Elkwind had fallen silent, the firelight playing across her round features while her eyes narrowed in concern,
"Mistoffelees?" she questioned, bringing my attention back to her. I met her gaze for a moment and decided there was too much there to interpret, quickly lowering my eyes to the jade amulet still lying peacefully against my palm. It was not cold as stone ought to be and its strange warmth brought me comfort.
"I apologize for my lack of attention, it is no fault of the tales, or the teller for that matter!" Elkwind smiled knowingly, her emerald eyes softening in their scrutinizing gaze; somewhat satisfied.
"You said before that your folk are great singers of song, we grow weary of our own legends! Enlighten us as to the ways of such a elusive people." Glindor commanded, drawing up a seat next to the fire, the light making his face ruddy with its glow.
"Indeed! Pleasure us with song Jellicle friend!" Another, elder elf requested, his friendly face weather worn and tanned by the sun's fair rays. She was often unkind to men, but Elves always took her heat gracefully.
"My song will only seem queer to your ears…" I protested meekly, as was my nature whenever something was asked of me. I was weak to the needs of others and it got me into a great deal of difficulty, this war included.
"That is why we wish to hear it, among other reasons. Glindor tells us you have a fine voice." I spared a glance for that particular elf that was not entirely amiable.
Still, I was undecided; the happy times of Jellicle song seemed so long ago. I could still hear the praise I myself had often received ringing in my ears. I must admit that once a comrade forcefully thrust me into the spotlight I did enjoy being there for a time. The only sound in the warm hall whilst I decided myself was the crackling of the fire; hasty in its desire to consume the faggots we piled on it.
I concluded that a real Jellicle tale would clear my head enough to let me rest well that night, rest I would need for the days ahead.
"Very well friends! I assent!" A mighty cheer rose among the company and I took heart to sing, my voice had always brought me joy but I was, more often then not, too shy to make use of it. Throwing shyness to the wind, I sang a merry song, a song that I had always thought rather silly, if endearing.
'Specklespots was an English Cat;
She knew a thing or two.
Often batting at her owner's ear,
For a breach in good cordial manner.
Specklespots had a thousand kits,
And more- so I'm often told;
And her matronly ways will always remain
For we know that her progeny is a millionfold!
She always taught her kittens to bow (or curtsey),
When their respectable elders passed by.
She taught them to laugh uproariously,
When Mr. Bustopher pronounced the oldest of jokes, ho! Sigh!
Speckles was a dear little tabby,
Never cross and seldom for the worse.
She was quite content at the old west Abbey,
But she would be with nuns! Of course!
Specklespots was a terrible singer,
She did her proud race shame!
Often spouting out operatic zingers,
Without quite understanding the game!
Specklespots had a lot of etiquette,
Too much- so the kittens say;
But her knowledge of cricket,
Will always cause the kittens to seek her to play.
And that will never change!
For we know her views on changing,
We are quite sure she doesn't approve!
But little can be done when the games already won,
And the dish has run away with the spoon!
Speckles was a dear little tabby,
Never cross and seldom for the worse.
She was quite content at the old west Abbey,
But she would be with nuns! Of course! Of course!'
Finishing I heard muffled laughter that was soon trumped for attention by applause. I blushed feeling sheepish for singing a song that made little sense and rhymed even less. The surrounding folk obviously cared little for such trivialities and I received many a compliment on my voice before that day was out. Natreel particularly inclining me to learn an old Elvish verse that she thought especially beautiful.
The greenery that made up the roof was masked by a smoky haze and the great, thick trunks of the trees lit up in a friendly way with the high fire and many torches. It were as if the whole world had lain back in welcoming relaxation, throwing caution to the wind and hang the orcs and other beasts of unpleasant nature.
I felt the gaiety of the song swiftly leaving me as my mind retraced its earlier trail. Victoria's term was of perfectly usual length and nothing untold occurred. One specific night I returned form hunting, bursting with news and anxious to meet with my beloved.
I found the entrance of my home blocked by my mother's outstretched arms,
"Mama? Is she…?" I tossed the food aside, no longer caring one wit for it, my mother: Jennyanydots nodded slowly. I swallowed thickly as she turned and reentered the house, round and long in the shape of a hallowed log and a rusty brown colour. I slumped down next to the door-less entryway and felt my heart racing in my chest almost as fast as my mind raced in my skull.
Jemima sat beside me with no small effort, she was not yet as big-bellied as she would be but she was quite different from her usual self. That being a rather small queen, even for a Jellicle, sporting a flaming red coat with crossing black streaks. Her big blue eyes were often dazed looking and far away, thick lashes framing them in their wonder; she might be considered quite pretty, in a kittenish, innocent way.
"What if something happens to her?" I asked quietly of no one in particular, more to the air itself then my friend to whose looks I was helplessly immune. I couldn't follow my own train of thought and everything I grasped was hopelessly muddled with something that had slipped away.
"She will be fine, she was always very strong." I looked away from her honest expression, anxious for the befuddling experience of waiting to become a father to be over, "Besides, she has dreamt of this moment since the day you met." This caught my attention,
"Truly?" I knew quite well she was trying to distract me, and it was working despite this knowledge. She nodded,
"The first time she clapped eyes on you she turned to me and said, 'I'm going to fall in love with him.' I thought she was joking because…because you're so good looking." I smirked at the thought, ignoring Jemima's compliment, "I know now she said it having already done it."
"Thank-you Jemi, your friendship means the world to me, especially now, more than you could ever know." She smiled herself,
"I am honored."