Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the lord of the rings tolkien world. Only Victoria, Rialan, Ithlen, Isil, ithlen and Anglor.

Thanks so so so so so much for all the reviews!!! You people rock my socks!!!!! Anyway to clear up a little mistake in my last chapter, the song Victoria sung was first done by Frankie vallie and the 4 seasons, which happen to be a great old band. Anyway, the BIG chapter is coming up very soon, very very soon...perhaps the next chapter?

OH YEAH!! GO CHECK OUT MY REDONE BEGINNING CHAPTERS! THEY ARE SO MUCH IMPROVED THEN THE ORIGINAL ONES!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ithlen's brows were wrinkled with worry as she held the small goblet to Victoria's lips. A small moan of pain escaped through the pure healers parted lips as liquid ran down her chin. Her green eyes were squeezed shut, pain coursing through her head as if someone were banging a large drum with her skull. The warm liquid filled the contours of her mouth and spilled down her unusually dry throat. Through the pounding ring that echoed in her ears, she could hear Ithlen softly scolding her in elvish. Opening her blurry eyes, she could see the silhouette of her chambermaid in the light. Victoria let out a groan and turned her eyes into her pillow, mumbling inaudible curses under her breath.

"Hangover..." She whispered, barely moving her lips. Victoria could almost feel the sympathetic expression that passed onto her elf friends face. The taste of bile arose in her mouth, causing Victoria to throw her head over the side of her bed and retch into the bowl Ithlen set there. Wincing, she fell back onto her mound of pillows and clutched her head. The distinct feeling that her heart had settled into her head and was beating there came over her. She pulled one of the pillows out from under her and hugged it over her face as memories flooded back to her. Images of Lomen and the sound of laughing crashed into Victoria's mind. She really could not have gone to Lomen last night, did she? Had she really drowned herself in the delights of wine, and had become drunk? She could not have turned to alcohol so that she could forget about that magnanimous, unforgettable kiss.

"What has happened, my friend?" Ithlen softly asked, placing a hand on her shoulder while pulling the comforter of her sheets to her chin. Victoria mutely opened her eyes again, anger and grief mixed into a whirlwind joining. The chambermaid silently wondered what had happened to see such an emotion appear in the healer's eyes. Victoria's green eyes usually burned fiercely with confidence and irrevocable strength. Now that was all but diminished from her orbs, and was replaced with bitter shame and regret. She turned away from the elf and buried her face into her blankets. Had Ithlen not heard about what happened at Lomen yet? She could remember it all now. Any respect she may have gained from the soldiers of Eryn Lasgallen was gone. It was wrenched away from her like the sword that was taken in the depths of her nightmares. She could only imagine what they thought of the young girl now. Slipping all over a bar countertop, shrieking a poor excuse of a song to that certain blond elf.

Victoria could not even begin to think of what he thought of her now. Was she the same person in those azure eyes of his? What was he to think of her now that she had made an utter complete fool out of herself? How could this have happened? Why did it have to happen to me, she thought to herself. Her hands tightened on her comforter once more, her fingers barely feeling the fabric beneath her clammy skin. Nausea flared in the pits of her stomach while her head seemed to swirl about in a spinning dance. Did she really drink that much? How was it that a woman like herself could consume that much and not faint? She could almost taste the sweet wine filling her mouth again. As her stomach churned wildly, Victoria squeezed her eyes shut and whimpered softly.

"Aiya, I believe this is not a possibly good time to question you... I will return later. You get some rest now Victoria..." Ithlen said gently, the tone of her voice rather motherly. Victoria never had someone look after her like this elf did. Her 'parent' was not exactly the definition of a good mother. The pure healer could clearly remember the times in elementary school when opening her lunch box to find it empty. Or to wait outside of school on a rainy day for the ride home that would never come. And also the times on her forgotten birthday where she would sit alone in the dark house. Not a very good childhood, that is, Victoria thought to herself. But, now to have someone watch over you, and take care of you when you're sick. It was not only like having a friend, but also a mother. Mothers were the ones to take care of their children. Mothers were the ones to protect you and make sure you're all right. Mothers were the ones to love you and watch you grow up. Victoria thought all of this to herself bitterly, for she was deprived of those things. She looked up at Ithlen again who was fixing her sheets and fluffing her pillows. Opening her cracked lips, a wisp of a smile met her lips.

"Thank you Ithlen..." Victoria said softly. The chambermaid looked up, her eyes gentle. She blinked for a moment before she smiled warmly. It was smiles like that that she would remember always. It was like having an everlasting photo though with no camera.

"Lle creoso Victoria (Your welcome)" She replied. Then smiling once more, she turned and left the room to let the girl rest until her hangover passed. Victoria gazed up at the ceiling and sighed under her breath. She wondered what was happening at that moment on palace grounds. Would people go about their daily business and forget all about her? Would they not even think of that befuddled healer who slipped over table tops, shrieking like a mad woman who had just cracked? A sudden image of Legolas' almost embarrassed face came freshly to her mind. Scowling again, she swallowed slowly as she remembered the look of dread that passed over his fair features as she announced her song for him. If only the large bed which she lay disheveled and hung over in would somehow swallow her alive, she thought to herself miserably. Die, I should die right now, she grumbled.

But she could not let the burning embarrassment keep her hidden away in her chambers forever. There was training to be done. There was fighting to be practiced and perfected. She could not simply wallow there in bed feeling completely sorry for her self, no matter what she did the night before. Besides, how could she stay hidden in that one room forever? There was a whole world out there and just knowing it was there while she stayed tucked away would do no good. Sniffing softly, she moaned gently as she carefully lifted herself from the massive fluffy pillows. Victoria's head lolled onto her shoulder as her vision seemed to spin madly before her. The room shook and twirled as if being thrown about in an earthquake. Whimpering audibly, she clumsily swung her legs over the side of the bed. The hit of cold that met with her toes was shocking. She shivered violently as her skin made contact with the frozen floor. Winter was almost there no doubt. Soon the great forests of Eryn Lasgallen would be covered with a vast blanket of fluffy white snow. To fight in situations such as those, she would have to train. And that meant leaving the room and to face everyone. She never feared it before. There was no reason to start doing so now.

Willing any strength into her raw limbs, she lifted herself from the soft pleasures of her bed and wavered. She no longer could feel her feet from beneath her. The healer felt as though it was replaced with some sort of rubber, bending and waving unceremoniously. Victoria took another dip onto the roller coaster vision that was being led by her eyes. Her fingers groped for the long bed post, her arms curling around it like a life preserver. How was she to move around when she felt as though she were falling helplessly into an inescapable space? She grunted frustration and determination flooding through her. If only could push back the hands of time and stop what she did. Then of course she would not be in such a horrible position. When the room finally came back into focus, she took a baby step forward. Big mistake, she mumbled to herself as she slowly sunk down onto the cold floor. Her two slender and slightly shaking hands clasped against her painful head.

"You stupid fool..." She whispered to herself, her eyes still closed. Opening her eyes, her reflection from her mirror stared back at her. The image of her self seemed to have gotten up though while she still sat, sprawled on the floor.

"Get up you!" Her reflection barked at her. Victoria blinked and arched an eyebrow, but nonetheless stayed there rooted to the ground. Yes, she had definitely drunk too much last night. The mirror image of her self glared dangerously. Looking remotely stupefied, she could only stare back into the mirror.

"Did you, or did you not understand the words that are coming out of my mouth? Get up, you stupid worthless girl!" It screamed again. This time, the pure healer growled under her breath, wishing her conscience would just go away. But it never did go away. It was always there, ordering her around like a soldier in the worst of times. But it was the conscience that she needed at that time. The time when she was weakest most. A time when her backbone needed its spunk and wit rekindled.

"All right, all right... Sheesh..." Mumbling incoherently, she clumsily lifted herself from the floor, her hands and arms grasping the bed post. Her reflection was smirking with victory, her arms crossed. Yes, sometimes her conscience could be very well demanding.

"You see what you have done to yourself," The image scolded. "Do you even realize how hard you are going to have to train to earn that respect back? Did those damn thoughts ever occur to you when you were at Lomen wasting yourself away?" The reflection asked all of this very fast, making Victoria wince as her head spun. The pure healer shook her head stubbornly and glared again at her reflection. Once more she was receiving a scolding from the little voices that plagues her mind. She indeed had gone absurdly mad.

"Didn't think so... Well, come on! Get dressed! The hangover will pass soon. You get your poor excuse or an arse down on training grounds and train yourself! Who knows when war is going to start?" Victoria glanced at her reflection with a baffled expression. Very true... Who knew when war would start? For all they knew, the orc army could be approaching at that very moment. They could be lining up in packs across the plains, their foul, deranged noses searching for the scent of elf flesh. Why waste her time in her chambers when she could be out there fighting for honor. That thought made a very pleasant smile pass on her face. Her reflection suddenly grinned mischievously at her.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Get dressed, and go out there and prove yourself again!" It screamed, shaking a fist in the air. To this Victoria grinned and saluted, shaking the spinning out of her head. It would take a little while for the hangover to pass, but nothing that a good breakfast couldn't handle. Half walking, half stumbling, she made her way to the closet, puffing out her chest in confidence. She would show them. She would show them all. Especially him... Oh, would she prove to him that she was still that person willing to go headfirst into battle. Grabbing clumsily at the handle of her closet, she wrenched it open. Picking out a dark navy blue tunic, she pulled out matching breeches, a black leather jerkin and a small belt. Smiling down at the manly outfit and then glaring at a lone dress in the very back of her closet, she slammed the door shut while nearly tripping in the process. One step at a time dear, her conscience said to her.

Pulling off her nightgown, she slipped into her outfit, and then quickly pulled on her boots. It felt good to wear clothing of men, she often thought to herself. It made her feel almost stronger inside. Ignoring the nausea in her stomach, she slumped down in front of the mirror and began to pull a hair brush through the cloud of knots and tangles. Victoria had a hard expression as she gazed at the girl staring back. She had slight shadows under her eyes probably from the lack of sleep. There was determination in the green eyes. Would it last whence she head onto training grounds? Only one way to find out, she mumbled wistfully aloud. Finally fastening the belt tightly around her waist, she looked at her reflection again

"Looking good, Vic!" Her reflection hollered while raising her hand in a thumb up. Smiling gleefully, she then looked over to the small table at the wall where her sword rested. It called her name, tempting and teasing. Its sirens call told her to let it sing in battle. Letting a hand caress the blade fondly and delicately, she let her fingers close slowly around the hilt. An exciting electric shock ran through her hand and up her arm warmly. Lifting the feather like weapon from the table, a tendril of light danced across the wall as light caught the blade.

"Hello, my friend..." Victoria whispered. The sword was truly her friend. It was there when she needed it. It helped her in times of peril and toil. It was also saved her countless times. It was those things that made something or someone a friend.

Smiling with elation, she returned the blade to its sheath and flipped the strap of the sheath around her shoulder and fastened the clip. The weight of her trusty sword felt very good on her back, she noticed almost immediately. Well, this was it. She was going out to face the world, face the elves. Was she ready? Ready as she would ever be. Her chest heaved slightly as she took in a few ambivalent, uncertain breaths. Then with a surge of speed, forgetting about her slowly diminishing hangover, she wrenched her door open. It flew open, hitting the wall with the strength she had used. Closing it behind her, she sprinted down the dark corridor, allowing her feet to fly there freely.

What would they think? What would they do? Would she be treated differently? Like an Alien from another foreign planet? Flying past bends and intersections of the corridors, she galloped through the double doors of the kitchen. Cooks and servants looked up as she grabbed a nearby plate and began loading her dish with heaps of food. They paid her not to much heed, for she had become rather accustomed to coming into the kitchens and stealing a late breakfast. Brushing past white clothed elves, she left the kitchen, popping bread and eggs into her hungry mouth. She knew she should not be eating as much as she was doing since there lay a dormant nausea in her stomach from the alcohol. Brushing past the feeling, she ate her breakfast as fast as she could. Wiping her hands on her breeches in a matter that would give an elven lady a heart attack, Victoria finished up the last remnants of her late meal.

Victoria flippantly dropped her empty plate into the hands of an elf entering the kitchen doors while she brushed crumbs away from her mouth. Then surging forward, she made for her next destination... The training yards. She could almost hear the charismatic cries of combat and dueling. She could almost make out the sounds of metal coming in contact with metal and the whoosh of an arrow gliding through the air. Welcoming these familiar sounds, she pushed through a set of double doors and was enveloped into the light of Anor. Her reputation was about to make a big step either back or forward.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Squinting her leaf green eyes, she cupped a hand over her forehead while shielding herself away from the warm, blinding sunlight. Victoria opened her senses to the nature around her, taking in every smell, every noise. Finally adjusting to the sunlight, she walked in a steady, slightly nervous step. Elvish came around her in a flurry about her mind as she made for the training grounds. She could almost sense the fury and determination in the elves training. It made her all the more excited and lightened her mood.

"Time to do some major whomping." She said in her mind devilishly. Her hand strayed to the hilt of her sword and gave it an almost affectionate squeeze. It had been somewhat long since she last practiced. It was time she remembered the feel of the cool, smooth metal beneath her palm. It was time to train for what she had spent so long waiting for. With a confidant smirk, which was rather familiar, she continued her way. Victoria could see them in the distance. A tremor ran through her stomach, a million butterflies seemingly swooping about like eagles in the pit. She hated feeling like this. She never usually did feel like this.

"I'll be my regular self in no time." She said to her reassuringly. Flashes of brilliant blond hair seemed to glow in the sunlight, hitting them like gods whilst they moved in graceful strides. There long, slender legs pumped quickly, signs of muscles from underneath the thin fabric of there breeches. The smallest, almost faintest signs of sweat glowed on their fair heads. Glittering metal swished through the air, joined by the passing of golden feathered arrows. Yes, it was all very familiar to her, and rather comforting, she added silently.

Victoria turned away, her face shining with a brilliant scarlet when the sight of him came into view. Abruptly ignoring the commander, she raced over to the small rally, where a small line of elves stood. There faces were hard to read, eyes like stone. The soldiers' strong cheekbones seemed to be very tight from what she could see. Sneaking around the back, she made her way to the very end of the line hoping to go unnoticed. The elf standing tall and proud next to her gave her a quizzical eyebrow. But he remained silent nonetheless. Victoria sighed audibly under her breath in relief, and then looked to Legolas. He stood regal and grim, his handsome face hard with concentration. He was talking in elvish to them, not noticing the young woman at the very end of the line. The commander in war seemed to be giving them a rally speech, ordering and giving them commands.

Victoria listened, though she did not understand what was being said. Watching him made her think of her unpleasant night before. She could remember how he looked that night outside Lomen whilst he held her hands tightly, looking deeply into her eyes when she apologized. She had apologized like some small child who had just broke her mother's prized, antique vase. The pure healer knew that they would be close friends again, but there was a dormant argument that still lies between them. But she had no intention of awakening it.

"Now! We will run some drills and then report-..." Legolas stoped mid sentence. The hand that had been making motions as he spoke halted and seemed to float in the air. Victoria felt her blood freeze as his eyes locked onto her. The prince's sudden stop in speech must have caught their attention because now they turned to where his eyes lay upon. She could feel the change of air and mood. She could feel the appearance of smirks that passed onto some of there angelic faces. That urge of wanting to sink through the ground came over her. Victoria let out a breath as their eyes raped her, and stared at her as if she were some scientific specimen. Legolas looked very surprised with his lips gently open. The rest of them were either gazing at her curiously or smirking and coughing back elvish mutterings.

Feeling some rekindled courage flow through her, her eyes lifted from where they were set on the ground. Her eyes were caught with those impossibly blue trademark eyes.

"Victoria? What brings you to these grounds so early this morning?..." Legolas asked, with his hands folded behind his back while he ever so slowly approached her. She continued to stare at him, her fingers fighting to grab at the sides of her long tunic. Victoria could almost feel the sweat forming in between the lines and creases on her hands. But the lion reared its strong head in her heart and roared.

"I have come here to train, for I intend to survive this war." She answered briskly, her voice sharp. She could have sworn that he smiled. Did Legolas just smile, she asked herself. His eyes were twinkling with a familiar glint and she could have sworn that he had smiled very gently, almost faintly. All traces of it were gone though, his face composed of a pale, emotionless fighter. But as she finished her words, Victoria felt herself burn as snorts of derisive laughter came from the rally. Legolas who nodded abruptly at her answer and was about to turn away to address the line again of the commands, but halted. A sneering, cold voice spoke quietly from somewhere in the middle of the line.

"The prince and the girl are sharing a moment... How novel..." Said the voice. Both Victoria's and Legolas' head turned sharply to face the outspoken elf. He stood in the center of the line, his handsome lips turned into a rather cold smirk. The smirk however, disappeared rather quickly as the elven prince turned to look at him. Legolas, who was taller and bigger in built towered over the young, arrogant elf and glared dangerously down at him. The once smirking elf seemed to cower away from him, folding his hands to his chest in protection. Would the prince ever perform an assault? She highly doubted it, but that did not take away her doubts of the elf not receiving a well deserved punishment.

"Were you given permission to speak, soldier?" The prince asked his voice low. The elf apparently looked as though he regretted speaking immediately. Who would dare speak over a royal and commander?

"No, sire... But-." The elf answered, shaking his head quickly but was cut off by Legolas. Victoria watched all of this, a victorious grin on her lips. No one could talk to her and get away with it. He was still her friend and on her side. Perhaps no one would taunt her. Not to her face anyway.

"Silence! I will not have a soldier of my army making childish remarks under their breath when not supposed to be speaking." He bellowed, standing tall with those blazing, almost frightening azure orbs. The pure healer gazed on at the elf that was now trembling audibly. The other elves of the rally were standing tall and completely rigid, their eyes not even daring to blink. It was obvious that they wished not to have the same discussion that was taking place with one of their comrades. The soldiers all seemed to be identical, sharing the same fear and anxiety. Legolas was definitely a fire of the realm. A sweet, serene and caring man, but who could turn into an ultimate killing machine. He was spicy and sweet at the same time. A spiciness Victoria could almost taste.

"These times are perilous, and you are to be very cautious. I shall not hear any more rubbish from any of you, is that clear?" Legolas asked, turning away from the scarred elf and looking to the rest of the line. Rubbish. Yes, she had to call it rubbish. Any form of talk that might concern her and the elf prince was rubbish. Was it not? They were not together, that was obvious. But, there was something that was there that she could not blatantly ignore. Something that seemed to be coming back to her thoughts more often then ever.

"Now, partner up and combat until you hear the horn. Be off!" Legolas commanded. Victoria gave a silent sigh and her shoulders heaved gently. She turned to find a partner, elves brushing past her to find someone to fight. No one seemed to be taking notice of her, ignoring her like a small incompetent insect upon the ground. But the girl felt herself freeze when she felt a warm hand give her shoulder a squeeze. Turning her head, she was met with the sight of the prince's profile. A soft smile graced his features, his eyes staring off into the distance. He stood there for a moment, his warm hand impossibly hot on her shoulder. Then without a word, he let go and walked away. Victoria stared after him for a minute or two before she began to walk the edges f the training grounds looking for a partner willing to combat with her. The sword at her waist seemed to grow impatient, urges to be put to use spreading through it.

Finally, she spotted a lone blond elf standing near a group of trees, his back facing her. An elven blade was in his hand, twirling rather expertly between his long, slender fingers. He was standing alone, watching two of his other kin dueling. Taking in an encouraging breath, she strode across the grass toward him, her boots making a soft noise on the cushiony grass. Leaning over, she tapped him sharply on the back. He turned around, his blade nearly hacking off her arm. Victoria suddenly wished she had not tapped this stranger elf when he turned around. Her eyes narrowed fiercely as the remnants of a sneer began to grow on his face.

"Are you done sharing that utmost sentimental moment with the prince?" He asked, his arms crossing in front of his lithe chest. His ice blue eyes stared down at her, leering, joking. It was a look that she herself hated to see reflected at her. Balling her fists into balls, she took a step forward, her eyes glaring into his. He arched a rather annoying eyebrow, waiting for her to respond. Once more, Victoria wondered what it was that provoked an elf to make her life a living hell.

"I'm done, but it seems the prince settled that for you..." Victoria answered, a smirk playing across her mouth. She could see that his cheekbones tightened as he remembered that the prince scolded him only moments ago for his worthless comment. His pale fingers went an unnatural white as he griped his forearms. Victoria knew that was a blow to him. Crossing her arms delicately, she like him, waited to be answered. But she was not yet ready for what he was to say.

"You know, I heard about your rather amusing performance at Lomen last night. I'm surprised you and your big head are still not laying in bed suffering a hangover." He snarled, his eyes twinkling almost devilishly. Victoria's green eyes met his with sweet fury, slithering into narrow slits. Well, she was right. Someone did obviously remember that night before and heard about it. Like she thought, taunts were being given to her. She was about to remark but he did not let her.

"A shame, really, that I missed it..." The elf said wistfully. He continued, urged on by the alarmed look in her eyes.

"I heard all about your little heartfelt song for prince Legolas. It sounded quite sweet..." He went on, sarcasm rolling on the tip of his tongue. Victoria was beyond words. How could she have allowed this elf to go that far as to be sarcastic? When did elves become sarcastic anyway? Her fists were shaking now, her mouth in a thin line. Her fears were coming alive as she knew it. Her reputation was at stake, the respect she long wished for now quivering between the urge of staying and disappearing.

"You think you're something big, do you?" She asked, her voice slightly stuttering. He smirked cheekily and rocked back and forth on the balls of his booted heels. He said nothing, only gazed down at her with that maddening expression.

"What goes on between Legolas or anyone else is strictly MY business. Unless you don't want a mouthful of broken teeth, I would suggest that you shut up, pretty boy..." Victoria hissed. He arched a questionable eyebrow, his head slightly tilting to one side. This elf was as if feeding on the negative energy she was releasing to continue his ranting. His hand then went to the long curved hilt of his blade. Drawing it with a clean hiss, he let it get stroked by the rays of the sun. Victoria could already smell a challenge rising in the air. Her hand instinctively went to her waist where her own weapon was being held.

"Well, I would not want a mouth of broken teeth, would I?... But your suggestion is rather ill. Why not partner up, since it seems that is why you took the care to approach me this good afternoon. Though, it does strike me odd why a woman is on these fields." He said all of this is what sounded like one inhale of breath. Victoria's nostrils flared in indignation. Stupid pig, she screamed at him over and over again in her head. She suddenly felt like a great volcano, spilling over with smoldering lava. He had gone too far. This elf that still was unnamed to her had just cut through something that meant a lot to her. And that was woman's rights. Were men always the ones considered to do the fighting and protecting? Were the men the only ones allowed to wield a weapon? Not in my book, Victoria thought to herself with acrimony. Her eager fingers grasped desperately at the hilt of her blade and with a swift motion, she pulled it free from its prison.

"Why would a woman be on these fields," She asked incredulously. "I am here because I want to fight. I want to fight in this war. And most of wall, I want respect. If you won't give it to me or any other woman, then I'll just have to force it out of you." Victoria said a matter-of-factly. His eyebrows rose very high as if surprised with her answer. But as quickly as it formed on his fair face, it already disappeared and was replaced with that all together mocking smile. Stepping away from the tree he had been standing next too, he edged away from her while lifting his blade. Reaching over, he held out his hand for a fighting handshake. Glowering sourly at his hand as if it were some snake, the healer placed her hand into his. His fingers curled tightly around hers, squeezing. She glared at him as he crushed her hand but showed no sign of pain. She was not about to show him anything but the flash of her sword.

"My name is Orophin by the way. You, would be?..." He asked, his sentence floating away. Narrowing her eyes again, she adjusted her feet into nooks and crannies in the ground so she could keep her footing. Tossing her sword lightly from hand to hand so that she could flex out her fingers, she finally answered.

"Victoria, that's all you got to know." Victoria replied dryly. He nodded and bent his knees slightly in stance. Orophin held his blade in two hands, a pleasant almost comfortable smile on his lips. This angered her more. The towering rage inside of her was reaching its highest peak. An explosion burst in the back of her eyes. Bending a bit, she raised her blade and waited for him to make his move. He seemed genuinely surprised that she was allowing him first move.

"Oh, after you my lady... After all, ladies first..." The elf coaxed, his voice like running honey. Shaking her head stubbornly, she waited. He gazed at her for a moment and shrugged. Then in the blink of an eye, his blade was crashing down on hers. A jolt traveled from the metal of his sword down through hers like a current, her hands quivering at the blow. Wow, he's fast, she thought to herself suddenly. Barely being able to defend the blow, she gathered the strength back and took a swift swing at him. He blocked it quite easily, his feet barely needing to move. She could not let him be stronger then she was, even if he was. She had to overpower him, one way or another. Even for just one second. Ignoring another tremor that ran through her at his strong force, she attacked.

A small cloud of dust rose up from the ground as there feet moved about as if in a dance. Metal clashed as joined, hilts nearly crashing together. Victoria kept her face plagued of emotion though a headache was already forming in her head. She could tell he was using a good amount of strength, but somehow it seemed he was letting her off easy. That's when realization flooded through her. He pitied her. He did not believe she could beat him. Arrogant, sexist bastard! She screamed in her head. The small pores in her forehead seemed to be opening and creating small beads of sweat as she defended another blow, surging forward and giving him her own. They were moving in quick circles, Victoria using her other hand to steady herself from falling to the ground. Perhaps she acted too quickly from that hangover, she silently thought to herself. No! She would not let him create doubt in her. Rialan was a great teacher to her. He taught her how to be a winner. That's what she was going to be.

"No need to hold back!" She countered, glaring at him from there crossed weapons. He only arched a questionable eyebrow. Give me all you got, elf, she silently told him.

Ducking under his arm, she twirled her sword around and gave a great stroke with her sword. His eyes widened for a moment before he blocked her. Victoria's sword was heavy upon his, the girl slightly bearing her teeth as she put all her strength into her trusty blade. Orophin wrinkled his nose in concentration as he continued to fight. He seemed to take a new perspective and did not hold back anymore. A cry worked its way up into her throat as he plowed down on her. His blond hair was flying in frenzy behind his broad shoulders, the muscles in his arms taut and strong. Perhaps he was going to beat her. Wait, she could not think that now. It was too late to let those thoughts pester her mind like a cloud.

Her thoughts seemed to have laughed evilly at her as Victoria's heel caught a small inclination in the dirt of the ground. Before she could tumble onto her back, Orophin had her arms pinned behind her back, her sword pointing down on the ground. A sharp pain spread in her upper arm, his fingers grasping tightly. She could feel the beating heart from within his chest. Damn fool, she said to herself. It could not be over already. They had barely begun. Or had they?

"Caught like an insect in a spider web. A rather weak and fragile opponent you are, Victoria. Then again, Women were never meant to wield swords..." He whispered slowly into her ear. Flames splintered before her very eyes, the inner balrog rearing its ugly head. I know he did not just say that, she said in her mind. Oh yes he did, her conscience spoke from the heavy darkness. The sharp pain in her arm began to fade as he very slowly began to let her go away, lost and defeated. Before he could let out another breath, she rammed her back into his chest and pulled her arms free. Distracted, he fell onto the ground with a soft thud, his blond hair lying in a pool around his head. The elf's ice blue eyes were squeezed shut as a cloud of dust wavered in the ground. Gentle coughs filled the air but quickly subsided as he felt cold metal against his neck. Opening his eyes, he could make out the silhouette of a young woman towering over him, her eyes flaming with unconcealed anger. The fingers holding her sword were trembling.

"If I ever hear you utter such words like that again, then I shall quickly replace my blade from your neck to in between your legs..." She whispered somewhat huskily. Orophin felt his cheeks burn softly, his mouth pursing together tightly. Not wanting to lose a fight he started, he kicked away her sword and jumped back on his feet. Victoria dived to the ground for her fallen sword as he bought down his blade cleanly. It hit the ground beside her, while she rolled away, caking herself in dry dust and dirt. Their weapons met strongly again, the female slightly quivering under his strength. He was about to stroke the air with his sword again and reclaim his victory when a hand grasped his fist and pulled his blade away. Whipping around, he looked up to meet those intense blue eyes again. Dropping his sword to the ground with a loud clatter, he immediately bowed his head.

Victoria looked on in bewilderment as Legolas seemed to have immerged and saved her from defeat. What? No one was supposed to interfere. She could win on her own. The healer found that her arms were shaking silently as the last tremors of fighting rang through her. It felt good to battle again but not against someone as arrogant and fool headed as that elf. Legolas was speaking to him in fast elvish, his eyes rather wide. Sheathing her trusty sword, she came up beside the prince. Orophin glanced at her and then back into the face of his commander.

"Barbie boy, what's going on? Orophin and I were busy settling something." Victoria said, indicating at the elf with a cornering glare. Legolas turned to look at her, the fire diminishing from his orbs. He was silent for a moment as if still thinking deeply to himself.

"When I let my kin to practice, I meant practice, and just that. The way you two were battling was barbaric. Someone could have been fatally injured." He spoke quietly as to not distract the others combating nearby but loud enough to sound firm. Victoria looked down at her boots for a moment before nodding. Wiping the sweat from her brow she finally turned to Orophin. His eyes narrowed slowly. Thick headed, she thought to herself. It seemed to some blonds lived up to the expectation, she mumbled in her mind with a snort.

"Have I gained your respect now?... Let us shake on it?" She asked while holding out her hand. He looked down at her hand in disbelief before he smirked so wide that she thought his face might stretch.

"Respect? You have gained nothing more then becoming a pestering thought to my head." Orophin huffed, ignoring her hand. She could have gasped. A gasp certainly had arisen from her throat, but it was lost in the growl that came out instead. She was all lost. She had not a reputation to leave the training grounds with. Legolas, who had heard what he said to his secret loved one, was shaking his head in hard disapproval. Surging forward, her hands balling into tight fists, Victoria made a shot toward the stubborn elf. He will pay dearly, she said quietly. Even after a battle he did not gain any different thoughts of her. It was all for nothing. Legolas who had been standing beside her seemed to have sensed her actions and grabbed her arms, forcing her back. Meanwhile, Orophin just smirked slightly, thought it was more of a frown.

"You stupid, slimy, no good bastard. Just remember, pretty boy, you were almost beaten by a woman! You were almost beaten by me!" Victoria hollered, shaking a fist at him. The elf's tranquil features quickly turned to that of rage as he glowered at her. Legolas' hold on her arms tightened.

"That's enough, Victoria..." He said in a gentle yet definite firm tone. Victoria stopped and looked at the prince in utter amazement. There was no anger in her eyes, only wonder.

"I can't Legolas. I just can't. I can't just stand here when most of the male population of middle earth dominates in everything a woman could do. A woman could do anything as good as a man can. Its people like me that are the ones trying to prove it. Then, you let him diss me..." Victoria said somewhat loudly. The elven prince of Eryn Lasgallen stared at her for a moment. How unique and odd she was. A young woman who stood up for what she believed in strongly. Legolas had the feeling she would make great companionship with the lady Eowyn of Rohan. She was once a shield maiden for Rohan, strong in the belief that woman could wield weapons and fight in war. Though the lady was married to the Faramir, steward of Gondor and no longer took up a sword, her beliefs no doubt were the same. Yes, they would make great friends. Victoria was staring distantly out into the woods. There was a moment of silence before she broke it.

"Listen, I got to get out of here for a while. Don't wait up." She mumbled. Before he could say anything, she had run off, her sheath swinging next to her. The prince watched her go, his brows meeting in frustration. Throwing another disappointed expression at Orophin, he left to go check on the other soldiers, a few whom had been watching with interest.

Victoria stalked off away from the training grounds, promptly ignoring some sniggers that went her way. She needed to fly through the dense forest, letting her troubles be brushed off into the chilling wind. Her boots were loud and ungraceful as she ran to the stables. How dare an elf say that to her. How was a male like that supposed to get a woman when thinking things like that. For a moment she silently wondered why a woman was created the way she was. Was they always created to be weak and always second in line? The revolution of woman's rights was another world away from her now. But it was people like her in this world that had to become the next Susan B. Anthony. Throwing open the door to the stables; she was met with the stench of hay and dung. She could hear the grunt of the horses as they stirred in there stalls.

Stalking madly down the line, her eyes searched out each animal. Finally coming to the familiar jet black coat of Teleri, she opened the stall quietly. The horse was facing her, blinking softly. Smiling with a breath of relief she pulled a brush from a pail at his feet and ran it through his soft coat. The large body of the horse shone in the sunlight, the small diamond of white on his forehead radiating like a jewel. He seemed happy to see her, the steed nuzzling her back with its large head while she turned to fetch a carrot. Laughing softly she stroked his moist nose and sighed again. A good ride could take her mind off the troubles of the world. The troubles of men, war, and last night at the bar. Sensing her discomfort, the horse grunted gently.

"I really don't understand men sometimes, Teleri... No matter what I do, no matter how hard I try, they will always remain an utter mystery." The pure healer explained, petting the horse with thought. A rather annoying mystery, they are, she added. Teleri was listening, she knew that. Her foster mother always used to tell her that men were animals. They are always in there little world of armpit farts and belching, she would always say to her while looking in disgust at her foster dad.

"I mean, don't they understand that without us men would not even exist? It's all mad." Victoria huffed, her mouth forming a thin line. A sudden image of herself lying on a bed having a baby came to her mind. His eyes would be purest blue, or perhaps green like hers. He would also have the glimmering blond hair, like his father. If she had blushed so red before, then it was just a light pink compared to the deep scarlet that filled her cheeks now. It traveled down her neck heatedly. Uttering a hacking cough, she tried to push those images away, ramming her fist scolding into the side of her skull. Cursing under her breath, she hissed like an angry snake,

"Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!" She hissed to herself. Teleri was gazing at her with an almost sheepish expression, grunting with laughter. Snorting under her breath, she willed those images out of her head intent on never having them again. Suddenly disgusted with herself, Victoria reached up and swung one leg over Teleri's back. His tail flicked excitingly, apparently happy that he would be able to fly like a free spirit through the dense forest. Leaning down to suggest an apple near his mouth, the horse took it in appreciation while slowly walking out of the stall. Her heels barely touched his side, he already had set off.

"Let's get out of here. I'm sure you feel just as trapped as I do..."

The two galloped away out of the stables, nearly colliding with a familiar elf of the name Isil. He was about to call out to her in greeting but she already flew away toward the forest. Looking at her back as her form grew smaller and smaller in the distance, he made a dash to the stables. The elf knew that she was upset. Wanting to talk with her and do some riding of his own, he gracefully ran into the stall of his white horse and led it out. No sooner, he had already swung himself lightly upon its back and galloped away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Isil let out the softest of sighs, his hair rippling like a flag in the piercing wind. Victoria was a mere dot in the distance, his horse still working to catch up with them. The chilled wind of a close winter blew like a knife at his pale blue eyes. While the haunting, tall trees passed by him, his thoughts went to his days events. He had heard a rather exciting announcement by the king that afternoon. In a few weeks, almost a month's time, there would be a ball. It would be held in honor of the soldiers who would be fighting. After all of the realms constant and utmost grueling training sessions, he needed some merriment. He silently wished for the return of the summer and spring. It was in those two seasons that all elves could go deep in the forest and dance and drink the night away. But in the chill of autumn and winter, most elves kept to the insides. Elves were not affected by the temperature change but the nature surrounding them did. Merrymaking in the forest would no do well when the ground was frozen in snow and the trees bare.

He could make out Victoria's dark hair as she continued to ride away on the back of Teleri as if trying to escape. She seemed to be running from something, or someone. Whispering soft elvish in the ear of his white horse, he beckoned the beautiful beast to catch up with his friend. He had heard about the night before. The elf pitied her. He himself had gotten drunk for elves were known for there merry habits of drinking. But never had he jumped onto a bar counter and sung to the prince of the elvendom. Did she really feel anything for Legolas, he wondered. Perhaps it was just the alcohol but doubt on that swelled within him. Smiling softly, he thought about all the times he had caught his friend staring upon the lady. More of a warrior, Isil said to himself. The pounding hooves of her horse rung in his ears as he pulled himself from behind her to riding beside her. A weak, forced smile slowly came to her features as he caught her eye.

"What brings you out here, blonde boy?" She asked. Isil chuckled deeply at the nickname. Tilting his head slightly, he answered,

"It was the forlorn expression on your face." The elf replied truthfully. Victoria seemed surprised that he had known her mood. But it was probably written all across her face. Clutching the reins of her steed, so turned away from his eyes. Teleri slowed down a considerable amount, grunting at Isil's horse as if in conversation. The two rode side by side, the elf waiting her to speak. There was an awkward yet comfortable silence in the air. But it was thick enough for him to feel it. The girl seemed reluctant to speak. As if she was scared.. He gave her once over as she contemplated to speak or not. Her green eyes had bitterness in them that disturbed him. She was repetitively biting lightly down on her lower lip, her brows crinkled in thought. The delicate fingers grasping the reins of the black beauty were nervous as they switched the leather from hand to hand. Finally bidding her horse to stop, he leaned over and placed his large hand over her fidgeting ones. She looked up at him.

"Will you not speak?" Isil asked, his fingers curling around in a friendly embrace around her hand.

He could hear her heave a great sigh, the wind blowing up there hair. Fair locks mingled with dark locks. Victoria looked to be arguing with herself. Indeed she is troubled, he said to himself. He missed the real Victoria. He missed that mischievous pure healer who snuck around corridors, sniggering and planning her next scheme. He missed the girl who was as fierce as any man; perhaps even more for the thirst to prove her self was strong within her. No doubt he was gazing at the same Victoria, his friend. But something was happening to her. Something that not only could he see, but feel it as well. She was lost, needing to be found again. Compassion swelled in his eyes as he tightened his hold on her hand. She looked up at him. Victoria was someone who was always new to be cared about, comforted and even loved. It was nor only surprising for her, but also the person who cared about her.

"What has happened to you, my friend? You are here before me, yet you are also not..." Isil questioned, his eyes soft yet demanding answers. The elf watched as she bit the inside of her cheek, very obvious that she was contemplating to tell him or not. Whatever had happened to her he wanted to know. The girl was hiding away from her problems. But also was he. He was hiding away from the eyes of his beloved sister. He could not face her. He was going to accept the weapon smith, but how to admit defeat when his protection over her was still so strong? Isil could not help but feel that way. He was trying to ignore it, but it haunted him day and night like a constant prickle in the back of his neck.

"A warrior should not ever run from his or her problems." He said. Victoria whipped her head up to look at him, wonder in her eyes. She slowly nodded, her face frozen in what looked like amazement. Suddenly she was squeezing his hand with hers gently, a smile forming on her features. That all too familiar illustrious glint returned to her eyes, sparkling and glimmering like a star in the velvet sky. That elated and rebellious grin spread onto her features, making her seem young and innocent.

"Your right, Isil. I have been so worried about what everyone would think of me after last night. I was afraid that I would be nothing more then a mere woman in there eyes. A person who could not possibly fight in the war. I made an utter fool out of myself at Lomen. I turned to alcohol to escape my problems but only increased them..." She explained, realization filling her dazing face. Isil listened closely, his lips parted ever so slightly. But how could she think that? Sure, there were some now that doubted what she was capable of, there was always that person in the crowd. But there were also the people that stood behind her, knowing indeed that there was someone garishly strong. So what, she may have feelings for the prince. That was no ones business except those two. But Isil could not help but let a rather boyish smirk slither onto his face. What exactly was going on between his two friends?

Victoria was never one to fall in love with someone, let alone the prince of his kingdom. They had met and hated each other immensely, almost dangerously. The duo was constantly at each others throats, a single war between them. But, now everything was so entirely different. It was almost overwhelming in a sense. They came to one another's defense, spending more time together then anyone she had ever met. It was noticeable yet it did not stand out. Of course, when she did sing that song to him the night before, no doubt were they words of love. Had she meant them, he did not know. Questions started to fly. Was that maiden with the sword silently feeling for Legolas Thranduillion?

"I hope everything will work its way out in the end, Victoria," The elf began, still squeezing her hand with comfort. She nodded though it seemed she was still high and bothered. "And everything is alright between you and Legolas?" He asked bravely. The healer let out a hacking cough, almost choking on her sudden, sharp intake of air. She merrily laughed it very quickly. Too quickly, he noticed.

"Of course everything worked out. Legolas and I are still friends. He understands that everything I said and did last night was strictly because of the alcohol." Victoria rambled on, the fingers in his hand suddenly shaking. Her voice had cracked and had a small squeak to it. He almost laughed at that. Hit a nerve, the elf thought to him self airily.

"Why do you ask?" She suddenly asked. Isil looked back at her, struggling to not laugh. The blush was making its way onto her sour face. Her expression was very classic, he quipped in his mind. The horses' that which they sat upon seemed to be listening in on the conversation, and was now grunting in what seemed like unceremonious laughter. Victoria glared secretly at Teleri. The horse only laughed at her, his tail flicking her in the back. With a growl, she let out a sigh.

"Everyone is laughing at me." Victoria thought miserably in her jumbled head. Even Isil seemed too giddy to be certain. Laughter sparkled evidently in his eyes, though his face was not tainted by even a trace of a smile. But it was almost amusing in a demented sort of way. Looking back on what she had done in Lomen was kind of hilarious, she noted. Laughter started to build up in the pits of her stomach, her back slightly shaking. Isil was looking to the canopy of trees above his head biting down on his lips. This was that sensation of held back mirth he had acquired that day long ago at the dinner table in the dining hall. Two elven maidens began to rudely argue in audience view of their king, while Victoria made a very comical performance of their row with her puppet like hands. He himself had been the first to crack into laughter, he above all people. That had been the day after she had run away with their clothing from the lake. Thinking back to that made his face turn bright red.

Victoria was blushing up to the roots of her hair. A snort came out loudly from her nostrils, her shoulders shaking violently. The damn broke loose after that one snort as Isil buried his face in his hand and started to laugh. It was contagious, for she began to let out her mirth. The two beings sat upon their horses, laughing as if Sauron himself had come running along in a pink dress while asking for a spot of tea. The horses were shaking their heads almost sheepishly, suddenly feeling superior to their howling masters.

"My reputation is nothing anymore if I can laugh like that." Victoria breathed through her uncontrollable mirth. Isil's face was flushed in a delightful pink, his hand upon his chest, telling himself to breathe. Never had she felt so good in the past few days. She needed a good laugh. A laugh that could be shared with a close friend who was facing problems of his own. Suddenly feeling blissful and glorious, she looked over to her friend. He seemed to have enjoyed the laugh too, his lips in a comfortable, laid back grin. Out of no where, she leaned over and pulled the elf into her arms in a tight embrace. She could swear that he gasped in surprise. But he then wrapped his long arms around her, returning the friendship hug. Leaning up slightly, she whispered in his ear,

"Thank you, my friend."

"No, thank you..." He murmured back. They pulled away from each other, feelings refreshed. After everything, she was already looking entirely different to him again. The fire and mischief returned to her eyes, along with her regular old self. That aura of strength and determination flowed about her. But there was something added in her leaf green orbs. Caring, bond ship and perhaps even love. A love that was only for her friends and the people that stood by her. Maybe even love for a certain elf that Isil knew as new commander of war. Smirking broadly, two of them began to lead there horses back to Underground kingdom of Eryn Lasgallen.

~*~*~*~*~*~

~I don't give a damn 'bout my reputation

You're living in the past it's a new generation

A Man can do what he wants to do and that's

What I'm gonna do

An' I don't give a damn ' bout my bad reputation

~Oh no not me

~I don't give a damn 'bout my reputation

Never said I wanted to improve my station

An' I'm only doin' good

When I'm havin' fun

An' I don't have to please no one

An' I don't give a damn

'Bout my bad reputation

~Oh no, not me

Oh no, not me

~I don't give a damn

'Bout my reputation

I've never been afraid of any deviation

An' I don't really care

If ya think I'm strange

I ain't gonna change

An' I'm never gonna care

'Bout my bad reputation

~Oh no, not me

Oh no, not me

~An' I don't give a damn

'Bout my reputation

The world's in trouble

There's no communication

An' everyone can say

What they want to say

It never gets better anyway

So why should I care

'Bout a bad reputation anyway

~Oh no, not me

Oh no, not me

(Bad reputation, by Joan Jett)

~*~*~*~*~*~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Victoria pounded her fists against Rialan's talan door. It opened after a moment, a very confused weapon smith coming into the light. His eyes lit up as they fell on her as he quickly welcomed her to come inside. The pure healer had felt so much better now that she was healed of the night before. Isil had done wonders for her. It was a wonder what laughter could do. It could save you from all your fears and worries. As she entered Rialan's home, the grin played easily upon her lips. She was back! And better then ever, she added quietly to herself. She was refreshed, as if just taking a long nap after a hard battle. Slumping happily into a chair, she looked to her friend.

"Dark have been your days of late, Victoria. But it seems you healed in time." Rialan noted, a smile on his fair face. Nodding eagerly, the pure healer let out a deep breath. Nothing could taint her mood now. Not even Orophin. That big headed pig, Victoria hissed in her mind. She snorted with laughter as a sudden image of Orophin came into her mind with a curly pink pig tail. Rialan welcomed her mirth, the lightness of mood affecting him as well. Excited rushed through him. That same excitement that he had when seeing Ithlen. There was to be a ball. In practically a month's time! After the past weeks, which felt like it was usually droning on longer and longer, he needed merriment. The elf needed to laugh and dance, drink and feast. He wondered if his friend had heard the announcement.

"Say, Victoria?" Rialan asked suddenly. Victoria looked to him with questionable eyes.

"Did the announcement of late this morn reach your ears?" The weapon smith asked. Confusion filled her orbs, her hands falling into her lap. She did not hear about it after all. Victoria arched an eyebrow as she asked what announcement he spoke of.

"What announcement?"

"Well, in nearly a month's time there shall be a great ball. A feast that shall be spoken of for all ages!" Rialan exclaimed, a grin breaking out onto his face. Seemingly, the healer did not seem to share his enthusiasm. Her nose wrinkled, and the joyous glint in her eyes burned out as if being hit by a bucket of water. Her mouth turned up in an expression of disgust. The elf would have laughed at her expression had he suddenly remembered that it was indeed Victoria he was talking too. A young woman who hated the world of class and ballrooms. A girl who loathed the luxuries of gowns and dancing. The excitement of the announced feast lost its color.

"A ball? Sorry to burst your bubble, weapon smith boy, but I hate those kinds of things. They really cramp my style." She admitted sheepishly but not embarrassed. It was the truth. The last time she had worn a dress was the midsummer's eve celebration. Though she had an utterly fabulous time, she could have enjoyed it much better without the dress. Dress' were her sworn enemies. Feasting was not her idea of fun. Sitting at a table dressed like a noble while sipping wine and having caviar was something she was not used too, nor wanted to get used too. Frowning to herself, the happiness of her afternoon had diminished.

"Will you not go?" Her friend asked softly. Looking up at him and heaving a great sigh, she shrugged. Would she go, she did not yet know. She certainly did not want to go, that was a matter of obvious. Victoria did not even know what to do at those fancy parties. Though she would like the food, she knew not what to do at a grand feast in the company of the king. The last time she ate in the dining hall, she left most of the nobles lying on the table laughing after her comical performance. But the pure healer knew nothing of proper dining. I don't even know the difference between a damn butter knife and steak knife, she yelled in her mind.

"I don't know. I would probably mess up, knowing me. Listen, you know that I'm not a proper lady and all that. But, that's what makes me unique." Victoria declared proudly. Rialan glanced at her for a moment before beginning to laugh. That he knew already. A sudden image of Victoria dressed in a gown and burping at the dinner table in front of the king came to his mind. That vision caused mirthful tears to go to his eyes. She glanced at him before chuckling. That's when an idea came to him. Sitting up in his chair and brushing the blond hair out of his face, he spoke.

"What if I can teach you the basics of fine dining and ballroom dancing?" He asked. Victoria went silent for a moment before falling over in her chair laughing somewhat hysterically. Her face was red, her mouth open wide. Certainly a sight, he thought to himself. She truly needs lessons, he added while watching her roaring mirth. After a moment of her stupor passed, she sat dazed in the chair chortling. Victoria looked up at him, her eyes wide.

"You were joking right?" She asked. Rialan looked baffled for a moment before slowly shaking his blond head. The smile slowly faded from her face and her hands went limp at her sides. He was serious.. Teach her how to be a lady? That was so horribly preposterous and grotesque, that it was almost funny. The color drained from her face as she took in his suggestion. Teach her to be a lady? Teach her how to be fancy and go to dinner parties? He just had to be jesting. But alas, the elf was not. The seriousness of his question caught her off guard. Could she, Victoria, the unladylike monstrous woman pull it off? An image of her self drinking tea with her pinky finger jutting out came to mind. That image was followed by her self daintily poking a napkin at the corner of her mouth after eating. Snorting yet again at herself, she decided to speak and not leave the befuddled elf in the dark anymore.

"Let me get this straight? You want to teach me all the basics of being a lady?" He nodded.

"You do realize that if I did learn how to be a lady, your lessons would probably last a little less then an hour before hell breaks loose?" She asked, quite a matter-of-factly. He nodded again, a smile coming to his face. Victoria looked to be pondering for a moment. What would Legolas think if she acted like a proper lady? Wait! You're not supposed to care what he would think of you. He is supposed to like you for who you are. Then again, she would enjoy the look of surprise she would receive. An evil snigger worked its way up her throat. Then much to Rialan's surprise, she nodded. Though the lessons would be put to such little use, it was worth seeing their reaction, she realized.

"You will do it? Perfect! Utterly perfect. Come, we shall begin right now." Victoria was in a state of bewilderment before inwardly shrugging to herself. If he wanted to start now, he could start now. This elf was not only her trainer in the arts of weaponry, but now in the works of being proper.

"This shall be rather interesting..."

"Oh, it will be..." Victoria quipped.

A half hour later, Rialan had moved the little furniture he had around his talan so that they had more room to have. Something like a classroom. The elf would teach her everything she could think of. To walking gracefully and dancing, to table manners and language improving. This would be hard work, he whispered to himself. He loved Victoria. Honestly, he did. She was like a sister to him. But the way she acted sometimes, he rather thought she did it on purpose. But later on, it would prove that she didn't do anything on purpose.

Now, Rialan stood next to Victoria with a smile on his face.

"I shall teach you the proper way of walking." He began. Her face screwed up in offensive confusion, her hands shooting to her fists.

"What may I ask, is wrong with the way I walk? I think I walk fine!" The healer huffed, her eyes narrowed. Rialan rolled his eyes and heaved a sigh. Yes, this would a lot of work indeed, he thought to himself. It was going to be like teaching a baby how to swordfight. Stepping away for the girl, he spoke.

"I do not call this walking." He replied. The elf walked across the room, his shoulders shaking from side to side, his footsteps heavy like a march. Victoria squealed with high pitched laughter at the way he imitated her walk. Though she did not like to admit it, he did a rather good impression if not an exact impression of the way she usually walked. But Victoria found that the way she strutted made her look more confidant. That was usually the way she felt. Her thoughts where interrupted however by her professor.

"Stalking is not supposed to be your motive while walking. Woman are supposed to be graceful and sort of glide across the floor." With that said, the weapon smith walked the same distance across the room, his eyes up without looking to the floor. His feet barely touched the ground and he sort of flew like an angel. But nonetheless Victoria began to snort as she watched his performance. Were men supposed to walk like that, she thought to herself giddily.

"You know, I would not find it a good thing if a man knew how to walk like that..." She said. Rialan halted from what he called a 'proper walk'. It took him only a moment to see what she was implying before glaring at her. Turning away, he did the walk again while ignoring her cackling. Jabbing a finger in her direction, the elf motioned for her to do it.

It took all of her own will to not fall to the ground laughing like a hyena as she attempted to glide across the floor. Her boots dragged across the ground, her arms flying out at her sides as if dancing. Like I'm going to be able to do this crap, she thought to herself. Rialan who was watching her fiasco groaned in a un-elflike way.

"Now it looks as if you had spent another night at Lomen." He said. Victoria glared dangerously at him, not wanting to be reminded of the night before. Turing haughtily away from him she walked across the room, again, trying to be graceful. It ended in a split second as she found herself lying face first on his floor. The pure healer lay sprawled across the floor while Rialan who had been watching his pupil started to chuckle deeply. She was hopeless. Peeling her off the floor, the weapon smith patted her back as she grumbled and rubbed her nose.

"I think that I should be wearing protective body gear while trying to pull this walk off." She grumbled as she tried to glide again. What was the point of her going to the ball anyway? Though it was to honor the soldiers fighting in the war, she still did not want to go. What if she made a fool of her self? Mentally slapping herself, Victoria reminded that she was not to worry anymore. Her reputation was free to go any way it pleased as long as it remained in check and under control. But worrying about it would only lead her down that familiar path of misery and self pitying.

"I think that in time you will be able to walk gracefully, my friend. Let us move on to table manners. Luckily when you came, I was about to sit down to a glorious dinner. Come, sit down and you shall learn."

Victoria followed Rialan to a small table that had small plates of food upon the surface. Her stomach growled painfully at the sight. She was about to slump herself into a chair and begin wolfing down her food when she felt no chair under her. Crashing to the floor with a loud 'oomph' she looked up to see Rialan towering over her with a worried expression. No doubt, a gentleman was supposed to pull a table out for his lady. Pulling herself off his floor for the second time, she sat herself down.

The elf sheepishly pushed her seat in and then sat him self down. Victoria watched in an amazed manner as the elf carefully took his napkin and placed it carefully upon his lap. She followed in suit and snapped her napkin open before placing it on her lap. Much to her utter dismay, it slid off her thighs and under the table.

"Wait one moment, dude." She murmured before bending over and reaching under the table for the napkin. As her fingers grasped it, she leaned up. A bit too fast, he noted. Before she could stop herself, Victoria's head crashed onto the table, causing her to drop the napkin as she smacked her hands over her head. From across the table she could hear Rialan heave a great exasperated sigh. Rubbing the already forming bruise on her head, she looked to him with a glare for further instructions. The elf looked completely confused as if wondering what it was that caused her to keep messing up. Attempting to ignore it, he motioned to the set of different knives.

He's more of a bloody woman then I am! She screamed in her head. Victoria could only hear the elf's voice in the back of her mind as she stared longingly at the heaps of food set out before her. She could almost feel the drool come out of the corners of her lips as she gazed. Rialan's 'bla bla blas' in her mind seemed to get louder though.

"Victoria, are you listening? By the Valar..." He whispered under his breath. Victoria grinned and then clasped her hands together.

"Could we eat now?" She asked. Heaving a sigh, he finally nodded. Frowning in disapproval as she gave a loud whoop, he straightened his back as he prepared to watch her eat. He had told her to eat slowly and what knifes she was to use and not use and certain times. But he could not shake the dreading feeling in the pit of his stomach that she had not been listening very well. His fork stopped half way to his mouth as he watched her.

Victoria gulped down a sip of wine, slamming her goblet down on the table loudly. Picking up the closest fork to her, she ignored the fact that Rialan scolded her for using her butter knife. Using the fork like a dagger, she tore up the piece of steaming meat on her plate as if killing an orc. The elf was watching her with astonishment as she grasped the chicken in both hands and brought it to her mouth. Her mouth tore at it savagely, grease seeping down her hands. The forks went forgotten next to her. Apparently the meat was too hot, or maybe it was because it was greasy, because it flew from her hands and fell onto the table next to her plate. The girl all not surprisingly shrugged and picked the chicken off of the table and began to eat it roughly. Rialan's mouth remained hanging open as she slurped her soup, broth running down her chin. Not bothering to wipe it away, she seemed to forget about the napkin he had given her and wiped her hands on the top of her breeches. As she continued to wolf down her food, any sort of appetite left the disgusted elf opposite her. The fork fell from his hand, his fingers still in mid air. For the first time since she began eating, Victoria noticed his expression.

"What? Anyway, that was a great-!" The healer's sentence was cut short as her mouth flared open and let out a belch that seemed to shake the entire talan. Rialan listened as the birds outside his window stopped chirping and went into a deaf silence. He was all too sure that any elf within a ten mile radius had heard that and was wondering if a dragon had flown by. How did a lady do that anyway? He was for sure that only men had the talents and guts to belch like that. Even I cannot produce belching like that, he thought to himself and rather proudly at that since he thought it very unbecoming. About to give her a lecture, he gasped at what she did next.

Victoria opened the top button of her breeches, and leaned back in her chair while patting her now full belly. Looking at his completely appalled reaction, she snorted. She suddenly reminded him of the humans he saw in a bar one day. They too had done the same thing.

"Better out then in, I always say..." With that, she leaned heavily on the back two pegs of her chair. The weapon smith closed his eyes in frustration as her yelp filled the room and her chair took a dive backwards. She lay on her back, looking at the ceiling with wide eyes as the elf slammed his head on the table in front of him and left it there. Is it possible for a woman to be like this, he thought to him self? Obviously, for she was still there across from him, pulling her messy self off the floor. She was certainly one of a kind, he knew that. Though he found nothing at all endearing about what she had just done at his table, he could not help like the fact that she was different from any of other female that he met. It gave him a strange sense of peace. A sense of peace? Now he knew he was mad.

Lifting his head from the table, he looked over at her. She was picking at her food again with her face flushed a gentle pink. He almost jumped in surprise as she suddenly spoke.

"I guess I am receiving a failing grade in dinner manners and fine dining?" She asked with wisps of a grin. Giving a laugh, he raised his goblet to her. He could not help but laugh. It was almost against his will. No sense in being serious at this point, he said in his mind.

"Most definitely." Rialan replied. The both of them looked at each other for a moment before bursting out into laughter. Victoria felt relieved that he was not angry with her for not trying to be a lady. It was all worth it just to share another great laugh with another great friend. The two of them both leaned back in their chairs, hefting there long legs to rest on the table in front of them. The lessons were not over but for now they would have fun. Bringing their goblets together, the two companions mirthful laughs filled the air and wavered outside the window.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A/N: Finally done!!! I hoped u guys liked that one. I was actually imaging myself doing some of things she was doing and kept laughing. That was my longest chapter yet! Hope u liked!

Oh and read my begginging chapters, only if u want to of course

Namaarie!

Ps. School starts in an about a week! Ick! And I got my TTT dvd WHOOT!