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Elf, Interrupted: Book Two: Glorfindel's Quest  by Fiondil

58: Preparations and Problems 

Lord Irmo appeared in Arafinwë’s study about thirty minutes later. The elves had continued talking about the upcoming trip to Tol Eressëa while they waited. Sador was in the middle of voicing his opinion about using warriors under Gilvagor’s command as additional guards when there was a blinding flash of multi-colored lights that coalesced into the fana of the Lord of Lórien. He smiled benignly on them as they hastily rose to give him their obeisance.

"I believe you wished to see me, Pityahuan?" he said mildly, looking directly at Arafinwë.

Several eyebrows went up among the younger ellyn and Finrod gave his atar a hard stare. "Someday you will have to tell us why the Valar call you that."

Arafinwë looked suddenly uncomfortable and gave Irmo a pleading glance, which truly surprised the others. Irmo came to his rescue, casting a sympathetic smile on the Noldóran as he spoke. "The reason for the name is our own, Findaráto. Do not harangue your atar over it."

Finrod blanched at the reprimand, however mildly spoken, and mumbled an apology. Irmo nodded. "You wished to see me about something," he said, bringing them back to the purpose for which they had called for him.

Arafinwë cleared his throat. "My sons are concerned about the planned Progress to Tol Eressëa. I’ve already agreed to postpone it for at least a week because of their worries over security measures. Glorfindel came up with an idea but we need your permission first." He gestured to the ellon and Irmo gave him a warm smile.

"I hear you’ve been an excellent student, Glorfindel," the Vala said. "The only thing the Maiar can seem to talk about these days is how much they enjoyed training you. They are much impressed by your abilities."

Glorfindel blushed and would not look at anyone. His gwedyr gave him considering looks and Sador turned to Irmo with a mock frown. "Should we be jealous?" he asked.

Irmo shook his head. "Nay, child. Glorfindel needed to hone certain innate skills and Lord Manwë’s Maiar were called upon to tutor him. Now, what is this idea of yours?"

"We want to borrow some of the Reborn still residing in Lórien," Glorfindel replied, "specifically, those who were once warriors, to act as guards for Atar and Olwë."

Irmo glanced at Arafinwë, who merely shrugged. "Glorfindel doesn’t trust my... um... braidless warriors, as he put it, to do the job adequately."

"I see," the Vala said, his eyes narrowing.

"Glorfindel even suggested you have Laurendil come along to keep an eye on them," Sador said with a slightly wicked gleam in his eyes.

Irmo raised an eyebrow at that. "I will have to think about this."

"There’s not much time," Arafinwë pointed out. "I’ve already agreed to a week’s postponement, but I don’t think I can delay any longer than that. Messages have already been sent to Olwë and to Gilvagor, who is overseeing things on Tol Eressëa."

"You will have my decision in good time, never fear," Irmo assured them. "If I agree to this I promise that your guards will be here before you are ready to leave. How many guards were you thinking of taking?"

"In spite of what Glorfindel and the others wish, I do not want all our guards to be Reborn," Arafinwë answered. "That would be unfair to my own people as well as Olwë’s."

Irmo nodded. "Agreed. There is already enough tension between the various groups; you do not want to exacerbate the situation further."

"Nor do we wish to bring so many guards as to defeat the purpose of the visit," the Noldóran continued. "Olwë and I agreed that there should be no more than forty to forty-five people in the Progress altogether. I know Olwë will bring his heir, Lindarion, and no doubt his chief guard, Elennen, and of course Beleg. We agreed to split the guards and support personnel between us. I would say no more than a score will be guards, the rest will be cooks and ostlers and the like."

Irmo nodded, giving them a wry look. "More than that and it will be seen as an invasion."

"At the least, it would be in imposition on the island’s economy," Finrod pointed out. "Like Glorfindel, I would trust those warriors who come from Beleriand before any of the Amanians." He cast Arafinwë an apologetic look. "At least I know what sort of training they have had, having fought against orcs and such. The Amanians, even those who fought in the War of Wrath, have less experience in the fine art of treachery." This last was said sardonically and the other three Reborn nodded grimly in agreement. Arafinwë’s expression was pained. The Vala’s expression became instantly unreadable to any of them.

"Treachery," Irmo said softly. "Always there is that to consider. Very well. I will let you know what I decide. Other factors need to be considered before I can give you a final answer."

Before any of them could comment, the Vala was gone. For a long moment, no one spoke. Then, Glorfindel gave a snort. "Not very encouraging, was he?"

"At least he did not say ‘no’ outright, yonya," Arafinwë pointed out. "But in the case that he does, I want to make contingency plans as to which of my own warriors we can take. Beleg has been working with some of them who show promise as archers. Perhaps you would give us your thoughts, Beleg."

The others turned to the former Marchwarden of Doriath, who swallowed a little nervously at being the center of attention. "Well, I haven’t had a chance to teach too many, but the few I have been working with do show great promise," he said, becoming more animated as he warmed to his subject. "If you need archers, I think there are two or three on whom we can safely rely...."

****

Lord Irmo’s answer came two days later, though not in the way they expected. Finrod and Glorfindel were with Beleg putting the Noldorin warriors with whom Beleg had been working through their paces, gauging their skill levels and deciding whom they would take with them to Tol Eressëa. They were interrupted by a page summoning them to the Noldóran’s study. When they entered the room it was to find not only Arafinwë, but Sador, and two others.

"Ingwion!" Finrod exclaimed as the cousins greeted one another with an embrace. "What are you doing here?"

"Atar sent me," was all he said.

Then Finrod turned to the other ellon and smiled warmly. "Eärnur. It’s good to see you again."

The Teler laughed as the two embraced. "You saw me two weeks ago, Findaráto."

"I know, but I didn’t expect to see you again so soon," Finrod replied as Glorfindel and Beleg gave Ingwion and Eärnur their own greetings. "So what are you doing here?"

"I was actually returning to Alqualondë to visit my family," Eärnur said, "when one of Lord Irmo’s Maiar came to me just as I reached Eldamas and told me to wait for Prince Ingwion. She said something about me watching over the Reborn." He gave them a quizzical look. "Do I dare assume Lord Irmo meant you lot?"

"I hope not," Sador muttered, scowling, and the others chuckled.

"We asked Lord Irmo for the loan of some of the Reborn warriors to act as guards on the Royal Progress," Arafinwë explained. "I’m assuming that if he has had you come here then he has decided to send them."

Eärnur frowned. "I was on my way to see my family," he said. "My sister, Eärnilmë, will be celebrating her begetting day next week."

The others all looked uncomfortable at that news. "I’m sorry," Finrod said. "We actually asked for Laurendil. There’s no reason for you to miss your sister’s begetting day celebration."

The Teler shook his head. "If Lord Irmo needs me here then I will not disobey him. I am, after all, pledged to him."

"Then we welcome your presence, child," Arafinwë said, giving the ellon a brief hug. "And frankly, you can help me to mind these particular Reborn. Singly, they’re bad enough, but together..." he shook his head and gave Eärnur a sly smile and a wink. "I keep expecting to wake up some morning to find Tirion has disappeared or something."

Eärnur snickered while the four Reborn in question rolled their eyes. Glorfindel even went so far as to slap an innocent look on his face and start whistling, his hands behind his back, looking at no one in particular. That set the others laughing and soon the tension eased and Arafinwë and Finrod started briefing Ingwion and Eärnur on their plans for the Progress.

"Which is where I come in," Ingwion said as they sat around Arafinwë’s desk, sipping wine and nibbling on cheese and fruit. "Atar would have liked to come on the Progress himself, but he felt he needed to be in Vanyamar at this time, so he asked me to go in his stead. He’s interested in knowing what you and Olwë decide once you’ve seen the situation on the island for yourselves."

Arafinwë nodded. "I had asked him to join us but at the time he could give me no definite answer. I’m glad, though, that he decided to send you. I think it necessary that all three Amanian clans be represented to show a united front. Some of the Tol Eressëans are going to be suspicious of our motives, but hopefully if they see that we of Aman are dedicated to helping them find a solution to their problems, then they will more easily welcome our presence."

"We can only hope," Finrod said, scowling slightly. When Ingwion and Eärnur gave him enquiring looks, he continued. "We’re not too happy with this Progress." He gestured towards Glorfindel, Sador and Beleg. "It’s not that we think there shouldn’t be one, only that it’s too soon. I would prefer waiting until next spring or summer. Too much has happened recently and I... we... fear that there will be those on the island who will try to disrupt the Progress in some way."

"Hmm...." Ingwion said, pursing his lips and narrowing his eyes in concentration. "One of the reasons Atar felt he could not leave Vanyamar is that he wanted to monitor the situation in Formenos. He doesn’t trust Ingoldo or those closest to him."

"The Maiar are guarding them," Sador said.

"Perhaps," Ingwion said. "Still Atar just felt uneasy about it all and so...." He gave them an apologetic shrug.

Arafinwë nodded. "Ingwë is wise and if he feels he needs to oversee the prisoners at Formenos, then it is well that he does so. You are his heir, so your opinions will hold greater weight than if he had sent someone else."

"I understand my cousin Alassiel is here as well," Ingwion said. "I should go give her my greetings."

"She came with Amarië," Finrod said. "My betrothed decided at the last minute to accompany us on the Progress. She said something about getting an elleth’s point of view." He gave them a smirk and there were chuckles all around.

Ingwion turned to Arafinwë. "Eärwen is not coming?"

The Noldóran shook his head. "Neither is Lirillë. They will remain behind to govern our realms while we are away. So, I did not dismiss Amarië’s wish to come with us out of hand. I think she is correct and it’s possible she and Alassiel will be able to strike up conversations with the ellith there and get their opinions about things."

"That makes sense," Ingwion said. "Ellith are more likely to speak freely with other ellith rather than to any ellon. Still, two ellith among all of us ellyn...."

"Some of the guards and support staff will be ellith," Glorfindel pointed out. "They won’t be entirely outnumbered."

"Hmph," Eärnur said. "It’s been my experience that even if there is only one elleth in the group, it’s the ellyn who are outnumbered."

Gales of laughter floated across the gardens from the Noldóran’s study and those who heard it found themselves smiling for no particular reason.

****

Later, Ingwion and Finrod were alone, sitting in the knotwork garden, taking their ease, catching up on each other’s news. "So where are the elflings and Vorondil?" Ingwion asked at one point.

"The elflings are here," Finrod said, "under the care of Mistress Lótemalda. They will remain here while we’re away. As for Vorondil, he’s still in Lórien with Aldundil."

"I’m surprised you didn’t bring them with you," Ingwion said.

Finrod shook his head. "I left Aldundil with a task and Vorondil’s training has intensified a bit. I think when he reaches journeyman status he will be pledged to Lady Estë. The ellon seems to have a great feeling for the healing of hröar."

Ingwion smiled. "Hard to believe that only a few short months ago he was an obnoxious brat. I pitied Valandur for having to take him on as a fosterling when he came to Vanyamar with Glorfindel. I’m glad he’s turning out so well."

"As am I," Finrod said.

Ingwion started to chuckle and Finrod gave him a puzzled look. "What’s so funny?"

"Oh, I was just remembering when I was at Lady Nienna’s, Lord Námo was showing me a map of Tol Eressëa and explaining what the socio-political situation was there and in comes Vorondil, full of curiosity."

"Ah, yes," Finrod said with a smile, "he told us about that. He said he tried to find the library again but never could."

Ingwion raised an eyebrow. "Odd. I never had a problem finding it, considering that I’m the one who put it in order." He gave Finrod a wide grin.

"According to Vorondil," Finrod replied with a grin of his own, "when he asked Lady Nienna, she said the library would be there when he needed it."

"Ah... I always suspected there was something odd about Lady Nienna’s house," Ingwion said, giving Finrod a thoughtful look. "Sometimes I would swear that rooms appeared where there hadn’t been one before and then disappear just as mysteriously. The library, for instance. I know that room didn’t exist when I first arrived, yet suddenly, there it was."

"As I told Glorfindel not too long ago, I don’t think we truly know the full extent of the powers which the Valar have," Finrod replied. "I think they only show us the very least of their powers."

Ingwion sat silently for a few minutes, contemplating Finrod’s words, then looked up at his cousin, his expression pensive. "Which leads me to suspect that the Valar and possibly the Maiar are exhibiting great restraint where we are concerned."

Finrod nodded. "Let us hope none of us do anything to test that restraint. I don’t think Arda would survive otherwise."

****

Because of the Progress, Arafinwë had made no plans for the usual festivities that normally were celebrated at Mid-summer by the royal family, but with the delay, he decided to go ahead with the usual feast, though this year it would not be as extensive or as elaborate. The rest of the populace was encouraged to celebrate as they pleased and the city was soon festooned with garlands and ribbons. Elves from the Southern Fiefdoms made their way into the city to join in the celebration and Noldor living in Eldamas also came to visit with family and friends.

As the festival day approached, though, many in the palace noticed that Glorfindel was becoming more and more withdrawn. Finrod and Ingwion, remembering what happened at Mid-winter, kept a wary eye on him and alerted Arafinwë. A couple of days before the festival the king summoned Glorfindel to his study.

"You are troubled," Arafinwë said to him without preamble. "Your otornor and I can see it. Would you like to tell me what ails you?"

Glorfindel sighed, shaking his head, and Arafinwë could see how he struggled to keep his emotions in check.

"I will not press," the Noldóran said, "but I trust that you will not do to me what you did to Ingwë back at Mid-winter."

The younger ellon looked up in surprise. "I would never do that," he said earnestly. "I learned my lesson."

"Good," Arafinwë replied. "I’m glad to hear it. Now, are you sure you do not want to talk about it? I can see that you are in great emotional pain."

For several minutes Glorfindel did not respond, keeping his gaze on his lap. Finally, though, he looked up and Arafinwë saw that he was fighting back tears. "It... it was at Mid-summer that Gondolin... that I... died," he whispered, then put a hand to his mouth, his eyes full of despair.

Arafinwë went to him and held him in his arms, offering him comfort. "I’m so sorry, child," he said softly. "I’d forgotten about that."

"This is the first time since being released from Mandos that I was consciously aware of the date," Glorfindel said, trying to explain. "I guess it just hit me all of a sudden."

Arafinwë looked down at him and smiled. "You’ve had little time to reflect on such things lately. I wish I could make the pain go away, but I do not have that power, alas." He said this in such a droll manner that Glorfindel couldn’t help sniggering in spite of his tears. "But I can do this much for you," Arafinwë continued. "You need not participate in the festivities and if you wish to have your brothers around then they are excused as well. I only ask that you not be alone during this time. I don’t think that will help."

Glorfindel shook his head. "No. I will be there. I think it would be better for me than sitting around moping even if Finrod and the others are there to see me do so."

"Then, that is what you will do," Arafinwë replied with a nod of approval. "But if at any time things become too much for you, you may leave without seeking my permission. Just be sure you do not leave alone."

"I promise," Glorfindel responded. "Thank you."

"I will tell Findaráto and the others so they will know to keep an eye out for you," the king said.

"I think they’re doing that already," Glorfindel said with a slight smile. "They’re trying to be discreet about it, but I’ve learned a few tricks while I was with the Maiar and so I’m not easily taken unawares."

"So I’ve noticed," Arafinwë said, giving him his own smile. "According to Sador, you’ve taken all the fun out of stalking you, and Beleg is just plain disgusted."

Glorfindel actually laughed at that. "Coming from someone like Beleg, I’ll take that as a compliment."

****

Thus, Mid-summer came. True to his word, Glorfindel participated in the festivities, though his heart wasn’t in it. At one point, he found he needed to excuse himself, his memories of that last Mid-summer in Gondolin becoming too much and he ended up sitting quietly in his room, staring out the window. Finrod was with him, softly playing on his harp which he had thought to bring at the last moment when Glorfindel asked him to accompany him. Glorfindel remained silent and Finrod did not press him to speak. After a while, though, Glorfindel curled up in his bed, wrapping himself around the stuffed toy Lord Námo had given him and began rocking himself. Eventually, the soft melody Finrod was playing calmed him into sleep. Finrod put his harp down to throw a blanket over the somnolent ellon before resuming his playing. When Arafinwë came in some hours later to relieve Finrod and take over sitting with Glorfindel, the ellon never woke.

****

Fana: The veils or raiment of the Valar when they incarnate.





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