The Barrow-Downs' Third Birthday Party and Downie Awards

[Lush]

Lush rubbed her eyes, and slowly came to the realization that perhaps the vision of some shady types doing the Macarena earlier was not a hellish hallucination but a ridiculous reality. Perhaps an assassination was in order, but she couldn't be bothered, not until she found some aspirin, anyway.

Turning her head to locate the source of the latest mischief, Lush found herself staring at the...rather large canine creatures that seemed to have appeared straight out of a mad Englishman's imagination. She wondered what was worse: the possibility of being eaten alive, or the fact that she was on her third cigarette for the night. She decided on the latter, and thought the Saucepan Man a bit of a pansy for getting so worked up about some dogs in the first place.

Brushing a single speck of dust off her luminous white jacket, Lush gave X a wink and an exhausted (yet innocent) smile. Oh for a bucket of the warm South! Or any bucket, really, just to soak her feet in.

[The Saucepan Man]

Having been panhandled away from danger and back into the Hall by Iarwain, the Saucepan Man stammered his thanks. Then, pulling himself together and mustering all the bravado that he could find, he said defiantly "Of course, I had the situation covered, you know."

Saucepan shot a wounded glance at Lush, but then nodded in approval as he saw that her assumed air of innocence was slowly melting away to reveal a far more familar figure.

Then, the excitement of recent events having been quite enough for him for the time being, he wandered off for a well earned rest. As he settled down on the sofa that he had spent the previous night, he noticed that Heren-Istanion was still slumbering peacefully on the sofa nearby.

"Boy does that fellow know how to sleep" he thought to himself as he drifted off into a pleasant dream that happily involved no Wargs whatsoever.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: The Saucepan Man ]

[Silmarien]

Silmarien stopped; suddenly aware she was making a spectacle of herself. Then she looked around, no one was taking any notice of her or so it seemed.

She decided to introduce herself to someone. But who? “Anyone up for a dance?!!!” She hollered. If that didn’t get someone’s attention she would go into a corner and get quietly drunk, like every one else seemed to be doing.

[Carrûn]

The bartender's second "surprise" had changed the tune in Awrygan's head from a rather soothing Mozart meledy to a throbbing Paul Oakenfold beat. Still, it had tasted great. He blinked. Eyelids...heavy. Not content to pass out at the moment he prepared to bite his tounge, placing it firmly between his teeth.

The next moment he felt an incredibly sharp pain as an unexpected small fist slamed into his back causing him to bite down much quicker and harder than originally planned. In fact, the very tip of it was now floating around in his mouth. "...the 'lell?" He turned to face a flushed and wide-eyed Narello. "'lam it boi I 'ill oo!" His swipe at the boy missed and the grinning child proceeded to hand him a rather unpleasent looking needle and thread.

Awrygan looked aprehensively at the needle in his hand for a moment, and then deciding that it would not be advantagous to speak in his current manner for the rest of his days began the painful process of sewing the tip of his tounge back on. When he was finished he turned back to Narello. "Couldn't you just have kicked my shins like you normally do?"

The boy laughed. "It's a special occasion. Besides, I've already drunk more than you. In fact, I'll bet..." he pulled out a bizzare dagger that he had pinched off one of the guards. "...I can out drink you," he finished. Awyrgan pondered the challenge for a moment. Narello was somewhat of a legend amongst the Shire, having outdrank most of the hobbits at the Green Dragon during one of his visits. Still, he had never beaten Awrygan and even though he had already been drinking on and off for about a day in advance the man was still confident. "Fine. But only I pick the drinks."

He spun around to face the bartender. "Two of something competitive." The man behind the counter glanced at the small boy next to the man. "You know, you're going to make me loose my license. Keep it quiet." Awrygan snickered. "Whatever you say m'lord." With a disapproving smirk, the man passed the two competitors each a glass of a foaming green concoction.

[The Evenstar]

The sound of clattering hoof beats echoed in the night. The Evenstar, known as the mysterious elf and kindred of Arwen and Elrond, rode towards the Hall on her grand white steed, Imirie. Nobody knew her real name, for she went only by the name of the Evenstar. Some had heard that her name truly was Ithilmir, meaning ‘moon-jewel’ but none were sure of it, for this fair and beautiful Elven maiden would not tell.

Unlike most of the other guests, The Evenstar did not come by an escort or by carriage. She came in the eventide and came by herself, mysterious and beautiful as ever.
Her long and thick chestnut hair was slightly curled and kinky. Some of it was pinned up with glistening pins. She had sparkling flowers in her waves of chestnut hair.
Her pointy elf-ears peeked through her locks. She had little make-up upon her fair face, because she was naturally beautiful. Her lips were red as blood, her face as fair as a snowdrop, her lashes as black as evening. Her eyes were as turquoise-blue as the Anduin in summertime.
The Evenstar pulled Imirie into a graceful trot and rode up to the Hall. She dismounted with elegance only an Elf could possess.
Her dress was natural, plain, but immensely beautiful. It was a color hard to define; a sort of bluish-green with a touch of midnight sapphire hinting it. It was long and flowing, like waves upon the sea and it was not tight. The greens swirling into the fabric were that of a forest and the blues of the sky and Sea.
This Elf wore no jewelry, save for the family mark of her kindred, a pearly-sliver lace around her fair neck.
Her nails were plain for they had a natural sheen to them. She wore no shoes upon her feet; for she loved to feel the leaves beneath them as she walked.
The Evenstar climbed the stairs of the hall, her dress flowing behind her.
The party was in full bloom. There was chattering and laughing echoing from inside the Hall. The Evenstar’s heart swelled with excitement and happiness as she reached the doors. A guard was standing there; ready to search her for weapons.
He was overcome by her beauty when he saw her that he could not find words at first.
“Uh…A-any weapons, my lady?” he stammered. The Elf looked him straight in the eyes.
“I do not carry any weapons with me,” she said. Her voice was like the soft chiming of bells.
“Very well,” said the guard. “Go on in.” He had seen her Elven necklace and immediately knew that she was kindred of Elrond and Arwen.
The Elf walked down the red carpet. Most of the chatter and laughter stopped when the other guests saw her enter. They stared at her in awe.
Hushed whispers started among the guests. The Evenstar was the last to arrive at the party. All knew of this mysterious elf.
The Evenstar walked to where Elrond and Arwen were sitting in elegant thrones. She knelt down and bowed her head.
“My lord, my lady. I have come at last. Please pardon me for being late,” she said.
Elrond touched her head.
“It’s alright. I understand that you may come and go when you please. Now go and enjoy the party,” said Elrond.
The Evenstar found her friends, Niluial and her date, GaladrieloftheOlden, MLD-Grounds-Keeper-Willie and others.
She danced with a few guys and taught them some of her own Elvish dance steps. There was an elvish orchestra on a platform in the corner played harps, lyres, flutes and sitars.

There were tables filled with delicious Elvish delicacies: All different kinds of lembas, honey cakes, poppy-seed doughnuts, caramel dumplings, almonds, sugar-candies, syrup from a Mallorn Tree, melons, apples, pears, berries coated in sugar, cinnamon and sugar, berry wine, Elvish wine and a variety of other things.

There were also Dwarvish appetizers like malt beer, bread made of yeast, barley and malt, bones laden with ripe meat and mustard cakes – all separate from the Elvish food table of course!
There was also a table of food known to Humans. Upon were cakes topped with strawberries and poppy-seeds, breads covered in fresh flour, tender meat arranged artistically upon silver platters, blueberry pie sprinkled with orange-rinds, seed muffins and an assortment of wines.

The Evenstar elegantly picked out a glass of Elvish wine with her long, graceful fingers and took a dainty sip from the rim of the glass.
Yes, she thought. This is going to be a memorable night!

[Manardariel]

"And isn´t Ironic? Don´t you think? It´s like raaaaaaiiiiiiinnn!!" Manardariel sang, pointing up to the hole in the ceiling. She giggeled madly, taking another sip of her drink. "Manardariel, you´re drunk" Pearl said, shaking her head. "So are you! And I´m just a bit drunk. Just a tiny bit." The girl pointed out.

Then she had one of her extra-brilliant ideas. She walked over to the band and talked to them a bit. They laughed and nodded. "Sure, we can do that!" "Ohhhh goody!" Manardariel grinned mischeviously. Then she climbed on a chair.

"Ok people." She shouted. "It´s time for KAREOKE!!!!!!!! Any volunteers?"

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

[Airerûthiel]

Bragolhirwen shrugged. "It does not matter," she said. "To be honest with you, I have been thinking of giving up the adventurer's life. Perhaps I am being a little foolish in quitting so early on in my life because I could not find any adventure that caught my eye. But I shall be content if all that happens in my life after this is that I finally settle down into a life of relative normalcy.

"Now if you will be so kind as to excuse me, I am afraid that I must go and speak with my cousin." She cast a wary eye in the direction of the other end of the bar. "He seems to be quaffing an awful lot of that fruit punch. I hope it is not too alcoholic, or heaven knows where he will end up after the party. I wish you the best of luck with your quest to slay the dragon."

The half-Elf bowed low and then hurried off to attend to her cousin. Elentari stared after her friend, a sad smile on her face. It had been good to see an old companion once more, even for only a few short minutes. Suddenly she felt a tap on her shoulder, and turned round quickly to see a young woman with shoulder-length wavy dark blonde hair and turquoise standing behind her.

"Forgive me for interrupting," said the maiden, "but I could not help noticing that you spoke with Bragolhirwen. Do you know her?"

Elentari nodded. "We fought alongside each other to slay the great spider Shelob. She was a good friend to me. Why do you ask this?"

"We are acquaintances," said the young woman as she sat down. "I met her on the road a few times, and we talked on occasion. She thought very highly of you, even though she did not know you for very long." She offered out a hand. "My name is Neisa, and I come from Edoras in the Riddermark. And you are Elentari, the Spider Slayer of Mirkwood, are you not?"

[Schmendrick]

Well, Isilmë's beauty-sleep had remained very short indeed. Just a few minutes after her falling asleep, there had been a tremendous BANG only a few feet away and she had woken up just in time to see the unintended - but beautiful - fireworks. As if this hadn't been enough, now there was en enormous hole in the ceiling and rain was pouring in!


Isilmë couldn't help but hum to herself quietly "Why does it always rain on me, is it because I lied when I was seventeen?", one of her favorite-tunes by Travis. She also thought she had heard (over all the noice) somebody mentioning "Should I stay or should I go?" by the Clash, but she didn't know who it had been. Well, I hope h/she hasn't decided the latter, she thought to herself, for she would have very much liked to talk to that somebody. Isilmë continued her (off-tune) singing, perhaps secretly hoping that somebody would notice her..er...talent and ask her to join the Saucepan Man- trio. " Even when the sun is shining, I can't avoid the lightning..."

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

[The Evenstar]

The Evenstar gazed at the beautiful fireworks that were lighting up the sky.
Sprinkles of pink, red, blue and yellow were splattered across the night sky.
"Wow," she said to Isilmë who was standing next to her. "It's weird to see fireworks in the rain."
Isilmë nodded.
"Some one's got to control them, though. They're unattended," she said.
The Evenstar laughed merrily.
"That's what makes it interesting!" she said.

[Lyra Greenleaf]

From somewhere off to the side of the room, Lyra heard Manardariel shout "Kareoke!"
Great she thought, rubbing her hands together. An EXCUSE to sing badly!
Running as fast as her little Hobbit legs would carry her she got up to the front.
"I'll sing, but you're singing with me" she said, grabbing Manardariel by the arm. "After all, it was your idea"

The two had a huddle over what song to sing, Lyra was still happy from yesterday (1-0!) and wanted I'm forever blowing bubbles" but Manardariel wasn't too sure. They argued their way through various tunes before finally agreeing on: Happy Birthday!

Lyra looked forward. During the aham, discussions the crowd had all wandered away. "Turn the volume RIGHT up!" she said to the band, and with voices as bad (sorry!) as one another began to sing.

Happy Birthday to you
Squashed tomatoes and- began Lyra, before being quelled by a look from Manardariel.
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Barrowdowns
Happy Birthday to you!
"It might not have been original, but at least it was short!" Lyra called to thunderous applause, gratitude they had finished, most likely!
"Who's next?"

[Oddwen]

"KARAOKE!" someone screams.
"Yay!" I think. "Back on stage I go!"

"I'm fixing a hole where the rain gets in
and stops my mind from wandering
where it will go
I'm filling the cracks that ran though the door
and kept my mind from wandering
where it will go

And it really doesn't matter if I'm wrong
I'm right where I belong
I'm right where I belong
See the people standing there
who disagree and never win
and wonder why they don't get in my door

I'm painting my room in a colorful way,
and when my mind is wandering
there I will go

And it really doesn't matter if I'm wrong
I'm right where I belong
I'm right where I belong
Silly people run around
they worry me and never ask me
why they don't get past my door

I'm taking my time for a number of things
that weren't important yesterday
and I still go

I'm fixing a hole where the rain gets in
and stops my mind from wandering
where it will go
where it will go
I'm fixing a hole where the rain gets in
and stops my mind from wandering
where it will go"


Meanwhile, several Gondorians are trying to do just that...

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

The morning found Mr. Bracegirdle by the main door handing out steaming breakfast plates to the security guards. “Got to keep you boys well fed so you can keep a sharp lookout!” The press members gathered looking hopefully at him, but Mr. Bracegirdle only scowled “Be off with you aleady! You carrion crows!”

A low rumbling was heard shortly, and the sound of horse hooves. The orcs reluctantly abandoned their breakfast to investigate. A team of large draft horses were seen coming up the hill with a man walking along side of them. As the horses drew closer it became apparent that they were towing a very large wooden rabbit behind them (and a hastily constructed one at that).

The orcs approached the man and asked what this was all about. “I’ve been told that I’m to deliver this here present to this address. A hobbit lady said that someone would be here to receive it for her.”

“Oh, that would be me then, wouldn’t it?” exclaimed Mr. Bracegirdle. “Seems my Hilde and her friends back home banded together to get a present the Barrow-Wight, this being such a special anniversary.”

This caused a commotion among the guards, with much heated debate. Mr. Bracegirdle waited patiently and listened closely. After some time it was decided that the ” present” would be allowed if it could fit though the metal detector….

Inside Mrs. Bracegirdle was visible agitated. She was pacing up and down singing quietly to herself.

Should I stay or should I go now?
Should I stay or should I go now?
If I go there will be trouble
An' if I stay it will be double
So come on and let me know
Should I stay or should I go now?


Beware of hobbits bearing gifts!

[Laiquendi]

The sound of drunken singing worked it's way into her head. She groaned and lifted her head, blinkng sleeply. That mudwater's good stuff. she thought, wondering what excitment she had missed.
She looked around, again feeling left out. She stood up, and hoping that her legs would last she walked out of the room, leaving the her fellow BDer's to have more drunken fun.

[Helkahothion]

"Helkha,.....er, Anuion, you're in trouble. Not only did you steal fireworks, but also words from Bethberry's mouth.... Plus, there's all this mess you made in the Hall." She pointed upward at the prominent hole through which rain was coming in pelting sheets.

"If I had my way, I'd call over the Orc guards and have you dragged off to the Lockholes in the Shire to spend time thinking about your miserable misdeeds. But to tell the truth, I don't trust those security guards. Ending up as lunch in an Orc's stomach does seem like a harsh punishment."

"So this is what I've decided. I expect you to present yourself at the Green Dragon or the White Horse next week after the party, and spend some time washing dishes. Someone is going to have to fix this mess, and you'll need to earn the money to pay for that!"

And with those words, Cami left a laughing Anuion

"Sure thing Cami. Ill be there." Anuion exclaimed happily.

He did not care; he just set of a table skywards and learned that he could disapparate. On the dance floor Lyra was starting a karaoke. Always nice. Anuion waited for his turn and then stepped up.

Blasting a table up in the sky
Everybody was waving by
Balrog wings al over the place
Cami came with a steady pace

Now I have to go to Bree
Cami found out about me
"Your punishment" Cami states
You will clean up all the plates

That hole in the ceiling is mighty big
I can't believe your head is so thick
What has gotten into you?
Cause I don't really have a clue

Someone’s going to pay for that
Not just by holding up a hat
Expensive is this very hall
And you just don't go have a ball

Next I am going to die
They will set my butt up in the sky
I will leave this place by rocket power
But oh does Aman smell like a flower

Although the ending was weird and totally off-topic with the story (of course) people applauded and Anuion stepped of the stage so that the next artist could step up and perform her tricks for the audience.

[ElentariGreenleaf]

"Hello Neisa," replied Elentari. "Yes, I am the Spider Slayer of Mirkwood. I'm glad to know the free peoples of Middle Earth know they are safe from such beasts as the Spiders."

"Yes," replied Neisa. "Word of mouth is a wonderful thing, Elentari. We have even heard of the dragon..."

"Ah," said Elentari. "Well, it has caused much destruction. More so than that of the Spiders. I will not rest after this part until I have made sure of its death. I have a band of brave fighters to accompany me, so Middle Earth will be safe yet again." Elentari sipped some more Lemon juice. "Have you tried this Lemon juice? It's delicious!"

[Alatariel Telemnar]

Alatariel, awoken by the singing, sits upright on the couch. She walks over to a table and gets a soda.

[Nuinatariel]

Near the back of the room, Lëowen reappeared in a small puff of smoke. No one seemed to notice her abrupt reappearance, because at that moment, someone yelled out "KARAOKE!!"


"This should be interesting," thought Lëowen as she made her way to the front of the room to watch.

[Alatariel Telemnar]

Alatariel, sipping her soda, saw that a crowd had been forming on the other side of the room, around where she had been awaken by the singing. Walking towards there she saw a few groups chatting off to the side. Walking towards the stage, she heard Anuion finishing his song.

[Laiquendi]

Lalaith returned to the room. Instead of sitting in a dark corner she went straight to the bar.
"A Sauron Slammer", she said to the bartender, who handed a red coloured shot. She downed it in one and turned to see who else was in the room.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Cami watched Anuion disappear go up on stage, after promising to visit one of the Inns and pay off his debt to society by washing dishes for several days. The lad had also agreed to put up a temporary patch on the ceiling so that the worst of the indoor rain could be halted.

She'd have to remember to tell Bethberry or Pio to keep a eye out for Anuion after the party ended. Better yet, she'd get Aylwen or Aman to ride out on horseback with a special pm summons and retrieve the youth by the scruff of the collar and drag him over to help.

There would certainly be a lot of dirty dishes left after this party. Rumor had it that the Downs' administrators had been too frugal to pay the Orcs for anything other than security duty, Plus, they'd had certain legitimate reservations about the Orcs' ability to handle fine china. Whatever the reason, the Downs would be woefully short of paid clean-up staff. Among the hobbits attending the bash, rumor had it that all the dirty plates and cups and glasses were eventually to be shipped over to the kitchen of the Green Dragon Inn, while the cutlery would end up in White Horse.

Cami had never liked doing dishes, and today was no exception. Plus, both the Inns were a bit more Tolkien-true than this party, and neither of them even owned a mechanical dishwasher. You'd think Mithadan would have remembered to put in such machines at the Hall! Cami thought it might be prudent if she kept out an eye for other evildoers and sentenced them to a stint in the Dragon to assist her and the other Innkeepers in this dreadful chore.

Maybe Angara could even help. She'd ask the Wyrm to puff up to her largest size and prowl the hall looking for likely "victims" to invite for a correctional stint in the Inn kitchens. Peering about the Hall, Cami could see any number of possible invitees. There were drunk and disorderly Men and Elves lolling about here and there, as well as several standing up on tables to sing who might be justly collared for "disturbing the peace."

With this thought in mind, she began meandering about the party site, looking for likely victims.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Arien]

Arien lifted her head up from the bar and stared around. The party was in full swing now and there was a hole in the roof. Rain poured through but no- one seemed to care that much. She shook her head and the floor was littered with gems. Opps, never mind. She thought to her self as she downed the rest of the red wine in front of her. She looked around the bar, a few drunk people sat sprawled, sleeping.

Someone sat down next to her and asked for a Sauron Slammer, quite a disgusting drink in Arien's opinion, but hey whatever rocked her boat. She turned to face the stranger who had asked for the drink.

"Hello..." said Arien sheepishly.

[Laiquendi]

Lalith looked around, hearing a voice nearby. She was slightly drunk still, despite her walk in the rain.
She turned and grinned at the stranger.
"Hel... Hello" she turned to the bartender. "Another please and one for this friendly person here.... unless she would like something diffrent"
She turned back to Arien and held out her hand, trying to stop her head from spinning.
"Lalaith at your service"

[Arien]

"Hey Lalaith, you look a bit .... errr .... tipsy?" it wasn't a very good introduction, but then Arien was never good at that.

"Yes, yes..."

"Im Arien, maia of the sun e.c.t, e.c.t. So enjoying the party?" Lalaith nodded. "So is this your first downs party? Yeah its mine to..." this wasn't going well Arien was always rubbish at speaking. She looked around the room, she could see Cami talking to a rowdy bunch of elves who decided it would be funny to have a water fight right next to the electrics. She turned back round to face Lalaith who had just ordered another drink. "You know I dont think that getting absolutely slaughtered will do anything good, apart from giving you a enormous hangover..." Arien said as she ordered another bottle of red wine.

[Laiquendi]

She grinned. Following Arien's gaze.
"Yes, your right, i really shouldn't drink any more"

She looked at the hole in the ceiling.
"Wow when did that happen, i must have passed out"
She turned back to the bar and pushed the drink away from her.

Arien smiled. Lalaith turned to her.
"Again good idea, i think i'll lay off the slammers AND the mudwater, wine seems a good choice"

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

[Arien]

"yes, wine is much better......And about that hole, I think someone had a little accident with a firework..." she said grinning a Lalaith. Out of the corner of her eye Arien could see that the buffet table was being stocked up with food.

"Care for some food?" Arien asked," maybe that will take your mid off the drink!"

"Yes ok," she replied and the two got up and walked over to the buffet cart, each taking a plate they started to pick out their food.

[*Varda*]

Poppy collapsed wearily in a chair to observe the goings-on. She hadn’t even done much dancing, or drinking, but the party was simply moving too fast for the young hobbit to keep up with it all. Scurrying about the room, it was all she could do not to be trodden underfoot by the twirling and dancing elves and humans, and for a lot of them, it was all they could do to keep themselves upright.

Daerohil had soon disappeared off into the midst of the party after a short chat. Other than that, Poppy couldn’t see any other sober people, or even anyone able to pretend to be so. Every now and then, she saw a glimmer of white light as Lush passed through the crowd, or a clanking of pans as the Saucepan Man danced with someone.

Leaning back in her chair, she peered through the crowd. Out of the corner of her eye she saw…no, it couldn’t be. Not on heaven or earth would this hobbit ever attend a Barrowdowns Birthday Party, knowing the shenanigans likely to be going on…but it was. Poppy abruptly crawled under the table as Lousewart Chastitybelt stood nearby, looking dazed and quite bewildered about where she was.

“I haven’t even been in the Shire for a few years, and I’d still know that scowling face a mile away,” mumbled Poppy. “Why is she here? Probably trying to assassinate Dr Maril, most likely…wish I’d been there when she read that article…” Giggling quietly to herself at the image of the Garden Club hiding with guns at the ready, Poppy crawled out from the other side of the table and attempted to run off to the bar, before a lecture on not coming home to her family was imminent.

“Poppy Took, is that you!” she heard from behind her, as she moved between the people swaying to the music or to the influence of alcohol. Soon out of sight, she burst out laughing, and ordered a vodka at the bar, cautiously keeping an eye out for Angara, who seemed to be looking for victims, or Lousewart, whichever was worse.

[Laiquendi]

She looked at the food in front of her. Carefully avoiding the lembas she started to pick at bits.
"Had too much lembas recently" she muttered to herself. She turned to see too hobbits nearby. The room started spinning, she had drank more than she had thought. She felt a hand on her shoulder, steadying her.
"You okay?" Arien asked.
"Yes, i think so. I just turned a bit too quickly"
She grinned, "I'll be okay once i've eaten"

[Liriodendron]

Liri carefully tiptoed into the party. "Far Out!" she murmured in amazment.
There were all sorts of Barrow Downers, in various states of consciousness, strewn about like flotsam and jetsam. Liri knew she had given up the Gaffer's mushrooms several years ago, but wondered if perhaps this was some sort of flashback.
There's even a pot..er..Panhead over there! she gasped. Liri felt a strong desire to meditate, so she grabbed some chairs and set up her incense burners, and spread some tapestries. (the dogs playing poker, her favorites!) After a few minutes of patchouli inhalation, Liri was able to 'center' and focus. "They've got to do something about that hole in the roof!" she thought.

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

[Laiquendi]

She grinned again and ate something that looked rometly like meat, though she wasn't sure. She saw a new commer meditating.
I wonder if that helps if your drunk? she thought, tempted to sit on the floor where she was and try it. She decided against it, not wanting to pass out again on the now very wet floor. She grinned again as she looked at the celing, wishing she had been awake to see it happen.

[Durelin]

Rytien appeared again in a cloud of green smoke, and laughed histerically as she watched Anuion get in trouble. Cami had ordered him to scrub pots! This was the coolest party.

She then began playing air guitar as she screamed the words to Little Things, but stopped when she heard Anuion's screeshing voice rise up above the talking from the stage. He was singing his own little song...and it almost rhymed! She was amazed.

Rytien waited until Anuion was done, then strolled over to punch him in the ribs. "So, you'll be washing dishes, eh? Eh? Mwahahahahahahahahahahahaha!" Rytien stood there laughing maniacally for a moment until Anuion punched her in the gut. Then, coming back to reality she murmured, "Er. Sorry."

"Uh. What is with this party. It confuses me..."

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Menelien was dead tired, having danced through the night under the hole in the ceiling until somebody had come by to close it up (she had meant to punch that someone, but the alcohol she had drunk was 'beginning' to take efffect, so she only managed a small kick at the air and then a flop onto the rather wet floor.) She got up, dried off her dress, said hi to The Evenstar, who, it seemed, had only just arrived, and once again wandered off to re-do her make-up. She was still do drunk to manage to apply anything near her eyes without- well, doing something painful, so she just tinted herself with a bit of lip gloss, and put a bit of blush on her pale (I thought you were supposed to turn red when drunk, but no matter to that) cheeks, did up her hair in a style that might be called a beautiful name like 'pile of leaves', and walked out to look for somebody to talk to or, even better, dance with.

[Laiquendi]

Lalaith wandered back over to the bar, despite saying she wouldn't drink anymore she loved those Sauron Slammers. There was a certian taste to them that made them slightly addictive. She gave in to her will and ordered another one. After all it was a party.
She was dissapointed when someone came to close up the hole in the celing. She was starting to like the idea of it.

[Helkahothion]

"Not much Rytien. It has reached 20 and will maybe need to be reopened hahaahhaa. Oh I'd be careful with punching me and laughing about my dishwashing job. Cami is on the hunt for others and I think she will be pleased to add you to the list. So I suggest you be nice to me or I might let something slip." Anuion said with a hint.

"Is that a threat elfboy?" Rytien replied while flashing one of her hidden dagger very fast.

"No dear Rytien. It's a promise."

Anuion patted his chest with his ring and the sound of encountering iron rang trough in the ears of Rytien, who understood what he was pointing at.

"So what should we do now?"

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Suddenly Menelien noticed the karaoke. Well, she thought, nobody will be able to tell if I'm off-tune or not at an on-screen party... but what to sing? What to sing? Ah... there's that song I wrote for the Downs at 3 in the morning... I already sang it here, but hey, that was pages ago, really! So Menelien waited her turn patiently, and once again sang:


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!

She had, of course, written some more pieces since, but apparently some people had good enough hearing tobe able to tell that she was off-tune even while online, so she was pushed quickly off of the stage.

[Laiquendi]

Hearing the song she turned to get up. It looked like fun. She got half way across the dance floor, when her legs finally gave way. She lay on the wet floor, laughing for no apparent reason (except that she was drunk).
She looked around at the feet of those who were dancing, trying to stand up again she only managed to sit. So she started to hum where she was.

[elven maiden Earwen]

"Sorry" Eärwen said to whoever she ran into and scurried off. She loved the rain but she didn't want to get wet. Later people were dancing in the rain and Eärwen decided to go join them. She danced a little while.
"KAREOKE!!!!!!!!" someone yelled. Eärwen smiled. Maybe I might sing later. She went over to the bar.
"Can I get some red wine" She asked.
"Here you go" he said givving her a glass.
She drained it quickly and sat down to decide what song she would sing.

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Running off the stage, Lyra spotted Rytien and Anuion standing together. Anuion had soap suds from the washing up in his hair. Lyra burst out laughing at him.
"Serves you right for exploding the balrog wings when everyone knows BALROGS DON'T HAVE WINGS. Not to mention without me. So what are you two up to now?"

From the corner of her ear Lyra heard "Twist and Shout" start to play and pulled Rytien onto the dancefloor, where they started dancing around some luckily positioned handbags.

[Laiquendi]

She crawled back to the bar, climbing up on a bar stool, she ordered another Sauron Slammer.
"And get anyone else who wants one... the same.. the same drink" she shouted, her words slightly slurred.
She watched everyone dancing to 'Twist and Shout', for a few minutes then passed out on the bar again.

((ooc: g2g but feel free to use my character smilies/wink.gif ))

[Nurumaiel]

The dance with Alasse ended, and the Elf slipped away through the crowd, murmuring something about finding her brother. Firramer turned and went back to the table where he had first found that company of three. Lifting the tablecloth, he found Rie and Nuru sitting together, talking and laughing. "Hello," he said, smiling at them.

"Oh, oh, good, it's you, Firramer," said Nuru. "Rie is going to dance with you now."

"Is she?" said Firramer, stammering a little. "Well... all right." He took Rie's hand and led her out onto the dance floor, hoping the music wouldn't change from its slow pace.

Nuru scrambled out from under the table and began to wander about the Hall, looking for her dance partner... Rie's brother.

[elven maiden Earwen]

Eärwen decided on a song by the request of Shopia. We go together from the movie Grease. Eärwen walked on to the stage and started singing.(She was only slightly drunk!)

We go together like ramma lamma lamma ka dinga da dinga dong
Remembered forever as shoo-bop sha whada whadda yippidy boom da boom
Chang chang changity chang shoo bop that's the way it should be
Waooo Yeah

We're one of a kind like dip da dip da dip do whap de dobby do
Our names are signed like boogy boogy boogy boogy shooby shoo wap shoo wap
Chang chang changity chang shoo bop we'll always be like one
Wa-wa-wa-wa-wa-wa-one

When we go out a night (oh oh)
And stars are shining bright (oh, oh)
Up in the skies above
Or at the high school dance
Where you can find romance maybe it might be oh, oh, oh, oh, oh oh, oh

Ramma lamma lamma ka dingity ding da dong
Shoo bop shoo wadda wadda yippity boom da boom
Chang chang changity chang shoo bop
Yip da dip da dip shoo bop sha dooby do
Boogy boogy boogy boogy shooby sho wap sho wap
Sha na na na na na na na yippity dip da do
Ramma lamma lamma ka dingity ding da dong
Shoo bop shoo wadda wadda yippity boom sha boom
Chang chang changity chang shoo bop
Yip da dip da dip shoo bopp sha dooby do
Boogy boogy boogy boogy shooby sho wap sho wap
Sha na na na na na na na yippity dip da do
A womp bop a looma a womp bam boom

We're for each other like womp bop a looma a womp bam boom
Just like my brother is sha na na na na na na na yippity dip da do
Chang chang changity chang shoo bop we'll always be together
Waooo Yeah!

We'll always be together
We'll always be together
We'll always be together
We'll always be together
We'll always be together
We'll always be together
We'll always be together

She quickly hoped of the stange laughing after the song was over. She went and got some more Red Wine and Lembas.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Sophia drifted comfortably back into consciousness. She was so warm... Her eyes snapped open suddenly as she glanced at her wristwatch. Shaking her head she realized she'd slept through half a day of partying. It won't do, she thought, it simply will not do. Pushing Fin's arm off her she crawled off the sofa and stood up.

She looked down at Fin, sleeping with his face squashed at a very unusual angle, and briefly contemplated folding up the sofa bed with him still inside it. She grinned at the thought, but knew she wouldn't do it. Instead she flung a cloak over him and kissed him on the forehead. She'd come back and check later to see if he was awake.

Feeling much clearer of head (and no hangover- marvellous this party!) Sophia wandered into the Ladies' to see exactly what the damage to her costume was. Surveying herself in a full length mirror, her eyes travelled in horror from the crushed flowers to the bloodshot eyes to the wrinkled and sagging gown. She looked like she hadn't changed her clothes in a month.

She shrugged, the only costume she'd seen that still looked as good as when it came in was Lush's glowing white. But her aura seemed to be slipping off slowly, like an unbalanced halo. Sophia supposed it didn't matter.

Wandering back into the main hall she noticed the newly patched roof and the prowling Cami. Grinning she moved to the opposite side of the room. Karaoke it seemed was the order of business. She picked up an orange juice and settled in to watch. Earwen was doing a beautiful little number from Grease, if a little off key. Sophia gave her a standing ovation, cheering at the top of her lungs, before looking around to see everyone turned to stare at her. She closed her mouth and sat back down.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Sophia the Thunder Mistress ]

[Airerûthiel]

Neisa shook her head. "No, I am afraid not. Mead is more my drink of choice, even on these occasions. But I shall sample a little lemon juice, purely on your recommendation." She shouted her order across the bar in a voice like silver bells and downed the last of her shot glass of mead.

"I am interested to hear more about you," said Elentari as a waiter brought over another two glasses of lemon juice. "There is more to you than meets the eye, and I for one would like to know of it."

Neisa sipped her drink. The tangy flavour hit her in a wave of citrus scents, but after the initial sharpness of the drink the sugar began to kick in, giving it a rather pleasant aftertaste. She then answered Elentari's request.

"On the surface I am nought but the only daughter of a well-to-do Riddermark family. My father Tycyn is a high-ranking member of the Rohirrim cavalry, and my mother Brecia was of good family also. I have an elder twin brother, Ginyc, but according to our parents we were born with the wrong personalities. I am the warrior one, the adventure-seeker, never content with the life of my mother. He is the one who wants to settle down to a farmer's life and marry a village girl."

Perhaps a little clichéd, thought Elentari, but interesting nonetheless. She then guessed at the next part of the girl's life. "I presume you ran away because you felt pressured into being what you were not?"

Neisa nodded in response. "Once I learnt to ride and fight with the sword, I quickly grew tired of what I saw my mother's world consisted of. My father and brother have never been particularly concerned by my personality - they agreed to just let me be who I was - but my mother saw me as a sign of social embarrassment. I think my rushing in late to an important dinner dressed in boy's clothes and covered in mud from riding was the straw that broke the camel's back." She smiled at the memory, and then continued.

"When she died giving birth to my younger brother, who we also lost that day, my father went into a state of mourning. He handed his position in the Rohirrim over to my brother, who of course was ill-suited to such a post, and then left me to do what I would. But although in my heart I desire adventure and a chance to prove myself to be as strong as the Lady Éowyn of Rohan, my duty lies with my family. I was left no choice but to tend to my father as his sickness grows stronger. It was all I could do to tear myself away and come to this party.

"But tell me a little more of yourself. I know the tales of your life, but I am curious to hear of the one of whom Bragolhirwen of the Rocconinquë spoke so highly."

[Lush]

"Did I think that out loud?" Lush thought to herself, after she realized she actually went as far as to wound her friend-the Saucepan Man, all for a cheap play on words that would have been the Punwraith howl in derision (assuming wraiths can howl).

Lush tsk-tsked herself properly and thoroughly, then went back to tallying up the atrocities that were accumulating around her faster than journalistic gadlfies on a human-interest story (no offense to the sublime Mer and X, naturally): she distinctly remembered some romantic kissing in the moonlight, as well as a pronounced criticism on drinking that had issued forth for the lips of some Elven archer's wife or other. My my, weren't these people thinking of their reputations? At all? My God, someone might actually think they were innocent! Didn't they know that innocence was the square property of Lush? Assuming Lush could somehow be a square? Nobody could blame her for not trying.

[Manardariel]

Manardariel snatched the mic back. "Ahem. I have another song I´d like to..present. You may the tune, but I changed them. To a hymn to the Downs."

So I find a reason to go online
Each single morning
So I stopped to go out Friday nights
and am alwys tired
In church on Sundays
The phone bill grows
And mom yells “Damn sign out”
To maybe just save a little money

Chorus:
You're the site I need
The way online is never long
But if you're close to me I'm holding on
You're the site I need
My real life has just begun
Cause there's nothing like green letters on black

So I learned type and finally loose
My Forum Phobia
And so I got the siter to flee
When there's a ghost or a news
That brings insomnia
To join RPGs
To write more happy songs
It always takes a little help from someone

Chorus 2X

You're the site I need
You're the site I need
My real life has just begun
Cause
You're the site I need
You're the site I need

Nothing like green letters on black

Nothing like your posts
Nothing like your posts
Nothing like your posts

[Durelin]

"What should we do now?"

Rytien was about to answer when she was pulled onto the dancefloor by Lyra. They danced to 'the Twist and Shout' with handbags or smoething, then she popped back to Anuion.

"I was thinking food fight."

[Nuinatariel]

"Argh! The off-key music...ooh, Balrog wings!" cried Lëowen, having grown bored of listening to kareoke. Quickly she followed the waiter carrying the platter of food. The waiter stopped for a moment and Lëowen took the opportunity to snatch a few balrog wings off the platter. Grabbing a plate, she sat down on a somewhat-wet vacant chair to enjoy her food.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Angara was relishing her new position as a one-wyrm posse. Her first victims for the Green Dragon dishwashing squad were a group of Elves who'd been conducting water fights near one of the coolers. She proudly led them back to Cami who had made sure to choose a spot in close proximity to the buffet table.

Angara's eyes whirled with pleasure as she turned in the culprits. The dragon proudly blew out small puffs of fire and smoke as Cami wrote down the Elves' names in her register and promised they'd be hearing from her quite soon. After finishing a hearty dinner of char-broiled balrog's wings and smoked eel pie, Cami dusted off her skirts and went roaming about the hall looking for additional victims. This was more fun than she'd had all day.

With a sly grin, she nodded to Earwen and issued the Elf an honorary dishwashing citation for singing slightly off tune, and for not having her revised profile and post into Elentari's game. Then she went on the prowl once more. She had earlier caught a glimpse of Rytien, seemingly giving his friend Anuion a very hard time. Waiting until Rytien finished dancing with Lyra, she sprang upon the lad, victoriously holding a pen and notepad aloft.

"I've got you now," the hobbit chortled with glee, as she wrote Rytien's name down on the list of future dishwashers. Then she waved goodbye and told him to have a nice time at the party.

Finally, she and Angara stood just to the right of the Hall's entrance and looked on in puzzlement, both scratching their heads at the strange events that were unfolding before them. A gigantic wooden rabbit was being dragged inside by two hobbits who claimed to go by the name of Bracegirdle. The couple had hitched the wooden figure up to a team of drafthorses. Cami did not like the feel of any of this, but couldn't put her finger on exactly what was wrong. The carved wooden rabbit on wheels was supposedly a gift for the Barrow-wight.

Wasn't there some kind of old saying about "Beware Hobbits Bearing Gifts?" She strained her head to try and remember exactly where she'd heard that. The giant rabbit made its rumbling way inside the Hall and was instantly pushed into a side corridor by its hobbit handlers.

Cami was about to issue the Bracegirdles a dishwashing citation for obstructing the hallway when the rabbit suddenly vanished from sight. There was a cloudy veil of fog, and then nothing. It was as if the statue and handlers had dropped off the face of Arda. Cami and Angara's eyes met in confusion, as they raced up to investigate the spot from which everything had disappeared. Cami poked around hoping to find some clue to explain exactly what had happened.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Diamond18]

When Diamond saw herself in the mirror, she went through the 5 stages of feminine self-consciousness. It began with horror, proceeded with embarrassment, followed closely by frustration, tagged by consternation, and included resolution as an afterthought.

She was covered in soot, her white tank top no longer deserving the adjective “white”. Her normally pristine complexion was smudged with a sickly gray sheen and her eyes looked a tad bloodshot, from all those mixed drinks she’d been imbibing. Let’s not even get into what her hair looked like, but you can imagine this had a large part to do with the consternation faze.

It didn’t take long before resolution kicked in, however, and so a few hours later Diamond had rectified her appearance as one can only do in an online roleplay. All vestiges of soot were gone, her hair once again looked like something from a shampoo commercial, and her diamonds were causing the tiles around her to pulsate with an unearthly glow. As for the clothes, she had made a quick trip out to her Lamborghini Diablo to fetch a change of party habiliments.

Since she recalled the invitation saying there would be a gala awards show starting sometimes in the near future, she decided on a more formal attire this time out. Therefore, as she surveyed the endless options in her trunk, she settled on a royal purple dress and a pair of high heels. One just doesn’t show up at an awards ceremony in denim, anyway, no matter how well one wears it. The dress was in vaguely the same style as her former outfit, the skirt being about the same length and the top being sleeveless with a chic (of course) jacket thrown over for good measure. But hey, it was purple.

These lengthy preening rituals completed, she exited the powder room and took up position in the shadows to unobtrusively observe what was going on.

[Lyra Greenleaf]

With a giggle Lyra appeared behind Rytien and Anuion in a puff of smoke. Then she realied that that had been suspiciously like magic and glanced around for cami. Luckily she seemed to be staring at some sort of wooden rabbit. There's a hippo at the party, Lyra thought with a shrug. Rabbits are practically normal!

"...food fight" she heard Rytien say, then 'Ahem'ed loudly. She put her hands on her hips.
"I did ask you two to include me this time" she said as they looked round, and then down.
"I only just forgave you for killing me, Anuion. So what's the plan?"

[Helkahothion]

"Nah to obvious. We must do it covert. Maybe we could poison the DJ? That way Mithadan will have to put in one of the Mod's to play the music. Or we could drug Cami. I believe that is it. If we drug Cami, she will be out for a long time and within that time, we can take that list of hers."

"Yes but she has a little helper." Lyra said suddenly.

"She is your responsibility."

"What do you suggest I do with her Rytien?"

"Well, if Anuion opens the firework shed again. You could go in. If she steps in to catch you, you run out and Anuion will close the door. We will just keep her there until we are finished with Cami."

"Well sounds like a plan to me!" Anuion exclaimed happily.

"Let's put an end to Cami's Dishwashing terror."

[Lyra Greenleaf]

"Drug her???? What kind of plan is that? Come on, you're Anuion from Mirkwood not Holland anymore!"

With no warning a very annoying strange Elf came up behind them. Lyra nearly fainted. "What are you doing here?" she asked.
"What kind of way is that to talk to your sister?" asked the Elf, then smiled at Anuion. "Hello there" she said, raising an eyebrow in what she thought was a seductive way. "Care for a dance?"
"He's here with Aman!" Lyra hissed from the corner of her mouth, but her sister had already dragged Anuion onto the dance floor. He looked scared.
"She has that sort of an effect on people" said Lyra to Rytien with a shrug. "Hopefully she won't keep him long"

[Amanaduial the archer]

"Yes, lets hope so. Ah well, the mad dutchman is enjoying himself."

Aman had appeared behind Lyra and Rytien as well. They both spun around, then winced.

"You mad?" Lyra asked.

The elf grinned, then shook her head. "Hey, I had a dance with Cuthalion, I think he's a little mad at me anyway at the moment. Anyway, he deserves a bit of fun. And so do we!" Then her face became a mask of innocence. "Now...you intend to drug a certain Miss Goodchild?"

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Lyra winced. "Now lets get this straight: I AM NOT DOING ANY DRUGGING! And lets hope that dancing with my sister scares Anuion so much that he forgets his stupid plan!"

Lyra smiled as the music turned to "Can't buy me love". Am I imagining all this music? she wondered to herself. It seems to change every time I write it...Nah!
"So, Aman, do you want to join in our fiendish plans then? Maybe we could include something happening to my sister?"

[Amanaduial the archer]

The tune of 'Money Can't Buy Me Love' came on, and Aman grinned, hoping there was a possibility that 'Eleanor Rigby' would be next.

She shook her head for a moment, trying to get it all straight. "Wait...why is it when two big beatles fans come together, this music automatically come on? And what is all this about drugging, and whats the plan for? And why am I suddenly thinking about bloody buttered onions?!"

[Lyra Greenleaf]

"No one else is switching their sig off" Lyra said with a defensive shrug. She smiled as, yes, Eleanor Rigby came on!
"Have you noticed our thoughts can change the music?" she said "Or maybe it's just a Beatles compilation? Anyway, I hope "If I give my heart" comes next. As for the plan, we" Lyra nodded at Rytien "and the Dutchman-I mean Elf- want to liven the party up. Any suggestions for plots that don't involve drugs?"

[Amanaduial the archer]

"Hey, Cami is getting some dishwashers for the Green Dragon- I have no quarrel with that." Aman grinned. "A plan...sorry, Im all out. Maybe we need some Help!' ?

Sure enough, on came the song. Aman laughed, then spread her hands defensively. "Hey, a bad pun I know, but a great song!"

[Lyra Greenleaf]

"Not fair" Lyra pouted. "I want "If I give my heart"" she scowled, and the music changed. With a satisfied nod she folded her arms and looked at Aman, daring her to change it.
"We can have "Help" after, and then "A Hard Days Night"- what do you think?"

[Coriel]

Coriel entered the room and gazed around for any sign of familier people, but none caught her attention.

She had attended the party for the 2nd day but hadn't been back since because of prior commitments. But as soon as she had spare time she made her way over to the party, hoping for some excitement.

She was wearing a dark violet dress and, as usual, her auburn hair flowed down her back.

Coriel walked over to a couch and sat down, wondering if she'd get to talk to someone or maybe, if she was lucky, actually dance with someone.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Aman sighed then, "Oh, alright, fair enough. I-" She stopped, seeing a newcomer sit nearby on a couch, looking more than a little lonely and anxious, but wearing a stunning dress, with hair the elf envied.

Lyra had seen her as well. "Shall we?"

Aman nodded, and the pair went over to Corriel, in a quest to wipe the anxious look of her face and, hey, maybe get a new beatles fan...

[Helkahothion]

Anuion was scared of the girl. When she danced it was like she was trying to imitate Mike Tyson. Her arms waved around and she struck down several people. Anuion saw that Aman had joined Rytien and Lyra. As soon as the Beatle song was done he fled the dance floor.

"Where are you going?"

"My date is done dancing. It would be rude to leave her on a dry island. It was lovely dancing with you. Thanks. Oh BTW, you have something sticking in your beard."

The girl touched her chin and Anuion laughed. As he stood behind Aman he placed his arm around her waist and lifted her up a little.

"Done dancing sweetie. Listen Lyra, you are right. After the trick I pulled with the table, I am sure Cami won't eat any cake I offer her hahahaha. Maybe a food fight IS a good idea." He said, happy that he ditched Lyra's sister.

"Put me down Anuion." Aman said.

Anuion put Amanaduial down and gave her a little kiss on her cheek. He dodged a slap and went to the bar.

"Be right back. Just going to get us some drinks. You want something Lyra? You Rytien? Okay then. Be right back."

"Oh and the lovely girl over there, you want something?" He asked as he nodded to Coriel.

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

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

[Frodo Baggins]

Maggie was returning from the buffet table with more food than she would ever eat, she was intending to share it with a few others on the group.

"Good afternoon, Mimi was it?" she shook hands with the newcomer. Isildae was slurping his water in a most impolite manner, causing Cromthal to fall into fits of giggles. Maggie rolled her eyes as she set the food down.
"Elrond? You haven't seen Sam have you?"

"No, Laiqua Mire, but I am just leaving to go search for him." Elrond left and went out a side door to search the grounds for Sam.

[Lyra Greenleaf]

"Hi Coriel" Lyra said with a grin, she looked at Aman. "Lets get straight to the point: what do you think of the Beatles?"

Anuion came over, obviously very relieved to be away from her sister, who had disappeared. Phew, Lyra thought.
Anuion kissed Aman on the cheek.
"Oh, get a room! I'm sure the Green Dragon could put you up!" Lyra said with a grin "You'll give Coriel a completely accurate idea of this party, and we don't want that!"

[Amanaduial the archer]

Aman was slightly surprised when Anuion lifted her up, but not badly so. Grinning, she asked him to let her down, and gave him a peck on the cheek when he did so. The elf beamed happily, before trotting off to get drinks. Aman was gratified when he asked Corriel whether she wanted anything as well. Exuberant, rather bizarre, but very sweet.

"Oh, get a room! I'm sure the Green Dragon could put you up!" Lyra interrupted Aman's chain of thought with her words and her grin. "You'll give Coriel a completely accurate idea of this party, and we don't want that!"

Aman laughed and gave her a slight shove. "Oh, whatever, buttered-onion girl. Whats with that anyway?"

[Coriel]

Coriel saw two people walking her way and immediatly her heart jumped into her throat. her head was swarming with questions.
"are they going to talk to me?"
"do i look ok?"
"what should i say?"
she was so nervous. Coriel was a very shy girl, and although she longed to talk to people and dance and have fun, those things almost never happened because she was too shy to actually go over and talk to someone she didn't know.

[Nuinatariel]

Lëowen stood up, finished with her lunch. Not sure what to do with her plate, she left it on her chair and walked towards the bar.
She was careful to avoid Cami, and the stalking dragon Angara. Washing dishes was not something she wanted very much to do.


No one payed any attention to her as she threaded her way through the crowd. 'Maybe I should get a pet squirrel,' she thought; 'People would notice me if I had a squirrel!' Lëowen toyed with the idea of leaving to obtain a squirrel and then coming back, but she decided against it. Maybe she would just eavesdrop on people for a while.

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

[Coriel]

Coriel sat in shock.
"the beatles? the musical group who played songs like 'help' and "strawberry fields forever' and' yesterday' and 'penny lane' and other kool songs? i LUV the beatles! why? "

[Lyra Greenleaf]

"Ever read the Wheel of Time?" Lyra asked Aman "You may think it's normal to be in love with a memory, but what about a book character? I'm in love with a man who talks about buttered onions! But then you're here with Anuion, so pretty much anything must seem normal to you."

She turned to smile at Coriel. "If you're very lucky, Aman might spare Anuion to dance with you. Be afraid..."

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Lyra Greenleaf ]

[Amanaduial the archer]

"Excellent!" Aman rubbed her hands together in a business-like way. "Another fan! Dont tell me...you RPG as well?"

[Helkahothion]

Anuion had almost floated to the bar when Aman had pecked him on the cheek. He ordered the drinks, but the bartender asked him if he could repeat that since he was babbling. He got the drinks and placed them on a tray. He went back and found that the girls where involved in a discussion about the Beatles.

"I love the Beatles! Why?"

"That is cool. I do too. My favourite is Yellow Submarine. Oh here are the drinks by the way. Help yourself."

Anuion made a gracious bow so that everybody could take his or her drinks of the tray. He took his bottle of Bacardi Breezer peach (well, you can't drink orange all night) and went standing next to Aman. Hoping, she would do it again.

[Coriel]

Coriel looked at her watch and shrieked
"i'm so sorry i have to go! i told someone i'd meet them now. i'll be back later though, at least i'll try my besat to be. oh, and i dont think i have a fave Beatle song, let it be, yesterday, and here comes the sun are some of my faves. gotta run! have fun everyone!"

[Lyra Greenleaf]

"Yellow submarine?" Lyra said with a grin. "I bet you like the blue meanies. Actually I have to say I'm surprised you don't like Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds best."

"Bye" she said to Coriel. "Was it the threat of dancing with Anuion that makes you want to leave?"
She smiled as the music changed to "Hello Goodbye".

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Lyra Greenleaf ]

[*Varda*]

Poppy left her people-watching place at the bar to find someone to talk to. Having stared into the bottom of a glass of vodka for an hour, she felt like mingling among the crowd and talk to someone other than a ghost, or spend yet more time hiding from Lousewart.

Seeing Amanaduial and Lyra not far away, the hobbit walked over to them, hoping for interesting conversation, or if not that, at least some fun.

[Helkahothion]

"It's not as if I have all the Beatle albums Lyra. My taste of music is very wide. Ill bet you have never met someone with Good Charlotte, Big Brovaz, Rammstein and Lil Kim Feat. DJ Tommek on one CD. But anyway, Amanaduial, baby, can I tempt you to a dance?"

[Amanaduial the archer]

"Garage? Oh, well, no ones perfect." Aman rolled her eyes and gave a mock sigh. "Sure, lets go."

[Firondoiel]

Firondoiel awoke to the sound of Beatles music loudly playing. She lifted her head from the table and looked at all her companions who were still sleeping. Her eyes came to rest on the Phantom. As she studied him she didn't realize that another had woken and was watching her carefully.

Firondoiel finally ended her gaze and drained the last of the water in her glass. "Hello." said a voice. Firondoiel quickly turned to see Arafangwen was also awake. "Hello to you too." Firondoiel smiled. "How about we go to the powder room and straighten up?" Arafangwen suggested. Firondiel nodded and walked off with her friend, being very careful to avoid the large puddle in the middle of the room.

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

[Helkahothion]

Anuion escorted Aman to the dance floor. He stepped up and Yellow Submarine was played. Anuion liked this song, but he had a little more Beatles than he could take. And judging from Aman's expression, she had too. Anyone thought hard and soon after, the Beatles record was torn away from underneath the needle. Two seconds after, a romantic song flooded the dance floor and the people paired up. Anuion smiled and grabbed Aman by the waist.

[elven maiden Earwen]

After Eärwen ate she decide to go to the powder room. When she looked into the mirror she was surprised. I don't look to bad she thought. She straitened her dress and shook out her hair that was slightly wet. Well it's time again to go a merry-making she thought and headed out, to find someone to talk to.

[Manardariel]

Manardariel was tired. No, tired wasn´t the right word. It was the sort of "Where am I who are you and what am I doing here???" feeling she sometimes had after consuming too much alcohol.

"I wanna die...." she moaned. "You´ll live" someone said in her ear. Puzzeled she tried to turn her head. Who was that voice? Who was talking to her?

[Firondoiel]

Firondoiel finished primping and watched Earwen walk out. I was awfully rude to her the other night Firondoiel thought guiltily. "I'll see you back at our table okay?" she asked Arafangwen. The elven lady nodded and continued to fluff her hair.

Firondoiel left the powder room and caught sight of Earwen. She quickly approached her, "Hello Earwen."

[elven maiden Earwen]

"Hello Eärwen" Firondoiel said.
"Hi Firondoiel. How are you," Eärwen replied smiling.

[Laiquendi]

Lalaith woke up again. Hoping she didn't look too bad she lay with her head on the bar. Trying not to order another Sauron Slammer. She had had enough already and didn't want to pass out again, and so soon. She felt steadier on her legs now and wondered if anyone was up to dancing. If they wern't all drunk and passing out too.

[Firondoiel]

"I'm better than some." Firondoiel replied glancing around noting that several people had hang overs. "And how are you?" Firondoiel inquired.

[Durelin]

Standing next to Lyra (uh...I think) Rytien watched in exasperation as Anuion led Aman to the dance floor. She felt so sorry for her. Rytien thought about punching him. She was pretty sure that Anuion had said nasty things about her dancing, but he had only said "the girl", so she wasn't sure.

"Elfy boy is confusing me. He keeps saying wierd things and changing the topic. I think he is ignoring what we do, don't you, Lyra?" Lyra nodded in agreement. "Remember," she said, "he is the son of the mad and hairy dutchman, supposively." Rytien nodded thoughtfully. "Wait...Lyra, who's your sister? I will kill the bloody pointy eared son of a cow, I am so confused!"

Choke on a balrog wing Anuion!

Even if they don't have any!

[Helkahothion]

An owl flew trough the hall and landed a letter in the lap of Rytien. Rytien cursed that owls where night animals and should not be here. She opened the envelope and read:

Dear Rytien,

You stupid git! I was dancing with Lyra's sister. Those remarks where not for you. If you would read and keep up, you would have known. But anyway. I'm busy dancing with the lovely Aman, so I don't have time for the food fight just yet. Please don't start without me. Say hi to Lyra for me too. And I can't choke on a Balrog wing, since there are none hehehehhee.

Greetings,

Anuion

P.S. How I know all this? Well, it is stated a few posts up.


The owl flew back to a cloaked figure who had a very suspicious scar on his forehead. Anuion winked over Aman's shoulder.

"Thanks Harry." He said softly

"What did you call me?"

"Oh nothing Aman. I saw a friend."

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

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

[Niluial]

"It'd dry quickly," Don said and held her in his arms. The light from the moon and the stars shone on the waterfall, reflecting around the clearing. It was beautiful with the sound of the waterfall and the lights, and Niluial felt that the night was perfect, and said so.
"Tonight is perfect because you are perfect, Niluial!"
Niluial blushed and buried herself deeper in his arms.

Don kissed Niluial for a while (like hmm 3 minutes?? smilies/biggrin.gif). It started to rain.
“Don my dress” Niluial exclaimed looking worried. The rain poured down hard!
“Oh don’t be silly.. we can get you dried and cleaned up later and no one will notice when we get back to the party, your dress will only be wet and your makeup smudged not to bad!” There was silence. “Well anyway you are wet now, and you can only get so wet! Sooo.. why don’t..”
“Don’t even think of it!”
“aww come on..”
“No…”
“Too late” Don said laughing. He grabbed Niluial and jumped in the lake with her.

“Oh my word.. Don” Niluial said pushing his head under the water. He popped up and kissed her.
“Don I think I am going to drown!”
“What… cant you swim?”
“Of course I can swim.. its just this dress its really heavy!”
“Oh fine I’ll carry you in the water then” Don said laughing. They splashed about. Niluial lost her shoe but Don found it again. Don helped Nil get out the water for the dress was very heavy. Don sniggered
“And what is so funny!” Niluial snapped!
“Umm hehe your makeup!”
“what about it?” Niluials heart stopped “its badly smudged isn’t it?”
“Well.. yes but we can sneak you back in.. no one will see you!”
Don carried Niluial back and placed her in the carriage. They got to the party again. Don looked around “ok no one in site. He helped Niluial out and she slowly walked down the red carpet.

The next moment the Fashion Police were flashing away and all the news papers crews and cameras were videoing. “I can explain…” Niluial said shyly! "Oh can you.. please umm.. miss Niluial tell me where did you to go and why on earth do you look like that?" One reporter asked. She ran up the stairs and burst into the party trying to make sure no one saw her.

A couple of people did and they sniggered or whispered. She ran into the bath room slamming the door behind her.

“Oh Nil let me in I have something for you” A women’s voice said.
Nil opened the door and there stood a women, she had never met before. “Don sent me over!” The woman was holding a red dress and a make up bag.

She handed Niluial the red dress. It was a strapless dress and had small little sparkles all over it. It was plain but beautiful with a long slit to show of her leg.

She put the dress and the woman did her hair and make up. She looked amazing! She walked out and everyone loved it! A few came up to her and said “my you look beautiful! But you also looked nice in the other dress! A couple of elves offered to dance and she agreed. After they all danced with her she danced with Don!

[*Varda*]

Poppy passed on by, stepping over the unconscious or hungover bodies that now lay on the floor of the hall. Was no one sober anymore? Shaking her head wearily, she sat herself down near the door, waiting for someone to come along that she could talk to.

[elven maiden Earwen]

"Great, the party has been real fun. There arn't many parties over in Mithlond"
"So has anything happened to you at the party. I mean like have you danced with anyone did you get drunk, do Kareokee?"

[Meela]

Thalia stepped into the room, nervously twisting a strand of loosely curled hair on her slender finger. Faramir took her arm and led her to the bar, bowing amiably to the passing party goers. She took a seat beside him, glancing at the surrounding elves, men and dwarves.
Upon seeing Boromir enter, accompanied by Haldir and Elthaniel, Thalia jumped up from her place and squeezed her way through the growing thong towards them. She kissed Boromir on the cheek and led him to the bar, where Faramir stood, ordering drinks.
"Well met, brother! I see you have the prettiest girl in the room, as always."
Faramir smiled and took Thalia's hand. She gracefully took her seat once more and sipped at the wine she was offered by the bartender.
"Tell me, Boromir, how are affairs in the south?"
"As frail as always, my dear. Our father is beside himself. I fear Gondor cannot hold much longer."
"Oh, come now!" Elthaniel interrupted. "This is a party, and we are here to enjoy ourselves!"
And taking Thalia's hand, the elf maiden sauntered out into the room's ornately decorated centre and strolled amongst the other guests.
"Look at her dress! I love the patterning upon the sleeves." Elthaniel whispered to Thalia, glancing at a fellow elf.
Thalia consciously fingered her own dress, wondering if she was suitably arrayed for such a grand affair. Elthaniel noticed and put her mind at ease.
"My dear, your dress is beautiful. No other woman will match you. Just look at how Faramir gazes upon you. He will look upon no other maiden! And some are quite exquisite, I assure you."
Thalia, comforted by her friend, glanced down at her gown, the black velvet matching her raven hair. Against her smooth, pale skin, the dark tones made a severe contrast. As Thalia continued to walk back towards the bar and her adoring fiancee, the light glimmered across the white tree emblazoned upon the bodice of her dress. Of the group she had accompanied this evening, she was the only Gondorian stating their origins. Uplifted by the thought of her homeland, Thalia held her head high and walked back through the crowd.
Faramir kissed her lightly upon the cheek and introduced her to Galador, a fellow man of their native Gondor. Thalia welcomed him with delight and sipped some more of her drink.
As a new tune suddenly filled the air, Thalia felt a hand upon her own. Looking up, she saw Faramir grinning down at her and offering his arm. Together they took places upon the dance floor and stepped in time to the lively music. Thalia twisted and twirled about her partner, never missing a beat. She and Faramir were talented dancers and having practised a great deal in their time together, made a good pair.
They danced for a while, until Thalia felt weary and longed for her place by the bar once more. Boromir gladly received her there, and Faramir, ever the gentleman, partnered Elthaniel and two other young elf maidens with whom she had grown aquainted that night.

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

[Nuinatariel]

Bored of eavesdropping (most people weren't actually talking, just mumbling drunkenly), Lëowen stepped out of the shadows at the side of the room. She noticed a hobbit sitting by the door, looking bored and lonely. Walking over, Lëowen introduced herself. "Hello, I'm Lëowen. Mind if I sit here?"

[Laiquendi]

She lifted her head off the bar, feeling alot better. She waved a greeting to the group of people who had come and sat next to her.
She looked again at the fast empting dance floor. Turning around she ordered a lemon juice, having had enough of those Sauron Slammers.

[Child of the 7th Age]

As Cami slunk about on the edge of the Hall looking for evildoers, she took care to go forward under cover of shadow. In the course of her investigations, she ferretted out the alarming news that one or two unidentified partygoers were threatening to slip something into her drink or hurtling her physically into a closet. Apparently, they did not cherish the prospect of spending time in front of a hot, soapy sink.

Having no desire to meet an untimely end, she made sure to stay close to Angara, and abstain from any further refreshments. Anyways, her notebook was already filled with the names of many Elves and Hobbits who'd received dishwashing citations. There was no need to gather more names. She thought Aman might actually enjoy going out in the following week and dragging the culprits back to the kitchen.

Since this was a non-canonical gathering, it was easy for Cami to summon a phoenix to assist her. The bird was red in color, and Cami suspected that it had somehow slipped into the Downs uninvited from the latest Harry Potter novel. She strapped the book onto the back of the phoenix and sent the bird flying back to the Green Dragon Inn, where it would be safely guarded by Cook and her giant meat cleaver. Receiving word that the register had safely arrived, she visibly relaxed and decided to turn her attention to other things.

The first thing that came to mind was the giant wooden rabbit that had vanished some time ago into thin air.

[Firondoiel]

"So has anything happened to you at the party?" Earwen asked, "I mean like have you danced, with anyone did you get drunk, do Kareokee?"

"No I didn't get drunk. I don't drink you see. And I'm afraid I was asleep while all the Kareokee was going on." Firondoiel replied.

"Oh. Have you danced with anyone?" Earwen asked.

Firondoiel's eyes got a distant look in them. She turned and looked at a certain someone sitting at her table.

"Firondoiel?"

Firondoiel was startled out of her reverie by Earwen's concerned voice. "I'm sorry. I got a little distracted. I danced with the Phantom once but we were interrupted by his cell phone." Firondoiel said quickly. Earwen looked rather confused by the one of Firondoiel's voice. Afraid she had offended Earwen she asked"Won't you come join me at my table? It's as dull as tombs there. Everyone is still asleep."

[Schmendrick]

Isilmë was starting to feel a bit discouraged. This party wasn't going at all the way she had hoped! She had to be very boring indeed, considering that the boy who had come to keep her company had now remained silent for a good ten hours at least! Her singing hadn't elicited much (read: at all) attention either. And as if this wasn't enough, it rained inside. And - on top of everything - there was the Karaoke. And the Macarena. Isilmë shuddered.


Well, at least she had finally located the person, who had been singing The Clash. It was a hobbit- woman, standing not far away from her. Isilmë smiled at her approvingly (although she had probably no idea, why), but didn't dare to leave Talômi alone. Instead, she turned to order something to eat (having just realized she hadn't eaten anything for three days!). She finally settled for a " Sam's special", (which seemed to contain rabbit, potatoes and some sort of herbs) and for a while she forgot everything else around her.

[elven maiden Earwen]

"Sure I would love to. I was getting kinda bored earlier when everyone was asleep" Eärwen replied. She followed Firondoiel over to the table." Can I get some lembas?" Eärwen asked a passing waiter.

[Laiquendi]

Lalaith started to get bored again. She considered leaving but that would be no fun either. She turned back to the bar and nibbled on some lembas.

[Nuinatariel]

"Oh, curses!" said Lëowen, glancing at her watch. "I have to go now," she told the hobbit sitting by the door. "Good bye!"


Without even a puff of smoke this time, Lëowen vanished.


(I'll be back on later!)

[Durelin]

Ugh. The stinkin owl was Hedwig. Stinkin Harrry Potter. Couldn't get away from him. So I'm the stupid git? Pah! Well, we'll see about that! I'm sure that, if I were to survey, most would say that I am smarter than both Anuion and Helkahothion! "Mwahahahahhahahaha!" Rytien laughed maniacally.

Too bad balrogs don't have wings, I'll have to settle for a chicken wing. Well, maybe he'll sink in his stinkin yellow submarine. Well, maybe I should stop thinking about how I can get him killed and continue trying to talk to Lyra. I'll ignore him for a few pages. Mwahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

[Annunfuiniel]

The hole in the Hall's ceiling had been covered to keep out the rain but the sound of a landing copter could still clearly be heard inside. When the noise from the airscrews began to draw away a lady in ruby-red gown (re-)entered the parlor after her absence of (approximately) 58 hours and 12 new pages of posts.

Annunfuiniel stood in the doorway and tried to get some picture of what was going on in the great hall. Elves, men, hobbits, dwarves, A Chicken, one hippo, the Phantom and, yes, a dragon! with some quite indefinable creatures (with those she was mostly referring to Iarwain, and Lush who still appeared more innocent than was humanly possible) were mingling the best they could. And as if that wasn't confusing enough Annun was almost certain she heard two flies changing opinions over matters of taste.

'Confused' would have been a major understatement when describing Annun's state of mind but she hid her perplexity masterly. Her self-esteem was braced by the knowledge that she had had her gown dry-cleaned, her hair looked utterly posh and her make-up was as perfect as ever. But gaining this state of perfectness had taken much more time today than in the opening day of the Party: after the weekend visit of her brothers two kids she was rather in the mood for a coffin to lay herself in than for a party. Annun viewed the cozy couches with longing before turning her gaze back to the party.

Annun was well aware she had made some mental notes before leaving the Grand Hall just over two days ago but now it seemed she had lost them. Damned memory blocks!, she uttered and made a mental note to forget the mental noting and get a decent solid notebook. After this decision she had a vague sensation of déjà vu but couldn't quite figure it out.

Annun left the depths of her mind and the absent expression on her face turned to a captivating smile more befitting to the party atmosphere. She decided to head for the buffet first, avoiding the bar and its treacherous liquids, and on her way she observed the assembly hall (which renewed appearance didn't pass unnoticed to her) for familiar faces.

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

[Firondoiel]

"Lembas for me as well." Firondoiel told the waiter before he walked away. "So, how has the party been for you?" Firondoiel asked Earwen once they were seated.

[Helkahothion]

Pidwidgeon flew trough the hall and chrashed into Durelin who was (like always) babbling to herself. She took the little letter and unfolded it.

Dear Durelin,

Your babbling.

Greetings,

Anuion

P.S. Sinking in a submarine won't hurt. Theya are designed to sink you know? And you say your smarter than me. I laugh at your ignorance. MWUAHAHAHAHA

[Trippo The Hippo]

Trippo walks over to Menelien trying to stir her from her sleep so he could get his dance.

[elven maiden Earwen]

"Its been great. I haven't managed to get drunk. I did 'We go together' from Grease for Kareokee and I danced with the SaucePan Man and Talômi, so I've been havning a pretty good time".

[Laiquendi]

Lalaith looked at her watch. Standing up she very loudly proclaimed.
"GOODBYE MY FELLOW DOWNER'S I WILL SEE YOU IN THY MORNING"
Walking out of the room she wondered why she had bothered to say anything at all.

((please include me in furthur posts while i'm not here))

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

[Morai]

The Ork security guards looked up to see two black-hooded figures making their way up the red carpet. A suspicious sight, acompinaied by a loud clomping steps. These unknown guests were much later than the rest.

"Get the guest list, this might be trouble." One of the Orks whispered to those nearby. Moments later a hobbit ran to them, gasping:

"Here it is, oi! I'm about to have a heart attack, and when I do, expect my family to join that violent mob over there." With that, the hobbit dragged himself back inside.

The mysterious ones neared, drawing more uncertainty from the Downers. Whispers and gossip spread throughout the party. As they came to the entrance, they were stopped by the guards.

"Reveal yourselves, and your purpose for being here." The Head Guard hissed.

Suddenly one of the cloaks flew off right into a guards face. The figure revealed himself to be none other than Harlon Nowane. He was dressed in his finest Jester outfit. Green and yellow checkered tuxedo, and a matching hat, complete with sleigh bells. His unusual orange hair stuck out, along with his grin.

Harlon's date imediately lossed her balance, falling on her face. She grumbled and said:

"Halorn Nowane! I can't believe you! Throwing your cloak at the security and dropping your date! Apologize for you horrible manners!" She gently took her cloak off, showing herself to be Morai. Dressed in a blueish-green dress wasn't the strange thing. It was the huge platform boots Morai wore, at least six inches high. Morai's hair clung to her face, soaked from the rain.
"Greetings, I'm Morai, and this is my date Harlon Nowane." She spoke, glancing over the clipboard.

"Come in, nice shoes." The Guard grumbled, shrugging as he let them through.

Harlon helped Morai along, for her boots were heavy. Finding an empty table, they sat down.

"Crowded place, isn't it? I wonder if those orks were deafend by your noisy boots." He joked.

"Oh shut up, you know I'd be almost a foot shorter than you if I didn't wear them. Besides, your the one with the jingling hat." Morai answered.

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

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Sophia grinned as she saw her friend Alaklondewen come into the room. Being fellow quiz-room addicts, Sophia hoped Alak would come over and talk to her. She hadn't done much that was interesting since applauding Earwen's rendition of that lovely Grease tune.

Standing up and waving from her table, Sophia tried to catch Alak's eye. Would she notice?

[*Varda*]

As time wore on, Poppy's head drooped and her eyes closed, and curled up on her chair, she slept peacefully, unaware of the drunken dancing going on around her.

[Liriodendron]

Liriodendron was just finishing her last chant..."We are the children of Rarn...ommmmmmmmm." She smiled, rolled her tapestries and decided to check out the restrooms. You never know what might be going on in the lounge! smilies/cool.gif

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Menelien began to stir, somebody seemed to be shaking her. A slightly slurre "Yes?" came out of her mouth. "Whaddaya want?" almost came after it, but she suppresed it, having a wild thought that her mother might indeed have come to get her. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, and saw the familiar figure of Trippo the Hippo. As she greeted him, another thought crept through her mind. !@#$%! I could have sworn the music was Beatles a minute ago!thinks the devoted Beatles fan. [/I]Damn this![/i] she thought, as some notes from Hero by Mariah Carey floated through the air. The sound almost made her gag, having been forced to sing it, to put it mildly, often, in her music class a year or two before. She made a great effort, and turned her thoughts back to the Hippo standing in front of her.

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

[Trippo The Hippo]

"May i have this dance?" Asked Trippo. He didn't give her much choice in the matter, as he began to lift her out of her chair, and brought her to the dance floor. They began to dance.

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

"But of course" was what Menelien was about to say, but then she realized she was already in midair. The song had (mercifully) changed to something less dripping with honey than "Hero", so Menelien relaxed and danced, feeling relieved that she and Trippo were finally online...*ahem* awake at the same time. She tried some new steps and failed miserably at them, but luckily Trippo had been glancing over in another direction just then. Looking around, she saw a group of 3 or 4 looking mischievous and like they were planning something. Menelien wished them luck, whatever they were doing. Plans do make for interesting times later... she thought, remembering her dance in the rain the night before. She looked back at Trippo and smiled.

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

[Trippo The Hippo]

Trippo smiled remembering all the fond party memories. He looked at Menelien as they danced around. Though he was always deep in thought. "To think at one point you thought I couldn't speak, and here we are dancing." He said to her as he tossed her up in the air and caught her with his amazing hippo strength.

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Menelien shrieked and giggled as Trippo threw her and caught her, as she was only a bit scared that he wouldn't catch her, but of course he did and set her carefully onto the ground. She smiled again. This was quite enjoyable, and croudedness was definitely not a problem, as all couples moved aside quickly when the hippo moved onto their side of the floor. Menelien could only gape at how fast everybody got out of the way when Trippo came by. Then she just threw her head back and laughed, seeing the expression on a hobbit's face as she ran for safety.

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Lyra fell about laughing at Rytien and Anuion's letters to each other.
"So you can do comedy as well as horror?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. She turned to Rytien with a smirk.
"Did you ever see the film Andre? About a seal? Well, never mind. What I want to know is how Anuion wrote those letters while dancing. Or did he stop and not say anything? And did Aman really want the Beatles songs to stop? Tune in next time on the Barrowdowns party to find out..."

Lyra shook her head. Where the HECK did that come from?
"So, when do we start the food fight? Do we have to wait for Helka-Anuion to come back?"

[Trippo The Hippo]

Trippo and Menelien got one final twirl in before the song came to an end. They made one short pit stop at the buffet line before returning back to their table. As they took a rest from there strenuous dancing.

[Durelin]

"Well, yes, I'm afraid we do if you wish to go along with our plan...you know...about..." Rytien hoped Lyra would figure it out. "I can't say it out loud!"

[Break to owl - letter world]

Another stinkin owl. Stinkin little owl. Rytien decided it was time to do her own thing. So, she snapped her fingers together and a falcon flew down to land on her shoulder, but spotting the little owl, it swooped down on it instead. Tiny wings don't cut it. The falcon came back to Rytien, and she plucked a feather out of its teeth. Then she took out a piece of paper and ink and used the little feather to write.

Dear Hairy son of a Dutch Pig Elfy Boy,

Well, smarty pants, it doesn't hurt to sink in a submarine, eh? You only suffocate and die. Or, usually when it sinks, water comes through the hull and you drown. Not a big problem, eh? I will be awaiting word from Lyra to decide on what we will do. You have no say in it because you are completely obsolete. Go curl up and die in the punch bowl.

Signed,

Rytien, Dagoriel

P.S. - You are a fish-eyed weasel face.

The falcon flew off to find Anuion, and, dropping the letter on his head, it began plucking out hairs.

[Back to party world]

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

[Trippo The Hippo]

Trippo suddenly fell asleep muttering something about awakening in a hour and a half.

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Not again! thought Menelien. People at this party seem to need a lot of sleep... She stood up, did not get a drink smilies/wink.gif , and walked off in the general direction where most noise was coming from...

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Lyra pouted in confusion. What on Middle Earth was Rytien talking about? She sighed. If only Durelin would check her PMs, if she hasn't already...

Her face brightened. I want to join in letter writing! she thought.

###
Dear Rytien and Anuion,

Stop the letter writing subplot, or I'll scream and scream until I'm sick!
Love, Lyra.
###

She read over what she had written, and realised it sounded like a 5 year old. If that wasn't insulting to 5 year olds. So she tore it up. Perhaps I'll try semaphore? Waving her arms around got no response. Damn..........

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Sophia, who was becoming quickly more and more bored, decided it was time to go see what Fin was up to. He couldn't possibly be asleep, it was so late! But she had no better place to start looking than on the sofa-bed where she'd left him that morning.

Partiers were already beginning to drop onto their respective couches and drift off, Sophia went through the coat rooms quietly to avoid waking anyone up. Out here the sound of snoring nearly drowned out the sound of the music still playing (randomly) from the main room.

Sophia approached the sofa-bed quietly, laughing under her breath. There he was, still sleeping in the unnatural position she'd left him in that morning, one arm flung out over an imaginary companion.

She reached out and shook his shoulder. His eyes opened slowly and he murmured, "I didn't mean to call you Lisa... I know your name's Michelle..." Sophia laughed out loud and flopped down on the edge of the bed.

"If you don't get up this minute, I'm going to fold this up with you inside it!" she threatened.

"Sophia?" he asked groggily, squinting up at her. She grabbed his hands and pulled him to his feet, delivering a sharp kick to the end of the bed. It folded back up with a creak, leaving the bored Sophia to drag her sleepy escort back to the party.

[Durelin]

All Rytien had to do was see the word "stop" in Lyra's writing to know what it meant. She waited patiently as Lyra waved her arms around then said, "Okay. I promise I'll stop."

"Now, I must be going. I will be back in an hour or so...see ya!"

*poof* Green smoke.

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Menelien had been planning to go and talk to Sophia, but apparently she had found her partner, so Menelien sighed and turned to find herself another companion. Or drink.

[alaklondewen]

Alaklondewen slipped quietly back into the party. She'd had some personal business to attend to and had disappeared for some time. Now she was back and ready for some action.

Surveying the room, she noticed the unsightly hole in the ceiling. Hmm...There has to be an interesting story behind that, she thought while shaking her head and smiling. Was that the Chicken sleeping on Thoriel? She wondered what the girl's date was thinking about the new development.

Thinking of Fin, she looked around the room for him and his other dates. She had yet to come in contact with them and wanted to say her 'hellos'.

Finally spotting Sophia holding up what looked to be a sleepy (or drunk?) Fin, Alaklondewen made her way around the sleeping bodies that laid around the room to her friends.

"Sophia! Fin! I'm so glad to finally see someone I know," she shook Sophia's hand and smiled at Fin.

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

[Oddwen]

After being shoved offstage once more, I decide it's time for something to eat. Heading towards the buffet table, however, I run flat out into an elf
"Uff!" she says. "Watch where you're going, will you?"
"Terribly sorry, Menelien is it? It seems that my head is not screwed on right today..."

[Eruanna]

Eruanna stepped back into the room hoping that she had not missed anything important. She had slumbered most of the day away. By changing her sleep patterns mayhap she could keep awake during the hours when most of the guests seemed to post...er party.

There seemed to be a lot of feathers on the floor, not yellow ones though.

Eruanna had changed from her biker leathers into a little-black-dress. The dress was quite old, but had served its purpose well in the past, cut as it was to show off her figure in a most becoming way. She had recently cut her hair, it lay in soft curls about her ears, framing her elfin features and swan-like neck to perfection. She fluffed up her hair with her fingers as she seemed to have lost her comb! The only adornment she wore was an exquisite diamond pendant, shaped like a teardrop.

Eruanna looked around the assembled party guests for a friendly face......

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

[Sillabub]

"HI!!!!!"Sillabub yelled to Lysi.
"You don't have to yell, I'm standing right beside you!"Lysi groaned.
"Oooops!Sorry!"Sillabub winced.
"We stole some cherry wine!"Antien told Lysi.
"And I hotwired the cd player and I finished allll the black forest cake and I played with my lighter and...well yah. Have you seen Fraul?" Sillabub put in.
"No, I just arrived." Lysi answered.
"Why do you mention him every other conversation?" Antien asked.
Sillabub raised her eyebrows. "changing topic now! So, Lysi, what's new?"
"nothing!I just got here!" Lysi exclaimed impatiently, her eyes flickering lime green.
"Ok, ok, sorry!" Sillabub apologized.
"Let's spike the punch again!" Antien suggested.
"YAH!!!!!" Lysi yelled, running towards the punch bowl after her.
Sillabub crawled under the table and returned to her hotwiring.

[the real findorfin]

As Alaklondewen greeted them, Fin opened his eyes and stood up straighter, taking his weight from Sophia.

"Alak!" Sophia cried, "you've been away for quite a while. I'm glad you're back!"

They moved across to their familiar table, where Alatariel, Thoriel and Chicken were still dozing.

Fin slumped as they sat down and Sophia patted his leg reassuringly. "Poor dear," she teased. "Its past his bedtime."

"Hrmph," Fin grunted, but didnt raise his head from the table.
Alak laughed at the sleepy elflord, "aw, hes so cute." The two friends continued to tease Fin until he told them to shutup and stuck his tongue out.
"Ok, we are sorry," Sophia said, taking his head and lying it on her legs.
"Thats better," he said sleepily, before closing his eyes again and snuggling up to her.

[alaklondewen]

Alaklondewen couldn't help but smile to see the handsome Elf Lord sleeping on Sophia's lap. As soon as they were sure he was sleeping soundly, Alak asked Sophia, "So, what is it really like to share your date with two other Elves? Hmm...maybe I should say, what's it like to be the only date awake?"

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

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Sophia smiled at Alak's question. "Share? I really haven't had to..." she rumpled Fin's hair affectioinately as she spoke and he drowsily swatted at her hand mumbling incoherently about his reputation. The two girls laughed.

"How's your party been going?" Sophia asked Alak, "I haven't seen you much, although Fin seems to keep in touch pretty well..." she trailed off. "I'm not sure I'm going to remember much of this party." she confessed, "there was a particularly unfortunate incident with a full bottle of Mudwater." Alak laughed heartily at this, while Sophia blushed. Fin merely snuggled deeper into her lap, kissing her fingertips and muttering incoherently again, something about pretty and kisses.

Sophia glanced down at him hopelessly. "I shouldn't have gotten him up..." she apologized to Alak. "I don't think he's slept nearly as much as he'd like us to believe." she winked and Alak tried her hardest to look horrified. "I'll be right back..." she said, and hoisted Fin back to his feet.

"I'm awake." he mumbled against her shoulder.

"I'm sure you are." she laughed, and steered him across the room to a vacant sofa, depositing him on it as gently as she could.

"Kiss me goodnight..." he mumbled, but before the words were out he was dozing again. Sophia shook her head at him as he began to snore softly, then bent down and kissed him goodnight.

Returning to the table she gave Alak a smile and said, grinning, "He is so full of it."

[Liriodendron]

Liri emerged from the ladies lounge calm and relaxed. "Ahhhhh! she smiled. There's just nothing better than a friendly, pleasant chat over the merits of the LoTR books versus the movies. Debating is such fun!" smilies/wink.gif Things still seemed rather "trippy" in the main hall, so Liri decided to see if Raefindal had arrived yet. "I hope she brings some of her herb bread", murmured Liri, starting to get hungy.

[Eruanna]

Across the room Eruanna could see an Elf waving to her. Recognising her friend Lalaith she made her way over to her.

"Mae Govannen, Lalaith. Are you having a good time? she asked.

"I'm afraid I don't know many people here," the young Elf replied. "I think most of my friends are either asleep or have had too much to drink!"

"Never mind," Eruanna laughed, "perhaps this is only a brief respite. There has certainly been enough drama and excitement so far. Did you see the fireworks?"

With that, the two elves made their way to a table to watch the rest of the proceedings.

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

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

As she walked towards the bar- again- somebody bumped into her. "Uff!" she exclaimed. "Watch where you're going, will ya?" (She was now sufficiently drunk to forget all fear of her mother). "Terribly sorry, Menelien is it? It seems that my head is not screwed on right today..." came the reply. "Yes, I'm Menelien, you're Oddwen aren't you?' Menelien said, suppresing a giggle.

[Oddwen]

"Yes, I am Oddwen. You may recognize me from the Crazy Pics thread."
"Ah yes!" she giggled. "Quite amusing, really!"
"Have you been enjoying yourself?"


(((Gah! I've gotta get off! See y'all in a little while...use my character if you wish)))

[alaklondewen]

When Sophia returned from putting Fin 'to bed', the Elven beauties sat and discussed the nature of males in general. They were making inappropriate comments quietly then laughing loud enough to draw attention to themselves.

"Here we sit, Sophia, two beautiful Elves with nothing to do." Alak looked around the room mischievously. "I wonder what kind of trouble we can get into...Waiter!" She flagged the nearest waiter over to their table and ordered two glasses of champagne.

[Samwise]

Sam shivered as the door opened.

"I thought this was locked." Came a guttural voice.

"Glad they finally came to relieve us. " came another. "Man, some odd guests at this party."

Sam gasped behind the gag. It was a pair of Orc guards!

"Well," one of them said, looking down at him, smiling with his yellow teeth bared. "What have we here? "

"Fresh Hobbit meat?" the other said. "And all nice and wrapped up for us, too. "

Sam swallowed hard. Oh, dear.....

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

"Yes, most of the time. At least, when there's something to do..." At this point, Menelien felt a terrible need for a beer, and said: "would you like to join me for a drink?" to which Oddwen replied only "Not this early in the party!?" "Well, I'll see you later the, I guess." With that, Menelien began to run, gathering many weird and/or startled looks, towards the bar. When she reached it, out of breath, the only thing she could say was "a beer, please. And fast!" She sighed again, and wished that there would be people she could talk to. (Who are online... smilies/wink.gif )

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

At this comment Sophia giggled and gestured to the patched ceiling and at Cami and Angara's renewed vigilance. "I think Rytien and Anuion have already gotten into all the trouble that's going."

Alaklondewen looked around carefully to see who was in hearing range before saying conspiratorially, "I bet there's more where it came from..." Sophia laughed, and a waiter brought over two tall glasses of champagne. Picking hers up delicately she considered before drinking.

"What do you have in mind?" she asked with a mischievous smile.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Sophia the Thunder Mistress ]

[Samwise]

Mimi watched the Elf-lord go. "Um, yes, Maggie, it is Mimi...should he go alone? "

Stacey: I don't think so. Something wierd's going on, here.

Primrose had grabbed her quiver and bow from underneath the table and put them over her shoulders, and was already heading after Elrond. "When did you first notice that? " she called.

smilies/rolleyes.gifStacey looked at Frodo and the others. "You coming? "

[alaklondewen]

Alaklondewen sipped at her champagne and looked around the room. Suddenly, she looked at Sophia and slowly grinned from pointy ear to pointy ear.

Nodding her head toward the Chicken's rear-end that faced them, Alak slowly pulled a hat pin from the bottom of her skirt. Sophia, seeing what was on Alak's mind, grinned sheepishly and quickly looked the room over to see if anyone was watching them.

This was definitely going to cause a scene.

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

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

"Excuse me? What... oh." Menelien said as she walked over to where she had seen Sophia sitting earlier. Now she had been joined by another person, and they were holding a long pointy object next to Chicken's butt. I won't even ask thought Menelien, as she sat down at the same table.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Sophia looked from Chicken to the pin to Alak's grinning face. She rubbed her hands together with glee. Noticing Menelien coming by Sophia beckoned her over to the table.

"How are you at playing innocent?" she asked. Menelien gulped and shrugged her shoulders, failing entirely to hide the laughter that she was supressing. "Good enough." Sophia said. "Swear secrecy." she commanded. Menelien swore.

Turning to Alak she nodded. "Let's do it..." the grin on her face was beyond controllable as Alaklondewen stabbed Chicken with the long pin. Such fun!

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

The room exploded with noise as Chicken flew into the air, defying the law that chickens can’t fly. Many started off with a bout of clapping, before realizing that Chicken was not quite okay, squawking and jumping up and down. Menelien suppresed her laughter (barely), and, leaning down towards the giggling conspirators, pointed with her eyes to the approaching Cami, and said, rather frantically, “I wasn’t a part of this!” Then she couldn’t stop herself and broke into laughter. Now she sees us… thought Menelien.

[elven maiden Earwen]

"I have to go" Eärwen said to Finrodiel. All of the sudden chicken came flying thought the air and Eärwen coudn't help but laugh. Must have been the work of Sohpia and Alak she thought as she walked over to the table.
"Hi" she said sitting down. She noticed Cami walking towards them. Uhoh she thought. She quickly looked at Shopia, smiled and put on her innocent face..

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: elven maiden Earwen ]

[alaklondewen]

Alaklondewen took a deep breath and jammed half he pin into Chicken's behind. A noise came from Chicken the likes of which had never been heard in Middle Earth (and never would again), and he jumped a good 5 feet in the air.

The entire Hall got quiet and the music stopped. Several people were startled from their sleep.

However, Menelien, Sophia, and Alaklondewen sat with faces of innocence.

"What's up with Chicken?" Alaklondewen asked. She winked at her partners in crime.

When Chicken hit the floor, he began running madly around the room squawking and holding on to his derriere. Feathers were flying.

[The Saucepan Man]

The Saucepan Man sat up and sleepily rubbed his eyes. Looking round, he rubbed his eyes again, but this time in amazement. Heren-Istarion was still asleep on his sofa. Shrugging his shoulders, he remarked to himself "Must have though that it was a sleep-over party".

Recalling the events of the previous evening, he frowned as he thought of the ferocious Wargs and, worst still, the "West Ham-1 Chelsea-0" scoreline that had inexplicably popped into his head. Then, a broad smile crept across his face as he remembered the paper/comb and pan beating combo that he had participated in.

Hoping for more merriment in a similar vein, he wandered out into the Great Hall, only to trip over a rather irate Yellow Chicken that was frantically jumping up and down and squawking furiously.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: The Saucepan Man ]

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Cami's getting closer... and her face doesn't look as though it bodes well for us... dishwashing is bad for me!

[Trippo The Hippo]

Trippo gets up from his slumber. Wipes the food of his face, as he fell asleep in his plate of food. He begins to look around for his friends, Menelien, Gimli, Phanty, and all the others.

That Saucy man is off in the distance entertaing some of the fine folks here at the party. "He is one popular guy." Trippo thinks to himself.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Trippo The Hippo ]

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Sophia serenely sipped her champagne. The serenity was shortlived however, as she caught a glimpse of Menelien's frightened face out of the corner of her eye. The elf maid was staring straight at Cami, who was approaching rapidly with a killing look on her face.

Sophia sprayed the champagne across the table in her merriment as the irate hobbit approached and stood before them, dragon guardian in tow. "Did you three have anything to do with that stunning flight demonstration?" she asked wryly.

Sophia composed her face into the most angelic look she could manage and was relieved to see that her partners in crime had done the same. "No of course not," she answered, straightfaced, "but wasn't it funny?" a small snicker escaped out the corner of her mouth. Cami shot a glance at the anguished fowl still speeding around the room, feathers flying. Her eyes twinkled suspiciously. Muttering under her breath she shook her head at the three and turned away. Angara however lingered a moment and shot them a knowing look.

When they had gone Sophia sighed with relief and the three collapsed in laughter. Sophia gestured across the room for the Saucepan Man to join them if he dared. All this night needed was a little music.

[Orual]

Talômi jolted out of his reverie, and flushed violently, his face blending in with his fiery hair. Isilmë looked politely bored, and was singing to herself. He put on as bright a smile as he could manage under his blush. "I'm really sorry, I just kind of drifted off. Not asleep, that is, but just..." He trailed off hopelessly and shrugged, giving a little sheepish laugh. To make up for his lack of manners, he stood up and held his hand out to her. "Would you like to dance?"

***

Rie was taken a bit aback when Nuru sent her off with Firramer. The tall, blond man was quite handsome, but she had never met him before...well, Talômi didn't seem to mind that too much. He was on his second stranger.

The music was good and slow, and Firramer was a good dancer. She found herself resting her head against his shoulder, and her face burned for a moment, but she did not take it off. "You're a very good dancer," she said, just loud enough for him to hear it. She hoped it was a long song.

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

The beer was working its powers... even Sophia and alakon...(don't remember rest of name, sorry smilies/tongue.gif ) had stopped laughing 2 minutes ago, red in the face, but still Menelien giggled and laughed and couldn't stop till somebody came by and picked her up and thwacked her head on the table so hard she almost went out cold. But it cooled her off a bit, and she was reduced to a slightly hysterical giggle.

[The Saucepan Man]

The Saucepan Man picked himself up off the floor and watched the Yellow Chicken race off at a speed that one would have thought quite impossible for such a diminutive fellow.

"Well, things certainly haven't changed around here" he thought to himself, smiling.

Surveying the Hall, he saw Sophia beckoning him over. She was sitting with Earwen and two other Elves whom he had not yet met. He waved back, his pans clattering in their usual fashion, and sauntered over to join them.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: The Saucepan Man ]

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

"Saucepan!" Sophia cried with obvious glee. "This is Alaklondewen," she said, giving him a stern look, "you should definately already know her from your time in the quiz room." She grinned and gestured to the other elf, "and this is Menelien. She's pretty nice too." Menelien looked a little offended, but she was a little tipsy too, so Sophia judged it didn't matter.

"Enjoying your party?" she asked him, "Sergeant Saucy going to be making any more appearances?"

[alaklondewen]

She turned to Earwen. "Did you see the drama?" Alaklondewen smiled slyly and put her finger to her lips.

Alaklondewen turned around to see who Sophia was waving at, and she saw the most peculiar little man dressed in a variety of saucepans. She couldn't hide the look of surprise on her face before he had made his way to their table.

"I'm sorry for staring, but I don't believe we've met. I'm Alaklondewen."

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

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

[Frodo Baggins]

"Samwise Gamgee! YOu have to be out here somewhere! Where is he?" Elrond was walking the grounds looking for Sam.

Meanwhile, inside, Cromthal was garryign alarge, full pitcher of water to the table. Without warning, he somehow tripped and the pitcher crashed to the floor, splaterring water all over Cromthal's shoes and the hem of his robe.

"oh no!" he wailed, a bit lost about what to do "What a mess! I can't believe I am so clumsy!"

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Mr. & Mrs. Bracegirdle’s hearts were pounding as the smoke cleared from the falling plaster. They hurried to find a safe place for the rabbit before another chunk from the now structurally unsound roof demolished it and even worse it contents.

“Oh Mr. Bracegirdle we can’t let down all those good folk counting on us. What are we to do?”

“Well Barrow-Wight or no, I think we had better not wait any longer.” He replied with determination.

Enlisting the help of some nearby hobbits they pushed the rabbit back into the hallway and into the Grand Hall. Draft horses (unlike hippos, dragon, flies and rabbits) were not permitted indoors, thank you very much.

The hobbits pushed the wooden rabbit over to the end of the dance floor blocking the bar and thereby attracting quite a bit of attention. Mr. Bracegirdle knocked on the rabbit several times before a door in its side opened and a bevy of hobbits emerged shouting “Life, Dignity and the Pursuit of Morals!” and carrying banners that read ”Hobbiton Garden Club” and “Southfarthing Chamber of Commerce”.

“Excuse me, a rather large hobbit said loudly, “we’ve come here today to promote an ideal, to let you know that if you want to live a decadent life that is your call, but don’t be accusing folks of political intrigues and such like if they want to foster a civilized life, as some lately have.” He directed this to a young and petite shield-maiden in horn rimmed glasses. “Some of us have too much time on their hands it would seem.”

The partygoers gathered around the spectacle hadn’t the vaguest notion what was going on and were aghast when the hobbits started in singing R_E_S_P_E_C_T (albeit not as well as Aretha Franklin). A sigh of relief came over the crowd when the hobbits launched into a round of the Springle-ring (definitely more hobbit-like behavior) before melting away into the crowd.

[The Saucepan Man]

Saucepan beamed at Alaklondewen and Menelien.

"Ah, you're Alaklonewen" he exclaimed. "Always happy to meet a fellow Quizaholic."

Smiling at Menelien, he said "Yes, Menelien. We met last night, just before you ... er ... fell asleep. I trust that you are well rested now."

He cheerfully greeted Earwen, with whom he had shared a most enjoyable, if somewhat noisy, dance earlier in the party, and then turned to Sophia, his other erstwhile dance partner, saying "Hmm, perhaps Sergeant Saucepan will make another appearance before the party is done." Then, with a mischeivous twinkle in his eye, he added "Perhaps Trippo will do a version of the Hippo Hippo Shake for us later."

Beckoning a waiter over, he asked "Now, what is everyone drinking?"

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: The Saucepan Man ]

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Menelien turned rather red when The Saucepan Man greeted her, but laughed appreciatively at his next line, almost- but not quite- coming back to her hysterical laughter of before.

[Sillabub]

In the broom closet, front hall of Minas Anor, Gondor: Harry yelled spells of various types to attempt to get out of the closet. He tried anything, from aloa morah to wingardium leviosa, but nothing worked. He noticed another person in the closet with him, a boy about as short (or shorter) than him, with black curly hair and bright blue eyes staring at him. Frightened by this stranger, Harry whimpered and crept into a corner.

In the main hall:"Where's the toothpaste?" Lysi asked Antien, looking around.
"Toothpaste...?" Antien commented doubtfully "No, Why would I carry toothpaste? We're TRYING to spike the punch, NOT brush our teeth!"
"How do you expect to spike the punch WITHOUT toothpaste?"Lysi demanded.
"Uhh, last time I checked toothpaste wasn't alchoholic, and spiking punch is IMPOSSIBLE without alchohol to spike it with! Plus that would taste gross" Antien reminded her.
"Well, I got drunk on toothpaste the other day..." Lysi remarked.
Antien looked at her, bewildered."I think cherry wine would work better"
"Fine!" Lysi moped.

Under the CD table:Sillabub was trying to decide what song to play next. She had already played Jesus christ superstar, the phantom of the opera, saria's song and memory. What other songs were left that were formal enough for the situation? She thought for a long time, and then suddenly it hit her. No, seriously, a shoe with 'it' written on it hit her in the back of the head. Annoyed, she tossed the shoe aside, silently cursing the moron who was throwing shoes. Then she got an idea. Why not play something NOT ALW that was good?! She checked her archives of mp3s for a good song.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

The Hippo Hippo Shake? Sophia rolled her eyes. Saucepan was apparently up to his old puns again. "Alak and I have champagne." she repsonded to his query, "and as for Menelien..." she shook her head, "whatever it was there was too much of it. Will you join us?" she asked, recalling his earlier preference for tea.

"And would you join us too?" she asked, turning to Earwen. She caught a glimpse of Chicken sulking in a corner, and burst out into another fit of giggles. "We had nothing to do with the chicken incident." she told Saucepan in a low voice.

"Aaah!" he said in a tone of great wisdom, nodding his head.

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Menelien excused herself for a moment, crawled under a table, found the girl who was hotwiring the music, and whispered in her ear: "Hello. I'm Menelien. Just a request- could you not play "Hero" again? It makes my eardrums burn. Thanks." She smiled tipsily at the now quite bewildered girl, waved, and came back to her table. Sure enough, "Hero" began blasting out of the loudspeakers. Grrrr...

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

[Trippo The Hippo]

"Mr. Sauce Pan, I certainly would do the hippo hippo shake for you, but only on one condition if you were to join me." Replied Trippo the The Sauce Pan Man's request.

Trippo then tripped his way out to the dance floor and began to dance around, hoping that one of his friends would join him.

[kittiewhirl1677]

Eladoriel woke up underneath a table.

"What the-" She began.
Then, remembering her foot, she picked it up and examined it. Her shoe was whole, and her foot didn't hurt.
"What IN the-" She began again.
Then, she realized that she must have fallen down, and being so tired out from everything must have fallen asleep and had dreamed the whole knife thing.

She got out from under the table, and made her way towards the dance floor. Looking up, she saw a HUGE hole.

"How in the-" She started, again.
She decided to stop, because she suddenly felt dropdead hungry.

"I HAVEN'T EATEN IN THREE DAYS! The only thing I did was drink!"

She hurried to a table, and when a waiter came by, she asked for three burgers and a HUGE slice of pepperoni pizza(How I wish I could really have some right now...).

She was so hungry, that in fact she ate it all in less than a minute(no she didn't make a huge slobbering mess like Chihiro's parents in Spirited Away(I just finished watching that. Couldn't stop myself. Had to put that in.)). In fact, she finished it all quickly and neatly altogether.

Then, she still felt hungry, but this time she felt like having some sweets.

"Hmm... I don't know. What sweets should I order?"

She sat looking around in question, spying at the food of others.

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Menelien was dead bored. Now what should she do? Suddenly, she saw something so utterly amazing that her mind was totally taken away, and she ran, tripping several times, towards the wall...
* * *
As she climbed up the ropes that seemed to hang off of the wall for no reason at all, and swaying so dangerously several times that she almost fell, she wondered how she could have not noticed this before. This was wonderful! Great fun! (Don't ask me how a person that drunk can climb ropes, because my only answer is: I don't know.)
* * *
A moment later, she was swinging happily from the chandelier, totally not noticing that every single person present was staring at her...

[alaklondewen]

"Saucepan, may I call you Saucepan? The honor is all mine," Alaklondewen held her hand out as a lady would. "Thank you," she took a glass of champagne from the waiter. "Would you mind bringing us a bit to eat? I would like some vegetables. What would the rest of you like?" she turned to her friends.

A large Hippo walked up and had a few words with the Saucepan Man. He then took to the dance floor, shaking like no other hippo Alaklondewen had ever seen (not that she'd seen many hippos to begin with).

Menelien, who had been sitting next to her, jumped up suddenly and ran away with as much natural grace as someone can have that has had that much to drink. Alak looked at the others at the table and then back at Menelien, who was climbing a rope. The next thing they knew, she was dangling from a chandelier.

"What in Middle Earth is she doing?" asked Alaklondewen who sat back to see what would happen next.

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

[kittiewhirl1677]

Eladoriel sat, thinking about what to eat, when she heard the commotion. She looked above, and saw that someone was swinging from a chandelier!

"Menelien! Get down from there, you crazy elf!" Eladoriel screamed at her.

She got up, and stood on the table to get the elf's attention as Menelien seemed to be totally ignoring her.

"Get down from there! You'll get killed, I tell you!"

[Annunfuiniel]

A bestial scream followed by loud cackle entered in Annun's consciousness. What? Was I sleep-walking again? Great, just great... She shook herself mentally and saw the source of the rattling sound flying around the room so that people were ducking a chicken. Duck a chicken? Why, that really sounds like something the Saucepan Man would say!

Just after Annun had finished this thought she indeed saw the Man of the Pans across the room keeping company to Sophia, Alaklondewen and Menelien. Splendid!, she thought and headed straight to their table. She just missed Cami's visit to the girls and judging their looks after the hobbit and the dragon were gone Annun had no doupt who were behind this latest prank.

"Poor Chicken!" she said her voice echoing the deepest sympathy one could ever feel towards a dancing yellow chicken, and then greeted the group with a conspiratory smile.

"More chicken? Well, I believe I saw some chicken at the buffet..." began the Pan-man and Annun uttered her first groan before she had even sat to the table.

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

"Yes, I agree" yelled Menelien to Eladoriel. "This is wonderful, isn't it? Care to join me?"

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Sophia grinned at Trippo's dance, she wasn't quite ready for the humiliation of joining him. Smiling at the Saucepan Man and Alaklondewen she pointed skyward as Menelien climbed to the ceiling. That girl seriously needed to sober up or she was going to get hurt. Her comrades laughed at the sight of the extrordinarily clutzy elf girl swinging from the chandelier. She hoped if Menelien fell that Trippo would catch her.

Looking up suddenly, Sophia thought she heard thunder in the distance. An irrational worry about the safety of her laptop in a lightning storm struck her. It wasn't paid for yet. Casting an apologetic look toward Saucepan and Alak she politely excused herself.

Going over to the couch where Fin slept she sank down on the floor beside his couch, resting her face on the cushions. Taking a leaf out of Diamond's book she unplugged and turned off her computer by telekinesis. She didn't have a surge protector. Realizing that turning off the laptop cut her off from the Downs she promptly fell asleep.

[alaklondewen]

Alaklondewen, hearing the same thunder that Sophia heard, explained to the party she, too, needed to take a small break.

"It's been a wonderful time," she said to the others and then disappeared out of a side door.

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Be back after school tomorrow... smilies/frown.gif Do what-ys want with Menelien. Don't kill her is the only thing I ask. smilies/wink.gif

[Trippo The Hippo]

Just for the fun of it Trippo decided to join Menelien on the chandelier. Mostly because he had only broken a few things at this party, and he was determined to meet his monthly quota.

I think I will continue to hang here for the night. I will see you all later tomorrow.

[The Saucepan Man]

Saucepan had politely declined the offer of a dance with the jovial Hippo, but sat enjoying the spectacle of the large amphibious fellow frightening the life out everyone else on the dance floor.

"Let's hope he doesn't Trippo'ver his shoelaces" he remarked to groans from all round.

He happily sipped the tea which the waiter had brought him, chatting with his companions, his gaze alternating between the gyrating Hippo and the Elf swinging dangerously but happily from the chandelier above.

After a while, Annunfuinel joined them and, shortly after, Alaklondewen and Sophia excused themselves.

Annun, Earwen and Saucepan watched with much amusement as Trippo joined Menelien swinging from the chandelier.

"Well, I've been done seein' 'bout eveything, when I see an Elf 'n Hippo fly!" remarked Saucepan Dumbo-foundedly.

Sitting together with Annun and Earwen, he took another sip of his tea, which was beginning to have the same effect as it had previously, and sat back in contentment to watch the further events of the party unfold.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: The Saucepan Man ]

[Iarwain]

Suddenly, an extraordinary sight was beheld by all. Iarwain was break-dancing. The jolly old fellow was wiggling, jiggling and spinning all around. Then he jumped up and grabbed onto Menelien, swinging from on chandelier to the next in glee. Suddenly there was a crash and a wild yelp of pain as Iarwain tumbled down from the ceiling onto poor old saucepan, an innocent spectator.

[Samwise]

Sam thought he heard Mr. Frodo's voice call as he was picked up by the Orc.

"I suppose they're lookin' for you." the Orc holding Sam said, putting a hand to the Hobbit's throat. "Well, we can't let them interrupt our little feast, can we? "

"Oh, no." the other Orc said, peering out of the shed. "Hurry, let's get him to the woods and roast him before anyone shows up."

The Orc holding Sam tucked the Hobbit under his arm and hurried after his accomplice.

Sam, you ninnyhammer!the Hobbit-about-to-be-the-main-course scolded himself. Why, oh, WHY can't you just keep out of trouble???

[Diamond18]

Diamond emerged from the shadows in a glorious flash of diamond-studded mithril light. Several people fell back and put their arms before their eyes, writhing in pain (yet still admiring her lovely new outfit, of course).

As their eyes grew once again accustomed to the ostentatious jewelry, they returned to what they had been doing. Diamond walked over to the edge of the dance floor and tapped her foot. How was it that she’d been here for nearly four days, and hadn’t had one dance yet? She’d take care of that tonight, she decided, as she glanced around the room, sizing up potential partners.

[ May 05, 2003: Message edited by: Diamond18 ]

[Samwise]

Primrose followed her "Uncle", Stacey and Mimi behind her, while Tennyson took to the sky.

"Stacey, did you notice something?" Mimi asked.

"What's that?"

"Well, those Orc-things back at the front door when we left....they looked different, somehow."

Stacey thought to herself that there wasn't much difference between Orcs, if it were possible maybe one was uglier than the other..."Um...now that you say that there might have been a difference. Maybe they changed shifts? "

A thought chilled her. "Oh, no, not again..."

Mimi blinked. "What? "

"Come on!" she said, grabbing Mimi's hand and running. "Mister Baggins! Wait! "

[Annunfuiniel]

Obviously Annun had taken a far more deeper look at the Saucepan Man than she'd thought for when she turned around to talk to the others there was no-one there! Sophia and Alak had magically disappreared and Menelien was suddenly clinging to the chandelier. . Did I just doze off again or what?, she questioned herself and then reasoned that three hours of sleepwalking didn't apparently count as actual sleeping.

Annun felt dead tired but couldn't leave the Saucepan Man now that she finally had managed to reach him. Earwen was also still there and the three had an enjoyable and pun-full chat in the suddenly quite quiet hall. Annun even managed to get through to the Saucepan that there was a 'Bad guy trivia' -thread in the Quiz room which he obviously had been ignoring lately.

But soon Annun had to admit she couldn't keep her eyes open any longer. She considered the options for a place to doss for at least a couple of hours but as all the sofas were taken and the cleaning closet hadn't made that good of an impression the first time she inquired if the Saucepan Man happened to be carrying any pan-mats with him. And as it so happened he did, she asked for one of them, placed it on the table and let her head down on it. Lastly she made Saucepan to promise her a dance the next day and then she fell into a deep sleep which wasn't disturbed even by the indescribable noise caused by Iarwain crashing on her table companion.

[Frodo Baggins]

Frodo had lost Elrond, he had forgotten how swiftly and silently elves can move when they wish. He looked back at the others calling him, then strolled back. "What? Is something wrong?"

Elrond had a strange feeling something was amiss, he just was not sure what. He had a strange feeling that Sam had more than just wandered off, perhaps he had been taken, But why? And by whom?

Maggie and Isildae were back inside, helping the besodden Cromthal woth the broken pitcher.

[Samwise]

Stacey and Mimi finally caught up to Frodo.

Stacey: Mr. Baggins, Mimi noticed that the Orcs at the door were different... you don't suppose the ones that went off shift.....

She didn't finish. She didn't want to upset Frodo, she knew how he got when Sam was in trouble, but.....

*****

Tennyson had flown ahead of them and behind the Great Hall. He saw a glowing in the midst of a stand of trees afar off. Turning in the air, he went back to the others.

[The Saucepan Man]

Now Saucepan rellay had done seeing about everything. Iarwain had suddenly jumped up from his reverie and joined Menelien and Trippo swinging from the increasingly unstable looking light fitting.

Hey dol! merry dol! swing along a dillo!
Swing along! sing a song! up with Elf and Hippo!
Tom Bom! jolly Tom! Tom Bombadillo!

Then, with a mighty clatter of yellow boots and pots and pans, Iarwain, losing his grip on Menelien, tumbled down from the ceiling onto poor old Saucepan.

When Saucepan came round he could just about make out the concerned faces of various guests bobbing behind a familiar bearded face crowned with a feathered hat.

Saucepan Man! Man-o-Pan! Hope you're not to ill-o!
Lay you down! rest your crown! softly on this pillow!
Tom Bom! silly Tom! Tom Bombadillo!

Shaken, but not stirred, Saucepan sat up.

"Oh, oh, seven!" he exclaimed as he counted the bruises that he had so far accumulated at the party.

Iarwain apologised, and helped the Pan Man to his feet. Saucepan was only to ready forgive him, seeing as he had saved him from the Wargs the previous night.

"Well, I don't know! What with Yellow Chicken traps and flying enigmas, I hope nothing further untoward happens to me before this night is out" he thought to himself as he sat back down and took another sip of his strangely intoxicating tea.

[the phantom]

"Diamond", said a gentle, sensuous, and refined voice, "Would you care to dance?"

[Gorwingel]

After being lost for hours and hours in a place of chaos called the dance floor (humans, elves, hobbits, hippos, oh my!), and where Boromir the Disco King had definitely stolen the show. Gorwingel finally made it out and stumbled over to a chair after standing for hours and hours. The DJ had been playing an assortment of songs from the Gondorian Waltz to the Ballad of Bilbo Baggins: Dance Mix version.
It ended up that she was sitting right next to Saucepan Man who was sitting quietly (looking quite dazed truthfully) sipping a cup of tea. He offered to get her a cup, but she politely refused (Gorwingel had never been a fan of tea).
She decided then to get up and continue her seach for a dancing partner, because she had been decidely unluckly in this area during the Gala.

[Diamond18]

Diamond looked up from the engrossing scuff marks on the dance floor, to see the penetrating (and disconcertingly enough, glowing) eyes of the Phantom. But the euphonious, melodious, harmonic, dulcet, mellifluous, seductively rich, lyrical, languid, sweet, silken, soft, resonant, sonorous voice which asked, “Diamond, would you care to dance?” made her forget (or at least file away for future reference) any misgivings.

“Why Phantom,” she said, “I thought you’d never ask. I’d be delighted. What shall it be: waltz, tango, fox-trot, cha-cha, jitterbug, country line, twist—or none or all of the above?”

[Tinuviel the Nightingale]

Alatariel lifted her head, which seemed to be unusually heavy, and moaned. The mudwater's effects had kicked in heavily, and she couldn't remember where she was!
She rose unsteadily, only to promply trip over her own feet and land with about as much grace as an elephant.


"Oowwwww" she groaned, and tried again, successfully this time, to heave herself up and try to figure out where in Middle Earth she was.
After wobbling around the room a few times, her memory slowly came back to her. I will never do that again. And how many times have I said that to myself? she thought to herself, smiling.

Stumbling over to the bar, she intended to order some water to clear her foggy mind.
"What will you have" asked the bartender.
"Water would be nishe, thanksh" she slurred. That didn't come out right..
"Here you go." said the bartender with a raise of his eyebrows.

The water was like a clear mountain stream to her head, and she regained her senses. After walking around for a bit, she spotted Fin and Sophia dozing peacefully. She walked over to them and smiled. Fin looked adorable, and Sophia looked like she was sleeping on a fluffy cloud instead of the floor.

So she bent down and gave Fin a soft kiss, adjusted Sophia's pillows slightly so she would be more comfortable, and sat down on one of the couch's arms, content to watch everyone's antics while waiting patiently for her companions to awaken.

[ May 05, 2003: Message edited by: Tinuviel the Nightingale ]

[the phantom]

"Anything you wish. Just name the song and dance, and I'll have them play it." This, when said by most people, would sound conceited, but it was merely a statement of fact when said by The Phantom. Pretty much every entertainer had been, was, or wanted to be employed at The Phantom's home (or castle, more accurately).

[ May 05, 2003: Message edited by: the phantom ]

[Diamond18]

Like drunken birds flying north in the winter, several thoughts flitted their way through Diamond’s mind. So much music, so many different dances, so little arch support in her shoes. She was torn between a nice, old-fashioned Strauss waltz, mindless jumping up and down to hard rock, or a polka. Wait a minute, a polka? Now where did that thought come from? she wondered, then guessed that at least one of the birds was drunk on ‘Mudwater.

“How about some Salsa?” she suggested. “I always liked Santana.”

[the phantom]

Diamond smiled. Before the word "Salsa" had escaped her mouth, Carlos was on the stage strumming away. The Phantom pointed to his head with a smile, hinting at his mental capabilities. "You really shouldn't do things like that, Phantom. It's on the border between fascinating and scary" she said.

"Scary? Can you look me in the eye and tell me I'm scary?"

She could not, of course. His kind, benevolent spirit seemed to shine through his stunning blue eyes.

"I've really been looking forward to this dance, Diamond. It's not every day that one is afforded the opportunity to pick the mind of such an intelligent, lovely young lady. What have been your favorite party moments thus far? They might be new to me, for I have been in and out much the past few days. And also, weren't you the supervising archeologist on site when the famous Marquette Scrolls were discovered under Minas Tirith? What do you know about those?"

[ May 05, 2003: Message edited by: the phantom ]

[Diamond18]

“Well,” said Diamond as they mamboed across the floor to the spicy Latin rhythm, “I must say that the drum duets I played with LinGalad upon the Saucepan Man’s pans were immensely enjoyable, as was the rapturous applause from our adoring audience. I am much looking forward the awards ceremony, as I’m sure Mithadan has something unorthodox planned.”

She paused for the dip, and the light from her necklace ricocheted off the chandelier and shattered a row of bar glasses. They continued to dance blithely, as the music of Santana made everyone in the room (even those who were sleeping and had been for days) tap their feet a little and feel like dancing.

Got a black magic woman
Got a black magic woman.
I got a black magic woman
Got me so blind I can't see…

“As to the Marquette Scrolls, well, I couldn’t have done it without some investigative reporting on the part of a local newspaper,” Diamond demurred. “But, there’s no doubt they were a great find. Who would not be fascinated by ancient, handwritten documents chronicling the War of the Ring? Scholars from all over the Barrow Downs have been studying that passage of history for nigh on 3 years, now.”

“That does sound fascinating,” the Phantom said in his liquid voice, radiating disarming charm as they set the floor on fire with their expert hoofing.

“I had heard that you were considering visiting the sight, is that true?” Diamond inquired.

[the phantom]

"Have my travel plans become public knowledge?" asked The Phantom "or have you been doing a bit of snooping?"

He didn't wait for an answer. He knew he'd been careful when organizing his summer trip. She must have gone out of her way to find out this information, something that he found very flattering.

"Yes, I do plan on visiting the site. I decided to go the very instant I heard that the scrolls were written by JRRT himself."

"That reminds me, I'd very much like to know your opinion on a religious matter. What do you think the nature of JRRT is? Do you think that he was just a messenger (or prophet as some say) of Middle Earth, or do you believe (as I do) that he was the creator (Eru enrobed in flesh) of Middle Earth?"

The Phantom did not really need to tell Diamond what his belief was, for who hadn't seen his oversized "What would JRRT do?" bumper sticker on his limo?

[ May 05, 2003: Message edited by: the phantom ]

[Diamond18]

“I do believe that in one of the ancient scrolls, J.R.R. Tolkien referred to himself as a sub-creator,” Diamond replied. “Many people have pondered the meaning of this—does that make him a demigod? A Vala such as Aulë? Or was he simply being modest? Of course, surely you can appreciate a great mind enshrouded in mystery,” she added with a wink, and then as an afterthought, “I wonder, how might I acquire a similar bumper sticker for my Lamborghini?”

The music ended at that moment, and though Diamond was enjoying herself immensely, she was hit with a sudden wave of debilitating fatigue and footsoreness. It felt as if she had been dancing for hours, but at the same time, only mere minutes—time seemed to do funny things when one is salsaing across the floor in the arms of the Phantom.

She suggested that they take a break and get a refreshing drink at the bar. Phantom agreed congenially, and soon Diamond found herself perched on a barstool next to the pristine Lush (who was lost in meditating catechism or some such pure thing, no doubt). She rested her feet and said to the Phantom, “Thank you for such a wonderful evening, you dance divinely—and I could dance all night, but I wouldn’t want to fall asleep during tomorrow’s awards ceremony.”

In fact, she was already nodding off a little over her drink, which suddenly appeared to wink, blink, and nod back at her. It’s been a long day…

[the phantom]

"How delightful!" thought The Phantom. "It looks like I've been provided with an opportunity to go to bed. Diamond is such a considerate young woman. Perhaps I'll bump into her again."

After one last look at her sparkling garments, he dove underneath a table and vanished.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Sophia stirred in her sleep. A pillow had been placed under her head at some point by an unknown benefactor. She was still very tired, but for the moment awake. A quick glance around the room showed her that Alatariel had awakened sometime during the evening and had found them there. But alas, the girl was asleep yet again, this time fallen at an odd angle on the floor by one end of the couch. Sophia rearranged Alatariel's limbs as gently as possible into what looked like a less uncomfortable position, and tucked her pillow beneath the girl's head.

Feeling sleepy again, and not seeing anyone around she called to the bartender. "Something that'll put me out?" she said hesitantly.

"You mean like some of this?" the bartender held up another full bottle of Mudwater. Sophia shook her head rapidly, not that, anything but that. "Alright," the bartender said, rummaging under the counter, "How's this?" he pulled out a large pink box and read the label, "for relief of allergy symptoms, may cause drowsiness."

Sophia's eyes lit up, Benadryl! She popped one of the pink pills into her mouth and swallowed, not only would she get a long night of drug induced slumbers, but she'd also clear up those annoying allergies. She cast a withering glance at Angara. She suspected the culprit was dragon dander.

Looking critically at the couch where Fin slept Sophia pondered a way to get a more comfortable bed than the floor. With her pillow gone she didn't want to sleep there anymore. She gingerly picked up his feet and slipped under them. Sitting on the couch with Fin's legs across her lap she tipped her head back against the sofa cushions and stared at the ceiling. Drowsiness began to overcome her. This would do, she thought. As sleep finally claimed her she slumped over sideways, her head on Fin's arm. She didn't know it, but she was finally in that dread stiffening position she'd been trying to avoid all week. The cruel ways of fate.

OOC: as is obvious, the real life Sophia is a terrible insomniac. The cruel ways of fate.

[ May 05, 2003: Message edited by: Sophia the Thunder Mistress ]

[Oddwen]

I found myself under a table, unsure of where I was. It recalled itself to my mind when a pair of hobbit feet danced past.
"Hey, it's Monday! The Downies are today?"


(((Right???)))

[ May 05, 2003: Message edited by: Oddwen ]

[Silmarien]

Silmarien got up stiffly from the floor where she had been left. Right in the middle of the dance floor she had passed out after overexuberance and lack of food. So she went over to the food tables and quickly consumed at least 3 pieces of lembas.

There didn't seem to be enough guys here, or they were Mr Darcy's. No one for girls to dance with, 'Ah well, if I sit in a corner and look forlorn who knows what could happen.'

[Schmendrick]

When Talômi finally woke up from his thoughts, Isilmë was quite pleased to notice that she was not the only one with a blushing-problem... "Would you like to dance?" he asked, ever so politely. Finally!I thought he'd never ask!Isilmë thought and gave him her most charming smile. "Yes, I'd love to! After all, that's what these shoes are for!"


Talömi lead her to the dance-floor and as if by magic, the music changed again. They were now playing Colplay's "Yellow" (which fitted the chicken-theme quite well). It wasn't a very easy song to dance, but they were both doing very well. For the first time during the whole party, Isilmë felt genuinely happy. She loved to dance and she loved the song and her partner was very charming indeed. Isilmë didn't know if it was considered bad behaviour to talk during the dance, but she couldn't bear the silence. "So where are you from?" She finally asked. "Do you live here, in Minas Anor?"

[Silmarien]

Silmarien slumped to a sleeping position as the effect of mixxing acohol and her persciption drugs took over.

[Bekah]

Nurumaiel watched the crowd dancing, still looking for Rie's brother. Failing to catch sight of him, she moved over to the window and gazed moodily into the dusk. She thought to turn, and search again, when she suddenly caught a glimpse of two moving figures on the horizon, one dark and one light. They were coming steadily closer. Soon she could see that they were two horses and their riders. The dark one was wearing green habiliments and sat on the white horse. The other one was fair and wore blue raiment (sp?) and rode upon a black steed.

Soon they were only half a mile away. Nuru, on a sudden impulse, walked outside to greet them. Closer they came, and closer still, until she could make out each woman - for they were women, though seemingly only just out of their girlhood - now cantering their horses.

Nuru drew her breath in sharply. For she recognized one of the riders well. "Hail, Elentari! I looked long to see you here, but you did not come."

The girl in the blue cloak laughed. It was a beautiful laugh, a rich laugh, a laugh that enveloped all who heard it with warmth.

"It has been a long time indeed, my friend. I come far too late to witness the beginning of the party, but perhaps not too late to miss out on all the fun. Have the Awards been presented yet?" It was a rhetorical question, apparently, for she did not wait for an answer.

"This is Kementari, you remember her?" The dark woman smiled at Nuru.

Nuru stared at her. She was stunningly beautiful. Her vivid green dress peeped out from under the more inconspicuous cloak that covered her, which was clasped at the throat by a brooch in the image of mallorn leaf. Her steed standing patiently beneath her shone almost silver - perhaps a descendant of Shadowfax? A silver net set with emeralds covered the woman's dark brown hair, which otherwise flowed unhindered. Two thin strands hung on either side of her face, blowing across unchecked at each puff of wind. The face, too, was noticable. The skin was pale gold with full red lips adorning the lower half. Nuru could find no fault with her beautifully carved nose, nor the long eyelashes which surrounded her laughing eyes, a deep muddy brown with flecks of dancing green light, which had an almost hypnotic effect.

She shook her head and turned back to the first woman.

"How could I forget? The Queen of the Earth, of the green growing things. She is an unforgettable person, Elentari."

"Not to mention that she is a long unheard from friend. However, that will change in future. She will visit more often now, O Daughter of the Dawn..." Elentari's voice trailed away softly.

Rousing herself, she seemed to take in for the first time the growing darkness. She slid off her horse, while her friend did the same. "Nuru, my friend, where can these horses be stabled?"

Nuru took both horses by the halter, then started to lead them to the large stables around the back, which were nevertheless almost all filled up by now. "I'll take them. You go inside and warm yourselves."

"Very well. This - " Elentari indicated the midnight-black one - "is Coalblack. And the other is Snowflake."

Elentari turned to the hall, and started to walk inside. Kementari followed her silently.

They came up against the orcs, and after being made to understand their request and who was behind it, surrendered all weapons.

Then they entered the hall and slowly maneuvered their way over to an empty patch of wall. There they searched silently with their eyes, finding all the things they would need. There was the buffet table - Mithadan and the others were obviously doing a good job, as there was still a great variety of food and plenty of it. There was the drinks table, and the entrance to lavatories discreetly hidden behind a large potted plant. They located the dancing floor with ease, and noted a vacant table with no obvious reservations. They started moving about, getting food and drink.

After they had seated themselves down, a young male elf - with no apparent knowledge of their identity - came and sat down with them. Both women never stopped eating during their conversation with this young gentleman - or rather, gentle-elf - as they were famished with hunger after their long journey to witness such a great event as this.

Soon Nurumaiel came in. She found her friends quickly, but stopped short at the person conversing with them. For he was none other than her missing dance partner, Rie's brother.

She decided to go towards them anyway.

Her second look at Elentari in a fully lighted room took her breath away. She had discarded her cloak, which had been clasped at the throat by a diamond in the shape of a star, even more beautiful than the famous Evenstar the beautiful Arwen was named after. Underneath she wore a flowing dress of shimmering blue, which changed shades as quickly as the water runs in the chattering brook. It was embroidered with glistening patterns that reminded one of the the cold light of the stars. The neck-line and no doubt the bottom of the gown sparkled with pale gems, pearls and diamonds. Her long sleeves were slit to the shoulder, leaving her arms bare and exposed. Her hair was fair and long, french-plaited down to her ears but rippled down freely in golden streams to adorn her dress. Just below her hair a pair of grave grey eyes looked out from behind their soft eye-lashes, capturing the hearts of all who looked into them.

Meanwhile Nuru determined to get the elf to dance with her. So she set to work, at first engaging Elentari in conversation, and then moving on to him...

"So, Elentari, why have you been so long? And why has Manwe not come with you?"

"To answer your first question, I have been very busy, Nurumaiel, and I could not start the journey until a few weeks ago. Our steeds are the fastest in all Middle-earth, but the journey is still very, very long. I came as fast as I could.

"As to your second question, both Aule and my husband have been even busier than I, and could not find the time to make the journey."

"I see you have made a new friend....."

[Liriodendron]

Unfortunately, Liri couldn't find Raefindal. She felt it might be wise to avoid the overly hyper dance floor, smilies/wink.gif so she ambled over to the veranda. She noticed some members of the BD "Coming of Age" club congregating, and decided to join them. They were sipping tea and chatting while waiting for the awards to begin. "Ah, perfect!" said Liri, as she found a comfortable rocking chair and greeted the group. smilies/smile.gif

[Frodo Baggins]

Frodo turned a shade or two paler, and nodded thoughtfully, and was silent for a few moments.

Maggie, Isildae, and Cromthal came trotting up to the rest.

"What is going on?" Isildae asked a bit breathlessly. Primrose filled them in. Then she eyed Cromthal's wet shoes.
"What happened to you?"

"I'm a clumsy fool, Primrose." he answered simply. Then Frodo spoke.

"Depending on the number and size of the orcs, or wahtever it is we are deling with, I'm not too sure one elf and one hobbit are enought to deal with them."

"You say we should follow, wherever they have gone, then?" the words had barely left Maggie's mouth when Elrond reappeared.

"I have a sttange feeling about this, none of us should be separated. I think I have an idea where they have gone, and I'm sure I could pick up their trail, are you coming or not?"

"Excuse me." Frodo began "I was saying that An elf and a hobbit would be no used against orcs, but all of us unarmed, besides Prim, would still be of little avail."

Cromthal coughed to get everyone's attention and then smirked and looked in Isildae's direcion "Isildae?" he said.

Isildae pulled a roll of canvas from behind him saying "The day when I snatched the king's sword in Rohan were not totally without profit." He opened the canvas to reveal the weapons everyone had left behind.

Elimmire, the Gondolin-made sword of Elrond with the white gem in the hilt. Sting, Frodo's famed sword. Luinil, Maggie's short sword with the ornately carved silver hilt. Isildae snatched up his rather large sized dagger, and Cromthal gathered up Caladbolg, his great broadsword with the bejeweled hilt and his yew bow and quiver, winking at Primrose as he did so.

[Laiquendi]

She sat with Eruanna at a nearby table. Glad for the company.

"No i'm afraid that i did not see the fireworks. I was temporaraly, um, unconsious at the bar"

She and Eruanna laughed.

"Shame" Eruanna replied. "They were fantastic"

[ May 05, 2003: Message edited by: Laiquendi ]

[Annunfuiniel]

"Have you by any chance seen a hobbit couple dragging a gigantic carved wooden rabbit around?"

The somewhat odd question, which was uttered in an even more curious tone, and the nearly scorching breath following the words intruded in Annunfuiniel's sleep. Half asleep she turned to the source of the voice just to end up face to face with Angara, the fiery dragon! But no need to worry, Annun had just dreamed of dragons and shining knights so she wasn't that startled of the sight this time – just a bit disappointed: this once her dream was actually becoming real life she would have wished it to be the one with, say, Robbie Williams or Russell Crowe (the accent! *sigh*).

"Well, have you?", the dragon repeated her query starting to get a little irritated by the mindlessly gazing maiden. Annun didn't quite grasp what the smoking beast was talking about but the image of gigantic wooden stature being dragged into a place full of people expecting no evil somehow made her feel uncomfortable. After long considerations it finally dawned to her. Hobbits and Homer? Sounds a bit far-fetched to put it mildly...

"No, I haven't seen such a curious sight", Annun spoke at last "But mind you! I wonder if the hobbits have read their 'Iliad'; tried wile's the best wile, as they say..."
The dragon eyed Annun's drowsy appearance (her somewhat curious pad had left red patterns on her right cheek) rather dubiously before tramping away to the opposite direction.

Annun was now quite awake and ready for some action but a quick look around showed that she was one of the 'early birds' of the party at the moment. The tea seemed to have played tricks on The Saucepan Man: he really didn't look able for a conversation, not to mention that tugging him to the dancefloor surely would have proved hazardous. Isilmë on the other hand seemed to be having good time with Talômi and Sophia was nowhere near to be found. In this situation Annun reluctantly decided to go get a glass of wine and do some studying. With full glass in her hand she sighed heavily and opened her book (treating the emergence of print culture in Anglo-American cultural sphere) hoping that someone would very soon give her an excuse to stop.

[ May 05, 2003: Message edited by: Annunfuiniel ]

[Bekah]

Elentari walked out into the night air and gazed at her creation. Beautiful constellations, they were. Fantastic.

She felt someone touch her gently on the shoulder. It turned out to be her name-sake, the spider-catcher.

"How are you, Elentari spider-catcher? I have not seen you so close since you were a little babe..."

Meanwhile, Nuru was dancing gracefully with Rie's brother, and Kementari slipped out to be among the trees, her favourite company.

"Soon" she murmurmed to herself, "the long-waited Downie Awards will be presented. And even I do not know what they will be like..."

[Manardariel]

Manardariel awoke. Sheepishly she looked around, blinking with the sudden light. She was in a quiet corner of the dancehall, lying flat on a sofa. Her dress was tangeled and someone had put her jewlery next to her on a table. She got up, stil feeling a bit dizzy. At least her headache was gone. Actually she didn´t feel drunk at all.

"Geez" she said aloud to herself. "I wonder how long I slept..." She tried to fix her hair and dress, but failed miserable. Whjat she needed now was food!

"Breakfast time!" Happily she walked over to the buffet and helped herself to a plate of Balrogwings, some Lembas, a piece of Mrs. Proudfoot´s CherryCake, a glass of Mirovour, a big sliche of Cram, a BIG LatteMaccciato with lots of Caramelsirup and a bowl of Cinni-Minis. Balancing all of this through half of the hall she reached a small table. She loaded it with all her food and sat down. "Breakfast time allright."

Half an hour later (she was just at her second Latte, though she hadn´t touched the Balrog Wings yet) someone told her the Awards ceremony was to start soon.

"Goody" she thought. "I´ll just finish this, then I´ll go change and fix myself for The Awards." Grinnning she helped herself to another piece of Lembas.

[Mithadan]

OOC - Will all persons who volunteered to present Awards please check their PMs periodically during the next few days. The first invitations have gone out already.

[Arien]

Arien ate her cake with delight, it was amazing, the cook had sure out done him, or herself. Arien place her plate down ion the table in front of her and glanced around the room to see if she could see was familiar with any of the late arrivers. She had seen Elentari earlier on but now she had dissappeared from the hall. Arien longed to speak to her again for it had been a while since she had done so. So getting up she looked around.

She had been looking for quite a while now, and she was getting hot so she decided to take a walk outside in the cool night air. She opened a small door and stepped out onto a small stone patio surrounded by pots of Elenor's. As she walked she sipped her wine from her glass and she saw two figues conversing. One of them was Elentari, but the other she didnt know. She hesitated not knowing whether to say hello.

"Elentari!" she shouted across to the woman wearing blue. She turned round a little startled but smiled when she saw it was Arien.

"Arien!" she said walking over, " how are you?" the two embraced, and Arien was careful not to spill her wine.

"Oh, I? I am fine and enjoying myself, infact I am quite suprised I am not lying on the floor face down yet, I swear they are watering this wine down!" she laughed, "and you?"

[ May 05, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Sophia awoke, rubbing her eyes, but feeling more lively than she had for days. Downies day had arrived! A large grin spread across her face, and she stood up quickly, disregarding Fin's feet which were sprawled across her lap. The elf lord let out a heroic groan and blinked at her through sleepy eyes. "Wake up, wake up!" she said to him impatiently. Fin hoisted his legs back up onto the couch and rolled over, as if to go back to sleep. Sophia sighted, he had slept for the majority of the past two days. She pulled at his hand, dragging him to his feet.

"Let's go find Annun." she said excitedly, dragging him over to the table where her friend sat, poring over some kind of a textbook. Sophia wrinkled her nose and sat down, pulling her escort with her, and hoping the awards would start soon.

[Mithadan]

The lights in the Hall dimmed three times and a bell rang. Mithadan excused himself from the guests he was speaking to and activated his microphone.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Elves, Hobbits and Dwarves, " he said. A voice came from the back of the room. "And Hippos!" "And Hippo," agreed Mithadan. "That is the signal for the start of the Downies Awards Show. If you will all proceed to the auditorium and find your seats, please. Thank you all for coming and we hope that you have enjoyed the pre-Awards party!"

People thronged towards the doors to the auditorium, wondering who the winners would be....

------------

OOC: Given the comments regarding the chaos, I think you all now undertsand why we closed our Freestyle RPG Forum and replaced it with the current system. I hope you have all enjoyed yourselves thus far. We now move on to the Awards portion of our Birthday Party. For those who volunteered to present Awards, please check your PMs today and during the next few days.

Awards Instructions: "To present an award, you must prepare a presentation speech (humorous), announce the name of the award and the winner, and provide the winner's "theme music". For example, Alanis Morisette's "Ironic" might be appropriate for an award which is the polar opposite of the personality of the winner. The presenter should, without revealing the nature of the award, PM or e-mail the winner in advance and try to arrange for the award to be given when he or she is on-line and can give an acceptance speech. Acceptance speeches are not required."

Only awards approved by Mods/Admins may be presented. If you want to volunteer to be a presenter, please use the Discussion Thread, do not PM me or anyone else.

Please try to exercise some decorum in the Awards Show. So the presentations and acceptance speeches don't get lost in the shuffle, let's not continue the chaos of the party in the Awards Thread, which will be opened shortly. Converstation is OK, but the party portion is now over.

Thanks.