aisling knows better than to disturb her daughter from her sleep. instead of wakening her, she carefully delivers a small stack of individually wrapped gifts, wine-red tissue paper secured by somewhat lop-sided black velvet ribbons. a small leather-bound journal, foxes embroidered on the front cover chasing one another in a merry loop. a floor-length robe in dark red crushed velvet, trimmed with faux feathers for an extra bit of razzle-dazzle. a rose gold necklace with a claddagh charm. a family tree with katherine's name nestled protectively alongside brea and fionn, aisling and eoin forming an umbrella above them. when she wakens, there'll be a batch of red velvet waffles with a white chocolate ganache waiting for her downstairs.
The sunlight manages to filter in despite the drapes' best efforts. It causes katherine to stir and grumble, pulling the pillow over her head. It's unfortunately too late. She's awake, and she can smell the food in the other room. Cue her stomach growling, and another grumble.
The former vampire sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes, a pile of things at the end of her bed catches her eye and for a second she forgets its her birthday. Confused she squints at it, assuming shes just still half asleep, but no. They're presents. Birthday presents... for her.
Brows furrow and she reaches out inspecting each one individually. While all of them are beautiful none strike her harder than the family tree. Her name. Next to Brea, next to Fionn. Both parents over top. She never met Eoin, but Aisling tells her all the time that he would have loved her. Some days she even believes it.
The doppelganger takes a moment to put the necklace on, and the robe before she makes her way out to the kitchen.
"I love it all, Mom. Thank you... for well.... everything."
Its rare Katherine gives outward affection these days, but she can't deny Aisling a hug. A big one.
