In Darkness Bound by Fiondil

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Chapter 20: Deepening Currents

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20: Deepening Currents

Elindis met her three children and Findaráto in her private sitting room, the others in their party having separated from them when they reached the palace with promises to meet later. She was alone, having dismissed her ladies-in-waiting and the servants. She gave them a brilliant smile and embraced them one by one, kissing them.

"Glad I am to see all of you again," she said even as she was giving Findaráto a hug in greeting. "Gladder still am I that Vanyamar was not moved in my absence."

They all laughed at that. "Now, Ammë, you know I wouldn’t have allowed Ingwi and Ingil to do that," Indil said slyly.

Ingalaurë stuck out his tongue at his sister and she merely smirked. Elindis gestured for them to sit and Findaráto went to the sideboard and poured some wine for them all before taking his own seat.

Elindis smiled fondly at him. "Your family sends their love and good wishes. Your brothers miss you as does Artanis, and they want to know how long you plan to stay in Vanyamar."

Findaráto grinned. "As I told your children, I’ll stay as long as you feed me."

Elindis laughed, the sound light and gay. "In that case, when we grow weary of your presence I will be sure to inform the cooks to bar you from the kitchens."

The others joined her in laughter, Findaráto laughing the loudest.

"Why didn’t Atto return with you?" Ingwion asked once they calmed down.

"Your atar decided that he wished to speak with Olwë before returning home," Elindis replied serenely. "He will be back soon."

The younger elves gave each other surprised looks. "Why does he want to speak with Anatar?" Findaráto asked.

"The troubles that have occurred recently are affecting us all," Elindis said gravely. "Even the Teleri may well become embroiled in this, whether they wish it or not. Ingwë sent Lord Cemendil to Olwë to inform him of what was happening and then decided to visit him personally. He took your atar and amillë with him."

Findaráto raised an eyebrow at that, but did not comment.

"Tam told us that his atar was very unhappy at being asked to act as a courier for us," Ingalaurë said. "And now you say Atto sent him on to Alqualondë?"

Elindis nodded. "Yes, and he was most reluctant to go, but your atar was able to convince him. Olwë later sent a missive saying that Cemendil had arrived safely and he was keeping him there as your atar requested."

"Oh?" Indil said.

"Yes," Elindis replied. "Your atar sent a private missive with Cemendil for Olwë besides the verbal message that Cemendil was to deliver to him. Ingwë asked Olwë to keep Cemendil in Alqualondë for the time being and let him catalogue the olvar that thrive there. Olwë reported that Cemendil was quite happy to do so and could be seen tramping along the shore collecting samples." She chuckled. "He’s had to have one of his people trail along because the ellon does not know how to swim and Olwë fears that in his enthusiasm Cemendil might forget this as he tries to collect seaweed from the ocean."

They all chuckled at that. "I will tell Tam about his atar," Indil said. "He was worried about him and felt bad about involving him in all this. I know he will be relieved to hear that he is safe and happy."

"Did Uncle Ingwë say what he planned to talk to Anatar about and why did my parents go with him?" Findaráto asked.

Elindis shook her head. "He did not confide in me," she answered, "and I did not press."

"I still don’t understand why Atto went though," Ingwion said. "Never in my memory have I ever known him to travel to Alqualondë and I can count on one hand the number of times he and you have visited Tirion since we Vanyar left that city."

"Yet, Olwë is one of the High Kings," Elindis pointed out, "and your atar has decided to consult with him. True, he’s not as close with Olwë as he was with Elwë, for they had shared the adventure of being the ambassadors to the Valar before the Great Migration. When Elwë was lost to us, your atar grieved for him deeply. Still, Olwë has proven to be a wise and compassionate leader of the Teleri and Ingwë respects him greatly."

"Well, I hope he returns soon," Ingwion said. "I’m looking forward to just being his haryon again."

"Me, too," Ingalaurë added.

Elindis did not comment, merely smiling fondly upon her sons. Then, Indil asked about Tirion and their conversation shifted to other topics.

****

Ingwë glanced at Arafinwë and Eärwen as they rode along the shore road leading to Alqualondë. They had spoken very little during the trip. Arafinwë’s expression seemed troubled, though Eärwen appeared happy at the thought of seeing her family again.

"Care to talk about it?" he said suddenly and Arafinwë started.

"Talk about what?" he asked.

"About what troubles you," Ingwë replied. "You did not seem pleased when I asked you and Eärwen to accompany me."

Arafinwë gave the High King a nod. "And I am not. Oh, don’t get me wrong. I look forward to seeing Olwë and Lirillë and the others as much as Eärwen, but I fail to see why you wanted us to come with you at all. By all rights, my brother should be here instead of me."

"Ñolofinwë cannot leave Tirion at the moment, as well you know," Ingwë said. "You are Finwë’s son as well, and I feel you should be more involved in the decisions that are being made on behalf of the Noldor. Also, as Olwë’s son-in-law, he will respect your opinions and views on what has been going on of late."

"And me?" Eärwen piped up, looking coy. "What is my role in all this?"

Ingwë laughed. "Why, I thought you would enjoy seeing your parents and siblings again, is all. I have no ulterior motives where you are concerned, my dear."

Eärwen gave them a huff. "Pity. I was looking forward to being clandestine, ferreting out secrets and acting mysterious."

Both Ingwë and Arafinwë laughed at that, the latter taking her hand and kissing it. "Well, I think if you just be yourself, child," Ingwë said, "you’ll have all the secrets of Eldamar laid out before you in no time."

Eärwen smirked and the two ellyn chuckled at her smug expression.

A short time later they came in sight of Alqualondë. Ingwë gazed upon the city of the Teleri with interest, for he had never been there before. He could see that the haven was like a basin of quiet waters, save that towards the eastward and the seas the ring of rocks that enclosed it sank somewhat, and the sea pierced through them, so that there was a mighty arch of living sea rock. The sea wind whistled through the holes in the arch, greeting the visitors with its flute-like music. The arch was so great that two ships might pass through and he suspected that the mast-tops would not even graze the rock.

This far north, not much of the Light of the Trees reached the city for the seawall blocked most of it. A ring of gold lamps, and lanterns of many colors along the wharves and landings gave illumination. Eärwen pointed them out.

"The lanterns betoken the different houses to which the wharves and landings belong," she explained. "See there, that lantern with the blue glass? That is the royal landing. I see Atto’s ship is berthed there. That means we will find him at home."

The city itself, he saw as they crossed over a wide bridge that connected the main part of Alqualondë to the shore, was constructed on a series of canals and there were small boats shaped like swans on the still waters being propelled by a single Elf standing in the stern, using a long pole to maneuver the boat while others sat on cushioned benches clutching parcels. The passengers in nearby boats gave their party curious looks but then returned to their own conversations.

"It’s more convenient for us to use these small boats to get from one place to another," Eärwen told him, "though you can see that there are walkways and bridges as well."

"It is more beautiful than I had imagined," Ingwë commented as he sent one of his guards ahead to act as herald. "The Teleri have done well in constructing their city."

"They did have help," Arafinwë couldn’t help saying, giving his wife a sly grin and Eärwen stuck her tongue out at him, causing him to laugh while Ingwë merely chuckled.

Eärwen led them towards the center of the city where the royal palace stood and soon they were being greeted by Olwë and Lirillë and their heir, Lindarion.

"This is an unexpected surprise," Olwë said as he embraced his daughter, "but a most pleasant one. You are all welcome. Come, let us retire to our apartments and you will tell us why you have graced us with your presence."

They made their way through the palace with its pearlescent walls shimmering softly in the starlight that filtered through the wide embrasures, the sound of water lapping softly against the outer walls soothing to the fëa. Olwë led them across a covered bridge that separated the royal family’s private apartments from the more public parts of the palace, which stood on two artificial islands in the midst of the city surrounded by a wide moat. The palace was linked to the rest of the city by several bridges, though none touched upon the island housing the royal family.

"How is Cemendil doing?" Ingwë asked Olwë as they walked side-by-side.

"Have no fear for him, my friend," Olwë said with a smile. "I showed him your missive and he was both mortified and grateful at the same time. I assured him that he was free to leave whenever he wished but I let him know that if he chose to stay all of my kingdom would be open to him and his research. I believe he had always meant to come here to study the sea and shore life but had not expected to come so soon. I have given him his own suite of rooms here in the palace and have assigned people to help him with the collection and cataloguing of his specimens."

"I am glad to hear it," Ingwë said. "I fear I abused my privilege as High King to coerce him into coming here, but in truth, I knew how he hated court intrigues. It’s why he left my Privy Council to become one of Lady Yavanna’s students. Sending him to you was a way of rewarding him for acting as my sons’ courier, though I doubt he saw it as such at the time."

"Well, while you are here you should speak to him," Olwë suggested as they entered the family’s sitting room. "I think you will find that he is quite content to be here. When he first arrived, he was stiff and formal and I could tell he was in a state nearing despair, but within a week, once he began his studies, he became more cheerful and relaxed and his eyes would brighten anytime someone made the mistake of asking after his research." He gave them a rueful look and the others chuckled, realizing that Olwë was speaking of himself.

Lindarion poured some light yellow wine into goblets and handed them to everyone as they took seats, with Arafinwë and Eärwen sitting together on one of the settees while Ingwë took an ornately carved chair made of nessamelda wood with deep blue cushions. Olwë and Lirillë sat in another settee and Lindarion took a chair that was less ornate though on the back was painted his personal device: a deep blue lozenge in which was a gold and silver star of four radiating points reaching the edges of the lozenge, thus indicating that he was a prince of the realm. Overlaying the star was a white swan ship, the emblem of Alqualondë, and Olwë’s own emblem, thus indicating that he was also the king’s throne-heir.

"So, to what do we owe the pleasure of your presence?" Olwë asked as he sipped on his wine. "I am assuming that this is not precisely a social visit with family."

"You are correct," Ingwë said, "though I hope that we will have some time for relaxation while we are here. I cannot linger myself, though I hope Arafinwë and Eärwen will stay for a time." He smiled fondly at the younger couple before turning his attention back to Olwë, his expression more grave. "This entire affair with Fëanáro has brought certain things to light and Finwë’s intransigence in all this has not helped matters. I, for one, am very disappointed in him."

Olwë nodded. "I had debated going to Tirion when Eärwen’s letter came informing me of what was happening, but in the end I realized I would come too late to make any difference to the outcome."

"Unfortunately," Ingwë said with a nod. "Had news of what happened reached you earlier you may have been able to persuade Finwë as to the folly of his decision, but perhaps not. He has ever loved Fëanáro above his other sons." He cast a rueful glance at Arafinwë whose expression was glum. "Forgive me, yonya, but I speak only the truth in this."

"As well I know, Uncle," Arafinwë said with a sigh. "I know Atar loves Ñolofinwë and me in his own way, but Fëanáro has always had his heart. Sometimes I wonder why he even bothered to marry Amillë."

"I am beginning to wonder that myself," Ingwë said. "The whole affair with Míriel rankled and I thought at the time that only trouble would come of it, but Indis truly loved Finwë and I hadn’t the heart to deny her that happiness." He shook his head at the memory. "Well, as I think you Lindar are fond of saying, water under the bridge."

"Indeed," Olwë said. "So, what must we discuss that has not already been decided? What is your purpose here, Ingwë?"

"I wished to discuss the ramifications of all that has happened face-to-face instead of through letters."

"We Lindar have nothing to do with what occurs in the rest of Eldamar," Lindarion said, sounding somewhat haughty. "Why should we be concerned with the stupidities of others?"

"Stupidity?" Arafinwë retorted. "Nay, say rather, the ensnarement of some caught in Melkor’s web of deceit."

"We have heard rumors that that one was seen fleeing southward," Lirillë said.

"So we’ve been told," Ingwë replied. "The Valar have set a watch on the southern range. Hopefully, we have seen the last of Melkor, but what Arafinwë says is true. The Noldor have been ensnared and it behooves the rest of us to free them from it if possible. I think those who elected to remain in Tirion rather than follow Finwë and Fëanáro to Formenos were less affected by Melkor’s lies than the others. Still, I think we of the other clans should keep a wary eye on them all. Melkor’s poison is insidious and I’m seeing some of it spreading even among the Vanyar, or at least those who are in sympathy with Fëanáro."

Olwë frowned. "A troubling thought. There has been more commerce between Tirion and Alqualondë than between Tirion and Vanyamar, I suspect, but I’ve not noticed any change in attitude among my own people. Few, I think, are even aware of Fëanáro’s attack on his brother or the trial that resulted in his exile. Fewer still would care."

"Yet, there is this," Ingwë said solemnly. "Fëanáro took the Silmarils with him into exile and my heart warns me that those jewels lie at the center of all the woes that have befallen the Noldor and may yet be the cause of more woes that could affect not only Eldamar, including Alqualondë, but also Valmar."

"The Valar?!" Lirillë exclaimed in surprise. "I cannot see how they would be affected by any of this."

"Their Peace was broken by Fëanáro’s rash attack on Ñolofinwë," Ingwë pointed out. "I can tell you that the Valar, Lord Manwë especially, were very upset by it and I think they actually resented even having to hold a trial. The only other person who has ever been brought to the Máhanaxar to stand trial was Melkor himself. I think they were highly disappointed that one of the best and brightest of us Eldar ended up there as well."

There was a pause as all contemplated Ingwë’s words. Finally, Olwë sighed. "So, what is it you want from me, Ingwë?"

"Your support of Ñolofinwë," Ingwë answered. "In spite of the fact that Finwë is no longer residing in Tirion, I hope that you and those who have had commerce with the Noldor will continue to do so. I want Ñolofinwë to know that he does not stand alone in this."

"He will have my support," Olwë said simply, "and you as well. You are the oldest of us and the wisest and I will abide by your decisions in this matter, save where it may conflict with the safety and well-being of my people and my kingdom."

"Fair enough," Ingwë said. "That is all I ask. Let us all hope that in the next twelve years, tempers will cool and right reason will prevail. I, for one, will be very glad to see Finwë back in Tirion where he belongs."

They all nodded at that, then Lirillë gave Ingwë a smile. "If that is the end of your business with us Ingwë, does that mean you’ll be leaving shortly?"

"Lirillë!" Olwë exclaimed in shock while Ingwë merely laughed.

"Nay, Olwë, do not berate your wife," the High King said. "She has the right to ask and in answer, I would say that while I must return to Vanyamar soon I do not need to leave this very minute. I would welcome the chance to stay a while and enjoy your company and the city, which I have never seen."

"Then, you are welcome to stay for as long as you wish," Lirillë said. "Perhaps you would like to take a sailing trip around the city. It’s the best way to see it, I think, and we can have a picnic on board. The other children will join us and you can meet them."

"That would be lovely, thank you, my dear," Ingwë said.

"Then I will go make the arrangements," Lirillë said as she rose, the others rising with her. "In the meantime, we’ll put you in the suite across from Eärwen and Arafinwë’s apartments. They will escort you. It has a lovely view of the harbor."

Ingwë bowed graciously over Lirillë’s hand. "I look forward to the sail and the picnic. Until then."

He left with Arafinwë and Eärwen and Lindarion, who elected to join them, leaving Olwë and Lirillë alone. The queen gave her husband a considering look.

"His words trouble you, beloved," she said.

"Yes, they do," Olwë answered, wrapping his arms around her and giving her a loving kiss.

"In what way?" she asked, returning his kiss with her own.

"In every way," he said, "but most especially in the idea that the seclusion which we Lindar have enjoyed since we came to Valinor may be eroding and not by our choice. I fear the consequences."

"As do I," Lirillë replied, "but that will be as it will be and we will weather the storm together, as we’ve weathered all other storms before."

He smiled gently down at her and gave her another lingering kiss. "Indeed," was all he said and after another moment or two of enjoying their togetherness, they left the room, Lirillë to oversee putting together the picnic and Olwë to order the royal ship readied for their use.

****

Notes:

1. The description of Alqualondë is taken from The Book of Lost Tales 1, Chapter VII, ‘The Flight of the Noldoli’.

2. The description of Lindarion’s personal device is based somewhat on the discussion on Eldarin Heraldry devised by Tolkien which can be found at: www(dot)forodrim(dot)org/gobennas/heraldry/heraldry(dot)htm.

3. Ingwë refers to the Teleri as the Lindar when speaking to Olwë, knowing that Olwë might consider Teleri to be pejorative. He does not do so with Eärwen since, living among the Noldor as she has, she has long gotten used to hearing her clan referred to as Teleri.