94: Intarion Alone

They eventually tracked down Herenaráto’s atar. Herencáno, it seems, had wandered into the royal library on his way to the gardens and was soon lost in a treatise by Rúmil on the nature of the Valarin language and was rather surprised when a frantic page found him. He put the book down and followed the youngster back to the queen’s sitting room where he was properly introduced to Intarion and Lirulin, apologizing to Herenaráto for not seeking him out immediately. He gave them all a shy look.

"I enter a library, any library, however large or small, and I’m immediately lost. Hours go by before I remember I should be doing something else."

They all gave him knowing grins. "I can think of worse faults, my lord," Eärwen said. She then proceeded to fill him in on what had been decided with Intarion and Lirulin.

Herencáno nodded in understanding. "Rialcar would be the one to go with Lady Lirulin. He has extensive holdings there and knows everyone and has the respect of all."

"Thank you," Eärwen said with a grateful look. "I will ask him if he would be willing to accompany Lirulin."

"And I welcome Lord Intarion’s presence here, if only for a while," Herencáno continued. "His knowledge of the Vanyar and of Ingwë will be of tremendous help as we ascertain how our relationship with the Vanyar may be affected by all that has happened of late."

"Thank you, my lord," Intarion said graciously. "I look forward to helping in any way while Lirulin is away." He then turned to Eärwen. "Do I have your promise that when Lirulin returns and gives her report that we will be free to leave for Vanyamar whenever we wish? I do not want you to start making up one excuse after another as to why we simply must remain in Tirion."

Eärwen gave him a serene look. "You have my word, Intarion, that I will not seek to keep you and Lirulin here if you do not wish to remain. When Lirulin returns, you may go or stay as you please. I am hoping that Arafinwë will be back by then, anyway."

"A hope we all share, my queen," Herencáno said and there were fervent nods all around. Then the two elflings became restless and Herencáno excused himself and his son, saying they had best get the children fed and settled for bed.

"Do you have someone to look after them?" Intarion asked on impulse. "Perhaps once you’ve gotten the children settled you and Herenaráto could join Lirulin and me for dinner. We are staying at the Rose and Crown Inn for the time being. You would be welcome to dine with us."

"Actually, dear," Lirulin said, "I think I will remain here and dine with Eärwen and Anairë and Amarië, if you don’t mind."

Intarion gave her a surprised look but did not argue. "Then perhaps just the three of us?" he asked of Herencáno and Herenaráto, wondering if he would end up dining alone.

Herencáno bowed to him. "Unfortunately, I have made other plans for myself, but Herenaráto I believe is free, are you not, yonya?"

Herenaráto nodded. "I would be honored to dine with you, Intarion," the ellon said. "Why don’t you come with us and then you and I can go together to the inn once we’ve gotten the children settled."

So it was decided and, after taking proper leave of the queen and the other ladies, the three ellyn left with the children, exiting the palace and making their way along a wide avenue lined with townhouses belonging to the nobility. Herencáno’s townhouse was neither the smallest nor the largest but was carefully kept and well appointed. There was a homeliness about it that made Intarion smile when he saw children’s toys and games scattered about and several books piled beside a well-worn chair in the sitting room. Herenaráto apologized for the mess but Intarion insisted he did not mind and offered to help feed Herendil while Aldundilmë was taken by one of the serving ellith to her bath.

An hour or so later, the children fed, washed and put to bed, Intarion and Herenaráto left and made their way to the inn where they were joyfully greeted by the innkeeper and his family and they spent several hours in convivial fellowship until Lirulin returned and Herenaráto bade them farewell, inviting them both to break fast with him and his family, which they accepted.

****

Over the next week, Intarion found himself more and more in the company of Herenaráto and his atar while Lirulin spent her time with Lord Rialcar and those who would be accompanying them to the Southern Fiefdoms, mapping out their route so that they covered the most amount of territory in the least time, for Lirulin was anxious to return to Tirion as soon as possible so she and Intarion could then go on to Vanyamar.

"At least this will give me an opportunity to check on the estate and ascertain what may be the problem," she said to Intarion at one point. "The messenger was too vague about what he thought was wrong."

"I’m sure it’s nothing dire," Intarion assured her, "else I would think Atto Nolondur would have gone himself to oversee the estate."

Lirulin gave a shrug. "I won’t know for sure until I get there."

Herencáno took it upon himself to introduce Intarion to the rest of Eärwen’s Privy Council, as well as to some of the lesser lords and ladies of the court who held important positions. Some welcomed the Vanya gladly, others were less enthusiastic, but no one was outright antagonistic, nor was there any vocal objection to him sitting in on the Council. Eärwen made it clear from the outset that Intarion was only there as an observer and consultant.

"I wish for Lord Intarion to be privy to our decisions so he can convey our concerns to Ingwë when he and Lady Lirulin return to Vanyamar," she told the court.

One thing Intarion insisted on, even after Lirulin left for the Southern Fiefdoms, was that he remain at the Rose and Crown rather than taking up his rooms in the palace as Eärwen and Anairë wished for him to do.

"I find that I like my privacy," he told them, "and I don’t wish to desert the innkeeper and his family. They’ve been very kind to Lirulin and me and I hate to just leave them."

Eärwen sighed and nodded her agreement. "If that is what you wish, then continue staying there, but I insist that the Treasury pay for your room and board. No, no," she said when Intarion looked ready to protest. "I know you don’t have much in the way of funds, and I would feel less guilty about keeping you here against your will if I can at least relieve you of the burden of making your own way while here. You can consider it as payment for your services as my consultant, if that makes you any happier."

Intarion was wise enough to acquiesce to the lady’s demands and graciously thanked her for her solicitude. Thus, the innkeeper and his family were shortly treated to the sight of royal couriers appearing at the inn at all hours when Intarion was in residence or having several courtiers drop by to discuss court matters ‘after hours’ or simply to trade tales about their respective lives while enjoying the inn’s wines and ales. This proved a boon to the innkeeper, for with the patronage of the nobles, others who had once frequented the inn to have a quiet dinner or to share a drink with friends as they traded songs and stories, began to show up in ones or twos, looking shy and uncertain, as if they were neither assured of their welcome or of the propriety of their presence. The innkeeper, however, welcomed all and sundry, and it was not long before those who had once been ‘regular customers’ resumed that role again.

And then, an amazing (to many) thing began to happen within the city. It was subtle at first, but soon it became apparent to all: other inns within the city began to open their doors again. People who had once shunned meeting their friends, keeping to themselves, now ventured out. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the city began to waken from its apathy. People began to realize that life did still go on, that however bereft they might feel at the moment, they could not, indeed, should not continue feeling that way for all time. They began to hold their heads up and not slink from shadow to shadow in shame whenever they ventured out of their doors. Markets began to flourish and the various guilds found themselves with employment once again.

A day came when an elleth spontaneously began singing a popular tune as she wandered through the various squares intent on her errands. Others stared at her in surprise at first, but then slow smiles creased their faces as they listened to the lilting song and it wasn’t long before others were picking up the chorus. And then, someone laughed for the pure joy of doing so and it was as if a dam had broken and people became livelier and more animated, no longer going through the motions of living but actually realizing that they had a reason to rejoice, for were they not alive and were they not Noldor? The Valar had not exacted any punishment from them, indeed, they had done nothing, and while that worried a few, others decided to take it as a sign that they were not out of the Valar’s favor and looked to the future with more hope and less dread.

Intarion, of course, paid little attention to any of this, but others, more attuned to the emotions of their own people, took note and it became a topic of interest when the Privy Council met about a week or so after the delegation to the Southern Fiefdoms had left.

"I see that the Greater Market has reopened," Lord Herencáno remarked casually as people were settling into their chairs. "There were only a few stalls opened but it was heartening to see, nonetheless. Perhaps by next market day, more vendors will be selling their wares."

There were nods and pleased looks all around. "The Leathercrafters’ Guild has begun taking orders again," one of the other councillors said, "and I heard tell that the head of the Metalsmiths’ Guild has gone to the master of the Miners’ Guild, asking if they could step up production."

"People are beginning to venture out more, I noticed," Lady Losellë mentioned with no little satisfaction. She was the wife of Lord Pelendur, if Intarion remembered correctly, as he sat there listening to the conversation. The lady was standing in for her husband who, once the travel ban had been lifted, had been sent by Eärwen to Alqualondë with a message to Olwë to discuss further reparation by the Noldor for what had been done to the Teleri.

"Do you think they should, though?" a Lord Nambarauto asked. Intarion recalled that he’d been one of those who had gone with the Exiles but had returned with Arafinwë. "The Noldóran did say we were no longer free...."

"The Noldóran was mistaken," Eärwen said firmly, anger brightening her eyes. "The Valar have done nothing to indicate that we of Tirion are their thralls. That was Fëanáro’s complaint against them, but it was a lie. My husband may be foolish enough to believe in it, but I do not, and until and unless I hear differently from Lord Manwë’s own lips, I will continue to conduct myself as a free Elf and I expect others to do the same. The news that markets are opening and orders are being sent and people are congregating at the inns and enjoying themselves once again is heartening. Too long have we of Tirion sat in the shadows. Though the Light of the Trees is no more, it does not mean the world has ended. Clearly it has not. So, let us concentrate our efforts towards bringing further life into our city and our people."

There were nods of agreement all around and even Nambarauto and a few others of like mind looked more thoughtful.

"Has there been any news out of Vanyamar?" Lord Anaxtur asked. "Have none of the couriers returned?"

Eärwen shook her head and frown. "No, and that worries me greatly."

"And me," Intarion interjected with a sigh. "My uncle, whatever his faults, would never be this lax in responding to your messengers, Eärwen. It troubles me that there has been no word out of Vanyamar since Ingwë left Tirion."

"Is it possible that the High King has closed the city?" Lady Losellë asked. "Would he have done so to spite Fëanáro?"

Both Intarion and Eärwen shook their heads. "Ingwë isn’t that vindictive," the queen replied. "He was disheartened at Fëanáro’s continuing intransigence, but he would never think to punish the rest of us for that."

"And if Ingwion has returned to Vanyamar," Intarion added, "he will have reported all that has happened since Ingwë left Tirion."

"But Ingwion knows nothing of the Return," Herencáno pointed out.

"Which is why I sent a fast courier to Vanyamar almost as soon as my husband arrived," Eärwen said. "By now Ingwë should be apprised of what has happened."

"Assuming he ever received that or any other message," Intarion retorted darkly.

All eyes turned to him in consternation.

"What do you mean, Intarion?" Anairë asked.

Intarion grimaced, wishing now that he had kept quiet. "Most of you do not know my atar," he said slowly, not looking at anyone in particular. "There have been intimations that he’s been causing trouble ever since Fëanáro was sent into exile."

"What sort of trouble, and what does it have to do with Ingwë?" one of the councillor’s asked.

"Ingwë has never been able to prove it," Intarion answered, "but he thinks that my atar was in sympathy with Fëanáro."

There was a moment or two of silence as the others contemplated Intarion’s words. Finally, Eärwen spoke, voicing the question that was on the minds of the rest. "Do you think Ingoldo may have taken advantage of Ingwë’s absence in some manner?"

"Knowing my atar as I do, I would be more surprised if he hadn’t than if he had," Intarion replied grimly. "Be that as it may, it is one possible explanation as to why we have heard nothing out of Vanyamar, or more specifically, why we have heard nothing from Ingwë. If my atar has decided to take over the city, Ingwë may well be a prisoner."

"But would the Vanyar allow that?" Herencáno asked. "Would they accept Ingoldo as their lord?"

"Only if they somehow thought that Ingwë no longer wished to be High King," Intarion answered.

There were troubled looks all around and one or two of the councillors muttered amongst themselves.

"Well, we’re not going to get anywhere with this," Eärwen said briskly. "I will not send another courier. I’ve sent three already and none have returned. Sending a fourth will only mean the loss of the courier for no good purpose. I almost wish you and Lirulin would reconsider going to Vanyamar, Intarion. If what you suggest is true, you may be going into a trap."

"Perhaps," Intarion averred, "or perhaps not. If I go with my eyes open to the possibility that some treachery is at play here, I might not be taken by surprise. There are people whom I know who live outside the city. I can safely go to them to find out what is going on before I venture into Vanyamar itself."

"Perhaps you should consider leaving Lirulin here then until we know it’s safe," Eärwen suggested.

"Why don’t we wait until she returns to decide that?" Intarion said. "And hopefully by then Arafinwë will have returned with news."

Everyone nodded. "Speaking of the king," one of the lords said, "do you truly think the Valar will demand that we become thralls?"

"Ingwë won’t countenance it," Intarion said before Eärwen could reply. She nodded in agreement.

"Nor will my Atar," she added. "He has already forgiven those who returned with my husband and he never blamed any who remained behind for what happened."

"Still, some price must be paid for what we’ve done," another lord remarked.

"We have done nothing," Eärwen retorted angrily, stressing the pronoun. "Those who are guilty of anything have long since left Valinor." She paused to get herself under control and many there looked away, feeling abashed, for all knew how the queen grieved for the loss of her children. "At any rate," she continued more calmly, "the Valar seem disinclined to claim us as their thralls, so I must assume that they have no interest in us being enslaved. They probably wish for us to continue our lives as best we may."

"It would be nice if they actually came and told us, though," Nambarauto muttered and a few nodded in agreement to that sentiment.

"Well, perhaps that is all for the best," Herencáno said firmly and most stared at him in disbelief. He nodded, smiling slightly at their bemused expressions. "Perhaps they wish for us to work it out for ourselves, to come to the realization that we are not and never will be thralls all on our own. We’re seeing that even now with the markets opening and people meeting at the inns for fellowship. We’ve mourned and sulked long enough. Time to start living again."

"Well said, Herencáno," Intarion said, giving the ellon a warm smile. "Yes, you Noldor allowed yourselves to be swept away by emotions and Fëanáro’s rhetoric. Even those of you who did not follow Fëanáro did nothing to stop his poison from taking hold among your friends and family. Most of you have paid the ultimate price for your apathy, bereft as you are of kith and kin. Yet, I say unto you, that though we walk under perpetual darkness, it is for us to keep the Light of the Trees forever within our hearts, to conduct ourselves as we always have, with the dignity that is our inheritance as Eruhíni."

"Intarion is correct," Eärwen said. "Let us endeavor to instill estel in the hearts of our people so that when the Noldóran returns he will find us going about our business with our heads held high."

Many nodded in agreement and the rest of the council meeting was taken up with discussions on how best to encourage the people. Intarion did not contribute to the conversation, leaving it for the Noldor to come to solutions on their own. Instead, he sat there wondering just what was happening in Vanyamar, wishing Lirulin was already back so they could leave.

****

Arafinwë did not return by the time Lirulin did. Lord Pelendur returned at about the same time so he and Lord Rialcar gave their reports to the Privy Council together. Lirulin joined Intarion as an observer.

"The Southern Fiefdoms appear to be holding up," Rialcar said, "though there were pockets of distress throughout. Apparently, some of the younger Elves learned of the Exodus and decided to join it, leaving their families to struggle on without them. There was some bitterness directed towards us at first, but eventually we were able to win their trust when we convinced them that the crown will do all in its power to see that they did not suffer unduly."

"How is production?" Nambarauto asked.

"Low," Rialcar answered. "Or rather, I should say, lower than we have seen, yet, I’ve been assured that there is in fact a surplus of goods and we will not starve nor will our cattle. Those who manage the farms belonging to the Vanyarin and Telerin crowns were naturally concerned, for there’s been no commerce with either realm."

"And that is certainly something that needs to be addressed," Eärwen said, thanking the lord for his report. "What news from my atar, Pelendur?" she then asked, addressing the other lord.

"His Majesty welcomed us warmly enough, though many in the city were rather suspicious of us," Pelendur answered. "King Olwë assured me personally that he will welcome any who desire to come and help with the rebuilding, though he asked that, for the moment, only those who did not join in the Exodus come. There are still hard feelings against those who participated in the Rebellion even if they were not Kinslayers."

Eärwen nodded. "Understandable. Then I think we should contact the various guilds and let them know of this and ask for volunteers to go to Alqualondë. Any objections?"

There were none and the council continued with its deliberations. Pelendur mentioned that Olwë was making plans to travel to Valmar to consult with the Valar about certain matters concerning Alqualondë but the king had given no timetable as to when he would be coming. Eärwen said she might join her atar for she had questions of her own concerning her husband. At this point, Intarion and Lirulin excused themselves, deciding these things did not concern them and Eärwen allowed them to leave, inviting them to remain for dinner, which they accepted.

Once they were alone, strolling through the palace gardens, Lirulin told him what she had found at their estate. "The crops are flourishing, though not as plentiful as before," she said, "but the workers are dispirited. Atto has not come when he said he would and the steward is worried. He was most grateful to see me and I assured him that you and I would be returning as soon as we had visited Vanyamar to discover what has happened there that Atto has not come when he said he would."

"Eärwen was thinking you should remain here while I go to Vanyamar alone," Intarion told her.

"Why?"

"We’ve heard nothing from Vanyamar, nor from the Valar," he replied. "Arafinwë has not returned and there is no indication as to when he will, though Eärwen confided to me that a Maia came to her and told her that Arafinwë has taken up temporary residence in Ilmarin as Lord Manwë’s apprentice and would return as soon as the Elder King felt him ready to assume the crown."

"And in the meantime...." Lirulin stated with a frown.

"Yes, and in the meantime," Intarion echoed with a sigh.

"I hate to have you go alone," Lirulin said, "but I can see the wisdom of it. Promise me you will be careful."

"Always," Intarion said as he held her close and kissed her. "I just wish we had some inkling of what is happening in Vanyamar, though," he added with a sigh. "I wish we knew what Ingwë is up to and how my cousins fare, but most of all, I wish I knew what my atar is doing. My heart warns me that he cannot be up to any good."

"Then go, beloved, and learn the truth of it," Lirulin urged him. "Find out what is happening to our people, then hurry back to me. I think while you are away, I will return to our estate and do what needs doing there."

Intarion agreed with her plans. "Let us go and tell Eärwen what we’ve decided, then," he said and they made their way back through the gardens in search of the Noldotári. But when they spoke to Eärwen of their decision she convinced Intarion not to leave just yet.

"When my atar comes, I plan to go with him to Valmar as I said earlier. You can come with us and from Valmar you can learn what has befallen Vanyamar. I do not like the idea of you traveling alone."

"She’s right," Lirulin said. "And I would feel better knowing you were with others. I don’t like the idea of you traveling to Vanyamar alone. Too much is unknown."

So Intarion agreed to wait a while longer, all the while chafing at the delay, wondering what was happening in Vanyamar and what mischief his atar was up to.