A couple of seasons had passed since Lutana had settled in Belrea for her apprenticeship at the teashop. So far everything was going decently okay and she had even met up with family members that she hadn’t seen in a very long time, even meeting new ones that her brother had introduced into the world with his surprising relationship with an Elidae out of all things. Quiana was very sweet though and Lutana enjoyed her presence very much the more that they got to know each other. The children were also an additional perk, as much as they could be exhausting at times. Still, not everything was meant to last forever and she knew that everyone would be traveling soon enough with Siel thinking about Matori for his family next while she wasn’t certain of her own path. “At least I’ve learned quite a few things.” Lutana mused quietly as she stirred some honey into her amber tea, the clear liquid free of any herbs that may have littered the bottoms after being properly trained in one of the fancier Belrean styles which preferred the clear drink. Though Lutana personally favored the ways that she learned a tea ceremony in Jahaur, the twigs lingering at the bottom of a cup allowing her to guess more about the person’s future in a traditional and more superstitious way. Back there at Maiha’s shop she would host a tea ceremony in one of their private rooms so that she could fully discuss a person’s fate with them, reading the tea leaves and allowing the spirits to give a hint of what future awaited those who visited. Those living in the city though weren’t quite as superstitious as the more wild areas, preferring logic and science to the mysteries of the unknown that foreigners embraced. They simply just enjoyed socializing and sharing a good cup of tea with snacks, hence why there were only two larger party rooms here and nothing quite as private as back home in Jahaur. But speaking of the unknown…Lutana glanced towards the corner of the room where a small package lingered. It had just been dropped off this morning at the small apartment she rented next to the teashop, the indigo wrapping and golden ribbon confusing her every time that she glanced over at the box. Did she just open it or did she wait longer? “I do like the suspense…” She joked lightly as she took a sip of her tea and studied the mystery gift from afar. Maybe it was a prank from Deirdre or a trick from Bel? She did put those spicy peppers into his food once because of that dare from Deirdre. Maybe it was his chance to get her back? If so she couldn’t blame him since it was only fair. She just hoped it was something truly worth the suspense! Would it explode into confetti like that one gift Deirdre gave her cousin that one time? Lutana chuckled at the memory. Even though they had to clean up quite the mess afterwards it had been worth the excitement and the surprise on the lightning girl’s face as everything blew up in a rainbow of paper and glitter. “But I guess there’s only one way to see what this is.”

As she reached over for the package, the young healer hesitated. Was it really okay to open this unmarked present? What if it was for Deirdre instead since they had started sharing the apartment earlier this year together? And then as if knowing her thoughts there was a sudden knock on the door and Lutana found herself greeting a flushed Bel from the store. “Is everything okay?” She asked blinking in surprise at the Geian who was looking around the room, as if trying to peek over her shoulder. “Belrin?”

“Ah, yes.” Bel nodded, a small smile on his lips as he gestured towards the present that was left on the coffee table behind Lutana. “I might have realized that I forgot to leave a tag on the present.” He admitted, his flush deepening at the amused expression from Lutana. “I mean it is for you, but I didn’t want Deirdre to get to it first…”

“Is that so?” Lutana’s expression was slightly coy as she leaned against the doorframe. “Why the sudden gift? It’s not my birthday or anything, is it?” Had she lost track of time so easily?

“Well…” Bel started before giving a slight shrug. “I just happened to see this and thought of you since I knew you hadn’t packed too many winter items. It’s getting colder and this will be your first winter in Belrea so….” He trailed off and gestured towards the package again. “Just open it already.”

“Alright.” Lutana let out a soft laugh, the musical notes lingering in the air as she went back to retrieve the package so that she could open it in front of Bel. “I thought it might be revenge for the spicy tea, but this is rather nice.” She admitted as she pulled out a soft wool shawl and matching gloves. “Thank you, Bel.”

“You’re welcome.” Bel’s blue gaze darted away sheepishly as he tried to shrug off the thanks. “I just figured everyone else got you a welcoming present, but I never did so this should work.”

“If you say so.” Lutana replied lightly, her gaze bright even as she behaved herself and kept from teasing him more. “Since you’re here then you might as well come inside for a bit. I can prepare some tea and snacks for us.” She didn’t even wait and simply nudged him inside, Lutana closing the door behind them as she set her surprise present back on the table after studying it for just a moment longer.

[964]