61: On to Tol Eressëa

They set out around dawn a week after Mid-summer. Finrod, Glorfindel, Sador, Amarië and Alassiel, rode with Arafinwë, while Mithlas, Celepharn and Beleg rode in the vanguard with some of the Noldorin guards. Edrahil and Eregil rode with the other guards in the rear. Laurendil, Manwen and Eärnur rode behind Arafinwë’s group while the support staff followed. One other person traveled with them at Arafinwë’s insistence. Lord Pelendur, Haldir’s atar, rode beside the High King, carrying Arafinwë’s standard. He alone of all the party looked decidedly unhappy to be there.

They made their way down the Calacirya and both Finrod and Glorfindel looked about in dismay.

"Where did these watchtowers come from?" Glorfindel asked as he pointed to several towers that lined the cleft on either side. They were tall stone edifices, round and smooth, made of a dark unreflective material. No doorways could be seen that would allow entrance, yet on each tower Maiar stood sentinel, gazing down on them with dispassionate regard. Glorfindel shivered involuntarily and noticed Finrod doing the same.

Arafinwë sighed. "Shortly after Isil rose, Melkor attacked Tilion. The Valar, fearing a repeat of what happened to Almaren, raised the Pelóri to new heights and set a ceaseless watch upon them, closing all passes except this one, for they knew that even the Vanyar needed at times to breathe the airs that come from the lands of our awakening, nor would they willingly sunder the Teleri from us. Instead, they built these towers which even now are manned. There was a time, in fact, when an entire host of Maiar was encamped at the place where the Calacirya issues upon the plains of Valmar, ensuring that neither bird nor beast, elf nor mortal nor any creature that resided in Endórë could pass the leaguer."

"And yet, Eärendil did, I am told," Finrod said.

"Yes," Arafinwë answered. "Surprisingly, when the Valar declared a time of festival, as is their habit from time to time, all of the Calacirya was emptied of Maiar and the host was disbanded."

"Almost as if they knew Eärendil was coming," Sador mused.

"Most likely," Arafinwë replied. "Eönwë did greet him, after all, and brought him before the Valar, none of whom showed any surprise at his appearance, though we elves were rather astounded to see one who was not entirely of elvenkind." He gave them an amused smile.

"Eärendil and Elwing were elvish enough to be our lord and lady after Tuor and Idril left," Sador said. "Even Gil-galad and Círdan treated them both with respect."

"At any rate, these towers were built and so they stand," Arafinwë concluded. "Most of us have gotten used to them and don’t even think about it."

They continued to ride in silence, each lost in his or her own thoughts as the party made their way through the Calacirya until at last they reached the small harbor that looked out upon Tol Eressëa. Glorfindel gazed across the narrow channel separating them from the island with much interest and many of the others did as well, never having been there. As they came to the harbor they found another party already encamped and Glorfindel could see the swan standard marking the Teleri. Two swan ships were tied to the quay.

"Right on time," Arafinwë said with a smile as they made their way to where they could see Olwë standing before a small pavilion waiting for them. Beside him stood an ellon whose looks were so like Olwë’s that it was clear to all that this must be his heir, Lindarion.

The King of Alqualondë gave them a smile. "Greetings," he said, then gave Arafinwë a puzzled look. "I thought we were going to keep our numbers to the absolute minimum."

"A slight change in plans," Arafinwë said as he dismounted and gave Olwë a kinsman’s kiss. "The ellith decided to join us and would not take ‘no’ for an answer." He gave Olwë a wink and the Teler chuckled even as he gestured for Finrod to approach, giving him a hug.

"Do you remember your Uncle Lindarion?" he asked softly.

Finrod gave him a surprised look. "Of course I do, Anatar." Then he turned to the ellon standing next to Olwë and gave him a brilliant smile. "So, how much do you owe me?"

Lindarion laughed and threw his arms around Finrod, giving him a kiss. "I have forgotten," he replied.

"So have I," Finrod said.

"Besides, I heard that you died," Lindarion rejoined, giving him a sly look. "Doesn’t death cancel all debts?"

"Hmm.... What do you think, Glorfindel?" Finrod asked.

Glorfindel shrugged. "I’ll let you know when I try to collect from Ecthelion whenever he’s released from Mandos."

They all laughed at that and then introductions were made all around. When Olwë saw Eärnur among them he gave the ellon a wistful smile. "I’m sorry you will miss Eärnilmë’s begetting day," he told him. "I would be the first one to release you from your duty to us, but if Lord Irmo has bidden you to come with us, I am not so foolish as to go against his wishes."

"Nor am I," Eärnur said. "There will be other begetting day celebrations, and this just means I have more time to come up with an appropriate gift. I’m running out of ideas!"

There was laughter all around at that and then Amarië spoke up. "Well, in that case, Eärnur, perhaps we ellith can help you there. We may find something interesting for her on Tol Eressëa."

"That would be nice," Eärnur said, "and it would certainly be unique. Thank you."

"The tide is against us so we will have to wait until morning to depart," Olwë said.

"Then, let us plan to sleep aboard the ships," Arafinwë said, "and we will leave boarding the horses until we’re ready to depart."

Olwë nodded and orders were given. They stowed all their gear aboard the two ships, though they took their evening meal on the shore where afterwards they entertained themselves with singing and story-telling until quite late.

An hour before dawn saw them all up and bringing aboard the horses. Olwë and the Teleri went to one ship while Arafinwë and his people boarded the other, though the ship itself was manned by Telerin sailors. Lindarion chose to travel in the ship carrying the Noldor as he wished to visit with Finrod and Ingwion and their friends. Once all were aboard, the ships were launched and they sailed across the calm waters of the Bay of Eldamar to Tol Eressëa. Tavrobel came into view and everyone went forward, eager to see the city.

"It doesn’t look anything like Alqualondë," Lindarion said.

"Why should it?" Finrod asked in surprise.

Lindarion shrugged. "I don’t know. I just assumed...." He gave Finrod a rueful look. "I guess I’m just not as well traveled as you."

Finrod snorted but made no other comment.

"The architecture of Tavrobel and Kortirion are a mix of Noldorin and Sindarin sensibilities," Sador said from where he stood further along the rail. "I did not see Avallónë but I suspect it is similar in style."

"I think it’s lovely," Alassiel said, "though I’m not sure I like the smell."

Some of them laughed. "That’s the smell of fish and seaweed and brine," Sador explained. He gave them a wistful smile. "Brings back memories," he said to no one in particular. Mithlas, who happened to be standing next to him gave him a brief hug. Lindarion looked at Finrod, his expression one of puzzlement.

"Sador died at the Havens of Sirion," Finrod whispered to his uncle.

Lindarion softly gasped and gave Sador, who was speaking quietly with Mithlas and not paying any attention to them, a sympathetic look. "He seems rather young," he said.

Finrod nodded. "He was sixty-eight when one of my cousins’ warriors struck him down," he answered, his expression suddenly grim.

Lindarion gave him a knowing look and then sighed as he looked out towards the fast approaching port. "I lost some good friends from the Kinslaying," he said quietly. "It took me a long time to find forgiveness in my heart for what was done to us."

Finrod nodded. "I’m sorry," was all he could think to say.

Lindarion threw an arm around his shoulders and hugged him, giving him a light kiss on his forehead. "It is in the past," he said softly, "and it is forgiven. Let us not dwell on it, but look to the future instead."

Finrod nodded but before he could comment there were shouts between the sailors and the workers on the docks as the ships glided gracefully into the harbor and everyone dispersed to make themselves ready to disembark.

"Oh, look!" Sador exclaimed. "There’s Gilvagor and Haldir waiting for us."

"Good," Finrod said. "I’m glad they are here."

"Doesn’t look as if there’s much of a welcoming committee, though," Glorfindel commented with a slight frown.

"Maybe they’re hiding," Sador suggested with a sly smile, "and they want to surprise us."

"I hate surprises," Glorfindel muttered.

Finrod shrugged. "I guess we’ll find out soon enough."

The ships reached the docks. The sailors threw out the ropes and dockworkers expertly caught them and began securing the lines. Shortly thereafter the gangplank was lowered and Arafinwë stepped down and made his way to where Gilvagor and Haldir were standing. The two ellyn bowed to him even as Olwë was making his way to them as well.

"Welcome to Tol Eressëa, my lords," Gilvagor said.

By now the others had also made their way off the ships while the guards and servants handled the off-loading of the horses and their supplies with the help of the sailors and dockworkers. When Haldir saw his atar descending from the ship, carrying Arafinwë’s standard, he gasped in surprise, giving the Noldóran an enquiring look, but Arafinwë just shook his head. "Later," he said quietly and Haldir nodded his understanding. Pelendur studiously refused to look at his son.

"Not much of a welcoming committee," Arafinwë said dryly, echoing Glorfindel’s words. The tension that had risen among them a moment before dissipated as some in the group chuckled, casting amused glances at Glorfindel, who merely smirked.

Gilvagor and Haldir, on the other hand, had nearly identical expressions of dismay on their faces. "You must forgive us," Gilvagor said. "We thought it prudent to keep your visit as unobtrusive as possible. You will notice that the harbor is virtually empty."

Everyone nodded. "I did notice a decided lack of industry," Olwë remarked with a wry smile.

"Yes, well, the fishermen are all out," Gilvagor continued. "I purposely arranged for you to reach the island during a lull time. The merchants are taking their ease before the catches are brought in. I found a field just to the north of the city where you can set up camp. Later, you can wander through the city and see what there is to see."

Both kings glanced at one another and then Olwë gave his son-in-law a nod before turning to Gilvagor. "Lead us then to this field."

Both Tol Eressëans breathed sighs of relief and in short order the two kings and their entourage were making their way northward along the harbor with Gilvagor and Haldir in the lead. They encountered few inhabitants along the way and some in the party suspected that this was deliberate. They made their way around a headland before climbing along a rise until they were behind the city looking upon an open field of meadow flowers and trees.

"Tavrobel lies on the other side of that copse," Gilvagor stated, pointing south. "There is a path that leads down into the city. It’s rarely used except for lovers and elflings as it wends its way through the woods to another smaller glade where there is a waterfall. I doubt you will be disturbed here."

"Thank you," Arafinwë said then turned to Finrod. "Well, yonya, where do we set up camp?"

Finrod ignored the surprised looks on some of the faces of the Noldor and Teleri and cast a knowing eye across the landscape. "Water source?" he asked, speaking Sindarin.

Gilvagor pointed further east. "Waterfall, as I said, and a stream that runs further north before making its way to the sea," he answered in the same language.

Finrod nodded still analyzing the terrain, making judgments about security. Glorfindel and Beleg were doing the same. Beleg pointed northeast. "There where the copse clears somewhat," he said, also speaking Sindarin.

Both Finrod and Glorfindel nodded. Finrod turned to his atar, who was patiently waiting. "To the northeast there is a space near a stream where we can easily defend ourselves if need be."

"Do you think we will be attacked?" Lindarion asked in disbelief.

"It always pays to be careful," Finrod answered in a distracted manner and then began issuing his own orders in Sindarin. "Edrahil, Eregil, go with Mithlas and check the area."

"At once, aran nîn," Edrahil replied and soon the three ellyn were melting into the forest like ghosts.

Arafinwë said nothing, but Olwë gave him a puzzled look. The Noldóran shook his head, giving him a wry look. "Findaráto has allowed me to come here on the condition that he be responsible for security, he and his otornor."

"Rather high-handed of you, Findaráto," Lindarion said.

Finrod shrugged. "I spent over three hundred years as king of Nargothrond, helping to maintain the Leaguer against Melkor with my cousins. I fought against orcs and other of Melkor’s minions. I saw my brothers perish in the Battle of Sudden Flame." He gave his uncle a steady look. "I know how to protect my people. Laurendil, please check the area around the stream. Let us know if there is anything of which we should beware. Celepharn, go with him."

"Aranya," Laurendil said as he alighted from his horse. Celepharn did the same and they moved away to where there was a glint of sunlight on water. The roar of the waterfall was muted but an ever present sound in the background.

"And just what danger do you think to find in the stream?" Olwë asked in surprise.

"None, I hope," Finrod said, flashing him a brief smile, "but I learned the hard way never to assume anything. This place looks idyllic enough, but that is not to say that it is."

"Haldir and I explored this field extensively," Gilvagor said, though neither he nor Haldir appeared overly upset by Finrod’s precautions.

Haldir nodded. "Everything appeared fine two days ago."

"And that was two days ago," Glorfindel said. "Anything could have happened since then."

"Are we going to have to put up with this nonsense throughout the Progress, Atar?" Lindarion asked, sounding irritated.

"I was there during the Tournament at the New Year," Olwë replied. "I think I will allow my inyo the luxury of paranoia. These are troubled times and you have the evidence of that standing next to you." He nodded toward where Sador was standing with Beleg and the young ellon blushed at their sudden regard.

Lindarion’s expression became more thoughtful though it was clear he thought they were all over-reacting. Before he could say anything more though Mithlas returned with Edrahil and Eregil and right behind them came Laurendil and Celepharn.

"The path Gilvagor mentioned loops to the east about where the copse fails so we will have a clear view of anyone approaching from either direction," Mithlas reported. "The area is clear of wildlife other than squirrels and birds and the trees were most welcoming." He gave them a smile.

Finrod nodded and turned to Laurendil. "Anything?"

Laurendil shook his head. "The water runs swiftly and the plants growing along the banks are healthy and as Mithlas said, the trees are most welcoming."

"Thank you," Finrod replied and turned to Arafinwë. "I think we’ve found our campsite."

"I’m glad to hear it," Arafinwë answered, his tone only slightly mocking. "Let us set up camp and then we will discuss our next move."

And that is what they did. Almost as soon as the camp was set, Glorfindel grabbed his bow and arrows. "There is nothing here to endanger us," he said to Finrod and the others, "but I sense larger game to the east. I’m going to make sure it’s just a herd of deer rather than something more dangerous."

They all gave him strange looks and the Sindar in the party glanced eastward with expressions of doubt. "I sense nothing evil...." Mithlas started to say.

"I didn’t say there was evil abroad," Glorfindel interrupted. "I said I sense larger game. It may just be deer but it could be wild pigs which means there could be a boar nearby. I’m just going to check to make sure."

"You seem to have gained some new powers while you were away," Finrod commented.

Glorfindel shook his head. "Not new powers, merely enhancement of talents that were already there but had not been developed as fully as they should have been."

"Then go and relieve us of the worry," Arafinwë said, "and don’t be afraid to bring back something for dinner."

They all laughed at that and Glorfindel gave them a cheeky smirk before heading off, but stopped after a few steps and turned to Sador. "Want to tag along?" he asked.

Sador’s eyes widened and all he could do was nod. "Grab a hunting knife then," Glorfindel ordered and the younger ellon hurried to do as he was bid. Glorfindel and Finrod exchanged knowing smiles and when Sador was ready the two loped off towards the path, quickly disappearing into the brush as the path curved away behind the trees.

"So why did he invite Sador to tag along?" Ingwion asked.

"I think Glorfindel is just acting the older brother," Finrod answered. "Sador is the youngest of us Reborn in terms of experience and I think he sometimes feels left out of things because he doesn’t have the same kind of history as the rest of us."

"Well, while Glorfindel and Sador are checking out dinner," Arafinwë said and there were chuckles all around, "why don’t we sit and discuss what we should do next?"

They did so, gathering around the main campfire, drinking wine. As soon as they were settled, Arafinwë addressed Gilvagor. "I hope that the islanders actually know that we are here and why."

Gilvagor nodded. "Yes, they do. However, there was enough talk among some of them complaining of, and I quote, those damn Amaneldi interfering," he blushed somewhat as several eyebrows shot up, "that those of us who welcome your presence felt it prudent to keep this as low-key as possible."

"You should find a better welcome when we come to Kortirion," Haldir added. "There are many there who are looking forward to seeing some of you." He cast a glance at Finrod and Beleg, both of whom sighed almost as one, causing the others to smile.

"What about security?" Finrod asked.

"I have arranged for you to stay at an estate just outside Kortirion owned by Lady Meril. It is called Cormë Alalvëa."

"Lady Meril?" Finrod asked, his brows furrowed in thought as if seeking an elusive memory. "Do I know her?"

"Possibly," Gilvagor said with a nod. "She is the wife of Lord Gildor Inglorion."

"Of course!" Finrod exclaimed. "I’d forgotten that. Meril was one of Galadriel’s ladies-in-waiting and Gildor was part of my entourage whenever I visited Doriath. So, did Gildor also come West?"

Gilvagor shook his head. "Nay. He remained in Endórë, but Lady Meril began to weary of those lands after Doriath fell and when the way was opened for the elves to return to Valinor she decided to sail with Lady Galadriel’s blessing. I understand Lord Gildor was most distressed at her decision but he was not willing to forsake the Outer Lands just yet and their parting was somewhat bitter. At any rate, she built the estate and holds it for the time when her lord comes. It’s quite a prosperous farm and there will be plenty of space for all. She is looking forward to meeting all of you."

"In the meantime," Haldir said, "you should spend some time here in Tavrobel and speak to its inhabitants." He turned to Olwë. "Many here are Sindar who once dwelled in the coastal cities of Beleriand and called Círdan their lord. The same is true of those living in Avallónë. Most of the Noldor tend to live inland, either in Kortirion or in smaller villages and estates outside the city."

"And the very few Nandor who decided to sail tend to live in the forested areas further afield and have little commerce with the rest of us," Gilvagor added.

Arafinwë nodded. "I remember Sador telling me that it was difficult to find any to speak to when he was here."

"What is the mood of the people towards those of us of Aman?" Olwë asked.

"The Noldor seem to feel shame for the most part," Gilvagor replied, "considering their rebellion, though in truth many of them were born in Beleriand. I suspect that any sense of shame is inherited, passed down from their parents who were part of the rebellion. The Sindar are wary but not necessarily hostile. Some are beginning to regret coming here, feeling they are being punished along with the Noldor when they had done nothing wrong as far as they are concerned."

"A situation that needs to be addressed," Arafinwë said. He looked at Ingwion. "Has Ingwë ever mentioned to you why the Sindar are not being allowed to leave the island?"

"Actually, Lord Námo explained it to me," Ingwion replied. "He said that those who come from Beleriand are... shadowed, was the word he used. They have been infected by Melkor’s evil whether they are aware of it or not and it will take time for them to be cleansed of the... corruption — his word, not mine."

"So I gathered," Arafinwë said. "And Glorfindel told us that the Valar have plans to open the lands south of the Pelóri to us at some future time. Perhaps they are merely waiting for this... cleansing to take place first."

"Yet, there are always elves sailing West," Gilvagor pointed out. "If their presence pollutes us..."

"I think the opposite will happen," Olwë remarked. "You who have been here the longest will help to cleanse the newcomers of the corruption and perhaps as new waves of elves arrive, those who have been here for some time will be encouraged to leave and begin the task of colonizing the new lands."

"At any rate, if the issue arises, we will address it," Arafinwë said. "Our main objective is to address the problem of leadership which you and Laurendil tried to solve earlier."

"I still think having Finrod assume leadership would solve the problem," Laurendil said. "There are none here who would dispute his claim for they have nothing but respect for him, remembering his kingship in Nargothrond."

"Perhaps," Finrod said, "but I do not desire such a role nor do I think installing a king will work, for then the question arises, which king? Someday soon those who held kingship in Beleriand will be released from Mandos. Which of them has the better claim over the Tol Eressëans? I think it best that you find a different way."

"Hopefully, this Progress will help us to find a viable solution to this problem, one that the islanders will accept," Olwë said and Arafinwë nodded.

"So, once Glorfindel and Sador return, I think we should visit Tavrobel and see what there is to see," the Noldóran said.

"Might I suggest that you go in small groups rather than all together," Gilvagor said. "I think it will be less threatening for the people there."

"I agree," Arafinwë replied. "So, let us spend some time deciding who will go with whom and how we will coordinate this."

It took some time and several disagreements before everyone was satisfied as to the make up of the different groups who would visit Tavrobel and it was only after they had settled the matter that Finrod looked about, an expression of concern on his face.

"Shouldn’t Glorfindel and Sador be back by now?"

Others looked about as if expecting to see the two ellyn suddenly appear in their midst, their own expressions ones of dismay.

"I hope nothing untoward has happened to them," Beleg said darkly.

"I’m going after them," Finrod said, rising from where he had been seated. "Who wants to come along?"

There was a chorus of voices all volunteering but in the end Finrod chose Gilvagor, who was the most familiar with the land, and Beleg, as well as Edrahil and Mithlas, asking Haldir, Eregil and Celepharn to watch over the kings and the ellith along with the rest of the guards. Armed with bows and arrows, and in Finrod’s case, a sword, the five ellyn made their way towards the path, tracing the route Glorfindel and Sador had taken earlier, while those left behind did their best not to worry.

****

Cormë Alalvëa: (Quenya) Garth of Many Elms.

Note: I borrowed Meril from Tolkien’s earlier versions of those dwelling on Tol Eressëa (see Book of Lost Tales I) where she is known as Meril-i-Turinqi who dwelled ‘in a great korin of elms’. Her being the wife of Gildor Inglorion is my own invention.