117: Revelation

The days passed. Young Vorondil soon recovered and was reunited with the other elflings, much to his and their delight. He had no recollection of how he’d been injured but Lord Irmo assured Aldundil that in such situations it was not unusual for there to be memory loss.

"Amnesia around the trauma is very common," the Vala told him and his parents as they met in Irmo’s pavilion by the lake to consult with him. "He may remember eventually or not at all. What’s important right now is to continually reassure him that he is not to blame for what happened. He should also continue with his normal routine. That will help give him a sense of security."

"What about Gurthalion?" Aldundil asked. "I know he feels bad about what happened. He told me he wished to apologize to my son once he recovered."

"For the present, I think it best that they not meet," Finrod, who was in on the discussion, opined. "Let Vorondil recover his strength first. He’s going to feel weak for some time yet. Once he is stronger, physically and mentally, then we’ll arrange a meeting between them."

"And my brother?" Aldundil then asked.

"It disturbs you that he does not remember any of you, doesn’t it?" Irmo replied, giving Aldundil, Herendil and Vandacalimë a shrewd look that nonetheless was full of compassion for their pain.

"When we saw him with our grandson that first time, it gave us quite a start," Herendil answered. "I wanted to take him into my arms and welcome him home, but he looked upon us as strangers. My heart near broke at that. It was so hard to pretend we did not know him."

"While it was not hard at all for him," Irmo retorted with a wry grin, "for he wasn’t pretending; he truly did not know you."

The three elves nodded sorrowfully and Irmo sighed. "The situation is indeed unique, for it has never happened before," he said. "To force yourself on him at this time could well prove detrimental to his development. The memories will come, I promise you, but just not in the time and the way that you want. Ask Findaráto. He did not truly remember his parents until after he’d left Lórien and went to live with them."

"And I didn’t remember Amarië at all," Finrod told them with a rueful smile. "You remember that, don’t you, Herendil?"

Herendil nodded.

"So, we should continue to let him visit Vorondil?" Aldundil asked. "So far he’s failed to ask for our names and we’ve been careful not to give them, but if he continues to interact with us and especially with my son...."

"And your son?" Irmo asked. "What is his reaction to having his uncle visiting him?"

"So far, he’s only met him the one time," Vandacalimë replied. "He told us about the nice Reborn who sang to him, but otherwise asked no further questions. My son has visited young Vorondil twice since, but both times the child was sleeping, so he did not stay."

"Should we not tell him that the nice Reborn is actually his uncle?" Herendil asked.

"I think it best not to warn him," Irmo said. "It might prove too awkward for the youngster, trying to pretend he doesn’t know. Vorondil is bound to meet his uncle in the course of his duties as an apprentice. It would be best if any relationship that develops between them comes about naturally." He paused and gave Aldundil a sympathetic smile, for the ellon’s expression was one of doubt mingled with shame.

"I know this whole situation is awkward, especially for you, Aldundil, but eventually your brother will need to learn the truth of what has happened while he was in Mandos. If he already has a good rapport with his nephew, that may go a long way towards diffusing any hurt feelings of betrayal on his part. And that’s assuming he will feel that he’s been betrayed. Those who pass through my brother’s demesne are subtly changed in ways that we Valar are still unclear about. Your brother may only be grateful to know that you lived your life and will rejoice in the happiness your son gives you."

Aldundil nodded, as did his parents, though none of them seemed particularly happy about it. Finrod gave his liegeman a sympathetic smile. "It will be well," he said, clasping Aldundil’s shoulder. "Let Vorondil get to know all of you as his friends first. I think that will help when he begins to remember that you are also family."

Herendil cast them a wry look. "When Aldundil wanted to name his son after his brother, I never stopped to think how confusing it would be later when my son was released from Mandos."

Irmo chuckled and Finrod grinned. "Perhaps you can refer to your grandson as ‘the Elfling'," the Vala suggested.

"And your son as ‘the Other Elfling’," Finrod quipped and they all laughed.

"I’m sure we’ll come up with a solution eventually," Herendil said.

Irmo nodded and wished them a pleasant day, clearly dismissing them, and they departed. Finrod lingered behind, giving the Vala a considering look. "You’re hoping that the two Vorondil’s will learn of each other’s identity without any interference from their family."

Irmo nodded. "That’s the plan."

Finrod raised an eyebrow. "How long has this plan been in the works, if I may be so bold as to ask, my lord?"

Irmo’s smile was wry. "Since the day my beloved brother announced that he had re-embodied the uncle, though we decided not to push the issue. If they met, they met and if not...." He shrugged. "I should tell you, and this is just between us, that Námo is convinced that the elder Vorondil finding his way to that particular grove where the elfling was recovering was not happenstance. It was... hmm... shall we say, orchestrated."

"Orchestrated!? By whom?" Finrod asked, perplexed.

Irmo gave him a significant look. "Whom do you think, child?" he asked softly.

Finrod felt a frisson of awe at the implication of the Vala’s words and Irmo nodded. "Something to think about," was all he said and Finrod, recognizing a dismissal when he heard one, gave the Vala a bow and left, his expression thoughtful.

****

Young Vorondil was eager to return to his duties as soon as possible and after consulting with Calamírë and Vardamir, who were acting as his chief healers, Finrod and Aldundil agreed that he could do so.

"But we will limit your activities for a while, shall we?" Calamírë said. "Attend the lectures and follow whoever you’ve been assigned to follow on rounds, but we’ll excuse you from the more menial tasks until you’re strong enough. You are to take a nap every afternoon for two hours." She grinned at the face the elfling made. "You do not have to actually sleep, though I suspect you will for the most part, but you are to remain still and resting. Read if you wish, but nothing more active than that."

Vorondil nodded reluctantly. "Can I have visitors when I’m resting?"

"At the discretion of your atar or Prince Findaráto," she answered. "The idea is to rest. If your visitors are capable of sitting quietly and not getting you all excited then that will be fine."

"Well, that leaves my elflings out," Finrod said with a smile. "They’re more likely to plot with Vorondil on ways of sneaking out of the grove and raiding the kitchens for goodies."

"And we wouldn’t want that now, would we?" Aldundil replied with a chuckle giving Finrod a wink. Calamírë and Vardamir grinned knowingly.

Vorondil just sighed. "Being injured is no fun," he muttered as he lay back on his pillow, unconsciously rubbing at the scar, now nearly invisible.

The adults gave him sympathetic looks. "It will only be for a little while, until you regain your strength," Vardamir assured him. "If you follow these simple rules you’ll be back to your regular routine sooner rather than later."

"Thank you, Master Calamírë, and you, Master Vardamir, for all your help," Aldundil said. "I’ll see to it that Vorondil does not overdo it and ruin all your good work."

Satisfied, the two healers left. Finrod gave his bondsman a smile. "If I arrange for someone to be here during your nap time to help supervise, I’ll allow the other elflings to visit, but not all at once. Just one or two at a time and not every day. Will that be acceptable to you?"

Vorondil smiled and nodded eagerly. "Yes, Master. Thank you."

"Good. Master Calamírë was correct when she said that, at least at first, you’re going to do more sleeping than you suspect. But on those days when you’re not, we’ll see about having visitors to entertain you. I know how boring it is just to lie in bed all the time with little to occupy one’s mind."

Both Vorondil and Aldundil seemed satisfied with those arrangements. Finrod decided not to tell Aldundil that the person he was thinking to act as a chaperone was his own brother. He would have to be careful to make it seem as if the elder Vorondil just happened to be there at the same time as whichever of the elflings were visiting their friend. The other elflings, of course, would not think it odd for a Reborn to be there and would welcome him. He, himself, intended to be on hand, just in case.

****

Vorondil Herendilion was surprised when a Maia appeared to him while he was sitting in a flet that he had found during his wanderings and told him to expect a visitor.

"Who?" he asked, but the Maia merely smiled knowingly and faded from his sight, leaving behind the faintest hint of roses and, he thought, honeysuckle. He did not have too long to wait.

"Halloo the flet," he heard a voice shout up from below and then he felt someone making his way lightly up the ladder and was surprised to see an ellon with silvery-golden hair and blue eyes smiling at him as he climbed all the way up.

Vorondil scrambled to his feet, for there was something about this ellon that demanded that he do so. The ellon had a presence about him that Vorondil associated with Lord Irmo or one of the Maiar, though he was clearly neither.

"Relax, Vorondil," the ellon said. "I’m not here to hurt you. Come. Let us sit." With that the ellon followed words with action and sat with his back to the tree trunk. After a moment’s hesitation, Vorondil joined him, but did not speak, feeling suddenly shy.

"Do you like my friend Glorfindel’s flet?" his visitor suddenly asked.

Vorondil gave him a startled look. He didn’t know who this Glorfindel was, but now he was feeling very uncomfortable. "I’m sorry. I didn’t know it belonged to anyone," he said. "I... I just found it and no one else seemed to...."

The ellon held up a hand to still his protests. "Be at peace, child. I assure you that all are welcome to visit this flet. My friend built it as a little hideaway but he’s not here any longer, and so has no need of it. I know he would be happy to learn that others are enjoying the view from up here."

"Forgive me, but who are you and what do you want with me?" Vorondil asked with no little annoyance. He had the Reborn’s healthy distrust of others who were always interfering with his fun.

The ellon smiled knowingly, apparently not at all upset at his abrupt manner. "My name is Findaráto," he said simply.

"Oh," Vorondil replied, not quite sure how to respond, feeling a little foolish for his outburst. He recognized the name... sort of.

Finrod laughed, the sound of it light and merry. "Be at peace, meldonya. I came here to ask a favor of you."

"What sort of favor?" Vorondil asked, frowning with suspicion.

"You befriended an elfling who was hurt," Finrod stated. "He’s my... hmm... well, let’s just say that he is under my protection."

"You’re the Master he was asking after, aren’t you?" Vorondil demanded, putting a few things together.

Finrod nodded. "Yes."

"How is he? I went to visit him but he was no longer in the grove and no one would tell me where he was or what had happened to him."

"I assure you he is well and itching to get back to his duties," Finrod replied.

"Duties?"

"He is an apprentice Lóriennildo."

Vorondil raised an eyebrow at that. "He’s a bit young yet, isn’t he? All the other apprentices I’ve seen are much older."

"He’s a special case," Finrod said without bothering to explain further. "At any rate, I was wondering if you would like to visit him during the afternoons? His healers require him to rest for two hours every day and I know that he’s not going to sleep every time and they have said he may have visitors as long as they don’t over-excite him."

"I would be glad to visit," Vorondil stated, eyeing Finrod cooly, "but why do I get the feeling there is more to this request than meets the eye?"

Finrod raised an eyebrow. "You are very perceptive...."

"For a Reborn?" Vorondil retorted with a snort. "I may be a Reborn but I’m not stupid...."

"And I never said you were," Finrod replied with equanimity. "I’m a Reborn, too. I know all about it. But enough. I came to ask if you would care to visit my bondsman when he must rest and yes, there is more to the request than that. I have five other elflings under my care and they will want to visit their friend, but these are rather young elflings, the oldest not even thirty, so you can imagine how rambunctious they can be."

"I think I’ve seen some of them," Vorondil interjected. "Two ellyn especially."

Finrod nodded. "That would be Sorondil and Oromendil. The other three are Sorondil’s sister, Lindorillë, Oromendil’s cousin, Eruanna, and their friend Veryandur."

"Oh! Narmollë!"

Finrod blinked and then laughed. "Yes, Veryandur’s companion. He never goes anywhere without him unless he gives him to... someone whom he thinks needs him more."

"So, you would like me to be there when these other elflings are visiting... odd, I don’t even know the elfling’s name."

"I’ll let him introduce himself," Finrod said smoothly as he stood to leave. "In the meantime, please feel free to visit during the two hours after lunch. I know you have your own schedule and I do not want you to skip your classes, so come when you are free."

"But where should I go?" Vorondil asked, hurriedly rising.

"Ah... just ask any of the Maiar for directions to the Ampano arano," Finrod responded and before Vorondil could say another word, he was climbing down the ladder and was away, leaving the ellon standing there feeling bemused.

****

Two days later, Vorondil found himself standing before the King’s Grove. He was suddenly unsure about entering. During the two days since Findaráto’s visit he had learned more about his visitor and now was feeling very shy. The Maia, Cucuandur, stood beside him, giving him a sympathetic smile.

"You do not have to go in, you know," he said. "Do not feel you need to do this if you are not ready for it."

Vorondil looked up at the Maia. "It’s not as if I hadn’t visited the elfling before," he retorted, "but now that I know who Findaráto is...."

"He is a Reborn, just like you," Cucuandor replied. "You have more in common than you think."

"But he’s a prince and I’m... well, I’m not exactly sure who or what I am at this point."

"I think you will find that Findaráto is less concerned about a person’s title and more concerned about a person’s character."

Vorondil nodded and squaring his shoulders, he entered the grove. Looking about, he saw three pavilions, the largest one in the middle. He suspected that it might belong to the prince, though in that he was mistaken, as he would later learn. He did not notice anyone about and wondered if he’d gotten the time wrong or the grove, but Cucuandor would not have led him astray. He was about to call out when someone stepped out of the left-hand pavilion. It was Findaráto.

"Oh, good," the prince said with a smile in greeting. "You’re just in time. I promised Eruanna and Veryandur could visit and I’ve been called away to a meeting and there’s no one else...."

"I’m sure I can keep everyone calm, Highness," Vorondil assured him with a short bow.

"Just Findaráto," Finrod replied with a shake of his head. "I leave my titles at the gate. So, if you don’t mind keeping an eye on the elflings while I’m gone...."

Vorondil raised a hand. "It’s why I’m here, is it not?" he replied with a smile. "Go. I promise I will not let them talk me into doing anything... er... elflingish."

Finrod laughed. "I won’t be long. There is a plate of fruit and cheese and some juice for them if they get restless."

Vorondil nodded and, after giving Finrod another bow, he stepped inside the pavilion to be greeted by three sets of curious eyes.

"Oh, you’re the one who sang to me," said the oldest elfling who was half reclining on the cot. The other two were seated on either side of him.

"Yes," Vorondil nodded with a smile. "I am glad to hear you are getting better. Prince Findaráto said I could come visit for a while."

"Here, Veryandur, let him have your chair and you can sit on the bed with me," the ellon said, moving over to make room for the younger elfling.

Vorondil sat in the chair and smiled at the three elflings. "Well, I know you are Veryandur," he said to the younger ellon, then looked at the elleth, "and you must be Eruanna. Lord Findaráto told me you would be visiting your friend. My name is Vorondil."

"Hey! What a coincidence!" Veryandur exclaimed in excitement. "You both have the same name. Why do you have the same name?"

Vorondil stared in confusion at the three elflings. Veryandur and Eruanna gazed at him with unabashed interest but the older one... Vorondil? The elfling was staring at him with something close to horror, his face white.

"Your name is... Vorondil, too?" he asked in a near whisper, his emotions all jumbled. He was beginning to feel panicky, though he wasn’t sure why.

The elfling nodded and swallowed noisily. "I... I was named after my uncle," he said in a low emotionless voice. "He died. He... he’s supposed to be in Mandos."

And Vorondil Herendilion stared at his brother’s son, knowing for a fact that he did indeed have a brother, and shook his head. "No. Not any more. Not any more." And then, to his sudden horror and to the surprise of the elflings, he burst into tears.