I do not know if the title "Grand Squire" is appropriate, but it had a nice ring to it, more than "Stabble Master" or "Horse Master". I actually don't know how the person in charge of horses would be called in that case.


Chapter 3

Ilmië was heading to the stables where she had been summoned by the Grand Squire, wondering what kind of business required her presence there. Since Írissë had left for Vinyamar, she did not go very often horse riding and her father was taking care of all details related to horses when they had to travel. Perhaps he was too busy these days and had asked that his daughter took charge of some specific problem?

- Lady Ilmië, it is a pleasure to meet you, greeted the Grand Squire. I am sorry I had to call upon you in such short notice, but the Prince wished to meet you personally and he is quite busy as is to be expected.

- The Prince? she repeated, slightly taken aback.

- Lord Findekáno is supervising some of the new herds sent by Lord Maitimo. It is a great addition to our breeding, but we will need to build more paddocks for this lot is a fiery one! Fortunately the Ard-Galen is vast and prosperous, we shall not run out of space any time soon.

- Then, do you need any of my services to help tend those new horses? asked Ilmië, following the Grand Squire who was heading to a small pasture next to the stabbles. I'm afraid there is not much I could do to...

- No, my Lady, I would not dare ask you anything of that sort, he said, laughing. No, we only wanted to show you gifts that were sent to you.

Ilmië was puzzled and it did not happen to her often, which seems to make her even more confused. She did not recall having lately accomplished any deeds that would make her deserve gifts. Besides what would Findekáno have to do with it? Maybe one of the ladies could be giving her some ornaments, or a dress specially designed for her, but those items were unlikely to be found at the stables or anywhere around it. There were only horses, dozen and dozen of them, beautiful beasts whose coats shined under the sun. Even at first glance, it was easy to tell these had been bred by Fëanor's sons, as they were taller, stronger and more impetuous than all of the other Noldorin horses. They were the descendants of horses brought from Valinor, on ships, and their breed surpassed by far any that could be found in Beleriand.

- They are magnificent, muttered Ilmië.

- Indeed, it is a great favor Lord Maitimo has done us, said the Grand Squire.

A few Elves busied themselves in the paddock sorting out horses, checking their eyes, teeth and hooves, making sure foals sticked by their mothers. The Grand Squire gave them a few orders and next to him, leaning on the fence, Ilmië still had no clue as to why she had been summoned there.

- I hope you are enjoying the view, Lady Ilmië, said a voice coming from behind her.

She turned around and came face to face with Findekáno. He wore plain clothes, his hair was braided in a much simpler fashion than usual, but in Ilmië's eyes he shone ever brightly.

- My Lord, it seems no one has told Lady Ilmië about her gifts, said the Grand Squire.

- I am to be blamed, I thought it would be more entertaining not to tell her.

- If I may ask, Lord Findekáno, what this ... said Ilmië, genuinely bemused.

- Horses, he said, smiling. Three horses Maitimo chose especially for you, your father and your cousin.

- Is that so? she said slowly.

- If you would follow me, my Lady, they are in the pasture over the hill.

Ilmië nodded to the Grand Squire whose full attention was now focused on the herds. Findekáno offered her his arm and she took it, fully aware it was the first time they ever touched one another. She felt completely silly to be so conscious about it and did her best to think about some observation to make, something witty, that could bring a smile to his face. But Ilmië was not a quick thinker, she always considered things carefully and thoroughly. Those who sought for her advice could expect a wise answer, even on the most delicate topics - only if they had patience enough to wait for it.

- Is something the matter, my Lady? asked Findekáno.

- No, not at all, my Lord, she replied.

- Do you not like horses? Maitimo told me if you were to be provided with a good mount, you could go visit my sister in Vinyamar or you could travel to Himring.

- My father shall certainly be happy about this.

- And what about you, my Lady? You need not worry about the roads, we keep a safe watch on the Enemy, he said. I will myself leave tonight to go on patrols and then will head to Dor-Lómin where I will stay for a while.

Findekáno said this in a rather flat voice, but his eyes were searching for some signs on Ilmië's face. The latter forced herself to smile, concealing those unpleasant feelings suddenly stirring up inside her. She knew very well he would not always stay in Barad Eithel, by the King's side, but she had gotten used to see him every now and then. Perhaps she ought to count herself lucky enough for that and ought not dare to hope for more.

- I imagine several matters call for your presence there.

- Indeed, there is much left to do.

They fell silent and were only distracted by the sound of a soft whinny. Findekáno stopped, so did Ilmië, and they were now facing a beautiful mare whose beautiful black eyes seemed to be welcoming them. She was a most graceful creature : her coat was dapple gray, her mane and tail were of pure gleaming white, her legs, long and sturdy. Delighted by this sudden apparition, Ilmië cast aside the saddening thought of Findekáno's impending departure. She extended her free hand to stroke the mare's soft muzzle and the animal took a few steps towards Ilmië, eventually rubbing her head gently against the Elf's dress. Ilmië had to let go of Findekáno's arm so she could fully embrace the mare's head, and she laughed as she did so.

- Is this Lord Maitimo's lovely gift? she asked, giggling because the horse nuzzled her neck.

- It is, Lady Ilmië. She is called Nórimanna.

- Nórimanna, repeated Ilmië, amazed.

While she stroked her new friend's mane, Findekáno whistled and two stallions came trotting. One was chestnut, the other bay, and they both possessed the same intelligent eyes as Nórimanna.

- Súletál and Calarocco were sent for your father and your cousin, explained Findekáno. Maitimo knows Lord Carmo made many acquaintances among Sindar and should he want to travel south he need not trouble about his mount.

He could hardly hide his pleasure at seeing Ilmië's face glow with happiness. He had taken some time off his preparations to show her these three horses and he considered this a selfish act, as he had only being motivated by his own desire to spend some time with her, just the two of them. This maiden's eyes lingered often in his mind since the Mereth Aderthad, but he barely had had any opportunity to see her, and on those too few occasions they always had been surrounded by many others. He had to make do with a couple of exchanged glances and shy smiles.

Findekáno would be away for months, or perhaps years, and Ilmië might just do the same, whether she would go to Vinyamar or to the Falas, where her father had been invited to stay by Lord Círdan. And that was being optimistic, for the Enemy could unleash its forces on the Noldor anytime and Angband still stood strong, retaining its darkest secrets. Findekáno had sworn no oath, yet he had joined the Exiles and was caught under the Doom of Mandos, out of loyalty to his people, love for his father and murdered grand-father and hatred for Morgoth. He owned to the Noldor under his rule to protect them and was willing to sacrifice his life in order to defeat the Enemy. Although for the time being he could not foresee his bitter end, he was no fool. He wished to spare Ilmië any unnecessary sufferings and should he never see her again, or married to another, he thought it would only be fair to her. Times were uncertain, he feared he might not be able to keep all his promises.

And thus, in the evening, Findekáno left Barad Eithel, the sweet image of an Elf maiden and of her glittering eyes burried deep in his heart. He had said nothing about his growing tender feelings, but had enjoyed every minute they had spent in the meadow talking and laughing as they were surrounded by horses.


Life had changed in Barad Eithel since the Mereth Aderthad. Elves traveled more throughout Beleriand, Sindar and Noldor started living together in many settlements discovering each others' culture. And so King Nolofinwë had welcomed a good number of Sindarin people in his lands, and among them were two ladies of Círdan's kin, those two friends Ristion had made during the celebrations. They had left for a while the coast of the Great Sea, out of curiosity mostly, for the tales the Noldor had brought from Valinor delighted them. They had first stayed in Vinyamar and had eventually made their way to Barad Eithel at a time when Ilmië and her father were back from a visit they had paid to some of Fëanor's sons in the East. They had found their home livelier than it had ever been, and it was mostly due to one of the ladies.

Aglarwen sported the silver hair her royal relatives were famous for and it was at first a great wonder for the Noldorin ladies to brush it and braid it. Since she was an extremely gifted singer and dancer, she easily became the center of attention during feasts or even during daily gatherings. Her bright and cheerful personality made her a very good companion and in less than a fortnight she had become almost everyone's favorite, to the point that King Nolofinwë himself asked that she be seated at his table during dinners. Aglarwen's companion, Círneth, could not hope to outshine such a dazzling maiden, and she was wise enough not to try to. At first glance, she seemed more suited to the role of sidekick, but it was soon discovered she had her own endowments. Her people called her Laegaew, the Green Bird, for she was very fond of everything that sprout from the ground and they said her songs made flowers bloom faster and longer. She would often be seen in the gardens, or walking in the luxurious grass of Ard-Galen, and she befriended the healers with whom she had much to say about herb lore. These two Sindarin ladies and other newcomers brought new life in the Noldorin halls, and some hope, no doubt, to the Exiles.

And so years went by, and it still wasn't open war against the Enemy, although the Noldor kept a close watch on Angband. Ilmië spent an increasing amount of time with Aglarwen, Círneth, as she had quickly grown fond of both of them. She also rode and traveled on Nórimanna's back, she followed her father to the Falas and also visited Írissë in Vinyamar, from time to time. There she met Findekáno once, and together they had watched the sunset fall over the Great Sea, only to be interrupted when the Prince's hand had finally found hers. Afterwards, she had pondered whether she ought tell him of her feelings or not, but it had all seemed so vain when he had to leave all of a sudden for Dor-Lómin, because Orcs had been sighted north of his lands. Ilmië had thought this a sign and had felt gloomy for a while, till she was back to Barad Eithel. Hopefully, there she always found comfort in the presence of her father and her cousin, with whom she'd always have her most serious talks.

- Have you ever given marriage any thought? asked her Ristion, one day, as they were strolling the gardens, one evening.

- No, she said. My mind has yet to wander that far in the future.

- And why?

- When we were in Valinor... time passed slowly, gently. Then, I had no reason to hurry, because the world and I would never grow old and weary. I could wed and have children whenever, so it never occur to me look for a husband. I just thought, one day, I would meet him, as simple as that. And since we arrived on this side of the Great Sea, everything has become so uncertain, so temporary. Our lords are building towers and forging new weapons, but I cannot tell the outcome of this war, I can only wonder if any of us will remain to witness its end. Thus I worry more about you and father than about a potential spouse.

- But what if you meet that person? said her cousin, giving her an inquisitive look. Despite all your worries wouldn't you give it a chance? Isn't it worth trying, at least?

Ilmië grew suspicious.

- Do you have any particular reason to ask me such questions?

She expected some answer mentioning Findekáno, but Ristion worried about someone completely different. How could he suspect the truth when she had been so careful not to reveal her emotions?

- I might, said Ristion. I do not know yet. Do you not fear the Doom will affect our children as well, if we ever have any?

- I fear so, yes.

- Is it hopeless then, our life in Beleriand?

Ilmië smiled and considered her cousin's face for a while. His mouth was slightly twisted with indecisiveness, his dark eyes staring at some of the white flowers spreading on the ground around them.

- Perhaps we should sit and wait for the Enemy to strike us? she said. We stand against him and if it is the fate of our people to defeat him or not, and at what cost, we can not know, but we ought give it a try. For this is the only right thing to do.

And then she added:

- My dear Ristion, you seem so concerned, is something the matter?

- Nothing specific, Ilmië. It so happens that while I carve stones, my thoughts stray and take some unexpected turns. And I start worrying about you, your father, and... Well, you're the only family I have here, and almost the only family I have left.

He held her hand tight. Ristion had left Aman with his father and his younger sister, but of the three, he was the only one who ever saw the first moon rise. His sister was lost in the ice of Helcaraxë - though they spared no efforts, she couldn't be saved. And his father had been killed at the battle of the Lammoth, when they had been caught off-guard by Orcs. At least he knew his mother was safe in Valinor, for she had refused to take part in what she thought was folly.

- Ristion, don't let yourself drown in those sad reflexions. For now...

She was interupted by a cheerful cry.

- Ilmië!

Aglarwen came running towards them, she was swift and light, and her hair formed a silver banner behind her.

- Ilmië, my sweet Ilmië, I've finally found you! I'm afraid there is some problem with the loom, or perhaps it is my fingers that are to be blamed, but this banner would dishonor even the humblest squire.

- My friends, both of you look so grave, have you received any ill news?

- Not at all, Ilmië assured her, smiling. I was simply boring my cousin with details of my latest embroideries.

Aglarwen was one of these people others could not bear seeing sad or scared. It seemed she was made for happiness and horribly wicked would be the day grief strikes upon her.

- Were you? Poor Lord Ristion, he is more fit to hear tales of great deeds, not of great needles!

Ilmië let out a burst of laugh. Even her cousin looked slightly less stern.

- Is Círneth following you? asked Ilmië. I haven't seen her all day.

- She is out in the Ard-Galen with some of our kinfolk, said Aglarwen. I do wonder which one she fancies most, the Great Sea or the Green Sea, for she looks at both with equal delight.

- Lady Aglarwen, IImië, if you will excuse me, interrupted Ristion.

He nodded to both of them, perhaps he was a bit stiff, and headed to the stables. Watching him go, Ilmië wondered what could have possibly triggered Ristion's gloomy thoughts. Had he met this person who made him think of marriage, then?

- Ilmië, you really bored him with your thread talks, didn't you?

- Maybe my speech on stitches was too passionate. Still, it's nothing a ride should not be able to fix.

A ride and a little green bird.


Nórimanna: fast running gift

Súletál : wind foot

Calarocco : Light horse

(I forgot to mention this earlier : thanks to the for all these Quenyan names I came up with, their website provided everything I needed and even more!)

I love horses. By the way, Findekáno is totally taking credit for Maitimo's horses, but well. Who can blame him haha.