Blessed by the Valar

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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As always, any constructive criticism is appreciated.

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Alex sat looking out over the city from her balcony that evening when she heard a knock. She called “Enter,” automatically then thought that might not be such a good idea---she knew very few people who were roaming around the palace. She turned to see Legolas coming out to join her. He looked exceptionally handsome in a pale silvery blue shirt of what she’d come to view as ‘typical’ Elven design, and darker blue trousers with matching soft suede boots.

She felt like a piece of shale next to a diamond. She never thought she’d feel bad about seeing her friend, but, after an afternoon in the glow of the Evenstar (these people all had two or three titles or names and it was getting confusing) she was feeling a bit overwhelmed by Elven beauty. It was only going to get worse because Arwen had mentioned that her brothers were visiting, so dinner tonight should be enough to completely destroy whatever confidence she may have ever possessed in her looks.

Legolas could see his friend was troubled. She was wearing a dark blue gown with long, flowing sleeves and the neckline fell just on the tips of her shoulders, edged with silver embroidery. A silver chain belt encircled her hips. She looked quite the Lady of Gondor. Her hair was tied back in what she called a ponytail. He sighed.

“Would you like for me to braid your hair again?” he asked, hopefully.

She nodded without enthusiasm and turned so he could work his Elven magic on her ragged hair.

“I hear Arwen spent the day helping you choose a wardrobe. Forgive me, Alex, but I did not think about such things. I am not accustomed to traveling with females, mortal or Elf, and clothes and jewels and the other things that seem so important to the fair sex did not cross my mind.”

“Oh, bloody hell, Legolas!” Her outburst startled him. “I’m not some doll to be dressed up. If I’d wanted other clothes, I’d have looked for them. Charika made some she insisted I take, but they’re more appropriate for a special celebration rather than normal things. I certainly couldn’t have worn them, trudging through the desert and climbing over rocks, now could I?”

She knew her behavior was ridiculous, but she was feeling ugly and graceless and stupid and lonely. Arwen had been good company and Alex liked her, but she still made her feel inferior simply because she was so self-assured in this environment, and that was a feeling totally alien to Alex. It was very unpleasant and she wanted it to go away.

Legolas secured her braids and stepped back. He did not know how to respond to her sudden anger.

“I am sorry, Alexandra. I had not intended to insult you. If you like, I have come to escort you to dinner.” Seeing a flash of panic in her eyes, the reason behind her vile mood became crystal clear. He gave a reassuring smile and took her hands in his. “Do not worry, my friend. It will only be Aragorn, Arwen, Elrohir, Elladan, and us. I know it must feel a bit overpowering to suddenly be thrust into an unfamiliar environment where you do not know many people.”

She took a deep breath, closed her eyes and tried to center herself. His concern made her feel even guiltier than before about her bad behavior. “It’s not that, Legolas. I’ve spent my life going into dangerous, unknown situations, usually alone, and it’s never bothered me. It’s just …” She couldn’t tell him the truth. It would sound absurd to him. He’d never been unsure of himself in his whole life. She shook her head. “Never mind. It’s nothing. I’m just being silly.” She smiled and took the arm he offered. “Let’s eat. I’m starving.”

As he led her through the maze to Aragorn and Arwen’s private dining room, Legolas surreptitiously observed his companion. Something was bothering her that she apparently chose not to share with him. He felt a vague hurt, as if she didn’t trust him. Still, he would not press her. But he would try to find out by watching her, what was causing her anxiety, and do all he could to help relieve it.

The page opened the door to the dining room as they arrived. Alex put on her best diplomat face. ‘This is no different from dinner with the Venderian ambassador,’ she thought, ‘Except they probably won’t expect you to eat huge, live, wriggling leech-worm things.’

A dark haired man---and he was definitely a Man---was in hushed conversation with Arwen, and turned to them with a welcoming smile. He was not unattractive, in a somewhat untamed manner, but he had a definite presence. He had to be the King.

“Aragorn, may I present Alexandra Lymond. Alex, my dear friend, Aragorn.”

“Welcome to Gondor, my lady. Legolas told us you were invaluable in the success of his recent journey.”

“Thank you, sir. I was really just following him around. If it weren’t for Legolas, I’d have probably been lost in the wilds of Middle Earth to this day.”

“She exaggerates, my friend. She is quite able to take care of herself.”

Arwen came over to greet them and, after kissing Legolas on the cheek, turned to Alex. “That color looks wonderful on you. And I like what you’ve done with your hair.”

Alex self-consciously smoothed the front of the gown. “Thank you. Legolas is the one responsible for the hair, though. I can’t braid to save my life.”

“You shall never need to braid, my lady. If Legolas does not do it for you, we shall be happy to step in.” Turning toward the sound of that rich voice, Alex was greeted by the sight of two stunningly handsome, tall, dark-haired Elven males. They were almost identical, but the one introduced as Elrohir had a hint of danger in his smile that his brother did not, while Elladan had a mischievous look about him.

They all sat down to a simple, family dinner of roast chicken, braised lettuce, cheese, fresh bread still hot from the oven, sweet creamy butter, and honey cakes. The wine was the sweet vintage that seemed to be the standard throughout Middle Earth. Conversation consisted of polite inquiries about Alex’s background, and well-embellished tales of adventures the twins, Legolas and Aragorn had managed to survive. Her anxiety lessened as they made her feel welcome. She still felt incredibly ugly and dull, surrounded by so much Elven elegance, although the presence of Aragorn, a fellow mortal, helped a bit. But she enjoyed herself so much, she forgot her reticence.

The twins seemed to compete for her attention. When one told her a tale, the other had to top it. Since she was seated across from Elladan, and next to Elrohir she suffered no lack of dinner conversation. Aragorn, seated to her left, at the head of the table was obviously a man of few words, but he laughed along with the rest, adding details, usually to the embarrassment of the Elves, when they chose to leave certain things out of their accounts.

After dinner, they retired to the royal couple’s private sitting room and Alex found herself seated next to the queen, much to the dismay of the twins. Legolas gave her a reassuring smile when she caught his eye as he settled in a delicate chair across from her.

“Legolas tells us you commanded soldiers in your land,” Aragorn said after they had all ensconced themselves comfortably.

“Yes, I had people under my command. My rank had just been increased to full Commander before the accident that brought me to Middle Earth.” She and Legolas had decided discretion was the best course and agreed on what kind of details they would reveal.

“You mean, women are in your armies?” Arwen raised an elegant brow at her husband. “Eowyn would be happy to hear that.”

“I thought Elves had females in their armies as well.” Alex was sure Legolas had said something like that once.

“That is true. She-Elves are trained to fight and do so until they conceive children. Then, they do not fight unless it is in personal defense.” Elladan sighed. “I always thought they should continue to be allowed to serve.”

They discussed the merits of females in armies and she was not surprised to find the Elves had slightly more progressive ideas than most Men. Aragorn understood strong women and their desire to help defend their homes. Yet he was still a product of his time and place and had trouble seeing women fight and face death.

Their conversation lasted until almost midnight. Legolas noticed signs of fatigue in his former traveling companion. He admitted to himself he could use some more rest as well and with a discrete nod to Arwen, the queen stood.

“I know Alexandra and Legolas probably need to enjoy more rest before they are back to normal. Let us not keep them from their beds any longer.”

Legolas and Alexandra, who, along with the others, had risen with her, thanked their hosts and said their goodnights to the twins before making the journey back to their rooms in a completely different wing of a different tower. Legolas saw the look that passed between the twins when Arwen mentioned their beds and shot them a menacing glance, daring them to say anything untoward. For once, probably out of respect to Alex, they refrained from any childish comments.

They made their way back to their rooms. Legolas was glad to see Alex had apparently shaken off her dark mood and enjoyed herself with his friends. It was important to him that she feel comfortable and welcome.

“I like your friends, Legolas,” she said, as if reading his thoughts. “They were very kind to me.”

“It pleases me that you are happy, Alex.”

“Thanks.”

They reached her room and when she opened the door, she left it ajar. Legolas caught himself following her in and pushing it closed behind them, then stopped. This was her room, not his. They no longer needed to share quarters, but the habit had become ingrained.

She didn’t seem to notice anything out of the ordinary and began unlacing her gown. When she turned to ask him if he wanted the side by the door, they both realized what they’d done and a shared laugh echoed around the room.

“I completely forgot we had our own rooms now,” she said as she dragged one of the undertunics out of the chest and dropped it over her head before allowing her gown to fall to the floor. She quickly worked her arms into the shirt and was completely changed without even a hint of impropriety. She folded the gown and put it away as Legolas poured a goblet of wine and sat in one of the more comfortable chairs.

Stretching his legs out in front of him, he felt quite at home, watching Alex as she went about her nightly routine. She came over and sat across from him and they gazed into the fire in companionable silence. Finally, Legolas spoke.

“The twins seem quite taken with you.”

She frowned at him. “They were just being polite. Besides, they strike me as the type who are taken with most females.”

He laughed. “You are correct. They have always been well known to the ladies, both elleth and mortal. And sometimes their behavior gets them in trouble.” The look on his face spoke of indiscretions that may have caused some difficulties, but were enormously entertaining.

“And have you shared in their adventures?” She could not picture Legolas, with his cool, pristine demeanor, getting dragged in to some sordid affair by Elladan and Elrohir. Perhaps it was because they had spent centuries roaming the wilder parts of Middle Earth, but they did not seem as reserved as the Elf Prince. Or, it occurred to her, perhaps they were like this with their friends and family, but in public, upheld the Elven mystique.

The look that passed over Legolas’ face made her gasp. “Yes, you have! Oh, do tell!”

Legolas opened his mouth to answer, then paused. “Perhaps at a later time, we can discuss my misspent times with the sons of Elrond. I would like to maintain your illusion of Elven purity for a bit longer.”

She laughed. “Oh, I can’t wait. And you forget, I’ve traveled with you for over a year. I’ve seen your purity.”

He joined in her amusement. The silence returned, but neither felt the urge to break it. They watched the flames as Legolas sipped his wine. When Alex reached over, he handed her his goblet and she took a small swallow. Passing it back to the Elf, their fingers brushed briefly and their eyes met. Something indefinable hung in the air between them and, for a moment, neither moved. Then, Legolas gave her one of his calm, comforting smiles, and she returned it. After another few minutes, he stood.

“I shall retire to my room so you may rest. There is no need to stand on ceremony here. We are as the king and queen’s family, so you may come and go as you please. I will stop by your room in the morning if you would like to go down to breakfast. I know the palace is confusing and I do not want you to lose your way.”

“Thanks, Legolas. For everything.”

He smiled and gave a respectful bow before slipping out into the hall and closing the door behind him.

She pulled off the undertunic and climbed between the sheets. The room was lit only by the glow from the fire and, try as she might, she could not stay awake. Soon she was in a deep, restful sleep.

After he left Alex’s room, Legolas did not wish to go to his room immediately. He felt somewhat anxious, as if he needed to expend excess energy. Perhaps he had become so accustomed to being constantly on the search for the palantir, he had become unaccustomed to relaxation. He walked the halls of the building, becoming reacquainted with the twists and turns of the maze that was the royal palace.

He passed one of the maids who was taking a stack of linens to a cabinet in the hall. She smiled shyly as they approached each other and he returned her smile with one of his own. Turning to watch her retreating figure, he felt a stirring inside. Proceeding on his way, he saw another maid approaching. This one looked to be on her way to her quarters. Her features were familiar and he remembered her from a previous visit to Minis Tirith. She did not look away demurely when he nodded to her. Instead, she looked him straight in the eye with a smile of invitation.

Neither said a word as she opened the nearest door and slipped inside. He followed her, closing the door silently behind him. She knew her business and immediately knelt in front of the Elf, unlacing his pants with expert fingers. He watched her through heavily lidded eyes as she pleasured him, letting his head fall back as he allowed himself to revel in the sensations.

Looking down at her, it seemed her straight black hair lightened a bit, and gained some reddish-gold highlights, falling in soft waves about her shoulders. When the after-effects of his pleasure subsided, he noticed the maid’s head was once again covered with straight, long, black hair, and she rose, giving him a quick curtsy then left the room.

He leaned against the wall in the dark for a moment. He had achieved release, but no satisfaction. Lacing his trousers, he exited and returned to his chambers. He briefly considered taking one of the other maids he passed on his way back to his rooms, with him for the night, but the idea held no real appeal. He undressed and slipped into bed, this time sleeping the sleep of the Firstborn, eyes open, mind blank.

*
The next weeks passed pleasantly for both Legolas and Alex. She obtained a wardrobe designed specifically for her and no longer needed to borrow the queen’s spare day gowns. Legolas and Aragorn talked over the business of running a country and securing it against its enemies. Even though Sauron had been defeated, there were still forces that wished ill to the kingdoms of Men, and Gondor was a prime target.

Alex passed several days trying to be ladylike and working on needlework with Arwen. But she was accustomed to action and soon her patience began to wear. The queen, sensing her new friend’s desire to get out and do something, suggested, much to the delight of her brothers, that they help her with her archery and fighting skills. They might also wish to show her about Gondor. Her suggestion served two purposes---well, three, but giving the twins the chance to escort a lovely woman was not high on her list; first, she wanted Alex to be able to do something she enjoyed---obviously, needlework wasn’t meeting the challenge; second, and most important to the queen, she thought Alex and Legolas needed a little push.

Elladan and Elrohir understood her position. They, too, had noticed the undercurrent running between their old friend and his lady. They had, frankly, been surprised to learn Alex and Legolas were in separate quarters, and, when Arwen confirmed that the two of them had not acknowledged what was apparent to all around them, they readily agreed to help her in her project.

The children of Elrond decided that Alex would probably respond if Legolas would make the right gesture. She may not have consciously recognized their mutual attraction, but it would take little to open her eyes. Legolas, on the other hand, seemed to be torn between his desire and his sense of honor. He still saw her as a friend and companion and had not yet realized his feelings for her had grown into something more. His friends could see it clearly. He was protective and supportive of her, and his gaze took on a softer aspect when it fell upon her. But he still saw himself as her guardian and to have feelings for her that went deeper would be inappropriate.

The conspirators figured that if Legolas saw Alex as the potential object of the affections of others, it might be the incentive necessary to force him to recognize his own feelings toward her.

The twins threw themselves into the plan with gusto. One of them was always in attendance, and she spent much time in their company honing her fighting skills. She surprised them with her skill with daggers. She was serviceable with a sword and totally dismal with the bow. Except for the crossbow. She excelled in that skill, but even at her best, would never have the proficiency of the Eldar, although she could probably hold her own against mortals.

The longbow, however, was the cause of much mirth at her expense. Alex could not master that weapon regardless of how hard she tried. She had been reluctant to even pick it up when out on the practice field with the twins. But they had insisted she could not be as bad as she claimed. So, with a heavy sigh, she’d shown just how sorry an archer she was.

Elladan stared at her in amazement. Elrohir just shook his head. “How, in the name of Eru, did you spend over a year with Legolas, probably the finest archer ever produced by the Firstborn, and not learn how to use the bow?”

She fixed them with a baleful gaze. “Well, unless there’s some magical way he could transfer that talent to me, just being in his presence doesn’t seem to be a very effective way of learning.”

“You mean, he did not try to instruct you?” Elladan knew Legolas would have taken the time to teach her to use his favorite weapon. He was quite patient and would not have refused to assist her.

“Oh, he tried. But some things are just impossible and I suppose we’ll just have to leave it at that.”

“I suppose, if you’re in a battle, you could just fire at will and hope it lands on an enemy,” Elrohir said in a resigned voice.

“Thanks for the encouragement,” she replied sourly.

Another skill she could not master was braiding her hair. Arwen, Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir all, at some time or another, tried to teach her how, and were stymied. She had the dexterity, but like with the bow, there was something missing in the execution.

At one point, Elrohir threw up his hands in exasperation. “Even the youngest Elfings, when they have been weaned, can do this type of braid. I do not understand why you cannot master it.”

Frankly, neither could Alex, but that didn’t minimize the sting from the Elf’s words. She picked up a dagger and grabbed a handful of hair, pulling it taut, and raised the knife. Elrohir caught her hand just before the blade reached the first strand.

“What are you doing?” He was surprised at the effort it had taken for him to prevent the slice. She was much stronger than other mortal women.

“This hair is driving me crazy. I can’t do anything with it, so I’m going to cut it off. If I don’t have it hanging down, getting in my way, I won’t have to braid it. Problem solved.”

“But your hair is beautiful, Alex. You cannot cut it.”

She stared at him. “It’s my hair. I can do as I please with it.”

He released her hand as he felt it relax. “Yes, you can. But your hair only enhances your beauty. You see it as a problem, but others see it as a magnificent cloud through which you shine.”

“You’re kidding, right?” She knew Elves had flowery speech, but that was a little much. “It’s just stringy tangled hair.”

“Do not cut it yet. Perhaps you can find an alternative to braiding it.”

Alex didn’t pretend to understand the obsession everyone in Middle Earth had with hair, Elves in particular, but she decided in the interest of assimilation, she would refrain from slicing off the offending strands at present.

One morning, Arwen told her a formal dinner was being held that evening to honor several Lords who had successfully defended part of southern Gondor against a recent attack by Corsairs.

“I believe it would be an appropriate occasion for one of those exquisite gowns the Southron woman made for you.” Arwen also thought the exotic raiment would be the crowning touch to her plan. She had seen how Legolas had noticed Elrohir and Elladan’s attention to Alex, and could see the Prince of Mirkwood was not overly thrilled at the amount of time those three spent together. He did not say anything to the twins, of course, but they all knew he was watching.

Even Alex was aware that Legolas seemed to have a touch of jealousy. She knew she was flattering herself. It was likely that he resented the time the twins spent in her company as opposed to getting into mischief with him. She still saw him daily, and he had taken to visiting her chamber every night where they would share a cup of wine and talk. He never came out and said anything directly, but would hint that he thought she might be spending too much time with the twins. They did, after all, have a history of conquests (not that he actually said that---but his meaning was clear).

For her part, Alex figured they were just trying to keep her from feeling lonely. They were a lot of fun, and she suspected Arwen had told them to be nice to her. She sighed---she was pathetic, a pity-date, as they used to say. Still, she got to spend her days in the company of two extremely handsome Elves, so she supposed she couldn’t complain.

She chose a deep rose undergown shot through with silver threads from among the selection Charika had made. It fitted in the bodice like a bustier, and then fell into a full skirt that floated to the floor like a cloud. The fabric was sheer, but the folds, which cupped her breasts, layered the cloth enough for modesty’s sake. The full skirt had the same effect. The overgown was a lighter shade of rose silk, with long, flowing sleeves and a low bodice that was secured beneath her breasts to her waist with a series of ties. It was open in the front to show the undergown, and the neckline was low on her shoulders so the beaded straps of the undergown could be seen.

When it came time to do something with her hair, she decided to twist it into a knot high atop the crown of her head and secured it with two long jeweled pins she had found in a chest in her room. She looked at herself in the polished mirror and decided she’d done all she could.

The knock on her door sounded different from Legolas’ usual summons. Opening the door, she was surprised to see Elladan and Elrohir in the hall. They gave her respectful bows, then explained that Legolas had joined Aragorn in greeting the guests of honor, and would she be so kind as to allow them the honor of escorting her to the dinner?

She smiled and thanked them for the invitation. Taking both offered arms, she proceeded to the grand banquet hall.

The twins were resplendent in typical Elvish outfits, Elladan in blue, Elrohir in light green. Although she had resigned herself to always being outshone by her Elf friends, she thought she looked pretty good herself tonight. As she spent more time in Middle Earth, her self-assurance reasserted itself. She would never be able to compete with the Elves, but at least she no longer felt completely eclipsed by them.

The twins exchanged glances as they escorted their friend’s lady to the banquet hall. The color of her gown suited her, bringing a fresh blush to her cheeks. They were especially pleased she had found the jeweled hairpins they had hidden in her room while she was out riding with Arwen a few days earlier. She may not know how to braid, but at least she knew what the pins were for, and the style was immensely flattering to her. The unspoken agreement was, if Legolas could still deny his feelings for her after tonight, he was in dire need of a healer.

When the threesome entered the hall, Aragorn, who had been speaking with Lord Herik, one of the guests of honor, was momentarily distracted by the flash of color. Although he did not pause in his conversation, his subtle expression of surprise caused Legolas to follow his gaze.

The Elf at first wondered what lady had been so favored by the twins to have both of them as escorts for the evening. When he realized it was Alex, only his perfect self-discipline prevented his astonishment from showing. His eyes followed them as they crossed the room to where Arwen and Lord Kahmron’s wife were seated.

He had barely recognized his traveling companion in the exotic, swirling gown, her hair pulled up with sparkling jewels, and an expression of cool assurance on her face. If he had not witnessed her snapping the neck of a Haradrim assassin who had attacked them as they traveled east, he would not have known it was the same woman. He also noticed the look of sadness and uncertainty that had often shadowed her features since their arrival in Gondor was missing. She looked confident, poised and regal.

He also noted the way the twins always stayed near her. Their slightly proprietary air vaguely irritated him. They had monopolized her time since she and Legolas had come to Minis Tirith, and, even though he had been advising Aragorn on important matters and had been unable to spend time with her himself, it was still his responsibility to attend her.

When he had told Alex of the twins’ reputations in the realm of romantic activity, he had hoped she would take the hint and not be seduced by their amorous schemes. She was obviously an intelligent woman, but he had seen many females, mortal and elleth, throughout the centuries lured into compromising situations by the charms of the sons of Elrond. Gil-galad’s bones! He’d even shared in a good number of those seductions. She was an adult, by mortal standards, but the thought of her lying with one---or both---of the twins brought a hollow feeling in his heart. He admitted to himself that, although he loved Elladan and Elrohir dearly, as brethren, he did not trust them with his lady.

Oh, sweet Eru! He did not just refer to Alex as his lady. She was his companion, his friend, his fellow warrior. She was a strong, intelligent, capable woman who had survived some extraordinary things. She was often ill tempered, could not make even the simplest braids, and could be quite sarcastic. She did not smile enough, and was frequently uncommunicative and morose. Yet she was also the first thing he thought of upon awakening and the last as he drifted into Elvish sleep. Even though he had not spent as much time with her in Minas Tirith as he would have liked, she was never far from his thoughts.

Centuries of royal training allowed him to continue to smile and engage in polite conversation with the various guests. It seemed the Valar had conspired to prevent him from having a private word with Alex. When she was not with Arwen, at least one of the twins was by her side. She seemed to have no difficulty mingling with the guests and, once they were seated for the banquet, she was placed between Elladan and Lord Herik’s son, so he had no opportunity to speak with her. He had caught her eye before settling for dinner and they had shared smiles of greeting, but Elrohir had taken her hand and led her over to a new group for introductions, so they had not communicated further.

Alex was actually enjoying herself. She had approached the evening as a mission in which she was required to ‘blend in’ with the local populace. She believed she was successful and it didn’t hurt that she was being attended by two important Elves, brothers of the Queen and sons of the Lord of Imaldris.

She noticed Legolas working the crowd, as they say. He was looking exceptionally impressive on this occasion. He wore a silver Elven tunic with black breeches and boots, and, as usual, not an exquisite hair on his handsome head was out of place. She noted the admiring gazes of others in the room as they watched the Elf Prince in their midst. He drew longing glances from many women and some of the men. It was like watching a divine creature moving through the mortal plain.

While she was still awestruck by his beauty, she had come to see beyond it. His inner strength and nobility were more important than his outward, physical splendor. As their friendship had grown, she’d found he possessed a dry wit that could have been mistaken for arrogance by strangers. She’d also seen his tenderness and compassion as well as glimpses of the gifted warrior who had earned a place in legend during the War of the Ring.

She had missed spending time with him while at Minis Tirith, but knew he had duties borne out of the bonds of friendship with the King. She well understood such commitments and had not resented his absences. Legolas still managed to visit her in her room almost every night before retiring, and they would spend the time talking of what they’d done that day, discussing Elvish culture, or, often, not saying anything at all, just sitting in comfortable silence, content simply with one another’s company.

Elladan and Elrohir had been interesting and stimulating companions and she also felt a friendship growing with them. They all shared the same sense of humor, but the twins were more open with theirs than was Legolas. She also admitted she enjoyed having the two undeniably handsome Elves at her side as they took her on tours of the city and surrounding areas. It did much for her self-esteem to see the envious glances cast their way.

If she allowed herself, she knew she could have become attracted to either of them. Their relationship had been completely honorable, yet Legolas had warned her in his delicate way of putting things, that the twins made a habit out of seducing females and although she really wasn’t in the market for any kind of liaison, the thought had crossed her mind. After all, she was only human.

She laughed and chatted with her dinner companions, and watched as the Gondorian king presented the Lords with his country’s thanks. Aragorn was a natural leader, but was not cursed with the arrogance that was often the Achilles heel of such men. He had the capacity for inspiring immense loyalty in those he led, and she believed the people of Gondor were blessed in their king.

There was dancing after the ceremony, the tables having been removed from the banquet hall. The twins managed to drag Alex reluctantly onto the floor and took it upon themselves to teach her the steps to what seemed to her to be the odd dances of Middle Earth. Aragorn, Lord Herik and his son also danced with her and she was grateful she at least had some talent for dancing so she wasn’t totally humiliated on the dance floor.

Legolas found himself at no loss for partners and noted neither did Alex. They managed to connect for one dance; fortunately, one slow enough to allow them uninterrupted conversation, if only for a few moments.

“You seem to be enjoying yourself, Alex. It is good to see you looking so pleased.”

“Thank you Legolas. I am, actually, having a good time. It has been so long since I’ve danced and laughed and just been … a simple woman.”

“Did your people not celebrate and dance often?”

She shook her head. “We did sometimes, but I often didn’t get the chance to participate. I was always off somewhere, doing unpleasant things for the good of my people. And since I’ve been here, it’s been such a huge adjustment, I haven’t really had time to just let loose and have fun.” She gave him a smile that lit up her entire face. “Thank you, Legolas, for helping me fit in with your friends.”

Her words touched his heart and his grip on her hand tightened as he gave a slight nod. “You have no need to thank me, Alex. It pleases me to know you are happy and content.”

The music ended and the other dancers began changing partners. Legolas and Alexandra, however, stood together for a moment, as though reluctant to be parted. They gazed at each other and again were struck by a vague connection neither could---or rather, chose to---identify. The spell was broken when Lord Kahmron claimed her for the next dance. She turned to the Gondorian man with a smile and was soon swept away. Legolas watched them for a moment, then went over to retrieve a goblet of wine---he was no longer in the mood for dancing.

Arwen, who was dancing with Elrohir, commented to her brother on the recent exchange they had both witnessed between their friend and his lady.

“I believe Legolas has experienced an epiphany,” she said with a smile.

“It certainly took him long enough,” Elrohir replied with a touch of exasperation. “I still do not understand how two seemingly intelligent people could be so blind.”

“Often, the mind will not see what the heart shows it,” his sister said wisely. “I honestly do not believe Legolas has ever seen her as a woman.”

”How could he not? She has not the beauty to strike Man nor Elf dumb with wonder, but she is definitely a lovely woman.”

Arwen sighed. “She is Legolas’ comrade-at-arms, companion and confidant. One could say the same for you, Elladan, Aragorn or myself. He has not seen her as his lover before this night. Now, all that remains is for them to take the next step.”

Elrohir spotted Alex laughing at something her partner was saying, and then glanced at Legolas, who was sipping a goblet of wine and watching her as well.

“I would lay odds that our princely friend will take that step very soon.” Arwen simply smiled in response.