RP:It's Yule All Over Again

Synopsis: It's Yule all over again, but this time Lanara and Tiber have family to share it with. It's just after the accident and Tiber is holding a grudge against Corrine and Nick, but despite differences, Lanara and Tiber do their best to push their grudges to the side.

Part of the New Moon, New Motion Arc

The Lowell Estate

Tiber (1 of 2):: A few days passed where the lovers spent their time cooped up in their home. Did Tiber mind? Not at all because he got to smooch on his wife for those straight days that passed. Greyson and Bjorn made sure to stop by to get the information Tiber needed from Skitch’s office. The two members of the pack made sure the office was locked up tight until Tiber was ready to claim it as his own. Despite the business that Greyson and Bjorn had been working on, Celeste also had stopped by in those few days. Tiber’s stitches were ready to be removed as his skin healed quickly, so now, Tiber was out of the sling, the bandages were removed, the stitches out, and the man was left with a jagged scar. The use of Tiber’s hand was worst than he had thought as he can only inch his way to try to close his own hand. He had a couple fingers he was able to wiggle slowly while his pinkie barely budged. At least he had slight movement. Celeste provided the information about physical therapy and that there was a woman in Cenril who worked and had many success stories: Rachel Bennett. Though, that would have to wait for another day because Yuletide was on its way. A holiday that Lanara Banks was very adamant about ever since they started dating each other. What better way to forget about losing function of his own hand by staring at Corrine’s mangled face at a holiday party?

Tiber (2 of 2):: Tiber did what he needed to do to get ready for the Yule party. He helped Lanara hang evergreens around the home–especially on the fireplace mantles. A place for mistletoe, which he did not mind because that earned him a kiss, at least. The man even fought with a tree for his beloved as it came crashing down on him when they went exploring. He managed to win the fight and dragged the spruce through the snow to the house of victory! Tiberius let Lanara handle the decorating for that damned tree. He had almost had enough Yule just getting set up for it. An oak Yule Log was also collected to place in the fireplace for the gathering of the Amber Lunation. As members would show on the day of the party, candles of all shapes and sizes would be lit around the home. A yule log cake would sit on the dining table as a centerpiece as well as other fixings of food and drink for the guests. The man stands and greets the guests in a blue festive looking sweater that was stitched with white deer and snowflakes. Lanara’s pick. She said he -had- to dress up for the party. He did not get why? He had plenty of -nice- clothes. Lanara went on about spirit or something he could not remember, but he was wearing it. He wore it quite nicely with his khakis. “We are letting Corrine and Nick come -why-? They should get two big fat lumps of coal.” Well, someone was excited for Yule…

Lanara (Post 1 of 2) Lanara had enjoyed those few days that were spent beside her husband, even those moments that were less than blissful. He was in a lot of pain and the worry in his gaze told her that he was scared, despite the fact that he tried to wear a macho facade. She had used her magic to numb or ice the area whenever he fussed, and she had doted on him endlessly. Between caring for her beloved and decorating their home, Lana had spent most of her time in the kitchen, baking cookies of every flavor known to man. Dozens upon dozens of tray in festive shapes had been set to cool and packaged in large bins, and Tiber was only welcome to taste -one- of each cookie before they were put away. Lana had even enchanted the countertop where the cookies were stored, so that if the Catalian hoped to smuggle a treat, he would be zapped with an electric bolt. The witch had also insisted that they go shopping for presents, as it’s the Pack’s first holiday together, and so they had split the lists and went about their way. Tiber had to buy gifts for the men, Lana had to purchase gifts for the women, and Tybalt would be getting something very special from the couple that he had been begging for ever since they met the boy. A puppy! The sweet spaniel is upstairs in the nursery, in a little crate, and will be brought down once they get around to exchanging presents. It will be a wonderful Yule!

Lanara (Post 2 of 2) Lanara has dressed for the occasion as well, as she’s wearing an adorable long-sleeved emerald dress that reaches her knees and has white fur at the hem on the skirt, neckline, and wrists. A matching velvet green hat with a white fur ball at the end sits upon her head, and her dark chestnut locks are pin straight and reach the middle over her back. She wears her peridot pentacle around her neck, diamond studs in her earlobes, and her black knee-high boots sprinkle crimson glitter with each step she takes. It will be a huge undertaking when cleaning up, but Lana is -all- about celebrating, and she is just about to pull Tiberius beneath the sprig of mistletoe when there is a knock at the door. She smirks, “I’m sure we will have plenty of opportunities for this later in the evening, Mr. Lowell…” Or should she say Grinch? “Honestly, I should have gotten Corrine some coal!” Her smile fades as her face grows serious, “If you are in too much pain we can always call it an early night, okay? Don’t overdo it and just try to have a nice time. Thank you for letting us host, it means so much to me!” She trails her fingers over the reindeer emblazoned on his chest, “Let’s go greet our guests!”

Tiber squints at Lanara as she worries about his hand. “It’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me. Just try to have fun,” the man leans in for a kiss, but the sound of knocking echoes through the estate. They. Are. Here. Lanara is off answering the door and wanting him to come along, but Tiber is wondering if the enchantment for the cookies has been lifted. What was the point of baking all those cookies if -he- could not have one? He is betting they are all for Tybalt which makes him rather grouchy because kids do -not- need sugar. A hand sneakily reaches for a cookie, but the zap is still in place and he pulls back quickly with a large furrow and frown on his face. “But the guests are here!” He blows out to no one because Lanara is greeting the members of the Lunation. Tiber moves humbug-like to grab himself a whiskey glass because he is out of pain meds, and he has been dying for a drink. The man takes a sip to take the edge off of being face-to-face with Corrine and Nick for the first time since the incident. Tiber moves and greets everyone as he gives hugs to Greyson, Bjorn, Celeste, and Violet. Tybalt gets a ruffle which causes a tingly sensation in Tiber's bad hand. If Corrine and Nick show their face? They get offered a blank stare before he raises his eyebrows. That is his greeting. Awkward. “Who wants a drink?” The man tips back his glass. This was going to be a long night.

Lanara (Post 1 of 2) Lanara is gushing over Violet, because it’s the first time she’s ever seen the girl in anything semi-formal and she looks lovely in a red cocktail dress. “You are so pretty! I love what you did with your hair!” Celeste proudly chimes in, “I braided her hair this morning! I can always do yours too, if you ever need a hand.” The three women’s chatter continues as they are all very excited to be celebrating something, rather than facing death or drama, but the energy in the room shifts once Corrine and Nick enter the home. The redhead has parted her hair so that most of it falls upon her severely scarred face, although pieces of masticated flesh peek out through the strands, and her vivid green eyes look rather dull. She doesn’t bother with a greeting to anyone and it’s obvious that she doesn’t want to be here, but she manages an angry glare at Lanara before she moves over towards Tiber, “Scotch. On the rocks. Don’t be skimpy either, fill the glass.” Nick breezes over the threshold and offhands a bottle of vintage whiskey that must have cost several thousand gold, and he leans in to place a quick peck to Lana’s cheek, before he goes to stand by Corrine’s side. Bjorn and Greyson join Tiber, and pretty soon -everyone- is cornering their Alpha as they all feel a little awkward and want to get drunk. Even Tybalt asks for a drink, and Lana hopes Tiber doesn’t give him anything alcoholic, as she takes everyone’s coats and rests them in another room.

Lanara (Post 2 of 2) The drinks are being poured and all of the food is on enchanted plates, so it’s as warm as though just pulled from the oven. Lanara had carefully sliced the ham and turkey into bite sized pieces, so that Tiber didn’t feel his disability as much before the Pack. Various side dishes line the counters, along with silverware and plates, as it’s intended for each person to serve themselves. Lana smirks as she sees that the enchantment on the dessert counter is still in full effect and she wanders over to Tiber and rests a hand upon his arm, “You can eat as much as you like… Later. But unless you want to sizzle, you better keep your hands off.” She whispers the words and laughs, before she addresses the crowd, “Everyone please enter the kitchen and make your plates. Eat as much as you like, I made enough to feed half of Lithrydel!” Her gaze shifts to Tiber, “Why don’t you finish making drinks and I’ll make you a plate?” She’s trying not to be obvious about his injury and offer help, and Celeste gives her a knowing smile, before she leads everyone into the kitchen.

Tiber (1 of 2):: Tiber frowns at Corrine’s bossy request, but he understands. Alcohol was going to make this Yule smoother. The man places one large ice cube in a glass before filling it with scotch and passing it off to the redhead that is suffering in her silence. The kiss from Nick on Lanara’s cheek makes him frown deeper. Tiber was going to get wrinkles if he frowned any harder. Greyson comes up for an ale. “Dude, chill out. Just enjoy the holiday,” the Beta pats Tiber on the shoulder which causes that grumpy face to loosen. Bjorn comes up. “Hey, that hot hippie gonna come to the party?” Tiber rolls his eyes and ignores Bjorn’s question before smirking and sipping down the whiskey. The men make Tiber relax and feel more at ease on this holiday. Tybalt is asking for a drink which Tiber lifts a finger. “I got something special for -you-, little dude. Something that will hit just right,” the Alpha says to the short child. The man moves to an ice chest where he pulls out a glass bottle. He takes a glass and pours a sparkly, champagne-colored liquid, but it is not champagne. It was a sparkling apple cider. He gives Lanara a knowing look. Of course he would be on his best behavior for the kid. “This bottle is specifically for you tonight, so whenever you want some, you come find me or Lanara.” He grins at the boy who is all starry-eyed and feels appreciated.

Tiber (2 of 2):: The food is offered up to the group and… there is a separate plate for Tiber’s meat. Lanara is being subtle, and it is silently appreciated, but there is a pang that hits him. Sadness. He bites back the thought because there is one thing that would make him feel better. He leans in for a kiss. They talked about wanting to not hide their relationship, so why not kiss her now? In front of everyone? It would be obvious. The man was injured, they got back ‘together’ completely, right? “I’ll finish making those drinks. Can you stack me with those potatoes? Those look amazing.” He makes a couple of foofy mixed drinks for Violet and Celeste. Tiber decides to pop open the expensive whiskey and… offers Nick a glass. Tiber is trying to make them feel comfortable because the silence that is directed to Nick and Corrine this evening is a good enough punishment for Yule. Once everyone has their drinks, and their plates, they talk and mingle and Tiber is feeling a pretty solid buzz.

Lanara (Post 1 of 2) Lanara forgets that they are in a room full of people, or the fact that an actual child is in their presence, and she full on -passionately- kisses Tiber with such fervor that it’s a certainty that they should get a room. Bjorn starts clapping and catcalling and Greyson is grinning from ear to ear, because of course they support their ‘bro’ in this endeavor! Tybalt pauses in sipping his cider to grimace, as he still thinks girls have cooties and Violet says “Yuck” but there is a smile on her face. The group prefers when their Alpha and Luna are in sync, and the only one that seems to have an issue with this is Corrine, who throws back her scotch and slams the tumbler on the table. Not wanting to be outdone, she practically drags the Backstreet Bard across the room and forces him to stand beneath the sprig of mistletoe. She points and waits for him to lean in, but there’s a hint of apprehension in her gaze, as though she fears he may reject her grotesque appearance. However, Nick doesn’t seem to notice the scars as he brushes Corrine’s hair to the side and leans in and places a tender kiss to her lips. No one claps for their kiss as they had with Tiber and Lana’s, but there is an unmistakable shift in the atmosphere and the witch senses that hum of magic. The embrace ends and both the blonde and the redhead simply gaze at each other adoringly, as though they are the only two people in the room. Lana gently elbows Tiber and motions towards them, as she has Asha inform Luca of what’s going on, so that the others aren’t privy, “They -just- imprinted!”

Lanara (Post 2 of 2) Everyone sits down to eat, drink, and be merry, and Tiber has two plates heaping with food before him. One plate is covered in potatoes, enough to feed everyone in the room, and Lana smiles innocently, “Need to keep your strength up for later.” She winks knowingly, and then dives into conversation with the rest of the Pack. Bjorn inquires about the ‘hot’ hippie again and Lana laughs, “I do have to stop by and deliver some cookies to Nel, maybe you can accompany me, Bjorn?” Ever the matchmaker! Bjorn whoops and Greyson shakes his head, “Stop encouraging him! I haven’t met this woman and I already feel sorry for her!” The food is delicious and after everyone partakes, Lana puts the dishes in the sink, and tells them to all remain seated in the dining room. “We are going to ice and decorate cookies now! I have sugar, butter, peanut butter, gingerbread, all kinds of cookies! These all need to be decorated, and I figure we can do this, before we sing before the hearth and exchange presents.” Lana looks at Tiber because if he fights her on caroling she will introduce him to a different kind of passion than what happened earlier! The witch takes a gingerbread man and woman cookie and proceeds to decorate them in the likeness of Tiber and herself, as well as one of a deer that mimics Rude-Off. Corrine accidentally breaks the arm off of her cookie and hands it to Tybalt, “It’s you.” But then Tybalt smears red icing all over the face of a snowman cutout and hurls it at Corrin, “It looks just like you!” Instead of being angry, Lanara is feeling a little buzzed and she busts out laughing, before she takes a nibble of her cookie before offering Tiber some, “I promise this cookie won’t bite back.”

Tiber is feeling the heat with that passionate kiss. Tiber smirks as he stares at his secret wife before he looks back at everyone else. Once Corrine and Nick move to under the mistletoe, Tiber is about to pay no mind for Corrine’s act, but something pulls his gaze in their direction because they look as if they are seeing each other for the first time. As Lanara nudges Tiber, a very quiet, “No way,” escapes his mouth. He does not know whether to be happy for them or not, but then again, in the back of his mind… they deserve each other. Tiber shakes his head and moves to the table where Lanara put two fat plates of food in front of him. Seductive eyes look Lanara up and down at her little comment. “And this, baby, is why I,” he pauses because he cannot talk about their marriage, “Why I love you.” He grins before digging in. Lanara deals with Bjorn’s drooling about Penelope while Tiber fills his face full of food purposely so he does not have to talk to anyone at the table, but then, after they finish, they have to decorate the cookies? Why? Just dip them in icing and chomp them down. Tiber could also live without frosting since he’s a monster of a man. The cookies are in front of them, and while Lanara is going on about decorating, Tiber is roguishly sneaking the cookies that no longer zap him. He shoves one quickly in his mouth and does the innocent nod, and ‘mhmm’ and chews when she looks away. Then as they all start decorating, he almost chokes on all the cookies he is eating because Tybalt and Corrine are going at it. The buzzed man savors the flavors and Lanara offers him one and then he smiles because he clearly stole about three cookies by now. She should bap him. “I know,” he grins wickedly in his buzzed way and takes a bite of the cookie offered anyway as he innocently looks at her with glazed eyes. Tiber decides that he should probably actually ice a cookie, so he takes one of the gingerwomen so he can make Lanara. Though, this gingerbread woman has smudged eyes and crazy globby hair. He frosts the cookie to give it a green dress and then he stares at Lanara with the cookie before licking off some of the frosting off the frosted dress in a jokingly seductive manner. He then takes some of the frosting from the cookie to bop his wife’s nose. “There, all complete. Hm, I think I like decorating with frosting."

Lanara (Post 1 of 3) Lanara shifts so that she’s sitting on Tiber’s lap and she continues to decorate cookies, adding some candy pieces to them to create a bit of flair. Tybalt is having the time of his life, Bjorn and Violet seem to be in some type of decorating battle, Celeste sits there smiling and sipping her wine, and Greyson keeps reassuring Tiber that his secret is ‘safe’ as he places a finger before his lips each time his Alpha steals a cookie. Nick seems confused by this process and is just smearing icing all over the plate and leaving his cookies bare, and Corrine keeps stealing glances at the bard and both sides of her hacked up face are as fiery as her hair. Once everyone is finished decorating, Lanara rubs a little frosting on Tiber’s lower lip and leans in to seductively kiss it off, “Just wait until later… Presents won’t be the only thing you’re unwrapping.” Perhaps she has a little something-something under that dress? Yule lingerie -is- a thing in Lithrydel, and Lanara really enjoys living it up on the holidays! “No coupon required, either!” She kisses him on the cheek and whispers “I love you!” before she leaves the room.

Lanara (Post 2 of 3) The women head into the kitchen to clean up and prepare dessert while the men drink and move into the living room. Greyson strikes up a conversation about making a band again and Nick chimes in here and there to offer some input. Bjorn stares at the tree and wonders how they managed to squeeze it into the house, before he snips off a few sprigs so that he can ‘woo’ Penelope when he sees her next. Hippies love nature, right? Perhaps some pine needles will encourage her to give him a shot! He smirks and shoves them into his pocket, hoping that his Alpha doesn’t see what he’s doing. Corrine is actually helpful in the kitchen as she arranges some dessert plates and napkins, and she chats a little with Celeste, but refuses to engage with the other women. Various pies, lavishly decorated cakes, pastries, and a huge bowl of eggnog rest upon the table, and as everyone reenters the kitchen to fix their dessert plates Lana pulls Tybalt aside. “Hey! So tell me about that place you went for ice cream with Corrine and Nick! It sounds awesome.” She hates using the child as a pawn but she’s grasping at straws and needs a good lead. Tybalt is licking whipped cream from his cup of eggnog as he rolls his eyes, “They left me to go meet with some blind woman. They said she’s a witch but she doesn’t have pointy ears and maybe they meant she’s a bad person, not that she can use magic. I dunno. She was old and had hair like Tiber, but black.” The boys eyes widen when he spies pecan pie and he runs off, leaving the witch with enough to investigate. “Alright everyone, eat your dessert and get your butts in the living room. Time for presents!”

Lanara (Post 3 of 3) Lana brings her dessert plate into the living room and motions to Nick, “Want to lead us in some carols?” It’s a harmless question, as she takes a bite of pumpkin pie and smiles at the male, but apparently it’s enough to get beneath Corrine’s skin. The redhead abruptly pushes Lana to the side and goes to stand beside the bard, “Don’t speak to him like he’s your boy toy! We aren’t part of this Pack so that we can dote on you! And quit giving me that look of pity! You did this to my face and one day you -will- reverse the spell, even if your life depends on it.” Lana takes another bite of pie and chews it thoughtfully, her chocolate eyes darkening a shade, “I recall that I bested you both in my wolf form -and- my elven form, so perhaps it would be wise for you to learn your place and shut your mouth. Unless you want the other half of your face to be scarred equally as awful?” Lanara doesn’t ask the couple to leave, she seems content to keep eating her pie and staring the redhead down from across the room. “Nick. Sing.” This time her words are a command and the man hums a tune before he breaks into a song about someone’s grandparent that had gotten mauled by a reindeer, though it has a comedic spin. Lana lifts her eyebrows at Tiber, before she heads upstairs to retrieve the presents she bought for the girls, as well as the puppy.

Tiber (1 of 2):: Tiber sips back on his drink until he drains the glass. His injured hand wraps around Lanara as she sits and decorates and flirts with him because that is all that hand can really do. He is at ease again that he can finally love on Lanara in front of the rest of the members again. He grins at her playfulness. He is fond of her happiness despite Corrine and Nick in the room, and he is glad she stole another kiss from him. “Well, I am a skilled unwrapper, so I can’t wait,” he says slyly before she moves away. He pats her bottom as she scurries off before moving on with the men to the living room. This time, he lets Nick speak and chime in as they talk about a possible band. “It’s going to be a while until that happens, boys. I guess my voice isn’t dead, though.” He smirks to make light of the situation. Nick looks pitiful at Tiber at that moment although they have differences of opinion. Tiber in that moment blows out air at the thought of not being able to play guitar for a while.

Tiber (2 of 2):: The dreadful thoughts disperse as people move to the kitchen for a slice of pie. Tiber is so burnt on eating too many cookies that he just watches everyone else instead. The man moves to go gather his gifts for the men in the group, but he saves Lanara’s gift for after everyone is gone and he keeps that in a hidden space. He comes out with three small boxes for the men and then he takes a seat on the arm of the couch as he watches everyone gather in the room. Corrine makes her seething, jealous remark which has Tiber standing back on his feet now. He seethes because… the way that she keeps treating Lanara is uncalled for. “Or,” Tiber adds on to Lanara’s retort back to Corrine, “I can just take your hand.” Tybalt then pipes up, “Or an arm.” The little boy calls in the background because, he too, suffers, but his was permanent, although he did have his cool prosthetic. Tiber looks over at Tybalt who is staring at the Alpha and the look in the kid’s gaze has the man sit back down to listen to Nick sing about weird reindeers being rude to the elderly. What was even this holiday, anyway? What was the point of these songs? As everyone is chiming in to sing the songs they knew, Tiber tries his best as he does not know many of these songs due to his lack of spirit, but he knows Lana would give him the glare if he did not. Finally, the singing stops and it is time for gifts. “Alright everyone, it is time for the gift exchange! I’ll have Lana go first since she’s our hostess with the mostest,” he gives his wife a wink. “Take it away, baby.”

Lanara (Post 1 of 3) Lanara appreciates that Tiber and Tybalt had her back after Corrine threatened her, but she wants to keep the peace, and so she’s relieved when Corrine backs down from escalating the situation. Can’t they all at least pretend to get along for one evening!? Nick leads them all into several Yule songs, and he seems to be enjoying the camaraderie with the other men in the room. Bjorn is now eyeing the yule log that rests above the hearth, decorated with candles, pinecones, and berries and he’s wondering if perhaps Penelope would like a little bark to go with those pine needles. He looks so pensive that Lana mistakes his gaze for constipation and she pats him on the arm, “I have some prune juice in the fridge if you need it. Aspen won’t mind sharing!” The man blinks in confusion and then nods, “Thanks, Lana! I had no idea that she was into prune juice! I’ll be sure to get her some!” Is he going to bring Nel prune juice, too!? The witch has no idea what the heck he’s talking about, so she sits on the floor beside Tybalt and beckons the child closer. An elegantly wrapped box with a big bow is gently pushed nearer to the boy, and Lana sits on the side that has a hole poked out so the puppy can breathe, “Tiber and I picked this out specially for you!” She’s excited to see his face, so she takes Tiber’s hand and holds it carefully, as she looks up at her handsome husband. The clock doesn’t even tick by a single second before the lid is lifted and Tybalt is screaming and jumping up and down, as he pulls the tan spaniel puppy from the box and hugs it to his chest. The puppy wags her nub of a tail and wiggles in his grasp, licking his face and rubbing those long velvety ears across his flesh. “She doesn’t have a name, but I’m sure you will think of something great!” Lana accepts the hug from Tybalt as the pup is momentarily dropped into her lap, before the boy moves to give Tiber a hug. He’s so excited that he then hugs -everyone- in the room, even Corrine, before he reclaims the puppy and flees from the room to go and play elsewhere.

Lanara (Post 2 of 3) Lana dries her tears as she’s so overcome with emotion upon seeing Tybalt with the puppy, because they had truly made the boys Christmas! Pushing herself to her feet she hands a rectangular jewelry box wrapped in a dainty red ribbon to each of the women, with a smile on her fair face as she knows they are sure to love their presents. Corrine doesn’t deserve something so special, but Lana doesn’t want to feel bitterness on such a special day, and so she merely rests the presents on the sofa at the redheads side. The woman is hesitant to open her gift and so she watches as Violet and Celeste open their’s, before she undoes the ribbon and stares in shock at the lovely necklace. The three women are in silence and admiring their gift, before Violet is the first to pull hers out and latch it around her neck, and Celeste gently runs her fingers over the oval stone in the box. Lanara laughs at the obvious emotion on their faces and explains, “It’s a white gold chain and you each have an oval gemstone that matches your eyes!” She couldn’t do their birthdays, because some have been lost when they were in the foster system. “Celeste… Your stone is aquamarine and symbolizes tranquility, clarity, harmony, and it’s said that it has healing powers when near the sea.” The pale girl smiles brilliantly and there’s moisture in her gaze, “Thank you, Luna Lana!” The witch nods, before shifting her gaze to Violet, “Your stone is a tiger's eye, and that symbolizes harmony, understanding, and it helps to release anxiety.” The teen grins, “It’s so cool! Thanks, Lana and Tiber!” There’s a pause as Corrine looks at Lana, and the witch says, “Your stone is emerald and it signifies wisdom, balance, and patience.” A longer pause ensues, before Corrine manages a small smile, “Thank you… It’s lovely.” She asks Nick to help her clasp it onto her neck and she stares pointedly at Greyson, “Why don’t you give them the gift we all chose?”

Lanara (Post 3 of 3) Greyson clears his throat and stands up, before he retrieves a large gift that he had placed behind the house upon their arrival. “We actually got this gift a while back, when you two first got engaged…” He knows they are married, but he plays it cool. “It’s a post-housewarming, pre-wedding, we love you both, gift. Happy Yule!” Lanara looks at Tiber, because they hadn’t expected the Pack to give them anything, but she accepts the present, “You guys didn’t have to do all of this!” The paper is pulled away to reveal a box of mementos from all of their adventures and time together. A jar of sand from when they had gone to the beach. A flask of water from the time they had gone cliff diving. Guitar picks from all the ‘band’ talks. Ashes from campfire tales. Along with various other artifacts that each member had specifically picked out, and handwritten emotional letters giving thanks to both their Alpha and Luna. The witch is overcome with emotion and she smiles through her tears as she blesses the group, “From the shortest day of the year comes the promise of hope and light. The wheel ever turning onwards, takes us through the longest night. Winter Solstice blessing to you and everyone. May your worries and your problems disappear with the Solstice Sun. Happy Yule, Everyone!” She looks at Tiber so that he can hand the men his gifts, “Hurry up, Mr. Lowell. We have to celebrate on our own yet, too.”

Tiber (1 of 3):: Tiber leans forward on the couch and watches as Lanara addresses Tybalt first. Hands glide against pants in anticipation of Tybalt’s gift. A smile is lifted and given to Lanara as she takes his hand before he nods his head to have Tybalt open his gift. The lid is lifted and a spaniel pops out. A wider grin reaches the man’s face as he watches the young boy jump with joy. “Now, she’s a lot of responsibility. She needs a lot of love and attention,” and suddenly the boy’s arms are wrapped around the man. The Catalian holds the young boy for a beat before pushing him back gently. “Merry Yule, Balto,” the Alpha ruffles the kid’s hair again before the boy runs to give everyone a Yuletide hug. Lanara stands up again for the next gifts for the females of the Amber Lunation. The girls open up their boxes where they pull out necklaces with certain stones. The man is anticipating Corrine’s reaction to the gem, but… there is a smile on Corrine’s face. Lanara had broken a little piece of Corrine’s facade for once which had a small smile on his own face. Eyes trail over to his wife who is giving, loving, wise. Despite the wrongdoing, Lana was able to see past the deceit and was able to push emotions aside. How did he end up with such a loving and breathtaking woman?

Tiber (2 of 3):: As the pack mentions that they have a gift for them, he tilts his head. “You all did not have to do anything,” he starts before looking at Lanara. She pulls the paper and he opens the box to pull out the memories. The jar of sand. Ash. The canteen of water. “Oh, guys…” he trails as he unfolds and only peeks at some of the letters, but does not go into full read. Especially when he pulled out Tybalt’s letter because it has very big letters with some odd spelling with words and a heartfelt drawing of the whole pack on the bottom. “This is awesome,” Tiber feels the emotion. Yule always somehow does this every time even if he was the Grinch. “Thank you all. We just… love and appreciate you all so much.” He shakes his head in disbelief at such a thoughtful gift. The man then grins at Lanara’s blessing before he stands to give out the small boxes for the men. Brown paper packages tied up with golden ribbon: Greyson, Bjorn, and Nick. Each man is greedy and tears back the paper to reveal oak boxes. In the boxes in an individual watch. They were all the same: wooden watches with a golden outline, but there was a difference on each back of them. Engravings. Bjorn reads his first. It has his name engraved in the wood with the title of ‘Delta of the Amber Lunation’ with a short personal message from Tiber and Lanara. “Dude, I’m a Delta. Freakin’ cool title, man. I thought you were just joking that first blood oath meeting!” Bjorn chimes before slipping on the watch. An appreciation. Greyson’s is the same; his name and title: ‘Beta of the Amber Lunation’ and a short sweet message from the Alpha and Luna. “Wow, thank you guys, seriously. This home is like… no other,” Greyson coos. Last but not least, Nick. The watch has Nick’s name: ‘Patriotic Member of the Amber Lunation’ and little message despite the plan Corrine and Nick had stirred, Nick had a guilty conscience. Nick stares at the title before looking at Tiber and Lanara almost speechless. Tiber stands to look at Nick. “Despite some differences, on our missions we have had, you have done what you needed to. Wear it with pride.” Tiber nods to the musician before looking at the others. “We hope you have a Merry Yule. We loved that you could share it with us. And well, let’s just have fun.” The members hug and mingle for a little while longer before the night goes on. Eventually the members leave back to their own home and Tiber and Lanara are alone.

Tiber (3 of 3):: “I got something for you. It’s not much, but I couldn’t show you with everyone around,” Tiber admits before rushing to the room to grab a brown paper package for his wife. The package is slim and a rectangle. If the witch opens it, there would be that drawing of them on their wedding day oval in the center of the picture frame and on each side of the picture has words. The left side is labeled ‘Lanara’ and underneath her vows to Tiber are written out in calligraphy. On the right side of the sketch of their wedding day is labeled ‘Tiber’ with his vows beneath in calligraphy. “I figured we can remember our vows whenever we start to forget. I was thinking we could hang this in our room, so only we know.” He smiles. “Now, I’m ready for my free exchange,” he grins wickedly. He is talking about what is under that Yule dress of her’s. The man would then chase the woman up the stairs so they can have their intimate evening together.