CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Ivy awoke in the morning to Bridie banging a breakfast tray on the lovely antique table next to the fireplace. The housekeeper all but glowered when Ivy rolled over and peered over her blankets.

"What time is it?"

"Past dawn, Ivy MacLeod."

She blinked in the wan winter light. It was cold in the room, far colder than when she had finally gone to sleep.

It's probably still snowing, Ivy thought, wanting nothing more than to cocoon down in the heavy, warm blankets again and sleep the day away.

"I'll not be lighting another fire, for you'll not be in here long," Bridie's voice intruded. "The grating needs cleaning, anyway."

Plates scraped against plates. "Here's plenty of tea and porridge for your breakfast. You'll be meeting the master in his library when you're ready."

"Where's his library?" Ivy dared to ask, struggling to understand the woman's rapid-fire communication.

"Left out the door with himself's rooms at the end of the hall. The new laird's with him." Sniffing her disapproval, Bridie hustled out of the room.

Ivy wrapped up in the comforter before slipping out of bed. She tried the porridge - oatmeal to her - only to reject the thick, saltless lumps and shove aside the bowl.

How long has that oatmeal been sitting around, she wondered, and what makes me think himself and the new laird got fresh buttered scones and new-laid eggs because they were up at dawn? No good breakfast for the jetlagged in Scotland, obviously. And I thought Bridie kind of liked me last night.

The tea at least was warm, and the shower water was sinfully hot, so Ivy felt somewhat cheered as she dressed. A few minutes later, and she stepped out of her room and into an unfamiliar corridor leading to yet one more strange new world.

Flames flickered in brass wall sconces, which made Ivy wonder if the castle lighting had ever been updated from Victorian gaslights. A sneaking look closer revealed that the energy source was electric and the flickering only a faux-gaslight feature of the bulbs.

Ivy sighed in disappointment. It may have been archaic, astonishing Ithilien once, but I guess everything has been updated to keep pace with things each century. Darn it.

The hall carpet was thick beneath her feet, completely muffling the sound of her booted steps. Its pattern was a tangle of green leaves and branches woven so realistically that Ivy felt like she was walking on tree tops. Glancing across to the stairway leading down to the ground floor, she saw that the branch-and-leaf pattern disappeared down the carpeted stairs.

I guess Legolas Greenleaf likes green leaves. A lot, thought Ivy.

Heading left as Bridie had directed, she paused to stare at the heavy oak furniture placed strategically down the corridor. Knowing nothing about antiques - other than they were old, and that Legolas' furniture was probably really old - Ivy had no idea what she was looking at. Chewing her lip, she vaguely regretted following a course of specialized study that had her knowing a lot about art history, but practically nothing about historic styles beyond the painting techniques used in each period. She did notice that Legolas seemed to have accumulated a lot of wood furniture to accompany his forest of green leaves.

I know wood's warmer than stone, Ivy admitted, but doesn't it get loose in its joints and fall apart with age?

The bed Ivy had slept in, while lovely old oak and very spacious, had creaked with every movement she made. Ivy felt as if the house itself was constantly making noises, yet everything appeared to be holding together nicely.

If I were four thousand years old, I'd probably be a bit creaky, too. There's probably a story behind every piece - would Legolas tell them to me if I asked? Some might even call him ancient, and I guess they'd be right.

Glancing upward, Ivy saw that the leaf motif on the floor was repeated on the ceiling. Peering closer, she realized that the forest pattern painted on the wood was rich with a dark patina.

That's got to be really old, she realized. I wonder who did it? Her artist's mind itched to climb up and inspect it more closely. Maybe Legolas will let me come back later with a flashlight and take some notes.

His house is all greens and browns like the forests a woodland Elf would feel comfy in. It's weird, too, Ivy concluded as she approached the heavy black oak library door that stood open. I like it.

# #

Haldir intercepted Ivy the moment she walked into his library, which made Ivy wonder if her footsteps weren't all that muffled after all. It's that, or his fantastic Elven hearing.

"Did you sleep well?" the Elf asked, taking her elbow. "I trust Bridie brought you a good breakfast."

"Oh, yes." Ivy summoned a bright smile. If the housekeeper already resented her guest's sleeping in, there was no way Ivy was going to further alienate the woman by asking for a better breakfast. "She told me where to find you too, so here I am."

"That is well."

She preceded Haldir into the library, which was laid out in an L. Two large rooms were lit by a few narrow windows with thick glass panes that distorted the view beyond. A Vinotemp was slotted beneath one of the windows close to what Ivy assumed was Haldir's desk which dominated the corner. Every available wall of both rooms was covered from floor to ceiling with bookcases, the sort figuring in every Ivory Merchant movie that Ivy's mother had made her sit through.

"What beautiful books." Ivy ran a hand over the closest shelf. Her fingers came away dusty, and she surreptitiously rubbed her hand on her jeans. "Are they in Elvish, Gaelic or English?"

"A bit of everything, depending on the volume." He closed the door behind her. "Come sit with me, my dear."

A pair of enormous wing-backed chairs sat before the second room's fireplace with their backs to the door. A fire crackled companionably on the hearth, and the room was deliciously warm. Ivy hoped Haldir would lead her to one of the wingbacks, as they looked the perfect place to curl up in on a cold winter's morning.

Unfortunately, Haldir turned away from the fireplace. Going around the corner, he led Ivy to a ponderous table that had definitely been built for business rather than comfort. A small stack of folders had been placed neatly in the middle of the otherwise empty table, and Ivy had the sinking feeling they were probably for her. Pulling out a chair for Ivy, Haldir waited for her to be seated.

So much for a comfy chair in front of the fire, she groused to herself. I wonder where Legolas is?

Going around the table, Haldir settled opposite Ivy.

"Where to begin. I suppose that I should share the house rules for the weekend." The Elf frowned slightly. "Legolas, what are the house rules?"

"Rule one: show up at mealtimes if you want to be fed." A somewhat bored, disembodied voice floated from one of the wing-back chairs. "Rule two: show up for the meeting tomorrow promptly at ten. Beyond that, there are no rules."

"I would add one more," inserted cheerful Haldir.

"You always do," the disembodied voice noted.

Ivy stifled a smile, while Haldir ignored the voice and reached across the table to pat Ivy's hands where she'd folded them in deliberate imitation of Haldir's own formality.

"Rule three: I'm here to make everyone's stay more comfortable, so you must tell me if you require something we've not thought of. A buffet-style breakfast will begin at eight tomorrow morning, and our board meeting will begin promptly at ten."

Oh, goody, thought Ivy, more lumpy oatmeal.

"Tonight will see a meet-and-greet cocktail hour and supper buffet beginning at seven-thirty. Our other board members will begin arriving shortly, but you aren't expected to meet them until tonight. Don't worry about dressing for anything - most of us don't, including myself and Legolas."

"That's good, because I didn't bring anything dressy."

"I think you'll agree that in this house keeping warm is much more important than looking good. Now..." Switching to Sindarin, Haldir raised his voice. "Legolas, should I explain Julien's proposal to her?"

"No. She should find her own way at the meeting," replied Legolas in the same language.

"Then what am I to tell her?"

"Why don't you ask Ivy what she wants to know?"

I understood some of that, Ivy realized. I caught my name, and wasn't Julien the name of the guy who spilled all to Professor Tolkien?

"Have you any questions I might answer for you?" Haldir asked politely, in English.

"Um..." She began with the thing that made her stomach twist most violently into knots. "How many people am I supposed to meet tonight?"

"There are twelve...no, there are thirteen, as three come from Australia. How careless of me not to have introduced you ahead of time, if only on paper!" The Elf began scribbling a series of names on a nearby notepad. "In compliance with Mortal legalities, we use our Mortal names at board meetings because that is what must be used in the minutes. Since we all respond to those names, you needn't worry about learning our real ones right now."

Haldir spun the notepad around. Leaning forward, Ivy peered at the list of names he'd created.

Lee Greenwood Scotland

Halden Greenwood Scotland

Elden Warlow Australia

Gordon Weston Australia

Daniel Meyler Wales

David Meyler Wales (Proxy - Daniel)

Julien Lovell England

Wendy Lovell England

Mona Williams Belgium

Kiki Emerson Los Angeles

Kate Hutton New York

Marina Palermo New York

"That's only twelve," she noted, "and only two from Oz are on the list."

Haldir waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, the third fellow isn't to worry about. He doesn't sit on the board, and he'll spend all of his time in the kitchen. Actually, there are only eleven coming to this meeting because David Meyler won't be in attendance. His brother Daniel will be voting proxy for him. I know this list is nothing more than names to you at the moment, which must be bewildering--"

"This entire week has been nothing but bewildering," Ivy inserted. And you're not exactly helping.

"You'll have faces to go with the names soon enough, so I wouldn't worry."

You won't worry, Ivy thought, because you aren't scared spitless at the prospect of walking into a room full of strange and scary Elves in just a few hours.

"Oh, I meant to ask you..." Haldir interrupted her musings. "Which Clan of MacLeod do you hail from?"

Ivy blinked at the sudden change of subject. "Um...MacLeod of Raasay."

"Ah, yes. They were part of Sìol Torcaill - MacLeod of Lewis. You know, Jacobite members of that clan attached themselves to MacDonell's Glengarry regiment at the Battle of Culloden. A handful of clansmen, women and children who survived the bloody aftermath sought refuge with us here. We should enquire after your genealogy, as you might well have been blessed with Elven blood on both sides of the blanket. We'll have to see."

Haldir prattled on, reminiscing about days gone by about which Ivy knew nothing. She tried to look interested, but couldn't help keeping one eye on the clock and wondering when lunch would be.

Listening to Legolas on the plane was never boring, she thought, mentally shaking herself to stay awake an hour later. What's wrong with me?

She found herself repeatedly stifling yawns until finally, in the early afternoon, Bridie arrived with a trolley loaded with sandwiches and crisps, as Haldir called them. There was also the ever-present pot of hot tea.

I'm dying for a diet Coke. Ivy sighed to herself.Welcoming any escape from Haldir's educational table, Ivy stretched her stiff muscles and listened to Bridie.

"Here's your lunch, m'laird, and the Lovells from London just called to say they've crossed into the county. I've been told to warm their rooms and mix their drinks, so I'll see to that before getting myself down the hill and home before...that Elf...arrives from Sydney."

"Oh, bloody hell, they're early." Haldir scowled.

"Who is?" Ivy asked.

"Julien and his sister, Wendy." The marchwarden sighed as if greatly put upon. "Very well, Bridie. I'll ring you when our band of merry directors has departed, and you can reclaim your kitchen."

"That Elf isn't to change a thing while I'm gone. You tell him I said so, m'laird, and is there anything else you'll be needing before I go?"

"Not a thing." Bridie left, and Haldir turned his attention back to Ivy. "I must make sure all is ready for our guests. You needn't worry about running into them, as they won't leave the first floor just yet."

"Just yet?"

"Their bedrooms are across from yours, but Julien will homestead the telephone in the receiving room while Wendy will turn on the telly. I suggest you have lunch with Legolas here, and then retire to your room for a nice, long nap. Really Ivy, you look exhausted."

"I think I'm jetlagged."

"Most probably." He began inching toward the door. "Be sure to set your alarm for seven-thirty this evening. If you've not appeared by eight-thirty, I'll come find you."

Ivy wrinkled her nose at being ordered about as if she were twelve. "Where am I to...appear?"

"In the formal dining hall. That's straight down the stairs and most of the way down the hallway toward the kitchen. You'll want the large room opposite the grandfather clock. Don't feel pressured, simply come down whenever you feel ready."

As long as it's before eight-thirty or you'll come find me, Ivy groused silently. "Okay."

"There will be plenty of food and drink, and you will finally meet the rest of us."

"That's nice." Ivy tried not to grit her teeth.

"I must fly, as the Lovells will be furious if all is not in order and I am not there to greet them when they arrive."

Haldir strode out, all Lothlórien confidence and self-importance, with Ivy not unhappy to see him go. Her head felt as if it were about to explode. Her ears felt as if they were stuffed with cotton after trying to absorb the Elf's lectures all morning, and her stomach growled loudly to remind her of how hungry she was.

No sound came from the chair she thought still contained Legolas. I suppose he could have snuck out while Haldir was droning on, thought Ivy, but I hope not. Glancing at the trolley, she selected a tuna sandwich and some potato crisps - chips to her. Longing for a Diet Coke, she poured a cup of tea and added lots of milk and sugar.

"If you're there, do you want something to eat?" she asked the back of the wing-back chairs.

"No, thank you," came the beautiful voice that made Ivy smile inside whenever she heard it.

"Maybe you'd like something to drink? You have a choice of tea or more tea."

A pause. "Very well. No milk or sugar, please. And if Bridie thought to send up a mug among the cups and saucers, I'd be ever so."

Bridie had. Bringing the mug of tea to Legolas, Ivy had to pick her way delicately through messy piles of paper surrounding his chair. As for the Elf, he was sitting with his legs pulled up and his bare feet sticking out, as though he were perched in the heart of an old oak. Three other mugs sat on the carpet beside the chair, so that Ivy thought Legolas had probably already had his choice between cold tea or colder tea that morning.

A ragged manila folder was propped on his knees.The long golden hair flowing over his shoulders glowed weakly in the winter light, and dark shadows stained the thin skin beneath Legolas' blue eyes.

He looks far too vulnerable this afternoon, thought Ivy.

"Thank you." The Elf took a long pull on the tea before setting the mug next to its abandoned companions on the floor.

Retrieving her sandwich and tea, Ivy sank into the comfortable old chair next to him and cast about for some neutral topic. "Are you wearing one of the new pairs of jeans from New York?"

"I am."

"They look good on you."

"I am also still using your pen." Smudges of ink stained his fingers. "I hope you don't mind."

"Keep it. I have others." She was amazed how good tuna tasted when one was really hungry.

"How are you getting on with Haldir?"

"He's...um..." Ivy hesitated and stared at her plate, unable to meet the Elf's penetrating gaze. They're probably the best of friends, and Legolas has told me not to mince words, but let's at least try being tactful. "Haldir is really helpful and informative, isn't he?"

"He's boring you, isn't he?"

"Only a little," she admitted. Off of the Elf's instantly incredulous look, Ivy blurted, "Okay, he's boring me a lot. Are you still studying for the meeting?"

"I am." Stretching like a cat, Legolas braced his long legs before the fire. Ivy watched with a carefully concealed artist's lust as the Elf's chest and thigh muscles flexed. Her fingers itched for drawing paper and a soft pencil.

Yawning, the Elf shifted to slouch across the chair. "The more I read, the more there is left for me to read before tomorrow. I'm sure Haldir adds to the papers while I'm not looking. Are you nervous about meeting everyone tonight?"

"Terrified."

"They won't hurt you," Legolas reassured. "It will all be very civilized."

"I don't know anything about your world's manners. What if I do something wrong or say something offensive?"

"You won't. You'll be lucky if you can get a word in, as most members of our board are happy commanding center stage. Let them do all the talking until you find your feet. They're all very good at it."

She grimaced. "I'll likely just hide behind you."

"I'm sorry, Ivy, but I won't be in attendance tonight." His blue eyes held genuine regret. "There is much more for me to review if I'm to be well-prepared for this meeting."

Her anxiety increased tenfold at that revelation. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Unfortunately, no. Though I thank you for wanting to." Discarding the latest folder onto the nearest pile, Legolas contemplated the fire. Ivy thought the haunted look in his eyes made him look every bit his age.

Why do I get the feeling he's about as eager as I am to interact with these people? Ivy thought. He looks so lost, I wish I could fix whatever's wrong. I don't even know what the problem is, so how could I reassure him everything will be all right?

"You're staring," the Elf said. "Again."

"I'm sorry. You're...um...eminently stareable."

He offered the wisp of a smile in response to her compliment. "At least two board members are sincerely looking forward to seeing you, and your fears will be as nothing once you've met them. The food will also be exquisite. Much is being flown in from Australia this afternoon."

"That sounds expensive."

"We spare no expense."

Ivy shivered instinctively at that response. "Have you seen 'Jurassic Park'?"

"I've not had the pleasure. Should I?"

"Um, no." She remembered too late the Elf's non-exposure to any pop-culture phenomenon over the past fifty years. " Never mind. It's just a silly movie where the park's millionaire philanthropist spares no expense to welcome his guests, and a lot of those guests get eaten."

Legolas' eyebrows climbed. "Eaten?"

"Jurassic Park has some nasty velociraptors and a hungry t-rex, and..." Ivy let her voice trail off. There's no way to explain this to let it lead anywhere good.

Legolas tilted his head. "You are afraid our board members will eat you alive?"

"That's basically it, yeah." Sighing, she pulled back her hair. "I know I'm not making sense. My mind goes in weird directions when I'm tired."

"Obviously, if you're afraid our board is made up of cannibals." He sounded more amused than irritated, and Ivy was grateful for that. "You really should try getting some rest before tonight."

"I will." A yawn interrupted the rest of her reply. "Even if my room's so cold that my nose felt like an icicle when I woke up this morning."

"How unfortunate. You'll sleep better if I light a fire for you. Come." Rising smoothly to his feet, Legolas headed out of the room. Ivy had no choice but to shove her plate and mug back onto Bridie's trolley before playing catch up - again.

# #

Legolas had the fire already going by the time Ivy reached her room. Still kneeling on the hearth, the Elf rocked back on his heels and glanced up at her. "Did anyone tell you this is traditionally the Queen's Daughter's room? Your mother and grandmother both stayed here."

Ivy winced at the news. "I'm so sorry. It must bring up bad memories for you to be in here."

"Not at all." Having securing the fireplace screen, Legolas got to his feet. "Isabel never let me into her bedroom. Aragorn also stayed here."

"Here?" Ivy squeaked. "In this room? In this bed?"

"Not quite." Going to the window, the Elf pulled back the heavy curtain and gestured for Ivy to join him. "Part of the old house is visible from here. The original Ithilien wing is down there and over a few feet. Aragorn stayed there."

"All I can see are snowy rooftops with more dark clouds coming at us over the loch."

"Very well." Taking Ivy firmly by the shoulders, Legolas stood her in front of him. Tucking her tight against his shoulder, he laid his hand across the small of her back. Leaning close, the Elf stretched out his arm. "Pretend I'm holding a bow and you're the arrow. Look down my arm and use my thumb as the tip of your arrow."

Somewhat surprised at the Elf-handling she was receiving, but entirely willing to go with the flow, Ivy did as she was instructed. Leaning into the Elf to get the right angle, Ivy felt the hard muscles of his thigh and chest tense as Legolas shifted his weight to support her.

Oh, he's all coiled power and intensity, isn't he? This is even better than watching a stallion dance. Because it's more than watching, isn't it? Closing one eye, she squinted down the length of Legolas' arm and tried not to tremble at his standing so close to her.

"What do you see?" he demanded, his breath stirring her hair.

"The back of a long stone building."

"Very good." Legolas let his arm drop, but he was still standing so near that Ivy could feel his every inhalation and the heat of his body. "What you are looking at is Ithilien's first wing."

Looking up at him in the weak winter light, she realized how remarkable a blue his eyes truly were, and how flawless his skin but for the shadows deepening beneath his eyes. If she touched his sharp-sculpted cheekbones, she thought she might cut herself. His skin would probably be soft - far softer than any Mortal man's whiskered cheek. And he smelled good.

He's perfect, came the thought. Even if he is a little skinny.

"The first wing?" she repeated. If she didn't move, maybe she could keep him standing against her and talking.

"Rather than destroying the old house and rebuilding on its foundations," Legolas explained, "we found it easier to simply build a new wing - basically a new house every few centuries - and close up the old one."

It took a moment for Ivy to process this information, as she was absorbed in the way Legolas' chest vibrated against her when he spoke. "Are you saying there's still stuff in the old wings? Stuff that dates clear back to Ithilien?"

"Yes. Whatever wasn't carried into the future remained with the past."

Her mind whirled at the treasures hidden behind the castle walls. "So there could be old books and artifacts and weaponry and tapestries and...what else?"

Legolas gazed out the window, considering. His thumb moved slowly at the small of Ivy's back, and she restrained a shiver. Is he even aware he's doing that? Don't move, she ordered herself, else he'll probably stop.

"There is all of that and more," he admitted. "Whatever I could retrieve from Imladris is also there. I remember many books from Elrond's library, a few scribe's desks and some statuary. I believe the statuary found its way into the gardens behind the house. I think the murals depicting the battle of Dagorlad came with us as well."

Ivy gasped. "You have stuff from Imladris here?"

Startled, those wonderfully clear blue eyes met hers again. "Is Imladris important to you?"

"Elrond didn't take everything with him when he left?"

"I do not know what he took, as I was busy with Faramir and Eowyn rebuilding Ithilien when Lord Elrond departed Oversea. I do know he left a great deal behind. The twins couldn't bear abandoning it to the elements, and Aragorn wanted to share with his children what might be salvaged. The twins and I made a trip to gather what we might and transported it here. After Aragorn died--"

"Could I see it?" she interrupted.

Legolas' eyes laughed when he smiled, and his dimples deepened. Ivy didn't even care that he was laughing at her childish eagerness.

"I would enjoy showing it to you. If all goes well tomorrow..." The smile faded abruptly, and the dimples with it. The blond head bowed beneath the burden the Elf had forgotten, if only for a few minutes.

Damn! thought Ivy. I've reminded him of the big, bad meeting again.

"So, Aragorn stayed with you in Ithilien?" Ivy said quickly - anything to distract the Elf.

"Yes."

"Did the king come to visit often?"

"King Elessar did not, but my friend Aragorn did." The hand at Ivy's back slid to her hip, and Ivy's toes curled at the touch. "Shall we close the curtains and let the room warm?"

The slightest pressure of Legolas' fingers encouraged Ivy to move, and then the Elf's hand was gone. Disappointed, Ivy went to sit on the side of the bed while Legolas closed the curtains. Much to Ivy's surprise, Legolas then came to sit beside her on the bed.

"Shortly after Aragorn and Arwen were married," said Legolas, "he began riding out alone from the White City. I would meet him between Gondor and Ithilien on the night of the full moon. Together, we would inspect some remote part of his kingdom and return here to meet with Faramir. As the years passed, Aragorn made a habit of traveling alone and incognito, so that the ranger would appear at my door whenever he was in need of a break from being king. On those nights, we rode out as of old beneath the stars. Aragorn would tell me his worries, and I would guard his sleep."

Ivy settled back against the headboard. "What about the queen?"

"Arwen despised any time Aragorn spent away from her, but knew she could do little about it. She had gotten what she wanted - he had gained a kingdom, made her his queen and the mother of his heirs. He expected Arwen to content herself with that and to leave him to order his life as he willed."

Sitting cross-legged at the foot of the bed, Legolas began plucking at stray threads in the ornate quilt. "Aragorn held private meetings here because there were less eavesdroppers - no courtiers and no counselors unless he brought them, and far less demands upon him than in Gondor. In our humble rooms, he held councils with Faramir and Eomer, the Haradrim and others come from beyond his borders. Political matters were resolved, trade matters were developed and finalized without Gondor's stuffy privy council in attendance - much to the grand vizier's dismay and very vocal disapproval back in the White City."

The Elf fell silent. Ivy tried not breathe and hoped he would continue.

"I made everyone welcome in Ithilien," said Legolas, "and Aragorn was as free to come and go as the rest of them. He treated my home as though it were his own, and my people treated him as one of their own. He walked the streets freely, and I have reason to believe he cherished that freedom. Aragorn wearied of ruling Gondor and Arnor, yet in him they had a wise ruler. I miss him."

"What do you miss about him?" Ivy asked quietly.

"All of him." Legolas left off picking at the innocent quilt. "His friendship and his trust. His direct way of speaking and how he waded fearlessly into each fight - oftentimes failing to wait for me to guard his back. I was forever terrified of being separated from him in battle, of losing him forever to the Uruk-hai. In waking dreams, I hear him call my name and his wicked laugh. He argued as of old with me at times through the long darkness in Alaska."

"I wonder if I'll ever having waking dreams," said Ivy, once it was clear Legolas was done with his reminiscing.

The Elf gave a wistful smile. "You must first live long enough for your memories to become both a comfort and a burden."

Ivy bristled inwardly and bit back a retort until she remembered how old Legolas was and all he had accomplished, and the fact that every Queen's Daughter except her and her mother were dead. "I must seem very young to you."

"Yes, but that is not necessarily a bad thing, Ivy. The years will pass quickly enough for you, as they do for all of us." Legolas tilted his head. "I saw some of your artwork last night on the Internet."

Once again the Elf's abrupt change of subject startled her, but Ivy tried to go with the flow. "Which piece?"

"The one you called Shadowfax. I found him...memorable."

She felt herself color. "You liked him? Really?"

"He is quite himself." The Elf's blue eyes were sincere. "You have a rare gift for making a viewer feel he is in communion with the subject of your painting."

"It's important to me that my work touches people," she said quietly.

Legolas nodded. "I would like to see something of your work beyond a computer screen. Where do you exhibit?"

"I've shown at a few Arabian horse shows, and there's a cybershop at The Artist's Café for greeting cards and posters - that's a print-on-demand thing." She all but stammered her reply, astonished he was asking. I hope it's not only out of politeness. "My originals are up at the Start Something gallery in San Francisco, but the biggest thing I've done so far is an Arabian horse mural called 'Flight of Princes' for The Egyptian resort in Las Vegas."

Legolas leaned forward. "A mural? Like Lord Elrond's own?"

"I wish." Ivy made a face. "I'm sure my work is nowhere as good as his was. The Egyptian Resort sponsors an Arabian distance race every fall. I entered some preliminary drawings in this year's racing program competition, and the owners commissioned me to do a wall mural inside their hotel. I spent all of last summer on it, worrying that they'd pay me for my work only to paint over it and get someone else in who'd do a better job. But it's stayed up so far, and there are photos to prove it in my website gallery."

"I will look for it...how is it said?...online. When next I travel to Las Vegas, I will ask Haldir to book my room at The Egyptian and see it for myself." A sudden despair filled the Elf's eyes, every bit as revealing to Ivy as the horses she drew. "If I ever again travel for..."

Shaking himself, Legolas recovered so quickly that Ivy almost doubted what she knew she'd seen. Sliding off of the bed, the Elf said, "I believe your room is warm enough now. I should leave you to sleep."

Turning, the Elf headed with all speed for the door, only to hesitate at the threshold. "If things become unruly tonight, or if someone frightens you badly, ask Haldir to come get me. I am your protector, after all."

He didn't wait for her response before slipping out.

So even if Legolas isn't right there tonight, he's still near by. She smiled to herself. That makes me feel a hundred times better.