The Barrow-Downs' Third Birthday Party and Downie Awards

[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 ]

[Firondoiel]

A white horse daintily canters up to the red carpet. Firondoiel alights from her magnificent steed and nods to the cheering crowd. She is wearing green gown with a fitted bodice and a full skirt. On her head is a crown of spring flowers. She only pauses a moment to have her picture taken. Then she continues alone up the carpet.

As she reaches the door a great uruk approaches her. “Weapons?” He asks in a menacing voice. “Weapons?” Firondoiel repeats utterly confused. The uruk rolls his eyes and restates himself. “Do you have any weapons?” “Oh. Why didn’t you say so in the first place?” Firondoiel asks. The uruk gives Firondoiel an irritated look and says “Well do you?” “Of course. I always carry my twin daggers with me.” The uruk holds out his hand, “Then hand them over.” Firondoiel shakes her head, “I will not. If you say please I might consider it.” The uruk glares furiously but Firondoiel does not relent. “Please.” The uruk mumbles. “What? I didn’t quite hear.” Firondoiel lifts her hand to her ear. “Please!” The uruk yells. “No need to shout. I have elven hearing you know.” Firondoiel hands over her daggers. “There that wasn’t so difficult. If you would just mind your manners life would be easier for all of us.” The uruk backs out of Firondoiel’s way. “Just go in.” Firondoiel nods at the uruk and enters the Grand Hall.

Firondoilel spies Gimlie and the phantom and heads toward their table. “Hello guys.” She says, “I finally made it.” She sits at the table. “Have you seen the other girls yet?”

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

[Frodo Baggins]

The red carpet, it seemed so amazing to them all. None of them had ever benn in a situation like this before, especially young Maggie. (at 19 she was young in comparison to her companions) It was all so spelndid, the cameras, the reporters the.....


"Weapons?" Cromthal made no effort to hide the disgust in his tone as security searched his harp case. "Shall I demonstrate to you the worth of a bard's tongue?"

"Cromthal just let them search and make no fuss about it." Maggie replied to him. She and Frodo had no bags or anything, but Frodo had his pockets searched.

Elrond quickly dragged the other three together for a group pose for the cameras. Maggie snagged Cromthal's mantle off him before the flash, claiming that he looked better without it.

"So this is the great hall of Minas Anor." I must say it is even more magnificent that I thought it would be." Maggie commented, "though I think that I like the Hall of Fire better."

"You partial little snipe you!" Frodo said, playfully tugging her hair gently. If there was one thing that an outside observers learned about this group of four, it was that they teased each other mercilessly and loved every minute of it.

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: Frodo Baggins ]

[Trippo The Hippo]

I chuckle to myself and look back once more to make sure that the "kick me" sign I stuck to the back of The Phantom is still sticking. It is, and I turn and start heading in the direction of the little hippos room. Just then I hear him calling me "Trippo Trippo" he calls. I continue walking but its to late he has caught up to me. "Trippo you forgot your wallet you left it at our table" he says. "Oh" I say "Silly me." I have done it the sign remains while i sneak away.

(No offense Phantom just a bit of party fun.)

[Galadriel9]

The Elf who had married the Dwarf with the beard did not appear to have arrived...the Dwarf with the Beard sighed. He hated being parted from his love for any length of time..."ahh well." he thought, I might aswell make myself comfortable while I wait...he wandered over to a table and sat down, he felt rather uncomfortable being at a party where he knew virtually no one...he drummed his fingers on the table and surveyed the other occupants of the hall...hmmm, he felt a bit stupid, "I wish someone would come over and talk to me" he muttered under his breath...

[The Saucepan Man]

A sudden blinding flash of light illuminated the entire area, quickly followed by an enormous crash. Everyone’s immediate thought was that the Hobbiton Garden Club, or possibly even the League of Shieldmaidens, had managed to breach the security cordon. The Uruk guards readied themselves for action, while one or two of the Trolls almost turned to stone in the bright light, before realising that they were in fact Olog-Hai and therefore need not trouble themselves.

Fearing the worst, all eyes quickly turned to the end of the red carpet …

… where they saw what appeared to be a large pile of pots and pans. Slowly, the pile moved, and with a clinking and a clattering stood up. It was the Saucepan Man.

Having arrived unnoticed in an old, white, beaten up transit van, Saucepan had been spotted by the paparazzi the moment that he set foot on the red carpet. Since he had spent the past 5 days busily polishing each of his pans and kettles especially for the Barrow-Downs Party, the flashlights from hundreds of cameras had reflected off them with the brightness of a small sun, not only momentarily blinding the nearby crowd, but causing poor old Saucepan to collapse in a daze.

Looking somewhat embarrassed, the Saucepan Man blinked and looked round at the crowd of onlookers, themselves only just recovering from his unfortunate entrance. He was, of course, dressed in his finest kitchenwear. He was covered in saucepans, pots and kettles from head to foot and wearing on his head a particularly fine copper pan with a solid cast iron handle. After the thorough polishing that they had undergone over the last few days, the pots and pans shone brilliantly under the lights, so that he looked for all the world like a human mirrorball. Little could be seen, however, of what he was wearing underneath it all (which was a shame because he was really quite smartly dressed).

Saucepan picked up the two boxes that he had been carrying, inspected them to ensure that their contents were safe, and clattered on up the red carpet. Gaining in confidence, he started posing for the cameras. Few, however, were willing to take the risk, given the manner of his initial entrance. Disappointed, he made to disappear through the Main Door into the Great Hall, when a particularly large Uruk barred his way.

“’Scuse me, sir” the Orc said in the traditional South London accent of his kind. “I need to check them pans of yers to make shure yer not carrying no swords or nuffink”.

“Doors?” replied Saucepan. “Yes, I’d like to go through the doors, please.”

“Eh? No, I need to check u for weapons, mate. Y’know. Axes? Daggers? Spears?”

“No. There were no tears. I did take quite a tumble. But I am better now, than you.”

The Uruk let out a mighty roar in frustration, sending poor old Saucepan toppling again with another mighty crash.

“WEAPONS! W-E-A-P-O-N-S. I want yer weapons”.

“Oh, dreadfully sorry! I must have misheard you. Bit hard of hearing, you know. It’s these pots and pans. No, I don’t carry any weapons.”

And with that, having satisfied the Uruk that there were no weapons hidden in any of his various pots and pans, Saucepan eventually made it into the Grand Hall.

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

[Galadriel9]

...he sat waiting for his wife for a brief moment, then stomped off to hide in the loos until she arrived. Much as he loved her, he did occassionally have his doubts about her punctuality.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Sophia winked at her old friend Annunfuiniel as she came up and spoke to her. She laughed as Annun and Fin flirted back and forth playfully, before handing her the small case of powder and whispering, "No problem about the galenas, but leave my date alone, I already have to share him with too many beautiful women..." Annun gave a conspiratorial wink before heading back to her table. Sophia laughed, knowing just what she was up to.

She drained the rest of her glass of wine and held it up for Fin to refill. This was getting interesting. She grinned widely.

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

A small, unassuming pony trap rolled into position at the end of the red carpet. Out of it stepped a plump hobbit, wearing an embroidered waistcoat with polished brass buttons. He daintily flicked a bit of lint off his sleeve, and then with a languid gesture, assisted his date down from the carriage.

She wore a rather badly-fitting shield-maiden’s breastplate and her legs were a thin, pallid white under her short studded-leather skit. She tugged down at it awkwardly as though she could make the skirt a little longer by doing so. A weighty shield dragged at her bare arms. She was rather short for a shield-maiden, barely a foot taller than her guest, despite the lace-up leather high-heeled boots. Oddest of all, she wore horn-rimmed spectacles. She shyly clutched a small backpack, and veered nervously towards her date when she took in the crowd. The scabbard at her hip hung empty. Clearly she had heard the ‘no weapons’ rule.

This had better work, Maril hissed under her breath. I feel ridiculous!

Nonsense, you look wooonderful, Trenton Hornblower murmurred as he beamed at the cameras. Maril knew he was completely full of it, and rolled her eyes as Trent basked in the glow of the limelight. He waved jauntily at a crowd that largely ignored him, and gave Joan a broad wink.

I’m going to make the worst-dressed list, Maril moaned.

She coughed at the fumes of the (orange? red? green?) jalopy which veered to their left, clearly having difficulty finding its way out of the parking lot. Everything was cordoned off, orange pylons overturned and the route was confused already. A few of the Uruk-hai were wearing pylons as hats. Another chewed absently on his.

Hmm. The Uruks are good fighters, but you can’t count on them for discipline, Maril thought, briefly thankful she didn’t have to organize this party.

Dr Marileangorifurnimaluim cringed, and prayed she could make it to the end of the runway with the remaining shards of her dignity intact. At the moment this seemed vastly more important than not being recognized by the irate Garden Club.

- Maril

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

[Amanaduial the archer]

Aman nodded back to Arien as she waved shyly, grinning at the other. She looked back and saw Maika and Cuthalion. Both took her breath away- it was like hells angels meets Gucci, and they both looked incredible. She glanced once more around the room- to be sure, Mithadan's advertising had not gone to waste. The whole downs had turned up by the look of things...

[Schmendrick]

A huge blue limo with a figure of a swan painted on it appears at the gates. The licence plates read “DOL- 111”. Music can be heard from the inside. “Sounds like Placebo”, comments one of the security-orcs (famous for his knowledge of modern music). The door swings open and a young woman (yet another!) steps out. Her dark hair is flowing freely and she’s wearing a simple, striking blue dress and sneakers (well, she prefers comfy shoes to stilettos, when it comes to dancing!).

She feels almost unbearably self-conscious as she makes her way to the doors. There’s no need for that, though, since everybody’s eyes are fixed on the amazingly beautiful elven ladies everywhere around. She sneaks in and starts looking for some familiar faces. She fails to see any, but finally notices that a crowd (consisting mainly of young men) has formed around somebody. “That must be Annunfuiniel”, she thinks to herself and starts making her way toward the spot. On her way there she grabs a glass of wine from the near-by table and drinks it with one gulp. That should help her to relax!

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

[Maikadilwen]

Her face mostly resembling a thundercloud, Maika swiftly emptied her drink and ordered another one, muttering to herself about having her precious dagger taken from her.
"It must have been Mith, I'm sure of it! Who else would suspect that I would bring any weapons? And where did he get that photo of me anyway? If I get my hands on him...."
Cuthalion only looked at her with a loving smile as he placed a hand over her glass.
"Remember, be careful with those! You promised there would be no table-dancing this time."

Eyes glinting mischievously, Maika looked at him and smiled innocently.
"Whatever do you mean?" she asked sweetly and adjusted her bodice a couple of strategic places, then turned to look over the crowd before Cuthalion had a chance to say another word.
Eyeing Fin and his rather large party, Maika gave him a wink and raised her glass in a toast.

[Cuthalion]

Upon hearing the crash, Cuthalion turned to see the Saucepan Man stealing the show. He grinned broadly and shook his head.
"Now that guy knows how to make an entrance!" he thought as he ordered some club soda, responsibly remembering that he was the designated rider for the evening.

He held out his hand to Maika and they made their way to the buffet in order to stop her belly rumbling. Maika grimaced at all the clattering so they headed for the far end of the line. Several Hobbits elbowed their way past and one tried to sneak a peek under Maika's dress. She slapped him soundly and snarled, "Watch it! It's lucky for you the Orc stopped me on the way in here or you'd have another orifice!" Cuthalion smiled nervously and went to look for a table with a couple of empty seats.

[the phantom]

Firondoiel calls to The Phantom "Hey, there's a kick-"

The Phantom silences her by putting a finger to his lips. "Don't mention it", he said returning to the table. "I'm going to keep it there until someone decides to kick me. Someone did this to me at one of Lord Fin's parties last winter, and no one kicked me the entire time. The guests had most likely heard of the little skirmish that took place two years ago when a band of trolls tried to steal one of my cloaks (to sell on E-bay of course)."

Everyone at the table turned a bit green, remembering what The Phantom had done, all by himself, to the dozen or so trolls. They knew he was a decent guy, but only to his friends.

Suddenly the dwarf darted around the table and gave The Phantom's leg a solid boot. "There, you can take it off now", the dwarf said with a grin. To the guests' horror, The Phantom's eyes suddenly turned a dull red, and a wind started swirling around the table. He rose out of his chair and reached behind his back. Everyone feared he had an unchecked weapon and started scrambling away from the table, but The Phantom merely pulled the sign off his back, and sat down with a hearty laugh as his eyes returned to normal and the wind subsided.

"You almost had me fooled", the dwarf said shaking his head and smiling.

[Hanna_Gamgee]

Hanna heard the crash from the buffett line but when she saw the saucepanman enter she just laughed and served herself some food. Then she looked around to see if she saw anybody she new. She noticed there werent many other hobbits there yet. She heard Frodo and friends had arrived so stood on a chair to see better.
While she was waiting she looked around at all the wonderful decorations. This was her first BD party and she wanted to remember it.

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

[Niluial]

Niluial looked at Donlammenion. He came and put his arms around Niluial “hmm I see other Lords looking at you… probably saying Oh how I wish she was mine!” he said. “Oh you are to kind. I bet some lovely ladies are thinking the same, Oh how I wish that handsome Donlammenion was mine” Niluial said laughing. A new song played and Donlammenion asked “would you like to dance”. Niluial replied “why not, who would give up the opportunity to dance with you?”

Donlammenion took Niluials hand and pulled her closer. Everyone looked at them dancing, it looked like they were dancing in the air, floating across the dance floor. The song stopped and Donlammenion walked with his fair lady to the drink section pouring her a glass of wine. “Thank you” Niluial said. Donlammenion and Niluial spoke for a while and then Fin came around the corner “I hope you two are enjoying yourselves!” he said with a enormous smile.

Niluial saw Hanna and walked over to her. “Oh Hanna this is also your first party? Well it is my first, I am so excited!”

[Hanna_Gamgee]

Hanna looks at Niluial from her chair and says "Yes this is my first party here and so far it looks like great fun. Its as grand as Bilbos Birthday was." Then she gets down off the chair with her pint of ale and sits down. Then she looks up at Niluials friend and says "Nice to meet the both of you. I hope you have a good time also."
After Niluial leaves she walks over to the dance floor to listen to the music and drink her ale. While there she notices some other hobbits and decides to go up and talk to them. One of them asks her to dance so she starts dancing with him.

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

[The Saucepan Man]

Surveying the Great Hall, wonderfully bedecked with party decorations, Saucepan spotted a few faces that he recognised. He waved cheerily at Sophia and Annun, his Quiz Room pals, and noted to himself how fetching they both looked. He must catch up with them later.

But, for now, he had to sort out his contributions to the party. He wandered over to an empty table and deposited on it the two boxes that he was carrying. From the first he brought out his prized mirrorball.

"Now, I wonder who might like to take charge of this" he thought to himself.

Putting the mirrorball to one side, he carefully removed from the other box a large, black, cast iron pot with a heavy lid. Again, he wondered who to entrust this with.

"It is after all a magic pot" he muttered under his breath.

The Fantastic Feastpot of the Fanatical Foodies was indeed a wonderous item. It could produce any type of food that the heart desired. All one had to do was place down the lid, name the desired food and say the magic word. Saucepan had written down the magic word and hidden it in one of his pans, in case he forgot it.

"Now, I wonder who I should entrust with the magic word", he thought.

Then, his forehead knitted into a frown. He wondered whether the Pot was magical because of the inherent power of the one who crafted it, or whether it was created by one tutored in the arcane arts. Or perhaps it was just modern technology so marvellous that it appeared to be magic.

"Hmm" Saucepan thought. "Must have a chat with Iarwain about that."

Then he clattered off to find himself a drink and mingle with the other guests.

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

[Trippo The Hippo]

I get up from where I am sitting and go over to The Phantoms table. "I apoligize for that last prank Phantom. I dont what got into to me. Perhaps it was the spiked punch or the ale cake." I say to him. "Might I join you? I could provide a bit of merriement in payment for any pain I might have caused you." I say as I pull up a chair not giving him much choice in the matter at all.

[Annunfuiniel]

"Isil? Isilmë, is it really you?!" Annunfuiniel screamed over the music and loud conversations. She saw the young maiden clearing her way towards her. Annun excused herself and left the (fairly large) group of young men that had gathered around her after Bruce "had had a food poisoning or something! Oh poor me, now I'm all alone!" - as she had grieved.

"I was just wondering if you would show up." Annun said while enfolding her arms around another dear friend. "How was the trip from Dol Amroth? Hope Anduin wasn't too stormy?" She guided Isil to the bar and they ordered champagne. "Here's to your health! And to the Barrow-Downs!" And they drank to all the haunting spirits of the Downs. "Now tell me some news! I haven't been to the South in ages!"

[piosenniel]

They sat on one of the gurneys, behind a curtained area in the MASH unit. Pio was knocking back her second water glass of Bombay Sapphire and had thrown the olives to her companions.

‘I can’t believe you made us wear this.’ The three Wargs chafed at the bow ties and tiara they had gotten after a thorough cleansing at Doggie Sudz’n’Dudz. ‘And you, what kind of outfit is that?’

Pio flicked a stray piece of lint from the lapel of her black silk tux, and tugged at bottom of her midnight blue vest. ‘For your information it’s an Armani. Just meeting the demand, my dear. Or haven’t you heard? All females are to try out male roles.’

‘And which male role are you trying out?’ Carchmoroth watched her carefully as she stood up. No sign of swaying yet. He grinned, his yellow teeth an interesting contrast against his red gums.

‘Cary Grant, I think. With a dash of Jackie Chan.’

She glanced at her distorted image, in the shiny metal bottom of a small surgical basin. ‘Good enough!’ She threw her gloves into her top hat and stored it on a high shelf, next to the dart gun.

‘Let’s go, my dears. We should mingle.’ She pulled back the curtain and stepped out, grabbing some promising concoction from a passing server.

The three Wargs followed her out, trying their best to blend into the glitzy crowd.

[Niluial]

Niluial smiled at Hanna. Niluial played with her rose that was given to her by Don. Don and Niluial went to the buffet table and took some delicious food. They sat down and ate with many people coming to say hi and some to introduce themselves. Niluial was amazed to see all the beautiful dresses all the elves (and hobbits and dwarves) were wearing. She looked around at the beautifully decorated place. “Now Niluial what do you think of this party, isn’t it just great” Don asked. “Yea it is” Niluial replied staring in Dons hansom eyes.

She finished eating and saw the Saucepan Man and with his huge disco ball. “hey The Saucepan Man, we haven’t really met I don’t think.. anyway I am Niluial and this is Donlammenion my date!” she said with a big smile. “Its my pleasure” The Saucepan Man said looking at Niluial and Don. “Saucepan Man, are you a presenter?” Niluial asked with a curious face.

Edited: he he still cant spell..

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

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Sophia scraped the last of her pie onto her fork and swallowed with relish. Nothing beat Strawberry pie at a party with a nice glass of wine... She drained her glass. Spying the Saucepan Man across the room she stood up.

"I'll be right back," she said to her group. It was just Alatariel and Thoriel looking bored and Fin who was slowly emptying the contents of the wine bottle, first into his glass and then into his stomach. She laughed at him as she went past, making a mental note to stay sober as long as possible.

She found the Saucepan Man near the bar, looking curiously at a mirrorball and a large pot on the table in front of him. "Hello, friend!" she greeted him cheerily. She'd have hugged him, but she doubted it was possible to fight her way through all the saucepans.

"How goes the evening?" she asked him, puzzled as to the purpose of the mirrorball and the caldron.

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

[Arafangwen]

All the cameras paused when they saw what was approching the red carpet. It was Arafangwen, sitting in the lap of her husband Legolas! No one had expected him to accompany her. As they paused at the carpet entrance, everyone was dazzeled by the beauty of the magnificent white horse they were upon, Shantolé. Legolas quickly slipped from the saddle to help his wife from her seat and onto the red carpet which he noticed was a particularly beautiful bright sort of red. To everyones suprise, Legolas gave Arafangwen a quick kiss, an encouraging word or two in Sindarin, and then re-mounted Shantolé and rode off. Arafangwen was quite nervous (this bieng her first party at the Downs)but did not show it as she confidently proceded to walk down the aisle in her beautiful floor length lavender dress with silver trim. At the door she reluctantly checked her two daggers with the orc on guard and proceded to enter the main room.

As she entered the room she immedietly noticed the phantom and her "company" sitting at the wrong table. I should probably ask them to accompany me to our designated table, she though to herself as she walked over to greet them.

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

[Maegaladiel]

A black limo pulls up to the red carpet. A well-dressed hobbit gent opens the door, bowing politely. Maegaladiel steps gracefully out of the vehicle, nodding to the hobbit and thanking her lucky stars that she could find such a cheap limo on such short notice.

She walks up to the entrance, and the guard eyes her suspiciously.

"Weapons," he grunts. Maegaladiel looks somewhat confused.

"Pardon?" she asks. The burly guard shifts his weight uncomfortably. These darn shoes really start to hurt after hours of standing.

"Weapons. Can't go in with any weapons." He repeats slowly, as though speaking to a small child. Maegaladiel frowns, but unbuckles her sword, removes the stiletto from her hair, gives up half a dozen daggers from somewhere up her sleeve, deposits seventeen throwing stars at his feet, pulls a mace out of her shoe, and takes an enormous battle axe out of her tiny pink evening handbag. The guard's jaw drops.

"Er... You can.. go in now" he stutters at last. Sniffing delacately in distaste, Maegaladiel enters the party. She didn't see why he was so surprised; a girl has to defend herself, doesn't she?

The hall is full of people. Magaladiel grins to herself. This may prove to be quite an interesting experience. A hippo wanders around in one corner of the room, a phantom in the other. Out of the corner of her eye, Maegaladiel sees her friend Sophia the Thunder Mistress. She dodges a couple of reporters and tries to manuver herself a bit closer to the refreshments table without being killed by the crowds.

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

[Schmendrick]

"The trip went well, thanks for asking. But look at you, Annunfuiniel - always so elegant!" Isilmë shakes her head, a bit envious. "How do you do that, I wonder?"


For a moment she feels terribly ashamed of her shoes and non-existant hairdo. She should really try to start acting more like a grown-up! She takes a sip of the champaigne and suddenly remembers something. "By the way, where is that escort of yours? Bruce wasn't it?" She asks innocently, although she has already heard the rumours...

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

[the phantom]

"Spiked punch, eh Trippo?" The Phantom said, not looking at the Hippo, but rather at the suddenly giggling dwarf across the table. "You wouldn't know anything about that, would you master dwarf?"

The Phantom had somehow finished his entire plate, and rose from his seat to get seconds. As he approached the table of specialties, he noticed a large crowd had gathered around one end of the table. He stood up on a chair to get look at what was going on, and there, to his delight, was a platter of shadowy, fiery Balrog wings!

Unfortunately, there was no way to reach them. A large, hostile crowd had gathered around, and were hotly debating whether or not the wings were real, and if they were, whether or not they could be used to fly. The Phantom sighed and called for a waiter.

"Waiter", he said, "I want you to bring my table the most unique dish you have in your kitchens."

The waiter ran off to comply and The Phantom returned to his chair with a glass of spiked punch. He watched Arafangwen arrive with Legolas, but was slightly disappointed when Legolas left. "I've been meaning to talk to him about doing some interior decorating work for me. Oh well, I'll just have to call him", he thought.

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: the phantom ]

[Niluial]

Niluial squinted her eyes, for she thought she saw Sophia the Thunder Mistress. * Oh it is her* she thought to herself. She walked gracefully over to Sophia the Thunder Mistress. She tapped her on her shoulder “Hello How are you?” She said happy to see a good RPG friend!

She had left Don with Fin they were talking about some book of some sort. As she was talking to Sophia the Thunder Mistress she spotted GaladrieloftheOlden oh I must go say hello to her next she thought.

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

[Airehiriel]

A plain white horse slows at the red carpet. On the horse sits the other half of the rather famous couple, The Elf who married the Dwarf with the Beard. She sits smiling at the assembled crowd. She wears a lovely white dress that isn't too dissimilar to one her great-aunt Galadriel might were. Her long blonde hair cascades down her back in little waves.

She light dismounts the horse and walks gracefully to the entrance of the Hall. As she enters, she spots her most beloved seated at a table. She glides over to him. The Dwarf looks up to her, his eyes shining.

"Sorry it took me so long, but I'm here now, my love."

They embrace in, what would appear to many to be, a very humourous hug, for the Dwarf only reaches the elbows of the Elf. But the pair seem oblivious to the snickers in the air. They sit and begin drinking mugs of malt beer, which the Dwarf graciously had waiting for the Elf. The chat for a bit, and watch as others entered.

[Nuranar]

Suddenly a carriage, apparently driven by a maniac, thundered up to the red carpet and miraculously, if somewhat tritely, stopped on the proverbial dime. The coachman, clad completely in black including his moustache, batwing-edged cape and top hat, clambered down from his seat and, chuckling sinisterly, opened the carriage door.

Out stepped a woman – no, a girl – well, someone in between those two categories. Of medium height, her slim figure was revealed by the strobe effect of camera flashes. Her black hair, braided and pinned up around her head, was accented with tiny white flowers and framed a face full of merriment at the coach’s eccentric behavior. Her gown, of a rich midnight blue silk, shimmered dully in the artificial light. Its sleeves were fitted to the elbow, then flared gracefully over white gossamer under sleeves. Obviously made for dancing, the dress’s skirt fell in smooth swirls to her ankles, revealing low-heeled slippers.

As she stepped forward shyly, her fair-haired fellow passenger exited the carriage. He wore a fine white cotton shirt with an old-fashioned black cravat. Over it his waistcoat, a heavy patterned silk, seemed also black, but was actually the darkest of navy blues. His black trousers – cut with just the right amount of bagginess, bowing to the dictates of the Fashion Police – were tucked neatly into highly-polished black boots.

His escape was none too soon, as the erstwhile coachman leapt to his seat with a loud "HAHAHAHA, HA HA!" and jerked the conveyance into motion. Unmoved, the young man observed the speeding vehicle negotiate a perilous bend in the road on two wheels, then vanish behind the city wall.

"Maybe I shouldn’t have asked Professor Fate to give us a lift," he confessed to his fair companion, blue eyes twinkling. "Shall I carry you home? I wouldn’t count on his getting back on time or even in one piece."

Luinien bit her slip to suppress a giggle. "Shush, there are all the cameras. Don’t worry about him, just behave yourself!" she hissed, punctuating her reprimand with a well-aimed but surreptitious elbow.

Rebuked, Tarondo immediately bowed to his sister. "O fair one, I pray, vouchsafe to thy unworthy servant the honor of escorting thee!" Eyes sparkling and lips twitching, Luinien took his proffered arm and the couple sedately trod the blood-red carpet into the Grand Hall.

[*Varda*]

Poppy eyed the wargs with some trepidation. However much they were trying to blend in with the crowd, it was impossible. As they came near, the hobbit jumped out of her seat and scurried off to the food table. Being eaten by some ravenous wargs was certainly not what she had in mind for this party.

[Maegaladiel]

Maegaladiel's sensitive ears pick up a sound that sends chills down her spine, and coats her heart in frost. The terrible sound draws nearer. Her heart pounds, her breathing quickens. Oh no! Its--

"Ms. Maegaladiel! Miss! Over here!" DARN! She found her! Maegaladiel tries to hide herself in the crowd, but the reporter grabs her elbow. Trapped. Like a rat.

"Maegaladiel, I'm with the Middle Earth Times, remember me? Sunny Day?" Gads, how could Maegaladiel forget the reporter Sunny Day. The most annoying woman on the face of the planet. Despite her loating, Maegaladiel forces a smile.

"If I could just have a moment of your time, Maegaladiel..." Here we go.

"Maegaladiel is dressed in a stunning green dress with flowing peasant sleeves, hair and nails by Galdriel's Mirror Fortune Telling, Salon, and Day Spa, shoes by--" Sunny Day stops her chatter momentarily to look at Maegaladiel's sneakers.

"Wal-Mart" supplied Maegaladiel. Sunny decides to cut the wardrobe description from her article.

"Miss Maegaladiel, you're usually in the Shire, how do you find Gondor?" She asks.

"Turn left at Rohan" cracks Mae. Sunny looks slightly confused, but writes this down.

"While you're here at the Downies, will you still be promoting your cause?" she prompts. Mae nodds, adjusting her glasses.

"Yes,"she says. "I'll be asking for donations for my Foundation for Nearsighted Elves from anyone who will listen. We are very close to finding a cure for Elf Myopsy, as this is sometimes called, and we need all the help we can get." She hands the annoying reporter a booklet. "I'm the founder and poster child!" she adds proudly, pointing at her glasses. Sunny nods.

"I just have a few more questions for you, Miss Mae..." Jees Louise, doesn't this lady ever shut up?!

Ever looking for an escape route, Mae continues her interview, making a mental note to boycott the Middle Earth Times.

[One Axe to Rule them All]

A little shaken after the fright with the kicking, and with a growling stomach, he declares; I'm so hungry I could eat Trippo at that a terrified look comes over Trippo's face, but it is calmed by Gimli's words, Just kidding friend! he says, laughing at his little joke. Then, he gets up and walks around, through, and under people to steal a handful of fiery blarog wings, sneaking them back to the table for phantom and his friends

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: One Axe to Rule them All ]

[The Saucepan Man]

The Saucepan Man smiled at Niluial and Donlammenion, happy to have made their acquaintance.

“Saucepan Man, are you a presenter?” Niluial asked with a curious face.

"Inventor? No, certainly not. What makes you think that?"

Niluial stared blankly at him as Sophia the Thunder Mistress came over and greeted them.

"My dear, Sophia! How on Middle Earth are you, my friend?" he said.

Noticing her eyeing the mirrorball and the magical pot doubtfully, he added "Oh, just my little way of contributing to the party. I am hoping to find someone to put the mirrorball up on the dance-floor, while the pot is always helpful when food supplies start running low. But only I know the magic word."

He tapped his nose with his finger conspiratorially, his pots and pans clattering mometarily as he did so.

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

[Salix]

A beautiful gray horse canters up to the red carpet. On it, riding bareback, is the lovely Salix. She climbs down, and sends the horse off towards a nearby field, while looking distastefully at the fly swatters. She is wearing a dress of forest green, and her hair is being worn loose, though a forest green hairband keeps her hair from falling over her face. The only jewelry to be seen is a gold necklace with an emerald pendant. As she walks down the red carpet, she somehow avoids the paparazzi and makes her way to the door. Since she carries no weapons, she skillfully avoids the metal detector and enters the hall, heading for the buffet table.

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

[Airehiriel]

Dressed in a simple gown of sky blue, Airehiriel made her way to the red carpet. The tall and slender elf walked slowly. She had heels on, and she wasn't particularly graceful, unlike the vast majority of Elves. Somehow, the Elvish grace skipped her, leaving her with a bad tendency to trip, and to bump into things, as if she were an awkward human teenager. Of course she always made up for her lack of coordination with humor. She was always trying to brighten someones day with a laugh.

She surveyed the scene, looking for familiar faces. She watched as the Elf who married the Dwarf with the Beard walked in. She felt a brief flash of envy as the Elf glided in so elegantly. Airehiriel knew quite well no one would use the word 'elegant' to describe her. She heard the crowd cheer and fawn over other members as they arrived, and wished there might be some for her.

She stepped onto the bright red carpeting, but failed to notice the small fold of carpet that stuck up in the air. Her toe caught the fold, and she started to trip forward. She stuck her other foot out to catch herself, and pinwheeled her arms in the air. As her feet continued to stumble forward, and her arms whirl, she saw the flash of many bulbs going off.

~Oh no!~ She thought to herself. ~Now all the papers will have pictures of my grand entrance!~ After she gathered herself, she gave the crowd a smile as if she meant to do that, and her smile was meet with laughter. ~Silly ole Airehiriel, they all are probably thinking. Oh, well, best not let this ruin my fun.~

She hadn't made plans to meet anyone, and she didn't have a date, so Airehirel walked in, hoping to find someone who might talk to her.

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

[Maegaladiel]

"...What do you call that hairstyle?" presses the reporter Sunny Day.

"Arthur." Mae grins, staying faithful to A HARD DAY'S NIGHT. George would be proud of her.

"Yes...I see." Sunny obviously did not, but that didn't stop her from finishing her interview. "How do you like your boyfriends to dress?" Mae just laughs. Sunny looks uncomfortable.

"Tell me about your childhood," she says, changing the subject. Mae looks serious. Sunny leans forward, ready for some good info.

"I was born at a very young age. I wanted to be born in the hospital, so I could be with my mother." Sunny sighs. Why couldn't she be assigned to a NORMAL person?!?

Mae's eyes land on a plate of spicy Balrog wings being served over at the food table. She licks her lips. There's gotta be some way to ditch this weirdo before all the good food runs out. She considers letting one of the wargs in ties eat her, but there might be some legal problems associated with that. She waves to Sophia the Thunder Mistress, hoping to show Sunny that she had other, more important things to do than talk with a reporter. Like eat. It's not working.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Sophia smiled, as the Saucepan Man described the possible uses of a mirrorball. "Aaah," she sighed, "dancing! Are we going to be getting to that soon I wonder?" Lifting a glass of some unidentified liquid from a passing waiter's tray, she went to nudge the Saucepan Man playfully, but again, stopped herself, wary of the clanking pots. "Don't forget" she said in a rather subdued voice, "You're saving me a dance..." she suddenly began to feel a little skeptical about the possibilities of escaping such a dance unscathed.

The Saucepan Man clanked a little more, in something that looked like a small bow, and replied, "Certainly, certainly..." As he spoke, Sophia caught a glimpse of her dear companion Maegaladiel across the hall. Mae was stomping her foot at a small reporter who was busily chattering and following up with a bright green pen, the tengwar on her page quickly recording Mae's irritated answers.

"Do excuse me, I think I see a damsel in distress." she said to the Saucepan Man as she wandered over to where Sunny Day was harrassing Maegaladiel. As she approached Sunny Day's face lit up and her bright green pen waved in the air toward her. Sophia groaned.

"Miss Sophia!" she shrieked, " a few questions..." Talking aloud to her pad, she scribbled across a new page, "I'm now here with our friendly neighborhood Thunder Mistress, who is dressed all in red silk, and wearing a spectacular crown of red flowers..."

"Please!" Sophia snorted in exasperation, "could you excuse us?" Sunny Day looked up, startled by the suggestion. "We have important things to discuss, don't we Mae?" Sophia said firmly, casting a plea for help toward Maegaladiel, who nodded decisively toward the reporter. "If we don't discuss them now, they certainly won't make the front page tomorrow..." Sophia added coaxingly.

"Whew", Mae sighed, "Thanks, Sophia, I owe you for that one." They walked toward Sophia's table, where Fin was still sitting, looking rather dejected. She pulled out the chair and sat beside him.

"Fin, this is Maegaladiel, Mae, Fin- my date." She introduced them, then waved a hand toward Thoriel and Alatariel, "and these are Fin's other dates." Fin winked at her, as the three sat down for a good chat.

[Mithadan]

Mithadan wandered the party trying to engage the guests in conversation while simultaneously listening to his staff on his earpiece. So far so good. One very dispeptic Elf and a dozen or so broken glasses, but no major bodily injuries, fights or mayhem.

He spied a portly Hobbit accompanied by a petite shieldmaiden. Scowling, he reported the two to security, instructing that they be watched. They likely had nothing to do with the protesters but their dress fit the profile.

Slipping through a side door, he made his way backstage. The soundchecks had been completed and the lighting was being finalized. He walked across the stage and turned into the alcove holding the Downies, after first showing his badge to a Troll who was standing guard. Morgul Plaques and Trophies had done a splendid job preparing the gold tombstone shaped awards. He lifted one and read the inscription, "Most Bubbly and Outgoing". When he read the name of the honoree, he laughed.

Checking with the security center once more and confirming that all was well, he made his way back to the banquet hall and headed towards the bar.

[Annunfuiniel]

Something shiny twinkled in the far left of the Hall and Annun turned to face a somewhat curious sight. She had just been about to answer Isilmë's remark on her appearance but now she called "Look Isil, there's The Saucepan Man! I am not sure if you know him already but he's one of my dear Quiz Room pals. His riddles..." Annun shook her head. She replied to his wave and wondered then what in Middle-Earth he was carrying in addition to his pans and kettles. 'I surely need to talk to him tonight', she thought and turned back to Isilmë.

"Where were we? Oh yes, thank you but you're too kind! This is an old dress and these shoes... They are going to kill me, that's for sure! And to your inquiry about Bruce... Well, that's a sad story...or maybe not", she finished with a mischievious smile on her lips.