<center>





The Gardens </center>

The Gardens were large and spacious. Behind the mansion, they stretched on and on. Clothed in a bright white blanket of snow, every tree and shrub glistened. The snow on the ground was deep and fine, although all the pathways had been cleared to allow walkers, leaving huge banks of snow on either side of the paths - a perfect opportunity to cause mischief.

A courtyard at the back of the house was to play host for any plucky dancers who ventured out into the weather. Large fires were burning brightly around the edges of the dance floor, and pots of poinsettias and Christmas roses were placed between the fires. Polished rosewood benches gleamed in the firelight, waiting for any guests to sit and warm themselves. The walls of the courtyard were strung with bushy garlands of Christmas greenery - holly, ivy and fir tree – as well as red berries and ribbons.

Secret areas of the gardens were awaiting discovery. A trail of beautiful ice sculptures, rabbits on hind legs pointing with their paws, a herd of deer all heading in the same direction, led the way to "Sculpture Grove" which was a wooded area filled only with snow, trees and ice decorations. A Christmas tree, rocking horse and a couple dancing, were just a few of the wonderful designs that had been carved into the ice.

Secluded pathways played host to trees and bushes strewn with beautiful twinkling lights. Bare trees extended their branches and were given lanterns to hold, to help guide the walkers to safety. At the lake was the skating rink. A large bonfire was roaring bringing warmth to any cold skaters. Marshmellows, cookies and hot chocolate were in abundance, as brave members of the orchestra played carols into the night. Benches with warm thick blankets were anticipating tired and cold guests. The animals were also joining into the spirit of things. Rabbits and deer could be seen all over the gardens, sneaking a peek at the strangers that had entered their world. Birds flitted to and fro, singing their own Christmas carols. And the occasional fox could be seen wondering if anyone had left something tasty around. The squirrels were in luck, as chestnuts and hazelnuts were easy to find from the selection provided by the nut seller at his cart, who followed any large group of guests and "dropped" the odd nut on his way. A special open area had been set aside for the great snowball fight, and already snowballers were surveying the area and dicussing tactics. The stables were also home to six magnificant horses, perfect for the afternoon sleigh rides that provide fantastic views of the estate and surrounding areas.

Extravagant fountains were dotted around the gardens and they bubbled and trickled whilst coloured lights were beneath the water to give a tecnicolour effect and ad added beauty to the water display.

And even in winter, colour was still to be found. The largest trees closest to the house were decorated with coloured lights, and any walls or benches nearby would find themselves decorated with a bow or a garland. Holly bushes were in full fruit as their red berries peeked out beneath the snow. And poinsettias were planted in coloutful pots and were placed all around.

With the snow and all the added touches, it truly was a Winter Wonderland.


<center>Explore the grounds and enjoy the views. But don't catch cold!</center>








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General Yule Ball Information

Ball Dates:

- Friday 19th until Sunday 28th December

Pre-Ball threads:

- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19529" target="_blank">Who Are You Going With?</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19532" target="_blank">What Are You Wearing?</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19531" target="_blank">Garlands & Baubles: Decoration Discussion</a>

Ball Room Threads: (to be posted)

- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19644" target="_blank">Banquet Hall</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19643" target="_blank">Ballroom</a>
- Gardens

Ball Planner:

- Friday 19th: Introduce yourselves and familiarise with the surroundings
- Saturday 20th: Masquerade
- Sunday 21st: Snowball Fight
- Monday 22nd: Snowball Fight
- Tuesday 23rd: Decorate A Tree
- Wednesday 24th: Decorate a Tree/Build A Snowman
- Thursday 25th: Build A Snowman
- Friday 26th: Reveal Secret Santa's
- Saturday 27th: Reveal Secret Santa's/Masquerade
- Sunday 28th: Say goodbye to fellow guests

Event Threads:

- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19641" target="_blank">Masquerade</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19640" target="_blank">Snowball Fight</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19642" target="_blank">Decorate A Tree</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19639" target="_blank">Build A Snowman</a>
- Reveal Secret Santa (Kitoky)

Your Guide To Each Event:

- Masquerade: From midnight on the stated Masquerade days, if you are taking part, you change your username and signature so no-one will know who you are. You can even disguise your partner if he/she is fictional by changing their name to something else. The idea is to a) confuse people and b) be someone else for a day. You can post in the Masquerade thread or any of the ball threads, as long as you keep your real name a secret. At the end of each day, return to your normal Yule Ball name. When both Masquerades are over, reveal who you are in the Masquerade thread.

- Decorate A Tree: On the correct days, find the Decorate A Tree thread and choose from a multitude of trees and decorations to create your own very unique tree.

- Snowball Fight: On the appointed days, go the Snowball Fight thread and join in with the mayhem and madness in a special area of the Gardens.

- Build A Snowman: Let your artistic talent shine, as from the objects provided, build your snowman and then decorate it with POTC, LOTR, HP themed accessories as well as many, many more.

- Reveal Secret Santa's: Let all of AU know, to whom you gave tour gifts.

Special Events:

- Caroling: As you move around the forum, bring some Christmas cheer, and with each post, write one line from any carol you wish.

Contests:

- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19557" target="_blank">The Photography Contest Round 3: Christmas Baubles</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19556" target="_blank">The Photography Contest Round 4: Christmas Decorations</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19555" target="_blank">The Photography Contest Round 4: Christmas Food & Drink</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19554" target="_blank">The Photography Contest Round 6: Christmas Lights</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19553" target="_blank">The Photography Contest Round 7: Christmas Foliage</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19561" target="_blank">LOTR Christmas Contest</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19560" target="_blank">Christmas Writing Contest</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19559" target="_blank">Christmas Carol Contest</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19558" target="_blank">Decorate An Edible</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19563" target="_blank">Christmas Cracker Contest</a>
- <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19565" target="_blank">The Great Christmas Graphic Contest</a>


Any questions? PM me or post <a href="http://arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19498" target="_blank">here</a>

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^ By me and my SS *squiggle hugs*

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^ By me and my SS *squiggle hugs*

...Statuary doted the garden, decorated with a soothing layer of white. Llew and Saira walked undisturbed snow among the them, at last stopping before a fountain, which had frozen sheets of shimmering ice instead of water.
"Beautiful," Llew murmured quietly.

Ashalind smiled warmly and sighed happily at the beautiful sight. "Marvelous. I wish that it was snowing this prettily when I came. But for the present I am happy to enjoy this now." With a toss her her brown curls, she stepped forward through the snow and twirls, her dress in huge contrast with the white world about.

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And all will turn to silver glass...



By Goldstrike

Gilthoniel sneaked into the gardens unannounced. She quickly perched herself in a tree, ready to drop holly, mistletoe, and the occasional snowball on the unsuspecting guests.

_________________
Married Edmund Pevensie January 5th, 2008

banner by me

"Sir Jester!" The Gypsy woman called to the man behind her who was trying to find a suitable substitue for his usual stance and had settled on crossing his arms.

He looked up from his arms to the woman and raised a brow, "What?"

"They have trees!" She said excitedly. He laughed, leave it to the RNR major to find the trees.

"I suppose they would," he said rocking on his feet. "After all most places of this caliber have very nice private gardens."

"I like gardens," she said emphasizing the like so to give him a not so subtle hint that she wanted to play in the gardens.

"Oh...very well," the jester laughed and and moved his eyes back as if it were a huge gesture to go outside.

"Yes!" The woman exclaimed punching the air and literally running out the door, while the man followed at his own easy and slouched pace.

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Heavens no. Hell Yeah.


Set 1: Nurr | Set 2: Me

The Lord and Lady of Gondolin made their way out of the ballroom and to the gardens. The lord had gotten their coats and slipped his own before helping the Lady get hers on as well. The crisp air soothed them both from the heat of the ballroom and they huddled close together as they walked down the moonlit path

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The waves that C R A S H E D upon
The R O C K S that you were trying to step along

And in my head I heard them play a S O N G

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Even In Darkness [Updating]

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<center>-In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song-

^JF is awesome

There will come a time with no more tears
and love will not break your heart but dismiss your fears</center>

Nurr walked into the gardens, leaving the sounds of the house behind her. She wished Mat was around to enjoy the scenery with her, but he was enjoying his game too much. And she'd rather he stay happy than go reluctantly. "It's so pretty," Nurr breathed, staring at ice sculptures. Ice glistened on the trees and snow glittered everywhere. The afternoon sun made everything sparkle like crystals. Following the trail, she found herself in the middle of the garden surrounded by holly and ivy.

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going on a journey through my old claims

Silver walked sedately, arm in arm with Tony, along the winding paths. "Look at all of the lights," she breathed. "I can't believe how beautiful everything is. It's like a fairytale come to life!" She spotted a secluded bench and walked over to it, settling down. She snuggled up against Tony and breathed in the cool, crisp winter air. "I could stay here forever," she sighed.

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i'm back for a little! i'll see how this visit goes.

Karl dragged Nienna into the Garden excitedly telling her about how he will pwn everyone at the Snowball Fight. She sighed and ran over past him into the fight area...

Shivering a bit from the snowball fight but quite ready to go back inside, Lenya walked through the gardens with Ash, admiring the natural beauty all around. Eventually they made their way to the large bonfire. Ash grabbed two mugs of hot chocolate and handed one to Lenya. They sat down on a bench, enjoying the warmth from the fire.

After leaving the snowball area of the garden on a quest to find her escort, Faramir, TT came into the main part of it. The gardens were lovely. The ice sculptures... the snow... the evergreens... everything was so beautiful. TT found Faramir sitting on a bench. She sat down next to him without a word, and they were silent for a little while. Finally TT spoke. "I'm insulted that you left me to fend for myself during the snowball fight", she said playfully. Faramir smiled. "Come on. Let's go inside". He stood up and offered her his hand, which she accepted. Ad together, they left the gardens.