Chapter 5 CoTN
Himring
The journey to Himring was uneventful and swift. Once I had explained that Maedhros was gathering us all, and that it had to do with our Oath, Ambarussa agreed we needed to break camp the next day for a swift trip to Himring. Fianth had said little for the evening, but shot me a quick glance when our Oath was mentioned, and it was clear she knew no details.
The only thing I didn't like was there was no opportunity to be private and intimate with Fianth. Now I had a physical relationship with her, I discovered how much I needed her, and how loath I was to do without her comfort. Still, perhaps once we were in Himring, Fianth and I could find a way to spend time together.
In was mid afternoon when we reached Himring and most of the men were gone for the day, hunting. Only Celegorm was present, and that apparently was only because he was drunk. I had to feel sorry for him, this was the second time a lady had refused his suit, and then Huan had left him, too. My brother had always been far too fond of his hound, but I could understand his pain.
So, the servants took the horses, and Fianth vanished back to her quarters, but not before I tried to gain a promise to see her later. She nodded, but made no promises as she half expected to be on guard duty. 'I will get you excused,' I said, eager for her company.
'No, Curufin,' she said, her hand warm on my face, 'If you start asking for special treatment for me, someone will realise you are doing more than simply giving me reading lessons.' That made me smile, for her reading lessons had continued on the way back to Himring, much to my brothers' amusement. They teased Finath unmercifully, and I could tell that she was planning revenge one day.
The hunters returned laden with game just as the sun set. Great activity blossomed for a few hours while horses were stabled, dogs kennelled, and the hungry fed. At the front of the hunt as Himring's Lord, Maedhros had received a wound to his left leg while foolishly dispatching a boar on foot with a sword. Even as the healers tended him, Maglor was scolding, and Ambarussa fussing. Caranthir stood at my side, he had arrived yesterday, he said. Celegorm nursed his sore head and sorer temper in the corner, and I rather enjoyed being together with all my brothers again.
'If it were not for such grim purpose, it would be pleasant, this meeting,' Caranthir said as he offered me a wine cup.
I accepted the cup, and took a long drink before answering, 'It would indeed; it has been too long since we gathered. How fares your realm, brother?'
'Well; the Naugrim trade well as ever, and many jewels have come into my possession recently. I brought some with me, thinking you of us all would like to see these. The sapphires are particularly good.'
'Sapphires? I queried, 'they are a gem not much seen in good quality here in Middle Earth. I would very much like to see these stones.'
Caranthir beckoned a servant, who soon reappeared carrying samples of the gems, and I had to agree, the sapphires especially were particularly fine.
As I examined the gems, I spoke, 'I hope you will allow me to cut and finish some of these for you, Caranthir?'
'I had hoped you want to, take some for yourself; too, the best craftsman is worthy of his fee!
'You don't have to give me anything, you know I never expect payment of any kind from any of my brothers!'
'I know, but you will need one of these gems, I think one of the sapphires. This one, perhaps,' Caranthir had a distant unfocused look to his gaze as his hand chose a stone.
'What have you seen', I breathed. It was odd; the two of us, I arrogant and rude, Caranthir with his reputation for bad temper had always gotten on well together. He was always a loner, content in his own company and with the strange visions that came to him from time to time. It was good policy, however, to listen to what Caranthir had to say when he said he 'saw' something. A strange gift he shared with cousin Finrod.
'A gift for a lady. A dagger, oddly a warrior's dagger, but made for a woman's hand, and decorated with a sapphire in the hilt.'
'Then I shall make it, and hope to find a lady to give the gift to,' I replied carefully, having no doubt that Caranthir's 'seeing' meant I was to give a dagger to Fianth.
'Yes, do. For the dagger will save the lady's life, and that of the last hope of our house,' my brother whispered, and then his eyes focused again. 'I have no idea what I mean,' he said a little shakily.
'Drink this,' I urged him, and handed him his wine cup again, pushing him back into a convenient chair. Caranthir did not protest; he must have had a very intense experience to react like this.
Caranthir drank deeply and I saw the colour come back into my brother's face. 'You had better rest before Maedhros' meeting with us later tonight.'
'Yes,' he agreed, and I helped my brother to his chamber.
'What's wrong with Caranthir?' asked Maglor as I made my way downstairs again.
'An intense vision,' I replied. 'He's fine, and there's no need to disturb him!' I scowled at Maglor who had been going to check on our brother.
'Very well, he'd probably bite my head off anyway!'
'Probably, but it could be worse,' I grinned mischievously, deliberately reminding Maglor of the one time during Maedhros' captivity that hostilities between he and Caranthir had resulted in a fight. Not with swords or knives, but fists, feet and even teeth. A vicious fight that neither was ever declared the winner of, and which I believe neither ever had the desire to repeat!
Maglor pulled a face and ran down the steps ahead of me, he had been playing chess with Amrod, and knew well enough that if he were too long from the board the Twins would likely hide half the pieces! I however decided to search out Fianth, who I soon discovered was on guard duty on the Eastern wall. It was not out of place for the Lord's brother to check the guards, and make sure all was well.
I found Fianth and three others, all elves, walking the Eastern ramparts in a random pattern, watching for anything out of the ordinary. During the few times I visited Himring in the past, I had noticed that Maedhros rostered his guards this way; a mix of elf and mortal.
To be fair, I intended to check the sentries on the other walls and approaches, especially the Northern one. So after a good talk to one of the elven sentries, a long time retainer in my father's house, I found the chance to speak to Fianth. She was genuinely pleased to see me, her eyes lighting up with pleasure although under the gaze of others she greeted me decorously.
'You have had a meal?' I asked her, noticing that she was dressed warmly in a thick cloak and had leather gloves on too. Mortals often suffered badly from the effects of cold in their hands, so I was pleased to see she was being sensible.
She nodded, 'yes, we all had a lovely meal of fresh roasted venison and fruit tarts, same as you did, no doubt.'
'When are you off duty, I want to see you,' I whispered, aware of the keenness of elven hearing and that three other elves were nearby.
'Midnight, you will be in council with your brothers, and I have been summoned to the meeting too.'
'You! Why?'
'I don't know, I guess we will find out in a few hours.'
As one of the other sentries approached, Fianth bowed formally, 'I shall obey, and attend the council, My Lord,' she said quietly, and recommenced her rounds.
That brief contact with her left me longing for her, to speak to her, to touch her as I completed my self-imposed sentry check. No one could know of my friendship with Fianth, so she must be wanted for something else.
A little before midnight I looked up from my contemplation of the fire to see Fianth walk into the main hall. I gave her a tiny smile as came to stand next to me and warm herself. We did not speak, afraid of listening ears, and when Fianth was warm we walked together to Maedhros' private chambers.
My oldest brother was in his bed, sitting up surrounded by papers and maps, cursing his wounded leg. All of my brothers were present, and only Celegorm protested Fianth's presence.
'She will be here but a few minutes,' snapped Maedhros showing an uncharacteristic burst of temper.
'Now, Fianth, sit,' said Maedhros, indicating a chair beside him. 'In front of us all the youngest of my brothers wish to say something to you.'
Fianth's eyes were wide and slightly apprehensive as Ambarussa moved to flank her. 'We release you from your promise not to tell anyone of our hideaway,' said Amras.
'You may tell anyone whom any of our brothers considers trustworthy,' finished Amrod.
'Th-thank you, My Lords,' she whispered. 'It will make things easier for the future. I will promise not to reveal your secret location to anyone not in this room, or not authorised by someone here present.'
'Good,' said Maedhros, and patted her shoulder. 'Run along, and take some well earned rest, Fianth.'
'Yes, Lord,' she said and left.
I watched her leave from the corner of my eye, and then Maedhros spoke. 'We all know the mortal Beren seeks a Silmaril with the aid of Luthien of Doriath. The question is: 'what do we do? For our Oath is stirred, we cannot permit one of the Jewels to fall into any hands but our own.'
'I say we do nothing, for now. Let that demented pair try to secure a Silmaril, they will die trying,' snarled Celegorm for the corner.
'They may well, but what if they succeed?' asked Amras. 'It is likely that they would go to Doriath to Luthien's father and the protection of the The Girdle.'
'And Doriath is impenetrable, so I ask again what should we do?' said Maedhros, his gaze sweeping us one by one.
'We keep watch,' said Caranthir. 'Sheer folly it would be to attempt to find or follow Luthien and her mortal to Morgoth's very lair, and we will hear soon enough if they are to succeed.'
'Then what', spat Celegorm from his corner.
'Then we try to apprehend them before they reach Doriath,' said Maedhros.
'We cannot breach Doriath's defences to take the Silmaril by force once it is there!' I spoke for the first time.
'Perhaps not by force, at least not a great force,' said Maglor dreamily. 'I might sing a way for a small group to enter.'
Six pairs of eyes fastened on Maglor who sat smiling on the far side of Maedhros. I, for one, did not doubt him although I knew Caranthir and Celegorm did. Maglor never said he could something if he couldn't, and he might be one whose voice and power was great enough to breach The Girdle of Melian.
A heated conversation followed Maglor's comment, but we resolved a course of action, or rather inaction finally. We would all remain in Himring for now, and wait to see if Beren and Luthien were successful. Should they be, we would plan afresh.
Frankly, I was exhausted when I sought my chamber, and I crawled into my bed, wishing for Fianth's sweet company.
Himring
The journey to Himring was uneventful and swift. Once I had explained that Maedhros was gathering us all, and that it had to do with our Oath, Ambarussa agreed we needed to break camp the next day for a swift trip to Himring. Fianth had said little for the evening, but shot me a quick glance when our Oath was mentioned, and it was clear she knew no details.
The only thing I didn't like was there was no opportunity to be private and intimate with Fianth. Now I had a physical relationship with her, I discovered how much I needed her, and how loath I was to do without her comfort. Still, perhaps once we were in Himring, Fianth and I could find a way to spend time together.
In was mid afternoon when we reached Himring and most of the men were gone for the day, hunting. Only Celegorm was present, and that apparently was only because he was drunk. I had to feel sorry for him, this was the second time a lady had refused his suit, and then Huan had left him, too. My brother had always been far too fond of his hound, but I could understand his pain.
So, the servants took the horses, and Fianth vanished back to her quarters, but not before I tried to gain a promise to see her later. She nodded, but made no promises as she half expected to be on guard duty. 'I will get you excused,' I said, eager for her company.
'No, Curufin,' she said, her hand warm on my face, 'If you start asking for special treatment for me, someone will realise you are doing more than simply giving me reading lessons.' That made me smile, for her reading lessons had continued on the way back to Himring, much to my brothers' amusement. They teased Finath unmercifully, and I could tell that she was planning revenge one day.
The hunters returned laden with game just as the sun set. Great activity blossomed for a few hours while horses were stabled, dogs kennelled, and the hungry fed. At the front of the hunt as Himring's Lord, Maedhros had received a wound to his left leg while foolishly dispatching a boar on foot with a sword. Even as the healers tended him, Maglor was scolding, and Ambarussa fussing. Caranthir stood at my side, he had arrived yesterday, he said. Celegorm nursed his sore head and sorer temper in the corner, and I rather enjoyed being together with all my brothers again.
'If it were not for such grim purpose, it would be pleasant, this meeting,' Caranthir said as he offered me a wine cup.
I accepted the cup, and took a long drink before answering, 'It would indeed; it has been too long since we gathered. How fares your realm, brother?'
'Well; the Naugrim trade well as ever, and many jewels have come into my possession recently. I brought some with me, thinking you of us all would like to see these. The sapphires are particularly good.'
'Sapphires? I queried, 'they are a gem not much seen in good quality here in Middle Earth. I would very much like to see these stones.'
Caranthir beckoned a servant, who soon reappeared carrying samples of the gems, and I had to agree, the sapphires especially were particularly fine.
As I examined the gems, I spoke, 'I hope you will allow me to cut and finish some of these for you, Caranthir?'
'I had hoped you want to, take some for yourself; too, the best craftsman is worthy of his fee!
'You don't have to give me anything, you know I never expect payment of any kind from any of my brothers!'
'I know, but you will need one of these gems, I think one of the sapphires. This one, perhaps,' Caranthir had a distant unfocused look to his gaze as his hand chose a stone.
'What have you seen', I breathed. It was odd; the two of us, I arrogant and rude, Caranthir with his reputation for bad temper had always gotten on well together. He was always a loner, content in his own company and with the strange visions that came to him from time to time. It was good policy, however, to listen to what Caranthir had to say when he said he 'saw' something. A strange gift he shared with cousin Finrod.
'A gift for a lady. A dagger, oddly a warrior's dagger, but made for a woman's hand, and decorated with a sapphire in the hilt.'
'Then I shall make it, and hope to find a lady to give the gift to,' I replied carefully, having no doubt that Caranthir's 'seeing' meant I was to give a dagger to Fianth.
'Yes, do. For the dagger will save the lady's life, and that of the last hope of our house,' my brother whispered, and then his eyes focused again. 'I have no idea what I mean,' he said a little shakily.
'Drink this,' I urged him, and handed him his wine cup again, pushing him back into a convenient chair. Caranthir did not protest; he must have had a very intense experience to react like this.
Caranthir drank deeply and I saw the colour come back into my brother's face. 'You had better rest before Maedhros' meeting with us later tonight.'
'Yes,' he agreed, and I helped my brother to his chamber.
'What's wrong with Caranthir?' asked Maglor as I made my way downstairs again.
'An intense vision,' I replied. 'He's fine, and there's no need to disturb him!' I scowled at Maglor who had been going to check on our brother.
'Very well, he'd probably bite my head off anyway!'
'Probably, but it could be worse,' I grinned mischievously, deliberately reminding Maglor of the one time during Maedhros' captivity that hostilities between he and Caranthir had resulted in a fight. Not with swords or knives, but fists, feet and even teeth. A vicious fight that neither was ever declared the winner of, and which I believe neither ever had the desire to repeat!
Maglor pulled a face and ran down the steps ahead of me, he had been playing chess with Amrod, and knew well enough that if he were too long from the board the Twins would likely hide half the pieces! I however decided to search out Fianth, who I soon discovered was on guard duty on the Eastern wall. It was not out of place for the Lord's brother to check the guards, and make sure all was well.
I found Fianth and three others, all elves, walking the Eastern ramparts in a random pattern, watching for anything out of the ordinary. During the few times I visited Himring in the past, I had noticed that Maedhros rostered his guards this way; a mix of elf and mortal.
To be fair, I intended to check the sentries on the other walls and approaches, especially the Northern one. So after a good talk to one of the elven sentries, a long time retainer in my father's house, I found the chance to speak to Fianth. She was genuinely pleased to see me, her eyes lighting up with pleasure although under the gaze of others she greeted me decorously.
'You have had a meal?' I asked her, noticing that she was dressed warmly in a thick cloak and had leather gloves on too. Mortals often suffered badly from the effects of cold in their hands, so I was pleased to see she was being sensible.
She nodded, 'yes, we all had a lovely meal of fresh roasted venison and fruit tarts, same as you did, no doubt.'
'When are you off duty, I want to see you,' I whispered, aware of the keenness of elven hearing and that three other elves were nearby.
'Midnight, you will be in council with your brothers, and I have been summoned to the meeting too.'
'You! Why?'
'I don't know, I guess we will find out in a few hours.'
As one of the other sentries approached, Fianth bowed formally, 'I shall obey, and attend the council, My Lord,' she said quietly, and recommenced her rounds.
That brief contact with her left me longing for her, to speak to her, to touch her as I completed my self-imposed sentry check. No one could know of my friendship with Fianth, so she must be wanted for something else.
A little before midnight I looked up from my contemplation of the fire to see Fianth walk into the main hall. I gave her a tiny smile as came to stand next to me and warm herself. We did not speak, afraid of listening ears, and when Fianth was warm we walked together to Maedhros' private chambers.
My oldest brother was in his bed, sitting up surrounded by papers and maps, cursing his wounded leg. All of my brothers were present, and only Celegorm protested Fianth's presence.
'She will be here but a few minutes,' snapped Maedhros showing an uncharacteristic burst of temper.
'Now, Fianth, sit,' said Maedhros, indicating a chair beside him. 'In front of us all the youngest of my brothers wish to say something to you.'
Fianth's eyes were wide and slightly apprehensive as Ambarussa moved to flank her. 'We release you from your promise not to tell anyone of our hideaway,' said Amras.
'You may tell anyone whom any of our brothers considers trustworthy,' finished Amrod.
'Th-thank you, My Lords,' she whispered. 'It will make things easier for the future. I will promise not to reveal your secret location to anyone not in this room, or not authorised by someone here present.'
'Good,' said Maedhros, and patted her shoulder. 'Run along, and take some well earned rest, Fianth.'
'Yes, Lord,' she said and left.
I watched her leave from the corner of my eye, and then Maedhros spoke. 'We all know the mortal Beren seeks a Silmaril with the aid of Luthien of Doriath. The question is: 'what do we do? For our Oath is stirred, we cannot permit one of the Jewels to fall into any hands but our own.'
'I say we do nothing, for now. Let that demented pair try to secure a Silmaril, they will die trying,' snarled Celegorm for the corner.
'They may well, but what if they succeed?' asked Amras. 'It is likely that they would go to Doriath to Luthien's father and the protection of the The Girdle.'
'And Doriath is impenetrable, so I ask again what should we do?' said Maedhros, his gaze sweeping us one by one.
'We keep watch,' said Caranthir. 'Sheer folly it would be to attempt to find or follow Luthien and her mortal to Morgoth's very lair, and we will hear soon enough if they are to succeed.'
'Then what', spat Celegorm from his corner.
'Then we try to apprehend them before they reach Doriath,' said Maedhros.
'We cannot breach Doriath's defences to take the Silmaril by force once it is there!' I spoke for the first time.
'Perhaps not by force, at least not a great force,' said Maglor dreamily. 'I might sing a way for a small group to enter.'
Six pairs of eyes fastened on Maglor who sat smiling on the far side of Maedhros. I, for one, did not doubt him although I knew Caranthir and Celegorm did. Maglor never said he could something if he couldn't, and he might be one whose voice and power was great enough to breach The Girdle of Melian.
A heated conversation followed Maglor's comment, but we resolved a course of action, or rather inaction finally. We would all remain in Himring for now, and wait to see if Beren and Luthien were successful. Should they be, we would plan afresh.
Frankly, I was exhausted when I sought my chamber, and I crawled into my bed, wishing for Fianth's sweet company.