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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

[dictated]

[demonologist]

A party sounds like just the thing everyone needs.

Any hints on what you'd like this year?

dictated } { to end

[letsbe_clear]

I thought so too.

[a pause as she thinks it over]

The usual works. I am a girl of simple tastes.

private ]

[interpersonally]

[ Stefan is a fan of blank slates, or the idea of them. He's never able to fully blank his slate. Regrets and guilt linger. But, he's kept away. He's stayed on the up and up. He's a good person and he knows this. He acted rashly when it came to Damon's kidnapping and the consequences therein. He's owned up to that. And Damon is even on his side.

New year. New slate. ]

Happy early birthday, Cordelia.

stefan }

[letsbe_clear]

[Cordelia isn't entirely sure where she stands with the Salvatore brothers but ... Stefan doesn't seem so bad.]

Thanks, Stefan. Happy New Year.

dictated ]

[msattentionspan]

[Yeah... great, Buffy's birthday and Cordelia's. Awesome. You know when Faith's was? December fourteenth. Not that she did anything for it.]

So, even though no one gets older here... people still throw parties?

cordelia }

[interpersonally]

[ That's because he's not. ]

You, too.

[ How can he say, this is about clean slates without -- outright saying that?

Oh, right. By skipping right over. ]

Did you enjoy Paris?

stefan }

[letsbe_clear]

I did. I've always wanted to go to Paris and I've never had the chance.

dictated } { to end

[letsbe_clear]

Why not? People always could use things to celebrate around here.

cordelia }

[interpersonally]

...I reached out in the spirit of a clean slate.

stefan }

[letsbe_clear]

I guessed as much? Not that it was ... that hard.

cordelia }

[interpersonally]

To reach out?

[ To guess. ]

Has the journal ever reset like this before?

stefan }

[letsbe_clear]

Not since I've been here. I think it's catching everyone by surprise. But it's not like it's all gone. I still have my old one.

cordelia }

[interpersonally]

I found mine, too. New year, new journal. Sometimes, I forget the castle has a mind of its own and then it goes and does this. And I remember.

stefan }

[letsbe_clear]

It is hard to forget the sentient part when it doesn't talk.

cordelia }

[interpersonally]

...And I wouldn't be surprised if it started having a conversation with me.

stefan }

[letsbe_clear]

You know what? Neither would I.

cordelia }

[interpersonally]

But, I don't want it to.

stefan }

[letsbe_clear]

Neither do I.

[heloise]

All are welcome? [ Because parties are yay. ]

[letsbe_clear]

Anyone and everyone. Do you know where Caritas is in town?

[heloise]

I have yet to visit the town.

Perhaps, we should be friends first. I am Lucrezia Borgia.

[letsbe_clear]

Cordelia Chase. Nice to meet you.

[heloise]

Cordelia. [ Yes, she thinks she likes how it sounds. ]

And what presents do you like, my new friend?

[letsbe_clear]

Since we're just friends, I'll keep it simple. Chocolate is always a good choice.

[heloise]

Chocolate? Is that--another American invention?