Hi all!! Started the new Unusual Friendship today and it's totally different from the original, but I still think it's good. Perhaps you'll see it in the bookstore someday!!

Chapter 10--A Relaxed Moment

Legolas woke at dawn, still weary, but unable to go back to sleep. He rose and went to the window to watch the sunrise. Afterwards he went into the next room for a hot soak, only ten minutes had passed before he heard and door open and close then the clattering of hooves. "I am in the bath chamber, Jaisia!" He called.

Jaisia opened the door and peeked around it. "Do you want me to leave?" She asked.

"Nay, come in," Legolas said. There was no shame around each other anymore and they often swam or bathed nude in front of each other.

Jaisia came in and moved behind him. "Want me to help with your hair?" She asked.

"You just want an excuse to play with it," Legolas said.

"I do, I admit it," Jaisia giggled.

"Such honesty should be rewarded. You may help," Legolas said grandly.

"Oh yes sire, I am honored," Jaisia teased back. She wetted his hair then began to work soap through it.

Legolas relaxed and closed his eyes as Jaisia's strong, gentle fingers worked through his hair.

"Are you purring, sweet cheeks?" Jaisia teased.

"Nay, I never purr," Legolas said.

"Liar," Jaisia chided affectionately. She thoroughly rinsed the soap from his hair. "I will go fetch you something to wear while you dry off. A servant told me that the Queen wished us to join her for breakfast."

"Fine, but nothing to gaudy or tight. I know you to well," Legolas said.

Jaisia pretended to pout then trotted out of the room and closed the door. A few minutes passed. "I left the clothes on the bed! I am going to get my grooming stuff! Will you help with my tail?" she called.

"Aye, be glad to sis!" Legolas called back. He heard the adjoining door open. He dried off then left the bath chamber. He pulled on the black leggings, white shirt and black tunic Jaisia had laid out then put on his boots.

When Jaisia returned she insisted on brushing out his hair for him then Legolas combed the tangles out of her tail then they walked downstairs to the dining hall.

Queen Jacinth nodded in reply to Legolas' bow and Jaisia's curtsy. " Please be seated. I trust you have completely recovered from your terrible ordeal, Prince Legolas?" She said.

"Aye, I am fine, majesty," Legolas said politely.

"Good, so do you plan to stay as my guests for awhile? I would hate to se you leave because of one unpleasant incident. There is so much of my city you have not seen," Jacinth said.

"We would like to stay if it pleases you, majesty," Legolas said.

"Oh, indeed, I can hardly wait to see more of the city, in fact I thought we might go out to look around some more after breakfast," Jaisia said. "Is that not right, Legolas?"

Legolas smiled at her. "Indeed it is, Jaisia," he said.

"Well, I insist that someone accompany you. I do not wish to take any chances with your safety after what happened. Two of my best guards will go with you," Jacinth said.

Legolas didn't like that idea, but he was careful to hide it. "Thank you, that is very kind, but it is not really necessary," he said. He wondered if the guards were for their safety or to make sure they went nowhere the Queen didn't want them to go.

Their escorts were big, burly men that wore chain mail and bristled with assorted weapons. Their presence made both Jaisia and Legolas uncomfortable.

(I feel like a convict being taken to the dungeon) Jaisia said.

(Or to your execution) Legolas replied.

(Ugh, that is a bad thought. I wonder why she insisted on the escort all the sudden) Jaisia said.

Legolas shrugged. (I do not know, but I have a feeling we are all ready in the middle of what is happening, whether we like it or not) he replied. (Just watch out for the Orc twins. We cannot let them know we suspect anything or I am sure they will tell Queen Jacinth)

Jaisia just sighed resignedly and didn't reply……

Needed a nice calm chapter--but believe me it won't stay that way!!! R/R please!!