59: Saturday Morning

Alex woke on Saturday morning at his usual time in spite of the fact that it was the weekend. He eschewed a shower for the moment, contenting himself with throwing water on his face before he padded downstairs dressed in loose lounge pants and an oversize T-shirt. In spite of the early hour, the Elves were already up, assuming any of them had bothered to sleep. They gave him cheerful greetings which he returned. He made his way down the hall that led to the conference room, passing it to enter another, smaller room that was empty except for a set of utility shelves along one wall where various types of exercise equipment were stored, yoga mats mostly. Alex knew from previous stays at Edhellond that this room was used by the Elves for yoga, tai chi and even unarmed defense. A closet held several rolled up mats that could be placed on the wood floor for that purpose.

This morning, however, the room had been reserved for him and Finlay. Before retiring for the night, they had consulted with Daeron, who had assured them that the room would be free for their use. Alex pulled his feet out of his slippers and began doing some limbering up exercises. Finlay wandered in right about then, with Sakari trailing. She was fully dressed, but Finlay was dressed similarly to Alex in loose pants and T-shirt, his feet clad in sandals, which he removed.

“Bonjour, mes amis,” Alex said, speaking French for Sakari’s sake. “Did you sleep well?”

“Considering I slept for most of the day yesterday, I did,” Finlay replied, also in French, as he motioned for Sakari to find a place along the wall. She squatted on her heels, her expression one of interest as Finlay joined Alex on the floor and began his own warm-up.

“I understand healing sleep is different from regular sleep,” Alex said.

Finlay shrugged, apparently not really caring. They continued warming up in silence for a few more minutes and then positioned themselves side-by-side, though with plenty of space between them, facing Sakari.

“Begin,” Alex said softly and in tandem the two stepped into the first position of tai chi, their movements flowing as they lost themselves in the meditation. Alex noticed Sakari watching them with wide-eyed wonder but otherwise ignored her and everything else, concentrating solely on the movements and his breathing. Eventually, they finished the final form and stood silently for a moment as they centered themselves before coming out of the meditative state and back into the present moment.

“Man, I am so rusty,” Finlay complained, speaking English. “Haven’t done this in too long.”

“You kept up and that’s all that matters,” Alex said with a smile. “A few more sessions and you’ll be back in form.”

“Yeah,” Finlay agreed. “I’ll need to find a place at the village to do it. Maybe the gathering hall will do.”

“You could even teach it to the villagers,” Alex suggested. “I’m sure your wife would like to learn. Would you like to learn tai chi, Sakari?” he asked, switching to French.

“You will teach me?” she asked Finlay.

“Sure, ma petite,” Finlay said with a smile, gathering her in his arms and kissing her. “Do you think we could use the gathering hall for lessons?”

“Oh yes,” Sakari said excitedly. “But you will teach me now?”

“Now? Well, not this very minute, perhaps tomorrow Alex and I will give you your first lesson, okay?” Finlay said and Sakari nodded.

“I need to grab a shower and some breakfast before this council meeting they want me to attend,” Alex said. “What are your plans?”

“Not sure,” Finlay replied. “Maybe take Sakari shopping. Tell you the truth, I figured we’d just head back to the village once you and I had our little pow-wow, but with Farrell on the loose, I have the feeling I should stick around and help.”

“He’s not your responsibility. You shouldn’t feel obligated to stay.”

“Maybe, but he’s Agency and we take care of our own.”

“Take care or take out?” Alex countered.

“Sometimes it comes to the same thing, doesn’t it?” Finlay retorted with a feral look and Alex had no choice but to nod in agreement.

“Well, you know you’re welcome to stay as long as you want,” Alex said. “The Elves are very accommodating.”

“Yeah, I know,” Finlay said. “So what are your plans for the day?”

“Well, the council meeting, then Quenya class, and then… oh.”

“Oh what?”

“Um… I just remembered I’m supposed to go out tonight with… ah… a friend, but after yesterday I’m not sure she’ll want my company.”

“She, is it?” Finlay asked with a knowing leer.

“It’s not a date,” Alex protested, recognizing the look. “She happened to have an extra ticket to a concert and wanted to know if I’d be interested in going. We’re supposed to have dinner first and it’s Dutch treat.”

“Uh huh,” Finlay said, apparently not too convinced. “So what happened yesterday that makes you think she won’t want anything more to do with you? Did you insult her or something?”

“No, I… it’s really too complicated to explain,” Alex said. “I’m going to grab that shower and then I had better call Felicity.”

“You do that, buddy,” Finlay said with a grin. “And good luck.” Then he turned to Sakari. “What do you say to going shopping after breakfast, my love?”

Sakari nodded eagerly and the three exited the exercise room and headed back upstairs where Alex separated from them to go to his own room on the third floor. About twenty minutes later, showered and dressed, he sat on his bed and looked up Felicity’s number on his phone and punched ‘send’. It rang several times and he was ready to end the call when someone picked up on the other end.

“Hello?”

“Hi, it’s Alex. Did I wake you?”

“No, I’ve been up. I was just finishing taking a shower. How are you doing?”

“Better, thanks. That’s why I’m calling, to apologize.”

“For what?”

“For acting like an idiot weeping away for no good reason? For being a smuck or a wimp? Take your pick.”

Felicity laughed, obviously amused. “You don’t have to apologize and I don’t think you’re an idiot or a wimp or even a smuck. Well, no more than the next male,” she amended, still amused.

Alex chuckled. “Anyway, I’m sorry you saw all that. I’ve been having some… issues about certain things, including almost having drowned and…”

“Alex, you’re not obligated to explain to me,” Felicity cut in. “I promise, I don’t think you’re a wimp or whatever. I was there at that court back around Thanksgiving. I heard your testimony. Now, enough. Are you still interested in going to the concert tonight? I’ll understand if you don’t.”

“That’s really why I called. I was afraid that after yesterday you would want nothing more to do with me, at least not socially, and…”

“Do you think I’m that flighty or foolish?” Felicity demanded. “Trust me, I’m not. So, is our non-date still on?”

“Yes, if you’re sure.”

“Of course I’m sure. Let me tell you something, Alex. My dad was in the army, so I’m an army brat. He saw combat back in the ninety’s during the First Iraq War. This was just before his retirement. I remember him coming home afterwards and crying on my mom’s shoulders as soon as we were back home from picking him up at the base. My dad’s the strongest man I know, both physically and emotionally, but I never thought the less of him for breaking down as he did and I don’t think less of you for doing the same, for whatever reason. Now, I hate to put an end to this fascinating conversation but I have a hair appointment in thirty minutes and I need to get going.”

“I hope you’re not getting all spiffed up on my account,” Alex couldn’t help saying, smiling as he did so, even though Felicity couldn’t see him.

“Oh, no. This is my usual appointment. I go once a month. I mean, really, Alex, you get your hair cut every so often, don’t you? This is the same thing. Now, I’ll see you at Rosalia’s at five-thirty, okay?”

“Yeah, I’ll be there, and thanks, Felicity.”

“Not a problem. See you then.” The call was ended and Alex got up and went downstairs where he found Finlay and Sakari already there enjoying a breakfast of oatmeal, scrambled eggs and bacon, courtesy of Cennanion, who wished Alex a good morning. Once he had served Alex and made sure they all had what they needed, he left. The three Mortals took their time eating and were lingering over coffee when the front door bell rang.

“That must be people for the council meeting,” Alex said, draining his mug. “I’d better get going. Enjoy your shopping.” With that, he stood and put the dirty dishes into the dishwasher and headed down the hall where he found a number of people, including Dave Michaelson, which surprised him. He recognized a few others from when he’d been at Elf Academy but did not know everyone. Glorfindel was there, greeting everyone, and made quick introductions and then they were all trooping down the hall to the conference room where the other Elves were already waiting. Once they were settled, with Alex taking a seat next to Finrod, Glorfindel opened the meeting.

“Thank you for coming. We really only have a couple of items to go over, so it shouldn’t take long and I know some of you have things to do. First of all, do we have an update on Farrell, Dave?”

Dave Michaelson stood. “At the moment, no. FBI has been informed that we think Farrell is in the area, but no one’s actually spotted him, so they’re sending up an investigator rather than an entire team. The investigator will make a final decision once he or she has had a chance to see what’s what.”

“We’ll have to be very careful around whoever they send,” Vorondur offered. “It is my understanding that Farrell is our concern, ours and Alex’s, and that we will deal with him.”

“Yeah, about that,” Dave started to say, but Glorfindel cut him off.

“No, Dave. I know you think we’re encroaching on your territory, but if the Valar are telling us we are to deal with the matter, there’s a reason for that and you or anyone else interfering will just bring us all grief. By all means, continue your investigation. Your people are in a better position to sift through all the evidence, what there is of it, and that might help, but leave Farrell to us, for all our sakes. When the FBI investigator comes you’ll have to stonewall without seeming to do so.”

“Okay. I don’t like it, but I have a feeling that my likes and dislikes don’t factor into this. Just do me a favor and if you run into trouble, call me.”

“Trust me, Dave. You’ll be the first one I call. Was there anything else?”

“Actually there is. You’ll be pleased to know that we have a positive lead on those who attacked you, Loren.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, and as soon as we make the arrests, I’ll need you to come down to identify the perps.”

“Assuming I recognize them,” Glorfindel countered. “I was pretty blotto as they say and I still have no clear memory of the attack.”

“I know, and I appreciate it, but perhaps seeing these guys might jog your memory. At any rate, it’s police procedure and we need to follow it through if we want to bring these guys to trial.”

“Will it come to that?” Daeron asked.

“We can only hope,” Dave replied. “We’re still gathering evidence, and granted, it’s mostly circumstantial, but if you could make even one positive ID that will go a long way to solidifying the prosecution’s case.”

“Well, let me know and I’ll see what I can do. I won’t lie and pretend that, yes, officer, these are the sorry bastards who did me wrong.”

“And if I even suspected you would stoop so low, I would be the first to haul your tail before Judge Harrison and have him throw the book at you,” Dave retorted.

Glorfindel nodded and Dave sat down. “Well, that’s item number one. Item number two. Daeron, how are we doing with applications for the next term?”

“We have had a twenty percent increase in applications,” Daeron answered.

“And that can be a problem,” Elladan offered. “We only have space for so many. We’re pretty much reaching our limit as it is. If applications keep increasing, do we start expanding operations and build another dorm?”

“For now, that would be impractical, but we should certainly consider it,” Glorfindel said. “Marion, could you and Deirdre look into that? See if there is a way to add more student living quarters, either here or off-campus.”

“No problem,” Marion Goodfellow replied. “I was sort of anticipating that request when I saw how many more applications we were getting this time around, and have already begun looking. I might have something for you by next month.”

“Good enough.”

“So what do we do in the meantime?” Eirien asked. “I mean, those of us on the selection committee.”

“Do as you normally do and weed out those whom you think may not be good Elf Guide material,” Glorfindel replied. “If you still end up with more applications than we have room for, then I guess we can choose in the order in which the applications were received. When we reach our limit, anyone who’s left over gets on a waiting list. Some of those selected might decide not to accept our invitation. Those who are on the waiting list should be informed that if they are still interested in becoming Elf Guides, then they can be part of the next class after this one, unless, in the meantime, we find a solution that allows them to join this year’s class.”

“What about the ones that have been chosen by the Valar?” Barahir asked. “How do we make sure they get in this year’s class? We only know that some of these people are being… um… encouraged to apply but so far the Valar have not told us outright who these people are. I would hate to have to deny a place for someone whom the Valar have specifically chosen.”

“Well, unless they offer us a list of candidates, there’s precious little we can do about it,” Glorfindel countered, sounding irritated. “Either that or they can come up with a solution for having more students than the facilities can accommodate at the moment.”

No one else had a comment to that. After a moment, Glorfindel continued. “So, we’ll see how things progress along those lines. It’s still early so if we can find a solution to this before summer, then maybe we won’t have to worry about the increase in applications.”

“This might be an opportunity to consider expanding the school year and including the spring term, as we discussed last month,” Paul Pettingill offered.

“That could be one solution, though I hesitate to implement it,” Glorfindel said. “For one thing, those students coming here in the spring would have no opportunity to be Elf Guides and I doubt any of them would want to hang around for half the year until the holiday season rolls around for them to be guides.”

There were nods all around. “Well, let’s see what Marion and Deirdre can come up with by the next meeting, okay?” Glorfindel said and when there were no objections or further comments, he went on. “Now for the last item. When some of us were in Fairbanks recently, we met with some people who belong to the Society for Creative Anachronism. It’s a historical re-creation group, sort of. Maybe some of you have heard of them.”

A few of the Mortals nodded. “I think there was a group at the college I attended back East,” Shane Englebert said. “They dress up in medieval clothes and have tournaments with rattan weapons, pretend they’re lords and ladies and all that.” Her tone was somewhat dismissive.

“Yes, that’s pretty much what they do,” Glorfindel said. “Well, as it happens, two of the people we met are Elves.”

“What?!” shouted the Mortals at once. “How?” “Who?”  Glorfindel raised a hand to stem the tide of questions being aimed at him.

“Their names are Gwyn and Gareth ap Hywel. Both were born in Wales nearly a thousand years ago. Their parents are still living as well. They go by the names Tristan and Iseult ap Hywel. Gwyn and Gareth arrived in Fairbanks about ten years ago and from what they have said we think they were inspired by the Valar to come there. Shortly after their arrival they joined the SCA and rose through the ranks of their fighting forces. Gwyn is now Captain of the Baronial Militia and by order of the Valar he has formed an elite fighting group called Gwaith-en-Angbor.”

“An elite fighting force ordered by the Valar,” Jud von Frank said with a speculative look. “You don’t think….”

“The Valar have many fingers in the pie, yes,” Glorfindel said, “and we suspect that Dan and Roy’s flight from Wiseman was not coincidental for they met the Scadians on their very first night there.”

“That’s right,” Elladan said, “and we had a chance to see Gwaith-en-Angbor in action. They’re very good and will get better under the ap Hywel brothers. Roy and I saw immediately the advantage of having such a group here in Wiseman as a means of not only getting more recruits but also training them under the very noses of those who are suspicious of us.”

“The trick is to make sure that we Elves cannot be accused of forming the group for our own purposes,” Glorfindel said. “We need to find someone who is willing to start the group for us, someone not directly associated with us. We have all the information needed to start a group. For the moment, we will be associated with the Barony of Winter’s Gate, which is Fairbanks. Later, as we expand operations, we may become independent, but for now, we will play by the SCA rules. Gareth will be coming up in a few weeks to see how we’re doing, so we need to move on this as quickly as possible. Does anyone have any suggestions?”

For a long moment, no one spoke. Finally, Shane raised a hand and Glorfindel acknowledged her. “I don’t know that much about the SCA but I know that many of the groups back East were situated in colleges and universities. There’s a group at Cornell University, for instance. Friend of mine went there and told me about it. It seems like a natural draw. Perhaps we can find someone at the college here.”

“The only problem I see in that is that the college population is transient,” Daeron said. “We will need to make sure that there are sufficient numbers from the community who are members so when students leave we can still function.”

“Then if some people are in the know and are willing to join, then they can recruit others from the community without necessarily telling them what the real purpose for the group is,” Gilvegil said.

“Except that we have to play by the rules of the SCA,” Vorondur pointed out. “To make this work, we need to enter fully into the Society. The group has to function on more than one level and people have to honestly want to be members and do the things that other groups do or it will fall apart very quickly. Training fighters for the Dagor Dagorath is an important goal but it cannot be the only goal in joining.”

“No, that’s true,” Finrod said. “When we were visiting the barony we were told that many skills that were common centuries ago but have been lost are being resurrected by people in the Society, skills that could become important for survival if this civilization ever collapses, and it may if the war that is coming is as destructive as it is supposed to be. The SCA appears to be the perfect vehicle for teaching people the skills and crafts that may be needed in the future so that we are as self-sufficient as possible should this civilization cease to exist.”

“Then, that might be our draw,” Elrohir said. “Besides enticing people to indulge their fantasies of living in an earlier age, we can stress the survival skills that can be taught, from making swords to spinning wool and everything in between.”

“So how do we go about getting the group started?” Alphwen asked.

Jud von Frank raised his hand. “Speak to someone in the history department,” he suggested. “Maybe one of the professors would be interested.”

There were nods all around. “Very well,” Glorfindel said. “We’ll check it out. So, I have some brochures that were sent to us by the people in Fairbanks explaining what the SCA is all about. Anyone who is at all interested, feel free to look them over. Also, if you have any questions just see one of us who were in Fairbanks and we’ll answer as best we can. If there’s no further business, then why don’t we adjourn?”

No one had any objections to that and soon several of the Mortals were gathered around Glorfindel and the others who’d been in Fairbanks demanding more details. Alex stood to one side watching. Valandur came to him.

“We should go,” he said. “It would not do to be late for class.”

“Sure. Let me go freshen up and then I’ll go warm up the car.”

They left together and Alex did as he had said and fifteen minutes later they were on their way.

“So will you join this SCA?” Valandur asked as they drove along.

Alex shook his head. “Doubt it. I told Ron I was through playing roles. I just want to concentrate on being Alex Grant. Derek seemed interested in the idea, though. He’ll probably join.”

They lapsed into silence for the rest of the trip. In the class, Alex got to see another side of Valandur and found himself enjoying the Elf’s teaching style. Afterwards, the two stopped at the café for lunch. The window had been repaired and the place was as busy as ever. Alex, however, insisted on a table away from the windows and Valandur did not object. When they returned to Edhellond, they found Finlay and Sakari were back from their shopping trip.

“Have a good time?” Alex asked them politely when he joined them in the kitchen where they were enjoying some tea.

“Yeah, sure,” Finlay answered with a roll of his eyes. “Considering that I’m out of work and living on credit that I don’t really have, we had loads of fun.”

Alex grinned. “Cheer up, Ed. The end of the world may come before you have to pay the bill.”

“One can only hope,” Finlay retorted. “So, you all set for the evening?”

“Sure. I spoke with Felicity and it’s still a go.”

“What’s a go?”

They turned to see Glorfindel at the doorway.

“Ah, I have a sort of date with Felicity Cohen, the German instructor? We’re going to meet for dinner and then go to some concert at the Grange Hall.”

“And you were going to tell us when?”

“I just did and what’s it to you?”

“In case it’s slipped your mind, you are being targeted. How can we protect you if you’re gallivanting around town on a date?”

“It’s not a date,” Alex protested. “And I refuse to hide.”

“Granted, but you are putting others in danger when you go out.”

“So I’m just to sit here like a good little boy minding my manners?  Where the hell do you get off?”

“Hey, Meriwether, take it easy,” Finlay said in a conciliatory manner, patting him on the shoulder. “The Elves are not the enemy.”

“I know that, and it’s Grant now. Try to remember that. As for you,” Alex turned back to Glorfindel, “you are not my mother or my babysitter.”

“I never said I was,” Glorfindel replied quietly.

“Then stop acting like it!” Alex nearly shouted.

“Is there a problem here?” Daeron asked as he entered the kitchen.

“No, there’s no problem,” Alex said through gritted teeth, glaring at Glorfindel who never moved, his own expression neutral. “I’m going to have dinner with Felicity Cohen and then we’re going to the concert at the Grange Hall and that’s final. Unless you plan to drug me or tie me up or kill me and shove my body into the cellar out of the way, I suggest you get used to the idea.” With that, he pushed his way past the two Elves and left, seething as he went, his previous good mood gone. He started up the stairs, then stopped and with a snarled oath, went to the front closet and grabbed his coat and went outside. But instead of leaving the grounds, he went around the side of the house and into the back garden, then out the back gate and plowed his way across the snowfield to the woods.

Back in the house, Glorfindel and Daeron were assuring the other two Mortals that all was well, though Finlay appeared skeptical, when both Elves froze. In the distance they heard someone scream in anger and anguish. They recognized the source and gave each other grim looks. Daeron shook his head and went out the back door without bothering to fetch a coat, while Glorfindel sighed and excused himself, leaving Finlay and Sakari feeling confused by the abruptness of their manner.