Kiera
Voronwë was the first of the boys to arrive. He dropped in next to her with a quick kiss on the cheek. Idril gave them both a warm smile and a subtle wink at Kiera.
Voronwë exclaimed happily, "my uncle is excited to meet you and to have you over for dinner. He wants to show you his shop and some of his newest creations. Greetings again, princess Idril. My uncle hopes you and your family are well."
"Tell your uncle thanks for me. Perhaps I should give Kiera some money to buy herself some jewelry if your uncle has any for sale," Idril suggested.
They both look at her and wait for her answer. "I'm not really a jewelry person, but I think it would be nice to buy something your uncle made. Does he have any for sale?"
Voronwë nodded, "he has a few finished pieces that he is selling. There are a couple that I think you might like."
"It is settled then," Idril smiled happily. "I will give you some money, Voronwë. I don't think you know how the money system works yet, Kiera, but I can help you another day. Please buy whatever you want. I shall return shortly with some money and tell the kitchen to prepare a light lunch."
Idril left, and it was her and Voronwë now. The kiss the night before was at the front of Kiera's mind, but she didn't really know what to say. Thankfully, he reached over and took one of her hands in his. It was warm and comforting as he curled his hand around hers. The butterflies returned, and she felt slightly tense with anticipation. Eager to speak with him, Kiera turned to face him as he did the same. Their bodies were pressed close together, and their legs bumped into one another's as they sat face to face.
Voronwë spoke first, "did you have a good morning with the princess?"
She gulped as the nerves started to kick in. "I did. I got plenty of clothes, and Idril was spending Maeglin's money like crazy." She laughed softly, "he deserves it, though, so I don't feel bad."
Voronwë chuckled, "I don't feel bad for him either. It is a fitting punishment for him, as he cares deeply about his wealth. I never had a desire for wealth. The sea is the only thing I desire, and a good ship to sail it."
Kiera squeezed his hand and said, "I think you will get a ship someday. I will help you build it if we ever leave this city. Have you always wanted to be a sailor or fisherman?"
His eyes sparkled at the conversation. "Oh yes, since I was a young boy. My mother's stories of the sea and her home always made me long for it. They say there is an island in Valinor where all the Teleri elves live with beautiful ships. I longed to live there when the king first gave me the task. Even after I was shipwrecked, I couldn't leave the coast. I was in Nevrast for a year before you found me. I probably would have stayed longer or traveled down to the Círdan's people if Lord Ulmo didn't arrive."
Kiera imagined Valinor and the beauty of the island. Her mind brought her back to her home, and the longing pierced her heart. She breathed deeply as she said, "you would love my home then. It is a beautiful place, with the city built on the mountainside next to a massive lake. There are many miles of beaches, forests, and rivers along the coast, and it is a beautiful place. I will have to show you some photos sometime from my phone. A photo is like a painting but very detailed."
"I would love to see your home. I'm sure you miss it, but it sounds like a place I would have enjoyed," Voronwë said with a soft, sad smile.
They were both quiet for a moment as she thought about her home. That was until Tuor's booming laughter interrupted their daze, and they both dropped each other's hands. Tuor was coming down the hallway with Idril and the king. They approached the table, and the king said he was joining them as he enjoyed Tuor's company.
Everyone took their seats, and a few elves started to bring out the meal. It was on the lighter side with lots of salads and fruits. Kiera found herself uncomfortable with the king at the table. Last night's events still played in her mind, and she wasn't too fond of the king at the moment. Thankfully, the king ignored her for most of the meal and Voronwë as well. Tuor kept his attention by telling a thrilling tale about his outlaw days. They all ate and listened to his story.
Toward the end of lunch, the king finally addressed her and said, "lady Kiera, I'm sorry I haven't gotten to know you better. I hope you had a good morning with my daughter. She tells me she is very fond of you and is looking forward to being your friend."
"I had a wonderful morning, and I enjoyed Idril's company. I hope we can be good friends," Kiera responded.
The king asked Voronwë about his uncle and then left the table shortly after. It still rubbed her the wrong way about last night's dinner, but it was water under the bridge at that point. Kiera realized that the king would never apologize as he still viewed her as suspicious. It was just aggravating and disheartening to see her fellow companions be treated decently while she was left to fend for herself. It was hard not to get upset about it, and she thought the most she would ever get out of the king would be polite understanding due to his daughter. Kiera couldn't care less what he thought of her, as long as he didn't try to kill her or throw her out.
Idril had the elves clean up, and then they all left for a palace tour. Idril started at the main chamber of the lord's chairs. The area was for public meetings and gatherings. Another room behind it held a large table with scrolls and books. That was the monthly expenses and accounting area. Idril led them down a hall on the left of the chambers to the king's quarters. They didn't go in, but she showed them where her father's room was and his private study. At the end of the hall were the tower stairs, which they climbed to get a beautiful view of the city.
Back in the main hall, Idril showed them her room and her private garden. It was a small courtyard with flowers and a small fountain next to a bench. It was just for her, as she wanted her own private space attached to her room.
Idril then led them to the main dining hall from the night before and a vast open room to it for festival gatherings. There was enough space for thousands to dance comfortably. Next to the festival hall was the central kitchen. It was as large as the dance hall, with about twenty elves working inside.
The last major part of the palace was the library. There was a public library for the city, but this one was for the king and his guests. The central city library had all of the same books, but this was the king's personal collection. There were a few scholars inside writing on paper and drawing maps. Idril told her she would introduce her to her tutor another day.
They made their way back around to their quarters and small dining hall. Kiera kind of got the layout as they walked, and she could find her way around somewhat. Idril gave Voronwë a small pouch, and their group parted in two. Idril and Tuor left to go to the seamstress. Voronwë took her hand and led her to the front door.
Kiera was so excited to see the city in all of its glory that she was bouncing on her heels. Voronwë laughed at her cheery face and told her, "we can't see it all in one evening, but I want to show you some main areas on the way to my uncle's house."
The two left the palace and found the main courtyard was empty. Voronwë walked at a slow pace to let her look around. Now that the crowd was gone, Kiera could see the sheer size of the courtyard, palace, and surrounding city. It was a good thing elves lived forever and needed less sleep because there was no other way they could have created this big of a city. Kiera twirled around near the fountain, just admiring the beauty and craftsmanship of everything.
After a long time, they finally turned right out of the courtyard and walked down the first steps into the city. The first road was called the alley of roses because it was littered with all different colors of roses. Tall, white, square buildings lined part of the road, with some of them three and four stories high. All the buildings had an area in the front of the house and under the windows, which was perfect for decorating with flowers. It seemed the elves went all out with the flowers as any area not covered was either cobblestone road or waterways.
Kiera was overwhelmed by the sights, and Voronwë stopped a few times and pointed out different things. The alley of roses was part of the house of the Heavenly arch. Egalmoth's house was very wealthy and prominent, so it spanned most of this city section. Many of the houses had their doors open and were bustling with people. They passed tons of elves and children as they played on the road and ran in and out of houses. A few stopped to stare, but no one approached. Almost at the end of the road was a lavish rose garden that had winding paths in between the rose beds. As they passed out of the rose gardens, a larger cobblestone road opened up in front of them.
"This is one of the main roads in the city as it goes all the way around the city. If you can find your way here, you will never be lost." Voronwë informed her. "Most craftsmen and builders have their workshops between the wall and the main road. Their houses are usually close to their shops on either side of the main road. My uncle's home is just across the road from his workshop," he told her as he pulled her left down the road.
The road was busy, with many elves walking and carrying supplies. Some had small carts and horses, and Kiera was getting overwhelmed trying to look at everything. Soon they came to a small river and a bridge. Voronwë stopped in the middle so she could get a good look at the design and layout of the area. To the south was a small round pond surrounded by wildflowers and trees. Next to the pond was a small garden and a walkway leading to the bridge. A small cluster of elves was lounging near the shore and walking in the gardens. A few were harvesting some crops out of the garden beds.
To the north of the bridge was an open courtyard with a river running down the middle that led to the pond. Sprinkled in among the courtyard were tall trees and flower beds. Behind the courtyard was a massive building that resembled a small castle. The white stone was the same as the rest of the city, but it was built higher than most, except for the tower of the king. At the top were large white and gold-domed roofs. Surrounding the courtyard were tall houses that were all similar in design and architecture.
Voronwë let her look for a while before informing her, "that is lord Egalmoth's house. The main courtyard is where his parties are held. The houses surrounding his house are for his house and children." Voronwë spun on the bridge and pointed to a long and low building near the wall by the pond. "Egalmoth's workshops are by the southern pond. He has a large number of smiths under him, and many people apprentice under his house. Come, my uncle's house and workshop are close by."
Pulling on her arm, he gently led her down the road while letting her eyes take in the sights. Kiera couldn't wait to explore the entire city and marvel at the design and sheer size, and skill it took to create this place. She had time, so she focused on looking at the big stuff and admiring the detail from afar. The further they walked, the more clinking sounds they heard. As they passed by open doorways, Kiera saw elves working on jewelry and projects. Most of the buildings were long and low, but when they passed, the heat came pooling out of the open doorways. Both sides of the road were filled with workshops, and Kiera could smell the distinct fire and metal smell from the forges.
Finally, Voronwë turned down a small alley that led to a staircase on the wall. On either side of the cobblestone alley were houses and small buildings. They passed by a few before he stopped outside one of the house's front door. Voronwë grinned happily at her as he knocked loudly on the door. Someone called out in elvish from the inside, and Kiera followed Voronwë into the house.
It was a smaller two-story home with the front door opening to a staircase and two arched stone doorways on either side. Peeking inside one room, she noticed a small sitting room with a fireplace. It looked cozy and well-loved. The other held a small desk with a tall wooden bookcase packed with books. Voronwë walked alongside the stairs in a small hallway that opened up to a large kitchen that spanned the back of the house. One side was taken up by a large open fireplace where an elf was currently cooking. The other side had a small round table and chairs. Along one wall were cabinets and shelves.
As she glanced around the room, Voronwë cleared his throat. The elf turned to face them, and Kiera noticed the family resemblance immediately. His straight brown hair is pulled back into a low ponytail, and his eyes were the same gray color. His black tunic was clean but worn, and he had a towel folded into his waist. His eyes lit up at the sight of us, and he rushed to give Voronwë a quick hug. Before Kiera could introduce herself, he was hugging her tightly.
"I'm so glad to meet you. Voronwë has told me a lot about you. I am Rhuidhen, and I'm honored to have you for dinner." He pulled away from her but looked at her with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Chuckling, he added, "I'll tell you now that I'm not much of a cook."
She smiled at him and laughed. "I'm not a very good cook either. I'm happy to finally meet you, as Voronwë has told me a lot about you during our travels. Thank you for having me for dinner. It really means a lot to me."
Rhuidhen laughed, "please sit, and I will finish cooking. Would you like any wine with your dinner?"
They sat at the table, and she replied, "maybe just a small glass. I'm not much of a drinker."
He pulled out some glasses from the cabinet and grabbed the wine bottle from the counter. After pouring three glasses, he handed her one as he joined them at the table. "I hope stew is alright for dinner tonight. I have some salad and fresh fruit along with bread. I can't cook much else."
"Sounds delicious, thank you," Kiera said.
"Voronwë tells me you are from another world and ended up here. I'm sure that has not been the easiest. I'm glad my nephew has made a new friend. He already speaks highly of you and your friendship. I wanted to let you know that you will always have a place in my household, as I know what it's like to lose your family."
"Thank you," Kiera replied with a sad smile. "That really means a lot to me. You and Voronwë are very kind. The journey has been quite difficult, but I think it is best to keep moving forward. Lord Ulmo told me there is no way to get home, so I will have to just learn how to live here now."
Rhuidhen nodded as they all got quiet for a moment. Eventually, he asked, "Voronwë tells me you are a builder. They don't have much work in the city, but are you interested in learning another craft? I know many of the builders and craftsmen in the city. We can help you get settled and help you find work."
Before she answered, Voronwë got up to stir the stew. Kiera pondered the question while she watched Voronwë finish preparing the meal. She turned back to Rhuidhen and said, "I'm not sure. I spent so many years learning and training to be a builder in my world that I haven't thought of much else. I used to help my dad with his projects around the house, so anything that I could use my hands. I wouldn't mind exploring some different crafts here before I decide. Voronwë told me you make jewelry, but do you make anything else?"
He shook his head and let out a small laugh, "no, my passion is jewelry making. I tried my hand at blacksmithing and woodworking when I was young, but it never interested me long enough. My brother was older and apprenticed under Feanor. He would often bring his work home. I found myself helping him and grew to love the work. We frequently worked together on pieces. Once his apprenticeship was done, we opened a shop together and made a good living."
Voronwë started setting the table with silverware and plates. He also dropped off a fresh loaf of bread that smelled heavenly. His uncle got up to help while she just watched them work. She thought it was interesting that he knew Feanor, but she supposed living in Valinor forever, you get to meet everyone.
While the two were working on plating up the food, she cautiously asked, "how did you end up in Gondolin if your brother apprenticed under Feanor? I thought the different sides of the families didn't get along."
Voronwë visibly tensed while Rhuidhen glanced back at her sadly. "No use lying to you. We did follow Feanor's host when he left Tirion. Regardless of what happened between him and his brother, he was our liege lord. We wanted to leave Valinor with them, but my brother wanted to bring many things with us, so we were late for his parting. We traveled with Fingolfin's host as they came upon the shores of Alqualondë."
A deep ripple of sadness and regret spread across his face. He grimaced as he said, "I'm sorry to say that we did join the first kinslaying. Afterward, when we found out what had happened, my brother and I forsake Feanor as our lord and followed Fingolfin instead. We traveled through the Helcaraxë and came to Middle Earth. We settled in Nevrast with King Turgon's people. My brother traveled many times to the
Falas to sell our jewelry that had made the journey."
They joined her at the table, and Voronwë handed her a bowl of stew and a salad. Everyone settled in and started to eat as he continued his story. "My brother had sold enough to help us get started here in Middle Earth. However, during his many travels, he fell in love with one of the Teleri elves. He was terrified that she wouldn't forgive him for killing her kin across the sea, but she did."
"When king Turgon announced that the hidden city was completed, Voronwë was still just a baby. His mother lived her whole life in the Falas and wanted a safer place to raise their child, so we all moved here. I miss them terribly, but I am glad to have Voronwë back."
Kiera let his words sink in as the two looked at her hesitantly. After she swallowed her food, she offered them a small smile. "Thank you for sharing your story with me. I know it must be difficult to talk about. It's not my place to judge you for your past, and I won't ever blame you for it. I understand it must be a difficult burden to bear now that you know the truth. If Voronwë's mother can forgive you, you shouldn't blame yourself."
Voronwë smiled warmly at her now and said, "I agree, and I have told my father and uncle the same many times. My mother never blamed them and preferred to let the past lie."
Rhuidhen just nodded. They continue eating in comfortable silence while the tension finally relaxes around the room. Voronwë says, "princess Idril has given Kiera some money to buy some jewelry from you. I know you wanted to show her your workshop after dinner, but you could also show her your completed pieces."
"Wonderful," he said. "I have a few pieces you might like. Voronwë told me what the prince had said about you both and his punishment. Please spend his money as he deserves to be poor after those comments. I'll admit he is a fine blacksmith, but he is very arrogant. The next time I see him about the city, he won't like what I have to say to him."
"Won't you get in trouble for it?" Kiera asked fearfully.
He snorted loudly as he couldn't smother his chuckles. The two shared a small smirk with each other before Rhuidhen said, "oh no, he is terrified of me. Or better yet, he is terrified of what I can do to him. Best ignore him and leave him to me."
Kiera shrugged and laughed. She was more than happy not to deal with the prince again. She wasn't sure what either of them could do, but they seemed determined and confident, so she let it go. They spent the rest of the evening exchanging stories and talking about themselves and the city. Rhuidhen told a very funny story about Voronwë's first time in the workshop and how he almost burned it down. She was dying of laughter by the end of it while Voronwë just huffed.
Toward the end of dinner, Kiera helped clean up the plates and then drank the rest of her wine while they packaged up the leftover food. Once they were all done and the dishes were cleaned and put away, they followed Rhuidhen to his workshop.