~Bird songs~

by Ola

~*~*~

A/N~ ha! So fanfic was down. It wasn't my computer! Obviously couldn't post. Arrr! Technology! Mmm, anyway, more Alrovir/Alex. Enjoy! =)

~*~*~

Part 7~

I had thought that with no way to distract myself or to continue my studies, I would easily become bored. I was very wrong. The days simply seemed to flow by. Even when it rained, the people were happy. Every night, Rivendell's inhabitants sang haunting melodies in their halls among the trees, telling stories of ages past. Thus, I spent my first night sitting on my balcony, listening to them. The wind, with its coolness, also brought along the music from the Hall of Flames; sometimes softer, sometimes louder. The night had set its arms around Rivendell, and its inhabitants celebrated the rise of stars.

"Is something wrong, Lady Alex?" (Jeez… "Lady Alex!" that always gets me. It's just sooo romantic. I'm being sarcastic here of course). Alrovir was standing under the balcony, and the only thing I could think of was that I could see the top of his head for the first time.

"What?"

"Why aren't you enjoying yourself with everyone else?"  Mmmm, good question.

"I don't know anyone. And anyway, I wouldn't be able to understand them."

"Good point. But you know me and can understand me, so come. Please? Or I will come for you."

I sighed. Well. Why not?

The Hall was lighted by a great fire which shone in everyone's eyes. Some people were singing along with the musicians, others were dancing, while some were sitting around, simply listening or talking quietly among themselves. Alrovir, meandering in between people, slowly because of my wound, led me to a group of young people and introduces his friends, although I can't remember their names now. They smiled and waved, so I did too, feeling self conscious because I had no clue what they were telling each other. We sat next tot hem, and Alrovir started translating a bit, until the music changed and he asked me to dance.

"What?" but I can't!" I tried to get out of it. I didn't want everyone looking at me.

"Why?" he sounded hurt.

"Because I don't know how and…and…" I pointed to my leg, wrapped in a white bandage from the ankle up to the knee. I have had enough trouble coming over here already. But he only smiled, satisfied that nothing was wrong from his point of view and stood up, holding my hand, so I had to stand too.

"I'll show you how," he whispered and took me near the end of the dance floor, half in shadows and far away from curious eyes. The music was instrumental this time. It was slow and mellow. He put my arms around his neck and his around my waist and slowly showed me the steps.

"Don't be afraid," I felt his breath near my ear, "no one is looking."

No, no one. Except you.

But the music became softer and I continued dancing, with my eyes closed and my head against his chest, so I wouldn't have to look into his eyes. Several songs later, my leg throbbed from the constant movement, but I didn't want to tell him; I didn't want to stop. I squeezed my eyes shut and willed the pain to go away. It didn't work. Other than my knee wobbled and bumped against his and I had to suppress a hiss of pain. Maybe he heard it anyway because he picked me up into his arms and continued to sway with the music. We danced that way half the night, unaware of people coming and going, until the fire burned out and the ambers glowed red.

"Thank you," I whispered, as we stood alone in the dark.

"It is I who should thank you, maelene*."

That night, I didn't sleep much. And not because of the pain in my leg.

~*~*~

A/N some more Alrovir/Alex soon to come =)

*mmm, is that how you spell it? Don't have a book handy to check. Sorry (shipish grin)

and as always, review. (I love those)