A/N: Well, now that I've achieved my goal of getting ten reviews... It's time for the next chapter! -fanfare music plays- ^_^ Sorry, I couldn't resist. Now, the moment you've been waiting for... THE DISCLAIMER!!

Disclaimer: I do not, nor ever will own Lord of the Rings. Although I would like to say that I own Meryl, Dae, Laeras, and the newly introduced Liselle!

Thought I'd say that it was time for the chapter, huh? Okay, now it is time for the next chapter!!

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Chapter Six: The Feast and Conspiracy among friends

Legolas brought Meryl back to her room, and told her to rest until it was time to get ready for the feast. After all, it was in her honor. Meryl protested but finally had given in.

She stretched out on her bed, with Dae at her feet, and before she knew it, she was asleep. After what seemed like a minute later, she was shaken awake by the same Elven maiden as before.

"Miss Meryl," said the maiden, "it is time to get you ready for the banquet."

Meryl grumbled, but slowly got out of bed. The maiden steered her into an adjoining room, which turned out to be a washroom. Meryl wondered when there was a washroom nearby. She shrugged. Another wonder of Rivendell. The maiden had already drawn a bath for Meryl. Meryl quickly undressed, with the maiden not looking, and slipped into the tub, making sure that she kept her cast dry. The maiden scrubbed Meryl's light brown hair with a vengeance, saying that it needed to shine for the feast tonight.

The maiden then had Meryl clean her body from head to toe, making her skin soft and smooth. Meryl then had to rub a lotion on her neck, to prevent her bruises from getting any worse. She got out of the bath and dried herself off completely, while the maiden left to go and pick out her dress and the accessories.

Meryl put a silken bathrobe on, and before she went into her room, she checked her reflection in the water. The bruises on her neck had disappeared. The lotion worked all too well. She stepped into her bedroom. There, the maiden was waiting with her dress. She helped the girl into it, making sure that her eyes were closed, saying that she wanted everything to be a surprise for Meryl.

Meryl, unfortunately, wasn't taking it all to well. "Can I open my eyes now?" she asked impatiently for the twenty-fifth time while the maiden was fixing her hair.

"Not yet, miss."

Meryl winced as a brush was yanked through her hair numerous times. She felt that after the brushing, that it was as if her hair was made of the finest silk. She felt better about that.

Meryl opened her eye a crack. All that she could see were blurs of color before the maiden said, "Close your eyes, miss. I can see you peeking."

Meryl squeezed her eyes shut. She felt something being placed around her neck. "Can I open my eyes now?" she asked again. Meryl felt shoes being slipped onto her feet.

"Just one more minute miss, I need to put on the finishing touches," murmured the maiden. Meryl felt something being placed on her head. After that, the maiden then had her stand up, and she steered her in front of a large mirror.

"Alright miss. You can open your eyes now."

Meryl slowly opened her eyes. It took a moment to regain her focus, but what she saw astonished her. In the mirror was a lady wearing a light blue dress, with silver trim and long flowing sleeves, that fitted her body perfectly. It had a form-fitting bodice, and the skirt fell in soft waves to her feet. Her light brown hair had been piled on top of her head, with curls spiraling down to her neck. The cut on her cheek had disappeared, leaving only a faint, pearly-white scar. Around her neck was a delicate silver chain; a silver pendent with a sapphire hung from it. A small silver circlet with leaves etched into the metal had been placed on her head. She glanced down at her feet. Silver shoes peeked out from the hem of her skirt.

"Is that really me?" she asked as she twisted this way and that.

The maiden smiled. "It is, miss."

"What is your name?" asked Meryl suddenly, turning around.

"Liselle, miss."

Meryl smiled. "Liselle, don't call me miss. For Pete's sake, you're older than me! By a thousand years or more! Just call me by my name."

"Alright mi- Meryl."

"That's better." Meryl looked at herself in the mirror again. "I still can't believe that this is me. I should have worn this to prom. Brian would've made a great..." her voice trailed off, shaking slightly. Her eyes became wet with tears.

"Are you all right Meryl?" Liselle asked. "Have you remembered something?"

Meryl put her hand to her mouth, covering it slightly. "He'll never see me like this," she whispered.

"Meryl? Who are you talking about?"

There was a knock at the door. Meryl quickly regained her composure and turned around to look at her handmaiden. "Who's that?"

Liselle hid a smile. "Your escort."

"My escort?" Meryl repeated. "I have no need of an escort."

"Would you like me to send the prince away then?" asked Liselle innocently.

"The prince? You mean that Legolas is my escort?!"

"Why yes, you had no partner, and neither did he," answered Liselle.

Meryl scowled. "You had this planned," she accused. "You knew of this."

Dae leaped from the bed, barking and wagging his tail. Liselle quickly grabbed his collar.

"Dae, stay," said Meryl. She turned to her handmaiden again. "Liselle, you arranged this, didn't you?"

Liselle quickly changed the subject. "Now, you mustn't keep the prince waiting." She grabbed Meryl's wrist and pulled her towards the door. "I expect to hear everything in full detail when you return." She opened the door and gently pushed Meryl out, still hanging onto Dae's collar. She closed the door behind her, with loud protests from the black dog.

Legolas was waiting there, dressed in a dark blue tunic that matched the shade of his eyes, with light blue breeches. Under his tunic he wore a long-sleeved, cream-colored shirt. His bow and arrows were missing, but Meryl noticed with a grin that he wore only one of his knives at his belt.

"Expecting an attack?" she commented dryly.

"You never know, it is wise to always be prepared," Legolas replied.

They stood there for a moment, eyeing each other up before Legolas made the first move. He bowed and offered his arm. "Are you ready to make your appearance?"

Meryl rolled her eyes and took his arm. "My appearance? Honestly Legolas. You have the strangest sense of humor."

He laughed softly and led her down the hall. "Many guests have arrived for tonight's festivities."

Meryl's interest was sparked. "Really? Like who?"

"My father for starters, and Queen Arwen has, and Mithrandir has arrived just this afternoon."

"Gandalf?" asked Meryl. "He's here?"

Legolas looked down at her. "Yes, do you know him?"

"Only by reputation," said Meryl quickly. "I've never met him."

Legolas seemed to accept that answer as he guided Meryl down the halls. They stopped in front of the large doors that led the way into the banquet room. A herald was waiting there. Meryl could hear strains of beautiful music wafting from behind the doors.

"Are you going in?" the herald questioned.

Legolas nodded and the herald said, "Follow me please."

He pushed the doors open and announced, "Legolas, son of Thranduil, Prince of Mirkwood Forest and the Lady Meryl."

"How many times do I have to say this, don't call me lady," grumbled Meryl underneath her breath. "And they could have at least come up with a better introduction for me."

Legolas heard this and said with a smile, "How could they come up with a better introduction when you have lost your memory?"

She glared up at him and surveyed the room. She saw that the arrangement of furniture was different than before when she ate there. Instead of one big table, there were now smaller tables in three rows, and one high table at the front.

Legolas led the girl as the twosome made their way through the crowd and sat at the high table where Lord Elrond, his sons, Aragorn, Arwen, Gandalf, and Gimli already sat. King Thranduil was nowhere to be seen. The Elven prince showed Meryl to her seat, and sat down.

Meryl turned to see that she had been seated next to Queen Arwen on her lift, and Gandalf on her right.

There was a soft tap on her shoulder. Meryl turned to Arwen. "You are the lady Meryl?" the former Elf asked softly.

Meryl nodded, not knowing what to say. Arwen really was the Evenstar. Meryl hadn't seen anybody as pretty as her.

"You look very beautiful tonight," said the queen of Gondor.

Meryl was stunned. "I- I do?" she stammered. "Thank you, I mean, for the comment. But I don't hold a candle to you."

"I may be beautiful," said Arwen, "but you have our own... something." She studied Meryl. "You have a mysterious and sad aura around you. I am no mind reader, like my grandmother, but I *can* see this."

Meryl was suddenly uncomfortable. She squirmed in her seat. "Really? Me?" she asked nervously. "Sad? Why would I be sad?"

"You have lost your memory, have you not?," said a raspy voice from her right. "Wouldn't you be sad if you couldn't remember a thing from your past?"

Meryl glanced over to her shoulder and saw Gandalf. "I suppose so," she replied slowly. "You may be right."

She was saved at that moment when Elrond stood up and said, "Now that our guest of honor has arrived, let us begin!"

There was polite clapping as Elven maidens walked into the room carrying large trays. Meryl's mouth watered slightly at the rich smells that drifted towards her. She piled her plate full of food and began eating it slowly, savoring every bite.

There was light conversation among the Elves, most was about the human girl who was the guest of honor. Some said that she was the prince of Mirkwood's new consort, they did walk in together. Others disagreed and said that she would be the new handmaiden for Arwen. Otherwise, why would they talk to each other so much?

But why would a handmaiden have a feast in her honor? argued the others. Surely she's more important than that.

Meryl ignored the rumors and continued eating and chatting with Arwen. She never spoke a word to Gandalf, he just gave her the creeps. He gave her the impression that he knew something about her.

After everybody had finished eating and the dishes were cleared, some Elves leaped up and began moving the tables to the side. Aragorn and Legolas were among them. Elladan and Elrohir were dragging a large podium out.

"What's going on?" Meryl asked Arwen.

"They are preparing for the ball," replied Arwen. "What my brothers are carrying out is where the musicians shall stand."

Meryl's eyes widened. "A ball? But I don't dance very well."

Arwen laughed. "Nonsense! All ladies know how to dance."

"I'm no lady," retorted Meryl. "Nor shall I be one anytime soon."

She made a move as to get up and leave but someone put a hand on her shoulder and pushed her back down. It was Elrohir. He had come up from behind after helping his brother with the podium.

"You may want to stay for a while," he told her. "This is in your honor after all."

"Why *my* honor?" grumbled Meryl. "Just because I've recovered from a few wounds? Shouldn't it be in Aragorn's or Gimli's or Legolas's honor for saving me?"

"They have saved many lives in the past, this is no feat for them anymore. However, not very many people have survived being attacked by Uruk-Hai," he replied.

"Lovely, now I have to sit here and dance there," said Meryl. "This is not fun. I'd rather be in bed."

Elrohir and his sister shared a smile. "Of course it is not fun. We have lived with this all our lives," said Arwen. "We had to get used to it. You might as well start now."

"Besides," added Elrohir, "all of these fine males will want to request a dance with you. If you refuse, they will all be quite sad."

Meryl's eyes narrowed. "I guess that they'll have to go home disappointed," she said, "because I'm not going to dance." She glanced down at her left arm. "Especially with this on."

"Yes, what is this contraption that has been placed on your arm?" asked Elrohir earnestly.

Before Meryl could reply, Gandalf said, "It is for keeping her arm immobile. She has broken the bone in her arm, and the healer put that on her arm so it could heal straightly."

Meryl nodded. "Yes, that's right. But how did you-"

Gandalf cut her off. "It is simple. I have seen many things in my life, and that cast on your arm is one of them."

The musicians had set their instruments up and began playing. One by one, Elven couples began dancing on the floor. After the first five songs, Aragorn stood up and bowed to Arwen. "May I have this dance?" he asked.

Arwen stood gracefully up and curtsied. "It would be an honor," she replied with a smile.

Hand in hand, they made their way through the crowd before beginning to dance. Meryl watched them intently. They seemed so much in love, Arwen with her smile, and Aragorn with his dancing eyes. It reminded her of Brian.

A tear slid down her cheek. {Brian, I wish you were here,} she thought. {I miss you.}

Elrohir noticed the tear and took Arwen's vacant seat. "Come now, what are you crying for?" he asked. "This is your party, go and have a good time." He stood up. "How about a dance? That will cheer you up."

Meryl shook her head. "I told you already. I'm not going to dance."

"I am not going to take no for an answer," replied Elrohir. He grabbed her hand and dragged her down to the dance floor. A joyous jig began playing and Elrohir slowly started teaching Meryl the dance. Soon, the girl was laughing and dancing just as fast as the Elves.

There was a tap on Meryl's shoulder. She turned around to see Aragorn. "May I cut in?" he asked. Elrohir nodded and went off in search of his sister.

Aragorn took Meryl's hand and they began dancing. Soon the song was over and a slower one began playing. Aragorn smiled and said, "I'll pass you on to the other guests now."

Meryl curtsied awkwardly and made her way through the crowd of Elves to return to her seat. A hand grabbed her wrist. She whirled around and was about to tell the person off when she realized that it was Legolas.

"What do you want?" she snapped and jerked her hand out of his grasp.

"I only wish for a dance," he replied, holding his hands up.

Meryl's look softened. "Oh. I apologize. I shouldn't ha-"

Legolas held up a hand to silence her. "There is no need for you apologizing, Lady Meryl. It was pure reaction. I should be the one apologizing. I shouldn't have startled you the way I did."

"Don't call me a lady," said Meryl. "And I'll dance with you. Only one, mind you. No more."

Legolas laughed and pulled her out on the dance floor. "Then one dance it is." He put one hand on her waist and grasped her right hand with his left. Meryl automatically put her left hand on his shoulder. They began dancing slowly, gliding across the dance floor.

{Finally, that dancing course in gym class has some use,} she thought with a slight grin. {Legolas makes a better dancing partner than Alvin. At least he doesn't trample my feet every time we take a step.}

Legolas noticed her smile and asked. "What is so amusing?"

Meryl shook her head. "Nothing. I was just thinking."

"About what?"

"Nothing, nothing you need to know about," she retorted. "Must you pry into everything?" she added sarcastically.

Meanwhile, Aragorn and Arwen had returned to their seats. They sat watching Legolas and Meryl.

"They look so wonderful together," Arwen sighed. "Look at how his eyes light up when she speaks, and look at her smile. I have not seen her smile like that in all her stay."

Aragorn nodded silently as he watched them.

Arwen suddenly turned to face him. "Aragorn. We need to get them to fall in love."

"What?"

Arwen frowned at her husband. "We need to get them to fall in love," she repeated. "Look at them-" she gestured wildly, "-they are meant for each other. Can't you see it?"

"We need not meddle in their affairs," replied the king wisely. "He is immortal and she is not. What will come of that if they do fall in love?"

Arwen's frown grew even deeper. "Aragorn!" she growled. "If you do not help me, I will never love you again, and I will go and sail with Father to the Undying Lands," she added with a teasing tone.

Aragorn threw his hands up in the air. "The things I do for love. I'll help you, but you have to make this up to me."

Arwen threw her arms around her husband. "I will. I promise."

At that moment, Elrond clapped his hands. "Come everyone. Let us all go and retire in the Hall of Fire."

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A/N: I thought that I'd reintroduce something that didn't play much of a part in the books. Of course, for the people who have never read the book, and only know Lord of the Rings through the movies, the Hall of Fire is where Frodo first met Bilbo in Rivendell.

Also, I have recently received a new stuffed animal. It's a little hedgehog and now I'm having a contest on what to name it! If you want to enter, just send in a name along with the review you give me. I'll pick the best five ones, and then post them in my author's note. You guys pick out the best one, and that's what its name will be! The winner will receive my sincere thanks, and will be the godmother/father! I know, not the best prize in the world.... But I'm broke, so I can't buy anything.

Again, please review! I won't set a limit this time... because I still need to write chapter seven. So, as soon as I finish I'll post it.

By the Lion's Mane,

Leo