HAPPY CHRISTMAKKUH!
Presents for Mark's nearest and dearest, note followed by present:
Roger,
We've been friends for more years than I care to think about at the moment, and you've always been there for me. I know this present isn't much for such a great friend, but... well, I've got limited funds, man, deal with it!
Love you, and Happy Christmakkuh.
-Mark
In the package is a pack of guitar picks and extra strings, and a small notebook and pencil.
Maur,
How many times have you bounced me out of bed on Christmas? I have to say, even though the past three years you haven't, I... I kinda miss it. God, did I really just say that? Heh, anyway, sweetheart, I hope you have a wonderful holiday.
All my love,
Mark
Her package contains videos taken from his reels of various performances of hers, and a picture frame with a picture of the two of them in Central Park (with April in the background playing with a kite).
Benny,
Well, we were on thin ice long enough - I'm glad to be friends again. So you know, the castle is always open to you (and everyone else, but I thought I'd remind you), so come visit sometime, okay? Happy Christmakkuh, man.
-Mark
The package contains only a rather good drawing (in April's distinct style, it must be said) of a check for a large amounts of money, and the label "For Back Rent".
Collins,
You are an amazing guy. Nothing I could ever say or do could express that. Thanks for being my friend (and, at times, my caretaker), and I hope we'll be friends for years to come. ... What am I saying, of COURSE we will. Happy Christmakkuh.
-Mark
His package contains a used book titled Philosophy of the Anarchist, and a list of items Mark needs for filming - tradition, apparently, as that's what HE gets for Christmas... a few days after.
Meemsa,
I love you so much, pretty girl. You take good care of my best friend, okay? He needs it SO much. Believe me. Anyway, Happy Christmakkuh, and come visit sometime.
Love,
Mark
Mimi's present - a feather boa. Because Mark sometimes sucks at picking out presents, apparently.
Aprilest of Aprils,
God, it's good to have you around again. We all missed you like hell, and I'm BEYOND glad that you're back. It's wonderful having you here in the castle, and I hope you'll stay here for... well, forever, really. Love you, sweetheart, keep singing, keep drawing, keep it real. And Happy Christmakkuh. It's the best one since you left.
Love (forever, duh),
Mark
April's present - a tape recorder and three blank tapes, and a film of one of Roger's shows, from before she knew them. Hesitatingly given, it's true, but after much "subtle" questioning he decided it would be okay.
Will,
I know you're a baby and can't read or understand this, but... well, Happy Christmakkuh. You'll get used to that word. Your Mom is amazing, don't ever forget that.
Love,
Uncle Mark
Gift: A baby blanket, because Mark is sometimes very uncreative.
Ali,
I don't know you as well as I'd like, but hey, that's what time's for, right? Merry Christmas, and I hope you like your gift.
-Mark
The gift: a rather pretty (and old-looking) journal, likely found in the library at Kiamo Ko.
Cindy,
We don't get along too well most of the time, it's true, but... well, I guess getting to live together again for a few months probably did us good. I really do love you, sis - best of luck to you (and the Demonspawn boys) in the New Year. Happy Channukah.
Love,
Mark
The package contains two action figures (with a sticky note that says "For my nephews") and a rather nice wool-lined jacket.
Mom,
For all that you're overbearing sometimes (don't take offence, you know it's true), I love you. I love your cooking, I love your quirks (most of the time), and I love YOU. I hope your holiday was a good one.
Love,
Mark
P.S. Add this to the massive collection you have on the mantle, huh?
Ruthie's gift is a framed picture of Mark and Elphie posing in the courtyard of the castle, and looking absolutely crazy in love with each other.
Mills,
Hey, kid, how're you? I hope the holiday hasn't been too stressful or anything, and I hope you can come visit again really soon. You're a beautiful and talented young lady. Just felt the need to remind you of that. Merry Christmas and all that, and I'll see you soon.
Love ya, little sis,
Mark
The package contains a very delicate, hand-crafted bracelet with black-blue stones set into it. Ozian-make, obviously.
Mione,
I haven't seen you in too long, but... well, the best of luck to you with Ron - I hope things are smoothing out. Remember you can always talk to me, and if you need to, our doors are always open. Merry Christmas to my third-favorite witch. (The first two are just a LITTLE higher than you... okay, well number one's Elphie, so she's MOST important of pretty much... everybody in the world, but... well... okay, I'm just chattering like an idiot now, shutting up).
Love and hugs,
Mark
Hermione's gift is two linen blouses and a dark blue silky scarf.
To Isa, the best filmmaker in New York (seeing as how I'm not there anymore),
Merry Christmas, or... Happy Yule, or whatever the hell you celebrate. I hope your filming is coming along well, and I can't wait to see where you go in life - I'm going to be able to say "I knew her when..." when you're world-renowned. Love you, kid.
Love,
Mark
Alisa's gift is three reels of film (for HER camera) and some old (but still in good shape) editing equipment of Mark's.
Nessa,
Don't I wish I knew you better? Yeah, I do. As I write this note, I'm terribly behind in getting presents out, so I can actually say thank you for ours, and congrats on YOURS. It must be nice to have your shoes back. Anyway, Happy Lurlinemas, and best wishes to you and Richard.
Love,
Mark
Nessa's gift - some religious texts that Elphie suggested.
Maur and Benny, the most "thank god they finally got together" couple I know,
Yeah, yeah, I got you both gifts, but... well, I thought I'd get you a "couple" gift. Shut up, just appreciate the fact that I spent (a little) money on you.
Love,
Mark
Their gift is an empty picture frame.
April and Yero,
Can I just say that I am SO GLAD that you two found each other? It was a sort of miracle, I think. I wish you both the best, and I hope that you'll stay here in the castle - I know it would be very lonely without you here. Happy... whatever!
-Mark
Their gift is also an empty picture frame... I think they were on sale or something...
Ali and Neville,
All the best from me and Elphie - I wish you only the best with your marriage, I hope you'll be happy together (and I think you will be). Merry Christmas.
-Mark
...Yep, a picture frame. He ran out of ideas...
My darling Fabala,
I can't begin to tell you how much I love you. I have been blessed beyond my wildest dreams to have you as a friend, lover, and wife. I can think of nothing I want more than to simply grow old with you and raise our children. I love you, my beautiful, BEAUTIFUL Elphie.
All the love in the world (both of them),
Mark
...........he won't tell me what he got her. I think it's lingire... but I'm not sure. Damn.
My darling daughter,
I can't wait for you to come - here's a little something for you to enjoy after you grace us with your presence. I love you. So much.
Love,
Daddy
Enclosed is a teddybear. A very cuddly looking teddybear.
Roger,
We've been friends for more years than I care to think about at the moment, and you've always been there for me. I know this present isn't much for such a great friend, but... well, I've got limited funds, man, deal with it!
Love you, and Happy Christmakkuh.
-Mark
In the package is a pack of guitar picks and extra strings, and a small notebook and pencil.
Maur,
How many times have you bounced me out of bed on Christmas? I have to say, even though the past three years you haven't, I... I kinda miss it. God, did I really just say that? Heh, anyway, sweetheart, I hope you have a wonderful holiday.
All my love,
Mark
Her package contains videos taken from his reels of various performances of hers, and a picture frame with a picture of the two of them in Central Park (with April in the background playing with a kite).
Benny,
Well, we were on thin ice long enough - I'm glad to be friends again. So you know, the castle is always open to you (and everyone else, but I thought I'd remind you), so come visit sometime, okay? Happy Christmakkuh, man.
-Mark
The package contains only a rather good drawing (in April's distinct style, it must be said) of a check for a large amounts of money, and the label "For Back Rent".
Collins,
You are an amazing guy. Nothing I could ever say or do could express that. Thanks for being my friend (and, at times, my caretaker), and I hope we'll be friends for years to come. ... What am I saying, of COURSE we will. Happy Christmakkuh.
-Mark
His package contains a used book titled Philosophy of the Anarchist, and a list of items Mark needs for filming - tradition, apparently, as that's what HE gets for Christmas... a few days after.
Meemsa,
I love you so much, pretty girl. You take good care of my best friend, okay? He needs it SO much. Believe me. Anyway, Happy Christmakkuh, and come visit sometime.
Love,
Mark
Mimi's present - a feather boa. Because Mark sometimes sucks at picking out presents, apparently.
Aprilest of Aprils,
God, it's good to have you around again. We all missed you like hell, and I'm BEYOND glad that you're back. It's wonderful having you here in the castle, and I hope you'll stay here for... well, forever, really. Love you, sweetheart, keep singing, keep drawing, keep it real. And Happy Christmakkuh. It's the best one since you left.
Love (forever, duh),
Mark
April's present - a tape recorder and three blank tapes, and a film of one of Roger's shows, from before she knew them. Hesitatingly given, it's true, but after much "subtle" questioning he decided it would be okay.
Will,
I know you're a baby and can't read or understand this, but... well, Happy Christmakkuh. You'll get used to that word. Your Mom is amazing, don't ever forget that.
Love,
Uncle Mark
Gift: A baby blanket, because Mark is sometimes very uncreative.
Ali,
I don't know you as well as I'd like, but hey, that's what time's for, right? Merry Christmas, and I hope you like your gift.
-Mark
The gift: a rather pretty (and old-looking) journal, likely found in the library at Kiamo Ko.
Cindy,
We don't get along too well most of the time, it's true, but... well, I guess getting to live together again for a few months probably did us good. I really do love you, sis - best of luck to you (and the Demonspawn boys) in the New Year. Happy Channukah.
Love,
Mark
The package contains two action figures (with a sticky note that says "For my nephews") and a rather nice wool-lined jacket.
Mom,
For all that you're overbearing sometimes (don't take offence, you know it's true), I love you. I love your cooking, I love your quirks (most of the time), and I love YOU. I hope your holiday was a good one.
Love,
Mark
P.S. Add this to the massive collection you have on the mantle, huh?
Ruthie's gift is a framed picture of Mark and Elphie posing in the courtyard of the castle, and looking absolutely crazy in love with each other.
Mills,
Hey, kid, how're you? I hope the holiday hasn't been too stressful or anything, and I hope you can come visit again really soon. You're a beautiful and talented young lady. Just felt the need to remind you of that. Merry Christmas and all that, and I'll see you soon.
Love ya, little sis,
Mark
The package contains a very delicate, hand-crafted bracelet with black-blue stones set into it. Ozian-make, obviously.
Mione,
I haven't seen you in too long, but... well, the best of luck to you with Ron - I hope things are smoothing out. Remember you can always talk to me, and if you need to, our doors are always open. Merry Christmas to my third-favorite witch. (The first two are just a LITTLE higher than you... okay, well number one's Elphie, so she's MOST important of pretty much... everybody in the world, but... well... okay, I'm just chattering like an idiot now, shutting up).
Love and hugs,
Mark
Hermione's gift is two linen blouses and a dark blue silky scarf.
To Isa, the best filmmaker in New York (seeing as how I'm not there anymore),
Merry Christmas, or... Happy Yule, or whatever the hell you celebrate. I hope your filming is coming along well, and I can't wait to see where you go in life - I'm going to be able to say "I knew her when..." when you're world-renowned. Love you, kid.
Love,
Mark
Alisa's gift is three reels of film (for HER camera) and some old (but still in good shape) editing equipment of Mark's.
Nessa,
Don't I wish I knew you better? Yeah, I do. As I write this note, I'm terribly behind in getting presents out, so I can actually say thank you for ours, and congrats on YOURS. It must be nice to have your shoes back. Anyway, Happy Lurlinemas, and best wishes to you and Richard.
Love,
Mark
Nessa's gift - some religious texts that Elphie suggested.
Maur and Benny, the most "thank god they finally got together" couple I know,
Yeah, yeah, I got you both gifts, but... well, I thought I'd get you a "couple" gift. Shut up, just appreciate the fact that I spent (a little) money on you.
Love,
Mark
Their gift is an empty picture frame.
April and Yero,
Can I just say that I am SO GLAD that you two found each other? It was a sort of miracle, I think. I wish you both the best, and I hope that you'll stay here in the castle - I know it would be very lonely without you here. Happy... whatever!
-Mark
Their gift is also an empty picture frame... I think they were on sale or something...
Ali and Neville,
All the best from me and Elphie - I wish you only the best with your marriage, I hope you'll be happy together (and I think you will be). Merry Christmas.
-Mark
...Yep, a picture frame. He ran out of ideas...
My darling Fabala,
I can't begin to tell you how much I love you. I have been blessed beyond my wildest dreams to have you as a friend, lover, and wife. I can think of nothing I want more than to simply grow old with you and raise our children. I love you, my beautiful, BEAUTIFUL Elphie.
All the love in the world (both of them),
Mark
...........he won't tell me what he got her. I think it's lingire... but I'm not sure. Damn.
My darling daughter,
I can't wait for you to come - here's a little something for you to enjoy after you grace us with your presence. I love you. So much.
Love,
Daddy
Enclosed is a teddybear. A very cuddly looking teddybear.