[Lazuli]

Lazuli walked up to Xanth's Grotto that day experiencing some sort of small letdown. The holidays were nearly over. She sighed, hanging on to a childish wish that things could be fun and sparkly all the time. Even so, everything had been pleasantly bright, snowy, and merry these past few weeks, and she had enjoyed it. She smiled; there was no need to be greedy. There were good memories to hang on to as well as the prospect of next year's festivities.

Cheerful again, Lazuli waved to the people around her. "Happy Holidays, everyone!" she said brightly. And then familiar snowballs began falling at her feet. She beamed at the snowmen and tried to skillfully dodge their snowy missiles, but she failed at the game and a few splats ended up on her head anyway. She brushed the snow off her hat without any damper to her spirits and rushed into the maze before they could attack further. She giggled for some reason. "Oh, those snowmen really get your heart pumping."

Lazuli took her time traveling through the maze because she wanted to enjoy the icy structure. She bowed when she arrived at Xanth's beautiful throne. She couldn't stay long because there were still last minute holiday gifts to deliver, but hopefully there would be enough time for her to present her gift. Pulling a small, squarish cardboard box covered with drawings from her bag, she opened the lid and carefully set it on the ground near Xanth's throne. Inside was a miniature tree with a dainty, curving golden trunk wrapped by intricate vines. Delicate branches curved around wide purple flowers with their hearts speckled by gold, and a pale blue bird had settled itself on a bright golden leaf. The intricate, painted sculpture had taken Lazuli hours and hours to make, and she had placed it in the box on top of a layer of white, snow-like cotton. The tree itself came from Lazuli's imagination.

"I hope you like this, Xanth. Have a wonderful New Year," she said, settling down on her knees behind her gift and bowing to the statue. She remained there respectfully for a moment and stood up again with a bright smile on her face. A white box wrapped with green ribbon nudged her feet, and she picked it up. "Thank you for the fun holidays and all the lovely memories!" She called before leaving the glorious ice palace for the last time that year.

[Isabel]

Isabel was standing in front of Xanth's grotto, smiling and just admiring the general beauty of the place. She was so busy with the holidays that it was only at the last minute that she was able to visit. Though this was only the second time she had gone, it still never ceased to amaze her. Grinning at the animated snowmen, Isabel half-ran half-walked towards the entrance while trying to dodge the flying snowballs and shouted a "Merry Christmas!" to anyone who heard just as she entered. She was in too good a mood to let any annoying snowmen ruin her day.

Surprisingly, it only took her a short while to get to the center of the maze and it was just as she remembered when she went there last year. Unconsciously, Isabel's hand went to the bracelet on her opposite wrist. It was a gift she received from Xanth last year. It was a special one as it matched the necklace that she had gotten from her grandmother.

Isabel wondered what she would be getting this year as she looked to the pile of gifts near the throne. Spotting a gift wrapped in a cute pink wrapper with a baby blue ribbon, she took it without hesitation thinking that that gift was meant for her. Of course, she couldn't forget the the main reason why she had to come here no matter what. She took out a small wrapped present in her bag and placed it on the floor right beside the throne. It was a gift for Xanth to thank her for the bracelet as well as for her kindness and generosity, specially after what happened at the smithy. Inside was something she made handmade, a papier-mâché vase with a dozen red origami roses.

Giving a last look at the throne, Isabel whispered "Merry Christmas! Until next year..". Turning back, she went through the maze once again at a leisurely pace and was greeted by warm autumn sunlight as she emerged through the grotto.

[Xanth]

To Euphenia, an angel snake. Though perhaps not what she had hoped for, the snake is beautiful and in much need of a home. On her cot, Phen will find a glass tank and basic pet supplies waiting for her.

To Kiel, a brown and beige leather wallet covered in cutesy characters. It has a chainlink strap meant to attach the wallet to a belt to help prevent theft, and a cute little metal mushroom charm hanging from the clip.

To Lazuli, an empty box. When she returns home, she will find a small cage containing a juvenile cheefle, along with basic supplies and a leather harness for walkies.

To Isabel, a glass jar containing two imps (hopefully both the same gender). Once at home, Isabel will find a glass tank kitted out with a cardboard cityscape that will provide an ideal home for the pair, and basic supplies.

And to each, ζ50 and 10KP, and her warm wishes for the coming year!

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As I officially close this event, I want to say that Xanth and I both have been utterly thrilled with this year's turn-out and RP. We want to thank you whole-heartedly for your thoughtful gifts, and we hope you've all enjoyed yours.

I'll leave the Wishlist open in case any of you want to express your thoughts on gifts or the overall event, and thank you once again for participating. It's been a blast.