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

67: Pêl Cuil ’Wain

Damrod and Egalmoth led Finrod and the others through a market square that was just beginning to see business as stalls were opened, the owners arranging their wares to their best advantage, speaking quietly to their neighbors. A few shoppers were strolling along the narrow lanes created by the stalls, stopping to inspect a ceramic bowl or finger some fine wool cloth before either moving on to the next stall or beginning the process of bargaining.

"Not much different than what one finds in Tirion or anywhere else in Eldamar," Finrod said as he glanced about with avid interest.

"Why should it be?" Sador asked.

"That’s the point," Finrod replied. "It isn’t different. People are people wherever you go, doing the same things. In Beleriand, you may recall, there was little in the way of commerce between the various realms. Everyone was too busy concentrating on staying alive and we needed to be self-sufficient. It was too dangerous, even during the time of the Leaguer for us to set up trading routes."

"That was certainly true with Gondolin," Glorfindel pointed out as they meandered through the market. "We had to produce everything ourselves or go without. Still, the city boasted two market squares."

"So, where are we going, anyway?" Edrahil asked. He was walking next to Finrod, his eyes never ceasing to move as he watched with wary suspicion all that was happening around them. His nervousness was evident to the others. Finrod gestured for everyone to stop and he wrapped an arm around the ellon’s shoulders.

"Be at ease," he said softly. "There is nothing here that can harm you."

"I’m not afraid for myself, aranya, but for you," Edrahil replied. "There are too many people." He shook his head in dismay, clutching at the hilt of the sword that he wore at his hip, "and... and they make me nervous."

"I know," Finrod said with a smile, gently easing the ellon’s hand from the hilt. "I had the same problem. It’s a typical reaction among Reborn." Glorfindel and Sador both nodded as he said this, their expressions sympathetic.

"We’re not too far from where we meant to take you," Damrod said, frowning a little. "And if you think this is a crowd," he gestured to the people milling about the square, "just come back here in an hour."

Laurendil looked at Edrahil with a critical eye. "Are you feeling as if everything is closing in on you?" he asked.

"Somewhat," the ellon said, looking sheepish.

Laurendil nodded and turned to Damrod and Egalmoth. "Is there a tavern nearby? Perhaps some wine will help."

"There’s the Golden Ship just two streets away," Egalmoth suggested. "It’ll take us a little out of our way, but not by much."

Finrod nodded, still keeping his arm around Edrahil, "Then why don’t we go there and sit for a bit until Edrahil is feeling better."

"Really, aranya," Edrahil protested. "I’m fine. Please don’t fuss."

"We’re not fussing," Glorfindel said. "In fact, I wouldn’t mind a glass of wine myself. The day is already growing overwarm."

"Then, by all means, we had best get ourselves to the tavern posthaste," Finrod said with a laugh, "else Glorfi’s bound to faint from the heat."

Sador snickered and Laurendil even went so far as to place a hand on Glorfindel’s forehead which the ellon pushed away, sticking his tongue out at all of them. There was laughter all around, even from Edrahil. Satisfied, Finrod nodded to Egalmoth, who gestured for them to follow him down a narrow lane heading east. They did not have to go far, and soon they were sitting at one of the tables set up outside the tavern which fronted a pleasantly shaded courtyard. A small fountain splashed merrily in the center of the court. They sat under an arbor, sipping cooled white wine. This early in the day, they were the only patrons.

"Now, this is more like it," Glorfindel said with a sigh. "I’m feeling better already." The others grinned.

"It’s a very fine wine," Finrod said, eyeing Edrahil who was looking less tense and not as pale as before now that they were away from the crowds. Then he turned his attention to Damrod and Egalmoth. "So, your families are in business together," he said and the two ellyn nodded. "How did that come about?"

"Our nenith are sisters," Damrod said.

"Ah... I noticed a resemblance between you," Laurendil said, "and thought you might be related."

Both ellyn nodded. "Our edair are in fact cousins to one another," Egalmoth said, "So we are both first and second cousins, depending on who in the family you ask."

They all laughed at that.

"So you were saying," Finrod prompted once the laughter died down.

"The soil here is not very good for most crops other than what can be used to feed our animals," Damrod explained. "When they came here our parents brought with them seeds from Ennorath, for in their hearts they were or wished to be farmers."

"Why settle here, though?" Glorfindel asked. "There are other parts of the island that are more conducive to farming."

The ellyn nodded. "I think they came here because of our edair," Egalmoth replied. "They both fought in the war and afterwards they desired to settle among others who fought beside them."

"Makes sense," Sador said. "People seem to want to settle among those whom they already know, for there is already a bond of trust between them. When one is forced to start over, it always helps to have those upon whom you can depend. That was certainly the case with those of us who ended up at the Havens of Sirion."

"So, your families settled here where the soil is poor," Laurendil said.

Damrod nodded. "At first, our parents were too busy helping with the construction of the town and their own homes to worry about anything else. My naneth, however, ranged far and wide and observed the kinds of grasses and wild grains that did grow where there was no forest. She began collecting their seeds and then growing them along with the seeds they had brought with them from Ennorath. She began experimenting with them, cross-pollinating them to see what might happen. Egalmoth’s naneth helped her and together they were able to produce grains and grasses that were stronger and more resistant to disease and bugs. Meanwhile, our edair began looking at the sheep, goats, cattle and horses that were being raised by others to see if their stocks could be improved as well. So, they became breeders while our nenith became experts in improving food production for the animals."

"So they never did produce plants for Elven consumption," Finrod said.

Egalmoth shook his head. "Not at first. We import most of those kinds of foods from other parts of the island. In truth, it makes for good trade, for there are others who raise livestock and we are always looking to improve the herds."

"The crops that we do grow here don’t seem to do as well elsewhere for some reason having to do with the soil," Damrod added, "so there is a constant demand for animal feed and our nenith handle that part of the business."

"An interesting combination, yet they do go hand-in-hand," Edrahil said as he sipped his wine, his color returning to normal. "While you are improving one’s livestock, it is good to improve that on which they feed if they are to continue to thrive."

"In fact, we don’t just concentrate solely on crop production for livestock anymore," Damrod said. "We’ve begun looking at improving fruit trees and herbs and such that are grown in this area as well. Many people are now coming to us for advice on improving what is grown in their own gardens, including ornamental flowers. Egalmoth’s nana especially has been concentrating on cross-breeding certain flowers, selling the seeds far and wide so others can enjoy them in their own gardens."

"So your business is expanding," Sador said with a nod of approval.

"Yes," Egalmoth said with justifiable pride.

"Well, if we’re all set, why don’t we go on?" Finrod said, giving Edrahil an enquiring look which the ellon returned with a nod.

Everyone agreed and after settling the bill, they went on their way. Damrod and Egalmoth led them south, crossing squares and moving down streets until they came to the outskirts of the town where they found themselves coming upon a large estate. There was a wooden gate with the words Pêl Cuil ’Wain carved into it.

"Nana came up with it," Damrod explained when Glorfindel asked about the name, "when our two families decided to create this joint enterprise. Nana said that it was a new start for them all."

The others nodded in understanding as they passed through the gate and walked up the path. They could see two houses surrounded by fields of different grains and grasses carefully bounded by stone walls. The houses were connected by a common courtyard. As was typical, a flower garden grew before the houses. Looking at some of the flowers, Finrod realized that they were unknown on Aman. These, he suspected, must be some of the flowers specially bred by Egalmoth’s nana. He made a mental note to ask for seeds to take back with him.

"Our edair are away at the moment," Damrod said as they made their way through the garden towards the courtyard. "They are visiting another horse breeder, checking over the herd, but our nenith are home."

"Do you have siblings?" Sador asked them.

"My sister, Melmíriel, is married and lives elsewhere in Tavrobel with her husband and family," Damrod said.

"I have a brother, Hathaldir, and a sister, Hareth," Egalmoth said. "They’re twins, actually. They are younger than I."

They passed through the courtyard of flagged river stone of various shades of grey, from slate-blue to a light grey that was almost white, in a pleasing geometric pattern. A trellis upon which roses climbed, gave part of the court shade. Other flowers and fragrant herbs were placed in pots around the perimeter and there was also a trestle table and benches where apparently the members of the two families would gather. Behind the houses they saw more walled fields as well as a small orchard. To their left they saw a large conservatory and it was towards this that the ellyn led them.

As they entered, they found themselves surrounded by rows of different plants, some even in pots suspended from the crossbeams. Finrod and the others who had lived in Beleriand recognized a few as being native to Ennorath, while others were completely unknown to them. The conservatory was divided into two sections separated by a wall that did not go all the way to the ceiling. A door connected the two areas of the conservatory.

"The back room is where our nenith do most of their experimentations," Damrod explained as he led them down the central aisle. He opened the door and gestured for them all to enter.

This part of the conservatory was more like a workshop, with several long tables set against three walls. The one with the door had a series of shelves that were divided into cubicles where supplies were kept. As they entered, several people, who were standing around the table to their right, looked up in surprise. Finrod saw three ellith and two ellyn, two of the ellith and one of the ellyn obviously older than the others.

"Ada!" Egalmoth exclaimed as he entered. "I thought you were still away."

The older ellon smiled. "Your uncle and I just got back. He’s seeing to the horses. So, what have we here?" He gazed on the others with mild interest.

"Damrod and I met them yesterday while we were hunting with our friends," Egalmoth replied.

"And were they hunting as well?" Egalmoth’s adar asked, giving them a skeptical look.

"Not exactly," Glorfindel said with a smile, "though we did... er... kill their boar for them."

"You mean, you did, Lord Glorfindel," Damrod retorted with a laugh, "and with only two arrows."

"Beleg said he could have done it with one, though," Sador couldn’t help interjecting with a wicked smile at his gwador.

"Well, that’s Beleg for you," Glorfindel said with a disdainful sniff. "I’m surprised he didn’t also declare that he could have done it blindfolded."

"He probably could," Finrod said with a chuckle, "but that is neither here nor there." He gave them a knowing look before turning to Damrod and Egalmoth’s family who were standing there with their mouths hanging open. "You have to forgive us," he said with a bow. "Perhaps Damrod could make the introductions."

"Huh? Oh, yes, sorry," the ellon said, looking sheepish. "My lords, may I present my naneth, Melian, and these are my Uncle Ecthelion and Aunt Míriel, and my cousins, Hathaldir and Hareth. Nana, everyone, this is Lord Finrod, Lord Glorfindel, Lord Sador and Edrahil, and Lord Laurendil."

Sador had started at hearing Melian’s name while Glorfindel’s expression became unreadable when Egalmoth’s adar was introduced. Finrod’s own expression was politely amused.

"Lord Laurendil?" Melian asked, staring at the ellon, who gave her a brief bow. "But we heard you were kidnapped."

"Excuse me?" Laurendil asked, his expression one of disbelief.

Hareth nodded enthusiastically, pointing more or less at Finrod and Glorfindel. "By them," she said. "Or... er... I mean, by the Amanians," she amended, now looking a bit uncertain at the thought that she might have insulted two of the most famous elves in history.

Finrod gave them an amused snort. "Child, I’ve been accused of many things," he said, "but kidnapping has never been one of them."

"Well, I did kidnap Idril once," Glorfindel admitted, then shrugged when everyone turned disbelieving eyes on him. "It was a jest."

"Let me guess," Sador said, giving him a shrewd look. "That’s the jest that Ecthelion refused to participate in and got you thrown into a cell for your trouble."

Glorfindel reddened slightly and wouldn’t look at anyone directly. "Maybe."

Now Finrod and Sador rolled their eyes, while Laurendil and Edrahil exchanged amused smiles. The others just stood there, not sure what to say. Then Laurendil spoke. "Well, regardless of what Glorfindel did in Gondolin, I assure you he is not guilty of kidnapping me or anyone else here. Why would anyone think I’d been kidnapped?"

"And not just you, my lord," Ecthelion said, "but your wife as well."

Now there was genuine puzzlement among the other elves. "Someone noticed you and Manwen did not return with the other members of the embassy and decided to spread rumors that you were being held in Tirion, perhaps as hostages," Finrod suggested. "But why didn’t Gilvagor and the others mention it when we met them at the tournament?"

Laurendil gave a shrug. "I don’t know, but I intend to find out."

Just then, someone joined them. "Hello. What’s all this?"

They turned to see an ellon whose features obviously marked him as Damrod’s adar. Melian went to her husband, her expression excited. "Halmir, you’ll never guess who these people are."

Halmir gave them a critical look. "Well, by their garb I can see that they are Amanians, two Vanyar by their looks, though this one," he pointed at Finrod, who raised an eyebrow at his tone, "appears to have some Telerin blood in him, judging from the silvery glint of his hair. These two are Noldor," he continued, nodding towards Edrahil and Laurendil, before gesturing towards Sador, "and he is a Sinda, though I think he has some Noldorin blood in him as well."

"Honestly, Cousin," Ecthelion said with a wry look, "must you always categorize everything by bloodlines? And you are mistaken, for they are all Noldor, except for Sador, who is indeed of mixed heritage." He gestured towards the young ellon.

"Indeed," Halmir said, looking unconvinced. "I don’t recall seeing any Noldor with golden hair."

"You’re forgetting King Finarfin and his daughter, the Lady Galadriel," Melian reminded him. "This is his son, Prince Finrod."

Now the ellon was nonplused and could only stand there staring at them all, stealing glances at his wife and cousin to see if they might be jesting with him. The sober expressions on their faces told him they were not and he paled somewhat and tried to stammer an apology. Finrod raised a hand to stay him.

"Do not concern yourself, mellon," he said gently. "Let me introduce my companions." He quickly made the introductions. When Laurendil was introduced, Halmir’s eyes narrowed.

"You’re supposed to be a prisoner of the Noldor," he said baldly, giving the other visitors a dark look. "Or are you still?"

"Do I look as if I’m a prisoner?" Laurendil shot back. "My wife and I have been living in Lórien studying to be healers under Lord Irmo and Lady Estë. We were both at the New Year Tournament in full view of everyone there. Whoever has been spreading these scurrilous lies is going to answer to me if I ever learn who they are."

"Well, we’re not going to learn their identities this very minute, gwador," Finrod said in a reasonable tone, "so let us put this aside for the nonce and visit with these good folk. It’s why we’re here after all."

Laurendil nodded. "You are correct, aran nîn," he averred. "Though I plan to speak with Gilvagor about this when we return to camp."

Finrod nodded and then gave Míriel a warm smile. "I understand from Egalmoth that you have been breeding new species of flowers. I saw some in the garden that are unfamiliar to me. I would like to purchase some seeds and take them back to Tirion if I may. I think those blue ones with the reddish tinge on the edge of the petals would look particularly lovely in my naneth’s garden."

Míriel’s eyes brightened. "Oh! Do you really like them? They’re one of my better successes. I call them ‘claur-e-minuial’, because they open right at sunrise and only stay open for a few hours. The petals will close by noon. The best thing is that the flower is edible and can also be candied. The children love those."

"Nana!" came the protest from three affronted young voices.

"Aunt Míriel!" Damrod also protested with a groan. "Do you really have to embarrass us in front of our guests?"

Míriel merely smiled and gave Finrod a wink. He laughed and there were amused smiles from the others. "Come," she said, "let us give you the grand tour. Here, as you can guess, Melian and I do most of our work." She led them to the table where they had been congregating. "We were examining a new type of flower when you came in and trying to come up with a name...."

****

They spent a very pleasant morning touring the fields, orchards and gardens. Finrod, especially, was very interested in obtaining seeds for his ammë and when they finally left, he had a small selection of them with a promise for more to be shipped later.

"I know my adar would be very interested in perhaps importing some of your feed for our own livestock," he said to them, "and perhaps even begin cross-breeding some of our animals with your own."

"We’ll have to think about that," Halmir said, "but it does sound promising. Perhaps later we can arrange a visit to view your herds so we can judge for ourselves."

"That would be fine," Finrod said. "Thank you for your hospitality. I hope we can return at a later time and visit for longer, but alas, I promised Adar we would meet him for lunch at the Blue Dolphin."

Ecthelion nodded. "A good inn with a fine reputation. Damrod and Egalmoth can show you how to get there."

"Actually," Laurendil said, "I know the way, having been there myself once or twice."

"Then we will bid you farewell," Finrod said and gave them a bow and the others followed suit. Damrod and Egalmoth and his siblings offered to walk down to the road with them and then they were all waving good-bye as they made their way back into the town.

This close to the noon hour, the streets were more crowded. Remembering Edrahil’s reaction earlier, Finrod had him walk between him and Glorfindel, keeping a light hand on the ellon’s arm, talking softly as they went. "You’re doing fine, gwador, just breathe normally and keep your eyes on Laurendil."

Laurendil, with Sador by his side, was leading them through the narrow streets. They were angling toward the wharf district and Laurendil assured them that they were nearly there. "We just have to cross this square and it’s only three more...."

There was the sound of something crashing somewhere behind them and Edrahil panicked. "Down, aranya!" he shouted, pushing Finrod to the pavement, whipping out his sword at the same time. Before Glorfindel, who had been pushed aside by Edrahil’s move, or anyone else could react, the ellon was running off and then there were screams from the crowd around them.

****

Words are Sindarin.

Pêl Cuil ’Wain: New Life Garth.

Nenith: Plural of naneth: Mother.

Edair: Plural of adar: Father.

Claur-e-minuial: Dawn’s glory.





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