In Darkness Bound by Fiondil

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Chapter 18: The Betrothal Dinner and What Came of It

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18: The Betrothal Dinner and What Came of It

Findaráto chose to hold the betrothal dinner in the apartments set aside for the Noldóran and his family on the very rare occasions when any of them visited Vanyamar. "It’ll be more intimate this way," he explained to Intarion and the other cousins. "You weren’t expecting to invite too many people were you?" He gave them a wry grin.

Intarion smiled wanly. "Just the usual crowd," he said, giving a nod towards the twins and Indil.

Findaráto nodded as well. "This dinner is a mere formality, more for the benefit of the citizenry than for the families involved. Technically, you only need the betrothed couple, at least one person from each family to represent the interests of the families and two witnesses unrelated to either family by blood or marriage. As the host, I would stand in for your parents. I know Lirulin’s parents and her brother will attend and naturally the twins and Indil. Who else?"

"Valandur," Intarion said without hesitation. "I have already asked him to act as my witness and he has agreed." He raised a hand to forestall Findaráto’s expected objection. "I know that technically Valandur is family because of Findis, but I am hoping that the relationship is distant enough to be acceptable. Valandur has been my mentor and friend and...." He gave him a helpless shrug.

"Hmm... Findis is your first cousin and is counted among the Noldor rather than the Vanyar," Findaráto said. "I, too, am counted among the Noldor and not the Vanyar and I am your first cousin once removed. I am also acting as host, but I think we can get away with it. I think the rule about the witnesses being unrelated by blood or marriage to either party in the betrothal was designed to ensure that there is no hint of collusion. Valandur did not raise any objections, did he? As a loremaster he would be aware of this particular custom."

Intarion shook his head. "When I asked he seemed genuinely pleased and honored. I would hate to have to disappoint him...."

"As would I," Findaráto said. "Then let’s leave it as it is. If anyone objects as to the propriety of his being your witness, we’ll deal with it then. I suspect that if we were to enquire about other betrothals we will find that the custom is honored more in the spirit of the tradition than in the letter and many a witness has been related to one or the other party to some degree or other even if not directly so."

Intarion gave his cousin a relieved look. "Good. I would hate to have to tell Findis she wasn’t invited."

They both laughed, knowing the elleth well, and then Findaráto began mentally counting the number of people who would be attending. "If Lirulin invites only one person as her witness we’ll be an even dozen." He smiled broadly. "A rather propitious number, wouldn’t you agree?"

They all nodded. "I’ll ask her to just bring one witness, then," Intarion said. "There’s nothing that says we cannot have additional witnesses at the actual wedding is there? I would like Tam to be a part of the wedding party as well."

Findaráto shook his head. "No, there is nothing against it. We only need to have two disinterested witnesses at the dinner itself. How you arrange the wedding and who should be part of the ceremony is up to you and Lirulin."

"And all the aunties in Eldamar," Indil quipped and they all laughed, knowing that it was more true than not.

****

When Lirulin and her family arrived at Findaráto’s apartments for the betrothal dinner he smiled when he saw who was accompanying them.

"Amarië! I didn’t know you would be acting as Lirulin’s witness," he exclaimed, giving the elleth a bow, kissing her proffered hand.

"Lirulin didn’t tell you?" Amarië asked, casting a glance at her friend.

"I wanted it to be a surprise," Lirulin said shamelessly, giving them both a fond smile. "It’s been ages since either of you have seen each other and I thought this dinner would be the perfect opportunity for you both."

Findaráto sighed and gave Amarië a good-natured smile. "Now that she’s betrothed, she’s decided to play matchmaker for the rest of us."

Lirulin laughed along with everyone else. "And why not?" she said with a sniff. "You two were made for each other. Everyone can see it. High time you made it official. I don’t want you to wait the way Intarion and I have had to."

Now there was an uneasy silence among them and Findaráto could see how uncomfortable Intarion looked. Lirulin suddenly realized what she had just said and started to stammer an apology, but Intarion took her in his arms and kissed her. "It’s all right, love," he murmured. "You are perfectly correct. I, too, think Findaráto and Amarië should make their understanding more official." He gave his cousin an apologetic look.

It was Amarië who came to everyone’s rescue. She went to Lirulin and gave her a hug. "I think we should just concentrate on your betrothal for now, don’t you? Time enough for Findaráto and me to renew our relationship now that he will be staying here for a time."

"Amarië is correct," Indil said. "Now, why don’t we all sit down and enjoy this lovely meal? I understand Findaráto chose the menu himself." She gave him a smile and winked.

Taking the bait, Findaráto sniffed. "The only way to ensure that I was properly fed."

They all laughed at that and the earlier tension eased. Findaráto motioned them all to the table, indicating where each should sit. Findaráto would preside at the head of the table with Intarion on his left and Lirulin on his right. Next to Intarion was Valandur as his witness with Findis, Ingalaurë and Ingwion. Amarië sat beside Lirulin as her witness with Nolondur, Yáviën and Telemnar. Indil took the seat opposite Findaráto. The table was set with fine linen, white as the snows upon Taniquetil. Mithril trenchers and goblets of cut crystal lay gracefully upon it. In the center was the traditional twelve-candle mithril candelabrum used for betrothals. The base of the candelabrum was actually a wide and shallow bowl intricately carved with a wedding scene. The bowl was filled with water scented with sweet basil upon which linden leaves floated. A wreath consisting of amaranth, celandine, and hawthorn blossoms entwined with sprigs of linden encircled the base of the bowl.

The meal itself was elegant in its simplicity. Findaráto had eschewed the more elaborate dishes usually served at a feast and settled for a first course of cold cherry wine soup with fresh bread and white cheese followed by a second course of roasted game hens cooked in red wine and a medley of fruits — raisins, prunes, dates, apples and pears. New potatoes and a garden salad that included edible flowers accompanied the main dish. The third remove was dessert which consisted of plates of gingerbread and small almond filled pastries baked in honey and wine. Nolondur had brought several bottles of his best wines and the meal was merry.

During the course of the dinner they discussed a variety of subjects, catching up on news. The Vanyar were especially interested in Findaráto relating stories about Tirion. The older members of the party remembered when the Vanyar lived there.

"I sometimes wonder if anyone claimed our old house," Yáviën said at one point. "I rather miss it."

Findaráto shook his head. "I have no idea. I have been told that when Ingwë led the Vanyar away many of the Noldor were devastated, thinking that they were being deserted by their friends. It took some time for them to accept it. I think Anatar’s marriage to Indis helped to heal the breach a bit, for mine uncle and Atar have ever been popular with our citizens."

"Yet, I understand that nearly a third of the Noldor went to Formenos with Finwë and Fëanáro," Telemnar said as he nibbled on an almond pastry.

"Out of loyalty," Findaráto answered. "There were no easy decisions on anyone’s part. Tirion is no longer a place of peace and contentment. The sundering has only deepened the unrest that many have felt."

"Including you?" Nolondur asked, giving the ellon a shrewd look.

Findaráto looked somewhat abashed. "I admit to a certain level of... disquiet in my fëa. Not that I believe mine uncle’s words against the Valar. That’s patently false. We are not, nor have we ever been, their thralls. Still, I sometimes have to wonder what our lives would be like had we remained in the Outer Lands."

"There’s no way of saying," Valandur replied. "We may speculate and think that our lives might have been better, but it’s possible they could have been worse than what we have here in Aman. Certainly they would have been different, but that’s not the same thing. I, for one, am content to remain in Aman. I have no desire to ever see the Outer Lands again."

"You remember them?" Intarion asked in surprise. "I wasn’t aware that you were that old." Then he blushed, aware that he might have insulted his mentor and friend.

Valandur laughed, his eyes full of amusement. "Well, certainly not as old as some. I was actually an elfling when we undertook the Great Migration. I was never so happy as when we finally came through the Pelóri and saw the Two Trees for the first time. I remember feeling that I was home at last and for no reason in particular I started crying, though by this time I was no longer an elfling. Then I found myself being comforted by one of the Maiar, Tiutalion of the People of Nienna, actually. He didn’t say a word, just held me through my tears and when I finally stopped weeping, he smiled, gave me a kiss in benediction and simply said, ‘Welcome home, child.’"

He paused, a slight smile gracing his lips as he lingered over the memory. "Later, I realized that I had been weeping tears of joy, not sadness. Tiutalion understood that."

They were silent for a time as each person pondered Valandur’s tale. "It must have been a wondrous sight, seeing the Two Trees for the first time," Findaráto said after a time.

The older Elves all nodded but did not comment otherwise. Then Yáviën stirred and gave her daughter and Intarion a smile. "Perhaps it is time to discuss the details of the wedding."

Lirulin gave them a shy smile, as did Intarion. "We were thinking of having the wedding in a half a year’s time, if that is not too soon," Intarion said.

"Hmm... normally the betrothal lasts a whole year," Nolondur said, "but under the circumstances and seeing how long you’ve waited already, I don’t see a problem."

"Nor do I," Findaráto said. "In fact, if I thought we could get away with it, I would say you should have the wedding even sooner." He cast them a sly grin and there was much laughter amongst them.

Findaráto stood up then and went to a side table where lay two sheets of parchment as well as a bottle of ink and quills. "I’ve had the betrothal contract and a copy written up," he said and the others rose from the table and joined him. They saw that both copies were beautifully calligraphed and illuminated, laying out the terms of the betrothal. Intarion and Lirulin’s names were prominent followed by their parentage and titles. Spaces were left blank for the names of the witnesses as well as the date of the wedding and the terms of the dowry. When Findaráto asked for particulars, Nolondur informed him that a quarter of his estate would go with Lirulin upon her marriage.

"And I have already accepted a position in Atto Nolondur’s mercantile ventures," Intarion added.

"What of your studies as a loremaster?" Findaráto asked with a frown. "I know that Ingwë relies on you."

"Me and several other loremasters, including Valandur," Intarion replied, giving his mentor a nod. "Ingwë will always have my expertise, but I agreed to apprentice myself to Lirulin’s atar when he made the proposition since Telemnar has chosen another profession."

"And frankly, I would welcome having Intarion helping me with my wine business," Nolondur said. "Ingwë has been pressuring me to take up more of my duties as a lord of the Vanyar and having Intarion will make it possible for me to honor Ingwë’s wishes without jeopardizing my other ventures."

"And Ingwë approves?" Findaráto asked. Both Intarion and Nolondur nodded. "Then, we will state that the wedding will take place three hundred and fifty weeks from now. Any particular day?"

"Aldúya," Lirulin answered.

Findaráto nodded as he took up a quill and dipped it into the inkwell, carefully inserting the necessary information in the document. Then all the principle parties signed it. When the final signature was in place, Findaráto opened a bottle of wine and began pouring it into their goblets. "This wine is from Tirion," he said. "Perhaps not as good as your wine, Nolondur, but I brought it with me for just this reason."

Nolondur sniffed the bouquet and smiled. "Ah... I recognize this. It’s from Finwë’s own vineyards, pressed from Tirion white. An excellent vintage."

Findaráto nodded and raised his goblet for a toast. "To the happy couple, Intarion and Lirulin. May they know only joy."

"To Intarion and Lirulin," everyone else echoed and they all drank while Intarion and Lirulin stood side-by-side holding hands and offering them shy smiles. Then Intarion leaned over and gently kissed Lirulin on the lips much to everyone’s satisfaction.

At that moment, though, the door crashed open and everyone jumped in shock as they turned to see Ingoldo standing there, his eyes blazing with wrath. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded harshly. He was still wearing his riding leathers and apparently had come directly to Findaráto’s apartment from the stables.

"I might ask you the same thing, Ingoldo," Findaráto said, his eyes narrowing in displeasure at the interruption, stepping forward to confront him. "How dare you burst in here...."

"Save your ire for someone who cares, Noldo," Ingoldo snarled. Several of the onlookers gasped at the implied insult. "I want to know what is going on here."

"If you must know, Atar," Intarion replied, "we’ve just finished signing the betrothal agreement."

"Bah!" Ingoldo spat. "There can be no agreement without my consent."

"In that you are mistaken," Valandur said coldly. "Neither your presence nor your approval is necessary. Intarion and Lirulin are adults and may do as they wish. All propriety has been observed as to witnesses and the agreement of the dowry. Whether you and Tinwetariel like it or not, Ingoldo, Intarion and Lirulin are officially betrothed. The wedding date has been set. All that remains is to have it announced at the next court."

"Which will be first thing tomorrow," Ingwion said. "And then, the day after I will formally announce the betrothal to Lord Manwë and the other Valar. While such an announcement is not necessary to make the betrothal legal, I think they will appreciate the courtesy."

"The betrothal contract has been properly filled out and witnessed, Ingoldo," Findaráto said. "There is little you or Tinwetariel can do about it."

Ingoldo glared at them angrily but before he could respond to Findaráto’s words, Ingalaurë spoke up. "How did you learn of this anyway?"

Ingoldo sneered. "Tulcaner let me know," he replied, naming one of his most loyal servants. "As soon as he learned of it he came to the lodge. I had hoped to get here before this and stop this nonsense but my horse went lame...."

"Atar, please," Intarion pleaded. "Can you not just be happy for me? I love Lirulin and no other...."

"I will not see my son married to a wine merchant’s daughter...."

"Who also happens to be of the nobility," Ingwion interrupted, giving his uncle a cold stare. "Atar has never objected to Intarion courting Lirulin and as the head of our family his is the ultimate decision."

"We’ll see about that," Ingoldo snarled and made a lunge towards the table where the betrothal contracts were. What he thought to do with them was anyone’s guess, but before he could reach them, Findaráto stepped in front of him, his expression forbidding. The two ellyn glared at one another but it was Ingoldo who broke eye contact first. Without another word he turned away, slamming the door behind him.

For several minutes no one moved or spoke. Finally Nolondur stirred, shaking his head. "Perhaps I was wrong to neglect my duties in Ingwë’s court...."

"No, Nolondur," Ingwion stated firmly. "Atar never condemned you for becoming a wine merchant. He was quite amused when he learned of your interest, stating that now he could be assured of a proper supply of only the best wines at a discount price." The glint of merriment in the ellon’s eyes brought chuckles all around and they relaxed somewhat.

"Ingwion is correct," Findaráto said. Then he went to a desk and pulled open one of its drawers. "The High King and Queen asked me to give these to you at the proper time," he said, pulling out two small boxes, giving them to Intarion and Lirulin. When they opened them they found two matching silver rings.

"But we have already exchanged betrothal rings," Intarion said in surprise.

"These are not betrothal rings," Findaráto said. "Take a closer look."

They did so and then they both gasped almost at the same time as they realized the truth of Findaráto’s words. They held up their rings for everyone to see. Both rings were set with an amethyst surrounded by four citrines. Etched into each amethyst was an eight-pointed star, Ingwë’s personal emblem.

"What does it mean?" Telemnar asked as he examined his sister’s ring.

"It means that Atar has placed Lirulin under his protection," Ingwion answered. "Intarion already enjoys it as a member of the royal family but having these rings made for you both is a sign that Atar and Ammë both approve of the union." He gave Lirulin a wide grin. "Whether you like it or not, Lirulin, you’ve just been officially adopted. Welcome to the family."

Everyone laughed at that and when the party broke up a little while later they left in better spirits, determined not to let Ingoldo’s interruption upset them overmuch.

"Once I read the contract out loud at open court tomorrow," Ingwion said as they were all leaving, "it will be truly official. Nothing Ingoldo or Tinwetariel does thereafter will matter."

"I will bring the contracts with me when I attend court," Findaráto said. "I think it best if I hang on to them for the nonce, just to be safe."

No one needed to ask why, and soon Findaráto was left alone. Calling in some servants to clear away the remains of the dinner, he stood over the table where the betrothal contracts lay, contemplating many things. When the servants left he did something he never thought he would have to do: he locked the door to the apartment. Then he brought the documents into his bedroom and slid them into a thin wooden case for protection and then slid the case under the mattress of his bed. Before climbing into bed he did one more thing. Rummaging through the clothespress he pulled out a knife, removing it from its sheath and placing the naked blade under his pillow.

He was taking no chances.

****

Note on the meaning of the flowers: These are taken from ‘In the Garden: the Language of Flowers’: http://home(dot)comcast(dot)net/~bryant(dot)katherine/flowers(dot)html

Amaranth: Unfading love.

Celandine: Joys to come.

Hawthorn: Hope.

Linden: Matrimony, conjugal love.

Sweet Basil: Good wishes.

Note on the meaning of the gemstones:

Amethyst: The gift of amethyst is symbolic of protection and the power to overcome difficulty.

Citrine: A symbol of hope and strength. Ideal for helping anyone to get through the tough times in life, dissipating negative energy and bringing warmth, joy, and optimism into one’s life.