"Nienna is uncommunicative," Irmo divulged. "Estë spoke with her most recently. Several others are unaccounted for – two in Nienna's service and one from ours." The morning light illuminated the glistening solar on Mount Taniquetil. Manwe Súlimo stood at the raised platform, which held the dynamic model of Eä. Stars and planets moved in their assigned procession, while there on the edge, the door to the Void appeared small and insignificant.
"The lifetime of Arda is yet young." The King of Arda thought. "Our job is to protect and nurture."
"Nienna was engaged in a challenging study. It is not time yet to raise the alarm. She teaches wisdom and endurance and counsels many in these lands and Mandos. Her work has more risk, likely exposing her and her people to darkness."
"More than those in Mandos or Lórien?"
"In Mandos, those newly arrived are carefully screened. Only those healed enough are released to Lórien."
"Olórin, come," Manwë called. The Maia flickered into view and bowed. Initially, he held the form of Mithrandir from Middle Earth but transformed it into his natural state.
"No, I have not visited my Lady Nienna since my return. I have been in Lórien conferring with Irmo and Estë. We were debating the source of the raptors." At this response, Eonwë and Ilmarë materialized and bowed.
"The shards from Sauron?" Manwë inquired, motioning toward where his black-cloaked brother had just appeared.
"Ulmo and I have swept the world once for his essence with little success. What we have is only part. Oromë and his riders are searching deep in the Pelori." Mandos paused as Manwë's earlier discussion washed over him. Both analyzed Galadriel and Elrond's reactions when they first entered the Máhanaxar. Olórin's details about the attack at sea were also freshly examined.
Can you determine Ilúvatar's wishes? Succor the remnants of Mairon in hopes of healing?" Irmo turned to Namo.
"Given her compassion toward Melkor, it is possible that shattered remnants of Mairon might seek out Nienna." Namo lifted his sought out his sister.
"Coincidence?" Manwë and Irmo reviewed the evidence and contacted the rest of the Valar for their opinions.
"I do not believe so. Elrond Peredhel journeys to Lórien soon. Those missing have avoided contact with the ring bearers, who exhibit particular sensitivity to darkness." Irmo paused as his people in Lórien responded in thought.
"Have their insights passed to others who interact with them?" The Elder King communicated silently with others, away from sight.
"How would we ascertain such sensitivities?" Irmo paused as Melian flicked into view at the silent summons. Her light was much stronger now that her husband had agreed to leave Mandos, though no one knew how long his healing might take.
"Yes," she bowed in acceptance. "I will visit Elrond to gauge his recovery and probe his sensitivities to Maiar songs. The interactions between Elrond and Dior have been valuable, catalyzing friendship and healing. Dior provided detailed descriptions."
"If he has recovered enough, Tulkas will send a further escort. Though I doubt those we seek will show their hand so soon."
"May I recommend Olórin in the form he befriended Elrond in?" Melian bowed and faded from view.
Xxxxxxxxx Edlothdor xxxxxxxxxX
"May we avoid travel through Tirion?" Celebrian hesitated. "Too many will want to greet us. The press of the crowds," she shivered. Ereinion nodded sympathetically. Galathil, Elmo, and Mídloth agreed Elrond was ready to undertake the journey to Lórien. The next step was assembling a guard for their journey. Prior experience suggested this was necessary.
"I know the perfect route. We can travel together partway. Gilwen will love it. She adores traveling, although there will be some crying when we part to continue to Eldamar to catch the ferry. Once home, she will return to attending a few weekly lessons.
"Surely, she is too young for school."
"Yes, we call them lessons. A little childcare affords us a few minutes rest." She can be quite a handful."
"All children are," Celebrian reassured him. She rejoiced at the idea of spending more time with Indiriel and their precious daughter. "Finarfin will be disappointed not to see us."
"I think he will see you in Lórien sooner than later. As far as I have heard, he and Finrod alternate between governing in Tirion and visiting Galadriel. They also have plans to visit us next year."
"Eärwen stays in Lórien?" Celebrian knew her Daernaneth often split her time between Tirion and Alqualondë.
"I do not think anything could part her from her daughter, especially as she recovers."
"Naneth is still not well?"
"Healing takes time, as you well know. Given all the years she and Elrond withstood the enemy, they deserve a prolonged respite. Diplomatic responsibilities will engulf them all too soon."
Xxxxxxxx Lórien xxxxxxxX
They sat in dappled shade at the edge of Lake Lórellin. The island in the distance glowed faint silver, and trees gently swayed in the breeze.
"It is said that Lady Estë sleeps there during the day," Elwing hesitated, "Naneth." The word would take some getting used to. Elwing massaged Nimloth's shoulders, back, and arms as she lay face down on the blanket. Days ago, she would not have been able to pull up a picture in her mind of her parents' faces. With the burgeoning bond tying them together, she could not imagine ever living without them. Sharing thoughts with her Adar by Ósanwë was so natural. She wished she could do so with her Naneth and Elrond. "You must never push anyone to share." Her Adar had warned her yesterday. "You are much stronger in this than most elves."
"Do you want to try sitting up again?"
"Yes, thank you." Nimloth's frustration was easy to sense.
"Give yourself time, Naneth. You are doing well," she encouraged as she helped her mother sit up and move slightly forward to dangle her feet in the water. "No swimming yet!" Elwing playfully admonished.
"We swam a lot on Tol Galan. The boys loved it, although you were too small yet to swim alone. Do you remember?" Nimloth turned to her daughter, who was pushing the sand into a small hill.
"Should I find some flowers to decorate it?" Elwing said slowly as the hazy memory emerged. She looked around at their choices – niphredil, lilies, and silver hydrangeas bloomed around them. "I wonder if plumeria grows here? The climate around my tower in Gwaelindë is too cold, but I have seen them in greenhouses on Tol Eressëa. Perhaps I could grow them that way?"
"I am so sorry, Elwing. I did not mean for you to grow up alone." Tears came unbidden. "I do not know how to be a mother to a grown daughter. What must you think of me!"
"Naneth," Elwing placed a comforting hand on Nimloth's cheek, wiping the tears away with her thumb. "It was not your fault. Fate parted us. But I thank the One for having time to get to know you now. It is a blessing. There is no rush. We can take things a day at a time."
"I would like that very much." Nimloth reached to cover Elwing's hand with her own. "Can you tell me about your home in Gwaelindë? Do your grandparents or uncle live there?"
"Celeborn is still in Middle Earth with my grandchildren. I hope he will bring my grandsons eventually. Galathil lives closer to Alqualondë in the forest town of Edlothdor."
"Grandchildren?" Elwing would have laughed at the shock on Nimloth's face.
"Yes, you are a great-grandmother, and I am a grandmother. I dearly hope that we will both get to meet them one day. But first, I guess I should start at the beginning – growing up in Sirion. I missed you both terribly, but I had many who loved and cared for me there." Elwing began her tale, which evoked tears and laughter as she sketched out the details of her early life and how she met a young Eärendil. In the telling, she recalled what she loved about her husband. The Silmaril's presence and Eärendil's duties in the Vingilot had overshadowed much of their existence in the West, casting a haze over their relationship for thousands of years.
"There's time enough." Eärendil had reminded her last night. "Time to renew our relationship and get to know each other again."
Xxxxxxxxxxx The Road to Lórien xxxxxxxxX
"Come, Elrond. I know the perfect place to rest." Ereinion noted him grimace and poked Elrond playfully. He rejoiced over their newly restored familial bond, formed over millennia. "None of that, healer! You are not the only one who needs a rest. It's been only a few months since the surgery, and you are recovering well. It is only natural that you are not in top travel shape. Besides, we chose this path specifically for these waterfalls. Come!" They meandered over the rocky path, following the sound around the bend. The limestone and shale cliff had been sculpted by water, which cut many steps and levels into the rock. The water gurgled, foamed, and sang joyously down the incline. Some water escaped its ties to the tumbling current, springing into mist and spray. No elf could have crafted the steep, undulating natural staircase, which had three levels that formed landings along its wide, tumbling, nearly 200-foot height. A path up along the windy falls was easily spotted.
"It is a favorite place to stop between Alqualondë and Tirion. Gilwen will play in the bottom pool, so let's go to the first landing. It is not far," Ereinion coaxed unnecessarily. "She is not allowed to come up there for safety." They progressed leisurely, with Ereinion pointing out unusual trees and plants along the curving trail. Elrond relaxed as they turned the trail, and the roaring of the falls grew, now drowning out Gilwen's shrieks of happiness. There was a relatively dry landing near the bottom of the 50-foot middle falls. Ereinion spread the straw mat and pointed.
"Here, rest!" He ordered, then smiled wryly. "I'll check on you once I help Indiriel." Whatever protest Elrond was going to make halted as he beheld the radiant happiness that emanated from his dear companion, who had been not only a father but family, friend, mentor, and confidant all rolled into one.
"Thank you," Elrond said sincerely and lay down as instructed, closing his eyes and reaching out with his senses. The song that was Ereinion died away as the elf retreated. The roaring, tumbling, screeching, and shushing sounds washed over him, drowning out the other music in volume. He felt buoyant, rising like mist over the foaming spray. Millions upon millions of water droplets pulled by gravity rushed ever downward unceasingly. Energy flowed outward, giving off to the surroundings as the droplets fell. It flowed into his spirit, filled his reserves, and flooded his senses. From a distance, there was a gentle knock on his thoughts accompanied by the memory of a lush field of fragrant flowers. His spirit rang with an invitation, although only colors and feelings were possible at such a distance. The bright, warm light of Melian drew closer.
"A pleasure to see you, child." Her musical voice washed over him as if she were part of the waterfall. He flinched slightly at the volume, and she tempered her song. "Forgive me, child."
"Many thanks for your help over the years." His spirit sang with the memory of frolicking in her healing garden.
"I wish I could have helped more. We were not restricted around the war of wrath, but I hesitated to do anything that might draw Morgoth's eye, as it would have placed you in more danger. After the destruction of that war, the Valar decreed that we could no longer interfere."
"Memories of your healing helped me through dark times." Elrond hesitated briefly, but Melian perceived his fear.
"Dior is correct. You have come a long way. But we must be careful to develop our family connections gradually. As your spirit heals, grows, and discovers its balance, you will be supported by family bonds, which were long denied you. I do not think the presence of Maiar will injure you."
"I have a laughingly small amount of that heritage."
"Yet your unique spirit is sensitive to our presence. Do not fear, child. Trust that we will support your recovery and carefully note things that aid or hinder it. With the One's blessing, hopefully, more Peredhil will join us." As light as a brush of wind, her hand toyed with his hair in a playful farewell. Then, the rushing joy of the waterfall lulled him to doze lightly.
Xxxxxxxxxxx Journeying together xxxxxxxxxX
"Auntie Bree!" Gilwen shrieked and splashed at Celebrian, who nimbly avoided much of the water.
"Quietly, Gilwen. See over on the rocks? Is anyone watching us?" The child immediately quieted. Aunt Bree always found the best surprises!
"Turtles! I see turtles." The child tried her best to use her quiet voice.
"How many?" Celebrian whispered conspiratorially. She could see the child thinking.
"Twee!" Gilwen clapped her hand over her mouth. Luckily, the turtles did not move, although something nearby splashed into the water. She said carefully, "Three. Three turtles." Celebrian smiled and pointed over the lily pads, above which hovered several colorful dragonflies. The little girl's mouth opened wide in appreciation. As they slowly approached, a golden one flittered closer to inspect Celebrian's silver hair. It spun around her, evidently enjoying her gentle humming. Celebrian extended her index finger, and the golden insect hovered momentarily before perching and folding its wings.
"Bree talks to bees!" Gilwen laughed lightly. "Ada!" She shrieked, startling the dragonfly away. Ereinion lifted her high and set her on his shoulder.
"They are dragonflies," Ereinion corrected. "They sense in Aunt Bree a kindred spirit bursting with courage, strength, and happiness. Shall we have some lunch?" He turned towards the clearing where Indiriel was dozing. Gilwen was in a growth spurt and drew much strength from her parents. Although he and his family would soon leave, heading to Eldamar to take the ferry home, he was heartened that Celebrian's Aunt and Uncle would continue their journey to Lórien.
"Shhh," Mídloth said, putting her fingers close to her lips in an exaggerated sign for quiet. She and Galathil were lounging on blankets, sipping drinks. The food baskets were perched nearby for lunch, and others joined them for food and laughter.
"Elrond is resting," He whispered to his wife, who yawned and stretched. Gilwen was sitting beside Celebrian, asking non-stop questions.
"Mídloth set aside a few of his favorites for later. He is healing, Meleth. Although Lórien is too far for us to take Gilwen, I know they will soon be well enough to come to Tol Eressëa." The rest of their travel group of thirty were resting and picnicking at different levels around the falls and neighboring gorge. Lunch was followed by songs, and then Gilwen nestled in her Naneth's arms for a nap. Celebrian also slept nearby, needing more rest as she aided Elrond in his healing.
"I will go wake Elrond and get him to eat. I think we will depart in about an hour." Ereinion whispered mind-to-mind to Indiriel. He brushed off the crumbs from his leggings, "gifts' from their daughter." The thought was amusing. Turtles were sunning themselves on the rock as dragonflies darted around. Several frogs had returned to their lily pads now that his daughter was sleeping. Cooling spray from the falls misted over him as he ascended. If he thought to employ Elros' favorite methods for waking his brother, he was sadly mistaken, for Elrond, though still lying down, was awake.
"Why are you smiling?" Ereinion sat beside him and handed him a drink and a small pouch with lunch.
"Your music and mood." Elrond's laughing silver eyes complemented his cheerful smile. His hand gently cascaded through the tumbling water. The thin silver circlet with its three gems glinted as Elrond tilted his head. Trust the humble elf to try to obscure it by hiding it in his hair.
"My music?"
"Your soul is bright and flowing with happiness. I never noticed how loud it was before." Elrond's smile widened. "I can even pick out the melody in the cacophony of our travel group. Do we all sound louder here in Aman?"
"You are joking or just taken a hit to the head, telling tall tales." Ereinion poked Elrond's arm affectionately, then tousled his hair. "Either way, I give thanks that we have been reunited."
"You especially rejoice when we are riding." Silver eyes met his and dimmed as they acknowledged Ereinion's confusion. "Oh, you do not hear it?"
"I hear the trees. Wood elves hear them even stronger. But others' souls? Do not healers ask permission before listening to souls?" Ereinion waited, guarding his thoughts but keeping a supportive expression.
"It is not the same." Elrond paused, suddenly unreadable. "You do not hear it?"
"Does Celebrian hear?"
"I," Elrond paused, uncharacteristically shy, "I never thought to ask. I just thought." His words glimmered lightly. "Forget that I mentioned it."
"You jest!" Ereinion retorted, punching him on the arm. "None of your glamor with me! I will remember it – it is another thing special about you. Have you heard it before?"
"Always, since my first yen. But as a soft murmur, never so loudly." Elrond's brow creased slightly. Ereinion gave this admission his full attention.
"So that's how you always knew of my approach. Only on a few occasions was I able to surprise you!" Elrond smiled sheepishly but didn't respond. "Perhaps it is the air of Aman and your sudden proximity to the Valar and Maiar. You stood in Máhanaxar in close proximity to the Valar, so Olwë reported. Perhaps this is an effect of that exposure? Elros had worked closely with Eönwë. Osse and Uinen also healed him after the War of Wrath. But as you were to live with little contact with Maiar. They thought to have you learn to heal yourself by listening for the remnants of the Ainulindalë. Elros was so angry when he heard."
"Was he? He did not say." Elrond paused, searching his memory.
"How different is it now?"
"I do not know how to explain it."
"Celebrian thinks your spirit is evolving," Ereinion offered seriously.
"Celebrian thought?" Elrond was stupefied.
"With more of your family bonds restored now, you could try to share some of what you hear with one of us."
"But it is not normal," Elrond whispered, slurs from long ago surfaced in his memory.
"Normal is uninteresting," Ereinion assured as he slipped off his sandals and bent to feel the water. It was cold, as it originated high in the mountains. "We love you, Elrond. Your family finally surrounds you. Yes, I count Dior. Your shared time with him has helped you as much as it aided him. Mandos engineered your meeting. Of this, I am sure."
"He did say Peredhil were difficult to get rid of." Elrond gave a self-effacing laugh. "I had thought my healing was mostly from the surgery."
"I say it is also bringing harmony to your spirit." Ereinion bent to touch the water, then flicked some at Elrond. "Each day, I can see it heal a little further, which brings me joy. The final piece will be a reunion with long-lost family in Lórien." He sat down next to Elrond, extending his feet into the water.
"Can you share some of what you hear with me? I would like to understand." Ereinion extended his hands. They turned towards each other, hands grasped and eyes closed. Each reached for the family bond that had formed millennia ago. At first, Ereinion could not perceive anything. Then Elrond's mind opened further, and he perceived bright colors – yellows and oranges engulfed everything, then a cacophony burst forth, like a grand ensemble of musicians warming up." The former King jumped at the noise. Elrond pulled back, breaking their connection in response.
"I heard it!" Ereinion said in wonder. "That's what you experience regularly? I was just startled and did not know what to expect. Share it with me again." He leaned forward and focused, opening his mind to experience Elrond's world. It was long before he pulled back, his eyes wide with wonder. Elrond's spirit was flushed with greens and grays. The great Lord of Imladris needed reassurance, Ereinion realized belatedly.
"It never ceases to amaze me how differently each person perceives things. How rich is this world that Eru created!" He leaned forward and embraced Elrond. "Would that we could share these insights with others. It would instill tolerance and peace and greatly simply my job in Tol Eressëa." He smiled as he perceived Elrond's wish to help him.
"No, you need to rest and heal. You are not to worry about Aman politics until you are healed and joined us on Eressëa! But perhaps you could share your insights into Nerdanel and Mahtan with me. I heard you met them. I have not yet had the pleasure." With light conversation swirling between them, Ereinion smiled and watched Elrond finish his lunch. Before long, whistles and songs signaled to everyone that it was time to move on.