yay, new chapter for all! nice reviews always welcome, and thanks to everyone who takes the time to read :D sorry it took so long, ive been busy.
Chapter 16: A sweet reward
"How's Arash?"Glíriel smiled at the prince as he stood in the doorway.
"He'll be fine. He's got a hard head luckily, so just a nasty cut and a very big headache. I've given him a drink that should calm that down. I put a few stitches in his side, but that should heal up fairly quickly. I checked his arm and ribs while I was at it, and they seem stronger than ever!"Arash grinned slightly."And princess Dúniel?"
"She's been taken good care of, but she's terrified. She hides it well, but..."he shook his head."I should've seen it coming!"
"Don't blame yourself."Arash said, reaching to touch his tender cut, only to have his hand slapped away by Glíriel."It is my fault. It took me far too long to find you."
"I don't understand why you told just Dúniel and not me as well."he squinted at Arash."Were you trying to impress her?"Arash gratefully grabbed the line thrown out for him.
"Sort of...I suppose I feel I still need to prove myself to her." Glíriel tutted.
"Men. Honestly."Eldarion laughed.
"I'd better get back to my sister, although, she does seem very keen to see you again."Arash seemed surprised and very pleased by this."You saved her life, Arash. You need not prove yourself any longer."Eldarion grinned, then nodded and left.
"Can I go?"Arash asked. Glíriel looked a little suspicious.
"Stay in the Houses. I want you to hang around in case you were hit harder than it looks." he nodded then winced.
Standing, he traced Eldarion to the next room, where he and Dúniel stood by the fire, Dúniel's shoulder bandaged lightly and fear obvious in her green eyes. Arash knocked on the door, and she nearly leapt out of her skin.
"Arash!"she cried and rushed forward, wrapping her arms around his waist gently so as not to strain their injuries. Arash glanced up at Eldarion, who sighed heavily and walked over.
"Dúniel, please put your coat on, you are not decent."whether she heard or was listening, he didn't know, because she continued to hold the Harad tightly, shaking.
"Bring it here, I'll get her into it."Arash said quietly, struggling to breathe.
All the fear and concern for the princess had washed away, replaced with intense relief and...and something else he was sure he shouldn't be feeling. He wanted to hold her, kiss her, do a thousand things he knew he couldn't, especially in front of Eldarion. The prince held Dúniel's coat open, and Arash gently prised the young woman off him, allowing her brother to cover her bare arm. She scowled darkly at him, and looked away as Eldarion smiled sadly at her.
"Dúniel-"
"Can I not even hold him for five seconds without some rule coming into it?"she sobbed."He saved me too!"
"I know Dúniel, I know, but it is not up to you to reward him. That is for Ada to decide."Eldarion whispered in Sindarin. Arash, realising they were arguing again, sighed heavily.
"Dúniel, just seeing you alive is good enough for me."he said gently.
"But...but I want to thank you myself!"she cried, trying to hold back angry tears."They were going to...and you came and..."she pulled away from her brothers comforting hand and sat on the bed."I'm so frightened."
"It's alright."Eldarion said quietly."Those men can't hurt you anymore. We will find out who is trying to kill us before they are executed."Dúniel gasped a little, but Eldarion luckily assumed that it was through remembering what had happened, not fear of a certain Harad getting caught."Life has certainly been interesting since you arrived."Eldarion laughed, slapping Arash heartily on the back. The smile suddenly faded from his face as realisation took hold. Arash, seeing this, reddened a little.
"I had nothing to do with this."he said angrily."I would never hurt her!"Eldarion gave him a long look that was frighteningly similar to the one Aragorn had given him not to long ago.
"But someone may be trying to frame you."he said quietly."Forgive me for saying, but our family has been through a lot since you arrived. And these people might be trying to make it look like you're the one behind it all...to bring war."
"Eldarion, don't you dare accuse him of doing this!"Dúniel said furiously, standing."He is innocent! He's a good man!"
"I'm glad you think so highly of me."Arash said bitterly.
"I am sorry Arash, but-"
"Yes, I see. I know..."he sighed heavily."I'm sorry to have brought so much harm to your family."
Without another word, he turned and headed back to his room, where Glíriel gently inspected the cut on his head one last time. He could hear Dúniel and Eldarion arguing furiously in the next room.
"Goodness."the healer said, straightening in surprise."I have never heard those two argue so much."
"It is my fault."Arash said bitterly."I should never have come."
"If you had not come, King Elessar would have two less daughters. Your coming was a blessing."
"I have cursed their family to pain and death."Arash said angrily, standing."I wish to return to my rooms."
"My lord, I really don-"
"Arash, wait."they looked up to see Eldarion standing in the doorway, looking ashamed."My sister is right, I know this. I should not have implied-"
"Yes, you should."Arash said harshly."You have every right to protect your family."
"And you have every right to be innocent. Please don't blame yourself for what has happened. It was foolish of me to say such things."Arash looked at him for a long time.
"She really got angry with you, didn't she?"he asked, a hint of a smile on his mouth. Eldarion looked guilty.
"She has a way with words that makes me glad she doesn't involve herself in states of affairs." Dúniel appeared behind him, clutching at her coat.
"Eldarion, I still want to go to the stables. Especially now. I-I need to talk to Amel."
"Dúniel, you have us to talk to."
"I know."she said quietly.
"May I come?"Arash asked suddenly. Eldarion looked up at Glíriel, who looked less than pleased.
"I don't think you should, you had a fairly nasty knock to the head."
"I'm fine, honestly."
"We'll watch him."Dúniel said, smiling slightly. The old woman sighed.
"Be it on your heads if he collapses halfway there!"
Dúniel was very quiet as they made their way to the stables, trying hard not to think about her horrible near abduction...and what else she was sure they were going to do. Her shoulder still stung, but she was glad it would heal over better than her others. Not that anyone would ever see the scar she hid under her dress. Fear and depression clouded her mind once more, and she hugged herself tightly, not realising her eyes darted to every alley they passed, watched every man they passed.
Arash reached out and gently put a hand on her shoulder. She started slightly, but sighed deeply when she realised it was him. He squeezed her shoulder gently then pulled away, realising the peasants they passed where muttering behind their hands, eyes on the three of them, both pointing to Dúniel and himself.
"They think we're lovers."Dúniel said quietly. Eldarion snorted angrily.
"Such rumours are not to be worried about."
They finally reached the safety of the stables, and they were warm and smelt of horses. Dúniel was torn. She wanted to run for her beloved horse, but she was afraid to leave her brothers side. Eldarion smiled and took her to Amel, who snorted happily as Dúniel gently hugged her neck.
"I have not had a good day, Amel."she whispered.
"I'm going to check Suldal, alright? I'm just two stalls away."she nodded, gently running her fingers through her horse's mane. Eldarion wandered off, allowing Arash some time alone with the princess. He moved forward and turned her around, holding her face.
"Are you alright?"he whispered. She shook her head.
"You came for me."she whispered, feeling strangely powerless in his gentle grip."You took a dagger for me."he smiled gently.
"I would do it again."he leaned forward and they kissed hungrily, Dúniel ignoring the searing pain of her shoulder as he pulled her against him. But when Dúniel's fingers moved to his hair, he pulled away with a wince when her fingers grazed his sore spot.
"I'm sorry."she whispered, stroking his cheek gently."I'm sorry."
"It's alright."he said, breathing hard."I just wanted to hold you, I was so frightened..."he reddened when he realised what he'd said, but Dúniel's eyes glowed.
"You were frightened for me?"she whispered. He smiled.
"Of course I was."she laughed happily and hugged him tightly, sighing gently.
"I feel so safe with you."
"How ironic."she giggled again, nuzzling her nose against his neck gently.
"I have thought of a reward."she murmured, trailing her lips over his cheek."I will give you a gift no one else has ever received."
"Are you giving it to me now, because I think I could happily accept it."Arash managed. She grinned and shook her head, then kissed him with such tenderness and passion his legs nearly gave way. When she drew back, he didn't appear to be breathing.
"Annon guren achen."she whispered. He blinked, trying valiantly to recover.
"What does that mean?"she smiled.
"I'll tell you when you're ready to hear it."
"I hope you weren't calling me nasty names."
"No, my dear Harad. I wasn't."she reluctantly pulled away, sniffing."Thank you for coming so quickly."
"Thank you for worrying when he stabbed me."Arash grinned. Amel stamped her foot impatiently, annoyed Dúniel had forgotten her. The princess laughed and turned, kissing the mare's forehead.
"I have not forgotten you, my friend."Arash gently picked up her plait and tickled her cheek with it. She smiled gently.
"Hold me."she whispered. He moved up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her cheek.
"Take me to your secret place, so I can kiss you and not fear being yelled at."he whispered. Dúniel shivered, and leaned back to kiss his chin.
"Tomorrow. I'm far too rattled today."he nodded and squeezed her gently.
They jumped apart when they heard Eldarion's boot stomping towards them. Dúniel knew her brother must have suspected something, because he walked as silently as an elf. She appreciated him giving them time to pull apart and attempt to look innocent. Eldarion appeared from behind Amel's head, his face expressionless.
"Would you like to check Truenos before we go? I must take my sister to our parents soon."
Realising this was a hint to give them a minute, Arash nodded and wandered off down the aisle. Dúniel looked up into her brothers face, wondering what he would say. But he said nothing. And the silence seemed to make more noise than yelling ever could.
"Eldarion, I just wanted to thank him."she cried, unable to stand the pressure. He reached out and took her hands.
"We've always been close, haven't we?"he said gently."We've always been there for each other."he reached up and touched the scar on her face."We've saved each others lives."
"What do you want from me?"Dúniel whispered, voice shaking.
"I might be heir to the throne, but I am your brother first. I will willingly keep any secret you tell me, as I know you would for me. I just want to know that you realise what you're getting yourself into."she nodded, and his face grew sad."Do you love him?"he whispered. Dúniel blinked, and glanced over his shoulder at the Harad, then back to her brother.
"I don't know."she whispered."I-I think I do."Eldarion gathered her up into his arms and squeezed her gently, careful of her shoulder, and kissed her forehead.
"I wish I could do something for you."he said quietly."To see you this happy all the time." Dúniel squeezed her eyes together tightly, trying to hold back her tears.
"You won't tell Ada?"she whispered.
"No, but he already knows. He's not blind, Dúniel."she groaned deeply.
"You must be so angry with me."
"No, dear sister, just frustrated that you choose to give your heart to a man still considered our enemy."
"He is not my enemy."she hissed, pulling away.
"Nor mine."he said soothingly."I just wish I could help you."she sniffed miserably.
"Sometimes I wonder if he is real."she whispered suddenly."I wonder if I went mad with loneliness and dreamed him up. How could any man care for me as he does?"
"Dúniel, don't ever say that."Eldarion said, surprisingly forcefully."Not only is it grossly wrong and frightening, it's insulting to Arash, and to you. You are not impossible to love."Dúniel looked away, feeling stung."Come on. Arash?" the Harad returned, and they left the stables, heading for where their father usually held his meetings on the sixth circle.
"Do you want me to leave?"Arash asked as they neared his rooms.
"No, my father will want to thank you again."Eldarion said. Dúniel smiled gently at Arash, who reddened slightly as he smiled back.
"I will never be able to repay this debt."she said as her feet moved from snow to stone, and the chill wind died as they reached a large set of guarded doors.
"I'm sure you could."he grinned cheekily as Eldarion knocked. She poked her tongue out as Aragorn opened the door, looking strained.
"Dúniel!"he cried, and engulfed his daughter in a tight hug, quickly loosening his grip when he squeezed her shoulder too tightly.
"Go get the Queen."he said to one of the guards, who nodded and hurried off.
"Ada, I'm fine. I hurt them worse than they did me."
"I'll vouch for that."Eldarion laughed. Aragorn kissed her forehead gently, then pulled the three into the room, where Mazid stood. Arash struggled to contain his rage.
"Arash, you have done our country proud today."Mazid said, moving forward and laying a hand on the young man's shoulder.
"And I must thank you again for saving another of my daughters."Aragorn said, shaking his head."I can't imagine who is so desperate to get at me. Thank you for saving her. And I am grateful to you as well, my son."he said, ruffling Eldarion's hair."I am proud to have a son so intent on protecting his sisters."Eldarion grinned."Have you thought yet on your reward, Arash? I now owe you twice as much. I fear you will be asking me for Minas Tirith by the time your stay is finished."Aragorn laughed, and smiled as Arwen entered and pulled Dúniel close, kissing her gently.
"Sell vuin, I am so glad you are safe."Arash looked down, unable to stand the grief wrenching his insides.
"I ask that I have until the end of the week."Arash said quietly."I can't decide what to ask, everything seems far too good for me."
"Nonsense."Aragorn snorted."Nothing is too good for the rescuer of my children. But come and see my when you're ready. There is no rush."Arash nodded, and Mazid put his hand on the young man's shoulder again.
"We will take our leave, Tar-Elessar. I'm sure you want to spend time with your daughter."
"Thank you."Arwen said, and moved over to kiss Arash on the forehead. When she pulled back, she looked at his face for a long moment."Your mind is troubled, my dear."she said, holding his cheek."Don't be. There is no more danger."
If only that were true. Arash thought bitterly to himself.
Arwen blinked at him, and Arash paled, remembering his father telling him that elves could read the thoughts of men. Arash didn't think this was true, but it was obvious that she had sensed his disagreement and bitterness, and his fear. He bowed quickly, and took Dúniel's hand and kissed it.
"I will speak to you later."he said, nodding and leaving as quickly as he dared, Mazid close behind him.
"What was that about?"Eldarion asked.
Arash waited until he and his father were out of earshot before spinning angrily.
"Have we been here so long you know all the seedy people of this city who hope to profit from frightening an innocent girl?"he hissed furiously in his native tongue. Mazid smiled slightly.
"Don't be absurd. You know I never involve myself in my dealings unless absolutely necessary. I have...other ways."Arash scowled."Besides boy, you played right into my hands by going after her so willingly. I knew you'd save her, Arash. You have become too close, too attached. If she'd died, you'd have no one to blame but yourself for not finishing her off sooner."
"How dare you-"
"Be silent. Did you see how she looked at you? I would bet anything she will be in your bed before the week is out. And remember what I said. Finish her off this week, or I will. Now hurry up."
Arash stood fuming in the snow for a long moment before stalking after the man he hated most in the world.
Suldal: wind foot
Annon guren achen: I give you my heart.
Sell vuin: beloved daughter