With the final present tucked beneath the tree, Velest took a step back and let out a pleased sigh. Having spent the better part of the month collecting as many decorations as she could, the Priestess took time out of her busy schedule to make sure that tonight was special to all of those who had come to serve in their little regiment.
All of the boxes that housed their personal effects had been moved upstairs into her room and stacked up to the ceiling. Given the limited space of the small Dalaran hovel, this was the only spot she could use that was out of the way and out of sight. This left the main hall open to be decorated and filled with the Winter Veil cheer.
Stockings were hung along the railing leading up to the second floor and each one was decorated with individual names. Bits of candy and small bags of homemade tea were stuffed inside along with a written card in her best handwriting; mostly wishing the best for the recipient.
The tables were covered is red cloth with white snowflakes embroidered upon the edges and at the center were golden bowls filled with freshly baked cookies in the shape of snowmen. A small card on the table read ‘Take As You Please’ with a V in the corner.
But what stood out the most from all the decorations around the room, was the tree itself. The lights were colored instead of white like the lit garland above them and the ornaments were all different…and sparse. Upon closer inspection, they were designed for individuals instead of just for look. Each one was made of ceramic and held the person’s name written upon it.
For Aelfric, a model of his bike.
For Eledris, his goggles resting on a bag of coin.
For Aurelia, a black book with a vial beside it.
For Lycoris, a red flower.
For Zaviel, a raven.
For Vincint, a dagger and a pair of scissors crossed over one another.
For Lavi, a staff that had a white ribbon wrapping down the handle.
For Lain, his feather.
And for Farwyn, a sword with a smaller sword resting atop it.
At the very top of the tree, where a star or angel might sit, was a golden bird with its wings spread wide. It appeared to be lifting its head back to sing but no song came from the statue.
With one final exhale, the herbalist pressed a warm smile into her features and adjusted her bag over her shoulder. The day was ending and soon enough, everyone would be returning to take their rest and seek food but she would not be there to partake in their joy. Instead, she left a note for Lain and Farwyn where they would easily find them, and took her leave.
The warm glow of the candles in the windows welcomed her tired frame like the heat of a fire in the cold. As she rapped gently upon the door, she admired the old wreath that still hung upon the knocker. It was strung together with various flowers and herbs with a red bow at the very top that held ‘Emberlight Family’ written in gold filigree. She remembered the day they made it back when she was little and the fact it still was used made her smile even more.
That was, until the door opened wide. There, standing before her in a beautiful red dress, was her mother Gracelyn. Long strands of auburn were pulled up into a magnificent bun with large gold and red jeweled flowers scattered amongst it that shimmered in the light. The smile on Velest’s features faded as tears welled up at the base of her gaze.
“Happy Winter Veil, Mother.”
“Oh my sweet child!”
And they embraced in a tight hug full of tears and joyful giggles.