Isobella never did much for her birthday, Tristan and her maids always got her a cake or something special, but she never saw the point. To her it was just another normal day, Calathiel never acknowledged it so it was never of any importance. This of course changed with the addition of Drasna in her life. According to the monk it was a day to celebrate herself, and for people to show how much they appreciated her for simply existing. The noble had been promised a very special surprise among other things, she couldn’t help but feel anticipation for once.

  Isobella woke up and frowned, Drasna was absent from her side, leaving the bed empty and colder than it had been in weeks. She was puzzled however, the blond was notorious for going on morning runs, but had a knack for waking her on the way out. With a sigh she crawled out of her sheets and got dressed as usual, dress, shoes, and perfume. She admired herself briefly in a mirror before heading downstairs to look for her favorite monk. There sounds of dishes and muffled shouting grew louder as she approached the kitchen

  Isobella watched as all her maids rushed about the kitchen, pulling things out and off of the stove top and oven. The floor was coated in a fine layer of flour, and surprisingly only three broken eggs. Even master chef Nicola was covered in white dust and random things from the pantry. The noble felt her eye twitch from the disorder and noise, but was held firmly in place by a surprise hug from behind.

  “Morning birthday girl, I hope you’re hungry and ready for an unforgettable day?”

  “I take it you have something to do with why the kitchen looks like a crime scene?”

  “Aw, it’s not that bad, though I can definitely see why Nicola is usually the one cooking. Regardless, our lovely and gracious maids wanted to do something special and make you and your guests brunch.”

  Isobella raised an eyebrow, “They do that everyday though?”

  Drasna smiled deviously, while walking the noble to the living room, “True, but not for this many people.”

  Isabella’s eyes widened, and several monks were sitting around the room. Tao, Anti, Yuki, even Korin. Some of them looked happier to be there than the others, but all came together to yell.

  “SUPRISE!”

  Isobella felt her cheeks burn pink as Drasna rested her hands on her shoulders and nudged her into the room. The noble felt calm, she at the very least knew all of her surprise guests, but was curious why they were all in her home.

  “I invited them to celebrate your birthday Izzy, they all came just for you…well, I had to sweet talk Korin, but you’re worth the effort.”

  “You did this for me?....But I have nothing to give you all in return.”

  Drasna rolled her eyes, but Tao spoke first, “Miss Isobella, though our original interaction started off with a simple transaction, we’re all here because we want to be. This is just what friends do for each other.”

  Anti smiled and nodded, “You did steal my best friend away from me, but I think you’re still pretty great Isobella.”

  Korin grunted in acknowledgement while fidgeting with the puzzle cube on display.

  Isobella felt warm streaks run down her face,”I don’t know what to say.”

  “Aw don’t cry Izzy, we didn’t come here to make you sad.”

  Tristan walked in the room and cleared his throat, “Please join us in the dining room for fresh fruits, pastries, and assorted meats and cheeses.”

  True to Tristan's word, the dining room table was filled with a feast of food. The scent of pumpkin pancakes and slow cooked meat blasted Isobella’s senses before she even entered the room. Her maids had brought out the good plates and silverware, black berry candles sat lit in the center, though the food easily over powered it. Drasna pulled out a seat at the front of the table for her to sit down. She smiled and daintily took a seat, the monks and maids all joined her at the table, with Drasna at the corner next to her. They all waited for her to take the first of the buffet they worked so hard to make her.

  Isobella fixed herself a plate of pancakes, berry medley, and shredded chicken. The flavors were spectacular, she wasn’t sure if it was a new recipe from Nicola, or the simple act of sharing the meal with all the friends she suddenly had.

  “You all really did this for me?”

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  Drasna leaned in close, “Of course, our life is better with you in it. Besides, you only turn 25 once, that’s a quarter century.”

  Tao chuckled, “I’ve got quite a ways before I turn 75, but can I expect a party like this too?”

  Anti shook her head, “Let’s approach that in 17 years, these pancakes smell amazing.”

  Nicola smiled, “I’m glad you think so, I made muffins with the leftovers if you wanna bring some with you later.”

  Korin spoke with her mouth full, and even with her warlock powers, Isobella wasn’t able to decode what she said, but still found it humorous. She felt a warmth in her entire being as everyone talked and ate together, all because they cared enough to come. The concept wasn’t as foreign to her as it was a few months ago, but still confused her. Despite the feeling however, she decided it wasn’t a bad one.

  .

  Isobella enjoyed the company of her guests for several hours. She gave them a tour of the chateau, and giggled with Drasna as they failed to solve the puzzle from Vulcarose. She showed them her record collection and shared an unpracticed dance with Drasna. She was happy, the day had been perfect, all the way up to the monks leaving a few hours later.

  “Thank you for today, all of you, I’m so happy I could cry.”

  Selene shook her head, “Miss Drasna and Tristan are the ones who planned everything.”

  Nicola disagreed, “We still helped with the cooking, and the-”

  Drasna gently but swiftly shoved Nicola, which made her go silent and cover her mouth with her flour coated hands. Isobella cocked her head in confusion.

  Drasna took hold of Isobella’s hands, giving them a squeeze, “I have one more surprise for you today…just for you and me.”

  Isobella blushed, “I can hardly wait.”

  With a devious grin Drasna led the noble back up to her bedroom. Isobella let her mind wander with all the possible surprises the monk could have prepared for her. Before she knew it, she’d been sat on the side of her bed. Drasna reached into her pocket and pulled out a wide length of cloth.

  “What’s that for? Surely that’s not what you’ve been hinting at for the last few weeks.”

  “Do you trust me?”

  “Of course, but-”

  Isobella stopped talking, as Drasna quickly and methodically wrapped the cloth over her purple eyes, blindfolding the noble. The fabric was soft and gentle, but left her in complete darkness. She could tell Drasna was still close, as she smelled of oranges and cinnamon, the monk leaned forward and gave her a kiss, while holding her chin.

  Isobella smiled, “You’re wearing the perfume I gave you.”

  Drasna climbed onto the bed and behind the noble, “I’m surprised you’re only just now noticing.”

  “You all kept me properly distracted today.”

  “I guess you’re right, now not that I think you will, but I’m gonna have to make sure you don’t cheat and try to sneak a peek.”

  With deft hands Drasna snatched Isobella's wrists and pinned them behind her back. Isobella's breath hitched as the monk tied her hands behind her back, but quickly relaxed. She could tell the rope was a belt from one of her bathrobes, and it wasn’t tied tight enough to truly restrain her if she wanted to break free.

  “How bold of you…but, I’m not afraid…, I’d never be afraid as long as I’m with you.”

  Drasna giggled, “You’re as red as a tomato right now, you look adorable. Now sit tight and keep looking cute. I’m going to slip into something more…theatrical.”

  Isobella did as she was told and sat still, listening close. She could hear the sound of fabric on fabric as Drasna undressed in front of her. She felt teased by the blindfold at the thought of Drasna so lewd in front of her.

  “Oh, my it's rather chilly in here, I’d better get dressed quickly, I’m sure you’d like that. Or maybe I take my time and make you wait?”

  “I won’t let you have the satisfaction!”

  “Hmm, slowly it is then.”

  Isobella pouted as her bluff was called, she heard more rustling as well as faint jiggling. She squirmed and toyed with her bound wrists, fantasising about what Drasna was putting on for her. Could it be armor to pretend she was a knight, or perhaps she was going to pretend she was a bar maid with clinking glasses. She felt her heart race and her body heat up with anticipation, it was almost too much to bare. She bit her lower lip, nearly ready to slip her hands free and sneak a peek. Moments before temptation won the battle however, she was gently shoved onto her back.

  Isobella felt Drasna climb on top of her, with a leg on either side of her, the jingling sound was familiar now that she heard it up close. Drasna slowly carested the noble's face and pinched the blindfold. Isobella inhaled the fragrance of oranges as the monk came in close again.

  “I've been planning and waiting over a month for this, are you ready for your surprise birthday girl?”

  “Yes, please, the anticipation is killing me.”

  Isobella felt the smooth blindfold glide off of her face, she blinked a few times then had her breath stolen. Drasna looked down at her with her lavender eyes and the most devilish grin in existence. The monk's hair was down, with a bronze circlet keeping the blond locks out of her beautiful face. She took a moment to admire the outfit, quickly realizing it was a belly dancier costume. The mix of deep greens and black sheer blended perfectly with the decorative bronze of the costume. It looked better than good on the body of her Drasna.

  “Well, do you like what you see, birthday girl?”