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.

226. In An Age Before Chapter 226

In An Age Before – Part 226

Chapter One Hundred forty-five

Celenhár – The Third Age of the Sun

Now as the company walked towards the entrance to the graveyard, the sergeant spoke with Helluin, but he seemed to become reticent or perhaps o'erawed, she thought, for in her opinion his conversation seemed stilted.

"It hath been many years since thou wast last in Celenhár," he ventured to say.

"Twenty-eight years have passed since I took my leave," the Noldo replied, "not so long, really."

It seemed so to him, for twenty-eight years was most of his lifetime. Atop this, his company had discovered this legendary interloper visiting the graves of Galor and Lainiel who had passed from Arda o'er four and one half centuries aforetime and had been personally known to her. Ten generations of Men had called Celenhár home since those days. He was intensely curious about where she had spent the years since her last visit, but 'twas not his place to ask.

"Has Rhudaur enjoyed peace since I came here last?" Helluin asked.

"We have indeed," he replied, "and the addition of the Dúnedain has aided our security."

"With so many more Rangers, the watchfulness o'er these lands should be greatly enhanced. I have hoped that with the fall of Angmar, the north shall enjoy its freedom."

He nodded in agreement but said 'naught. Helluin surveyed the other Rangers in that company, quickly singling out Lainiel. Sure enough, save for the waviness of her hair, she recalled both her mother Brennil and the orphaned Lainiel that Helluin and Beinvír had found in 1448.

Whate'er else she may have inherited from her father Prince Artamir beyond the growth habit of her hair, Helluin could not mark. The current Lainiel was nineteen, and in appearance, she seemed a fitting successor to the Lady of First House. The Noldo looked forward to sharing conversation with her once they arrived at the town hall.

As the procession neared the entrance to the graveyard, Helluin marked that but a couple dozen graves postdated those Rangers and Dúnedain lost in the freeing of Imladris. The death rate since the war had been no more than what was to be expected in a small, rural town. This knowledge brought a smile to her face and confirmed the claims of the Ranger sergeant and Elrond in Rivendell. Rhudaur is at peace.

Now they passed from the graveyard and into the town of Celenhár at its northern end, joining the main street that eventually crossed the avenue she usually took to enter the town. Here the rise in the land was not so pronounced as 'twas along the western approach that branched from the southward track.

A handful of newer buildings that rose at the margin of the town caught Helluin's eye, but they were few and beyond them, the street was familiar. She could recall e'ery structure from her memories. All of them were centuries old and appeared unchanged.

Red paced along beside her, his head swiveling right and left as he took it all in. The methods of construction were strange to him. Fieldstone foundations standing waist high were peculiar, but the half-timbered walls with their wattle and daub infill were wholly foreign, yet he could understand leaving the timbers exposed as a conceit, for in his homelands, wood was scarce.

After a few blocks, the Ranger company disbanded, making their way up a side street to their barracks. Helluin sent Red along with them, to be brought to their stable, for she knew not how long she would be whilst meeting the local nobles.

Only the sergeant and the Lady Lainiel continued on, accompanying Helluin to the town hall in silence. It seemed the sergeant had 'naught to say, and Lainiel, being subordinate within her company, spoke not before her commander. Helluin sighed mentally, hoping that he would soon be dismissed and she would become more comfortable amongst her extended family.

Now they came to the town hall, dominating the southeastern corner at the confluence of main streets, and it appeared the same as it e'er had aforetime. Rangers assigned at the door stood aside for them, their widened eyes lingering on Helluin, which she had expected. She greeted them with a dip of her head, remaining straight-faced despite her amusement as they snapped to attention and saluted.

Could it be that the influence of the Dúnedain has wrought an increased formality here'bouts, at the same time that their own formality has diminished, she wondered.

The trio entered the hall, the sergeant in the lead with Lainiel a step behind and Helluin bringing up the rear. As usual, it seemed that word of their coming had preceded them, for the lords and ladies were gathered in a loose group, standing together on the floor of the hall whilst the dais with its high seats remained empty. At two fathoms, they stopped and offered the nobles a bow.

Helluin was struck most by the aging of Lord Níshír and Lady Athelrian. He had been just shy of fifty when the Noldo had left Celenhár, and was now seventy-six. Two years his elder, Helluin realized that the Lady Athelrian would be three score and eighteen. Those years had encompassed the onset of old age in the Second Children. Slimmer and a bit stooped now, the King of Eriador's hair was grey and he walked with the aid of a cane. Beside him, his wife, Lady Brithil, matched him in the advancement of her years. Lady Athelrian was of like appearance, grey-haired and with wrinkles lining her face as she clasped a shoulder height staff.

The crown prince that she recalled as an eager young Ranger was now in his middle years. Prince Gwíthír was an even five decades old and had succeeded his father as Lord of Celenhár five years past. His wife, Princess Artanis, whom Helluin had first met at age seventeen, was now a mother, forty-six years of age, yet she appeared to be in her late twenties due to the blessings of her Dúnedain heritage. Only with difficulty did the Noldo banish the memory of her squealing in delight at the return of her puppy, on the Lord Círdan's portico in Mithlond in 1974.

Beside them was their son Lord Annuihír, now twenty-four years of age and dressed as a Ranger. Unlike Lainiel, he bore facial features in a blend of both his parents. Helluin thought he may have inherited his stature from his mother's family, for he was a couple inches taller than his father and 'nigh identical in height to his uncle.

Prince Artamir stood with his wife, Lady Brennil of the First House. As with the younger couple, their apparent ages were skewed by the differences in their heritage. Artamir was now fifty-four years old, whilst Brennil was fifty-three. Some strands of grey streaked her hair and laugh lines edged her eyes. Her Dúnadan husband looked to be two decades her junior.

Helluin could not help but recall the original Lainiel and her adoptive brother Rochen son of Húngan, who had become the second Regent of Cardolan. 'Twas 1523 and Lainiel was three score and fifteen. She had appeared to be 'nigh the same age as her adoptive mother, Lady Eilianu, who was then preparing to give up her life at the age of one hundred ninety-two. Rochen, seven years her senior, had looked like he could have been half her age. He would outlive his adopted sister by o'er eighty years. 'Twas likely that Artamir and Artanis would outlive their spouses by four score years, perhaps even living long enough to bury their children.

After bowing to the assembled nobles, the sergeant made his report to Lord Gwíthír.

"My lord, the circuit of our patrol revealed 'naught awry save that nineteen chickens had fled dowager Aehalv's¹ coop…again. Being of feeble constitution, we spent half a day in returning her poultry, for which she was most grateful and sends her regards to the lord of the realm. We found 'naught else of remark save discovering our ancient friend and ally, Helluin Maeg-mórmenel paying her respects at the graves of King Galor and Lady Lainiel. As we had completed our patrol by then and were returning to the barracks, we accompanied Lady Helluin hither as an escort." ¹(Aehalv, Bird broth = ae(small bird) + salv(broth) At the partition of proper nouns, -s becomes –h. Sindarin)

He followed his rede with a bow. Helluin deemed the lack of details in his report to be a good sign that the area of his circuit lacked danger or drama. It seemed Prince Gwíthír believed so as well.

"We are grateful for thy report, sergeant, and thank thee for ensuring the peace on thy patrol and looking to the welfare of the citizenry and their fowl." Here he shared a grin with the sergeant. "We also thank thee for offering Lady Helluin an escort into town as befits so illustrious an ally. Thou art hereby dismissed from further duty 'til thy next patrol. Pray enjoy thine evening meal and a night's peaceful rest."

The sergeant thanked his lord and bowed again, then turned and exited the hall. When the door closed behind him, Lainiel made her way to her parents and was received with smiles and hugs.

"Helluin, welcome again to Celenhár, dear friend," Gwíthír said. "We rejoice at thy return. Pray meet my son and heir, Prince Annuihír."

The young prince offered Helluin a bow that she returned, and said, "'Tis my honor to meet thee at last, Lady Helluin. I grew up hearing tales of thy exploits and with knowledge of the great debt of gratitude owed thee by the Dúnedain and the Rhudaurim."

"'Tis my honor to greet thee as well, Prince Annuihír," she said. "I hope thy days feature 'naught more than escaped chickens to upset the prosperity and peace of Rhudaur."

They shared a smile at that and young Lady Lainiel snorted, stifling a guffaw.

"Allow me to introduce our daughter and the next Heiress of Dúrrél, Lady Lainiel," Prince Artamir said as he took Lady Brennil's hand in his whilst she wrapped an arm 'round their daughter's shoulders.

Without shedding her mother's arm, Lainiel managed a graceful dip and curtsey ere saying, "I am honored to meet thee at last, foremother of old. I have long imagined greeting thee, yet 'twas a surprise to find thee at the graves of King Galor and the lady for whom I am named. I suppose I had expected that thou would come in the company of Rangers or Knights of Imladris, as an embassy from the Hidden Valley. 'Tis silly, I realize now, to preconceive such notions."

Though their relationship in blood was distant, the young heiress had correctly identified Helluin as blood kin. The Noldo realized that she must have studied lore, most likely in the achieve 'neath which she lived in Celenhár's town hall, but also during her stays in Imladris.

"'Tis my privilege to greet thee, Lady Lainiel," Helluin said, "and indeed I am come from Imladris and the Lord Elrond. Alas, I am not appointed embassy. The Peredhel believes these lands are at peace and there is 'naught known to the Elves of pending import in Eriador. Yet much ill has come to pass in other places since I last walked these lands. Of the impact of these things and the state of Eriador, I would learn."

The young woman dipped her head to the Noldo and said, "My elders are more versed in the state of Eriador than I, yet I doubt not that they will offer thee whatsoe'er tidings they can."

"And that I deem best done o'er the evening meal," Lord Níshír said, speaking for the first time. "Pray join us, old friend. Our kitchen grows more crowded with the passing years, yet we all consider that a blessing."

Helluin looked at the nods of agreement from the lords and ladies and bowed to the aging king.

"T'would be my honor to join thee and thy family, my lord. The years bring few blessings of greater worth than a growing family."

For a moment, the Noldo engaged in imagining what her own family tree might look like, with all the sons and daughters who had sprung from her daughter, Almarian vessë Meneldur of Númenor. She concluded that after forty-seven centuries, their count would be o'erwhelming. The realization made her blink and then shake her head.

Now Helluin followed the procession of Celenhár's nobles, through the door beside the dais that led to the private apartments of the royal family, and then into the kitchen that she remembered from centuries past. In all respects save one, 'twas still identical to its appearance during the reign of Galion son of Galor, the thirty-sixth King of Eriador. The table had grown by an appended leaf that extended its length to seat an added four diners. Some of the chairs that had waited along the wall in Níshír's earlier years now provided seating for the young prince and heiress and their parents, Artamir and Artanis.

Helluin pulled a chair from the wall and then waited for someone to direct her as to where to place it. The nobles looked to each other and finally Níshír made a decision, for he was king and 'twas his table 'til he passed.

"Pray slide down a bit, my son," he told Gwíthír. "I should like to have our guest beside me for this meal."

Helluin wound up seated at the king's right hand, facing Lady Athelrian 'cross the table and with Lord Gwíthír and his family on her right. She set down her chair and then began to aid Annuihír and Lainiel in laying out dinnerware, but Artamir stayed her, saying, "Pray be seated, Helluin. The youngest set the table and the next youngest prepare the food. Enjoy the company of our elder lords and ladies whilst awaiting the meal."

Helluin nodded to him and took her seat with Níshír, Brithil, and Athelrian whilst Artanis and Brennil ladled foods from pots and pans onto serving pieces and Artamir and Gwíthír hauled a spitted roast from the fire and used tongs to retrieve baked potatoes from the coals. Ten would be seated for the meal, and though there was much food and many dishes and mugs, with so many hands, the preparations went swiftly, and ere long they were all seated and bowing their heads for the silent thanksgiving.

Now as they had waited, the king and queen and the Lady of the First House had spoken of the changes that had taken place in Eriador since Helluin had last taken her leave in 1975.

"For the most part, the labor of the intervening years has been directed to the settling of the Dúnedain," Níshír said. "The greater part of that task has been ably handled by Chieftain Aranarth and Lady Almiril.

Both have remained close in counsel with us here and have ordered their folk in accord with King Arvedui's inspirations. Twelve thousand of the Dúnedain were soon trained as Rangers, and now the lands of old Rhudaur, northern Cardolan, and even southern and eastern Arthedain are claimed by his people. There they have built small villages, hamlets, and many farms. In other places, the herding of livestock is the primary livelihood, with fishing and hunting predominating where the land allows."

"In no place have they created cities or built fortifications," Athelrian said. "Even more than we, they are conscious…nay, they are scrupulous in not tempting the notice of the Enemy. For all intents, there is no visible realm of the Dúnedain in the north."

"Most of them still recall their home in Fornost, yet they resisted constructing walls or towers. Now they build as we do, laying foundations of fieldstone rather than blocks of dressed stone, and raise wood-framed walls above," Lady Brithil said. "We have been most impressed with their restraint."

"Aye, they have given any who would look 'naught to assail, with all places and any place being equal in apparent weakness and none displaying any potential plunder or prize," Lord Níshír said. "Lord Aranarth has realized his intention to transform the North Kingdom, though in the beginning, even I had my doubts."

Helluin shared a grin with the old king o'er that admission.

"'Tis seemingly against their nature for the Men of the West to disperse rather than build a realm, yet I deem Aranarth's choice has more to do with discerning how best to serve his people," she said. "He spoke once of his father bidding him seek the Rangers in the Angle should Arthedain fall, and to adopt the cloak of invisibility, thereby to foil the Witch King's malice with the appearance of weakness."

"So he told us in Rivendell in 1978," Lady Brithil said, "and even the Lord Elrond agreed with his counsel."

"And I agree with his course as well," Helluin said. "Each past victory o'er Angmar brought the Northern Dúnedain a step closer to extinction. The old policies would not avail and change was forced upon him. I am just glad that options existed here."

By then the table and the food were prepared. Gwíthír, Artamir, Brennil, Artanis, Annuihír and Lainiel took their seats and then all bowed their heads to give thanks for their comforts. They occupied themselves with serving after, with platters and dishes being passed and mugs being filled. Time they took to savor their meal as those eating at peace are wont to do, yet with gusto that told of their appreciation of the food and appetites raised by long summer days of activity.

Eventually, the conversation resumed, yet now with more participants. Further tidings of Eriador were offered and Helluin learnt many details unspoken in Imladris. Though the Dúnedain had spread 'cross the lands of old Arnor, save for the North Downs and the sites of their prior outlying holdings, they had chosen to avoid living close by any existing settlements of the Middle Men and other prior subjects of the kings. No Men of the West abode 'nigh the Breeland or Sûza, and even the ruins of Tharbad and the towns 'round Sarn Ford had acquired no new neighbors.

Aranarth would not have his people jeopardize any of their former subjects with their presence, and yet those places were guarded by Ranger patrols, as were the King's Roads and the fords o'er Baranduin and Mitheithel. These still had strategic value, and they were still 'neath the protection of the northern kings, even though the common folk knew it not.

Already, a generation of Middle Men had grown up without a king in Fornost. The power of the throne had devolved to local councils whilst the Periannath had chosen a Thain to keep the king's laws. Helluin was astonished to learn that the first of these was none other than Bucca of the Marish, whom she had met at the Golden Perch in the summer of 1974. The Periannath had elected him in 1979. He had accepted whilst still too shocked, (or perhaps drunk), to refuse and had executed his office since with the utmost circumspection, as would one who was handling a viper.

Now eventually, Helluin expressed her desire to meet with the Laiquendi. She remained surprised that none had come to her during her ride from the Hidden Valley, for she was sure that her entire journey had been marked. Still, her surprise had not graduated to worry and she still expected to be met. Even so, she asked after the Rangers' experiences with the Green Elves during the years she had been in the east.

"We are greeted by them from time to time, usually to our peoples' surprise, yet with the lack of threats, those times have grown less frequent," Gwíthír said. "We were ne'er able to summon them, or predict when any of our people would be met."

Helluin nodded, for 'twas 'naught that she had not suspected. It simply continued the behavior of that most secretive kindred of Elves whose presence was most manifest during times of war.

"I suppose then that should I actively seek to hear their tidings, I shall be forced to present myself in a manner most easily met," Helluin said.

She saw Artanis nudge her husband with an elbow, and the couple exchanged a look. Catching the princess' eye, she raised a brow in question.

"Many years ago, whilst our parents took counsel with the Lord Elrond in Rivendell, my then betrothed and I walked for leisure's sake to the furthest boundary of the cemetery," Artanis said. "There we were met by a guardian and perhaps she lingers there still, for her charge has not changed, indeed it hath not changed in all the years of Celenhár."

"Her name is Lind and she bid us speak with the Dúnedain captain Úcúnon," Gwíthír said. "We did thus soon after he returned with the embassy to Imladris and he had much to tell."

"I wager if thou seek for the Laiquendi, then the only good counsel we can offer would be to walk the cemetery to its end 'nigh the bank of Bruinen and seek for Lind at the tomb of Enhír."

Helluin dipped her head in thanks to the couple and said, "I shall do just so."

Thereafter they spoke much of Helluin's years in Rhûn, a place known to the folk of Celenhár as 'naught but a name associated with enemies and war. Late into the night, they spoke and the nobles were entranced by the wonders of foreign people and places well beyond their experience. Battles of massed cavalry were far from their normal tactics as Rangers who fought afoot and with stealth. Perhaps some of the Dúnedain Rangers who had been cavalrymen of Arthedain aforetime and had done battle with the Host of Angmar could have related to the Red Khan's decades-long war against the Wainriders, yet even they had ne'er ridden in such vast hosts.

"Targitai the Red Khan commanded a half-million mounted warriors," Níshír said whilst shaking his head in amazement. "'Tis a greater count than both sides taken together could boast in the wars with Angmar."

"Aye," Helluin confirmed, "and now the Mâh-Sakâ Confederation is ruled by Tahmirih Khātūn, daughter of Targitai. No greater ally have the Men of Gondor and yet they know her not. Soon enough I shall amend their ignorance, for I am worried about the welfare of Anárion's realm. Too, I must seek what truths may be found regarding the state of Khazad-dûm. Word of its fall was hard for me to bear, for that folk had long been friends and allies."

'Round the table the circle of faces nodded. They understood why Helluin would desire to travel to the South Kingdom and to do so by the most fearsome route possible. Moria, the name alone brought shivers to them. They wondered if she would try to enter. Such a journey was hard to imagine, and yet the notion provided fodder for daydreams of heroism and adventure. None of those present had e'er set foot beyond the borders of Eriador, and with their lands at peace, none of them could expect to.

The meal finished with a dessert of sliced pound cake, dense and sweet, and rich with butter. Accompanied by hot tea, Helluin completed her account of the east. She told of the destruction of Sauron's fortress, the weapon of Light, and the armor she had created from the spider's shell. Being the most astonishing aspects of her years in Rhûn, Helluin had saved them for last.

'Round the table the Noldo read the amazement and half-belief on the faces of her friends. Such doings were far beyond 'aught that they could imagine and far beyond 'aught that they knew as warfare. The stark confrontation 'twixt good and evil was reminiscent of the lore of the Elder Days, complete with Sauron, a monstrous daemon in spider's guise, and weapons of unnatural power. The explosion of Sheol and the residual fiery crater sounded like a vignette from the War of Wrath. The daemons from Nehemoth materializing 'nigh Sauron's tower sounded like horrors akin to what they imagined of Angband.

The mortal lords and ladies went to their night's rest after, some to experience nightmares and others to experience a long delay ere sleep would grant them peace. As the night deepened and the town grew silent, Helluin slipped from the rear door of the town hall and into the darkness. A glance up at the stars revealed wisps of cloud, thin and impotent to threaten rain. She nodded to herself and set out east, towards the graves and the river Bruinen beyond, retracing her steps of the early evening 'til she left Celenhár behind and entered the graveyard. There she paused a moment, turning to hear and sense the night though all seemed still and at peace.

Now for once the Noldo sought not to move with stealth. Her intent was to be marked, not to vanish into the landscape and defeat all eyes. Thus, she walked upright at a comfortable pace and in a straight line towards the distant verge of a wood. Once she reached the shadows 'neath the boughs of the first trees, she emitted a dim glow of silver and gold. For a moment, she paused, sensing that she had been followed from the town with stealth. A slight grin curled her lips at that, and then she turned and walked into the woods, her eyes lit with a faint ril of blue fire as she marked the tumbled and broken stones that lay forgotten amongst the roots of the trees.

Ere she had come half a furlong 'neath the boles, Helluin had marked that she was far from alone. She discerned the fëar of several dozen Elves and many others amongst the kelvar. The well 'nigh silent forest was teeming with life, most of it at rest. Active at night, raccoons and possums trundled amidst the underbrush whilst deer stepped lightly from forage to forage. Two score rangar to the north, an owl swept down on muffled wings to snatch a young weasel.

The Noldo halted and watched the shifting deployment of the Elves. 'Twas soon apparent that they had marked her and now several approached. Helluin turned to meet them and continued forward at a leisurely pace. 'Twas a surprise to her that as she came abreast of them, they parted, passing her silently and 'nigh invisibly by a couple fathoms to either side. They seek to measure the training of Celenhár's Rangers, she realized. She dipped her head to the nearest of the Green Elves and then continued towards the distant whisper of water coming from the Bruinen.

Now after another half part of an hour, Helluin did indeed come 'nigh the riverbank, and she marked the massive block of stone that could only be the tomb of Enhír of which the Lord Gwíthír had spoken. The sarcophagus was weathered and 'aught once graven upon it was long worn away.

"Lind, tirien en Laiquendi, non Helluin Mórgolodh a harthon govannad cin,¹" Helluin whispered to the silent night. ¹(Lind, tirien en Laiquendi, non Helluin Mórgolodh a harthon govannad cin, Lind, watcher of the Laiquendi, I am Helluin Black Exile and I hope to meet thee = Lind(melody) + tirio-(v. look) + -ien(f. n. on v. suff., f. watcher) + en(sing. def. art., the) + Laiquendi(Green Elves) + no-(be/am) + -n(1st pers. subj. suff, I am) + Helluin Mórgolodh + a(and) + hartho-(v. hope) + -n(1st pers. subj. suff, I) + govanno-(v. meet) + -ad(v. inf. suff., to meet) + cin(2nd pers. dir. obj. pron., you) Sindarin)

A moment passed and then a soft voice answered. Helluin turned to mark the figure of an elleth who was just lowering the hood of her cloak.

"Non Lind, Mórgolodh, a non meren govannad cin,¹" she said, meeting the Noldo's eyes. ¹(Non Lind, Mórgolodh, a non meren govannad cin, I am Lind, Black Exile, and I am glad to meet thee = no-(v. be/am) + -n(1st pers. subj. pron. suff., I am) + Lind(melody) + a(and) + no-(v. be/am) + -n(1st pers. subj. pron. suff., I am) + meren(joyous) + govanno-(v. meet) + -ad(v. inf. suff., to meet) + cin(2nd pers. dir. obj. pron., you) Sindarin)

Eye to eye, the two ellith traded tidings thereafter in silence, thought to thought with the many memories shared 'twixt them.

I recall thee at war in an Age before, Lind said, treating Helluin to a vision of the Battle of Tharbad whereat the Host of Sauron was destroyed, as she had seen it from a concealed shooting position to the rear of the enemy host. Thou charged right past me after the field was decided as thou hastened to Gorthaur's camp. Would that my people could have stayed him for thee.

He fled me then and he hath fled me since, Helluin carped, most recently in Rhûn but nine years past.

Her vision of the beam from E-ngúrglaw cleaving the tower, then striking the black cloud of Sauron's form and driving him to flight brought a subconscious gasp from the Green Elf.

After allowing her some moments to recover her concentration, the Noldo asked, I would know what evils beset these lands, for I have been away a most eventful score and seven.

Few are our foes in Eriador, Lind said. I have heard tell of some Tor and some Yrch that venture down from the mountains, but they come not far ere we slay them. Eagles hunt the passes high in the mountains. Some wolves have been seen in the lowlands, but they claim they serve none. Whate'er evils are born of Men we leave to the Rangers who have grown numerous of late. Now that the Dúnedain have gone into hiding, my people deem that our home has not been so safe in an Age.

So thou would confirm the inspiration of Aranarth, to forego reestablishing Arthedain.

Say rather that I shall at last excuse his sires for raising it, Lind said with a chuckle.

Helluin recalled Dálindir's company expressing the same sentiment millennia ago, deeming that as a sitting target, Fornost would sooner or later be struck. She turned from that topic.

Hast thou heard 'aught concerning the Gonnhirrim? I spoke with one of Durin's folk at the inn 'nigh the road to Celenhár. He claimed that many of his kindred are moving east, to Erebor.

We have seen many of our allies going o'er the High Pass this year, Mórgolodh. We rue the loss of their realm, for now only the Eagles guard that entrance into Eriador. The East Door 'neath the mountains is abandoned and that leaves us unsettled for 'tis dark and secret. We keep watch there and at the foot of Caradhras, but we fear what may come forth from the deeps, tomorrow, in an ennin, or in an Age.

For centuries, Durin's heart was unquiet. Warnings from his Ring bid him ware. In the Deeps grew heats whose cause none could discern. They seemed a vexation to the miners born of nature, but no worse. Even Mithrandir could fathom 'naught more when he took their measure.

This too we have heard, yet it brings us no peace, said Lind.

Nor to me, Helluin agreed, for I too feel doubt. I felt no malice or will directing it, nor did Beinvír aforetime. I have oft wondered that if 'tis in league with Gorthaur, why then did it not arise aforetime, opening a way for his hosts when Angmar assailed Fornost? Yet if 'tis not, then neither shall it constrain Sauron's creatures from taking and holding Hadhodrond now.

Moria will long be a threat, we deem.

To this, Helluin could but nod in agreement, thereby breaking the contact 'twixt their minds.

"T'would seem we have company," Lind said with a wry grin.

"A Ranger who followed me from Celenhár," Helluin muttered, matching her grin, then louder for other ears, "I wager thy folk shall not put him to death."

"Nay, he is an ally of old, a Lord of Celenhár and a future king," Lind said, also loud enough for all to hear.

Surrounded by several of the Laiquendi, Annuihír heaved a sigh of relief. Save gesturing him hence, the Green Elves had said 'naught to him, nor had they bound him or covered his eyes. They had bared no weapons. He had ne'er been a prisoner.

"Mae govannen, Hír Annuihír," Lind said, offering a bow. "We are honored to meet thee."

"Mae govannen, Lind Laiquende," the prince said, returning her bow. "I have desired to meet thee since hearing my father and mother tell of meeting thee long ago."

"Pray introduce thy cousin, my lord," Helluin said to him ere turning to trade winks with Lind.

Annuihír smiled and beckoned Lainiel forward and she walked silently from behind a tree. She was somewhat miffed to have not preserved the secrecy of her presence from Helluin, but she had the consolation of having not been met and taken as had her elder cousin. She came forward and Annuihír's eyes widened as an elleth and an ellon paced behind her in total silence. 'Twas only as she read his eyes that she twisted her head from side to side, finally marking those who had shadowed her approach. Chagrined, she could but smile and nod to her two 'escorts'.

"Mae govannen, Híril Lainiel, rél Hír Artamir a Híril Brennil,¹" Lind said whilst offering the heiress a bow. "We are honored to meet thee at last, for we recall thy namesake and those who followed her." ¹(Híril Lainiel, rél Hír Artamir a Híril Brennil, Lady Lainiel, daughter of Lord Artamir and Lady Brennil Sindarin)

"Suilaid nín na cin, Lind Laiquende, a na tuin húd cín,¹" Lainiel replied, returning Lind's bow. ¹(Suilaid nín na cin, Lind Laiquende, a na tuin húd cín, My greetings to thee, Lind Green Elf, and to those of thy company = suilad(greeting, w/ int. vowel change –a to –ai denoting pl., greetings) + nín(1st pers. poss. pron., my) + na(to) cin(2nd pers. dir. obj. pron., you) + Lind Laiquendi + a(and) + na(to) tuin(those) + húd(group, company) + cín(2nd pers. poss. pro., your) Sindarin)

Now thereafter the Green Elves delighted to greet the next Lord of Celenhár and heir of the King of Eriador and the next Heiress of the First House. Though t'would be years ere either executed their hereditary offices, both were an affirmation of the continuity of the alliance 'twixt the Men of Celenhár and the Green Elves. The mortals learnt much lore of their town's history and their lands from some who recalled it from personal memory. During that time, both grew more determined to meet the challenges of their time when it came, and to preserve the knowledge of their place in Eriador.

"Ye are each scions of ancient lines," Lind told them ere they parted that night, "and too, ye each bear the blood of Westernesse. Many are the responsibilities ye shall bear, yet all that can be asked of any 'neath Eru's design is to do what ye can for the good of your people and to strive to leave better than ye found. Ye have many allies who shall aid you at need. Dark times may come, aye, but ye are not alone."

As the stars dimmed and the eastern sky hinted at the brightening of the coming morn, Helluin walked back to Celenhár with Annuihír and Lainiel whose hearts were brimming with hope. When they entered the town, they were enthusiastically greeted by a young dog with floppy ears that reminded Helluin of Cooper, the puppy she had once repatriated with Princess Artanis. He leapt up on his hind legs and Annuihír held his forepaws so that he could lave his face with a slobbering tongue.

"Hey boy, we're back safe and sound," the prince said to reassure his four-legged friend.

The dog gave a happy 'yip' and then turned to the heiress. His greeting was repeated with Lainiel, who was a bit more reserved in welcoming his crotch sniffing and libations of saliva.

"Hello, Húveren¹, good boy," she said whilst rubbing his neck. ¹(Húveren, Happy Dog = hú(dog) + meren(joyous) At the partition of proper names, -m becomes –v. Sindarin)

Húveren leaned against her legs and wiggled in an endearing manner. Shortly, he turned to Helluin, whose scent he had detected in the town hall and who he suspected was a friend since he smelled no anger or fear in reaction to her from his people whilst in her company. Ere he could leap up on her, the Noldo captured him with her eyes.

Greetings, Húveren, friend of Annuihír and Lainiel. I am Helluin. Thou recall one known to me aforetime, Cooper, whose mistress was Artanis. Thy name was borne long ago by a friend of Dúriel, daughter of the first Lainiel. I too would call thee friend.

To the astonishment of the mortals, Húveren stilled, (save for the wagging of his tail), and came to sniff Helluin's hand as she stooped and reached out to him, then caressed his head. He conducted himself as a noble householder of royalty, and that too was his heritage.

I greet thee, Helluin, and would call thee friend, he said to her, receiving a smile in reply. Cooper was my grandsire, but Dúriel I have ne'er met and I know none who bore my name.

'Twas many, many years ago and they have passed from Arda. It matters not, my new friend, for thou art thine own person.

When the Noldo stood, Húveren gave a 'yip' and leaned against her legs a moment, then turned and walked beside Annuihír as they returned to the town hall. He was happy, for he had made a new friend, one he could speak directly with and whose scent evoked a dignity that he usually kept hid.

Now Helluin remained a week in Celenhár and enjoyed the company of her friends there, old and new. They too enjoyed sharing her presence and the younger nobles learnt much of ancient lore from the memories she shared. During that time, she had hoped to meet Chieftain Aranarth and Lady Almiril, but they came not to the town whilst she lingered. Each day she made sure to exercise Red, and to her surprise, Húveren would sometimes join them, running alongside the Easterling horse, as they too became friends. The Happy Dog would be sorry to see them go.

Yet finally, on 8 Urui the Noldo collected Red and rode out heading south, for, as Prince Gwíthír had informed her, 'Bruinen runs shallow at this time of year and so the current is slow. Three leagues south is a place with sloping banks and shoals that can be forded and swum so long as a week has passed since the last rains.'

Rain had been lacking since ere they had left Imladris on 28 Cerveth. Not wishing to tempt fate by delaying longer, Helluin made for the fordable stretch of Bruinen. She wrapped her rations in an oilcloth and packed extra fabric with which to dry her arrows and bowstring should she be forced to swim. She and Red reached the place and found the water running lower than even Gwíthír had expected. That was quite welcome to both elleth and horse.

Not that I mind a swim, Red said, wide eyed and obviously nervous at Helluin's earlier mention of the possibility, but if Anduin was so great a river as thou claimed and we forded it without swimming, why then should we be forced to do so crossing a smaller river such as the Bruinen?

Depth tells 'naught about a river's length, O Red, the Noldo said, but today t'would seem we are both saved from swimming. See? The water level is low. Come, let us cross.

Very well, O Helluin. I am thankful that Bruinen runs shallow, for 'tis not as if I had practiced swimming in Rhûn.

Now they crossed and the water came barely to Red's belly. They stopped on the eastern side so Helluin could don her boots, having removed them and tucked the shafts through her belt to keep them dry. Red drank and cropped some grass that grew along the bank.

I am now convinced that Anduin is indeed longer than Bruinen, O Helluin, he said. The Noldo raised a brow, bidding him share his reasoning. Not only was this water a hoof's width shallower, but the ford is also barely half the Ford of Anduin's breadth.

Very good, O Red, Helluin praised. Now if the oats in one pound are larger than the oats in another, is the pound with the larger oats more filling?

Red regarded her from each eye in turn, much as the Eagle Meneldor had done, and finally asked, is not one pound of oats much like another in filling the belly? In the past, I have not paid strict attention to the size of each grain. I shall have to check at the next opportunity.

They resumed their ride, continuing to head south. Helluin checked their direction periodically with her compass as they passed further inland. She was heading for mid-Hollin Ridge some three score and five miles away 'cross the rolling lands of northern Eregion. There a valley traversed the ridge, and there too was oft to be found a camp of the Laiquendi.

Hollin Ridge projected four score miles west from the Hithaeglir and created an impediment to north south travel for those heading to the Pass of Caradhras and aforetime, to the west door of Hadhodrond. The ridge was comprised of a series of hogbacks rising five hundred fifty to seven hundred fathoms. The slopes were steep enough to dissuade climbing and so no trails ascended to the sharp-edged ridgeline. Only at the valley, long aforetime eroded down by a seasonal stream, was crossing the eight-mile breadth of the ridge easy. For travelers who knew it not, a loop west was the only recourse, and that detour encompassed 'nigh a hundred miles.

Half that day had passed, when in the afternoon two riders took their leave of Celenhár, led by a young dog whose nose determined their path as he followed the scent of the new friends he had made.

To Be Continued