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Sasha greets her birthday as she has every year since she had found Ali and their family had begun: with a smile. She gives herself the day off from the office, focusing on the family and the wonderful celebration they've prepared. She feigns artful surprise at each delight she knew was coming, and genuine surprise at those which were kept hidden. And Amaris joins the rest of the children in helping her blow out her candles. It is a day of rich pleasures, and she drinks deep.
In the evening, she and Amaris shall partake of a far older birthday tradition, but that comes later.
In the evening, she and Amaris shall partake of a far older birthday tradition, but that comes later.