130: A Change of Plans

While waiting out the storm, Glorfindel and Falmaron spent much of the time comparing their experiences as Reborn. The others listened avidly to their tales.

"There are, of course, some Reborn here," Eärendil said at one point. "They came with their families but I cannot say that I’ve had much to do with them on a daily basis. As long as they cause no trouble, I tend to leave my people to look after themselves."

"How do others react to them?" Glorfindel asked.

"As far as I know, they are treated no differently than anyone else," Eärendil replied. "Indeed, if I heard anything to the contrary you can believe that I would have seen to it."

"As would I," Elwing added quietly.

"Most of the Reborn who came here were released very early on," Legolas said. "I think they were some of the first to be re-embodied, not long after we came to Tol Eressëa from Beleriand. Now that I think on it, all of them are Sindar or Nandor; none are Noldor. Anyway, by the time they migrated here with their families, they were acting fairly mature, or about as mature as they’re likely to get." He gave them a winning smile.

Falmaron and Glorfindel looked at one another and then without warning leapt towards the Sinda who apparently was ready for them, for he was already racing for the door. Glorfindel gave a yell and tackled him, pinning his legs down while Falmaron straddled the ellon’s back and began poking him with his fingers. All the while Legolas was practically screeching and the rest were looking on laughing.

"Immature, are we?" Falmaron cried. "I’ll show you immature."

"I never... ouch!... said you were immature... hey!... I said... will you stop that you... ahhh!..."

"All right, you two, let him up," Eärendil ordered. "I think he’s learned his lesson."

Glorfindel released Legolas’ legs and Falmaron stood up, the two of them returning to their seats, smirking. Legolas lay there for a moment or two to catch his breath before rising and returning to his own chair. Everyone else had wide grins.

Galdor looked at his friend and shook his head. "I would think that you would have remembered the way Glorfindel was before he died, Legolas."

Legolas merely glowered while Glorfindel’s smirk grew wider.

"At any rate, it’s interesting to know that none of the Noldor were released until later," Falmaron said. "I know that many of the Teleri were released shortly after the War of Wrath as well. I think I was re-embodied within a year or two of the Host of the West returning to Valinor and there were several others with me."

"How did it feel?" Glorfindel asked. "What were your thoughts?"

Falmaron shrugged. "Confusion I think was the upper-most emotion I was feeling when I was first re-embodied. My sense of time was off. I actually have very little memory of my sojourn in Mandos, far less than you seem to have retained, and I think that is true with the other Teleri who died. I know that when I woke up in the Gardens I couldn’t remember how I’d gotten there and I was afraid of the light. I knew nothing about the creation of Isil and Anar and even moonlight initially frightened me. I remember I kept calling for my atar and amillë and not understanding why they weren’t there. The Maiar who cared for me did their best, but I wanted nothing to do with them. It took a long time for me to remember that I had actually died and to accept what was happening to me."

"Odd that," Glorfindel said. "I mean, you not remembering dying. Once the initial confusion of having a body again passed, I was quite aware of the fact that I had died and was now Reborn. Granted, my memories about Mandos are vague but I do have them. I remember my time with Finrod and afterwards."

Falmaron shrugged. "I cannot really say why this was not the case with me or the other Teleri Reborn with whom I have spoken. Perhaps the nature of our deaths plays into it."

"Perhaps," Glorfindel said. "It would be interesting to see if those who were victims of the Kinslaying in Doriath and at the Havens have had similar experiences to yours."

"Have any been released, though?" Galdor asked. "I don’t recall seeing anyone here who died at the hands of the Fëanorians."

Others shook their heads. "To tell you the truth, I don’t think I ever thought about it," Eärendil admitted. "In fact, it seems to me that none of those whom I knew at the Havens and who died at the hands of the Fëanorians are here. The Reborn who do reside here were all victims of the war against Morgoth."

"Finrod and I wondered if there was a pattern to the way in which various groups of elves were being re-embodied," Glorfindel told them, "but we could never figure it out. We suspect that those who were innocent victims were reborn first, so it makes sense that the Teleri would be re-embodied before all others, yet it doesn’t always follow. I know of at least two people who died in Alqualondë who have yet to be reborn and they were victims, not perpetrators, and I know of at least one Kinslayer who is now reborn, though some of his victims apparently have yet to leave Mandos."

"It does confuse things, doesn’t it?" Falmaron remarked with a wry smile. "I am sure Lord Námo knows the whys and wherefores of it all. I do not envy his task."

"Nor do I," Glorfindel replied. "Well, whatever the rhyme and reason of who gets re-embodied and who does not may be, I am only grateful that I have been Reborn and have been given a second chance to live again."

"And we’re glad that you are here, Glorfindel," Elwing said fervently. "I heard much about you as I was growing up and never did I think I would ever meet you in person."

"I hope the reality meets with your approval," Glorfindel said with a smirk.

"Oh, it does indeed," Elwing replied with a laugh. "And if anything, the tales do not do justice to the reality."

Glorfindel blushed and, deciding to change the subject, turned to Falmaron. "Will we stop at Alqualondë or go to Tol Eressëa?"

"We will stop at Alqualondë first if only to ascertain if my family is there or not," the captain replied. "It’ll take us a minimum of five days to get there. Who knows what will have happened in the meantime?" Glorfindel nodded. "At any rate, assuming that they are not there, I will take you to the harborage that looks across the bay to Tavrobel and from there you can find a horse to take you to Valmar."

"What about you?" Glorfindel asked.

"Well, there’s no sense my going to Valmar," Falmaron replied. "I’ll continue on to Avallónë and off-load my shipment and then return to Alqualondë to await my family. You are not to tell them about me," he added sternly. "I wish to surprise them."

"Fair enough," Glorfindel said. "Now all we have to do is wait out this storm."

****

The storm finally blew itself out late in the evening two days later.

"We can sail on the morning tide," Falmaron reported after he’d checked out the weather. "I’ve already alerted my crew."

"I’ll start packing," Glorfindel said and started to his room.

"I’ll make sure there’s a hot breakfast for you before you leave," Elwing informed them.

Dawn was still an hour away as they sat down to breakfast, their conversation muted, for in spite of Glorfindel’s promise to return, there was a sense of finality to his leavetaking and his friends were all feeling despondent.

"Unless something unforseen happens to prevent me from returning after the New Year, I promise I will be back," Glorfindel assured them for the twentieth time.

"It’s just that we’ve been waiting such a long time for you to come here and now you’re leaving," Legolas said, voicing everyone else’s thoughts.

"I’m sorry," Glorfindel replied. "But really, there’s naught for me to do here over the winter. If you had thought to construct a training salle we could have continued with our training in spite of the weather. Perhaps in the spring when I come back we can devote some time to building one."

"We ought to be training in spite of the weather," Galdor said with a huff. "I doubt that when the Dagor Dagorath arrives, Morgoth’s going to wait until it’s a nice sunny day to start the war. He was never that accommodating before."

The others chuckled. "True," Glorfindel averred, "but we haven’t progressed to the point where we need to practice in inclement weather. So, when I get back, we’ll build that salle. In the meantime, perhaps you can amuse yourselves by deciding where it should go, how it should look and what materials to use."

"I guess we can do that," Galdor admitted. "We’ll get the villagers involved in the project. Perhaps we can make it a community center as well as a training salle. There’s been some talk lately about having one. Our population is growing to the point where we need a central meeting place to discuss whatever issues need discussing. Meeting here in this house is no longer practical."

"Then that should keep you all out of trouble until I get back," Glorfindel said with a grin.

"Just so long as you do come back," Eärendil said, "or I might have to come and fetch you myself."

Glorfindel raised an eyebrow at that threat. "That would certainly be interesting to see," he said and there were chuckles all around.

By the time breakfast was done the sun was up and they made their way to the quay where Falmaron’s crew were already busy checking everything over before they set sail. Besides his closest friends, the other warriors he’d been training, along with what appeared to be half the village, came to see them off. Glorfindel was making his final farewells and Falmaron was already aboard, overseeing the final preparations, when there was the overpowering scent of lemongrass mixed with heather and then Mánatamir was there in their midst.

"Come to see us off?" Glorfindel asked with a smile, but when the Maia did not return the smile, his expression became more worried. "What is it? What’s wrong?"

"You’re needed in Valmar now, Glorfindel," Mánatamir said gravely. "Lord Manwë sent me here to tell you that your presence is sorely needed."

Glorfindel raised an eyebrow. "Well, in that case, his timing is lousy. He should have diverted that snowstorm that’s kept us here, otherwise we could have left two days ago."

"That is beside the point," the Maia said.

"Well what is the point?" Glorfindel demanded. "Just what is happening in Valmar that needs my presence?"

Mánatamir sighed. "Selmacas has attacked Vorondil...."

"His own grandson?" Glorfindel asked, looking horrified. "And what has that to do with the Council?"

The Maia shook his head. "No, Glorfindel, let me finish."

"Sorry," Glorfindel said contritely.

Mánatamir nodded and then proceeded to explain about Vondo and what happened when he came to Valmar. Those listening to the tale looked on in amazement and dismay.

"Poor child," Elwing whispered as Mánatamir came to the end of his news and there were many nods and not a few tears among them.

"Damn Selmacas for an obdurate fool," Glorfindel muttered. "I still don’t see why I need to be there, though. The damage has been done. My being there isn’t going to change anything."

"Perhaps, perhaps not," Mánatamir said in a reasonable tone. "All I know is that Lord Manwë wants you in Valmar as quickly as possible."

"Well, we can’t get there today," Glorfindel protested, sounding annoyed. "According to Falmaron, it’ll take us at least five days to reach the harbourage where I can hopefully secure a horse and then it’ll take another four days of hard riding to get to Valmar. Unless Lord Manwë wants to give me wings, I can’t see how I can get there any sooner."

"There is a quicker way than Falmaron’s ship," Mánatamir said and turned to look at Eärendil, giving him a meaningful look.

"What? You mean Vingilot?" the Mariner exclaimed. "You know I’m not allowed to take her on pleasure cruises. I was stretching the point using her to rescue you and Glorfindel from those monstrous cats."

"This will hardly be a pleasure cruise, Eärendil," Mánatamir said with wry amusement. "Lord Manwë has authorized you to bring Glorfindel and Falmaron to Valmar aboard your ship."

"Whoa!" They all turned to see Falmaron standing at the rail looking upset. "I’m not deserting my ship," he said angrily. "Besides which, there’s no need for me to go to Valmar. I can wait for my family in Alqualondë once I’ve seen to the disposition of my cargo."

The Maia shook his head. "I’m afraid my Lord Manwë insists that you accompany Glorfindel, Eärendil and Elwing to Valmar."

"Me!?" Elwing exclaimed. "Why do I need to go? And who will govern here if we are both gone?"

"As for the whys and wherefores, I do not know," Mánatamir admitted. "I only know what I’ve been ordered to tell you. As for the rest, I’m sure these good people can do well enough in your absence."

"But what about my ship?" Falmaron demanded. "This cargo has to get to Avallónë and we’re all set to sail. I’m not leaving my crew behind."

"Your first mate is capable of commanding, is he not?" Manwë’s servant said. "And I will accompany your crew to ensure that they arrive safely in Avallónë."

"I don’t like it," Falmaron said. "This smacks of manipulation. First I find myself turning my ship around and coming here in the teeth of a storm with no idea as to why, and when I finally get here I find out I was supposed to meet with Glorfindel and I’m sorry, but I think if the Valar truly wanted the two of us to meet, they could have arranged for us to meet at any time. So why here and why now?"

"As to that, I cannot say, for I do not know my Lord’s will in this," the Maia replied. "I only know that you must come with Glorfindel to Valmar, you, Eärendil and Elwing."

"Can Vingilot actually get us to Valmar so quickly?" Glorfindel asked Eärendil.

The Mariner nodded. "We can be there in a matter of hours," he answered. "We’ll have to fly low, though, so that the ship is not visible to those in Ennorath. It would confuse them since Tancol is now an evening star."

"Cannot the rest of us go with them?" Galdor asked Mánatamir. "I’m rather curious to see what all this is about."

There were murmurs of agreement among the crowd. Mánatamir frowned. "I have no orders in that regard."

"Well, it seems to me if Lord Manwë has not specifically forbidden it, then there’s no reason why some of us can’t come along as well," Galdor retorted.

"The delegations to the Council number fourteen each," Glorfindel said. "Why not form our own delegation? If Falmaron is included, then we will need ten others to join us."

The idea met with approval and while Eärendil ordered Aerandir, Falathar and Elleront to help him to ready his ship, a discussion was held on the quay as to who else should go. Galdor and Legolas insisted that they come, as did Hendor. The other seven were chosen by lot from among the village guildmasters. Thus, when Eärendil declared Vingilot ready, the delegation was composed of masters from the tanners, woodworkers, fishers, potters, husbandmen, smiths, and weavers. Falmaron reluctantly grabbed his kit and followed, shouting last minute instructions to his first mate from the deck of Eärendil’s ship. Mánatamir assured him that all would be well with his crew and ship. He stood on the deck of Falmaron’s ship, waving, with Cundu by his side, the dog barking his own farewell.

Even as the last bit of luggage was being stowed away, the moorings were loosed and Vingilot began to rise into the air. Falmaron’s ship was also released and her sails unfurled as she headed for the open sea. Everyone in the village alternated between waving at the two ships until they both disappeared, Elerína now heading on a southerly course along the coast while Vingilot sailed over the low hills towards the towering Pelóri. Eärendil assured them that there was a pass through which they could safely navigate the mountain range.

"For I do not mean for us to rise above them," he told Glorfindel and Falmaron.

Glorfindel spent the time at the rail, looking about him with interest. His previous trip had been short and he had not been in a position to see much of anything. Now, he gazed down upon the land and marveled. The Pelóri rose precipitously before them, their peaks eternally snow-capped and forbidding. Glorfindel was not the only one to hold his breath as Eärendil unerringly brought the ship between the granite peaks. He wasn’t even aware that he’d been holding his breath until the mountains were safely behind them and they were sailing above a level plain of virgin forests and deep lakes.

At some point Elwing, sitting on a barrel, began singing a sea chanty and Eärendil and his crew picked up on the melody. Some of the others, including Falmaron, were obviously familiar with the song for they began singing it as well. It was not long before Glorfindel was joining in the chorus and then other songs were being sung and those who were unfamiliar with the words were taught them. Thus, the time passed quickly. Eärendil kept the ship on a southerly course, shifting slightly to the southwest when they had traveled for nearly two hours.

"There’s Taniquetil," he pointed out and they all went to the port side to see the majestic mountain of the Valar rising far in the distance, though so massive was it that it appeared closer than it was. "We’ll by-pass Vanyamar and head straight for Valmar. We should be there by around noon."

By now the trackless wastes of the north had given way to more fertile land of softly rolling hills and wide valleys. Nearer to Vanyamar were the orchards, vineyards and farmlands of the Vanyar, not as rich as those of the Southern Fiefdoms where the bulk of the farming took place, but well enough so to provide for the city’s immediate needs, and some types of fruits and grains grew better in the cooler climate around Taniquetil than further south.

Eärendil had avoided Vanyamar. "Though any with eyes to see are quite likely to notice us," he said to Glorfindel and Falmaron as he stood at the wheel, carefully guiding Vingilot while the other two ellyn stood nearby. The Silmaril shone brightly from the lantern that hung from the center mast. Several kinds of birds flew beside them or around them, very much like schools of fish might escort a ship at sea, Falmaron remarked and Eärendil nodded.

They saw the road that came down from Formenos, though Glorfindel was happy enough to know that they would not be sailing anywhere near that place. He did not want to think about those who were in exile there. Soon, the road between Vanyamar and Valmar appeared in the distance and Eärendil shifted the wheel slightly and they were now following the road.

"Saves having to guess where the city is," the Mariner said with a sly grin and Glorfindel and Falmaron chuckled.

Elwing struck up another song, one that they all knew, and Eärendil kept the ship on course for the city of the Powers, riding the air currents as easily as Falmaron’s ship would have ridden the ocean currents. Just as it was going on noon, they sighted the mansions of the Valar. From their perspective, Glorfindel could see the dead husks of the Two Trees rising above the city and beyond them the Ring of Doom, the gemstone thrones shining brightly in the sun. The city itself glowed in a multitude of colors. They could see many people walking along the Landamallë and Glorfindel thought he saw Finrod and Ingwion among the crowd but couldn’t be sure.

"Where will you land?" he asked Eärendil.

"I have no idea," the Mariner replied. "There doesn’t seem to be a dock handy."

"Try Lord Ulmo’s lake," Falmaron suggested. "I see a small jetty off the side of the mansion. See? That stone structure that juts out."

Eärendil nodded, and issuing a few sharp orders to the crew, brought the ship down beside Lord Ulmo’s mansion. Glorfindel and Falmaron, along with Elwing and the other non-sailors, lined up along the rails to watch their approach. Glorfindel could see many people making their way towards Lord Ulmo’s mansion, stopping at the shore of the lake to watch as Vingilot came abreast of the jetty. At once Aerandir and Elleront jumped off onto the jetty while Falathar and Falmaron threw the ropes to them and the ship was soon secured. Vingilot did not rest upon the lake, but hovered a foot above it, so Eärendil had Elleront throw a rope ladder over the side. The Mariner then reached up to the lantern, removing the Silmaril. Elwing came to him with a circlet of mithril and Eärendil slipped the jewel between the prongs which would hold it in place before putting the circlet on his head. The Silmaril blazed once and then its light settled to a steady glow.

"Shall we go?" Eärendil said with a smile and taking the lead, he made his way down to the jetty which extended towards the stepping stones by which one crossed the lake between the mansion and the shore. Elwing followed with Glorfindel and Falmaron next. Once the rest of the ‘Aewellond delegation’ was down, they headed towards the shore while Aerandir and Elleront climbed up the ladder and pulled it up behind them.

As they came to the stepping stones, Glorfindel looked about and saw Finrod standing beside Arafinwë and grinned, giving them a wave. Ingwë and Olwë were there with their heirs as well and he recognized many others in the crowd. Those waiting on the shore just stood there in silent awe at the sight of the ship and Eärendil wearing the Silmaril. As their party reached the shore, the onlookers silently backed away to give them room. Glorfindel followed directly behind Eärendil and Elwing with Falmaron behind him. Ignoring everyone else, Glorfindel made his way to Finrod and smiled hugely at the stunned and disbelieving look on his gwador’s face.

He gave Finrod a hug and, looking at Arafinwë, asked, "So, what have I missed?"