A/N: I own nothing. Everything belongs to my cat.
A New Home
Lindriel didn't want to live by the sea, she wanted to go home. But home, however, was no longer in Harlindon at the base of the Blue Mountains, but in Aearellond, the King's city in Forlindon. Or so her parents told her.
The little Elfling rubbed her eyes, tired and swollen from the hours of crying. It seemed that was all she had done since her father told her that he had accepted a position as a counselor to the High King Gil-galad, and that they would be leaving straightaway.
Though very young, Lindriel understood that she would be leaving everything that she had ever known. She feared she would never again see her little room that overlooked their flower garden, or the library that had all her favorite books.
"Are you getting sleepy Tithenaew?" her father Lindhren said, calling her by her mother name.
"No!" she cried, slamming her tiny fists on the saddle horn.
Lindriel, being only six years old, was far too small to ride by herself and shared the saddle with her father. In the eyes of the Edain, she would have appeared no more than two years of age. Yet like many of the children of the Eldar, her comprehension of the world and her understanding of language far outstripped the children of the other races.
"It would do you good to rest awhile anyway," Irien, her beautiful raven-haired mother said. "We will be arriving soon, and you will not want to be too tired to play with all of the other Elflings."
Lindriel huffed. Her mother had been desperately trying to change her attitude by telling her about all the wonderful things she would be able to do once they reached their new home. Yet the little Elfling had not been swayed by the tales of sailing in white boats, playing on the beaches, collecting seashells, and swimming with colorful fish.
At least, not outwardly.
"Your mother is right; you would make a bad impression if you were to fall asleep whilst swimming and playing― "
"I will not swim or play!" Lindriel argued, drawing a sigh from her father.
"What will you do then?" Irien countered with an uplifted brow.
Lindriel hated when her mother did this to her and glared in response. Truth be told, Lindriel did like the idea of playing with other Elflings as long as she wanted. She had pitifully few playmates her age and they did not play with her very long. She desperately wanted a friend. Realizing her defeat, Lindriel leaned back and hid herself within her father's cloak.
"Stubborn as a Dwarf," Lindhren muttered.
"She'll change her mind soon enough," Irien replied with a breezy smile. "She's leaving the only place she's ever known, give her time."
Lindhren sighed, but said no more. The wind was picking up, blowing through his long black hair. It was a welcome respite from the steady sun, as he neglected to wear more suitable attire for the journey. He jumped when the invitation came, as it was a much better prospect than remaining among the councilors of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. In less than a day they had packed their belongings, made arrangements to have them delivered to their new home, saddled their horses, and left.
He was amongst the few Noldo who chose to settle in the region of Harlindon, but quickly found that many of their Sindarin neighbors greatly distrusted them. The Noldo were still seen as the harbingers of woe to their Unwilling kin. Who could blame them though? The wars against Morgoth and the brutality of the sons of Fёanor were still fresh in everyone's minds.
At least in Forlindon they would be amongst their own kin who would allow their children to play with their daughter.
While her parents delved into a conversation about the future, Lindriel half listened as she wondered about what life would be like by ocean. She had seen many pictures of the sea in her books, as well as the silver ships of the sea-Elves. She wanted to see a ship in person, perhaps sail on one like Eärendil did. She would have many friends to play with on the beaches and collect every type of seashell.
Lindriel rested her chin on the saddle horn as she dreamed of an idyllic life by the sea, til her father pulled her against him as she began to slip into reverie.
"―the Queen is a healer; I should endeavor to make myself useful, perhaps I will find a place in the infirmaries." Lindriel heard her mother say as her father's movement jostled her awake.
Lindhren snorted in amusement. "All we need now is to find Lindriel a place amongst the Princess' household."
"There's a princess?" Lindriel yawned, her curiosity stronger than her weariness.
"Aye," Lindhren nodded. "The King has a young daughter, Princess Ereiniel. Perhaps you will be able to meet her."
Lindriel smiled at that. She would love to meet a princess like the raven-haired Lúthien, or perhaps the golden Idril.
Those were the last tangible thoughts she had before fully slipping into reverie; the plains of grass before them transformed into a sea of green dotted with yellow, white, and pink ships that blew about in the gentle breeze.
When she next awoke, her father was again moving about, but this time he was shaking her gently.
"Awake! Awaken Tithenaew!" he coaxed as Lindriel rubbed her eyes. After blinking away the last visages of reverie, she realized that the sight before her was from no dream.
The sea lay before her, stretching so far out into the horizon that it melded into the blue sky above. She could see silver ships gliding across the waters, their white sails unfurled, and seagulls flying overhead. A smile broke out across her face as she leaned over the saddle horn, her black hair suddenly whipped about in the salty air when her father's arms could no longer shield her.
"Look! Some have symbols on their sails!" Lindriel pointed at the ships.
"Those are heraldic symbols," her father said as he coaxed their grey horse to a stop. "Those ships must belong to some of the noble families that live here."
"Will we be able to go sailing?" Lindriel asked, her eyes never leaving the ships.
"Perhaps, after a few days," Lindhren said. "We must first get settled."
Lindriel's smile faded a bit as they began moving again, following the grassy plain that lay beside the sea. She was disappointed, but only a little since she expected such an answer. She kept her eyes fixed upon the ocean and sandy shore, intrigued by everything she saw.
There were a few Elves along the shore, but they were unlike those Lindriel had ever seen. Their hair was either silver or white, without the hint of yellow that the Sindarin Elves possessed. They would wave whenever they saw them, and called out something Lindriel could not understand.
Though she didn't recognize the language they spoke, their smiles and friendly gestures compelled her to smile and wave in return. Surprisingly, her father responded in the same tongue, making Lindriel's ears twitch.
"What are you saying?"
"Good morning," Lindhren responded with a smile. "That's what they're saying as well. The Falathrim are far more polite than the Sindar."
"The Falathrim," Lindriel repeated under her breath, her eyes sparkling with interest. They were the Coast Dwellers who took Cirdan the Shipwright as their lord. They were also the famous mariners who rescued King Fingon during the Dagor Bragollach and aided Eärendil in building the famous ship Vingilótë.
"Look there, Lindriel, there's our new home," her mother said, pointing ahead.
The sea was a marvel, but the city before them, having been carved from the white cliffs, was a wonder to behold. Aearellond gleamed like pearls in sunlight; banners of every color blew from the blue tinged rooftops and spires that stretched high into the sky. A large harbor lay at the foot of the city, where rows of silver ships docked.
"That's home?" Lindriel squealed in delight.
"Yes, Tithenaew, that is home," her father laughed, amused and relieved by her excitement.
Lindriel grinned widely as they approached the city, craning her neck around the horse's head and her father's arms to get a better view. When they passed through the arched gateway a tall Elf with silver hair and dressed in gold armor and blue tabard came to greet them. Lindriel couldn't help but stare at the large sword attached to his waist.
"Greetings to you, friends," the Elf said in a melodic voice. "Have you traveled far to reach our city?"
"From Lord Celeborn's domain in the Blue Mountains," her father answered as he dismounted. "I am Lindhren of Mithrim, come at the behest of the High King."
"Ah!" The silver Elf's eyebrows raised, and his eyes twinkled as he smiled. "I received a missive when I was eating breakfast telling me to be expect you. I had no idea you would arrive so soon!"
"I thought it best to not keep the King waiting," Lindhren replied.
"Greater prospects make us fly like eagles," the Elf mused. "No doubt the, hospitality of the Sindar was waning as well."
Her father laughed at this and inclined his head.
"Forgive me, I have yet to introduce myself, I am Suiauthon, Captain in the King's Guard and Gatekeeper of Aearellond, at your service," the Elf bowed low.
"My wife, Irien," Lindhren said as she dismounted and came forward, leading her grey horse. "And our daughter, Lindriel."
"Well met, lady," Suiauthon said, and kissed her mother's hand. "And to you, small lady," he addressed Lindriel with the greatest delight, who remained seated on her father's horse. "I hope you find our city to your liking. We have many amusements for Elflings, I daresay we cater to the young."
"Like swimming and sailing?" Lindriel asked, her eyes wide.
"Indeed, and much more!" Suiauthon said. "My own son enjoys sledding on dunes and fishing, I have no doubt you will find many friends who will show you their play. But come! You must be exhausted from your travels, allow me to escort you to the palace, there you will be directed to your new home."
Her parents thanked him profusely, and after Suiauthon sent a runner ahead, he led them through the city streets. Lindhren and Irien conversed freely with the captain, but Lindriel heard none of their conversation as they walked to the palace.
She still rode on her father's horse, which gave her a better view of her surroundings. The streets were paved with white, blue, and green stones, and there were white fountains, flowering pink trees, and growing greenery everywhere she looked. There were Elves with silver, white, black, and gold hair all around, garbed in brightly colored robes far lighter and more intricate than any she had ever seen. She saw Elflings all-round her, running about with each other, laughing, and waving at her.
There were shops with all kinds of spices, jewelry, clothing, and cutlery for sale. She saw glittering suncatchers in one window and baked pastries in the next. When her eyes fell upon a small open-aired shop selling all sorts of confectionaries, Lindriel's mouth watered. She gazed longingly at the sugared fruits, honeyed cakes, and colorful biscuits, which didn't escape Suiauthon's attention.
With her parents' attention elsewhere, he quickly slipped up to the counter, plucked something from a display and tossed the vendor a coin. He returned a moment later and handed her a lavender lolly.
"A welcoming gift," he winked.
Lindriel thanked him and shoved it in her mouth. She sucked on the flavored sugar as they passed the markets and journeyed higher up the cliffside. They could see the sea better from up here, as well as the bustling city below. The structures here were less pronounced as they were built deep within the cliffside; terraces, stairways, and doorways were often all she saw that indicated there was a building there. The colorful banners that blew from every spire faded to blue, and the Elves they passed wore far more stately attire and bejeweled circlets.
They went through an open gate guarded by armored warriors with spears and shields, and came into a broad courtyard. The ground was an intricate mosaic of blue, white, and gold stars, and small trees framed the circular space. A wide stairwell led to a terrace and a grand doorway flanked by statues of Elven warriors.
Lindriel's eyes wandered at the magnificent stonework. She followed the delicate arches that framed the exposed walkways and balconies above, hinting at the magnitude of the structure within. She was still observing all that was around her, sucking on her lolly, when a slender figure in red emerged from the doorway.
He was young, fair-faced, and his shining black hair was loose around his shoulders. As he descended the stairs and came before them, she could see that he was shorter than her father, but held a far more regal bearing.
"Greetings!" he said, his friendly tone made Lindriel feel at ease. "Welcome to our fair city, Lord Lindhren, the King has sent me to greet you and apologize for not being able to do so himself. I am Elrond Eärendilion, ward of the King."
"The King does me a great honor to send the son of the noble Eärendil to welcome us, Lord Elrond," Lindhren said exchanging polite bows with the young Elf.
"The honor is ours, to have someone as esteemed as yourself joining the court," Elrond replied. "I hope your journey was not an unpleasant one, I assure you that I am at your complete disposal. I will see to your absolute comfort."
"Many thanks to you," Lindhren said as Irien pulled their daughter from the saddle and placed her on the ground, still sucking on her lolly.
Lindriel pressed herself close to her mother, her free hand grabbed hers and squeezed it tightly. Her large grey eyes never left the Elf lord, whom she stared at with reverence. She knew all about the voyage of Eärendil, for she had read the tale many, many times. To be in the presence of such an esteemed Elf like his son made her feel small and insignificant.
However, she did not escape Elrond's attention for long. After he greeted her mother his twinkling grey eyes fell upon her.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Lindriel," he said. "I see you have already discovered some of the sweets that our city has to offer. You must have the strawberry taffy next; it is my favored treat."
His friendly smile and wink erased the apprehension she felt. She liked him instantly.
"Suiauthon got this for me," she said around the lolly. "I don't know what taffy is."
"Well, we shall have to remedy that," Elrond replied. "I shall procure you some in no time."
Lindriel smiled and thought she might like it in Aearellond very much when another figure appeared in the doorway. He swiftly descended the stairwell; his midnight blue robes billowed about him as he quickly strode up to their little group. Lindriel sank into her mother's cloak as the biggest Elf she had ever seen came to stand beside Elrond and extended his hand to greet her father.
"Well met, Lord Lindhren!" the Elf said, his voice was strong and smooth. "I wasn't expecting you so soon, I thought I would be unable to greet you in person, but I have managed to pull myself away from matters of state just in time!"
Both her parents bowed low at the sight of the Elf, whose stature and strong physique alone warranted such reverence. Despite the striking color of his outer robe, his attire was simply constructed with little embellishment, his dark hair was constrained by a single braid, and he wore no ornamentation on his brow. However, he needed no royal adornments to denote who he was; his noble countenance distinguished him as Gil-galad, King of Lindon and High King of the Noldor.
Lindriel thought of the illustrations of King Fingolfin from her books when she peered up at him. They had shown him with high cheekbones, square jaw, and blue-grey eyes similar to King Gil-galad's. She did not know whether he resembled King Fingon; those pictures always portrayed him in a face obscuring helm.
He seemed good natured enough; he greeted her parents warmly and thanked Suiauthon in earnest for bringing them here. But now she felt smaller than ever before and sunk deeper into her mother's side. Perhaps if she were lucky, she would escape notice. He was so very tall after all, and her mother's cloak helped conceal her.
They conversed for several long minutes, and when Elrond finally suggested that they must be exhausted and wished to see their new home, Lindriel thought she was home free.
"Indeed!" the King laughed. "Forgive me, I do not wish to keep you here all day and night with my prattle, we have done our best to procure you a home which we hope will be to your liking. It has quite a stunning view of the sea."
Intrigued by this, Lindriel poked her head from her mother's cloak and peeked up at the King.
"Who is this?" Gil-galad asked, pleasantly bemused when he saw her dark head pop into view.
"My daughter, Lindriel," Irien said as the King knelt before her.
"Hello there, Lindriel," he said with a smile. "What are you doing hiding in there? Come out, I would very much like to meet you."
His voice was comforting, reassuring even, but Lindriel, suddenly overcome with fear, fled behind her mother.
"Lindriel!" her mother startled, making Lindriel's cheeks flush red hot. She knew it was wrong to behave in such a way, especially when the King was being so nice. She was rude and immediately felt ashamed. She didn't think a scolding from her parents would make her feel any worse.
The King however, released a cheerful laugh that made her face burn all the brighter.
"I suppose this has all been too much for you, huh?" Gil-galad mused as he stood. "I daresay this is overwhelming for all of you. Come now, let us show you to your new home. When you have settled in, you will be my welcomed dinner guests."
Though Lindriel was delighted at the prospect, especially since she would perhaps meet the Princess Ereiniel, she dreaded having to face the King again.
Tithenaew: Little Bird