Xxxxxxx Over the Pelóri Mountains xxxxxxxxX
"Danger!" She cried to warn the others as she flapped her wings vigorously. A dark being approached whose spirit held more than just hints of the Maiar song. She screeched again: "Great danger! Something hunts us!"
"Is it a hawk?" Fanya asked nervously.
"Bigger, like Manwe's great eagles. It intends to kill." She shrieked as she dove.
"Hide!" Híthë ordered. "Down to the bush. Seek a hedge or hole. Hide!" Then, a great shriek sounded. Its echo rattled her very bones and chilled her heart. She knew it was a huge black raptor, much larger than anything she had ever encountered while adopting this form. The dark shadow that engulfed her signaled that the predator was just above her. Elwing dived, but pain flashed through her, threatening to take away her consciousness as knife-like talons ripped through feathers and drew blood along her back. Large teeth glinted, but a white bird pushed between them before they could bite. Uncontrolled free fall made Arda rush towards her as a last anguished cry sounded. Híthë had given his life for her. Elbereth, let not his sacrifice be in vain! She stretched out her wings to slow the fall. Yet, the muscles would not obey her command to stretch out, to slow her descent.
"Let go of hröar—focus on your spirit," Uinen instructed as they practiced taking the form of sea creatures. She focused, ignoring the rush of the wind around her and the speed of her fall. Her white wings disappeared as she let go of the hröa. Her spirit was suddenly free, though her mind told her she had yet to descend. The ground rushed up to meet her and shattered her fëa into darkness.
Xxxxxxxxxx Climbing Olwë's Tower xxxxxxxxX
His breath was labored as they rounded the bend that looked once again over the harbor. Three more stories remained until they reached the top of Olwë's tower. Celebrian's heart twisted in worry. She had distracted him from sleep with other, more pleasurable activities.
"I love you, my Celebrian." Elrond's voice floated to her through their mental link.
"Rest here for a minute." Celebrian urged him as she pulled him to the side of the stairway and added wordlessly. "Take what you need from me." It was strange for an elf to find the climb up Olwë's tower strenuous. But she reminded herself that Elrond was still recovering. Tuor and Idril looked back at them. Eärendil came up behind them, gently offering his son a supportive arm.
"Shall I carry you Ion-nin?" Eärendil's voice was serious, although his eyes twinkled mischievously. Celebrian was suddenly struck by his resemblance to her sons. Elrond gave no sign of his shock at his Adar's words, a tribute to his long life as a leader.
"Do not tease him." Tuor admonished as he and Idril overtook them. Both were trying not to smile.
"Take what time you need, Penneth." Idril laid a gentle hand on her grandson's shoulder as she walked by. Celebrian and Eärendil set a slower pace for the final few flights.
"The last time I came up here, I spoke with one of the great eagles," Celebrian whispered to her husband and father-in-law, who were both intrigued by her tale. "He promised to relay our love to 'our chicks' should he encounter them." Eärendil was amused by Elrond's choked laughter.
"Eagles often visited us on the Vingilot." Eärendil smiled and told the tale of one such visit, unobtrusively slipping an arm around his son as Celebrian smiled and stepped ahead of them, letting her father-in-law help Elrond up the stairs. The story finished only steps before they reached the top of the tower. Olwë, Cévëalë, and Falmatar stood at the front with Idril and Tuor beside them. They looked expectantly at them as Celebrian and the Peredhil moved to their position in the back.
"Now that we are all here," Olwë muttered quietly, then broke into an enchanting song. The words were no longer understandable to Elrond as this was the first tongue – the ancient words of awakening. Then lights flickered around them, and it seemed that they stood not in the tower but on a cloud above the pearl roofs of Alqualondë. The rich voice that greeted them held unmistakable power.
"Greetings, children." Manwe's voice made the air around them crackle with energy. They all sank low in obeisance. Blue light akin to Vilya's but many times brighter spilled from the stone atop Manwe's staff. "Olwë, your message stressed urgency."
"My Lord, something attacked the cottage where the Peredhil were staying. The sword Ulmo gifted me before the Great Journey lit in warning."
"Elwing said nothing to Lord Irmo."
"Twas while they were already in Lórien," Olwë informed them. "Elrond, Celebrian, Tuor, and Idril were lucky to escape with their lives. The damage on the shore speaks to something of great power." Manwë turned and seemed to be communicating with someone afar. Then turned back to them and motioned for them to continue. Olwë succinctly retold the events, sometimes asking one of the others to elaborate. Only at the end did Eärendil speak.
"I sent word to Elwing to caution her to remain in Lórien for safety. Yet, my dreams are dark. I fear she is in grave danger." Manwë turned as lights flickered at his left. Moments later, Lord Irmo appeared. An amber gem on his circlet glowed brightly while his green robes billowed around him as if a windstorm swirled near. Then, abruptly, all was calm.
"I sent a message that Elwing had left Lórien and was traveling to Alqualondë as soon as I found out." Irmo's emerald eyes flickered gravely.
"The dream?" Eärendil muttered softly and anxiously spoke. "In the dream, the birds were attacked by a large predator. It was black and as big or bigger than the great eagles. It was like a small dragon."
"Attacked?" Irmo was puzzled. "That was not the message that I sent."
"They were flying over the mountains." Eärendil closed his eyes as he concentrated on the dream. "A small group of birds went - maybe ten."
"Híthë decided to take the shorter route over the Pelori." Irmo nodded as he looked towards Manwë. The elder King rose and turned towards the windows that overlooked Alqualondë. The elves knew that the silent Valar were speaking beyond their hearing.
"The eagles have agreed to investigate." They jumped at Manwë's declaration.
"May I sail the Vingilot?" The Mariner asked urgently.
"Yes, but prepare in case this is a formidable foe. Go with our blessing." Manwë vanished in a flicker of lights. Irmo remained and addressed the group informally.
"Greetings, children. It is good to see you all again." Irmo scanned the group. His eyes stopped on one figure and widened in recognition at the unusual songs that made up the Peredhel's fëa. The tones of the Maiar were more prevalent than before. "Elrond Eärendilion, welcome to the West child. You were not awake when I saw you last." Elrond bowed in greeting and extended his thanks for Irmo's help.
"Elrond, share what you sensed with us by Ósanwë to aid us in assessing this threat." The Vala's words were an order, not a request. Celebrian sensed fear pass through her husband, who took a deep breath before agreeing.
"Eru give me the strength to do your will." She heard his silent prayer.
"Ósanwë should not cause you pain." Irmo perceived Elrond's prayer and noted his fear. The Vala looked at him searchingly, surprise blossoming in his eyes. Then he shook his head, stretched his arm out and pointed. Celebrian squeezed Elrond's hand as they stepped forward in Irmo's direction. They passed Olwë and the other elves; then suddenly, space shimmered before them. The sky glistened blue around the white, wispy clouds. Although their steps were small, their stomachs churned as if they were falling a great distance. Silver streaks and dazzling rainbows obscured their vision, though, in the next minute, they stepped on solid ground. A ring of thrones stood in front of them. Lord Irmo walked into the ring. His song initiated a sparkle of lights as Valar and Maiar appeared around the circle. The Valar moved to sit on the thrones.
"Danger!" Elrond sensed it and stepped in front of Celebrian. Although he had had no weapon, he would shield her from whatever threatened. He drew in a shuddering breath, horrified at the familiar blackness and murmurs that he had fought so many years to keep out of his thoughts. Ever had the dark power of Sauron sought the ring bearers.
"It seems darkness has penetrated here without our knowledge." Irmo bespoke his brethren.
"Mithrandir and Galadriel sensed it as well, though we decided it was due to their trials."
"We can no longer attribute this to mere coincidence." Manwë waved his arm, and the other Maiar departed in a swirl of lights. Only the Valar, Elrond, and Celebrian remained.
"Step into the ring and stand by the globe. Then, let down the barriers around your thoughts. We will assist you in sharing through Ósanwë." Irmo turned and walked in front of them. Elrond embraced Celebrian, then reluctantly followed Irmo into the center of the Máhanaxar. Only one of the fourteen thrones was empty. Irmo crossed to take his place on the empty throne. Elrond stopped in the center to stand by the blue and green globe. She could see that he was trembling. She looked up at some of the faces of the Valar, but they were infuriatingly unreadable. Were they blind to Elrond's plight? She wanted to run to him, but a barrier separated her from the ring of thrones. Her husband was engulfed in golden light, trapped by the Valar's will. She sank to her knees, tears running down her cheeks at the pain she sensed in him. Overwhelming emotions flooded their bond - awe, fear, and pain. She knew they were sifting his memories for details of the night they escaped from the cottage. His head ached at their songs of power, which were too numerous, brassy, and shrill now that he stood in their presence. This must be just a glimpse of what the Maiar sensed in the presence of the Valar. She saw lights flash beside her and felt someone touch her arm, dampening the sensations.
"No, do not interfere in our bond." She cried. The dark and beautiful figure hesitated. "I do not want him to go through this alone." Melian's silver eyes lit with admiration, and the loud songs returned with tingling sensations and odd scents – damp earth after a spring rain, the spray of the ocean, fresh-cut hay, and some aromatic incense. She saw him fall again. Yet this time, one of the Valier rose to assist him. Celebrian saw her only from behind as a swish of long blond hair contrasting with an emerald dress.
"That is Nienna." Melian supplied. Yet she gasped at the sharp pain that Elrond felt when Nienna touched him. A moment later, another of the Valier took Nienna's place. "That was unexpected."
"What is happening?" Celebrian whispered. Melian's mouth opened as if she were about to explain. But then she was silent for a long moment, listening to a conversation beyond Celebrian's perception. When she spoke, her words were few.
"Yavanna is tending him now."
"How can darkness have infiltrated our circle?" Manwë looked at Nienna for answers. The Valier had supported the release of Melkor after his incarceration in the Halls of Mandos. She had been blind to his true nature.
"I have not been corrupted," Nienna protested.
"But perchance one of your Maiar has." Oromë mused.
"Each time we are exposed, do we become more accepting of this influence? Your compassion brought you closer to those who had strayed." Irmo turned to Nienna.
"Some of those that strayed returned like Ossë. Yet Melkor was part of Eä and was here at its making. His influence extends to all living creatures. His pupil Sauron and the rings of his creation furthered that influence."
"Yet the three who carried the rings of power are sensitive to the evil that was its creator." Manwë pointed out. "Have not we observed similar reactions from Galadriel and Olórin?"
"The rings and their maker were destroyed." Tulkas stated. "We would know if Melkor had escaped the void. We would sense if Sauron was yet a danger.
"We have but pieces of Sauron's fëa." Ulmo shared the images of the encounter during the ring bearers' journey west.
"He will never return as Sauron. That being is lost." Namo said solemnly. "Mairon may be lost as well. As to what this spirit that once was Mairon and later Sauron will yet be, I can not predict."
"And the danger that crept up the beach at Alqualondë?"
"Is that of Sauron or of one of the other Maiar who once served Melkor?"
"Or perhaps a descendent of one of those?"
"Or is this a new foe? One infected by Melkor's taint."
"The taint is there. Yet poor decisions of free will led Mairon astray."
"What of the Peredhel?"
"His spirit judges itself too harshly. His release and healing would be aided by submitting to judgment." Irmo turned to Namo, who nodded in agreement.
"He has carried out the will of Eru most faithfully. He will submit to judgment and heal."
Xxxxxxxx Olwë's tower xxxxxxxX
To those who remained in Olwë's tower, the scene before them appeared to shift again. In the distance, they saw Elrond, now at the center of Máhanaxar, surrounded by all the Valar. Celebrian stood outside the ring behind Varya's throne. Manwë and Irmo seemed to be exchanging words.
"The Máhanaxar exists out of time." Olwë reminded them.
"Should I not go to Elwing?" Eärendil muttered aloud. He jumped as a gentle hand touched his shoulder. Lord Irmo stood beside him yet at the same time appeared to sit below in Máhanaxar.
"We can exist in two places at once." The Vala smiled slightly at Eärendil, who gaped in astonishment. "What we are learning causes us great concern. Go prepare the Vingilot. Archers will join you at the docks." Eärendil bowed in acknowledgment of the order, and when he straightened, Irmo was gone. Tuor squeezed his wife's hand, a decision passing between them.
"I will come with you." Tuor stepped forward to clasp his son's shoulder. Falmatar whispered something to Olwë and then joined them.
"You may all go." Eönwë materialized before them. Manwe's Herald stood severe and tall before them. "We have called others to watch over Elrond and Celebrian when we return them to you. Archers have been summoned to meet you at the Vingilot."
"Archers?" Eärendil and Olwë spoke at the same time. Eönwë did not blink. Indeed, it seemed as if he was focused on a conversation beyond their sight.
"Reborn warriors from Doriath will accompany you. Elwing is the only descendent of Elu that they know. If this foe remains, the Vingilot will need their skills." The Herald turned and vanished. Eärendil had little memory of the descent from the tower, so great was his worry. He immediately went to his room to change from formal robes to sailing attire.
"These clothes offer little protection for war," he muttered. "Dear Elbereth, let this be some misunderstanding; let it not be a dragon or fire drake that awaits us."
"I think the eagles would swiftly send word in that case." Tuor had also changed. "I will accompany you, Ion-nin. Olwë notified the healers. One will meet us at the docks with some supplies."
"Hopefully, his or her skills will not be necessary on this journey." Eärendil prayed.
"From your lips to Elbereth's ears." Idril embraced her son. "Go quickly." They hurried out of the palace and made their way to the docks in record time. The crew was already aboard the Vingilot. A healer was carrying up supplies. Tuor stepped forward to assist with the supplies. A surprising number of others stood outfitted with leather jerkins and looked up at Eärendil's approach. Galathil and his archers stood at attention. Quivers and bows were flung across their backs.
"We are ready to lend our aid. Command us." Galathil bowed to Eärendil. The Mariner's jaw nearly fell open, for Galathil and the reborn among Elu Thingol's inner circle avoided the settlement at Gwaelindë and founded their own village in the temperate climate not far from Alqualondë. In their youth, they had moved to dwell in a secure fortress of Menegroth but had died there. In rebirth, they favored simple flets in the welcoming forest they called Mirvindon. They had not taken kindly to the fact that the descendent of Elu had wed Turgon's grandson.
"How did you get here so quickly?" Eärendil could not hide the astonishment from his voice.
"Olwë thought that your son might feel more at ease in the trees in Edlothdor. Celebrian enjoys visiting with us there."
"Thank you," Eärendil was deeply moved. "You are correct that he would feel at ease in your forest."
"I thought it prudent to bring those honored to serve as guards. We only just heard about the attack at the cottage. Where is your son? I was hoping to meet him."
"He is in the Máhanaxar." Eärendil's voice shook slightly. The reborn warriors paled. "The Valar hope to glean information and assess the danger by sifting through his memories." Silence and shock met his words. To enter the ring of the Valar was to submit to their judgment. All those present had experienced that. So Eärendil continued.
"Welcome aboard Galathil. I am honored to have your aid. Ecthelion will brief you on the best positions for stationing archers. We travel with all haste." Galathil placed his hand over his heart in acceptance of the Eärendil's order and then led his archers aboard. Before Eärendil could go aboard Canfaron, his son Erestor and Cirulian approached, obviously wanting to lend their aid. These must be the second group summoned by Eönwë. Eärendil did not allow them to speak but addressed them directly.
"I thank you for your service to me and my son. To be in the presence of the Valar is taxing in itself. I would not have Elrond and Celebrian wake without friends nearby. Stay and keep guard over them."
"It will be as you wish," Erestor answered. Eärendil nodded and hurried up the plank, which was quickly drawn away. Others hastily reeled up the anchor. Erestor watched as Ecthelion guided the ship away from the docks. He saw Eärendil conferring with Galathil and several others. Then, a strange roar signaled that the ship was underway. It rose quickly into the sky and passed over the city towards the Pelori.
"I thought you were to have rest here." Canfaron looked from his son to Cirulian. Elrond's two loyal and steadfast friends exchanged a glance and then smiled.
"With the Peredhil, one must expect the unexpected," Cirulian said solemnly as he led the way back to the palace.
"I had not thought Elrond would go to Máhanaxar so soon." Erestor saw his Adar pale. "Forgive me, Adar, if I stir difficult memories. Do such audiences take time?"
"Máhanaxar exists out of time. They might already be returned to their rooms yet have spent countless days before the Valar."
"We lost so many loved ones and friends to death. To see you alive and well, Adar, still fills me with awe."
"The feeling is mutual." Canfaron put his hand on his son's shoulder. "I left an Elfling on the other side of the sea and find you have grown into a Lord in your own right, one who has earned well-deserved respect." Erestor was silent at the praise as if he could either not believe the words or not believe who spoke them. Finally, he broached what was, for him, an easier subject.
"Is there aught you can tell us that might help us understand what Elrond and Celebrian are going through?"
"Any information would help," Cirulian added. Canfaron nodded.
"Once we are in private, once we return to their rooms," Canfaron promised. Indeed, when they arrived at the palace, Falmatar informed them that the Valar had returned Elrond and Celebrian, and the two were in healing sleep. In the private room where they guarded their dear friends, Canfaron spoke in soft words about his own experiences with death and judgment in Máhanaxar.
Xxxxxxxxx Healing in dreams xxxxxxxxxX
Cool, white sand was the first thing that she noticed. She lay on cool, white sand. Curiosity demanded that she open her eyes. But the light was blinding. She blinked slowly and sat up. Beside her lay Elrond. Like her, he was clothed in dazzling white tunic and simple leggings. His eyes were closed, and his silken hair was unbound. His spirit glowed brightly, and she wondered if it was an effect of being in the presence of the Valar. An old memory rose in her mind from the early days of their marriage. He had been slow to open his soul to her, and from a mixture of hurt, longing, and jealousy, she had forced him to share too much too soon. She was shocked to find that he had hidden much of his past and had worked hard to avoid drawing attention to his heritage from Melian. After mistakenly pushing him in the early days of their marriage, she stepped back to give him time to share slowly. Seeing him lying vulnerable beside her, this memory glinted poignantly. Though the balance in his spirit was quite different than before, his soul floated in jeopardy. The fay part was more substantial now, and his fëa rippled in doubt and confusion. Yet, she knew instinctively how to call him back.
"You are mine, Meleth-nin. I claim you as my beloved." His soul harkened to her. Their spirits wrapped around each other, each gaining strength from the other.
"I love you." His soul answered.
"We are one where once was two."
So many years they had spent together learning each other's attributes and faults. They complimented each other so well but were so cruelly separated for five hundred years. Now, they seemingly lay on a pristine beach, pure and shining, with no other elf anywhere in sight. The waves sang in a gentle rhythm to delight their souls. In the distance, glimmering waters touched the blue sky of the horizon.
"Where are we?" His rich tenor was soft.
"Where do you want it to be?" She leaned over to kiss him.
"Or perhaps when do you want it to be?" Blue eyes met silver as both laughed aloud.
"It is a dream," she declared, for the colors were so vibrant and the scene was perfect.
"Then it is a good one that we should take advantage of." He smiled and rose, offering his hand and assisting her to her feet. "You are beautiful." He kissed her.
"Shall we walk?" They walked on the nascent sands. Birds with black tufted hair on their otherwise white heads and long orange beaks topped with black stood in groups and looked intently at the elven pair. The birds darted and scurried away as they approached. Their feet made the first tracks in the sand of the low tide. Seaweed and shells marked the last high tide line as the water had retreated. Arien's golden rays warmed them, but the water was cold on their feet. They walked along the shore, marveling at the pristine waters that lapped at the golden sands. There was no other soul in sight.
"Their beaks are very unusual." Celebrian mused and stopped to watch one of the birds flying low over the water. Its bill was open and seemed to skim the water in a long line. "It seems to be trying to catch fish."
"It is a different strategy than the pelican." Elrond smiled. "Remember Elrohir's shock and delight?" Celebrian laughed like melodious bells. The sound sent a wave of pleasure through Elrond. It had been a time of peace when the twins were born. They had broken with tradition and taken the energetic four-year-old twins to Mithlond for the summer. Elrond was sure that many in Imladris had given thanks for having a short break from the boisterous boys.
"I thought we would go deaf like some elderly Edain from all his shrieks." She squeezed his hand. "I do not see any pelicans here."
"There were a few on the beach in Alqualondë. They are hearty birds. We may yet see some further down the beach."
"How far shall we go?" Celebrian asked. Mentally, she thought surely reality would barge in and wake them from this delightful dream.
"I would walk the world with you by my side." Elrond's eyes glistened with love. They wove their way along the teasing tide. Sometimes, its chill water nipped their toes. Sometimes, they darted away. They looked for the treasures on the beach, picking up a moon snail shell and a piece of red coral, stealing kisses between their conversations.
"Something is hurting." Elrond paused and looked back.
"I hear it, too." Celebrian turned and let go of his hand, and walked back. They scoured the beach with their eyes, focusing on the debris line that marked the last high tide.
"Over here."
"What is it?"
"A coral or maybe a jellyfish?" Celebrian bent over to examine it.
"Do not touch it," Elrond warned as he too bent to look at it. "I think it is related to slugs. Perhaps it is a sea hare, though it looks different than the ones at the Havens. It lives."
"Sea hare? It squirts ink?" Celebrian was intrigued. They both were. "How shall we move it back to the water?" Elrond was already scouting around and appeared with two large shells.
"Will it squirt you?"
"It might. It is terrified." Elrond stooped to slide the shells together underneath the sea creature. Although it accepted the healing offered, voluminous amounts of purple ink shot out.
"Quickly! Ai! That is purple!' Celebrian laughed in surprise as Elrond pivoted, some ink falling on his hand but not his white garments. Water splashed around him as he hurried to the ocean, returning the creature to its welcoming home. Celebrian was still laughing beside him as he rubbed some sand on the sticky substance and bent to rinse the mixture away from his skin.
"My gallant hero, savior of the sea hare." She pulled him to his feet. "Shall we look for other creatures in need of aid?" He sketched an exaggerated bow, then offered her his hand. His smile was bright as they explored the mystical beach of dreams. In such dreams, only bliss and healing dwell.