Disclaimer: Same as usual... I own no LOTR characters, places, etc.

Soccerbitch: Nice to have you back! Thanks for the review!

My apologies on some of the formatting....FF not allowing me to use previous methods...

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Chapter 9

The hall was quiet as Theoden began his toast to those wounded or fallen in battle. Alina took a deep breath, steeling herself against the discomfort that was to come. As the king was about to finish the toast, Alina interjected from the rear of the hall, still out of sight.

"May they never fear to continue to defend our king, and may they find peace in death!" her voice rang throughout the cavernous room. Everyone turned to see where the voice had come from , and a whisper went through the crowded hall as she stepped forward into the light, her goblet raised in salute, a small smile on her lips. Audible gasps and mumbled phrases of astonishment rose around her as she began to slowly walk forward, attempting not to reveal the pain that still coursed through her leg and side.

"Well said!" Theoden praised her with a large smile, raising his glass higher before drinking. Alina looked around her as everyone drank, noticing that both Eomer and Legolas had begun to move toward her, Legolas through the mass of tables, and Eomer down the center aisle. Both had a look of concern and exasperation on their faces.

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Eomer's expression changed slighty as he realized why she looked so different, other than the fact that she was wearing a dress for the first time he could remember. Her hair, always done low and covering her ears, was now higher, in an elaborate design, exposing the pointed tips as tendrils floated around her face and neck. She was even more beautiful to him now. He had always known that there was something different about her, but this....this was not what he had thought her secret had been. His breath froze in his chest as her eyes met his...

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Legolas was pleased to see that Alina had decided to let go of her doubts and acknowledge her lineage. Her smile when she looked to him as he came toward her stirred his heart.

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Aragorn was at the front of the hall with Gimli and Gandalf, a look of pride and concern on his features. Gandalf smiled, glad to see that she was no longer afraid to reveal herself, curious as to what brought about the change so suddenly.

Legolas and Eomer reached her at the same time, both looking at her for a moment before taking an arm and leading her to the front of the hall, and helping her into a seat of honor near at the king's table. Neither said a word, but both could feel her tension as she walked, being careful not to put too much pressure on her leg, but also a little worried at what the change in her appearance would bring.

"Are you sure you're up to this?" Aragorn asked softly from beside her, referring to both being out of bed so soon and displaying her elven heritage after keeping it hidden for so long.

"Absolutely." She replied sweetly.

Eomer was still watching her, fascinated, and Alina blushed under his gaze.

Legolas saw this, and felt something he had not for a very long time – jealousy. He quickly tempered it, telling himself that he should not have been surprised by this, as Eomer and Alina had known each other for a long time. He also knew that if Alina returned any of Eomer's feelings, he had no right to place it asunder for his own wants. 'But does she feel the same for Eomer? Or, is it possible that she could have those feelings for me, as I think I have seen in her eyes before?' he thought.

He was roused from his thoughts by a well placed jab from Gimli. "Looks like you have some competition." He teased under his breath.

Legolas looked down at him, annoyed. "Do not presume to know my inner thoughts, dwarf! Neither should you make an enemy of one who is not!" he said low enough for only the dwarf to hear.

Gimli gave his friend a look that told him that he need not speak of his thoughts, for the dwarf had known him long enough now to be able to surmise what the elf was feeling much of the time. This was easier for him to see, as it was difficult for Legolas to keep his emotions veiled when he was near the girl. "If you do not look at it as such, you may never win her."

Legolas' expression softened as he gave in, embarrassed by his lack of control of his emotions. He smiled at his friend apologetically, and looked back to Alina, who was now watching them with an amused expression.

Alina had seen the exchange between the elf and the dwarf, and how Legolas' normally pale face showed a hint of pink as the dwarf's comment clearly struck a note deep within him. It was her turn to be slightly embarrassed as Legolas caught her staring. She faltered for a second, her eyelids fluttering as she looked away, taking a small sip of her wine.

Eowyn came to her then, her eyes alight. "Come with me, I need to speak to you." Alina rose slowly, the slight grimace she made not lost on those who happened to be watching her. Eowyn led her to an empty corner at the side of the room and turned, taking up her hand.

"What is the matter?" Alina asked, noting that the strange light that in Eowyn's eyes was still there, but slightly diminished.

"Nothing is the matter. I have my own thoughts, which I will keep for now, but I wanted to make sure you are alright. I did not want to ask in front of everyone, I know that you are still in much pain. Are you alright? Has the pain lessened?" Eowyn's brow drew together in concern.

"No, the pain has not lessened, nor has it gotten worse. Thank you for asking." Alina was perturbed that this was why her friend brought her to this spot.

"You will take your leave if it does?" Eowyn asked gently, not wanting to upset her friend.

"Yes. I promise." Alina gave Eowyn a small hug and a smile.

Eowyn looked around the hall, her eyes settling on Aragorn, her cheeks flushing. "Good."

"You like him, don't you?" Alina asked.

"I do." Eowyn admitted.

"It's not that hard for anyone to see." Alina said. "Have you spoken to him?"

"Not directly. It is hard for me to tell if I should. The pendant he wears was given to him by an elf-woman, he says she sails for the Undying Lands." She turned to Alina, changing the subject slightly, "And as for things which are easily seen, you seem to have found youself two suitors eager to vie for your attention." A smile played at the corners of her mouth as Alina stepped back a little.

"I don't know what you mean." She said, now her face went red.

"'Leena, it has been very obvious for some time that my brother is quite taken with you." She looked for any reaction in Alina's eyes, getting none, she continued, "And it would seem that Prince Legolas suffers from the same affliction. Tell me," her voice lowered even more, "Have you truly not noticed?"

Alina sighed, not liking the direction that this conversation seemed to be heading. "Of course I have noticed, it's just..." she paused, looking for the right words, coming up blank.

"You feel something for each of them?" Eowyn finished for her.

Alina looked up sharply, confusion and a strange ache written on her face. "Yes." She whispered, barely audible.

"It is not surprising that you, being half-elf and half-human, would find yourself torn between one of each race. You must evaluate your own inner thoughts, do not make any choice hastily. Be sure that you will truly be happy once you have made your decision." Eowyn hugged Alina again, "I will support whichever decision you make."

"Thank you."

They turned at the sound of the two hobbits beginning a song, and went together to watch as they sang and danced on top of a table, a mug of beer in each of their hands. Eowyn was called by one of the women, and excused herself from Alina's side. Alina watched the halflings' dance, laughing out loud as one of them kicked his leg up, the man sitting nearest to him shifting backwards to avoid being kicked in the face.

After the hobbits had finished their song, loud cheers and shouts chorused throughout the great hall. The musicians began a slower tune, enticing some couples to dance. Eomer and Legolas began to approach Alina, but stopped short when she looked down to the stocky figure that had come before her. A look of amusement crossed Eomer's face at the sight of the dwarf asking Alina to dance with him; a similar look crossing Legolas', though his also held some suspicion, as he wondered what his friend was up to.

Alina looked down at Gimli, a smile crossing her features as he bowed slightly in front of her. "Might I have the pleasure of a dance, my lady?" he asked in his gruff voice, "I fear that if no', you may be plagued by some unseemly characters instead."

"Of course you may, Master Dwarf!" she laughed, the sound like that of tinkling bells, "I am honored that you would consider me a worthy partner!" She took his outstretched hand, and they danced.

"May I inquire as to whom you may be referring to as unseemly?" Alina asked innocently, unable to hide the laughter in her tone.

"I should think it was quite obvious, my lady" the dwarf said, a pointed glance at Eomer and Legolas who stood, watching.

She laughed again, "Surely you are mistaken, my lord, for I was under the impression that all in the company of one so brave and loyal as you would be of honorable repute."

His own laugh reverberated above the crowd, causing more than a few heads to turn to see what had caused the noise. He liked that she was keeping up with his banter, playing the game. "Oh no," he said loud enough for Legolas to hear, "not all of them are nearly as honorable as a dwarf would be! Some of them can be down right incorrigible when it comes to certain situations!"

Alina laughed again, seeing the scathing look that Legolas gave the dwarf, then the amused look on Eomer's face.

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Legolas had had enough of the dwarf, knowing now the full extent of Gimli's plan, and stepped forward intending to cut in on the pair. Before he could make his move, someone else tapped Gimli on the shoulder, requesting to do just what the elf had in mind. He stopped, his concern for the direction the situation had taken subsiding as Gimli obliged. The dwarf came to his side, a look of sheer enjoyment on his face at his accomplishment. Legolas gave him another withering look, but did not say a word.

"Well, someone had to say something!" Gimli said under his breath, stifling laughter that threatened to boom out from beyond his lips.

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Alina smiled absently at the man who was dancing with her, willing the pain that was beginning to rise up to stay abated for now. He was not speaking, which was a blessing, as she was having problems concentrating on keeping her feet beneath her. Gamling cut in next, worry coming to his face at the unnatural pallor her features had taken on.

"Alina?" he questioned as she stumbled, catching her and maneuvering so as not to attract attention to her obvious struggle. The movement was well done, only Legolas and Eomer had noticed what was happening.

"I'm fine." She said, her voice shaking, breath coming in small ragged gasps.

"You should rest." Gamling said, slowing down even more, intending to lead her to a seat.

"Gamling," she said, her eyes glazing slightly before she succumbed to the pain that was consuming her. She began to sink, and he caught her as people near them gasped and some of the women cried out. Gamling gently lowered her to the floor, her head against his shoulder.

"We need to get her to her chamber!" Eomer said, reaching her before Legolas and bending down, shifting her so that her head now rested against him. He slid an arm under her knees, lifting her in one swift movement. She let out a muffled groan against his chest as he carried her out of the hall, Legolas and Eowyn following close behind.

Alina groaned again softly as Eomer placed her onto her bed, her head lolling to the side as her eyes opened slowly. She found herself looking into his blue eyes, darkened now with the fear that she had gone too far over her current limits. She was totally unaware of anyone else in the room.

"I'm sorry." She whispered, another wave of pain taking her, and she fell unconscious once more.

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And the triangle gets more entangled... Let me know what you think so far....