Disclaimer: Everything in this chapter belongs to Tolkien
Stearchia: Thanks for reviewing, Finarfin's character was not clearly defined by Tolkien either. But I like him for turning back and seeking the pardon of the Valar. In my story, Finarfin met Earlin and Earluin during the march westward in Arda. He never met Earwen due to some other circumstances that I choose not to reveal =). Tolkien wrote that Finarfin was friends with the brothers of Earwen, so I decided not to change that.
Finch: As I have mentioned earlier, I do realize my mistake and am dreadfully sorry. I am very well aware that the Sun was the last fruit of Laurelin, and it is called Anar, I shall have to bear that in mind, thanks.
~~~~~*
The pool was so deliciously cool, she thought, as she poked a toe into the water. Finarfin had left her some clothes, mumbling something about them once belonging to his mother. She accepted the clothes graciously.
"Am I keeping you from your feast?" She asked with a worried frown.
"Nay, the feast is of no importance." He replied, dismissing the matter with a simple wave of the hand, ere leaving to give her privacy to clean up.
Still feeling uneasy with the thought of his presence in the house, Earwen stripped and stepped into the pool. As she rubbed her body free of grime and dirt, she was given time to think and contemplate her present situation.
Her father would no doubt be furious when he receives the note, but he would not come after her, Earwen was certain. He knew no harm would befall her in Valinor, not while Mandos was seated upon the throne.
The question was what was she going to do here? True enough, she saw her kindred, just as she wished, but she desired still to know them better, and learn of lore and knowledge through them. And of Finarfin...just thinking of him sent shivers coursing down her spine as his emerald green eyes came to mind, though she knew not why. She had to tread carefully later, when he questioned her, lest she reveal something unintentionally.
Getting out of the water, Earwen hurriedly dried and dressed, before braiding her waist long hair.
She fairly startled to find Finarfin waiting for her outside.
Finarfin cocked a bow in surprise. "Finished so fast?"
"Come." He bade her follow, but whilst walking he firmly etched the image of her in his mind. Eru, she was lovely.
She hastened, for he walked with a stride that she found hard to match.
They went into a large study, filled with shelf loads of books. Earwen softly gasped in awe at the sight. Books on the History of Valinor, of the march across Middle Earth, of the sundering of their kin, Elwe and his people, all of it was there.
Finarfin took delight in the display of emotions across her face, as he saw she was itching to get her hands on the books. Mayhap later, when he was more acquainted with her, would he offer to lend her some. But now, certain matters must be settled.
"So what brings you here, my lady?"
"I came of my own will, desiring to see my other kinsmen, my lord, to meet the Noldor and the Vanyar. I weary of being in Alqualonde all the time."
"I see."
Silence reigned for a while. Finarfin fought hard to control his curiosity. She was much unalike to the other Teleri he knew. They were a lonely people, and kept to themselves. Even Earluin and Earlin refused his invitations to the feast, so why would a mere elf maiden feel any different from the others? Weary of Alqualonde, she said.
"You have my leave to stay in my dwelling for as long as you desire. I would be your guide in Tirion, and mayhap I could bring you to see my parents." His face softened as he spoke of Finwe and Indis, the love he bore for them apparent.
Her heart warmed to him.
"Come, I will take you to see them now, they are at the feast."
Her initial reaction was to say nay. People would wonder where she came from, and more questions would be asked.
But taking one look at Finarfin's face, she saw the eagerness there and had not the heart to refuse him.
~~~~~~~*
'Twas eventide, and the faint sound of harps was heard amidst much singing.
The court was suffused with an ethereal glow of Laurelin. Earwen immersed herself in the song deeply, it seemed to calm her, putting to rest all her fears for the moment.
Finarfin led her to the pavilion, and there sat Finwe, high king of the Noldor. As she beheld his stern countenance, Earwen felt as if she was undergoing inspection.
"She is a distant friend from Alqualonde." Finarfin lied uncomfortably. He was not used to fabricating tales, avoiding the truth, yea, but not lying. No doubt his mother would not fall for it, and he was right.
"And how fares my friend, Olwe?" Finwe asked Earwen.
"He is doing well my lord. "
His wife was beautiful. It suddenly dawned upon her that Indis was of the Vanyar, and Finarfin had inheirited his golden hair from her. 'Twas no wonder he was so fair.' She thought.
Suddenly remembering her manners, Earwen dropped into a curtsy.
"Rise, child, you have naught to fear from us." Earwen lifted her gaze in wonder as Indis spoke.
Her voice.
It was so gentle, so soothing, but what of it that caught her attention was that it reminded her of her mother, Mirwen. Earwen yearned to be in her mother's embrace again. Alas! Her mother had perished during the March across Middle Earth. They would never meet again, unless it be in the Halls of Mandos.
"I see much woe in your eyes, and they speak of pain. You lost someone dear to you. Do I not strike near the truth?"
Earwen nodded numbly, holding back the unshed tears.
"Grieve no longer, daughter of Mirwen, the time for grief is past, let us make merry and leave the woes behind for a while."
Earwen stared at Indis in surprise. How did she know of her identity?
"Thy secret is safe with me." Indis assured her, her eyes full of warmth.
Distant friend from Alqualonde indeed. Indis thought. Finarfin had been to Alqualonde only once before and it was his friends who came to visit him instead of him visiting them. She thought she was seeing Mirwen again when she saw Earwen. Clearly, she understood why Earwen was here, she had her mother's restless desire of exploring other realms and hatred of always being confined in a place. 'Twas that which cost Mirwen her life, Indis remembered sadly.
Throughout the night, Earwen mingled with the Noldor and the Vanyar. Much to her astonishment, they readily accepted her and not once did she feel out of place. Their laughter never ceased to bring her joy, and she danced till she could take it no longer. It was a night to remember.
She met Fingolfin, Finarfin's brother, he was taller and mightier in stature than Finarfin, but had not the same effect Finarfin had on her. Again, she knew not why.
With his presence so near, Earwen found it hard to concentrate on what she was saying, and oft her gaze would travel to him, and their eyes locked, till another interrupted.
He found her enthralling, as she spoke of her home and caused everyone to laugh, even his normally serious father. The mere sight of her dancing, and the flames from the fire illuminating her eyes captivated him.
~~~~~~~*
Twilight settled upon Valinor, at the waning of Laurelin and the waxing of Telperion. The city was bathed in a soft, silver light as the crowd dispersed.
"Shall we adjourn back?" Finarfin held out his arm towards Earwen.
"Yea, my lord."
They walked through open glades, climbed stairs a many, all the while, Earwen was increasingly aware they were alone.
Finarfin felt her tremble beneath his arm and sighed.
"Why do you fear me still?"
Earwen read a smile in his voice and lifted her gaze to his face. He finds her fear amusing, does he? Earwen thought.
"You jest, my lord, I fear you not." She exclaimed haughtily, at the same time straightened her back.
Finarfin, seeing her pride bruised, as it already is, let the matter rest, said naught in answer.
"Alqualonde is a beautiful place, I have yet to understand why you wish to leave it."
"I, too, do not know why I grow weary of dwelling there. My heart is with my people and in Alqualonde, but I desire much to meet other elves, and why is that so? Again, I cannot answer you."
"And you made your way here, alone?"
"Nay, my companion was my steed, and she was as fine as any other escort."
"Indeed." His disbelief was apparent.
"What was the feast held in honour of? Or are the Vanyar and Noldor accustomed to holding this event occasionally for no particular reason?" She inquired.
"'Tis the Feast of Great Rest held in the waning of the year where all work is put aside--- mining, crafting, weaving and building. Except for some, who prefer to forgo it." A dark look briefly passed across his face, ere vanishing and left Earwen wondering if she had imagined it.
"But 'twas naught compared to the festival to be held in honour of Eru. 'Tis to be held on the green slopes of Taniquetil, in the halls if Manwe and Varda. A feast more glorious than any would be held, so the Valar had decreed. The Teleri would be the only group of elves, I am certain, who would not attend."
"Yea, my lord, you speak the truth. But do not discount my people, though they may care little of seasons and times. Their love for the sea is all too great, the sound of waves upon shores like music to our ears. 'Tis not as if they are wholly uncaring to your people. 'Tis because sundering them from the sea would almost be like taking tools and crafts away from the Noldor."
Finarfin fell silent then. He had been to Alqualonde once, to visit his friends. The continuous sound of the sea sounded monotonous to him, until now. Soon, he would be going there again, for he had promised his two brothers to meet their sister, Earwen. But the thought of meeting any other maiden seemed dull and appealed to him no longer ever since he set eyes upon Lady Wen.
Starlight lit her beautiful solemn eyes as she beheld him intently. No elf maiden had ever looked at him in that manner before. 'Twas as if she understood how he felt, and could look into his soul.
"My lady, we have reached." The Lady Wen withdrew her hand, and that was when he realized she had stopped trembling moments ago when she had spoken so earnestly in defence of her people.
Finarfin looked forward to spending another day with this intriguing Lady. Living alone unwed was dull, as third son of the High King he would never expect kingship to come to him. Not that he wanted it. Finarfin delighted part in knowledge, part in all that has breadth of life, and all that contributed to the glory of Valinor. These he loved.
But there was no one he could share these thoughts with, unless it be this Lady Wen. Which brought back a few questions. Why was she so secretive of her name? He noted she bore herself regally, indicating her high birth, but that did naught to help him identify her.
"The stars of Tintalle are beautiful, are they not?" She whispered softly, as she gazed awestruck at the sky decorated with stars innumerable, shining with everlasting light.
'Especially when they are refleted in your eyes' Finarfin wanted to say, but did not.
"Yea, were they not the first things the Quendi beheld when they awoke in darkness? The light they give kindles hope in a weary heart." He replied instead.
~~~~~~~*
When she retreated to the chamber, she tried to make up her mind how long she would stay. Part of her wanted to go to the festival Finarfin spoke of, but then decided not to cause her father ceaseless worry. But as she debated forth, Finarfin constantly interrupted her thoughts. Ever and anon his fair and handsome face would appear in her mind.
She dreamt of him.
~~~~~~~*
Stearchia: Thanks for reviewing, Finarfin's character was not clearly defined by Tolkien either. But I like him for turning back and seeking the pardon of the Valar. In my story, Finarfin met Earlin and Earluin during the march westward in Arda. He never met Earwen due to some other circumstances that I choose not to reveal =). Tolkien wrote that Finarfin was friends with the brothers of Earwen, so I decided not to change that.
Finch: As I have mentioned earlier, I do realize my mistake and am dreadfully sorry. I am very well aware that the Sun was the last fruit of Laurelin, and it is called Anar, I shall have to bear that in mind, thanks.
~~~~~*
The pool was so deliciously cool, she thought, as she poked a toe into the water. Finarfin had left her some clothes, mumbling something about them once belonging to his mother. She accepted the clothes graciously.
"Am I keeping you from your feast?" She asked with a worried frown.
"Nay, the feast is of no importance." He replied, dismissing the matter with a simple wave of the hand, ere leaving to give her privacy to clean up.
Still feeling uneasy with the thought of his presence in the house, Earwen stripped and stepped into the pool. As she rubbed her body free of grime and dirt, she was given time to think and contemplate her present situation.
Her father would no doubt be furious when he receives the note, but he would not come after her, Earwen was certain. He knew no harm would befall her in Valinor, not while Mandos was seated upon the throne.
The question was what was she going to do here? True enough, she saw her kindred, just as she wished, but she desired still to know them better, and learn of lore and knowledge through them. And of Finarfin...just thinking of him sent shivers coursing down her spine as his emerald green eyes came to mind, though she knew not why. She had to tread carefully later, when he questioned her, lest she reveal something unintentionally.
Getting out of the water, Earwen hurriedly dried and dressed, before braiding her waist long hair.
She fairly startled to find Finarfin waiting for her outside.
Finarfin cocked a bow in surprise. "Finished so fast?"
"Come." He bade her follow, but whilst walking he firmly etched the image of her in his mind. Eru, she was lovely.
She hastened, for he walked with a stride that she found hard to match.
They went into a large study, filled with shelf loads of books. Earwen softly gasped in awe at the sight. Books on the History of Valinor, of the march across Middle Earth, of the sundering of their kin, Elwe and his people, all of it was there.
Finarfin took delight in the display of emotions across her face, as he saw she was itching to get her hands on the books. Mayhap later, when he was more acquainted with her, would he offer to lend her some. But now, certain matters must be settled.
"So what brings you here, my lady?"
"I came of my own will, desiring to see my other kinsmen, my lord, to meet the Noldor and the Vanyar. I weary of being in Alqualonde all the time."
"I see."
Silence reigned for a while. Finarfin fought hard to control his curiosity. She was much unalike to the other Teleri he knew. They were a lonely people, and kept to themselves. Even Earluin and Earlin refused his invitations to the feast, so why would a mere elf maiden feel any different from the others? Weary of Alqualonde, she said.
"You have my leave to stay in my dwelling for as long as you desire. I would be your guide in Tirion, and mayhap I could bring you to see my parents." His face softened as he spoke of Finwe and Indis, the love he bore for them apparent.
Her heart warmed to him.
"Come, I will take you to see them now, they are at the feast."
Her initial reaction was to say nay. People would wonder where she came from, and more questions would be asked.
But taking one look at Finarfin's face, she saw the eagerness there and had not the heart to refuse him.
~~~~~~~*
'Twas eventide, and the faint sound of harps was heard amidst much singing.
The court was suffused with an ethereal glow of Laurelin. Earwen immersed herself in the song deeply, it seemed to calm her, putting to rest all her fears for the moment.
Finarfin led her to the pavilion, and there sat Finwe, high king of the Noldor. As she beheld his stern countenance, Earwen felt as if she was undergoing inspection.
"She is a distant friend from Alqualonde." Finarfin lied uncomfortably. He was not used to fabricating tales, avoiding the truth, yea, but not lying. No doubt his mother would not fall for it, and he was right.
"And how fares my friend, Olwe?" Finwe asked Earwen.
"He is doing well my lord. "
His wife was beautiful. It suddenly dawned upon her that Indis was of the Vanyar, and Finarfin had inheirited his golden hair from her. 'Twas no wonder he was so fair.' She thought.
Suddenly remembering her manners, Earwen dropped into a curtsy.
"Rise, child, you have naught to fear from us." Earwen lifted her gaze in wonder as Indis spoke.
Her voice.
It was so gentle, so soothing, but what of it that caught her attention was that it reminded her of her mother, Mirwen. Earwen yearned to be in her mother's embrace again. Alas! Her mother had perished during the March across Middle Earth. They would never meet again, unless it be in the Halls of Mandos.
"I see much woe in your eyes, and they speak of pain. You lost someone dear to you. Do I not strike near the truth?"
Earwen nodded numbly, holding back the unshed tears.
"Grieve no longer, daughter of Mirwen, the time for grief is past, let us make merry and leave the woes behind for a while."
Earwen stared at Indis in surprise. How did she know of her identity?
"Thy secret is safe with me." Indis assured her, her eyes full of warmth.
Distant friend from Alqualonde indeed. Indis thought. Finarfin had been to Alqualonde only once before and it was his friends who came to visit him instead of him visiting them. She thought she was seeing Mirwen again when she saw Earwen. Clearly, she understood why Earwen was here, she had her mother's restless desire of exploring other realms and hatred of always being confined in a place. 'Twas that which cost Mirwen her life, Indis remembered sadly.
Throughout the night, Earwen mingled with the Noldor and the Vanyar. Much to her astonishment, they readily accepted her and not once did she feel out of place. Their laughter never ceased to bring her joy, and she danced till she could take it no longer. It was a night to remember.
She met Fingolfin, Finarfin's brother, he was taller and mightier in stature than Finarfin, but had not the same effect Finarfin had on her. Again, she knew not why.
With his presence so near, Earwen found it hard to concentrate on what she was saying, and oft her gaze would travel to him, and their eyes locked, till another interrupted.
He found her enthralling, as she spoke of her home and caused everyone to laugh, even his normally serious father. The mere sight of her dancing, and the flames from the fire illuminating her eyes captivated him.
~~~~~~~*
Twilight settled upon Valinor, at the waning of Laurelin and the waxing of Telperion. The city was bathed in a soft, silver light as the crowd dispersed.
"Shall we adjourn back?" Finarfin held out his arm towards Earwen.
"Yea, my lord."
They walked through open glades, climbed stairs a many, all the while, Earwen was increasingly aware they were alone.
Finarfin felt her tremble beneath his arm and sighed.
"Why do you fear me still?"
Earwen read a smile in his voice and lifted her gaze to his face. He finds her fear amusing, does he? Earwen thought.
"You jest, my lord, I fear you not." She exclaimed haughtily, at the same time straightened her back.
Finarfin, seeing her pride bruised, as it already is, let the matter rest, said naught in answer.
"Alqualonde is a beautiful place, I have yet to understand why you wish to leave it."
"I, too, do not know why I grow weary of dwelling there. My heart is with my people and in Alqualonde, but I desire much to meet other elves, and why is that so? Again, I cannot answer you."
"And you made your way here, alone?"
"Nay, my companion was my steed, and she was as fine as any other escort."
"Indeed." His disbelief was apparent.
"What was the feast held in honour of? Or are the Vanyar and Noldor accustomed to holding this event occasionally for no particular reason?" She inquired.
"'Tis the Feast of Great Rest held in the waning of the year where all work is put aside--- mining, crafting, weaving and building. Except for some, who prefer to forgo it." A dark look briefly passed across his face, ere vanishing and left Earwen wondering if she had imagined it.
"But 'twas naught compared to the festival to be held in honour of Eru. 'Tis to be held on the green slopes of Taniquetil, in the halls if Manwe and Varda. A feast more glorious than any would be held, so the Valar had decreed. The Teleri would be the only group of elves, I am certain, who would not attend."
"Yea, my lord, you speak the truth. But do not discount my people, though they may care little of seasons and times. Their love for the sea is all too great, the sound of waves upon shores like music to our ears. 'Tis not as if they are wholly uncaring to your people. 'Tis because sundering them from the sea would almost be like taking tools and crafts away from the Noldor."
Finarfin fell silent then. He had been to Alqualonde once, to visit his friends. The continuous sound of the sea sounded monotonous to him, until now. Soon, he would be going there again, for he had promised his two brothers to meet their sister, Earwen. But the thought of meeting any other maiden seemed dull and appealed to him no longer ever since he set eyes upon Lady Wen.
Starlight lit her beautiful solemn eyes as she beheld him intently. No elf maiden had ever looked at him in that manner before. 'Twas as if she understood how he felt, and could look into his soul.
"My lady, we have reached." The Lady Wen withdrew her hand, and that was when he realized she had stopped trembling moments ago when she had spoken so earnestly in defence of her people.
Finarfin looked forward to spending another day with this intriguing Lady. Living alone unwed was dull, as third son of the High King he would never expect kingship to come to him. Not that he wanted it. Finarfin delighted part in knowledge, part in all that has breadth of life, and all that contributed to the glory of Valinor. These he loved.
But there was no one he could share these thoughts with, unless it be this Lady Wen. Which brought back a few questions. Why was she so secretive of her name? He noted she bore herself regally, indicating her high birth, but that did naught to help him identify her.
"The stars of Tintalle are beautiful, are they not?" She whispered softly, as she gazed awestruck at the sky decorated with stars innumerable, shining with everlasting light.
'Especially when they are refleted in your eyes' Finarfin wanted to say, but did not.
"Yea, were they not the first things the Quendi beheld when they awoke in darkness? The light they give kindles hope in a weary heart." He replied instead.
~~~~~~~*
When she retreated to the chamber, she tried to make up her mind how long she would stay. Part of her wanted to go to the festival Finarfin spoke of, but then decided not to cause her father ceaseless worry. But as she debated forth, Finarfin constantly interrupted her thoughts. Ever and anon his fair and handsome face would appear in her mind.
She dreamt of him.
~~~~~~~*