Chapter the Eleventh:

In Which Cousins Arrive and There is Further Plotting

Glorfindel and Carnimir returned to the palace after being assured by Morifindë that the fish they required would be delivered within the hour.

"And the rest should go to whoever wants them," Glorfindel stated, "since they are a free gift from Lord Ulmo."

One or two of the merchants looked a bit unhappy at that pronouncement but Morifindë only nodded. As it was, many of the shoppers had already claimed their share and several others came into the square, having been urged by neighbors to take advantage of the gift of fish from the Lord of Waters. And contrary to the fears of some of the fishmongers, their own wares were quickly bought up, for when it was learned what had happened, many took pity on the merchants and stayed to buy other kinds of fish even if they had not originally planned to do so. The generosity of the people of Tirion moved the merchants and several of them left the city at the end of the day in a better mood than when they had arrived.

Neither Glorfindel nor Carnimir knew any of this, though, for they had continued with the shopping for the other items on their list in a different part of the market before finally returning to the palace. Marilla gave them both a considering look as they entered the kitchen. "Any trouble?"

The two ellyn looked at each other for a second and then Glorfindel shrugged nonchalantly while Carnimir shook his head. "No. No trouble. Why?"

"You were gone longer than I’d expected," Marilla answered.

"Oh... um... well... that is..."

"It took us a while to go to all the merchants and order what was needed," Glorfindel interjected smoothly. And that was true enough as far as it went, for they did have trouble finding two of the spices on their list and had to go to a separate market for them.

Marilla gave them a searching look. Glorfindel kept his gaze steady, though he noticed Carnimir had trouble looking at anyone. "I see," she finally said and Glorfindel could not tell if she believed him or not. "Well, you’re in time to help with setting out the lunch. Since we’re having a feast tonight, however minor, lunch will be very simple, just a clear broth soup, some fresh bread and a collation of cheeses and cold meats. And Glorfindel, normally, you and Findaráto would be dismissed for the afternoon but with the feast I’m afraid you’ll have to stay and help with the preparations."

Glorfindel nodded, not at all surprised and actually, he was looking forward to helping out. "Of course, Mistress."

"But as compensation," Marilla added with a smile, "I have been told that you and Findaráto will be joining their Majesties at the high table, so I will dismiss you about an hour before the feast will begin so you may go and ready yourselves."

"And we still don’t know who from Vanyamar is coming, do we?" Glorfindel asked as he removed the guild tabard and replaced it with a clean apron.

"No, but they are due to arrive around mid-afternoon," Marilla answered, "and I’m sure we’ll hear all about it."

But as it happened, they didn’t, or at least Finrod and Glorfindel did not, for once the fish arrived they were kept busy in the scullery cleaning them and more was sent than was originally ordered, so Marilla set them to salting the extras to preserve them for later use. By the time they finished with that, there was little left for them to do, for the venison custard was coming along nicely, the fish were baking and the rice was cooking. Most of the kitchen staff had actually been dismissed for an hour or so, but Marilla kept Finrod and Glorfindel there doing odd jobs, mostly cleaning up, before dismissing them so they could bathe and dress for the feast. Glorfindel couldn’t help but notice that Marilla kept them in the kitchen just late enough that they would need to hurry through their ablutions if they wished to be at the feast on time.

"So we won’t have time to go to the north wing and see who’s come," he groused as he and Finrod made their way to their suites, for traditionally, the north wing was reserved for the Vanyarin royal family or for any Vanyarin nobles who might be visiting.

Finrod shrugged. "We’ll learn soon enough," he said philosophically and left it at that.

****

As this was not a major feast, neither ellon dressed in their best robes. "Just our second best," Glorfindel quipped and Finrod smiled, remembering a time long ago when he’d been wearing his third best robes when an important delegation from Doriath had arrived and had still managed to outshine Lord Celeborn, though that had not been his intent.

"Let’s just hope whoever’s come won’t be wearing their best robes," he said as they made their way towards the feast hall, a larger affair than the royal dining room where most meals were held. Even a minor feast would entail having more diners than the smaller dining room could reasonably hold. They found themselves being ushered into a small antechamber reserved for the royal family by Lord Axantur, Arafinwë’s chief Master of Ceremonies.

"So who’s come, Axantur?" Finrod asked. Neither of his parents had yet arrived so they had the room to themselves.

Axantur smiled. "You will have to wait and see, Highness. His Majesty said he wished to surprise you."

"I hate surprises," Glorfindel remarked almost automatically, giving them a scowl.

"But the surprise isn’t necessarily for you, Lord Glorfindel," Axantur said with a fond smile for the youngster, as he thought him, for Axantur had crossed the wide lands of Endórë under the stars and even the King was young to his mind.

Before either Finrod or Glorfindel could comment, Arafinwë entered with Eärwen. "Ah, right on time," he said with a smile. "Thank you, Axantur. If you would see to our guests, I think we are ready to be seated."

Axantur bowed and left. Finrod gave his atar a considering look. "So what’s the big mystery?" he asked.

"No mystery, yonya," Arafinwë said with a laugh. "You’ll see soon enough who’s come."

At that moment there was a knock on the door and then Axantur was ushering in three ellyn.

"Ingwion!" Finrod and Glorfindel exclaimed almost as one.

Ingwion laughed, opening his arms wide to give them both a hug. "Surprise!"

"Hey, what about us!"

"Ingil...."

"Ingalaurë," the second-born son of the High King insisted. "Ingil is a Maia. Do I look like a Maia to you?"

Finrod laughed as he gave the ellon a hug. "No, you don’t, but I remembered when you were just Ingil to the rest of us."

"And don’t forget me," the third ellon exclaimed.

"We could never forget you, Intarion," Glorfindel said, giving the ellon a hug. "But what are you three doing here? Your families aren’t due here for several more weeks."

Ingwion laughed. "It was Atar’s idea. These two were... um... getting underfoot and making life a little too interesting for some people."

"Well why should the ellith have all the fun?" Intarion protested with a huff.

Several eyebrows went up. "And what fun were they having that you were not?" Arafinwë asked.

Intarion gave them a diffident shrug. "Oh, you know. Having parties and stuff." Ingalaurë nodded.

At everyone else’s enquiring looks, Ingwion smiled. "Indil caught them stealing some tarts meant for a Tea held by Ammë for Amarië."

"Sounds familiar," Arafinwë said with a smile, casting an amused look at Finrod and Glorfindel, both of whom evinced innocent looks.

Ingwion laughed. "Yes, well. Atar decided to send them here to get into mischief so Ammë could have some peace."

"I didn’t realize you were in Vanyamar," Finrod said. "I thought you were still on Tol Eressëa. Where’s Olwen?"

"She’s in Vanyamar," Ingwion answered. "Amarië wrote and asked if she would come and help with the wedding preparations and as I had no pressing business keeping me on the island, I accompanied her."

"Strange that no one mentioned it," Finrod said, giving his parents a considering look.

"Well, that’s because we didn’t stop in Tirion but continued overland and camped out," Ingwion explained, then gave them a slight blush. "It was Olwen’s idea."

The Noldor gave him knowing smiles.

"I thought you would be sitting in on the Assembly’s spring session for another week, though," Finrod said, speaking of the Tol Eressëan High Council that was led by Sador as Cáno.

"And normally I would, but Sador didn’t think my presence was absolutely necessary at this time and said he would catch me up on any decisions that were made when he came for the wedding. So when Atar decided to get these two out from underfoot, I volunteered to come with them, and make sure they didn’t get into too much trouble."

"We don’t need minders," Ingalaurë protested, sticking his tongue out at his brother.

Ingwion rolled his eyes and Arafinwë gave him an amused look. "Welcome to my world, Cousin."

"Hmph!" was Finrod’s reply to that and Glorfindel stuck his tongue out at the King. Eärwen simply laughed, giving each of the ellyn a hug. "We’re happy to have you here. Now come and let us enjoy the feast. Did you know that Findaráto and Glorfindel planned the menu?"

"Did you now!" Ingwion exclaimed with a grin while Ingalaurë and Intarion gave them envious looks. "Should we be worried?"

"Only if you don’t like venison or fish," Glorfindel said with a sniff.

"Ah, yes, and speaking of fish," Arafinwë said, giving Glorfindel a shrewd look, "I understand there was a bit of excitement at the fish market this morning while you were there, Glorfindel."

Much to his relief, Glorfindel was saved from having to answer by the return of Axantur announcing that all was ready and then they were being announced and moving into the feast hall. But if he thought the matter had been forgotten, he was disappointed, for shortly after the first course was served, Arafinwë addressed Glorfindel who was seated on the other side of Finrod. "So do you want to tell me what happened at the fish market? I’ve heard about three different versions, but I would like to hear it from you."

Those at the high table looked expectantly at Glorfindel who sighed as he put down his soup spoon, not looking at anyone. "I didn’t do anything bad," he muttered.

Arafinwë raised an eyebrow. "I didn’t say you did, yonya. I am just curious to know what truly happened."

"You said you didn’t have any trouble at the market," Finrod said.

"And I didn’t, not really," Glorfindel said, looking up. "Carnimir and I got to the market to find that there wasn’t enough fish to be had for the salomene, even if we included other types of fish, and there were other shoppers of course and they wanted fish. It’s been a poor season I guess." This last was directed at Arafinwë who nodded.

"It’s been of some concern," the King said, "but there has been little that I could do about it except ensure that the families of those affected did not go without."

"Yes, well, we were going to go back to the palace and tell Marilla that there wasn’t enough fish when I remembered something that was told to me by Lord Ulmo some years ago."

"And what exactly was that?" Arafinwë asked.

"He told me that he heard all that was said wherever there was water. There is a fountain in the market square. I went to it and... and spoke to Lord Ulmo... or rather... I... um... prayed to him." He gave them an embarrassed look as if he’d done something uncouth.

"What happened?" Ingalaurë asked then, wide-eyed with excitement.

"Nothing, at first," Glorfindel replied with a shrug. "Then all of a sudden the fountain started bubbling and then fish started flying out of the fountain, hundreds of them."

The others said nothing, but not a few gave him looks of disbelief. Finrod just stared at him as if he’d never seen him before, making him feel even more uncomfortable than he already was.

"Fish... flying out of a fountain," was all Finrod could say.

Glorfindel nodded.

"So we have Lord Ulmo to thank for tonight’s feast?" Ingwion asked with an amused look.

"Well, for the salomene at least," Glorfindel replied shyly.

"I wish I could’ve been there to see it," Ingalaurë said and others nodded in agreement.

"I will have to remember to thank the Lord of Waters for his generosity when next I see him," Arafinwë said and to Glorfindel’s relief Eärwen asked Ingwion for news from Vanyamar and the subject of the fish was dropped.

****

As minor a feast as it was, it was still hours before it finished, for following the feast there was dancing and singing, so it was fairly late, well past midnight, before Finrod and Glorfindel had a chance to visit privately with Ingwion, Ingalaurë and Intarion. They all gathered in the north wing where the Vanyar were housed, giving them the illusion of being far from the rest of the family.

"It’s going to feel strange not reporting to the kitchen in a few hours," Glorfindel commented as they settled in the main sitting room of the suite of rooms set aside for Ingwion and the other two ellyn.

"You’ll have to tell us why you were working in the kitchen," Ingwion said with a knowing smile as he handed them goblets of wine, "and why, when I mentioned to Arafinwë that I hoped we could all go hunting in the Royal Reserve while we were here, he told me that he would have to think about it."

"Well we’re under house arrest... sort of," Finrod said and then went on to explain about the Queen’s to-do list for the wedding and what he had wanted to do and how it all went wrong rather quickly. "So Atar punished us by having us work in the kitchen," he concluded.

"Though we both have the feeling that more is going on than just keeping us too busy to get into mischief," Glorfindel chimed in. He’d remained silent during Finrod’s recitation.

Ingwion gave them an enquiring look. "What do you mean?"

Both ellyn shrugged. "We’re not sure, but certain things went on that, quite frankly, appalled me," Finrod said and went on to speak about the things that had happened, the minor and not so minor attempts by some of the kitchen staff to embarrass him and Glorfindel.

"We think they might have been in sympathy with Isildil," Glorfindel said at the end, "and this was their way of exacting revenge for getting him demoted though that was not really our fault."

All this time, Ingalaurë and Intarion had remained quiet save for a commiserating word or two, but now Inagalaurë spoke up. "So, if you two are under house arrest, does that mean we can’t have any fun?"

Ingwion rolled his eyes and muttered something none of the others quite heard, though they thought it had something to do with herding cats. Finrod smiled knowingly at his older cousin but addressed his remarks to Ingalaurë. "Atar promised that the house arrest would not last until the wedding. I’m sure now that you three are here he’ll release us from our parole so we can go hunting. In the meantime, there is plenty we can do here."

"Like what?" Intarion asked. "It’s too bad you don’t have kitchen duty anymore, we could’ve helped."

"And I’m sure Marilla would have appreciated the offer," Finrod said diplomatically, stealing a glance at Glorfindel who was grinning unrepentantly. "Perhaps if we’re all very good we can ask her to let us bake some ginger biscuits or something when the main work of the kitchen has slowed down. There’s usually a lull in the afternoon right after lunch before they work on dinner preparations."

That seemed to mollify the two Reborn and Ingwion diverted the conversation to ask what Finrod wanted to do about the wedding. "I didn’t have much to do with my own wedding," he said. "I think I was still on Tol Eressëa dealing with that quarrel between Morcocáno and Laeglîr of the Nandor that had half the island in an uproar. It was amazing I even made it to my wedding."

The others chuckled knowingly. "Well, at any rate, I think, as the bridegroom, I should have some say about it and the same for Amarië," Finrod said.

"Which reminds me," Ingwion said, getting up and going into one of the bedrooms, returning after a couple of minutes and handing Finrod a piece of vellum that was sealed. "Amarië asked me to give you this."

Finrod thanked him and excused himself to go to the writing desk where he slit open the seal and began reading. The others looked on expectantly and were surprised to see him smiling in satisfaction as he folded the letter and tucked it into his belt.

"Good news, I take it?" Ingwion asked in a nonchalant manner though it was obvious he was as curious as the others about the contents of the letter.

Finrod nodded. "Very good news." But he did not expand on that and so Ingalaurë asked again what they could do that was fun.

"Vondo and Vorondil are due back from their camping trip tomorrow or the next day," Glorfindel told them. "Why don’t we plan a little party for them? I’m sure they would appreciate a real meal and they can tell us all about their adventures."

That idea was approved by all and they spent some time planning a menu — "As long as it isn’t fish," Glorfindel insisted while the others snickered — and then Finrod and Glorfindel left, promising to see the others at breakfast.

****

As it happened, now that he was no longer working in the kitchen, Finrod found that he had a backlog of petitions and other court matters to attend to, so once breakfast was done with, he excused himself to do just that, leaving the others to fend for themselves. Glorfindel suggested they speak with Marilla about the party and the others agreed. They followed Glorfindel into the kitchen where he introduced them to Marilla and told her what they wanted to do. She smiled at them benevolently.

"So you want to have a little welcoming feast for your friends," she said. "And what did you decide on?"

"Nothing elaborate," Glorfindel replied and described the menu they had devised. She nodded. "I think that can be done easily enough. You should perhaps plan to have your party a couple of days after your friends return home so you can prepare properly. As it will be a separate affair from the normal dinner, you will have to do all of it yourselves as I won’t be able to spare any of the other kitchen staff."

Ingwion raised an eyebrow but Glorfindel merely nodded and the two Vanyarin Reborn looked delighted. "I get to make the ginger biscuits," Ingalaurë announced grandly.

Intarion turned to him with a frown. "Why do you get to make them?"

"Because," Ingalaurë replied with a sniff of disdain, "I’m older than you."

"What does that have to do with anything?" Intarion retorted. "You can’t have all the fun."

"Well, I said so first, so I get to make them," Ingalaurë stated categorically. "You can make the salad."

"I don’t want to make the salad," Intarion protested, nearly in tears. "It’s not fair. I want to make the ginger biscuits."

Before Ingalaurë could come back with a suitable retort, Ingwion and Glorfindel, exchanging amused looks, intervened. Ingwion took his brother in hand, stepping a few paces away, speaking softly to his twin while Glorfindel wrapped an arm around Intarion’s shoulders and gave him a hug. The rest of the kitchen staff looked on in bemusement at the sight of two supposedly grown Elves whining like ten-year-olds while Marilla gave them all a sympathetic look.

"Why don’t we make the ginger biscuits together?" Glorfindel suggested, looking at Ingwion who nodded in approval. "There are a number of steps to making them and we can all share in it, even Findaráto."

"What about the rest of the menu, though?" Intarion asked. "I don’t want to make the salad. That’s boring."

"We’ll have Findaráto make the salad," Marilla said. "He’s very good at that, but why don’t you help Glorfindel make the soup and Ingalaurë and Ingwion can do the capons."

That idea appeased the two Reborn somewhat and they left the kitchen in a better mood. Marilla told them to come after lunch in two days’ time and she would have everything ready for them.

****

With Arafinwë’s permission, Glorfindel and Ingwion took Ingalaurë and Intarion on a tour of the city (suitably escorted by a contingent of guards — with three Reborn, Arafinwë wasn’t about to take any chances), for Ingalaurë had no memory of ever being there, though his brother assured him that he had been, and Intarion didn’t know what he remembered of the city. By the time they returned to the palace, having had lunch at a popular inn, Finrod was done with his duties as haryon and it was now mid-afternoon. They were all congregated in Finrod’s suite sipping on some Tirion white and telling him about their day.

"It sounds more fun than what I was having," Finrod said with a smile and the others gave him commiserating looks.

"Ingwi has to work, too, at home," Ingalaurë said with an air of smugness, "but I don’t. I get to play."

Finrod and Glorfindel chuckled and Ingwion just shrugged. "So I was wondering what we can do to help with the wedding plans now that we’re here," he said, more to divert his brother’s attention than anything. Both Ingalaurë and Intarion had expectant looks on their faces.

"I’m not sure what any of us can do," Finrod replied. "Ammë might be willing to let us help, but I think she’s already decided on most things and it’s getting too late to make too many last-minute changes. The only person who so far has agreed to consult me has been Mistress Terendulë who is in charge of decorations, but she won’t need to do anything about that for several more weeks."

"We still don’t know about the menu," Glorfindel pointed out.

"Well, Isildil won’t cooperate there," Finrod retorted with a snort.

"Assuming he gets his position back," Glorfindel said. "If Marilla stays on, perhaps we can speak with her about it, make sure that there isn’t anything on the menu that shouldn’t be there."

"We’ll have to see," Finrod replied. "Atar hasn’t made a decision yet."

"In the meantime, though, there are still things we can do," Ingwion said.

"Such as?"

"Well, you mentioned something last night about the music being adequate but not what you would have preferred. We can start with that."

"Mistress Lindissë didn’t seem too thrilled with the idea of her musicians having to learn new music this late in the day. She told me that prince though I be, the Queen had already approved the music and that was that." Finrod gave them a sour look.

Ingwion smiled. "Ah, but you see, that’s the problem. You’re their prince, but that’s all you are. Arafinwë and Eärwen rank you, naturally, so all decisions have to have their approval, not yours."

"And your point, Cousin?" Finrod asked with a bit of exasperation in his voice.

Now Ingwion’s smile broadened. "The point is, you now have me to help."

"But you’re just a prince, too," Glorfindel said with a slight frown. "Two princes don’t make a king."

"Not even four," Finrod said, nodding to Ingalaurë and Intarion to include them in the count.

"Ah, but here’s the difference," Ingwion said, leaning forward slightly, his eyes dancing with merriment. "I am haryon to the Ingaran, and as such, I am his direct representative, and his Majesty the High King of all the Elves wishes to ensure that the wedding of his beloved great-nephew and the Lady Amarië be absolutely perfect. Prince I may be, but I outrank even your atar, Findaráto, in the matter of court precedence. So, yes, people are going to listen to me and bow to my wishes, which, of course, are the wishes of my atar, the High King."

There was silence for a moment or two as they digested Ingwion’s words. Then, Finrod gave him a sly smile. "And does Uncle Ingwë know this?"

"He will when he arrives for the wedding," Ingwion replied and then they were all laughing. When they calmed down, Ingwion spoke again. "So, the first thing we have to do is...."

****

By the time they had to go dress for dinner, they had a plan that they were sure would work.

"We’ll start tomorrow," Ingwion said as he and Glorfindel herded Ingalaurë and Intarion out the door.

"Tomorrow," Finrod said with a satisfied nod. He put a hand on Ingwion’s arm to stay him for a moment. "I’m glad you’re here, Cousin," he said with all sincerity.

"Well, I remember when you came to our aid, helping us when Intarion and Lirulin were betrothed, so I guess I’m returning the favor," Ingwion replied, then he gave Finrod a hug before he followed the others out, leaving Finrod alone to ready himself for dinner.

****

Words are Quenya:

Endórë: Middle-earth.

Cáno: in this context, Governor.

Haryon: Throne-prince, heir to a kingdom.

Ingaran: High King, an attested word.