"I shall do so," the K'da promises, eager to begin learning the contents of the book. But it would be rude to do it now, he feels, in favor of socializing with friends. And Adia Costas has always been pleasant company.

The mention of secret Santa is a familiar one - though he does not know all of the tales about the man in red with many names, he has learned enough of the tradition to participate this year. "It is a good tradition," he agrees, in between drinks of eggnog. "To give with no expectation of reward is a noble thing. Is that why it must be done in secret?"