Chapter 9
Running up from her dungeon barefoot, Jora slipped and fell, sliding on the polished stone floors passed Maeve who could do little more than laugh at the spectacle of the short woman flailing in her layers of garb. As she slid she could little more than hopelessly claw hand over hand at the wet glossed marble, her fingers doing nothing more than slipping as she moved closer to the adjacent wall.
Just as she righted herself she turned, enflamed at the housekeeper, "You did that on purpose."
"So I am capable of visions now, toadstool?" She tried to stifle a laugh. "You should perhaps wear shoes which is what most do."
"There are times when my Queen does not wear shoes." She got to her feet trying to stabilize her balance.
"She has grace when she walks, you do not." That comment got a huff out of out of Jora who stormed off, almost loosing her balance again, toward the library; leaving Maeve to laugh hardily as she exited.
Entering the library she was still flush from a mixture of embarrassment and of anger, "What happened to you?" Alya looked up from the chessboard.
Haldir sitting directly across from the Queen, he glanced over and noticed Jora standing there with the back of her clothes damp. His gaze went to Alya then to the board to determine the next moves that should be made.
"Nevermind." She straightened herself and moved over, sliding next to Alya, "It's nearly done."
"What's, nearly?"
"All are falling in line and we should have word soon." She smiled.
"You are pleased with yourself aren't you?" Jora nodded happily at Alya's comment. "So how did you get so damp?"
"You should reconsider housekeepers."
"Because you didn't watch where you were going?" Jora snuffed at the comment, "I mean I would have looked before running across the glossy marble floor, which already has a degree of slipperiness to it."
Jora pierced her lips together, "And you would know when she scrubs floors?"
"Every week at this time exactly, that's why I wear my favorite boots. They are good on those floors." Snuffing again at Alya's comment, Jora turned, crossing her arms and pouted a bit. "Oh stop it. It's not becoming."
"Ok", she hopped to her feet, "There will be new guests coming."
"When?" Alya moved a piece, smiling. "Check"
"Don't know." She watched as Haldir moved his own, pulling himself away from being beaten.
"When you do, you can come back." She smiled and moved another piece, drawing the interest of Navarre. "Check."
Haldir looked strenuously at the board, trying to determine his next move. "Strange game."
Jora turned and let, heading back for her sanctuary, leaving the group to finish the game. Haldir smiled and moved his piece, removing Alya's lead again. "I can beat you in 6." He spoke confidently.
Navarre shook his head as Alya smiled, moving another piece which Haldir hadn't considered, "Check and I have you in 1, my friend."
Haldir looked at the board, studied it, but he knew he had no recourse, "Must a person give up?"
"No, I said, however there is a point where you must admit defeat. This is not a game of war, but a game of strategy and tactics. To lose here, simply tells you which route you should not go the next time." Navarre was pointed in his comment.
"Then." He laid his piece down, showing he knew there was no other option for him. "You must teach me more on this game."
"For a first time player, you did well. I mean Navarre just taught you about an hour before we started playing." Alya stood up and walked over to a pitcher, pouring herself some water before taking a drink.
"Thank you. If any are sent from my world they will be good people. I give you my word." Haldir commented to an earlier conversation.
"I wouldn't expect you to speak for people you don't know. Where I'm from seemingly good men can have ulterior motives. Some are even against a woman ruling, though they are good men." She moved back toward the board. "All people have flaws, even Elves, I'm sure."
She got a look from both of them, giving her a giggle which made Navarre laugh as well. "Shall I order rooms readied, M'Lady?"
"Not yet, even if they landed on the southern shore it would be two or more days before they reached the kingdom. No, instead have people within the port town ready to receive them first. Pay for a messenger to set out to give us "warning" and make certain the emissaries have what they need to bring the guests here." Navarre smiled at her order and walked out of the room.
"You had this thought out." Haldir questioned.
"Ever since I knew there might be visitors. You said you would remain until you were sent for, yes?" Haldir nodded. "Then you will give me some insights into the visitors when they arrive?"
Haldir nodded again and smiled. "I am at your service, M'Lady."
A King's First Order
It had been days, but Denethor was doing well; he'd healed from his wounding and was seemingly in a sane state. He'd made his way, wearing his best attire to the Citadel's courtyard where they would be crowning a King. He came upon his son's, both of whom were in full formal attire, Boromir and Faramir smiled broadly seeing their father in such a good state.
"Are you certain you wish to join us?" Faramir moved forward, energized by his new relations.
Denethor smiled and nodded, "And I am ready to accept a King. To not making every decision." He put his hand on his son's shoulder.
"So you approve, Father?" Boromir moved up, he was rarely dressed so well with the wars that he had to fight, but it was preferred attire for Denethor to see.
"Were I in the mind I had been I would not have been approving, but I see now what was plaguing me." His smiled faded slightly. "I'm sorry, to both of you."
The boys, now men shook there head, indicating there was nothing for him to apologize for. "You'll excuse me a moment, I wish to speak with our King." Boromir smiled and moved away toward the hall where he'd seen Aragorn emerging.
"General." He clasped the jacket at his throat, his beard was now growing out more; his hair more tamed then during the ride.
"May we speak after the coronation?" Boromir seemed disturbed.
"Would you prefer now?"
"No. No, we should go. there are a great number of people waiting. Some have been waiting far too long." He feigned a smiled. "After will do, my King."
Aragorn nodded and walked, Boromir at his side, both moving toward Denethor and Faramir. "Are you certain you have the strength, Steward?"
"Yes, my King." He bowed, though not as much as he should.
"Then let us go and finish this. Give the people an excuse to celebrate." He smiled; his face seemed slightly older with the garb he wore.
They walked out to an awaiting group, thousands it seemed and not just those from Gondor. There were Elves from many places, Dwarves and Men of Rohan scattered throughout the people. Many were silent as Denethor took his place, in between the advisors of Gondor and Gandalf who held the Crown of Kings.
Before the ceremony Aragorn was put at ease seeing Arwen standing by her father, the both were wearing such regal attire and watching for him. Her smile alone settled him, as he moved to the step just in front of Denethor and turned to face him. Denethor spoke clearly and proudly, feeling more like the man he should be, happy that he would be allowed a second chance. As he finished he lowered the crown atop the new Kings head, smiling and then stepping back allowing Aragorn to turn and face his people.
Aquetiri
Several riders set out, riding for different port towns with explicit instructions from their Queen and her advisor. They carried with them parchments with detailed instructions for several people within each town and as the riders reached certain points they veered off to head in their own direction.
Alya watched from the city walls until they were out of sight; she smiled "Hello Jora."
"M'Lady I wish we could have been in Gondor. They had a coronation and it would have been a sight to see." She struggled getting up the last set of steps.
"You didn't like mine?" She smirked.
"Yes, my Queen. I just, I saw a glimpse of the city, Gondor and it's quite beautiful."
"Isn't Avalon beautiful?"
"Y…yes, my Queen. It's just different." She was getting flustered. Thankfully no one was around to see it. "You'd have to see it, M'Lady."
"I know and I may at some point." She turned. "It's alright, Jora. I know what you meant. Besides, Haldir told me of Minas Tirith, I would love to see it."
Jora bowed, moving aside to allow Alya to pass and then turned to follow her down, still not wearing shoes. She had to hop down a step at a time which made keeping up with Alya nearly impossible. Fortunately, Alya waited at the bottom for her to catch up, ignoring anyone who might stare at the spectacle.
"Do you know which will be joining us?" Alya walked on as Jora hit the same level.
"I know a Dwarf and an Elf, but exactly who I can't tell." Jora moved up along side Alya. "As for the Men, I don't know if the two main cities will send someone or if they will send one only."
"That doesn't help me. You know I have no patience."
Jora giggled and walked up the stairs of the palace, Alya wiping her boots on the boot brush out front. "Clean off your feet. Maeve cleaned the floor not that long ago." Jora huffed and sat down, using one of her over cloaks to brush her feet clean, making it far more dirty then it was to start. "And you will be putting on clean clothes when they arrive."
"They are clean." She stopped short of the door.
"When?"
Jora was silent.
"We will have new made." Alya walked away shaking her head. "Maeve?"
"Yes, my Queen."
"Have the seamstress make new clothes for Jora; I don't want her to have them till our guests arrive. Also, see if we can't find someone to scrub her clean."
Jora meeped out a whimper.
"You are a reflection of Avalon, no of all Aquetiri and you will make the best impression." Alya looked back at Maeve from Jora.
"Yes, M'Lady."
"After that you can go back to whatever you want." She smirked to Maeve and left.
Jora bowed and looked at Maeve. "Don't worry, toadstool I'll make sure she's happy, but she's right. Sometimes you have to look like a woman, not an overgrown garden troll."
Jora giggled and curtseyed to Maeve, who let out a laugh before she scurried down the hall toward her sanctuary. Maeve watched her go out of her sight and shook her head moving back to her kitchen.
Celebrations
It seemed the whole of their world was celebrating while Aragorn and Boromir entered a separate hall, leaving Arwen to entertain the people with her father, Denethor and Gandalf with her.
"My King." He struggled to speak with purpose. "I…"
"You don't feel you belong here anymore." Aragorn turned to face him.
"How?"
"Gandalf said some might feel this way, because we didn't go through what was first foreseen. I believe Theodred is having a similar problem." He walked over and sat, putting out his hand for Boromir to sit across from him.
"I wish I understood it. This is my home and I don't feel I belong here any longer." He didn't sit, instead pacing the floor. "Am I feeling the madness that held my father?"
"No, you aren't. You are simply feeling like there is a missing piece."
"Does it mean that if these people hadn't shown up I would be dead?"
"I don't know, not even Gandalf knows." He stood up, great concern on his face. "Is there anything I can do to help you?"
"May I think on that, my King?"
Aragorn smiled with a slight laugh, "Of course, I will listen when you need."
Boromir bowed and turned to exit, allowing Arwen to enter as he left, "Is he well?" She moved to Aragorn, hand taking his.
"He's lost. Many are and no one spoke of this happening."
"Perhaps my father can speak to this woman that showed herself." She smiled hoping to relax her husband. Aragorn spoke to her in Elfish and kiss her lips softly, leading her afterwards out to the party that was being held for them.
Ethereal Journey
"You called for me, Gandalf?" Jora hovered before him.
"I did, Jora. I have a question of you or your people."
"I'll try to answer." Jora smiled
"We have many people who feel they don't belong. Do you know of this reaction?"
"I've never heard of it. When I came to this place it was because I was called to it, same as Navarre. I haven't heard of others with this problem." Gandalf looked disturbed. "Allow me time to ask my Queen and I will tell you her response."
"Thank you Jora, perhaps I will see you when I come to Aquetiri." Gandalf smiled seeing Jora's reaction, it was almost laughable.
"My Queen will be overjoyed and I will get back to you after I speak to her."
"Thank you, Jora." He watched her fade away and turned to Denethor who sat surprised by the interaction.
"Impressive. This girl…she is a girl?"
"Yes."
"This girl can do such a thing, and she does it so clearly, so strongly." He moved to the area where she stood and waved the air. "Will she be able to find what is wrong with my son?"
"I hope they will." Gandalf hesitated. "I was thinking it might be best, for Boromir, if he went with me to Aquetiri. As an emissary for Gondor."
"In his state?" He was disturbed at the thought. "I don't believe that would be wise…" He thought a moment. "But if you think it would be good for him, now, and with you going I will concede."
"I believe it will help him. It will take his mind away from what he's going through and he will be speaking for Gondor."
Denethor nodded, "Whatever you believe best, my friend."
Aquetiri
"My Queen?" Jora snuck into the library, but left when she didn't find Alya. She moved up the back stairs and headed for Alya's chamber. She listened at the door, quietly, and then opened it. "My Queen?"
Alya was up in a second, holding a knife in one hand and her sheet against her with the other; her breathing heavy. "You just walk in?"
"I'm sorry, but there has been a question asked of me and I believe you can answer it."
"Is Taen out there?"
"Yes, M'Lady, I'm sorry, but she said it was extremely urgent."
"It's fine, thank you." She refocused, putting the knife down and grabbing her robe, covering the silk shift she was wearing. "What is it?" She grabbed a glass with water in it by the bed, taking a drink to rid her of the dryness.
"Gandalf said that many of his people, of their people were feeling lost." She spoke sheepishly.
"Lost?"
"Yes, as if they did not belong."
Alya nodded, knowingly. "I've heard of people suffering this." She got out of bed, moving to the door. "Taen, go get me Navarre please." Taen bowed and did as she asked.
"I am sorry, M'Lady, I didn't mean to wake you for this." Jora was waved off by Alya, who was waiting for Navarre.
"M'Lady?" Navarre walked in, wearing a long robe as well, seeing Jora he took a breath.
"Some of the people from Haldir's world are feeling "lost"; can you explain it to Jora?" She sat in a seat by the window, enjoying the breeze.
Navarre laughed, "It's something that happens when a person's path is changed without warning." Jora sat listening intently. "The person's destiny, fate or path is already set and when our world comes into being it shifts that and it throws all of that into chaos.
"So nothing is wrong except they have to find a new path?" Jora quizzed.
"Exactly."
"I get it." She jumped up from where she was giddy. "I can tell him." She rushed out.
"Don't wake him up like you did me." Alya yelled.
"Sorry." She poked her head back in and then left.
"And you had to wake me for this?"
"It seemed urgent. Besides I'm not going to let her wake me up and not let you in on the fun." She smirked. "Anyway, my explanation isn't as understandable as yours."
In Darkness He Thrives
In the skies over the open fields near the coastal town in the west it flew, searching its prey. It would not feed on animals tonight, for its Master wanted him to instill fear; tonight he would find human flesh to devour and he will leave its skin for others to see.
He swooped and weaved in the air, hearing noises from a farmhouse, and seeing a man walking to his barn, a bucket in hand. Smiling viciously he spiraled downward and snatched the man up, taking him high into the air, not to be seen alive again.
At sun up a woman from the farmhouse walked out in search of her husband, she moved toward the barn shouting his name, "Pavel where is that milk?" As she entered the barn she looked up and screamed; it was so loud it carried on the air for miles and so filled with fear no one that heard it would mistake for anything.
In the barn was a lump of flesh, no blood, no body, just flesh heaped on the floor. She panted moving toward it, then backed away before running frantically to her home. Before she could enter the creature scooped her up and flew away.
Later it returned for the husband, leaving no trace. 'Master doesn't want them to know yet.' It thought to itself.
Gondor
A knock came to Boromir's door as he looked out his window, watching the sunrise. "Enter?" He turned to face his visitor.
Gandalf walked in, "I have been told that this effect you are suffering is common for some." He moved in.
"How so?"
"Some people who've been taken from one path often feel a separation from what was to what will be."
"How do I combat this?"
"I told you father and I will tell Aragorn that you should join me when I go to Aquetiri." The comment made Boromir look at Gandalf directly. "Is there a problem?"
"To leave Gondor?" He moved closer to the older man. "Will that help?"
"I believe so. It seems that many people who are there aren't from Aquetiri originally." Boromir was silent. "I believe the trip will help."
"Very well. I would like to tell Aragorn, if I may?"
"Yes, tell him you wish to be Gondor's emissary." Boromir bowed and walked out ahead of Gandalf. Heading for the great hall where Aragorn was eating his morning meal and speaking with his new advisors.
Aragorn seeing Boromir waved off the others, "Come in."
Boromir walked up, his mind still heavy with what had been going on. "You said you would hear my request?"
"Of course, name it."
"I wish to go to Aquetiri with Gandalf, as Gondor's emissary. He said you were looking to send someone."
"I was. I'm glad you've chosen it." Aragorn knew he'd be the best person to speak for Gondor and its people. "You will leave soon, since you are going with Gandalf?"
Boromir nodded, "He said it may help me with whatever this is."
"Then go with my prayers." Boromir bowed making Aragorn chuckle softly. "You do not need to do that. Not with me."
"But my King?"
"With everything we've had to go through and with what you've had to do for your people. You are every bit a noble man, General Boromir. I can only see you as an equal, at least within the Citadel."
"Thank you, Aragorn." He was truly touched by the comment. "I will do my best for Gondor and for you."
Aragorn smiled and nodded, "Go get ready for your journey. I will see you off when you are ready."
"Thank you." He left quickly to ready himself for his trip.
Aquetiri
Alya drank down a mug of coffee, the smell wafting throughout the palace as Haldir walked in. "What is that?" He nose curled up slightly.
"A bitter and harsh drink. You probably wouldn't like it."
"From the smell I doubt I would." His curiosity got to him.
"It's espresso. Very strong and after my wake up call I needed stronger than the tea." She smiled as Maeve brought Haldir a cup of the tea.
"Master Haldir." Maeve curtseyed slightly.
"Thank you." He took up the mug and walked with Alya as she made her way to the patio overlooking the gardens in the back of the palace.
"I'm told Gandalf will be here." She drank down more of the liquid.
"Jora spoke with him."
"Yes, it seems a few have a lost feeling."
"I had similar when this began, but being here I feel at ease. I can't explain it."
"Navarre said something to the effect that you had a path prior to us coming and when we arrived you were forcibly moved from it, that's why you have a lost feeling. He said you have to find a new path."
"I believe then I have found it. I feel at peace here."
"That's good then." She finished her mug and turned to set it down when Maeve arrived with another for her, ready to take the first. "Thank you." She smelled the liquid in the mug.
"Was it such a startling thing to be awoken this morning?"
"No, but it was startling. I was having a bad dream so being abruptly ripped from sleep was disturbing." She sipped some of her drink. "Don't tell that to Jora."
"But you normally like to torment her."
"Not on this, she was seriously bothered by what Gandalf had told her." She drank down more, "I will never torment her when she's helping people."
Haldir smiled and bowed just as Aron walked in. "Am I interrupting?"
"No, but you will be happy to know that Gandalf is arriving with the emissaries." Alya smiled at his reaction.