Version 1.0
"Some birds are not meant to be caged, that's all. Their feathers are too bright, their songs too sweet and wild. So you let them go, or when you open the cage to feed them they somehow fly out past you. And the part of you that knows it was wrong to imprison them in the first place rejoices, but still, the place where you live is that much more drab and empty for their departure." ― Stephen King, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption: A Story from Different Seasons
Chapter Four
Kandatuo
[20 Storm Seasons have passed since that Great Gathering]
Irin Orosundova lies at the foot of the mountain and ascends it following a river that flows down it's side. Each building is shaped differently as if each building is a unique expression of individuality or an experimentation. The people of Orosundova are namely among the Tatyar and some of the Nelyar. The pure Minyar did not leave Minmbar though they have visited once. The mixed blood such as I, well that is another story. Still it is has become home to me as I have helped to shape its planning. I do not want to give it up for by the sweat of our brow Orosundova has been shaped.
"Ladambassē for your thoughts?" There standing taller than I is Ingwë. He is my cousin by my mother's elder brother.
"Thank you." I take the ladambassē staring at it. I take a small bite and stare back at the plains. They seem to stretch on forever and ever. The distance between the Great Water and Orosundova is large. My sister is riding on those plains as I speak towards the Council that we would be holding.
"Staring out won't bring Karanisuri any closer."
"No but I would like this council to begin sooner rather than later. If the Storm Season starts early…"
"It will be as it is meant to be under the stars Kandatuo. I doubt the Firsts will suspect any of our plans. Grandfather and Grandmother have many concerns to meet. There is little they can do about what blots out the stars in the direction beyond nor about the missing elves. It is up to us to figure out what we can. We are both in agreement over this." Ingwë claps me on the back. Then on the horizon several riders appear. They are just a little too far for me to make out their features but I am filled with relief.
"Why don't we go prepare a meal for our tired riders? I am sure they would like a bite of something to eat before having to speak of news abroad or going into council. Race you to the house!" I raced off towards the house that I lived in with my wife. Ingwë's feet pound closely behind me as we dodge between the houses laughing all the while. Many seasons may have passed for us and more so for Ingwë but we are youths at heart. We are still elflings. We are all so young even the Firsts are. Our lives seem to stretch on never ending, never aging like the animals we raise.
We arrive laughing at my home and seeing my wife, Morlothyë erases all the dark stormy thoughts out of my head. Her belly is only just beginning to swell with new life. I will not be able to go on adventure with my family as this elfling is too important to leave. How could I risk disappearing upon them?
"How is my beloved today?" Morlothyë she asks this of me every day that I come home.
"I am well. There are some riders coming this way. I believe it is my sister and those invited to attend the Council."
"Will you neri help me prepare dinner or will you standing there gawking at this nes then?" Morlothyë says laughing.
"Beautiful nes of this home, we shall help you," Ingwë replies. Morlothyë begins to direct Ingwë and I on what to cut to make into the stew that she had already begun. My wife gives me the honored duty of peeling the potatoes and cutting them into smaller pieces for the stew. Morlothyë sings a song the nesi usually sing while cooking, about sheltering love in one's hearts and passing it onto the food. I sing with her, holding love in my heart as I perform this take for her. Food made with love is the best food of all no matter how basic of a meal it is.
"There now, a meal any nesi could be proud of with surprise guests on the way. Perhaps you would go to see how close they be dear husband?" Morlothyë raises an eyebrow at me knowing all too well how impatient I am for my sister to be here.
"Come cousin, I know a dismal from a nes as much as the next ner," Ingwë says. I rush out of the house making my way to the stables. This wooden structure is my favorite for as much as I have settled down into my home I still long for the days among the Palar-e-Rokasta. I ended it to help Ingwë but to also let Morlothyë settle down with her family. My own horse is there and I often ride onto the plains for a time visiting the various farms before Orosundova. Despite the great distance between the Great Water and Orosundova, many of the Palar-e-Rokasta come to trade for necessary items.
Then on the wind I hear her, my sister. Karanisuri's laugh is like a gentle breeze dancing around you. She stands with her riders, Kanatasulo by her side. Their red braided hair stands out. I also spy Tarakano standing close my sister chatting away with Elwë and Olwë of the Tir-e-Twaina. There are several members of that group mingling with the riders. A camaraderie seemed to have developed as they all burst out laughing at a story one of the riders is telling. A dark haired ner points to Ingwë and I and says something that I cannot catch as I approach. Karanisuri spins around fast and smiles before dashing at me.
"Kandatuo! Ingwë!" Karanisuri crashes into me with a hug and almost knocks me over.
"It is good to see you too. How are atta and amme? How is our sister? Our baby siblings?"
"Everyone is doing just fine though if we are going to go on any adventures can we hold off until Víloma has her wedding? They finally announced the date and have set it for the next Great Gathering. I hope you are there as well Ingwë! I want nobody to miss it!"
"Of course cousin, I would not miss it for the stars. Though your brother has news of his own…" Ingwë says his voice teasing.
"Oh what news is this?" Kanatasulo says coming to stand next to Karanisuri. Their expression's are so similar I would mistake them for twins.
"Morlothyë is with child."
"Yes!" Karanisuri jumps and does a little dance.
"I am going to be an uncle!" A round of congratulations and well wishes for the family came from the members of the Palar-e-Rokasta and Tir-e-Twaina.
"Well if all are you are done Morlothyë has prepared a meal for everyone, though you might want to bring your bowls. There are a lot of you."
"Don't worry brother, I think we are all to grateful to have a hot meal after the long ride." Kanatasulo speaks up for all of them. The group nods their heads.
"Why is Berowë not with you? I thought he would come," I say to my sister. I glance down and Karanisuri's eyes have darkened before she gives me a polite smile.
"Berowë is currently busy helping his brother's family set up a farm. He also mentioned that he was not ready for anymore foolishness just yet." Karanisuri spoke so calmly but there was the barest traces of emotions crossing over her face. I wonder what happened between the two as they were ever fast friends. I had wondered if they were more but Karanisuri had always insisted there was no love bond between them. Of course that changed when I met Tarakano. I always had the strong feeling that he was the One that Karanisuri had searched for in the mirrored pools, looking for the vision of who would be her life partner.
"Ah Tarakano it is good to see you again. I heard your family is doing well with those new birds and have managed to domesticate them."
"It was with a great deal of effort. Nowë started to build this kind of wooden structure to float on the water. He says if twigs can float on the water, cannot logs? Falling into the icy waters do not seem pleasant at all," Tarakano said.
"Indeed, it is a wonder my cousin still keeps trying to make those structures that he is calling a boat," interjects Elwë.
"Perhaps one day those...boats will be of use one day," Karanisuri says shaking her head. Karanisuri lets out a laugh seeing Morlothyë standing in the doorway of the home hands on her hips.
"Hmph, the neri must have been standing around talking?" Morlothyë's smile gives away that she is not angry.
"No my dear sister and blessings upon the new life you carry," Karanisuri says giving Morlothyë a kiss upon the cheek.
"Thank you, why don't we form a food line so we can hand out food." Morlothyë quickly organizes people into a line, bowls are filled with stew and drink. Chatter filled the home and outside.
"This makes me so happy to see such warmth," Morlothyë whispers into my ear. I nod in agreement. "But look over yonder next to your sister…"
Karanisuri bumps her shoulder with Tarakano's both are laughing even as flicks a potato from her stew at him. Her eyes are soft upon him. They both look at Kanatasulo who is engaged in conversation with another ner. They both smile wickedly at each other and flick some of the broth at him. Kanatasulo gives them both a dirty look before the three of them go back to eating and talking to those near them.
"So you think there is a love bond?"
"Who is to say with Karanisuri? She guards her mind so well that few know it except Kanatasulo or Víloma. Despite their differences those two are close," I whisper back to her. She nods her head. After the food and drink and the dishes cleaned Ingwë went to inform the other Quendi of the council meeting.
"Come, let us gather at the Council Lodge and start the fires," I speak to the group. The group follows me and ask questions about the town until we arrive at the Council Lodge. It it was great long oval building. There are two fire pits set at each end. Karanisuri lights one and I light the other. Karanisuri and Tarakano sit together with the members of Palar-e-Rokasta sitting on Karanisuri's side. Elwë and Olwë sit on Tarakano's side and the Tir-e-Twaina follow after them. The other members, various young elves of the towns and farms and I spy even a few of the Minyar among those that gather in the lodge. Ingwë stands beside me and we study the crowd from our spot in the middle across from Karanisuri.
"We have called all of you today for a purpose. It is the purpose of finding why the Quendi are going missing. They have not all gone missing in the same spot those it seems the bulk of disappearances are happening where the stars are blotted out. We cannot solve this problem if we do not search for the why. We are hoping that we can create a way to search for these answers? So we open up the floor to you now." Ingwë spoke revealing himself in a new light. Even Imin his grandfather never spoke with such puissance. Imin was the defacto leader of all Quendi, being the first to awaken, followed by the other Firsts. In the shaping of the society the winds were changing.
A Minyar ner stood up quickly and asked, "Do we ignore the decrees sent out from Minmbar, from your grandfather Imin?"
"We understand the logic behind such rulings, that no one is to wander alone and far. I would not deem it would be appropriate as that is when most seem to disappear. We dare not risk people in pairs either." Ingwë answered still the picture of serenity. The ner sits down and a nes of the Tatyar stands up.
"Perhaps in a group? Yet the size of the group is to be called into question. If you have too many there will not be an attack and too little there is the chance of disappearing and never returning." There was murmurs of agreement. Ingwë held up his hand and all quieted.
"The manner of the group and how it is done is something that would be determined."
Another ner, one of the Tatyar stood up, "Then is it your belief that a group should either go and investigate or go further afield to where the stars are hidden?"
"Yes, it is our belief. Ingwë and I have both listened to the reports gathered by our grandfather. We have even spoken to those Quendi who were involved in the investigators. There is only one so much can be heard by those. What monster could be hunting us? Perhaps it will stay away from our homes! What if it does not? What if it comes upon the plains and attacks the farms? We know little of what haunts us abroad but there are no guarantees." I look around the room, my expression hard. Some people are nodding, others looking thoughtful, and some fear is in their eyes.
"Is it agreed that the only path forward is through a traveling group?" Ingwë asks the council. All but a few of the Quendi do not hold up their hands in vote.
"Now let us discuss the numbers but also the skills necessary for this group. This will help to determine who should go." Ingwë took charge listening as more people spoke up. The idea were many but in the end it was decided that only seven would be the main search party. A bigger supporting party would go to serve as a base camp. As to who would go there was many arguments as the mention of some names many were not willing to be among the seven yet willing to serve among the base camp. The seven that had to go had to be among the best in some ways, brave of heart, skilled at necessary tasks but most importantly able to fight with spear or shoot with a bow.
A consensus was eventually reached and seven Quendi were chosen. I was not surprised that my siblings were numbered among them. Karanisuri and Kanatasulo are fierce hunters. Tarakano and Olwë were talented with woodcraft. Istakemiel and Berekeygi knew of the healing arts but they too knew how to hunt well. Finwë was perhaps the only surprise, but he showed wisdom much like Olwë and was well versed in the skills needed to make this mission a success. The other members who would serve as the base camp included Ingwë. The council was dismissed and I remained behind staring into the fire. A hand touches my shoulder startling me from my thoughts. Karanisuri stares at me her eyes searching mine.
"What has you looking so like dark storms clouds?" Karanisuri asks me finally.
"I little like you going but you are your own nes. I knew you would go, young, brave, skilled..." I sigh and remain silent. Karanisuri sits beside me and doesn't look at me.
"This journey is important. There is a change in the winds and though the seasons are long, I feel it. I feel something coming that will forever change the Quendi. I know not what but the seeds have been planted for many long seasons. Some plan, perhaps set out by the Stars long ago and brother...there is no denying the wind and where it will go." Karanisuri stood up and turned to me, her expression every bit of fierceness and pride.
"No matter what happens we chose this, all of us. We must meet with the wind and the river and flow forth with all that comes with it. We will not fear the Dark Hunter. I know what you would say, this must be some creature we can fight. I do not know what hunts us in the deepest shadows of the forest. Yet even if we die and I may yet experience that upon this task, the Dark Hunter will meet the might Quendi and know fear." There was such strength in Karanisuri and for a moment I glimpsed passing images. The glowing trees, dead Quendi in the streets, a dark figure on a cliff, someone falling through ice, a light so bright in the sky, shadow and flame chasing Karanisuri, gleaming armor, and homes falling apart. I take in a sharp breath and gasp the feeling of such pain, sorrow, and the weight of many seasons slowly fading away.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes...yes I am. You know how sometimes I can get a glimpse of what is to come?" My voice shakes a little as I speak and Karanisuri nods. I close my eyes for a moment steadying myself. The feelings finally pass away from me leaving me feel like myself again.
"Take your time brother for it is not like we leave tomorrow."
"They were so swift I could barely make them out, I liken them to perhaps your words and perhaps to where the winds will take you in the seasons. You will live many seasons through under great light, death, and shadow and flame." Karanisuri stares at me her expression looking thoughtful.
"Be that it may, I will flow with the winds brother. The wind never stops and never will I," Karanisuri promises and then she hug me real tight. She departs me then leaving me to sit and stare at the dying embers. I do not know how long I sit here but long enough for the fire to go out and for hunger pains to hit. I go home to my wife who is sitting up working on the clay..
"Morlothyë…"
"I heard. Your sister is a strong nes, carrying the wisdom and the pride of our people. As they say, each Star is unique. If this is what your sister's Star dictates then she will follow. You can only love her. It is better to watch a flower in it's season then to cut it from the ground," Morlothyë says to me.
"You are so wise my love," I tell her and kiss her. She laughs and taps me gently on the shoulder.
"Wisdom I may have but your must listen to, not such an easy task is it?"
My sister's Víloma's wedding came at the Great Gathering and there was much merriment. My family was excited to meet my son. Little did our families know that we were making careful plans for the future. Several seasons passed from that council and careful preparations made. Despite Imin's decree Quendi would sometimes go abroad or few in number some would never return but a few did. They would barely make it back and usually with the help of someone who had been further behind. They would fall into deep slumber that would last far longer than normal. They would often be weak afterwards. A few spoke of large creatures even horrific creatures unlike anything that had seen before.
It was decided to hold for several more as the discovery of copper and being able to shape it grew to much excitement. It was decided to equip the hunters with copper points for their spears. At last the time came for those chosen to leave. Weapons and food were prepared and Orosundova put a large feast together for the search party.
Each of the seven was greeted with a "Mai Pharalië!" and a hunter's embrace from those who were staying behind, not even going with the base camp party. Orosundova had to continue to function as did the other dwellings and groups.
I approached my sister and brother last. They both hugged me tightly.
"We know you wish to go with us but you take care of your family. I hope you have great big feast for us when we get back," Kanatasulo says with a grin.
"I'm going to miss both of you bothering me. I hope you are not gone to long, I think Morlothyë is wanting another child soon. My son is almost full grown. He will miss you both."
"I am sure you will not miss our pranks. Perhaps you can take Tankatiro and Cwîlneno off amme's hands?"
"Yes, perhaps that will put my wife from having more children and my son will have someone his age to play with even if they are Uncles." Karanisuri gives me a kiss on the cheek and then Kanatasulo does as well.
"Be well, be strong, goodbye brother," Kanatasulo says.
I watched them go. I wanted to run after them but a ner alone could not catch up with a horse. Despite my vision many seasons ago I am afraid, deeply afraid. I wonder when my siblings and friends return will they have changed? What news will they bring? Will it be a swift storm? Will it bespeak the end or a new beginning?
"Atta, why are you still standing here?"
"I am watching them go."
"Atta they already gone beyond site, Amme says to come back home," my son says to me. I sigh heavily and take my son's hand.
"Well let's not keep your amme waiting shall we? I am sure she will put us to use cooking for her." My son laughs and nods and takes my hand. He pulls me along chatting away about the latest pranks of his friends and the newest of treasures that they have found. My heart is warm with love. This is perhaps my Star, I have settled like a tree into this life. It is warm and full but it has adventures all its own.
Character Notes:
Nowë - You would know him as Cirdan of the Grey Havens. It is mentioned that Cirdan is kin of Elwë so I have made him a cousin.
Istakemiel - A Minyar nes healer who is good with the spear.
Berekegyi - A Tatyar nes healer.
Tankatiro - The son born after the twins, Viloma and Karanisuri. They will play a bigger part later.
Cwîlneno - Born only two dry seasons apart from Tankatiro. An unusual pregnancy among the Quendi though not rare. Will play a bigger part later.
Language Notes:
Ladambassē - Flat Bread - lāda adj. "Flat"; mbassē adj. "(baked) bread". From Eldamo.
Great Water - The Inland Sea of Helcar
The Firsts - in reference to those who awakened and have no parents
Palar-e-Rokasta - A term in reference to the Plain Riders
Tir-e-Twaina - A term for those who dwell exclusively in the forests and rarely leave.
Atar - father
Amme - Mother
Mai Pharalië. - Hunt Well
Chapter Comments:
Copper - You may ask why I mention copper at this point. I have been putting the elves around the Stone Age aspect or end of it. Copper can be found natively without having to crazily discover how to do other things. That isn't to say tin or lead wasn't used for different things. Tin is very weak. The other reason I have decided with it is because I believe very much that the elves are deeply intelligent and inquisitive. They each have their special talents that they are very good at and deeply interested in, but considering that to the elves, the world is so new they want to experiment and try and try again. It's why I think they would develop a lot faster in some ways.
Author's Note:
I've decided to pick this up for Camp NaNoWriMo. I've also had fresh inspiration too! The other part that I am trying to remember is that first drafts are painful. I am letting myself write this out rawly. So please forgive any typos, misspellings, mix up of tenses, and in general all the roughness that comes with a rough draft and no editing. I still (and I have said this before) do welcome people's comments on my mistakes.