Chapter 11-Despite betrayals…
**Inkama
I regain consciousness under the starry sky of Fangorn Forest. After a few seconds my vision is clear enough to distinguish her:
-« Nīṅkaḷ am'mā paṭaippāḷar illai, nīṅkaḷ poy! [You are not the Creative Mother, you lied! – old haradrim language] » I stagger; I build my entire life on illusions...
-« Eppōtu nāṉ poy coṉṉēṉ? [And when would I have lied to you? – old haradrim language] » She replies calmly. It comes back to me now, she did not answer this question in my dream, I concluded that. I want to cry and yell at the same time but I contain myself. I wish to know the truth, whatever it is...it is the only thing that I have left:
-« Hērratri kiriyēṭṭiv tampilil eppaṭi nampukiṟār, ataṉ kuḻantaikaḷ kiyōs'sāl paṭukolai ceyyappaṭṭirukkiṟārkaḷ? [How it is that Haradrim believe in the Creative Couple whose children have been murdered by Chaos? – old haradrim language] » I say struggling to pronounce every words;
-« Atai nīṅkaḷ ippōtu niṉaippatu pōl uṇmaiyai iruntu veku tolaivil illai... Nāṉ, ' ' Caṉ'' nāṉ eṉ tōḻi ' ' Mūṉ'' eṉa oru paṭaippu vāḻkkai illai? Itēpōl, kāraṇamāka ivarkaḷ kēyās maṉitarkaḷ nam kuḻantaikaḷ maṟṟum nam'mai nuir muyaṉṟu varukiṉṟaṉar. Nāṉ eṉ niṉaivukaḷ nīṅkaḷ maṟṟoru eṉiṉum, nīṅkaḷ valimai peṟa vēṇṭum, eṉ vāḻkkaiyil inta kālattil kāṭṭa vēṇṭum. [It is not as far from the truth as you think now...Me, the ''Sun'', am I not a creator of life like my companion the ''Moon''? Furthermore, being harbouring chaos try to harm our children as well as ourselves. Soon I will show you another memory of mine about this time of my existence however you need to regain your strength – old haradrim language] » Ah! So if we follow her line of thought it is the Haradrim who are mistaken. Clever move but I am smart too:
-« Nīṅkaḷ uṅkaḷ iyalpu tavaṟāka eṉ makkaḷ vāḻa ceytuviṭṭēṉā? [Have you not done anything to mislead my people about your true nature? – old haradrim language] »;
-« Nāṉ tūṇṭiviṭṭa maṟṟum mukavar maṭṭumē ēmāṟṟutal nīṅkaḷ ellām pārkka muṭiyum pōtu ēṉ eṉṉai kēṭka eṉ kuḻantaikaḷ... Piḻaippataṟku tēvaiyāṉa iruntaṉa? [The only deceptions that I have been the instigator and the agent was a necessity to the survival of my children...but why ask me this question when you can see it all? – old haradrim language] » she answers scrutinising my every moves;
-« Uṅkaḷ kuḻantaikaḷ uyiruṭaṉ uḷḷaṉa? [Your children are still alive? – old haradrim language] » I say less surprised that I would have been a few hours before. Another mirage...
-« Eṉ kaiyai eṭuttu nīṅkaḷ aṟintu koḷvīrkaḷ. [Hold my hands and you will know– old haradrim language] she answers laconically. My suspicions seem to have cast a chill. Taking a deep breath, I put my hand in hers once more: I had to know. I hold on to this thought in order to push out of my consciousness the turmoil of my soul.
Once again I find myself in these green plains inhabited by Laurelin and Telperion. A storm of emotions and thoughts explode in my head. Perhaps I am not ready to know how this history ends. As I walk, I perceive voices, one of whose is familiar to me...
-« Nâm totâra mutîyâtu. [We can continue.] » The beautiful Arien whispers, her eyes full of tears. She wears a pretty black dress long and fluid embroidered with a thousand dark golden threads.
-« En ênrû kûrûkinrîrkalâ? [Why are you saying this?] » the mystery man asks with his deep and magnetic voice. His long white hair tied in a true Minas Tirith's Court men fashion underlines his green eyes. His face is broad, his lips are thin, and his skin seems marked by time...What else? His feature reminds me a little of Gandalf, this magician who I had meet in Minas-Tirith a few time ago.
-« Nînkâl nânkû teriyum ên nâm pâtukâkka vêntum atarkû patilâka, nâm, enkâlûkku êrpattâtu...[You know perfectly well why! We were supposed to protect them and instead of that, we, we,…] » Arien explodes as much sad as angry
-« Nâm teriyum mutîyavillai. Ippôtu nârpâttârû ântûkal, ên tanî. [We could not know. It has been forty-six years, what is the point of splitting now. ] » the mystery man -surely this so-called Tilion- tries to reason her. His long grey tunic currently covered by a light armour imitating the barks of a tree rustles under the effect of the wind.
-« Tulliyamâka, kulântaikal mârrûm Tulukhedelgorûs Ibrîniðilpathânezel anûkumurâi tirumpi têtiyiliruntu, nân mîttû vêntûm. Nân avarkalâi murrîlum inta nêrattil arppanîkkappattâ nân. [Precisely, the date of return of Laurelin and Telprion's children approaches, I want to redeem myself. I will be completely devoted to them this time.] » Arien explains full of hope. She sweeps the quiet tears which are sliding along her cheeks. Tilion's eyes darken.
-« Nâm, etaiyum tatûttu nirûttiyirukka nân urûtiyâka irukkirên mutîyavillai. Inta turôki Tiâvi Fëanor kanîttîruntâr. Anâl inrû nâm mulû pâtukâkka mutîyum. [We could not have prevented this from happening, I am convinced of that. This traitor of Fëanor planned everything but today we can protect them together.] » He argues gripping Arien's hands. The way Tilion pronounces ''together'' leaves no doubt about the nature of their relationship.
-« Nân ûnnai kâtalikkirêṉ... [I love you but…] » Arien starts, clearly distraught;
-« Canlâitmêytân, Kompu. [Arien, Tilion –quenya translation of these names-] » a tall dark-haired man interrupts; « Nân nînkâl inta vilûmiya uyirinâm munvâikka virumpukirên. [I would like you to meet this magnificent creature.] » he goes on with a cheerful voice while gesturing excessively to the red-haired woman next to him. The creature in question minces, brings her hands to her chest while bating her eyelash. She has the fairest complexion I ever seen and I have seen a lot of white people in Minas Tirith! It was as if her skin radiated her own light. The softness of her face and the femininity of her body are betrayed by a proud shin and a malicious air which makes me stand on guard.
-« Valimaimikka-Raicin. [Melkor. - quenya translation of the name-] » Arien and Tilion greet reluctantly. The dark-haired man is wearing a long dark purple tunic with golden pattern and a collar enhanced by black fur. Even thought he posses rough features, he does not lack allure: full lips, expressive black eyes and a slightly tanned skin. In Master Gamgee's tale, Melkor was the Vala who killed Laurelin and Telperion with the help of Ungoliant, a giant spider. That being said, who knows what will happen in this memory?
-« O! Nân êtâvatu kurûkkitâ ennâ? [Oh ! Have I interrupted something?] » Melkor asks and pouts. He turns to the red-haired woman who looks at him as she wanted to communicate some secret message. The dark-haired takes a few steps, positions himself to be facing Tilion over Arien's shoulder on which he lays his hand in a false fraternal gesture. « Nân yûkikkirên, nînkâl Kompu avaratu tîrâta kâtal oru iyankâta oppu marrûm nînkal ceyya verûmanê etuvum illai. Yâr avar? Atu pôtumânâtâka illai nînkâl êtâvatonrû tî cuṭar am'maṇi ullâtâ? [Let me guess, Tilion – quenya translation of the name - has professed his immortal love for you for the nth time and you just do not care. What is it? Is he not good enough for you Lady All Fire and Flame?] »;
-« Nâm enrû nerukkamâka illai. [We are not that close.] » Arien says pushing Melkor's hand away;
-« Houu aval kâtîkkum! [Wow she bites!] » he exclaims. The red haired woman comes closer to Tilion, a mischievous smile on her lips and touches lightly his hands as she wanted to comfort him. The dark green fabricthat she wearswhich is simply held by a thin belt makes her complexion shines even brighter.
-« Nân âvar nînkâl Kompu pitîkkum... Inta vetkâppatâvillai pârunkâl êtuttu itu oru putiya iraiyai kânâppatûm enrû ninâikkirên. [I think she likes you, Tilion –quenya translation of thename -…When she looks falsely shy as now, it is that she has find a new prey.] » Melkor says amused. At that exact moment, I feel like I am living in a nightmare: under my horrify eyes the red-haired turns into a giant spider. Petrified, Arien sees Tilion get impaled by the sting of the creature.
-« Enn…Ennâ? [Wa...what? ] » Arien stutters while Tilion's body collapses on the ground;
-« Nî innôru tôliyaik kantûpiṭippây enrû ancûkirên, anyâllântin viṣam kûṭa enkâḷukku âpattu. [I am afraid you will have to find yourself another companion, Ungoliant's venom – quenya translation of the name - is lethal even for us.] » Arien screams, flames seem to glow under her skin but before anything happens she is raised off the ground.« Tû, tû, tû, nînkal nân pyromania unkâl anûkal etirpârkka villai ninâikkirîrkal. Oru nalla peṇ irukka marrûm atai etirkkum nirûtta...Atu mukkiyam illai, en têlikinîcis unkâl tâkkutalkal tîcai tiruppuvatâkavum irukkum. O nân ênta porûmai vêntûm. [Tut, tut, tut, do you think that I have not anticipated your bouts of pyromania. Be nice, stop struggling...Don't bother my telekinesis will deviate all your strike. Oh, whatever I do not have the patience.] » Even before Ungoliant's cry is heard, his sting is broken then launches into Arien's heart at high speed. I am stunned.
-« Eppatî nî itai ceyya mutiyum? [How could you do that to me !?] » Ungoliant exclaims now in her human form;
-« Urnnû vêntâm, nînkal viraivil pôtumânâ kunâmatâiya vēntûm! [Don't pout, you will regenerate soon enough!] » Melkor retorts while pulling the sting out of Arien's body. His interlocutor gives him a black look. My heart breaks as the two accomplices walk to the ''Trees'': I guess all too well what will happen. Motionless, eyes shut closed, I fight down the urge to flee another scene of violence where I would be necessarily powerless. Soon screams and rackets are getting heard. Rousing myself away from my torpor, I open my eyes and realise that my body has been moved. Despite the lack of light, I see two big unanimated shapes lying on the grasses stained by a black substance. 'Some sort of snap' I thought inspecting the liquid on my fingers. Laurelin and Telperion! The anger which was mine is long gone now, eclipsed by this carnage. My vision becomes blurred, I feel myself stagger before darkness engulfs me entirely.
I open my eyes with great difficulty and perceive agitated shadows...However without my consent, my eyelids close a few seconds after...I am so tired and my head is heavy...It can be! It is only a memory! How can it do that to me? Yet I do not admit defeat,I cling on to the buzzing voices near me to extract myself from the lethargic state which engulfs me:
-« Ñoldo utâimai innûm palâ caripârkka vêntûm? [Would you mind making sure that the Ñoldo are still in possession of the fruits?] »;
-« Avarkalûkku nirâiya vâlkkai ankû nilavukirâtu. [There is no much life left in them.] »;
-« Kâtalparicu pilâittu. [Melyanna – quenya translation of the name- has survived.] »;
-« En cakti pôtâtu, avarkalîn utâl mikavum mukkiyamânâtu. [My power will not suffice, their bodies are too massive.] »;
-« Nâm vâlûm ullîrkal enrû iruttîl inta vayatil karutalâmâ? Nâm ennâ irukkum enrû nampukirên? [Are we doomed to live Dark Age? What hope do we have left?] ». I sink into unconsciousness once again ... I manage to surface in a final effort and look around: Laurelin and Telperion lay still on the grasses; they produce a weak light that allows me to distinguish four peoples including who appears to be Yavanna.
-« Tulukhedelgorûs, Ibrîniðilpathânezel ! Turatirustâvacamâka Canlâitmêytân marrûm Kompu tankâl kâyankâl kâranâmâka irântanâr; nînkal âḥp nôkki mun nînkal kûtâ nâm Valimaimikka-Raicin cantêkam, munnâr Tiâvi Ñoldo oppatâikkappattâtu oru palâm tîttâ kāṇappaṭavillai vēṇṭum... [Laurelin, Telperion ! Sadly Arien and Tilion –quenya translation of these names- has succumbed to their injuries; before you do as well, we have a proposal. Your fruits entrust to the Ñoldo Fëanor cannot be found; we suspect Melkor –q. translation of the name -...] » Yavanna addresses to Laurelin and Telperion. Her voice remains firm despite being charged with regret.
-« Kâtalparicu ? [Melyanna? –quenya translation of the name-] » Telperion interrupts weakly;
-« Atu pâtukâppânâtu. Atu nanrâka marâittu vaikkappattîruntatu. [She is safe and sound. She hid well. ] » a light-haired maiden –perhaps a redhead? - informs. Next to her a dark-haired woman with complexion as pale as the first one stands silently.
-« Unkâl anûmatiyutân nânkal CanLâitmêytân marrûmKompuulakam, nînkal inkê irukka vêntûm enrû valânkâppatûm kalaippup putiya olî utâlil unkâḷ âvikal mârrâ vêntûm. Nînkal unkâl palâm têtî unkâlâi totânkûvatil, inta nâtûkalîlullâ vittû yôcanâi iruntatu enînûm enrâl; nânkâl Kâtalparicu vilakka vêntûm: Nînkal inta itânkâlîl inâikkappattâ pôtu atu mattiya-pûmikku anûppappatûm. [With your consent, we will transfer your mind to Arien and Tilion's body–quenya translation of these names- to one condition: you will remain here and shine once again upon this world. However if you would ever leave these lands, seeking your fruits yourself, we will separate you from Melyanna -quenya translation of the name-:she will be sent in Middle Earth while you will be tie to this place.] » a middle age man with a long face, shining eyes and a startling deep voice goes on.
-« Oppu [Agreed.] » Laurelin consents between short laborious breaths;
-« Ibrîniðilpathânezel [Telperion ? -quenya translation of the name-]» Yavanna urges; -« Oppu. [Agreed.] » Telperion confirms unwillingly.
This time I regain consciousness without delay. The Creative Mother or Laurelin or Arien –whatever her name is- is still here scrutinizing me carefully. I resign myself to break the heavy silence:
-« Avarkaḷ uṅkaḷ kuḻantaikaḷ peṟṟuk koṇṭīrkaḷā ? [Did they find your children? –old haradrim language] »;
-« Eṇ [No. –old haradrim language]» she answers with emotion;
-« Nīṅkaḷ eṉṉai avaṟṟai mīṇṭum koṇṭuvara etirpārkka... [You expect I bring them back…–old haradrim language] » I summarize;
-« Mutaṉmai tumhen chuna hai. [I choose you. –old haradrim language] » she say simply;
-« Nāṉ pala poykaḷiṉ aṭippaṭaiyil oppu! [And I agreed on the basis of so much lies! –old haradrim language] » I exclaim, finding my righteous anger again;
-« Tavira nīṅkaḷ uṇmaiyil eṉakku vēṟu vaḻi illai āṉāl tantiramāṉa mukattai eṉakku etirāka leagued koṇṭirunta Valar eṉṟu niṉaikkiṟīrkaḷā? ..., Nīṅkaḷ uṅkaḷ vāḻkkaiyil mītu eṉ kuḻantaikaḷ maṟṟum anta uyirkaḷai pātukākka vākkaḷittatum nīṅkaḷ aṉpu, maṟṟavarkaḷ mattiyil kāṭṭik koṭuppukkaḷ pōtilum: Nāṉ niṉaivil teriyātu eṉṟu nāṉ niṉaikkavillai. [Do you really think that I have other choice but to us duplicity against the Valar who united against me? ... Moreover, you have promise to .protect my children on your life and the one of people you love despite all the betrayals among other things: don't think I will forget. –old haradrim language] » she roars as a blaze appears in her eyes and flames crackle under her thin fingers. Realizing my mistake, I froze:
-« Ēṉ eṉ utavi tēvai? Nīṅkaḷ ippōtu Valar taṭai mīṟukiṉṟaṉar. [Why do you need my help? You defy Valar's authority right now. –old haradrim language] » I reason trying to somehow extricate myself from this situation;
-« Avvappōtu, nāṉ taṅkaḷ lañca oḻippu iruntu eṉṉai nīkka nirvakikka. Eppōtum iravu, eṉakku avarkaḷai kaṇṭupiṭikka aṉumatikkiṟatu eṉṟu etaiyum. Nāṉ ēṟkaṉavē piṭittu. [Every now and then I manage to escape detection. Always at night, it is not sufficient for me to find them. I already got caught for that matter. –old haradrim language] » she explains calmer;
-« Melyanna kku eṉṉa naṭantatu? [What happen to Melyanna? –old haradrim language] » I ask as I remembered the Valar's threat in the memory that she shared with me;
-« Āmām atu eṉṉaiviṭṭu kiḻintatu. Mika nīṇṭa varuṭaṅkaḷukkup piṟaku, avarkaḷ eṉṉai kīḻē amaiti karutappaṭukiṟatu pōtu, nāṉ mīṇṭum kaṇṭupiṭittuḷḷaṉar;. [Yes they tore her away from me. Too much years after we were able to find each other again when they thought I was quieten –old haradrim language] » she recounts with resentment;
-« Melyanna… Melian, Rāṇi Arwen mūtātaiyar oru iṇaippai uḷḷaṉa ? [Melyanna…is there a connection with Melian, the Queen Arwen's ancestor? –old haradrim language] » I say as I recalled the tell that Master Hobbit narrated at the time of my convalescence;
-« Nāṉ nīṅkaḷ tērnteṭukkum urimai iruntirukkum eṉṟu teriyum! Āmām, atu tāṉ. [I knew that I was not mistaken when I choose you! Yes it is her. –old haradrim language] » she concludes and I can see the spark of mystery in her eyes again.
Soundtrack in order of appearance:
-Inkama and Laurelin's thruths= The Hobbit I Soundtrack- Riddles in the Dark;
-Arien and Tilion's love= Game of Thrones Season 1 Soundtrack –When the sun rises in the west;
-Melkor and Ungoliant= The Hobbit II Soundtrack- Flies and Spiders;
-Laurelin and Telperion are dying= Lord of the rings I Soundtrack– Caras Galadhon;
-Inkama and Laurelin talk= Game of Thrones Season 6 Soundtrack –Blood of my blood.
Author's notes:
Thank you for keep reading me! So did you see it coming?
My imaginary casting:
-Inkama= a young Jennifer Lopez with darker hair;
-the Lady-Tree and Arien= Madhuri Dixit;
-Tilion= Jean-Marie Winling;
-Yavanna= Gina Torres;
-Melkor= Xavier Gallais;
-Ungoliant= Christina Hendricks;
-"a light-haired maiden –perhaps a redhead?" who is in fact Nienna= Isolda Dichauk;
- "Next to her a dark-haired woman with complexion as pale as the first one stands silently" who is in fact Estë=Rachel Weisz;
- "a middle age man with a long face, shining eyes and a startling deep voice goes on" who is in fact Manwë= Carlo Brandt.
Next chapter: Men's moods
Disclaimer: I do not own anything, only my brain!
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