Special Event - MC's birthday (Lavina)

What to give MC for their birthday?

For days, Lavina has been asking the same question again and again. She doesn’t want it to be something superficial, something bought without much thought. She puts her elbows on the dark wooden table of the tavern and frowns. No, MC has become a special person in her life, and the gift must be just as special, something that shows how important they’ve been, not just to the community of Sorrol, but to her as well.

"Lavina, are you with us? It’s your turn," Omar’s voice rings out, carrying a hint of impatience.

The redhead blinks a couple of times to shake off her distraction, and sees her friends looking at her expectantly. Even Gara’s pet otter seems to be watching her attentively, her head peeking over the edge of the table.

"Sorry, sorry," Lavina mutters, grabbing the dice and rolling them.

"You've been quite distracted lately," Gara comments once the small wooden cubes stop tumbling on the table. "Is something on your mind?"

Lavina rubs the back of her neck and offers a shy smile. Gara’s intuition never ceases to amaze her.

"Oh, it’s nothing. Just, uh, work stuff. It’s been tiring me out, that’s all."

"Worries and work related stuff stay outside," MC says with a smile, gesturing toward the group. "It’s hard enough for us to all meet up these days, this time is for enjoying ourselves!"

"Hear, hear!" Omar exclaims, raising his mug into the air.

Lavina watches as the doctor takes a long sip of his drink, only to start coughing uncontrollably from drinking too fast, earning laughter from MC and a few pats on the back from Gara to help him. Even her brother smiles at the show, however faintly.

And just like that, the idea hits her like a lightning bolt. She has finally found the perfect gift.

---

Once the game is over, Lavina says her goodbyes and heads straight to her personal workshop in her garden. She picks up a short wooden plank and places it on the workbench. Running her hands over the smooth surface, she envisions the final result. Then, taking a deep breath, she grabs the chisel and begins carving.

Each strike against the wood echoes through the silence of the night, a steady, soothing rhythm. She first outlines the silhouettes, ensuring each one captures the personality of each of the people involved.

However, hours later, her progress is abruptly halted when a sharp crack splits the wood with an unmistakable sound, the result of a poorly placed strike likely due to exhaustion.

Lavina grits her teeth as frustration knots in her stomach. Now what? After so much effort, a single mistake and it’s all ruined.

Sighing, she runs a hand through her hair and looks up at the sky. The night is deep, and her body urges her to rest. But how could she sleep, knowing that tomorrow she will have nothing to give MC?

Shaking her head, she discards the damaged piece and grabs a new plank to start again.

"Still awake?" a voice calls from behind her.

Lavina turns to see Luca leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, his brow slightly furrowed.

"I, uh, yeah. This…" She glances at the unfinished sculpture and scratches her temple. "It’s going to take a while."

Luca steps forward. When he notices the discarded figure on the other side of the table, he lets out a resigned sigh and sits on the spare stool before picking up another chisel.

"Make some room. You’ll finish MC’s gift faster if I help," the warrior says.

Lavina raises her hands. "You don’t have to, really. You can go rest. I know tomorrow’s going to be a tough day for you at the guard."

"If it’s important enough for you to stay up all night, then it’s important to me too. Just let me help," Luca replies, not waiting for a response as he starts working, glancing at the previous figure for reference.

Lavina watches him for a moment, and a smile slowly spreads across her lips.

Together, under the dim light of the lantern, the siblings continue carving deep into the night. Until the sculpture is complete.

---

[Next day, with MC...]

You glance around at the garlands and colourful candles decorating Tamarant, all courtesy of Omar, who has ensured to prepare an unforgettable celebration for your birthday.

After being the centre of attention for most of the day, you finally find a quiet moment by the bar to enjoy a refreshing mug of Gara’s best drink.

Some time later, you spot Lavina approaching, and your curiosity is piqued when you notice the linen cloth wrapped around whatever she’s holding.

"Well, well, look at that!" you exclaim, excitement sparking in your chest. "Did you bring me a little gift too?"

Lavina nods with a shy smile and sets the wrapped package on the bar. "I hope you like it."

With Lavina watching expectantly, you unwrap the cloth, your eyes widening in astonishment as you take in what lies beneath.

The carved wooden figure captures a familiar yet deeply special moment. Your fingers trace the wood, admiring the intricate details so finely crafted that it’s hard to believe it was made by hand.

First, Gara, arms crossed, wearing the smug grin she reserves for game nights. Then Omar with his face full of concentration, and Luca with his gaze sharp and calculating. Then, a miniature version of yourself, eyes gleaming with amusement. And finally, Lavina herself, leaning slightly forward, ready to make her next move.

Even Enid is there, peeking over the edge of the table, her paw reaching for a tiny empty bowl that your mind instantly fills with olives in sauce.

"Lavina… this is incredible," you whisper, lifting your gaze to meet hers with a warm smile. "The clothing, the expressions, and… I don’t know, just everything!" Your excitement overflows, and you laugh. "I have no words, really. This… this is the best gift I’ve ever received."

"I wanted to make something special," Lavina says, blushing at all the praise. "So… do you like it?"

Your smile widens. "I think that’s obvious, isn’t it?"

Lavina chuckles. "Yeah. I think it is."

You can’t help but call everyone over to show off Lavina’s work, proudly displaying your gift. Her blush deepens until her entire face matches the colour of her hair.

That sculpture has a special place reserved in your home. Right on your nightstand, next to your mother’s pendant, where you can see it every morning as soon as you wake up.