I walked to the door of the café, seeing the sign in the window that said 'Open. Mae Govannen' and smiling faintly. Then I walked in. And stopped in shock. The café was chock full, every table occupied and a bustle of people all around. The ellyn and ellith were going around, looking calm and composed although they had to scatter and work fast. Their obvious short-handedness snapped me out of my shock and made me hurry to go towards the back.
Once in the locker room with Mairon in tow, I found that the pups were there along with Drago and Saphira, just as Elíl came in looking harried.
"There you are! I think we're a success." She grinned, and I shook my head, speechless.
"This is mind boggling." I replied, still seeing the twenty some people out there as I hurried to change.
"Ya think? Well come on and hurry, we'll be waiting. Moryo, Maeglin, Nelyo, and Glorfindel have just come in." She said, and bustled back out. I struggled into my outfit and did a once-over in the mirror as Mairon tumbled about with the pups.
The ellith all wore their hair tied up in intricately braided Elven styles like fishtail braids or coronet braids tied with jeweled clasps. Mine was tied in the braids belonging to the House of the Golden Flower and tied with a clasp of silver made by Mairon with sapphires in it. Then we all wore red robes that had slits at the wrists and split in front of our waists, opening to show black leggings underneath. Of course, there was a star of Fëanor on the chest, and we wore black boots that came up to the knees as well. I also had a clasp on my neck that I had worn at my wedding with the sun-in-eclipse symbol on it.
I quickly turned to the wolves and Mairon just as Elíl came back in, flushed. "Your shift." She said.
"I'm going. By the way, mind listening for a phone call? I have Zach coming and he needs speech therapy." I gave her a look, and she raised an eyebrow but nodded nonetheless.
"Devious." She commented dryly, and I snorted.
"No, I'm not as good as the Valar. I'm just an opportunist." I replied, and she laughed as I grinned and herded Mairon and the wolves out the locker room.
As I made my way out to the main diner, everyone stopped to stare at the wolves and Mairon. I opened the pen. "Come on, guys." I said loudly for everyone to hear. "After all, you do want to show off for our guests, right?" I winked at the captive audience, who clapped and cheered as the wolves pranced in proudly. Mairon followed after as I closed the low gate. Then I turned and bowed.
"Welcome, fair guests of Wiseman, Alaska and all other visitors from far lands. My name is Míleth, Elf of the House of the Golden Flower once of Gondolin. I will be your elleth this afternoon. This is Mairon, and the wolves are Drago, Saphira, Luno, Bolt, Esgal, Sky, and Lara." Mairon and I bowed again as the wolves fell to all fours before popping back up, eliciting more cheers and claps.
Just then, several others came up behind me. "And I am Glorfindel of the House of the Golden Flower, and I will be an ellon this afternoon." Glorfindel bowed.
"My name is Morifinwë, or Caranthir, and I also will be an ellon this afternoon." Moryo bowed.
"I am Nelyafinwë or Maedhros, and I am an ellon today." Nelyo said calmly, bowing.
"And I a-am M-Maeglin of the House o-of the Mole, and I will b-be an ellon for you t-t-today." Maeglin stuttered shyly with a bow. There were whistles and cheers, and then all of us scattered to find trays.
I passed by Glorfindel as I grabbed a tray from the counter where Moryo stationed himself, and he bent to kiss my cheek as I grinned back and headed out to where a couple was calling for a waiter.
I approached the table. "How may I be of assistance to you today, fair mortals?" I asked politely, and the lady looked up excitedly.
"I am huge fan of Tolkien's works. I love your café, and all of your acts." She blurted, and I smiled widely.
"You are kind, my lady." I answered, and the man chuckled.
"Well, I say your fake ears are really cool." He said, and I fought back a knowing grin. "Well, I'd like a Fëanorián Fit with a meat pie." He said, and I wrote it down on my pad with a quill pen.
"And I'd like a Yavanna's Yacht with a custard." The lady said, and I nodded.
"Of course. I'll have your drinks in a moment." Then I headed off easily for the counter where I dropped off the list and grinned at Moryo who smirked back. Then I went over to another table. I was actually having fun. Mairon kept playing with the wolves, and grinned at me as I passed by.
Then I arrived at the table. "How may I be of assistance, fair friends?" I asked, smiling at the little boy that sat at the table.
"Hello. What was your name again?" The harried father asked. I laughed gently.
"It's Míleth." I answered, pointing at the name tag pinned to my robe.
"Ah, yes." He said, and the mother took over.
"Sorry. He's a bit distracted." She apologized, and I grinned.
"Not a problem, m'lady. Actually, that's why Mairon is here. Would the young master like to play with the wolves? I assure you, they're very safe, house-broken and never having bitten anyone. They won't play rough." I said easily, and the parents looked surprised.
"That's... Unusual." The mother said.
"Indeed. But we elves love children, and therefore take care to make them happy." I answered, and the father stood with the now-eager child.
"Thank you. I'd like a Sweet Shire Supreme with a fruit dish." The father said, and the mother ordered the same for the child and herself. I bowed and led the two towards the pen, opening the gate as Luno bounded over. The child shied away, and I knelt.
"Come here, Luno." I said softly, and the sleek pup squirmed into my lap. "You'll play nicely with the young master, won't you?" I purred, and he yipped softly. Then I handed him to the boy, who gingerly pet him and then brightened at the returning lick, happily joining Mairon to play as the watchful father stood by. I scurried off to the desk, dropping off the new list and grabbing the tray with the other couple's order as I headed for their table.
I dropped it off before making my way over to another table for yet another order. Elíl, Ecthelion and Nerdanel had already left. "Hey, teacher!" I teasing voice said, and I raised my eyebrow at a grinning Justin who was in my martial arts class.
"Looks like I serve you this time, hmm?" I asked amusedly as he laughed.
"I guess so. Mae Govannen." He said, and I bowed. "Mind if I ask what you'd recommend?" He asked, and I smirked.
"Well if you want something sweet try the Shire Supreme, while something bubbly would be Irmo's Iridescence. Something strong and biting would be either the Fëanorián Fit or Námo's Nightmare, while something smooth and easy would be the Balrog Slayer." I said amusedly, and he hummed thoughtfully.
"I think I'll try the Balrog Slayer." He said, and I smiled.
"I'll have Glorfindel bring it over." I winked, and he laughed as I left.
I ran into Glorfindel at the counter, and tapped his sleeve as he turned to grin at me. My heart skipped a beat, and I found my face heating for no reason. "Beautiful blush, melda." He chuckled, and I glared half-heartedly.
"Mind taking a Balrog Slayer to table four?" I retorted, and he leaned over to kiss my cheek.
"Not at all, m'dear." He replied, heading off as Moryo called to me.
"Aye, here's a flirtation on the sly- spooning in the corners!" He teased smugly as I rolled my eyes and took from him the proffered tray.
"Love you with all my heart, Moryo." I gushed sweetly, and he glared as Nelyo laughed mockingly.
About an hour later, the crowds still hadn't lessened and the tables were continuously being cleared, cleaned by the ellyn and single elleth (me), and then occupied again. I moved to yet another table, and looked up to see Zach smiling shyly.
"Well I wondered if you'd ever get off." I grinned, and he laughed.
"Y-yeah, I d-did too." He answered. "What's on t-the house?" He asked.
"Any drink and meal you'd like." I answered, and he looked down.
"I t-think I'll t-try Minstrel's M-Madness and king's b-bread with f-frumenty." He stuttered, and I nodded.
"Good choice. I like the frumenty and bread myself." I smiled. "I'll be right back." I said, and he nodded before I went to the counter.
"Cover for me, will you?" I asked Moryo hurriedly. "Got an important conversation. Won't take too long." I said, and before he could answer went to drop off another order. I came back after taking an order and grabbed the tray with the drink and food, finding a Námo's Nightmare on it as well. I smiled. "Thanks big brother." I laughed as I headed for the table, unloading Zach's stuff first before sliding into the chair. I pulled my own drink in front of me before Maeglin passed by and swept my tray into his free hand.
I took a drag from the drink and sighed happily, closing my eyes at the sweet and spicy burst on my tongue. "So." I said, opening my phone under the table and calling Elíl discreetly.
"Yeah. Classes t-today were o-okay. I l-liked cooking c-class, it was f-f-fun." Zach replied. "This b-bread is a-amazing." He said, and I nodded.
"Yep. My brother's recipie." I grinned. Elíl was listening over the phone, I could tell.
"W-what about t-that ther-erapy?" He asked anxiously, looking disgusted at his stutter.
"Oh, yes. My sister should be coming soon." I smiled. "She agreed to help you. I'm sure she'll talk with you when she gets here." I added with a shrug. "Honestly, I don't know what's involved. I leave that stuff to her." I chuckled self-deprecatingly, taking another ginger sip of my drink.
"I g-guess. Every o-one works d-differently." He shrugged. I nodded.
"That ellon over there, with the dark hair and eyes and pale skin, see him?" I asked. He peered and nodded. "That's my little brother by adoption. He stutters too." I smiled. "However, he doesn't want to get rid of it." I snickered. "He rather likes the attention it gets him."
"R-really? How o-old is h-he?" He asked curiously.
"Umm, eighteen by now." I replied thoughtfully. "He doesn't act it though." I grinned wryly.
"D-doesn't he g-go to school?" Zach asked, puzzled, and I shook my head.
"He already finished." I replied. "His mind is amazingly old, but he's one of those who never grew up- yet." I gave him a conspiratorial look as he nodded.
"I can s-see th-that." He answered thoughtfully. Just then, I noticed that Elíl had come in, and I stood, downing the last of my drink.
"Well, if you'll excuse me Zach here comes my sister and my shift isn't over yet. I'll come back later." I said, and he nodded.
"S-sure." He smiled, and I nodded as Elíl came up.
"Is Lyric okay?" I asked by way of greeting, and she frowned.
"She's just fine, but she seems to have some back pain. She can make the shift, though." She shook her head, and I nodded.
"Well, we'll see if this bug will go away in the next week. Lark, this is Zach McScott who I told you about. Zach, this is my sister-from-another-mister, Lark Cartelion." I smiled, and then left them to it as I took my drink over to the counter and grabbed a tray to drop off at table eight.
"Wow, I love that drink." I grinned at Moryo, who snorted.
"Typical. You like the strongest things there are." He retorted, and I laughed.
"Well I need it. After all, who do I work for?" I replied, and he rolled his eyes as Maeglin came up with a laugh, hearing the last comment. I bent and kissed his head as he smiled shyly up at me.
"You're doing great, hanno. Couple hours left." I said.
"It's fun." He said shyly. I nodded.
"And I completely agree." Was my only answer before I walked off to the table. Once in a while as I passed by Zach's table I'd hear him and Lark talking. She seemed to be making progress, and I nodded in satisfaction. Yes, she'd watch over him. I'd had the feeling that she'd be the one who would be assigned to him.
Now, if only I could figure out who else was on the list and what was wrong with Lir.
...
My shift finally came to a close, and I went to the locker room as Lir entered, signaling the evening time. I pulled my clothes off and stuffed them into my bag to be washed as I took down my normal clothes from the hanger in my locker.
"You alright, Lir?" I asked, and she nodded.
"I am, really. Just my lower back aches a little and I feel a bit tired. But I'm sure I'll feel better once I get myself into gear." She replied, getting into her outfit.
"Does anyone besides me and Elíl know?" I queried, and she shook her head.
"Nah. As long as I'm not actually good and sick I'm sure I'll be fine." She shrugged.
"Alright. Just let me and Elíl keep an eye on you, Okay? Let one of us know if you feel anything else." I said, and she nodded.
"Sure." She replied with a smile, and went out to introduce herself. I stretched before going out with my bag slung around my arm, and then plopped into a seat, not intent on leaving just yet. I shot a text to Elíl who had left a while ago back to the office. Zach had long since left back to school.
Results? -Celine
Apparently Glorfindel and the others were chatting at the table, so I waited for the text that would undoubtedly come soon.
Appointment at 6:00 PM there tomorrow. Can be fixed. Amroth says hi. -Lark
I smirked briefly before leaving my bag on the table and going to the main bar table, whipping up two drinks and taking them back to my table.
Great news. Looks like you get to be the first who found their ward. Tell him hi back. -C
Two people came in and sat down, and without looking I took them the drinks, setting them down. "Irmo's Iridescence for Roy and Fiery Fountain for Dan on the house." I said, shooting them a quick grin before sitting back down at my table. They laughed and thanked me as I gave them a thumb's up.
I'd say. Where u? -L
Still at café. -C
Glorfindel slid into the booth next to me, and I smiled up at him as he wrapped an arm around my waist. "Who?" He queried.
"Elíl." I answered, closing my phone and tucking it in my pocket.
"Shall we go home and prepare for dinner?" I asked cheerily, and he chuckled as he kissed my cheek.
"Of course. Are we picking up anyone?" He asked as we slid out of the booth.
"Yeah. Nana, Mom, Aunt Carrie, and the twins." I replied. "Room for six more people in the van! Who's coming!" I called. Moryo, Nelyo, and Maeglin opted to ride with us. I went up to the counter and kissed Beleg's cheek.
"Have fun yonya, alright?" I asked, and he smiled.
"Okay Nana." He replied, and I smoothed his hair with a fond smile.
"Good. I talked to Dan and Roy, and they agreed to allow you to take up teaching archery in the mornings." I said, and he nodded eagerly.
"Thank you Nana!" He exclaimed, and I laughed before kissing his hair.
"Anything for you, sweetheart. Have fun, Marion, Lyric." I said, and they nodded. I passed by the pen and gave Mairon a hug. "See you later little mischief." I said fondly, and he poked out his tongue at me as I laughed back. Then I left out the door to the van.
We buckled in and finally made it to the day care, where Nerdanel, my mom, Carrie, and the twins were waiting for us. They piled into the car and immediately plied for details of the first day. I let the others in the back fill them in as I pulled out and headed for my dad's workshop.
"So, how did you feel, Míleth?" Mom queried, and I smiled.
"I had fun." I replied. "It was a success, which I am grateful for." I said in satisfaction, and there were hums of agreement.
We arrived at the workshop and I hurried in to bring Dad. "Hey dad!" I called cheerily, coming into the warm shop. "I've got the van running outside." I said, and dad looked up from talking with a customer.
"Ah, hey Celine. This is my daughter, Celine DelaFiore." Dad introduced me to the man as I bowed.
"Pleasure to meet you, Celine- DelaFiore?" The man raised an eyebrow as I grinned.
"A proud Mrs." I answered as his eyebrows shot past his hairline.
"Well, I'm being rude. My name is Christopher Lakes." He said with a bow, and I shook his hand.
"Well it's a pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Lakes. I'm sorry to cut you short, but the family van doesn't wait forever." I winked as he chuckled.
"Not a problem, Mrs. DelaFiore. I had finished and was just chatting with Mr. Ravid here." He said.
"Of course. And I'll be sure to have that piece done for you by Thursday, Mr. Lakes." Dad replied, finishing his clean up. Just then, the door opened as I hung up dad's apron for him.
"Your phone's ringing, love. You left it in the car." Glorfindel said, handing me my phone as he kissed my cheek.
"Thank you Loren." I replied, answering the call as I went to hang up dad's tools.
"Hey Míleth. Ivrinel here. Mind if you pick me up at the library?" She asked.
"Ah, hello sir. Pleasure to meet you. I'm Loren DelaFiore." Glorfindel shook hands with the obviously bewildered Mr. Lakes.
"Oh sure, Ivrinel, it's not a problem. We'll be there in about fifteen minutes, that Okay?" I asked, and she affirmed it. We hung up, and I turned.
"H-Hello Mr. DelaFiore. I was wondering who was the lucky guy who married Mr. Ravid's charming daughter." Christopher managed, and Loren laughed heartily. Christopher smiled almost involuntarily, and I giggled as dad brushed off his hands.
"Thank you, Mr. Lakes. A high compliment indeed." Loren replied.
"Yes, well, I must be going. Thank you, Mr. Ravid. I'll be here in two days." Christopher let himself out, obviously flustered in the presence of two elves and a Maia.
"Charming, hmm?" Glorfindel teased me as dad locked the doors, and I smacked his shoulder.
"Oh hush, you." I replied playfully as we climbed into the car and mom greeted dad with a kiss.
"We're going to go pick up Ivrinel and Uncle Jonathan, Kay guys?" I called, and there was a yelled agreement.
Ten minutes later we reached the jewelry shop, where Jonathan was obviously waiting as he came out a minute later, locking up and hurriedly getting into the car. "Even for an elf, this is getting cold." He said, greeting his wife as everyone else called greetings and agreement. Ivrinel rushed out and climbed in as soon as we pulled out, and she said something much along the same lines. She sat next to Nelyo in the back, and I caught some knowing grins as Nelyo smiled at her and gave a soft greeting. She flushed and returned them, much to general amusement.
"What should we eat for dinner, anyone know?" I asked, and there were thoughtful looks all around.
"Well, depending on what we have in the fridge I think we have the ingredients to make pasta. We've booked tickets for the theater at nine, right?" Mom spoke up, and I nodded.
"Yep. Pasta it is then. I wonder what'll be reactions to the Two Towers this time." I chuckled.
"Well, let's see." Dad replied lazily, and the rest of the drive was made with little comment, everyone content to look out at the slowly falling snow.
Dinner, when everyone arrived home, was filled with conversation and laughter, as everyone compared notes on the day.
...
I sat in the theater with Mairon in my lap and Glorfindel's arm around me, sharing popcorn with Mairon. He munched happily, watching the movie with all glee. Again, Elíl and Lir and I exchanged hilarious ósanwë comments throughout the movie.
*They're taking the Hobbits to Isengard!* I sang terribly out of tune, making them almost bend over double trying to stifle their laughter. The elves ignored us and went on watching in amazement.
Lir was sobbing when Haldir died, to my surprise, even if I did shed a few tears. I snorted as Legolas surfed down the steps on a shield, which was met with eye-rolls from the elves, especially Beleg.
"Not practical." He complained in a loud whisper.
And of course, one could not forget to comment on Gandalf's return as the White Wizard. I grinned at Elíl as we remembered Olórin, the movie becoming personal now. I looked back at the screen in time to catch the scene of the body count, snickering inwardly along with my sisters. The elves were rather captivated by the movie, popcorn almost entirely forgotten. Ivrinel was happily watching, looking relaxed and mouthing lines along with us earthians.
The movie finally ended, and I sighed in disappointment, wishing there were more. The elves groaned loudly as the credits rolled on, making me laugh as we filed out of the room.
"So, opinions?" Elíl queried, and we all got an earful of good things and bad things in the movie. Of course, Legolas stunts were picked apart to satisfaction, even as the scene with the ghost King was praised for ingenuity. Some of us wandered away towards bathrooms while the rest waited and finished off popcorn and drinks.
I took Lir to the bathroom, as she was feeling decidedly unwell from the smell of the popcorn, and she slowly got over her strange fit of nausea. "Sorry. I don't know why- I usually love the smell of it. And I don't know why I cried so hard either, I usually don't do that. I really feel out of sorts." She sighed.
"Oh well. I'm sure it'll pass, Lir. It's almost like you're going through the time of the month all over again." I said, giving her some water, and she looked stricken.
"That's true, I'd forgotten about that. I haven't had it as an elf, so..." She gave me a sheepish look as I laughed.
"Very true. Now, let's go, shall we?" I asked, and helped her out. When we arrived back where the others were, it was to see a gaggle of girls gathered around the elves, my parents and other earthians nowhere to be seen. The elves looked both embarrassed and uncomfortable, and I rolled my eyes.
"Well, let's go save these hapless elves, hmm Lir?" I asked dryly, and she laughed her head off as I approached.
"Hey guys! Let's go!" I called, mentally asking Elíl where the rest of them were.
*Bringing cars to the front.* Was the reply, and I sighed.
"Cars outside!" I said, moving through the group of girls who looked like they were salivating.
"Coming, little sis." Moryo drawled, and calmly made his way out to the car in the wake of disappointed girls. Maeglin immediately stuck to my side, and I kissed his hair.
"Aww, is my little brother okay?" I cooed, and he nodded.
"I'm f-f-fine." He stuttered, and Glorfindel wrapped an arm around me lazily.
"Come on, love, best not keep them waiting." He said, and there were several sighs. Káno did the same with Lir, and we managed to make our way out to the van. I leaped into the backseat as Dad drove.
"Next time, ONE experienced person stays with the elves at ALL times." I growled.
"Oh dear, sorry." Aunt Carrie said, as they looked out the window and realized what had happened.
"Anyone have a brush? I think I need to scrub my brains out." Nelyo asked dazedly, and everyone burst into laughter.
"Hmmph." Was all Tyelko said.
"Oh I forgot, Tyelko is the one who's experienced." I said dryly, and Lir giggled as Tyelko glared.
"Not sorry." I retorted unrepentantly, sticking my tongue out at him as I made sure Mairon was safely buckled in. Beleg talked with the Fëanorián twins in the back as we slowly wended our way through traffic back home.
"So, what's on the agenda tomorrow?" Moryo asked.
"Nothing special, I think." I replied, and everyone else nodded.
"Regular day then." Tyelko said, and then lost himself in his phone again.
The rest of the evening passed peacefully, and I fell asleep contentedly, wondering what the following days would bring.