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[letsbe_clear]

You know, the thing about being trapped in a magical castle for God knows how long and not seeing any real end to it, is that it has a way of reevaluating your priorities. You get all caught up in the castle crap, and the terror and the ridiculous losses, and you forget about the important things in life.

So, I'm following the castle's lead. New year, new journal, clean slate. Time to focus on the stuff that really matters. And the best way to kick off a clean slate is a party.

Especially if it's a party for me.

[teasing. kinda. mostly.]

Okay, actually, it's my birthday this weekend, and I'm throwing a party, but I still think the clean slate stuff is very important!

Anyway, the party starts at seven on Saturday at Caritas, and everyone is welcome. Presents are not required, but very much encouraged, and there should be plenty of food and drinks, so the more the merrier. I hope to see everybody there!

[a beat]

Hey, Buffy, isn't your birthday around now too? Maybe we could double up and throw it for both of us?

Comments

[heloise]

Is it a form of liquor? A delicacy?

[letsbe_clear]

... Both, depending on the form? It's a dessert.

[OMG HOW HAS SHE NEVER HAD CHOCOLATE.]

[heloise]

[ Cristoforo Colombo is a slowpoke. ]

Il dolce? Sometimes we have pan d'oro for Christmas.

[letsbe_clear]

It's ... hard to explain.

[a pause]

You can ask the castle for some? It's an easy way to try it.

[heloise]

I will.

And what form of chocolate do you prefer, Cordelia?

[letsbe_clear]

I like anything from Hershey to Gertrude Hawke, but Swiss chocolate is really good.

[heloise]

[ Such strange names, and they sound English to her. ]

Did the Swiss invent chocolate?

[letsbe_clear]

No, but I'm pretty sure they perfected it.

[heloise]

In my time, they perfected cheesemaking.

[letsbe_clear]

Yeah, not as big a fan of their cheese. Chocolate was definitely a much better advancement.

[heloise]

And, do you know how this chocolate is made?

[letsbe_clear]

It comes from a plant? And then it's mixed with milk and sugar and other stuff to add flavor.

[heloise]

A plant? Perhaps, when I return home, I can show my family how the Swiss makes this chocolate.

[letsbe_clear]

Maybe you could! I don't see why it wouldn't be possible.

[heloise]

And tell me, Cordelia, what about chocolate do you love so much?

[letsbe_clear]

I'm pretty sure it's mostly psychological, but it's like comfort food. I eat it, and I'm in a happy place.

[heloise]

Like wine.

[letsbe_clear]

Yeah. A bit like wine.

[heloise]

Wine, chocolate and... will there be dancing at the party?

[letsbe_clear]

It is not a party without dancing.

[heloise]

No, it certainly is not.

[letsbe_clear]

So hopefully I'll see you there?

[heloise]

With many forms of chocolate in hand.

[letsbe_clear]

Perfect.