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Chapter 7
Víloma
The Seasons melted in each other and little Liraiwë grew up running after all of my siblings and I. Liraiwë was like a little bird and she took after Atta most with singing her heart out. Singing and making music did not put food in our bellies no matter how much Atta and many of the Nelyar wished for it. I am just grateful that Liraiwë did not attempt to sing the Songs of Power. Arōmēz left us right before my sister reached her full growth.
In the peace that came and the learning from Arōmēz we Quendi thrived. Many of my people began to use Songs of Power readily among the trees. The land began to echo with the weak power of the Quendi and the trees became more alive. After Arōmēz left it was only a few turns of the Dry Seasons before the Shadows returned and the land grew angry in defense. The trees struggled against the taint of the Shadows. The people began to employ their Songs in the fight for the land. Some of the Nelyar learned how to use it to heal the land of the taint.
Still the Shadows remained haunting us. Karanisuri would disappear with others who were well versed in the Songs of Power to travel and make sure communities were safe. She spoke little of these even when she came home with Tarakano both looking wane and stayed home for a Season. The most horrifying moment was when they both returned to Minmbar carried upon a pallet tied between two horses lying near death. Karanisuri and Tarakano healed slowly but with their return to health they both left again to fight. My heart was in my throat when I watched them go and I cried with relief every time they came home to Minmbar.
The Shadows always clung to the hills, to the skies, to the depths of the forest and never came to large towns. It was not this that filled our people with anxiety and terror. No, it was the twisted creatures like those from the Shadowed Forest. These cats, wolves, even birds, attacked the smaller communities. They assailed our livestock, our horses, our people if they wandered from our large towns, and even sometimes they came among us.
Desperation changes a people and the frenzy from our dark emotions changed the Quendi once again. Births became frequent as some feared the death of our people and death did assail us. The craftsman feeling their own distress turned their attention to the making of weapons. Irin Orosundova became important as Quendi searched for metal like copper and others. They forged arrowheads, spearheads, and began to forge small metal knives that could be used for throwing. They forged metal daggers and even turned towards forging larger versions that they were calling swords.
Life under the Stars and in darkness became a giant struggle. It hammered our culture into a different nature. We became fierce as we turned to our weapons. We developed guards who stood in the fields protecting the farmers. The Tir-e-Twaina and Palar-e-Rokasta became more important than ever, protecting our people and travelers. The ranks of healers swelled with nesi and a few neri fearing for their loved ones lives.
We began to rapidly develop customs for celebrating every life, every death, every profession. When the Markets were open became a time of happiness. It soon turned into a festival that all but those who were on guard duty joined in for it was there we could forget briefly among the sweet treats, the laughter, and the music, that our lives were not full of suffering.
Even my own family could not escape all of this for besides Karanisuri and her husband taking to fighting, Tankatiro joined them. Cwîlneno, Liraiwë, the other nesi of my family, and I joined in on healing. When we were not on duty we were helping in the fields, cooking, making and mending clothes. The nesi became the heart of the family, the ones who did the gentle activities except for those who were brave. Weapons training was necessary though we nesi only picked one to train in.
We tested our limits and our strengths. We had become like fire dancing, consuming, sputtering in life. Without being looked for Arōmēz returned. I have never seen a people more happy to see someone. Arōmēz came swift tidings that his people came to make war on Mêlkôz. In this, all Quendi rejoiced for our troubles were great. Arōmēz himself when he learned of what had come to past was troubled. The Ayanūz stayed for a bit helping to insure our safety. Then once again he left.
War, a strange word that we have never spoken to ourselves. War is not one battle but many that would take place for the Quendi's sake. These people, Arōmēz's people, far mightier than the Quendi were defending the Quendi against one of their own. Remarkable as those thoughts and feelings were I saw nothing of the impact other than the Shadows lessened. Seasons later, Arōmēz returned briefly with a few of the Ayanūz. They did not dwell long before they left and I met none of them as only the leaders were called forth.
The Ayanūz left again and no word came and life kept going on. Where once we were a haunted people trapped between fear and readiness, we began to slowly relax. The Guards were ever watchful. The Dry Season turned into the Storm Season and then back into the Dry Season. It was at the beginning of this Dry Season that Karanisuri and I were both watching Kandatuo's youngest daughter and the other children play when we felt it. There was a sudden change in the air. The wind whistled by us and with it information of the presence of others like Arōmēz. Karanisuri's blue eyes were wide as she stared at me in shock. The air around us shifted and came alive with subtle traces of Songs of Power that spoke of defense and safety.
"Let's go!" Karanisuri took off without looking back if I were following. I groan and run after her through the streets of Minmbar becoming like a streak of wind. I catch up to her as she gets to the stables her feet quicking up the dirt into the air.
"Come on, come on dear sister! You are slow a snail these days!" Karanisuri teases me and she unties her horse that already has supplies tied to the saddle.
"Karanisuri what is going on?"
"I want to see what is going on!" I stare at her blankly and she continues to give me this grin that I want to smack off her face.
"Suri…"
"Víloma," Karanisuri whines at me before she mounts onto her young stallion. Her old stallion had just died five Seasons ago and she had struggled to find one that she had wanted. Karanisuri had ended up finding this wild and troublesome stallion on the plains that seemed to echo her spirit to ride like the wind. The story was that Suri had found him taking down a wolf by himself. I could not imagine how truthfully but Suri was not given to telling lies. A hand waves in front of my face startling me from staring at the spunky stallion.
"Fine," I say and I mount up behind Karanisuri. Suri clicks her tongue and we barrel off heading towards the Shadowed Forest but more to the left to where I know there is no community. I hold my tongue at this wondering just how far we would go. Minmbar is almost out of sight when Karanisuri commands the stallion.
"What is your stallion's name again?"
"Ramaphino," Karanisuri answered. Ramaphino, Free Skill...what a strange name my twin has given to her horse. The wind whips by us carrying the same information and Songs. I hug Karanisuri closely and rest my head against her back trapping her red hair between us.
'What could have possessed me to come with her? How could I forget how my bold my sister can be?' I berate myself mentally over my decision to run off with my sister. We stop briefly beside a stream to let the horse rest. Despite our required stop for the horse I find Karanisuri after she tends to the horse staring into the distance with a strange expression on her face.
"What do you hope to find?"
"News, I want to hear news."
"You could have at least waited," I find myself blurting out without thinking and Karanisuri firsts looked startled and then hurt.
"There is information I want…" Karanisuri shakes her head and does not finish. We sit there for a time not talking to each other. There is silence between us as we mount up again and continue onwards into the unknown land. I am much like my mother and the rest of my Minyar kin, I prefered to stay at home furthering my knowledge and my skills.
"You know I used to wonder if I did not belong," I mention to Karanisuri to break the silence that stretched between us as hill after hill disappeared underneath the horse's hooves.
"Why?"
"I was never adventurous as the rest of you. You were my twin and the only nes of similar age to me but you were always off chasing after the neri."
"Víloma, Ingwë was the stay at home type to."
"Oh I know this but it was not the same for he was ner and I was a nes." Karanisuri is quiet after this but along the bond that we as twins seem to share I can feel her deep in thought.
"If truth you would have me I will tell you thusly: I despair the way our culture seems to be changing at times. Should a nes be forced to do certain activities simply because a nes was born just that, as a nes? To say all nesi enjoy cooking and to make each nes forced to an activity that is a terrible action upon all nesi! It is the beginning of placing limits upon nesi to say what is acceptable and what is not," Karanisuri said passionately.
"That does not make sense as no one is forcing us to do any activity."
"There are expectations of us nesi that have come about that focus on home and hearth and not of what we want. I am all for such activity if that is what the nes wants, Víloma. Ei! I am unsure of how to phrase it dear sister. You said it yourself earlier that due to my own actions you felt unaccepted or that your desires were not appropriate desires. Nesi or neri should not feel such way because we come into this world like any other and are part of the natural way of...again I am not sure of the words." With that Karanisuri heaves a sigh and says no more upon the subject leaving only the sound of the clop, clop, of the stallion's hooves.
"I understand what you are saying, I think. I would still say no one is dictating to us," I insist to her. Karanisuri shakes her head at my words but chooses to not add anymore upon the subject of what a nesi does or does not do. There is no sense of sulleness over my words only her own fierce and powerful love that I am incapable of understanding.
'When have we become such different people? The gentle wind and the red wind…' The hills drift away endlessly with Karanisuri using the stars to navigate to where she was taking us. We once again come to a stop by a pond and I stagger away from the horse after dismounting. Karanisuri gives me a bemused look before stripping her clothes off to bathe. Feeling the mess of sweat and dirt from traveling I follow Karanisuri in action. It dissolves into a quick splashing fight for a bit before we both stretch out on the soft blanket of grass mostly staring up at the sky.
"Do you ever feel embarrassed by our skin color or your scars?" I find myself querying after staring at her skin for a bit. There are several clawlike slashes and bite marks upon her skin all in different stages of fading. Karanisuri I knew was not careless but injury was common. The only marks that seemed to still be bright against her skin was from those of the shadowed creatures. It seemed that those scars from the wounds that took longer to heal lasted beyond average.
"I used too over my scars but never my skin." Karanisuri turns her head towards me and her eyes seemingly bright under the starlit sky.
"We are not pale like the Minyar but we are in turn not the same tone as the other clans. We are too light-skinned for the Nelyar and too dark for the Tatyar."
"Why would this matter to you? Víloma perhaps what you need most is to love yourself which only what you can do. I know for one struggle with this at times but I rebuke myself over my decisions."
"What was Grandfather's favorite saying Karanisuri?"
"Grandfather always said, 'Never second guess yourself once a decision is made!'" I smile at my twin who answers the question out that Imin would always say. We both know it came out of his choice to keep waiting to find a larger group of Quendi and he never found it. Instead, Grandfather Imin ended up with families who produced many children beyond the norm and even close together. There was a strange strength to the Minyar's spirit when it came to the begetting of children.
"I will do my best to not second guess your decision to come out here," I exclaim! Karanisuri sits up and pulls me into a tight hug.
"Thank you, Víloma!" We leave and we are off again. When we stop for the third time at another water source Karanisuri looks up and smiles.
"Hello," Karanisuri said.
"There is no one-" I pause and to my horror a person appears in front of us. They look like the Quendi though this person, a ner was pale-skinned, white-haired, and blue eyes rimmed with yellow. The eyes are what are startling for they look not like a Quendi's eyes and there is power in them. Another ner appears beside him, brown skin, brown eyes, and brown hair.
"You should turn back young one." The pale ner speaks with a voice that rings out and dances like the wind around us. Karanisuri flashes both neri a smile and sets her hands on her hips.
"I have questions and I know one or both of you can answer them." The brown ner simply raises an eye at my twin's statement and the pale ner just simply smile. Their eyes seem to grow distant for a moment before they focusing back upon us.
The brown nods, "Ask your questions and we will answer what we may."
"Is Arōmēz alright?" The brown ner looks so startled and this laughter bubbles over like a playful gust.
"You are such a delight! Yes, Arōmēz is well versed in fighting, do not worry."
"Can I have both of your names?" The two neri glance at each other for a momenet before the brown ner gives a slight inclination.
"Ôlðrîn," the pale ner introduces himself.
"Âlatarî," the brown ner said with an easy smile on his face. Karanisuri mutters the names to herself stumbling over the strange syllables. She flashes both of the neri a grin.
"Are you and your kind here to protect us?"
"We have set a guard upon your people so that Mêlkôz and his people can not attack upon you," Ôlðrîn answers and Karanisuri looks at this and nods.
"Then, I thank you in the name of the Quendi for your efforts," Karanisuri said looking more than just my twin sister with easy smiles and bold laughter. Karanisuri's demeanor was wisdom upon her brow and fortitude in her stance.
"How did you learn our language," I ask intruding into the conversation. The eyes of Ôlðrîn and Âlatarî bear down upon me and I shudder at their weight. There was seasons upon seasons that was beyond all other seasons and it left me feeling like a sapling in the face of a gusty wind.
"Arōmēz taught us all," Âlatarî answers.
"It is time for you Children to return home. I am sure your families are worried over you," Ôlðrîn said and there was silence between us all.
'Is she going to defy them?' I cannot help but wonder but Karanisuri finally nods and whistles for her stallion. Ramaphino trots over to us giving a whiny and my twin laughs before digging into the saddles for a treat which Ramaphino enjoys thoroughly.
"Thank you for your answers, may the Stars watch over you," Karanisuri said and she mounts up. I mount up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist. I feel the questions that are stirring in Karanisuri's heart even if I know not what they be. She wants to ask but we both know the dismissal from these two beings. Arōmēz had never revealed his brawn but there was glimpses colossal strength of his Song. If these two were of the same strength we could never hope to defy them though I had no desire resist the dismissal.
"I would ask that warn the rest of the Quendi to wander to far abroad. We have set a guard yes but the further afield you go the lesser our protection can be," Ôlðrîn said.
"Indeed. You will lack worry as I will pass the word along," said Karanisuri directing the horse in the direction of home before clucking her tongue. I glance back as Ramaphino takes off but the two neri are gone. Karanisuri rushes home pushing her horse to a limit that Ramaphino seemed to thrive in. Ramaphino's energy was a rare energy where he took to galloping longer and seemed tireless. We rest only twice instead of the thrice beforehand before we come in view of Minmbar. Ramaphino has been slowed to walk and Karanisuri is humming along.
"Well that was fun," Karanisuri remarks when we reach Minmbar. She places Ramaphino in the paddock where he can roam. She takes off all the gear and lays it over the fence before grabbing an empty bucket by one of the posts.
"You take care of your stallion, I am off to visit Atta and Ammë," I said. Karanisuri acknowledges leaving for the stream where she could grab water for Ramaphino to drink. I leave for our family's home weaving through the streets listening to the chatter of people talk and the laughter of children at they scamper around. All of life was thriving in Minmbar just as it had before the Shadows and the taint that wove its way through the very land and hearts of the Quendi.
"Víloma!" I spin in the direction of the person calling my name to find Ingwë and his constant companions Finwë and Elwë were there as well following closely upon his heels. His blue eyes are dancing in the strange manner of his excitement.
"Where did you go? There was rumors that Karanisuri and you went riding off into the distance!" Ingwë's excitement fled into a look of deep consideration as he studied me and spoke carefully. The way Ingwë carried himself more and more so reminded me of that brief moment with Karanisuri standing before those neri as if there was a deepness to them that I was failing to grasp.
"Karanisuri and I felt a change in the air. She wanted to investigate but she neglected to speak her reasonings to me. I forgot how potent Suri's excitement and call for adventure can be, since all she said was 'Come on' and I found myself following."
"Did you two learn anything?" Finwë asked this question his gaze was contemplative upon me.
"We found these two neri, one named Ôlðrîn and the other Âlatarî. Karanisuri spoke with them for a brief time though little was said. They are part of a guard that is upon us for Arōmēz and his kind make war upon the Shadows that have haunted us," I answer. The three neri look at each other their faces were calculating.
"Is Suri at the paddocks?"
"Suri should be there at the paddocks Ingwë, you know how she is cousin."
"Thank you for answering our questions Víloma," Elwë speaks then. The three neri leave me just as they have come dashing through the streets towards the paddocks where they found surely find my twin sister tending to her stallion. All Quendi adore animals but the Palar-e-Rokasta adored their horses and concerned themselves with the details of the care of their stallions and mares. The Palar-e-Rokasta who no longer spent Dry Season after Dry Season upon the open plains and hills going this way and that used their time in breeding horses. My eldest brother Kandatuo was numbered among these. Ramaphino was a handsome stallion that did not come from these stocks but Suri had mentioned that there was hope that foals from his line would add an extra strength to them.
I sighed at these thoughts and continue making my way home. It is not that Minmbar is very large but our home sits upon the cliffs overlooking the waterfall and the river that flows towards the Great Water. It is a windy steep path up the cliff that had been carved out by the Tatyar in efforts to make the trips between Lower Minmbar and Upper Minmbar much easier than the road that they had used at first. I pass through the main market of Upper Minmbar where it is loud as people argue and trade over their goods.
Ammë is there talking to Iminyë but she spots me quickly. I never could figure out how she does it. Ammë pushes through the crowd with a face that is thunderous. I desperately wish Karanisuri was here right now for though they never raised their voices in any clash, my twin sister could hold her own and I just wilted away.
"So, you my eldest daughter has returned home from her adventure," Ammë said her voice like a cold wind. I stop myself from shivering.
"Ammë you know how Suri is," I said with a shrug.
"That is, no excuse!"
"Ammë…"
"Come now, Lelyaldë, let us not cause a stir among the people. Let us take family business home," Iminyë said. Ammë's face is stormy but she gives her acquiesce. We make our way home where Ammë becomes a frightening thunderous storm and she does what I have seen her do only a handful of times, shout.
"Ammë!" Suri shouts as she walks purposefully inside and she stops directly in-between Ammë and I.
"Karanisuri how dare-"
"Ammë you will hear me now! I will not have you yelling at Víloma like this!" There is once again the authority that I was beginning to hear it from various elves showing up in Karanisuri's voice. Ammë stands there looking stunned at my sister. Suri looks so at peace but there was the mein of command upon her as she stared back at Ammë.
"Karanisuri…"
"Ammë we are full grown nesi who can make choices for ourselves. We do apologize for rushing off with a word but our actions are done and in the past and shouting at us angrily cannot undo our deeds."
"I was afraid for you both," Ammë said quietly with her face pale.
"Has any event happened that has caused you to fear? I heard no word from the townspeople nor that from my cousin and his friends of such an event." Ammë shakes her head before slowly exhaling.
"I have had frightening dreams of late of the earth trembling and the waters moving as they will," Ammë said. She tilted her head forward and let her golden hair fall in front of her face so that we cannot see her expression. I go to my mother and hug her tightly from behind. The light touch is just enough for me to feel her own sadness and fear.
"Ammë, Suri would never die and she would die before she let anything happen to me."
"Oh Víloma! You are my daughters and no matter how old you get I will always love you both!" Karanisuri kneels before Ammë with a gentle smile on her face. Suri takes Ammë's hands in hers and holds them in silence.
The Great Gathering was still some time away when Ammë's dreams came true. The first time the earth quivered it was very little but it set all of Minmbar into panic. The second time it happened it was stronger and one of the buildings fell down with no one it. No one slept well in the buildings after that and took to sleeping under the stars. The earth shuddered a third and a fourth time each one stronger than the next. It pushed panic into even my heart as the sixth came stronger than before and knocked down a few buildings. The Tatyar took to trying to figure out why the buildings were coming down but no nes or ner slept in peace.
Among all this was sudden surges of the rivers and the streams. At point the Palar-e-Rokasta who still traveled in this time spoke of a stream which had become a raging river blocking off one of the small farming communities that they were to bring supplies to. There was many stories such this but also ones where the water dried up or the water formed a new stream.
At first Imin and the other leaders did not speak of their knowledge that this was caused from the war that was being done for our sake. They refused to speak until someone began rumors that this was the cause of those Powers. The Quendi raged and they were afraid but there was not an action a single ner or nes could take to stop what was going on. There was no Great Gathering that year and everyone was too afraid especially once lights begin to show up in the sky that had once been blocked. One does not begin to truly understand awe till one is left with admiration and dread. These surges of emotions continued on as these events continued to happen, with irregular floods, random earthquakes, and the strange lights in the sky. Everyone cowered when the lights briefly appeared above our own homes.
There was one issue that drove us Quendi to fear and that was the Seasons went out of whack. There was no Dry Season, no Storm Season, and it if was not for some of the more observant Quendi who told time by the stars we would have surely lost track of time. The Powers that sang Songs of Music disrupted our very lives with their war despite the guard placed upon us. The Powers could have mitigated some of the damage and no one lost their lives.
There was much relief when the clouds that once blocked some of the stars went back into place and the Seasons returned to normal. Yet the damage was done and the Quendi now feared the people that Arōmēz belonged to. Our lives became orderly but there was a weariness, a jumpiness, that had not been present for. At the first Great Gathering that was held since the time of the earthquakes, there was stories abound of neri and nesi who appeared and disappeared and rendered aid to Quendi who got caught in quakes or floods that would have caused them death. There was whispers of stories of said neri and nesi using Powers to heal the injured Quendi.
The Seasons turned and finally there was new births and new marriages as terror abated. Arōmēz returned unlooked for once again at the Great Gathering. Arōmēz was received warmly by all the Quendi for they had come to know him without his manner being cast in wrath. I was not privy to the conversation that happened that Karanisuri, Ingwë, and manner others had with Arōmēz. Arōmēz had come with a summons to come to Aman, a place that would be safe for us so Arōmēz said. The Quendi were afraid and so they said no. Arōmēz left us for a time and returned at the next Great Gathering.
"I have spoken with my kin and we have held Council. Thus, we ask for some Quendi to come with me to Valinor that they may ascertain the truth that all Quendi can dwell in Valinor in peace." It was no surprise that while Arōmēz stood a distance away from all the Quendi in attendance that every nes and ner heard him. There was quiet murmurs and everyone glanced at each other. Only a fool could not sense the palpable fear.
"I have briefly spoken with a few of you and it was the decision that several would go. Three were chosen to represent your three clans. Ingwë, Finwë, and Elwë are the ones I have chosen. Ingwë informed me earlier that it would be not enough and that some of you would wish more representation than one brave leader of your clan. I have with the help of these three chosen fellow elves to journey with them to Aman. To you whose names I will call out, you may choose to not go and may pass it upon another of your people to go in your stead," Arōmēz said before naming the people who would join Ingwë, Finwë, and Elwë. I gasped when Karanisuri and Tarakano are both named. My hands are trembling and I rush forward through the crowd, pushing, and shoving to get to my twin. She stands there hand in hand with her silver-haired ner chatting with the other neri. I rush forward and throw my arms around her holding her tightly. Karanisuri wraps her arms around me holding me tightly.
"What is it?"
"Do not go!" I say it again and again with my words coming out fast and blending together at my rapid pace of repeating. I am scared.
'Why must you always go? Why must I always be the one left behind?' I cry out in my mind. It never crosses my mind that while I do enjoy traveling I prefer the comforts of home and my own bed. There are hopes I have that keep being dashed by Karanisuri's constant leaving home and going out among the stars and trees. She lived to travel beneath wide skies.
"Víloma, do not tremble or cry such tears," Karanisuri soothes to me and she is stroking my hair.
"You'll never return…" I mutter.
"I have always returned without fail. You will not have to find another twin that fast," Karanisuri jokes. I sniff at this both amused and annoyed at her attempt at a joke.
"This is not funny," I said and I let go of my twin sister. She steps backs and gives me a measured look as I wipe the tears that are still streaking down my cheeks.
"I will go and I will return with many tales to tell to you." Karanisuri wipes with her thumb another tear that leaks from my eye. She gives me a gentle smile and kisses both of my cheeks. Suri steps back besides Tarakano taking his hand in her and they briefly glance at each other. For a moment I am stunned and it is hard to breathe that my sister chooses a ner over me! I inhale sharply and Karanisuri's softened gaze was once again upon me. There was none of her fierce nature but only that of the gentlest loves.
Arrangements were made to take of the horses for Arōmēz informed all who were going that he would take them through a much quicker way. Arōmēz did explain it in depth but it seemed our language was limited compared to his and he often floundered with the language of his people. It left he him bewildered though Arōmēz often laughed at it. Arōmēz gave extracted a promise from the Quendi who were going to not tell the time of their departure. Arōmēz's command left several Quendi displeased for some of the brightest, the bravest, the most loved was leaving in a strange manner to a strange land to see strange people.
The left at the end of the Great Gathering and that was that. There was not much sign of them other than they had all gone to this specific spot in the forest that lie across the river. Just like that Karanisuri was gone from my life though I felt that she was alive and little else. She was alive and I could be at least a little content with that.
I expected her to return before the Storm Season and she did not come. Karanisuri and the other Quendi never appeared at the next Great Gathering and the next. Fear settled into the pit of our stomachs as we all looked for our loved ones who had gone. The next Great Gathering rolled around and once again they did not return. There were some who were married who spoke that their beloved was alive but the distance strained the bond between them. Our loved ones were alive and that was all we knew. Waiting was never easy but that was all any of us could do, wait.
I waited and lived my life in peace with my husband. I ached for the return of my twin, my sister wind. Kanatasulo was great a source of comfort during the Storm Seasons but he was often gone with the Palar-e-Rokasta during the Dry Season. The wind continues to blow and all I can do is wait as the Seasons turn. People started calling the Quendi who had disappeared Arōmēz's Chosen and some also spoke that maybe Arōmēz was a Dark Rider and he had taken his Chosen to do strange and unpleasant actions to them.
Twenty Great Gatherings had passed when I felt the stir of the wind and the change in the very air. My shout of my twin sister's name drew attention as I took off running from my families' tents. I cared not that they followed me as I dashed through the camp and even knocked over various objects. All I cared that Karanisuri was home! Ingwë? Who is that? Just a cousin and Tarakano a brother-in-law! They are not my twin sister who dwelled in our mother's womb together! Karanisuri and I came into this life together and if we had to die I would choose that we would leave this life together.
They are crossing the river when I spot them from the edge of the Great Gathering's camp. I froze at the sight of Karanisuri looking down as she carefully fords the river. She steps on the bank and looks up right at me. I want to run to her but there is a strange light in her eyes. It is bright and stunning and it speaks to me the light that I have seen in Ôlðrîn, Âlatarî, and Arōmēz. She waves at me before turning and says something low to her companions. Karanisuri turns and races across the distance towards me. Tarakano looks up at Suri's antics and laugh. I see to there is light in his eyes. My eyes flicker from Karanisuri to the others who are crossing trying to glimpse their eyes. Ingwë and his friends are walking and talking to Arōmēz and then I am distracted as Karanisuri crashes into me and knocks me to the ground. The air rushes out of my lungs instantly and Suri is laughing and hugging me tightly.
"I have missed you!" Suri finally says to me. She sits up and leaves me room to breathe. Karanisuri tilts her head in her normal way and yet it feels to strange. She is not my Karanisuri, not the same one who left. Would it be possible to switch Karanisuri out with someone who looked like her?
"Víloma?" The way she frames it, I know it is her but with the strange light in her eyes I find myself questioning this.
"Are you...still you?"
"Now, who is being silly! I promised you I would return! It took longer than expected! Oh I have so many tales to tell you! I have met with this mâchanâz and he has greatly helped me. I never realized how much the taint of the shadows had deeply affected me," Karanisuri bubbles in her excitement. Oh yes, this is the Karanisuri I know and Suri begins to jump over different parts of her story. Suri could never tell a tale properly unless she forced herself to memorize it.
"Suri!"
"Oh. I am doing it again, hm?"
"Yes, you are. I am glad to see some aspects of you never change!" I embrace my sister then and she hugs me for a moment before letting go.
"So, the trip was lovely?" I asked her.
"I saw the Trees! Víloma! I saw the Trees that others have seen in the mirrored pools, the Trees that I have seen in dreams! They are so lovely! They take away my breath and they glow with light that is just like the stars!"
"Love, take a moment to breathe," Tarakano interjects pulling Karanisuri to her feet. Suri smiles at Tarakano and appears to be more radiant than ever. There is a brightness to their countenance and the light in their eyes is brighter than before as they gaze at each other all smiles. They turn back to me at the same time and I feel bereft for I can perceive that my twin sister and her husband has changed. Karanisuri offers her hand to me and I take it. Suri pulls me up and the others reach us. I glance directly into Ingwë's eyes and I see the same light in Karanisuri's. I inhale deeply.
"You have all changed," I tell them all.
"We have been away for only two years according to the Ayanûz," Karanisuri said. Years? What a strange word!
"Years?" The voice of our grandfather Imin breaks washes over us like cold rains. I dare to look back as I notice Arōmēz's Chosen looking up at Imin. His reaction was similar a trace of fear and astonishment before it is quickly masked.
"Yes, in Aman time is divided into hours. One hour is a single segment of the Two Trees, silver lighted Ibrîniðilpathânezel and golden lighted Tulukhedelgorûs," Finwë answers.
"Then, there is one Valian day which is twelve full showings of both Trees. One thousand Valian days make up one whole Valian year," Elwë continues from where Finwë leaves off.
"You have been gone for twenty Dry Seasons," Iminyë speaks up by Grandfather's side. She is looking pale as she studies the returnees.
"It has been that long?" One of the nesi who went asked looking startled. Suri and the others glance at each other with their faces contorting in looks of confusion and thoughtfulness.
"Yes it has been," Atta said. I can his hands trembling and his lips moving silently before he briefly closes his eyes. He is uttering a prayer to the Stars. Eru is a distant concept to us despite the truth we feel in the teachings of Arōmēz from so long ago. My Atta believes but I do not for despite the meeting Arōmēz's kind I felt little evidence of Eru in our lives. The Stars sing to us but that was not evidence for the winds speak to me as the land speaks to my kindred among the Nelyar. Eru is a distant idea to me and one that I cannot be witnessed like the Stars above.
There is a rush of people coming in and greeting their loved ones. Karanisuri gives me a squeeze on my shoulder before shoving through the crowd to speak to our grandparents. The crowd is boisterous as the people babble to each other over the events of the Twenty Seasons and the returnees over their trip to Aman with Arōmēz. A hush falls silent over us when Arōmēz makes an appearance. Karanisuri and the others looked at him expectantly.
"Go forth and speak of what you have seen," Arōmēz commanded. Ingwë remained but the others all went in different directions including Karanisuri and Tarakano. The two of them split up and I knew they left us to talk to the groups they belonged to, Tir-e-Twaina and Palar-e-Rokasta. I found myself trailing after Ingwë and the rest of my family. The younger members ran ahead to inform all of the Minyar to gather.
Ingwë gathered everyone to where the Minyar normally camped. There was a bit of organization as some of the people sat in front, others kneeled, and some of the Minyar stood up. The Minyar was arranged in a loose circle around Ingwë just on the outskirts of camp. Someone had managed to find a stool and Ingwë stood upon it before pitching his voice loudly. His voice ran clear and musical. As Ingwë wove his tale there was a quality to his voice that made it heard all the way back where my family stood.
When all was gathered Ingwë spoke first of his arrival in Aman and how beautiful it was. Arōmēz had provided them with horses whose beautiful and strength were beyond the ones that we kept and they had travelled to Taniquetil to speak at length with the rules of the Ayanūz, Mânawenûz, and Vârdíloz. Ingwë talked about the others who he had met who ruled various domains within Aman. They were kind, wise, and their nature was akin to ours. He spoke of the gardens of Olosezellaphelûn that was the domain of the Ayanūz, Irmōz. Mostly my cousin spoke of the Two Trees, Ibrîniðilpathânezel, and Tulukhedelgorûs. The land of Aman seemed well and good where peace reigned, shadows dwelled not, and death was no where close to stalking us beneath tree and star.
Ingwë's words spun dreams for me and caught my heart in hope. I could see it now in my own mind, two giant trees lighting up all of the land. There was no great darkness that came with the Storm Season. No, all the land would be illuminated and we Quendi would know peace. It is hard to imagine what the land would look like under the light of the Trees! For all that Ingwë spent time trying to describe the experience of the full golden light of Ibrîniðilpathânezel or the beauty of the mingling of lights. The world there sounded so bright and happy. I wanted to go and leave now.
'I wonder if Karanisuri will share her memories in communion,' I found myself wondering. I wanted to see it myself but I knew in my heart that the journey to Aman would be boundless. My body trembled with hope and dreams. My heart was beating to a song of joy that made me want to move now and not stand still. I felt locked in my own body and wished I could have taken flight like one of the birds flying with the winds high above.
Dreams had filled my mind so much that I had not noticed when Ingwë had stopped speaking of his tale. He was now mingling with the families answering his questions eyes bright with that strange light. Ingwë stood taller than he had ever before.
"Aman sounds beautiful," Ammë said dreamily interrupting my own observations. I glance over at her and her eyes are glazed over as if she was lost in the land of dreams that we dwell when we sleep.
"Yes Aman does sound beautiful and I wish to leave now," I murmur. Ammë seems to wake up and she gives me a full smile.
"Forever shall we forsake these lands and waters if we go forth upon this journey," Atta said.
"Would that be an unpleasant trade? It is a fair trade, light for shadows, danger for safety, where our children's children can grow. They can grow never having the harrowing experiences that we have. For all that Arōmēz had spoken the one who had caused trouble was now unable to render any more harm I still fear what is to come. Arōmēz and his ilk are mighty Powers that be, I say we go," Ammë said.
"Little do we have to fear my dear Lelyaldë," Atta said.
"Yes, the Minyar do not wander alone but our children do!"
"They are full grown beloved and can make choices for themselves," Atta reminded our mother in a calm, no-nonsense tone.
"I would rather they live," Ammë bemoaned.
"They do live, strong, courageous, fine members representing the Quendi. The Shadows are gone."
"Husband, they may yet return and that does not revoke the dangers that they and our children's children will face. Our people are beginning to expand and break away going into lands beyond the Wild Woods and would soon seek beyond the mountains. Perhaps some will travel along the shores of the Great Water and there these dangers will unfold for strange creatures and strange plants will be seen and experienced," Ammë said. Atta is silent for a moment regarding her with his eyes that are dark with thoughts.
"They will never know what it is like to live in the darkness with only the stars to light their way. Would you revoke that experience that would be theirs?" Atta stood patiently waiting for Ammë to respond.
"I would trade all the stars for safety," Ammë said at last. Atta sighed at this short response looking towards me.
"Would you go Víloma?"
"I would go Atta but not over the simple fact of safety. I would go for the dreams and hopes but also for new knowledge," I answered.
"Do you think that the Ayanūz would share their knowledge with us?" My youngest brother, Cwîlneno spoke up from behind me.
"Arōmēz was willing to at least when he traveled among the Palar-e-Rokasta and Tir-e-Twaina," Tankatiro said flashing all of us a grin.
"He also taught us how to Sing," I said.
"Atta we made trade the stars for trees but it will be a grand adventure," Tankatiro said.
"Is it wise," Cwîlneno asked quietly? He looked disquieted by the question. Atta and Ammë look at each other for a moment their eyes distant in the way of communion before Atta finally shakes his head.
"Whether it is wise or not will be seen for I know not the future except that I will leave with your Ammë," Atta said.
"And we will follow you both," Tankatiro said and Cwîlneno nods his head vigorously. They looked so much like eager youth ready to go on their first hunt with their grey eyes so bright. I glance around the gathering of the Minyar to find the various families speaking to each other. I spot my husband and go to him leaving my own family.
"Glisipindë," I said stopping next to him and he gives me a Star filled smiled.
"I desire to go," Glisipindë said.
"We are of one heart and one mind."
"That is good for I would hate to argue," Glisipindë said with a small laugh. I smack him playfully in the arm and he laughs even more.
"I so love when your gentle winds turn into passionate storm winds," Glisipindë teased me after he finished laughing.
"Karanisuri plans on going," I informed him knowing from my own brief interaction after her return that she would leave our home for Aman.
"That is well and good perhaps when we reach Aman we can have finally have children?"
"Yes, I hope she will settle down or I will beg her too." Glisipindë sighed at my response before slipping an arm around my waist and pulling me close.
"I will not apologize for my impatience, Víloma."
"I never expected you to but I thank you for your patience. I do not regret my pledge to my sister that we shall bear our children together." It was more my pledge than my sister's pledge. I wanted to have children when Karanisuri did so that our children could grow up close. Kandatuo had not waited with four sons and two daughters our parents were happy at least finally having grandchildren to dote on. There was only three of us married. Kanatasulo had not found himself a partner and my other siblings had shown no interest in others.
"In Aman there shall be bliss," Glisipindë said before giving me a brief kiss.
"May it be," I mutter. "I go to find Karanisuri. Do you want dinner with my family or shall I join yours?"
"I will join yours for I wish to hear Karanisuri's story. I am sure it will be different from Ingwë's."
"That it will be." I quickly kiss Glisipindë and leave him. As I walk through the camp the air is alive with noise with the talk of the returnees and the tales they have told. Families across clans are rushing to chat to each other and various professions are chatting away. I spot none of the riders and make my way towards the horses. The Palar-e-Rokasta adored their horses and hardly liked to be far from them.
It was at the paddocks that I found Karanisuri. She stood on top of the wooden fence her red hair blowing loosely through the wind as she described her time in Aman. The members of the Palar-e-Rokasta stood and sat on both sides of the fence. Unlike Ingwë's style of speaking, Karanisuri told an anecdote and then answered question before going onto the next adventure or description. Finally, she spoke of Olosezellaphelûn but her information was different from Ingwë's. She spoke of it's leader and his Ayanūz who served under him but also of her own healing from the taint of the Shadows. This caused the Palar-e-Rokasta to erupt into questions before she was even done. There was wistful looks once was all was said and questions answered.
"I will give you some time to dwell on what I have said. Seek me out or the others if you have any questions," Karanisuri said. Suri looked over the crowd and smiled spotting me through it. She jumped down and darted through the Quendi.
"Are you going to Aman?" Karanisuri asked me when she finally reached me.
"All our of family wishes to go," I said.
"Aman is beautiful!"
"I...would you share with me your memories," I tentatively asked. Karanisuri looks at me pensively with eyes that pierce me down to my own spirit.
"I shall," Karanisuri finally answered. Karanisuri's mind touched mine and it felt strange to me. There was power in it that had never been there before. The memory floods my senses and in it I stand before the Two Trees. The world is so colorful and so radiant. The Trees themselves were incredibly large. I had never seen such large trees. The memory shifts to a different place.
'Olosezellaphelûn,' the word whispers into my mind. I am frozen in shock. Words had never been communed before between thoughts. The surprise was almost enough to throw me out of the memory and the mind communion. Olosezellaphelûn was beautiful under the light of the Trees. The leaves were so very green, the flowers were brightly colored, and all of Olosezellaphelûn was fragrant. It was so peaceful as birds twittered about and streams bubbled about. Karanisuri's mind pulls away and I am left gaping with astonishment with how bright the world could be.
"You could convince all with those memories Suri," I said. Karanisuri shakes her head at this and her blue eyes dim even with that strange light.
"It is best not. It should be a free choice. Also our people are numerous how could we reveal our memories to them all? Let Ingwë and the rest of us spin our words letting dreams and hopes to carry us forward from Star to Tree."
"I do but mainly the desire for peace seems appealing."
"After all that we have been through peace and healing is attractive," Karanisuri said in accord.
"You know your eyes are filled with light," I finally comment to her. Suri's expression became one of surprise.
"Excuse me?"
"Where is Tarakano?" I ask. Karanisuri's eyes look distant as she reaches across her bond to Tarakano. Suri grabs my hand and leads me away from the Palar-e-Rokasta. We traveled through the Quendi but we are stopped often by familiar people who asked Suri questions about Aman. She yielded short answers before quickly saying she was going to her husband. I pulled Suri to a stop when I spotted Tarakano's silver hair next to a Olwë and a dark-haired ner I knew not.
"Look," I said and pointed. Tarakano had shifted to talk to another ner who had approached. Olwë stood next to him. Olwë's eyes were as normal as the Quendi around him. Tarakano's was brightened and there was the edge of more in them. Olwë was as much as a leader as Tarakano was and yet Tarakano appeared to have become more noble, taller, even one could say more magnetic. There was an authority to him that reminded me of the Ayanūz I have met.
"Do you not see?" Karanisuri stared at Tarakano and her head began to move back and forth as her she was clearly comparing every neri and nesi who chatted with Tarakano. Silence dwelt between us and Suri's hand gripped mine almost painfully sharp before she let a haggard breath go.
"I see." That was all Karanisuri said before she let go of my hand and crossed her arms. Her head titled to the side in the manner that I knew she was thinking furiously for her foot began to tap on the ground.
"I wonder for what reason? Could our visit and our time among the land of Ayanūz have changed us truly? For I do not recall this happening to us one at a time..." Karanisuri's voice trailed off in her questioning tone.
"Perhaps...no… I know not."
"There is little answer to be heard of for now I guess. Yet every time I have seen those of you who went to Aman you seem more than as the Quendi you were before you left. It is hard to describe though sometimes it seems as if you all stand taller, or that you carry authority in you, or that there is a Power in you closer to that of the Ayanūz than the Quendi," I said. Suri turns to me with a smile.
"Let is see if my silver-haired ner will notice?" Karanisuri grabbed my hand and tugged me along.
"Did you really find healing there?"
"Yes I did which is why I spoke of it. My nightmares from dealing with the Shadows and dark creatures were difficult to deal with. Tarakano had his own. It was like to injured people leaning on each other walking down a path," Suri mused. Tarakano's eyes light up at the sight of Karanisuri pushing her way through the people.
"Olwë it is good to see you again," Karanisuri.
"And I, you." Olwë's eyes darted only briefly before Karanisuri and I. I could see the knowing in his grey eyes.
"Did you listen to your brother or my husband," Karanisuri asked?
"Tarakano here first for I know I will be able to speak with my brother later. Your husband does have quite a way with words," Olwë said. Tarakano laughed and shook his head at this.
"He spun such words filled with hope, peace, and healing. It is hard to believe it," said the dark haired ner.
"Believe it for Aman is a place of beauty," Karanisuri said.
"I long to see those trees," Olwë said dreamily. It was startling to see for I knew Olwë more than Elwë. Olwë was not given to moments such at these. Karanisuri and Tarakano both broke out into teasing Olwë causing him to blush.
"I think I will go speak with Elwë now," Olwë said.
"If you need us you know where to find us," Tarakano said. Olwë inclined his head and left us disappearing quickly into the crowd gathered. Olwë's departure left an opening that other Quendi took to talk to both my sister and her husband. I watched briefly before listening to the conversation around us.
"I do not trust these Ayanūz," said one ner who looked concerned.
"Nor do I trust how those who went to Aman have changed," whispered a nesi. The conversations were a mix of being hopeful but also suspicious. Unlike the Minyar who seemed eager to rush of I noticed some and more so of the Nelyar being mistrustful.
'Is it because they faced the taint of the Shadow far more than the Minyar? Could the Shadow have affected us? Would that be the difference between those who went to Aman and those who did not? Did those who went to Aman found healing and this is what has changed them in this manner? Or it could it be the power of the Ayanūz? For surely the Dark One had influenced the creatures that haunted us in that dark time...could it be the same? ' I wondered briefly. I was so lost in my thoughts that went in circles trying to figure out how my twin sister changed that I never noticed the departing of the crowds.
"What causes you to think such deeply thoughts sister?" Karanisuri looked upon me with interest.
"Simply thoughts which I will have no answers to."
"Karanisuri and I are going to have dinner with my family for I wish to hear their own thoughts upon going to Aman. I hope they go for I wish to return. Will you be going?" Tarakano stood there with his arm around her waist looking a mighty couple. A sudden vision came upon me of red and silver, of metal I have never seen and bright red blood upon a blade, enemies whose appearance was a horror form of Quendi, and a bright golden light blazing above making the world seem so bright and loud. Gold and red, gold and red, and the scent of burning flesh in my nose. Abrupt as the vision came it left just as soon leaving me breathless and sprawled upon the ground.
"Víloma!" Karanisuri was by my side checking me over her mind a quick pulse as her blue eyes searched mine.
"I am fine. I just had a vision," I said and shuddered for the brief vision of horror.
'Could Quendi become as twisted as the shadow creatures?' I stifle my own growing horror and give Karanisuri and the others a small smile.
"That was some vision, are you well?"
"Yes, I am well. It was abstract and do not know the meaning of it or why it would come upon me. I would worry not for it," I said.
'The light reminded me of Suri's memory of Tulukhedelgorûs…' I shake my head and push myself up from the ground. All I knew was that visions were hard to place and our understanding of them was limited even if it was seen as a gift hailed to the Minyar. It was a troublesome gift. Karanisuri hugs me tightly for a moment.
"Do you wish us to walk you back," Tarakano asked?
"No, I will be fine. Go enjoy your family's food Tarakano." Tarakano nodded and walked away. Karanisuri stood there for a moment looking caught in indecision before she nods and rushes after Tarakano. Her red hair flaps in the wind and the vision is in my eyes once again for a brief moment. Troubled I left to be with my family.
That Great Gathering was memorable only for the fact that it was the last one all of us Quendi had gathered for such an event. It was alive with the conversations and distrustfulness over whether to leave for Aman or not. The Minyar all had chosen to go and were the most vocal. I was not present for the arguments. It was only hear say from my own sister's frustrations of leaders among the Tatyar and Nelyar who refused to go. Morwë and Nurwë were Karanisuri's biggest frustrations as they were the most vocal.
The Great Gathering extended longer than normal was plans were made between the various leaders and Arōmēz who would lead the way. All would gather at Minmbar and the Minyar was the smallest would go first. Those of the Tatyar who chose to go would follow second and the Nelyar as the largest group would follow. We baked our bread, smoked our meats, prepared our packs to travel lightly, and our weapons. For though the Shadows may have been gone as declared by Arōmēz there was wolves, cats, and hunting was always necessary to feed our bellies.
My words seem factual but the emotions during that time were high. My sister and my other siblings chose to travel with the Nelyar. It was not so much a surprise but it was full of heartache for only I would go with my parents. Kandatuo was well known among the Nelyar as was his wife having to have been a leader at Irin Orosdundova but also for his leadership among the Palar-e-Rokasta. Karanisuri and Tarakano were not a surprise for both were well loved leaders among the Nelyar and their respective professions. Kanatasulo was not much of a surprise for where Kandatuo and Karanisuri was, Kanatasulo was. Perhaps it was more the heartache from my younger siblings who chose to follow my adventurous siblings. Liraiwë was the hardest to let go for my parents and I for she was the baby of the family. Liraiwë insisted following Karanisuri and her brothers.
Despite the reality that faced us and the hopes that were in our heart saying goodbye to our families was not as hard as that of saying goodbye to our home. I lingered perhaps the longest with memories still ringing in my ears of my family gathered around the fire laughing and eating over Ammë's carefully prepared meal. The streets were filled with sound and chatter but it was not the same. It was not filled with the laughter as children ran down the streets off to go meet with friends. There was laughter in the air over the new adventure but it was not the same. With one last look at my childhood home I left to my husband's side.
"Are you well?"
"I am sad."
"Our heartache will be over soon enough and we will make a new home and a new town."
"It will be a long time in passing."
"A long time of forgetting, traveling, and experience what this land has for us to see." I smile at Glisipindë. My husband nodded at my response but his words did not soothe my heart. I felt like I was saying goodbye to my family. Glisipindë handed me my pack and I shouldered it. Arōmēz sounded a horn and we set off. My heart was filled with trepidation and silent tears dripped down my eyes that I dared not let Glisipindë see.
Language Notes:
Valarin - There is little known of the language of Valar and I am hardly capable of creating my own language or modifying another. I did try a little with the names because it seems obvious that Quenya seems to be influenced by Valarin. I will be mentioning the different dialects at different points but you'll see when we get there.
Ibrîniðilpathânezel - Valarin - Telperion
Tulukhedelgorûs - Valarin - Laurelin
Olosezellaphelûn - Dream Green Dwelling - My attempt at naming Lorien in a Valarin way, using olos, Q, for dream, ezella, green from Valarin, and phelûn for dwelling. Valarin uses ridiculously long words.
Character Notes:
In reference to Valar and Maiar names - I've tried to make them similar to what little Valarin there is out there. It should be obvious though who they reference.
Lelyaldë - The name of Karanisuri's and her siblings mother.
Chapter Notes:
Ambassadors to Aman - I recalled honestly that it would make sense that only three would go, due to there being three clans (albeit they have lived as one). Nahar probably was somehow big enough for to carry them. Yet the idea that only three would go when the people of the Quendi in this version is rather numerous (and certainly not at its full strength of Noldor i.e. first age) did not sit well with me. That being said, the 3 Kings remain who they are and those who went with them become Lords and Ladies high in the council of those who go to Valinor (though Elwë is the only one who never makes it back to Aman's shores except through death).
Valian Years - I know somebody managed the average and that it is 9.5 years but I have decided to simply equate 1 Valian year for 10 of our solar years.
Author's Note:
I apologize for how long this has taken for me to get out. I've been kind of preparing for Aman and it's storyline. It's going to be no actions scenes (except maybe a hunt scene) until Feanor grows balls but I have a lot to show in scenes as it splits between three characters mainly. I'm also the main caretaker for my boyfriend who fell off a waterfall.
I can understand why Tolkien's work was unfinished. It's a lot of information, a lot of characters, a lot of stories. I know I haven't rendered this story perfectly and as I do go along I discover aspects that I didn't see in previous chapters. So in some ways I cannot wait till the day I am finished so that I may spend a month or two chugging along with re-edits before continuing on to the second book of this series.
Anyways, casual reminder I do lead a very busy life but if you ever wanna see perhaps bits and pieces of whatever chapter I am working on go look at my tumblr: cielknight. Or you can be entertained by my poetry and occasionally the posting of pictures and sometimes articles involving writing advice (you can also join the discord channel I am part of which is on cielknight).