Chapter 2: Ends and Beginnings
Lhorrindel turned away, unable to mask the grief in her face. "I have felt that pull as well. I agree, as much as I will miss my little boy."
"I have only his happiness in mind. He will fair better in the realm of the elves; I am sure of it."
Eladlín chose this moment to enter the throne room. "What will we have for dinner Mama?" he asked.
"You have to ask Laurelin, Eladlín. I need talk to your father."
Eladlín had heard more "grown-up" conversations than he cared to count. They always had something to do with trouble, but it never concerned him. He listened for a few minutes, lost interest, and trotted off into the kitchen. A large friendly woman stood tossing meat in a frying pan. She looked down to see Eladlín tugging gently on her skirt.
"Why hello little master! What can I get for you this evening?"
"Hullo Laurelin. What have you made for dinner tonight?"
"Why, only your favorite meal! Stewed rabbit with potatoes, carrots, and a bit of cabbage."
"Thank you Laurelin!" squeaked Eladlín, reaching out and hugging her legs.
She smiled softly, "Go on, little master. Sit down with your parents, and I shall bring it out in a minute."
"Are you sure you can carry it all?" he asked, looking dubiously at the large pot.
"I can manage better than you can, little master. Besides, I have Cerin (another servant) to help me. Now hurry and meet your parents before you are late! I see no need to anger Lord Elros again."
"Yes Laurelin." replied Eladlín as he turned to go back to his parents. He entered the dining room to find it filled with the usual evening crowd. He bowed courteously to the ladies and shook hands with the gentlemen. They all commented on how much he had grown and what a proper little lad he was. Inwardly he grimaced at the fake compliments, but to the world he smiled graciously and moved slowly towards his seat; only to find his father occupying it. "Papa?" he asked.
"Come, Eladlín. It is high time you learned your place in the world."
Eladlín cocked his head, unsure of his father's meaning. Elros stood and offered his hand. "Come quickly, or we shall be late." He led Eladlín up to the head of the largest table, where two chairs had been squeezed together.
"Oh Papa! You mean..."
"Yes. You will eat with me at the high table tonight."
"Thank you!" exclaimed Eladlín. His tiny face glowed with pride as he took his seat next to his father. Even Lhorrindel was not allowed to sit at the high table; it was reserved for men with pressing business. Laurelin and Cerin brought forth the pot from the kitchen and walked around ladling stew into bowls. Eladlín and Elros were the first to be served. Laurelin made sure Eladlín got an extra lump of potatoes. He grinned at her. "Look at me!" he whispered, "I am all grown-up now!"
She laughed, "Indeed you are little master." and ruffled his hair.
The meal progressed uneventfully. Eladlín did not speak again for some time because the matters discussed to not seem to concern his family, and he was unsure of what to say. Finally, long after the stew had grown cold, his father spoke of boats. Eladlín's ears grew keen, and he listened intently to conversation.
"It is high time we send a return voyage to the Old World. We should not sever the ties with our brothers."
"Aye!" called another, "We are in need of supplies from that land. We should send a trading ship."
"Aye!" they chorused. "You have great wisdom, Lord Elros."
"But who should captain the ship? And who should go?" questioned one of the wealthier merchants.
"I will remain here, for I must govern our people. My son will take my place."
Upon hearing his name, Eladlín's eyes grew wide and his mouth moved soundlessly. After a few minutes, he found his voice, "My, my Lord..." he said, barely remembering his father's proper name.
Elros smiled at him. "I believe Siriondil should captain the ship. You shall accompany Siriondil as his companion, Eladlín."
He stared at Elros in unflattering disbelief. "Are, are you sure, my Lord?"
"Very sure." replied Elros as the evening bell rang. "But I have kept you long enough my friends. We shall discuss this further another day." He rose, thus signaling the end to the meal. "Good evening gentlemen."
"Good evening, my Lord." they replied as they collected their wives and their coats. Within a few minutes, the room had emptied.
"Mama! Mama!" cried Eladlín, "Did you hear Papa? I'm going to see the elves!"
Lhorrindel crouched down and hugged her boy. "I know dear. I think it is wonderful!"
"'Tis more than wonderful...it is...it is...amazing!"
Elros walked over to join them. "Papa!" yelled Eladlín, freeing himself from his mother's embrace. Elros had just looked down when a small brown bullet hit his legs hard enough to knock him over. Slowly Eladlín reached up his father's body and gripped his shoulders tightly. "I love you, my Papa."
Elros' heart leaped. He had waited so long to hear those simple words. Eladlín had always been very distant from him; he had not embraced him, never mind kissed him, since he was a small babe. He stood with Eladlín still attached to his shoulders. "I love you too, my little boy."
Eladlín looked up at him and beamed before burying his head back into Elros' shoulder. "Thank you Papa." said a small muffled voice. Lhorrindel had watched this scene with a mixed emotion. She was glad to finally see a bond between her son and her husband, yet sad that it came as her son left their home. She reached out and put her hand on Elros' shoulder. "I believe it is time for bed." she told him, motioning towards Eladlín. "Will you take care of him?"
"Yes, yes I want Papa." said Eladlín. Elros smiled yet again and walked off. He put Eladlín down on his bed, and turned around while he put on his nightgown.
"Alright Papa."
Elros watched his son climb into bed. "What does your mother normally do?" asked Elros, for he had never put the boy to bed before.
"She reads me a story and tucks me in."
"Well, what story would you like me to read?"
"I care not. You may pick."
Elros thought for a moment, and then began the tale of Elwing and Earendil.
"And off he sailed into the heavens." he finished.
Eladlín had grown very sleepy. "Mama never told me that one. Is it a story, Papa? Or did it really happen? You sound like you knew them."
"Of course it is just a story, Eladlín."
"Hmm" he yawned, "'Night Papa."
"Goodnight Eladlín." replied Elros, but the child had already fallen asleep. Elros tucked the covers around him and kissed his forehead. Eladlín stirred gently and mumbled "Your beard tickles." Elros backed quietly out of the room to find his wife in the doorway,
"He is so peaceful when he sleeps." he said.
"Aye, I often leave our bed in the middle of the night to watch him."
"Really?"
"Of course. Why did you think I leave?"
"Well...I have not exactly been the most loving spouse." Elros frowned, but Lhorrindel took his hands.
"You are my husband. And I will love you with all of my heart no matter what happens. I trust you."
Elros smiled gently as she yawned. "Come, it has been a long day."
~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, a young blond man stood nervously in the courtyard. His name was Siriondil, and he had been called before Lord Elros, though he did not know why. Siriondil was of a stocky stature, with hard, callused hands from his work as a mariner. Cerin stepped out into the doorway. "Come forth, master Siriondil!" he called, "The Lord has requested your presence." Siriondil's face paled as he followed Cerin inside. Lord Elros sat at a large wooden table, surrounded by charts and lists. His lined faced glanced up at Siriondil as he walked in. "Sit down, my lad, sit." he told him, motioning to another seat. Siriondil sat perched upon it apprehensively. His Lord looked older than he had ever seen him. Elros sighed as he laid down the last chart. "Whatever shall I do?" he muttered.
"My sir, may I ask why I have been called before you?" asked Siriondil timidly.
"Aye, I am sorry to have kept you Siriondil. I have a favor to ask of you."
Siriondil breathed a sign of relief. Apparently he didn't know about Saturday night. "Anything my Lord."
"I would not rush into this if I were you. We shall send a ship away to the Old World* within the New Year. I ask you to captain it."
"Of course my Lord! I will do it, and gladly!"
"Are you sure?" he gave Siriondil a slightly skeptical look.
"Aye, my Lord! I have family there, and I have always wanted to see the old life, as my parents reminisce about it often."
"Well, this journey may be more than you bargain for."
"What do you mean?"
"I need you to take my son to the Elven refuge of Lindon, and find Elrond. You must leave Eladlín in his care, if Eladlín is happy there."
"And how will I know if he is content?"
"That decision I leave to you. He is not meant for a life among men, for I believe he is more elvish than my brother is! After you have seen the elves, you need to come back to the ship and return to Numenor. If you still decide to do accept my request, then know that I will place my son's life in your hands."
"Aye, or so it would seem." He looked down into his lap and massaged his bare chin. "You are sure I will be able to return?"
"Unless something happens that is unforeseen, yes."
"Then I will take him."
End of chapter 2 *Hmm what WOULD they have called Middle-Earth? I guess I'll go with the Columbus approach (Old World, New World, get it? haha...right then). Just to add in a few pronunciation notes, Eladlín is E-La-d-Lin (short a, short i). Papa is PA-pa, with the emphasis on the first syllable, same with Mama. Siriondil is Sear-ron-dil. Laurelin is Lore-l-lin.
You know those signs in the zoo that say, "don't feed the monkeys"? Well, they never created a sign that said, "don't feed the writers", so send me a review! I am a hungry little girl! one last note~ I looked up a few new names, and edited out all the conjunctions. I also did a bit a of research on the olden days~ Elrond would have been in Lindon, and that was also the main port in those days, but I'm going to have them land at Edhellond which is a small seaport originally run by men, then taken over (well, the men fled) by elves. By now, elves would have resided there, so its elves who they'll meet. OK, that's it. thanks for all the constructive reviews.
Lhorrindel turned away, unable to mask the grief in her face. "I have felt that pull as well. I agree, as much as I will miss my little boy."
"I have only his happiness in mind. He will fair better in the realm of the elves; I am sure of it."
Eladlín chose this moment to enter the throne room. "What will we have for dinner Mama?" he asked.
"You have to ask Laurelin, Eladlín. I need talk to your father."
Eladlín had heard more "grown-up" conversations than he cared to count. They always had something to do with trouble, but it never concerned him. He listened for a few minutes, lost interest, and trotted off into the kitchen. A large friendly woman stood tossing meat in a frying pan. She looked down to see Eladlín tugging gently on her skirt.
"Why hello little master! What can I get for you this evening?"
"Hullo Laurelin. What have you made for dinner tonight?"
"Why, only your favorite meal! Stewed rabbit with potatoes, carrots, and a bit of cabbage."
"Thank you Laurelin!" squeaked Eladlín, reaching out and hugging her legs.
She smiled softly, "Go on, little master. Sit down with your parents, and I shall bring it out in a minute."
"Are you sure you can carry it all?" he asked, looking dubiously at the large pot.
"I can manage better than you can, little master. Besides, I have Cerin (another servant) to help me. Now hurry and meet your parents before you are late! I see no need to anger Lord Elros again."
"Yes Laurelin." replied Eladlín as he turned to go back to his parents. He entered the dining room to find it filled with the usual evening crowd. He bowed courteously to the ladies and shook hands with the gentlemen. They all commented on how much he had grown and what a proper little lad he was. Inwardly he grimaced at the fake compliments, but to the world he smiled graciously and moved slowly towards his seat; only to find his father occupying it. "Papa?" he asked.
"Come, Eladlín. It is high time you learned your place in the world."
Eladlín cocked his head, unsure of his father's meaning. Elros stood and offered his hand. "Come quickly, or we shall be late." He led Eladlín up to the head of the largest table, where two chairs had been squeezed together.
"Oh Papa! You mean..."
"Yes. You will eat with me at the high table tonight."
"Thank you!" exclaimed Eladlín. His tiny face glowed with pride as he took his seat next to his father. Even Lhorrindel was not allowed to sit at the high table; it was reserved for men with pressing business. Laurelin and Cerin brought forth the pot from the kitchen and walked around ladling stew into bowls. Eladlín and Elros were the first to be served. Laurelin made sure Eladlín got an extra lump of potatoes. He grinned at her. "Look at me!" he whispered, "I am all grown-up now!"
She laughed, "Indeed you are little master." and ruffled his hair.
The meal progressed uneventfully. Eladlín did not speak again for some time because the matters discussed to not seem to concern his family, and he was unsure of what to say. Finally, long after the stew had grown cold, his father spoke of boats. Eladlín's ears grew keen, and he listened intently to conversation.
"It is high time we send a return voyage to the Old World. We should not sever the ties with our brothers."
"Aye!" called another, "We are in need of supplies from that land. We should send a trading ship."
"Aye!" they chorused. "You have great wisdom, Lord Elros."
"But who should captain the ship? And who should go?" questioned one of the wealthier merchants.
"I will remain here, for I must govern our people. My son will take my place."
Upon hearing his name, Eladlín's eyes grew wide and his mouth moved soundlessly. After a few minutes, he found his voice, "My, my Lord..." he said, barely remembering his father's proper name.
Elros smiled at him. "I believe Siriondil should captain the ship. You shall accompany Siriondil as his companion, Eladlín."
He stared at Elros in unflattering disbelief. "Are, are you sure, my Lord?"
"Very sure." replied Elros as the evening bell rang. "But I have kept you long enough my friends. We shall discuss this further another day." He rose, thus signaling the end to the meal. "Good evening gentlemen."
"Good evening, my Lord." they replied as they collected their wives and their coats. Within a few minutes, the room had emptied.
"Mama! Mama!" cried Eladlín, "Did you hear Papa? I'm going to see the elves!"
Lhorrindel crouched down and hugged her boy. "I know dear. I think it is wonderful!"
"'Tis more than wonderful...it is...it is...amazing!"
Elros walked over to join them. "Papa!" yelled Eladlín, freeing himself from his mother's embrace. Elros had just looked down when a small brown bullet hit his legs hard enough to knock him over. Slowly Eladlín reached up his father's body and gripped his shoulders tightly. "I love you, my Papa."
Elros' heart leaped. He had waited so long to hear those simple words. Eladlín had always been very distant from him; he had not embraced him, never mind kissed him, since he was a small babe. He stood with Eladlín still attached to his shoulders. "I love you too, my little boy."
Eladlín looked up at him and beamed before burying his head back into Elros' shoulder. "Thank you Papa." said a small muffled voice. Lhorrindel had watched this scene with a mixed emotion. She was glad to finally see a bond between her son and her husband, yet sad that it came as her son left their home. She reached out and put her hand on Elros' shoulder. "I believe it is time for bed." she told him, motioning towards Eladlín. "Will you take care of him?"
"Yes, yes I want Papa." said Eladlín. Elros smiled yet again and walked off. He put Eladlín down on his bed, and turned around while he put on his nightgown.
"Alright Papa."
Elros watched his son climb into bed. "What does your mother normally do?" asked Elros, for he had never put the boy to bed before.
"She reads me a story and tucks me in."
"Well, what story would you like me to read?"
"I care not. You may pick."
Elros thought for a moment, and then began the tale of Elwing and Earendil.
"And off he sailed into the heavens." he finished.
Eladlín had grown very sleepy. "Mama never told me that one. Is it a story, Papa? Or did it really happen? You sound like you knew them."
"Of course it is just a story, Eladlín."
"Hmm" he yawned, "'Night Papa."
"Goodnight Eladlín." replied Elros, but the child had already fallen asleep. Elros tucked the covers around him and kissed his forehead. Eladlín stirred gently and mumbled "Your beard tickles." Elros backed quietly out of the room to find his wife in the doorway,
"He is so peaceful when he sleeps." he said.
"Aye, I often leave our bed in the middle of the night to watch him."
"Really?"
"Of course. Why did you think I leave?"
"Well...I have not exactly been the most loving spouse." Elros frowned, but Lhorrindel took his hands.
"You are my husband. And I will love you with all of my heart no matter what happens. I trust you."
Elros smiled gently as she yawned. "Come, it has been a long day."
~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, a young blond man stood nervously in the courtyard. His name was Siriondil, and he had been called before Lord Elros, though he did not know why. Siriondil was of a stocky stature, with hard, callused hands from his work as a mariner. Cerin stepped out into the doorway. "Come forth, master Siriondil!" he called, "The Lord has requested your presence." Siriondil's face paled as he followed Cerin inside. Lord Elros sat at a large wooden table, surrounded by charts and lists. His lined faced glanced up at Siriondil as he walked in. "Sit down, my lad, sit." he told him, motioning to another seat. Siriondil sat perched upon it apprehensively. His Lord looked older than he had ever seen him. Elros sighed as he laid down the last chart. "Whatever shall I do?" he muttered.
"My sir, may I ask why I have been called before you?" asked Siriondil timidly.
"Aye, I am sorry to have kept you Siriondil. I have a favor to ask of you."
Siriondil breathed a sign of relief. Apparently he didn't know about Saturday night. "Anything my Lord."
"I would not rush into this if I were you. We shall send a ship away to the Old World* within the New Year. I ask you to captain it."
"Of course my Lord! I will do it, and gladly!"
"Are you sure?" he gave Siriondil a slightly skeptical look.
"Aye, my Lord! I have family there, and I have always wanted to see the old life, as my parents reminisce about it often."
"Well, this journey may be more than you bargain for."
"What do you mean?"
"I need you to take my son to the Elven refuge of Lindon, and find Elrond. You must leave Eladlín in his care, if Eladlín is happy there."
"And how will I know if he is content?"
"That decision I leave to you. He is not meant for a life among men, for I believe he is more elvish than my brother is! After you have seen the elves, you need to come back to the ship and return to Numenor. If you still decide to do accept my request, then know that I will place my son's life in your hands."
"Aye, or so it would seem." He looked down into his lap and massaged his bare chin. "You are sure I will be able to return?"
"Unless something happens that is unforeseen, yes."
"Then I will take him."
End of chapter 2 *Hmm what WOULD they have called Middle-Earth? I guess I'll go with the Columbus approach (Old World, New World, get it? haha...right then). Just to add in a few pronunciation notes, Eladlín is E-La-d-Lin (short a, short i). Papa is PA-pa, with the emphasis on the first syllable, same with Mama. Siriondil is Sear-ron-dil. Laurelin is Lore-l-lin.
You know those signs in the zoo that say, "don't feed the monkeys"? Well, they never created a sign that said, "don't feed the writers", so send me a review! I am a hungry little girl! one last note~ I looked up a few new names, and edited out all the conjunctions. I also did a bit a of research on the olden days~ Elrond would have been in Lindon, and that was also the main port in those days, but I'm going to have them land at Edhellond which is a small seaport originally run by men, then taken over (well, the men fled) by elves. By now, elves would have resided there, so its elves who they'll meet. OK, that's it. thanks for all the constructive reviews.