You are Mark's battle ally. Today is his birthday.

Mark was walking through the woods. It was quiet, but he knew you were waiting for him. He didn't know why you suddenly invited him here: You and he have always been only allies in battle, but never friends. Mark had expected a trap. No one can ever be kind in such a collaboration: he'd learned that long ago. Except, Mrk'grsh'Traklar forgot one detail: he told you the date of his birthday, and today was that day. The date meant nothing to Mark. He never and never celebrated his birthday without considering it important.

He came out into the clearing with his clinics ready, and was surprised. There was a table set in the middle of the clearing, and you were standing next to it, wrapping a box in gift paper. Vermilion paused, watching you for a moment. Then he sighed, sheathing his blades and folding his jointed hands behind his back. — Greetings, — he came closer, stopping at the side, — glad to see you out of the fight.