Day nine of the Solstice.
The Daycare was buzzing with the kind of frantic energy usually reserved for a caffeine-fueled squirrel convention.
It was Secret Solstice Day.
We had drawn names out of a hat three days ago. The rules were simple:
Buy a gift.
Do not reveal who you are buying for.
Do not buy anything that explodes (Rurik was specifically reminded of this rule twice).
The living room was transformed. The Tree of Stars (the small one we brought home) was buried under a mountain of wrapping paper.
"Okay!" I announced, standing by the fireplace in my slippers (the ones the Warlords bought me, which were basically wearable clouds). "We start with the youngest. Clover, you're up!"
Clover hopped to the center, holding a small, crumpled package wrapped in newspaper.
"This is for... Vali!" she squeaked.
Vali gasped. "For me?"
He tore it open. Inside was a carrot. But not just any carrot. It was painted silver (with edible glitter).
