Chivalry Do's and Don'ts

Jamie and Nyére settled in for the evening in silence for a while. They shed their gowns and sat in comfort, wearing their chemises for nightgowns. Jamie didn't know what to say after what she'd seen. She couldn't blame her at all, but it was still shocking. Finally Jamie thought of something to say.

"Why was he so angry?" Jamie asked.

"He saw me as his opportunity for greatness," Nyére said. "My father wanted a son, and did not have one. He favored Atanvardo above all the guards of the wood. My father offered me to him as his bride the very day I was born. From childhood Atanvardo watched over me, keeping me away from everyone save those of my household. He was jealous of even the fancies and friendships of youth. I despised him, and he knew it, and became even more jealous."

"You were a baby, and betrothed?" Jamie asked in surprise. "That's just wrong."

"My mother was caught by raiders while she carried me. She was rescued, but died from her injuries shortly after I was born. With her dying breath she named me… Nyére, sorrow. My father blamed me for her death and for not being a son. And so my name is my fate. In sorrow was I born, and in sorrow have I lived. And when I am gone, sorrow will be gone from my household. Nothing I have ever done pleased my father. That is why I came in search of you. I would restore joy to my home or perish in the search."

"What a horrible story," Jamie said. "I will do what I promised, Nyére. With me you are not sorrow, but a friend. Perhaps you should have a new name."

"What name would you give me, Jamie?" Nyére asked.

Jamie suddenly smiled, "You already have it from Lord Polodrin, Snow White."

Nyére smiled at the memory of his flirting. "That was but a jest," she said.

"I don't think so," Jamie said. "He likes you."

"For a human, he is tolerable," Nyére admitted. "And if you tell him I said that, I will deny it."

"You saved his life," Jamie said seriously. "I do not think he will believe you."

"I honored his offer of friendship above Atanvardo's offer of slavery. What is there to believe?" Nyére asked.

"That you like him, but do not want to admit it," Jamie said.

"So far, the only human I like is you," Nyére said. "And that is not because you are the Taure Lirilla. It is because you have a kind heart. You surprised your friends when you confronted Atanvardo today. I was proud of you."

"He was a real jerk," Jamie said.

"He was one of my people, and I am ashamed to have had to do that," Nyére said sadly. "No matter what the reason."

"I'm sorry," Jamie said. "I was being insensitive."

"No, you were trying to make me feel better," Nyére said with a sigh. "I know the difference."

From outside the tent, they heard someone clear their throat loudly.

"Who is there?" Jamie called.

"Thelyn," he said. "Would you like to go for a walk before you turn in?"

Nyére just rolled her eyes and looked at Jamie with a smirk. "Throw on something and go. He will not make it through the night without seeing you."

Jamie blushed at the comment. "I thought you didn't approve."

"I just slew my betrothed. I have no right to judge anyone, now go," Nyére said.

Jamie smiled and quickly put her gown back on. She thought a walk in the moonlight with Thelyn sounded nice right about now.

Down by the banks of the river, Thelyn and Jamie walked hand in hand. The river was calmer here, and the night was quiet. Thelyn took in a deep breath and sighed.

"The air is sweet after the rain," he said.

"I love rain," Jamie said. "Even a storm."

"I love you," Thelyn said.

Jamie blushed. Thelyn suddenly stopped and Jamie turned to look into his eyes. He was smiling playfully. "What is permitted for boyfriends and girlfriends? Are we courting or merely… what was it? Dating?"

"I really don't know what you'd call it," Jamie said. "What is appropriate here?"

"I have already crossed the line of what is accepted," Thelyn admitted. "Your age forbids me from pursuing you and yet her I am."

"You haven't done anything but hold my hand," Jamie said.

"I kissed you," he said.

"A very innocent kiss," Jamie said, "You can't count that as being scandalous or anything. Everyone was watching."

"There is no one watching now," he said as he looked into her eyes. "And I would kiss you properly, if you allow it, but I promise you it is wrong of me to ask it."

Jamie had never been kissed, except for the little peck he'd given her in the cave. The thought of him kissing her properly was too inviting for words. She stepped closer and he pulled her into his arms and held her close. "If kissing you is wrong, I don't want to be right," she said.

Thelyn looked down at her sweet and trusting face and knew this was wrong. If he kissed her now, he was breaking his promise to her and himself. He closed his eyes and groaned. "No, my lady," he said as he released her. "I honor you too much to break my word. When you are of age to court, then I will kiss you, and not before."

He once again took her hand and led her up the bank to camp where he found Aragorn and Faramir lounging by the fire, smoking. Aragorn cocked a brow at him with an annoyed look on his face, and Thelyn just cringed. Thelyn led Jamie to her tent and then gave her a bow.

"Thank you my lady for your sweet company. Goodnight, and rest well," Thelyn said.

Jamie felt a little confused by the sudden formality, but chalked it up to chivalry. "Goodnight," she said with a shy smile and disappeared into her tent.

Thelyn sighed and turned back to the fire where Aragorn just frowned and beckoned him over. Thelyn hung his head as he walked over and joined them. There was a lecture coming, he could feel it.

"So, Thelyn, what possessed you to walk with Jamie out of sight of the camp?" Aragorn asked.

"I sought a moment of privacy with her," Thelyn admitted. "Nothing happened."

"That would be hard to prove, since you were alone," Faramir said lightly, "With a lady too young to be courting."

"Yes," Aragorn agreed. "Perhaps it is good that I will be going with you tomorrow. Jamie needs a chaperone."

"Legolas has taken that role," Thelyn said.

"And I see that he has failed to put a stop to your attentions," Aragorn said. "I have some experience in tempering courtship. Your mother and father needed a chaperone as well, for a while."

Thelyn smirked at the thought. "Father would never have…"

"I knew that," Aragorn said. "Just as I believe you would never behave dishonorably. But it does not look honorable to take her alone in the wilderness. A stolen kiss at her age would be considered…"

"Scandalous, yes, I know," Thelyn said with a sigh. "You are right."

"Go on, wild nephew," Aragorn said with a smirk as he shook his head. "Get some rest. I will not lecture you on this matter anymore. You know what you must do."

Thelyn nodded somberly. Uncle Aragorn didn't have to say it, the unspoken order was clear. Thelyn would have to keep his distance until Aragorn allowed Jamie to court. There was no choice in the matter, it was settled. He went to his tent and plopped down on his blanket beside his brother and Polodrin.

"What's wrong?" Alcon asked when he saw Thelyn's expression.

"Uncle Aragorn is going with us tomorrow," Thelyn said.

"What's wrong with that?" Polodrin asked.

"He has forbidden me to court Jamie," he said sadly.

"You knew you were rushing things," Polodrin said. "She isn't quite old enough yet."

"Oh, this from the man who accosted her in my kitchen," Thelyn said in annoyance.

"I didn't accost her," Polodrin said defensively.

"Oh, enough both of you," Alcon said and then looked at Thelyn. "He didn't say never only later."

"Yes, that would sum it up," Thelyn said.

"She will still be yours when the time is right," Alcon said encouragingly.

Thelyn gave half a frown and lay down, staring up at the ceiling. "Every moment until then will feel like an eternity."

Polodrin rolled his eyes at the lovesick Elf. "What is it with Elves in love? They seem to think that they are the only ones who feel so deeply."

"Shut up, Polodrin," Thelyn said as he glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. "Or I will tell Nyére about the longing looks you give her whenever her back is turned."

Polodrin's mouth snapped shut and he glared at Thelyn in annoyance. There was silence in the tent after that.

"How was your walk?" Nyére asked Jamie when she returned. "Did he kiss you under the stars?"

"No," Jamie said dreamily. "He promised he would not kiss me until I am seventeen."

Nyére smiled despite her dislike of the relationship. Jamie was just a child in love. Nyére had loved someone once, and lost him. Love and sorrow do not mix. Nyére found herself hoping that Jamie's love turned out happier than hers, even with an Elf. Love is a good thing, and there is not enough of it in the world.

"Get some rest, Taure Lirilla," Nyére said with a smile. "Tomorrow is one day closer to seventeen."

Jamie smiled and packed her gown away. She slipped into her sleeping bag and sighed happily. "He isn't like anyone I've ever known," she said.

"No, Jamie, he's an Elf, and they are different than men," Nyére said seriously. "You have no idea how fortunate you are to have him."

"Yes I do," Jamie said as she closed her eyes and snuggled down into her sleeping bag. Jamie knew a good thing when she saw it. Thelyn was the real deal. She just wanted to be worthy of him. Then Jamie was struck with another thought and her eyes flew open and she looked at Nyére seriously.

"Men and Elves are different, but men have good qualities too," Jamie said seriously. "You should think about that the next time you see Polodrin. I have seen good and bad men. Polodrin is a good one."

Nyére met her gaze with an unreadable expression. "Go to sleep, Jamie," she said.

Jamie just smiled and closed her eyes.

Nyére rolled to her back and stared up at the tent ceiling thoughtfully. He'd defended her honor, nearly to the death. How could she still hold that wall of separation between them? Why should she try so hard to maintain her belief in the evil of all men? She could see now that it was not true. Polodrin behaved with more honor than she had ever seen among even her own people. And this King accepted her at her word even in the face of what could have been perceived as treachery. Polodrin offered her the hand of friendship and she accepted with reservations. It was time she started treating him with the courtesy he showed her. It was the least she could do for a man who offered her sincere friendship.

The next morning there was a bustle of activity as Faramir directed the packing up of the camp. With the lost princess now found, there was no reason to stay so far from the safety of their borders. Aragorn was busy directing the packing of provisions and choosing who was to go with him. Legolas joined him by the horses and greeted him.

"So, how many riders are you bringing?" Legolas asked.

"Just a few," Aragorn said. "A large force would be misinterpreted as a challenge."

"It would indeed, especially considering who you are," Legolas said.

"We will not be carrying banners, or wearing royal colors," Aragorn said. "We are just travelers."

"That is wise," Legolas said. "I find myself curious about just one thing."

"What is that?" Aragorn asked.

"I wonder if you are going to establish a friendship with the Avari or to relive the journey of the fellowship," Legolas said knowingly.

Aragorn looked at him seriously, "Jamie is not Miranda."

"No, Aragorn, she isn't," Legolas said. "She is just as gifted, but she is more fragile."

"I believe it," Aragorn said. "That in itself is reason enough for me to go."

"Then I am glad to have you with us," Legolas said.

"Yes, she needs a chaperone," Aragorn added with a cocked brow.

"Yes, I heard about your talk with Thelyn," Legolas said. "He is sulking."

"He'll get over it. She won't be sixteen forever," Aragorn said.

"No, she'll be seventeen far too soon for my comfort. Midsummer marks it," Legolas said.

"Then let's get going with this Quest," Aragorn said. "I don't want to be chaperoning them forever."

The riders gathered, and Quickbeam rejoined them. Now the company was ten strong, including the addition of Aragorn, and two of his most trusted Rangers, Bergo and Fretho. Faramir and his company gathered for their journey west while Aragorn joined Jamie's party.

Jamie saw him approaching and gave him a smile. "Is this everyone now?" she asked him.

"Yes," Aragorn said. "And we await your lead."

"Then I differ to my guide," Jamie said as she looked at Nyére. "Follow the river?" she asked.

"For the better part of the day," Nyére said. "Then we will come to the ferry, and can cross there, so long as the same men control it as before."

"We will deal with that when we get there," Aragorn said. "Lead on then."

Nyére gave the King a nod and turned south along the river again. Faramir rode over to them and gave his son a smile.

"So long, father," Polodrin said.

Faramir smiled and then looked at Aragorn. "Look after my son," he said.

Aragorn smiled, "Look after my country."

They shared a laugh and the two companies were parted.

Beside Nyére rode Aragorn and Legolas. Behind them rode Polodrin and Bergo and Fretho, and bringing up the rear were Jamie and the twins with Quickbeam following.

Jamie could tell something was bothering Thelyn, but she didn't know what it was. She smiled at him and he gave her a smile in return but his eyes were full of sadness.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"I am forbidden to court you until the King thinks you are ready," Thelyn said.

Jamie furrowed her brow, "What business is it of his?" she asked.

"You are in his care," Thelyn said. "It is right that he protect your virtue and reputation until you are of age. I did not dispute him in this matter."

"I can sure dispute it," Jamie said as she glared at the back of Aragorn.

"No," Thelyn said. "Don't."

Jamie looked at him in surprise, "Why not?"

"Because my lady, you are worth waiting for. I will court you honorably and have your trust and respect. He is right, you are not ready," Thelyn said. "I will be your friend, but that is all until I have his permission."

Jamie looked at Alcon, "I don't get this."

"That you do not understand is proof that you are not ready," Alcon said. "Don't worry, we're still here."

"As babysitters," Jamie said bitterly. So much for the perfect boyfriend. Now he was just a guardian again. Damn these Elves and their rigid scruples. She wanted to be held, not guarded. This was just not fair. Just when she got used to the idea of being happy, it was taken away. She should never have let him make up with her in the cave. It would have been better to have stood firm than to feel like she did right now.

The rest of the day they rode in silence. Jamie was obviously in a black mood, but Thelyn knew he wouldn't help by talking to her. He couldn't blame her for being angry. He'd promised her happiness, and that she could trust him. Now he had to pull away from her when she needed him. It was cruel, and he knew it. She simply didn't understand their ways.

Jamie dropped back and rode by Quickbeam. He was the one person in their company she felt most at ease with, and yet he was the one they saw the least. Whenever they camped, he would go off alone to rest in the cover of a handful of trees. She understood that Ents were solitary beings, often living alone, but she felt he must still get lonely.

"How are you today?" she asked him.

"Hoom-hum, well," he said lightly. "The earth is soft and moist form the rain, and there are clear skies."

"Don't you get lonely at night?" she asked.

"The stars are my companions and the moon is my joy," he said. "I am content with solitude at twilight."

Jamie pondered the poetry of his words and smiled. Ents were amazing and she wished she had such a calm and pleasant nature. They were at peace with the simplest of pleasures. She decided she couldn't dwell on her own petty problems any longer. If she wasn't old enough to date then so be it. She could deal with that. In fact, it simplified her life quite a bit. Now she didn't have to worry about anything but finding the Entwives. She sighed and smiled now that her mind was made up. Yes, this wouldn't be so bad after all.