In Darkness Bound by Fiondil

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Chapter 16: A Noldorin Prince in Vanyamar

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16: A Noldorin Prince in Vanyamar

The next week or so was fraught with much tension within the Vanyarin royal household. Ingoldo and Tinwetariel refused to speak to anyone unless absolutely necessary. They also refused to host the traditional betrothal dinner, as was the duty of the ellon’s family. It marked the official, as opposed to the unofficial, beginning of the betrothal period and the date of the wedding would be announced at that time. The dinner would be attended primarily by the immediate members of the two families as well as the closest friends of the betrothing couple, for these friends would later act as witnesses on the wedding day itself.

"I think we should wait until Atar returns," Ingwion suggested to Intarion and Lirulin when they broached the subject soon after the betrothal had been announced to the Privy Council. "As the head of our family he and Ammë can host the dinner."

"My parents are being very unreasonable about all this," Intarion said with a sigh. "I think I should have married Lirulin a long time ago. I’ve wasted all these yéni hoping my parents would come around." He gave Lirulin a rueful look, which she returned with an understanding smile and a squeeze of his hand in sympathy.

"Well, you are betrothed now," Indil said, "and that is all that matters. Tam and I have been talking and we thought to make our own betrothal official as well, but we have decided to hold off. One royal wedding at a time."

"Royal wedding?" Lirulin asked. She was a diminutive elleth, her hair the color of ripened wheat, her eyes a bluish-grey. Yet, there was an inner strength in her that appealed to them all. She was not overwhelmed by the company in which she found herself. As the daughter of a minor noble, she was at least familiar with the ways of the royal court.

Indil gave her a twinkling smile. "Intarion is the nephew of the High King, Lirulin," she reminded the other elleth. "It will be royal enough, believe me. That is why Tam and I have decided to postpone our own wedding for a time. We didn’t want to detract from your big day in any way."

"I almost wish you and Tam would get betrothed," Intarion said with a serious demeanor, "then we could have a double wedding. It would make it less of an ordeal for us, for I doubt my parents will be all that cooperative about it and are likely to spoil the day just out of pique."

"Perhaps," Ingwion said, "but I doubt if the High King will permit it. Atar can be very... persuasive and he’s likely to put the fear of the Valar into them both so they remain on their best behavior." He flashed them a knowing grin and they all laughed.

"I wish they would get back from Tirion sooner rather than later, though," Ingalaurë said with a straight face. "I’m tired of being regent. Too much work."

Ingwion rolled his eyes. "Co-regent," he retorted, "and the only work you seem to do lately is coming up with ways to avoid working at all."

"My greatest talent," his twin rejoined with a smug smirk and the rest of them laughed.

In truth, both twins worked hard to see that all was running smoothly. Even Indil had begun to help, taking over many of their amillë’s duties, especially those which concerned seeing to the general welfare of the citizens of Vanyamar. She began walking through the streets of the city as Elindis was in the habit of doing, stopping to chat with merchants or sit in someone’s garden and play with their elflings. Even the twins, when their other duties allowed, took up the habit of walking through the city and speaking to the people about their hopes and dreams. Intarion would join them on these walks and received many congratulations on his betrothal and a fair amount of (in his opinion) useless advice about how to be a good husband to Lirulin. He would often recount these encounters later to her and they would laugh over them.

"Though in truth I am grateful that they take the time to speak to me at all," Intarion said once when the cousins, along with Tamurilon and Lirulin, were all gathered together as had become their habit of late. "I’m always surprised that they even know who I am."

"You’re not as visible a figure as the rest of us, that’s true," Ingwion said, "but don’t sell yourself short, Cousin. The people are well aware of your reputation as one of Atar’s loremasters and Lirulin’s reputation as a composer. Her music is well known and appreciated by all the Elves of Vanyamar. Even if your parents are of a different mind, everyone else seems to think yours is a good match and they’re very happy for you both."

And so it went.

About a week after Tamurilon returned from Eldamas, Ingoldo excused himself from the Privy Council, stating that his son’s betrothal and preparations for the wedding were consuming too much of his time. It was a convenient fiction since all knew that Ingoldo was having nothing to do with his son or the wedding plans, which were on hold since the betrothal had not been officially announced, but Ingwion and Ingalaurë accepted the excuse. No one was surprised when Ingoldo rode out the next day with a retinue of his men, all of them armed with bows, even Ingoldo. It was obvious that the High King’s brother was heading for the royal hunting lodge. He gave no indication as to when he would return.

"I would rather have him here where we can keep an eye on him," Ingwion said to his brother and sister, "but I have no reason to prevent him from leaving."

The other two nodded, looking troubled. "What about Aunt Tinwetariel?" Ingalaurë asked.

"She’s indicated a sudden desire to travel herself," Indil said with a disgusted snort. "She is already making plans to journey to our estate outside Eldamas."

"Hmm...." Ingwion said with a frown. "From Eldamas she could travel easily enough to Tirion and harangue our parents."

"Or lie in wait for them in Eldamas," Ingalaurë suggested darkly. "With such a retinue as they have, Atar and Ammë will most likely stay at the townhouse for a day the way we did after Fëanáro’s trial."

Ingwion shrugged. "Nothing we can do about it so I suggest we enjoy the reprieve."

"Doesn’t Uncle’s absence from the Privy Council make it impossible for you to govern, though?" Indil asked. "I thought you needed all members of the Council in order to make any decisions."

"No," Ingwion replied, "not necessarily, and we aren’t making any new laws or anything, merely keeping things as they were when Atar left. We don’t need the Council for court either, though our rulings are subject to review by Atar if he feels it is warranted."

"Well, I hope they don’t tarry too long in Tirion," Indil said with a sigh. "I miss them."

"We all do," Ingwion said, giving his sister a brief hug and a kiss on the cheek.

****

There was commerce between the three elven kingdoms that operated on a regular schedule, whether it be the courier service or traders, so when a small retinue approached the southern gate of Vanyamar about a week after Intarion’s parents left the city, a group which included no less a personage than Prince Findaráto, on a day when neither couriers nor traders were expected, it caused quite a bit of excitement among the denizens of Vanyamar.

"I’ve come to lend you moral support," Findaráto explained with a laugh when he met with his cousins in private after the more public and formal welcome in the portico of the palace, "and to give everyone’s blessings and good wishes for the betrothal."

"Well, we’re glad you’re here," Ingwion said, giving him a broad smile. "How long will you be staying?"

Findaráto shrugged. "For as long as you feed me."

There was a split second of silence followed by gales of laughter and the cousins settled down to share the latest doings of the Vanyar and the Noldor with one another.

"We are a poorer city," Findaráto admitted sadly as he was describing recent events in Tirion, "since a goodly portion of the inhabitants followed Anatar and Uncle Fëanáro into exile."

"How is Ñolofinwë handling it?" Ingwion asked in sympathy.

"Better than I would have," came the honest reply. "We were all grateful for your parents coming. Anamillë has secluded herself from the rest of the family and has even hinted at possibly returning here or going to Lórien."

They all shook their heads at that. "She should be helping Ñolofinwë instead," Indil said with a frown.

"So your atar told her in no uncertain terms," Findaráto admitted, nodding his head, "but like the rest of us, Indis has a very stubborn streak and would not be moved by her brother’s words."

"Well, now that you’re here," Ingalaurë said, "what are your plans?"

"Atar wishes for me to complete my studies," the Noldo replied, "so I must speak with Valandur and make arrangements to meet with suitable tutors. Beyond that, I have made no other plans."

"With both Ingoldo and Tinwetariel gone," Ingwion said, "some things have been placed in abeyance. Ingoldo oversaw the couriers but they operate more or less independently, so we do not worry about that too much, but both he and Tinwetariel were also negotiating certain trade agreements with the Noldor before the trial, agreements that were never finalized. Would you mind helping with that? I would like to have at least a preliminary agreement set up that we can present to my atar when he returns. Intarion has already agreed to act for Vanyamar if you would act for Tirion." Intarion nodded.

"What of the Noldorin negotiator?" Findaráto asked.

"He went with Finwë to Formenos," Ingwion replied with a scowl. "Ñolofinwë hasn’t had the time yet to appoint another, but since you’re here and willing to help...."

"I will need to look over the documents first," Findaráto said. "I am not as well versed about trade as perhaps I should be."

"Valandur will help you there," Intarion interjected. "He’s been teaching me what I need to know as well, since trade is also not a subject about which I have great knowledge, though now that I will be marrying the daughter of a wine merchant, I suppose I should start learning." He gave them all a wry grin and they laughed.

"Very well," Findaráto said. "Let me speak with Valandur first and I will let you know. I suppose we should inform your atar and my uncle about these new arrangements and get their approval. That way, Ingoldo and Tinwetariel cannot complain of impropriety on our part."

To that none had objections.

"But beyond that," Findaráto continued, addressing his remarks to Intarion, "we need to address the question of the betrothal dinner. I don’t think you should wait for Ingwë to return. While traditionally the dinner is hosted by the prospective groom’s parents, that is only a tradition. Actually, any kinsman who is of age can act as host. So I think you should go ahead and hold it and make the official announcement. There’s no telling how long you will have to wait for Ingwë to return otherwise. You waited this long in the hope that your parents would come around, but obviously they have not. To wait any further is ridiculous and simply works to their advantage, not yours."

"He’s right," Indil said with a firm nod. "I told you the same thing, if you remember, and Lirulin agreed with me."

Intarion sighed. "I know. I guess I’ve gotten in the habit of delaying, hoping that things would be better, but to do so now is rather stupid, isn’t it? Very well, I will go tell Lirulin and her family. Who will be hosting the dinner?"

"Why, I will, of course," Findaráto said with a smirk.

"Oh? Why you?" Ingwion asked in bemusement.

"Because it’s the only way to make sure that I’m properly fed for at least one meal while I’m here."

The cousins exchanged quick glances and then almost at once leaped at Findaráto who had anticipated their move, neatly avoiding them with a laugh. He then made a rude noise and ran out into the garden with the others chasing him, all of them laughing like elflings. It was some time before they ended their game.

****

Findaráto arranged through Intarion to meet with Lirulin and her parents to coordinate the betrothal dinner. When the two arrived at the wine merchant’s house, Findaráto gave Lirulin a warm hug.

"It’s been some time, hasn’t it, Liri?" he said with a fond smile, calling her by the pet name which he knew only her parents were permitted to use.

"Too long, Finda," she replied impishly, using his own pet name which she knew he hated and by which he allowed no one to call him.

They laughed together, enjoying the joke. Then Findaráto turned to Nolondur and Yáviën and gave them a respectful bow, which they returned.

"Welcome to our home, Prince Findaráto," Nolondur said. "We are honored by your presence."

"The honor is mine, Nolondur," the prince said with a warm smile. "I often wondered just how old I was going to get before I saw my cousin here finally married to your daughter. Glad I am that I only had to wait two yéni longer than I originally anticipated for this happy event."

Intarion gave him a scowl, looking embarrassed at the same time, while the others laughed. Yáviën gestured for them all to come into the garden where a table had been placed set for luncheon. It had been Yáviën’s suggestion when they were making arrangements for the meeting. Nolondur indicated that Findaráto should sit on his right while Intarion was on his left. Yáviën sat at the other end of the table while Lirulin sat next to her betrothed. A sixth place was set next to Findaráto which was empty.

"I must apologize for our son," Nolondur said. "He was called away at the last minute. One of our neighbor’s mares has decided to give birth today."

Findaráto nodded. "Telemnar is quite dedicated as a lamastámo as I recall," he said.

"One of the best," Nolondur said proudly. "He has been recently appointed as chief lamastámo for the High King’s personal stables."

"A coveted position, I know," Findaráto said with a smile. He lifted his goblet of wine. "Then we have more than one thing to celebrate today. May your son continue to grow in wisdom and skill as a healer of animals. You have every reason to be proud of him."

Nolondur and Yáviën both stammered their thanks, the latter blushing prettily at the praise given to her son. Lirulin smiled broadly, pleased by the graciousness of Findaráto’s praise for her beloved brother. She knew that their atar had hoped Telemnar would follow him into the wine business, but when her brother had spoken of his love for animals and his desire to be a healer, Nolondur had given him his blessing and sent him to those loremasters most knowledgeable about treating animals. That he had achieved the coveted position of chief lamastámo for Ingwë’s stables at such a young age spoke well of his skills.

During the rest of the luncheon, they discussed the upcoming betrothal dinner. Yáviën was unsure at first as to the propriety of Findaráto acting as host, but the prince allayed her fears. "As I told Intarion," he said, "it is only tradition that dictates that the betrothal dinner be hosted by the parents of the prospective bridegroom, yet nowhere is it written that this must always be so. The Axani ar Haimi states only that a male kinsman who is of age will act as host. While it is true that either Ingwion or Ingalaurë would be the more logical choice to act as such absent Ingoldo or Ingwë, I, too, am kin through my anamillë. Also, as a Noldo, I can be seen as a disinterested party in all this."

"Then the only real question before us," Nolondur said with a nod, "is when shall the wedding take place?"

"The fact that Intarion is a member of the royal family," Findaráto replied, "means that more time must be allowed for the preparation of the ceremony. However, I doubt it need be as elaborate as the wedding that Indil is planning for herself." He gave them a wry grin and they all laughed.

"When will she and Tamurilon make their own announcement?" Yáviën asked.

"Not until after our wedding," Intarion said. "She and Tam did not want to detract attention from us on our special day, or so she claimed."

"And she was correct to do so," Findaráto retorted, though his tone was mild. "You two have waited too long for anyone to steal your light. As for when, naturally we must wait for Ingwë’s return and when I left Tirion he gave me no indication as to when that might be. My uncle has need of him at the moment. I’m afraid Anatar’s departure left what remained of the government in disarray. Many high-ranking members of various posts left with him and the junior officers are hard-put to take over. It’s going to take time for everything to settle itself out."

"Finwë gave no indication that he would rule from Formenos as I believe Fëanáro has called his place of exile?" Nolondur asked, his eyes narrowing in disapproval.

"Oh, he’s agreed to let Uncle Ñolofinwë take over in Tirion while he governs those who followed him to Formenos," Findaráto replied. "The problem for my uncle is that he fears making any rulings in Finwë’s absence, knowing that once the terms of the exile have been met, the Noldóran will return to Tirion and would then be in his right to overrule any decision Uncle Ñolofinwë might have made in the interim."

"A very sticky situation all around," Nolondur said.

"That’s putting it mildly," the Noldorin prince responded with a thin smile. "But, let us leave this topic and move on to more pleasant subjects, such as what should the dinner menu be and where should it be held."

For the next hour or so they discussed these and other matters not necessarily related to the betrothal in a relaxed mood, enjoying the pleasant ambiance of the garden. Telemnar came in at one point and was warmly greeted by Findaráto.

"I hear congratulations of a different sort are in order," he said to the ellon, giving him a warm hug and a smile. "I always knew you had a great gift as a healer. Glad I am that you have found your calling."

Telemnar smiled, blushing slightly at the praise. "I was never so stunned than when it was announced that the High King had appointed me as his chief lamastámo," he said as he joined them at the table.

"How is the mare?" Findaráto asked.

"A filly," Telemnar replied with a smile. "Both are doing well." Then he gave them an embarrassed laugh. "Young Ercassë, who is only about sixteen, has decided to name her Telemnariën even though the mare’s name is Lissequilë."

They all laughed at that. Findaráto raised his goblet. "To Lissequilë and Telemnariën, then. Fortunate they are to have such skilled hands as yours, Telemnar, helping to bring forth new life."

The others echoed the prince’s sentiment while Telemnar stammered his thanks for Findaráto’s kind words. Shortly thereafter, their business concluded, Findaráto and Intarion took their leave, happily loaded down with several bottles of some of Nolondur’s finest wines.

****

Anatar: Grandfather.

Lamastámo: Literally, ‘Animal helper’, what we would call a veterinarian [laman ‘four-footed animal’ + sámo ‘helper’; cf. Rómestámo ‘East-helper’. When initial, st- would normally simplify as s- for archaic Þ-. The final _n_ in laman (as in rómen) is assimilated to _s_.

Axani ar Haimi: Shorten form of Axani ar Haimi Eldaliéva: ‘Laws and Customs of the Eldalië’ . [axan ‘law, rule or commandment as primarily proceeding from Eru’; haimë ‘habit, custom’; Eldaliéva ‘belonging to the Elven-folk’ (associative or possessive form)].

Lissequilë: Honey-color. Traditionally, foal names are chosen based on the initial letter of the mother’s name, thus, the filly mentioned in this chapter would normally have a name beginning with ‘l’.