“I hope you like it.” Florence took a sip of her drink.
Francis struggled with the ribbon, turning it into a knot.
“Let me,” I teased, unable to hide my amusement at his struggles.
Our hands touched when he passed the present, the thin fabric of my gloves was our only barrier. Though it did nothing to stop the goosebumps from spreading across my arm.
Untying the knot in gloves was more challenging than I’d expected, yet I supposed I needed to get used to my new alterations.
The ribbons fell to the marble floor, revealing the mysterious present Florence had prepared.
“Now you don’t have to borrow Roxanne’s bow,” she beamed as I passed the new, shiny weapon to Francis.
“Thank the Moon.” Roxanne rolled her eyes, chuckling.
“Thank you, Florence,” Francis said, studying his wooden weapon.
“Happy birthday!” Simon passed the present he hadn’t bothered wrapping. An old bottle of wine, with a label that fought to stay in place.
“It’s seventy years old.” Simon winked. “That was the first bottle I ever sealed.”
“All of you decided to spoil me this year, huh.” Francis’ expression turned serious. “You do know this might not be my last birthday?”
Everyone’s face went pale as a dreadful silence fell upon the ballroom.
“Dear Moon,” Francis shook his head, laughing. “You should see your faces.”
“Stop it, Francis, this isn’t funny.” Florence huffed; Francis put his hands up in defeat at her annoyed tone.
Ash cleared their throat, breaking the tense spell in the air. “I didn’t have time to find you a proper gift.” Ash offered a small box to Francis, glaring at Simon. “Because someone forgot to mention your birthday.”
“I already apologized.” Simon sighed, giving Ash a kiss on their temple.
“You didn’t have to bring anything,” Francis said. “But I greatly appreciate the thought.”
In the box sat a whetstone, its corner decorated with an engraving I couldn’t read from where I sat.
“Thank you, I certainly needed one, since Caleb took my fancy whetstone when he ran.” Francis put the whetstone into his pocket before opening the bottle of wine Simon gifted him. “I hope we don’t get poisoned." He poured everyone a glass.
“We might!” Simon shrugged, finishing his drink in one gulp.
“Oh, Moon...” Florence sighed, studying the contents of her drink.
“May I play?” Ash put the drink aside, pointing at the piano.
“Please!” Francis nodded at them, filling my goblet.
The piece Ash chose to play was foreign to my ears, yet certainly fit the gathering. A playful, yet mysterious melody echoed throughout the room. Their fingers skillfully ran across the keys, a smile spread on their lips.
Roxanne and Florence got up for a dance; Simon watched Ash play with a softness in his eyes I’d never seen before.
“Sorry I came emptyhanded,” I whispered to Francis when he offered me the drink, taking a seat next to me. “I didn’t know it was your birthday until last night.”
“You being here is the best present.” Francis winked.
The wine in my goblet smelled divine. Rich as a forest after the rain, and sweet as spilled honey. It tasted just as fine; soft notes of apples and grapes warmed my throat.
My sister would have loved it.
