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Chapter 3

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Arwen Undomiel watched her two children peacefully play with each other in the nursery as she waited for her husband. The morning dew had disappeared from the bud's tips as it started to enter noon. She sighed happily, rocking in the new polished, wooden chair, her hands gently running over her stomach. A gentle, small smile appeared on her smooth, soft face as she felt the blue velvet under her fingers while thoughts slowly passed. A child was growing inside and the time to tell him was growing near as well.

Her oldest son raced around the room with a wooden sword in hand, slaying the silver dragon from his sister that lurked under the bed. Arwen laughed softly as she watched this amusement. Toys were scattered carelessly about, most neglected as they came to be more mature. Red and white, silk blankets were wrapped around the tables and chairs for the princess's castle as she laid hidden inside for her brother to rescue her. He jumped up and down near the bed, the sword cutting the air in violence as the evil dragon fell to its doom.

Eldarion stood proudly and eventually pulled her out from the castle as there nanny entered, pulling a new guest beside her. The look of disapproval on her face was not a happy welcome. She was still young but knew many tricks of taking care of the children. Arwen fully trusted her and understood the discipline needed, especially Eldarion.

She rose from her seat and stepped over the toys to reach near the door to greet her. "They have been like this all morning," then smiled to the upset face. "There energy is overwhelming."

Tala's face began to settle as she nodded, "I know." Then sighed from the hours of cleaning the room which was now wasted. She quickly moved on to the next subject as she brushed the room's dust off the corner of her apron, a small grin appearing. "We have a new maid, fresh from this morning."

Arwen smiled as she looked at the calm, green eyes of a young, beautiful woman. She was close to the same age as Tala but showed of a more smooth grace as much like the queen herself. Her black hair was jeweled perfectly of glistering gems that coordinated with the light, mint green dress. Miyon had never felt anything so smooth on her body and grew rather comfortable but a little awkward that she had never worn a dress before. Other women of the same position also dressed alike and assisted the queen when needed.

"I am glad you have come." The Queen smiled, her deep, blue eyes washing over the newcomer.

"As I am glad to be here." The maid bowed honorably. Your happiness will soon diminish my Queen.

Tala smiled at the two greeting, knowing both well they would get along and picked the right girl. She bowed as to leave, taking Eldarion to his teachings. He refused, of course. But the famous, angered look changed his plans. His sister soon followed behind from under the table, leaving the maiden alone with Arwen.

"Tala is kind. What is your name?" She asked as she pulled one of the blankets off the table and gestured her to a seat.

Miyon pulled a hand-size, doll carriage off the chair as she took a seat, sitting upright with her hands on her lap as she watched Arwen sit in her's "I am Arala."

"What a beautiful name, you are from Gondor?"

She continued to slyly lie, "No, milady. I am from the North...a small town near Bree...Chetwood."

Arwen Undomiel listened carefully about her brief, happy past. Her voice showed of respect and a well educated speaker. Truly, she was impressed.

Phases and sentences of deceitful lies passed easily and smoothly through her soft, pink lips. Talks of an imaginative mother growing old as her children moved out and them making an importance to the world made it simple. She watched the Queen's eyes grow wide of her remarkable travels but didn't allow enough detail to escape; just enough to created an image.

Before the she-elf could ask any more questions and find out more of the mysterious woman, Tala suddenly made a quick burst inside the room, the door slamming hard to the concreted wall. Arwen and the maiden looked at her with question.

"Milady! Eldarion is gone again!" Tala shrilled of fear as her face grew pale, taking the usual case of the ruler's children missing way too far.

Arwen sighed as she carefully pulled herself up from the chair, hoping her back wouldn't snap of her carrying bundle. She walked calmly to her to search for her son. The panicked woman urged her to the door explaining of how he slipped passed her in the hall and escaped further in the palace. The maiden continued to sit and listened carefully in detail of the nanny's words. Images where specific rooms are flowed from her; a key tool into hunting.

She frowned and turned to the girl who gave a worried expression, "Arala, my husband should be here in any moment, when he arrives can you send him a message that I would be waiting for him to dine for lunch?"

Miyon smoothly smiled as she bowed. "Of course, Milady." Then rose as she watched them both leave the room.

Patting her waist, she cursed herself for the knife and weapons left in the tavern the night before. Obviously, a woman seeking a job to serve the majesties would be heavily questioned of the reason why she needed so much protective. Scanning the room, she looked for anything useful. A letter opener, broken glass...something! Aragorn must be taken off! Frantically, she walked across the room and briefly glanced outside the open window. Time was running out and the task must be done quickly. It was noon already.

"Milady?" A cautious voice entered inside the room.

Caught off guard, the maiden turned around and saw him. The same man she could not have relations with nor with his family was in the presence before her. Aragorn stood in his same clothing as in the night before, noting that he was finding latest news and more clues for the killer. Stress hasn't helped him while he worried for his own sake but took more care of his wife and children. "Milady, have you seen the Queen? I assume she was here."

Miyon stared for a few moments as thoughts blocked her response. Now! No one is here...he is alone. Strike hard. She smiled as the reality came in conscious and bowed to the king. "You have missed her, my Lord...she brings a message that she awaits for you to dine...after she finds your son."

He chuckles softly and nods, running his hands through his unwashed hair. "Thank you and who may you be?"

Miyon secretly and coyly smiles as she walks toward him through the children's play room. Then motions her hand showing that she was going to escort the king out the door to his destination, "My name is Arala, and I believe you will know much more than a name."