Shower by Moonlight

While the horses drank, Nyére cocked a brow at Jamie and then glanced at the rest of the riders. Everyone was filthy from the ride across the desert, and they were hot and thirsty. She didn't think that Jamie meant for them to bathe… all together. She waited to see what she would say.

"Nyére and I can set up camp, say over there," Jamie continued, pointing to the grassy clearing they had just crossed. "And you guys can swim first. These bushes will give you enough privacy," she offered.

Aragorn found the idea very appealing, but thought the ladies should go first. "We will wait upon you," Aragorn said.

"Oh, no, it's my quest, with my rules. You have all been riding hard, and I know you're dying for a swim. You've been taking care of us, let us handle the camp. Go on," Jamie said as she turned her horse back to the campsite. "No argument, not even from a King."

Polodrin looked at Nyére who just shrugged, "I can wait," she said lightly as she followed Jamie. "Besides, you all smell," she added over her shoulder with a chuckle. "You'll be doing us a favor, believe me."

"Well, how do you like that?" Bergo asked with a frown, "As if we wouldn't smell after sweating on that dusty desert for two days straight."

Aragorn was already standing on the bank shedding his clothes. "Let's not offend the ladies then," Aragorn laughed. "Last one in is a goblin's toenail!" Aragorn tossed his clothes aside and dove in with everyone racing to join him.

The water was cool and refreshing. One after another they dove in. No one paid attention to who was last; they just relished the relaxing respite from their travels. Bergo and Fretho discovered fish in the pond and went to work catching a few for dinner. Aragorn was the organized traveler, carrying soap in his gear. The falls made a perfect shower, and by the time the bar had passed around the group, there wasn't much left, but they all smelled and felt clean. It was dark by the time they all had dressed again and Aragorn felt a tinge of guilt at having taken so long. The ladies would have to bathe by moonlight, but at least they would feel secure in their privacy.

The men and elves emerged from the bushes into the camp with dripping hair. Nyére smiled at them from where she sat cooking by the fire. The smell of roasting meat hit their noses, and the men smiled in surprise. She was spit roasting a large bird, and it smelt wonderful.

"Where'd you get that?" Polodrin asked Nyére.

"I am not helpless," Nyére said smugly. "Jamie wanted you all to have a break, so we have taken care of all."

Aragorn realized Jamie wasn't there and he suddenly panicked. "Where is Jamie?" he asked.

"She is with Quickbeam gathering desert," Nyére said lightly. "Do not worry."

"What about our fish?" Fretho asked.

"Breakfast," Bergo said lightly as he inhaled the smell of the bird. "Do not offend the princess with our humble fish. We have an accomplished huntress in our midst."

Nyére blushed at the complement and Polodrin just watched her with wonder in his eyes. Just when he thought he had her figured out, she surprised him again. He joined her by the fire to offer his assistance in the cooking. She'd already seen to it though. The bird had been split to allow it to cook more quickly. There were biscuits in a pan and plenty of wood stacked and ready.

"I did not know princesses could cook," Polodrin said softly with a smile.

"There's a lot you don't know about princesses," Nyére said humorously.

"I would gladly learn, Lady Snow, if you would show me," he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

"Go and rest, man of Gondor," she said. "One lesson is enough for this evening."

Polodrin gave her a charming smile and then rejoined the others who were tending the horses. They finally settled in around the fire, but Aragorn and Thelyn kept watching for Jamie. A short time later, Quickbeam's tall form came into view with Jamie sitting on a branch at his shoulders. She wore a big smile and had a cloth sack in her lap. Quickbeam carefully set her on the ground with her find.

"Where have you been?" Thelyn asked.

"This canyon has everything," Jamie said with a smile. "There are apples, figs, nuts, berries and wild mushrooms."

"I'll take the mushrooms," Nyére said. "They'll go well with the turkey."

"Here, let me give you a hand with that," Thelyn offered but Jamie stepped back.

"No, you have the night off," Jamie insisted. "Go relax."

Thelyn didn't know what to make of Jamie's new independence. He had grown to like taking care of her, and now she did not seem to need him. His expression was unreadable, but Jamie realized he was hurt as if she'd rejected him.

"All right, Jamie," he said softly and turned to go back to the fire.

Jamie caught his arm and he turned and looked into her eyes and waited for her to speak.

"I have to grow up sometime, Thelyn. I can take care of myself. I don't need a babysitter anymore," she said.

"What about a boyfriend?" he asked.

Jamie looked at him and he could see uncertainty in her eyes that had not been there before. "Just friend, Thelyn," she said and released his arm.

Thelyn returned to the fire without another word, but his mood was dark. He barely listened to the stories and jests that were traded around the fire. His eyes covertly watched Jamie as she prepared a desert from her gathered fruits. Finally, with her desert in the pot cooking, the bird was finished and they ate. The meat was tender and the mushrooms went well with the hot biscuits. It was the best meal they'd had in days.

After dinner, the men cleaned up so the ladies could go swim. Nyére dug out her soap and the pair disappeared through the bushes. Alcon watched Thelyn sulking and went over to talk to him.

"Want to talk about it?" Alcon asked.

Thelyn just turned to his brother and scowled, "No." And with that, he went to his blanket and lay down. Everyone rolled their eyes and just gave him room. Aragorn joined Alcon who was still stunned by his brother's angry reaction.

"What is it?" Aragorn asked.

"Jamie apparently can take care of herself," Alcon said. "I think he is afraid he has lost her."

Aragorn sighed. It was an awkward feeling, holding your heart in your hand. Elves, for all their gifts of strength and wisdom are just as vulnerable in the ways of love as men. But despite the struggle he was watching between the pair, he stood by his decision to make Thelyn wait to court her. She was not ready, and from what he'd seen this evening, perhaps he wasn't either.

"You will drive him away," Nyére said as she rinsed the soap from her hair. "Or is that your intention?"

"Of course not," Jamie said. "I just don't want him treating me like a kid."

"But you are," Nyére said.

"Well, thank you," Jamie said sarcastically. "It's nice to know whose side you're on."

"I am on no one's… side," Nyére said. "I simply believe you are handling his advances poorly."

"There are no advances," Jamie clarified. "We're just friends."

"That young elf worships the ground you tread, Jamie. Do not pretend you do not notice," Nyére said. "Why are you suddenly rejecting him?"

"I'm not, I just need a little space," Jamie said. "I'm supposed to be some chosen or something. I figured I should keep my mind on what I'm doing here."

"Your life will not end with your quest," Nyére said seriously. "Spare a thought for your future."

"And what of your future?" Jamie retorted. "There does not seem to be room for love in your heart either."

"What are you talking about?" Nyére asked suspiciously.

"There is one that worships your footsteps as well, and you keep him at arm's length," Jamie said.

"It is an unfeasible alliance," Nyére said. "He is human and I am an Elf. It is impossible." Then she looked at Jamie and her eyes doubled in size as she realized what she was saying. "It is different for the Elves in the west; they have been friends with men for ages."

"Do not lecture me on love, Nyére. Your double standards are irritating," Jamie said bitterly.

Nyére had nothing to say to that. She climbed from the water and dressed. She turned back to Jamie who swam gracefully across the quiet pond lost in her thoughts. Nyére sighed and returned to camp and went to bed. She had to admit, Jamie had a point. How could she believe it was acceptable for Jamie and Thelyn, and not for her? Either it was wrong, or it wasn't. She simply could not make up her mind in the matter.

Everything had been so clear back in her wood. Men were evil, slay them or die at their hands. That was what she knew. But the world was much bigger than her little wood, and not all men were evil. Some were even kind… and gentle, and… handsome. Nyére glanced across the fire to where Polodrin was sleeping. In the peaceful repose of slumber he looked very boyish, even with the beard. She smiled to herself at the memory of his kiss. She knew he would never come to her so boldly again without her encouragement. In that moment, as she watched him sleep, she found herself wondering if she should encourage him, just a little.

Thelyn couldn't rest and so he relieved Bergo and Fretho from the watch. The ladies were still bathing, so he was careful to steer clear of the pond. Quickbeam's lofty frame stood guard over them from the opposite shore, so he knew they were protected. He paced off the perimeter of the camp, watching for movement from the shadows. Everyone was sleeping peacefully and he wished he could rest so easily. Then he saw Nyére go to her bed and he watched expectantly for a glimpse of Jamie, but she didn't follow. He slowly made his circuit of the camp and halted by the bushes. He did not see Quickbeam, and he was suddenly worried. There was not a sound but the splashing of the waterfall against the rocks. He decided safety was more important than modesty and stepped through the bushes cautiously. He averted his eyes from the water and quietly called.

"Jamie?" he said softly.

There was no answer, and he decided to risk a look. The pond was empty, and Quickbeam was dozing on the far shore. Jamie's clothes were still piled on the shore a few feet from where he stood. His heart sped up as full blown panic hit, and then he saw her. Oh, by the sea and stars, there she was! Under the falls she stood with her head thrown back and the cool water washing over her glorious naked body. Her fingers combed through her hair as she washed the soap from her long curls. Her full breasts glistened in the moonlight and Thelyn felt a stirring in his groin. Suddenly, he blushed darkly as the shock wore off and he realized what he was doing. He quickly turned and retreated back into the camp.

He returned to pacing off the perimeter of the camp nervously. No one seemed to stir, and he was grateful. His thought had been her safety, but he had crossed the line. He paused in his tracks and closed his eyes. The memory of her standing there would be burned in his mind. In his eyes she was the embodiment of beauty, and he would never forget that breathtaking sight.

He opened his eyes when he heard her return to camp. She gave him a smile and went to bed. At least she didn't know what he'd done. He would have spoiled any last chance at her heart if he embarrassed her so shamefully.

In the early hours of morning there was a heavy mist of the grass around the camp. Aragorn and Legolas had stood the last watch and they watched as their companions stirred. Polodrin, Bergo and Fretho saw to the cooking of the fish, cutting them into fillets and frying them. There was still fruit, and it made for a good breakfast. Everyone packed up camp quickly, but ate breakfast leisurely, enjoying the comfort of the canyon.

Quickbeam filled the canteens and Jamie looked at him suspiciously when he offered her a drink right away.

"Is it water, or is it your water?" she asked with a cocked brow.

"Water is water is water," Quickbeam said innocently. "Drink up."

Legolas chuckled at the exchange and shook his head, "Go on, Jamie, there's no harm in it."

"What?" Aragorn asked in confusion. He had not been told about her amazing hair growth.

"Oh, Jamie and the Ent draft," Legolas said with a smile. "It makes her hair grow rather quickly."

Aragorn looked at Jamie with scrutiny a moment and then realized they were right. "Yes, of course, didn't you have short hair before?"

Jamie just rolled her eyes and took a drink. "Yes, well, just call me Rapunzel."

Nyére looked at her curiously, "Rapunzel?"

Jamie realized the story was unfamiliar so she quickly explained. "Yes, you know, the captive damsel in the tower with the long hair… oh, never mind."

"I believe you have a good story for our ride this morning," Aragorn said with a smile. "I look forward to it."

Jamie blushed, realizing she was committed now. She looked to Nyére who seemed preoccupied. "Nyére, what's the best way out of here?"

"On the far side of the canyon is a narrow passage that leads up into the hills. We will need to be on our guard from here on out. These hills are full of unpleasant creatures," Nyére said. "Much of the danger will be at night from trolls and goblins. They do not venture out during the day, but they are formidable in darkness."

"Anything else? Are there any allies along the way?" Aragorn asked.

"There is a dwarf mine in the mountains, but we have rarely dealt with them. I do not know where their loyalties lie other than with themselves," Nyére said.

Jamie sighed. Trolls and goblins and dwarves… oh my! She thought to herself, altering the line from the Wizard of Oz. What fun this was… just follow the yellow brick road.

"Is there anything else weird and unexpected, a wizard perhaps or a dragon?" Jamie asked as she mounted up.

"Pallando the Blue may be at my father's house when we arrive," Nyére said thoughtfully. "As for dragons, there is one that plagued the northern land between the seas, but he was slain. We avoid their realm, and they have not ventured into ours since."

"Sorry I asked," Jamie said as she headed around the pond with the others on her tail. "Well, let's not dilly-dally. Time's a wastin'."

Thelyn watched her longingly as she rode away and Nyére halted beside him a moment.

"Patience, Thelyn," she said quietly.

Thelyn didn't answer; he just nudged Tempest and followed the others. Not all Elves were patient. His brother Alcon was very patient, but Thelyn was not. It was usually Thelyn's ideas that got the pair into trouble and earned them the title of the Wild Ones. Waiting for anything was maddening to Thelyn and he groaned inwardly at the very thought. But if ever there was a prize worth his patience, it was Jamie. He sighed and forced himself to calm. He would watch over her from a distance if that was her wish. He would wait for her to show him her heart was ready for his love.

The riders reached the canyon wall and Aragorn rode up and halted them at the entrance to the passage. He'd been content to let Jamie lead for a while, but that was not her place and he didn't want her in harm's way.

"I'll take over from here, Jamie," Aragorn said to her. "Legolas, you're with me. Bergo, Fretho, guard the rear."

"I can do that," Quickbeam said.

Legolas just smiled.

"Of course," Aragorn said, "My apologies, Lord Quickbeam."

"Not at all," Quickbeam said.

Jamie found herself shuffled to the middle with Alcon in front and Thelyn behind her. It was one at a time through the passage, and it was slow going for the horses' sakes. Jamie felt Thelyn's eyes boring into her. She'd been pushing him away and she knew it had hurt him. There was no help for it, he'd just have to get used to the idea that she was her own person. She didn't know what else to do, so she just shut it out of her mind.

The passageway was tight and claustrophobic. She was starting to feel boxed in so she tried to think of a song. Perhaps something lively and bright, to make them all feel better. Nothing readily came to mind, so she just hummed a little. After a few minutes words just seemed to come and she sang…

A hiker in the woods alone

Drowned and rose to a new home

And now a new game does she play

Follow that King all through the day

Good King, where do you lead us?

To the distant East, no need to fuss.

What is there, what will we see?

Trolls and Elves and talking trees...

How will we get there, on what path?

Over hill and river and desert's wrath…

Why are we going so far abroad?

To find the Ents' dearest beloveds…

Who will join us on this quest?

The high and lordly Elf Legolas,

Flame haired twins, Alcon and Thelyn,

A princess, Nyére the Lady Snow White,

And Polodrin, great Lord of might

Good knights, Bergo and Fretho strong

Who can catch fish all evening long!

Quickbeam is with us, tall and brave

He loves to kick tree cutting knaves!

And who am I, you ask great King?

I'm just the girl who likes to sing.

Jamie sang with a lively tune and brought smiles out on everyone's face. Aragorn listened and laughed, amused by her playful song. He was glad he decided to come along on this trip. He knew he could not recapture the joys of his travels with Miranda, but Jamie was a rare treasure as well. He wondered what her place in this world would be when their quest was finished.

As her song ended they came out of the passage into a valley. Before them the earth rose into countless rolling hills with mountains in the distance. The hiding places were too numerous to count. Ambush from enemies just became their number one concern. Aragorn looked at the riders with a sober expression.

"No thought can be spared for songs or storytelling now," he said. "We will ride quietly and watchfully from here on out. Keep the ladies at the center of the riders and watch the shadows." And with that order given he looked at Nyére. "Which way?"

Nyére pointed northeast, at the tallest peak of the distant range. "There, over Black Wolf Pass," she said. "Keep on the lookout for solitary peasants. There are werewolves and skin-changers in these hills."

"And it just keeps getting better and better," Jamie said under her breath.

"I will keep my promise to guard you Jamie," Thelyn said from behind her, "Whether you still wish it or not."

Jamie turned to him and he could see the fear in her eyes. "Thank you, Thelyn," she said sincerely, and then they were off.

He smiled. Perhaps he still had hope after all.