Blessed by the Valar v2

Disclaimer/Author's Notes: I own nothing but the Original Characters and their adventures. Everything else belongs to JRR Tolkien, the Tolkien Estate, New Line Cinema/Peter Jackson, et. al. This was done purely for entertainment and as an exercise in creativity.
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They continued through the desolate countryside. Although there were no signs of life, Alex couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched, and the hunter inside of her was looking back. Without conscious thought, she began to notice things that would have been considered background noise under normal circumstances. She would sniff the air and a myriad of scents would assault her olfactory senses. Yet her brain sorted them, searching for one that may pose a threat.

Her companion noticed the change. Her posture was subtly different, and her movements were efficient yet full of stealth. The biggest difference, though, was in her eyes. Normally a leafy green, almost the color of his jacket, they were now black much of the time. Sometimes, even the white part of her eyes was invisible.


The first time he noticed it, he was taken aback. They had been negotiating a particularly treacherous part of a mountain pass when both became alert to a presence. He sensed the danger moving closer to them, and was unable to tell from whence it came. It seemed to emanate from the ground, the rocks and the very air surrounding them.

He noticed Alex had released Hector’s reins and her hands had taken on a distinctly claw-like aspect, her long, strong fingers slightly curved as if to slash an enemy. She seemed to be smelling the air around them, and examining their surroundings. When she turned in his direction, he gave a small start. Her eyes were totally black, like bottomless pools, yet with an odd, flat, reflective quality. When her gaze fell upon him, an involuntary invisible shudder ran down his spine. For a fleeting second, the felt as though she were assessing him as a possible threat, then as possible prey. Then, her glance fell away as she continued searching for the source of their discomfort.

It occurred to him, later, that perhaps she was the one alerting his senses to danger. But he did not believe that to be so. If she had posed a threat, he would have sensed it before now. Alex seemed to understand he was disturbed by her sudden transformation into her darker self, and kept her distance.

His affection for his friend, however, would not let them remain distant for long. After he had settled Arod for the night he came and sat beside her against the rock beside which they had decided to shelter.

“You felt it today, did you not?”

“Yes. Something is watching us.” She turned to face him. Her eyes were their natural color again and he wondered if it had been an illusion. Then, she said, “I frightened you today, didn’t I?”

He considered his answer carefully and decided to be honest. “You startled me, for a moment.” Giving her one of his serene smiles, he touched her hand. “I may become frightened for you, but never of you. I trust you. I just did not expect your eyes to change so.”

Giving a rueful laugh, she said, “Yes, it can be disquieting. Of course, it comes in handy when hunting. I can see so much better when it happens, although my eyesight is almost as good as yours without it.”


Now, he saw she was again alert for danger. He had become accustomed to her changes yet, even though he knew he had nothing to fear from her, still felt a small thrill of trepidation whenever her gaze fell on him while in this state.

She gave a slight nod to their left, where a large stone was surrounded by rubble that could only be the remains of one of Sauron’s prisons. They left the horses, who seemed uncomfortable in these surroundings as well, and crept silently toward the stone. Legolas silently drew his bow and fitted an arrow. Alex, he noticed, did not draw her sword, but the Haradrim dagger Charika had given her.

They approached the stone, one on each side, and, when they went around it, found that it hid the entrance to a steep cave. Whatever watched them was inside.

Normally, she allowed him to take the lead when they were going into unfamiliar situations since, she decided, this was his world, and he knew more about its dangers, and could guide her if necessary. This time, however, she paused only a moment, gazing intently into the pit, before quickly and silently moving inside.

Legolas breathed a silent Elven curse and followed her inside. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the sudden utter blackness of the cave. Only his sure footing kept him from sliding down the steep path. He spotted Alex by the glimmer of her dagger. He was amazed at how quietly she moved over the rocks. Elves were the only race in Middle Earth who had such silent steps. Fortunately, his eyesight and his hearing were good enough to follow her.

They wound through a maze of caves and paths as they moved deeper into the darkness, which had a faint reddish tint. The sense of being watched by something evil grew the further they went. Alex paused and held up a hand. Legolas stopped and waited. When she spoke, he shuddered---he had never heard her speak when she was in the grip of her darkness.

“I believe these are your kind,” she said in a low, seductive but eerie voice. Her tone held a note of controlled menace, and was underscored by a vague hiss. It was both beautiful and terrible at the same time.

Motioning him over, she stepped aside and he saw she was looking at the bodies of a score of Elves. Their armor was that of the Second Age and all looked to have died in a most unpleasant manner.

“Sauron’s work?” It sounded almost like an endearment.

“Aye. He and his master, Morgoth, were particularly fond of torturing Elves. It’s how the Orcs were made.”

They continued on their path until they became aware of a pale reddish glow lighting their path. They came upon a large chamber littered with the skeletons of more Elves---their armor was thrown haphazardly into the corners and the bones bore the marks of teeth. Legolas turned away in disgust. The minions of the Dark Lord and his Master had obviously had a feast.

Alex reached down to pull rocks away from the source of the glow. He noticed she lifted them without the least exertion, something even strong men could not do, and tossed them aside.

“What do we have here?” she purred. “Legolas, do you know what this is?”

The small round object glowed with a malignant reddish light. It took a second or two before he realized he was gazing into a palantir.

Taking off his cloak, he threw it over it. “It must be covered,” he said softly. “It is one of the seeing stones. This is what I was seeking.”

“Indeed?” She looked at him. To her eyes, he was sharply defined. She could also see the heat of his body, hear the blood rushing through his veins and smell his delightful Elven scent. Idly, she wondered what he tasted like.

‘They were not all accounted for after the War. They were the means Sauron used to control far parts of Middle Earth. We cannot risk having them fall into the hands of the Haradrim. Or any others who would do the peoples of Middle Earth harm.”

She did not reply and watched as he gathered the stone in his cloak, securely bound and covered. He started to leave the cavern, then turned to her. She could see him trying to decide if he should risk offending her. The human part of her felt badly for him, sorry that she should give him such concern. The other part, however, relished his apprehension. It gave that spicy undercurrent in his scent, prominence. That part enjoyed toying with prey.

“Your eyes are much better suited to leading us from this prison,” he said diplomatically. She smiled, though to him, it looked more like a baring of teeth. Still, she took the lead again without a word, sheathing her dagger before she passed him.

Once they returned to the daylight, she had returned almost to normal. By the time he had secured the palantir in a bag, her eyes were back to their usual color. She seemed a bit chagrined.

“I see it’s not glowing anymore,” she said conversationally, avoiding his glance.

“No, it is not. Did you see anything in it when you first looked into it?” The question was not as idle as it seemed.

She was silent for a long moment. Finally, she answered, “No. But I know something was watching me---us through it.”

He had felt the same thing when he had looked upon it. That was why it had been covered so quickly. He did not know who---or what---was watching.

The feeling of being stalked eased as they passed through Mordor. Alex still felt a calling to her dark side, but did not feel the overwhelming sense of evil she had experienced prior to finding the palantir. She wondered how the “seeing stone”, as Legolas called it, worked. Once again, she’d have given her eyeteeth for her ship’s computer, or even a hand-held scanner. But she had access to neither and so had to content herself with hypotheses.

They sat together one evening, eating some Lembas bread, as the opportunity for fresh fruit and vegetables was nonexistent in the desolation that was Mordor. They even drank the water sparingly, although Legolas assured her they would be crossing into Gondor soon.

Alex had noticed his reaction in the cave, on some level, but had never asked him about it. The others who knew about her had a different understanding of what had happened---there was a logical, scientific reason behind it. But this was a world of superstition, where evil was a real and tangible thing---they could touch it here. Even though Legolas had been accepting of her explanation, she wondered how it had affected him.

“May I ask you something, Legolas?”

He gave her a dazzling smile. “Of course. You may always ask anything of me. You do not need my permission.”

“Thanks. It’s just that, well, when we found the palantir, I know I was … not myself, and I got the feeling you were uncomfortable around me. Could you please tell me what happened?”

He tilted his head and frowned slightly. “You do not remember?”

“I know what it was like for me. I meant, for you.”

He gave his answer some thought before replying. “You were … feral. Yet, you were also very seductive. Much like you described T’yRhal. When you looked at me, it was as if you were trying to decide whether or not I was a threat to be dealt with or one that could be dismissed. It was as if you did not see me, but rather as though I were just something you had come across.” He gave a small laugh. “I must admit, the atmosphere did not lend itself to comforting thoughts. The darkness, the bodies, the remnants of atrocities, and the evil emanating from the palantir also affected my thinking.”

“I am sorry, my friend. I did not mean to make you feel that way.”

“I know, Alex. And I knew you would not willingly harm me. I think, more than anything else, I feared for you. I do not want to lose you to the shadows.”

“Thank you, Legolas.”

They turned to the west and began the journey to Gondor. Some time later, they passed Mount Doom and the ruins of Barad-dur. Alex felt definite discomfort in this place. Her eyes were drawn to the mountains towering over the ruins. She saw steps cut into the sheer side of the rock face.

“What is that place, Legolas?

“Cirith Ungol.”

“Pass of the Spider.” She shuddered. That explained her uneasiness. She felt a compulsion to climb the steps.

“Yes, it leads to Shelob’s Lair. We will not go that way.”

“Is she still up there?”

Legolas gazed at the dark precipice. “I believe so. Sam wounded her as he and Frodo traveled with the Ring, but I do not believe she was killed. They say she still takes victims who cross her path. However, she does not have as much food as she did, now that there are no more Orcs or Uruk-hai in residence.”

He watched his companion closely. Her gaze kept creeping back to Cirith Ungol. He noticed her eyes darkening and knew Shelob still sat and waited for prey.

“Alexandra.” His voice startled her. It held a tone of command she had never heard from him. She turned to look at him, ready to reach out and sweep him from his mount. He touched her hand and she immediately felt much calmer. “Alex, you do not want to go there. We are almost to Minas Tirith.”

She nodded. Of course, he was right. She was insane to wish to go spider hunting. Especially giant, mutant, demon-spider hunting. Yet, in that part of her mind that still answered the call of the darkness, a seductive, low, slightly sibilant voice kept trying to coax her up those steps.

“When will we arrive in Minas Tirith?” She changed the subject from her desire to hunt and kill something.

“We could ride through the night and be there before dawn. Do you wish to stop and rest or go on?” He did not want her spending the night within sight of Cirith Ungol. He did not trust her not to climb the steps.

“Let us ride then.” With a last glance at the steps, she led Hector past the rabble of the Black Gates. “I know you are anxious to see your friends.”

Once they had achieved open ground, they remounted their horses and began riding toward the White City.

*
Alex could sense the anticipation in her companion. He had not seen his dearest friends in well over a year, since shortly after he had begun building a colony of Elves in Ithilien, starting with some from his father’s kingdom. He had left on his search for the palantir almost immediately after things had gotten underway, leaving his friend Saelbeth of Rivendell in charge. He knew the older Elf would keep things running smoothly and so felt no tremendous need to check on their progress. Besides, he needed to get the palantir to Gondor.

As for her, Alex was not quite as excited as her friend. They had been together, on their own for over a year and she had grown comfortable with his company. Now, she was being introduced to an entirely new group of players on the stage of his life, and knew she was the definite outsider. They had suffered through wars and terrible things together, and they all had forged a bond she could never share.

The end of their journey also meant the end of her relationship with Legolas. At least, it would never be the same. She was surprised that the prospect caused her to feel both sad and jealous. She hadn’t realized how possessive she’d become of the Elf. But, it was probable that he would conclude his business in Gondor and return to his people and she would either stay in Gondor and try to make a life for herself or perhaps she would travel on to the other areas of Middle Earth. Travel sounded good. She’d never stayed in one place very long and saw no reason to start now.

Looking over at her companion, she thought he had never looked so … beautiful. The moonlight gave his fair skin an otherworldly glow, and his eyes were full of happiness and anticipation. The sight was so exquisite, she felt the sting of tears. Turning away, she concentrated on the road ahead.

They sighted the white walls of the city long before they reached it. Like Legolas, it glowed in the moonlight. They crossed the river at Osgiliath, where the scars of the last war were still raw. Her nervousness increased as they drew closer to the great gates of Minas Tirith. The guards, however, recognized Legolas with joyous greetings. Apparently, he was quite popular among Gondor’s army.

She followed him through the winding streets and the many gates that protected the palace. They rode into a secluded courtyard where sleepy grooms scrambled to take their mounts. Legolas was greeted warmly by the chief steward.

“Welcome back, Prince Legolas. I trust you have had pleasant travels.”

“Indeed, I have, Berrien. Could you please have our bags taken to appropriate quarters? The lady will also want a bath, so please have hot water brought to her rooms.” Catching the smile on Berrien’s face, he added. “And, yes, I would like one as well. It has been too long.”

Orders were given as Legolas swept into the building. Alex had no choice but to follow his lead. He seemed quite at home in the palace, understandable since he often stayed here. She lingered in the hallway, uncertain of what to do, but he paused and turned as he ran lightly up the stairs.

“Come, my lady. Your bath will be ready before you reach your chamber if you do not hurry.” He looked like a child in his enthusiasm to reach a familiar place to rest. Sighing, she returned his smile and raced up the stairs behind him.

Following the maze of stairs and halls was confusing, but Legolas moved with unerring confidence. Soon they reached a long corridor lined with doors on each side. He stopped at the last door on the right and opened it, stepping inside with a sigh of pleasure. Alex waited outside the door, suddenly at a loss. Noticing her absence, he placed the still wrapped palantir on a table and called for her to come inside. He led her onto the balcony where she was treated to a breathtaking view of the city and the Pelennor Fields beyond. Osgiliath gleamed like a pearl in the distance. The moon was beginning to set and the first grays of dawn were starting to dim the stars.

“It’s beautiful, Legolas. I can see why the people defended it so strongly.” She turned to him with a grateful smile. “Thank you for sharing it with me.”

“I knew you would enjoy the view. You appreciate beauty.” Even with her hair coming loose from its braid, and the dust of the journey still smudging her face, she shone in the early dawn like a marble statue. He had never really paid attention to her beauty, but it struck him as she stood on the balcony, her unruly hair blowing about her face in the breeze, that she was actually quite lovely. His heart felt strangely heavy when he thought of how she would quickly be sought after by the men of Gondor. He would have to insist that Aragorn make it clear she was under his protection---and Legolas’ protection as well. As if she needed it. He laughed to himself at that last thought.

A commotion inside drew their attention. Water was being brought by the bucketfuls into a separate privacy chamber where the bathing tub was located. One was always kept in each suite of rooms, especially Legolas’ chambers, since Arwen became Queen. Elves were a fastidious race.

A page bowed to them respectfully. “The Chief Steward told me to let the Lady know her rooms are just across the hall and her belongings have been delivered. Also, your bath is being drawn, my lady.”

“Thank you,” she smiled in what she hoped was a sweet and gentle manner. Here she was, stuck being treated like a Shakespearean character again, only hours after her friend had talked her out of trying to kill a giant spider with just her dagger and her claws. Whatever could be said about her time here in Middle Earth, it was never predictable.

Turning to Legolas she took her leave. “I must bathe or I shall scream!”

“Do not do that! We would have the palace guard in an uproar,” he gently teased. “After bathing, sleep. I will request that no one disturb you until you are rested. If I know Berrien, he will have food waiting along with your bath. When you awaken, someone will be waiting in the hall to guide you.” Again, he surprised her by pulling her close and kissing her forehead softly. “Rest well, Alexandra.”

“And you, Legolas.” Turning, she followed a waiting page to her room.

Opening the door, she was surprised by the spaciousness. While Legolas had a large suite with a receiving chamber in addition to a bedchamber and what passed for a bathroom in Middle Earth, her room had a large, very comfortable looking bed in one area, with chairs and a few tables in a seating area in another part of the room, near the fireplace. Her bathroom---privacy chambers, they called them--- was on the other side of the bed and a large tub was filled with steaming water. She turned as another servant entered with fruit, bread, something that looked like cheese, a bottle of wine and a pitcher of water. She thanked her and, once the door had closed, stood for a moment relishing the silence and being in a substantial room---with a hot bath waiting.

She picked up a handful of grapes, poured herself a goblet of wine and headed into the bathroom. Stripping quickly, she sank into the hot water, eyes closed, the warmth surrounding her. She held her breath for as long as she could before lifting her head out of the water and taking a deep breath of the cool air. She reached over to her grapes and popped a couple in her mouth, then washed them down with the slightly sweet wine. She knew she couldn’t keep drinking it. Although her metabolism had gone into light speed when she underwent her life-changing experience on Culean, she still did not want to gain weight if she could help it.

There was surprisingly mild soap in a dish next to the tub. She lathered herself from head to toe and then sank back into the water to rinse. She imagined the queen, who was half-Elven, probably required such soaps to maintain her delicate skin. If she looked anything like Legolas she was probably the most beautiful woman---she-elf---whatever she was, in Middle Earth.

Which brought up another problem. Alex had nothing really to wear. She had the clothes Charika had given her. But they weren’t likely to be appropriate for everyday wear. She didn’t want to wear her uniform, nor the “boy clothes” she’d worn on their travels. She had never had a problem in the Service. But now, she was in a world where women had very defined looks and roles and, although she didn’t want to buy into their ideals, she needed to fit in at least a little.

She had some beautiful clothes she wore off-duty. But they weren’t here now. The gowns and undergarments Charika had given her, made especially for her, were lovely, but quite Eastern in influence. She could see wearing them if she were celebrating, but not just to hang out around the palace. She sighed. She’d just stay in her room.

She was surprised to find the tub had a smooth cork-like plug with which to drain it. Obviously they had some pretty good plumbing in Minas Tirith. Of course, the standard toilet was still a chamber pot. But at least it sat beneath a chair, almost like an old-fashioned toilet.

Once she got out and dried herself she realized she didn’t exactly have anything to sleep in. But this time, she wasn’t sharing quarters with Legolas, so what difference did it make? None. She climbed into bed and almost cried with delight. The sheets were cool, the mattress and pillows soft and luxurious. Within seconds she had fallen into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Meanwhile, Legolas was also enjoying his own bath. He stayed in the water until it cooled to an uncomfortable temperature. As much as he enjoyed traveling, he was also happy to be still for a moment. He imagined Alexandra was exhausted. For all of her extraordinary stamina and strength, she was still mortal and prey to fatigue.

His thoughts drifted to his companion. He did not wish their time together to end yet. He had become accustomed to having her around. After some initial awkwardness, they had become fast friends. She had certainly been helpful, especially when it came to finding the palantir. He had left her in Charika’s village when he had gone to track the man of Harad who had been one of Sauron’s Lieutenants because he had feared for her safety. He knew now that had been unnecessary. But still, it had worked out. She had made a friend, done some good for the village, and he had discovered what he’d needed to know. He frowned at the memory of the Haradrim he had fought. He’d regretted having to kill them, but it was necessary.

He thought of his own inner darkness and was glad Alex had not been there to witness it. He knew it was a foolish thought, but he wanted to keep her ideals about the Elves intact, if only for a little while. She seemed to see them as many men did---pure and beautiful, incapable of corruption or evil. But he knew Elves were prey to the same temptations as Men. It just seemed easier for them to resist than their mortal brethren.

He did not think he would sleep, but found himself rather tired. The journey had taken its toll. He decided to rest for a moment before seeing Aragorn. However, he slept as he had not done in years and the sun was high in the sky when he awakened.

He leapt out of bed and dressed quickly. He braided his hair as he crossed to Alex’s door. Listening, he could hear her even breathing and knew she still slept. Yet he could not resist the temptation to look in on her. After all, he had been awakening to her for over a year and missed the sight.

Slowly opening the door, he saw her lying sprawled under the light covers, her face relaxed and looking younger than it had when they’d first met. Her hair, which had grown quickly during their journey, was spread out on the pillow and he could see the outline of her body under the thin sheet. Her blankets had been kicked aside and one long, shapely leg peeped out from the cover. A longing he could not at first identify tugged at him and, to his horror, he found he had entered the room and closed the door.

What was he doing? He turned to leave and froze as he heard her murmur something in her sleep. He didn’t know her language well, although she had begun teaching him. But he did recognize one word: Legolas. His breathing quickened at the thought of her calling out his name in her dreams. Opening the door, he left as silently as he had entered.

He moved swiftly through the familiar halls and soon found Aragorn and Arwen in their private salon. His friends greeted him with cries of delight and much hugging all around. After a few initial pleasantries, Arwen asked the important questions.

“We hear you have brought a companion to Minas Tirith. Where did you meet her? What is her name? From where does she hail? You know you must tell me everything.” He eyes sparkled with mischief.

“And if you do not tell her, you will certainly tell us,” a familiar voice called from the doorway. Turning around Legolas was surprised to see Arwen’s brothers, Elladan and Elrohir, the twin sons of Elrond.

“I did not expect to see you here,” he said as they clasped hands in greeting.

“Do not change the subject, Legolas. Aragorn may be interested in your trip, but we are more interested in the souvenir you have brought back, “ Elrohir laughed.

“Yes, indeed. Is the lady an Elf? We heard she was tall like our kind, and fair, but none saw her ears.” Elladan sprawled in the window seat next to his sister, who had taken up a piece of embroidery and begun stitching.

Legolas looked at his only other possible ally. Aragorn shrugged. “What can I say, old friend? You arrive before dawn, wake the entire household, and bring a mysterious female with you. Of course there is talk. You know how the maids keep up with your every move anyway,” he added with a wicked smile.

“Abandoned by all!” Legolas lamented. “Do you not even care that we found the palantir?”

Elladan sat up at this news and Aragorn gave a gasp of disbelief. “I did not think it was possible. When you did not return in the spring, I thought perhaps you had fallen afoul of the Haradrim. But I also knew they would not fail to taunt Gondor with your capture or death, so we continued to have hope. How did you find it?”

Legolas recounted his tale of tracking Sauron’s Haradrim lieutenant, and being told after some intense questioning, as Legolas delicately put it, that the palantir had likely been hidden at the site of one of the prisons of Sauron. What surprised his listeners, though, was the revelation that it was actually Alexandra who had located it, without even knowing what they were looking for. He glossed over the search of the dark cave, with no mention of her special … talents. If Alex wished to share that information, he would leave it up to her to do so.

“Your lady sounds quite resourceful,” Arwen said with a smile. “Have you provided her with proper clothing? Or have you forced her to wear yours?” Elrohir snickered at her words and Elladan turned his face away in a vain attempt to hide his own smirk, saying something about Legolas’ peculiar fetishes or some such, just loud enough to be overheard.

“I … actually never thought about it. She was a warrior in her own land and so she never seemed to care for things like clothes,” he said weakly. He knew she had received some clothes from Charika, but had no idea what they were.

“The lady doesn’t care for clothes? You have the luck of the Eldar, my friend.” Elrohir could not resist teasing the younger Elf.

Legolas closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “You know what I meant,” he muttered. Aragorn was of no help whatsoever, thoroughly enjoying seeing Legolas flustered. It was a rare treat.

Arwen rolled her eyes at their immature conversation. Putting aside her needlework she walked to the door, pausing to kiss her husband’s cheek. “Well, since you obviously have no idea how to see to the needs of a female, I see I must make inquiries.”

As she left, she heard Elladan make a rude comment on her words. Poor Legolas, she smiled. The four of them had been friends for centuries and he had quite the reputation among both elleth and women. She knew as well as her brothers and her husband, that he definitely knew how to see to pretty much all of the needs of a female.

Alex awoke to the sounds of the city and sunlight slanting in through her window. She sat up abruptly, the sheet falling from around her. It was already after noon, though not by much. She couldn’t believe she’d slept so long. But she had to admit, she felt so much more refreshed than she had in a long time. The bath, the food, the soft clean bed---all that had been missing was Legolas greeting her with his calm and cheerful smile.

“Oh, hell no,” she muttered. She wasn’t falling into that trap. She was clinging to him because he had rescued her and had been the only person she’d spent any sort of time with over the past months. Stockholm Syndrome, or at least some form of it. After all, he hadn’t held her captive. It was time to move on, as she was sure Legolas was doing. He likely hadn’t given her another thought, now that he was back among his friends. Besides, she’d seen the gaze he’d gotten from one of the maids that had brought some of the food to his quarters. She knew the looks a woman gave a man she’d bedded. The same look worked for Elves that she’d bedded as well.

A soft knock at her door brought her back to her immediate situation. She had nothing to put on at the moment, so she wrapped herself in the sheet and opened the door a crack to peer out. A stunningly beautiful woman smiled at her from the hall.

“Lady Alexandra? I am Arwen, a long-time friend of Legolas. May I come in?”

“Oh. Of course.” Arwen was the queen. She could go anywhere she damn well pleased. Still it was a nice touch that she asked.

Standing back, Alex held the door as the queen swept into the room, trailing a scent of wildflowers. Closing the door, Alex was at a loss.

“Forgive me, your Highness. I hadn’t meant to sleep so late, and I haven’t yet dressed …” she trailed off under the serene and smiling gaze of the Queen.

“First of all, it’s Arwen. We do not stand on formality with our friends. Second, I apologize for waking you. You have been traveling for a long time and need to rest. Finally, I have known Legolas for a very long time and I am willing to wager he has not provided you with anything suitable to wear for anything other than hunting Orc.”

Alex immediately liked this woman.

“Thank you, Arwen. My friends call me Alex most of the time, Alexandra if they want to be formal. As for clothes, I have some things that I received from a woman in a small village we visited, who was an extraordinary seamstress. However, I don’t know if they’re appropriate for here. In my land, they would be worn in certain situations, but not for everyday wear.”

She walked over to the chest where her clothes had been put away the night before. Pulling out several sheer gowns with an equal number of silk overgowns, she and Arwen decided her wardrobe was exquisite, but definitely not for everyday use.

“This fabric is superb. And this woman was a Southron? She is marvelous.” Arwen was especially fascinated that the gowns could be packed so tightly without ruining their shape. Alex had managed to get them all in her packs, along with the panties, which really astounded Arwen.

“The women of your land wear these? They are so … small. They don’t cover anything in the back. Surely they’re not comfortable.” Alex laughed.

“They’re actually comfortable, and they are really more for decoration than function,” she admitted. “But I’ve always liked them.”

Arwen called for her seamstresses and soon the room was a flurry of activity as Alex was fitted for a new wardrobe suitable for life at court. “For now,” the queen said, “it is fortunate we are the same height. I have several gowns I’ve never worn that should get you through until your own are ready.” She sent two of her maids to her wardrobe to retrieve the garments.

As they spent the afternoon indulging in the feminine sport of dressing, Arwen delicately probed Alex for information about her background, how she had arrived in Middle Earth, and, most importantly, her relationship with Legolas. Alex answered as honestly as she could.

When the conversation turned to the Elf Prince, Arwen detected a subtle change in the woman’s demeanor. A softness came into her voice and her eyes seemed to deepen to a more intense shade of green when she spoke of Legolas. Although her words were noncommittal and her attitude otherwise casual, the queen knew a deep bond had been forged between Alexandra and Legolas. It was deeper than friendship, but neither the woman nor the Elven Prince had yet realized it.