Farewell Feast

It was late afternoon on the day of the farewell feast. Godwin was still checking on provisions for the allied army's return to the west when he was cornered by some of his captains near the stables. He looked at them questioningly a moment before he realized, they were not his captains anymore, they were his family. Legolas was the first to speak, but it looked like they all had something to say.

"I do hope you plan to visit Eryn Gwilthiwen soon. Even Aragorn does not remain in Minas Tirith all the time," Legolas said.

Cilmo gave a nod of agreement and piped in, "You left me with children to care for, but they were already attached to you. Surely you have not forgotten them."

Godwin was about to comment, but Kiirar interrupted, "Yes, what are your plans for the maid and her brother?"

Godwin and Cilmo both looked at Kiirar with the same smirk, and he blushed.

"I… think I'll go see what Tinechor is up to…" Kiirar said quickly and slipped out of the stable in a flash of grey.

Godwin looked at Cilmo with as serious an expression as he could manage, "If he is successful in winning her heart, I have no objections."

Cilmo nodded, "Very well."

Polodrin cleared his throat to gain Godwin's attention, "My Lady Wife would meet with you, before the feast. She has been avoiding you, but has finally decided the time has come for her to speak."

"Why would she wait so long? We have no grievances between us, I count her as close as family," Godwin said in confusion.

"There is a little matter of your parents' murder she still feels is upon her house. It is her wish to…" Polodrin could not find the words, but Godwin raised a hand to stop him.

"Where is she?" Godwin asked with eyes full of concern.

"In your study."

Godwin turned to the rest of those that were waiting, Cilmo and a couple of his Rangers, Legolas, Thelyn, Gilver and some of the Rohirrim riders, and Garrick. He wondered why they had really come. "What other matter is there you have yet to speak of?"

Thelyn spoke up, "We didn't want you to think we were anxious to take our leave of you."

Godwin chuckled, "I would hate for you to think I was in a hurry to see you all go."

Polodrin chuckled, "And we were worried. Go on, my wife has been miserable for days distressed about this meeting."

Godwin gave him a nod and glanced back at his friends, "See you all at the feast."

Nyére was pacing and her stomach was doing summersaults. Too many years the guilt of her father's crimes had plagued her, but to have to face Godwin, a young man she had grown to care for as family… She didn't know if she could say what needed to be said without losing her composure.

Godwin opened the door slowly and noticed how upset she looked. "My Lady, you asked to speak with me?" he asked as he entered.

Nyére straightened up and tried to calm herself, "Yes, Your majesty, thank you for coming."

Godwin closed the door and gave her a smile, "Of course, Lady Nyére, what is it that you need?"

She shifted on her feet but the words just spilled out as she suddenly dropped to her knees before him, "I beg forgiveness for an unforgivable crime. Members of my tribe, my own blood kin, are responsible not only for the brutal murders of you father and mother, but for the evil slave trade that has plagued your lands. Though my people are no longer living in the East, we are forever bound to the land of your heritage. What restitution can we make for the wrongs we have done?"

Godwin's eyes doubled in size at the painful display. He knew the truth, and never held her accountable for it. He bent down and put his hands on her shoulders to urge her to rise. "Please, do not do this, between us there is nothing to forgive, my lady."

Nyére stood, her eyes wet with tears and she looked at him with affection, "Upon my life, child, I tell you that there is. The evils of the father are visited upon his children. I need peace from his blood letting, Sire, please."

Godwin understood and pulled her into a hug, "Oh, dear cousin, never have I thought of you as your father's daughter. Iron Hand pardons the House of Ondollo for the crimes against his House. Let there be no more thought of what is past, only a future of peace between the Avari and Rhûn. Your father and my grandfather can no longer spread their evil upon Middle Earth. Let us not dig up their deeds again."

Nyére laughed and stepped back with a genuine smile on her face, "Thank you. You do not know how much I needed your pardon."

Godwin gave her a bow, "Princess of the Avari, please dry your tears and be at peace in your heart. Upon any need you have but to ask for my help and I will be there." He stood and gave her a dazzling smile.

"Still you are as charming as the day Alcon found you," she said.

Godwin smirked, "Charm was the one trait I did not need to be taught." He offered his arm, "Come; let us find your husband."

Zalaya took it upon herself to make sure everything was perfect for the feast. She was in and out of the kitchens and dining hall all day. She met with musicians and dancers and all the servants to be sure the event went perfectly. It was nearly dinner time and she once again made the hasty stroll from the hall to the kitchen when Godwin found her.

"I need to talk to you," Godwin said.

"Not now, your farewell feast," Zalaya said as she brushed past him, but he caught her wrist and urged her to turn around.

"Yes, my lady, now," he said firmly. Zalaya had never heard him use so firm a tone with her so she immediately turned and looked at him questioningly. "You have been the perfect hostess, a most gracious lady of court since we have moved into the palace. I have never been so proud of you, Zalaya, but you have grown pale. Why do you not go for a ride outside the walls?"

"I have no desire for the company of your rangers," she said, trying not to sound rude, but failing.

Godwin sighed and hung his head, "Ada was right… You will not be forced to take escort, but you must tell the gate guard your destination and planned time of return before you leave. And you will be armed whenever you leave the gate."

Zalaya studied his expression before replying, and could see how hard this decision was for him. "Why offer me this freedom?"

"I cannot protect you at every moment, I must trust in your power to protect yourself. I cannot cage you within these walls, Zalaya, I can see that it is hurting you," he said seriously. "It is my hope that you will choose to take an escort, but it will not be forced upon you. Mayhap, you would like to go for a ride with me some afternoon."

Zalaya slowly smiled, "If a King can tear himself away from his kingly business, mayhap I would."

Godwin smiled and offered his arm, "The cooks know their business. Come; let us go bid our friends and family farewell."

The hall was filled with soldiers and nobles alike, all telling stories, eating, laughing, dancing, and making merry. Godwin had not planned any speeches; he just wanted to enjoy the company of his friends and kin before they left. He had already packed gifts for those back in Ithilien which he left in his Ada's care; fine necklaces for Lyneya and the twins, bracelets for Aunt Jamie, Lady Skye, Cousin Allasante, and many other ladies who have been separated from their husbands for so long. For his captains however, he planned a private farewell at the stables. As the feast wore on into the evening, Godwin rose and helped serve the deserts to his guests, all special sweetbreads that were traditional in Rhûn at farewell feasts. It was symbolic of well wishing and sorrow over parting if the host served the bread himself. Godwin didn't explain the ritual; he just went from table to table, making personal goodbyes to even the least ranked soldiers. Aragorn was impressed by the thought, but confused. He turned to Wilhelm with confusion clear on his face, and Wilhelm immediately explained.

"He pays you all a high compliment to serve you thus. It is a traditional Easterling farewell to serve the Gourthé bread to guests in this manner. It means good journey, safety and blessings while we are parted, and swift return. It is rare for anyone of his station to do this; it is common among the peasantry though. I believe he sets a good precedent with his sincere humility in his own hall. The maids are most distressed by it though…" he said and chuckled at the last as he noticed the servers with their big eyes.

Aragorn smiled when Godwin finally reached the head table. He had started with the lowest ranked men first, and no one was insulted. Godwin stood across the table from Aragorn and held out the platter of bread.

"Please accept this Gourthé bread, a small gift from my heart. Its flavor is sweet like our friendship, nuts and raisins for safety and blessings, may its nourishment sustain you on your journey until we meet again," Godwin said as he served those at that table.

Aragorn took a loaf, and his eyes were misty, "Good Nephew, I will miss you, and if you are in the business of granting boons at a time such as this, then grant me this. Come to Minas Tirith when you can and visit your Uncle and ally."

Godwin smiled, "Granted, though I cannot guess at when that will be. I will not fail to visit."

While Godwin finished the farewells, Zalaya took a small basket of the farewell bread and went to Lady Nyére. Her speech was less formal, but it came from the heart. "Nyére, you have become a trusted friend that I am loathe to be parted from. The bread has meaning here, but I can only guess at how. I know only that it means I do not like seeing you go, but wish you well. Make your husband bring you back for a visit."

Nyére laughed, "I will, for your wedding feast if not before, I promise."

Zalaya returned to her seat and watched the rest of the feasting with a practiced smile on her face. Long goodbyes were painful, and most of these people couldn't care less about her presence, but she stayed for Godwin. Her eyes glazed over as her thoughts drifted far from the present scene, but a voice startled her back into the present.

"Lady, take care of my son," Alcon said with a smile.

"Your son can take care of himself, but I will keep an eye on him for you," Zalaya said with a smirk.

"I could never have chosen a better wife for my son, and I am pleased to have you in my family," Alcon said seriously.

Zalaya blushed, "I am not in your family yet…"

"Betrothals are taken quite seriously, and families are quite protective of their future kin. To me you are already a daughter, Princess of the North. Take care of yourself. I look forward to returning and seeing you and Godwin happily wed," Alcon said.

Zalaya just blushed, and meekly said, "Thank you." She was most relieved to see the feast breaking up for the night.

As everyone else retreated to their rooms, Godwin escorted Zalaya to the entrance to the wing where her quarters were. For propriety's sake he never entered the wing and made his goodnights in public view. He kissed her hand and looked at her longingly. "Zalaya, after they leave on the morrow, will you accompany me on a ride?"

"Of course," she said, blushing. The formality of his request was odd, considering how long they have known each other. She missed the bluntness of their first meeting. Courtly manners were still so foreign to her.

"I look forward to it," he said and started to turn away but then paused, "Wear something… comfortable."

A sly smile played on her lips, "No sidesaddle?"

Godwin grinned, "Not for you, my love, only riding clothes and a hunter's saddle for you."

Zalaya leapt at him catching his neck in a tight hug and kissed him. He wrapped his strong arms around her and hungrily deepened the kiss, ignoring the fact that they were in the hallway. After several moments he grudgingly pulled away from her lips and huskily whispered, "I can't believe I am making myself wait a whole year."

Zalaya blushed crimson as a flutter filled her stomach, "I did not tell you to."

Godwin saw the innocent flush of her cheeks and the shy glint in her eyes, "Some promises, though painful, are worth keeping. Goodnight, my love."

"Goodnight, my Ranger," she said and then turned and headed to her room.

Godwin felt a lump in his throat. It used to annoy him that she only used that title with him, but now it only filled him with desire for her. The affection she placed on that title made him ache to hold her. He watched her until she turned the corner and was out of sight. As he slowly walked to his room, he saw Brock bow and kiss Leyna's hand outside her door. He smiled at their happiness. Farther down he saw other couples making their goodnights, and he sighed. Tomorrow he would start wooing Zalaya properly. He had a year to gain her trust and deepen their friendship, and to prepare them both to be wed. As Polodrin always says, the pursuit is half the fun.

It was before dawn when Godwin went to the stables to see off his father and uncles. The majority of the army was waiting outside the city, but Godwin found his Ada waiting for him. He brought a small bundle with him and withdrew a package from it to give his beloved Ada.

"Something to remember me by," Godwin said, almost embarrassed about the gift.

Alcon opened it and found a small tapestry elaborately embroidered with Godwin's newly created device. It moved him deeply when he saw it. "Thank you, son," Alcon said and hugged him.

For Aragorn, Thelyn, Cilmo, Polodrin and Legolas, Godwin had chosen fine daggers encrusted with polished shells from the Sea of Rhûn and blue stones from the hills that surrounded the harbor. To Alasseo and Varno he gave bows and quivers, for they were very close to his heart. There were hugs all around and then the captains left. Godwin sighed and watched from the wall until the army was out of sight; then he returned to the stable and saddled two horses. He let them up to the courtyard where he found Zalaya waiting. She gave him a warm smile, but didn't speak for she knew there was nothing of help to say. She just mounted up beside him and together they rode out of the gates into the wood. For Godwin, her company was the best comfort for so difficult a parting.

Failon paced the floor of Legolas' sitting room with worry clear in his eyes. Liré and Ára sat together on a chair looking sick and Veon just stood in a corner with his arms crossed, looking bored. He'd just returned from training with the Rohirrim under King Éomer's care, and he was not expecting to find everyone gone to war.

"When, Uncle Failon? This waiting is killing me…" Veon said as he rolled his eyes.

Just then Lyneya emerged and went to the linen closet for some towels and then disappeared into the bedroom again. Failon went pale and then glared at his nephew. "Patience, this is not the sort of thing that can be rushed."

A while longer passed, and Jamie emerged looking quite tired, "It is a difficult labor and Eruanna said it may be tomorrow before the child comes. Skye is so… petite. I wish Legolas was here."

Failon furrowed his brow, "Is there anything I can do?"

Jamie shook her head, "Not unless you can retrieve her husband from the war."

"Take care of her, all will be well," Failon said as he headed for the door. He glanced back at Veon, "How fast can you ride?"

Veon stood tall and smiled, "Faster than you."

"Come on then," Failon said, sparing only a quick glance at the boy's mother for the nod of approval.

Veon gave his mother a quick kiss on the cheek before dashing out the door. Jamie's smile faded quickly, and she prayed for two miracles; first that Skye and the baby would be alright, and second, that Legolas would be home in time to share the moment with her.

Kiirar was brooding, all the Avari rangers could see it, and they were relentless in their teasing. Only Cilmo refrained from comment about Kiirar's mood. Everyone else in the company of allies was only getting more and more light spirited as they came ever closer to Ithilien. Most were thinking of their families and how they missed them. Only Polodrin had brought his wife with him, everyone else had tried not to be jealous of him. To his credit, he was mindful of everyone else's feelings and remained discreetly quiet about it. Legolas was the only one who seemed worried about his return and the brothers couldn't help noticing.

"What is amiss, Legolas?" Alcon asked with concern.

"Yes, are you not thrilled to be nearing the wood and your lady wife?" Thelyn pressed.

"I cannot wait to see her, but for days now I have had a sense of dread, as though something was wrong at home. I feel that I cannot reach home soon enough and I feel ill nearly to the point of pain," Legolas said with such conviction it worried them deeply.

Aragorn was in earshot and rode closer, "What kind of dread?" He had learned long ago to listen to an elf's instincts.

"I do not know, but…" Legolas paused, and his face twisted in pain. "Skye…….." he whispered her name and his face went white.

Aragorn's brow furrowed and he immediately started giving orders, "Polodrin, lead the army home at your pace, we four will ride ahead with all speed."

Cilmo and his rangers joined them and it was obvious they would not be told to stay behind. "You have an escort, whether you desire it or not," Cilmo said. "If there is trouble in the wood, or with the Prince's lady, we want to be there."

Legolas looked at him with gratitude, but it was obvious he was still in pain.

"Can you ride?" Aragorn asked, as delicately as he could.

Legolas glared at him, "You just keep up." And with that, Legolas kicked his horse in the ribs and urged him on at a full gallop.

Polodrin watched them leave and his heart hit his stomach as he turned to his wife. "What would affect him so?"

Nyére knew the bond of an elf to their mate could be so strong they shared pain, even over great distances. She was very worried. "Only one thing I can fathom. Skye is hurt. It is her pain he feels."

Polodrin gulped hard and nodded. "Let's go."

Allassante arrived at Legolas' home with her son and houseguests before the sun had risen. They had brought food for those that tended Lady Greenleaf, and she planned to relieve whoever had been at watch with her that night. The house was quiet and it was Lyneya who greeted them on the porch.

"How goes the labor?" Ally asked with worry clear on her face.

"Eruanna has not said so, but she fears the worst. Skye is weakening, and I'm afraid. It is a stubborn child she carries, refusing to be born at the appointed time," Lyneya said.

"Why not just take the child?" Luna asked bluntly.

Ally and Lyneya both looked at her in shock and then annoyance, but Luna spoke again before they could speak against it.

"In the plains if a birth goes ill, the healer will take the child and then sew the mother back up. It has saved many lives, if done right, there is little harm," Luna insisted. "Froderick lives because of this, I was there, I saw it."

"And your mother?" Ally asked.

"Bore a small scar, and lived until the warlords took her from us," Luna said firmly. "I do not mean to insult your healer, but she is an elf, accustomed to treating the ills of elves. The Lady is no elf, and the birth goes poorly. Send for a midwife from the city. Do not let her and the child die."

Lyneya paled, "Luna speaks true of the plains midwives. I have heard of this before, but I do not know where to cut. To do it wrong would only speed their deaths, not save them."

Allasante had heard enough, "Where is Failon?"

"He left, I think to get Legolas," Lyneya said. "What should we do?"

"You rest; I will help Eruanna for now. We will discuss the options with Lady Skye before any decision is made," Ally said as she entered the house. Luna meant well, but it was too soon to speak of death over childbirth. It had only been twelve hours of hard labor. There was still time for everything to work out.

Legolas was barely upright in his saddle, and his horse was sweating, but kept the pace they had set. He was just concentrating on getting home; no other thought was in his mind. If he had no escort he would have been an easy target for he was just following them. Only Aragorn's shout brought his thoughts back to the present.

"Failon! Failon, what news of Ithilien?" Aragorn shouted to the riders that were rapidly approaching.

The riders met and halted, and Failon answered, but was looking at Legolas as he spoke, "Lady Skye is in labor, nearly the twelfth hour now. It does not go well, and she needs you, Legolas. Blessed be the stars that led you to us, come, hurry now."

Legolas cringed and his eyes closed, "I did not even know she was with child when I left."

Failon looked at him with deep sympathy, "She did not know then, but the timing is about right. She hoped you would return in time to meet your child together. It is my hope that with you there, all will be well."

Aragorn felt ill. Skye was just a wisp of a girl. Losing her would be the ruin of Legolas' heart. He spurred on his horse and the company followed, putting shame to their former pace. As the sun was rising, the trees of Ithilien's wood were in sight. They filed through the trees at suicidal pace, sparing no thought for the danger. They didn't halt until they reached Legolas' house.

Eruanna decided enough was enough. "Skye, this child must be born now. You have rested a little, and time has come for you to work. When the next contraction hits, I want you to push hard, as though your child's life depended on it."

Skye was exhausted and pale, but she nodded lightly, "Yes, I can do that."

Eruanna offered her a smile, but her eyes were still full of worry, "Good, now…. Push!"

Skye screamed and then held her breath as she bore down, desperate to have this nightmare over with. How could Legolas leave her at such a time? Her anger quickly fled when she remembered that he didn't know, nor did she for nearly a month after he was gone. She showed very little for the first four months and even now, she was small compared to most at nine months. Eruanna broke into her thoughts…

"Good, good, Skye! I can see the head, one more good push and we may have it," Eruanna said with more relief than she'd ever felt during a birth.

Skye was panting when the door to her room burst open. "Skye!" Legolas exclaimed as he dove for the side of the bed and wrapped his arms around her. "I'm here, I'm here, I'm here…."

Eruanna stood tall with her hands on her hips and glared at him, "Save it! And back up, now is no time for reunions!"

Legolas was taken back by the urgency of the command and backed up a little as he looked over his wife with panic.

Skye smiled weakly, "How was the war?"

Eruanna stifled her laugh, "All right, my lady… push!"

Skye held Legolas' hand as she once again used all her strength. Legolas' eyes doubled in size when he realized how tight her grip was, her hand was a vice, and it hurt. When Skye cried out in pain, tears fell down his eyes as he realized the pain he'd been feeling all night was hers. A sudden gasp and sigh and Skye went still and limp.

Then Eruanna stood up with a child in her hands and an enormous smile, "A girl!"

Legolas dropped to his knees beside his wife, "Skye? Skye?" His voice was full of panic, but Allasante put a hand on his shoulder to comfort him.

"She merely passed out, Legolas. Do not worry. It has been many hours of labor for her. She needs rest," Ally said and glanced at Eruanna who gave her a smile and nod. "Receive your daughter, Prince of the wood."

Legolas slowly stood and Eruanna placed the baby in his arms.

"Why does she not cry?" he asked as he stared at her in wonder.

"Her breathing is fine, I would say she is as exhausted as her mother," the healer said. "Welcome home."

Legolas was beaming, "You shall be called Ataralasse, for you are your father's joy." He went to the door and greeted those waiting. His eyes skimmed over a roomful of close friends and family and his eyes were full of tears. "My daughter, Ataralasse. Her mother is going to be just fine."

The sighs of relief in the room nearly blew him back, and quickly the congratulations were being spoken. With only a few moment of well wishing, Legolas retreated back into his room and kicked out the midwives. Jamie emerged and was grabbed into a bear hug by her husband Thelyn. Across the room, Alcon still had not released Lyneya from a similar hug. When Cilmo saw Ally he just slowly smiled with eyes full of mischief.

"Let us leave this house of joy in peace. I miss the comfort of my house," Cilmo said. "Where are the rest of our charges?" he asked as he found Froderick and ushered him to the door. When he stepped out the door, his question was answered when he found Kiirar sitting on the porch with Luna.

"My lady, will you now look upon me as your friend?" Kiirar asked Luna with eyes so hopeful it made Cilmo's heart ache for him.

The answering blush on Luna's face made Cilmo smile as he waited for this meeting to be concluded before interrupting.

"I look upon all in this wood as friends now, Lord Ranger," she answered shyly.

Kiirar smiled, "Is your heart still free, my lady?"

Luna looked at him seriously, "No, my heart is taken. An elf ranger stole it from me though I spurned him." Then her lips turned up in a playful smile, "But now that he has returned, perhaps he will return it."

It took a moment for Kiirar to realize she was teasing him, and her eyes were bright with laughter and affection as she looked at him. "Mayhap, he will give you his heart in its place." Then he leaned closer to her, with every intention of kissing her, but was brought up short.

"Luna, it is time to go home," Cilmo said, pleased that he effectively halted that kiss.

Kiirar blushed and stood up, "Captain, I ……..uh, how is…. Lady… and baby…. Legolas…. Uh…"

"It's a girl, everyone is fine, and if you want to court this lady, I expect you to behave," he said firmly and then smiled at Luna, "Godwin sends his regards, Luna, and if you like this elf, he approves."

Luna blushed darkly but said nothing.

Kiirar just gave her a bow and then kissed her hand.

Cilmo walked between them and took Luna's hand from him, "Another time, Kiirar. Go home."

With everyone leaving the house, Aragorn happened to catch sight of the conversation on the porch through the window and smiled. That explained the brooding. He sighed and turned to Failon, "My horse will not even bear me to the docks after that ride."

"Stay with us tonight, and I will tend your weary horse. You can go home tomorrow," Failon said.

Aragorn smiled, "Yes, your house will be quieter than everyone else's tonight."

Failon chuckled, "Uncle…. What a thing to say!"

They both laughed as they led their tired horses down the path. It felt so good to be home.