[Eruanna]

Eruanna could hear the pounding of the music over the roar of the bike's engine, as she braked gently and glided over to the kerbside. Engaging the kickstand she dismounted, then reached up to remove her motorcycle helmet. Fluffing up the hair around her elven ears, she thought ruefully,that perhaps the biker leathers had been a mistake.

The sound of laboured breathing and the pungent, unmistakeable odour of Uruk assailed her nostrils. She turned and scowled at the one that approached her.

"Gotcher invite?" he growled. "Can't letya in wivout yer invite!"

Sighing, she dipped her hand into the deep pocket of her leather jacket. Finding the precious invitation at last, she waved the small, gold embossed, green vellum rectangle triumphantly under its nose.

The Uruk, finally satisfied of her right to be there, waved her onto the slightly grubby red carpet. Excitement and terror fought for first place, as she licked her lips nervously. This was her first Barrow Downs Party and she really hoped that it wouldn't be her last!

At the doorway yet another security Orc held up his hand imperiously. Bother! She was already far more than the fashionably recommended one hour late.

"Weapons?" he demanded.

Eruanna shook her head vehemently, but stepped obediently through the metal detecting device that had been cunningly installed.

A few moments later she was standing on the threshold of what promised to be The Mother of All Parties!