening, boys.

(K)Hey, you two.

(L)I was starting to get worried that you two weren’t going to show up. I was about to send a search party.

(K)Sorry, we made you guys wait. Ashley took me just about everywhere she could think of to treat me for my birthday. I wasn't expecting there to be an entire party here.

(M)No need to apologize. We’re just glad you made it here in time.

(L)Yeah, it’s no big deal. Happy Birthday, Kate.

(K)[smiles] Thank you, Larry.

Larry rises from his seat, his eyes lighting up as he turns to Kate. With a warm smile, he opens his arms, and the two friends share a heartfelt embrace. As they pull away, Larry settles back into his seat, and Ashley watches Kate with a fond expression. The two best friends exchange a knowing smile before Ashley puts her arm around Kate, bringing a sense of comfort and support. With a beaming smile, Ashley then addresses the rest of the group, ready to share her thoughts.

(A)I just wanted to say, happy birthday, to my best friend and my sister. As well as a happy anniversary. It’s been a year since you came to live here in this beautiful city. The four of us have made so many memories together, and we couldn’t be happier to have you here, Kate. We hope we've made you feel welcome, and we hope that you will spend many more years with us, and many more birthdays.

(K)[smiles] Of course, I wouldn’t dream of leaving this place. I love it too much and it’s my home now. I’ll cherish it, and I’ll cherish you three forever.

(A)Good, because we’re not letting you leave. We’re going to keep you here forever, got it?

(K)[giggles] I honestly didn’t think I had a choice with you.

The two women exchange playful smiles, their eyes sparkling with joy as they embrace in a best-friend hug, their laughter filling the room like music. Meanwhile, Larry's expectant glare falls upon Merig, who nervously meets his gaze before standing up from his seat. In a discreet motion, he slips the small gift into his back pocket before taking a deep breath and walking around the table towards Kate. He offers her open arms in a gesture of friendship and she eagerly accepts, wrapping her arms around him in a warm hug. They hold each other tightly for a moment before pulling away and exchanging genuine smiles. Merig speaks up sheepishly. The tension lifted from his shoulders.

(M)Happy Birthday, Kate.

(K)Thank you, Merig. It means a lot that you’re all here for my birthday.

(M)Of course, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

(L)[ahem] Didn’t you have something you wanted to give to Kate?

Larry's sharp gaze lands on Merig, his arms crossing over his chest as his bare eyebrows raise in a challenging manner. Merig, feeling shy, avoids Larry's stare and instead looks down at Kate, Merig’s face turning a deep shade of red with embarrassment. Kate meets Merig's gaze with confusion, unsure of what is happening between the two goblins. Finally, Merig lets out a defeated sigh and reluctantly pulls out a small gift box from his pocket. He extends it towards Kate with a sheepish expression on his face.

(M)I know it’s not much, but I hope you like it.

(K)[smiles] For me? Oh Merig, you know you didn’t have to.

(M)I know, but I wanted to.

Kate, shy but smiling, accepts the box from Merig and carefully opens it. Within lies a stunning necklace, featuring a suede leather chain holding a crystal sphere pendant that resembles a full moon. Kate's expression is one of joy and wonder as she gazes at her gift from Merig. She looks up at him with twinkling eyes and a wide grin, overflowing with gratitude as she thanks him for the thoughtful gift.

(K)[gasp] Oh my goodness, Merig, it’s absolutely gorgeous!

(M)I thought you’d like it. It’s a moonstone.

(K)I love it so much, thank you.

(M)Of course, I saw it and I thought of you, so I had to get it for you. I know how much you love the moon.

(K)[giggles] Well, it’s so sweet that you thought of me, Merig.

(M)I was told that it glows under the full moon.

(K)[gasp] Really?! That would be wonderful to see.

(M)Yeah, and I’m pretty sure tonight is a full moon. You wanna go see if it’s true?

(K)Yes, absolutely!

(M)Alright, come on we’ll go to the square, that’s the best spot to look at the moon.

(K)[giggles] Okay, let's go!

Merig excitedly but gently grabs Kate’s hand while she happily grips his and they both eagerly rush toward the exit of the pub together. The two head outside and make their way to the square while Ashley and Larry stay behind. The two smile while they watch the two head out and turn to look at each other as Larry speaks up.

(L)Welp, there they go. Let’s hope he doesn’t screw this up.

(A)Yep, I have a good feeling about it, though. I’m sure we’ll hear about it after the party.

(L)[smirk] We could go and eavesdrop.

(A)Tempting, but let's not. I'm sure Merig will finally tell her. He seemed pretty serious when he told us he was going to.

(L)Oh yeah, he’s about to plant the seed of love, and it’ll be a sight watching it grow. When’s our seed of love going to grow? I’ve been waiting for a while now.

(A)…I’ve been holding on to it for a while.

(L)…What’s that supposed to mean?

(A)I’m sure you’ll figure it out.

Larry furrows his brow in confusion as he tries to understand Ashely's words. Meanwhile, Kate and Merig are joyfully sprinting through the dark, deserted streets of the city towards the square. After a while, they arrive at their destination and quickly gaze up at the sky, finding that the moon is indeed full. They share a smile with each other before turning their attention back to the moon as Kate speaks with joy.

(K)You were right, Merig, the moon is full.

(M)Let’s see if this works

With bated breath, Kate holds up the delicate necklace in the palm of her hand, its intricate design glinting in the moonlight. She and Merig stand shoulder to shoulder, their eyes fixed on the pendant as they wait for something to happen. After a moment, a soft glow begins to emanate from within the pendant, gradually growing in intensity until it shines like a miniature moon in Kate's hand. Kate and Merig watch in awe as they exchange excited looks, unable to contain their joy at witnessing such a wondrous sight together.

(K)Merig, you were right, it’s glowing.

(M)Wow, that’s amazing. I’m surprised it actually worked. Here, let me put the necklace on you.

Merig extends his hand towards Kate, who smiles and places the necklace in his open palm. He stands behind her and delicately drapes the necklace around her neck, causing her to brush her hair aside. As he fastens it, Kate turns to face him again and they both gaze down at the glowing necklace. She can't help but smile as she admires it, speaking softly with wonder in her voice.

(K)This necklace really is amazing, Merig. It’s absolutely beautiful and I love it.

(M)Yeah, it is beautiful…just like you.

Merig hesitates, catching Kate's gaze while a blush creeps up her cheeks as their smiles soften. Merig starts to speak, then pauses, his brow furrowing as he contemplates his words. Discouragement clouds his features, his eyes dropping downcast. Kate's concern deepens, her voice laced with worry as she reaches out to him.

(K)Merig, what’s wrong? Are you okay?

(M)[sigh] I have something that I want to tell you, but I’m wondering if it’s even going to be worth it. I just don’t think I’m good enough for you.

Merig spins on his heel, walking away from Kate's bewildered expression. He seeks refuge on a nearby bench, slumping down with his head hung low, and eyes glued to the ground. Concern creasing her brow, Kate follows him. She hesitates for a moment before stopping directly in front of him. With a hopeful smile, she crouches down, meeting his gaze. Merig manages a weak smile back, searching for the right words that seem to evade him. Kate's smile falters, replaced by a frown. Standing up, she walks over to the bench and sits beside him. Slowly, Merig turns his head towards her, the frown still etched on his face.

(K)What's wrong, Merig? What did you mean by that?

(M)[sigh] Kate…I’ve been wanting to tell you something for a long time, but I’ve just been too afraid.

(K)Why? I didn’t think you were afraid of anything. You’ve always been so brave, at least that’s what I’ve seen.

(M)You’re right, but when it comes to you, I’m a nervous wreck. My heart races and my stomach feels weird every time I see you. When I’m around you, I can’t help but feel happy, especially when I see you smile or laugh. And I just think you’re beautiful and amazing, but when I want to tell you how I feel, I just keep getting so nervous every time I want to say anything to you.

(K)I don’t understand, Merig, what are you so afraid of?

(M)[sigh] Take a good look at me, Kate. What do you see?

(K)I am looking at you, Merig. I don’t exactly know what I’m supposed to be seeing. I see someone who’s been very kind to me since I came here a year ago. Someone who’s always willing to help me if I need it. And you even saved my life once, remember? You’ve been a really good friend to me.

(M)That’s not exactly what I meant. I guess you don’t see what I see.

(K)Then what did you mean? Help me understand, Merig, help me see what you see.

(M)Look at me…now look at yourself, Kate, you’re a beautiful and amazing person. You go around helping other people who need it, and just about everyone in this city loves you. You’re always smiling and happy and your smile could light up the night sky, much brighter than the moon ever could. Besides, you’re human, and I’m…not.

(K)So what? Do you really think it bothers me that you’re not human, Merig?

(M)Well, does it?

(K)No, of course not, that’s never bothered me. Why do you think it would? You forget, I grew up living around Fomors since I was a child and you’re honestly more human to me than some humans I’ve met. Is that what you’re so afraid to tell me?

(M)Sort of, I was afraid it bothered you that I’m not human, and I don’t think I’m good enough for you because…well.

A nervous tremor runs through Merig. He glances down at Kate's lap, then reaches out, his touch gentle as he takes one of her hands in his. He covers it with his other hand, a gesture of hesitant intimacy. Kate stares down at their intertwined fingers, a stunned silence enveloping them. A nervous smile tugs at her lips as she meets his gaze. Merig, taking a deep breath to steady himself, looks back up at her. His eyes, drawn to the warm depths of her brown eyes, hold a silent plea as he opens his mouth to speak.

(M)Kate…I’m in love with you.

The shock is immediate. Kate's eyes widen, her mouth agape. Merig's words hang heavy in the air, leaving her speechless. A beat of stunned silence passes while she gathers her thoughts. Finally, she looks back at Merig. He waits nervously, a hopeful smile flickering on his lips. With a soft, hesitant smile of her own, Kate begins to speak.

(K)Why were you so afraid to tell me that, Merig?

(M)Well…because I didn’t think a beautiful human like you would feel the same way about a hideous goblin like me.

(K)Don’t say that, Merig, you’re not hideous at all, not to me. And if you think I don’t feel the same, then you’re wrong…because I do. I’m in love with you, too, Commander Merig Flynn.

Merig's droopy goblin ears twitch to attention at the sound of Kate's words. His jaw hits the floor in surprise, his entire expression morphing into stunned excitement. Disbelief battles with a wide grin spreading across his face. For a moment, Merig is speechless, overwhelmed with joy bubbling up in his chest. Kate's smile widens into a giggle, the sound washing over him. He shakes off his shock, a soft laugh escaping his lips as he gathers his thoughts to reply.

(M)Really? Are you serious?

(K)[smiles] I wouldn’t joke about that, Merig. I’ve felt this way for a while. Funny enough, I didn’t think you felt the same, because I’m a human.

(M)Well, you're wrong, too. To be honest, when I first met you, I fell in love with you right away, so it was love at first sight for me. And every time I look at you, I just can’t stop thinking about how beautiful you are. And I’ve thought about what exactly I want to say to you, but I’ve been such a big chicken, and the words just never seem to come out. So I figured tonight would be the perfect opportunity for me to find the courage and just say it outright. I guess we were both wrong.

(K)Yeah, I guess so, and since we’re being honest, I fell in love with you not too long after we met. I started feeling the same way you did and I still feel that way. I’m always really nervous around you, and I get butterflies in my stomach, so it gets hard to breathe sometimes. I always find myself smiling and I can’t stop, especially when you talk to me or look at me. You’re a wonderful person to me, and to the city of Tara. You’re the commander of the Royal Guards, for crying out loud. You protect people, and that’s really admirable.

(M)I’m really happy to hear that from you. And here I’ve been worried that I’d never have a chance with you or win your heart.

(K)You had nothing to worry about, Merig. All you had to do was talk to me and I would’ve told you how I felt, too. In fact, you stole my heart a long time ago.

(M)I get that, now, you stole my heart, too. I was just really scared of what you might truly think of me since I’m a goblin. I guess I need to be more brave when it comes to you.

(K)And you know damn well I don’t care that you’re a goblin, I’ve never cared and I think you’re wonderful. There’s a lot more I can say, but we’d be here all night.

(M)I think you’re wonderful, too, Kate, and I guess now that we got this all out of the way, we should probably head back to your party.

(K)Yeah, we probably should. Thank you again for the necklace. I’ll wear it every day, it’s so beautiful.

(M)Of course, Kate, I’m just glad you love it.

(K)Of course, I love it. You gave it to me, Merig, and I'll cherish it forever.

Their eyes meet as a shared smile blooms on their faces. Lost in the moment, Kate lingers in the eye contact for a beat longer, then leans in and places a soft kiss on Merig's cheek. As she pulls away, a blush explodes across Merig's face. He reaches up, his fingers brushing the spot where her lips touched him, a nervous smile playing on his lips. Suddenly, a strange, choked, maniacal laugh erupts from him. Instinctively, he throws his other hand over his mouth to stifle it, embarrassment flooding his face. Kate is caught off guard and can't help but giggle at his flustered reaction.

(K)Merig, are you okay? What was that?

(M)Well, that’s embarrassing, I was hoping that wouldn't happen.

(K)Don’t be embarrassed, Merig, I like it.

(M)I just hope it doesn’t happen again.

(K)Come on, let’s head back to the party and have some fun. I wanna dance.

(M)[chuckles] You always love dancing. Truth is, I love dancing, too, as long as I’m dancing with you.

Merig's blush deepens as their smiles widen, a sweet exchange passing between them. Suddenly, Kate's excitement takes hold. She springs up from the bench, hand outstretched. Merig, mirroring her joy, takes her hand, and with a little effort, pulls himself to his feet. He doesn't miss a beat, though. Taking her hand in his, he lifts it gently to his lips. A soft kiss lands on the back of her hand, sending a blush blooming across Kate's face. Her smile stretches from ear to ear, mirroring the happiness radiating from Merig.

(M)Shall we?

(K)We shall.

Hands clasped, Merig and Kate head back to the party. The forgotten food and music welcome them back with open arms. They dance, with laughter echoing, memories shared like flickering birthday candles. As the night winds down, goodbyes are exchanged, and everyone drifts home, dreams filled with the afterglow of celebration.