Dinner

Jamie woke to the pleasant smell of fresh baked bread. She sat up and looked around. It was a nice room, clean with intricately carved wood furniture. There was a wardrobe on the far wall, and a table with two chairs in the corner. The fire was still going, and the drapes on the window were drawn. Jamie pulled back the blankets and looked down at herself. She was wearing a large white shirt, and nothing else. Thankfully it hung nearly to her knees. She crossed the room and drew back the curtains to look outside. The yard was full of trees and Jamie smiled. God she loved the forest. She heaved a sigh and looked around for her backpack. It was near the hearth, laid open to dry along with her sleeping bag and the clothes she'd been wearing.

Her other things were on the table, the food she'd packed and her change of clothes. She smiled at the ziplock bags she'd been smart enough to use. Her clothes and food were dry, but the books were ruined. She frowned at her favorite copies of The Chronicles of Narnia, all seven books compiled into one hardcover, and the complete works of William Shakespeare. Damn, what a shame. She opened up the baggie containing her underwear and put it on. Then she opened the bag with her favorite T-shirt, a rainbow tie-dye and put that on. There was a pair of cut off jeans in the last bag and she put that on to complete the outfit. She walked over to the door and listened a moment. She heard the sound of a child laughing and voices.

"Dinner is ready Cálale," Silivren said. "Why don't you go see if Jamie is awake?"

"That's alright, Silivren," Thelyn said. "I'll go."

Silivren cocked a brow at him but said nothing.

Thelyn ignored her expression and just headed for the door to Miiriel's old room. It was just a guest room now, and Thelyn paused at the door and knocked softly. He was surprised when the door opened almost immediately. He was shocked when he saw what she was wearing. Her pants had been cut and only covered halfway to her knees and she was barefoot.

"Um, hi," she said nervously. "Which one are you?"

Thelyn was suddenly speechless. He didn't want to embarrass her, but her attire was appalling. He averted his eyes nervously and was about to introduce himself again when Cálale spoke up.

"That's uncle Thelyn," she said brightly as she skipped over and took Jamie's hand. "Come sit down and eat with us."

Silivren caught sight of Jamie's clothes and blushed. "Jamie, perhaps you'd like to change first," she said as she intercepted her just outside the door. "Let's go back in you room a moment, shall we?" She ushered their guest back into the bedroom and closed the door.

"What's wrong?" Jamie asked in confusion.

"Perhaps the style of dress where you are from is different," Silivren said delicately. "But here, a lady does not walk about with her legs uncovered. Wait here, I think I have a gown that will fit you."

Jamie turned three shades of red. "That would explain the look on… Thelyn's? face," she said. "I am so embarrassed."

"Don't be," Silivren said. "He understands you are not from around here."

Silivren left and Jamie sat at the table. She closed her eyes and all she could see was the utter shock on the tall Elf's face. She shook her head. Wow, way to go. Here she was stuck god knows where, and she was insulting the natives. Okay, Jamie, calm down. Get a grip on the situation. You are lost, somewhere. It sure as hell ain't Neverland or Narnia. She expected at any moment to run into Harry Potter or something. All right, this was obviously really happening, and it wasn't a delusion. She was well read, knew a lot of old history and such. They were dressed a little like medieval woodsmen and Silivren looked like a lady of court. Fine, she could do medieval, no problem.

Thelyn went out on the porch to collect himself. Jamie had no idea her attire was inappropriate. She'd merely worn what she had. How strange for a woman to dress like that. He closed his eyes and pictured her. Her wide hazel eyes were beautifully framed in an innocent young face. Her skin was darker than he'd seen before except on Rohirrim warriors, tanned golden by the sun. Her voice was soft and melodious, and her legs… well, it was nice to get that look. He sighed and opened his eyes. The hour was late and the sun was well on its way to descending beyond the distant hills. He heard horses and stood to greet his brothers as they approached.

"At last," Thelyn said. "Silivren is holding dinner for you."

Failon and Alcon dismounted and Failon was first to speak. "How is your guest?"

"Awake and looking much better," Thelyn said.

Alcon smiled, "That is good news. Let's go see her and thank Silivren for waiting with the meal."

The trio went inside just as Jamie emerged from her room again wearing a soft grey gown. It was a little long on her for she was quite short… Failon cocked a brow. Their mother had been petite as well. He glanced at Thelyn.

"Did mother leave any clothes here?" Failon asked.

"Yes, there are several gowns in the wardrobe," Thelyn admitted. "They should be about the right size."

"That's a good idea," Alcon whispered.

Silivren cleared her throat meaningfully. "Be kind enough to use the common speech in front of our guest," Silivren said. "Allow me to present Jamie Cobb of Scotts Valley, California." She paused and looked back at Jamie, "Did I say it right?"

Jamie smiled, "Perfect."

The three elves bowed and Failon stepped forward. "I am Failon, Silivren's husband, and the young lady you see running around here somewhere is our daughter, Cálale. These two are my brothers, Thelyn and Alcon, your rescuers."

Jamie gave a small curtsey and waited. This was too weird. Medieval was right.

Thelyn offered her his arm and Jamie nervously took it. "Come, it's time to eat," he said and led her to the table. He pulled out her chair for her and then sat beside her.

Failon leaned over to Alcon and whispered, "I believe he has just staked his claim."

Alcon just rolled his eyes and sat down across from her. When everyone was seated, Failon looked at Silivren. "Thanks for waiting," he said. "It was a long ride back from Emyn Arnen this afternoon."

"That's all right," she said and passed the bread around. "Any news from the Steward?"

Failon smiled, "Your father sends his love and plans a visit within the week. He is most anxious to meet our new arrival."

Jamie sat quietly listening. She wasn't sure what to expect here and didn't like being the center of attention. But it was inevitable considering how she arrived. She ate quietly until she was asked a direct question.

"So, how did it happen?" Alcon asked.

Jamie looked up from her plate and furrowed her brow thoughtfully. "I was sitting on the ledge over the stream by my house. The snow runoff from the mountains had swelled its banks, and it eroded the earth beneath the ledge. It gave way and I fell in. I was carried down stream for miles, and then you found me."

"Are you a wielder of magic?" Failon asked.

Jamie thought that was ridiculous and rolled her eyes. "Not hardly."

Silivren snickered at that idea. Jamie was no wizard.

"What is your home like?" Cálale asked her.

"I live in a cabin in a forest of giant redwoods near the west coast. When I'm not in school I spend all my time outside under the trees," she said with a wistful smile on her face. She seemed to be picturing it as she talked. "It's the only place I ever felt…" She seemed to come back to the present and realized she was saying too much. "It's very pretty there."

"And what of your family? Won't they be terribly worried?" Silivren asked.

"My father passed away about six months ago, and mother… is very busy," Jamie said cryptically. Truth be told, Jamie's mother would probably be thrilled to be free of the bonds of motherhood. She could sell the house and move on with her life… bitch.

Thelyn could hear coldness in her voice when she spoke of her mother. How strange to speak of a parent like that. He wondered what her mother was like to invoke such anger in Jamie. He watched her brush the subject aside and calmly continue her meal. She intrigued him, and he found his mind cluttered with questions he wanted to ask her, but there was a knock at the door.

Failon rose and went to greet their newest guest. He opened the door and smiled at Legolas and Tulco. "Welcome, please join us for the evening meal. Cálale, set two more plates," he said and stepped back for them to enter.

"How kind of you to offer," Tulco said, "But I am on my way home to eat with the family. I only wanted to stop and check on your guest's recovery… Ah, there she is. How do you feel?"

"I feel much better, thank you," Jamie said with a smile.

Tulco walked around the table to get a closer look at her. She seemed fine and he gave her a warm smile. "It is good to see you well. I apologize for the brevity of my visit, but my lady is waiting."

"No apology is needed," Alcon said as he rose and walked Tulco back to the door. "Thank you again for your aid."

Tulco smiled, "Glad to help." Then he left and everyone returned to their seats.

Legolas was served and then his attention drifted to Jamie. "You look much better than when I saw you last," Legolas said with a smile.

"I feel better," she said with a shy smile.

"Jamie was just telling us how she happened to tumble into our swimming hole," Alcon said. "She fell in a river near her home, and here she is."

"But she isn't a wizard," Cálale said with conviction. "It was just an accident."

Thelyn chuckled at his precocious niece. She was eight, and quite outspoken. He loved the little rascal.

Legolas considered the story for a moment and then asked, "Was it at night, or daytime?" he asked.

"Early afternoon," she said, "I was going to camp out that night."

Legolas gave a nod and dropped the questions. He had a knack for reading people and could see that Jamie was just as confused as they were by her arrival. It could be as simple as some mysterious secret magic of nature. She was merely in the right place at the right moment. Or there could be hidden forces at work. Whatever it was, Jamie was unaware of it. Legolas smiled to himself. She was also unaware of the way Thelyn was looking at her. Perhaps one of Miranda's fiery twins would settle down yet.

The rest of the meal was like any other family gathering with the discussions of the day's events and the plans for tomorrow. Legolas loved visiting the Hiri Nolwe's family. It was a welcoming home, and they all reminded him if Miranda and Haldir. There were days he really missed them.

After dinner, Jamie helped Silivren clean up while Legolas and the brothers went to sit on the porch. They watched the sunset and Legolas sighed.

"Sunsets remind me of your mother," Legolas said.

Failon nodded, "That is what father called her, when he thought no one else could hear."

"So what do you think we should do about Jamie," Alcon asked. "How can we send her home if we don't know how she came here?"

"Perhaps she is not meant to go home," Thelyn said thoughtfully.

"Maybe you should ask her what she wants," Legolas suggested.

There was silence a moment, and then the front door opened. Jamie stood in the doorway holding a tray with a bottle of wine and four glasses.

"Sorry to interrupt, but Silivren said you might like some wine," Jamie said quietly.

Thelyn got to his feet and took the tray from her. "Thank you," he said as he set the tray down by Alcon who started pouring it. "Would you like to join us?"

Jamie shook her head, "That's okay," she said and started to back away.

Thelyn caught her wrist and gave her a pleading look, "Please."

Jamie let him lead her to the steps and took a seat. She waved off the offered wine and waited nervously. They were all looking at her expectantly and she didn't like it. Finally Legolas spoke.

"You aren't the first person to come here from your world," Legolas began. "In fact, this family claims the first such visitor as their mother." He paused to let that sink in. He obviously had Jamie's full attention. "But with you, we have no explanation as to how or why. Now that you are here, what do you want to do, stay or go home?"

Jamie's eyes doubled in size. That was one hell of a question. She knew nothing about this place. She couldn't say if she'd like it or not. But she loved her home, at least the forest. Mom could run off tomorrow and never come back for all she cared. As long as Jamie had the house… But then again, it was just a house. Was there anyone she truly cared about at home? And how would she get there? And what about this… Middle Earth? This was an amazing opportunity to see a new world. She honestly didn't know what to say.

"I… don't know," she said dejectedly. "I'm sorry, but this is a little overwhelming."

Legolas nodded and gave her a warm smile. "Don't worry about it right now," Legolas said. "You are welcome in this home and in our wood. I will visit you again." Legolas bid good evening to everyone and then mounted up and headed down the path to the settlement.

Failon glanced at Thelyn and Jamie seated on the steps and he gave Alcon a nudge. Alcon frowned, but got the message. They went inside and left Thelyn alone with her.

Jamie sat looking out at the woods and worried her hands in her lap nervously. Maybe she should have said she wanted to go home.

Thelyn reached over and stilled her hands. "You're afraid," he said softly. "Don't be."

"I don't belong here. I don't even know where here is. Everything is different, I feel like I've fallen into a fairy tale, but I don't know the ending. Of course I'm afraid," she said in frustration.

"Do you fear me?" Thelyn asked as he clasped her hand.

Jamie looked at his kind expression and knew she felt safe with him. "No, I do not fear you," she said.

"Thelyn, I'm Thelyn. Say it," he said.

"I'm not afraid of you, Thelyn."

"Good, and I will make you a promise, Jamie. I will protect you as long as you wish to stay here. And if you wish to go home, I will find a way to take you there," Thelyn said. "Do you believe me?"

Jamie searched his eyes and could see he was telling the truth. "I believe you."

"Thelyn," he said. "I'm Thelyn."

Jamie sighed. "I know that now, but how can I tell you and your brother apart when you're together?"

"I will be the one staring at your beauty like a foolish boy," Thelyn said with a charming smile.

Jamie blushed and turned away. "I think I'm a little young for you there, Thelyn. I'm only sixteen."

"I can wait," he said and lifted her hand to his lips. "I find myself wondering if you fell into that river just so that I could find you." He kissed the back of her hand and Jamie turned to look at him. He gently turned her hand over and kissed her palm.

Jamie closed her eyes and nearly gasped at the intimacy of the gesture. She knew she was blushing. She pulled her hand away and he let her. She bit her lip and looked away. "I should go inside," she said quickly and left him alone on the steps.

Thelyn closed his eyes and cringed. He barely knew her and yet had strong feelings for her. Perhaps it was just that he felt responsible for her after rescuing her. Thelyn pictured her in the strange short pants she'd worn and smiled wickedly. It was definitely more than feeling protective. He wanted to get to know her. Perhaps in time, she'd find she had feelings for him too.

Jamie barricaded herself in her room. Her heart was racing and she tried to calm down. She looked at the hand he'd kissed and blushed again. A chivalrous gesture was more scandalous than she'd thought. The look in his eyes when he'd kissed her palm was the sexiest expression she'd ever seen. And she ran. She must be dreaming. This wasn't real, it couldn't be real. A tall red haired Adonis with pointy ears was looking at her like that. Not real, just a fantasy. She was lying on a riverbank somewhere dying of hypothermia, dreaming about a sexy elf. Yes, that explains it.

There was a knock at the door and Jamie opened it. Thelyn was standing there holding an armful of gowns. He smiled nervously and said, "You are about the same size as our mother. These were hers, and I thought you'd like them." He held them out to her and she took them.

"Thank you, Thelyn," Jamie said nervously.

"Alcon," he said. "I'm Alcon. Thelyn is still outside."

Jamie frowned. "I'm sorry, it's just you look so alike I can't tell you apart."

Alcon smiled mischievously. "Thelyn is the one that will be falling all over himself around you."

Jamie rolled her eyes and shook her head just as Thelyn walked in and saw her. He smiled warmly and Jamie blushed. "Uh, goodnight, and thanks for the gowns," she said quickly and then disappeared back into her room.

Alcon laughed and Thelyn just stood with his arms crossed. "What did you say to her?"

"I gave her mom's old gowns, and she called me Thelyn so I corrected her," Alcon said with a smile.

"I don't know how she got us mixed up, I'm much better looking than you," Thelyn said with a smirk as he headed to his room.

Alcon laughed at his brother. He knew Thelyn better than anyone and Failon had been right. He was smitten, poor Elf. "Slow down there, Thelyn. You'll scare her off and she'll be begging to go home."

"Funny brother, very funny," Thelyn said dryly before closing his door. But Alcon was right; Jamie wasn't ready for a suitor for at least another year. She was a little young, and she just needed to get to know him better. Seventeen was acceptable courting age, and eighteen was acceptable marriage age among humans. Elves usually waited much longer, but being immortal was different. Humans had such short lives; they needed to settle down early. He couldn't wait to see her again in the morning. He'd offer to take her riding and show her around the settlement.

Okay, so maybe she wasn't just dreaming. Jamie hung the gowns in the wardrobe and cleaned up her things. Her sleeping bag and backpack were dry so she packed them up again. The books were a lost cause, so she just left them on the table. She hung up the gown she'd been wearing and put on the long white shirt she woke up in. It was as good a nightgown as any. She crawled into bed and stared at the ceiling. It was strange, but she felt safe here. Maybe it was the way the elves treated her. They seemed sincere when they said they were friends. She thought of Thelyn's kiss and smiled. She could definitely get used to his attention. Perhaps tomorrow she'd find a way to tell the twins apart. She sighed, rolled to her side and went right to sleep.