How one becomes a father

He had put on the clothes he had for formal ceremonies and meetings, he polished his boots, straps, clasps, the sword and mostly the cane that was going to be in his hand mostly before heading to Bree. Then he went straight to the barber to have his long beard trimmed as he always has it but this time it was a special occasion, so he went to a barber to make sure that he would take good care of it, then he had him take care of his hair, after a long time he had to do that, cut some hair a little, as long as his beard. Once ready he slowly made his way to the Boar Fountain and waited.
Not long ago she arrived, at first she didn't recognise him, she passed him by, he was standing some metres away from the fountain and she went straight there, moments later she returned, her mouth almost open wide, as her eyes.
-Mr Fiontann? she asked.
-It's me yes, I... cut my beard and got ready for a special occasion such as this! Fiontann's reply was before prompting her to move down the road by putting his right hand on her shoulders.
The girl followed him, not really knowing where they were going. Except for asking what is going on. Fiontann didn't reply as he was already asking her a question.
-How have you been? I heard that you celebrated your birthday with Sigfread at the Prancing Pony yesterday.
-Yes, it was really good and I enjoyed my time.
-That is good to hear, I didn't wan to miss it but some things, as well as my injury, prevented me from being with you. But now it's time I give you your present! But we have to do something.
The two soon reached the Town Hall, Fion nodded with a smile to the Watchman standing guard outside and opened the door for Lieta, then entered himself, after greeting a second Watchman, this time inside, he went to the clerk behind the bars into the building. The two chatted for some time, with the clerk casting some glances upon Lieta from time to time, looking at her up and down, then at Fion, then back at her desk as well. Lieta being young and not having been in the Town Hall, not many times at least, if at all, she started looking around. The seriousness of the building and the thick tomes of books were enough to draw her attention and have her walk around and into the Court Halls, satisfying her curiosity!
Meanwhile the clerk handed the papers back to Fion and pointed towards the Court Hall to his right.
-In there and then to the Mayor. She said in a strict voice.
Fion went closer to Lieta, put his hand on her shoulders again and lead her into the room, they walked as far as the middle before Fiontann stopping and keeping his hand there, on her for a moment and squeezing her in a parental manner. His hand then moved from the girl to the papers which he held between his left arm and body to show them to her and knelt in front of the young girl.
-I brought you here to give you your birthday present. It was going to be done yesterday but it took them a day. At least it's done. Anyway, these are the papers that legally confirm your adoption.
The girl looked at him full of happiness and gleaming eyes.
-Does that mean that you are going to be my legal guardian?
Fion nodded and the girl hugged him tightly, a hug which he returned and rubbed her back before moving on to the man behind a desk. Fion gave him the papers, the man took them, bent over and started to move his lips as he read, every now and them humming aloud the words. Lieta was standing next to Fion, humming something to herlf. The old man was moving his head from left to right as he was reading and moving his lips, for a moment he stopped, bent even forward to fave Lieta and addressed her.
-Lieta Woodfield, do you agree that this man, Fiontann Berengar will be your legal guardian and parent by law?
-Yes I do! said the young girl with enthusiasm nodding.
The man signed the papers, then sealed them with his seal, then turned them around for Fion to sign them as well, then towards Lieta to write her name and he signed them again. He gave them back to Fion.
-Go to the clerk next to the entrance.
The two made their way to the clerk and Fion leaned closer to whisper to the girl "So much paperwork and walk around...". Once they reached the clerk and offering the papers she loked at them and then smiled at the girl, she leaned closer to ruffle her hair, much like Fion usually does.
-He's adopting me! came the girl's voice happy, making Fion's heart beat hard from the happiness both shared. Upon hearing that, the clerk leaned over and with her right hand reached the girl's cheek and stroke it gently.
The woman looked at the papers, put some signs, as well some seals and then went upstairs, to the Mayor's office, they heard her knocing on the door, then the door opening, then nothing. Soon they heard something hitting the desk, it should have been the seals on the papers, the door creaked twice again, the second time with the familiar noise of closing and then cloerk appeared again with the papers. As she went down the stairs she ruffled the girls hair again. She sat down and signed and sealed the papers once more, along with others and in the end she handed everything to both.
-You're done! She said and returned to her work.
-Thank you very much, said Fion and him and the girl left the Town Hall.
It had started to rain heavily and Fion took off his heavy cloak and put it on the girl, then he took out his pouch and gave it to her as well.
-Now you go have some fun, the old man needs to rest, I also need to put these papers in a safe place. You are officially my heir and successor now, as well as my daughter!