Author's note: I have decided to re-upload the story and do some re-'chaptering'. If you have read the story previously to that, please go back to chapter 4 before you read chapter 5, as it is a new one. It is the originally labeled chapter 5. Just saying, so you don't miss one…
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(A few hours later/Mymoma Playhouse, Fonsa Myma on Uraya)
"Okay. Then." Mythra's voice sounded so sharp you could cut core crystals with it. "Who. Gave. Me. This?"
They all had gathered in front of the Christmas tree. A huge pile of presents all wrapped up more or less nicely and tidy lay beneath it. While the others still admired the tree, Mythra had already started unwrapping her first gift. It turned out to be a cookbook, entitled '101 all-time favorite recipes from all over the titans'.
Rex looked at Zeke, who looked at Morag, who looked at Rex, doubtingly.
"This present for Pyra, me thinks", Tora finally said hesitatingly. "Maybe check name tag on it?"
Mythra took a closer look at the name tag. "Oh. Yes, it is", she said, tossing the book aside and snatching the next one. "This seems to be for you, Morag", she handed her a small parcel. "Ah, and that one is for you, Rex."
"Um, thanks."
Rex sat down to open it. It contained a new hoist gear for his salvager gloves. "Neat", he commented.
He also got a salvaging talisman, a book on 'What Girls Really Like', some chocolate and a tie… just to name a few. Among the presents for the others was a new filleting knife for Aegaeon, perfume for Brighid, sausages for Tora, a dashing looking pendant for Pandoria, a book on 'Royal Behavior' for Zeke, a pretty much daring outfit for Pyra, cosmetics for Morag, and so on.
Mythra had unwrapped a hand carved figurine which she actually seemed to like – much to Rex's relief- and some chocolate. She halted, when she got hold on her next gift, a rather small and thin parcel, wrapped in shiny golden paper with stars printed on it. She stared at the name tag on it as if she could not believe her eyes.
Rex noticed her hesitation. "Is there a problem?"
"What?" Mythra looked up. For a moment puzzlement showed in her eyes. "No. It's nothing", she hurried to say.
This Rex doubted. He could see her unwrapping the present absently-minded. In it was a shimmering fabric. Mythra unfolded it and let the paper fall to the floor unheededly.
"Oh!", Brighid exclaimed catching her breath. "This is beautiful."
It was a silk scarf in a light green with golden and dark grey imprints in the shape of her core crystal. It did look stunning beautiful. Brighid was absolutely right about that.
"It will look amazing on you, Mythra", Rex said. Which also was the truth.
"But…", Mythra started. She stared at the scarf in disbelieve.
"Put it on", Morag encouraged her.
"I… will", Mythra said. "Later. But first… there are other things to do."
She seemingly tried to pull herself together. Then Mythra vanished and Pyra appeared in her place. Instead of the scarf she was holding a plate with a large cake, covered with icing. For a moment Pyra looked a bit taken by surprise. But she composed herself quickly.
"First", she took up Mythra's words and smiled, "let's have cake."
"Cake", Tora exclaimed. "Tora very hungry now, indeed."
"Then hand me a knife, please", Pyra smiled at him. "And I will cut you the first piece."
Somehow Rex couldn't shake the feeling that this was some kind of red herring, a diversionary tactic. Mythra's retreat looked to him more like she was running away from something. But what this might have been, he had no idea.
