V: Mahal's Embassy, and the Wife of Durin

For long cycles of the world did Mahal wait in Valinor after he had laid to rest the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves in their abodes. In this time he was ever at labor, for in the ages before the coming of the Elves were wrought many of his grandest works. In the Uttermost west was heard ever and anon the ring of hammers, as the greatest of smiths worked wonders at his forge in the Land of Undeath.

Yet with each strike of the anvil did Mahal's thought turn even to the mountains which rose and towered beyond the waters of Ulmo, and every finished work was to him but another reminder of that greatest of works which now lay silent in slumber. It was in this time that the Black Shadow was chained, and Mahal was among the most vocal then to proclaim that the world was in need of scouring to make safe the coming of the Firstborn, yet in truth the Firstborn were second in his mind, and his thought was bent upon his children, set far to the east.

Through all this time, not a word did he speak to Manwë, nor to any of the Lords of the West. Through all this time, he held his thoughts silent and secret, remembering his pride before being shown his folly by the Great Over-ruler. Through all this time, he gave no heed to stray thoughts, bidding him go to his creations and see of a surety that still they lay unmolested. Through all this time did he put his desires aside, until the coming of the Eldar to Valinor.

As the first elves stepped onto the shores which they name the Blessed Realm, it is said that every heart in Valinor was lifted up in great joy, and Mahal was not the least in happiness among them, being filled with hope that these newcomers might provide welcome distraction from that which ever plagued his mind. And he found among the Elves many who desired to be taught the secrets of the forge, and he found much joy in teaching his skills to these ones. The greatest craftsmen of the elves, even proud Fëanor of a Thousand Sorrows, owe debt to mighty Mahal for their learning of such matters of creation.

Yet the relief which Mahal found in the Eldar was short-lived indeed, for soon he desired to see his creations even as he had before, and this want was only intensified by his friendship with the elves. More and more they came to remind him of his own works, and he ached to hear the name Mahal upon eager lips once more. So it was at that time that he at last resolved to go to Manwë, and beg leave to visit his dwarves. Upon the high slopes of Taniquetil sat the King of Skies, and at his side stood now Varda, the Lady of First Light. Before these two did Mahal come, and there he bent down upon his knees. Thus did he make his plea, saying, "O Lord of the Valar, and ruler over this earth, a boon I would beg of thee."

"Arise, o Aulë of the forge," answered Manwë. "Thou hast no need to humble thyself in my presence, for though I be lord in this place, is not each amongst us of great and noble stature? If it is a boon thou desires, only speak it, and I shall harken to thy words."

Without rising, Mahal replied, "Then know thou that my heart aches with every passing moment, thinking on my children lying far away. I know naught of them, if they have yet awakened, even if they yet live."

"On this matter I may shed light, friend Aulë, for from this throne I have seen even to the far places where you set these ones to rest, and thus have I seen each of them at the hour of there awakening."

"Then truly my heart rejoices, o greatest Manwë, yet I would fain see such with mine own eyes. Thus it is that I have come before thee, to beg leave to go to my children, and thus behold them and know them once more."

Now Manwë was silent, as he weighed his thoughts. But when he spoke, he said, "The making of these creatures has never seemed aught but folly to me, but I must misdoubt my own judgment in this matter, both for my respect of ye who created them, and for my deference to Eru, who hath given them life and breath. Thus, though my heart forebodes, I would grant this thing to thee. Yet such a boon lies not within my power to give, for was it not mighty Illuvitar on high who did make such decree as thou would overturn? His word is law for all those who live in the fastness of Eä, and it lies not with me nor any other to overrule him. You must not go to your creations, o Aulë, my friend."

Then Mahal's heart fell, but Varda looked kindly upon him, and said unto him, "Yet though you may not go thence, surely there are those whom you could send in your stead? An embassy from the Halls of the West might serve both to ease your mind, and doubly to bring great joy to your folk."

Then Mahal's heart brightened, and he answered her, "Wise are these words, o Varda of the Stars. I shall send one such as I have among my servants in Valinor to them, and take what happiness I can from there treading where it has been commanded that I not go."

Thus sped Mahal back to his home in the Land of Undeath, and there did he chose from among his servants one named Tilvë, who was greatest among his folk in wisdom, and who's domain was those creatures which loved the earth, and abode within it. And Mahal said to Tilvë, "I shall send you even to the cavern where carved I this race, that you may go among them in my stead. And it is my command that you be as one of them, both in form and in power, for such time as you dwell within there lands."

Now Tilvë was greatly excited, for she had never seen the children of Mahal, but he spoke of them often in his longing, and his words always held her rapt. The race of which Mahal spoke, who loved the earth as no others did, was to her a great and beauteous vision, and she yearned to see such beings with her own eyes.

So it was that on a time, following not long after the dispersing of the first Grand Council, Durin went alone out from his caverns to gather more fuel for his forge. And as he passed the pool of Kheled-zâram, he stopped, for standing there beside that pool was Tilvë, bodied in the form of a dwarf of surpassing beauty.

It is the way of Mahal that each dwarf finds love only once throughout his life, and that many find it not at all. The wise say this is the greatest gift of Mahal, for each who marries thereby knows perfect bliss in his mate, and she in him. In this way are many of the great conflicts which fill the lives of elves and men, those of unrequited longing and of infidelity, unknown among dwarves. However that may be, all know that love comes always unbidden and unlooked for, and that it cannot be denied. And thus it was by the will of Mahal that Durin saw Tilvë by the waters, and thought her exceedingly fair, and in that moment loved her; and she seeing him in turn was struck with awe, and loved him in return. Therefore did the two pledge themselves each to the other that very night, under the watchful stars of Varda.

The line of Durin was thus prepared, and each who follow in it are in this way blessed with the twin gifts of Mahal to that line, for there flesh is of the secret metal of Durin, and in their blood runs the spirit of Tilvë, Ainu of the West.

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VI: The Tale of Tilvë