The eve of the winter solstice was a one of the largest celebrations of the year for the catling. All day the servants at Gryphon's Eyrie had worked to get the courtyard cleared of show and decorated just to the exacting standards Kina demanded. Large copper disks were arranged around the courtyard, filled with wood stacked and ready to be lit at dusk. Tables were laid out and covered with festive linens in gold and green, and everything was draped in garlands of holly and fairy lights.

In the kitchens large kettles were filled wih spiced cider, and set ready for heating. Over the cookfires roasted haunches of fresh killed venison, Romano and his archers had enjoyed the diversion that a good hunt brought so there was meat in pleanty. Not just the deer, but game birds and wild hare. Winter apples had been peeled sliced and baked into fluffly tarts, waiting to be covered with heavy warmed sweet cream. Dishes of baked vegitables and pasta stayed warm by the fire.

Once the preperations were completed and the servants were hovering around anxiously waiting for the expected guests Kina called them all together with a smile. "Everything looks lovely, I thank you all for making it perfect. Midwinters is a time for family and friends, and I can' think of anyone that is closer to us than you."

Drawing a large velvet sack from where it had been hidden during the peparations she began passing around small gift boxes, one to each of the servants, man woman and child. No one was left out. Those who bravely opened their boxes found a small stack of coins, and a small silver pin in the shape of a gryphon rampant. There were smiles and cries of delight at the thoughtful gift, which made the catling smile.

"As for tonights guests, You my friends are the guests. Enjoy the celebration and have a Merry Midwinter!"