TBATE - The Help of a Certain Being

"Why so many dresses?" Eleanor whined as she opened all of her gifts one by one.

The party had finally met its end and the visitors had left with their tired children.

"Hey, this one seems different," Arthur commented, pointing out the small familiar box that sat just a few steps away.

"Ooh, gimmie!" He opened her hands as she grabbed the box.

Inside, a letter was in there.

Dear Eleanor, I'm sure you're sick of the constant dresses and tea sets that you've been gifted by now.

This gift of mine is in the hopes that you no longer continue to just look up to your brother but to make strides in catching up to him.

May you become someone strong and capable of standing by his side one day.

"Woah! It's a bow!" She exclaimed.

Inside the box, an intricate bow sat in there.

"The design looks Elven!" Father admired.

"I wonder who sent it?" Reynolds inquired.

I looked at Arthur, who figured it out nearly instantly.

I nodded.

"Well, I'm sure we'll find out someday, right?" I waved it off.

Eleanor then stood in front of Arthur, her hand cupped in anticipation as she oh so innocently requested robbery by gift.

"Present please, Dearest Brother!"

"You're being impolite, Eleanor," Alice quipped as she pinched her cheek, resulting in a round of laughter.

He looked at me as I materialized five boxes from one of my dimensional rings, handing three of them to Arthur.

"Woahhh! What is it?" Eleanor asked as Arthur handed her a box.

He then gave one each to Alice and Reynolds.

"Oh? What is it?"

"A ring!" Eleanor marveled at the appearance of the beautiful ring as she opened the box.

"These will protect you in case Dad or I aren't there to do so."

"As will these," I added, handing the two to Father and Mother.

"Happy birthday, Eleanor."

___________________________________

"Well, I have to say, your work is coming along quite well," I commented.

"Why exactly did you drag us here, Gideon?" Arthur asked.

"You realize this place is only accessible to the employees and the Council, right?" The artificer chided.

"Yes, you've told us eight eight times, now, geezer."

"Did you just- whatever. You two boogers look bored out of your minds."

"Well, when you get a billion communication scrolls in one night, you don't exactly get excited for something you designed," Arthur rebutted.

"Heard your birthdays passed not too long ago. Can't believe it's already been four months."

"Everything's been a blur since Eleanor's birthday," I commented.

"Your sister's party was that lively, so what about you two? Was it the same?" He asked Arthur.