To put this simply…

I got bored…

So I updated.

Thanks for your reviews.

On with the story.

^_^

~Lainfaer~

(I'm having a bit of a lazy day today, sorry! ^_^)

P.S. I KNOW ABOUT THE TOILET THING!!!

Elerrina- Thanks for the cookie. The toilet was just a funny part my mate wanted me to add, so the toilet was for Nat. ^_^

Gwyn- Read on and you'll find out…

Manders1953- Here's some more. The toilet part was a bit my mate wanted to put in. She seemed to like the idea. ^_^

Idril Miriel- You can have two cookies now! I'm feeling generous. Thanks for your review, and here is the next chapter, as you asked. ^_^

Kitsune- Happy? Good. ^_^ Thanks for reviewing.

Deana- I perfectly understand about the horse thing. I posted as soon as I could for you. Have a cookie. ^_^

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Chapter 23: Disastrous Dancing.

Once the population of Rivendell and Mirkwood found out that Legolas had recovered, a huge feast and ball was arranged. Legolas was rather surprised by all the fuss.

"What is going on?" he asked Elladan when he saw everyone preparing for the night ahead.

"There's a feast tonight, for you."
"For me?"

"Yes, seeing as you're the great big champion that everyone loves and adores." Legolas made a face. Elladan laughed. "It will be fun, I promise."

"Dan, I need to ask you something."
"Hm, what's that?"

"Is there somewhere I can bury Nifredil?" Elladan stopped and looked at his friend. "Of course there is. Anywhere you wish."

"Diolla lle. I would rather she was buried in Mirkwood, but I cannot get her back there. She's too big for the carriages." He looked at the floor. "I'm going to miss her. She was the best horse I ever had."

Elladan put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I know," he said softly. He put his arm right round Legolas' shoulders, and led him back to the House to get ready for the feast.

It was to be an amazing evening, filled with laughter and light. Instruments were being tuned, food being cooked, and wine being checked. The maidens were all fussing over which dress to wear, and arguing over whom Legolas would dance with.

Dolenmíl sat silently in her room, brushing her long golden hair. She was looking forward to the dance, as it would help her to forget all the bad things that had occurred recently. She winced as she came across a knot.

//Why have I got so many knots?//

There was a gentle knock on her door. "Come in," she called.

It opened, and Legolas peered round. She smiled at him. "Hello Legolas." He shut the door and walked over to her. "What are you doing?"
"Brushing my hair, but I seem to have a hundred knots." She angrily pulled at one particularly nasty one.

"Here, let me," Legolas said, holding out his hand for the brush. She gave it to him, and he carefully brushed the golden locks. She smiled at him in the mirror. "Diolla lle Legolas."

"No charge."

She laughed. "Thank you."

He brushed it till every knot was out, and it lay soft and wavy against her back. "You have lovely hair Dolenmíl," he complimented, laying the brush down on her dressing table.

"You think so?"
"It's beautiful. You should take more care of it."

"This is the wrong way round. It should be females giving hints about hair, not males!" He laughed, and slipped his arms round her neck so his head rested lightly upon her right shoulder. He looked at her in the mirror. "Does it really matter?"

"No, not really."

"I've heard that all the ladies are arguing about who I will dance with," he said, walking away to sit on the edge of her bed.

"Yes, that's right," she answered, turning round to face him.

"Why?"

"They all think you're wonderful for saving their lives and all that rubbish." He made a face. "They're silly, all of them."

"Who will you dance with then?" He put on a thoughtful expression. "You and Arwen probably."

She blushed, and he grinned at her reaction. "What? Why are you blushing?"

"I don't know. I guess I'm going to be really embarrassed by the whole affair, and I will be the most hated maiden in Imladris and Mirkwood." He laughed.

"If anyone tries anything, they'll have to get through me first." She joined in his laughter.

"Diolla lle."

****

The feast was incredible. All manner of food was laid out, and the wine came from both Imladris and Mirkwood. Everyone was in high spirits, and there were jokes and tales passing back and forth from each race of Elf.

Legolas was seated near the head, with Elrond, Celebrían, Gandalf, the twins, and Arwen. Dolenmíl was a little way down the table. He thought she looked absolutely stunning. He had never seen her so wonderfully dressed before.

She wore a light blue dress that Arwen had leant her. It was sleeveless and held together at the shoulders by delicate silver clips. It was made of a soft silky material that shimmered in the candlelight. Her hair was glowing golden, and it was wavy and reached to the middle of her back. Her dark brown eyes were wide with happiness as she gazed around at the beautiful surroundings.

Legolas himself was dressed in a fine silver tunic. The sleeves were flared at the ends, and had fine dark green leaves and vines embroidered around the cuff and bottom hem. His leggings were slightly darker silver, also with dark green embroidery around the bottom. The vines were golden, and the leaves glossy green. He wore a silver circlet on his head, and his hair was no longer braided. He had decided to let it loose for the night. It shone a light gold in the candlelight, yet silver in other places.

The feast itself lasted a long time, as people had much to talk about, and there was plenty of food and drink on offer. Legolas had to make a speech, which he found rather embarrassing.

"I hate speaking in public," he grumbled as he sat back down.

Elladan, who was sat beside him, laughed. "Never mind meldirnin. We all have to do it."

Then came the dance. Everyone made his or her way through to the Hall of Fire, which had long ago been re-lit. The instruments started playing, and people started dancing.

Legolas was sat beside Elrond, and next to him, Arwen. They talked at length about everything they could think of. The twins were on the other side beside their mother.

When a suitable piece of music came on, Legolas took Arwen for a dance. He immediately felt every pair of female eyes turn his way. He sighed.

"What's wrong Legolas?" Arwen asked as they swayed gently on the spot.

"Everyone's watching me," he replied, spinning her round.    

"Why does that bother you?"

"I don't like people staring at me every minute of the day. It's bad enough at home." The music sped up a bit, so they picked up their pace.

"I know what you mean. Some are just worried about you, in case you aren't fully recovered yet."

"Well they needn't worry. I'm not going to suddenly drop down dead." She laughed, her eyes glittering. "No, I'm here to catch you if you do." He smiled, and they continued dancing.

A little later, he was walking round, looking for Dolenmíl. He wanted to dance with her. She was stood beside the fireplace, talking to Elrohir. He stopped.

He recognised that look in her eyes. She was smiling and laughing with the younger twin, a glass of wine in her hand. He was clearly telling her some story, and she was listening attentively to every word he said. She would reply every now and then, and he too, would listen to her every word.

Legolas sighed. How did he guess this would happen? He took a deep breath and walked over.

They smiled at him as he approached. "Having a good time Legolas?" Elrohir asked, taking a sip of his wine.

"Yes, it's lovely. Dolenmíl, would you care for a dance?" he asked, offering her his arm.

She smiled, and passed her glass to Elrohir. "Certainly." She took his arm, and they went out onto the dance-floor together.

"You haven't got a chance," Elladan told his brother, coming up beside him. Elrohir looked at him.

"What do you mean?"
"With Dolenmíl. Those two are completely besotted with each other, they just don't want to admit it."

"No they're not. She's been telling me all about their journey together. They are very close friends, that's all." Elladan raised an eyebrow, but said no more on the matter.

"You look amazing," Legolas whispered to Dolenmíl as they danced.

"So do you," she replied, laying her head against his shoulder as the music slowed right down.

His arms snaked a bit further round her waist. "You like Elrohir don't you?"

"What do you mean by that?"
"I mean you 'like' him."

"Yes, he's very nice. What are you getting at?"
"Nothing Dolenmíl, nothing."

"Yes you are. Stop it."

"Yes Dolenmíl." The music sped up, and they danced to the beat perfectly.

"I think you make a good match," he continued once she was close enough so he could whisper in her ear.

"Legolas!"

"I do. Get him to dance with you."

"I'm too embarrassed."

"You? I seriously doubt that somehow."

"Isn't he with someone else though?"
"No, she went behind his back with another."

"Oh, I see."

"It really got him down. He needs someone like you, to look after him, patch him up."
"But I'm in Mirkwood."
"Move here."
"But I would have to leave the Army, and all my friends."

"That's love."
"Who said anything about love?"
"I did."

They continued discussing it for the entire song. Eventually, Legolas persuaded Dolenmíl to ask Elrohir to dance with her. She was exceedingly nervous about it, but he said he would help her along.

They walked back to Elrohir, and started talking. Legolas managed to bring up the subject of dancing, and eventually, Dolenmíl took Elrohir out to dance with her.

Legolas and Elladan watched from beside the Fire. "They're good for each other," Elladan commented, smiling. 

"I know. I love playing matchmaker." Elladan laughed. "You're very good at it. Is there anyone in here for me?"
"Give me a while, and I'll hunt someone down." They laughed together.

"Thanks Legolas."
"No problem."

The evening carried on with more dancing and drinking. Legolas found he had to dance with many maidens after all, and he found it extremely annoying. If he danced with one, he would have to dance with her friend, then her cousin…and so it went on.

The twins took immense pleasure in teasing him about this.

"Ooh, me next! Me next!" they went round him squealing. He made faces at them. "Leave off you two, it's not my fault. At least people are asking me to dance. I don't see you two with anyone."

They made faces back. "We don't need anyone thank you very much," Elrohir replied.

"We're quite happy as we are teasing you," Elladan finished. They laughed.

"Yes well, I need some fresh air. See you in a bit." He smiled at them, then made his way out through the throng of people in the Hall.

Once outside, he could relax a little. It was so packed in there, far too many people for him. He was still tired after his fight with the Dagnir-o Lóre, no matter what he said. He was just putting on a brave face for his friends.

He smiled to himself. He would be going home soon, and he would be able to see his little sister, Celeblaith. And his mother and father. He couldn't wait.

He took a deep breath. The air out here was cool and fragrant, and it refreshed him a little. Here, he was away from all the maidens following him around, asking for dances. Here, he could be free, have a few moments to himself.

He flinched at a sudden pain in his chest. He sub-consciously rubbed it, trying to ease the pain away, but it wouldn't leave. It felt as if there was something in him, trying to get out. It was sharp, and left him struggling for breath. He gripped the handrail of the balcony, his knuckles turning white.

//Too much dancing. I must have tired myself out.//

He turned to go back inside, but the pain wouldn't subside. He couldn't walk with it. He took a few deep breaths to try and calm himself down, but it didn't work.

//What's happening? Is it some after-effect of killing the Dagnir-o Lóre?//

He gasped at a sharper, more excruciating pain. He gripped the front of his tunic, and shut his eyes. When he opened them again, small black dots danced before his eyes. He tried to blink them away, but without success.

The pain soon became too much, and he fell to his knees, gasping for air.

//Celeblaith…//

Then the world turned black.

Ahh…...more pain for our dear Elf. Heehee…

Anyone going to guess what the pain is? All answers in reviews please. Or e-mail me. My address is in my profile. ^_^

Chapter 24 coming very soon. ^_^

~Lainfaer~