"And don't you think you deserve a pinch of flattery after all your victories dear Elleth?" Glorfindel laughed as Edlothia seemed to be almost speechless as he spoke to her. "Take it from a semi-sober old elf like me, there's nothing wrong with a little boost to the confidence when you deserve it." He gave her a quick wink before he . 

"Different is perhaps a slight understatement." Glorfindel chimed merrily, "These mortal men really know how to make the most of an evening, so believe me when I say that you'll enjoy this! " He smiled- before a familiar sight caught his eye. Well, two familiar ellyth to be more precise.

"Inwë! Alassea! Allow me to introduce you to my new friend here! You both recall the young champion of Mirkwood who took the crowd by surprise as she won herself two victories?" He smiled as he proudly introduced Edlothia.

As Pip sat down next to Lyra, he noticed one of the wenches making her way over with her jug of wine. Seems King Fengel has arranged for excellent service.. Pip smiled, he could really do with a nice drop of wine about now. He moved his glass to the side so the maid could fill it for him-

Only the maid didn't come fill it for him, she went past him and towards Lyra. He didn't say anything to the woman, of course it would be frowned upon if he didn't let his honoured guest have her glass filled first.

Though she didn't even fill Lyra's cup and instead bent down to chat to her! Who did this wench thing she was? At the lack of wine in his goblet, Pip drummed his fingers in annoyance on the table. He would have wondered whether the two of them knew each other, but he was too irritated at the serving wench to be too fussed about anything other than her inability to carry out her duty. He didn't manage to catch any of what she said to Lyra, but he picked up on the tone that she was using. And to be quite frank, even if Lyra was a commoner, that was none of this woman's business.

"Excuse me- is there a problem?" Pip addressed the woman, his irritation showing clearly in his voice. "As far as I'm aware you're paid to keep wine goblets full, not harrass the King's guests. Am I not correct?" He half-snapped at her, motioning to his empty goblet.

Kíli laughed as the two brothers followed Tahlaia in to the hall. He supposed she was right, they hadn’t really got very far but all the excitement for the party had had the young prince wanting to run (even if he’d run a very small distance indeed) and really, could he be blamed for that.

His laughter died on his lips though as he entered the hall though he caught sight of the King’s table. He remembered that the trip, as fun as it had been, wasn’t without its duties and devoirs and that, as heirs to the kingdom of Erebor, he and his brother were its representatives whenever they travelled, where ever they travelled. As such it was their duty to introduce themselves to King Fengel, talk to him for as long as it pleased him to talk and overall just to try and make sure they made a favourable impression.

It wasn’t quite what Kíli had had in mind.

With a sigh he nudged Fíli’s shoulder and nodded over in the direction of the King’s table before hastily checking that he hadn’t ruined his outfit in his high spirits.

Everything was in order, nothing a little tugging and straightening couldn’t fix. Looking over at Fíli he saw that the short run had caused some his hair to get tangled with his braid and he quickly reached over to loosen them, smoothing down any stray hairs in the process. Once he was satisfied he withdrew his hand (not before tugging lightly on his moustache) and gave his brother a smile before looking over at Tahlaia.

“Before we do anything else Fíli and I should probably introduce ourselves to the King. It wouldn’t look very good if Thorin’s heirs came in an ignored their host in favour of dancing and drinking now would it? This could be a little boring so you don’t have to tag along if you don’t want to.” He smiled at her, hoping she’d realise he really was sorry that the celebrating had been cut short before it began (or at least it had in Kíli’s eyes, meeting other nobles was not something his idea of a good time, all the rules and restrictions made him jumpy).

With that he started walking over towards the table. Perhaps he was being a little over-dramatic about how he handled the situation but he really, really wanted to dance.

---

Kee hates official functions, who knew?

Legolas flushed slightly at the comment the drunk elf directed at him and flushed darker still when he heard what his friend said. Still he knew the elves were fond of making such jests at his expense and that it would only fan the flames if he took offence so he laughed, loud and clear, before grasping the drunk elf’s shoulder.

“Wouldn’t you like to know, my friend. Wouldn’t you like to know?”

Perhaps it wasn’t the best way to dispel the rumours that flitted around the Greenwood like little birds but it did less damage than outright denial (and the truth) would have done.

He smiled as Aroreth came over to join the group of elves, finally completing the set as it were. Looking at them he had to say that they made a particularly fine set; he was wearing his best robes and both his sisters looked absolutely stunning. He had little doubt that they would all be drawing their fair share of admiring glances throughout the night, especially from the Men who seemed to have a weakness when it came to elves.

“My sisters, you both look beautiful. No doubt you will do our father proud tonight and show everyone here that beauty still lives in the place they like to call Mirkwood. Now perhaps we should go and do our duty before we dance the night away, shall we go and introduce ourselves to our host? We should probably do so before the dwarves arrive.”

Aroreth turned her head and looked at her brother, smiling a little. She was glad he could put off what silly Elves might blurt out, but she watched as his flush died down and knew that it did trigger something. But what that something was she did not know, but hoped she would know at some later point.

Looking at her siblings, she felt pride swell a little in her chest at how well they showed their kin at home. Representing their royalty of their now darker realm. She may not have been the best representation for her father, but she hoped to rectify that with formal introductions.

Just as she was finishing her musings, her eyelids flutter and focused on Legolas as he compliment her and Gilrien's gowns. It was true, they both looked increadibly beautiful. But Legolas also looked quite sharp in his own higher attire.

"I quite agree with you, brother. We show off quite well. And yes, but I think the Dwarves might arrive ahead of us," Aroreth commented and discretly pointed out that the two Dwarven heirs, the dark-haired one seemingly marching proudly up to Kking Fengal's table.

(sorry for the badish post, trying to rush. My dad's mom died and has no idea when he's gonna be home so I need to be here to get my sis off the bus, but I need to deal with an exchange. So, yea)

Cora reared back from where she was lent over her sister shoulder to stare at the man who had spoken to her as though she were a speck of dirt on his boots.

He was young, almost too young to be occupying a spot on the King’s table, and handsome. Almost too handsome. His features were sharp, clean cut, free of worry-lines and scars; his skin smooth in a way that showed he’d never done a day’s hard work in his life; dark blonde curls fell artfully to his shoulders, barely a hair out of place as though he had spent a long time getting it to curl just so; his clothes were immaculate and Cora could tell the fabric was expensive just by the look of it. He was perhaps one of the few Men in the hall who could hope to give the Elves a run for their money.

If the boy had been acting less like a spoilt brat and if Cora hadn’t been so angry she would likely have found herself pleased with his good looks, she might have even have spent some of the evening admiring him as a way to pass the time.

As it was Cora was too angry to about anything other than the young noble’s lack of manners.

For a quick second she entertained the idea of bringing the pitcher down on his perfectly shaped head.

It was a wonderful thought but, sadly, it wasn’t something she could actually do. What she could do, however….

“I’m sorry, my Lord.” She schooled her features into her most charming smile, keeping her tone light and airy as she spoke. “Of course you’re correct; I am being paid ‘to keep wine goblets full’. How silly of me to forget! Thank for reminding me of the duties.” She forced her smile to become brighter and sweeter still. “I take it you would like your glass filling, my lord?”

---

Hope everything's okay Al!

And Pip, oh it's on

"I am greatly honored by your words, Sir." Lyra replied courteously as she kept walking. But as the knight continued talking she felt that something was a miss. Wasted? Surely Lyra preferred singing for wealthier patrons and socializing with them, but songs and joy were for everyone - commoners, dwarves, elves, sober or drunken, all the same. Well, it should be only the tinges of pride that Lyra had seen in every knight (and boys) his age. Sitting at the royal table though... would actually be a great honor. It wasn't the first time for Lyra, though in truth she had never been into the upper societies of Rohan despite she being born here - she didn't even sing here often. Lyra viewed this as an opportunity, one that would allow her to ascent to a higher social status within the realm - if she was charming enough - and to display her arts and come home with loads and loads of money.

Money that would allow her to pay the debt she owned her family. As she thought about that clouds hovered over her mind, which Lyra shook off easily by thinking of the feast ahead. She lowered her head again, "It is my honor to do so, Sir." was her reply, and Lyra's face lightened up a bit. She began thinking about her song that she've written two days ago about the tourney and began secretly rehearsing it in her head. "To be honest, I look forward to singing at the feast. I wrote a song that I thought would be fitting to open the feast, if only the King allows it." She chuckled.

As she sat down at the table all courteous and good, greeting people and gesturing elegantly, Lyra began to actually feel like an upper class Rohirric lady. Though she wasn't one, obviously... She was a wandering minstrel born into the family of Rohirric farmers. But in truth, Lyra had no intention of ascending in social positions. Minstrel is a career that she so adored and she was sure she would never let it go - it was her duty, in her opinion, to sing for the world and let the tradition pass. Plus, the upper class had their politics and dangerous games that was dreadful to play. So who she was now was nice. The lyrics of her song flashed through her heads and Lyra further assured herself that it'll be fine.

...The laughter of children and castles grand,

Accompanied by sounds of drums,

Such were the beauties of the Rohirric land

Shining under a golden sun...

At first Lyra was a bit nervous, but the sociable girl soon loosened up and was chattering and tittering around in no time at all. She've sure met some wealthy patrons - very wealthy patrons, in fact. She actually enjoyed it all so much that she even forgot about singing at the time. A servant came to serve her wine, and Lyra casually said thank you - for she was sure the alcohol was good stuff -

- but it was Cora.

She should've saw it coming. Lyra did expect some of her family being here and talking to her, but she absolutely dreaded of meeting Cora here. Not that Lyra hated her, of course, but the girl had been giving her sour faces ever since her homecoming. She could understand it all, really, but Lyra avoided direct collision as much as possible. Well, here Cora was, questioning her. For a moment surprise seized the girl as she became red. "Cora!" She exclaimed, and she turned red under her sister's seemingly sharp tone. To be honest Cora was perfectly right. She should've been singing.

So she excused herself from the table and made her way to the King. After humbly asking permission to sing, she was granted it. So she began that song she wrote, albeit nervously at first because she didn't know if it was good or not, but as it unfolded Lyra slowly released herself into the mood...

All gather: Men, Dwarves, many others and the Elves,

Tonight in His Grace's halls,

They shall drink to his health while enjoying themselves,

As the curtains of the tourney falls.

The laughter of children and castles grand,

Accompanied by sounds of drums,

Such were the beauties of the Rohirric land

Shining under a golden sun.

In the clash of swords the warriors fought,

In the cheers of crowds they beamed bright,

Every man was rewarded, no one was here for naught,

As the champions displayed their mights.

Be them lords or ladies, commoners or peasants,

The tourney had things to offer for all,

For there shan't be anything more pleasant,

Than the cluttering crowds and the vendors' call.

So loose up, be cheery, and enjoy the feast,

For there is still much and more to see,

Tonight you will rejoice, dance and sing,

Ere the bells of midnight rings.

"Glorfindel!" Alassea called, waving and tugged Inwe to make their way quickly towards their friend. She smiled at the Elleth he was with, her lips parting slightly as her brain clicked. "Oh yes, I do not believe we have been formally introduced but I thoroughly enjoyed your skills in the arena. You could rival a few of my Lothlorien kin. I myself is Alassea, and our shy raven-hair friend here is Inwe." The golden-haired beauty curled her right hand in front of her and under her head. She then discretly poked Glofindel's side to try and remind him that he had not said his new friends name.

The celebration was already a bit lively but yet to be full blown out. Elves and Dwarves seemed to stay on respective sides, but the mortals mingled and merged with both groups evenly.

(And...sorry for the crappy short post. Not watching ME, and wanted to get this moving along)

Inwe held onto her friends arm tightly, but looked around the Hall and saw all the people from the tourney and the mingling people. She giggled and was beginning to feel normal again. And even though she had seem a few Dwarves, she did not see the elder Prince. She turned her head at the nearly muffled call of her name, and had her body turned to see her good friend Glorfindel. She had a normal, pleasant look on her face but with a raised brow as she saw an Elleth she did not know. But they looked friendly and so she was not alarmed when Alassea introduced themselves.

She nodded her head and smiled warmly at her. "Very good to meet you. I agree with Alassea, you were wonderful, and refreshing to hear a fellow Elleth taking top place," she said. "I am sorry we are late, my friend. I-" She stopped herself from finishing her sentence. It might not be completely wise to explain her reason in front of a stranger. "Please accept my apology, mellonamin."