AAARRRGGGHHH!!! Bad insomnia!! Guess I'll have to write instead of sleep--heh!!

Chapter 22--Aftermath

Legolas woke up with a headache. "Who stampeded an orc army through my head?" he groaned. He sat up slowly.

Kai grinned at the Elf. "Are you all right, little brother?" he asked.

"Where did you learn Elvish?" Legolas asked in surprise.

"From you during the bonding," Kai said. He looked quite pleased. "It's a beautiful language."

"Thank you, what time is it?" Legolas asked. "And where in valor am I?"

"Midday and you're in the guest shelter. Jaisia is preparing things for your journey back to Minas Tirith," Kai said. "Please be careful, both of you."

"We will be, Kai," Legolas promised.

Three hours later Legolas and Jaisia left the village and headed back to Minas Tirith. They were both concerned about Aragorn and Arwen's safety.

**IN MINAS TIRITH**

Sandi took a long drink from her goblet, trying to keep her temper. She planned to carry out her plans while the Elf and Centaur were out of the way, but now the Dwarf was in her way instead. She kept a light-hearted smile on her face by force of will, but inwardly she was furious!

Gimli had come to the castle shortly after the other two had left and he was staying close to Aragorn and Arwen. He was watching her like a hawk, eyes cold and suspicious. It was obvious he would not allow anything happen to either the king or queen.

Sandi knew the Dwarf was a very close friend of the Elf and she'd seen and heard what a deadly fighter he was. She could do nothing, but bide her time.

Finally dinner was over. Sandi excused herself, saying she was weary. She didn't go to her chamber though. She wandered aimlessly throughout the castle, looking in each room and planning what would be changed after she became Queen of Gondor. The Dwarf would be killed, the Centaur harnessed to a wagon like the beast of burden she was and the Elf would suffer, beg and die, slowly! It was then Sandi walked into a storeroom. She glanced around without much interest then turned to leave. It was then she saw something wrapped carefully in cloth. Curious, she unwrapped it to reveal a portrait. It was her when she was a baby with the Elf. The Elf was laughing, she was smiling too and one hand gripped the Elf's hair. Sandi frowned, brow furrowing as she studied the portrait. A memory rose slowly into her mind. "Lee," she whispered.

What'd ya think? More? Or maybe I should stop? **GRIN** R/R please!!!