Disclaimer – the norm – I do not own any LOTR characters or places. I still own Alina, and now Tamonar.
Kwannom & Magsluvsaragorn – Thanks for the input! I'm still not completely positive as to which way this will go...take nothing for granted! grins
R&R please!
Chapter 2
The next morning dawned clear and bright. Alina stirred, opening her eyes with great effort. Her head was heavy; how much did she have to drink last night? Images flashed through her mind. Legolas. Was that only a few hours ago? It seemed an eternity since they were out on the balcony. She turned over, remembering every detail. How his eyes had looked like two orbs of mithril in the moonlight. The way he had looked at her when she told him her secret. She sighed, glancing out the window, and noticed how light it was starting to become. She needed to attend to Eowyn.
Alina rose, dressed, and put a braid on each side of her hair, catching only the top half of her thick dark locks and leaving the bottom half down, then fastened them together loosely in the back. She made her way to Eowyn's room, knocked softly, and entered.
"My Lady?"
Eowyn moved slightly, opening one eye to look at Alina. "What time is it?"
"It is still morning." Alina said, going to Eowyn's clothes and pulling out a dress. She eyed it, wondering how Eowyn could wear this type of thing all the time. Last night, she had been uncomfortable, to say the least.
She handed it to Eowyn, who had gone behind a screen and taken off her nightgown.
"Are we ready to breakfast, then?" Eowyn asked, stepping out from behind the screen.
"Whenever you are, 'Wyn" Alina said.
During breakfast, Alina managed to keep her eyes on her meal, or on those nearest her at the table. She fought the urges to look at Legolas, though she could feel his eyes on her, urging her to do so. Alina made sure Eowyn was alright, then went back to her room, and gathered her daily arsenal. She put one dagger securely in her boot, another was strapped to her thigh. Her bow and arrows strapped across her torso, and her sword hung gently from her belt. She knew she'd most likely not need them, but she felt naked without her weapons.
Alina heard shouting from down near the practice field, and went to see what was happening. Several of the men, Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli included, had decided to hold a competition to see who was the best among them in three sports: archery, sword fighting, and hand-to-hand combat. Gandalf was standing on the edge of the crowd, watching with laughing eyes.
Suddenly, one of the men from the village spoke up from next to her.
"Why not let Alina do battle?" He started to push her forward, while some of the more gentle of the townspeople voiced objections to a woman participating in the games. "She has bested many of us already, she is more than worthy!" another person spoke up.
"I will only fight if the men swear to not take pity on me simply because I am a woman." Alina said laughing. She glanced around her to each of the men who would be fighting, her eyes lingering on Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. The all stared back at her, surprised.
"A woman!" Gimli shouted in his gruff voice, "She wouldn'a last three minutes!"
A hush fell over the crowd, for they had seen Alina compete before. They also knew that she was as headstrong, if not more so, as Eowyn when it came to being able to fight.
Legolas and Eowyn started to speak at the same time, but Alina interrupted them both. "Master Dwarf, if I were any other person, I might be offended by your words." She stepped toward him and knelt slightly to match his height. "However, I gladly accept your challenge."
Alina stood and turned, catching the amused look on Legolas' face.
The combatants started by pairing off for hand-to-hand combat, and Alina was with Tamonar, a young man who wanted to be one of Theoden's knights.
"Watch yourself, boy, she is not one to be underestimated!" someone shouted.
"You'll lose your arm if you're not careful!" someone else yelled.
Several people, including Alina laughed as the young man's eyes widened slightly at the thought.
"Alright!" Gamling said, "You will each fight until one of each pair is left, either by being defeated directly, or by surrendering. No blood is to be shed – this is all in fun. Remember that." He looked at the group before him. "Begin!"
At once, all the participants went charging at each other, throwing punches and in essence wrestling each other for the win. The field was quickly leveled from twenty people to four: Alina, one of the Rohirrim named Hamomin, Legolas, and Aragorn.
"Hold!" Gamling yelled, "The two remaining combatants will be fighting for the honor of 'Best in Hand to Hand Combat'. May the best man win!"
"You mean 'woman'!" Alina said, bringing a few laughs from the onlookers.
Gamling flushed slightly, "Sorry Alina, I didn't mean to leave you out."
Alina looked about her, and saw Gimli on the side, trying to catch his breath. "Well, Master Dwarf, it seems I have outlasted even you!" She smiled as he began to sputter, a kind look crossing her face, "I'm sure you put forth a valiant effort."
Alina and Aragorn paired, and Legolas and Hamomin. Alina and Aragorn fought, neither getting an edge. Legolas, however, defeated the knight within six moves. He stood back and watched as Alina and Aragorn continued.
"Oh!" The deepening crowd cried as Alina was thrown back, her attack deflected by Aragorn. She paused a moment, just long enough to make Aragorn think she was tiring. He came at her. She smiled slightly as she put her trap into action. One punch, then she moved her body to sweep his legs from under him. His lightning reflexes reacted, and she missed. The only mistake he had made was to turn a little, and she quickly rose and came around him, grabbing his arm and pulling it behind him, and raising her dagger as though to slit his throat.
"Ha!" She exclaimed, a jubilant expression flying onto her face.
The crowd roared as Aragorn graciously admitted defeat. He was amazed at the girl's skill.
Alina turned to Legolas, gesturing for him to come forward and finish this part of the competition.
"I do not think it's fair," he said with a smile, "that you get no chance for a rest."
"Come," she challenged with a sly look on her face, "I am nowhere near ready to stop!"
And so they began the final fight, the townspeople making wagers as to who would win – the elf or the strange woman who seemed to have so much battle experience and no known past other than her nine years with them.
The match started much the same as the battle with Aragorn, neither getting the upper hand, both struggling to find the other's weakness. Suddenly, Alina lunged, barely catching herself as Legolas dodged her. She turned quickly, circling him as a predator would its prey.
.................
Legolas was impressed by Alina's battle skills, but he would have to end this game soon – it was nearly midday. The next event was to start soon. 'Besides' he thought to himself, 'What better way is there to get close to her again?' He thought for a moment, and sealed his fate in the battle.
.................
Alina saw the change in Legolas' eyes as he thought to himself. More importantly, she saw his hesitation. She took the initiative, and swept his feet out from under him. In the next instant, he landed on his back, and she was over him, squatting down over his chest, dagger aimed at his heart.
"Huzzah!" the crowd cheered with deafening volume. Legolas looked up at her, stunned. Then she smiled, a slow, intoxicating grin that brightened her entire face. Her voice was slightly husky as she spoke, "Do you yield?"
"Aye." He responded, captivated by her. The crowd cheered again. Just as Alina relaxed, he reached up, pulling her to the ground next to him, and quickly rose to a standing position above her, reversing the way they had just been. "Don't ever let your guard down." He chided, mock disapproval on his face. Her eyes were smoldering as he leaned down to help her up. She was speechless. Somewhere nearby, she heard Gandalf laugh softly to himself.
Activities were stopped for a short time, and food was brought to the hungry combatants. After dinner was the archery competition. It took an hour for the field to be reduced to three – Legolas, Tamonar, and Alina. 'Here we go again.' Alina thought. She looked at Legolas, sending him a playful glance that told him she was not about to let him get the better of her again. Legolas went first, striking the center of the target swiftly three times. The crowd gasped. Aragorn, Gimli and Gandalf exchanged knowing looks. This was Legolas' game.
Tamonar went next, hitting his target the first two times, and just barely missing the center dot on his third try. He smiled, feeling proud to have kept his score so close to the elf's.
Alina smiled apologetically, and let loose her three shots, splitting the first and second arrows with the third. 'Now why doesn't that surprise me?' Legolas thought, glancing at Gandalf. Gandalf was looking at Alina intently, then his eyes opened a little wider than normal as he realized who Alina was.
Alina and Legolas fired arrow after arrow, hitting their mark time and time again, as they moved further and further away from the target. The crowd gasped with each release and precise hit, amazed that Alina was able to hold her ground against Legolas. He looked at her several times with a mix of approval and awe. She answered several times with a sure smile and flashing eyes. At last, it was called a draw, and Alina and Legolas turned to congratulate each other.
"You are a most formidable opponent, milady." Legolas said, "I would hate to face you in a true battle."
"I would agree, Master Elf," she said softly.
Before the final competition, Alina strode to a large barrel that was filled with water, and dunked her head in. She jerked her head out of the cold water, flinging her hair back, and spraying water everywhere. Her hair hung, dripping, and she saw Aragorn walking toward her.
"That looked absolutely refreshing." He said with a curious expression on his face, following her lead and dunking his head. He came up, and flashed a boyish grin at her. 'No wonder Eowyn has fallen for him.' she thought.
"Tell me," Aragorn said slyly, "Where did you say you came from?"
"I don't believe the issue was ever spoken of, My Lord" she replied uneasily. She tried to walk back towards the field, but he stopped her.
"I am just curious as to how you came to own clothing that looks remarkably like that of the elves." He said quietly.
She paused, a chill threatening to make its way into her heart. She almost thought that he had overheard her conversation with Legolas last night, but there was no way he could have. She would have heard him, felt his presence. Alina didn't answer him for several seconds, only looked at him, trying to come up with a reason to give to him. He wasn't like the other men, a simple muttered excuse wouldn't suffice this time.
Aragorn stood, waiting, and saw her eyes flicker with fear for a moment, then it was quickly hidden.
"It is time for sword fighting!" Gamling yelled, "All those participating, please gather on the field!"
"Shall we, My Lord?" Alina turned quickly, striding back to where Gamling was. The group of people participating in the swordfight was larger than that of the hand-to-hand combat.
After an hour, there were still ten people fighting. Another forty-five minutes saw only four of them fall. Now, Gimli and Hamomine were going at it, as well as Alina and Legolas and Aragorn and Tamonar. Hamomine defeated Gimli suddenly, and Aragorn sent Tamonar out of the competition at the same time. Hamomine and Aragorn faced each other, and attacked.
Alina and Legolas were still fighting, both beginning to tire after a grueling day, neither of them wanting to allow it to show. Alina lunged at Legolas, their swords clashing as though they were mortal enemies.
"Agh!" Alina yelled in frustration as her well aimed blow was deflected.
"Am I sensing a little disappointment?" Legolas questioned, his eyes and tone taunting her good-naturedly.
"Humph!" She only became more determined. They circled each other, swords clashing together once more.
'He's having way too much fun' Alina thought, 'Time to have some fun of my own.'
"My Lord," she said between sword strokes, stepping forward and then to the side to avoid one of his thrusts, "I do hope you're not toying with me."
He smiled, lunging again, "I assure you, if I were, you would have lost by now!"
"Good! There's something you should know, then..." a smile illuminated her face, and it took his breath away. Alina saw her chance and took it, putting all of her energy behind her swings. They came together, face to face, inches apart, swords locked for a second. "I was toying with you." She murmured softly.
The look of surprise was missed by almost everyone as she brought him down with two moves, sending his sword flying. The crowd roared, as jubilant as they had been in the morning. Alina helped Legolas to his feet, their eyes locked on each other's.
"'Tis not often that anyone beats Legolas in the art of war." Aragorn said from behind her. "You have done so twice today. Very impressive!"
Alina thought to make a comment, then thought better of it. She looked at Legolas, knowing that had she been anyone else, she would not have won.
"Do you think you can defeat me now?" Aragorn challenged with a smile.
"Let's find out." Alina purred, eager to win this battle as well.
They squared off, each matching the other's foot placements. Aragorn was slightly shocked when she motioned for him to advance first. He looked at Legolas, whose eyebrows had risen in admiration for Alina's drive.
Aragorn attacked, his blow deflected by Alina's sword as she rolled to her left, throwing her elbow into Aragorn's side. She stumbled a few steps, and swung around, too late to register Aragorn coming at her full force. The crowd gasped as he barreled into her, catching her shoulder as she tried to escape at the last second. Alina fell, her sword flying out of her hands and clanging onto the ground. Aragorn stood above her, sword aimed at her chest. The crowd cheered, and Alina laughed.
"Well done! Well done!" Gamling said, clapping Aragorn on his back, "You put up a great fight, Alina."
She was still sitting on the ground, staring up at them with a huge grin on her face. "Thank you, Gamling"
Legolas strode to Aragorn and congratulated him, then helped Alina to her feet. She stumbled and fell into him.
"Oh! I'm sorry!" she said, pulling away quickly, her cheeks turning pink.
Legolas stood for a moment to admire her. Her hair was out of place, tendrils here and there. Her eyes flashed as they reflected the rays of the sun from above her nose, which was smudged with dirt from fighting all day. He couldn't help but to smile.
Alina wondered what was so amusing that Legolas was smiling at her, but didn't say anything. Aragorn came to her then. "You are indeed a most worthy adversary. I pray we never have cause to battle each other."
"Thank you My Lord Aragorn." Alina said.
He took her aside slightly, and said, "You never answered my question earlier. Where do you come from?"
She spoke very softly, intending that only Aragorn hear her. What she said, a single sentence in Sindarin, stopped him in his tracks. Legolas, Gimli, and Gandalf had all heard, and were staring at her, astonished.
Ok, this chapter is really long compared to the others - I couldn't bear to split it in two. Chapter 3 is well on it's way, and promises to add a couple more twists and turns! Keep those reviews coming!