Chapter 6 WS
The Sailor.
To be honest, some weeks ago when Aunt Aredhel had asked me, with Manwe's approval, to sail to the lands of Middle-earth in search of Cousin Maeglin, I doubted the wisdom of this act. Maeglin's betrayal of Gondolin was evil, but more than that I doubted even after all this time that he could have changed, and be capable of the sort of self-sacrifice that is required for his redemption, and for his punishment to end.
Yet I could not disobey Manwe's directive. So, I prepared for a short journey to Middle-earth, and amongst many things I packed was Aunt Aredhel's letter to Maeglin, a letter that she hopes will persuade him to come home.
My mother too, had said I must bring our cousin home safe.
'Why now?' I had asked.
'Because Manwe says he must. He is the last of the Noldor in Middle- earth, and it is time for him to come home,' she had replied, and hugged me. 'Be careful, my son. Middle-earth was always a dangerous place, and it is no doubt much changed from when we dwelt there. Oh, and Elrond is going with you.'
I'd questioned that, but Mother had laughed and said I'd find out why. Then Father had given me a message for Maeglin too, and said he wished he could come with us. Of course, he can't. Being a full mortal there is a chance that being back in Middle-earth for who knows how long could affect him even though he has been granted elven immortality. That is too great a risk for Father to take.
I had asked my dear wife to accompany us, but Elwing said Middle- earth held nothing but sorrow for her. I can understand that, as I can understand why she is so frightened that ill will befall Elrond and I; for what purpose, she says. To save a traitor, an evil man, it is just not worth the risk, she says. She wept when she farewelled us, clinging to me.
Now as I kneel in the dust, beside Maeglin and the beautiful blonde mortal maid he nearly died to save, I realise that Mother was right. Maeglin has changed, for all his concern seems to be for Mandy, and what she wants.
But what to do with her?
The Healer.
My father is as bemused as I. I admit I hadn't thought beyond saving Maeglin when we arrived, but now there are difficulties. Maeglin is right when he says Mandy might be blamed for killing the dead man and then there is simply the problem that she's seen us. Seen us, and might tell people who could start looking for that which they shouldn't find, Elves. And not just any elves, but the High Elves of Valinor, and the land we live in.
I twist Vilya on my finger, not for the first time wishing the destruction of the One hadn't removed all it's powers, for if Vilya was still powerful I could have removed Mandy's memories. Then, looking at the frightened young maid, I wished Celebrian were here, for she could have calmed Mandy.
Maeglin is resting comfortably and I know he will sleep for some time from the sleeping potion I gave him. This leaves the matter of Mandy.
'Don't be so afraid,' I said. 'We are Maeglin's kinsmen, and we are not here to harm either he or you.'
'I know that, but what happens now?' she asks, a bewildered look on her pretty face. 'I don't even know your name.'
'Elrond, my dear.' I find myself patting her hand consolingly for there is something about her wide-eyed white face that makes me feel protective of her almost in the same way I used to feel protective about Arwen..
'Earendil is my father, and Maeglin is our cousin. We will take him home to Valinor, to his family.'
'So, what happens to me? I don't want to go home, and I don't to blamed for his death (she points at the dead man) and maybe jailed for years.'
Poor child, she is so frightened. Surely, such a young maid wouldn't be punished for the death of piece of trash like that? Then, mortals do strange things at times.
'This will require some thought, my dear, what happens to you. Right now, why don't you drink this, and try to sleep a little.'
'But Firefly,' she whispers.
'Your mare is on board, and we are going somewhere safe to anchor quietly for a few days. Many things, including your future, will be discussed and decided.'
Mandy finishes her drink, which does contain something to make her sleep, and I tuck a warm blanket comfortably about her. She looks so small and young asleep. Then, I go to see if Father needs company as he expertly sets the sails. Vingilot of course, is set up for one man to handle, but I enjoy the wind and sight of the wind filling the sails, and yes, Father does like company after all his long lonely journeys.
The Smith.
Slowly I wake, becoming aware of the deep painful ache in my chest. I move a little, wincing, and realise that the person sitting by my side, holding my hand is Mandy, and that I must be on board a ship. How I know this, I don't know, but I'm sure.
'Hello Mandy, I didn't expect to see you again.' I left her hand to my lips, and kiss it softly. 'It is wonderful to that you are here.'
'Hi Maeglin, how do you feel?'
'Better now I've seen you are here,' her hand is now smoothing my hair back from my face, and I close my eyes, enjoying her affectionate caress.
'You really worried me, Maeglin, you nearly died,' she whispers.
'I had me worried, too, Mandy,' I smile, trying to lighten her humour.
She says nothing, but smiles, 'I think Elrond and Earendil want to talk to you, now you're awake so I'll go get them.'
Soon, my cousin's son who I last saw as a young lad is sitting by my bed, and his dark-haired son too. I am feeling slightly defensive right now, as I don't know what they want.
As direct as ever he was as a child, Earendil speaks first, 'you are recovering, Maeglin.' He shifts in his chair, and stares directly at me, 'for all these years I have been angry with you, kinsman, and in my mind my child's memories held a picture of you as some kind of monster. I see I'm wrong, you are just a man.'
Earendil still stares at me from light blue eyes just like his mother's. I have the disconcerting feeling he is looking into my soul. 'Do you want us to take you to Valinor? To face everyone you betrayed, Maeglin?'
What a question. How to answer it. Once I would have picked at the blanket and ignored the question like a spoiled child. In my years of solitude I had done a lot of thinking, and now well, I know I should answer. I raise my eyes back to Earendil's 'Yes. Anything would be better than going back to that cave, alone. I will face the anger and hate of those I betrayed.'
A brilliant smiles appears on Earendil's face, 'That's wonderful, Maeglin!' He smiles again, 'Aunt Aredhel will be delighted,' and he hands me a letter.
I take it, puzzled. Then I recognise the handwriting; Mother's! Eagerly I read it, and then slowly fold it again. Mother has said much, and given me a lot to think on, but the biggest shock is that she has a new husband and I have a brother and a sister!
'I have a brother and a sister!' Even to myself my I sound disbelieving.
'Yes,' nods Earendil. 'Yes, Melde and Alasseon. They are very keen to meet you. I am sure you will love them both, and that they will love you.'
'What of my father?'
Elrond answers me, 'Eol never went to the Halls of Mandos, Maeglin. When Beleriand was destroyed in the War of Wrath it is assumed Eol's soul might have been destroyed too, but no one really knows.' The tone Elrond uses is the one used by people who are used to giving bad news. Strangely I feel nothing, I am just numb. Father is no more. I was sure he would not have been foolish enough to refuse Mandos' summons, but he ever was a stubborn man.
'I see.'
'All this is rather a shock,' says Elrond, soothingly. 'Perhaps you should have another rest and we can talk more later.'
As I've learned that healers are stubborn people, I agree to have a short rest. Besides, talking was more tiring than I'd anticipated.
The Mortal.
I wake, and go for a walk carefully, looking for Firefly. I find her standing in a little yard. With the timber rails still clean and sweet smelling it is obviously new. She seems happy enough with a large pile of hay to entertain her, but I spend a few minutes talking to her, and patting her.
Earendil's voice behind me startles me badly, but Firefly doesn't react and I wonder if it's because she likes him or because she somehow knows he's related to Maeglin.
'How are you, Amanda?' he says softly, and I stare, startled again. How on earth does he know my proper name is Amanda, not Mandy?
He laughs, 'Elrond told me your proper name. He says it is a very old name.'
'Um, yes, it is, but I've never liked it. I've always preferred Mandy but your accent makes Amanda sound so pretty I don't mind!'
Earendil laughs again. He seems very cheerful as he gives a long sort of sideways look, 'Where do you want to go, Amanda, and what do you want to do? You have knowledge of our existence, and to most of the mortals in this world, we are UFO's or aliens and you know we are real, and who we are; you could make a lot of trouble for my people.'
'I would never do anything to make trouble for you, Earendil!' I say, rather angrily. How dare he think that!!
'I don't mean you'd do anything deliberately, Amanda. A few wrong words, an attempt to contact us again could lead to disaster. Elrond believes we should leave you in a land far from your home where you can't be found and held responsible for your stepfather's death. I don't think that's practical; we need another solution.'
My breath comes short now, and my throat seems closed as I force out words, 'Like what?'
'Don't be frightened, child, I mean simply to take you with us; to extend the invitation Manwe offered. For you to live in Valinor until the day comes that your mortal form will fail you and your spirit leaves this world. Would you live among the elves Amanda?'
Stunned, I can't answer immediately, 'I need time to think.'
'Very well, take all the time you need, Elrond or I will answer any questions you might think of.'
With that, he left me alone, to think.
The Sailor.
To be honest, some weeks ago when Aunt Aredhel had asked me, with Manwe's approval, to sail to the lands of Middle-earth in search of Cousin Maeglin, I doubted the wisdom of this act. Maeglin's betrayal of Gondolin was evil, but more than that I doubted even after all this time that he could have changed, and be capable of the sort of self-sacrifice that is required for his redemption, and for his punishment to end.
Yet I could not disobey Manwe's directive. So, I prepared for a short journey to Middle-earth, and amongst many things I packed was Aunt Aredhel's letter to Maeglin, a letter that she hopes will persuade him to come home.
My mother too, had said I must bring our cousin home safe.
'Why now?' I had asked.
'Because Manwe says he must. He is the last of the Noldor in Middle- earth, and it is time for him to come home,' she had replied, and hugged me. 'Be careful, my son. Middle-earth was always a dangerous place, and it is no doubt much changed from when we dwelt there. Oh, and Elrond is going with you.'
I'd questioned that, but Mother had laughed and said I'd find out why. Then Father had given me a message for Maeglin too, and said he wished he could come with us. Of course, he can't. Being a full mortal there is a chance that being back in Middle-earth for who knows how long could affect him even though he has been granted elven immortality. That is too great a risk for Father to take.
I had asked my dear wife to accompany us, but Elwing said Middle- earth held nothing but sorrow for her. I can understand that, as I can understand why she is so frightened that ill will befall Elrond and I; for what purpose, she says. To save a traitor, an evil man, it is just not worth the risk, she says. She wept when she farewelled us, clinging to me.
Now as I kneel in the dust, beside Maeglin and the beautiful blonde mortal maid he nearly died to save, I realise that Mother was right. Maeglin has changed, for all his concern seems to be for Mandy, and what she wants.
But what to do with her?
The Healer.
My father is as bemused as I. I admit I hadn't thought beyond saving Maeglin when we arrived, but now there are difficulties. Maeglin is right when he says Mandy might be blamed for killing the dead man and then there is simply the problem that she's seen us. Seen us, and might tell people who could start looking for that which they shouldn't find, Elves. And not just any elves, but the High Elves of Valinor, and the land we live in.
I twist Vilya on my finger, not for the first time wishing the destruction of the One hadn't removed all it's powers, for if Vilya was still powerful I could have removed Mandy's memories. Then, looking at the frightened young maid, I wished Celebrian were here, for she could have calmed Mandy.
Maeglin is resting comfortably and I know he will sleep for some time from the sleeping potion I gave him. This leaves the matter of Mandy.
'Don't be so afraid,' I said. 'We are Maeglin's kinsmen, and we are not here to harm either he or you.'
'I know that, but what happens now?' she asks, a bewildered look on her pretty face. 'I don't even know your name.'
'Elrond, my dear.' I find myself patting her hand consolingly for there is something about her wide-eyed white face that makes me feel protective of her almost in the same way I used to feel protective about Arwen..
'Earendil is my father, and Maeglin is our cousin. We will take him home to Valinor, to his family.'
'So, what happens to me? I don't want to go home, and I don't to blamed for his death (she points at the dead man) and maybe jailed for years.'
Poor child, she is so frightened. Surely, such a young maid wouldn't be punished for the death of piece of trash like that? Then, mortals do strange things at times.
'This will require some thought, my dear, what happens to you. Right now, why don't you drink this, and try to sleep a little.'
'But Firefly,' she whispers.
'Your mare is on board, and we are going somewhere safe to anchor quietly for a few days. Many things, including your future, will be discussed and decided.'
Mandy finishes her drink, which does contain something to make her sleep, and I tuck a warm blanket comfortably about her. She looks so small and young asleep. Then, I go to see if Father needs company as he expertly sets the sails. Vingilot of course, is set up for one man to handle, but I enjoy the wind and sight of the wind filling the sails, and yes, Father does like company after all his long lonely journeys.
The Smith.
Slowly I wake, becoming aware of the deep painful ache in my chest. I move a little, wincing, and realise that the person sitting by my side, holding my hand is Mandy, and that I must be on board a ship. How I know this, I don't know, but I'm sure.
'Hello Mandy, I didn't expect to see you again.' I left her hand to my lips, and kiss it softly. 'It is wonderful to that you are here.'
'Hi Maeglin, how do you feel?'
'Better now I've seen you are here,' her hand is now smoothing my hair back from my face, and I close my eyes, enjoying her affectionate caress.
'You really worried me, Maeglin, you nearly died,' she whispers.
'I had me worried, too, Mandy,' I smile, trying to lighten her humour.
She says nothing, but smiles, 'I think Elrond and Earendil want to talk to you, now you're awake so I'll go get them.'
Soon, my cousin's son who I last saw as a young lad is sitting by my bed, and his dark-haired son too. I am feeling slightly defensive right now, as I don't know what they want.
As direct as ever he was as a child, Earendil speaks first, 'you are recovering, Maeglin.' He shifts in his chair, and stares directly at me, 'for all these years I have been angry with you, kinsman, and in my mind my child's memories held a picture of you as some kind of monster. I see I'm wrong, you are just a man.'
Earendil still stares at me from light blue eyes just like his mother's. I have the disconcerting feeling he is looking into my soul. 'Do you want us to take you to Valinor? To face everyone you betrayed, Maeglin?'
What a question. How to answer it. Once I would have picked at the blanket and ignored the question like a spoiled child. In my years of solitude I had done a lot of thinking, and now well, I know I should answer. I raise my eyes back to Earendil's 'Yes. Anything would be better than going back to that cave, alone. I will face the anger and hate of those I betrayed.'
A brilliant smiles appears on Earendil's face, 'That's wonderful, Maeglin!' He smiles again, 'Aunt Aredhel will be delighted,' and he hands me a letter.
I take it, puzzled. Then I recognise the handwriting; Mother's! Eagerly I read it, and then slowly fold it again. Mother has said much, and given me a lot to think on, but the biggest shock is that she has a new husband and I have a brother and a sister!
'I have a brother and a sister!' Even to myself my I sound disbelieving.
'Yes,' nods Earendil. 'Yes, Melde and Alasseon. They are very keen to meet you. I am sure you will love them both, and that they will love you.'
'What of my father?'
Elrond answers me, 'Eol never went to the Halls of Mandos, Maeglin. When Beleriand was destroyed in the War of Wrath it is assumed Eol's soul might have been destroyed too, but no one really knows.' The tone Elrond uses is the one used by people who are used to giving bad news. Strangely I feel nothing, I am just numb. Father is no more. I was sure he would not have been foolish enough to refuse Mandos' summons, but he ever was a stubborn man.
'I see.'
'All this is rather a shock,' says Elrond, soothingly. 'Perhaps you should have another rest and we can talk more later.'
As I've learned that healers are stubborn people, I agree to have a short rest. Besides, talking was more tiring than I'd anticipated.
The Mortal.
I wake, and go for a walk carefully, looking for Firefly. I find her standing in a little yard. With the timber rails still clean and sweet smelling it is obviously new. She seems happy enough with a large pile of hay to entertain her, but I spend a few minutes talking to her, and patting her.
Earendil's voice behind me startles me badly, but Firefly doesn't react and I wonder if it's because she likes him or because she somehow knows he's related to Maeglin.
'How are you, Amanda?' he says softly, and I stare, startled again. How on earth does he know my proper name is Amanda, not Mandy?
He laughs, 'Elrond told me your proper name. He says it is a very old name.'
'Um, yes, it is, but I've never liked it. I've always preferred Mandy but your accent makes Amanda sound so pretty I don't mind!'
Earendil laughs again. He seems very cheerful as he gives a long sort of sideways look, 'Where do you want to go, Amanda, and what do you want to do? You have knowledge of our existence, and to most of the mortals in this world, we are UFO's or aliens and you know we are real, and who we are; you could make a lot of trouble for my people.'
'I would never do anything to make trouble for you, Earendil!' I say, rather angrily. How dare he think that!!
'I don't mean you'd do anything deliberately, Amanda. A few wrong words, an attempt to contact us again could lead to disaster. Elrond believes we should leave you in a land far from your home where you can't be found and held responsible for your stepfather's death. I don't think that's practical; we need another solution.'
My breath comes short now, and my throat seems closed as I force out words, 'Like what?'
'Don't be frightened, child, I mean simply to take you with us; to extend the invitation Manwe offered. For you to live in Valinor until the day comes that your mortal form will fail you and your spirit leaves this world. Would you live among the elves Amanda?'
Stunned, I can't answer immediately, 'I need time to think.'
'Very well, take all the time you need, Elrond or I will answer any questions you might think of.'
With that, he left me alone, to think.