Two Small Gifts

vanilla #7 - holiday

            Much to Luna's surprise despite the fact that Zona was eons behind in technology the traditions were still the same. As such she was down right shocked when she saw the first Christmas tree go up. Karayan later explained that Zona was founded by people who grew up on Earth and that was why everything seemed so normal. By the time Zona was created Christianity was already a major religion and despite their magic and lack of churches she found that there did not need to be a reason to really get into a holiday spirit. The snow was falling gently as she looked outside her bedroom window. It was Christmas morning and was more than ready for it. Sitting on her bed there was a small pile of presents. One for Cyris that she planned to have sent to her as soon as possible that morning; one for Alcander that she was going to give him late when he came with an update later that week; one for Karayan who insisted on nothing was getting something whether she liked it or not; and something for Trent who seemed the most excited about the first good Christmas in Zona.

            Sitting on the far end of the bed, however, were too small gifts; one for Wind and one for Mayonaka. She knew that it was a long shot that they would show up in time for the gifts but despite how long they had been missing she kept a little hope that soon they would come home. Nine months later and she hoped they were better, dealing better, with everything that had happened. Gathering up the presents she walked out of her room and placed Karayan's and Trent's under the palace tree before handing off Cyris' and Alcancder's to messenger to be delivered immediately. Just as she finished Trent walked in the room.

            "Hey Luna," he said casually. Trent and Karayan were the only two people in the palace who were allowed to be so informal with her though secretly she liked it. "Putting the finishing touches on an awesome present for me?"

            "Of course,"she replied before looking down at the two small presents set off to the side. Trent joined her and looked at them before glancing at her.

            "You know the chances of them turning up let alone coming here for the holidays is slim to none, right?" He asked and Luna nodded.

            "I know but when they come back I want them to know I didn't forget about them," she said, "I want them to know I was thinking about them." Trent put an arm around her should and pulled her into a side hug. She knew how fortunate she was to have him by her side, someone who truly understood and someone who cared.

            "There better not be something under there for me." Karayan said as she walked into the room. Luna turned and grinned.

            "Did you really think I was going to listen?" She asked and the mage heaved a sigh.

            "I suppose I can't really yell at you since you're my superior but just take realize that I won't return the favor," she said.

            "Oh stop with the who bah-humbug crap Mrs. Grinch." Trent said and Karayan gave him the oddest look ever.

            "If that was suppose to be an insult it would work better on someone who knew what the hell you're talking about," she replied and Luna burst out laughing. The next morning they would open presents and talk to Cyris via the hari. And even if she had to wait five Christmas' she knew that she was going to give Wind and Mayonaka their presents someday. She knew he would keep his promise to protect her always, she just knew it.