Departures
Jamie woke rather early, having had a restless night of sleep. She rose and went to the window. The sun was not yet peeking over the distant hills, but it was growing lighter in the east. Jamie looked down at the courtyard and noticed Ondollo seated there with some of his riders. They seemed out of place, but sincerely trying to fit in for Nyére's sake.
Jamie sighed and got dressed. She didn't like the idea of being away from Thelyn until the wedding. She had missed him terribly while she was at home, and they had hardly seen each other since she returned. Now she would be in Minas Tirith while he remained in Ithilien. She had a feeling it was going to be a very long two months.
Jamie went down to the main hall and waited for Thelyn. There were servants preparing the tables for the morning meal, but otherwise all was quiet. Jamie took a seat by a quiet corner and watched the activity with indifference. After a few minutes, she was joined by Allassante, Aragorn and Arwen's oldest daughter.
"Good morning Jamie, you're up early," Allassante said.
"Good morning…."
"Allassante, we met last night," she filled in for her.
"Oh, yes, sorry. I met a lot of people last night," Jamie said. "So, we're all going back to Minas Tirith today?"
Allassante could see that Jamie was less than thrilled, and she understood. She took a seat across from her and offered her a bit of comfort, "It will not seem so long."
"I have been gone for a long time and only just returned. I already miss him," Jamie said bleakly.
Allassante was the last of her siblings to find love, and she was the oldest. Jamie's youth and enthusiasm almost made her feel as though her opportunities had passed her by, but she pushed such thoughts aside. Jamie needed a friend, and Allassante wanted to be the first to make her feel welcome.
"You're not an Elf, so the custom may seem strange to you, but for him it is important," Allassante said seriously. "We can find something to do to occupy your time until Yenearsira."
"Yenearsira?" Jamie asked.
"Yes, the Winter Solstice, it is called Yenearsira among the Elves."
Jamie felt lost, and then she realized what she could do to occupy her time. "Allassante, can you teach me Thelyn's language?"
Allassante was surprised by the request, but then she smiled. "You want to learn Sindarin?"
"Please, I think it would mean a lot to him, and if I'm going to live in Ithilien, I really want to fit in," Jamie pleaded.
"It will take a lot of work and practice, but I will be glad to teach you," Allassante said.
Jamie was excited by the prospect, "Great! But let's not tell Thelyn, I want it to be a surprise."
Allassante smirked as she realized what an advantage it would be if he never knew. "Perhaps you should keep that secret for a while, Jamie. It could prove to be useful if no one knows you speak the language."
Jamie raised an eyebrow, "You don't think they've been talking about me right in front of me, do you?"
"No, but I'm sure they have taken advantage of the language barrier. It is a common trait among all men and Elves to protect their women from information. I have often been sent from my father's company when messengers arrive. They think we cannot handle bad news," Allassante said.
"Yes, I've seen that already," Jamie admitted. "I found it annoying. I know I don't understand everything around here, but I like to know what's going on."
"I agree," Allassante said. "Let's make sure you can understand your neighbors, shall we?"
Jamie smiled and then looked around. It was still early. "You want to take a walk before breakfast?" Jamie asked.
"Why not? The courtyard is nice in the morning," Allassante said as she rose. "If I know the twins, they will sleep late after all the wine they consumed last night."
As they headed for the door, Jamie refuted that comment, "Actually, Thelyn went light on the wine. I don't drink alcohol, so he didn't have much either."
"Truly? Well, I must say, he is quite smitten with you. I have never seen him temper his revelry at a feast before. Why don't you drink wine?"
"My mother had a problem with it. She was trying to drink herself to death. It never appealed to me," Jamie said as they stepped out into the morning sun.
"I understand," Allassante said, though she really didn't. Wine was served to all, including children. How does one kill one's self with it?
They walked over to the pond, and were met by several of the visiting Avari. Ondollo stepped forward and greeted Jamie.
"Your voice is remarkable," Ondollo said.
"Thank you, sir," Jamie said, not really knowing what else to say, "I know Nyére was happy to have you here for her wedding."
Ondollo brushed the personal subject aside and interjected his agenda immediately. "I would like to bring you back to my home when I return, Taure Lirilla. Your song could restore order to the trees," he said.
Cilmo frowned when he heard his lord's ambitious request. Ondollo presumed much after the way he had treated the travelers before. "My Lord, I don't think…"
"No, Cilmo, you don't. That is why I am Lord in Dorain, and not you," Ondollo said quickly. He turned his attention back to Jamie and his expression was a saccharine façade, but Jamie wasn't fooled.
"Sir, I am not planning any more adventures at present. I am invited to stay with the King in his home, I am sorry," she said pleasantly.
Ondollo cocked a brow at her, "Indeed? What a gracious host. Perhaps after you wed you and your husband would return to my land for a visit…"
Allassante had heard quite enough and interrupted. "Leave her alone, Lord of the East. You and your people have done quite enough harm."
Ondollo lost his patience, "And who are you, woman that you presume to order me about?"
Jamie cringed. This lord had not changed as much as they thought.
Allassante stepped forward, standing tall and she tucked her hair back behind her ears, revealing the small points on her rounded ears. "I am Allassante, oldest daughter of Ellessar the King. I am not as patient as my father, and I can see clearly into your heart. You are a selfish lord, and your friendship is offered out of desperation, not sincerity. Such friendships are conditional and short lived. I do not trust you, and I will not have you harassing my friend. Her help was offered once and you scorned it. Leave her in peace."
Ondollo was taken back by her boldness, but Cilmo was quite impressed. Every word she'd spoken was true. He looked at her and was struck by her beauty and strength. It was not surprising for the daughter of a King to be bold, but she was also wise. Cilmo waited to see what his lord would say.
"You are only a woman," Ondollo said with a sneer in his voice. "Your opinion is worthless."
Jamie was pissed, and just turned and walked up the steps to the hall. If she listened to another word she'd say something foolish. Allassante just smiled.
"You are a fool, Lord. Take care in your dealings with my father or you will find your position quickly changed from friend to foe," Allassante said and then followed Jamie.
"The threat of a woman bears no need for consideration," Ondollo called after her.
Cilmo was appalled. For him it was the last straw. He turned to Ondollo and glared with fury, "My Lord you play the fool too well," he said icily. "How dare you carry your hate into this peaceful land? Did you not see a hall filled with Men and Elves and Dwarves all gathered in peace and joy to accept a stranger into a noble family? Were we not greeted by a King you tried to kill with a hand of friendship? Where does your malice come from, my lord? Will you not be satisfied until all your people are dead?"
"You speak out of turn," Ondollo said angrily. "You are the last of four brothers; have you no anger for their loss?"
"They were trampled by their own wood to prevent your foolish war. My anger is for my foolishness in staying with you this long. I cannot follow you anymore, my lord," Cilmo said.
The other riders waited silently, carefully not taking sides or drawing notice.
"So you would depose me, Cilmo? Think you that our people would follow you?" Ondollo taunted.
"I have no desire to rule, were there even a people left to govern. Here in this courtyard is half your kingdom. I simply choose to go my own way. Do what you will, and may your doom be less evil than the one you forced on your army," Cilmo said and then headed back into the hall.
"Traitor," Ondollo hissed.
Cilmo turned on his heels and leapt from the steps, catching Ondollo by the neck and crashing down upon him. "Never have I raised a hand to another Avari in all my six hundred years, but today you tempt me greatly," he said. "Return to your wood and trouble the west no longer or I will speak to the King myself concerning you."
Cilmo released him and rose to his feet, looking down at Ondollo with complete disdain. He should have taken a stand sooner, before the army marched out of the city and was killed. His brothers would still be alive, and their people would still have a future. Cilmo looked at his fellow riders, and none of them seemed angry by the display. They were rangers of the mountain, guarding the eastern border of Dorian for the past age under his command. He would not ask them to follow, but he hoped they would.
"And what of you? Do you return with your lord, or remain with your captain?" Cilmo asked seriously.
Ondollo sat up, still gasping for air, and waited for the answers.
"Nikerym, we follow your command always," Anwaner said seriously.
"No, each must choose, no orders," Cilmo said.
"I follow you, Cilmo," Anwaner said.
"And I," Kiirar agreed.
"And me," Shaalth said, and his brothers Lindar and Ohtar both nodded their agreement.
But Tinechor looked at Ondollo with pity and offered his service to his lord, "My Lord, I will remain with you. The journey home is long, and hard for one, but easier with two." He offered a hand to help him rise, but Ondollo slapped it away and rose on his own.
"I need no one's pity, remain with your Captain, I have no need of you," Ondollo said. "See how long you last among these men."
And with his final words spoken, Ondollo stormed out of the courtyard and down to the stable. The Avari Rangers watched him leave with sorrow in their eyes. He was a broken shell of an Elf that allowed his grief and anger to destroy himself. He was probably marching to his own doom, but there was nothing left to do but let him go.
"He will hurt himself," Anwaner said.
"He is past the point of pain, Anwaner. I only fear that he will hurt another before his end," Cilmo said. "Come, let us greet the princess at breakfast and decide where we are to go now that we are outcasts."
Thelyn found Jamie seated at breakfast with Allassante, Gimli and Legolas. He sat down beside Jamie and she offered him some fruit.
"Good morning, Thelyn," Gimli said, "Sleep well?"
"As well as I could with a burly dwarf snoring in the room next door," Thelyn said in annoyance.
Gimli brushed the comment aside, "Well, a little more wine would have cured that. In any case, you have missed the company of this charming lady this morning, much to my delight. She was telling me about her home."
"It was very pretty," Thelyn admitted. "But here is the fairest flower of her wood."
Jamie blushed and Gimli laughed.
"So, are you riding back to Ithilien with us this morning or are you going to Minas Tirith?" Legolas asked.
Jamie looked at Thelyn and he suddenly looked guilty, "I'll be returning to Ithilien. I'll make a trip down to Minas Tirith in a few days."
"Promise?" Jamie asked.
Thelyn leaned closer to her and whispered, "I promise."
Gimli cleared his throat loudly, "None of that, now, lady."
Allassante laughed and Gimli looked at her curiously, "And when are you going to settle down and have a family?"
Allassante went pale at being put on the spot, but Legolas came to her rescue.
"Gimli, you have evaded marriage for far too long to ask such questions of one still so young," Legolas said with a cocked brow.
"A crusty old dwarf is not a princess, Legolas, and while I'm on the subject… what about you?" Gimli asked.
This time Legolas went pale, but Thelyn spoke up, "I think we've had enough wedding talk for one day, Uncle Gimli, unless you'd like to discuss Gorda with us."
Gimli shot a look at Legolas, "What'd you tell them lad?"
Legolas feigned an innocent look, "I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about, master dwarf."
Gimli just rolled his eyes and glared at his breakfast, "Indeed?"
Everyone laughed, but their conversation paused as the Avari returned to the hall. Their attire was quite dark for Elves, and they all had dark hair and dark blue eyes. They were rugged looking for Elves, seemingly a little more weathered than pristine. Jamie thought they were less arrogant than Ondollo and was curious when they walked over to speak to them.
"I must apologize to these ladies for our Lord's rudeness in the courtyard," Cilmo addressed the table. He looked at Jamie and Allassante with sincerity in his eyes, "We have asked him to leave, and he has departed alone."
Jamie was surprised by that, "You didn't have to do that for us."
"Perhaps, but his anger was beyond control. This morning it was an insult, but tomorrow it could have been violence. His place is in the east, not here. He was not ready to change, not even for Lady Nyére," Cilmo said.
"Won't you join us…?" Legolas asked,
"Cilmo," he filled in for him. "And here are Anwaner, Shaalth, Lindar, Ohtar, Kiirar, and Tinechor."
"What are you and your riders going to do now?" Allassante asked Cilmo as she looked the bold Elf over a little more closely. He was quite handsome, and had confidence she found appealing. He was mysterious, and she was suddenly very curious about him.
"I thought we should discuss that with your father, the King. We are strangers on his land, and would gain his permission before we make any decisions. We do not intend to return to the east in any case," Cilmo said seriously.
Legolas offered them his own solution, finding their attitude to be refreshingly friendly and sincere. "You are welcome in Ithilien among the northern Elves. Our settlement will be pleased to have you," he said.
"Your offer is most gracious, Lord. We must discuss our plans before I can accept," Cilmo said.
"The offer stands," Legolas said as he noticed the hall starting to fill up with guests preparing to leave. He saw Aragorn and waved him over. "Here is your chance to gain the King's grace, though I have no doubt you will have it."
"Good morning to all," Aragorn said as he walked over and stood behind Allassante. He bent down and gave her a kiss on the cheek, "Good morning daughter. Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, thank you father," she said. "Have you met Lord Cilmo and his riders yet father?"
Aragorn straightened up, "Yes, briefly last night. Where is your lord this morning?"
Cilmo stood, "Your majesty, I think it is a rather long story, and one that requires your attention. I would like to speak to you when your time permits."
Aragorn knew the ship would wait, and he could see concern on the Elf's face. "Come, then, Lord Cilmo and we will discuss it now." He led him across the hall and ran into Faramir. "I need to borrow your study."
"Help yourself," Faramir said. "Want me to send you a tray?"
"No, thank you," Aragorn called over his shoulder as he closed the door. He turned and looked at Cilmo with interest. "You look like you just inherited a difficult problem."
"Your eyes see much," Cilmo said. "I fear my lord is mad. His decisions have been made out of fury and hatred rather than wisdom. I and my riders are nearly all that is left of the Avari. There may yet be a few in the city, but most were killed."
Aragorn considered what he was hearing, "The trees?"
"Yes, Pallando's warning was not heeded, and we are all but finished. Ondollo has not changed as he pretended last night. He… insulted your fair daughter this morning and harassed the Taure Lirilla. I could not remain silent any longer and told him to return to his wood. We will not answer to him any more. But I fear that his anger may yet bring some harm."
Aragorn listened patiently and then looked at Cilmo with interest. "You defended my daughter and Jamie? I must thank you, but sending him away, was that wise?"
"I was angry, Lord. I acted hastily," Cilmo admitted.
Aragorn smirked. He was honest, whatever else he was. "I have not always acted out of wisdom. Let us hope he returns home and harms no one. And you, what are your plans?"
"I and my rangers seek a place to settle. It is your realm, so I first ask for your goodwill and permission to remain," Cilmo said.
"Of course," Aragorn said. "You have my goodwill and friendship. There are woods and wild lands in Gondor that are free to settle, but some are not mine to give."
"We have been invited to settle in Ithilien, and out of courtesy I thought we would visit there first," Cilmo said.
"You are also welcome in Minas Tirith," Aragorn said.
Cilmo bowed, "Thank you, but Elves are not city dwellers."
Aragorn smiled, "I know the truth of that well, though some have made the sacrifice for love," he said as they emerged from the study and he saw his queen holding Miiriel's young son.
Cilmo saw them as well and smiled. "You are a blessed King," he said meaningfully as his eyes wandered to Allassante.
Aragorn noticed where his line of sight led and cocked a brow, "My daughter is not married."
Cilmo looked at the King curiously. It was strange to him that this King would seemingly encourage his interest. "My lord tempts me greatly with that comment. Where is her heart?"
Aragorn sighed, "She is my firstborn, strong willed, mysterious, and dear to me. I would see her happily wed someday."
Cilmo looked at her again and a small smile crept onto his face. "Perhaps we will visit Minas Tirith for a time, since you graciously invited."
Aragorn smiled, "I would be pleased to have you and your riders join us."
"And if we should visit, would I have your permission to call on your daughter?" Cilmo pressed.
Lótetári and Cálale ran up to Aragorn and he reached out and lifted them both into a hug, laughing brightly. "Here is my granddaughter, and my great niece." Aragorn said as he swung the giggling pair around and then set them down. They ran off again and Aragorn laughed before answering Cilmo's question. "She appears to you as an Elf maid, but she is my daughter, and in every respect a human."
"I understand," Cilmo said.
"If she likes your company, I certainly don't mind," Aragorn said as he returned to his family with Cilmo on his heels. Aragorn kissed Arwen and introduced her to Cilmo.
"Greetings to you, Captain," Arwen said formally.
Polodrin and Nyére finally arrived at breakfast and Cilmo bowed to her.
"My lady you are a radiant bride," he said.
"Cilmo, I am pleased you and your riders came," she said with a smile. "Where is my father?"
Cilmo looked at her seriously, "His heart has closed again, and he has gone."
Polodrin put his arm around his wife, but she took the news surprisingly well. "He had his chance," she said sadly. "Well are you staying?"
"We have been welcomed," Cilmo said. "We will forever be in your service, my lady if you should call, but today we have been invited to Minas Tirith."
Nyére smiled at Aragorn, "Thank you."
"I am the one who should thank you for trying to make peace between our peoples," he said and then looked at Cilmo, "Go and pack, we'll be leaving for Minas Tirith within the hour."
Cilmo nodded, and then bowed to the ladies. He headed out of the hall, making a very slight gesture as he went. His riders immediately followed, and they left without another word.
"Strange bunch," Gimli said.
"No," Jamie said. "They are lost, but they have each other. I like them; I think they'll be nice to have around, especially for Nyére."
Thelyn smiled. Jamie was very accepting, and more sensitive to the feelings of others than most. He was proud of her, and it was just one of the things that made her so special. "I love you," he whispered to her. "Come and walk with me for a while until you have to leave."
Thelyn led her by the hand out into the courtyard. They sat by the pond and watched the colorful fish in silence for a while. Finally Thelyn spoke. "You have changed since you were taken from me in the east," he said.
Jamie didn't know what to say. She hoped it wasn't a bad thing, but she was suddenly nervous. "My feelings for you haven't changed," she said seriously.
"Nor mine for you, if anything, they have grown stronger," Thelyn said. "But that isn't what I meant. I can see that you are much stronger than before. You're not the youth I found, but a woman, and I am anxious for Yenearsira."
"I look forward to our wedding day too," Jamie said. "Will it take long for you to fix up the house?"
"Not long, all will be done in time," Thelyn said.
"I was hoping it wouldn't take two full months," Jamie said seriously.
"Oh, no indeed," Thelyn said. "I will visit often, and the time will go quickly."
Jamie frowned, "Your house was already very nice," Jamie said.
"And there is the reason, Jamie," Thelyn said. "You called it my house, but when we are wed, it will be yours. Do you understand yet?"
Jamie smiled, "Yes, but I will miss you."
"And I will miss you, my love," Thelyn said. "Do you have everything packed?"
"What's to pack, we didn't bring much," Jamie said.
Thelyn looked back at the hall doors as guests from Minas Tirith filed out. Aragorn caught his eye and Thelyn nodded. "It is time for you to go."
"Are you coming to the docks?" Jamie asked.
Thelyn sighed and led her around the pond and behind a tree. "Let us say goodbye here," he said as he pulled her into a hug. "There is even less privacy at the docks."
Jamie felt a lump in her throat, and she held him close, but he pulled away. She looked up at him and he gazed down at her with tenderness in his eyes, "I love you, Jamie, and I will come to you in Minas Tirith soon." He bent down and kissed her. Somewhere on the other side of the tree he heard Gimli clear his throat and he broke the kiss. He frowned, but Jamie laughed.
"Irritating Dwarf," Thelyn said.
Jamie just smiled, "I love you, Thelyn."
He led her back out into the open and Aragorn stood with his arms crossed, tapping his foot. "Farewells all said?"
Jamie blushed and Thelyn just nodded.
"Good, Jamie, Allassante has your horse," Aragorn said, and she nodded and followed the others. Then Aragorn turned his attention to the sad looking red haired Elf, "Thelyn you can still join us."
"I'll see you next week," Thelyn said. "I need to see the carver right away and order some furniture."
"I'll take good care of her," Aragorn said.
Thelyn nodded, "I would not have worried with her in your care, but thank you."
Aragorn put an arm around him and they walked through the courtyard. "Well, this takes care of one of you Wild ones, but what is to be done about your brother?" Aragorn asked.
"Alcon?" Thelyn asked in surprise. "He is too choosy. I doubt there is any maid in Middle Earth to tame his heart."
Alcon came up behind them just in time to hear that, "I will be the last of the great bachelors," Alcon said firmly. "Me and Gimli and Legolas."
"Aaah," Gimli said in annoyance, "Leave me out of this."
Legolas just frowned, "Bachelors are not great," he said, glaring at Alcon in annoyance. He looked at Aragorn with a softer expression and just said, "I will miss the sight of your kind face, old friend. Take care of your growing family."
"My heart will weep until next we meet," Aragorn said. "Visit when you can."
They shook hands and Aragorn mounted up and waved to his nephews. "Stay out of trouble."
Thelyn smiled, "Always."
Alcon grinned, "Never."
Aragorn rolled his eyes and rode down to the docks. It used to be Thelyn he worried about, but now it was Alcon who strived to give him heart failure. He needed for that Elf to find a nice girl and settle down. Down at the dock, he was the last to get aboard. The Avari were already loaded and waiting, and the ship captain ordered the lines to be cast off and they were on their way.
Jamie watched the shore with misty eyes, but tried not to cry. She stared at the passing shore sadly and someone joined her by the railing.
"He remains behind because of how much he loves you," Allassante said. "Do you think it was easy for him to say goodbye?"
"No," Jamie managed to say through the lump in her throat.
Their conversation was interrupted by a disturbance along the shore. There was a rustling in the trees and suddenly a rider appeared, and kept pace with the ship. It was Thelyn, and he was waving.
Jamie's tears finally hit though she was smiling. She waved back to where he halted and as the river turned, she headed aft along the railing. Finally she was halted by the railing and she waved until he was out of sight. After a moment, Allassante had joined her and wordlessly handed her a handkerchief.
"Thanks," Jamie said, wiping her tears away.
"I envy you," Allassante said.
"It must be tough being a princess," Jamie said. "It's hard to find a good guy who doesn't like you just for your title."
Allassante laughed, "Yes, well, there's that, and there's the fact that most men are annoyingly arrogant. The only good men I know are my own relatives."
"Well, that rules them out right off, doesn't it?" Jamie said with a smirk.
"Quite," Allassante said.
"What about the Avari? There's a couple good looking ones there," Jamie said nodding toward the seven dark haired Elves that stood together out of the way.
Allassante smiled, "I only noticed one, but I do not expect anything to come of it."
"Why not?" Jamie asked.
"I am human," she said. "Avari are not known for marrying humans."
"Oh, you mean like Polodrin?" Jamie asked with a chuckle.
"The exception does not change the rules," Allassante said.
Jamie looked back at the Avari and noticed Cilmo watching them. She turned back to the railing and casually said, "So if Cilmo was watching you, you wouldn't care."
Allassante suddenly turned around and caught Cilmo's eye briefly before he pretended to look away. She blushed crimson and turned back to the railing. "That wasn't very nice," she said.
"I never told you to look," Jamie said defensively. "And I think I just proved one thing."
"What's that?"
"You like him," Jamie said. "And it appears he has noticed you as well."
"You're sneaky," Allassante said with a smirk. "I knew I liked you. I think we're going to get along just fine."
Jamie smiled. She'd just made a new friend.
Thelyn rode back to Ithilien alone after waving to Jamie. He'd seen her tears, and it nearly broke his heart. He didn't like being separated any more than she did, but there was no help for it. He'd see to all the details right away, and then visit her. He wanted only the best for her, his beautiful forest maid with the golden voice.