Illyana simply smiled brightly at Aurel's response, his happiness fueling her own. She was also excited to try the teas, as she had not purchased any for herself that day, preferring to let Aurel be the first one to have any.

Her attention was taken when she heard Akane's voice ring out from beside her, and saw the Kistune and Cora approaching, carrying Aurel's gift. Cora had been overjoyed when they'd found it in the shop, and even happier that she was able to help purchase it. Where she came from, the concept of gift giving was much more archaic and had less meaning that abovewater dweller's practices. She was always excited to take part in their customs. Watching Akane wrap his gift had been one of her favorite parts of the morning. The Kitsune was so deft with her hands, so precise, it was soothing to see as she pulled and folded the paper over to create a perfect package. Cora couldn't wait for him to open it.

[color=00a99d]"Happy Birthday, Aurel!"[/color] Cora said brightly as she smiled her greeting to everyone at the table. At Akane's comment, she giggled and shrugged, [color=00a99d]"Well, Akane picked it out, I just helped pay for it!"[/color] She had been told by Illyana that she was not supposed to discuss the cost of the gift in front of Aurel, so she stopped herself just short of saying the amount. Apparently it was rude to tell someone how much you spent on them, it could lead to feelings of "bitterness", or at least that's what Illyana had told her. She wasn't quite sure what it meant, but was happy to be practicing her etiquette in the real world.