[the phantom]

The Phantom returned, as usual, in sudden fashion. One minute Firondoiel and Arafangwen were looking at each other, and the next there was a cloaked figure between them.

"Perhaps we should have a seat. I'm famished", he said in a nonchalant manner.

They took a seat, once again, at the moderators' table and The Phantom called for a waiter. "I told you earlier that I wanted your most unique and amazing dish. Do you have it ready?"

"Certainly, sir. I'll bring it right out."

The Phantom gestured to Trippo and Gimli, and they rushed to the table (they were a bit hungry themselves). "This ought to be good," said Gimli.

"Did you find out anything more, Phantom?" asked Arafangwen.

"Let's not ruin the evening with such thoughts" replied The Phantom, but seeing the curiosity in her eyes, decided to say a bit more. "Yes, I found out a good deal, and foiled one of their little plots. They have nothing big planned until much later, however, so let us enjoy ourselves for a while" he said with a smile.

"I'll drink to that!" shouted Trippo, as the enormous hippo drained an entire pitcher of vodka.

"Here comes the food!" yelled an excited Gimli.

A long oval platter roughly four feet by six feet, was pushed up to the table. The cover was lifted, and the guests found that the entire dish was meat.

"Looks good" observed Firondoiel.

They all took a slab, cut a piece, and popped it into their salivating mouths.

The Phantom was suddenly overcome with an urge to yell "Derry Dol!", but he held it back. At the same time, Trippo jumped up and started dancing around the table. Firondoiel shouted "Ring a ding dillo!", Arafangwen let out with a mighty "Hop along, my hearties!", and Gimli burst into song with a "Hey now! merry dol!".

After a few seconds, whatever it was that had gotten a hold of them subsided, and thoroughly embarrassed, they took their seats.

Suddenly The Phantom gasped and hardened his jaw. The others followed his gaze to the platter. There, near the end of one side, was a pair of yellow boots and an old battered hat with a tall crown and a long blue feather stuck in the band.

Arafangwen and Firondoiel turned green. Gimli placed his hand over his eyes. Trippo threw up.

"Take that platter away, immediately!" said The Phantom in a cold voice. He couldn't believe he had just taken a bite of one of his best friends.

But then, when all seemed dark, The Phantom had a vision (not an unusual thing for him). His eyes glazed over for a moment as the others stared at him. After a breathless minute, his eyes returned to normal and he smiled.

"Don't worry", he said. "Tom's spirit is still alive and well. He's the spirit of Middle Earth, and can simply reincarnate himself" he continued, and added that both the genius Burrahobbit would agree to the first point, and that the illustrious Obloquy would agree to the second point, which made it as good as law.

"By the way, Firondoiel, don't I owe you a dance?" asked The Phantom.

Arafangwen felt a pang of sudden jealousy. "Wait a minute, I'm married" she thought. "He's doing the right thing. He doesn't want to start a scandal, and neither do I. It's for the best." She pretended to believe this for the moment, and turned to Firondoiel and said, "Well go on! I had mine, and now it's your turn. I'm sure he'd much rather dance with an available young lady."

The Phantom smiled. He was glad Arafangwen was getting over her feelings. "That will make it much easier to get over mine" he thought. And Firondoiel was, after all, an extremely lovely young lady. "Come, Firondoiel" he said offering his arm.

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

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