NOTE: The two lines that the minstrel sings are taken from an Arabic song, translated, and tweaked a tad. Sprry it took me awhile to get this chapter up, been busy with record keeping, and the last part of the chapter was a challenge for me. As always, suggestions welcome, and don't forget to review!

Chapter Twenty-three: Delightful Dancing, Disturbing Dreams

Síriel slept peacefully within Legolas' arms, her bronze body draped lazily over his. Her hair spilled onto his chest like a river, copper-red in color. Legolas watched his wife's breasts swell slightly with each breath she took, and then as they descended slowly when she exhaled. He smiled, content with his current situation. He loved it when they were together like this, when she was asleep. A feeling of utter tranquility overcame him as he lay there and let time pass slowly by. His thoughts were busy with many things, and he laughed softly at the "excursion" Prince Imrahil had taken the others on. If Síriel only knew the truth! For excursion it was not, but rather a planned event so that Legolas and his wife would not be occupied with other matters. Though, Legolas felt that Imrahil was now looking for any excuse to be with Celebrindal, and this was a perfect opportunity.

"What a fine thing it will be if Imrahil truly fancies her, as I am sure he does." he said.

Síriel stirred within his arms, and her green eyes fluttered open.

"Sleep, sleep my beautiful one." he whispered to her softly.

But she shook her head. Legolas laid one hand on her breasts, and the other he placed under her chin as he bent his head to kiss her. She moaned quietly in response as he covered her mouth with his, and he felt her slowly yielding to him. Her hands moved slowly up his back and stopped suddenly at his nape. He felt her grasp on him go limp as her hands slid off, falling gently onto her sides. He smiled in satisfaction; she was asleep.

With his wife asleep once more, Legolas had time to think for himself. Part of the reason he brought Síriel with him here to Dol Amroth was so she could see the beautiful seaside city. He had told her for so long about the Sea and the white gulls that she had wanted to see them for herself, and now she had. He recalled with fondness the previous day when they went to the beach, and she had seen both the Sea and the gulls, and heard their cries. But the other reason Legolas came was because the Men who were to enter his realm, according to the agreement that he had made with Elessar, were here. He had to council again with Prince Imrahil before receiving them into his charge. Despite the fact that Síriel had soothed his fears, he remained anxious still. After all, they had served under the Dark Lord for many years, and their sudden change of heart warned him greatly. But he did not wish for his wife to know of his worry, and so he kept it hidden from her.

Gimli was here also for the same reason—to council with Imrahil concerning the Men. Éomer sent the Dwarf, with whom he was a friend now, in his place. The Dwarf had sent Legolas a letter informing him of his intended departure to Dol Guldur, with hopes of seeing his dear friend. It was through this way that Legolas contrived the idea to come and bring his family with him. He sent a reply back to Gimli, telling him he would come.

"So, you were correct in a way, Síriel, when you wondered about Gimli's arrival, and if I had anything to do with it." he told his sleeping wife softly, stroking her hair gently.

He smiled to himself as she turned in her sleep. He had exhausted her, that much he could tell. Her body was hot from the ardent activity, and a fine sheen of sweat covered both of their bodies. Her scent made his head swim, and he struggled with himself to keep his wits about him. How he greatly desired to waken her and make love to her again! But he contended himself with caressing her body and planting feathery kisses on her lips.

For many hours he lay in bed with Síriel at his side, watching her sleep. When mid-afternoon had come, he knew it was time to awaken her. He could hear the sounds of voices from below, and knew the others had returned from their "excursion". It was not fitting for Legolas and Síriel to remain in their room, even if they doing nothing. He knew the minds of his friends and father would be occupied, creating many reasons within their thoughts of why the pair was not with them. That simply would not do!

"Síriel," he called, savoring the way her name sounded to his ears.

She stirred, but did not waken. He called her name again, and shook her gently. Her eyelids fluttered open, and for a moment Legolas thought he detected something in them.

"My lord?" she asked.

"The others have returned, it is time we joined them." he told her.

She nodded her head and rose from within his arms.

"Indeed." she said.

They bathed together again but did not speak, both being absorbed with their own thoughts. When they joined the others, there were smiles gracing their faces. Celebrindal immediately went over to Síriel and placed her twin daughters in her arms, so to assure her that no harm had befallen them. Síriel looked at Selena and Selina, content that they both were safely back into her arms. Celebrindal watched her friend silently.

"Something troubles you." she said at last.

Síriel nodded and began to walk away from the others, beckoning for Celebrindal to follow her.

When they were alone, Síriel turned to her handmaiden friend.

"I dreamt today, and it troubles me greatly." Síriel began.

Celebrindal nodded, indicating that she was listening.

"Do you recall when we were in the Golden Woods, and I told you about my encounter with the Lady? In my dream, she came to me, and again repeated all that she had said to me. Then, she faded, and I saw Legolas in her place. There was a small male child in his arms. I tried going to them, but an unseen force held me back, and shadow fell." she said.

Síriel fell silent.

"I am very afraid, and do not wish to tell Legolas of this. Please, do not tell him!" she said. "Perhaps this strange dream means something; perhaps it was no mere than a bad dream, a nightmare. Indeed, that must be it. I do tend to look deeply into matters."

Celebrindal did not say anything. If the Lady was in Síriel's dream, she feared it meant something. She listened as Síriel tried to comfort herself.

"Gweston (I swear) not to tell Legolas of this." Celebrindal said. "But, if it persists, than perhaps you should seek counsel with him then."

Síriel nodded wearily.

"Perhaps, if it persists." she agreed.

The two friends left the room in which they were in and joined the others just as they were leaving the drawing room. It was time soon for the evening meal. Síriel smiled as she saw Thranduil ahead walking with Gimli at his side. Such a clever Dwarf Gimli was. Imrahil and Legolas walked together, and they were conversing. She hastened to join her husband, with Celebrindal following behind her. Just as Síriel reached Legolas' side, they had entered into the dining hall, and the aroma of the food made her realize how hungry she was. Her daughters began to cry, and she knew they were hungry as well. She sat them down between her chair and Legolas', and the two parents fed their daughters. After the excellent meal was over, Imrahil ordered a minstrel to sing in honor of Legolas and Síriel's wedding anniversary, announcing it to all of his people. Thranduil then urged them to dance together in front of the gathered crowd in the dining hall. The Men took up his cry, and so Legolas and Síriel rose to their wishes. The music changed as a new song began, and the minstrels' fair voice carried the sweet words towards them as they danced.

"What is my fault, oh my beloved,

if love threw me at your feet?"

On and on they danced; Síriel's bronzed body was working its mysterious magic as she danced in her husband's arms. Legolas had to admit he found the Beorning way of dancing to be very seductive. He had never seen her perform this well for him before, let alone in the midst of many strangers. After some time, Legolas found Gil-celeb at his side, and he knew the older Elf wanted to dance with his daughter. Legolas returned to his seat and watched the pair outdo themselves. When Gil-celeb finished, Thranduil took his place. Legolas smiled appreciatively as he watched his wife and sire dance.

"They make a fine pair, do they not?" Gil-celeb jested, blue eyes sparkling.

"They do, indeed." Legolas laughed.

As the music came to an end, wild applause erupted from the hall. Síriel bowed generously, her cheeks flushed from embarrassment and all the dancing she had done. She came slowly back to Legolas, a sheepish smile upon her face.

"Did you enjoy it, my lord?" she asked, her voice soft, eyelashes fluttering wildly.

"Síriel, I would have you dance to me all day that like, but only if we were alone. I do not wish to share you with anyone else. You are mine, and belong to no other!" he answered.

Legolas never forgot how she looked at him, her emerald eyes telling him everything she felt. He knew she would never submit herself to anyone save him, and he felt a sense of pride swell within his chest. A sudden madness struck him, and he pressed her firmly to him, one arm about her waist, the other cupping the side of her face as he bent his head down to kiss her. Passionate and deep was his kiss, and Síriel shivered as she felt his tongue mate with hers. A single moan escaped her, lost in the applause that rose again.

The music started again, and Imrahil begged them to dance one last time. They nodded and took their place in the middle of the floor as the crowd gathered around them for a better view. Legolas glimpsed Gimli standing in the front, a smug look on his face. Legolas grabbed the Dwarf, much to his surprise, thus forcing him to dance with them. Once again, all eyes were turned to Síriel as she danced. Her arms moved gracefully in intricate movements as she ordered her hips about, so that it seemed to Legolas that the music accompanied her, that she controlled it. Towards the end, she moved right up to him and laced his arms around her, so that he could feel her movements. His eyes shone brightly as she bent backwards, her hands weaving together as she lowered herself to the floor. So it was that they finished their dance at last, Legolas' arms about her thighs, her head resting on her shoulder. He felt his cheeks flush and quickly removed his arms.

Though the hall remained open, and the Men continued celebrating far into the night, Legolas and Síriel whisked themselves out of the hall as quickly as they could. Celebrindal followed silently to put Selena and Selina to sleep. She smiled to herself, noting the utter joy on her friend's face, hoping that she had forgotten about her dream.

Once inside their room, Legolas turned to Síriel.

"I cannot tell you how beautiful you were tonight as you danced, Síriel. Did you notice all of the gazes you attracted?" he told her.

She blushed, her eyes glinting.

"I have many lovers, then!" she jested.

He grabbed her by the arms and pulled her to him.

"If anyone dares to lay a hand on you, or even looks at you, he shall pay!" Legolas said.

She laughed.

"Then you have doomed yourself as well!" she chuckled.

Quickly, she darted away from him towards the bed, but he caught her at the last and swung her around to him. Their eyes locked together.

"I have doomed myself; I wedded you." he told her softly. "And this doom I gladly take."

The last thing Síriel felt was her dress slide off her body before Legolas took her.

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The woods of Lothlórien seemed especially quiet that night. Legolas had never recalled it being so silent, and it worried him. His feet moved slowly. He did not know where he was going, but he felt a strong power pulling him. There was something unknown to him hidden here, and he did not like it. Sudden fear lurched at him, and he stopped instantly.

"What frightens you?" a voice asked.

Legolas turned towards the Lady.

"I feel something has befallen Síriel." he told her, not surprised to see her before him.

"Would you cause harm to her?" Galadriel asked.

"Never!" he said.

"Then do not pursue what is most dear to you both. Though it is in your natures and desires to do so, the outcome will be unfavorable. If you truly love her, then do not follow your heart, for it will betray you."

She vanished just as suddenly as she appeared, leaving Legolas alone and anxious.

Legolas awoke from the dream, cold sweat covering his body. He turned to look at Síriel, who lay beside him, his legs straddling her. A puzzled expression was on his face.

"What could my dream mean?" he asked aloud in the darkness of the room. "How can I cause her harm if I love her?"

But his only answer was the sound of the breeze flowing through the windows.