The King's Table

Miiriel was lounging on a plush couch in her chamber peacefully dozing. Eldarion had insisted that she rest a while until dinner. She was carrying her second child, and was expected to deliver within the week. Eldarion was seated at a table quietly reading and watching over his wife. He'd have to wake her soon for dinner, but would wait until the last minute. He liked watching her sleep, so beautiful and peaceful.

Miiriel had started dreaming much more, and found that her inherited gift of sight was growing strong. These past few days she'd seen a strange young woman in her dreams. The dreams had been the same, but each time there were more details.

She was young, had short hair and wide innocent eyes that were a soft blue flecked with golden brown. In the dream she would be walking in a grand forest full of tall strong red trees. Miiriel could smell the crisp air and hear the sounds of rushing water. Then the girl would sing, her voice was bright and clear. She would skip and dance down the path with laughter in her eyes. Miiriel smiled at her child like joy and followed her. But as the girl neared the water, the ground beneath her feet gave way, and the she tumbled into the torrent and was carried away…

Miiriel gasped in her sleep but didn't stir. Eldarion saw her troubled by dreams and was instantly at her side. She didn't seem to be afraid, so he waited a moment before waking her.

Miiriel called to the girl, but there was no answer. Then her dream changed and she watched Thelyn and Alcon rescuing the same girl from the river in Ithilien…

"What's your name?" Alcon asked in the common speech.

She started shivering and chattered out, "J-J-Jamie."

Miiriel woke with a start and Eldarion wrapped his arms around her and tried to calm her.

"Shhh," he said. "Another dream?"

"Yes," she said. "I find this one strange. I do not know what it means."

"You always find your answers in time," Eldarion said. "Do not worry about it."

Legolas followed Aragorn to his study so they could talk in private. Aragorn could see that something important was on his friends mind so he closed the door and offered him a seat.

"All right, Legolas, you look entirely too serious. What is troubling you?"

"Aragorn, let me tell you the full tale of Jamie's rescue," Legolas said.

"Should I not hear the story from the twins, or Jamie?" Aragorn asked.

"Perhaps later, but I cannot wait until then. I seek your counsel in this matter," Legolas said seriously.

Aragorn sat down at the table across from his friend. "Of course, Legolas," Aragorn said seriously. "Tell your tale and I will offer what help I can."

"Jamie lives in a forest in a place she calls Scotts Valley. She told us that she fell into the river there and was swept down stream. She said that she has no idea how she came to be here," Legolas said.

"I have never heard of…" Aragorn said.

"Yes, and we asked her about her home. She said it is near San Francisco…" Legolas said. "Her clothes and personal things were quite strange as well. She had a book, and the writing reminded me of Miranda's."

Aragorn stared at the table top and pondered the story a moment. "Does she seem to...? Has she… Why?" Aragorn finally asked. "Miranda had a purpose when she came here… What about Jamie?"

"Purely and accident," Legolas said.

"In such matters I do not believe in accidents," Aragorn said. "What do you think?"

"I agree," Legolas said. "What should we do?"

Aragorn tapped his fingers on the table thoughtfully and then sighed. "At the moment we should wash for dinner. Perhaps an answer will present itself after I speak with her a little more."

"Perhaps Miiriel should speak to her," Legolas suggested.

"Miiriel will be at dinner," Aragorn said. "I'll talk to her."

Jamie finished tying the bodice on her blue gown and slipped on the leather shoes. She looked down at herself and twirled around, spreading her skirt playfully. She halted when there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," Jamie called.

A young servant maid opened the door. "My lady, I came to bring you to dinner… Are you going to wear your hair that way?" she asked bluntly.

"I always wear my hair this way. That's why it was cut like this," Jamie said in annoyance.

The girl's eyes widened in shock. "You cut your hair? A lady of court? Are you mad?"

"I am not a lady of court. Where I am from this is normal," Jamie said.

"Would you permit me to… arrange it differently?" she maid asked.

Jamie rolled her eyes and sighed. "Knock yourself out," she said.

"Excuse me?"

"Go ahead and fix it," Jamie clarified.

The maid smiled brightly and dashed across the room to the table. There was a vase of blue wildflowers and she grabbed the whole bouquet. She reached up and pulled the pins from her own hair and motioned for Jamie to sit. Jamie obeyed and the maid went right to work. She pulled the longest curls back and started weaving flowers in to make it look fuller. In just a few short minutes she was finished.

"Well?" Jamie asked.

"Much better," the maid said and went to the wardrobe and opened the door. There was a polished mirror on the inside of the door and Jamie went to look. The maid was right; it looked better, and more feminine than her surfer mop-head look.

"Thanks… what's your name?" Jamie asked.

"Lyssia," she said.

"Thanks, Lyssia."

"You're welcome, my lady," Lyssia said,

"Jamie, just call me Jamie."

"It is time for dinner, Jamie," Lyssia said. "Follow me."

In the main hall, everyone was gathering for the evening meal. Arwen entered through a side door with her eldest daughter Allasante who was carrying Lótetári, Eldarion and Miiriel's three year old daughter. They took their seats at the head table and were soon joined by Aragorn and Legolas. Arwen smiled and rose to greet the Elf Prince.

"Legolas Greenleaf, fairest son of the Northern Realm! Your presence brightens our hall," Arwen said with a smile.

"Hail, fair Queen," Legolas said with a smile as he bowed respectfully.

Thelyn and Alcon joined them and Arwen hugged them. "Miiriel will be pleased to see you both. You will have a new niece or nephew very soon," she said.

Alcon smiled and just said, "Nephew."

Aragorn laughed at his certainty. "Time will tell," he said.

Eldarion escorted Miiriel to the table and the twins just grinned at how big she was.

"I take it back," Alcon said. "I believe she is having twins."

Miiriel just glared at him. "There is only one child, and he will arrive soon."

Alcon smiled, "I was right the first time."

Thelyn just looked around the room. He was waiting for Jamie.

Miiriel noticed he was preoccupied. "Thelyn?"

"Oh, sorry, Miiriel, I was waiting for someone. How are you feeling?"

"A little tired, but well," she admitted. "Who are you waiting for?" Faramir and Polodrin walked in and Miiriel smiled. "Oh, I see."

Thelyn frowned but then smiled broadly when he saw Jamie enter through the side door. She looked absolutely beautiful with her hair pulled up in a pile of curls and blue flowers. "There she is," Thelyn said, more to himself than to Miiriel.

Miiriel followed his line of sight and just gasped in shock. Eldarion noticed immediately. Miiriel quickly recovered her composure and asked, "Who's your friend, Thelyn?"

Alcon answered for him since Thelyn had already headed over to meet her. "That's Jamie. We fished her out of your favorite swimming hole."

Miiriel just nodded thoughtfully. Her dream had been true. "When?"

"Two days ago," Alcon said.

"Where is she from?" Miiriel asked.

"The same place mother is from, just a different village," Alcon said.

"No village, Alcon… a forest," Miiriel said wistfully.

Alcon turned to look at her in shock, but had no time to comment as everyone was being seated for the meal. He tried to gain the seat by Miiriel but that seat was for Lótetári. Aragorn and Arwen finally took their seats, and everyone sat down. Beside him sat Faramir with his son, Polodrin. Beside Polodrin sat Jamie, and then Thelyn. On the other side of Aragorn sat Arwen, Legolas, Eldarion, Miiriel, Lótetári, and Alcon. After a brief welcome from Aragorn to the various guests at the table, the meal began.

Jamie found herself between two attentive men. It seemed to be custom for the men to serve the ladies and she had a plateful before she could blink. The conversations were light to begin with. Aragorn asked Polodrin the news from Arnor and how various members of his family were.

Thelyn filled in the names of those seated at the table for Jamie and explained who they all were. Jamie listened closely, trying to piece together who was who and how they were related. It was most interesting. The King, Aragorn, was also called Elessar by his wife. It appeared to be a more formal name. He was looking a little more regal after changing for dinner. He wore a fine black tunic embroidered with a white tree and stars, and he had a thin silver band around his head. His queen, Arwen, was an elf and a flawless beauty. The King's heir, Prince Eldarion was married to Thelyn's older sister, Miiriel who was about to have her second child. Thelyn's niece was a cute little copy of her uncles with bright red hair and green eyes. She was a very well behaved little girl and Jamie smiled at her.

Miiriel kept watching Jamie during the meal. She was very curious about her and had a strange feeling that there was a great deal more to Jamie than anyone could guess. During the entire meal, Jamie sat quietly and listened to everyone else. She blushed often at the attention from Polodrin and Thelyn, but offered kind smiles. As the meal concluded and people gradually departed, Miiriel went over to talk to Jamie. She glared at Thelyn who quickly found somewhere else to be.

"Jamie, tell me about your forest," Miiriel said as she sat down beside her.

Jamie was surprised by the question, not having met Miiriel formally yet, but answered. "There is no other tree like a redwood. They reach up more than a hundred feet, and the bark has a smell like no other. I feel at home there like no place I've ever lived."

"I grew up in a forest as well," Miiriel said.

"Yes, I thought it was very pretty there," Jamie said.

"That is the forest of Ithilien. I was speaking of another forest, far from here. The trees are unlike any you will see anywhere else. Your redwoods are impressive, but I believe you will find yourself at home in other forests," Miiriel said.

Why did it seem like everyone was trying to get her to like it here? Jamie felt completely out of place. She offered a smile and tried to change the subject. "You must be excited," she said pointing to Miiriel's swollen belly.

"Yes," Miiriel admitted. "I am anxious to see him."

"How do you know it's a boy?"

"The same way I know that you like to sing in the forest," Miiriel said with a knowing smile.

Jamie went pale. "How do you…? I've never told anyone that I…"

Eldarion joined them before Miiriel could answer and greeted Jamie. "Welcome, Lady Jamie," he said. "What do you think of Minas Tirith?"

"It is impressive. I like it here, everyone has been very kind," Jamie said.

Lótetári ran over and wrapped her arms around her father's leg. She shyly looked at Jamie and then smiled.

Jamie smiled back. "Are you an angel?" she asked softly.

Lótetári just looked at her curiously. Eldarion and Miiriel listened intently.

"Do you know what an angel is?" Jamie asked.

Lótetári shook her head.

"Angels are kind magic beings, beautiful beyond description. Few people will ever see one," Jamie said. "When I saw you smile at me, I thought you were an angel."

Lótetári blushed and smiled again.

"See? There's the face of an angel if ever I saw one," Jamie said with a bright smile.

Eldarion looked at Miiriel who smiled.

"This angel needs to go to bed," Eldarion said as he picked his daughter up. "And this angel," he added taking Miiriel's hand, "Needs her rest as well."

"I enjoyed talking to you, Jamie," Miiriel said as she stood to go. "I look forward to seeing you again."

"Goodnight," Jamie said.

As they left, Jamie was surprised to see the King waking toward her. She quickly stood and curtseyed respectfully. "Your majesty, thank you for welcoming me into your home," she said formally.

Aragorn just waved off the formality. "We save the titles and bows for formal occasions, Jamie. It is evening, now, and time for everyone to relax. Call me Aragorn," he said.

"Isn't that disrespectful to be so informal?" she asked.

"Not at all," he said with a chuckle. "The servants are cleaning up now, would you like to sit by the fire?"

Jamie thought it would be rude to refuse so she smiled and nodded. He offered her his arm and she took it and followed him across the room to a large fireplace that was surrounded by several large comfortable chairs. She took the offered seat and looked around. Legolas and the twins were there, and Faramir. Aragorn took the seat by hers and started packing a pipe. It was quiet for a few moments, Legolas was sipping some wine and the king lit his pipe. Then Aragorn's attention turned back to Jamie.

"Legolas told me a little about you, and the twins here told me how they found you. I hoped you might tell me your story," he said.

Jamie straightened up in her chair nervously and thought of what to say. It was a pretty simple story. "I was hiking in the forest and…"

"Why were you hiking in the forest?" Aragorn interrupted.

Jamie looked at him in confusion. Did it matter? "Uh, I wanted to read a good book in peace and quiet. I was planning to camp out that night."

"Don't most people read at home?" Faramir asked.

"I'm not most people," Jamie said seriously. "I didn't spend much time at home if I could help it."

"So, you were hiking in the woods," Aragorn prompted.

"Yes. I usually take the south path to a glen where the sun peeks through the trees a little, but that day I went north along the river. It was running deeper than normal because of the spring thaw, and the ground gave way. I tried to grab a bush, but missed and fell in."

"Then what happened?" Aragorn asked.

"I went swimming," she said with a shrug. "The current was strong, so I got swept downstream. I had all I could do just keeping my head above water. I don't know how far I went, passing the forest and going between cliffs. There was one cliff I remember; I thought I was going to hit it. It jutted out right in front of me, but there was a tunnel at its base and I passed right through. Then I think I passed out. When I woke up, Thelyn and Alcon were asking me my name."

Aragorn took another puff on his pipe and stared at the fire thoughtfully. It was a very interesting story, but he knew there must be something more. "Legolas said that you miss the forest, but not your home."

Jamie was embarrassed by the comment. It made her sound like a rotten child. "That sounds bad, I'm sure, but you must understand, my family is complicated," she said carefully.

"Why don't you just tell him about your mother?" Thelyn asked.

"Because she's still my mother," Jamie said, glaring at Thelyn.

Aragorn glanced from one to the other and finally asked another question, "And your father?"

"Captain of a commercial fishing boat that was lost at sea with all hands," Jamie said.

"Why do you think this happened," Aragorn asked.

Jamie hung her head. She looked tired and lost and frustrated. "I don't know."

Aragorn could see that she was upset by the direct question. He decided it was time to take the responsibility of her care away from the twins. It was obvious they had grown attached to her, especially Thelyn by the looks of things. But they were still young and as King it was his duty to look after the welfare of a … visiting dignitary of a distant land? That would be an accurate description. He'd been very close to Miranda, and Jamie reminded him of her. She too was lost, young, shy, and frightened.

"Jamie, you'll stay here in Minas Tirith for the time being," Aragorn said firmly. "Consider yourself a guest of the King of Gondor."

Jamie looked up at him questioningly and Thelyn sat forward in his seat as if to protest, but held his tongue. Alcon put a hand on his brother's arm warningly. None of this went unnoticed by Aragorn. Jamie noted the King's firm expression and decided that there was no point in arguing.

"I am honored by your invitation," she said. "Thank you, sir."

Aragorn smiled.

"Well, it's getting late," Faramir said. Now that everything was settled, he could relax. "I think I'm going to bed." He rose and bid them all goodnight.

Jamie took that as a perfect chance to leave as well. "That is not a bad idea. I'm tired too," she said casually. "I think I'll turn in as well, goodnight gentlemen." Jamie stood, and everyone else stood as well, which caught her off guard. She realized it must be etiquette and gave them a smile before turning to go.

Thelyn was going to follow, but Aragorn caught his arm and waved to one of the servants to show her the way. When she'd left, he gave Thelyn a frown.

"You have something to say, Thelyn?" Aragorn asked.

"I made Jamie a promise, Uncle Aragorn. I promised to protect her as long as she stayed in Middle Earth. And if she asked me to, I'd help her find a way to go home. I intend to keep my promise," Thelyn said firmly.

Legolas gave a snort. "You'd rather have her stay," he said under his breath.

Aragorn burst into laughter. He knew a lovesick elf when he saw one. "How old is she?" he asked Legolas.

"Near seventeen," Legolas said.

Thelyn cocked a brow, "How near?"

Alcon rolled his eyes. "Forget it, Thelyn."

Thelyn glared at his brother but held his tongue.

"I think you may keep your promise, Thelyn," Aragorn said thoughtfully. "But you are not a suitable guardian. That responsibility is now mine."

"Very well," Thelyn said and headed for the door with Alcon on his heels.

Legolas turned to Aragorn and asked, "So, now that you've talked to her, what do you think?"

"Did you take a good look into her eyes, Legolas?" Aragorn asked.

Legolas nodded.

"That is no ordinary girl," he said thoughtfully. "She bears watching."

"Then it wasn't my imagination, or my wish for another Miranda," Legolas said.

"She's not Miranda," Aragorn said quickly. "But I believe in time we shall see why she is here."

Thelyn and Alcon were getting ready for bed in a room they shared when they visited Minas Tirith. Alcon decided it was time for the lecture he'd been saving.

"You better watch your step with Jamie, especially now," Alcon said. "Uncle Aragorn is very serious about looking after her."

"He didn't make her that promise," Thelyn said angrily, "I did."

"We'll both keep your promise, Thelyn. Just… be careful," Alcon said.

Thelyn looked at his brother and could see the concern in his face. "I know what I'm doing," Thelyn said softly.

"Do you?" Alcon asked sarcastically.

Thelyn ignored that last comment. He knew he didn't know what he was doing but he wasn't going to admit it to Alcon. The last thing he wanted was to give Alcon any grounds for an I-told-you-so.