A/N I got two reviews that have wanted me to update, so I did. Here it is, the next chapter.
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As the feast started others walked in and the dancing began. Ashley and Amanda watched as the men and women danced. Eowyn and Faramir joined them and also started dancing. Aragorn and Arwen started dancing as well. Legolas asked another elf that had come with him to dance. Gandalf watched Ashley watch Legolas dance with the maiden. She shook her head to get the feelings of jealousy out of her head and heart. Gandalf smiled in understanding. Aragorn and Arwen came back to the table and Arwen also saw Ashley staring at Legolas. Ashley looked at Arwen then and Arwen smiled at her.
Ashley smiled back and said, "Gandalf, do you know if we can get back to our world?"
"Why would you want to child? You wished to be here after all," replied Gandalf.
"But we don't belong here. Never have and never will," said Ashley.
"Don't be too sure of that child. There are some things that are meant to be explored. You are welcome here. You can belong only if you want to belong," Gandalf told her.
"Gandalf what she's saying is that people here wouldn't accept us," explained Amanda.
"Don't judge all. You are friends to the ones at this table and more," said Gandalf, "do you know how to ride horses?"
The girls nodded and Gandalf said, "see? You are already starting to fit in here."
They smile and Ashley said, "thanks Gandalf."
Gandalf smiled and shook his head. After that dance Legolas rejoined them and the maiden went to dance with someone else.
"What is your world like?" asked Gimli.
"Nothing like this," replied Ashley, "things are more complicated and even more dangerous with more dangerous weapons. War happens all the time."
"Why?" asked Arwen.
"It's a fight to see who can control the 6 billion humans in the world," replied Amanda.
Their eyes grew wide and they cried in shock, "6 billion!!!"
The girls laughed and shook their heads saying, "yes we have that many people."
"You said you rode horses," said Arwen.
"Yes. Some don't because we have other means of transportation," said Ashley.
"I would like to see your world some time," said Legolas as he picked up his wine glass.
"Maybe if we can find a way back if you want to go we can take you," said Ashley.
Legolas smiled and nodded. Arwen smiled to herself. She knew Ashley had feelings for the elf.
She stood up and said, "well if it is ok with you ladies I would like to show you around."
"Of course," they replied. Arwen led them out of the dining hall and towards the gardens where she spent most of her time.
"The gardens are beautiful," said Ashley as they walk down the path. They saw a small fountain at the end of the path where they sat down.
"Yes it is but Gondor is under attack again and I fear that things as beautiful as this will be destroyed along with the lives of the people," Arwen told them with a frown.
Ashley and Amanda looked at her for a second then Ashley asked, "how can Gondor be under attack? Sauron was destroyed."
"Ah, yes, he was! But that doesn't mean that the Orcs are all destroyed. Orcs are even angrier now that their master is dead. They will do anything to kill the people," said Arwen, "Aragorn had tried to fight but the Orcs are multiplying and we don't know if we can survive the next battle."
"Can't you get help from Rohan?" asked Ashley.
"We have their help on the next battle and that is what lifts our hopes," said Arwen, "Mirkwood has also said that they will help."
"With Elves and men fighting together you cannot lose," said Ashley.
Arwen smiled and replied, "I hope not."
"Now can you show me to the stables and to a horse I can ride?" asked Ashley.
Arwen laughed and said, "of course. Follow me."
She lead them to the stables where the horses all stood by their gates to see who entered the stables. Arwen's horse whinnied when she saw her. Arwen smiled and walks over to her horse. The horse nuzzled Arwen's neck. Ashley and Amanda smile. Ashley then saw a paint stallion kicking the door, wanting attention. She walked over to the stable and the horse nuzzled her neck. Ashley smiled as she rubbed his forehead. She grabbed the bridle there on the door and walked in. She put the bridle on and Amanda opened the door for her.
Ashley walked him out and Arwen turned around and saw the horse and walked over saying, "this horse is one of our best. You may ride him if you wish."
"I would love to. Is right now ok?" asked Ashley.
Arwen smiled and replies, "of course." Ashley smiled and lead the horse out to the pasture. Amanda closed the gate as Ashley walked in with the horse.
"What is his name?" asked Ashley as she let the horse get used to her before she rode.
"Poikaer," replied Arwen, "it means pure one."
"Good name for him," said Ashley as she smiled. She saw Aragorn, Gandalf, Gimli, and Legolas walk towards them. They walked to the corral and watched as Ashley hopped on Poikaer.
"Don't you wants a saddle?" asked Aragorn out of concern.
Lacey shook her head and replied, "No. I can ride better without one."
Poikaer pawed the ground, wanting to run. Ashley smiled wide and gently nudged him. He started prancing. Ashley kept him at a walk then slowly went into a trot. When Ashley was about to put him into a gallop he started to prance even more, knowing what he was going to be able to do. She nudged him into a slow gallop. A few minutes later she nudged him into a full out run. Poikaer took off and ran around the corral. Ashley finally stopped him and Arwen smiled. Ashley led Poikaer over to the others.
"Where did you learn to ride like that?" asked Aragorn.
"I grew up around horses, Aragorn. I know more about them then most people my age," said Ashley as she hopped off of Poikaer.
Aragorn smiled, "well, at least we don't have to teach you to ride."
"Huh!!" complained Gimli, "walking is just fine!"
"Even if your short legs can't keep up with others?" asked Ashley as she smirked.
Gimli growled but smiled all the same as Legolas and Aragorn laughed. Amanda opened the gate for Ashley and Ashley led Poikaer back to his stall.
They followed her and as Ashley closed the door to his stall Aragorn said, "since you trained him he is yours."
Ashley spun around and looked at him with wide eyes and an open mouth.
"Aragorn I can't pay you for him," said Ashley.
"I don't want you to pay me for him. He is my gift to you," replied Aragorn, "no arguments."
Ashley smiled then said, "Thank you."
Aragorn smiled at her and asked, "Now my friends, what do you say we all go to the fighting grounds and practice?"
Legolas, Gimli, and Gandalf agreed and they headed towards the grounds. Arwen, Ashley, and Amanda followed them.
"I want to see if Legolas can really hit him mark every time," whispered Ashley to Amanda.
Amanda smiled and said, "you know he probably can."
Ashley laughed and shook her head in agreement. Arwen looked at them and smiled. She had heard them but didn't say anything.
