Categories > Books > Lord of the Rings > Eternal
Disclaimer: I do not own anything but my own characters, everything belongs to Tolkien the genius.
Author’s Note: As always, I apologize for my very long time between updates. Life has been busy and I only get a few hours every Saturday morning to work on any of my stories of all my fandoms. I hope to finish Eternal very soon and start on the sequels and offshoots. Thanks to Rhapsody for the beta of this chapter! Some references made in this chapter are from details given in The Silmarillion and War of the Jewels.
Chapter Forty-Nine: Tyelma Sére
Quickly winter came that year and the warmth Húrin and Huor had brought the year before was gone, but their memory still continued in the hearts of those who had loved them. The eagles returned often and gave news the brothers had found their way to their kin. Such news were received with great joy and celebration. The knowledge let many move on, knowing that there was no need to worry, for they were in good hands.
An uncertain peace spread through the lands soon after Húrin and Huor came to their grandsire’s halls again. Morgoth’s forces slowly began to thin until it seemed hardly any of his great forces wandered in the wilderness. Turgon knew in his heart that Morgoth was plotting deep in the pits of Angband, waiting for the one day he would make his presence well known again by sending forth a huge host, but not before testing the might of the Eldar. The fallen Valar was not a novice in such matters. If he drew back to rebuild his army, it would also give the elven kingdoms a chance to fortify and regroup. It became a waiting game to see who would strike first while the other side was weak.
During the first years of that tentative peace, Turgon began to secretly send mariners to the coasts. Cirdan had heeded Turgon’s warnings that the eagles had delivered and set to building ships that the Gondolindrim mariners would sail west in hopes of reaching Valinor. However, as more years passed, the king grew anxious.
The lull lasted seven years and suddenly Morgoth unleashed a terrible assault with his legions of evil beasts and dreadful creatures upon the inhabitants of Hithlum. Fingon sent forth his forces and the Men of Dor-lómin joined them since Galdor the tall held and protected the fortress of Barad Eithel for the High King in the passes of the Shadowy Mountains. The people of Gondolin knew battles were fought again outside their borders, and each day, the eagles brought more news.
Such a horrifying battle had not been seen for many years: Galdor was slain by an arrow at the same place his father, Hador, had been killed. Hope faltered for a brief time in the battle for Men, but the strong faith and leadership of Húrin brought his people back into the fight for freedom and peace. Barely past the age to be considered a man, Húrin rallied his men against the Orc troops and forged in a terrible onslaught in the name of his fallen father. Due to the presence and vigor in the face of failure and death, victory was won and revived Húrin’s people out of despair.
The Eldar of Hithlum, however, bore the brunt of the attack out of Angband. Beaten back inside their very borders, all seemed lost as well for the soldiers of Fingon, but they still battled unrelentingly onward. Then, out of the mists of the west came the legions of Falas, sent by Cirdan in ships to the Firth of Dengrist once he heard of Morgoth’s troops on the move in the north. With the reinforcements of fellow their Eldar, the armed strength of High King Fingon swept the Dark Lord’s vile monsters from their lands, sending the fiends scattering in disarray to flee the fell warriors of the Firstborn.
A new companionship was born and an oath renewed between the new leaders of the Men of Dor-lómin. Like his sire and grandsire, Húrin made a fellowship with the Eldar of Hithlum. High King Fingon loved the family of Hador well since his father, Fingolfin, had also held council and fought beside them ere his end. Turgon’s teachings had prepared the young man well for his future and fate as a chief for one of the great houses of Men. When the news of his brother’s alliance with his former protégé came to the king, Turgon’s faith and hope were restored within his soul.
*
The absence of the two young men was still missed and when word came of their continuing success and victories, Turgon held a feast with his family to tell of the great deeds and news the eagles had spoken of to him. It was after one of these nights that Glorfindel sensed a contemplative distancing within Elrilya. He did not intrude on her thoughts during the meal or afterward while everyone sat in the parlor, but when they walked through the quiet avenues of Gondolin under the stars back to their home, he spoke his concern.
“What do you have troubling you, meldaquen?” Glorfindel queried, stopping them at one of the many squares of Gondolin with its great fountains of cascading water.
“Nothing troubles me,” Elrilya said, sighing as they sat on the edge of a watery pool and she absentmindedly let her fingers wander over the flowers in a planter nearby. “It is only some thoughts that have come to me lately since Húrin and Huor left us.”
Elrilya smiled once she felt Glorfindel’s warm hands clasping her own. Matching his gaze she saw her smile mirrored in his face, but his eyes told of his curiosity and worry he had for her. He could have so easily learned the answer from her without having to ask, but that was what she loved about her golden-haired mate: that he still surprised and swept her off her feet every day they spent together.
“Tell me,” Glorfindel asked again, squeezing her hands comfortingly.
He watched her loving eyes as she gathered her thoughts, thinking of a way to express her feelings. Letting his love flow from him through everything he did: from his eyes to his posture leaning towards her and his grasp on her hands. He was there for her as he had promised so many years before.
“I long for the days the brothers filled our home with laughter and love,” Elrilya began. “Now it seems so empty and silent without their boisterous antics and excitement. I never realized what we were missing before they came until they left us so quickly.”
“I, too, have noticed the void in our lives,” Glorfindel said.
“We have been united for many years now and I cannot believe it has not been spoken of between us before,” she said with a short laugh at the thought of it and shook her head. “Most others who have been bound as long as we have already have started a brood of children. Do you think, Glorfindel, that it is time to have a family of our own?”
Elrilya gasped as Glorfindel swept her into his arms and pressed kisses to her cheek and then her neck while he nuzzled into her hair. She wrapped her arms securely around him and felt him let out a long breath.
“I hate to admit that I never thought about it until recently either,” Glorfindel whispered in her ear. “Yet, I wonder how it could be so that we never had sought to bring such joy into our home.”
“Then that is a yes?” she asked with a smile.
Glorfindel released her, but held her face in his hands as he kissed her deeply.
“I would love to,” he said. “You will know when the time has come… when the Valar have deemed it our day to share such happiness.”
“A son with his father’s romantic heart and fierceness in battle?” she said as they rose to head on their way again.
“And his mother’s tenacity?” Glorfindel added. “Or a daughter graced with her mother’s face and kindness?”
“She would have your even-temper,” Elrilya continued.
“Ai, we should not get ahead of ourselves,” Glorfindel sighed. “There is still time to find out all these things.”
“Indeed there is,” she agreed. “For now we can wish and dream… practice a little until we are completely ready.”
“That we shall,” he smiled. “Speaking of dreaming and wishing, I think Maeglin was in his own world tonight.”
“He never is interested in the news Turgon brings of the brothers,” Elrilya grumbled. “I know that he did not care for them and only comes out of politeness since he is bid to join us.”
“Oh, you may not be able to tell, but Turgon is well aware of that fact,” Glorfindel chuckled. “We are not the only ones who loved them greatly and enjoyed their short stay with us. Turgon says he knows they will see him again one day… he does not know when.”
*
“My Atar was telling me that I should be thinking of finding love,” Idril sighed. “He is concerned that I am lonely and in my attempts to make him happy, I am doing it at the expense of my own happiness.”
“He wants to see his only daughter cheerful,” Elrilya smiled as they looked out across the courtyards.
“That may be one of his reasons,” Idril acknowledged. “However, I think there might be more to it, for he also has inquired with Maeglin if he has any hopes or interests in an elleth. Doom and worry clouds his eyes no matter how well he tries to hide it from me. He fears an end to his family’s line and maybe even that of all the Noldor here in the East.”
Elrilya hugged her arms and shoulders when a sudden chill went through her.
“Hearing such talk is not good to say, but I think you may be right,” she replied. “Your father has always been gifted in knowing the outcomes of things and what is to come.”
“I can feel it myself in the air,” Idril murmured. “Evil is spreading in the lands. The eagles still bring news to Atar, but he does not speak of it openly to us like he once did when good tidings came of Huor and Húrin. They have grown taller and older since we last laid eyed on them and I worry about their fates, too, in this world.”
“I have not heard good tidings since the last of Húrin and Huor’s great victories,” Elrilya said thoughtfully.
“Indeed, nothing but terror has surrounded our lands,” Idril replied. “They fight so strong but so much more presses upon them with every passing day.”
“You need not dwell on the darkness,” Maeglin’s voice drifted to them suddenly as he wandered out from behind a columned walkway, his striking eyes and pale skin standing out once he came into the sunlight from the darkness of the archway. “Your face is much more beautiful when you laugh; your happiness takes the place of sorrow.”
“Thank you, cousin,” Idril said smoothly, holding back her annoyance at having her conversation with Elrilya be overheard. “I, however, do not find joy as much as I once did. Times have changed.”
Maeglin held her gaze as he walked toward them, not even acknowledging Elrilya in the slightest. His hand stole to his pocket and he drew forth an object in his grasp.
“Then perhaps this will bring at least some twinkle to your eyes so that you forget the weariness of the world for but a moment,” he said.
Opening his palm, Maeglin showed a necklace wrought in silver and dazzling gems that sparkled in the sunlight. Idril’s mouth dropped open for a moment in amazement before she caught herself. He drew the ends apart to display the jewelry properly to her, and then walked behind her, placing it around her neck and clasping it.
“It is a gift to you, my Idril,” he whispered, his eyes gleaming with triumph and possessiveness. “I worked long in my forges to make it perfect like you are.”
“Why me?” she asked, another question of a different nature hesitantly holding in her throat.
“What do you want me to say? The truth?” Maeglin asked. “You deserve to have stunning things that exemplify your magnificence. I also forged new armor for Uncle, as well as for my friends Ecthelion and Salgant. All of you have been helpful since my arrival years ago, this is a way for me to repay in similar kindness.”
“I do not think I can accept this…” Idril began to speak.
“It is yours since it was made for you only,” Maeglin interrupted, his eyes darkening. “I wish I could remain with you, but I have been called upon to court with the other lords and council. I bid you good day.”
Both Idril and Elrilya were silent as they watched Maeglin walk away.
“Some speak of his intense work in the smithies and time spent on his creations as if there is a greater obsession he tries to quiet in his mind,” Idril said softly. “I cannot help but to think it true.”
“Perhaps, but we shall not know his heart until he speaks it,” Elrilya offered. “Let us go to court as well, maybe something of great interest is to be said if all councils have been hearkened.”
“Yes, let us do that,” Idril nodded. “I need something to occupy my mind.”
The two friends wandered toward the palace hall and found the room bustling with activity. They seated themselves in the assembly while a few others joined them. Guards stood at attention in their positions around the room while lords of the various houses of Gondolin began to fill the room and mill about talking to one another. Minutes later, Ecthelion and Glorfindel entered, having come right away from their duties on the border and gate. The golden-haired elf looked toward his mate with a loving smile before taking his place near Turgon’s empty throne.
When all were in attendance, a soldier announced Turgon’s arrival. All stood while the King came into the grand hall and took his seat in front of them.
“I requested your presence today, my lords and councilors, because I have learned of important news from Thorondor as to the continuous incursions and growth of the Dark Lord’s army,” Turgon began. “Morgoth has labored long in the north without troubling the nearby lands; however, some feel it is time to make the first move before he has built his forces up so greatly that the Eldar and Edain are overrun. Maedhros, son of Fëanor, has made a call to arms to the various kingdoms of Edain, Eldar, and even the Naugrim. High King Fingon has already given his word to join in the battle, as have the people of Hador, Bór, Ulfang, Halmir, the elves of the Falas, and the dwarves of Nogrod and Belegost. A small force from Nargothrond has issued their aid, too.”
The King paused as he let his words sink in to those who listened, then took a deep breath before giving his final thoughts.
“We need not go with them to war, but they are fighting to keep us and others safe,” Turgon said. “After the events of the last battle against the Dark Lord, I think we are indebted to our fellow Eldar and the Edain allies to fight alongside them now.”
“My King,” spoke up one lord. “I agree with you that we should not hide like cowards from battle. Yet, if we are not successful in bringing Morgoth’s downfall, the Eldar in these lands will be hunted to death. Should we not then continue to stay within the protective walls of the mountains until Gondolin has the strength to meet the numbers of Morgoth?”
“You know well enough that did not work well to sit idly in wait,” Ecthelion spoke up. “The Orcs and other foul creatures multiply faster than we could ever hope to match. The peace before the battle where High King Fingolfin fell showed us that the Dark Lord, when left to his own devices, will build his forces without pause so that he may finally take us wholly.”
“True words, Ecthelion of the Fountain,” Lord Salgant concurred as he stepped forward. “Even so, what if our kingdoms fail despite our numbers added to the union? Doom will be even more so in our fates as well as for all the free people of the Hither Lands.”
“At least we would have tried,” Glorfindel said. “No one can truly say what the outcome may be, but we need to show the Dark Lord that we will not die quivering under his shadow.”
“Lord Glorfindel speaks wisely,” Maeglin added his voice. “If all fails for this grand alliance and as a safeguard to protect our loved ones we leave behind, I suggest stealth and coming unexpectedly to conceal our movements.”
“Nay, I must speak against this alliance, my lord,” Lord Pengolodh spoke up. “Have we all forgotten so easily the trespasses the Sons of Fëanor made against us? Even though Maedhros gave you and High King Fingolfin his allegiance and kingship, can we trust his brothers of the same loyalty? That they may turn on us again to claim what they think is rightfully theirs?”
“It seems you forget much as well, Lord Pengolodh, about the good deeds of my kin,” Maeglin said, his gaze heavy upon the other elf. “Celegorm and Curufin were close to my mother. They welcomed us both when we escaped the watchful eye of my father and gave us the swiftest of their horses to come to Gondolin. Even after our departure, Celegorm and Curufin delayed him during his pursuit of us.”
“Agreed, Lord Maeglin,” Glorfindel added. “Why would the Sons of Fëanor wish destruction to befall us when our combined strength is more to their advantage in seeking the defeat of Fëanor’s foe? Without us, their revenge is out of reach.”
“Well put, my lords,” Turgon said, entering the discussion again. “I understand many are hesitant to wage war, but, as Ecthelion told, this may be our last chance to make our mark against Morgoth. Our kin of the house of Finwë will stand by our side to see Morgoth’s fall.”
Many heads nodded in agreement among the crowd and Turgon stood to address them all.
“So it is decided: we shall join the alliance but not let it be known to Maedhros or the High King, for there are indeed spies around their lands who would tell our way of coming if expected and found,” Turgon declared. “Let us start preparations before it is time.”
Glossary
Tyelma Sére: ending repose
Author’s Note: As always, I apologize for my very long time between updates. Life has been busy and I only get a few hours every Saturday morning to work on any of my stories of all my fandoms. I hope to finish Eternal very soon and start on the sequels and offshoots. Thanks to Rhapsody for the beta of this chapter! Some references made in this chapter are from details given in The Silmarillion and War of the Jewels.
Chapter Forty-Nine: Tyelma Sére
Quickly winter came that year and the warmth Húrin and Huor had brought the year before was gone, but their memory still continued in the hearts of those who had loved them. The eagles returned often and gave news the brothers had found their way to their kin. Such news were received with great joy and celebration. The knowledge let many move on, knowing that there was no need to worry, for they were in good hands.
An uncertain peace spread through the lands soon after Húrin and Huor came to their grandsire’s halls again. Morgoth’s forces slowly began to thin until it seemed hardly any of his great forces wandered in the wilderness. Turgon knew in his heart that Morgoth was plotting deep in the pits of Angband, waiting for the one day he would make his presence well known again by sending forth a huge host, but not before testing the might of the Eldar. The fallen Valar was not a novice in such matters. If he drew back to rebuild his army, it would also give the elven kingdoms a chance to fortify and regroup. It became a waiting game to see who would strike first while the other side was weak.
During the first years of that tentative peace, Turgon began to secretly send mariners to the coasts. Cirdan had heeded Turgon’s warnings that the eagles had delivered and set to building ships that the Gondolindrim mariners would sail west in hopes of reaching Valinor. However, as more years passed, the king grew anxious.
The lull lasted seven years and suddenly Morgoth unleashed a terrible assault with his legions of evil beasts and dreadful creatures upon the inhabitants of Hithlum. Fingon sent forth his forces and the Men of Dor-lómin joined them since Galdor the tall held and protected the fortress of Barad Eithel for the High King in the passes of the Shadowy Mountains. The people of Gondolin knew battles were fought again outside their borders, and each day, the eagles brought more news.
Such a horrifying battle had not been seen for many years: Galdor was slain by an arrow at the same place his father, Hador, had been killed. Hope faltered for a brief time in the battle for Men, but the strong faith and leadership of Húrin brought his people back into the fight for freedom and peace. Barely past the age to be considered a man, Húrin rallied his men against the Orc troops and forged in a terrible onslaught in the name of his fallen father. Due to the presence and vigor in the face of failure and death, victory was won and revived Húrin’s people out of despair.
The Eldar of Hithlum, however, bore the brunt of the attack out of Angband. Beaten back inside their very borders, all seemed lost as well for the soldiers of Fingon, but they still battled unrelentingly onward. Then, out of the mists of the west came the legions of Falas, sent by Cirdan in ships to the Firth of Dengrist once he heard of Morgoth’s troops on the move in the north. With the reinforcements of fellow their Eldar, the armed strength of High King Fingon swept the Dark Lord’s vile monsters from their lands, sending the fiends scattering in disarray to flee the fell warriors of the Firstborn.
A new companionship was born and an oath renewed between the new leaders of the Men of Dor-lómin. Like his sire and grandsire, Húrin made a fellowship with the Eldar of Hithlum. High King Fingon loved the family of Hador well since his father, Fingolfin, had also held council and fought beside them ere his end. Turgon’s teachings had prepared the young man well for his future and fate as a chief for one of the great houses of Men. When the news of his brother’s alliance with his former protégé came to the king, Turgon’s faith and hope were restored within his soul.
*
The absence of the two young men was still missed and when word came of their continuing success and victories, Turgon held a feast with his family to tell of the great deeds and news the eagles had spoken of to him. It was after one of these nights that Glorfindel sensed a contemplative distancing within Elrilya. He did not intrude on her thoughts during the meal or afterward while everyone sat in the parlor, but when they walked through the quiet avenues of Gondolin under the stars back to their home, he spoke his concern.
“What do you have troubling you, meldaquen?” Glorfindel queried, stopping them at one of the many squares of Gondolin with its great fountains of cascading water.
“Nothing troubles me,” Elrilya said, sighing as they sat on the edge of a watery pool and she absentmindedly let her fingers wander over the flowers in a planter nearby. “It is only some thoughts that have come to me lately since Húrin and Huor left us.”
Elrilya smiled once she felt Glorfindel’s warm hands clasping her own. Matching his gaze she saw her smile mirrored in his face, but his eyes told of his curiosity and worry he had for her. He could have so easily learned the answer from her without having to ask, but that was what she loved about her golden-haired mate: that he still surprised and swept her off her feet every day they spent together.
“Tell me,” Glorfindel asked again, squeezing her hands comfortingly.
He watched her loving eyes as she gathered her thoughts, thinking of a way to express her feelings. Letting his love flow from him through everything he did: from his eyes to his posture leaning towards her and his grasp on her hands. He was there for her as he had promised so many years before.
“I long for the days the brothers filled our home with laughter and love,” Elrilya began. “Now it seems so empty and silent without their boisterous antics and excitement. I never realized what we were missing before they came until they left us so quickly.”
“I, too, have noticed the void in our lives,” Glorfindel said.
“We have been united for many years now and I cannot believe it has not been spoken of between us before,” she said with a short laugh at the thought of it and shook her head. “Most others who have been bound as long as we have already have started a brood of children. Do you think, Glorfindel, that it is time to have a family of our own?”
Elrilya gasped as Glorfindel swept her into his arms and pressed kisses to her cheek and then her neck while he nuzzled into her hair. She wrapped her arms securely around him and felt him let out a long breath.
“I hate to admit that I never thought about it until recently either,” Glorfindel whispered in her ear. “Yet, I wonder how it could be so that we never had sought to bring such joy into our home.”
“Then that is a yes?” she asked with a smile.
Glorfindel released her, but held her face in his hands as he kissed her deeply.
“I would love to,” he said. “You will know when the time has come… when the Valar have deemed it our day to share such happiness.”
“A son with his father’s romantic heart and fierceness in battle?” she said as they rose to head on their way again.
“And his mother’s tenacity?” Glorfindel added. “Or a daughter graced with her mother’s face and kindness?”
“She would have your even-temper,” Elrilya continued.
“Ai, we should not get ahead of ourselves,” Glorfindel sighed. “There is still time to find out all these things.”
“Indeed there is,” she agreed. “For now we can wish and dream… practice a little until we are completely ready.”
“That we shall,” he smiled. “Speaking of dreaming and wishing, I think Maeglin was in his own world tonight.”
“He never is interested in the news Turgon brings of the brothers,” Elrilya grumbled. “I know that he did not care for them and only comes out of politeness since he is bid to join us.”
“Oh, you may not be able to tell, but Turgon is well aware of that fact,” Glorfindel chuckled. “We are not the only ones who loved them greatly and enjoyed their short stay with us. Turgon says he knows they will see him again one day… he does not know when.”
*
“My Atar was telling me that I should be thinking of finding love,” Idril sighed. “He is concerned that I am lonely and in my attempts to make him happy, I am doing it at the expense of my own happiness.”
“He wants to see his only daughter cheerful,” Elrilya smiled as they looked out across the courtyards.
“That may be one of his reasons,” Idril acknowledged. “However, I think there might be more to it, for he also has inquired with Maeglin if he has any hopes or interests in an elleth. Doom and worry clouds his eyes no matter how well he tries to hide it from me. He fears an end to his family’s line and maybe even that of all the Noldor here in the East.”
Elrilya hugged her arms and shoulders when a sudden chill went through her.
“Hearing such talk is not good to say, but I think you may be right,” she replied. “Your father has always been gifted in knowing the outcomes of things and what is to come.”
“I can feel it myself in the air,” Idril murmured. “Evil is spreading in the lands. The eagles still bring news to Atar, but he does not speak of it openly to us like he once did when good tidings came of Huor and Húrin. They have grown taller and older since we last laid eyed on them and I worry about their fates, too, in this world.”
“I have not heard good tidings since the last of Húrin and Huor’s great victories,” Elrilya said thoughtfully.
“Indeed, nothing but terror has surrounded our lands,” Idril replied. “They fight so strong but so much more presses upon them with every passing day.”
“You need not dwell on the darkness,” Maeglin’s voice drifted to them suddenly as he wandered out from behind a columned walkway, his striking eyes and pale skin standing out once he came into the sunlight from the darkness of the archway. “Your face is much more beautiful when you laugh; your happiness takes the place of sorrow.”
“Thank you, cousin,” Idril said smoothly, holding back her annoyance at having her conversation with Elrilya be overheard. “I, however, do not find joy as much as I once did. Times have changed.”
Maeglin held her gaze as he walked toward them, not even acknowledging Elrilya in the slightest. His hand stole to his pocket and he drew forth an object in his grasp.
“Then perhaps this will bring at least some twinkle to your eyes so that you forget the weariness of the world for but a moment,” he said.
Opening his palm, Maeglin showed a necklace wrought in silver and dazzling gems that sparkled in the sunlight. Idril’s mouth dropped open for a moment in amazement before she caught herself. He drew the ends apart to display the jewelry properly to her, and then walked behind her, placing it around her neck and clasping it.
“It is a gift to you, my Idril,” he whispered, his eyes gleaming with triumph and possessiveness. “I worked long in my forges to make it perfect like you are.”
“Why me?” she asked, another question of a different nature hesitantly holding in her throat.
“What do you want me to say? The truth?” Maeglin asked. “You deserve to have stunning things that exemplify your magnificence. I also forged new armor for Uncle, as well as for my friends Ecthelion and Salgant. All of you have been helpful since my arrival years ago, this is a way for me to repay in similar kindness.”
“I do not think I can accept this…” Idril began to speak.
“It is yours since it was made for you only,” Maeglin interrupted, his eyes darkening. “I wish I could remain with you, but I have been called upon to court with the other lords and council. I bid you good day.”
Both Idril and Elrilya were silent as they watched Maeglin walk away.
“Some speak of his intense work in the smithies and time spent on his creations as if there is a greater obsession he tries to quiet in his mind,” Idril said softly. “I cannot help but to think it true.”
“Perhaps, but we shall not know his heart until he speaks it,” Elrilya offered. “Let us go to court as well, maybe something of great interest is to be said if all councils have been hearkened.”
“Yes, let us do that,” Idril nodded. “I need something to occupy my mind.”
The two friends wandered toward the palace hall and found the room bustling with activity. They seated themselves in the assembly while a few others joined them. Guards stood at attention in their positions around the room while lords of the various houses of Gondolin began to fill the room and mill about talking to one another. Minutes later, Ecthelion and Glorfindel entered, having come right away from their duties on the border and gate. The golden-haired elf looked toward his mate with a loving smile before taking his place near Turgon’s empty throne.
When all were in attendance, a soldier announced Turgon’s arrival. All stood while the King came into the grand hall and took his seat in front of them.
“I requested your presence today, my lords and councilors, because I have learned of important news from Thorondor as to the continuous incursions and growth of the Dark Lord’s army,” Turgon began. “Morgoth has labored long in the north without troubling the nearby lands; however, some feel it is time to make the first move before he has built his forces up so greatly that the Eldar and Edain are overrun. Maedhros, son of Fëanor, has made a call to arms to the various kingdoms of Edain, Eldar, and even the Naugrim. High King Fingon has already given his word to join in the battle, as have the people of Hador, Bór, Ulfang, Halmir, the elves of the Falas, and the dwarves of Nogrod and Belegost. A small force from Nargothrond has issued their aid, too.”
The King paused as he let his words sink in to those who listened, then took a deep breath before giving his final thoughts.
“We need not go with them to war, but they are fighting to keep us and others safe,” Turgon said. “After the events of the last battle against the Dark Lord, I think we are indebted to our fellow Eldar and the Edain allies to fight alongside them now.”
“My King,” spoke up one lord. “I agree with you that we should not hide like cowards from battle. Yet, if we are not successful in bringing Morgoth’s downfall, the Eldar in these lands will be hunted to death. Should we not then continue to stay within the protective walls of the mountains until Gondolin has the strength to meet the numbers of Morgoth?”
“You know well enough that did not work well to sit idly in wait,” Ecthelion spoke up. “The Orcs and other foul creatures multiply faster than we could ever hope to match. The peace before the battle where High King Fingolfin fell showed us that the Dark Lord, when left to his own devices, will build his forces without pause so that he may finally take us wholly.”
“True words, Ecthelion of the Fountain,” Lord Salgant concurred as he stepped forward. “Even so, what if our kingdoms fail despite our numbers added to the union? Doom will be even more so in our fates as well as for all the free people of the Hither Lands.”
“At least we would have tried,” Glorfindel said. “No one can truly say what the outcome may be, but we need to show the Dark Lord that we will not die quivering under his shadow.”
“Lord Glorfindel speaks wisely,” Maeglin added his voice. “If all fails for this grand alliance and as a safeguard to protect our loved ones we leave behind, I suggest stealth and coming unexpectedly to conceal our movements.”
“Nay, I must speak against this alliance, my lord,” Lord Pengolodh spoke up. “Have we all forgotten so easily the trespasses the Sons of Fëanor made against us? Even though Maedhros gave you and High King Fingolfin his allegiance and kingship, can we trust his brothers of the same loyalty? That they may turn on us again to claim what they think is rightfully theirs?”
“It seems you forget much as well, Lord Pengolodh, about the good deeds of my kin,” Maeglin said, his gaze heavy upon the other elf. “Celegorm and Curufin were close to my mother. They welcomed us both when we escaped the watchful eye of my father and gave us the swiftest of their horses to come to Gondolin. Even after our departure, Celegorm and Curufin delayed him during his pursuit of us.”
“Agreed, Lord Maeglin,” Glorfindel added. “Why would the Sons of Fëanor wish destruction to befall us when our combined strength is more to their advantage in seeking the defeat of Fëanor’s foe? Without us, their revenge is out of reach.”
“Well put, my lords,” Turgon said, entering the discussion again. “I understand many are hesitant to wage war, but, as Ecthelion told, this may be our last chance to make our mark against Morgoth. Our kin of the house of Finwë will stand by our side to see Morgoth’s fall.”
Many heads nodded in agreement among the crowd and Turgon stood to address them all.
“So it is decided: we shall join the alliance but not let it be known to Maedhros or the High King, for there are indeed spies around their lands who would tell our way of coming if expected and found,” Turgon declared. “Let us start preparations before it is time.”
Glossary
Tyelma Sére: ending repose
Sign up to rate and review this story