Chapter 6 – The Last Alliance A week and a half later, Early SA3430
The room was mostly dark as the combatants came together. The windless air of the enclosed space provided just enough light for them to see each other. The fighters, masked and armoured held their swords up to the salute. The clang of steel echoed through the enclosed space and then it screeched a score of times more. The masked combatants drove forward with fierce skill through the dust of the ground. The sightless warriors drove at each other again and again. The swords clashed but it seemed that both of them were well matched. Then, the broader of them drove forward with quick, heavy strokes and the opponent could only go back. Then with a final flourish, they threw aside the opponent's blade, leaving them open and thrust. The lethal thrust stopped an inch from the suddenly inadequate leather armour. The victor swung the blade up to a salute and stepped back. The loser snarled and pulled the helmet from their head. The victor did the same and smiled.
"I find it is best to let her win Valentai. She can't take it when she loses." Came an amused voice as the blinds were lifted and the morning sun streamed in. The figure stepped forward and Milotüré dropped the sword and growled at him.
"And when Gildor would you know that? I cannot remember you ever beating me." She said and stripped off the remaining armour.
"Well I did not want to hurt your pride Milotüré." The black haired elf said airily.
"Did you want to try again?" She snarled and the captain backed off for a few steps.
"Now, now High Captain. Do not kill my captain just yet." Came a very amused voice and the three in the arena turned to see Lord Elrond at the door with Glorfindel.
"Lord Elrond. I am sure she does not mean to kill him quite yet." Valentai said gracefully as he peeled of the last of the inconvenient armour.
"She has put up with him all this time I suppose." Glorfindel said with a smile and the elf lady glared at him.
"Endured, Glorfindel endured." She said in exasperation.
"So, can we help you Lord Elrond?" Valentai asked as he walked towards the door.
"Not especially, I came over to see you two duel, it is famous you know."
"What, the only person who has beaten her and not been forced to flee the city?" Gildor asked and she looked at him with a stony gaze.
"Like I said captain, you would not know. Now, are you going to be insolent to me all day? By rights you should be saluting me as you are only a low ranking captain." She said imperiously.
"Come my friends. Gildor, you have no excuse if she harms you if you provoked her first." Glorfindel said with humour in his voice.
Elrond watched the exchange with an attempt at a stern, straight face. Valentai nodded at him.
"Don't ask, Lord Elrond. I am surprised she has not spitted him and I have only know the two for a few months."
"The real reason I came here was because there is of course the meeting with the High King today. He says he has important news."
"Which Gildor will have to beg us to tell him?" Milotüré said sweetly and the captain frowned.
"Well personally, I do not think having to put up with those two." He nodded to Glorfindel and Valentai who had come to stand between the two friends. "Is such a good thing. Besides, Valentai will tell me will you not?" He asked.
"Of course my friend. We are not all as cruel as the High Captain here." Valentai said and she glared at him.
"Just because you got lucky a couple of times-" She began and Valentai interrupted.
"I do not consider ten victories to none a couple of times." He added and she sighed. Glorfindel stepped in.
"You two go and get cleaned up. You have twenty minutes." The golden haired elf said.
The two nodded and walked off. They deposited their weapons and armour back in the cabinet they had come from and walked off to the baths. It did not take the long experience of Gildor with her to notice how close she walked to Valentai. He smiled slightly. Elrond stepped forward, onto the disturbed sand of the floor. He looked at the two elven commanders.
"Is something going on between them?" He asked and the two friends looked slightly uncomfortable. Finally Gildor nodded slightly.
"I of course have no idea about him. I cannot read his face and he hides his emotions well. I of course have known her since she was only a score of years old. She shares an attraction to him. I can read her after this time like a book. I know they have neither denied nor admitted to anything."
"Why him though?" Elrond asked not implying it was a bad choice but because he genuinely wanted to know.
"That is more difficult." Glorfindel said. "It is tied together for her in a whole range of things both past and present. I do not know what he thinks. I think the only person who knows what Valentai thinks is Valentai and that is not going to change."
"Although is she doing it for Valentai or for another person she loved once?" Elrond asked and Gildor looked at the regent.
"So you saw that too? I think that she unconsciously looks at what she wants to see." Gildor said.
"She will have to learn that he is dead. Morantar is long dead and she cannot ask him to be what he is not." Elrond said and Gildor glared angrily at him and then nodded.
"I do not have the heart to tell her. As long as they are happy I do not care." Glorfindel said.
"She could do worse." Gildor said. The others looked at him and he shrugged. "Valentai is in many ways an admirable person. I might not know him that well but I know that he is honourable and true to his word. We have seen how well he treats those he counts as friends."
"Gildor is right. There is something about him that tells me that he is actually a normal person under that calm exterior." Elrond commented.
"And I do not now doubt his story and after all he has been through I suppose he is a little more reserved than he would have been when he was younger." Glorfindel said.
"He has opened up though occasionally. The thing is that I strangely cannot imagine him being around anymore. It was only a year ago that he was not." Gildor said thoughtfully.
"As long as she is happy I do not mind. As long as it does effect his judgement I do not mind." Elrond said firmly.
"And as long as Celedaih does not find out." Glorfindel said.
"Why would he mind?" Elrond asked. "Other than his views about non elves."
"He once fancied Milotüré. She threw him off and there is some" he paused "bitterness between the two." Gildor looked shocked that Glorfindel knew and he did not.
"She never told me." He said.
"She did not tell me either. It is common knowledge. Do not speak of it to anyone and if you think you have seen either angry Gildor, wait until you ask her a question. She can make life much worse for you than you can imagine."
"I suppose you are now my head rumour monger now." Elrond said and Glorfindel smiled.
"Well, while you two were buried in the wilds around Imladris, much has happened here."
Elrond laughed. "I have no doubt it did my friend." He looked at them. "Is it me or are they taking a long time?"
"They are." Gildor confirmed.
"Personally I do not want to know." Glorfindel said happily.
"Come on my friends. We will meet them at the council." As he walked to the door he muttered aloud. Only Glorfindel, who had better senses than most Eldar heard his words. "I hope he knows what he is doing."
The elf of Gondolin smiled broadly and followed the regent out into the grounds of the palace.
Valentai walked into the bath house and sat at a bench. For the last months, just a few days after his arrival in Santäissa he had been in here often. Though often he would duel with Milotüré, his other friends would also compete against one another. Valentai pulled off the heavy gloves he so hated to wear and quickly put his own back on, out of sight of her. He went into the house and emerged five minutes later wearing a gold and blue silk tunic with his sword by his side. He pushed back the wet hair and sat to retrieve the last other clothes when Milotüré came to sit next to him. He smiled and looked to her. She was changed also and her hawk-like face, usually so calm was troubled. he frowned and she smiled nervously.
"You did well today my dear. I do believe that one day you might become a challenge."
Unexpectedly, she did not rise to the jibe but looked down at her lap. Valentai was worried by this and laid a friendly, impersonal hand on her shoulder.
"What is it my dear?" He asked. As ever when he talked to her, as to anyone he was polite, honest and direct. He had never thought on the fact that others thought they had a more intimate relationship. He personally did not care what people thought but he suspected that she might be troubled by the rumours. In reality they shared a more impersonal relationship than he did with Gildor or Glorfindel because he did not want to seem presumptuous. Although he used an intimate term of endearment, it was in reality more of a mark of respect. In short, he could not have expected that she would look up and with lightning speed, kissed him on the cheek.
Valentai nodded politely and moved two feet back. She looked embarrassed by the move and he smiled slightly.
"Well that was unexpected my dear." He said with the ghost of a smile. She was blushing now, as red as a shining ruby. She stuttered and Valentai had the very rare experience of seeing her not in control.
"I am sorry Valentai. I thought, I did not, I-" He cut off her objection with a friendly touch on her right hand.
"Please my dear. I did not say I disapproved I was just going to ask why."
She looked at him confused and he unbelted his sword and laid it aside. He knew he had a meeting but it could wait for now. He looked into her eyes and asked again. "Why?" he said it very gently, not as a reproof but a genuine question.
She looked down and then she seemed to gather her courage and looked up. She was quite a different person from the expressive and commanding persona she usually showed. Perhaps only a half dozen people had seen her thus.
"I do not know. I." She stopped. "When I saw you for the first time I dismissed you as just anybody. Then I looked again and saw who you really are. You are so kind to me and everyone and I could not stop thinking about you." Valentai's face had not changed and she looked away. "I am sorry. I have only broken your opinion of me." She said hopelessly and she stood to walk away, her face sad. Valentai shook his head. He could not watch this happen. Milotüré moved to walk away when she felt a gentle but firm grip on her hand. She looked around to see Valentai's blue eyes staring at her.
"Sit down my dear. It has not changed anything my dear. I was interested why you did it."
She looked around and some of her steel came back into her voice.
"I did it because I love you." She said, probably much less uncertain than she showed.
Valentai sat back as though considering a difficult problem. Finally he nodded. "That is even more unexpected. How long have you felt this way?" he asked.
"A couple of days. I do not know."
Valentai nodded again. "And are you sure that that is what you feel?"
She looked confused. "What do you mean?" She asked.
"I have no objection to you showing those feelings. I will get to myself in a moment, however, are you able to accept what others will feel? There will be some who will disapprove; there will be those who will start rumours. I am not an elf like you, whatever my closeness to your kind is. Are you prepared for that?"
She looked crestfallen but then the light re-awoke in her eyes. "I am Valentai."
The hero held her gaze for a long moment before he nodded slowly and thoughtfully.
"Then in that case my dear I accept your feelings and return them."
"You mean-" She asked hopefully.
He leaned across and kissed her. "I mean that I love you too." He saw her relief and smiled. "You did not think I was so heartless as to not be moved by your feelings did you?" He asked with mock curiosity.
She sighed and closed her eyes. Valentai held her close and brushed her cheek with his gloved hand.
"You know I felt the same but I would never ask you the same question."
She pulled back and looked at him. "Why not? I thought you were the brave one?" She asked and her old persona had returned. Her face was bright with happiness.
"I did not want to insult you and especially not to seem overbearing."
"You would not insult me."
"I know that now but not then. I thank you my dear."
He stood and strapped on his sword and looked at her.
"You do know that we have a meeting with the High King. We were supposed to be there a quarter hour ago."
She looked up in a panic and scrambled to her feet. She looked at him with more than a little alarm. "He will be displeased. I have never missed a meeting in all this time."
"So it is true, I am a bad influence on people." Valentai said and she glared at him.
"Yes you are, now are you coming?" She asked and he nodded.
"Lead on my dear. You go first and I will follow. Make your own excuse, and I will make mine."
"I will tell the truth." She said determinately.
"I do not think that is a good idea. This is the only time we shall not be there I promise you."
"Valentai? Do you really love me?" She asked and he turned to her. His face was utterly serious.
"Yes I do. I swear that as long as we both shall live that I will never have love for another. I keep my oaths, sometimes to a foolish extent."
She was surprised by the passion in the words and she reflected that he actually did mean it. She smiled and took his arm.
"Come on. Let us go to our doom." Milotüré said and looked at the stern faced but surprisingly soft hearted person she had sworn her love to.
Linados looked pityingly as they climbed the stairs. the bodyguard's face creased slightly as they saluted him.
"You may be good Lord Valentai but you have chosen the wrong day to be late."
Valentai looked at him concerned; he did not want Milotüré to be punished over this. "What has happened?"
"War has began Valentai. You will hear the rest inside. Enter." The bodyguard was concealing his true feelings. Valentai sighed and pushed open the doors and entered the main room. The hero looked at her and then opened the doorway. The lead cored door blocked sound and it suddenly engulfed him as he entered.
"- consider lord king as to whether it is feasible to move an army in-" Celedaih was saying. He heard the door open and saw the stares past him. He turned and his face screwed up like he had swallowed something sour.
Milotüré stepped into the room. She bowed nervously to the High King. "Lord king I deeply regret that I was late I-" She was cut off.
Gil-Galad, his face grim stood and waved her feeble comments away.
"Enough for now. Tell me later. Take your seats. I will speak to you afterwards." He said like a teacher who has found truanting students. he looked at Valentai whose face was even more impassive than normal. "For those who have just arrived." He said calmly but with an undertone of annoyance which the king was trying to control. Milotüré shuddered almost in terror but Valentai's face did not change.
"A message from Gondor has arrived. Brought by the prince, Isildur himself. he had ill tidings to report. War has began and the prince's city was overcome and destroyed. Fortunately the river is secured for now by the arrival of five divisions of Arnorian troops. Thus we are safe for the moment. Also enclosed in the message received by the Archduke is a request for a formal military meeting between out three kingdoms to be held in two months. In it is the implicit possibility of an alliance. Lord Celedaih was explaining his point of view about the alliance. Do go on Celedaih." Gil-Galad said.
"As I was saying lord king." He said looking sourly at Valentai. "We must consider the practicalities of such an alliance, the logistics, the time to raise and equip troops, the division of command."
"All of which have a solution." Anderónë said. "They are matters to decide then."
"I disagree, they are decisions that should be taken and considered now before we have any commitment." Celedaih said in response.
"It is a self evident fact from the evidence of the letter that the enemy has already raised considerable forces already." Glorfindel. "How can we sit back whilst the human realms are stripped of troops? How will this affect relations?" He asked.
"Probably not as much as our cause would be weakened by the losses from a war." Celedaih said. It was clear that he was the only one against such an alliance. Círden responded to this.
"Are you saying this Celedaih because you genuinely believe that such an alliance is an issue or because you have a dislike of other races?" The tone was sharp and the other elf bridled.
"Are you saying I am putting an animosity before my judgement?" He challenged.
"That is exactly what I am saying unless you can tell me that you have a genuine political or military reason for it not being at least considered." The bearded elf said.
Gil-Galad waved his hand to ward off trouble. "Please my lords. Círden is right though, we should see what they propose. Unless the terms are favourable then we will not of course agree. We can try, it is a big decision but it must be taken. it cannot be pushed aside forever."
Celedaih finally nodded and sighed. "Let it be. But I ask that the decision be made carefully and only if all of us agree." He said the word 'us' with emphasis to suggest that non elves should be excluded.
"In that at least I agree." Glorfindel said and flashed a look at Valentai.
"As the time grows nearer we will consider the other matters mentioned by Celedaih. In the meantime, the mustering of troops will continue. We have two months so I want you to return to your provinces to continue the raising of soldiers. I want proper camps established near the Arnorian border. I want all of you back with a week to spare. Lord Elrond is not returning because of the travel time but a messenger shall go to tell Vallarië to follow the instructions. I want us all to be here to decide."
There were nods of agreement.
"Where is the meeting held?" Valentai asked.
"The king suggested here for a reason he did not state and I will comply with that." Gil-Galad said and stood. The commanders saluted and strode from the room. Soon, only Milotüré, Valentai and the High King remained.
The High King sat again and looked from one to the other. Milotüré seemed close to panic at whatever she believed the High King would do to her. The very fact she thought this showed she did not know him anything as well as she thought.
"Lord king I humbly apologise and beg your forgiveness."
Gil-Galad smiled gently at her. "High Captain, what did you think I was going to do? Have you dismissed? No, you have made a mistake and the mere fact you fear me is enough to show that you regret your actions. You may go High Captain. Valentai, you will stay." The High King said and she retreated from the room. Her whole demeanour was puzzling as she never acted this way normally.
When they were alone, Gil-Galad sighed and looked to Valentai. When he spoke it was in an almost tired tone.
"Lord Valentai, it is not so much that you missed this meeting. That is irrelevant to me as you heard what you needed. I have decided to help you against the better judgement of myself and my subordinates. If you show that you will willingly flaunt your independence then I will look as though I have shown bad judgement. What happened, exactly?" Gil-Galad asked firmly. To the High King's surprise, Valentai was not moved by the reproof.
"I apologise lord king. It was neither deliberate and nor was it an act of resentment. As Elrond will tell you, I had every intention of coming."
"So what happened?" Gil-Galad said, his anger burning off like summer mist.
Valentai took a deep breath. "Milotüré and I have decided to become more attached. She told me of her feelings and I made her understand what it meant to me and the consequences."
Gil-Galad nodded. He had expected as much. From what rumours he had heard it was surprising it had been this long.
"Would it surprise you for me to tell you that I do not disapprove?"
"No it would not." Valentai said. Gil-Galad was surprised at the new character that Valentai was showing. The High King realised that he had not actually seen Valentai serious before. Now the person who stood before him was not the pleasant, easy-going polite person but a wholly different person. He seemed suddenly to be as commanding as Gil-Galad with a steely look in his eye. Then he smiled and the image vanished and Valentai stood before him again, like the High King knew.
"I say that as long as she is happy then I do not mind. I only will protest if it interrupts with her duties or yours."
"I will swear to you that it will not affect my judgement. I do not make oaths lightly."
"So be it. Do you love her?"
Valentai nodded. "I do yes. I would not have committed myself otherwise."
"Go on Valentai, be with her and assure her that I have no plans to punish her."
"I am sure she knew that already."
"I hope you do not become a bad influence on her. She used to never do anything wrong." It was said jokingly.
"People say I am. I will talk to you later."
"Yes go Valentai. By the way I want you to go with one of the commanders on their rides. If you are to command parts of this army then you must know its troops and leaders."
Valentai smiled. "So I will be leading-" Gil-Galad held up his hand.
"Do go away Valentai and I will see you next meeting." Valentai laughed and walked away to the door and exited.
Gil-Galad watched him go. It had been good in a way for it had tested his ability to stand by his word and his determination to do protect his friends. The High King knew he would make a good leader.
Valentai walked alone back to his room. He was surprised by how the day had gone. He had genuinely not expected her to offer him her love. He welcomed it of course for she was undeniably a good person and the fact that she was one of the most beautiful he had seen in a long time was another factor though not as important. Valentai walked up to his room and unclipped the sword. He walked into his bathroom and washed properly and then came to sit down at his table. The dusk was approaching but even so the sun would not set for two hours. It was much lighter now, midsummer approached and Valentai sat back and looked over the sea. He hoped his friends did not think badly of him. He sighed and decided to walk down to the quay. It had been a while since he had done that. As he reached the door somebody knocked on it. Valentai sighed and opened it.
Outside the door, Gildor and Glorfindel jumped as he appeared before them through the open door.
"Ah, my friends. Can I help you?"
"May we come in?" Gildor said after a moment. Valentai hesitated and then stood aside.
"Of course, come in." He said.
The two elves came in and sat down at his table. Valentai closed the door and turned. He smiled and sat opposite them.
"So my friends, what can I do for you?"
Gildor looked a little uncomfortable. Finally he summoned his voice. "Lord Valentai, is it true?"
"It is. "He held up his hands. "This is the first time she has mentioned any such thing I assure you. Nevertheless, we have decided to be together. Do you mind?" He asked. He had worried what they would think, Gildor especially.
Glorfindel looked to the black haired elf and to his friend. "No we do not. Besides, she chose you and not the other way around. In fact we came to wish you well."
"Yes, to wish you luck. Do you know what you are getting yourself in for?" Gildor asked, his nervousness gone.
Valentai laughed. "And to think that I was worried about what you would say." Valentai said.
Gildor smiled gently. "You show yourself to be considerate and understanding and I respect that. Think though, if we had wanted to, we would have asked her already. I certainly never would, we are too close for that and Glorfindel-" He stopped and the High Captain smiled.
"I have no such intentions. I actually came here for two reasons. Firstly, this is what I usually do at night and secondly I have received word from the High King. You are to come with me when I tour my province."
"So the High King mentioned. When do we leave?"
"Three days. We shall be away for at least a month."
"That is fine. I will be ready. How fast and light do we need?"
"Only what can be carried on a horse unfortunately. We will however meet a good friend of mine by the sea." Glorfindel said and to Valentai's surprise he saw a look of dislike on Gildor's face. It was gone as soon as it appeared almost but it had been there. Valentai noted it to ask some other time. He covered it by continuing.
"I will be ready at the gate at the dawn of that day. I will have my aide."
"He is welcome to come. Now, to pleasure." Glorfindel said, his serious mood disappearing and he sat back and took a glass of wine Valentai had provided.
"What about you captain?" Valentai asked and Gildor smiled.
"I will hold the fort here so to speak. Later I will go with Anderónë. I have a mind to meet an old friend as well."
"Turindë?" Glorfindel asked and the elf nodded. "Give my regards to him." He turned to Valentai. "Turindë is another friend. You will meet him one day I do not doubt. Now I suppose you will be wishing to see her before you go?" Glorfindel asked.
"Yes I will." Valentai said. There was a knock at the door and Valentai wondered how many times this would happen to him but he stood anyway and walked to the door. He opened it and smiled.
"Come in my dear." He said and she entered. She saw the two elves and her eyes flicked nervously from the two of them. Gildor saw the tenseness of the situation and decided it fell to him to try to relieve it.
"High Captain, a pleasure I think." Gildor said and was happy when he saw her face turn from a frown to a smile
"You had better think that." She said, instantly put at ease by the small duel of words.
"I came to see Valentai but I suppose I might as well stay." She said and sat down. She took Gildor's glass and ignored his protest.
"So Glorfindel, I hear you are going with Valentai?" She asked and sat next to the hero. Valentai patted her shoulder in a vague way like he had always done. Gildor smiled and she rounded on him.
"You stop that or I will have you digging trenches for a month." She said but her close friend continued to smile.
"I must say you look happier than I have seen you in a long time." Glorfindel said and she nodded slowly.
Milotüré looked around very seriously at them. "I think I have made the right decision and I hope that I have not hurt any of you by it."
"My dear, you know that I cannot protest your happiness. " Gildor said, unconsciously using Valentai's term of endearment.
"Thank you Gildor. You are my truest friend."
"And how could I argue against anything you do, High Captain?" Glorfindel said.
"Thank you Glorfindel." She turned to Valentai with a smile. "I still remember well the day when a strange elf with a light in his eyes appeared at the gates." Glorfindel sighed as though he always was hearing this story. "He spoke to the guards in Quenya and wore clothes last seen in Beleriand. Poor Glorfindel, you looked so confused." The golden headed elf sighed.
"Just you try returning from the dead and coming back two thousand years later to a place you have never seen and where everyone speaks a strange language."
"I do it all the time." Valentai pointed out.
"So much for being modest Valentai." Gildor said and Valentai laughed.
"Why be modest when you are as good as me?" He asked and the three elves laughed at the jest.
"You see Glorfindel. Valentai says he is a bad influence but I think that Milotüré is just as bad." Gildor said.
"I agree, they have been together only a day and already he is different." The golden haired elf said.
"Glorfindel the daemon slayer you may be but if you go against me one more time then you will wish you never came back." She said with a disturbing amount of happiness.
"You see what you have done?" Valentai asked in exasperation. "It is one thing to stir the ants but quite another to smash the nest."
"I see you are all against me today." She said haughtily. "So Gildor the low, what does your inferior intelligence tell you about the wisdom of such words?"
"Well I do not think that I am that low. At least I do not have to spend a month riding around chasing people."
"Lock your doors my friends." Milotüré said conspiratorially. "You will come back to find every piece of gold you own gone. Who knows what your devious captain will do with himself."
"That is a lie and you know it my dear. You know I like silver better." He said with a smile.
"I rest my case." She said grandly.
"So what are you going to do Gildor?" Valentai asked. "Do odd jobs around the palace."
"I was thinking of finding a better tailor for you Valentai. That cloak you wear in battle looks like an old carpet."
Valentai laughed. "After all the places it has been through it is a little ragged. It is older than Elendil so it has not done badly."
"Last drink I think before I am sleeping." Gildor said and finished his glass. "Best of luck Valentai. Remember, she is fearsome if provoked."
"Gildor, I will hurt you if you do not leave me instantly." She said in a commanding tone and the elf strolled out the door with a wistful smile on his face.
Glorfindel drew Valentai aside and spoke quietly to him.
"Is this permanent?" He asked.
"I think it is yes. I hope so."
"Live it up Valentai. Have you any plans to take it further?"
"To marriage? Not yet. We have only been together for one day." He smiled at the elf. "Eventually, after all, time is not an issue for us."
"That is true. At least you do not suffer from the problem of Beren." Glorfindel said.
"Who you never met."
"Who I never met yes." Glorfindel answered.
"I will take it by the day and the month first. We have a war and I do not plan anything until after it is finished."
"A wise move." Glorfindel said and shook his friend's shoulder. "Take care of her, and yourself."
"You too friend." Valentai said and closed the door after the High Captain left.
Valentai turned and Milotüré took his hand and kissed him. Valentai smiled and patted her on the shoulder.
"Come and talk, properly. We have not done so before."
"A good idea." He said and sat on the bed, the closest object. She sat beside him and lay back on the far side of the bed. After a moment he lay next to her. They were not touching and Valentai was sitting up against the end of the bed. She took his hand.
"Have you ever loved before?" She asked.
Valentai considered the question. "Yes. I have been close to four others. We never married though of course. They all died before that."
"I am sorry." She said feelingly.
"Think nothing of it. It was all a long time ago. One of them was my bride to be when I was only twenty two."
"I cannot imagine you young." She said and he smiled.
"I still look like I did then of course. To the last hair almost."
"Well so do I." She said truthfully.
"I know. The other three were elves which is strange for there are relatively few places I have been to, especially recently which has your kind."
"Why do you like elves so much?" She asked in genuine puzzlement.
"I like your kind because they are the closest to what I am. Humans do not live forever as you know."
"But you like them still?" She asked.
"Of course. Two of the closest friends I ever had were men. I could not commit my entire life to someone though who I would outlive." he smiled at her. "There is another reason of course."
"Do tell Valentai." She said calmly.
Valentai reached out and brushed her ear. "It is the ears." He said in an amused voice and she sighed.
"So it is not our wisdom and intelligence, our desire to fight evil or the fact that we live forever? No, it is a strange liking you have for our ears. You are a strange person Valentai." She said and laid back.
"I came to the right place then." He said and she hit him lightly on the shoulder.
"Stop that. I swear that Gildor is the one who is the bad influence."
"Maybe he is. What are you going to do tonight?"
"I thought I might sleep here." She said slyly.
"Feel free my dear. I will wake you up at dawn." He said and extinguished the lights in the room.
He lay down and she rested her head on his chest. "Valentai, I think I made the right decision this morning." She said at last.
"I think so as well. As long as you are happy. Good night my dear." He said and laid his head back.
"Aëorith, you are ready?" Valentai asked and the aide nodded. The blonde haired elf was weighed down with the two saddlebags and looked as though he might fall from the weight. "Go and ready the horses, I will be with you momentarily." The elf saluted as best as he could and staggered out the door. Valentai sighed and looked back into his room.
"How swiftly the time passes."
"Indeed it does Valentai. Look after yourself."
Valentai nodded and belted his sword around his waist. It was the morning he must leave, he regretted leaving Milotüré but knew that he had a duty to do. She was dressed for battle as well for she would leave this day as well and she came forward. They embraced and Valentai smiled and was gone from his room. Aëorith had already proved his usefulness as Valentai knew he would, the young elf had managed to acquire supplies and horses for this day. Now the hero walked down from his home and to the cobbled street where Aëorith had two horses ready. One was a grey mare and the other was a simple brown horse for his aide. Valentai mounted and looked to the aide.
"Is everything ready?" He asked.
"Yes Lord Valentai." He said and the hero nodded.
"Very well, we go on then."
Valentai rode through the streets of Santäissa, his battle-worn clothes about him and his sword by his side. Eventually they turned into the processional way and rode straight into the light of the rising sun. Valentai turned and saluted the palace and then urged his horse on. At the gate was Glorfindel as expected and he saluted. He also had his uniform on and wore a long sword at his side. He smiled a welcome.
"Lord Valentai. I see you are here on time."
"You did not think I would be late did you?" He asked.
"I can think of one reason." The elf said and Valentai raised his eyebrows.
"What ever you are inferring by that secretive smile I believe is false." He said and the elf nodded jokingly. Valentai looked at sun rising and smiled.
"Shall we begin to commence?" he said and the elf nodded. The three horses turned and rode through the gate of the city. Valentai saluted the guard at the gate and rode out. Valentai rode next to his friend as they rode through the towns and villages that lined the high road to Santäissa. Riding east they came to the top of the hill where Valentai had first seen the white city. Glorfindel pointed south west, following the wide mouth where the river met the sea in a broad bay.
"Where exactly are we riding?" Valentai asked and Glorfindel nodded the direction they were riding.
"We ride along the water for thirty miles then we turn south and come at length to the sea proper." He pointed to a range of mountains to the west as they rode through a gap. "Those are part of the Blue Mountains. When we pass them we will enter all that is left of Beleriand."
"I thought it was destroyed?" Valentai asked.
"Almost all of it was. This area, Lindon proper is all that is left of it."
"And is this where most of the people live?" Valentai inquired.
"Yes. To north and south of this river. Who we are meeting lives two hundred miles away down the coast."
Valentai nodded as they rode on. They passed towns and villages, small by human standards but still large and impressive enough to accommodate many of the Eldar. As the afternoon was passing the three riders turned south and rode with the mountains behind them. The riders came to a rise in the ground and over it they could see the broad ocean before them.
"In case you were interested." Glorfindel said as they looked down. "That area there is where Elendil landed with his few ships a hundred or so years ago."
The area around was wilder and less populated. Wide ridges and deep valleys were surmounted with pine tree forests and vast piles of boulders. Glorfindel looked around. "We can go down if you wish. We are close enough to our destination."
"Why not." Valentai said and rode down the hill. The sea washed up on a rocky, pebbly beach. Valentai walked to the edge of the surf and looked back the way he had come. There was nothing in sight that suggested civilisation. In winter it would be cold here, sleet blowing in from the sea and even now, in mid summer it was cooler than in Santäissa. There were pieces of wood and remnants of metal objects about, both corroded and rotted. Valentai looked to his friend.
"It is pretty desolate a place to land."
The High Captain nodded. "That's what I thought."
"You met them here?" Valentai asked, he had never known that.
"I was here but so was the High King. My role seems overlooked I suppose. My friend had scouts reporting ships and I rode with a heavy escort to here. The rest as they say is history."
"Very interesting. I always thought he had washed up near a town or even near Santäissa."
"No, the most desolate part of Harlindon is the place he washes up on." He looked at the sun. "Come, we had best be off. I do not like riding in the dark in this terrain."
Valentai mounted and they set off leaving the beach to the darkness once more.
After another hour as the sun set, they came to a military encampment. Valentai was thankful that he did not have to ride in the dark and that the sun set far later in the summer. Coming over a rise of ground and through a pine thicket they came to a high ridge above the camp. Glorfindel pulled off his riding cloak and slung it on the saddle so his uniform was visible. Hopefully they would not be shot by an excited guard. The encampment was a wide wooden walled encampment with rows of tents inside and smaller shelters outside, holding various amenities for the soldiers. As they came down the slope they saw a picket fire and then they were commanded to stop.
Three elves with long swords at their sides came into view but Valentai knew there were two others in the shadows.
"Who rides to the encampment of the second company?" The leader asked and Glorfindel rode forward.
The pickets took in his golden uniform and his features and they saluted him. Their commander stepped forward.
"Lord Glorfindel. So good it is to see you again."
"And you lieutenant. Is the captain in?"
"Of course lord captain. He will be happy to see you."
"Lead the way lieutenant." Glorfindel said and the elf led on. The elves passed strange looks at Valentai but none would question his presence with their High Captain. Valentai spoke to Glorfindel.
"Shall I have Aëorith set us up some tents?"
Glorfindel nodded and looked at an elf. "See to it." The elf saluted and Aëorith dismounted to follow him.
"Valentai, come with me." Glorfindel said and the hero followed him into the camp.
Walking through the rows of tents they at last came to a large tent with a guard outside. Glorfindel walked to the tent entrance and nodded to the guard who entered. After a moment the guard returned and was followed by an elf. The elf was tall and had long black hair that flowed down either side of a sculptured face longer than most Eldar. The eyes were blue and were astonishingly bright, matching those of Valentai or Gil-Galad in intensity. The elf let the hair flow down besides his cheeks and Valentai realised why as the elf walked forward to meet his friend. The right ear was torn, cut by a blow from a sword or axe. He smiled at Glorfindel and walked forward. He wore the uniform of the elven light cavalry, infantry armour with white and light blue undergarments. A high helmet apparently went with it for Valentai could see that in many of the tents nearby. Glorfindel clasped the elf's wrist and then slapped his shoulder.
"How are you old horse master, how are you?"
"As good as you evidently. What brings you here?" He saluted ironically. "High Captain."
"Good to see respect is maintained." Glorfindel said and waved Valentai forward. The other elf looked at him coolly and smiled slightly.
"And your friend." The elf said and saluted.
"Lord Valentai, this is Captain of Cavalry Lauronwë. Commander of the cavalry of the Army of Lindon and one of the most famous cavalry officers in the world."
Lauronwë smiled and held up his hands in mock surrender. "If you put it like that, what can I say? Lord Valentai is it? I see Glorfindel is showing me off like a prize bull."
Glorfindel laughed. "And rightly so my friend. Valentai, I was not joking about him. His use of cavalry in the war of Eregion is still sung about. His record was untarnished in that long time."
The humour in the elf's eyes faded slightly. "Almost untarnished." He shook off the gloom and smiled. "Well I know I am better than one cavalry officer."
"Osturin?" Valentai guessed.
"So you met the disagreeable captain? Yes, him. He will not be happy to serve under me but since when have I ever cared what he thinks?"
"Never my friend. Well, where is she?" Glorfindel demanded.
Lauronwë smirked slightly. "Alderána my dear. We have visitors, heel!" He shouted into the tent.
Another elf appeared. She was wearing the uniform of the heavy elven cavalry. The full uniform was a brass coloured cuirass over light blue underclothes with a shirt of mail underneath that. Now, divested of the armour, she looked almost casual and only the sword at her side told of her military occupation. She was much in the looks of Milotüré but was shorter.
"I am coming Lauronwë. No battle is complete without me." She said grandly and saluted. "High Captain Glorfindel, I hope you have come to take me away from Lauronwë."
"Unfortunately I have not my dear. I am just patrolling these regions and thought I would stop in."
"You see captain? No escape from me." Lauronwë said and she frowned at Valentai.
"I do not believe I have had the pleasure." She said and Valentai smiled slightly.
"I am Lord Valentai Dal-Moriath Telequéntai. Just Lord Valentai is good though."
"Lord Valentai is a friend of the High King and an honorary lord of Imladris." Glorfindel finished the introductions. "This is Cavalry Captain Alderána. She commands the heavy cavalry and has done so for many centuries. She has been friends with the gallant captain for many centuries. Her skills with the sword are the talk of the army and many have wondered why she chose the cavalry when she could have easily been a royal guard."
"That is for personal reasons High Captain." She said without anger.
"Admit it my dear, you did it for me did you not?" Lauronwë said with a flourish.
"You may wish as much Lauronwë." The elf smiled and waved them inside.
"I am pleased to meet you. Come into my tent and let us talk. Tomorrow I was planning to ride down to the Elusë River. You could come if you so desired. It will be fairly boring here without my presence." The cavalry captain declaimed happily.
Alderána turned to Valentai. "As you can see Lord Valentai, Lauronwë has a very high opinion of his own abilities and even worse, his wit."
"If you are neither old enough nor senior enough to appreciate my humour than that is not my fault. I did not expect people of your age would even understand me."
"People of my age? What, four years older than you?" She asked lightly.
"The truth is Valentai that no one understands Lauronwë except himself." Glorfindel said loud enough for all of them to hear.
"I invite you in and all I meet is criticism." The elf sighed.
When they were inside the tent the four sat and Glorfindel nodded to Lauronwë. "How goes the mustering?" The elf captain became serious as they all did when called upon to put aside enjoyment.
"We have assembled three thousand infantry so far and have raised four hundred of the cavalry."
"That is fine for now but we must continue on. This war has not started for us yet but we must be ready for when it does."
The elf nodded seriously. "You can count on me lord captain. As I said, we are riding to the river tomorrow and I would like it if you came."
"How hard are you pulling troops?" Glorfindel asked.
"Only those who do not have a full time profession or who volunteer have been taken in. Do you wish me to press harder?"
"No, not yet. When the High King gives us word then you may proceed. That will not be till the end of the year. Then we take everyone."
"Of course lord captain." The elf saluted and Valentai was once again amazed by how quickly the elves changed from playful to serious and back again.
"Very good. Alderána, do you have the supplies for your cavalry?"
"Not as yet. We are short of the cuirasses and heavy cavalry swords. It will not stop us." She was speaking with a determination that was just as apparent as her humour.
"I am sure it has not. When we reach a formal decision on the war, we expect it to continue swiftly. For now, get in the troops and train them."
She saluted and bowed her head. "It will be done lord captain."
Glorfindel instantly regained his smile. "Excellent my friends. I will see you in the morning."
The two cavalry officers stood and saluted. The swords the pair carried were usual for their placing. Lauronwë's sword was a light sabre whilst Alderána's was a heavy cavalry sword, long and heavy.
Glorfindel rose to his feet and waved Valentai out. The two elves smiled at each other and went off to their billets.
Valentai walked into his tent and nodded in approval. He had a wide experience of tents and hated them all. This particular one was slightly better though. It was double the normal size and had two poles instead of one. A bed was between the poles. On one wall was a table on the other, a clothing and armoury rack Valentai nodded and stripped off his sword and cloak and sat on the bed to pull off his boots.
There was a knock on the frame and Glorfindel came in. He smiled.
"I hope you like the tent."
"I have spent a very large amount of my life in a tent so I do not think of it anymore."
"If there is a war then you had best get used to it." Glorfindel said and sat at the table's chair. "So, what did you think?"
"I thought they were very good. I am still amazed by how quickly you can go from joke to being serious."
"A necessary trait Valentai and one I know that you possess. They are good, very good. Regardless of what she said, she did become a cavalry officer for him but not in the way you think. Nobody knows why she did it but it is mixed in with the fact that they have always been friends."
"Like Gildor and Milotüré?" Valentai asked and the elf nodded as though Valentai had answered the matter.
"Yes, exactly like that. Although Milotüré is a little more domineering than her if you do not mind me saying so." He said the last words as though he might offend his friend.
"No offence taken. I heard of Lauronwë. he is spoken highly but he reacted strangely when you mentioned his record of victories."
Glorfindel nodded sadly. "Unfortunately he did. He lost a brother in the war. He was supposed to relieve them but for reasons he could not control he did not come in time and his brother was killed in battle. He has never quite gotten over it."
"I see a parallel between him and Gildor again." Valentai said.
"Well they were friends for a long time." Valentai raised his eyebrows at the strange phrasing.
"Were?"
Glorfindel looked uncomfortable. "Well, they had a falling out so to speak. Gildor does not tell me what happened and even when I ordered him to he refused to say."
"I am surprised you pulled rank on him." Valentai said, who was surprised by the unusual move from his friend.
"I do not like to do it. He knows it was not completely serious. He still refused. They are polite to one another but nothing more."
"I noted a strange look on his face when we were last all together. Can they be reconciled?" He asked.
"I would not try if I were you." Glorfindel said seriously. "Let them be, not everybody is a friend of everyone else. I will see you tomorrow."
"Good night Glorfindel." Valentai said to the retreating figure that waved an acknowledgement.
Valentai laid down on the bed and smiled to himself. Maybe you did have to live here for three thousand years to understand the impenetrable tangle of friendships, hatreds, enmities and love that was in this one army. For all their faults, sometimes human armies were better. At least they did not harbour a grudge against someone for two thousand years. Valentai laughed and settled back to sleep.
Valentai was woken by Aëorith the next morning who gingerly touched his shoulder as though he expected to be killed for his boldness.
"Lord Valentai? It is just before dawn."
"You have the order to move Admiral Freemorten." Valentai said oddly. He was clearly still asleep for the words came out as though in a dream.
"Lord Valentai?" Aëorith asked a little worriedly. Valentai opened his eyes at Aëorith.
"Aëorith. Thank you. I must have slept in. You do not mind coming today?"
"Of course not Lord Valentai." The elf said, trying to look normal despite his curiosity and concern.
"Very well then. I will be ready imminently." Valentai said and got to his feet. In a few moments he was ready and turned to his aide. "Are you alright Aëorith?" He asked.
"Of course Lord Valentai." The elf said and Valentai gave him a last look before walking into the sunlight.
Glorfindel smiled as he approached and pointed to his horse which was saddled and ready.
"We are all set to go. I had to send Aëorith in to wake you up. You feel alright?"
"I am yes. I can usually control it but I do not why it happened today. I was dreaming of one of my many, many battles. I suppose it distracted me." Valentai said. "I am sorry."
Glorfindel laughed off the apology. "Think nothing of it my friend. A victory?" He asked despite himself.
"Yes it was actually. One of the best I have seen for a long time. Freemorten knew how to fight, I will say that." Valentai said dreamily.
Glorfindel, as confused as always by this shred of such information nodded and the two rode to the far side where Lauronwë and Alderána were waiting. Both were in their full battlefield uniforms, the cuirass of Alderána reflected the sun like a mirror. As they neared the two Valentai turned to his friend.
"I remembered something else last night. I thought elves rode without saddles. All the elves I have seen so far ride with them."
Lauronwë heard the words and decided to answer.
"Our sylvan kin do but we are more practical. Especially if we go to war. Let me ask you, have you ever made a cavalry charge using a lance without stirrups or a saddle?" He asked.
Valentai nodded. "I see."
"I do not recommend it." The captain laughed. "I can imagine it, I really can, the great cavalry charge is instantly defeated as the riders fall from the horses."
Valentai nodded. "Lead on my friend." He said and the cavalry commander smiled and rode on.
Milotüré did not even bother to clean herself up as she staggered into her room. She undid her sword and cloak and then pulled her boots off and moved over to her bed. Her room was substantially larger than Valentai's as befitted her rank and her permanent residence. She was exhausted from riding and speaking and both had been necessary in that month since Valentai and her had departed. Now, at dusk she hoped she would have some time to rest before she was called upon again to do such a thing. Riding through her lands she had raised her troop's numbers and morale but it had not been easy. Not even travelling out of her dusty uniform, she collapsed on the bed and lay there, unable to move. She had missed Valentai it was true but she had been so busy that she had not let it show or control her.
There was a knock on the door and she groaned. She had asked her bodyguard to stay outside and she knew they would only let a person in if they had cause to be here. She disliked the idea of a bodyguard but was glad in a way that she had one who was both a friend and tactful enough to obey her instructions.
"Enter." She said too softly to hear and then she said it again. This time it was just loud enough and the door opened and her bodyguard looked in.
"My lady, Lord Valentai is here. I said you were tired but he has insisted. "The elf emphasised insisted.
"Let him in Arundor and thank you. You may go."
"My lady are you-" She began.
"Positive. Get some rest yourself. Go on." She said gently and the elf nodded slightly unhappily as Valentai walked in. The hero was wearing a silver and light blue long tunic with no sword or other weapon on him. He looked at her and smiled sadly.
"I am sorry I did not know you were so tired, I could come back tomorrow."
"No, that is fine."
"You look terrible." He said and she smiled weakly.
"And you look as pristine as normal."
"There is a reason for that. I arrive back this morning. How did it go?"
"It went fine. Come and lay beside me." She said and he nodded and lay down next to her so her head rested on his shoulder. "I feel so tired. I do not know why." She asked in puzzlement and not a little anger at herself.
"It is hard to get used to riding all day and sleeping rough after a time of peace."
"I had best get used to it then." She said and he stroked her face with his gloved hands. She wondered obscurely why he wore the gloves, no matter the occasion or formality. She was too tired to ask and lay back.
"Even so tired and worn you are still beautiful." Valentai said and she sighed and lay back. Valentai realised he was here all night and might as well get some sleep of his own because he was not going anywhere.
Valentai woke as the first natural light began to fill the room. Facing west, the room was darker in the morning longer than if it had faced east. Milotüré still slept soundly and he had no intention of waking her just yet. He gently lifted her head with it's black hair and laid it on the pillow. Her open eyes fluttered slightly but she did not wake up. Valentai extricated himself and stood to walk over to the window. He opened the drapes and let the light that there was outside come in. He felt much better this morning, even for him the pace set by the three elves had been intense. Now he had just two weeks to the meeting of the two kingdoms and he felt he needed to prepare himself for that. The figure on the bed stirred and raised itself slightly. Valentai turned and walked over to it.
"Good morning my dear." He said and she blinked at him. she looked confused.
"Valentai?" She asked and sat up.
"I am here. I could not leave last night with you sleeping on my arm."
She looked at him even more confused. "I don't understand."
Valentai laughed and took her hand for her to stand. "You were very tired last night. I sort of knew you were not really awake. Do you remember me coming in?"
"No. I just remember falling onto the bed and then I just woke up now."
"Anyway my dear. You look better now. Maybe you should get out of that uniform." He saw her look. "You know what I mean my dear. I had better head back anyway. Aëorith is probably trying to find me."
"He is good for you Valentai."
"Well, I do not regret taking him on. In that month I was away with Glorfindel he was ever by my side, recording and helping."
"So I suppose you met Lauronwë." She said.
"I did." He tried to see her reaction but she was not showing anything. "He is a fine leader."
She nodded. "He never got over the guilt though. You heard of his brother?"
"I did. Poor man." Valentai said and saw her look. He sighed loudly. "Fine, he is an unfortunate person. Does that meet your expectations?" He asked and she smiled at him and tried to govern her hair which had evidently been unwashed for several days.
"It does. I think you did that deliberately." She accused and he smiled.
"I didn't actually but I suppose I will try to remember."
"You do that Valentai. Now I am having a bath and a change of clothes and you can stay or leave as is your preference."
"I will go. Knock on the door when you are ready."
She nodded and walked into her bathroom. Valentai exited the room and walked back to his own. The hero reflected the rest of the day was looking good.