It was silly really, he concluded as he surveyed the cliff before him, upon which sat the object of his attention. It wasn’t going to change anything. He wasn’t even sure why he’d become so attached. Of course, he was treated with kindness, paid well, and there was ever a smile awaiting him on his return, whatever he brought back with him... That smile.

With renewed vigour he set about his climb once more, determined to reach his prize this time. Despite the two previous falls, he remained undeterred. He’d been trained as a knight; some small scratches were nothing compared to the broken limbs and wounds he’d seen the Warrior of Light return with.

Other retainers took the opportunity to go fishing or sit by the beach and take it easy; he enjoyed the relatively laid-back adventuring life that being a retainer afforded him. This time, though, he had told himself he was going to bring back something truly special from his explorations. Not a weapon or a piece of armour but something… different.

He finally lifted himself up onto the ledge, and sat for a moment to catch his breath. The view from here was amazing, full moon and clear skies. If only he could have shared this too. Holding a small knife, he reached through the thorns of the rosebush next to him, took the most impressive flower from its branches, and examined it. Yes, this is what he would take back. It was very unusual to find Azeyma Roses growing wild, and he’d taken it as a sign. He had taken only a single rose and left the rest; perhaps one day he would return to this spot with the fabled Warrior of Light and they would find them still growing there.

Twenty minutes to make it back to Mist, he could manage that easily. Climbing back down carefully, he dusted himself off and began the walk back. Passing by other retainers, he greeted them cheerfully. One of them pointed to the flower and whispered to her friend with a giggle as he walked past; he found himself suddenly glad that it was dark and they couldn’t see his face. Was this really a good idea?

He breathed in deeply and continued on the path down to the mansion.

“Ah! There you are!” The voice stopped him in his tracks, he looked around and saw the Warrior of Light standing there, fresh from an adventure of their own, holding two Ishgardian Teas. His favourite, he thought. Wonderful!

“For you.” He took the tea gratefully and held out the rose with a small bow. And watched. And waited. The Warrior of Light smiled. Not just a normal smile but one that lit up a whole face.

“I-I... Thank you… This was... Unexpected. It’s beautiful.” If there was a blush on those cheeks, he wasn’t going to mention it.

He smiled warmly and sipped his tea, glad to see that his gift had been graciously received.

Character: Loki Laufey'son
Realm: Shiva
Prize Choice: Ahriman Choker