{22} Merry Christmas!
{'Tis the season of giving, and through the Divisions, the Fourth's lieutenant has been out delivering provisions. Gifts made and selected for friends with great care, regardless of when old Saint Nick will get there. She's made her rounds all throughout the Gotei, without the assistance of reindeer or sleigh. I'm going to stop with the rhyming right now... and if I forgot you, please don't have a cow! You'll probably get something later, anyhow.
For certain captains (4, 5, 6, 10, and 13), their gifts come with large handkerchiefs made of fine silk (don't worry, gentlemen; only Unohana's is bordered with handmade lace). Each one is embroidered with the Division's crest (like those on the back of the captain's haori) surrounded by their representative flower. Those who didn't get a handkerchief all received a unique lace snowflake made from white and silver thread. A lot of care went into the creation of these, and she hopes they're enjoyed.
For Kira, an anthology of poetry, ranging from haiku to villanelles to sestinas. It's nicely bound in leather and the pages are gilt.
Unohana-taichou gets the aforementioned handkerchief, plus several parcels of herbs and roots with various medicinal uses. These parcels come in a beautifully glazed vase, which is perfect for arranging flowers.
Hanatarou's gift is a special gourd which has been hollowed out and decoratively glazed. It's a birdhouse! A small hole has been cut in the side so that birds can climb in and out of the gourd.
Renji gets a badass pair of sunglasses, with a note about being careful not to wear them in combat. There's also a gag "frequent flyer" card (with a picture of Renji making a silly face) with a brochure detailing how points are accrued (visits due to injuries), what various injuries are worth (burns, stabs, and broken bones all have different point values), how to redeem them, and what the prizes are (candy).
Momo gets several lengths of silk hair ribbons in various colors and a set of hand-written index cards of simple recipes (which are intended to be cooked under Isane's personal supervision <3).
Sachiko gets several pots with clippings of plants (mostly herbs and flowers) and a write-up of the medicinal value of each one.
The present Byakuya receives is an intricately-carved ivory comb, which is wrapped in the kerchief. It's both decorative and functional.
Kyouraku-taichou will be able to enjoy all the sake that everyone else is giving him in a very fine sake cup. There's also a note from Isane promising to join him for a drink sometime when she's not on duty.
Nanao will receive a new paper fan (yes, it's the same kind she uses to keep her captain in line) and a kidou text.
For Hitsugaya-taichou, there is a beautiful glass paperweight to go on his desk. It has a snowflake pattern inside made from captured air bubbles.
Rangiku gets a gift-certificate to her favorite cosmetics store and a set of silky brushes to apply it with.
Ukitake-taichou's present is a pretty little bonsai tree, along with a package full of fresh ohagi, which have been paired with several satchels full of fragrant tea.
Merry Christmas, everyone!}
For certain captains (4, 5, 6, 10, and 13), their gifts come with large handkerchiefs made of fine silk (don't worry, gentlemen; only Unohana's is bordered with handmade lace). Each one is embroidered with the Division's crest (like those on the back of the captain's haori) surrounded by their representative flower. Those who didn't get a handkerchief all received a unique lace snowflake made from white and silver thread. A lot of care went into the creation of these, and she hopes they're enjoyed.
For Kira, an anthology of poetry, ranging from haiku to villanelles to sestinas. It's nicely bound in leather and the pages are gilt.
Unohana-taichou gets the aforementioned handkerchief, plus several parcels of herbs and roots with various medicinal uses. These parcels come in a beautifully glazed vase, which is perfect for arranging flowers.
Hanatarou's gift is a special gourd which has been hollowed out and decoratively glazed. It's a birdhouse! A small hole has been cut in the side so that birds can climb in and out of the gourd.
Renji gets a badass pair of sunglasses, with a note about being careful not to wear them in combat. There's also a gag "frequent flyer" card (with a picture of Renji making a silly face) with a brochure detailing how points are accrued (visits due to injuries), what various injuries are worth (burns, stabs, and broken bones all have different point values), how to redeem them, and what the prizes are (candy).
Momo gets several lengths of silk hair ribbons in various colors and a set of hand-written index cards of simple recipes (which are intended to be cooked under Isane's personal supervision <3).
Sachiko gets several pots with clippings of plants (mostly herbs and flowers) and a write-up of the medicinal value of each one.
The present Byakuya receives is an intricately-carved ivory comb, which is wrapped in the kerchief. It's both decorative and functional.
Kyouraku-taichou will be able to enjoy all the sake that everyone else is giving him in a very fine sake cup. There's also a note from Isane promising to join him for a drink sometime when she's not on duty.
Nanao will receive a new paper fan (yes, it's the same kind she uses to keep her captain in line) and a kidou text.
For Hitsugaya-taichou, there is a beautiful glass paperweight to go on his desk. It has a snowflake pattern inside made from captured air bubbles.
Rangiku gets a gift-certificate to her favorite cosmetics store and a set of silky brushes to apply it with.
Ukitake-taichou's present is a pretty little bonsai tree, along with a package full of fresh ohagi, which have been paired with several satchels full of fragrant tea.
Merry Christmas, everyone!}