Too Dangerous For A Woman
A Lord Of The Rings Fan Fiction
Written By SecretlyInInk

Minas Tirith: TA 3019 June 4th

For the first time since the days of Isildur, a king took his queen on the steps of the white city of Minas Tirith. All who were present could see Lord Elrond standing before his daughter and her groom, blessing them. Not a sound beside his clear voice was heard, and none made to move in those moments. None, except for one very peculiar dwarf.

"Curse the elves and their tall legs, I can not see a thing!" Gimli whispered in the stillness. The son of Glóin lifted himself unto his toes, nearly toppling into the blonde elf who had the misfortune to stand beside him. Such an elf was considering his own wedding, which he doubted would ever come. Never could the Prince seem to find an elven woman who was fully in tune with him, who shared his open-mind and easy thoughts.

Legolas shook his head then. Must his friend be so careless of the quiet? To speak during the wedding vows is to have the entire congregation hear your words. With a glance he hushed him, before averting his gaze to his satin shirt which was a lend from Elrond's twins, as he had brought no wear for such celebrations. The elf was grateful to those around them that pretended not to notice the disturbance, though the Prince did catch Elrohir's own twins sharing a smile.

He'd seen them only a few occasions before, as their father's wishes had kept the two hidden away in the comforts of Rivendell and uninvolved in the business of the world. Little did he know of either, though now as always Amarthel stood proudly among his kin, his face stern only when not looking upon the other. At his shoulder was a shadow, or perhaps a feministic mirror of himself. Faerveren, Legolas had heard her being called by her people. Joyous Spirit, it meant, and this he could see in the bright eyes and youthful expressions.

The two were so alike, that it seemed at times one being in body and mind. Darkened hair, and clouded grey eyes made this third set of twins look much like those before them. Those that knew them would say the two were rarely parted, even when Amarthel was sent to lead a company near the mountains while Faerveren should remain in Rivendell to tend to a proper woman's role.

Legolas came upon them again in the evening, when much dancing and feasting was being done in the halls of Minas Tirith. The celebration was large and grand, not to his own tastes in any way. Escaping the stone walls, the Prince found himself in a small garden fit around a pond. Yet he was not alone there, the children of Elrohir already standing in the moonlight.

"Gen suilon, Legolas of The Green Wood, we have heard such tales of your part in this passing war." It was she who spoke when their gazes turned to meet the one who interrupted their peace. Yet with Faerveren's words, her grey eyes widened in what he though could be awe. How far had his stories spread, and to what extent were they stretched?

"Now, dear sister, do not besiege the elf with your wonder." Amarthel warned with a good-natured smile. "Rather, let us speak of this day. It is good that Aragorn has at last taken his throne, and his queen as well. But should you have not brought a box for your companion to stand upon?" He looked to the blonde, a flicker of amusement in the turn of his mouth.

As Legolas made to answer, he was cut off by the pleasant laughter of Faerveren. "Do you speak of the dwarf, dear brother? I find him positively charming in his ways." In this the twins disagreed, for there were few elves who would say dwarves were anything near to charming. A long history of distrust existed between the two races, which neither would surrender lightly. Amarthel pulled himself and his sister from the conversation, unwilling for the others to hear what he had to say.

"He may be charming to those who like such," Amarthel spoke in a hush, for to openly disagree with either his sister or Legolas would look bad on all of them. "But come now, Faerveren, let us join in the dancing while the night is young and full." Giving reverent nods to the elf, Faerveren and Amarthel departed into the hall once more, what they had been speaking of before Legolas' arrival long forgotten from their minds.

It was a few moons before the Prince saw them again, only this time there was no wonder in either of their darkened eyes. Only uncertainty and apprehension. The lords of many kingdoms were seated at Gondor's long table, discussing the fates of all people in Middle-Earth, and how to proceed now.

"We shall tell the Elves left in Middle Earth that there is no more reason to flee," Legolas announced when discussion turned to the Firstborn. "That they are free to stay or go as they please. Peace has returned to this side of the water once more."

"Free to stay?" Amarthel stood, looking at him from across the table. Faerveren was at his side as always, but stayed quiet as her brother protested. "The time of the Elf has long been over. There is nothing left for us here."

"There is life!" Legolas also stood. "Who are you to take that from them, Amarthel of Rivendell? The mere fact that your father has finally granted you some charge, after so many years? You are a fool to send the elves away if they do not wish to go." He was visibly upset now, nostrils flaring.

"Legolas," Aragorn spoke softly from his place at the head of the table, sitting between Lord Elrond and Faramir. "Hold your judgment. The dealings of the elf people will be left to their respected Lords and Ladies." Amarthel grunted softly in response, seeing his bid for some semblance of power slip away, but for a while he and Legolas were silent. Finally, the conversation turned to the Corsairs in the South. "We should offer them peace under our rule." The King decided.

"They will not accept domination," Legolas said solemnly, his gaze still upon Amarthel across the table. He remembered the harsh men in their black ships. To go into their land was folly.

"They will have no choice," Aragorn countered. "With the end of the war went also the majority of their ships, and their men. To Umbar we will send arbitrators, and two hundred men that will follow two days behind, should things go ill favored."

"And I believe that it shall," the blonde elf spoke again. "But if this is what you wish, then I shall be one of the arbitrators you call for. You know you can trust me on these matters." He dipped his head mockingly.

"And I as well." It was the first time Gimli had spoken, during the entire meeting. Perhaps this was because he did not want to draw attention to himself, chin barely reaching the top of the table. Gondor had never been designed for these small folk, and not one chair was high enough to give him a proper view. "Can't let this elf have all the fun," the dwarf noted with glee.

Aragorn snorted in response. "It is nigh impossible to separate the pair of you, in these days. I shall honor your request, friends."

"I would join them," volunteered Dorfaron of Gondor, whose name meant 'tough hunter' in the words of the elves. He was a tall, dark haired man, with all his loyalty put toward his new king. He also held charge of the only company of Gondorian cavalry, and had gained much respect of his people during the war. "And my men would come behind me." Indeed, this seemed the proper choice, and the King agreed.

"So now you have a force behind your words, Aragorn." Gimli commented. "Three advocates, and enough riders to get the point across if needed. The pirates may bow to you yet. Perhaps we'll poke them with our lances and make them dance as well."

"I wish to join them as well." came a voice that none expected. Through the entire council, even during her brother's argument, she had stayed silent. But now Faerveren stood, ignoring her twin's intense glare, for her own eyes were fixed on Elrond. "If you should let me." It seemed both Legolas and Amarthel were about to protest, when Dorfaron beat them to it with great fervor.

"This is too dangerous for a woman!" he interjected, looking kindly at Faerveren. "Even one with such courage as you, my lady. But you have not seen this band of dark, grim pirates. They have no respect for anyone, even themselves. And I would not see you getting hurt by their hands."

"Even so, I wish to do my part," she protested, confidently looking back at the imposing man. "If things develop as King Elessar expects they shall, then there will be no danger among them." Like all elves of her house, Faerveren was very stubborn, and did not intend to back down due to the warnings of a man. Perhaps it was that human streak, which she so often fought to hide.

"So it shall be." Elrond waved for her to sit, worry upon his face. "You have my blessing, if this is the path you wish to take. If it were my decision I would stop you, but I realize that I have kept you away from all of this for too long." Aragorn nodded in agreement, silencing any more protests that were surely to have come. Amarthel looked as if he had swallowed an orc, red spots appearing on his cheeks.

Author's Note: I'd like to thank Jeron for all the help on this chapter, I couldn't have gotten it this far on my own.

Disclaimer: Obviously, I don't own Lord of the Rings or any canon characters. The only two I do own are Amarthel and Faerveren, the twins Tolkien forgot to mention =)