"I did have a good Christmas- lots of food, time off from work... and you?" Elenya asked.

"Nice, good to hear that Ma. My Christmas was nice and peaceful, had a pleasant family gathering, and though I have college work to get on with before I go back, Im still quite happy. Got some good gifts, and most of mine were reasonably recieved" said Lamenter
"Any plans for the new year then Ma?" he asked

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"This is the hour of the Shire-folk, when they arise from their quiet fields to shake the towers and counsels of the Great. Who of all the Wise could have foreseen it? Or, if they are wise, why should they expect to know it, until the hour has struck? "

"I'm glad it was a good Christmas." Elenya smiled. "Plans... well, college starts up again in January, and I'm working. I might look for a new job during the summer, but I've still got some time to think about that. Do you have plans? How's college treating you?"

"That sounds like a pretty five star plan Ma. I suppose Im just gonna get along with college, and well, see how things go. Its a pretty good college , and IM doing stuff I like doing or find interestiung, so college isnt too bad. That and the fact that if I go to all my lessons a week then the Government pays me £30 at the end of it. I have coursework, but I have at least 2 weeks to doa draft for english, so thats good. Shall we stay in here, or do you wanna go somewhere else or summat?" replied the Lamenter

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"This is the hour of the Shire-folk, when they arise from their quiet fields to shake the towers and counsels of the Great. Who of all the Wise could have foreseen it? Or, if they are wise, why should they expect to know it, until the hour has struck? "

Feeling slightly punchdrunk from her dizzying waltz about the ballroom Larael, accompanied by Severus, sat a few seats down from Lamenter and Elenya who seemed to be deep in conversation. "I'll get us some punch then," Snape said. Larael nodded and tapped her foot to the music.

"Well, it sounds like you'll be staying busy." Elenya said, then glanced at the time. "Actually, I need to be heading out for now. I'll talk to you later!" She got up and gave Lamenter another hug, then waved to Larael on her way out of the ballroom.

"See you ma! Take care and all" shouted the Lamenter as his ma walked out of he ball room. He espied Lar as he turned and walked up to her and said "Heya Lar! How are you? And master Snape, how are you as well?" he asked smiling warmly.

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"This is the hour of the Shire-folk, when they arise from their quiet fields to shake the towers and counsels of the Great. Who of all the Wise could have foreseen it? Or, if they are wise, why should they expect to know it, until the hour has struck? "

Snape bowed his head in greeting as Larael jumped up to greet her friend. She gave him a tremendous hug and replied, "We're wonderful! Severus was just about to get drinks, would you care for some?"

Ms.G accepted shyly. "Just so you know" she said blushing as they walked towards the center of the ballroom "i havn't waltzed in ages, i hope i'll be able to keep up."
They began to dance, and Caunion really was a pretty good dancer, and she made sure to tell him.

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<center>

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^ By me and my SS *squiggle hugs*

Caunion smiled a bit and said, "Well, not as good as you are, my lady." Ms.Gamgee was probably just as good, or even better at dancing than he was or could ever be.

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I was cured all right.

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<center>

"Thank you, I would appreciate that" said the Lamenter. He hugged Lar tight and smiled at her as he let go. "I must say, this event is hardly as packed as I had imagined it.Still good company in small numbers is better than poor company in great numbers. Is this not so?" asked the Lamenter.

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"This is the hour of the Shire-folk, when they arise from their quiet fields to shake the towers and counsels of the Great. Who of all the Wise could have foreseen it? Or, if they are wise, why should they expect to know it, until the hour has struck? "

"Certainly," Caunion said. He inclined his head slightly and led Ms.Gamgee away from the dance floor. He then noticed some of his friends loitering outside the dance floor and asked, "Do you mind if we join them?"

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I was cured all right.

"Oh,yes!" she said, letting herself be lead by Caunion "let's go!"
She was scared that she might make a bad impression, and didn't want to seem too forward once they approached Larael and the Lamenter, but she smiled timidly and greeted Larael, "Hello, Larael, you look splendid tonight!"
Ms.Gamgee didn't know The Lamenter and wasn't sure if Caunion did either...

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<center>

"Hello, Larael," Caunion greeted politely. And to the Lamenter, he said, "Hello, my friend." And to the party in general, he asked, "Enjoying the festivities?"

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I was cured all right.