'How can we be prepared?' asked Gimli. 'We don't know who our enemy is!'
'Yes we do Gimli', Gandalf said pointedly. Everyone looked at Gandalf and he sighed.
'It's Saruman. He was sided with Sauron when he held me prisoner there. I rather doubt he has had a change of heart since the Ring was destroyed. Instead, he's probably more bent on taking over Middle Earth since Sauron is no longer around to stop him. He will try and destroy the world of Men. By first destroying the High King.'
He looked at Aragorn. Aragorn sat up straighter in his chair looking rather uncomfortable.
'Saruman has no chance of getting to me if he attacks the city', said Aragorn optimistically.
'Chris didn't have a vision of Gondor being attacked', Piper said worriedly. 'He had a vision of a battle being fought outside of the black tower, Isengard.'
'A King always leads an attack', Legolas pointed out, 'and obviously a King, not Saruman, chose the place of battle.'
'I would not lead a battle on Saruman unless I had no other choice', said Aragorn coldly.
'But who's to say the King was Aragorn?' asked Phoebe. 'It could have been another King. Couldn't it?'
'I'm so confused', muttered Sam rubbing his head. Merry leaned in towards him.
'It's not just you.'
'Theoden, King of Rohan', said Gandalf thoughtfully. 'Is he the one your son saw?'
Piper shook her head.
'I don't know.'
'Well I can only suggest we let time show us what is to happen', said Aragorn, seeing no other option. 'Let us sleep and see what consul the morning will bring us.'
Everyone stood up and bowed and left the room one by one, Piper last to leave just before Aragorn. Just as she was about to leave, Aragorn closed the door. She looked at him.
'It's been awhile since we have been able to just sit and talk', he explained.
'We've never been able to just sit down and talk', Piper pointed out.
Aragorn shrugged.
'Might be a good thing to get into.'
'Depends on how into it we get.'
'I'm not that kind of man, Piper. Come, sit down.'
He began to pull her towards himself and the chairs. The door burst open and in walked Arwen, her silver nightdress gleaming in the firelight. She saw Aragorn holding Piper's hand and the fact that they were alone together in the room.
'Aragorn, I was wondering if Piper and I could have a little chat together', she said sweetly. 'Nothing serious. I just want to get to know her better.'
Aragorn nodded.
'We'll have time to talk later', he said to Piper. 'Goodnight ladies.'
Aragorn left the room and Arwen shut the door quietly behind him. She then rounded on Piper.
'I don't know about where you come from but here there are punishments when a woman try's to make a man commit adultery.'
'What?' asked Piper, shocked. Aragorn had only wanted to talk.
'I know you loved each other once', Arwen spat. 'I can see it in your eyes.'
Piper backed away from Arwen, aware that Arwen may be having a mood swing. With the way she was hissing and spitting though, Piper had a feeling she wasn't having a mood swing and this was a real anger thing.
'You stay away from my husband. In fact I'm going to make sure you do.'
Two male guards entered the room and grabbed Piper, one to each arm.
'This isn't a good thing', thought Piper wildly.
'You are banished from Gondor and all of its cities', Arwen said, her voice ringing clear and true. 'You will be exiled to Isengard where you will spend the rest of your days. Get her out of here!'
Paige stood on her balcony that overlooked Minas Tirith. The stalls were now quiet, and the sky was bright with stars. Everything was perfect, except for Chris's vision, which hung over her head like a cloud.
'Am I extruding?'
Paige turned around and saw Legolas step out onto the balcony, a soft smile on his face.
'Not at all', said Paige with a smile.
Legolas stepped forward and stood beside her, watching the horizon go dark.
'I've had a bit of trouble getting you out of my head ever since I got my memory back', Legolas confessed. 'I guess it's just what you did for us, or...'
'Maybe', Paige said cutting him off. She wasn't sure she wanted him to continue his sentence.
She turned her head as she spoke and met Legolas's lips. After a few seconds he drew away, a look of doubt on his face. Paige then leaned forward and kissed him back. He stroked her back as they kissed and slowly brought his hands to the front of her top and began to unbutton it. They moved inside and shut the balcony door. Paige worked her fingers to remove his belt as they fell onto the bed.
