Ch 12: The Pizza Party

"So what is this stuff called again?"

Courtney laughed and handed a piece of steaming pizza to Legolas, who accepted the food with a slight look of unrest. "Relax Legolas. It's food and you'll like it. I promise."

Legolas shrugged his shoulders and took a small bite of the cheesy, doughy food. Pleasantly surprised at how good it tasted, he took bigger bites and in no time at all had eaten the entire piece.

"You sure can put away food Legolas," Stephanie laughed then, remembering that she herself had already eaten three pieces. "This is better than Kraus's."

"Tell me about it. I never did like Kraus's though," Courtney cut a couple of pieces for the twins, Elrond, Glorfindel, Erestor, and Lindir, then cut a piece for herself.

Courtney looked around the room at the elves that surrounded her. She sat down next to Stephanie and said, "Have you ever thought about how lucky we are?"

Stephanie nodded her head. "Yes. It's good to have people like the twins and Elrond to take care of us."

Both girls examined each elf in the room. First there was Glorfindel. He was tall, as were the other elves, but he was built like a warrior. His body was toned and battle hard and used to any hardship that might befall it. He had long golden blond hair and emerald eyes that often made Courtney and Stephanie feel like they were being read from the inside out. His laugh was deep and booming, but his voice was calm and soothing. He had often read to them before they retired to their beds at night, sending them away with their heads full of timeless romance and noble deeds.

Erestor was more the mysterious type, but was gentle and kind nonetheless. He had an air of dignity and he had a scholarly look. His eyes were the deepest chocolate brown and his hair was black as the midnight sky. He was the one that was easy to talk to. Courtney confided in him the most. Stephanie tended to go to Lindir.

Lindir was the head minstrel of Elrond's home. He was as much an artist at heart as he was with an instrument or a paint brush. His hair was a silvery white color and cascaded down to his lower back. Lindir was always smiling and laughing about something. He often gave the impression that he knew something that you didn't.

Elrond, the lord of Rivendell, had a commanding presence. He was often sought after for his wisdom and broad intellect. He knew the matters of the heart better than anyone and was a healer of the body, as well as the soul. He was tall and dark. His eyes were slate-grey and his hair was a deep mahogany with bits of red shining in it, depending on the light.

The twins…well they knew everything there was to know about the twins. Everything from their dark ebony hair to their playful banter between one another.

And finally, there was Prince Legolas who had stopped by on his way to Gondor to visit with Courtney and to see how she was doing in her new home. He was an archer toned and lithe, with an almost cat like grace. His icy blue eyes could freeze anyone in their place, but could be as warm as the sun itself when talking about his family and loved ones. His hair was golden blond with streaks of silver here and there, making his hair look like a halo around his angelic face.

Courtney looked over at Stephanie after examining everyone. "You know what we need here Steph?"

"Allison?"

"Yes, but we need something else. I wish we had a radio," Courtney sighed and sat back on the couch that she and Steph shared, when a thought came to her. "How do you feel about singing a song again?"

Stephanie turned slowly to face her blue-eyed friend. "You aren't serious are you?"

Courtney nodded her head. "Absolutely serious."

"No."

"Come on! Please?"

"No. Stop asking."

"If we could do it once, in front of a huge crowd mind you, then we could easily do it for these guys," Courtney pleaded with her eyes, knowing that her friend couldn't resist that look.

Stephanie rolled her eyes. "Alright! Alright! Stop it with the look."

"I knew you'd come around," She hugged her friend and walked over to Lindir who was talking to Erestor. "Lindir? Can I ask a huge favor of you?"

He turned to look at her and kissed her cheek. "Of course, anything."

She looked back at Steph who looked rather nervous. "Do you remember a couple weeks ago, the song I taught you how to play on your violin?"

"Aye. I remember. I taught it to my students. They learned it quite easily," Lindir smiled at her brightly.

"Is there any way that you could get them in here for a little bit?"

Puzzled, he looked at Erestor who shrugged his shoulders. "I can. Give me a few minutes to assemble them."

Courtney hugged him tight. "Thank you Lindir!"

Erestor shook his head and laughed. "So full of energy and life isn't she?"

Lindir nodded his head. "Yes. They both are. Excuse me. I must go assemble the musicians."

"I will see you later then," Erestor watched Lindir go and then turned to look at he two young human girls, talking and laughing about something unknown to him. It was just enough for him to see them smiling.

Lindir returned a while later, his musicians trailing behind him. They all carried a different instrument with them. There were lutes, harps, violins, drums, tambourines, and bells. Courtney and Stephanie smiled at the many different instruments. This would be a surprise for everyone.

"Are you sure they know how to play it Court?"

Courtney waved her hand in a don't-worry-about-it manner. "I think they have it down pat. They've been practicing for weeks."

Stephanie glared at her. "You've been planning this haven't you, you little sneak."

Smiling with pride, Courtney nodded her head. "Yes, but I thought that it would be fun and it would remind us of home a little. Even you have to miss home sometimes."

"Yeah, I guess I do. Well, let's get this over with before I decide to go lock myself away in my room," She looped her arm through Courtney's and together they walked over to the fireplace. Everyone was seated either in a chair, on the couch, or lounging on the floor with pillows for support. The two girls stood in front of the fireplace where they could easily be seen by everyone.

"So what are you two up to this time?" Glorfindel smiled at them, though his eyes were a little worried.

Elrond nodded his head. "First this pizza party and now what?"

Stephanie smiled at them all. "Well we'd like to sing a song for you guys if you would want us to."

They all looked at each other, surprised that the girls actually volunteered to do this. Usually they had to be forced to sing. Erestor was the first to speak. "You're doing this of your own free will?"

"Yes, but we don't have to. I mean if you guys don't want us to, then we won't," Courtney knew this would reel them in.

"Please, sing us your song. We would love to hear it," Elladan winked at Courtney and blew Stephanie a kiss, making her blush.

Courtney nodded to Lindir to start the music. "This song is called Tell Him."

Courtney:

I'm scared. So afraid to show I care. Will he think me weak if I tremble when I speak? Oh, what if there's another one he's thinking of. Maybe he's in love. I'd feel like a fool. Life can be so cruel. I don't know what to do.

Stephanie:

I've been there with my heart out in my hand. But what you must understand, you can't let the chance to love him pass you by.

Both:

Tell him, tell him that the sun and moon rise in his eyes. Reach out to him and whisper tender words so soft and sweet.

Courtney:

I'll hold him close to feel his heart beat.

Stephanie:

Love will be the gift you give yourself.

Touch him with the gentleness you feel inside. Your love can't be denied. The truth will set you free. You'll have what's meant to be. All in time you'll see.

Courtney:

I love him. Of that much I can be sure. I don't think I could endure if I let him walk away when I have so much to say.

Both:

Tell him, tell him that the sun and moon rise in his eyes. Reach out to him and whisper tender words so soft and sweet.

Stephanie:

Hold him close to feel his heart beat.

Courtney:

Love will be the gift you give yourself

Love is a light that surely grows in the hearts of those who know. It's a steady flame that grows.

Stephanie:

Feed the fire with all the passion you can show.

Courtney:

Tonight love will assume its place.

Stephanie:

This memory, time can not erase.

Both:

Your faith will lead love where it has to go.

Tell him, tell him that the sun and moon rise in his eyes. Reach out to him and whisper, whisper words so soft and sweet.

Stephanie:

Hold him close to feel his heart beat.

Courtney:

Love will be the gift you give yourself

Both:

Never let him go.

At the end of the song, the girls looked at each other first before scanning their small audience for any sign that they did well. Glorfindel stood up and began to clap, then Erestor and Elrond joined him. The twins stood up as well as the musicians and Lindir. Legolas got up from his chair and kissed each girl chastely on the lips.

"That was beautiful mellyn-nin," Legolas hugged each one and returned to stand next to Elladan.

Courtney beamed from ear to ear. "I told you we would do good. We even got a standing ovation."

"This definitely feels good. Want to do it again sometime?" Stephanie laughed along with everyone else.

Elrohir grabbed Courtney's hand and began to try and get everyone to be quiet for a minute. "Everyone, I have something that I really need to say."

They all stared at him, then looked at one another wondering what was going on. Glorfindel smiled. "What do you have to say pen-neth?"

Elrohir smiled back then turned to face Courtney. "I have wanted to say this for so long and now I feel that with my family and friends here, this is the perfect time for me to ask."

She just stared at him. Not daring to believe what she thought he might be doing. She looked over to Elladan and Stephanie who were smiling brightly at her. "What's going on 'Ro?"

"I love you more than life itself. You know that. I am asking you to share our lives together forever as one, body, heart, and soul. Will you marry me?" He saw the tears spring to her eyes and feared that she might turn him down. Everyone seemed to lean forward a little in anticipation. The silence in the room at that time was almost unbearable.

Oh Lord help me please. Why am I shaking so bad? Courtney forced a smile to her face, though it was hard to hold back her shock. "I don't know what to say Elrohir. Wow, okay Courtney, calm down."

Erestor smirked at her uneasiness. "How about you say 'yes' to him so we can all stop holding our breath in anticipation."

Stephanie punched his arm. "Don't rush it. Let her answer in her own time."

"Thanks Steph," Courtney looked back down at Elrohir who hadn't taken his eyes off of her once. "I will."

"You will?" Elrohir couldn't believe his ears. He stood up, still holding her hands. "You'll marry me? Really?"

Courtney rolled her eyes. "Yes Elrohir! I'll marry you." She flung her arms around his neck and kissed him with all the love she had for him.

Everyone applauded the newly engaged couple. Stephanie, unable to hold in her excitement any longer, ran up to her friend and hugged her as tight as she could. After a minute she pulled away, smiling brightly. "Wow Court, marriage. You're getting married!"

"I know. It's exciting. Now we have to plan a huge wedding because I'm not going to sit back and just have a quiet everyday ceremony. You in?" Courtney smiled slyly.

"You know it!" Stephanie high-fived her friend. It was then that they noticed they were being watched. They turned slowly to see everyone staring at them with laughter and mirth in their eyes.

Courtney spoke first. "They probably think we're crazy."

Stephanie nodded her head. "I wouldn't doubt it."

Elrond looked over at Elladan. "Well ion-nin?"

"I know ada. I just wanted Elrohir and Courtney to have the spotlight for a bit," Elladan smiled at his father and walked over to Stephanie, taking her hands in his he looked deeply into her eyes. "Now it is my turn. Stephanie, you are everything to me. You're my life, my soul, me heart…my one true love. I want to confess this not only to you but to everyone here as proof of my love for you. I love you Stephanie. Will you marry me?"

Stephanie felt her breath get caught in her throat. She looked at Courtney with a questioning look, but all Courtney did was smile and shrug like she didn't know this was going to happen. Stephanie looked back at Elladan, her smile widening. "Wow. I'm speechless."

Erestor rolled his eyes and laughed. "Oh for Valar's sake! Why can't you girls just give an answer!"

Giggling, Stephanie brings her face closer to Elladan's. "Yes, I will marry you."

Elladan kisses her lips gently then hugs her close to his body. He looked over Steph's head to see his brother and Courtney doing much the same thing, just holding one another. It was a magical night, and for sure the best pizza party that had ever been given.