Plans and Problems

It was late evening in Minas Tirith and Miiriel sat by the fire with her son Nolvo. Tomorrow marked his first birthday, and family was quickly gathering to celebrate. The King had returned that morning, but her brothers, the Wild Ones had not been seen anywhere. Eldarion and Aragorn entered the hall and joined her by the fire.

"There is my handsome grandson," Aragorn said with a proud smile.

"How could he not be with such a handsome father?" Eldarion asked with a smirk.

"I believe his looks came from his old granddad," Aragorn said as he lifted the drowsy baby from his mother's lap. "I think he's ready to retire."

"Here, I'll take him," Eldarion said, taking his son and heading for the back stairs.

"I'll be right up," Miiriel said.

Aragorn sat down and looked at her expectantly. "It's been a busy day, and I wanted to speak to you sooner…"

"I understood," Miiriel said, "But now I would like to know what happened to my brothers."

"They went on another adventure," Aragorn said carefully. "I did not know until they were gone what they were planning or I would have stopped it."

Miiriel cocked a brow, "I think you need to explain."

The main doors of the hall swung open before Aragorn could answer. In strode the two brothers in question, one smiling triumphantly and the other rolling his eyes.

"Sister, you look well," Alcon said with a smile. "Where's our new nephew?"

"In bed, where I was going," Miiriel said. "What have you two been up to?"

Thelyn hugged her and lifted her off the ground, "Wish me well, sister," he said. "I found myself a bride."

Aragorn cocked a brow at him, "So you found her?"

"She is resting in Silivren's care," Alcon said. "It was an unpleasant way to travel, but she is well."

Miiriel looked at Thelyn and slowly a smile formed on her face, "Jamie?"

Thelyn smiled bashfully, "If my uncle will allow me to announce the betrothal."

"When she is eighteen, Thelyn," Aragorn said firmly.

"That time has come already, for the time we were parted was longer for her than for us. It has been a full year for her," Thelyn said.

Aragorn looked thoughtful a moment. "I will see her at Polodrin's wedding. Let me speak to her and then I will let you know. If I believe she is ready, you may announce your betrothal at the feast."

Thelyn sighed with relief. "Thank you."

"Have you eaten?" Miiriel asked them.

"Oh, we're fine," Alcon said. "I want to sneak a peek at my nephew, and then get some sleep. It's been a long night."

Thelyn nodded in agreement and everyone went to bed.

Jamie went for a walk in the forest that evening, and felt strangely at home. The trees whispered softly words of welcome, and the stream trickled lazily in the colorful light of the setting sun. Somewhere in the distance she heard Silivren's call, but she wanted just one more moment before returning to the house. She gazed at the sun as it sank behind the horizon and sighed. He came for her, and she was never so happy in her life to be anywhere than right here in Middle Earth. She couldn't wait for him to return. She'd only seen him for a few hours and then he was gone again. She really missed him.

"Well, look who's back," Legolas said from behind her.

Jamie turned and smiled, "Legolas, it's good to see you." She walked over and hugged him.

"You seem different," he said.

"Well, it has been a while," she said. "I've been at home for a year."

Legolas looked at her a moment, and then he smiled. "Yes, that is it. The child in your eyes is gone and it is a woman who I see in its place. It was not an easy year for you, was it?"

"No," Jamie admitted. "But it was worth all the pain to see my mother well."

"Then you two have made peace?" Legolas asked.

"Yes," Jamie said. "I will miss her."

"And she will miss you, but we cannot stay at home with them forever," Legolas said. "Now, Silivren was worried about you. Allow me to walk you home."

"What is there to worry over around here?" Jamie asked. "I have never felt more at home in any wood."

Legolas smiled, offered her his arm and she took it. "Silivren does not know you like I do. She still thinks you are a lost child."

"Thelyn can set her straight," Jamie said.

"Or you could just sing," Legolas said.

Jamie blushed, "We'll see."

They strolled up to the house and Legolas bid Jamie goodnight. "I'll see you soon," he said. "It will be good having you here."

Jamie smiled and waved at him as she went in the house. After bidding goodnight to Silivren and Failon, she went to her room and settled in for the night. The nights were getting cooler, and someone had already lit a fire for her. Jamie found a nightgown in the closet and changed for bed. She hoped Thelyn would be back tomorrow.

Breakfast in the King's hall was usually quite informal, and on no set schedule. With the household staff and guards coming and going, it was always busy. Thelyn and Alcon had risen a little late, and were just finishing up when Aragorn came in from the courtyard.

"What are your plans today?" Aragorn asked.

"I don't know about him, but I planned to take the morning ship back to Ithilien," Thelyn said.

"Can you take a message to Legolas for me?" Aragorn asked.

"I can and I will," Thelyn said with a smile.

"Good, wait here," Aragorn said and then disappeared into his study. A few minutes later he emerged again with a folded parchment, freshly sealed. "Thank you… and the ship will depart within the hour."

"Is it urgent?" Thelyn asked.

"Not life or death, but important," Aragorn said.

"I will deliver it as soon as I get there," Thelyn said.

Alcon watched the exchange with amusement, and Thelyn turned and looked at him in annoyance. "What?"

"I was going to stay until Polodrin's wedding, but maybe I should go with you," Alcon said.

"Why?" Thelyn asked suspiciously.

"So you don't have to spend the day looking for Legolas when you'd rather go right home to your girlfriend," Alcon said with a chuckle.

"You're just jealous," Thelyn said.

"Indeed," Alcon said in feigned sorrow. "I am the last of our clan without love. It is simply tragic." He sighed dramatically and Thelyn just laughed.

"What about one of the elf maids of the wood?" Thelyn asked.

"No, I am too choosy to be charmed by an ordinary maid," Alcon said.

"Soon there will only be one Wild One in Gondor," Thelyn said.

"Oh, you won't settle down for Jamie, she'll go with you on your adventures," Alcon said.

"Then we'll be the three Wild Ones," Thelyn said with a smirk.

Alcon just groaned. "I think perhaps the Wild Ones are retired. You will want your privacy."

"You are my brother and closest friend, Alcon. Marriage will not change that," Thelyn said seriously.

"If you say so," Alcon said. "But I have watched you moping for several months now, and I stood with you when you first saw her again. Love for your brother pales in comparison to the love you have for her, and that is as it should be."

"What are you saying?" Thelyn asked, suddenly concerned.

"I am saying that I think I will move out after you wed. Nárello's house is still empty, I do not think he will mind," Alcon said.

"Do not run off so quickly," Thelyn said. "I am not even betrothed yet."

"That will not be long now," Alcon said. "Come on, let's get to the ship."

Silivren was teaching Jamie the finer points to making bread in a wood stove when Thelyn returned. He tended to his horse and entered the house quietly. Silivren's distinct melodic voice was coming from the kitchen, so he went there first. Jamie was pulling two fresh loaves from the oven while Silivren coached her on the other dishes' preparations. Neither noticed him, so he watched for a while.

"What do you do with the skins?" Jamie asked as she put the freshly cleaned rabbits in the stewing pot.

"Clean and stretch them for different things. Rabbit fur is great for lining slippers and trimming coats," Silivren said.

"Is it… messy? Cleaning it I mean," Jamie asked.

"I'll show you the tricks," Silivren said. "It's not that bad."

"Hmmm. So, what's Thelyn's favorite dish?" Jamie asked changing the subject.

"Venison stew with fresh bread," Thelyn said from the doorway.

Jamie's eyes lit up and she quickly washed her hands, but Thelyn crossed the room and grabbed them. "Don't bother washing; I'll give you a hand."

"I thought the women did the cooking," Jamie said with a smirk.

"Not always," Thelyn said taking the knife and cutting the carrots that were sitting there. "If it allows me to remain in your company, I will cook."

Silivren rolled her eyes, "That won't last more than a week, believe me Jamie. The charm wears off quickly and then he will find other chores to do."

"I am not Failon, Silivren," Thelyn said dryly.

"No, I give you about three days," Silivren said with a smirk, and then winked at Jamie.

Jamie laughed and then looked at Thelyn seriously. "What did Aragorn say?"

"Uh, I think I'll just go check on Cálale," Silivren said as she slipped out of the kitchen.

Thelyn helped Jamie clean up the cutting board and dump the rest of the vegetables in the pot before answering. They went to the basin to wash their hands and he finally spoke.

"He would see you before he gives his consent," Thelyn said seriously. "If he feels you are ready, we may announce a betrothal at Polodrin and Nyére's wedding feast."

"That's only a few days from now," Jamie said with a smile.

Thelyn took her hands and looked into her eyes, "We have been separated for a long time, Jamie. Do you still wish to marry me?"

"I told you a long time ago that there was no one else for me, and I meant it. Yes, Thelyn, I still want to marry you," Jamie said firmly.

"A betrothal can last up to a year," Thelyn said. "It will be up to my uncle how long ours is."

"So what do we do in the mean time?" Jamie asked.

"You will stay with Silivren and Failon at their home and I will prepare this house for you," Thelyn said. "And we will court as before, but betrothed couples are given more freedom."

"How much more?" Jamie asked.

"The chaperoning is less annoying," Thelyn said.

"So, after all this time, we still have to wait," Jamie said.

"It is proper," he said. "It will give us time to get to know each other a little better."

Jamie sighed and Thelyn pulled her into a hug. "I love you so much, Jamie," he said softly. "I thought you were lost to me, and now you are here. I feel like the prince in your fairy tales."

"And I feel like a princess," Jamie said. "You even rescued me from my lonely castle."

Thelyn bent down and kissed her forehead softly, and Jamie looked up. He smiled warmly and kissed her cheek. Jamie turned her head a little, so he kissed the other cheek, and Jamie frowned. Thelyn laughed and kissed her on the tip of the nose.

"Thelyn, you're teasing me," she accused.

Thelyn smiled wickedly, "What do you want?"

"You know what I want," Jamie said.

"Say it," Thelyn said as his eyes smoldered with icy green fire.

"Kiss me, Thelyn," Jamie said breathlessly.

Thelyn crushed her body against him as his lips ravished hers passionately. His hands could not get enough of her soft form as they roamed over her back. One slid into her hair, gently holding her close while the other held her waist against him. Jamie wrapped her arms around him tightly and surrendered herself to the waves of passion that crashed over them. It was heaven being in his arms again, feeling his gentle hands on her body. Thelyn leaned back against the table and broke their kiss.

He looked into her wild hazel eyes as he tried to catch his breath. "I hope it isn't a long betrothal," he said between breaths.

Jamie just blushed shyly at the comment and he smiled, "You are beautiful when you blush," he whispered. "But there is not need to be shy with me."

"Well, we're not married yet," Jamie said.

Thelyn released her and stood, "I know, that's just the trouble. I forget my manners with you so near. That kiss was not acceptable for a couple that is just courting. Come; let us find ourselves a chaperone before I am tempted to do that again."

"I asked for it," Jamie said as he led her out into the main room. "We missed each other."

"Yes, but I was quite forward," Thelyn admitted. "From now on I will behave myself until we are wed."

Jamie nodded. Where she was from, courtship was a drink at a bar and a cheesy line, followed by a one night stand and a 'thanks for the memories'. It was strange to be in a place where honor and propriety actually mattered. Jamie was glad for her strict upbringing. Most girls she knew thought it was only natural to lose their virginity to their prom date. Jamie had thought that was appalling and never even went to her prom. Kids at school said she was a geek or a nerd. Some even called her goody-two-shoes, but she never cared. And now she was proud to say no man but Thelyn had ever touched her. And he respected her enough to keep his hands to himself until they were married. She loved him so much it hurt.

Silivren returned with her daughter in tow. Cálale saw Thelyn and ran to him laughing.

"You're home!" she shouted. "Where's Uncle Alcon?"

"He went to see Legolas, he'll be here for dinner," Thelyn said, hugging his niece.

Cálale looked from him to Jamie and then asked, "Are you really getting married?"

"Is that alright with you?" Thelyn asked with a smirk.

Cálale just smiled and hugged Jamie, "As long as it's Jamie."

"Well, we now have Cálale's approval," Thelyn said.

The front door opened and Failon, Alcon and Legolas entered. They all had serious expressions on their faces and Thelyn had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.

"What is it?" Thelyn asked.

Legolas just glanced at Jamie and Silivren.

Silivren sighed, "Come along, Cálale, you can help me and Jamie in the kitchen."

"Aw, mom! I never get to hear the good stuff," Cálale said dejectedly. When the women were gone, they sat down at the table and Legolas explained.

"Our peace may be over," Legolas said. "There have been several Avari scouts seen near Minas Tirith. They have not made any aggressive moves, but they are avoiding any contact. We are not sure what their purpose is, but we are planning for the worst. Polodrin's wedding may bring a little trouble. Aragorn is suggesting Faramir move the wedding up to tomorrow night, and that we lock up the city."

"What of Pallando's warning to the Avari?" Thelyn asked.

"I don't know," Legolas said, "Perhaps a small force was not considered a threat, but they could be troublesome."

"What if they are not hostile?" Failon asked.

"I have yet to meet an Avari that was not, save perhaps Nyére, but she was not as sweet in the beginning," Legolas said. "They are not like us, Failon. They are distrusting of everyone, especially men."

"Then Polodrin and…" Failon said with concern.

"Would draw their enmity," Alcon said. "We'll be ready."

"I'm going to meet with the guard to discuss our plans. Will you two be returning to the watch?" Legolas asked the twins.

"Of course," they both said in unison, drawing a smirk from Legolas.

"Come to the central courtyard at the beginning of your usual shift," Legolas said. "I'll speak with you then about the changed wedding plans." Legolas rose to leave, and Jamie stuck her head out of the kitchen.

"Are you staying for dinner?" Jamie asked.

"Sorry, I have urgent business," Legolas said, "Another time perhaps." And with that he left.

Jamie stared at the somber expressions and just said, "Who died?"

Alcon chuckled, "No one, Jamie. We just have a lot to consider."

"Well consider washing up, it's almost time to eat," Jamie said and then ducked back in the kitchen.

Failon smirked, "She'll fit in just fine with this family."

"Yes, too bad Lalaith and Nárello won't be here for the wedding. It would be good to have the whole clan together again," Thelyn said.

"I would not invite them here with trouble brewing," Failon said seriously. "Let's deal with our visitors first and then worry about family reunions."

The trio nodded agreement.

"Well, if you three are all through discussing weighty matters, let's eat," Silivren said. "No politics at the table."

"Yes, my lady," Failon said as he stood and kissed his wife on the cheek. He took the stack of plates from her and started setting the table. "Advice for you, brother," Failon said to Thelyn. "Never argue with your wife."

"Not bad advice," Jamie said as she came in from the kitchen. "You should listen to him."

Thelyn smirked, "Thanks for the help, Failon."

"Anytime," Failon said, "Anytime."