This one was a large box but fairly light, and Anneliese's eyes lit up. "Ooh, that one's from me!"
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
There was a multitude of puzzles inside the box, some wooden, some metal, some mazes, some puzzle books. Some were very small and others were very large. "I bought one every time I went into the market," Anneliese said eagerly. "And I filled the box completely! I know you like puzzles so I thought I'd get you a whole bunch."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Ky grinned at her, then looked back at the box. This was quite possibly the least intimidating gift to interact with. And she loved that — the simplicity and thoughtfulness. “That’s very kind of you! You know you’re gonna have to help me with these, right?” She grinned at her playfully.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"I absolutely will, but only if you're completely stuck," she chuckled. "I bet you'll solve them all in, like, a day."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
“But there’s so many!” Ky said with a laugh. It really had been so thoughtful for Anneliese to be planning for this moment for so long.
Zander smiled softly, looking between the girls. It was good for Ky to have a sister that she knew. It was clearly good for her.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"Still." Anneliese smiled at her. "I believe in you. And I bet Lyra and Father and Mother will help too, right?" "Sure!" Tomhas said with a grin. "I'll probably make things more complicated, though."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
She set it to the side and grabbed another of the boxes.
(I know there is a book left but I’m losing track of how many presents are left and what sort of packaging)
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
(Okie dokie so there's a middle sized box that looks like it could contain an article of clothing, plus some wrapped packages stacked together, and then the book)
"That's the other one from me," Sara said. It was a thick cloak lined with fur, along with a set of fine gloves and a golden brooch in the shape of a caracal's paw. "You can see a theme," she chuckled.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
"Very warm!" Ky grinned, running her fingers across the cloak. "And very soft. These are so lovely. Thank you!"
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"Hopefully that'll be good for travel, if you ever need to ride through the bitter parts of the North."
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
"I'm sure they will," Ky agreed with a smile, setting them beside the alarmingly large stack of presents accumulating. She stood and moved to the table, taking a minute to consider her options. The gifts were -- thankfully -- dwindling down to a more reasonable number now. Fewer choices. She went for some of the packages that were stacked together.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"These all go with the saddle," Anneke said helpfully. The gifts consisted of a small grooming set, a harness and reins, and a few other horse-related items.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
"Wow..." She looked from the items in her lap to the gigantic stack beside her in wonder. There was literally nothing else in this entire world that she'd ever need again. At this rate, she may as well be a knight. The best armor and sword and saddle and horse supplies that ever existed. Entertainment. Warmth. Tea. "You guys really thought of everything, huh? This is incredible!"
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
Tomhas grinned broadly. "We did try. I'm so glad you're happy!" All that was left was the book, now. Maybe he should have saved the sword for last? Or something else? Maybe this would be a let down now.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
