Chapter 2 TWL
Aredhel sat in a clearing, playing with some young rabbits, and watching the little birds build their nests. She heard footsteps, those of one person alone, and thinking that is was likely to be Celegorm, the one of the brothers she was closest in friendship with, she sprang up with a glad cry, but to her horror was confronted by Feanor.
Smoothly he spoke, 'I am sorry dear niece, for rashly confining you in my home. I was driven to anger by the thwarting of what would have been one of my greatest works; I never meant to keep you locked away for longer than a day or two. I'm really not an troll, you know!' As he spoke, she felt a curious inability to defy him come over her, and when he offered her a gift, she took it without question and immediately fell into a deep sleep.
Thus it was the seven brothers found her on returning to the hunting lodge. Nothing that they did could rouse her, not even Maglor's song of power. Despairing, though they knew she was not dead, they lay her comfortably on the green grass of the clearing, and Curufin, Caranthir and Maedhros made a glass covering for Aredhel which they hoped would protect her while they were gone to seek aid for her from the Valar Orome, a great friend of Celegorm's.
As hoped, Orome agreed to try to help with the problem, but could not promise not to report the whole incident to Manwe, as he felt Feanor needed punishment of some kind. With Orome was Huan, the great hound who usually dwelt with Celegorm but who had been staying with Orome for a while, visiting his parents and littermates. Curiously he had followed to see what the Feanorians were up to.
The brothers watched intently as Orome removed the glass they had placed around Aredhel, and examined her.
'I don't know that I can do much,' the Valar said at last. 'We might need to take Aredhel to Lorien, and ask him to awaken her!'
Sorrowfully, the seven brothers prepared Aredhel to be moved to Lorien, when Huan decided this nonsense had gone on long enough. He jumped up on the raised platform the unconscious woman lay on and licked her hands, and then her face. Shocked at the Lord of the Hounds' behaviour, Celegorm started to call him away from Aredhel when Orome stopped him.
'Nay, Celegorm, leave Huan be. For if you look closely, you will see the lady is starting to rouse!' said Orome.
Sure enough, Aredhel suddenly sat up, 'Who has been licking me!' she demanded.
Huan wagged his long tail, looking very pleased with himself as seven elves and one Valar collapsed in laughter.
Maedhros it was who escorted Aredhel home to her relieved family. And they all lived happily ever after, till the day came when Feanor decided to make three great jewels of surpassing beauty..
Aredhel sat in a clearing, playing with some young rabbits, and watching the little birds build their nests. She heard footsteps, those of one person alone, and thinking that is was likely to be Celegorm, the one of the brothers she was closest in friendship with, she sprang up with a glad cry, but to her horror was confronted by Feanor.
Smoothly he spoke, 'I am sorry dear niece, for rashly confining you in my home. I was driven to anger by the thwarting of what would have been one of my greatest works; I never meant to keep you locked away for longer than a day or two. I'm really not an troll, you know!' As he spoke, she felt a curious inability to defy him come over her, and when he offered her a gift, she took it without question and immediately fell into a deep sleep.
Thus it was the seven brothers found her on returning to the hunting lodge. Nothing that they did could rouse her, not even Maglor's song of power. Despairing, though they knew she was not dead, they lay her comfortably on the green grass of the clearing, and Curufin, Caranthir and Maedhros made a glass covering for Aredhel which they hoped would protect her while they were gone to seek aid for her from the Valar Orome, a great friend of Celegorm's.
As hoped, Orome agreed to try to help with the problem, but could not promise not to report the whole incident to Manwe, as he felt Feanor needed punishment of some kind. With Orome was Huan, the great hound who usually dwelt with Celegorm but who had been staying with Orome for a while, visiting his parents and littermates. Curiously he had followed to see what the Feanorians were up to.
The brothers watched intently as Orome removed the glass they had placed around Aredhel, and examined her.
'I don't know that I can do much,' the Valar said at last. 'We might need to take Aredhel to Lorien, and ask him to awaken her!'
Sorrowfully, the seven brothers prepared Aredhel to be moved to Lorien, when Huan decided this nonsense had gone on long enough. He jumped up on the raised platform the unconscious woman lay on and licked her hands, and then her face. Shocked at the Lord of the Hounds' behaviour, Celegorm started to call him away from Aredhel when Orome stopped him.
'Nay, Celegorm, leave Huan be. For if you look closely, you will see the lady is starting to rouse!' said Orome.
Sure enough, Aredhel suddenly sat up, 'Who has been licking me!' she demanded.
Huan wagged his long tail, looking very pleased with himself as seven elves and one Valar collapsed in laughter.
Maedhros it was who escorted Aredhel home to her relieved family. And they all lived happily ever after, till the day came when Feanor decided to make three great jewels of surpassing beauty..