TO THE SEA, Ch. 2: Epistle and Exchange
Eryn Lasgalen Hisime (November) 3020
Dear Sulewen,
Since I first sent a brief note of thanks to you for the warm welcome and unexpected (to me) pleasures that I found at Opelë Órëquanta, I have thought often of my visit and since we are to be neighbors, I want to keep you acquainted with how plans for the new Elven settlement in South Ithilien are proceeding. I have been delayed in carrying out my intention of writing to you for I have been doing much traveling between far flung realms on business of trade and state, since such is my task now that peace and order are restored to Middle Earth. I must admit that finding a quiet time to write, free from the cares of diplomacy, coupled with the task of finding capable messengers while I myself am traveling, has eluded me.
Much pleasant wandering about the lands south of your home, under the knowledgeable care of your guide, Faronir, has enabled us to reach our final determination of where the new colony shall be located. Our traipsing led us to a valley just midway between your fair house and the road to Pelargir. A small river runs the course of this fertile vale flowing west into the Anduin, and the hillsides, getting such a luxuriant dose of sun all day long as they do, are covered with olive trees among which grape vines grow. Faronir says these vines are of a sort that were once cultivated, but have now returned to a wild state. In fact, he showed us the outlines and remains of ancient terraces, which seemed a clear sign to settle here and restore that which was once fruitful. These pleasant tasks seem to be the joyful fate of our new age - and so, after much correspondence between myself, Faramir and Thranduil, (and traveling by me between the other two) it was decided that this indeed would be the spot where Elves would settle.
I did not have the pleasure of a second visit to your home so soon myself as I was charged by my father to take care of various business in Pelargir, Dol Amroth and Edoras, else I would have stopped again at Opelë Órëquanta. From Edoras, I stopped briefly in Aglarond (that is Helm's Deep) to see Gimli, and finally made my way to the Anduin and up its course to Eyrn Lasgalen and my home. I have been back and forth to Emyn Arnen twice since arriving here, but have not had the opportunity to make it further south.
The entirety of Gondor is flourishing with glad tidings. I do not know if you have ever met King Eomer of the Rohirrim, but he is to wed Prince Imrahil's daughter Lothíriel in the coming year. Despite the difficulties of travel that can arise in the early spring, it seems that people are now ready to dispell dreariness and find a cause for celebration, so the wedding is to take place in Dol Amroth in early Víressë (March). Because of this both these great houses were already in an uproar of preparation when I was at each.
The Princess is extremely beautiful, but I was somewhat surprised that she should be Eomer's choice as she seems very young and lacks the strength of character possessed by his sister. But I suppose that this perspective may be colored by my own Elven viewpoint, for it is not hard for Mortals to seem young to us, and few among the women of any race have Eowyn's strong will, majesty and grace. I shall be returning to Dol Amroth for the festivities by way of Edoras and then to South Ithilien. Also, Eomer was happy to learn that his sister has a friend in her new home that lives not too far distant. He has had news that I am thinking perhaps you already know - that Eowyn and Faramir expect a child in Lotesse (May).
Meanwhile, even though I shall not be able to return to South Ithilien until Narvinyë, a party of my people has decided to brave the chill of winter and travel to the site of the new settlement. Galasir, an Elf avid in his pursuit of knowledge of viticulture and score of others with a variety of skills have already left. As you bid me, I have instructed them to seek out Opelë Órëquanta, and as need and weather requires, come to you for respite from their labors as they construct some temporary lodging so work can begin on more fitting and permanent dwellings. I hope they will do so, if they have not already. I have also instructed them to help you with whatever projects at Opele Orequanta may benefit from their assistance. My memories of your home have given me ideas for buildings and residences suitable for the new settlement, and Gimli will be sending a team of stone carvers and masons early in the spring, and. He said he would write to you offering their (and his) services at Opele Orequanta as his time allowed, so expect a letter if you have not already received one.
Gimli is doing well and sends his most gallant regards. He has been making great use of the drawings and diagrams he made of the plumbing and stone carvings at Opelë Órëquanta (again, he may have written you himself). The judicious alteration of the Caves of Aglarond is gently underway and he has plans for a Lavatorium after the fashion of Dwarves that will be one of the wonders of Middle Earth. Flowing water is ever important to Elves, but we think of it as intermingled with the life it sustains, and expect to see and hear water playing in concert with growing things. As I have learned, flowing water is also important to the Dwarves, but their vision of water is as the source of life sprung fresh and clear and pure, as if by magic, from the depths of the earth. They consider it as the vital, ever changing opposite to the hard, eternal stone over which it flows. I see so often that the differences between Elves and Dwarves are but different perspectives on some thread or theme that our peoples hold in common. In any case, Dwarvish bath houses are spectacular to behold - they greatly appreciate hot water to wash away the dust and grim of mining and metal smithing, stone carving and gem cutting, and invest great ingenuity and care in their construction. Gimli's plans will raise the art of bathing to new heights.
My father is pleased at the prospect of Elven vineyards in South Ithilien, (in addition to your own if I may say) and is prepared to put up a goodly sum to favor the beginning of the project and ensure its continued growth. He was delighted (and surprised) to hear that Opelë Órëquanta did not suffer irreparable damage during the War, and spoke of visiting there in times before your memory and of his recollection of the excellence of Merensûl wine. I don't know how I have only recently come to know of your home, (for I must have drunk at least some of your wine over the years) but so it is. I was occupied with other things in earlier times, and trade has long been disruptedas Mortals count the passage of time. As such I am glad I know of Opelë Órëquanta now.
I find I have written more than I expected, such was the pleasure of sharing my thoughts with you.vI look forward to seeing you again and want you to know that I should be arriving in Ithilien sometime in late Narinye (January), and plan to stay until I must depart for Eomer's wedding. If you have time and inclination to write to me before then, I should enjoy hearing of the doings of your house and any news you can give me of your new neighbors - I hope their accounts and yours do not diverge too greatly! As I will be traveling there by a circuitous route, letters can be sent to me in Emyn Arnen at the Palace, next at Dol Amroth at the Castle, then in Linhir at the Lord's Manor, and lastly at the Sanctuary in Pelargir.
Your friend and obedient servant,
Legolas
P.S. In thinking of a name for the settlement in South Ithilien, your most gracious hospitality was ever in my mind and Imloth Laug Suilanna, that is Vale of Warm Welcome in the common tongue, popped into my head. I have thought of it as such ever since and because I and others have already started to call it that, so it shall be named.
* * * * *
Three years later Early Cermie (July) Year 2 of the 4th Age Opele Orequanta
It was early in the month of Cermie in the second year of the new age, and Legolas and Gimli were spending several days visiting at Opele Orequanta before going on to the new Elven settlement that had risen at Laug Suilanna. The afternoon was hot, but this had not stopped Gimli from going with Veon to see to the construction of a new section of terraces for the Merensul vineyard.
Legolas remained in the cool comfort of the house, lolling in a chair in the library with desultory contentment and rising only to take another book off the shelves or put one back. Cares of trade and state had been lulled out of his mind by his pleasant surroundings and the lack of any pressing business for a fortnight. He noted with some surprise that the lack of activity had not caused him to be overwhelmed with a sense of emptiness at his mentor's departure from Middle Earth as he would have been but a few months before. He wondered that his feeling of loss was not stronger, for the great Elf in many ways had served as a father to him at times and in ways his own father could not, and little more than a solar year had passed since his teacher had left. He was feeling relaxed and happy, even, he bemusedly acknowledged to himself, lazy, perhaps even bored, a state which his active mind was not used to.
He was sitting by one of the doors that opened onto the terrace with a treatise on fermentation open but unread on his lap, when a passel of young children ran by heading in the direction of the kitchen followed by a couple of their teenage babysitters.
He caught fragmented snatches of their conversation as they passed by: "You're not old enough to come!" "Am so!" "He's old enough, you be quiet." "You'd better not eat them all." "I won't eat any, I promise!" "If you get scratched, don't be a cry baby." "I don't care if I get scratched." "Just be careful and you won't get scratched."
Wondering what they could be eating (or not eating as the case may be) that could scratch them, and not having any other aim in life at the moment, he followed them to the kitchen where Súlewen was handing out buckets and bowls, basins and baskets to a line of small children, while those who already possessed containers charged about the room wearing them on their heads or using them as beds for their baby dolls as their teenage minders looked on good naturedly.
He stood at the doorway for a moment, then placed himself at the end of the line and asked "So what is going on here?"
Súlewen smiled when she saw him and said, "The blackberries are ripe and we're going picking. Want to come?" And she handed him a large basket with a smile.
She handed out waterskins to the teenagers, and gave Legolas a backpack of woven willow normally used for gathering kindling that was now filled with a large water jug and a number of wooden cups. Then she tied on a broad brimmed straw hat and counted all the children, telling the teenagers which ones were in their special charge.
Calling, "Whoever wants berries and cream after dinner follow me!" she led the boisterous party through the courtyard, across the road and into the woods on the other side.
It was cooler under the leafy shade as they made their way along an age old path. Súlewen and Legolas brought up rear the as Súlewen ushered the very smallest ones along in front of her. One little lad kept running off the path and when he disregarded her warning for the third time, she managed to snag him by the back of his tunic, then handed to him to Legolas, who she directed to hoist the youngster onto his shoulders and carry him. When the tiniest person, who appeared still new to walking as a mode of travel, simply sat in the middle of the path and picked at the pebbles she found there, Súlewen hoisted the little girl onto her hip for the remainder of the hike. As they made their way up the slope, the great dog Canu, appeared, threading his way among the trees and circling among the party as it progressed.
Before long they came to a field not too far distant that was ringed by a lush tangle of blackberry canes. She told Legolas to put the water jug in the shade of a tree in the center of the clearing and Canu lay down next to it as the children fanned out, except for the five youngest who Súlewen kept within arms' reach.
Legolas picked near her, remaining silent as he listened to Súlewen talk and laugh with her little band, very few of whom were managing to even cover the bottoms of their little baskets with berries, though their lips, hands and clothing were soon colored purple.
When the children's attention wandered, Súlewen called over one of the older girls who stopped her picking to keep a close eye on them as they ran about the field.
"You enjoy the company of these young people don't you," he ventured after awhile.
"Yes," Súlewen said, "Yes, I do. I never tire of talking with them. Their ideas and little ways and concerns seem so droll, so fresh, so full of life. They are the reason we had to win the War," and she looked over the field, "And the older children too, forming themselves, finding what gives them pleasure and satisfaction, learning to be meaningful contributors to life. Seeing the young grow is course of study that never fails to give me joy."
She ate a small handful of berries and continued, it seemed to Legolas, as though needing to talk.
"I would have loved to have children, but during 3012, the year we married, the husbands and wives at Opelë Órëquanta and at nearby homesteads made the choice to stop having children until the War was won, for none were willing to bring new life into a world of pain that would be the result if Light did not prevail. As you can see, there are no children between those born early in that year, who are now 8 years old, and those born since 3020, the year after the end of the War."
Though he was unsure about the ages and growth of children, be they Human or even Elven, when he looked over the field, Legolas did notice a marked gap in the sizes of the children. Besides the teenagers who were as tall or nearly as tall adults, though not so full of form, there was a group of children that were somewhat less than shoulder height, and then there was a gap until those that were barely taller than his knees.
"The threat of the shadow was ever present and the dangers were growing daily." Sulewen continued, "As much as children give meaning and hope to life, to caring people, it seemed a grave folly to bring children into a life in which it seemed all too likely that they might be left orphaned, or born only to die, or to suffer worse fates, as little as we tried to think of this. There were few whose lives had not been touched, however distantly, by the pain of loss inflicted by Sauron. Anarion knew only to well the horrors that beset us, and so we too followed this choice. Though I sometimes wish it were not so, I know it was the wisest path, for none could see this future in that dark time."
"You did even as we Elves do in times of strife and danger," interjected Legolas.
Súlewen paused and turned from the canes she was picking over and looked at him, "Anarion would have felt joy just now. I have managed to speak his name without tears. The rift in my heart will always cause some measure of pain, but he would have been deeply saddened if my life were clouded forever by his loss when he labored so valiantly on all of our behalf."
They picked a while more in silence before she spoke, "And what of you? You have no wife, at least none that I know of or that you or Gimli has ever mentioned. But perhaps our talk has simply not turned in that direction and you have an Elven Princess sequestered in a palace in Mirkwood with a brood of young Elves?"
Despite her merry teasing tone, Legolas' countenance grew grave. "No, I have no wife. In my youth an attempt at a betrothal fell amiss, as it became clear to all concerned that my path in life was leading me into the world beyond Mirkwood, even as hers led her to retire into the bosom of her family and seek discourse with only a cherished few."
As he seemed to have grown somber at her inquiry, she turned back to her work until the solemn mood seemed to lighten and then a smile broke across her face. She turned and tossed a berry at him which he caught in his mouth to the great delight of the little girl who had plopped down by Súlewen's feet and was picking at small blue flowers that nestled in the grass.
"Legolas, my dear Elven Prince," Sulewen began in a lighter vein, "I know that you are called Legolas the Fair, even among your graceful race. And despite your failed betrothal, I wonder what the gossips of Mirkwood whisper about the line of succession in the House of Oropher. I do not doubt that the meddlesome mothers of any number of fair Elven maids have long lived in hope that their young beauty will ignite a blaze in you. But tra la, I see I disconcert you again. I speak frankly for I am but a chaste widow who is past such concerns. I mean no harm."
Legolas looked back at her with furrowed brow and after a moment's silence said, "Your open manner surprises me somewhat. I have only ever spoken of these things, which are private thoughts held dear to me, with a very few."
"Oh Legolas, I am so sorry. I do not mean to offend or trespass the borders of our acquaintance. I ask about the matters of your heart for I feel we are becoming friends and the history of my heart is known to you. Perhaps because I am a widow and such events are concluded in my life, I am more bold than courtesy dictates."
While appreciating his conversation with Súlewen, Legolas was none-the-less a bit surprised at the forwardness of her speech, for as a Prince he often expected a certain distance from all but a very small circle of people. Yet as he stood looking at her repentant face, it occurred to him that Sulewen was in fact, becoming a member of this circle, and he tossed a berry back at her with a smile saying, "Perchance there exist such Elven beauties and their scheming dames, but among my people I am counted old for marriage, for it is most usual that we wed shortly after we reach full measure of our growth."
But here Legolas paused to look at the ground, his jaw clenched with grim tightness, and the cloud formed about them once again.
"The truth is," he began again after a moment, "that among Elves breaking a betrothal is considered disgraceful beyond measure, so any Nis that might consider me for a husband would have to hold disdain for the time honored customs of our people, and there does not exist an Elven father who would consider such a union with utmost gravity - even though it be with a Prince. Though it grows ever clearer to me that the marriage would have been a terrible mistake, I have often wondered that my parents were not more anguished when I pressed to break the engagement, though I have ever been thankful that their understanding at the time was great. The Lady that I wronged was noble and beautiful beyond measure and did not deserve the pain I caused her. I was more than glad that she was happily married not too long thereafter. And it was well that I was soon sent to meet my teacher.
"Now, because of my travels I am so little in any one place that there is scarce chance for such a flame to grow to a size that I should notice. And most of the Elves that choose to settle in Laug Suilanna and the Elven settlement in North Ithilien, the places where I am most, are married. The few who are not are wedded to their art, be it wood carving or horticulture or some such skill that they pursue with single minded purpose. Perhaps it is because of my past and the lack of a wife, that my friendship with Gimli is more precious. Though I sometimes envy those who have truly loved."
Sulewen was quiet and they both stood looking at the ground until their gaze lifted as if by a signal and they saw in each other understanding and acknowledgement of pain and loss.
After some time she again broke the silence, saying, "Just now you mentioned a teacher," leaving her words hanging.
"My teacher, yes. He recently left the Grey Havens for the West. Even though his going was pre-ordained for many years, and though my heart felt relief at the lifting of his burdens, which were many and long born, his departure has left a great an emptiness within me. When I first came to him my thirst for knowledge outweighed cast out any earlier thoughts of marriage and it seems that it was my path was to learn some measure of wisdom from him before he passed.
"I will be forever thankful to my father for allowing me this tutelage, though I know it grieved Thranduil to see me learn from someone else, those things my father would have striven to impart to me himself. But such is often the way of fathers and sons, at least for some portion of their lives. It is only now with my teacher's passing that I am even beginning to understand a fraction of the knowledge he imparted to me, and to value my own father as a friend and liege with qualities of grace beyond measure."
"Your teacher must have been a very special man," Sulewen said softly, pausing in her work.
Legolas stood still, staring into the woods beyond the canes as memory filled his thoughts. Then he blinked and returned his eyes to Sulewen. "He was, and even as I feel his loss, I am glad that has rejoined his wife, who was called to her journey before him. I have never found the one who completes me, even as my teacher's wife completed him, or my mother completed my father. Any lesser bond seems meaningless and besides not possible to sustain."
"But perhaps such love will come to pass," Sulewen said, "My parents ever cautioned me to regard love as the single greatest power, and they warned that it was often to be found in greatest measure when one expects it least."
"I suppose such a chance could not be totally gainsaid, but I count myself among the fortunate of Middle Earth and do not think of marraige. Though I am not counted young, I am not among the more aged of my people, yet I have had the chance to be close to those whose deeds have determined the world in which we now live. There are many kinds of happiness I am finding, even the happiness that comes when one you care for leaves, but you know that they depart for a place that will give them joy."
After some further time had passed and the air between them had grown less solemn once again, Sulewen ventured another question.
"Forgive my inquisitiveness, but immortality might seem to give rise to more rather than less children among your people, despite departures to Eresseä and Aman," Súlewen said questioningly.
"Yet it is not so," said Legolas, "For the responsibility of children is taken very seriously among us. Children are looked upon as the highest blessing and those who are not so favored turn their energies to other endeavors, even as I do myself.
"More Elven children are born in Mirkwood than in any of the other Elven settlements that yet remain in Middle Earth, for many among my people are even more closely tied to the land and the simpler rhythms of life than other, perhaps greater, Elves. It is because the relative fruitfulness of those who dwell in the Northern Greenwood that we seek to create settlements here in Ithilien. To hear you talk about them it appears that children certainly may be an interesting study for those so inclined, so it may well be that I will come to know more of them."
At which Súlewen laughed and, deciding her basket full, clapped her hands and gathered the children for a drink of water before beginning the trek home. The dregs of the water she poured onto Canu's lapping tongue and, with full baskets and empty water skins, the party began its way down the hill.
And it could be observed, that from this day, desiring to better understand that of which Sulewen spoke, Legolas welcomed the company of children. And children, finding themselves accepted in his presence, intruded more often upon his endeavors than he might initially have wished. But he took their attention in stride, and wherever his business took him throughout Middle Earth, people might find him practicing with his bow while behind him stood a semicircle of awestruck young boys, or sitting on a garden bench or by a fire with some small urchin, while the waif recounted some tale of wonder or woe as Legolas listened and questioned with warm and serious interest. When Gimli once chanced to comment on it, Legolas quoted Súlewen and Gimli harrumphed and stomped off before Legolas could ask him what he intended by his gruff response.
Eryn Lasgalen Hisime (November) 3020
Dear Sulewen,
Since I first sent a brief note of thanks to you for the warm welcome and unexpected (to me) pleasures that I found at Opelë Órëquanta, I have thought often of my visit and since we are to be neighbors, I want to keep you acquainted with how plans for the new Elven settlement in South Ithilien are proceeding. I have been delayed in carrying out my intention of writing to you for I have been doing much traveling between far flung realms on business of trade and state, since such is my task now that peace and order are restored to Middle Earth. I must admit that finding a quiet time to write, free from the cares of diplomacy, coupled with the task of finding capable messengers while I myself am traveling, has eluded me.
Much pleasant wandering about the lands south of your home, under the knowledgeable care of your guide, Faronir, has enabled us to reach our final determination of where the new colony shall be located. Our traipsing led us to a valley just midway between your fair house and the road to Pelargir. A small river runs the course of this fertile vale flowing west into the Anduin, and the hillsides, getting such a luxuriant dose of sun all day long as they do, are covered with olive trees among which grape vines grow. Faronir says these vines are of a sort that were once cultivated, but have now returned to a wild state. In fact, he showed us the outlines and remains of ancient terraces, which seemed a clear sign to settle here and restore that which was once fruitful. These pleasant tasks seem to be the joyful fate of our new age - and so, after much correspondence between myself, Faramir and Thranduil, (and traveling by me between the other two) it was decided that this indeed would be the spot where Elves would settle.
I did not have the pleasure of a second visit to your home so soon myself as I was charged by my father to take care of various business in Pelargir, Dol Amroth and Edoras, else I would have stopped again at Opelë Órëquanta. From Edoras, I stopped briefly in Aglarond (that is Helm's Deep) to see Gimli, and finally made my way to the Anduin and up its course to Eyrn Lasgalen and my home. I have been back and forth to Emyn Arnen twice since arriving here, but have not had the opportunity to make it further south.
The entirety of Gondor is flourishing with glad tidings. I do not know if you have ever met King Eomer of the Rohirrim, but he is to wed Prince Imrahil's daughter Lothíriel in the coming year. Despite the difficulties of travel that can arise in the early spring, it seems that people are now ready to dispell dreariness and find a cause for celebration, so the wedding is to take place in Dol Amroth in early Víressë (March). Because of this both these great houses were already in an uproar of preparation when I was at each.
The Princess is extremely beautiful, but I was somewhat surprised that she should be Eomer's choice as she seems very young and lacks the strength of character possessed by his sister. But I suppose that this perspective may be colored by my own Elven viewpoint, for it is not hard for Mortals to seem young to us, and few among the women of any race have Eowyn's strong will, majesty and grace. I shall be returning to Dol Amroth for the festivities by way of Edoras and then to South Ithilien. Also, Eomer was happy to learn that his sister has a friend in her new home that lives not too far distant. He has had news that I am thinking perhaps you already know - that Eowyn and Faramir expect a child in Lotesse (May).
Meanwhile, even though I shall not be able to return to South Ithilien until Narvinyë, a party of my people has decided to brave the chill of winter and travel to the site of the new settlement. Galasir, an Elf avid in his pursuit of knowledge of viticulture and score of others with a variety of skills have already left. As you bid me, I have instructed them to seek out Opelë Órëquanta, and as need and weather requires, come to you for respite from their labors as they construct some temporary lodging so work can begin on more fitting and permanent dwellings. I hope they will do so, if they have not already. I have also instructed them to help you with whatever projects at Opele Orequanta may benefit from their assistance. My memories of your home have given me ideas for buildings and residences suitable for the new settlement, and Gimli will be sending a team of stone carvers and masons early in the spring, and. He said he would write to you offering their (and his) services at Opele Orequanta as his time allowed, so expect a letter if you have not already received one.
Gimli is doing well and sends his most gallant regards. He has been making great use of the drawings and diagrams he made of the plumbing and stone carvings at Opelë Órëquanta (again, he may have written you himself). The judicious alteration of the Caves of Aglarond is gently underway and he has plans for a Lavatorium after the fashion of Dwarves that will be one of the wonders of Middle Earth. Flowing water is ever important to Elves, but we think of it as intermingled with the life it sustains, and expect to see and hear water playing in concert with growing things. As I have learned, flowing water is also important to the Dwarves, but their vision of water is as the source of life sprung fresh and clear and pure, as if by magic, from the depths of the earth. They consider it as the vital, ever changing opposite to the hard, eternal stone over which it flows. I see so often that the differences between Elves and Dwarves are but different perspectives on some thread or theme that our peoples hold in common. In any case, Dwarvish bath houses are spectacular to behold - they greatly appreciate hot water to wash away the dust and grim of mining and metal smithing, stone carving and gem cutting, and invest great ingenuity and care in their construction. Gimli's plans will raise the art of bathing to new heights.
My father is pleased at the prospect of Elven vineyards in South Ithilien, (in addition to your own if I may say) and is prepared to put up a goodly sum to favor the beginning of the project and ensure its continued growth. He was delighted (and surprised) to hear that Opelë Órëquanta did not suffer irreparable damage during the War, and spoke of visiting there in times before your memory and of his recollection of the excellence of Merensûl wine. I don't know how I have only recently come to know of your home, (for I must have drunk at least some of your wine over the years) but so it is. I was occupied with other things in earlier times, and trade has long been disruptedas Mortals count the passage of time. As such I am glad I know of Opelë Órëquanta now.
I find I have written more than I expected, such was the pleasure of sharing my thoughts with you.vI look forward to seeing you again and want you to know that I should be arriving in Ithilien sometime in late Narinye (January), and plan to stay until I must depart for Eomer's wedding. If you have time and inclination to write to me before then, I should enjoy hearing of the doings of your house and any news you can give me of your new neighbors - I hope their accounts and yours do not diverge too greatly! As I will be traveling there by a circuitous route, letters can be sent to me in Emyn Arnen at the Palace, next at Dol Amroth at the Castle, then in Linhir at the Lord's Manor, and lastly at the Sanctuary in Pelargir.
Your friend and obedient servant,
Legolas
P.S. In thinking of a name for the settlement in South Ithilien, your most gracious hospitality was ever in my mind and Imloth Laug Suilanna, that is Vale of Warm Welcome in the common tongue, popped into my head. I have thought of it as such ever since and because I and others have already started to call it that, so it shall be named.
* * * * *
Three years later Early Cermie (July) Year 2 of the 4th Age Opele Orequanta
It was early in the month of Cermie in the second year of the new age, and Legolas and Gimli were spending several days visiting at Opele Orequanta before going on to the new Elven settlement that had risen at Laug Suilanna. The afternoon was hot, but this had not stopped Gimli from going with Veon to see to the construction of a new section of terraces for the Merensul vineyard.
Legolas remained in the cool comfort of the house, lolling in a chair in the library with desultory contentment and rising only to take another book off the shelves or put one back. Cares of trade and state had been lulled out of his mind by his pleasant surroundings and the lack of any pressing business for a fortnight. He noted with some surprise that the lack of activity had not caused him to be overwhelmed with a sense of emptiness at his mentor's departure from Middle Earth as he would have been but a few months before. He wondered that his feeling of loss was not stronger, for the great Elf in many ways had served as a father to him at times and in ways his own father could not, and little more than a solar year had passed since his teacher had left. He was feeling relaxed and happy, even, he bemusedly acknowledged to himself, lazy, perhaps even bored, a state which his active mind was not used to.
He was sitting by one of the doors that opened onto the terrace with a treatise on fermentation open but unread on his lap, when a passel of young children ran by heading in the direction of the kitchen followed by a couple of their teenage babysitters.
He caught fragmented snatches of their conversation as they passed by: "You're not old enough to come!" "Am so!" "He's old enough, you be quiet." "You'd better not eat them all." "I won't eat any, I promise!" "If you get scratched, don't be a cry baby." "I don't care if I get scratched." "Just be careful and you won't get scratched."
Wondering what they could be eating (or not eating as the case may be) that could scratch them, and not having any other aim in life at the moment, he followed them to the kitchen where Súlewen was handing out buckets and bowls, basins and baskets to a line of small children, while those who already possessed containers charged about the room wearing them on their heads or using them as beds for their baby dolls as their teenage minders looked on good naturedly.
He stood at the doorway for a moment, then placed himself at the end of the line and asked "So what is going on here?"
Súlewen smiled when she saw him and said, "The blackberries are ripe and we're going picking. Want to come?" And she handed him a large basket with a smile.
She handed out waterskins to the teenagers, and gave Legolas a backpack of woven willow normally used for gathering kindling that was now filled with a large water jug and a number of wooden cups. Then she tied on a broad brimmed straw hat and counted all the children, telling the teenagers which ones were in their special charge.
Calling, "Whoever wants berries and cream after dinner follow me!" she led the boisterous party through the courtyard, across the road and into the woods on the other side.
It was cooler under the leafy shade as they made their way along an age old path. Súlewen and Legolas brought up rear the as Súlewen ushered the very smallest ones along in front of her. One little lad kept running off the path and when he disregarded her warning for the third time, she managed to snag him by the back of his tunic, then handed to him to Legolas, who she directed to hoist the youngster onto his shoulders and carry him. When the tiniest person, who appeared still new to walking as a mode of travel, simply sat in the middle of the path and picked at the pebbles she found there, Súlewen hoisted the little girl onto her hip for the remainder of the hike. As they made their way up the slope, the great dog Canu, appeared, threading his way among the trees and circling among the party as it progressed.
Before long they came to a field not too far distant that was ringed by a lush tangle of blackberry canes. She told Legolas to put the water jug in the shade of a tree in the center of the clearing and Canu lay down next to it as the children fanned out, except for the five youngest who Súlewen kept within arms' reach.
Legolas picked near her, remaining silent as he listened to Súlewen talk and laugh with her little band, very few of whom were managing to even cover the bottoms of their little baskets with berries, though their lips, hands and clothing were soon colored purple.
When the children's attention wandered, Súlewen called over one of the older girls who stopped her picking to keep a close eye on them as they ran about the field.
"You enjoy the company of these young people don't you," he ventured after awhile.
"Yes," Súlewen said, "Yes, I do. I never tire of talking with them. Their ideas and little ways and concerns seem so droll, so fresh, so full of life. They are the reason we had to win the War," and she looked over the field, "And the older children too, forming themselves, finding what gives them pleasure and satisfaction, learning to be meaningful contributors to life. Seeing the young grow is course of study that never fails to give me joy."
She ate a small handful of berries and continued, it seemed to Legolas, as though needing to talk.
"I would have loved to have children, but during 3012, the year we married, the husbands and wives at Opelë Órëquanta and at nearby homesteads made the choice to stop having children until the War was won, for none were willing to bring new life into a world of pain that would be the result if Light did not prevail. As you can see, there are no children between those born early in that year, who are now 8 years old, and those born since 3020, the year after the end of the War."
Though he was unsure about the ages and growth of children, be they Human or even Elven, when he looked over the field, Legolas did notice a marked gap in the sizes of the children. Besides the teenagers who were as tall or nearly as tall adults, though not so full of form, there was a group of children that were somewhat less than shoulder height, and then there was a gap until those that were barely taller than his knees.
"The threat of the shadow was ever present and the dangers were growing daily." Sulewen continued, "As much as children give meaning and hope to life, to caring people, it seemed a grave folly to bring children into a life in which it seemed all too likely that they might be left orphaned, or born only to die, or to suffer worse fates, as little as we tried to think of this. There were few whose lives had not been touched, however distantly, by the pain of loss inflicted by Sauron. Anarion knew only to well the horrors that beset us, and so we too followed this choice. Though I sometimes wish it were not so, I know it was the wisest path, for none could see this future in that dark time."
"You did even as we Elves do in times of strife and danger," interjected Legolas.
Súlewen paused and turned from the canes she was picking over and looked at him, "Anarion would have felt joy just now. I have managed to speak his name without tears. The rift in my heart will always cause some measure of pain, but he would have been deeply saddened if my life were clouded forever by his loss when he labored so valiantly on all of our behalf."
They picked a while more in silence before she spoke, "And what of you? You have no wife, at least none that I know of or that you or Gimli has ever mentioned. But perhaps our talk has simply not turned in that direction and you have an Elven Princess sequestered in a palace in Mirkwood with a brood of young Elves?"
Despite her merry teasing tone, Legolas' countenance grew grave. "No, I have no wife. In my youth an attempt at a betrothal fell amiss, as it became clear to all concerned that my path in life was leading me into the world beyond Mirkwood, even as hers led her to retire into the bosom of her family and seek discourse with only a cherished few."
As he seemed to have grown somber at her inquiry, she turned back to her work until the solemn mood seemed to lighten and then a smile broke across her face. She turned and tossed a berry at him which he caught in his mouth to the great delight of the little girl who had plopped down by Súlewen's feet and was picking at small blue flowers that nestled in the grass.
"Legolas, my dear Elven Prince," Sulewen began in a lighter vein, "I know that you are called Legolas the Fair, even among your graceful race. And despite your failed betrothal, I wonder what the gossips of Mirkwood whisper about the line of succession in the House of Oropher. I do not doubt that the meddlesome mothers of any number of fair Elven maids have long lived in hope that their young beauty will ignite a blaze in you. But tra la, I see I disconcert you again. I speak frankly for I am but a chaste widow who is past such concerns. I mean no harm."
Legolas looked back at her with furrowed brow and after a moment's silence said, "Your open manner surprises me somewhat. I have only ever spoken of these things, which are private thoughts held dear to me, with a very few."
"Oh Legolas, I am so sorry. I do not mean to offend or trespass the borders of our acquaintance. I ask about the matters of your heart for I feel we are becoming friends and the history of my heart is known to you. Perhaps because I am a widow and such events are concluded in my life, I am more bold than courtesy dictates."
While appreciating his conversation with Súlewen, Legolas was none-the-less a bit surprised at the forwardness of her speech, for as a Prince he often expected a certain distance from all but a very small circle of people. Yet as he stood looking at her repentant face, it occurred to him that Sulewen was in fact, becoming a member of this circle, and he tossed a berry back at her with a smile saying, "Perchance there exist such Elven beauties and their scheming dames, but among my people I am counted old for marriage, for it is most usual that we wed shortly after we reach full measure of our growth."
But here Legolas paused to look at the ground, his jaw clenched with grim tightness, and the cloud formed about them once again.
"The truth is," he began again after a moment, "that among Elves breaking a betrothal is considered disgraceful beyond measure, so any Nis that might consider me for a husband would have to hold disdain for the time honored customs of our people, and there does not exist an Elven father who would consider such a union with utmost gravity - even though it be with a Prince. Though it grows ever clearer to me that the marriage would have been a terrible mistake, I have often wondered that my parents were not more anguished when I pressed to break the engagement, though I have ever been thankful that their understanding at the time was great. The Lady that I wronged was noble and beautiful beyond measure and did not deserve the pain I caused her. I was more than glad that she was happily married not too long thereafter. And it was well that I was soon sent to meet my teacher.
"Now, because of my travels I am so little in any one place that there is scarce chance for such a flame to grow to a size that I should notice. And most of the Elves that choose to settle in Laug Suilanna and the Elven settlement in North Ithilien, the places where I am most, are married. The few who are not are wedded to their art, be it wood carving or horticulture or some such skill that they pursue with single minded purpose. Perhaps it is because of my past and the lack of a wife, that my friendship with Gimli is more precious. Though I sometimes envy those who have truly loved."
Sulewen was quiet and they both stood looking at the ground until their gaze lifted as if by a signal and they saw in each other understanding and acknowledgement of pain and loss.
After some time she again broke the silence, saying, "Just now you mentioned a teacher," leaving her words hanging.
"My teacher, yes. He recently left the Grey Havens for the West. Even though his going was pre-ordained for many years, and though my heart felt relief at the lifting of his burdens, which were many and long born, his departure has left a great an emptiness within me. When I first came to him my thirst for knowledge outweighed cast out any earlier thoughts of marriage and it seems that it was my path was to learn some measure of wisdom from him before he passed.
"I will be forever thankful to my father for allowing me this tutelage, though I know it grieved Thranduil to see me learn from someone else, those things my father would have striven to impart to me himself. But such is often the way of fathers and sons, at least for some portion of their lives. It is only now with my teacher's passing that I am even beginning to understand a fraction of the knowledge he imparted to me, and to value my own father as a friend and liege with qualities of grace beyond measure."
"Your teacher must have been a very special man," Sulewen said softly, pausing in her work.
Legolas stood still, staring into the woods beyond the canes as memory filled his thoughts. Then he blinked and returned his eyes to Sulewen. "He was, and even as I feel his loss, I am glad that has rejoined his wife, who was called to her journey before him. I have never found the one who completes me, even as my teacher's wife completed him, or my mother completed my father. Any lesser bond seems meaningless and besides not possible to sustain."
"But perhaps such love will come to pass," Sulewen said, "My parents ever cautioned me to regard love as the single greatest power, and they warned that it was often to be found in greatest measure when one expects it least."
"I suppose such a chance could not be totally gainsaid, but I count myself among the fortunate of Middle Earth and do not think of marraige. Though I am not counted young, I am not among the more aged of my people, yet I have had the chance to be close to those whose deeds have determined the world in which we now live. There are many kinds of happiness I am finding, even the happiness that comes when one you care for leaves, but you know that they depart for a place that will give them joy."
After some further time had passed and the air between them had grown less solemn once again, Sulewen ventured another question.
"Forgive my inquisitiveness, but immortality might seem to give rise to more rather than less children among your people, despite departures to Eresseä and Aman," Súlewen said questioningly.
"Yet it is not so," said Legolas, "For the responsibility of children is taken very seriously among us. Children are looked upon as the highest blessing and those who are not so favored turn their energies to other endeavors, even as I do myself.
"More Elven children are born in Mirkwood than in any of the other Elven settlements that yet remain in Middle Earth, for many among my people are even more closely tied to the land and the simpler rhythms of life than other, perhaps greater, Elves. It is because the relative fruitfulness of those who dwell in the Northern Greenwood that we seek to create settlements here in Ithilien. To hear you talk about them it appears that children certainly may be an interesting study for those so inclined, so it may well be that I will come to know more of them."
At which Súlewen laughed and, deciding her basket full, clapped her hands and gathered the children for a drink of water before beginning the trek home. The dregs of the water she poured onto Canu's lapping tongue and, with full baskets and empty water skins, the party began its way down the hill.
And it could be observed, that from this day, desiring to better understand that of which Sulewen spoke, Legolas welcomed the company of children. And children, finding themselves accepted in his presence, intruded more often upon his endeavors than he might initially have wished. But he took their attention in stride, and wherever his business took him throughout Middle Earth, people might find him practicing with his bow while behind him stood a semicircle of awestruck young boys, or sitting on a garden bench or by a fire with some small urchin, while the waif recounted some tale of wonder or woe as Legolas listened and questioned with warm and serious interest. When Gimli once chanced to comment on it, Legolas quoted Súlewen and Gimli harrumphed and stomped off before Legolas could ask him what he intended by his gruff response.