As Eowyn wandered the hallways of East Farthing, she self-consciously tugged at her shirt. She had tried on at least six different outfits before deciding on this one -- a modest black lace tank top and a nice pair of jeans -- but now she worried that she was underdressed. Or overdressed. She really didn't know which. When she'd asked Merry, he'd told her the dance was "casual", but she wasn't exactly sure what that meant in terms of wardrobe.
<<I can always go back and change if Merry thinks I should,>> she reminded herself. But instead of calming her nerves, this only opened up a new wave of concerns. If she had to go back and change, should she invite him into her dorm room? Was that too forward? After all, this was their first date. And, to be honest, it was HER first date as well. With an overprotective brother and an old-fashioned uncle, Eowyn hadn't been allowed to date in high school. So here she was, having only been at college for a week, already going out with a boy, and a hobbit, no less! <<I don't want to seem too brazen,>> she thought, not knowing what Merry would think of her.
<<But if Merry had a problem with me being forward, he never would've accepted my invitation to the dance,>> she told herself, which seemed to relax her somewhat.
She went around a corner and had to duck to get through the hall's entryway. <<At least I wore the correct shoes,>> she realized thankfully. She had originally planned on wearing her riding boots, but at the last moment she realized that 3-inch heels probably weren't the best idea. <<Merry's never said anything about it, but I'm sure the fact that I tower over him is a nuisance. The last thing I need to do is add three more inches onto our height difference.>>
Checking the room numbers, she realized she was almost there. <<132...134...>> Her heart began to pound with anticipation and she had to force herself to take deep breaths. <<Everything will be fine,>> she reassured herself. <<Tonight will be perfect.>>
But she began to doubt that sentiment when she stopped and, her fist frozen in the air ready to knock on the round door, she heard raised voices inside.
****
"I can't believe you're still sulking!" Pippin exclaimed. "I gave you the gooseberry preserves!"
"Sod the gooseberries," Merry grumbled.
Pippin sighed impatiently. "Look, I'll get another package from Mum in a week or so, and then you can have all the cookies you want. I'll give you all of them, if that will make you happy."
Merry growled, "It's not about the bloody cookies!"
"Then what is your problem?" Pippin shouted, angrily wrapping his Eta Pi scarf around his neck. "You've been grumpy all day."
Merry stormed across the room. "THIS," he grabbed at the fringed edge of the scarf, "is my problem."
"Oh, for--! Merry!" Pippin exclaimed loudly as he swatted Merry's hand away. "How many times must we have this discussion? I told you -- Eta Pi has SOD-ALL to do with us!"
"I think it does," Merry insisted glumly. "You've known those lads for what, a week? And already you're choosing them over me. Next you'll be telling me that you're moving into the frat house."
Pippin screeched in frustration. "It's a party, Merry! That's ALL. It's not a choice, it's not me favoring someone else over you, it's not some big life-altering event. IT'S JUST A PARTY. I'll go, have fun, and then I'll come home to YOU. You don't see ME freaking out because you're going to the dance with Eowyn!"
As if on cue, a tentative knock sounded at the door.
****
More than anything, Eowyn wished she could take back her knock. She hadn't been able to understand much of what was being said inside the room, but she had distinctly heard "...Eowyn!" only a split-second before her fist met the door, when it was already too late to stop it. So now she held her breath, a part of her wishing that the door would never open so that she wouldn't have to face them.
But, alas, the door suddenly swung violently open, and Eowyn involuntarily cringed, half expecting the opener to shout at her. Instead, she was greeted with a smile and a low whistle.
"Wow!" Merry said, looking up at Eowyn. "You look great!"
Eowyn blushed, self-consciously tugging at her tank top. "It's not too dressy, is it? 'Cuz I could go change if you think it's...."
Merry laughed as he put up his hand to stop her. "It's perfect. Though maybe *I* should change," he said, looking down at his own ratty t-shirt that he'd been sporting all day. "C'mon in -- it'll only take me a moment to change," he said, holding the round door open for her.
As she stepped under the threshold, Eowyn was suddenly very aware of her height. The ceilings of the small dorm room were vaulted, which meant the only place she could stand without ducking was the exact center of the room.
Which is exactly where she DIDN'T want to stand, for that put her awkwardly in-between Merry and Pippin.
"Uh...hi...Pippin," Eowyn said nervously.
"'lo," he said, grinning cheerfully at her. "You do look nice."
"Thanks," she mumbled, looking down at her shod feet. She couldn't believe that this was the same hobbit that had been shouting her name so vehemently only moments before.
Pippin reached into a box on his desk and pulled out a large ziploc bag. "Cookie?" he proffered.
Eowyn thought she heard an almost imperceptible gasp from behind her as she stammered, "Uh...no thanks. I'm not hungry." Eowyn then turned around to ask Merry a question and gasped herself, surprised to find the hobbit sorting through his closet bare-chested, his t-shirt tossed carelessly in the hamper. She blushed and averted her eyes modestly as she stammered, "Will...uh...I mean...there will be refreshments at the dance, won't there?"
Pippin laughed. "If you call watered-down punch and stale cafeteria cookies 'refreshments'."
Eowyn chuckled uncomfortably.
"Don't worry about it, Eowyn. We can get something to eat after, if you'd like," Merry called from the closet. Eowyn heard clothes hangers scraping across the closet rod.
"Yeah, the Perk's open late," Pippin offered helpfully, "and they have great soup and sandwiches. Especially the mushroom soup with wild rice!"
"That sounds nice," Eowyn smiled, feeling more comfortable by the second. "What do you think, Merry?" she said, glancing over her shoulder.
"Sure! Whatever you want to do is fine with me," Merry replied, stepping to the center of the room. He tucked the tails of a dark blue button-down shirt into his jeans. "Ready to go, Eowyn?"
Pippin's cheerful smile vanished. "Hoy!" he exclaimed, "I don't recall lending you my shirt!"
"You weren't wearing it," Merry countered.
Merry and Pippin glared at each other. Eowyn thought she could actually feel the tension that settled heavily in the room.
Pippin sighed heavily. "Fine. Whatever. Wear my clothes, if that makes you happy."
Merry rolled his eyes. "We're going," he said, pocketing his keys, "have fun at your party."
Pippin smiled at Eowyn. "Enjoy the dance, Eowyn. Don't let this grouch keep you from having a good time."
Merry growled as he opened the door. "GoodBYE, Pippin," he said, ushering Eowyn into the hallway.
"Oh, and Merry?" Pippin interjected just before he closed the door.
"What?"
"Don't wait up."
****
They walked across campus in uncomfortable silence.
<<What do I do?>> Eowyn agonized. <<I should say SOMETHING.>>
She cast a glance to Merry, who scowled as he walked, hands shoved in his pockets.
Finally, the quiet became too much to bear.
"Um, Merry," Eowyn began hesitantly, "is everything okay? Between you and Pippin, I mean?"
Merry stopped walking abruptly. He gazed at her, still frowning, but said nothing. Eowyn instantly regretted asking.
"I mean," she continued, "because I know you're roommates and best friends and all but it seems like you've been fighting a lot lately but maybe you always fight like this I mean I only just met the two of you this week so maybe this is normal but still it seems like you're really unhappy and I'm worried--"
Merry laughed. "Breathe, Eowyn!"
Eowyn blushed crimson. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay," he smiled. "That's really sweet of you to worry."
She smiled sheepishly.
Merry sighed. "We're fine. Really, we are. It's just normal roommate stuff."
"Anything you want to talk about?" Eowyn asked.
Merry paused, considering the offer. "Okay," he finally answered, "but let's walk while we talk. Come on." He clasped her hand, entwining his small fingers with hers.
<<He's holding my hand! He's holding my hand!>> Eowyn struggled to retain her composure.
"So, um, what were you guys fighting about?" she asked tentatively, adding quickly, "Uh, if you don't mind me asking."
Merry shook his head. "No, I don't mind." He sighed wearily, "You'll think it's silly, but we're fighting mainly because he's pledging Eta Pi."
"Yeah, I noticed that seemed to be a sore point with you," Eowyn replied. "How come?"
Merry shrugged. "I don't know. I guess, for a lot of different reasons. Pip and I have been friends for so long -- I mean, like since infancy, practically. Inseparable. When he suddenly wanted to pledge a fraternity, it hurt. It felt like I wasn't good enough anymore, like he was trading up for newer, more posh friends. And I have this fear that he won't want to spend time with me anymore once he makes 'better' friends." He shook his head. "It's selfish, I know."
"I don't think it's selfish," Eowyn assured him. "Did you ever consider pledging Eta Pi yourself, so that you both could be in it together?"
"Me?" Merry scoffed. "Definitely not. I want to succeed on my own merits, not because I belong to some old boys' club."
They walked for a few moments in silence, then Merry continued, "Well, I'm not exactly being fair. Eta Pi does some great things for the community, and most of The Shire's leaders cut their teeth in Eta Pi. The frat has been around forever. I mean, my father was a member, when he was at MEU. I just don't want to be identified by a couple of Greek letters on my chest, you know?"
Eowyn nodded.
"And, no matter what he says, I don't think Pippin would be expanding his circle of friends by pledging, I think he'd be constricting it, smaller and smaller, until the only people he socializes with are the other Eta Pi's." Merry sighed deeply. "I guess what it comes down to is that I'm afraid of losing him."
"I don't think you're in any danger of losing him," Eowyn smiled. "Just from what I've seen of you two, I think it would take a lot more than a fraternity to do that. I mean, you said you two have been friends forever, right? So why would a frat change all that?"
"I s'pose so," Merry mumbled reluctantly. "It's just the timing, you know, coming right after...." He trailed off, and Eowyn couldn't quite follow his thoughts.
<<He probably just needs time to sort through stuff,>> Eowyn thought. <<It's gotta be rough, fighting with someone you live with and care about. I know how *I* feel when there's tension between me and Eomer -- it must be the same sorta thing for Merry.>>
<<So I should just let him-->>
Eowyn let out a startled squeak as Merry unexpectedly squeezed her hand.
"But Pippin has nothing to do with US, does he?" Merry said, looking up at her, the cheerfulness finally returning to his face. "I mean, we shouldn't...." Merry stopped himself and then, sheepishly grinning, corrected, "*I* shouldn't let this spoil our whole evening, right? We should just go out and have a good time and forget all about cookies and gooseberries and Eta Pi. What'd'ya say?"
"Uh...yeah?" Eowyn replied, trying to figure out what gooseberries had to do with the dance. <<Guess it's another one of those 'hobbit things'.>>
"Excellent!" Merry smiled brightly. "I'm glad I decided to come to the dance with you, Eowyn. Even if the dance IS lame, at least the company will be enjoyable."
Eowyn blushed and smiled shyly.
"We're here," Merry announced grandly as they approached the cafeteria. Starting up the front stairs, he turned to Eowyn, off-handedly informing her, "Oh, and by the way, I'm not sure I mentioned it but...I don't dance."
****
<<This is PERFECT,>> Merry thought, grinning evilly as he took it all in. <<It's EXACTLY like I pictured it.>> The dance committee had made only a halfhearted effort to decorate, hanging a sole disco mirror ball in the middle of the room and stringing a dozen green and gold streamers radiating out from it.
"Note how there's not even a light to shine on it," Merry pointed out, gesturing towards the ball as he and Eowyn made their way around the perimeter of the dance floor.
But Eowyn looked blank. "What do you mean, a light?"
"A mirror ball only works if it has something to reflect," Merry explained. "But there's no light."
Eowyn nodded. "Maybe they didn't have one," she replied matter-of-factly.
Merry sighed. <<Pippin would've made a snarky comment back. And Pippin ABHORS streamers as party decorations -- I'm sure he would've made a remark the instant we saw them, and within minutes we'd've been devising plans on how to get them down.>>
<<I wish he was here. I can't believe I'M here and HE'S at Eta Pi. Giving away his mum's cookies.>>
"Ooh, cookies!" Eowyn exclaimed, hurrying over to the refreshments table.
Merry reluctantly followed Eowyn. True to form, a platter of ancient-looking cookies and a large bowl of unnaturally bright red punch were the sole offerings.
"Punch?" Eowyn asked, handing Merry a plastic cup of the crimson beverage.
Merry accepted the cup with a forced smile, sniffing suspiciously before taking a tentative sip. "Ugh," he frowned, "you might want to pass on the punch, Eowyn. Tastes like someone's already taken it upon themselves to 'improve' it." He tossed his cup into a nearby trash can, noticing that it was nearly full of half-eaten cookies and cups of punch.
"Hmm?" Eowyn asked as she swallowed a mouthful of punch.
"The punch. It's--"
Suddenly, Eowyn's face contorted into a pained grimace.
"--spiked." Merry fought to keep from laughing.
Eowyn coughed. "With WHAT?" she sputtered, her eyes watering.
"Something bloody awful, that's what," Merry grinned. "Here, I'll take that." He took the plastic cup from her hand and tossed it into the trash. "C'mon, there's a water fountain over by the restrooms." He led her back out to the fountain located in the entryway, patiently waiting while she washed the taste of the foul concoction from her mouth.
A pair of hobbit girls emerged from the restroom, chattering and giggling loudly. "Merry Brandybuck!" one of them squealed, "I haven't seen you in months! How was your summer?"
"Hullo, Iris," Merry smiled politely, casting a quick apologetic glance to Eowyn. "My summer was good. Yours?"
"Oh, fine, fine," she murmured distractedly. "Hey, is Frodo Baggins here?" The two girls giggled demurely.
"Frodo?" Merry asked, raising an eyebrow. "Um, no. I don't think he came to the dance."
Iris's hopeful smile fell. "Aww. That's too bad. I was really hoping to see him tonight. Do you suppose he'll be here later?"
Merry shook his head and fought the urge to roll his eyes. "I think he had other plans for tonight."
"Well," Iris said, "when you see him, tell him I said hello." The two girls left to explore the refreshment table.
"What was that all about?" Eowyn asked, chuckling.
"Frodo's fan club," Merry replied.
"Fan club?"
"Yeah," Merry scoffed, then intoned in a squeaky falsetto, "he's only the DREAMIEST hobbit in the whole school!" He shook his head, smiling. "The girls go NUTS for Frodo."
"Really?" Eowyn asked, biting her lower lip in concentration as she thought about it for a moment. "But why Frodo, I wonder?"
"Are you KIDDING?" Merry asked. "He's got that whole 'angsty philosophy major' thing going for him. Girls dig that -- they think it's deep, you know? Not to mention he writes poetry -- in ELVISH! And have you LOOKED at him? That boy's gorgeous. I mean, the way you just kinda fall into those big blue eyes of his, with those dark lashes and that pouty....what?!" Merry asked defensively as he saw the amused expression on Eowyn's face.
"I take it you're a charter member of this fan club?" she teased.
Merry felt his face flush red. "I didn't mean it like that...I don't...."
"It's okay," she said, laughing at his reaction. "I totally understand. And let me just say," she said with mock seriousness, "the next time I see you two eating alone in the cafeteria, I promise I won't 'interrupt' you."
"Very funny," Merry said, playfully shoving Eowyn as they both laughed.
From inside the cafeteria they heard the opening bars of "Y.H.C.A.", and a mischievous look came over Merry's face. "We've gotta get back in there -- we don't want to miss THIS song," he said, grabbing Eowyn's hand and dragging her back into the darkened room.
****
"My name's," giggle, "Catilin," giggle, "and...uh...," giggle, "what was the question again?"
Faramir rolled his eyes as Ohtar checked his clipboard, answering cheerfully, "Just name and major is good for now, Catilin."
<<Why do they even bother asking the girls any questions, let alone checking off their answers?>> Faramir wondered. <<It would save everyone time if they just picked the pretty girls with big tits and asked them if they put out.>>
<<Of course, if the girls are going through Little Sister Rush, then they've really already answered that question.>>
<<And just look at them -- every girl here is a carbon copy of the next -- no real personality traits other than a giggle here or a hair twirl there.>>
<<Not that the boys are much better. I don't understand why Boromir likes these guys -- they're all stupid and shallow. Boromir may be a chauvinist, and he can certainly be a bastard at times, but he actually has some real depth and cares about issues, not just girls. I'm so glad he won the election because I think he'll make a real difference in this school.>>
<<Unlike THIS girl.>>
"Okay, I'm Catilin," giggle, "but you already knew that," giggle, "and...oh, my major! I'm undecided."
Faramir shook his head. HE'D decided hours ago that none of these girls could hold a candle to Eowyn. <<Of course, she's smart enough not to even TRY to be a Little Sister.>>
Faramir even found the term "Little Sister" ironic. <<These guys would kill anyone who even thought about doing such things to their own little sisters.>> He knew how protective Boromir was of him, and he could only imagine how Boromir would've reacted with a sister.
Catilin was now explaining how she couldn't decide between a major in communications and soc. <<Poor decision-making skills -- check,>> Faramir thought wryly, imagining what the MEN were REALLY checking off their list.
"That's a beautiful necklace," Arac said, reaching for the bauble that hung around her neck, making sure his fingers brushed against her cleavage.
Catilin didn't even flinch at the touch. "Isn't it pretty? I think it's Gondorian," she said as Arac examined the elaborate horse designs.
<<Likes to be fondled -- check,>> Faramir continued with his mental checklist. <<And dumber than dirt -- I can tell it's Rohirrim from here. Hello? Horses?>>
"Do you like jewelry?" Ohtar asked, pretending to consult his clipboard.
"Oh yes, I love jewelry of all kinds. I have tons of jewelry boxes just to keep it all in. And my car is FILLED with Mardi Gras beads."
<<Likes to party. And owns a car. Amazing -- Catilin in the quintessential Little Sister.>>
Faramir shook his head as the interrogation of the next giggling girl began. He stared longingly across the room at the door, but there was no way he could sneak out without causing a scene. <<And I don't want to embarrass Boromir,>> he thought, <<not after he fought so hard to let me come.>>
But Faramir couldn't help but think about the Welcome Dance, wondering if Eowyn was there, smiling and having a good time. He longed to be there with her, away from these shallow girls and randy boys.
<<These guys don't care a whit about the girls,>> thought Faramir disapprovingly. <<All they care about it sex.>> Anthropologically speaking, he understood their urges -- the male of the species is programmed to want to procreate -- but he found it distasteful that they seemed to give in so completely to their lusts with no regard for anyone's feelings.
Not that he himself hadn't daydreamed about running his fingers through Eowyn's long strawberry hair or wondered what it would feel like to have her soft lips press against his....
"Is it getting hot in here?" Faramir asked, heading for the window, his face suddenly flushed.
But Arac grabbed his arm before he reached the window. "Dude, we keep it warm on purpose," he whispered, gesturing to Melissa, who was taking her sweater off to reveal a low-cut black lace tank top.
Faramir nodded, mindlessly sitting back down. Watching the girl giggle and toss her sweater to Ohtar, Faramir thought, <<I wonder what Eowyn would look like in that tank top?>> and longed once again to be at the dance.
****
"Do you wanna dance?"
Eowyn recognized the pimple-faced boy from her Freshman Elvish class, although she had no idea what his name was. She also had no idea how to answer him. She glanced over at Merry, who was seated next to her, watching her intently, before stammering, "Well, actually...you see, I'm...."
"Go ahead and dance if you want to," Merry said encouragingly. "Don't let ME stop you."
Eowyn looked back at the boy, who was staring earnestly at her, and felt a sudden wave of guilt. "I'm...I'm really sorry," she said to him, "but not right now. Okay?"
The boy smiled and nodded, taking her rejection well. "Maybe later then," he said cheerfully, heading off to look for another dance partner.
"Why didn't you dance with him?" Merry asked once the boy was out of earshot.
Eowyn shrugged, looking uncomfortably down at her lap and twisting her hands nervously. She had thought it rude to say yes to another boy when she was out on a date with Merry, but now Merry almost sounded upset that she'd said no.
"Well, I hope you didn't say no on MY account," Merry said. "Just because I don't dance, I'd hate to think I was preventing you from having fun."
"Oh, I AM having fun," Eowyn said eagerly, smiling.
Merry laughed. "Fun? You find stale cookies, spiked punch, and crappy music fun? Man, you are easy to please."
Eowyn smiled warmly at the hobbit's teasing. If he'd made such a comment earlier in the evening, she might've freaked out at the connotations. But she'd finally mellowed, the pounding bass notes sounding in her chest somehow calming her so that she could actually relax and enjoy herself.
"Don't tell the other boys I'm so easy to please," she teased back. "I'd hate to get such a reputation the first week of school."
"Oh, you already HAVE that reputation," Merry said in mock seriousness. "I read it in a bathroom stall just yesterday."
Eowyn laughed and playfully hit Merry, not noticing the hobbit girl who'd just approached.
"Hey, Merry," the girl said, looking around as if she'd lost someone in a crowd.
"Hey, Poppy," Merry answered back warily, obviously wondering what she was up to.
"So what's up?" Poppy asked, still continuing to look around in such a manner that Eowyn turned around herself, curious to see what the girl could be looking for.
"Nothing much," Merry said. "What's up with you?"
"Oh...nothing," she answered, clearly not paying any attention to the conversation. "So," she began, "where's Frodo tonight?"
<<So THAT'S what she's looking for,>> Eowyn thought, stifling her laughter. <<That's the fifth girl tonight! Merry was definitely right about the "fan club".>>
"Oh, you just missed him," Merry said earnestly, pointing across the dance floor. "If you hurry, you might catch him."
"Really?! Thanks!" Poppy said, scurrying off as Merry and Eowyn dissolved into laughter.
<<Poor Merry,>> thought Eowyn as she laughed. <<Always having to play second fiddle to Frodo -- that must be tough.>>
She peered across the dance floor, trying to see what became of Poppy, when she noticed a tall, dark-haired, GORGEOUS elf heading straight towards them.
"Bucky!" the elf called out cheerfully.
Eowyn saw Merry cringe at the nickname as he called back, "Hey, Elladan -- what's up?"
"Bucky?" Eowyn asked, grinning.
"Don't ask," Merry muttered through clenched teeth as he smiled at the approaching elf.
"This dance is what's up!" Elladan chuckled, spreading his arms wide open. "I can't decide if it's fabulously tragic, or tragically fabulous. Still..." he glanced up at the unlit disco ball, "...the dance committee did try. You've got to give them credit for that."
"Good to see you, Elladan," Merry smiled.
"Likewise," Elladan grinned, looking Merry over. "Look at you, all tanned and rested. Great outfit -- I approve. And check out the hair!" He playfully ruffled Merry's sun-bleached curls. "Looking good, Bucky-boy."
Merry smiled sheepishly. "Thanks."
Eowyn watched as Merry blushed at the compliment, and realized she hadn't told him how nice he looked. <<He told me that I looked great, but I never thought to return the compliment,>> she chided herself. <<And Pippin's shirt looks so good on him. The blue really brings out his eyes.>>
Elladan shook his head and clucked his tongue disapprovingly, and Eowyn noticed with a start that he was looking straight at her.
"And here I thought you Brandybucks were supposed to be mannered and refined," Elladan commented in mock disdain. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your lovely friend?" He smiled winsomely at Eowyn.
"Huh? Oh! Geez, sorry about that. Eowyn, this is Elladan. He's a senior, and he's the intrepid captain of the debate team. Elladan, this is Eowyn. She's a freshman and she's The Palantir's newest star reporter." He smiled at Eowyn.
"Ah, yes," Elladan remarked, "you wrote that article about Legolas and Gimli, the roommate running mates, right? Great story."
Eowyn nodded enthusiastically. "Pleased to meet you," she said cheerfully, offering her hand for him to shake.
"Pleasure's all mine, Eowyn," Elladan took her hand and gently kissed it.
She looked to Merry, hoping that he wouldn't be upset with Elladan for acting so flirtatious with her, but Merry smiled, seemingly unconcerned.
Suddenly, Elladan turned to Merry, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "So, Bucky, tell me. When was the operation?"
Merry looked at him blankly. "What operation?"
Elladan laughed. "I don't see your Fiddle Boy anywhere. Last I looked, you two were joined at the hip." He winked at Merry.
Merry's face turned bright red. Eowyn wasn't sure if it was from anger or embarrassment.
"Pippin's pledging Eta Pi," she interjected quickly, hoping to spare Merry from the explanation. "They're having a pre-rush party tonight."
Elladan whistled. "Little Pip, a frat boy? I never would have guessed."
"Yeah, me neither," Merry grumbled, crossing his arms across his chest.
"Uh...so, Eowyn," Elladan said, quickly changing the subject, "are you taking Freshman Elvish this semester?"
Eowyn nodded, smiling. This was her first chance to speak Elvish to an elf other than her professor, and she was both nervous and excited.
"Aduial maer, Elladan," she greeted him formally, being careful to enunciate each word.
Elladan's eyes grew wide, clearly impressed. "Pedig Edhellen, Eowyn?"
Realizing that, having only studied the language for one week, she would soon be into foreign territory, she quickly shook her head. "Pedin fael TITHEN," she said humbly, holding her fingers close together to demonstrate her limited knowledge of the language.
Elladan laughed. "Pretty AND clever," he said to Merry. "This one's definitely a keeper."
Merry rolled his eyes. "You can see why he's the star debater on the team," he said, turning to Eowyn. "Elladan's one of the smoothest talkers you'll ever meet."
"I actually prefer the term 'MASTER debater'," Elladan said, smiling mischievously and winking at Eowyn.
Merry shook his head, sighing. "Yeah, like I've never heard THAT one before."
Elladan laughed. "But let me just say, Eowyn, that Bucky here is an excellent orator himself," he said, patting Merry on the shoulder. "You need to argue passionately in order to win debates, and he has passion in spades."
Eowyn was thankful for the darkness of the cafeteria for she could feel her face burning red. She surreptitiously glanced at Merry and noticed that he was blushing as well.
But if Elladan noticed their discomfort, it didn't show. He smiled at the couple, saying, "Well, I'd best be leaving you. This is a dance, after all, and there are people to see, dances to dance, and outfits to make fun of." He winked meaningfully at Eowyn. Elladan then smiled at each of them in turn: "Bucky, I'll see you at debate practice on Monday. And Eowyn? Daw maer, nin bain."
"Daw maer," she said, blushing at the compliment. As she watched Elladan cross the dance floor, Eowyn felt ashamed for her lack of perception. <<He's not even interested in me...or any girl here,>> she now realized. And as if to confirm her suspicions, she saw Elladan approach a tall, good-looking human boy and start chatting him up.
<<I can't believe I was so stupid,>> she chastised herself. <<He couldn't have been more obvious. No wonder Merry didn't bat an eye when he started "flirting" with me -- Merry knew that he didn't mean anything by it. Why didn't I see it sooner?>>
"He's quite a character, isn't he?" Merry said, smiling at Eowyn. "But he's the best damn debater I've ever seen."
Eowyn nodded, thankful that Merry couldn't read her thoughts. "I can imagine," she said.
"And his twin brother is a ferocious polo player," Merry added.
"Twin brother?" Eowyn asked, fascinated.
Merry nodded. "Uh huh. Identical, even." He leaned back against the wall casually. "A lot of people have trouble telling them apart, but I think it's pretty obvious which is which."
Eowyn looked at Merry, her eyebrows raised in curiosity. "How can you tell?"
Merry grinned. "Simple. Elladan's the cute one. As he insists quite vehemently to anyone who makes the mistake of calling him by his brother's name." Merry rolled his eyes and chuckled.
"Is his twin...I mean, are they both....?" Eowyn stammered, trying to think of a polite way to ask.
Merry laughed. "No, Elrohir is straight as they come...so to speak," Merry said, chuckling. "He's a total lady killer. Almost as smooth a talker as Elladan. Together they're a formidable pair."
Eowyn smiled. "It sounds like it," she said, wondering if Elladan's twin would call her "my beautiful" as well. She suddenly remembered her own Elvish phrases and asked, "Was my Elvish okay?"
Merry shrugged. "I think so. You do know that Professor Halfelven is their father, right?"
Eowyn blushed. "No, I had no idea. Oh, I hope I didn't sound like an idiot!"
Merry shook his head. "He called you clever. Now, he's a smoothie, but he reserves THOSE kinds of compliments for when he really means them."
Eowyn smiled, glad that she hadn't made a complete fool of herself.
"Merry? Merry! It IS you!" a hobbit girl said, suddenly tackling Merry in an overly zealous hug, almost knocking him over.
"Hey, Goldie," Merry mumbled, his mouth awkwardly pressed against the girl's shoulder. "It's good to see you."
Goldie pulled back, looking vaguely around.
<<Uh, oh, here is comes,>> Eowyn thought, certain that it was another member of the Frodo fan club.
Therefore Eowyn was surprised when Goldie asked, "So where's Pippin tonight?"
Merry forced a tight, closed-lipped smile. "Um, Pippin's not here. He's over at the Eta Pi party."
<<Poor Merry,>> Eowyn thought sympathetically. <<Every time it seems like he's starting to have fun and open up, someone brings up Pippin or Eta Pi again.>>
Goldie's eyes grew wide and she smiled brightly. "Really? Wow, that's so cool! I went to one of their parties last year, and it was FANTASTIC. Oh, you've never seen so much food! Is he pledging?"
Merry nodded silently.
"That's great!" Goldie enthused. "Now I'll actually know someone in Eta Pi! I'll have to ask him about it in swing choir on Monday!"
"Yeah, it's really wonderful," Merry said glumly, his former cheerfulness now almost completely vanished.
Eowyn's heart ached for her friend. She wanted, more than anything, to bring back Merry's smile, to put the mischievous sparkle back into his eyes. Meanwhile, the hobbit girl continued chattering happily, oblivious to Merry's downtrodden expression.
"Oh, Merry, while I've got you here, I've been meaning to ask you something." Goldie looked around quickly, before adding, "It's about Pippin."
Merry raised a skeptical eyebrow. "What about him?"
She smiled coyly. "Well, you're his roommate, you'd know. Do you know if he's--" she giggled, "--you know, is he seeing anyone? Does he have a lass back home?"
Merry sighed dejectedly and looked at Goldie. "No," Merry said flatly, "I can tell you with absolute certainty that Pippin does not have a lass back home."
Goldie cheered triumphantly and surprised Merry with another crushing embrace. "Thank you so much!" she said excitedly, "You have no idea how much this means to me! You're a real friend, Merry." She gave him a noisy peck on the cheek and scampered away to a group of hobbit girls gathered by the refreshment table.
Eowyn frowned as she watched Goldie and her friends giggle excitedly, apparently over the news of Pippin's single status. She glanced out of the corner of her eye at Merry sulking.
<<He said he didn't like to dance, but he's obviously upset. I don't blame him! He's been spurned by nearly every single hobbit girl here! Maybe if I asked him to dance?>>
"Hey," Eowyn said, gently laying her hand on his shoulder, "Are you okay?"
Merry smiled halfheartedly. "Yeah, I'm fine." He chuckled, "I'm not showing you much of a good time, am I? Sorry about that."
"I AM having a good time with you, Merry."
Merry smirked. "That's sweet. A lie, but sweet. Thanks." He turned back to watch the couples shuffling through a pop ballad on the dance floor.
"Um...Merry...I was thinking...uh...do you maybe wanna dance?" Eowyn asked hopefully.
Merry shook his head. "Naaaah. I'm sorry, Eowyn, I'm just not one for dancing. Not when I'm sober, anyway." He smiled, and she was pleased to see it.
Her eyes must have strayed back to the refreshment table, because he suddenly declared, "Don't even think about it!" He shook a finger at her. "It's gonna take a LOT of that awful spiked punch to get me out on the dance floor."
She laughed and put on her best innocent face. "The thought never crossed my mind."
"Riiiiiiiiiight," Merry teased. "I'm gonna be EXTRA careful around YOU. 'Here Merry, try the punch.' You're wicked, you know that, Eowyn? My kind of girl." He grinned impishly.
<<Merry thinks I'm wicked,>> Eowyn thought anxiously, forcing herself to smile back at him. <<Does he know something I don't know?>>
****
As the deejay put on yet another uptempo boyband hit, Legolas stood in the darkened corner watching the few freshmen brave enough to actually go out and dance. He caught himself once again mindlessly tapping out the catchy rhythm against his pant leg and instantly stopped. A certain high school yearbook photo – or, more specifically, the caption printed beneath it – flashed through his mind, effectively silencing his urge to move to the music, at least for the time being.
Suddenly from the darkness a voice called out, “Hey, if it isn’t my favourite Mirky-boy.”
Legolas smiled as the dark-haired elf approached. “Hey, Elladan. It’s good to see you.”
“No, it’s good to see YOU,” Elladan said, checking out the blonde skaterboy. Shaking his head, a grin on his face, Elladan added, “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: it’s a real shame that you don’t play for our team.”
Legolas looked blank. “The debate team?” he asked, confused.
Elladan laughed. “No. OUR team,” he said meaningfully, his gray eyes twinkling, and Legolas blushed. Seeing his discomfort, Elladan quickly added, “It’s okay, Legolas – I know you like girls.” He patted Legolas reassuringly on the shoulder. “Believe me, I do know – I’m a really good judge of that sort of thing.” He laughed. “I’m just saying it’s a shame, that’s all.”
Wanting desperately to change the subject, Legolas asked, “So…uh…did you hear about Arwen?”
“You mean Little Sis winning the big election? Yeah, I heard. Dad won’t stop bragging about it.” Elladan rolled his eyes. “I pity the poor souls who’ll have to put up with the two of them on Council.”
Legolas forced a smile. “Actually, I’M one of those poor souls.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” Elladan said straightfaced, then smiled. “Just kidding. That’s really great – congrats on making Council.” Elladan squinted his eyes a moment as if deep in thought and then exclaimed, “Oh, that’s right – you made it with that dwarf guy, what’s his name, Jimli?”
“Gimli,” Legolas corrected. “And don’t EVER say that I “made it” with him – my reputation doesn’t need that.”
Elladan laughed. “Your reputation also doesn’t need this black turtleneck,” he teased, poking Legolas in the chest. “For a straight guy, you sure dress well.”
Legolas laughed as he blushed. “Not according to Arwen – she yelled at me the other day for wearing flannel.”
“I don’t blame her,” Elladan said, mock-appalled. “Flannel?!”
Before Legolas could respond, a new song began to sound its incessant dance beat, and Elladan smiled. “There’s nothing like cheesy club music played through a bad stereo system. This has to be one of the lamest dances ever.”
“So why are you here?” Legolas asked. “I didn’t know seniors EVER came to the Welcome Dance.”
Elladan smiled, shrugging. “I never pass up a dance, no matter how lame. And so what if I AM the only senior here?” he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “It gives me a chance to ‘scope out all the fresh meat’,” he said with air-quotes and laughed. But after a moment he turned suspiciously to Legolas. “But why are YOU here? I haven’t even seen you dance all night.”
“I…I can’t dance,” Legolas stammered, hoping that Elladan wouldn’t pursue it.
But, of course, he did. “C’mon – with a body like that? And I've seen you on your 'board -- you have amazing grace. I bet you’re a natural on the dance floor.”
And what could Legolas say to protest when his blush was giving him away.
“I knew it!” Elladan exclaimed. “You’re a total dancer, aren’t you?”
The spreading blush on the blonde’s face answered the question. Desperate, Legolas said, “PLEASE don’t tell Arwen.”
Elladan nodded, looking confused. “Okay, I won’t tell. But why would she…OH!” As he finally made the connection, he laughed. “But if you don’t want to join swing choir, Legolas, just tell her no.”
Now it was Legolas’s turn to laugh. “When was the last time YOU told her ‘no’?”
Elladan nodded. “You’re right – you’ll be singing ‘Rock Around the Clock’ before the end of the week.”
“Unless…,” Legolas said hopefully, “unless she doesn’t find out.”
Elladan smiled. “*I* won’t tell. But you can’t hide it forever, Mirky-boy – eventually someone is bound to find out. And besides, is swing choir really that bad?”
“Yes,” Legolas nodded emphatically. “You have no idea. And talk about a reputation – as soon as it gets out that you sing showtunes AND can do the splits, no girl will ever kiss you again. I mean, high school was hell, man – I just don’t want to go through that again.”
“Huh?” Elladan said, shaking his head as if emerging from a daze. “I’m sorry – what’d you say? I didn’t hear anything after ‘I can do the splits’.”
Legolas playfully shoved Elladan as the dark-haired elf laughed. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding! But c’mon – let’s go dance.” He grabbed Legolas’s wrist and started to drag him onto the dance floor. As Legolas started to protest again, Elladan reassured him, “No one will see. No one’s even HERE,” he said, gesturing around the near-empty cafeteria. “And I promise, if Arwen somehow DOES find out, Elrohir and I will protect you from our persuasive sister.”
“So how IS your brother?’ Legolas asked, attempting to delay their move to the dance floor.
And it momentarily worked. Elladan rolled his eyes, saying, “You know Elrohir – always trying to fight the system. Right now he’s all up-in-arms about the polo team.”
“What about the team?” Legolas asked.
“Oh no you’re not,” Elladan said, catching on. “I know what you’re doing, but you’re not gonna distract me. This is a dance, and YOU are going to dance, my friend. C’mon,” he said, dragging Legolas onto the middle of the floor, “and I promise to tell you all about the polo team later.”
And realizing that Elladan, like his sister, wouldn’t take no for an answer, Legolas gave in and let the music take over as he started to move to the pulsating beat.
****
CONTINUE TO PART TWO
***
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