A/N: A mistake in the earlier chapter. It is not Arien, but Laurelin. The sun was not wrought before the ruin of the Two Trees. I keep on forgetting that important fact, yes. I hope if I make any mistakes similar to this in the future, be kind enough to point it out, thanks. And I am sorry if the names I made up for her brothers do not sound right, 'ear' means 'sea' in Quenya. 'Earwen' means 'sea-maiden'. Just for your info.
Nameless reviewer: Yes, I am sorry for that mistake, it is supposed to take place before Earwen weds Finarfin.
Nerdanel the Nerd: Ah, yes. I have never quite forgiven Tolkien for saying so little about them. But there are advantages of this neglect. Earwen has no definite character or personality Tolkien created. So I can give Earwen any type of characteristics the possibilities are endless! , Without sticking to the book, or be accused of degrading characters. I have absolutely no idea why but I have a particular liking towards the Teleri and Alqualonde, and that includes Earwen. And I would be looking forward to your fic.
Stearchica: In Spanish? There are very few Earwen/Finarfin fics and I cannot read yours, what a pity. Be sure to tell me how it goes.
Chapter Two
She rode away in the stealth of the dark, aided by the stars of Tintalle, the Kindler.
Carnil and Lumil, Nenar and Lumbar, Alcarinque and Elemmire, ancient stars they were, brought together and set as signs of the heavens. They lit her way, and as she went southwest, she sang songs of praise to Varda Elentari. Ever revered most by the Eldar was Elbereth, out of all the Valar.
Her raiment was silver but her mantle gray. She did not don the usual mantle, for it bore the crest of Olwe and she feared it would be recognized.
She had naught but a small bag of food, and the white palfrey, Nellianna, she was riding on. Ever wary was she as she passed by mansions and houses, though the most part of the Teleri were massed at the bay, celebrating the Annual Festival with song and ale, one could not be too incautious.
Earwen had taken this opportunity to slip away, and she had begged leave to stay at home, lest her absence at the festival was missed. She had also written a note ere she left.
Dear Father,
Thou know of my desire to see the rest of the Blessed Realm, yet thou hath forbade thy daughter to go forth.
Hence I willingly left Alqualonde alone, to seek out others. I beg thee not to search for me. Fret not, for I will return soon, once I have seen all that I have ever yearned to.
Farewell
Your daughter, Earwen
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And so westward she went, towards the Great Light of the Two Trees. She headed to Calacirya, the Pass of Light, where the radiance of the Two Trees streamed forth. She knew naught of the directions to Tirion, but decided to follow the light, believing somehow or other, she would eventually get there.
Not once nor twice did she look back at her home, but thrice. And three times she hardened her will and pressed on.
For days she traveled on horse, leading Nell across open fields. 'Twas spring, and Earwen hastened not, and oft she stopped to admire Yavanna's creations, many of which were awakening from their long slumber of winter.
Earwen basked in the wafting scents of niphrendil, elanor, and other flowers that sprang up. She delighted in the animals of the woodland, of nightingales and their songs, and young speckled fawn skipping from glade to glade. Earwen felt wholly refreshed, both in mind and spirit.
Too long had she dwelt beside the sea, where only the cries of seagulls were heard. Never had she ever imagined that the wonders of Yavanna were so beautiful.
"Nell, dost thou know the way to Tirion? 'Twas thy city where thou came from." Earwen spoke to Nellianna.
The white palfrey turned her brown eyes upon her mistress, and snorted, as if to say, "Yea, lady, since thou hath asked it of me, I shall bring thou there."
"Then we shall tarry here no longer. Lead the way." Earwen climbed up and Nell when southwest, asking other animals on the way for directions.
After long last they reached the elven city of Tuna, Tirion. There the Noldor and the Vanyar dwelt long in fellowship. The hill was green, and the city, white. Built by the hands of Noldorin craftsmen, 'twas more beautiful than she ever imagined.
The gleaming white walls were high and wide, and as she walked up the smooth stairs to the entrance, she was enthralled to see immeasurable sparkling gems encrusted into the pavement.
The city itself was more wondrous, and Earwen took time to admire the architecture of it. She passed flourishing gardens, where white fountains sprayed foam, and the flowers withered not.
But something seemed amiss. Where were the people? Her kinsmen, who were her sole purpose for leaving Alqualonde, where were they?
Whispering in Nell's ear to go and find the stables, she went further alone. The houses seemed deserted, as were the courts. But there was a distinct sound of many people gathered together.
Was it a time for festival for them too? Earwen wondered.
Her thoughts were confirmed as she reached a large court situated in the center of the city. There were tables, laden with food, music from the harps, and a pavilion in the middle. But these were not the things that caught her notice. Nay,' twas the elves.
Elves there were, and many were singing, laughing, making merry. Most were dark haired, which Earwen identified as the Noldor, but some had hair of gold, which meant they were Vanyar, but all were fair with the light of Aman shining in their faces, just like her people, and a particular elf received her attention most of all.
He was very fair, and in comparison to him, the other elves looked dull. Her eyes beheld him intently, his hair of gold, and wide, broad chest. Was he of the Vanyar? He seemed to be of royalty, for he was clad in velvet. Wisdom was etched in his features. That was when he suddenly looked in her direction and caught her staring at him. His piercing emerald green eyes met hers.
Immediately, Earwen turned away, blushing furiously. Why did she not turn away while there was still time? Who was he?
Walking away, she tried desperately to mix into the crowd, lest he seeks her out.
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Finarfin, son of Finwe was enjoying a cup of wine when he sensed someone looking at him. Instinctively, he turned and to his surprise, met the gaze of a fair elf maiden.
Her star-like silver hair was unlike those of the Vanyar, or the Noldor, so it was highly impossible that she belonged here. She was Teleri, he deduced. She was much alike in appearance with his two friends, Earluin and Earlin from Alqualonde.
Watching in amusement as she turned her violet eyes away and blushed furiously, he wondered greatly at her presence.
Why was this fair maiden here? The Teleri seldom came to Tirion, preferring to dwell in the isolated region near the Bay of Eldamar. They gave no heed to the festivals in Tirion. Was she a messenger? Nay, only messengers were sent in an emergency, and the sea brought no tidings of danger or evil. And usually, female messengers were not sent.
Who, then was she?
When he looked again, the elf had vanished.
'She would not be to hard to find,' he thought, 'surely she would stand out.'
But as he looked around, no sign of silver was seen among the jet and gold of the other elves.
Sighing in frustration, Finarfin stood up and told his brother he was going to attend to some business. Fingolfin arched a brow questioningly, but paid little heed to the matter.
Finarfin's keen eyed gaze swept the road, before spotting a twirl of a silver skirt, disappearing out of the court at an archway.
'Ah, my little one, so thou wishes to hide? Not so.' Smiling, he strode towards that direction.
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He was coming, Earwen panicked, as she quickly exited the court. Unsure of what to do, she walked briskly down the path, trying to escape him. Little did she know that her efforts at eluding him were going to prove fruitless.
Turning this way and that, her walk soon turned into a run when her ears still heard the warningly soft pad of his footsteps behind her.
Why does he not leave her alone?
Then, she made the mistake of turning into a walled garden, thinking 'twas a way out. There was no time to run out again, for he would see her.
Face set in resolute determination, she hitched up her skirts and pulled herself up over the wall and jumped over other side. What she dropped into was most unexpected and unwelcome.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
'Fool. Doesn't she realize he meant no harm?' Finarfin thought, as he saw her over the wall. He grimaced, for he knew what was coming, and it did soon enough – a resounding splash. The garden beyond belonged to him, and a pond was there.
Hastening to get to the other side, he stopped short at the sight of the maiden. Her mantle was torn and her clothes clung to her, outlining her beautiful figure in their wetness. Her glorious mane of silver hair was filled with mud, and she was desperately trying to wring water out of it.
'Why, she was more beautiful wet than dry.' Then, Finarfin caught himself. He had always prided himself on his self-control, and wanted not to start having indecent thoughts about an elf maiden.
"Why do you seek to hide from me, I mean you no harm."
Her head shot up, and for a moment fear lurked in her eyes, but it quickly turned to fire.
"Then why did you follow me?"
"You do not seem to be of the Vanyar or Noldor. But questions later, come, you are wet and I will bring you to my dwelling, 'tis not far."
He removed his velvet cloak and put it over her shoulders, lest she feel cold.
His warmth was met with her wariness.
As they walked towards the house of Finarfin, he asked, "May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?'
"You may call me Wen."
"That, I perceive, is not your full name, but it matters not for the moment."
'So she wishes to be addressed as 'maiden'? He thought, amused.
"My identity I will reveal to you in time to come. And what, pray tell, is yours?"
"Finarfin, son of Finwe at your service."
She concealed her shock over his reply. All the more reason to withhold her name from him. This elf was one of the mighty princes of the Noldor. And if he knew who she was, she would be sent packing back to Alqualonde, for he was a friend of her brothers.
She desired not to go back, and face her Father's wrath. Moreover, she had but a glimpse of the Noldor and Vanyar, and yearned to see more.
Suddenly, she felt terribly weary at the overwhelming worries.
"Lady Wen, how fares thee?" His deep voice cut through her thoughts.
"Fine enough my lord. I thank thee for thy kindness."
"'Tis naught, my lady."
Their eyes met, and Finarfin had a sudden desire to feel a lock of the silver tresses.
Earwen shivered inwardly under his brilliant gaze.
Abdruptly, he pulled out of her gaze and carried on walking as if naught out of ordinary happened, leaving a very thoughtful Earwen behind.
Annoyed at the tinge of disappointment she felt, Earwen hastened after him.