<i>Not since her years in Diadron had Lurea been treated with<BR>such generosity. Her bridemaids, and the hired help of course,<BR>granted her every simple wish. When she asked where the drinks<BR>were, planning on finding and obtaining it herself, the ladies<BR>were all eager to please her. Though it did make her a bit<BR>nervous, because they were her closest friends and she thought<BR>of them not as common folk, but as royalty themselves. It would<BR>be as though the children of the king and queen of Gondor served<BR>her!<BR><BR>When Lurea entered the room, she had been greeted by the<BR>bridemaids who had already arrived: Bardy, Leoba, Aerin, and Vana.<BR>Excitedly, she hugged each one, but before she could speak to<BR>each, others came in the door, including PM, who, shockingly,<BR>had brought actual hens!! Lurea laughed heartily at the antics<BR>of the chickens and the shocked looks on the others' faces. Oh<BR>what an excellent time they would have tonight, thanks to the<BR>careful planning of Leoba and the aid and advice of Bardhwyn.<BR><BR>Next came Wiste, one of her dearest and oldest friends, though<BR>she was better known to Tinu. Lurea was so involved in the chaos<BR>that she did not pay any mind to her old friend, who still sat<BR>in the corner, putting on a fake smile for those who came to chat<BR>with her.Greeting Wiste with a hug, she was pulled away to see<BR>the fabulous finery that surrounded them.<BR><BR>Then came Mellaurelom, Bard Extraordinaire. Though they had never<BR>spoken much, Lurea was anxious to talk with her and become<BR>friends, as she seemed such a lovely creature to share poetry with,<BR>though Lurea was no poet, merely a lover of the medium.<BR><BR>Bardy, a great friend of hers, came into the Main Hall, bearing hugs<BR>for the two elves soon after. This woman, brave and noble, was<BR>the ideal for her kind. Though she had suffered much, she was<BR>cheerful and always ready to show her eager kindness. Lurea<BR>had been thrilled when Bardy had agreed to be a bridesmaid,for<BR>she had feared that the branded Barding would refuse. For what<BR>reason she would refuse, Lurea did not know.<BR><BR>Crystal Arwen appeared and ordered her usual, which made Lurea laugh.<BR>She would never order anything else! she thought to herself, waving<BR>at her friend.<BR><BR>Then she saw Nienor, the saddest friend in her acquaintance.<BR>Though she tried her best to be cheery, an aura of sadness glowed<BR>about her. Horrified, she watched as NN fell in slow motion into<BR>tray of glasses, though when she was helped up, a bit giddy from<BR>her drinks, she laughed. Relieved, Lurea went to her friend and<BR>hugged her.</i><BR><BR>Do not worry my friend. Hide not from the frivolity and fun, but<BR>join us. For one night push out the unhappiness and be free with<BR>us.<BR><BR><i>This Lurea whispered, so that no one else could hear. Hugging<BR>her friend again, Eyriel came forth with a bouquet of fragrant<BR>yellow roses that were bursting with full petals.</i><BR><BR>Oh, Eyriel, thank you ever so much! They are so lovely.<BR><BR><i>Not wishing to let them go, for she dearly loved flowers, she<BR>reluctantly handed them to a dark-haired, handsome servant who<BR>wore a tight uniform across his well-developed chest. He promised<BR>to place them immediately in water for her, giving her a wink,<BR>nearly making her blush.<BR><BR>Then came dear Eari. Lurea, in her extreme happiness,could no<BR>longer feel the sadness that clung to some of her friends, so<BR>she did not sense that Eari was uneasy among them. However, the<BR>hesitation before the hug seemed unuusal to her usually warm<BR>friend. She pushed the thought away and merely enjoyed her friend's<BR>company without analyzing anything.<BR><BR>Suddenly, the room became loud with the sudden whispering and<BR>murmurs. Lurea knew that Elana and Deore had arrived, feeling<BR>quite sorry for the lovely orc-maiden. Lurea saw not the<BR>ugly orcish features, but the beautiful maiden with the kind<BR>heart beneath. Besides, the daughter of such a friend as Elana<BR>should be treated with respect and dignity!<BR><BR>As she thought, Elana and Deore appeared before her.Nodding her<BR>head at each in greeting, she replied,</i><BR><BR>Yes, I do believe I met her. Welcome, lovely girl, to the party<BR>I do so hope that you enjoy your stay. <i>Lurea winked.</i><BR><BR>As for the veil, I am more than pleased, dear Elana. It is<BR>simply the most exquisite piece I have ever seen, and that is<BR>quite an accomplishment, for I have seen the fairest fabrics<BR>and pieces in my lifetime. I applaud you for your craftsmanship<BR>and love that you put into every piece. I am truly lucky to<BR>have such a friend as you.<BR><BR><i>With this, Lurea hugged both ladies, and then smiled at each.<BR>However, the longer she thought of the proximity of the wedding,<BR>the more nervous she became. Was this truly the last time<BR>she would feel so free?</i>