Impulsive as an Avari
Thelyn settled into his empty house late that after noon. He walked through each room looking closely for what he liked and what he might change. For the most part, the extra bedrooms were acceptable, needing only a good cleaning. But the master bedroom, once occupied by his parents, would need to be changed. The furniture was very fine, but made for his mother. He decided to relocate the wardrobes in the guest rooms… or future children's rooms. Thelyn paused a moment and pondered that thought. Jamie as a mother was a very pleasant thought. He could see her, seated in a rocking chair with a baby in her arms, singing a lullaby. That was one thing he would want, a rocking chair. Then he would order a bed and matching wardrobes. He knew just what he wanted, if the craftsman could manage it. He couldn't wait to see them the next morning so they could get started.
Jamie and Allassante sat by the fire in the main hall after dinner that night. It was quiet, as most of the family and guests had already gone to bed. They discussed their plans for the next day.
"We'll start with the basics," Allassante said. "I think you'll want to write the words down in your language for study, you'll just have to spell them however they sound."
"I get it, I can make myself a dictionary," Jamie said. "That's a good idea, but what about writing? I should learn that too."
"One thing at a time," Allassante said. "Thelyn would like to teach you too. Don't rob him of the fun of sharing the Elvish ways with you. I am merely giving you a head start."
"Good point," Jamie said. "I hope we'll have time for some fun too."
"Of course," Allassante said. "I thought I'd show you the city tomorrow, and the gardens."
Jamie smiled, "I just love gardens. I had one at home, and it was my favorite place to be when I wasn't in the forest."
"You are a child of nature, that is plain," Allassante said. "I can see why Thelyn was so charmed by you."
"Yeah, I'm pretty irresistible," Jamie said sarcastically, and they both laughed.
Allassante looked at Jamie a moment and finally agreed, "He never had a chance."
Jamie just shook her head, "Aaah, we just seemed to get along from the start, like we were always meant to be good friends."
"Love comes easily for some," Allassante said seriously. "For me it was untimely, and poorly chosen. I think that I and Alcon shall be doomed to loneliness."
"I think your chance will come again, and he's an elf, so sooner or later he'll meet the right one for him," Jamie said.
"You are ever the hopeful one, aren't you?" Allassante asked.
Jamie smiled, "People in love have a bright outlook. So, you had an unhappy relationship?"
Allassante sighed, "It wasn't even a relationship. He toyed with my affections and then ran off and married another."
"Oh, a crush," Jamie said with a bitter frown. "I had one of those once. Horrible experience."
Allassante stood and looked around the hall. There were yet a few people about and she decided the conversation was too private. "Let's go for a walk in the courtyard and I'll tell you my horrible tale and you can tell me yours," she suggested.
Jamie smiled and followed. She really liked having a friend to talk to. Being in Minas Tirith wasn't going to feel so bad after all. They both wrapped up in warm cloaks and headed outside to look at the stars and talk.
Cilmo, who had been walking alone, lost in thought, saw the doors open and retreated behind the hedge. He didn't feel like talking to anyone, so he thought he'd let them pass before going back to his room. Then he heard them speak, and recognized the Princess. He decided to just wait and listen.
"So, my tale of woe was quite simple," Allassante continued. "Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth was visiting with his nephew, Rávo. I was quite young, and he was this great warrior with golden hair and clear blue eyes…" she paused for a reminiscent sigh. "He obviously knew I liked him, and flirted with me."
"Jerk," Jamie said.
"Perhaps, but all I know is, he returned to his home and married someone else," Allassante said. "Now, there is my confession."
"All right, I guess I owe you," Jamie said. "His name was Lance, and he was on my high school football team, wide receiver and very good looking. He sat by me in my English class, and I thought he liked me. He was always flirting, and I was always blushing."
"What happened?" Allassante asked.
"I found out he was just paying attention to me because he needed help passing the class. I was the laughing stock of the junior class for months," Jamie said. "I completely gave up on trusting boys after that."
"Until you met Thelyn," Allassante said.
Jamie smiled, "I didn't want to like him, you know. I tried not to."
"Elves are charming," Allassante said. "I had feelings for an Elf too, once."
Jamie cocked a brow at her and she frowned, "No, Jamie. That one I won't share."
Jamie nodded, "I understand. Not over that one yet?"
Allassante didn't answer, so Jamie just walked over to the white tree that stood at the center of the courtyard. She was intrigued by it and tried to listen for its voice. It was winter now, and the air was crisp. The trees they had passed seemed groggy, dreaming. Perhaps in winter they slept. She touched the white bark, and a song slipped into her thoughts, so she started to sing.
Be still my beating heart, it would be better to be cool, it's not time to be open just yet...lesson once learned is so hard to forget. Be still my beating heart..." Once again, leave it to Sting to know just how girls feel when they have a crush. "...Or I'll be taken for a fool! It's not healthy to run at this pace, the blood runs so red to my face..." Yep, she forgot how awful it felt, now she remembered all too well."I sink like a stone that's been thrown in the ocean, my logic has drowned in a sea of emotion. Stop before you start! Be still my beating heart!"
Cilmo sat behind the hedge, listening to their conversation intently. It was strange to hear women speaking of such things, and he found their confessions charming, especially Allassante's. The warrior she mentioned must have been a fool. And then this song that spoke of fear in the pursuit of love. Ondollo never believed that women had depth of feeling or thought. How tragic for him. Cilmo had more respect for the delicate grace and wisdom that was often hidden beneath the fair features of a lady. And this Allassante was the first lady he'd ever met that caught his sincere interest.
"Where do you come up with songs that speak to the heart?" Allassante asked seriously.
"Oh, not from me," Jamie admitted. "Other people wrote them and sang them, I just remember them."
"Most of the songs and lays we hear tell stories, but your songs are different," Allassante said. "I like them."
Jamie smiled and then shivered. "It's cold, I think we've been out long enough."
Allassante nodded, "Let's go inside and have a cup of tea before we turn in."
"Sounds good," Jamie said as they walked back to the hall.
After the doors to the hall closed, Cilmo emerged from behind the hedge and smiled. He'd wait a few minutes before following. Perhaps he'd run into them and have the chance to speak to Allassante again.
Once again seated by the fire, Jamie and Allassante were joined by Cilmo.
"Tea by the fire," he said with a charming smile. "How pleasant."
Jamie noticed the way he was looking at Allassante and immediately spoke up, "Won't you join us?"
Allassante shot her a look, but Jamie just smiled.
Cilmo sat down and Jamie handed him her cup. "You know, I changed my mind about the tea, Allassante, I'm rather tired," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "Won't you be kind enough to keep Allassante company? I'm going to turn in." She stood and walked by, giving Allassante a little wink as she went.
Cilmo smiled, having noticed Jamie's obvious maneuvering. "It would be a pleasure to share such charming company. Sleep well then, Lady Jamie."
Allassante was stuck, and had to be polite to her father's guest. She offered and awkward smile and took a sip of tea. Across the hall, Jamie was humming the song she'd just sang, and Allassante blushed darkly. Jamie was going to pay for this clear setup tomorrow.
Cilmo sat back in his chair and watched the princess with interest. She gave him the standard forced smile and then blushed. She didn't want to be here, that was plain. He wondered if he should be subtle, and get to know her first, or if he should be bold.
"What do you think of our city, Lord Cilmo?" Allassante asked.
"It is a city," he said. "Though, it is very grand, I am not a city dweller. There is but one thing that drew me to accept your father's invitation."
Allassante was curious, "What is that?"
"You," he said, finally opting for boldness. "From the first time I saw you, I was mesmerized by your beauty."
Allassante frowned, "Beauty is fleeting, and flowers fade after one season."
"You are far to fair a flower to be so bitter," Cilmo said seriously. "I know you are human, and I care not."
"Strange sentiment from an Avari," she said.
"Ondollo is a poor example of an Avari, Princess. Do not judge me by his model," Cilmo said with a hint of anger in his voice.
"I am sorry," she said with a softer expression.
Cilmo looked at her sincerely, "He left a lasting impression of our people that I would like to change."
"My father is just, he does not judge any man or Elf against another," she said. "You are already accepted here."
"Not by you," he said with a smirk. "What must an Elf do to attain the affections of your heart?"
"Do not toy with me," she said angrily as she stood. "You do not need me to gain favor with the king, so stop this embarrassing charade."
Cilmo put down his tea and stood facing her. She stood proudly and defiantly, and he hated the look in her eyes, complete distrust. He remembered her conversation in the courtyard and realized his actions were suspect.
"I know well how painful it is to have your love scorned by another," he said softly. "I promise you I have no political agenda, nor do I care for any man's favor, save the father of the woman I choose as a bride."
She looked into his eyes and they were unwavering… and beautiful deep blue. She'd always thought all elves were fair to look at, but he was the most handsome she'd ever seen. But falling for the handsome face was folly, for it often hid ugliness. His words were well chosen, but she barely knew him. There was no reason to think he would be any different.
"Go choose another," she said, trying desperately to remain firm.
Cilmo pulled her into his arms and leaned close, his lips but a breath from hers. "I have already chosen," he whispered and then kissed her.
She struggled a little at first, and he merely held her gently but firmly as his lips tenderly caressed hers. She braced her hands against his chest, but the tension seemed to melt away, and her arms soon hooked around behind his neck. Her mouth was soft and wet, still warm and sweet from her tea. For their first kiss, he found the experience heady and exciting despite how chaste he tried to keep it. Finally he pulled away and looked at her with fiery blue eyes.
"A heart is not a toy," he said huskily, "Nor is a woman a pawn."
"You are bold for an Elf," she said breathlessly.
"I am Avari," he said, "I am not like the Elves you know."
Allassante cocked a brow at him and stepped back. "Indeed?"
"I am impulsive, arrogant, rebellious, and of late, a traitor to my lord. I do not keep a neat house, nor do I care to. But I am loyal and devoted to my family and friends. I have never harmed, or allowed harm to come to any woman. If you place your trust in me, princess, I will die before I break it."
"So I am to fall in love with a stranger after one stolen kiss?" Allassante asked.
Cilmo smiled playfully and pulled her back into his arms, "It only took a look for me, but as you wish, I will kiss you again so that you can be sure…"
She was going to protest, but when he kissed her this time, her resistance fled. There was passion in their embrace that was mutual. She clung to him and he lifted her into his arms and sat down, cradling her in his lap. She slipped her arm around his back while her other hand gently touched his cheek.
Cilmo gave up on being chaste this time as his tongue coaxed her mouth open. Her compliance was his reward and he deepened his kiss, delving into the sweetness of her mouth. His free hand roamed over her hip and gradually made its way to cup her breast. She moaned softly and the vibration was caught deep in his throat, driving him wild. The hand at her neck slipped up into her hair and he gently drew her head back, exposing the full length of her soft neck. He kissed his way down her throat and she gasped with pleasure in his arms. When he reached her cleavage, he realized he was going too far and abruptly stopped. He sighed and pulled her into a hug.
"I am a fool," he said through ragged breaths. "I speak of love and offer only passion. It is a poor way to win your trust."
Allassante was still stunned by his bold assault, but surprisingly, she wasn't angry. The passion she saw in his eyes was tempered with sincere affection. It was disarming, and she could not deny that she had feelings for him. It was simply happening too fast for her.
"You are moving too swiftly for me," she said. "If you would have my trust, then walk before you run."
Cilmo looked into her eyes and there was a definite spark of desire in them, and interest. Perhaps not love yet, but definite interest. "For you, I would crawl."
Allassante smiled, "Tomorrow, you could try a walk in the garden."
Cilmo lifted her off his lap and to her feet, and then stood. He lifted her hand to his lips, kissed it and then hooked it on his arm to escort her to her room. They walked through the quiet dimly lit halls in silence until she halted by her door. She offered him a smile and then retreated into her room, but he caught the door before she could close it.
"I do not expect you to fall at my feet, princess. I ask only that you do not judge me against another," he said seriously.
"What other?" Allassante asked in confusion.
"The one that hurt you before," he said. "Only one who's heart has been broken fears another break."
"Goodnight," she said, and closed the door. She leaned back against it and sighed dreamily. Tomorrow she'd have to thank Jamie for that setup.
Cilmo stared at the door a moment and frowned. He was too bold, he knew it. But with her standing so close, and the firelight, and the empty hall… He prided himself in his respect for women and yet he'd jumped on her like a stud on a mare in season. He should be ashamed… Oh, but her lips were sweet, and her skin so soft… But if they'd been caught, her father would have killed him for such liberties. He needed to keep his head. For once in his life, he needed to practice a little patient self control. Cilmo headed to his room and shook his head in frustration. Six hundred years he'd walked the forest alone, and finally he found the one he wanted to share his life with. He'd waited long enough, and self control was not a common Avari trait.
Thelyn and Alcon woke the next morning and spent the day moving furniture and cleaning, first at Thelyn's house and then at Nárello's house. Thelyn gave Alcon his pick of the furniture, and they got him moved out. In the afternoon, they rode into the settlement and spoke to Léron the carver.
"So, you finally found a bride," Léron said with a smirk.
"You make it sound as if I was reckless," Thelyn said with a frown.
"If the shoe fits…" Alcon started to say, but Léron interrupted.
"And when will you be ordering furniture, Alcon?" he asked.
Thelyn just looked at the old craftsman with mild impatience, "Can we get back to my order? I am getting married on Yenearsira."
Léron sighed, "What do you want?"
"Two wardrobes, a bed and a rocking chair," Thelyn said.
Alcon raised a brow, "Rocking chair?"
Thelyn blushed, "Yes."
Léron made no comment about the chair, he just started writing down measurements and making notes. "Design?"
"Forest scenes on the wardrobes, and can you make the posts of the bed look like trees?" Thelyn asked.
"What kind?" Léron asked as he continued to make notes.
"Redwoods," Thelyn said.
Léron just looked up from his notes and said, "What?"
Alcon rolled his eyes, "This is going to take a while for you to explain. I'm going back to the house, I'll see you at supper."
It was dusk when Thelyn finally returned to the house to find Alcon sitting on the porch waiting for him with a bottle of wine and two glasses.
"Can he make it the way you want?" Alcon asked.
Thelyn sighed, "That remains to be seen, but he seemed to have the idea." He took the offered wine and sat down on the steps. He sipped it and gazed across their small yard thoughtfully. "I miss her."
"Go visit," Alcon said. "There's not much to do until the furniture gets here."
"I know, I just want everything to be perfect," Thelyn said.
"Perfection is a state of mind," Alcon said.
"Wisdom, Alcon? How daring…" Thelyn said with a smirk.
"Laugh if you will, but you and I both know that there is not such thing as perfection. You will find that she has shortcomings, and you're no prize," Alcon said seriously. "It only matters that you love each other."
Thelyn took another sip of wine and looked at his brother with a smile. "Perhaps I could use a little river voyage," he said. "Feel like going to Minas Tirith?"
"Not really," Alcon said. "I think I'll rearrange my new house."
Thelyn laughed, "You better hope Nárello and Izabel don't come home."
"I wish they would," Alcon said seriously. "I'd sleep outside in a snow storm if our family were together again."
Thelyn quickly sobered, "You know I was jesting. Of course I'd like to see them again. But you know as well as I do that they won't leave Rivendell until they journey to the havens."
"Perhaps we should move to Rivendell," Alcon suggested.
"I won't leave without Miiriel and Failon," Thelyn said seriously. "I thought to be here to offer them the comfort of family when their families are gone, but now I find myself in the same quandary."
Alcon put a hand on Thelyn's shoulder, "Our family never makes the easiest choices."
"But they are the most rewarding," Thelyn said as he thought of Jamie. "If she had asked me to stay in her world, I would have."
"I know, that is why I went with you," Alcon said.
"To bring me back?"
"No, to stay, so you wouldn't have to be alone after she was gone," Alcon said.
Thelyn looked at his brother with deep affection. Twins held a bond deeper than that of most siblings. Elladan and Elrohir shared it and Dairwen and Izabel shared it. It wasn't something you could explain, it was just there.
"If you have love like that for your trouble making brother, when you find your bride, she will be a very lucky woman, Alcon," Thelyn said.
"What do I need with a bride?" Alcon scoffed. "I'm too young to settle down. I could go another age as a carefree Wild One."
"Of course you can," Thelyn said with a smirk. "Until the day you come face to face with a beautiful face with innocent eyes. One look and you'll forget everything else. I just hope I'm around to watch you turn into a lovesick fool."
"Thanks," Alcon said with a frown as he stood and headed to his horse.
"Anytime," Thelyn said with a smile. "I'll see you in a few days."
"Don't hurry back, I'll look after everything around here," Alcon said and then turned down the path to his house.
Back in Minas Tirith, Jamie and Allassante spent the day going over the basics of sindarin. Jamie took notes, writing words and definitions as fast as Allassante could dictate. They were sitting in Aragorn's study when Cilmo finally found them.
"What are you doing hiding in here on such a lovely day?" Cilmo asked Allassante, but she was lost in her teaching.
"And now the days of the week, Elenya, Anarya Isilya, Alduya, Menelya, Valanya, and Tarion…" Allassante said. "Elenya is Monday…"
"What are you doing?" Cilmo asked in confusion.
"She's teaching me Sindarin so I can understand when I get to Ithilien," Jamie said as she quickly kept writing.
Cilmo walked over and looked at her book. The writing looked absolutely bizarre. "Where are you from?"
"Uh… well…" Jamie didn't know how to explain.
"She dropped out of the sky," Allassante said with a flat expression. "She's the daughter of a mountain Drow and a cloud spirit!"
Jamie bit her lip to keep from laughing and Cilmo just stared at Jamie in horror, "You're a what!"
Jamie suddenly burst out laughing and Allassante just smiled mischievously. Cilmo realized he'd been gullible.
"Oh, I see. That's how it is," he said smugly. "Play a joke on the naïve easterner. Very funny."
"Sorry, Cilmo," Jamie said. "I grew up in another world and found my way here by accident. I'm human, I promise."
Cilmo's expression softened and he sat down at the table. "You know, you're going about this all wrong."
"I beg your pardon," Allassante said indignantly.
"No offense, but she'll fall asleep and her hands will cramp trying to learn it this way, and the writing… all wrong for sindarin," Cilmo said.
Allassante crossed her arms and looked at him expectantly, "And you have a better idea."
"Actually I do," he said with a smile. "Jamie, lose the book and come with me." He grabbed her hand and practically dragged her out of the hall with Allassante running after them. They followed him out the back way and down to the garden where his rangers were all gathered under a tree.
"All right, I have a job for you," Cilmo said as he and the ladies approached.
His rangers stood, waiting for some important orders.
"What is your order?" Anwaner asked seriously.
"Jamie is marrying an Elf in less than two months and needs to learn sindarin," Cilmo said seriously. "It is a big job, are you up to it?"
Anwaner looked at Jamie curiously, "You're the forest singer."
Jamie looked at the ground shyly and shrugged, "That's the rumor."
"Where's your betrothed?" Lindar asked.
"In Ithilien, preparing a house," she said.
All of them nodded, and Jamie was surprised by the immediate understanding.
"Arwen en amin, tulahama sinome," Tinechor said, taking her hand and leading her to the bench where they had been sitting. "My lady, come have a seat," he translated for her.
The Rangers gathered around sitting on the grass around the bench and Jamie looked back at Cilmo and Allassante nervously.
Cilmo just smiled, "Just pay attention, Jamie," he said as he took Allassante's hand and started to lead her away. "You'll learn much faster with six teachers. Come princess, Jamie is in good hands and you promised me a walk."
Jamie frowned at the retreating couple as Allassante just shrugged and called, "You started it."
Jamie shook her head and looked at the group of handsome Avari gathered around. She sighed and hoped that Thelyn wasn't the jealous type, because it didn't look good. She just resigned herself to her fate and leaned back against the bench. Tulahama sinome?"
"Lle ume quel!" Kiirar said with a smile. "You did well."
Jamie smiled and just said, "First, your names, and then we'll continue."
It took her a while to get their names straight, but the day went quickly and she learned a lot. When it started to get cold, they brought her inside and they sat around a table and practiced conversations with the phrases they taught her. She had to admit, she was learning, and it was fun. It appeared that Allassante was having fun too, so Jamie figured it all worked out. After dinner, the Avari all bid her goodnight in several different sindarin farewells and Jamie tried to remember them.
"Tenna' tul're san'" she said, meaning until tomorrow then.
Anwaner was the last to depart and he gave her a bow, "You are a quick study, Jamie. I look forward to the morrow when we can once again share your pleasant company. Quel kaima. Sleep well."
Jamie watched him go and then closed her door and smiled. Thelyn would be surprised when she was able to speak to him in his language. She couldn't wait to see him and try out a little… but wait, she was supposed to make it a surprise. Jamie realized she better tell the rangers it was a secret before they met Thelyn. She wondered how soon he would visit, and how they would spend their time. Jamie wanted to be fluent before she told him, or at least wait until the wedding.