*The next few days pass uneventfully, unless you count Li winning the volleyball tournament (but not in a bikini). As Christmas draws closer, the hotel management set off artificial snow machines, so a talcum powder-like substance is being sprayed all over the grounds. It is Christmas day and everyone is sat around in the lounge area of the hotel, in front of the holographic fire, opening their presents.*
Lahrne: Me first! Me first!
Laurenza: Kids...
*From Laurenza, Lahrne got... a Magick Book called Holy Forces.*
Lahrne: Just what I wanted!
*From Kitzie, Lahrne got... a bone.*
Lahrne: Part of me'll like that.
*From Tifanel, Lahrne got... a book on Sword Arts.*
Lahrne: Yay!
*From Li, Lahrne got... a shoe horn?*
Lahrne: Huh?
*From Kuja, Lahrne got... a Magick Book called Tetra Force, The Power of Four.*
Lahrne: You guys read my Christmas list, huh?
*From Lierlo, Lahrne got... a Magick Book called Playing With Fire.*
Lahrne: Yay, again, yay.
*From Mihako, Lahrne got... cookies.*
Lahrne: Mmmm... cookies.
*From Thorn, Lahrne got... a Magick Book called The Power of the Positive Forces.*
Lahrne: Thank you, daddy!
*From Bo, Lahrne got... a ball of unmeltable ice.*
Lahrne: Cool!
*From Jo, Lahrne got... a Magick charm to ward off evil.*
Lahrne: Sweet!
*From Lenny, Lahrne got... a ball of purest fire, in a glass orb.*
Lahrne: That's awesome, Lenny!
*From Tinny, Lahrne got... a ring to increase one's speed.*
Lahrne: Thanks!
*From Clang, Lahrne got... a glowing stone that can light darkness.*
Lahrne: Who told you I didn't like the dark...?
*And lastly, From Laura, Lahrne got... a big box of sweets.*
Lahrne: Yummy, thanks Laura.
Laura: *Has now started to tear the paper off her presents by using her teeth.
*From Laurenza, Laura got... a pretty little tiara.*
Laura: Oh, that's beautiful!
*From Kitzie, Laura got... a paw-painted card that says 'Your my best frend.'*
Laura: Aww, thanks Kitzie, it's nice, and it's true!
*From Tifanel, Laura got... a great big wrench.*
Laura: Tankoo Tiffy!
*From Li, Laura got... a moist towelette?*
Laura: Hmm... thanks.
*From Lierlo, Laura got... a pack of screwdrivers.*
Laura: Thanks Lierlo, I love screwing!
*From Mihako, Laura got... cookies.*
Laura: Nummy!
*From Lahrne, Laura got... chocolate pudding.*
Laura: Extra-nummy!
*From Kuja, she got nothing. His excuse is that he didn't like her much. From Thorn, Laura
got... a little book of engineering!*
Laura: Wow, thank you Thorny!
Bo: We've decided that we Homeworld residents will give our presents to each other when we get home. That's what we traditionally do, besides, not all of us are here.
Kitzie: Presents! *She starts ripping the paper off frantically.*
*From Laurenza, Kitzie got... a rubber mouse.*
Kitzie: Wow! Neat!
*From Tifanel, Kitzie got... a pair of his socks.*
Kitzie: Thank you, thank you!
*From Li, Kitzie got... a flea comb?*
Kitzie: Oooh, I always wanted to make music! *Twangs the comb.*
*From Kuja, Kitzie got... a ball of yarn.*
Kitzie: Thankies, Creepy Guy. All my others are all drooly now.
*From Lierlo, Kitzie got... a book entitled The Nekorogika: The Honourable Protectors of Nature.*
Kitzie: Thanks, Lierly. *Chews on the corner of it.*
*From Mihako, Kitzie got... cookies.*
Kitzie: *Eats them all at once.*
*From Lahrne, Kitzie got... a book entitled The World's Best Fart Jokes.*
Kitzie: *Looks at it and giggles.* Lahrney, that's rude...
*From Thorn, Kitzie got... a wooden charm necklace.*
Kitzie: Oooh... *Puts it on.* Pretty!
*From Bo, Kitzie got... a signed photograph of himself.*
Kitzie: I LOVE IT!
*From Jo, Kitzie got... a cuddly Bo she knitted herself.*
Kitzie: *Squeals and hugs it to death.*
*From Lenny, Kitzie got... a large red feather from his wing.*
Kitzie: *Ties it on Pointy Stick next to the Thorn feather.* I collect them!
*From Tinny, Kitzie got... a large catnip plant.*
Kitzie: *Sniffs it and purrs madly.*
*From Clang, Kitzie got... a wooden sword.*
Kitzie: *Takes the sword and shouts a kind of battle fanfare.* DA-DA-DA! Kitzie the hero!
*From Laura, Kitzie got... a friendship bracelet.*
Kitzie: Thanks, Laurie. *Licks her cheek.*
Li: Me next! Me next! *He grabs his pile of presents.*
Tifanel: You big kid.
*From Laurenza, Li got... a six pack of beer!*
Li: The simplest gifts are usually the best.
*From Kitzie, Li got... beer...*
Li: How did you get that?
Kitzie: I found it in the fridge.
Li: Well done, you gave me something that was already mine.
*From Tifanel, he got... a novelty lighter!*
Li: Ba ha ha, that's great.
*From Kuja, Li got... a bikini?*
Li: That is so not funny...
*From Lierlo, Li got... a little book on swordsmanship.*
Li: Great, now maybe I can beat Tif in a fight for once.
*From Mihako, he got... cookies.*
Li: Mmm, chocolate chip goodness.
*From Lahrne, he got... blonde hair dye.*
Li: IT'S NATURAL!
*From Thorn, Li got... cigarettes.*
Li: Just what I need.
*From Bo, Li got... some clip-on shades.*
Li: Very cool.
*From Jo, Li got... a do-it-yourself hangover cure potion.*
Li: I'll probably need this after Laurenza and Kitzie's presents.
*From Lenny, Li got... an extra large bottle of Flamin' Vodka.*
Li: *Swigs some.* Eeeaargh! Strong stuff!
*From Tinny, Li got... some boxing gloves.*
Li: Heheh, thanks.
*From Clang, Li got... some binoculars.*
Li: Hey, these match my goggles.
*From Laura, Li got... a Nice Breastage of Our Time Calendar.*
Li: *Looks at it, drooling some.* A humana humana how wa!
Tifanel: I want to go next.
*From Laurenza, Tifanel got... beer.*
Tifanel: Oh yeah!
*From Kitzie, Tifanel got... beer.*
Tifanel: Good good.
*From Kuja, Tifanel got... beer!*
Tifanel: I'm starting to see a pattern here... Did everyone else get me beer?
*Lierlo, Li and Lahrne nod.*
Mihako: I got you some cookies.
Tifanel: *Opens the beer and cookies.* Beer and cookies, could be an interesting combination.
*From Thorn, Tifanel got... a large set of spanners, bolts and other DIY stuff.*
Tifanel: Thanks, Thorn buddy.
*From Bo, Tifanel got... a large spanner, that could well be used as a weapon.*
Tifanel: Nice!
*From Jo, Tifanel got... a battleaxe.*
Tifanel: Wow, I've gotta try this baby out.
*From Lenny, Tifanel got... a large warrior shield.*
Tifanel: Thanks!
*From Tinny, Tifanel got... a golden comb.*
Tifanel: Geez, I'm not vain or anything.
Li: *Cough.* Much.
*From Clang, Tifanel got... a stone war hammer.*
Tifanel: I'm gonna be packing ass-kicking power with this lot.
*From Laura, Tifanel got... some home-made X-ray glasses.*
Tifanel: Puts them on and looks around.* Gah, geez, I didn't know so many of you guys like to go commando...
Tifanel:*Has now started to open his presents.*
*From Laurenza, Clang got... a bracelet made from sapphire coloured stones.*
Clang: That's really pretty.* He puts it on.*
*From Kitzie, Clang got... a shiny stone she carved into a heart shape with her claws.*
Clang: Aww, thankya Kitzie!
*From Tifanel, Clang got... a curious shining orb.*
Clang: Cool...*He stares into it.*
Tifanel: It's something from my homeland, which is kinda rare 'cos you don't get much Magick on Earth at all. It's supposed to have some kind of Magick power, but I haven't figured out how ya work it.
Clang: Well, I'm sure we'll crack it. Not literally... well, you know what I mean.
*From Li, Clang got... a packet of peanuts?*
Clang: *Laughs.* Snacky, thanks.
*From Lierlo, Clang got... a gold flame crystallised into a solid stone.*
Clang: Wow, that's cool.
*From Mihako, Clang got... cookies.*
Clang: Wow, what a surprise! Thanks!
*From Lahrne, Clang got... a bolt of lightning crystallised into a solid stone, similar to what Lierlo gave him.*
Clang: Wow, another to add to my collection!
Lahrne: Yeah, uh, Lierlo showed me how to do it.
Clang: Well, it's cool anyway.
*And from Thorn, Clang got... a rare golden stone.*
Clang: Ooh, shiny. Thanks, Thorn.
*Clang then decides not to bother looking around for a present from Kuja.*
Lierlo: If you all don't mind, I'm going to open mine now.
*From Laurenza, Lierlo got... a book on Spirit Familiars.*
Lierlo: This will be very interesting, thank you, Laurenza.
*From Kitzie, Lierlo got... a hat for Smiley.*
Lierlo: *Puts it on him.* Aw, it suits him. That was a very nice, unique thought, Kitzie.
*From Tifanel, Lierlo got some... snake oil.*
Lierlo: Thank you, Tifanel. Smiley will much appreciate being kept clean with this.
Tifanel: It better be worth it, you have no idea of the kind of trauma I had to go through to get this stuff...
*From Li, Lierlo got... a paper clip?*
Lierlo: Oh, how... useful...
*From Kuja, Lierlo got... a book called The Sunshine Man.*
Lierlo: Thank you, I've heard this is a good book.
*From Mihako, Lierlo got… a big kiss on the cheek.*
Lierlo: *Smiles a lot.* I couldn't have asked for anything nicer.
*From Lahrne, Lierlo got... a Magick Book called Lightning Magick: How to Avoid Being Zapped.*
Lierlo: Always useful, thank you Lahrne.
*From Thorn, Lierlo got... Snakes, Cywyrms and their Venom book.*
Lierlo: Thank you, Thorn. Both Smiley and myself will be interested in this.
*From Bo, Lierlo got... Call of the Mountain book.*
Lierlo: Thank you, Bo. I won't be stuck without anything to read after this.
*From Jo, Lierlo got... a copy of the Merinstod Texts.*
Lierlo: *Looks at it with great interest.* This looks very intriguing. Thank you, Jo.
*From Lenny, Lierlo got... a book: Birth in the Flames: Information on Resurrection and other Fire Rituals*
Lierlo: *Smiles some.* Thanks, Lenny.
*From Tinny, Lierlo got... Magickal Power from Our Minds book.*
Lierlo: I'll need a new bookshelf at this rate. Oh, not that I'm complaining, I love books. Thank you very much.
*From Clang, Lierlo got... Earth and its Power book.*
Lierlo: Thank you, Clang. Fire is my strong point, so it will be nice to expand my Magickal powers by learning about something different.
*From Laura, Lierlo got... a snake cuddly toy.*
Lierlo: How sweet, thanks Laura. Shall we call it Smiley Junior?
Laura: *Giggles.* Sure!
Bo: I think I'll go next. *He starts to open his presents.*
*From Laurenza, Bo got... some special Dalin chocolates.*
Bo: Yummy, thanks!
*From Kitzie, Bo got... a booklet she made containing a declaration of love, and several reasons why Bo is the greatest person in the world.*
Bo: Aww, Thanks a lot, Kitzie.
Kitzie: *Giggles.*
*From Tifanel, Bo got... throwing daggers shaped like shards of ice.*
Bo: *Examines them.* Cool...
*From Li, Bo got... soap?*
Bo: Err... How useful, thanks.
*From Lierlo, Bo got... some wonderfully sticky toffee.*
Bo: Does everyone think I like food? Well good, 'cos I do!
*From Mihako, Bo got... cookies.*
Bo: Eh heh... You like baking cookies don't you?
Mihako: Yes, yes! They make people happy.
Bo: *Laughs.* Thanks.
*From Lahrne, Bo got... dog biscuits.*
Bo: Novel, thanks!
Lahrne: Well, I like 'em when I'm a doggy...
Bo: And I am a doggy, so I'm sure they'll be great.
*From Thorn, Bo got... a broadsword.*
Bo: *Holds up the sword and whistles.* Thanks Thorn.
Laurenza: *Shakes some of her presents.* I'm dying to know what's in these. I'm next.
*From Kitzie, Laurenza got... a daisy chain.*
Laurenza: It's very lovely, Kitzie, thank you.
*From Tifanel, Laurenza got... a hat.*
Laurenza: Um...
Tifanel: If you hate it, I don't blame ya! I have no idea what women want!
Thorn: Who does?
*From Li, Laurenza got... a piece of paper?*
Laurenza: Darling brother... thank you...
Li: Nothing less than you deserve, dearest sister.
*From Kuja, Laurenza got... some make up.*
Laurenza: Replacement, is it? *Grins.*
Kuja: Quiet you.
*From Lierlo, Laurenza got... some perfume.*
Laurenza: *Takes the lid off and smells it.* Whew, it's a little strong.
Lierlo: Oh, Mihako helped me pick it out. She said girls like that kind of perfume.
Kuja: Mihako also likes to sniff compost heaps.
*From Mihako, Laurenza got... cookies.*
Laurenza: Mmm, chocolate chip. Wait... these are chocolate chips, aren't they?
*From Lahrne, Laurenza got... a bracelet made from glazed sweets.*
Laurenza: Oh, how sweet. Excuse the pun.
*From Thorn, Laurenza got... a furry, white dressing gown.*
Laurenza: Thank you, Thorn. It'll keep me nice and toasty when it's cold at night.
*From Bo, Laurenza got... a silver necklace.*
Laurenza: It's very nice, thanks Bo.
*From Jo, Laurenza got... a cuddly Kattsythe, that looks like she has knitted it herself, like the Bo doll.*
Laurenza: How adorable! *Cuddles it.*
*From Lenny, Laurenza got... a silver crown with jewels in it.*
Laurenza: *Puts it on.* Now I really feel like a Queen.
*From Tinny, Laurenza got... a red scarf, with tiger stripes printed on it.*
Laurenza: Thanks, Tinny.
*From Clang, Laurenza got... a crystal ball.*
Laurenza: Ooh, I used to have one just like this, but it got broken. Oh, no matter, I have this new one. Thanks Clang.
*From Laura, Laurenza got... a jewelled brooch with a cat on it.*
Laurenza: *Pins it on to her clothes.* It's pretty, thank you, Laura sweetheart.
Jo: I can go next. *Picks up her first present.*
*From Laurenza, Jo got... a pearl necklace.*
Jo: Ooh, pretty pretty. *Puts it on.*
*From Kitzie, Jo got... a big bunch of flowers.*
Jo: *Sniffs them and sneezes.* Thank you, Kitzie.
*From Tifanel, Jo got... a large satin ribbon.*
Jo: Ooh. *Ties it in a bow round one of her ears.* Thanks.
*From Li, Jo got... a cracker?*
Jo: *Takes a bite.* Mmfmm... Thanks!
*From Lierlo, Jo got... a book entitled The Witch's Companion.*
Jo: My first Magickal item. *Eyes the ribbon.* I think... Thank you, Lierlo.
*From Mihako, Jo got... cookies.*
Jo: Ooh, delicious.
*From Lahrne, Jo got... an unidentifiable, strange swirling substance in a jar.*
Lahrne: Um... it's Magick... I don't know what it does, so I wouldn't open it if I were you.
Jo: *Laughs.* Thanks for advice, Lahrne.
*From Thorn, Jo got... a Magickal staff.*
Jo: Thanks. *Swishes it, causing a short rainfall to occur on Thorn.*
Thorn: *Shakes his hair and laughs.*
Mihako: Could I have permission to open my gifts now?
Lierlo: Go ahead, Mihako.
*From Laurenza, Mihako got... a piece of shiny paper with holograms on it.*
Mihako: How awe-inspiring. Incredible!
*From Kitzie, Mihako got... a ladybird.*
Mihako: Oh dear, has it died?
Kitzie: Yeah...
Mihako: Never mind, I shall preserve it in a jar.
*From Tifanel, Mihako got... double sided sticky tape.*
Mihako: Adhesive on both sides? Impossible...
*From Li, Mihako got... a penny.*
Mihako: How very generous. I shall add it to my life savings
*From Kuja, Mihako got... an English Dictionary.*
Mihako: Oh, thank you, big brother Kuja. There is so much knowledge contained in this book.
*From Lierlo, Mihako got... a pretty, sparkly pink dress.*
Mihako: Lierlo, it shines like the stars. Is it made from stars?
Lierlo: *Smiles.* It might be.
*From Lahrne, Mihako got... a piece of plasticine.*
Mihako: Is it for eating?
Lahrne: Try it.
Mihako: It does not taste very nice.
*From Thorn, Mihako got... a pretty, glowing crystal.*
Mihako: It glows… Is there a miniature sun contained inside?
Thorn: Well, not really.
Mihako: Oh.
*From Bo, Mihako got... a picture book of far off lands and sights.*
Mihako: *Opens it.* Ooh. *Turns a page.* Ooh. *Turns another.* Ooh.
*From Jo, Mihako got... a miniature hologram generator.*
Mihako: Wow, hologram! I thank you!
*From Lenny, Mihako got... some Phoenix tears in a bottle.*
Mihako: Phoenix tears can be used in Necromancy rituals.
*From Tinny, Mihako got... a wooden charm with a paw print on it.*
Mihako: Is this your own paw print?
Tinny: Yes, it is.
Mihako: Thank you.
*From Clang, Mihako got... a large, shimmering moonstone.*
Mihako: It sparkles... I would ask if it was a real star or a satellite, but I fear I may once again be wrong.
*From Laura, Mihako got... a horn.*
Mihako: *Squeezes it and it honks.* Oh no! I hurt it!
Laura: It's all right; it's meant to make that noise!
Mihako: That is good.
Lenny: My turn, my turn!
*From Laurenza, Lenny got... some scrummy cherry truffles.*
Lenny: Ooh, these look nice, thank you.
*From Kitzie, Lenny got... a Pointy Stick of his very own!*
Lenny: Wow, It's just like yours! Thanks Kitzie!
*From Tifanel, Lenny got... katars, wrist blades that fit on Lenny's paws.*
Lenny: Hey, these could come in useful, thanks very much.
*From Li, Lenny got... a piece of string?*
Lenny: String can come in useful in a variety of situations, so thank you, Li.
*From Lierlo, Lenny got... a whacking great piece of nougat.*
Lenny: Mmm, thanks, I love nougat.
*From Mihako, Lenny got... cookies.*
Lenny: I expected this, but it's nice anyway.
*From Lahrne, Lenny got... a self-help book called Don't Be a Doormat, Stand Up for Yourself.*
Lenny: *Laughs.* Thanks, Lahrne.
*From Thorn, Lenny got... a leather bandana.*
Lenny: Ooh. *Ties it round his head.* Thanks, Thorn.
Thorn: Right, I'm gonna go next.
*From Laurenza, Thorn got... a silver ring with an intricate feather pattern engraved into it.*
Thorn: *Puts it on.* Thanks, Laurenza.
From Kitzie, Thorn got... a lock of her fur tied with a little ribbon.*
Thorn: Oh, that's nice. Thanks, Kitzie.
*From Tifanel, Thorn got... a sweet white shirt with chains on.*
Thorn: Wow, thanks, Tif.
*From Li, Thorn got... a pencil sharpener?*
Thorn: Umm... Yeah. Thanks, Li.
*From Kuja, Thorn got...some silver dog tags with the word, 'Thorn' and the thorn symbol engraved into them. On the reverse side, it says 'Property of Kuja.'*
Thorn: *Laughs.* Wow, this is great, thanks.
*From Lierlo, Thorn got... a book called Advanced Advanced Magick.*
Thorn: Heh, this should be a doddle. Thanks, Lierlo.
*From Mihako, Thorn got... cookies.*
Thorn: Nummy.
*From Lahrne, Thorn got... a crayon drawing that says 'BEST DADDY EVER' on it.*
Thorn: Aww, this is great, Lahrne, thanks!
Lahrne: It's true, too!
Thorn: *Laughs.* If you think so.
*From Bo, Thorn got... a Katana.*
Thorn: Pointy stuff, always useful.
*From Jo, Thorn got... a cool leather choker.*
Thorn: This is gonna looks sooo good on me. *Puts it on.*
*From Lenny, Thorn got... a Fireproof Spell Charm.*
Thorn: Thanks, Lenny. Just what I need for walking through fire in that villainous way!
*From Tinny, Thorn got... a solid chocolate paving slab.*
Thorn: Wow! You could kill somebody with this... Not that I would. Thanks Tin.
*From Clang, Thorn got... a small marble statue of an angel.*
Thorn: This would look nice by my bed. Thanks Clang.
*From Laura, Thorn got... some leather armour.*
Thorn: Wooh, kinky... and useful in battle too. *Laughs.*
Tinny: My turn, my turn!
*From Laurenza, Tinny got... a pretty tiara that matches the one she gave Laura.*
Tinny: Aww, lovely. Tankoo!
*From Kitzie, Tinny got... a paw-painted portrait of Tinny, that bears little resemblance to her, but it's very sweet.*
Tinny: Naww, you're so sweet. This is adorable, thank you.
*From Tifanel, Tinny got... a punching bag fashioned in the shape of Kuja.*
Tinny: *Laughs, and hits it a couple of times.* It's great, thanks a lot!
Kuja: Ha, ha... *Glares at Tifanel.* You're dead.
*From Li, Tinny got... a ring pull?*
Tinny: Err... thanks?
*From Lierlo, Tinny got... a beautiful landscape painting of an area in the Spirit World.*
Tinny: Wow... That's wonderful, Lierlo. You're a great painter.
Lierlo: *Blushes a little.* Oh, thank you.
*From Mihako, Tinny got... cookies.*
Tinny: Wow, great. Thanks...
*From Lahrne, Tinny got... a set of weights.*
Tinny: Wow, just what I need!
*From Thorn, Tinny got... some iron knuckles.*
Tinny: *Straps them on.* Wow... Thanks.
*Kuja is stood looking out the window, watching the artificial snow fall.*
Thorn: Kuja, it's your turn...
Kuja: Oh, I didn't think anyone would bother getting me anything.
Tinny: We all did. *Smiles in a scary way.*
Kuja: *Goes to his presents and starts to unwrap them.*
*From Laurenza, Kuja got... a pretty, white, half-length kimono with silver fastenings and a purple obi. On the back is a Dragon pattern.*
Kuja: Nice.
*From Kitzie, Kuja got... a bunch of pretty flowers.*
Kuja: Nice, they'll be dead in a day or so, but nice.
*From Tifanel, Kuja got... a badge that says 'Princess' on it.*
Kuja: You think you're really funny, don't you?
*From Li, Kuja got... the other half of the chocolate bar (the one he gave him for his birthday).*
Kuja: Oh, how special. I've the perfect place to keep this in. *Throws it in the bin.*
*From Lierlo, Kuja got... a novel called The Silent Rose.*
Kuja: Goody.
*From Mihako, Kuja got... cookies.*
Kuja: Are you incapable of doing anything else?
*From Lahrne, Kuja got... a multipack of tea bags.*
Kuja: How did you know my secret weakness?
Lahrne: Pfft, secret?
*From Thorn, Kuja got... an engraved, diamond-studded ring.*
Kuja: Thanks, Thorn. *Puts it on.* Ooh, bling bling.
*From Bo, Kuja got... some beautiful pink, white and purple robes.*
Kuja: My favourite colours.
*From Lenny, Kuja got... an original framed sketch of the beast 'Kujata'.*
Kuja: Lookie, it's my namesake.
*From Tinny, Kuja got... a pencil.*
Kuja: Wow, incredible! Fantastic! Amazing!
*From Clang, Kuja got... some cheese.*
Kuja: Don't you want to keep that, mouse boy?
*From Laura, Kuja got... a handheld, digital mirror.*
Kuja: Lovely. *Looks into it.* Now this is really worth seeing.