Chapter 2: Flower Garlands
Maitimo rounded the path that led to Nolofinwë's home, a small villa that spilled over the hillside near the borders of Finwë's palace. His horse danced nervously beneath him, betraying the rider's mood. Maitimo had taken more time than usual readying himself for the festivities. What he wore could not be called understated, though neither was it ostentatious. He'd spent considerable time picking out his outfit-too much if he was being honest with himself-but Maitimo wanted to make sure he looked every bit the part. He chose a rich burgundy overcoat of velvet, trimmed with ermine, over a cream, spun silk shirt, and dark breeches that hugged his legs. He wore his long hair loose save a pair of braids that pulled the hair away from his face. It hung straighter than usual, the result of being twisted at his nape for most of the day. He liked the look of it and decided that this would certainly appeal to those interested. Upon his brow was a simple copper circlet that mimicked the twisting branches of a vine. Small rubies were delicately set amongst the copper vines. He had told himself that by attracting attention away from Findekáno he was saving the young man from who knows what!
Adjusting his overcoat and clearing his throat, Maitimo came to the shared stables of the noble quarter. His father had his home here and spent part of his time in Tirion within the noble quarters, but for the moment Fëanáro had settled his family in an estate at the foot of Túna. A young stable boy, who Maitimo recognized as his aunt Findis' son, greeted him. "Laurëfindë!" Maitimo greeted his young cousin with honest surprise. "I did not know that you were of age to fulfill such duties? My, how time passes."
Laurëfindë was not shy. With an open smile he welcomed his elder cousin, while waiting for Maitimo to dismount. "Well met cousin! I am indeed of age and happy that my duties as a scion of Finwë mean I can be a stable hand. There are worse duties one could be assigned to."
"Indeed!" Maitimo enthusiastically agreed, ruffling the boy's hair, a golden hue that would certainly be the envy of many a Vanyar. While the boy had his mother's hair, there was no doubt he was of the House of Finwë. His too large nose announced him as such though in time he would grow into it. "Treat her with care cousin. I am afraid she is uneasy though I do not know why." Maitimo rubbed the mare's neck, soothing her with gentle words, but nevertheless he remained distracted.
"Worry not, she is in the best hand," Laurëfindë cheerfully replied. Findis' boy was always cheerful and betrayed no animosity to any House, though surely he heard his mother speak ill of Fëanáro. This bode well for the boy's future. It suggested he was more inclined to make his own mind up about people and matters: a Finwion trait that some named stubbornness. "Enjoy the festivities cousin and give my regards to Findekáno," Laurëfindë offered, turning to lead Maitimo's horse to be rubbed down and fussed over.
Maitimo laughed. "I will indeed!" And with that Maitimo followed a winding narrow path, bordered by large evergreens. He'd always preferred this less formal path, rather than the formal cobble stone path to Nolofinwë's home. There was a certain whimsy about it: how the trees shaded the path and the ferns lined the spaces between the great trunks. It was always cool under the trees no matter the heat of the day. For a moment Maitimo forgot the nerves that were wreaking havoc in his stomach.
Coming out on the other side of the trees to the small open glade before Nolofinwë's house, Maitimo was greeted by the mingling of the lights, in this case, the time of dusk that announced the slumbering time for most creatures. Elves, like some of their creature kin, were however children of the stars and so the light of Telperion seemed to conjure some of those same heady emotions that they had left behind on the other side of the sea, in the Outerlands. Maitimo paused. Sitting on the stone steps leading to his house was Findekáno. The damn elf looked….well he looked absurd, Maitimo told himself, but Maitimo was lying to himself about this. Findekáno was a sight to behold!
)()()()(
Findekáno was impatient. The mingling of the lights couldn't come soon enough. He'd waived away his father and mother, assuring them that he did not want them to detain him any longer than necessary with small talk once Maitimo arrived. At first, Nolofinwë protested, insisting that if he did not personally greet Maitimo it would be rude, but Findekáno was insistent and eventually convinced his father that Maitimo would also appreciate having to avoid the mind numbing courtesy of exchanging forced pleasantries. Findekáno fidgeted, his knee swinging back and forth. Maitimo would not be late. That was not a trait of his. Nevertheless Findekáno was impatient, wanting the night to start in that moment. There was a queerness to the excitement that coursed through his body. Unlike Maitimo, Findekáno relished in the sensation, would weave those nerves into a clarity of sight that some declared overconfidence.
Findekáno, like Maitimo, took great care choosing his outfit. Findekáno made sure that it was not so apparent that he had invested any time in his appearance. Typically this was not the case. Findekáno had little patience for what he wore, but not this night! His black hair was haphazardly tied up in a knot at the top of his head. He chose this style knowing it highlighted the fine but strong features of his face. He wore a dark blue, well-fitted overcoat made of lightweight silk that sat short at his hips. The cuffs were lined with small sapphires. This was the only jewelry that adorned Findekáno save a silver, archery thumb ring on his right hand. Under the overcoat he wore the season's favored spun silk shirt the peeked from beneath his overcoat. And while not his favorite, Findekáno debuted a trendy pair of dark colored, equestrian breeches preferred by eligible Noldorin nobles. His boots were a soft, dove gray, leather with a tooled design of leaves. In his hand he held a bundle of delicate flowers that he had to remind himself were in his hand lest he destroy them.
Findekáno's keen hearing heard the crunch of boots on the wooded path. Looking up he observed as Maitimo made his way into the small glade that welcomed visitors into his father's home. Findekáno shook his head in amusement. Maitimo looked stiff, so formal…and quite handsome. Scoundrel, Findekáno thought, surely there would be more than enough maidens to share their attentions. Findekáno made up his mind that his priority for the early evening would be to make his cousin relax. This, more than anything preoccupied Findekáno. He did not like when friends and family were angry with him. No, indeed, Findekáno could not stand that and it seemed that Maitimo was indeed upset with Findekáno about Lalwen.
Excitedly, Findekáno jumped off the steps and walked towards Maitimo. He did not want Maitimo to feel obliged to greet his parents. "Shall we?" Findekáno asked, taking Maitimo by the arm and spinning him back in the direction of the tree lined path. Maitimo was about to protest, but Findekáno cut him off: "No need to greet my parents. I have informed them I have no time for that this evening." Findekáno offered Maitimo a wink, his first assault in the battle to defeat Maitimo's foul mood.
"I guess," Maitimo muttered, allowing Findekáno to lead him back to the path. He was actually relieved. Try as hard as he might, Maitimo could not soothe the nerves that threatened to make him lose his composure and exchanging pleasantries with Nolofinwë and Anairë would certainly not help. It did not help that Findekáno unnerved him so. Why did he wink at Maitimo that way? Rubbish, Maitimo scolded himself; Findekáno was always like that, playful. It was he, Maitimo, who was acting absurd and entirely churlish! But he couldn't help it! Findekáno's grip on his shoulder was searing. Stopping abruptly on the path, Maitimo announced, "If you would mind releasing me Findekáno. I do not need to be guided."
Taken aback, Findekáno released his hold of Maitimo. "Of course Nelyo," he spoke, his voice near a whisper. Findekáno began to walk but could not stand the tension any longer. Spinning around, causing Maitimo to stop abruptly but a mere inches from him, Findekáno went straight to the matter: "If I have done anything to encourage your displeasure with me, I apologize. It was not my intent. And…" Findekáno paused, squaring his jaw, his bright blue eyes intent on Maitimo.
Maitimo held his breath. Of course Findekáno had a right to demand an answer from him.
"If this is about Lalwen, then say so. I want no distrust or discord between us." Findekáno's voice dropped an octave. "It is bad enough that everyone expects it of us."
Maitimo released his breath. Looking down, repentant, he offered his apologies to his cousin. "I too want no discord to lay between us." Turning to face the trees that closed in around them, Maitimo confessed that he was perturbed by Findekáno's relationship with Lalwen. "And yes, when you mentioned Lalwen, I was upset, but foolishly so." Looking back at Findekáno, Maitimo apologized. "It is I who must ask your forgiveness. I acted the fool and allowed petty differences I have with Lalwen cloud my judgment. She is your aunt and I should not grudge you any relationship you have with her."
"She is also your aunt, Nelyo," Findekáno reminded his cousin.
"She is Findekáno, but being so close in age…" Maitimo shrugged his shoulders, not wanting to excuse himself further, but Findekáno was generous.
Clasping Maitimo's shoulder, Findekáno offered, "I know this. Don't think me so dense. You always underestimate me Nelyo."
"I do not!" Maitimo retorted, though in truth it certainly appeared that way. His reply earned a good laugh from Findekáno. "It certainly appears that way, does it not?" Maitimo added, a crooked smile beginning to take shape. Smelling the sweet fragrance of gardenias, Maitimo looked to his shoulder. "Findekáno, what is that in your hands?"
"Námo's balls!" Findekáno cried out. He had crushed the flower garland unthinkingly. Findekáno held out the pathetic garland of gardenias, their scent potent after being crushed. "Such a waste."
Maitimo questioned delicately, "Did you intend those as a gift for a maiden?"
"Goodness no!" Findekáno declared. "They were meant for me," he frowned, his shoulders slumping in defeat.
Oh Findekáno, how absolutely silly and lovely of you! Maitimo laughed to himself. "Give them here," he motioned to Findekáno.
With a look of utter disappointment, Findekáno reverently piled the garland in Maitimo's outstretched hand, earning a sigh from Maitimo in response to Findekáno's dramatics. With his other hand, Maitimo carefully covered the flowers so as not to damage them further. Looking at Findekáno with a twinkle in his eye, Maitimo suggested a heretical act: "Together we just might be able to make these whole again."
Findekáno's eyes grew wide. Surely Maitimo was not suggesting they harness the outlawed elder magic, but then again, it was the only way Findekáno would get his gardenias back. And come to think of it, Yavanna would certainly not disapprove. The flowers came from her gardens after all. He'd only seen the practice done during certain ceremonies where it was allowed. The laws governing manipulation of living things were strict. The practice was entirely circumscribed otherwise. "Do you think we can do it?" Findekáno asked, his excitement growing.
"What is the garland thread made of," Maitimo inquired, hoping there was some sort of element in the string that might help
"It is thread used for goldwork," Findekáno answered looking studiously at Maitimo.
Maitimo's eyes lit up. "So more silver than gold," he exclaimed earning a nod of the head from Findekáno. "Then I do believe we can do this!" Maitimo continued, his excitement palpable. "Put your hands over mine," Maitimo directed his cousin who did as was told. "Do you remember the incantation?" Maitimo asked, hoping Findekáno, like him, was curious about Quenderin, the ancient speech used in such rituals, that he'd memorize it.
"Of course I do!" Findekáno whispered excitedly.
"Very well," Maitimo whispered before he commenced reciting the old words, focusing his thoughts on the shape of the words. The warmth of Findekáno's hands over his was soothing. No longer were Maitimo's nerves assaulting him. Instead he found the closeness between them comforting. More so, Maitimo found that the illicit act they were going to perform together titillated him. Here, at least, amongst the dense thicket of evergreens and ferns, no one could see them and no one was likely to come upon them.
Once Maitimo felt weight to the words they spoke together, he concentrated on connecting them to the flowers in his hands. Findekáno was doing the same. Their minds were open to one another but their focus was so great on their task that no other knowledge was shared between them in those moments. Their energy was clumsy but their determination was greater. Together they wielded the currents of matter to stitch together the petals that had been crushed. Yet it was not such a burdensome task as they had been led to believe. Strange that was.
Satisfied with their results, Maitimo and Findekáno broke their connection and found themselves conscious of the wooded path and the hum of the trees around them. Maitimo revealed the contents in his hand. The flowers were whole again. Some withered a bit more than before Findekáno crushed them, but they were once more ready to crown Findekáno.
"Will you do me the honor?" Findekáno beamed.
Maitimo smiled in return. Moving closer to Findekáno, Maitimo wrapped the garland around the top of Findekáno's head, crowning him with flowers. Surreptitiously he stole a glance at Findekáno only to find his younger cousin doing the same. "Almost done," Maitimo whispered, a bit of blush threatening to rise in his cheeks. Once the garland was tied and secured, Maitimo dropped his hands to admire his handy work.
"How do I look?" Findekáno asked, inching forward, closing the small gap between them.
Maitimo did not want to say the first word that came to mind: beautiful. Instead, he opted for a safer reply. "You look…as intended." Maitimo hesitated, but something larger than himself seemed to be pulling him. He leaned in to smell the flowers. "And you smell divine." Gardenias were intoxicating, and for this they were favored during the spring fertility rites that originally came with the elves from the outer lands.
The two elves stood for a moment, leaning into one another. Perhaps it was the small enchantment they conjured together or maybe it was the heady aroma of the flowers, but time seemed to stand still in that moment. A gentle silence settled upon the path, the air cool.
The sound of hooves approaching broke the pair out of their reverie. Both seemed disoriented by what had just occurred. "I think we are feeling the after effects of the magic we wielded," Findekáno offered, finding his voice.
Maitimo shook his head vigorously side to side, trying to rid himself of the strange sensation that clouded his thought. "I believe so, yes," Maitimo finally managed to speak. Turning to look down the path, Maitimo frowned. "That sounds like my horse?" As true as his words, Maitimo's mare rounded the bend in the path. She whinnied softly upon seeing Maitimo. Behind her a nervous Laurëfindë ran, stopping abruptly as he came upon Maitimo and Findekáno standing with the horse.
"My apologies Nelyafinwë! Your horse," Laurëfindë gasped, "I am not sure how she escaped," Laurëfindë looked at the ground at his feet, "I am sorry I failed you."
Maitimo laughed. "Oh no dear cousin it is I who must apologize. I am afraid she is a stubborn one and hates to be parted from me. I should have told you to put reins on her and she'd remain in place."
Laurëfindë looked up, his eyes glistening from unshed tears. "Oh," he breathed. "I've heard of ground tying but never seen it much."
Maitimo walked over and kissed Laurëfindë's head. "Of course you haven't. Most elven steeds require no such training but this one here," Maitimo shot a look of displeasure at his horse who had the courtesy to look down, "cannot be set out to pasture if not properly enclosed. So as I said, I apologize for not letting you know. It slipped my mind." Of course it had slipped Maitimo's mind. He was preoccupied with all things Findekáno.
"Well then, lets all walk back and I shall ready my horse," Findekáno spoke, sharing a wink and a smile with his younger cousin who couldn't help but smile back. The three walked single file along the path, with the horse trailing, snorting every now and again to announce her displeasure with Maitimo.
Once at the stables, Findekáno whistled for his horse that galloped over eagerly to meet his rider. Maitimo was already mounted on his chestnut mare. "What a fine stallion," Maitimo praised the black stallion that seemed more churlish than his mare. Of course Findekáno's horse would be thus, Maitimo observed as Findekáno mounted the dancing horse.
"Let me guess," Maitimo spoke as he rode next to Findekáno, "you did not have the heart to train out those traits that make this horse more animal than friend."
Findekáno patted the horse's neck, earning a shake and a whinny from his horse. "I think it entirely absurd that we desire to tame the natural instincts out of an animal. I'd think you, of all people, would agree with me," Findekáno replied, turning a sharp look at his cousin.
Maitimo inclined his head. "In this we agree. I am afraid my friend has earned more than her fair share of curses." A devilish glint appeared in Maitimo's eyes. "Shall we let them stretch their legs and find their way down the steeps?"
"After you," Findekáno answered, releasing his horse.
Down the steep uninhabited hillside of Túna the two horses ran, rocks and dirt flying as their hooves struck the earth. Maitimo and Findekáno shouted encouragement and exchanged colorful challenges with one another. It was a dangerous path but horse and rider were sure of their abilities. Within minutes, the hillside began to gently roll and be claimed once more by Tirion on Túna. The elves brought their horses to a slow trot and leisurely made their way once more towards the Great Square. "Is it not ridiculous that we ride such short lengths on our mounts?" Findekáno asked, knowing Maitimo's answer.
Maitimo rolled his yes. "You well know nobility love to make a show of themselves. I am afraid dearest cousin that the both of us have bought into this silly ritual wholeheartedly."
Findekáno laughed. Leaning over to Maitimo, Findekáno whispered conspiratorially, "But what I most love is seeing how my horse provokes the others and turns the lot of stiff necked fools running about after their horses." Maitimo snorted in response.
"You sound like my father," Maitimo indicted Findekáno.
Rather than be offended, Findekáno responded with his usual good humor. "Then on these matters your father and I are of the same mind." Privately relieved, Findekáno was glad Maitimo was back to his usual self.
Maitimo smiled. There. Things between us are back to normal. "Let the festivities begin!"
