am I dreaming? am I dreaming?

[lucre]

Who: Cass, Lucrezia and Spike
What: exchanging gifts (and kisses)
When: Dec. 23
Where: castle library
Rating: PG-13

The weather outside is crisp and cold and sharp, unfriendly if not for all the winter cheer warming the air inside. The library is especially homey and Lucrezia has chosen the warmest spot to sit on the floor, waiting for her friends to arrive following her request over the journal. She is even dressed according to the season, in a deep red coat with fur lining. It's chilly enough to warrant something fancier, no? The shade even matches the few gifts wrapped in crimson velvet laid about her.

As much as she loves collecting gifts (especially the shiny and pretty ones), giving feels even better. Granted, there are those less appreciative of such things, like herself having grown up in a family powerful enough to see many hoping to earn her favor by sending her pelts and jewels and sweets. Then, there are those like Cassandra and Spike, who seem constantly surprised to discover that others care enough to give them presents.

For the girl, she has wrapped an infamous book, illustrated and decorated with gold leaves. Nothing less would do. After all, alma Dione praecipite nostrum est, quod pudet, inquit, opus. What you blush to tell, says nourishing Venus, is the most important part of the whole matter.

And for the man, something more suitable for children: a striking costume and a strange box that came with it. It was mostly a blind guess. She does hope the castle got the right Bruce Lee, whoever he might be.