Wishes and Horses

Quickbeam woke with the sun and was startled by the unexpected presence of some dozen horses drinking at the stream. When he stirred, they took off at a gallop into the forest. He wondered what they were doing here, and then he was struck by an idea. Quickbeam drank his fill at the spring and then headed back to the Elves' tree dwelling to wait for them. Legolas met him at the base of the stairs.

"Good morning," he said.

"Hoom-hum, Good morning," the Ent said. "Today I met a band of horses by the stream. To whom would they belong?"

Legolas pondered that thought. "They probably belonged to the Elves, but were left behind," he reasoned. "How many?"

"More than ten," Quickbeam said. "They did not stay to chat."

Legolas laughed. "Well, maybe we could catch up to them after breakfast."

Jamie woke to the smell of fresh bread. Her first thought was, which one of those men knows how to bake? She smiled, and got up to dress. From the front room she heard them singing in elvish. It was a bright sounding tune and she wished she could understand the words. She was about to reach for her pants, when her eyes caught a glimpse of the blue fabric of her gown. Jamie drew it out of her backpack and admired it. It wasn't even wrinkled. She wanted to wear it, but then she'd have to change before they could leave. Was it vanity to want to wear the dress? Absolutely! She tossed her pants aside and put on the gown. It would be just for a little while.

Thelyn set the table for breakfast while Alcon took the bread from the oven. When they were very young, they spent a lot of time in the kitchen with Elia and their mother. Alcon never forgot how to make bread, and Thelyn knew all the tricks to making good pies.

Legolas had left early to check on the horses, and Polodrin was seated at the table. Thelyn set the plates down and Polodrin started setting them out. They exchanged looks as if sizing each other up until Polodrin gave a snort.

"We are being childish," Polodrin said. "We stare at each other with the eyes of jealousy over a treasure that neither possesses."

Thelyn sighed, "True."

"We have been friends for far to long to start fighting now," Polodrin said seriously.

"There is blood between us, and a marriage linking our families. There will be peace between us no matter what Jamie's wishes are," Thelyn said.

Polodrin was about to answer when Jamie walked in. Both turned to greet her and stopped dead. She was wearing a pale blue gown that fit like a glove. Every delicate curve was accentuated. Thelyn's mouth went dry and Polodrin's breath caught in his throat. Polodrin thought Legolas' eyes must be failing in his old age; the lady before them was no child.

"Good morning," she said.

Alcon entered from the kitchen with the bread and stopped and stared. "Uh, Jamie, have you been drinking Ent brew again?" he asked.

Jamie turned around, "Why?"

Polodrin and Thelyn saw the reason when she turned. Her hair had grown again, at least four inches. Now her thick brown curls hung halfway down her back. The three men just started laughing and Jamie furrowed her brow and reached up to examine her hair. When the blush crept up her cheeks, they just laughed a little harder.

"I'm glad I was able to brighten your day," she said in annoyance as she flicked her tresses back over her shoulder dramatically.

Legolas strode in just in time to see what the mirth was about and hear her response. He walked up to the table and elbowed Thelyn to silence him.

"You won't impress her that way," Legolas said in sindarin. Then he turned to Jamie. "The hair is most becoming," he said, "As is the gown. Now if everyone can contain themselves, let's eat. We have a lot of work to do today."

"What work?" Alcon asked.

"We are going to catch Jamie a horse," Legolas said with a smile. "There's a pack running wild in the wood. I'm sure we can find one suitable."

"Wild?" Jamie said with wide eyes.

"They must have belonged to someone once," Alcon reassured her. "They were left behind."

"Don't worry," Thelyn said. "We won't put you on an unruly steed."

They took a little more time with breakfast than usual, enjoying the comfort of a real home. Often, Polodrin's eyes drifted to Jamie, but she didn't seem to notice. In truth, he discovered that she favored none of them. Her manner was the same no matter who spoke. The conversation was light, and when they'd finished, Jamie stood up and started clearing the table.

"Well, while you are all busy, I'll take care of the clean up," she said.

Legolas stood, "We'll return with a horse fitting so gracious a lady," he said and the men headed out the door.

At the top of the stairs, Thelyn paused and looked back at her. She was stacking the dishes and humming to herself. Her newly grown hair fell forward into her eyes and she reached up and tucked it casually behind her ear. Her steps were light and graceful, and then she turned and smiled at him. Thelyn returned her smile and then quickly descended. He was embarrassed for getting caught watching her. In her innocence, she probably didn't realize that was what he was doing, but he knew.

Polodrin had no trouble finding the horses from their tracks. The four had ridden nearly to the banks of the Silvelode before they finally caught up to the small herd. They halted far enough away to observe the horses without startling them.

"Recognize any of them?" Legolas asked the twins.

"No," Alcon said. "We brought all our stock to Ithilien."

"There," Thelyn said with a smile. "That white stallion is the finest in the group."

"He's the leader," Polodrin said. "He'll be hard to tame."

"Then we best get started," Legolas said. "They won't cross the river, so we have them hemmed in. Polodrin and I will go around this way, and you two go that way. When we're ready, I'll call and you drive them toward us."

Thelyn looked at the herd and frowned. "That is your plan? The last time we were out with the Rohirrim…"

"You do not need to be Rohirrim to catch horses," Legolas said indignantly. "I have done this before."

Thelyn raised his hands in resignation, "All right, you're the expert."

Legolas gave a snort and he and Polodrin rode around to get ready.

Thelyn just turned to Alcon and whispered, "If I had Jamie on my horse, I wouldn't be in such a hurry to find her one of her own."

"Perhaps that is why he's in a hurry," Alcon said.

Thelyn looked at his brother's serious expression and understood the meaning. Jamie had a charm about her, that was certain. "So tell me, brother," Thelyn said. "Are you the only one among us who is not affected by those eyes?"

"I think it is impossible to be unaffected," Alcon said. "But I see her as another sister."

"Perhaps one day I can make that official," Thelyn said with a smile.

"Good luck with that," Alcon said sarcastically. "They are ready for us. This is never going to work."

"Oh, come now, Legolas has done this before," Thelyn said with a grin.

The brothers rode around behind the herd and then charged them. The white stallion reared up and neighed angrily before leading his herd at full stampede toward Legolas and Polodrin who were waiting with lassos in hand. Polodrin swung his lasso and threw it at the stallion, missing it by mere inches. Legolas threw his and managed to get the loop around his neck, but got yanked off his horse and was dragged along with the herd.

"Legolas!" Polodrin shouted. He turned around and chased the retreating brood. The twins joined the chase and they tore through the forest at break neck speed.

"Legolas! Legolas, just let go of the rope!" Thelyn shouted.

The stallion made a sharp turn, and Legolas was swung out wide behind him. He leapt to his feet and darted around a tree to brace the rope. The stallion was brought up short, and Legolas tied off the rope. When the others caught up, Legolas was stroking the stallion's neck and speaking to him softly.

They dismounted quickly to see if he was alright. He was covered in dirt, with leaves and grass in his hair, but he was smiling proudly. Polodrin just shook his head, but the twins started laughing.

"I bow to the expert," Thelyn said between laughs.

Jamie had washed and put away the dishes, swept the entire house and made all the beds. She paced around for a while looking for another chore. The other rooms were clean, and everyone's things were already packed. Jamie returned to her room and sorted through her things. Not much there, just her travel clothes, sleeping bag, a water bottle, and a cloak. She looked around the room and spotted the wardrobe. At least she could hang her clothes up. She crossed the room and opened it. She was surprised to find it full. Hadn't their family moved out? There were several good riding outfits and a dozen gowns. Jamie held up a gown and realized it was near her size. It must have been Miranda's. They had told her she was the same size. Jamie admired the finely made dress and hung it back up. That was when she saw the letter.

On the floor of the wardrobe was a folded piece of parchment with a wax seal on it. Jamie could see the name it was addressed to clearly written in plain English that read… FOR JAMIE. She picked it up and shivered uncontrollably as the hair on the back of her neck bristled. It had been here a while, there was dust on it. She carefully broke the seal and opened it.

Dearest Jamie,

I know this letter will surprise you, but I have known of your coming for some time. Your gift is one of song and language. Mine was the gift of foresight. I regret that I was not here to meet you myself, but my hour of departure preceded your coming. But despite my absence, you will find your needs well met. My sons are strong and worthy guardians, and will protect you through any danger. Do not hesitate to trust them, or your other companions.

Your quest is more important than you can possibly know. The Ents are a very old and wise people, but their numbers are dwindling. Reuniting them with the Entwives will help preserve more than their people. It will restore part of the good that was destroyed by darkness in ages past. Your own world is lost to you now, but this is your home now. In time, you will feel no regret over this change. I promise that you will find your place here and happiness as well.

I leave you these clothes and whatever else in this house that you need for I also came here with nothing. Do not begrudge the generosity of those around you. It is a gift to them to accept graciously whatever they offer. Listen to the trees, and never be afraid to sing. Many hurts have been healed with a song.

You have my blessings,

Miranda

Jamie's hand was shaking as she clutched the letter to her breast. She had already come to terms with the thought that she may never go home, but reading it was still a shock. This was it, the final truth. She lived here now. She might as well get used to it. She folded the letter and looked at the seal. It had strange symbols on it, but it looked official. She sighed and wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.

"Well, then" she said to herself as she rummaged through the closet. "What have I inherited?"

It was late afternoon when she heard raised voices from below the tree. She descended quickly to see what all the excitement was about. There at the foot of the stairs stood an Ent and four very proud looking men. Legolas held the reigns to a white horse and as she approached he handed them to her.

"Name him, Jamie, he is yours," Legolas said.

Jamie stepped closer to the stallion and he lowered his head and neighed softly. She thought he shined like a star, his coat was so white. She stroked his muzzle and smiled. She looked into his dark eyes and just said, "Starsong."

Legolas leaned over her shoulder to whisper in her ear. "He was not easy to catch, but he is surprisingly gentle. Let's see you ride him."

There was no saddle on him yet, but Jamie didn't care. She stepped over to his side and reached up and grabbed his mane. Legolas gave her a leg up and she sat tall on Starsong's back. The smile on her face was nothing short of dazzling.

The men watched her as she rode around the clearing and Legolas had the most satisfied smile of all of them. Polodrin stood beside him and chuckled.

"After a gift like that, how can Thelyn and I ever hope to compete?" Polodrin asked.

"The gift was from all of us," Legolas said wistfully as he watched Jamie canter around laughing.

"No it wasn't," Polodrin said with a smirk. "Admit it."

"Jamie is not for me, Polodrin," Legolas said.

"Why not?" Alcon asked as he stepped over to them.

Legolas paused a moment, and finally just said, "Starsong is from all of us, that is all she need know. I'm going to go down to the stable and see if I can find her a saddle." And with that he left.

"Did I miss something?" Thelyn asked as he joined them.

"Tell me, Thelyn," Polodrin said. "Why hasn't Legolas ever settled down?"

"I haven't known him long enough to ask such questions," Thelyn said. "But Aragorn might know. They have been friends for many years. Why?"

"He doesn't want Jamie to know he's the one who caught and tamed that horse," Alcon said. "Don't you think that is odd considering how much work it was?"

Thelyn didn't answer that. He didn't like where such thoughts led him. If Legolas decided he wanted Jamie, no one else would stand a chance. How do you compete with the Prince of Emyn Lasgalen?

Jamie had hugged each one and thanked them for the horse. Thelyn watched closely when she hugged Legolas. She didn't seem to show him any more affection than the rest of them, but Legolas surprised him by breaking the hug quickly. Thelyn was certain Jamie noticed.

At dinner, Jamie was very quiet, and Legolas was completely silent. As the evening wore on, Thelyn tried to draw Jamie back into the conversation.

"Thank you for cleaning up," he said. "The place looks lived in again."

Jamie bit her lip nervously and pulled out the letter she'd found. "I found this when I was cleaning," she said, and handed it to Thelyn.

He looked at the seal. "It has mother's seal," he said, "Hiri Nolwe."

Legolas leaned over to look at it. There was writing there, but it was not readable. He glanced at Jamie. "What does it say?" he asked her quietly.

"It was addressed to me, so I opened it," she said.

They all looked at Jamie expectantly and she seemed quite pale. Thelyn handed it back to her.

"The letter was for you, so you don't have to read it to us," Thelyn said. "You're the only one who understands this writing, so it was obviously meant for you."

Jamie looked at it again, and then folded it up. "She said she was expecting me," Jamie said simply. "She told me that I won't ever be going home."

"Are you alright?" Alcon asked.

"I already knew that, but how could she?" Jamie asked.

"Mom knew when we got into trouble before we ever got home," Thelyn said with a chuckle. "But if you want to know about her, ask Legolas."

Legolas' expression was unreadable. He just looked into Jamie's questioning eyes and said, "Let's go for a walk."

Legolas stood and headed for the stairs with Jamie on his heels. He waited for her and they descended together. They walked in silence for a while until finally Jamie asked him a surprising question.

"Have I done something wrong?" she asked.

"Why would you ask such a thing?" Legolas asked in surprise.

"You seem angry with me," she said.

"No, Jamie, I am not angry, nor have you done anything wrong."

"You're upset about something," she insisted. "It's what I said about the trees, isn't it?"

"Jamie, you see this world only as it is now. I have lived here a very long time, longer than you can possibly know. I miss the way it was," he said. "Being here just reminds me of what is lost."

"I wish I knew what to say to make you feel better," she said dejectedly.

"Why don't you read me Miranda's letter," he said.

Jamie sat against a tree and read it to him. Legolas listened intently and smiled. He missed Miranda and it was nice to hear her words. When Jamie finished, Legolas just shook his head.

"She could have told me you were coming," he said with a chuckle. "It would have been a little easier first few days for you if we knew who you were."

"That's alright," Jamie said. "I thought you were all very nice, considering."

"Well, Jamie, I suggest you heed her advice. Miranda was the voice of Wisdom," Legolas said.

"She didn't leave much of it for me in her letter," Jamie said with a frown.

"She said enough, and it was more than she said to most, including the King," Legolas said. "I trusted you before, but Miranda's approval means a lot."

"Thanks," she said. "So, tell me, Legolas, who caught the horse?"

Legolas laughed as he thoughtlessly rubbed the bruise on his arm, "It was a group effort."

Jamie knew an evasive answer when she heard one. He was being modest. "That's what I thought. Thank you for the horse, Legolas." She leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "You still have grass caught in your cloak pin."

Legolas blushed. "Jamie, I don't think…"

Jamie cocked a brow at him and gave him an annoyed look. "Let me be very plain, Legolas."

"I wish you would," he said.

"I like you all very much, but haven't thought much about any of you beyond that," she admitted. "Polodrin acts like I should get married tomorrow, but I just don't care about that right now."

"So, you have noticed…" Legolas ventured.

"I'm not blind," she said. "I think I have them figured out, I just don't know about you yet."

"Well, when you get me figured out, let me know," Legolas said with a chuckle. "I'd be interested to hear what you think."

"I'm not sure if you're afraid that I might like you, or if you're afraid you might like me," she said.

"Well, that is plain," he said as his eyebrows shot up. "Don't lose any sleep over it; I'm a guardian, not a suitor."

"Good. Then the next time I give you a hug to thank you for something, don't treat me like I have the plague," she said as she rose to go.

"So, you haven't thought about anyone since you arrived here," Legolas ventured mischievously.

"Absolutely not," Jamie said a little too quickly.

Legolas stood and smirked at her. "Yeah, that's what I thought."

Legolas offered her his arm to walk her back, but Jamie shook her head.

"You go on," she said. "I'm going to say goodnight to Quickbeam."

Legolas nodded, "Don't stay out too long. We'll be traveling again tomorrow morning."

Jamie and Quickbeam sat by the spring and talked for a while. She could tell that he was lonely so she stayed longer than she'd intended. The moon was rising and Quickbeam realized it was late.

"You should go to bed," he said.

"Are you alright out here all alone?" she asked.

"I am not alone," he said. "I have the trees to keep me company. Ents are solitary creatures Jamie. It is not common for us to remain in the company of mortals and Elves."

Jamie sighed. She had a lot to learn. She bade him goodnight and climbed the long stair to the house above. Thelyn was still waiting up for her.

"Is he well?" Thelyn asked her.

"Yes," Jamie said. "But I'm exhausted. Goodnight… Thelyn."

"So, Jamie, tell me how are you finally able to tell us apart?" he asked as he watched her cross the room.

"Simple," she said. "Alcon looks at me like a sister, and you look at me like a girlfriend."

"If I asked you, would you look at me like a boyfriend?" he asked.

Jamie paused at the door to her room and looked at him. She could imagine herself saying yes to one of these men, someday. But she just didn't know which one, and it would definitely not be today.

"Don't ask me that," she said seriously. "I'm not saying never, I'm just saying… I don't know."

"Goodnight, Jamie," he said.

"Goodnight," and with that, she disappeared into her room.

Thelyn frowned as he went to his room. She kept her feelings carefully hidden. He had no idea how she felt about any of them. He wished he could see in her eyes what she saw in his.