The Elvenking and The Girl Behind the Scenes

I Accept Your Challenge

New Zealand's capital was dynamic as it was beautiful. A pleasant flowery perfume emanating from the many botanic gardens scented the air. The contrast between historic and modern designs was stark, giving the city both a groovy yet rustic feel. Women in tight skirts strutting around and raucous men drinking straight from the bottle despite the night still being young were overflowing in the streets like bubbles from a champagne glass. Multiple fancy restaurants, friendly pubs and booming clubs were lined up after the other, presenting a hive of activity which made sure that locals and tourists alike spent a night out like no other.

Tania strolled along the vibrant sidewalks and smiled at the lively atmosphere. The delicious smell of culinary delicacies emerging from the dinnerware of happy families and groups of friends sitting on the terraces filled her nostrils, and in turn made her stomach grumble and mouth salivate.

She continued along the same path and scanned restaurant names, hoping that they might spark up a desire in her to try out foods unknown to her American heritage. As she peered into the glass window of a local pub, looking fancy enough, but not too pricy, a familiar figure sitting on a high stool at the bar side caught her attention. She then entered the bistro and approached the classily suited man. The sudden recognition of who the person was then struck her like lightning was drawn to the ground. It was him: Lee Pace. He was by himself, looking at the menu spread wide open in front of him.

"I'll start with a glass of red wine, please," he responded to the waiter, dressed in a fancy white tunic, who stood in front of him and assented.

As he began to pour the dark burgundy liquid into a transparent chalice, Tania called out "Please make that two, thank you."

For one second, the actor eyed the young woman widely, looking like a scared rabbit in a foxhole. His fright soon died faster than wisps of smoke dissipating after a candle flame has been snuffed out.

"Tania! I was half expecting you," he exclaimed, standing up and embracing her gently. A curve in his mouth's corner and a youthful confidence worn in a light raise of the eyebrow above an intrigued and bubbly eye betrayed his attempt to control his apparent burst of bliss. He thanked Richard silently for having subtly convinced her out of work.

"Well if I remember correctly, you did invite me for dinner tonight, didn't you, Mister Pace?" The costume designer giggled musically as she returned his hug.

"I did indeed," Lee confirmed, "but how did you even find me?"

"I stalked you..." Tania replied with a straight face, which made Lee's expression transform into a light grimace, his eyes and mouth forming the shape of a large circle. "I'm messing with you, Mister Pace," she shot back as she burst into a loud cackle and patted his arm whimsically. "I do have some tricks up my sleeve sometimes. I just recognized you from outside the restaurant."

"Well, I'm more than glad that you could join me," the celebrity confessed, his voice sounding like a baby's giggle, but as deep as the ocean, as he led his date to the stool beside his, "and please, lose the formalities. I am just me, and titles make me feel so old."

"Sorry, Mister P-... I mean uh, Lee," Tania quacked, internally facepalming herself, her face feeling like a hot oven. "I mean, you are much older than me, that's for sure."

Lee's forehead and nose crinkled as a result of the comment. "Oh c'mon, I'm only a few years older than you. I'm actually 25, you know?" He asserted with a poker face, devoid of all emotion.

Tania pouted and replied "No, that's my age," followed by a timid laugh.

"It's fine, age never really mattered to me anyway," the entertainer pointed out with a Herculean confidence.