Homecoming

Cilmo was seated in the courtyard when the King and his family arrived. He had hopped Allassante would come and when The King entered the gate, he saw her. The entire family had come, the prince and his family, and the Queen, but he saw only Allassante. She was a vision, long dark hair hanging in curls around her shoulders and a child in tow. He recognized the child as one of her brother's children, but the picture of her as a mother was burned into his thoughts. He wanted her with all of his heart. The King greeted him when he reached the steps.

"Welcome back, Captain," Aragorn said with a gracious smile.

Cilmo bowed, "Thank you Sire."

Aragorn glanced at Allassante who gave Lótetári's hand back to Eldarion and stepped forward to greet Cilmo. He sighed and just said, "I will let you two make your greetings in private, I must speak to Faramir and Legolas right away." He gave Cilmo a nod and went into the hall with the rest of his family.

When Cilmo was finally alone with Allassante he dropped to one knee before her. "Fairest Lady, my heart wept every moment we were parted." He looked up into her eyes with misty eyes. "Your beauty shines brighter than the sun. Words cannot convey to you the joy this reunion brings to me." He took her hand and kissed it, and Allassante smiled as a tear fell down her cheek.

"I waited anxiously for word of your coming. I missed you, Cilmo," she said as she tugged on his hand for him to rise.

Cilmo stood and hugged her, "I have done my duty to my people, and soon I will settle in the wood with them. It is my wish to build a home for us there, if your father favors me still," Cilmo said.

"Take your petition to him," Allassante urged. "I will sleep in a tent if it is with you."

Cilmo smiled and kissed her forehead, "Perhaps in the summer, but not in February, my love. I will seek his consent, but we will wed when I have made a home worthy of you. Come, it is cold."

Legolas had ridden out to Ithilien to bring word to his people and was on his way back to the city. Failon and his family rode with him, anxious to meet Alcon's new family. As they approached the gates, they saw the caravan setting up their camp. They halted and greeted them.

"I see you have all made it," Legolas said to Nyére with a smile.

"Yes, I am anxious to get my people settled, but it will be good for them to meet their neighbors, and the King," she said.

"Where are my brothers?" Failon asked her.

"They have taken their families to the hall already. There is much news to be shared, but I will let them speak to you," Nyére said with a sly smile.

Failon frowned, "Yes, there have been many changes in our family of late." He headed into the gate with Silivren and their daughter following.

Legolas just shrugged, "He'll get over it when he meets them."

Nyére just smiled, "That is not the only news."

Legolas cocked a brow.

"Jamie is with child," she said.

Legolas slowly smiled, "Well, that is rather soon."

Nyére grinned, "Yes, but not unexpected."

Legolas nodded, "When will you be bringing them in? There is a feast prepared for your coming."

"As soon as the tents are set up," she said.

"Then I'll tell Faramir," Legolas said. "See you in a while."

Failon found both brothers in the main hall, seated across from each other deep in conversation. He strolled right up to them and glared at Alcon.

"Explain yourself," he said with a cocked brow.

"Oh, well it is good to see your too, Failon. How's the family?" Alcon asked sarcastically.

"Failon…" Thelyn started to defend Alcon but Failon would have none of it.

"What possessed you to take an enemy as a wife… one too young to wed, and of…? Easterling Royalty? And a child… you adopted a child?" Failon exclaimed.

"You have no business standing in judgment, Failon!" Alcon said. "What I did was for love, and I'll not stand for your attitude."

"Legolas told me of your love," Failon said. "You married her after less than a couple days, and part of that time you thought she was a boy?"

Alcon rubbed his forehead nervously, "I cannot explain myself to your satisfaction, and I refuse to try. I will simply say that she is my wife, and I love her and Godwin. I expect you to treat them as family."

Failon's expression was unyielding but he sighed and looked at Thelyn for support. "What say you to this?"

"I was skeptical at first as well, but I have naught bad to say about her or the child. They make a good family, you will see," Thelyn said.

Failon's expression softened a little, "Very well. Whatever my opinion, what is done is done. Show me this new family of yours."

Alcon smiled and then nudged Thelyn's arm, "Hey, speaking of new family…"

"I have news," Thelyn said with a smile. "Jamie is with child."

Failon smiled broadly, "Well, well, well… I hope it is a girl."

"I have told Jamie we are only to have sons," Thelyn said with a smug look.

Alcon laughed, "You said nothing of the sort."

They trio laughed and stood to leave when Aragorn joined them.

"Welcome home," he said with an unreadable expression.

"It's good to be home," Thelyn said.

"Yes, and I understand you brought a family with you, Alcon. Where are this new wife and child of yours? I am anxious to meet them," Aragorn said.

"They went with Jamie to get settled in," Alcon said, suddenly nervous by Aragorn's interest. "You were told?"

"Yes."

Alcon sighed, "Come then."

He turned to lead them to his room for an introduction, but Cálale and Godwin dashed up to them.

"Uncle Alcon, I met this really nice boy!" she said as she reached for him to pick her up.

"Indeed?" he said with a smirk as he lifted her into a hug. "How's my niece?"

"Oh, we're fine," she said. "This is Godwin."

Godwin just stood there with confusion on his face.

Alcon set his niece down and introduced them. "This young man is Godwin, and he is my adopted son."

Godwin gave Cálale a formal bow. "Does this mean that we are actually related now, Cálale?"

She smiled, "Guess so."

"Godwin," Alcon said, regaining the boy's attention.

"Yes, Sir?"

"I want you to meet Aragorn, the King of Gondor," Alcon said.

Godwin's face paled and he looked nervous, but he schooled his face into a cordial smile and stood up tall. He gave the King a bow. "Your Majesty King Elessar, your name is well known in the east. I am pleased to meet so gracious a Lord."

Aragorn looked at the boy with interest. He'd been taught impeccable manners and he was impressed with his behavior for one so young.

"Welcome, son of Silverhelm, to Gondor. Not only am I King, but I am Alcon's uncle. I am pleased to welcome you as family," Aragorn said with a smile.

Godwin looked at Aragorn with a smile, seemingly a little less nervous, "Then my heritage does not bother you?"

"No. It is my hope that we will become friends and there will be peace between our lands," Aragorn said seriously. He had not planned on talking politics, but the boy seemed quite articulate.

"That is my hope as well," Godwin said seriously. "There is much for me to right when I am old enough to do so, but I intend to bring peace to my homeland and my neighbors."

Alcon smiled proudly and Aragorn looked at him with a smirk, "How long did it take you to claim him?"

"Upon my first look," Alcon said.

"Where is your wife?" Failon asked.

"Oh," Alcon said quickly. "This is your uncle Failon."

"Pleased to meet you sir," Godwin said and then said, "My sister is on her way. She was helping Aunt Jamie who has not been feeling very well."

Aragorn looked at Thelyn with concern, "Is she alright, should I go and see…"

Thelyn just smiled broadly, "Her illness is temporary and unavoidable. She should be well in nine months."

Aragorn reached an arm around Thelyn and put him into a playful headlock, "Indeed? Well, our family is growing quickly. Let's go see her and Alcon's new wife." He let him go and Thelyn laughed.

As the group turned to exit the hall, Jamie and Lyneya walked in. They had just finished bathing and changing for the evening after the long journey, and they looked lovely. Thelyn was quickly at Jamie's side to offer her a little support and Alcon took Lyneya's hand.

Alcon waited for the introduction.

"This is Lyneya, my wife," Alcon said proudly. "This is my uncle Aragorn, the King of Gondor."

Lyneya's smile turned to a look of surprise and the color left her face. "Your majesty," she said shakily as she curtseyed.

Aragorn could see her concern as she looked around for Godwin. He could guess at her anxiety. "I was told that you were in hiding for years. There is no need for you to fear. As family, you are under my protection, and as the future ruler of Rhûn, Godwin is my ally. You are among friends."

Lyneya looked at Alcon for confirmation and he gave her a nod. "Forgive my distrust, Lord. Friendship and trust are new to us. We are pleased to be here, thank you."

Aragorn gave her a bow, "Welcome to Gondor, Princess."

Lyneya blushed at the use of a title that was not hers. Alcon put an arm around her and looked at Failon.

"Welcome, sister," Failon said. "I'm Failon, their older brother." He motioned for Miiriel to join them and she came over.

"You must be Lyneya," she said. "I'm Miiriel, the oldest sister. Nárello and Lalaith are in Rivendell."

Lyneya smiled, "You have a big family."

"Yes, and we welcome you to it," Miiriel said.

Lyneya was a little overwhelmed by all the welcomes, so she was relieved when the Avari started filing in. Nyére greeted the King, and then went in search of her husband. It was time to find their seats for the feast and Lyneya searched the hall for Godwin.

"Where's my brother?" she asked. "Has he been getting into trouble in front of your family?"

"No, indeed," Failon said. "He is a most polite and well spoken child. Who instructed him?"

"Our foster parents and I have been training him to take his place in my father's seat, but he is still a rambunctious five year old," Lyneya said with a smile.

"Well, I think he impressed the King," Failon said as he glanced across the hall to Aragorn. "You have done a fine job with him."

With all the introductions made, everyone took their seats and Faramir greeted the guests. He made a formal speech of welcome to the Avari. Then Aragorn stood and made a speech as well, and everyone drank to a bright and peaceful future. With toasts made, the feast began and the beginning of a good friendship was made around the tables of Emyn Arnen. Elves once isolated for ages sat among men and shared laughter and stories. Legolas was moved by the sight. He leaned over to Cilmo and smiled.

"Your people have come far since our first meeting," Legolas said meaningfully.

"They were never the problem," Cilmo said. He turned to Allassante and gave her hand a squeeze.

Legolas just smirked and shook his head, "Have you talked to Aragorn yet?"

Cilmo paled, "No, he has had much on his mind this night."

"Go and speak to him," Legolas said. "I think he is expecting it."

Cilmo looked at Allassante who gave him a reassuring nod and then stood and walked over to where Aragorn sat. Aragorn just glanced up and then returned his attention to his mutton.

"Well?" Aragorn asked lightly.

"Great Lord of Gondor I come to beg a great favor. Your eldest daughter has captured my heart and it is my wish to wed her, if you grant me her hand," Cilmo said.

Aragorn sighed, "Where will you live?"

"I go to Ithilien on the morrow to settle among my people and build my home."

Aragorn set his mutton down and wiped his hands and face. He looked out over the gathered crowd and just stood.

"Friends, I have an announcement of great joy," Aragorn said, "A betrothal between the Captain Cilmo of the Avari Rangers and my daughter Allassante. They have my blessing."

The room filled with cheers and everyone was happy for another bond between these new allies. Cilmo's face lit up and he gave Aragorn a bow.

"Thank you," he said. "You truly are almost generous Lord to bestow so great a gift on but a lowly captain."

Aragorn smiled, "I liked you from the start, Captain. How could I refuse the Elf my daughter adores."

Cilmo returned to his seat and gave Allassante a kiss. The room filled with applause and the couple blushed. It was a grand night for all, except Jamie, whose stomach would not tolerate the rich foods. She excused herself early and Thelyn took her to their room. Not long after he got her settled into bed, a servant knocked on the door.

Thelyn answered, "Yes?"

"Tea for the lady from the King," the maid said.

Thelyn opened the door, just as another servant arrived. "Yes?" he asked the other servant.

"Tea from the Avari Healer… Eruanna?" she said, trying to remember the name.

Thelyn laughed and took both cups. "Thank them both."

He closed the door and went to the bed. Jamie looked a little green. He set one cup on the table and helped her sit up to drink the other.

"Aragorn has sent a remedy and Eruanna as well," Thelyn said. "I am sorry you feel ill. I wish I could make you feel better."

"It's not your fault," she said and then realized, as the father, it most certainly was his fault. "Well, it is, but it isn't."

Thelyn laughed, "Drink, and then rest."

Jamie obeyed. Morning sickness was a horrible thing. She'd only been married two months, so she must have conceived right away or at least right before her last period. She'd thought she was fortunate to have finished just before her wedding, giving her a month before the next. With all the excitement, she never noticed missing it. She figured she was about four or five weeks along. She was probably lucky, some people's morning sickness was much worse. She finished off the tea and smiled. It really worked.

"I feel better," she said.

Thelyn bent down and kissed her, "I love you, Jamie."

Jamie smiled and closed her eyes, "Even when I turn green and… lose my lunch?"

"Yes," he said firmly. "Now, sleep."

The next day, the Avari packed up and made the short journey to Ithilien's Northern wood. Polodrin and Nyére went with them, and Legolas led them into the heart of the settlement. All the Elves were in the streets to greet their newly arrived kinsmen. It was a good day. With little debate, the Avari chose to settle among their brothers the wood Elves of the North. It was understood that Nyére was their leader, but they agreed to follow Legolas as Lord of the wood.

The twins went directly home, and Failon helped get Thelyn settled first as Jamie was still ill. He stopped Thelyn on the porch and pulled him aside.

"Your furniture is within, I hope you like where I put it," Failon said. "I must say, it looks nice."

Thelyn gave him a smile, "Thank you."

Failon grinned, "I'll bring ever Cálale's cradle in a few days."

Thelyn just strolled over to Jamie and lifted her into his arms. "No rush," he said as he went inside.

Failon just chuckled and Lyneya and Godwin just watched.

"Why is he carrying her, is she getting worse?" Godwin asked with concern.

Alcon smiled, "No, son, it is custom to carry the bride into her new house."

Godwin wrinkled his nose, "Oh, is that all."

Failon laughed, "Come Godwin, why don't you come to my house and play with Cálale for a while. It'll give your sister and Alcon a chance to settle in. They can come get you at dinnertime when they visit."

Alcon looked at Failon with a smile, "That's a great idea."

Godwin frowned, "Okay, go carry her into the house then," he said dramatically.

Lyneya bit her lip to keep from laughing and Failon led his new nephew away. Alcon just smiled at her and led her down the other path. He knew there was little furniture inside, just the one bed and a couple of wardrobes. Nárello had given much of the furniture away when they left. He felt bad, wishing his house was as well prepared as Thelyn's. As they rode up to the house he dismounted and then lifted Lyneya down from her horse. He cradled her in his arms and gave her half a smile.

"I have not furnished the house yet," he said. "I only just moved in when Thelyn and Jamie got married."

"It's a beautiful home, Alcon," she said. "Furniture is not important, only that we are together."

Alcon smiled and opened the door. The main room was bare, but clean. He carried her into the kitchen which was also bare, but clean. He tried not to look disappointed as he carried her into the master bedroom where there was a bed, but no linens. Lyneya just smiled.

"It's a fine comfortable looking bed," she said. "I think we'll have fun setting up the house together, don't you?" she said brightly. "I can sew, and I'm a good hand with a garden. I can also cook."

Alcon hugged her tightly, "Oh, Lyneya, I love you. You have had so much difficulty in your life; I had hoped to give you a better welcome."

"You gave me your love, and your family has graciously accepted me," Lyneya said. "There could be no greater welcome than that."

"There is another welcome that you have yet to receive," Alcon said.

"What is that?" Lyneya asked as she wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned her head against his shoulder.

"My welcome to my bride," he said softly as he kissed her head. He carried her to the bed and laid her down. "There are no sheets or blankets, but it is a soft mattress."

Lyneya smiled, "Very soft."

"I'll start a fire in the fireplace while you undress," he said. "I intend to welcome you very well."

Lyneya blushed as took off his cloak and coat and started the fire. She didn't waste any time undressing and he joined her on the bed as soon as he'd freed himself of his clothes.

"I will be your blanket, my lady," he said as he covered her. "And this is how a husband welcomes his bride into their house," he added as he bent down and kissed her passionately. Lyneya wrapped her arms around him and sifted beneath him, wrapping her legs around his hips. She couldn't wait for the full welcome treatment. He broke the kiss when they were both quite breathless. He was already fully aroused, and he felt her position beneath him most inviting. He kissed her neck and cupped her breast.

"I love you, wife," he said between ragged breaths.

"Then welcome me," she said, lifting her pelvis off the bed to press against his.

Alcon groaned at the desire in her eyes and sheathed himself within her. "Your wish is my command, Lyneya my sweet."

He loved her as if it was their first time again, and she was moved to tears. She'd never felt so loved and protected. They rested in each other's arms and watched the fire.

"We should go get Godwin," she said.

"In a while," Alcon said. "I want to welcome you again before we dress."

Lyneya smirked, "He can wait."

Jamie held on to his neck as Thelyn carried her through the main dining and gathering room and to the master bedroom. She'd seen the house before, but as a guest. He opened the door, and Jamie gasped. The bed was a grand four poster with posts that looked like…

"Are those redwood trees?" she asked in astonishment.

Thelyn smiled, "Yes, they are." He crossed the room and set her down on the bed. She smiled and rubbed her hand over the coverlet, "It's so soft."

Thelyn was beaming, "And the Wardrobes? Did you see them?"

Jamie looked and was amazed by the detail and artful design. It was a forest scene with trees and a pond and a wolf. The other seemed to continue the theme with a rabbit and a deer. It seemed familiar.

"It is the day I first heard you sing," he said. "I loved you before that, but it was the moment I knew I would die without you."

Jamie blushed, "Everything is beautiful. Are there any other traditions for entering the house for the first time?"

"Of course," Thelyn said. "I must make love to you."

Jamie smiled and lay back on the pillow, "Then I think you should get started."

"Are you sure you feel up to it?" he asked seriously.

"Don't jinx us by skipping a tradition," she said with a twinkle in her eyes. "Besides, I don't feel ill when I'm lying down."

Thelyn tossed his cloak aside and started unbuttoning his coat, "In that case, I must keep you in bed."

"All the time, but you'd have to stay with me, or I'd get lonely," Jamie said playfully.

"We can't have that," Thelyn said. "Here, let me help you out of that uncomfortable gown."

"Yes, please," Jamie said with a chuckle. "Silk is so abrasive."

Thelyn removed her clothes carefully, but managed to rub his hands over her often. He joined her beneath the blankets and held her close. Here in his arms was his beautiful wife, and in her belly was his child. He never would have thought it was possible for him to love her more, but he did, every day.

He gently rolled her to her back and covered her with feather soft kisses. She writhed with pleasure at the ticklish caresses of his lips. He spent a little time kissing her belly and then listening for signs of the tiny life within.

"It is too soon to hear anything," she said.

Thelyn smiled, "It is never to soon," he said and then bent down close to her navel and said, "I love you son."

"Or daughter," she clarified.

"You carry my son," he said firmly. "Are you sure you are well?"

Jamie smiled, "Love me, Thelyn, I am well."

Thelyn covered her and positioned himself. He was careful to be gentle and slow, unsure of how pregnancy would affect their lovemaking. His careful and reverent loving was wonderful and she thought she would die if she didn't climax soon. Her hands delved into his hair as he maintained a slow steady rhythm of gentle thrusts. The pleasure built slowly and he covered her face and neck with kisses.

"Thelyn, you're going to kill me," she said breathlessly. "I am not going to break if you speed up."

"But the child," he said.

"Is fine," Jamie said seriously and then kissed him.

There was pure fire in her lips and her tongue teased him, darting in and then leaving again. She toyed with him, letting him taste her mouth and then drawing her tongue away again. It drove him wild and his control fled in favor of a more feverish and desperate caress. His thrusts increased in pace and power and he took them to the edge of the cliff and plunged them into the pool of pleasure. Her inner muscles pulsed around him and his head was spinning.

"Welcome..." he said breathlessly, "to your new…home."

Jamie was still panting, "Thanks."

Thelyn laughed, "I'll welcome you again, as soon as I catch my breath."

Jamie blushed, "Sounds good."