Tales of the Inari King and Woodland Queen

Chapter 9

0

December 23.

Just two days before Christmas and the Motou household was bedecked in a winter wonderland of decorations. Yugi had made sure the old tree was set up in time before he had departed for the Winter Solstice and in time, the rest of the household was set with the remaining decorations. The table was set with its festive tablecloth, embroidered flakes providing a beautiful border around. The mantel held a garland of poinsettias and a small golden candelabra with candle a soft white settle in each arm. The low table held a centerpiece of holly and pine with a small table runner underneath a ruby red, the embroidery a woven chain of mistletoe leaves in emerald green to stand out. Between the living room and kitchen, everything was perfect. Yugi smiled at the sight and hugged his mother who had been in charge with most of the work to save his grandfather from being high on a step stool to hang up anything.

The older man told them they were being too cautious but they both knew he was getting on in his years. They want him to be able to stick around as long as he could before he finally passes and Atemu took over for his reincarnation. Sugoroku couldn't argue to such concern and had given them a smile before wandering off himself. "Think Atemu will like it?" Reichiru asked and Yugi nodded. He was sure the king would enjoy the work done to the main house. Yugi did wish he could've made his own spin on decorations, knowing Atemu was a master of handicrafts, making his own work that was simply dazzling. Alas, Yugi hadn't the time or resources to get them but promised himself that next year, he'd make a centerpiece that Atemu would love. With the menial work done, Reichiru padded off into the kitchen to plan the midafternoon meal, leaving Yugi to his own devices.

He headed into his room, closing the door with a soft click before moving over to the bed, reaching underneath to grab a box that he left hidden there. Within was the gift he had for Atemu, a light smile crossing his face as he opened the box delicately and took out the item from the tissue paper. Delicately hand-blown glass shaped a wonderfully crafted chalice. The stem held woven vines with tiny leaves sprouting in places along the length of them, the ends encircling the rim of the glass that was colored in blue. Gold-leaf filaments dusted inside the leaves of the vines, finishing the piece beautifully. It would be wonderful for Atemu's apothecary work and Yugi was excited to pass it onto him. "I hope he loves it." He whispered, packaging it back into the thin tissue paper, wrapping it carefully over the glass then sealed the box shut to wrap later. Atemu wouldn't be here til late afternoon so he had plenty of time to wrap it and get it under the tree before he arrives.

Box tucked away, Yugi headed down to help out with a few chores before preparing a meal plan for dinner that night to welcome his husband.

0

The sun was beginning its slow descent behind the horizon and Yugi was sweeping around the shop. Dinner was being prepared as he was closing up shop, a sound from outside catching his attention. Violet hues glanced up, seeing a form passing the window and smiled when he saw the familiar silhouette, putting the broom to the side so he could run over to the door and open it for Atemu. "You made it!" Atemu smiled, leaning down to kiss his queen. Of course I made it, he said, knowing he wouldn't miss spending the holidays with his partner and family for the world. Yugi smiled more before seeing a covered item in his hand. It was clearly the size of a bird's cage and wondered if Atemu had brought Xerxes for the visit. Atemu saw Yugi's eyes drift to the covered item and grinned, telling him that the cover would be pulled off at Christmas. "So no peeking, dove~" This had Yugi pout but nodded, knowing that Atemu had his reasons for the secrecy and couldn't wait to see what awaited under the cover.

From under his sweater did the two kudagitsune appear, squeaking with glee at seeing the queen and Yugi clapped happily to see them, holding his hands out to them. The leapt from Atemu's sweater, landing on his palms before crawling up his arms to nuzzle his cheeks. "Hello, my babies. Been good since I last seen you?" Yugi cooed as he nodded for Atemu to follow him to the living area. The little kudagitsune squeaked in response to the queen's question and Yugi smiled, stroking the red one's chest, making him purr in delight to his touch before both decided to make themselves comfortable under his sweater, tickling the queen who laughed with jovial delight. Reichiru heard the laughter and peeked from the kitchen to see Atemu had arrived and the wriggling bodies of the tiny pipe foxes that had her son close to tears in laughter. She smiled at the sight before telling him that he should get Atemu settled in and comfortable.

"Ok, mama." Was his reply, patting the two spots that were the little spirits, a gesture to calm them, and led Atemu up to his room even if the other was familiar enough with its location. Once in the bedroom, Atemu perched the covered cage on the desk and settled his pack on the floor. Yugi let the pipe foxes onto his bed, seeing them eagerly sniffing his quilt and pillows with eager fascination and directed a place for Atemu to settle the meager change of clothes he brought with him. As Atemu settled himself in for the stretch of days to come, they chatted, Yugi asking how the spirit world was fairing now that winter had hit and all the spirits were deep in hibernation. All are doing well, my queen, the king spoke warmly. The animals were safe in their hollows, the spirits equally the same. Atemu had gone to each and every creature, checking to make sure they were safe and sound in their slumber.

And...of him. The words were hesitant, a topic only breached out of trepidation of his return. Atemu's eyes flashed, a red beacon of warning as he assured Yugi that there was no sight of Dartz to come in their land. "He should be slumbering as the rest if he values a swift recovery but if not, he would be wise to not try and stalk my lands in search of you, expecting the winds to not speak to me of his dissent." Atemu spoke with a bitter edge. Yugi nodded, reaching out to touch his mate's hand which had gripped tight onto the cloth caught in between. It was no less clear that the incident had brought an anger unseen, such that had been shared by only one other to have invaded Atemu's life so callously. Yugi knew well to tread carefully of the things he spoke about but as long as home was still in Domino, he took care to know what happens in the spirit world and what could affect his beloved king without him. while his archery hadn't take to moving targets yet, he wouldn't be opposed to make warning shots if it meant protecting Atemu.

Atemu smiled at the touch, bringing his head down to run his lips light over the pointed crown to grace his queen's head. To see such care and warmth in his touch had his heart swell. Truly, he could find no spirit better than Yugi's and still blessed the earthen mother for her guidance that brought them together. Tucking away the last of his things, Atemu had moved to perch in a familiar spot upon the bedroom floor, bringing Yugi into his lap to curl his tails about him. A touching gesture and one that brought back a well of memories of the past. Yugi hard at work in his final year, studying almost tirelessly while Atemu sat in the very place he coveted now, a comforting presence to ease his overworked mind. When he had studied long enough into the late hours, Yugi remembered the gentle touch of Atemu's, of him pulling a once aberrant youth from his worn little chair at the desk swathed in textbooks. How he cooed with a dreamy baritone as he brought the young teen into his lap, blanketed him with tails so soft and warm and allowed him rest.

Yugi remembered those nights fondly and smiled as he stroked the very same tails with the same fondness as he had in the past. Atemu smiled as he saw his mate relax into the comfort and safety of his tails, running fingers through the soft mane as he asked of his game. "Oh it's almost finished! A spring release is what we're aiming for! I can't wait!" Yugi gushed though Atemu had a mild mix of a smile and frown crossing his face. Yugi didn't see it from his position, speaking of the details that Kaiba had sent to him of Spherium's progress and how well the testing phase had been going. If it sells well, he'd like to contract me for a version two, Yugi continued then paused when he heard no response from Atemu, a strange fact as he was the sole figure to always praise any and all progress towards his game. "Atemu?" Startled from his thoughts, Atemu smiled and nuzzled his queen. Excuse me for being distracted, dove, he apologized but Yugi wasn't taking that. He turned in his embrace, looking deep into the scarlet eyes he adored so much and Atemu returned the look, ears pricked forward curiously. He was hiding something and Yugi could only settle that it had to do with the spring...

Spring...

The season of awakening and rebirth...

It didn't take much to clarify Atemu's flighty response as Yugi knew his mate well enough. Even for the human illusion he took, he was still an animal at heart. And Yugi knew enough about foxes to know when they were in season for their breeding period. Atemu would be in a full on rut by the spring as midwinter was focused on watching over the land in its slumber. There would be no time to focus then. With the knowledge of that, it was certain the other would be disappointed that his queen wouldn't be available to him during that. Well Yugi couldn't have him think such a thing. A hand touched a firm cheek, bringing the scarlet gaze to his own and Yugi smiled. "Atemu, don't think for a single second you'd be spending that time alone. All Kaiba would need me for is an opening ceremony for the first day. After that, all sales are handled by him and I get the contribution pay direct deposited. I am your queen first before a game developer. I won't be absent to your rut."

Atemu was speechless to the declaration but what he couldn't say verbally was met instead with a passionate kiss of pure love and adoration for his chosen. Yugi was simply a delight, always having him in mind and courteous to any and all aspects of his life. How could the king ever think to have found a better mate in the past before Yugi's birth into the world. He'd be a right fool to start, that was a given. His heart swelled with nothing but love, kisses pecked over his queen's fair skin and sweetened lips and would've dared risked more if Reichiru hadn't called them down. Dinner was done. This got a derisive huff from the king, making Yugi laugh as he pressed a kiss to his cheek. When the house silences for the night, we'll go play, Yugi promised and that was enough to ease the king from the floor and join his queen for the evening meal.

Indeed they will play. The frosted gales calls for the king and queen to enjoy a night to themselves and they would be foolish to ignore it.

0

Yugi slept in the next morning, their evening late as they gallivanted around the snow ladened paths, dancing amongst the snow flurries and the hidden sprites within those very drifts. The king and queen were welcomed with joyous reverence and led through dark streets and shadowed corners hidden to the eyes of man. They saw what they would never see, the beautiful world of frost and ice laid out before them. Moonlight made the surface glitter like diamond dust, sprites fluttering around their short snow drifts and tossing their hair and fur about with playful delight. Yugi enjoyed every minute of it beside his king until he grew tired and was returned home in warm arms and a neck of heated fur to pillow his head.

Atemu woke before him and knowing that breakfast was missed due to their sleeping, he brought it upon himself to prepare a decadent meal for his queen. With permission from his mother to have use of the kitchen, he went to work with the kudagitsune at his side, fetching him ingredients at his command and stayed on his shoulders when he chopped vegetables to add to the boiling pot. Savory warmth filled the air along with the earthy richness paired with bread baking inside the oven, drawing Sugoroku from below who spotted the king first before the boiling broth on the stove. "What smells so good?" Atemu looked to the elder with a smile. A favorite of mine for the winter season though the meat had to be replaced with ne venison available, Atemu replied, bringing out a small sampling dish to allow Sugoroku a taste.

The elder man took the dish, sipping the thick broth and hummed in delight. The fresh vegetables and herbs, thick broth and bits of juicy meat made for a promising and delicious beef stew that made his mouth water for more. I hope you plan to share this recipe with the family, he chortled, making the king laugh warmly but promised to share, making a bowl of stew for his slumbering queen. "The bread has a few more minutes. When it's ready, take it out, let it cool then give it a touch of honey and butter. Freshly baked bread is always best when warm." Sugoroku nodded, taking a seat at the table while Atemu headed up to the bedroom to deliver Yugi his meal. Entering the room had him see nothing but the tips of his mate's spiky crown peeking from under the blanket, the sunlight making the room brighter which led to the current predicament of tucking his head away from the encroaching sunlight.

Atemu shook his head towards his partner, moving to the desk to set the tray down then took a moment to check on the cage, lifting the cover to check on the animal within. Yugi began to stir to the scent of the stew, slowly bringing his head from under his thick comforter and hearing his movements had Atemu drop the cover to look over to him. "Good afternoon, dove. Made a little something to wake you up more." Yugi lifted himself up with a light groan, stretching like a languid cat fresh of a afternoon nap and looked to the tray. The stew looked very appetizing and hands reached to take the tray and sample a bit. The delight to brighten his face made the king smile, sitting on the edge of the bed as Yugi enjoyed his meal, both discussing on what to do with the rest of the afternoon. Yugi had a couple things to wrap and would appreciate a bit of help from Atemu which the king easily agreed to.

All the presents were stored in his closet, leaving Atemu to bring them out while Yugi gathered the wrapping paper from the downstairs closet. With everything on the floor, scissors and tape included, the two busied themselves with wrapping gifts. It was quite an episode to wrap things, with the small pipe foxes wanting to curiously poke their nose into everything before eventually finding their fun with ducking away into the empty cardboard tube of a finished roll. Yugi laughed good-naturedly at seeing them playing, finishing another present with a bow. Tagging it for his grandfather, Yugi stretched a little before taking a glance at the time. They've been at this for a good hour now and decided now was a good time to wrap Atemu's own. First, he had to get the king out of the bedroom. With a wave of his hand, Yugi asked if Atemu wouldn't mind making some tea for them to share.

"Green tea with ginseng and honey." Yugi recommended and Atemu nodded. When the king was gone, Yugi clapped his hands before scooting to the bed and dug under for his gift. The kudagitsune looked to him curiously, seeing the box brought from underneath. "Come look. This is what I got for Atemu." He whispered, opening the box and the two foxes came to look inside. Seeing the glittering surface with its gold filament leaves and sapphire rim had the little foxes chirp in absolute joy to such a wonderful expression of love. The king would love and cherish this gift for days to come. Yugi smiled, closing the box again before grabbing a roll of paper. Glad you approve, that only gives me hope he'll love it, Yugi whispered. The queen knew well Atemu would appreciate anything he could give, even if it was just a river stone. The genuine gesture was more important than the price. An act of giving that had been absent from Atemu's life for so long as so much was taken from him.

Yugi knew his presence and purpose alone made him happy but still wanted to offer something of sentimental value to the king. Something that was an expression to everything he gained since that fateful moment of making his prayer at the king's shrine. A flush of red warmed the queen's cheeks as he wrapped the present with care. He just couldn't imagine what a boring life he'd lead if he never met Atemu. The sheer idea of what could've befallen him with his fae heart should it have ever decided to awaken...or perhaps not at all. The thought of that left a cold feeling to sweep through his body. Yugi couldn't even think to imagine being naïve to the natural world around him. Of all the spirits and fae to live beside humans the best they could without being seen. Of the help they need to strive without fear of their safety. A chirp had him blink from his thoughts, looking at the small golden kudagitsune who watched him with gentle eyes and smiled, finishing the last detail on Atemu's present then lifted the small fox into his hands.

"I couldn't imagine a life without Atemu. Or you. Living day to day as normal as life can be would be so uneventful without the presence of all the spirits and fae I know now." As he spoke, he scratched the fox under her chin, making her chirp. No, she couldn't imagine the same of Yugi. He belonged with the spiritual world and with their king. It was fate's design that promised him that even when he didn't know of it himself. And Yugi knew he would never think to challenge fate when it had brought to him such happiness when long ago, he felt himself undeserving. Looking to the door, he smiled as Atemu appeared with another tray, loaded with a kettle and two steaming cups of tea waiting to be consumed.

Never would the queen wish a day without his king.

0

With all the presents done, they were set under the tree for the next day and the rest to be commanded at their leisure. So the two sat in front of the television in the living room, under the duvet normally perched behind the couch. Yugi nestled into Atemu's side, he was flipping through channels that were easily converted to play about every holiday Hallmark movie known. Nothing really charmed to stick out as Yugi had seen them all at least once. Heartwarming or cliché, Yugi felt none would really appeal to the inari king and decided that a channel playing instrumental Christmas music was satisfying enough. He felt an arm around his hip pull him close, bringing his violet gaze up into gentle scarlet before the head lowered to press and gentle kiss to lips that waited patiently.

"Mmm, still sweet with the taste of summer berries." Atemu purred, moving his other hand to drag through soft strands. Yugi gave a soft giggle, whispering that Atemu still tasted like cinnamon with a gentle touch of minty winter flavor. "You seem to always change with the season. Makes every experience of kissing you something new without losing the core that makes you, well...you." Atemu smiled, nuzzling his mate's hair with the approval that he was always a surprise waiting to be unwrapped by his queen. "I'll change in many ways but will always at my core be your lovable trickster king." He whispered, making Yugi smile as the two kissed again. "And soon, I'll be right beside you as your trickster queen." Their tender affection didn't go unnoticed, Reichiru from her place just behind the doorway into the living room from the kitchen. She heard their gentle anecdotes and smiled warmly to see her son so happy with the inari king. She already knew as much when they first met and was resistant to the thought of her baby boy being tangled up with the spirit world but the more she got to see of Atemu, of his very real and very loving affection to everything that made Yugi who he was today made her happy of who married her precious boy.

He was in good hands with Atemu and she would be there to support them every step of the way in the present and far beyond that. She smiled, thanking kami for the blessing given upon her son and left the two to their interlude upon the couch while she began on dinner, the beef stew quickly eaten after Atemu offered the leftovers to her and Sugoroku.

It was certainly delicious and couldn't help but wait for him to write out the recipe for her to try.

0

As the night grew late, Yugi was in bed, tucked under his duvet, wide awake with the kudagitsune settled beside him on the pillow. Atemu was in full form, nestled comfortably on the floor and sleeping. The cage sitting on his desk was silent as the day it was brought in, making Yugi curious about what laid within. But he had a promise with his beloved king and wouldn't peek no matter how strong the temptation is. And being awake now gave him the opportune time to get his own present under the tree while Atemu slumbered. Making sure the pipe foxes were deep in their slumber, Yugi slowly untucked himself from his bed and reached under the bed, pulling the delicately wrapped present from underneath. He smiled warmly as he looked over the gold and red patterned paper, green bow tied with numerous loops to make a beautiful rosette blossom in the very center. Tails were crimped to give them a gentle wave like emerald rivers.

It was his best gift wrapping job and felt proud of such an accomplishment. But no time to admire the wrapping job, Yugi had to get this under the tree! Standing, Yugi looked over to his partner, his king, and smiled. The moonlight shone through his window, illuminating the floor and the space where Atemu slept, his fur aglow in the silvery light. Radiant as he is under any natural light, Yugi couldn't help but admire his beauty and once again felt ever so lucky of how he was able to be queen to such perfection. Sleep tight, Atemu, he whispered into the silent air before creeping out from his room, watching for any squeaky floorboards that would betray his presence up so late in the evening. Slippered feet crossed the hall with ease, down the stairs and towards the wonderfully decorated tree. A number of presents were settled under the tree with a space made for one more. Yugi smiled as he knelt down and slid his present into the space before standing once more.

With his gaze brought to the tree once more, Yugi grasped his hands tight in blessing to the earthen mother, giving thanks to all she had granted to him most graciously. "I will continue to be the queen worthy of Atemu's side. To forever be his regent in times of need and his shoulder to cry on. To protect him as he does for me and take care of all things living within the hallowed wild world hidden from man." He whispered, clapping his hands three times to finish the prayer before he was off back into his room, slipping quietly into bed and tucked himself in. with one last look to Atemu peacefully resting, Yugi curled away under the duvet and drifted off, a gentle snowfall bringing a fresh new blanket of snow to cover the land.

0

"Yugi? My sweet little dove, it's time to rise and shine."

A muffled complaint of its too early came from the prone form underneath the warmth of his duvet, making the deep baritone chuckle. Well, if you won't get up then you'll miss out on opening presents, the voice of the king uttered, moving from the bedside and the sound of his steps had Yugi rise from the bed. Fully awake now, the smaller queen gave a pout towards his partner who grinned from his place by the door, both kudagitsune settled upon his shoulders with equal amusement to match. "I could've let you sleep in but your present won't settle to wait any longer so it was in my best interest to make sure you got up." Atemu spoke with a wink before leaving the room. Yugi giggled a little before swinging his feet from under his duvet, tucking them into his slippers and was out the room. Sugoroku was already on the couch, Atemu serving him tea while Reichiru divvied the presents. The cage sat upon the coffee table innocently, no one having peeked under it to see exactly what Atemu had brought with him upon his arrival into the household.

When Yugi made it around the couch to park it beside his grandfather, Reichiru smiled and told them it was time to open their gifts. "Yugi, why don't you start." She spoke, pulling one from under the tree that was from his grandfather. He took the present in hand, smiling to Sugoroku before pulling the paper away to reveal a game box in hand. It was the newest installment of Capsule Monsters, a game he invested in during his downtime and absolutely loved its concept. Like chess with a Duel Monsters twist. Having been focused on his own game and the events of the spirit realm, he hadn't had the time to look into the next installment but his grandfather was certainly on top with the news. "I've been waiting for this for so long! Thank you, jii-chan!" Yugi squealed, turning to hug him happily and making the elder laugh. With a pat to his back, Sugoroku told him that he was happy to still make him smile.

Atemu's ears gave a light twitch as Reichiru went to pull out the next gift labeled to her father-in-law, passing it to the elder. The pattern continued, apologies given to Atemu that they didn't have anything prepared for him. "At ease. You have already given me the best gift that keeps on giving, Reichiru. The heart of your beloved son. His wishes and dreams, honor and kindness. Everything that shapes him from the wonderful boy that grew into an amazing gentleman is all I could ever need. No miracles necessary." As he spoke, a hand reached to take Yugi's own, making the smaller male blush but didn't resist leaning against his king, thanking him for such kind words. "I may be everything you could ever want, Atemu, but I do feel you are deserving of something. For all the wonderful things that you do without asking for anything in return except the love and loyalty of your subjects." Yugi whispered, moving to stand to reach under the tree for the last present there and brought it out.

Stepping back over to the king, Yugi presented the gift to him, smiling brightly with a whisper that he hoped Atemu liked it. Anything from you would be loved with everything I have, Atemu replied, looking over the gift wrapped so nicely and went out of his way to unwrap it with little haste as if he wanted to preserve every little detail. When he got to the box underneath, ears flicked in curiosity before opening it and what laid within left him speechless. The crafted chalice was beautiful in his eyes with its sapphire rim and gold leaves. The vines to encircle the stem were crafted with an expert hand, the hand blown glass thick to ensure longevity and he would be well assured it would be put to good use. "This is beautiful, sweetling. The care to go into this work of art I can feel at its core. The soul speaks out to me, of its artisan and the love that she put into this. It's nothing like anything you see in bulk. This is special and clearly something to call out to you to select it."

Yugi blinked before grinning. He did feel quite a magnetic pull to the chalice when looking for something suiting that Atemu would love and by his word, it was clear the chalice knew that fact. Knew exactly what would become of it in the king's possession. Tucked back into the tissue paper, Atemu closed the box and leaned down to kiss Yugi's cheek, thanking him for such a meaningful piece to be added into his home. Now then, he began, standing and setting the box to the side. With everyone's eyes on him, he smiled then looked to Yugi. "It's time for your gift, my beloved queen. As I had promised you the day I've brought you into my world, I would teach you everything that time forgot. Of fishing, trapping and archery. Foraging and falconry. Of everything the woods and wilds would provide to you with ease. And when I introduced you to my trusted falcon, I saw the delight in your eyes. It was then that I wanted to see you flourish as a falconer."

As he stepped behind the table, he touched the covered cage and Yugi scooted forward, eyes wide and shining. "Thus, arrangements were made and I was able to have a wonderful specimen be hatched and ready for your acquisition. She had been patiently waiting and colored me surprised that she hadn't been vocal towards meeting you. But I suppose being well fed would keep her quiet and not spoil her as a gift." The cover was unbuttoned and pulled away and within the silver cage sat a beautiful saker falcon. She preened her feathers, her plumage a delightful cream color and speckled with chocolate spots about her breast, the same color covering the expanse of her nape, back and wings. Her almond eyes were bright when she lifted her head to gaze at her new master, a willowy chirp echoing in the room and Sugoroku was impressed. The avian was well cared for, to be expected in Atemu's hand, but what impressed him more was the fact the breed in general was quite endangered.

Atemu trusting such a creature in Yugi's hands with that knowledge was enough to show the trust he held in the young male to rear and raise the falcon to the fullest capabilities she had as a fledgling falconer. Yugi had no words to express his joy of having a falcon of his own and was sure Xerxes would be happy to have a partner to roam the skies with. With a swift click of a few latches, Atemu had the falcon perch on his hand before bringing her over to Yugi. Would you like to hold her was the question asked and he nodded eagerly, positioning his arm as taught when handling Xerxes. She looked between Atemu then to Yugi, stepping down from the king's arm and onto Yugi's, careful of her talons. Her eyes gazed into vibrant amethyst, her soft almond eyes appreciating the queen whom she was bestowed to and was pleasantly pleased by Atemu's choice. She would be honored to become Yugi's trusted companion and rule the skies alongside Xerxes whom she only knew by name so far. She was still young but she has promise and would only flourish in her talents under Yugi's guidance and Atemu's tutelage.

"So, do you love her?" Atemu asked as Yugi reached to stroke her head fondly. "I love her. Absolutely love her. By the woods and wilds I don't know what to say except...thank you, Atemu. Thank you so much for seeing me ready to own a falcon all my own." The king smiled, sitting beside him as Sugoroku and Reichiru decided to clean up the paper and boxes to allow them the moment together, though it was warned that any mess the falcon makes was to be cleaned up by them. Atemu laughed but promised that they would be careful of her. Yugi had to say for his first Christmas shared with Atemu, it was one to never be forgotten. And he can only hope tradition like this would continue on well into the future once he was at his side for good as a spirit to their realm. Perhaps lacking in gifts as the greatest gift to have was the love they shared for one another.