[He can’t help but chuckle as he addresses her comment with a dismissive wave.]

It’s hardly a competition, Ingrid. I’m happy to receive a gift from you in general. The question is whether I’m worthy of such. But I digress. Take as much time as you need to get it.

My heart was about ready to burst.

[It’s so swift that he hardly feels it amidst his nerves getting the better of him. In fact, it takes him a few second after to realize that it’s already over. All the tension in his body melts as his more stoic expression melts into a very subtle smile.]

Oh, that was all? Thank goodness…

R-right! It’s only tradition! Nothing to get so nervous over…

[Yet his legs still feel like concrete as he shuffles a little closer. He places his hands on her shoulders and lets out a deep sigh.]

So then… should I just meet you halfway?

scabbard is still being worked on, but I’ll be sure to get it to you soon enough.

[He lets out a strong exhale, as if all of his reservations just left via his breath. He’s left with only a smile as his hand descends over his chest.]

One gift down; many to go. But I’m very glad you like it. Your gift was probably one of my favorites to have commissioned. Unfortunately, the +

[Looks up at the mistletoe, then back down at Annette… only to veeeeeeery slowly take a step forward.]

You are actually a saint.

[Popping them into his ears at the speed of light for the sake of his sanity.]

Please tell me that your gift for me was earplugs—

…Ingrid? Am I hallucinating, or does Sylvain have a nut button?

Aside from the sleek silver blade and the white leather on the grip, there was something unique tied to the handle. A small sapphire charm cut to resemble a wing inlaid in gold.]

He takes it in his hands, lays it out atop his open palms, and hands it to Ingrid with a kindly smile.]

For perhaps my most devoted knight, and an even dearer friend, this is for you. Merry Sothismas, Ingrid!

[Inside the box was a saber, a sidearm should she ever find herself without Lúin. +

Well then, if that’s the case, give me just a moment.

[He turns to the small pile of presents he’s accumulated in his study and plucks what may be the largest of them all. It’s a tall black box that stands a little over knee-high to the Pegasus Knight, and it’s wrapped with an azure bow. +

I certainly hope so. And to that end, perhaps a bit of a test run is in order. That is, if you don’t mind receiving your Sothismas gift a little early.

//Someone has to, because not enough people try it lmao

A light blush stains the apples of his cheeks as he sets his gaze on his beloved once more, and his forehead instinctively gravitates towards hers until they rest against one other.

“What did I ever do to deserve an angel such as you, my sweetest Madeline?”

holds it up to the light at first, simply admiring how the colors reflect on the beads, and how the boar tusk reacts as well. And then, the final test. He slips the cord over his head and slips it down until it sits right on his neck.

“It’s beautiful… and nothing short of a perfect fit.”

together. Never once have you missed an opportunity to spoil me so, even when I protested at first.”

He turns his head away and opens his hands to receive her gift, not wanted to spoil the surprise. Only when he feels the necklace’s weight in his hand does he set his gaze upon it. Curious, he +

“You got me a gift?”

His eye widens, adding a slight shimmer to its deep blue hue. Yet it doesn’t last long, for he find humor in his own surprise. He chuckles beneath his breath, a smile spreading across his lips.

“Heh… I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised after all the years we’ve spent +