On a certain day in Zi'da of the 722nd arc, Saoire was preparing another get together to facilitate the sharing of gifts through special doorways assigned to that purpose. It would begin a few days before the appointed hour of the gifting. They'd find a note some days earlier, tucked into the top of a doorway in their own home, detailing who their intended recipient of their gift was, with clues to what they might like. Then a date for which the gifting would take place. So the appointed gifter would know by when they could have their intended's gift ready, however they wished to come by it.
On the 42nd, the very same doorway they'd found the note in would open up into an idyllic realm of Saoire's Dream. The doorway became a portal into her realm, the birthplace of the Cadouri and the place where many of Saoire's own personal gifts were made. For this purpose, the Realm would serve as a hosting ground for the gifter and their intended, and was tailored to such a purpose as that. Especially suited to either recipient, so that the place would be appropriate to their identity and interests.
And as they were asked to have a gift prepared, they were assured they too would in turn receive a gift all their own. Through the very same doorway as they received their instructions, on the 42nd of Zi'Da, it would open up into the realm of Saoire's Dream where two would meet. One gifter, one intended. In this case, the two were Doran and ... another person who Doran maybe did not expect ~ Doran had received his information about Dahlia and, so, came prepared. The place he entered was a small tea-house, it seemed, although there were no customers. Tables were dotted around the room with comfortable chairs around them. There was a display case of pastries and treats on display, also.
One wall was entirely windows with deep sills making window-seats. Each one had deep cushions on it and, on the walls of those window-seat nooks were custom-built book cases, filled with books of recipes and biographies of famous chefs.
Outside was a snow-covered street with people hurrying through, wrapped up in warm clothing. The people were mostly cadouri, but there were other, taller folks too. It was obviously cold out there, Doran could see the breath of the passer's by frosting as it left their mouths and noses, but this room was warm and welcoming. Standing there, waiting for him it seemed, was a cadouri who gazed, blinkingly, at him. This cadouri was a mole in a waiter's outfit and his poor sight was obvious as he spoke in Doran's general direction. "Greetings!" he said cheerfully. "I am Otto, purveyor of fine beverages and treats. Saoire has asked me to greet you and sends her apologies. You chose your gift from the information given but, sadly, the person you were giving to has not prepared a gift for another and so, can not receive her gift. However!" he held up one furry paw, digit held in the air like he was making some great scientific discovery. "We have paired you with another, a gifter who has given most generously even though she can scarce afford it. Your gift will be most welcome to her, should you still be happy to give it." He gestured to one of the tables, where Doran could wait. While he waited, he took his order for whatever hot or cold beverage Doran wanted.
After a few moments, a dark-haired young woman of maybe sixteen or seventeen arcs walked through the door Doran had entered through and looked around. "Ah! Excellent!" Otto declared. "This is Elise, and she is here to receive a gift from you, Doran. Please, come in!"
He watched them, then, waiting in case he was needed as Elise sat down and smiled in greeting.
