108: Arrival in Valmar

As the time approached for the Tol Eressëans to leave Tirion for Valmar, several of them balked at going at all. In fact, some even suggested that only Thorongorn and Dúlinn needed to go, while the rest would just wait for them in Tirion, but the two ellyn and Arafinwë refused to accept that suggestion.

"You are all members of the delegation," Arafinwë told them. "You should all be present." Then he smiled somewhat mirthlessly at their discomfort. "I promise the Valar do not bite... much."

That did not appease them but they realized they had no choice. Only Glóremmir and Faramir were genuinely excited about going and pestered Sador and Haldir about details. Celebriel also seemed less anxious than the other delegates and when Arafinwë asked, she just shrugged. "I was there when Lord Araw appeared to us. I think I’ve lost my ability to be shocked since then."

Arafinwë gave her a genuine smile. "Trust me, my dear, the Valar are quite capable of shocking even those of us who have lived all our lives in their presence. It’s one of their more endearing traits."

Sador, Haldir, and Gilvagor, having overheard the conversation, sniggered. "Násië!" Gilvagor muttered fervently.

They did not rush but took their time on the road, allowing the delegates to see the countryside and admire the landscape. There were others on the road from all three clans and they greeted Arafinwë, whom they recognized, with delight and respect. This seemed to greatly impress the Tol Eressëans, and there were many considering looks between them.

"Where will we be staying?" Thorongorn asked at one point. "I think there are too many of us to find rooms in an inn."

Arafinwë nodded. Along with the twenty members of the delegation, the group consisted of Arafinwë, Sador, Gilvagor, Haldir and Gwilwileth as well as an honor guard, bringing the total to thirty-five. "You are correct," the king answered. "So I sent word ahead to have the royal townhouse opened for us. I usually don’t care to stay there myself, but I think this time it would be more prudent to do so and more comfortable, as I have no idea how long we will be staying."

"Where do you usually stay, then, when you go to Valmar?" Dúlinn asked.

"Usually at one of the inns along the way, either on this road or in Eldamas, which is the town inhabited by those elves who serve the Valar in Valmar." Arafinwë gave them a smile. "The ‘Laughing Vala’ is a particular favorite."

There were several raised eyebrows at that. "Odd name for an inn," one of the Tol Eressëans said.

"And the story of how it got its name is even stranger," Arafinwë replied with a laugh. He then began telling them about it and in minutes there was much laughter as the tale was spun.

****

They came upon the eastern gate of Valmar three days after leaving Tirion. Arafinwë allowed the Tol Eressëans to stop and admire the gate that had not been built by any elvish wight nor was it built with the Eldar in mind. It was constructed of mithril and pearls and was a purely Valarin structure. Its majestic proportions awed the visitors into silence. After a moment, Arafinwë gestured for them to continue. The Tol Eressëans, he noticed, kept their eyes before them, not willing to look upon the city of the Powers. He could see that even Thorongorn and the one or two Noldor who had once lived in Aman had become white and he wondered idly if any of them would actually faint, but they did not. He had first thought to show them something of the city before heading for the townhouse, but decided against it. He gave them all a sympathetic look.

"There is nothing to fear here," he said quietly. "Come. The townhouse is not far. There you can rest from your travels. Time enough tomorrow for anything else."

There were grateful looks from most of them, though he noticed with some amusement that Sador was pointing down the Landamallë towards the mansion of Lord Námo and Lady Vairë while Glóremmir and Faramir craned their necks trying to see. He was sure that the Reborn would be heading out later to visit with the Lord of Mandos and he had no doubt that Lord Námo would be waiting for them. Then they passed through the northern gate made of meteoric iron and diamonds and into Eldamas proper.

"Ah... here we are," he said as he led them to the townhouse. Servants came bustling out the doors ready to see to everyone’s needs and in moments horses were being led away to the stables, guards were being dismissed to the barracks and the rest were being led to their rooms where they found ewers of hot water and clean cloths waiting for them. Those who desired to bathe were led to bathing chambers. Arafinwë told them that dinner would be in three hours and completely informal. "Or, if any of you desire it, you may have dinner in your rooms. Just let Mistress Luhtanna know," he told them, naming the Chief Housekeeper who oversaw the upkeep of the townhouse, which was shared by the royal families of all three clans, not just the Noldor.

Sador, Glóremmir and Faramir dropped their haversacks, quickly washed off the dust of travel and headed out while Haldir stayed with Gwilwileth, for she expressed an interest in wandering through Eldamas. Arafinwë gave the three ellyn an indulgent smile. "Don’t be late for dinner and try to stay out of trouble," was all he said and all three Reborn rolled their eyes and sighed as one as they left the townhouse.

"It never fails, does it?" Glóremmir asked as the three made their way towards the northern gate of Valmar. "I was released from Mandos seventy-three years ago and everyone still treats me as if I were an elfling of twenty-five."

Faramir snorted. "I was released even longer ago than that and it’s the same with me."

"I know what you mean," Sador said with a grin. "It must be very hard for those of you who died when you were already so old."

Both ellyn raised their eyebrows at him. "What do you mean?" Faramir asked.

"Well, I was only sixty-eight when I died," Sador said. "I do not think it’s taking me as long to reach the same level of maturity as I had when I died compared to everyone else. And being as young as I was at the time, people make allowances for me that they don’t for someone they know was much older."

"Hmm.... you might be right," Glóremmir allowed. "I’d already seen several yéni when I died. Same with Faramir. Still, you would think that after a while everyone would stop treating us the way they do."

"It’s hard for them, I think," Faramir suggested, "because they know we’re Reborn and they remember how we were when we were first released from Lord Irmo’s care."

"Yet, they don’t treat their own children that way once they’ve reached their majority," Glóremmir protested.

Sador shrugged, giving them both a wry look. "Well, you know what they say: once a Reborn...."

"Hmph!" was Glóremmir’s answer to that and the other two smiled but they did not pursue the subject further as by now they were passing the northern gate into Valmar proper and the two Tol Eressëans stopped to take in the sight of the Landamallë and the mansions of the Valar. As they continued down the avenue Sador pointed out various features to them. They all stopped at the Mindon Nyellion to listen in wonder to the bells softly chiming before continuing on. Their steps slowed as they reached the carnelian gates fronting Lord Námo’s estate with identical expressions of yearning on each of their fair faces.

They saw an edifice whose walls were made mostly of rainbow obsidian, its black surface glinting with green and purple fire as sunlight reflected off it. Towers of amber rose above the main walls and the roof had the sheen of moonstones about it. For all its ominous look there was a sense of peace and serenity to the place. A flagstone path lined with elder trees made its way from the gates to the front portico of two steps leading to intricately shaped mithril doors.

"Do you miss it?" Sador asked softly and the other two knew what he meant.

Glóremmir nodded. "Sometimes. When things get particularly rough. Not as much now as before, though." He gave them a wry grin. "Guess I’m growing up."

The other two sniggered. "One thing I don’t miss are those stupid classes," Faramir said, rolling his eyes, "especially painting class."

"I liked the painting class," Sador exclaimed, "but I could have done without the history lecture."

Both ellyn nodded at that. "Especially since no one was willing to tell us what had happened in Beleriand," Glóremmir said with a scowl. "I had to find out by asking other Reborn who’d died after me."

"It’s as if even the Maiar wanted us to forget about our life there," Faramir added. "Nobody wanted to talk about it."

"I suppose they were hoping that now that we were here in Aman that we would look to the future rather than the past," Sador suggested a bit uncertainly.

Glóremmir shrugged. "If you don’t know where you’ve been you can’t begin to figure out where you are or where you are going. The past is what defines us. All our experiences, good and bad, make up the sum of who we are. I suppose those who’ve never had to struggle to remember even a single detail of one’s previous life can’t understand how important such knowledge is to us."

"I didn’t care what had happened in Aman," Faramir said with a scowl. "After all, I was born in Beleriand. All I wanted to know was what had happened to my family and friends after I died but the Lóriennildi all said that it was no longer important, that I lived in Aman now. It was so frustrating."

Sador and Glóremmir both nodded. "I think things are going to change though," Sador said. "Finrod now resides in Lórien and I know he has taken an interest in how other Reborn are being treated and is helping to... hmmm... re-educate some of the Lóriennildi." He gave them a wicked smile.

"About time, too," Faramir said with a mirthless grin. "There were a couple of Lóriennildi I would have cheerfully fed to the orcs given half the chance."

The other two laughed in agreement, and then turned their attention back to Lord Námo’s estate. There were no Maiar about and they could only see a small portion of the grounds. "The gardens are quite lovely," Sador said. "And you should see the inside of the mansion. You have to traverse this spiral maze in order to reach the rest of the mansion. It’s a very strange experience. Most people either end up fainting or throwing up."

"Which did you do?" Glóremmir asked with a smile.

"Not telling," Sador replied with a sniff and the other two laughed.

"Do you think it will be all right to go inside?" Faramir asked once they had calmed down. "Do you think Lord Námo will even be here?"

Sador shrugged. "I really don’t know," he said, sounding suddenly uncertain and looking a bit embarrassed. "To tell you the truth, this is the first time I’ve ever been here on my own. I only know what Finrod and Glorfindel have told me about the place."

"Ah...." was Glóremmir’s only comment.

Faramir was gazing about, a frown on his face. "Doesn’t it seem oddly quiet all of a sudden?" he asked.

Sador and Glóremmir stared about them and they suddenly realized that the Landamallë was now empty of people. There had been a fair number of elves moving up and down the avenue on their own business and one or two Maiar had been visible as well, but now, looking back up towards Lord Manwë’s mansion they could see no one. It was as if the entire city was empty of people save them.

"Where did everyone go?" Sador asked and then gave a startled gasp which was echoed by the other two ellyn when the carnelian gates started to open, though there was no one there. No one visible, that is.

The three looked at each other, their expressions ones of mingled fear and hope. "Do... do we go in?" Sador whispered, feeling very young and uncertain, wishing his gwedyr were there.

Glóremmir and Faramir both shrugged. "It’s why we are here, isn’t it?" Faramir said softly, giving the younger ellon an encouraging smile.

"Come. It’s clearly an invitation," Glóremmir said and he and Faramir moved to put Sador between them to give him some support as the three went through the gate. They stopped only a few feet inside, not sure what to do next, unaware that the gate had closed silently behind them.

Then, before any of them could utter a word, the doors of the mansion opened. Glóremmir gave the other two a weak smile. "I think we’ve been invited inside."

Faramir nodded, giving them a wry chuckle. "I guess we’re about to find out if we are the fainting type or the throwing up type," he said.

Sador suddenly gave a weak moan and he turned white. He tried to retreat but the other two ellyn held on to him. "Come on, Sador," Glóremmir said sympathetically. "We’re here. Let’s not keep Lord Námo waiting." He nodded to Faramir and together they chivvied the younger ellon along and then they were standing before the doors peering in.

****

"Any sign of them?" Arafinwë asked perhaps for the twentieth time. He was standing in the foyer of the townhouse with the housekeeper.

"None, Sire," Mistress Luhtanna answered. "Should I send someone into Valmar to enquire? Surely the Maiar will know."

Arafinwë sighed, wondering what could have happened to Sador and the other two Reborn. It was now just past the dinner hour. "I told them to stay out of trouble," he muttered in frustration, speaking more to himself than to the housekeeper.

"I am sure no harm has come to them, my lord," Mistress Luhtanna said solicitously. "After all, this is Valmar. What mischief could they possibly find here in the city of the Powers?"

Arafinwë gave her a mirthless grin. "You’ve never dealt with Reborn, have you, Luhtanna?"

The elleth shook her head, her expression quizzical. "No, Sire, I haven’t. But, if I may ask, what does their being Reborn have to do with anything?"

"Everything, my dear," Arafinwë said with a genuine smile. "And Sador is only recently Reborn. He may appear adult, but his emotional responses to things is that of a twenty-year-old."

Luhtanna blinked in sudden realization of what the Noldóran meant. "Oh dear," she said faintly and Arafinwë nodded.

"They were going to visit Lord Námo," Haldir said as he and Gwilwileth entered the foyer along with Gilvagor, Thorongorn and Dúlinn. "Why don’t we just go there ourselves?"

"They may have been there and then left," Arafinwë answered. "It’s likely they wandered about and simply lost track of the time as elflings tend to do."

"Neither Glóremmir nor Faramir struck me as being particularly elflingish in their manner," Gwilwileth said. "Faramir has been a Reborn almost as long as Prince Findaráto and Glóremmir isn’t too far behind. They both struck me as being quite mature, which, I suspect, is why Brethorn asked for them to be a part of the delegation."

Arafinwë nodded. "That’s true, but I know in my own experiences with my son that even after a century the Reborn still have... relapses. Anything could have happened to them. Remember the tournament?" Both Gilvagor and Haldir nodded grimly. "We have to start somewhere, though," the king continued. "I’m going into Valmar."

"We’ll come with you," Gilvagor said.

Arafinwë shook his head and smiled. "I can handle this on my own."

"You shouldn’t have to handle it at all, my lord," Gilvagor retorted with a scowl. "We can look for them for you." The others all nodded.

"I appreciate the offer, Gilvagor," Arafinwë replied, "but unlike the rest of you, I’ve had intimate dealings with the Valar and Maiar and I know where to go for answers, but you all might as well come along. It’s as good a time to introduce you to Valmar as any."

"Not all of us need accompany you," Thorongorn said. "I think Dúlinn and I can go and perhaps Celebriel, if she’s willing. Between the three of us we pretty much represent the bulk of the citizens of Tol Eressëa."

Arafinwë nodded. "Then let us ask her and be on our way. I am hoping that we will encounter our missing ellyn as they are returning here, all full of apologies for losing track of the time."

"Somehow, I don’t see that happening," Gilvagor said with grim amusement.

"Neither do I," Arafinwë replied with a curt nod.

****

In the end, besides the three Tol Eressëans, Haldir and Gilvagor decided to accompany Arafinwë who had no objections. There was no sign of the three missing ellyn as they passed through the northern gate and entered Valmar. Much to the surprise of his companions, Arafinwë did not head down the avenue but turned left and soon they were in front of the mansion of the Elder King. The Tol Eressëans cast surreptitious looks between them, but none ventured to question the Noldóran as to his purpose. Only Arafinwë showed no surprise when they found themselves facing a Maia standing at the gate as if waiting for them.

"Olórin," Arafinwë said in greeting.

"Ah... Pityahuan," the Maia replied with a smile. "Is there something I can do for you?"

"You can stop playing games," came Arafinwë’s reply. Everyone else sucked in their breaths in shock at the seeming disrespect.

Olórin simply smiled and gave them a brief bow. "My Master is waiting for you," he said. "Please follow me." He led them into the mansion and down the main hallway to a particular door, opening it and ushering them into the chamber, which turned out to be a small receiving room, closing the door behind them.

Everyone but Arafinwë stopped and stared in consternation at the sight of the Valar congregated there, obviously waiting for them. The king, however, never paused, but continued across the floor to stand before Lord Manwë, giving him a perfunctory bow. "Where are they?" he asked softly, glancing at Lord Námo. His manner was not confrontational but the other elves could tell that the king was just barely holding his anger in check. Gilvagor and Haldir glanced at each other knowingly, remembering how Arafinwë had reacted to the disappearance of his son and Glorfindel.

"They’re quite safe, child," Námo replied, "and they are my guests for a time."

"Why?" Arafinwë’s expression was one of confusion as he glanced between the Lord of Mandos and the Elder King.

"For reasons of my own," Námo answered, his tone mild, though no one there was fooled. "I promise you no harm will come to them and they are quite happy where they are. You’ll see them again soon enough."

"We understand your concern, Arafinwë," Manwë interjected before the king could speak, "but there is no need to get upset. Sador, Glóremmir and Faramir are quite well. I don’t think they even remember that they are late for dinner." He smiled warmly at the startled look Arafinwë gave him. "I give you my word that they will return to you tomorrow. Do you believe me?"

Now Arafinwë looked somewhat abashed and he gave Manwë a more sincere bow. "You know that I do, lord," he said, sounding both contrite and affronted.

Manwë clapped him on the shoulder. "Then put aside your fears for Sador and introduce us to your companions. Haldir and Gilvagor are known to us but the other three...."

Arafinwë motioned for the others to approach and made the introductions. "Lord Thorongorn of Avallónë and Kortirion, Councillor Dúlinn of Tavrobel and Lady Celebriel of Garth Hallâd, representing the Nandor. They came with seventeen others to ask that the council that we had proposed be held. They are certain that they can convince their fellows to agree to it."

Manwë nodded, smiling at them all. "Mae govannen, hîn nîn. We are delighted that you have come," he said in flawless Sindarin, much to the Tol Eressëan’s surprise.

"L...le hannon, hîr nîn," Thorongorn stuttered, giving the Elder King his obeisance, which the others echoed.

"I assume that Arafinwë has told you of our proposal," Manwë said and the elves nodded. "It is, I think, the best solution all around," he continued. "We will open Valmar to the Tol Eressëans and any interested observers. How you conduct the council is your affair, but it is important to understand, and this is something you must convey to your people, that we Valar will not permit you to go away without having come to a resolution to your problems."

"You mean we would be prisoners?" Celebriel demanded, looking as shocked as Thorongorn and Dúlinn.

"Prisoners?" Manwë repeated. "No. That you will not be, but we will not allow you to squander this opportunity with internal bickering and prejudices. I see that no one from Angobel is a part of your delegation."

"Some of us thought it would be prudent not to include them at this time," Dúlinn replied, casting a sour glance at Thorongorn, and it was obvious to the Valar that the councillor had not approved of the plan.

Thorongorn looked apologetic. "It’s just too soon," he said almost pleadingly. "It was difficult enough to get permission to form this delegation in the first place. Including the miners would have caused too much turmoil at this time. Meluiwen agreed with me." He gave Dúlinn a sharp look.

"Only because she realized that forcing the issue would do no good," Dúlinn countered. "I still think we should have accepted one of them as part of the delegation and if others dropped out because of it, so much the better. I will not tolerate hypocrites. None of us have a squeaky-clean past. Certainly none of you Noldor," he added with a sneer.

"And this is precisely what I was talking about," Manwë said, giving them all a mild look of reproof. "Your wish to include the miners is commendable, Dúlinn, but not at the expense of insulting your fellow delegates."

Dúlinn muttered an apology, not looking at anyone. Manwë continued to address them all. "You must realize that we Valar are more aware of what has been happening on Tol Eressëa than you suspect... or hope. If we have not acted before this it is because we had our reasons not to. We were, in fact, waiting to see what the elves of Aman would do. Unfortunately, we were forced to wait a bit longer than we anticipated." He glanced briefly at Arafinwë who had the grace to blush. "But that is not the point. The point is that the situation has been recognized as needing to be addressed and we Valar are willing to provide you with a place where you can come together to discuss your problems. Recriminations are useless at this point. Whoever is at fault does not matter. In the final analysis you are all at fault. Time to move on."

"What plans have you made for the council?" Arafinwë asked.

"The delegates will be housed here in Valmar," Varda answered. "We will open our mansions to you so there is no need to limit the number of people attending."

"We are thinking of taking turns hosting the council at a different mansion each day the council lasts," Manwë told them. "Varda and I will host the first day. We’ll decide later the order in which our brethren will host you."

"Thank you," Arafinwë said. "I think that will work." The three from Tol Eressëa nodded.

"Good," Manwë said with a smile. "Now it is well past the dinner hour, so I suggest you return to the townhouse and sup. Tomorrow, return here at the fourth hour after dawn with the rest of the delegation so we may meet with them and discuss things in more detail."

"And Sador?" Arafinwë asked.

"He, Glóremmir and Faramir will be here as well," Námo answered. "You have my word."

Arafinwë nodded and gave the Valar his obeisance, which the others echoed. "Tomorrow then." Turning towards the door they found Olórin waiting to escort them out.

When the Valar were once again alone, Manwë turned to Námo. "Where are they?" he asked.

"Maranwë and Vanimeldë are keeping them amused," Námo answered with a slight smile.

Manwë nodded. "Let us go then. We will need to move quickly if we are to keep our promise to have Sador and the other two ellyn here tomorrow."

And with a single thought the Valar faded away.

****

Notes:

1. According to the Language of Flowers, the elder tree is a symbol of compassion.

2. Carnelian is an orange-red gemstone and symbolic of the power to ease fears about death (for Mortals) and rebirth (for Elves).

3. Obsidian is associated with Hades, the Greek god of the dead, and is a symbol of transmutation of negative energy to positive energy and the transition from one state of being to another. Rainbow obsidian helps dissolve shock, fear or barriers.

4. Amber is symbolic of courage, protection on a journey (physical or spiritual) and the presence of Eru Ilúvatar. It is also a healing stone.

5. Moonstone is a symbol of truth in self-reflection and showing what ‘is’.