From: braley@binkley.cs.mcgill.ca  (The Didi-Sprite)
Subject: Lord Galdrin and the Lady Rande Join the Picnic!
Originator: braley@binkley.cs.mcgill.ca
Organization: SOCS, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
Date: Sun, 5 Apr 1992 19:22:14 GMT

----<--<@


 Looking up from his chair, Galdrin ap Morgan marvels at the scene which
unfolds before him. The -Sprite's love for all her friends has indeed
lent power and potency to her magic as the french doors open upon a
scene unlike any he could have imagined.

 The crystalline lake, so serene and quiet, lies undisturbed by breath
of wind, mirroring the perfection surrounding it as well as the cloud
bejeweled sky above. Mountains, flowers, and carpets and rugs with their
wicker baskets. Also there are those patrons who have already failed to
resist the pull of the spring setting as they dance, sing, and explore the
contents of their respective baskets and what viands they may contain.

 "No need for this, I believe." he says and, carefully placing Maeglin
back within her case, he reaches up and unclasps the dragon brooch at his
throat, absently casting the fur-lined cloak across the chair. His shirt
is a deep dark red color, billowing at the sleeves and opened at the throat,
and is stark against the black, silver-trimmed breeches and calf-high boots.

 He is drawn irresistably through the doors and into the fresh clean air
of the day, leaving behind the concerns, both joyful and saddening, of the
Place for the tranquil gentleness without.

 "Such joy and happiness has not been seen hereabouts since the gaiety of
  the beach 'pon that long lost island, so many weeks ago" he muses "And
  as I reacall, the -Sprite had a hand in that as well."

 More patrons issue forth and Galdrin spies Alfvaen momentarily alone.

 "Gentle sir, permit me to take this opportunity to say hello once again."
  he says, clasping hands with Alfvaen and clapping him on the back. " I
  hope you added those two names I submitted to your 'lists'" he whispers
  quietly, then frees Alfvaen to enjoy the day.

 As ever more enter the emerald meadow, Galdrin catches sight of Walker,
looking a little harried from his COMP 212 project, but smiling and
talking to everyone.

 "Walker, my friend! It is wonderful to see you back. 'Tis been a long
  time, I know, but a friendly face in this crowd is a welcome sight."
  he says giving Walker a comradely hug.

 The meadow and the blankets are rapidly filling as Galdrin watches from
the fringe and notes other acquaintances as well. A smile crosses his
face as he sees Shonias and Danger Mouse dancing and laughing together,
and he nods to Kitten as she hastens into the general happiness of the
event. Suddenly, a soft "Ahem." is heard behind him and he turns to find
himself confronted by the Didi-Sprite, her radiance outshining her own
creation.  

 The newly named Lady Rande smiles charmingly up at Lord Galdrin, a
teasing look in her eyes.  He is captured by the sight of this
diminutive creature - short, golden-brown curls accented by a single,
shell-pink camelia over one ear, and dressed in a gown of powder-blue
silk peeking from under layers of pure white eyeletted lace, a low neck-
line, puffed sleeves, the full skirts reaching to her ankles.  A blue 
silk sash binds her waist and she wears white kid dancing shoes on white 
stockined feet.  A Victorian fantasy who now drops into a deep curtsy, blue
silk and white lace billowing out around her as scattered petals on the 
grass.  As she rises, the Lady presents her hand to Lord Galdrin and
inquires:  "Wilt thou honour me, my Lord Galdrin, and share a picnic
hamper in some shady nook?"

 Bowing in acceptance of the invitation, Galdrin reaches for her hand, kisses
her open palm, and lays her arm and hand atop his own while placing his other
hand over hers in a glitter of silver. The cold grey-blue eyes warm at her
smile and laughter, as her magic personality works its power upon him.

 "Gladly would I escort you anywhere you wish, M'lady. If you would care to
select which tree and be-cushioned blanket, we may proceed to discover
what delicacies you have seen fit to provide for us."

 Together, the two of them proceed out among the other guests, trading tales
and the occasional song with others as they go, stopping to chat or
greet newcomers. The -Sprite is never far from his side at any time and, 
on those few instances where they are separated, her eyes periodically turn 
in his direction, even as his seek hers. They are not parted from one another 
for very long.

 Eventually the Lady Rande suggests that it is time for them to select
their dinner rug, and indicates an umbrella (Linden) tree, a little
removed from the others, close to the lake, where a family of swans is
swimming - the drake appears to be giving his small fry lessons in
bobbing for insects!

 Lord Galdrin positions the throw cushions so that all is comfy and
congenial, then watches, intrigued, as the Lady Rande opens the
decorated lid of the picnic hamper.  She hands out an Irish linen cloth,
with matching napkins, dazzling white with edges richly embroidered, 
for his Lordship to spread where convenient; then adds a crystal vase 
holding a single bright vermilion tulip, golden trumpet-shaped daffodil, 
a long stemmed purple iris, and an orange-hearted paper white, while 
some greenery fills up the empty places.  Next comes a silver cooling 
bucket, with beads of moisture clinging to its sides, holding a napkin-
wrapped bottle of his Lordship's favorite bubbly wine.  All these items 
he arranges upon the cloth.  He then accepts the crystal goblets the 
Lady hands him with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

"Hmmm ... ?"  She wonders,  "What does a Lord of high degree, such as
yourself, fancy at a picnic feast?"

When there is no answer forthcoming, she reaches in and pulls out ...
a huge platter of rather repugnant looking ... pigs feet!

The shocked look on Lord Galdrin's face sends the spriteful one into
paroxysms of laughter, as bubbly as the wine he has just uncorked.

"Not your favorite dish, My Lord?"  She queries.  "Hmmm ... "
and 'poof' ... that takes care of that!

 Again the Lady dips into the unchartered depths and this time places
a silver platter of baked chicken breasts liberally napped with Dijon 
Mustard Sauce on the cloth, followed by another platter of thick ham 
slices garnished with pineapple slices and spoonfulls of raisin sauce. 
She giggles with delight at the relieved look this elicits from  His 
Lordship.

 The platters are followed by a serving dish of creamy potato salad, a
wooden salad bowl filled with several varieties of lettuce, tomato
carrots, and other vegies, a woven silver basket lined with linen and
filled with crusty bread rolls, sticks, and slices of French bread;
a china platter with celery, carrot sticks, asperagus spears,
cauliflower flowerets, cherry tomatoes, radishes ... and more.
Next comes another platter with thin slices of roast beef, and various
cold cuts artfully arranged and garnished.  And, Ooops!  One cannot 
have a picnic without coleslaw, pickles, and silver dishes of various 
sauces, dips, and dressings!  And neither shall we forget the crystal 
dish of molded Guernsy Butter ... lovely and golden yellow! No!  
Never ... !  :->

 Now the -sprite looks up and is rewarded by the smile that has invaded
his Lordship's cool grey-blue orbs.  

"But, My Lady, "  he objects, albeit, mildly ... "there is far too much
here for just you and myself ... "

"And, you haven't seen desert yet!"  the sprite interrupts, giggling.
"Surely there will be those who will stop by for nibbles ...  everyone
is more than welcome to join us ... at any time!"

 As they partake of the sumptuous repast, broken with the occasional sip of
wine, Galdrin's laughter and smiles continue to delight the -Sprite, goading
her into casting missles at him and shoving him off balance to lie sprawled
upon the ground. In retaliation, Galdrin jumps up, gathers a double armful 
of flowers, and buries her in them, her muffled giggles rising up from the
colorful disarray. Music and singing drift across the meadow, and soon they
are dancing together round their tree, eventually moving out into the crowd
of other dancing couples.

 As the royal pair join the dance, the tempo changes, strings join in and 
a waltz from long ago Vienna sets them whirling and dipping across the
grass, their feet barely brushing the blades.

 Finally, breathless, they are forced to stop for a bit.  But then,
Nicki begins a lay common to the Courts of medieval days, and Galdrin
finds he cannot resist the call of ancient steps.  He once again invites
Lady Rande to join him, and they pace the emerald surface matching steps
to cadence in grace and joy.

 As their dance concludes, Didi-Sprite and Galdrin wander back over to their
tree for refeshment and a relaxing few moments alone away from the press
of friends and acquaintances. A cool glass of wine is sipped together as
they catch their breaths.

 Finally, undone by her need to inflict her spritely mischief upon those poor
souls who have not yet experienced her good-natured teasing and pranks, the
Didi-Sprite rises gracefully to her feet, leans down and plants a tender
kiss upon the cheek of her Lord, then suddenly dashes off to find one of 
these unfortunate creatures. 

It is Danger Mouse she is after first!

"DM!"  she calls ... "The next dance is mine!"

Then she pauses ... "Oh, Walker, don't forget you have promised me
one too!  And, Balrog!  I will not leave this place before you and I
bend a blade or two ... now who else ... Lord Galadin, Arty, Alfvaean
and Frosty!  Don't you dare leave without giving me a waltz!  And,
where is Marc?  And, my favorite Klunker ... come on now!  I feel
like dancing!"

Galdrin, chuckling at her hoydenish exuberance, lies back against the 
bole of the linden tree, sipping his wine, and humming some nonsensical 
tune, his eyes closed. Soft footsteps herald the approach of another.

 "My Lord, we seem to have so little time to talk ..."

 And Galdrin opens his eyes to see the elf queen standing before him, smiling 
and extending her hand to invite him to stroll with her for awhile. 

 "Majesty, indeed, it seems an eternity since last we spoke. I would please
  me greatly to accompany you and share a quiet conversation."

 Rising to his feet, he takes Shonias' hand and they walk off into the emerald
peace and merriment.


 Written by: Didi-Sprite and Galdrin ap Morgan

              ----<--<*       @>,->-`--