17: O Tannenbaum

The next couple of days were spent quietly as Finrod continued to heal from his injuries. By Friday his head was less tender and his shoulder no longer ached, but he was careful in moving his arm. He spent a little time deciding where to leave his final clue for Cennanion to find, hoping that the clues taken together would point to him and not to another. He still contemplated the clues left for him and hoped that there would be a fourth clue to help him.

Thus, the day before Christmas Eve, he was pleased to find an envelope addressed to him sitting on the table in the breakfast nook propped up against the sugar bowl. He opened the envelope to find a gaudily colored card of Santa sitting in a chair reading what looked to be a letter. Opening the card he found a little candy cane taped on the left side and on the right, in carefully written tengwar, was a riddle:

An eye in a blue face
Saw an eye in a green face.
“That eye is like to this eye”
Said the first eye,
“But in low place,
Not in high place.”

Finrod smiled as he tucked the card back into the envelope and went back up to his room to place it with the other three clues on his dresser. He thought he knew who his Secret Santa was but he would think on it some more between then and the next night when they would all gather together. That reminded him. He pulled open a dresser drawer and removed a bag inside of which was a small book which he had purchased at the bookstore. It was a book of poems beautifully illustrated. Nick had suggested it when he explained what he was looking for.

“You can’t go wrong with Robert Frost,” he had said. “He’s always been one of my favorites.”

Finrod had glanced through the volume, reading two or three of the poems. He was especially taken by one entitled ‘The Road Not Taken’ and smiled wistfully at another entitled ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’. In the end, he had not only bought a copy to give to Cennanion but he had bought one for himself as well.

Besides the book he pulled out a CD which he had found at the music store. It was something called ‘The Magic Flute’ by someone called Mozart. He did not know if the music was anything special, and he was not sure what an opera was, but the title intrigued him and knowing that Cennanion loved to play the flute, he thought it was as appropriate a gift as any.

He pulled out a couple of pieces of cardboard that unfolded into a small box in which he placed the book and the CD along with some tissue paper that had been given him by Nick. He also had some colorful wrapping paper, tape and a ribbon and in moments he had the box neatly wrapped and was carefully writing Cennanion’s name on a tag. It had been decided that all Secret Santa gifts would be collected by Daeron by the evening before Christmas Eve. Gifts were to be left randomly where another person would not see. Daeron would then go around and collect them throughout the day. Finrod surreptitiously left his gift at the top of the stairs as he made his way down them, stopping to retrieve his cloak and stepping outside for some fresh air. He decided to take a walk and at the gate turned left so that he was heading for the college campus.

Already, though it was not even noon, the sun was setting and it would soon be dark, but he knew that the days would begin to get longer and he looked forward to the summer with the long daylight hours. As he walked, he contemplated the good things that were in store for the coming year: working at the bookstore, Elrohir and Serindë’s wedding, the birth of the twins. There were less good things as well, in particular the trial for Farrell and the others. Finrod was not sanguine about the fact that he and some of the other Elves would be called in as witnesses but he understood that without their testimony there was no case against the Man.

At any rate, that was several weeks away or longer if the trial was postponed for any reason. He mentally shrugged and turned his thoughts to the mayoral election that would occur in May, wondering if any of the Wiseman Elves could run for mayor or at least be heavily involved in the election process to assure that someone friendly toward the Elves was elected. It was something that they would have to think long and hard on. Of all of them, Amroth came closest to having had the experience of governing but Finrod was doubtful that the ellon would wish to run, especially considering Nimrodel’s condition.

His thoughts slowed as he found himself standing before the Interfaith Chapel and on an impulse he went inside. The interior had been transformed since his last visit, with greenery along the walls and the piney scent was fresh and clean. The stable was also transformed somewhat with additional figures: a couple of shepherds with sheep, a Woman in blue and a Man leaning on a staff. They were situated around what looked like a feeding trough, though it was empty.

“It’s called a manger.”

Finrod was unsurprised to see Fionwë in his ‘Finn’ disguise standing next to him staring at the display before them.

“He allowed himself to be born in poverty,” Finrod said and even he was unsure if he was making a statement or asking a question. “Why?”

Fionwë turned his eternal gaze upon Finrod and the ellon knew that it was indeed eternal and timeless in a way that he could not truly comprehend, immortal though he himself was, and he had to force himself not to look away.

“Because only a fraction of a fraction of the world’s inhabitants are royal, in the broadest sense of the word. He did not come as a king, for the world has enough of those.” The Maia gave Finrod a significant look and Finrod found himself grinning. “He came as an ordinary Mortal. Kings are set apart, dwelling in palaces away from ordinary life, and He did not wish that. He wished to dwell in the very midst of the people, to pitch his tent among them, as John put it in his gospel.”

“Yes, I remember reading that and Charles Waverly telling me the literal meaning of the words.” Finrod stared at the crèche scene, remembering his own time as a king. He had been at pains not to divorce himself from the life of the ordinary people who were his subjects but he knew that he never truly touched their lives in any significant way. He was the King and only in the end did he realize how truly apart he was from all of them when most turned their backs on him.

“So, do you know what the Gift is, Findaráto?” Fionwë asked.

“Yes, I think I do, but, what it means, I am not sure.”

“The meaning will become clear in time once you have given it some thought. Remember, Ilúvatar is not above surprising us when we least expect it.”

Finrod gave the Maia a wide grin. “Like some Valar I know who will remain nameless.”

Fionwë threw back his head and laughed. “Indeed,” was his only comment and then he was no longer there, leaving behind the scent of apples and mint. Finrod gave the altar one last look and at the last moment gave a low bow before walking away. Outside, he stopped to decide where he wished to go next and in the end headed for the Academy where he knew Glorfindel was working that day. Stepping into the foyer he saw that a tree had been set up in a corner and several students were busily decorating it, stringing what looked to be popcorn and cranberries. Somewhere music was playing, a Christmas carol, he realized. The students turned to see who had come inside and gave him greetings, which he returned, then headed down the corridor toward Glorfindel’s office.

He knocked on the closed door and heard his gwador call out “Minno!” before entering. Glorfindel was on the phone and Finrod hesitated to come all the way in, but his gwador motioned him in even as he was speaking into his cell phone, while Finrod took a seat.

“That’s great, Alex. I’m glad it worked out… Yes, around seven will be fine. We’re playing Secret Santa, so we’ll do that during dinner, I think, and then afterwards we’ll gather in the library and give the boys their swords back.” He paused to listen to whatever Alex was saying and laughed. “You and me both. We’ll see you tomorrow then. Bye.” He closed down the phone and gave Finrod a smile. “Alex,” he explained unnecessarily. Finrod nodded. “Anne Meriwether’s flight was trouble-free and she’s safely registered in the Goldmine Inn.”

Finrod raised an eyebrow. “How are they back so soon? I thought they were not due back until late tonight.”

Glorfindel nodded and gave Finrod a significant look. “It seems that both Alex and Derek felt uneasy about staying in Fairbanks any longer than needed.”

“Indeed,” was Finrod’s only comment.

Glorfindel nodded. “At any rate, once they collected Anne, they decided to head back. They stopped long enough to retrieve their bags from the hotel where they had stayed the night and then stockpiled the car for the trip home. Had lunch along the way and simply drove straight through with Derek and Andy taking turns at the wheel. They got into Evansville late last night and stayed at the Northern Lights Resort. Alex apparently emailed Marty from the hotel while packing and made arrangements for them to spend the night there. Now they’re back in Wiseman.”

Silence settled between them for a moment or two before Finrod spoke. “You say both Alex and Derek felt uneasy about remaining in Fairbanks. Could the Enemy be stalking them?”

Glorfindel shrugged. “Who knows? It’s possible that something might have happened to prevent them from returning to Wiseman as planned. Leaving as they did apparently thwarted whatever mischief was being planned against them, if any mischief was at hand. Perhaps they just wanted to get back to Wiseman knowing how chancy the weather can be. That blizzard came up unexpectedly, after all.”

“Well, I suppose it matters not. The important thing is that they are all back here.”

Glorfindel nodded and leaned back into his chair, putting his hands behind his head. “So what brings you here?”

“I was out walking and found myself on the college grounds and thought to see how you are doing. You have not been deliberately avoiding me, nor I you, but I will be glad when you are done with acting as an Elf Guide.”

“You and me both,” Glorfindel said with a grin. “Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy doing it, but it does eat up much of my time for a month or so, plus running this place. I’ll be glad when Zach returns. I hope the time away has helped him.”

“I am sure it has,” Finrod said. “Zachary is very special and he adores you. He is probably counting down the days and the hours before he can return.”

Glorfindel nodded, though he did not seem too convinced. Finrod decided to change the subject. “As I came in, I saw some students decorating a tree. Did you not say we would do something similar?”

“Yes. Tonight, after dinner, we’ll go out to the woods and find a suitable tree. We’ve got everything ready.”

“Surely you do not intend to cut down a tree?” Finrod asked. “I have seen those tree lots in town. Those poor trees. It is a pathetic sight.”

“I know. Even though those trees are specially grown for this purpose, it is still sad. However, they do serve a purpose other than to decorate one’s house. After Christmas and the decorations are put away, most people will remove their tree and set it outside and hang suet from its branches for the birds and provide them with food through the rest of the winter. Later, the trees will most likely be chopped up for firewood since just about everyone here has a fireplace or woodstove. However, we will not be doing that, as you will see.”

“I suppose I will have to wait then, since you do not seem eager to tell me now what you plan.” Finrod gave him a sly look and Glorfindel laughed.

“What’s the fun of that?” he retorted.

“I will leave you then to get back to work,” Finrod said as he rose.

“I’m glad you stopped by,” Glorfindel said sincerely. “I’ll see you later then.”

Finrod gave him a cheery wave and left, making his way back outside. He paused for a moment, wondering what to do next. He was beginning to look forward to Monday when he would begin working at the bookstore. This enforced idleness was driving him to distraction and he little enjoyed it. Resisting a sigh, he decided to head back home.

When he arrived, he went to his room to retrieve his harp. He had not touched the instrument since the fateful day he had had his strange flashback and playing it had always soothed him. Going back downstairs, he went into the library and was surprised to see that some of the furniture had been pushed to one side and a space across from the fireplace had been made. There was a groundsheet and a large wooden tub and nothing else. He realized this was for the tree that they would bring in that evening. Sitting in one of the chairs by the fireplace he tuned the harp and began playing the Aldudénië, the lament for the Two Trees that had been composed by Elemmírë of the Vanyar.

He was still playing when Glorfindel returned from the Academy several hours later.

****

Once the dinner dishes were put away, everyone gathered cloaks and coats and a couple of lanterns and headed out the back door and down to the small postern gate that led out into the fields behind the house. Elladan and Elrohir were carrying shovels and Gilvegil was pulling a sled on which was tied a tarp and what appeared to be a pole with a red banner attached to it. As they crossed the field toward the woods beyond, Serindë and her mother, Ercassë, began singing a song in praise of trees, something not familiar to Finrod, though all the Wiseman Elves knew the song, as did Prince Legolas and Erestor, so he assumed it was a song popular among the Elves who had resided in Middle-earth during the Third Age. There was a chorus that was quickly picked up by the others and by the time they reached the woods, they were all singing.

Glorfindel led the way through the woods, carrying one of the lanterns, while Daeron carried the other. He apparently knew where he was headed for he never hesitated and Finrod suspected that his gwador had already chosen the tree they would bring back with them. They walked for several minutes, going deeper into the woods until they came upon a small glade where they saw young firs. Glorfindel came to one that was not even as tall as himself and without a word, Elladan and Elrohir took their shovels and began removing the snow around the tree, while everyone else stood around and watched in silence. Finrod noticed that Gilvegil had removed the tarp from the sled.

Finrod wondered if they would actually dig up the ground, but did not think it was possible. By now the ground was probably too frozen for shovels to make any real dent. The Twins finished shoveling the snow so that there was a clear space of about three feet all around the tree. Then Glorfindel stepped forward and reached out to lay his hand on the tree trunk and Finrod was not the only person to gasp in surprise when the ellon began singing a Song of Power. Glancing about he noticed that only the Valinórean Elves were standing there with their mouths open in shock. Some of them even stepped back a pace or two before they realized what they were doing and forced themselves to stand still.

And all the while, Glorfindel Sang.

Finrod concentrated on the Words of Power that his gwador was evoking, marveling that the ellon had grown in power over the ages, more than he thought possible given that he no longer had the benefit of being tutored by the Valar or the Maiar.

The Song continued for some time and Finrod watched with a critical eye as the ground around the tree began shifting and he was not too surprised to see the tree roots reaching up out of the ground. The tree swayed and there was a grinding noise that jarred their senses, yet Glorfindel never stopped Singing. If anything, his Song crescendoed with a final chord of Power and with a final slurping sound the tree pulled itself completely out of the earth and began falling. Obviously, this was expected, for at once, Barahir and Cennanion were there to catch it before it fell all the way and then they were gently placing it on the sled and tying it in place with some hithlain.

Glorfindel then leaned over and touched the tree again and spoke softly words of thanks and benediction. In the meantime, the Twins were covering the hole left by the tree with the tarp and then they began covering the tarp with snow, planting the pole in the middle of it, tamping down the snow to hold it in place.

“We’ll return the tree later to this spot,” Vorondur, who was standing next to Finrod, said by way of explanation and then they were heading back to the house with Gilvegil pulling the sled while Barahir and Cennanion walked on either side to help balance it over the rough spots.

Finrod walked beside Glorfindel who had handed off his lantern to Alphwen. He could see how tired his gwador looked and realized that Glorfindel had expended a great deal of energy with his Song of Power.

“Where did you learn to do that?” he asked quietly.

Glorfindel gave him a slight smile. “I once saw Celeborn do something similar to a tree that was much larger than this one, using a Song of Power. I made him teach me.”

Finrod nodded. “Celeborn rarely demonstrated his powers and it was easy enough for many of us who had dealings with him to forget that he had been tutored by Melian, who was more than just Thingol’s queen, but a Maia.” He chuckled. “When he came to Aman, many in my atar’s court looked down on him as being a mere Sinda who had had the audacity to take my sister to wife.”

“And what was so amusing about that?” Glorfindel asked.

“What was amusing was that Ingwë came to visit and meet Celeborn and immediately called him not ‘kinsman’, which would have been proper, but ‘nephew’.”

“Ah…” was Glorfindel’s only comment, understanding the significance of Ingwë’s action.

“Needless to say, many of Atar’s courtier’s did not know which way to look and when I saw Ingwë give them a cool reception, I knew that he and Atto had to have discussed it all in advance. Celeborn took it all in stride and was never anything other than unfailingly polite to all no matter how snubbed he felt. After that, I think it got a little easier for him.”

“How did Olwë and the people of Alqualondë react to Celeborn?” Glorfindel asked.

“Oh, Olwë declared a three-day holiday and the wine pretty much flowed. It was a grand feast.” Finrod gave Glorfindel a sly grin and Glorfindel laughed.

“I just bet it was.”

After that, they fell into silence as everyone crossed the field and they reached the house. The tree was brought inside after Ercassë and Eirien had placed some tarps along the hallway and into the library. Bags of soil were brought in from where they had been stacked in the outside woodshed and the tree was placed in the tub, its roots covered with the soil. Once the tree was settled, the Wiseman Elves sang another song of thanksgiving for the gift of the tree which was unknown to the Valinórean Elves and given the words of the song, Finrod suspected that perhaps Daeron had composed it for this very purpose.

When the song ended, Glorfindel and the other Wiseman Elves bowed to the tree and the Valinórean Elves did likewise.

“We’ll let the tree get settled in its temporary home and decorate it tomorrow afternoon before dinner,” Glorfindel told them. “Why don’t we leave it to itself? We can adjourn to the sunroom.”

“Sarah and I will put together some refreshments for everyone,” Elrohir said and he and his betrothed headed for the kitchen while everyone else made their way upstairs to the sunroom. Finrod detoured to his room to bring his harp and others went to their rooms to retrieve their own instruments and the rest of the evening was spent in song and storytelling.

****

Words are Sindarin:

Minno!: ‘Enter!’

Hithlain: Elvish rope, literally ‘mist-thread’.

Notes:

1. The Aldudénië and its composer, Elemmírë, are canon.

2. The incident which Glorfindel mentions concerning Celeborn using a Song of Power to move a tree is recorded in my tale Elladan and Elrohir’s Not So Excellent Adventure.