Hild had little in the way of plans for Christmas proper. Gifts had been purchased and prepared, wrapped up in bright paper and bows. Gift giving was one of those things that Hild genuinely enjoyed. She liked knowing what people liked and the joy at seeing it. For Krem and Gannicus, however, things were a little more complicated. She had never had people in her life quite like them. Not even Cian, because she could not show him the same level of affection that she wanted. She felt clumsy picking out gifts for Gannicus and Krem, and in some small part of her, afraid.

The knock on the door was not a surprise, nor was the sight of Gannicus on the other side of it. Grinning, Hild greeted him with a warm kiss.

"You saved me the trouble of coming to find you," she said lightly. "How kind you are."