For Convenience

Lyneya couldn't sleep. She tossed and turned, reliving every horrible encounter she'd ever had with warlords or raiders. This last encounter had been the worst, except for the part where Alcon saved them. She'd lied to him, and it was obvious he'd been hurt by the deception. Yet, when she needed him, he'd been there. He defended her, shielded her modesty and pledged his heart all in one day, and she was overwhelmed. She owed him her life. She owed him Godwin's life. When things looked darkest for them, fate brought them a new guardian, an Elf of fire with eyes of love. But Lyneya's heart was too wounded by loss to easily open to Alcon. She had all her heart wrapped up in protecting Godwin there was little room for anyone else, including herself. Letting herself care for Alcon was asking for more pain, she just knew it.

In the night, she felt lost and alone more than ever before. The strange surroundings weren't helping to put her at ease and she finally realized she was worried about Godwin. She rose and wrapped a robe around her nightgown, tying the belt. Her bare feet made no sound a she padded to her door and silently slipped out of her room. She went right to Godwin's room and listened. It seemed quiet, but she just had to see him. She needed to know he was safe. She opened the door and crossed the room.

There in the middle of the bead was Godwin, slumbering peacefully his face the picture of innocence. Lyneya smiled and lay beside him, careful not to disturb his sleep. She brushed the thick bangs from his face and smiled. Now she could sleep, and soon she did. Sometime in the night, Godwin had snuggled close and Lyneya instinctively wrapped a protective arm around him. Living in fear for so long had taught them to be close, to cherish the ones they loved. Now all they had was each other and she would give her life for this precocious boy. He was the last of a great line, her father's heir, and her little brother.

Alcon had been lying awake for hours and finally gave up on sleep for the night. He rose and dressed and went outside. The grounds were beautiful, and there was a fountain in the courtyard. He walked in the moonlight and thought of Lyneya. He wondered what horrors she'd seen as a child. Silverhelm was a unique man among these Easterlings, most were treacherous. It was no wonder Lyneya's heart was so closed. He sighed and returned to the house, walking quietly so as not to disturb anyone.

But someone had already stirred and he watched as Lyneya emerged from her room. She went to Godwin's room and Alcon smiled to himself. Still the protective older sister… He followed and was glad she'd left the door ajar so he could see. She lay beside him and watched him sleep with deep love in her eyes. Alcon wanted her to look at him like she looked at Godwin. It wasn't long before she fell asleep and Godwin snuggled close to her. They were a close family, and he wanted so much to place himself in that picture. He wondered what it would take to win Lyneya's guarded heart. He hung his head, silently closed the door, and returned to his room. He looked forward to spending time with them both in a safe place for a change.

It was mid morning when Nyére met with her council members in the garden. It was private and allowed for a casual atmosphere. She had a feeling the debate would be heated after she told them she was leaving them again. In attendance was Sératur, an artisan in the city and a very wise Elf. In her father's absence, he maintained order by taking charge. Árvarno, her father's counselor was also there along with Cilmo, Anwaner, Ambartur and Nilde. Nyére also invited Legolas to sit in and, of course, Polodrin was there to lend her his support.

"What is this business I hear of you marrying a human?" Sératur asked with annoyance.

Nyére stood and addressed the council formally, "I have indeed married, and this is my husband, Lord Polodrin of Ithilien, Son of Lord Faramir, the Steward of Gondor and Prince of Ithilien and Lady Ẻowyn, the White Lady of Rohan, sister to King Ẻomer."

She hoped the high name dropping might impress them, but it didn't. What did she expect? They were still Avari after all and men were not to be trusted.

"It is this man who taught me that not all men deserve our hatred and fear. The King of Gondor is a noble ruler and a worthy ally. He has graciously offered his hand in friendship to all our people," she continued.

"Then why is our Lord dead by his hand?" Árvarno asked heatedly. "Is your father's blood so trivial that you can ignore this injustice?"

"Lord Ondollo was out of his mind with hatred," Cilmo interrupted angrily. "He kidnapped the Taure Lirilla and the King's daughter. His cruelty nearly killed the very woman whose song saved us. The crime demanded blood. If the King had not killed him, I would have!"

"I find it disconcerting that our people run to the west and join forces with Men against our own people," Árvarno said bluntly. "Your father's misgivings about you were obviously not misplaced."

"Ondollo was the worst kind of fool, Árvarno," Nilde said. "He was a fool with too much power. Where were you when his madness led him to kill our fathers, brothers, husbands and sons? I have no high praise for his deeds, why do you mourn his loss so deeply? This lady, long has she been in my keeping, and I say she is fit to rule. I welcome her husband and hope that his presence will change the prejudices we have cultivated for ages."

"You always were soft hearted, Nilde," Sératur said with a smile, "But we are missing the point that should be foremost in our debate. What are we to do now? Our wood has stilled and its anger appeased, but we are few. The loss of our people was devastating. If we remain here, cut off from the outside world, we will fade. We cannot continue to live as separatists. It is folly, it always was."

"Why did you not speak ages ago when the choice was made to stay?" Árvarno asked. "Where were your words of wisdom then?"

"Peace, all of you," Nyére finally said. "Let us not waste words on what is past. It is the future we have come to discuss. Sératur speaks with wisdom. We cannot long endure here alone. I offer a solution, one presented to me by Legolas Greenleaf, Son of Thandruil. He is leader of the Elves in Ithilien, and he would speak."

Legolas stood and addressed the council. "These debates are familiar to me. I heard similar arguments after the fall of Mordor. My people were leaving these shores in droves, and our great wood was nearly empty. My father grew weary of his toils and departed so I took my people to Ithilien. We live in peace there beside our friends and allies in Gondor. There is room enough for all of your people to settle in the wood, even room for your own settlement apart from ours if that is your wish."

"Silvan, I care not for your rule," Árvarno said lightly.

"Do you care for mine?" Nyére asked.

Árvarno was taken back by the comment. He was obviously weighing his reply.

"You need not answer the lady," Cilmo said angrily. "It is obvious that you prefer your own. I will not support you, nor will my Rangers."

"Then go back to your precious west!" Árvarno said. "Find a human bride and fade when she is gone. Then we will be rid of traitors like you."

"This debate is concluded," Nyére finally said angrily. "I will be leaving for the west myself and you can fight over the rule if it is your pleasure. I will take any who wish to go with me. Those who remain are on their own."

"My lady, why?" Sératur asked. "Do you care nothing for your people?"

"The people I loved are changed, and I know nothing of them now," she said seriously. "I crave peace and friendship with my neighbors. There is none to be had here so I will go where there is. Those who disagree may do as they please."

Sératur glared at Árvarno but said nothing directly to him. He just stood and said, "Gather everyone in the square. We must let the people decide what they want."

"Those who leave are fools," Árvarno said. "Our clan's traditions will be lost and our name forgotten."

"You would see change as the end," Nilde said with a smug expression. "The sun marks the noon hour. Let us adjourn."

The council members broke up for lunch, and Árvarno was the first to disappear. Sératur spoke to Cilmo privately.

"He bears watching," Sératur said quietly. "I do not like the menace in his eyes."

"He was ever loyal to Ondollo and oft I wondered if they shared the same insanity. I will watch him."

Sératur nodded and Cilmo left. This was not what Sératur had expected, but he intended to support the princess' decision to leave. It would be hard to leave, but there was no future for them here. He would follow Nyére even if he did so alone.

Godwin was playing by the fountain when Alcon found him. The boy looked up and smiled and Alcon felt a knot in his stomach. There was love and trust in those brown eyes and it warmed him from head to toe to receive a look so pure.

"Godwin, lad, I've been searching for you," Alcon said.

"Really?" Godwin asked.

"Indeed," Alcon said. "I wanted to explore this fine wood, but it is no fun riding alone."

"Then I will go with you and we can both have fun," Godwin suggested formally.

Alcon laughed, "That'd be fine, Godwin. Let's find you a horse."

The pair headed to the stables and Alcon ventured a question. "Would your sister like to come with us?"

"No, Lyneya was real quiet this morning," Godwin said. "When she gets like that, she likes to be left alone."

"Does she get quiet like that often?" Alcon asked with concern.

"No, usually she's lots of fun," Godwin said brightly.

"What makes her get quiet?"

"Sometimes she gets sad, like when she remembers stuff. I was too young, but she knows what life was like before. Papa Reynor said bad stuff happened," Godwin said seriously. "When I grow up, I'm not going to let bad stuff like that happen, especially not to Lyneya. No more greedy warlords when I'm Overlord and the slavers will all be killed."

"That is bold talk, Godwin," Alcon said as he saddled the horses.

"I don't like slavers," Godwin said. "No one can own another person, no one."

"No they can't," Alcon agreed and then lifted the boy onto the saddle. "Can you ride?"

"Just watch me!" Godwin said brightly as he kicked the horse and tore out of the barn.

Alcon leapt onto his horse and followed, laughing. Godwin was a surprisingly good rider and he didn't even wait, he just picked a path and followed it. Alcon followed easily enough and quickly caught up to his charge. He couldn't remember having this much fun on a ride in a long time.

Jamie and Thelyn were walking through town hand in hand when they saw Lyneya sitting alone on a footbridge that spanned a small creek. She was gazing into the water lost in thought. Thelyn and Jamie exchanged looks, and Thelyn shrugged. He was no expert on women. Jamie went to talk to her with Thelyn hanging back to give them at least the illusion of privacy.

"Hi, Lyneya," Jamie said. "Why are you out here all alone?"

"Because I felt like being alone," Lyneya said flatly.

"You don't like it here," Jamie said.

"How could you tell?" Lyneya asked sarcastically.

"I don't know what your life was like, but I know my friends. You're really safe here," Jamie said.

"I don't worry about safe anymore, I just want to be free," Lyneya said. She looked past Jamie to Thelyn and she frowned at him. "Why does he keep us here? What does your brother want from us?"

"He told you last night," Thelyn said seriously. "Was your life so devoid of love that you do not recognize it when it finds you?"

"I did not ask him to love us," Lyneya said angrily as she stood. "My heart gave up on love the day I saw them murder my father. Godwin has my love now, I am all he has. There is naught left for anyone else."

"Godwin has Alcon," Thelyn said. "And so do you, whether you can see it or not. We are not like the warlords and raiders, Lyneya. If you cannot see the difference, you're not as smart as I thought. Come Jamie, leave her to her sulking."

Jamie looked at Lyneya with sympathy. The girl had been through a lot worse than she ever had. She left with Thelyn and when they were out of sight, Lyneya stormed off into the wood. As she rounded a large tree to follow the trail she nearly ran into an angry looking Elf.

"I beg your pardon sir," she said and stepped back out of his way.

"You should beg, wench. I know who you are and who your little brother is. If you were not so closely guarded, I'd gladly see you buried beside your thieving father!" Árvarno said icily. "Think on that."

He strode past her and never looked back, and Lyneya just ran into the forest. Her heart was racing and she fought the tears that threatened. She could not fall apart now; she had Godwin to think of. Alcon lied to her, and Jamie lied to her, this place was not safe. No place was ever going to be safe.

Alcon and Godwin explored the wood together, laughing and having a great time. The boy had not seen trees where he'd grown up other than the withered shrubs of the plains. He was fascinated by everything and Alcon saw things with the same wonder as the child he guarded. It was late afternoon and they paused for a rest and talked.

"What will happen to me and Lyneya now?" Godwin asked.

"I will take care of you," Alcon said. "Soon we will return to the west and you will live with me."

"I don't think Lyneya wants to go with you," Godwin said.

"Do you want to go with me?" Alcon asked.

"Oh, yes," Godwin said. "Reynor lied about Elves; you're not evil at all."

"Why would he say we were evil?" Alcon asked with concern.

"He would never tell me, but Lyneya knows why," Godwin said. "I think it was part of the bad stuff that she won't talk about. She only tells me that she'll never let it happen to me and then she gets quiet, like today."

Alcon pondered the simple explanations of a child with interest. For all the vagueness, he was learning much. He would give anything to know the full history of this family. He wondered if anyone here would know.

"What is your home like?" Godwin asked, drawing Alcon from his thoughts.

"It is in a wood, though the trees are different. It is a big house and it is peaceful there. There are no warlords and no slavers and you will be safe," Alcon said.

"Are there flowers?" Godwin asked.

"Some, yes," Alcon said with a smile.

"Good, Lyneya likes flowers," Godwin said. "I'm hungry."

Alcon laughed at his subtle change of subject, "Me too, let's go back and get some supper. I'm sure you miss your sister too."

Godwin tried to climb on the horse, but the stirrup was too high. Alcon gave him a little boost and let him do the rest himself. The boy grinned at the accomplishment and Alcon hid his smile as he mounted his horse. He headed down the trail with Godwin right behind him.

"Alcon?"

"Yes, Godwin?"

"Do you like my sister?"

"Of course," Alcon said.

"No, do you LIKE my sister?" Godwin clarified.

Alcon halted and turned to look at the innocent face that just hurled that question at him. He wasn't sure how much he should say.

"Would that be alright with you if I did?" Alcon asked.

"Well, you are an Elf and all, but Thelyn married Jamie and she's human, and Polodrin and Nyére are married, so I guess it doesn't matter," Godwin said thoughtfully. "I like you, so I guess it's okay. So, do you?"

"Yes, Godwin," Alcon said through the lump in his throat. "I like her very much."

Godwin smiled and Alcon just turned back to the trail. They rode in silence for a while and finally Godwin got in the last word.

"You know, she likes dressing like a girl again, and I think she likes you too," Godwin said.

Alcon smiled as they emerged from the wood into the square. Godwin was trying to set them up and it was adorable. He wanted nothing more than to marry Lyneya and raise Godwin as his own, but that would be up to her. He'd spent his day with the boy, he wanted to spend his evening with the woman, but she might decline. They left the horses in the stable and headed for dinner. It was tense with post council tempers, but that was easily ignored. What wasn't easily ignored was Lyneya's absence. Godwin was the first to panic outwardly, but Alcon's racing heart matched his beat for beat.

Lyneya just walked and walked with no care for direction. Trees didn't frighten her, and darkness didn't frighten her, but people did. Any people, easterlings, westerners, Elves… it didn't matter. Anyone who walked on two legs was untrustworthy except for blood kin. That Elf had pure hatred in his eyes and she was terrified. She knew that Godwin would be safe for the moment in Alcon's care, but she had to think of a way to get away. She could not accuse the Elf in his own land and she could not stay within his grasp.

Alcon had appeared to be a good and trustworthy Elf as he said, but looks can be deceiving. Lyneya would never get past the betrayal of Atanvardo. She'd held her tongue before, and wished she'd never mentioned his name for they knew him. That false ally was worse than any warlord and it was he that dealt the fatal blow to her father while she watched. What they did to her mother doesn't bear repeating, but Lyneya remembered every scream. The supposed emissary of peace gave up her father into the hands of his enemies for profit. Letting herself trust Alcon now would be like betraying her parents again. She just couldn't do it. There was no one to turn to that she could trust. She was alone.

It was getting late and she felt her stomach rumble with hunger, but that was a familiar feeling and she ignored it. Sooner or later they'd come looking for her, maybe. They had Godwin, and it was he that seemed to draw the attention. It was his handsome face and polite manner. He looked a lot like their father and had the same charm. Lyneya was just a woman, a spoil of war in any realm. Without Godwin she was of no value, but she didn't care. She just wanted to protect him so that one day he could claim his rightful place and put his homeland back to right. She could die happy this moment if she knew for a fact that he would wear his father's crown.

Alcon never sat down to the meal he just left Godwin in Jamie and Thelyn's care and went right back to the stable for his horse. He got as far as the square when he ran into Cilmo.

"Wait, I must speak to you," Cilmo said. "Árvarno spoke to Lyneya a few hours ago. I did not hear what he said, but she ran into the wood, terrified. I have been watching him and could not follow her, but I sent the Rangers to find her."

Alcon's jaw tightened angrily, "What manner of Elf is this Árvarno?"

"A shady one, which is why I am following him. There are members of the council who worry he may be planning some treachery."

"Thank you, Cilmo," Alcon said.

"I do not love easterlings, but she is innocent of anyone's blood. I will keep Árvarno from bothering her further, go find her," Cilmo said, and then rode off.

Alcon took the trail he'd intended to follow before and searched. It was too dark to follow tracks; he just hoped to get lucky. Then he remembered what Godwin had said about her liking flowers and he decided to follow a hunch. There was a small clearing full of wildflowers that he and Godwin saw earlier and he decided to try there. He hoped he found her soon; it was getting cold out here.

Lyneya heard them before she saw them and dove into some bushes to hide. They were looking for her, but she didn't know who they were. It could be that angry elf, and she didn't want to be found by him or his friends. She should have gone back long ago, but now she was stuck. When the riders passed, she crossed the trail and doubled back to the meadow…

Alcon rounded a stand of trees and was brought up short by Anwaner and Kiirar.

"Has anyone seen her?" Alcon asked.

Kiirar just smiled, "She's a smart one, she doubled back on the trail and we are following."

"I think I know where she is going," Anwaner said. "Back to the meadow."

Alcon nodded, "I'll check there." He took off, cutting through the trees to get there as fast as he could. He halted within sight of it and walked the rest of the way. She wasn't in the open, but his keen eyes spotted her sitting hidden in the tall grass. He sighed with relief as he crossed the meadow leading his horse. He moved in quietly, but when she saw him she jumped up and ran away. That was the most infuriating sight he'd seen in a long time. He leapt into the saddle and quickly overtook her. He rode along side her and snatched her right up and into his arms. She squirmed and fought as though her life depended on it and Alcon halted his horse and tried to calm her.

"Bastard! Let me go! I'll not die easily…" Lyneya shouted.

"Be still! It is Alcon! I'm not going to hurt you," he said quickly.

She stopped struggling and turned to look at him. When she recognized her face, she visibly relaxed and Alcon realized what was going on.

"What did that Elf say to you?" Alcon demanded angrily.

"Where is Godwin?" she asked.

"Safe, now answer me, I am growing impatient," Alcon said. "I am tired of chasing you, Lyneya. It is time you trusted me."

"He knew who we were and said he would see us buried like our father," Lyneya said. "But he is an Elf in his own land among his own people. I do not expect you to believe me."

"I believe you," Alcon said, a little more calmly. "Why did you run from me?"

"I could not see who you were," she said.

Alcon hugged her a little closer and Lyneya bit her lip nervously. "Lyneya, Lyneya… a beautiful name for a beautiful woman," he said softly. "I will always come for you."

"We cannot stay here," she said. "I'm afraid of him."

"You need not fear, he is being watched," Alcon said as he turned his horse back to the trail and headed back to the city. "No one will harm you or Godwin, I gave you my word."

They rode in silence for a while and Alcon just relished the feel of her in his arms, even if it was just for the ride. She held herself within a wall and he was unable to get around her defenses. It was difficult to be at such a disadvantage with a woman. Then he had an idea and he mulled it over in his mind for a moment before speaking.

"Lyneya, marry me," Alcon said.

"What?" she asked in shock.

"You heard me, be my wife. I could protect you better, and Godwin," Alcon said seriously.

"But-but-but no, why…noooo," Lyneya stuttered quickly. "I do not…"

"Love me? Trust me? Like me?" Alcon asked.

"Yes, yes, and yes," Lyneya said. "I can't love you, there, I said it, no."

"Hear me out," Alcon said. "You need protection all the time. I cannot be with you all the time unless we wed. This is a marriage of convenience, not love. I will be an honorable guardian, I give you my word."

"Oh, sure, you say that now…" Lyneya said skeptically.

"If your feelings change, the arrangement can change," Alcon said with a shrug. "Think of Godwin."

"What?"

"He needs protection, and a stable home," Alcon said.

Lyneya pondered it a moment, "When you say honorable…"

"Look at me, Lyneya," Alcon said. Lyneya turned and he looked into her eyes. Her lips were very near and he ached to kiss them, but he kept this all business. "I will not touch you unless it is your choice."

"Why would you throw your life away on a loveless marriage?" Lyneya asked in confusion.

"I love Godwin," Alcon said. "I'll endure marrying you to keep him safe," he added with a smirk, but Lyneya never saw his expression.

"I must be absolutely crazy to even consider this," Lyneya said. "When?"

"Right now," Alcon said. "All we need are a few witnesses."

Lyneya gulped hard. "Okay," she said weakly and Alcon smiled triumphantly. For a shrewd little actress she was a gullible girl. Loveless marriage…yeah, right. He'd win her over in time. She needed to be shown true love before she could learn to love. Just like a bird with a broken wing needed to be healed before it could fly, she needed her heart healed. He was just the elf to do it. He'd claim her before the council and start rebuilding her trust tonight. He couldn't wait.

"You're what?" Thelyn exclaimed.

"Getting married, right now," Alcon said.

"Just like that," Legolas said. "You're not going to convince me that this is love… at least not for her."

"Maybe not yet," Alcon shrugged.

"For the boy, all of this for that boy…" Thelyn said. "Father would have a fit."

"Father isn't here," Alcon said, "Find me a few witnesses, it's getting late."

Nyére strode in and looked at Alcon with a smirk on her face, "Tell me this is a joke."

"I never joke about marriage," Alcon said. "She'll be here in a few minutes, let's make this quick."

"I don't agree with what you're doing," Thelyn said. "I fear you'll regret this. Marriage is final, there's no turning back once it is done."

"That is what I am counting on," Alcon said softly. "Here she comes with Godwin. Discussion over, my choice is made."

Polodrin just schooled his smirk into a businesslike expression. "Alcon has chosen a bride, and with his choice he gains not only a wife but a son. Lyneya, do you accept Alcon as your husband?"

"Yes," Lyneya said flatly.

"Godwin, do you accept Alcon as your guardian?"

Godwin smiled, "Yes."

Alcon took Lyneya's hand and gave her a reassuring smile.

"Here's your bride, Alcon," Polodrin said with raised eyebrows. "Guard your new family well… go in peace."

Alcon just led Lyneya and Godwin out of the main hall and back to their room. He'd had a tray brought because they missed dinner. Godwin stopped by the door and just kicked the floor with his toe.

"Uh, goodnight Lyneya…goodnight Alcon. I'm going to my room now," Godwin said with a bashful grin and then ran out the door.

Alcon laughed and shut the door.

"But…"

"Godwin is safe; Thelyn and Jamie will guard him tonight. It is our wedding night after all," Alcon said.

Lyneya paled and Alcon just walked over to the table. "Come here and eat, you've been out all day."

Lyneya sat down and just picked at her plate and Alcon stilled her hand and looked at her seriously.

"I give you my oath, Lyneya, that I will not touch you unless you come to me with true love in your heart and ask me to. I will share your bed, but not your body unless the day would come that you offer yourself to me out of love."

Lyneya weighed his words and his sincerity and she believed him. She realized that he had given up much to care for her and she felt that she owed him something. "What oath can I make to you?"

"That you will trust me in all things, for though you marry me for convenience, I truly care for you. If I ask you to do something, I expect to be obeyed without question," Alcon said seriously.

"Then I swear to you that I will honor your commands without question. I am placing my trust in you and I will never knowingly give you cause to regret this night."

Alcon gave her a smile, "Then eat."

Lyneya sighed and started to nibble at her food a little. She was still nervous and he knew she would be until he proved that he could keep his word. They ate in silence and then he undressed down to his breeches and got in bed. He turned on his side away from her and just said, "I will not look, dress for bed and get some rest."

Lyneya changed quickly out of her dress and into her gown. She slipped into bed and stayed as close to the edge as she could. Alcon rolled to his back and smiled at the obvious ploy.

"I will not bite you," Alcon said with a smirk.

"I know," she said quickly. "I just wanted to be sure you had enough room."

"I'm fine," Alcon said, "Wife."

Lyneya suddenly blushed, "It sounds strange."

"Get used to it," Alcon said. "I expect everyone to believe we are truly married tomorrow. That means you cannot shy away from my touch."

Lyneya hadn't thought of that, but she had to admit, it made sense. "I won't."

"I'm not so bad once you get to know me," Alcon said. "You might even like me in time."

Lyneya bit her lip nervously. "I like you."

"That's a start," Alcon said. "Get some sleep, Lyneya."

She glanced at him as he stretched his arms and then snuggled down under the covers and relaxed. He never made a move closer, just as he promised. She had to admit, she hadn't been entirely sure about that promise. She sighed and then yawned and rolled to her side and drifted to sleep.

Alcon opened his eyes and looked at her. She had her back to him and was still as far from him as she could get without sleeping on the floor, but she was here. Her slender form was enticing, but he reminded himself of his promise. He wanted her to love him, and that would take time. He closed his eyes and drifted contentedly to sleep. At last he had found his bride.