Settling In

In the main square of the settlement, Nyére met with Séretur, Cilmo and Polodrin. They kept the meeting private and she visibly cringed before bringing the painful subject up.

"Our people owe a great debt," she said. "I have recently found out that Atanvardo is the one responsible for the murder of Silverhelm and his wife."

Polodrin frowned angrily, "Evil Elf."

"He acted on my father's command," Nyére said with a bleak expression. "The politics behind it are even more evil than murder, but the point I make is, I want their family to never lack anything they need."

"I will see to it," Séretur said quickly.

"It must be done discreetly," Nyére said. "Easterlings do not like charity, and neither do elves."

"Do not worry over it," Cilmo said.

Nyére nodded, still looking ill, "This will not repay the loss, but it will help."

"Why?" Polodrin asked. "Why did they do it?"

"Slavery," Séretur said. "Ondollo dealt in human slavery in secret. I could never prove it, but it was happening. Silverhelm ended his lucrative business."

Polodrin looked shocked, "No, it couldn't be true."

"Indeed," Cilmo confirmed. "That is why I left the army to lead the Rangers. We spent much less time under his command."

"Did you know about this?" Polodrin asked her.

"No, I was kept quite isolated," she said. "I could have done nothing to stop it in any case."

Polodrin stared at the ground a moment. "That is a hard story to hear. The murders were quite horrific. This debt is great."

"And it will be paid when the child has reached manhood. I will see to it that he is restored to his place. That is my obligation and my promise," Nyére said firmly.

"And we will see it done," Cilmo said.

Polodrin looked thoughtful for a moment and cocked a brow at Cilmo, "He needs training. He will need to be formidable in the use of every arm. Well trained in tracking, tactics, politics and language and history."

Cilmo nodded, "Alcon is no fool. He will see to it, and I and my rangers will gladly lend a hand with skills training."

"Then I will leave it to you, for now," Nyére said with a sigh. "I hope I do not find any more dark secrets from the past for a while. It is a bitter meal that leaves a sour taste in my mouth."

"Do not take it so personally, the responsibility was not yours," Séretur said. "I will see to the family's needs as well as the people's rebuilding. With so many skilled hands, it will not take long."

Nyére smiled, "Thank you both. Do not hesitate to send word if I am needed. It is a short ride to Emyn Lasgalen."

Polodrin gave the elves a smile and led his wife back to where they left their horses. He never would have expected Elves to deal in slavery. It was a bit of a shock that he was not prepared for. Their ride home was quiet. His wife's obligation would certainly be his as well. He must keep this future in mind. Restoring Godwin to the seat of Overlord could be a bloody business.

Failon smiled as he looked out the frond door and saw his brothers and their wives coming for dinner. He opened the door and gave them a bow.

"Welcome all," Failon said. "Come inside and rest."

Jamie and Lyneya filed in and the twins followed. They took seats at the table and Silivren walked in and gave the ladies a smile.

"It is good to have sisters near at last," she said. "I was feeling a little outnumbered here."

"That is untrue," Thelyn said. "You ordered us around all the time. One woman had three Elves outnumbered with but a look."

Silivren laughed, "I'll let your wives deal with you two from now on."

Lyneya looked around a moment, realizing how quiet it was. "Where are the children?"

"Oh, come, I'll show you," Silivren said as she turned to go back in the kitchen. Lyneya followed and found them at the counter, making bread. Godwin was never much for hanging out in the kitchen, but with Cálale's company, he seemed quite content. They were just getting the loaves ready to go in the oven and Lyneya smiled.

"That looks good, I can't wait to try it," Lyneya said.

"Oh, hi sis," Godwin said with a smile. "Cálale is teaching me to make nut bread."

"He's already good at it," Cálale said.

Silivren smiled, "They are already getting along like family. I am happy you will be living close so they can play together."

"Do you need any more help, Aunt Silivren?" Godwin asked.

"Oh, no thank you, Godwin. You and Cálale go wash up for dinner," Silivren said.

The pair disappeared leaving Lyneya and Silivren alone in the kitchen to talk. Silivren looked at her new sister-in-law with curiosity.

"It is different here, isn't it?" Silivren asked.

"Yes," Lyneya admitted. "We were quite isolated before, but I like this better."

Silivren smiled, "I'm glad. It is good to see both the twins happy."

Cilmo and Legolas had finished their rounds checking on the Avari's needs. They decided to go and check on the twins to see if they were settled in. There was the business of reorganizing the watch with all the new help that had just moved in. They rode over to Alcon's house, which was the nearest. They stepped up onto the porch, but all was quiet. Cilmo peeked in a window, but it was empty, literally.

"There is nothing within," Cilmo said in surprise. "Is it a new house?"

"No, it is Nárello's old house, but he moved to Rivendell. When Thelyn and Jamie were betrothed, Alcon moved in. We left before he could make it comfortable," Legolas said.

"And he now has a family," Cilmo said.

"Yes, they must be at Failon's house," Legolas said, "Come on, it's this way."

They mounted up and headed down the path to another house and indeed, there were horses tied out front. Legolas and Cilmo left their horses and stepped up onto the porch. It was Godwin and Cálale who let them in.

"Welcome Legolas and…" Cálale began, but didn't recognize Cilmo.

"Lord Cilmo," Godwin finished for her.

"Oh, yes," Cálale said. "Dinner is nearly ready, and I'm sure you are welcome to join us," Cálale said as she opened the door and stepped aside for them to enter.

Legolas smiled, "Thank you Cálale, are your uncles here?"

"Indeed we are," Thelyn said. "Come in and take seats."

Failon greeted them and the children ran to get more plates. "What brings you out this way this evening?" Failon asked.

"Just checking up on everyone," Legolas said. "And, we have a meeting in the square tomorrow to reorganize the watches. We have many skilled Avari who are anxious to serve in their new home."

"That is well," Failon said. "It will be good to learn from them, and perhaps share some of our skills in return."

"I hope we can count on the three of you to join us tomorrow," Cilmo said.

"We have always served in the watch," Alcon said. "We will be there."

Cilmo nodded, "Good. I have seen you fight, and I would be pleased to serve with you."

Silivren, Jamie and Lyneya entered with trays and the Elves all stood.

Silivren just rolled her eyes, "Sit, this is not Minas Tirith."

Legolas chuckled, "Thank you for having us, fair Lady. I have missed your excellent cooking."

"Come and sample it any time, and you too, Cilmo," Failon said.

"I thank you, but I will be quite busy with building for a while," Cilmo said. "All my people will be working on settling in."

Failon glanced at the twins a moment and seemed quite lost in thought, but made no comment. The table was set and it was time to eat. Silivren called the children to the table and Failon stood and lifted his glass.

"It is good to have my family home, and to welcome new members to it. I am pleased to welcome friends both old and new to our table," he took a drink and everyone joined him. Then he sat and smiled, "Let's eat."

The meal was casual and everyone shared stories of their adventures in the east. Failon had not heard most of it and was quite interested. The meal concluded as the sun was setting and the women retreated to the kitchen to clean up while the Elves all sipped their wine and talked.

Failon was first to speak up, "So, Cilmo, you're marrying into the family."

Cilmo looked at them curiously, "I am marrying the King's fairest daughter."

"Aye, Ranger, our cousin Allassante," Thelyn said. "You'll be related to us."

Cilmo furrowed his brow, "How…?"

"Our mother is Aragorn's adopted sister," Alcon clarified."

"And mine as well," Legolas said. "It's become a large family."

Cilmo shook his head and smiled, "I have heard only stories of your mother. She sounds quite… formidable."

"Oh, yes, she is a ball of fire, and a gentle lady," Legolas said.

"I would have liked to meet her. Is she in Rivendell with the rest of your family?" Cilmo asked.

"No, our parents have crossed the sea," Thelyn said sadly. "I do miss them, and our other sister and brother."

"They will not return," Failon said. "Their next journey will be to follow our parents… which brings me to a suggestion."

Alcon cocked a brow, "What?"

"Dairwen and Lalaith's house is vacant," Failon said. "I do not want to see it go to waste."

"Indeed, but the wood elves do not care for tree houses," Thelyn said.

"What of the Avari, say perhaps a certain captain who wished to wed?" Failon asked.

Cilmo cocked a brow, "Tree house?"

Alcon smiled, "An excellent idea. Allassante loved that house."

"What house?" Cilmo asked, no quite intrigued.

"Our sister's house," Failon said. "Her husband built it for her, but they live in Rivendell now. It has been vacant for some time. I would like you to have it and make it your own." He looked at his brothers for confirmation and they both nodded agreement.

"There are others without homes, why give it to me?" Cilmo asked.

"You are our friend, and Allassante is our cousin, "Thelyn said. "It will stay in the family."

Cilmo smiled, "I'd be honored to accept."

"Good," Alcon said with a smile, "but it will need to be furnished."

"Then we are in the same position, you and I," Cilmo said.

Alcon blushed but said nothing, "We are managing just fine."

Legolas cleared his throat, realizing that Alcon was embarrassed about his house. "Come, it is late, Cilmo. Let's leave these families to rest." Legolas and Cilmo rose and headed for the door, and Failon stood to see them out.

"Tomorrow after the meeting we'll show you your new house," Failon said. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," Legolas said, "Until tomorrow at the square, the third hour after sun up."

"We'll be there," Alcon said.

Thelyn sighed when they'd gone and decided it was time to leave as well. He retrieved Jamie from the kitchen and they went home. Alcon gathered his family and was going to leave as well, but Failon stopped him.

"Stay with us until your house is ready," he said.

"No, your hose is small, and we are fine," Alcon said. He was determined to provide for his family on his own, and Lyneya needed her own space. "We have a bed, and it will not take long to make the place comfortable. But thank you, brother."

Failon sighed, "Goodnight then."

Alcon brought his family home and they brought their things inside. There was no place for Godwin to sleep, and Alcon felt bad about that. But Godwin was seemingly impressed with the house.

"I get to have my own room?" he asked in wonder as Alcon showed it to him. "It has a fireplace and everything!"

"Yes, this is for you, but there is no bed here yet. I will take the floor and you and Lyneya can have the bed," Alcon suggested.

Godwin frowned, "That is unacceptable. I want to stay in my room, and I am quite content with the floor."

Alcon smiled at him, "We can make it comfortable."

He made up a bed from a few extra blankets to cushion the hard floor and settled the boy in with a fire for the night. When he returned to his room, he found that Lyneya had made the bed up with their remaining blankets. She seemed quite content, and he was happy with her patience.

"Tomorrow I will go to the weaver's and see about getting some linens," he said.

"Do not fret over this," she said, sensing he was upset about it. "You have other business to attend to. We can make do just fine. Now, no more talk of what we do not have. We have a family, and that is what is important."

Alcon smiled at her and drew her into his arms for a hug, "I have all the treasures in the world with you in my arms. Let's rest now, tomorrow will be a busy day. There is much work to be done helping the Avari to settle in."

"Yes, and you have the watch. I will take care of the house, you take care of your friends," she said.

So Alcon put his worries aside and went to sleep. The next morning he woke to the smell of cooking and went to the kitchen where he found Lyneya and Godwin preparing breakfast.

"Where'd you get the pans?" he asked in surprise.

"They were already here," she said.

"And the plates? They are not familiar to me," Alcon said.

"They were in the cupboard," Godwin said.

Alcon frowned. They were not there yesterday afternoon. He started opening cabinets and found all the basic amenities there, and when he opened the pantry, it was full. He cocked a brow and thought perhaps his brothers had done it, but remembered he'd been with them all afternoon. He closed everything up and went into the main room. He sighed thoughtfully and then glanced out the window. There was something on the porch.

He opened the door and found the porch was covered with furniture. There was a table large enough to seat six, along with matching chairs. There was one wardrobe and a child's sized bed and four large feather pillows. On the table sat a crate, full of new linens. Alcon was completely dumbfounded. He stepped back and went into the kitchen.

"Lyneya, come with me a moment," he said quietly.

Lyneya looked worried and just followed him. When she saw the front porch she was in shock.

"Who?"

"I don't know," he said. "I'm sire it wasn't my brothers, at least I don't think so."

"Are Elves always so… generous?" she asked.

"They are quite, but not like this," Alcon said. "This is different."

"Well, let's get this all moved in," she said. "Anyone who went to this much trouble would be insulted if we didn't."

Alcon sighed and nodded. He had everything he needed for basic comfort. He'd have to keep his ears open to see if he could find out where this had all come from.

The meeting went well, and the watches were set. Most were mixed groups of Wood Elves and Avari, but Legolas hoped that one day there would be no distinction made between the clans. They were all Elves, and he hoped that soon they would realize that.

Throughout the spring, there was lots of building in the settlement. Everyone lent their skills to the expansion of the town. Craftsman form both clans worked round the clock building furniture and goods to make the Avari feel welcome.

Cilmo traveled back and forth between Minas Tirith and the wood, never staying away from his betrothed for very long. Aragorn was always pleased to see him and often asked about the Avari's progress in their new home.

"We are managing well, thanks to the kindness of our Kindred there," Cilmo said.

"And what of your own house?" Aragorn asked. "When shall we plan the feast?"

Cilmo smiled, "Soon, sire. The house is finished, and is nearly furnished."

Aragorn smiled, "What day will you return for your bride?"

"The first of May," Cilmo said. "All will be ready then."

Aragorn nodded, "I will see to it. Your betrothed is in the garden."

Cilmo smiled and gave him a bow, "Then do excuse me, Lord. I shall go and greet her there."

Allassante walked in the garden, soaking up a little sunshine beneath the flowering trees. Cilmo had been gone for two weeks, and she missed him. She sat beneath the dogwood and plucked a small blue fower from the lawn and twirled it in her fingers thoughtfully.

"The garden is full of flowers, but none more fair than the one in the blue gown," Cilmo said from behind her as he leaned around the tree.

"What a sly Ranger to go sneaking up on ladies," Allassante said as she turned. His eyes were full of mischief and he winked at her.

"Only one lady brings me here," he said. "I have missed my beautiful Ally these past weeks." He sat beside her and she leaned her head on his shoulder.

"I missed you. Is all well at home?" she asked.

"All is well, but it is lonely there," he said.

"When will you return to take me with you?" she asked.

"May."

Allassante smiled, "That is soon."

"Not soon enough, but the time will go by quickly," Cilmo said. "Your father seems pleased."

"He likes you," she said.

Cilmo glanced around and was satisfied that they were alone. He put an arm around her and urged her to lie back on his lap. He gazed down into her eyes and she smiled.

"Why Captain, how scandalous of you," she said with a smirk.

"I have not begun to scandalize you, me lady," he said. "Are we safe out here?"

"No one walks here this hour," she said, "and the trees give cover."

Cilmo's eyes darkened with desire and he bent down and kissed her. Allassante reached a hand around his neck and sat up a little. He wrapped his arms around her, hugging her close as he deepened his kiss. The light breeze toyed with their hair as their hands roamed over each other. Cilmo ached for more than stolen kisses beneath the trees. Her gown was an offensive barrier that he longed to circumvent. Somewhere in the distance he heard someone call and he forced himself to break their kiss.

"Who calls?" he asked through ragged breaths.

"It is mother," she said as she sat up and straightened her skirt. "It is near the evening meal."

Cilmo frowned, "I am satisfied with the meal I was tasting."

Allassante blushed, "Only a taste, my love."

Cilmo sighed and hugged her, "For now. Come, before she ventures nearer." He stood and helped her to her feet. He plucked a couple blades of gras from her hair and her eyes widened.

"Do I look…?"

"Just fine," Cilmo assured her. "Your mother is no fool. She will not be shocked by a stolen kiss."

Allassante tried not to blush as they walked back to the hall. As she passed her mother she held her expression until she heard the comment.

"Next time kiss under the maple," Arwen said. "It cannot be seen from the windows above."

Allassante's hand flew to her mouth and she gasped, but Cilmo just smirked. Her mother was not scolding her, she was teasing.

"I will keep that in mind, thank you," he said.

The rest of the visit went well, and a few days later he departed on the evening ship for Ithilien. Allassante started counting the days until May and Cilmo poured himself into his work finishing the house. It had weathered well, and needed little other than furnishings and some repair to the small stable. He set about stocking the pantry and ordering linens from the weaver.

Jamie's figure started to show definite signs of motherhood, and she was getting lots of advice and attention from many of the ladies in the wood. Thelyn worked on turning one room into a nursery and Jamie was learning to sew. She was a surprisingly good cook, but many of the meals were unfamiliar to Thelyn. He never minded trying them, because no matter how strange he found their appearance, they were always good.

Lyneya made her house a real home, cultivating a flower garden around the grounds and planting vegetables beside the barn. It wasn't long before she gained a reputation in the settlement for her skills as a gardener, and people often rode by just to see the flowers. She was also a skilled seamstress and made curtains for all the windows.

Alcon and Thelyn kept busy with the watch, and Godwin often rode with them. Godwin was a quick study, and a good rider. For a child he was often quite serious and anxious to learn anything anyone would teach. Legolas often stopped by and instructed the boy in archery, and Cilmo showed him all the things to look for when tracking.

As the heavy rains of April started to subside, Cilmo had finally completed his house's furnishings and decided it was time to go and claim his bride. He packed up his finest Ranger's uniform and met with his friends.

"I ride to the docks for my last visit to my betrothed," he said. "I will return with my bride. I want you all to stand with me at the feast."

Anwaner was the first to speak up, "We will be honored to be your escort at the feast."

"Indeed," Kiirar said. "It is about time you settled down."

Cilmo laughed, "The feast is on the first of May, but I am leaving tonight."

Shaalth spoke up, "I will follow on the morrow with my family."

"We'll go with you tonight," Anwaner said. "No groom should go alone to his bride's house."

"Thank you all," Cilmo said. "Go and pack, and meet me at the ship."

As the sun was starting to set, Cilmo and his Rangers sailed down the Anduin to Minas Tirith. It was two days to May, and Cilmo couldn't wait. He knew the feast would be grand for the daughter of a King. He was sure to feel overwhelmed by the guests that would no doubt be there to celebrate. But he was not intimidated by this King of the West. He was a great Man, but a kind one. Cilmo had been accepted right away, and that put him at ease.

"So, marrying a King's daughter," Tinechor said. "You're a brave one."

"Not at all," Cilmo said. "The King is a good man."

"The King is a father," Anwaner said. "King or peasant, they are formidable when it comes to a daughter."

Cilmo just sighed. Yes, that was true. He'd seen the King protect his daughter. He had never seen such fury from a man before. It was quite frightening. He had little thought of worry over it though. He knew that he would give his life for Allassante. No father could find fault in love like that.