137: Trial’s Aftermath

The Valar foregathered in one of the more intimate audience chambers in Ilmarin. Its windows looked south and west and from them they could see the plains stretched out before them with Valmar in the middle distance. The Mound of the Trees rose like a black smudge further to the west of the city, but the Ring of Doom was not visible, for the dead husks of the Trees blocked their view.

As soon as they reformed their fanar, Manwë went to stand on the balcony that looked south. Far below and to his right was Vanyamar, barely visible for the folds of the mountains and the forests that covered much of the lower slopes. The tallest of its white towers, now gleaming with a rosy hue in the late afternoon sun, pushed bravely upward but most of the city was invisible from this angle. As Manwë stood there taking in the view, flocks of birds came swooping towards him, and he held his arm out for one of the smaller hawks to land on.

"So, my friend," he said softly, "what news do you bring me this fine day?"

The hawk, preening its dull brown feathers, looked at him with one eye and then the other, sidling up the Elder King’s arm. Manwë chuckled at the hopeful look the bird gave him and he brought forth a gob of raw meat which the avian took with remarkable delicacy.

"And now that you’ve had your little treat, perhaps you can tell me what you have learned," Manwë said with another chuckle.

The hawk gave a screech and Manwë stroked its head, raising his arm slightly to bring the bird to eye level, and then the two communed for several moments before Manwë released the bird from his gaze.

"So, it is like that, is it?" he said as he absently brought forth another gob of meat for his feathered friend. "Go now. Join your brothers and keep watch. You have done well and I am pleased."

The hawk gave another screech and Manwë obliged it by flinging his arm upward to give it the necessary lift as it spread its wings and flew off, joined by the other birds that had continued circling as he and the hawk had communed. Varda joined him as the birds all flew to the north, handing him a goblet of miruvórë, which he accepted with a smile.

"What did you learn from our little friend?" she asked.

"The great cats have sensed that the Silmaril is gone from Aewellond," he answered. "They appear to be gathering in force and making their way there."

"Oromë will want to know," she said.

"Know what?"

They turned to see the Lord of the Forest and the Hunt standing there, goblet in hand, giving them an enquiring look.

"I’ve just been informed that the alatyauli are gathering in numbers and making their way to Aewellond," Manwë answered as he and Varda stepped back inside the room.

Oromë’s eyes began to glow at the prospect of a hunt and he drained his goblet in one gulp. "I should go then and prepare my People for a glorious hunt."

"Wait," Manwë said. "Perhaps we should permit the cats to reach Aewellond. I am curious to see how well the warriors do against them."

"But all the best of them are in Valmar," Tulkas pointed out. "And those who are in Aewellond are leaderless."

Oromë nodded in agreement. "And it’s a sure bet that no watch has been set. There’s been no need for one as far as the Children are concerned."

"And what happens if those animals enter the valley and attack an innocent, even a child?" Nessa asked, looking concerned. "That will be a very high price for them to pay for not being vigilant when they do not know they should be."

Manwë nodded. "Nor is the death of any of them acceptable. Still, it is time that we test the mettle of these warriors. They cannot rely on someone like Glorfindel to always be there to guide them. In the war that will someday come, they may very well find themselves without any of their leaders and will have to be able to fend for themselves."

"Perhaps," Oromë said with a shake of his head, "but I do not think we should take the chance that innocents will be harmed. They should be warned at least to set a watch. I’m surprised Eärendil did not order one."

"Or Glorfindel, for that matter," Tulkas said. "Our balrog-slayer is of a suspicious bent and would never leave so open a place as Aewellond without adequate guards while he and the others are away."

"Do we tell Eärendil and see what he decides to do?" Nessa asked.

Manwë shook his head. "I prefer not to involve him or the others in this. It is as I said. Those in Aewellond need to understand that even Valinor is not entirely safe."

"Send Olórin then," Irmo suggested. "Have him walk among the Children as he once did before and inspire them to look to their borders against possible dangers."

"That might work," Manwë said with a nod. He spoke the Maia’s name and Olórin appeared, giving them all his obeisance.

"My lord?" the Maia enquired politely.

"I would like you to go to Aewellond," Manwë said and explained the situation and what he wished accomplished. When he was finished, Olórin nodded.

"A simple enough assignment," he said, his eyes slightly unfocused as he began thinking out a strategy. "I see no difficulty in it." Then he turned to Oromë. "Will my lord call for a Hunt?" he asked politely.

Oromë smiled knowingly. "Are you volunteering to join me and my People?"

Olórin raised an eyebrow. "Actually, I was thinking of standing on the sidelines and cheering you on, as well as offering my unbiased critique of my brethren’s fighting skills."

The Valar laughed and Oromë clapped the Maia on the shoulder. "In that case, I’ll put you in the front line alongside Roimendil and Ulcuroitar."

Olórin smiled and gave the Vala a bow. "I wouldn’t have it any other way, my lord."

Oromë nodded, looking pleased. "We’ll see what these beasts do first. I won’t call for a Hunt until they are actually attacking Aewellond."

"Then I will wait until you call for me to join you," Olórin said. "It will be interesting to see how well the Children handle themselves."

"Good," Manwë said with a smile for his Maia. "Off you go, then." Olórin gave them another bow and was gone. Manwë and Varda made their way across the room to where several chairs and settees were arranged for easy conversation and sat down. The others joined them.

"So what did you think of the trial?" Manwë asked.

"A rather pointless exercise," Aulë said with a snort. "A waste of time, if you ask me."

"Still, it did serve its purpose," Yavanna said. "The Children are going to be less likely to balk at anything we do from now on if they remember what you told them here."

Manwë nodded. "That is certainly one thing I wished to accomplish by allowing them to put us on trial."

"It’s rather ludicrous though for them to think they could," Nienna said with a thin smile.

"Not from their standpoint," Námo said with a shake of his head. "They felt it necessary, or at least Findaráto did."

"He was very convincing," Estë opined.

"Wasn’t he though?" Varda replied with an amused smile. "He’s very clever and very wise."

"And, of course, he didn’t believe a word that he spoke against us," Manwë added with a chuckle. "That was all for the benefit of the others."

There were knowing nods all around.

"So, what’s on the agenda now?" Vána asked coyly.

"I think we can all do with a break," Irmo said. "As amusing as the trial was, it was still rather... emotional, at least on the Children’s part. I could do with some peace and quiet away from their more excited natures."

"Sounds like an excellent plan," Manwë said. "Shall we retire to Ashkadphelun and enjoy ourselves?" The others nodded agreeably. "I’ll have Eönwë keep an eye on things while we’re away," the Elder King continued and after he had called his Herald and had given him his instructions, the Valar shed their fanar once again and thought themselves to the far reaches of Arda where they spent several hours indulging themselves in play.

****

The elves spent the day in small groups discussing the trial and its implications. Vondo was invited to visit Vingilot, much to his delight, and Eärendil happily allowed him, Vorondil and the other elflings, now released from their studies, to come aboard and have a brief sail, coasting above the mansions while Herendil, Vandacalimë and Aldundil watched from below. He allowed each of them a few minutes at the wheel, though of the elflings, only Vorondil, Sorondur and Oromendil were actually tall enough to see over it. While the elflings were being entertained, Finrod was holding court at the Laughing Vala, having commandeered a private salon. With him were Glorfindel, Sador, Ingwion, Laurendil, Amarië, Alassiel, Beleg, Lindarion, Falmaron, Olwen and Gilvagor.

"An interesting turn of events, to say the least," Laurendil said at one point after they had given the servants their orders and were enjoying tankards of ale or goblets of wine. "I think I’m going to have nightmares about it."

"Oh?" Finrod enquired, raising an eyebrow in mock disbelief.

Laurendil nodded, his expression bland. "Just the idea of actually putting the Valar, any of the Valar, on trial is enough to turn my hair white, as Beren would have said."

There were chuckles and amused looks all around.

"Ah yes," Finrod said with a nod, "I recall some of the Edain using that expression, usually when one of their children did something particularly stupid or dangerous."

Sador snickered. "I remember my atar saying something similar to me when I had done something... um... stupid. I told him, quite sincerely, ‘But Ada, your hair can’t turn white’ and he glowered at me and said, ‘Well, it should!’" He waggled his eyebrows and they all laughed.

"Still, it was quite a risk you took, Findaráto," Gilvagor said, giving him a shrewd look over his tankard as he took a sip.

Finrod shrugged. "A calculated risk, I agree, but I felt it necessary to do it, if only to control the situation. I had the feeling from listening to people talking after the incident with Selmacas and Vondo that there was a sense that the Valar could not be trusted, that they were treating us like errant elflings instead of with the respect due to us as Eruhíni. Emotions were running high and I feared that things would be said or done that would prove detrimental to us all. We need the Valar, whether we like it or not. Lord Manwë was correct when he said that we tend to take more selfish views and forget that we are not the only inhabitants of Valinor. He could have also reminded us that we were not the original inhabitants either, but I am glad he did not press the matter any further."

"So what do you think will happen now?" Lindarion asked.

"We continue with the Council," Finrod replied. "We still need to decide on who should be Cáno and how that person should be chosen. That is the major sticking point."

"Who do you think should be Cáno?" Glorfindel asked. "Do you have anyone particular in mind?"

"I think Eärendil would do nicely," Amarië spoke up before Finrod could reply. "Have you noticed how everyone listens to him? Even people like Morcocáno and Galadhwen seem to defer to him more than to anyone else in the Council."

"Yet, as logical as that choice might be, I doubt either Eärendil or the Valar would agree to it," Glorfindel said with a shake of his head. "Eärendil’s life is in Aewellond, as is Elwing’s, and neither are comfortable being anywhere else. I tried to convince them to return to Tol Eressëa someday, but both are shy and unsure of their standing among us, for neither of them are, strictly speaking, of the Firstborn."

"Their mixed heritage would not be a problem for most Tol Eressëans," Gilvagor said with a slight frown. "I can, of course, appreciate their reticence in leaving Aewellond. I am glad to hear that they do not live in total isolation and exile, though." Then he gave Glorfindel a measuring look. "So, tell us about your training regimen, Glorfindel. I feel rather insulted that the Valar do not think the rest of us are worthy of special training."

"I don’t think that’s what it’s about," Glorfindel said. "I think those like Galdor and Legolas and the others are being trained to lead the armies. After their training, then I imagine they will be in charge of training everyone else."

"As if we’re not already doing so," Ingwion said with a scowl. "My atar initiated a training regimen for all of us almost as soon as the Host of the West returned from Beleriand. I know that Arafinwë and Lord Eönwë spent a great deal of time describing how things went during the war with both Atar and the Valar. The end result was that training was resumed."

"But only in a rather haphazard manner," Glorfindel pointed out. "When I saw the way the Vanyar were training I was somewhat dismayed. The younger warriors were treating it all as a game, while the older warriors, the ones I assume fought in Beleriand, were not always — how can I put it? — in agreement as to how the training should be done. There wasn’t enough discipline or uniformity in training. And I don’t recall ever seeing any of the Noldor in training."

"That’s because they aren’t," Finrod replied. "Or rather, they are not doing so in any systematic manner. The Noldor who accompanied my atar to Beleriand returned to find their families were not interested in what they had experienced or endured. Their going was in expiation for all our sins, and not for any personal glory. That’s why people like Aldundil undid their warrior braids and pretended that the war never happened, or tried to."

"What about Atar though?" Sador asked. "Surely, he would have seen to it that training continued."

Finrod shrugged. "I think he’s left it for his captains to see to it. I really never bothered to look into it that much. I had my own concerns just trying to fit in again and find a purpose for myself. It wasn’t until this whole business with Aldundil and Vorondil came about that I began to look more closely at the matter. I have been meaning to speak to Atar about it, but I was going to wait until after the situation on Tol Eressëa was dealt with." He looked at Glorfindel. "Perhaps before you return to Aewellond, you and I can sit down with him and discuss the matter."

"And what makes you think I’m returning to Aewellond?" Glorfindel challenged.

"Oh, I know you’ll return there," Finrod replied with a knowing smile, "if for no other reason than because Eärendil will command you to return."

"He is not in a position to command anything from me," Glorfindel retorted with a heavy scowl.

"So you say," Finrod came back, his expression one of amused disbelief.

"So I say," Glorfindel averred with a nod, but everyone there could hear a shadow of doubt in the ellon’s tone.

"Well, we’ll just wait and see, won’t we?" Finrod said and Glorfindel scowled even more. Everyone else wisely kept their opinions to themselves and there was a painful silence that was broken by the door to the salon opening and servants began filing in with trays. "Ah, good, lunch is here," Finrod said approvingly. "Why don’t we change the subject?"

"What do you want to talk about?" Amarië asked, smiling at her betrothed.

Finrod shrugged. "I’m open to suggestions."

"Are you and Glorfindel going to compete in the tournament at the summer solstice?" Lindarion asked. "I’m sorry I missed the last one."

Finrod laughed and even Glorfindel smiled. "I very much doubt the Valar will ever let the two of us near a tournament again except as interested spectators." Glorfindel snorted good-naturedly but did not contradict him.

There was laughter all around and then Beleg spoke about the archery competition and how he had some ideas about improving it and the rest of their meal was spent in pleasant conversation as they drifted from one topic to the next.

****

Ingwë and Elindis were holding court at the townhouse where a late luncheon was also being served. Olwë, Arafinwë and their respective wives and a number of the Amanian delegates were foregathered with them. Arafinwë insisted that Selmacas be present, much to the ellon’s dismay. As with others, the main topic of interest was the trial and the necessity for it in the first place. Arafinwë glanced at Selmacas idly pushing his food around his plate, not looking up at anyone. When there came a natural lull in the flow of conversation, the Noldóran spoke.

"You are very fortunate, Selmacas, that my son saw deeper than all of us as to the nature of what was happening. I was ready to exile you to Formenos or someplace even less inviting, and I think you know this."

Selmacas looked up as all other conversations stopped and all eyes fell upon him and Arafinwë. "Yes, I do, and I was prepared to accept exile, though I am glad it did not come to it." He gave the king a slight sardonic look.

"Naturally," Arafinwë replied equably, taking a sip of wine. "Even so, your attack was unprovoked and uncalled for. Never mind that you attacked a Reborn who all unwittingly dismissed you and your family with a single negligent gesture. I can almost understand your anger, but even if Vondo had not been Reborn, your attacking him was wrong."

"And I acknowledged my error," Selmacas said. He gave Arafinwë a puzzled look. "Will you then rescind the pardon granted me, Arafinwë?"

The king shook his head. "No. I will not, and could not even if I wished to. The trial was publicly held and recorded and your parole stands. However...." He paused, as if rethinking something and all saw Selmacas pale somewhat as he awaited whatever else Arafinwë would say. "However, I think you still need to be punished for what you did."

Selmacas licked his lips. "What punishment do you have in mind, my lord?"

"Hmm? Oh, nothing too terrible, I assure you," Arafinwë said in an off-hand manner. "I understand that in all these years, neither you nor Tarwen have ever had anything to do with your own grandson. I find that deplorable. I think it is time you accepted the fact that Vorondil is your daughter’s son, if not by the ellon you had hoped to have him by. That is not Vorondil’s fault. Whatever his parents’ sins, he is blameless. I think it is time you and Tarwen began acting like the grandparents that you are."

"He’s done well enough without us," Selmacas said sarcastically. "Herendil and Vandacalimë have filled those roles quite admirably. I doubt if any of them would appreciate me or Tarwen interfering with their little family unit."

"And yet, you are family and it’s time you acted accordingly. I am sure Herendil will recognize your right to be a part of your own grandson’s life. You don’t have to deal with the rest of the family, that’s your choice, but I think it’s high time Vorondil had two sets of grandparents."

Silence hung heavily in the air as Arafinwë waited patiently for Selmacas’ reply. Finally, the ellon nodded. "I suppose you have a point, my lord," he said quietly. "I just don’t see any of them, Vorondil especially, believing in my sincerity, especially after what I did to Vondo."

"Well, that’s where your punishment comes in," Arafinwë said with a thin smile. "You and Tarwen have a lot of work to do, rebuilding the bridges you burnt between you and Herendil’s family. And as they say, there’s no time like the present, so I would strongly suggest that while you are here that you make a concerted effort to become a part of Vorondil’s life."

"Where do I even begin?" Selmacas retorted.

"Start with Vondo," Ingwë interjected. "He’s already forgiven you and holds no animosity towards you. Indeed, I had the feeling he even pities you in some ways. Create a relationship with him and you will automatically draw Vorondil into it, for it is obvious to me at least that uncle and nephew have already created a strong bond of love and friendship between them."

"Ingwë is correct," Arafinwë said. "Make your first overtures to Vondo and go from there. Just don’t expect any miracles. You have much damage to repair and it will take time."

Selmacas nodded, not looking up. "I will do my best," he said, though he didn’t appear too happy about the prospect of forming a relationship with his grandson.

"And that is all we are ever asked to do," Arafinwë responded. "Don’t disappoint me, Selmacas."

The Noldorin lord glanced up, an angry retort on his lips, but whatever he saw in Arafinwë’s eyes gave him pause and he stopped, nodded his head and resumed staring at his plate.

After an uneasy moment or two of strained silence, Ingwë decided to change the subject and turned to Elindis. "Why don’t we invite everyone to an informal gathering tonight, my love? We have not really had any of the Tol Eressëans here for a visit. I think it’s time we did."

Elindis smiled. "I think it’s a wonderful idea." She turned to Eärwen and Lirillë. "Would you help plan it?" Both ellith indicated that they would and Ingwë called for his heralds and scribes to spread the word that all were invited to the townhouse for an evening of song and dance and quiet conversation.

After that, conversations turned to other matters as they all continued to relax during the remainder of the afternoon. When Vondo, Vorondil and the elflings showed up later, all excited about their sail on Vingilot, Arafinwë was pleased to see Selmacas asking Vondo how he would compare sailing on Vingilot with sailing on one of the Telerin swanships to Beleriand. The question was nonchalantly asked and, while initially Vondo showed surprise, he answered readily enough. When Selmacas then asked Vorondil if he’d enjoyed the ride, the ellon’s reaction was one of confusion at being addressed by a grandfather who had never spoken to him before and he was unable to do more than nod. Herendil, Vandacalmië and Aldundil looked on with varying degrees of suspicion but did not interfere. Luckily, Selmacas did not press the point but went on to ask the other elflings how they enjoyed sailing on Vingilot. The children were eager to tell of their adventures and soon even Vorondil was looking more relaxed and chiming in with one or two observations of his own.

It was a small start, but it was a start, and that, to Arafinwë, was all that mattered.

****

Ashkadphelun: (Valarin) Ring Dwelling, i.e. Saturn. It was called Lumbar by the Elves.