(So, morning of Christmas Eve. Do you want to start, or shall I?)

(I'll start, but I need to know:

What house are Dianne and Armin staying at?)

(Probably Armin's house. He would have wanted to be closer to everyone else for Christmas.)

(Ok, perfect. Here we go.)

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{A few weeks later, it was Christmas Eve. Everyone's presents were wrapped and put away, Jerry had held and attended the funeral for the members of his family who had died. Pythia continues with weekly training sessions with Dianne to learn how to defend herself. She was starting to get better, and less concerned about hurting her opponent. That morning, Dianne was comfortably asleep in Armin's bedroom, snuggled up to him. The heater was quietly humming as it warmed the room. It was very peaceful, until Dianne's phone chimed, stirring her. Picking up her head, she sleepily gropes for her phone, taking it off the nightstand and reading the message.}

Dianne: "...Hmmm....Right on time..."

Roused by the noise, Armin moved slightly. His arms tightened around her for a moment, and he didn't open his eyes. 'Wha's that...?' he murmured, half asleep.

Dianne: "Oh, you'll see after breakfast..."

{Putting her phone down, she snuggles back into him, putting her head against his chest.}

Dianne: "Just sleep to your heart's content..."

Armin mumbled something indecipherable, already drifting back to sleep. He hadn't even realised what day it was. It was too early and he was too comfortable to care about anything else right now.

{Dianne settles in to sleep as well, drifting off.}

About two hours later, Armin stirred again. Letting out a yawn, clearly more alert this time, he nuzzled into the warmth of Dianne's neck. A slight feeling of childish excitement filled him as he remembered the day. //Hm... Lots to look forward to...//

{Dianne tensed stirring slightly.}

Dianne: "Hnngh...Ivy don't give me that jealous look...not my fault you got your boyfriend killed..."

Armin cracked his eyes open. 'Hey, c'mon, don't bring that up. I'm sure she feels bad about it...' He ran a hand up her back and continued nuzzling her neck.

Dianne: "She started it..."

{She began to fidget, until she woke up entirely, sitting up abruptly.}

Dianne: "What's happening?..."

Armin grunted at the sudden loss of contact. He looked up at her and smirked. 'Merry Christmas. Well, not really Christmas yet, but Christmas Eve.'

{Dianne looks down at him, blinking, then smiles back.}

Dianne: "Merry Christmas, Amateotl."

{Lying back down, she kisses him, settling back next to him.}

Armin rolled over so he was on top of her, burying his head between her neck and shoulder. 'Another year almost done, eh? This year has certainly brought some pleasant developments for us.'

{Dianne wraps her arms around him, moving a hand up to stroke his hair.}

Dianne: "Yes, it has. I got you, Esme, a basement full of gold, Akhetian Ale, a lovely vacation in Alexandria...I can't complain."

Armin let out a soft breath, closing his eyes.
.
'Who knows what next year will bring. Knowing us, probably more hunters, fights, bounties, insane family, moments with my favourite people, and adventures... Can't say all of those sound bad.'

Dianne: "Whatever the future brings...I'm happy you'll be there with me..."

{She then kisses the side of his face.}

Armin stayed put for a few minutes, enjoying her stroking his hair. He couldn't help but be eager for the days ahead, seeing what everyone had gotten him, and their reactions to their presents.
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Eventually, he lifted his head, gazing down into Dianne's eyes from above. 'So, will I finally get to see my mysterious present soon?' he asked, smirking.

Dianne: "Yes. Right after breakfast, to be exact. It's back at my house."

'Really? Huh, alright. I'm looking forward to whatever it is. Your present is hidden in this house. I'll give it to you at some point.'
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He grinned, then leaned down and kissed her on the lips.

{Dianne closes her eyes, tightening her grip on him as they kiss.}

Dianne: "Whatever it is...I'm sure I'll love it..."

Armin pulled back, but not far. He kissed her jaw, then worked his way downwards, kissing along the length of her throat.
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//I think you will,// he replied telepathically. //At least, I hope you will.//

{Chuckling, Dianne leans her head back, enjoying the sensation. Her fingers start to dig into his back.}

Armin smiled, very gently digging his teeth into the base of her neck once he reached it.
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//Do you want me to continue this, or would you like to get breakfast and show me my present? Whatever you prefer...//

Dianne: "...Don't stop..."

{Dianne looks up at him, smiling flirtatiously.}

Armin chuckled. He worked his way back up her neck, gently nipping instead of kissing this time. He slowly slid his hands over her sides, tracing his fingers along each rib.

//Your wish is my command...//

{Dianne smiles, very much enjoying the attention on her neck. With her pulse quickening, she tightens her grip on him.}

Nudging her head back further, he nipped underneath her jaw, teasing any sensitive spots he knew of. He didn't seem in a mood to be rough today.

{Dianne began to fidget restlessly, chuckling.}

Dianne: "...I love that you know what I like..."

'...Hold on a second...'
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He turned to Esme, who was only just waking up. Picking up the dragon, he set her outside, told her to go downstairs for food, then returned to Dianne.
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'What, like this?' he said with a grin, and resumed biting while wrapping a hand around the back of her neck.

{Dianne grins widely, fidgeting and arching her back a bit.}

Dianne: "Yeah...Just like that..."

Armin smirked against her neck. With a sudden movement, he pulled her hands above her head and held them there while he continued biting gently, caressing her nape.
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'...I love how sensitive you are...'

{Dianne gasps, then bites her lip.}

Dianne: "...Glad it doesn't annoy you..."

'No, it's nice... Feeling you squirm, and all the noises you make... Knowing nobody touched you like this for two thousand years and you let me do it...'

{Dianne smiles, blushing and squirming, clenching her fists. She chuckles breathlessly.}

Dianne: "Heh...Yeah...but you're the best I've had..."

'Aww, don't say that. I don't want to get an ego.'
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Looking both amused and pleased, he dug his teeth into a sensitive spot under her jaw and gently rubbed the back of her neck, raking his nails down her side.

{Dianne moans quietly, squirming more restlessly. She just quietly enjoys Armin's nipping and touch.}

Before long, Armin's breathing grew unsteady. He pulled his teeth off her neck so he could look at her.
.
'You think you're ready to continue...?'

{Dianne grins up at him, looking flushed and breathing heavily.}

Dianne: "Yes please...Let's..."

He nipped her once more, then released her wrists and sat up. 'Sounds good to me...'
.
(You may skip to after.)

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{After their activities, Dianne gets dressed and heads downstairs to make breakfast. Getting there, she shivers slightly, having forgotten her coat.}

Dianne: "Cold today..."

'Oh, you and the cold. You can move the heater downstairs if it's that bad.'
.
As they went downstairs, they would see Rex sitting on the couch, reading a book. Armin made sure Rex could see him approaching, then happily wrapped his arms around him.
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'Merry Christmas.'
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'It's not really Christmas yet, you fool,' grumbled Rex, though fondly.

Dianne: "I think I will...This is painful."

{Dianne proceeded to make herself Breakfast.}

Dianne: "Rex, has Esme eaten yet?"

'Yes. It was a while, so I thought I should feed her,' replied Rex as Armin let go of him.

Dianne: "Thanks, Rex."

{Making her own food, she walks into the living room with an omlette.}

Dianne: "Tonight's the big Christmas party. You coming with us, Rex?"

'I suppose so. It's better than just sitting at home.'
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Just then, a text from Fred came through to them, as well as everyone else in the group.
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<Reminder: the Christmas celebrations are being held in the palace starting 7PM. Same room as last time. It's been advised to bring any gifts you wish to distribute, and wear something nice.>

{Dianne looks at the text, smiling.}

Dianne: "Aw, drat. I wanted to show up in full armor."

{She says jokingly.}

Dianne: "Armin, will I get to see you in a sui?"

*suit.

Armin read the text as well, raising his eyebrows. 'Well, I guess I don't have a choice. I'd better dig it out of the closet.'

{Dianne smiles at the thought .}

Dianne: "Well, I get to wear my dress from Alexandria. I hope it's heated in there."

'It must be; they wouldn't just let everyone freeze,' said Armin mildly. 'Though I wonder about the dress code. They didn't have that last year.'

Dianne: "Maybe the king's family will be attending. Or some important political delegates. Someone the king wants to make a good impression on, perhaps?"

Armin rubbed his head thoughtfully. 'Fred probably would have mentioned that. I guess we'll just wait and see. Anyway, let's not forget to bring the presents. Hopefully, everyone we know will be there.'

Dianne: "I don't see why not. Jerry will probably go. Pythia said she was looking forward to this.Ryder and Owel will probably come with Frederick."

'Probably.' Armin shifted and looked at her with a hint of impatience. 'Hey, are we going to get my present now? I don't know why you had to leave it at your house, but...'

{Having finished eating, Dianne stands to put her plate away.}

Dianne: "Once you see it, you'll understand. Yeah, let me grab my coat. Rex, do you mind staying here with Esme?"

'No. I'll stay. As long as you tell me how he reacted,' said Rex with a flicker of amusement.
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Looking more and more mystified, Armin went to gather his shoes and coat and went out to the truck. //What is this thing?//

{Dianne chuckles, smiling with amusement.}

Dianne: "Will do."

{Walking out to the truck, Dianne hops in.}

Dianne: "To my place."

Armin immediately set off. The town streets had been decked out in festive trappings for over a week now. Trees along the roadside bore ornaments, while coloured lights decorated the buildings. He suspected that the palace would be extravagantly decorated.
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'Alright, let's discover this present that you've been refusing to give me any hints about,' he said, driving up the country lane into Dianne's property.

{Once they stopped, Dianne hops out quickly and turns to Armin.}

Dianne: "Ok, stay here and close your eyes. No peeking, got it?"

'Stay in the car with my eyes closed?' said Armin, visibly bemused. 'Well, alright. Go on ahead.'

Dianne: "Well, you can stand outside if you want. Barnabas, make sure he doesn't peek."

{With a fast trot, Dianne disappears behind her house.}

Armin hesitantly opened the door and stepped out. He stood leaning against the truck, arms folded, obediently keeping his eyes shut, exploring his surroundings with his other senses.

{Very soon, he would hear the galloping of hooves coming out from behind the house.}

Dianne: "Ok, look!"

{Opening his eyes would reveal Dianne on a rather large horse, galloping towards him. She circles the truck a few times before stopping in front of him.}

Armin jumped when he heard the sound of hooves. It was unmistakable, but he didn't quite believe it until he opened his eyes. Staring at the huge horse right in front of him, he seemed momentarily speechless with shock. Then a boyish grin of excitement spread across his face.
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'You bought a /horse?!/'

Dianne: "No, I bought /horses/."

{Turning and whistling sharply, another horse comes trotting out from behind the house.}

Dianne: "Now, we can ride together, just like you were talking about a little while ago. Merry Christmas, Armin."

Armin gave a bemused laugh. He wasn't sure how to react, every expectation having been blown out of the water. Blinking rapidly, he approached the second horse and offered his hand to smell.
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'And they're really not going to throw a fit because I'm a vampire?'
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(Are you gonna describe the horses, or should I decide what colour and stuff Armin's is?)

(You can describe his. I'll describe Dianne's. I imagine the species has a lot of variation.)

Dianne: "Nope. These are Ferrosian Hares. They do not spook easily."

{Armin's horse sniffed his hand without fear, calmly looking at him. Dianne's horse was black with a white mane and tail, with white around the hooves. It was a mare, standing at twelve feet tall.}

Armin reached up to stroke his horse's muzzle. His was also a mare, dappled grey, its mane and tail slightly lighter than its coat. Its back hooves were feathered and it stood a few hands shorter than Dianne's, though was still huge by horse standards.
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'You are insane. This must've cost a fortune,' he said, slightly awed. 'But... Thank you. You don't know how much I'd wished to ride again.'

{Dianne just smiles, walking up to him.}

Dianne: "I'm glad you like it. C'mon, let's ride around the property."

Armin reached up, grabbed the horse's saddle, and pulled himself up. Gathering the reins, he turned the horse around and gently tapped its sides to coax it into a walk.
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'Something tells me getting thrown from this thing would really hurt...'

Dianne: "It would, so please be careful."

{Getting onto her own horse, she follows after him.}

Dianne: "I knew you wanted this, so I thought it would be the perfect gift."

'It really is. I wasn't expecting it at all.'

Armin began to take his horse around Dianne's property, listening to the steady rhythm of hooves, watching the back of its head.

'A horse this big is going to need a mountain of food, isn't it?'

Dianne: "Already taken care of. We get food on weekly shipments from one of my neighbors. The Greyson family ranch, if I'm not mistaken. Heh, he wanted to come see the horses himself. He's never seen Ferrosian Hares before."

'Most people here probably haven't. I hope nobody gets killed trying to get a look at them. A kick from one of these would smash your skull.'

Dianne: "They were originally bred as war steeds, so....yeah, that's true...But, these were bred to be more docile. I don't think we'll have that problem."

Armin reached out to pet the horse's neck. 'We'll see.'

He looked out over the wide expanse of countryside off the road, with its grassy fields and woods, and smirked.

'C'mon, let's go further out.' Nudging his horse, he headed away from the house.

Dianne: "Of course."

{Dianne kept pace with him, enjoying the peaceful countryside.}

Though Armin hadn't ridden in a long time, it seemed to be ingrained into his memory. He headed into the countryside without difficulty, and once there, he threw a grin at Dianne.

'...Race you.'

With those words, he stood in the stirrups, pulled the reins shorter, and took off in a canter.

{Rolling her eyes good naturedly, Dianne whips the reins and prods her steed with her heels.}

Dianne: "Yah!"

{With that, her horse breaks into a sprint, passing Armin as they galloped into the countryside.}

Armin gave her a sidelong glance as she overtook him. //Oh, really?// He pushed his horse from a canter to a full gallop to avoid falling behind.

{As Dianne and her steed galloped along, she grinned back at Armin. She chose the most open , safest routes to gallop through. No danger of collision or tripping. She planned to turn before the fences of the next ranch and circle back to her house.}

As the ranch came into view in the distance, his first, reckless instinct was to jump the fences. //Maybe not such a great idea...//

He slowed down and started to turn.

{Dianne slowed down as well, turning and smiling cheerily at Armin.}

Dianne: "Not bad sprint speed, is it? And if we wanted to, we could have jumped that fence with ease."

'Don't give me ideas,' said Armin warningly.

He began to head back, keeping at a more leisurely cantering pace.

'Are you going to give yours a name?'

Dianne: "Yes... I think....Tourmaline...it's a nice name, don't you think?"

'It is nice. Very majestic. I'm calling this one Excalibur.' He glanced fondly at the back of the mare's head. 'Grey horses were always my favourite.'

Dianne: "Heh, the sword of King Arthur, huh? Not bad. Well, I guess the horse colors we got were kind of lucky. I am very happy that you like it. When we get back, we can put them in the barn. I had it converted to stables and you never noticed."

'Good thing you're not still keeping a hydra in there, then,' Armin observed.

Dianne: "Yeah. I'm dangerously low on draugr. After Christmas, I need to get to work."

On the way back, Armin opted to take a slightly different route, riding close to a cluster of woods and jumping a fallen tree. He wobbled slightly upon landing, but recovered and galloped on.

{Dianne followed the same path, jumping the tree and keeping up.}

Dianne: "Heh, this is a nice route back. Very scenic."

Armin glanced back at her, but didn't respond. He rode on, his coat trailing behind him, enjoying the feel of the wind and the horse's rocking movement.
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When they arrived back at Dianne's property, he pulled to a halt and gingerly swung himself to the ground, grabbing the horse's reins before she could walk off.

{Dianne halts behind him, hopping off and taking her horse by the reins. Leading her horse to the barn, Dianne turns to Armin.}

Dianne: "Have fun?"

Armin grinned at her as he followed. His hair was even more messy than usual, from getting windswept. Adrenaline hummed in his veins.
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'Of course. Thank you.' He started to untack Excalibur, hanging up her equipment at the side of the barn.

{Dianne untacked Tourmaline before replying.}

Dianne: "Heehee. I picked the perfect gift."

{After closing the stall, she walks up to Armin and ruffles his hair.}

Dianne: "I love seeing you so ecstatic. I'm looking forward to riding with you."

Armin smiled, closing his eyes briefly. Then he grabbed her by the collar of her coat and kissed her, trying to convey all his fondness and gratitude through that kiss.

{Dianne made a surprised noise when he grabbed her. Despite him having pulled her into surprise kisses before, she never seems to see them coming. Closing her eyes, she leans into the kiss, wrapping her arms around him. Once they part, she chuckles.}

Dianne: "...Heh...that's one way to tell me you like it..."

Armin leaned into her, burying his face in her shoulder, hands still fisted over her collar.
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'Well, it felt like the right thing to do. Thank you.'

{DIanne hugs him tightly, stroking his hair and rocking gently with him.}

Dianne: " You're welcome. Merry Christmas, Armin."

Armin stayed in that position for a while, quietly lost in her presence. The gentle sounds of the horses moving and eating in their stalls filled the barn, and all was peaceful.
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'So, what should we do now?' said Armin when he finally released her. 'It's ages before we have to get ready for the party.'

Dianne: "I'm not sure. I guess we just grab the wrapped presents from my house and head back. Not a lot we need to do today."

'Yeah. Let's collect everything and get it into the truck. Then we can just relax, maybe go for a walk or something.'
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Armin started to head up to the house, never straying too far from Dianne.

{Getting into the house, Dianne walks for the store room that had all the presents. Against the wall were all the presents, neatly wrapped and waiting to be delivered.}

Dianne: "Ok...let's start with Rex's pool table. picking it up, she heads for the truck."

Armin left her to manage the pool table, while he picked up two other presents; Pythia's terrarium, which he'd wrapped inside a cardboard box to protect it, and Jerry's game set. He carried them outside.

{Dianne puts it flat on the floor of the truck, passing armin on the way back to get more packages. She grabs up all the smaller ones. Ivy's necklace, Ryder's Dice, and Pythia and Fred's books.}

Once everything was gathered and put away, Armin climbed into the truck.

'I was thinking we'd give Rex and Esme their presents tomorrow, Christmas morning. We live with them, so there's no need to do it at the party.'

Dianne: "Ok, sure. Um, we're bringing her to the party, right?"

'I guess so. It should be safe enough for her. Unless you'd prefer not to.'

Dianne: "That's just it. Anyone we could ask is already going to be there. We don't have a choice. I'll just keep her with me all night."

'She'll be OK. Fred and Ryder will be there, and they'll probably be guards outside. And they'll be plenty of people we know there to help protect her.'
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Armin started the engine and set off for home.

Dianne: "True. It won't be a problem at all. Let's just go and have a good time together."

'Of course.'
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(Should we skip to later?)

(Yes, you go.)

(posting a new room for it)