Azalia stepped from the shadows with Angelica in tow. "Hehe. It's good to see you again. I've missed you ever so much...Papa." Azalia's hood bounced off her head as she jumped into Ardwulf's awaiting arms.
"Hahaha. There's my precious little girl!" Ardwulf caught her with ease and spun her around in a circle.
"Papa!" Azalia squeeled happily.
Ardwulf brought her down into his chest and held her tightly. His chin came to rest on top of her head. "I'm so glad you're safe, my little lady."
"Captain...? You're a father? And Azalia is your little girl...?" Siegfried was in a state of shock. "No wonder you started that rumor." He placed his hand on his forehead and shook his head side to side slowly. "I mean, the resemblance is uncanny. She doesn't have your face, but her hair, her eyes, and the way she carries herself, it's like looking at a mini you."
"What rumor is he talking about, Papa?" Azalia folded her arms across her chest and stared Ardfulf down.
"Don't look at me like that, my little lady. You'll make your daddy sad." Ardwulf sighed. "You don't play fair, my precious child. Fiiiinnnnnneeeee....." He kissed her forehead gently. "I told them that under no circumstances were they to remove your hood, ask about your hood, or try to remove it. I told them that you didn't like people seeing your face, and anyone that had, you disposed of. I couldn't have them getting curious and finding out you looked very similar to me. Can you ever forgive your cold hearted father?" He faked sobbed and held his daughter close.
"Very well, but on two conditions, Papa. First, who's that pretty lady in the corner? Second, you have to buy me a gift. It's almost my birthday, remember?" Azalia bossed around her father with a smile.
"You've certainly gotten bossy in my absence. You're spending to much time around a certain Witch." Ardwulf sighed. "Right, it is almost your birthday. You think Papa could forget the glorious day his daughter was born?" He gave her a gentle squeeze. "That is Lady Angelica. She's a friend and my..." He paused for a moment. 'My what? We aren't ACTUALLY together, but...' He shook his head. "A woman I've started to fall for. Angelica, come over here, sweetie. This is my number one girl and my number one fan. Azalia, that's Angelica, and Angelica, my daughter Azalia."
"Hehe. That's right! I'm Papa's Number one! Don't forget that." Azalia giggled.
Ardwulf grabbed Azalia's cheek and pulled hard. "Be nice. Say hello, princess."
"Owie. Papa, you haven't seen me in months and this is how you treat your doting and devoted daughter?!" Azalia pouted and grabbed his wrist. "Okay, okay I'm sorry, daddy." She puffed up her cheeks. "I'm Azalia. It's nice to...meet you, Angelica."
'They are...so cute together.' Angelica watched their interactions with a soft smile. Her face lit up at his words. 'He's started to...fall for me?' She walked over slowly and came to a stop in front of them. "Don't worry, sweetheart. I have no intention of taking your place as your daddy's favorite. I don't think I even could after seeing you two together." She extended her hand towards Azalia. "It's nice to meet you, too. Can we be friends?"
"Well, Papa seems happier then when he left me. It seems that is because of you, so...yeah, let's be friends." Azalia smiled wide and grabbed Angelica's hand with both of hers and shook it eagerly.
"Happy because of me...? Maybe." Angelica blushed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Hey, Aza. I had a great idea. Why don't you go with Angelica? You know your way around Throywich, take her to the shopping plaza and pick out any gifts you want. I'll give her the money and she can buy you the gifts you want for your birthday. How does that sound?" Ardwulf looked down at her.
"Anything Papa?" Azalia's face lit up and she nodded her head up and down frantically.
"Is that okay, my lady?" Ardwulf looked to Angelica. "It would give you a chance to bond." He whispered to Angelica softly. His voice was barely above a whisper.
"Of course. Is that alright, Azalia?" Angelica questioned.
"Of course! If he wants me to spend time with you, then I will. I could never refuse a request from Papa!" Azalia nodded eagerly.
"Good girl." Ardwulf kissed the top of her head and put her down gently. "Stay close to her. I'm counting on you to protect Angelica. Okay?" He gently rubbed the top of her head.
"She'll be safe with me." Azalia closed her eyes and giggled innocently as he rubbed her head. "I love you, daddy."
"I love you, Princess. Be safe." Ardwulf walked over to Angelica and pulled out his wallet. "Here's ten thousand Valis. I don't care if it all gets spent, just make sure she gets anything she wants. Thank you, my lady."
"Wow..." Angelica was at a loss. 'He's just as devoted to her as she is to him. I could buy all the toys in the shop with this much money.' She thought to herself. "Okay, Ardwulf. Azalia, you ready little lady?"
"Aye!" Azalia cheered and grabbed Angelica's hand. "I'll protect you, lady." She giggled excitedly as the two of them left Siegfried and Ardwulf.
"Azalia's your daughter..." Siegfried sighed in disbelief. "My Captain, the man of limitless potential and terrible at picking up women, actually has a kid?"
"It wasn't really planned, though, I guess nobody really plans on having a kid at sixteen." Ardwulf scratched the back of his head shyly. "But I would burn the whole world to the ground for my little lady."
"Captain, the expression is you would die for her." Siegfried corrected.
"No, because I wouldn't die for her." Ardwulf stated matter of factly.
"What...?" Siegfried looked up in shock.
"I would live for her. No matter what may stand in my way, be it the world or the Gods above, I would live for my daughter. Watching her grow and live her life, marrying the man of her dreams and raising a family is all I could ever hope for her, and I want to be around to see those years come. Siegfried, will you help me as I plan to help you and Signa?"
"Captain..." Siegfried watched in awe as he witnessed another side to the famous Black Whirlwind of Valarin. "You meant it, Captain? You'll help me and Signa....after we betrayed your trust?"
"Siegfried, I don't blame you. I hid Azalia from the world for the very reason your mother was taken. I blame Robert. I blame Theoden, and most of all, I blame myself for allowing it to escape my notice. I should have been more observant of my subordinate's situations. If anyone was betrayed, it was you." Ardwulf grabbed Siegfried's hand and pulled him to his feet. "Until I find your mother, keep this from Signa. It's better if she blames and hates me. You know how loyal she is to me. If she knows I'm helping you, she'll hold back. I know you won't have that problem. After all, we have a score to settle. You still wanna finish our last battle, right?"
"Captain, you aren't all knowing or even all seeing, I don't blame you at all. I should have been more cautious. I now understand the lengths that Valarin will go to maintain control of their soldiers." Siegfried took Ardwulf's hand and stood up with his help. "Well, it isn't out of loyalty she follows you, you're like our big brother, Captain. You've always stood by us. I'm just sorry that when you needed us most, we couldn't stand by you, but I'll keep this a secret from her until the time is right. You're correct, though. You've beaten me the last ten times in a row. I want a chance to end your streak. What about Azalia?"
"I should be, though. As your Captain I failed, but as your friend, I'll do better." Ardfulf smiled softly. "Well, I've always thought of you two as my younger siblings. That's why I tried to shelter you from all the evil things I had been ordered to do. If anyone's hands had to become dirty, as your leader it was my responsibility to accept that burden. I don't need you to apologize. If our roles had been reversed and Azalia had been taken from me, I can't say I would do any different then you and Signa." He slapped Siegfried's shoulder and grinned. "You want to end a 10-0 streak against me? I wish you luck."
"We can share those burdens, Captain. We all need to become closer. Our bonds weren't as cohesive as I would have liked. I guess I'll be returning soon. I'll tell them Azalia has betrayed us. I won't say anymore then that. I've betrayed you once, Captain. I won't make that mistake again." Siegfried nodded at his Captain.
"That's very kind of you, Siegfried. I'll try to lean on you guys more once we're reunited. Please be safe, and I promise I'll save your mother. Tell them whatever you want about Azalia, they don't know her appearance nor her relationship to me. Plus, now that she's with her father again, she couldn't be more safe." Ardwulf brought Siegfried into a hug. "Be careful, my old friend. Next time we meet, we can exchange information. Watch yourself around Cora. I like the woman, but I never chose her for my unit. I believe she's a spy. Just watch yourself."
"Captain...you've changed. I guess having a kid can really change your whole perspective." Siegfried's eyes went wide when Ardfulf hugged him. "C-Captain...?" He hugged the older man and chuckled. "Now you really feel like my big brother. I'll be careful. I'm not sure what to believe anymore. If they controlled us through our Mother and they would have used your daughter, it's quite possible they have something on every member of Sapphire Wolves. I'll be going, Captain. Take care of Azalia, and tell her I'll miss having her at my back." Siegfried bid goodbye to Ardwulf and took off out the back door.
Ardfulf watched until Siegfried's back could no longer be seen. By the time everything finished, Luigi had returned with their food. "Oh, Ardwulf. Where did your lady run off to?" He sat down the bowels.
"Long story, Luigi. Here, let me pay for everything, sorry it's going to go to waste. Something came up. We'll be back, though." Ardwulf laid down three ten valis bills and bowed. "Thank you, Luigi." He turned around and left the restaurant on his search for a gift for his beautiful daughter.
"Here, Angelica! This is where Papa bought my seventh birthday gift. This store!" Azalia cheered happily.
"Oh, what did he buy you?" Angelica smiled down at the little angel beside her.
"He bought me a stuffed puppy! One that was bigger than me." Azalia replied and smiled softly at the ground. "I've missed Papa so much. It's been lonely without him." She wiped away a tear. "It's been so hard, but I've tried to be strong for him, because I know how much it must have hurt him to leave me, to betray his home because of their opposed ideologies." She sobbed softly. "Don't tell Papa I cried, Angelica." She tried to dry her eyes but the tears wouldn't stop.
'Even though she's been trained as a killer and brought up around Ardwulf, she's still just a child.' Angelica smiled sweetly as she wrapped the little girl in her arms. "It'll be a secret between us girls. I promise." She dried the little girl's eyes on her shirt. "Come on, let's go get your gifts from your Papa. Then you can get back to him quicker." She grabbed Azalia's hand in her own.
"Hehe. A secret between girls? I've never had a girl as a friend before." Azalia smiled and started pulling on Angelica's arm. "Come on, come on. I wanna go back to Papa!" She cheered up immediately.
"Alright, alright, we're going." Angelica giggled softly at the young girl's actions.
Ardwulf found himself in the central square where many bazaars and stands were peddling their wares.
"You there, young man. If you're shopping for a child I've got some things that might interest you." An older woman called out to Ardwulf.
"Oh? What makes you think I'm a parent?" Ardwulf questioned and walked closer to the old woman.
"I've seen you check several stalls already, and you're quite a handsome young man. The chances of you not having a child are slim. I decided to take a chance. Am I wrong?" She spoke with a soothing voice.
"No, you're not. I've got a darling little girl. It's her birthday in a few days, so I want to get her something special." Ardwulf blushed and scratched the back of his head nervously. "She's turning thirteen."
"Oh? Well, congratulations. Hm. Is her hair as beautiful and long as yours, child?"
"Oh, yes, ma'am. Other then her face, which she got from her mother, she shares my eyes and hair." Ardwulf chuckled nervously.
"Hm. Well, how about a beautiful ribbon to weave through her hair as you braid? Or perhaps a beautiful barrette?" She offered him several choices.
"Man, I've never been good at picking out gifts. I use to buy her stuffed animals all the time when I was away on business. Is she still to old to get a stuffed animal as a gift?" Ardwulf was at loss. 'Maybe I should...no. I want to choose one for her. It would mean more to her.'
"Well why not both? Get her some barrettes and a stuffed animal." She suggested.
"Hm. You may be right. I couldn't go wrong then. Okay, let me get...this one..." Ardwulf picked out a beautiful blue butterfly barrette the size of his palm.
"Ah, an excellent choice. That one is said to bring good fortune and a long life. She is certain to love it." The old woman smiled. "Fifteen valis and it's yours."
"You've got a deal." Ardwulf handed her three five valis bills. "Thank you so much for your help." He bowed before taking his leave.
'Oh, what if I got her a dress? She doesn't really dress very girly, though I suppose I may be to blame. I've only focused on clothes suitable for combat, but she is a young girl, and every girl needs a dress.' Ardwulf smiled and got all ecstatic. 'My little lady in a dress? Oh she would just look so adorable! Then it's settled!' Ardwulf set off with renewed purpose to find the light of his life the perfect dress.
"Wow! There's so many toys! Nothing but aisles and aisles of toys!" Azalia giggled loudly as she dashed around the store picking up anything that caught her eye. "Oh..." She came to a stop in front of a giant stuffed dog. 'The one Papa got me has gotten a little old. Should I pick up a newer one?' She put a finger to her lips quizzically and mulled the idea over. 'No, I better not. Papa bought that especially for me. I'll keep it until it's nothing but a ragged pile of scrapped cloth. Hehe. Now that I think about it....' She frowned a little bit.
Angelica pushed around a large cart filled with several toys the young Azalia had already picked out for her birthday. "Azalia? Is something wrong, child?" She questioned when she noticed her frown.
"Well, Papa's always bought me anything I wanted, spending very little on himself. I was thinking about putting some of these back and buying Papa something. He's had many birthdays, but I've never seen him receive any gifts." Azalia whispered and sighed softly. "He dotes on me so much without regards for himself."
"Well, that is one of the many aspects of being a parent, I suppose. The way I see it, your happiness is paramount to his own, but at the same time, I think seeing you happy is enough to make him happy. However, if you really wanna buy your Papa something, I'd be more than happy to help you search." Angelica smiled sweetly and walked over to the young girl. "You really are your father's child, Azalia. So selfless and always thinking of him, just as I'm sure he's always thinking of you." She gently rubbed the young girl's head.
"Hmm. I suppose you're right. Thanks, Angelica. It's nice to have a woman's opinion." Azalia giggled softly when Angelica rubbed her head. "Well, I want Papa to know that I appreciate him and that he is loved dearly." She blushed softly and twirled side to side. "I don't want him to feel unappreciated."
"Then, let's buy these things and go find Papa something nice. Deal?" Angelica held up her pinky finger towards the young girl.
"Aye!" Azalia shouted happily. She grabbed Angelica's pinky in her own and the two swore to find something worthy of such a devoted father.
"Hm." Ardwulf pondered aloud as he looked through the tons of dresses littered before him. "There's...so many to choose from. How will I ever decide?" He grew pensive.
"Excuse me, Sir? Is there something I can help you find today?" A friendly clerk approached his side.
"Oh, yes, please. I'm still kind of new to the whole dress scene. I'm looking for something cute and fashionable for my little girl's birthday. She's turning thirteen and she's never had a dress before, but I'm at a total loss here." Ardwulf sighed and continued to scan the racks.
"How about asking your wife or girlfriend? I'm sure your little girl's mother would have a better eye for such things." The young woman offered.
"I'm not married, and I'm currently single. My little girl's mother left this world when she was born." Ardwulf replied. "I feel like such a failure. I can't even find my own daughter a dress."
"Well, do you know her measurements? If nothing here suits your tastes, we do custom made orders. Your cloak, for instance, that's a custom made design if I'm not mistaken." She offered a warm smile. 'Handsome, single, and a father. I wonder how such a man hasn't settled down yet.'
"Yeah, I have those memorized. How long would a custom dress take?" Ardwulf turned to face her.
"Two days minimum, but more time may be required based on the complexity and materials of said dress. If we have the materials then three days max for complicated designs." She explained.
"Then, is it alright if I come by another day? I'll need to bring in an assistant to help me decide." Ardwulf scratched his cheek shyly 'If I time this right, it could be done exactly on her birthday.'
"Of course, we will welcome and assist you in anyway we can upon your return. Please come back soon." She bowed as she watched the young white haired man leave the shop.
"Okay, well, I guess I better head back to Luigi's. They might be there already." Ardwulf headed off back to the restaurant.
"Hey, Angelica." Azalia walked hand in hand with the older woman.
"What is it, sweetie?" Angelica looked over at Ardwulf's little angel.
"Let's go in here." Azalia giggled and gently pulled on her arm as they walked into a small jewelry store.
"Haha. Okay, okay." Angelica laughed as she clutched the bag of toys Azalia had picked out. "What's in here that you want?"
"Well, because of Papa's situation, he never carried a picture of me with him, but now that we're together..." Azalia pulled out a small photo of them together. "He can carry this."
"Hm?" Angelica looked down and couldn't help but smile.
Ardwulf was holding Azalia in his arms and the two were laughing together.
"It's the only photo we ever took together. We had it hung above the fireplace in our home. When daddy went AWOL, I took this and kept it with me. I wanna get him a locket to keep it in." Azalia ran her fingers over the picture. "Now we're together, we can take many more pictures."
"Aww, Azalia. That's so thoughtful. I'm sure your father will love it." Angelica cooed and gently ran her fingers through the little one's hair. "Let's pick out a good one with a strong chain."
"Hehe. I hope so." Azalia whispered sheepishly. "Mhmm. Since he fights a lot we need one that won't snap easily." She agreed as they started looking around the shop.
"Excuse me, ma'am?" Angelica walked over to a nearby clerk. "Hi, she's looking for a locket for her father. He's highly mobile and moves around a lot, so she's looking for one that is very sturdy." She whispered to the woman.
"Oh, of course. Then..." The clerk motioned her over to a nearby cabinet. "These are part of our higher end pieces. Now, I'll warn you, these are hand crafted by the best on the Continent so they are pretty pricey, but, they have a lifetime guarantee. If they break, crack, fracture or anything of the sort, we replace them at no charge."
'She wasn't kidding. The cheapest one alone is one thousand Valis.' Angelica nodded and looked to Azalia. 'Well, it's what she wants, and we only spent two thousand on her.' She smiled softly. "Hey Azalia. Come over here, sweetie."
"Kay!" Azalia walked over quickly and stood beside Angelica. "Wow. These are so pretty!" She exclaimed.
"Mhmm. They are protected for life, too, so if something happens and it breaks, they will replace it at no extra charge." Angelica explained.
"Oh, then..." Azalia looked through the cabinet meticulously. "Something Papa would love..." Her eyes stopped on an ebony black locket with a purple amethyst gem embedded in the center. It had silver, raised designs etched all over. "Beautiful..." Azalia whispered softly.
"Is that the one you wanna get him, sweetheart?" Angelica watched her awe struck face with a smile. She ran her fingers through Azalia's hair. 'Just like your father.'
"Yeah. He'll love this one." Azalia giggled softly. "Ma'am, could I please get this black one here?" She called out the one she wanted.
"Sure thing, little lady. Oh, exquisite choice. That represents the Crown Chakra. It is said it grants the wearer serenity, joy, and deep peace." The clerk explained as she removed the locket from the cabinet.
"Crown Chakra?" Angelica looked at the clerk.
"Papa taught me about Chakra. There are seven main Chakra Points that flow along our spine. Each one corresponds to a specific organ or nerve cluster, as well as our physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual states of being. The teachings offer the belief that all things, small and large, animate and inanimate are all connected at a fundamental level!" Azalia explained excitedly.
"Wow. Such an intelligent little girl you have. You must be one proud mother." The clerk smiled at Angelica as she walked the locket over to the counter to complete the transaction.
"What? Oh, no. I'm not...!" Angelica went to correct her but she was already walking away to complete their order.
"Hehehe. She called you my mommy!" Azalia giggled loudly.
"Oh, be quiet, you." Angelica retorted and pinched her cheek.
"Owie. Stop! That hurts...mommy!" Azalia burst into laughter again after teasing Angelica once more. 'Though...it feels nice saying mother.' She mentally sighed. 'All the other kids at school had mothers. I always felt a little isolated. Though, given I share my father's intelligence and strength, it's hard to be surprised.'
"Why, you..." Angelica sighed and smiled softly as she placed her hand on Azalia's cheek. "Fine. I won't argue if you want to call me that." She blushed slightly.
"Wha...?" Azalia looked up as tears formed in her eyes. "Are you...sure...?" She took her hands and tried to dry her eyes.
"Only if you want. I feel strongly for your father, Azalia, and for you. I think..he's the man I want in my life. It's still to early to tell if these feelings will last, but, the way my heart quickens when he's near hasn't faded. Besides, he did say he wanted us to bond. I'm pretty sure he hopes we'll get along." Angelica smiled sweetly at the young girl. "I believe things will work out, so, you don't need to cry."
"Angelica!" Azalia cried as she wrapped her arms around her. "No, I mean...mommy!" She buried her face into the young woman's chest.
"Aww. That's so adorable." The clerk cooed as she watched the scene in front of her. "Okay, I'm all set here when you ladies are ready." She placed the locket in a small black velvet bag. "Your total will be one thousand four hundred valis."
"Kay!" Azalia pulled out the money from her pocket and counted out the price. "Here, ma'am." She handed the bills to the clerk and took the bag from her, giggling the whole time. "I hope daddy loves it." She walked out of the store with Angelica at her side. While they walked, Azalia cut the picture of her and Ardwulf into a small circular shape and gently placed the picture inside.
"I'm certain he will, Princess." Angelica cooed and gently brushed Azalia's hair from her face. "Let's head back to Luigi's. I'm certain he will be there."
Back Inside Luigi's, Ardwulf asked if he could have a cake prepared for his little Azalia. While that was going on, Ardwulf took his time wrapping Azalia's gift he had bought. He finished tying off the ribbon just as they both walked inside.
"Papa, we're back!" Azalia shouted happily as she ran to his side and hugged him close. "Where's Siegfried and what's that on the table?" She questioned curiously.
Angelica walked in after Azalia and she was carrying three bags of toys.
"He had to go back to Valarin. I'll explain later, sweetheart. This..." Ardwulf smiled and placed his hand on the gift. "is something I picked out for you, my little lady. I have another surprise coming, well two, but one of them won't arrive until your actual birthday." Ardwulf leaned down and kissed her forehead. "What have you got there, my love?" He pointed to the small black bag in her hands.
"Oh, I wanted to tell him bye." Azalia watched Ardwulf touch the gift and she giggled happily. "You spoil me, Papa!" He leaned down and kissed the top of head causing her to blush. "This is your gift, Papa. I know you've never received a gift for your birthday, so, I got something beautiful for the most amazing father in the world. Mommy helped me picked it out." She giggled nervously and hugged Angelica.
"We'll see him again soon, love. I'm going to save Siegfried and Signa's mother. While I'm at it, I'll look in on the other members. It's possible Robert and King Theoden have something on the other members of Sapphire Wolves, too." Ardwulf smiled softly. "Oh, a gift for me? You didn't have to do that, my love, but I'm happy. The world's most amazing father would be nothing without the world's most amazing daughter." Ardwulf froze for a second after everything was said. "Mommy?" He watched in awe as Azalia ran over and hugged Angelica.
"We came to an understanding, and I told her she didn't have to call me mommy if she wasn't comfortable." Angelica placed her hand on top of Azalia's head and rubbed gently. "Well, open your gift, my foolish Knight. You're devoted daughter picked it out just for you. She knows so much about you, and she's extremely intelligent."
"Well, I'm glad you're getting along, but Azalia, you aren't trying to replace your dear old dad, are you? It would just break my little heart." Ardwulf put the mask of the fool back on and grew dramatic.
"Daddy...you are so foolish." Azalia giggled and walked over towards the young man. "Here. I hope you love it, Papa." She whispered sheepishly and held the bag that contained his locket towards him.
"Foolish? Ouch. Between you and my lady I might just lose my will to live. Two beautiful ladies being so indignant of my feelings." Ardwulf chuckled softly. "You use to love when I did that." He wrapped Azalia up in his arms. "I'm sure I'll love it, baby. It came from you after all." He looked up at Angelica and smiled at her softly. "What's this?" He opened the bag and pulled out the ebony black locket. It had a purple amethyst gem embedded in the center and silver, raised designs etched all over. The locket opened and Ardwulf started crying.
"Ardwulf..." Angelica smiled softly. 'He's such an amazing father.'
"Daddy, what's wrong? Are you sad? I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken the picture from home." Azalia felt bad until a set of arms wrapped around her neck.
"No, I'm crying because I'm so happy. My first birthday gift from my daughter and it's beautiful. Thank you, baby. Thank you so much for making me the happiest father in the whole world." Ardwulf kissed her cheek several times and held her close as he stared at the picture.
"Really? You aren't mad I took the photo?" Azalia sniffed and started crying, too. "You ARE the best father! I wouldn't want to be anyone else's little lady!" She threw her arms around Ardwulf's neck and cried into his shoulder.
"Mad? I could never be mad at you, my beautiful, perfect daughter." Ardwulf ran his fingers through his little girl's hair. "I love you, Princess."
"I love you, daddy!" Azalia replied.
"Oh, I want in on this!" Angelica ran over and threw her arms around the both of them. "You two are so adorable together."
"Hehe. Thank you...mommy..." Azalia sniffed. "Okay, Papa. What did you get me?"
"Here you go, my little lady." Ardwulf handed her the small box. "Well, you're hair is getting longer so, I wanted something cute to help solve that problem. It's supposed to bring good fortune and a long life." He explained as Azalia slowly untied the ribbon and opened the box.
"Wow...Papa it's so pretty!" Azalia took the butterfly barrette out of the box and stared at her gift in awe.
"Here, Azalia." Angelica gently took the butterfly barrette and slid Azalia's hair backwards, away from her face. She clipped the butterfly on the top right. "There. Don't you just look so precious!" She cooed.
"I do?" Azalia blushed and looked up at Ardwulf as tears began to stream down her cheeks. "Papa. I've missed you!" She jumped into his chest and clutched the front of his shirt. "Please don't leave me ever again!" She sobbed into his chest loudly.
"Very precious, my beautiful daughter. I've missed you." He kissed her cheek gently. "Those days are over with, my little lady." Ardwulf placed his hand on top his daughter's head. "Papa will never leave you again. I promise."
Luigi came into the room at this time holding a small tray. There was a small round cake with vanilla frosting and the top covered with strawberries. There were thirteen candles on top that were burning slowly. "My dear, this is the most famous desert in all of Belorast. Please enjoy this day. Your father is one lucky man. Happy Birthday, Azalia." Luigi smiled warmly as he sat the cake down on the table. 'I still can't get over the fact that little Ardwulf had a kid this whole time.'
"Well, get up there, love. Make a wish and blow out your candles!" Ardwulf smiled softly as Azalia's face lit up.
"Papa...you remembered my favorite cake?!" Azalia jumped up and ran to the table.
"As if your daddy could ever forget anything about you, Azalia." Angelica walked up behind her and ran her fingers through Azalia's hair. 'This still feels so surreal. If I stay with him...I'll become her mother.' She blushed at that thought. 'I suppose it won't be all that bad...if he falls in love...'
"True. Papa is so intelligent. He probably still remembers my favorite flower even though I've only told him once." Azalia giggled as Angelica played with her hair. "A wish..." She closed her eyes slowly. 'I wish for Papa to find happiness.' She thought to herself and blew out the candles.