In Darkness Bound by Fiondil

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Chapter 37: The Ingaran’s Ambassador

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37: The Ingaran’s Ambassador

Ingwion and Intarion left the next day with much ceremony, for Ingwë insisted on holding a special court announcing Ingwion’s new role as his ambassador to the court of Tirion as well as confirming Ingalaurë’s more permanent appointment to the Privy Council. Afterwards, as they were seeing the two ellyn on their way, Ingwë gave his first-born a warm hug.

"You need not worry about surprising Ñolofinwë by showing up unexpectedly," he told him. "As soon as you told me your decision I had a courier sent. He will be in Tirion by now, so Ñolofinwë will be prepared for your arrival."

"Oh," Ingwion said, feigning disappointment, "and here I was all set to show up with bags in hand asking for a room."

Ingwë laughed and hugged his son again, more fiercely, almost as if he feared to let him go. He kissed him on his brow and smiled into his eyes. "You are my beloved son of whom I am well pleased. You and your brother have grown in many ways these last few years. Your ammë and I are very proud of you, of both of you."

"Thank you," Ingwion said around a sudden lump in his throat. Then he leaned over to whisper into Ingwë’s ear. "Don’t forget to tell Ingil the same thing."

Ingwë gave him a considering look and nodded. "I intended to, yonya. Do not think I do not see the resentment your brother sometimes shows at not having been born first. It is a concern for both your ammë and me. Perhaps this time of separation will do you both good. Ingil will come into his own without being in your shadow."

"That is my hope as well," Ingwion said with a nod and then it was time to leave. He mounted his horse and joined Intarion at the front of the small escort that was only proper for one who was not only the Ingaran’s ambassador but also his heir and with a cheery wave they set off. Besides the guards, the escort included three Elves who would act as Ingwion’s staff while he was in Tirion.

"You didn’t farewell your brother," Elindis said to Ingalaurë, mildly reproving him as they stood there watching Ingwion and Intarion leaving.

"We said our farewells in private, ammë," her younger son replied. "We thought it would be... less emotional. Indil’s crying enough for all of us." He glanced at his sister, still waving at the cavalcade that was disappearing around a bend with one hand while wiping her eyes with a rather soggy handkerchief with the other. Then he glanced at his ammë and they shared a smile before following Ingwë back into the palace.

****

When they arrived in Eldamas, Ingwion, on Intarion’s suggestion, ordered the escort to continue on to the other side of Valmar and make for the Crown and Stars Inn, situated on the road to Tirion, where they would stay the night. "Prince Intarion and I will join you once we have visited with our cousin." The escort captain did not look particularly happy about it and insisted that one of the guards remain with the princes as a matter of propriety. Ingwion agreed and they parted company with the two princes and their guard heading towards the mansion of Lord Aulë and Lady Yavanna. Before the gates of the mansion they encountered a Maia and when Ingwion identified themselves and their purpose, the Maia, who named herself Cemendillë of the People of Yavanna, bowed to them.

"I will inform Lord Aulë as to your request," she told them. "It will be his decision to allow you to see Prince Findaráto. It may be that your cousin is in the middle of important research and would not be able to leave his work at this time. If that is the case, I have no doubt that my lord will instruct you as to when you may see him."

"Thank you," Ingwion said. "Please tell Lord Aulë that we are staying at the Crown and Stars Inn. Perhaps, if we are unable to see Findaráto at this time, he might be able to join us for dinner."

Cemendillë nodded. "I will inform him. In the meantime, you may take your ease in the garden to your right." With that she left them and the three ellyn entered the garden and strolled about, the guard three paces behind the two princes who walked side-by-side softly commenting on the garden. They were admiring a particular fountain when Cemendillë returned. "It is as I thought," she said. "Prince Findaráto and the other Aulenduri are deep in the middle of a project that they have been working on for some time. Lord Aulë feels that they should not be disturbed. He has instructed me to tell you that he will send Findaráto to the inn." She gave them a wry smile. "It will be a good excuse to get him out of the mansion for a time."

The two princes grinned. Ingwion then gave the Maia a bow. "Thank you. We will go now and await our cousin’s arrival, say, an hour after Second Mingling?"

Cemendillë nodded. "I will inform Lord Aulë."

With that, she escorted them to the entrance and they were on their way to the eastern gate of Valmar, making for the Crown and Stars Inn.

****

Ingwion reserved a private parlor for them and their cousin and at the appointed hour, Findaráto entered the inn with Urundil in tow.

"I hope you don’t mind," he said as he gave Ingwion a warm hug, "but I invited Urundil to dine with us. Do you remember him?"

"Of course," Ingwion said warmly, "and I don’t mind at all. Intarion, this is Urundil who is a loyal Aulendur living here in Valmar. I believe you have a wife and daughter if memory serves."

"Yes, Highness," Urundil answered. "They live in Eldamas while I reside with the other Aulenduri in Lord Aulë’s mansion."

"Oh, you’re the ellon who got Findaráto into so much trouble," Intarion said brightly. "I heard all about that."

"Urundil did not get me into trouble," Findaráto protested laughingly when he noticed Urundil’s expression of dismay. "Pay no attention to the ellon, Urundil. Intarion is always jesting."

At Urundil’s continued look of confusion and dismay, Intarion held out his hand. "What Findaráto says is true, Urundil. I am merely jesting. Welcome and please, let us sit. I will order another setting." He went to the door and, opening it, called out and when one of the serving ellith showed up he asked for another setting and soon the four ellyn were seated enjoying the repast while catching up on all the news.

"I was surprised to hear you were here," Findaráto said to Ingwion. "I was expecting Intarion, for he left a message for me when he came through on the way to Vanyamar telling me he would see me on his way back. How is it you are here with him?"

Ingwion explained and Findaráto raised an eyebrow. "Well. Uncle Ingwë is getting mighty devious. He must be taking lessons from the Valar."

They all laughed at that. "Probably truer than you say, Cousin," Ingwion replied after they had calmed a bit. "So, do you know when you will be returning to Tirion?"

Findaráto shook his head. "Only that it will be before the end of the year, but the exact date has not been determined. Urundil and I are rather involved in a project that we’ve been working on almost since I came here. We’re very close to solving certain problems related to it and I would like to see it completed before I leave."

"But you do intend to leave," Intarion said.

Findaráto nodded. "Yes. It is time I took up my duties to my family and my people once again. Uncle Ñolofinwë needs me more than Lord Aulë does."

"I disagree," Urundil stated, "but I understand how you feel. I think if my wife, Valamírë, and my daughter, Aulendilmë, were not living here in Eldamas, I would forsake my position as an Aulendur to be with them. Family is very important."

The others nodded in agreement. "Which is why I asked Lord Aulë for permission to return to Tirion," Findaráto said, "although I sensed a reluctance on his part to grant it. I am not sure why."

"Perhaps he will simply miss you," Urundil replied quietly, "as will I and the others."

"And I will miss you as well," Findaráto returned, "but we will see one another again, I have no doubt." Then deciding they had spoken enough about him, he said, "So tell us what’s been happening in your lives."

The rest of the evening was spent in regaling one another with tales of the little (and not so little) doings of family and friends and they parted in high spirits.

"I am glad that when I finally return to Tirion that you will be there," Findaráto said to Ingwion as he and Urundil were leaving. Ingwion merely nodded. "And Intarion," Findaráto continued, turning to his other cousin, "you and Lirulin must plan to come and visit once I am there."

"We will, Findaráto," Intarion promised. "Send word when you are leaving Valmar and Lirulin and I will come to Tirion to greet you."

Findaráto nodded and then he and Urundil left the inn to return to Valmar.

****

As predicted, Ñolofinwë was waiting for them on the front portico of the palace when they arrived. Accompanying him were Arafinwë and Indis and the rest of the royal family. There was little ceremony, for they were all kin and there was much joy in their greetings.

"We will reserve the formalities for later," Ñolofinwë said as he led them back into the palace and towards the royal apartments. The guards and Ingwion’s staff were led away to the suite of rooms reserved for them with assurances from Ñolofinwë that his people would see to their needs while Ingwion and Intarion visited with the family."So, how is everyone in Vanyamar?"

"And did you see Findaráto?" Arafinwë asked. "How fares he?"

Ingwion and Intarion assured them that Ingwë and the rest of the family were doing well and that Findaráto was looking forward to returning home soon. "He did not know exactly when," Ingwion told them, "but assured us that it would be by year’s end if not sooner."

"Good," Aicanáro said with some feeling. "He’s the only one who can keep Artanis in line. She never listens to me or Angaráto."

"That’s because you have nothing interesting to say," the elleth retorted primly and there were knowing smiles all around.

"How long can you stay, Intarion?" Anairë asked.

"For a few days," he answered. "I finished my business earlier than I thought so Lirulin is not expecting me back until the middle of next week."

"It’s a pity she did not accompany you at least to Tirion," Anairë commented. "We would have loved to have had her here until your return."

"She was busy overseeing the harvest," Intarion replied. "I told Findaráto that when he returned to Tirion, Lirulin and I would come for a long visit."

"That would be splendid," Artanis exclaimed. "I have been working on a piece of music for some time now and would like Lirulin’s opinion."

Intarion smiled at the elleth. "I will tell her. She quite admired your talent in that regard, especially your harp-playing. You and Findaráto both seem to have a gift for that particular instrument."

Artanis beamed at the praise.

As the family gathered in one of the larger sitting rooms, Ñolofinwë gave Ingwion a measuring look. "I was rather surprised to receive your atar’s missive telling me of your pending arrival. I am not sure I understand why you are here and in what capacity."

"I am here as the Ingaran’s emissary," Ingwion replied, speaking somewhat formally. There were several raised eyebrows at his speaking of Ingwë as the High King and not as his atar. "I am here to speak for the High King in matters that concern him."

"But why?" Ñolofinwë demanded, looking frustrated and confused at the same time.

"Atto has been receiving reports from people describing the continuing unrest here in Tirion," Ingwion said, reverting to a more intimate style of address. "He was disappointed that you did not come to him for advice or aid."

"We can handle it," Ñolofinwë snarled, now looking affronted.

"Can you? Are you?" Ingwion demanded. "Ari, I know you and Arafinwë and the rest of you are doing your best, but it may not be enough. I spent hours with Atto and Valandur pouring over notes on what is happening here. Valandur thinks that not all of Fëanáro’s sympathizers went with him to Formenos, but remained behind to foment discord among the Noldor and to discredit you in the eyes of your people and the High King. Can you deny this?"

For a moment Ñolofinwë did not answer, his expression dark with anger. The tension in the room was palpable and no one dared to break the silence that had settled over them. Finally, though, Ñolofinwë sighed, looking more rueful. "No, I cannot deny anything that you’ve said," he replied in a small voice.

Ingwion leaned over to place a comforting hand on the ellon’s knee. "Ari, there is no shame in admitting you need help and that’s what Atto wants to do, help, but unless you ask, his hands are tied."

"Then why are you here?" Arafinwë asked. "You say you are the Ingaran’s emissary. Just what does that entail?"

"I am Atto’s voice," Ingwion said. "I am here to speak on Atto’s behalf on matters that concern him as Ingaran."

"Hmph," Indis snorted in disdain. "I am not sure I believe you when you say you are only here as my brother’s representative to the court of Tirion. I think there is more than that going on."

Ingwion gave his aunt a cool stare. "Would it make things easier for you if I say that I’m Atto’s spy?"

"Are you really?" Írissë, the youngest of them, exclaimed. "How exciting."

"Please, Daughter," Ñolofinwë admonished, looking less than amused, "this is neither the time nor place for such things. Ingwi is not a spy."

"Pity," the elleth said with a sigh. "I was all ready to send him secret messages."

"Yes, messages about her latest love," Aracáno said with a sneer at his sister who was about to retaliate with a scathing remark but their amillë stopped them with a cold look.

"Enough," Anairë cautioned her children and the two subsided.

"All I am saying is that Atto is concerned, not only as Ingaran, but more importantly, as the head of our family."

"Finwë is the head of our family," Indis said coldly.

"Finwë is the head of the Noldorin royal family," Ingwion retorted, "but Atto is the head of our family." He stressed the possessive.

There was a brief silence before anyone ventured to speak. "Well, be that as it may," Arafinwë said, casting a glance at his brother, "I, for one, am glad you are here, Ingwion. I am hoping that as an outsider you might have a different perspective on what is happening and offer us some ideas of how to address the problems we face, not as Uncle Ingwë’s emissary, but as one of the family."

"I would like that," Ingwion said sincerely.

"Good," Ñolofinwë said. "We will have a formal presentation at court tomorrow, but for now why don’t we just forget about all this and enjoy ourselves. I know you and Intarion would like to freshen up from the road. So, why don’t you go and unpack and settle in and I will send Findecáno to fetch you for dinner. We’ve put you and your people in the same wing that Uncle Ingwë and Aunti Elindis were in."

Ingwion and Intarion agreed to the idea and soon they all dispersed to attend to their own affairs.

****

The court the next day was stiff and formal, but mercifully short. Ingwion was careful to wear his finest court garb, making sure that every fold was correct and not a jewel was out of place. The rest of the family dressed accordingly. Ñolofinwë sat regally on the throne, though when Ingwion was announced he rose to greet him as was only proper. Ingwion bowed to him, though he was careful not to bow too low, for his status as haryon to the Ingaran made him of higher rank than Ñolofinwë, acting merely as Finwë’s regent. Ingwion handed his letters patent to his cousin who accepted them graciously, welcoming him to the court.

"We hope that thou and thy people will enjoy your stay with us," Ñolofinwë said.

"Thank you," Ingwion said with a nod of his head. "Permit me to introduce my staff." At Ñolofinwë’s nod, he introduced the one who would act as his secretary and his two assistants. Then he introduced the captain of his guard.

Ñolofinwë welcomed them to Tirion and then the court was over, much to everyone’s relief. A welcoming feast followed shortly afterwards where Ingwion spent the time being introduced to other members of Ñolofinwë’s court, though by both Ñolofinwë’s and Ingwion’s insistence, the conversations were kept to generalities and no talk of politics was permitted.

****

Three days later, Intarion said his farewells to the Noldorin royal family and to Ingwion. During the intervening days the two ellyn had spent much time together, two Vanyar against all the Noldor, or so Ingwion put it. Ingwion valued Intarion’s insights as a loremaster in his own right and the two spent much of the time discussing the situation in Tirion and elsewhere. When it came time for Intarion to leave, Ingwion was less than happy about it.

"I did not realize that I would be alone even among those who are my kin when I accepted this position," he commented to Intarion as the two made their way to the front portico where Intarion’s horse awaited him. The rest of the family had already made their farewells and Ingwion had said he would escort Intarion to the door.

"I know," Intarion said sympathetically, "but Findaráto will be here soon and he will support you. You are more than cousins, you are otornor. He will be your ally here."

"I certainly hope so," Ingwion said fervently. "Well, safe journey, Cousin, and give Lirulin my love. As soon as I know when Findaráto will be returning, I will send you word."

The two embraced and then Intarion was riding off, waving as he did so. Ingwion waved back and then Intarion disappeared behind a colonnade and Ingwion was alone.

****

Otornor: Plural of otorno: Sworn brother.