The next morning Dani awoke early, bathed and dressed into black leggings, a white airy shirt, and a dark blue vest over that that buttoned up and ended at her hips. She swept her hair into a ponytail at the base of her neck, and then put on her soft black boots. She could hear people out in halls making a lot of noise, so when she was done with her shoes, she opened her door and was welcomed with the sight of servants running here and there with food and linens, and other finery. Spotting Elladan a little ways down the hall, she went over to him.
"What's going on?" She asked him.
"Last preparations for the guests, they should be arriving this afternoon."
"Oh." She said, then went to go get some breakfast. Once inside the dinning hall, she spotted Elrond and Arwen talking, so she sat a couple of seats down from them to give them privacy.
"Danidriel, I would like to talk to you as well." Elrond said as she was sitting down.
"About what?" She asked as she seated herself next to Arwen.
"When King Thranduil and his son arrive we will all stand and wait to greet them. As they are walking up the steps, I would like for you to go and make sure everything is taken care of in their quarters. Thus, the King and the Prince might catch just a glimpse of you and not think anything of it."
"Oh." She whispered, and looked over at Arwen whose gaze was fixed on the table. She could not believe what he was making Dani do, and could not look into her eyes, she felt ashamed and embarrassed for her father.
Just then Gandalf, Elladan and Elrohir walked in, they noticed the quiet of three sitting down and became silent themselves.
"What's wrong?" Elrohir asked.
"Nothing, why do you ask?" Elrond replied.
"It's just the quietest you three have ever been in a room together."
"Really, well what's wrong with some silence?"
"Nothing." He said, and then the three of them sat down and helped themselves to breakfast. Dani was silent the whole time, which wasn't something new, while everyone else spoke of the guests coming later that day.
Dani finished breakfast earlier than the rest and excused herself. She headed towards the stables; she felt the tears prick at her eyes. Tears of anger towards Elrond, she tried to hold them back, for crying was a weakness, but she couldn't. A few salty tears fell down her cheeks as she came to the stable doors.
"Dani!" a voice called behind her, but she didn't listen and went to Ruviel and led her outside. "Dani!" She turned a lone tear on her cheek. It was Elladan.
He stopped just in front of her when he noticed the lone tear. He had never in his life seen her cry, and it tore him up. She never looked so vulnerable, alone and fragile than she did now.
"Yes?" She asked.
"Are you ok?" He said as he wiped the tear off her cheek. She nodded, and mounted her horse gracefully.
"I'm fine." She said in a determined voice and then rode off to the place where she could wash away everything. Elladan could only watch, he had tried many times to follow her, but she was swift, and no one knew where she went, so it was impossible to find her.
He sighed and headed back to Elrond, where he would no doubt be angry that he had not been able to keep her inside the palace walls, let alone Rivendell's borders.
When he entered the dinning hall once more, Elrond looked up and frowned. "Where is she?"
Elladan sighed. "I do not know."
"What do you mean you do not know?" Elrond said getting angry.
"She was at the stables, and left before I could get her to come back." He said.
Elrond sighed. "She is always out riding, where does she go? Have you tried to follow her?"
"Yes, but she rides fast and through the trees, so it is easy to loose her."
"Well, she better be back before the guests arrive." Elrond said and then got up and left. Arwen left after him to go and get changed, while the twins and Gandalf were left to do as they pleased.
Dani sat on one of the large rocks, staring at the waterfall. Silent tears were sliding down her cheeks, Ruviel was standing next to her, she could sense Dani's sadness, and bent her head down to nuzzle against her neck.
"At least you love me." Dani said softly to her as she stroked the top of Ruviel's nose.
She sat there for a couple of hours, and then remembered that she should probably get back. She called Ruviel over, mounted her and headed back to Rivendell.
As she rode through the trees, she wondered just how mad Elrond would be with her. Elladan had no doubt been sent to get her, and when he went back without her, Elrond had probably been less than happy. Another night spent with the dishes, she thought, but she didn't really mind, it was better than getting yelled at for and hour in front of her siblings.
When she had put Ruviel in the stables, and headed back to the main hall, she noticed everyone waiting for her. Yep, I will definitely be washing the dishes tonight, she thought.
When she walked up to everyone, and saw the disappointed look on Elrond's face, and the apologetic one from Arwen, she set her jaw, and took a determined look. She would not apologize for what she had done.
Elrond did not question her; he would deal with her later. Instead, Arwen came forward, and they turned so that Dani could go change into something that didn't smell of the stables. Dani had noticed that everyone was wearing their finest outfits, but as they turned, they heard horses approach.
Dani shrugged. "It doesn't matter; no one is here to see me anyways." Arwen gave her a sad look, but Dani didn't pay attention. She didn't want anyone's pity.
She looked out to the two visitors from Mirkwood. The two blond elves, the Kind and Prince of Mirkwood. The Prince seemed to be staring straight at her, but she shook that thought away. She was standing next to Arwen, so he was probably looking at her, beautiful Arwen. She no doubt thought the two would be a beautiful couple, Arwen's beauty and the Prince's almost too perfect looks. She inwardly sighed, no two creatures should be that blessed she thought, but then mentally slapped herself. What am I thinking? And why was she even thinking about that? She threw those thoughts away, never wanting to have them again.
Elrond tapped her on the shoulder. She had almost forgotten about his 'plan' for her to leave so that her presence would go unnoticed, but little did both know that the young Prince had taken notice of her. Dani nodded to Elrond and started to make her way to the guest's quarters, all the way she could feel two eyes burning into her. Letting herself turn her head and glance back, she noticed the Prince and his bright blue eyes watching her. She nodded her head in greeting, and he in turn did the same.
Well, he did notice me, but too bad he won't see me again if Elrond has anything to do with it. Or so she thought . . .
A/N Sorry this chapter is sooo short, but I thought that would be a good ending spot. Hope ya liked it. Now Review so that you will get the next chapter soon! It's all typed and just itching to be posted, or well, I am just itching to post it.