D'Angelines' housewarming / Phedre's birthday

[loveasthouwilt]

The sun was going down, and the house was finally ready for guests. I stood in front of the mirror in Joscelin's and my bedchamber, surveying myself one last time before returning to the main room where already, Karolina, Bill and Mohinder were helping the preparations. My dress was one I'd loved for quite some time, a long low-backed gown of black

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[loveasthouwilt]

The night was still young, but I thought I could say for a fair certainty that it was a success. I had a beautiful room, guests who were enjoying themselves, and an abundance of food and drink to keep them occupied. For that matter, I had a drink of my own that needed refilling-- the Starks' hard cider was delicious, and I felt myself in need of another cup. Standing at the cask with the ladle in hand I sensed someone behind me. "Wait your turn," I teased, half-turning my head to see who it was out of the corner of my eye.

[loveasthouwilt]

"Ah, well, that changes things," I laughed, holding still while I tried to guess who it was. Greg and Bill I would have known without them even having to speak; Alain and Daniel I thought would not be so playful, and the voice was too low for Bert and too young for Messire Bateman. "You will find flattery gets you everywhere with the Delaunays, Messire Grayson."

[cantstopmoving]

"Flattery is when I tell you you outshine the stars, Phedre no Delaunay," he answers, letting his hands fall away first to her shoulders then down her arms to turn her toward him. "Telling you I have a gift for you is simple fact."

[loveasthouwilt]

I was pleased to have guessed correctly, and turned happily toward him, leaning up to kiss him on the cheek. "Your coming here tonight is gift enough," I said, squeezing his hands. "It's good to see you again." And good to see him not steeped in grief, but I thought he would know that was in my mind without my saying so.

[cantstopmoving]

He turns his head, returning the kiss, and lingering cheek to cheek long enough to answer what she isn't saying and to give his gratitude for her company and comfort the afternoon at the memorial. "It's good to see you, too, Phedre. But you're going to have to accept a surplus of gift, because I want you to have this."

From his pocket, he drew a gift bag (that Alfred would have been glad to see removed since it destroyed the lay of the jacket) in a deep gold silk with a dark garnet ribbon, fashioned from scraps of dresses from the box. Inside were three Byzatine style treasure boxes, in garnet, amethyst, and emerald glass with gold appointments, and inside each, three sheltered seeds - willow for strength that bends without breaking. They're not suited for this climate, really, but he has no doubt Phedre can make them grow.

[loveasthouwilt]

I placed the bag carefully down on the table in order to see what was inside. As I lifted out the first of the jewel-bright boxes, my mouth dropped half open in surprise. "Oh, Elua," I breathed, looking up to him with a smile. "Dick, this is... beautiful." When I had all three out I gently lifted their lids, saw the seeds inside and gave another small sound of happy surprise. "I cannot believe it," I declared, setting the box on the table and throwing my arms around his neck in a tight embrace. "A perfect gift, my darling, you have indeed blessed me with abundance tonight."

[cantstopmoving]

"The seeds are willow." He laughs against her hair. She may not even know what a willow is, but she'll know when she grows it. "I knew they were for you, the minute I saw them."

There are people you meet and know in an instant, in the space of a breath, that unless something goes super-villain wrong, you'll be friends for the rest of your lives. Donna was like that. The first time he looked into bright blue eyes just like his and saw the need to do good, he knew. And Phedre was like that, from the moment he looked up from his fantasy of Bruce to find her laughing down at him. His arms slip around her waist and he spins her around.

"Happy birthday, beautiful," he says in French that is more effusive than elegant, more passionate than polished, but recognizable and correct.

[patriotqueen]

Guy laughed at that and leaned on the table, arms crossed. The woman turned and he recognised who it must be. "Ah, you must be the birthday girl. Happy birthday."

[loveasthouwilt]

"You have me at a disadvantage, Messire," I said, dropping a curtsey and straightening with a smile. "I am indeed the lady of the house, and forgive me for not introducing myself to you sooner."

[patriotqueen]

"Guy Burgess, nice to meet you. I'm a friend of your brother," Guy replied, holding out a hand instead. Curtesies were for times past.

[loveasthouwilt]

"And you," I said, grinning as I shook his hand. "Indeed, Alcuin has told me somewhat about you, enough for me to feel a bit ashamed for not knowing you better already. But I am thrilled to see you among us tonight-- are you enjoying yourself thus far?"

[patriotqueen]

"Nothing too horrible, I hope," Guy replied, very assured that nothing horrible would have been said of him that he would mind. Rather the opposite; he liked to be the centre of horrible stories.

"I'm enjoying myself inmensley. It's a good party." He lifted his glass a bit. "Good drinks."

[incassielsname]

"It's your birthday, love, you should be letting someone else wait on you," I say, reaching around Phedre to close my hand over hers around the ladle.

[loveasthouwilt]

"Well and so, I will not stop you," I laughed, turning in the circle of his reach to wind an arm about his waist. He looked very well tonight, and I brushed a lock of his hair behind his ear with a smile. "We have a lovely home," I murmured, going up on my toes to kiss him just below his ear. "And this is a wonderful party."

[incassielsname]

I set the ladle aside; the drink can wait. I let my arms settle around her waist, holding her close as I lean down to brush a kiss across her temple. "So true," I say. "Everything about this night is splendid." Including Phedre; it never ceases to amaze me how she continually takes my breath away, whether dressed for a party such as this or for simple gardening.

[loveasthouwilt]

"I'm... very happy," I said cautiously. 'Twas the first time for quite a while I could remember being able to say that without reservation. "Though I must say I am looking equally forward to forcing you to spend tomorrow morning lying in bed with me until a sinfully late hour." I smiled up at him, reaching to tweak a lock of his hair.