[ The fifth day of the sixth month arrives and with it comes one very important day. The birthday boy should be allowed to sleep in on his own birthday, of course, so Sylvain will wake up with his sleep (probably) undisturbed to find several things waiting for him. On the edge of the nightstand is a mug of one of his favorite teas waiting on a coaster enchanted to keep it just the right temperature to not spoil the tea or risk any burns to someone still half-asleep. Next to it is a small assortment of presents.
Inside a small carved wooden box is a lion carved from one solid piece of marble-like stone where when turned to catch the light glints gold, a possible nod to what Sylvain had once called his godly form and the Lions from where he'd once called home. Behind it is a cup with a sheet of decorative parchment curled inside with a ribbon tied around it and another envelope propped in front of it. The parchment's rolled around tickets to a play dated in the near future where it might be noted the seats are in a decidedly fancy row of seating. Beneath the tickets is a certificate of sorts for a nearby spa with the amount being listed as for a massage plus any extras Sylvain might like to add. And as for the cup itself? Also enchanted but this time to keep whatever drink inside completely cold without needing constant refills of ice - perfect for that upcoming summer weather.
The envelope, of course, contains a letter:
Happy birthday, Sylvain—
How's it feel to be old? I know, I know - it's only a year older and only for a little while, but you'd better believe for the next month or so I'm going to get in all the jokes about you being elderly that I can. I look forward to your gratuitous eye rolling after each and every one.
It feels strange to remark now on it being another year which has passed by when we've just quasi-lived so many of them, for better and for worse. But there is one thing I know no matter how many go by, and it's this: that you make my life far better by being in it than without. You're a steadying force and a bright light to all who know you no matter what. To have been able to spend another year at your side is a gift in and of itself that even I can't find the right words to describe when they all fall so short.
Which is all the more reason to show as much appreciation as I can by giving you a chance to spoil yourself with a few things meant to be enjoyed, including a chess game rather like the one we invented last year. I'll let it be in your favor just this once.
Yours, —Claude.
PS: The spa trip is for you only - promise no mud whatsoever is involved unless that's what you're looking for.
Of course while he might have woken up semi-alone, Sylvain certainly won't stay that way for long. As soon as there's signs of life from the room, he'll be joined by Claude with a tray of pastries to go with that tea. Never mind him claiming that he made all of it himself. He totally did. ]
— on the morning of june 5th
Inside a small carved wooden box is a lion carved from one solid piece of marble-like stone where when turned to catch the light glints gold, a possible nod to what Sylvain had once called his godly form and the Lions from where he'd once called home. Behind it is a cup with a sheet of decorative parchment curled inside with a ribbon tied around it and another envelope propped in front of it. The parchment's rolled around tickets to a play dated in the near future where it might be noted the seats are in a decidedly fancy row of seating. Beneath the tickets is a certificate of sorts for a nearby spa with the amount being listed as for a massage plus any extras Sylvain might like to add. And as for the cup itself? Also enchanted but this time to keep whatever drink inside completely cold without needing constant refills of ice - perfect for that upcoming summer weather.
The envelope, of course, contains a letter: Of course while he might have woken up semi-alone, Sylvain certainly won't stay that way for long. As soon as there's signs of life from the room, he'll be joined by Claude with a tray of pastries to go with that tea. Never mind him claiming that he made all of it himself. He totally did. ]