[Annunfuiniel]

Annunfuiniel headed for the bar and spoke in a soft tone, completely hiding her irritation: "Champagne, please." Before the waiter could act to carry out her order a voice came from right behind her. "Isn't it a bit early for that, my dear?" Annun didn't even turn to look at Bruce, her date, but instead addressed the waiter once more. "Make that a double Scotch..."

This wasn't going at all as she had planned. Of course, the entry had been a success but now Bruce had done his part. 'Think Annun, think!' she said to herself and looked around searching the guests that had already arrived in quite a great number. While watching a group of elves enter the Hall she suddenly saw a familiar figure waving at her. 'Sophia!' she recognised the fair but witty elf of Grey Havens and was greatly delighted. She returned to her greeting with a wave and a smile. And at that very moment she came up with an idea. "Bruce, sweetie" she began with voice thick of honey sweet "could you get me some entrees from the salad table? Please? I'll order you a drink while you're gone."

Bruce moved to the other side of the Hall where the buffets were placed. Annunfuiniel watched him go, then turned to face the waiter and ordered a glass of red wine. She took the drink and quickly followed Sophia to her table. "Dear friend, it's truly a pleasure to see you here!" Annun spoke and this time her words were true. Sophia rose from her seat and gave her a warm hug. "And you too, Annun! What a great party ahead!" said Sophia in turn. Then the elf introduced her friend to her company. Annun took a slightly dubious look at the male elf Fin and wondered what he was thinking coming with three escorts but then she smiled and winked at him. "You must feel like the luckiest guy on Middle-Earth" she said. Fin was dazzled but recovered soon. "There is still room in this table for one fair Lady", he replied in flirtatious manner which she could guess was quite typical of him.

Annun shook her head laughing and then turned to address Sophia once more. "Sophia, you always carry your bag of herbs with you, am I right?" She nodded giving her a questioning look. "I could use some of that powder which you make from the roots of galenas." The she-elf took a small pouch from her cleverly hidden pocket of her evening gown. 'Sweet Sophia! You can always trust on her!' Sophia hold out a tiny silver case containing brown powder. "You know that will make you..." Annun took the case and winked again. "Yes, I’m very aware of its effects. Thank you, you have done me a great favour! And now if you'll excuse me, my escort is probably wondering if I have dumped him. But if you wish I shall return to your company later." And with that she left, leaving the group to ponder what was going on.

On her way back to the bar Annun opened the silver case and poured its content to the wine glass she was carrying and stirred the mixture with her little finger. A hearty smile on her face she met Bruce who had already returned from the buffet and looked a bit irritated. "I'm so sorry I kept you waiting. I met an old friend and... But wait, now I'm boring you, silly me! Here, I ordered you some red wine, your favourite." Bruce took the glass Annun handed to him, murmuring something about liking white wine better, and drained it with one sip. He placed the glass on the counter and was about to open a conversation when his face suddenly twisted strangely and his hand flew to cover his mouth. Then he bent over his chair in obvious pain.

"Oh Bruce, what's wrong? Speak to me!" Annun screamed in a dramatic voice. "My...stomach...", he managed to breath and then howled in wrench. "This is terrible! Should I call for a doctor? What can I do?" Annun continued in faked terror. Then she decided they needed no more publicity and asked for the waiter to get someone to help. The party was well organised and a medical crew soon took Bruce in their professional care. Annun stayed beside her escort as he was carried to the ambulance and kissed him good-bye with a tear in the corner of her eye. She watched the ambulance leave from the back door and then returned to the Grand Hall ready for PARTY!

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