I own nothing save this plot line and my own personal character. Yes, it is the same story as the one in my LOTR strain, however I am trying to get it out a little more. Please read and review. I hope you enjoy.
-SighingWinter
The Poems used within this chapter are properly cited and are NOT mine
Elvish translations:
Namárië, Brand, ná Elbereth veria le, ná elenath dín síla erin rád o chuil lín- Farewell, Brand, may Elbereth protect you, may her stars shine on the path of your life.
Belain na le- The Valar be with you
Ada- father
Namárië, mellon- Farewell friend
Hannon le- Thank you
Im gelir ceni ad lín, mellon-
Manen nalyë? - How are you?
Im maer- I'm well
Gen hannon- I thank you
Elleth- female elf
Eldar- the word used for elves who left the shores of Aman and took the Great Journey
Fëar and hröar- Quenya words that mean 'spirits' and 'bodies', remove the r at the end and that would be the singular versions of the above words.
Secret Souls
Chapter Six- Laiste
Time passed and slowly but surely I regained my memories, although the intense headaches that followed always had me in bed for at least a full day and night afterwards. I like to think that the more memories returned the less my head hurt; although my hypothesis seemed weak in that I seemed to always faint after remembering something. My guardians understood and eventually grew comfortable enough to tease me about it, especially when I fainted during training sessions or some other occasion that was humorous. Months melded into years and the years blurred together. It wasn't until the year 1000 of the Third Age, nine years after my coming to Imladris, that things began to change and the Darkness that I had yet to truly see began to move.
It was barely spring of the New Year and already Glorfindel was hopping up and down like a child as he waited to set off for the Grey Havens, where it was said he would be meeting a friend from Valinor. He seemed to be in one of his childish moods today and I withheld a sigh and rolled my eyes at my knight-master and once more checked over his saddle and the various straps that would hold the happy elf on top of his mount. Although our people did not usually use such devices, for we got along well with animals, Glorfindel had insisted on using it- something dealing with courtesy.
"My lord," I murmured frowning up at my easy going knight master, "Belain na le."
Glorfindel smiled down at me, and briefly gripped my forearm in acknowledgment of my farewell before taking the reins of his horse. "Try not to faint while we aren't here to keep you on your feet." He teased, indicating himself and Ecthelion, who was mounting his steed.
I rolled my eyes, "Yes Ada."
Glorfindel let out a laugh before leaping into his saddle. Lord Elrond walked smoothly forwards and I moved over to Ecthelion in order to let my Knight-master and Lord share their secret words. Looking up at Ecthelion I thought it strange how much my life had changed since the gradual returning of my memories. While at the start of my stay he had done well to avoid me, now the older elf and I spent hours together, either talking, or sparring, making music, or merely spending time in one another's company.
"Namárië, mellon." I murmured softly, reaching up to absentmindedly brush off a leaf that clung to the dark leather of his saddle. Dark grey eyes smiled down at me and gently grasped my hand and gave it a slight squeeze, a familiar reassuring pressure.
"Hannon le." For a moment he seemed to want to say something more, but Glorfindel interrupted- the apparent secret conversation with my lord finished.
"Ecthelion, come! Our friend will not wait for us long!"
Stepping back to stand next to Arwen I joined the elves of Imladris as they watched and waved farewell to their two captains, absently wondering who it was that had the two lords so energetic. When at last the two men were out of sight Arwen, now a grown woman of 759 years old turned predatory eyes on me. Long had she been trying, along with her mother and their servants, to get me to wear fine, feminine things and now she perceived was her time to pounce since there was no Knight-master or friend to aid me in my plight. My lord and Erestor seemed to find my problem more amusing and were thus, unhelpful.
I glanced at the twins and sent them the signal and then abruptly bolted, deftly avoiding Arwen's grasping hands and racing down the blossoming pathways of the gardens. The pale stones that created the pathways were still slick from the early morning dew and I thanked the Valar that I had been smart and had chosen to wear pants and real shoes rather than those silly slippers and a skirt, which had Arwen slipping and floundering behind me as she tried to catch up. I grinned at the Undómiel over my shoulder before quickly scaling the furthest garden wall. Arwen let out a stream of curses that was actually quite impressive, as she heard the laughter of her twin brothers joining mine as I dropped to the other side of the wall and we cantered off on our horses.
Elladan and Elrohir were like brothers too me, and quite honestly I looked up to them. Unlike most elves the twins had a knack for enjoying themselves, which at times came at the expenses of others- that was how I had gotten their attention. Some time ago they had pulled a prank on me at dinner, and rather that yell, scowl, or threaten them within an inch of their lives like others were prone to do I merely laughed. We had become good friends since and I even went so far as to try a few pranks with the two every now and then, though the whole of Imladris groaned when we teamed up.
This morning we rode through the northern forests, remaining safely away from the rocky slopes of the mountains. Once at a safe distance from the faire elf city, we let our horses slow their paces to a walk, and enjoyed the light atmosphere of the world. There was nothing quite like the world in spring, everything carried a different scent to it- the breath of new life. The smell of damp earth after the first spring rain flooded the air of the evergreens, whose thick branches and sharp pines keep the moisture close to the ground. Everywhere I looked the signs of new life were gradually beginning to appear. Birds of all kinds had returned and after thoroughly grooming themselves, the males now sang and danced as they sought the attention of the finest female birds. Small streams running towards the Fords bubbled brightly, at last freed from their frozen prison and small fish whirled through the currents going up and downstream in a chaotic swirl of browns and flashes of scales. What I loved most of all though was the bright bursts of new greens, things that would turn into beautiful flowers and plants that would grow even further and darken in color as the sun's rays grew stronger and warmer in the coming weeks and months.
The twins had turned to one another, speaking in low voices, while I admired the world around me. Seeing the two brothers with their heads close together whispering and poking fun at one another, I had to smile, though for some reason or another I also wanted to smack them. There was nothing better than early spring, when all new life and hope bloomed- it was sad that even though they were so much older than I, they still chose to ignore what was the most beautiful. That which was calm and serene, new life that had yet to come yet still held all the promises of the world.
We rode for most of the day and camped at night. For a long week we travelled throughout the valley, occasionally running into patrols and joining them for a brief respite, but at last the brief escape from the House ended and I dragged myself indoors preparing mentally for the woes of the following days. Until my knight-master returned home, I spent two hours each day with Erestor who drilled me in manners and the customs of other nations and elves, and at least an hour or two with the Lady Celebrian and Arwen who also instructed me in the ways of womanly duties, which much to my dismay meant, fittings, needles, sewing, cooking, makeup, dresses, and dancing. The last I did not mind so very much, as I was quite often paired with one of the twins who were also going through similar instructory phases.
The only breaks I received were when I had weapons practice and/or riding lessons. Once I was even able to sneak away long enough to join a patrol, much to the envy of the twins, though the aftermath meant a full week spent in the company of Arwen and her mother. A few times, mostly after meals and the gatherings in the Hall of Fire, Lord Elrond would pull me aside and we would discuss what I remembered while Erestor listened and added the occasional input, mostly with questions about the places I saw and the people.
Those memories that I recalled came rarely and oddly- with little pain. Mostly it was scents or the sight of a particular flowering bud or the call of a bird, and with each small item I remembered little things that were similarly associated. While these little bit and pieces made me happier it seemed to make my Lord and his councilor somewhat irritated. After one such session in the late spring I wandered around outside, a book in one hand as I meandered long, my light blue skirts lightly murmuring on the stone ground. Leaning against a white railing I gazed out at the forests and House, watching as others walked below. My eyes swept across the roofs of the Houses and over small gardens, until as if called, they reached a part of the main House that I had yet to discover.
Curiosity was not something that elves feel distinctly after living many human lives, however when they do it is very sharp and never quite leaves their consciences until it has been fully sated, and that was one such instance that I was definitely effected by such a nagging wonder. My body followed my gaze and slowly I wandered towards the main House. Easily I passed the working chambers of my Lord Elrond and Erestor. At last I came upon a shadowed hallway. To my right there were paintings along the wall, depicting things I had never before seen. Almost idly I stepped forwards, letting the shadows engulf my figure as I wandered back in time.
The nearest painting was a number of paces away, almost as though there was more to be painted before the end. The first I came to was of a city, great and white that stood against a mountain. Seven levels rose, one over the other in a state of grandeur unlike anything I had ever seen. The city seemed to glow with light and I could almost see the dark blue banners snapping in the winds of the plains as the bright sun fell upon this unknown city with such glory that not even a single cloud dared to mar the sky. Almost automatically I reached out and lightly touched the painting, starting when fingertips met stone. Turning my gaze down the arching wall, I murmured in wonder. All of these were painted upon the wall that stood before me.
The next held the central focus. Unlike the ones that surrounded it, the painting was almost entirely made up of greys and shadows. Dark figures mixed with golden and silver, and somehow I knew that those that fought were the orcs and goblins destroying an alliance of elves and men. The shadows seemed to cast all colors into darkness and somewhere through the depths of my mind a familiar feeling raced through me causing a shudder to ripple through my body. Shaking my head to dispel the feeling, I focused once more on that which stood before me. Within the painting there were several figures I recognized, long golden hair mixed with black as Glorfindel and Ecthelion's figures fought side by side and not too far from them was lord Elrond and at his side standing tall was an elf that had a great and noble mien. But the focus was strange, almost blurry as though the artist was gazing at something else entirely, which I discovered was indeed the case when I wandered to the far left of the painting. There in a terrible figure something I had never before seen, yet that sent chills all over. Black armor covered the figure from head to toe, all of which was cast with deadly points. Clenched in one hand was a great mace which was in descent, falling to destroy the man who lay against the rocky grounds with nothing more than a broken sword, which was raised in a futile defense.
Shuffling in the halls below made my turn in alarm only to stop when I faced the statue of a veiled woman, who seemed to bend as she protected something that lay on a stone table before her. Slowly I moved forwards, seeking to glimpse that which she held so dear. There lying upon a velvet cloth of the deepest blue was the shards of a broken sword, the hilt of which matched the sword held aloft in the painting. A crushing weight seemed to suddenly press down upon my chest and shoulders and I could do little but gasp, trying to breath as the gazed down at those who would take what she had guarded for an unknown number of years. Burdened by the abrupt onslaught of such weight I pushed back from the table and fled, until I reached warm embrace of the setting sun. For a brief moment in time I pondered on visiting Lord Elrond to tell him of what had happened and to ask what those painting were of, but then continued I onwards, for what I desired could not be attained by the presence of others, so in smooth movements I walked quickly to the stables, bridled my horse and rode off, uncaring of the fact that I wore a dress.
Though I never wandered the hall again that year I spent a larger amount of time outside, the long warm days were just what I needed. Even Arwen, who seemingly always followed her mother's words and instructions, was inclined to follow after me or her brothers or one of the younger elleths and Celebrian seemed to not mind at all. Perhaps a large part of that was because as soon a summer had truly begun, messengers had journeyed from distant realms carrying with them news and returning with invitations to join the largest celebration of the elvish world- Midsummer. Everyone in the main house and anyone with influence often gathered around on a pavilion where they discussed the upcoming celebrations, argued about plans, food, music, and other such details. While I probably ought to have been there in order to represent my knight master I preferred to spend my time with more leisurely activities in the company of the twins or a book.
It was beginning to get incredibly hectic has the week before the summer solstice was now upon the Last Homely House and everywhere, elves hurried this way and that trying to get as much as possible done before the arrival of several key guests. The Galadhrim and the elves of Greenwood the Great, has sworn to come and for the first time in a little more than a thousand years the three western kingdoms would come together. I could almost taste the tension and nervousness in the air as I fled the House for the safety of a garden that sat not too far from the main entrance to the Homely House. Protected and hidden from immediate sight, I sat beneath the willow tree that draped its long strands like a curtain over and into the nearby stream, creating a protective circle around me and its trunk.
Adjusting the light green skirts of my dress, that I had been forced into due to Arwen 'washing' all of my pants and tunics, I made myself comfortable and leaned back against the rough bark of the tree as I opened my book. It was light reading for the most part- poems gathered from all over Arda. The somewhat aged paged crackled their contentment as I leafed through them until at last; I found the last one that I had read. "Talking of Adventure"
Upon the hearth the fire is red,
Beneath the roof there is a bed;
But not yet weary are our feet,
Still around the corner we may meet
A sudden standing stone
That none have seen but we alone.
Tree and flower and leaf and grass,
Let them pass! Let them pass!
Hill and water under sky,
Pass them by! Pass them by!
Still around the corner there may wait
A new road or a secret gate,
And though we pass them by today,
Tomorrow we may come this way
And take the hidden paths that run,
Towards the Moon or to the Sun.
Apple, thorn and nut and sloe
Let them go! Let them go!
Sand and stone and pool and dell,
Fare you well! Fare you well!
Home is behind, the world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread
Through shadows to the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Then world behind and home ahead,
We'll wander back to home and bed.
Mist and twilight, cloud and shade,
Away shall fade! Away shall fade!
Fire and lamp, and meat and bread,
And to bed! And then to bed![1]
A small smiled crept upon my lips and I let out a light laugh. The poem reminded me of Brand and one of his Folk's merry little tunes. Perhaps, such a poem did indeed stem from his people, indeed it was quite possible that the elven-folk and hobbit-folk met while the later searched for places to settle. Gently I turned yet another page and continued on reading easily forgetting about all else. The next poem was one written, oddly enough in the common tongue, though on the backs of each page there was the elvish script to go along with the reading. The title read "The Tale of Tinuviel"
The leaves were long, the grass was green,
The hemlock-umbels tall and fair,
And in the glade a light was seen
Of stars in shadow shimmering.
Tinuviel was dancing there
To music of a pipe unseen,
And light of stars was in her hair,
And in her raiment glimmering.
There Beren came from mountains cold,
And lost he wandered under leaves,
And where the Elven-river rolled
He walked alone and sorrowing.
He peered between the hemlock-leaves
And saw in wonder flowers of gold
Upon her mantle and her sleeves,
And her hair like shadow following.
Enchantment healed his weary feet
That over hills were doomed to roam;
And forth he hastened, strong and fleet,
And grasped at moonbeams glistening.
Through woven woods in Elven home
She lightly fled on dancing feet,
And left him lonely still to roam
In the silent forest listening.
He heard there oft the flying sound
Of feet as light as linden-leaves,
Or music welling underground,
In hidden hollows quavering.
Now withered lay the hemlock-sheaves,
And one by one with sighing sound
Whispering fell the beechen leaves
In the wintry woodland wavering.
He sought her ever, wandering far
Where leaves of years were thickly strewn,
By light of moon and ray of star
In frosty heavens shivering.
Her mantle glinted in the moon,
As on a hill-top high and far
She danced, and at her feet was strewn
A mist of silver quivering.
When winter passed, she came again,
And her song released the sudden spring,
Like rising lark, and falling rain,
And melting water-bubbling.
He saw the elven-flowers spring
About her feet, and healed again
He longed by her to dance and sing
Upon the grass untroubling.
Again she fled, but swift he came,
Tinuviel! Tinuviel!
He called her by her elvish name;
And there she halted listening.
One moment stood she, and a spell,
His voice laid on her: Beren came,
And doom fell on Tinuviel
That in his arms lay glistening.
As Beren looked into her eyes
Within the shadows of her hair,
The trembling starlight of the skies
He saw there mirrored shimmering.
Tinuviel the elven-fair
Immortal maiden elven-wise,
About him cast her shadowy hair
And arms like silver glimmering.
Long was the way that fate them bore
O'er stony mountains cold and grey
Through halls of iron and darkling door
And woods of nightshade morrow less.
The Sundering Seas between them lay,
And yet at last they met once more,
And long ago they passed away
In the forest singing sorrow less.[2]
I stopped unable to further bear the sorrow that was so written upon those pages. The sweet tale of the elf-maid who fell in love with a mortal man. While I did not know what love felt like I wept for the maiden who had so loved to dance and her lost love, Beren. After a short while I managed to compose myself, silently cursing Arwen as I blamed the dress I wore for the weak feminine tears. Thank Elbereth that none were there to see such a thing! Turning the page I began to read, "Eärendil was a Mariner"
Eärendil was a mariner
That tarried in Arvernien;
He built a boat of timber felled
In Nimbrethil to journey in;
Her sails he wove of silver fair,
Of silver were her lanterns made
Her prow was fashioned like a swan,
And light upon her banners laid.
In panoply of ancient kings,
In chained rings he armored him;
His shining shield was scored with runes
To ward all wounds and harm from him;
His bow was made of dragon-horn,
His arrows shorn of ebony,
Of silver was his habergeon;
His scabbard of chalcedony;
His sword of steel was valiant,
Of adamant his helmet tall,
An eagle-plume upon his crest,
Upon his breast an emerald.
Beneath the Moon and under star
He wandered far from northern strands,
Bewildered on enchanted ways
Beyond the days of mortal lands.
From gnashing of the Narrow Ice
Where shadow lies on frozen hills,
From nether heats and burning waste
He turned in haste, and roving still
On starless waters far astray
At last he came to Night of Naught,
And passed, and never sight he saw
Of shining shore nor light he sought.
The winds of wrath came driving him,
And blindly in the foam he fled
From west to east and errand less,
Unheralded he homeward sped.
There flying Elwing came to him,
And flame was in the darkness lit;
More bright than light of diamond
The fire upon her carcanet.
The Silmaril she bound on him
And crowned him with the living light
And dauntless then with burning brow
He turned his prow, and in the night
From Otherworld beyond the Sea
There strong and free a storm arose,
A wind of power in Tarmenel;
By paths that seldom mortal goes
His boat it bore with biting breath
As might of death across the grey
As long-forsaken seas distressed;
From east to west he passed away.
Through Evernight he back was borne
On black and roaring waves that ran
O'er leagues unlit and foundered shores
That drowned before the Days began,
Until he heard on strands of pearl
When ends the world the music long,
Where ever-foaming billows roll
The yellow gold and jewels wan.
He saw the Mountain silent rise
Where twilight lies upon the knees
Of Valinor and Eldamar
Beheld afar beyond the seas.
A wanderer escaped from night
To haven white he came at last,
To Elven home the green and fair
Where keen the air, where pale as glass
Beneath the Hill and Ilmarin
A-glimmer in a valley sheer
The lamp lit towers of Tirion
Are mirrored on the Shadowmere.
He tarried there from errantry
And melodies they taught to him,
And sages old him marvels told,
And harps of gold they brought to him,
They clothed him then in elven-white,
And seven lights before him sent,
As through the Calacirian
To hidden land forlorn he went,
He came unto the timeless halls
Where shining fall the countless years,
And endless reigns the Elder King
In Ilmarin on Mountain sheer,
And words unheard were spoken then
Of folk of Men and Elven-kin,
Beyond the world were visions showed
Forbid to those that dwell therein.
A ship then new they built for him
Of mithril and of elven-glass
With shining prow; no shaven oar
Nor sail she bore on silver mast;
The Silmaril as lantern light
And banner bright with living flame
To gleam thereon by Elbereth
Herself was set, who thither came
And wings immortal made for him,
And laid on him undying doom,
To sail the shoreless skies and come
Behind the Sun and light of Moon.
From Evereven's lofty hills
Where softly silver fountains fall
His wings bore him, a wandering light,
Beyond the mighty Mountain Wall,
From World's End then he turned away,
And yearned again to find afar
His home through shadows journeying,
And burning as an island star
On high above the mists he came,
A distant flame before the Sun,
A wonder ere the waking dawn
Where grey the Norland waters run.
And over Middle-earth he passed
And heard at last the weeping sore
Of women and of elven-maids
In Elder Days, in years of yore.
But on him mighty doom was laid
Till Moon should fade, an orbéd star
To pass, and tarry never more
On Hither Shores where mortals are;
For ever still a herald on
An errand that should never rest
To bear his shining lamp afar,
To Flammifer of Westernesse.[1]
I wondered at the poem for a while, thinking of what little I knew about the man that was spoken of and his ships. Never before had such a thought occurred, that I might be able to set out and seek the answers of my questions, "But then, I wonder where it is that my questions begin?"
Not feeling to be in a particularly pensive mood, I continue to read on, "A Dwarfish Poem"
The world was young, the mountains green,
No stain yet on the Moon was seen,
No words were laid on stream or stone
When Durin woke and walked alone.
He named the nameless hills and dells;
He drank from yet untasted wells;
He stooped and looked in Mirrormere,
And saw a crown of stars appear,
As gems upon a silver thread,
Above the shadow of his head
The world was fair, the mountains tall,
In Elder Days before the fall.
Of mighty kings of Nargothrond
And Gondolin-[2]
My mind lanced with pain and I let out a groan, the book falling from my hands and onto the grassy floor as I clutched my hair and gritted my teeth against the pain. Desperately I wanted to cry out, but I did not want the attention that that would bring as well as the nagging and worrying that would also happen. It was not long before the pain grew too great and though I remained silent I fainted once more, falling upon the gentle grass below.
Great walls, the tallest I had ever seen towered before us and I held grasped the hand I held even tighter. I was much younger than the rest of the elves that surrounded me and my family save two who I had been told about though had never seen. The walls were white and gleamed in the bright sunlight making the trees and greens that adorned the city even brighter. The walls flowed with the steady rising of the center of the valley of Tumladen. At the highest point of the valley as well as the city, if I strained my sight and looked far enough there stood a palace at the very center of all the walls.
"Ada?" I murmured, tugging at the large hand to get my father's attention. Once obtained I looked towards the city, "What's that place Ada?"
My father looked out, his back towards the caves that had taken us many days to walk through. He looked down at me and then swooped down to gather me up in his arms, holding me on his left hip, "That Laiste is Gondolin, the Hidden Rock. Our new home."
"Will Lord Turgon be there?"
"Indeed, our king has built us a great home where we shall forever remain safe from the coming darkness."
Turning towards my new home I tried out the name, "Gondolin." The name was sweet on my tongue and a smile spread across my face. "Gondolin."
The soft sweeping brush of something against my cheek, just under my eye jerked me into full awareness. Staying still and keeping my eyes closed I waited trying to remain relaxed while I figured out who it was touching me. "Laiste…"
I knew that voice! Excitedly I opened my eyes and grinned happily before throwing myself forwards and wrapping my arms around him. "Welcome back Ecthelion!"
He laughed as he wrapped his arms around me in his own embrace, "Im gelir ceni ad lín, mellon."
I smiled as I released him, allowing him to sit properly and not stain his clothes too much. He nodded his appreciation and asked with a slight smile, "Manen nalyë?"
"Im maer" I replied easily, glad that my friend's company had retuned at last, "but where have you been? Surely it did not take much of the early year to travel to the Havens and back?"
Ecthelion looked pensive for a moment, his gaze turning away from me and to the stream that bubbled mirthfully as it swept downwards to join its brethren to become one of the many waterfalls that dominated a great deal of the valley.
"It did not, but there were a number of unexpected delays that day to be seen to before we could continue on." For a brief moment I thought I glimpsed a frown on my friend's face. He turned to look back at me and stood gracefully.
"Come, Glorfindel was very out of sorts when you had not been there to greet us."
I cried out in alarm, quickly scrambling to my feet, "What? How long has it been since your return?"
"Nothing more than a few hours."
"Ai! He must be dreadfully angry with me." I hurriedly grabbed my book and with little care for the state of my appearance I rushed off, Ecthelion pulling slightly ahead due to the various hindrances of my dress. He laughed and called teases as he easily raced ahead of me. Before he quite realized what happened though I slipped down a back hallway and picking up my skirts I ran down the halls only stopping when I reached the doors to Lord Elrond's study. Patting my loosened hair down and rearranging my skirts I quietly knocked on the door and walked in when a familiar voice permitted me entrance.
"Ah! There's my squire!" Before I quite determined what happened Glorfindel strode across the chamber and swept me up in warm embrace, picking me up and spinning me once like he used to do with a younger Arwen. On putting me down he looked me over and smirked, "A dress?"
"My lady and Arwen arranged an alliance with Elwyn, my maid." I murmured, looking somewhat put out, though not nearly as much as I used to. I actually was somewhat fond of wearing a dress- though only on occasion.
Glorfindel grinned and turned to the two ladies, "I hope you don't make my squire too needy, I'd like her to still be useful!" He teased, "Although, I can't say I mind the improvements!"
"My Lord!" I protested, while Arwen and her brothers laughed. Glorfindel smiled down at me, and for a moment I glimpsed my father's face in place of his. Before suddenly it was gone as he laid a gentle kiss on my brow.
"Worry not. You look lovely. Now then where is my friend Ecthelion. I sent him to search for you."
"Oh," I replied blithely, "I must have lost him on my way here. Methinks he is becoming rather slow in his age."
A rich laugh, full of warmth and hidden melodies filled the study. It was different from elvish laughter and I turned to face its source wondering if by chance on of the race of Men had joined us. What greeted me instead was a rather old man, with a long greybeard and a number of grey robes. A staff of knotted wood rested on the chair in which he had placed himself. I blinked again trying to determine what it is I was looking at, for it seemed to be that the very air around him pulsed and shimmered with a force I had only sensed a few times in my- rather broken- memory. He stood and walked with great straightness and ease over to me and I discovered two other things, the first that he was taller than I and second he had the bluest eyes I had ever seen. They were sharp and took in everything around him without losing sight out those in front of him.
"I am Olórin, though perhaps you might prefer to call me Mithrandir- as my elvish friends are so inclined to name me. And I know who you are- Laiste of little memory. Perhaps during my stay here we might be able to change your title, eh?" He said with a slight chuckle.
I blinked in utter astonishment however before I could muster up anything to say the door opened and Ecthelion walked smoothly in. He glowered at me for a moment before moving to stand beside Glorfindel, who had taken his usual seat by the balcony.
I turned back to Mithrandir and murmured in a belated reply, "Gen hannon"
The seemingly old man turned back and returned to his chair, smiling to himself in a way that reminded me of one of Brand's nephews when they had certain ideas in their minds. Shaking my head I took a seat on the floor to the right of my Knight Master, watching and listening as Mithrandir, Ecthelion, and Glorfindel delivered various reports about the world outside of Imladris.
Men it seemed were flourishing, though they yet struggled to maintain peace amongst their kind. The elves of the Havens were as they ever were, quiet and a singular entity that grew little and expanded not at all. They remained safely hidden on the shores, under the protection of Ulmo and his guidance, although from what Círdan had written in his missives as well as what he had said to Mithrandir, it seemed as though it would not be long until they began to sail. At this point Mithrandir turned keen eyes towards me and smiled softly, "Oh, about a fortnight ago we passed by a small town, and a friend of yours asked that I give you this. Brand of the Hobbit-kind, he called himself. A smart fellow that one and quite cheerful as well."
He held out a box for me and I took the gift from him with a murmur of thanks. Setting it beside me I wondered what it was that might be in it, however knowing Brand 'twas probably going to be something of sentimental value. Mithrandir continued speaking to Elrond as though he had not paused at all and I chose to wait to open my surprise form a very old friend. I waited until the meeting was over and made certain that everyone had dinner and was safely in the Hall of Fire, before sneaking back to my chambers. Once there I quickly discarded my dress and changed into my sleeping tunic. Settling on my bed I brought the box in front of me and carefully opened the small sized wooden box.
Inside there lay a small book, a letter, and a few other things. The letter was written in a hand I barely recalled to be Brand's, but I immediately opened it and began to read its contents.
Bree, around the time of noon of the 16th of August T.A 1000
My Dear Friend,
Long has it been since our last meeting- nearly a hundred years by my count! Well, it is of little matter now, indeed this might come as a surprise to you. A jolly good thing it would be to surprise you! In the years since you're leaving a great many things have happened. The first of which I think you might find most important there has been a great deal of talk of late about moving out of Bree and settling elsewhere. Things are getting a little too crowded for our liking, but then again we are not so eager to move quite yet- indeed I bet this pondering will go on a great deal longer until we cannot bear thinking on it anymore and only then shall we go. The second and by far more important to anyone of any sort is that I would like to tell before all others that I have at last found the one whom I shall be spending the rest of my life with. We will be shortly married and I would dearly wish it, if you could spare the time, to come and join us in celebrating our wedding.
The box that that old Grey Beard has brought you has some very valuable items in there that you mustn't lose!
They will seem odd of me, and indeed they are- especially if your memories of me are true- but things have changed quite a bit since you have been gone. Not just the talk of settling elsewhere and me getting married- but the previous winter hit all of us hard and for the first time in my life I watched a newborn child and its mother be buried. I think I have begun to feel my age, though I am by no means old! There is nothing quite like losing someone, even if you barely knew them at all. No need to worry though- all the Hobbit-Folk are well. Indeed some are even too well, if you take my meaning. I must be going now, my soon to be wife's family are at the door, ready to examine my hole after months of stalling!
Yours affectionately,
Brand
(P.S- a list is in the back of this letter- check to make sure it is all in there so that I may give that Grey Beard a lesson if I ever see him again should not everything be in the box)
I frowned and then sighed sadly for my dear friend, how cruel life had been for him to have to witness such a thing at so young an age, even if by his people's accounts he is considered a middle aged man. It was good news though, to hear of his upcoming nuptials. He wrote so distinctly that it felt as though I was right there, listening to his voice rather than reading his words. Thinking of the Hobbit and his wedding I read over the letter again and sighed in exasperation, he hadn't place at date on his wedding! Shaking my head in loving exasperation, I folded up the letter and took out the items in the box. The book was small enough to fit in my pocket and within was one of my favorite hobbit tales, as well as a number of songs and poems. In a small message at the start Brand had written, "To help fill that empty mind with something"
Laughingly I placed the book aside and gently reached in and pulled out a small dress. It was far too small for anyone to wear unless it was an infant. I blinked in surprise and laid it on my lap, fingering the fine cloth wondering what it was that gave Brand the idea of giving such a thing to me. A few other trinkets, mostly bright gems and charms, filled the rest of the box. I smiled and murmured aloud a thank you, before putting all of the items back where they had been removed from. On the very top I placed the letter and closed the lid. The box sat near my bed, so that when I awakened I could look more closely at the contents within.
Lying down on cool silken sheets, I smiled and curled to one side, my back to the door. Closing my eyes I waited for a few moments to let sleep summon me away from Imladris and back to fair white city of Gondolin, my true home.
[1] From chapter one of the Two Towers; the second book in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
[2] From chapter three of The Fellowship of the Ring; the first novel in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
[1] From the third chapter of The Fellowship of the Ring; the first novel in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
[2] From the eleventh chapter of the Fellowship of the Ring; the first book in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy