In Darkness Bound by Fiondil

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Chapter 32: Decisions

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32: Decisions

Findaráto remained in Valmar for over a year, returning periodically to Tirion to visit his family. During his time with the Aulenduri, he flourished and Aulë was pleased by this, for the ellon’s fëa seemed calmer, and Findaráto appeared to be more accepting of things. His friendship with Urundil and the other Aulenduri deepened and the Valar rejoiced, for it was their hope that Urundil’s influence would counteract the unrest which Melkor had instilled within the Noldorin prince. Unfortunately, whenever Findaráto returned from visiting his family, Aulë could sense the restlessness taking hold again and sighed. He was tempted to simply forbid the ellon from ever leaving Valmar, but, of course, that was not an option.

"When he is here," Aulë said to Manwë at one point as the Valar were in council, "he is too engaged in his research and in enjoying the camaraderie of his fellow Aulenduri to concern himself with the political turmoil in Tirion. It is only when he returns from there that he is once again troubled. Yet, how can I forbid him from going?"

"You cannot," Manwë stated. "There appears to be a small faction of Elves in Tirion who are loyal more to Fëanáro than to Finwë or Ñolofinwë. It is they who are fueling the unrest, insisting that Fëanáro’s banishment was unjust. They seem to have embraced our Fallen Brother’s lies more fully than others."

"Do you think Fëanáro is aware of what his... um... supporters are doing?" Varda asked.

"I do not know," Manwë said. "Whatever Fëanáro’s faults may be, he is yet honorable and I do not think these others act with his knowledge or his blessing. No, I see this as a further consequence of Melkor’s meddling in the affairs of the Noldor. Fëanáro was not the only Elf to listen to our brother’s honeyed words and to believe them."

"I have the impression that these particular Children are not so much interested in advancing Fëanáro’s suit as they are in fomenting unrest for their own purposes," Námo said, frowning. "They seem to be contentious for the sake of being contentious and for no other reason."

The other Valar nodded. "If we are aware of who is causing this unrest, should we not inform Ñolofinwë?" Oromë asked.

Manwë, however, shook his head. "There is a thin line between aiding and interfering," he stated. "For all that we called them ‘children’, and indeed, they are incredibly young, the Eldar are anything but and we must respect that. Should Ñolofinwë come to us seeking help, then, and only then, will we act. Until then, we must hope that they will resolve this conflict on their own."

"What of Ingwë?" Irmo asked. "As High King over all the Eldar, should he not act against these others?"

"Yes, and if he knew of it, he would," Manwë stated, "but he is more concerned with maintaining calm in his own city."

"You will not tell him," Varda said, giving her beloved an enquiring look.

Manwë shook his head. "It is not our place," he said. "Others must bring him the information, if they deem it needful. We will not interfere."

"You are concerned about Fëanáro’s accusations of the Eldar being our thralls, aren’t you?" Ulmo asked.

"Partly," Manwë averred, "but also, I deem it best to allow them to solve their problems on their own. If they do not seek our help or even our advice, then we should not force it upon them. It will not work anyway."

There was silence among them for a time as they each digested the Elder King’s words and then Aulë looked up. "So what do I do about Findaráto?"

"Has he indicated any real desire to return to Tirion or is he content to remain under your tutelage."

"He speaks at times of feeling guilty that he is not in Tirion helping his uncle," Aulë admitted, "but so far he has not formally asked for my leave to depart from my service."

"Then, until he does," Manwë suggested, "keep him in Valmar. Eventually, he must return to Tirion and resume his duties as a prince of the Noldor, but for now, let us see if we can keep him with us a little longer."

****

Findaráto sat on the balcony of his sitting room enjoying a glass of wine and reading the latest missive from Amarië describing the doings of the Vanyar. He smiled in amusement at her description of a garden party hosted by her ammë and how the ladies who were there had tried to outdo each other in sartorial splendour, but the smile fled as he read further along:

‘... and then Lord Valacar began complaining that even though the Valar have permitted trade with those in Formenos at the High King’s request, it was too limiting and restrictive. He wants to see more open trading with Formenos. Atto spoke up then and said that the Exiles were not in a position to trade for luxury goods and we should be grateful that the Valar permitted any trade with them at all. Someone, I don’t remember who, then wondered if after the banishment had been lifted if Formenos would then be deserted or would some of the Noldor remain there with Fëanáro ruling them while Finwë returned to Tirion. There seems to be a fear that if this happens, eventually the Noldor will come to dominate Eldamar and Ingwë will lose the High Kingship in favor of Finwë. A disturbing thought....’

Findaráto stopped reading, his thoughts darkening at the implication of what Amarië had written. Would his anatar encourage his first-born to remain in Formenos and rule the Noldor there while he returned to Tirion to resume the crown as Noldóran once again? It was a possibility, though he wondered if the Valar would permit it. And then, what of Uncle Ñolofinwë? Would his accomplishments of governing the Noldor in Tirion be dismissed out of hand? Findaráto felt sudden pity for his uncle who had never wanted to rule. Yet, in spite of this, in the two years since Fëanáro’s banishment, his uncle had governed the people of Tirion wisely and well. The city flourished in spite of pockets of unrest which never seemed to be quelled and it was mainly through Ñolofinwë’s efforts that it did so. To have his accomplishments go unacknowledged by Anatar seemed terribly unjust.

He sighed, taking a sip of wine, staring out into the garden without really seeing it. Lord Valacar’s fears of the Noldor dominating Eldamar were without merit, as far as he was concerned. The Noldor were no more numerous than the other clans. Anatar Finwë might be stubborn and wilful, but he wasn’t stupid, except where his first-born was concerned. He could not imagine Finwë seeking to overthrow Ingwë as High King of all the Elves. That, he knew, the Valar would not countenance and rightly so. He shook his head and resumed his reading:

‘At any rate, Lord Valacar’s views seem to be the minority opinion. Intarion and Lirulin are well and happy. They have finally decided to live in the Southern Fiefdoms permanently at Lord Nolondur’s estate. They do not look to be returning to Vanyamar any time soon. In Lirulin’s last letter, though, she intimated that they might make a journey to Tirion, perhaps before the year’s end. If so, please give them a kiss from me if you are there when they come.

‘And speaking of visiting, Ingwion and Ingalaurë have been discussing visiting Tirion but no real plans have been made as yet. I think they are waiting until you return to Tirion permanently....’

Findaráto sighed. He had been in Valmar for a year now and he had to admit that he was enjoying himself, working among the other Aulenduri, debating with the loremasters who resided there in Valmar. Yet, at the same time, he felt that he should be in Tirion helping his uncle. He shook his head, feeling torn, not sure what to do. Urundil and the other Noldor who lived in Eldamas obviously were not interested in anything but serving Lord Aulë or one of the other Valar as their temperaments dictated, and when he was with them, he felt that same desire to serve. It was only when he returned to Tirion that other desires would surface, desires for new vistas and new experiences that could not be had in Aman. He often found himself wondering what the Outer Lands were like and how it would be to live with only starlight to light his way rather than the Light of the Trees. He had even journeyed to Alqualondë with his ammë and had spent much time wandering the strands far north of the city, trying to imagine never seeing the Light of the Trees again. Yet, he need only turn his face southward to see that Light shining down the Calacirya and all thoughts of venturing into darkness would flee, but not entirely.

Well, he would have to come to a decision eventually as to whether to remain in Valmar or ask Lord Aulë to release him from his service so he could return to Tirion and take up his duties as a prince of the realm. At the moment, however, he was in no particular hurry. He glanced down at the letter and a thrill of foreboding flooded him as he continued to read:

‘Ingoldo resigned quite suddenly from Ingwë’s Privy Council only a few days ago as I write this. He gave no reason. When I met with the twins and Indil for dinner the other day, I asked Ingwion about it, but he was at a loss to explain. Ingalaurë, however, thinks it is because of Lord Nolondur, who now sits on the Privy Council. So far, Ingwë has not named another to fill Ingoldo’s seat. Ingwion thinks his atar is delaying making a choice because he fears that whoever he names will not be welcomed by some factions among the nobility. Ingalaurë then said that by rights either he or Ingwion should be chosen to take their uncle’s seat. Indil thinks her brother was merely jesting, for when Ingwion groaned at his suggestion, he laughed, but I am not so sure. There was an underlying sense of frustration in his voice and I have to wonder if he resents no longer being Ingwë’s regent. It is so very confusing....’

Findaráto put the letter aside and stood, feeling suddenly anxious. He remembered how resentful Ingalaurë had felt at the idea of giving up the regency and returning to his former duties. Findaráto had had the feeling at the time that the ellon enjoyed the sense of power his position had given him and when he had to give it up....

Ingwion, on the other hand, had been glad to give over his regency to Ingwë. Findaráto remembered how relieved the ellon had been and how the worry lines had lifted from his fair face. Findaráto had no doubt that Ingwion would make an excellent High King if Ingwë ever decided to abdicate, but he understood the reluctance which the ellon had felt in assuming such powers even on a limited basis. Uncle Ñolofinwë had been the same way.

Findaráto paced the length of the balcony, deep in thought. Ingoldo’s sudden resignation was suspicious to his mind, and the idea that he would resign because of Nolondur seemed, on the face of it, absurd. Both ellyn had been sitting on the Privy Council for the last year. He had gotten letters from Ingwion describing the monumental battle of words that had flared up between the two lords on occasion, but Findaráto had the impression from what Ingwion didn’t say that Ingoldo often started the arguments for the sake of arguing. The prince could not believe that Ingoldo would walk away from the one power base he possessed in Ingwë’s court. It just didn’t make sense. Something else had to be going on, but what it could mean, he could not guess.

He sighed and reached down to take up his goblet and the letter again. There was little more to the letter beyond Amarië’s hope that he would write to her soon. He folded it and tucked it inside his tunic to re-read later. Right now, he was expected for dinner at Urundil’s home in Eldamas. Over the past year, he had become acquainted with Urundil’s little family. His wife, Valamírë, was a lovely elleth and a gifted artist who had welcomed him from the very first. Their daughter, Aulendilmë, had practically adopted him, calling him Unca’ Finda, much to his and her parents’ amusement. He smiled at the thought as he made his way out of Lord Aulë’s mansion, giving a respectful nod to the Maia standing guard at the entrance.

Yet, even as he passed the north gate into Eldamas, he couldn’t help wondering whom Ingwë would appoint to take Ingoldo’s place on his Privy Council.

****

Ingwë waited several weeks before announcing his decision. Ingoldo had refused to give a reason for the resignation, stating only that he wished to devote more time to other pursuits. Ingwë had not pressed him, though he could not help wondering what his brother’s true motives were in resigning. He had listened to his sons’ report on what they had overheard on that fateful day when young Findaráto had been injured with some alarm. That, along with what had occurred during the wedding, had convinced Ingwë to go to Lord Manwë and ask to allow even limited trade with the Noldor in Formenos. The Elder King had agreed and some of the tensions in the city had eased. Still, he could not help wondering how much of the unrest could be laid at Ingoldo’s feet. Since the wedding his brother and sister-in-law had kept a low profile, fulfilling their duties to him but otherwise keeping much to themselves. In the end, Ingwë had agreed to Ingoldo’s request to resign and turned his attention to deciding who would fill the now vacant seat. He had weighed all the factors and had finally come to a decision, calling his family together to hear it, for it would affect them more than others.

Besides his wife and children, Findis and Valandur were also present, as was Tamurilon, representing, as it were, the rest of the Council. Notably absent were Ingoldo and Tinwetariel as the matter no longer concerned them. Only Elindis knew what he was planning and she sat there serenely, sending him her love through their bond, silently supporting him. He glanced at the expectant faces of the others and resisted a sigh. He was sure his decision would not find favor with everyone, but it was the only logical solution to the situation.

"I have decided whom I wish to appoint to your Uncle Ingoldo’s seat on the Privy Council," he said without preamble. "It has not been an easy decision to make."

The others nodded, though no one ventured to speak. Ingwë cleared his throat and continued. "I have decided to appoint Ingwion...."

"What!?" both Ingwion and Ingalaurë shouted, rising from their seats almost as one.

Ingwë raised his hand to stop their protests, his expression becoming stern. At that moment, he ceased to be their atar and became the High King. "Sit down," he said quietly and they obeyed instantly. "I will not allow another outburst from either of you. Is that clear?" The twins nodded, looking suitably chastised. "I have declared you both my heirs," he continued in a less forbidding tone, "but the truth of the matter is, Ingwion is the first-born...."

"By five minutes," Ingalaurë muttered, casting a dark look at his twin, who appeared shaken.

Elindis leaned over from where she was sitting and placed a comforting hand upon her secondborn son. "Would you feel this resentment if you had been born years or even yéni after Ingwion?"

Ingalaurë shrugged, not looking at anyone.

"It’s not as if I planned to be the first one to be born, you know," Ingwion said softly, not looking at his brother. Then he glanced at his atar. "Can I refuse the appointment?"

Ingwë did not answer immediately but allowed the silence to lengthen for a time. "If you mean, in favor of Ingalaurë, the answer is no. I would simply appoint someone else."

Both twins scowled at that and Ingwë resisted a sigh, casting a glance at Elindis, who gave him a shake of her head. "What your atar hasn’t told you...."

"Mainly because I haven’t been given a chance," Ingwë muttered, ignoring the amused expressions on the faces of Findis, Valandur and Tamurilon.

Elindis shot him an amused look of her own. "... is that Ingwion’s appointment is not permanent."

"What do you mean?" Ingwion asked, looking puzzled. Ingalaurë’s expression was more suspicious.

"I mean, that you and Ingil will share the seat between you," Ingwë replied. "You will sit on the Council for one year and then Ingil will take the seat the next year. You will continue alternating sitting on the Council until such time as I decide otherwise."

"Will the other Council members accept this, though?" Valandur asked, looking at Tamurilon for his response.

"Some may think it odd," the ellon averred, "but it’s an elegant solution. Having both your sons on the Council but not at the same time will prevent people from accusing you of favoritism. Perhaps you might consider letting Indil join as well, taking the seat in the third year." He cast an enquiring look at his beloved.

Indil shook her head. "I really have no desire to do so, but I will of course accept whatever decision you make, Atto. I would much rather remain as part of your secret council, though." She gave her atar a sly smile and he chuckled.

"You understand why I cannot have you both on the Council at the same time, don’t you?" he asked, looking at Ingalaurë. "As much as I would welcome it, it would cause too much resentment in certain quarters, and the times are troublesome enough without adding to it."

"Why not just appoint someone else, someone like Valandur, for instance?" Ingwion asked.

"Oh no, my prince," Valandur said with a laugh. "That is the last place I wish to be. I am more effective by not being a member of the High King’s Privy Council."

"You mean as Atto’s spymaster," Ingalaurë said, shooting the older ellon a sly smile.

"Exactly," Valandur said with another laugh. "Some things are best done while all eyes are elsewhere. Those on the Privy Council are public figures. I would not be able to do what I do best if I am constantly being importuned by others seeking favors or advice."

"So, do you accept my decision, my sons?" Ingwë asked.

Ingwion and Ingalaurë eyed one another for a moment and some silent communication passed between them. Then, Ingwion rose from his seat and faced his atar gravely. "Thou’rt our atar as well as our king," he said, speaking formally. "Thus, we are enjoined to obey thee twice over. I accept thy decision, my lord." He gave Ingwë a deep reverence, then looked at Ingalaurë who hesitated only for a second or two before rising.

"Ingwi speaks truly, Atto," he said less formally. "I also accept." He gave his atar a bow as well.

Ingwë took both ellyn into his embrace, giving them a kiss on their foreheads. "Thank you," he said sincerely, looking over their heads to Elindis, who sat there smiling at them in her typical serene manner.