Categories > Books > Lord of the Rings > Eternal
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Chapter Eight: Isil
The solid ground of the Hither Lands was met with relief tinted with grief. Many had died on the passing of the Helcaraxë, including the fair Lady Elenwë, and the souls of those who lived felt the heaviness of death upon themselves. The Noldor handled their pain in many different ways but their leaders remained collected and stood tall as they led their people to hope. After they had traveled a while along the Firth of Drengist, the Noldor held camp so they could rest before continuing further on to find the followers of Fëanor.
A roaring fire had been lit by those who had found kindling along their path and now many huddled close to the warmth to rid themselves of the constant cold that had come to rest in their bodies from the long journey across the north. Glorfindel felt his own body shudder for a moment as he final felt his body relaxing from the tense stance it had been in for the previous few days. He felt a wave of weariness wash through his veins and felt about ready to collapse into slumber right there in front of the fire. But he could not, not just yet.
Looking across the flickering flames, he watched many of the familiar faces he had come to know better on the journey. They all were solemn but many were in higher spirits upon arriving in the Hither Lands, which comforted him somewhat, that they still had hope and happiness within themselves. He still had an emptiness in his heart that had not left since the last few days upon the sea of ice. Elenwë's death still hung freshly in his mind. The cousin he had been the closest to since his early elfling years was gone and he did not know how he could bear this weight.
He felt as if he wanted to yell until he no longer had any breath and released all his pent up feelings that were swirling around in his mind. Glorfindel did not, however, and remained as he was. He was not the type to let himself lose control. It was a vulnerability he would not put himself into.
As he finished his glance around the circle encompassing the fire, he realized there was one particular face he was missing. He stood and sought out Finrod who sat with Fingolfin, speaking in quiet voices together.
"Lord Glorfindel," Fingolfin greeted as he saw the golden haired elf approach. "You seem troubled, nilmo. What can I do for you to ease your mind?"
"My soul aches for those dear to me who have been lost," Glorfindel answered. "Not much can soothe my thoughts for now."
"You feel as we all do," Finrod answered sadly. "For now we must remain strong together and support each other."
"You are right, Finrod," Glorfindel answered but then turned to Fingolfin. " I came in search of my friend, your son, for I have not been able to find him. I wish to see how he is dealing without my dear cousin."
"I saw him wander off on his own an hour or so ago," Fingolfin answered, pointing away from the camp in the direction of the nearby water of the firth. "He is nearby I believe, he would not have wandered far."
"Thank you," Glorfindel said with a small bow of his head to the Noldor king and then headed off in the direction he pointed to.
With the glow of the fire behind him, Glorfindel attempted to focus into the dark night to find his friend. He eventually found himself on the shores of the outlet, without having found Turgon. He no longer felt the warmth of the fire on his back but was entranced by the soft crash of the waves in front of him as he wondered where Turgon had went. A quiet noise caught his attention and Glorfindel followed the soft, muffled sounds around a small dune of sand. There he found a bent over figure whose face was covered by strong hands as he wept. The light brown head bobbed slightly as he quietly cried to himself, still unaware of Glorfindel's approach. Glorfindel slowly knelt beside his kinsman and put a hand over his broad shoulder to make himself known. Turgon lifted his head to meet Glorfindel's gaze. The pale glow of the distant fire played across Turgon's tear-streaked face as his friend looked upon him.
"You need not mourn alone," Glorfindel said quietly after several silent seconds.
"I do not wish to burden others," Turgon spoke.
"Why?" Glorfindel asked, a touch of hurt in his voice. He hated to see his long time friend in this state but it wounded him more to know that his friend felt he was unable to come to him in his grief. "You are no burden to me. I am and always have been here to help you."
Turgon did not answer him but turned his gaze to the dark sea before them.
"I'm sorry," he said finally, his voice cracking.
"For what?" Glorfindel asked, concern crossing his face.
"I should not have fought against you," Turgon said, hanging his head low. "I should have been there for Idril first."
Glorfindel felt his heart sink as he watched his close friend fall apart in his grief. He did not know the same immense pain as Turgon did since a bound couple could be stronger and closer than blood kin at times, but he wanted to help him regain his strength and composure to lead everyone on beside his father, the king of the Noldor.
"You do not need to apologize," Glorfindel said. "It pained me to do that to you. I would have dove in right beside you but you needed to stay. I had to go with what Elenwë would have wanted, for you to protect your family when she no longer could."
"I know," Turgon sadly sighed and brought his eyes to look upon the dark distance once more. "She's out there somewhere. I do not know if I can leave the sea's side for long without feeling her slipping away from my mind."
"Your bond was strong," Glorfindel said. "Her place within you will not fade and you will not either, for her sake and for Idril's."
Turgon suddenly stood and Glorfindel did as well, watching to see what his friend was going to do. The brunette elf looked out upon the waters once more before tearing his eyes away and began to walk toward the camp.
"You are a good friend, Glorfindel," Turgon said. "I am glad you came with us on this journey. I do not know what I would do without your counsel."
They made their way toward the fire once more but Turgon halted a ways outside of the surrounding circle of Noldor just beyond the bright halo of light. Glorfindel stopped beside him and noticed him watching three elves.
"Aredhel has been wonderful lately," Turgon said as he watched his blonde sister holding Idril and Elrilya close to her as she whispered things to them. "She will be as much of a mother to them as she can without replacing their true ones."
"She is a protector at heart," Glorfindel agreed. "She knows her place in the family and what is needed of her even if it is not expected."
"I am lucky to count so many around me to be supportive," Turgon said softly.
"As we are fortunate to have you with us," Glorfindel said with a small smile.
Turgon returned what he could muster of a smile and then strode to his kin. Idril rose as she saw her father approach and she quickly wrapped her arms around his neck as he embraced her. Glorfindel could not help but be reminded of how much Idril took after her mother. Hopefully she will help him remain steadfast as a reminder of his love, Glorfindel thought to himself as he watched from afar.
****
Elrilya wandered along the path the Noldor took as they continued their journey inland from the sea in search of their betrayers. She kept her view on the soft spongy grass below her feet as she went about her way. The scenery of the Hither Lands had not been much to busy the mind for all that could be seen in the twilight were the distant silhouettes of the mountainous terrain ahead.
Her face appeared distant as Elrilya thought to herself. She had been feeling a strange uneasiness building within herself as she knew they neared Fëanor and his own troop. She feared even coming face to face with the one she saw as her parents' slayer and what may come of the bitterness Fingolfin's followers had for their betrayers. She knew she could not do such a thing like another Kinslaying if it came to that again between the two groups but disquiet still pulsed in the back of her mind. She had become so deeply involved in her thoughts that she almost did not register the figure that strode up beside her.
"Elrilya, you should not wander far from the group," Glorfindel warned. "These are dark times and unknown territories, everyone should stay close together."
"I am sorry," she said as she brought her eyes down, chastised. "I did not mean to. I was just thinking to myself."
"That is fine," Glorfindel said. "Just be careful."
"I will try," Elrilya said with a small smile as she raised her eyes back up to his face. "Glorfindel, may I ask you a favor?"
Glorfindel's eyebrows perked up at the question, "What may that be?"
"Will you teach me how to fight?" she said suddenly and then noticed his astonished reaction. "I mean swordfight or learn to use another weapon."
"Why do you want to do that?" Glorfindel asked skeptically.
Elrilya did not answer right away; she was still taken aback by his continued reaction at her request.
"It will only be to protect myself," she said finally. "So that I am not completely helpless in a situation. As you said, these are dangerous times and perhaps it would be a good idea that I learned how to defend myself."
"I will have to think this over," Glorfindel said hesitantly. "As well as discuss it with Turgon, I do not know what he would say to this."
"I think he will agree to it," Elrilya said confidently. "Otherwise, Idril and I might give him grief until he gives in."
Glorfindel chuckled as he saw the impish grin spread across Elrilya's face. He pulled her closer to him in a friendly embrace as he put his arm around her shoulder to lead her back toward the main group.
"It is good to see you in high spirits once more," Glorfindel said honestly. "Gloom does not suit you."
Elrilya smiled broader at his compliments and turned shyly away blushing at his kind words. Glorfindel caught his breath in his throat as he saw her face almost glow in the twilight but it was then that he realized another source had cast the shine down upon them and the others. Looking up in the sky above them, a round shape of silver rose bringing a soft light to the accustomed darkness.
All the Noldor stopped in their marching as they looked in awe upon this new sight that held a light so similar to the tree of Telperion that once shone brightly in Valinor. Further ahead, Fingon and those about him raised their horns and trumpets to herald the new sign. It was a good omen to them that a better time was coming. Others along the line took up the call as well and soon the entire valley was echoing with the strong, deep sounds of their approach into the Hither Lands.
"It is a wondrous thing," Elrilya said finally as the trumpets finally died down and the troop began to move again at a happier pace.
"Yes, It is," Glorfindel agreed. "It is comforting to see that the Valar still have love in their hearts to care for our well being and steadfast beliefs in them."
Further back among her relatives, Idril eyed her friend carefully but a small smile perked at her lips as she watched from afar. Turgon saw the color return to his daughter's appearance and it heartened him a bit to see her feeling better and not focusing on her mother's death that still brooded within his own self. To him, she looked like her mother the first time Turgon had seen her in Valinor under the Two Trees, the same familiar silver light playing across her fair hair.
"How are you faring?" Aredhel said stepping up beside her brother.
"I am well," Turgon said simply though it was only partly true.
"It seems all our hearts have been lifted a little this day," she said knowingly, not further prodding her brother about his feelings. "And our young ones seem to be feeling it as well."
"I see I am not the only one to notice," Turgon said with a sigh. "If Idril and Elrilya had not come back to their normal selves in too long a time, I do not know how I could bear to see their pain and grief."
"It is your strength and love that helps keep them going," Aredhel said comfortingly as she took Turgon's arm into hers. "And others as well."
"Oh?" Turgon said with an upturned eyebrow.
Aredhel motioned toward Turgon's good friend and adopted daughter, "She has taken to him over our travels. She looks up to him as an important, resolute point in her life."
"He sees her as family, like a younger sister he is looking over," Turgon said with a contented sigh. "Glorfindel is a great part of our family, I cannot imagine him not being a part of it."
"Perhaps we shall make it out of this not over scathed after all," Aredhel said.
Glossary
Isil: moon
nilmo: (male) friend
Chapter Eight: Isil
The solid ground of the Hither Lands was met with relief tinted with grief. Many had died on the passing of the Helcaraxë, including the fair Lady Elenwë, and the souls of those who lived felt the heaviness of death upon themselves. The Noldor handled their pain in many different ways but their leaders remained collected and stood tall as they led their people to hope. After they had traveled a while along the Firth of Drengist, the Noldor held camp so they could rest before continuing further on to find the followers of Fëanor.
A roaring fire had been lit by those who had found kindling along their path and now many huddled close to the warmth to rid themselves of the constant cold that had come to rest in their bodies from the long journey across the north. Glorfindel felt his own body shudder for a moment as he final felt his body relaxing from the tense stance it had been in for the previous few days. He felt a wave of weariness wash through his veins and felt about ready to collapse into slumber right there in front of the fire. But he could not, not just yet.
Looking across the flickering flames, he watched many of the familiar faces he had come to know better on the journey. They all were solemn but many were in higher spirits upon arriving in the Hither Lands, which comforted him somewhat, that they still had hope and happiness within themselves. He still had an emptiness in his heart that had not left since the last few days upon the sea of ice. Elenwë's death still hung freshly in his mind. The cousin he had been the closest to since his early elfling years was gone and he did not know how he could bear this weight.
He felt as if he wanted to yell until he no longer had any breath and released all his pent up feelings that were swirling around in his mind. Glorfindel did not, however, and remained as he was. He was not the type to let himself lose control. It was a vulnerability he would not put himself into.
As he finished his glance around the circle encompassing the fire, he realized there was one particular face he was missing. He stood and sought out Finrod who sat with Fingolfin, speaking in quiet voices together.
"Lord Glorfindel," Fingolfin greeted as he saw the golden haired elf approach. "You seem troubled, nilmo. What can I do for you to ease your mind?"
"My soul aches for those dear to me who have been lost," Glorfindel answered. "Not much can soothe my thoughts for now."
"You feel as we all do," Finrod answered sadly. "For now we must remain strong together and support each other."
"You are right, Finrod," Glorfindel answered but then turned to Fingolfin. " I came in search of my friend, your son, for I have not been able to find him. I wish to see how he is dealing without my dear cousin."
"I saw him wander off on his own an hour or so ago," Fingolfin answered, pointing away from the camp in the direction of the nearby water of the firth. "He is nearby I believe, he would not have wandered far."
"Thank you," Glorfindel said with a small bow of his head to the Noldor king and then headed off in the direction he pointed to.
With the glow of the fire behind him, Glorfindel attempted to focus into the dark night to find his friend. He eventually found himself on the shores of the outlet, without having found Turgon. He no longer felt the warmth of the fire on his back but was entranced by the soft crash of the waves in front of him as he wondered where Turgon had went. A quiet noise caught his attention and Glorfindel followed the soft, muffled sounds around a small dune of sand. There he found a bent over figure whose face was covered by strong hands as he wept. The light brown head bobbed slightly as he quietly cried to himself, still unaware of Glorfindel's approach. Glorfindel slowly knelt beside his kinsman and put a hand over his broad shoulder to make himself known. Turgon lifted his head to meet Glorfindel's gaze. The pale glow of the distant fire played across Turgon's tear-streaked face as his friend looked upon him.
"You need not mourn alone," Glorfindel said quietly after several silent seconds.
"I do not wish to burden others," Turgon spoke.
"Why?" Glorfindel asked, a touch of hurt in his voice. He hated to see his long time friend in this state but it wounded him more to know that his friend felt he was unable to come to him in his grief. "You are no burden to me. I am and always have been here to help you."
Turgon did not answer him but turned his gaze to the dark sea before them.
"I'm sorry," he said finally, his voice cracking.
"For what?" Glorfindel asked, concern crossing his face.
"I should not have fought against you," Turgon said, hanging his head low. "I should have been there for Idril first."
Glorfindel felt his heart sink as he watched his close friend fall apart in his grief. He did not know the same immense pain as Turgon did since a bound couple could be stronger and closer than blood kin at times, but he wanted to help him regain his strength and composure to lead everyone on beside his father, the king of the Noldor.
"You do not need to apologize," Glorfindel said. "It pained me to do that to you. I would have dove in right beside you but you needed to stay. I had to go with what Elenwë would have wanted, for you to protect your family when she no longer could."
"I know," Turgon sadly sighed and brought his eyes to look upon the dark distance once more. "She's out there somewhere. I do not know if I can leave the sea's side for long without feeling her slipping away from my mind."
"Your bond was strong," Glorfindel said. "Her place within you will not fade and you will not either, for her sake and for Idril's."
Turgon suddenly stood and Glorfindel did as well, watching to see what his friend was going to do. The brunette elf looked out upon the waters once more before tearing his eyes away and began to walk toward the camp.
"You are a good friend, Glorfindel," Turgon said. "I am glad you came with us on this journey. I do not know what I would do without your counsel."
They made their way toward the fire once more but Turgon halted a ways outside of the surrounding circle of Noldor just beyond the bright halo of light. Glorfindel stopped beside him and noticed him watching three elves.
"Aredhel has been wonderful lately," Turgon said as he watched his blonde sister holding Idril and Elrilya close to her as she whispered things to them. "She will be as much of a mother to them as she can without replacing their true ones."
"She is a protector at heart," Glorfindel agreed. "She knows her place in the family and what is needed of her even if it is not expected."
"I am lucky to count so many around me to be supportive," Turgon said softly.
"As we are fortunate to have you with us," Glorfindel said with a small smile.
Turgon returned what he could muster of a smile and then strode to his kin. Idril rose as she saw her father approach and she quickly wrapped her arms around his neck as he embraced her. Glorfindel could not help but be reminded of how much Idril took after her mother. Hopefully she will help him remain steadfast as a reminder of his love, Glorfindel thought to himself as he watched from afar.
****
Elrilya wandered along the path the Noldor took as they continued their journey inland from the sea in search of their betrayers. She kept her view on the soft spongy grass below her feet as she went about her way. The scenery of the Hither Lands had not been much to busy the mind for all that could be seen in the twilight were the distant silhouettes of the mountainous terrain ahead.
Her face appeared distant as Elrilya thought to herself. She had been feeling a strange uneasiness building within herself as she knew they neared Fëanor and his own troop. She feared even coming face to face with the one she saw as her parents' slayer and what may come of the bitterness Fingolfin's followers had for their betrayers. She knew she could not do such a thing like another Kinslaying if it came to that again between the two groups but disquiet still pulsed in the back of her mind. She had become so deeply involved in her thoughts that she almost did not register the figure that strode up beside her.
"Elrilya, you should not wander far from the group," Glorfindel warned. "These are dark times and unknown territories, everyone should stay close together."
"I am sorry," she said as she brought her eyes down, chastised. "I did not mean to. I was just thinking to myself."
"That is fine," Glorfindel said. "Just be careful."
"I will try," Elrilya said with a small smile as she raised her eyes back up to his face. "Glorfindel, may I ask you a favor?"
Glorfindel's eyebrows perked up at the question, "What may that be?"
"Will you teach me how to fight?" she said suddenly and then noticed his astonished reaction. "I mean swordfight or learn to use another weapon."
"Why do you want to do that?" Glorfindel asked skeptically.
Elrilya did not answer right away; she was still taken aback by his continued reaction at her request.
"It will only be to protect myself," she said finally. "So that I am not completely helpless in a situation. As you said, these are dangerous times and perhaps it would be a good idea that I learned how to defend myself."
"I will have to think this over," Glorfindel said hesitantly. "As well as discuss it with Turgon, I do not know what he would say to this."
"I think he will agree to it," Elrilya said confidently. "Otherwise, Idril and I might give him grief until he gives in."
Glorfindel chuckled as he saw the impish grin spread across Elrilya's face. He pulled her closer to him in a friendly embrace as he put his arm around her shoulder to lead her back toward the main group.
"It is good to see you in high spirits once more," Glorfindel said honestly. "Gloom does not suit you."
Elrilya smiled broader at his compliments and turned shyly away blushing at his kind words. Glorfindel caught his breath in his throat as he saw her face almost glow in the twilight but it was then that he realized another source had cast the shine down upon them and the others. Looking up in the sky above them, a round shape of silver rose bringing a soft light to the accustomed darkness.
All the Noldor stopped in their marching as they looked in awe upon this new sight that held a light so similar to the tree of Telperion that once shone brightly in Valinor. Further ahead, Fingon and those about him raised their horns and trumpets to herald the new sign. It was a good omen to them that a better time was coming. Others along the line took up the call as well and soon the entire valley was echoing with the strong, deep sounds of their approach into the Hither Lands.
"It is a wondrous thing," Elrilya said finally as the trumpets finally died down and the troop began to move again at a happier pace.
"Yes, It is," Glorfindel agreed. "It is comforting to see that the Valar still have love in their hearts to care for our well being and steadfast beliefs in them."
Further back among her relatives, Idril eyed her friend carefully but a small smile perked at her lips as she watched from afar. Turgon saw the color return to his daughter's appearance and it heartened him a bit to see her feeling better and not focusing on her mother's death that still brooded within his own self. To him, she looked like her mother the first time Turgon had seen her in Valinor under the Two Trees, the same familiar silver light playing across her fair hair.
"How are you faring?" Aredhel said stepping up beside her brother.
"I am well," Turgon said simply though it was only partly true.
"It seems all our hearts have been lifted a little this day," she said knowingly, not further prodding her brother about his feelings. "And our young ones seem to be feeling it as well."
"I see I am not the only one to notice," Turgon said with a sigh. "If Idril and Elrilya had not come back to their normal selves in too long a time, I do not know how I could bear to see their pain and grief."
"It is your strength and love that helps keep them going," Aredhel said comfortingly as she took Turgon's arm into hers. "And others as well."
"Oh?" Turgon said with an upturned eyebrow.
Aredhel motioned toward Turgon's good friend and adopted daughter, "She has taken to him over our travels. She looks up to him as an important, resolute point in her life."
"He sees her as family, like a younger sister he is looking over," Turgon said with a contented sigh. "Glorfindel is a great part of our family, I cannot imagine him not being a part of it."
"Perhaps we shall make it out of this not over scathed after all," Aredhel said.
Glossary
Isil: moon
nilmo: (male) friend
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