Voronwë is the first of the boys to arrive. He drops down next to me with a quick kiss on the cheek. Idril gives us both a warm smile at that.
"My uncle is excited to meet you and to have you over for dinner. He wants to show you his shop and some of his newest creations. Greetings again princess Idril. My uncle hopes you and your family are well," said Voronwë.
"Tell your uncle thanks for me. Perhaps I should give Kiera some money to buy herself some jewelry if your uncle has any for sale," said Idril.
They both look at me and wait for my answer. "I'm not really a jewelry person, but I think it would be nice to buy something your uncle made. Does he have any for sale?" I ask.
Voronwë nods at me and says "he has a few finished pieces that he is selling. There are a couple that I think you might like."
"It is settled then, I will give you some money Voronwë. I don't think you know how the money system works yet Kiera but I can help you another day. Please buy whatever you want," Idril said happily. "I shall return shortly with some money and tell the kitchen to prepare a light lunch."
Idril left and it was just Voronwë and me. The kiss the night before was at the front of my mind as I looked at him. He reached over and took one of my hands. It was warm as he curled his hand in mine. I turned in my seat to face him and he did the same.
Voronwë spoke first "did you have a good morning with the princess?"
I gulped as the nerves were starting to kick in. "I did. I got plenty of clothes and Idril was spending Maeglin's money like crazy." I laughed "he deserves it though so I don't feel bad."
Voronwë chuckled. "I don't feel bad for him either. It is a fitting punishment for him as he cares deeply about his wealth. I never had a desire for wealth. The sea is the only thing I desired and a good ship to sail it."
I squeezed his hand and said "I think you will get a ship someday. I will help you build it if we ever leave this city. Have you always wanted to be a sailor or fisherman?"
His eyes sparkled at the conversation. "Oh yes, since I was a young boy. My mother's stories of the sea and her home always made me long for it. They say there is an island in Valinor where all the Teleri elves live with beautiful ships. I longed to live there when I was first given the task by the king. Even after I was shipwrecked, I couldn't leave the coast. I was in Neverst for a year before you found me. I probably would have stayed longer or traveled down to the Círdan's people if Lord Ulmo didn't arrive."
I smile at him and his joy. "You would love my home then. It is a beautiful place with the city built on the mountainside next to the lake. The lake is huge and there are many miles of beaches, forests, and rivers next to it to explore. I will have to show you some photos sometime. I have them on my phone. A photo is like a painting, but very detailed."
"I would love to see your home. I'm sure you miss it, but it sounds like a place I would have enjoyed," Voronwë said with a smile.
Tuor booming laughter interrupted our daze and we both dropped each other's hand. He was coming down the hallway with Idril and the king. They approached us and the king informed us he was joining us for lunch as he enjoyed Tuor's company.
They took their seats and a few elves started to bring out our lunch. It was on the lighter side with salads and fruits. I found myself uncomfortable with the king at the table. The night before's events still played in my mind and I wasn't too fond of the king at the moment. He ignored me for most of the meal and Voronwë as well. Tuor kept his attention by telling a thrilling tale about his outlaw days. We all ate and listened to his story.
Towards the end of lunch the king finally addressed me and said "lady Kiera, I'm sorry I haven't gotten to know you better. I hope you had a good morning with my daughter. She tells me she is very fond of you and is looking forward to being your friend."
"I had a wonderful morning and I enjoyed Idril's company. I hope we can be good friends," I responded.
He asked Voronwë about his uncle and then left the table shortly after. It still rubbed me the wrong way about last night's dinner but it was water under the bridge now. I think the most I will get out of the king is a polite understanding due to his daughter. I could care less what he thought of me as long as he didn't try to kill me or throw me out.
Idril had the elves clean up lunch and then we all left for our tour of the palace. She started us at the main chamber of the lord's chairs. That area was for public meetings and gatherings. There was another chamber behind it that held a large table with scrolls and books. That was the monthly expenses and accounting area. She led us down a hall on the left of those chambers to the king's quarters. We didn't go in but she showed us where her father's room was and his private study. At the end of the hall were the tower stairs which we climbed to get a beautiful view of the city.
Back in the main hall, Idril showed us her room and her private garden. It was a small courtyard with flowers and a small fountain next to a bench. It was just for her as she wanted her own private space attached to her room.
She led us to the main dining hall from the night before and a huge open room for festival gatherings. There was enough space for thousands to dance comfortably. Next to the festival hall was the main kitchen. It was as large as the dance hall with many elves working inside.
The last major part of the palace was the library. There was a public library for the city but this one was for the king and his guests. Every book was also in the main city library but this was the king's personal collection. There were a few scholars inside writing on paper and drawing maps. Idril told me she will introduce me another day.
The last area was our guest quarters and dining area which we had seen. I kind of got the layout as we walked and I think I could find my way around somewhat. Idril gave Voronwë a small pouch and they left us to go to the seamstress. Voronwë took my hand and led me to the front door.
I was so excited I was bouncing on my heels. Voronwë laughed at me and told me "We can't see it all in one evening, but I want to show you some of the main areas on the way to my uncle's house."
We left the palace and the main courtyard was empty. Voronwë walked at a slow pace to let me look around. We turned right out of the palace and we walked down the first steps into the city. This first road was called the alley of roses because it was littered with all different colors of roses. Buildings lined part of the road with some of them three and four stories high. All the buildings were made of the same white stone which was perfect for decorating with flowers. Any area not covered with flowers was either cobblestone road or waterways.
I was overwhelmed at the sights and Voronwë stopped a few times and pointed out different things. The alley of roses was part of the house of the Heavenly arch. Egalmoth's house was very wealthy and large so I spanned most of this section of the city.
Many of the houses had their doors open and were bustling with people. We passed many elves and children as they played in the road and ran in and out of houses. A few stopped to stare at us but no one approached. As we passed out of the rose gardens a larger cobblestone road opened up in front of us.
"This is one of the main roads in the city. It goes all the way around the city. Many other roads do the same but this is called the outer road. Most of the craftsmen and builders have their workshops between the wall and the main road. Their houses are between the king's square and the main road. Although, my uncle prefers to live close to his workshop," he said as he pulled me left down the road.
The road was busy with many elves walking and carrying supplies. Some had small carts and horses and I was getting lost looking at everything. Soon we came to a small river and a bridge. He let me stop in the middle to get a good look at the design and layout of the area. To the south of the bridge was a small open pond with trees growing in a garden. There were plenty of elves laying out close to the water and some were picking crops out of the garden beds.
To the north was an open courtyard with more trees and another river leading to a pond. Further back was a very large building that almost looked like a castle. There were tall houses lined next to each other with no breaks along the open courtyard. Voronwë told me "that is the lord Egalmoth's house. That is the main courtyard where his parties are held. The houses surrounding his house are for his house and children. His workshops are by the southern pond. Come, my uncle's house and workshop are close by."
He gently takes my arm and leads me down the road. I want to spend days exploring this city but I know I will have time. We continue walking and the sounds of clinking metals are heard. I could also feel the heat coming from open doorways. I saw the large long buildings had open double doors where elves are working. We pass multiple workshops until we come to a smaller alley off of the main road.
We turn it down and I can see the city wall at the end. Here there are smaller workshops and houses. Voronwë walks to one of these houses and knocks. Someone speaks in elvish from inside and Voronwë leads me into the house.
It is a smaller two-story house and the front door opens to a staircase and two arched stone doorways. One side has a small sitting room with a fireplace while the other has a desk and shelves with books. Voronwë walks through the sitting room and in the back I see another archway and a kitchen.
Once we walk in, I glance around and see a round wooden table in the corner and a tall elf cooking over an open fireplace. His back is to us and Voronwë clears his throat.
He turns to face us and I can see the family resemblance. His straight brown hair is pulled back into a low ponytail and his eyes are grey. His black tunic is clean but worn and he has a towel folded into his waist. His eyes lit up at the sight of us and he gave Voronwë a quick hug. Before I can introduce myself, he is hugging me as well.
"I'm so glad to meet you. Voronwë has told me a lot about you. I am Rhuidhen and I'm honored to have you for dinner. I'll tell you now that I'm not much of a cook."
I smile at him, "I'm not a very good cook either. I'm happy to finally meet you as Voronwë has told me a lot about you during our travels. Thank you for having me for dinner, it means a lot to me."
He laughs, "please sit and I will finish up cooking. Would you like any wine with your dinner?"
We sit at the table and I reply "maybe just a small glass. I'm not much of a drinker."
He pulls out some glasses from the cabinet and grabs the wine bottle from the counter. He pours us all a glass and hands them to us as he sits down at the table. "I hope stew is alright for dinner tonight. I have some salad and fresh fruit along with bread. I can't cook much else."
"Sounds delicious, thank you," I said.
"Voronwë tells me you are from another world and that you ended up here. I'm sure that has not been the easiest. I'm glad my nephew has made a new friend though and he already speaks highly of you. I wanted to let you know that you will always have a place in my household, as I know what it's like to lose your family."
"Thank you, that means a lot to me. You and Voronwë are very kind. The journey has been quite difficult but I think it is best to keep moving forward. Lord Ulmo told me there is no way for me to get home, so I will have to just learn how to live here now," I reply with a sad smile.
He nods and asks "Voronwë tell me you are a builder. They don't have much work in the city but are you interested in learning another craft? I know many of the builders and craftsmen in the city. We can help you get settled and help you find a new craft."
Before I answer, Voronwë gets up to let us talk and to stir the stew. I see him preparing our dinner so I look back to Rhuidhen and say "I'm not sure. I spent so many years learning and training to be a builder in my world that I haven't thought of much else. I used to help my dad with his projects around the house so anything that I can use my hands. I wouldn't mind exploring some of the different crafts here before I decide. Voronwë told me you make jewelry but do you make anything else?"
He shakes his head and lets out a small laugh "no, my passion is jewelry making. I tried my hand at blacksmithing and woodworking when I was young but it never interested me long enough. My brother was older and apprenticed under Feanor. He would often bring his work home. I found myself helping him and grew to love the work. We often worked together on pieces. Once his apprenticeship was done, we opened a shop together and made a good living."
Voronwë was setting the table now with silverware and dropped off the fresh bread. His uncle got up to help and I just watched them work. I thought it was interesting that they knew Feanor, but I suppose living in Valinor forever you get to meet everyone.
While they were working on plating up the food I cautiously asked "how did you end up in Gondolin if your brother apprenticed under Feanor. I thought the different sides of the families didn't get along."
He glances at me and Voronwë tenses "no use lying to you. We did follow Feanor's host when he left Tirion. He was our liege lord regardless of what happened between him and his brother. We wanted to leave Valinor with them but my brother wanted to bring many things with us so we were late for his parting. We traveled with Fingolfin's host as they came upon the shores of Alqualondë."
"I'm sorry to say that we did join the first kinslaying. Afterward, when we found out what had happened, my brother and I forsake Feanor as our lord and followed Fingolfin instead. We traveled through the Helcaraxë and came to middle earth. We settled in Neverest with king Turgon's people. My brother traveled many times to the Falas to sell our jewelry that had made the journey."
They both joined me at the table and Voronwë handed me a bowl of stew and a salad. We all get settled at the table and as we start to eat he continues his story. "My brother had sold enough to help us get started here in middle earth. However, during his many travels, he managed to fall in love with one of the Teleri elves. He was terrified that she wouldn't forgive him for killing her kin across the sea, but she did."
"When king Turgon announced that the hidden city was completed, Voronwë was still just a baby. She lived her life in the Falas and wanted a safer place to raise their child, so we all moved here. I miss them both terribly, but I am glad to have Voronwë back."
I take a moment to digest his story. I think they both are waiting for my response but I just give them both a small smile. "Thank you for sharing your story with me. I know it must be difficult to talk about. It's not my place to judge you for your past and I won't ever blame you for it. I understand it must be a difficult burden to bear now that you know the truth. If Voronwë's mother can forgive you, you shouldn't blame yourself."
Voronwë smiled at me now and said "I agree and I have told my father and uncle the same many times. My mother never blamed them and preferred to let the past lie."
Rhuidhen just nods and we all eat in comfortable silence for a moment. Voronwë eases the tension by saying "princess Idril has given Kiera some money to buy some jewelry from you. I know you wanted to show her your workshop after dinner but you could also show her your completed pieces."
He says "wonderful. I have a few pieces you might like. Voronwë told me what the prince had said about you both and his punishment. Please spend his money as he deserves to be poor after those comments. I'll admit he is a fine blacksmith but he is very arrogant. The next time I see him about the city, he won't like what I have to say to him."
"Won't you get in trouble for it?" I ask.
He snorts and Voronwë smirks. "Oh no, he is terrified of me. Or better yet he is terrified of what I can do to him. Best ignore him and leave him to me."
I shrug and laugh. I'm not sure what he could do but they both seem pretty confident so I let it go. We eat the rest of our meal with pleasant conversation. Rhuidhen tells me a story about Voronwë's first time in the workshop and how he almost burned it down. I'm dying of laughter towards the end of dinner while Voronwë just huffs.
Towards the end of dinner, they clean up the plates as I finish off my wine. Once we are all done and the plates have been cleaned, we follow Rhuidhen to his workshop.