#earthrunes

"Of course not " Shaimar says "You were saving all your deductive powes for this night instead"

"So it seems."

Gifts are handed out after a bit, the one from Coradel first

Of course, Zara may choose to open them later, but whenever she does, within she finds a pair of delicate dove gray silk gloves, with just the slightest glimmer of glamour about them.

Zara opens them - neing at the center of attention is hard, but manners also mean showing off the gifts.

There is also an envelope under the gloves, upon which is written: This is not so much a gift as an offer. Let me know!

And, of course, profuse thanks.

A brow arched at the note.

When she explores the use of the gloves, she'll discover that they don't disturb dust when she touches a dusty surface, leaving no trace.

Oooo

The dustbunnies will love that

Vince's gift is wrapped up in a box with golden paper and mustard ribbon.

"Pretty wrapping vince'

"Thank you, thank you." He proclaims, having convinced Charity to help with it.

"Color-coded."

"Dandy."

"It is no treasure, I am afraid."

"Ah, what treasure is finer than your presence, Vincent?"

He tugs at his tail tuft bashfully. "Is it my birthday, now, for such a gift?"

"Open, open!"

She does!

Within the box is a selection of old books, ten in number. They are not old enough to be antique, merely 'vintage', is what someone might politely call them. These paperbacks, have seen a long life, and been read cover to cover, over and over again, and while not falling apart, are well loved.

Outdated in style, from the 70's, worn, dog-eared, and with creases and mars on nearly every cover. One cover is actually missing a piece, another has the spine peeling a bit. Not fit for most libraries, they are the sort that might collect 25c at a Garage Sale Table...

Zara lights up, fingertips tracing the clear marks of wear and re-reading... the yellowed paper, the dig-ears, the tears, the stains...

"These are well-loved."

"As art thou." A pause, and he whispers, "By myself most of all, but I will never let thy favored corpse know it."

"These shall be honored!" A peck on Vince's cheek.

He beams, and proclaims, "Now that cake has been had, swamp juice for all!"

A fond look. "Lovely gift, Vince."

More gifts are given. From Siv a Library in a bottle "I prefer ships, but I found a guy who would do it..." //Clem's gift is fancier than expected, "Bring your ear muffs. Broad way musical tickets for two to Wicked. You witch types. By the way that is ALSO from Gerd who chipped in but couldn't drop by"

This and more, but it is the fun and company that is the greatest gift of all.

Swamp water aint bad though Hic

(Fade to Celebration)