Linnadhiel smiled at Legolas as he left. She heard someone say Ruscien's name. Ruscien. Nostariel's love. The one she had killed. Guilt overcame her. She squeezed her eyes shut to prevent the tears from flowing, remembering Nostariel grieving over his dead body. She held back a sob, gulping it down quietly.


She nodded to Naerwen and Rhavaniel's...relation as he walked out with Aragorn, who was cool as ever. She guessed that they were off to make a decision about the needs of Rohan. She herself knew it true that Eomer overestimated his own people. Although the Rohirrim were brave and strong warriors, they were outdone by numbers. Eomer, however, wasn't as stubborn as his father. He probably wouldn't mind if Aragorn nudged him a little by sending more troops than he asked for.

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Thanks to Lembas for the beautiful banner and avatar! <3

(Oops! I haven't been here like all day and it was my day off! )

Nostariel laid her head back on the pillow and tried to get comfortable; it was a futile effort for she was now wide awake. Everyone had left the room except for Linnadhiel and she noticed the elf was trying her hardest not to burst into tears.
"May I have some water, please?" There was no water in the room and it would give her friend something to do to get her mind off of her guilt.

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Zirakzigil ai menu Duzhuk! Zirakzigil, at your service!
[~^!?]

(I know the feeling I had yesterday off )

Rhavaniel too had said farewell to her friends before following the king outside. She felt slightly off kilter. Now that she had time enough to think it seemed odd that Nostariel had been as upset as she had been about Ruscien's death. Perhaps they had been close, she wondered, then quickly closed her mind to the memories of her beloved. He was gone from this world- Aragorn, Legolas and Morfindien still had to be told. She shivered and rubbed her arms. Evelyn, the ambassador from Lorien was due to arrive as well.
Her brother was glaring at her; she could almost feel his anger burning two holes through her back. She knew he must be livid- Naerwen was speaking of things he would have wanted to be told before the King knew about them. He would have wanted to have planned with her. She brushed an untidy lock of hair out of her face. He was like a spider, always weaving away at his web- Naerwen would have caught his attention by now.

Aragorn gave the three elves a measuring glance and pulled himself up to his full height. Even after having grown up with and married an elf, their ways still seemed odd to him. He had recognized Naerwen as soon as she had entered the room. She was a good leader and a solid rock with hundreds of years of experience in battle; someone he knew his men could count on.
"I remember you, my lady," he said, holding the door to the courtyard open and waiting for the three immortals to exit into the sunshine. He had seen the worry in the woman's eyes and felt his stomach grow cold. Osgiliath was a secure outpost and its spies had always been able to garner a lot of information. "You shall have your extra men as well, never fear, but may I ask what gives rise to your fears?"

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. O r b i s N o n S u f f i c i t .

Naerwen gave Rhavaniel a measuring glance and patted her shoulder. "At ease my friend. You have done nothing wrong." Her eyes moved to gaze at Morfindien, her eyes narrowed slightly. Shaking her head she fell back into pace with Aragorn. "Two days back, while on guard we came under attack. A ship came rolling down the river and before we could identify the Captain arrows fell down upon us. Many men were lost. There were orcs, men and elves upon the boat. I managed to destroy them before I came to tell you. I fear there will be more ships coming. I fear more will have already come in my absence..." Her hands knotted themselves in front of her. In her mind, horrible images rose. Images of Osgiliath burning, her men and companions laying dead in the flames. Naerwen gasped sharply, terrified of the image. Her worst fear.

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Morfindien coughed slightly. His gaze was fixed on Naerwen "Can one offer you anything?"
Something about his tone suggested he was not being completely serious. His half-ironic smile was sharply contrasted to the look on Aragorn's face, who looked startled.
"The corsairs," he whispered.
Rhavaniel shook her head "It cannot be, Estel, we were most thorough. Not enough survived to gather in those numbers," her gaze slid to her friend and she took a deep breath"Although I must admit we were confronted by a troop of orcs not two days ride from here. We fled- Nostariel was wounded," she waved her bandaged wrist, carefully avoiding Ruscien's disappearance "as were the rest of us, and even if they are superficial wounds- We were four trained elves. We should have escaped unscathed-Someone is guiding them."
Morfindien took a hissing breath "You never mentioned this- Either of you!"
His sister turned on him with black eyes "I thought it best to allow myself and my companions sufficient time to recuperate, brother-dearest."

Aragorn ran a hand through his hair and stared across the courtyard. Since they were on the top level there was a small wall that one could perch on to survey the kingdom. He placed his hand on it. This was bad news. It seemed that they had destroyed the root of all evil only to have what was left of Sauron's forces splinter up into unpredictable groups that roamed where they would. If someone or something had managed to gather them under a common flag- He sighed tiredly. He would have to consult his advisors as to what would be the safest thing to do next.

"Then let me at least accompany you inside for a drink," Morfindien drawled, taking Naerwen by the arm and steering her towards entrance to the palace."You must tell me more about the situation in Osgiliath. Rhan will come with us- Arrange for you to stay in our people's quarters."
Rhavaniel snorted "Rhan will do no such thing. 'Morf' is a big boy now and can arrange his own nonsense. Let her sleep where she wants, brother."
The duke stiffened at the sound of his childhood nickname "You wish to rest?" he asked, eyes glittering "Come, the rest of the court is in the south tower."
Aragorn turned and let out a little bark of laughter "There is no stopping him, it seems. Perhaps we should send you down to the battle-grounds, my lord. You are persistant enough- I believe they wish for a moments respite! Not another court-drama."

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. O r b i s N o n S u f f i c i t .

Naerwen glanced round at Morfindien and was surprised to see him looking at her. Naerwen smirked at him. "What would one have to offer?" Her brow raised quizzically.

Naerwen, again, turned her attention to Aragorn and Rhavaniel. "You were right Rhavaniel, you did diminish the corsairs. However I think someone is rebuilding them. Someone is rebuilding the empire." Her eyes widened as she was steered away from the group. "My lords I cannot rest. My mind is uneasy at best and I fear my rest shall be haunted by nightmares. I cannot rest until this is discussed. Come why not we all retire inside for a drink and discuss this calmly...with your advisors if you like my lord Aragorn." Naerwen didn't even move to remove herself from Morfindien's arm, she was too distracted.

Naerwen looked at Rhavaniel. "We have much to discuss, my friend. It would do no good to keep anything secret." Naerwen stepped inside and headed for the nearest round. Approaching the bar she ordered drinks for everyone and waited for all to take a seat.

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lounge** *facepalms*

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(Blast my spelling mistakes and mistaken words. I meant to say lounge. Although on second thought seeing as it is the palace. It would be much better to say that Naerwen had spoken to a maid and asked for some refreshments and took a seat at one of the large tables in the hall and waited for the others to join her.)

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Suddenly, a gaurd enterd the hall, bowing furiously to all the nobility, before approching King Aragorn, bowing deeper than ever. "My Lord, you have another guest, a new arrivel from Lothlorian!" He panted, and waved his hand at the door.

Evelyn peered into the room delicitly before entering it. She took a few gracefull steps into the room before stopping and bowing. "My Lord, i am Evelyn, ambassador of Lorian, and friend to the Lady Galadrial, may the Havens bless her." Evelyn announced herself. Assuridly, she and Aragron had met before, but not while he was king, and there was no gaurentee he would remember her. She did not steap further into the hall, but curtiously waiting to be invited.

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Naerwen smiled softly at Evelyn. "Come in. Will you sit with us?" she asked softly. Her voice was soft and welcoming, yet her facial features showed how weary she really was. Naerwen set her arm on the table and laid her hand upon it.

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( The joys of spelling )

Rhavaniel sat perched somewhat awkwardly with her back facing the door. She had never felt at home at court, although she most certainly did thrive under the circumstances that arose in them. She recognized men who had been rangers in the west, good, hard working men who had followed Aragorn through thick and thin and others whose parents and grandparents she had know in happier times. A few men she had known intimately, but not for years and they had aged. She felt no need to approach them. One of her comrades from the south of Greenwood raised a goblet to her and smiled and she gave a slight twitch of the lips.
"Naerwen- I do not know how to put the news to the king- to anyone. Not many people knew of our engagement, it was so formal at first..," she whispered as Morfindien was busy at the door. As he caught up with them she broke off guiltily.

Morfindien smirked as he sat opposite her and directed Aragorn to take a seat to his left. The duke knew very well that he and the king easily held most peoples attention by now. He could tell his sister was not happy- Why, he did not know exactly, but he wagered it had something to do with Ruscien.
"Sit, let the masses serve," he purred to Naerwen placing a hand on the seat to his right before pointing his eagle eyes at the opening door. He flinched as the ambassador entered and made her presence known. His sister caught his eye and returned the cruel smirk he had given her moments ago.

"Lady Evelyn! I believe I was but a boy! Come, join us,"Aragorn smiled, making a slight bow "Tell us your news! Rhavaniel I believe you know," the elf in question stood and turned with a sudden grin "and our most favoured duke, Morf-"
"We are aquainted," the duke cut in with a rather forced smile on his lips "By all means, join us."
The last few words had sounded more like a threat and his otherwise white face had acquired a slightly pinkish teint.

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. O r b i s N o n S u f f i c i t .

Naerwen stared at Rhavaniel trying to find a path through the minefield she was faced with. Unfortunately no such route existed. "Honesty is best," she mouthed to her friend. Naerwen glanced round at Morfindien, her nose wrinkling in disgust. "If your legs are not broken why not serve yourself?" she hissed, rolling her eyes. Naerwen did not have time for childish bickering. She also wagered it was not having a good impact on her reputation to be seen chastising the duke - one who was for all purposes her senior.

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( Sorry, sorry, sorry. Late yet again. :I )

"Of course," Linnadhiel whispered, smiling. She looked at her, saying thanks with her eyes. She opened the door quietly, hoping that maybe Nostariel would sleep if she was quiet. She turned to the right, the usual route to the kitchen (she thought she might as well get a snack while she was up) she saw Aragorn, Naerwen, Rhavaniel and her brother walking that way. She turned and decided to take the long way around. She had never been good at the formal stuff.

Upon arriving at the kitchen, however, she found they were all there, sitting in the dining room. She quickly ducked into the kitchen, grabbing a glass of water and a couple of apples, nodding to the cook, and ducked out, back into the hall. She hated formality, therefore she had to avoid these people. Before she promptly left, she noticed another elf in the hall with them. Where could she be from?

When she arrived back at the House of Healing, she gave the glass of water to Nostariel and left one of the apples on the table next to the bed. "Someone else arrived. Another elf," she said to Nostariel, crunching on her own apple.

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Thanks to Lembas for the beautiful banner and avatar! <3

(Haha! Grammar, I shall fight thee! )

The moment Linnadhiel left the chamber, Nostariel slid into a sitting position on the edge of the bed. She nearly blacked out, yet she waited until the spots stopped their parade before her eyes and then slowly rose to her feet. Using the wall as a support, she made her way over to her torn tunic and breeches. She thrust her hand into the trouser pocket, pulling out Ruscien's signet ring; grabbing her shirt, she removed a hidden chain necklace from an inner pocket. A small silver ring hung on the chain and she gently threaded her beloved's ring onto the necklace before slipping in over her head and under her shift. Turning, she felt herself starting to weaken and she hurried as fast as possible to climb back into bed. Before she reached the cot, she lost her balance and reached out, frantic to find something to break her fall. She grabbed hold of the small table and felt pain burst from her shoulder as she did so. Grimacing, she finally lowered herself beneath the covers. She was shaking all over from the exertion; something warm and sticky began to run down her chest and she groaned slightly.
Sauron's eye! I must have torn a few stiches!
Someone fumbled with the doorknob and Nostariel quickly composed her face as if nothing had happened as Linnadhiel reappeared.

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Zirakzigil ai menu Duzhuk! Zirakzigil, at your service!
[~^!?]

"Come in. Will you sit with us?"

"Thank you," Evelyn said, greatfully to the elf who welcomed her. She was glad for such welcome. Though she was accustomed to changes and travel, she felt like a stranger in a strange land as she walked slowly into the hall. She took in every aspect of her surroundings, the sights, the smells, the sounds. The hall was magnifcint and lordly, beautiful. Yet something in the air made Evelyn shiver, and her sixth sence was sharpend. She felt something here, bitterness, rivelry, even though they were all on the same side.

The feeling tensed her. But Aragorn's words hartend her again. "Sir," she said, flatterd but humble, "I am no lady, mearly a soilder, a messenger, at your service." Evelyn inclined her head respectfully. Indeed, she did not feel like a lady. Her garb was simple, and not that of an elvin lady - but that of a fighter. Light elvin armor was her cloth, ending in the soft boots of an elvin warrior. Her bright blond, almost silvery hair fell straight and unadornd, flowing over her Lorian cloak, which graced her shoulders.

"But you forget, my Lord," Evelyn continued with a tinkering laugh, "Of the time you past through my home with your strange company - a man, an elf of Mirkwood," here Evelyn bowd deeply to Legolas, "a dwarf, and four hobbits - you were not a child then." she said, lightly. Evelyn walked gracefully to the table and floated down into her chair, inclining her head at, and acknowlegeing with murmers Rhavaniel, Morfindien, and others she knew and those she was not yet aquainted with.

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Rhavaniel put a hand on Aragorn's shoulder as he blushed "'twas a different time then," she smiled "and you had different obligations. There is no need to be ashamed- Why, we are so many elves here, it is a wonder you can tell us appart even now!"
"All the same," the king replied "I am most sorry."

Morfindien gave Naerwen a dangerous look as she hissed at him and then rose an eyebrow "Perhaps I took you for a higher class than you are, my lady," he whispered back in a low lilting voice. He gave Evelyn a tight smile "May I introduce Naerwen? Although I wouldn't get to close, she has quite a bite," his black eyes glittered "Not that that should be an issue for you, dearest."

"Mylords, myladies" a page murmured, bringen a tablet laden with fruit. He backed away from the group quickly and disappeared through a side door.
Rhavaniel watched him go and spoke softly in Sindarin "Really, brother, you are scaring the natives."
Morfindien pulled himself upright "If the men of Esgaroth can handle both me and a dragon, the fabled city of Gondor will be more than able to cope with me," his gaze flickered to where Legolas sat. He raised a goblet to the prince and then to the king "May your lives be fruitful."

Aragorn shook his head at the duke with an amused look on his face and raised a goblet himself "To peace!"

The hall filled with both elves and men echoed him loudly. They could no longer pretent that they had not been listening in to the group.

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. O r b i s N o n S u f f i c i t .