Rime and River

Nyére laid out her blanket beside Jamie and lay down. She glanced at Jamie and considered how quickly her fate had changed. This morning she had buried the last of her comrades, and fled into the forest. She knew their journey was over and all hope was gone. It was only a matter of time before the Goblins found her. But then she saw the old one, the Tree Herder, reach for her through the flames. It was the bravest thing she had ever seen. Now she was in the company of the one she'd been seeking. In the darkest hour, she found a ray of light, and of hope. It was strange that she was human. Nyére expected an Elf maid to carry the voice of the forest. But now that she was here, she would have to get used to it. Jamie had kindness in her eyes. Perhaps she might even be likable, for a human. She sighed softly and glanced at the Elf Prince who kept watch. He was spending more time watching the camp than the wood. She knew it was because she was an Avari… a daughter of the Unwilling. Well, that was just fine. If she had to, she'd leave them all behind. The only one she needed was Jamie.

Nyére closed her eyes and tried to think of something else, like her home. Their borders had been shrinking for the past age, but it was still beautiful. The trees still spoke, and kept watch. Their great branches touched the sky beneath the peaks of the Orocarni Mountains. Her father would be sitting down to dinner with Pallando the Blue and discussing lofty matters of wine and tobacco. They would waste the hours of the night blowing smoke rings at the moon, and ignoring the sorrow that plagues them. Both had lost much over the years. Everyone in the wood had lost too much. Nyére squeezed her eyes shut to keep the tears from escaping. She was given another chance and she had to make it work. She could not fail them.

Legolas kept watch not only on the wood around them, but on the Elf maid. He understood Jamie's decision to invite her along, but he didn't trust Nyére. She was not forthcoming with details about her business. Jamie was too trusting. Even Quickbeam remained watchful rather than dozing as was his custom. Thelyn made a circuit of the camp's perimeter and then joined Legolas.

"I don't know about this Nyére," Thelyn said. "I trust Jamie's judgment, but…"

"Just stay close to Jamie," Legolas said. "I'll keep an eye on our Avari friend."

"It really bothers you, doesn't it?" Thelyn asked.

"You are young," Legolas said. "And your family was unconventional, so you may not fully understand. My father remembered the old days, and he had nothing kind to say about the Avari. Their choice to remain in the east was frowned upon."

"Well, as you said, that was long ago," Thelyn said. "You look at her the way she looks at Polodrin."

"Yes, and I trust her less than she trusts him," Legolas said seriously. "Don't leave her alone with Jamie. I have yet to determine her motives for joining us."

The night wore on slowly and Legolas woke the camp before dawn. He'd had a hard time sleeping after his watch was over. They broke camp and ate breakfast before the stars faded. Jamie was cheerful as always no matter what the hour and she whistled to herself as she cinched her saddle.

Nyére watched her out of the corner of her eye as she packed her saddlebag. Polodrin greeted Jamie, and Nyére listened discreetly.

"Good morning, Jamie," Polodrin said. "How about a song today to brighten this early morning?"

Jamie climbed up into her saddle and shook her head shyly. "Oh, I don't think I can think of one. Maybe later," she said noncommittally."

Polodrin gave her a nod and mounted his strong black war horse, Midnight. He rode over to her and just said, "You could sing about the dust under your feet for all I care. It is your voice that stirs the heart." And with that he joined the twins and Legolas.

Nyére mounted up and looked at Jamie curiously. "You are embarrassed when you sing?"

"I never used to sing in front of anyone before I came here," Jamie admitted.

Nyére turned her horse toward the other riders and waited for Jamie to join her. When Jamie caught up, they followed Legolas and Quickbeam. Nyére seemed lost in thought for a while and then finally she looked at Jamie and said, "Yours is a great gift. You must use it boldly, or you will lose it."

Jamie cocked a brow at her and quickly retorted, "That sounds like the voice of experience, what gift have you lost?"

"Your gift is song, Jamie, not wisdom," Nyére said with annoyance. She gave Hortha a kick and joined the forward riders. This Jamie was not what she'd expected. She was a Naïve child too afraid of her own power to offer a song to her friends. Her errand was going to fail after all. Jamie was not the help they needed.

Jamie bit her lip nervously. Nyére had a point. If she couldn't sing for her friends, how was she going to sing when it really mattered? She tried to think of something interesting enough to not sound foolish. Starsong slowly dropped back from the main group as Jamie was lost in thought. Finally she thought of something that might brighten the morning. As the sun broke on the horizon, Jamie lifted her voice in song, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, by Coleridge, "It is an ancient Mariner, And he stoppeth one of three. By thy long beard and glittering eye, 'Now wherefore stopp'st thou me? The Bridegroom's doors are opened wide, And I am next of kin; The guests are met, the feast is set, May'st hear the merry din.' He holds him with his glittering eye- The Wedding-Guest stood still, And listens like a three years' child: The Mariner hath his will..." Thelyn dropped back to keep pace with Jamie as she sang. He liked her songs and smiled as he listened. It was a strange tale, of a sea farer telling his story to a wedding guest. He was enthralled.

"...And now the STORM-BLAST came, and he was tyrannous and strong: He struck with his o'ertaking wings, And chased us south along..."

And as the morning wore on, the story continued. Everyone was listening intently, and Jamie couldn't believe she still remembered the whole thing. She was sure she dropped a few stanzas here and there, but it wouldn't matter in the scheme of the whole story.

Nyére was dumbstruck by Jamie's voice. She had her doubts before, but there could be no question now, she was the one. She concentrated of the unfolding tale, completely engrossed.

"...God save thee, ancient Mariner! From the fiends, that plague thee thus!--Why look'st thou so?'--With my cross-bow Ishot the ALBATROSS…"

Legolas gasped at the confession of the Mariner. What a horrible tale! He listened as she continued. What sort of story was this?

"...And I had done an hellish thing... Down dropt the breeze, the sails dropt down, 'Twas sad as sad could be; And we did speak only to break the silence of the sea!"

The morning wore on and they emerged on the eastern edge of Mirkwood, Legolas' once beloved Emyn Lasgalen. This time he was not sad to leave it for it was forever altered in his eyes. It was almost as sad as Jamie's song.

"...Ah ! well a-day ! what evil looks had I from old and young! Instead of the cross, the Albatross about my neck was hung..."

And so the story of his punishment unfolded for them. His curse and the horrible things that happened to their ship and crew. Jamie sang all seven parts of the Rime of the Ancient Mariner in all their gruesome woe. She thought it would be fitting for the setting here in Middle Earth. There were other good epic poems, but it would be hard to explain muskets or canons to them. The land before them was rolling hills, and quiet. Jamie's song was all that could be heard for miles. It drew to a close, and there was silence among the riders.

Nyére just sat in the saddle lost in thought. She'd been wrong about Jamie. She was not as naïve as she thought. A foolish girl could not sing such a tale with so much feeling. A single tear slipped from her eye, but she quickly brushed it away. She was alone in this company, and she refused to show any weakness.

As the sun made its climb in the sky, Legolas decided it was time to rest the horses. They halted in the shadow of a hill and ate lunch. Jamie was thankful no one commented on the song. She had done it to prove to herself that she could, but now she felt embarrassed.

Nyére sat alone, but Polodrin joined her. She ignored him hoping he would go away, but he spoke.

"You are afraid of me," he said.

"I fear no human," she said.

"It is unusual for Elves to speak lies," Polodrin said. "I promise you, there is no reason to fear me."

"I am new in this company, so your presence is not my choice. Do me the courtesy of not speaking to me," she said.

"What manner of Elf are you that you can be so rude?" Polodrin asked seriously.

"I am an Elf who is still alive," she said. "Now, leave me in peace."

Polodrin stood with a dark expression on his face and left her alone. Legolas beckoned him over when he saw him.

"Leave her a little space, Polodrin," Legolas said.

"I have not earned her hatred," Polodrin said in annoyance. "But she is trying to earn mine."

Legolas just gave a grunt of acknowledgement and watched their dark haired tag along carefully. She wasn't worried about making friends, that was for certain.

Thelyn and Jamie sat together in silence, but finally Thelyn had to ask, "Don't you know any happy songs?"

"I wasn't a very happy person," Jamie admitted. "But I'll try to think of something for next time."

"Are you happy now?" Thelyn asked as he looked at her intently.

"I am," she said, almost surprised to hear herself admit it. "I truly am happy here."

Thelyn gave her a warm smile, "I am very glad to hear that."

Jamie smiled back and then looked to Legolas. "Where to now?" she asked.

"Ask your new guide," Legolas said. "This country is new to me."

Jamie looked at Nyére questioningly, "Well, Nyére, what do you suggest?"

Nyére didn't expect to be addressed about their direction so quickly, or directly. "It is unwise to travel in the open here. I suggest we stay close to the river and follow it southeast until we reach the Rhûn sea. There is a ferry there, and it will be a safer crossing."

"What can we expect here, if you don't mind being specific," Legolas asked her. "If it is unsafe to travel in the open, what exactly are we avoiding?"

"Goblins live under the hills in different places, there are trolls and…" she paused a moment, glancing at Polodrin, "Men."

"So all men here are to be avoided?" Jamie asked. "How strange."

"It is rumored that some are trustworthy, but I have yet to meet any," Nyére admitted.

Alcon frowned and muttered under his breath, "You met one that is trustworthy; you just don't seem to know it."

"Then, the time has come for you to lead us," Jamie said, ignoring the looks and comments from the rest of the group. "I trust you to lead us true. In return for your help, I promise to do whatever I can to restore your home."

Nyére was touched by her innocent, if blind, trust. "Then we should get going," she said. "We will need to get to the river by nightfall."

They mounted up and continued with Nyére now in the lead with Legolas. He allowed her to choose their direction, but he remained close. The last thing he wanted was any more surprises. He was willing to let this Avari lead them, for now. She was a kindred of his people, yet he could not shake the feeling that she should not be trusted. His instincts were not usually wrong.

It was dusk when they could hear the sound of a rushing river up ahead. Legolas knew it would be the Runnings. They rose over a hill and gazed down at a wide turbulent river. Legolas scanned the shoreline for a god place to camp, and Nyére pointed downstream.

"There is a good place," she said. "The river is turbulent here, but farther down the land levels out some and it becomes wide and lazy again. We will want to keep a close watch on the surrounding hills."

Legolas nodded, "That is wise."

He led the company down to the chosen campsite and they made camp. Thelyn and Alcon fished for their dinner while Jamie helped Quickbeam find some dry driftwood for the fire. Nyére watched Jamie with the old Ent and looked at Legolas.

"It is strange to see an Ent away from his wood," she said.

"He keeps guard over his charge as do we all," Legolas said.

"What is her quest?" She asked.

"To reunite the Ents with the Entwives," Legolas said.

"None have seen the Entwives for more than an age," Nyére admitted. "It is a fool's quest."

"Then perhaps we should turn back now, and save ourselves the grief," Legolas said with a cocked brow.

"No," she said quickly. "There may be hope in the search. None have tried before now…"

"Yes, that's what I thought," Legolas said. "What is your purpose, Nyére? Why should I allow you to remain in this company?"

"I have spoken truthfully," she said. "I came to bring the Voice to my home, so that she could sing. There is no evil to my purpose."

"You speak the truth in part, but keep most hidden. I do not trust you," Legolas said firmly. "I suggest you watch your step, especially around Jamie."

"I am here by her invitation and promise," Nyére said arrogantly.

"And I will kill to protect her," Legolas said quietly. "Do we understand each other?"

"Yes," Nyére said. "I understand perfectly."

"Good," Legolas said as he went to see how the twins were doing with the fishing. Nyére got under his skin. It was her demeanor. Her distrust was contagious. But founded or not, he would take no chances. Jamie did not know when to be wary.

Dinner was quiet, and Jamie gathered the dishes when they were done and headed down to the water to wash them. Thelyn was going to follow, but Polodrin was already on her heels. Thelyn could see them from where he sat, so he watched and waited. Polodrin caught up to Jamie and offered to help.

"Want a hand with those?" he asked.

"Go back to the fire, I don't need a guard to wash a pan," Jamie said in annoyance.

"Jamie, are you still angry with me?" he asked her seriously.

"Oh, of course not. No harm done," she said. "Don't worry, we're still friends."

Polodrin sat down beside her. "That is a relief. I could not be rejected by two ladies, it would be unmanning!"

"Oh, is Lord Polodrin suffering from a bruised ego?" Jamie asked humorously.

"Excuse me?" Polodrin asked in confusion.

Jamie realized the term wouldn't translate. "Did you get your feelings hurt?" she clarified.

"I do not understand this hatred," he said. "I have done nothing."

"Where I am from, there is often hatred directed toward those who are different. It doesn't matter that you're a good man. If all she's ever seen are bad men, you are going to be seen in the same way. Let her get to know you. She'll see you're a good guy," Jamie said encouragingly.

"I'd sooner impress you," he said.

"You don't need to, I already like you," she said with a smile.

"Truly?" he asked hopefully.

"As a friend," Jamie clarified.

"My lady you toy with my heart," he said.

"Oh, you'll live," Jamie said with a smirk. He was just flirting now, she could tell. The serious attention he'd shown before was gone. Jamie suspected he was more interested in Nyére.

"It is that Elf, isn't it?" he asked.

"What?" she said as she was caught off guard.

"I have seen how you look at him," Polodrin said.

"Friends," Jamie said lightly.

"Oh, of course, that was what I saw in your eyes. Deep… friendship," Polodrin said dryly.

"Oh, go pester an Elf maid," Jamie said sarcastically.

"No, that one would slay me rather than look at me," Polodrin said bitterly.

"Oh, go on, you like a challenge," Jamie said with a smirk.

A sudden smile crept across his face. "My lady how cruel my fate that you should love another. You are utterly charming." He stood and gave her a slight bow before heading back up the bank to the campfire.

Jamie turned and watched him sit right next to Nyére. She smiled. They would make this an interesting trip. It put her in mind of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. Polodrin was Lord Benedick and Nyére was Beatrice. Jamie wondered how long before they either fell for each other, or killed each other.

Jamie sighed, loaded up the clean dishes and returned to camp where Thelyn was waiting for her. He packed the dishes for her and walked her to her blanket.

"So you and Polodrin have made peace with each other?" he asked.

"We weren't at war," Jamie said with a chuckle.

"That is not…" Thelyn started to say but Jamie interrupted.

"We're friends, Thelyn, that is all. I'm not interested in him, okay?" Jamie reassured him.

"I wasn't asking that," Thelyn said, a little embarrassed.

"No, but you were thinking it," she said.

"I don't look at him like a boyfriend," Jamie said meaningfully.

"You don't look at me like a boyfriend either," Thelyn said.

Jamie looked up into his beautiful green eyes and whispered, "Don't I?"

Thelyn searched her eyes and was struck by a new truth hidden in their depths. She did look at him differently. His heart swelled in his chest and he took her hand and led her back down by the river for a private moment.

"You are sure?" he asked.

"I'm sure, Thelyn," she said sincerely. "You offered me your heart, I offer you mine."

Thelyn reached up with both hands and gently held her face. Her eyes were wide and full of innocence as she gazed up at him. He bent down and softly kissed her forehead. And then hugged her.

"So, does this mean you're my girlfriend now?" he asked.

"I guess it does," she said. "Wow, my first boyfriend is an Elf, who'd have thought?"

"First? I would hope so," he said with a smirk.

"Well, not every relationship works out," she said lightly. "My mother…" her words trailed off when she realized how serious this moment was. "My mother showed me how important it is to know your heart before you make a decision," she said. "I never felt this way about anyone before. I know my heart is safe with you."

"It is," Thelyn said. "And I will take this courtship slow. There is plenty of time for us to get to know each other before I ask for your hand."

"Uh, Thelyn, lets not talk about marriage yet, okay?" she said nervously. What was it with people here?

"Sorry," he said. "I do not know your customs."

"Well, first of all, girls my age don't get married, they go steady," she said.

"Explain," he said.

"They spend a lot of time with their boyfriend, but sometimes that relationship doesn't lead to marriage. If it does, they get engaged and then get married… but later."

"Ah, boyfriend first, then courtship, then betrothal…" he said. "I can do that."

"Can you kiss me?" she asked mischievously.

"When you are seventeen," he said flatly as he took her hand and led her up the hill. "Now, you need your rest."