An Unexpected Gift

Hergrovine Harbor had obviously grown since Aragorn had left it. There was a good deal more trade ships than he had seen before. The marketplace was refreshingly different, filled with farm goods and craft items to be sold rather than slaves. The people were welcoming and happy, and the soldiers of the city were not oppressive, but protective. All in all, it was an incredible change for only one year's time. As the large party was led into the city by Grayson, now a General, not merely a Captain, people gathered along the streets in welcome, and occasionally a young wife would find her way to the side of her long absent husband. It was a heartwarming sight for Aragorn to watch the soldiers pull their wives up on their horses to join the parade. He glanced at his queen beside him and Arwen returned his smile, obviously knowing what he had been thinking. This was not the East of Old; it was a new and peaceful realm. They were both pleased with all that their adopted nephew had done.

As the large company reached the palace, Grayson spoke to Wilhelm at the gate. "Is all prepared as my messenger has instructed?"

"Indeed, General, where is she?" he asked, scanning the faces of the riders for the one they had been anxiously awaiting.

Grayson glanced back, "She is there, with Godwin's Adopted father, and their daughters."

Wilhelm found her and his face lit up with such a grin, "What a great day this is…" he said softly, but was too moved to not speak out more boldly. "What a great day this is! Today we welcome not only all the great ones of the West, but our own Princess… Lyneya, daughter of Colwin Silverhelm has returned to us!" He had been shouting his joy for everyone in the square.

The riders parted for Alcon and his family to ride up to the gate. Lyneya was blushing, obviously embarrassed by the attention, but the crowd was cheering. Jamie's eyes were full of tears, knowing how great this woman's sacrifices and suffering had been. All of Godwin's soldiers dropped to their knees before her and cried out, "Hail, hail, hail to our Princess!"

Alcon helped her from her horse and led her halfway up the steps, then urged her on alone. "Go, speak to them. They want to hear you greet them. They want to welcome you home."

Lyneya gulped hard, nodded, then carefully ascended until she stood by Grayson. "You are lucky that I like you, Grayson," she said quietly.

Grayson grinned unrepentantly, "You deserve this honor, and they need to be able to give it to you. I am only saddened that Godwin is not here to see it."

Lyneya turned to the crowd, now able to see how big it had grown. Her blush darkened, but she smiled. "I am pleased to have returned to this land, yet do I hardly recognize it. Not one face in this crowd is afraid, not one person I have seen is unhappy, not a single chain on any of you." She paused here, looking over the silent crowd as a mother hen counting her chicks. Her smile suddenly widened, "I am so pleased with what I am seeing, I believe my heart will break trying to contain my joy."

The crowd cheered, and it was almost deafening, and Lyneya's eyes filled with joyful tears. Out of the palace courtyard came Richtor, carrying a delicate crown on a pillow. Wilhelm placed it on her head, and she gasped in shock. As the crowd's cheers grew louder, she blushed again and whispered, "Are you gentlemen quite finished embarrassing me?"

Richtor bowed to her, "Get used to the honor, my lady. No one here deserves it more." He beckoned to Alcon to join them. "Would you escort your lovely wife into her family's palace?"

Alcon grinned, "My pleasure, captain, my pleasure."

And the guests followed them into the palace, all greeted warmly, but not with as much joy as their Princess. That night a great feast was prepared in welcome of all, and Lyneya sat in the high seat, presiding in Godwin's stead over the honored guests of Rhûn. Alcon was so proud of her, a gracious hostess returned to a place of honor in a country that had caused her so much pain. At long last, he could see in her eyes that her heart was fully healed.

---

Godwin's arms tightened around Zalaya's waist as Skrug descended over the Sea of Rhûn. He skimmed the surface of the water with his claws, kicking up misty spray in his wake. A deep rumbling laugh broke the relative quiet of the sea as he realized he was showering his passengers.

"Skrug, you great blue villain! I am going to be soaked through if you keep up this foolish play!" Zalaya complained.

Godwin just laughed, far too happy to be so near his home with his bride in his arms to grumble over a little water. He reached up and touched Zalaya's cheek, urging her to look at him, and then kissed her passionately when she did. In the distance he could see Hergrovine, torchlight from the windows of the palace making it seem like a magical place as the sun was setting behind them. In only minutes they reached the city and Skrug landed lightly in the courtyard before the steps. They were immediately greeted by Grayson.

"Leave it to you to arrive just in time for the food to be served at your own wedding feast," Grayson grinned. He looked Zalaya over to see that she was indeed well. "My lady, I am pleased to see you returned to us safely."

Godwin smiled, "My wife is most well, I assure you."

Grayson cocked a brow at him, "You could not wait?"

"He was not allowed to wait. It was the condition he was required to meet before they would release me to him," Zalaya informed him.

Godwin sighed, "It was a sacrifice…"

Zalaya elbowed him for his mock sorrow, and they all laughed.

"Your family will only be sorry they could not share that day with you," Grayson said, "But your feast awaits."

Godwin nodded, but Zalaya caught his sleeve, "Not like this, Ranger. I do not wish to go into the palace dressed in this fashion."

Grayson had noticed her leather dress and boots, but did not think it was offensive. In truth the garment was a very fine example of Forodwaith attire. It had been softened, whitened, and intricately decorated with beads and fringe. The sleeves, neckline and hem were trimmed in fine white fur. The matching boots were also trimmed in fur, and her hair had been bound and wrapped in a fur cuff. She was really quite a vision.

"My queen, your people will not be shocked by your attire. Let them see what a princess from the north wears when she is at home," Grayson urged.

Godwin just smiled at her, "I am not ashamed of your heritage, and neither are you. Come, let's go inside."

---

The feasting hall was full, and it seemed all of middle earth was there. The Kings of Gondor and Rohan had brought their families, Faramir and his family were there, half of the Ithilien Wood was there, even a crusty old Dwarf, and many leaders of Rhûn's cities had all come to pay honor to Godwin on his wedding day. But the head table had been conspicuously empty where the King and his bride should have been. Lyneya had assured the guests they would be arriving soon. That is what she hoped, but was not at all certain. It was with great relief that she sighed when the main door opened and Godwin stood with Zalaya at his side. When all the cheering died down Grayson announced them.

"I present His Majesty King Godwin Iron Hand and his beautiful Queen, Zalaya, Morzethu of Forodwaith," he smiled, knowing that everyone would instantly realize the wedding had already taken place. He couldn't wait to hear the tale.

Godwin led Zalaya to the head table on the dais and they stood, waiting again for the cheering to die down. Before Godwin could even speak, he heard someone else steal his thunder.

"We arrived here early and still managed to miss your wedding!" Aragorn complained.

Zalaya blushed, but Godwin laughed, "It was not by choice, though I'll admit I wouldn't change it now. In truth, it is a long story, but of little import to this gathering. For this is a wedding feast after all, and though it was a few days ago, we are celebrating a wedding! Serve the food, and fill everyone's wine goblets. I am so pleased to have you all here!"

And the feasting began, But Godwin did not remain in his seat, he took Zalaya by the hand and greeted his guests. Many he counted as family, greatly missed since his journey into his homeland was begun. He had worked his way around the room, and then finally got to the head table where he greeted his uncles and his Ada and sister.

"You belong here," he said to Lyneya.

"It has been a gracious homecoming for me, but this is your place. I will visit often, but do not ask me to stay, for I do not want to be forced to tell my King 'no'," Lyneya said seriously.

Godwin hugged her, "Just so long as you visit often."

Godwin glanced at Thelyn and Jamie and suddenly remembered that she had not traveled with the family. "And how, pray tell, did you journey to the feast without your husband, Aunt Jamie?"

Jamie laughed, "Friends of mine who wished to meet you," she said cryptically. "Tomorrow, you will meet them."

Godwin glanced at Thelyn for clarification, but he just shrugged, "Sit and eat, Godwin. That is all the answer she is willing to give you now."

Godwin conceded, and sat with Zalaya and ate. It was a fine meal, no doubt long planned and prepared for him, and he was pleased. They passed the evening in joy of not just their recent marriage, but all the reunions. But as it grew late, Godwin and Zalaya decided to let the party go on without them.

"The journey has me tired early. You make a good hostess, Lyneya. We'll see you in the morning," Godwin said to his sister as he rose from the table. He helped Zalaya with her chair, just as he heard a loud voice booming from the hall.

"And there they go!" Gimli cheered.

Godwin just laughed and kept walking; though he knew the laughter was at his expense, he didn't care. Gimli did that at every wedding, it was to be expected. When he reached his room, he was most surprised. The room was filled with candles and flowers. There was Zalaya's wardrobe, filled with far more gowns than she remembered. Two new matching dressing robes lay on the end of the bed. On his side table was a tray of sweets and a bottle of wine with two goblets. He had never thought to plan such a thing, but obviously, someone else had. He owed someone his thanks… tomorrow.

"Welcome home, my queen," Godwin said huskily as he gathered her in his arms.

Zalaya sighed, "No titles in this room."

Godwin cocked a brow, "None? Not even Ranger?"

Zalaya smiled, "In this room my name is Zalaya, and yours is Godwi…"

His lips stilled her words as he kissed her. She knew exactly what she was saying by refusing titles in this room. She meant it to be their sanctuary from his duty. He couldn't agree more. In here they were just man and wife, lovers, friends. He forced himself to break their kiss.

"In this room, there is only you and I, and our love," he said seriously.

Zalaya smiled as she reached up and released her hair from its fur cuff. It untwisted as it fell down her back. She loosened the ties on her dress and slid it over her head, tossing it to the floor. She stood before him in only her boots, and Godwin's eyes darkened with desire at the memory of the first time she stood before him thus. He pulled off his tunic and kicked out of his boots. When he moved to touch her, she crossed her arms and glared at him. Godwin rolled his eyes as he loosened the ties on his bracs and took them off. She smiled, and held her arms wide for him, but he just knelt and unlaced her boots.

---

Jamie sat at the table staring at the breakfast Thelyn had placed before her. She couldn't eat, not yet. Godwin and Zalaya had not come to the hall yet and she was anxious to see them. It had been hard to keep such a secret, and now that she could reveal it, she was forced to wait.

"Newlyweds are late risers," Thelyn said as he joined her. "Don't you remember?"

"I seem to remember an endless honeymoon, and you still rose with the sun to join the watch," Jamie said with a smirk.

"Yes, but this is their first night in their home, and no doubt it is a comfort after so much traveling. I expect to see them soon," Thelyn reassured her.

Good as his word, Thelyn glanced up and smiled, "See, here they come now."

"Good morning, Aunt Jamie," Godwin said with a grin. "You said you brought friends, but I see only family seated here."

"After breakfast we shall go on a short ride to meet them," Jamie said, and finally started to eat. Her contented smile ended her explanation.

Godwin just turned to Zalaya, "My family is not usually so mysterious, but I have been away for a while. Perhaps you should change; I'll bring up our breakfast."

As Godwin prepared a plate for Zalaya, Thelyn just shook his head at his wife, "Why the secret?"

"Do you think it is usual for them to travel so far, to a place such as this?" she asked seriously.

"No, not in three ages has such a journey taken place," Thelyn said seriously.

"I was asked to bring him to a secret meeting, I will not break my promise," Jamie said firmly. And that was the end of the matter.

Thelyn had to remind himself of his wife's gifts. Though there was little need for her power in a peaceful land, she was still the Voice. He bent down and kissed the top of her head, "I hope the purpose is a good one. I'll go prepare our horses."

---

The wood surrounding the city felt so different than he remembered. It was quieter, greener, and brighter. The birds sang in their carefree voices and forest creatures seemed unaffected by the intrusion of a few riders. There were no signs of goblins, or dark creatures. No Oliphaunt tracks, no wolf tracks… no signs of the war remained to taint the beauty of the wood.

Jamie was humming quietly and the trees seemed to sway in time with her tune. Zalaya watched her with awe clearly on her face. She whispered to Godwin, "The trees know her."

Godwin searched the path ahead, "They do indeed, for that is her gift." He scanned ahead but say no sign of anyone waiting. He glanced at Thelyn, but his expression was unreadable. It was only when they had traveled deep into the wood that Jamie halted.

"Here then, we shall wait," she said.

"What is this about? You were never so mysterious back home," Godwin complained.

There was a slight tremor in the earth, and then another… and another. The sound was almost like footsteps, but that would be impossible. Godwin furrowed his brow as he searched the brush that started to shake, and then his eyes grew huge. Never in all his dreams had he thought to meet an Ent, and certainly not here in Rhûn, but there he stood. Godwin immediately dismounted and gave this unexpected visitor a bow of respect.

"Welcome to Rhûn, great one, you honor me and my people with this visit," Godwin said with a touch of awe in his voice.

Jamie laughed, "Sorry for the secrecy, but it was their request that I not tell anyone they were here."

"We have a desire to meet with you, King of the East. Will you come to our gathering?" Quickbeam asked him formally.

"It would be an honor," he said and was going to mount his horse, but Quickbeam interrupted him.

"Your horse is not needed, I will take you," Quickbeam insisted.

"Very well, but what of them?" Godwin asked.

Jamie answered for him, "We are not invited, just you."

Quickbeam reached down so Godwin could climb up, and then he strode back into the wood without another word.

Zalaya just watched them leave with admiration in her eyes, "Never have I seen trees walk and speak thus."

Jamie smiled, "He is an Ent, Zalaya, very old and wise. They are a peaceful race, tending to the forests and gardens. If you like, I can tell you about them while we wait."

Zalaya smiled, "I would like that very much."

Thelyn dismounted and laid out a blanket for the ladies to sit. While they talked he tied up the horses and searched the saddlebags for water and food. If this meeting was anything like the last entmoot he'd attended, they could be waiting for a while.

---

The Ent was a quiet sort, not speaking much at all during their journey. Godwin didn't want to sound like an impatient child, but he had so many questions. When it seemed he could stand no more silence, they came to their destination. Within the wood surrounding Hergrovine they came to a clearing that Godwin had never seen before. It was a strange place, a meadow that dipped like a bowl in the center of the trees. Within the clearing were more than ten Ents, and they were singing. Godwin was moved by the sight, and concerned about his duty as king. The last thing he wanted to do was insult them with his ignorance of their ways.

"What is your custom here, Lord Ent? What do you wish from me? How can I serve your people?" Godwin asked Quickbeam as they stood on the edge of the clearing.

"I am Quickbeam, and the question is not how you can serve us, but what we may be able to do for you. Come, Fangorn is waiting. All you need do is listen, and answer his questions."

When they had reached the others, Quickbeam set Godwin down and joined the song. Godwin listened and waited, and it seemed to take forever. The sun had climbed high and started descending again before they spoke to him. When their song had ended, the one called Fangorn turned to him.

"I am Fangorn, oldest of Ents. For ages, our people were separated by an evil wasteland called Rhûn. The Voice crossed this land to reunite my people, and now we are healed. We owe a great debt to our Voice for this gift, and here is where we wish to repay it. It has been many ages since we Ents have walked among these trees. Evil has destroyed much of what was here, but you have made the land is peaceful again. There is peace, but still the destruction of evil remains. Blood of many wars stains the earth and it will yield no fruit to its people. It is time the earth was healed. We wish to work to heal the land as a gift to the Voice and her family. Will you allow it?"

Godwin was moved to tears, "My land has suffered drought for so long, my people are hungry. My greatest wish is for their fields to yield crops again. There is no question of me allowing you to do this. The only question is how I can repay so great a gift."

Quickbeam glanced at his mate, Willowhiar, and answered the King's question, "My mate has a fondness for this land though it has been over an age since she gardened here. We would settle in this great wood."

Godwin nodded, his throat tight with emotion, "Our land will be blessed by your presence, I will command that the wood is the domain of the Ents, and it will be respected as such."

"Then it is settled," Fangorn said. "The Entwives shall tend the fields and we shall tend the trees."

And with that last declaration, the Ents and their Entwives left the clearing. Quickbeam and Willowhair remained with Godwin for a while silently watching until finally he spoke.

"I never knew this place existed in this wood," Godwin observed.

"It is much like Derndingle, yet there is no name for it yet, as we only made it last night," Quickbeam said.

"Made it, how?"

"We asked a few trees to move," Willowhair said. "They were only to glad to do it when we told them why."

"I must tell my people," Godwin said.

"Nay, there is no need," Quickbeam said. "We are quiet creatures, only when we are tending fields will anyone be aware of us, and is often best that we work at night."

"But they will want to thank you," Godwin insisted.

"We need no thanks, this was always our land, from the first age. We wish to see it prosper," Willowhair said. "Take him home, Quickbeam, I want to look at my fields." And with that she left.

Godwin chuckled, "Her fields."

"Aye, that they are, though the benefit will be to your people. The Entwives need gardens to tend, it is their way. Come, I'll take you back to your family."

On the return trip, Quickbeam talked more, and Godwin felt he had made a new friend. However long the Ents remained, Quickbeam and his mate would stay. His heart was near bursting with joy. When they finally reached the path where he'd left his family, it was near dark.

Zalaya stood and ran to him, catching him in a hug. "At last!"

Godwin gripped her tight, "The Ents, they are here to tend the land, to help it bear crops again. This is such an unexpected gift."

Jamie just smiled at Quickbeam, "Did you get your wish, my friend?"

Quickbeam smiled, "My mate is well pleased, and so am I. Come visit me in my wood before you journey home."

The Ent left them, and Thelyn couldn't help the laugh, "Wise people, and not much for idle talk. Think we can make it back before it's too dark to see?"

Godwin sighed, "What is there to fear in a dark wood when we have the Voice with us. Come, let's go home."

Epilogue

In the months that followed his meeting with the Ents, Godwin had settled in to his position as King. His wisdom was becoming well known among his people, and for the first time in nearly an age, crops were growing all over Rhûn. Rumors of tall treelike creatures walking about at night passed in the villages, but no one took it too seriously. With the promise of a good harvest, and peace with all its neighbors, the people of the East started honoring old traditions and festivals again. Godwin and Zalaya spent more time together since many of the wrongs of the past had been set right. Palace life had quieted, and that was a comfort.

So today, with harvest celebration preparations going on all over the land, Godwin sat at his desk in his study, waiting for Zalaya to join him after breakfast, as had been their daily custom. More than an hour had passed since her expected arrival time and Godwin was concerned. He rose to leave his study when Zalaya's maid burst through the door nearly hysterical.

"Forgive me Sire, but the Queen is ill, I have sent for the healer, but she asks for you to come," Cira said.

Godwin nearly trampled the poor girl trying to run out the door, his heart racing with fear. For the maid to be so worried, something must be terribly wrong. He took the stairs three at a time, and burst into his bedchamber and called her name with a mixture of fear and tenderness in his voice, "Zalaya, my love…"

Rowyna was seated on the edge of the bed and Zalaya lay on her side propped up on pillows with a large bowl beside her. Her body racked with convulsive heaves, and her face was… green. His heart ached to see it.

"Why do you just sit there, Rowyna? Can you not do something to ease her suffering?" Godwin demanded.

"Not much to be done, I'm afraid. Her illness will take at least another few months before her suffering is completely relieved," Rowyna said with a grin.

Godwin stared dumbfounded, "What?"

Zalaya lifted her head and looked at him, looking completely miserable, and yet she smiled, all be it weakly. "I am carrying our child, and this morning, your child did not care for my breakfast."

Rowyna stood so Godwin could sit with his wife. "It is the usual way a child announces their presence. Tis called morning sickness, for it happens most often in the morning."

Godwin took her hand and brushed her sweat soaked hair from her face, "I am so happy, but to see you ill…"

Rowyna smiled, "The worst usually passes in a few weeks, and I believe Aragorn left you some of his teas, I think he knew you would need them soon."

Godwin smiled, "Thank the stars for family. I'll see to your comfort, Zalaya. You just rest." He bent down and kissed her before leaving to see to a remedy for her rebellious stomach.

Rowyna smiled and rubbed a hand over her own tell tale swelling belly, "I thought you would have had this happen a little sooner, but all things come in their own time."

"How long until the child comes?" Zalaya asked.

"Mine will be during winter, yours will be in spring. I am so happy for us both, Zalaya."

Zalaya pushed the bowl away from her and chuckled, "So am I."

---

Alcon and Grayson were leaning against the wall watching as Godwin paced the hallway with annoyance clear on his face. He could hear nothing, and it had been hours now. He looked at Grayson with a scowl, "How did you endure the waiting?"

Grayson sighed, "You waited with me, it was not at all easy, but all was well. Rowyna was fine, and my son was strong and healthy."

Godwin nodded, "Yes, Gilford is a handsome little lad. But for all you say, I cannot help my worry."

Alcon hung his head, remembering well his own long night, "She's strong and healthy, try not to worry."

Godwin glared at his Ada, "I was not so young I don't remember watching as you waited."

Alcon would have commented, but the door to Godwin's room opened suddenly and Cira ran out. "Just off to get more linens and water… all is well," she called over her shoulder.

Godwin's scowl returned and he strode over to the door with every intention of entering , but Alcon caught him, "Birth is women's business, you would not be warmly received in there."

"Am I not King in my own house?" Godwin nearly shouted.

Cira ran back through the hall with an armload of cloth and a kettle of water. Alcon just opened the door for her and quickly shut it again. Godwin returned to pacing when he heard Zalaya's cries of pain. It took both Alcon and Grayson to hold him.

"Patience, son," Alcon said soothingly.

Grayson listened to Rowyna's calming voice, and smiled. It was sure to be soon now. Then all was silent, and Godwin held his breath. The sound of an infant crying was the most miraculous thing he'd ever heard. Alcon and Grayson released him and the three of them waited anxiously for word.

Lyneya came to the door, "I have a niece, and she is very beautiful. Come, brother, come and see your family." She shooed the maid out and then gathered up the linens before following Rowyna out the door.

Godwin just stood staring at Zalaya, so beautiful, holding their baby in her arms. "You amaze me, Zalaya. I'm so proud of you." He knelt by the bed and held her in his arms as he gazed at his daughter.

Zalaya sighed, "She has your hair," she gently stroked the soft brown hair.

Godwin smiled, "But I see she has your eyes, and I am well pleased. You have given me a daughter. What shall we call her?"

Zalaya smiled, "Best you choose, I know only Lossoth names."

Godwin frowned, "And what is wrong with that?"

"She is an Easterling child, a princess. She needs a name of this land."

Godwin stood and took his daughter in his arms, "Well, my little princess, what do you think? Are you precious enough for two names?"

The baby cooed in his arms and Godwin smiled.

"Of course you are," Godwin confirmed, "Zalaya, what Lossoth name do you choose?"

"Zaneii," Zalaya said. "It means snow, and it was my mother's name."

Godwin smiled, "Fála Zaneii shall be your name, my little snow bird of the North and the East."

Zalaya smiled, "I like it. Now, go and show her off to Zuzzahi and Grayson, and let me rest a moment."

Godwin smiled as she closed her eyes and sighed. "What does that title mean that you call my Ada?"

Zalaya smiled, "It means Good Father."

---

Grayson waited with his arms crossed while Alcon continued to pace in Godwin's stead. He knew they needed this time, but…

"Ada," Godwin slipped out the door quietly. "She is resting, but here is your granddaughter, Fála Zaneii." He placed her in Alcon's arms and watched his strong dignified Ada tear up. "What do you think, Zuzzahi?"

Alcon frowned, "What is that she calls me?"

Godwin grinned, "Good Father."

Alcon looked up at him suddenly, surprise clear on his face, "She honors me, I never knew." He looked back down at his granddaughter and smiled, "I hope she looks like her mother, she will be a rare beauty. Perhaps she will bear the same gifts."

"It matters little to me, but it is possible," Godwin said proudly.

Grayson just smiled, "Congratulations, Sire. And thank you for so quickly providing my son with a playmate."

They all laughed at that, but already Godwin was thinking of her future. What would she grow up to be? What impact would her life be on her homeland, what gifts? What obligations? Would he be able to protect her, to teach her? Suddenly being King felt so much easier than being a father. But he would love every moment of the challenge.

"I am well pleased with all you have done, my son, but nothing pleases me more than this child," Alcon said seriously.

Godwin teared up as well, "Thank you Zuzzahi, thank you."

End