|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2025 11:47 am
This is an RP log of a Cheshire White Elephant Gift Exchange, starring the following ponies.
[Toni Teepee] [Luna Teepee] [Vis Teepee] Esfir's Gift: "Probably Not Poison" Bottle
Shahrivar's Gift: "Hostess" Basket of Snacks
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2025 12:38 pm
Quote: Once introduced to the idea of a gift exchange as a means of celebrating the holiday season the youngest daughter of Underland, Esfir Lahal "Hunt the Thimble", was all in on the idea. A usually mischievous and joyful Cheshire, the idea of gift giving was delightful enough to her. But to add to that the potential chaos and hilarity of a game where exchanging and stealing preferred gifts were on the table? Well, it was no wonder she had insisted on giving it a shot. With enough siblings, cousins and herd mates in on the idea, Esfir was reasonably sure they could get a fun group together and ensure a good time was had by all.
The perfect venue may have eluded her for a moment, but soon enough she had picked out the perfect glade in the north of the Underland herd's territory. Surrounded by relatively aged trees, large and stooped and gnarled enough to be perfect perches for the Cheshires if they so chose, this specific glade usually had a low plush carpet of growth most of the year. In the depths of the Winter Holiday, rather than velvet grass and fern, it instead sported a better than fetlock deep blanket of snow overtop the fall leaves that the trees had dropped during autumn. Though somewhere below her paws the grass and ferns were likely alive and well -albeit sleeping- Esfir's main interest was in the snow and the grey boulders that could be used to hold refreshments and gifts.
In preparation for the little party, Esfir had dusted the snow off of the stones earlier and set out a few trays of snacks as well as a pot or two of tea on their convenient little candlelit pot warmers. On the otherwise bare rock sat a silk wrapped little gift, festooned with bright aqua ribbons reminiscent of her mane. All she needed now was some of the others to arrive. "What is taking everyone so long?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2025 6:26 pm
Quote: More often than not, where his sister goes so too does Shahrivar. To that end, when Esfir had proposed a gift exchange in celebration of the holiday -an idea she'd gotten from talking to her friends at the Faire- of course he had once again been game to go along with it. This, at least, was unlikely to be come something dangerous or even potentially disastrous to life and limb. Not something that could be said about all of Esfir's plans, perhaps a third of them if Shah was fortunate. That being the case, a peaceful, joyous and generally well-meaning holiday celebration seemed like a fine idea. A gift exchange. They could do a gift exchange, what could go wrong?
Well, perhaps if something so silly wasn't said out loud, things wouldn't get too out of control.
With a fond shake of his head to dispel the troublesome thoughts, Shah flicked his tail and trotted the rest of way into the clearing, the handle of his carefully wrapped gift basket held gingerly in his teeth. Seeing where Esfir's gift already waited on the stone, Shah made a low sound of understanding and then crossed the space on light paws, playfully adding his tracks right beside his sister's as he walked up to the stone and set down his burden before turning to follow her marked path toward one border of the little glade.
"I trust that you've told everyone already, and we'll be here as we find the opportunity to travel and arrive, hm?" He asked as he stepped to Esfir's side and gave her a greeting cheek brush. "I'm sure that KC and the others wouldn't miss it."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2025 9:55 am
Quote: Ahlidel Cat, Ahli among his friends and herd mates, is something of a fixture when it comes to Cheshire antics. There wasn't much chance of escaping, considering that he grew up with the first round of the young Underlanders, and was often in the thick of whatever mischief is being sought or created by the second. It was therefor of no surprise that he would be attending a Cheshire soiree, even if it was something of a designated family event. If his close ties to the family wasn't enough to earn him an invitation by virtue of proximity alone, the fact that he had been widely regarded as Meru's mate for some time would surely have earned him a ticket.
For all the time that Ahli had spent amongst the Cheshires, he wasn't quite sure if one of them needed to ask for it to be official, or if the Queen had to acknowledge it, or if something needed to be signed or witnessed in some elaborate ceremony. Not that there was exactly a lowkey way to ask? But the Queen's relationship was before his time, so he had no recent examples of Underland Courtship to use as a reference. Perhaps he would ask Moofu, if he found the opportune moment to do so.
But such things were best stressed over at a later time. For now Ahli had put together his best relaxation basket from different things he'd seen at the Faire, and brought it wrapped and pretty to the glade that Esfir had given him directions to. Other than following her instructions to leave the package somewhat vaguely wrapped -the cream-colored paper had seemed appropriate at the time?- all he could do was set the gift down and wait to see what happened next.
"Holidays are stressful..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2025 8:38 am
KC KC: The crisp bite of the cold embraced all who left their warm den. The chill in the air didn’t bother this stallion. Kazamir “KC” Charades had a deep appreciation for all seasons. Each was a mix of sensations that he enjoyed. Inhaling deep, he relished in the icy bite that filled his lungs. The forest, void of all sound like a blanket of quiet. Till KC began heading towards the glade, creating a muffled crunch as he hoofed through the thin layer of snow. A long smile spread on his face as he thought of what lay ahead. When Esfir had advised him of a “White Elephant” gift exchange, KC had been too eager to participate. A new game, and one with gifts involved! His sister had the best games, and yes, sometimes deliciously dangerous ones. A promising experience for sure, though relatively safe. One he hoped they could do again. Hunting for a gift had been quite a challenge. First, he thought, what better way to treat his siblings and cousins than a new tea set? After deliberation, though, it seemed safe and unlike him. Mushrooms? Too like him. Heading to a market that traveled from the coast, he spent all weekend frequenting stalls. Then the perfect gift had called out to him. He had grinned ear to ear, quite literally, upon finding the treasure. Wrapping said gift had proved an even bigger challenge… He had resorted to finding a second gift, to put the first in, then wrapped that. It all worked out! The paper, plain and brown, with berries tied using a red ribbon. This he had a merchant do for him, since he had no opposable thumbs. Shame. The berries were not holly, that are frequently used as a decoration this time of year. Holly, otherwise known as Ilex, is from the Aquifoliaceae family. Why everyone used a toxic berry for decoration was a mystery to him. Like saying “Here, be merry, and maybe have a toxic reaction if you eat these.” In place of holly, KC had chosen a ripe sprig of Hawthorn. A bright tart apple-flavored berry, with many health benefits. Because if he accidentally poisoned any of his family, he’d likely be dead after. The gift lay tucked beneath his hat. His very squished hat. Heading for the glade where he was told to meet, he spaced out. He hoped they had snacks! In all his rush to get here, he had failed to provide his body with nourishment. Stepping into the glen, he immediately honed in on the array of cakes, crisps, and tea spread out delicately on a natural stone table. His eyes fluttered under his hair as his inner voice rejoiced a very loud Yessssss. Staring, before greeting a soul. Clearing his throat, he broke his trance. “Greetings Wonder-all.” he beamed at those who were already here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2025 9:12 am
Quote: Esfir was all about games, as most Cheshires tended to be. Taking stories that she had gleaned from the different vendors and performers at the Faire, as well as advice from the herd Game Makers -her brother KC and their cousin Meru- she had blended the whole matter together into an Underland interpretation of this peculiar thing called a White Elephant exchange. The family and most of the herd had been invited, though it was understood that there might be different stages due to the difficult in getting everyone together at one time. More bodies present would mean more chaos, but sometimes one just had to work with what one had.
By her assessment, Ahli was often game for most things, especially if he couldn't see any active harm or danger lurking in the wings. This sort of game was far more safe than chasing rumors of monsters or pranking shifters, so he had unsurprisingly been one of the first on board. Esfir gave him a Cheshire grin and an approving nod when he appeared, swiveling her ears as she considered the pale package he set gently on the stone beside her own. Meru would likely have better insight to the type of gift that Ahli would bring to an event, but she had yet to appear... Which meant it was on Esfir to guess. And Esfir did so like to guess.
When KC arrived she planned to poke him for his opinion, but until then she'd settle for making sure the snacks and gifts were well arranged and hope that more of the herd would attend.
The sound of a new arrival had her spinning in the snow, sending soft sleeting clouds flying with the scrambling movement. "KC! You're here!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2025 9:38 am
Quote: For all that he was more of a similar age to the first generation of Cheshire Royals, the Magician known as Arcane found that now and then he also was roped into the antics of the younger generations. It was perhaps not all that surprising, as they were a lively and somewhat irresistible lot. For his part, Arcane was more amenable to pranks and shenanigans than Smoke tended to be, through the Keyhole Cheshire did seem to be healing slowly now in this sanctuary herd so far from the Queen's influence.
Though determined to remain in their good graces, when invited to the gift exchange, Arcane did hesitate. He knew how the younglings games could get out of control, and wasn't sure if he wanted to earn the Queen's attention for participating in whatever it was before it got out of hand. On the other, it had been some time since he'd gotten up to some quality mischief. He did rather miss it. And, well, where was the harm? Katya knew exactly what sort of kittens she had bore, as well as those from her sister. Surely they expected chaos, mischief, and perhaps no small amount of vandalism, danger, and injury.
In the end he had agreed to attend and even enchanted a small box that would emit cheerful sparks in varying colors when it was opened. It was the sort of thing that was entertaining rather than especially purposeful, but in the dark it did make a cheerful sort of light in the night. The sort of thing that foals would surely love. What with the rate that all the young ones were pairing off, he rather anticipated kittens would be arriving soon... So there was no harm in being prepared with an entertainment or two, right?
Stepping into the glade with the little box wrapped in wine colored paper and tied with golden ribbon, Arcane gave a greeting nod to the Cheshires assembled. "Holiday Greetings, All."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
