Irish Anor: I quite like reviewing people's stories, but sometimes I read one that I don't want to! Anyway, I digress! Thanks for your review, I'm honoured to be the author of one of the few stories you review!

S09daniew: No, the fire happened by accident. There were probably a lot in Middle Earth, what with thatched houses and open fires. Anyway, thank you for your review!

Malara: I'm glad you enjoyed it! Arentiel's re entrance into the story was the setting up for this chapter, I'm basically done with the council now. And I did put a mark, but as loves to do, it deleted it. I've tried another mark in this chapter.

Rhys: Glad you enjoyed it! I know you probably won't have the time, but I was wondering if you would beta my LOTR fics for me? It'd mean you get a sneak preview! I asked you because your reviews have really helped to improve my writing. Anyway, drop me an e- mail (my address is ) if you can/want to. Anyway, thanks for your review!

Strider's Girl: Oh, sorry, did I forget to thank you? Maybe your review only appeared after I posted my fic! Anyway, thanks for both your reviews.

On with the story!

Arentiel rolled over in bed as the first rays of dawn light eased through the window. She had slept well the night before, having been given a herb to make her sleepy and ease her pain. It was now two days since the accident; and none of Arentiel's so called friends had as yet been to visit her. She had not had so much as a message or a few flowers from them, and had not heard from anyone save her family.

Arwen awoke a little later, with determined resolve to do what she had planned since hearing of Arentiel's predicament.

Arwen eased herself out of bed and tiptoed across the room, so as not to wake her slumbering husband. She slipped on a plain blue dress and styled her hair simply. She went down to the houses of healing before even taking breakfast.

The streets were quiet in the higher circles at this early hour, though Arwen could hear the sounds of tradesmen below, who were already beginning that day's business.

The Queen walked briskly to the houses of healing and slipped inside. Though Arentiel had been harsh to her, Arwen was not a lady to hold grudges, and was determined to pay her a kind visit.

"Ah, my lady, how may I help you? If you want herbs, we just had some new stocks in today, I trust you are well, my lady?" Babbled Ioreth, the talkative nurse.

"Ioreth, I am well and I do not desire any herbs, lovely as I am sure they are," Arwen replied, a hint of amusement in her voice. "I come upon a different errand: I desire to see the Lady Arentiel, whom I have been told is within."

"Yes, lady," Ioreth answered. "Though, I believe you are her first visitor, despite her being in our care for three days now. Strange that. In fact, not one person save her immediate family has spoken to me about her. Come to think of it…."

"Thank you, Lady Ioreth. Perhaps you would be so kind as to show me to her."

Arentiel sat up as she heard a knock on the door.

"Enter," she muttered grudgingly.

"Good Morning, my lady," Arwen said softly as she pushed open the heavy oak door. "I hope you are feeling a little better?"

"L…Lady Arwen?" Arentiel stammered in surprise and embarrassment. "Forgive me, but… why have you come?"

"Why, to see you, of course." Arwen moved over to sit on the edge of the bed. "I was concerned yesterday when Éowyn informed me that you had been injured in a fire. She apologises for being unable to come herself as yet, but she has many things to do currently and will see you as soon as she can."

Arentiel was silent. Why had this woman come to see her after all the hateful things she had said? For the first time, Arentiel realised the meaning of forgiveness, and the value of true friendship.

"My lady," Arentiel said, hanging her head in shame. "I am so sorry for all those things I said…."

"There is nothing to forgive, Lady Arentiel," came Arwen's gentle reply.

"Forgive me, but why…"

"Why did I come? I cannot abandon my subjects, and I wished to show friendship to you." Arwen paused, then continued more quietly: "I wanted to show you that I am more than a tavern wench."

"But you are, my lady! I am the one who needs to prove to you that I am more than a being made of malice and spite!"

"Nay, do not think of yourself so lowly! You were unused to me, that is all Anyway, I must leave, I have duties to do. I shall return tomorrow."

Arentiel smiled as she lay back down. For the first time in her life, she had found a true friend; from the most unlikely of people.

End of chapter

OK, that's the SECOND to last chapter! The next is simply an epilogue, to tie the loose ends together. Please review!