The Elendilmir by pandemonium_213
Fanwork Notes
First, I am indebted to the skinks, geckos, frilled lizards, chameleons and other squamates of the Lizard Council for their invaluable critique and their long-standing indulgence of the Pandë!verse. Many thanks to Rhapsody, oshun and Moreth for vetting this at various times and for their continued encouragement, good humor and affection. Also thanks to oshun (Maitimo & Findekáno and A New Day), Gandalf’s Apprentice (Sword of Elendil), Jael (Nightfall), and Surgical Steel (see Surgical Steel's Fan Fiction as well as her stories here on the SWG) for allowing me to borrow from their canon.
As usual, I must designate this as AU -- or more accurately an alternative history -- because of my defiance of canon (while remaining strongly informed by it) and because my vision of Middle-earth is more congruent with our primary world. Tolkien wrote wonderful essays on the origins of the sun and the moon (1) in which he attempted to retrofit his cosmogony away from the scientifically untenable “flat earth” concept and thus emphasized his notion that his legendarium represents an imaginary history of our primary world. I draw inspiration from these writings as well as others in The History of Middle-earth, The Letters of JRR Tolkien and Parma Eldalamberon.
As a life scientist, I also imbue the "magical" beings of Middle-earth - Elves, Dwarves and incarnated Maiar alike - with humanity; this does not mean that they lack mysterious characteristics and thus convey a sense of the Other to mortals of our race.
Although I have selected some canon characters from the SWG drop down menu, be aware that most (Valandil being the exception) have minor roles with respect to Sámaril, the OMC. The mortal protagonists of The Elendilmir were not fleshed out by Tolkien even though they appear in his writing, e.g., Aragorn’s great^nth-grandfather - Valandil. Others -- the queens of Arnor and Gondor -- were not even given names by JRRT! Another OC made an appearance in Risk Assessment and pops up here and there in Sámaril's recollections of his life in Ost-in-Edhil.
Update: Given the number of OCs (both Elven and mortal) in The Elendilmir, I have added their names and brief descriptions at the end of each chapter. Many thanks to Claudio for his input on Elven naming traditions. The link to the name generator is provided below. I have also used the Parma Eldalamberon vol. 17 as a source for root words and have coupled these with Claudio's name generator (a highly recommended resource).
Language resources:
Ardalambion
Hisweloke Sindarin dictionary
Quenya & Sindarin name generator
Parma Eldalamberon vol. 17
Be aware that I write as a “translator” and often use a modern voice (but devoid of banal slang – I’ll save that for other fics). If you’re looking for flowery archaic language or Tolkien mimicry, you will not be satisfied with my writing.
This is a work-in-progress so I am a tad nervous about posting it. I am a rampant revisionist. However, I have the story arc sketched out so hopefully I will not tear this into digital shreds in the future.
(1)Tolkien, J.R.R. "Myths Transformed" In The History of Middle-earth, vol XI, edited by C.R. Tolkien, 369-390. London: HarperCollinsPublishers, 2002.
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What has transpired previously (synopsis of The Apprentice):
Sámaril, born in Ost-in-Edhil around the year 1440 of the Second Age, trained as apprentice and then journeyman under the guidance of Istyar Aulendil, the brilliant but mysterious master craftsman of the Gwaith-i-Mírdain. Sámaril –- an ambitious young man -- admired his teacher greatly and was ever eager to impress him. Aulendil in turn nurtured Sámaril’s talents in the deep arts. Although sparse with his praise, Aulendil took pride in his pupil’s acumen and even harbored avuncular affection for him.
Under his mentor’s tutelage, Sámaril crafted many artefacts and made a name for himself in Ost-in-Edhil. Aulendil also instructed Sámaril in the psychology of Men via uncanny methods. As Sámaril progressed in his studies, Aulendil gave him a coveted but secretive assignment: the crafting of rings, culminating in Sámaril’s creation – with Aulendil’s assistance – of nine Rings of Power.
Aulendil betrayed the smiths of the Gwaith-i-Mírdain and the people of Ost-in-Edhil terribly: his true identity as Sauron was revealed when he forged the One Ring and declared himself. This deeply personal betrayal by the man whom he had admired and trusted, together with the death of his family, damaged Sámaril profoundly. Nonetheless, he managed to keep himself from falling into a pit of irrevocable despair and found purpose as the master smith of Imladris.
- Fanwork Information
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Summary:
A young child of Men befriends Sámaril, the troubled master smith of Imladris. The Noldorin craftsman experiences the joy and pain born of friendships between the Eldar and mortal Men and comes to question his people’s values as his life becomes entwined with Isildur’s youngest son and two powerful women of the Dúnedain. A sequel to The Apprentice.
Chapter 38 - The Crow's Nest: While Elerina establishes her informal seat of power in Gaillond, thus revealing to Sámaril her former role as Isildur's queen, the elven-smith quickly becomes bored with trade negotiations and resolution of disputes among the local nobility. The reminders of Isildur continue to exert a negative effect on Sámaril, causing frustration between the couple. But Sámaril also begins to dream of the Sea, which sparks a desire to take ship out on to the open waters, ostensibly to learn more about the working men of the Númenórean exiles. He finds the ship on which he wishes to sail and meets its captain.
Major Characters: Elendil, Elrond, Glorfindel, Original Character(s), Sauron, Valandil
Major Relationships:
Artwork Type: No artwork type listed
Genre: Alternate Universe, Drama
Challenges: Strong Women
Rating: Adult
Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Moderate)
Chapters: 39 Word Count: 175, 524 Posted on 12 January 2008 Updated on 15 January 2012 This fanwork is a work in progress.
Table of Contents
The Elendilmir begins in the year 3434 of the Second Age. While hiking in Imladris, Sámaril reflects on meeting with Elendil, Isildur and Isildur's sons and his uncanny experience when handling Narsil.
Sámaril returns to the House of Elrond with his find, lets his elvish serenity slip and berates a worried parent. This causes him to recall another bad-tempered moment in his past and a subsequent conversation with Glorfindel (Laurefin).
Sámaril takes some relaxation in the Hall of Fire and requests a song originally written by Fingon and elaborated upon by Maglor. The song sends him into recollection of a dance in Eregion.
Heads up here for mildly adult concepts and heresy pertaining to the ever popular "Laws and Customs of the Eldar."
Sámaril returns Valandil's refurbished toys to the kitchen of the House of Elrond and encounters Valandil's grandmother.
Character list provided in end notes. Many thanks to oshun, Rhapsody and Moreth for their betafying!
Sámaril is introduced to the Queen's peregrines and sets his hands and mind to something other than alloys and equations.
Thanks to Moreth, Rhapsody and oshun for their comments! Likewise, many thanks to Gandalf's Apprentice for letting me borrow her birds (see link to The Sword of Elendil in the Story Notes).
Sámaril and Thorno encounter flirtatious Laegrim ladies in the bathhouse, and Sámaril recalls the Athrabeth Huxley ah Wilberforce Mélamírë ah Manendur.
To be on the safe side, I'm rating this Adult for mild sexuality and implied bisexuality. I probably should slap a big H on it for Heresy, too. Many thanks to Rhapsody, Moreth and oshun for their lively feedback.
Sámaril celebrates the winter solstice with Queen Isilmë, and things get a bit heated with Midhloth.
Many thanks to Moreth, oshun and Rhapsody for betafication and to Jael for her compliments.
Sámaril and Elerína reach an understanding on a cold winter's afternoon.
Thanks to Rhapsody and the skinks* at The Lizard Council for betafication. List of characters provided in end notes.
*Moreth, oshun, and Jael :^)
Sámaril must deal with a terrible accident on the moor, and news arrives from Amon Sûl.
Warning to the squeamish for a gruesome scene.
Many thanks to the various reptiles of The Lizard Council for their excellent feedback. Samaril is honored that Thranduil, Galion, Magorion and their men granted their approval for a nod to their bravery at the Morannon (please see Jael's fabulous Nightfall). Thanks to Rhapsody for feedback pertaining to the hounds of Middle-earth. Our discussion was a lot of fun, and greatly inspired by her muse, Celegorm.
Much to his discomfort, Sámaril is reminded that he shares some traits with his former mentor, and Isilmë recounts the sacrifices to Melkor and their impact on her. Isilmë also points out that Sámaril does not disguise his feelings as well as he thinks he does.
As always, thanks to the skinks, geckos and other reptiles at the Lizard Council for feedback.
Sámaril receives a summons to Amon Sûl. The palantíri are not functioning, and it is hoped that he can repair them. But before he begins his journey, he delves into his memory to recall the technology applied to the crafting of the Mirror of Galadriel -- a technology that may also be featured in the palantíri.
Thanks to the skinks and such at The Lizard Council, in particular to Claudio for feedback on Quenya constructions.
Sámaril escorts Elerína to a woodland glade where they listen to Lindir's music. He remembers his visions of the very distant past and of the future when he participated in the first studies of Galadriel's Mirror. While immersing himself in Lindir's music, Sámaril then enters a meditative state in which he sees the Threads of Vairë. These trigger two visions: one wondrous and the other dark and frightening.
Thanks to the Lizard Council for the picking of juicy nits!
Sámaril and Thornangor, along with Lónando, the Dúnadan knight, and his squire, travel along the Great East Road to the tower of Amon Sûl. Although the master of the palantír has misgivings concerning Sámaril's involvement, with Queen Isilmë's endorsement, Sámaril applies the deep arts in an attempt to repair the palantíri...and receives guidance from their maker.
Thanks to Skinks Extraordinaire -- Gandalf's Apprentice, Jael, Moreth and oshun -- of The Lizard Council for critical feedback and comments.
Thornangor takes Sámaril hiking in the Weather Hills to help ease his friend's discomfort after the vision in the palantír; while exploring the slopes of Amon Sûl, Sámaril encounters the inexplicable when he steps into a small dell. When returning to Imladris, the two smiths are attacked by a hill-troll.
The smiths arrive in Imladris on Midsummer Eve. While Thornangor celebrates, Sámaril, tired from his journey, spends the evening in quiet conversation with Elerína. She tells him of her frightening but puzzling encounter with Sauron in Armenelos.
Heads up for a bit of mythological cross-over with The Ramayana.
Sámaril assists Valandil in a matter of craftsmanship and comes to a logical conclusion concerning the peacock brooch. Couriers arrive from Osgiliath, bearing news from the Alliance, and Sámaril learns of the hardships of the siege from Glorfindel's letters.
Thanks to Drummerwench for picking the nits and to Jael for allowing me to borrow Thranduil again.
Valandil rescues an injured peregrine chick and demonstrates an unexpected talent. An eagle arrives in Imladris with tidings from the siege: victory comes at a heavy price. Later, the herald of Gil-galad returns to his home.
Thanks to the Lizard Council (Claudio, Jael, Moreth & oshun) for critical feedback.
A character list is given in the End Notes; see also the appendix.
Elrond recalls the fall of Gil-galad, Elendil and Sauron as well as how the literal fall of Barad-dûr will be accomplished. Sámaril learns the fate of the One Ring and counsels Elrond on the nature of the Rings of Power: that even the Three Rings of the Elves are not altogether benign.
Thanks to The Lizard Council, notably Oshun, Jael and Moreth, for critical feedback.
Shortly after arriving in Annúminas, Sámaril explores the city of the shores of Lake Evendim. He sees that although the lives of the Middle Men of Arnor may be improved by the presence of the Númenórean exiles, they still face the consequences of mortality, just as they did many years ago in the settlements around Tharbad. It is with these consequences of mortality that Sámaril struggles as he prepares for his farewell to Isilmë.
~*~
First, thanks to The Lizard Council (Drummerwench, Oshun, Jael and Moreth in particular) for comments and feedback.
I use common Anglo-Saxon (or Celtic in some cases) names for the Middle Men with the assumption that these are translations from Westron. With regard to languages, I adhere to the Seamus Heaney approach to translation and do not hesitate to use certain words (and names) familiar to the contemporary mind, e.g., "tenement," as translations from the "original text" in my tertiary world of JRRT's secondary world.
A glossary and a short list of characters may be found in the end notes of this chapter; the longer list of characters is given in the Appendix.
Sámaril bids farewell to Isilmë and later meets the keeper of the palantír of Annúminas, a man who once worked under Annatar's guidance in Númenor.
~~~~~
Many thanks to Drummerwench, oshun, Jael and Moreth (The Lizard Council) for critique and comments.
A few characters are listed in end notes (see also Appendix). Also in the end notes is an excerpt from The Lost Road, Vol V. of The History of Middle-earth which provides context for the conversation between Sámaril and the old engineer smith.
The first year of the Third Age finds Sámaril saying farewell to Midhloth and welcoming the returning Firstborn to Imladris. Erestor brings back more materials for Sámaril's planned -- and secret -- project. Later, Glorfindel shows Sámaril what he discovered in Sauron's inner chambers of the Barad-dûr.
Thanks to The Lizard Council, specifically Drummerwench, Jael, Claudio, Moreth and oshun, for critique and comments.
When Sámaril prepares to craft a Yule gift for Valandil, the details of an essential component's design elude him. In order to clearly visualize the design, he must delve into bittersweet memory of his former mentor, Istyar Aulendil.
Thanks to the Lizard Council, specifically Aearwen, Drummerwench, IgnobleBard, Jael, Moreth and Oshun for invaluable critique and comments. Also a tip of the hat to Lintalomë who, in comments on Lethe's LiveJournal, jolted the dark muse's memory of Tinfang Warble (History of Middle-earth I, Book of Lost Tales 1).
Sámaril celebrates the feast of the winter solstice with a memorable dance and receives his gift from Valandil.
Thanks to the variegated skinks of The Lizard Council for nitpicking, comments and all 'round good skinkiness.
Tension mounts in Imladris when Isildur and his elite Guard do not arrive in the autumn of the second year of the Third Age. Valandil has his worst nightmare yet at this time, causing Elrond and Sámaril to wonder if this is an echo of the drowning of Númenor. This leads them to discuss Valandil's sensitivities. Elerína's anxiety for her husband increases. The following spring, three soldiers of the King's Guard stagger into the valley.
Many thanks to picking of the nits by The Lizard Council. (Jael, Aearwen, Drummerwench, elfscribe, Moreth).
The reader's familiarity with "The Disaster of the Gladden Fields," Unfinished Tales, J.R.R. Tolkien is assumed.
When Sámaril is summoned to the Council of Elrond, he discovers why the succession of Valandil to the throne of High King of Gondor and Arnor is in question. After agreements are reached, Valandil utters a prophecy concerning broken Narsil, and Sámaril later overhears a heated conversation between Elerína and her sister-by-marriage, Lindissë -- Anárion's widow and Meneldil's mother.
~*~
Many thanks to Jael, Aearwen, Moreth, and Drummerwench of The Lizard Council for comments and nitpicking of the draft.
If it wasn’t clear from any of the preceding 24 chapters that The Elendilmir represents an alternate history of Middle-earth, it should be apparent in this one. A significant fly in the heirs of Elros’ ointment was spawned via the often heretical elements that comprise the overlap of Venn diagrams of Surgical Steel’s interpretations of Middle-earth and my own. Thus I owe Steel a debt of gratitude for graciously allowing me to borrow her characters and concepts. I have linked the Steel's stories that are specific to this chapter in End Notes. You may also find her work here on the SWG, at her LJ repository -- surgsteelfic and on The Last Ship archive. I highly recommended her work. The saga of the surgeon, Serindë, is a compelling one and represents one of the best OFCs crafted.
A genealogical chart of Númenóreans pertinent to the Pandë!- and Steel!verses is included in End Notes.
With The Elendilmir rated as Adult, this may be superfluous, but here's a warning for strong language nonetheless.
After a terse farewell to Elerína, Sámaril departs abruptly from Imladris in the company of a healer, Brethilion. They arrive at Casarrondo (later known as Moria) to exchange their skills for mithril and gems from the Dwarves. On the way to an audience with Durin the Fourth, Sámaril sees a mural hidden in the shadows and recalls an unusual observation made by Istyar Aulendil.
Thanks to the Lizard Council for pre-reads, to Darth Fingon for post-publication edits and to Surgical Steel for suggestions concerning the elven-healer. See end notes.
In order to obtain a diamond and mithril from the Longbeards, Sámaril agrees to teach the Dwarves an unusual art that will allow them to extend their gold stores for trade, and Láki introduces Sámaril to a form of Dwarven relaxation.
Thanks to the Lizard Council for encouragement and feedback. Please see End Notes for glossary, background on Sámaril's art and more acknowledgments.
Sámaril prepares to journey with Láki to the northern mines to search for mithril but encounters Brethilion, distressed because he has been called upon to treat an important Dwarf-woman and her child. Sámaril and Láki descend into the roots of the mountain where an increasing sense of dread and disturbing dreams of shadow and flame afflict Sámaril.
Heads up for some medical stuff in the first part of this chapter (and thanks to Surgical Steel for helping out Brethilion's craft as well as a pre-read). Although he does not describe it in graphic detail, Brethilion mentions a grisly obstetrical procedure that was used in non-progressing labor before the advent of forceps for delivery; this might be disturbing for some readers. Other than that, this chapter is rated PG to PG-13. Many thanks for the Lizard Council for comments and nitpicking.
For saving Durin IV's heir and his mother (Durin's granddaughter), Brethilion is awarded with unusual gifts. With their departure from Khazad-dûm imminent, Sámaril and Brethilion are the guests of honor at a celebration in Láki's mansion where Sámaril is faced with peculiar Dwarven cuisine, finds himself the object of attraction by a Dwarven-lady and then plays matchmaker.
Many thanks and bows of "at your service" to the Lizard Council -- Jael, sanna, Aeärwen, Surgical Steel, Raksha, klose, Drummerwench, Russandol and Darth Fingon. Special thanks to Darth for linguistic assistance. See end notes for that.
Some mild sexuality in this chapter: soft R-rated at the most.
Sámaril returns to Imladris where he is met with a cool reception from Elerína and admonishment from Elrond who has deduced that Sámaril, however well-intentioned, has exposed young Valandil to the perilous deep arts. Sámaril’s evident distress resulting from these events prompts Laurefin to suggest star-gazing out on the moor where they have a frank conversation.
Thanks to all my reptilian pals on the Lizard Council: Steel for a pre-read, Raksha and Drummerwench for suggestions of where to prune a bit, Russandol for catching nits, sanna, Jael, Oshun, and Aeärwen for comments, and Darth for under-the-radar philosophical natterings about the mores of the Calaquendi and the Moriquendi. There's also a little nod to one of Rhapsody's ficlets -- Prince of Hearts -- in there, too.
Sámaril finds Elerína waiting for him at the rock where he heard Valandil cry out from the river twelve years before. There, guided by his heart, he makes a decision that will forever affect him.
This chapter is a solid R-rating for sexual content, more than "moderate" but not graphic either; just obvious as to what is occurring.
Thanks to Lizards Surgical Steel, Erulissë, Jael, Aeärwen, Drummerwench and Russandol for comments, nit-picking and otherwise holding my hand.
When Elerína and Sámaril tell Valandil of their love for one another, Valandil does not receive the revelation well. However, when Sámaril enlists Valandil's assistance in crafting a gift symbolic of the elven smith's love for Elerína, Valandil appears to be brought round to accepting his mother and Sámaril's life together.
Thanks to Lizards Russandol, Surgical Steel, Scarlet10, Sanna, Aeärwen, KyMahalei, Moreth, Oshun, Lilith, Elfscribe, Raksha, Drummerwench & Darth Fingon for comments, lively discussion and valuable critique.
Stymied for inspiration and spurned by the diamond to be set in the new Elendilmir, Sámaril agrees to accompany Elerína to the sea so that he may learn more of the Númenórean exiles.. On the way, they visit Elerína's eccentric cousin, Apairivo, a lord of the province of Cardolan, who has a fondness for wine, whisky and a special kind of rope.
Thanks to the skinks, geckos and chameleons of the Lizard Council for their most excellent feedback and encouragement. Special thanks to Darth for name-wrangling.
Sámaril accompanies Apairivo on his inspections of his tenants' crofts. He discovers that Apairivo has a peculiar avocation, one that reminds Sámaril of Valandil's gifts. They enjoy the hospitality of the farmer and his wife, but when Sámaril lets down his guard, thanks to drinking a couple of generous flagons of hard cider, Apairivo asks a very direct question about an indelicate subject.
Acknowledgements:
Thanks to my fellow Lizards -- Oshun, Raksha, KyMahalei, Erulissë, and Surgical Steel (an extra nod here for Steel's generosity for sharing her toys with me in the Tolkienian sandbox) for comments and feedback, and especially to Jael for assistance on matters equine.
After Sámaril and Apairivo arrive at Farmer Butterbur's croft, Sámaril is called upon to assist Apairivo with delivery of a calf and discovers one of the ways that Apairivo uses his gift of rope from Gil-Galad. Once again, Sámaril enjoys the hospitality of mortal Middle Men and drinks and dances with Butterbur's household. However, on the way back to the manor, Sámaril unintentionally reveals something of his past that causes Apairivo concern. This is further exacerbated when Apairivo mentions an observation made by Carnhul, his horse, and later confirmed by the sleepy Elerína.
Acknowledgements:
Many thanks to Lizards Elfscribe, KyMahalei, Erulissë, Randy_O, Drummerwench, Aeärwen, Jael, Russandol, sanna, Gandalf's Apprentice, and Surgical Steel for comments and critical feedback on this and the previous chapter.
On their way to the sea, Sámaril and Elerína travel down the Baranduin on The Otter's Tale, a traders' keelboat, manned by a motley crew of Middle Men, including the superstitious but well-meaning Captain Rinan. Elerína makes an offering to the River-mother, but will it deflect the threat of the Elder King's fierce storm that bears down upon them?
Acknowledgements:
Thanks to Surgical Steel for the nattering that led to the term "the Wind-lord's finger" and to Lizards Darth Fingon, Aeärwen, KyMahalei, Oshun, Elfscribe, Erulissë, and Russandol for picking nits and comments. Deep-fried cockroaches with tartar sauce for all! And an extra serving for post-publication nit-picking from Drummerwench!
Please see end notes for more acknowledgments.
Captain Rinan and the crew of The Otter's Tale deliver Elerína, Sámaril and Sigilros to the haven of Gaillond, a seaside town near the mouth of the Baranduin. There the port reeve and others welcome Elerína, the widow of a king and the mother of the king-to-be. Limaerel, the housekeeper, shows Sámaril and Sigilros the villa built by Tar-Aldarion, but personalized by Isildur. Sámaril finds that the many reminders of Isildur have an undesirable effect.
Rated R for sexual content.
Acknowledgements and such: Thanks to Darth for much under-the-radar nattering and generously allowing me to reference his canon (the black lobsters). Same to Surgical Steel. I give a quick nod to her Zâmin, the noblewoman of Umbar, who was Isildur's first love.
Gaillond is, of course, non-canonical (*faints from the shock*) but to me, a logical extrapolation: one would think that a port town might exist near the mouth of the Baranduin, which may have served as the waterway to Annúminas. Gaillond bears reference to the Gloucester of New England and Wales. From Wikipedia: "In Old Welsh, the city was known as Caerloyw, caer = castle, and loyw from gloyw = glowing/bright."
I also invoke the right of "translator" for the blatant use of Latin. Surely there were words in Quenya for the equivalent of a frigidarium and caldarium. I just don't know what they are, and Sámaril and his former mentor are of no help at all..
Uin the Great Whale may be found in The History of Middle-earth, Vol I, The Book of Lost Tales I.
Many thanks to the Lizards for the pickin' o' the nits.
Because it has been a while since I updated (almost a year), I'll recap briefly:
Sámaril (Ringmaker and Annatar's former apprentice, now master of the forge of Rivendell) and Elerína (Isildur's widow and now Sámaril's lover) and have arrived in Gaillond, intending to spend the summer there. The jewel that Sámaril has obtained from the Dwarves, and will use for the new Elendilmir, resists his attempts to apply the deep arts to it. Elerína believes this is because Sámaril needs to learn more of the Sea and the descendants of the Númenóreans who live and die by it. Hence, they arrive Gaillond, a port town northwest of the mouth of the Baranduin River. This chapter picks up about three weeks or so after their arrival.
Thanks muchly to the Lizard Council for their grooming and suggestions for the motifs on the ships' colors. Darth Fingon's name generator came in handy, too.
Although I have noted characters in the End Notes of chapters, a more or less comprehensive list is provided here.
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