CHAPTER 6

Bilbo had been waiting for them on the boat and the short journey to Valinor had caused the Ringbearer no further distress, rather, it seemed to Elrond that he improved. Whether this was due to the virtue of the land they were approaching or the companionship provided by Elrond, Gandalf and Bilbo was not clear, but by the time the small ship docked Frodo was talking softly with his uncle.

As he stepped ashore, Elrond inhaled deeply of the fresh, clean air and was almost overwhelmed by the vigour that coursed through his limbs. Glancing aside, he saw that both hobbits were now smiling widely, indeed Bilbo looked as though he would burst into a little jig at any moment.

Gandalf's amused voice joined the birdsong that flooded the crystal air. "That's it. Breathe deeply my friends. Breathe deeply of air that is as pristine as it was when the world's first note was sung."

Bilbo's old voice had lost its ancient quaver and he laughed as heartily as he had the first time that Elrond met him. "I almost feel I should take a comment from our dear Samwise. In fact, I will." He gestured widely and grinned. "Glory and trumpets!"

Elrond was startled to hear Frodo's merry giggle join his uncle's laughter, aware that he had not heard that sound for many weeks. Its melody was a balm of enchantment more effective than even the symphony of this fair land.

Although the journey must have taken many hours, it seemed to the travellers that it was but moments for the ground cradled their feet and buoyed them up with every step. Each breath brought life and vigour and it was clear that even Frodo felt its effects as he began a gentle conversation with Gandalf and Bilbo.

"Where are we going, Gandalf?"

"We have been invited to visit Lord Lorien and his lady, Este, upon her isle in the centre of Lake Lorellin, within the incomparable gardens of Lorien."

Bilbo fairly bounced with delight. "Lorien? Irmo . . . the Bringer of Dreams. Oh my. I never thought I would see such a time."

Frodo's voice was filled with awe . . . and hope. "And Este . . . the Healer."

"And perhaps there will be others," Gandalf added with his usual air of mystery.

"My memory is not what it was. Tell me again of the Valar, Gandalf."

It was not Gandalf who answered Bilbo, but Elrond. For this was a list he had recited many times to elflings down the ages. His voice took on the cadence of Loremaster as he spoke.

"Chief among the Valar is Manwe. He is the Wind Lord and First King. Sulimo, he is also called, "Lord of the breath of Arda", for all the air is his love and he hears all that transpires in Arda from his burnished throne in the domed halls of Ilmarin, upon the highest peak of Taniquetil.

And at his side stands Varda, the Lady of the Stars. She whom we call Elentari and Elbereth. She kindled the stars and brings light to all those who wonder in the dark." Here, Elrond heard Frodo's indrawn breath and one small hand moved to clutch something within the pocket of his coat.

"Ulmo is the Lord of all water. His helmet is wave-crested and his mail is emerald and brilliant silver. Deep is his voice, as the sounding depths of the sea and yet he can also be heard in the light splash and rush of a brook or stream, or the sinuous current of the mighty river, for all water is his domain. He can move over all the world and all that waters may learn by bank and shore comes to his ear.

Aule the Smith is maker of the mountains and master of all crafts. He it was who created the dwarves and they call him Mahal, which means, "maker".

With him sits Yavanna, she whose name means, "giver of fruits". To some she is known as Kementari, "Queen of the Earth" and she it was who brought forth flower and tree upon Arda. She is the protector of all living things and drew flower and fruit from the Trees of the Valar, from which the Sun and Moon were wrought."

Even as Elrond spoke the sun touched the horizon, closing the day and making way for night. For a while they paused and partook of the small store of food and drink that they had brought with them for the journey. When they had finished the sun was but a memory of golden light along the mountain's edge and the first star was kindled in the east. They arose with light hearts and moved on through this magical land.

"Tell me more of the Valar, please, Lord Elrond." Frodo's voice had lost its tiredness and Elrond was more than willing to oblige.

"Namo lives in the House of the Dead. To most he is known by the name of this house, Mandos. He knows the Will of Illuvatar and none can gainsay him when he calls them to the Halls of Waiting. His sister is Nienna and his wife, Vaire. Vaire is called the Weaver for she weaves the tapestries of history and fate."

For a while they had been travelling through cool green woodland whose grass was strewn with golden flowers and now they stood upon the shores of a lake, the stars of Elbereth reflected in its indigo depths. A swan-prowed boat floated beside a jetty and the small party stepped aboard. There was no oarsman but the pale craft slid away from the dock and drifted smoothly towards an island at the centre of the lake.

"In the southern lands of Valimar are the woods of Orome, the Tamer of Beasts and Huntsman. He is fearsome in the hunt and dreadful in battle and when he blows his horn all evil flees before him. His wife is Vana, the ever young, who's delight is in birdsong and flower blossom. And Orome's sister is Nessa, the dancer. All woodland creatures love her and she dances upon the never fading grasses of this land.

Tulkas is her husband, who is called, "The Strong". He is strongest of all the Valar, quick and tireless. Even in war he carries no weapon, for his naked strength and great heart overwhelm all enemies.

Thus, you have heard the tale of all, save one, who has fallen from grace and does not reside in this fair land."

As Elrond's list drew to its close the boat arrived at another jetty, bathed in soft moonlight. Once more they stepped out onto grass that was cool and fresh beneath their feet. Moon and star illumined their path as they wove among the trees until they came to a wide clearing. Here a fountain splashed silver and by it, upon a low couch sat two glorious beings.

Elrond had thought that never would he find a more beautiful creature than Galadriel, but she who sat at her side this night outshone her golden beauty. How his marriage mother had come to this place Elrond did not know and past experience taught him not to ask. And, for once, Galadriel was not the important one here.

The grey clothed lady at her side arose, stepping forward to Gandalf and smiling down into the face of the Ringbearer. Her voice was as sweet as the nightingale and soft as the flutter of moth wings.

"Welcome, Frodo Baggins. I am Este and this is my husband, Lorien." She turned aside and a tall figure stepped out from the shadows by the fountain. Her lord's voice was low and gentle as the breeze that blows on a summer's eve.

"You have travelled west to seek healing. Will you allow us to grant your desire?"

Frodo's eyes, blue washed silver in the misty starlight, widened. "If you are willing to grant it, I would have healing, Lord."

Galadriel stood and Gandalf moved forward to lay Frodo upon the soft couch. Lorien followed. "We are not able to return you to the Frodo that you were before your quest. Nor would we wish to do so, for that would change much that is now part of Frodo Baggins and to change that would be to destroy what you have learned."

Este followed her husband, grey skirts pooling about her as she knelt upon the grass at Frodo's side. "But the destruction of that which you bore rent your soul and that we can repair, with the help of your companions. And perhaps we can also help you to make peace with your choices. Will you accept that which we offer?"

Frodo met her gaze squarely and Elrond could not imagine what that must have cost him, for the lady was blazing light thinly veiled in cloud. "I made that decision when I climbed upon the boat in the havens. I willingly accept any healing that you may offer me."

"Very well." Lorien stepped forward and laid a hand upon Frodo's brow and at once the hobbit's eyes fluttered shut, his breathing slowing in sleep. Este remained at his side but her husband now addressed the rest of the company.

"You were asked here because you each have something to contribute to the healing of Frodo Baggins. In particular, Elrond."

tbc