"Hey everyone. This is Miles of Animalia Ambassadoria. I hope you're all having a merry Christmas. I know you're all probably snug and comfy at home. You're probably only wearing your pajamas as you relax and enjoy the presents you've gotten. Well, it's pretty different over here at Fennec Manor. What we have here are the upper crust of Animalian elites, the ones who came to Animalia with their tons of money. They're here to celebrate Christmas with aristocratic style. And how did this humble reporter get invited here? Well, I may have started this job only recently, but I'm already making powerful and influential connections."
Just then, Louise, wearing a waitress's uniform, stopped besides Miles. "Miles, you need to keep your mask on straighter. And your shirt needs to be retucked." Like everyone at the party, she was wearing a mask, which wasn't quite so easy with her long dolphin snout and her lack of external ears.
"Mom! I'm in the middle of a broadcast!" snapped the young jackrabbit.
"Then there's no reason to look shabby," said Louise before straightening her son's clothes before walking off.
"We can edit that out later, right?" asked Miles.
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"And we start with the host of this gala, Joanne Fennel. Mrs. Fennel, this is quite a big party."
Joanne, who was wearing a very expensive-looking black dress with a matching mask, said, "Ms. Fennel, if you please, Miles. 'Mrs.' is so formal and I am single now."
"So, Ms. Fennel, is there a reason you're having a party where only the wealthiest of Animlians are invited to?" asked Miles.
"It's not only the wealthiest," said Joanne, "I've invited some of the most influential members of Animalia as well. But there are two main reasons for the exclusiveness. First, this type of party is mostly for those with more sophisticated tastes that have been developed over a lifetime. It might be a bit too dull and uneventful for the average person. And second, this party isn't just for merrymaking. This is also a charity ball and we're asking those with lots of money to spare to donate to a worthy cause."
"And what cause would that be?" asked Miles.
"What's on everyone's mind: the people suffering because of the pandemic," said Joanne, "As a matter of fact, there's a bit of a raffle going on for which particular charity the donations will be going to."
"Well, at least the more common Animalian won't feel snubbed for not being invited," said Miles.
"I think the term 'common' is very relativistic when it comes to Animalians," said Joanne dryly.
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"And right here, we have just about the two most elite members of Animalia; Mayor Clara Lage and Deputy-Mayor Robbie Kenward."
The large fox Animalian gave Miles an annoyed look, "I'm Steven Blair."
"Oh, sorry," said Miles, "You just look alike."
"I'm bigger than Robbie," said Steven in annoyance, "And I have my human hair."
"It does blend in with your fur quite a lot," said Clara.
Steven sighed and said, "That is too true. I've been wondering if I should get the tips dyed or something."
"So anyways, how are you enjoying this party?" asked Miles.
"Honestly, it's a relief just to get away from the kids for a while," said Steven, "I forgot how much hassle it was taking care of babies, now I have to deal with four at them at the same time."
"Welcome to my world," said Clara, "But it will be worth it later on. At least you don't have to deal with feeding them all the time."
"And how about you?" asked Miles.
"Well, this party is fine, but I have bigger parties in mind in the future," said Clara.
"Like New Year's?" asked Miles.
"In a way," said Clara, "Mostly thinking about the inauguration."
"I doubt you'll be the only one celebrating that," said Steven.
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"As I said before, it's not just the richest Animalians who have been invited here. We have some of the most well-known and influential Animalians here as well. I'm sure you'll agree with me when you see these familiar faces."
The camera turned to reveal Abby Brown and Mary Alice Wesley, both in elligent evening dresses and matching masks. The two of the waved at the camera as Abby said, "It's nice to be back."
"Back home or back on the show?" asked Miles.
"Well, both," said Abby, "Winter break's a big relief after all we've been through. And I kinda missed being on the show, but I do have college work now."
"And would you say your starring role on this show is what got you invited here?" asked Miles.
"Well, that and a few other things. As the first human ever converted, I do have some prominence in Animalia," said Abby.
"Not to mention being a gold medalist in the Animalia games," added Malice.
"And is that why you're here too?" asked Miles to Malice.
"Well, maybe I'm not the most famous," said Malice, "Tiffany pulled a few strings to get me an invite. We've gotten pretty close after we stopped competing over boys."
"And what do you think of the party?" asked Miles.
"Well...kinda boring," said Malice, "Mostly just rich people talking about stuff. But at least the food's good. But I can't wait for the next big party."
"New Year's?" asked Miles.
"Maybe, but I was thinking the Lunar New Year," said Malice, "I was worried it would be cancelled this year, but now that vaccines are going around, it's back on schedule."
"Though with some moderation," said Abby, "Masks are required, sanitizer at every booth, events will be televised instead of a live audience, etc. Things aren't just safe enough yet for public gatherings like we used to have."
"Like how we didn't get a Winter Gala?" asked Malice.
"Yes, that," said Abby, trying to hold her disappointment, "But there will be a Gala eventually, once the pandemic is over."
"And you think we will be seeing more of you?" asked Miles.
"We're not part of this show anymore, but that doesn't mean we can't make guest appearances every now and then," said Abby.
"It'll be weird being part of the news instead of just telling the news," said Malice.
"Well, I think that just about covers it," said Miles, "And I'd like to tell everyone that Animalia wishes them a Merry Christmas."
"And a happier and better New Year," chimed in Abby and Malice.