"What have I missed?" Master Salabart perused his notes on Queen Muriel's health. They had diagnosed her symptoms as influenza, but the elven healer suspected a foreign agent.
"You have missed something, Master Salabart?" Falmar asked mockingly as he entered. The two Master healers were rivals and their competitive nature pushed both to new discoveries.
"The elves believe the Queen may have been poisoned. They are running tests I have not observed before using titrations and plates coated with white powder." Salabart paused. "I just observed a few of their experiments. Perhaps we can learn to utilize such techniques for our own diagnosis."
"We have our own tests to determine the presence of poisons." Falmar did not sound impressed. "What tests did you run?" But the other healer only agitatedly repeated.
"What have I missed?"
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Trumpets rang announcing the arrival of Meneldil, King of Gondor and his entourage. Prince Valandil welcomed them formally as protocols dictated but he was very happy indeed to finally meet his cousins. Prince Cemendur, was an energetic lad of eight and his Mother, Queen Irviniel, was hard pressed to keep the boy under control during the long greetings. They only spoke freely as they moved into the royal chambers.
"Welcome to Annúminas. I have had rooms prepared for you in the royal wing." Valandil greeted them in place of the Queen, a fact that Meneldil noted immediately.
"Where is your Mother?" Meneldil asked, not sure of what to make of his young cousin, but willing to keep an open mind as the young prince would soon rule the kingdom.
"I thought perhaps we might speak in private."
"As you wish." Meneldil led his family to their rooms and once he was assured that they were happy and settled, he went to seek Valandil in the prince's study. The doors closed behind them and Valandil poured him a drink.
"You must be tired from your journey."
"We had to travel more slowly than I am used to. Cemendur is yet too young for long rides. But tell me of your Mother."
"She is ill and Elrond is treating her. He suspects that she has been poisoned."
"Lord Elrond is treating her?" Alarm was audible in Meneldil's voice. "Do you trust him? Perhaps he is the culprit."
"He has cared for my Mother and I for many years. I trust him with my life."
"Your father was," Meneldil paused wondering if he should say more. "less than kind to the elf."
"What do you mean to say?" Valandil nearly hissed.
"I only say that if my positions were switched with that of Elrond, I could rightfully claim vengeance on you."
"What?" Valandil gaped. Elrond had always been kind to him. "You are lying. Father could not have betrayed his allies."
"Ask Lord Elrond yourself. Where is he?"
"He is in the royal healing room running tests."
"Lead the way." They moved silently down the hall and stopped outside the healing room. The door was ajar. They paused to listen.
"Lúnril, are you sure of the results on this titration?"
"Yes, my Lord, I checked it twice. It is inconsistent with our first hypothesis."
"And the antidote you administered?" Glorfindel worried.
"It will alleviate only some of the symptoms." Elrond paused and seemed to stare out the window. This puzzle deepened.
"Coral berry should give a negative test." Lúnril protested. "Also, it should not affect the liver."
"The other tests indicate its presence." The elf lord said slowly. "I think perhaps it is a mixture of at least two agents, that might explain Master Salabart's misdiagnosis. There is a second agent that affects the liver, hence the pain and swelling there. Together the two agents induce a complex mixture of symptoms that are more difficult to diagnose. Lúnril can you tell Erestor of our findings? He is in the library at the center for the sick. See if Cirulian can accompany you there."
"Yes, my Lord." The young healer made ready to leave. Valandil and Meneldil stepped back to give the impression that they were just arriving.
"Elrond, Glorfindel have you made any progress?" Valandil asked as he entered the room.
"It is more complex than I expected. It does not seem to be a single substance." Elrond's brow was furled slightly. The entrance of a stranger caused Glorfindel to move protectively in front of Elrond.
"Some introductions are in order." Glorfindel eyed Meneldil with veiled suspicion. The man bore a striking resemblance to Isildur and Anárion.
"This is my cousin Meneldil, King of Gondor. He and his family arrived today. Meneldil may I introduce Lords Glorfindel and Elrond of Imladris."
"Why are you really here?" Meneldil eyed the two elves suspiciously.
"I invited them." Valandil's voice deepened in annoyance.
"They have motive and opportunity as well as knowledge of obscure poisons." Meneldil accused. If the look of shocked disbelief on Elrond's face did not convince him that the elf was not involved, the following conversation did.
"The Queen had taken ill months before we arrived." Elrond could not fathom his reasoning. "I would never harm innocent people. I have succored them in Imladris for many years. Your reasoning makes no sense. I have no motive."
"I am only concerned for my Aunt's welfare." Meneldil stated firmly. "Isildur returned to Gondor after the war. We spent a year making plans to stabilize and rebuild the Kingdom. He drank heavily in that time and told me of his crime against you on the mountain."
"Did father raise his hand against you?" Valandil asked. It was obvious by the question that he had no idea what had occurred on the mountain. Elrond took a step backwards but his face was unreadable. The bright soul of Glorfindel was a beacon beside him, warding off those unpleasant memories.
"There is not much more foul than to be treated so by one who claims to be an ally." Elrond's voice was soft but steady and held no anger. "But your father's actions were fueled by the evil of Sauron's ring. It whispered its poisoned council into his ears."
"I loved my Uncle Isildur but he was changed after the war. I grieved for his loss but I am glad that the evil talisman did not pass to Valandil." Meneldil turned. "Still our own laws give you the right to take vengeance on his family."
"What manner of laws are those?" Elrond shook his head in disbelief. "One does not hold the innocent liable for the actions of the guilty! That is barbaric."
"We do in Gondor. The family of the debtor is put into prison along with them. If he dies, his children must still serve their father's sentence."
"It was not so in Númenor. Elros would have never allowed such injustice. His children and grandchildren would never have either."
"We brought our laws with us from Númenor."
"When did such laws come into existence?" Glorfindel inquired.
"I would have to check, for I was not yet twenty when we sailed." Meneldil responded. "At the time we were more concerned for our survival and did not study the rules of law."
"I sense that they can be traced to the rule of King Ar-Pharazôn. The voice of Sauron led him to systematically limit the rights of his people and finally resulted in the open persecute of the faithful and even human sacrifices. The same voice spoke from the ring that hung from the chain around Isildur's neck." Elrond wished to that that voice would remain forever silent. "Surely, you see the inhumanity of holding the innocent responsible for the transgressions of their kin. You are now the King of Gondor. You can rule for justice and peace."
"You heard that voice?" Meneldil watched him intently. Elrond nodded.
"As, I assume, you did." They locked eyes and Glorfindel and Valandil stood there puzzled, as if they were missing something.
"It did not want to stay in Isildur's possession. It whispered hideous suggestions." It was Meneldil's turn to shiver.
"You speak as if it was a living entity!" Valandil blurted out in surprise.
"It is or was." Elrond paused. "An echo or a part of the fallen Maiar's spirit. I pray it is lost forever."
"Its very presence brought intrigue and discord." Meneldil paused. "Even after its loss, it was a tumultuous few years until I was able to bring order and safety to Minas Tirith."
"Were their plots against you as well – attempts on your life?" Glorfindel interrupted. They all gaped when Meneldil nodded in affirmation.
"There were others who sought to claim the throne." Meneldil explained gravely. "My three older sisters all have sons and others sought to use my nephews against me."
"Could any of those involved have escaped to Arnor?" Valandil interjected.
"It is possible."
"But they would not have as strong a claim as Valandil." Elrond noted.
"Which means Valandil's life may be in danger as well." Glorfindel finished the thought.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
"Cemendur, where are you?" Irviniel was irritated. Their willful son had run off yet again. She heard his laughter. It was getting further away. She dashed down the garden pathway, which crossed with other path at a gazebo. "Cemendur!" Two ladies emerged from around the corner.
"Have you seen a boy with dark hair about ten years old?" She asked. Her voice carried her
"We have not seen him on this path, Queen Irviniel." Delia bowed politely. "Shall I alert the guards?"
"No," Irviniel let out a suffering sigh. "I am sure he will eventually grow tired of this game." The Queen only now noticed the cascading silver locks of the second woman and whispered in surprise. "An elf! You are an elf?" Delia quickly introduced her companion.
"Queen Irviniel, may I introduce the Lady Celebrian of Lothlórien."
"It appears children are similar no matter which kindred they hail from." Celebrian smiled and stepped forward. "We would be happy to help you in your search."
"Our guards were checking the third path. They can continue down the last one should they not locate him. Are you married, Lady Celebrian?"
"I am betrothed." She smiled.
"Betrothed." Irviniel repeated as a smile of remembrance spread across her face. "A most wonderful time when you are free and encouraged to focus on each other. If I may suggest, wait a little while once you are married before you have children."
"Children are wonderful."
"Yes, they are. But we were blessed with my dear Cemendur less than a year after our wedding. He is high spirited to say the least."
"I cared for some elflings who were handfuls." Celebrian declared and soon they were happily ensconced in the Gazebo sharing tales of Cemendur, Haldir, Rúmil and Orophin. Much laughter ensued and soon Queen Muriel was nearly crying with mirth.
"It is nice to hear there are more challenging boys than my Cemendur." She laughed. "I do hope your own children will prove to be easier."
"Oh, it does get worse. My Mother has the gift of prophecy. In response to my complaints, she just narrowed her eyes and with that fair-off look of hers pronounced that my challenges would be even greater." The approach of others caught their attention and soon Elrond, Erestor and Beleg emerged along the path.
"Elrond!" Celebrian rose from the bench with glee and embraced him. "You must come meet Queen Irviniel of Gondor."
"Queen Irviniel, it is a pleasure to meet you." Elrond bowed slightly and kissed her hand. "I am Elrond of Imladris."
"Lord Elrond Peredhel is your betrothed? Brother of Elros Tar-Minyatur?" Irviniel repeated in shocked surprise. Celebrian hugged Elrond in response and kissed his cheek. An embarrassed tint spread across the peredhel's face. Such public displays would take some getting used to. But the closeness of his betrothed did not fail to bring a smile to his face.
"You fairly glow when you are together. There is no mistaking that your are engaged." Irviniel teased.
"May I also introduce Lord Erestor, chief councilor of Imladris and Beleg of the Dúnedain." Lady Irviniel turned to greet them but Erestor was staring upward.
"Forgive my rudeness, Queen Irviniel. It would seem we are under scrutiny from a child hidden in the tree." Erestor pointed and they saw the outline of a young boy in the branches.
"Cemendur, come down now. You will forever regret if you miss meeting this group."
"He has climbed too high." Celebrian handed her cloak to Elrond and moments later sprang into the tree. Her lithe figure gracefully ascended into the canopy. She stopped a short distance from the boy and gave a reassuring smile.
"Greetings Cemendur, I am Celebrian of Lothlórien. Your Mother would like to make the rest of the introductions on solid ground." The boy looked down nervously and Celebrian reach over.
"Give me your hand and we will descend together."
"But you are just a woman." The boy stammered. His observation was met by musical laughter.
"Do not judge on appearances alone, little one. I am an elleth who was practically born in the trees and I have rescued many a wayward elfling from similar predicaments." The boy grimaced at being addressed as 'little' and looked at her dubiously.
"The tree will not let us fall."
"You speak as if it is a person."
"It would be rather insulted to be addressed as such." She laughed again and the tree seemed to agree. "As a descendant of Elros Tar-Minyatur, you should also be able to hear the song of the tree. Close your eyes and listen." The boy thought he was imagining things for the tree seemed to rejoice at the elleth's presence.
"It likes you!" He said in surprise and was finally convinced to trust the strange and beautiful elleth.
"I hope so." Celebrian laughed again as she steadied the boy. "Come now. Just concentrate on one branch at a time. Good! We will be soon safe on the ground." Indeed they swiftly descended to the lowest branch and Elrond lifted the boy from the tree and set him down. Celebrian glided gracefully down beside him.
"The tree really does sing Mother!" Cemendur announced as his mother hugged him.
"Let us keep to the ground for awhile." Irviniel turned to the elves. "Now you must greet the Lady Celebrian, Lord Elrond and Lord Erestor more properly and thank them for their help." Cemendur transformed instantly from a whirling tree spright to a polite young prince as he was introduced. Irviniel and Celebrian exchanged knowing smiles at the boys behavior.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
"I am feeling much better." Muriel sipped her tea slowly. She was curled up on the couch in front of a sunny window.
"I still do not think you should over exert yourself Mother."
"Lord Elrond said that the antidote was working well."
"He has not been able to identify the second poison. He thinks you were exposed to the agents slowly over a period of time, which is why Master Salabart diagnosed it as an illness."
"But we know differently now."
"But we still do not know who did it or how you were exposed. Was it in some food and drink or inhaled smoke or some other way?" Valandil paced nervously. "What if they try again?"
"Valandil, my son, we have allies here who care very deeply for us." Muriel soothed. "Elrond will do everything in his power to heal me completely and your cousin would not hesitate to confront anyone who he thought posed a danger to us." Valandil had to laugh at the last comment.
"What is so funny about Meneldil?"
"He even confronted Elrond." Valandil related the story of Meneldil's first encounter with the Peredhel.
"Not well reasoned." She shook her head in disbelief. "But his heart is in the right place."
"Why is he so protective of you?"
"He was so young in those last treacherous days of Númenor." Muriel sighed. "The faithful banded together for survival. To make a long story short, your father saved Meneldil's life. Forever afterwards the bond of trust between them was strong."