Many thanks for all the readers.
Cyrus559: Thank you, I have several pages in Word alread written, but need time to translate it.
Disclaimer: The wonderful world of Arda do not belong to me. The picture in a profile is a screen shot of Morgan from the Merlin TV series. All names of elves come from the : arwen undomiel website and catalog of the elvish names.
Young elleth got no clue about customs and behavior of Valar. She has seen them several times during most important Festival, but back them they were siting and looking down at elves. They barely spoke a word to chosen elves both scholars and nobles. No one has really guessed what really impressed the Powers, as they seemed to notice artists, craftsmen and others. Nimwen obviously looked at they, feeling overawed by the nobility of men and women in crowns made by flowers. She had failed to guess how Valar looked and behaved in own household, as in palace at the Taninquentil she noticed nothing previously expected.
She was somehow transported to the marvelous garden. She left Vanyar place with her teacher Calanon and others, slowly progressing towards snowy forest. Strangely, Calanon ordered them not to bring coats. Nimwen had considered the elegant, dark gown as definitely not appropriate to wander around the woods covered in a white powder, but listened to the old Vanyar suggestions. "I hope we are not going to be frozen to death" – she thought. Concentrated on the forest, she barely noticed mysterious power, kind of a wind to transport them far, far away village of the Vanyar.
The place resembled neither households by Noldor nor even Vanyar. Weird as is sounds, the light of the Two Trees seemed to came from below not above. Wind was blowing from all possible directions at once, but its touch was surprisingly pleasant. Smelt of flower appeared out of nowhere and made her smile. She looked around to notice where those flowers grown, but noticed nothing but yard of some exotic palace. The whole architecture seemed mysterious and somewhat strange, when compare to those made by elves.
Strange, dark-haired maiden came out of nowhere. In the eye of Nimwen, she was one of the most beautiful and noble creatures in her dark, gauzy gown. No elleth looked resembled her, at least Maia may be so powerful and dignified. Young Noldo seemed completely enchanted and amazed by the meeting, desperately trying to guess who dark-haired maiden can be. It was only the beginning.
'Welcome to the Ilmarin' – mysterious Maia said in the calm, deep voice – 'please, follow me to the garden. You are expected'
She said few words and exchanged gestures with Calanon. Nimwen almost immediately realized that he must have been invited to the palace several times. He glanced and looked carefully at his students and obediently followed the Maia, who elf has known for sure. Maiden smiled and ordered them to turn right.
They were walking fast. Nimwen noticed light gallery decorated with fresco paintings. At the ceiling mysterious, definitely eons old landscapes were painted. They bypassed chambers of unknown role and finally arrived in the surprisingly cozy, green terrace or garden. Even the sky, enlighten by mysterious lights, differed from those down the Taninquentil peak. Nimwen noticed no other hills or anything but the sky and clouds.
The beautiful garden, resembled those by Vanyar: flowers formed flowerbed, planted around the small pond. The atmosphere was so calm and dream-like to some extent, that young elleth took a deep breath. High tree of effused branches provided its own, delicate light. It looked so unexpected to the inexperienced eyes of Nimwen, that she almost asked a question. Nevertheless, she noticed another surprise.
The average branch was standing below the tree. Two strangers were sitting and chatting, barely aware of the presence of guests. According to Nimwen, they were pair of the most beautiful elves. She noticed a man with the light, golden hair who hugged his female companion. Strange lady of hair as dark as night sky, was paying attention to her companion and smiling happily after whatever she has just heard. Nimwen looked at them in the silent admiration, not able to move or react.
The pair seemed somehow familiar, but Nimwen got no idea where or when she has seen them last time. All of their mutual gestures, looks and silent whispers suggested nothing but a deep love between those two. Elleth took a deep sigh, as almost every time she noticed a couple in love. She tried to ask who they are, but Calanon ordered her to move after the Maia, not to stare. Their guide had asked them to stop and then made few more steps towards the mysterious pair.
In the meantime, Nimwen looked at the woman sitting under a tree. She definitely noticed the most beautiful lady ever seen. Lady was wearing the narrow, fancifully decorated tiara, contrasting the blackness of the hair. Everything in her make her a great and powerful Queen, even if her gown seemed modest, when compared to richly decorated dresses by elvish princesses and nobles. The remarkable similarity between Lady and Maia suddenly caught the attention of Nimwen. They looked as if they were sisters of different ages, or maybe even mother and daughter. Pair eventually noticed the presence of the elves and gave them a sign to come closer.
'Calanon' – Lady's voice was soft and melodious - 'Welcome back to our home. It is a pleasure to see your young companions'.
'Yes my Lady' - answered Calanon, poking a frozen Nimwen, who was standing with a rather silly expression – 'I selected my most promising and hardworking mentees. I must admit, I barely managed to tore them from the books, however but the opportunity to see your household was a temptation impossible to resist' - he explained.
'Please, come closer' – she answered and smiled warmly – 'Mentees and charges to Calanon, are welcome as well obviously'.
Nimwen needed time to guess who Calanon was talking to. She has seen them many times during the most important Festivals. Back them, both of them looked so different siting on the high table, in their flower crowns. She quickly covered her mouth in astonishment. How could she fail to recognize them? Obviously, now they seem different but still full of power and grandeur, even if less distant and haughty. The rating aura of overwhelming power surrounded them, and poor Nimwen barely prevent herself falling on her knees. She had remembered the words by Calanon, but it was a job which to brought her back to the reality. Young elleth finally realized who is Calanon talking to. Never ever in her life, has Nimwen imagined that the King and the Queen of Valar may resemble cordial and polite pair. In contrary, she rather though about cold and lofty Powers sitting on a magnificent throne. No, imagination fought picture rather large and lofty form on thrones.
Calanon seemed neither frightened nor stunned. After a brief moment, she realized that he must had been invited to the palace several times before. The way he had talked with the Lord and Lady, completely surprised Nimwen. She had the impression as if he were talking rather to the family elders, but not terrifying King and Queen. Young elleth faced another surprise.
'Let me introduce Nimwen, the daughter of my very old friend'- Calanon said pointing at her – 'She is among my most hardworking mentees. As soon as I told had her about the Library, she started to beg me to bring her'.
'Are you interested in the books and scrolls from distant lands, young Noldo? Do you seek a knowledge about those of your kin, who remained in the Middle-earth *? - the melodious voice of the Valie was calm and cordial, but Nimwen quickly noticed it was impossible to guess emotions behind.
'Yes, Lady' – she answered immediately, trying to keep in mind stories about the palace by Calanon – 'I have heard several tales of the Middle-earth by older members of my kin. It was then. when I started to wonder if it is very different from Valinor. I am curious why some elves decided to stay and what kind of life they live. Last, but not least, it is a mystery what was the world before first of elves woke up'.
'You are asking a lot of questions young one' - answered the Queen – 'you resemble me of a child curious of the mysterious world beyond. Such desire for knowledge is a trait of any creature able to speak and think. What are you planning to do with acquired knowledge?
'It is a difficult, thus important question, Lady' - answered Nimwen biting her lip – 'As for now, I would like to learn more about the world and its inhabitants. At the beginning simply due to the pleasure of learning. I believe nevertheless, one day I may become a teacher myself. I have not decided yet'.
'Investigation and learning may a purpose itself' - the reply was laconic.
Nimwen could swear that she was carefully watched. She experienced not rudeness, but felt that each of responses were carefully listened and then evaluated. "Surely, I am not the only one begging for the access to the Library. It is obviously guests need to be cautiously selected". She appreciated the fact, that whole discussion was polite and inspiring. Valar turned out to be a marvelous host, listening with interests to guest's words and not interrupting. Nimwen almost immediately realized where the hospitality of Vanyar came from. Only Ingwë learned nothing, as his pride and pompously behavior of the High King was almost a legend among the elves. Fëanor for example many times mocking Ingwë. To make matters worse, his son Maglor wrote short and cutting poems. No one has ever accused the Fire Spirit** of not working hard or lacking of talent. Ingwë however considered working as the blacksmith as "having fun in the forge," and call such behavior as "plebeian". Therefore, probably in response to harsh words by the High King, Fëanor and Maglor performed high-level and cutting art parodying the High King at the main square Tirion. Nimwen perfectly remember that day, standing in the palace Ingwë dwelt.
The whole meeting proceeded in a polite, much less rigid than expected, atmosphere. Nimwen managed to control her shyness and even actively participate in the discussion. Elleth was talkative in nature, thus eagerly described her plans and answered plans. 'Few Noldor is showing such a deep interest in poetry and spiritual arts' - these words were the only comment to her presence among the Vanyar. Indeed, her people in general preferred action to poetry.
'We will consider your request young Nimwen' – she heard as 'good bye'. Nevertheless, she doubted if she would be ever allowed to visit the library, where books from distant lands were collected.
xxxxxx
The answer came soon afterwards. Elleth had cried out with a shock and sat reading the words of permission. For someone so deep in love in art and science, it was nothing but a promise to make dreams come true, the great feast of the spirit. It resembled situation when child is left alone in a candy stall. She did not consider her answers as convincing, but solely tried to explain frankly her interests and motives, but not trying to impress Valar. She answered all questions as deeply and sincere as possible.
'Congratulations my dear' - Calanon was definitely pleased – 'it is tricky to get permission to visit the Library. The request need to be really be well motivated' - he explained.
' It is then a miracle, that my request was approved'
'No, it is not like that' – interrupted the elf – 'King and Queen may seem distant, but are righteous and benevolent. They consider Noldor as high tempered, but this is only a trait in their opinion'
'But I spoke without much sense!'
'Nevertheless, you were honest and convicted, this only matters not orated robes. So many invited for the audience simply tend to forget! We tend to loose ability to discuss, which worries me deeply'
' The are no shadows no evil here in Aman!' - Nimwen protested.
'Don't be naïve' - Calanon waved – 'shadows are lurking in everyone's heart, just as the light is. Each of us need to choose its side. Too much love for honors and pride one day will lead us to misery. To make matters worse, it is going to mar our relations with Powers. We, elves are starting to forget that we are not the rulers of Aman.'
'You know Valar really well' - she noticed – 'and ..'
'Only a little and as much as they introduced themselves to me' - he explained – 'no, I have never belonged to the group of Disciples if you ask me. I am not a kind of palace-elf. Do not take me wrong, the Ilmarin is marvelous place, but I prefer to meet other elves, especially elfings on a daily basis. Well, don't look at me like this! Dress your best gown and seek the most fascinated books in the Library'.
Nimwen did not need to be told twice. For a time being, she has been trying to learn more about the period before the awakening of the Elves. She had no idea if anyone has ever made any notes of such old ages, neither if there had been any kind of alphabet known already. The Library was the only possible place to seek for answers, even though task would not be trivial. On the other hand, nothing precious comes easy. Nimwen has never chosen the easiest paths.
The task turned out to be much harder than she initially suspected. She was taken to the spacious, amazing chamber. The very high shelves seemed to be endless. Nimwen noticed no ceiling but rather a sky, much darker than the sky seen in households of Vanyar. Under the sky, or whatever was above the marble floor, elleth noticed sheets of papers, scrolls and books falling down to the selected place on shelves. She opened her mouth clearly amazed and charmed by this extraordinary place.
Elleth almost jumped, when heard footsteps. She noticed the present of a brown-haired man, dressed in a long robe. He looked at Nimwen without any emotions and asked if any help was required. It was part of his duties as the Library keeper.
'Your request is unusual' – answered the man – 'Only a small group of elves has ever asked about such old records. We have the scrolls, but keep in mind, everything is not written in the language of Elves, but in the Valarin'
'Are there any translations available?'
'Only limited, as only words have been translated to Quenya. It is a difficult task to work with a foreign text without knowledge of the grammar of the language. I will deliver necessary materials, unfortunately only a few elves were keen to learn'
She quickly got the keeper's point. Indeed, only a few elves have ever tried to learn Valarin. Even cursory look as the text provided explanations. Words were very long with a fairly exotic accents. Nimwen doubted is she would be ever able to tell those words loudly without twisting her tongue. Elleth realized reading about ancient times would require a lot of hard work, of course only if she would be permitted to visit the Library long enough.
She found her place near one of the round tables. On the one side she put the original text in Valarin, whereas on other familiar notes in Quenya.'I need to discuss the issue with the linguist' – she thought feeling tired of only thinking about the degree of the task's difficulty. She was not discouraged in any way. 'If I manage to translate this text to Quenya, I will make it more accessible for other". Nimwen dreamed about being a scholar, whereas every scholar wants writings to be used.
She neither noticed how the time passed by the changing time of day, nor the mysterious figures watching her while reading. Both parents and Calanon used to joke, she could have been taken outside, while reading and took not notice. It was not a surprise, she failed to realized remarkably nimble persons. The world really ceased to exist, while she was reading. Figures standing in a distance said nothing, but looked at her with caution. They stood in a distance, not because they tried to hide anything, wanted only to watch without distraction.
Nimwen hardly believed her luck seeing information about the possibility of re-enter the Library in order to further work on the translation. 'Few elves have ever showed interest in elder days. Even less ever tried to learn our speech. If you are not discouraged by the lack of translation Nimwen of Noldor, feel free to continue its demanding work'. She jumped with joy very anxious to read a little more about the mysterious island known as Almaren as well as the days prior the Awakening of the Elves. Calanon congratulated her and asked to show him his notes later. "I have a little knowledge in languages, but I can make words and sentences nice. Let us make your translation
'Do you need a water or wine?' – a mysterious, female voice almost came from nowhere.
Nimwen was working hard on a difficult sentence. There were barely a few written rules of the Valarin. Translations into Sindarin or Quenya were even skimpier. All of this made her work difficult. Nimwen turned toward the source of the voice. To the amazement, she noticed Maia met in the very first visit was standing nearby.
'No, thank you' - said Nimwen – 'I am sorry, but I cannot remember your name Lady, my memory is poor when it comes to names' .
'I am Ilmarë' – Maia answered – 'don't be so nervous, I am not upset' - she assured – ' You are working on a ambitious translation' - she glanced at the book.
' You can speak Valarin, can't you?' - asked Nimwen.
'I speak Valarin, but teaching is not among my duties' - she explained – 'I am not patient enough I guess. But you Nimwen, you managed to impress my Wardens, by your persistence and hard work. Long years have passed, since they authorized any elf with such wide access to the Library. I want to congratulate you'.
'Thank you very much for your kindness. As for this work, I assume it is a part of the trial?' - she pointed at the book – ' I remember Calanon had told us to rewrite sentences and perform various tasks, before he became our teacher. He later explained, that he needed to be sure, we have the patience and perseverance. Let me guess, the previous elf made bad use of the knowledge?'
'Yes' - Ilmarë nodded - 'knowledge by itself is neither good or bad. It is eventual usage that defines it. You know well that the Herbology for example allows you to create both cure and poison. Our previous guest, Finwë unfortunately came with his oldest son. Fëanor was patient and dedicated to his work, but also very proud. Therefore, we need to be cautious'.
'I see'- answered Nimwen – 'my teacher Calanon offered me help with writing and style'.
'I am sure he will be a great help' - Ilmarë assured her- 'He used to visit us once, but he has never became a Disciple. I believe to become a teacher himself'.
Nimwen opened her mouth in disbelief. Being selected as the Disciple by one of the Valar was considered a great honor and distinction. Such person, and the closest family, almost immediately received high status in the community, lower only than the royal family. Mahtan, creating his works following suggestions by Aulë himself, enjoyed high esteem not only by Noldor, but also other elves. Ingwë offended him deeply by calling him "the commoner". Fëanor went furious when hear such about his father in law: Ingwë behaved badly towards him and Nerdanel. Finwë made a prickly comment, that the memory of the High King was even shorter then hair of his youngest grandson, as he became a High King only due to his temporal status of the Disciple and perhaps kind of a friend to Manwë, before the bitter argument that ended their relation. 'We shall praise the patience of the Elder King, who still tolerate those individual in his household. Moreover, there are no guard dogs outside his palace'- Finwë used to say. He never forgave former friend bitter words about his firstborn. Poor Indis had a thankless task to stand between her husband and uncle, who while being together in the same room seemed to jump at each other eyes with claws.
Rumors obviously reached Nimwen's ears, as Fëanor openly criticize those disliked. His stepmother's relative occupied a prominent position on the list. Ingwë obviously answered in the similar manner, by sending cutting messengers. As usual, this type of correspondence soon became a became common knowledge.
xxxxxx
Nimwen spent the consecutive weeks working with the text. Interestingly, in those better times, the words "may you in a time of change" was not curse. There was no danger, nothing to be afraid of. Only a few realized, that Melkor was to leave his prison. He spent centuries imprisoned in the Halls of Manos for his crimes. Elves too easily forgotten shadows from Utummo. Name of Melkor caused no fear then, not among elves of the Blessing Realm. No one really realized how dark and cold heart of powerful Vala become and how much he hated everyone.
Elleth put a little attention to the current events, being much more interested in ancient texts. Even though she considered they ways of selecting prospective Disciples by preaching to them to work on tedious translation as bizarre and a bit quirky she kept her opinions to herself. It is rude to criticize someone else's habits in this person household.
Suddenly she realized that the stranger entered the Library. She almost squeaked when noticed Maglor one of the sons of Fëanor. Back then, Finwë got a friendly and proper relationships with anyone, except for Ingwë. High King of Noldor somehow acquired the admission to the Library for his grandson. Finwë wanted his gentle and musically talented grandson to become one of the Disciples.
'Maglor is a wise and sensitive elf' - argued Finwë with a confident voice – 'He will never misuse the knowledge acquired. What the dreams most about is to seek for the inspiration for his songs'.
'I got your point'- Varda answered cordially- 'We have always supported poets and those interested in the spiritual matters. We are looking forward to hear his new songs'
'Thank you the most beautiful among beauties'- answered the elf – 'I am sure, that my grandson will appreciate your kindness'.
Nimwen looked carefully at the dark-haired elf, but it was his robes rustling, that woke her up. She was biting her pen form frustration, while cursing the deficit of helpful dictionaries or texts by Rúmil. Even if the great linguist and scholar has tried to learn Valarin, he left nothing useful. The presence of handsome, tall elf made her forget the frustration. Mature tall, handsome elf, whose view had to forget for a moment of frustration.
The stranger seemed to be much more lost than her. She welcomed him with a smile and he replied with the same. Nimwen reacted intuitively, as a talkative person always keen to chat. Moreover, it was unusual for Noldor to wander so far away Tirion.
'Who are you young elleth?' - he asked.
'I am Nimwen, you caught me while working on translation' – she pointed books – 'Who are you noble elf?'
'I am Maglor son of Fëanor' - he explained - 'This place is amazing; I could write a poem about the power of knowledge one day. It is fascinating to see all the books have ever written since the beginning of the world! – his eyes flashed.
'If I can offer you a word of advice Maglor, maybe Vanyar can help you in your poetry? They are most skilled in the poetry among all elves'
- I was with them, but they are fairly locked besides not like my family - he explained.
'I have spoken to them, but their society is closed. To make matters worse my family has a bad relation with them'- Maglor explained.
Nimwen nodded quickly, while recalling almost hostile relations between Fëanor and his stepmother. Rumors were spreading around whole Tirion. They kept talking several minutes. Elleth told him a lot about her teachings and living among Vanyar. She obviously mentioned building snow castles and overall fun.
She guessed that reasons for Maglor to spent his time in the palace were similar to hers. Nimwen guessed he probably wanted to become a Disciple himself. After years of living among Vanyar she developed the taste and knowledge to evaluate arts. Maglor shared his newest piece of poetry with her and was definitely very proud of his work. In the meantime, he also trembled, while waiting for the reaction of the recipient. Elf possessed a great talent for poetry and songs and might become the greatest singer of Noldor once. She wished him best, as she had no reason not to did so.
xxxxx
'I was not an appropriate candidate for a Disciple' - explained Calanon – 'Ilmarë is a talkative even as for Maia, or maybe simply acts as a messenger'.
'Why do you considered yourself as not appropriate? You are hardworking and wise!'
'Thank you my Nimwen. I am happy you perceive me in that way. Moreover, I would like to be considered as friendly and open-minded. Does it make me an ideal candidate for the Disciple? To some extend yes, but you must know that Valar, at least most of them, treat Disciples is similar way as elder members of the family consider young ones or the way we consider children. Do you understand?' - he asked and continued, when noticed her puzzled look – 'I have never been looking for a teacher, who would also have treated me like a child. I guess, I have always wanted to be such a figure for others.'
'You are such and will always be '- she assured – 'In my opinion, it is a privilege and great happiness to have both mentor and warden'.
'I have guessed your attitude some time ago' - he nodded – 'It makes you someone with all the traits Valar appreciate: diligence, curiosity about the world, but also combined with the delicacy and strong need for guidance. Believe me, you would not be granted such a wide access to the Library, unless considered as the prospective Disciple'
Nimwen has always considered Calanon as an enigma. From time to time, he has spoken really surprising words or has performed such gestures. He has rarely spoken about his past, definitely not happy with any attempt to start discussion. He valued his privacy very high, talking reluctantly about past evens. Even Nimwen, one of his closest, knew a little.
Other Vanyar told her, Calanon was among the firsts to arrive in Aman. Perhaps he was among first elves to awoken at shoes of the lake Cuiviénen. Those pairs used to be treated as elders, natural leaders for both families and entire groups. This tradition continued for a short time after arriving in Aman.
It was Ingwë, chosen as the Disciple by Manwë himself, who efficiently deprived elders from its power as the High King of the Elves. "We are not mindless children any more, but the chosen nation. As such, we must have a mature leadership" - he used to say. He successfully convinced others to selected him as a leader. The position of the Elder King Disciple was among strongest arguments. Nimwen noticed sorrow in the voice of Calanon and suspected he must have been somehow involved. Elleth got enough tact not to ask nosy questions. Maybe she was young, according to the standards of elves, but reasonable!
'It is impossible for me...' – Nimwen was smiling, even if her words were skeptical.
'Do not tease me. You also need to know Valar by their nature are caring and this usually lead to overprotective behavior in more closed relationship as for friendship tor example. Keep in mind, that elves are not the only ones capable to feel. Keep in mind'- the voice sounded like a warning – 'even with their wisdom and nobility, they tend to offer a limited number of second chances. If they ever considered as a treason, forgiveness is tough. The case of Ingwë demonstrates well, how fierce their anger may be. Once he became very proud and start to consider himself as someone nobler than other Elves, he was quickly turned from Disciple into troublesome tenant. Now, he is desperately trying to catch attention of his former Mentor. How little he understands the beings, in whose households he dwells!'.
'You know them very well'.
'As I mentioned, I know only as deep as they had introduced themselves. Anyway, Valar have never attempted to hide their intentions or expectations. They treat prospective Disciple in the same manner and they are not going to be angry if elf chooses not to become one. The detailed explanation of our motives is much better, than attempts to use their teachings and friendship to gain honors as Ingwë did. The Star Queen has asked me once, if I would like to become her Disciple. I really admired her wisdom and kindness, but have never looking for a warden. I guess I was too old then, but you are younger'.
Not much more has been said, but she got a point. Calanon definitely was trying rather to become a teacher himself but not a disciple. Nimwen knew, that she was granted regular invitations to the palace, which proved how well relations he maintained. As for her, she would be extremely happy to be asked such question. She developed a very warm relationship with Calanon, as he was looking for the mentor and warden, while he was willing to become one. Despite whole the discussion, she wasn't sure if King or Queen could even choose her as the Disciple among all elves wishing to become one. she did not think she would, all other elves wishing to become students of the, was chosen. Nimwen, possessing a huge portion of self-criticism, considered herself as too average.
* As we know Doriath existed in the Years of Trees, moreover Avari elves were living their lives there. I assumed they must have had some kind of written communication.
