#camelot.

[castilium]

not sure but think tumblr might have eaten the reply for gudao’s present. that’s not for you, fffffucker. for whatever reason it’s not showing on the dash or on mashu’s blog, but it does in her blog post tab so snaps a screenshot, thanks for playing.

[castilium]

Incoming delivery! Ashy pink giftpouch with a silver ribbon makes an appearance containing cookies honey cashew nut cookies with chocolate chips! "A little thank you gift! For looking after the strange milkshake too, you're pretty amazing! -eiden itadori"

In the immediate, the gift had come as a surprise — the milkshake saga was unique, and her heart had always been set on seeing it live happily with someone fit to take care of it. Eiden had been there every step of the way, and an unusual basis for a friendship to foster it might be, the experience had strengthened their connection, and she could see for herself what Charlie was always praising. Not that there would ever be any doubt — no matter how excitable the Saber might be, his judgment was sharp, and whenever Eiden was nearby, it was like the skies cleared and sun shone no matter what the conditions.

The sniffle of Fou's nose twitching close to the cookies brought a smile out. Eiden had gone through so much trouble, and with someone of such charisma, who knew how many others he'd done the same for? With a tug, the ribbon unfastened cleanly, opening the way for a single cookie which the girl broke in half, extending one towards her small companion. The other half would meet her own teeth, and hang there whilst taking hold her phone, tapping away without delay whilst the two of them indulged the sweet.

TO — EIDEN FROM — SHIELDER (MASHU KYRIELITE)

Thank you for the cookies. Fou loves them too! (b ᵔ▽ᵔ)b You're also really amazing too! Charlie takes any opportunity to say that. He's right. °˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖° Let me know what treats are your favourites and I'll bake some in return, as thanks for everything and as friends. ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

[castilium]

At the door she would find a purple box, lightly scented with peppermint meant to soothe. The contents consist of cookies, carefully iced with chocolate and sprinkles in the shape of her shield. “You’ve been through a lot and I heard this fragrance might be good for you. Hopefully it helps! Please enjoy these treats too, and remember to take breaks when needed!”

Her behaviour over past months hasn’t been subtle. She spoke to him in that month away from home in all manner of disarray, thrown between which name was supposed to be hers, which of a Fairy Knight heralding from another world, and the girl who a town gave shelter. He never judged her for being out at a peculiar, he never pressed down on her wounds and trusted her to hang in there. He’s someone she holds like a brother, the way she does Goetia. So his effort to prepare the gift with intent to calm her touches her dearly, it warms her.

“Just like Senpai,” she mutters with a smile. She doesn’t know the full circumstances of his existence as a Servant, only that he’s irregular and young, not unlike herself. And still, like her Master, his priority is her well-being, when there is so much else to worry about. He’s been part of an entire team taking care of her, and she’s ready to take care of him back. Like a responsible sister. “He’s always putting on a smile and it never seems forced, so I’ll show him a genuine one back next time, so that he can feel easier”.

[castilium]

rather than gifting the girl an abundance sweets, the former Director chose for a different approach. as someone who scarcely got to experience what things someone her age should, the least she could do is assist in that endeavor. it's the least she owes her. she holds out a large pink shopping bag, gesturing with her chin. " You should take more care to treat yourself, Miss Kyrielight. Inside this bag you will find a more than adequate bath set, lavender and chamomile scented to help you sleep. There is also a sleep mask, as well as a selection of teas and snacks I believe you would enjoy. I apologize if the size is one too big, but I found a pajama set that seemed to fit your likes. I hope you don't mind llamas. "

She understands it not to be an order, but advice — yet she accepts it as both. Her upbringing was minimal, and fewer know that better than the former Director, so the contents of the bag take her by surprise. They’re each a part of vital self-care of which she’s never prioritized, so to be granted supplies to change that, fills her with excitement. It fills her with happiness that Olga feels comfortable to put down what always kept them at arm’s length from one another and extend herself. Mashu nods attentively at the mention of each item within, like writing a checklist which would need striking with every evening that she followed through a determined routine.

“Thank you so much. The size won’t be an issue if it does turn out big — that’s just more to wrap up in. It’s ever so soft”. She may not be a member of Chaldea’s active staff anymore, but Olga has always, and continues to, been someone Mashu looks up to as a role model, the way she does Kirschtaria. The Ritsukas and Roman. The Masters of Grail Wars elsewhere. “With all this, sleeping should be much easier, and it would be one less issue to trouble you. Thank you, wholly and truly, for everything, particularly all that you’ve done for us recently”.

[castilium]

it was only fitting that the young girl get a return gift, now wasn't it? Mashu's message still hangs about in her mind and so Sakura decides to deliver it in person. a small bag of different purple-colored hearts the size of ones palm is what she holds out to her, a warm smile pulling at her lips. " The ribbons that keep it close-- you can use them as hair ties. And, if you'd like, I could show you some new styles to try out? If you would be okay with that!"

It felt like there was always so much on Sakura’s mind, Mashu truly wanted to help if anything at all could be done, yet had no idea where to begin. She couldn’t impose if they were troubles the older had intention of working out herself, but showing support at any given opportunity never hurt. It was because of those troubled looks that Mashu hadn’t anticipated seeing the girl personally on the day, and the pleasant surprise brought a light to her face immediately.

“They’re beautiful. Thank you so much, Sakura!” The bag rested upon both hands, her chest given as additional support so they come closer to her own heart. “I’d love that very much. It hadn’t been something I had thought of trying before, but all the different styles make me want to, and these would be perfect. And having you be the one to help would make it even more special. If you’d like, why not come in for some lunch? Senpai and the others are out delivering chocolates for the cafe’s event. They left before I woke up, but that’s fine because I got to see you”.

[castilium]

Admittedly… It’s still a little difficult to meet Mashu’s gaze these days— but thankfully, he can push those thoughts aside when it really counts. He still worries this gift won’t be enough, but surely she’ll understand the circumstances.

“Well— I didn’t realize Valentine’s works a little different here, so this feels a little underwhelming… But still— I made some batches just in case. So until White Day comes… Here—“ He offers her a small bag of personally-made chocolates, all crafted to nice squares. But in this bag, there’s a unique piece— a miniature Round Table shield, almost as big as one’s palm.

She’s aware something seems to have been troubling him, but apprehensive about pushing if there’s discomfort when she’s near. But for a day, none of that factors in — or he can keep it at bay. Her eyes light up at the contents within the bag — perfectly crafted chocolates, and a replica of her shield that looks like it could be Fou-sized.

“Not at all!” is her assurance, voice elevated by joy. “They’re lovely. There’s no need to think they’re anything short of perfect. Saber always talked so much about your cooking that when you joined the café, it was like a dream come true. And now getting to taste chocolates you made, it’s just like that feeling all over again”. She may have been swept up in the moment — if the past year has instilled anything in her, it’s that she cannot let anything pass by without her fullest appreciation, be it experience, holidays or dearest friends.

[castilium]

 though she would have liked to deliver it in person, a busy morning meant having to be quiet. so, it is left on her nightstand prior to leaving for the cafe before the sun rose. a pure white box wrapped in a purple ribbon, inside which held a small cake. vanilla flavored and layered, frosted with dark purple buttercream and decorated with pink and blue flowers and a mini-white chocolate Fou placed neatly in the center. 

   next to the box would be a smaller, black one. inside and resting against a velvet cushioning would be a pure silver chained necklace. the charm at the end is an amethyst gemstone in the shape of a circle. the stone is adorned with silver metalwork in the shape of Chaldea’s symbol. a card is set atop it. the message isn’t long. 

  “ Sorry I can’t be there to give this to you in person. Happy Valentine’s Day, Mashu! I know I’ve said it before, but I love you and can’t imagine living a life where I never got to meet you. I know things have been rough lately and still are and I know it’ll be awhile before anything is truly okay but I just want you to know that we still have good times and will have many more. I hope you have a wonderful day today! Love, Ritsuka. ”

She was well familiar with Ritsuka’s excitement come celebrations, so waking to find a gift left with the Master already out and about came as little surprise. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she peered inside the large box, touched by the sight within. It was beautiful; so much love and care had gone into every facet. That was Ritsuka — never giving it anything less than her all. A fingertip brushed against Fou’s head lightly enough not to disturb the stiff fur. Her right hand took hold of the box, the scrunchie about her wrist, even in sleep so that Ritsuka would always be there.

What lay inside brought all to a halt. “Senpai..!” A wondrous gift that shone in the morning sunlight, its gem gleaming delicately. Both hands withdrew in order to caress it, her knees pulled up beneath them, the card resting in her lap, its words angled upward. At New Year, she made a vow. A vow to embrace each day for what it was — another together. She couldn’t view each as a potential last, she refused to taint their time left, be it months or years. Ritsuka would never want that.

They had good times ahead, and they had each other no matter what was coming. The hot tears which swelled were none of lament, none of grief, none of unease. They were comfort, they were elation, they were love. Whatever may come, she had been granted the best gift of all in Fujimaru Ritsuka. And it was a fact nothing could take away. Her head tucked itself in, reaching her knees as she eyed the present with a watery smile. And then uncurled, casting her eyes towards the window.

“I’d best get things ready for once she gets home tonight. She’ll be exhausted after running all around the city”. Her hand closed around the necklace delicately, opposite fingers wrapping around the scrunchie, then relaxed. It would be a disservice not to put it on immediately.