38: Hail the Unconquering Heroes!

Dawn stole into the vale to find Glorfindel and Ingwion still awake though they had long ceased to speak, simply enjoying each other’s presence... and the wine. As the mist around them lightened, they made ready to leave the valley, though they were uncertain as to which direction to take.

"I’m sure it matters not," Ingwion stated. "Nyéreser said we would be free to leave so any direction I think will be fine."

"Let’s find the stream then and follow it," Glorfindel suggested, hefting the basket, now many pounds lighter, even as Ingwion smothered the flames of their fire. Soon they set off and in minutes came upon the stream. Following it, they were relieved to find a trail that ran beside it through the cleft made by the stream and, before too many minutes passed, they came out of the valley and into clear sunshine.

"Finally!"

The two of them looked about in surprise to find Aldundil negligently leaning against a nearby pine tree.

"How long have you been here?" Ingwion asked.

"Since dawn actually," Aldundil said as he sauntered over to them. "Nyéreser came to us last night and said I should come meet you. I expected you some time ago."

"Well we’re here now," Ingwion said with a laugh. "Come, let us go. Nyéreser told us that we may return to Lady Nienna’s today. I don’t think we should keep her waiting."

Aldundil grinned. "The camp is in this direction," he said, pointing northwest.

Another hour found them entering the camp to the glad cries of their friends. Vorondil and Sador were busy preparing breakfast while Beleg was seeing to their horses. Ingwion forestalled the barrage of questions by telling them that they needed to break camp soon and return to Lady Nienna’s.

Beleg gave him a troubled look. "Shouldn’t Sador, Glorfindel and I head back to Tirion instead?"

"Assuming we can figure out how to avoid that strange valley or the road," Sador added.

Before anyone could offer an answer a shimmer of lights announced the arrival of several Maiar and the elves suddenly found themselves surrounded by nearly a dozen of the Valar’s servants. Most wore the emblem of Lady Nienna but some wore the emblem of Lord Námo. Vorondil took one look at them and gave out an unholy shriek, diving for the relative safety of the tent. Aldundil stared at the Maiar in disbelief and muttered a curse in Sindarin that had several eyebrows rising in amusement.

"I hope you’re all very proud of yourselves, scaring an elfling half to death like that," he snarled as he made his way into the tent to try to comfort his son who was busy wailing at the top of his lungs, insisting that he hadn’t done anything bad.

Before anyone else could react, another shimmer of lights announced the arrival of Tiutalion who shook his head, a grimace of disgust on his face. "I said, see that they don’t wander off. I didn’t say make a grand entrance."

One of the Maiar from Námo’s People gave Tiutalion an unrepentant grin. "Aw... come now, Tiutalion, you should have seen their faces when we appeared. It was too amusing."

"Your definition of ‘fun’, Morinehtar, leaves much to be desired," Tiutalion retorted. "All right. You’ve made your presence known. I’m sure the Children got the message. Now off with you. I’ll deal with this."

"As long as they’re here, though," Glorfindel said with a supercilious sniff. "They can make themselves useful by helping us break camp."

Tiutalion gave the ellon an amused look. "Rather difficult to do with Vorondil refusing to leave the tent."

Glorfindel shrugged. "Not our problem." He glared at the Maiar still ringed around them and some of them had the grace to look abashed.

Tiutalion grimaced. "Fine. I’ll get Vorondil calmed down and the rest of you be ready to leave in fifteen minutes. We’ve already wasted half the morning with this nonsense and Lady Nienna is growing impatient."

With that the Maia entered the tent where Aldundil had managed to calm his son down enough that he was no longer screaming. "There now," Tiutalion said softly, "why all these tears, child? No one is going to hurt you."

"Th-the M-maiar...."

"Are here to keep Glorfindel in line, not you," Tiutalion replied. "Now dry those tears and let’s be on our way. I understand that Lady Nienna has ordered Marilliën to bake a whole batch of ginger biscuits in celebration of your return."

That got the ellon’s attention. For a moment he stared at the Maia and then without warning he was jumping up and pulling on Aldundil’s arm. "Come on, Atto. We have to hurry before Aiwendilmë eats up all the biscuits."

With that the elfling ran out of the tent, now urging everyone to greater speed in breaking camp, announcing that they had to get to Lady Nienna’s sooner rather than later before all the ginger biscuits were eaten. Even Námo’s People laughed at that and soon the camp was cleared and they were on their way.

****

They arrived at Lady Nienna’s shortly before noon to find not only the Valië waiting for them but Lord Námo as well. Neither Vala looked particularly happy and Vorondil’s enthusiasm at the thought of ginger biscuits waned. However, once they were all dismounted, the horses led away by other Maiar, Lady Nienna smiled at the ellon and Aldundil.

"You’ve done very well, the both of you," she said. "Why don’t you go and refresh yourselves and spend the afternoon as you wish. The library is available if you want something to read or you may go to the beach, though take care, for the tide turns back in less than an hour."

Aldundil bowed and Vorondil remembered to do the same. "Thank you, lady," the older ellon said. "I would not mind a hot bath right about now, myself."

Nienna nodded. "Then go, the both of you. I’ll have something sent up to your rooms for lunch. We’ll meet again tonight for dinner."

Aldundil and Vorondil left. Nienna then turned to Ingwion. "My brother would have words with you, Ingwion, so you go along with him and when he’s done you are free to do as you wish as well until the dinner hour."

Ingwion simply nodded, casting a surreptitious glance at the Lord of Mandos, wondering what his master might have to say to him. However, at the moment Námo appeared disinclined to go anywhere. Instead, he gave the Maiar who were his own People a hard look, a look mirrored by Nienna, and the four ellyn were treated to the sight of seeing several Maiar squirm.

"Would any of you care to tell me whose idea it was to, how did Tiutalion put it, ah yes... make a grand entrance?" Nienna asked in a deceptively mild tone.

For a long moment there was only silence and then one of the Maiar wearing Námo’s emblem spoke up. "Truly, we all sort of came to the idea at the same time, lady," he said. "When these two began speaking of returning to Tirion," he added, pointing to Beleg and Sador, "we just couldn’t resist."

"Ah..." was Námo’s comment and the tone was anything but mild. Several of the Maiar cringed. "And so you decided frightening an elfling, and that particular elfling, would be a good idea."

"No, lord," Morinehtar said. "It was not our intent to do so. I... I think we were all concentrating on Glorfindel and forgot about the others."

Glorfindel, on hearing that, scowled. "Well, concentrate on this," he said, his tone dark and threatening as he faced the Maiar. "We were in no danger of running away. I was told we were expected here and here is where we were going. Next time you presume to think you know our minds, I suggest you consult a higher authority before you act. It might actually save us all a lot of trouble."

There was an uncomfortable silence for a moment or two as Glorfindel stared down the Maiar, many of them standing there with raised eyebrows at the temerity of this Child lecturing them. Nienna and Námo exchanged amused smiles and Námo actually reached over and took Glorfindel into his embrace. "Peace, best beloved," he said when the ellon looked to protest. "Let my sister and I chastise our People. You shouldn’t have all the fun, you know."

That outrageous statement brought sniggers from all four elves and Glorfindel’s mien lightened as he looked up at the Vala, giving him a wicked grin. "Well... just this once," he said and Námo smiled down at him before releasing him. The Maiar remained studiously impassive.

Nienna, meanwhile was addressing Beleg and Sador. "You two are on your way back to Tirion," she told them. "You have much to apologize for, so I suggest you start thinking on that now."

"What about Glorfindel?" Sador asked.

"Ah..." Námo replied before Nienna could. "That hasn’t been decided yet."

"Please let me know when you do," Glorfindel said in his most lordly tone.

"All right, enough," Nienna said, shaking her head. "Tiutalion will show you your rooms. Feel free to wander and explore but I’m afraid I cannot permit you to leave the house at this time. Now off with you."

Beleg and Sador gave the two Valar their obeisance and followed the Maia through the arcade while Glorfindel remained where he was, his expression one of grim amusement as he stared pointedly at Námo. "Enough of your manipulations," he said. "I’ve put up with it this long, but no longer. Continue to treat me as you have and you do so at your peril." Before anyone could respond to that he turned and entered the house, not looking back.

For a long moment there was only silence as Nienna and Námo communed. Then Námo sighed and turned his attention to Ingwion, who was still there, looking a bit lost in their midst. "Come, Ingwion. I want you to tell me all about your experience in the Chapel of Stars." He gestured for the ellon to follow him and together they walked towards the seacliff while Ingwion gave Námo an account of what happened to him.

****

Dinner was a strained affair. The presence of both Valar put a damper on them all. Glorfindel refused to speak to any of them, and Beleg and Sador were subdued at the thought of the trouble they were in. Even Vorondil was quiet and was spending more time pushing his food around the plate than eating. Nienna gave him an understanding smile.

"If you don’t finish your dinner, Vorondil, there’ll be no ginger biscuits."

The ellon just shrugged and that surprised them. Aldundil looked at his son in concern. "Are you well, yonya?"

"I guess," was the ellon’s lackluster reply.

"What’s wrong, Vorondil? What has you so sad?" Aldundil asked, running a gentle hand through the ellon’s hair.

"Nothing, Atto," the ellon whispered, not looking up from his plate.

"Hmm," Nienna said, narrowing her eyes. "I think someone has had too much excitement of late. Perhaps you should go to bed. I think you’ll feel more yourself by tomorrow."

It was telling that the ellon did not protest, but merely nodded and got up and left. Aldundil looked at Nienna in alarm. "Is he going to be all right, lady?"

The Valië smiled. "Do not concern yourself, Aldundil. Vorondil is just feeling the effects of the last few days. A good night’s rest in his own bed should put him to rights."

Aldundil nodded and returned to his own meal. No one else spoke for some time. All this time Ingwion had been watching Glorfindel from the corner of his eye. The ellon was like a tightly coiled spring and Ingwion had the feeling that Glorfindel was ready to explode at any moment. Deciding to avert what was bound to be a disaster Ingwion turned to Námo with a question that had been plaguing him since he and Glorfindel had talked.

"Glorfindel told me that he cannot see Eärendil’s Star even though he seems to be able to talk about him now. Do you know why?"

Námo’s look of surprise caught them all unawares. Even Glorfindel seemed nonplused at the Vala’s reaction. "Is this true, Glorfindel?" Námo asked.

Glorfindel nodded. "Ingwion told me about Eärendil and Elwing coming to Aman, but every time I look for the star I can’t see it."

"I thought you said all the barriers were down, brother," Nienna interjected, her expression one of worry.

"They are, or rather they should be," Námo answered. "As soon as Glorfindel was able to speak of Eärendil he should have been able to see the star as well." He turned to the ellon, his expression one of remorse. "I’m sorry, Glorfindel, I have no answers for you. What you describe should not be happening."

"Then you’re not preventing me from seeing it?" Glorfindel asked, looking unconvinced.

Námo shook his head. "We even considered reinstating the barriers but decided against it. We have placed no new barriers upon you. I give you my word."

Glorfindel frowned. "Then if you didn’t do it, who did?"

"There is only one who could have done so, Glorfindel," Námo said gravely, divining the truth of the situation. "You met him; you and Ingwion both did."

Glorfindel paled at that. "But why?"

"Again, I have no answers," Námo replied. "I can only say that if he did this it was for a good reason."

Glorfindel scowled. "Everyone keeps manipulating me. I’m sick of it!" With that, he threw down his fork and stalked out of the room. Ingwion made to follow, but Námo forestalled him.

"Let him be, Ingwion. He needs to be alone for a time."

"Which is why I’ve decided he should stay here, while the rest of you go," Nienna said.

"What do you mean, lady?" Aldundil asked, clearly puzzled.

"Just this. Aldundil, you and Vorondil are free to leave. Same goes with Ingwion. You no longer need to be here."

"Do you think Findaráto will accept Vorondil back so soon?" Ingwion asked, voicing Aldundil’s concern as well.

"He will have no choice. The stipulation was that Vorondil would remain in my custody until I deemed otherwise. So, all of you will be leaving tomorrow; only Glorfindel will be remaining."

"Assuming he agrees to it," Sador said with a grin.

"Oh, I think he will," Nienna said. "I’ll make him an offer he can’t possibly refuse. Now you finish your dinners while my brother and I go find Glorfindel and tell him the good news." Her smile was such that the elves were all laughing as she and Námo left the room.

****

They found Glorfindel futilely beating on the front door, which was locked, and cursing roundly.

"Glorfindel," Nienna said, "stop abusing that poor door and come back into the cloister."

When the ellon just stood there, his head leaning against the door, Námo sighed, gave his sister a wry look and took Glorfindel by the crook of his right elbow and made him come with them back into the cloister where they found a seat, having the elf sit between them. For some minutes they sat there staring at the fountain at the cloister’s center before Nienna spoke.

"How would you like to stay here with me for a while, Glorfindel?" she asked softly. "I think you could use some time alone." She ran a hand through his hair, gently stroking him.

"I’m not going to be alone though, will I?" Glorfindel muttered darkly, not looking at either Vala. "Ingwion and...."

"I’m sending everyone else away," Nienna interrupted. Glorfindel looked up then, puzzled. Nienna nodded. "I have decided that Vorondil is no longer in need of my attention," she continued, "so he and Aldundil will return to Findaráto. Ingwion is free to leave as well. So you see," she gave him a soft smile, "you’ll be alone."

"Except for you and an unknown number of invisible Maiar watching my every move," Glorfindel retorted sourly.

Nienna and Námo exchanged amused looks and the Lady of Pity chuckled. "Occupational hazard when one deals with any of us Powers." She paused for a moment, still lightly stroking the ellon’s hair. Námo, meanwhile, was just as quietly rubbing Glorfindel’s back. Between them they were slowly easing the tension out of the ellon’s body. As he began to visibly relax, Nienna continued the discussion. "Not far from here is a small cottage where you can stay, if you like. You will have complete privacy there. No Maia will be lurking about and all will approach in fana if they need to speak to you. Would you like that? My only stipulation is that you take the evening meal with me, otherwise you may do as you wish."

"What if I wish to leave with the others, instead?" he asked.

"We will not stop you," Námo said, "but I think you would benefit from spending time alone without anyone, even your gwedyr, hovering over you."

Nienna nodded. "My brother speaks truly. You have not had a moment to yourself in far too long."

When Glorfindel didn’t answer immediately, she smiled. "Why don’t we do this? Stay for one week and if at the end of that time you still wish to leave you may do so."

Glorfindel gave her a skeptical look. "One week and I can leave? No tricks?"

"No tricks, child," Nienna said solemnly. "The cottage is yours for as long as you wish to stay and any time you feel a need to talk, any of my People would be more than willing to listen if I’m not immediately available. All you need to do is ask."

The ellon thought about it for several minutes, staring back at the fountain that sang merrily, the sound of its waters almost as calming as the tactile ministrations of the two Valar. He finally sighed and nodded. "One week," was all he said, still not looking at them.

Námo smiled, patting him on the back and planting a light kiss of benediction on the ellon’s forehead. "I will leave you then," he said. "If you ever want to talk to me, best beloved, just tell Nienna and she will let me know."

Glorfindel nodded and the Vala was suddenly not there. Nienna stood up and gazed lovingly down at the elf who looked up at her with some uncertainty. "Why don’t we go back inside and you can tell your gwedyr of your decision."

Glorfindel gave another sigh and stood as well. Together they went back to the dining room where four ellyn sat, idly wondering what decision their gwador had made.

****

Fana: The ‘raiment’ in which the Valar and Maiar clothed themselves when they self-incarnate.