"Got you!" shouted Cecily Herondale.

The sword's hilt was cool to the touch and she gripped it determined while the tip of the blade was poised at Gabriel Lightwoods throat. Despite the appearance he was in danger he managed a small smile.

"You may very well have become a master of the sword."

"Thank you, she said politely."

"Of course I was the one who trained you for the past 4 months now so—"

"Careful Mr. Lightwood, I have such ill patience for meaningless small talk."

"Aaaaahhhhh and a temper like wild fire too."

Breaking apart from their position Cecily carefully set her weapon down while Gabriel made his way towards the window. The training room's décor and collection of weapons never seemed to lose it beauty, for such tools of destruction and grace should deserve no other term. Looking out she could see the gentle drift of snowflakes as they dusted the cobblestone walkways. Much had changed since the battle with Mortmain and the visiting of her parents. Time seemed to have escaped her and her precious state of longing as she couldn't help but stare at Gabriel's attractive features.

The way his hands ran through his hair, the color of sawdust and how his emerald eyes seemed so bright when he was deep in thought. His training gear fit his body well for he was tall and slender and strong. She remembered how he had blushed when she had commented that his complexion reminded her of a tree awhile back. Of course she would not say such things outright for though she was a romantic at heart she was also a warrior, one who liked having the advantage, especially about holding information of an upcoming event…

"Cecily? Gabriel called concerned."

"Can't I get a moments peace to be content within my own thoughts?!"

Her bold tone was as to be expected and she looked up at Gabriel testing him to say something, anything. He straightened up before walking a few careful steps closer. A smirk formed at the corner of his lips.

"And what fantasy would a certain black beauty be having about me hhhmmm? Gabriel said lifting his eyebrows amused. Cecily only stuck her tongue out at him before shoving him into the wall. That's when a knock echoed throughout the room, heavy in their ears. Tessa appeared in a blue and floral printed dress, her hair hanging down in loose curls.

"Gabriel we need your presence in the librairy, it's a matter of importance!"

"Has something happened?! He asked panic rising in his voice.

"Come quickly! Some Consul matters to attend to that require your input."

"I'll go as well—"

"No! Tessa shouted. I mean the matters our most confidential and your presence will not be needed."

"That's not fair! Cecily complained as she threw her arms up in frustration."

"Right of course I'll come, in the mean time keep practicing Cecily, your archery could use a bit of work as I recall." With that the door closed suddenly leaving Cecily with daggers in her eyes as she let arrows fly into the target. By the time she had calmed down the red circles were pierced and shredded to pieces, leaving her muttering profound language in welsh.

No sooner had Tessa dragged him into the double doors of the librairy that his head began to swim with questions, plopping down onto the marble tiles most uncomfortable.

"What's going on here? He asked surprised."

Indeed he was justified for he saw all familiar faces such as Tessa, Charlotte, Henry, Will, Sophie, and his brother Gideon. All of them were gathered here when such important meetings were called so why hadn't Cecily been allowed?

"Hello Gabriel, Charlotte said smiling.

"What is this about Consul matters then?"

"As you know tomorrow is a special event that should be celebrated throughout the institute—"

"Event?!"

"Yes one that regards of Cecily and is of top priority and must be kept secret, without her knowledge of our knowledge of knowing it."

"This makes no sense!"

It was Will who spoke up, "Come now surely if you claim to love my dear sister it should bring some helpful hint."

"I-I but s-she" he sputtered.

"It's her birthday Lightworm!"

"What?! He said completely shocked. Why wasn't I aware of this?"

"That's what I'm wondering", muttered Will under his breath.

"To be fair Will she never told any of us, we only know because you're her brother" Charlotte exclaimed.

"Yes why doesn't she want anyone to know?" Tessa asked.

"My sister is not the secretive type but she was the youngest of our family and felt her birthday wasn't as important and after I disappeared well it never seemed to matter to her anymore, she's not trying to hide something that she thinks no one cares about."

"By the Angel! I thought you said this was about Consul matters—"

"It is for I'm the Consul and to me a resident of the institute's birthday means much and I hope it is the same for you particularly, Gabriel."

"It…it does matter to me, he said quietly. So what is the plan of action?"

"A birthday dinner!" Tessa clapped her hands together before continuing, "With lots of cake and presents and merry songs!"

"I think that's a grand idea!" Sophie said leaning her head against Gideon's shoulder.

"So we are all in agreement then?"

There was a slight pause before the room was filled with the word "Yes." Leaving the rooms occupants to prepare for the celebration, Gabriel excited into the hall but not before grabbing a coat and top hat as he stepped out into the February frost.

Cecily stared up at the ceiling while lying on her four post bed. Twas a most un-amusing thing and she would rather train some more but she liked Gabriel's company and would prefer not to be reminded how she was not old enough to attend to Consul matter's like he was. After all he was 18, an adult and she was still a child. Rolling on to her side she began to think to herself.

Tomorrow is February 12th, my birthday, I'll be 16. Oh why do I care?! It's not like anyone else does, this is such foolishness!

"Cecily? Do you fair ok dear?"

"I'm fine Sophie, she said as she opened up the door."

Sophie was in her usual attire of simple dresses now that she had quit her job as a maid and was a Shadowhunter. A slight crack of light appeared as she opened the door carrying a tray of tea and scones.

"You don't have to take care of me anymore it's not your job now."

"Oh but it is."

At this Cecily fixed her attention on Sophie, a small smile on her face. Sophie handed the warm cup of tea and the contents made Cecily's lips tingle at the touch.

"Tell me what's been troubling you miss?"

"Oh its nothing really, the weather must be affecting my mood."

"But you love the snow Cecily, almost as much as you like delicate and rare trinkets."

"I…I just feel like such a child those traits don't help that problem."

"Those traits make you, you. Everyone loves and admires them especially Gabriel."

At this remark Cecily blushed before quickly regaining composure. She reached for a cinnamon scone and decided to distract herself with the pleasure on her taste buds.

"Besides what's the hurry to become a lady? As far as I know it is better to have a free spirit and young love is always the most romantic, at least in novels."

"Thank you Sophie."

"Oh the scones were no trouble at all—"

"I meant for your kind words and comfort."

Sophie beamed a radiant smile before giving a small nod, "It is my pleasure."