Dovie squeaks as the elephant doll starts to move!!

Maise watches the elephant with awe, “How..” She shakes her head, not finishing the question. This is a place of magic.

Jakem shrugs to Maise, answering despite the discarded question “Light necromancy.’

Malin nods in agreement with Matthew as she watches each participant.

Russell similarly stares at the doll, looking like he’s trying not to be too fascinated.

Matthew starts in on that pork belly taco, no reservations on the food, unable to clap so he kind of pompoms those tacos with as much flourish as he dares without spilling.

Malin gasps, declaring, “I should have gifted my chest hair from the Malinator fight.”

Calazar selects for himself and picks up a simple brown stapled shut bag and displayts a colorful triptch watch with a rose tinted crown for the crowd to likely steal. “A fitting time piece, very nice.”

Dovie claps for Calazar as he pulls out the gift. “Looks expensive!” she chuckles. “Please hold onto the gift itself in case it gets stolen!”

Matthew laughs when Malin says that, “You should have,” he says but then he’s calling to Calazar, “Show the details of the watch!”

Maise eyes Malin curiously but doesn’t ask. It’s obviously an inside joke.

Esme lets out a low whistle at the watch and grins. ‘That’s a nice looking watch.” She agrees and then starts looking over the boxes remaining

“Yes! I would like to see!” Seraphina says, with curiosity, taking mental notes of what is out there for takes, so far.

Matthew looks towards Maise and offers an explanation, catching her expression. “She fought a battle against the mad-man named Eric, and it was a dance off involving many moves and she shocked the crowd be revealing a bunch of fake chest hair.”

Matthew reaches down and picks something up, asking Maise, “Hey, did you drop this guitar pick?”

Maise smiles at Matthew, “Why Sugar, I didn’t even know I’d dropped it.”

Dovie keeps a watchful eye on the elephant whilst waiting with anticipation for Esme’s pick.

Matthew shrugs, “I think you did,” he said, and passes it over, “you play or something?”

Esme picks up the metallic wrapped box after a moment more of deciding.

Maise nods at Matthew, “Oh yes, and sing. Country music isn’t for all but, it warms my soul.”

Esme peers inside the box after opening it. “Ohh this pretty cool!” She pulls out a stylized sculpture.

Dovie lets out a little gasp and claps for Esme. “Oh wow, that’s gorgeous!” A nod is given to Calazar. “You’re up next for Teagan’s pick since she’s not here! You can steal for her or open a new gift.”

There’s a lifted brow, surprise at Maise’s words but Matthew’s attention settles back on the gift exchange, “That’s a cool reindeer, Esme!”

Seraphina claps, “Pretty….” She eyes it as if considering if a certain someone in her home would mind it on display.

Calazar now picking for the absent Teagan peruses the selection and select not gift wrapped packing paper but a straight up cooler with ‘New Haven’ printed open it. Either a cute luncheon accessory or serial killer surplus, the lid is opened to reveal… not one, not two, not three, but 6 gifts related to being a redneck fishermen with dad humor about. The item will be put down so everyone can examine cooler to decide whether to steal or not.

There’s a look at his phone and Owen frowns at something, pulling his coat on, he slowly begins to depart, calling over his shoulder to Dovie, “Something came up!” He exclaims towards her, “You can just skip my turn, I won’t be able to stick around!”

Jeremiah smiles at Esme.

Dovie peers into the cooler and gives a laugh. She turns to Owen and nods. “Sorry to hear that! We’ll have someone pick on your turn,” she assures him.

“Sure!” Owen mentions with a wave, and then just absently waves towards Darrow. “Darrow can!”

Dovie turns to Darrow. “Your turn! You can steal a gift or open a new one!”

Darrow watches Owen with a bit of concern and lifts a hand to wave to him.

Matthew oohs and ahs over the cooler, he’s clearly drawn to redneck fishing supplies

Darrow looks over the gifts and considers which one to choose for himself. He reaches out and selects the gradient green gift for himself.

“I’mma steal that one,” Matthew announces to the group at large. Then over to Maise, “Good to meet you Maise, and no preference, Matthew or Matt, I answer to them both one and the same.”

Dovie claps for Darrow. “A gemstone! Expensive!” she enthuses with a grin. “You’re up next to pick for Conrad as well!”

Darrow reaches in and withdraws a beautiful gemstone from within the deep emerald green paper, eyes widening, “Oh wow, that’s beautiful.”

Russell glances between Maise and Matthew at the passing conversation but is otherwise sat upright, watching the choices carefully with a polite, subtle smile.

Esme grins at the cooler contents and then oohs at the gemstone being brought out. “-Very- nice.” She agrees with a nod, looking over the remaining boxes to see what Conrad might end up with.

Maise smiles at Matthew, “It’s a pleasure to meet ya.” She says quietly before focusing on the party.

Jakem lets out a soft whistle “Oh nice.” he says of Darrow’s gift. “Think the demon reindeer’s still my favorite.”

Darrow then looks back at the gifts to choose something for Conrad and goes with the wooden box.

“I’m eyeing the little elephant. I was thinking of getting one anyway…” Seraphina says, not meeting Dovie’s eyes when she suggests she’s going to steal it like the little thief she is.

Dovie chuckles as Darrow pulls out the next gift. “That is -fascinating-.” She stares at the item before nudging Jeremiah. “You’re up! Steal or open a new one?” She glances nervously at Seraphina. “It is very cute…”

Maise squints at Seraphina, “Noo, I’m eyeing it. So there’s gonna be a battle there.”

“But!” Seraphina says then, “Everything has been really cool.”

“And what’s this gemstone of a man’s name?” Matthew calls out towards Darrow

Darrow tilts his head and chuckles, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a nose warmer before, but this one has a blue gem in it.. the note says it will help you feel better if you’re feeling unwell.”

Esme looks curiously at the nose warmer. “That’s really interesting.” She makes a thoughtful sound and then grins toward Jeremiah, looking to see what he picks.

Calazar has an expensive colorful watch of precision engineering triptch and a mysterious cooler with fishermen accessories to be pilfered while Dovie’s elephant adorably is eyed by the holiday thieves!

Seraphina asks someone, “Does it light up? Like Rudolph?”

Russell rubs his chin at the explanation of the nosewarmer. “I assume that’s what would be said just to get you to wear a nosewarmer around…”

Matthew nods, “Oh well met!”

Jeremiah looks around, then selects a gift.

Cyprian casts a glance over to Darrow, squinting thoughtfully and rubbing at the stubble of his chin with an audible scratching noise.

Jakem whistles and grins to Jeremiah “That’s for liar’s dice. Yah can win some doubloons from some seafarin’ scalliwags now.”

Dovie claps for Jeremiah. “Lucky roller over here!” she chuckles before nudging Cyprian. “Your turn! Steal or open!”

“Nice! I love games, so this is great!” Jeremiah says.

“I feel as though there’s been a distinct lack of stealing, so, to spice things up…” Cyprian levels his finger over to Darrow with a grin, and announces. “I’ll steal the gemstone from Darrow here. Sorry, lad.”

Seraphina claps as yet another gift is revealed, placing her hands on the back of the couch to lean forward to get a gander of whatever else is yet to be revealed and revelled in.

Seraphina audibly gasps at Cyprian.

Dovie calls out, “First steal of the night!” She points to Darrow. “That means you can steal a gift or open another.”

Calazar observes as the first theft happens as Cyprian claims the mysterious gemstone from Darrow. “It would make a good cufflink.”

“Oh ho, our first thief, and what’s our thief’s name?” Matthew asks, calling out towards Cyprian.

“Cyprian Croxley-Bayrak,” Cyprian replies to Matthew with a smile, bowing politely to Darrow as he receives the gemstone and turns it over in his hand with interest.

Gabriel lofts a brow, “Really? I’m surprised it took us this long considering some of the present company.”

Malin waves dismissively at Gabriel, proclaiming, “I only steal hearts.”

Darrow passes over the gemstone and then surveys the gifts and goes to choose another.

“I’m eying that cooler,” Matthew states his intentions, “Pretty sure I’mma steal it.”

Dovie raises an eyebrow at Darrow’s next gift. “Ooooh, pretty!”

Darrow removes the choker from within the box and sets it where folks can see it.

Dovie turns and gestures to Russell. “It’s Maise next but I heard she’s taking a call, are you stealing or opening on her behalf?” she asks him.

Esme looks over the choker, “Okay now I’m a bit disappointed in myself I didn’t actually bring a gift.” She chuckles.

“I think everyone has been very thoughtful with the gifts. I love them all!” Seraphina says with a warm cheeriness in her demeanor. A smile lingers on a face where a smile may not have been found much in the last week or so.

Russell nods and looks up at Dovie. “I’ll do as I’m told and steal the elephant. Which I think you have, no?”

Dovie chuckles, nodding at Esme. “Not too late if you want to slip out and grab one real quick.” She turns to Russell with a sigh, handing over the elephant. “Alas, that’s correct. I’ll give it to you for now, please give it to Maise when she’s back.”

Dovie tells Darrow. “I’m sorry to make you a twice victim of stealing, but that choker looks really cute…” she chuckles, holding out her hand.

Cyprian leans in to look at Darrow’s gift, commenting, “Looks like the chimera choker is set with… ruby gemstones in the eyes, hmmm?” He chuckles with amusement, tilting a head to Esme. “The sort of piece that might be up your alley I’d assume.”

Russell looks over the elephant doll with curiousity before watching Dovie and Darrow.

Darrow passes the choker over to Dovie with a faint chuckle. “Here you go.”

Dovie nods to Darrow. “Your pick again! Or your steal!”

Esme grins to Cyprian and nods, “Absolutely. I sorta have a collection of chokers in general.”

The thieving begins as the metaphorical thuggery and robbery that exemplifies the holidays unfolds. Luckily this is not a Black Friday event! Calazar still has the fishermen cooler which Matthew has eyes and a nice watch while looking at the rapid exchange of gifts.

Dovie claps for Darrow. “Functional!” She looks to Malin. “You’re up! Open or steal?”

Darrow takes the gardening knife out of the package with a thoughtful hum and sets it down. “I don’t garden, but.. maybe someone dows.”

“ooooh, that’s gardening privilege rght there!” Matthew decides and then he’s looking to Malin to see where her interests lie.

“Since I only steal hearts,” Malin supposes as her blue-grey eyes sweep over the gifts, she grunts a little to rise up from the couch and waddles her way over to the gifts. “I’m apparently going to have an elephant of my own soon,” is stated with a glance between Jakem and Matthew as she touches at that oversized, pregnant belly. “No need to take anyone else’s…”

Jakem nods to Darrow “And you can usually reuse the duct tape a few times if you’re careful.”

Cyprian looks at the garden knife and rubs his chin. “That does seem particularly useful, come spring.”

Seraphina rolls her eyes at Jakem. “The gift that keeps on giving?”

“Oh, this is lovely,” Malin declares of the Scotch.

Dovie claps for Malin. “To celebrate post-birth, perhaps!” she chuckles before nodding to Darrow. “Okay you’re up again, but to choose for Owen!”

Cyprian jokes to the very pregnant Malin, “For use IMMEDIATELY.”

“It is best to start children off early with many things, or so they say,” Malin jokes over at Cyprian in return as she heads back to take her seat.

Darrow takes the sparkly bag for Owen and withdraws a nice soft white knit scarf which he sets down along with the knife and the nose warmer.

Jakem raises a brow to Matthew “What is the liklihood that I would have ever touched a gardening tool in your mind?”

Dovie claps for Darrow. “Very warm looking scarf! Good for Owen!” she enthuses before nodding to Russell. “Your turn!”

Jakem thinks for a moment, then says to Matthew “Aside from our ceremonial shotgun of course.”

Russell looks around all the already open gifts but shakes his head. “I think we need to get these gifts all open.” He says as he grabs the glossy bag.

Seraphina’s eyes go distant, a moment in which she is looking beyond those who are enjoying the evening. She bites down on her bottom lip, clears her throat, and then she is all smiles again. “Oh, perfect gift for this time of year!”

“To be entirely fair, it does help with teething once the little one gets a bit older,” Cyprian concedes to Malin, with an outdated and most certainly not healthy fact.

Matthew considers then says, “I’m sure you started your first business before you was twelve, and it was totally growing dope,” gets claimed of Jakem.

“My parents dabbed whiskey onto my gums, for sure,” Malin confesses in an honest tone towards Cyprian.

Malin turned out just fine. Right?

Russell lifts a game of Kersplonk up for all to see.

Cyprian nods back agreeably to Malin, saying “Mine preferred brandy. Matter of taste.”

Dovie raises an eyebrow, clapping for Russell. “Ohh cool!” A nod is given to Matthew to acknowledge his turn after, a sympathetic look given as his head shaking at Malin.

“Many a nursemaid had a thimble of whiskey to keep brats from crying. Why do you think the gentry has such a strong alcohol tolerance?” Calazar suggests and then rhetorically asks the room.

Jakem nods to Matthew “I mean that’d make sense, but nah, I kept myself busy with less constructive pursuits.”

“I can play it!” Seraphina says, enthused.

Malin tells Russell, “Try it out. Show us your skills.”

Matthew doesn’t notice that it’s his turn until he feels Dovie’s eyes on him and he says, to the surprise of no one, “The Cooler!” Pointing towards Calazar, “That’s all me.”

Russell uses a Kersplonk! game: A single marble drops, clinking into the base below./span/span>Dovie’s eyes light up. “Adorable!” she says of Russell’s new gift.

Calazar relinquishes his serial surplus cooler to Matthew with not one not two but six, yes six fishing related gifts within!

“Yeah, I’m calling it baby Ma,” Matthew tells Dovie, grinning wide. “And honestly…” he tis his head towards Malin, “she’s the real fisher in the family.”

Dovie tips her head towards Calazar, “Your turn to open or steal since you were stolen from!” She turns back to Seraphina and nods, “I guess I was wrong. Baby Ma, I suppose.” She looks between Matthew and Malin and smiles.

“Mattie?” Darrow offers up as a gender-nonspecific name. “Mal?” he chuckles.

Cyprian glances between Matthew, Dovie, and Seraphina, supposing, “Matthany.”

“Well, we do not know if it is going to be a boy or a girl, but want to start it’s name em Emm Ayy, since both of ours do, so that’s why he calls it Baby Ma,” Malin explains to the group.

Calazar considers the three remaining gift bags in the center of the room and then green eyes survey all the remaining the gifts… the elephant of wonder, the choker with rubies, this really colorful watch he has that keeps just glinting in the light so pretty. Eventually he settles on the crimson box… gifting himself or Teagan another watch. Watch buddies for life. It is a smooth cool and stylish timepiece you can even see the inner workings of this new one!

Well, now Calazar has two, count them two, ah – ah – ah watches to choose from! Seraphina is curious about both, heading over toward him to sneak herself peeks.

Dovie nods at Malin and lets out an ‘ohhhh’ at the watch, clapping. “Lots of nice watches!” she announces before nodding to Jakem. “Your turn! Steal or open a new one!”

Calazar wears both watches for display purposes, one on either wrist, double fisting watches.

Matthew grins at Cyprian’s name, offering him a supportive nod.

“Super fancy,” Matthew oohs at Calazar’s watches.

Jakem hmm’s as he peers about with a furrow of his brow “Is that reused duct tape still on the table, I got plans for it… Oh wait, no I have plenty of reused duct tape at home.”

Darrow snickers and offers the duct-tape to Jakem, “You can add it to your collection if you’d like? Free of charge.”

Darrow is a giver.

“It is the Handyman’s Secret Weapon, and also the Serial Kidnapper’s,” Malin says to Jakem of the duct tape. “I have a few rolls.”

Seraphina eyes the duct tape …. suspiciously.

Jakem snaps his fingers at Darrow “Done and done. Okay, what else do I want… I think the gemstone.”

Dovie tells Jakem. “I think Cyprian stole it, so you’ll have to get it from them, not Darrow.”

Maise smiles at Russell, “Thank you.”

Maise hugs the doll with an excited giggle after returning, “I won’t get too attached just yet.”

Jakem nods to Dovie “Yeah, Darrow said the duct tape was a freebie.” He looks to Cyprian “All right, sucker. Your choice; Your money or your wife.”

Jakem coughs to clear his throat, correcting “Ahem, I mean your gemstone or your wife.”

Cyprian groans and makes a show of it, plopping the gemstone over into Jakem’s hand and wondering over to Dovie, “I suppose I can’t just directly steal back?” Then he turns back to Jakem stone-faced. “You can have my wife, if you really prefer, but I’m unmarried.”

Dovie tells Cyprian. “You can’t directly steal it back,” she explains, but if the steal comes back to you another time, you can.”

Russell is looking back and forth at the duct tape discussions and just sort of quitely huffs in self defence. “Well, if you were transforming plastic bags into a wrapping paper what would *you* use.”

Jakem smirks and glances at the mistpearl “Well it’ll be a short and sweet afare, my dear.” he says to it.

Darrow grins over at Russell and says, “I don’t think anyone was dissing the duct tape, man. It’s a well appreciated tool.”

Dovie assures Russell. “I think everyone loves the duct tape,” she looks back to Cyprian, curious as to his choice.

“Then,” Cyprian declares, “I need to steal something that another player might want. And so tactically… that means…” Cyprian darts his eyes between the choker, the elephant, and the collection of fishing supplies.”

“Nylon stockings are the more criminal selection compared to duct tape. Not only can you dress nicely for a party, but conceal your identity by putting it over your head, and tie people up, and put the money in them, and use them for wrapping paper if there is a hole to tear.” Calazar just kind of idly thinks out loud in the midst of the final gift thefts and selections.

Gabriel sits quite happily with his tiny coffin and fangs as he watches everyone vie for the rest.

“WHoa there, partner,” Matthew starts to say, hefting his feet up to rest on that chest, “Nobody but me cares bou this here cooler.”

Cyprian grins apologetically over to Maise and says, “I suppose I’ll take the sculpture.”

Esme is carefully guarding her reindeer by acting super non-chalant.

Maise gasps at Cyprian, “Why Sir, are you stealin my elephant?”

“Because someone might steal it back!” Cyprian says to Maise with a little wink. “Or someone might re-steal another thing and do a little switcheroo after. Who can ever tell?”

“Do you mean the reindeer, or the elephant?” Seraphina asks Cyprian.

Cyprian says “Oh, huh, I suppose maybe I meant the Reindeer.“

Russell seems to be thinking along with Calazar. “Nylons definitely would have been the go-to, but as it turns out I don’t keep any on hand…”

Esme gasps at Cyprian, “Stealing from -me-?! I’m wounded.”

Esme laughs then and offers over the reindeer.

“Nylons are a thing of history.” Seraphina says, though she was just wearing some the other day.

Cyprian tosses his hands up and declares, “The reindeer it is!” grinning at Esme.

Seraphina winks at Dovie, “Maybe.”

Dovie nods to Esme. “Your pick! Open or steal!”

Calazar watches as Seraphina performs a coup de grace on Esme’s reindeer ownership from the peanut gallery.

Maise exhales an exaggerated sigh of relief with a southern hand to her brow, “Oh, the sweet relief that Tubby and I are still united.”

Dovie lets out a meep at the mention of the choker.

Esme takes a look around at the other already open gifts and what might still be available. “Yeah but I’m not picking for myself.” She muses to Cyprian.

Cyprian tries his best not to be the bad guy in this scenario, but is not doing a very good job at it.

Esme laughs, “Maybe.” She concedes to Dovie but then looks to Calazar. “Those are nice watches…I’ll steal the one that you picked, the first one.”

Russell nods a few times with Esme’s choice.

Dovie nods to Calazar. “Your chance to steal or open, yet again!”

Calazar unclaspes the watch from his wrist, sets it atop the stapled brown paper bag and hands it over to Esme while showing off the second watch to those that might be watching.

“Thank youuu.” Esme looks over the watch with a little nod.

“Ambrose will like that.” Seraphina says to Esme, though she has her eyes on it, considering!

Calazar considers the options of the remaining packages but as he is also obligated to satisfy Teagan there is but one option those green eyes look at dovie and a cold hand upturns for the choker. “Dovie if you would please, the choker.”

Dovie sighs, hand over her heart as if a dagger has pierced it, before she hands over the choker to Calazar.

“Well, in that case, I suppose I shall open one of the remaining gifts!” Dovie replies, reaching for the Olaf one.

Calazar now possess a lovely choker and a watch so he will know the percise time it is re-stolen.

Dovie laughs and shows off a photo of an adorable puppy.

“Awwww,” Darrow says. “Puppy!”

Jakem calls out “h, that’s exciting! A ransom photo.

Dovie nods to Seraphina. “Your turn! Steal or open?”

Matthew laughs, “THat’s really cute!”

“He’s at home,” Seraphina admits, revealing who probably brought the the gift.

Jeremiah smiles at the picture.

Esme grins, “Aww.”

Dovie claps excitedly at Seraphina. “Amazing!” She chuckles. “If Gears is still missing, I will offer them the choice to gift exchange once they’re well, so will keep you posted!”

Cyprian waggles the sculpture over at Seraphina temptingly.

Maise says “The photo should have come with a coupon for a few free pets of the puppy.“

“I thought about putting it in a box with holes but I thought it would be too long to put him in there.” Seraphina says, giving Cyprian a once over, and tapping her lip thoughtfully. But … it’s now her turn …

Jakem nods to Dovie “Oh, we’re calling it an adoption then? Right then.”

“He’s the gift, yes.” Seraphina tells Dovie.

“So have we concluded are the gifts locked in?” Calazar says looking around to check if anymore theft may occur.

Slowly, Seraphina begins to walk about the room, her hands clasped behind her back, one slapping into the other. She begins to look at all the gifts that are on display, and then the two unopened presents still on the table. She stops by Maise, giving the darling little plush elephant the once over. She moves on, then Calazar, to get a better view of the chimera. She’s taking her sweet time as she wanders, teasing. Then it is Esme to look at the watch she’d selected. She meanders on back to Calazar, to take his wrist and check out the watch. “I just — Oh, so many options! I just don’t know what I want.. And everyone was so thoughtful with what they brought!” She steps away from Calazar, to Cyprian, to muse on the reindeer.

Dovie checks her records. “Both the gemstone and the choker can be stolen one final time! A few others have been stolen once. There’s Seraphina’s choice then Gabe gets a final option to keep his or steal something.”

Gabriel squints suspiciously at Seraphina, “Don’t you dare.”

Seraphina smiles oh-so-very coy at Gabriel. She even makes a biting action with her teeth coming down together in that chomp.

Darrow balances all three gifts on his lap, making sure they don’t end up up-ended onto the floor. Gardening trowel, magical nose-warmer, and fluffy scarf. Though he seems a little protective of the scarf, tucking it back closer.

Russell uses a Kersplonk! game: They remove a red stick, and then two marbles spill down, dropping to the base./span/span>Maise glances at Darrow, “Oh, you got my scarf!”

Russell glances up from Kersplonk, to check in on how the final choice is going.

After all that build up, Seraphina walks over to Gabriel and holds her hand out, palm up. It’s certainly something she likely never would have chosen, but here she is. “Thank you!”

Dovie gasps at Gabriel. “An upset!!!”

Calazar cackles breathless with an airless *mwa ha ha ha* it sounds like a muppet.

Cyprian groans in defeat and holds up his sculpture. “All my scheming, for nothing…” Looking ruefully between Seraphina and Gabriel.

Esme laughs.

Esme grins toward Cyprian, “Shoulda gone with the elephant.”

Gabriel gasps at Seraphina with dramatic protest, “You fiend! How dare you!” but he hands the fangs and little coffin over without incident.

Matthew huffs out a laugh, “Ha!”

Maise giggles, “Oh no! He’s been de-fanged.”

Seraphina says, with the air of innocence, “But you dared me to.”

Dovie chuckles at Gabriel. “The irony is thick indeed…”

Jakem smirks to Seraphina “So now that they’re safe you can put ’em in without contaminating ’em right?’

Cyprian clears his throat and asks Gabriel, “Want a sculpture? You’ll get a second chance to steal in a second. In fact, you could steal back the fangs…”

Cyprian says “Since it would be a second turn.“

Cyprian rules lawyers hard, a few bobs of his head bouncing his fro up and down.

Dovie nods to Cyprian. “That is a good point.”

Jakem looks to Dovie “Oh, are the fangs not safe yet?” He looks back to Seraphina “Then you should really put them in your mouth.”

Jakem takes his own advice, lifting his gemstone to his tongue and giving it a big messy lick.

Dovie makes a face as Jakem licks the gemstone.

Cyprian shoots a look to Jakem and says, “I’d just wash it.”

Maise glances at Jakem, “Maybe that makes it more desirable?”

Russell mutters, “You don’t know where that gemstone has been…”

Jakem hmmm’s to Maise “You’ve got a point.”

Darrow shakes his head, “Never give’m your DNA. This is why we don’t give tooth faeries our teeth.”

Jakem smirks to Russell “I know one place it’s been.”

Maise smiles at Jakem, her ponytail bobbing, “I often do Sugar.”

“Likely for the best that I lost them. They would’ve fit weird.” Gabriel claims as he looks around for a potential victim, “The choker and the elephant can only be stolen one more time, right?”

Seraphina opens the little coffin and looks down at the prop teeth, then to Jakem, “Oh, ah… I think that I will wash them firrruuhhhherg.” The last word doesn’t come out as he licks the gemstone.

Calazar checks the time on his remaining watch for the exact second the chimeric choker with the ruby is pilfered from his person.

Jakem turns to Gabriel “How about some magic gemstone and free faerie DNA?”

Dovie nods at Gabriel. “Correct. Those are only one more steal items.”

Maise holds the Elephant tight, “Tubby didn’t do anything to you.” She says to Gabriel, “And, I even complimented your crown thing.”

Gabriel goes for the last unopened gift instead, “I’m feeling merciful. Unlike -some- people.” a glance is shot Seraphina’s way.

Dovie leans in, in anticipation.

Gabriel opens the bag and laughs loudly, “Yeah, nah, this was absolutely the right choice.” he reaches in and takes out a big mug that says ‘Part-Time Adult!’ in bright red letters.

Darrow laughs, “Nice.”

Dovie lets out a laugh at Gabriel, clapping. “Does that mean you are passing on your optional steal? If so that ends our game!”

Seraphina smiles sweetly at Gabriel for all his glances, and winks. “See! That so fits better.”

Maise claps her hands with a bright giggle, “Now that is a fantastic mug!”

Esme laughs as the mug is brought out. “That’s pretty great.” She muses.

Jakem nods approvingly “That’s a tradition. You need a coffee mug at a white elephant party, or it’s just not a white elephant party.”

Gabriel nods to Dovie, “Yeah, I’m keeping this. Also an ironic choice, but I like it too much.”

Dovie nods at Gabriel and tells the crowd. “Thank you everyone for coming and participating! Someone please let Gears know I’m willing to gift exchange with them since they were unable to make it! Otherwise, please take tacos and drinks! And thank you all again, and happy new year!”

Russell gives a little two finger salute at Dovie. “Thanks for organizing.”

Darrow applauds and says, “Thanks Dovie for hosting. This was a lot of fun. I can’t wait to see Conrad’s face when I give him a bejeweled nose warmer.” He flashes an amused grin.

Jeremiah smiles. “Thank you for putting it together, Dovie!”

“Thank you Dovie for being a fantastic hostess!” Maise says with a soft applause.

Esme gives an applause for the event, “Great time, Dovie.” She smiles toward Dovie.

Matthew claps his hands, “Great, this was a really fun event, thank you Dovie!”

Cyprian snaps once and lets out a petulant sigh, acting as a part-time adult as he tells Seraphina, “You coulda had the reindeer!” Shaking his head disapprovingly, he turns back to Dovie, quick to smile again. “But you ran a lovely event, thank you, it was quite a lot of fun.”

Applauding toward Dovie, Seraphina says. “Oh! This was wonderful! Thank you so much for putting it together!”

Dovie nods to Matthew and Cyprian, “Thank you! Glad you all enjoyed!”

Jakem nods as he moves to stand “Thanks for the shindig Dovie, if you need to throw a makeup for the people that missed it let me know.’

Darrow gestures to the trowel and asks Cyprian, “Can I interest you in a lovely gardening implement? If you really don’t want the reindeer.”

With both hands lifted as if to wave in both directions at once, Russell dips his head, “Nice to meet everybody.. I’ve got to run, sorry I can’t stay for food and drink.”

Esme says “The reindeer is super cute“

Calazar keeps the watch on his wrist but places the choker back into a package before informing Dovie in a gregarious and rhythmic manner, “It was entertaining, your reputation for events precedes you.” and then perhaps to secure the watch which is the real treasure all along. “Good evening everyone.”

Cyprian holds up the reindeer with a grin, shaking it from side toside to Darrow. “I think I just might keep it on my mantle to taunt Ms. Hawke whenever she visits.”

Dovie smiles and nods to Calazar. “Thanks for coming and nice to meet you!”

Russell nods at Maise “Good to run into you here. See you around.”

Cyprian says “Though the garden knife does look quite useful.“

“I did consider it,” Seraphina tells Cyprian, eyeing the trophy that he holds up. “And you would. Taunt me.” She sighs. “Everyone taunts me.” But then she has some nifty prop vampire teeth to taunt with too!

Esme procures a drink for herself and wanders back toward Jeremiah, “That dice cup is really nice. We might have to put a shelf somewhere for games.”

Maise smiles at Russell, “We can run into each other on purpose anytime. Maybe you might convince me to climb a mountain.”

Jakem glances to Seraphina “You need a ride home? I gotta scat for a bit.”

Dovie tells Seraphina. “I do wonder whether there’s any interesting curses on any of these gifts.”