Nag Kath

by Gelansor

This is a sequel to The Lord of the Rings following a released prisoner at the beginning of the Fourth Age. He has to adapt to changes in his world and in himself as Middle-earth copes with life after the dark lords. All chapters have been loaded as of 2/9/2020. Reviews welcome. Thanks for looking, sh

44. Chapter 44 Generations

Chapter 45

Generations

~o~

Mestriel tried to beat her employer to the door hoping if he heard her, he would stay on the couch. He rose anyway because that could only be Nag Kath's knock. Shurran arrived ten feet behind her in time to hear, "I'm looking for a big Northman. Looks like I got the right place."

Cook and Penni were shopping. Shur gave him a Northman grab and they wandered back to the couch with tea to follow. Shur's breathing would need attention again. He hadn't been drinking his tea. Nobody drank the tea if they could pour it in a plant. The man's physician would attend to that presently. Shur leaned forward and asked, "Is it done?"

"Aye, Shurran, melted like butter. So hot they had to run it to the cauldron on a wire. Never seen anything like it. Hope that puts paid to the dark lord. How are Penni and the children?"

"Good, you'll see her shortly. Are you back for a while?"

He was. The east could wait. Without being too much in the way, Nag Kath wanted to be here for Shur who wouldn't last too many more years. Eniecia was still very fit and seemed to have inherited the rare Dunedain strain.

"I think so, maybe back to Dol Amroth to see your sis."

The big Northman grinned, "Might not be necessary. I would not be surprised if they are back with a granddaughter in tow."

"That took?"

"Not that anyone tells me but, well, let's just say I wouldn't be surprised." Raniece is getting hitched next summer. She is a fair lass too. That whole family is. They didn't get it from me." Shur was excited and coughed a bit with his laugh. "Now, what of Dale?"

"The same. It seems the Brenen family doesn't remember me but the Bard side does."

Shur contemplated, "I'd have thought the other way round."

"I'm too long gone. I was declared dead and they split up my property. Someone conveniently lost my occasional letters. There was money in the bank, though.

Shur grinned, "So you are the statue in the family square?"

"More like the king on the nipper, but I got my things. One of Bart and Grace's daughters had them in her basement. I left the sword with the Prince in Rohan, got my pictures and Eniece's things, some earrings by your friend Gurralth.

The grandson had a long pull of tea and said, "I hope the Dwarves treated you well."

"Embarrassingly so. I'll show you when we have dinner in a day or two."

Penni arrived just then. Cook took a large basket back to the kitchen after what could charitably be called a curtsy to the living family founder and Penni gave him a kiss on the cheek. She sat down and said, "I think a storm is coming. Hope his Lordship can fire his sparklers."

Had it been so long that Nag Kath didn't even remember Syndolan Day?

Penni asked, "Can you stay to dinner Nag? It won't be any bother getting fish. There were some tollars at the market just now."

"No, love. I have to attend some things. After that I am all yours."

She did some counting in her head, "Well, let me think, tomorrow, no, two days time is grand. How is that for you?"

"That's fine Pen. You take care of my little grandson and I'll see you then."

~o~

He walked home. It was cold. No one was cooking. When he got there, he kept walking to the Lord of the Pelennor for a meal and took a room upstairs. Shur's cough bothered him. His color was wan. Penni put a brave face on things but she felt it too. Nag Kath thought it curious, unfair and wholly human that in mixing the strains of men, one didn't always average the results. One might think that if a man's father lived to sixty and his mother to eighty, their children would live seventy. That happened more often than not, but sometimes, especially with Dunedains stirred in the pot, one child might live to be eighty and another fifty. Northmen and the men of Rhûn didn't live very long, if fighting didn't kill them young. They had to get things done by then.

~o~

Now, what to do with all of those diamonds? It was a fabulous sum of wealth except they couldn't be used to buy things. It did not matter. He did not want Smaug gold. The sickness was only said to affect Dwarves, who were otherwise immune to most magic. Someone would buy them over time and he could finance a few projects in the east, maybe build a few bridges in places not grand enough for the lords of the west.

The necklace was curious. That was of Elvish design. What was it doing with a box of Dwarf loot? Nag Kath wondered if King Thranduil patted his pockets after an evening of harp music and came up wanting. He still had the mithril circlet downstairs grouted under the stove along with fifty Florin, the old troll Florin, not the new Aragorn Florin. The Elf only ever spent ancient money. Before it got dark and stormy, he had a lad at the inn run a message written in Sindarin up to the seventh. They would want to hear about Erebor too.

Nag Kath heard nothing from the palace the next day. The King and likely Eldarion would be here for Syndolan Eve, two days hence. If something was wrong, the Elf would have written so.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

"I was glad I went, My Lords, Lady. The arrangement was that they would destroy the artifact but keep the mithril. I was given jewels in exchange. They will be hard to realize but I did not want the gold that caused so much upset."

Queen Arwen looked her husband and son before asking rather more quickly than usual, "What manner of jewels, brave knight?"

"Mostly white, but with a few of the blue Traybor stones. About half of them were cut and polished and the rest raw."

She persisted, "How were they presented, sir?"

"I was offered a large box of dwarvish craft but said I would only take as many as I could hold in one hand. It was still quite a few. I brought some."

Nag Kath took several of the stones from his vest pocket and placed them before the Queen. She took one of the smaller ones and examined it very carefully. Eldarion inspected one of the Traybor stones and then handed it to his mother. She looked at that closely too. The Elf waited patiently with the King.

Finally, the Queen brought her hands into her lap and was silent for a short while before asking, "Did the Dwarves say where these were found?"

"They did not say and I did not ask, looking a gift horse in the teeth. My Lady, you seem much taken. Please, keep them. I am sure a fine jeweler can craft something so the blue stone matches your eyes."

She smiled at him, perhaps for the first time and said, "Usually my husband forbids accepting precious gifts. I will implore him to make an exception. Thank you for your generosity."

The knight then said, "In that case …" he took a jewel that hadn't reached from the same pocket and gave it to Prince Eldarion saying, "Something for your Lady Wife, My Lord." Looking to King Elessar, "I am sorry Sire. You will have to make due."

His liege smiled as well, "I get full value at all times, sir." The King only wore his Ring of Barahir and occasionally the name-sake Elessar Elfstone broach for special occasions.

Nag Kath ventured a suggestion, "I respectfully offer this may be a good time to bring the west closer to the Dwarves. I am not a merchant to know the values of this versus that, but their offer was gracious. Perhaps they are slowly moving past the grasping of Stonehelm."

Eldarion asked, "Did you broach this with King Barandor?"

"I did not sir. We met when I found a picture of his great grandmother in my things and took it to him, but that was before Erebor. I thought to keep that business quiet."

Aragorn said, "This gives us much to consider. What are your plans, Nag Kath?"

"Unless I am not as quick as I think, one of my great, great granddaughters is likely a bride in Dol Amroth this summer. I will go between here and there for a time. One fine day I will go east again."

To close the interview, Eldarion said, "Then I am sure we will see you often."

~o~

The following day, Nag Kath took his draft from the Royal Bank of Dale to the Royal Bank of Gondor to close affairs in the north. There was a melancholy finality to that. Then he walked up to the fifth for a talk with Mr. Herristar of Demanth and Herrister Jewelers. They had never met before but knew of each other. After introductions and tea, he took two small diamonds from his pocket and placed them before the Master saying, "My niece will marry next year and I thought these would make nice earrings"

The man pulled a very fine and powerful fire-glass from under the counter and examined both stones. Placing them on a soft cloth, he refitted his own spectacles and said, "These are exceptional, and expertly finished, old Dwarvish, I should think. They could be fitted to one of our designs or your own."

"I have no notion of what she would like so something like the pair you have on display would suit." He wasn't here for jewelry.

"The gold pair is half a Florin using your diamonds, Mr. Kath. Do you mind my asking how you came by these?"

Nag Kath said, "In settlement of a debt. I fear I could not place a value on them."

Mr. Herristar was hooked, "I should think about two Florin each. I don't suppose you have any more of these. Our clientele insists on the best. We usually receive stones from the mine and prepare them ourselves."

"So there is high demand for these?"

"I would say consistent rather than high. Only so many people can afford this quality."

This was the man he wanted to talk with. Nag Kath leaned back in his chair and pulled a large, uncut stone from a different pocket, laying it on the pad. The jeweler looked his client over very closely before doing the same to the gem with the fire-glass. For fully two minutes the man examined the diamond, looking for flaws or fractures as much as the rough surface would allow.

He put the glass and gem back on his pad and asked softly, "Have you shown these to other jewelers, Mr. Kath?"

"No, I was hoping for an exclusive arrangement, perhaps in Dol Amroth as well, slow, steady and discreet."

Herristar slipped his spectacles into his apron, "I think we can help."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Two Florin for the little ones! He had something under four hundred stones, many the size of his thumbnail. Herristar was right; they could not be liquidated in a hurry. That was fine. He was in less of a hurry than anyone in Middle-earth. Now, what about the Queen? It was almost as if she recognized these. Might they be one of the frictions between Elves and Dwarves, that Frör thought this atoned for past difficulty? If they thought him a representative of Elf-kind, perhaps the past was finally fading.

And what about that necklace? It had massive stones in mithril mounts. The price would be unimaginable. That wasn't just a bauble for a beloved. That was a symbol of state, perhaps an Elvish commission that got sticky at settlement.

The day cleared with few mud puddles on the high road so he saddled Nemren and made the delayed trip to Osgiliath. Tumlath had taken over when Tumlen died and now grandson Tumfred was keeping the Gespath family business humming along. A plump, friendly lass sat at the office desk. She looked up and said, "Well hello, Nag Kath. Aren't you a sight for sore eyes?! You just missed Fred but he shouldn't be long. I've got a pot of Telandren just now steeped."

"You are a love, Unieve. That would taste fine."

She got them both a mug and asked, "Are you staying at the Great River?"

"I will. Let me take rooms and settle the horse after this splendid tea. Just tell Fred I'll be right back, nothing urgent, mind."

"Very good, sir."

~o~

Fred fit the mold of the Gespath men, short and wide. Except for being too tall, they would make excellent Hobbits with their curly hair and blue eyes. Business was good. Tastes were running to the west side of the river these days and they were adapting, though the council of Alders dithered like scholars. Ithilien was more practical. Few here remembered days before the water so it was taken for granted. Seventy years or a thousand was all the same to young folk making their way in the world.

"Good to see you, Nag. One of these days I have to visit Dol Amroth."

"You should, Fred. Take the ferry to Pelargir and a deep-hull ship around the cape, no walking required. Spend time in Pelargir. It is much like here. You might get a few ideas."

Nag Kath talked about the wedding and Harad and Dale. Fred gave him all the local gossip. On the west side they now want men to get new buildings approved if they were in the old city, so they don't look too new, mind! That was the work Shur used to do before he retired. Halfers!

The Elf explained the Dale family had him declared dead and divided up the estate. Fred was appalled. Nag Kath's interests here were all in his right-living trust for some reason and they could stay that way. Excluding the diamonds, this was his largest repository of wealth.

They had a Hobbit-sized lunch. Fred explained on a more difficult note that father Tumlath was having trouble with his memory. He still came in and looked busy but they kept decisions off his desk. The Elf wished them all well. Before returning to his room, he stopped by a few exclusive jewelry stores and visited the healing district for fresher herbs than Minas Tirith had, since they got them here. None of the women seemed very skinny. And bloody Shur was doing to drink his tea this time!

The evening was quiet. Snowflakes were falling but not sticking. Nag Kath stayed in and watched them land. He wrote letters to Prince Elboron and Barahir saying he was back. Messengers ran between the capital and largest city daily, weather permitting. A bit like Rohan now; the ruler's country home was apart from the commercial center. That started when the water was unreliable and never changed.

~o~

Tonight was dinner at Shurran and Penni's so the Elf was off with good light and home in a few hours. Fresh supplies of herbs were guaranteed to sour the face of even hardened soldiers. Penni smiled demurely knowing they would be more carefully guarded this time.

"I mean it, Shur. The healing only goes so far."

"Every day?"

"Twice, every day."

The big Northman knew he was in a cleft stick. Penni changed the subject only slightly, "Nag, to ensure my husband adheres to his regimen, we would like you to move in here and be with us rather than all alone in your drafty old house. Please say yes."

Shurran grinned, if only to get out of discussing his medicine.

Folk usually bring in older relatives needing care or younger relatives who can provide it. Nag Kath was neither, but it seemed a good idea. He no longer had a cadre of females trying to make matches, unless some of their children took up the cause. Cook and housekeeper were both known and better humored than some he recalled. The Elf thought he would be here quite a bit anyway so; why not? "That would be lovely. Thank you for asking."

There wasn't much to move. Most things stayed where they were. Nag Kath commandeered two bedrooms on the upper floor since Shurran no longer climbed stairs. A wet but not very cold winter kept them inside quite a bit. The Elf spent time in the archives, avoiding halfers, and generally learning what he could about Melkor. He was thought long gone, even in the oldest writings of Gondor as it formed from the Numenorean migration.

Shur and Penni's son Reyalder handled property on this side of the Pelennor. That wasn't much work. He had a full-time man and the man's part-time daughter dealing with renters. All of the repair work was contracted with people they knew for years. They also sent rents to Eniecia from her parents' estates.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Just to get out of the house, Nag Kath would wander down to the office on days he knew his great grandson would likely be there. The talked about all manner of thing, including the lengths his father would go to avoid his medicine. Reyaldar's wife Heuris came from solid mercantile stock and watched their 12-year old son Fieldar and nine-year old daughter Delandreth. Fieldar took archery seriously. All agreed that was a worthy thing for a multiple-great grandson of the man who slew the dragon. Uncle Nag bought him a real bow showed him a few things.

Shur's two daughters were also married, one more successfully than the other. Bettes met Simlieo Panzier, a nice man about ten years older who made man-cart wheels and married for love. They were still in love after ten years with eight-year old daughter Lorandris who liked to hide her face with her hands then look through her fingers. Son Urandict was three.

Their younger daughter was Féuril. Her husband thought he was marrying into instant wealth and found otherwise. Féuril was not pretty or clever and after seven years of her man, seldom cheerful. The couple would make amends just often enough that Shurran didn't thrash him, but the big Northman still seethed because the fellow skirted militia training. Uncle Nag recommended bribery. Féuril wasn't having that. He might do it anyway. The couple had no children.

Nag Kath often saw children of old friends like in the Tallazh family and occasionally Tal and Eccs's granddaughter. Like her mother, she drew pictures for children's books and also wrote the stories earning a fair living doing what she wanted.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

An early spring had Nag Kath out with his sketch pad capturing the sights of the White City. Often times he went back to original ideas like every-day folk at the fountain or merchants hawking wares in the yarn market. One gallery wanted to know if he wanted to show on their walls. He was about to say no but changed his mind and asked that his share be given to the White City Charity.

In April they got word that not only was Raniece to marry her sweetheart, Manalgir would wed his girl as well in a double-ceremony set for August. A trip to Dol Amroth was in order. Shur could not go. His traveling days were over. It bothered the big Northman. He would sit on the porch in his stocking feet sipping tea and watch the city below. Uncle Nag was often with him discussing important matters of the day.

With little to keep him here, Nag Kath thought for this journey he would ride cross-country and see the sights on the windward of the White Mountains. It was still largely unpopulated with occasional farms and towns along the myriad rivers streaming into the Bay. The route was probably on the order of a hundred leagues, some with roads, some with paths. The idea was to keep to the foothills below cliffs that fingered into the valley. When he reached the Ringlo there was a town worthy of a name and a good road was said to make for the river mouth north of the White Harbor. It should take three weeks. He allowed two months.

With his art supplies, Lembas, rain slicker and weapons, Nag Kath walked Nemren out the gate towards Lossarnach. The King's farm road was only a league from the Rammas Gate and made another ten miles northwest to the foothills. The main road continued towards Pelargir in close to a straight line. Where it crossed the Erui River was the fair-sized market-town of Minas Anchon. If you had goods from downstream and did not want to freight them on the river, this was your road and this was your town. It had one of the first bridges the King commissioned after taking lordship.

The fine road kept going. Nag Kath turned west and took the path towards the Celos River. Wagons had been known to try this trail but it was not for the feint of heart. It was fine for a horse and they made good time. There were occasional farms and farmers glad of a couple coppers to let them stay under a shed out of the rain. On the third day after the turn they found another village where the Celos met the Randuin becoming the Sirith of drinking-water fame. It had a King's bridge too, though somewhat the worse for tree trunks hitting the base as they sped downstream in heavy spring flows. This side of the mountains got more snow and in June, it was still melting.

Two days later they made another Market town on the near side of the Serni headwaters. It was the confluence of four fair streams and much easier to cross separately than joined. Just across was a wood of good ship timbers that made their way down to Lebennin for sea transport to builders in the Anduin or Dol Amroth.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Minas Brachal was having some sort of summer festival and Nag Kath loved those. The town wasn't as large as Trum Dreng but had some of the same atmosphere by celebrating flowers and the highest sun of the year, the opposite of Syndolan. Lebennin ale was fair and a few inns had room. And as in Trum Dreng, evening was when the young people made acquaintance.

He was almost alone to start dinner but about the time he finished, quite a few folk in their teens, twenties and maybe a little older trooped in to familiar tables. Pitchers were already poured and served on arrival. He had a large table and was asked by a man with two ladies if they could take the far end.

They were expecting more people who hadn't arrived. All three watched the tall blonde man in travel clothes sketching on a small pad. He explained he was taking the scenic route to Belfalas where he had family. None of them had ever been to Belfalas, though Thomfore had been down the river to Linhir which was a sizeable town, city to them. That was where the Serni and Gilrain formed that delta, and oh my, wasn't that a sight to see!

Nag Kath held his chin and said, "I thought of going that way but am I right that by staying just north of the harbor I avoid that ridge of mountains by the bay?"

The man's girl, who seemed to think herself the celebrated beauty of Minas Brachal, declared with hauteur, "So it is said."

The fellow was more helpful, "There is a small river feeding from the west with a fair trail alongside. That gets you through the eastern ridge. There are others through the western range and are said well-marked."

~o~

The celebrated beauty put away two mugs in quick succession, which only made her more talkative on subjects she didn't know. Her man wasn't keeping up with the ale. The slightly older woman was not through her first mug and kept her own counsel.

Their friends still hadn't come. If they had stopped at another tavern, these three weren't in a hurry to find them. Another pitcher arrived. Nag Kath put down the coins for it. The quiet woman was nearest to him and looked at his pad. It was just a doodle of the street with a fellow selling pies in a heat-cart like the dear man in Tharbad. She asked if she could see. The Elf started to slide it to her when she slid closer to him.

Evidently there were no artists in Brachal and she shifted her gaze out the door and back to the sheet several times wondering how someone could catch the image with so few strokes. Meanwhile the celebrated beauty kept punishing the pale until she began to feel unappreciated. She gave her man a ration that had people around the tavern looking. He was trying to keep the damage under control, perhaps hoping for a taste of that beauty later, but he would have to tie her in a sack for a few hours first. Finally, she rose in a huff and sashayed out the door followed with him in her wake.

The quiet woman watched but did not leave. Then she looked at the meat vendor again. While she studied, the Elf felt a gentle hand sliding across his thigh. Leniegh was not a celebrated beauty but quite attractive and at the age Nag Kath liked them. He put extra coppers on the table in case the volatile couple hadn't paid for their first round and climbed the stairs to his room.

It had been a very long time, for him at any rate. She took the initiative, which he liked, and in exchange was pleased with what she discovered. In only a one-width bed, they were snuggled close. She cooed, "Are you gone tomorrow?"

"Or the next day. What is the occasion?"

"The Celebration of Arien who is longest in the sky this day. We look forward to harvest and cast our cares away."

He said, "There is one much like it in Minas Tirith a month from now. I remember enjoying that. What happened to your friends?"

"He is my employer's son. Only met her twice. I hope he keeps it that way."

"Ale does not serve all equally or well."

Leniegh said, "Now, what about you? You have nice cloth but you travel the hard road."

"I have never been here. It gives me something to draw. I must say; the trip has started promising."

"You probably say that to all who admire your drawings."

He grinned, "Every one."

Neither were hungry so they did more of the same well into the night. Later, she curled next to him in bed. He leaned against the wall since there was no chair in the room and let pleasant thoughts drift into waking rest.

Before dawn, she looked up at him with his eyes seemingly closed and quietly dressed. In the poor light she wandered towards his bags then turned and groped for the door. Opening it without a sound, she was gone.

~o~

The next morning, Nag Kath had porridge and the first of the strawberries on this side of the mountain. His bags were already at his feet at the same table as the afternoon before. When he stood and started to take them outside, the innkeeper said, "Sir, there is a small matter of the bill."

The Elf paid cash when he got here. "Eh?"

The fellow chuckled, "You didn't think Leniegh's special affections came with the room did you?"

Ah, yes. She arrived at the same time as the quarrelsome couple but not with them. She never once spoke to them. It was only after they left that he got her attention. And then there was the predawn exit. She wandered towards his bag thinking him asleep but turned and left unsteadily. In inns he always left a strong confusion ward on his satchel. If she had lifted it, the innkeeper would take his share and claim he had no idea who the trollop was.

Nag Kath walked over to the counter and said, "What's the damage?"

"Ten groats."

He laid two fivers on the plank and went outside to saddle Nemren. That was not his preferred way of loving, but learning after the event made it worthwhile. She seemed pleasured. If she was acting, she was good.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

From here it was a three day ride to Bar Gilraen on the river of the same name. There were peaks ending on either side of what turned out to be a road through the foothills. From a distance it seemed there would be climbing. Though not the size of Brethil; this town probably had a thousand people who were not celebrating at all. He ate alone and was glad of it.

The next few days were up a grade. They crossed another tributary leading into the Gilrain from the east and made southwest along the river for three more days passing a sizeable lake with a forest on the far bank. When the lake narrowed with rock banks, Nag Kath and Nemren took a ferry across fully a mile of lake, landing just above the Nan Requain River. The horse did not care for water travel of any sort.

Another day's ride took them to a very pretty smaller lake between more intimidating mountains and the day past that they passed into Belfalas county of Rosuldrië. This was where the famous pale wine was grown. It was almost Hobbit-like between these mountains and the range further west. Rolling hills with good streams from either side often grew two crops a year. The trail snaked around the peaks where there were low passes but not in a straight line so it was another week before tired horse and Elf trotted across the causeway to fair Dol Amroth.

Captain Ivandred opened the door. "Well, couldn't keep you away! They shook hands and the Elf hauled his bags inside. Legorn turned and called to anyone who cared, "Nag's home."

It was nearly the dinner hour so after sponging off the grime, he joined them at the table. Eniecia was excited, two of her four grandchildren marrying suitably. Their parents seemed to be taking it more in stride. That was still better than a month away but there seemed so many things to do!

Cal reminded her gently, "My darling, you don't have to do anything except get there and not faint."

"Oh, I know, but a woman needs a hobby. Nag, we have tickets to 'If it can, it will' to open the season next week." To assure his cooperation she added, "It is a comedy."

"I will count the days, dearest granddaughter."

Eniecia pulled varying points of interest in her logical way until getting to, "I am not sure who will be joining us. We just have the six seats but the children are so busy."

Cal neatly avoided the trap by quickly adding, "I don't recall, my dear."

Old Legorn regaled, "Well, I am coming! That's one of the few where the low voice isn't a swindler."

Did Nag Kath really want a date? The pleasant commercial encounter in Breshil reminded him of the advantages of mortal men. His waking rest wasn't so restful. He would consider that when he needed to. The family was more interested in Dale. That was bittersweet. There may be reasons to return some day but not for anyone there. He told them he got several thousand Florin worth of diamonds in exchange for the Mithril. The jeweler in Minas Tirith sold two a month so that was not going to winnow his stake any time soon.

Eniecia was speechless. She believed him but she had also never seen him do anything magical, ever. In plain view on his voyage he roasted a ship with sorcerous fire but never with family. On her breath she whispered, "Several thousand …"

"Aye, probably a lot more if the big ones are much more than the little ones."

He dipped into a pocket and said, "These are called Traybor stones, prized among Elves. Since they are gone, this is for you." He handed it to his granddaughter who seemed to reflect the sparkle in her eyes. "I had earrings made for Raniece and Menalgir's intended. What's her name?"

Cal said, "Dehlpynhalita." When no one rescued him he added, "Halita, a grandmother."

Nag Kath waded in, "Now, with all this matrimony in the air, has anyone heard from Lord Barahir?"

His granddaughter observed caustically, "No Simbelmynë growing on you, Orc Six."

The Elf finished chewing and was about to ask again when the old Captain said, "We understanding they are exchanging letters about Elf lore." When no one did better than that, the topic died.

~o~

After dinner, they were sitting in the main room. Eniecia asked gently, "You do not seem yourself, dear grandfather."

"I am thinking about your brother. He will not take his medicine and his wind is poor. I will be between here and there but do not intend to be long from him, probably in Minas Tirith for some years. He seems at ease yet I am not. That is selfish of me. Dale got me to thinking. It is hard to be forgotten in your life."

Legorn comforted, "You always have me."

No one could keep a straight face after that.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Nag Kath didn't really understand just how important these two weddings were. Although not princely, they were only a level or two below in several ways. All were prominent families. They had a lot of friends. There were ranking Marines invited. Nag Kath even counted for something with his extraordinary recent exploits.

Nag Kath took his leisure by strolling the jewelry district. This was more like Dale where the items were made in mostly one area, even if sold in shops all over. No one was in a position to purchase more than one or two of the small stones. If he was to reduce the pile, he had to trade them for either land or gold from a very high lord.

Wednesday was dinner at the Field Ivandreds. Both girls were there but not Raniece's intended who was on duty until the week before their nuptials. Field and Grenda were generally at ease which helped their daughters' high emotions. Rainece mostly talked about her friends helping her sew her dress and how wonderful everyone was. They would take an apartment near the War Harbor for now but a grandfather on his side was going to help with a home at some point. The Elf expected the Ivandred seniors would shake the cup too.

Talienne spoke mostly about her studies. Usually that would get rid of all but the most curious but this was of moment to young hearts. After the meal, the Elf saw room to mildly influence. He thought he remembered most of the epic poem of Luthien and Beren as told by Norgarn's son in the Grey Havens. Keepers don't read, they recite. Phrasing, timing and changing pitch or volume were as much a part of the saga as the words.

When there was a lull in the conversation, he spoke as a Lorist in the Ghurates. The condensed version still took a half-bell but it came pure, even in the common-tongue, as if distilled by the drop from memories of two ages past. The house was still. Cook was frozen in the doorway.

Finally Grenda said, "We have not heard that story told in such a way Nag Kath."

This end of the family had really only seen good old Uncle Nag in social settings, not causing wars, being asked the same silly questions. Tonight he would share another aspect. In his Elf Lord voice he said, "I have heard the Elf-keepers sing that story twice, once after Eniece died and again seventy years later when Phylless died. In some ways; that is my song to endure. The keepers protect it all, the words, the emotion, the pain, because they hold it for those who may yet hear it again before the ending of the world.

"They also keep it for a people who have difficulty expressing those feelings because they cannot bear the heartache so many long years. It gives them courage. It tells them that their choices are pure. It brings them. The tale is all that and more."

He turned to Talienne, "You will find those as you open yourself. Feel the music. Sing your care and strength and love."

Nag Kath didn't dare smile or suggest that her next letter upriver be more than the dusty bones of bygone kings. They weren't all kings. On the way back to Cal and Eniecia's he was sure he had done the right thing. Barahir, or any other lucky lad, needed to deserve all the passion of her tender heart.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Whoever wrote 'If it can, it will' must have written a dozen just like it. Seasons always start with a comedy that is not too long and easy to follow. Having a popular song buried somewhere never hurts. This time they had Callistra's son Menalgir Libron with his fiancé Halita and her mother.

Most people wanted to meet the curious Nag Kath but not all, among them; Mrs. Erberion. He was his usual polite self but it cut no ice with the taciturn doyen; former chair of the Seaman's Benefit Society. Her husband did not care for theater so they found an extra ticket for Legorn and the company was set.

If the opera was trying, the Lion's Beard was torment. It was a place where men and women were seen together with alcohol present after a ribald tale of common townsfolk barely able to control their bestial lusts. And if the polite young man who brought black foreign devils to their blessed soil was not bad enough, there was that grinning old reprobate recalling more of the odious performances. It was too much to be borne!

She was mercifully taken home after the first pitcher of wine was down the gullet and the Ivandreds were in silent accord that their grandson's apartment could not be far enough from his mother-in-law. The girl was quite lovely and seemed to have already learned to ignore her.

Nag Kath amused himself while the families prepared. Dol Amroth weddings are already lengthy affairs. Two of them at once would cut the time overall but made for a long afternoon.

~o~

He visited the Ambassador of Thân zîrân after they replied to his note. Taj-Velindir took a spacious home in the Castle District and added staff for both domestic needs and embassy duties. For the most part, they were rich lads on holiday. Nag Kath had guessed before they docked that their primary job was to learn about the politics and trade of these northern nations and convince some of them to send goods their way, hopefully sailing back with one of them. Their home ships were built for light chop in the gulf but not the huge rollers coming in from the northern sea. Cal did not know if any northern nations thought to send reciprocal emissaries.

Nag Kath did get some unexpected employment. A leak in the storage shed ruined the backdrops for the tragedy "Let It Not Happen Here'. Like the Flower Society in Dale, one person knew another and he was asked to paint new linen frames the day before the presentation. The watercolor originals were soaked beyond recognition so the director told him what he needed and the Elf did his best.

As one of the crew, he sat backstage watching folk fuss with costumes and face-paint. Reviews for both the Catanard and his scenery were mixed, but those who liked them had a frenzied bidding war after the show, bringing something under a nipper for the Prince's Charity.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

The wedding finally arrived. Rain threatened but did not materialize. As an Elf, Nag Kath could stand still a long time but many in the congregation were shifting from one foot to the other trying to keep the blood flowing in their legs. Only the families in front sat.

But it was done. All repaired to the Hall of Mariners, the biggest place in Dol Amroth not occupied by the Prince. Nag Kath presented the earrings to both brides and had already sketched portraits from memory, needing only Halita's image to complete the four.

Weddings encourage romance. Talienne had a flock of young men hoping for a word. She was as polite as possible in deflecting their undying love and took refuge standing by the forbidding Uncle Nag. He mused, "I think your sister and cousin have made fine matches. You can see it in their eyes."

"I think so too. Halita will also be mistress of her own home."

"So I gathered."

"Grandmother said you gave jewels to her mother at her wedding."

The Elf stroked his chin, "Yes, like stones but much different sources. She gave them to her sister-in-law. I gave your great, great grandmother a blood red stone that I think Eniecia has now. She had very dark red hair. Women of the Thainholds, seldom wear jewelry out of modesty."

Talienne grinned, "Not here."

"I noticed. In the hard places of the world, you show your strength first. In the refined places, you show your position, same thing in the end."

A couple saw Talienne and walked over to say hello before realizing she was talking with her notorious uncle. It was Earmina and her new fellow. Nag Kath bowed and said, "Hello Mina. Stunning as always."

"Hello, Nag Kath. May I present my husband, Boromath?"

They shook hands. It was not awkward. All agreed the brides were lovely, the ceremony was long and the wine was good. After a decent interval, the newlyweds excused themselves leaving Nag Kath and Talienne where they were. She asked, "Do you wish you had made that match, dearest uncle?"

He raised his eyebrow. That was a more womanly comment than he had heard leave her maidenly lips thus far. He watched them walk away and said, "In a way, but I will be unsettled for a time. If you want the best for someone, sometimes you must let them fly."

She said more philosophically, "That is not how the heroes of your story saw things."

Nag Kath looked back at her and smiled, "Quite true. But they resolved they were the only possible mates for each other against dangers that make these Catanards look like a flower society."

Talienne answered, "You were still the making of her reemergence. The way she looked on your arm brought acclaim she would not have gotten as a failed-man's widow. What now?"

"You know, I was wrong about you. All the time I keep thinking of you like Eniecia but inside you have the steel of Ardatha, daughter of the King. Kings and Thains run deep in your blood."

She said, "Thank you. That still doesn't escape my question."

I will be in the west for a while but then probably back to Khand. When I am done with that, maybe then I will love again."

She murmured, "Yes, true love is worth waiting for."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

He stayed the summer without falling in love. That gave him time to meet his scholars several times and regale them again with adventures in the land beyond the horizon and he could finally mention the mithril band. The scholars bent the ears of the Ambassadors any chance they got in exchange for news of the last two thousand years everywhere else. Daughters of Dol Amroth thought the Numenoreans, as they could not escape being called, quite dashing. Nag Kath wondered if they would ever see home.

It wasn't until he was ready to leave in October that the Swann Breeze pulled into the commercial harbor with a load of chandlery parts and steel, something Belfalas could not make. Nag Kath hurried to the port to find that Penandoth had sold the ship to Master Yeurgelli barely two months after they returned from Thân zîrân. He met an experienced woman of the Enta Sirith in Pelargir who was glad of his company year-round and decided his days on the sea were over. Nag Kath resolved to seek him and Athmandal on his way home, poor tidings for Nemren.

He left his love and would miss them all. He would also write often to let Eniecia know her brother's condition. Shur was a good correspondent but not forthcoming. Penni never wrote.

The day after they sailed, Nag Kath realized he left Orlo's coin in his room at Cal and Eniecia's. He would be back.

~o~

Nemren enjoyed easy rollers better than breakers but was never quite at ease. With a prevailing breeze behind them, they made the New Port dock two days early. Nag Kath took his same room and strolled the city. He visited Helien and Phylless, in cemeteries on either side of the delta. He also asked about Captain Penandoth near the troll head. Barnacles and mussels were starting to grow over the features but it was still called troll point.

Penandoth and his little Marthie had a rather nice house for the district a couple rows up from the waterline. The Elf knocked and she answered. A mostly Khandian woman by the look, he asked in that language if the Captain was taking callers.

She replied in the most ordinary of Westron, "You must be Nag Kath! Come in, follow me." In a stronger voice, "Ronalt, you have a guest."

It was early. He wandered out of the kitchen with the same sort of shirt and yawn Nag Kath had seen hundreds of times. His eyes focused and the man came over for a hearty handshake saying, "Bless me. I hope you aren't here to go round the world again!"

"Wrong direction. Good to see you Ronalt."

"Good to be seen! You must have heard I retired. Nag, this is Marthie. Marthie, Nag Kath. Lord Kath, I suppose."

They sat and talked for a long time. Marthie was not excluded at all and stayed after bringing tea. He got an offer too good to pass for the ship after word was out it could handle strong seas at its small size. Someday he might get into some sort of business but he was in no hurry. He would be in even less hurry when Nag Kath handed him a large diamond as the last payment of their voyage. Like the Elf, he could probably keep it, but you never know.

Before leaving, Nag Kath asked of Athmandal. "He is around here too, mostly in the Faithful but most of the time he stays near his parents on the Telengaur mouth. Got himself a heavy lighter to bring fruit from Ithilien upriver. No girl yet, least, not that he's said. If they don't know where he is at the Good Luck Tavern, he's somewhere in-between."

Dal had just left Pelargir so Nag Kath hired a flat-hauler to take him across to the same river he cleansed before most here were born. The young man was not hard to find. It would not do until he was introduced to a large group of folk and family with a fine dinner to follow. His share of the voyage made him a big man in this little place. He shared the bounty without lording it over the citizens.

The Elf stayed two days until enough fruit was purchased from the old Elvish lands to make the trip and then returned to Pelargir with them. Nag Kath knew something of the currents in this stretch of the river. They hadn't changed. Dal heard about that several times and said a prayer every time he sailed that direction. They had a fine dinner in port too. When they parted, Dal found a diamond in his hand, something for the woman he would find someday.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Nag Kath decided to take the road back to the City of the King. He had seen the first third of it coming and would add the lower part to the map he kept with different colored lines for various trips.

As with the north, the road was in excellent condition and sporting a fair number of wagons. Towns and farms were growing along the way so if you sold things between the big cities, this was cheaper than sailing or rowing upstream. The trip was about forty leagues on nearly a straight road. Nag Kath stayed at inns conveniently spaced for riders for the first two nights and reached Minas Anchon the afternoon of the third. Nemren was favoring his left rear leg so his master applied some healing and balm with the idea of giving the horse another day to rest. This was a pleasant little town. No women invited themselves to watch him draw.

Early after their day of leisure, Nag Kath headed towards the capital. Reaching the turn to the King's stud he turned up that way ten paces to inspect Nemren's hoof away from an oncoming wagon. The horse seemed fine so he took one of Dal's apples from the bag and was about to remount when a half-troop trotted his way from the north and asked his business.

"He's been favoring that leg since Pelargir so I look to see if he has taken sufficient rest. How are you today, Corporal?"

"Well enough, sir. We just wanted to see if you were van to the company coming."

"No, I make for the White City after a visit to Dol Amroth. It seems your guests approach now."

A half-company of riders under the Steward's pennant pulled up as the Captain's van raised his fist. The local half-troop was at starched attention in their saddles when a voice from the company cried, "Lord Kath! You came all this way to see us!"

He led Nemren over a few feet to look before saying, "Lord Elboron! I thought to sell a little fruit from Pelargir along the roadside."

The Prince, Steward of Gondor, rode through his halted escort until he was close and said, "Bless me. You meet the most curious people. Are you coming to the King's celebration? Last one of the year, I expect."

"Nay sir. I am just back from Belfalas. Two of the youngsters in my brood were married in one fell-swoop."

The Lord said more gravely, "Belfalas, eh?" He considered for a moment. "That is a Lossarnach nag or I'm a fool. Climb on and let us see if he remembers the way."

For a place so close to Minas Tirith, Nag Kath had not been here in the near century of his life. The King and royal family repaired here at different times of the year, usually in alternating years when many went to Annúminas. Other nobles used it as well. The Prince was probably ferried across the Anduin at the bend across from Rammas rather than riding the wrong way to cross at the Osgiliath bridge. The path to the farm started rising. The flats became foothills with a gentle roll and copses to either side, not eerie trees lining the Kingly road either. It was still another hour along the pleasant brook until they saw a much larger forest behind the sprawling horse farm. Different paddocks had colts and fillies running with their mothers. Older youngsters were being led around the circle for their first halter training. Stallions were well away. Other fields were not being used, likely for advanced cavalry training.

~o~

The half-company rode into a circular drive, stopping at a stone mansion with the look of the highest-quality country inn. Elboron and his impromptu guest dismounted. One of the Lord's aides would see to the master's train. Nag Kath took his bags and weapons letting the troopers take Nemren. They walked up the steps to open doors and bows.

A majordomo with a military manner approached and said, "Welcome back, Lord Prince."

Elboron replied, "Afternoon, Willeigh. This is Lord Kath who is here as my guest. Can you find something for him?"

"I will see to that myself, sir. Wine at six, dinner at seven."

Willeigh led the Elf up one flight of stairs to a row of rooms along a long balcony. Opening the door to the third he entered with Nag Kath behind and said, "I hope you enjoy your stay. Should I see to a man for your evening wear?"

"Tell truth, Mr. Willeigh, I am long on the road and you are seeing my best. I don't suppose you have something in my size?"

The majordomo looked him up and down saying, "That should pose no difficulty, Lord Kath. Let me see what I can do. In the meanwhile, there are always cold foods in the annex just behind the main dining room for those on irregular schedules. Just ask anyone in livery for whatever you need."

A curt bow and he was gone. Nag Kath flopped on the bed in his road-weary travel clothes. A moment later, an attendant hauled his heavy bag up. The man behind him had the satchel, bow, quiver and sword. Taking the manager's suggestion he walked back down the stairs, not really sure where the dining room was, much less the annex behind it. Asking a maid got him a guided walk one corridor over. He had his fill.

No one said who else would be here except probably Aragorn himself. If the Steward was here, it was likely Eldarion was holding the fort upriver while preparing for his first wedding anniversary. Barahir? He would be with his da if he was coming. Arwen? She seemed to tolerate the false-Elf better these days. Perhaps the King's daughters, though the little one would probably come by coach, not a problem on these tended roads.

Good as his word, a handman knocked half an hour after vittles with an armful of clothes. This was not a former trooper. The fellow bowed and said, "I think we have something that will serve. You are about the same size as our Lord King." He laid out not only better dress for later but a few things for swanning about the grounds during the day. The Elf's own boots were in good repair.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

At the six-bell, Lord Kath went downstairs to join a crowd of about fifty people, most of whom had been here several days. Nag Kath knew a few. Grandthor, assistant of the Purse walked over with his wife Pelentira to shake hands . She looked a bit out of her element between trying not to stare, trip or eat anything that would get on that new dress. The men spoke for a while, giving her opportunities to contribute that went wanting. These functions seem to have internal bell when it is time to find new partners so they would talk again and moved along.

Mr. Foggs was fiddling with his spectacles and didn't recognize the Elf until they were back on. "Good evening, Mr. Kath. I know you like these horses."

"I do sir. They have served me well." Foggs was somehow associated with Kathen as a supplier or builder. He didn't link Kath with the first part of that name. "Is Mrs. Foggs with us tonight?"

"Nah, couldn't get her on a horse if the Easterlings were coming. Some of the women come in carriages but she hardly takes man-carts." The old boy grinned, "The missus will find something to do. Now, what brings you out here?"

"Pure chance, sir. I was riding home from Pelargir and pressed into service by Prince Elboron."

Foggs agreed, "That is a fair summons with good company. Well, you had better meet your peers. I will see you at the meal."

~o~

Other than the Steward, Nag Kath had exhausted his contacts. Waiters expertly weaved through the reception hall replacing goblets or mugs or carrying trays of finger-foods. The Elf had pale wine and nursed it the whole hour. Not long before the meal, he recognized Princess Millicend and what must be her fiancée; also a man of the Purse. He approached and bowed before saying, "Excuse me, Your Ladyship. I am Nag Kath. It is a pleasure to see you again."

Millicend tended on the stout side, a very human girl with freckles and a smile that warmed. She said, "Why yes, Lord Kath. May I present Gervaith Balthralas." They shook hands. She didn't seem appalled he was here which boded well for the rest of her family.

Just before the hour, a herald announced the King. All bowed and Aragorn strode in to the room to say, "Hello and welcome to guests newly arrived. Please, let us take our meal." He saw the tall Elf across the room and smiled.

With that, everyone trooped into the room. There were place-cards. Most folk returned to where they sat the previous night. Elboron was to the King's left. The chair to his right was vacant. At another table, Nag Kath was between the long-retired Colonel Westfelling and the female half of the Ingrolls. He said hello to all as they sat.

Westfelling was a sharp old cove. After loaves were served he said, "Fine work with those Numenoreans, young man. Wish I'd have been with you."

The Elf smiled, "My father-in-law said the same and he is only one hundred and seven."

"I'll tell you this for nothing, my daughter and granddaughters are clad in your heurzis. Fine undergarments they make."

"Thank you. That was about the only thing they had that we do not have here, but it is a cut above."

At the mention of ladies' undergarments, Mrs. Ingrolls looked like she smelled troll-breath. Her husband didn't catch the Colonel's remark and glanced at his wife knowing her delicate feathers had been ruffled once again.

Unchastened, old Westfelling asked, "Long trip?"

"Just over a year with the return half again longer than the going. We saw heavy weather several times but the ship met the challenge."

The Colonel tore off a piece of loaf with good teeth and said, "Sailed to Dol Amroth a few times. That was plenty for me."

"I am just from there and was returning to the White City when I crossed Lord Elboron's path. It wouldn't do until I was brought in tow. A niece and nephew of mine were married this summer." He called them nieces for the same reason he was Uncle Nag. People tripped over the number of 'greats' when he tried to be accurate.

"Good for them! Young ladies should be garbed in heurzis!"

Mrs. Ingrolls, who might be a thirty-two, and wouldn't be hard to look at but for the lack of a smile, had listened to every word and was now sure the old nuisance was the sort soldier that must be tolerated for service largely forgotten. Her husband had not trained as militia because of a slightly clubbed-foot and it had not interfered in his career at all, thank you very much!

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Nag Kath had heard a little about Lossarnach over the years. This was a plum invitation when lesser nobles were hosting and worth blood when any of the royals were here. Third-hand, the story was that it actually entailed to Aragorn's daughters since everything else in the world passed to the heir. Millicend would probably spend some of her honeymoon at leisure here since it was only a jaunt from the seat of power. The little girl was home with her mother.

Lady Genistral across the table had caught some of the conversation about Thân zîrân and asked of the courtly people there. They gave Nag Kath fully five minutes to describe their palace and ruler and preserved customs of the ancients. He did not quite get to pushing the King off a cliff. The battles on sea interested the Colonel who tried to imagine cavalry having to make the same maneuvers. Before he remembered it would violate his guideline to not be ancient himself, Nag Kath said, "Captain took her the way Rohirrim will hesitate until the enemy exposes their flank and then turn at speed."

The old boy nodded and considered that carefully. Even Mr. Ingroll seemed to enjoy the conversation that was giving his bride a splitting headache. She asked to retire rather than attend the evening gathering and he dutifully trooped after her, no doubt for an earful.

~o~

They adjourned to the same reception room where musicians played soft music. Wine and ale were still available but Nag Kath had a large mug of cold tea. It wasn't long before people in front of him started bowing so the Elf turned and did the same as his liege approached. They shook hands and Aragorn said, "Welcome back, sir."

He couldn't say thanks for inviting him so he used, "It is lovely. I am sure I will enjoy myself."

"Good. I need to speak to a few people but let us talk on the morrow." With bows he was off to be quickly replaced by bows for Prince Elboron. The man said, "You clean-up well. Telling the story of southern lands?"

"Mine seem to be the dullest versions."

"What of Belfalas?"

Oh, so this has gotten as far as da. Nag Kath would do his level best. "Two of Eniecia and Caladrion's grandchildren were wed in August. It was a grand affair with bright futures in store. Three of the four are within two years of each other."

"I have not been there in an age. My cousins came to visit when our Prince Eldarion was wed so now it is my turn."

Nag Kath took a small chance, "But you send your heir among any number of his peers."

"Aye, Alphros is ninety three, there abouts. Imrothil is the same age as me. You know the Prince is not doing well, though he has been that way quite some time."

"I only met him once sir, at the wedding of Elfwine.

Elboron got to business, "Now, you have an extra lass of that land who writes Barahir fairy-tales. He is much taken with her, especially after her last letter." Nag Kath hoped that was the same sort of nudge he gave Eniecia when she made her feelings known to Cal and won her man. The Prince continued, "I did not speak to her when the heir married. Is she a serious young woman?"

The Elf became lordlier and replied, "She is a vision. Bara would never regret a moment of her company. Do you recall the painting in the magistry-room two doors from your chambers on the seventh?"

"Certainly."

"She is the Queen, reborn every few generations to live on in the best of marriages. You have but to gaze on that face for your answer."

Prince Elboron considered that carefully and said, "I will take the long way home and look afresh when I leave here." A concern; "She is not actually related to you?"

"By marriage only, sir."

"I am here a week. Take your leisure and we will speak again."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Taking leisure was the order of the day in Lossarnach. As usual, the Elf was up before the nobility and sauntered around the grounds nearing the first frost of the year. This was not the breeding season so the stallions were behaving themselves. Mares to be bred in spring were with others just separated from their foals, and generally glad to be shot of them.

He walked into a palatial tack and saddle shed to see five grooms sitting in the straw playing Dukks. They froze like deer when the tall, stately noble stood there watching. There was no time to hide the cards and pretend they were discussing harnesses. He smiled and put his finger alongside his nose before walking past a pair of silos letting onto pastureland. Nag Kath took put a piece of long-grass between his teeth and sat on the top rail looking out over the grass. A few horses were out. Nobles don't carry oats so they ignored him.

There were no scheduled guest activities in Lossarnach. Other than the evening meal and socializing before and after, you did what you wanted. Businessmen who had lobbied for invitations met with those like them in this sanctuary. Women of the fifth did the same. There was genuine state business done here too since with as many as half of the standing Ministry or their seconds ensconced, often with representatives of the kingdom states and foreign lands. The place had lots of nooks and crannies that could fit any-sized discussion. It was the sixth-level with a horse-farm around it.

~o~

After the sun was full, Nag Kath walked back to the guest palace for a bowl of porridge and tea with some of the fruits coming up the Anduin. A young woman who sat near the King last night was sitting in a wicker chair next to a small wooden table embroidering in one of the little rings that let craftswomen get at both sides. Nag Kath introduced himself and found she was Mrs. Peligrue, friend of Princess Milli. Excusing himself for interrupting, he broke his fast and went upstairs to take stock.

Prince Elboron had talked with him for five minutes, which seemed to go well. He could leave anytime except the King said they would have words today too. With no deals to do or shoulders to rub, Nag Kath explored. Walking around the other side of the guest area brought him to a ring of barracks where the escorts played their own Dukks. Past that was what must be the royal quarters. It was a long wing connected to the large rooms of his building and definitely not for casual tourists. Further on, pastureland stretched until the grass reached the forest.

~o~

He nearly escaped. As he walked back to the main hall at mid-morning, a group of the younger bucks saw him and one cried, "You, sir. We are off for an archery contest and need an eighth."

In non-militia archery, teams were usually four men head-to-head or equal numbers of teams in an elimination format. It really wasn't fair that he would shoot with them; either aiming as well as he could or missing on purpose. He never heard the last of that in Dale. But these fellows were insistent; including the recently drafted Mr. Ingrolls who would sooner join them for a quilting-circle than listen to the good Mrs. Ingrolls rail against worm-wool panties.

The Elf said he would get his bow and join them.

There were eight so these would be two teams of four. He joined Lieutenant Scaldir of the Seventh Foot, Mr. Denefister in the roof-slate trade and Mr. Vernonbrad of no stated occupation. Ingrolls was pressed into service by the other team that was also short a man. Half had good bows kept in the tack room by the card-playing grooms but his soldier and two of the lads opposite them had their own.

This tournament was set a month ago so it would not be fair for the substitute archers to join the wager, unless they did so without duress. Ingrolls was not an archer and walked with a slight limp. One bright spark on the other team announced in a patrician voice, "Here ye, we are gathered to settle issues of manhood in the realm of Gondor!" His fellows chuckled.

He looked over at the tall archer and said, "I apologize for dragging you against your will. It seems you have shot before. My fellows on the woeful Team Ithilan who caused you this embarrassment have a wager of one Gold Florin among them, sadly instigated by the absent Mr. Tucketh who cancelled his trip inexcusably late. The remaining three are responsible for his portion unless you are willing to accept it for your own."

The Elf calculated, "So, a nipper to me?"

"Precisely, sir. May I ask your name?"

"I am Nag Kath."

There were murmurs. He was recently famous again, including spitting pirates at long range, thought that might not have gotten this far.

"And do you accept that wager for honor and glory, sir?"

"I do, but I have a condition."

The murmuring stopped. "I will shoot, but my tally will count no better than the best of my group. I am an experienced archer and would not spoil your fair game." His own lads didn't seem concerned. They had fair opinions of themselves and had no idea if he was any good when calling him to fill their team.

Hearing no dissent, the clarion archer declared, "Then Team Quelthan accepts and it is settled. Gentlemen, prepare yourselves."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Ages ranged from late twenties for the Lieutenant to perhaps forty for one of the men who brought his own bow. Nag Kath was ninety three but he looked thirty-three so that was about average.

Team Quelthan was the first to shoot at the round targets Sarn't Dedlan denounced with the Dale trainees. A cloth target had a red center spot counting for five points, a black middle ring worth three and a yellow outer ring netting one. The target was four feet across and pegged to straw bales about forty paces away.

The first archer was the older fellow with his own bow, their expert, perhaps? All three of his arrows hit the target with one in each color for a tally of nine. His friends gave him lusty cheers. In Buhr Austar that would have earned a pint of red too. Next was Mr. Ingrolls. He was a bit sorry he accepted the offer to join, but how could this be worse than the dragon in linen underwear? He must have shot at some time in life and put one of his three arrows in the middle band for a score of three. The next fellow hit the middle band twice for six as did the team spokesman, bringing Team Quelthan to twenty-four.

Had his own Team Ithilan been playing for real money and known they had Kath of the Celduin, they would have had the Elf shoot indifferently in the first flight and spit the center on the third. This was probably a trivial sum for this lot with more serious side bets on the quiet.

After the handman pulled the arrows, their first man was Vernonbrad. The archer missed his first shot by eight feet. The handman standing off to the side watched the arrow to collect it later. The next missed by less and the third almost hit the target. He smiled wanly and said he was just getting warm. Next was Nag Kath who put three in the center. That got him some stares but he had already taken himself out of the betting so he wasn't a sharp.

Third was Denefister who put three arrows into the outer band for three points, bringing their total to eighteen. The soldier needed six to tie and seven to win the first flight for Team Ithilan. The man missed his first arrow, hit center with the next and barely held the edge on the third to get his six and draw the flight.

That was if Nag Kath's counted full. Limited to his best teammate's score, they limped-in at fifteen. It seemed his handicap only applied to the last flight.

Now this is where professional sharps earn their money. If there was one, it was the Lieutenant since he did the absolute minimum to stay tied and encourage manlier stakes when competitors might be punishing the spirits about now. Since no one pressed the bet, this seemed a friendly match.

Some of the other guests walked out to watch, this being more interesting than sewing. They included Princess Millicend's friend but not the formidable Mrs. Ingrolls ready to cheer her lord to victory! This time Team Ithilan shot first. Vernonbrad put an arrow in the middle band, almost in the red but the other two were well wide. Nag Kath thought the man's bow was warped. They weren't fighting Lings at the gate so he kept that to himself. The changeling put three more in the red. Denefister hit the outer edge twice and the Soldier put two in the middle band and one outside, a team tally of twenty-six.

The drama was rising. A dozen other guests, some female, made way to the safety line. Before the handman cleared the target, the King of the Reunited Kingdom joined them with his daughter and her man.

Team Quelthan flexed their muscles and scored thirty with poor Mr. Ingrolls hitting the center red to royal acclaim! They had taken the second flight! With a win or draw on the next flight, they would take the title. Where people paid for their own liquor that was the second half of the wager, not including bragging-rights.

For team Ithilan; Vernonbrad hit the middle ring once for three. Nag Kath put his arrows the same place as his last ones. Denefister got hot with three arrows in the middle band so their true score was twenty seven but their handicap score was twenty one. None of the onlookers knew about the handicap. It seemed if the Lieutenant could score but five points they would win. With the handicapped bet, he needed ten to bring Nag Kath's floating score up from the nine he got matching Denefister's nine.

The first arrow hit the outer rim, a point. His second was barely in the red. If the third hit the middle ring or better, Team Ithilan brought home the flowers. He hit the outer band. Team Ithilan won the event but Team Quelthan won the bet. For the bystanders, it didn't matter and the archers didn't seem to care either. Nag Kath handed his nipper to spokesman Mr. Cannups with a handshake and smile before receiving their due from admirers.

~o~

The big winner was Ingrolls. He put a hero's arrow through the heart of the enemy in front of his Lord King. It made him wonder if he was better than everyone told him growing up. It also made him wonder if he really needed to marry above his station with the associated drawbacks. The next time Mrs. Ingrolls opened her mouth, he had opinions to share.

Unlike with many kings and lords from time immemorial, people knew not to follow Aragorn like ducklings. Nag Kath was unstringing his bow waiting for the handman to return the arrows when the King walked over and mused, "Did you fleece them?"

"I played a dead-hand so the other team faced no worse than our next best score." He grinned, "Cost me a nipper."

"What news of Dol Amroth?" This was as private as they might get with the rest of the party heading back and royal guards well away.

"Two of the four children are married. The Ambassadors are living well. The bridge over the Celos needs the foundations bolstered, a gentle trip."

The King said, "Come, let us have luncheon."

As they walked back Nag Kath asked, "Sire, the Queen was much taken with the jewels. Is there more to that?"

"It was not of her folk, but the northern Elves had dealings with the Dwarves that did not go well. It might be of more moment to Legolas. I have not seen him since."

Nag Kath thought a moment and offered, "It is all the same to me if you mention this or not. Frör cannot think this a secret."

Aragorn stated evenly, "He has run out of Elves to keep secrets from."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

All eight archers were acclaimed protectors of Gondor about equally. By lunch, the other seven knew what he was and they thought it good fun nonetheless.

Nag Kath joined Prince Elboron for tea that afternoon in one of the private areas dotting the complex. They did not say anything for a while. The man's Principality and the happiness of his only son were intertwined. He would do as the Elf said and see the picture of Queen Nepthat with fresh eyes, but he had already made up his mind. His son asked his permission to ask the hand of the maiden of Dol Amroth and he would bless it. Men of their line had good heads for the women by their sides.

This morning the unassuming Elf looked like a young man to the archers, but he looked the same as when Elboron still had groats in his ears. This was Kath of the Water who made plague-ridden Osgiliath the greatest city on earth the day he stood in the river and raised his hand to the heavens. If he said the girl was a Princess, by the stars, she was! When he finally spoke, the Steward said, "It is fortunate that our paths crossed, Nag Kath. That must have been meant. I believe such things. What comes next for you?"

"My grandson Shurran is poorly. I will return to the White City and stay there or close by for a time. Then I will seek the last of my old clues in far distant lands. Are the Elves all gone?"

"Yes. I sent a company there this summer. It is the fairest land in Middle-earth but the buildings are empty. The Elves asked a grace period. When it ends I will allow men to go there and live in the splendor our friends created. It makes me sad." The Prince sat up straight, "But other things make me merry. I embrace them."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

The Winter of 91/92 came early. In mid-November the first storm dropped nearly a two feet of snow on the seventh, half that on the first. It did not melt before the next storm coated it with ice. In Dale that would have been barely worse than average but here, people didn't always lay-in firewood stocks with the same diligence. In mid-December the Anduin iced-over for a few days. Ferries and barges stayed where they were. Messengers between Minas Tirith and Osgiliath cut through the crusted snow on the road for vital communications but there was no merchant traffic at all.

By Syndolan the switchbacks were cleared, bakeries were baking and taverns with large stoves were popular again. There was no meat to be had unless you owned the chicken. Nag Kath usually kept a basket of Lembas at all times for travel. He would be the first to tell you there is nothing more pitiful than a Northman having to eat Lembas for three days, unless it is one with an equally snowbound Elf making him wash it down with noisome tea. Shurran reveled in his misery and no one was going to take that from him.

They got another heavy snow in late January but to brighten the mood, it was announced that the Princess Millicend would marry Gervaith Balthralas, a gentleman of Minas Tirith on July 22nd. That was plenty of time to prepare locally and if messengers got through in faraway lands, they may have gotten hints well before.

By March snow gave way to the usual rain and the in first week of April, crocus flowers threw down the gauntlet and declared themselves for renewal. Ferries fighting the heavy spring melt delivered letters from everyone in Dol Amroth announcing the wedding of Talienne Ivandred to Lord Barahir of Ithilien. It would be on August 9th in Minas Tirith with a second ceremony in Emyn Arnen three days later.

Neither marriage would have the impact or international weight of Eldarion's union, but they mattered. Millicend's sons would be in line to the throne of the Reunited Kingdom. Barahir was heir to a hereditary Principality and the Stewardship of the Gondor.

The impact in the Conath households of Minas Tirith and Dol Amroth was profound. Penni knitted in the last cold month furiously, her way of relieving tension. Shur even drank his tea. Herristar was crafting a ring of renown for Talienne and secured the commission for Millicend's in the bargain. The Elf gave him the stones for both and a dozen more on account including one of the Traybors. All the little Conath and Panzier children were excited because they had small parts in the wedding. They were fitted for fine clothes with a little room to grow.

~o~

Events did not fall so well for Shurran's girl Fëuril. Her husband was not included in the largess surrounding either union. She trudged to her parent's home with a black eye. The big Northman was ready to charge down to the third and tear the lout's arms off, only he would have no wind when he got there and need a man-cart back up.

Fëuril went from being hysterical to dead quiet. Something in one of Uncle Nag's teas was so soothing that she passed-out on the couch. The Elf carried her to her old room and came down to his fuming grandson and careworn Penni.

Shur grumbled to the room, "Bloody Billich! Dja'see that shiner?"

Nag Kath put his stocking feet on the low table saying, "Caught her flush. I'll go down and pay him to be somewhere else."

If Penni clenched her fingers any harder they would break. Shurran cursing usually got him a glower but she did not hold him to account, so great was her anger. Worse than that, what Nag Kath proposed violated the sanctity of honored union, and with his powers of persuasion, maybe fast. But Billich was a dougsh of the first water. There, she admitted it! She also knew her beloved husband was beside himself for not being able to protect his baby girl. A moment before the former second heir to the crown of Dale opened his mouth, she said, "Yes, let us have done with this."

Shur had never thought of Nag Kath as an assassin. But the Elf wasn't to be crossed by any man alive either. Shurran's grandfather looked at him and demanded, "How much?"

"Not a groat over ten."

Nag Kath walked out the door without looking back.

Less than a bell later, he was back. Hot tea was brought primarily so cook could hear what happened next. Nat Kath looked up at her and said evenly, "Thank you, dear woman." She bowed and walked back to the kitchen.

Shur finally said, "Well?"

"I'll have the papers drawn first thing. Will Fëuril sign of her own free-will? I won't make her."

Penni took charge, "Yes."

Both males looked at her and knew that subject was closed. Nag Kath finished. I'll go down to their house after the papers are drawn and he makes himself scarce. There are consequences for even being seen again."

Penni was still incensed, "If he gives you any trouble, turn him into a toad!"

They looked at her again, cook and Mrs. Heurning from the kitchen door did too. The Elf mused, "Never tried that one. I think I made my point."

He had. Penni took her nice hand mirror to Fëuril's room that night so she could look at her eye in the morning. When Nag Kath returned from the notary, mother went upstairs again. Neither woman ever divulged the conversation, but Fëuril signed the papers of separation with a flourish. Lord Kath walked to the city magistry after porridge and dropped a man-cart full of names to get that through the clerks in record time.

The man would be out the house in two days. Shur asked Nag what he owed and got a dirty look for his answer. Fëuril moved in with her sister rather than be alone in their house and played I-see-you with her shy little niece. Penni still wished the sorcerer had turned Billich into a toad.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Heavy runoff that year caused a variety of illness in the growing communities above Osgiliath on the western bank. They always had good water but there hadn't been people living in those lowlands for hundreds of years. One strain took the very old and very young. Nag Kath had a large tent hastily erected with beds for healing and stayed there three weeks to not come home after his daily service. The disease strangled bridge traffic since Minas Tirith didn't want folk from either side of the river coming in. And since the disruption was on the Anórien side, neither did the citizens of Osgiliath.

As is the nature of these things, it went from severe to gone in a few days. Folk of the northwestern settlement were almost used to their healer taking indelicately exposed baths in the upstream creek. Crisis over, Nag Kath slept for three straight days and then rode to the east side of the river. Tumlath hadn't been sick with that particular aliment but something had gotten him. He retired to a life of care in his home with several attendants and a herd of grandchildren always on call to relieve his poor wife.

From there he made Emyn Arnen and was received as a hero for his cares. The Prince and Princess were pleased. Angalica didn't seem the least bit worried the way many mothers would. They had fine people, her luck had been exceptionally good over the years and her son had become the man she wanted ever so much. Elboron was actually preparing to visit Minas Tirith both as father and Steward in a few days. Perhaps Nag Kath could stay and return home with him?

Nag Kath certainly could. The Prince said in a quiet moment, "I did as you said and went by the seventh after Lossarnach. A beauty, yes, but it was her serenity that struck me. If she is to be my daughter, I will count my blessings.

The Elf said softly, "When you are there again or I come back here, I will bring you portraits of the women in that line. Even better, I will copy them for Talienne. Then all you need is a picture of scowling old King Brand staring at you with dinner!"

Barahir had been further north on his father's behalf and returned to a large hug. A clean-shaven man, the fashion among heirs these days, he showed his own Dunedain heritage by seeming still in his twenties. The dinner conversation was mostly on matters of state and the coming announcement that the wonders of Emyn Vierald would be available to settlers, opening the forbidden Elf fief. Woodlands were still preserved but the farmland would not go fallow long, and they had clean water to take goods to the Great River. Nag Kath wondered if it was important enough for the Elf-keepers to watch.

After the meal, Barahir took Nag Kath aside. The Lorist was not as relaxed as his mother. Watching that-which-is and that-which-was is sometimes a conflict for those working both ends. The heir said, "I must choose for a time and I choose to serve my father without hesitation. He is hale and wise. I will continue to learn from him. In spare time, and there will be some, I can attend thoughts of history."

"I think that wise, My Lord, and you may have help with the bookish side. Let me make a small recommendation …"

"You don't make small recommendations."

"Fair enough, before you open Emyn Vierald, take your bride there and stay in the home third from the end, two back from the highest bridge. Live simply. Eat the pure foods of the land. Breathe the air as if for the first time. Do that whenever you need to have only one thing in mind, to bring you back to purpose. I'll sketch a little map so you will know it." He was sending them to the home where the Elf couple had joined so passionately for three weeks on end. It made a shambles of his own concentration but the newlyweds didn't need to know that.

They saw each other often over the next two days. Typically father and son did not travel together since when Elboron was away from Ithilien, he was Steward and Barahir deputized as Prince. This was routine King's business but they might do a little planning for both weddings.

The evening before they left, Nag Kath spoke to Barahir, "Sir, I can't give your bride a wedding ring but you can." He handed him one of the large, perfect diamonds that Mr. Herristar mounted in silvered gold with many of the tiny diamonds around it like stars about the moon.

Barahir was no stranger to opulence but this was on an order of magnitude more than his experience. The heir shook his head and said, "This is … are you sure? I can't imagine the cost."

"Neither can I. I gave her sister and cousin earrings and that will be my gift, which means I'll have to send those girls rings now too. The youngest lass will marry sooner now." He smiled. "I'm off with your da at light and will see you for Milli's nuptials."

Almost as if an after thought, "Folk of Dol Amroth will be here for that." He winked and was gone.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

The template for weddings had been set with Eldarion but because of the crush at the smaller gates, the city Master decided that heralds with voices pure and strong would be positioned in the city and would read from known stages of the ceremony after hearing different horn notes from the seventh. Men applied for the honor and sixteen were selected to proclaim prepared auguries as the ceremony progressed. If folk could not be there, they were still involved.

Almost the entire population of Minas Tirith and a goodly number of Rohirrim attended King Aragorn's coronation but there were so many more people now. Osgiliath was even larger and a next-door neighbor. They could hear the horn and had a few criers of their own, one near Nag Kath's Dunlending statue. Rohan bolstered their embassy including Prince Haldir. Dol Amroth would be well represented since most of their contingent was here for the second event too. Gimli did not travel as well as he did but sent his second-in-command with a letter and gifts from King Frör, who got out more than his da. All thought that good.

Millicend was very happy, but then, she was always happy. Her mother accepted that mannish peoples smile and grin. Her daughters were not allowed to frown like fishwives, though. There was such a thing as taking it too far. Milli never needed reminding but it was said the little girl had a stare to curdle milk.

Dignitaries started arriving in mid-July. Dwarves were first with the Arnor Lords and Mr. Proudfoot from the Shire and his family, who would become the new Ambassador, replacing dear old Mr. Denfeather. The Rohirrim rode in four days later. Next came Lord Imrothil of Dol Amroth with his older son Dalrothel. Same day but different ferry; the Ambassadors of Thân zîrân with the Governor of Lebennin's contingent disembarked at the Rammas Gate and made their progress into the city.

The Conath and Libron families deployed the same way they had the last time in the large homes of Shurran and Nag Kath, the latter needing a good cleaning and staffing first. Lieutenants Menalgir Libron and Borond Zurowen with their stylish brides cut fine figures of Dol Amroth poise. A new generation was taking its place. And little Derissa Libron wasn't so little anymore. Now sixteen, she was tall like her cousins and favored Raniece. Favoring either of those girls made her a future prize in the Dol Amroth field, especially since she would be cousin to the heir of Ithilien.

Eniecia was lovely but tired. This might be her last trip here. Cal aged slower but he would not come without her. The grandchildren could and would visit them. Shur seemed to know that too but it did not stop his excitement of the month. He had four grandkids of his own, and a potential daughter-bride now that poor Fëuril was single. The last might take longer than the other four unless she stopped moping.

With nothing better to do with his rocks, Nag Kath gave very nice rings to his married nieces and a set of earrings to Derissa so she would not feel neglected. Bettes, Fëuril and Heuris got the same on Shurran's side to even the scale. Herristar was doing well with just the Elf's commissions. It might also slip-out where these gorgeous women had come by such elegant accessories if making Princess Millicend's ring hadn't.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

First came the royal wedding. It went fine with a fair sky and a breeze not strong enough to knock-over the temporary tents on the anvil. The horn idea worked except the bugler wasn't loud enough the first time so the heralds were one station behind the actual ceremony. Subjects neither knew nor cared and the pubs did strong trade.

At the reception, Nag Kath caught the men of Thân zîrân meeting with other ambassadors in a corner. They now had more confidence in how the game was played. A consortium of shipping magnates with offices in Pelargir and Dol Amroth would be taking two larger vessels and a harrier support to their lands next season with a variety of trade goods. The worm-wool was now a memory and they thought they could find strong buyers for another batch now knowing what colors and weights were popular in colder climes. Former Second Mate Kevland and his detailed charts earned him a Captaincy.

In the days that followed, the Conath, Libron and Princely families had dinner on the seventh. Shurran reluctantly took a man cart. Eniecia and Penni shared another. Legorn did not make this trip but sent his love and a poem he hoped would be read with his son's strong voice. Prince Elboron was particularly struck by Eniecia. Now 73, she still had Mrs. Borenne's timeless face, near enough to the one her granddaughter inherited from who-knew-who. None of this would have happened if Nag Kath hadn't seen that portrait ninety years before.

As threatened, Nag Kath brought a tube with him that had reproductions of Talienne's line made from sketches kept over the years, including the women. Twelve pictures in all on the same size and color of paper. He thought he finally captured Eniece's eyes. The humorous ending was a larger image of King Brand threatening Easterlings with his axe. It was just a sketch of the statue, less the pigeons' contributions. He could have used Shurran from that age.

One of the pictures was a seemingly unrelated sketch looking over the long lake from the north showing Esgaroth in flames. The Conath side knew it by heart. Nag Kath asked Shurran to explain to the Prince's family. The Northman cleared his throat and said, "This, Lords, Ladies and friends, was the line of the shot our kin had on Smaug as the great dragon wheeled to finish his destruction of Lake Town." The big fellow was dramatic using his hands like a Sayer in Catanard, engaging the youngsters. "Imagine; if you will, a monster coming right at you, perched on a high, frail tower."

Shurran sat and was quiet. One of Barahir's young cousins from Rohan asked, "And that was how the Dwarves returned?"

Shur answered, "Yes, and men to Dale. But, there was more than that." He looked at Nag Kath.

The Elf said in as near to his Elf Lord voice as he used with friends, "Yes, that is one of the pieces that brought us all here now. The terrible dragon was created by Melkor and may well have come to service with Sauron if called. With him over the Pelennor, things would have gone quite differently. But with the courage of men and Dwarves, Hobbits and Elves of good character, freedom was won." He raised his goblet, "May those alliances never be forgotten."

There were brave young soldiers in the room, ready to do their duty. But they had never heard just how close their world came to not being here, not in this way. They imagined how little contributions over many years tipped the scale. Not fifty paces away sat the King Ranger and Arwen. In this room sat the son and grandson of Faramir, defender of the Pelennor, husband of Éowyn who slew the terrible servant. People of Dol Amroth knew their own Prince had risked terrible odds to help gain this victory and then fight the Southrons more long years to secure the peace.

Even Shurran and Penni's little grandchildren took in the moment. Not long after that it was time to get them to bed and the dinner broke with more to do in the next few weeks.

~o~

With established quarters on both sides, the upcoming marriage was more like they both lived in the same town. The young couple met twice, the Prince and Princess had dinner with Field and Grenda. Newlyweds from Dol Amroth enjoyed the summer and rode the Pelennor. Lorandis Panzier stopped peeking through her hands at guests. The Conath grandchildren all had things to do and enjoyed the examples of their older cousins.

The wedding day was overcast and never brightened but did not rain either. The ceremony was held in the grand reception room on the sixth. It followed the pattern of both Gondor and Dol Amroth unions which meant on the long side with Sayers and pronouncements. Cal read his father's poem, which was more dignified than many feared. Everyone had a good time, including Aragorn, Arwen and Eldarion. Millicend and her husband came too with little Inariel.

The reception was in the same place with tables brought in, a bit of Rohan-style; that. Nag Kath moved among the groups introducing, cajoling and keeping folk from staying to their usual clusters. As it happened, he was talking with the newlyweds when the King and Queen approached. After bows, Talienne was introduced and was welcomed into the family. Eldarion considered Barahir his little brother and both couples spent time alone.

Towards the end, Nag Kath talked with the Dwarves a while. Someone had to drink all that red beer and they did notice the jewelry. The Elf thought similar designs might find their way to market from northern realms.

The Ivandred and Libron grandchildren and Derissa had never met actual Hobbits before. The noble folk of the Shire do not mind being appraised. With their quick wit and excellent manners, any party is a good party. Urandict was now five. The future Northman was still shorter.

The reception went on quite a while. A third round of finger-foods served as dinner for most before the young couple waved goodbye and retired to the Steward's quarters one floor up. Elboron smiled at the Elf and they said goodnight.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Things settled down quickly after two large weddings in three weeks. Northerners went home first. The Prince's family returned to Emyn Arnen for a private ceremony with only a few of the Dol Amroth group that returned the next day. Cal and Eniecia stayed in the White City with the married cousins except Raniece and Borond. Nag Kath stayed home as well.

Mr. Herristar received a number of inquiries about his work. Surprisingly, many were secondary referrals from those of Khand and better-heeled Haradrim, who didn't have cultural prohibitions against displaying wealth. He added two craftsmen, one a longbeard, and spent his time largely in the front of the store dealing with his demanding clientele.

It was finally time for family to return to Belfalas. Shur and Eniecia spent a lot of time alone. They couldn't be sure but this was probably the last time they would see each other. As long trips in Middle-earth go, the voyage between the two capitals was not grueling. But they were in their seventies now and time marches on.

Nag Kath waved goodbye as the ferry left the dock.

A week later, militia training started. In Ithilien, Lord Barahir was excused from most of his responsibilities as training master. That is Sergeants' business anyway. Nag Kath went to all four Gondor weeks, shooting, riding and got his old job back showing youngsters how to use the bow. Reyaldar's son Fieldar, now 12, was the oldest of Shurran's grandchildren and had been consistently stronger than his age-group for five years. The Elf took special time with him and a few other lads who liked shooting to work on breathing, sighting and clearing one's head. Even with a tight age-range, arm strength matters a great deal because hitting something far away depends on the tension of the weapon. A tighter pull means less arc. Archers have to compensate and learn to trust their training. Their group of five called themselves the Men of the Tower and would be friends for life.

~o~

The big news of the fall was that Prince Eldarion and Princess Aranthal were expecting a child, April, perhaps. If the heir's birth did not assuage concerns the Reunited King was but one man, this put them to rest. Of course, he might have eight girls, but with pregnancy, fertility was proven.

Nag Kath was at liberty. He went to the archives from time to time. He visited Simlieo Panzier's wheelwright shop and learned to spoke-shave. The man was a bit overwhelmed at being suddenly almost royalty for a few weeks. He and Bettes lived quietly with their sweet children over his shop on the second. Uncle Nag mentioned when business was slack, he might ask if fletchers needed straight arrow shafts made for them.

Fëuril was still there. She never really trusted old Uncle Nag. The woman was polite, respecting his position, but she was glad when he left. Having a sorcerer in the family was simply not done. It did not help that her Billich disappeared after taking all but the paint on the walls. That reduced the chances that the Elf turned him into a toad, but if even a quarter of the stories were true, Uncle Nag would have applied both carrot and stick.

~o~

Reyaldar was a Northman like his da. Thinner and not as tall, he was still a couple inches taller than the average Gondoran with a bushy beard of the Buhrs. He ran the property side of things here which wasn't as busy as in Osgiliath since they only bought existing buildings. Trumfred mostly built new structures where old ones collapsed from years of neglect. Rey, as most called him, and wife Heuris were always glad to welcome the Elf and made a point of getting the Telandrin sold by the Khandians on the first. From Nag Kath she learned a few of their phrases which always seemed to amaze the vendors.

As the trees turned colors, Nag Kath was invited to Emyn Arnen to visit his kin. It was a pleasant visit. Barahir did indeed take his wife to the Elvish village and stayed in the cottage almost a week, deciding to keep it for their own. They were very happy together and had more in common than youth and desire. She scoured their fine collection of volumes making notes and investigating things they discussed. Both pumped the Elf with questions about the White City archives. Faramir was said to take an interest in those as well. Barahir took oversight of building in the fief, most cavalry preparations and encouraging farmers there and nearby Gondor to consider futures in Emyn Vierald. Nag Kath kissed them both, chided the Prince for not hanging the picture of Brand over his bed and was off. Hung over the privy, it would not make efforts there any more relaxing either.

Winter came late this year after a long, pleasant autumn. It was cold but did not rain or snow much. Syndolan rockets had gone out of fashion. Living at Shurran's, Nag Kath did not have a party, being chronically short of Hobbits already, so the year FO 93 came in quietly.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

The Elf intended to stay close to Shurran for the time the man had without being a nuisance or acting like he was waiting to do something better. One project seemed worthy. On a cold, sunny day, he rode to Osgiliath to get outdoor paint intending to restore Master Quastille's fresco near the patio on the seventh. It was good he remembered it because most of the original blues and reds were gone and the other colors in sad repair.

That location is out of view of the palace because of the window angles so few came by to look. Princess Milli liked to visit when her husband was beetling over the nation's funds. Sometimes she would come alone and they would talk while he sat on the ground or a stool scraping the old and applying the new. The woman claimed not to have an artistic bone in her body but liked watching the Elf work, sometimes bringing a flagon of tea.

The rest of the royal family came by separately to look. Arwen stayed once for a few minutes. He wondered if she remembered the great Elvish artists who made Rivendell and Lorien so splendid at their zenith.

He finished that about the time Princess Aranthal went into her confinement. Nag Kath was not asked to attend her but she was a healthy woman from a long line of sturdy Arnorans. Right on schedule, horns were sounded and pennants flown proclaiming she had presented her Lord Husband with a healthy baby girl. They named her Anairë after a queen of Arwen's line.

Not to be outdone, they received a letter that Halita Libron was due in the Autumn. Eniecia was going to be a great granna. Two months later, Raniece was with child. It was getting hard to keep track. If the romantic Elf cottage worked its charms, there might be tidings from Emyn Arnen.

The year came and went with babies bringing renewal to the land. With no real part in that, Nag Kath started a more ambitious project of restoring the Fellowship mural. The top of it was in good condition but children often dragged sticks when they walked along the wall so there was a wide stripe across the Hobbits' faces. That was a worthwhile project. Between that and occasional healing, it was Syndolan again.

~o~

Just after year 94 started, it was announced that both Princess Millicend and Lady Talienne were expecting. Nag Kath rode to Emyn Arnen to see his great, great granddaughter. She was not showing yet but sick so he knew to bring the right herbs. Childbearing potions are not as foul as healing mixtures and she vowed to drink them dutifully. In payment for his attentions, the young couple with his parents had the Elf recite the ballad of Luthien and Beren, as he had in Dol Amroth on that fateful night. He said it a touch softer this time to suit the mood of snowflakes falling outside. A few less-tragic Elf-keeper stories made their way out as well.

Ice on snow trapped him in Osgiliath for almost a week but it was worth the trip. Fred was holding court in his warm home for dinners and Nag Kath stayed at the Great River. An attractive woman gave him a competitive arched eyebrow but before he decided to follow, a gentleman escorted her to dinner. He grinned to the curiosity of the waiters because he was still not entirely Elf yet.

Spring was mild with no flooding or fevers and it lazily unfolded into a lovely summer. With time on his hands, Nag Kath decided to restore the garden mural on the second level. For inspiration, he took his easel and paints to the sixth and strolled to the far north side. His first visit was with Flor on Syndolan Day when she described her father bringing the family. This was only the third time he had seen this garden in bloom. Other times had been early or late with at best a few petals left.

He drew the study sketch roughly, knowing the flowers would be done freehand in paint. The branches and stalks came first in greens and tans. As Nag Kath was mixing the reds, a governess trotted behind a boisterous little girl who wanted to see everything at once. She dashed to perhaps fifteen feet away and stopped to pull up a sock that had slid to her ankle. Rising, she gave him a fierce stare before asking, "What's that?"

"I am painting the garden, My Lady."

"Can I look?"

"Of course, though you will have to come here and see it from this direction."

Under the watchful eyes of the governess, the child walked next to him and looked back and forth between the sketch and the garden. "There are no flowers."

He said cheerfully, "Haven't gotten to them yet. First I have to color-in the stems, like this." He followed the faint pencil lines with the brown brush, dabbing it on the palate every so often to recharge the bristles. Nag Kath handed her the brush and said, "Now, you try."

Princess Inariel closed one eye and dragged the brush along one of the lines. With too much pressure it left a blob where it hit and ran dry after two inches.

Nag Kath said, "Very good. Now, stab it back in the paint and keep going."

She did. The line was neither straight nor even, but it was a line. The child smiled and called to her governess, "Miss Kurtish, come and see." The woman approached with a small bow to the Lord and approved her charge's handiwork.

The White City's newest artist pronounced, "Brown is well enough, but flowers are pretty colors!"

"Indeed they are, young lady. Let us try those!" Nag Kath wiped the brown off the tip knowing the work was past saving and twirled it in the blue. He touched petals around what would be a nastirum flower and gave Inariel the brush saying, "Now it is your turn."

She used the same forceful technique to make blotches above some of the stems before saying, "I think red flowers are my favorites!"

"Then red it shall be, your Highness!" A new, larger brush yielded half-inch smears on the canvas, her hands and later her smock where she wiped her hands.

Undeterred, the girl said proudly, "There, it is a proper garden!"

"Now you must sign it. Can your Ladyship write her name?"

Reloading the same red brush, she scrawled her princely signature across almost the entire bottom of the small canvas. Her instructor advised, "You must let it dry for another week. Then it will be fit to show in the Provin!"

Princess Inariel said importantly, "Yes, unless mother wants it."

Nag Kath took it off the easel with a cloth so the governess wouldn't stain her hands and whispered, "Distilled pine essence will clean her up." The woman bowed in time to race after her charge heading for the diplomatic row.

For the project itself he hired a pair of painters and showed them how to mix the outdoor blends. The Elf found the original grid squares and organized the scaffolding. Elmer and Elmand Urttenbrand did most of the sky and ground and chiseled all of the old yellows up. It took a month but was again a marvel after long years of neglect.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

F.O. 95 was a year of quiet. Nag Kath spent time in scholarship, painting and keeping up with grandchildren through Eniecia's frequent letters. Legorn Ivandred was ageless, still walking in good weather and always enjoying the music of Dol Amroth. Fortunately, several of his friends were as old as him so they didn't have to bore their youngsters with the same tales.

There were babies that summer. Princess Millicend and Lady Talienne presented their husbands with healthy sons. Nag Kath rode Nemren to visit Emyn Arnen and the growing number of people he knew. Sure all were well, he stayed three days and continued to the Elf village for the first time since tracing bad water. When it was opened to non-Elves, people wasted no time staking claims to the fertile soil and tended fields.

People knew who Kath of the Water was here. He asked a farmer to plant some of the Coloma seeds he brought from Thân zîrân. This was a long way from their home but he remembered in the Red Book that Samwise Gamgee was given Elvish soil to nurture the finest plants. Perhaps this ground had the same magic.

~o~

The year F.O. 96 came in with a miserable storm and high winds. Several roofs in large buildings collapsed. No one was hurt but there would be no fixing them until spring with all the damage elements would do to the inside.

About when everyone was sure it would be like this forever, they had a warm spell in February, enough that one could do a few chores outside of the home. Shurran decided he wanted a trellis near the door that caught the afternoon sun so he could plant climbing flowers. Penni had the seeds and one of the workmen for Kathen made the bent-wood frame. Shur set about putting it in a shallow hole and tying the slats to the porch supports. That all went well but his boots were covered in mud so he slipped them off and went inside in his stocking feet for tea.

Shur usually wore slippers in the house and for a couple days forgot leaving his boots next to the door. They would be dry now so he could just knock the dirt off on the slates. Errand accomplished, he started climbing the two stairs back inside.

He only made the first. Cook found him leaned against the door when she got back with dinner fixings.

~o~

Penni was a statue. She felt this was coming, feared it for years. Now she could only wring her hands except to wipe tears away. Her family gathered around her. Fëuril helped with cooking and looking after nieces while her sister did the same. Even Urandict knew grand-da was gone.

In a quiet moment the next day, Nag Kath let himself cry for a long time. The big Northman! The little boy in the Buhrs, sitting with the old Thain. Imagining the dragon swooping in, marveling at Radagast. Apart from his wives, Shur was the best friend Nag Kath ever had, in the way real people have friends. Knowing this was coming, Penni already had plans to move in with Reyaldar and Heuris. There was not much she had to do. One day later, the last grandson of Brand was laid to rest.

Nag Kath was the writer in the family. He dashed off a note to Talienne and another to the Thain of Buhr Austar. He could not bear to write the next one. He had to go to Dol Amroth. After arranging for Fieldar to ride Nemren and spoil him with carrots, the Elf took the Fair Weather to Pelargir and immediately boarded the first seaworthy ship to the Commercial Harbor.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Eniecia opened the door herself and nearly fainted. There could only be one reason he was here unannounced at this time of year. Captain Ivandred padded up soon enough to brace her. Cal was out having tea with fellow retirees but that never went as long as lunch.

Taking his granddaughter to the couch, Nag Kath looked closely in her eyes to be sure she was not in shock. She wasn't. After a few moments, she focused and asked, "Was it time?"

"Aye, dear girl. His heart failed, same as the Thain."

She murmured, "Same as da."

She and Legorn had just finished tea but more was steeped and brought for the traveler. No one spoke for the longest time. Finally, Eniecia said more firmly, "Thank you for coming. This was better than a letter, even if a long way to go." She looked at Mrs. Vunning waiting by the kitchen door, "Please prepare his room and see to his washing, that's a good girl."

Legorn rose and said, "I need to move a few things. Still good to see you, Nag."

The Elf said, "Penni is moving in with Reyaldar."

Eniece replied, "I knew that was in store. They had a lot of time to prepare. How is everyone?"

"Taking it hard, me worst of all."

"You knew him before I did. I can't imagine that. Like mother, he had two fine fathers."

Nag Kath said, "Everyone is gathering around. He taught them well. They will manage. How are the bairns here?"

"Both well, and their mothers. Boy and two girls with Halita's new baby. The girls take after their das. You'll see them in a day or two." She began to cry softly. He said nothing. Neither did Legorn when he returned, but he did sit down in case his dear daughter needed him.

All three were still sitting there when Cal came in. Seeing Nag's travel bag he said, "Hey ho, company!"

Turning the corner into the great room he knew why. The man sat next to his wife and put his arm over her shoulder. He knew better than to say anything too. When lunch was ready, Eniecia gave her Cal a kiss and then her grandfather. Legorn got his too.

That evening when the shock was over, the four of them talked about the old times. Those included Cal's mother and the curious circumstances that had her waiting to be swept off her feet by the southern Marine. He did not talk about her much.

When the Ivandreds retired; Nag Kath stayed on the couch and watched the moon. Moons near the sea are different. They shimmer, like deserts sometimes. When waking rest brought no peace, he watched the moon.

The moon gave him answers. Eniece was old but not feeble. It was time for him to find the more pieces of Orlo's puzzle. Angmar seemed quiet, at least, no one was in a hurry to see what was in that nasty crescent. The coin in a drawer somewhere had those unexplained punches in the back. Nag Kath couldn't dignify his curiosity as a noble quest but it had certainly yielded noble results. He would have another look when things settled.

~o~

Eniecia didn't sent word to the family knowing Callistra and Derissa were coming in the morning for tea and to get belustra seeds for their garden. It took women from Dale to grow them correctly. They just opened the door and saw Nag Kath sitting on the couch. He looked over and said, "Good morning, ladies. I know Eniecia is expecting you." With that he walked over and gave them both a kiss.

Callistra loved Shurran Conath for the same reasons everyone else did. Compared to the controlled society of Dol Amroth, the big Northman never took himself too seriously. The subdued Elf's presence could only mean the same thing her mother knew. She let Nag Kath say it, "I'm sorry Calli, Rissa, we lost your Uncle Shur."

Both women sat where Nag Kath had been sitting. They didn't cry. Calli could cry later. Derissa hardly knew him but he was grand old fellow and knew he was loved. She was quiet and looked at Uncle Nag. Eniecia and Cal came out together and could tell from the long faces that the news was out. Nag Kath and Legorn decided that they could be somewhere else and went for nuppers and tea. Cal stayed but wasn't going to say much.

They got by. None of this branch of the family remembered him as any other than the bear of a man who was always in good humor when they saw him over long intervals. The two new families had babes to tend with their men away as little as they could manage without dereliction of duty.

They were home more often than they used to be. The naval and marine tactics were changing under their feet. The high Lord of Umbar, whoever he was, got wind that there would be merchant traffic past his front door with the deep Numenoreans and chose to participate rather than filch around the edges. They were the perfect harbor on the long trip. Their own navy let pirates know that occupation had no future and set a few examples for emphasis.

That was all to the good unless your career was making pirates behave. Sailing in circles around the mud flats of the Ethir Anduin was losing heroic appeal. They had to do it, but not as much and not as often. Corsairs still had unlimited manpower, but if Umbar shipyards were now being discouraged from making attack vessels, ship stock would only last until worms ate the planks. Spies in Umbar were better too, some of Cal's doing. Like the rest of Middle-earth learned two generations before, they had run out of war.

~o~

Shurran joining his esteemed ancestors meant more storytelling for Nag Kath. With older children he removed some of the humor inserted to not frighten children. He had lost men in his command, as had the kin of the young people gathered round. Legorn recalled ships go down on both sides, being able to do nothing for men in the water. It brought home just how insulated the Principality was since they hadn't been attacked since before the War of the Ring.

Dol Amroth was also running out of space. Fertile Princes going back some generations had created longs lists of counts and Lords and favored children with a government the size of a country on a small island. Past the first tier of heirs, nobles of means had started visiting and sometimes even living at their country holdings. It was better to be a gentleman squire growing grapes than the third son of a second son with an apartment and a dwindling piece of the Privy Purse. Cash was good now, but a few bad years might find them on the thin end of the dole.

~o~

Spring became summer. The toddlers were walking and talking. Their mothers often traded places so the other could get away with her handsome husband. Mothers were a bit leery of Uncle Nag so he was not asked for baby-minding. That took a turn when Halita's little daughter Siorscia had a gut blockage and was running a fever at a time when no one else was sick. Herbs and remedies had no effect. Nag Kath seldom talked about his exploits but the family had all heard second-hand accounts of daring-do. Eniecia told them he had also pulled dozens of river fevers a day on the banks of the Anduin.

The Elf returned home after fishing and found a deputation of the younger Ivandreds on his porch who promptly took him to Halita's in desperation. Halita liked the Elf but he was otherworldly and this was her child. Nag Kath held the howling eleven-month old Siorscia close and said, "Upset tummy, eh? Let us have a look."

He put the child on her blanket and lifted her smock. With genuine horror, the youngsters watched him run his silver hand over the baby's belly until it turned yellow! What monstrous devilry was this?! The child was upset and mother was on the verge of panic when the infant burped like an orc and stopped crying. Then Uncle Nag said routinely, "You might try a pinch feiruc root with her porridge."

She did. It worked. But what the … ?

He fished, painted, sailed a little, occasionally met members of the Swan Breeze crew and his scholars. Khandrash was over several times to talk about inland Belfalas. The Elf had a better feel for both it and Lebennin from the cross country trip a few years ago.

Catanard season was fun. One of the five was a new one, well, new for this theater which was when a writer knew he or she had made the top. Those were sometimes more thinly attended than the known crowd-pleasers but it was entertaining. Players wore huerzis costumes! Callistra could not resist having unattached females join them. Uncle Nag was nice but did not follow-up.

~o~

For some reason, Nag Kath was restless as autumn approached. Things were fine here. He could stay forever. He remembered Orlo's coin in the chest of drawers. Mrs. Vunning thought it queer that the tall man sat at the table and studying a copper fiver for hours at a time. In frustration he spun the coin on the plank. At the speed only he could have spun it, he saw the pattern. To be sure, he spun it five more times.

Nag Kath remembered Gandalf when the Uruk formulas were revealed. The wizard closed his eyes and let it all fall away. Those punch marks on the back weren't letters or ancient code or a constellation of stars. In spinning they were the four huts of the oval compound where he met Orlo. It was right where he was bloody standing with the man! Another illusion in plain sight; for those of wit. But it was a ruin! Was the issue what it had been? Was it the key to the next clue? What mattered was where. He would have to discover all else as it presented itself.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~