(Daine watches Numair one Midwinters Eve.)
I can feel her eyes on me as I move about the tower, readying presents from various people. She's just sitting there, in front of the fire watching. I put the parcels down on the main table in the room, turning as a little voice asks for me. I got to Sarra and tuck her back in, leaving her room all too aware of Daine's eyes still on me as I walk.
I turn to look at her, but her eyes are averted, on something I can't see. Shrugging I go back to my restless moving of presents. She's watching me again, and I sigh, keeping my back to her. I know this game. She plays it, every time she wants something.
I don't look at her or even acknowledge her until she's standing directly behind me. "Numair?" her voice is soft, gentle, my safe place. I close my eyes for a moment before turning to look at her. "Yes, sweet?" I reply, voice hushed as to not wake the children. "Do you know what my favorite plant is?" she continued, her eyes locked on mine. Hopelessly I sift through my mind. Did I miss something? A birthday or an anniversary? No… No, I didn't. I swallow and shrug. "A rose?" I ask with a charming smile, hoping to defer the blow-up that was coming. She shakes her head and I can't help but notice how her hair shines and her eyes are teasing in the firelight.
She slides her arms around my neck and looks up. Curious, I look up as well, a bundle tied with a bow hanging above our heads. "No." she says simply, pulling my face close to hers. "Mistletoe." She's so close I can smell the peppermint candy she had eaten. "Suddenly, Magelet, it's mine too." I reply, closing the space between us.