Wedding Day

Polodrin and Nyére walked in the garden courtyard of his home. The evening was quiet and calm and the moon was large in the sky as it always was at harvest time. They held hands and looked at the stars.

"Do you miss your home my love?" Polodrin asked.

"My home is in your arms, there is no other place I wish to be," Nyére said seriously.

Polodrin drew her closer and put his arm around her shoulders. "Two nights hence," he said.

Nyére sighed, "It seems so far away."

"Not so long," Polodrin said.

"No, and everyone here has been so kind. Your father has been most gracious to me," she said.

"He already liked you, but how could he refuse the lady who saved my life?" Polodrin asked.

"That isn't why, is it?" she asked in annoyance.

"You must learn to read a man when he jests," Polodrin said as he gently lifted her chin with his fingertips. He looked down into her eyes and smiled. "He loves you, because he sees our love. Two days from now he will call you daughter, and I will call you wife."

Nyére smiled at him. She still could not believe the changes in her life these past few months. She was resigned to a fate she detested, but then a journey to save her wood ended up saving her instead. She found love beyond description in the arms of a Man. He amazed her with his unconditional love and she was speechless.

A messenger interrupted their walk and Polodrin released her to greet him.

"What is it?" Polodrin asked.

"A message from the King, my lord. I did not see the Steward, so the guard sent me to you," the messenger said.

"Father has retired for the evening, I will deliver your message," Polodrin said as he took the parchment from him. He took Nyére's arm and led her inside. "My Lady, I must bid you goodnight. Messages from the King are always urgent."

"Goodnight," Nyére said. "I will see you on the morrow."

"In the hall at breakfast," Polodrin said. "I will await you."

Nyére nodded and headed up the stairs to her room. She couldn't wait for the day when they would not have to be parted. She missed him already, but she was concerned over the message. What sort of messages did the King send that they were always urgent?

Faramir was sitting on the bed waiting for Ẻowyn to join him. It had been a long day of ordering supplies for the feast. His wife had taken Nyére to the best seamstress in Emyn Arnen to be fitted for a wedding gown, and he had been dealing with minor disputes and requests. He was tired and anxious for a few moments of peace in the comfort of his wife's arms. But his evening was interrupted by a knock at the door.

Ẻowyn emerged from the dressing area in her nightgown and she grabbed her robe and headed for the door. "I'll see what it is," she offered.

Faramir sighed and lay back against his pillow.

Polodrin stared at the door and waited until finally he saw his mother in the doorway.

"Son? Should you not be in the garden stealing kisses from your betrothed?" Ẻowyn asked in surprise.

"Mother, is father within? There is an urgent message from Minas Tirith. It bears the King's seal," Polodrin said.

"Let him in," Faramir called as he stood and tied his robe closed. "Let's have a look."

Faramir opened the message calmly though it was usually not good news. He read it and frowned. "Your lady's kin may be searching for her. Several Avari have been seen scouting around Minas Tirith. Aragorn is concerned about the wedding and wants to move it up one night."

Polodrin frowned, "What would they do?" he asked and then looked at his father in surprise as a smile slowly crept over his face. "Move it up?"

"Yes, that would be the part you would hear," Ẻowyn said with a smirk.

Faramir looked at her with a twinkle in his eyes, "Our betrothal was a little long for my taste as well."

"He's only been betrothed a couple of days," Ẻowyn said with a cocked brow.

"Weddings aside," Faramir said. "What do you think of this?"

"I think it might be a problem. They were very unfriendly. If they received word of the betrothal…" Polodrin began.

"They would have had to have been following you for some time," Faramir said. "The journey is long."

"Yes, I think it is Erveryo, the captain who tried to take Jamie. He was very hostile. He would do anything to keep Nyére within his control," Polodrin said angrily. "Her father may have sent him to retrieve her."

"Another foolish captain? I suppose her father promised her to him in the absence of his other captain," Faramir said in jest.

"Apparently he did," Polodrin said dryly.

"How barbaric," Ẻowyn said angrily. "I assume she was not pleased about that."

"She killed the first captain," Faramir said. "And no one blamed her."

"That was him? I heard about that. I knew I liked her, Polodrin. You definitely have my blessings," Ẻowyn said firmly.

"Thanks mom," Polodrin said. "I'll leave you two to your rest, tomorrow might be a little busier than expected."

"Indeed," Faramir said. "I'll see to it, you go to bed."

Polodrin left and Faramir looked at his wife thoughtfully. "So we will have another Elf in our family."

"How strange the time we live in where Elves and Men live together in such peace," Ẻowyn said.

"I hope the peace will last. The Avari are not kindly disposed toward Men. I fear they will not tolerate this marriage," Faramir said.

"Perhaps the marriage will be just what is needed to bridge the rift between our peoples," Ẻowyn said hopefully.

"And that is why I love you," Faramir said. "You always look to the brighter side."

"At least since I met you, my lord," Ẻowyn said with a smile.

Faramir hugged her close and kissed her tenderly on the cheek. "Come to bed, Ẻowyn and I will show you again why you love me."

Ẻowyn smiled, "Are you bragging?"

"Absolutely," Faramir said with a cocked brow. "And you have yet to refute it."

"The Steward of Gondor sets out to conquer the White Lady of Rohan again?" she asked as she followed him to the bed.

"Unless you would surrender now," Faramir said with a chuckle.

"Never surrender," Ẻowyn said humorously.

Faramir pulled her down onto the bed and they rolled together playfully. They finally stopped with Faramir lying on top of her, "You were saying?"

"Perhaps if you are nice, we can negotiate a truce," she suggested with a twinkle in her eyes.

Faramir lowered his face to hers and kissed her tenderly. "I believe once again I find it is I who surrender to you, fairest wife."

"I love you Faramir," she said breathlessly as she wrapped her arms around him and drew him close for another kiss.

In the early hours of morning, Failon, Thelyn and Alcon met with the morning watch in the central courtyard. Legolas was there and explained their plans.

"Avari from the East have been seen in Gondor. They have not made any aggressive moves, but may be planning something. We will detain any who try to enter the wood," Legolas said.

"But are they not to be treated as kinsmen?" one of the watch asked.

"I would like to, but until we are certain of their friendship, we will be cautious," Legolas said. "They have not as yet shown themselves to be friendly."

Everyone agreed to carry out Legolas' orders, and they left for their tour on the watch. All the borders were watched carefully that night. For the first time in many years they had possible enemies to watch for.

Aragorn stood in the great hall with his arms crossed waiting impatiently. His queen stood beside him, and his daughter Allassante, but Eldarion and Miiriel had yet to join them.

"Be patient," Arwen said. "Traveling with children always takes more preparation time."

"I am patient, but I am anxious to be on my way. The scouts we saw have vanished, and I fear they are going to trouble Emyn Arnen this night," Aragorn said.

"And perhaps they will not," Arwen said. "They might be friendly."

"I will believe that when I see it," Aragorn said. "Ah, here they come."

"Sorry, father," Eldarion said. "I think Nolvo is a little cranky this morning."

"Oh, let his grandmother handle that," Arwen said, reaching for the grumpy child. She carried him on her hip and he smiled.

Miiriel rolled her eyes. "You have to teach me that."

"Arwen looked at her with a twinkle in her eyes, "It is a gift that only grandparents possess. It will work for you on his children."

"That's no help today," Miiriel said with a smirk.

Aragorn laughed, "Come along, the ship is waiting for us."

Down at the docks, there were two ships waiting. One ship was to carry Aragorn and his family and their horses and luggage, and a second with a company of soldiers. Aragorn didn't want to take any chances with the wedding. If trouble came, he wanted to be prepared. Most of his men knew Polodrin well and wanted to attend the event anyway. They were more than happy to guard the gates tonight.

Jamie and Silivren were all ready for the ride to Emyn Arnen when the Failon and twins returned from the watch. They ate a quick breakfast and said very little, but Silivren was tired of the silence.

"What is wrong?" she asked. "If trouble has come to us, I want to know what it is."

"Silivren, the trouble is not for us…" Failon started to say but Thelyn interrupted.

"Avari have been scouting around," he said. "We do not know their purpose."

Silivren furrowed her brow but was unsure of why this was a concern.

"They want Nyére back, don't they?" Jamie asked, truly concerned.

"We don't know," Alcon said. "But after our encounters with them, we will be cautious."

Jamie frowned. "We met only a few of them," Jamie said. "Nyére loves her people very much. I don't think they are all like Atanvardo and Erveryo."

"I'm sure you are right, but we don't know who they are, they have avoided contact with anyone here," Thelyn said seriously. "I will not let them spoil the wedding, or harm you, Jamie."

Jamie frowned. This sounded like a bad situation that was trying to get worse. She didn't like it. She looked at her future family and just said, "Mistrust breeds mistrust."

Failon looked at her thoughtfully a moment. "You have grown up, haven't you?"

Jamie just blushed, "I only meant that we should not judge them before we know them."

Thelyn smiled at her, "I agree, Jamie, but would you not prefer to be cautious, just in case?"

Jamie thought of Nyére and her fear of her father. "Yes, that would be prudent."

"In any case, the decisions were not ours to make," Failon said. "Let us go and wish the happy couple well."

They quickly cleaned up from breakfast and departed for Emyn Arnen. They joined Legolas and a handful of Elves on their way out of the wood. They went at a light pace for Cálale's benefit. She was just learning to ride her own horse, and wanted to show him off to her grandfather. The hour ride was a little longer, but no one minded. It was a crisp autumn day with a light breeze. Within sight of the gates, they picked up the speed a little. Jamie had not been to Emyn Arnen before, so she was looking it over closely. It was a fine city, walled up like most she'd seen here. The main gate was heavily guarded, and she wondered if that was because of the supposed threat.

"Who begs entry to Emyn Arnen?" a guard called down.

"Legolas of the Wood and wedding guests," Legolas called up.

"Enter and welcome," the guard said as the gates opened.

The riders went straight to the Steward's hall, and their horses were tended to by the stable master. Thelyn took Jamie's hand and led her through the courtyard, and the company was greeted by Faramir.

"Welcome guests," he said. "It is good to see you were able to make it today, plans have changed recently."

"Yes, we have heard," Legolas said. "Have you had any trouble?"

"None yet, and I am hopeful that our worries are for naught," Faramir said. "But enough about that, the hour approaches noon, and there will be lunch soon. Come in and refresh yourselves."

They filed into the hall, and Jamie looked around for Nyére. She was anxious to see her friend again. "Lord Faramir, where is the bride?" Jamie asked.

"Oh, she is in her chamber until the feast," Faramir said. "I'm sure she'd be happy to see you." He motioned for a maid to join them. "Would you show Lady Jamie to Lady Nyére's chamber?"

The maid curtseyed and offered Jamie a smile. Jamie gave Thelyn's hand a squeeze, and he smiled.

"Say hello to her for me, I'll see you later," Thelyn said as he watched her go. When she was gone, he looked at Faramir, "Has the king arrived yet?"

"No, but the ship is expected within the hour," Faramir said. "If you'll excuse me, I have a few last minute things to see to."

He left, and everyone sat down at a table to rest. The hall was a bustle of activity with servants hanging garlands of flowers and setting up extra tables to accommodate the extra guests. Lunch was served in one corner while the rest of the room was prepared for the celebration.

"So, how many will show up?" Legolas wondered out loud.

"Well, well, well…" a deep voice boomed from behind him.

Legolas suddenly smiled brightly and turned to greet his long time friend, "Gimli!"

"Are we doomed to only meet at weddings?" Gimli asked. "You promised to visit."

"I found myself wrapped up in another quest," Legolas said.

"Indeed? And you did not invite me?" Gimli accused.

"It was not may quest, and we were a little rushed. But come and sit with us, my lord Dwarf. Tell us how you have been," Legolas said.

Gimli gave him half a frown, "Of late I have been bored, thus the reason for my visit in Gondor. And along the way I hear that Polodrin was to wed, so naturally, I showed up here."

"Any excuse to attend a good feast, eh uncle Gimli?" Alcon said humorously.

"But of course," Gimli said with a chuckle. "So what mischief have you two Wild Ones been up to of late? Have you no time to visit the caves?"

"Thelyn is breaking up our partnership," Alcon said. "He has found himself a bride."

"Who would fall for a rebel like him?" Gimli asked with a smirk.

"That is a long story," Legolas said.

"Well, break out some wine and tell your tale, Thelyn. I would hear of the maid that tamed the wildest of the Wild Ones," Gimli said with a grin.

Thelyn rolled his eyes. Gimli was a riot at weddings, but if he started drinking now, there was no telling what he would be like later. But Legolas was delighted to see him and was most accommodating. Wine was brought, and the story of the singer's quest drew a small crowd. Indeed the whole thing was a love story. It was the story of the Ents' love for their lost wives, Polodrin and Nyére's meeting and rocky courtship, and Thelyn and Jamie's courtship. By the end of the story, everyone was even more excited about the wedding.

Nyére sat on the bed staring at her gown almost sadly. She was happier than she'd ever been, but had no family to share it with. There was a knock at the door, and she sighed and rose to answer.

"Who is there?" she asked.

"An old friend," Jamie answered.

The door swung open and Nyére stared at her, completely stunned. "Jamie? You're here?"

"Thelyn and Alcon came after me and brought me home," Jamie said.

Nyére hugged her, and then dragged her back inside and closed the door.

"Why are you hiding in here?" Jamie asked.

"Tradition," Nyére said. "I am not to see the groom until the feast when I am given to him…" her voice trailed off.

"What is it?" Jamie asked.

"I have no one to give me away," Nyére said. "Not a single member of my clan will be here to share this day with."

"I thought they would all hate this wedding," Jamie said.

"Not all," Nyére admitted. "Most of my people only wish to live in peace, but my father has grown bitter, and the guards have become calloused to any but our own clan."

"So, if the Avari were to leave your wood, they might not be looking for war, but friendship," Jamie ventured.

Nyére looked at Jamie seriously, "What are you saying?"

"You don't know?" Jamie asked in surprise.

"No, I have been told nothing," Nyére said.

"Uh, well a few Avari have been seen around here, but no one knows why. They are afraid they are going to be like…" Jamie tried to explain delicately.

"Atanvardo," Nyére said for her, "I understand. But I doubt they would come this far for me. Pallando was not bluffing when he told them they would never leave the forest to make war."

"They have not seen that many," Jamie said.

"No, they wouldn't see them no matter how many there were," Nyére said. "I am surprised they were able to identify them as Avari at all. We have always been cautious when traveling."

"What do you think; would they try to stop the wedding?" Jamie asked.

"Is that what they think?" Nyére asked in surprise. "Only Erveryo or my father would want that. Most of my people would see it as a ray of hope for peace. To have Gondor as an ally would be good for the Avari."

"Would your father come himself?" Jamie asked.

"My father would not trouble himself on my account," Nyére said bitterly. "He would send Erveryo if he cared at all."

"Parents can surprise you, Nyére. I ought to know, my mother changed. Maybe your father has to," Jamie said.

"That would be too much to hope for," Nyére said. "But tell me, how are you and Thelyn getting along?"

"He hopes that Aragorn will let him announce our betrothal," Jamie said with a blush.

Nyére smiled, "He will. But tonight is my wedding. Will you sing at the feast for me?"

Jamie's eyes got wide, "Uh, I guess. What should I sing?"

"You'll think of something appropriate," Nyére said with a smile. Now, what do you think of the gown?"

"It will be perfect," Jamie said, "How are you going to wear your hair?"

The two friends wasted the afternoon laughing and reminiscing. Jamie helped Nyére with her gown and hair. Jamie hoped Nyére wouldn't worry about her people. And as the evening approached, Jamie came up with a solution to one simple problem.

"Have Legolas do it," Jamie said all of a sudden.

"What?"

"Have Legolas give you away. He's not Avari, but he is the leader of the Elves here. He'd love to do it for you," Jamie said.

"I don't know," Nyére said carefully.

"I can go and ask him," Jamie said.

"No, that's all right," Nyére said. "It isn't important, but you should go and join the others. Someone will send for me when it is time."

Jamie frowned. It seemed like a good idea. She gave her friend a hug and left to find Thelyn.

Aragorn was getting bored with waiting. He needed something to do, so he went in search of Jamie. He'd promised Thelyn he'd consider allowing the betrothal, but he needed to see her first. Someone had said she was with the bride, so he headed down the hall toward the bedrooms. He was met along the way by the very person he was seeking.

"Jamie," Aragorn said with a smile. "You are looking well."

"And you," Jamie said.

"Allow me to escort you back to the hall," Aragorn said, offering her his arm. "So, you are eighteen now?"

"I was within two weeks of my birthday when Thelyn found me," Jamie admitted.

Aragorn considered that a moment. "How was your visit at home?"

"I was able to help my mother recover from a long illness," Jamie said. "She is well, and we have finally… made peace with each other."

"Then it was good for you to go," Aragorn clarified.

"Yes, even if it was lonely," Jamie said.

"Your feelings for Thelyn are the same as before?" Aragorn asked.

Jamie smiled, "Oh, yes."

Aragorn smiled as they came into the hall, "There he is now, come, let's go talk to him."

Thelyn stood as they approached and looked at Aragorn expectantly.

Aragorn stood before his young nephew with a smile. He took Jamie's hand and placed it in Thelyn's and said, "Here is your betrothed, Thelyn. I am pleased to see you both happy. At the appropriate time this evening, I will make the announcement."

Thelyn suddenly flashed a bright smile, and there was a roar of laughter from behind them. Thelyn turned and looked at Gimli who just kept laughing.

"What?" Thelyn asked with a cocked brow.

"Well, she truly is a beauty. How'd you manage to catch her?" Gimli asked.

"Gimli!" Legolas said with a smirk.

Gimli laughed again, "Congratulations, Laddy. When's the feast?"

Aragorn laughed. He had missed Gimli and his blunt sense of humor. "I thought a winter wedding might be nice, winter solstice perhaps?"

"That is not so long," Thelyn said. "Thank you Uncle."

"Yes, well, she will be staying somewhere other than your house until then I hope," Aragorn said meaningfully.

"Failon and Silivren have offered…" Thelyn said.

"We'll discuss it later," Aragorn said. Families were too lax with chaperoning duties. He'd have to think on it.

The guests were gathering in the hall as the sun was going down. Faramir and Polodrin entered the hall and Aragorn greeted them.

"So, are you ready for this?" Aragorn asked Polodrin.

"Absolutely, as long as nothing goes wrong," Polodrin said.

"I'm sure everything will be fine," Aragorn said, but he was wrong. The door to the hall swung open abruptly, and a guard went to Faramir with dire news.

"My Lord, there is a company of riders demanding entry," the guard said. "They are Elves, but not of Ithilien. They said they were from the east, and were seeking their princess."

Polodrin went pale, "No!"

"Peace, son. We will not let them take your bride," Faramir said. "The King and I will speak to them."

"I am going with you," Polodrin said firmly.

"No, Polodrin, stay here and see to your guests. We will return as soon as possible," Aragorn said.

Aragorn, Faramir and Legolas left the hall to deal with their uninvited guests and Polodrin paced the floor. This was not good. He didn't want anything bad to happen on his wedding day. If there was a battle, he knew it would hurt Nyére. More than anything he longed for peace between the Dorian wood and Gondor.