A/N: Wow… it's been awhile hasn't it? Well, I'm back, finally. Please make a note that this chapter totally throws away the halo it's been wearing for the past nine chapters. Hopefully I did it justice. Happy reading!

Chapter Ten—Kings and Queens, Stewards and Princes, and a Storm

Legolas and Rowena found Arwen in the library, locating texts that she would show Rowena the next day. Arwen turned to see the two elves enter and walk up to her. "Good afternoon Eararma. I trust you had a pleasant time with Legolas?"

"I did. No matter what he says, Legolas is an excellent teacher; but that's not the reason we sought you out. We invited Faramir to dine with us tonight."

Legolas smiled. "Don't include me in this little one; it was all your doing." He then turned to Arwen. "Rowena wanted to find you and make sure she hadn't overstepped her bounds in adding another person to the dining table."

"All right, all right. Yes, it was my idea, but I didn't want to miss the chance of talking to the Steward before he went back home. Please say he can stay. Please Arwen?"

"That's quite all right dear child. It's an honor to have Faramir join us. In all sincerity, I'm glad you did. I was about to make a visit to his office myself and do the same thing. It would be improper of Aragorn and I not to send him off without some sort of pomp and circumstance. Thank you for doing my job for me."

Rowena couldn't help but beam. "I'm glad. I just didn't want you to think I was trying to run your house."

Arwen turned to Rowena and placed her hands on the younger elf's shoulders. "Eararma, I would never think that. Don't worry about those kinds of things. Except for trying to run the country, you have my leave to do whatever you wish as long as it's within reason. I don't want you to go around in fear thinking that myself or Aragorn will be breathing down your neck for every little thing."

"That's wonderful to hear Arwen. Thank you. Do you need any help in preparing for the festivities?"

"I think I can manage that," Arwen replied. "Thank you for offering your services. I think it's better though that you go and do something on your own. You're a guest here just as much as Legolas or Faramir. Don't feel like you have to help with everything."

"Oh I don't Arwen! I just like to help, that's all. But if you say so, I'll go and be by myself." Rowena turned and smiled at Legolas before leaving the room, heading outside and off toward the stables.

~*~

It was a short walk from the castle to the stables and Rowena felt the need to be close to Shadow. Her relationship with her horse was a special one. Shadow knew things that no one else, both elf or human, knew about Rowena. Before entering Shadow's stall, she stopped by to see Arod. He recognized her and shook his head. "Hello young man," she said. "Did you enjoy your ride yesterday?" She stroked Arod's nose before going across the way to her own horse. "I can ask you the same thing my dear. Did you enjoy your ride?"

Shadow nodded. "Excellent. I thought you might have needed that. Have you been brushed today; looks like you haven't. You want to be?"

The Mearas nodded again, so Rowena complied. She took a brush from off the wall and went into her horses stall. Beginning toward the rear, Rowena took great care in removing the bits of dirt, straw, and other items that had lodged themselves in Shadow's coat. "So," Rowena began. "Do you enjoy your company across the way?" As she talked she nodded toward Arod. Shadow replied with the usual nod and pawed the floor for added effect.

"That's right… Arod's from Rohan as well. Do you remember him from your time there?" Shadow looked back at Rowena with a look that portrayed a sense of happiness and sorrow.

Rowena began to work on Shadow's tail, removing the knots that had formed from the winds that swept over the Pelennor from the ride the day before. "Did you miss him?"

Shadow nodded.

"I'm sorry my dear. Imrahil and I took you away from your family. You forgive me, don't you?"

Shadow nodded emphatically and tried to reach around and nuzzle Rowena, which Rowena helped with by coming into range of a certain nose. "I would have never taken you if you didn't want to. It was always your decision."

Shadow took advantage of Rowena's pause and nuzzled her again, like urging her to continue. Rowena smiled. "I adore Rohan and it's people and I missed Lothiriel so much. I would have taken you back… it just wasn't possible. Imrahil is just so protective of me. You understand don't you? Of course you understand; you're my Shadow."

Rowena returned to brushing Shadow, now focusing on the back and shoulders. "Enough about Arod… what do you think about Legolas? He's royalty you know. The Crown Prince of Greenwood."

Another foot stamp and a neigh came from Shadow, a sign of appreciation and respect.

"He's a very brave man; a very kind soul." Shadow shot a look like she knew that Rowena was holding something back. "All right… you caught me. He's also very handsome."

Shadow nodded her head in approval, like she knew she got the answer she wanted. "I know you favor the climate of Dol Amroth, but if the situation came up… would you go to Greenwood with me?"

Shadow became fussy, as if to say she was appalled that Rowena would even consider Shadow staying behind in Dol Amroth. "All right! All right! I'm sorry I even brought it up." Shadow settled down and let Rowena brush her again. "Eru knows if that will ever happen, I just wanted to know your opinion."

Rowena became quiet for a time, like she was lost in her thoughts. "Do you like him?" she finally said.

A nod.

"A lot?"

Another nod.

"You're not lying to me so you wouldn't hurt my feelings?"

An exasperated neigh.

Rowena laughed. "All right, that's good enough."

Rowena stepped back. "I think you're done my precious. Do you feel better?"

The nod that Rowena received from Shadow was ecstatic. "I'm going back to the palace now. Try to keep clean, all right?" Shadow smiled. "Namarie."

Rowena returned the brush back to its rightful home and returned to Arod. "I'll tell your master to come down here and give you the royal treatment as well. Take care friend." She rubbed the bridge of his nose and exited the speckled light of the stable into the near blinding light of the outside world.

There were large clouds in the distance threatening to blot out the sun that was blinding Rowena. "Hope it doesn't storm, I would hate a storm to ruin such a special night."

~*~

When Rowena found herself back in her room, she found a young woman setting out her gown for the nights' proceedings. "Oh, I'm t…terribly sorry milady. I d…didn't mean to be here when you returned. I'll l…leave now."

The young maiden started for the door, but Rowena stopped her by grabbing her wrist. "It's all right dear, please finish. Don't leave on my account. Come… tell me the name of the girl that's picked out such lovely dresses for me."

The child smiled. "M…m…Miriel milady. My name's Miriel."

"Well then Miriel, what am I wearing tonight?"

Miriel began telling Rowena about the gown, still stuttering now and then. "Q… Queen Arwen thought that you've been wearing t… too much blue. She asked me to p… pick something different. She wanted you to w… wear something red."

Rowena looked behind Miriel to see the dress. Miriel was right, it was red. The dress was crimson with ivory trim, no sleeves, and the bodice made to accentuate Rowena's natural curves. "It's beautiful Miriel. Thank you."

"Y… you're welcome milady. There will b… be someone to help you with y… your hair and gown." When she finished, Miriel began for the door.

"I hope I'll see you again soon," Rowena said,

Miriel turned around. "I hope so too milady."

As Miriel made her way out the door, Rowena went out onto her balcony. Looking out over the Pelennor, her view went to Minas Morgul. She would rather call it Minas Ithil, its true name. Minas Ithil, Osgiliath, all used to further Sauron and his quest, now beacons of hope to Gondor to show what a little courage and faith can do. Both were magnificent to see.

A knock on the door brought Rowena back into her room. She opened the door and another young woman was standing in front of her. "Good afternoon milady. My name's Lily. I'm supposed to help you prepare for tonight…"

~*~

"…and she said she saw Boromir die. She said she saw me watch over him as he died. She wanted to know why I hadn't helped him protect Meriadoc and Peregrin. Now normally I'm aware of my surroundings, I know how to react to a situation; but this time Gandalf, I was at a total loss. How do you react to something like that?"

Legolas and Gandalf were sitting on a veranda off the library. Legolas' musings on Rowena's behavior had gotten him nowhere, so he finally pulled Gandalf aside and spoke to him about his concerns.

"There is no easy answer to your question Legolas," Gandalf answered. "Dreams are things no one has control over. To me, it seems that Rowena has been given a special gift, the gist of empathy. It's manifesting itself in a very unusual way, but it all comes back to her generous heart. She cared enough about Boromir to call for help; she cared enough about your pain to comfort you."

Gandalf placed a hand on Legolas' shoulder and smiled. "I wouldn't worry about it friend. I'll keep my mind on it and see if any answers show themselves. Just keep acting in the same manner that you have been and I'm sure all will be well."

"Do you think that any harm will come to her if another dream occurs?"

"I don't think so. Everything she's experiencing is in her mind, so there's nothing to fear from that. If she does harm to herself though, the attendants at the Houses of Healing will need to look at her."

"Thank you Gandalf. To know that you're looking into the situation takes a great load off my mind."

"Just be sure to watch her closely Legolas, a dream may come at any time."

"Don't worry; I'll make sure that I never take my eyes off her."

~*~

A quiet knock on Rowena's door brought Rowena out of her fireside chair to open it. Faramir stood in front of her with his hand extended. "I was asked to escort you to dinner. I hope that's all right."

Rowena's trademark smile grew across her face. "Of course that's all right!" Rowena went back to snuff out the candles that were on her bedside table and then returned to Faramir's side. "I'm ready now."

"That's good to hear. Let's be off then," Faramir said with a smile.

The two began their journey to the dining hall. "We have a connection, you and I," Rowena began.

"How so?"

"I knew your mother. We were like sisters, of course I was the much older sister, but we were sisters nonetheless."

Faramir stopped and looked at Rowena. "You knew my mother?"

"Very well. She was a very fine woman. I would have attended the funeral, but Imrahil was very distressed and couldn't leave Dol Amroth."

"Yes, Father had mentioned something like that, but we were occupied with other matters."

"As so you should have been. I wish that I had been able to see your family before all the tragedy that came to it."

"I would have liked that. Mother had talked about you. She said that you were a glorious person to know."

With a complement like that, Rowena couldn't help but blush. "She was too kind. She was always too kind. I loved her as much as a sister could."

The two began to walk again. "I had the chance to meet Eowyn at Lothiriel and Eomer's wedding. She is a very lovely woman."

"That she is and I love her dearly for it." Faramir was quiet for a moment. "I find it hard to believe that a family of Men would accept an elf into their family so willingly, seeing the differences that have grown between our two peoples over the millennia."

Rowena took her hand out of Faramir's. "Well isn't that what happened with Aragorn in Rivendell? Elrond took him into his home as a babe and raised him as his own flesh and blood, just as Adrahil did with me. I see no difference."

Faramir could tell that Rowena was getting upset. "I'm sorry Rowena. I didn't mean to put down Adrahil for his kindness. I was just taught to mostly think about myself and my own wellbeing."

Rowena's hardened features softened. "I know. I must apologize as well. I become over protective sometimes when it comes to my family. They were subject to many questions and doubts when I first arrived. Many in Dol Amroth despised Adrahil for his decision to keep me, even if he was the prince. I just hate that some people would think ill of my family just because I'm a part of it."

"Then I will praise Adrahil for his decision, for you are a very thoughtful elf."

Rowena laughed. "And as for you, Faramir son of Denethor," she said still smiling. "Your praise will be most grateful."

Rowena and Faramir reached the dining hall and entered it. They found Aragorn, Arwen, Gandalf, Legolas, and a few others milling about the hall. Legolas caught Rowena's eye and came over to her. "You look outstanding," Legolas managed to say.

"Thank you. I can say the same for you." Legolas was wearing a light blue tunic, which only accentuated his crystal blue eyes. He was also wearing his royal crown of Greenwood with royal braids instead of the warrior braids that Rowena was used to.

"You're too kind. May I show you to your seat?"

"Absolutely." Rowena turned to Faramir. "Thank you for your company. It was most welcome."

"It was my pleasure." Faramir moved off to talk to a group of men by the veranda.

"He really is a wonderful person," Rowena began. "A little on the confusing side, but a very kind soul. He gets it from his mother."

Legolas smiled. "He had a tough beginning living under his brother's shadow. I think things would have been different had his mother lived."

"I know things in Dol Amroth would have been different. Imrahil took Finduilas' death very hard. It took a long time before the black cloud that was over his heart finally lifted."

A chime rang out signaling that dinner was about to begin. Rowena was seated next to Gandalf and Arwen and sat across from Legolas. The meal itself was excellent, but Rowena thought that the company was better. There were people there that she didn't know; Gandalf explained to her that they were members of Aragorn's advising council. Rowena never really enjoyed the political side of government, she believed that men were the reason that change came so slowly. She was thankful for it though, because without it there would be chaos.

A thunderclap rang out through the hall, which made everyone look toward the veranda. "I thought that something like that might happen," Rowena thought to herself. The doors to the veranda were closed, leaving the rain and noise outside. Light from the lightening strikes still filled the hall, if only for moments at a time.

The dinner continued through the storm to the dinner's end. Afterwards Aragorn introduced Rowena to the other guests, specifically his advisors. They were nice enough, but there were some with a look in their eyes that wasn't completely sincere, which put Rowena a little on edge. She was thankful when her and Aragorn found Faramir talking with Arwen. Aragorn took Arwen's hand and kissed it. "I was just telling Arwen that Eowyn wants to come with me the next time I come to Minas Tirith."

"That sounds like an excellent idea Faramir," Aragorn answered. "We would love to have her here, just as we have enjoyed your company. You will be sorely missed."

Faramir smiled. "Thank you Aragorn. I'm afraid I must take my leave of you now. It's a long journey uphill to Minas Ithil and I want to be prepared."

Before Faramir could leave the group, Rowena pulled him in close and gave him a farewell hug. "Thank you for letting me get to know you. I won't forget it. Safe journeys, friend."

When Rowena released him, she could swear that there was a tear in Faramir's eye. "Thank you Rowena. That means so much coming from you. Goodnight all."

"Take care," Arwen said. When Faramir was gone, Arwen turned to Rowena. "That was very nice of you. Faramir isn't used to praise, so he takes it to heart when he gets it."

"I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't enjoy his company. He is such a pleasure."

"Indeed."

Legolas came up to the group and wrapped his arm around Rowena's waist. "Am I interrupting anything?"

Rowena flashed her smile to the elven prince. "Not that I know of. Arwen and I were just talking about Faramir."

"Oh I see, then would you mind if I stole you away for a few minutes?"

"I don't think so. Arwen?"

"Of course not. You two go ahead. I haven't been able to talk to my husband all night and I think I need to remedy that." Arwen turned to Aragorn and they walked off toward the throne room.

Legolas took Rowena to a corner of the dining hall next to the veranda. "Do you know how beautiful you are?"

"If I didn't, would you tell me?"

Legolas smiled. "Don't be so coy with me little one. Seriously, the gown does suit you."

"Thank you." Rowena turned to look out the window at the storm. "I hope the storm lets up before tomorrow. I wouldn't want Faramir to travel in such horrendous weather."

"Neither would I… why did you change the subject?"

"What were we talking about?"

"About you."

"I wish you wouldn't."

"Why not?"

"I don't like to talk about myself. Makes me feel conceited."

"You shouldn't, especially when I started the conversation."

"I know, it just doesn't feel right. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. Just don't talk and it will be all right."

Legolas moved closer to Rowena and began to whisper in her ear. "You're more than beautiful on the outside; you're beautiful on the inside too." He took her hand and entwined his fingers in hers. "You're amazing."

Rowena took her eyes off of Legolas to see if anyone was around. Amazingly the hall was empty. Rowena took a chance and placed a passionate kiss on Legolas' lips. "Is that what you wanted?"

"Not actually, but I'll be more than willing." Legolas returned the favor by kissing her back. The kiss was long and tender, and absolutely mind blowing. Rowena stumbled back, paused, and tried to start the kiss back up again. "Now hold on," Legolas said with a smile. "We shouldn't do this here. Come on."

Legolas took hold of Rowena's hand and led her out of the dining hall. It wasn't long before Rowena found herself in Legolas' suite. When he closed the door, Rowena tried to say something, but he stopped her by placing a finger on her lips. "Shhh… not a word." Fingers were replaced by lips and Legolas took his time keeping Rowena quiet.

As he moved from her lips to her neck, Rowena spoke. "Is this a dream?"

"No little one… this is very real," Legolas said looking into Rowena's eyes, the blue replaced by the darkness of desire. "Do you want this?"

"Absolutely."

It started when Rowena began to unbutton Legolas' tunic revealing the toned muscles of the archer. Next came the crown, which she lovingly placed on the table in front of the fireplace.

With her back turned to him, Legolas brushed away Rowena's hair and placed feather-light kisses on the back of her neck. The buttons of her gown came undone as easily as his own and soon Rowena was standing before him, unable to hide anything.

Just looking at her Legolas became weak in the knees. The athletic body he thought she had was there, but there was also softness. In his mind, she was almost too beautiful to touch, so he didn't. Instead, he kept his hands near enough to feel the heat, but not actually touching her flawless skin. He traced her neck, her arms, her chest, and finally resting his hands on her hips and bringing her in close.

"It's my first time," Rowena said suddenly. Her cheeks began to flush and she pulled away slightly. "I just thought you should know… so you wouldn't wonder why I wasn't… better."

"Oh my sweet Eararma," Legolas said with such kindness, it made her heart melt. "That doesn't matter. I'll help you along." With a coy smile, Legolas whispered in Rowena's ear, "Don't be afraid to follow where instinct takes you. That's what it's there for."

"All right…"

Rowena took the offensive and placed one of her slender hands behind Legolas' neck and brought him closer for an ardent kiss. She opened her mouth slightly, an invitation for Legolas to show his skill. He accepted the invitation and soon his tongue was exploring the depths of Rowena's mouth.

A thunderclap startled Rowena, which allowed Legolas the chance to take control. He gently led her over to the bed, where Rowena willingly positioned herself where she thought she needed to be. "Are you sure I'm doing this all right?"

"You're doing fine," Legolas replied. He reassured her with a tender kiss on her wrist.

Legolas brought himself over Rowena and just looked at her. Her heart was pounding, but there was something in her eyes that told him she was more excited than scared.

Her mouth was so tempting he just had to devour it, so devour it he did. Leaning down, Legolas stole as many kisses as he could. Soon he moved down and paid attention to her neck. Featherlight kisses before long turned to playful bites, licks, and other such things.

Each new experience gave Rowena sensations she had never encountered before. The magic that Legolas was working on her was making her soar higher than the eagles. When Legolas began to explore her breasts, playing with each nipple until they were as hard as diamonds, Rowena let a gasp of pleasure escape her lips.

Soon the tension was too much for either of them to handle and instinct began to take over. Rowena tried to unlace Legolas' breeches, but in her excited energy she was just making it worse. Legolas managed it himself, and shortly every part of him was willing and able to take part in the pleasure of the breaking.

"This will hurt melamin," Legolas said as he lovingly caressed her cheek. "But I promise it won't be for long."

Rowena nodded. "I understand."

Another thunderclap drowned out the scream of pain and pleasure that came out of Rowena when Legolas sheathed himself inside her. She had expected something like that, but it was so much more. She felt like she had been torn in two. When tears escaped her eyes, Legolas kissed them away. "I'm so sorry sweet one…"

Rowena ran her fingers through Legolas' hair. "It's all right. I think I'll survive the night."

She pulled him down for another kiss and before long the two began a rhythm that would send them to the stars and back. Legolas kept them at a slow pace, trying to give as much pleasure to Rowena that he was receiving from her. From the sated look on her face, he seemed to be doing well.

Unfortunately, instinct came back with a vengeance and slow and gentle became fast and jagged. Rowena reached her peak first and screamed out her lover's name from the mountaintop of her emotions. Legolas wasn't that far behind and also cried out her name, over and over again…

When her senses returned, Rowena felt a hand wiping the hair that had clung to the sweat that had formed on her brow. "Are you all right," she heard Legolas ask through the haze.

"I'm more than all right. I'm wonderful." Rowena snuggles up closer to Legolas, resting her head in the crook of his shoulder. "That was the most amazing experience I think I ever had. Thank you."

"You're more than welcome little one," Legolas said before kissing her forehead. He reached for the blankets and drew them up around himself and Rowena. "It was an honor." Legolas wanted to say more, but Rowena had fallen asleep, so instead he brought her in closer and watched the rain fall outside the window. It wasn't much longer before he too succumbed to sleep and joined Rowena in the world of dreams.