Christmas Eve at the Jackdaw’s

[Trevor Jackdaw]

His face goes slightly sombre for a moment. (I've never stopped loving you. You have me. From now till eternity take us.) He kisses her cheek. (I am sorry if I struggle at any point to show you that.) and with that drops the link. ''Yes let's forget this matter for now.'' He gives a look at Ellen and the child. He's never attempted it before but he reaches out his mind in the direction of the child.

[Elisabeth.BasireDuP]

Elisabeth relaxes slightly and squeezes Helen's hand gently in return. "Thank you, you are a wonderful voice of reason. I'm sure it will be fine, I'm just so on edge with being in a new Court, and one so much larger than I'm used to. If you are sure the child will be safe, I will pull myself together and return to the gathering, to see if I am still welcome"

[annabelle]

Helen smile a little bit, hearing the little creature’s laugh. Ellen seemed happy with it while William was standing awkwardly not knowing what to do.

“You can wait with me until the Jackdaws arrive and then we can both go find the rest if that makes you feel safer. Going from isolation to this, is a cold shower and well…I don’t think anyone can blame you but sometimes the worst judge is our own minds.”

And with that she unconsciously starts tugging a curl while waiting for foolish Katherine.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

Just before he drops the link, Katherine states (You are not at fault. You don’t understand.)

“Yes,” she turns to the Prince, “You should have your present first your majesty.” She reaches for a small beautifully wrapped golden present with a real holly decoration and offers it to Erika.

[Erika Leroux]

Erika is surprised, but recognises Katherine's need to return to normal. She will have a discussion with Matthias about this at a later date. For now, normality. As much as a room full of predators all vying for power can be normal. She takes the present and thanks Katherine.

A childlike curiosity envelopes her - what has Katherine gifted her?

[Mrs K. Saunders]

Katherine goes back to tree and gives Erika similarly wrapped present but in green.

“This is for dearest Christine. Please you pass this on to her, if she is not able to return this evening?

[Erika Leroux]

Erika takes the package, and thanks Katherine, excusing herself briefly.

"I should check on Christine, if you don't mind?" Without waiting, she heads outside, to find her ward. "Christine? Christine, it's fine. It's all fine. The babe is safe, and I will have words with Matthias about this. Oh, and I have a present from Katherine for you."

She hopes her words settle Christine.

[Christine Daye]

Christine has been chewing her lower lip raw, pacing back and forth and singing to herself in agitation. But at Erika's words she sighs in relief and hugs the other woman tightly.

"...good... good... the poor little thing! ... are we going back in...?"

She's hesitant, but willing to be led by Erika's decision.

[Erika Leroux]

Erika nods.

"We've yet to give Katherine their presents. And I confess, I snuck in a little something extra for Katherine herself."

[CFlaubert]

Constance arrives back in, just behind Christine and Erika. She looks more herself than before. She thanks Christine for checking on her, and returns to the table with Reggie seated at it.