[Open!] Cozy Little Starlight

[songbird_slayer]

Who: Secret Santas and their recipients! Otherwise, Open!
Which: Catch-All Log for the IC Secret Santa. But there'll be a toplevel for mingling with Madhuri if you'd like!
Where: All over Reverein
What: Somebody's done a Secret Santa. Everybody's got somebody to shop for! Get to it!
Warnings: HOLIDAY SPIRIT



Overnight, it seems that a number of folk have received mysterious messages under their doors, coupled with bundled, still-warm cookies hanging from the doorknobs. With the number of treehouses built, that was a monumental task! Surely, there was a group of people responsible for this.

... Ha ha ha.

Anyway, there's a task ahead of a lot of you. Fortunately, there seems to be a means of getting in touch with this 'ringleader' if there are questions. In fact, in the distance you can hear someone ringing a bell, or some sort of song.

Comments

Madhuri (Open to Santas that have questions, or people just strollin' by.)

[songbird_slayer]

Hark! How the bells
Sweet silver bells
All seem to say,
"Throw cares away...!"

[Either ringing a bell or caroling away was the auri woman dressed for the occasion. Whether she sang of silver bells or wanting a hippopotamus for Starlight, it was clear she had singing chops and even filled the air with positive waves of dreamotion. Had a bad day? Things were looking up somehow.

But maybe it was also the sight of the table next to her, all set up and ready to rock with three pots, all filled with something nice to eat or drink. One smelled of slowly-stewed beef, the second of vegetables and chicken. The third was sweet and chocolatey. Upon observation, she seemed to just be giving out bowls of soup or cups of hot chocolate, even plopping in large marshmallows from a bowl set nearby. She will feed you, Ser or Madam. Otherwise, hit her with a question about your Secret Santa assignment or tell her a bah humbug.]

[allegedprisoner]

[ Luca still had the letter on him when he went to look for the sender. Couldn't leave it at home, lest he come all this way and forget exactly what he was doing here. At least the singing made her easier to find. ]

Excuse me! [ He waved the letter for a moment as he called out to her. ] Miss? Were you the one who left this under my door?

Anastasia Romanova | Anastasia (1997)

[grandduchess_anya]

Mingling (Open)
(She hasn’t experienced Christmas in a long time since her family’s untimely demise by Rasputin’s curse and the new leaders took over Russia. That miserable part of her past doesn’t stop her however from coming over to the event as she comes with Pooka on tow, happily barking at anyone they pass by.

Taking a nice whiff of the food and hot chocolate, Pooka couldn’t resist the urge to eat already, which did gave Anya a good chuckle for a while. Come say hello to her or catch her having some of the chicken and vegetable soup and hot chocolate. Don’t worry, she wouldn’t bite at all.)

Here Comes Anya Claus (Closed to Emil (enflame)/Secret Santa)
(Upon receiving a note from Santa’s Little Helper, Anya has noticed that her recipient has a lot of things listed for her to look into. For one, he is looking for some new clothes and in the process of refurnishing a house, and secondly, he likes being near the fire.

While she isn’t sure how to give fire as a gift, she knows that he would appreciate a new scarf and some curtains for his new home. Using the skills she has been improving since working for Madame Blackbird, she begins to start working her gift immediately: getting all the materials and tools needed, sketching out the scarf and curtains on paper, and spending late nights creating her gifts.

After days of working away on sewing and barely having enough sleep, she finally able to make her gifts with enough time to spare. After putting a deep blue & sapphire scarf, made from a cashmere-like material, and a set of ivory velvet curtains inside a box and carefully wrapping it in a silverly tone wrapping paper, the Grand Duchess is all prepared to deliver her handmade gifts to her recipient as she waits for him to show up. She is hoping that he will enjoy them as much as she enjoys making them.)

Secret Santa - Closed to Jude

[perfectenn]

[ Tenn favors the anonymous route. He comes in the dark and leaves a gift under tree as instructed, trusting their mysterious host will see to its’ safe delivery. The parcel is simply wrapped in water-resistant brown paper and tied neatly with a red ribbon, the tag clearly marked with the name Jude. The size might suggest a sheaf of papers.

And that’s exactly what is first found on unwrapping it! There's roughly two dozen sketches of distinctive plants drawn in quick, efficient lines, with notes on the side describing colors, textures, smells, and other observations. It looks like someone’s survey notes.

There’s a handwritten note attached: ]

Jude, I think this will be useful to you. I found these growing along the route to the lake and took notes. They are all under snow by now, but I expect they’ll come back in the spring. Perhaps you’ll recognize more of them than I did.

May you have a wonderful holiday season ❅

[ Along with the sketches is a lumpy packet also carefully wrapped with the same brown paper. Opening it releases a distinct floral scent; there are dried echinacea flowers and leaves inside. (Tenn would hope the recipient is familiar with it, but if not, there's a little note with preparation suggestions.)

There isn’t a name signed on any of the gifts, however, if Jude has been reading the journal entries, the handwriting might look familiar. ]

Sender: Jude

[spryite]

[That it's anonymous has Jude wary at first glance, admittedly. There isn't much rhyme or reason to it, he's aware; there's almost no way for this to be a prank, logically, but maybe years of being on the receiving end of well-intentioned yet unpleasant surprises have left him a touch worse for wear thanks Leia. It's a silly kneejerk feeling easy enough to put aside nonetheless, so he does open the parcel up once he's alone and back at his place, careful in unwrapping without tearing the packaging. It may not look particularly fancy, but since giving a present is still a thoughtful gesture, it only feels right to open it with care upon receiving it, too.

And the contents, are...

...

Oh, he's absolutely combing through every entry the journal has archived up to the earliest one made over Songerein's public "network", including all the comments made by respondents on each. He actually recognizes the handwriting as somewhat familiar upon the note's first read, since he's already perused through all the entries once before to collect information. So it doesn't take him long, to figure out who went out of their way to be this considerate. He'd confess to not expecting much when he first threw his name in this "Secret Santa" thing, having signed up somewhat begrudgingly after being egged on by a friend in a bid for him to be more "social" (Jude does not think he has any issues personally, even if he won't deny NOT being an extrovert; can't say he's very fond of crowds either, but surely the correlation isn't THAT damning--). But as what to do next...

Tenn will receive a private message within a day of receiving the gift, in the morning sometimes before noon. The sender field should tell him everything already: no point whatsoever to even consider anonymous sending, as far as Jude is concerned in this case. The writing is clean and neat:]

Hello, Tenn:

I received your gift, thank you very much for all that reference material! Can we meet in person if that's OK, maybe at the Dreambucks Café sometimes when you're not busy? I'd like to thank you in person, I hope that's alright.

Jude

[...It ended up sounding/feeling more... brash? Impulsive? Than he intended (or is it just him?), he's usually informal but still polite and mindful to not be overbearing during notes exchanged over the journal. Blame it on nerding out, m-maybe?]

TO VENTUS

[rokubro]

[Rokurou is going to really stick to this whole "Secret Santa" thing. Course he...has no idea what a "santa" is but he eventually learned it was some big guy in a red suit and beard that delivers gifts. Bit strange, but all right.

So after a bit of thought, he leaves Ventus a nicely wrapped box with the following items inside: a jar of star shaped candies, a star lamp; and a small knife with small stars and moon engraved on its hilt and side. The knife is not big enough to be used in battle, but it would be handy for cutting things so handy to have. As for the lamp, it comes with a note:

Hey, I'm your Secret Santa! I was told you liked stars and stuff, and unfortunately they don't have a telescope or anything here, so I thought of making one of those star lamps. It's nothing too elaborate, but here's how it works—

Just attach the pieces in place (like a puzzle) and put in any light source inside. Could be a candle or even your own dreamotion magic! Then turn off the lights and you have your own little star display.

It's mostly random patterns but I did throw in a few constellations I knew back from my world. This was pretty easy to make, so if you wanted to make one for yourself, you just need to poke the holes in some thick paper like the ones I used.

Hope you enjoy!
~ Santa Daemon Swordsman

He could have given his real name, but that would ruin the surprise! So he opted to go for a "codename" of sorts.]

[brokenlight]

[Ventus is pleasantly surprised by the gifts. The candies look good and the lamp is pretty. He's a bit confused by the knife--mostly since Ventus has never really used a knife...of any sort. Still, he likes the gifts and appreciates it.

The star-theme makes me think of his room back home, too.

Once he's put the presents away, he does go to find out whomever his secret Santa is.

...He's half tempted to write in the journal asking about this 'Daemon Swordsman'.]

TO CHIZURU

[flamekthunder]

[At first Eustace was rather confused how he got involved in this and actually considered ignoring it...but then he fully read the contents and there was no way he could avoid this—even if the method was a little bothersome. Deciding to be a little creative, Chizuru will have Rose, one of the flower fairy dogs appear in front of her. With red roses blooming on her white coat, Rose has a small bag held in her mouth and will stop and sit with a warm gaze at Chizuru.

In the bag the following contents:

• a small bag of candied flowers, all of which are from the flower fairy dogs
  
• a small assortment of tea from the dream cafe, each one said to help her feel relaxed, calm, and have pleasant dreams
  
• a small mug that could be used for either coffee or tea

The attached note has the following written in neat handwritng:]

Chizuru,

I'm not sure if these are to your tastes, but I hope they help you have peaceful days.

- Eustace

[—All right, it's a bit on the short side and he revealed himself, but that's Eustace style.]

To Luca

[brokenlight]

[Ventus...has never participated in a Secret Santa before. He briefly wonders if the real Santa would be offended by this. But he can't help but think it would be a good chance to help brighten someone's day...somehow.

Considering his own lack of knowledge in electronics, Ventus did do his best to come up with something.

Anything.

Eventually, he manages to come up with something he hopes this 'Luca' person likes. First off, there's a somewhat messily wrapped present left for Luca. Inside, contains: music sheets and some books on fairytales. Attached to it is a simple note:]

Hello, Luca!

While I couldn't find some interesting electronics to give you, I hope you still like these music sheets and books.

Hope you have a happy holidays!

- Secret Santa

[allegedprisoner]

[ Ah, this must be that... Huh. Maybe this isn't exactly the person he got, but it sure was nice. ]

Hm... I'll have to see how this sounds on the piano...

[ At this point, Luca wondered if he could still play a piano. Or how he thought he could play one. ]

I wonder if there is a piano around here somewhere? [ He'll lovingly tuck the sheets in his journal for safekeeping and heads into town. The most likely place for someone to have a piano would be in the civilized area, right? ]

To Sora

[spryite]

[For all his uncertainty and reluctance at the idea initially, Jude can’t deny that… Ultimately? Yeah, this is actually pretty challenging and fun, coming up with a good gift according to the list of preferences he was given. He's not familiar with the name he got, and while a few items listed sound like a tall order, there's also several others that he's pretty confident he can fulfill. Clothes and models were out of the question, for the main reason that they weren't something he'd be able to produce personally given the materials available and his own skill level. As good of an exercise in dreamotion straight up making things through it may be, he's been focusing his own kind in a different field entirely, thus manifesting those kind of objects as is is quite beyond him. It may be being stubborn over details, but even if it's a present for a stranger, he still feels that it'd only be right to come up with something of his own creation. So... Where does that leave him?

In the end, he settles for a somewhat sturdy box, with a "FRAGILE" warning tacked on top. It's wrapped plainly but carefully, and the inside is split into two layers: one upper, and one lower. The upper one is filled out by a hand-made booklet titled Recipes (...no, not a very creative title), accompanied by a simplistic doodle of a fork crossed with a knife on the cover page. Inside starts with a table of contents, neatly organized into the sections "Appetizers & Snacks", "Meals", "Sweets & Desserts". Apart from the standard list of ingredients, time estimate, detailed steps, and a dreamotion-printed picture from his own memories, every recipe also has a level of difficulty/complexity rating, a short and rather objective description of the final dish, suggestion of serving occasion, and a memo about what could be added/replaced from the base ingredient list including Songerein-specific veggies (jewel corn and chalk potato...). The recipes are nothing particularly elaborate too, containing entries for salads (potato, fruit), soup (minestrone, seafood and tofu), omelette (tomato, mixed veggies), curry, rice bowls, stir fried noodles, roasted chicken, grilled fish, pudding, peach pie, etc... There's around 20 recipes total, but there's also about a dozen of empty pages included after the last written recipe. Padding it out, or...?

The bottom one accessed from removing the piece of supportive cardboard reveals several jars. The biggest one filled with grains of brown is labelled "Cocoa Powder", surrounded by smaller jars and bottles that seem to be complementary and include labels such as "Cinnamon Powder", "Vanilla Extract", "Peppermint Extract", "Mint Candy", "Dark Chocolate Chips", and etc. Tucked next to the main jar of cocoa powder is a folded piece of paper the same size as the recipes, detailing on how to make your own hot chocolate on top of customizing it based on sweetness and side preference. It mentions sugar, honey, and other types of sweeteners, as well as oat milk, soy milk, whipped cream, and other dairy-like products that are not in the box for preservation reasons. The whole bottom part is meticulously arranged, almost looks like a medicine box if it didn't smell so sweet...

The note accompanying it reads as such:]

Hello Sora:

I'm no cooking expert, honestly, but I've had the chance to do a lot of it, so I hope these instructions are clear and easy to follow. The empty pages are for anything you may want to do with them, you could write down personal notes and discoveries you make along the way, or add more recipes from others or of your own creation. I also highly recommend visiting the fairies at the Dreambucks Café for more tips and options of ingredients about hot chocolate. We can't come close to the professionals in taste, but it's nice and convenient to have some you can make anytime you want at home.

I wish you happy holidays,

Your secret Santa

[The handwriting is somewhat distinct, and could be traced with a bit of digging. There's plenty of sample after all, everything written in the box is obviously done by the same person. They sure wrote a lot, huh...]

[oathkeeper]

[When Sora had heard that there was a secret santa going on he couldn't resist. Gift-giving is one of Sora's most favourite things to do. Christmas is his favourite holiday or at least pretty closely tied with Halloween. Being able to share something special with a friend or bringing some joy to someone you might not know is one of the coolest things anyone can do.

When he gets his package Sora already feels that spark of joy at seeing it. He lights up that there are practically little green red and white lights that sparkle around Sora's head in his joy. He opens the letter and reads it with a snicker. It's so nice and genuine and while he won't be smart enough to notice who might be the giver he is thankful all the same.]

Wow... Someone really thought about this. This is so nice!

[When he opens the gift Sora is so overjoyed at the list of recipes and he scours over them with the joy of a little kid on Christmas morning. He wants to learn how to make things better. No longer the stereotype of a bad cook but someone who really likes to learn and cook. So, this is just amazing. And the collection of hot chocolate? He's already thinking about how he can combine these things to make some serious ultima hot chocolates for his friends.

He'll even try to write back in his journal to whoever did this for him. Maybe it'll get to the sender?]

hey! thank you, secret santa! this is just great! i used to be really bad at cooking when i was a kid. but a friend was able to help me out and teach me a few things and it was when i was learning how to make a few dishes with him that i found out i really like cooking. there's something great about making something really tasty and having someone eat it and like it. it's a cool feeling and i like doing things for people to make them smile!

that's why this is so great! thank you for the gift! i couldn't have asked for anything better than this! i hope someday i get to meet you and thank you in person for something so nice and thoughtful!

and maybe i can share a hot chocolate with you someday!

thanks again!! i hope you have a great christmas!
-sora

For Ichiban Kasuga

[allegedprisoner]

[ Luca had no idea who this person is (let alone what a Dragon Quest slime was), but as someone who likes to tinker with things all day he could probably fashion something interesting. It's also a blessing he gets on so well with the Hat Maker, for this gift might not have been possible if Luca didn't have access to a decent workshop and materials.

So what is this gift, you may ask? Well, at first glance it looks like a fancy wooden box. However, opening the box proves harder than it looks. Mr. Kasuga has a challenge ahead of him! It's a blessing the note was attached to the box itself! ]

To I. Kasuga,

Your wishlist specifically mentioned something about a personal trinket, so I thought to try my hand at making a puzzle box for any small valuables you may come to possess. This is my first time making something like this, so the quality may be somewhat questionable, but I assure you it does make for a secure container. The key is in the side, you'll have to slide some parts a bit to get it open.

I hope this gift is to your liking. Good luck.

Sincerely, your "Secret Santa."

P.S. I left some hard candy inside in case you wanted something sweet.

To Law

[topgun_textiles]

[He had to ask around a bit, but he managed to find where this guy's place was. The hints were perfect, and he was confident he could nail everything on here. Why not go 110%, right?

He was getting used to this dreamotion thing, but it was alarmingly easy for him to conjure things like yarn, ribbon, paper... things that he was accustomed to crafting with after a trip to the supermarket. Okay, maybe not alarmingly easy, but it beat needing to run out and get materials when you could just create it! So at Law's door, sometime fairly late, were a pair of boxes neatly wrapped in shiny paper and very twirly ribbons. A card is attached, decorated at the cover with a dancing reindeer and the following message inside:

Merry Christmas, Law!

I hope you're doing okay.
Being in a different world is pretty wild, but you get
used to it as long as you have a bunch of pals at your side.
Don't be like me and forget sometimes that people have your back.

Signed, your Secret Santa

PS- Show it love and protective dreamotion. That is what powers it.

The smaller box can be opened to reveal a handmade pair of handwraps, comfy and strong. The bigger box has a few holes cut into the sides... but inside, curled up on a cushion is a plush of a gray wolf about three feet long from nose to end of tail. But to one's shock, it stretched, yawned and awoke to greet you! Sporting a very handsome knit scarf for the occasion, this alarmingly cute beast is ready to guard its new family.]

[zephyrean]

[Law didn't have big expectations for this secret santa thing. No, to be precise, he didn't have any expectations for it. In his world, they didn't have Christmas, or any sort of occasion for giving gifts to one another, not even on birthdays.

As he opens the pair of gifts, a blush forms on his face. The wraps were nice, very nice, a gift he was appreciative of. He's quick to try them on, see how they feel, and do a few fast jabs with them. They were comfortable and fit well, and didn't resrict his hand movement. Whoever made these understood the needs of a brawler, for sure.

But it's the other gift that really gets him. A large plush wolf? There was a childish part of him, one that he never really outgrew, that really loved animals, wolves especially. So seeing this three foot long wolf plush laying in the box suddenly come to life and greet him?

His face turns an even brighter red, unable to handle how cute this is. And after a moment's hesitation, he grabs the wolf plush and hugs it tightly, its tail wagging. Was it a wolf or a dog? It didn't matter to him, he loved it anyway.

He only hoped nobody saw him like this.]

To Samus Aran

[oathkeeper]

[There is just something so fun about buying gifts for others. Sora really enjoys this part of the holidays and for the chance to make someone else smile during the cold months. It's even more of a challenge to buy a gift for someone that he might not know much about. All in hopes of giving a good gift and hopefully putting some cheer into someone else's life. So, when Sora had signed up for Secret Santa he had been eager and earnest to do something nice for the person on the other side of the exchange.

Sora's gift will be quite a large white and red box wrapped in brightly coloured and festival Christmas wrap. Red polka dots and white and all topped with a massive-looking red bow. And when opened up the receiver will find a collection of very gently and cutely made stuffed animals for an animal lover. Three stuffed bears all nearly tucked away, a very round sheep and a big bright yellow duck plushie. Don't forget the Christmas reindeer and for some reason there's a giant whale plush as well. More than likely because this secret santa went on his gut feeling when it came to "someone with a thing for animals."

But luckily it isn't all animal plushies. Tucked away are a few writing journals and neat writing pens for anyone who might like to write their thoughts down separate from the public ones that can broadcast.]

dear samus!

christmas has always been one of my most favourite holidays that there is. a chance to put a smile on someone's face never stops at making me smile too! i hope my gift gives you a smile and i hope that all these guys are able to make your day. here's to having a great holiday and a warm winter in a world that's dreamy and all for us.

happy holidays!

-your secret santa

[supermetroid]

[ Samus hadn't expected much from this whole Secret Santa thing. She didn't really know anyone here too closely, and even back home, she didn't feel the need to celebrate any holidays. Holidays were a time to celebrate with friends and family, both of which were in short supply for her. At best, she would find some time to spend with Anthony, knocking back some drinks, but... that was about it.

Some people might find that depressing. She found it simple.

But of course, when she signed herself up for the Secret Santa, she knew this would have to happen. And so, when she found the gift, Samus couldn't help but be a little amused. It was charming, in a way that reminder her of a kid giving their big sister a gift. Even more so when she actually opened it, and found the stuffed animals inside. The sheep in particular stuck out to her, something about its shape just... drew her to it.

But it was the journals and the note that really stuck home. Whoever this was, they'd clearly put some thought into this. It had to have been someone who saw her notes written in Chozo. She could take a guess, but at the end of the day, it didn't really matter.

It just made her smile. ]

To: (Brother) Nier

[tantailizing]

[Secret Santa, huh? He had no idea what it really was, but it included giving gifts so why not give it a try? He didn't expect the note under his door that soon, but once he got it, read it over, and nodded to himself, he got to work. In a pretty old-fashioned way.]

[He makes a box himself - nothing fancy, it's just a box. What's more important is in the box after all and opening to see is the fun part. While there's not much in books, there's plenty in fishing gear like a newly made pole, string, and hooks. There's also some extra string should Nier find himself needing to fix it. Next to those? More tools, some that he had to ask around for because they're for gardening; things like gloves, a trowel, a small hand rake, clippers for pruning, etc. because he's not sure what gardening Nier wants to get into.]

[Finally, there's a note:]

Hey Nier!

Hope this about covers what you were hoping for from a Secret Santa! Wasn't sure where to get the books, but there's a communal garden that I'm sure the folks there wouldn't mind showing you or giving some tips. Also, same for books on fishing, but I did include a list of good places to find bait I know some fish will like!

Good luck!

Signed, Your Secret Santa

[And underneath that were various places in the Wild and Wasteland that would be pretty safe to gather various kinds of insects and plants to use for bait beneath.]

To: ALASTOR

[spirialink]

[Kor didn't know much about Christmas, but that didn't stop him from giving his all to putting together a good present for Alastor. After all, Kor Meteor doesn't just try.

He does.

Alastor will find his gift safely deposited at the base of his tree house, wrapped in red paper. Attached is a note.]

Merry Christmas, Alastor!

My world doesn't really have anything like Christmas, so my pal Sora filled me in what it's all about. You give gifts to people, and it makes them happy, that's pretty cool to me!

Anyway, your list said you like venison, so I went and did some hunting in the woods. I'm no expert butcher, but I know a thing or two about hunting for meat. I hope you like it!

- Kor Meteor

P.S. I threw in some chocolate too. My friends and I have been eating all sorts of things dipped in chocolate, you should try it, venison tastes really good dipped in chocolate! Or, at least I think it does!

[Inside the box, he'll find several different packages of venison, prepared in different ways, ranging from deer steaks to ground meat to jerky. And, as promised, a jar of chocolate sauce.]

[lonelysmiles]

[Alastor isn't one for sweets, but he does enjoy trying new things. After all, trying something new spiced up one's routine quite nicely. He isn't a fan of venison dipped in chocolate but hey! It was certainly worth a shot!]

[Of course, there's an old saying that you shouldn't feed a cat given you'll never be rid of it. Alastor is a deer, not a cat, but the same principle applies. Clearly this Kor Meteor is someone to get to know better! And what better way to do so than to bring some of his own home cooking as both 'thank you' and a means to introduce himself!]

[He hums as he approaches the door, the basket with red-and-white-checkered blanket tucked over the dish so normal it was almost comical in comparison to his seven-foot demon self. He knocks on the door of the tree house in the classic "Shave and a haircut, two bits!" pattern.]

To: TENN KUJO

[zephyrean]

[It took some hunting, but Law eventually managed to find a place to leave his secret santa gift, a crudely wrapped purple box waiting for its recipient. Attached is a note.]

Hey Tenn,

I really struggled with thinking of what to get you, I'm not really much for things like sweets and tea. I prefer the taste of meat, you know? But one of my friends told me about this stuff called matcha, it's crazy! You can make it into tea, you can make desserts with it... I have no clue what it tastes like, but it sounds perfect for you, man. Hope you get some good mileage out of it!

Merry Christmas, Law.

P.S. If you know more about this Christmas stuff than I do, think you could teach me about it sometime? If we ever meet, that is. We don't have holidays like this back in my world, or... holidays at all, really, but it sounds like something that'd be great to try to start.


[Inside the package is a large cannister of matcha powder, as well as a recipe book he managed to track down, with a variety of matcha-based recipes to try out. There's also a smaller box with a couple other teas that he picked up too. Chamomile, peppermint, hibiscus... If it sounded like the name of a flower, he grabbed it. Law doesn't see the appeal of drinking "leaf water" but if Tenn likes it, that's what matters.]

Sender: Tenn

[perfectenn]

[ Leaving his gift request under the tree was something of an experiment; Tenn was unsure who their mysterious coordinator was, whether another dreamwalker or one of the fae, and had reasonable doubts. It is with pleasant surprise that he finds not only his own gift was received, but that someone left one for him!

Tenn reads the note first. The handwriting is new. (Perhaps this person doesn’t write in the journals much?) But he smiles a few sentences in. It’s earnest, and he’d be willing to bet this is Law's first secret gift-giving.

The fact that it's signed isn’t a surprise in light of that, and the P.S. offers sobering confirmation. A world without holidays sounds lonesome; especially as an entertainer, it’s difficult to envision a place where people don’t celebrate. Or, perhaps their holidays are of the quiet, contemplative sort. Tenn doesn’t have to think long on his response, but first, to sate his curiosity! Did someone really find matcha here..?

He opens the package with care, removing the cannister first. Ah, there's that familiar smell... where some people see ‘leaf water’, Tenn’s mind is filled with morning smoothies, fragrant teas, mochi and snow cones. He doesn't need a recipe book to know what to do with it, but he flips through the one provided to aid his ideas. (While putting a kettle over the fire because cold morning priorities.)

Looking up the name in the journals doesn't take long, and he sits down to write a message beside a steaming cup of peppermint tea. ]

Law,

Thank you for the gifts. You are right, I do like matcha. I didn't expect to find any here. I've used it many times, and it can even go well with steak, you know. I can show you sometime if you like.

For the other thing, I don't mind. This holiday is celebrated where I’m from, though some things are different. I’m sure it will only get more exciting from here, so I hope you enjoy the season.

Merry Christmas,
Tenn

To: ROKUROU RANGETSU

[supermetroid]

[ Samus wasn't the sort to celebrate many holidays. They usually slipped her mind, mostly because she was almost always on a job. At best, she made some time to catch up with Anthony, but that was about it. Here though, she didn't have anyone like that. Which was part of why she'd signed up for this Secret Santa event, as an attempt to not isolate herself like she was prone to do.

As it turned out, it wasn't easy to shop for someone you didn't really know. Something that really should've occurred to Samus right from the get go. All the same, the note had been helpful enough, so she managed to scrape something together. What looked like three different bottles of alcohol, with small red bows tied around the top. Ranging from weakest to strongest, with the weakest having more flavor, and the strongest just ready to lay someone out. She'd made sure that it was a relatively varied spread, in case they didn't like any one of them. The color of the bottles also made it easy to distinguish: yellow for the weakest, orange for the one in between, and purple for the strongest.

Along with it, came a note. ]

To Rokurou,

I apologize if the gifts aren't to your liking. My knowledge was limited, but I hope they serve you well nonetheless. I'd also like to extend an offer to train or spar together if you'd like to.

Happy Holidays,
Samus Aran

[rokubro]

[Upon receiving the gift and the note, Rokurou can't help but grin widely. Who wouldn't like getting three bottles of alcohol? And the color typing amuses him, especially given his own personal color scheme.

So he'll send a message through the journals privately to Samus.]

Hey Samus!

Got your gift and I've already tasted all three of them. Can't wait to throw a few drinking challenges with some friends with the purple one, you're gonna have to tell me where you found them.

I'll also happily accept your offer.

For Jiang Yanli!!!

[galacticstar]

[There's a package with what seems to be a basket, but wrapped in gaudy pink and yellow wrapping paper. In the basket is a collection of items; a rolling pin, cookie cutters in shapes of stars and waining moons, a medium sized tray, a collection of utensils made out of beautiful dark wood (turner, ladle, blunt-end spoon, slotted spoon, 12" spoon and 14" spoon), and silicon spatulas in three sizes, all in rainbow coloured silicon. In a corner, there's dried fruits and nuts in a small bag, and candies in another.]

My dearest Jiang Yanli☆

This is your very own Christmas basket! It has a few things I thought you'd enjoy using! And snacks for you and your loved pet!☆

I hope you have the best of holidays~

Shu☆Zo

For Vanitas

[volleygenius]

[ Marui leaves Vanitas a gift box neatly wrapped in bright red paper with green and gold ribbons. Attached on top is the following short note: ]

Yo Vanitas--

Have a sweet, delicious Christmas this year! Here's a little something to help you out with that. [ A small hand-drawn winking face with a V sign follows. ]

Your Secret Santa

[ Inside the box, Vanitas will find a personally baked Christmas cake: a light and airy sponge cake layered with sliced strawberries and whipped cream and decorated like a professional's. The cake sits on top of a flat second box comprising the base of the package with an assortment of chocolate and candies inside. ]

To Zelda (SO LATE SORRY)

[thousandcraneswish]

[ When Chizuru had chosen to involve herself in the event, she believed her customs back home would aid her in any difficulties she could stumble on. But then she opened the letter with the instructions and nearly closed it right up again. Why did it have to be science? Chizuru doesn’t know much about the outside world or worlds, but from her limited exposure to science with her father and the war she has just escaped, she believes that she understands enough of it to realize that anything scientific would be difficult to produce without more knowledge.

However, asking for assistance in such a custom would hurt her limited pride.

Fortunately, there is a silver lining to Zelda’s wishlist and a way to blend her world with any scientific craving. Cooking and tea leaves!

It would take most of Chizuru’s time that month to create.

Finally, a golden spice dragon drops off a neat bundle in a box to Zelda’s doorstep. It includes: a thick, handwritten journal describing herbs and spices and the qualities of these plants, both for medicinal purposes and in expanding the flavor of dishes in the kitchen; another small journal with simple recipes;
and a set of fabric wrapped earthenware bowls .

A small note accompanies the goods. ]

Zelda,

Cooking is a lot like science. You start with something basic and then experiment with the ingredients available to you. But whereas science can be pursued alone, preparing your own meals and having no one to share them with you is a tragedy. We all come from many different worlds but the joy of good food is universal. Seek others on this holiday in this journey. They can teach you much more than any knowledge offered in books.

May you enjoy much joy during this festival.

[ The card is anonymous with no signature or title at the end. ]

To: Azmuth

[lethechained]

[ Who wouldn't want to run interference for Santa? Familiar as Naminé was with secondhand memories of the big man himself, it seemed like the thoughtful thing to do, especially since they were all far from home and loved ones this year. (Not that she had much experience with either of those things, but still. Even she knew they were a huge deal for other people!) The name she received was one she recognized, but the interests...

Well, the technical bent fit based on what she knew of Azmuth, but Naminé could hardly say she'd ever handled the practical side of machinery before. Magic made it easy enough to alter the data inside, as that was just mechanical memory and it lacked the wherewithal to resist her like a real heart might. Handling the bits and pieces that made it all up, though, was as foreign to her as brain surgery. Or at least, it seemed to be so until she thought back on some recent experiences - and suddenly it appeared that her magically-assisted recollections might serve her in this case after all.

Thus began a very long system of trial and error and asking around, until finally--

The package waiting for Azmuth outside his door in the morning is awfully small by human standards, but might come up to about his chest. The wrapping is neat and tidy (and the result of yet more careful practice on Naminé's part) in festively colorful paper, very on-brand for the season. It'd be a little bit heavy for a human his size, but with any luck might be mobile enough to get inside the door, at least. The delicately folded note reads as follows: ]

Azmuth,

Hello again. I know it's been a while since we last spoke, but I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas, and I hope that you like your gift. After you told me so much about your worlds, I thought it would only be fair for me to show you one of mine.

I've never made anything like this before, so I'm sure that you can improve it.

Happy Holidays,
Naminé

[ There's not a lot of room on the paper, small as she tried to keep it, which might have encouraged brevity. Upon opening the package, Azmuth will find what looks like a couple of model planets, which are held together on a little stand. Parts of it seem to be metal while others are delicately constructed of other materials, all carefully painted to look like towers and city and forest, with a special ring for the train.

There's a windup key along the base that allows the planets to orbit around each other and the train to move along the track, although most of the mechanisms are quite simple and the clocktower doesn't seem to function in accurate time. It's very pretty aesthetically, though, and is constructed with a meticulous eye for the details; for all that the proportions seem caricatured, it has this strange feeling about it that makes it seem just a little more like a real place, and there's ever more to see the closer one looks. A lot of Dreamotion energy clings to it, giving a particular sense of sleepy calm, like some long-forgotten memory of gazing out of the window at a sunset, clutching a cup of tea amongst the distant scent of trees. If one isn't thinking about it too hard, one might almost swear the wind is blowing the through fake pines, or the sun is catching the warm-toned buildings just so in the perfect moment of transition between day and night.

Included in the package is a bag of extra parts - tiny gears and components that could be used to make adjustments or repairs to the existing creation, or perhaps to start one of his own clockwork projects, should he feel so inclined. ]

[whohastimeforthat]

[Azmuth is quite intrigued by the clever little model. He's never actually seen a train like this before either since with flying vehicles didn't require physical tracks to follow, not even the automated ones on set routes.]

[He pulls out his notebook and writes a reply to Namine.]

Thank you very much for the model and parts. Is the model of something from your home universe?

Alastor | Hazbin Hotel

[lonelysmiles]

((OOC: Sorry I'm so late. Been super busy at work. At one point was doing the work of three programmers. OTL))

[Mingling - OPEN TO ALL]

[Alastor is projecting old Christmas music: Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, the good stuff. He sings and dances along with the music, tipping an imaginary hat in greeting from time to time. He's rather good at both, practically performing for any random observer.]

[Though be careful: Get too close and you might just find yourself swept up in his dance as an impromptu dance partner!]

[Secret Santa - Alphen (refire)]

Hello! I don't believe we've met!

[Alastor is carrying a basket covered with a checkered blanket. His eternal smile is downright grinning from ear-to-ear.]

Alphen, right? At least I assume you're him! You certainly weren't the last three people I asked! Ha!

[refire]

[ ooc, sorry for the delay!! happy holiday season!!! ]

Oh hey! You got it right. My name is Alphen, it's good to see you!

[ He waves and politely makes a friendly gesture greeting. ]

We haven't met before but it doesn't have to stay that way. What do you want me to call you?

To Kanji

[whohastimeforthat]

[Azmuth is having a bit of a rough time with his gift. He had to basically make a cart he could push with the wrapping paper wrapped around the gift like a makeshift bag, tied off with a ribbon on top. He's glad he didn't pick anything particularly heavy, still having to pause every two feet or so. He's been pushing this thing for a while.]

I'm far too old for this. [He looks up at a human, hoping for some assistance.] Excuse me, but could you point me to Kanji Tatsumi?

To Rosalia

[seemagicshit]

[Zhao thinks he's being all smooth, figuring out where Rosalia lives and dropping off a little basket with some gardening trowels and gloves. Probably not as smooth as he thinks and he might be easily spotted, given what he usually wears.]