Reasons Unknown

by grixx

Young Alex literally walks into Middle Earth. An innocent girl looking for adventure inadvertently changes her life forever and uncovers there is more hidden truth to discover than what she originally thought for reasons unknown. Serving a little dose of mary sue once in a while. Legolas is slightly OC. 10th and 11th walker.

19. Chapter 19

disclaimer: i do NOT own anything.

enjoy!

Chapter 19

Death is the permanent, irreversible cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism. The remains of a previously living organism normally begin to decompose shortly after death. Death is an inevitable, universal process that eventually occurs in all living organisms.

Death is generally applied to whole organisms; the similar process seen in individual components of a living organism, such as cells or tissues—is necrosis. Something that is not considered a living organism, such as a virus, can be physically destroyed but is not said to 'die'.

As Alex tried to recall her studies when she took biology and anthropology as minor subject during her college years. It was an elective offered and though it had nothing to do with her major at the time, her curiosity was piqued at the subject of human behavior, and death.

Bodies of fallen soldiers, both man and elf alike where lined up at over the valley. Everyone at Helm's deep gathered for the funeral procession to be offered for the fallen. King Theoden, along with the rest of his escort, with Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli returned last night after facing Saruman and demanding retribution for the fallen and dead that littered not only in Helm's deep but the ransacking of the Westfold.

Alex could not remember a time she had last attended a funeral. Her own father's passing was barely a blip in her memory seeing as she was barely a child at the time. Looking over the vast terrain and the bodies, Alex bowed her head to offer a silent prayer, as silent cries of despair the only sound surrounding them.

It is possible to define life in terms of consciousness. When consciousness ceases, a living organism can be said to have died. One of the flaws in this approach is that there are many organisms that are alive but probably not conscious, for example, single-celled organisms. Another problem is in defining consciousness, which has many different definitions given by modern scientists, psychologists and philosophers. Additionally, many religious traditions, including Abrahamic and Dharmic traditions, hold that death does not or may not entail the end of consciousness. In certain cultures, death is more of a process than a single event. It implies a slow shift from one spiritual state to another.

Alex felt Paul shift beside her. The countless wounded that still lie along the walls of the keep, and those who are deemed knocking on death's door had been moved to a cabin not too far from the keep. Alex felt a hand engulf her own and turn to see Legolas' hand. His face blank of emotion except for his eyes that conveyed sadness and gratitude for the fallen elves who sacrificed their life for the race of men. The gravity of the effects of war clear as her eyes scanned over not only the fallen bodies but the devastation left. Feeling hot tears escape her eyes as she remembered the bodies of boys too young to witness the horrors of war and her heartbreak when Haldir's body was brought along the fallen elves, had caused her panic and severe anxiety. Her silent sobs of sadness and despair over the loss of life and the callousness at how it was taken.

Was war always like this?

Other definitions for death focus on the character of cessation of something. More specifically, death occurs when a living entity experiences irreversible cessation of all functioning. As it pertains to human life, death is an irreversible process where someone loses their existence as a person.

In society, the nature of death and humanity's awareness of its own mortality has for millennia been a concern of the world's religious traditions and of philosophical inquiry. This includes belief in resurrection or an afterlife, reincarnation or rebirth in some religions, or that consciousness permanently ceases to exist, known as eternal oblivion.

"Where do they go?" Alex did not even recognize her own voice.

"Halls of Mandos. After a certain period of time and rest, their fëar are reincarnated in hröar that looks very much like their own before they died." Legolas calmly whispered, his eyes watching over the bodies of the fallen elves. Filwen and the rest of the elves sent by Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel are to leave after the funeral rites. The bodies of the fallen elves will be burned instead. The race of men had their own last rites of entombment but due to the sheer number of their dead, King Theoden had opted to have their bodies burned to ease the burden as everyone was instructed to leave for Edoras as soon as the rites were completed.

"What about for the race of men?" Alex had to trample down her unease at referring to her own race from a third person point of view. It was not the time nor the place to point out the obvious that she maybe be mortal but she did not felt entirely like she belonged or be categorized in a singular race, especially in this world. Remembering the world where she came from. A world where society worked hard at blurring lines and redefining and obliterating gender and racial profiling and discrimination.

"I do not know. But I chose to believe their souls go somewhere where it will rest for all time." Legolas whispered, his hand giving Alex's own a squeeze.

"Well, in our world, one religion taught about heaven and hell." Paul muttered, having heard the silent conversation. "When we die, our souls are judged by our actions when we are still alive. Good deeds are rewarded with a welcome in heaven, while those who did bad are punished in hell for all eternity. I have never been much for religion." Paul paused his eyes glanced over the burning bodies, "But I'd like to believe in a much more powerful singular being watching over us. These men and elves sacrificed their life for others and I think it warrants them a celebratory welcome in my heaven." Bowing his head and offering a silent prayer as the last of the bodies burned. The rest of the mourning crowd that had gathered slowly left, leaving Gandalf and the rest of the fellowship.

Alex bent to pick up a flower, remembering the white flowers that littered the late Prince Theodred's tomb. "To see the world in a grain of sand, and heaven in a wildflower. Hold infinity in the palm of your hand and eternity in an hour." Her soft voice wafting with the wind as the flower flew from her palm towards the bodies that were still burning. Alex felt Legolas' stare, his eyes a mix of curiosity and fondness. "William Wordsworth." smiling sadly over him and looking back out the field.

"That was beautiful." Legolas commented remembering how Alex used to quote great authors when she was younger. His memory turning fondly at a young Alexandria quoting word for word Utopia and giving him and Aragorn an unscheduled lecture on good governance. "You were always fond of the written words and books since you were little."

Alex felt herself smirk and feeling the burden of sadness lift a little from her shoulders. "I still am." Giving him a sidelong glance and a wink.

"Milady?" Alex turned seeing a small boy and the old woman who had assisted her back in the caves. The sound of the old woman's pleas still ringing clear in her ears.

"Yes—?" the slap cut Alex off abruptly, the sound ringing loudly over the terrain garnering the attention of a few who stood by. The boy muttered a quick apology seeing as Legolas tensed immediately, trying to pull his grandmother away, but the old woman continued. "You killed him." The old woman's frail voice hissed in contempt, her eyes accusing and angry as it pierced Alex and rooted her to her spot. "You killed my grandson."

"I am so sorry—" Alex began her head hung low as regret and guilt battled within her.

"You killed my grandson. You are quick to help the elves, but not your own." Alex felt Legolas move beside her attempting to shield her from the old woman but Alex held him back. "It's alright Legolas. I'm alright."

Seeing the hand of Alex in Legolas' own seemed to anger the old woman more, "Elf-whore." She hissed before turning around and leaving. Alex turned her eyes to Legolas who swiftly moved to inspect her reddened cheek. "I'm alright. Don't let her age fool you. She has a mean right hand." Alex tried to move her cheek and opt for light humor but the rest of the fellowship was watching her steadily. "I'm okay. She needed someone to blame. I can take it."

"Did you really kill her grandson?" Paul asked quietly not wanting to attract anymore attention.

"He was already dead when she brought him to me. No CPR can bring him back."

Paul was about to ask Alex about the CPR when they were interrupted by Filwen. "Your grace, we're leaving." Legolas turned to Filwen, nodding his head in thanks and gazing over the remaining elven army with gratitude in his face. One elf from the line limped forward, on his side where the two elves who Alex recognized. "Your highness," the limping elf bowed ignoring the pain as his stitches pulled at the movement.

"Just 'Alex'." Alex moved to pull the elf to stand. "Thank you for saving me, milady. I will sing songs about your bravery."

"It was just CPR. Nothing more." Alex gave the elf a ghost of smile, who returned it.

"What you did was a miracle. I owe you my life." The elf bowed before leaving. Filwen moved to stand in front of Alex to bid his own farewell but was startled when Alex pulled him in for a hug. "Thank you." Alex murmured. Giving Filwen a genuine smile. "For saving my life."

"It was my honor, your highness." Filwen shrugged his shoulders making Alex glare playfully. Filwen moved to hug Alex one last time and whispered in her ear, "He's a handful. But I don't doubt you can handle him." Giving Alex a wink and moving his eyes playfully over Legolas who heard the exchange and gave the elf a glare. Filwen managed a silent chuckle and moved to bow to Legolas. "Your grace."

Legolas acknowledged the elf with a nod. Clasping Filwen on the shoulders and giving him a smile of thanks. "Friends?" Filwen offered, his smile mischievous as Legolas' eyes widened a fraction before composing himself, his eyes flickering to Alex's—who's head was inclined in confusion—and back to Filwen with a murderous glint in his eye. Pursing his lips and nodding to Filwen. The elf smiled graciously before turning to follow the line of elves who had started to leave.

Alex sneaked a peek at Legolas whose eyes was still trained over the departing of elves. "You want tell me what that was all about?" A mischievous and curious glint in her eye.

Legolas looked uncomfortable, clearing his throat. "Nothing." Before pulling Alex to head back to the keep. Preparations for the travel back to Edoras had already started.

The night had fallen when King Theoden decided they had to stop for camp. They were halfway on their travel back to Edoras and Alex and Paul along with the rest of the fellowship decided to make camp among the citizens of Rohan. Merry and Pippin were among them, regaling them tales of their adventures while in Fangorn Forest, and the ent they met named Treebeard. It was a touching reunion between Alex and Paul and the two hobbits. With Paul being a little more emotional at seeing his friends. They had indeed formed a bond in the time they had travelled together. Their love for merriment and drinking a common shared interest between them.

The earlier solemn mood had almost seemed non existent as the people all around them seemed giddy with unspoken excitement. Laughter was heard and the children played freely around them. Victory was being celebrated and the people of Rohan felt much safer that Rohan knights are now traveling with them.

Gimli was taking a drink from an ale that Alex had no idea where he got from. While Gandalf and Aragorn are deep in talk as always, while Merry, Pippin are bothering Gimli about where he got the ale. Alex moved to sit beside Paul who sat silently staring off in the distance. Following his gaze, Alex spotted a ruggedly handsome blond knight. His face contorted on concentration as he pulled the needle, with the thread poking out of the skin. He was facing his armor, shined to provide a reflection of what he was trying to accomplish. "Is he fixing his face by himself?" Alex asked pulling Paul from his trance. Both oblivious as the rest of their friends watched them in humor and fascination.

"Yep."

"Why?" Alex asked incredulous as she spotted Eowyn chatting not too far away.

"To turn me on…" Paul trailed off, his eyes glued to the knight. Alex moved her eyes again, watching the knight in rapt concentration. "His name is Eomer." Aragorn offered amusedly, pushing a mug of ale Paul's way who managed a thanks but his eyes never leaving the man he was watching. A bewitched look gracing Paul's features. "Eomer…" testing his name and dragging the 'r' sound making Alex snicker and shaking his head, "Nope. Too formal." A mischievous glint appearing in his eyes as a thought came across him. "He needs a nickname."

Alex laughed beside him, her smile contagious as the rest of the fellowship listened in on them in amusement. "What? Like a 'Mclabel'? Are we going to go all Grey's Anatomy now?" Alex's eyes widening a fraction as Eomer grunted, her eyes moving towards his arm, the muscles moving in time as he moved the needle and thread. "Oh I get it. This is like a Mark Sloan moment." Her tone dreamy as her and Paul continued to stare. "McSexy?"

"No." Paul grunted, his eyes studying the fine specimen sitting ahead, a little far off away but situated just right in his line of sight. "McSteamy is already taken and so is McDreamy. How about 'McHottie'?

"Oh yeah. There it is." Alex smiled, both her and Paul moved in sync as Eomer pulled the last stitch, standing up and stretching his arm out. "He's Eowyn's brother right?"

"What?!" Paul moved his startled eyes towards Alex. "Yep. So that makes him royalty. Being the King's nephew and all." Alex supplied.

"Oh, I wouldn't mind being knighted by his royal sword." Alex erupted in laughter at Paul's declaration. Alex's gaze moved to the rest of their friends and with horror found them all to be looking at them, shocked. "What? We're from another world. We are allowed to see fine in every race."

Gimli looked torn with wanting to agree and being confused. While Aragorn tried to hide his smile by drinking from his mug. Legolas looked amused, however, and seemed unbothered by Alex openly admiring another man. The months they had all spent together told him that this type of conversation between Alex and Paul occurred frequently. He cannot be bothered with their admiration over the Rohan Knight. His anger however was directed at this so called mortal he had yet to meet, the mortal who had claimed to be betrothed to his wife.

All of a sudden, guilt crept up from the recesses of his mind. Recalling Filwen's earlier jibe and offer of friendship. It was stupid of him to assume that Alex would not pick up on it, but she did. Her perceptiveness at this particular moment is certainly making his goal of winning her seem even more challenging. "So, care to share what was that with Fil all about?" Alex asked startling Legolas who raised an eyebrow in confusion at who Alex was talking about. "Filwen." Alex clarified her gaze expecting and curious as she waited for Legolas to share.

When Legolas continued to remain silent, Alex squirmed in her seat. Had she offended him? Maybe she was too forward. Feeling embarrassed by her decision to ask about it, Alex tried to sneak a glance finding Legolas deep in thought, his eyebrows furrowed and his lips pursed. It clearly did not concern her so why was she asking? Maybe it was personal and private. Hadn't she tried to play it off that she did not want anything to do with him? "I'm sorry." Alex blurted out startling Legolas again. "I shouldn't have asked. You don't have to answer, it's really none of my business." Alex tried to stand but felt his soft touch on her arm.

"I slept with his wife." Alex's eyes almost bugged out of her head. Paul who was beside her, spat his drink out not intending to overhear that part of their conversation. Aragorn's head whipped around so fast Alex thought he might snap his neck. Alex tried to think of something to say to that. Shocked, bewildered, amused but not angry fluttered in her mind. "I see I have effectively silenced you." A humorless laugh escaped him at the thought.

Legolas' mind running a thousand miles a minute. The logical part of him debated that he could've stayed silent. He could've ignored the question. He could've lied. But his heart spoke louder. Alex will eventually find out. His heart chose honesty.

"His wife planned it all out and I went with it. I was young and selfish and arrogant."

"How…" licking her dry lips and forcing her scrambled brain and mind into some form of thought process. "How old were you when this happened?"

"Five hundred." He muttered, making Paul choke on his drink and Alex looking green. "Holy fuck. How old are you now exactly?!" Paul sputtered out while Alex continued to stare at him in awe and disbelief.

"Two thousand nine hundred and thirty one." speaking softly, slightly amused by the faces of Paul and Alex. He was not planning on an interrogation but seeing that everyone was light and happy with their recently acquired victory, he went along with the jovial mood. What he was not expecting was for Paul to turn on Alex and give a rather impressive nod.

"I remember my Nana saying something about elves being immortal. I just didn't think it was…really?" Alex muttered dazedly her eyes studying Legolas' seemingly handsome face. His face that bellied the truth that he was already almost three thousand years old. He only looked to be a few years older than her.

With her comment, it was Aragorn's turn to choke on his drink. The action going unnoticed by everyone at camp. "Wow Alex. Nothing says 'Daddy Issues' than being married to a freaking three thousand year old elf!" Paul laughed clearly amused by this new information, allowing Aragorn the perfect diversion as everyone's attention now seemed to listen in on Paul. "So when you say 'forever'—?"

"I mean it." Legolas' tone held no room for argument. His gaze firm staring at Alex who suddenly felt the intensity and the meaning behind what he said down to her bones.

Alex was still silent and was still as a statue during the entire exchange. She knew the names of the elleths but she never knew the situations behind those names. Hearing him admit one now made her sick to her stomach. "But he offered you friendship…I..I don't understand?"

His hopes were dashed as soon as Alex asked the next question. Now it was his turn to feel like a gaping fish out of water. Understanding dawned on him at how his father must have felt all those years ago when he confronted him about Alex's disappearance. Bracing himself for the grave he dug deeper for himself, "Filwen slept with my intended. I knew what they were doing the entire time, so when his wife made the proposition, I took her up on it."

"Wife?"

"Enyelwen." Legolas answered straightening his back and preparing himself to Alex's reaction to that name. He was already made aware of what Enyelwen did and it did not make matters easy that Alex could still recall the necklace he gave her all those years ago and flaunted it in Alex's face.

Alex's mind was a jumbled mess. Her brain scrambled to keep up with the barrage of information spiraling toward her in advancing speed. The only word that seemed to make any sense to her was 'intended'…he was engaged?

"I was." Legolas answered startling Alex.

"I said that out loud?"

A smile curled up on the side of his pink lips, "You did." Feeling relief wash over him that Alex seemed to be taking it lightly. But that relief was short lived as Alex whirled around, fury taking on a human form.

"You were engaged?!" This startled their entire camp and the rest of them turned to listen.

"Alex—" Legolas was cut off with a smack on his arm. His eyes betraying the amusement and slight irritation that Alex had just hit him. He was just about to retort when another smack jostled him.

"After all the shit you put me through about Tom. You're telling me—just now—that you were also engaged?!" Without so much as a warning, Alex punched Legolas in the arm.

The action causing the elf to pause in surprise. His eyes studying her in concealed mirth, her face flushed in furious anger, her lips pursed in contempt and barely controlled rage. In that moment he found her tempting and irresistible. And oh so beautiful. Arrestingly so at close range, with her glossy dark almost raven hair spilling over her shoulders and back in masses of waves and curls, contrasting vividly with her glowing alabaster skin, brilliant emerald eyes, and soft, rosy lips. In comparison with the pale blondes he remembered, who were usually the 'Acclaimed Beauties', Alexandria was incredibly more alluring.

Far from the thin, pale, naive girl he remembered which at that moment already felt so long ago. "Meleth, that was a long, long time ago."

"You don't get to call me that." Alex hissed, "Who was she? And where is she now? Why didn't you tell me about this before?"

"Alex, slow down." Paul interjected unable to hide his amusement. "Are you jealous? That was—what—two thousand years ago?"

This seemed to have shocked Alex into silence yet again. Her cheeks turning pink at her embarrassment and horrifying realization. "I…I'm not! I..mean, who's side are you on?"

"Alex—"

"You know what, never mind." Raising her hand to effectively silence her friend and standing up looking for a quick exit before her self mortification and embarrassment swallow her whole in front of him. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked. It was none of my business." Sidestepping over their laid out cots and moving away from their camp.

Legolas and Paul looked at each other in amused bewilderment but it was Paul who decided to glare at the elf. "What are you looking at me for? You want her don't you?" At Legolas' confused gaze, Paul snapped his fingers and gestured for the elf to follow his friend. This snapped Legolas into action, quick jumping to his feet and giving Paul a pat on the back for thanks, he quickly followed Alex's retreating form before she disappeared.

Turning to their silent audience, Paul caught the amused gazes of Aragorn, Gimli, Merry and Pippin. "Seriously those two. Do I look like a mother hen?" Paul shook his head, extending his hand to ask for another mug of ale which Gimli happily supplied.

The sun was already high up in the sky when they decided to resume their journey back to Edoras. Paul and Alex were traveling together while Legolas stayed behind with Aragorn at the end of the crowd. Alex and Legolas haven't talked since last night, the sudden information that Legolas was engaged sent Alex into shock which fortunately amused their friends with Paul specifically joking about it.

She had a taste of her home medicine as Paul eloquently put it which sent Paul into a laughing frenzy along with Gimli, Merry and Pippin. With that joke came the realization that Alex was also engaged which sent Merry, Pippin and Gimli in silent shock. The sudden turn of events making all of them laugh together at the ridiculousness of the situation in which Alex and Legolas found themselves in.

"Has she spoken a word to you yet?" Aragorn's voice broke through Legolas' thoughts. His eyes never straying far from Alex who walked ahead of them. Alex's own posture looked tired and exhausted but every time they locked gazes, anger seeped from her emerald orbs.

She was furious. Absolutely infuriated at the thought he was engaged. That thought brought immense joy and agonizing torture. Joy—at the thought that she might feel something for him than he originally thought for her to feel angry at the news that he was once engaged to an elleth.

And distressing—in the sense that Alex might not find it in her to give him a chance, give their marriage a chance, after having known that he was already once engaged and for reasons unknown—to her—had fallen out.

Releasing the breath he was not aware he was holding, he shook his head slightly. "None."

Aragorn could not contain the amused smile that crept up his rugged face at the thought. Glancing at the elf again, he spotted the same longing expression on his face and the hidden glances he'd send Alex's who was doing everything in her power to ignore him. As soon as his amusement colored his cheeks, the ranger sobered up quickly as he remembered the tiny detail of Alex's lineage. His thoughts turned to his elf friend who was silently walking beside him, Arod and Breggo's reins in their hand. How would Legolas take the news? Was he suppose to know? Why hasn't his father told him about it?

"She occupied herself with looking after the still wounded last night. It was an effective strategy in trying to ignore me." Legolas muttered somberly.

"Was it?" Aragorn challenged, his eyes staring straight ahead. Sweeping over the horizon and spotting Edoras and the unmistakeable Golden Hall in the distance.

"I am not going to be reduced to a lovesick fool, Aragorn." His cold tone surprising the ranger who had his eyebrows raised in questioning at the sudden change in the elf's mood.

"The course of love never did run smooth." Aragorn countered, releasing a sigh and turning to climb Breggo.

"What do you speak of?"

"My friend, did you ever stop to think about what she wants?"

Sadness engulfed him at the Aragorn's question. "I thought I knew. Now, I am not even sure." Straightening his spine and turning his gaze back to Aragorn's. "What if…what we both want is different?"

Aragon chuckled, looking at his friend and seeing him exasperated with his situation. "You will never know until you you get your royal head out of your—"

"You do know you're starting to sound like Mithrandir?" Legolas countered incredulous. Feeling Aragorn's amusement contagious as he felt himself smile a little. "You are starting to speak in riddles." Aragorn chuckled as he led Breggo towards ahead of the group.

They arrived in Edoras record time that made Paul and Alex wonder what took them so long the last time when they travelled to Helm's Deep—both paused in thought as they snickered together as they remembered they were attacked the last time. That thought sobered them up quickly, remembering the fallen soldiers and those who were left behind after the attack of the warg riders.

As soon as they passed the wooded gates of Edoras it was flurry of activity after that. Paul and Alex were pushed and pulled in different directions. Chores upon chores upon chores where placed on them and they happily helped, seeing as the people of Rohan were trying to get back on their feet after being almost wiped out of existence.

Paul along with the rest of the members of the fellowship were pulled into council with Gandalf and the King, and when they are not convening, they were pulled at helping out in the rebuilding of the forgotten parts of the Great Hall.

The castle was in a bustle of activity as Meduseld has not had to entertain guests for quite a long time and now they had to at least have fifty guests in attending. From Knights, to the return of King Theoden and his niece and nephew and to the accommodation of the fellowship. The rest of the other Rohan soldiers and Knights, decided to stay at local inns, while some who had families in the city decided to stay with them.

Even the stables were already bursting from all the horses and the stable men had to call on a few stray boys from the city to help with the managing of the horses, in which Aragorn and Legolas calmly lent a hand. The men were in awe as they watched with gaped expressions how both Aragorn and Legolas showed them how the race of elves handle the gentle beasts.

Alex and Eowyn where however, placed in charge of running Meduseld. Something Alex was not familiar with but Eowyn was a patient mentor. Rooms and spare rooms had to be fitted with blankets, kitchen had to remain up and running for twenty four hours a day. Halls not used for the council were converted to sleeping quarters as the the rooms were given priority and Alex was glad to have received one all because of propriety. While the rest of the fellowship was given an entire spare hall to be used, which they all happily accepted. When Meduseld ran out of beds, cots were distributed around and the fellowship were accommodating enough to volunteer to sleep on the floor, or like Gandalf who happily offered to sleep on a couch. Alex attempted to offer her room and the use of her bed but the men all refused except for Paul who was then pulled by Aragorn for even attempting to accept. Paul glared and huffed and in the end begrudgingly agreed and muttered curses under his breath about medieval and jurassic practices and cave men mentalities. The action causing Legolas to hide a smile, knowing he had heard Paul loud and clear.

Alex and Eowyn's already busy schedule was swamped with even more additional activity when the King announced a three-day commemoration rites for the fallen soldiers and along with a single day of series of games—which is to happen in a week—consisting of Combat and Archery to showcase the skill of the brave, on the third day.

Alex was already dead on her feet by the end of their first day back in Edoras. Requesting for a warm bath in which Eowyn amusedly complied. A hot wooden tub of steaming water was brought in and Alex's muscles thanked her as she slowly immersed herself in the steaming water laden with scented oil and lavender herbs. Alex was peacefully enjoying her bath when she was startled when a two women walked in. "Apologies for startling you, milady. We are here to assist you in your bath."

"M..my bath?" Alex stared, the water doing nothing to cover her exposed breasts which she tried to cover with her arms.

Without answering her, the women proceeded to scrub her clean. One of the women, who remained silent all throughout washed and comb her hair. Unable to stop herself from studying Alex's peculiar length of hair, cut in layers and with few short ends framing her face. "Haven't got the time to grown ye hair milady—?"

"Brenda! Hush." The other one scolded. Alex sat dumbfounded staring at the women and feeling outnumbered, had no choice but to surrender to their ministrations. When it was over and Alex was scrubbed within an inch of her life, she was then covered and a pale yellow gown was placed on the bed for her to change to. "Oh, I was just gonna sleep…" Alex trailed off, seeing the unamused expressions on the women's faces.

"Nonsense, milady. Supper has just been served at the great hall. Everyone is in attendance." The snotty older woman spoke up, looking Alex up and down. "Now hurry on along, and put on the cote. Once you're done turn around so I may tie it and Brenda can finish up your hair."

Alex took one last look at the mirror at her appearance and groaned. She actually felt like a peacock this time. Not to mention the abomination now strapped around her abdomen—again. Sighing, she opted to peak out of her room and to her luck spotted Paul just as he left the room he shared with the rest of their friends. Catching his confused eyes, she beckoned him to her room to which he obliged.

"Oh you look…nice." Paul commented all the while roaming his eye on his friend's appearance and willing his smile to remain in place. "You took a bath.." Stepping closer and smelling Alex's hair immediately locating the source of the sweetened lavender scent wafting in the room, "And washed you hair and you smell like a basket of roses."

"Shut up." Alex grunted, pulling at the neckline of the gown. This gown felt very much the first one, just in a different color.

Paul noticed his friend fidgeting and guffawed, "But Alex, honestly, what the fuck are you wearing? You look like a cupcake."

Alex gave her friend the best puppy dog eyes she could muster as she gestures for the offending gown and awful cote that is slowly choking her. "Paul please…"

"Alright, alright. Let me work my magic."

"No cutting!" Alex reminded, bracing herself against the bed post and leaving Paul to figure out the intricate braid of her cote.

"Holy fuck, Alex. Who tied this? Hudini? I doubt even him can escape this contraption." Paul grunted, his eyebrows furrowing in equal parts concentration and irritation as his fingers struggle to untie the intricate knot. Both of them seemed distracted with their bantering that they did not hear Legolas open the door that was unfortunately left ajar by Paul. "What on Arda, are you both doing?"

Ignoring Legolas' glare and waving his hand over, Paul called for the elf. "Good, you're here. You have your knife with you?" Gesturing over to Alex' back to where her gown was open to reveal her cote.

Amusement quickly replace Legolas' misplaced jealousy and tried to hold in the smile that threatened to split his face. "Dagger. How did you ever manage to get yourself into this again?" Peaking over her shoulder and seeing Alex's face looking embarrassed and chastised.

"Just take it off, please." Her emerald eyes glanced at him pleading and Legolas knew he felt powerless at such a look. Pulling out a dagger concealed at his boot, Alex swiftly added "No cutting! It was hard enough to explain the first one. I don't want to have to explain this one to Griselda."

"Who's Griselda?" Paul asked.

"The strict old maid who insisted I put this on. I just made up her name," Alex huffed, "Seriously, I just wanted to eat and sleep. Was that too much to ask?"

Legolas snickered and peeked over her shoulder again, his warm breath leaving goosebumps down her shoulders and arms, "I think it was, love." Placing his dagger back in his boot and studying the intricate lace binding again. Both Legolas and Paul set about to finding the end of the knot when they were startled again.

"For the record, I'm still not talking to you." Alex haughtily replied feeling her cheeks blush in embarrassment at finding herself in the same predicament with him again.

"What in the Valar's name is going on in here?" Aragorn's voice boomed, startling Alex and Paul.

Paul did not even bother to answer Aragorn, but waved his hand in the general direction of Alex hunched over and Legolas amusedly staring at the knot. "No cutting." Alex reminded again, looking behind her to see that now both Aragorn and Legolas are seriously glaring at the contraption as if it was going to just untie by itself.

"How about we just find 'Griselda'?" Legolas offered,

"I beg your pardon?" Aragorn asked to no one in particular and Paul just shook his head. "Cut the damn thing off." Aragorn sighed, pulling out a dagger from his own boots and stepping closer to Alex. Legolas and Paul moved to block his way towards Alex but he added, "I will talk to Eowyn and have her talk to the women running this place." Aragorn huffed, eyeing Alex as if speaking to a child, who nodded and offered her thanks and sighed in relief.

"Thank you."

"—And, you, will call me. From now on, I will be in-charge of what you'll wear." Paul informed her following Aragorn and Legolas out of the room.

The next day Alex ignored the glare sent her way when at breakfast she met the same woman that assisted her with the cote. Her guess was that Eowyn must have spoken to the woman and despite Eowyn's calm and soft demeanor, the maid took it as an offense for she had tried to ignore Alex the entire breakfast.

Having placed Meduseld into some form of order and their list of chores had been less chaotic than yesterday, Alex ventured to the city. As much as the Golden Hall had been a place of order and regality, Alex was surprised to find that the rest of the city still held the remnants of suffering from the war. Unsupervised children roamed freely and some starving and misplaced people from Westfold now littered the streets. Immediately turning from where she came, Alex made a beeline for the kitchen where she spotted Eowyn looking over later that night's supper preparations.

"You have to forgive me, Eowyn, but I will need that pot of soup." Alex declared, pointing one slender finger to a large boiling pot on the far end of the kitchen. "And whatever bread you have."

"But that is to be for supper. We shan't have the time to make another one." Grunted the cook who stood with her hands on her hips and pointedly glaring at Alex.

"One pot of soup will not be missed." Alex returned the glare, ignoring the stares of everyone else not the kitchen. "If I can recall from last night's spread, it was enough to feed an Uruk army of ten thousand."

The cook challenged Alex's glare with her own, and turning her brown eyes to Eowyn, "That is the King's soup. It belongs at the King's table."

Nodding towards the cook signaling that she had heard her, Eowyn turned to Alex. "What are you going to do with the soup?"

"I am going to feed the people outside." Alex answered Eowyn. "Have any of you taken a look outside? And I mean, a really good look?"

"Milady," The cook interjected almost sounding like she could spit the title out, "The people of Rohan will recover. However, I will not, when the King finds out I allowed you to give out tis night's supper."

Alex and the cook glared at each other locked in a silent battle until Eowyn had no choice but to become the mediator. "Alright. I'll talk to my Uncle. He'll see reason when he discovers why the soup is gone." Eowyn then turned her attention to the young ladies in the corner and instructing them of what Alex needed.

"But—" the cook tried to reason but her words were cut off immediately by Eowyn who was facing Alex mesmerized.

"Its alright." Eowyn assured the cook. Following Alex out the kitchen doors and into the city bearing the soup and breads.

"I really am sorry Eowyn. First the cote, and now the soup. Your staff is not really not going to like me." Alex commented sheepishly, helping the ladies set up the table at just below the stairs to Meduseld.

"Staff?"

"I mean, your people working in Meduseld."

"No worries. You do like to stir things up a bit, do you?" Eowyn commented humor lacing her tone.

Alex laughed and gestured for the ladies to invite everyone they can see to a free meal. "You have no idea." They prioritized women and children and the wounded. Word easily got out that free food was being given by the King and soon, both Alex and Eowyn had people running to and fro from the kitchen. Word got around the far flung areas of the city, it was absurd to think that the King would not find out about it.

The council were Gandalf, and the rest of fellowship along with Eomer and the King attended was interrupted when a soldier burst in and informed them of the news. Their feet could not move fast enough and behold their eyes widened at the sight. Alex and Eowyn were indeed feeding the less fortunate, the affected and the inflicted and the wounded.

"Sweet mother…" Eomer muttered as his eyes scanned the long line. Turning his head to his uncle who stood watching the scene with pride and gratitude. "I suppose, that was my soup they were giving out?" Theoden commented amused trying to lighten up the mood. "And I know my niece enough to assume it was not her idea…" Theoden trailed off as all eyes trailed centered in on the raven haired beauty hunched over smiling at a small child.

"The Lady continues to confound us all." Gandalf muttered sharing a smile with Aragorn both failing to notice Legolas' expression filled with admiration and pride.

"Lady Alex is headstrong that one." Theoden commented teasingly. Gandalf and Aragorn's amused eyes turned to Legolas who noticed their amused stares.

"You have no idea.." Legolas muttered under his breath as he continued to watch the scene before him.

"I fear what her and Eowyn's friendship might ensue. They just might turn Rohan upside down." Theoden continued to say amusedly as he turned and returned to their council. Leaving the three to watch the pair of women make a ripple of change one soup at a time.

Eowyn was continuing to stir the pot and portioning the soup and bread but her attention was on Alex who seemed to be in her element. Each person, child that went up to the table was greeted with Alex's warm smile. Eowyn noted that Alex made it her point to talk to them. But what made Eowyn pause was when Alex insisted to forego titles.

"Yer most gracious, milady."

"Just 'Alex'." Scrunching her nose at the small child who looked up to her, "Titles makes me uncomfortable."

"How so?" The child inquired pure intrigue in her eyes.

"It makes me feel old." Alex joked winking at the child as she gently lead her to the side so as not to be trampled by the bigger children.

Upon serving the next in line, Alex found herself face to face with the boy who accompanied her grandmother back during the burning of the dead at Helm's Deep. "I pray you are forever blessed by the Valar, milady, for you have the heart of gold." The boy praised, looking teary at the warm soup and bread in his hand.

"When have you last eaten?" Alex inquired curiosity swimming in her eyes as she observed the boy who eyed the meal as if it was gold in his hands.

"Two days past." Alex felt her heart constrict at the information. Guilt pierced her heart at the thought that people had been suffering outside the Great Hall and she was int here complaining about a damn cote. "My grandmother is old, milady. 'Twas my brother's duty to harvest crops to sell and for our meal, but now that he's dead…"

As if the guilt could not consume her any longer, Alex's hand shook in an attempt to keep herself from falling or spilling the contents of the bowl in her hand. The boy noticed her discomfort, "don't fret milady. I am old enough to step into the me brother's shoes. Never blamed ya for his death, tis war, tis all there is. Tis the wounded and the orphans I fear for."

"What?" Alex asked surprised at the boy's declaration, the kind smile on his face indicating his sincerity.

"The orphans. They are either left on the streets, or sold to serve. The wounded left to those who can attend or kind enough to take them in and look after them. Some are forced to look for work despite being still wounded…" The boy informed her, all smile gone and replaced with concern. "I do not mean to burden you with it, milady. But the people are abuzz with your tales and what you did for us during the battle. I…I was hoping ye could find a way for the rest for us."

Alex's eyes took on a determined glint. Slowly, a plan formed in her head as a smile slowly crept up her face. "You have my word." Alex nodded to boy, who scurried off, waving last to her before turning the corner and completely disappearing from her sight.

The orphans and the wounded. She had to do something. How naive of her to think that there'd be services with such facilities to accommodate them in this era. Turning to the next in line she found Bran standing before her, covered in dirt and soot."Nice to see ye again, Miss Alex!" Bran smiled, "Hello again, Bran." Handing him the bowl and cut of bread, "I need you to do something for me, I was hoping you could help?"

That night Alex did not attend the supper but had sent her apologies to Eowyn and the King. She had requested for an ink and parchment from the closest maid and immediately set to work on her plans for the infirmary she planned to set up, to which she had invited Paul to brainstorm with her. Paul only glanced at her and shook his head, already knowing that when his friend had set her mind into something there was no way of distracting her. As the night progressed the other members of the fellowship did not see anymore of her and Paul.

Alex and Paul ambushed the King at next day at breakfast, having little to no sleep and running on pure adrenaline and excitement at their plan. Eowyn was woken at dawn and was briefed with what Alex was proposing. The shieldmaiden's smile only seemed to fuel Alex more and the next thing they knew, Eomer was escorting them to the King's private council much to Paul who was silently swooning.

Bran had found an abandoned abbey just on the outskirts of the city. Although dilapidated it excited Alex and Paul that the place only needed minimal construction and would provide the needed safe haven for the orphans and still wounded who are recovering. Quickly finding volunteers from the city, they set to work rehabilitating the abbey. On the sixth day, a grinning Alex excitedly announced they can start moving the orphans and wounded inside.

After having an exhausting but exhilarating day, Alex excused herself to request for a nice hot bath seeing as she had not had the chance to clean the day before. Instead, to her horror the hot tub that came in was filled with water that already starting to turn cold and was obviously used. Not wanting to be a burden any longer to the household staff, she kindly refused and opted to wash herself with the water from the washbasin provided for her in replacement for the hot tub.

Alex thought the incident with the tub was a fluke but on the third time it occurred where the bath brought in was already cold and the water murky, and after spotting a dead fly, Alex was sure the household staff was playing with her. Questioning the maid the brought the tub in, they answered despite being confused that Alex was not aware of it—that they had been under pressure to attend to everyone's needs. That it has been customary practice to pass the bath from one user to another. They simply had not had the luxury of time or resources to return to the kitchen and boil another batch of water for every request of hot bath. The maid added, should Alex have made the request first, she would have been fortunate to have been brought with a fresh bath, but since she's fifth on the list, they had no choice but to follow a sequence.

Every explanation from the young maid made Alex's eyes grow wider and wider at the thought that somewhere in Meduseld, people have been sharing baths and are either completely fine about it or they understood the practice and simply have no care. Horrified by that thought, Alex sought out Paul who she met walking down the hall.

"Oh thank goodness I found you!" Paul exclaimed, pulling Alex beside him. "Why?" Asked Alex who looked at Paul beseechingly.

"I need some women off my back." Paul said shuddering. "What women?" Alex asked looking around spotting no one.

"Apparently, with the increased number of Knights and soldiers walking about the place, it created some sort of matchmaking frenzy. It's like watching 'mating season' on National Geographic." Paul shuddered again disgusted. "And I'm gay! How do you think I feel when some random woman decides to flutter her lashes at me…" Paul finished by pretending to gag.

Alex guffawed at the absurdity of the situation. "I'm serious! And tonight's the first night of the commemoration rites.." Paul trailed off still shuddering.

"No! They wouldn't dare!" Alex gasped trampling the laughter that bubbled out. "Uh, yeah sis they will." Paul answered earning around round of chuckle from Alex. "Anyways, what are you up to today, Princess Diana?"

Alex gaped in horror at her friend. Horrified at the reference. "Well, Elton John, if you're curious—"

"Hey!"

"—I was just about to find you guys and warn you all about the bath water…"

"You mean how they share bath waters?"

"How the fuck do you know that?" Alex asked surprised. "How the fuck do you not know that? It's the reason we guys take our business by the river just at the edge of the city by the foot of the mountain." Paul countered, pausing to lean into his friend and take a sniff, "Oh, that explains the smell."

"I do not smell!" At Paul's unimpressed stare Alex backtracked and slouched in defeat, "Yes," pulling the neckline of her gown and taking whiff of her own odor, "yes..okay, I stink. I need help." Alex pleaded.

Paul smirked at his friend,"Don't fret, I will personally see to it to your prepped and ready and freshly bathed and smelling like a basket of roses for tonight's rites. Thanks by the way—I need a reason to get out of this place." Laughing as he linked his arms around Alex's and the pair made their way across the hall. "Let's show these bitches how it's done." Paul announced dragging a laughing Alex away from the hall and walking the distance out of the city with a series of scented oils and a change of clothes in their arms.

The walk to the river was enjoyable as the two friends found each other talking and gossiping about the people in the hall. In the midst of Alex's preoccupation with her 'outreach programs' as Paul had dubbed it, she was utterly clueless about the council and their next course of plan.

Paul was in the midst of gushing about Eomer when they arrived at the spot in the river that he and the others frequented only to spot someone was already there. Alex also paused midway and her eyes almost bugged out their sockets. "Hello biceps…" Paul drawled out silently as they spotted Legolas emerge from the river.

The elf-prince was in his dark green breeches hanging dangerously low in his hips. His upper half bare with his back turned towards them as he made his way out of the river. Droplets of water still clinging to his smooth skin, his hair loose from their usual signature braid and was wet and dripping.

The mastery of archery requires upper body strength and skill and clearly it has its own benefits. Benefits that Paul openly and amusedly ogled at the moment while also noting that Alex remained glued to where she stood, her eyes following his every move. Every muscle on his back moving and rippling with every action and step.

He was like a lion with golden mane. Silent and lithe. Dominating and intimidating and undeniably deadly in his hushed glory. His movement graceful, despite being tall and obviously well built, like a swimmer's body. Long, strong arms extending to defined forearms all the way to his hands, archer's fingers long and slick. His exposed broad shoulders making Alex swallow, her eyes following the beaded trail towards his torso extending to a defined slim waist. A trail of goosebumps erupted across her arms and shiver ran down her spine. She had felt him before. She was familiar with his hard planes while it was covered and clothed, but it was an entirely different experience seeing those hard planes exposed.

Butterflies battled inside her abdomen and Alex found herself hot and bothered just at the mere sight of him. "Took you long enough." His velvety voice wafted through breaking Alex out of her lust induced haze.

"Wh..wha.. What?" Paul snickered at Alex's obvious lack of eloquence.

"To realize that they were sharing bath waters." Legolas answered matter of factly nodding his head to the general direction of Meduseld, turning around to face them and giving them a view of his chest and abdomen which did nothing to trample Alex's sudden hormonal imbalance. While the elf seeming oblivious to Alex's inner struggle. And those breeches are not helping! Wet and clinging to his long, lean legs and curving deliciously over his backside.

He was not overly built or ripped. He was not overly muscular. His muscles are not those Alex was used to seeing in TV ads and billboards were it looks like it could burst with a simple exertion or enhanced chemically or surgically. No. Legolas' built was more leaner, more sensual and…sexy. It was a result of an active lifestyle. Perfecting his skill with the blade and the rigorous thousand years of training redistribution of strength and balance of breathing and weight with menace and precision with every pull of his bow. She knew the power hidden behind his long arms. How he can hold her tenderly in one moment, a safe haven from the harshness of the world and how he can wield his twin blades or operate his bow and arrow and extinguish his enemies in one powerful swoop.

Sweet Mary, Jesus and Joseph! "Uh…um.. yeah." Alex tried with all her might to gather what was left of her brain, while Paul continued to snicker beside her.

"Still not speaking to me, I see." Legolas nodded turning to grab his discarded tunic and other paraphernalia from a nearby tree, "I'm almost finished here. You can try bathing a bit more upstream. This part is a little deep and the current might sweep you off." Nodding his head before turning around again to braid his hair and put on his clothes, smirking to himself and feeling slight guilt that he quickly tried to trample, knowing he was bating Alex and unexpectedly realizing it was working. And quickly back firing.

"Okay." Unintentional or not, Alex's breathy reply sent Legolas' heart racing. She had never looked at him like that before. Her eyes got impossibly darker, her cheeks flushed in either embarrassment or concealed lust. And she wouldn't stop biting those damn lips!

His fëar raging within him, scolding him to claim his mate and he had half the mind to do it. To sent Paul on his merry way and finally claim his wife, but he had to hold himself back. He was not some wild deprived nomad. He waited fifty years for her, he will wait for fifty more. Needing an escape and fast, Legolas loosened his grip on his tunic, noticing just then how his knuckles had turn white with how hard and forceful his grip was. He was in a silent battle with his inner instinct and he was struggling to hold it in, not when Alex was still staring at him like she was doing at the moment.

"I'll take my leave then." Turning swiftly and nodding to Paul who grinned at him making him chuckle silently and shake his head. As soon as he neared her, his fëar fired up again, unable to stop himself, he bent down, placing a soft kiss on her head. Cursing silently for torturing his self even more at the contact. Feeling Alex sigh beside him at the gesture, was his only consolation that she was as much affected as him.

"Only a saint could resist that. I tell ya." Paul muttered to himself, turning in his spot to stare at Legolas' backside as the elf continued to walk away from them. Nodding to agree with himself, Paul continued, "Not even a nun and you are far from holy, bitch." Staring pointedly with laughter in his face at Alex who visibly flinched and swallowed hard.

That night at the banquet, a generous spread was laid out for all in attendance. Assortment of breads, roasted meat, fruits, cheese adorned the long tables positioned to accommodate all the guests. The first night of the rites had already begun as everyone settled to associate with everyone else inside the hall. King Theoden had already given his speech, remembering the fallen and acknowledging their sacrifices to save Rohan. No other talks about the possible impending great war was mentioned for the rest of the night.

Gandalf silently stood with Paul who was observing the merry crowd. Aragorn had gone to talk to the King, while Legolas was somewhere with Gimli, while the Hobbits are already on their second pint of ale across the room with an amused Eomer. It was at that moment Eowyn and Alex entered the hall, unbeknownst to the two women the hidden stares that followed them. Paul's eyes turned towards the elf who stood at the corner, he had already moved across the room to stand next to Aragorn who was in deep conversation with an unknown knight. The ranger graciously nodding his head in what the old knight was trying to say, while another knight tried to engage Legolas in another conversation. Paul noted with mirth that Legolas' eyes snapped to Alex, his eyes widening a fraction before schooling them into a cool indifference but his gaze would return again and again, following Alex. Gandalf noted the man's silent laughter beside him and quickly followed his gaze. "You know, it is considered rude not to share what's got you so amused." Gandalf spoke, making Paul snicker louder.

"Well, you maybe a wizard my friend," Paul smiled sweetly at Gandalf whose gaze turned amused.

"That I am—"

"But I'm the fairy godmother." Feeling proud of himself rising his glass to Alex and then to Legolas who was watching her like a hawk. As he and Gandalf continued to study them and their actions amusedly.

Alex as wearing a gown of pale blue and silver combination that complimented well with her complexion. Her colors matched that of Legolas, a detail Paul purposely left out with giddy excitement. The neckline teasing as it dipped and showed her collarbone. The sleeves made of intricate lace design, ruffled and ending above her elbows showcasing her slender arms. The gown was cinched at the waist showing off her curved physique, the skirt billowing out in, flowing with every move she made. Her dark hair flowing freely at her back in soft waves, unlike the monstrosity if a poorly executed chignon last night. The dark tresses contrasting perfectly with the paleness of her gown and skin. The hair framing her face was pulled behind to created an illusion of a half up half down style giving a glimpse of her long, slender, creamy neck. No jewelry accessorized her entire frame for it was her eyes that stood out. Framed with long dark lashes. Paul cursed that there was no make up available but have always known that Alex never really needed it. She had always executed raw beauty without overdoing or over emphasising it with make up.

The two continued to spy the people around them when Paul was startled to find Legolas standing stiffly beside him, "I believe you're the one responsible for how she looked this night?" Legolas hissed quietly as his eyes moved to sweep past the many stares Alex was unknowingly receiving.

"Something wrong?" Paul asked smiling, playfully raising his eyebrow has he studied the elf at the corner of his eye. "Would you rather I put her in a cote and have her faint again?" Hiding his smile as he raised ale to his lips.

"Well, if it's any consolation, you did a wonderful work Master Paul." Gandalf praised. All three pairs of eyes turned to watch Alex, who had now moved towards the nearest table, away from Eowyn. Grabbing the nearest piece of round sweet cake the size of a child's fist and stuffing the whole thing in her mouth. When she moved her gaze to see if anyone was watching, her eyes caught on the three who was silently watching her. Narrowing her eyes and furrowing her brow to as if ask what was wrong, she counted to mouth "I'm starving." Before proudly returning her attention to the empty plate in her hand.

Paul looked on horrified while Gandalf chuckled loudly beside him. "Well, she wouldn't be Alex without her…quirks." Gandalf turned laughing at Paul and patting Legolas on the shoulder and walking away. As the night progressed, everyone started to loosen and the feeling of merry had every one infected.

Rohan was rejoicing.

Aragorn moved to seat at the table where Paul, Merry and Pippin are huddled together, their foreheads almost touching. In front of them are an array of goblets filled with wine and a fresh meat of roasted lamb and assortment of tomatoes, bread and cheese litter the wooden table with a single large candle burning at the center giving them a more muted dimmed glow. "May I ask what had you three so serious?" Watching as every now and then their eyes would dart across the room, sending glares and mischievous smirks from where Gimli was perched on a high stool talking to where Eomer and three other Rohirrim knights were also talking in a huddle. Before hopping from the stool and making his way over towards them.

"Alright lads, the wager that they wish to make is that a Rohirrim and not the elf princeling will win the tournament." Gimli announced, reaching for a fractured bone of the lamb carcass on the table and tearing off a piece before placing it in his mouth. "However, the amount is twenty gold coins."

Merry turned to Pippin, "But that's all we got."

"If we have thirty, the better it'd be thirty." Gimli followed unperturbed by the wine dripping down his beard.

"It's good bet, but I don't have any money." Paul added unsure, "Don't worry lad, we got ya!" Gimli smiled turning his attention now to Aragorn, "You've got some coins in you laddie?"

Perplexed but curious, a smile slowly crept into the ranger's face as he quickly caught up with what is happening, "You waging on who?"

"The King has organized a small spectacle of games in honor of the fallen, and Legolas unknowingly accepted a challenge for the archery match in two days, against the best of the Rohirrim knights." Pippin explained,

"They wanted to know if elves really are that good with archery." Merry added, "To which I think is foolish but hey, there's no harm in earning thirty gold coins." Laughter broke out from the pair and Paul agreed with them.

"Easy victory? But Legolas against every Rohorrim Knight here…" Aragorn trialed off,

"Oh come on!" Paul exclaimed, "He's fought in dark Moria, Amon Hen, and the battle at Helm's deep, don't forget about that."

"I checked sheilds also, Lord Ector is here, Lord Bromin, and Lord Theobold. All three Rohirrim Champions. He's going up the best of Rohirrim." Aragorn explained completely amused by the entire situation.

"But they are not elves!" Merry and Pippin countered at the same time, their excitement palpable.

A loud bang was heard from across the room as one of the knights seated beside an amused Eomer stood. The knight swayed a little before slamming his hand down to steady himself, "An elf will not win this Rohinian tournament." The words were slurred but the taunt was clear, "Elf legs are unsteady on Rohan soil."

A ruckus of shouts erupted from Aragorn's table, the shouts coming from his companions making the ranger chuckle."Why don't you shut your mouth ey?" Gimli goaded back, along with the rest while the other table started to imitate the sound of chickens to bully them even more making Eomer laugh loudly at the entire spectacle. "Come on Aragorn, it's a good bet." Paul was on the verge of going from convincing to pleading, "Win and we have coins for the rest of the journey. Assuming that we would need whatever we can trade right?"

"The lad has a point." Gimli agreed. "He's right. Instead of camping out somewhere, can stop at inns." Merry and Pippin both chimed in looking hopeful.

"Yes, because Rohinian ale is too much for elvish belly." Another knight piped up rubbing his abdomen for emphasis, making Paul jump out of his seat. "Alright! I'm about this fucking close mate." using his index finger and thumb to indicate how little of gap it is and how close he is to blowing, "I swear to God, Quasimodo!" Having the cheese he was currently nibbling on point with fuming anger and conviction at the snickering knight.

Pulling Paul to sit back down before he chokes on his food, "Look, I am not even sure we'll be leaving anytime soon. We have yet to know the enemy's next attack before we can decide." Aragorn was always the voice of reason.

"I am not surprised for the lack of confidence in your elf friend. I gather, Rohirrim Archers are even better than the ones they have Gondor." The third Knight added, earning him a glare from Eomer at the unintended insult.

Their table suddenly remained silent, all eyes now turned to Aragorn, whose own eyes had turned cold and menacing as he glared at the now silent Knight from across the room. "You may best the best archer from Gondor but you are no match for the elves. You're on."

Loud cheers erupted from all over the room as the wager suddenly made rounds that the best Rohinian archer is going up against an elf and the bet had been placed with Legolas on the lead.

"He won't lose, not with Alex here watching him." Aragorn added confidently, making the ruckus in his table even more louder knowing they have the secret weapon, more potent than Galadriel's bow, to making Legolas win.

"I'm watching what?" Alex plopped down beside Paul, her plate full of food. As everybody else stared at her in surprise. "What? I'm hungry. Legolas promised me a decent meal once we reached Helm's Deep and it never came." Alex ignored their amused stares and proceeded to et her food.

"Where is Legolas by the way?' Paul asked to no one in particular as he took a drink of his ale all the while munching on the some cheese, bread and salted pork.

Alex was telling the truth. It was first decent meal they had since leaving Lothlorien. Their time there seemed so long ago already. A lot had happened since then, that they had no time to breathe or relax. The three days of commemorating rites King Theoden had proposed to remember those who died during the battle was a welcomed distraction that they all happily entertained. Plus the chance to able to get a good night's sleep and a clean bath was lucky bonus.

"Last I saw, he was with Gandalf and with King Theoden. Word got around from those who heard at Helm's Deep that an elf prince was among the elven warriors and King Theoden was not at all thrilled that that tiny detail was kept from him." Aragorn spoke softly informing his friends who all sat around the table. Alex was in the middle of drinking her own goblet of wine when she choked on it while listening to Aragorn. The ranger turned his attention to her, while patting her back. "Don't worry Alex. Legolas promised not to reveal your identity."

Alex slumped down on her seat, feeling the pain ebb away. Last thing she needed was having to explain herself and their current complicated situation.

As the night progressed, drinks flowed freely and the inhabitants of the table found themselves entertained with the joyous ruckus all around them. Alex spotted Paul grabbing a bottle of wine and made her way towards her friend. "The people of Rohan sure know how to throw a party." Alex commented startling Paul who almost ripped the bottle of wine. "What the fuck are up to?" Alex asked, who was suddenly silenced as Paul pushed another bottle of wine into her arms and unceremoniously dragged her away from the great Golden hall. "Shh.. keep quiet and follow me. I'll show you real party." Paul whispered excitement coloring his features.

"Where are we going? And why the fuck are we whispering?" Alex asked intrigued at where Paul was leading her to.

"The celebration is not confined only for the nobles inside. There is a gathering happening in the city. Come on." Alex was dragged by Paul out of the hall and into the cold night. The temperature had dropped significantly but it was still not considered unbearable. Up ahead Alex saw lights—lanterns strung across a gathering. Laughter and songs could be heard that continued to grow louder as Alex and Paul approached nearer. "What the hell…." Alex muttered as her eyes grew as big as saucers as she looked around her.

People cheered and sang louder at the arrival of Alex and Paul, feeling honored that a lady and a lord had decided to join the festivities. "Isn't this so much fun than being cooped up inside with the nobles?" Paul laughed, as he popped the cork from a bottle of wine he was holding and handed it to Alex. Grabbing the other and popping it open too, "Cheers!" Paul jeered, banging his bottle with Alex's and both laughed before taking a huge swing from their bottles.

The beat around them started to pick up and the people then started to dance around them, pulling Alex and Paul long with them. The mixture of alcohol and the swaying making Alex dizzy. Another bottled was immediately offered as soon as they had finished their own and both friends soon found themselves dancing with the common people of Rohan who welcomed them.

Digging out the phone on his pocket, Paul boomed with laughter. "Time to kick this party up a notch!" Playing songs after songs from his phone form the nineties to the early two thousands. Making Alex and Paul dance and the already intoxicated people of Rohan celebrate with them.

"This is so much better than Rio." Alex laughed out loud. Her attention was pulled when a young girl stood in front of her and proceeded to place a necklace made of flowers. "Thank you." Alex gushed, eyeing the organic jewelry with blurry eyes. It wasn't long after when another approached, this time a tiara made of flowers was placed on the crown of her head. Paul looked the same and he wore it with pride. Looking around her, she found that all young ladies wore the same thing. Hours seemed to pass as another bottle was opened and then another.

It was already almost dawn when Aragorn and Legolas hauled an already intoxicated Gimli off the floor. Both he and the elf had engaged in drinking game that cheered the soldiers and amused Merry and Pippin. It was during the drinking game, when Gimli was already a few pints in that he drunkenly mentioned about Alex and the possibility of her having the chance of winning against him than the elf that Legolas finally noticed that Alex and Paul where no where to be seen. Where were they? Had he not been dragged to have a word with the King he wouldn't lose sight of her.

By the Valar, had she looked magnificent tonight, Legolas thought. She still tried to ignore him during supper, her attention on her food and on a conversation with Eowyn who sat opposite her. Their entire table was a ruckus of laughter, stories.

The halls was quiet as the last of the soldiers had retired for the night, and the shift for the dawn watch had already started two hours ago. Legolas and Aragorn both made their way down the quiet deserted hall with a half awake Gimli walking between them. The dwarves were proud of their high tolerance for ale and Gimli was almost at full strength by the time they turned another quiet hallway leading to were residences where located. It was then they heard hushed singing and giggles.

"What in the…" Gimli muttered, battling the pull of drowsiness as Aragorn and Legolas slowly turned another corner again. At the end of the hallway they spotted Paul and Alex.

The pair looked drunk and walking backwards. Giggling and singing a song off-key. Suddenly the pair skipped and hopped, Aragorn smirked and looked at Legolas who was watching the pair in a mix of surprise and laughter.

"Are they both…." Gimli trailed off.

"Drunk." Aragorn finished. Right on cue Paul tripped on a tin bucket outside a closed oak door that sent Alex laughing loudly. "Shhh…" Alex turned to Paul whose pants were soaked with something and realizing that the tin can he tripped on was a medieval urinal.

"Holy funck! That shit's digstunking…" wiggling his foot to rid his soiled pant leg which sent Alex snorting loudly and bursting into other fit of giggles. "Paul you stink!" A hiccup followed that made Alex turn red in embarrassment.

"Funck you! You were not the one who rolled around in a fucking urinal." Paul slurred, standing and linking his arms with Alex, "Don't cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me…"

Legolas watched in complete amusement and fascination as Alex and Paul continued with their singing and dancing. Even Aragorn and Gimli are stunned into silence at the scene unfolding before them. Both Alex and Paul had yet to acknowledge their presence. Their singing was echoing down the hallway even as Alex tried to shush Paul a couple of times. Their songs ranged from funny to scandalous and the trio wondered if those songs were from Alex and Paul's world.

"Pitch Perfect! I loved that movie!" Alex exclaimed as she and made an off key rendition of the riff-off that sent both of them giggling. Legolas continued to watch both friends as they slowly approached them. Paul had already taken one shoe off and was shaking it around, while Alex had decided to grab most of her skirt and haul it around her waist in one arm like how one would hold a babe.

Alex was in the midst of singing how chains and whips excite her when she bumped into something solid behind and almost falling flat on her ass. "Oh Hey!" Paul cheered as he slapped Aragorn and Gimli on the shoulders. "Hey, your royal biceps…" Paul greeted trying to bow to Legolas when the floor under him suddenly shifted, thankful when Aragorn caught him by his arms . "Careful."

Legolas looked down at Alex who hadn't noticed she was leaning all weight on him. Her eyes were sparkling under the dimmed lighting and her cheeks were flushed from the no doubt copious amount of wine or ale she had consumed. Flowers adorned her hair and he thought she looked ethereal. "How much did you drink?"

"Oh I won a drinking game!" Alex proudly announced that was soon followed by a hiccup. Swaying on her feet, she felt ground shift when Legolas slipped his arm around her waist and holding her close.

"That's it lass!" Gimli proudly praised his earlier drowsiness forgotten at the news. "How much had you had to drink?"

"One bottle." Alex answered while holding out three fingers. "Of wine. The first one to finish wins." Nodding her head and feeling the room spin, she laid her head on Legolas' shoulder whose hold on her tightened a fraction more.

"What is all the noise about?" A gruff voice asked at the end of the hall and all heads turned to Eomer who was standing there, who also had an intoxicated knight on his arms.

"McHottie! Yohoo! McHottie!" Alex waved, smiling. Eomer's brow knitted together and approached the group dragging the drunk knight. "Was the Lady calling for me?" Eomer asked, his eyes darting between an amused Aragorn and a horrified Legolas.

"Yeah…but I don't think you were suppose to know that." Alex answered, wriggling her eyebrows. "By the way, this is my friend, Paul." Having her hand towards Paul who was already started staring at the floor.

"I take it these two are…" Eomer trailed off looking at Legolas and Aragorn.

"We should probably let this two sleep.." Aragorn answered, moving to hoist Paul with his arm over Aragorn's shoulders, nodding to Legolas who was holding onto Alex.

"I'll take her." Legolas nodded, moving to carry Alex bridal style who immediately snuggled closer and closed her eyes.

"Be safe kids!" Paul slurred one last time and waving to Legolas who rolled his eyes. By the time Legolas had successfully placed Alex on her bed and moved to remove her boots, he left her room silently, surprised to see Gimli outside the door waiting. "Were you there the entire time?"

"Had to make sure the Lady was asleep and safe." Gimli answered. "She's a handful." He commented with a smile.

"She is."

"I tell ya what, Greenwood," turning to face Legolas and giving the elf a stare. "You get her to sit on the throne in Mirkwood and I might just not be opposed to the idea of visiting one day." Gimli nodded while slowly walking away.

"And what about the glittering caves?" Legolas called out.

"The caves will be there. But an Elven royalty who can sing, dance and drink? Ha! That's once in a lifetime lad." Gimli roared making Legolas smiled.

Alex found it refreshing to be out in the countryside the next late afternoon, and in charge of her own mount. The horse she was riding was not her own sweet Midnight but a rather large, rawboned dun. It was well behaved, though, and her spirits lifted. At the old wooden and dilapidated abbey, an old woman greeted her with great warmth.

Alex woke to an incessant pounding in her head that afternoon. She had missed the entire first half of the day. Even Paul was faring no better. When they both decided to clean off the grime from the previous day, they were assaulted by Gimli who was fondly recalling their antics making Alex blush in embarrassment. She had tried to recall what happened and how did she end up in her own room and flashes of dancing and singing and being swayed came into her memory and she scolded herself for drinking too much. She was not some teenager after all, but the stress of the last few weeks had caused her to throw all inhibitions and chose to let go for one night. It has been a long time since she and Paul went out partying like that and the people of Rohan were not helping indeed since they apparently knew how to celebrate.

Deciding to hide and rest for the rest of the afternoon, Alex opted to skip out of the second night of commemoration and visit the infirmary that was barely running. Bran had been a lot of help and it was only right that he be appointed as infirmarian until all the positions required for the running of the infirmary were filled. And he took his work seriously.

Bran, the newly appointed infirmarian—though young he was—was a little doubtful about the wisdom of Lady Alex's visiting the wounded men. He clearly remembered her during the battle at Helm's deep, so recently passed, and the events that almost took her life while trying to protect the children that he made it a promise to himself that she was not to be exposed to any unpleasantness anymore. Alex was gently insistent and he gave in, if skeptically.

He guided her around the ten beds which contained those wounded. One man had lost a leg which had been crushed by a barrel. He was pale and haggard, but said cheerfully, "Don't you fret, lady. 'Twer my own fault, not yours. Just careless, I was."

"Still," said Alex, "it happened in my service, and I will see you have a livelihood."

" 'Tis gracious of you, milady, but Lord Eomer will care for me. He's said so."

"He's been here?" she asked of both Bran and the soldier.

"Assuredly, milady," said Bran. "Nigh every day. Along with Lord Aragorn, the Wizard and Master Elf. The King has also been here once."

"For sure," said the man, showing a broken tooth. "Right scathing, too, about me being in such a fix, but Lord Eomer'll see to me." She wondered when the men, and her husband had found the time, and felt like a useless good-for-nothing in comparison.

Alex went on to a worse case where fever had taken hold. The man tossed and turned in delirium and a novice sat by gently sponging him. "Will he live?" she asked quietly, remembering when her Nana would fall ill and was surrounded by doctors.

"It is in Eru's hands, but there is hope."

"And the best treatment is to wash him?" Alex knew there was no way she could find them immediate medical help. This era was close to the medieval times. Where on earth would she find doctors and nurses to help all these wounded?

"And herbs to balance the horrors and keep away evils."

"Vervaine and betony?" Alex recalled the herbs Eowyn had prepared to be delivered here. All the while internally praying that she had brought with her antibiotics, pain relievers and even a basic first aid kit from her world.

It was Alex's idea after all to build an infirmary and utilize the remaining building as an orphanage for those children who had lost both parents at war. She had to corner King Theoden for her proposal and with the help of Eowyn, had swayed the King into agreeing. Eowyn applauded her for the idea and even Eomer had seemed impressed with the idea of having a singular place to put all the wounded and the misplaced children. But it was the talk of funding that had the King skeptical at first. Alex thanked whoever was listening that she was a corporate research analysis and had specialized in data research, interpretation and subsequent cost handling and implementation of procedural efficiency. The King and the rest of the audience in attending—including Eomer, Aragorn, Legolas and Gandalf—all looked at her in awe and unconcealed amazement. Even Eowyn stared at her dumfounded with how much Alex has put so much thought into the building, funding and manning of the infirmary she had just proposed. Paul just looked proud and amusedly bored. Giddily, adding to the fact that it was normal occurrence for Alex to be assertive when passionate about something.

The young boy looked at her with more respect. "Aye, lady. And pimpernel."

They moved on past other men recovering well, though one would not see through his right eye again. "I hoped there was a man here called Bert." Alex saw no sign of Bert. Had he died of the stab wound—the wound caused by her insistence that they join the fighting in at Helm's Deep? She turned to the Bran.

"Ah, we have him in a small room apart, lady. Do you wish to see him? I fear it is not a pleasant case." Poor Bert.

"Yes," said Alex. "I want to see him."

The room was a small, cool cell with white walls and a small hole, considered to be window, over the bed. An old woman made vigil by the bed, praying quietly. The once hearty Bert was shrunken down, and his skin was the color of old ivory. He made a strange, gurgling sound with every arduous breath. "Chest wound," said Bran quietly. "Poignard. It festers deep. Very little hope, but he lingers. Sometimes I think it would be kinder . . . But then sometimes they rally. Or a miracle can happen. And after all, his sufferings will reduce his time. It is in the hands of Eru." There was a sickly smell which sharply reminded Alex of the glittering caves in Helm's Deep. The smell of pus and decaying flesh.

"He looks to be unconscious."

"Most times he is, and when he revives, I doubt he knows where he is. When men recover from such things they rarely remember them, which gives me hope that he does not truly suffer."

Just then Bert heaved in the bed and groaned incoherently. The old woman prayed louder as if to mask the sounds. Alex instinctively went forward and laid a hand on the wounded man's shoulder. He was burning with fever.

"Lie still, Bert," she said soothingly. "You won't get better if you move around so much. Would you like a drink?" He said nothing, but looked at her, and delirious or not she knew that he recognized her and that he suffered.

He hadn't answered her question, but Alex poured water from a pitcher to a wooden beaker. She raised the man's head slightly and trickled some fluid into his mouth. Most of it spilled down his bristly chin, but she saw him swallow some. Alex looked up at Bran. "I am going to stay here a little."

She meant, until he dies. "It could be well into the night, milady," Bran said dubiously.

"So be it." Bran and the old woman conferred and then the elderly one bobbled away, leaving her stool for Alex. Bran drew her out of the room for a moment. "There is little to do other than to wipe his brow with the infusion there now and then. I will bring a soothing draft at compline." He was still eyeing her dubiously. "I have little experience with wounds, Bran, but I have sat with the sick."

"Aye, lady, but as I said, it could be long. And sometimes such cases turn violent near the end."

"Then I will call for help. It is my fault he is in such a state, and I must help him as best I can." Bran shrugged and left. Alex took her seat by the dying man's bed. Herbs on the floor could not disguise the smell of putrefaction and death, but in a way she welcomed it. She would do vigil here as she had not at her father's deathbed. Only when she was old enough had she been allowed to see his grave, a small tombstone indicating her father's grave. Hidden beyond the gardens at Fontanellato.

Alex took up the cloth and wiped it around the man's head and neck. "If I had it to do over again, Bert," she said, "I can't see much to change, but I would have told you to stay until we got word all was safe." She put the cloth back in the bowl and took Bert's heavy-jointed, callused hand in hers. A sixth sense told her he might be hearing her words. "Do you know all's gone well? We won the battle. Lord Eomer and his men arrived just in time. We are now back in Edoras, and the King has done a lot to straighten things up. I had proposed this infirmary, to take care of the wounded and the orphans. I should have done so from the first, but I'm not used to this sort of thing, and that's the truth . . ." She drifted off into her own troubled thoughts, but then the flaccid hand in hers moved in what could have been an attempt at a squeeze. She looked at Bert's face, which showed nothing but the weight of suffering and gathering death, and heard each agonized, wheezing breath. She picked up the story.

It was the second night of celebration and King Theoden had already gone his speech about commemorating the dead. As soon as Legolas arrived at the Golden Hall, he knew Alex was not there. Paul sat along with the hobbits and Gimli. He spotted Aragorn with Eomer who informed him that Eowyn had also chosen not to attend that evening's festivities. The men praised both women for their dedication and gave Alex a praise for her display of passion and unbeatable knowledge. Who knew a woman could have such extensive knowledge in handling and building of such an ambitious project? Aragorn looked a little uncomfortable at Eomor's praise. His eyes darting back and forth between the Rohan Knight and Legolas who looked unbothered by Eomer's praises. The elf not even batting an eyelash on the obvious wistful tone Eomer had taken in regards to talking about Alex.

Legolas had already resigned himself to the fact that Alex will be admired and revered. She has grown up into a fine young woman of indomitable strength, character and wit. Legolas had decided not to entertain such frivolous admiration, not when he reminded himself of who she was married to. Legolas then knew where both women were, but his only thoughts were on Alex.

"Good evening, my lord."

"Good evening, Bran. I believe my wif—Alex is here." They both spoke softly in the presence of the dozing patients. The boy's expression became wary, doubtless a response to Legolas' tone.

"Indeed, Lord Elf. She sits with Bert."

"Why?"

"I believe she feels some responsibility."

"By the Valar, if I sat by every elf I sent to his death, I'd have blisters."

"Yet you have visited every day, my lord." Their eyes locked—one strong in body and war skills, the other albeit still young but slowly gaining in knowledge of mortal frailty.

Legolas spoke first while eyeing the boy skeptically who stood blocking the door. "You look as if you're guarding that corridor from me, Bran."

"I doubt I could stop you did you care to overwhelm me..sir. B…b..but if you intend to beat your wi—Miss Alex, Lord Elf, I ask that you do so elsewhere."

Legolas stared at the boy in aghast at the statement that ended in a peculiar request. "Why would I beat her?"

"Why indeed, and yet your expression speaks of it. I've seen men beat their women who refuse to obey."

Legolas consciously relaxed. "How unfortunate, but you forget I am an elf. It is not customary for us to punish our mate. And even if it was so, I would not dream of it. Not even pull a single strand of her glorious hair from her head." Legolas offered in what he hoped was a soft tone to calm the defensive child. "I merely intend to escort her back to Meduseld. The second night of commemoration cannot be ignored in this way."

Bran gave the elf another once over before standing aside. Legolas went forward and heard his wife's soft voice. Soft and a little hoarse. What on Arda was she doing?

Alex had long since exhausted recent events, but if she stopped talking Bert's hand would make that feeble movement that seemed to urge her to continue. He was noticeably worse, and fever was being replaced by a clammy sweat. Bran had come and worked a little of a soothing draft into the man's mouth. He had indicated that Alex's presence and talk might be easing the man's last hours.

Bert's breathing was now even more labored and sometimes she thought it had stopped, but then, with excruciating effort, it would take up again like an old creaking bellows. The noise, she had realized, came not from his throat but from the air whistling in and out of the hole in his chest. She found herself praying for him to die—for his sake, not hers. But she kept talking. "I had a puppy when I was little. Such a roly-poly creature, and her fur white. I called her Lily, which was very silly when she grew old, but she would answer to nothing else. She was a fine dog and a dear friend. I last had her daughters, and they were good dogs, but not like their mother." Her voice faltered as unwelcome memories seeped back.

So much death, though she had seen only little of it. But here it was in front of her. Something alerted her and she looked up to see Legolas leaning in the doorway, watching her. The sun was setting and the high window was small so that she could hardly make out his still features. Perhaps it was just an emanation that sent a shiver of unease through her. Even so, she put a finger to her lips. A movement of his head commanded that she step outside to speak with him, but as soon as she tried to move her tired hand, Bert's closed on it with surprising strength. She looked helplessly at Legolas and saw the tightness of his jaw. "Bert," she said. "I must go away for a moment. I will be back very soon, I promise."

As soon as Alex closed the door, Legolas spoke. "We're leaving." leading her towards the main doors of the infirmary.

"No we're not! Or at least, I'm not. I promised Bert."

"Alex, have sense. He's unconscious. The King and the rest of Rohan is commemorating the dead and you are missing it."

"Then you go and commemorate. I promised Bert I will stay." Not wanting to put force on Alex and bruise her arm who was aimlessly struggling against his hold on her arm. He slung her over his shoulder and carried her out of the building. After the first moment Alex didn't struggle, for she knew she couldn't win a physical fight. When they reached the stables he put her down, watching her.

"You realize I am right?" he asked warily. She straightened her skirts angrily. "By your lights, I'm sure you are. I didn't fight you, Legolas, because I know that I cannot match you in strength. But I want to return to Bert's side at the first opportunity, starting now."

She began to walk away. He seized her arm and turned her back. They stood frozen there as the faint music and singing started and the celebration began to filter away from the Golden onto the streets. "And I suppose if I take you back to the Golden Hall you will return as soon as I turn my back."

"Yes." Her heart was pounding, but this was one battle she could not turn from. "I could tie you to the bedposts," he said.

"Yes." His jaw tightened with impatience.

"He'll be dead within hours."

"All the more reason." He suddenly released his grip. "Alex. If you don't bend, I may break you."

"I've been doing a lot of bending, dear husband. Perhaps it's time you learned how." There was something in his eyes, and she honestly couldn't tell if it was anger or not, but she knew that for all she had been willing to bend to survive, to preserve Rohan, and to protect its people, she couldn't bend on this. In the infirmary a man was dying because of her failure to see to his wounds, and he seemed to find solace in her presence and her voice.

"Alright. How?" Legolas asked suddenly, surprising Alex out of her thoughts.

"How..what?"

"To bend. Tell me how—""

"Legolas, for fuck's sake, now is not the time." Alex shook her head, turning to leave but Legolas blocked her way. "I don't know how okay?"

"Fine. Then I'll find a way." Legolas stared at her determinedly.

"You know what, I actually want to hear this." Alex stood tall, crossing her arms across her chest.

"I will win the tournament for you. I will win tomorrow's tournament in your name. Every Knight I'll defeat, I defeat for you. Your beauty will be reflected in the power of my arm. The fierceness of my bow and the ferocity of my arrow." A ghost of a smile appeared on his face. Feeling proud of himself of his decision. He has never made an offer like that before. Not on any elleth.

"Wow." Alex raised an eyebrow in challenge. "Really?"

"Yes."

"Really? It's ferocity…" Alex felt herself trying to suppress her laughter, her tone coming out dripping in sarcasm. The proud elven prince, who married her only for pity, is now dedicating his win for her. For what? "And if I only want poetry?"

Legolas looked startled by her request. He was caught off guard again. By her. "Oh. I am not ready."

"Well, I am. Why must everything for a woman be ran on a man's—elf's schedule?" Alex challenged.

"Well, you see, a man's day is fuller and has more demands on his time."

"I see. Is that so?" Alex was playing with him now.

"Yes." Legolas looked firm, but Alex remained stoic. "No…maybe?"

"I demand poetry and when I want it, I want it now."

"Alex," Legolas started as he slowly felt his blood pressure rise in irritation that Alex was clearly testing his patience yet again. "Tell me how to bend to you."

"Do you ask in earnest?"

"Yes."

"Then do your worst." Alex answered calmly. Her eyes studying Legolas as realization slowly dawned on him.

"My worst? What do you mean?"

"Lose." A sweet smile gracing her features as sarcasm flowed freely. She had to get back to Bert now. Thinking of a quick way to end this conversation, she had to answer Legolas with something she knew he would never do or could never accomplish. Something to bring his smug ass down a notch. "Instead of winning to honor me with your high reputation, I want you to act against your normal character and do badly."

"Do badly?" Legolas hissed incredulous.

"Lose."

"Losing proves nothing except that I am a loser!"

"Wrong. Losing is a much more keener test of your will to bend. Losing would contradict to your self love and losing would show obedience to your lover and not to your self." Alex moved a step for every point she made and she now stood toe to toe with the elf. Their eyes boring into each others, a silent battle of wits. Raising an eyebrow in challenge, Alex asked. "What is your answer?"

Legolas felt his jaw twitched at the challenge. Inside he was torn at wanting to throttle her and at the same time kiss her senseless for the absurd wittiness of her challenge. "I will not lose."

"I am going back, now," she said smirking at having proven her point. Legolas was loyal, infinitely so. Loyal to his friends, to his title and to his duty, but sadly, nothing beyond that. What she was not expecting however, was the wave of sadness at the thought that he had nothing beyond loyalty to offer her. Alex could try to deny it in broad daylight, but deep inside, she was expecting him to prove he felt anything for her other than a sense of duty, a husband's duty to his wife. That their arrangement was more than just a formality. That he actually felt something for her—loved her. Maybe then, she would be swayed to stay. "If you want to stop me it will have to be with force, and if he dies while I'm gone I'm not sure I will ever forgive you." Legolas' hand flexed with abrupt impatience and Alex flinched.

"You don't know him. He was no saint. Maybe he was too fond of drink, and lazy." She made herself meet his eyes. "Or he beat his wife if she disobeyed him."

"Do you think that matters?"

His hand moved to grasp her, then stilled. He lowered it. "Very well. Stay. I will return as soon as I can. Don't leave here until I return. I don't want you abroad in the dark alone. This place a little far off from the main part of the city. Should wild men decide to ransack, this place could be easily taken." It had never occurred to her that she might be in danger this close to Edoras.

"But who . . . ?"

"The war is not over yet, sweet." he said tersely, then spun on his heel and left her. Alex stood for a moment, staring after him, his reaction dizzying her. Years ago she would not have believed herself capable of defying Legolas in such a matter, never mind prevailing. And now, though she knew she was morally right to insist on staying with Bert, she was not sure this enterprise was entirely wise. She had never considered that she might still be in danger. Returning to Edoras had re-created her security to such good effect that she'd almost wiped away what had happened, but she would be a treasure to be seized. Memories of what the Uruk Hai told her back in the caves came back.

As she hurried back, Bran was in Bert's room, and seemed surprised to see her. Bert was very restless. "I do believe he missed you, Lady Alex, but he is very weak." Alex took her seat again and put her hand in Bert's, using the other to soothe his brow.

"I'm back," she said. "That was Legolas—an elf, but he's had to go back to Meduseld because of the King. Kings are a lot of bother to my mind. Did I tell you I had a lot of convincing to do to achieve this infirmary? King Theoden almost refused and I wasn't having any of that. Thank God Eowyn was on my side . . ." Bert settled, and Alex thought she saw Bran's lips twitch as he went to see to his other wounded.

Things rapidly grew worse. Bert's face seemed to swell and when Bran came by he said it was fluid under the skin. There was nothing they could do. The man became more restless and didn't seem to hear Alex anymore, though he clung to her hand. If he'd more strength he would have broken her fingers. He broke out in a cold sweat, and his pulse became rapid and weak. Alex ceased her chatter and fell to her knees beside the bed to pray earnestly for his release. She only realized she was crying when she saw her tears bouncing off his swollen hand. She tried to stop them, but couldn't.

Bran came in and stayed, also praying quietly, prayers for the dying. Alex tried to pray too. Her mind trying to recall any bible verse from when she was still in Springdale, instead recalling that Catholicism was one of the religious sects taught in that dreadful place. She was sure that that religion was not all bad, but for her personally, that horrid school had already marred whatever possible good reputation Catholicism may offer, for she would always associate that religion with that horrendous prison.

Suddenly, a verse came to her "Though I walk in the shadow of death, I will have no fear, for you, Lord, are by my side." Remembering Paul's narration about heaven and hell. Whatever Bert had done in his short time, his sacrifice to save Rohan and its people deemed in redeemable in her books for him to enter heaven. It was full dark, and just one small lamp glowed. The end came suddenly. Bert gave one final, gasping exhalation and went on to a more peaceful place.

In medical definition of death; The concept of death is a key to human understanding of the phenomenon. There are many scientific approaches and various interpretations of the concept. Additionally, the advent of life-sustaining therapy and the numerous criteria for defining death from both a medical and legal standpoint, have made it difficult to create a single unifying definition.

One of the challenges in defining death is in distinguishing it from life. As a point in time, death would seem to refer to the moment at which life ends. Determining when death has occurred is difficult, as cessation of life functions is often not simultaneous across organ systems. Such determination, therefore, requires drawing precise conceptual boundaries between life and death. This is difficult, due to there being little consensus on how to define life.

"Oh my God," breathed Alex, resting her head on the man's limp, puffy hand. It was few moments later that she felt someone raised her and led her away. She only slowly realized it was Legolas.

"Where . . . ?" she asked dazedly.

"Hush, I never left. I've been here for a while, doing vigil in my own way. I should have realized Bert would be soft wax in your hands." Alex burst into tears. She was swept up and carried away. Wrapping her arm around his neck, and burying her face on his shoulder, Alex wept silently. She was taken to where the horses were kept, and though she had no idea how she would ride, she had learned that her elf-husband was capable of extraordinary things.

The sun was already high up in the sky as the people of Rohan greeted the third day of the commemoration rites for the dead. King Theoden had arranged for a single day of sports to acknowledge the skills of the men and boys who fought in Helm's Deep. It was a well made decision for the tournament lifted the people's spirits and by the time noon came around, everyone was in festive mood.

The tournament was divided into two divisions: the combat arena and the archery tournament. Two champions will be declared by the end of the day. Knights like Eomer participated at the Combat tournament. The people's cheer and resounding joy echoed out of the arena as they cheered and jeered and waged on their favorite knights. The day began with joyful mood and the people of Rohan had commemorated the fights and attack maneuvers they participated on during the battle at Helm's Deep.

Competitive archery – that is, archery that involves archers aiming arrows at a target – has various forms, but all have the same aim: to shoot your arrows as close to the centre of the target as possible. Competitors aim at a target from a distance of seventy metres, and rounds include a ranking round where the overall scores determine the competitor's rankings priors to a head to head elimination format.

The field was laid out and the archers were all huddled on one side of the field as their targets were positioned on the opposite side. The people of Rohan had gathered that afternoon to witness the display of skill at bow and arrow and for the commoners to witness an actual elf compete. One side of the field was placed with tents on where the nobles, together with the King, sat and observed. While on the other side were the common-folk who stood in excitement as they placed their bets and cheered on their favoured competitors.

Each archer was given a three second allowance to hit their target, each competitor standing on the designated starting line. Each round, the tally will be counted and at the end of the day the contender with the most points will win.

Eowyn and Alex was sitting by the tents as they watched the participants position themselves. Alex spied Legolas on the very end of the line who was surrounded by most of their friends who was in a serious huddle. Alex remembered her challenge the night before are rolled her eyes at the memory, convincing herself that he was never going to go through with it.

The master of the games stood on the low podium and signaled the start of the tournament. The archers then took their places. Legolas stood with his bow, a parting gift from Lady Galadriel. Sweeping his gaze over the crowd, he spotted Alex sitting with Eowyn. Muttering silent curses under his breath for what he was about to do. He knew it was preposterous and downright foolish. Losing would never prove anything. Desperation clawed through him, as much as he tried to ignore Alex's challenge he was willing to put his reputation to the test if only to prove to her.

The master of the games raised the flag and one by one the archers started releasing their arrows. Cheers and riot of shouts rang out from the adoring crowd as Legolas glanced boredly and with resolute resignation at the majority of the targets. Out of the eighteen participants, barely half made it into the target. Hearing Gimli's cries and Paul's enthusiasm above the jeering crowd, Legolas inhaled and aimed his arrow up in the sky and released.

Silenced echoed throughout the field, each one in bafflement at his actions. The tensioned silence stretched on as the crowd waited with bated breath if the arrow he released would suddenly come back down and reappear at the target. As the minutes ticked past, the master of the game closed the count and counted the tally. "What are you doing?" Gimli asked, perplexed at the elf's lack of excitement at proving his skill at archery.

Alex sat frozen and horrified. Her widened at what just unfolded before her. "What did you do?" Eowyn turned to her accusingly. Alex covered her face with her hand and groaned. Holy Mother...

"Losing." Legolas' bored tone answered, his arrow directed upwards instead of the target he could clearly spot from across the field seventy feet away.

"I..I don't understand?" Merry looked between Gimli and Legolas, "Neither do I." A deep sigh escaping the elf as he released the arrow and hearing the loud ruckus of cheers from the other side of the field. The Rohirrim are celebrating the tallies earned in their favor from Legolas' obvious mishap of the target.

The master of game stood to the podium again and signaled for the next round. In irritation, Legolas stood again, nocking an arrow and releasing it into the sky.

Scoring in archery is very simple: add up the number of points based on where your arrows hit the target. The highest score for a single arrow is ten for hitting the inner red ring, while the least for hitting the outer white ring is one tally. Arrows missing the target altogether do not score at all.

Jogging from the sidelines, Paul made a beeline towards the elf, "Um… are you blind?", with the rest following him to where the elf stood his face blank and but his blue eyes betraying the anger simmering underneath. "Didn't you see the target?"

"Yes, I saw it alright." Exasperation colouring Legolas' tone.

"I know! I know!" Pippin piped up, his expression worried but still hopeful, "You want to fall behind for a more dramatic victory!" His laughter dying down as it fell on deaf ears.

"Look, Alex told me I should lose to prove that I could bend." Resignation in his tone as he watched defeat and shock on each of his friends' faces, with Paul's even more irritated but not surprised. "Oh my God, I'd rather you were blind." Turning and giving Alex a glare from across the field were she was seated under the shade with Eowyn and the rest of the Rohan Royal court.

"You mean lose to prove your 'love'?" Pippin asked confused which left the elf bewildered at the hobbit's context.

Without answering, Legolas took another arrow and released it onto the sky for the third time. The crowd around them already groaning in unison.

As mentioned it would depend on the specifics of the tournament in which the archer is competing, but in an archery competition the winner is either the person who has the highest cumulative total score after a set number of arrows, or the one who has successfully overcome all opponents faced in a knockout scenario.

"Don't be foolish lad! Each woman wants proof." Gimli voice gruff and commanding, his gaze towards Aragorn silently asking him for some verbal support but ranger only offered an amused smile.

"Proof of what?" Legolas was now completely clueless at what the dwarf just said.

Moving his gaze left and right, and moving a step closer to the elf as the hobbits followed suit, Gimli whispered, "That their legs have not been uncrossed for nothing."

"But I haven't uncrossed her legs." Legolas' voice dropping to a whisper, embarrassment at having to divulge something so personal, the elf's ear tinged pink.

"Well why for fuck's sake then are we doing this?!" Paul exclaimed,

"Because!" Legolas sighed, for the first time in his life he had no answer—Wrong!, His consciousness berated him. His gaze turning to Pippin and remembering the hobbit's earlier question. Because for the first time in your life, you have your answer. "because…I love her. I am madly in love with her." A feeling of free falling without fear, a feeling that a weight has been lifted from his shoulders washed over him. He knew then, with every fiber of his being that it was true.

"I'm going to lose everything!" Pippin exclaimed, pulling the attention of the rest of them. "That's why its called 'gambling.'" Merry answered matter-of-factly, an action that the other hobbit did not appreciate and soon both were locked in a wrestle. Gimli and Paul stared on helplessly while Aragorn enjoyed the current spectacle in the sidelines.

"What are you laughing at?" Legolas taunted, turning his attention back to his empty target and exhaling.

The master of the game had called for a recess and the archers all relaxed as they tallied the scores of the first half of the game. Although Legolas had not scored any, the Rohan archers had proven skillfull for some had already amassed tallies with the highest at thirty one.

"How about we just forfeit?" Gimli asked, his attention at a deflated elf sitting beside him.

"No." Legolas voice was firm

"Come on, we'll just throw the towel. Surrender—lose that way. Just don't take anymore of the humiliation." Paul suggested, felling pity for the poor elf.

"I have not the care of what they think of me or my people. My loyalty is to Alex and she has to know that."

Shock covered all their faces at what Legolas just declared. The elf was clearly delusional, "Legolas, that's blasphemous." Paul pointed out.

"Then what about your love, have you proven it yet?" Pippin's voice mocking as he contemplated how much coins he was losing at this wager. "Milady.." Merry bowing as Eowyn stood in front of the group, "Alex sends her word."

"What now?" Paul's irritation at his best friend for her cruelty shining through.

"She says, if your want to prove—"

"Yes, yes, I know. I must lose. Is she not watching?" Smiling patiently at the state of the elf and the look of fear on their friends' faces, she continued. "She says you must win. She says to prove that you can bend, you must win the tournament."

"Milady, he'll be sweeping all your knights under the rug."

"I have not the slightest care. There will always be more tournaments in the future, besides I have not been this entertained in quite some time." Eowyn smile was blinding. Her amusement clear on her face. The elf just stood watching her, his face blank of expression except for his eyes.

Legolas did not offer the sheildmaiden of Rohan any answer, instead he grabbed his longbow and quiver of arrows and proceeded to the line of archers already forming on the field.

"There she is the embodiment of your love, your Varda." Gimli declared exultingly as Legolas prepared beside him.

"How I hate her." Sneering as he nocked a long arrow back before releasing it and hitting the target square at the center.

In the event of a tied score the archer with the highest number of tens—including inner tens—is declared the victor. If that number is also equal the one with the greater number of inner tens is the winner. Alternatively – or subsequently – a shoot-off can be used to separate the competitors who have tied.

On the last night of the celebration, Edoras, Golden Hall - A grand feast has been prepared for the closing of the commemoration rites. A roaring fire a lamb was roasting on a spi was placed at the center of the great hall. Long tables laden with food such as, fruits, breads, cheese, pork meat were displayed. Barrels of wine and ale were strategically placed all around. It was truly a banquet laid ready for the soldiers and nobles and guests of Rohan.

King Theoden slowly walked up to the top of the podium to begin the closing ceremony. "Tonight we remember those who gave their blood to defend this country. Hail the victorious dead!" Theoden's voice loud and clear as it echoed around the vast dining hall. Chorus of the same declaration echoed throughout the great hall, before all those in attendance took a sip from their goblets.

Commemoration ceremonies after death may include various mourning, funeral practices and ceremonies of honouring the deceased. The physical remains of a person, commonly known as a corpse or body, are usually interred whole or cremated, though among the world's cultures there are a variety of other methods of mortuary disposal. In the English language, blessings directed towards a dead person include rest in peace, or its initialism RIP.

Death is the center of many traditions and organizations; customs relating to death are a feature of every culture around the world. Much of this revolves around the care of the dead, as well as the afterlife and the disposal of bodies upon the onset of death. The disposal of human corpses does, in general, begin with the last offices before significant time has passed, and ritualistic ceremonies often occur, most commonly interment or cremation. This is not a unified practice; in other countries, for instance, the body is given a sky burial and left on a mountain top. Proper preparation for death and techniques and ceremonies for producing the ability to transfer one's spiritual attainments into another body or more commonly termed as reincarnation, are subjects of detailed study. Mummification or embalming is also prevalent in some cultures, to retard the rate of decay.

Amidst the cheering crowd, Eowyn moved towards Aragorn offering the chalice of wine. Aragorn in gratitude accepted it. "Westu Aragorn hal." Eowyn's soft voice floated as she handed him a cup of the wine. Her eyes remained focused on the ranger as he moved away. "I am happy for you." A voice spoke behind her, turning she found her uncle. Eowyn tried to look innocent but saw it was already too late as Theoden followed her gaze. "He is an honourable man."

"You are both honourable men." Eowyn's smile was kind and understanding.

"It was not Theoden of Rohan who led our people to victory." The sheildmaiden was startled by her uncle's silent admission, her eyes searched him questioningly, disturbed by his tone. "Don't listen to me, you are young, and tonight is for you."

The night continued on in merriment just as the previous two nights, but this time the celebration lasted and the inhabitants even more as they immersed in the mood for celebration. On the other side of the room, Merry and Pippin are in full voice, on top of one of the tables both of them holding very large mugs of ale in their hands. "Oh, you can search - up and down, as many lands as can be found. But you'll never find a beer so brown, as the one we drink in our home town. You can keep your fancy ales, you can drink them by the flagon. But the only brew, for the brave and true, comes from the Green Dragon!"

Gandalf watched on in amusement at the antics of the two young hobbits, laughing and clapping at Merry and Pippin. The old Maiar felt someone stand beside and turned to see Aragorn who was smiling at the floorshow. "No news of Frodo?" Aragorn's grim voice broke through the wizards amusement.

"No word…nothing." Gandalf's tone turned serious as his thoughts strayed to the other two hobbits who was last seen in Amon Hen.

"We still have time." At Aragorn's confident statement Gandalf turned quickly. "Every day Frodo moves closer to Mordor." The ranger's voice stern and confident.

Gandalf watched his friend's face seeking reassurance. "Do we know that?"

"What does your heart tell you?" Aragorn asks gently. "That Frodo is alive." The wizard answered his smile growing, "Yes—yes, he is alive." This time the wizard whispers it more to himself. His eyes scanning the room and spying Paul and Gimli at Eomer's table with a leather pouch held out in front of them. "I see two more of our friends getting their much needed compensation." The wizard commented with a smile.

Aragorn followed his gaze to find what Gandalf was staring at only to chuckle silently at the scene before them. The elf it seemed had won the archery tournament. An unpredictable turn of events. The Rohan were knights were already confident seeing as they had already accumulated massive tallies during the first half of the tournament. What they did not account for, however, was for Legolas to return to finish the tournament by sweeping them all out. His arrow hitting his target dead center at every release. The elf's tallies having caught up to the knights' had brought them panic, with Legolas not even breaking a sweat and looking positively irritated and bored.

"Thank you. Thank you." Paul nodded with a beaming smile as he passed the leather pouch around the table to collect their winnings. Each ding of the gold coin music to their ears. "It was nice doing business with all of you. Do look us up if ever you're in…"not knowing the places in Middle Earth, Paul turned to Gimli who happily and drunkenly supplied.

"Rivendell, or Gondor or better yet, Greenwood. That is where our dear old elf resides if I might add." Happily gurgling while laughing at taking a peek at the gold coins already stacking up inside their pouch. Walking back to their table, Merry and Pippin were both giddy with excitement. While Aragorn took a seat with them and left Gandalf to his own devices.

"How much did we win?" Pippin asked, rubbing his palms together.

"Well, they doubled the wager on the second part of the games expecting they would win." Gimli nodded with devious smile and guffawed loudly while Paul was counting the coins on the table. "Ninety gold fucking coins!" Paul exclaimed cheering. Everyone at their table went on to merrily sing and cheer. Except for Aragorn who watched them with amusement while a plan slowly formed inside his head.

"I could kiss that elf!" Merry exclaimed, hugging the leather pouch.

"Congratulations on your winning." Aragorn offered, "But, could I suggest a more lucrative use for your coins…" Reaching out and handing their initial thirty coins and taking the sixty with him. "Donate these."

"B..but…"Pippin stuttered looking between Merry, Gimli and Paul who sat with their mouths agape. Gimli was the first one to break the silence, "Now, see here lad. We won that wager fair and square. We deserves those coins."

"And there are a lot of other people who need it more than you do."

"Like who?" Paul challenged crossing his arms and raising his eyebrow at the ranger.

"Give it to the abbey." Aragorn answered.

"The…the abbey?" Merry questioned. Looking between them all. "The coins will be of far more use to the abbey. Think about it. Food and clothing for the orphans, supplies for the wounded, tending to the construction…" Aragorn trailed off, sincerity rolling off of him in waves as he studied his friends. He knew they have hearts and he knew they have big hearts.

Silence stretched on and Aragorn continued, "Remember how you almost lost your bet, if it was not for Alex—"

"It was because of her that we almost lost." Paul countered, "I still have half the mind to wring her neck for that." Finishing with a sigh. Looking at each of their friends and finding them wilting.

"We did not come here for coins and winning wages." Aragorn added looking at each one of them and smiling kindly.

Another moment of silence as the four thought of the abbey and the coins and of their much greater purpose. "We came here for Frodo." Paul muttered, locking eyes with Aragorn and smiling. "We came here for Frodo and Sam. We came here to defeat the Dark Lord. Hell, I don't even need those coins." Paul nodded, his smile stretching and nodding in agreement with the ranger.

"Aragorn's right. The abbey needs it more than we do." Pippin followed, "And Paul is right too. We came here for the Frodo. And Sam. It would be an insult to them who are somewhere out there struggling while we are here celebrating our winnings." Pippin looked to Merry who nodded in agreement.

"Argh! Alright! Give the coins to the abbey." Gimli finally grunted, reaching for the ale and taking a huge swing not minding that Paul was patting him on the shoulder while Aragorn smiled at him. "Twas enough to see them lose to the pointy eared princeling anyway." Gimli announced laughing.

"I could still remember their faces!" Paul added earning a laugh from the hobbits. "He never never missed the target."

"Do I have your permission to give these Alex to give to the abbey?" Aragorn asked to all of them.

"By give, you mean talk to her?" Paul offered, to which Aragorn nodded. "Scold her for me will you?" Paul smiled deviously and reaching out for his own ale.

"You have my word." Aragorn nodded. The ranger continued to walk around the great hall hoping to spot Alex or Legolas. When the hall seemed a lost hope for him, he ventured out into the rooms and found no trace of her. Making his way back to the hall, he passed by the one of the entrances that lead outside and found Alex sitting alone by the stone stairway. Her gaze directed toward toward the starry sky. Her image made Aragorn pause, her silver and white gown complimenting her skin, her hair in a riot of dark waves contrasting against her pale colors, with only the moon providing enough illumination. From the angle he almost thought he was watching Arwen.

With a jolt he managed a step back. The detail of her lineage was still a secret. With the ever evolving complication of her relationship with the elf-prince, Aragorn made a stern decision that they had to know. Despite what Gandalf had advised against, the very ones that needed to know are the ones kept in the dark and they are the ones that will be hurt once the secret has been revealed.

"Alexandria Townsend." Aragorn voice broke through the silence, wincing for he did not intend make it sound firm and scary seeing as Alex visibly flinched, "May I have a word?" It sounded like a demand than a request.

Already feeling already chastised by the ranger's stare, Alex nodded her head. "Go ahead."

Seeing Alex's defeated form, Aragorn softened. Moving closer and sitting beside her on the steps, his eyes never leaving her forlorn form. "What were you thinking asking Legolas to subject his reputation to humiliation like that?"

Alex closed her eyes. Guilt and regret battled inside her. It was not her intention to humiliate him but she doubted if anyone will believe her. "I..I didn't actually think he was gonna do it."

"I would certainly refuse to think you are that daft." His gaze was stern, his deep brown eyes boring down on her with disappointment. "You forget who he is. He is the Crown Prince of Greenwood."

"I am aware—"

"And today he accepted being the laughing stock of an allied country all for what? He placed his title and his race's reputation for what?"

"I'm sorry." Alex whispered, her eyes shining like emerald gems as it glistened with unshed tears of embarrassment and regret.

"Are you? You could not even take back your demand, you had to send Eowyn to do it for you!"

Alex was engulfed with humiliation. Bowing her head and listening to Aragorn's sermon. She knew it was coming, she expected it. She saw all their faces after Legolas' first shot. "I know you've had a rough beginning and I know it was not easy in the past but this is foul. You are quick to point about the world's flaw but your own. You owe him an apology."

Nodding her head in resignation. Alex knew she made a mistake humiliating Legolas like that. It was uncalled for and downright despicable. "I don't know what else to say. I… I really am sorry. You have no idea how the remorse is eating me up right now. The last thing I wanted was for him to be humiliated like that. Despite of what happened between us, he was always a friend to me first."

"That is precisely where you are wrong." Aragorn's statement made Alex turn her head in his direction, her eyes questioning. "He may have been your friend before, but that is not what he wants now."

Biting her lip and mulling over Aragorn's words. Alex thought deep and hard about everything. "Where is he?" Alex asked suddenly, the feeling of needing to be near Legolas, all consuming and craving spreading throughout her.

"He is not inside. I wager he's in the stables." Aragorn chuckled at Alex's expression at the mention of wager. Holding out Alex's hand and dropping the leather bound coins. "For the abbey."

Alex peeked and almost felt her eyes bug out of their sockets at the amount of coins inside. "They thought it was good idea to give all of their winnings to the orphans and the wounded. After all, it was Legolas who won for them."

"You think the guys will ever forgive me?"

"The hobbits are fond of you. Gimli likes you too much and Paul… well you know him better than I do. But I think you'll do just fine. It is not us you should concern yourself about." Aragorn smiled and helped Alex to stand. Aragorn was about to divulge the one information he was concerned about but held himself back. Watching as he saw determination in Alex. Backing a step, he decided not tonight. The news would devastate her and without her grandmother to explain everything, him saying it might cause more harm than good. Gandalf was right. It needed to wait.

Kissing Aragorn on the cheeks and thanking him, Alex felt renewed vigor. Knowing what must be done, she hopped down the steps in search of the stables. "Oh, Alex?" Turning around the last minute and regarding the ranger. "What you did was one of the funniest events I have witnessed in a while. Don't tell them I said that." Aragorn threatened with a smile on his lips as be stood and climbed back up to return to the hall.

Entering the dark quiet stable, Alex squinted as she waited for her eyes to adjust to the darkness. The horses were still awake and some had acknowledged her presence already while some ignored her and returned to their previous preoccupation with the hay. "Legolas?" Alex called out in a whisper, feeling her earlier determination leave her. What if he was too angry? What if he doesn't want to talk to her? See her?

Taking one tentative step further into the dark stables she passed by Arod and found him silently lying on the hay, no Legolas could be found. "What do you want?" His deep voice ringing out against the silence of the stable.

Alex jumped and turned around, finding him sitting on a stack of hay on the opposite empty stall. "I..I wanted to apologize." Alex swallowed. She had never feared him before and it was a foreign feeling. "I want to apologize. For this afternoon's fiasco." Looking over at him to find that he was not even sparing her a glance.

The action made her heart twist.

"Are you satisfied now? Is there anything else I need to prove to you?" His sarcasm stung and his cold demeanor was making matters worse. She did not recognize this side of him and it terrified her to her core.

"Legolas, I'm so sorry." Feeling her eyes prick with tears. Steeling herself, she made one step towards the empty stall. Unable to look at him and instead kept her eyes glued to the ground, "I'm…I..I never should have asked you anything. It was selfish and stupid and…" wiping the stray tear that fell she looked up and was frozen on the spot to find he was staring intently at her. Cold hard blue eyes pinning her to her spot, unable to move. When he remained quiet and unmoving, Alex chose to continue talking, deciding that the silence was deafening. "I..I had no right to be angry at you. For anything. And I certainly had no right to and I was way out of line to make you look like a fool like that." Steeling herself and biting her lip, she met his gaze head on.

As if the gods were listening in on her plea about the silence, rain started pouring outside. The sudden rush of cold air making her shiver. A flash of white light and then the sound of thunder making her flinch, but she ordered her self to remain on her spot. "I..I was angry for a lot of things and I blamed you for most if it. Even when you had nothing to do with it. I know that now. If there was.. anyone to blame, it should have been me." Wiping another tear and swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat contracting her ability to talk or breathe properly. "You're not perfect. But so am I."

Legolas continued to stare at her. Seeing clear as day how difficult it was for her to talk this much. Another flash of lightning and the sudden white light that sliced in the dark sky outside almost gave urging him to go to her. The pain in her face lashed at his heart, urging him to want to desperately make it go away, but he remained where he was.

"I have no right to point out all your mistakes when my own are just as clear as day. But…" closing her eyes and shaking her head she continued on and she she opened her eyes, they blazed with fury at the barrage of memories that assaulted her, memories that brought with her emotions that she tried to keep buried down. "You were engaged…I must've looked really stupid to your posh friends didn't I?" Wiping furiously at the treacherous tears that fell while letting out a humorless laugh. The flood gates had now been opened and there was not stopping it now. "God! I always knew I looked like a lovesick fool—fuck! They were laughing about me in front of my fucking face for it.—I just never pictured myself as a stupid lovesick fool! You were engaged! Engaged! And now I feel even more stupid for feeling mad at myself for allowing you to have this much effect on me. Why do you have this much effect on me?!"

"Alex…allow me to explain." Legolas regretted his tone as soon as he spoke not intending to sound cold but already saw how it made her flinch in fear.

"For what?" Alex challenged her eyes widening in fear at the intensity of his gaze on her. The sudden rush of emotions left her empty and light weight.

Stepping closer to her, his chest almost touching hers, their faces inches apart. The fire in his eyes making Alex step back in alarm. "Do not ever mistake that I would just allow anything to occur in my life or that I let someone else or a situation make my decisions for me.." Alex opened her mouth to counter but was quickly cut off, "because I don't! Now, if you are finished with your poorly inadequate worded and unjustified tirade, will you let me explain?!" His face was flushed, so close to hers. His eyes blazing like blue flames burning her with the intensity of his gaze. "You asked me why I affect you so much? Welcome to my life." His voice ice cold sending shivers down her spine.

Alex was stunned into silence. Her breathing coming out in short gasps, her eyes unable to look away from his magnificent form. Like a beast clawing his way out. She had a lion a magnificent lion with his teeth bared and growling ready to devour her whole and leave her wanting more. His eyes betrayed the inner turmoil he tried to keep contained within him.

"You have me under a spell." He let out softly but his eyes remained in intensity. "I can't breathe or think or eat or do anything without thinking of you. I spent the last fifty years of my life just thinking of you—You—and the worst part was that you were not even here to explain it to me. To put some semblance of order in my thoughts and the unknown emotions swirling inside me. You asked me why I affect you so much? You have not the slight inkling about what your mere presence does to me. And then you come out of nowhere and have all these pent up rage you graciously unleashed upon me."

Alex choked, unprepared for the onslaught of emotions with his admission. "You never wanted me. You married me out of pity."

"You wanted to know who she was? Her name was Frieda. She was promised to me by her family for some political gain. I never lied, Alex. What I told you was true—I never wanted to be King nor a prince. I refused to be married—ever. Finding out about her promiscuity was a blessing on my part and I used it. I used it to my advantage. I called off the arrangement and dragged Filwen's marriage into the mud along with it. I played and dallied with elleths that I had no intention of marrying just because I can get away with it. The gossips never bothered me. I was immune to the talks and cynicism. But because I am their prince, I got away with it. All of it."

Alex felt like fainting, the lion in front of her slowly morphing into a monster. Bracing one arm against the wooden wall that divided the stalls, she looked everywhere but him.

"No reasoning I will ever give will ever be valid enough to excuse my abhorrent behavior. I was young and stupid and arrogant. But the last thing I wanted was for you to be subjected to the same treatment. You should've waited for me. You should've told me. It took Paul telling me for me to find out the truth of what happened. I have half the mind at the moment to ride back to Greenwood and slit all their throats. I would have understood if it had been me. But not you."

"Your father never told you?" Alex stared at him incredulous. Unprepared for the hurt and guilt swimming his eyes, Alex took a step back.

"I isolated myself. When I came back and found you gone, I isolated myself. I went back to my home, buried myself in my work and kept myself busy with my responsibilities. Trust me, a hundred years is a mere blink in the life of an elf. But the last fifty years were the longest. When the opportunity arose for an emissary to go to Imladris, I took it. I haven't spoken to my father in half a century." Legolas recognized the fear in her eyes. In a desperate attempt not to scare her further, he turned around facing the wall. "You think I went along with our marriage?" His question spoken with such utter disgust Alex felt goosebumps erupt along her arms at his tone and making her visibly flinch as if the insult was directed at her. "If I didn't want you Alex, you would have already known. You were my friend, my wife, I was looking out for you. I trusted you." Legolas turned and watched as a million different emotions danced across her gorgeous face. From fear to guilt to remorse to anger and confusion. "But, what you asked of me today…" his voice trailed off and Alex felt the pain of guilt and remorse almost like a physical pain.

"I never wanted…"choking back a sob understanding what he was trying to say. Shaking her head and taking a tentative step back. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to…I never wanted—meant—to humiliate you." Alex hung her head in shame. Shame engulfed her. Shame for what she did.

Trying to even out his breath, he watched as Alex tried to quiet out her sobs, "Are we even now?" At Alex's horrified stare, he understood. She never meant anything. "Because if not, then I'd do it again to recompense for whatever and all pain I have caused you…"

"No. No more. " shaking her head, "I'm sorry…"

Taking step towards her and brushing the back of his fingers against her soft skin that was wet with tears, "There is nothing to forgive." He whispered, moving his thumbs along the apple of her cheeks to wipe away the errant tears, "I hate seeing you cry."

Alex entered the stall and stepped closer to him, the fear now gone and in its place was adrenaline. "We make a poor excuse of a married couple." Legolas was not expecting that statement from Alex and with amusement as he studied this tempestuous, unfamiliar, wildly desirable young woman who had once regarded him with childlike admiration in her glowing green eyes. Gone were her unruly curls. Gone was the admiration in her eyes. Gone was the ingenuous hoyden he had married. In her place was this ravishing young beauty of uncertain temperament whom he felt an uncontrollable, irrational need to tame and to make respond to him as she once had.

"That we are. I doubt if anything we do will ever seem 'odd' to anyone anymore," Legolas answered with equal parts of amusement and irony. His earlier frustration at Alex gone in an instant she made the offhanded comment about how bizarre a couple they make. "You should've seen their faces when I released my first arrow." Referring to the events that afternoon at the tournament and making light of the incident.

For the first time, it occurred to her how comical they must have looked—and how embarrassing it must have been to him—and Alexandria felt a tiny bubble of satisfied mirth. "Go ahead and laugh," he invited dryly, watching her visibly struggling to remain coldly aloof. "It was funny."

"Not," Alexandria corrected, keeping her face scrupulously straight, "at the time, however."

"No," he agreed, and a lazy, devastating smile suddenly swept across his handsome features.

"And you should have seen the look on my father's face when he entered his study and found me standing there. He looked as if he were seeing a ghost." For one brief moment, Thranduil had looked overjoyed—as if he were seeing someone infinitely dear to him, he remembered.

"You must have looked like the wrath of Eru," she said, uneasily aware of the magnetic charm he was suddenly exuding.

"I felt ridiculous, hunting for a fictitious wife. And I thought Alden looked like he was about to faint."

Reluctant admiration for his ability to laugh at himself blossomed in Alexandria's heart, and for the moment she ignored the things she'd learned about him. Time rolled back and he was once again the smiling, compelling, achingly handsome elf who had teased her, and fought a mock duel in a glade with her. Unaware of the seconds ticking past, she stared up into his bold, mesmerizing ice blue eyes while her dazed mind finally accepted, fully and completely, that he was truly real—that this was not a dream or a figment of her overactive imagination that would end as all her earlier ones had ended. He was alive. And he was, unbelievably, her husband. At least for the moment.

So lost was she in her own thoughts that it took a moment before she realized that his gaze had dropped to her lips and his arms were encircling her, drawing her against his hard frame. "I remember him. He was nice. The only one nice to me."

"Tell me. Alex, I need to know what happened? I need to hear it from you." Legolas pleaded watching weariness creep into her. Brushing the back of his fingers against her soft cheeks urging her to look at him.

"Why? It doesn't matter now."

"It matters to me. It matters to me what they said to you to make you run away."

"What is there to tell? It's not like you can take it all back." Legolas sighed exasperation. It was all in the past now. Him knowing about the details is not going to erase it. "Hey," Alex whispered, pulling him out his thoughts. "It was a long time ago. I've learned to live past-trying-it even it's challenging sometimes. If it helps, I never liked Cal…Caldon."

"Callon." Legolas supplied feeling anger flow in his veins as he watched hurt and a rebellious glint shine in her emerald eyes.

"He made some very offensive comments about you that I did not like. I was trying to make you proud that night and all I could think of was stepping on his toe. Stupid dance anyway.." Alex muttered recalling the things Callon about Legolas made her blood boil anew. "I think he was expecting some mute mouse, but he almost tripped when I called him on his bullshit."

Legolas stared in awe. How had he not known? All this time, he had prided himself of his duty to protect her and here she was admitting she did the same. How had he missed that with all the elleths who only saw him as a title, here was a mortal woman who only saw him for who he was. So strong and firm was her belief in him that she was ready to throw propriety out the window and stand up against one of the prolific advisers of his kingdom. Warmth spread from his chest, the need to hold her and kiss her consuming him. The realization struck him then—they'd make a formidable pair.

Paul was right. Alex thought as she gazed at Legolas whose own face was contorted in pain and anguish. "I was young. I was naive and too inexperienced to understand the world around me. I should not have cornered you into anything. Especially not into a marriage you despised."

He smothered her objection with a hungry, wildly exciting kiss. Temporarily robbed of the anger that had fortified her resistance, Alexandria's traitorous body lost its rigidity, and the scream of warning issued by her mind was stifled by her pounding heart and the shocking pleasure of being held again in the strong arms of the husband she had believed did not care for her. A large masculine hand curved round her nape, long fingers stroking and soothing, while his other hand slid up and down her back, moving her closer and tighter to his full length.

His warm lips moving on hers, the sensation of his hardening body pressing against hers—it was all so achingly, poignantly, vibrantly familiar to her, since their first kiss at Lothlorien. Knowing she was playing with fire, she let him kiss her, permitting herself—just this once—the forbidden, fleeting joy of his mouth and hands and body. But she did not respond, dared not respond.

Pulling his mouth from hers, Legolas brushed a warm kiss against her temple. "Kiss me," he whispered, his breath sending vibrant warmth spilling through her veins. "Kiss me," he coaxed hotly, trailing his mouth across her cheek tasting the tears that made trails down, brushing insistent kisses along the sensitive curve of her neck and ear. His hands slid into her heavy hair, tilting her face up to his and his eyes held hers, teasing, challenging. "Meleth?"

Alex would have died rather than let him believe he'd been the only man to kiss her on the lips in the last fifteen years, and she could see he'd already sensed that was true.

"I can't. I'm soiled." she said regretfully and tearfully. His parted lips came down on hers again, in another long, searching kiss. "Kiss me, princess," he urged hoarsely, kissing her temple, her ear, her cheek. "I want to see if it's as good as I remembered it." Rubbing the tip of his nose against her nose, his eyes imploring and searching.

Reincarnation, also known as rebirth or transmigration, is the philosophical or religious belief that the non-physical essence of a living being begins a new life in a different physical form or body after biological death. Resurrection is a similar process hypothesized by some religions, in which a soul comes back to life in the same body. In most beliefs involving reincarnation, the soul is seen as immortal and the only thing that becomes perishable is the body. Upon death, the soul becomes transmigrated into a new infant to live again.

As Alex stared at Legolas' vivid and stunning blue eyes that is slowly turning stormy, she knew then that this was what she wanted. She wanted him, needed him. All the years of pain and hurt all boiled down to one pivotal moment. He was not forceful, he was not commanding. Instead, he was waiting. Patiently waiting for her. He was not pushing her, as much as his hands are eliciting unknown desires to flow through her veins like fire, his arms, not anymore feeling like bars on a cage, but a refuge, a safe haven—home. Alex felt renewed. Alex felt like being resurrected. She realized with vivid clarity that here, now, she has the chance to right everything—that he wanted to right everything. Jump, her mind coaxed. Feeling his strong arms tighten around her frame, Alex knew right then, he'll catch her. Always.

The achingly poignant discovery that he, too, had dwelt on their last kiss was more than Alex could withstand. With a silent moan of despair, she tilted her head and met his lips with her own while her hands crept up his chest Legolas' mouth slanted fiercely over hers, and this time her lips yielded to his rough, tender kiss, parting beneath the sensual pressure and, at that moment, his tongue slid between them, invading her mouth and taking possession of her.

Lost in a stormy sea of desire, confusion, and yearning, Alexandria felt his hand splay across her lower spine, forcing her closer to him, but instead of resisting she slid her hands up over his shoulders, unwittingly molding her melting body to the hardening contours of his. A shudder racked his muscular body as she fitted herself to him and Legolas' arms tightened, crushing her to him, while his hand lifted, cupping her breast, his thumb brushing back and form across her sensitized nipple while his tongue plunged into her mouth and withdrew, then plunged again and again in a wildly exciting, ever-increasing rhythm that drove her half mad. The endless, drugging kiss, the provocative warmth of his hands moving ceaselessly over her back, then possessively cupping her breasts, the taut strength of his legs and thighs pressing intimately against hers worked their magic on Alex; she kissed him back with all the unbridled ardor she had felt not so long ago, only this time her shy uncertainty was overwhelmed by the desire to clasp him to her, to pretend for a little while that he was all the things she had wanted him to be.

Legolas knew only that the woman in his arms was responding to his kiss with more ardor than ever before, and the effect was devastating on his starved body. When her tongue darted out to touch his lips, he crushed her to him, drawing her tongue into his mouth, while desire surged through his bloodstream like wildfire. Unable to fight back the wild urge to lay her down and take her then and there, he dragged his lips from hers and drew a long, unsteady breath, slowly expelling it. Evidently, his wife had learned a great deal about kissing while they were apart, he realized grimly. And along with it he realized, it doesn't matter. He doesn't care. He has her now and he's never letting go.

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AN: this is 41 pages =0... i know... i just had too much fun writing this chapter. i was debating to cut it in two parts but the suspense might be lost once i do it so... here it is. i hope you enjoyed this as immensely as i wrote this. i apologize if i took this long to update. *reviews*reviews*

translations:

fëar - soul/spirit

hröar - body