In An Age Before

by Phantom Bard

Part 298 posted, in which Helluin and the Riders of Norðr-vestandóttir Bý aid the Third Marshal Haleth in Rohan's defeat of the Easterling invaders. Brutal weather, disease, and failing morale play a part. Aldburg is no sooner freed of the eastern threat when tidings come of the Dunlending's invasion from the west. OCs galore as usual.

200. In An Age Before Chapter 200

In An Age Before – Part 200

Chapter One Hundred thirty

Imladris and The Angle – The Third Age of the Sun

In Eriador, beginning in the year that Helluin had allied with the Northmen to empty Dol Guldur, the surviving Dúnedain of Arthedain had begun to make their way from Lindon to The Angle. Indeed, the first of them had come directly to Rhudaur in the year of Fornost's fall, but the greater count of that people made the journey east in 1975 and 1976. There they met the Rangers of Rhudaur at the ancient town of Celenhár, and in those years, their warriors took up the training of the Rangers and the ways of the Laiquendi. They settled in the free lands of The Angle and in Rhudaur north of the Great East Road, and some also came to inhabit the eastern borderlands of the old realm of Cardolan. As the years passed, the Rangers assumed the protection of their people, and slowly these spread north into some of the precincts of their ancestral kingdom of Arthedain. Yet the kingdom was fallen, its cities abandoned, and its king lost. The last prince of Arthedain embraced the new way of life, forgoing his title and accepting exile, and with the same loyalty they had accorded their kings for o'er two thousand years, every single subject of the realm followed him into obscurity.

Through the generations and 'cross the centuries that followed, Prince Aranarth and his ruling descendants took the title of 'Chieftain', in memory of the lords of the original three houses of the Atani. Their line remained unbroken and their honor intact, and the cares and responsibilities of rule were still their paramount concern. They honored the oaths of their forefathers, to protect those who had sworn their allegiance in the founding days of the Realms in Exile.

Absent the trappings of the kingship, they grew closer to their people and their people closer to them. In the north, a culture of informality took hold that would have been shocking to their southern kin in Gondor, yet it knitted the Men of the North together in honor and respect, and diminished pretense. Though many still identified themselves as Dúnedain, and many were indeed High Men of pure blood, they honored as kith and kin the Men of Rhudaur, once their loyal subjects. O'er the passing years, well 'nigh true equality came to rule the common people of Eriador, for though they all recognized and reverenced their chieftains and valued their lore, as the first chieftain had said, Aran no e-mbuidir gwaith hon, 'a king is the servant of his people'.

In token of this, there existed parallel lineages, the Dúnedain and the Rhudaurim. Of the two, 'twas the Rhudaurim of The Angle who had a king, the Heirs of Balar, more ancient of lineage than the Kings of Númenor, and with them in Celenhár dwelt the successive Ladies of the First House of the Atani. These allied lords and ladies each reverenced the others, and indeed they were truly akin, for their houses had soon shared blood, the Middle Men of Eriador and the High Men of the West. And as the years passed, the Rangers of Rhudaur and the Rangers of Arthedain forfeited their exclusive names, for there were no longer the kingdoms of Rhudaur or Arthedain, and all were Rangers of the North.

One thing further these peoples shared, and that was their relationship with Imladris and its lord, Elrond Peredhel, for in Ages past their lords had all shared ancestors, and in some measure, the blood of each line flowed in the veins of the others.

Now in 1978, Queen Fíriel and Chieftain Aranarth desired to visit the Hidden Valley, for by the roads, they were now but fifty leagues distant. Attending the queen were her younger son, Prince Artamir, and her once handmaiden, Lady Almiril, a healer of Gondor. With them went Lord Níshír, his wife, Lady Brithil, Athelrian, the Lady of the First House and her daughter, Lady Brennil. They would be escorted by a detail of sixty Rangers, thirty from Arthedain and thirty from Rhudaur. In addition, an honored guest would join them, the Ithron Mithrandir.

Spring opened, and on 6 Gwirith of 1978, the embassy departed Celenhár. Captain Úcúnon, Commander of the Rangers of Arthedain, who had briefly visited Imladris, led the column of his Rangers. His counterpart, Captain Túrandir, led the column of Rhudaur Rangers. Thirty Rangers rode ahead of the royals and the remaining thirty behind, arranged in double columns wherein fifteen Rangers of Arthedain rode beside fifteen Rangers of Rhudaur.

The lords Níshír and Aranarth rode side by side with Lady Brithil and Queen Fíriel behind. Chieftain Aranarth was intensely curious about the Hidden Valley, which Níshír had briefly visited after the breaking of the blockade, and he asked innumerable questions. Though they had oft spoken in Celenhár, the impending meeting with Elrond birthed many new queries. Lady Brithil and the queen spoke together as well, for they had become good friends during the years since the Dúnedain had arrived in The Angle. Mithrandir followed, e'er close by to offer counsel to the lords or ladies. Next came the ladies Athelrian and Brennil of the First House. Following them rode Artamir and Almiril. 'Twixt Athelrian and Almiril there was great friendship and they both spoke of the healing lore of the High Elves that they hoped to learn. For this they oft rode side by side, allowing Brennil and Artamir to ride together. Artamir and Brennil conversed on many topics, but 'twas their glances and smiles that reinforced the attraction each felt for the other. They made no secret of their feelings, but neither did they flaunt them. Behind them came a wagon drawn by a pair of horses, once freed from starvation and predation in their service to the Easterlings who had blockaded Imladris. It held travel supplies and baggage for the riders, and a coffer bearing the royal heraldry of Arthedain.

The column rode north at a comfortable walking pace, and on the 7th they reached the Great East Road and turned towards the Bruinen. The 8th and 9th passed as the procession continued. Of course all this had been marked by the Laiquendi, and even had the lords and ladies ridden unescorted, still they would have ridden in safety, for the Green Elves would have allowed none to jeopardize them. They had been allied with the Men of Celenhár for three Ages, and the rest were descendants of Eärendil, and therefore of Thingol and Melian.

In the morn of 10 Gwirith, the riders approached the narrow cutting in the red sandstone cliffs where the score and two Tor still stood as sentries of stone, and Lord Níshír called out to the watchers there, naming his company. The land appeared unguarded, but he knew from his visit a few years past that 'twas an illusion. Finally, atop the cliffs a figure stood forth. In the morning light he seemed to glow with a Light of his own, and he placed a hand upon his breast and bowed ere making a gesture of welcome. The nobles in the embassy bowed to him in return, and then they entered the slot canyon.

That way was sufficient for the passage of the wagon, and so 'twas also broad enough for the riders to proceed two abreast. Soon that company came from 'twixt those steep walls and out onto the killing field. Dotted with early spring flowers and lush grass, it appeared quite pleasant. Captain Túrandir and the Rangers of Rhudaur recalled it as the campground on which they had spent the night after their battle with the blocking force. Captain Úcúnon and his Rangers had encamped there as well after the last battle in which they had worn the uniforms of Arthedain, howe'er the captain, along with Lord Níshír, had spent the day and evening 'cross the Ford of Bruinen in Imladris. Upon that field before the ford, the Rangers bowed to their lords and halted. Beyond the shallow and sparkling water there were no threats and no need for a guard detail. They would encamp on the field and await any call, or the order for their departure. From the wagon, the lords and ladies took their luggage and rigged it to their saddles, and with Aranarth went the coffer.

Now Lord Níshír and Mithrandir led the royal party 'cross the ford, and they rode up the steep climbing path on the far side, and each of them marveled at the enhancement of their senses, subtle, yet impossible to ignore. Aranarth, Fíriel, Artamir, and Almiril in particular reveled in the acuity their senses acquired, for by virtue of their Dúnedain blood, their senses were already more attuned than those of most Middle Men. Athelrian and Brennil were the exceptions, for being of the blood of the First House of the Atani, they too partook of heightened perception. Lord Níshír found the sensations welcome and familiar from his previous visit, and he was amazed at how much he had missed the feelings he had whilst in the realm of the Noldor. All of the mortals rode the path from the ford with eyes wide, trying to take in every vista and every detail.

Alone amongst them, Mithrandir looked far ahead and met Lindir's eyes as he came down the path through the trees to welcome them. They spoke together in silence, eye to eye.

'Tis e'er a joy to greet thee, Lord Mithrandir. I see thou hast brought noble company.

Mae govannen, Lindir. 'Tis indeed so, my friend. Is all well in the Hidden Valley?

Aye. All is well, now that the north is free of Angmar. Come, mellon nín, my Lord Elrond would greet thee and thy company.

By then the mortals had marked Lindir's approach, and Lord Níshír greeted him and made the introductions. Many bows and words of welcome followed, and then the company was led to the settlement and to the home of Elrond Peredhel. As the guests numbered nine, the Lord of the Hidden Valley chose to meet them in a salon rather than in his study. Accompanying him were the lords Erestor and Glorfindel, but also some others of high nobility who were unexpected, and so 'twas a sizable company that met o'er refreshments to exchange many words of friendship.

"The welcome of the Last Homely House is offered to ye, my kin from afar. Háran Aranarth son of Arvedui, Tári Fíriel vesse Arvedui, Haryon Artamir, Aran Eriador Níshír son of Redhir, Lady Brithil, Lady Athelrian en Herth Erui, Lady Brennil, Lady Almiril, allow me to present my kin, Lord Celeborn son of Galadhon, my father-in-law, Aranel Artanis daughter of Finarfin, my mother-in-law, my wife Celebrían, Héri Imladris, our sons Elladan and Elrohir, and our daughter Arwen."

The bows and greetings were lengthy and formal, and 'twas the quarter part of an hour ere all were properly greeted and the company could take their seats. Even in Imladris, 'twas seldom that so many lords and ladies congregated, and ne'er aforetime by fortune, for no formal council had been called. Yet all who gathered found that there was much to discuss and more concerns pressing than any had anticipated.

The Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel had recently come from Lórinand where King Amroth was troubled. Though his relationship with Durin VI was not close, 'twas one in which each lord felt preoccupied with the concerns of ruling their own realm rather than being sundered by any antagonism 'twixt their peoples. The Dwarves and the Elves simply believed that they had little in common and held little concourse because of that.

Aside from his continuing courtship and preoccupation with the Lady Nimrodel, (the report of which coaxed a chuckle from the Elves and ignorant looks from the mortals), the son of Amdír was anxious about certain reports that had come to him of matters in Khazad-dûm. The concerns for which Beinvír had once traveled to offer counsel to King Durin had become increasingly more pronounced. Mining activities, especially those related to the Barazinbar Spur whence mithril ore was extracted, had become more frequently interrupted. What had been a closely held state secret in 1851 had gradually grown into a guild-wide source of tension and most recently, a source of gossip and speculation amongst the traders who came and went from the East Gate. 'Twas but the matter of a few years ere word of it was heard even by the border guards of the Golden Wood, who told 'aught that they heard to their king.

Being unable to leave his lands to seek after tidings, (and indeed being loath to do so and be parted from his beloved Nimrodel), King Amroth had beseeched Celeborn and Galadriel to enquire of Lord Elrond if 'aught was known regarding these matters. The idea of simply marching up to the Azanulbizar Gate and asking the Gonnhirrim ne'er occurred to him.

Though neither Elrond, nor any of his counselors knew the substance of Beinvír's conversation with Durin VI just ere her disappearance, Mithrandir had some suspicions of his own.

"Alas, what Beinvír Laiquende discussed with King Durin was known only to them," the Ithron said, shaking his head in sorrow for the loss of his friend, "but I have felt more unsettled with each passing year. Something festers in the mountains. Some dark influence grows, though I know not what it may be."

"Perhaps the Yrch repopulate their strongholds," Elrond guessed. "Helluin absented herself from the persecution of their warrens years ago."

"Perhaps," Mithrandir allowed, "though their doings have not triggered such incertitude in my heart aforetime. Even ere Helluin won the title of Ghâshgûl, the Gonnhirrim held them at bay, and in recent years, their numbers have been few."

"We know that Dol Guldur stood empty but three years past, and the Nazgûl have not been seen in o'er a century," Celeborn offered. "We know not whither they went."

At his words, Mithrandir and Elrond looked to him.

"I have heard tell that the Ringwraiths departed Dol Guldur, but none have said the fortress remains empty," Elrond said. "When last I saw her in Ivanneth of 1975, Helluin was determined to investigate Dol Guldur for clues to Beinvír's disappearance. She rode east o'er the High Pass and perhaps she learnt something there. I have not seen her since, hast thou?"

"We saw her too, in Celenhár, and she departed expecting to meet thee in Imladris," Aranarth said to Elrond. Beside him, Mithrandir nodded in agreement.

"Indeed we saw her in mid-Narbeleth," Galadriel said. "She was new come from Dol Guldur whence she had recovered Beinvír's ring. The Nazgûl were long gone. With Prince Fram and the Northmen, she slew the remaining Yrch. Dark was her mood, and when last we saw her, she was riding to Khazad-dûm to have the ring repaired."

"So then perhaps she held council with King Durin," Mithrandir said. "She hath known several of him o'er many thousands of years and counts him a dear friend."

That comment birthed some incredulous looks from the Dúnedain, but none spoke of it.

"Perhaps so, yet we have heard 'naught," Celeborn said. "She returned not through Lórinand after."

Elrond groaned. The one most suited to discerning what festered in the Hithaeglir and if 'twas the same as what beset Khazad-dûm was again absent, and the idea of sending some to find her was a slim chance indeed. His son Elladan had sought for her in the past, but now she might not even be in Eriador. Finally, he accepted that he might see her on the morrow, or not for a few centuries, for having no liege lord, she came and went as she deemed necessary. He shook his head at the situation, marking one last possibility. Perhaps a Maia saw more clearly.

The Peredhel, and then Galadriel too, looked to Mithrandir, but he shook his head 'nay'. Eye to eye in silence he told them that, as she shields herself at all times from Sauron, she is invisible to me, as I am sure she remains to you. The two other Ring-bearers nodded in agreement.

"Can thou not simply summon her hither?" Fíriel asked. "Thou art Lord of the Noldor in Eriador," she said, looking to Elrond, "and thou art a princess of her people," she said to Galadriel.

Summon her…as I am sure thou would have once done with a subject in Gondor, Elrond thought as he suppressed a chuckle and shook his head 'nay'.

"To summon any, a lord or lady must know whither to send their summons," he said, "but Helluin abides in no certain place save as fancy or need directs her."

"So thy subject is wayward at need and given to adventuring on her own account?" Fíriel asked.

"The case is not so simple, for though she acknowledges our nobility, she is not our subject," Galadriel explained. "Long ago she served my grandfather, and in Middle Earth, my uncle. After he died before the gates of Angband, her allegiance was held by his son, Turgon, for she dwelt in Hidden City. Following the Fall of Gondolin, the Noldor were ruled by Ereinion, and 'til his death on the slopes of Orodruin, Helluin acknowledged him, whilst he feared and marginalized her. She was his subject in name only, did his bidding when he commanded, but kept her own counsel."

Galadriel sighed. Whilst a noble lineage could make one a lord or a king, amongst the Noldor there were further concerns.

"Save her first lord Finwë, the High Kings Fingolfin, Fingon, and Turgon, were all younger than she, but at least we had all come from Aman. Like her, we were true Calaquendi who had seen the Two Trees. Ereinion son of Orodreth was born in Beleriand and was far her junior in years, but more importantly, he was far her inferior in power though she was common born. I deem that to her, his kingship was but a fluke of chance conferred by birth, 'naught more. She indulged him, ne'er appearing disloyal, yet were she unwilling, she would simply vanish and remain unavailable."

"I recall her from Gondolin," Glorfindel said, speaking for the first time. "All King Turgon's warriors were allied with one of the twelve Great Houses of the city, save her. When asked, she named herself an explorer. In Aman, Helluin had lived a largely solitary life, roaming the Undying Lands alone for thousands of years. During that time, she became the most powerful of our people."

"We do not command her, but we do count her as a friend," Elrond said, for he too had been born in Beleriand. "If we asked, she would come and share her tidings."

The queen nodded, better understanding their relationship with Helluin.

"T'would seem that if I am to clarify my fears, I must go to Khazad-dûm," Mithrandir said.

"If thou desire companionship upon the road, I have been to the Dwarrowdelf but four years past," Glorfindel said. "Some others here would be willing to accompany us."

The Ithron nodded in thanks for the offer, though he did not think their company would aid his cause. He simply needed to share speech with some knowledgeable lord of the city.

Feeling that they had exhausted the topic, the Peredhel asked after the concerns of his guests.

"My lords and ladies, have ye some matters pressing for which ye have come? I would aid you as I can," he said.

At first the mortals sat looking to each other, uncertain as to who should broach their business. Finally their eyes settled on Aranarth, deferring to him, and so he spoke.

"My lords and ladies, the Kingdom of Arthedain is no more. With each war, the Witch King has sapped the strength and numbers of my people, and I deem 'tis but a matter of time ere we are driven to extinction. We defeat him again and again, and yet each time he returns, immortal where we are not.

In the beginning of the North Kingdom, the first king pledged his protection to the people who pledged their allegiance, and each king since has striven to honor that bond. Yet my father foresaw a time when the kingdom of the Dúnedain would no longer be strong enough to safeguard its subjects, and with the Fall of Fornost, I reckon that time has come. The realm of Arthedain shall not rise again. No longer shall we field an army or defend a fortress. To do as we have done would only invite further attacks.

In the coming years, the Dúnedain shall best defend their people and honor their word bond by assuming the appearance of weakness. I have given up the kingship. My people are scattered 'cross the lands once claimed by Arnor, and my soldiers have taken up the ways of the Rangers. With stealth and the bow we shall continue our struggle against the evil that threatens Eriador, and in that, my Lord Elrond, I beseech thy favor."

Throughout his rede, Aranarth had received nods of agreement from the gathered Eldar. They had long foreseen this pass. The Peredhel canted his head, bidding the chieftain continue.

"My lord, we seek not arms or allies marshaled for war. Rather, as the Elves of Lindon and the Men of Rhudaur have done, we seek thy succor in our exile."

He dipped his head to honor Lord Níshír and the other nobles from Celenhár, and then set the coffer before them upon a table. After producing a key, he released the lock and raised the lid. Within, bedded on royal purple velvet lay the heirlooms of the North Kingdom, the treasures of the Dúnedain still preserved by the House of Isildur. The Sceptre of Annúminas, the Elendilmir, the Elemmírë, the shards of Narsil, and the royal seal were set atop the folded banner of the North Kingdom of old. The lesser circlets of the heir, the princes and princesses too were there. Lacking were the lost palantíri and the Ring of Barahir.

"We are mortal and shall pass from the Hither Shores one day," Aranarth said. "No longer have we a treasury or any strong place to safeguard such heirlooms of a kingdom that is no more. Thou art immortal, my lord, and Imladris has long stood. I pray thee take custody of these relics of our shared history, for 'cross all the years, we are still thy brother's people. Perhaps thou shalt live to see such changes as we cannot foresee, and someday one shall come to thee and thou shalt find him worthy. And if such a day should come, then into his custody I pray these heirlooms shall pass and a new kingdom rise."

He was thinking of the words of Malbeth the Seer, for they contained hope.

"Arvedui you shall call him, for he will be the last in Arthedain.

Though a choice will come to the Dúnedain,

and if they take the one that seems less hopeful,

then your son will change his name and become king of a great realm.

If not, then much sorrow and many lives of men shall pass,

until the Dúnedain arise and are united again."¹

¹(Prophecy of Malbeth to King Araphant in T.A. 1864, taken verbatim from LoTR, Appendix A, (iv) GatHoA, pg. 1025)

'Cross from him, Elrond recalled the words of another prophecy, four centuries older.

Though years and grass grow very long,

And her people pass to weak from strong.

Ancestral lines must rejoin this Age,

Ere sword's reforged and crown's reclaimed.

(9th verse of the prophecy of Iarwain Ben-adar to Helluin and Beinvír in T.A. 1461, IAAB, Ch 91 – Pt 135, pg 2)

Some of the events foreseen long aforetime had already come to pass. Before him sat Lord Níshír, the tenth generation king of the rejoined First House, and Lady Athelrian, the current Heiress of Dúrrél. He had marked the looks that passed 'twixt Lady Brennil and Prince Artamir and reckoned that a joining of the First House with the Dúnedain was in the offing. The Lord of Imladris believed that the rest of the prophecies would become realities in time. In token of his faith, he nodded to Aranarth and saw the chieftain sigh with relief.

"Lord, this I will gladly do for the benefit of my brother's people. Take heart. It hath been twice foretold that upon some day yet to come, the kingship and majesty of the greater realm of Elendil shall be restored," Elrond said.

Aranarth bowed his head to Elrond and surrendered to him the key. In accepting it, the Lord of Imladris accepted the charge to safe-keep of the heirlooms of the North Kingdom.

Now with that matter of state resolved, Aranarth sat back and others in his party voiced their concerns. The first of these was Queen Fíriel.

"Lord Elrond, I too have a request, though I wager t'will not be pressing for some years yet," she said, as her eyes strayed to her son and the Lady Brennil. "Aforetime, 'twas our practice to school the heirs of Arthedain and the children of our noble houses with tutors who had access to the libraries of the royal college at Fornost. Of late that resource has been lost to us, for our city is haunted by the Witch King's innumerable wights and none can abide it. Yet wisdom, and especially the understanding of the lessons of history is needed by those who shall rule and those who would maintain the culture and societies of Men.

My Lord, there is no greater repository of knowledge than that which exists here in Imladris. I have ne'er heard tell of any who command so great a wealth of lore as doth thee. I pray thee, allow us access to thy treasury of history, ethics, and other wisdoms exoteric and esoteric as are fit for mortal Men to learn so that the Dúnedain fall not from the nobility they attained in Ages past. Allow us to school our children here in Imladris, for if such prophecies as have been alluded to are to be fulfilled, we cannot forget who we are."

As a mother and the mother of her people she speaks, and who am I to deny her? Elrond thought. A crime worse than the destruction of the physical monuments of the kingdom would be the denial of knowledge to minds hungry for understanding. Mortal Men have not flawless memory or the perspective of unending life. They forget details, distort past events, and finally all passes to legend and myth. Only with renewal in each generation of facts learnt and the accounts of events past as they are set down in unchanging sources of reference can the Younger Children maintain their wisdom and then build upon it. Fíriel is wise in requesting this boon.

Sympathetic as the Lord of Imladris was, 'twas Celebrían who spoke first in reply.

"All too long and e'er too rare it hath been that the valley is blessed with the carefree joy of children. I miss the pure sound of their laughter, which I deem as great a boon to adults as to the young ones themselves," the Lady of Imladris said. She cast loving glances to her sons and daughter who had left childhood behind many centuries ago. "I would welcome the offspring of thy houses to Imladris whither they could spend in safety the swift years of their minority. I deem the play and exploration native to youth to be as important as formal education. In such activities are the skills of relationships learnt, compromise, expression, and discipline, the balance 'twixt emotion and reason required by all in society and by leaders most particularly."

"I shall see to their education, Lady Fíriel, and consider myself blessed in the doing," Elrond said.

He gave his wife such a look of love for expressing what he was more reticent to voice, the desire to revisit the heartfelt joy of parenting. The queen bowed her head to honor their words, whilst Celeborn and Galadriel spent a short time enmeshed in their memories of Ages past when their own daughter had been young.

Last to make a request of the Lord of Imladris was Lady Athelrian, and she spoke not only of her own desire, but on behalf of her daughter and Lady Almiril as well.

"My Lord Elrond, I am Athelrian daughter of Canthriel, Lady of the First House and Chief Healer of the Realm of Rhudaur. With me are my daughter, Lady Brennil, and Lady Almiril of Gondor who serves Queen Fíriel. My lord, we practice the healing arts as they were taught to us, yet in those arts we defer to thy mastery and would learn from thee if it please thee to share what wisdom thou hast attained. For the betterment of the people we serve, we crave to share in thy knowledge of herbs and procedures for the preservation of life."

And here was another boon close to his heart, sought for the benefit others. The Peredhel marked that none of the favors named by these mortals were for the sake of enriching themselves alone. Noble were their intentions, to preserve their cultural legacy, educate their children, and cure their sick, all for the benefit of those who would live long after this current generation had passed beyond the Circles of Arda.

O'er the years, the Lord Elrond had taught the healing arts to many, and few things gave him more joy than the return of a patient to health. From centuries ago he recalled Lainiel and her concern for her adoptive father that had led to her flight back to Cardolan bearing herbs he was not sure that she could use. From her brother Rochen's description, they had been the only cure, and in the end she had applied them successfully. Húngan had recovered, and much good had come of his survival.

"Lady Athelrian, t'would be my privilege to aid thee and the ladies Brennil and Almiril. Noble is the desire to save lives. As a healer, I feel it my responsibility to cure the sick and wounded, whether with my own hands or through those whom I have taught. I wager thou feel the same."

"'Tis so indeed, my lord, and thou hast my thanks for granting our appeal," Athelrian said. Beside her, Brennil and Almiril wore wide smiles. Indeed, they would have been happy to begin their training that afternoon.

Last, the Peredhel looked to Artamir, the only one who had asked 'naught of him. It seemed he harbored no wish to be granted by the Elves, but then he realized that the Man was not driven by want of some esoteric desire, but rather by the desire of his heart. He was a prince dressed as a Ranger and he was here for Brennil.

"Lord Artamir," he said, capturing the young Man's attention, "feel free to join my warriors upon the archery ranges and practice fields. Thou may find refinements in techniques available from those who have spent Ages at warfare. Too, the library is open to thee, and many are the crafts and arts practiced in the valley. I bid thee enjoy thy visit, howsoe'er thou choose to occupy thy time."

The young Ranger dipped his head to honor the Peredhel's offers. In truth, he was still awed by Imladris and the Elves who lived there. It wasn't the same as Lindon, and the Noldor were different from the Sindar. From the time he had crossed the ford and felt the heightening of his senses, he had been very curious.

"Lord, thy offers are most generous and I would not miss the opportunities. One thing else interests me. In my youth I learnt the history of Númenor and the North Kingdom, but in thy realm the Elder Days are still recalled, and if I may, t'would please me to read in thy library the lore of such days as I have only touched upon aforetime. I wager that not even in Fornost were those times so clearly remembered, nor the accounts of them set down by those who lived them.

Beyond this, I desire to walk thy grounds, for I find Imladris beautiful in ways unfelt aforetime in the outer world. Something works in these lands which is strange to me, yet most welcome to my heart. I simply wish to wander, to look, to smell, to listen, and perhaps to understand."

The younger prince's words were surprising to the Peredhel. Though he doubted not that most mortals felt something when they visited, few enough remarked on it or discerned an unnatural force involved. Alas for the young Ranger that he would ne'er truly understand what he felt, for that could not be spoken of. He marked Mithrandir subtly eyeing the prince and Galadriel too.

"Thou art welcome to roam as thou choose. Save for the basic privacy of my people, 'naught is truly hidden here. I hope thou may satisfy they thirst for historical knowledge and assuage the curiosity that captivates thee. Pray enjoy the beauty of these lands. I found them comely to look upon ere e'er the Elves settled in the valley."

Now it became the habit of the company to spend their days learning from the Eldar what they desired, and 'twas not only Artamir who spent time reading ancient tomes in Elrond's library. Oft he was joined by his mother and elder brother, and in the evenings they accompanied the lord and his people for the evening meal. Afterwards they spent many nights in the Hall of Fire, listening to the tales and songs, and the recitations of poetry, and all of these were new and wonderful to them.

Athelrian, Brennil, and Almiril spent their days learning the healing arts from Elrond and his people, and much knowledge did they obtain. Yet when their lessons were done, Brennil joined Artamir to dine, and after, they often sat in the gardens talking softly together, or wandered the paths hand in hand, viewing the moon and stars. The nights were scented sweet with flowers unfamiliar, and strains of song came to their ears from gatherings of Elves amongst the trees. Unsure were they of whether Imladris was the most romantic place in Middle Earth, or if 'twas the company of the other that made it seem so, yet both knew they were happy, and they were happy together.

One further consideration had Artamir the Ranger, and so in the evening of 13 Gwirith, after their third day in Imladris, he and Lord Níshír returned to the ford and crossed the Bruinen to check on the condition of the Rangers they had left encamped in the field beyond the river. They had felt some guilt at the exclusion of their comrades, especially Captain Úcúnon who had visited the House of Elrond aforetime. As they descended the path to the bank of the ford, they were amazed at what they saw.

Rather than the cluster of tents they had expected to find, there stood a pavilion of wood with partially enclosed walls of painted canvas and a roof of thatch. 'Twas sufficient in size for the sixty Rangers, their wagon, tables for their mess, a field kitchen, pickets and an attached shelter for their horses, and at a distance downriver, a latrine pit. The pavilion was brightly lit, strung with many lamps, and in an open central hearth there burned a cheery blaze. The sounds of music and song and much laughter and jesting filled the air, and amongst their Men they marked many Elves.

Lords Níshír and Artamir came amongst them and they were welcomed with great cheer by the captains Úcúnon and Túrandir. The two Ranger commanders shared smiles at the looks of astonishment on the faces of their lord and the prince.

"Come, my lords, and join in our mirth," Túrandir said. "We are blessed with the hospitality of the Elves."

"So t'would appear, captain, and glad am I for it," Níshír said, "how came all this to pass?"

"'Twas not an hour after thy party crossed the Bruinen that a company of them came amongst us, led by one Lindir who, t'would seem, functions as his Lord Elrond's seneschal," Captain Úcúnon said. "He supervised the construction and provisioning of this shelter, my lords, in but a single day, and has visited repeatedly after to enquire regarding our needs." The Ranger shook his head, still impressed by how swiftly the construction had risen.

"He hath been most accommodating, and I pray thee offer thanks to Lord Elrond on our behalf," Captain Túrandir added.

For a while, they joined the company that night, and found their Men in high spirits. The Elves had created a festive atmosphere and partook of the feasting and mirth of the gathering, playing their instruments and singing many songs. The two kindreds seemed to be engaged in an ongoing rivalry, composing humorous lyrics and presenting them with mock-gravity whilst o'erly embellishing the melodies with as many frills, trills, and flourishes as they could contrive to add. By the end of the songs, Men and Elves were sharing in the hilarity they had created, laughing heartily and offering each other o'erblown compliments.

"'Twas Lindir himself who began this musical 'challenge', for on the first night he offered up a song composed upon the spot. Quick wits and a fine singing voice he hath," Úcúnon said.

"We have had the company of the sentries deployed upon the cliffs, and others who have come out of the valley," Túrandir said. "Some have become regulars, but each night new faces are seen. I suppose word of the party has circulated and many attend the festivities for novelty's sake."

"I am relieved to see thy Men celebrating thus," Lord Níshír said. "I had been fully prepared to find a functional and somewhat grim camp, and I had expected to voice remarks for to raise the morale of the Rangers. I am o'erjoyed to discover 'tis unnecessary."

"'Tis most unnecessary indeed, my lord," Captain Úcúnon said with a grin, "and if thou would take respite from the formality of the valley, thou shalt e'er be welcome here."

Now the days passed in the valley. The mortals studied the lore and the arts of the Noldor and all were enriched thereby, and they rejoiced in their newfound knowledge. Amongst the immortals, grimmer concerns were aired, for Mithrandir took counsel with Elrond, Galadriel, and Celeborn. By the combined virtue of the Three and the strength of their fëar they explored the Wizard's fears of some evil brewing in the Hithaeglir. Knowing the worries of King Amroth, they deemed that Mithrandir's foreboding was intertwined with the troubles in Khazad-dûm, and in the end, the Ithron determined to take his leave and journey thither on the 14th.

Though he saw no necessity for it, he wound up accepting the company of Glorfindel, who brought with him Thórá, Gwingion, and Galadhon, the same three Gondolindrim who had accompanied him in search of Helluin four years earlier. The party set out riding east shortly after dawn, and in the morn of the 17th, they took the descending track from the High Pass to the Dwarf Road leading south from the Old Ford of Anduin towards Azanulbizar Gate.

On 6 Gwirith, when the embassy had ridden from Celenhár to the Hidden Valley, Arvedui's daughter and Níshír's son had stayed behind in the ancient town. Artanis and Gwíthír had remained by mutual choice. Their parents had given them leave as a precaution, in order to preserve the royal lines should any calamity befall the embassy, whilst they were only too happy to stay home and be left to their own devices. By then, they had been betrothed 'nigh a year and were refining the plans for their wedding, which they hoped to finalize ere the return of their parents. They left the actual date open, for they knew not how long their families would be away.

Amongst decisions and the endless revisions of those decisions, the couple set aside time to simply wander the land close by, enjoying the spring weather and each other's company. Of course, the Rangers kept a discreet eye on them, as did any Green Elves who happened to be 'nigh, and in addition to these guardians can be added the e'er loyal Cooper, who was no longer a puppy. Since their reunion in Mithlond, he had seldom let the princess out of his sight.

The afternoon of 10 Gwirith came, and as their parents entered the Hidden Valley, Gwíthír and Artanis, with Cooper in tow, took their leave of the town hall where they had been sampling cakes 'til they felt they would burst. The desire to walk off the prodigious intake of sweets and fats led them to wander from the town towards the woods that lay along the banks of the Bruinen a mile away. They made their way east, just to the north of the town's graveyard, 'cross fields of sprouting spring wheat and winter barley. Cooper stretched his legs, running and returning, and exploring the new terrain. After the third part of an hour, the easily recognizable section of the cemetery was left behind. The monuments and headstones lay to the south. At that point, the cultivated fields ended and the land lay fallow with only coarse grasses, herbs, and wildflowers 'til it met the distant tree line.

"Why do none farm this land when it lies 'nigh the town, my love?" Artanis asked as she looked 'round.

"'Tis an older part of the cemetery and all this land is honored for its graves," the lord's heir said.

After looking closer for a moment, he led her a dozen feet south and pointed out a stone, weathered and mostly hidden amongst the groundcover.

"Most of us who grew up in the town explored the headstones as children, when we'd vie to find the oldest still to be read."

Artanis knelt by the stone and brushed some dirt from its face. The ghosts of letters smoothed by many years had left only slight indentations. It seemed sad to her, that a life had been forgotten. A glance a few feet away revealed another stone, and then another and another. Now that she sought for them, they appeared all 'round. Cooper followed a zigzag path of scents, but paid the stones no mind.

"Absent the carefree soul of childhood, this place becomes somber, my princess," Gwíthír said as he offered Artanis a hand up. "The people of Celenhár lie at rest in this land, and none know how long since the first were laid here."

"Let us continue and perhaps we shall find the end," Artanis said, intrigued now. She had heard that the town was ancient, but had not paid close attention to the talk of her brothers and their parents.

Gwíthír took her hand, knowing that as a child, the end had ne'er been found, but this he kept to himself, for walking with her was pleasant and their time alone together was precious to him.

They continued walking another half hour, and just as he remembered, the land continued to be littered with aging headstones, increasingly decrepit. During that time, they had veered somewhat south, and though they knew it not, they were now following in the steps of Captain Úcúnon. Three years had passed since that day, and 'twas 'naught but the blink of an eye beside the years that Celenhár had stood.

At last they came to the verge of the woods and there they halted. Cooper sniffed the air and then sat, waiting on his people to decide their course. A glance back revealed a distant speck that marked the town. A glance ahead revealed broken stones and fragments of memorials lying amidst the roots of the trees. Even upon the nearest, not a letter was to be read, for time had washed away those memories as surely as the names once chiseled there.

"How much further does it go?" Artanis asked. Her eyes were wet with a sorrow that grew from her feelings of loss and sympathy for these strangers, people dead many, many years.

"I know not, princess, for as children, we were ne'er allowed to enter the wood," Gwíthír said.

Long ere he had thought to wonder on that, he had come to the age where running wild had given way to lessons and the beginning of his training as a Ranger. It had been the same for his age mates. Strange, he thought to himself, I know none who have ventured 'neath the trees.

With a shared glance, Artanis drew Gwíthír forward by the hand and he followed. Cooper followed too and took brief excursions to sniff out the lay of the land. Slowly they advanced, marking fragments of stone, broken, tumbled, or uplifted. The graves here had been as dense as those in the current cemetery; thousands upon thousands of ancestors lay in this land, long forgotten. The prince expected that they would soon come to the end, but the woods and the graves continued on without pause. Another half hour passed as they walked, and by then a chill had taken hold in his spine and a lump had grown in his throat. Beside him, Artanis ignored the slow trickle of tears that ran down her cheeks. Cooper walked beside them now, staying close and oft pressing against his mistress' leg.

Eventually they heard the soft whisper of smoothly flowing water and they approached the west bank of the Bruinen. Cooper went ahead to explore. Pines had given way to oaks, poplars, and maples, and now 'twas willows of great age that surrounded them. Ahead they saw a block of stone, ancient of years and weathered of any details. As they stood staring, a shadow separated itself from amidst the boles and came forward, then stopped and offered a bow as Gwíthír stepped before Artanis. Cooper returned, but rather than growling at the stranger in warning, he simply sat beside the princess with his tongue hanging out of his mouth.

"Mae govannen, Ernil Gwíthír a Híril Artanis. Non Lind Laiquende, tirien en sad hé,¹" she said.

"Well met, Lind. Whyfor does this place require one to watch o'er it?" Gwíthír asked.

"Those of my company keep watch to honor an ancient alliance, lord," she said. "Have none of ye wondered why we are known to thy folk when not even the other Edhil of Eriador meet with us?"

"I had thought it because we essayed to learn thy ways as Rangers," he said.

A small grin shaped her lips.

"Long ere thy Rangers or the Kings of Eriador, we allied with the Men of Celenhár. Thy ancestors we met when sun and moon were young. Ask of Captain Úcúnon. He knows."

She bowed her head to him, and as he inhaled ere asking another question, she vanished right before his eyes. Beside him, Artanis gasped. The Ranger in him sought for her in e'ery shadow, yet he marked 'naught, no movements, no tracks, not a single sound. Cooper didn't even move. Gwíthír began to understand that only by their choice did any, Man or Elf, see one of the Laiquendi. He reckoned that he had still much to learn ere he became king.

To Be Continued

¹(Mae govannen, Ernil Gwíthír a Híril Artanis. Non Lind Laiquende, tirien en sad hé. Well met, Prince Gwíthír and Lady Artanis. I am Lind Green Elf, a watcher of this place. Sindarin)

Háran, Chieftain Quenya

Tári, Queen Quenya

vesse, wife Quenya

Haryon, Prince Quenya

Aran Eriador, King of (the) Lonely Lands Sindarin

en Herth Erui, the First House Sindarin

Aranel, Princess Quenya

Héri, Lady Quenya