The Barrow-Downs' Third Birthday Party and Downie Awards

[Mithadan]

"Uh, this is Squatter and Mattius. Over there are Diamond and Heren Istarion. This is Lush... What are you doing here Angara?"

"I am Cami's escort," the dragon answered importantly. "Speaking of escorts, where is Piosenniel?"

"She's about, somewhere," answered Mithadan.

The dragon sniffed at Lush. "You have an odd aura, human..."

At that moment, Arafangwen and Firondoiel approached him. "Our friend is a bit...under the weather," they said, pointing to the semi-conscious maiden. Mithadan spoke quickly into his microphone and a medical team came by shortly to gather up the young lady. Angara watched with amusement.

"So, I understand that you planned this party," said the dragon as the maiden was dragged away.

[Lady Alasse]

"I quite agree." Lady Alasse replied to Frodo Baggins. Why on earth anyone would drink themselves silly is beyond me."

"So have you tried the balrog wings yet?"

[The X Phial]

The X Phial enjoyed watching the dancing from her perch but soon got a bit hungry. "Damn my metabolism," she thought to herself as she zigged and zagged down to one of the buffet tables. A huge assortment of dishes loomed over her and she took her insectish time choosing a bit of each. Every time a two legged creature came near she hid beneath a convenient flower arrangement...also tasty.

When she had eaten her fill while avoiding the swatter of doom, The X Phial decided to take a little snooze on the wall by the quickly disappearing balrog wings.

"My, my," she heard as she dozed off, "these wings are tasty but so insubstantial you'd think they were made of shadows."

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: The X Phial ]

[The Saucepan Man]

The Saucepan Man relinquished Sophia back to Fin, thanking her for the dance. Luckily, the heavy rock had given way to a brisk waltz as they had taken to the floor. Sophia bid farewell to Saucepan, making a mental note to minimse her time spent dancing with little old men covered in kitchen implements.

Saucepan rattled his way unsteadily back to the bar, wondering why he was tottering so precariously when he had only been drinking tea.

"Well, it is a party, I suppose," he thought to himself beginning to enjoy the sensation of slight inebriation.

He spent some time sipping his tea and chatting with the other guests at the bar. Then, fortified by his new-found intoxication, he strode over to the DJ. After a brief conversation between them, the music stopped, to assorted groans from the dance floor.

Saucepan picked up a microphone and took to the stage at one end of the Grand Hall. The crowd having become accustomed to his clatterings, he was hardly noticed.

[Nurumaiel]

Nuru lifted the tablecloth and peered out. A quick glance around the room told her Rie wasn't there yet. Dropping the tablecloth, she sat perfectly still. The last thing she wanted was for someone to find her hiding place. That would be sure to attract a reporter's attention.

If there was one thing Nuru couldn't stand, it was watching people reeling about, drunk. She herself had never been drunk in her life and didn't intend to start now. The food above her smelled rather good, though...

Wait until later, she told herself sternly. You don't want to stuff yourself until Rie comes. Then you'll have a nice, sensible meal together as well as a little chat.

[Orual]

"I find it amazing how slowly women can move when they're in a hurry," came the grumpy shout from outside the powder room door. Talmérië only grinned as she pinned up her red hair in an elaborate twist at the nape of her neck. Her twin brother, Talômi, was crabby because he had just spent ten minutes helping her fasten the ridiculously small pearl buttons that ran all the way up her forest-green dress. She thought it was worth it; the dress was beautiful. It had a long, full skirt that, to her delight, flared out when she spun; the sleeves came to points on her hand, looping around her third finger; the neckline was square-cut, just low enough to show off her necklace, a red stone hanging on a leather cord; the bodice was elaborately decorated with gold trim. She had finished with her hair, now, and was only tarrying to irritate her brother.

Finally he began to bang on the door. "I'm not on speaking terms with you now so that you can ignore everything I say!" he shouted. Rie frowned.

"And I'm not on speaking terms with you so that you can yell at me all the time!" she snapped back. She flung the door open, and Talômi nearly toppled over before he caught himself on the doorframe.

As irritated as she was with him, she had to admit that he did look nice. He wore black slacks, fitting him well for once, and a matching vest over an earthy-green shirt with full sleeves. He had even cleaned his boots. She could tell that he had tried to do something with his hair, but it hadn't worked. It never worked. Talômi's hair was the same dark red as Rie's, and never stayed where he tried to put it. It didn't help that he was always running his fingers through it.

His handsome face, grumpy just a moment before, broke into a proud smile when Rie stepped out of the powder room. "You look dazzling, sister," he said, taking her by the hand and twirling her. "But you forgot one thing."

Rie checked herself all over, from patting her hair to lifting her skirts to her ankles for a look at her shoes. "I don't think I did," she said, anxiety creeping into her voice. Her brows lowered over her green eyes in consternation. "I can't imagine what you're talking about."

Talômi pulled a small bag out of his pocket, and untied the strings that held it closed. "Mother said to give this to you at an 'appropriate time,'" he said, sounding apologetic for his not finding an earlier 'appropriate time'. He stuck his hand into the bag and produced a ring, silver with an oval emerald set in it.

Rie's eyes widened, and she was speechless as she extended her hand for Talômi to put it on her finger. "Talômi, it's beautiful," she said breathlessly.

"It was Mother's," Talômi said. "And Grandmother's, and her mother's, and I think it might have even belonged to Grandmother's grandmother."

"I'd never seen it before now," Rie said. She looked outside, and jumped with a little squeak. "We're going to be late! Come on!"

They arrived at the party quickly, to flashing bulbs and journalists sticking microphones in their faces, and commentators praising or criticizing minute aspects of their clothes, and Rie's jewelry and hair. Rie smiled shyly and said a few words to the reporters asking her questions, but Talômi just waved them aside and pulled his sister through the front doors.

Rie brushed off her dress as they got in and checked her hair. Talômi grinned and flicked something off of her sleeve. "Don't worry about it, and have fun," he said, waving to a few people. He did not know many of the guests, but he was friendly enough not to care. His cheerful greetings were returned, and the party seemed to be going along splendidly.

"Let's go get something to drink," Rie suggested, pulling on Talômi's arm. He grinned at her and nodded, and together they went over to the bar, scanning the crowd for someone they knew.

[Lady Alasse]

Unbeknowst to Nuru Alasse had seen her lift the table cloth swiftly she lifted it.

"Hello! she said, "What are you doing there?"

[Trippo The Hippo]

Seeing that everyone around him was dropping like flies form drunkeness. Trippo decided to prove to himself, and everyone else that he was still sober. So he got up and found a farily straight line and walked it perfectly. Then he hopped up on stage and recited his abc's backwards. Finishing it off by spinning around on his head. He got up and said into the microphone, "There that should do it." Then he got down off the stage handed the mic back to the strange Sauce Pan Man, and sat down at a table hoping Menelien would join him.

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: Trippo The Hippo ]

[Hanna_Gamgee]

Hanna and her friends watche the hippo spin on his head and starts applauding and cheering. Hanna wonders to herself when the awards will be given out and if Gandalf brought some fireworks they can find. The three of them start whispering with each other about what they should do next even though all of them are quite drunk and cant quite think straight. They notice Saucepan on stage so grow quiet so they can listen to what he has to say. They think he is one of the oddest of the people they have seen at the party but they dont mind because he seems like a nice guy. They do wish the music would start up again though.

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: Hanna_Gamgee ]

[Cuthalion]

Having partaken of an excellent meal and a conversation filled with seductive pleasantries wiht Maika, Cuthalion sat back and greeted many of the Downs members as they wandered by. He made a mental list of those he looked forward to chatting with. Fin, who's impeccable style and panache were unrivalled... Lush, she of the angelic clothing and of course, Chicken.

He rose and took Maika on his arm, his love for her showing in every glance. At one of the tables he found Matt, dutifully making his way through yet another pitcher of ale. He greeted Matt heartily and he was about to ask where Chicken had gone to, when suddenly the salacious fowl came out from under the table, ogling Maika beadily. Matt scooped him up before Maika could make kabobs out of him. The squawking could be heard through-out the Hall as feathers began flying. Cuthalion and Maika left Matt and Chicken to work it out.

Anuion had put on quite a show with Archer earlier and Cuthalion had admired the boy's exuberance. He, however, was looking forward to the Tango, his favourite dance. A slow smile formed on Cuthalion's lips as he looked down at Maika, her thoughts mirroring his own. Yes indeed, this would be a memorable night...

[Arafangwen]

"I'm going to join Firondoiel in a little rest. I'll try to be back in a very short while but if deep sleep over takes me, I'm so sorry. I haven't slept in about three days straight so, once again, I'm so sorry. Bye Tippo! See ya in a bit!" with that last word, Arafangwen walked to a little powder room adjacent to the womens bathroom and lay on a empty couch across the room from Firondoiel and quickly fell asleep in her exaustion.

[The Saucepan Man]

Standing on the stage, Saucepan managed to attract Eruanna's attention and beckoned her over. As he whispered in her ear, she smiled and produced her paper and comb.

Saucepan cleared his throat and spoke into the microphone, nervously eyeing a large dragon that was hovering near the bar.

“Ahem. Some of you may have heard of Sergeant Saucepan’s Barrow Downs Club Band.”

There was some disinterested muttering from the guests assembled around the Hall. Saucepan ploughed on regardless.

“Unfortunately they cannot be with us tonight, but I would like to give a humble rendition of their latest ditty. In their place, Eruanna will accompany me on the paper and comb.”

He cleared his throat once again and began singing into the microphone in a voice that was not entirely dissimilar to a Goblin Imp (whatever that may be) being strangled with pianowire.

(To the tune of Penny Lane)

On Barrow Downs there is a Member reading highlights,
Of every thread he's had the pleasure to have known.
And all the spirits that come and go
Stop and say hello.

In the Forum there’s a Newbie with a question,
On Bombadil or Beorn or actor’s worth.
But the Newbie never does a search.
See the thread unfurl. Bye bye Sqwerl.

The Barrow Downs is on my screen and in my head.
There beneath the black and orange threads,
I type, and meanwhile back

In the Books there is a scholar with a theory
On Rings and Elven immortality.
She likes to talk of Eucatastrophe,
And Norse mythology.


Paper and comb solo

The Barrow Downs is on my screen and in my head.
Balrog wings and Sexual Ed
for Hobbits, meanwhile back

Upon the Downs in the Middle Earth Mayhem,
The Disco King is dancing every night and day.
And tho' Boromir’s in his grave,
We all do the wave!

Barrow Downs, the scholar quotes another Letter,
We see the Newbie now has quickly settled in.
Then a fangirl rushes in
From an Orli site, Oh, what a fright!

The Barrow Downs is on my screen and in my head.
There within the black and orange threads,
I type, and meanwhile back

The Barrow Downs is on my screen and in my head.
There within the black and orange threads,

Barrow Downs.

Saucepan and Eruanna finished the song and looked up expecting the rapturous applause that would surely follow. Unfortunately, they had to make do with the few isolated hand claps punctuated by nervous silence that did in fact follow.

Oblivious, Saucepan picked up his teacup from the front of the stage, where he had left it, and raised it in a toast.

“TO THE BARROW-WIGHT AND THE BARROW DOWNS. HAPPY DEATHDAY!” he exclaimed happily.

The Grand Hall erupted.

“HAPPY DEATHDAY!” the crowd roared.

The music started up again and the party-goers thronged to the dance floor, as Saucepan and Eruanna returned to the proceedings.

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: The Saucepan Man ]

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Menelien never did find Hippo. Slipping into a nearby room, she fell fast asleep on the floor, not even noticing those on the couches around her and hoped that Hippo and Gimli (if he woke up) wouldn't mind her absense. I might get up in 10 minutes or so- she told herself, and I'll definitely find them in the morning.

[Antien]

Antien was pleased with her station. She was drinking her fourth glass or cherry wine, but she still wasn't drunk. Mind you, she hadn't drunk more than 1 glass per hour, and she had never, ever been drunk in her life. No-one else was there to share her wine, though, because the sign still hung. No-body had asked her to dance. She was so bored. So she rigged the discoball to play disco music in eight minutes.

'now, who to tell..." she thought, and wandered off, muttering.

[Eruwen]

Eruwen walked into the Grand Hall alone. She was checked for weapons at the door to which she thought, I am an Elf, coming to a party, definitly not dressed to be fighting, and he checks me for weapons? What would the point of this be?

The weapon check soon abandoned her mind when she entered the actual room. Her eyes widened quickly as she saw the large amount of people already at the party. Eruwen tucked her long, dark hair behind the pointed, Elven ears of her kin and walked forward.

I seem to be a...little late she thought slipping her way over to what seemed to be one of the only empty tables left in the room. She scanned the room silently.

Hmm... she thought once more. There's Diamond, Sauce Pan Man, Amanaduial, Lush, Pio, Mithaden, Frodo...wait...Frodo? Frodo Baggins has returned!

Not thinking a bit except for the excitement that the member had returned, Eruwen ran over to his table.

"Frodo!" she yelled approaching. "I can't believe you're back! Samwise and I talk about your disappearance often. Oh, Samwise will be so excited to see you again."

Eruwen looked around the room quickly. "Is Samwise even here yet?"

Frodo, trying to comprehend all of the Elven maiden's words at once, shook his head.

"No, I havn't seen Samwise," he replied.

[Merendis]

Merendis, looking as hot as a fly could possibly look, flies stealthily through the door and into the great hall. She pauses and gazes around, surveying the extensive party life. But they are overly loud and chaos seems to rule, so she continues upward, narrowly avoiding the swat of a lovely lady in a white pantsuit.

She laps the ceiling in search of TheXPhly. She spots a resplendent green insect returning from the punchbowl to the designated area, and quickly joins her.

Merendis lands next to TheXPhly and rubs her front appendages together in greeting.
"Hello, I see you've also succumbed to the temptations of a fabulous party."

TheXPhly merely nodded, never moving her eyes from the scene below. Merendis smiled to herself and relaxed to also watch the party. The joys of being a fly on the wall are greatly ameliorated when shared.

[Trippo The Hippo]

Trippo was saddened when he heard the news the Menelien had gone for what could be the whole night smilies/frown.gif. He looked down at the present he had for her. It was an empty tissue box with a styrofoam cup, scotch taped to the top. I hope she wont be embarressed when I give her this, he thought.

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

*GaladrieloftheOlden gets back to her computer, somehow* Menelien could not sleep because of her splitting headache, so she crawled back out of the room and made her way back towards the table where Trippo the Hippo was seated, staring down at what looked like... a tissue box with a styrofoam cup duct-taped to it. "Excuse me, Trippo... but what exactly is that?" she asked, as he looked up.

[Carlas]

Carlas ran into the great hall, breathing heavily. She stopped as she passed the doors and nearly fell onto the floor. As she composed herself, wiping any dirt off her shirt, she saw the blank looks of the other members. She smiled briskly and nodded to the crowd before walking over to the bar.

After getting herself a great mug of ale, she looked about at all the members, dancing, singing, playing the paper and comb... the party seemed to be going well, and everyone was having a good time. All she needed now was some food! She walked over to a large table covered in tasty entrees. Smiling, she was about to dive in when she saw Arvedui down the table. She grinned even wider and walked over to him tapping him on the shoulder opposite her. He looked at her and smiled "Haha Carlas, Im not that dumb!"

She looked at him and frowned, stepping from side to side. He looked at her and shook his head turning back towards the table and the food.

[Iarwain]

Just as Menelien finished her question, Iarwain enters jovially wearing a new bright blue jacket and states in a deep merry voice:

Tis a styrofoam cup, oh fairest of friends,
for hope that thine friendship wilst never find its end.
For in that cup you will ever find,
a good drop of coffee, to soothe your bright mind.

Menelien, more confused than ever, steps away from the blue coated, yellow booted fellow, and steps up to her lord, the Barrow-Wright, to ask him what he is testing...

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Just as she smiled at the Hippo, telling him how much she liked the present, how nice of him it was to give her this, a strange persona in yellow boots and a blue coat (I love the new avatar) jumped out in front of Menelien and began reciting poetry at what seemed to her to be a rather strange moment, as she had only seen the man wandering the Books forum, not at this party. However, she was drunk beyond surprise, and, looking at the man again and then at the Hippo next to her, and choosing the latter, sat back down again and promptly her head fell onto the table. Menelien had fallen asleep for good, as those who had sat at her table and were now tip-toeing away not to disturb her in her sleep noticed. I'm really leaving for the night this time, and wonder what will have happened here by the time I get back smilies/wink.gif Really, I'm not sure how this is supposed to happen, but if this is it, wow you mods have a lot of work each year smilies/tongue.gif smilies/wink.gif smilies/smile.gif

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: GaladrieloftheOlden ]

[Trippo The Hippo]

"Well it's a present for you Menelien. I...I made it for you myself. I hope you like it." He says as he stares into her beautiful eyes.

Just then he catches a glare of the man covered in kitchen implements. "You're ruining the momment Sauce Pan Man." The hippo yells.

[Frodo Baggins]

Frodo swirled the wine around in his glass and shook his head, his party had hardly consumed any alcohol all day.

"Really, Alasse, I don't know why they are doing that. Ther results of their binge of alcohol makes it hard to enjoy anything."

Meanwhile, Maggie and Cromthal had finished the pattern dance by spiraling hand in hand. They sat back down, and Cromthal began plucking idly at Aisling, his harp.

"B-Balrog Wings?" said Frodo, what are they and where can I get some? And What's under the tablecloth?"

[Vardamar]

Vardamar comes in late. He was delayed by the traffic, you know how the traffic this time of day. Walking up to the door he hears what seems to be the Gondor rap. He composes himself, and walks in. "Boy there are a lot of people hear," he remarks. Vardamar searches the crowd for people he knows from the Chat, meeting new people on the way. After much searching he finally spots Hanna_Gamgee and Varda.

[elven maiden Earwen]

A figure on a white horse rode up. I hope I'm not late thought Eärwen Eleniel. Eärwen hoped her horse. Here I am finally she thought. Eärwen was wearing a beautiful dress. It was a turquoise-bluish-greenish color with thick golden-tan stripes. It was decorated with turquoise turtles and golden shells and starfish. The dress was short n the middle but got longer as it went around. It was decorated with turquoise and gold fringe. The sleeves were thin but the were covered by a cape the color or pearls. This cape had been fastened to her dress with a pin in shape of a swan, made out of pearl.

Eärwen’s long hair was as dark as midnight. Her hair was down but it was strung with small white gems that shone like stars in the moonlight. Her e turquoise-blue eyes like the sea shone like the light of stars. She had pale, smooth, flawless skin. She was beautiful. Around her ankle there was one single white gem that looked like a single star in a dark sky. She hurried quickly to where many others where many others had already gathered.

“Hello everyone, sorry to be so late” Eärwen said in an sad voice.

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: elven maiden Earwen ]

[The Saucepan Man]

The Saucepan Man tinkered his way over to join the large Hippopotamus and a rather clumsy looking female Elf. They both seemed to be examining an empty tissue box to which a styrofoam cup had been attached.

"Hello there, I am the Saucepan Man", he said proferring his hand, a small stainless steel Le Creuset pan tied to his right arm gently knocking against a pitch black kettle hanging from his waist as he did so.

"You don't say," replied Trippo. "I am Trippo the Hippo".

"Nice to meet you, Pippo"

"Er, that's Trippo."

"Yes, yes, Flippo."

"TRIPPO!"

"Ah, Trippo the Hippo, yes. I believe that you were organising a Disco Dancing competition. I brought my mirrorball especially", remarked Saucepan pointing proudly at the dazzling orb suspended above the dance floor.

"And I am Menelien", replied the Elven maid.

"Enchanted to make your acquaintance, Menelien", said the Saucepan Man.

"Oh, no trouble with her name then" observed Trippo.

"I noticed that you were not feeling well earlier. I trust that you are recovered now" said Saucepan.

"Yes, much better, thanks", the Elf replied and promptly fell asleep.

The Saucepan Man looked up to see a merry fellow dressed in a bright new blue jacket and fetching boots beaming at him. A look of recognition instantly crossed his face.

"Iarwain!" he exclaimed. "So nice to meet you in person at last."

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: The Saucepan Man ]

[Lush]

Lush started at the dragon's pronuncation of a strange aura around her.

"It's Salvatore Ferregamo," she said, swilling her 27th drink of the evening. "Nothing more, nothing less. If you've something against Italian designers, just go right ahead and say it. No need to be coy. I can see right past those scales into your Paris-couture-loving soul."

Before the dragon could answer (or eat her alive), Lush's attention was suddenly diverted by a beautiful buzzing sound. A few minutes passed before Lush realized that the buzzing was not in her head, as usual, but concentrated on the nearby wall, when two of the hottest insects she had ever laid her (innocent) eyes upon gossipped merrily.

"X!" Lush slurred prettily (and innocently). "Mer! Fancy meeting you here! Take care and try not to drop into my drink, this stuff would fell a dragon!"

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: Lush ]

[The Fifth]

Suddenly, a sweet, sad tune struck the air. It was harp-string, as well as the voice of an elf-lad. Walking in was an elven spirit, garbed in white tattered robes and tresses cascading down to the floor. Again the harps played, and Kenelm sung, quite inappropriately sad for such a happy event:

I see
the rising sun
I see
the deer as they run;
the trees as they grow,
and I walk amongst them,
no matter how time is slow.

I see
the setting stars
I see
where I should have been,
and where the moon shines,
but as I look towards chances slim,
I see no signs.

I see
but a window of the world as it passes by;
I see
Forests and plains,
Hills and mountains green,
The woods as it rains,
and the moon in the sky with its silver sheen.

I see
vast oceans with no names
I see
A grey ship upon a grey sky,
with those who leave upon her,
I see, and look from up high,
Those leaving, mother and father;
but I see no more.

I see
grief, sadness, love
I see
Joy, anger, fear
But I see not what they for;
It is what is not known,
in all the worlds I see a lot,
as I sit here alone,
looking through the world I see not.


As he saw everything that went on, he froze, and tilted his head. 'I see many people, many people here.' You see (no pun intended) -- Kenelm had travelled a long while from his rest, and as the spell of Maladil was broken, he was free to roam wherever. He had only just heard of this party, and, unusually curious, had decided to come.

[Hanna_Gamgee]

Hanna says ,slurring her words "Hi Vardamar nice to see you here. Im glad to find someone I actually know here. It is quite crowded." Then she wanders off to the dance floor where she does the chicken dance with her 2 friends while holding some spiked punch. Then she looks around and notices the elven singer Kenelm and decides to go talk to him since he seems to be alone. She tells him the song was pretty and he thanks her. Then she goes back to dancing.

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: Hanna_Gamgee ]

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: Hanna_Gamgee ]

[Trippo The Hippo]

Trippo turns to the man covered and sauce pans, and asks "Would you like to join us? Also I think you should know that Flippo the Hippo is my more atheletic twin brother. I doubt he will be joining us though. As to the disco competition I think that your disco ball would help alot. The problem is that Mithadan is a very busy man now a days and has not responded to whether or not we can have one. I would hate to do something wrong and get tossed out of here."

[mark12_30]

LinGalad cautiously slipped into the party, melted into a shadow, and watched for several minutes. There was a song, and a toast, and then much discussion. But he had arrived late and after a long day, was already yawning. But one item demanded comment, and LinGalad slipped quietly up next to SaucePan Man, and quietly whispered,

"That was the most technically brilliant paper-and-comb solo I have ever heard. Really quite impressive. And I did enjoy the rest of the sing a well. Nicely done."

Glancing around, and wishing he had more time to listen, but thinking that the festivities would still be in full swing for a long while yet, LinGalad slipped back into the shadows.

[Frodo Baggins]

Cromthal sat bolt upright at the first notes of Kenelm's song. He stared immovable tears spilling from his eyes as he watched and listened. In all his bardic days he had never heard anything quite so hauntingly beautiful.

"El-Elrond? Is that the one of whom you told me?" he asked shakily.

"Who? Kenelm? Yes, why do you go met him."

Cromthal slipped across the floor on his satin shoes and said "Good evening, I am Cromthal of Rathcoe. You are Kenelm the Elven spirit. I know you because Master Elrond has told me of you. I have wanted to meet you for a long time, it is my pleasure."


Cromthal was so excited and nervous that he could hardly stand.

[Orual]

Talômi scanned the room as he sipped his water. Rie was doing the same, though she had a specific mission in mind.

He put down his glass and ran a hand through his hair. "You keep looking for Nuru and Don," he said to his sister. "I'm going to look for a dance partner."

Rie smiled wickedly. "Spend all your time looking for a certain lady, and as soon as you find her you go looking for another one," she said, her lower lip protruding in a mock-pout. Then she laughed and put a hand on his arm. "Have fun. Don't trip your lovely lady, mind!"

Talômi assured her that he would not, and went to the crowd. There were lots of ladies present, but most of them were no longer available. He frowned. That Findorfin character seemed to have taken more than his share of the women.

His frown dissipated when he caught sight of a young elven maiden, in a turquoise-and-tan gown. He was sure that his eyebrows were all the way to his hairline as he stared at her. He rubbed his arm absently for a moment before he got up his courage.

"If I am not mistaken, you are the lady Eärwen?" he asked, trying not to trip over his words. "I am Talômi, son of Almarien. A, uh, a ranger." He mentally slapped himself for his lack of eloquence. "Would you like to dance?" he finished, extending a hand to her.

[Guo Si]

A lone figure stood at the entrance to the party. He was a tall, imposing (Or so he thought) figure who brought a gasp from all those assembled. Was it fear? Admiration? Or just the fact that he was wearing the same tacky suit of mithril armor he wore to last year's party? Then, at long last, the figure spoke in the phoniest of Elvish accents.

"Er, hello. I'm here for the party. I'm Guo Si"

[elven maiden Earwen]

"Yes I would love to dance." Eärwen said to the handsome man. She took his hand and he led her towards the floor. Wow I just arrived and i already have someone to dance with she thought and smiled.

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: elven maiden Earwen ]

[Samwise]

A Rolls-Royce with gold plated fenders pulled up in front of the building. Stacey stepped out of the front passengers' seat, turning to the driver.
"Thank you so much, Worthington."

"Twas my pleasure, my lady....erm, do you suppose the lad is all right? "

Primrose hopped out of the back, in a mauve-colored dress with far more frills than she cared for and her bow over her shoulder.
"Tennyson's fine. I saw him just--"

Just then a small hover vehichle with the front open so that it's blond-blue eyed pilot could be seen landed on the sidewalk next to them.

Sam breathed a sigh of relief as he slid from the back seat onto the sidewalk. "Thank goodness--you had me a bit nervous there for a moment, lad." Turning to Stacey, he said, "Do you suppose Mr. Frodo and everyone are here? "

"I should think so. Mr. Baggins was here first the last time. "

Tennyson swallowed hard, looking through the open doors of the building.

Primrose patted his arm. "Don't worry. Miss Stacey's not from these parts, either. "

Stacey looked at the boy, who was a paraplegic deaf-mute but was brilliant computer and book-wise. A thick mane of blond hair and large blue eyes actually made him quite handsome. The fact that he hailed from the 22nd century and had a hovering "wheelchair without wheels", which was equipped with a synthisizer-like device with which he spoke his own language probably made him feel more out of place than even she.

"Hey," she whispered close to one of his hearing aids, putting a hand on the navy-blue waistcoat that had been made for him, "I don't fit in here, either, remember? Let's find Mr. Baggins and the others and everything will be fine. "

The boy exhaled heavily and nodded.

"All right then, come on." Primrose said, slinging her bow over her shoulder and heading down the red carpet, completely ignoring any cameras.

Stacey snickered. "Sam, that girl is SO your daughter..."

Sam just grinned and followed her, and Stacey and Tennyson followed behind.

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: Samwise ]

[The X Phial]

X was startled by the unconsidered attention from the angelic and oh-so-innocent Lush. She buzzed at Merendis..."Looks like we've caught some attention"

Then, in her most civil (and tiny) human voice she greeted Lush.

"Good to see you, oh enebriated one. Your drink is smoking, dear."

[Antien]

Antien returned after a long trip to the bathroom and looked around. Where was sillabub? oh well. She'd just have to dance now. She looked for a person who would dance to disco in

5...4...3...2...1...Ah, ah, ah, ah, stayn' alive...

Her rigged discoball and music went off. this would be FUN!

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: Antien ]

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: Antien ]

[Samwise]

The foursome entered the building, all eight eyes scanning for the ones they were supposed to meet.

"However will we find them in this crowd? "
Sam wondered aloud.

"Easy." Prim answered. "Tennsyon? "

The boy looked at her a second, then upward. He bit his tounge as if nervous.

Primrose shook her head. "It's okay, go on. No one's going to notice, anyway. "

Stacey wondered how a huge crowd of people like this could NOT notice Tennyson doing what he was about to do, but gave him a reassuring grin.

Tennyson sighed, then fiddled with some controls on his hoverchair and headed for the celing. Looking down over the crowd, he looked to see if he recognized anyone from the pictures he'd been shown of the party they were supposed to meet.

[Trippo The Hippo]

Trippo stands up and announces to everyone that he will be stepping outside to sleep under the stars. He steps away from the table and proceeds to exit. When he is stopped by his adorring fans. He tells them that he will be back in the morning, and that he simply must get some rest.

Dont post to much while I am asleep please.

[kittiewhirl1677]

As usual, Eladoriel had been mistaken about the date of the party. Luckily, she was soon informed, and had immediately gotten ready and went off to the party. She had then arrived and had found her group of friends and approached them quickly.

"Hi. I'm so sorry! I thought the party was four days from now! I am SO confused. What has been going on here?"

She stood around impatiently, waiting for her words to sink in. She waited for her friends' reply, because she obviously had no idea what was going on...

[Arafangwen]

"I'm back from the grave! Well, kinda." Arafangwen exclaimed as she walked over to the table where Trippo, the Saucepan man, and Menelien sat, well Menelien was asleep but that didn't discourage her one bit.

"Trippo, would you kindly introduce your friend here?" Arafangwen asked, as she stood before The Saucepan man and Trippo. Of cours she knew who he was, who didn't, but she wanted a proper introduction.

"Of course! Arafangwen, this is The Saucepan man. Saucepan man meet Arafangwen! There you go! Now I shall take my leave for some much needed rest! Good bye!"

"Good bye Trippo!" said Arafangwen as she happily waved good bye to her new friend.

"Well hello there Eladoriel! Glad to see you figured out the date in the end! I would have told you, but I thought you already knew! So how are you tonight?"

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: Arafangwen ]

[Orual]

Talômi could feel his sister's eyes--and smirk--on his back as he led Eärwen onto the dance floor. He made quite a business out of ignored her, and smiling his most charmingly at Eärwen. The elf's raven hair, strung with white gems, shifted in a most appealing way as she walked...his face flushing, Talômi tried to keep his mind on not stepping on his partner's feet with his heavy (if clean) boots.

The dance was lively and quick, which was fine with Talômi. His face might have burned to cinders if it had been a slow dance. It was also agreeable to him that the lights were low; perhaps Eärwen couldn't see his face, which matched approximately in colour with his hair.

"You're a wonderful dancer," he said, looking down quickly as she met his gaze. He could see her grin, and hoped that she didn't think him too much of a fool. Unfortunately, 'down' wasn't all that much better; his eyes caught on her anklet, with a white gem to match those in her hair, and he found himself thinking about her slender, pale ankle. He figured that her eyes were the better place for him to concentrate on, and he firmly set himself to look at them. "Thank you for dancing with me," he said as the music ended, and bowed low, the best bow that his father had taught him. "Would you like something to drink?"

[The Saucepan Man]

The Saucepan Man thanked LinGalad for his kind comments, noting that Eruanna deserved the credit for her wonderful paper and comb solo. He would liked to have talked further, but the stranger melted back into the shadows.

He turned back to Trippo and Iarwain as they discussed the evening's wierd and wonderful events. They were joined by Arafangwen, as Trippo made his excuses and left for the night. Conversing happily with Arafangwen and Iarwain, Saucepan remembered that he had wanted to debate with Iarwain the magical qualities, or was it powers, of his enchanted Pot.

Suddenly, he gasped with horror. He had glanced over to where he had left the Fantastic Feastpot of the Fanatical Foodies and saw that it was ... missing!

Arafangwen and Iarwain stared in amazement as he rummaged frantically through his pots and pans.

"It's gone! The magic word has gone!" wailed Saucepan.

"What magic word?", enquired Iarwain.

"The note on which I wrote the magic word for the Feastpot. It's gone! And so has the Feastpot!" A look of utter horror crossed his face.

"What's the problem?" asked Arafangwen.

"Well, the Feastpot is a magical item which can produce any item of food that the user asks for, provided he knows the magic word. Time and time again."

"Sounds like a useful thing to have at a party to me" said Arafangwen, not at all clear as to why Saucepan was making such a fuss. "I'm sure someone hungry just borrowed it."

"You don't understand" moaned the Saucepan Man. "If it gets into the wrong hands ... imagine the things that an Orc would ask for, or a Dragon ... or ... no, sweet mercy ... Hobbits!"

The consequences were unthinkable. Saucepan pulled himself together with much clattering of pans and dashed off at pace in the direction of the kitchens.

"This could take some time" he thought to himself. "I may be away from the party for a while."

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: The Saucepan Man ]

[Samwise]

While Tennyson went to look for Frodo and the others his way, Stacey took both Sam and Primrose's hands and went through the crowd.

So many strangers, she thought. This party's going to be different from the last one.

Behind her, she heard the doorkeeper say something about checking weapons. Looking down, she could plainly see Primrose's bow and quiver over her shoulders.

Oh, great....

[Frodo Baggins]

Frodo saw them first.

"SAM!!!"ped up fromt he table and flew across the room. The others stood quickly, Elrond nearly upset his cup of miruvor.

Frodo reached them first, nearly knoking Sam flat with a hug. MAgge skipped behind in her white dress. Cromthal Elrond and the late arriver to their group, Isildae followed. Hugs and greetings were exchanged.

"Well, Samwise, you finally came." Elrond said, and Tennyson, good to have you, Stacey of course, and Primrose, who really can wear a dress."

Maggie smiled braodly "I was hoping you would come, This is the newest member of our group, Cromthal of Rathcoe, you will learn of him as we go, come join us at our table.

[Iarwain]

Iarwain, in great dismay, turned away from the Saucepan Man, who had turned out to look very much like Johnny Appleseed.

"I wonder what happened to that pot." He enquired to himself. But then, the greatest of things happened, for Iarwain's dearest Golberry had arrived and stood clothed in flowers just three feet away.

"I'm glad you made it, Derry Dol!" Iarwain said, "I was afraid you might forget."

"I would never forget a chance to see the Master sing," stated Goldberry in quiet mirth.

Then the two fell into deep discourse, discussing the wonderful assembly of characters around them. They were so immersed that they didn't realize what was happening...

[Arafangwen]

"So Eladoriel, what would you like to do?" asked Arafangwen.

"We could dance if you don't think it would create to much of a spectacle." she said to the seemingly pre-ocupied Eladoriel.

"I was saving my first dance for The Phantom, but as it seems, he told me he would be off the phone around 11:00, but that has come and gone and he is still talking. So would you think it too strange? I've just had so much sugar to wake me up that I'm brimming with energie for the moment." she finished with a deep breath as she had said all of that in one breath.

[elven maiden Earwen]

Talômi led Eärwen out to dance. He was so sweet. She studied him. He had dark red hair. Eärwen didn't know many people with red hair. He was quite handsome. In Mithlond she didn't meet many rangers.

The dance ended.
"Would you like something to drink" Talômi asked.
"Yes I would love something" she said smiling at how nice he was. Eärwen was shy around most people, but if they were nice to hershe would talk to him. I hope he can't see how nevous I am Eärwen thought as they walked off the floor.

[Arafangwen]

"Shall no one dance with me?" Arafangwen cried out in her sugar rush of despair seeing that her commrads had all left her side and that The Phantom was still talking on the phone.

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: Arafangwen ]

[Antien]

Antien wanted to dance too. Would NO-ONE ask her toDANCE! Then she remembered. She took a little gold key out of her pocket. She walked behind a pillar, where a wardrobe was hidden. she turned the key and the door swung open, revealing a walk-in closet. she walked n and emerged two minutes later, in a tight-fitting black dress that faded into smoke at the bottom. It totally showed off her slender body, and she was wearing a sliver and garnet charm on a simple, black string. Now, she changed the music back to at least slightly formal and looked for someone to dance.

Where was sillabub? Scratch that, where were some avalible guys?

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: Antien ]

[Sillabub]

Sillabub sat in her chair, playing with her lighter for the 10th time that night. She swore she'd never been so BORED in her entire life! She hadn't seen SNYONE she knew, and she was running out of things to burn. To top it all of, the music being played was HORRIBLE! Everyone else seemed to be having such a good time dancing to the music, while she just watched. The food table had run out of black forest cake long ago and most of the other downies were looking drunk or reallllly hyper. Suddenly Sillabub got an idea. Creeping over to the cd (IN MIDDLE EARTH?!) player she crept underneath the table. She somehow managed to hotwire the CD player and attach it to her ever-so-conveniently located laptop and program the CD player's system into her harddrive, so it would play her MP3s. Chuckling evilly to herself she clicked 'play' and slid out from under the table. This would be a night to remember...

Everyone froze as they heard the first few bars of the Phantom of the Opera theme playing instead of 'complicated'.

[Antien]

Antien heard the familier music.

'Sillabub has struck again...' she thought.

she abruptly went to her closet and changed into a flowing dark blue dress and shouted "sillabub!"

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: Antien ]

[Samwise]

Primrose stamped her foot, making her frilly skirt rustle. "YES, Mr. Elrond, I can!"

Sam rolled his eyes. "Tiny Rose..."

Tennyson came down next to Primrose, looking a little shy.

Sam laughed, steadying himself after Frodo's greeting. "It's so good to see you again, sir. He nodded to the newcomer. "Cromthal, hello. "

"Whirr..." came the noise from Tennyson's keyboard.

"See, I told you it was going to be okay." Primrose whispered close to his hearing aid.

Stacey looked down at Primrose and hoped so. smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Sillabub]

Sillabub thought she would die from laughing. the situation was strangely ridiculous, even though onlt some of the downies seemed to mind the change of music. The Phantom of the Opera ended, giving way to Saria's Song. Suddenly she saw a familliar face.
"ANTIEN!" She yelled.

[Arafangwen]

"Is that The Phantom of the Opera I hear?!" Arafangwen exlaimed in joy, then the name of the song made her think of The Phantom and that made her think about how much she wished she wasn't the only one here that she knew.

"I will not be depressed!" Arafangwen resolved to herself and then proceded to gather all her sugar rush energie together and walk out onto the dance floor where she started dancing all by herself to the beautiful music foating through the air around her.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Arafangwen ]

[Nurumaiel]

A scream escaped Nuru's lips as Alasse pulled up the tablecloth and greeted her. Satisfied that the stranger wasn't a reporter, she grabbed her arm and pulled her underneath the table with her. "Quickly, before we're spotted," she whispered.

"Spotted?" Alasse looked a bit puzzled. "I'm afraid I don't quite understand."

"I'm hiding from all the reporters," Nuru explained with a grin. "This place seemed safe enough, and perfectly away from all the reeling drunkards." She stopped and smiled in apology. "I'm sorry, I don't really consider them to be reeling drunkards. It's just that I can't stand the stuff myself and it's... er... rather odd, if you follow me. Rivendell, where I come from, has never experienced anything like this!"

"Oh, yes, I can understand that," Alasse replied. "So that's what you're doing under here? Hiding, I mean?"

"Yes. And I'm looking for a friend. Rie... she's a redhead. Might you have seen her?" Alasse shook her head slowly, trying to remember if she had spotted a redhead in the crowds. "Well, she's a wonderful woman and you'll love her."

It just so happened that at that moment someone kicked up the tablecloth and Nuru spotted a woman in a forest-green dress that went well with her red hair. "Come on, Alasse, I see her!" Nuru cried, grabbing her newly-found friend's hand and dragging her out from underneath the table. "Let's go, snatch Rie up, and get back under cover."

This seemed like a good idea to Alasse, who was curious to meet Rie, so she followed Nuru through the crowd as the latter called out from time to time, "Rie, Rie, over here! Rie!"

[Sillabub]

As Saria's Song finished, Jesus Christ Superstar began. Some people looked absolutely bewildered at the change in music- after all, citizens of middle-earth have no clue who ALW or Jesus are, let alone musicals- but they adjusted to the change of pace.

[Arafangwen]

Arafangwen was not concerned at all with the looks she got from the others in the room. She was happy for once that night!

All of the sudden the music came to a dramatic change as "Jesus Christ Superstar" began playing. Arafangwen stood there looking bewildered for a moment and then decided that she liked the new song and started to dance to it anyways.

[Iarwain]

Suddenly a voice broke out from the middle of the crowd:

"Come now, come now! We cannot only sing Andrew Lloyd Webber songs! Perhaps I should contribute?"

At this the crowd fell silent in dread.

"Iarwain is my name.
And I am eldest.
Some say that I am jolly,
Others argue that I'm a bore.
People even want to cut me
Out of Tolkien lore!

But I will not allow it,
Eldest I will be.
And such I will remain
Because I cannot alter Me."

After this, the talking and bustle resumed, almost unnafected. Iarwain walked away and began to look for the Saucepan Man.

[Arafangwen]

Arafangwen wondered at this speech from Iarwain, "who is Andrew Loyd Webber?" she thought to herself, then all at once, her thoughts were interupted as he proceded to "sing" a song of himself. She quite enjoyed his little song and made a note to herself of asking him about it later.

Then a few moments later, the music returned and Arafangwen returned to dancing with herself, a few people stared at her but she ignored them as she relished the moment, imagining that her husband was at her side dancing with her the whole time, and she sailed daintly across the floor as she wished and waited.

[Nerindel]

Nerindel Nimsûl of Lothlórien rode up to the entrance on her beautifull white elven mare Losmír. After dismounting she whispered something in the mares ear, Losmír whinned then trotted off.

Nerindel is wearing a stunning gown from top Lothlórien designer store Galadrim's Gladrag's, The strapless figure hugging bodice is a light periwinkle blue with intricate silver embroidery, which just inhances the sparkle in her deep blue eyes.The skirt of the gown is made of several layers of the fineness white gossamer,which hangs delicately from her slim waist to her delicate ankles, around her right ankle sits a delicate mithral anklet. Her shoes match the bodice of the gown and to top of this outfit she has a simple ring of Elanor flowers sitting atop her long blonde hair.

She smoothes out the the folds in her dress and takes a deep breath "here go's" she mutters to herself. She walks up the red carpet, she is suprised to see the press are still out in full force even at this late hour, she had hoped to avoid the press by coming at this late, some of them were shouting for her to turn, she obliged them smiling nervously, after all this was her first time attending a barrow downs party.

She turned back and was stopped by the orc guard at the door "Weapons" he grunted Nerindel looked at him suprised " and were do you suppose I could hide weapons on this outfit?" she said haughtily, the orc looked her up and down and said "ok, you can go in" "Thank you very much" she muttered sarcastically as she entered to hall.

Nerindel gaped the hall was more magnificent than she had imagined.There was already many merry folk here some she had seen in various Quiz Forums, some she recognised from the Green Dragon, some from the Shire RPG Forum and some she had never seen before. Just then a waiter stopped before her and offered her a glass of champagne from his silver tray, she accepted gratefully, then looked around nervously to see if their was room left at any of the numerous tables.

[Antien]

Antien jerked out of her trance. Didn't she hear her name, about ten minutes ago? "Sillabub? If that's you, play Cats, exept can you play memory?" She started to search for her friend.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Antien ]

[Antien]

Antien totally gave up on fraul, who said he might be coming. She thought

'Well, sillabub's probobly gone to bed. What am I still doing here? What should I do? Why won't anyone take the hint that I want to dance?'

And with that, she murmured " I am now haunting this place...should I stay, or will it just bug people? And when are the awards?"

So many questions, so little answers...

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Antien ]

[the phantom]

"Hello again", said The Phantom, who seemed to grow out the ground right before Arafangwen's eyes. "I cannot understand why a pretty lady would be dancing alone".

The Phantom immediately launched into a stunning brake-dancing routine. The laws of physics seemed to have no effect on him as he whirled, spun, and jumped around the floor.

All the other dancers on the floor stopped. Seeing The Phantom dance was a once in a lifetime experience. He was, after all, the one that tutored Boromir in disco, and it was even rumored that he had taught Luthien her captivating dance as well.

He ended the song with a triple flip and landed doing the splits. Everyone applauded his amazing show as a slow song began.

"May I have this dance?", he asked Arafangwen.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: the phantom ]

[Antien]

Antien was impressed by the phantom's footwork. but she was tired. So she laid down in the swan ship amd fell asleep.

[Arafangwen]

"Surely good sir!" Arafangwen replied in a very happy mood now.

"I thought you would never "re-arive", so to speak. I was afraid I would have to dance alone the rest of the night or utterly die of boredom!" She grinned up at him as he wisked her away across the dance floor.

[the phantom]

"Aren't you going to ask me where I've been for the past hour, and what I've been doing?" The Phantom asked Arafangwen.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: the phantom ]

[Arafangwen]

"I would not but if it were by your wish. And as you seem to want me to know I shall ask. Where have you gone off to for so long and what was your buisness?" She asked him non-chalantly as they swept their merry way across the dance floor. "I for one never disapeared for more than five minutes at a time! I am very pleased that I could entertain myself so well for such a time!"

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Arafangwen ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Angara stared intently at Mithadan for a moment. At least the Man had taken time to introduce his friends. Then she carefully scrutinized all those sitting at the bar or in the general vicinity. Her gaze hurriedly passed over Mattius, Diamond, and Heren Istarion. Nice folk indeed, but not quite what she was seeking.

One look at Lush and Angara's nostrils twitched. It was not just the smell, but the uncomfortable feeling that she'd met another creature of intelligence and wit who could probably match her stroke for stroke. Angara felt an insatiable desire to propel a large ball of fire directly beside Lush, no more than an inch from her nose. But when she stretched out her wings and lowered her head to strike, Cami glared back and muttered, "Cut that out, Wyrm. Do you want to get us in trouble? Lush is one of the true legends of the Downs."

The Dragon snorted. Hobbits could be such killjoys, and Cami was no exception. With great difficulty, the Wyrm reined in her capricious nature and set her eyes on the last occupant at the bar. She stared and stared again, finding her breath coming in quick jagged gasps. Who was this? The others called him Squatter. Such a simple name for a gentleman, and such a gentleman he was!

Angara leaned over directly in front of Squatter and batted her eyelashes several times, hoping to attract his attention. Failing to produce the desired results, she pushed her snout out a bit further and sent a gentle smokering floating in his direction. Cami shifted uncomfortably in her seat and tried muttering at the dragon under her breath. But, this time, her efforts failed miserably. Totally mesmerized by the gallant if groggy Squatter, Angara trudged over behind her beloved's barstool, and protectively draped a tail about his neck, flicking it back and forth with obvious delight.

"Oh, bother," moaned Cami. "What is she doing? Can't you stop her?" The hobbit shook her head and looked imploringly at Mithadan who shrugged his shoulders and chuckled. "You're the one who brought her here. Don't look at me."

It was only after Squatter passed out at the bar several minutes later that Angara agreed to back off and take a stroll with Cami.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Diamond18]

Diamond’s house was now very clean, in fact, if she had been there to actually see it, she would have deemed it spotless. As it was, she mentally turned off her vacuum cleaner and rolled it into the closet, all through blind memory. She hadn’t noticed that she’d vacuumed up one of the cats, but those bags are breathable, so I wouldn’t worry about the little bugger too much.

Diamond opened her eyes and glanced around the room. Heren Istarion was still sleeping comfortably on the couch. Squatter and Mattius were passed out at the bar, drooling upon the polished mahogany. Mithadan was preoccupied with procuring party provisions aplenty, and Lush was chatting up a pair of flies.

“Hmmm,” she mused, “I wonder, did I just imagine it, or did the melodious strains of a paper-and-comb serenade invade my self-induced hypnosis?” She thought she’d recognized the voice of the Saucepan Man singing, too, but when she looked around she didn’t see him.

She stood up and stretched leisurely. Well, her friends seemed to be busy or unconscious… So she decided to get something to eat from the magically unending buffet table. Or at least, she thought of it as magical, forgetting too soon all the hard work Mithadan went through to keep the party running smoothly, the white screen of death at bay, and the food table well stocked.

On her way to the combustible comestibles, Diamond caught sight of Eruwen and waved to the Elf. Then, glancing over at the dance floor, she arched her eyebrows at the antics of the Phantom. “My, my, my,” she murmured. “If I didn’t know that after hours upon hours of telekinetic vacuuming, I’ve sobered up, I’d swear I was hallucinating.”

She made a mental note to meander past the manic dancer and look lonely, after she’d eaten.

[Gandalf_theGrey]

APPEARANCE NUMBER TWO:

DAEROHIL, ELVISH GHOSTLY STABLE LAD OF CASTLE MALADIL

Who could resist running at full beautiful breakneck speed, free under the sun, down a gleaming red carpet? Not Daerohil! But the ghostly Elvish stable lad froze in his tracks on seeing the monster … a huge Orc, bigger and meaner-looking than the ones who'd killed him in the stables of Castle Maladil in the Second Age.

It couldn't harm him, of course, not now. But somehow, Daerohil didn't want the Orc to see him, not even the faintest glimmery phasing in-and-out at the edge of vision "trick of the light" way that made people look again wondering if they'd seen a wandering spirit. Not even if he'd only be mistaken for a small barrow wight around these burial mounds anyways. Daerohil looked from side to side for a hiding place.

But at that moment, a young Man who'd been confronting the Orc with a scimitar was rising to his feet, and a small dark square was leaping from the Man's pack, and the square hit the Orc square atop the noggin until the Orc sank fainted into a heap! Giggling, Daerohil leapt over the horrible creature and ran past the Man to see what the red carpet led to. Perhaps it led to Valinor? Maybe so.

Meanwhile, Daerohil recognized a small familiar form … a girl named Poppy Took who had been one of the very first visitors to Castle Maladil in over a thousand years … and also one of the very last, because with the curse lifted, the castle had been declared no more. Daerohil scooted over to Poppy and bowed a low bow with many a mirthful flourish of arms and hands. "Good to see you!," he shouted happily, "Where are we? And do you have a pony that I may tend for you, honored Miss?" Daerohil hoped Poppy would be able to see and hear him well enough to communicate. Meanwhile, he went and picked some nearby daffodils, then scampered back to hold out the bouquet to Poppy.

Then Daerohil heard it, the music … and even after hearing these very same plaintive notes for century upon century, smiled wide in glad appreciation. Kenelm's harp-playing! With a difference. This harp must be new, for the tone was rich and full, as of a harp with all of its strings intact and finely tuned in excellent repair. After all, Kenelm had given away his old harp as a present to one of the visitors. Daerohil waved to Kenelm, listening rather than speaking, "speaking" admiration through rapt attention, so as not to break the harpist's concentration. Daerohil sighed with contentment.

[the phantom]

"I can't tell you where I've been or what I've been doing, but thanks for asking" replied The Phantom with gleam in his eye.

"But seriously, I'll tell you a bit, but not all...not yet."

Something about his face made Arafangwen a bit worried. The Phantom saw the look of uneasiness she gave, and he quickly reassured her that there was nothing for her to worry about.

The words he said alone did in fact comfort her a little, but it was the voice itself that caused her to relax and smile. It didn't matter what that voice said, it could just be humming for all she cared, but while it was there all of her fears and apprehensions vanished. She sighed, closed her eyes, and let the waves of beautiful sound wash over her ears, not completely comprehending what was being said. "No wonder he's the greatest recording artist of all time", she thought.

[Hanna_Gamgee]

Hanna and her friends decide to go home for the night. They have been having fun but they are getting too tired. They say good night to thir friend. On the way out the door they see Guo_Si and stop to say hi. Then they pick up their weapons at the door and go home. They will come back later in the weekend they think to themselves.

[Arafangwen]

Arafangwen closed her eyes and rested her head on The Phantoms chest as she let the soothing sound of his voice set her mind at ease from all worrys at the present time.

"I wish I could always feel like this." she silently wished with a barely audible sigh of contentment.

The Phantom heared her sigh and could tell that it was not one of regret, but decided not to say anything as to prevent any embaressing situations, "After all," he reminded himself, "She is married, and to a prince of all the likelyhood." so he kept quiet as she rested her head and they silently graced the dance floor with their elegance.

[Gorwingel]

A small figure appears a ways down the carpet and cautiously walks down it and reaches for the door. She enters, pushing back her hood, gazing at the merrymaking, dancing, and of course eating (A hobbits favorite pastime) happening in the room. It is Gorwingel, finally making it to the grand gala after being delayed many times by such things as dragons, trolls, and of course the weather. She is slightly ashamed that she has arrived so late, but looks around to find her many friends gathered around her for the first time. She removes her cloak, handing it to the doorelf, and immediately heads into the party, storming towards the buffet and the pile of steaming hot lembas.

[Arafangwen]

As the dance ended the two lingered on the floor a few moments longer before he offered his arm and they proceded off to their table in a very content state.

"You're an excellent dancer." Arafangwen commented after a lingering calm had passed.

"Is it something you do often?" she softly inquired as her voice had somehow seemed to fail her in his beautiful trance, she did not care much as to what the answer to her question would be as long as there was one so she could listen to the eloquence of his handsome voice again.

[the phantom]

"How often do I dance? Well, not as often as I'd like" The Phantom replied. "Unfortunately, there are always obstacles that seem to hinder us in our pursuit of the things we love."

At this, there was an extremely awkward silence. Anafangwen played with her hair and The Phantom stared at the table. In an effort to end the moment, The Phantom rose and took her hand and led her towards the Moderators' table where Gimli was. "I think we should go and keep him some company" said The Phantom. This was a ridiculous statement, for Gimli was fast asleep, but at least it broke the tension.

As he seated himself, The Phantom glanced over at the sleeping form of Gimli.

"I believe our dwarf friend has the right idea", The Phantom remarked. "Here's a proposition for you- how would you feel about taking a little rest. I'm quite tired, and I'm sure you are too."

It was only then that Arafangwen noticed the rip in The Phantom's glove. She reached out and took his hand and slipped her finger inside of the rip, and to her dismay she felt the warmth of blood. "How did this happen?" she asked as she pulled the glove from his hand.

"Don't worry about it, I'm fine" answered The Phantom, swiftly pulling his glove back onto his hand. "The business I attended to earlier was a bit rough."

Arafangwen was a bit taken aback by his quick retort. "No wonder he doesn't have many close friends" she thought. "He's so secretive and closed, even when he's shown pity."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude", he said, interrupting her thoughts. "I'm just very tired."

"What was this 'business' you keep talking about?" queried Arafangwen, encouraged by his apology.

"Well, I'll tell you this much. There is a faction that plans on making some sort of statement at this party, and they plan on doing it in some disastrous fashion. Many of the cooks, security guards, and valets are secretly spying for me, as are some of the 'guests' here. They've been keeping me updated throughout the evening."

"What faction could possibly get through the security here and cause major problems?" asked Arafangwen. Then a terrible thought suddenly occurred to her. "Wait! You don't mean-"

"They are shield maidens! Shield maidens, Arafangwen, if that means anything to you."

"Save us!" cried Arafangwen.

(neither of them noticed they had nearly copied word for word the exchange between Strider and Barliman while in The Prancing Pony in Lord of the Rings)

"I don't know what they're up to exactly, but I'm working on it" continued The Phantom. Earlier, I caught ten of them attempting to steal my limo. That's how I got the cut."

"But you could've taken them with one hand, I've heard about your fighting!"

"Yes, but I did not wish to harm them. I very much dislike striking women, much less killing them", answered The Phantom.

"Then how did you stop them?" asked Arafangwen.

"Well, I've been working on a spell to use against shield maidens for some time, and I've recently perfected it."

"What does it do?"

"It causes the shield maiden I cast it on to immediately become timid, passive, and have a strong desire to do housework" The Phantom answered mischeivously. Arafangwen smiled at the thought. "But I've really got to get some rest, Ara. I'm sorry".

"No, I understand, Phantom. Anyway, I need some rest too. I'll see you later."

With a smile, The Phantom turned and disappeared into the shadows in the corner.

[Arafangwen]

"Ara" she thought to herself happily.

Only three other people had ever called her that before, all of them close relatives also. She wondered about this, and the feelings for him that were quickly arrising in her struggling heart. She kept telling herself to think of Legolas but her thoughts were constantly being wisked away by thoughts of the Phantoms voice and the things he had just revealed to her. She needed council, so she decided to seek the only one present whom she thought would be able to help her in the ways she so despretly yearned for.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Arafangwen ]

[Beruthiel]

Tinuialwen arrived on her grey horse. She dismounted and hurried up the red carpet. 'Oh gosh you just had to be late didn't you? Now all the interesting things have already happened and you are LATE!'

It was such a shame too, she'd taken so long to figure out her dress. It was dark blue and had embroidery around her collar and along her sleeves. Around the bottom of the dress there were small beads that sparkled as she ran up the carpet. Her brown, wavy hair fell down her back and around her neck a white gem hung from a silver chain.

Finally reaching the end of the carpet she walked into the grand hall. The music was playing and everyone was dancing and chatting. Tinuialwen grinned widely, this was definetely going to be her kind of party!

[Lush]

"Hm, if the dragon thinks I can't take the heat, it...or, *er*, she, has another thing coming," thought Lush with a smirk on her face. Upon noticing the fact that several bystanders were paying more than their fair share of attention to her, Lush snapped her fingers and allowed her smirk to re-arrange itself into a bright smile of pure innocence.

"Amateurs," thought Lush, as she observed the formidable dragon court the supine Squatter.

"All of you!" The rest of the thought suddenly vocalized itself (surely this had nothing to do withh the fact that Lush was on her 30th drink for the night).

"You have to let them know their place," Lush advised the dragon under her breath. " Like them, but only sort of like them, if you catch my drift, old thing. Trust my expertease."

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Lush ]

[Arafangwen]

"Eru!" Arafangwen cried out in desperation.

"Has anyone seen Gandalf about anywhere recently? I desperatly seek his counsel." Arafangwen asked a nearby group in a very breathless voice as if she had been running for a long time.

"Gandalf!" the girl cried out once again.

"Where are you to be found?" she said in a barely audible voice as her earlier cries were of no avail.

"Oh my dear friend Odaear, how I wish you were here to help me in this my time of need for counsel." she said softly to herself, just before she swooned to the ground in a deep sleep, from physical and emotional exaustion.

The people around her immedietly gathered around to see what ailed the young elven maiden on the floor.

[Diamond18]

Diamond had eaten her fill, and stood up to assess how the room had change since last she’d been paying attention (the food was so scrumdilliumptious that it had engrossed her completely for the entirety of her meal). The answer to her visual enquiry was: not much. The Phantom had stopped dancing and disappeared (so like a phantom!) and his partner had swooned to the floor. Well! Diamond thought, If that’s the effect he has on people, maybe I’d rather not… This soliloquy was rather moot, of course, since the being in question was gone, but Diamond rarely let moot points or dead horses faze her. A few people had arrived most unfashionably late, and Lush was stammering incoherently at the all but disserted or inertly inebriated bar.

Diamond decided that, since she wasn’t really tired after her relaxing house-cleaning and refreshing meal, she would instead curl up with a good book until things should start swinging again. Therefore, she returned to the couch, swatted H-I’s feet away again, and settled down to read David Copperfield before it was unfashionably overdue at the library. She noticed a sweat stain on the cover, undoubtedly from where it had come in contact with the head of the polite but busy Mithadan. She wiped the smudge away with the corner of her denim jacket, then opened up the book and murmured sentimentally, “Gosh, I love this book. If only I had time to read it, in time. Prioritize, that’s what I’ve got to do with my time. No more refreshing BD threads to see if someone’s posted lately, while my life languishes. Harrumph. At least, not until Estelyn gets back and starts the sequel…”

After a while she stopped muttering to herself, and began to read. It was a long book, and would keep her occupied for many a studious hour.

[Mattius]

"Right then you beefed up sunday lunch," Mattius began holding his poultry employer by the neck and six foot off the ground, "I've had enough of you and your stupid stupid dancing and I don't thing Cuthalion cares for it much either!"

Chicken gave a large gulp. Squatter, sat a few feet away and raised his half full glass,

"Let him have it lad!" He cheered at the sight.

"People don't respect me because of you," Mattius contiued, "in fact when most people mention or here about the name Mattius they think of a STUPID DANCING YELLOW CHICKEN!!!"

As the last word left his lips Mattius heard the record scratch and go off, the entire room turned to look at him and gasped when they saw the great Chicken being held alof by the young man. Mattius put him down on the table and everyone returned to their merryment. Chicken kicked a bag of peanuts that were on the bar into Mattius' face and ran off into the crowd, leaving the lad with salty peanutty eyes and a hysterical Squatter.

[Oddwen]

I awake with a start. Relieved I didn't drool (much), I look around trying to remember where I was...ah yes! The party of all parties! Half the attendees were sprawled around in various positions, there was a dragon at the bar. No Trippo in sight, but the Saucepan Man is clanking around screaming about a magic pot...was it my imagination or did I hear singing? I accidentally left a graham cracker in my applejuice. Not even a hobbit would eat that mess. I get up and walk towards the bar.
A young man is yelling and trying to rub salt out of his eyes, which is a very foolish thing to do. I hand him a glass of water.
"Chicken troubles?" I muse. "There is an agency I bet could help you. It is called 'KFC'."

[piosenniel]

‘Light the torches, Azhnog. And you two place them around the greensward.’ The Uruks beetled their brows at her, looking furtively toward the front entrance to the Hall. ‘Don’t worry about Mithadan. The party is already out of control, and he’s got his hands full. The last place he’ll wander tonight is out of doors.’

Pio threw her coat over the back of a stone bench that stood between the red carpeted walk and the topiary hedge, and rolled up her shirt sleeves. I’ll captain one team. Who’s up for the other?’ The Uruks stood looking, one to the other; none of them stepped forward to volunteer.

‘Grab him!’ A likely looking candidate had stepped out the south side door for a breath of fresh air, or so it seemed until the tell-tale orange glow of a cigarette punctuated the darkness in which he stood. Two beefy Uruks picked the poor fellow up by the arms and deposited him in front of Pio.

‘You’ll do nicely,’ she commented, eyeing his trim, muscled frame. He raised his brows at this comment and backed away hurriedly, only to find himself sprawled flat on his back as he tripped over one of the Wargs.

Pio approached, shaking her head, and offered him a hand up. ‘You’ll do nicely for futbol,’ she explained. His face bore a decidedly puzzled look. ‘We need another captain . . . for soccer . . . you do know how to play don’t you?’

Pio took another pull from her blue bottle, and sent Azhnog to find one of the balls in the equipment shed. She wiped the lip of the bottle off with her ascot and offered it to the opposing team’s new captain. He sucked at it greedily and she wrested it from his fingers before he killed it completely.

She raised her arm and swept the motley, assembled crew in a generous arc. Uruks, Wargs, Orcs, and the Hobbit chorus line on a break from the Hall’s festivities. ‘I’ll give you first pick,’ she offered. ‘Take your ten, and I’ll take mine after.’

Pio could see the man’s calculating mind take stock of the assortment of possible players, and he began to pick out the best ones with a grin. She could see him thinking what an easy contest this would be.

Azhnog returned with the ball and lobbed it to her. It arced down, and she caught it deftly on the toe of her now scuffed Perry Ellis Oxford, juggling it easily as the man made his selections.

‘My turn?’ she said sweetly, kicking the ball to him. It landed with a satisfying thunk to his midriff, and fell to the ground just before he did. His team looked on in consternation at their fallen captain.

Pio waved the seven members of the Hobbit dance ensemble to her side, then looked about in a calculating manner for the last three choices . . .

[the real findorfin]

Fin finally finished the last bottle of wine on the table and noticed that Sophia had dropped off. He must have lost track of time somewhere as well. Trippo had left, the bar was covered in sleeping people, in fact most of the room was sleeping. He noticed the Saucepan Man was looking frantically around and decided to go and look. He passed Cuthalion and Maika and nodded. He wondered where Helka and Aman were, probably asleep in a corner as well.

Fin knew from experience that parties of this magnitude flowed in hills and troughs. At one moment everyone was active, then the next minute sleep overtook everyone. And then, moments later everyone was up again.

As he crossed the room to intercept the Saucepan Man, a yellow chicken, who just kicked a bag of peanuts into Mattius' eyes, ran into him.
"Wow," Fin said unsteadily, nearly falling over.
"Sorry," muttered the chicken and ran off. Was it Fin or was he crying?

He continued over and finally made it to his destination.

"Lost something," he asked.

"No I will not grin!" the clanging man replied, "I've lost my Magic Pot."

"Oh..." said Fin, pretending to understand. "Would you like me to help."

"yes, please do," the strange new friend replied.

As Fin began to search for the absent pot, he wondered why the Saucepan Man only managed to hear correctly when people offered something.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Hilde was quiet full by this time but was determined to try a Balrog Wing. After many hours of futile searching she determined that they must be coming from a rather heavy, though empty black pot sitting on the edge of the buffet table. She had openned it thinking that it must be soup, but had found it perfectly clean on the inside. "This must be a magic pot!" she exclaimed. "But I don't seem to see an instruction booklet...." She tried a few magic words such as "Bham", with no luck. Looking around,she found the buffet bereft of people, even the dessert table with it's ocean motif was deserted. "Surely, no one will miss one pot for a short while..." she reasoned quiet erringly, as she lifted the pot and crept under the table. The short while stretched into a rather long time.

[Annunfuiniel]

An annoying peeping sound came from one of the closets near the entrance to the Grand Hall. Those that were close by recognised the disturbingly untuned Für Elise. After some clatter from the above-mentioned closet the melody (if you choose to call it that) ceased and a sleepy "Hummmh?" was heard. Then the conversation followed:

"Hello? Is someone there? Anna? Is it my sweet Anna? How are you?" A short pause and then some laughter. "Is that right? So mom and dad and Andrew are fine? That's nice to hear. Now would you give the phone to yo-... No NO, please don't play with the push buttons dear! Oh my head..."

After another break the monologue continued. "Well good morning to you too!...Oh, nothing special...planning to do, er, some housework it seems. And Anna told you are doing fine...or that's how I interpreted her 'Mmama, daanty'..." Short silence once more. "Why of course you can come! That would be lovely! And when would this be?...I *gulps* see... Yes, I mean no, that's no problem at all...See you then! Bye."

At the very moment when the conversation was over a slightly messy (yet extremely dashing) lady pushed open the cleaning closet's door and rushed forth. She had already dialed a new number and spoke hurriedly to her cell phone. "Is it the GwaiAirs? Yes, this is Miss. Annun and I need a copter preferably yesterday...Well of course to Annúminas!...Great. Yes, from The Grand Hall."

Annun ended the call and stopped to think. She eyed the Hall and frowned. She had hard time remembering what had happened earlier that night (or was it morning already?). Several flashbacks intermingled in her mind and she got more and more confused. 'Dancing yellow chicken with diamond necklace chatting with an innocent looking dragon about vodka, cherries and Turin going to therapy?' There was something wrong with that image but Annun had no time to consider it further.

She saw Isilmë still sitting at the bar and walked to her trying to appear calm. "Isil! Can you forgive me I left you like that?" Isil tried to give her one of her disapproving looks but clearly failed in this attempt and burst in to warm laughter. "Forgiven and forgotten! But I bet you don't remember half of what happened after you rushed after Mith and the vodka!"

Annun had to admit that but then she remembered her haste. "You must fill in the blanks later for I'm once again sorry, but I have to leave you and this party for at least a while. My sister-in-law just called and informed that they would be paying me a visit today! And if I get lucky they will stay for the whole weekend." Now she really loved her brother and his family - Anna and Andrew were the light of her life - but why-oh-why did they choose this weekend of all the weekends to come and meet her? 'No luck no duck', she reasoned (thinking about the buffet she had hardly touched) while saying good-bye to Isil and headed for the roof.

Before leaving the room Annun's eye caught up with Diamond's diamonds sparkling in a cozy couch and she thought if she might still do those mental housecleaning jobs she was renowned for. Seeing, however, how deeply focused she was on her book Annun sighed and decided to do the dirty work herself (ie. push around the maids). She took one final look about the Hall and made mental notes to talk to Sophia and The Saucepan Man in the minute she would be back. 'And there are so many new faces here! I need to do some serious mingling as soon as I shall return.' And with that she left the room.

[the real findorfin]

Fin searched around the room for pots, in particular the buffet table. The only problem was that there were so many. He had already spilled soup and if it were not for the deft movements of the Saucepan Man and his pans, his suit would no longer look so good, but rather a large stain would have appeared.

He lifted the final pot, which was small and silver and looked inside. "Urgh, peanuts!" he cried, and closed the lid quickly.

"Where is that damned pot!" he cried, as he leant against the buffet table.

Suddenly, the cover of the table lifted up and a hobbit's head stuck out.

"Ahh!" cried Fin, and jumped away from the table.

"Sorry," the hobbit lady said, "but did you say a pot?"

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: the real findorfin ]

[Oddwen]

After speaking in low hushed tones with Mattias for a moment, I walk to the buffet to see about eating something. A few chicken legs and a slice of chocolate mousse pie later, I start to walk back to my table. The Chicken gives me a beady eye as I walk past. But upon noticing several people in gas masks removing my frothing glass of graham-apple juice with tongs, I decide that moving on would be best.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Oddwen ]

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Oddwen ]

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

"Is it yours then? I’m sorry; I only meant to borrow it. Trying to get a bit of balrog, err wings that is, out of it but couldn’t get it to work.” She said in explanation.

Fin accepted the pot from Mrs Bracegirdle thanking her and the Valar that hobbits were not well versed in magic.

Evita was in the air, but stopped suddenly and Requiem began in its place.

[the real findorfin]

Fin thankfully accepted the magic pot and turned to try and find Saucepan Man. After several minutes of searching he found him, or rather his leg. The rest of him was stuck through a small door which led underneath the stage.

"Uh...I've found it!" Fin shouted.
"What?"
"The pot, I've found it."
"Yes, it is quite hot."
"No, the POT!"
"Oh," the pan-adorned man said, as she scrambled from underneath the stage. His pots were now slighty dusty and the sheen had gone.
"My pot," he exclaimed, and took it in his arms. "Now all I need is the password."

Fin groaned as the Saucepan man set about searching his own pans.

[Oddwen]

After finally finding an empty seat and eating, I begin to feel sleepy...very sleepy. Has Tweak spiked my mousse? Lights are spinny...

[Bêthberry]

It was really all a bit too much. The sounds and the lights were swimming in a sea of guests whose bizarre adventures in antinarrative rivalled those of previous years. Some parties really are bigger than others.

Bêthberry felt something like a fabled Alice who had had a difficult time deciding which side of the mushroom to eat. Her eyes smarted. They watered. They blurred. She was sure they were red-rimmed from all the smoke. Who ever had decided that pipeweed could be smoked indoors had done a wicked disservice to her allergies. Or perhaps it was that lembas she ate, from Lorien Salad Queen Deli.

As it was, her judgment was certainly impaired and she had difficulty recognizing many of the guests. She could have sworn she heard two flies talk exactly like XPhial and Merendis. She thought she recognized Beleth and Guo too, but she could't be sure, since she was used to seeing them in a galaxy far away from the RPG forums. At least Pio she recognized, having offerred her yet another round of blue sapphire before the elf claimed to need some fresh air. She decided to follow pio's wise move.

On the way out, Bêthberry overheard Diamond saying something about David Copperfield and she wondered how it was that the famous musician was also a Downer, and if that explained the strange surreality of the party, but then someone else swore "What the dickens" about dragons--an epithet which served to steady Bêthberry's memory of books past. She shook her head as she watched Pio put the futbol teams through their paces. Why there were two of the said balls in approximately the same space she could not understand, but since she was floating higher than either of them, she decided to join the game in a bit of a different activity. She began to cheer.

Two, four, six, eight,
Why do we halluc...

She caught herself. Mustn't break the rules, even in Gondor. She tried again.

Two, four, six, eight,
Who do we assassi....

Whoops, no, that rhyme wouldn't work either, she realized. Real, meaningful play abided not in the violence of the wack and hack but in negotiated conflict. She wondered if that was what Pio was doing.

Two, four, six, eight,
How shall we recreate?
Negotiate! Negotiate!

Well, that was getting better, but was a tad too serious for the flavour of this party. Bêthberry decided to seek out Child, who she knew she could count on to help establish a truly solid line of cheerleading support in the gaming endeavours they were all enjoying.

Child, she called out, Child, don't you think it would be splendid to provide the futbol game with some real cheerleading?

She wasn't sure Child could hear her over the din.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Bêthberry ]

[Oddwen]

Eventually I realize the sleepiness and ensuing nausea is from eating too much mousse. That's soon fixed, but not in a way that's pleasant.
Returning from the ladies' room, I nearly trip on a hobbit that is lying drunkenly on the floor.
"Scu'mmie!" he giggles.

((Happy eleventy-first post me!))

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Oddwen ]

[Donlammenion]

Don in a confused nused over fins escapade with the saucepan man. To his right a rather sleepy but none the less beautiful, resting her head on his shoulder.
"you are the most amazing"
Then Don stopped Nil was now sound asleep he gently kissed her on the forehead.

[Frodo Baggins]

"Well, day two begins." said Frodo as the group of nine sat around their table eating whatever they snitched off the buffet table for breakfast.

It had been an interesting night. Isildae had apologised until he was out of breath for being late. Elrond nearly died laughing at Primrose's reaction to his comments. They had all gone to bed not long after Sam and co. arrived, but sleep wasn't easy. First Isildae started giggling for no apparent reason, which set everyone else off as well. The gigglefest then turned into a pillow fight that blossomed into a war. Exasted, the group finally fell asleep.

Now they all sat observing the scene. Elrond was comparing his right had to his left, as they were getting dressed that morning he'd slammed the little finger of his right hand in the door.

"You are all right I suppose?" Maggie questioned.

"Hm? Oh yes, fine."

Frodo snickered "The wasy you shrieked when it happend we thought one of the Uruk security guards had nabbed you."

"Laiqua Mire, I haven't danced with you yet." Elond tried to change the subject.

Maggie smirked "Is that an invite?"

With Elrond's nod they glided out to the dance floor to begin a graceful elven dance. Frodo followed suit and took Primrose by the hand and led her out after them, even though trying to teach Primrose how to dance was harder than expected.

"Over...step two three....get off my feet....thank you. Turn...two three...back forward...stop dragging your feet, Prim." That was about how it went, but once she got the hang of it, Primrose did a good job.

Elrond finished with taking Maggie by her waist and spinning in a circle with her, she ended up wide eyed and a bit dizzy.

"Cromthal, I think we have need of some good live music in here, you and Elrond should play your harps for us." Isildae suggested.

Isildae and Cromthal could be almost twins. They were both the same height, their hair was both the same dark colour, They were both pale as sheets, and sometimes they even acteed like each other. However, Cromthal's voice was a bit differnt than Isildae's, his hair was a bit more curky too, and he had bright green eyes instead of pale blue like Isildae.

[Oddwen]

The nausea may have passed, but I suddenly find myself in the middle of a sugar rush. I speak to the Mithadan for a moment and then climb onto the stage.

"I'd like to take this oppurtunity to offer my sincerest congratulations on this the Barrow-down's third birthday! I like less than half of you...oh wait wrong story, heh heh." A snare drum and scattered boos.

"Anyway, since we're spoofing Beatles songs, I'd like to offer this."

The music starts.

You say it's your deathday!
It's my deathday too yet!
You say it's your deathday!
We're gonna have a good time!
I'm glad it's your death day!
Happy deathday to you!

Yes we're going to a party party
Yes we're going to a party party
Yes we're going to a party party

I would like you to dance (birthday!)
take a cha-cha-cha-chance
I would like you to dance
daaaaaaaaance!

I would like you to dance (birthday!)
take a cha-cha-cha-chance
I would like you to dance
daaaaaaaaance!

You say it's your deathday!
It's my deathday too yet!
You say it's your deathday!
We're gonna have a good time!
I'm glad it's your death day!
Happy deathday to you!

"VIVA LA BARROW-DOWNS!"

[Nerindel]

As Nerindel looked around she spotted none other than Legolas's good lady wife Arafangwen dancing with the infamous Phantom, She chuckled she had never thought of the Phantom beening such a marvelous dancer.

She didn't even bother to look to see if Legolas was about. She knew he wouldn't, This place would be crawling with fan girls. She gave another chuckle, she herself preferred tall, dark and handsome. Not that Legolas wasn't handsome, but she didn't know how Arafangwen could put up with the constent harassment from fan girls. She made a mental note to ask Arafangwen this very question should she get to chance to speak with her.

She then made her way over to the buffet table to get some Lembas and a tall cool glass of Miruvor, if they had any. She was delighted to see that they had, so she poured herself a tall glass and nibbled on a still warm Lembas. The spread looked wonderful it seemed to cater for all races, she made another mental note to congratulate Mithadan and the other mod's if she got the chance.

Finnishing her Lembas she turned around, to again watch the dancers, but they were nowhere to be seen.Suddenly she heard Aeafangwen's voice shouting for Gandalf then she saw the elf fall to the ground, she gasped, drained her glass and rushed over to where the elf had fallen.

She realised right away that Arafangwen had fainted from pure exhaustion. She looked around for someone to help her move the elf maiden to somewhere more comfortable than the dusty cold floor. She saw Findorfin searching for something at the buffet tables, he seems to have found what he was looking for (a large pot). Nerindel looked puzzled for a minute until he gave the to pot to an unusual man covered in saucepans, she shook her head remembering Arafangwen lying on the floor. She waved her hands wildly trying to catch their attention, she blushes I hope they realise that I need some assistance and that I'm not just some mad Elf.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

[The Saucepan Man]

The Saucepan Man excitedly thanked Fin for having located the Feastpot, although the tall, dark Elf was still not at all sure what all the fuss had been about.

"You have most probably averted a terrible tragedy," Saucepan explained. "Just imagine what might have happened had it found its way into the wrong hands! Why, we might have found ourselves drowning in a river of mushroom soup or smothered by an enormous alecake. I am indeed indebted to you, Sir Elf." Fin looked doubtful, but smiled all the same.

The Saucepan Man glanced over to where Fin had found the Pot. "Hmm. A Hobbit", he thought to himself. "How lucky she didn't have the magic word!"

Having thanked Fin once again and taken his leave (and having not noticed Nerindel waving at them), Saucepan clattered over to Mithadan who, after a brief explanation, agreed to store the Pot in a secured area backstage while the note on which the magic word was written was still missing. This having been accomplished, Saucepan was content that any further search could wait. For now, he needed to catch up on some sleep.

He saw Diamond engrossed in a book. He reflected on how her necklace of eighteen dazzling diamonds had kept his mirrorball on the verge of overload since she had arrived. She was sitting on a sofa next to a snoozing Heren-Istarion. Waving cheerily to Diamond, and making a mental note to catch up with her later, he chose a vacant sofa nearby as his erstwhile bed and was soon snoring away ...

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: The Saucepan Man ]

[Trippo The Hippo]

Ther doors creak open as Trippo renters. He notices that most of the party members had left for the night or were still asleep. Trippo almost tripped over a sleeping warg. He spied The Sauce Pan Man, and Fin off in the distance, and began walking over to them.

"Greetings friends. I am glad to see that your feast pot is back in your posession. It was difficult to sleep in peace, knowing that it was not in your possesion." He said to them.

[the real findorfin]

As Fin was about to reply, he noticed a frantic waving coming from his left. He looked up and found a beautiful maiden waving at him, "irresistable," he reminded himself, but then saw the other maiden lying on the floor.
"A damsen in distress," he cried and at once rushed over.

"Could you help me?" Nerindel asked, frantic.
"Of course," Fin answered confidently and scooped Arafangwen up in his arms. He carried her to one of the free sofas (there weren't many left) and laid her down, making sure her head was propped up comfortably and safely.

"Thank you," Nerindel sighed, relaxing.
"My pleasure," Fin replied, "would you like a drink? And you Trippo?"

[Trippo The Hippo]

"No thank you Fin. I want to stay as sober as possible anyway its not even 10:00 yet. How can you be drinking this early?" Says Trippo, as he begins to turn and see the other side of the party.

He gets to the buffet line and picks some food, and one of those delightful balrog wings he had heard so much about. Trippo heads over to the mods table and sits down and wonders. "When will the barrow-wight make his huge entrance?"

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Trippo The Hippo ]

[the real findorfin]

"Ah," Fin begins, "in my land the times are different (although Mirkwood/Gondor would be roughly similar) and I have had much experience at parties. If you sip little and often, you will be fine. In fact, the next party I arrange, you are both invited, agreed?"

Not waiting for an answer, he turned to the bar and got a glass of white wine.

"Trippo, we are in for a long ride here. I can handle my drink, but there are some who can't." He pointed to his three escorts who were lying, asleep on there table.
"Beautiful aren't they," he observed.
"Wonderful," Trippo replied. The Hippo then wandered of toward the Mods and Fin was left with Nerindel.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: the real findorfin ]

[Samwise]

Sam stood up when he saw what Frodo was doing.

"Eh, sir...."

Stacey got up and went over to the two. "Excuse me, Mr. Baggins." she said, picking Primrose up and motioning Frodo back to the table.

Beside Sam, Tennyson shook his head and sighed.

Stacey looked across the room to see Angara. She grinned, remembering everything that had happened with that dragon last year...
I hope Sam dosen't get depressed and that there's no oddball potions around here..... she thought.

[Sillabub]

Sillabub woke up lying underneath the table where the CD player had been rigged. She couldn't tell if it was morning or night, there weren't any windows. The laptop switched the song to 'Memory' and she chuckled to herself. Crawling out from under the table Sillabub left to go find Antien.

[Lady Alasse]

As Alasse Followed Nuru through the crowd, She saw a beam of light come through the window. It was finally morning!The second day and her brother Stryker Stormeye still hadn't shown up. Where on middle-earth could he be?

She nearly tripped over some one sprawled on the ground. Good thing eleves didn't need that much sleep or she would probably be among the many sleepers.

"So where is this friend of yours Nuru?" She asked.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Sophia raised her head from the table. "Where the hell?" she thought, rubbing her eyes with the heels of her hands. The first thing she saw was the inebriated form of the Squatter draped gracefully over a chair close to the bar. Recognition dawned on her suddenly. The Party!

She glanced around the room looking for anyone she knew, but them seemed to have gone all of a sudden. Fin must be here at least, she thought. And as she thought it, she caught the now dull gleam on the far side of the room. Aha! she thought, The Saucepan Man....

Wandering over to him she suddenly saw Fin, under a table fighting a Hobbit lady for a stewpot. Sophia rubbed her eyes harder. It was very odd for Fin to approach a hobbit lady.

Sophia must have been sleepier than she thought, however, because by the time she reached the corner Fin had emerged victoriously with the pot and the Saucepan Man had vanished somewhere, frantically shaking his kettles out. Fin retired to a corner with a young elven girl, and Sophia took a second glance around her. He was most certainly not necessary to her good time. She glanced around again. Unfortunately, someone was, and the list of people she knew who were still conscious was growing thin.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Sophia the Thunder Mistress ]

[Nerindel]

The tall dark handsome Elf came to her aid, scooping up Arafangwen he carried her to a near by sofa and gently laid her down. Nerindel sighed and smiled her thanks,Findorfin then asked her if she would like a drink?

She suddenly realised she was blushing,she quickly lowers her head thinking 'what I'm I doing I am not some young Elf maiden that blushes at the mere sight of a handsome young Elf, I am Nerindel Nimsûl protector of Lothlórien!!!'.She raised her head smiling confidently "I'll have a white wine thank you.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

[Arafangwen]

Arafangwen suddenly was awakened by two strong arms wrapping themselves around her and picking her up off the ground. "I must stay awake she told herself as she drifted back into slumber when she was gently layed down on a couch of some sort.

[Stryker Stormeye]

Stryker jumped off of his Warg, pushing his long brown hair out of his grey eyes. How could he have forgotten that the Party started yesterday!

He strolled liesurely up the blood red carpet while the reporters that were still awake and sober enough to take pictures took them.

"Your weapons, Elf," the Uruk guard demanded.

"Picky, picky," Stryker complained, handing his elven daggers and long-bow to the guard.

"You're arrows too."

"Fine"

Using his elf eyesight, he scanned the room looking for his sister, Alasse. There she was following another elf. He walked towards her.

[Carrûn]

A side door into the hall creaked open and a disheveled looking Awrygan shuffled in, still in his trademark black and black clothing. His walk in the Sun had been most uncomfortable, but one had to keep up an image. Eru, everything's swimming. His gaze was somewhat glassy as he gazed around the proceedings. The man wasn't kidding when he said that drink was a "knockout." He looked around for an open seat, and when he didn't find one, let himself slide down and sit against a wall.

He sat absentmindly playing with a knife for a few minutes, decided against it and put it away. Glancing over, he saw Narello grinning at him from the bar. How the boy had gotten served was beyond the man, and he shuddered slightly as the boy grinned at him, sending an involuntary pain through the man's shins.

[Lady Alasse]

Out of the corner of her eye Alasse saw someone coming towards her and Nuru.

"Stryker!" She exclaimed," Where have you been! I told you it started yesterday!"

"Sorry Alasse," The tall handsome elf apologized, "I completely forgot!"

"I guess I can forgive you this time, but this better not happen again!" she said as she turned to her new found friend Nuru, "Nuru, let me introduce you to my brother Stryker Stormeye."

"You can call me Stryker," her brother interupted, "It's a pleasure to meet you Nuru."

[Schmendrick]

Isilmë had indeed been only hanging at the bar and wandering around the hall, while Annun had been away. She had been quite absent-minded for most of the night (almost like a sleepwalker, it seemed), but now she was feeling more and more herself again.


Well, the music's defintely better, but still not perfect",she thought to herself (since music was always the first thing she thought about).Maybe I should have brought some records with me?"


Or then again, maybe not. Her taste in music was almost as questionnable as her dress-taste (even some of the orcs had frowned at her sneakers!). But still, she couldn't help but think longingly about her respectable collection of Brit rock. Oh, what would she give to hear "Bigmouth strikes again" by the Smiths!


Isilmë ordered a coffee for a change and looked at the crowd. Now that Annun had left, she didn't really see anyone that she really knew. But wasn't that exactly the reason she had come to the party - to make some new friends? She ordered an Amaretto to accompany the coffee and wondered, if she could sum up the courage and go talk to the Saucepan Man, whose sense of humour she had always admired from afar. She would also have liked to have a word or two with The Phantom, but he seemed to have..well..vanished with the first light of dawn! But of course she was willing to talk (or dance!)with anybody who would be kind enough to pay attention to her...

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Schmendrick ]

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Schmendrick ]

[Belethfacwen]

Beleth sipped on her drink. She was unaccustomed to cocktails and the like, but it was bearable. She felt almost like some peasant looking around the hall and seeing all of the finely dressed and intelligent-looking people. There were some amonst the crowd who she'd heard about, and would've liked to get a better look at, perhaps even a little word. But first, turning to the entranceway, she saw a familiar figure.

Glad that there was finally someone present who she was able to recognize and actually talk to, she picked her way among the crowd and over to Guo Si.

"Hi there, Guo. I see you've made it to the big party...quite grand, is it not?"

"Oh, indeed, it is," he replied, with the phony elvish accent that he'd taken to putting on when he knew people of importance were around. Beleth rolled her eyes.

"Everyone can tell that accent's faker-looking than my red hair, Guo. Why do you bother?" she mused aloud.

[Frodo Baggins]

Frodo took his seat again with a blush that would shame the reddest sunburn.

"Sorry-I-I don't know what got into me." He spotted that Dragon for the first time "And the fool drunkards thought they were hallucinating, they just need to clear teir head and look with their eyes" he snorted.

Elrond calmly stirred his tea and said mostly to himself "Well, maybe someday they will learn. But people these days seem to learn so slowly."

"I don't recall the men of the old days of Middle-earth being fast learners when dealing with issues of right and wrong." Maggie quipped

"True, Laiqua Mire, very true." Elrond replied. Maggie then followed the hobbits over to the buffet table for second breakfast.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Frustrated by her attempt at a good time of her own making (was it just her or was the room a little empty?) Sophia wandered over toward the table where Fin had installed his latest victim. However when she arrived there she found a sight somehow not what she would have expected.

Nerindel stared at her as she walked over to the table. Fin's head had gone down on the table without warning, and the elf girl looked surprised, to say the least. Sophia gave her a quick smile. "He'll sleep it off, I suppose." she said. "I'm Sophia."

"Nerindel," the girl answered. Sophia picked up Fin's half finished wine glass and took a sip.

"Nice to meet you." she said.

[Stryker Stormeye]

"Now if you'll excuse me, ladies, I haven't had any breakfast. Or dinner come to think of it," Stryker said.

Stryker walked towards the buffet. Ooh! he thought, Balrog wings. One of his favorites, even though they were cold. And some wild boar. He liked a good breakfast.

Scooping several of the wings onto his plate, he turned around, and nearly tripped over a small boy. Taking a closer look he realised it wasn't a boy, but one of the numerous hobbits.

"Hello there. I didn't see you," he apologized.

He walked to a table and sat down to eat his breakfast.

[One Axe to Rule them All]

Suddenly awakening from his drug-induced slumber, Gimli looks about for that dastardly hippo.... Aha! there he is, sneaking off into the "other's room" quickly slipping his axe out from under his shirt, he charges after trippo yelling Baruk Khazad and quickly slices trippo's afro clean off of his head! we're even now, you hippo you and then returning to the table and asking arafangwen "What's going on?" she replied with a "i'm-afraid-to-tell-you-but-i'm-going-to-anyways" voice and said it's a long story but i'll try to make it short. trippo drugged you, more people showed up, the phantom had a buisness cal, you have drawings all over your face, i'm barely staying awake, everybody's suffering from you're spiking the punch, and....*Yawn* and... *Yawn* ahhhhhhhh *falls asleep again*

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: One Axe to Rule them All ]

[Nerindel]

Nerindel smiled at the elf woman that now greeted her, "I thought I would be spending the morning alone with these to sleeping beauties" she laughed nudgeing her head gently in the direction of fin and Arafangwen.

Nerindel suddenly feeling a little hungary again asked Sophia if she cared to join her for breakfast, without waiting for her to answer she grabs a passing waiter buy the arm "Lembas and Miruvor if you please" she smiles " and for my friend ...." she polietly waits for Sophia to make an order.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

[Manardariel]

"Pearl!! We´re runnning late and it´s all your fault! Honestly, couldn´t you decide what to wear earlier!"

Manardariel was fourious. Here was Pearl Took, a hobbit girl of 18, who had taken EIGHT full hours to get ready for the party. Manardariel had only then noticed how late it was.

"Can you please move that pony??" she pleaded. "Why? We´re almost there. Look!" Pearl was right. They were already approaching the Great Hall of Mianas Anor. "Look again!" Pearl said, pointing to a big wooden sign saying "Stabels =>". They rode over, got off the horses and made sure they were ok, then walked over to the Red Carpet.

It was amazing. People were floking around, calling and cherering, making her feel like a real celebrity. She grinned, waved, and giggeled at Pearl who was throwing kisses into the crowed. A reporter thrust a microphone under her nose. "Hello" he said. "I´m here from METV. May I compliment you on your outfit? And I don´t think I´ve seen you here last year..." She stared at him. He was interviewing her??? Oh, fine, let´s give it a try my friend.

"I wasn´t hear last year, no. But I love it already! And thanks for the compliment... it´s from the GAP of Rohan." she answered, smiling. "Thank you." The reporter disappeared, leaving her dazzeled and quite amazed. She continued down the carpet, and caught up with Pearl who had also been interviewed. "This is great!" the lass exclaimed. "I mean, I´m on TV!!" Manardariel laughed.

They entered the building. A big orc came up to them. He asked them for their weapons. When they told him they weren´t carrying any, he showed them through another gate, into a big hall. It was beautifully decorated, with candels everywhere, a large buffet and long tableles. They walked in, looking around for people they knew. Pearl spotted Vivi Boldger and was gone in a snap. Sighing, Mnardariel looked around. She didn´t see anyone she knew, so she decided to just sit down somewhere. And so she did, looking around for someone to talk to.

[elven maiden Earwen]

Talômi and Eärwen went to go get a drink.
"What would you like?"asked the bartender.
"I'll have a soda." Eärwen said.
"Here you go"
"Thank you".

Talômi and Eärwen talked as they drank. She looked around and noticed people she knew.
"Um I'm going to go talk to some of my friends" Eärwen said awkwardly.
"Ok" Talômi answered.
"Thanks, I'll see you later"

Eärwen walked over to where Sophia and Nerindel were.
"Hi everyone" Eärwen said brightly. She looked at the table and noticed Fin sleeping. She laughted quietly.
"So how do you like the party?" Eärwen asked as the music changed again. What is up with the music, she thought.

[Stryker Stormeye]

After finishing his Balrog wings, Stryker walked towards the new arivals.

"Hello, my name is Stryker Stormeye. What's yours?" he asked politely, "Oh, you don't have to call me by my full name. Stryker will be fine."

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Sophia greeted Earwen with a smile. "I'll have scrambled eggs, thanks" she said to the waiting server.

Earwen gave the sleeping Fin a cheeky grin and asked them how they were enjoying the party. Sophia rubbed Fin's head (something she wouldn't have attempted had he been awake) until his dark hair stuck up wildly. The three girls laughed.

"It's been a great party..." Sophia looked around, "Kind of slow just now, though. Care for a little excitement? There must be something we can do to liven things up a bit." Her eyes searched the room for a likely victim.

[Ainaserkewen]

Ainaserkewen walked sleepily into the hall, fluffing up her dress and hair.
She had just arrived back to this party and looked around.
Not many people were here/awake. She noticed some dancing, some (still) drinking. And chatters everywhere. She tried to find Arafangwen. She found her sleeping on a couch, surrounded by lots of other "sleepies"
"Aragangwen, are you awake?" she hissed. She stired but didn't wake. Ainaserkewen sat down beside her and sighed.
Reesha had gone off searching again.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Ainaserkewen ]

[Coriel]

Coriel walks shyly onto the red carpet and looks around. She is wearing a forest green dress with a relatively low bodice. She walks down the red carpet and walks past the guard trolls. She looks around for someone she recognizes and sees Ainaserkewen sitting on the floor. Coriel hurrys over and sits next to her. She shyly looks around and sees people from all over.

[Ainaserkewen]

"Hey Coriel, I wonder when you'd join us.." Ainaserkewen gave her old friend a tired smile.
"Arafangwen? Oh, she won't wake up." Then someone past them.
"Mondieu! That's him!"
"Who him" Asked Coriel.
"The mystery elf. Isn't he gorgeous."
"Yah, what's his name."
"Oh, I met him last night, right before I left, he wanted to see my dragon.
His name is Veanca."
"Wow, cool name."
"I know. He's a high elf of Rivendell. He came to meet someone. Should I go talk to him?"
"Go for it!"

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Ainaserkewen ]

[Gil-Galad]

then Gil-Galad came in, knowing that he was late they still appauled him smilies/biggrin.gif

[Arwen Evenstar the Fair]

Arwen walked over to the table to talk with her father Elrond. She had not seen him all evening. Along the way she stopped at the bar, ordered some wine (her first glass of the night) and continued on her way.
She took a sip,
"Exellent stuff!"
she thought to herself.

"Good evening Lady Arwen!"
she heard someone call out to her.

[Stryker Stormeye]

"Some party, huh?" Stryker said, "Have you tried the Balrog wings yet? They're quite good."

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Stryker Stormeye ]

[Airerûthiel]

Laitalathion had sneaked in, notoriously late. He had to creep through the crowds of people outside, clad in a black hooded cape and looking down at the red carpet. A rippling whisper travelled through the onlookers as he walked towards the door. The guards at the entrance made him feel sick with fear. He was terrified of walking in and then feeling a guard's hand on his shoulder. The expected monologue played in his head as he made his way to the seat he had been allocated.

"I know you! You were a soldier here once, weren't you? There was a Ranger of Ithilien back in the old times who looked like you. Théomer, that was his name - had two sons by some elven woman as I recall. Got accused of treason too; shame really, he was the decent sort. Hold on a minute - GUARDS! ARREST THIS TRAITOR!! NOW!!!"

Already he could feel the rope cutting into his wrists as his hands were bound. Sweat dripped down his forehead like a waterfall as he was forced to almost run ahead of the men who followed him with huge pikestaffs. And then there was the horrible, echoing bang of the cell door...

"Pay attention!" Unwittingly he had slammed into a very pretty young woman with dark hair and blue eyes. The way she carried herself told him she was a lady, but one who had seen terrible things in her short years. And was his imagination playing tricks on him, or did she have more than a slight touch of Elven blood about her? She looked familiar to him, although he had never met her in his life. And then it struck him - this was the mysterious girl from his dreams, the girl with his mother's eyes.

"I am deeply sorry, my lady," he said, bowing low. "Forgive me for asking so suddenly after my meeting you, but did you ever know of someone called Orowethwen of Mirkwood?"

The young woman nodded. "She was my mother's sister, who brought her two small sons to live in the house of my father Pennrod, close to the border with Rohan. Why do you ask this of me?"

"Because I am Orowethwen's son."

There was a moment of silence, and then the young woman gave a soft cry. Without warning she flung her arms around Laitalathion's neck in a warm embrace. "Cousin, my cousin!" she laughed through her tears of joy. "What has happened to you and your brother in all the long years we have been parted from each other?"

"You must make me the promise you will not hate me for what I did unknowingly." Bragolhirwen nodded, and Laitalathion continued. "I was forced to slay my brother - he was wandering alone in the borderlands of Gondor when I was in a scouting patrol. The officer made us go into hand-to-hand combat. I did not know who he was until I had killed him. Since then I have spent my time residing at the inn of the White Horse in Edoras. And what news of your life?"

"I have only had one adventure," replied Bragolhirwen. "It was in the caves of Cirith Ungol in Mordor, where my companions and I slew the great spider Shelob. Now I am roaming the lands of Middle-earth in the guise of a Ranger, trying to find another quest."

"Mayhap we shall journey together some day," said Laitlathion. "But for now, let us find our seats. I have missed a large portion of this presentation, but hopefully there are still some awards left to be collected."

[Arwen Evenstar the Fair]

Arwen smiled and answered,
"No, I have not had the chance yet, but I will certainly get some before the party is over. Are you enjoying yourself Stryker?"

[Child of the 7th Age]

Cami indeed might have heard Bethberry if she had been conscious. Unfortunately, having imbibed more than her fair share of daquiris as well as fighting off exhaustion from trying to hold the rude Wyrm in check, she had collapsed on the lawn and fallen asleep, even though it was only the middle of the morning.

She awoke briefly to hear a faint voice calling out to some person named "Child." Unfortunately, that had been a nickname associated with her youth, which she hadn't used for quite some time. So she'd pushed the little voice out of her head, cheerfully rolled over on the grass, and fallen back asleep. When she finally awoke an hour or two later, stretching and yawning and feeling guily for having overslept, she got up to search for Bethberry or Piosenniel. She found the two of them together on the grounds of the castle (or whatever this building was called).

As Cami approached, she could see Bethberry unsuccessfully attempting to put together a cheering squad. She had managed to corner Trippo the Hippo and persuade him to join in, but her other results were less successful. Most of their friends had collapsed on the floor, or wisely vanished from the site. "This is it then, Bethberry," Cami observed. "It's just the three of us."

Scowling with disappointment, Bethberry managed to hoist herself up on Trippo's shoulders. With an unusual show of deftness, Cami leaptto the upper tier and perched herself on Bethberry's back. Her little fingers clutched desperately at her friend's curls as she swayed precariously back and forth.

This arrangement lasted exactly one minute. Just as Cami gave a rousing rendition of "Give me a 'P'," she leaned too far in one direction, and their entire pyramid collapsed. Somehow, Bethberry ended up under Trippo's outstretched body, with Cami pulling on her left leg trying to pull her out.

With a scowl and a grimace, Coach Pio came running over to make sure that everyone was alright. "Alright. I've seen enough. Your playing has to be better than your cheering. Get out there now, or else!


The "or else" did not sound good to Cami, so she scrambled onto the field muttering a few choice words under her breath, making sure to pull Bethberry along behind her. Cami stopped to give a brief discourse on futball tactics to the Elf, then turned her attention fully on the game.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Nurumaiel]

"He's nice," said Nuru, her eyes following Stryker after he had left. "I haven't seen him around the Barrow-Downs before, have I?" She took a deep breath and looked around the room. "I know Rie is around here somewhere. I saw her. I'd know her red hair anywhere."

"I also saw a woman with red hair, so it's unlikely you were mistaken," said Alasse with a reassuring smile.

"Thank you," said Nuru. "I'm also looking for a little hobbit girl called Donnamira, though she won't be here for a while yet." She drew in another deep breath, preparing herself for the challenge of shoving through the crowd once more. "Let's keep looking, shall we?"

[*Varda*]

“Daerohil!” Poppy smiled. “It’s been a while!” She accepted the bouquet of daffodils that the wispy form in front of her held out, tucking one in her hair, while listening to the beautiful sound of Kenelm’s harp playing floating through the hall.

“And no, I have no pony for you to tend to. Riding is still one of those things I have yet to learn to do. It’s all I can do to get on a horse as it is!” Laughing together, they headed off in the direction of the balrog wings.

“This party has really livened up in the past few hours, it’s all a hobbit like me can do to keep up with the pace,” she chattered away, brown curls tossing madly as she looked about the hall, small beside all the elegant elves and humans. “So, tell me, how are you? Have you seen anyone else around?”

[Firondoiel]

Firondoiel finally awoke from her long slumber. She got up off the sofa in the powder room and studied her reflection in the mirror. She fluffed her hair and smoothed her dress. Until at last she was satisfied with her appearance. She left the powder room and started down the hall back towards the party. I wonder if The Phantom will be back yet. He owes me a dance. She thought with a dreamy smile.

She a handsome elf walked past her and politely nodded. She smiled and nodded back and looked ahead to see Ainaserkewen walking towards her. "Hello," Firondoiel greeted. "How are you?"

"A little tired." Ainaserkewen replied keeping her eyes on the retreating form of "Mr.Handsome" Firondoiel followed Ainaserkewen's gaze. "Oh." She said, then turned and nudged Ainaserkewen. "Go get him!" She said with a grin. Ainaserkewen returned the smile then hurriedly followed the elf.

Firondoiel continued on her way. Up ahead she saw Arafangwen sleeping on a couch. She walked up to her and gently shook her. "Arafangwen? Wake up!" Arafangwen turned away from Firondoiel's hand and murmured "Phantom" with a dreamy smile. Firondoiel froze as a stab of jealously ran through her heart. She quickly stood and raced towards the party.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Firondoiel ]

[Stryker Stormeye]

"Yes, though things are going a bit slow right now," Stryker replied, "I somehow forgot that the party started yesterday, so I came a whole day late!"

[Amanaduial the archer]

Aman was having a whirl of a time at the party, after a little trouble with the uruk at the door. He had insisted on having her weapons- all of them. Aman had relinquished the pair of golden sais which she held strapped to her wrist- hey, they didnt go with her outfit anyway- and had once more tried to go through. When it beeped again, she had blamed it innocently on her necklace. The uruk hadnt seemed to notice the fact that it wouldnt actually have gone off in this instance, so Aman, and her dirk, safely strapped to her thigh as it was, were free to go through.

Now the elf had wandered away from Anuion for a while, and was skirting the edges of the party, observing the many downers. The party wasnt too out of hand yet, but then the wargs hadnt gained entrance....yet...

Her thoughts were distracted as she looked up to the sound of a voice nearby.

"People don't respect me because of you, in fact when most people mention or here about the name Mattius they think of a STUPID DANCING YELLOW CHICKEN!!!"

She smiled slightly. Ah, so Mattius and the chicken werent completely in accord....

[Firondoiel]

Firondoiel entered the party and quickly spotted Gimli and Trippo sitting at their table. As she walked over to them she noticed Trippo was missing something. "What happened to your afro?" she asked. Trippo gave a sheepish smile and pointed at Gimli who was proudly fingering his axe. "Oh." She said getting the picture.

Firondoiel sat down feeling upset about her encounter with Arafangwen. A waiter walked over to her. "Here miss you look like you could use this." He handed her a drink. "No thank you. I don't drink." she replied. The waiter shrugged and left. Firondoiel put her head in her heads and sighed.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Firondoiel ]

[the real findorfin]

Fin groaned, rose from the table and paused. Something wasnt right. He did his mental checks, his clothes were still on, his breath was ok....his hair....ahhhh...his HAIR.

He jumped up and ran to the Mens(male elves/dwarves and other creatures) toilets and frantically combed it down with water from the basin.

Minutes later he returned to the table where he had woken, to find Sophia and Nerindel trying not to laugh.

"Damn you!" he said smirking, he couldn't help himself. "It was you Sophia, I know it was!"

The two ladies burst out laughing and seconds later Fin joined them. "Seeing as it is the morning, would you care to dance again?" he asked Sophia. "And Nerindel, would you like to dance after?"

The flirtatious elf, who now felt a lot more sober, awaited their replies.

[Ainaserkewen]

"Hello." Ainaserkewen stopped the elf.
"Hello, uh, Ainaserkewen right?"
She nodded. "Veanca."
"Yes." he answered. The were in front of the bar.
"Can I get you a drink?" he asked her politely.
"No thank you, but those chocolate cherries look inviting. Would you pass me them please."
"I havn't seen you around before." She said to him.
"I was hired as a server, but with the party slow right now, I'm on a well earned break."
She nodded.
"Are you a member?" he asked, after a silence.
"Yes, a wight actually."
Their conversation drifted on, but mostly talking about their lives and families, boring stuff.
"I uh, saw you were talking to Reesha last night." Ainaserkewen said as tacfully as possible.
"A friend of yours? Said she wanted to interview some famous members. But I don't have a clue who that is."
Ainaserkewen laughed.
"She told me earlyer that she's looking for Child of the 7th age at the moment, look there she goes." They both laughed.
This elf, who had a deep smooth voice, had blond hair that hung very straight down his back, he was wearing all black(as were all the severs) but his eyes were almost the same color as her own. She looked deeply into them when they talked.
"Would you like to go sit down?" Asked Veanca. He motioned to the little love seat next to the couch where Arafangwen was still sleeping.
"Okay."
When they did, their conversation deepened to their feelings and hopes.
"So you're a priestess?"
"Yes."
"And a prophet?"
"Yes but only when I want to be. My gift is to help the elves of Arda, but I don't think that is needed here." She looked around at the very peaceful looking elves she did see, plus the men, the dwarf and hobbits, who were enjoying themselves somehow, either sleeping or awake.
Aranfangwen rolled over and muttered something.
"She had a tough night last night." Said Veanca. "Dancing with that phantom."
"Oh did she?" laughed Ainaserkewen. She leaned into Veanca for warmth, because it was getting colder in the room. Minutes later, Veanca got up to get the chocolate covered cherries and brought them back to Ainaserkewen.
"Shame they don't have strawberries. They're my favorite." He said.
"Mine too." she said.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Ainaserkewen ]

[piosenniel]

The game was a close one – 2 to 2 in the last few minutes of the second half. The Man, that’s how she thought of him since she had not bothered to ask his name, proved an adequate tactician, despite the fact his actual skills were a bit rusty. He relied on the brute power of his Uruk team to crush any opposition as they drove to the goal.

What he hadn’t counted on was the speed and agility of the Hobbit dance ensemble. Their collective footwork was brilliant, their teamwork superb. Added to that was the admirable work of the Wargs who worked as a precision unit in the goalie position. The Man groused about this unfair number of net defenders, but recanted his criticism upon being silently encircled by the three, their lips curled up in wolfish smiles. Instead, he drafted two Orcs to assist the lumbering Uruk.

It was a bad choice on his part. It cost him the game. The three jockeyed for position round the small goal perimeter and the inevitable fight broke out, as the Uruk sought to maintain his birthright superiority over his lesser brothers.

Play stopped, as team-mates joined in the fray – Uruk against Orc. The ball, now completely forgotten in the general ruckus, was quickly secured by two Hobbits. ‘Just run a few short drills to keep it moving, mates,’ Pio called out to them, as she waved Bethberry and Child over. ‘Either of you two ever played soccer? She motioned to one her teammates to pass the ball to her, stopping it dead with her foot. She nodded toward the opponent’s goal, asking them if they’d like to kick the scoring point.

The melee at the Man’s goal continued, as Bethberry and Child both denied any physical knowledge of soccer technique, but Child reached into her requisite leather pouch and pulled out an interesting treatise on the 'Dynamics of the Free Kick' (http://www.fluent.com/about/news/pr/pr43.htm). The two poured over it, discussing it in as much detail as one can beneath flickering torchlights on a dark night in Gondor.

‘I believe we have the gist of it now, Piosenniel,’ the two shield-maidens of the soccer field cried in unison. ‘Set us up!’

Pio ran the ball down the field passing back and forth to one of the dancers. Bethberry and Child followed closely. At a signal from the Elf, the two got into position. Pio passed the ball to Bethberry, who in turn passed it to Child. As one born to the art of futbol, Child stopped the orb dead with her foot and got into position. Her right leg swung out to the side and the inside edge of her large, hairy foot struck the ball brilliantly.

Too late the three bruised goalies saw the deadly arc of her foot, as Pio’s clear voice rang out across the field.

‘That’s it, mate! Bend it like Beckham!’

The final score was 3 to 2. The opposing team stood about in a daze, hands on hips, looking dejected. Pio clapped the Man on the back. ‘Better luck next year. Gather your team, I’ll treat them to some drinks.’

Pio smiled as she sent Azhnog in through the delivery door to bring out three barrels of the Green Isle’s finest. The pockets of the Innkeeper were deep, he wouldn’t miss them. The Uruks made themselves useful punching out the tops of each cask and handing round full mugs of the dark, foaming brew.

She looked round the muddied, mucked up field that had once been part of the Hall's manicured landscape. The thought of what Mithadan might make of this carnage crossed her mind briefly, but she shrugged it off knowing he would come up with some way to mediate any ensuing conflict with the King.

‘Drink up! There’s a full day ahead of us still. Plenty of time to get in trouble.’

Pio fingered the round, glowing red bauble that hung on a slender cord about her neck, a souvenir from Cormallen just one short year ago . . .

[Cuthalion]

As all and sundry, in this case the sundry being Anuion, talked, flirted, ate and in general enjoyed themselves thoroughly, Cuthalion walked over to the DJ and whispered in his ear, then took Maika's hand and led her to the dance floor. As the opening bars of "Lady in Red" came to her ears, her eyes widened and she melted into his arms. "Thank you for noticing!" she said as she snuggled closer. "How could I not, m'lady?" He held her close as they danced slowly, not caring for anything else but this moment. She pulled back to look up into his eyes and she smiled radiantly. He kissed her brow softly. "I love you..." he whispered as the song ended. The music continued, but they no longer cared as they left the dance floor arm-in-arm...

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Cuthalion ]

[Orual]

Talômi sighed as Eärwen drifted off, leaning against the wall with his soda in his hand. A pleasant girl and a pleasant dance. Too bad it hadn't lasted longer.

He walked around the edge of the dance floor for a little while, finishing is drink and looking for a new partner. He had spent most of his time at the Green Dragon looking for Rie, so he had not had the chance to meet many people, but he planned to remedy that here.

Rie did not seem to be having that problem. She was flitting here and there, chatting with people she knew and introducing herself to their companions. It was likely that nobody else noticed, but Talômi could tell that she had only half her mind on the task at hand. She had not yet found Nurumaiel. Well, she would find her on her own eventually. She didn't need his help.

He was on his way to refill his drink when a young woman caught his eye. Like Eärwen her hair was dark, but she wore a blue dress, and...sneakers. Talômi grinned. He had a feeling he would like this young lady.

Walking up to her, his grin did not slip. "Good morning, my lady," he said. Suddenly he wished that name tags had been provided at the party. He had not overheard anyone using the woman's name. "My name is Talômi. Do you mind if I sit with you for a moment?"

***

Rie smiled and waved good-bye as she left yet another table, then frowned as soon as she turned her back. Where was that Nurumaiel? She hadn't seen a trace of Don, either. She pursed her lips in frustration.

She was just about to go and get something to drink when she saw a pair of familiar blue eyes. With a little shriek that undoubtedly went unheard above the din, she raced over and threw her arms around Nuru. "I've been looking all over for you!" she said. "Talômi and I came late. Is Don here? I've been looking for both of you." She went on to babble a bit about the party, the drinks, the dancing, and the music, before she finally realized that Nuru was not alone. "Oh! Excuse me, I've forgotten my manners! I'm Talmérië, but you can call me Rie." She tucked a loose lock of red hair behind her ear, and smiled as she waited for a return introduction.

[ElentariGreenleaf]

A white horse rode swiftly to the entrance. It holted, and stood in its magnificance. She and her rider looked in amazement at the red carpet, dancers, and many drunk people. Elentari, as she unmounted, wondered what all the strange things were.

"Have you got any weapons?" said a gruff voice.

Elentari jumped. She looked at the strange creature beside her - she had never seen an Uruk. "I have a sword. I will part with it, but you must keep an eye on it. And no one is to touch it!"

The Uruk sighed as he took the weapon a placed it where the Elf could see it. She was not the only one who feared their weapon being stolen.

Elentari strode down the red carpet, seemingly ignoring the cameras watching her. She, in fact, trying to find someone in the crowd she recognised.

"Thoriel!" she said the Mirkwood Elf. She watched in amazment as she saw her friend stumble as she walked over. "Thoriel, have you got yourself drunk?"

"No *hic*," was all Thoriel could reply.

Elentari rolled her eyes and followed Thoriel around, hoping to find someone to talk to, who wasn't drunk. By but the looks of things that would be very hard.

[Lady Alasse]

"My name is Alasse," Alasse said, "Have you tried the Balrog wings yet?"

[Nerindel]

While Fin was at the mens room the three women agreed that they would play Fin at his own game and see how many young men they could get to dance with them on this fine day.Quick, he's comeing back Sophia giggled.
---------------------------------------------
Nerindel was still laughing hard, so she simply nodded her agreement to Fin's request. Just then the waiter returned with their breakfast the smell of Sophia's eggs wafting across the table "ah your other friend is awake now, would you like anything sir" the waiter waited patiently for fin to reply.

Nerindel looked at Sophia in their mirth they had totally forgotten about breakfast, they both burst out laughing again. the waiter then noticing Earwen, politely he asks her if she too would like anything.
Nerindel sat nibbling on her Lembas and sipping at her Miruvor, smiling happily at her new friends.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

[Ainaserkewen]

"And that's why I can predict the future."
"That's very cool." said Veanca. "Cherry?"
"Thank you. My goodness it's quiet in here."
"Yah, it's like everyones either sleeping, drunk or falling in love." Veanca laughed.
"And which one am I?" Ainaserkewen asked. She looked into his eyes, her reflection was misty.
The room was freezing cold, but they didn't feel it. Veanca's arm was tightly wrapped around Ainaserkewen, who was leaning on him.
While looking into his eyes, she noticed something, his lip was twitching. How odd.
She giggled.
"What?" He asked quietly.
"Your lip is twitching." she answered.
"It does that, but there's only one way to cure it."
"Really, how's..." but she was cut off by Veanca's soft kiss.
When they broke apart, all either of them could say was...
"Happy Birthday Barrowdowns."

[Helkahothion]

Anuion saw Aman smiling at the debate that ehm, what's his name? With the dancing chicken, ahw well, you know who I mean. He melted at the smile. She really was beautiful. Counting his luck he strolled around the party floor. He caught a glance of Cuthalion and Maika dancing to the lady in red. If there was a Downie for the nicest love couple they surely deserved it. He saw them kiss and smiled. That old dog!

Anuion scrawled over to the buffet table and was happily surprised to see Rytien. She was pondering whether she should take a bite out of her Dragon steak. Anuion walked over to her and grabbed a plate. He took some dragon stake himself and sat himself down on the opposite side of the table. He smiled at her and took a bite of his own steak.

"It's quite nice Rytien. You for one would definitely like it."

Rytien looked up from her stake and greeted Anuion. She had a little look of disappointment on her face. Anuion guessed it was due to the fact that she had to turn in her weapons.
Anuion had been informed of this policy and did not brought his sword and bow. His dagger however, was tightly strapped near his groin. No matter how disgusting those Uruk-Hai's where, they never checked out that part. It was a good thing that Aman was checked so thoroughly. Anuion had given another dagger to the Uruk-Hai as a diversion. When the beeper went of again he just showed his ring and headband. The Uruk-Hai let him pass. So Anuion sat there with his dagger. He had strapped it loose and it now hung on his chest, covered by his clothes.

Anuion lowered his head so that it was really close to Rytien's. She did the same, not knowing why.

"Listen, you see that shed where Bethberry is standing. It contains fireworks. How about you and I nick some arrows and really "lighten up" this party?" Anuion whispered.

"Are you flying mad Anuion? Even Helka would not do a stupid thing like that. Well, maybe he would, but he is a moron from time to time. Beth would see us coming together and immediately see trough us. It is a little obvious wouldn't you say?"

"Don't worry about Beth. Ill go first and do it a little TOO obvious. She will definitely catch me. When she does, I will try to talk my way out of it and buy you enough time to get in and nick a few arrows. What do you say, are you in?"

[farstrider]

Slipping past the sleeping uruk gaurds, a muddy ruffled looking man came throught the metal detector which began blaring, waking up the sleeping guards who were wondering who was attacking them. Then the saw the man, calmly walking into the hall fully armed and demanded him to stop and check his weopons.

"Allright, allright, don't lose your hair, you just looked so peaceful sleeping there it seemed a shame to wake you during your beauty sleep, which you need if I might add."

The infuriated uruks took the saber and the brace of long knives he held out to them and told him if he ever did that again he would be dead.

The man wandered over to Mithdan to tell him that his security could be better, and to say hello.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: farstrider ]

[Sillabub]

Sillabub ventured aroung the halls until she came to the 'parking lot' and found Antien asleep in the swan-boat.
"Miss, I'm sorry but we'll have to tow your vehicle, it's blocking the entry..." Sillabub drawled, imitating a police officer's voice.
Antien woke up."Oh! Hi Sillabub!" She exclaimed.
"You fell asleep? How could you fall asleep? Oh, wait a second...I fell asleep too! Lucky you, the boat's more comfortable than sleeping under a table...but come on! I started to play 'memory' and I wanna sing along to it before it's over!"
"memory, turn your face to the moonlight..." Antien sang.
"Hey! That's my line!" Sillabub protested
"Whatever" Antien said.
They headed back to the hall and sang along to the rest of memory.
"Where's Lysi and Fraul? They said they'd be here by now!"Sillabub asked
"I doubt Fraul's coming" Antien said.
"yah, I thought so too. I haven't seen him since the other day, and his 'communication's are down." Sillabub muttered." But I'm sure Lysi's coming. We should wait for her in the front hall!"
They walked to the front hall and waited for Lysi, or perhaps Fraul, to come.

[Lysi the Rinaidran Warrior]

A young woman wearing white pants and a tank top over a chain mail shirt walked into middle of the celebration. Her blue eyes surveyed the crowd, and she grinned as she saw her friends Sillabub and Antien. Then, she glanced across the room and saw a young man grinning at her. She glared at him, and her eyes flashed and turned emerald green. Then Antien and Sillabub waved, and her eyes returned to their original blue as she strode towards them.

[Salix]

After awaking from her sleep, Salix looked around at the small crowd. She couldn't see Antien, but she suddenly had a great idea. She rushed to a handy phone and dialed a number and said into the phone "Hi, do you think I could borrow something?"

[ElentariGreenleaf]

"Greeting Alasse," replied Elentari. "No, I have not tried the Balrog wings. Would you be so kind as to show my the food?"

Alasse nodded kindly and took Elentari to the food table. "There are so many kinds of food."

"Yes," replied Elentari, her eyes widening at the sight of so much food. "I think I'll stay here a while!"

[Mithadan]

Mithadan's headset beeped. "Mithadan, we have a problem in the auditorium." He excused himself and hurried over to the double doors. Extracting a key from his pocket, he unlocked the doors and walked into the massive room. The problem was obvious...

On the left wall, scrawled in black paint, were the words, "Barrow-Downs Unfair to Shield-Maidens!" On the right wall, in red paint, the graffitti read, "Down with rumor-mongers! Barrow-Downs Hates Hobbits!"

He sighed. Things had been going so well. He instructed a maintanence crew to clean up the graffitti. A security team was dispatched to look for the culprits...

[Hirilaelin]

Hiri was late, as usual. The carriage shuddered to a halt, and the driver came around to open the door. Dismounting hastily, she paid the driver. As he drove away, she adjusted her gown, and began the long walk down the red carpet. It was empty, save for a single reporter, apparently kicked out for being too much of a pest. She immediately pounced on Hiri. Trying to ignore her, Hiri continued down the carpet, and to the towering wooden doors, where two Uruks stood, obviously the security guards. "Sorry miss, but we're being instructed to take yur weapons," said the first Uruk.

Hiri smiled. "Quite all right. Let me see..." she handed over a small dagger. "That's all."

The second Uruk took the dagger and tossed it onto an ever growing pile of weaponry, and Hiri walked through the metal detector, only to have it beep loudly. "I'm sorry miss, but we have to check yur coat as well." Hiri sighed, but handed the coat over. Searching it throughly, they at last gave the article back. "It must have been my bracelet," supplied Hiri.

"Well, that's certainly possible, tha detector's quite sensitive after all..." mused the guard.

"I'm sure that's it... May I go in now?"

"Yes, you may. Thank you miss, and enjoy the party," said the first guard, and opened the doors.

Adjusting her gown again, a somewhat wispy creation of midnight blue and evergreen tulle and silk, she stepped through the open door, and was immediately greeted with the babble of countless voices. So many people she didn't know!

Once away from the Uruks, she giggled. They hadn't gotten her. Her hair, which was swept up into an elegant bun, was held by a pair of harmless, ornate hair pins. At least, they appeared harmless. In reality, they were a pair of mini, needle-like daggers, safely concealed inside the wood of the hair sticks. She giggled again. Deliciously simple really. Getting a hold of herself, she decided to have something to drink, and look for Aman...

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Sophia grinned in glee as Fin ran frantically to fix his hair. She and Nerindel exchanged innocent glances until he was out of earshot and then they both burst out laughing.

"Oh his face!" Sophia laughed clutching her sides.

"Priceless!" Nerindel gasped. Earwen giggled from behind them too, trying to stifle it in a glass of miruvor. They managed to calm themselves however before Fin returned, and by the time he had suavely offered a dance to the first taker, Sophia was calm enough to graciously accept.

As they danced Sophia nearly burst out laughing again, but the offended look on Fin's face stopped her, "I'm sorry..." she said, apologetically, "but you were a lot drunker the last time we danced." He cracked a small smile.

"I was," he admitted, "but that can be remedied before next time." Sophia shook her head in mock despair. As they returned to the table Sophia pushed Fin toward Nerindel.

"It's her turn now... go on you lazy elf." Never one to refuse, he offered his hand to Nerindel. Sophia collapsed in her chair gasping with laughter and turned to Earwen for some good quiz-room gossip.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Sophia the Thunder Mistress ]

[Niluial]

Niluial awoke from her slumber on a sofa, with booming music blasting through the speakers and drunken B-Downers everywhere. She panicked for she forgot where she was. She jumped up and it all came back to…

Arriving, cameras discontinuously flashing, Downers smiling, dancing with an attractive man, getting drunk and lost, and falling sound asleep on someone's shoulder.

“Don, Don where is Don!” she asked herself. Someone’s hands went over her shoulders she was just about to kick the person, “I heard speaking to yourself is one of the first signs of madness!” Don said softly with a chuckle!
“Oh Don, don’t give me a fright like that again, oh and sorry about the sleeping thing it was kind of ridiculous!” Niluial said shyly.

“Come lets go to the bar” Don suggested.
“Bar! Bar! Man, do I love that word!”
“Another thing we have in common!”
They both spoke on there way to the bar. Don pulled a chair out for Niluial and she sat. “Two shots, please!” Don said gleefully, knowing that in the next half an hour that he and his date would maybe be drunken elves, or not…

[Stryker Stormeye]

Stryker wandered around the hall, looking for someone to talk to or something to do.

Spying his sister Alasse, he meandered towards her.

[Trippo The Hippo]

Trippo got up from the table. He wanted to look around for, Menelien, Gimli, and others. He saw Fin over on the other side of the room trying to sweet talk another lady. Trippo was still holding the present he had made for Menelien, because he didn't want to leave it at the table while she slept incase someone was to take it.

Suddenly everyone heard a sound that sounded like a gunshot. Everyones heads turn to see what happened and they saw that Trippo and tripped and fallen on a baloon.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Trippo The Hippo ]

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Trippo The Hippo ]

[Lady Alasse]

"Hello Rie. I'm so pleased to meet you." Alasse introduced herself with a courtsy, "Nuru has been trying so hard to find you! Oh I forgot! I'm Alasse! I'm still pretty new at the downs. I only joined in Febuary, This is my first downs birthday party!"

Then she noticed Stryker coming back towards her little group, "Oh by the way, This is my brother Stryker he's even newer at the downs than I am. Stryker, I'd like to introduce you to Rie."

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Lady Alasse ]

[Niluial]

Niluial was eventfully drinking her second shot! Abruptly she heard a sound that sounded like a gunshot. Everyone’s heads turned to see what happened and they saw that Trippo had tripped and fallen on a balloon. Niluials heart began to beat again after her fright from the loud noise. For a second she thought that it was a gun scare but fortunately it was not! She laughed and so did everyone ells in the room

[Lyra Greenleaf]

"PFwoofph" Lyra collapsed in a chair, quite impressed by her unpronouncable looking grunt. All that dancing had really taken it out of her. Rytien was, somewhere. Who knew? Hmm- who else can I talk to? She looked around eagerly. There appeared to be a likely target, ahem, person wandering around on his own. With a smile she bounced up again.

"Hello" Lyra said with a grin. The man looked shocked and faintly appalled at the sight of a bouncing Hobbit. Tee hee! "Who are you?"
"Stryker" he answered.
"Talk to me please? Unless you have someone else to see?" Lyra queried, her head on one side.
Like wind in the meadows, or some such poetic nonsense the man disappeared. Mouth hanging open, Lyra looked around. She shook her head.
I could have sworn he was here a minute ago...
"Oh well" she shrugged, beginning to search again.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Lyra Greenleaf ]

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Only now did Menelien begin to stir, forcing herself to sit up. Boy is this one helluva hangover, she thought grimly as the throbbing in her head intensified. The outlines of everything around her were blurred, and all around her she could see people who, by the looks on their faces, felt the same way she did. When things began to come into focus she tried to look for people she knew. She saw Sophia dancing with someone, Arafangwen walking (rather unsteadily) about, Gimli sitting at a table- then a bang was heard. At first she thougt that the shieldmaidens had broken in, but this was quickly disproven when she saw that, though the watch on all entrances had been doubled as she slept, and the doors were shaking slightly, the cause of the noise was Trippo the Hippo, who had stepped on a balloon. She hurried over to help him up- or that was theory, anyway. In reality she got up, swayed, and crashed to the floor in a most unladylike manner which would have horrified her mother, had she been at the party. smilies/wink.gif

[Frodo Baggins]

Cromthal shook his head and sighed. "There they go, getting sauced and then falling down all over the place. You'd think they, especially the elves, could be a little more respectable than that"

Isildae, sitting next to him nodded, "Indeed, I have seen drunken Eorlingas with more dignity than that, and I can freely speak of them because I am one."

Those two and Elrond were starting in a mid afternoon snack of Balrog wings. they were actually quite good once they had gotten brave enough to try them. They had no idea where Sam's group had gone, but Maggie and Frodo had gone for a walk. Things seemed to have quieted down for a while.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Frodo Baggins ]

[Stryker Stormeye]

Suddenly he reappeared right beside her.

"Hello. Sorry hope I didn't frighten you. My sister was introducing me to some one." He smiled.

[Diamond18]

Though the misadventures of a foundling waif turned skirt-chasing sap was profoundly interesting, Diamond finally put a bookmark in her book and stood up. She noticed that The Saucapan Man had reentered the room, and was sleeping on a nearby couch. Lounging on couches seemed to be the in vogue thing at the party, she mused.

Diamond headed back to the bar to get an orange juice. She noticed Mattius yelling at Chicken, the veins in his neck popping out and his complexion turning a purplish shade of red, right down to the tips of his spiky blonde hair. His blue eyes were twitching in a most unusual fashion. “Ah, angst, where would we be without it?” Diamond said to no one in particular as she sipped her morning drink. It was afternoon, of course, but Diamond’s sleeping habits were less than…er…punctual, and “morning” was a subjective term. (Not to say she’d been sleeping while reading, nooooo).

She decided to steer clear of Matt until he should be feeling quite sociable again. Hmmm… she thought, glancing around the room. Everyone she knew seemed to be… gone. Well, we’re all Barrow Downers ‘round here, she thought affably, and raised her glass in toast to everyone around her, even irate young Brits with poultry envy complexes.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Diamond18 ]

[Niluial]

Niluial spotted Lyra Greenleaf! “Oh Don please excuse me! And stay right there I don’t want to get lost again!”
Niluial ran over to Lyra Greenleaf.. “Looking for someone?” Lyra asked!
“Well yes actually I am! I am looking for you! How are you?” Niluial asked

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Seeing a familiar face across the room Sophia raised her arms and waved.

"LYRA! OVER HERE!" her eyes went wide at her own volume. She must still be a little drunk from the night before. Wonderful these roleplays, she thought to herself, no hangovers.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Sophia the Thunder Mistress ]

[Lyra Greenleaf]

"Eeeekkkk!!!" Lyra jumped 10 feet in the air, which was quite a feat for a Hobbit.
Raising an eyebrow she asked, in a suitable acidic tone, "Scare me? Why whatever gave you that impression?"
Smiling, she bounced in front of him again.
"Tell you what- I'll forgive you if you dance with me?"
She arranged her features in what she hoped was a suitably winning smile and held her breath...

[Nerindel]

By the time Sophia and fin had returned to the table she had finnished her Lembas and was completely composed. Sophia pushed Findorfin towards her, he reached out his hand and smiling she accepted graceously raising to join him on the dance floor.

As they danced Nerindel Decided to ask him from which fair city he hailed, for she was sure she would have noticed him before now if he was from Lothlórien. " So Fin, from which fair land do you hail from ,for I am sure I have not seen you in Lothlórien?"

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

[Trippo The Hippo]

Trippo goes running over to Menelien trying to help her off the floor, and back in to her chair. He gets her back in her chair and tells her. "You need to be careful. You are going to horrify your mother."

He pulled up a chair next to her, and slides the present that he made for her over to her. Trippo looks at her awaiting a reaction.

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

"Oh, Trippo, it's quite beautiful!" said Menelien, accepting the present. "Could you tell me what exactly it's for?"

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Lyra jumped again as two people came over to her.
"Niluial, Sophia! Hi!" she said excitedly, forgetting Stryker. When she turned he had once again disappeared. Hmmm- someone should tell him that he's not supposed to use magic around here...
"So how's the party, ladies?" she asked. "I seemed to see you being rather cosy with a certain man Niluial. And Sophia, you're here as Fin's entourage? You know, I once saw him die. Not pretty"
With a giggle Lyra stared up at the two women.

[One Axe to Rule them All]

Looking over at Menelien, Gimli couldn't help but say "Man, that elf looks like she fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down!". then, at that moment, he realized that he was her escort! after realizing his mistake, he quickly shuffled over to help her up off of the floor while trying not to laugh at trippo, but finally it came out looks like Trippo trippo'd! with a laugh, but he quickly stopped on account of his severe headache from the drugs given him by trippo...

[Trippo The Hippo]

"Just a present between friends. It took very little time or effort, so i figured what the heck. I am glad you like it you can put it up on your mantle." He replied.

[Stryker Stormeye]

" Why certainly Lyra." Stryker said, then noticed that she was busy speaking to two other young ladies.

Slightly disapointed he meandered over to the Buffet to get some of those delicious Balrog wings.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Sophia grinned, "I'm not his entourage, or at least not all of it..." she shook her head, "you know how he is!" Lyra laughed. "Saw him die?" Sophia asked with a puzzled expression on her face, "I saw him nearly drink himself to death last night..." she giggled.

But changing the subject she too turned to Niluial and said "Oh yes, Nil... do tell!"

[Niluial]

“Yes I came with Donlammenion. He is a real romantic! I am actually enjoying myself with him! Oh and I am just warning you I am a bit on the tipsy side!” Niluial said with an amused face. “Yes he is quite attractive. He seems to not want to take his eyes of you!” Lyra said giggling and looking at Donlammenion. Sophia also let out a giggle.

[Nurumaiel]

"Oh, Rie, I was looking for you everywhere," said Nuru. "I think you and Alasse will become good friends. Isn't she wonderful?" That last question was said to both of them about both of them.

"I haven't found Don, yet, Rie, but I'm looking," Nuru continued. "I think that it might be a wise idea, though, to wait under the table for her. It's an oliphaunt herd in here!"

Rie laughed, and allowed Nuru to drag her across the floor along with Alasse.

[Maegaladiel]

Sunny Day growls in frustration. She would get a story for the Middle Earth Times if it killed her! Her first interview between herself and Maegaldiel the Nearsighted Elf had been cut short by that Thunder Mistress, and her other appointments had been severely postponed by the Uruk guard at the door. But she was determined to get her story. Slipping through a convieniently-placed window, she eyes the crowd hungrilly for some poor innocent to pounce upon. The voice of the people must be heard!!

Meanwhile, Maegaladiel polished off a plate of delacacies, and is now sipping on a Pepsi, (Too early for a Martini, you see) looking at the dancers and chatters. Beneath her green satin dress, her tennis shoes squeak on the polished floor as she makes her way to the dessert tray. She had recieved several odd looks for her choice in footwear, but how is one supposed to really dance in high heels?

[Ainaserkewen]

"Once again we're back with Lyra Greanleaf, my next interview. Hi Lyra."
"Hi Reesha, let's get started."
"Okay, how did you chose your name?"
"My nick is a fusion of Lyra from Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" (Great book)and the lovely Legolas Greenleaf."
"Cool, What's your favorite forum?"
"My favourite forum is either the RPG rooms or the actual 'Barrowdowns' forum. I love the imagination in the RPGs, and the personal interaction of the Barrowdowns- it's the place to learn more about people."
"Which is good. What about your favorite Administrator?"
"I wouldn't say she's any better than the others, but I really like Pio. She's very sweet and kind."
"What's your favorite thing about the BD's?"
"I enjoy the chance to discuss the books in so much detail other people would think you're nuts, the funny stuff and friends you make, and the chance to be someone completely different in the RPGs."
"And finally, what's your favorite thing about Tolkien's books/Movies?"
"I can't say what I like best! It's all amazing. Maybe I could say I like the variety, the detail, the thought, the history behind everything, the love stories, the action, the songs and poems..."
"Thanks very much for your time, and we'll be back later with Child of the 7th age, when she gets here."

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

(Just a comment, so that you guys know: last night, I couldn’t sleep till around 4:15, and any poetry you may see in this post and further ones was written around 3. So if the quality of the poetry you see is, errm, questionable, that’s why.)

"Of course I’ll put it on my mantle! It’s wondeful!" she said in a voice that hid her bewilderment very well indeed. Suddenly Menelien, the ugly and clumsy elf, jumped onto her table, feeling rather embarrased, but unable to stop herself, and, as heads turned, she began to declaim:

The Barrow Downs have just turned three-
They are three years into the grave.
There are so many posters and wonderful mods-
They’re all learning to do the wave.

So yell a drunken hooray for the Barrow Downs!
Give with slurred voices a mighty cheer!
Give a cheer for the Barrow Downs,
And the three years it’s been here!

All of us here have some toasts to raise,
To B-W who made this true,
And though others tell us we don’t have lives,
We don’t care, with the Downs, we’ll never be blue!

At this point a few of Menelien’s friends had sufficiently recovered from the shock of hearig her reciting poetry to grab her by the feet and pulling her off of the table. They quickly pinioned down her arms and legs to keep her from reciting any more of her drunken rhymes. But above the din, a last piece of thrillingly bad poetry floated out...

The RPGs are most exciting,
An interesting challenge in writing.
The Shire is ruled by Pio and Child.
The Shieldmaidens seem to be going wild smilies/wink.gif (to be continued smilies/evil.gif )

The last line was most appropriate, as the shieldmaidens seemed to be doing quite a bit of damage to the door, and it was beginning to bend in most severely...

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: GaladrieloftheOlden ]

[Lady Alasse]

"Who is this Don person we're looking for?" Alasse questioned Nuru as they ducked under a table to wait.

It was much quieter underneath the table cloth, and it appeared to be one of the tables near the buffet. Lifting the edge of the table cloth slightly, she reached up to grab whatever food was above her on the table. Hmm Lembas yumm.

[Lyra Greenleaf]

"Excuse me a moment" Lyra said to Niluial and Sophia. "I spy my chance to get a dance." Oooh! Rhymes. Tolkien would be proud "See you later, I hope. Have fun!"

With a laugh she ran off, skidding to a halt in front of Helkahothion.
"Helka!" she said with a grin and airkissed his cheeks. Well, he was continental!
"Please dance with me. Your lady-love isn't around, and you always make me laugh. Pity about the looks but you can't have everything." With a giggle she scampered from his half hearted attempt of a slap on her arm. "Please?"

[Eruanna]

Eruanna sidled back into the ballroom trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. A breath of fresh air had been just what she needed!

She still remembered the stunned looks on the faces of the partygoers as the last notes of Saucepan's song had ended. The meagre ripple of polite applause........Oh well, perhaps Middle Earth just wasn't ready for them yet!

Tilting her chin up and assuming her "party smile", the Elf made her way around the room. She couldn't help but notice the prone figures, some half slumped across various tables. Dwarves, hobbits and elves grinned sleepily as she passed.

Suddenly, she stumbled. Quickly regaining her balance she looked down to see what had so nearly tripped her up........a pair of extremely hairy feet poked out from beneath a richly embroidered tablecloth. One of the feet twitched, then remained still again. The steady droning sound that emanated from under the table, convinced Eruanna that she had not woken the owner of the feet. She decided to continue her circumnavigation of the dance floor.

A few hardy souls were still to be seen, gyrating to the most appalling music that Eruanna had ever heard. A group, arranged in a line, seemed to be attempting some kind of bizzarre ritual mating dance. This entailed their moving in unison, each one copying the gestures and steps of the others.

Saucepan man was nowhere to be seen, but.......Was that a dancing chicken?

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Eruanna ]

[Stryker Stormeye]

The mysterious disapearing Stryker popped up next to Lyra.

"Would you care to dance?" he asked.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Sophia turned to the mysteriously disappearing re-appearing Sryker, as he suddenly reappeared. She wasn't t oo frightened because she was expecting it after the first time that Lyra had been frightened. She smiled up at him.

"I think Lyra found a partner, but I'd love a dance if you would."

[Helkahothion]

"You have been drinking to much sweetie. The name is Anuion. Although I often get confused with my father. I will be hearing from you later Rytien? Tell me when you are ready to lighten things up." Anuion said with a wink to Rytien.

"What was that all about?"

"Nothing Lyra, I'm just up to my little Havoc wrecking as usual. Now let's dance shall we?"

Before Anuion went to the floor, he went to the DJ and whispered something in his ear. As he went back, he saw Lyra's face brighten up to the music that poured out trough the boxes. The enchanting conga music waved trough the hall and Anuion grabbed Lyra by the arm.

"Let's Congaaaaaaaaa!!!" He happily exclaimed and the rest of the floor soon joined in.

The people where having a nice time and Lyra's second attempt for a Conga line worked out perfectly! Everybody joined in and the arms waved around. Lyra decided to push her luck and took a broom.

"LIMBO DANCING!" She shouted.

Anuion loved Limbo dancing and soon had the back of his head on the floor in his attempt to go underneath the broom under the happy shouts of the people who pushed him to the limit with their yells.

"How low can you go! How low can you go?"

[Gorwingel]

Standing next to the buffet (with a plate of lembas and Balrog wings in here hands) Gorwingel gazed across the room to try to find Saucepan Man and Mattius. She suddenly heard a clang that sounded strangly like pans, and headed that way. But instead she ended up running straight into a soldier of Gondor who was wearing a full outfit of mail...

[Lady Alasse]

Hmm. "Nuru would you care for a Lemba?" Alasse asked politely, "I mean lembas are usually good, but these are just exceptional."

Looking out from under the table cloth again she spied a pair of hairy feet sticking out from under the table next to them.

"Hmm. Looks like we aren't the only ones that think underneath the tables is a good place to wait."

[Nurumaiel]

"Oh, she's a little hobbit girl," said Nuru. "Her full name is Donnamira, but she has everyone like her Don for short. And she has a real personality."

"Yes, that is very true," said Rie with a fond smile.

"Rie can tell you more about Don. They're the best of friends." Nuru grinned mischievously and winked at Rie. "You know, Rie, after we find Don, I might go seek out your handsome brother for a dance."

[Stryker Stormeye]

"Sure," Stryker said to Sophia, escorting her to the dance floor.

Looking over towards the buffet, he nearly tripped over a pair of hairy feet sticking out from under a table.

Close call, he thought, That would have been rather embarrasing if I had tripped

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Stryker Stormeye ]

[Ainaserkewen]

"This must be my first drink ever!" Ainaserkewen said, she drained the glass of wine in her hand. Her and Veanca, where toasting the BD.
"You don't drink do you?" Veanca asked. After her third glass.
"Never!" Ainaserkewen laughed, feeling a little more laid back.
"Today is a day for firsts!" She announced.
"My first BD party, my first drink and my first time I kissing a complete stranger!"
"Whoa, settle down there." Veanca laughed.
Just then, a huge seving troll came out from a door.
"You!" He called. "Elf boy, get back in the kitchen, you're needed!" He grabbed Veanca from Ainaserkewen's arms and dragged him through a door. Ainaserkewen just sat there stunned. In the next half hour, after a brief nap, she sobbered up a bit.
"I can't beleive what I did! The gods will have my head!" Then she just laughed.
She pulled out a peice of paper from her bag.
"Okay, get to party, check, meet up with friends, check, talk to strange elf, double check, meet new people, uh, hmmm." She searched the room for straglers.
Aha! Someone was sitting on the floor. She remembered that this girl, was reciting poetry earlier.
"Hi." She said, walking up to her. "That was some great poetry, but man, you must have been tired." She helped the girl up.
"I'm Ainaserkewen."
"Galadriel of the Olden, nice to meet you. What happened to your cute friend?"
"He's a little tied up at the moment I'm afraid."

[Niluial]

Niluial stood there, everyone just unexpectedly left to dance. The moment she thought about dancing a consideration popped in her head. *I want to dance with Don again, another dance wont hurt* Niluial thought. She walked over to Don and pulled him gently on the dance floor. A romantic song began. “This is…” before Don could say more Niluial put her fingers on his lips “Shhhh..”
They danced bumping into other couples, but they didn’t care they were to busy looking into each others eyes.

(Yes I know a bit on the mushy side… but who said mushy stuff was not aloud?)

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

"Oh, I've no idea why I just said I'm Galadriel, my name's Menelien, and I think I need to sober up a bit" Menelien said, rubbing her wrists and ankles where her friends had sat on them until they were sufficiently satisfied that no more poetry would be forthcoming. "I hope you get your friend back." Menelien looked around. "About what fractional piece of these people do you know?" she asked.

[Arafangwen]

"Oh!" exlaimed Arafangwen as she suddenly woke up from her exausted state.

"Where am I?" she asked as she did not recognize the view from this side of the room. A small hobbit nearby quickly explained what had happened to her though.

"And I slept through it all?" Arafangwen asked in amazement, she could never sleep at night, much less with any random noise around, after all, she was 3/4ths elven making her hearing impecable. Arafangwen quickly became concerned about what she might have said in her sleep, she often did that when she was distressed.

"I hope I did not reveal anything I shouldn't have." she thought to herself in her growing concern, she quickly proceded to continue in her search of Gandalf and counsel once more wishing that Odaear was again by her side.

[Lady Alasse]

As Alasse reached up to get another Lembas unbeknownst to her one of the caterers had just replaced the plate with another plate full of steaming hot Balrog wings!

"Yipes!" Alasse screamed as her hand closed over the firey morsel. She jumped out from under the table cloth and ran to the Ladies room. Quickly dowsing her hand in cold water.

"My goodness was that ever hot," she said, "That'll teach me to grab something with out looking first!"

[kittiewhirl1677]

Eladoriel stood on the dance floor, watching all of the couples. They looked so happy! Some were drunk, some not. Those that were drunk were the most clumsy ones, bumping everywhere, being messy and careless. Those that were not were neatly stepping up and down the dance floor, avoiding the drunk ones.

Eladoriel herself fancied a glass of wine, but she decided to hold off for a while. She wanted to dance so much! But it seemed as if everyone already had a partner. She just stood near the center, circling around by herself.

[Nurumaiel]

The door opened and Firramer of Rohan walked in. He cast an appraising eye over the room. Some people seemed to be quite drunk, others still in their proper senses. Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time. He wouldn't have a good time until he found Nurumaiel.

Walking forward, he stopped in front of one of the food tables, looking up and down it, trying to decide if he really needed to eat or not. The food could make a man feel as though he were starving and had to eat.

"Firramer, over here!" a voice below him said, and a hand grabbed his foot, pulling on it. Surprised and puzzled, he crouched down and lifted the tablecloth, then grinned in merriment when he saw Nuru's sparkling blue eyes looking into his.

"Rie and Alasse," said Nuru quickly. "We're hiding from reporters." She scrambled out from under the table, gesturing for the others to stay there. "Rie and I are looking for a hobbit girl. I think Alasse might be a bit bored with it all, though... Well, I don't know, but I think she'd much rather dance?"

"Ah, I see." Firramer took one of Nuru's hands in his. "I'd much rather dance with - "

"Just because I'm an old friend and you're a shy, clumsy man of Rohan," Nuru laughed. Bending down, she pulled Alasse out from underneath the table.

Taking a deep breath to overcome his shyness, Firramer held out his hand and smiled charmingly at Alasse. "Would you care for a dance, m'lady?"

[Ainaserkewen]

"Fractional? Well, I know of most of these people, but I usually take awhile to get comfortable. That's why I have this list." She told Menelien, and showed her her list.
"Okay, meet new people, check. Now I'm happy, all I have to do is keep Reesha from embarrassing me in front of who she's trying to find." Just then, Reesha came out and hurried by the group and into another door,
"That always makes me laugh!" Said Ainaserkewen.
"So," She said to Menelien, "How are you, are you enjoying the party?"
"Well..."

[Niluial]

“That was a nice dance!” Niluial exclaimed “rather *Ahem* romantic.”
“Nil would you mind if I danced with Eladoriel she looks like she needs a dance”
“Oh sure Don I don’t mind I’ll just go grab a pint for both of us!” Niluial said walking of. Don walked up to Eladoriel “would you like a dance fair lady?”

[Lady Alasse]

"Oh thats alright Nuru. I'm not a very good dancer," Alasse blushed, "I'm sure he'd be much happier dancing with you. I can just wait with Rie."

"No go ahead," Nuru insisted


Alright, If you instist." Alasse finally gave in as she was lead to the dance floor.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Lady Alasse ]

[Firondoiel]

Firondoiel was sitting silently trying to sort through her thoughts. She could never be mad at her friend Arafangwen. So Firondoiel was not sure what to feel.

Firondoiel lifted her head to see Arafangwen hurrying through the crowd. Firondoiel noted the troubled look on her friend’s face and became concerned. She rose and approached her. “Are you all right Arafangwen?” she asked staring into Arafangwen’s eyes.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

In the middle of their dance, Sophia grabbed Stryker by the hand and dragged him into Anuion and Lyra's conga line. She was giggling frantically, and Stryker looked a bit frightened, but there was no way she was going to miss a good conga.

Pretty soon Stryker started laughing too, even though the dancing was bad and the music was life-threatening. She called out to him over the noise, "You're not so bad at this!"

He answered her, "You're not too bad yourself!" Before long though, she had to pull out of the line, it had been a long night and not nearly enough sleep. Still, she was having fun.

"Care for a drink?" she asked Stryker.

[kittiewhirl1677]

To her luck, Eladoriel saw someone approach her. He asked if she wanted to dance, and she nodded.

The dance was fun, Eladoriel thought. They had spun around, and had felt the music go right through their bodies. Dancing was such a... beautifly musical thing, and especially fun when you weren't dancing alone. Eladoriel nodded to the tall Lord.
"Thankyou for the dance. What are you called? Or, rather, what is your name?" She asked.

[Arafangwen]

"Firondoiel!" Arafangwen cried out in joy of finding her friend, immedietly she noticed something was amiss in her friends eyes, but she decided to ask later and proceded to ask for her help first. "There is something of great importance on my mind and I shall not rest until you, among others are aware of what it is. But to reveal it to you at this time would be great folly, I must first find Gandalf and ask his counsel, for he alone may give me permission to relive my self of this burden. I hope you understand why I mayn't speak with you at this moment." she said sincerely as she looked deep into Firondoiels eyes to hopefully reveal the other girls anxietys, she immedietly thought of her deep slumber and prayed to Eru that she hadn't said anything to upset her friend.

[Stryker Stormeye]

"Soda please," Stryker said, "Maybe some Mountain Dew."

Taking his drink, he escorted Sophia to a table.

"So, where are you from.?" he questioned.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Stryker Stormeye ]

[The-Elf-Herself]

TEH drives up really late in an inconspicuous little Thunderbird. After parking, she gets out and looks around at all the commotion. She's dressed in black cargo pants, a dark grey tank top, and a black trench coat, with simple black boots and gun metal grey nail polish. Her brownish-auburn hair is tie back with a piece of black leather. Deciding to forgo the red carpet, she tries to sneak in a side door, only to find that even the side doors have metal detectors. At an order to remove any weaponry, she hands over a knife, hoping that the guard won't ask about her hidden daggers. She almost gets past until their sheathes accidentally fall out of the bottom of her pants. TEH smiles at the guard sheepishly.

"You do not see a dagger," she intones, trying a Jedi Mind trick.

"Yeah, then what's this?" The orc holds up her daggers.

"That is, um, a special piece of flatware I like to carry around. I hate using foreign silverware. See?"

She slips the daggers out of the guard's hands and pantomimes using them to eat with.

"Hand them over," the guard commands. "Or you're not getting in."

Having missed last year's party as well, TEH hands them over, but just as quickly steals them back from the guard's back pocket when he's distracted. Satisfied, she secures the sheathes under her pants again, enters the party and goes to over to the buffet, ignoring some puzzled looks. She's not well-known, as she reads other people's posts far more than actually posting herself.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: The-Elf-Herself ]

[Firondoiel]

Firondoiel studied her friend for a minute then nodded. "I understand. I hope you get everything straightened out. I'm always here if you need me." Firondoiel managed a smile. She felt slightly uneasy about how Arafangwen was looking at her. "Let me help you find Gandalf." Firondoiel said trying to make Arafangwen stop gazing at her. Arafangwen finally nodded and said "All right. But let's hurry." With that the two elven ladies hurried into the crowd hoping to find Gandalf.

[Niluial]

“My name is Donlammenion” Don answered. “It was my pleasure dancing with you but I must get back to my lady now.”
Donlammenion walked off happy to know he danced with her and made her a little happier! He walked up to Niluial and gave her a kiss on her cheek. She just blushed and handed him a glass of red wine. “Oh thank you” Don said.

[Galadrie1]

Galad had found her way to the dance floor and stood cautiously out of the way. She slowly sipped a glass of fruit punch (she'd decided to stay away from wine and spinning after last year's party) and watched the excited Barrow-Downers dancing....

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Galadrie1 ]

[kittiewhirl1677]

Eladoriel was still amused at the dance, grinning a white-toothed grin. The man she had danced with, Donlammenion as he had introduced himself, now walked away to his lady.

Eladoriel then walked over to the bar and sat on one of the chairs. An elf came over and asked for her order. She asked for a glass of wine, which she thought would make her even happier than she was. When she had finished her wine, she asked for another cup, then another, and another...

[Helkahothion]

Anuion had taken a rest from the heavy Limbo session and was sitting at the bar, hitting back a Bacardi Breezer. And another one. To his left, Eladoriel was busy getting herself pretty well boozed up. As her fifth glass was put in front of her Anuion took action. A drunken girl was a shame and he could not allow it. When she took the glass of wine, he grabbed her hand and undid it of the alcohol.

"Ill take that if you don't mind. Getting drunk is no solution. Wine is very nice, but you will get drunk if you don't watch your step. How about we have a little dance?" Anuion said with a gentle smile on his face.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Sophia ordered another of the same (Mountain Dew), looking at it quizzicaly, recalling a past incident with spiked beverages. Then she decided she didn't care and took an experimental sip.

"I'm from Mithlond." she told the curious Stryker. "I love it there, by the sea..." She trailed off, since she was definately in the mood for merriment, and the more boring details of her home were not going to increase her fun.

"Where are you from?" she asked him curioulsy, "and who's your sister? I heard you talking about her..."

[Amanaduial the archer]

Aman watched a newcomer enter, smiling as she pantomined eating with the daggers, narrowly missing her face. The uruk wasnt impressed, and took the daggers anyway. The elf started to wander around a little aimlessly, as Aman desperately tried to remember who she was, before it clicked.

"Nice move there." The newcomer spun around as Aman spoke just behind her ear, and grinned wickedly. Aman continued with a shrug. "Next time, bring a spare, give it up and blame the rest on jewellery."

The Elf Herself made her face a picture of complete innocence. "What? What would I possibly try?" Then she grinned again, and allowed her daggers to be visible for a moment. Aman looked incredulously at her, then grinned approvingly.

"Very nicely done. My sais were given in, but my dirk is...a little less easy to find." She patted her thigh subtly. The Elf Herself wrinkled her nose in appreciation. Aman felt herself alread taking a liking to this newcomer. She stuck out a hand, her sleeve swinging from it, but quite elegantly as she introduced herself.

"Amanaduial the Archer."

[kittiewhirl1677]

Eladoriel was getting the cloudy feeling of wild and tired at the same time: she was getting more and more drunk. At her fifth glass, the man sitting beside her grabbed her hand, and took out the glass of wine.

"Ill take that if you don't mind. Getting drunk is no solution. Wine is very nice, but you will get drunk if you don't watch your step. How about we have a little dance?"

The man seemed nice, and she didn't mind a nice, pleasing dance.

Eladoriel, not thinking nearly clear enough, nodded, smiling brilliantly.
"Sure!!! I'd LOVE to!"
Giggling, she pulled him up and they went whirling around the room, dancing to the slow, romantic music.

(Keep in mind Eladoriel is already drunk. Be careful of her. There's no telling what she's up to.)

[Helkahothion]

Anuion waved the girl arround the floor. For someone that was drunk, she was a pretty good dancer. The romantic music kicked in once more and they stood closly together. Anuion wispered to the girl that he was with someone and asked if she did not mind.

"Nah, just dancing. No problem. Dancing is fine." Was her woozie reply.

[Stryker Stormeye]

Stryker smiled. "You mean Alasse? She is quite a character, isn't she," he said, "We are both originally from Rivendell, but we moved to Gondolin when we were but children by the elves reckoning. But this is quite boring, would you like another dance?"

[The-Elf-Herself]

TEH smirked slyly, thought about indulging in a habit of tossing her daggers in the air and catching them, then decided that caution is the better part of intelligence in this case.

"Nice to meet you. I think you know who I am, as for a specific name." She shrugged. "It ruins the reputation of being an outcast."

TEH grinned and looks around, taking a sip of a Jones soda.

"Um, what's with all the urgency to imbibe alcohol? Do you have an escort? I couldn't come up with one, figured it be easier to play the loner in this case."

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: The-Elf-Herself ]

[kittiewhirl1677]

During the dance, Eladoriel started feeling very drowsy. Even through her clouded head, she realized she had drank too much. She had never been drunk before, always being very proper and very careful about what she drank.

She started shaking. She felt weaker and weaker, and fell on the floor, out of Anuion's grip. She was knocked unconsious, and the last words she said were: "No...More...drinking...tonight."

[the phantom]

The Phantom returned, as usual, in sudden fashion. One minute Firondoiel and Arafangwen were looking at each other, and the next there was a cloaked figure between them.

"Perhaps we should have a seat. I'm famished", he said in a nonchalant manner.

They took a seat, once again, at the moderators' table and The Phantom called for a waiter. "I told you earlier that I wanted your most unique and amazing dish. Do you have it ready?"

"Certainly, sir. I'll bring it right out."

The Phantom gestured to Trippo and Gimli, and they rushed to the table (they were a bit hungry themselves). "This ought to be good," said Gimli.

"Did you find out anything more, Phantom?" asked Arafangwen.

"Let's not ruin the evening with such thoughts" replied The Phantom, but seeing the curiosity in her eyes, decided to say a bit more. "Yes, I found out a good deal, and foiled one of their little plots. They have nothing big planned until much later, however, so let us enjoy ourselves for a while" he said with a smile.

"I'll drink to that!" shouted Trippo, as the enormous hippo drained an entire pitcher of vodka.

"Here comes the food!" yelled an excited Gimli.

A long oval platter roughly four feet by six feet, was pushed up to the table. The cover was lifted, and the guests found that the entire dish was meat.

"Looks good" observed Firondoiel.

They all took a slab, cut a piece, and popped it into their salivating mouths.

The Phantom was suddenly overcome with an urge to yell "Derry Dol!", but he held it back. At the same time, Trippo jumped up and started dancing around the table. Firondoiel shouted "Ring a ding dillo!", Arafangwen let out with a mighty "Hop along, my hearties!", and Gimli burst into song with a "Hey now! merry dol!".

After a few seconds, whatever it was that had gotten a hold of them subsided, and thoroughly embarrassed, they took their seats.

Suddenly The Phantom gasped and hardened his jaw. The others followed his gaze to the platter. There, near the end of one side, was a pair of yellow boots and an old battered hat with a tall crown and a long blue feather stuck in the band.

Arafangwen and Firondoiel turned green. Gimli placed his hand over his eyes. Trippo threw up.

"Take that platter away, immediately!" said The Phantom in a cold voice. He couldn't believe he had just taken a bite of one of his best friends.

But then, when all seemed dark, The Phantom had a vision (not an unusual thing for him). His eyes glazed over for a moment as the others stared at him. After a breathless minute, his eyes returned to normal and he smiled.

"Don't worry", he said. "Tom's spirit is still alive and well. He's the spirit of Middle Earth, and can simply reincarnate himself" he continued, and added that both the genius Burrahobbit would agree to the first point, and that the illustrious Obloquy would agree to the second point, which made it as good as law.

"By the way, Firondoiel, don't I owe you a dance?" asked The Phantom.

Arafangwen felt a pang of sudden jealousy. "Wait a minute, I'm married" she thought. "He's doing the right thing. He doesn't want to start a scandal, and neither do I. It's for the best." She pretended to believe this for the moment, and turned to Firondoiel and said, "Well go on! I had mine, and now it's your turn. I'm sure he'd much rather dance with an available young lady."

The Phantom smiled. He was glad Arafangwen was getting over her feelings. "That will make it much easier to get over mine" he thought. And Firondoiel was, after all, an extremely lovely young lady. "Come, Firondoiel" he said offering his arm.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: the phantom ]

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: the phantom ]

[Arafangwen]

"I see Gandalf!" Arafangwen cried out in delight as her friends left for the dance floor, she had spotted the elderly wizard across the room. She immedietly sprinted towards her old friend , which was to say, a very hard thing to do indeed considering that she was in a dress, though loosely flowing, her legs were exceptionaly long making it hard for the young maiden.

Arafangwen proceded to draw Gandalf away from the crowd and into a private room to speak to him about certain matters which were on her heart, as her friends The Phantom, and Firondoiel were left bewildered having barely heard a word their friend had uttered in her haste. Trippo and Gimli were not bothered a bit by this action though seemingly odd enough, Gimli lived with this odd creature and had warned Trippo of her randomness.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Arafangwen ]

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Yesterday’s had certainly been a long evening, and rather embarrassing for Hilde, after being caught red handed with what she had later learned was a Feastpot. A first class idea, it reminded her of the tale of the quern that ground salt under the sea that she had learned as a child. “Good thing it didn’t grind out a stream of milk and herrings!” she remarked to her husband the next afternoon. As penitence she had volunteered to help with the cleaning up of the dishes. “I good bit of these are mine, I suppose. May as well clean them up too. You’d think those elves could live off miruvor and lembas (not to mention metaphors) alone! I don’t think they used 10 plates between them…you’d swear you were in a forest of young birch trees, so tall and thin and breezy….”

The party had been chosen to spot light the debut of a mass produced lembas. A distant and impoverished descendant of Melian had sold the family’s secret recipe (slightly altered of course) to a well-known purveyor of processed foods. The result was a golden cream filled cake that invariably tasted almost but not quite, entirely unlike lembas and was wrapped in a hermetically sealed green cellophane wrapper stamped with stylized leaf designs. It had caused quite a stir, but certainly seemed a popular choice at this gathering.

[ElentariGreenleaf]

Elentari sat down, waiting for someone to either talk to her or ask her for a danse. Thoriel had dissapeared - probably sleeping, or getting more drunk. Elentari sighed. Sitting down was not the way she expected to be spending her first Barrow Downs Party. Oh well, she thought, Plenty of time left for fun!

[The-Elf-Herself]

TEH laughed at the strange behavior of the group, almost snorting soda up her nose. She then pushes her way through the dancers to another portion of the buffet. She could use a plate of Greek salad about now.

[Carrûn]

Awyrgan woke up with somewhat of a headache. He was slumped against a wall near the side doors. He didn't remember falling asleep. He held his hands to his temples and winced. This was only going to get worse.

Not seeing any familier faces at the moment, he dragged himself over to the bar. He had a mind to speak with Narello, but the boy had sauntered off to dance or cause trouble (both more likely). He coughed and the bartender walked towards him. Observing the dark man he shook his head slightly. "You look like you've had more than enough." A dangerous glint in Awyrgan's eye caught his and he changed his tone. "What can I get for you sir?" "Surprise me," Awrygan ground out with some difficulty. "Ah, a risk taker." The man behind the counter rubbed his hands together and went to work as Awrygan watched. He returned with a large glass of something, and Awrygan could have sworn it was alive. "Better drink it slow," the man warned. Awrygan grinned and nodded.

Turning around to observe the proceedings he slowly sipped at the drink. No effect. Strange. Shrugging, he downed the remainder of the glass. There was a blazing assortment of colors.

Everything went black

Awrygan woke up with his head on the bar. The server was standing next to him grinning, and holding a glass of water which he offered the weathered man. "You enjoy?" Awrygan downed the water. "Give me another." Shrugging his shoulders the bartender handed him another glass. "It's your life."

Awrygan took this glass slower, and glanced around for any familier faces. He hadn't had a conversation in a while, but frankly the drink was more engaging.

[Nuinatariel]

Reining in her black horse, Lëowen stopped in front of the magnificent hall. A blood-red carpet stretched in front of the door, covered with reporters, some of which were looking a bit unsteady on their feet. Handing over her mount to a parking-orc, Lëowen headed toward the doors, trying not to be seen by the reporters. Fortunatly, they were distracted when two of the security-Uruks began fighting. She managed to sneak past undetected.


"Hand over your weapons," growled the Uruk at the door. Reluctantly, Lëowen handed him her longbow and quiver of arrows. "Go on in." said the Uruk. Lëowen nodded, and stepped inside.


About half of the hall's occupants were out cold, draped over chairs, couches, and tables, while some simply sprawled on the floor. Lëowen glanced around nervously. She didn't really know anyone here. A waiter approached her, asking what she wanted to drink. "Water, please." she told him, not wanting to end up like the comatose guests.


Casting another glance at her surroundings, Lëowen headed toward an empty table. Sinking into a chair, she sipped at her water. This should get interesting, she thought to herself; watching as couples in various stages of drunkeness stumble around in time to the music.

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

"Well... it's been great fun, but I got a bit more drunk than is good for me, you know... even I don't usually get to the point of climbing on tables and reciting poetry" she giggled. "Oh, it was a pleasure talking to you, and I'll be sure to talk to you again late, but I believe I see a friend of mine who needs a bit of help right now." She laughed again, and ran over to Eladoriel to pull her off of the floor. "Goodness, El, you'll need to drink mch more than that to keep p with me... You wouldn't believe....(or maybe you would, but that's another matter smilies/wink.gif ) Here, I'll leave you with a friend, as I am feeling more than a bit tipsy myself and need to find something to do. Hey, Trippo?" she called to the hippopotamus who was now emerging from the crowd. "I know you aren't drunk, so would you do me a favor? Could you take my friend here and find a place for her to lie down? Thank you so much! And if you can't find one, just prop her up against a wall or something, please." With this Menelien blew a kiss to the hippo and ducked into the crowd once more, hoping that somebody would ask her to dance, as Trippo was *ahem* otherwise occupied just now, and Gimli was nowhere to be seen.

[Arafangwen]

Arafangwen looked very relived and happy as she and Gandalf left the little room and proceded to re-mingle with their former groups. Upon reaching her table she saw something that took her aback though. The Phantom and Firondoiel were dancing rather closely for her comfort, she wondered if this meant what she was the only one that felt what she had the previous night, with that thought she decided against telling her friends what she had so despratly wanted to earlier, it was likely to late for her news to change anything anymore.

With a dejected look on her face, the she-elf walked alone to the bar and asked for Ale-cake, upon hearing there was none, she became even more upset and returned to her seat, her heart quickly drowning in this new flounder of emotions.

[Sillabub]

In the broom closet, located in the front hall of Minas Anor: Frodo was asleep among a pile of mops and buckets when suddenly something large and heavy was shut in the closet with him. A 14 year old boy with black hair and scotch-taped glasses was lying in a place near the door, yelling things that suonded like gibberish. Frodo shuddered. Surely this boy wasn't insane? He hated insane people. Oh, and he also hated flies. And Gollum. And getting muddy. And being locked in a closet with who knows how many of those creepy dustbunnies! And...Frodo continued his list of things he hated, which goes ON AND ON AND ON AND- well, yes. I'll just skip that part. It takes WAAAAY too long to type it all. So, as I was saying, Frodo and the stranger (who just so HAPPENS TO BE Harry Potter, Antien's escort)were bound and gagged, locked in a broom closet in the front hall of Minas Anor while all the downies were having FUN at the ceremony. Well, almost all of them...

Whatever place the party is being held at the moment: Sillabub and Antien waited in the front hall for Lysi and, if he actually turned up, Fraul. They were very bored. They were also very annoyed that Lysi and Fraul weren't there. And to top it all off, Sillabub had a craving for MORE black forest cake.
"Wanna go get some more cherry wine?" Antien asked.
"I've never had cherry wine before, but it sounds good enough. Sure!" Sillabub said."But how will we get it?"
"I have my ways..." Antien chuckled mysteriously(don't ask how that's possible).
"If you say so" Sillabub muttered. They walked over to the bar.
"So what's the plan?" Sillabub asked once they had sat down at the bar.
"You distract the bartender by ordering a drink or something, and argue with him as long as possible. I'll slip in and grab a bottle" Antien whispered.
"I guess so" Sillabub said, dismayed. "You! Bartender! Yeah you! I don't see any other bartenders around here, do you?!"
"Coming! What do you want?!" The Bartender yelled.
"THE ONE RI- umm...I mean...I dunno, what do you serve?" Sillabub asked.
"Well" The bartender began, looking at her suspiciously "We have red wine, white wine, malt beer, Liquor, cocktails, cabernet, champagne, cherry wine, spritzers, bloody marys, Ice wine, normal beer, mulled cider, you know, all the normal bar stuff."
"What's the grade of the grapes used to make the Ice wine?" Sillabub inquired anxiously.
"I don't know! I don't grow the grapes!" The bartender exclaimed nervously.
"Alright then! Have a good day!" Sillabub said brightly, hopping down from the bar stool. "That was fun!" she told Antien.
"Whatever. Now, a toast! To..." Antien proclaimed.
"ALW?"Sillabub suggested hopefully.
"No. To The Fellowship of the Flyswatters!" Antien said regally, popping the cork from the bottle of wine. "Go on, try some!"
Sillabub eyed her glass cautiosly. She took a small sip, made a face, and swallowed hard. "This tastes horrible!"
"Who cares?" Antien asked lazily, sipping her wine.
Sillabub was about to return to her hotwiring when she saw Lysi. Her and Antien waved.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Sillabub ]

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Menelien walked past a closet from which seemed to coming strange thump noises. Okay... thought Mnelien. Have a look, shall I? Upon seeeing abound and gagged Harry Potter, and next to him, an equally treated Frodo, Menelien quickly shut the door again and thought Best not to interefere...

[Nuinatariel]

Scanning the room with her elven eyes, Lëowen finally found a familiar face. Elentari! Rising from her seat, Lëowen made her way through the crowd of people to where Elentari sat.


"Hello! It's nice to see someone I know here," said Lëowen.

[Arvedui]

Arvedui paused before the gates of the grand hall and lit his pipe. The fragrant pipeweed wafted out as a good draw led to another as he watched the security Uruks argue over the Orc-draught they had hidden in the leather bag. With a chuckle, Arvedui now felt ready to go in to the hall. He tamped out the ember and slid the pipe into his cloak and pushed open the door.

There were folk about in various states of innebriation and dress and such, for the party had been going on for some time. Arvedui made his way toward the bar in hopes of getting a tankard of ale, and the tired looking barkeep asked what he wished.

'A good ale, whatever you have will be fine.' Arvedui said.

"Well," The bartender said, "we are pretty much out of beverage, being a three year birthday bash and all. We do have some dregs of this Mordorian Red left. I may get a tankard if I tip the keg."

Arvedui nodded and looked around. There were some movement usually accompanied with a moan, along with the few who were conscience. After 5 minutes of tapping the ale, the tankard was passed and Arvedui lifted it up and said,

'To Barrow Downs 3rd year! I am glad to be a part of it!'

He sipped down a good portion as he leaned back against the bar.

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Menelien sat down at her table again, having sufficiently forgotten the pain of her hangover to start on earning another one, and ordered a beer, hoping that some handsome guys would soon join her, or at least some of her friends...

[ElentariGreenleaf]

"Lëowen!" said Elentari, her voice full of joy. "You cannot know how glad I am to see you! People seem to be ignoring me," she added, giving a sideways look at the people next to her. "How are you?"

"I'm fine thanks," replied Lëowen.

[Arafangwen]

Arafangwen turned her head from the dance floor as her two friends approached her, she couldn't bear to look at them at the moment.

"Did he feel nothing?" Arafangwen thought desperatly as she proceded to try and not look as frustrated as she was quickly becoming.

"I wish I had never agreed with Naneth, then I would never have been in this situation in the first place." she thought bitterly to herself as she vainly tried to control her angry thoughts about her mother.

"Mabey if I ask Legolas to come he could-" she cut her self off as she mentaly scolded herself, "He would not be pleased if you called him just to act in a childish manner and plead for his help." she silently resolved not to be angry with Naneth, Legolas, or Gandalf. She knew she could not control her torent of emotions much longer, The Phantom was sure to notice and wonder.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Sophia said a quick goodbye to Stryker, after their long and lovely chat. "I seem to have lost a certain elf-flirt... I should go see where he's gotten to." she said apologetically, having promised Fin she'd keep track of him if he wasn't able to keep track of himself ( smilies/smile.gif).

She looked around the room hesitantly, but couldn't see where he'd gone. The last time she'd seen him he'd been dancing with Nerindel. Another quick look showed that Nerindel was nowhere to be found either. This simply wouldn't do... Not only would Sophia enjoy another good dance, but she'd also like another go at Fin's hairstyle, wherever he was.

Grinning cheekily she crept around the edges of the room looking under tables and in corners for her most likely incapacitated escort.

[Nuinatariel]

Lëowen grinned. "Considering how drunk some of these people are, it might not be a bad thing that they're ignoring you," she told Elentari. Lëowen looked around. "There sure are alot of people here,"
"But not many of them conscious," laughed Elentari. Lëowen nodded in agreement, watching as another guest hot-wired the music system.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: Nuinatariel ]

[The-Elf-Herself]

TEH walked over to the bar to get a splash of whiskey in her soda. After doing so, she looked around for someone to talk to, as she's not much of a dancer and hardly in clothing suitable to dancing anyway.

[Stryker Stormeye]

Stryker, after saying goodbye to Sophia, walked to the buffet. After getting some Balrog wings and some lembas, he sat down at a table. Looking over, he saw a depressed looking elf (Arafangwen).

"Whats wrong?" he asked politely, "You look depressed."

[Donlammenion]

"Nil my fair lady, would it be to bold to ask for a little kiss as you have made the evening so far extremely enjoyable"

Niluial gave don a coy look
"What is this you ask of an elven Maiden as innocent as I?"

"well i had better go ahead and just show you"

He replied and proceeded to do exactly that!

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Menelien watched Niuial and Don and sighed. Could somebody ask me to dance? she thought.

[Ainaserkewen]

"Hello This is Reesha Weathers! Has anyone seen MR. Und..." But Reesha, who was standing on a chair, was ripped down, and dragged away by Ainaserkewen.
"You're embarassing me!" she said. And the two went off to have a private talk about conduct and being good since few of the press were being aloud inside and it was a great honour. So for the next few hours, there was nothing to be heard of Ainaserkewen.

[Niluial]

Donlammenion kissed Niluial slowly. Niluials heart started to beat ever so fast and her breath was taken away. She was overwhelmed but happy. Don stopped but Niluial reached back and kissed him again.

[One Axe to Rule them All]

Suddenly, Menelien was startled by a deep voice behind here say "I believe I still owe you a dance m'lady and as she whirled around, she saw gimli standing behind her, bowing to her.

[dragoneyes]

Thoriel slowly raised her head from the table where it had lain. She tried to knock some feeling back into her cheek where she had been lying on it but it made her head hurt so she just massaged it. She also made a quick mental note to make sure she was lying down next time she decided to fall asleep as she was sure the position she had been sleeping had done her back no good.

Her mind still slow and sleepy, Thoriel remembered just the few things after the drinking game, she remembered seeing Elentari somewhere, perhaps she'd go look for her later, she was bound to be annoyingly energetic and Thoriel couldn't do with that just now. Thoriel also faintly remembered Gorwingel appearing from somewhere and she made another mental note to go look for her before the party was through.

She rubbed her tired eyes and streched a little, she wondered where Sophia and Fin a run off to, they weren't anywhere in sight. She decided to go looking for them so she stood up, then sat strait back down again. She'd go looking for them after a good strong cup of tea.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Continuing her search Sophia headed into the various foyers and coatrooms outside the main hall. Sticking her head into each room she surveyed the variety of Barrowdowners asleep on the couches or sometimes the floor.

She gave a quizzical look at HerenIstarion as she passed him snoozing on a couch in a particularly awkward position. How had he managed to fall asleep with his head and shoulders lying down, but his feet on the floor as though he was sitting up? Sophia shook his head, that guy was going to wake up with one major crick in the neck.

The sound of muttering drew Sophia's attention to a doorway she hadn't noticed, and she stuck her head inside. Sure enough, there was Fin, sounding reasonably sober, with a pocket mirror in his hand. He was sitting on a couch with his back to the doorway. Sophia crept in quietly, hoping to overhear his mutterings.

Oh, my hair... was all she could manage to listen to before a soft snicker escaped her lips. Fin jumped and looked over his shoulder. "Oh, Sophia, it's you!"

"So this is where you've been hiding out?" she asked him, swatting his feet off the couch so she could sit down (with a sudden flash of insight on H-Is strange seating arragnement). "Come back out, enjoy the party..."

He gave her a black look, "Is it safe out there with you about?" he asked her, a little grin creeping up on him. Sophia laughed and pulled him to his feet.

"Let's go get a drink, you can't spend a party by yourself in a closet."

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Menelien was very startled when she heard Gimli’s voice behind her, she turned around quickly (managing not to trip on the hem of her dress) and stuttered for a moment before she managed to get out something more or less coherent “why.. of course!” She smiled as they walked onto the dance floor, though, had they known it, they made a bit of a funny picture: a short dwarf and a rather clumsy/tipsy-looking tall elf maiden whose hair was ‘beginning’ to come out of its once-pretty hairstyle and gather in ringletts about her face (the ringlets had been blow dryed in the day before smilies/wink.gif ). She dropped her eyes and wished she had paid more attention in her dance classes as the music started.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: GaladrieloftheOlden ]