[Meela]

Thalia stepped into the room, nervously twisting a strand of loosely curled hair on her slender finger. Faramir took her arm and led her to the bar, bowing amiably to the passing party goers. She took a seat beside him, glancing at the surrounding elves, men and dwarves.
Upon seeing Boromir enter, accompanied by Haldir and Elthaniel, Thalia jumped up from her place and squeezed her way through the growing thong towards them. She kissed Boromir on the cheek and led him to the bar, where Faramir stood, ordering drinks.
"Well met, brother! I see you have the prettiest girl in the room, as always."
Faramir smiled and took Thalia's hand. She gracefully took her seat once more and sipped at the wine she was offered by the bartender.
"Tell me, Boromir, how are affairs in the south?"
"As frail as always, my dear. Our father is beside himself. I fear Gondor cannot hold much longer."
"Oh, come now!" Elthaniel interrupted. "This is a party, and we are here to enjoy ourselves!"
And taking Thalia's hand, the elf maiden sauntered out into the room's ornately decorated centre and strolled amongst the other guests.
"Look at her dress! I love the patterning upon the sleeves." Elthaniel whispered to Thalia, glancing at a fellow elf.
Thalia consciously fingered her own dress, wondering if she was suitably arrayed for such a grand affair. Elthaniel noticed and put her mind at ease.
"My dear, your dress is beautiful. No other woman will match you. Just look at how Faramir gazes upon you. He will look upon no other maiden! And some are quite exquisite, I assure you."
Thalia, comforted by her friend, glanced down at her gown, the black velvet matching her raven hair. Against her smooth, pale skin, the dark tones made a severe contrast. As Thalia continued to walk back towards the bar and her adoring fiancee, the light glimmered across the white tree emblazoned upon the bodice of her dress. Of the group she had accompanied this evening, she was the only Gondorian stating their origins. Uplifted by the thought of her homeland, Thalia held her head high and walked back through the crowd.
Faramir kissed her lightly upon the cheek and introduced her to Galador, a fellow man of their native Gondor. Thalia welcomed him with delight and sipped some more of her drink.
As a new tune suddenly filled the air, Thalia felt a hand upon her own. Looking up, she saw Faramir grinning down at her and offering his arm. Together they took places upon the dance floor and stepped in time to the lively music. Thalia twisted and twirled about her partner, never missing a beat. She and Faramir were talented dancers and having practised a great deal in their time together, made a good pair.
They danced for a while, until Thalia felt weary and longed for her place by the bar once more. Boromir gladly received her there, and Faramir, ever the gentleman, partnered Elthaniel and two other young elf maidens with whom she had grown aquainted that night.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Meela ]