In An Age Before – Part 146
'Twas with great enthusiasm that the Lady Eilianu offered her counsel in planning the marriage of her daughter, for not oft does a mother have that opportunity, a privilege prepaid with many years of nurturing and love. This Lainiel perceived clearly, and she welcomed her mother's advice, whilst Galor, having no living relatives of his own, was more than happy to accept such aid.
"She thinks with forethought of every detail," he commented in amazement to Húngan as they took refreshment whilst the ladies continued their plotting.
"A great organizer she hath e'er been, for this estate runs not itself, yet even I am impressed with her knowledge and energy in this case," the Lord of Cardolan admitted. "Who knew which of the Perrianath grow the best flowers, or with whom in Bree to engage for their delivery?"
Somewhere along the way, the bride's parents had declared their intent to host both the wedding ceremony and the following feast at their mansion, as well as to absorb the costs of decorating and catering, as was the Dúnedain tradition. Visiting witnesses would be housed in tents upon the manor grounds. These guests were expected to include well 'nigh half the village of Celenhár and most of its Rangers. The arrangements for their attendance would fall to Galor as a practical matter, for he could most easily organize round-trip transportation using the horses and wagons from the village. In truth, most of those attending would provide their own transportation, relying on their lord to but assign the guides, for not a one had e'er journeyed aforetime to Cardolan or the home of its lord.
Nightfall stayed not the planning, and 'neath fair Ithil on 8 Cerveth, 'nigh the banks of a creek running some two miles east of Húngan's mansion, a meeting was held. Thither Helluin and Beinvír had set a temporary camp and awaited the arrival of her king's company, and warmly did the two ellith greet their old friends, Dálindir, Celegaras, and Gérorn.
"Mae govannen, mildir nín," the Green Elf said in greeting.
"We art glad to see ye again," Helluin added, "please join us and be welcome."
"'Tis good to find thee well, my friend," Dálindir said to the Noldo as the three sat beside the trench fire, "and to meet thee in happier times."
The two ellith had last shared company with the King of the Laiquendi in 1359, when he had led his warriors in the delivery of Imladris. After they had settled, Beinvír broke apart a chicken that had roasted o'er the fire, and Gérorn brought forth a skin of wine. Helluin apportioned some vegetables and grains. O'er their meal, the Elves spoke of the coming wedding.
"Great tidings have we heard of late, mildis nín," Gérorn said after washing down a mouthful of drumstick with a swig of wine.
"Aye, thy foundling has found a foundling of her own to marry," Celegaras observed with a chuckle.
"So t'would seem, meldir nín," the Noldo confirmed, "a surprising turn that should have come as little surprise given the surprising events since our turn in Gondor."
"In light of the discoveries in Imladris, mellon Gwilolrán shalt have to update his knowledge of the Kings of Eriador," Beinvír added.
"Stranger and stranger a place Imladris has become o'er the past centuries," Dálindir mused. "Thither I find the stars…comforting." At the questioning looks from the two ellith he added, "oft I tarried thither in the past Age, leaving none the wiser, of course, yet increasingly I feel some o'ersight of my presence and have entered that land only rarely of late. T'would seem 'tis not I alone who comes and goes unmarked."
As Helluin and Beinvír digested these confessions, Celegaras, the scout of the Green Elves said, "word I have received concerning a riding of the lord of that land and a small accompanying party who crossed Bruinen yestereve heading west. 'Tis no coincidence, I wager, that Elrond Peredhel comes to witness the wedding of his far-cousin, Lainiel."
How such tidings could travel so swiftly left Helluin and Beinvír confounded.
"Tis an event not to be missed, and so we too shalt not miss it," Dálindir declared. "The joining of the lord and lady of the First House of the Atani we would deem a royal wedding even were Galor not also King of Eriador."
"We shalt keep watch for thee," Beinvír said, doubting there would be 'aught to actually see. 'Attendance' meant something a bit different amongst her folk than amongst mortal Men or even other Elves. Her king and his party would more rightly bear witness, but she doubted that any would witness them.
The following eve Galor stood by astonished as in the yard before the manor of his host, Rangers of Cardolan raised tent after tent. Their waxed canvas would be allowed to air for several days ere the guests arrived.
"My Lord Húngan, I had no idea my marriage to thy daughter would entail so much preparation," he said as twilight deepened on 9 Cerveth. "In Celenhár a wedding simply involves the attendance of the wedding party and some townsfolk, and whate'er guests they might have invited, all housed in their own homes. The families of the bride and groom come together to provide food and drink, which invariably comes at a sizable discount from our tavern keep."
"Amongst the Dúnedain a wedding involves much dictated by long tradition, and for the daughter of a lord regent the expectations art…extensive," Húngan replied as he surveyed his yard with growing pride. "'Tis not oft that the lady of an ancient house weds the king of an entire land, both unexpectedly revealed."
Some details the Lord of Cardolan knew which the Lord Galor did not. Riders bearing formal invitations had been sent forth, west and east, upon 1 Cerveth. Húngan had still received no word 'yea' or 'nay' from his king. Others he had learnt would attend, some unseen even as the vows were taken. For one party, which he did know would publicly attend, he had reserved apartments with a degree of privacy, but this he kept to himself. A grin shaped his face. T'would be the wedding of the century.
That same day, the invitation arrived at Fornost Erain, and Araphor received it with gladness. His joy increased when he read that the wedding was to be held upon the 21st at the mansion of his regent, not in Celenhár, thereby halving the distance to a site within his realm. A reply he drafted and then hastened Húngan's messenger on his way.
So the plans continued, and upon 18 Cerveth the first guests arrived. Villagers of Celenhár in their wagons or on horseback rode up to the mansion 'neath the guidance of Rhudaur Rangers, for Captain Leginbór had dispatched half his company home on the same day the invitations were sent. Now the good folk of Celenhár were shown to tents, but no few simply parked their wagons alongside and raised covers o'er the wagon beds, having arranged thus their own accommodations. Mixed 'twixt amazement at the Lord Húngan's home, larger than their town hall, and thanksgiving for the joy of their lord, the villagers set about celebrating well 'nigh at once. Gaily colored banners and streamers they adorned their tents and wagons with, musicians played and sang, and the people danced. Joyously too did they greet those Cardolan Rangers that they had met aforetime, and honored those of their neighboring realm to whom they were introduced afresh. Indeed the Cardolanath found them so much akin to their own common folk that they came to wonder from whence had come the long years of animosity 'twixt their realms of old.
The pre-party had continued with much mirth and good will for two more days, when, on the 20th, there arrived a riding unexpected by most and a cause for awe to all. Into the yard before Húngan's mansion rode a half-dozen, fair beyond mortal ken, about whom a fugitive Light was just to be perceived, and one aged Man of surprising vigor. To these, the Lord Regent of Cardolan, the new King of Eriador, and even the two ellith bowed low. The rest of the people, Rangers and villagers alike, simply stared at them in shock.
"Mae govannen, Lord Elrond," Helluin said, "may I present the Lord Húngan, Regent of Cardolan, and his wife, Lady Eilianu, the parents of thy far-cousin, Lainiel."
"Mae govannen, my friends, and my thanks for thy introduction," Elrond said, nodding to Helluin and Beinvír, "and my great thanks to ye for your nurturing and safe-keeping of my kinswoman, Lainiel," he said to the Lord of Cardolan and his wife.
Then the Lord of Imladris turned to those accompanying him and introduced them in turn as Lainiel hastened from the house at the commotion.
"Hither, come to celebrate the joining of Lady Lainiel and Lord Galor art thy daughter's kin, my wife, Lady Celebrían, her mother, Lady Galadriel of Lórinand, and my children, Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen," and turning to Lainiel, he said, "I regret thou hast met them not aforetime."
"I am o'erjoyed to meet them now, Lord Elrond," Lainiel said. "The gift of kinship I take as a blessing for which I cannot thank thee in sufficient measure."
There were tears of gratitude in the eyes of the once-orphaned girl as she named and offered each a curtsy in turn, and finally she regarded Mithrandir.
"As a venerable lord of Men thou appear, and yet I feel about thee 'aught which I have felt aforetime only in those especially blessed in the West, the Lord Glorfindel and my guardian, Helluin. I would greet thee with reverence and know thy name, my lord."
"He is Mithrandir, a friend great in wisdom and a welcome counselor to all," Elrond told her, whilst thinking, perceptive she is beyond her years, truly an adaneth of the First House as of old.
She could not have greeted more fittingly a Maia disguised, Helluin commented to Beinvír silently, eye to eye.
Aye, and charmed he seems with her, the Green Elf replied.
Indeed the Istar smiled upon Lainiel, saying, "if indeed any blessings of the West I could bestow upon thee, I would not hesitate to do so. May thy marriage be long in bliss and a cause for great celebration."
So, t'would seem my rejoicing at Húngan's victory and lordship fifty-five years past was well founded, Mithrandir thought, and though I knew not whyfor 'twas important, I deemed the future of Men enhanced. This joining is important, and of it I feel that one day shalt hope come for many in the long struggle ahead.
The new guests were made comfortable in the mansion's spacious parlor, and came to know their host and his kin, though these were still somewhat awestruck to have in their presence the noblest family of the Noldor.
And whyfor hast thou arranged a congress of the Three, mellon nín? Helluin asked Elrond in silence as the company conversed o'er refreshments.
Indeed 'twas at Mithrandir's 'suggestion', and I took it as a sign that the others had come so timely from the Golden Wood. Indeed I expected them not 'til summer's end.
Huh, Helluin replied, t'would surprise me little if they received a summons in thought, for I deem that Mithrandir and Galadriel speak at whiles and from afar.
I had thought just so myself, Elrond chaffed in mock affront, and a bit of notice ere such historic events I should greatly appreciate, loremaster that I am.
Helluin chuckled softly into her cup of wine whilst the conversation flowed 'round them with none the wiser. Out of the corner of her eye she marked a messenger enter and speak with the Lord Húngan ere he proffered a letter and excused himself. The Lord of Cardolan withdrew to his study where he went to his desk, and thither he opened and read the message. A broad smile graced his lips as he tucked the letter away in a drawer. Thereafter he summoned a Ranger of Cardolan and gave orders which were received with a shocked expression and a hasty departure.
"My friends," Lord Húngan announced upon his return to his guests, "it seems we art to be graced upon the morrow with the attendance of His Majesty Lord Araphor, King of Arthedain."
Helluin looked 'round the room and saw that Galor was petrified, whilst there were smiles upon the faces of the Lord Elrond, Lady Galadriel, and Mithrandir, and a look of shock on the face of Lainiel. Meanwhile, the Lady Eilianu was elated and actually bounced in her seat whilst clapping her hands like a schoolgirl.
'Tis turning out to be the event of the century indeed, Beinvír commented to Helluin silently, eye to eye. Would that Galadriel had brought Nimrodel with her from Lórinand to enjoy such fair and genteel company.
Upon our next sojourn to the Golden Wood, thou may relate such tidings to her and no doubt she shalt be duly impressed with the company thou keep, Helluin replied with a grin.
I pray that I can contain my mirth upon the morrow, said the Green Elf, for at our last meeting thou had enthralled the Lord Araphor, leaving him blank-faced and drooling.
Helluin groaned, recalling perfectly the mindless agreeability of the young king as he gave them leave to bring the Palantír of Elostirion to the battle of Fornost in 1409.
I deem that I shalt be hard-pressed to suppress a chuckle or two myself, the Noldo replied. Still, he was but eighteen years of age then, and perhaps as a grown Man he shalt arouse greater respect for his dignity.
A glance towards Mithrandir revealed an expression of mild disapproval on the Istar's face. Helluin shrugged and asked, what else was I to do? Her old friend suppressed a chuckle and resumed his conversation with Arwen and Lainiel, who were examining the rings of marriage that Lainiel had inherited from her slain parents. They appeared to be on their way to friendship as they laughed together o'er something the Istar had said. Nearby, Elladan and Elrohir were exchanging tales of adventure with Rochen and Leginbór, whilst the ladies Celebrían and Eilianu spoke of children and family. It seemed to the two ellith that their current company was one of the most joyous they could recall in many a year, and they committed all to memories that they could revisit and rejoice in during dark times to come.
'Twas in the morning of 21 Cerveth that a procession reached the mansion of the regent. Behind an escort of Cardolan Rangers rode an honor guard of Knights of Arthedain. Upon the lead horse, a knight bore a pennant with the Tengwar R-PH-R, in silver thread embroidered upon a field of sable, the glyph of Araphor, King of Arthedain, Heir of Isildur, and right lord of the Dúnedain of the north. Having received an estimate of their arrival time from his Rangers just after dawn, the Lord Húngan, with his family and the principal guests, had gathered before the mansion to welcome the king to Cardolan.
Araphor, now grown to manhood, displayed the regality of his predecessors; tall, and comely of face and form after the fashion of the Númenóreans he descended from, yet also possessed of their dignity and their respect for others that had been lost by their later kings. He dismounted straightaway and offered his host a bow and a smile ere meeting Húngan to clasp forearms as veteran campaigners might. He then turned to the guests, many of whom required no introduction, for he had met them aforetime at Fornost during the earliest days of his reign.
"Lord Elrond, 'tis my great joy and honor to greet thee again after so many years, especially now at a time of celebration," the king said as he bowed to the Peredhel.
After returning the king's bow, Elrond said, "'tis with joy that I greet thee, Lord Araphor, and I am glad to find thee well and thy realm at peace. Allow me to introduce my family, cousin. Hither art my wife, Lady Celebrían, her mother, Lady Galadriel, and our children, Elladan, Elrohir, and Arwen."
Bows and curtsies were exchanged all 'round ere Húngan completed the formalities, saying, "your Grace, 'tis my honor to present my wife, Lady Eilianu, our son, Rochen, our daughter, Lainiel, whom thou hast met at court in Fornost, and Lainiel's betrothed, Galor son of Galion, Lord of Celenhár. Hither too art others known to thee aforetime, Mithrandir, wise counselor, and thy friends and allies of old, Helluin and Beinvír."
More bows and curtsies followed, accompanying the acknowledgment of each in their turn, yet finally all had been greeted and honored and the party retired to the regent's mansion for refreshments, whilst outside, the common folk of Celenhár filled the air with comments and music and gossip.
Once they had settled, King Araphor spoke, saying, "now though we art gathered hither in joy to witness and celebrate the wedding of Galor and Lainiel, I have first a proclamation to make. Upon this day by order of the Crown of Arthedain, I, Araphor son of Arveleg, do hereby confirm the Regency of Cardolan to the heirs of Lord Húngan son of Baragund, that their office and service to the crown may be recognized in perpetuity hereafter. This act was approved by the court just ere I rode south."
Later, Araphor offered an aside to his regent, confiding that, "'tis a welcome respite to be freed of Fornost and the court for a time, my friend. Only do I wish that I could have brought my queen. Alas, our son Argeleb is but 9 years of age, and someone must mind him…and rule the kingdom."
"She would have been most welcome, my lord," Húngan replied, "and I doubt not that she would have found much to speak of with the ladies Eilianu, Celebrían, and Galadriel, for I deem that all mothers have 'aught in common."
"I agree," Araphor said with a chuckle, "and I shalt certainly hear of her displeasure when we speak of thy daughter's wedding party. Indeed the tale of thy daughter is somewhat of a mystery to me. How came she hither, and how was her betrothed's lineage revealed?"
"Ah, my lord, of these tales t'would be best to hear firsthand, for both events involve our friends, Helluin and Beinvír. Indeed there art mysteries aplenty, and yet more. Know thou 'aught of one Iarwain Ben-adar?"
That name brought no recognition from the king and he shook his head 'nay'.
So 'twas that Húngan came to the two ellith and begged their counsel on behalf of his king, and they spoke long, revealing all that had come to pass in discovering, first the identity of Lainiel, and then the truth of Galor's lineage. Mysteries indeed were revealed, and Araphor came away from their talk unsettled by the knowledge of Iarwain, and certain that greater powers were at work right under his nose.
"I should tell thee 'twas a surprise upon my arrival to find so many of the great and wise gathered hither," the King of Arthedain said. "Most oft have I been saddled with the obeisance of all I meet, and truth be told, it grows tiresome. Hither, for the first time in a long time, I am but a lesser lord, in years and in status, for even the youngest of thy folk count the age of my realm but scant years longer than their own lives. And for some, the tale of their years sets all the years of my people the less. 'Tis refreshing to be thus reminded of my place in Arda. Now by thy words do I learn that one who may be a Vala resides at times within the lands of my realm. A strange and perilous being I deem him." The king shook his head in amazement. "Alas, being constrained in Fornost leaves me regrettably uninformed at times."
"Lord Araphor, thou hast a hereditary charge and thy life has a place in Arda, as do we all in partaking of the Valar's Song, and though some art greater and others lesser, still each has their path to tread upon this Middle Earth. 'Tis our place to but make the best choices we can and to do good as chance allows, for each act adds its weight to the whole that makes up our times," Helluin said.
Beinvír nodded in agreement and added, "my lord, we art both common born amongst our peoples, remain wanderers by choice, and art oft called into danger far afield. Yet we would trade not our station, nor covet another's, for we have seen many wonders and many horrors, many victories and many defeats, and along the way, we have made many friends. 'Tis the path of few, as is thine, and perhaps no less necessary, for we deem 'twas set forth by the One in His wisdom. Fey and ungrateful would we be to gainsay it."
In the king's eyes they saw the same look of wonder that had once graced the faces of their friends, King Ërlick and Queen Brekka, upon a night in the Great Mead Hall of King Lüdhgavia when both were still young. Yet Araphor was no rustic captain, and in his middle years he had already surpassed all the years of King Ërlick's life. Too, he had deeper sight and greater wisdom, and a lineage steeped in such majesty as mortal Men might attain. The themes of which the two ellith spoke were long familiar; 'twas simply a surprise to hear them voiced with such conviction.
"Upon some day to come I would that thy life tale be preserved in the lore of the North Kingdom," he said, "and whether such comes to pass in my lifetime or no, I deem t'would be a source instructional, containing much wisdom unknown to Men. I pray thee take the time to sit with some scribe and dictate the days of wonder that thou hast seen."
To this simple request both ellith bowed their heads for honor's sake. This King of the Dúnedain, the most noble lord of Men living in their time, had presumed not to command them, only to voice his desire to share 'aught of the knowledge they had gleaned during lives so different from his own. Implicit was his valuation of all they had said, and his acceptance of the separate fates that bound their two kindreds 'neath Ilúvatar's design. 'Twas wisdom greater than many a king deemed mightier in their time had demonstrated.
"Lord, thou hast my word bond that such shalt come to pass one day," the Noldo said.
Indeed the long years that would pass ere that tale was told, none upon that day could foretell, for Ages would come and go and the world change ere Helluin, prophesied aforetime to become the Elda abiding longest upon the Mortal Shores, would dictate her life's story.
Now in the afternoon the preparations for the wedding and feasting were completed, and at the third hour past noon the party and the witnesses assembled in the yard before Húngan's mansion. Thither, amidst merriment and thanksgiving, did the lords and representatives of the Dúnedain and the Noldor, the Laiquendi and the Men of Eriador, and even the Maiar of the Blessed Realm, hear the declarations and oaths, see the exchange of ancient rings, and celebrate the wedding of Lainiel, last Lady of the House of Bëor, to Galor, Lord of Celenhár, King of Eriador, and latest heir of Balar.
So the First House of the Atani was restored and its branches reunited, and in days long ahead, all that Iarwain Ben-adar foretold would indeed come to pass. Of the union of Galor and Lainiel came a daughter and a son, and after, down through all the generations in the north, daughter followed mother and son followed father 'til in the reign of the Chieftain Argonui, the Lady of the First House would wed Gilbarad of the Dúnedain. Of their union was born a daughter, Ivorwen the Foresighted, who in her time would marry the Ranger Dírhael. Their daughter was Gilraen the Fair, who wed Arathorn son of Arador in 2929, and bore to him a son who would become the last chieftain and change the world.
To be Continued