I am really sorry about how long I've taken to get this new chapter posted ! Thanks for being patient with me ! By the way, I have no idea what Elves eat, so if any of this info is not true to the book, please remember this is based on the books & movies. I hope you enjoy!
Mark sat down but kept trying to see what Alex & Boromir were doing, or talking about.
The evening continued in that fashion. Laurien would be talking to Mark and he would be pretending to pay attention, all the while trying to catch glimpses of Alex & Boromir from the corner of his eye.
Alex had her plate filled by the elf standing behind her. She turned around in her seat to watch him as he put a few pieces of what looked like bread on the plate, followed by two halves of a potato (she guessed), carrots and other various vegetables.
He placed the plate gently in front of her and returned to where he was standing before. She looked over at Boromir, who was lifting his fork to his mouth.
He had 3 plates in front of him. Two were filled to overflowing with steaming meats, while the last plate had potatoes, steamed carrots, and bread.
Alex looked at Boromir and he said "Feel free to start eating. The elves are known for providing food from each visitor's homeland.
You see, they don't eat meat and yet they've provided ample portions for a man from my part of the world. I don't know exactly where you are from, but as you are female they haven't offered you any meat."
He finished bringing the fork to his mouth and started chewing his mouthful.
Alex didn't really understand what he meant, but ate readily as it was the first meal she'd had since lunch, and she was accustomed to having several snacks between meals back at home.
The vegetables were unlike any she'd ever eaten before. They practically melted in her mouth as she greedily gobbled them all up. She finished her meal and found herself surprisingly full.
Mark had never seen so much food put in front of him. 'Am I really expected to eat ALL of this?'. He had three plates, similar to Boromir's. Two filled with meats, and the other with assorted vegetables.
He started to cut into what looked like roast beef, but found it just broke away when he sank his fork into it, it was so tender.
He started eating and didn't stop until his plates were all clean. He didn't realize how hungry he was! When he was done he leaned back in his seat, belly swollen, still in disbelief of his appetite.
Laurien looked over at him with a slight smile and said "I don't believe I have ever seen anyone eat so much so quickly. I am very glad that you are enjoying our foods." Mark rubbed his stomach, smiled and said "I'm glad too!"
Everyone rose at the same time, so Mark and Alex followed suit and arose from their seats as well.
They were all looking towards the door, and soon Alex realized why. She saw who she recognized to be Elrond.
He walked through the center of the room, between the tables lining the walls. His long brown hair was done back, twined in his crown. He wore long red robes that looked to be silk.
His face seemed to glow, and as he walked by Alex he glanced at her. She felt a stirring and heat within herself.
She was sure that she was blushing as he turned back and kept walking to his seat at the head of the room.
She raised her hand to her cheek and felt it to be very hot indeed. Her hands were trembling but she couldn't understand why just a single glance from this man…or Elf rather, could cause this reaction.
Boromir turned and said "You should retire to your room my lady. You do not look well at all."
Alex blinked and felt all fuzzy inside at his concern.
She nodded and was about to reply when he added "I will be going to my quarters now. I hope your health improves after a nights rest. Good evening my lady."
With that he bowed and started walking away. Alex couldn't believe that just happened.
She'd been waiting until the end of the meal to finally be able to actually TALK with Boromir and he'd just brushed her off so without thought.
'Oh well…I'm sure he's tired from his journey here to Rivendell and everything. Tomorrow we'll get to talk I'm sure.'
With that she tried to dismiss it from her mind as she walked over to Mark who was across from her, eyes drooping.
As she reached him she said "Hey sleepy head."
He looked up and said "Oh its miss romance …"
Alex rolled her eyes and said "Well, just wanted to let you know I'm going back to my room, or quarters…Whatever. Anyway, come see me in the morning, I want to talk with you."
Mark nodded slightly, a nod that conveyed irritation with her.
With that she turned and went back to her quarters. She laid on the bed. Thinking back on the day, she was sorry with how short she'd been with Mark.
What was making her be this way towards him?
They were always the closest of friends and she hated having him upset with her.
'Tomorrow morning I will set things straight when he comes to see me.'
That thought made her feel a little better, and she got up off the bed and took off her dress.
She tried carefully to hang it back just as she had found it as it was such a precious treasure.
On the stool beside her bed was what looked like a large white cotton shirt.
She put it on, not knowing what else to wear to bed, and pulled down her sheets.
She couldn't resist jumping into bed. Back home she was never allowed to jump on the bed so she absolutely relished doing it without having to worry about her foster mom shouting up to her "DON'T YOU DARE JUMP ON THAT BED!".
Once she was in bed, she pulled the sheets up and dreamed of what tomorrow would hold.
As soon as Alex had left the dining hall, Laurien turned to Mark and said in a low voice "You look weary from your travels. Perhaps a bit downhearted? I know sometimes men do not wish to speak of their problems, therefore I will not pry. But if you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask."
Mark smiled, and was actually truly touched at her kindness.
He looked at her and said "Thanks, you're a pal. I am pretty tired, and yea I guess I am a bit depressed, but I'll get over it. I'm gonna get to bed now. Thanks again for worryin' about me."
He winked at her and left to go to his room.
The next morning Mark was woken by Alex shaking his shoulder.
He sat up and rubbed his eyes.
She was sitting on his bed smiling as she said "Goodmorning, Mark! I waited for ages to you come to my room, but its late now, or at least I'm guessing it is…"
she looked down at her wrist and realized her watch wasn't there anymore.
"Oh man, where is my watch?! I was wearing my favorite watch yesterday, and now its gone!"
Mark grabbed her hand, knowing how much that silly old watch meant to her and said "Hey, hey, calm down. We'll find it".
Alex looked at him, reminded of why they were best friends.
He knew everything about her & was always there to calm her down.
"Thanks Mark. That reminds me, I wanted to apologize for how I was to you yesterday. I didn't mean to be so irritating and everything. Forgive me?"
Mark propped himself up on one arm, smiled at her and said "Fine, I'll forgive you…IF you will tour every corner of this place with me today."
Alex threw herself at Mark and wrapped her arms around his neck as she replied "I THOUGHT YOU'D NEVER ASK!"
After Mark got out of bed & dressed, they tiptoed out into the hall. There were several doors lining both sides of the hall.
They knocked on the door next to theirs, but the only response was roars of laughter. Alex put her hand to the doorknob, and opened the door slightly.