An Elf's Honor
Thelyn and Alcon had ridden out several hours before dawn to keep watch on the borders. There was rarely any trouble as travelers tended to avoid the wood. But occasionally they greeted and guided visitors, like this particular day. Shortly after dawn, there were four riders approaching the wood and Alcon was the first to recognize the leader.
"Lord Faramir," he said. "He visits sooner than expected."
"It matters little," Thelyn said. "He is always welcome… Hail travelers! What is your business in the wood?"
"Greetings good Elves and cousins," Faramir said with a smile as he and his riders halted by the edge of the wood. "I have come to visit my daughter's family, and I need to speak to Legolas."
"Which errand is first?" Alcon asked, "For Legolas already plans a visit to our house today. Your fair daughter and her family are staying with us to help look after our guest."
"That is well; I am most interested in meeting your guest. Do I have your leave to enter?" Faramir asked.
"Enter and welcome, good Steward," Thelyn said with a smile. "You are well acquainted with the way. Tell Silivren that we will return in time for breakfast."
"I will give her your message," Faramir said with a smile, and then led his riders into the wood.
Cálale was outside on the front porch when she heard riders approaching. She expected her uncles back soon so she didn't even look up until she heard a familiar voice.
"What shining ray of sunshine is that dancing on the porch this morning?" Faramir asked.
"Grandfather!" Cálale shouted as she dashed down the steps and ran to meet him.
Faramir practically leapt off his horse to catch her in a big hug. "Oh, Cálale, my little joy! It is good to see you! Where is your mother? I have a surprise for her."
"She is in the kitchen making bread," Cálale said with a big smile. "You must come in and have breakfast with us and your guards too."
One of the other riders dismounted and pulled back his hood. He smirked at the precocious girl and crossed his arms. "So I'm just a nameless guard to you, am I?" he said humorously.
"Uncle Polodrin? Oh, it is you!" Cálale shouted and leapt at him with her arms out wide.
Polodrin caught her and lifted her up over his head, spinning her around and laughed. "My favorite niece!"
Cálale laughed at him as he pulled her into a hug. "I'm your only niece, and you're squeezing!"
Faramir laughed brightly at the reunion. His son had been gone for several years, training in the west with the Rangers of Arnor, much as Eldarion had. He left as a boy and returned a man, strong and wise. Faramir was very proud.
Behind them they heard the front door open and they all turned expectantly, but the face was an unfamiliar one. A young maid stepped out onto the porch. Her hair was full and curly, but short. She had wide haunting hazel eyes and golden tanned skin. She was dressed in a very fine pale green gown of Gondorian style, but she was barefoot. Faramir cocked a brow at her curiously, but Polodrin just set down his niece and stared.
"Good morning," Faramir said.
The girl on the porch blushed nervously and looked to Cálale who was quick to start the introductions. "Grandfather, this is Jamie. Uncle Thelyn and Uncle Alcon rescued her from drowning yesterday. She's staying with us for a while."
Faramir gave Jamie a slight bow, "How do you do, Lady Jamie. I am Lord Faramir, Steward of Gondor, and this is my son, Polodrin. As you may have guessed, I am Silivren's father."
Jamie smiled and curtsied. "I am pleased to meet you. Breakfast is on the table if you would like to come in." Jamie stepped back and held the door for them to enter.
Faramir and Polodrin climbed the steps and waited on the porch for Cálale. She was dragging Faramir's two guards by the hands and led them inside. Polodrin bit his lip to keep from laughing at Gormir and Trildan. They had never been to the wood before and the last thing they'd expected was to be invited to breakfast by a child. Faramir caught the door and looked down at Jamie.
"After you," he said with a smile.
Jamie blushed and went inside with Polodrin right on her heels. He was most interested in who she was. Faramir was about to close the door when he heard horses. He turned and smiled to see the twins arriving just in time for breakfast. They tied up their horses and headed inside.
"Well, I see we have an unexpected though not unwelcome visitor," Silivren said brightly as she hugged Polodrin. "Welcome home, brother."
"Is it possible that you get lovelier every time I see you, Silivren?" Polodrin asked.
"Who's that strange man hugging my wife?" Failon said humorously as he came in carrying a basket of hot bread.
Polodrin turned around and smiled at him. "Just family."
"Well, finally decided to come home I see," Faramir said with a smile. "Everyone have a seat."
Thelyn quickly crossed the room and pulled out a chair for Jamie, but before he could sit down, Polodrin sat beside her. Thelyn frowned and took the seat on her other side. Gormir and Trildan took the seats on the end and sat quietly. The meal began and the conversation was light and general at first. Silivren asked about the news from Emyn Arnen, and Polodrin filled them in on the news from Arnor. After the family news came to a close, Faramir directed his attention to Jamie.
"So, where is your home, Jamie?" he asked.
Thelyn answered for her, "She comes from the same world our mother came from," he said.
Faramir cocked a brow, now very interested. "And what brings you to Middle Earth?"
"An accident, sir," Jamie said. "I don't know how it happened. I fell into the river, and one moment I was there, the next I was here."
"And what did you do there?" Polodrin asked.
"I was a junior in High school," Jamie said.
Everyone glazed over her explanation as it made no sense. Faramir thought the word school suggested that she was in training, but schools from her world were different. Miranda's school didn't sound very nice, so Jamie's High school was no doubt unpleasant as well and shouldn't be commented on.
"And your family?" Faramir asked.
Failon nervously cleared his throat. Jamie's family had sounded complicated. He was afraid the question might be upsetting, but she surprised him.
"My father was the captain of a deep sea fishing boat. His boat went down about six months ago in a bad storm, taking all hands with it," Jamie paused and sighed before continuing. "My mother… is a…" Jamie abruptly stopped before she let the word slut slip out. It might be the truth, but she was still her mother. Besides, she was embarrassed by the ugly truth. She didn't need to share that with strangers. So, what did her mother do again? Oh, yeah, "bartender," she finished flatly.
"I'm sure she misses you," Faramir said sympathetically. "It is a shame that Gandalf has gone. He would have known what to do. I'm certain he could have returned you safely home."
"There may be one left on these shores who could help," Polodrin suggested. "While I was in the east, I met a fellow by the name of Tom Bombadil. He is very old and very wise."
"That is a long journey from here, son. I think we should speak with the King before we decide what to do," Faramir said. "Jamie, I would like to bring you to Minas Tirith to meet the King of Gondor. It is not a long journey, and he would be most pleased to meet a visitor from so far away."
Jamie's eyes doubled in size. Meet a King? Good god, no thank you! "I'm really not that interesting… I wouldn't know what to say…" she glanced at Thelyn nervously, and he gave her an encouraging smile.
"Alcon and I will go with you if you want," Thelyn said. "I made you a promise, and I intend to keep it. The King is family as well. There's no reason to be nervous."
Jamie gave him a nod and turned back to Faramir. "Okay, I'll go with you to meet your King."
"Good. I'll make the arrangements tonight and return for you in the morning," Faramir said with a smile. He looked at Thelyn, "And you and Alcon will be going?"
Alcon noticed the determined look on his brother's face and answered for him, "We haven't visited our sister in a while…"
"We'll stay with Jamie," Thelyn said simply.
Polodrin scowled at his plate and held his tongue. So it was that way, was it? Thelyn had a thing for Jamie. Thankfully, it didn't appear to be mutual.
"I'll go along as well, father," Polodrin said lightly.
"I thought you might," Faramir said with a smirk.
After breakfast, Jamie offered to help with the clean up, but Thelyn interrupted her. "Actually, Jamie, I thought you'd like to see the rest of the settlement today. Would you go riding with me?"
"I've never been on a horse before," she whispered to him.
Thelyn smiled. He could offer to let her ride with him… "I can teach you, or you could ride with me," he offered. "I have a horse that is very tame, perfect for a beginner."
Jamie's nervous expression turned into a dazzling smile that nearly took Thelyn's breath away. "I'd like that," Jamie said.
Silivren smiled. "I'll get you some riding clothes. I think the Lady Miranda left something appropriate."
Thelyn was getting the horses ready when Jamie descended the front steps in a riding outfit. She had tan pants and boots on and a rich hunter green riding jacket on. Thelyn smiled and took her hand.
"Come, my lady, and meet Tempest III. He is descended from a long line of good strong Rohirrim steeds, and he is quite gentle," Thelyn said.
"He's beautiful," Jamie said.
Thelyn helped her up and than mounted up behind her. He reached around her and took the reigns. "Here, hold the reigns like this," he instructed. He went on to show her the basics of steering with the reigns and getting the horse to go and stop. They rode around the yard for a few minutes and Thelyn had Jamie laughing and smiling.
Polodrin stood watching them out the window when Alcon joined him. Alcon noted his frown and sighed. "You, too?"
"She seems to favor him already," Polodrin said.
"Thelyn makes her feel safe. She is too young for him to court her, they are merely friends," Alcon said.
"How old is she?" Polodrin asked.
"Sixteen," Alcon told him.
Polodrin frowned. Thelyn didn't look at her like a friend, nor did he treat her as though she was too young. He didn't need to ride with her to teach her how to steer a horse. That was purely his desire to hold her in his arms. The honor and nobility of Elves… yeah, right. At least until they discover a woman.
"Just friends? You should open your eyes, Alcon," Polodrin said bitterly and walked away.
Alcon looked outside and felt a knot in his stomach. He hadn't seen Thelyn that happy in a long time. Polodrin was right, there was far more than friendship in his eyes.
Thelyn barely showed Jamie the settlement. Instead he took her on a long ride through the wood. He led her on an easy pace and she kept up well. She was a fast learner and seemed to be good with animals. He brought her to the swimming hole where they'd found her and laid out a blanket for a picnic lunch. They sat and watched the waterfall and ate fruit, bread and cheese.
Thelyn spent more time watching her than the water. He wanted to ask her something, but didn't know how to word it delicately. He decided to just come out and ask her.
"Jamie, why don't you get along with your mother?" he asked.
Jamie turned to him in surprise, "I never said we didn't get along."
"No, you did not say it, but it is true, isn't it?" he asked.
Jamie sighed, "Yes, it is true. Why do you ask?"
"My mother is the center of our family. We all love her. I find it hard to understand," he said.
"Where are your parents?" Jamie asked.
"They have crossed the sea to the undying lands. They wait for us there," Thelyn said. "Why don't you and your mother…?"
"My mother has forgotten her family," Jamie said. "When father was gone to sea for weeks at a time, she was often in the company of other men. When he died, she didn't even cry, not one single bloody tear! I only live with her because I'm too young to legally live on my own. The day I turn eighteen I'm getting a good lawyer and kicking her out of my house and my life."
"Your house?" Thelyn asked.
"Yes. Father left me everything. I think he knew she was unfaithful," Jamie said.
Thelyn found the story disturbing. What a horrible woman to treat her family that way. He could understand Jamie's anger. Then he was struck by an idea. "You could stay here," he said.
Jamie turned to him and gave him a smile. "I'll think about it. I may not have a choice."
"I promised to find a way for you to go home," Thelyn said. "But you could stay."
Jamie got up and walked to the edge of the water. What would she do if she stayed? Just hang out at Thelyn's house? She had a house, one she loved, full of memories of her father. And she had her forest… and… well that was about it, really. She didn't know what she wanted. Stay here… as what, an oddity? The stranger from a distant land? Thelyn's girlfriend? Okay, not a bad option, but what did she know about him?
Thelyn watched her standing by the water and sighed. He stood and walked over to her. She looked so lost and he wanted to comfort her. He put his hands on her shoulders and spoke to her.
"Jamie, I know this is hard. I can only imagine how you must be feeling right now. But I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. Please let me be your friend," Thelyn said.
"Why are you being so nice to me?" Jamie asked.
"Because I like you," Thelyn said wistfully. "If you were but a little older…"
"Maybe we should go back now," Jamie said quickly, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable alone in the middle of nowhere with him.
Thelyn realized the impression he'd just given her and backed away. "Jamie, look at me," he ordered.
Jamie turned around nervously and looked up at him. His face was kind, but firm.
"I promised you that I would protect you, and you believed me. Do you think I could make such a promise and then dishonor you?"
Jamie was surprised at how hurt he looked for her even thinking it. She stared at the ground. How strange to meet people with such a strong sense of honor and respect. That was completely alien to her. In her experience, men were pigs. If you gave them the slightest opportunity, they would take it, and then blame it on you. She didn't know what to say.
"I'm sorry. You have no idea how different it is here," she offered lamely. "Of course I trust you, Thelyn."
Thelyn was once again struck by just how young she was. And yet she was already quite defensive of her virtue. He wondered what her world was like to make her so suspicious of any amiable affection. He stepped forward and hugged her, briefly, and then headed back to pack up their lunch.
"If you wish to go back, then we should get going," he said emotionlessly.
"Thelyn, is there time to stay out a little longer?" she asked.
Thelyn looked at her and she was staring up at the top of the waterfall. He knew what she was thinking. She wanted to ride upstream and see what was there. He couldn't blame her. She turned back and looked at him.
"I really am sorry about…" she started to apologize again.
"No, Jamie, the fault was mine. We have time to ride upstream if you wish," he said seriously.
"Thanks," Jamie said.
It was late when Thelyn and Jamie finally returned. Failon sat on the porch looking very annoyed. Thelyn cocked a brow at him questioningly.
"Where have you been?" he asked, his voice barely civil in front of Jamie.
"Just out for a ride," Thelyn said innocently. "Jamie wanted to ride up stream to see if she recognized anything."
Failon glanced at Jamie and sighed. He felt sorry for her, so young and lost as she was. But that didn't excuse Thelyn for keeping her out so late. "It doesn't look good, you being alone with her without a chaperone. Have you any idea how hard it was visiting with Polodrin today? He was pacing by the window all afternoon until they finally had to leave."
"Polodrin? What was his problem?" Thelyn asked in annoyance as he helped Jamie down off her horse.
"The same as yours, I expect," Failon said.
Jamie glanced from one to the other and cringed. She knew a good chewing out when she saw one, no matter what the language. She silently slipped past Failon and went inside with Thelyn watching her the entire way.
Failon scowled at him and just said, "Sixteen, Thelyn. She's sixteen, and off limits, you got that?"
"I am not a common Easterling scoundrel, Failon. Give me a little credit. Besides, who made you her father?" Thelyn asked angrily.
"I volunteered," Failon said, "at least as long as she is here. After you leave, Alcon will take over. He doesn't look at Jamie like she was one of Silivren's apple pies."
Thelyn gave Failon an angry snort and brushed past him without a word but Failon caught his arm and stopped him.
"I know you wouldn't mistreat her, Thelyn. But you have to remember, she's alone here, and unfamiliar with our ways. Be her friend, but don't pursue her affections, Thelyn. It will only lead to heartache for both of you," Failon said.
"Advice on loving humans from the Elf who married the Steward's daughter?" Thelyn asked sarcastically.
Failon's expression was hard and he forced himself to hold his temper. "This is much different and you know it."
Thelyn just shook Failon's hand from his arm and went inside. The last thing he needed was advice from that brother. Their mother wasn't from Middle Earth either… well she was, and she wasn't. Thelyn frowned as he disappeared into his room. Failon was right. This situation was completely different. No one's advice was going to help. He couldn't deny his feelings and he decided not to try. Thelyn would follow his heart, keeping in mind her age and her virtue at all times. That was all he could do. He would keep his honor, and in time, who knows what might happen between them?