Emissary

Faramir was seated in his tent reading through a map when one of his rangers came in with a message. He looked up and the rider spoke.

"Lord Faramir, there are riders approaching, and there is an Ent with them," he said.

"How many riders?" Faramir asked.

"There are six," the ranger said. "One of them is your son."

Faramir smiled and stood. "I thought as much when you said there was an Ent with them. Their journey has brought them to an unexpected place. Go tell the King and his guest, and I will greet the riders."

"The King has been told," the Ranger said as they exited the tent.

Faramir crossed the camp quickly to meet the approaching riders. Along the way he was joined by Aragorn and a very sober looking dark haired Elf. As the tall Ent came into view from beyond the last tent, the riders rode into the camp. Faramir smiled at his son but waited for the King to speak first.

"Welcome travelers," Aragorn said. "Come and take rest from your journey in harsh weather."

Legolas dismounted and greeted him. "Aragorn, what brings you out so far? Has there been trouble in my absence?"

"Trouble yes, but not for Gondor," Aragorn said. "This is Lord Atanvardo, an emissary from the high Lord Ondollo of the Avari in the distant east. He was sent to find a missing princess."

Legolas looked at the smug elf and greeted him. "Welcome brother of the East," Legolas said formally as he offered his hand.

Atanvardo just gave him a curt nod and looked past him at the other riders. He had never seen red haired elves before and there were two hooded riders as well. Then he saw the attire of his homeland and walked over to the cloaked rider with an angry expression on his face. He glanced up and recognized her.

"Your father is most displeased with your disobedience, Lady Nyére," he said evenly. "I begged his leave to retrieve you, and you have led me here of all places. Will you go to such lengths to escape your destiny?"

Nyére just looked at him with a bored expression. "Have the courtesy to use the common tongue here, Lord Atanvardo. Do not be rude to your gracious host, the High King of the West," she said, and then feigned a yawn.

Aragorn raised an eyebrow at the exchange and wondered if this emissary had a different agenda than the one he'd presented. "Is this the lady you seek?" Aragorn asked Atanvardo.

"Indeed, yet there is much explaining to be done," he said as he helped her from her horse. "Her party was eight Elves of my country. How she came to travel with this company confounds me."

"What say you, Lady?" Aragorn asked as she removed her hood.

"My own journey fell at the hands of enemies, but I have sworn to aid this company in its journey," Nyére said.

Atanvardo looked annoyed by the news. He glanced at the man that had ridden in with them, and he was staring at him angrily. This man bothered him more than the Elves. There was challenge in his eyes. The man looked at Nyére with definite interest, and Atanvardo was enraged.

"You have no business making such promises to strangers," Atanvardo said to her under his breath.

Nyére bristled at his arrogant attitude and moved away from him. "You are not my guardian, Lord Boot-licker! I am not yours to command, nor do I yield to your judgments. I do not know what you have told to this King concerning me, but doubtless it was false. Return to your Lord, I will have naught to do with your errand."

"You forget your place!" Atanvardo hissed at her, but Polodrin stepped in between them.

"Lord Emissary, hold your insolence," Polodrin said angrily. "I find your treatment of this lady appalling. If your people all behave this way, it is no wonder she fled your homeland."

Atanvardo stood tall and stepped right up to Polodrin's face, "You know less than nothing, human…"

Jamie watched all the male posturing with annoyance. Thelyn and Alcon were standing protectively on either side of her and she stepped forward to put a stop to the brewing fight.

"Enough, both of you!" she said loudly, gaining everyone's attention. Everyone gave her a little room and she addressed the crowd of nobles around her. "All of this is my fault, and I will not have this bickering. I know absolutely nothing about your politics and I don't really care. What I do know is that the King I met is a good guy. I know that the people I travel with would give their lives for each other in a split second. I know that Nyére loves her home enough to risk her life to save it. And I know that you are the most arrogant Elf I've ever met," Jamie added as she looked right at Lord Atanvardo. "Why don't you speak less, and listen more?"

Atanvardo was shocked at the tiny woman's boldness. He looked at Nyére and said, "Who is this little girl?"

"Jamie is the Taure Lirilla, the Voice of the Forest," she said heatedly. "Show a little respect for the chosen of the Ents."

"The Voice is a myth," Atanvardo said quickly.

"Whatever," Jamie said as she rolled her eyes. She looked at Aragorn who seemed to be observing the whole argument with laughter in his eyes. "Your majesty, I am pleased to see you again. Is there somewhere I can go to get away from all this happiness?"

Aragorn glanced at Legolas and they both stifled their laughs. "Of course, Lady Jamie," Aragorn said with a smile. "Go with Lord Faramir, he'll get you settled in."

Jamie smiled and grabbed the reins of her horse and went with Faramir. Alcon, Thelyn and Legolas followed, but Polodrin waited for Nyére.

Aragorn waited until the others had left before dealing with his rude emissary. When they were alone, he turned to Lord Atanvardo and confronted him. "I will have your full truth now," he ordered.

"Nyére was not kidnapped, she fled on a fool's errand," he admitted.

"I left in the face of denial and madness," she said angrily. "Father listened to your counsel rather than the wisdom of Pallando. I had no choice but to search on my own. What future is there for our people if our home is destroyed by raiders?"

"No song can heal our land," Atanvardo said coldly. "Return with me now and take your rightful place."

Nyére's face reddened with fury, "Never," she rasped and stormed off toward the camp where the others had gone with Polodrin following her with the horses.

"What is her place?" Aragorn asked.

"She is my betrothed, promised to me from her birth," Atanvardo said. "The age of marriage has come and gone. Her father orders her to return and fulfill her duty as the guiding light of our people… at my side."

Aragorn didn't answer to that comment. He wanted to ponder the situation before he would interfere, one way or the other. He wanted to talk to this princess without her conceited betrothed hanging around. There was obviously much more going on than the rescue of a princess who apparently didn't need rescuing.

Faramir offered Jamie the privacy of his tent. "Here, Jamie," he said. "I'll give you and the Princess this tent; I'll just grab these papers and leave you to rest."

"I don't want to put you out," Jamie said seriously.

"Not at all, my lady," Faramir said with a smile. "I'll stay with my son while he is here. I am sure to lose him again to your journey on the morrow."

Jamie smiled at the proud smile Faramir had when he spoke of Polodrin. "You'd be very proud of him, if you'd seen him on this trip. He's a very brave, caring and likable man."

Faramir cocked a brow as he gathered up his maps and papers. "My lady favors him?" he asked.

"Actually, she favors me," Thelyn said as he poked his head in the tent flap. "But they are friends."

Faramir laughed, "I wondered which of you would catch her interest. Come cousin, let's find you accommodations."

Faramir and Thelyn left Jamie alone and she spotted a pile of cushions in the corner. She shed her soggy cloak, belt and jacket and plopped down. She smiled at the soft comfort and in a few moments she was dozing.

"Who was that unpleasant Elf?" Polodrin asked Nyére as they walked away.

"That horrible self important scoundrel is the Elf my father has promised me to," she said angrily. "I would rather have burned in that tree than spend even one moment in his company."

"Is that why you left?" Polodrin asked seriously.

"Not entirely, but it got me out the door," she said. "Please, if you are my friend… stop asking."

Polodrin sighed, "My lady would infuriate him greatly if you showed me a little interest," he ventured mischievously.

Nyére got a wicked smile on her face briefly and cocked her eyebrow thoughtfully. "That would drive him mad," she admitted, but then her face softened and she glanced at Polodrin sadly. "Nay, good man of the west, I could not be so vindictive. It would be unfair to both of you. Go visit with your father and leave me in peace."

Faramir saw them approach and greeted his son with a hug. "Son, it is good to see you well," he said. "You have gained high praise from Jamie. I am pleased."

Polodrin smiled, "Let me introduce you to the fair Lady Nyére, who until today, denied that she was a princess."

Nyére glanced at Polodrin and blushed. "I was traveling alone. I was being cautious," she explained.

"That was wise," Faramir said as he bowed to her. "Yonder tent is for you and Jamie. There are few comforts here, but we will endeavor to make your visit pleasant."

"Then send Atanvardo on his way, and I'll sleep peacefully on a bed of stones," she said bitterly as she headed to her tent.

Faramir looked at Polodrin who was staring after her longingly. When she was far enough out of earshot, Faramir spoke.

"What happened to your interest in Jamie?" Faramir asked.

"She likes an Elf," he said lightly, "And so do I."

Faramir laughed and they left together to visit. It was good to have his son close again, even if it was only for a short visit.

After the travelers had a chance to rest and change into clean dry clothes, Aragorn sent for Jamie and Nyére. He had a feeling that he would get some answers if he spoke to them without distractions. They arrived at his tent, both dressed in gowns. He smiled to see them both looking rested and comfortable.

"Have you everything you need?" he asked them.

"You are a gracious host, King of the West," Nyére said. "Your men begged forgiveness for having few comforts, and yet we have been given privacy, comfortable accommodations and a hot bath. You surpass our needs with your hospitality. Thank you."

Jamie just nodded in agreement and Aragorn seemed satisfied. He glanced at Jamie first and said, "So you found your purpose here after all."

Jamie smiled, "It was not what I expected, but here I am."

Aragorn nodded and offered the ladies a seat at the table. He sat across from them and called for some refreshments. He looked at Nyére with curiosity.

"Your people have been isolated for many years," he said. "What brings the daughter of the high Lord so far from her country?"

"I came here in search of Jamie, against my father's wishes," she said. "He did not believe that the prophesy of the Voice was true, but I did."

"And what of your Emissary's claim on you?" Aragorn asked.

"I have refused it," she said seriously. "The promise was not of my making, and I cannot honor it."

"And your promise to this company?" he asked.

"I would give my life to honor my promise to Jamie," Nyére said seriously. "Her riders saved my life in the great wood of the north."

"Nyére will lead us through the wilderness to her home, and the last known home of the Entwives," Jamie said. "I have promised to do whatever I can to help her save her home."

"What do you intend to do with me?" Nyére asked.

"Well, I came to help search for a kidnapped princess," he said. "I offered my assistance in good faith to a lost tribe of Elves. But he lied to me, so I am inclined to believe you over him. Your promise to Jamie takes precedence over your father's promise to Lord Atanvardo. He will not be allowed to interfere."

Nyére sighed with relief. "I thank you, your majesty. It is strange to me that I find men like you in this world. It is not so where I am from."

"You and your people are welcome in my realm if you should choose to leave your own. It has been my honor to be an ally to the Elves in the west, but they are leaving these shores in droves. I would be pleased to count the Avari among the friends of Gondor," Aragorn said. "When you return home, speak to your father of my goodwill."

"My father does not count me among his counselors," Nyére said sadly. "But I will speak to him on your behalf, you have my word."

Aragorn smiled. She was the saddest Elf he'd ever encountered. She would speak for him, but perhaps he should go and speak for himself. He was about to speak more on the matter, but one of his men entered with a tray of refreshments.

"Ah, thank you," he said to him and then directed his attention back to the ladies. "I have decided that the dangers of the wilderness are too great for such a small party. It has been a long time since I have traveled; perhaps I am overdue for a little adventure."

Jamie looked at him in surprise, "You want to go with us?"

"Indeed, Jamie, if you will have me. I understand from Legolas that this is your quest, and that you must lead," Aragorn said seriously. "What say you, singer of the quest? Will you have an old man in your company?"

Jamie laughed at his comment about being old. If not for a few gray hairs, you'd swear he was in his late thirties. "If Legolas is going along at his age, I'm sure we can tolerate a King. Join us and welcome," Jamie said. "But I understand it won't be all fun. Are you sure you want to go?"

"I have managed in the outdoors before," Aragorn said with a twinkle in his eye. "I will manage."

Nyére just watched the pair with interest. She was not sure what the King's motives were for coming, and she was suddenly curious. This was going to be a very interesting trip.

At dinner that evening, the gathering was informal. There were soldiers and rangers relaxing around the fire with the King and his guests. Everyone seemed to be getting along just fine except for one, Lord Atanvardo. He tried to get close to Nyére, but she sat with Jamie and the other Elves… and that man. Then a seat vacated near them and he took it, right beside Nyére.

"What do you think you are doing?" he asked her quietly.

"Sitting by a fire and eating in the company of my friends," she said seriously. "Try the stew, it is quite good. Not as good as Lord Polodrin's stew, but passable nonetheless."

Polodrin smiled broadly at the compliment and gave Nyére a slight bow, "I thank you, my lady."

"You dishonor yourself and me with your flagrant disobedience," he said quietly as he leaned closer to her. "You are my lady…" he whispered.

Polodrin had heard enough. He set his plate down, stood and glared down at Atanvardo with fury in his eyes. "I would speak to you in private, Lord Emissary," he said evenly. "Let us retreat to yonder tent."

"I have nothing to say to a man, save perhaps… stay away from Nyére," Atanvardo said lightly.

Polodrin frowned at his continuous malice toward men. He reached down and grabbed Atanvardo's collar and hauled him to his feet. "You misunderstand me, sir. That was not a request," Polodrin said.

Legolas and the twins rose to their feet nervously, but Faramir just shook his head and said, "Watch it son, he is the King's guest."

"I won't hurt him… much," Polodrin said as he released the emissary and the two stood toe to toe glaring at each other.

"Your words are brave," Atanvardo said. "I would be delighted to speak to you in private."

"Leave your weapons here," Legolas said firmly. "It is but a friendly discussion, after all."

Polodrin removed his belt and sword and several daggers that were hidden in his coat and boots. He handed them to Nyére who wordlessly took them. Atanvardo seemed to be even more angered by that. He just dropped his sword, bow and quiver and stormed away, but Nyére called after him.

"Is that all?" she asked, making a mental count of his usual arms.

He never looked back and Nyére quickly caught Polodrin's arm. "He carries a dagger, sometimes in the back of his belt, sometimes in his boot. Beware," she said seriously.

Polodrin gave her a curt nod before following. He would not listen to another insult thrown at his people, his King, or his lady. And in his eyes Nyére was his, not that vile Elf lord's. This insolence needed to be dealt with.

No sooner had Polodrin entered the tent than he was tackled by Atanvardo. The pair tumbled and rolled until Polodrin was on top of the Elf, holding his wrists.

"How chivalrous of you to announce the beginning of the fight," Polodrin said.

"You meddle in my affairs, human, and I won't have it," Atanvardo said angrily as he shifted and wrestled Polodrin off of him.

The pair rolled again and then broke and quickly got to their feet. They faced each other warily, sizing each other up. Polodrin knew the man was tall and had a good reach. Elves were also usually much stronger than they looked. But anger made an opponent careless, and this Elf was very angry.

"She is not a slave to be traded for your fancy," Polodrin said. "Leave her in peace."

"You want her for yourself," Atanvardo accused as he lunged for him.

Polodrin sidestepped and got in a good blow to the chin, knocking the elf to the ground. "Nyére can make up her own mind about such things. I am her friend and will not tolerate your treatment of her."

Atanvardo got to his feet again and got in a good punch of his own, catching Polodrin across the cheek. Polodrin returned the blow and gave him a good punch to the stomach as well. And so the pair was locked in a battle of fisticuffs when Atanvardo finally decided he'd had enough of the stupid human. He let himself be knocked down and then retrieved his dagger from his boot. But Polodrin had been waiting for such a move and kicked him in the ribs.

Atanvardo dropped the weapon and Polodrin hauled him to his feet by his shirt. "You are the most foolish elf I've ever met," Polodrin said. "You would insult the King in his own camp, mistreat your own princess in front of strangers, and try to kill a prince during a friendly fist fight. You disgust me."

"I would kill any human who would dishonor my lady," Atanvardo said angrily as he jerked away from Polodrin's grip. He reached up and rubbed his aching jaw and looked at the man a moment. He'd been a better fighter than he'd expected. "Stay away from Nyére, or I will finish this fight."

"She prefers my company to yours," Polodrin said. "I treat her with honor, you do not. I will do as I please, and if you try to finish this fight, I'll kill you." And with that, Polodrin turned his back and headed for the exit.

Atanvardo weighed the consequences in a split second and chose his fate. He dove for his dagger, rolled and jumped to his feet. Polodrin turned just in time to block the thrust of the dagger that would have killed him. The pair tumbled through the tent opening and into the open. Aragorn spotted the struggle and ran to stop it.

"Enough! Stop this immediately.

His men also ran to break it up, but Atanvardo was to mad with fury to listen. He was on top of Polodrin and made one last attempt to stab him. Before he could finish the blow, an arrow struck him in the neck, killing him instantly. He slumped over, dropping the weapon.

Everyone suddenly stopped and stared in shock, and then slowly turned to see who had intervened. Nyére was standing there with the bow, still aimed in the direction of the fight. Her eyes were huge, and she looked stunned. She seemed to return to her senses as she looked at the King who was walking toward her.

"He wasn't going to listen," she said shakily. "I didn't think your men were going to stop it in time."

Aragorn had seen the whole thing, and couldn't disagree. He held out his hand for the bow and she gave it to him.

Polodrin pushed the limp Atanvardo aside and ran to Nyére. He stopped a few feet from her and looked at her questioningly.

Nyére just looked at him sadly and said, "Friend, are you well?"

Polodrin ached to hold her, but he stood still and tried to calm his racing heart. "I am well, thanks to you," he said.

"Was it in his boot or in his belt?" she asked.

Aragorn cocked a brow at the question.

"His boot," Polodrin said. "Thanks for the warning."

Nyére turned to the King, "He was an Elf of… strong opinions and weak honor. I submit myself to your judgment in this matter."

"Is there any present who can call her action malicious?" Aragorn asked the gathered crowd.

There was a consensus of shaking heads and 'no's'.

"No judgment is needed, Lady," Aragorn finally answered. "Go in peace and take your rest."

Nyére gave the King a respectful curtsy and retreated to her tent with Jamie at her side.

Polodrin watched her go even as his father joined him. "What were you thinking?" Faramir asked.

"You let me go, what were you thinking?" Polodrin retorted.

Aragorn interrupted, "I don't care what caused this," Aragorn said. "Clean it up, and see to it that he receives an honorable burial." Then he looked at Legolas who knew what he was going to say.

Legolas just raised a hand to stop the question and joined him. "Polodrin behaved honorably, there is no fault with him in this," Legolas said.

"What exactly was this?" Aragorn asked him quietly.

"It was foolish," Polodrin answered for Legolas. "I thought Elves all had honor. Now I see that I was wrong." He glanced at Atanvardo's body and frowned. "What a waste," he added as he stormed away.