Disclaimer: The Lord of the Rings and all its characters, races, and creatures, as well as our beloved Middle Earth, belongs to JRR Tolkien.

A/N: I would like to clear up something that has been mentioned in the reviews a few times now, about the Elves and sexuality. I am aware that in Tolkien's world they only took one mate in their entire lifetime. I have no trouble with them having one mate and keeping themselves to their vows forevermore, but it is the millennia they must spend prior to finding that mate to bond with that I have trouble envisioning. All that time and never-? It wasn't me who wrote the original story, so I do respect that. But that is why I go AU on that concept.

And I wanted to comment that in my story, I really did not want Arwen to be portrayed as being a nasty wife. Having Arwen tell Maeren (at least once) that she had lovers before she fell in love with Aragorn, was one of the ways I could make it plausible that she could forgive both Aragorn and Maeren for their naughty deed. And let's face it, a little spice never hurts! I have strayed from canon in this, as well as in other ways, for purposes of the storyline—and sometimes out of ignorance!

I was still asleep when there was a knock on my door. In my hazy state of mind, I wondered if I was perhaps dreaming. I waited a few moments and the sound came again. I seriously did not want to rise. I did not even want to be awake yet, truth be known. I decided to take the lazy woman's way out.

"Who is it?" I called from my bed. I cleared my throat. It sounded as if frogs had taken up residence within it.

"Your favorite Steward," was Faramir's reply.

"Faramir!" I exclaimed. "I'll be right there."

I breathed a sigh of relief. I was so glad it was not anyone else and I was very happy to see Faramir again. I threw back the quilt I had snuggled within and climbed out of bed. It did indeed seem as if it was a climb. I still felt exhausted.

I wandered over to the door, rubbing my eyes with the backs of my hands as I went. I was annoyed at how unsteady I was on my feet. No one should feel this exhausted.

My brow knit in concern, as I approached the door. I could hear the doorknob being turned and jiggled. I hadn't dreamed Faramir had answered me, had I?

Cautiously, I called out again, "Faramir?"

"Yes, Maeren," came his singsong reply. "It's me."

I reached for the doorknob and turned it, opening it to see Faramir standing there, grinning from ear to ear, with an oilcan in his hand. He looked so triumphant. He came partway inside, pausing to oil this side of the knob as well as around the catch. He jiggled it a bit more, then turned it to and fro a couple of times. It didn't groan. Not at all.

He turned to me, that killer smile beaming on his face. "I did it, did I not?"

I shut the door and took my turn at rotating the knob. No groans, squeaks or clicks. Just smooth action.

"Faramir, you are a genius!" I exclaimed. He just continued to beam.

I finally began to feel sensible again, not so cloudy from sleep. I bid Faramir to sit at my table and I set about making us tea. As the water heated, I set out cups and their saucers and some honey I kept in a small pot. I smiled as I held the little honey pot. My father had given it to me when I left Edoras. It had been the honey pot my family had used all my life—ever since I could remember. My mother often held it and gazed at it, just before she put it away after a meal or tea. I asked her once about why she liked such a silly old pot and her answer was quick. Her face had a faraway look, neither sad nor glad. She told me her mother had given it to her when she had married my father and when she held it in her hands, it made her feel close to her mother, who was long dead. I had since cherished the ugly little pot, especially after my own mother left Middle Earth. I never asked for it, but I suppose my father had seen me gaze at it whenever I held it. He knew it would comfort me while I was away from home.

The kettle's lid did a little clacking dance, indicating that the water inside was boiling. I grabbed a towel and lifted the kettle from the hearth and set it on the table. I proceeded to steep the tea for a few minutes longer than usual. I wanted it very strong.

I finally sat and heaved a big sigh. I smiled at Faramir. "You actually fixed that horrible, groaning knob. I am so proud to know such a handy man."

"Yes, Maeren," he began, "it took such effort to bring an oil can with me and actually apply the oil to that grating knob over there. I am indeed, as you once told me about yourself, the best thing since the invention of armor." I laughed at his silliness. It felt so good to laugh, but it still took almost too much effort to do so.

"Maeren, my friend," Faramir said. "How are you doing? You still look dreadfully pale and tired."

"I am getting along all right, Faramir," I replied. "It's this dratted morning sickness. It really should be gone by now, but it still plagues me."

"Is this something I should worry about?" he asked, concerned. I could not help but notice the pink tinge on the Steward's cheeks. This was probably a subject he deemed a bit discomfiting for his tastes. As a healer, I discussed such things every day, so it felt very natural to speak of them.

"No, not really," I answered. "Some women have the malady up until the time they give birth. How I hope I am not one of them this time! The nausea makes even the thought of eating an unpleasant one." His blush deepened, so I decided he had been subjected to enough embarrassment for one day.

I busied myself once again with the tea, pouring Faramir and me both a cup. It was very strong, so I added ample honey, and passed it to Faramir, who did likewise. I took a big sip, smiled, and sighed. It was just what I wanted and needed.

I looked into my cup as I started speaking. "Has Gimli talked to the King about my visitor of this morning?"

"Gimli was in the Citadel earlier and brought us tidings of Glosten's visit to you," Faramir said. "I wish I could say that the worm is a threat no longer, but I cannot. He is a powerful man in Minas Tirith in his own right, as well as an advisor to the King. His nature is such that it is better to have him close to hand, and be able to watch him somewhat, than it would be to just sever ties with him and then wonder what form his scheming will take. We wanted to take him to the outskirts of the city and let the Anduin be his final resting place, but that is not our way. That is Glosten's way."

"We?" I asked. "How many people were present when Gimli told you the news?" I knew not why this mattered, but it made me feel uneasy to know my life was being discussed and dissected by a group that may include strangers.

"It was just Gimli, Aragorn, and me," he assured me. "Gimli's vote on what action we should take involved his axe. The King overruled him." On a more somber note, he said, "Maeren, I am sorry this is happening to you. In all the turmoil of being new in office and setting the city to rights after the war, I completely forgot about Glosten. I should have expected something like this from him. He is such a worm."

I laughed softly, and said, "That is at least the third animal of a lower species Glosten has been compared to today, at least by me or my friends. Let's see. He has been called a toad and a worm. I am including what I thought of him—he is also a snake." Faramir smiled. I added, "Do not worry yourself about it at all, Faramir. You have problems enough already."

I took another sip of my tea, then set my cup back upon its saucer. I traced the rim of the cup with my finger, feeling its smoothness. "Did the King speak to you of the arrangements for my leaving Minas Tirith?" I finally asked.

"Yes," he said, with a thoughtful look on his face. "Aragorn told me that you and Lord Elrond had come to an understanding of sorts, and the original plan was back in place, whatever that means." He looked at me pointedly, but when I just raised my eyebrows and pursed my lips, he got the message that it was something I wished not to discuss. It was all over and done with and such a long, detailed story, I couldn't bring myself to open up the subject again.

He continued on, respecting my wishes. "That's why I am here, actually. Aragorn told me in no uncertain terms that I was not to summon you to the palace. That said, he requests that you think strongly about visiting with him and the Queen soon." He stopped, giving me an impish grin, in hopes I suppose, to placate me—and perhaps wheedle the details of this story out of me. When it seemed as if I would not be forthcoming with the details of this incident either, he sighed and continued. "In fact, if you are ready, I would be happy to escort you. You are not ordered to attend the royals, but I am to bring you to the Citadel, if you agree. I really do not know what is going on here, but I believe the King is testing my powers of persuasion. And before you say anything, remember—I am just the messenger."

I couldn't help laughing at Faramir. Aragorn had obviously told him that I was not very amenable to orders—especially royal ones, at this point in time. I was glad that the King had taken me seriously. However, after Lord Glosten's visit, I was now more than ready to retreat to the safety of the Citadel - with an escort.

"Let me see— " I said, biting my lower lip. "Do I wish to go to the Citadel or not? Hmmm." I drummed my fingers on the tabletop. Faramir cocked his head to the side, giving me a frustrated smile. He raised his eyebrows, obviously waiting for my decision.

"I suppose I am ready," I said. "It is my idea to attend them, is that not correct?"

"Totally your idea, my lady," he replied with a smile and a shake of his head.

I stepped to the washstand, to check my appearance before we left. I was appalled. I had not even been completely awake when Faramir knocked at my door. The woman reflected back at me now was decidedly disheveled. I started laughing, covering my face with my hands.

"What?" Faramir asked, bewildered.

"I am surprised you did not run away in fright when I answered the door looking like this," I replied. "How embarrassing!"

"Come now, Maeren," Faramir said, "It's not really that bad."

"So you admit it," I exclaimed. "My appearance is bad, just not that bad."

"You know good and well, that is not what I meant," Faramir said with chagrin.

"Faramir, I really should change," I said, hating to keep him waiting any longer. "I am hardly presentable enough for slopping swine, much less attending the King and Queen."

"Take your time, Maeren," he replied. "I will go into the wards and visit with Ioreth. See how the old—lady is getting along these days."

I laughed, as he closed the door behind him. I unpinned my hair, letting it fall about my shoulders and I gave it a good brushing. It took but a few twists and I had it pinned back into its knot. It didn't take me long to change my dress and wash my face. With one last look in the mirror, I stepped out of my room and joined Faramir in the hall outside the wards.

"And how is the old—lady?," I asked sarcastically.

"She is doing famously," Faramir said. "She sang your praises until I believed my ears would go numb." Faramir opened the door for me and we stepped out into the street.

"Oh my!" I retorted. "I do believe her singing could make your ears go numb, but I should go back in there and check her temperature. She must be in a raging fever to have sung my praises."

Faramir grabbed my arm. I had turned around and was heading back toward the door. "For a woman so weak and sickly," he said, "You certainly have enough spunk left in you."

"Faramir, I believe your ears may need a good laving, if you thought dear Ioreth was singing my praises."

"All right!" he said. "I lied! She did not even mention your name—not once."

I smiled and said, "Now that is the Ioreth I know and love."

We walked the rest of the way to the Citadel in silence. It was early afternoon and people were about in large numbers. Faramir held out his hand for me to grasp. We were literally wading through a sea of bodies at one point. I ignored his hand and just continued on. I was not about to be the cause of any more gossip that may be circulating about the Steward and me. I had not heard any such talk, but usually the ones being slandered, were the last to know that the whispers on everyone's lips were about them. After a bit of jostling, and walking up steps and down some others, we were finally at the Citadel. Faramir entered without knocking. He ushered me inside and closed the door. I had to stop to catch my breath.

A servant appeared and without even so much as a word being spoken, he directed Faramir and me to follow him. We walked through a veritable maze of hallways and finally were ushered into a small sitting room. The King and Queen were standing together and we had obviously interrupted them somewhat, for they stepped apart suddenly. Arwen greeted me, grasping my hands in hers. She led me to a chair.

"Maeren, it is good to see you," the Queen exclaimed.

Aragorn just dipped his head to me in greeting and crooked his finger at Faramir, beckoning him closer. The Steward left my side and went to Aragorn, where the King whispered something into his ear. He turned from the King and on his way past me, Faramir gave my arm a squeeze and left.

"May I get you anything, Maeren?" Arwen asked. "Tea? Water? Wine? Anything?"

I smiled at her and said, "A cup of tea would be wonderful, if you would not mind." I had just finished a cup at my own home, but it hadn't completely done its magic of waking me sufficiently yet. I had a feeling I would need all my wits about me right now.

"Sit here," Arwen said as she directed me to a chair. There were four chairs in a group around a small table, which was laden with a silver tea service and all of the amenities to go with it. The Queen poured and handed a fine porcelain cup to me. I set it down and sweetened it, stirring the tea with as much quietness as I could in the silent room. It almost seemed sinful to break the quietness here. I know not why, but it did just the same. Must be the awe in which I held the royals still. Arwen and I seemed to be more than just mere acquaintances. Perhaps it was Aragorn's presence.

Aragorn walked toward Arwen and me and took a seat in one of the other unoccupied chairs. He leaned forward, placing his elbows on his thighs. I hated it when he took that posture. I felt as if he was about to lay out the law to me, as a parent would to an errant child. And I still was in no mood for orders from him or anyone else.

"So," he began, "are you ready to leave Minas Tirith behind?"

"Yes," I replied. "After Lord Glosten's visit this morning, I am more than ready. I hate running from the man, but I am no warrior and the baby must be protected. So I suppose I run."

He said sympathetically, "There is no need to run, but you really should be going. However, you will not be going alone. The previous arrangements—having Legolas and Gimli accompany you—have been solidified. However, there was a change of plans for the rest of Arwen's family. They decided to remain here in Minas Tirith for the time being and they do not plan to leave for their respective lands for more than a month. We all know that will be too long for you to wait."

"Yes," I said. "Lord Elrond told me as much when he visited me before. And I do know I am running out of time before I must be gone, for obvious reasons."

"Maeren," Arwen put in, "we will keep a close eye on this Glosten parasite." Being likened to a parasite was now added to the growing list of names for the good Lord Glosten. "We will not allow anyone to follow you when you leave. As a precaution, we will have our own spies out watching for suspicious activities. A few days after you have gone, Elrohir and Elladan will follow, to make certain you have not been followed. They will catch up with you quickly." Here Arwen smiled, "In this way you will have someone to escort you officially into Rivendell. There are always Elves there, but it would be best if my brothers were to accompany you, to be sure you would be welcomed past the ford. Legolas is familiar with Imladris. He has, in fact, been there on many occasions, but since it is a hidden sanctuary, it is guarded closely. I am certain he would be admitted, but I would feel better if my brothers were there to insure a safe passage for you all."

I nodded my head. "When do you propose we leave?" I asked.

"I see no reason to wait," Aragorn answered. "Would you be ready by tomorrow? Or perhaps the next day?"

"If you have any large items, my family will bring all that you cannot carry with you now," Arwen said. She was such a wonderful person!

"In that case," I said resolutely, "I can be ready by tomorrow. I must tell Ioreth and the others in the wards about my departure. I really have no reason to give her for why I might be going, so if you could help me think of something plausible, I would appreciate it immensely."

Arwen smiled at me again. "I believe if you tell her you are going to the home of my father to further study the healing arts, that would be a suitable explanation. Do you not think so?"

"I believe that to be a wonderful explanation." I replied. "I wish I had thought of it - it is a brilliant plan."

"My wife is indeed brilliant," Aragorn said.

"Think not to sweet talk me, Estel," Arwen purred. "I am more than just a pretty face."

"I never said to the contrary," the King said.

I was growing tired of this little game, so I stood. "If there is nothing else," I said, "I should get started gathering my belongings together. Arwen, I will leave the things I cannot manage on this trip stacked in the center of my room. I will do my best to have it in an orderly fashion, so there will be a minimum of inconvenience to your family."

"Maeren," Arwen said, "could I possibly help you? I have much to discuss with you before you leave."

"Well, I do not know about you helping me," I said. "But I would love your company, while I pack."

"I'll get my cloak," she said. She kissed Aragorn on her way past him and glided out of the room.

Oh wonderful—I am alone with the King.

He smiled at me and said, "I will not bite, Maeren. If I did not know better, I would think you detested the very sight of me."

"Perhaps 'detested' is a bit harsh," I replied with a wistful smile. My smile faded as I added, "Really, Aragorn. Since I have met Arwen and she has not only been gracious to me, but has forgiven me as well, I am very uncomfortable in your presence. I know not why this is, but it is."

"I do not suppose friendship will be in the cards for us any longer then," he said. "That is a shame. You were a good friend, but I understand and support your feelings in this. You will have no quarrel from me."

"Yes," I said pensively, "I suppose that would be the best thing. We will, of course, need to be cordial for the child's welfare, but I suppose Arwen will be present when any meetings with the baby will occur, so there should be no problem there."

He smiled, and said, "Well, if you would excuse me, I have work I must get back to."

"Yes," I replied, "work."

The next thing I knew, I was alone in the little room. The silent room, in which the quiet was now deafening.

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The Queen and I went back to my home, and I set to work sorting my belongs into several stacks: those things I would need regardless of their size, things I would like to take and their size was small, things I definitely could not bring this at this time, and trash for the rubbish heap.

I carefully wrapped my few dishes amid clothes I would not need at this time, and put them in the chest I brought from Edoras—the one containing my wedding dress. I did the same with other glass breakables. I tucked a book or two in my valise, which I then loaded with as many clothes as I could take on this trip. The Queen and I kept up a running commentary during my packing and it seemed that in no time, I was finished.

I smiled as I surveyed my packed belongings. "There isn't really much, now that I look at it. I suppose I do not have that many worldly possessions." A sudden thought struck me. "Oh no," I exclaimed. "My office. There are stacks of books in there."

"Worry not about it Maeren," Arwen said. "I can send someone to crate them and then send them with my family. Let us go in there and see if there is anything you may wish to have with you now."

I wanted to weep. Arwen was unbelievable. How I wished she was not the King's wife, so that we may truly be friends. Instead of weeping or getting sappy, I said, "Thank you, Arwen. You know not how much your help means to me."

We went across the hall to my office and when I opened the door, I was close to panic. "Oh my. It is worse than I thought."

She went further into the room, looking around and a smile slowly spread across her face. "So many books," she said. "Have you read them all?"

It was my turn to smile. "No, I admit I have not read them all. On occasion, I do look through them to find some method of healing or to research symptoms so that I may treat something I am unsure of. But you must promise never to reveal that I said such a thing. It must be thought that I know all there is to know about healing."

She laughed and said, "Your secret is safe with me." She wandered over to the shelf on which the skull sat, and frowned. "Who is this?" she asked, pointing at the cranium.

With barely a smile I said, "That is a cousin who taunted me when I was a child."

Arwen's eyes grew wide. "You are jesting, are you not?"

I laughed at that and said, "Yes, I am jesting. The look on your face was wonderful."

"Oh Maeren," she said, conspiratorially. "You must take this with you tomorrow. Think of the fun you can have with Legolas and Gimli, not to mention my brothers! Oh how I wish I could go, to see their reactions."

We both laughed then, as I took my bony friend from his perch on the shelf. "You are too evil, my Queen," I said. "But your ideas are invaluable."

I went to my desk and rummaged through the papers on top. There weren't many there. Lord Jeneson did not pay enough attention to the Houses of Healing to even send over inventory sheets. I kept my own lists, simple though they were. They kept the supplies in order and let me know when we were low on something. I left the lists in the center of my desk. They would be easy for anyone to find and use.

My eyes lit on the small stone I always kept on the corner of my desk. It was so much a part of me, I almost hadn't noticed it there. My rock. My Tristin had given me this rock the same year he and his father were killed. It was a little over an inch wide, and was shaped as a heart. Almost a perfect heart shape. I have always treasured it, never more than since his death. I pressed it to my own heart, saying a silent prayer to my son, telling him his mother loved him now as much as she ever did. I took one final look around, grabbed the skull and walked to the door.

"Let us be off, then," I said. Thinking about my son, I had felt the tears start to well in my eyes. But I was proud. My voice was strong and not tremulous. I had to find a way to get a grip on all of these tears. And this seemed like a good start.

We went back to my room and Arwen reached the door to open it for me, because my arms were full with a skull and a rock. As she closed the door behind us, she suddenly said, "The doorknob was silent! How wonderful."

"Yes," I replied, "Faramir oiled it for me. Now that I am going, it is finally silenced."

I deposited my armload onto my little table and collapsed into a chair. Arwen sat opposite me and gingerly poked at my cousin. I smiled at her again and as she looked at me her eyes widened, as if another ingenious idea had just crossed her evil mind.

"Maeren," she said, "there are a few things I must tell you about Elves. I know Legolas and my brothers will get immense pleasure in shocking you, so I wish for you to be prepared."

"Are Elves so different from men that they would be shocking?" I asked.

"Let me inform you of the differences and you will see how those three could make your life uneasy," she replied. Arwen rose from her chair and began walking aimlessly through the room, as she filled me in on how my Elven companions would try to disarm me.

"As I told you the day we rode," she began, "Elves have heightened senses. What I did not explain was what that included. Our eyes can see leagues with ease and our hearing is more than sharp, so if you do not want Legolas or Elrohir or Elladan to hear something you say, you had better be sure they are nowhere near." "Nowhere near," she repeated with emphasis. "Another important point is, do not be alarmed when you camp for the night. Elves have no shame of their bodies, so do not be surprised when they disrobe before you without any thought. They may actually do this without meaning to embarrass you, but if they see that it has, they will be sure to embarrass you with it any chance they get." I could see how my training as a younger sister of brothers was going to come in handy yet.

She came back to sit at the table once more. "And this little tidbit will save you much pain. Elves do not sleep as Humans do. Their eyes do not close as they rest and they are still somewhat aware of their surroundings. So do not think one of them dead, if they lay there before you unblinking."

"Let me see if I have this straight," I said. "Senses—shame—sleep. Does that about cover it?"

"Oh yes!" Arwen exclaimed. "I almost forgot one of the most important things! Elves can move with such stealth that they make no sound—at least no sound that a Human can hear. Their footsteps are silent, so they sometimes enjoy sneaking up on someone and frightening them."

"All right," I said. "Senses—shame—sleep—and sneaking. Anything else you can think of?"

"I believe that about covers it, but if I think of anything else, I will tell you before you leave," she said with a sly slant to her eyes. "I would so love to see their faces when you are unaffected at their antics."

"Even with your warnings," I said skeptically, "I am still not sure I will pass all their little tests with ease. But I will try—for your sake. I will try very hard to make you proud."

We laughed again and rose. It was time for the Queen to go to her home.

"I am sure someone will be by later to inform you of the time of your departure on the morrow," Arwen said. "I will miss you, Maeren. We have not known each other long and the manner of our friendship is different, but I have grown attached to you quickly. I will be there to see you off in the morning, we can say our final goodbyes then. For now, I must be going."

"Thank you for all your help, Arwen," I said sincerely. "I am very lucky you are the person you are or my life would truly be dismal right now. I hope to someday feel as if I deserve your friendship. You take care of yourself, while I am gone."

The Queen gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and left me. I looked about my room, stripped of all that was familiar to me. My life was now in a heap in the middle of my floor and in a small valise sitting upon my bed. How my life had changed. Some for the better, some for the worse, but definitely changed.

Eru, how tired I am!

I shoved my valise over a bit and lay down on my bed. I did not even cover myself with my quilt, I just fell immediately into a dreamless sleep.

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