#(( i originally had “find YURI” as a placeholder and the temptation to just post that was there.. ))

[higaneion]

After recent events, Sophia has become intimately familiar with not only the location of Lilina's room, but its contents as well. On Lilina's birthday, practiced steps bring her to the Ostian's doorstep.

Sophia raps her knuckles on the door, calling quietly: "...Lady Lilina?"

She waits a few moments for an answer that does not come. Perhaps Lilina has stepped out for the moment or maybe Sophia just hadn't knocked hard enough. The reason does not particularly matter; today surely must be a busy day for her.

Regardless, Sophia sets down a small wrapped gift in front of the lordling's door. Contained within the package are a pair of ceramic bookends, carved into the shape of blooming flowers, and a candle that smells faintly of aloe.

A sealed letter is placed delicately on top. When opened, it reads:

"Lady Lilina, Happy birthday. When I was in your room last time, I noticed that you have a lot of books, but your organization is a little (a word is crossed out here) unique. I hope these bookends are useful for you. A lot of your candles were down to the wick, as well, so I've also included a candle. The scent reminds me of home, so it may not suit your taste. You don't need to use them if you don't want to, but I wanted to get you something for your birthday. Oh, and also as a thank you for the ribbons you gave me earlier. ...Also if you would like me to help return some overdue books for you, please let me know. I spend a lot of my time in the library anyway. —Sophia"

Returning once more to her dorm would reward her with yet another package. Delight blooms in her face when she reveals its contents and even more so its sender. Though she does grimace a little at the reminder of the well past overdue books, she appreciates the sentiment all the same and it wasn't anything she wouldn't laugh off a moment later.

Though ideally, she would like to thank her in person, she often misses her despite being in the same house. Besides, she fears she could not properly thank the girl in the way she wants to. So, some time later does she sit down to draft a letter to slide in the slit of Sophia’s door. 

Dear Sophia, Thank you for the gifts. How thoughtful of you. Rest assured, there will be plenty of use out of them. Of course I am not familiar with the scents of your home, but each time I light one, I will be reminded of you and that is special enough for me. I just hope I don’t burn through them too fast hehe. Perhaps we could go to Nabata when we return to Elibe? As for the books, yes… I mean to return them on time, but I get caught up in other tasks and lose track of time. I think the rental period is far too short. Maybe we will run into each other there! (A sentence has been scratched out here, if examined closely one may be able to decipher the words: study date.) Anyway, I know you are likely just as busy as I, but I hope to chat with you more. Kindest regards from your friend, Lilina P.S. Aren’t these flowers pretty? I visited the greenhouse and they permitted me to take a couple. They will last a little should you choose to keep them.

As an additional touch, she adds pressed hydrangea flowers of purple, blue, and pink in with the envelope.