".. You didn't need to go into detail. Just saying you loved her would of been enough." A smirk appeared over those lips as she relaxed more against her chair. One leg even kicked itself up and folded over its opposite as she kept her eyes on the two of them. Watching as they shared such a meaningful look between the two of them.
"But what would it matter if I didn't approve? We all know Seirichi would do whatever she felt was right. Even if she had to fight the whole world in the process. "

"Mommy.." Seirichi smiled. It felt great to know that at least one of her parents had been mature about the turn of events in their life. "Thank you.."

"Thank me? You can thank me later if you somehow get your Mother on board with all of this. But, Dark. I just need to say this at least once.." another sip and a soft purr of enjoyment as she swallowed the rest of her tea.. but then, that stern expression appeared on her features.. Death, murder, destruction. The aura let loose was enough to send fear into the strongest of men. "If you hurt her. I will kill you." Eyes closed and a smile took over just as fast. "Now enjoy your tea."

"Isn't that great, Dark?" Seirichi said as she reached over to give his shoulder and gave a tiny rub.

"Eh hehehe... great." he put on the front as best he could, smiling. He understood, sure, but that didn't make it any easier to find comfort in his personal safety. He sexy-winked to Seiri, like ' 'see I told you that was gonna work out' ' before attuning with his zen place, closing his eyes, and finishing his tea. This lasted a total of two seconds before the door blew open, and a black-silhouetted woman of short-hair and demonic eyes stood in the doorway of the teahouse.

"Did you think you would keep me away so easily? It'll take more than Shiji Kumo's mind-f*ckery... If it wasn't for that bullsh*t axe of yours. Adenna, they thought I was leveling the ground back normal for them with my fists. But really, I was practicing for when I saw your pretty face again." Tetch slammed the door, marching on over to the three of them at the table. "You've abused the trust of this family for the last time. Stand up."

"..." Dyarhk stared discerningly up at her.

"It seems now is the perfect time for you to prove your love, Dark." Lilith spoke with the sound of amusement on her lips. Oh, yes. She was *loving* this. She even began to pour herself another cup of tea and settled back down to relax in her chair once more to watch the show as it started. As for Seiri? The siovauni was already up and onto her feet and hurrying over to place herself between Dyarhk and her mother.

"Now, Mom.. you need to calm down. You're a little upset right now.. it's not the time or place to do this."

"Come now, Seirichi.. let them work it out." Lilith spoke.. which caused Seirichi to look her way with a tired pout.

"Mommy.. you're not helping.."

?I remember a girl who'd challenge all of Adenna for her hand in marriage.. and now you're stopping a duel between your would be suitor and Mother? That isn't fair." Yes.. she REALLY wasn't helping.

"... Mo-.. Wait.. who said anything about marriage?" Yes. Lilith wasn't helping - at all.

"Now where, oh where could I put the tree.." Tapping at her chin as she tossed and catched at that small box she held within her right hand. Seirichi began to think as well.

".. How about by the fireplace? "

" No, no, no. It needs to be the center of attention.. plus the fire would clash with the trees lights." woe is Nima. What choices to make.

"Hmm..? How about placing it in the middle of the room then? Wouldn't that make it the center of attention?" spoke the tea-drinking Lilith as she continued to keep herself nice and relaxed in her chair.

"I like it. Seiri. " Sway, sway went those hands as she gestured to the furniture and tables.. Did she really need to say what she wanted her sister to do? No -- because without much delay; the Siovauni began her work to rearrange the teahouse to make it more ``tree friendly.' `

"Alright! NOW it's a party!" Dyarhk popped up in the midst of the largely womanly-populated teahouse brandishing cold bottles in each hand. "We got alcoholic eggnog!"

Tetch sighed. Was she really going to go through with this? Yes... Yes, she told herself. It was for Seiri. She'd holster her fists tonight. And thankfully at least she could get her mind off ass-kicking, or divert it, as she heard her girls begin negotiating plans to setup a tree in the center of the teahouse. She would grab each their ears. "No daughters of mine will setup a Christmas tree in the center of a room. Have I taught you girls NOTHING?" she released their ears with a push in the direction she would soon point. "Put it in the corner, if you must." a carefree wave off. She didn't think a tree was necessary, but if they insisted. She rolled her eyes to Lilith, coming over to sit by her, and proceed to clear the teahouse of superfluous china and other odds and ends while she felt a most peculiar look on her from the white witch. "...What?"

"Nothing, nothing." The Lilith of Liltu said to her partner as she continued her look. "Maybe I just find it adorable.. How you're acting." Spoke the witch as she reached out to grasp hold of Techichi. Sit by her? No, no. Lilith wouldn't have that.. Soon enough the Adenna warrior would find herself sitting in the lap of the white wearing woman. Arms loosely draped themselves about her waist as she sat there. Enjoying the closeness she felt. ?We're getting our little vacation after all.. Even if it's for one night. But at least we're all together." Spoken in a soft, hushed tone to keep it between the two of them.

His forearm on the window, Dyarhk gazed out into the blizzard that was pleasantly Christmas-like. Waiting for some illusion to manifest itself, it never came, and he smiled warmly out the window. But his mind did come back to heavier topics. Bernard, the spirit that came to him in a dream had laid some heavy news on him, and had his mind racing with thoughts. But nothing so heavy a little privacy couldn't solve; and easily disguisable as something so simple as looking out the window.

"Ow, ow, ow..!" -- "Lemmy go!" The two yelled out in distaste as their ears were grabbed. But upon being let go -- it looked as if Techichi's word was law as Seirichi began to move things back into place
before heading over to a corner with Nima. "Here.. We'll put it by the window. The snow in the background will look nice." Mostly speaking to herself as she began to open the box and pull out what looked to be a miniature tree.

"Hey.. Whatcha' looking at?" Giving the man a soft bump of her shoulder as she began looking out to the snow as well. "I don't see anything.. Your eyes playing tricks on you, big guy?" Wiggling a brow.. but before he could answer a loud ``AH-HA~!`` sounded out from Nima as that small tree sprung to life and grew... and grew. Till the very tip almost touched the ceiling itself! Give or take a good few inches and what not. But the younger Witch was still pleased with herself. "Now for the lights.." Hand slipping into her sleeve to reveal a wand.. and then it started. With a quick jolt of magical energy erupting from the tip -- Nima began to decorate the tree with whites and silvers. Of course; the colors of Liltu. "Nayon! How's dinner coming!" Yelling out above everyone else.

But, instead of a yell back, the girl slowly made her way out of the kitchen and spoke in her normal monotone. "It will be ready in a few minutes.."

"Thank you, sweetheart~." Giving a finger-wave in the girls direction before putting a bit more fake snow on the tree.

Him -- say grace? Seirichi would speak nothing else as she turned to the man and waited to see what exactly he'd do.. and he did just that. Around the table -- smiles began to appear from face to face as they listened on. Except for Nayon, who seemed to be more focused on keeping her eyes closed and bowing her head. But once it ended; Lilith and Nima quickly responded with soft, calm claps while Seirichi leaned over and reached for Dyarhk's arm. A soft squeeze. Showing appreciation for what he just said. "Thanks, Dark.. that was perfect."

"Storybook even." Chuckled Lilith. "The end.? She continued on before shaking her head and taking another sip of eggnog. Nima rose up, as did her hands as she looked about those at the table.

"Well! Let's eat, everyone! Eat and be merry!" Clap, clapping her hands together to begin the feast as festive music began to play softly from the illuminated tree.

And what a meal it was. All of the trimmings, none of the shortcomings. Nima had outdone herself, or Nayon, rather. Even Techichi warmed up to the merriment, as was hard to deny or avoid, especially when so much of it was her family. It was hard to warm up to Dyarhk as a fellow brother in arms, then as a friend, and now, Seirichi's paramour. But still, somehow, like a Christmas miracle, she was turned out a few laughs. And when Tetch warmed up to someone, that meant drinking. So it was no small surprise to see an abundance of smiles and laughter around the table of now mostly emptied plates.

"I believe thanks of sorts are in order for the future Lilith of Liltu.. who brought Christmas where I had thought I'd never see it." Dyarhk said, all the while providing his body as a prop of sorts for the more than tipsy Seirichi.

"Thank you. Thank you." The younger witch stood once more to begin a bow. Once to the left, and another to the right, before sitting herself right back down at the table to enjoy her fourth glass of eggnog. The alcohol hadn't effected her much, the same could be said about her mother. Then again -- Drinking was the norm for those of Liltu. But, as for Seirichi? She was a little lightweight when it came to that. Giggles let loose from her lips as she rubbed her cheek against Dyarhk's shoulder. "Ohh.. this is so fun.. Mmm.." Nuzzling some more. "I wish Kara was here.. Yanno? To see alla' this..!" arms rose up to gesture at, well, everything.. Only to find herself almost flopping over if it weren't for Dyarhk's lap. ?I'm sleeeepy..."

"I think it's time to get someone to bed." Lilith spoke as she kept her eyes on the two lovebirds.

"Naaahh.." whined Seiri as she gave a point to Nayon. "We.. we still got stuff to talk about, right? Right Nayon? Right?" She kept it up.. Only to get no response from the darker haired girl. Nayon sat there at the table, hunched; resting her head sideways against crossed arms as she peacefully rested amongst the noise.

"Now just make a Christmas wish come true and let us have a good night's sleep without the city alarm raising." Dyarhk held onto Seiri, calmly, trying to introduce a pace of such to her unconsciously. "I better get her to bed. Thank you again, girls. Nima." a special tip of the invisible hat to the master planner. He struggled to find a good grip on Seirichi, but once he got her to her feet, it was a simple matter of ' 'scooping' ' her up into his arms, limp, rag doll in the cradle he held her in. His collarbone pillowing her head as he guided her through the doorway to the back room.

Tetch was anything but buzzed. When man made teahouses they did not have people like her in mind. Besides, there was only so much revelry she could partake in after seeing her oldest daughter carried to bed by a mortal man, and a pathetic one at that. Techichi knew Dyarhk well, but was he good enough for Seiri? That wasn't a fair question. Was he what she had in mind for Seiri? No. She sat her glass down, colliding it with several other dishes. "He's been in there too long. I'm going to check on her." Tetch placed her hands on the table, heaving herself up all at once.

"Go easy on him, Mom." Nima spoke with a giggle. Oh, she was all for seeing conflict.. she was her mother's daughter after all. But, it seemed that Lilith would once more be the voice of reason in all of this.

"Now, now. Techichi -- We should leave them alone. Our daughter's her own woman now.. and Dark is a good enough friend to not take advantage of her in a drunken state." and just to get her point across? She'd now look the woman's way with an expression that read ``Just let it be.``
"Shouldn't we work on cleaning up this table anyway?" The youngest daughter was quick to step in at that.

"Nayon can handle it. Nayon?" She looked to the girl who was still face first into her own folded arms.. Nima thought she was just resting, but being asleep like this? It only caused her to pout. ".. Worst date ever."

"A date? I doubt she saw it as such." Lilith spoke while fishing for Techichi's arm as the woman took a chance to try and escape from the table when Lilith's attention was divided.

"I didn't have much picking room when everyone was so busy back in the city." Hmph. The youngest at the table crossed her arms as she sat there in her chair.. Nima did not seem amused.

Taking Lilith's arm then, she locked her fingers with the Witch's. "To bed then. Everybody. Let's use this time we've been gifted while we still have it." she placed her other hand over Lilith's she held, the reinforced escort, as she got up and turned with her. "Get a good night's sleep. I'm putting every ass under this roof to work tomorrow. Come on, show me to bed, white witch." that last bit spoken especially softly as she headed into the room beside the one Seirichi currently snored in. The only remaining room was one more separated from the others, and that would be Nima's.

"Ahh." Tetch said, relieving herself of some unbreathable clothing until she was in her undershirt. She pinched the white top at the chest and fanned it slightly. "Too much has gone on this week. I need a massage." she crashed, face-first into the mattress, her eyes completely closed. But they would open slowly, and reveal to Lilith if she were paying attention, the heartfelt look she could often display in them. "...you probably remember this room, don't you. Back when I was getting ready to face the water guardian. I remember it. Kamonbak was up late, memorizing how to summon a galleon for us to ride in on. And now Seirichi... where has the time gone?" she sighed, spreading that wealth in her chest when she reached for the headboard and dug her fingers down behind the mattress.

"Yes, yes. I remember this room." They only shared a look for a moment before Lilith began to disrobe. Techichi wanted a massage? Well -- she'd have to wait. Lilith did have her before-bed ritual after all. Fabric of her robes being folded within those arms and placed down onto a nearby table. The snow-white skinned witch reached behind herself to unfasten that bra as she spoke.
"I remember watching that scene many times just to make sure I hadn't missed the smallest bit of information before passing the findings over to Nima so that she could study before her and Seirichi began the trials." A soft, silk white nightgown fell and molded about her form as she gave pause to her words. "But yes.. where has the time gone." Freeing her hair and allowing it to fall over her shoulders and back before combing at those white strands with her fingers. "Seirichi is a mother.. Nima will be Lilith in no time. Maybe it's time for us to begin thinking about - our - future." Voice fell as she fit a pin within her mouth and began to manipulate her hair into a bun; freeing her lips once more as she took the pin to finish it up. Lilith would turn then and face the woman who laid out against the bed.

"Little miss boring here decided to throw up.. and guess who she did it on?"

"........ Heh." Seirichi couldn't help herself. It started out slow, but soon enough she was laughing like it was the funniest thing in the world. "Haha..! Oh.. Oh.."

This only caused Nayon to thin her lips.. which, was exactly what Nima did as well. "It's not that funny...." The young witch said with a loud ``hmph!``

Some distance behind Seiri, Dyarhk could be heard rustling about. "I slept like a rock. Seiri decided to give me my present last night." he stepped out from the room in a shirt and 2-piece navy blue pajama set with white piping on the long-sleeve button top. He held his arms out. "Comfy as can be. How's it look?" attending the crow's nest his hair had turned into while he approached the tree and claimed a spot by it.

"You could look a hell of a lot better. The only reason you look as half-decent as you do, is because my daughter does not have terrible taste in clothes. Now let's get this over with. Not everyone back home is as warm and cozy as we are." Tetch said, coming out in pajamas not unlike Dyarhk's, if for a woman. Her stretching for the ceiling proved this, when her navel showed revealing it to also be a 2-piece. Men's pajamas, she guessed they were just more practical. Or sexless.

"Mm.." Dyarhk nodded, using his sixth sense to reach behind him not looking and snag Seiri's wrist as she was passing by, snugly, but by no means nothing she couldn't get out of. Techichi plopped down beside Lilith, rubbing the shoulder farthest from her while she looked over everyone. Poor Nayon. Then she looked to Nima. "Okay, who's first?"

"Well. Since I'm the one who put this all together.. it's only fitting that I play Santa." Oh -- yes. Nima was once more putting herself in the spotlight as she slipped out of Nayon's lap; a lap that soon became hidden as Nayon curled into the chair. Her head pitifully placing itself against the arm rest as she tried her hardest to try and block out the throbbing headache she felt.

"Isn't that Mom's job?" Seirichi spoke up. Wrist breaking free of Dyarhk's grasp, but not in a way so she could venture off. No, the siovauni instead lowered herself down onto the floor in front of the seat he took and calmly leaned back against one of those legs.

"It's your sister's party. Let her do what she wants." Spoke Lilith in her daughters defense.

"See? Now shush.. Nayon!" The resting girl flinched at the loud yell of her name.

"Yes.. daughter of Liltu..?"

"Look more alive. You're being a poor guest.. Seriously, worst - date - ever."

The short haired woman rose up from her fetal position and sat up against her chair. ".......... Are you happy?"

"For now.. and watch your attitude."

This caused Seirichi to laugh again. "She's a little bit of a pain, huh?" Nima raised a hand in protest. Flashing her palm to Nayon to tell her, without words, to not answer that.

"Don't speak ill of Santa.. or no gifts for you!"

"Santa is the most beautiful woman in the world." Lilith was quick to speak up.

"Thank you, mother.. you get your gift first." Nima said as she gathered up those identical-looking gifts from under the tree. Stepping to her mother first and passing it to her. Then over to her mom.. and so on, and so on. As for Seirichi? She was indeed the last one to be handed the gift before Nima sat herself down once more beside the tree. "There. Go ahead and open them." Nima said with a wide smile.

Techichi, like Lilith, accepted her gift with normalcy. Perhaps a little less so than Lilith, who was, perhaps, a little more enthusiastic about her daughter's gift. But it had nothing to do with their different feelings towards their daughter. Techichi just didn't like this part of the holiday, mainly because Seirichi and Nima had made the most impossible of messes to clean when they were younger. An ocean of ripped wrapping paper, she would never forget it. But this single gift, she accepted with considerable relief.

Dyarhk had not gone without noticing the identicalness of the gifts, but he recalled Nima's spirit from yesterday, and how joyful she had been, and medicating of the horrors that were all around them. Surely, with a heart so big, there was more to this genuineness. He smiled softly, wondering what it could be, as you are supposed to, before looking less and less interested the more he found out about it; until he was holding a CD brandishing Nima's expensive-looking photograph on the cover, and a flashier one on the back with a track listing. He looked up uninterested as he saw Techichi first, wearing the same face, holding the exact same item. They all were. "..."
He passed the gift down to Seiri for her to stack with her own while feigning one of his favorite con-smiles. "Thank you SO much, Nima. What a thoughtful gift." Tetch tsk'd to the side. She knew what he was all about, but to be honest, it wasn't that far from what she was about to do.

"Yes, thank you, Nima." setting her own gift on the space between her and Lilith.

"Isn't it? They were supposed to be in stores this week but with what's going on in Adenna.. they've been forced to hold them back till the conflict is over. But I was able to get a few copies for my friends and family. "Yes. She saw it as the best gifts ever. They should feel so thrilled that they could get something so great from her!

".. You gave me this last week, Nima." Seirichi spoke out as she looked over the CD case within her hand. Ah -- but Nima was quick to respond. "No, no. See.. that one didn't have my signature on it. You better hold onto that.. one day it'll be worth a lot of money." Nodding her head. Seirichi only blinked.

"... I see.. Thank you."

"You're SO very welcome." The young witch said happily as she reached under the tree once more. "Mom. This is for you." Nima spoke while leaning awkwardly to the side so that she could pass the gift over before reeling herself back to watch. Lilith only began to smile as well.. she didn't need to say who it was from -- the way the wrapping looked so professional, as if someone put so much time and care into it. Only one person here could do such a thing.

"Merry Christmas." Said the White Witch. Watching Techichi take and begin to unwrap the gift, and soon open up the small box that was hidden within.. and inside? Much like all of Lilith's gifts -- it had been handmade. Crafted by her very fingers.. the sight of a lovely golden ring could be seen within. The hoop itself seemed woven, as if elves had created it.. and the setting held the most skillful cut diamond; cut in the shape of a star.

Techichi unwrapped the present, her green eyes lit up at the exposed gift. Two things came from the woman that did not often. A gasp, and the rare calling of Lilith. "Oh Lily, it's beautiful." her hand placed over the white witch's and those fingers interlaced with hers. She leaned over and kissed her lips once, and then twice for good measure. Coming back to hold out her free hand now wearing that ring while she lovingly held onto her partner's hand at the woman's leg. Dyarhk smiled seeing this, his fingers massaging his forehead.

"Let's see.. there's only two more.. aannnd.. they are for Me and Seirichi." She held the gifts up and looked to them. Nima didn't need much of a stare since she knew who they had been from -- the wrapping, after all, was different from what her Mom had gotten.. but all and all it still screamed Lilith. She looked back under the tree just then; and finally over to Nayon. ".... You had two days, sweetheart.. That wasn't enough time to get me anything? I told you to be prepared." This caused Nayon to blink. While this went on Seirichi leaned forward and plucked her gift out of Nimas hand.

"Thanks, Mommy."

"You're welcome." Lilith answered as she waited and watched.

"I didn't think you'd make me something.. How'd you know I would be back?" Speaking over the low-toned Nima who continued to speak to Nayon about her choice of not having a gift for her. Lilith gave off another smile.

"You didn't think I'd just stop making you presents just because you disappear?" Seirichi couldn't help but smile as well. Her heart felt a little warm just from knowing that her Mommy didn't stop doing what she normally did even though she up and left like that.. So, she began to unwrap her gift. Seirichi's eyes lit up at the sight of what it was. The design seemed the same -- her Mommy did work by themes each year. Instead of a ring she had been gifted a bracelet. The loop itself had the same same woven look of gold, but it lacked anything diamond-like. That didn't mean Seirichi disliked it.. In all honesty, she loved it. Slipping it onto her wrist and holding it eye level before reaching out and showing the man who sat behind her. "Isn't it cute, Dark?"

"It sure is." he agreed, nudging her back a few times with a few toes from behind her.

"Nayon. You had two days.." Repeating herself. But the black-haired girl finally, and calmly responded.

"Yes.. I had two days, but it wasn't enough. I was only able to craft one gift and I feel it would be wrong to give it to you."

This caused Nima to raise an eyebrow. ".. and WHY is that?"

"You're not the head of this family. It would be disrespectful. Now, please. Stop acting like a child." This caused Nima to open her lips once more.. but lacked the voice to respond. Instead, she watched as Nayon rose up from her chair and moved over to Techichi. "I hope you can accept this gift." She reached out and presented her open palm to the woman. It wasn't wrapped.. and -- next to Lilith's ring? It lacked much beauty. But what exactly was it?

"It's a carved replica of the blade you used during your guardian trials: Kamonbak. " Pint-sized and made of wood.. but it was amazingly detailed. Lilith's eyes couldn't help but light up at it as well. ".. It looks just like him. Interesting.." As she wasn't the center of attention.. and, totally disregarded by her so called date, Nima couldn't help but puff her cheeks in annoyance. Dyarhk rocked softly in the chair, a sweet smile on his face, and a tired demeanor over him. He seemed as if he knew something the others did not, but in reality, he was just reveling in the holiday as it went on around him.

Techichi didn't know what to make of it, at first. She did not feel much obligation to Nayon, but that wasn't to say she felt none at all. She accepted the gift, and indeed, it looked like the sword she had partnered with in the past. But first things first. "That is very respectful, Nayon." complimenting her on awarding the head of the household. And then to the gift. "It is a very lovely gift. It means a great deal to me coming from you, and that you made it yourself. I have just the shelf to display it on at home." she reached out, and grabbed the woman's arm, giving a rough Techichi-shake.

"Well Merry Christmas, one and all. ...I hope everyone got what they wanted this year. I did." Dyarhk beamed, his hand over Seiri's shoulder and rubbing at her collarbone. The only place he could reach her really from their awkward juxtaposed position.

"Merry Christmas." Techichi said, out of character, but she felt she owed it to everyone, Dyarhk included. She stood then. "Now, all of you get dressed. We're eating a fast breakfast. There is much work to do." Techichi said, going back to the bedroom she slept last night, the door closing behind her, signifying she was changing.