I'LL UPLOAD A CHRISTMAS PIC ON TIME ONE OF THESE YEARS!!

Being by far the largest piece I've ever worked on, with the most effort exerted, at that, I'd have to say that late or not, I am very proud of this piece. I must have started this back in November, to get a head start on it to have it uploaded in time for Christmas. But then came an unexpected surprise: a computer virus acting in the guise of an antivirus program, which caused me to lose more than a week's production time. In the end I had to reformat my system to get rid of it, so I lost everything I had. But, I did manage to back up all of my pictures, including this one, which was still in the early sketch phase at the time. Had that not happened, this might have been uploaded on or just after Christmas Day! Even though things turned out the way they did, I'm happy to see it completed. It's been a long journey, but I survived every minute! As far into it as I was, really, why stop? Besides, I was having too much fun!!

This is my gift to some of my close friends and fellow RPer's, as well as the dA and TK community for keeping their eye on me for so long. Here we have six notable characters nestled upon the couch before a blazing fireplace at a late-night Christmas get-together in the home of Kanasta d'Alegría, the loving latina in the center of the image. This piece is done in three segments, from left-to-right: the American way!

1. Erusa Aikocho and Lilliana Wiesel - The kind little fairy has found herself quite the friend and playmate in the youthful albino, hoping to spend a lot more time with her in the coming year. Lilliana had actually just celebrated her nineteenth birthday on the 21st of December, so imagine her surprise when Erusa shows up with another present for her! These two have a friendship that shall go on everlasting, and it's only getting stronger, day-by-day.

2. Kanasta d'Alegría and Tsu-maru Annaii - These two have long been close, ever since their first encounter at Claris Manor in the fall of 2007. Since then they have had their share of ups and downs, but have always come out on top, learning more about the other and only coming to love one another more and more with each moment they share. The two have grown to share a mother-and-daughter relationship, despite their differences, with the latina woman caring for the small fairy as though she were her own. Unable to keep her eyes off of her even when she's snuggling into her shoulder, Kanasta's love for Tsu-maru is second to none, and shall continue on for as long as the two walk hand-in-hand on this earth.

3. Regina Venus and Jez Wolfe - Sporting a very festive get-up and some shockingly blonde hair, Regina may be difficult to recognize at first glance, having taken on a more natural appearance as she's maturing, seeking something that will make her not simply stand out, but make her feel as though she were her own person. Her personality goes unchanged, though, as she eyes her dear friend Jez enjoying Kanasta's homemade hot cocoa, a small but noticeable trace of whipped cream left upon her lips. Not to worry, though! These two are like peanut butter and jelly, in more ways than one. Who needs napkins in this house when you've got mistletoe? 'Tis the season, after all~

I hope you can all enjoy this piece with as much pleasure as I felt while making it. Everyone, I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday. May the next Christmas be just as lovely!

Erusa Aikocho ©
Tsu-maru Annaii ©
Jez Wolfe ©
Lilliana Wiesel, Kanasta d'Alegría, Regina Venus © Zach Mansfield