Allan Warbeck
Ireth
Janitorial Enigma
He who limps still walks.
Posts: 81
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Post by Allan Warbeck on Jan 2, 2010 3:20:41 GMT -5
Allan limped slowly into the room, smiling at the cheerful hubbub of voices. He placed his gift under the tree, eyeing the fanged angel tree-topper curiously, and moved to join the chattering teachers. "Merry Christmas!"
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Valérian Mervielle-Dion
Kitty Kat
Hold me closer, tiny dancer~
'I am cute, wounded and unloved. Give me a hug and some hot chocolate.'
Posts: 191
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Post by Valérian Mervielle-Dion on Jan 2, 2010 3:21:09 GMT -5
Valérian smiled brightly at Himmel, "Trés bien Himmel. I fear I can not return the sentiment in German, but English is already straining my language skills."
He looked at Smoke and accepted envelope, then gave him an envelope in return. "Just a card, I'm afraid... I barely managed to get my Secret Santa gift."
Looking at the envelope, he opened it with ease and pulled out the contents slowly. His eyes opened wide and he looked up at Smoke with a pleased grin. "Ah merci beaucoup, Smoke!"
He was speechless, having difficulty remembering the English to explain his appreciation. A gift certificate for clothing, for authentic clothing of his time. Not from the time, naturally, as any such clothing would be impossibly expensive and rarely in as good of condition as his own personal belongings. It was a pity he hadn't managed as yet to get his costume back...
He probably never would. Shaking his head, he slipped the envelope into a pocket carefully. "Thank you, Smoke. I assure you this will go to good use. Merry Christmas," he said brightly. It was slightly forced, but not as much for Smoke as it might have been for others he didn't know. Of any of the other staff members, Smoke was the one he knew best. After all, he'd gotten to know Smoke very well during rehearsals for Masque de la Mort Rouge.
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Post by Rivienne Volkova on Jan 2, 2010 3:32:57 GMT -5
Rivienne smiled at Sa'id, opening the card and reading the message. She laughed lightly. "Thank you, Sa'id. It's very nice of you."
She handed him the small gift bag. "I'm sorry I couldn't do more, but given the... well." She smiled sadly. "Happy Holidays, Sa'id."
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Post by Smoke on Jan 2, 2010 3:35:26 GMT -5
"You're welcome, I'm glad you like it. Merry Christmas, he replied. He'd been a little worried- that seemed like it would either be a great gift or a terrible one, and it was hard to tell with the little vampire sometimes. (Though perhaps that had something to do with Smoke see-sawing between thinking of him as a valued colleague or as an adorable teddy bear, as well. Ah well.)
And then, finally, Allan came in. Smoke grinned broadly, grabbed a rather large box from his bag o' gifts, and swung over towards him. When he got his Secret Santa assignment, he'd initially had no idea what in the world to get Allan- he seemed like such a simple person, and Smoke rather regretted not having got to know him. Then, Michael gave him a wonderful idea.
"Merry Christmas, Allan." He gave the vampire the box, which was beginning to shake a little.
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Allan Warbeck
Ireth
Janitorial Enigma
He who limps still walks.
Posts: 81
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Post by Allan Warbeck on Jan 2, 2010 3:55:25 GMT -5
Allan grinned as he accepted the box from Smoke. "Hello, Smoke. Merry Christmas to... you... too...?" He blinked in confusion, feeling the box quivering in his hands. He quickly opened it, and gave a soft gasp at what lay inside.
It was a roomba, he saw at first glance -- but not just any roomba. It had obviously been enchanted; it quivered and whirred softly of its own accord, and seemed to be looking at him. Allan had to laugh as he lifted it out of the box, and it settled down against him immediately. He looked at Smoke, his grin widening. "Thank you very much!"
The roomba shifted in his arms, whirring a little louder, and Allan set it down, watching it zoom happily across the floor, nudging people's ankles like a curious puppy. And it would be much easier to care for than a puppy, Allan thought. It would even clean up after itself.
"I'll have to think of a name for it," he said half to himself, as the roomba returned to him and whirred at his feet. He picked it up again and rubbed its sides absently.
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Valérian Mervielle-Dion
Kitty Kat
Hold me closer, tiny dancer~
'I am cute, wounded and unloved. Give me a hug and some hot chocolate.'
Posts: 191
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Post by Valérian Mervielle-Dion on Jan 3, 2010 1:17:42 GMT -5
Valérian noticed Rivienne... and her sad smile. He flipped rapidly through his cards and walked over to her almost hesitantly. "Hello, Rivienne. I know we haven't talked much, but I got you a card," he said somewhat brightly, offering it to her. He felt sorry for the woman... and any speck of happiness he could offer her would please him.
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Post by Smoke on Jan 3, 2010 1:23:52 GMT -5
"Hah. It likes you. That's good." He folded his arms and smiled.
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Post by Lance Woodburn on Jan 3, 2010 1:34:53 GMT -5
Lance walked in, holding a square box. He'd figured Tristan wouldn't be here, and Lamadre was still gone, but there were plenty of other people he half-knew. Besides, it was a Christmas party.
He looked around; no Headmaster, and his Secret Santa recipient was apparently AWOL. Ah well. He went to put his present under the tree and joined the general milling around. Everyone looked so happy; it warmed his heart.
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Allan Warbeck
Ireth
Janitorial Enigma
He who limps still walks.
Posts: 81
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Post by Allan Warbeck on Jan 3, 2010 1:42:15 GMT -5
Allan looked up as he heard someone enter the room, grinning when he saw Lance. "Hello!" he called out, setting down his roomba and hurrying (as much as he could, anyway, which probably quickened his pace to a normal walk) toward the tree. He picked up Lance's gift and handed it to the boy. "Merry Christmas!"
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Post by Rivienne Volkova on Jan 3, 2010 1:43:28 GMT -5
Rivienne glanced back at Valérian, tucking her hair back behind her ear. She smiled and took the card from him, reading it. "Thank you, Valérian."
She handed him one of the shiny gift bags, filled to the brim with candy and truffles and assorted gift cards to various places. "Merry Christmas."
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Rhythan
Keme
Iron Chef Glitterwraith
Tell me what you eat, I'll tell you who you are.
Posts: 84
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Post by Rhythan on Jan 3, 2010 2:06:16 GMT -5
Rhythan burst through the door clad in a garishly sparkly silver and white rendition of a Santa outfit, belting a jingle-bells as if it were a score in an opera. He goose-stepped straight to the middle of the room, spun once on his toes, saw the refreshments table, and scuttled to it, still on his toes, like a ballerina. He set down the enormous box in his arms and started pulling platters from it-- hearty breadrolls stuffed with herbs and meat, peppermint strudels, red, white and green snickerdoodles, et cetera. Wherever he walked, a significant amount of glitter trailed.
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Vincent Hawk
Ireth
Sexy British Professor of Music
~ Sing like no one's listening ~
Posts: 722
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Post by Vincent Hawk on Jan 3, 2010 2:16:05 GMT -5
Vincent looked up as Rhythan's voice boomed out in a merry Christmas carol, and immediately raised his voice to harmonize. He was hard put not to burst out laughing at Rhythan's festive outfit and antics, and the mounds of Christmas-colored snacks he laid out. There was glitter flying absolutely everywhere; Vincent wasn't sure whether or not Allan would appreciate having so much to do after the party was over. Though by the looks of things, his roomba would be a great help to him.
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Post by Lance Woodburn on Jan 3, 2010 2:35:35 GMT -5
Lance's eyes widened and he smiled. "Hey, thanks. Merry Christmas, Allan." He opened it. Books? Books he hadn't read! "Sweet."
He began idly flipping through them when he noticed Rhythan blow in with the scent of breadrolls. He tucked the books under his arm and grabbed his present; the books could wait. "Goo-ood evening," he offered the box to Rhythan with one hand. "Merry Christmas- and thanks for the snacks. Those look amazing."
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Post by Hoshi Yogo on Jan 3, 2010 2:45:38 GMT -5
Hoshi entered the lounge, gifts tucked under both of his arms. He was carrying a few from Ellie as well, in order to free up Ellie's arms and allow her to carry the food. He slipped most of his presents under the tree, then held two of them underneath his arms.
He slipped the smaller package into his other hand, smiling and approaching Ellie from behind. He reached around her, holding the small package where she could see it.
"Merry Christmas." He smiled.
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Valérian Mervielle-Dion
Kitty Kat
Hold me closer, tiny dancer~
'I am cute, wounded and unloved. Give me a hug and some hot chocolate.'
Posts: 191
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Post by Valérian Mervielle-Dion on Jan 3, 2010 3:09:01 GMT -5
Valérian took it with a smile, juggling it with his cards. "Joyeux Noël, Rivienne. Merci beaucoup. May this season bring you a joy you sorely need."
He reached up on his tiptoes and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, flashing her a grin. "It's almost a pity I managed to get rid of that mistletoe that was following me."
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Elliestraaeln Evans-Barros
Keme
Beloved School Healer
So many things I'd say if only I were able; but I just keep quiet.
Posts: 503
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Post by Elliestraaeln Evans-Barros on Jan 3, 2010 3:09:32 GMT -5
Ellie, having just placed her own contribution to the nom-table out (like Rhythan, she had prepared platters of food-- though where Rhythan's were mostly desserts, hers were mostly appetizers) chuckled and spun around to face Hoshi, managing to take the package as she did so. She wrapped her arms around the man's neck and hugged him.
"Merry Christmas to you, too," she said, grinning as she tucked a rolled-up piece of paper behind his ear. "And thank you for helping me cook. Among other things." She unwound her arms from Hoshi's neck, rather reluctantly (they were at a staff party, after all) and tipped her head to one side. "Would you like me to open this now, or wait til later?"
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Post by Himmel on Jan 3, 2010 3:45:32 GMT -5
Himmel stared around the group wide-eyed, where had all these people come from. Oh well, time to go ninja! He grabbed five boxes out of his bag and threw them like pocky-flavored shuriken death.
Men's flavor Pocky to Rhythan's head.
Hazelnut to Hoshi's face.
Pumpkin into Ellie's hands.
Chocolate Banana past Lance's ear.
And Blood (because of sparkly Japanese magic) into Allan's roomba.
Satisfied Himmel turned back to Vincent. "Oh yeah, this is yours too." He pulled out a small nicely wrapped box and handed to him.
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Vincent Hawk
Ireth
Sexy British Professor of Music
~ Sing like no one's listening ~
Posts: 722
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Post by Vincent Hawk on Jan 3, 2010 3:57:28 GMT -5
Vincent laughed and accepted the gift from Himmel. "Thank you, again!" He opened the box, grinning at the iPod and iTunes giftcard -- good heavens, a hundred dollars?! -- in his hands. "This will go to great use!"
Still grinning, he tucked the gift into his pocket and slipped away, picking up a gift from under the tree and handing it to Hoshi. "Merry Christmas!"
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Rhythan
Keme
Iron Chef Glitterwraith
Tell me what you eat, I'll tell you who you are.
Posts: 84
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Post by Rhythan on Jan 3, 2010 4:07:26 GMT -5
Rhythan took Lance's gift with a chuckle, ending the christmas carol he had been singing with a flourish and bow of thanks. Off went the paper, pop went the box lid, and "Ooooohhh~!" went Rhythan. Iron Chef dvd-- original japanese episodes, not the Food Network American knockoff. "It's like the Ninja Warrior of food! I thank thee, valiant Sir Lance!" He then gave a happy, rather girlish giggle and jogged in place for a moment, hugging the present to his chest.
Giddy now, Rhythan danced around the refreshment table, skirting as close to Ellie as he could and dumping a fistful of glitter onto her head and shoulders. Grinning, he discreetly pushed the healer into Hoshi and flitted away before Hoshi could do anything about it, ending up by Rivienne. Oh, good. Just the person he needed to see. He dropped dramatically to one knee and produced a flat silver box, roughly two feet long and a foot wide, from nowhere. Ask no questions-- this is Rhythan we're talking about here.
"Madame! Such pleasure it gives me to present to you the fruit of Christmas Spirit and the joy of Holiday Cheer!" The fluffed end of his Santa hat flopped into his face, and the resulting shower of glitter made him sneeze. A new cloud of it erupted from his costume, and he waved it in Ellie's direction.
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Post by Hoshi Yogo on Jan 3, 2010 4:47:15 GMT -5
Hoshi grinned, hugging Ellie back happily. "You're welcome to open it whenever you like," he replied. "As long as I get to see your reaction, of course."
Hoshi looked over at Vincent. "Hm?" he asked, then looked down at the gift. He grinned. "I see my secret Santa has found me." He began ripping off the wrapping paper.
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Post by Rivienne Volkova on Jan 3, 2010 5:05:42 GMT -5
Rivienne blushed slightly, giving the small man a hug. "Thank you for your kind words, Valérian," she replied. "Everyone's kindness means a lot to me."
Rivienne opened her mouth to speak again when the personified cloud of glitter caught her attention. "Oh!" she gasped. "Well, Merry Christmas to you, too, Rhythan."
She laughed, opening the box to reveal a varied assortment of cakes, candies, and cookies in the shape of sword, shields, and...ocarinas? "Rhythan is this...Zelda-themed?" She shook her head. "I'm going to have to keep these away from my son, you know. Otherwise I won't get any of it."
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Valérian Mervielle-Dion
Kitty Kat
Hold me closer, tiny dancer~
'I am cute, wounded and unloved. Give me a hug and some hot chocolate.'
Posts: 191
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Post by Valérian Mervielle-Dion on Jan 3, 2010 11:49:00 GMT -5
Valérian just smiled, rather pleased with himself. For cheering up Rivienne, and for doing something unexpected. It had been hard; too many years of being alone, and before that having to worry about propriety. Dancing carefully away from the glitter, he flipped through his cards and handed Rhythan his. Oddly enough, it was as glittery as the... man himself had been.
Glancing around, Valérian sighed. Well, his assigned person still wasn't here... hopefully they didn't... No, she wouldn't. He'd made sure of that. Mostly by persuading Korlian to rouse a bit of chaos and escape before he could be blamed. Hadn't been hard and Valérian should probably have been ashamed of himself, but no harm had been done. Korlian had just rolled bouncy balls down the hall until he'd gotten the attention Valérian had wanted him to get, then bolted WITH his toys.
Which meant the office should remain empty until AFTER the party.
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Vincent Hawk
Ireth
Sexy British Professor of Music
~ Sing like no one's listening ~
Posts: 722
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Post by Vincent Hawk on Jan 3, 2010 15:27:35 GMT -5
Vincent laughed aloud at Rhythan's continued antics, waiting for Hoshi to finish opening his gift. "I hope you like it. It took me ages to find."
Oh, good grief. How much glitter could one room hold? Everyone in the room -- including himself, very likely -- now looked as though they were suffering from severe cases of very sparkly dandruff. Allan's roomba was having the time of its life trying to clean up the floor as fast as the glitter was covering it. Vincent couldn't resist calling out to Rhythan. "What did you do, throw a hand grenade at Edward Cullen?"
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Bolin Honghui
Keme
The Counselor is a TIGER
Curse not the darkness-- light a candle.
Posts: 127
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Post by Bolin Honghui on Jan 3, 2010 16:16:29 GMT -5
Bolin peeked into the room, a package tucked under one arm. He didn't immediately see Val, so the psychologist opted to trounce over to the tree and place the present beneath it.
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Diana Hawk
Ireth
Ass't Principal; Head of Shapeshifters
You told I had the eyes of a wolf; search them and find the beauty of the beast.
Posts: 262
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Post by Diana Hawk on Jan 3, 2010 16:39:13 GMT -5
Diana noticed Bolin entering the room, and slipped away from Vincent to join the psychologist beside the tree. She picked up his gift with a smile and held it out carefully in one hand, signing with the other. Merry Christmas, Bolin![/color]
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