140: Eärendil Proposes, Manwë Disposes

Eärendil approached Ingwë first, as well as Arafinwë and Olwë, and sounded them out on his idea. Arafinwë gave him his enthusiastic approval, while Olwë was more cautious, but in the end, agreed that it was an elegant solution. Ingwë’s reaction was more telling. The High King immediately sent for Ingwion, Finrod and Lindarion and had Eärendil explain to them what he was thinking. Lindarion’s reaction was as cautious as his atar’s, but he did not offer any real objections. Finrod had a far-away look in his eyes, as if he were seeing something or remembering something and when he came back to the present, he nodded.

"It would solve many problems," he said, "including what happens when one of the other kings is reborn. He would gladly step down and never look back."

Ingwion’s reaction was almost as telling as Ingwë’s. The smile he gave them was one of relief. "For a time, I thought I would have to volunteer for the position."

"Why you?" Lindarion asked.

"I am already slated to go to Tol Eressëa as emissary for the Valar," he answered. "I had an awful feeling I would have to take on both roles. Now I’m glad I do not. Being the Valar’s emissary will be a tough enough job without compounding it."

"I do wish they had consulted me about it, though," Ingwë said with a wry look. "You are, after all, my heir."

"An heir who will most likely never succeed to the throne unless you and ammë suddenly decide to run away to sea or something," Ingwion retorted mildly and the others chuckled. "Nor am I in a hurry to do so," he hastened to reassure his atar. "Being trained as the Valar’s emissary has given me a challenge, something to look forward to. I haven’t had that for a long time."

Ingwë nodded. "I know, and I’m even grateful. So, we are all agreed as to Lord Eärendil’s solution?" he asked them and there were nods all around.

"Well we’re the easiest to convince," Arafinwë said, "but the ones who need convincing are the Tol Eressëans."

"Only some," Eärendil stated. "If you think about it, there are several groups that will offer no objections to this proposal and will be very supportive."

"He’s right," Finrod said. "Ingwion and I can approach those we know will approve of the idea while you tackle those who may prove problematic."

"No. I think it would be better if you handle the ones who will object the loudest," Ingwë said, "if only because they were all willing to offer you the crown from the first. If you and Eärendil speak to them together they will be less likely to suspect this as being an Amanian plot. We’ll speak to those whom we know will be more amenable to the idea, for they will not be as hostile and suspicious."

Finrod reluctantly agreed and said he would recruit Glorfindel to help keep certain people entertained while the rest of them were speaking to the various delegations. "We don’t want our candidate to get wind of what we are doing until we’ve accomplished our goal."

They all agreed to that and Finrod and Eärendil went off to find Glorfindel and speak to him, while Ingwë assigned the others to certain delegates to sound them out. Finrod and Eärendil found Glorfindel in a small park not far from the royal townhouse where he and Legolas were acting as attendants to Elwing, seeing to her comfort as she sat under an oak tree surrounded by Vorondil, his uncle, and the elflings, among others, who were all listening with bated breath as she entertained them with the tale of how she and Eärendil found their way to Valinor. Finrod gave Eärendil a smile at the sight, for everyone listening, even Glorfindel and Legolas, was hanging on her every word.

"She’s a good storyteller," he whispered to Eärendil and the Mariner nodded.

As the two approached the group, Glorfindel happened to look up and Finrod jerked his chin to his left and Glorfindel got the message, for he leaned over to whisper something in Legolas’ ear. The ellon nodded and Glorfindel then moved silently away from the tree and nonchalantly made his way to a pavilion set up in a corner of the park where light snacks and drinks could be had. Finrod and Eärendil joined him there and the three ordered some ale. There were only a few other patrons and they were able to find a table in a secluded corner.

As they sat there, sipping their ales, Glorfindel gave them a considering look. "What’s going on?" he asked. "The two of you look rather too smug about something."

Finrod let Eärendil explain. Glorfindel did not interrupt and his only reaction was a brightening of his eyes and a nod as the Mariner finished speaking. Finrod then explained what he wanted from Glorfindel and the ellon shrugged. "That shouldn’t be too hard. He and some others have been badgering me to teach them some of my moves. They all have this crazy notion that they want to compete in the tournament that is being planned for next summer." He gave them a sardonic look and the other two chuckled.

"And they are probably all too young to compete anyway," Finrod commented shrewdly and Glorfindel shrugged.

"Most of them, aye, but not all," he replied. "I have hesitated to do as they ask simply because I know that they will not be allowed to compete however much they desire it."

"Perhaps they can, though," Finrod said.

"How?" Glorfindel enquired. "I tried to convince them that they should concentrate on the archery competition since they are all eligible, but no, they want the flash and glory of fighting with a sword and getting to beat on their opponents to within an inch of their lives." He gave them a disgusted look as he drank his ale.

"Your fault, really," Eärendil said with a knowing smile. "You make it look so easy... and so much fun."

Glorfindel snorted good-naturedly as Finrod sniggered. "At any rate," Finrod said, "I was thinking that the younger ellyn who are perhaps not old enough even to act as squires can act as pages and begin training in the martial arts."

"But if they’re too young...." Glorfindel said, looking confused.

"Too young to train or to compete," Finrod said with a nod, "but not too young to learn."

Glorfindel sat there for a moment, his eyes staring at nothing in particular as he thought about what Finrod was saying. "I remember how we all made our own weapons... before," he finally said. "Perhaps these youngsters can benefit by learning the fine craft of swordmaking before they learn how to wield them."

"And making armor and shields and other weapons," Finrod said with a nod. "Think you can keep them occupied with that? Tell them that there will be prizes at the tournament for the best crafters of swords and such. Have them come up with a plan to design classes. While the warriors are training at the various training camps that will be put up, these ellyn and ellith, if they so desire, can be taking lessons in weapons design. Have them explore the different styles of weapons and armor among the various elvish cultures and then have them design and make their own swords, armor and what have you."

"Hmm... that might just work," Glorfindel said with a nod. "Let me speak with Gilvagor about Eärendil’s proposal and then tell him about this. I have absolutely no doubt that he will fall in with the idea and will get the other warriors to help me. Between us we can keep all the youngsters occupied so they are unaware of what you are doing. You don’t have much time, though. The Council reconvenes tomorrow. Are you sure you can convince people like Morcocáno and Galadhwen or even Laeglîr?"

"Perhaps not directly," Finrod averred, "but there are others who will be more sympathetic and they can use their not inconsiderable influence to convince the more reluctant."

"By others, you mean people like Lady Meril, Lord Thorongorn, and Lord Borhael," Glorfindel said with a shrewd look.

Finrod smiled. "Exactly."

"Well, we had best get on with it then," Glorfindel said, draining his tankard. "I’ll go hunt down Gilvagor or Haldir while you do what you need to do. Are you sure Ingwë will go for this? He’s the one who’s placed an age limit on those who will train."

"He’ll agree to it," Finrod said easily. "I’ll make sure he does."

Both Glorfindel and Eärendil gave him somewhat skeptical looks but otherwise offered no protest as they finished up their ales and went their separate ways. Glorfindel did not have to go too far to find his quarry. Gilvagor was with Haldir and Gwilwileth and some of their friends from Tol Eressëa, wandering through a nearby market square, examining the wares. They were congregated around one particular stall where leather goods were being sold. One of their group turned out to be a member of the Leatherworkers’ Guild and they were having a friendly discussion with the vendor about the differences between Amanian and Tol Eressëan styles and techniques. Glorfindel sidled up to them and quietly got Gilvagor’s attention.

"We need to talk," he said softly to the warrior and then walked away. Gilvagor excused himself from the group, following Glorfindel to where the ellon stood beside a small fountain. "What is the matter?" he asked.

Glorfindel quickly explained, and before he had reached the end of his narrative, Gilvagor was dragging him over to where the others were still speaking with the leather goods seller. They looked up at their approach. "We may have a solution to our problems," Gilvagor said without preamble. "Let’s go somewhere where we can talk in private," he ordered and the others, while obviously curious, refrained from asking any questions until they had retired to an inn where they commandeered a small private parlor. Once they had given the innkeeper their orders and had been served, Gilvagor asked Glorfindel to speak. He did not get very far before everyone started speaking at once.

"Whoa!" Glorfindel exclaimed, raising a hand to stem the tide of questions and comments. "I am merely the messenger. Eärendil, Finrod and the kings are handling this. My task is to keep certain people occupied and unaware of what is being planned."

"What are you suggesting?" Gilvagor asked.

Glorfindel explained what he and Finrod discussed and there was much enthusiasm for the idea. Gilvagor nodded. "I think we can work something out. Why don’t we go see if any of the youngsters are interested?"

It was agreed that Haldir would accompany Gilvagor and Glorfindel on their quest while the others went their separate ways. It took them a little time to hunt their quarry, but eventually they found him and others. Gilvagor let Glorfindel speak to them.

"I’ve been thinking over your desire to learn something of swordfighting from me," he said, "and while I cannot go against King Ingwë’s command to train only those who are at least seventy-five years old, I thought you all might be interested in learning how to make your own swords and armor and such. Lord Findaráto has suggested that competitions be held during the tournament next summer for the best crafted weapons and armor. So, if you’re interested, you can help Gilvagor, Haldir and myself with designing classes which will be held in tandem with the training camps that are being planned."

There was much enthusiasm for the idea and Gilvagor suggested that they all retire to Lord Tulkas’s mansion to talk things over. Glorfindel gave the warrior an approving look. Having a certain ellon indoors would keep him from overhearing conversations that he should not be hearing just yet.

****

Finrod and Eärendil continued on their way, hoping to track down Lady Meril or Lord Thorongorn or Lord Borhael and recruit them to their cause in convincing those whom they suspected would be the least willing to go along with the idea. Lady Meril, when they found her in the company of Queen Eärwen, was already aware of what was being discussed and fell in readily enough with their plans, saying she would find Lord Thorongorn and Lord Borhael and get them to help her.

"Trust me, my lords," the good lady said with a hard smile, "by the time I finish with Galadhwen and Morcocáno and anyone else who proves difficult, they will actually think it was their idea from the beginning."

"And take credit for it from Lord Eärendil?" Finrod asked with a glint of humor.

"I won’t care so long as they agree," Eärendil assured them.

"Nay, my lord," Meril said in all seriousness. "To you go the spoils of victory. Now, if you will excuse me, my lords, your Majesty, I will go see what I can do to make this happen." She gave them all a curtsey and went on her way.

Eärwen eyed her son with some amusement. "You seem quite eager about this," she said.

"It’s an elegant solution, you have to admit, and he’s perfect for the role," Finrod retorted.

"Indeed, he is," Eärwen agreed. "I just wonder what the poor dear will say when he finds out. I think he will be the hardest to convince."

"I think you are right about that, Ammë," Finrod said, "but he may be more amenable to the idea if he knows this is what the Valar wish for him as well, especially one particular Vala."

Eärwen gave her son a shrewd look. "Yes, I think you are correct. So, I believe you and Eärendil had better find the Valar and tell them."

"They’ve made themselves scarce," Eärendil pointed out. "It may not be easy to speak with them."

"Scarce, perhaps, but not completely unavailable," Eärwen said. "I suggest you go to Lord Manwë’s mansion and see if you cannot at least speak with his Herald. Let Eönwë do the rest."

Finrod and Eärendil decided Eärwen had the right idea and they wandered back into Valmar. When they reached the Elder King’s mansion they found a Maia at the gate keeping an eye on the Landamallë where groups of elves were wandering and she immediately sent for Eönwë. When the Herald appeared, and before either elf could speak, he said to them, "Lord Manwë and the other Valar are expecting you." The two ellyn exchanged surprised looks and then shrugged, allowing Eönwë to lead them inside for their audience with the Valar.

****

Late that night when most of the people staying at the townhouse had either retired for the night or were out about their own business elsewhere, Finrod and Eärendil joined Ingwë and the other kings in a private conversation to compare notes. They met in the High King’s private study.

"While there are some who are less than enthusiastic about the idea," Ingwë told them, "we were able to exact a promise from them that they would not object to it if the majority of the delegates accepted it. I think, with further reflection, they will see that it’s the best solution any of us has come up with to date."

"The Valar are in agreement," Finrod said. "They will support this. In fact, I got the distinct feeling that this is what they wanted all along."

"You think they intended to push their own agenda on us?" Ingwë asked with a sigh.

"I think they were hoping they wouldn’t have to," Finrod said. "They looked both pleased and genuinely relieved that the idea came from us and not from them."

Eärendil nodded. "When I told them how it was that Elwing gave me the idea in the first place, Lord Manwë laughed and said that his insistence that she and I come here was now justified."

"Indeed," Ingwë replied, lifting an eyebrow. "Well, I will not dispute that as I am very glad you did come."

"So do we have the votes?" Olwë asked.

They took a quick count. There were one or two about whom they were still unsure, but Finrod pointed out that if the Valar indicated their acceptance to the idea, more than likely the undecided would fall into line. "We do need to stress that the idea was wholly Eärendil’s and that it was only later that we consulted the Valar about it and received their blessing."

The others nodded. "Well, we’ll see how it all goes tomorrow," Ingwë said. "I’ve passed the word along that within the townhouse there was to be no discussion about it. We don’t want our... er... victim to hear about our plans for him too soon."

"We’ve also cautioned everyone else not to do or say anything tomorrow that might alert him," Arafinwë said.

"It seems a bit cruel not to discuss this with him beforehand," Eärendil said with a sigh, "though I understand why we haven’t."

"I know, but to tell him ahead of time will give him an excuse to refuse us," Ingwë said. "Hopefully, when he sees how even the Valar are behind him becoming Cáno, he will acquiesce to our wishes more easily."

"It will be interesting to see how long it’ll take us to convince him that he’s the one," Finrod said with a smile and the others agreed as they adjourned their meeting to retire for the evening, satisfied that all would go as planned the next day.

****

There was much excitement and an air of expectation among the delegates the next morning as they met again in the outdoor amphitheater behind Lord Námo’s mansion. No one minded, though a few wondered why the Council chamber hadn’t been moved to Lord Irmo’s mansion as was expected. Ingwë when asked, just shrugged. "The Valar probably are getting rather tired of recreating the chamber all the time," he said and left it at that.

In point of fact, it had been Finrod’s idea not to move the Council chamber. "If everything goes as planned, this will be the last formal Council meeting," he explained to his atar and the other kings. "No sense recreating the chamber again for this last session."

Once everyone was seated, and this time all the Valar were present, Ingwë welcomed them all and then said, "Lord Eärendil approached me yesterday with an idea that might be the solution we’ve been looking for. I would like him to tell the rest of you about it."

"As if we don’t already know," Morcocáno said with a sneer.

Ingwë frowned. "Be that as it may, my lord," he said in frosty tones, "we would have Lord Eärendil formally present his idea to us all and then proceed from there." He glared at the Tol Eressëan, who shrugged and said nothing. Then, he turned to Lord Eärendil. "You have the floor, my lord."

Eärendil rose and bowed to Ingwë. "Thank you, your Majesty," he said. "Lord Morcocáno is correct that you who sit at this table are aware of my idea as to who should be chosen as Cáno of the Tol Eressëan Assembly and you all know why. But that is not to say that everyone here is aware of this and so I will explain. Observing this Council, it was obvious to me that most of you were amenable to the idea of having someone who was essentially an outsider become Cáno, someone who could not be accused of being influenced by one party or another among the various interests on the island, yet that person also had to be sympathetic to the people of Tol Eressëa and desire their well-being and would have the respect of the majority of the people. And then Lord Námo and Lady Vairë suggested that we not necessarily limit our search among the oldest of us, but perhaps look for someone among the younger generations, pointing out that age did not necessarily imbue wisdom upon a person. Pondering all this, I asked my beloved wife for her opinion and her answer was simply: Look to the one who is least noticed but most often there."

He paused for a moment, making sure he kept his eyes from straying towards the unsuspecting ellon and giving the game away. "An interesting observation, I think you will agree. At any rate, I took Elwing’s advice and over the last two days I observed as many people as I could without being obvious about it, and lo and behold! I found one person who was indeed least noticed by most yet was always there to lend a hand, or an ear, or sage advice, and I saw the respect that everyone gave him, though it seemed to me that most of the time he was unconscious of it. When I thought I had found the one we’ve been looking for I went to Elwing and told her and she agreed with my choice. And so, my lords and ladies, I would formally submit to you my candidate for Cáno of the Assembly of Tol Eressëa." Now he turned slightly to the right to look up at the tiers where the Noldorin delegates sat and smiled. "I name Lord Sador Bronwegion."

"WHAT!!!" Sador leapt from his seat, his eyes wide with shock and disbelief, his face bloodless. "No! No no no no!" he cried, shaking his head. He tried to leave, but Glorfindel blocked his path.

"Sador...."

"NO!!!" the ellon screamed, trying to push Glorfindel away, but now Finrod had risen and gone to them and held him while everyone else remained still.

"Hush," Finrod said softly. "It’s going to be all right, Sador. Hush now and listen."

Sador looked at him in disbelief and a rising sense of anger as he twisted in Finrod’s embrace. "All right!? All right!? What do you mean by that? It’s not all right. I am not...."

"But you are," Finrod insisted, "and everyone else thinks so as well."

"Sador," Manwë said, rising from his seat, and the Vala’s voice stilled the ellon’s protest. "Come here, child." Finrod let him go and after a moment’s hesitation, Sador went to stand beside Lord Manwë who looked at him with sympathy. "Child, I know what a shock this is to you, but trust me when I say that we Valar have long awaited this moment."

"Wh-what do you mean?" Sador asked fearfully.

"Do you remember my telling you that you were released from Mandos earlier than you normally would have been?"

Sador nodded.

"I found it interesting," Manwë continued, "that you never asked me why you were released early."

Sador frowned in thought and then shrugged, giving Manwë a shy look. "I guess I just assumed you wouldn’t tell me even if I had asked."

Manwë smiled. "And you would have been correct, but I was still amazed at your seeming lack of curiosity. You appeared less concerned about your own plight and more about Vorondil’s."

"So, why was I released from Mandos, lord?" Sador asked.

"For this very reason, child," Manwë said kindly. "It has always been our hope that you would lead the Tol Eressëans, at least for a time."

"B-but why?" Sador cried, confusion written all over him.

"For the very reasons Lord Eärendil enumerated," the Elder King replied. "Through a series of circumstances, and not all of them contrived by us mind you, you have, without any conscious thought of doing so, garnered the respect of nearly everyone here by your courtesy, humility, bravery and wisdom."

"Wisdom?" Sador shot back. "I’m barely out of elflinghood. How can I be considered wise?"

"You are young, that is true," Manwë said, "however, wisdom is not a product of age but of experience. You have experienced much in your short life, more than even someone like Ingwë, who is perhaps the wisest of you all. Dying, I think you can agree, grants a person a different perspective on things and allows them to see the larger picture, more than is usually granted any of the Children."

"Well if dying is a criterion why not choose one of the other Reborn?" Sador demanded.

"Because you are the only one who fits all the criteria," Oromë suddenly said, rising from his seat and moving down to stand beside Manwë. "You do not realize how special you are, Sador. You have the blood of all three clans flowing through your veins, and while you lived and died in Beleriand, you are also conversant with the culture of the Amanians and have their respect as Arafinwë’s ward. You are, in one respect, an outsider, for since your release from Mandos, you have moved among the Amanians and not with your Sindarin kin on Tol Eressëa. You have both the impartiality and the sympathy that this position needs."

"When I asked you what your impressions of Tol Eressëa were after your first trip there, do you remember what you told me?" Manwë asked.

Sador shook his head.

"You told me you felt as if you were home. Do you remember now?"

Sador nodded reluctantly, clearly not wanting to admit it.

"He said something similar to me," Arafinwë chimed in.

Manwë nodded. "In spite of what happened to you there, you felt at home, didn’t you?" he asked Sador, who nodded again. "And that is what we have all been counting on."

"But... I’m just a... a potter and the Noldóran’s ward," Sador protested. "I’m nothing special. I don’t know anything about being a cáno."

Oromë placed a hand on his right shoulder, drawing his attention. "Sador, you are more than you think. You never thought of yourself as a warrior, and yet, every warrior here would readily proclaim you as one. Under Arafinwë’s tutelage you have begun to learn statecraft and diplomacy and have earned the respect of the lords and ladies of the various realms. Your being a potter, and a very good one, I may add, gives you insight to the needs of the common people, the craftsmen and artisans and workers of the land who make up the bulk of the population. And more importantly, you have the respect, nay, the love and approval, of the Valar."

"We want you to be these people’s leader," Manwë said, "but more than that, they want you to be their leader."

"I’m too young," Sador protested, "and I’m a Reborn. No one trusts a Reborn."

"We trust you," Gilvagor said and there were murmurs of agreement throughout. "And I wouldn’t worry about your youth. There will be those who will offer you their own experiences and hard-won wisdom, yet you have much of your own, though you do not see it."

Sador looked about him and reluctantly saw the sincerity in the eyes of many. "All that you say may be true, but the fact remains that not everyone on the island knows who I am or even cares. They are not going to accept me as Cáno, especially when I have no doubt the vast majority are expecting to have a king rule them."

"Oh, I don’t say there won’t be resistance," Manwë averred, "but if we lay the proper groundwork, much of it will go away soon enough."

"Well, what about the Assembly?" Sador asked. "The people who are elected to it may not know me from a hole in the wall and will not look kindly upon me, an outsider and a Reborn, to lead them."

"That would be true if we held general elections for those who should sit on the Assembly," Manwë replied, "but if you all heed me, I say, let those who presently sit at this table, except for the three Amanian delegates and Lord Eärendil, constitute the first Assembly. You have already been chosen by your people to represent you here, there’s no reason why you cannot continue to do so."

"That sounds reasonable," Ingwë said. "I think that would certainly work and if anyone feels they do not want to sit on the Assembly, then they could certainly ask for others to take their place."

"We will probably add to the number," Dúlinn offered. "Perhaps have those of us here be permanent members of the Assembly with others sitting on the Assembly for a specific number of years before ceding their seat to another. That way we get new blood on a periodic basis."

"I’m sure such details can be worked out to everyone’s satisfaction," Manwë said, "but for the moment let us concentrate on this matter. Lord Eärendil has put forth Sador’s name for the position of Cáno. How say you all?"

"I say aye," Gilvagor exclaimed as he rose from his seat.

"As do I," Brethorn said almost at the same time.

One by one all those seated at the table, except for the Amanians, rose and cast their vote for Sador. Then Manwë turned to the assembly at large. "What say you, my Children? Will Sador Bronwegion be your new Cáno?"

At once there was a standing ovation and great applause. Even the Amanians and the other Valar stood and added their approbation. Manwë raised a hand to halt the cheers and when they finally died down he looked at Sador standing there white and trembling and spoke with gentle sympathy and yet with firmness of will. "Sador Bronwegion, you have heard the heartfelt acclamation of these people. Will you accept the position of Cáno which they offer you?"

For a long moment, Sador just stared at the Elder King, his expression one of deep distress, then he looked to where Finrod and Glorfindel still stood together. They were both smiling and Glorfindel gave him a nod. He turned his attention to Arafinwë and was surprised to see the look of pride on the Noldóran’s face, as if Sador were truly his own son who was being honored. Then he looked about him and saw a mix of expressions, mostly those of encouragement and approval, but there were one or two who looked less than pleased by it all and for some reason that assured Sador more than all the looks of support the others were giving him.

He was sure that they were all making a serious error in judgment but....

He looked at Manwë and Oromë standing before him and sighed. Manwë’s expression was carefully neutral, but Oromë’s was one of grave fondness and he remembered how he had once gazed into the Vala’s eyes and had felt such peace. That peace, oddly enough, flowed into him now, and with it came an unspoken assurance that all would be well however he chose.

Without taking his eyes off of Lord Oromë, he nodded. "I accept," he whispered and then the entire Council broke into loud cheers and only the two Valar heard him add with a note of despair, "ar nai Eru órava messë ilyë."

And only the Valar were aware of Eönwë standing by the entrance, book in hand, calmly recording Sador’s words and smiling all the while.

****

Ar nai Eru órava messë ilyë: (Quenya) ‘And may Eru have mercy on us all’.