Solo or RP Format
Counts as 5 RP growth Points
Solo word minimum is 750, RP post minimum is 7

Tis the season for gift giving, a sense of celebration as the year comes to an end. You get all the gifts you expect, and give some out as well. However, a strange, unmarked gift has arrived. You have no idea who sent it, or what it might be. Is it something from an admirer, or possibly a bit more sinister?

[ Your character receives an unexpected gift. Feel free to answer this prompt exploring the thoughts around such thing, the suspicion or confusion, maybe even resolving it with finding out who the gift giver was. Maybe it's someone you know, but it's a surprise. Maybe it's a mistake. The only way to find out is to open the present. ]

The air outside was chilly and damp. A thin layer of snow covered the ground, and little stirred without necessity. Inside the tavern was the exact opposite. Aishans were gathered for protection from the cold, soaking in the heat of the ovens and grouped bodies. Hot drinks and hearty food flowed freely to make certain every patron was content and willing to spend more. Still getting used to being back on Chibale, Faenna had sought out the crowd to continue getting reacquainted with her old home and the sisters. Though a few seemed less than pleased to see her, most were happy enough to take the time to catch up.

One old friend in particular was a delight to see. “That’s where I found Pyke,” Faenna cooed happily. “She wasn’t too much smaller than she is now. I wish I’d been able to see her as a tiny pup though. She would have been so cute!”

Across the small table, Glina laughed and shook her head. “It’s amazing to hear how much you have done, Faenna.” Her smile softened. “Truly, it is. I was so worried you weren’t going to end up accomplishing anything with your life. Look at you now!”

Faenna blinked once. Nope, Glina was totally serious... “Thanks, I guess,” she replied with a snort. “Glad I can count on you to believe in me.” She leaned back when the plates of food came.. But something was odd. “Uh.. excuse me..?” Her brow knit as she pointed to the small box in the center of her meal, “what is that?”

The server smiled sweetly. “Well, you should open it and find out. It sounds like you’ve got yourself an admirer.” She giggled happily and headed back to the counter.

Faenna looked around the tavern with confusion, but no one seemed to be paying her extra attention.

Glina frowned at the mysterious gift and shook her head emphatically. “Don’t do it. You don’t know what might be in there. It could be a trick.” She reached over to push the plate to the side. “If someone wants your attention, they can just grow up and come right to you without being all secretive.”

“Glina, will you never change back?” Faenna teased as she pulled the plate back in front of her. “No one’s going to try anything bad in a crowded room. We know better than to risk letting food go to waste.” She plucked up the small box and turned it a few times. Simple leaves from the local flora woven together made up the wrappings. It looked quite elaborate and deliberate. “Fancy,” she murmured as she pulled the leaves apart.

Ignoring how Glina leaned warily back from the table, Faenna cracked open the blue paper box. Her eyes widened with disbelief. “Oh….?” Inside the delicate box was a beautiful pendant. It was made with a small sea shell, a tiny gem, and a bit of cloth encased in a glass bauble. She pulled it up to let the light shine through it. “It’s lovely, but why-?” Her musings were interrupted by a horrified shriek.

The Alkidike warrior desperately shoved her way through the crowd to get to the table. “Wait! Wait!” Crinkled dreads hung in her face while her posture deflated. “It took me ages to get that wrapping right. Why did you open it?”

Faenna and Glina both stared at the newcomer blankly. “You gave this to her?” Glina asked with shock.

After a second, Faenna let out a laugh. “No, no, she didn’t mean for me to get this. I see.” While she laughed and smiled as she put away the trinket, she couldn’t deny that part of her was disappointed. That was a special gift, clearly. How nice would it be if it really had been for her. “It seems the server mixed up some plates. I was told this was for me. I apologize.” She carefully closed the box and picked up the gift with the wrapping to hold it out to the poor soul standing at her side.

The crestfallen Alkidike looked ready to cry, but she shook her head. “No, it wasn’t your fault. I’m sorry if I snarled. I was going to surprise my girlfriend with this. It’s.. our anniversary.” She cradled the package in both hands and sighed. “Guess I’ll just have to wait for another day. ..Sorry again.”

Glina pursed her lips in a pout as she watched the depressed woman leave. “Well, that was unexpected. I should talk to that server since I can’t see her doing anything about it.”

Faenna wasn’t listening as Glina ranted on. She loved her life, and finding a partner was on her checklist. Could she find someone who would put so much effort into her gifts?
((word count: 795))