Sparrow's Flight

The morning after the feast was a busy one. Everyone was packing to depart that afternoon. Nyére had the rangers oversee the loading of goods and supplies. Horses were tended by the blacksmith, pack horses were loaded, saddles were cinched and the Avari dressed for winter travel. Séretur saw to the needs of all, making sure that everyone had what they needed for the journey.

Alcon had risen early and sought out a few things he needed for his family. Lyneya and Godwin had come with only the rags on their backs. They needed warm clothes and horses. Séretur gave him horses and saddles, and the seamstress already had some clothes for Godwin prepared. As for Lyneya, Nyére had her needs covered. They were nearly the same size, and Nyére's wardrobe was too large to bring. She was more than happy to share.

"Choose a few formal gowns as well," Nyére said as she held up a heavy beige cloak. "This cloak is lined with fur and will serve well on the road. And there is riding clothes to match it."

"Alcon doesn't like me to wear breeches anymore," Lyneya said.

Nyére smiled, "Then try this on. This is a riding dress."

Lyneya smiled approvingly, "He'll like this better."

"You have grown to truly love him," Nyére said.

"Yes, I have, but we are still strangers in many ways," Lyneya admitted. "I hope to change that in time."

"You will," Nyére said. "I grow closer to my husband every day. It will be the same for you. Now try it on."

Lyneya nodded and stepped behind the door of the wardrobe to change. She was careful to keep herself out of sight. She didn't want Nyére to see her scars. But Nyére came around the door to give her the sash, and she stopped dead and gasped.

"By the Great Mountain! Lyneya, your back," she gasped.

Lyneya quickly backed away, horrified. "It is old; there is no reason to be upset."

"No reason? No reason! What evil is this that was done to you? I will have an answer," Nyére said firmly. "Or should I ask your husband what story you gave him?"

"No! He has not seen it," Lyneya pleaded and then she paled when she realized what she'd confessed to. "Oh, do not speak to him of this. I have said far too much."

"He will see it, you cannot hide it from him for long," Nyére said seriously. "What will you say to him when he sees the evidence of abuse upon you?"

"It is the past," Lyneya said. "Before Godwin was born. He knows nothing of it, and those that remember it are all dead."

Nyére frowned and just said, "Turn around and let me see it."

Lyneya hung her head and turned. Nyére examined the pink scars, gently touching them to see how severe they had been. The wounds had been quite deep and she knew it was done with a large whip.

"There is a salve that may fade the marks some," Nyére said a little more calmly. "The medicines of the elves are quite strong. I will send for some before we leave."

"Are you going to tell him?" Lyneya asked softly.

"No, you are, when you show him," Nyére said firmly

"You do not understand," Lyneya said. "I cannot name him to you."

Nyére paused; there was something big going on here. Why would Lyneya be afraid to name an Easterling? Nyére looked at her seriously. "It was an Elf, wasn't it, Lyneya?"

"Atanvardo," Lyneya said. "My father killed the others with him, but Atanvardo had gotten away."

"He is dead now," Nyére said bitterly. "I think he lived far too long. My people owe you recompense for his crime."

"No," Lyneya said sadly. "I am alive; if you would make restitution for his crimes, bring back my parents. It was his sword that took them from me."

Nyére closed her eyes and cringed. "Where is Alcon?"

"Helping with the preparations to leave," Lyneya said as she finished dressing. "He doesn't know, and I wasn't going to tell him."

"If you and he are ever to grow closer, you must deal with this past of yours. We are going to cross your country. Do you think we will pass through it without trouble?" Nyére asked her seriously. "He should learn the truth from you and no one else."

"I do not want his pity," Lyneya said.

"Pity is not what he feels for you," Nyére said. "Put your gown back on and go tell him, now, before we leave."

"This is not a five minute story," Lyneya said.

"The Caravan will wait, there is always more that can be done to prepare," Nyére said lightly, "Go."

Alcon was saddling the horses he'd acquired and stroked the neck of Pilin, which means Sparrow, the horse he'd chosen for Lyneya. She was a sturdy mare of pale grey with a creamy white mane and tail. He'd have chosen her for her beauty and strength, but the name made it all the better. A sparrow for his Sparrow, Lyneya. The yearling he'd found for Godwin was a lively brown steed. He was not quite to his full height, which made him perfect for the boy. The pair could grow together. He did a final check on the cinching when Lyneya found him.

"Alcon," she said nervously as she walked over to him. "I need to talk to you."

Alcon turned and could see that she was anxious. "Of course," he said, taking her hand and drawing her near. "What is wrong?"

"Nothing, I hope," she said. "But I think it is time I told you the answers to your questions. We are leaving today, and will pass through my homeland again. I want you to know the truth."

Alcon put an arm around her and led her back through the square to Nyére's house. They went right to their room and he closed the door. After they were seated at the table, he gave her a smile and waited for her tale.

"You know my father was Colwin Silverhelm," she began.

"Yes," Alcon said.

"My mother was a slave," Lyneya said. "When my father inherited the high seat of the realm, the land was in shambles during the years following the war. Slavery had been a long tolerated trade and fact of life. He met my mother in the palace. She was a scullery maid, and he fell in love with her. It was accepted for the Overlord to simply take whatever he wanted, but he refused, calling it barbaric. He freed the slaves and then begged her for her hand in marriage."

"Very romantic," Alcon said.

"Yes, it was, and it was foolish," Lyneya said. "There was warring between the warlords, and uprisings all over Rhûn. With the loss of the slave trade, many lost their profits. Now they had to pay fair wages when they paid nothing before."

"What he did was right, Lyneya, and I must admire him for it," Alcon said. "I did not know there were Easterlings with honor."

"And until I met you, I did not know there were Elves with honor," Lyneya said.

Alcon's expression instantly sobered, "Finish your tale, Lyneya."

"I was young the first time I saw him visit our home, an Emissary from this wood. He bore gifts to my father and smiles and kind words. But his eyes belied his smile, and I knew he was not to be trusted. My father accepted him into our house, and they counseled long hours about the affairs of politics. Then this emissary spoke of his purpose. He wanted to reestablish the main trade between his people and ours, slavery."

Alcon's eyes doubled in size. "Name this Elf," he said through gritted teeth.

"Atanvardo," Lyneya said. "There is more."

Alcon shifted in his seat, preparing for the rest of the evil story. "Go on."

"My father not only refused, but threatened him. He called it an evil trade and banished all emissaries from Dorian. Atanvardo was escorted to the border and ordered never to return, but of course, he did," Lyneya said with a hint of annoyance in her tone. And here she paused, as if trying to muster up the courage to continue.

Alcon put a hand on hers and looked into her eyes, "I will hear it all."

"I was eleven, and traveling to my uncle's home for a visit with a small guard. My mother was carrying Godwin and was quite ill, so father thought a short journey would be a good distraction for me. He and mother stayed home."

Alcon squeezed her hand, sensing something unpleasant was about to come next.

"We were attacked by renegades, and the guards were all killed, but I was taken captive. When I was brought to their camp, I met the leader…"

"Atanvardo," Alcon finished for her.

"Yes. He wanted to give my father a message, and he wrote it on my back with a whip. I was beaten and then left for dead on the road where I would be found. By some grace, I lived. Father set out to find them, and killed nearly a hundred renegades that summer, but Atanvardo got away."

Alcon closed his eyes, appalled by the tale, but it wasn't over. She continued and it was worse than he'd thought.

"Less than three months after Godwin was born, our home was invaded. There was no battle, and no siege, someone knowingly let them in. In the late evening, by the fire in the main hall, Atanvardo and his renegades beheaded my father. I saw him swing the sword himself. My mother wasn't killed right away, that would have been too kind. She screamed for me to run, and I did. Somewhere in the burning Palace, Reynor, my father's captain found me. He had a pact with my father to protect me and Godwin. He and Godwin's nurse fled with us. That was the day I became Forwin."

"They are the farmers we buried," Alcon said.

"Yes, they married and raised us as their own. Jevan was their first child," Lyneya said.

"This is why you feared me?" he asked hoarsely.

"At first, all I could see was an enemy," she admitted. "I know now that Elves are not all like that, especially you."

Alcon gave her hand a tug, "Come here," he said.

Lyneya stood and he set her on his lap and hugged her. "Why did you tremble in my arms last night?"

"I have never been treated with such love before. I was taught to run for my life, but never taught to love. Now I found love and know nothing of what to do," Lyneya said.

Alcon kissed her neck and held her tight. He knew that was not all, "There is more."

"My… scars," she said softly. "I was afraid you would see them. I was blessed with my mother's face, but the scars… I look hideous."

"Show me," Alcon said.

Lyneya looked at him, "But…"

"You made me a promise, wife. No argument, no questions," Alcon said. "Show me."

Lyneya stood and turned around. She untied the bodice of her travel gown and slipped it over her head. Then she unbuttoned the collar and slipped the gown down over her shoulders, exposing her back to the waist. Her eyes were tightly shut as she waited for him to say how horrible it was. He would call them ugly, and feel sorry for her. She didn't want to be his poor little rescued girl anymore; she wanted to be his wife. She stood, holding her gown up to cover her breasts and hung her head. But Alcon's reaction surprised her.

"You suffered that, and lived?" he asked in astonishment. He'd seen them before, from a distance and only for a moment. The wounds had been much worse than he'd first thought. "The marks are a tribute to your courage and strength, and there is no shame in bearing them. The only shame is in the one who gave them to you." He stood, put his hands on her shoulders and bent down to speak softly in her ear. "Lift your head, Lyneya, you are the daughter of Colwin Silverhelm, a princess, and you are my wife. You lower your head to no one."

Lyneya lifted her head and he kissed the nape of her neck. She closed her eyes and relished the soft caress of his lips on her skin. His hands slid down her arms, catching the sleeves of her gown and drawing it down until it fell at her feet. He slipped his hands around her, gently rubbing one over her soft flat stomach and the other slid up to cup her breast. He nuzzled her neck and kissed her cheek.

"You tremble again," he said.

"Not from fear," she said. "My fear is gone."

Alcon gently rubbed his thumb back and forth over her nipple, teasing it into a peak, and smiled when she gasped. "Why then do you tremble, fairest sparrow?"

Lyneya's head leaned back and rested against his shoulder, "Joy," she said breathlessly.

Alcon lifted her, cradling her in his arms and kissed her. At last everything that had stood between them was gone. With the truth in the open she could put her fears to rest. Her hands wrapped around his neck and she held him tight, unwilling to let him break their kiss this time. Alcon's passion boiled in his veins and he gently laid her on the bed and pulled away. He quickly unbuttoned his coat and shirt, desperate to shed his clothing.

"I would make you my wife in body, Lyneya. I will not endure this charade another moment," Alcon said as he kicked off his boots and fumbled with the ties on his breeches. "You offered yourself to me last night, now will I claim what is mine." Casting the last of his garments aside, he joined her on the bed, quickly covering her and captured her lips in a passionate kiss.

Lyneya accepted his passion willingly, wrapping her arms around him and meeting his ardor with her own. His hand came up to lightly stroke her jaw and encourage her mouth to open. With the gentle caress of his tongue on her lips, Lyneya obeyed and he deepened his kiss. Her senses were overwhelmed and her head spun from the sensations his mouth created in her. It was their lips that met, but she felt it from head to toe. His skin was hot, and his body firm and strong. His arms enveloped her in his strength, though his touches were feather soft. He broke the kiss and she struggled to catch her breath.

Alcon looked into her eyes to be sure he wasn't moving to fast, but her eyes were full of love and enthusiasm. He smiled and rolled with her, reversing their positions. With her lying on his chest, he gently lifted her to sit straddling his stomach. He just wanted to look at her. He took in every inch, from her long delicate neck to her full breasts, and flat stomach. And then he looked at the soft curls that served as a covering for her delicate womanhood. He stared at her in wonder and she bit her lip nervously and blushed.

"No blushes, Sparrow," Alcon said. "Not for your husband."

His hands roamed over her and she smiled shyly at the sheer pleasure that shone on his face. She sat still and let him explore her body, but it wasn't enough. He pulled her down into his arms and hugged her. Her back was not as smooth as the rest of her skin, but it was still soft. His eyes tightened at the very thought of the pain she endured, but he would not let her see his grief over it. Not now. He kissed her and rolled them back over, nudging her knees apart with his thigh.

"Open for me, Lyneya," he said softly.

Lyneya instantly complied and felt his pelvis rest on hers. He was careful with every movement, taking every step slowly. His male organ rested against the juncture of her legs and she felt an inexplicable thrill. It was like some unknown wonder, and the anticipation of it swirled like a soft southern breeze in her belly. Alcon's hands delved into her short curls and he kissed her forehead.

"I love you, Lyneya," he said softly. "I would take your maidenhood now, and you will be my wife in truth. No bond is greater in all of middle earth than the bond we make now."

"I give myself to you full willing, Alcon," she said. "A marriage made for convenience becomes a bond of love after all."

Alcon slid h is hand between them and stroked the folds of flesh between her legs. The softness was exciting, and his body was fully aroused, his member bulging with desire. With the evidence of her arousal dripping from his fingers, he positioned himself. For all the frustration and patience, at last his moment had come. He lowered his head and softly brushed his lips over hers and then buried himself within her in one firm thrust. He felt her abrupt breath on his cheek as he penetrated, tearing her barrier. There was no help for this moment of pain. He slowly withdrew again, and then surged forward, feeling the slick tight warmth of her around him. The pleasure was intoxicating and he felt the warmth of her soul as well as her body.

Her arms clung tightly to him and she gasped in his embrace. He looked into her eyes and she smiled at him, and then kissed him as a tear slid down her cheek. Alcon was so moved by the love on her face he thought his heart would burst. He continued his slow rhythm of thrusts until Lyneya shocked him by thrusting up to meet him. The pleasure of their mutual movements hit him like a flood. He buried his head in her shoulder and gasped breathlessly.

"Oh, by the stars, that was nice," he said. "Do that again."

Lyneya giggled in his arms and matched his movements. Alcon felt a tension building and his rhythm increased with urgency. Lyneya followed his tempo, lifting her hips to meet his and he suddenly growled softly, deep in his throat as the force behind his movements increased.

Lyneya had no idea that joining would feel so wonderful. After the first part was over, the breaching, it was all bliss. Alcon's body filled her and her head was spinning. The pleasure was indescribable, and it was getting better with each surge. She felt something building and needed more… yes, more. And then finally, it happened. Pure ecstasy fell on her like a downpour. She wrapped her legs around him to hold him deep within her as she felt him pulsing with his release. Her body rippled violently around him and the combination of their bodies' response was absolute rapture.

Alcon's heart raced as his climax hit. He'd never felt anything to compare with the love of his wife's body. It was more than the physical pleasure; it was the closeness they shared, the love, the trust. The walls had crashed down, revealing the strong yet vulnerable woman he'd loved from the moment he'd found her. And with this new openness, their bond was made stronger.

"I love you, Alcon," Lyneya said softly against his shoulder.

Alcon felt a tear escape his eye and held her tight. "I have been conquered by an Easterling maid," he said tenderly. "My heart is your trophy, my lady Sparrow."

It was near noon when everyone gathered in the square to follow Nyére to their new home. Thelyn and Jamie had been keeping an eye on Godwin so that Alcon could get what he needed, but they had not seen him yet. Legolas rode over to Cilmo and they discussed the best route.

"Should we go the way we came?" Legolas asked.

"It may be the safest," Cilmo said. "It is certainly the fastest."

"Speed will not be a factor on this journey. There are too many ladies in the company. This time it will be tents and comfort," Legolas said.

"Indeed, already they speak of campsites and we have not left yet," Cilmo said.

Legolas chuckled, "Where is Alcon and Lyneya?"

Nyére just cleared her throat, "They needed a moment to talk," she said cryptically. "They'll be along soon."

Legolas cocked a brow but said nothing in comment. Alcon and his wife made their appearance only a few moments later, and it was obvious to Thelyn that something had changed between them. Alcon walked over to the horses with his arm around Lyneya and showed Pilin to her.

"This is your horse, Lyneya, her name is Pilin, Sparrow," Alcon said. He helped her up into the saddle and she fumbled for a moment before getting her bearings. It was a sidesaddle, and she'd never ridden in one before.

"It's strange," Lyneya said.

"It is proper for a lady," Alcon said with a cocked brow. "No more breeches for you."

Lyneya glanced at Nyére who was stifling a smile. "See," Lyneya said.

Alcon just looked around for Godwin, "Son?"

Godwin slid down off of Thelyn's horse and ran to Alcon, "Right here."

Alcon lifted him up into a hug and Godwin laughed. "Oh, there's my boy! You need a horse too, and here he is." Alcon lifted him into the saddle and gave him the reins. "Can you handle him?"

"Yes sir!" Godwin said, "Thank you!" Godwin rode around the square eliciting chuckles from some of the elves. The delight of children was something they had not seen for a while and they were enjoying it.

Alcon mounted up and Nyére looked out over her gathered people. It was both sad and exciting for them, and she knew she had to say something.

"We say farewell to the forest that has kept us," she began. "Memories both fond and sad are buried here. But we have each other and a bright future ahead of us in the west. Come, my people and let's away. Today we cross the river and put our sorrows behind us." She gave Cilmo and Legolas a nod and Cilmo sounded a horn.

"To Ithilien," Legolas said and led them out of the square and down the road to the river.

Alcon and his family rode with Thelyn and Jamie and Thelyn turned to Alcon and smiled.

"It appears your sparrow is mended," Thelyn said.

Alcon smiled proudly, "Indeed," he admitted. "She flew today, and I cried."

"Congratulations," Thelyn said. "Now you have a family."

Alcon said nothing in answer, he just smiled. He looked over at Lyneya and felt a flutter in his stomach. He had no idea it was possible to be this happy. He couldn't wait to get her and Godwin home to Ithilien.