From: ivrinsun	Date: 03/28/2007 14:02:37

*arrives, thoroughly confused by the phone call she received from Túrin a little while ago asking her to just meet him there*

*wishes she'd known there would be photographers!*

*loiters in the foyer looking extremely uncomfortable*

	From: sindacollo	Date: 03/28/2007 14:05:50

*spots you during one of his patrols*

You there. This a private party.

	From: ivrinsun	Date: 03/28/2007 14:10:46

*looks around and then back at you*

*mouths "Me?" and points to herself*

*finding her voice* Yes, I know. I'm Finduilas. Is Túrin here yet?

	From: sindacollo	Date: 03/28/2007 14:13:03

*frowns slightly* Ah. Of course you are.

*shakes your hand vigorously* And I am His Royal Highness, King Elu Thingol, Lord of Doriath and The Known Universe. *chuckles* I'm not kidding.

Túrin has not yet arrived #$%@ but I'm sure he'll be along shortly. *takes your hand and places it on his arm, hoping you're relatively clean these days* Why don't you come along and meet the Queen?

	From: ivrinsun	Date: 03/28/2007 14:17:41

*upon meeting you, thinks for the first of what are bound to be many times that night, that she just may be in way over her head*

*feels slightly faint* That would be lovely?

	From: gorthol	Date: 03/28/2007 14:19:55

*comes up behind you and smoothly slips an arm around your waist*

*nods his greeting to Thingol*

*kisses your cheek lightly* All right, Fin?

	From: ivrinsun	Date: 03/28/2007 14:21:08

*is all smiles* Fantastic.

*turns to look at you* You look... *gasps* What happened to your face?!

	From: gorthol	Date: 03/28/2007 14:29:19

*smiles carefully so as not to pop any stitches* Long story, defending honor, blah blah...but how are you? *appreciatively* You look lovely.

*observing the general splendor* Nice party. *searches the crowd*

	From: queenmelly	Date: 03/28/2007 14:34:16

*sees you've actually arrived*

*comes over* Túrin, darling, you look lovely. *is rather used to seeing you bruised and stitched and doesn't even notice it*

*looks over at Finduilas* Is this your... harlot lady-friend? She doesn't look very pregnant at all.

	From: gorthol	Date: 03/28/2007 14:39:24

*kisses you* You and Dad shouldn't have done all this just for me. You really shouldn't have.

*formally* Yes, indeed. Melian, meet Finduilas. Fin, this is Lady Melian.

	From: ivrinsun	Date: 03/28/2007 14:41:06

*remembers she's supposed to be good at this sort of thing*

*drops a little curtsey to Melian* My lady. I'm honored to meet you.

	From: queenmelly	Date: 03/28/2007 14:43:51

*smiles fakely beautifully* It's a pleasure to finally meet you. We had our doubts that Túrin would ever find reason to settle down. You must be very special indeed.

Stay away from my son.

	From: ivrinsun	Date: 03/28/2007 14:48:10

*is not intimidated by your cool, calm, collected Maianess, oh no*

*maybe a little*

*smiles sweetly* You are too kind, my lady. I don't look forward to getting to know all of you after the thousand-year honeymoon.

	From: gorthol	Date: 03/28/2007 14:52:36

*is suddenly distracted*

You two chat. I'll be right back. *tucks a strand of hair behind your ear before striding swiftly away*

	From: luthiekins	Date: 03/28/2007 14:04:33

*stands by the non-alcoholic punch, sipping and watching the people coming in*

*is literally counting down the seconds until she can slip out unnoticed*

	From: sindacollo	Date: 03/28/2007 14:08:28

*has of course stationed a guard near the kids' punch to see that none of the unwashed masses try to spike it*

*does not actually notice said guard tipping the contents of a flask into the punch bowl every now and then*

	From: loremaster	Date: 03/28/2007 14:13:15

*comes in and stands awkwardly next to the 'non-alcoholic' punch*

*waves at you*

*remembers he's supposed to be spying on you*

*feels really bad already*

	From: sindacollo	Date: 03/28/2007 14:15:44

*is actually starting to relax a little, which is no surprise, really, considering the number of drinks he's already quaffed in his extreme anxiety*

*smiles and waves right back to you*

	From: elm0	Date: 03/28/2007 14:10:56

*arrives on one of his usual visits* *is absolutely not dressed for a party*

*looks faintly befuddled at all the commotion*

	From: sindacollo	Date: 03/28/2007 14:14:29

*motions to you from across the room*

*wonders if he ought to start checking under tables for Olwë yet*

	From: elm0	Date: 03/28/2007 14:27:37

*walks over to you* Elu, so sorry for gate-crashing. I was just in Delving and thought I'd drop by.

	From: sindacollo	Date: 03/28/2007 14:32:17

*hugs you warmly*

*very warmly, cf: whiskey* You're always welcome here, little brother. Have a drink! Ha ha!

	From: elm0	Date: 03/28/2007 14:38:14

*!!* A drink? I'm guessing you're a bit ahead of me already on that score?

	From: sindacollo	Date: 03/28/2007 14:42:27

*throws an arm around you and leads you toward the bar*

*tsks* You know I never know I never drink, Elmo. *beaming* HOW ARE YOU ALREADY? How's that cute grandkid?

	From: elm0	Date: 03/28/2007 14:55:46

*laughs, amused* Celeborn is very well, thank you very much. He's decided he wants to work in a sweet shop, of course, which is quite sweet.

	From: sindacollo	Date: 03/28/2007 14:59:29

*laughs too* The ambitions of the young. *furrows his brow in confusion suddenly* Speaking of the young...have you seen Lúthie?

*pours drinks* One for you, two for me!

	From: elm0	Date: 03/28/2007 15:09:26

*shakes his head* No -- but it is quite crowded.

*laughs* Elu. I never had you pegged for alcoholism. Slow down a little, hm?

	From: sindacollo	Date: 03/28/2007 15:16:23

*takes a seat nearby to fend off any odd wobbliness*

*cheerfully* It is crowded. My boy's getting married, have you heard? It's the right thing to do, of course. Of course, she's a bit below him, but still. Of course. She's a lovely girl, of course. Wouldn't you agree? Those crazy kids. There's no stopping mad love, I always say, of course. Unless you're stopping it with a bottle of bourbon. Melly might tell you something about that. Ha ha! Where's Daeron? Have you met Daeron? He's my other boy. Except not really. But neither is Túrin, if you want to get technical about it. But you know what people say about Daeron? Do you know what people say? I'm really very good at keeping quiet about the whole affair. I never say a word! Not that I'm saying there was an affair. But whether there was or wasn't, it's nobody else's business! Or affair! Of course. Where's Daeron?

	From: loremaster	Date: 03/28/2007 17:23:39

*hears his name like ten times and comes over*

You called, sir? *hopes you will impart valuable secrets!!*

*or shower him with affection ome he's not picky*

	From: sindacollo	Date: 03/28/2007 17:35:27

*pats the seat next to him*

Daeron! I was telling Elmo here--have you met my brother Elmo?--what a good boy you are. Very helpful with the spying and everything. Elmo, did you know Daeron is a warrior? Or a fifing warrior type person, anyway. Daeron, have you had a drink, Daeron? Have a drink.

*slaps your back companionably*

	From: loremaster	Date: 03/28/2007 17:39:18

Has he been drinking?

*looks at you with a strange mix of horror and concern, feeling increasingly more awkward*

Thank you sir I think I will have a drink!!

*slaps your back companionably*

OWWWW

	From: sindacollo	Date: 03/28/2007 17:49:26

*brightly* Atta boy! I love you, kid, I really do. Everyone is just so happy tonight! *snickers* *with a perfectly straight face* No. I'm not kidding. What?

	From: loremaster	Date: 03/28/2007 17:57:38

I love you, kid, I really do.

OME I LOVE YOU TOO, DADDY.

*squeaks!* Th-thank you, DADDY sir! I-uh-you mean a lot to me, too, of course. It's a wonderful party. I'm having a great time.

	From: sindacollo	Date: 03/28/2007 18:04:22

*big smile* Wonderful! Try the caviar. It's delightful. Wonderful! Delightfully caviar-y. Y.

*leans over to you* *shiftily* Does that guy look like Olwë to you? That's a great tie he's got on.

	From: loremaster	Date: 03/28/2007 18:09:14

Yeah. Caviar.

*almost jumps out of his seat* Olwë!?! How would I know what Olwë looks like, sir!? Olwë who!?

	From: sindacollo	Date: 03/28/2007 18:20:36

Olwë. My brother Olwë. Not to be mistaken for...some other Olwë. Olwë?

	From: loremaster	Date: 03/28/2007 18:25:44

Nope can't say that I know him!!

*looks over at Olwë* That guy, you mean? Uh. I think I've seen him around in bars and stuff. Don't know his name, though. Really. Honestly. WHY WON'T YOU BELIEVE ME.

*driiiiiiiIIIIIIINNNNNNKSSSSSSssssss*

	From: sindacollo	Date: 03/28/2007 18:31:40

*pats you on the top of your head*

I'ma go find out. You stay here, son. But ready your fife. Just in case.

*staggers off abruptly*

	From: loremaster	Date: 03/28/2007 18:57:35

son

*just about dies of happiness*

*resolves to never ever ever talk to that jerk again*

	From: queenmelly	Date: 03/28/2007 14:14:36

*sees you while ciruculating through the room*

*definitely not touching the 'non-alcoholic' punch*

Elmo! I didn't know you would be here.

	From: elm0	Date: 03/28/2007 14:26:51

I--uh-- *looks around* -- didn't mean to intrude. I just dropped into say hello. I didn't know you were entertaining.

	From: queenmelly	Date: 03/28/2007 14:29:17

Interrupting? Oh, no! *takes your arm and leads you into the room* You're not interrupting Elmo, didn't you get the invitation or did you throw it away the second you saw the return address? We're throwing an engagement party for Túrin.



He got some hooker pregnant.

*has had a few more than usual, yes*

	From: elm0	Date: 03/28/2007 14:39:35

I would have thought it was rather difficult. To get a hooker pregnant, I mean? One would assume they use prote--. Not the point, of course.

*smiles* How are you, my dear sister, and how is your daughter?

	From: queenmelly	Date: 03/28/2007 14:42:49

I don't necessarily want to know the particulars of it. But I'm sort of doubtful myself.

Oh, well enough, well enough. We get along fine, you know. Lúthien is very, very well. She's just right over.

...

*looks around* Oh. She's gone. She must have snuck off to see Beren.

...

I didn't mean to say that.

	From: elm0	Date: 03/28/2007 14:54:49

*raises both eyebrows*

Oh my. Am I to take it that my brother is unaware of this development?

	From: queenmelly	Date: 03/28/2007 17:22:26

No. No he's not. I'd appreciate it if it stayed that way as well.

*actually laughs* Can you imagine how well that would go over? "Sorry, Elwë, Lúthien had to leave the party early to be with her boyfriend. You remember him? Beren?" It's better for everyone this way, believe me.

	From: celebr1an	Date: 03/28/2007 14:20:42

*arrives as per the invitation, in spite of not knowing the parties in question*

*knew she shouldn't have arranged to meet Elrond here because she knows he'll be late*

*takes a glass of punch and circulates*

	From: mablung	Date: 03/28/2007 14:23:09

*looks up from where he appears to be snogging an ice sculpture with half his face*

Very nice.

*wonders if you go for the brawler types*

	From: celebr1an	Date: 03/28/2007 14:24:20

*coolly* That looks nasty. I know a good doctor if you need one?

	From: mablung	Date: 03/28/2007 14:30:48

*runs a hand through his hair* Already been, thanks.

*lifts his chin* You should see the other guy. My lady.

	From: celebr1an	Date: 03/28/2007 14:45:19

*looks around the room and sees Túrin looking a little bruised* *points at him* If it was that chap, you definitely came off worse.

*smiles sunnily*

	From: mablung	Date: 03/28/2007 14:50:39

*laughs airily* Would you believe me if I said I let him win? Besides, I should hardly like to outshine your luminous beauty.

	From: celebr1an	Date: 03/28/2007 14:53:04

*laughs too* My, you are a charming one. What's your name?

	From: mablung	Date: 03/28/2007 14:57:12

*proudly* Mablung, Captain of Doriath.

*kisses your hand* And to whom do I have the great pleasure of speaking this evening?

	From: celebr1an	Date: 03/28/2007 15:05:12

*archly* It's an honour to meet you, Captain.

You have the great pleasure of speaking to Celebrían. *drops into a curtsey*

	From: mablung	Date: 03/28/2007 15:11:04

*smirks at your response*

And you're here alone tonight, Celebrían? *gestures to the bar* Might I bring you a drink or twenty?

	From: celebr1an	Date: 03/28/2007 15:16:45

I'm alone at this precise moment although I daresay my date will show up eventually when I go to his office to fetch him. A drink, however, would be terribly pleasant.

	From: mablung	Date: 03/28/2007 15:28:27

I daresay your date has no idea what he's missing.

*dutifully wanders off to fetch your drink*

*reappears with two glasses of champagne* I suppose we ought to toast to my dear friend and his lovely bride-to-be, but a more transparent and conniving woman I have never met in my entire life, it must be said.

	From: celebr1an	Date: 03/28/2007 15:36:17

*arches an eyebrow* We've been married for years. I'm sure he knows.

*looks honestly surprised* Now, that's a little vitriolic. You don't like this woman, then?

	From: mablung	Date: 03/28/2007 15:39:14

*thinks you're becoming more interesting by the second* And who is the lucky guy? Do tell.

*blandly* It's honest. She's fine for a laugh but...well, just look at her. Everything about her says "full of shit". And that's one of my best friends she's fucking over, that's all.

	From: celebr1an	Date: 03/28/2007 15:54:23

Oh. *shrugs* Elrond Peredhil? One of the doctors here in Delving.

That's -- very admirable, I think? In a rather twisted sort of way.

	From: mablung	Date: 03/28/2007 16:48:03

*interestedly* Oh, right. *touches the bandage on his nose* He does good work.

*smugly* I suppose I am an admirable sort. Though some of my most admirable traits aren't even immediately evident. *very tactfully does not add "They're under my clothes."*

	From: celebr1an	Date: 03/28/2007 16:58:40

*loftily* He does excellent work.

*smirks faintly* Is that a fact? Well, to judge from your tabs at Larry's, I can only guess at the rest.

	From: mablung	Date: 03/28/2007 17:10:37

You work at Larry's? *whistles* Huh. I don't think I've seen you there. I'd definitely remember.

	From: celebr1an	Date: 03/28/2007 17:13:54

Oh no, sweetheart. I own Larry's. I don't actually ever go there.

	From: mablung	Date: 03/28/2007 17:18:10

*raises his eyebrows* Oh, pardon me, madam. Don't suppose you'll cut me a discount?

	From: celebr1an	Date: 03/28/2007 17:19:11

*smiles* Well, you are one of our most loyal patrons, it has to be said. *shrugs* But I'm a businesswoman.

	From: mablung	Date: 03/28/2007 17:31:14

*nods* Say no more. I understand perfectly.

*picks up a bite-sized something off a passing waiter's tray and pops it into his mouth* Fancy a fuck then?

	From: celebr1an	Date: 03/28/2007 17:32:53

*opens her mouth and closes it firmly*

No but thank you for your kind offer. I'm already spoken for.

	From: mablung	Date: 03/28/2007 17:41:41

*amiably* Another time, maybe. Say hi to the good doctor for me, yeah?

*saunters off to find one of his marchwardens* *or Thingol; Thingol's always good*

	From: gorthol	Date: 03/28/2007 17:57:43

*reappears, having found a (considerably less dressy) change of clothes in his old room*

*makes a beeline for you once he spots you* Have you seen Beleg? Or Fin?

	From: mablung	Date: 03/28/2007 18:10:59

Are you worrying again? At a party? You're giving me hives.

*shoves a drink in your hand* I'm sure they're around here somewhere. Now come and sit down and listen to me bitch about how all the good ones here are married.

	From: gorthol	Date: 03/28/2007 18:25:56

*gulps down the drink gratefully*

*lets you chatter on for a few minutes but continues feeling uneasy when neither Fin nor Beleg reappears*

*feels around for them with his mind and senses them both just outside*

*refrains from listening in but hopes they're at least bonding or something*

	From: mablung	Date: 03/28/2007 18:43:10

...and then I took the penguins up Taniquetil for the early jello yoga class. *shakes his head* You haven't heard a word I've said.

You need to relax, kid. *provocatively* You know what would be fan-fucking-tastic for that?

	From: gorthol	Date: 03/28/2007 18:57:22

*rubs his eyes* Can you go five minutes without propositioning me? Please?

This is ridiculous. I have to go find Fin and Beleg.

	From: tuivana	Date: 03/28/2007 14:27:13

*appears in the middle of the Great Hall, taking no notice when the nearby partygoers stare and hurry away*

*thinks any function analyzing the union of a Vala and a mortal should be something very interesting*

*brain-waves Túrin* You really ought to come by for tea if you're going to remember anything useful.

*becomes distracted by all the liquor bottles at the bar and sets to immediately memorizing their labels*

	From: melante	Date: 03/28/2007 14:32:08

*appears right behind you*

*thinks it's part of her job to at least make an appearance*

*even if she utterly and completely disapproves of the particular union and it goes against Eru's plan and that girl is lying and and and*

	From: tuivana	Date: 03/28/2007 14:37:16

*excitedly* Vendórë! What would you say is the maximum capacity of this room?

	From: melante	Date: 03/28/2007 14:38:28

*looks around*

*actually considers this*

Couples or strangers? Couples would take up less space.

	From: tuivana	Date: 03/28/2007 14:44:25

*thinks* Couples don't actually take up less space in this reality. If they wanted to orchestrate that, they'd have to introduce an inter-dimensional space-time warp fissure during which...

*rattles on in this vein for the next several minutes*

	From: melante	Date: 03/28/2007 17:20:34

*waits rather patiently for you to finish*

....

....

....

I just meant that they would stand closer.

	From: tuivana	Date: 03/28/2007 17:32:57

*cocks her head as though calculating something*

I think I see what you mean. You were approximating capacity based on factors other than mere volume. Very interesting!

	From: melante	Date: 03/28/2007 17:35:59

*nods her head encouragingly*

The Children require personal space. We can't just pack them in here like little sardines. I think Aulë tried that once and they didn't like it. The more they like one another, the closer they stand.

Plus there are tables and ice sculptures to consider.

*is fascinated by ice sculptures*

	From: tuivana	Date: 03/28/2007 17:46:20

*doubtfully* One wonders if the ice sculptures are strictly necessary. Successful rendezvous at human gatherings call for thirty-one percent alcohol, two percent food, forty-six percent conversation, and twenty percent flirtatious gestures and movements. Give or take a few percentage points here or there.

*looks up in time to see one guest-of-honor throw a drink in the other guest-of-honor's face* *frowns* Then again, perhaps Ainur/Human gatherings are different?

	From: melante	Date: 03/28/2007 17:55:21

*watches this too*

*almost gleefully* I knew it wouldn't work out! I don't know why they try so hard to go against the natural order of things. It just never ends well. You would think Túrin would be able to tell she's not pregnant, but I guess he's still just figuring these things out. Poor dear.

	From: tuivana	Date: 03/28/2007 18:01:27

*shakes her head* He seems very intent on living like a human. It's odd. Why would anyone want to be an inferior life form? You're right, of course. I suppose it will take time for him to remember everything again.

*looks at you closely* Wait a minute. Did you set that up? Because if so, it was lovely work.

	From: melante	Date: 03/28/2007 18:07:21

*looks shocked* No, of course not, I would never...

*stops short and just inclines her head*

*embarrasedly* Yes. I did.

	From: tuivana	Date: 03/28/2007 18:19:39

*firmly* You really ought to document your findings. It would make for fascinating study.

*curiously* Do you know very much about conceiving children?

	From: melante	Date: 03/28/2007 18:23:19

*tilts her head to the side* I hadn't thought of it like that before. It's just... natural. I'll think about it.

Do you know very much about conceiving children?

*nods enthusiastically* It's my specialty. Which is why she remains barren.

	From: tuivana	Date: 03/28/2007 18:30:16

I'd be glad to give you any storage space you might need. *squeals girlishly* We can build a database together!

*ponders this* What about us, Vendórë? Oromë and I have been trying many iterations in every position imaginable and have yet been unable to conceive a child. Can you shed any light on this phenomenon?

	From: melante	Date: 03/28/2007 18:36:41

*smiles at your ...squeal?* Of course we can.

*considers your question at great, great length* I had never thought about it before. Now that you mention it, though, it comes down to a matter of creation. Aulë created the dwarves and the kindred create new little kindred but... can we create more of us? If we were born of Father's thought, it seems to follow that anyone new must also be born of his thought. Perhaps you need a special dispensation? He would have to think a child for you?

Didn't Tulkas and Nessa have a child on Arda? I wasn't there.

	From: tuivana	Date: 03/28/2007 18:46:08

I suppose it's possible? I think Oromë still may have a few ideas up his sleeve. I'd hate to bother Dad when he's so busy walking around being vague.

Didn't Tulkas and Nessa

Of course! *smiles happily* They certainly did. I'd forgotten. *nonchalantly* Nessa and I don't get along very well.

	From: melante	Date: 03/28/2007 18:51:37

*really fears what sort of ideas Oromë might have*

I'd hate to bother Dad

*knows exactly how you feel* *would really like Him to do something about him*

Nessa and I don't get along very well.

*cluelessly* Oh? Why not? I would think you would be great friends. Doesn't she want Oromë to have children of his own and be happy?

	From: tuivana	Date: 03/28/2007 19:00:32

You know? I'm not exactly sure. Sometimes when we're together she starts walking jerkily and making whirring and clicking and beeping noises, but when I ask her if she's malfunctioning, she only gets angry.

*looks thoughtful* I'm uncertain as to how her mental processes sort Oromë.

	From: melante	Date: 03/28/2007 19:08:53

Well. Nessa's always been very sensitive about how she moves. *helpfully* Maybe you shouldn't ask if she's malfunctioning? It might hurt her feelings.

	From: tuivana	Date: 03/28/2007 19:16:28

I've never heard tell of her malfunctioning any other time. That's the strange thing.

*with genuine concern* Perhaps she becomes nervous when I'm in the room. *shrugs*

	From: melante	Date: 03/28/2007 19:20:09

*agreeably* You're very bright. Maybe she feels intimidated?

You should spend more time together. Find common interests so she doesn't feel intimidated. Harmony is very important to the proper Order.

	From: tuivana	Date: 03/28/2007 19:25:41

*quizzically* Why do you not have a mate? I'd think you capable of making the perfect calculations for yourself.

	From: melante	Date: 03/28/2007 19:35:34

Aulë was taken. *lightly* I work better alone.

	From: tuivana	Date: 03/28/2007 19:37:47

*tactfully* Fair enough.

*starts planning side project Find Vendórë a nice, eligible Ainu* *or Chip 4.2*

	From: melante	Date: 03/28/2007 19:40:22

*suddenly just smiles*

*gives you a pointed look* See?

	From: tuivana	Date: 03/28/2007 19:44:46

*lifts an eyebrow in amusement*

You really know your stuff.

	From: belthronding	Date: 03/28/2007 14:35:31

*arrives in, quite late, hoping to stay for the shortest time possible*

*looks pretty stunning, courtesy of Aredhel*

	From: gorthol	Date: 03/28/2007 14:45:34

*finds you*

*...*

*smiles brilliantly*

	From: belthronding	Date: 03/28/2007 14:48:29

*gives you a rather nervous wave and smiles at you*

*sets to perfecting the art of being a wallflower*

	From: gorthol	Date: 03/28/2007 14:55:46

*comes over*

*simply* I'm glad you came. *goes to hug you before thinking that might be a bit painful* You look...

*tilts your chin up and kisses you lightly on the cheek instead*

	From: belthronding	Date: 03/28/2007 15:02:29

*has no such thought* *hugs you firmly* Hi.

*rests her cheek next to your heart for a split-second*

	From: gorthol	Date: 03/28/2007 15:08:47

*winces but tries to take it like a man*

*his voice muffled against your hair* Hi. I...hi.

*is filled, warmed from head to toe with an indescribable feeling*

*and feels an inexplicable anxiety stemming from it*

	From: belthronding	Date: 03/28/2007 15:13:33

*feels unbelievably calm as she tries to ignore her own worry* *takes a step back and skates her fingers over your face* What have you been doing, hm? Picking fights without me as your second?

	From: gorthol	Date: 03/28/2007 15:24:36

*sets his hands on your shoulders* *sighs* Oh. Mablung. Slept with my sister apparently? Which is... *shrugs* I never knew he could sink that low. *clenches his jaw for a second, looking steely-eyed*

*focusing on you again* You're so beautiful okay? *lightening his tone* Mablung's here somewhere if you want to see him. Or beat the shit out of him, whichever.

I should probably go rescue Fin from Melian. *uncertainly* Will you come say hello?

*doesn't see Fin where he left her* *glances around and spots her near the bar and holding a glass of what looks suspiciously like...champagne?*

	From: belthronding	Date: 03/28/2007 15:29:47

*eyes widen* I knew that! The day I left Delving -- I was so angry with him for using her like that -- is she OK? I meant to say something -- I was just overwhelmed with everything -- Shit.

*instinctively reaches up and takes one of your hands, squeezing gently* You OK, hon? *glances towards Fin, preparing herself to be cordial* Is she drinking--isn't she pregnant?

	From: gorthol	Date: 03/28/2007 15:36:16

*shrugs tightly, clearly frustrated* One never knows, with her. And how do I go about asking her something like that, anyway? "Hey, sis, I heard you shagged Mablung. How does that make you feel? Are you scarred for life?"

*smiles at you nonetheless* I'm fine. Not liking this shindig a whole hell of a lot, I can tell you that.

*confused* Yeah, she...hang on.

*walks over toward Fin* Um...hi?

	From: ivrinsun	Date: 03/28/2007 15:40:32

*brightly* There you are. I was beginning to think you two were attached at the hip you left or something.

	From: gorthol	Date: 03/28/2007 15:43:09

*headscratch*

*superfluously* Um, no. I'm still here. But Fin? I know a drink or two isn't likely to hurt, but do you really think that's a good idea?

*takes your drink out of your hand and sets it aside* *doesn't want to make a big deal out of it or anything*

	From: ivrinsun	Date: 03/28/2007 16:52:04

*follow the path of the glass with her eyes* Ah. Right. That. *appears unsettled annoyed by your action*

*breezily* No, a drink or two now and then won't hurt. So you don't have to guilt-trip me about it. A girl could use a drink at a stressful time like this.

*plucks up her glass from where you placed it and takes a sip*

	From: gorthol	Date: 03/28/2007 16:54:17

*dismayed* Stressful? I thought you were excited about all this.

*hastily* I'm not guilt-tripping you, Fin. I just...don't think it's asking all that much if I don't want you to drink while you're carrying our child.

	From: ivrinsun	Date: 03/28/2007 16:57:04

I'm not guilt-tripping you

Good. I'm handling that just fine on my own. Then that's settled. *is selectively hearing, yes*

*refills her glass*

	From: gorthol	Date: 03/28/2007 16:58:49

*snatches the glass out of your hand*

Finduilas. Please?? *concerned* What's gotten into you tonight? Do you want to get out of here?

*puts the glass down and reaches for your hand*

	From: belthronding	Date: 03/28/2007 17:00:35

	From: ivrinsun	Date: 03/28/2007 17:08:24

*pushes you away*

No. I'm fine. I just want someone to confess to one lousy drink, okay? *irritably* Go talk to Beleg or something.

*reaches for the champagne bottle*

	From: gorthol	Date: 03/28/2007 17:12:19

*blocks your reach*

*shortly* Look, I'll take you home if you want, but I'm not just going to stand around and watch while you get drunk. Okay?

	From: ivrinsun	Date: 03/28/2007 17:15:03

*is on her last nerve* *tearily* That's so typical. You love to give orders, don't you? Everything has to ordered just so, just as you like. And Eru forbid if something doesn't go your way or someone makes a mistake or just loves you too much or...or...

	From: gorthol	Date: 03/28/2007 17:21:00

*utterly bewildered* Will you just talk to me?! I don't know how to fix it if you won't tell me what's got you so upset.

*glances around and lowers his voice in case they've started to draw attention* Calm down, all right? Calm down.

	From: ivrinsun	Date: 03/28/2007 17:25:31

*sees your honest confusion and feels about a thousand times worse*

*conceals her guilt with anger* Don't tell me to calm down. I'm going outside. Where I can breathe.

*picks up her glass again and looks at it* Here. All yours.

*splashes her drink in your face*

*turns and walks out of the house to get some fresh stale air*

	From: gorthol	Date: 03/28/2007 17:28:40

*stands stock-still for a moment, trying to process exactly what just happened there*

*stalks off to some other area of the palace to clean himself up*

	From: belthronding	Date: 03/28/2007 17:34:39

*doesn't actually know which way to look*

*decides to leave altogether but with every intention of looking for you tomorrow*

	From: ivrinsun	Date: 03/28/2007 17:39:25

*sits on the front steps outside, looking out into the night*

*has by now bummed a cigarette off one of the photographers*

	From: belthronding	Date: 03/28/2007 17:44:43

*skirts around you before looking back*

*sees that you are smoking*

*hesitantly* Are you-- are you OK?

	From: ivrinsun	Date: 03/28/2007 17:51:28

*glances up at you*

*tries to think of something nasty to retort with and finds she has neither the energy nor the inclination*

No. I'm not. How are you?

	From: belthronding	Date: 03/28/2007 18:02:12

I'm -- I'm OK.

*shuffles a bit* What -- what's wrong?

	From: ivrinsun	Date: 03/28/2007 18:08:08

*not really caring anymore* This was supposed to be our party, right? So why does he have to go and be all... *vaguely handwaves* ...and if I could, I'd tell him about the baby, but I can't, and it's killing me, okay?

	From: belthronding	Date: 03/28/2007 18:10:43

*is not really following* What do you mean, "tell him about the baby"?

	From: ivrinsun	Date: 03/28/2007 18:22:39

*bitterly* There is no baby. There never was.

*doesn't feel as relieved as she thought she would, saying that*

*really looks at you and equates you with Beleg Cúthalion for possibly the very first time*

	From: belthronding	Date: 03/28/2007 18:27:45

*looks at you, speechless* There--

*remains silent for quite some time*

*swallows and takes a deep breath* *should count to ten before losing her temper but quite fancies losing her temper right now*

You lied to the man you say that you love? You -- you what? Pretended to be pregnant to keep him, is that it? Is that it? Do you have any idea -- any idea -- what this is going to do to him? Oh -- oh, Eru. You -- you bitch.

	From: ivrinsun	Date: 03/28/2007 18:36:07

*gets to her feet in a hurry*

*astonished* *really thought you too mild-mannered for words like that* What...what gives you the right? How dare you judge me? As if you have any idea what I've been going through. I made a mistake and I've been paying for it and...and... *venomously* What do you know about anything??

	From: belthronding	Date: 03/28/2007 18:40:59

How dare I-- *draws herself up to her full height* There is no one, no one, in this world or the last who knows Túrin better than I do. That is what gives me the right. Are you really so selfish that-- that you would put your needs before his? That you'd take away his freedom to choose what to do with his life?

	From: ivrinsun	Date: 03/28/2007 18:51:08

*scowling* A few years and a few camping trips make you an expert on his heart, do they? You certainly couldn't bear to think otherwise, could you?

*edgily* I was going to tell him the truth. One thoughtless sentence out of my mouth and, well, it is not an easy situation to find oneself in. *coldly* But I'm sure you're well above such fears and inadequacies.

	From: belthronding	Date: 03/28/2007 18:55:45

*speaks with certainty* Who needs to think otherwise when it is a fact, pure and simple? I know Túrin and I love him and I don't need to lie to him to keep what we have.

*looks back at you steadily* Then tell him. Tell him now before you break his heart. Prove that you are better than me, little Princess, because I know that you believe it.

	From: gorthol	Date: 03/28/2007 19:02:59

*comes outside in search of both of you* *wonders if Fin is finished being hormonal or what*

*easily* "Tell him" what? *frowns slightly when he notices the look on your face*

	From: belthronding	Date: 03/28/2007 19:05:16

*looks at Fin with the sort of expression that has grown marchwardens quivering in their boots*

	From: ivrinsun	Date: 03/28/2007 19:10:43

*finds her mouth suddenly dry*

*has no idea how to get out of this one*

*to Túrin, softly* We need to talk.

*pulls him aside so you won't hear* *talks for a long while without pause, never meeting his eyes*

	From: gorthol	Date: 03/28/2007 19:13:15

*never says a word during this entire monologue*

*occasionally lifts his gaze to look at you in sheer disbelief, all the while visibly wilting more and more*

	From: ivrinsun	Date: 03/28/2007 19:18:41

*is quiet for a long moment*

*touches your arm and gives you a pleading look, saying something else far too quiet to be overhead by anyone*