Goblins and Bonfires

The hour was near midnight when Legolas and Thelyn woke to take over the watch. All had been quiet, but the air of uneasiness still lingered. Legolas was certain that there would be some trouble during the night. Legolas took up post on one side of the camp while Thelyn watched the other. It was less than an hour since the change of watch that Legolas' worries proved right. Thelyn was the first to spot the danger, goblins.

"Goblins!" Thelyn shouted as he aimed his bow and took out the first intruder he saw.

Legolas barely had time to ready his bow before he too was confronted by several hideous targets. Polodrin leapt from his bed with sword in hand and met the charge of several goblins attacking from the trees. Alcon did the same in the other direction. The camp was completely surrounded.

While the men defended the camp, Quickbeam lifted the startled and frightened Jamie high into a tree. Then he started kicking and stomping every goblin he could find. Jamie watched in horror at the bloody battle below. What were those ugly things? Why were they attacking? She saw Legolas shooting arrows at lightening speed, and Thelyn and Alcon did the same. Polodrin swung his sword like a seasoned knight of the round table. Quickbeam was so tall and strong that one good stomp did the trick for him. The battle was relatively short, ending with twenty dead goblins and at least four that escaped.

"Is everyone alright?" Legolas asked.

The answers came, none were seriously hurt, but Thelyn had a minor cut on his shoulder, and Polodrin had a gash on his leg. Of immediate concern to all of them was Jamie.

"Where's Jamie?" a panicked sounding Thelyn asked.

"Up here," she called as she started to descend from the lofty branches. Quickbeam reached up and lifted her out of the boughs and safely to the ground.

"Are you hurt?" Legolas asked.

"No," she said and then saw the wounded and gasped. "Polodrin, Thelyn… sit." She immediately went to work tending the injuries. Thelyn's cut didn't look very serious so she checked on Polodrin's leg. "I'll need some water to wash these wounds," she said quickly.

Quickbeam volunteered to bring the water while Alcon searched through the supplies for bandages. Jamie borrowed a knife and cut his pants enough to see the injury. It was small but deep. She figured it would heal fine if properly bandaged. Alcon returned with a bottle of wine and some bandages.

"This is going to hurt, Polodrin, but it is for your own good," Jamie said as she cleaned the deep cut in his thigh. After washing away the blood with a little water, she used the wine to sterilize it.

Polodrin grit his teeth, and then grunted, "My lady spoke truthfully." Thelyn chuckled and Polodrin glared at him. "Your turn next, Elf," he said in annoyance.

Jamie finished washing it and wrapped it tight. Then she turned her attention to Thelyn. He'd already removed his coat and Jamie helped him peel off his blood soaked shirt. She flinched at the sight of so much blood. She washed the wound with water first and realized it should be stitched to heal properly.

"I think this needs to be stitched," she said weakly.

"There's a needle and thread in with the bandages," Alcon said. "Do you want me to do it?"

Jamie gulped, "No." It was supposed to be a woman's place to fix boo-boos. She was not going to wimp out now. "Thelyn, I apologize ahead of time, this is really going to hurt," she said with concern in her eyes.

"I'll be fine," Thelyn said softly. "Just do what you need to, I trust you."

Jamie sterilized the needle, thread and the wound. She bit her lip and carefully started to stitch. Thelyn didn't even flinch, but Jamie knew it hurt. Five stitches and it was done. She bandaged it up and helped him put his shirt back on.

Jamie reached for his coat to give it to him, and Thelyn leaned closer and whispered, "You have a gentle touch, Jamie. Thank you for tending my wound."

Jamie blushed and turned to Legolas. "Now what?" she asked as she looked around at the carnage.

Legolas had stayed and watched as Jamie carefully, and surprisingly skillfully, cleaned and bandaged the injuries. He was impressed and lost in thought until her question brought him back to the present circumstances.

"They will not return tonight," Legolas said. "The moon is bright, we should leave now. I do not want to stay in the wood any longer than we have to, and it is a long road."

"Just as long as these two take it easy for a couple of days," Jamie said seriously.

They broke camp quickly and Jamie mounted up. Before they continued down the road, Polodrin rode over to her. He pulled a dagger out of his saddle bag and handed it to her.

"I want you to keep this with you," he said. "I don't want you to be unarmed."

Jamie looked at the weapon in surprise. "I wouldn't know how to use it," she said.

"I hope that you won't need to, but if you should…" Polodrin said carefully, "Stab at anything vital."

Jamie went pale at the thought but accepted the gift, "Thank you," she said and strapped the sheath to her belt.

Polodrin gave her a nod and they headed down the road. Jamie found herself in the middle of the riders. It was obvious that they were keeping her well guarded. They rode at a light pace, but there was urgency in their manner. Legolas gradually increased his pace as the eastern horizon started to lighten with the coming sun.

As the morning wore on, Alcon watched his brother staring at Jamie. It was obvious that it was much more than a passing fancy. Thelyn's eyes were full of love, and Alcon couldn't stand watching him moon over her in silence anymore. Her age aside, it was time Thelyn just told her. Alcon nudged his horse Thunder to keep pace beside Thelyn and spoke.

"Tell her how you feel," Alcon whispered in Sindarin.

"When she is older," Thelyn said.

Alcon sighed, "No, Thelyn, don't wait. Tell her."

"Polodrin had great success sharing his feelings…" Thelyn said sarcastically.

"You are not Polodrin, Thelyn. Tell her," Alcon said seriously, "Trust me."

Thelyn shrugged off his brother's advice and watched the road. He wondered what had made Alcon change his mind in the matter. His eyes strayed to the young woman riding beside him. Her golden skin glowed in the sun and her long braid hung past her hips. He smirked at the new length. Soon she would have to cut it to keep from tripping. He would have to tell Quickbeam to stop sharing his Ent brew with her.

Jamie glanced at Thelyn and caught him watching her with a smile on his face.

"What?" she asked.

"Your hair," Thelyn said with a smirk. "It has grown again."

Jamie frowned, "I know, and it is becoming a nuisance. I'm going to cut it when we camp later."

"No, don't cut it," Polodrin protested. "Just quit drinking the Ent's water."

"But I haven't…" she looked up at Quickbeam who was ignoring them. He'd been filling her water bottle for her and she suddenly suspected he was spiking it. "You were just giving me regular water, weren't you?" she asked Quickbeam.

"The draft is good for you," Quickbeam said nonchalantly. "The journey will be long and hard. Once you are used to it, your hair will stop growing so quickly. Just trim it now and then."

Legolas shook his head and laughed. "At least you haven't had any other affects," Legolas said.

Jamie kept silent. She had noticed her bra fitting tighter. She was sure she'd gained a cup size in the last week. At this rate, she would rival Dolly in no time. She hoped there wouldn't be anymore surprises on this trip. It was about time she started filling her own water bottle.

They rode all day with only a brief break for the horses around noon. They ate a hurried lunch and then continued until well after dark before finally Legolas halted for them to rest. There was a stream near the road, and a large open area. It was a good place to make camp. Jamie dismounted and started to walk down to the stream, but Thelyn caught her arm.

"Wait, Jamie," he said. "I'll go with you. I don't want you leaving camp alone."

"But the stream is right over there," she protested. "You can see it from here."

"Don't argue," Legolas said. "Until we are out of the wood, you are going to stay very close, or take a guard."

Jamie frowned, but did as she was told. She didn't want company when she washed. It didn't matter that she was only washing her face and hands. It felt strange having a man… or elf watching over your shoulder. They reached the stream, and Jamie took off her jacket. She knelt down and rolled up her shirt sleeves.

Thelyn discreetly looked away, though he stayed close. He heard her splashing in the water and glanced down as she splashed the water over her face. The moonlight reflected off the droplets of water in her hair like tiny stars around her face. She was beautiful, and he forced himself to turn away again to keep from staring.

"You can turn around," she said with a chuckle. "I'm not taking a bath."

"You have had few moments of privacy on this journey," Thelyn said. "I did not wish to be rude by following. I only meant to keep you safe."

Jamie stood and started buttoning her coat. "I know that, and thanks," she said.

Thelyn turned and looked into her eyes. "Your servant, my lady."

"No, Thelyn," she said as she furrowed her brow seriously. "Not servant, friend."

"Jamie, I would be more than your friend," he whispered.

"Thelyn, please…" she said breathlessly, but he interrupted.

"Sixteen or not, I will not be silent anymore. I cannot pretend we are simply friends. I lay my heart at your feet," Thelyn said as he gazed into her eyes. "But not a step closer will I come if you do not wish it."

"I don't know what I wish," she said with a quiver in her voice. "I just don't think I'm ready for more than your friendship, Thelyn. I just never… I don't know…"

"Shhh," he whispered, "Friends, then, until you are ready for more."

Jamie looked into his eyes and could see that he was being completely sincere. If she was not careful, she would hurt him deeply. She knew she had feelings for him, but had not been able to define them for herself yet. She needed time, and he was willing to give her that. She took a step closer to him and he closed his eyes and held his breath. He wouldn't make a move she did not want, and she was deeply touched by his patience.

Thelyn couldn't believe he had just come out and told her. Now she would avoid him like she did Polodrin. He closed his eyes and cringed until he felt her arms wrap around him and her head against his chest. His arms engulfed her delicate form and he held her. Thelyn could feel her heartbeat, calm and steady, and he smiled. It was the most wonderful feeling having her in his arms.

"Friends," she said softly, "For now."

Thelyn's hug tightened slightly at the sound of promise in her words and then he released her. "Come," he said. "You need your rest."

He led her back to the camp where the fire was already burning. Jamie went to her sleeping bag to sit down and Thelyn sat by his brother. Polodrin looked from one to the other suspiciously. Legolas just smirked at the obvious rivalry but made no comment. The stream was clearly visible from camp, and they had all noticed the hug. It was obvious that the pair was growing close.

Dinner was good, a couple of spit roasted rabbits and campfire biscuits. Jamie was impressed by what Polodrin could do on an open fire.

"You are a good camp cook, Polodrin," Jamie said with a smile.

"Years of practice, my lady," Polodrin said with a smile. "You're a good healer. My wound is improving quickly, thanks to your tending."

Jamie just blushed at the compliment and rolled out her sleeping bag. She knew Legolas would have them on the road early. "Goodnight, gentlemen," she said as she slipped into her sleeping bag.

"Gentlemen?" Alcon asked with a cocked brow.

Jamie propped her head up on her elbow and furrowed her brow thoughtfully. "It's just a respectful term for a group of honorable men… Oh, you're not all men, are you? Sorry. It was meant in the general sense of gender, not… um, I'm not used to hanging around Elves… um, I'm blushing right now, aren't I?"

All four of them started laughing, and Jamie just rolled her eyes and hid in her sleeping bag. Her obvious embarrassment only made them laugh harder. It was Legolas who finally regained his composure and put her mind at ease.

"We understood what you meant," Legolas reassured her. "It is not a common term among Elves."

There was a muffled, "Sorry," from the lump in the sleeping bag.

The snickers died down and they settled in for the night. Thelyn and Legolas took the first watch while everyone rested. Jamie fell asleep quickly under the watchful eyes of Quickbeam, who remained close to where she lay. Legolas and Thelyn stood together a short distance from the fire and talked quietly.

"So you finally told her," Legolas said.

"Alcon said I should, but I was still going to wait. It just came out," Thelyn said. "I truly meant to wait…"

Legolas raised a hand to stop his explanation. "What did she say?"

"She is not ready, I had known that," Thelyn said. "I could not stop myself."

"Jamie does not seem to hold it against you," Legolas said.

"I promised I would protect her," Thelyn said. "She still trusts me, and I refuse to break her trust."

"Your father would be proud of you, Thelyn. When Jamie is ready, you will know," Legolas said.

"What about Polodrin?" Thelyn asked.

"What about him?" Legolas asked with a cocked brow.

"Well…"

"Forget him," Legolas said. "It is the chase he loves, not Jamie. He doesn't have a chance anyway."

Thelyn smirked, "The wise Prince knows so much about love…"

Legolas looked at him seriously, "Yes, youngest of the Hiri Nolwe, I do know. I have loved very deeply. For me it wasn't meant to be, but for you it is. Your patience will bear a great reward. Give it time."

"Forgive me," Thelyn said. "I didn't mean to…"

"No need," Legolas said. "It was a long time ago."

"Is that why you never…?" Thelyn pressed.

"What's lost is lost," Legolas said lightly. "I never found another who moved me since."

The hours of the night passed slowly. Legolas didn't feel the danger as he had before, but he was still wary. Polodrin and Alcon relieved them a little after midnight, and the rest of the night was uneventful. After breakfast, they broke camp and continued eastward on the road. Legolas hoped to clear the forest before making camp again, but it would be a long ride. Jamie seemed to be in good spirits and Quickbeam hummed lightly.

"What is that you sing, Lord Quickbeam?" Legolas asked.

"A song of gentle rain in the forest and the leaves of spring," Quickbeam said. "There is a kind whisper from the trees in this part of the wood."

"I feel it," Legolas said as he looked around. "What are the trees whispering?"

"It is not easy to translate," Quickbeam said.

Jamie searched the shadows of the wood as they passed. The voices she heard were soft, but she could make out part of what they were saying, The Elves return… they said excitedly. She didn't have the heart to tell them they were just passing through. The rest of the day went quickly. They continued until dusk and then started looking for a place to camp. Jamie heard the trees crying out and suddenly went pale and halted.

"Legolas…" she said nervously.

Quickbeam frowned as he heard the same alarm. "Goblins," he said angrily as he stormed into the forest on the north side of the road.

Legolas smelled smoke and turned around. "Polodrin, stay with Jamie," he said firmly.

"Oh, no!" Polodrin shouted as he rode after Quickbeam without looking back. "Let the Elf stay!"

Legolas frowned. "Thelyn," he said over his shoulder as he rode into the forest after Quickbeam with the Alcon behind him.

Thelyn looked at Jamie's concerned expression and sighed. "Don't worry," he said, "They'll be fine."

"It's not them I'm worried about," she said, "It's her. The trees said she's trapped."

"Who?" Thelyn asked.

"I don't know," Jamie said.

Quickbeam saw the smoke and flames and roared with anger. The vile creatures had set fire to a tree! They had trapped someone in its boughs and then set it on fire. Quickbeam couldn't get too close without the risk of catching fire himself, but he didn't care. He kicked a couple of troublesome goblins out of his way and reached high into the tree.

"I will help you," he said in the common tongue.

"My Lord, Ent," she coughed respectfully as she reached for his hands. "I humbly thank you."

Polodrin rode into the clearing and started cutting down goblins with his sword. Right behind him were Legolas and Alcon. They were swift and accurate with their bows. They dispatched the evil vermin quickly and rode over to Quickbeam to see what the goblins were after.

"What did they want?" Polodrin asked Quickbeam.

Quickbeam gently laid down his burden and Polodrin dismounted to tend the wounded… maid? "A maid," Polodrin said in surprise.

Legolas and Alcon joined him, and Polodrin knelt beside her and pulled back her hood.

"An Elf," Legolas said in shock when he saw her ears. "There shouldn't be any elves here… wait. Her hair is black as pitch! Forest elves have fair hair. Who is she, and where does she come from?"

Polodrin gently brushed a lock of hair from her forehead. "My lady," he said.

She suddenly started coughing and Polodrin sighed with relief. Alcon handed him a canteen and Polodrin gently lifted her head so she could drink. After a sip of water she opened her eyes and was obviously surprised to be in the arms of a man. She jerked away, looking at him suspiciously.

"Release me, human!" she demanded angrily in sindarin. "Where is the Tree Lord?"

Polodrin was confused by her mistrust. "My lady, we are friends," he said with concern in his eyes. "We came to your rescue."

Legolas put a hand on his shoulder and stepped forward. "I am Legolas Greenleaf, son of Thandruil of this realm of Emyn Lasgalen. You need not fear us," Legolas said. "Who are you?"

Her eyes doubled in size and she knelt respectfully. "Thandruil is known in my country. Forgive my distrust, Prince of the wood. I am Nyére." She coughed again, but recovered quickly.

"Do not bow to me lady," Legolas said as he reached for her hand. "There is no longer any Lord in this wood."

Nyére stood and looked at them. She was surprised to see a red haired Elf and a man in the company of the old Ent. She looked at the man, still unsure of him. Men were evil in her country, only slightly less vile than orcs or goblins. She backed away from him and directed her attention to the Elves.

"Thank you for your aid," she said to Legolas. "I am in your debt."

"If you would offer thanks, direct it to Lord Polodrin for he was the first to reach you. Do you know the common tongue?" Legolas asked.

Nyére glanced at Polodrin warily before answering. "Yes, Lord Greenleaf."

"Then use it in our company for there are two among us who only know that tongue," Legolas said. "Where do you come from?"

"The Dorian Wood beneath the peaks of Orocarni," she said.

"A daughter of the Avari? Why have you come here?" Legolas asked.

"I cannot say," she said softly. "My errand has failed, and I cannot return. I am just a wanderer now."

Legolas looked at her with sympathy. Stories of the Avari were little more than legend now. They were the Unwilling, who refused to heed the call to return to Valinor. Nyére was an outcast from a distant land, and she was alone. It was doubtful she would be well received among the Elves here. The Avari were widely regarded as traitors.

Polodrin stared at her in wonder. She was the most beautiful Elf maid he had ever seen. Her hair was black as midnight and her skin glowed like the snows of Caradras in the moonlight. She was tall and lithe, and she had spirit. He could see the distrust in her eyes when she looked at him. He wondered why it was there.

"Let's get back to the road," Legolas finally said. "Come, Nyére. You may camp in safety with us tonight."

Jamie and Thelyn had started a fire and sat waiting for the others to return. Jamie already knew the danger had passed for the trees had carried the message to her. Thelyn had managed to find a little game and it was already cooking. Quickbeam was the first to emerge from the wood.

"All is well," he said. "We have a guest."

Thelyn turned to see Legolas walking with an Elf maid. He cocked a brow, but waited for the others to join them before commenting. The horses were tended to and the camp was set up before anyone addressed the unspoken questions. Finally, Legolas spoke.

"This is Nyére, from the distant east," he said. "Nyére, let me introduce our company to you. Lord Polodrin, your rescuer is the son of Lord Faramir, the Prince of Ithilien and Steward of Gondor. Alcon and Thelyn are the youngest sons of Lord Haldir, Guardian of the Golden Wood of Lorien, and the Hiri Nolwe. Lord Quickbeam is from the great wood of Fangorn. And Lady Jamie is the Taure Lirilla."

Nyére nodded to each one, but when they reached Jamie she stared in shock. "You are the Voice?" she asked in surprise. Nyére fell to her knees before Jamie and spoke, "I have searched for you for months. Please, you must come with me to the Dorain forest. Nothing but your song can heal my land of the darkness that has come."

Jamie was caught off guard by the display. "But I already have a quest," Jamie said with a cocked brow.

"What darkness?" Polodrin asked.

Nyére didn't even look at him when she answered. "Men," she said bitterly.

Polodrin's jaw tightened at the hatred he heard in her voice when she said Men. He felt slapped in the face… insulted. He was about to answer, but Quickbeam spoke first.

"Where is your wood?" Quickbeam asked.

"Far to the east, Lord Ent," Nyére said. "Beyond the scorched gardens of your ladies."

Jamie perked up at the mention of the Entwives. "Do you know where the Entwives have gone?" Jamie asked anxiously.

"Their home is secret," Nyére said. "None I know have seen it, but it is said to be hidden in the shadow of the great Mountain, near our wood."

"If I sing in your wood, will you lead us to this mountain?" Jamie asked.

"Jamie…" Thelyn warned softly.

Jamie turned to Thelyn with a stern expression, "Do you trust me, Thelyn?"

Thelyn's expression softened. "You know I do," he said softly with tenderness in his eyes.

"Legolas? Alcon? Polodrin? Any objections to this?" Jamie asked, looking at each one.

Legolas looked at Nyére, still on her knees before Jamie. Avari were a strong and proud people. For Nyére to humble herself before a human spoke volumes. He heaved a sigh and just said, "You know I trust you, it's your quest, Jamie. We're just your guardians."

"No objection," Alcon said.

Jamie glanced at Polodrin and he just gave her a nod.

"Then it is settled," Jamie said. "Nyére, welcome to the Singer's Quest. Now get up already."

Thelyn stifled a laugh at Jamie's casual comment. He really loved her innocent charm.

Nyére sat back and looked around at them nervously. She had not expected to be so well received here. She had been warned that she would be hated among the western Elves simply for being Avari. But it was the fact that the Voice was a human that surprised her the most. Humans were all evil, or so she had always been taught. The man in their company kept watching her, and she was unnerved by it. Nyére liked this Jamie, but she did not know what to think of Lord Polodrin.

Dinner was relatively quiet as everyone seemed to be sizing up Nyére. She was polite, but distant, watching everyone warily. Finally it was Jamie that tried to get her to relax.

"You know, I haven't bitten anyone in a long time," Jamie said. "So you should be safe sleeping by me."

Nyére looked at Jamie in shock. "What?"

Polodrin stifled a laugh, and the twins snickered.

Legolas just shook his head. "Jamie, Elves don't always understand ironic humor," he said with a grin.

Nyére looked back at Jamie who had an innocent smile on her face, and she realized what was going on. "Well," she said lightly. "I haven't killed a human in almost a week. Rest well."

Jamie laughed as she settled into her sleeping bag, but Legolas didn't find that comment at all humorous. Where Nyére was from, that would not have been a joke. He watched as she walked to the edge of camp and whistled loudly. A few moments passed and then a tall sorrel horse trotted out of the woods. He was saddled and packed for travel. Nyére took his reins and led him over to the other horses.

"What's his name?" Polodrin asked as he walked over.

Nyére's expression was flat, "Hortha," she said and then translated for him, "Speed."

"He's a very fine horse," Polodrin said with a smile.

"Don't touch him," she warned. "He's been trained to trample humans."

"You're a very distrusting Elf," Polodrin said seriously.

"No," she said. "I trust men to be evil. That is what I know."

"You have not been in the west for long, have you?" Polodrin asked seriously.

"No," she admitted.

"Then you know nothing about men," he said flatly and left her alone by the horses.

Nyére watched him with interest. He was nothing like the men of the east and she was suddenly intrigued. Traveling with the singer might be interesting.