Beauty pointed up at the walls that stretched up, up, up for a very long way. They were, in fact, in a tower. And the walls were drenched with books. And Beauty hadn't stopped smiling all day because of it. But before she could start glowing about the new library, Lestat passed her the beautiful volume. All her adoration refocused on him and his gift.
"Oh, Lestat, you shouldn't have! It's beautiful! Oh, thank you! This is gorgeous! Was it hand-bound? Ohh, the pages smell nice..." Beauty gently turned a few pages, then just as reverently closed the book and hugged it close. It was heavy, and that meant she could count on reading it for a good long time. She sighed happily.
"Dear goodness, where are my manners? I'm sorry, Lestat -- won't you join me in the living room? I'd offer you something to drink, but... maybe we can talk on the couch, instead?" She looped one arm around her new book, one arm around Lestat's, and then leaned against his side for a second. She hadn't felt this happy in a very long time. And she was so glad to have a friend to share it with.