90: Kortirion

The following morning saw only a dozen people going into Kortirion for a tour of the city, for it was decided to keep the number to an absolute minimum. Besides the two kings and their heirs, only Ingwion, Glorfindel, Sador, Beleg, Iorlas, Amarië and Alassiel went with Gilvagor. Sador was anxious to show them where he and Netilmírë had stayed when they were there.

“And I can show you the tree in which I found Haldir sitting,” he said slyly. Haldir and Gwilwileth laughed. They had decided to stay on the estate, wishing to spend more time with Haldir’s atar, for Pelendur asked to be excused from touring the city and Arafinwë gave his consent.

“Just don’t go climbing it yourself, youngster,” Haldir said with a feigned frown. “That’s my tree and no one else’s.” Sador stuck his tongue out at the ellon and everyone laughed at the interplay between them.

Not everyone was happy with the arrangement, though. Edrahil, Celepharn and Mithlas were upset at the thought of the party not having any guards with them. Finrod assured them that they would be fine. “There are nine of us who will be going armed. We can protect ourselves and the three who are unarmed.”

It had been decided that after what happened in Avallónë none of those who were warriors would go unarmed even if that might cause offense. “Better safe than dead... again,” Glorfindel quipped, but the sentiment was sincere and they all took it seriously. Meril was able to supply swords for those without their own, including Iorlas and Alassiel.

“And I have my ring to warn us,” Ingwion pointed out.

They set out soon after breaking their fast, joining a number of others from outlying farms and villages going into the city, for it was a market day and the city was already full of people buying and selling. Gilvagor led them through the eastern gate and headed for the square where the inn was in which  Sador and Netilmírë had stayed. “It’s a central location,” he told them, “and a good place to start a tour. Most of what you probably want to see is within walking distance of the inn. We can leave our horses there and plan to return later for lunch.”

The plan was agreeable to everyone. The going, however, was slow, for the streets were crowded with people and horses and carts. The mood of the people was lighthearted, but it changed quickly when they noticed the Amanians making their way along the street. Smiles and laughter were replaced with blank expressions as they eyed the armed cavalcade and the ellyn sporting warrior braids. There was no overt sense of hostility; it was more a guarded watchfulness. Ingwion kept glancing at his ring while Finrod insisted that the two ellith, Arafinwë, Olwë and Lindarion stay in the middle of the group. Glorfindel and Gilvagor took point with Finrod and Ingwion, while Iorlas, Beleg and Sador took the rearguard.

“I think our reputations have preceded us,” Glorfindel whispered to Finrod.

“Apparently,” Finrod averred, as he attempted to gauge the mood of the passers-by, his eyes missing nothing. “Perhaps this was not such a good idea after all.”

“Too late to turn around, though,” Ingwion stated.

“We’re almost at the inn,” Gilvagor put in. “We just have to go down this street to the next square.”

Finrod nodded. “Keep close, everyone,” he said to the others and they closed up ranks as much as possible given the narrowness of the street and the press of the crowds. The street leading into the square was not long and they were shortly dismounting before the inn in obvious relief.

“I think we should all stick together,” Finrod suggested as they gathered in the courtyard fronting the inn, “rather than separate into smaller groups.” No one had any objections to that.

“Where do we go first?” Sador asked.

“And for what purpose?” Beleg added.

They turned to Gilvagor. “I had originally hoped to arrange for a meeting with several leaders of the community, not just those on the council but merchants and guildmasters as well. However, no one was interested or they made vague promises. It was rather disheartening considering that the people of Tavrobel and Avallónë were at least willing to meet with you.”

“Do you know why there is such reluctance here?” Arafinwë asked.

“I think because the backlash from Sador’s kidnapping was the most severe here,” the ellon replied. “This is where the decisions were made in the guilds about raising prices and discouraging real trade with the mainland and the people responsible for the kidnapping all resided here in Kortirion. People are very wary and perhaps still fear retribution because of all that happened.”

Arafinwë frowned. “I had hoped that the fact that no retribution has been exacted save upon those directly involved in the kidnapping would prove to these people that we mean them no harm. We did not even insist on the removal of those from the city council and guilds responsible for the price gouging. We left that for the Tol Eressëans to deal with as they saw fit.”

Gilvagor shrugged. “I have no answer for you, lord. Those who participated in the tournament, I think, came away with positive feelings towards the Amaneldi, but they are a minority group compared to the population as a whole and many of them do not hold positions of consequence within the society, so their voices are not heard.”

As they were speaking, Borhael showed up. He had made arrangements before leaving Meril’s estate the previous evening to meet them at the inn. “I am glad I found you still here,” he told them. They readily welcomed him.

“How is Lady Galadhwen?” Olwë asked him. “I feel bad that anything I might have said caused her grief.”

“We’ve all learned to tread carefully around Galadhwen, lord,” Borhael replied. “The fault is not yours but hers. She sometimes acts as if she is the only one who has lost a loved one and waits for their release from Mandos. Frankly, I think half the population of Tol Eressëa has someone in Mandos, which is why they ended up sailing, wanting to be here for their loved ones.”

“And are you waiting for anyone?” Finrod asked gently.

Borhael shook his head. “No. I am one of the lucky ones. All my family survived, though I do have some cousins who died, but I did not know them well. I sailed because I did not wish to live under Gil-galad’s rule. I have no doubt he is a good king to his people, but he is not my king.” He gave them a shrug and a rueful smile. “I suppose it’s a poor excuse for leaving one’s family behind, but I found I could not remain in Endórë even though my parents and siblings decided to stay.”

“It must be hard for you,” Olwë opined.

“It was at first,” Borhael averred, “but I have made friends and....” Now he looked suddenly shy. “I’ve... um... met someone....” He trailed off in embarrassment.

The others all grinned. “I hope it works out,” Olwë said with all sincerity. “Does the lady’s family approve?”

Now Borhael grinned broadly. “Her atar hates me, but her ammë thinks I can do no wrong.”

Now everyone was laughing. “Having the ammë on your side is a boon,” Arafinwë said with a wink at Olwë, who gave him an arch look which mutated into a fond smile for his son-in-law.

“I am sure the lady’s atar will come around eventually,” Olwë said solicitously to Borhael. “It’s been my experience that they usually do.” He ignored Arafinwë’s snort of amusement. “At any rate,” he continued, “we were just discussing where we should go first.”

“Ah, if I might offer a suggestion,” Borhael said, “we should avoid any of the market squares if at all possible. They are very crowded at this time. Perhaps a visit to the city hall would be in order. It’s only a few squares away and if we go in this direction,” he pointed to his left, “we can avoid most of the crowds.”

They all agreed to that and Borhael and Gilvagor led the way. They went down a narrow cobbled street that was rather long but eventually they came to a large square with colonnades on three sides providing a covered walk for pedestrians. Taking up the entire fourth side opposite from where they entered the square was an imposing building of graceful lines which turned out to be the city hall and primary headquarters for the various city guilds. It was three stories in height with a central dome.

“It looks somewhat like our palace in Tirion,” Finrod opined, “though there are obvious differences.”

Borhael nodded. “Kortirion was founded primarily by the Noldor,” he explained. “I think you will see many similarities between the two cities, at least architecturally speaking, although you will notice that it is not strictly Noldorin in style, but employs Sindarin sensibilities as well.”

They all nodded as they crossed the square to the hall’s entrance. “I liked it here,” Sador said simply, “or at least I did,” he amended, frowning slightly.

They all gave him sympathetic looks. Borhael’s expression was rueful. “I am sorry you had such a terrifying experience,” he said. “I hope in time you will be able to put it aside and see that most of us are not so bad.”

Sador shrugged. “I know that, and actually, I still like it here, but I think it will be a while before I feel... um... comfortable.”

“Perhaps you should have stayed at Cormë Alalvëa,” Beleg suggested, “rather than coming with us.”

Sador shook his head. “No. I wanted to come,” he insisted, and then gave them a sly look. “Besides, I still have to show you where I met Haldir and Gwilwileth.”

The others chuckled at that, though Gilvagor had to explain to Borhael. “Ah, yes,” the councillor said with a smile. “I have heard reports from others of a number of Reborn who are discovered hiding in trees. It seems to be a common... er... pastime with them.”

Arafinwë started laughing. “How well I know this,” he said, giving his son a wink. Finrod reddened somewhat in embarrassment and Glorfindel snickered, causing Finrod to glower at him. Glorfindel evinced an innocent air that fooled no one.

“Well, come and I will show you around,” Borhael said and they entered the building, finding themselves in a large open foyer of green and white marble under the dome which emitted light to the hall. Staircases on either side of them led to the upper floors. Exquisite tapestries hung from the walls and a fountain played merrily in the center. In spite of the massiveness of the stonework, the foyer felt light and airy.

“The guilds have their offices on the second floor,” Borhael told them, pointing to his left, “and there is a large meeting chamber here on the ground floor for their use. The council chambers are also on the second floor but in the opposite wing. Various government offices, such as there are, are scattered about. There is also an archive where all records are kept on the top floor as well as a library where people can come and borrow books. Another large meeting chamber is along here. This is where court cases are held or where we hold monthly town meetings where citizens can come and discuss policy.”

The place was strangely empty and when Arafinwë commented on this, Borhael explained. “Today, if you have forgotten, is Valanya,” he said, “and there is no business transacted.”

“Of course,” Arafinwë replied. “I am surprised, though, that it is also a market day.”

“Ah, well as to that,” Borhael responded, “normally the market days are Menelya and Elenya, with Elenya being the usual day on which court cases are heard and the city council meets. However, on the first Valanya of each month a special market day is held.”

“That would explain it,” Arafinwë said with a nod.

“Shall we go on?” Borhael enquired. “I don’t think there is much else to show you here, but if you would simply like to wander through the city there is a pleasant park not far from here and there are some interesting side streets and squares along the way. Most people are going to be in the market squares so it should not be too crowded.”

The idea was amenable to them and, as it happened, Sador recognized the square where he and Netilmírë first met Haldir and Gwilwileth. “That’s the tree Haldir was hiding in when we came upon a crowd of people standing about amusing themselves at the expense of poor Gwilwileth,” he said as they gazed at the tree. “No one was bothering to help.” He shook his head in dismay. “If I hadn’t come along, I think poor Haldir would still be in the tree.”

There was laughter all around at that bit of hyperbole. Finrod gave Sador a hug. “Then I am glad you were there to help get him out of it, for I value his and Gwilwileth’s friendship.”

“As do I,” Sador said with a smile.

Then they continued on, walking down one street lined with culumaldar, and everyone breathed in the spicy fragrance filling the air and smiled. The street opened up into a square that fronted the park and they eagerly went in.

“This park, you will see, contains trees and flowers and other plants the seeds of which were brought from Endórë,” Borhael explained. “Some of these are not native to the island and so are, we believe, unique, though I have been told that behind the mansion of Lord Aulë and Lady Yavanna there are trees of every kind.”

Finrod nodded. “I spent some time in Valmar as a student of Lord Aulë and I can attest to that. It is a marvel to walk under them.”

“At any rate,” Borhael continued, “people will bring seeds and saplings with them when they sail. The ones who created this park are ever on the lookout to add to the collection.”

“A worthy goal,” Arafinwë opined.

The others nodded as they wandered through the park, stopping to admire this tree or that. Those who had lived in Beleriand would identify the trees and flowers that were not found in Valinor, sometimes offering a story which they associated with a particular plant.

“I remember going with Lord Eärendil and Lord Círdan to the birchwoods of Nimbrethil along with several others,” Sador said as they stood under a tall birch tree. “Lord Eärendil was searching for the right wood with which to construct his ship, Vingilot.” He gave them a shy smile. “I happened to be sitting in the very tree Lord Eärendil eventually chose for the main mast.”

“And why were you in the tree?” Finrod asked with a fond smile for the younger ellon.

Sador shrugged. “Oh, you know... just sitting.”

There were knowing smiles all around, though Glorfindel’s expression was more thoughtful as he stored this small bit of information in his memory. He reminded himself to speak with Sador later about Eärendil. He realized that he had made an error in dismissing Sador as a source of information simply because he was so young. It was a mistake he intended to rectify at the earliest opportunity.

In the meantime, they continued to wander through the park admiring the different trees and flowers and the fountains that graced it. As the noon hour approached, they decided to return to the inn and have lunch before leaving the city.

“I will arrange for you to speak to the city council and guilds tomorrow at our regular meeting,” Borhael suggested as they made their way back towards the inn.

Olwë nodded. “That will be fine,” he said. “I appreciate your help in this.”

“Unlike others, I think we need help in solving our most pressing problems,” the councillor replied. “I am glad that those of Aman are finally taking an interest in us and willing to work with us. It can only be to the benefit of us all.”

“Agreed,” Olwë averred.

Borhael left them at the inn, promising to send a messenger to Cormë Alalvëa later that day to let them know when the meeting would take place. They thanked the ellon for the tour and then went to have lunch, which proved pleasant and relaxing, especially as they were given a private parlor and did not have to endure the stares of other patrons. By the time they were finished, the markets were closing down and the crowds had dissipated, so they were able to leave the city more quickly than they had entered it.

“And nothing bad happened,” Glorfindel said quietly to Finrod as they passed through the gates, giving the gate guards a friendly wave.

Finrod cast him an amused look. “Are you disappointed?”

“Not in the least,” Glorfindel retorted. “It was a pleasant, peaceful day. I just hope it remains pleasant and peaceful during the remainder of our stay here. Frankly, I can’t wait to get back to the mainland.”

Finrod nodded. “Me, too,” he said. “It has been an interesting time, but I look forward to returning to Lórien and resuming my duties there. Will you return to Tirion with Sador and Atar?”

Glorfindel gave him a guarded look. “I do not think so,” he said quietly. “There is something I need to do first, but I will not speak of it now.”

“But you will speak of it when the time is meet,” Finrod stated.

Glorfindel nodded. “I promise I will not run off without at least letting you know where I am running to.”

“Fair enough,” Finrod said. “Ah, good. Here’s the turn off to Lady Meril’s. I am looking forward to a quiet evening. I have a feeling tomorrow’s meeting with the city council and the guilds will be less than peaceful.”

“You think?” Glorfindel enquired, giving him an innocent look.

Finrod did not deign to answer, merely rolling his eyes, and Glorfindel rewarded him with a smug smirk.

****

Culumaldar: (Quenya) Orange-fruit trees.