In the few weeks since Hilda and Claire made their plan for Claude's birthday, Claire's been a busy woman of trial and error. To make a small pine tree, the sort that would be good for his tea, is no easy feat. Fir trees, on the whole, are massive and don't typically come in miniature sizes. But Claire's been determined and after a few false starts, she's pretty sure she has it. It's good practice anyway, because she's on notice for a Christmas tree for Solvunn.

(She doesn't dwell on the fact that Christmas is over seven months away. Is she truly going to be here in seven months? Will she be happy here for that long? Only time will tell.)

They've decided to meet in a tea house and Claire arrives a little early, setting her things on the ground beside her feet and ordering. She takes the liberty of ordering Hilda's tea for her, knowing what she likes by now, and also asks for a few teak cakes as well. Then, she simply waits patiently, people watching contently.