Yay. The third chapter is here! You finally get to find out what Mel says! Yipee! Warning: Cheese abounds.

Yay! I was talking to Haley today, and she says she likes this fic! (which is a good thing because I'm writing it for her!) (jumps for joy) makes me happy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Mel, Bran, or Nee. If anyone wants to give me Danric, I'd be ever so pleased!

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Chapter Three: Dancing

I snapped my head around to look at Shevraeth. He reached out his hand to take mine. When I didn't take it, he raised his eyebrows.

"Would you like to dance?" he repeated. I looked at the ground. My evening had been perfect. Dancing, wonderful music, and good company. I still wasn't sure about Shevraeth... was eh making fun of me?

I looked back to Shevraeth. His eyebrows threatened to disappear into his hairline, and he cocked his head to the side. I looked down again and shook my head. Shevraeth dropped his hand and let out his breath, which I hadn't realised he'd been holding. He turned on his heel and left, his cloak billowing out behind him.

I leaned back against the wall, looking back up at the sky. Why did I feel guilty? Of course. Shevraeth had been trying to repair our awkward relationship again, and I refused. I thought of his words once again. '...If you seem even passively my enemy.' If this was to keep happening, everyone who wanted to approach me would seem to have no reason not to. I was still keeping him at arm's length, and I couldn't have that happening at Court. I felt stupid again, stupid and childish.

I stayed outside the door for a while, collecting my thoughts, and arguing with myself. I felt terrible for the way I'd been acting towards Shevraeth, and I felt I needed somehow to make it up to him.

"You have to stop this," I said to myself sternly. "He's been a true ally, and he's tried his best to be friends. Why can't you let it go?" I sighed. I was doomed to have a short temper. I'd always known this, but never before the war had it been such a huge inconvenience. I gritted my teeth. I wished he could have just stayed back at Court... I wished he'd never come to Tlanth.

And now I felt even guiltier. He was Bran's friend, why shouldn't he come to visit his house? Just because I happened to live there? That wasn't fair to Bran. I was being selfish again. Why couldn't I just leave everything behind? Shevraeth had had to act like my enemy or risk ruining the plan. I kept everyone of my initial impressions and held them against him. He was trying his best to overcome them and I just held them tighter.

"You're wasting time here. He's been kind and you have to be kind in return. You're going to go and apologise right now," I told myself. "You're going to go to his room right now, and tell him that you're sorry, you were feeling a little light-headed, and you're going to ask him if he'd still like to dance." I braced myself, taking deep breaths. I slowly made my way up the stairs to Shevraeth's room. A light was still shining beneath his door tapestry.

I tapped on the door. There was no answer. I tapped again, louder this time. Still there was no response, so I cautiously lifted the tapestry. Lamps were burning around the room, and the fire was going out. Shevraeth was kneeling at his table, his head cradled in his arms. He was breathing deeply and evenly.

"Did he fall asleep doing his work?" I asked myself softly. I moved quietly into the room and tapped Shevraeth on the shoulder. He didn't stir. I shrugged and got a pillow and blanket from his bed. I slowly laid him down on the cushions that he was kneeling on. I pulled the blanket over him, and put the pillow beneath his head. I kneeled beside him, looking at his sleeping form. His face was calm and peaceful, and I could see the lines of worry that were etched on his face. I reached out and brushed away the hair that lay across his cheek. I suppressed a giggle.

Shevraeth had fallen asleep on his quill. A line of ink ran down his cheek, from temple to chin. I couldn't let him go to sleep with an ink stain on his face. I stood quickly and left the room. Once outside, I giggled openly, and went to find a washcloth.

I found one in my small bathroom off my own bedroom. Nee was in there, cleaning her face while waiting for me, presumably to talk about the dancing.

"What are you doing?" she asked me as I grabbed a cloth, a bar of soap and a cup of water. "Where are you going? Aren't you going to bed?"

"I've got something to do first," I said, hiding my errand for some unknown reason. I wasn't sure I wanted to tell her I'd brushed off Shevraeth's earlier offer. I assured her I'd be back in a trice, and hurried back to Shevraeth's room.

Looking again at the ridiculous ink stain, I giggled. I wet and soaped the cloth thoroughly and then looked at his face. I giggled again. He stirred but didn't wake. I awkwardly reached out and gently began scrubbing his face. His skin was smooth and clear. I held my breath each time his eyes began to flutter, not wanting him to see me. Biting my lip in concentration, I didn't notice someone lift the door tapestry and enter softly.

"What are you doing to him?" a voice asked me form above. I jerked my hand away from Shevraeth's and looked up guiltily. Nee was standing above me, a smile on her face.

"I--well, he--" I stuttered. I looked back at Shevraeth's face. "He was--I just...he has ink on his face." I finished rather lamely. I shot a slightly guilty look at Nee. She was laughing silently, her shoulders heaving. I giggled, unable to stop myself.

"Let me see," Nee said, coming around to look. She saw the ink and let out a giggle, and Shevraeth's eyes fluttered again. We both stood and Nee led me out into the hall.

"Did you put the ink there?" Nee asked. I shook my head.

"No, I came in here..." I trailed off, not wanting to tell her why. "Well, I came in and he was sleeping on his desk. So I got a pillow and blanket and noticed the ink on his face." Nee nodded, not mentioning that I hadn't told her why I was in there in the first place.

"Right," she said. "I'm going to bed then. See you in the morning." With a smile and wave, Nee went off to her rooms. I went back into Shevraeth's room to finish my task. I sat next to his sleeping form and gazed at his face. He was handsome, I admitted to myself. I liked his straight nose and large grey eyes, and his long blond hair. I shook my head, dismissing, but not denying, these thoughts.

The ink was just beginning to wear off when someone else came in, making a lot more noise than Nee did. It was Bran. Shevraeth stirred again, and I jerked back once again from his face.

"What are you doing in here?" Bran asked loudly.

"Shhhh!" I hissed at him. I pointed to the sleeping Shevraeth. Bran's brows furrowed.

"What are you doing?" he asked, quietly this time. I shook my head, dismayed at my bad luck. I'd been hoping I could clean the ink discreetly, no one being the wiser. Obviously, that was not to be.

"There's ink on his face," I said, and to me my voice sounded exasperated. "I'm cleaning it off, and letting him sleep."

"Why does he have ink on his face?" Bran asked.

"Because he fell asleep while he was writing," I replied. "Any more obvious questions?" Bran shook his head, though a smile was growing on his face.

"None," he said, now grinning fully. "I'll just leave you alone now..." and he went out. I shook my head and turned around. I reached out my hand as Shevraeth's eyes fluttered open. I jerked back and stood hastily.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice heavy with sleep. He looked around, and noticed he was lying beside the table. "What am I doing here?" he sat up, rubbing his eyes.

I opened my mouth, intending to explain, but no words would come. I coughed, and tried again, but no words were forthcoming. I just stood there, gaping. My cheeks burned with embarrassment.

"You should stop gaping and tell me what's going on," Shevraeth drawled. I shut my mouth, blushing furiously. "Why are you here?"

"You--I was just--you had ink on your face and I was cleaning it," I said hurriedly. Shevraeth's hand went to his cheek, trying to feel out the ink.

"Why were you here?" he asked. I dropped my eyes to the floor. Shevraeth said nothing, awaiting my response. His hand was still at his cheek.

"It's right there," I said, guiding his hand to where the ink was. He nodded, still looking at me inquisitively.

"Why were you here?" he asked again, softly. I swallowed hard. I had to do it now... this was the best chance I'd ever get to apologise.

"I was here because..." I let my voice trail off. "Well... I wanted to apologise." I looked at Shevraeth helplessly. "I'm sorry about brushing you off earlier. I--" somehow, I didn't want to lie to him now. Sure I could tell him that I'd been feeling a little light-headed, but it didn't seem right, especially now that he'd found me in his room.

"It's fine," Shevraeth said, interrupting my thoughts. "I can't say I expected you to accept," he added softly. I felt bad.

"I'm sorry," I said. "I... I'm still not sure about you." That sounded terrible to me, so I hurried to explain. "I mean, I still don't know where we're at." I shook my head. That still didn't sound nice. "I don't... I don't ever know what to expect from you and it unnerves me." I closed my eyes. This was going worse than I expected.

"Meliara..." Shevraeth said. I shook my head and looked up, smiling wryly. "I- -" Shevraeth stopped. Neither of us knew what to say. I swallowed hard.

"I'm sorry," I said again. "Would you... do you still want to dance?" I asked. Shevraeth looked confused, as the music had stopped long ago. "I don't know any other way of making it up to you," I explained. "I can hum for us if you want," I added. "I'm quite the accomplished hummer." Shevraeth grinned at me, and I grinned back.

I held out my hand for him to take. He looked at it blankly for a moment. Then he shook his head and lay back down. My jaw dropped. I hadn't expected that. I stared at my hand, which was still outstretched.

"Stop gaping like a fish," Shevraeth said. "I'm only joking." I looked at him. He was sitting up, covering a yawn with his hand. He smiled and took my hand, and I helped him stand.

We moved into the middle of his parlour floor. He slid his hand around my waist, and held my other hand out. I placed my other hand on his shoulder. We began to slowly move in a circle, swaying in time to unheard music. I giggled at the ridiculousness of it all.

"What are you laughing at?" Shevraeth asked. I shook my head and began to hum.

I was humming a completely tuneless little song, and Shevraeth started laughing. I smiled wider and hummed some more. Shevraeth twirled me around, holding my hand above my head. I laughed. Shevraeth pulled me close again. I looked up at his face and once again thought about how handsome he was.

I looked at the way his lips curved when he smiled, the way his eyes sparkled. He was looking deeply into my eyes... still with that happy smile on his face. I felt that jolt start up in my stomach. I caught my breath. There was something in his eyes that I wasn't sure of. I looked away.

"Did you realise that you've compared me to a fish twice today?" I asked him softly to cover the awkward moment.

"Have I?" he asked. I nodded. "So I have... just now, and right before..." his voice trailed off.

"Before you kissed me," I said, so softly I was barely audible. I looked at Shevraeth, and he nodded. Shevraeth leaned down as if to kiss me...

And the bells rang for first-white. It was midnight. I let go of Shevraeth and backed away.

"You should get that ink off your face," I said softly, not looking at him. Shevraeth sighed and moved back to where I had left the soap and water. He kneeled on the cushions and began to scrub his face, about an inch below the ink stain.

I didn't want to leave just yet. I felt awkward just standing there though, so I stepped closer and kneeled next to him. Wordlessly, I took the cloth from his hands and held his face in my hands. I reached out with the cloth and gently scrubbed at the ink until it disappeared. The jolting in my stomach never slowed for an instant. I dropped my hands to my lap and stared at them.

"Thank you," Shevraeth murmured. I nodded, and moved to get up. He got up as well, but I didn't move away. I just gazed at Shevraeth. Slowly, he circled my waist with his arm and pulled me close. My heart sped up. Shevraeth raised his other hand to my face and lightly stroked my cheek. He leaned down...

And someone outside started playing the harp. I was so startled that again I jerked away from Shevraeth and stepped out onto the balcony, trying to catch my breath on the way. Down in the grassy courtyard below, a tall man was sitting on the lawn, playing beautifully for his lady, who was sitting in front of him. Shevraeth came out to stand beside me. We both watched the couple down on the lawn for a few moments. I sighed.

"I'm sorry," I said to Shevraeth. "I should get to bed..."

Reluctantly, I left the room.

!#$%
oh... poor Danric.

Amazing how these things happen. I was just planning for her to scrub his face and get out, and have him confused when his face was raw the next morning. It was going to be her little secret. (shakes head) muse didn't like that idea I guess. Oh well, it gave me something to giggle about.

(hums contentedly) woo. I watched The 10th Kingdom last night. Hehe, I love Wolf... aww.. I love the way he always talks too much. It's cute. And the way he always scratches at the side of his face. I've decided he's my newest hero. :)

WOO! I'm going to Kenomee!!!!!

I went to my friend's Annual School's Out party last night. I had fun. I played football with the guys all night, but I only caught the ball a few times. I would have played tackle with them, 'cept I was wearing my WHITE Dramafest t-shirt. The only t-shirt that I would care about if it got stained. Curses! (they're safe in their brother's house of bricks) It was a little annoying. (shrugs) oh well. I still had fun.

I LOVE WOLF!

Bye!

(runs from the fluff )

wow guys, eleven reviews for two chapters?? I don't think I've ever had so many... (for a story that I really liked I mean.) I'm so grateful!!

REVIEW RESPONSES:

Elemmire09--YAY! You like it! I'm gonna keep a closer watch on him, thanks sooo much.

S-- Thanks! I love Cliffhangers, they make me giggle for no apparent reason. Have you ever been reading a book, and you get to a cliffhanger, and you giggle for no reason?? er... maybe that's just me....

bookworm--Well, you'll just have to wait and see won't you? I'm trying not to stray too far from the book though...

Legofiance-- YAY! I'M THE FIRST REVIEW IN MONTHS!! (dances) ha, that makes me so happy!

blackrose25-- OOO, can I sing songs with you?? I know some really fun ones.... :) (hopeful look) Wee, I like campfires... err... yeah. it was shamelessly stolen!

literaryfreak-- Thanks! I also hate it when people rush into things. I'm like "woah, what happened to the other chapters?" and it makes me mad. I'm trying my best. luckily, Danric already loves her... so that makes things easier. (to me anyway)

dreamerdoll-- (gives in to sad look) I love cliffhangers, I must admit! I love to torture you poor, unsuspecting readers!! haha!

Felsong--Thanks! I'm glad you think they're in character (sighs with relief) thanks for reading!

StarGirl98-- I always thought Bran and Nee knew about the race but not the wager. Obviously they woudl have noticed something, otherwise, why would they be going as fast as they could? But I don't think they were aware that they made a bet. I'm glad you like!

rubic-cube-- Thanks for the review!