Raiders

After Legolas' recovery and return to Ithilien, the routines of Gondor returned to normal. Aragorn was calmer and more content now that his friend was safely home and in the company of his new wife. Lady Greenleaf was an interesting woman. She was obviously very much in love with her husband, but very quiet and reserved with everyone else.

Jamie and Lyneya were preparing a meal for guests. It was the first visit that Legolas made to their house since his return, and this was their first meeting with his new wife. Thelyn had told them that she was from Jamie's world and Jamie was very excited. When they arrived, Lady Greenleaf, Skye was her name, came in to visit while the Elves remained outside holding an urgent discussion.

"Fill me in on the troubles of late," Legolas said to the twins as they lounged on the front porch.

"Rhûn is in civil war," Alcon began. "There are new warlords, and of course they all want the high seat for themselves."

Legolas nodded thoughtfully and Thelyn continued. "There have been raiders occasionally coming out this far, and refugees as well. The warlords demand tribute in human flesh."

Legolas cocked a brow and Alcon scowled, "Slavery is back in full force. Children are taken from their homes and sold for profit in the north and all over the territory. The RunningsRiver is soiled with blood."

Godwin stepped out on the porch and gave Legolas a smile, "Welcome home, Lord Greenleaf."

Legolas masked his concern and gave him a smile in return, "Just Legolas, Godwin. You have grown since I left."

"Ada adjusted the length on my stirrups just this week," Godwin said proudly. "And Lord Cilmo just gave me a stronger bow. I am getting better."

"Anwaner is teaching him to track and set traps, and Thelyn and I have started teaching him swordsmanship," Alcon said as he put a hand on the boy's shoulder.

Legolas smiled at Alcon's proud expression. "Indeed? I believe you are ready to hold a sword. You can learn much from the wisdom of those who dwell here in the wood."

Thelyn cocked a brow and added another piece of information, "An Easterling refugee has also visited and offers Godwin his allegiance."

Godwin shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot. He did not entirely trust Orvandu. "Lord Orvandu and his family live in Emyn Arnen, but he comes to see me sometimes. He was in my father's guard."

Legolas read body language very well and could see that there was more to this story, but held his tongue. He wanted to talk to Alcon in private. His vacation was over and he would have to return to his duties sooner than expected. Skye was not used to life here yet and he hated to leave her alone so soon, but he would have to eventually. As Lord of the wood, it was his duty to watch over the safety of his people. He had not expected to return to such troubles.

"Well, the food smells good, it is nearly time to eat," Thelyn said, changing the subject. "Come inside and make yourselves at home."

Thelyn and Godwin went inside, but Legolas caught Alcon's shoulder to get him to wait. When he turned, Legolas spoke.

"This easterling, is he trustworthy?" Legolas asked.

"I have never left him alone with Godwin, never," Alcon said. "There was much betrayal in his father's house. A smile does not always reflect a friendly face."

"Has he done anything to make you suspicious?" Legolas pressed.

"Yes," Alcon said. "He has tried to teach Godwin to be as hateful as he is. I limit his visits and watch him closely. Polodrin is keeping watch on him as well."

Legolas nodded. "I do not think Godwin trusts him either."

"He does not, but he craves stories of his father, and I cannot deny him that," Alcon said sadly.

Legolas gave his shoulder a squeeze, "He respects his father, as he should, but he loves you."

Alcon nodded, "I know, it is just hard to live up to a legend."

They went inside and sat down with the others for the meal. The conversation was kept light as much as possible. News of families was caught up on. Lyneya was a month from delivering a new addition to Alcon's home and Shaalth's wife was also pregnant. Though it was spring, there were little of the usual joys in the wood. The political climate of their eastern neighbors had everyone on edge. Then dinner was interrupted by a visit from Failon, and it was obvious that there was trouble.

"Legolas, there are raiders camped off the eastern edge of the wood. They are sending out scouts," Failon said.

Legolas glanced at Skye not wanting to alarm her and answered in Sindarin. "How many?"

"Twenty, just a search party. I mustered a few extra Elves to the watch and then came right away," Failon answered, understanding Legolas' desire to keep his wife from worry.

The twins both stood and grabbed their weapons to prepare to leave, but when Godwin stood, Alcon just nudged him back into his chair, "NO!" Alcon said firmly.

"I am a member of the watch as well," Godwin said.

Legolas looked at the boy with respect, but exercised his authority, "Godwin, as the youngest member of the watch, I must insist you remain here. With the others at the border, someone must stay with Lyneya."

Godwin frowned, "It is because they are Easterlings," he said bitterly. "I have no qualms about fighting my own people to defend my home."

Alcon cocked a brow but said nothing for Lyneya stepped in. "Peace, brother. You are not Overlord yet. Respect the authority of your elders. How can you expect to lead others if you cannot listen to wise counsel?"

Godwin hung his head, humiliated in front of Alcon and the Prince of the wood. "Forgive me Ada," he said softly to Alcon.

Alcon gave his shoulder a squeeze. "You do not need to rush to your destiny, son. When the time is right, it will come to you. Let's go."

Legolas paused to speak to Skye, but she shook her head at him, "Go, duty calls."

"Skye…" Legolas started to say something, but she just gave him a reassuring smile. "I'm a city girl. I can find my own way home."

Jamie spoke up quickly, "She can stay here until you return. We can keep each other company while you are away."

Thelyn nodded approvingly at her invitation and Legolas gave her a grateful smile.

"I'll return as soon as I can," Legolas said and then left with the others.

On their way through the wood, Failon looked at Legolas with concern. "I am sorry, Legolas. I know you have had little time to help her adjust to life here."

"She's strong willed," Legolas said. "She'll get along fine; it's just an abrupt way to learn about my position. In peacetime it would be an easier adjustment."

"She'll have Lyneya and Jamie to keep her company," Alcon said with a smile. "Don't worry about her."

Legolas nodded and they rode in silence for a while until they met up with the border patrol at the edge of the wood. Cilmo and his rangers were already set up in defensive positions, hidden from the view of the intruders. Legolas went to speak to him.

"Have they ventured closer?" Legolas asked.

"No, but they are clever, their patterns are well practiced. I believe they are interested in the wood, and simply wait for darkness," Cilmo said.

"What is their purpose? Is it possible they know of our young overlord?" Legolas asked indelicately.

Cilmo looked at Legolas in shock, "None here would betray him."

"What of this easterling who visits him here?" Legolas asked.

Cilmo looked back to the plains where the raiders were gathering again and then moving off to make camp. He'd thought the same thing before but could bring no proof. It was simply a feeling he had. "I would not be surprised, but have naught but my instincts to call upon in the matter."

Legolas frowned, but said nothing in answer. He looked out at the retreating raiders and made a decision. "We will remain here to await them. I expect them to come back."

"They can't believe that we don't know they were here," Anwaner said.

Cilmo chuckled, "Easterlings are not known for their cleverness."

Anwaner frowned, "That may be so, but I would not wager with the safety of the settlement. They have a purpose, and I don't like it."

Legolas nodded. He turned to Cilmo and lowered his voice to a whisper. "Send two guards to keep an eye on Alcon's family, just in case. Have them stay out of sight. I don't want to alarm Lyneya, but…"

Cilmo raised a hand to stop his explanation and motioned Kiirar and Tinechor over. He gave them the order and they discreetly left to take on the responsibility of guarding the young overlord.

Legolas could relax his worry a little now, but kept a watch on the plains anyway. He'd lost his stomach for battles. He'd had his fill of them for ages. He wanted peace and the comforts of his wife's arms now. Unfortunately, he was going to have to deal with easterlings first. They broke up into small parties and kept watch along the borders, concentrating on the northeast where the raiders were last spotted. It was going to be a long night.

Jamie got Skye settled into the guest room and then went to make them some tea. It was late, but with the troubles at the border, neither felt like sleeping yet. Skye put on a nightgown that Jamie lent her and then wrapped a robe around herself before rejoining Jamie in the main room. They sat at the table sipping tea and watching the fire in silence for a while.

"So, does this happen often?" Skye asked.

"Only lately," Jamie admitted. "Our neighbors' troubles occasionally spill out into our territory, but with Godwin here, we have to take it more seriously."

"He seems like a nice kid," Skye said.

"He's a keeper," Jamie said lightly. "I hope Veon turns out to be that sweet."

Skye smiled, "Is he sleeping?"

"I just put him to bed a few minutes ago and he's out cold," Jamie said, "At least for a few hours."

"You have a nice family here," Skye said. "Do you ever miss it back home?"

Jamie paused and looked at Skye seriously, "How'd you decide to come here?"

"It happened really fast," Skye said. "Legolas was shot by the police… a huge misunderstanding, but I knew he couldn't stay. You can only imagine what would happen if they found out he was…"

Jamie furrowed her brow, "Oh, dear, yes."

"I came with him to help at first, but I'm glad I did it," Skye said. "I really do love him."

"That is obvious," Jamie said as she took another sip of tea. "So, you were married before you came here?"

Skye blushed at the question, knowing what was being implied. "That is what he said."

Jamie was surprised that Legolas would just do that but didn't know how to ask about it delicately. She sat there in silence, trying to wrap her mind around the concept when Skye spoke.

"I knew he was leaving," she said slowly. "I guess it sort of happened. When he told me that we were married, I was a little shocked."

Jamie smirked, "I bet."

Skye chuckled, "He asked me to go, and I said no. He was disappointed, but he told me he would be true to me because of… God, can you imagine?"

Jamie smiled at Skye's blush, "That's an Elf for you. He won you over, I see."

"Oh, yeah. I hope I can fit in here. He never told me he was a prince," Skye said with an involuntary shudder.

"If there's anything I've learned here it is to just be yourself. They respect that, and can spot a phony ten miles away. It's obvious to anyone who meets you that you and Legolas were meant for each other. They'll love you just because of that at first. Then after they get to know you, they'll like you for you," Jamie said. "I already do."

Skye smirked, "Thanks, I like you too."

They finished their tea and went to bed. Jamie liked her new friend, and looked forward to getting to know her better. She wondered if she really was as good of a dancer as Legolas said. Jamie had always liked ballet.

It was after midnight when the first signs of trouble came to the wood, but not on the eastern border as they had expected. Alcon's house was dark and all was quiet until the intruders stepped into Lyneya's moonlit garden. Kiirar elbowed Tinechor as a scowl crossed his face.

"Look at the boldness," he said under his breath.

Tinechor couldn't believe it. They knew exactly which house they were after. It was obvious that betrayal was involved here. They counted two… no three, and then…

"Orvandu, that evil wretch," Kiirar said when he recognized the last one in the bunch. He readied his bow, but Tinechor put a hand on his arm.

"Wait," he whispered.

There was movement on the porch and they watched in confusion as Godwin stepped out onto the porch. He halted at the head of the steps and Orvandu gave him a bow.

"Lord, here are three of the men I spoke of. They are anxious to join your army," Orvandu said. "The rest camp nor-east of here and await your orders."

Godwin looked at Orvandu with confusion. "What orders do you expect from me now? I am too young to march to war and yet you thrust the sword in my hand and say lead child, lead?"

Another man stepped forward and spoke his piece, "You are a boy, yes, but you are the true Lord of Rhûn. I have had my fill of warlords and the blood they shed for their own pleasure and profit. There are more of us than you know. We meet in secret, and we will die to restore you to your father's seat."

Godwin looked at the men that stood under cover of darkness and could see the truth to their promises. He could not be what they wanted, not yet anyway. "Even if I had no battles to fight, I am not ready to lead a country. There is more to ruling than simply inheriting the position. I would be a disappointment to all if I took the throne now. Go home and continue to prepare in secret as you have done. Care for your families and guard your homes. I must prepare here and learn from the wisdom and skills of my new family. When the time comes, I will call upon you for aid. Now, by coming here in secret, even as allies, you are trespassing in the realm of the elves. They will attack you as raiders simply because they do not know you. Return now and see to it that you do no harm on your way. If you wish to speak with me again, announce yourselves and visit in daylight."

The man bowed low, "You are wiser than your years. We will do as you ask."

Godwin gave them a nod and watched them leave. He was still in shock. He'd mistrusted Orvandu because of his secrecy, but it appeared that he was truly as loyal as he said. He heaved a sigh, hung his head and went back inside. It was hard to be Overlord and too young to do the job. He wished that Alcon were here right now. He didn't like dealing with this all alone.

Kiirar put the arrow back in his quiver and just glanced at Tinechor. "Well, that was different."

"Let's follow them and see to it that they leave," Tinechor said.

The rangers kept hidden but remained close enough to be able to hear. Kiirar didn't like Orvandu and wanted to observe him.

"You said he would free us," one of them said to Orvandu.

"He will," Orvandu said with annoyance in his voice. "He doesn't need to grow up, Richtor; it is his bloodline people will follow. I can help him until he is ready to take it all on his own."

"I don't want to make a puppet of a child," another man said quickly, "Especially if it is you pulling the strings, Orvandu. We will have to wait until he's ready to return."

"You speak out of turn," Orvandu said. "I've no desire to rule."

"Then walk away from him until he calls for you," Richtor said sarcastically. "I could see in his eyes that he already distrusts you."

Orvandu scowled but said nothing. It was the elves influence that made the boy distrust his own people. He did not belong in this accursed wood. They emerged from the canopy out into the open and mounted up to ride back to their camp.

Tinechor and Kiirar watched as they rode off and tried to make sense of the situation.

"Well?" Kiirar asked.

"Alcon must hear of this," Tinechor said. "Godwin is not to be left without guards around him. I do not trust this Orvandu. He has an evil agenda, I am certain of it."

"I agree. Let's return to our post until someone relieves us. They may return," Kiirar said.

It was dawn, and there had been no sign of a raid, or any further scouting. Legolas decided to leave a normal watch on patrol and allow the others to go home and rest. He sent out two scouts to see what had become of the Raiders, but their camp was empty. Their tracks led back into their territory.

The meeting that followed was more of a heated debate than anything else.

"We all like Alcon's family, but this child brings trouble here," Shaalth said.

Alcon was about to speak when Kiirar spoke up instead.

"The boy is innocent, I heard him speak. The fault lies with Orvandu. He led these strangers among us in secret. He tells us he is a friend to the boy, but he is dealing on his own behalf. I believe he is only using the boy," Kiirar said.

"It matters little if the boy is innocent. They know he is here and they will return," Shaalth said angrily.

"Peace, Shaalth! You know full well the debt our people owe this child. The chaos in Rhûn was caused by Avari, and now we are paying for it. Speak no more of this. I will take the responsibility of guarding him," Cilmo said.

"I am with you," Kiirar said.

"Count me in," Tinechor said.

Lindar looked at his older brother and shrugged, "Sorry Shaalth, I have to side with Godwin."

Alcon's jaw was set. They argued over his son as if he were not there and it annoyed him. He cocked a brow and looked at Legolas who finally sighed and spoke.

"I walked alone for ages so it seemed to some that when trouble came here, I had little to lose. Now I too have a wife's safety to consider. My decision in this matter is that we remain wary as always and go on with life as before. But I will add one change to the watch. Two riders will patrol around Alcon's home and when they travel, I want an escort."

"No," Alcon said firmly. "I need no one to guard my family."

"I have made my decision," Legolas said.

Alcon glanced at Thelyn for support, but he said nothing. Failon was conspicuously silent as well.

Alcon scowled, "This is unacceptable. I will not live as a prisoner in my own home. Do not ask me to agree to this."

"It is for Godwin's safety," Legolas said.

"It will be discreet, I promise you," Cilmo said. "The need for protection is there. Surely you can see that."

Alcon was having a hard time with their decision. He was used to the open land and freedom to come and go at will. Having a family had settled him a little, but not enough for this. It was too much. If Lyneya was not so near her delivery, he would take his family away from here tonight. He looked at his friends and family and then mounted up his horse and rode home. He wanted Godwin's side of this story.

Godwin paced on the porch in silence, waiting. He heard the familiar sound of Alcon's horse and stopped to look. His Ada's face was unreadable, and that frightened him. He was worried about what happened last night. The men he met seemed like friends, but then again…

"I would have the full tale from you, son," Alcon said as he dismounted.

"Wait, not here," Godwin said. "Lyneya doesn't know, and I don't want to worry her."

Alcon glanced at the house and nodded as he led his horse to the barn with Godwin following. When they were far enough away, Godwin began.

"I heard a noise and woke. I looked out the window and saw Kiirar and Tinechor watching the house. I naturally was concerned, so I kept watch on the windows for a while. Then the men came, four of them. Orvandu was with them so I came to see what he wanted. He said they wanted to be in my army and were waiting for my commands. I thought that Orvandu was either mad or perhaps…" Godwin broke off before saying something he could not prove.

"Go on," Alcon said as he unsaddled his horse.

"I told them that I was too young and that they should go home and look after their families. Then I told them that they should not have snuck in uninvited, and that they better leave."

Alcon pondered what he heard, and it did match up to Kiirar's description. "Orvandu is no longer to be allowed in the wood," Alcon said. "I do not trust him."

Godwin nodded, "His behavior is suspicious."

"You are not to go on patrols anymore," Alcon added.

"Yes, Ada."

"Legolas has ordered a constant guard on our family," Alcon said flatly.

Godwin looked at him in utter shock, "But…"

"I don't like it either, but for the moment we must deal with it," Alcon said, grabbing a brush and tending his horse.

"I am tired of hiding, Ada," Godwin said.

Alcon sighed, "I know, but I cannot protect you all the time. Perhaps the guard is prudent."

"I am a lot of trouble," Godwin said softly.

Alcon dropped the brush, knelt before Godwin and hugged him. "You're my son, and I would weather any storm for your sake."

Godwin closed his eyes and took comfort from the strong embrace of his adopted father. Soon, Alcon would have a child of his own and everything would change, but today, he was still the favorite son.

Alcon released him and smiled as he stood and rumpled Godwin's hair, "Now, let's get some lunch."

Godwin laughed and followed him back to the house. He glanced at the wood where he saw two Elves standing watch. He maintained his smile despite his annoyance. Alcon didn't like the guard, he knew it, and it was his fault. Godwin realized the carefree days of childhood were suddenly gone. He was now forced to deal with his title, and the grief it would cause everyone in the settlement. Godwin sighed to himself as he climbed the steps to the porch. Alcon went inside and Godwin took one last look at the guards. One of them gave him a curt nod. Godwin answered in kind and then went inside. He was a prisoner again and he didn't like it. Sooner or later, Alcon would resent him.

After the meeting, Legolas went to Thelyn's house but found that his wife wasn't there. Thelyn stepped out on the porch, equally confused.

"They're both gone," Thelyn said.

"Are they at Alcon's house?" Legolas asked.

"No, I rode by there," Thelyn said.

"Failon's?" Legolas ventured,

Thelyn shook his head.

Legolas frowned, "Maybe they went to my house?"

Thelyn shrugged, mounted up and they rode back to the main square. They turned down the narrow path to Legolas' house and found Jamie's horse out front. Thelyn cocked a brow as Legolas dismounted and went inside. He opened the door and stared gaping. He didn't recognize the place. There were bright new curtains on the windows, a new couch by the fireplace, and a new table and chairs. Skye looked up from her seat at the table and smiled.

"Well, you're back sooner than we expected. Is everything okay?" Skye asked.

Legolas nodded as he crossed the room to stand by her chair. "What's all this?" he asked.

"A welcome party," Jamie said. "You have been a bachelor so long you didn't even know what you needed, so I took the liberty of making a list and passing it out. It didn't take long for the ladies of the settlement to take care of it. They all just left a few minutes ago, now that the crisis is over."

Legolas just furrowed his brow and looked at Skye. "You surprise me," he said softly, and then noticed her new gown. She finally looked like the princess she was and it pleased him. "Your gown suits you."

Skye blushed, "Three gowns arrived this morning. And two pairs of shoes."

Legolas smiled, "Dance shoes?"

Skye rolled her eyes, but Jamie laughed. Legolas looked around and realized there was no room for her to dance. He peeked in the bedroom and frowned. It was furnished with all the amenities but there was no more floor space. He looked back in the main room with a thoughtful expression.

"We need to add on to the house," he said. "It is too small."

Jamie laughed, "A nursery already?"

"A dance room…" Legolas corrected but paused and smiled, "And a nursery."

Skye blushed at both comments, but said nothing.

Jamie just retrieved Veon from his nap spot on the bed and waved as she left. She found Thelyn waiting outside.

"Well?" he asked his wife.

"I think they'll get along just fine now," Jamie said.

Thelyn smiled and took his son so she could mount up. They rode home in content quiet, but Thelyn seemed upset.

"Are you angry that I left the house?" Jamie asked.

Thelyn shook himself from his thoughts, "No, of course not. I was just thinking about Alcon. He has more than his share of worries, and I wish I could help him."

"Is it Godwin?" Jamie asked.

"What else?"

Jamie nodded, "Just try to be there for him, that's all you can do."

Thelyn nodded. She was right of course, but somehow it didn't seem like enough.

Finally alone, Legolas pulled Skye from her chair and into his arms for a hug. He was pleased with the surprise, but even more pleased that his wife seemed to be comfortable here.

"The house has never looked so inviting. Thank you for doing this," Legolas said.

"Jamie did most of it," Skye admitted.

"I wasn't talking about the furniture. It is you that makes this house a home. I took you from your world abruptly though it was not your wish. Thank you for staying with me," Legolas clarified.

Skye hugged him a little tighter, "There's no where else I want to be."