i hope you enjoy the story. plz be kind if you review. im only new at this. doing a bit of editing.

Chapter 1: Breaking the ice

Dúniel sighed as she sat at the table, pushing her black hair from her face. The noise of the gathering of people in the hall was almost deafening. She smiled at Eldarion, who sat across from her.

"Your new boyfriend's going to be sitting next to you." he said with a wicked smile.

"I should be slapping you, but I've been paralysed with rage." she answered, but to his amusement her cheeks tinged red.

"Try not to be too..."

"Unfriendly?" she replied sourly. "I'll treat him as he treats me. If he talks to me at all, which he won't." Eldarion's face grew sad.

"I shall be very pleased the day your outlook on life changes."

"As I will." she sighed again and looked to her left, where her sisters where chatting excitedly to each other, bouncing in their seats. Dúniel smiled slightly.

"Ah, to be so young and innocent again."her brother said, grinning. "It is not for us, I'm afraid."

"Youth is fleeting." Dúniel said, slumping back in her chair.

"Dúniel, sit up. Our guests have arrived." Aragorn said gently.

They watched as the guards were lead to a table near the doors, for the lesser important people, while Lord Mazid and his son were led to their main table. Mazid sat beside Eldarion, and Arash took his seat beside Dúniel. Dúniel knew if she looked at the young man she'd blush instantly, not just because he was on her scarred side, but he was just so damned gorgeous. So she carefully kept her eyes everywhere else. Her father made a brief speech, then they where finally allowed to eat. Dúniel quickly started gathering food into her plate. Both she and the Harad reached for the rolls at the same moment, and their hands knocked. They both gasped and reddened in unison, muttering apologies. Eldarion burst out laughing.

"You could be twins." he cried, winking at her. Dúniel scowled furiously, then realised Arash was placing a roll on her plate.

"Forgive me." he said quietly. "Ladies should be served first." Dúniel was extremely taken aback by this show of chivalry and manners.

"Thank you." she managed, still looking away. "You are very kind." Arash grabbed a roll for himself. There was an awkward moment between them.

"Arash, I saw your stallion when you came in." Eldarion said, leaning forward to rescue his sister. "It was a magnificent creature."Arash grinned.

"Thank you." the two proceeded to discuss their horses, those horses parents and future stud options. Dúniel was astonished. They were getting on like a house on fire.

"Dúniel's a brilliant rider." Eldarion said suddenly, grinning at his sister. "She's handy with a blade too." Arash looked at her curiously.

"Indeed? That is something I would like to see."

"Talking to me now then?" she said lightly, sipping her wine.

"Actually, I've been trying to get up the nerve to talk to you for about half an hour. I find it intimidating to talk to such a beautiful woman." Dúniel looked at him for the first time, fury in her eyes. Her hand tightened around her knife. Eldarion reached across the table.

"Dúniel." he said quietly, but she shook him off.

"What did you say to me?" Arash looked very confused.

"I-I simply said you were beautiful. I wouldn't lie about something like that." Dúniel felt her eyes stinging, and shoved her chair back.

"Don't ever call me things I'm not." she snarled, and stormed from the room.

"Dúniel?" Arwen called, looking worried. Arash felt very guilty and confused.

"I'm sorry, I don't understand,"he said, turning to Eldarion. "I must go and find her."

"Don't apologise, just explain yourself. She's just sensitive about her scar." he answered quietly.

"I can understand that." Arash replied, and walked out after the furious princess.

Dúniel stared at the black mountains that bordered Mordor, simmering with anger and ignoring the tears on her cheeks. She turned when she heard footsteps behind her and scowled at Arash. She turned back to her view. Arash stood beside her and stared as well, and for that long moment, there was an uncomfortable silence between them.

"It's so strange to think of what happened," he said suddenly, his eyes traveling over the Fields of Pelannor. "We weren't even born, so it hardly seems real."

"When you live in the shadows of the mountains, it's not hard to imagine." Dúniel answered. "My father tells me many stories."

"Look, I'm not going to apologise for calling you beautiful, because I truly believe you are. But I can see I hurt you, and I never intended to, I swear. I was brought up to respect women." Dúniel looked up at him with a glint of surprise in her eye, making him grin. "My mother got to me before he did." he answered, gesturing back to the hall. "I will not indulge you on his view points."

"I-I know I shouldn't have walked off like that, but it's hard for me. You don't understand." Dúniel said quietly, playing with her black plait.

"I don't really know what to say without hurting you more." he said helplessly. "But I hope your opinion of me is not ruined."

"I haven't even had time to start hating you yet." Dúniel said, winking. Arash smiled broadly.

"Then far be it for me to stop you. I do hope you will return and privilege me with a dance later." he turned and wandered back to the hall, missing Dúniel's stunned face.

"Wait a moment!" she called, hurrying after him. "Is this some sort of bet or something?" she demanded. He blinked in surprise.

"Bet? With whom would I bet?"

"There are plenty of people who like to hurt me, and plenty others who will do anything for money." she snarled. It was a bright morning, so she could clearly see the anger growing on his face.

"Just because you're a princess doesn't mean you can treat me like a dog!" he said angrily. "I don't know what happened to you, but I would never take a bet just for the purpose to see anyone in pain. I am an honourable man, princess, and I would hope you would've seen that." Dúniel seemed to realise she'd really hurt the young man and sighed.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly, looking down. "I have...problems in people skills."

"I can understand that you don't trust me, even just from what happened during the War. But please, at least show my a little respect, and give me the benefit of the doubt." he shook his head. "I'm sorry I spoke to you so forcefully before, I know it wasn't my place-"

"No. It was. I deserved it." Dúniel sighed and looked up at him. "I'm not a complete wench, you know." he laughed.

"Just an incomplete one?" he paled, then looked stunned when Dúniel suddenly snorted. She looked as surprised as he did.

"Well, let's get back in there before my father thinks you're getting some courtesy out of me." he frowned slightly, lips moved visibly, then went bright red.

"Who'd have thought your mind is as dirty as mine."Dúniel said, half smiling.

"I must admit, princess, you are quite different from any woman I've met."

"I hope you realise it's taking all my self-control to hold my tongue on that one." she teased. He laughed, shaking his head.

"It is good to see a woman who uses her brains." he offered her his arm. "Shall we?" she hesitated, then rested her hand on his forearm.

"Lead on." she said, letting him take her back into the hall, where she quickly removed her hand. She could see her father gesturing her to come to him, and left Arash's side to do so. Aragorn smiled and took her hand.

"Are you alright?" he asked in Elvish."You seemed upset."

"I'm fine Ada. I was a bit oversensitive." she answered, straightening. She noted Aragorn's eyes watch Arash slowly approaching, and squeezed his hand.

"He's a strange one, but he has a good heart." Dúniel whispered.

"Perhaps you have finally found yourself a friend." he said, looking visibly relieved. Dúniel laughed.

"If only miracles did happen, Ada. I think he pities me, nothing more." Aragorn sighed and raised his eyebrows.

"Try to enjoy yourself this morning, love." he said with a smile, releasing her hand. She sat and gestured for Arash to do the same.

"We must finish breakfast first." she explained, ravenously eating. Once the food was gone, the tables were pushed aside and instruments appeared as though by magic. Many courting couples hurried to the dance floor, while some men circled the room, looking for a prospective target. Arash stood and held out his hand.

"May I have the honour of a dance?" he asked. Dúniel almost dropped her goblet.

"You were serious? You want to dance with me?" she seemed so shocked he gently took her drink from her fingers and put it on the table.

"Yes. I've grown fond of your insults and wit." he teased.

"Do you even know how to dance our dances?" she asked, still refusing to stand. He blinked.

"Well no. But I've always been good on my feet."

"And off them?" Dúniel inquired innocently. Eldarion, who was drinking, suddenly started choking and coughing while Arash blushed again. Both men stared at her when she giggled.

"I'm going...to kill you." Eldarion gasped, mopping himself up and quickly sipped his drink, trying desperately to halt the coughs. Dúniel took Arash's hand.

"Quickly, take me to the dance floor. He can't kill me in front of all those people."

"Are you sure about that?" her brother teased.

She poked out her tongue and let Arash take her to the edge of the dance floor. They watched for a moment, the young mans eyes watching the steps, then suddenly pulled her amongst them. Dúniel was stunned at how quickly he picked up the dance. Sure, he made a few mistakes, and went the wrong direction occasionally, but he was clearly a gifted dancer. When the dance finished, Dúniel tried to escape, but Arash held her hand tightly.

"Wait a moment." he said, pulling her to the side. "May I ask a favour?" Dúniel closed her eyes with a groan, and seemed to be trying to restrain herself. Arash laughed.

"Please, like I would ask you that in public." he grinned. "No, I wanted to ask if you would give me a tour tomorrow." Dúniel blinked.

"Wouldn't you rather go with Eldarion?" she asked, very aware Arash still held her hand.

"Are you busy tomorrow? Or do you not wish to be seen in the company of a Harad?"

"No, no, I'm not busy. I mean, I was planning on spending the day hiding in my room and contemplating counting the bricks on my walls again."

"So you are busy?" Dúniel quickly hid a smile.

"No. When and where do you want to meet me?"

"After breakfast by the White Tree, if you don't mind." he said, grinning.

"All right then. I suppose I could make it."

"You know, you're a terrible tease." he said, and bowed, kissing her hand. Dúniel gasped audibly, and pulled away, shaking.

"I-I'll see you t-tomorrow." she said, and quickly retreated from the hall, pausing only to scold her brother in Elvish. He'd shouted something out to her as she'd passed, and Arash could see the grin on Eldarion's face as Dúniel left the hall.

"Arash." he turned and his smile faded when he saw his father behind him. "How goes things?" he asked quietly.

"I'm not sure. It will take time, before I know for sure." Mazid scowled.

"Don't take too long." Arash looked away, feeling guilt burn in his body, and trying hard to ignore his conscience.