Ferendolia

The Dinner Party

   Meredith found out that Alfie did indeed have an amica friend.

   Her name is Brooke, Alfie said, flicking his tail contentedly. She has the largest ears — fox's ones, you know. She's all fox, except for these little antlers. Very cute. It's funny when I chirp behind her and dart away; when she turns around, she's very confused.

"You shouldn't tease her if you know what's good for you," Meredith warned. "One day she'll catch you and you won't think it's very funny then."

   Oh please, Alfie scoffed. She'd never catch me.

   "Uh-huh," Meredith looked at herself in the reflection. "How does this dress look?"

   Better than the last two. Alfie, who had even less interest than she, yawned. Can we just go down to the party and be done with it?

   "You're not very good at constructive criticism, you know." Meredith said, plucking at the gown.

   You're not very good at staying on task. Alfie shot back. Besides, it's easier when you don't wear clothes.

   "I wouldn't care either, if it weren't for pleasing my mother. At least I'll have an excuse to miss her next party." Meredith said, turning to look at the back.

   She admired herself in the mirror. This dress was similar to what her mother had worn earlier that day, but shorter and with puffed sleeves. The neckline was a bit deeper than Meredith would have liked, but it was a better offer than the other two, which had left her back exposed.

   You could have saved yourself the trouble if you had taken the time to buy some suitable dresses beforehand, when we had hours of daylight ahead of us. Alfie said, stretching out on the bed.

   "I had work then. Besides, I'm not here to sit and look pretty like a trophy," She checked herself for the third time before sighing. It's as good as it will get. She thought. "Come on," she said, extending her arm for Alfie. Her amica yawned, stretched, and flapped his wings just enough to lift himself onto her arm. He settled himself around her neck, draping his tail protectively over her right shoulder. "Ready?" She asked.

   As I'll ever be. Alfie replied. The two ducked through the doorway and around the columns towards the stairs. Alfie smothered a yawn. When will the party be over?

   "We haven't even arrived yet, you goose," Meredith chided.

   I know, I know. Alfie grumbled as the staircase shifted into existence. Though I may be part owl, I'm not nocturnal. I need to sleep.

   "In that, you favor your feline half." Meredith agreed, and took a moment to compose herself before gliding down the stairs.

   A few minutes later, she stood in the light of the courtyard, drinking in the scene. The crowd, she estimated, was just short of fifty elves. It appeared that Queen Acantha's "old friends" had brought their own old friends. They stood, talking in clusters. Tables had been backed against the smooth stone walls of the vast room, all laiden with food. Scents of sweet fruits and freshly-baked bread drifted to Meredith, coaxing her from the doorway into the crowd.

   She was immediately greeted with renditions of,

   "Good evening, Princess!"

   "How are you doing, Princess?"

   "Fine evening it is, Princess."

   "Is it strange, perhaps even humorous, that every last elf in this room knows my name, yet they do not use it?" Meredith murmured to Alfie after returning their greetings.