Hangover Fantasies

Ugh, I feel awfully great Which wasn't really much of a surprise since the aftereffects of all that time traveling had left her feeling young and old at the same time. Even a hangover would have been preferable She splashed some water into her face. She grabbed the towel from Araya's outstretched hand and patted her face dry.

"I don't suppose you would even consider letting me stay in bed for another 5 minutes? I really don't feel too good." She faked a swoon, but Araya wasn't that easily fooled. "No, Joari, I wouldn't even think about it. Now if you'll wait a moment, I'll tidy up and then usher you to breakfast." With that, she turned and walked to the toilet. Joari sat on the bed and sighed, feeling thoroughly mothered. It was kinda creepy cause Araya looked around her age and acted so mature, yet that was most probably due to the fact she was centuries older, yet that should be considered young among elves, and if you thought about it, that would make them the same age and then you would be back at square one…

Joari shook her head Waayyyy tooo confusing What's more, she could have sworn that Araya had known that she had come back late. It was the way she'd acted, with mild disapproval. Yet that could be due to the fact she had left the ball so abruptly, subsequently dragging Legolas along to a tavern, there must have been quite a gossip buzz about it last night But then again, did elves even gossip?

She breathed deeply and stretched, albeit a little warily. She still wasn't used to wearing dresses, and the ones here were beyond anything she would have ever even considered back at…home. She sighed, This is why I hate having free time –it forces me to think Where was she? On another planet? Was this Earth perhaps? Just another time? Or dimension? Or even worse… was she trapped in some book of classic fiction? The 'Voice' hadn't been too specific about it… But the people here are normal, more or less she leaned against a bed pole and shut her eyes, visualizing the previous evening. The sweet beer, her dagger show… she giggled wickedly at the memory of their reactions… the dancing, Trestar, and… the goodnight kiss...

Oh dear… she thought, as a knock on the door broke her reverie. Araya had just stepped out and rushed to open the door. "Aragorn!" Joari cried out, despite Araya's mortified expression, "Good morning!" Aragorn smiled, relived, and a little awed to see that she did not seem to suffer any side effects from the night before. Even he had woken up with a slight headache, and the hobbits were still lying comatose in their beds. "Good morning Lady Joari. I hope you slept well?" Joari's smile froze a second before she answered, "I slept fine. So what are you doing here?" "I came by to check on you, and perhaps escort you to breakfast, if I may?" Joari thought she was going to really swoon this time. He's so charming! She placed her hand on his proffered arm, and sparkled up at him.

"Let's go already!"

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            It had all gone well until she'd stepped into the hall. It was as if she'd put on a muffler and the voices were a lot more hushed. Yet again all eyes were on her as she and Aragorn walked into the dining hall. She should be used to this by now, especially with all the training she'd had in school…

She could hear the conversation around her build up after Aragorn had seated her in between Lady Arwen and Legolas. She couldn't help but frown. My escorts are way to famous, and practically nothing is known of me here. I wonder how scandalous it must look… she thought about the kiss, and sighed And scandalous it is…     

As soon as she had sat down, Arwen knew that she was preoccupied with her thoughts, and had chosen not to intrude. "Is something the matter with Lady Joari?" she murmured quietly to Aragorn. He shook his head, "She was perfectly fine on our way here, chattering and laughing. It was only when she'd entered the hall when her silence descend." Arwen thought about the behavior when Aragorn and Joari had been greeted with when they'd stepped in, and frowned slightly. It'll be over soon, she turned and quietly place a few slices of fruit on Joari's plate.           

Legolas had badly wanted to speak to Joari that morning, especially after the night before, but when she had stepped in so gravely he had taken his cue from Arwen and started talking with Gimli instead. But when she'd sighed, he couldn't help but turn around to see what the matter was. "Lady Joari, are you alright?"

            She looked at him, still rather preoccupied, "Legolas, don't you think I'm strange? Suddenly popping out of nowhere and almost getting you killed," she distractedly put a finger to his lips when he tried to protest. (A/N: o_O) "And I'm totally incompatible with anything artifice here. I can't handle dresses, sewing, dancing… and my mannerisms… Oh how rude I must seem most of the time! Don't you think I'm just plain weird?" Legolas was now having a clear idea of what was troubling Joari.

            "I do not think that you are strange. (A/N: Finger's off!) I think… that the Lady is something that Middle-Earth has never seen before, and she has completely enthralled everyone here. That is why they notice you." Legolas stated gently. She blinked, "You really think so?" "Yes" She thought about it for a while. "Thanks." He smiled, relieved that he had helped resolve her problem. She blinked as she slowly same to her senses, then whacked her forehead, startling everyone at the table. "I'm sooo sorry! That was like so immature! I'm sorry!" she flashed a thousand watt smile at them, "Good morning everyone!" Conversation stalled, stunned, before they returned her reply. Even Lord Elrond chuckled a little before greeting her.

            "Thanks Arwen," she said devouring the fruit. "Where's Merry, Pippin, Frodo and Sam?" she brightly asked Legolas, who was still rather stunned with her swift change in mood. "They're still in bed," he answered, dazed, before smiling. "It seems that they had too much to drink last night." She laughed gaily with him. Aragorn, who had heard the last sentence joined their laughter and even Arwen looked a little bemused, "Lady Joari, I must admit that I was rather impressed this morning when you were none the worst for wear. You had drank quite a fair bit yourself, yet seem unaffected." Aragorn said. Her laughter had subsided by then, "Well, let's just say I can hold my liquor. What's more, I had a little help too." But before anyone could question her cryptic answer, Elrond had stood up.

            "It is time we left." He announced only loud enough for the table to hear. Gandolf nodded. Legolas offered his arm, and they walked out behind Aragorn and Arwen. As they walked through the hallway, Joari couldn't help but quiver a little.

            What would the council bring?

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Hey~ It's been a long time since I've updated. Haha, I know, I haven't even talked about the 'confrontation' between Legolas and Joari about the kiss. Don't be too disappointed; I'll put it in one of these chapters… So you'll just have to keep tuning in! Please review, and tell me what you think of the story so far okay? Thanks! ^_^