After rekindling their bond, Arafinwe and Earwen return to Alqualonde midst much celebration.
29. Return to Alqualonde
The following days passed as if in a dream. The sea and the island were bountiful with their harvest and the elves did not lack food or drink. Uinen made good on her promise to teach Mornel about the creatures of the island's watery realm. Mornel ventured out onto the exposed reef at low tide with her feet protected by the milky secretions of a certain species of sea cucumber from the razor-edged rocks. With the Maia's aid, her swimming skills improved by leaps and bounds. Soon she was swimming out into the deeper waters to dive for clams and kale with Earwen. Arafinwe was not as good a swimmer and kept to the shallows to spear fish.
The colourful birds that populated the island's forest engaged Mornel in conversation but they knew little of the world beyond their forest. The seabirds which visited the island cliffs Mornel hailed and bade them to take word to Aiwendil. They would agree before continuing on their flight but Mornel had long learnt that some birds have short memories and were easily led astray from their mission.
On the seventh day since their marooning, Mornel was shaken out of her reverie by her aunt. A sail had been sighted and her uncle was throwing green vines onto the campfire to send up a great plume of white smoke. The castaways were to be rescued by a smiling King Olwe. Mornel was engulfed in a hug by two of the crew, who turned out to be her Telerin friends the Tinwions. After their disappearance, Olwe had sent out ships to scout the coasts of Aman and Tol Eressea. Little did they expect to find them where they did. Olwe was delighted how his law-son and daughter now stood hand-in-hand.
Mornel's feathered friends did bring news that they were safe but they were clueless as to where the island was and could not convey its position to Aiwendil, so Olwe said with a twinkle in his eye. Did you know Aiwendil sent out an albatross to scour the sea as far as the Outer Lands? Perhaps you might speak with the bird on his journey when we return to Alqualonde.
Earwen frowned when she noticed the mischievous twinkle in her atto's eye. Was this all planned? She pouted as she clung to her husband's hand.
I know not if it were blind chance or by some device we came to be here, but I cannot regret it, Arafinwe kissed his wife on the brow to soothe her.
Neither do I. Earwen smiled. She allowed Arafinwe to sweep her up into his arms and bear her aboard the Swan-king's ship that way.
Mornel and the Tinwions salvaged what tools they could from the campsite. The coloured birds shyly squawked their farewells from the forest. As they sailed away westwards, Mornel watched the white fog closing in about the island. She doubted they would find the same island again.
The return of their princess and the Noldoran was greeted with great cheer by the elves of Alqualonde. They were not alone in their joy for a missive had been dispatched to Tirion after Earwen and Arafinwe were witnessed being swept out to sea on their vessel. Indis and Anaire had made the journey to Alqualonde and were received hospitably in Olwe's palace. Lady Anaire let down her guard and embraced her best friend as soon as Earwen stepped into the palace. A barely-restrained Indis stroked her youngest child's cheek fondly while decrying the sorry state of his garments. Queen Falmiril announced that a great banquet would be held in honour of the healing of the rift between Arafinwe and Earwen before the Noldoran returned to Tirion with his wife. In the midst of the merriment, Mornel was quite overlooked and she retreated to the gardens unnoticed.
"Greetings, little one," Serelinde smiled as she looked up from her music scrolls. Mornel sat down next to her on the bench. She had washed off the grime and salt from the island in the baths before donning a clean tunic. Her hair she wore unbound down her back. Serelinde clucked her tongue and took out a comb. She bade the elfling sit before her whilst she braided those unruly tresses.
"You did well, Mornel, bringing Arafinwe and Earwen back together."
"I did nothing, really…"
"I heard it from the swans who heard it from the gulls. Moreover, Lady Uinen comes into Olwe's gardens often for there is a lake here under her protection. You have a special gift, Mornel. You see the truth beneath and are not afraid to speak it. There, your hair's all done now… Let's go join the others on the terrace."
The following week passed in a frenzy as Earwen prepared for her return to Tirion. Gowns were packed and then unpacked as Anaire and Earwen discussed the latest fashions in Tirion. A high waist was seen as passé now in the city although still serviceable in Alqualonde. Likewise for gold thread. Anaire promised to send her dressmaker to Earwen to make sure she had the latest fashions on her return. Arafinwe took some time to discuss matters concerning Earwen with her parents. Arafinwe felt it would be prudent for them to work out a schedule for visits so that Earwen's parents were not deprived the company of their surviving child.
Mornel found Aiwendil and the albatross he sent out. The bird spoke of grim lands blighted by the shadow of a fallen Vala. Lord Manwe's mighty Eagles flew further and might have seen more but they would only report to the Lord of the Winds himself. There were elves, mostly of Olwe's sundered kindred, who made their abode along the hostile coast. The brave bird did not spy any of the Noldor exiles, perhaps they had gone inland. Mornel thanked the bird for his trouble and fed him fresh anchovies.
Perhaps I had hoped there would be news of my cousins and brothers. That they had found a security in an alien land despite Moringotto. Alas I know this is wishful thinking. There has to be cause for the Great Journey after all. The Outer Lands are not as peaceful as Aman. But Lord Ulmo still roams the Outer Lands through its myriad waterways and wetlands, as do his Maiar. Perhaps he will watch over them.
The day of departure drew nearer. Mornel could not help noticing how being with Earwen seemed to wear away the bitter shell around Aunt Anaire. The nissi chatted and often giggled at some distant memory they shared – like the time Earwen's brother put a harmless snake in the baths to scare the wits out of Anaire. Raumeldo did not expect Anaire to calmly pick up the serpent and release it into the gardens with nary a flinch. Earwen was terrified all the same. Yes, she still disliked live eels because they looked so much like snakes. Earwen helped Anaire dress her hair in the Telerin manner. Mornel thought they were almost sisters, so close they were.
Mornel studied the harp under Serelinde and went riding on Fearocco when time allowed, which was often. The little princess had brought few belongings from Tirion to start with and they were easily packed.
Mornel would love to stay on in Alqualonde with Serelinde, Olwe, and the Tinwions but Lady Indis brought news from distant Lorien. Her amil was strong enough to leave Este's care and would be returning to Tirion shortly. Nerdanel had indicated to Mahtan her intention of resuming her craft in the city. Indis insisted as wife of a prince, she should be granted rooms with her child within the palace but Nerdanel declined the offer. However, she did agree for Mornel to continue her lessons in the palace. Her amme simply did not feel up to taking on any apprentices or seeking out her colleagues who remained with the purpose of placing a child of Feanaro into their tutelage. Besides, Mornel was still young and had not yet displayed any leanings towards sculpture or smithwork.
It was time for them all to return to the white city of Tirion.
On the eve on their departure, a great banquet was hosted in the square. King Olwe felt that all should have a part in this joyous occasion. They did, however, observe a moment of silence when Mornel placed a wreath on the memorial plinth for the slain elves, Teleri and Noldor, before the festivities at Lady Indis' insistence. Mornel had to make a token gesture on behalf of her absent father and brothers, no matter how belated. Best now when the Teleri were inclined to look upon her kindly.
King Olwe and his queen mingled freely with their people while Lady Indis and Anaire kept to the high dais where the town's nobility congregated. Earwen and her husband alternated between dancing in the square and making passing conversation with the nobles. Mornel was swept up in a giddy reel with Surihin Tinwion before Anaire called out to them. Regretfully, Mornel ended the dance and returned to Lady Indis' side. Proper noble ladies do not dance with shipwrights' apprentices, Anaire chided. Mornel saw how she smiled at one of Olwe's courtiers when he asked her for a dance.
The platters and goblets of the high table were constantly refilled by serving elves. As a minor, Mornel was not permitted to partake of the heady liquor served to the grown elves at such celebrations. Feeling thirsty after the dance, Mornel took a deep gulp from her goblet of sweet wine. Immediately, she felt an odd sensation in her belly.
"Mornel!" Lady Indis exclaimed at the resounding burp which erupted from the elfling. The musicians and dancers paused. So loud was the sound. Later some would claim it sounded like the legendary Kraken, Lord Ulmo's pet, had gotten loose from the Outer Seas and was visiting Alqualonde. Some claimed it was Lord Osse after a night of hard drinking. They did not wonder long for Mornel haplessly burped out an apology.
Mornel wished the ground would open up and swallow her up and hide her from the disapproving glare of Lady Anaire. Lady Indis was flustered when she realized every word coming from the child was a loud burp. Arafinwe's eyebrows rose, then a smile came to his face. Earwen was giggling into her hands. The Tinwions were chuckling. Serelinde was trying hard not to laugh but failing. Mornel could not help laughing herself in between burps despite the mortified looks on Lady Anaire's and Lady Indis' faces.
"Perhaps our guest is tired," Olwe announced. It was well past Mornel's bedtime. With as much dignity as she could muster, Mornel smiled and thanked the elves of Alqualonde between burps, setting off a peal of laughter in the crowd. Serelinde quietly whisked her off to the palace where an antidote for the burping was administered by a healer. Later two serving elves would apologize for their prank. They did not mean to harm Mornel, not too badly anyway, especially after they learnt of how she had helped Lady Earwen. Unfortunately, the drug had already been slipped into her goblet and they could not replace it in time. What could Mornel do but forgive them? Burping continuously was exhausting and she was looking forward to bed.
The Noldorin entourage left the city before the sun rose too high. Mornel bade farewell to Serelinde and the friends she had made during her stay in Alqualonde, promising to visit them should the occasion arise. Perched atop Fearocco, whose coat had been brushed to a shining gleam by the grooms, Mornel rode out of the city gates behind her uncle and aunt.
Author's Notes:
This fic is fast approaching its end. Possible Mornel will reach her majority in the next few chapters. She might want to have a talk with her amme before then.
Ara and Earwen have guessed at Olwe's possible role in their misadventure, but they do not mind it one bit.
