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: I want to make a quick note about this chapter. There is a lot of dialogue concerning the scene in Turgon's throne room that is included in/ The Silmarillion/. I felt that if I quoted and footnoted it all that it might detach from the story and seem like I did not write much to it at all; thus making me feel bad like I'm gypping you readers by doing it verbatim. However, I decided to keep quotes by Eöl since he's got some pretty prophetic sayings that I could never do justice. If you wish to read the book account, see the chapter "Of Maeglin" in The Silmarillion. Gee, this one got long so I hope you do not suffer through it too much, I wanted to get this right.
Chapter Warning: Character death is in this one. Well technically there are two deaths but only one important one.
Chapter Forty-Three: Martamánu
"It is true," Aredhel said quietly. "The one by the name of Eöl, held captive, is my husband and sire to my son. We had to flee from him so that we could come here and I had hoped we escaped him but that does not seem so. Bring him here to us but do not slay him, my brother, until you may decide what is to come of him for coming along the secret path."
"So be it," Turgon said, giving his agreement to what Aredhel said to him and he nodded to the messenger to do so. "I wish to see the Elda who has been with my sister all these years."
Quietly, Elrilya went to Glorfindel's side where he stood nearby contemplating the recent development. All present in the room had noticed the tense fear that Aredhel had in her trembling voice. Elrilya had also seen the keen but quick glance from Glorfindel to the other guards in the room that gave them notice to keep on guard in case this Eöl did not act very kindly. Turgon seemed to want to give the Sinda the benefit of the doubt for the time being. A hand resting on the rounded end of his sword's hilt, the golden lord awaited the arrival of Turgon's law-brother with everyone else, a wary eye on the large wooden doors. A warm, gentle hand on his arm drew his attention away as a pair of comforting eyes caught his.
"Do not let this mar your happiness of having Aredhel returned," Elrilya said softly. "We can only hope that he is not as strange as he seems to be upon her reaction."
"I would if I were able to," Glorfindel whispered back. "I do not have a calm in my heart over this."
"We shall wait and see then," she said, squeezing his arm tenderly. "No matter what, we must be strong for Ecthelion through this. He will not take it well."
"Indeed," Glorfindel said, barely above a whisper.
They waited in silence the rest of the time, Elrilya by Glorfindel's side and Aredhel with her son sitting by Turgon and Idril while some of the palace guard stood by. After what seemed like forever, the doors to the throne room parted open with loud creaks to reveal Aredhel's husband, flanked on all sides by soldiers from the gate. Eöl stood tall and proud among the Noldori guard, his silvery hair shining in the sun and not sundered at all from his usual foraying in the twilight. His eyes flashed with an intensity that revealed the air of distaste he held for the Noldor but yet, still seemed slightly amazed at all that he had seen in Gondolin thus far. However, it was hastily swept away as he laid eyes on Aredhel and Maeglin at Turgon's side, the King's scepter and circlet crown sparkling with a matching intensity of the city's white walls upon the green valley of Tumladen.
"Milord," the leading soldier said with a bow before stepping out of the way for the King to view the one whom he presented.
"Welcome to my halls and city," Turgon said with a slight smile on his lips to show his kindness toward Eöl as he stepped forward toward him, his hand held out in greeting. "I receive you as the kinsman you are to me and gladly you shall dwell here among us and be accepted as thus. Though, I must lay the rule upon you and expect you to follow it since you found the Hidden Way to Gondolin. From here you may not take leave beyond the mountain borders of my realm. For I will not consent for any to give word as to where this city is hidden."
Elrilya noticed a visible shudder pass through Aredhel as she watched her husband and brother meeting. She sat as ladylike and proper as possible but her eyes betrayed the fear that held her silent. Maeglin, who had been one for few words since his appearance, remained the same but watched his father without any signs of fear or uncertainty. Not even when his sire drew away from Turgon's open hand did he flinch.
"I acknowledge not your law," he said. "No right have you or any of your kin in this land to seize realms or to set bounds, either here or there. This is the land of the Teleri, to which you bring war and unquiet, dealing ever proudly and unjustly. I care nothing for your secrets and I came not to spy upon you, but to claim my own: my wife and my son. Yet if in Aredhel your sister you have some claim, then let her remain; let the bird go back to the cage, where soon she will sicken again, as she sickened before. But not so Maeglin. My son you shall not withhold from me. Come, Maeglin son of Eöl! Your father commands you. Leave the house of his enemies and the slayers of his kin, or be accursed!"*
All eyes fell to Turgon upon whom Eöl had spewed his angry insults but no sooner did their quick stares go from Turgon to Maeglin. The dark-haired ellon sat by his mother's side while many waited to see his answer, if any at all. Turgon, not letting his reaction show on his proud and stone-still face, did not react immediately but kept his patience as he was revered and known for, save but one instance when word of Aredhel's disappearance had come.
Elrilya found that she had been holding her breath during the course of Eöl's tirade and let it out slowly. Looking upon her own mate, she could sense nothing from Glorfindel as he intently eyed the situation before them. She would not come between him and duty once she noticed he had smoothly transitioned into his role as captain to the king. His hand still rested on his sword's hilt, the other at his side motionless but Elrilya knew it was coursing with adrenaline and the common anxiousness that came during tense conditions.
"Quarrelling against my law will bring no change, Dark Elf," Turgon began, choosing his words carefully. "The dark, cursed woods of your home are free of dangers, a protection brought by the arms of the Noldor. If not for their pains you may likely have found yourself at Morgoth's bidding in Angband. I am King in these lands no matter what you may believe. I have given you a choice, of life here or die, as is the same to your son."
Again a silence reigned and echoed in the chamber as the two players set upon a match of strength and will with each other. Elrilya, as well as all present, watched with apprehensive expressions as the face-off continued well past a minute. Glorfindel seemed to be the only other one present, besides the king and elf of Nan Elmoth, who remained stoic and statue-still. Eöl was silent, his sharp glance not leaving Turgon's own stern stare, silently contemplating his decision while at the same time, attempting to disarm and turn away his opponent. It was with surprise though when Eöl suddenly pulled his cloak aside, pulling a long item from underneath.
"The second choice I take and for my son also! You shall not hold what is mine!"*
The glint of the metal pointed-tip caught the eyes of the guard as the javelin, held by Eöl, was positioned to be thrown at Maeglin. They had no time to neither react nor move in to stay his movements before the deadly weapon was airborne toward its target. Glorfindel had sprung into action immediately upon viewing Eöl's rapid movement but even he was not swift enough. Maeglin's eyes had widened upon realization for but a moment until Aredhel crossed his line of sight.
"Naneth!" Maeglin cried as his mother crumpled to the floor as an ear-piercing cry tore through the room from her throat.
A mob of Gondolindrim soldiers descended upon Eöl as he disappeared beneath a tackle of swarming bodies holding him and shoving him roughly to the hard floor. Glorfindel, after ascertaining that Eöl was well guarded and bound, turned to find Elrilya on the ground beside Aredhel as Maeglin cradled his mother. Idril came next with items she had found nearby to press against Aredhel's wound that was bleeding but not at too alarming rate. The javelin stick had broken off as Aredhel had fallen, the blade still embedded in her shoulder.
"Take him to a cell this instant!" Turgon bellowed to his soldiers.
Elrilya, having just come from her place in the healing halls before Aredhel's return, had many of the needed items for helping Aredhel but she still needed the care of several healers and medicaments.
"Maeglin, you must hold her still," Elrilya told the young elf as she attempted to remove the blade.
Looking into the eyes of the dark-haired elf, Elrilya knew her words did not reach him. He sat with his eyes trained on his father, yelling and cursing Aredhel and Maeglin as he was dragged away to the dungeons.
*
"Turgon, I beg you, do not take his life," Aredhel pleaded. "There has been enough death between Eldari kin."
"I cannot merely let one go who made an attempt to take your son's life," Turgon said.
"Ata, please," Idril asked, sitting by Aredhel's bedside. "Aredhel is well and has been brought back to us once more. Let him be and perhaps in time he will come to realize his mistakes."
"And if he does not? What shall I do with him then?" the King asked. "He is set in his ways."
"He must not be thinking rightly," Idril said. "He might have fallen ill ere his arrival here."
Turgon eyed his sister who averted her eyes as he seemed to question her as to whether it was possible he was ill or that Eöl always acted as he had that day.
"I do not wish to take a risk of letting him free in the city if he is attempting to convince us of a madness that is false," Turgon said.
"Why else would he try to kill his love?" Idril countered, not noticing that Aredhel had neglected to speak up in defense of her words. "He does not deserve to die if he is not of his own control."
"Would you say the same if Aredhel died?" Turgon said to his daughter.
They both were quiet at his words. The only sounds in the healing chambers had been of their talking until the silence reigned. The few trustworthy healers present, including Elrilya, paused in their current tasks at the sudden hush. The three royal family members had been discussing the fate of Eöl since Aredhel's pain had subsided and the bleeding from her wound stopped. Turgon had not been kind in his binding of limbs and incarceration of the Dark Elf in the deep dungeons of the city, his distrust and dislike of the one who had held his sister away for so long was now incredibly prominent after the day's events. It was beyond shock to the healers and Turgon that Aredhel and Idril sought to spare him death.
Elrilya eyed the three carefully as she mixed an herb remedy to help Aredhel's injury heal swiftly. She personally did not trust the dreadful Elda and Glorfindel had seemed very wary of him to begin with at first sight. She only hoped some good would come of whatever decision Turgon would settle on eventually. In the meantime, Glorfindel had kept Maeglin preoccupied with settling in his mother's old rooms that Turgon had kept the same and unchanged for the past decades. It would be for the best if he did not worry his mother overmuch or vice versa and Glorfindel and taken it upon himself to help the unfortunate ellon in becoming comfortable in his new home.
"I do not know," Idril said finally with a heavy breath. "I will, however, abide by any judgment you make, Atar."
"Thank you," he said and looked to Aredhel who also agreed with a nod. "I hope to have you and Maeglin come to the evening meal with us. For now, I must deal with your troublesome husband."
Turgon gave a loving kiss to his sister's forehead and then turned away to go about his duties. After a few moments in the quiet room, another figure entered the doorway. Noticing Ecthelion, Idril, patting Aredhel's hand, went to leave. She did not know of their secret liaison but she had always suspected the dark-haired soldier had feelings for her aunt but never acted upon them, much to her unknowing. The other healers, needing to attend to other duties, followed her out.
Elrilya gave a supportive smile in Ecthelion's direction as she passed him to go in the other room to give some privacy. He nodded in return, a small trace of upturned lips in a nervous smile reflected back to her as his gaze passed over Elrilya and then to what lay behind her. Organizing items and cleaning the stone countertop where many supplies were handled and prepared for use, Elrilya could not help but strain her ears for anything that might be said; however, quiet was all that came to her. After a few minutes, muffled speech was audible but she could not make out the words so she returned to focusing on her tasks. It was when another person entered the room that she turned her attention away.
"Maeglin," she said in greeting as she noticed the dark-haired ellon enter the healing chambers. "Your Naneth is doing well. You may go see her if you wish."
"I would, thank you," he said quietly before heading toward the room Aredhel and Ecthelion were.
"We will talk," Elrilya could hear Aredhel say to Ecthelion. "Tonight."
"I shall look forward to that," Ecthelion said. "Good day, to both of you."
Ecthelion began to walk to leave through the room where Elrilya stood. She stayed him for a moment, as he seemed a little dazed by finding Aredhel alive even though she had become bound to another but he seemed a little joyful nonetheless that she had indeed survived and not died. Elrilya noted this as she caught his gaze, the telltale twinkle seemingly back to his eyes.
"Join us for the evening meal," she invited him, knowing everyone else was detained for the late afternoon. "The both of you will be staying the night in the city before going back to your duties in the morn."
"That is kind of you," he answered, taking her hand in his. "I shall be by your home before dusk."
*
"What has Turgon decided will happen to the Dark Elf?" Ecthelion asked as he sipped his wine.
"Idril and Aredhel have asked him to pardon Eöl," Glorfindel said as he took a draught of his own drink. "Quite a show of leniency I am certain he would not use for such a transgression."
"I agree," Ecthelion said, his voice quiet but a strenuous tone was noticeably detected by Glorfindel. "We will see if this Elda will accept his punishment or the rules of remaining here."
"Yes, we shall," Glorfindel also settled, then leaned forward to be closer to his friend. "How do you fare? This has been a astonishment for us all but I cannot envisage what you are thinking."
Ecthelion smiled timidly but sadly, his eyes looking downward as he sat back into the pillows of the couch in Glorfindel's sitting room.
"What would be expected of one who grieved for his beloved for nigh over a quarter century?" he said in response, then raised his eyes to Glorfindel hauntingly. "I had finally come to acknowledge her death and she returns."
"That must be good to feel though," Glorfindel said.
"Hardly. To hear that my love had returned from the dead yet had come with a fellow traveler who happens to be her new son with another whose arms I drove her into?" Ecthelion gave a snort of slight disgust but sighed. "I still love her, no matter what has happened. Yet the Valar must truly enjoy their devilry in mocking a wounded soul."
"Aiya, Ecthelion," Glorfindel said, reaching out a hand to him in comfort. "Do not speak thusly. I hate to speak the terrible thoughts I have but what of Aredhel if Turgon seeks to have him meet his doom? It has not been unheard of for one to seek another mate."
Ecthelion nodded, knowing well the story of Finwë, MÃriel, and Indis but that was hardly the norm among the Eldari. When one took a mate, it was for eternity.
"I do not know if I could forgive her," he said quietly. "Yet, I cannot deny I felt my heart swell with the love we once shared when I saw her for the first time since she left."
"In time you will discover what will become of you both," Glorfindel nodded.
"That is what she and I are to discuss tonight," Ecthelion responded.
"It shall go well," Glorfindel said with a smile then glanced toward the dining room. "Come, I believe Elrilya is nearly done preparing the meal."
The golden lord led his friend into the dining room where his spouse was placing platters of poultry and vegetables on the table. She motioned for them to begin eating as she went into the kitchen area for a final selection of food to bring out. However, a hurried knock at the front door caught their attention. Over their link, Glorfindel told her to come as soon as she could back to the table once she shooed the person at the door away. He and Ecthelion had already started into their meal when Glorfindel felt dread wash over him. Ecthelion did not miss the change in his friend's demeanor and mood as he froze in place suddenly.
"What is it?" Ecthelion asked.
"Elrilya will not be joining us. She must go to the healing chambers immediately," Glorfindel said, and then paused before he spoke again. "It is Aredhel."
He watched Ecthelion, as the dark-haired lord seemed to blanch in front of him, fear and worry possessing him once more as it had when first word of Aredhel's disappearance came decades before.
"What is the matter with her?" Ecthelion questioned, his voice quaking ever so slightly. "Was she not fully cared for earlier?"
"I do not understand it either," Glorfindel replied carefully. "All the healers have been recalled. It may be nothing at all, possibly Turgon being over-protective of his sister once again now that he is able."
Ecthelion tried to laugh but the chuckle came out hollow and empty in the air. They both stared at their food as they tried to find the appetite they had lost minutes before.
"We may go to the hall outside the chambers if you wish," Glorfindel offered, sensing the uncertainty in his friend.
"Yes," Ecthelion answered as he stood to retrieve his things.
Together they quickly strode to the palace where the adjoining healing chambers were located. As they traveled, not a word was spoken but Glorfindel could sense the intensity of the moment Ecthelion held around him. He only hoped the night would not end horribly.
*
Turgon and Maeglin waited outside of the healing chambers with the King's two captains, waiting for information on Aredhel. Turgon had told Glorfindel and Ecthelion that Maeglin had found his mother collapsed on the ground and unconscious after returning from the kitchens with a small meal for himself since she had said she was not hungry. Taking his mother in his arms and running to Turgon's nearby rooms, the young ellon sought his uncle's help in finding what ailed Aredhel.
In the meantime, Turgon attempted to console his sister-son that Aredhel's health would not fail. Idril had come to his side in comfort as well, holding Maeglin's hand tightly like a sister protecting a younger brother. The healers had been working tirelessly for hours once Aredhel had arrived in their care but little information was given about their toils. When Elrilya finally came out to the lingering family and friends, she was visibly tired and exhausted yet her face revealed the outcome.
"There is nothing we can do," she said as Turgon had come up to her, taking her weary hands in his, seeing her tired body too fatigued to even weep. "There was poison on the blade that we had not noticed before. Aredhel spoke of no burning so we did not think to check for it."
No one spoke after her words rang hollowly in their minds and the room. Ecthelion's eyes were downcast, as he appeared to be struggling within himself. Turgon squeezed Elrilya's hands reassuringly as he fought his own emotions that wanted to spill. Idril had begun to weep, holding her father's arm for support. Glorfindel curled his arm around his wife, knowing the pain of failing one close to her was beginning to take its course. Maeglin was the only one who showed no reaction on his stoic face but only seemed to look beyond those in front of him into the corridor that led to where his mother breathed her final moments away.
"I will go to her," Turgon said after a while of silence, removing himself from the group.
They gave him a some time before Idril went to join her father to give her own farewells. Maeglin soon followed, his movements stiff and unfeeling, as he seemed to face death for the first time in his short life. After several more minutes had passed, Glorfindel left Elrilya's side as he went on his way to have his last minutes with Aredhel.
The hallway walls around him seemed to go on forever as he struggled to go further. He had seen death before when Elenwë had died, in battle and other situations yet somehow it seemed much more personal than the Kinslaying, a close family member, or any skirmishes and wars he had been involved with. All had been swift, quick deaths with hardly any suffering. Even the death of Elrilya's mother had not been as torturous. Here, Aredhel was fully aware of what was coming and was withering in pain and fear as to what was about to overcome the little strength she still held onto to stay in their world.
Finally coming to the room, Glorfindel stood in the doorway as he viewed Aredhel lying in bed. Her skin was pale and nearly translucent while beads of sweat dripped off her forehead as she struggled to breathe. His feet began to move toward her and he found himself eventually kneeling at her bedside, taking her clammy hand into his. His other hand tenderly smoothed her hair as she turned her face to look at him.
"Glorfindel," she whispered, her voice tired. "I wish I could say everything I want to... and to thank you."
"There is no need," he said, trying to smile through his turmoil. "We shall meet again one day."
She nodded as much as she could, "Please, do not let Ecthelion dwell on my death or fade. Have him live."
"I will," Glorfindel promised, not realizing that Turgon was nearby with Maeglin, leaning against the wall.
"Live your love with Elrilya that he and I never fully had," she said. "That is my only want of you to follow."
"I understand and we will," he said simply then squeezed her hand. "Do you wish to see him? He is waiting nearby."
"I do," she said, a deep breath racking her body's frame. "Thank you, nilmo."
Glorfindel nodded as he stood, leaving one final glance her way before turning towards the doorway. Elrilya, knowing Aredhel's words to Glorfindel, had led Ecthelion into the chambers, his face ashen and as grave as Aredhel's. He took the place where Glorfindel had been kneeling at before, taking both hands of Aredhel's that she reached with for him.
"I apologize... that we cannot talk tonight," she said, tears clouding her eyes. "There is much I wanted to say to you. That I never meant my words that day."
"Do not speak," Ecthelion shushed her quietly. "There is no use in quibbling over that fateful day at this moment."
"If I had not left..."
"No," he said, cutting her off from speaking. "I love you, Aredhel. Always will you be mine and I no one else's but yours."
Without a word, he slipped a gold band onto her index finger. The tears that had been threatening to fall finally spilled out of Aredhel's eyes as she tried to come closer to him, feeling the very essence of his love and physical form under her touch so that she would not forget as she waited for him in the spirit dwelling of Námo's. He pressed a tender kiss but it was still intense with the love they had for each other and knowing it would be the last until they were reunited.
"I love you, melindo," she whispered back as her eyelids hovered dangerously low.
And with her final breath, Aredhel Ar-Feiniel sister to Turgon and daughter of Fingolfin left the living world in her beloved's arms and in the presence of those who loved her.
*
Storm clouds hung above the city of Gondolin that grieved a second time at the passing of Aredhel, the White Lady of the Noldor. The quiet masses had gathered on the steps, walls and towers overlooking the view of the Caragdûr where their King stood with his family. The soldier guards joined him, holding the shackled Dark Elf, Eöl, who was responsible for Aredhel's death. Turgon had made his judgment not to give leniency or pardon but death as the elf had brought upon them. As Eöl was led to the precipice by two soldiers, he turned to face them but particularly to see his son, Maeglin.
"So you forsake your father and his kin, ill-gotten son! Here shall you fail of all your hopes, and here may you yet die the same death as I!"*
Thus he was sent to his doom as they threw him from the ledge onto the black rock below without a word from his progeny. Ecthelion's face was hard and unmoving as he remained watching the place his love's killer had come to meet his own fate. Idril stood nearby, a thoughtful expression present on her face as she pondered the meaning to Eöl's words.
* Words spoken by Eöl in The Silmarillion.
Glossary
Martamánu: fated departed spirit
Naneth: mother (Sindarin)
Gondolindrim: elves residing in Gondolin
Atar: father (Quenya)
Melindo: lover
Nilmo: friend (male)
Author's Note: I want to make a quick note about this chapter. There is a lot of dialogue concerning the scene in Turgon's throne room that is included in/ The Silmarillion/. I felt that if I quoted and footnoted it all that it might detach from the story and seem like I did not write much to it at all; thus making me feel bad like I'm gypping you readers by doing it verbatim. However, I decided to keep quotes by Eöl since he's got some pretty prophetic sayings that I could never do justice. If you wish to read the book account, see the chapter "Of Maeglin" in The Silmarillion. Gee, this one got long so I hope you do not suffer through it too much, I wanted to get this right.
Chapter Warning: Character death is in this one. Well technically there are two deaths but only one important one.
Chapter Forty-Three: Martamánu
"It is true," Aredhel said quietly. "The one by the name of Eöl, held captive, is my husband and sire to my son. We had to flee from him so that we could come here and I had hoped we escaped him but that does not seem so. Bring him here to us but do not slay him, my brother, until you may decide what is to come of him for coming along the secret path."
"So be it," Turgon said, giving his agreement to what Aredhel said to him and he nodded to the messenger to do so. "I wish to see the Elda who has been with my sister all these years."
Quietly, Elrilya went to Glorfindel's side where he stood nearby contemplating the recent development. All present in the room had noticed the tense fear that Aredhel had in her trembling voice. Elrilya had also seen the keen but quick glance from Glorfindel to the other guards in the room that gave them notice to keep on guard in case this Eöl did not act very kindly. Turgon seemed to want to give the Sinda the benefit of the doubt for the time being. A hand resting on the rounded end of his sword's hilt, the golden lord awaited the arrival of Turgon's law-brother with everyone else, a wary eye on the large wooden doors. A warm, gentle hand on his arm drew his attention away as a pair of comforting eyes caught his.
"Do not let this mar your happiness of having Aredhel returned," Elrilya said softly. "We can only hope that he is not as strange as he seems to be upon her reaction."
"I would if I were able to," Glorfindel whispered back. "I do not have a calm in my heart over this."
"We shall wait and see then," she said, squeezing his arm tenderly. "No matter what, we must be strong for Ecthelion through this. He will not take it well."
"Indeed," Glorfindel said, barely above a whisper.
They waited in silence the rest of the time, Elrilya by Glorfindel's side and Aredhel with her son sitting by Turgon and Idril while some of the palace guard stood by. After what seemed like forever, the doors to the throne room parted open with loud creaks to reveal Aredhel's husband, flanked on all sides by soldiers from the gate. Eöl stood tall and proud among the Noldori guard, his silvery hair shining in the sun and not sundered at all from his usual foraying in the twilight. His eyes flashed with an intensity that revealed the air of distaste he held for the Noldor but yet, still seemed slightly amazed at all that he had seen in Gondolin thus far. However, it was hastily swept away as he laid eyes on Aredhel and Maeglin at Turgon's side, the King's scepter and circlet crown sparkling with a matching intensity of the city's white walls upon the green valley of Tumladen.
"Milord," the leading soldier said with a bow before stepping out of the way for the King to view the one whom he presented.
"Welcome to my halls and city," Turgon said with a slight smile on his lips to show his kindness toward Eöl as he stepped forward toward him, his hand held out in greeting. "I receive you as the kinsman you are to me and gladly you shall dwell here among us and be accepted as thus. Though, I must lay the rule upon you and expect you to follow it since you found the Hidden Way to Gondolin. From here you may not take leave beyond the mountain borders of my realm. For I will not consent for any to give word as to where this city is hidden."
Elrilya noticed a visible shudder pass through Aredhel as she watched her husband and brother meeting. She sat as ladylike and proper as possible but her eyes betrayed the fear that held her silent. Maeglin, who had been one for few words since his appearance, remained the same but watched his father without any signs of fear or uncertainty. Not even when his sire drew away from Turgon's open hand did he flinch.
"I acknowledge not your law," he said. "No right have you or any of your kin in this land to seize realms or to set bounds, either here or there. This is the land of the Teleri, to which you bring war and unquiet, dealing ever proudly and unjustly. I care nothing for your secrets and I came not to spy upon you, but to claim my own: my wife and my son. Yet if in Aredhel your sister you have some claim, then let her remain; let the bird go back to the cage, where soon she will sicken again, as she sickened before. But not so Maeglin. My son you shall not withhold from me. Come, Maeglin son of Eöl! Your father commands you. Leave the house of his enemies and the slayers of his kin, or be accursed!"*
All eyes fell to Turgon upon whom Eöl had spewed his angry insults but no sooner did their quick stares go from Turgon to Maeglin. The dark-haired ellon sat by his mother's side while many waited to see his answer, if any at all. Turgon, not letting his reaction show on his proud and stone-still face, did not react immediately but kept his patience as he was revered and known for, save but one instance when word of Aredhel's disappearance had come.
Elrilya found that she had been holding her breath during the course of Eöl's tirade and let it out slowly. Looking upon her own mate, she could sense nothing from Glorfindel as he intently eyed the situation before them. She would not come between him and duty once she noticed he had smoothly transitioned into his role as captain to the king. His hand still rested on his sword's hilt, the other at his side motionless but Elrilya knew it was coursing with adrenaline and the common anxiousness that came during tense conditions.
"Quarrelling against my law will bring no change, Dark Elf," Turgon began, choosing his words carefully. "The dark, cursed woods of your home are free of dangers, a protection brought by the arms of the Noldor. If not for their pains you may likely have found yourself at Morgoth's bidding in Angband. I am King in these lands no matter what you may believe. I have given you a choice, of life here or die, as is the same to your son."
Again a silence reigned and echoed in the chamber as the two players set upon a match of strength and will with each other. Elrilya, as well as all present, watched with apprehensive expressions as the face-off continued well past a minute. Glorfindel seemed to be the only other one present, besides the king and elf of Nan Elmoth, who remained stoic and statue-still. Eöl was silent, his sharp glance not leaving Turgon's own stern stare, silently contemplating his decision while at the same time, attempting to disarm and turn away his opponent. It was with surprise though when Eöl suddenly pulled his cloak aside, pulling a long item from underneath.
"The second choice I take and for my son also! You shall not hold what is mine!"*
The glint of the metal pointed-tip caught the eyes of the guard as the javelin, held by Eöl, was positioned to be thrown at Maeglin. They had no time to neither react nor move in to stay his movements before the deadly weapon was airborne toward its target. Glorfindel had sprung into action immediately upon viewing Eöl's rapid movement but even he was not swift enough. Maeglin's eyes had widened upon realization for but a moment until Aredhel crossed his line of sight.
"Naneth!" Maeglin cried as his mother crumpled to the floor as an ear-piercing cry tore through the room from her throat.
A mob of Gondolindrim soldiers descended upon Eöl as he disappeared beneath a tackle of swarming bodies holding him and shoving him roughly to the hard floor. Glorfindel, after ascertaining that Eöl was well guarded and bound, turned to find Elrilya on the ground beside Aredhel as Maeglin cradled his mother. Idril came next with items she had found nearby to press against Aredhel's wound that was bleeding but not at too alarming rate. The javelin stick had broken off as Aredhel had fallen, the blade still embedded in her shoulder.
"Take him to a cell this instant!" Turgon bellowed to his soldiers.
Elrilya, having just come from her place in the healing halls before Aredhel's return, had many of the needed items for helping Aredhel but she still needed the care of several healers and medicaments.
"Maeglin, you must hold her still," Elrilya told the young elf as she attempted to remove the blade.
Looking into the eyes of the dark-haired elf, Elrilya knew her words did not reach him. He sat with his eyes trained on his father, yelling and cursing Aredhel and Maeglin as he was dragged away to the dungeons.
*
"Turgon, I beg you, do not take his life," Aredhel pleaded. "There has been enough death between Eldari kin."
"I cannot merely let one go who made an attempt to take your son's life," Turgon said.
"Ata, please," Idril asked, sitting by Aredhel's bedside. "Aredhel is well and has been brought back to us once more. Let him be and perhaps in time he will come to realize his mistakes."
"And if he does not? What shall I do with him then?" the King asked. "He is set in his ways."
"He must not be thinking rightly," Idril said. "He might have fallen ill ere his arrival here."
Turgon eyed his sister who averted her eyes as he seemed to question her as to whether it was possible he was ill or that Eöl always acted as he had that day.
"I do not wish to take a risk of letting him free in the city if he is attempting to convince us of a madness that is false," Turgon said.
"Why else would he try to kill his love?" Idril countered, not noticing that Aredhel had neglected to speak up in defense of her words. "He does not deserve to die if he is not of his own control."
"Would you say the same if Aredhel died?" Turgon said to his daughter.
They both were quiet at his words. The only sounds in the healing chambers had been of their talking until the silence reigned. The few trustworthy healers present, including Elrilya, paused in their current tasks at the sudden hush. The three royal family members had been discussing the fate of Eöl since Aredhel's pain had subsided and the bleeding from her wound stopped. Turgon had not been kind in his binding of limbs and incarceration of the Dark Elf in the deep dungeons of the city, his distrust and dislike of the one who had held his sister away for so long was now incredibly prominent after the day's events. It was beyond shock to the healers and Turgon that Aredhel and Idril sought to spare him death.
Elrilya eyed the three carefully as she mixed an herb remedy to help Aredhel's injury heal swiftly. She personally did not trust the dreadful Elda and Glorfindel had seemed very wary of him to begin with at first sight. She only hoped some good would come of whatever decision Turgon would settle on eventually. In the meantime, Glorfindel had kept Maeglin preoccupied with settling in his mother's old rooms that Turgon had kept the same and unchanged for the past decades. It would be for the best if he did not worry his mother overmuch or vice versa and Glorfindel and taken it upon himself to help the unfortunate ellon in becoming comfortable in his new home.
"I do not know," Idril said finally with a heavy breath. "I will, however, abide by any judgment you make, Atar."
"Thank you," he said and looked to Aredhel who also agreed with a nod. "I hope to have you and Maeglin come to the evening meal with us. For now, I must deal with your troublesome husband."
Turgon gave a loving kiss to his sister's forehead and then turned away to go about his duties. After a few moments in the quiet room, another figure entered the doorway. Noticing Ecthelion, Idril, patting Aredhel's hand, went to leave. She did not know of their secret liaison but she had always suspected the dark-haired soldier had feelings for her aunt but never acted upon them, much to her unknowing. The other healers, needing to attend to other duties, followed her out.
Elrilya gave a supportive smile in Ecthelion's direction as she passed him to go in the other room to give some privacy. He nodded in return, a small trace of upturned lips in a nervous smile reflected back to her as his gaze passed over Elrilya and then to what lay behind her. Organizing items and cleaning the stone countertop where many supplies were handled and prepared for use, Elrilya could not help but strain her ears for anything that might be said; however, quiet was all that came to her. After a few minutes, muffled speech was audible but she could not make out the words so she returned to focusing on her tasks. It was when another person entered the room that she turned her attention away.
"Maeglin," she said in greeting as she noticed the dark-haired ellon enter the healing chambers. "Your Naneth is doing well. You may go see her if you wish."
"I would, thank you," he said quietly before heading toward the room Aredhel and Ecthelion were.
"We will talk," Elrilya could hear Aredhel say to Ecthelion. "Tonight."
"I shall look forward to that," Ecthelion said. "Good day, to both of you."
Ecthelion began to walk to leave through the room where Elrilya stood. She stayed him for a moment, as he seemed a little dazed by finding Aredhel alive even though she had become bound to another but he seemed a little joyful nonetheless that she had indeed survived and not died. Elrilya noted this as she caught his gaze, the telltale twinkle seemingly back to his eyes.
"Join us for the evening meal," she invited him, knowing everyone else was detained for the late afternoon. "The both of you will be staying the night in the city before going back to your duties in the morn."
"That is kind of you," he answered, taking her hand in his. "I shall be by your home before dusk."
*
"What has Turgon decided will happen to the Dark Elf?" Ecthelion asked as he sipped his wine.
"Idril and Aredhel have asked him to pardon Eöl," Glorfindel said as he took a draught of his own drink. "Quite a show of leniency I am certain he would not use for such a transgression."
"I agree," Ecthelion said, his voice quiet but a strenuous tone was noticeably detected by Glorfindel. "We will see if this Elda will accept his punishment or the rules of remaining here."
"Yes, we shall," Glorfindel also settled, then leaned forward to be closer to his friend. "How do you fare? This has been a astonishment for us all but I cannot envisage what you are thinking."
Ecthelion smiled timidly but sadly, his eyes looking downward as he sat back into the pillows of the couch in Glorfindel's sitting room.
"What would be expected of one who grieved for his beloved for nigh over a quarter century?" he said in response, then raised his eyes to Glorfindel hauntingly. "I had finally come to acknowledge her death and she returns."
"That must be good to feel though," Glorfindel said.
"Hardly. To hear that my love had returned from the dead yet had come with a fellow traveler who happens to be her new son with another whose arms I drove her into?" Ecthelion gave a snort of slight disgust but sighed. "I still love her, no matter what has happened. Yet the Valar must truly enjoy their devilry in mocking a wounded soul."
"Aiya, Ecthelion," Glorfindel said, reaching out a hand to him in comfort. "Do not speak thusly. I hate to speak the terrible thoughts I have but what of Aredhel if Turgon seeks to have him meet his doom? It has not been unheard of for one to seek another mate."
Ecthelion nodded, knowing well the story of Finwë, MÃriel, and Indis but that was hardly the norm among the Eldari. When one took a mate, it was for eternity.
"I do not know if I could forgive her," he said quietly. "Yet, I cannot deny I felt my heart swell with the love we once shared when I saw her for the first time since she left."
"In time you will discover what will become of you both," Glorfindel nodded.
"That is what she and I are to discuss tonight," Ecthelion responded.
"It shall go well," Glorfindel said with a smile then glanced toward the dining room. "Come, I believe Elrilya is nearly done preparing the meal."
The golden lord led his friend into the dining room where his spouse was placing platters of poultry and vegetables on the table. She motioned for them to begin eating as she went into the kitchen area for a final selection of food to bring out. However, a hurried knock at the front door caught their attention. Over their link, Glorfindel told her to come as soon as she could back to the table once she shooed the person at the door away. He and Ecthelion had already started into their meal when Glorfindel felt dread wash over him. Ecthelion did not miss the change in his friend's demeanor and mood as he froze in place suddenly.
"What is it?" Ecthelion asked.
"Elrilya will not be joining us. She must go to the healing chambers immediately," Glorfindel said, and then paused before he spoke again. "It is Aredhel."
He watched Ecthelion, as the dark-haired lord seemed to blanch in front of him, fear and worry possessing him once more as it had when first word of Aredhel's disappearance came decades before.
"What is the matter with her?" Ecthelion questioned, his voice quaking ever so slightly. "Was she not fully cared for earlier?"
"I do not understand it either," Glorfindel replied carefully. "All the healers have been recalled. It may be nothing at all, possibly Turgon being over-protective of his sister once again now that he is able."
Ecthelion tried to laugh but the chuckle came out hollow and empty in the air. They both stared at their food as they tried to find the appetite they had lost minutes before.
"We may go to the hall outside the chambers if you wish," Glorfindel offered, sensing the uncertainty in his friend.
"Yes," Ecthelion answered as he stood to retrieve his things.
Together they quickly strode to the palace where the adjoining healing chambers were located. As they traveled, not a word was spoken but Glorfindel could sense the intensity of the moment Ecthelion held around him. He only hoped the night would not end horribly.
*
Turgon and Maeglin waited outside of the healing chambers with the King's two captains, waiting for information on Aredhel. Turgon had told Glorfindel and Ecthelion that Maeglin had found his mother collapsed on the ground and unconscious after returning from the kitchens with a small meal for himself since she had said she was not hungry. Taking his mother in his arms and running to Turgon's nearby rooms, the young ellon sought his uncle's help in finding what ailed Aredhel.
In the meantime, Turgon attempted to console his sister-son that Aredhel's health would not fail. Idril had come to his side in comfort as well, holding Maeglin's hand tightly like a sister protecting a younger brother. The healers had been working tirelessly for hours once Aredhel had arrived in their care but little information was given about their toils. When Elrilya finally came out to the lingering family and friends, she was visibly tired and exhausted yet her face revealed the outcome.
"There is nothing we can do," she said as Turgon had come up to her, taking her weary hands in his, seeing her tired body too fatigued to even weep. "There was poison on the blade that we had not noticed before. Aredhel spoke of no burning so we did not think to check for it."
No one spoke after her words rang hollowly in their minds and the room. Ecthelion's eyes were downcast, as he appeared to be struggling within himself. Turgon squeezed Elrilya's hands reassuringly as he fought his own emotions that wanted to spill. Idril had begun to weep, holding her father's arm for support. Glorfindel curled his arm around his wife, knowing the pain of failing one close to her was beginning to take its course. Maeglin was the only one who showed no reaction on his stoic face but only seemed to look beyond those in front of him into the corridor that led to where his mother breathed her final moments away.
"I will go to her," Turgon said after a while of silence, removing himself from the group.
They gave him a some time before Idril went to join her father to give her own farewells. Maeglin soon followed, his movements stiff and unfeeling, as he seemed to face death for the first time in his short life. After several more minutes had passed, Glorfindel left Elrilya's side as he went on his way to have his last minutes with Aredhel.
The hallway walls around him seemed to go on forever as he struggled to go further. He had seen death before when Elenwë had died, in battle and other situations yet somehow it seemed much more personal than the Kinslaying, a close family member, or any skirmishes and wars he had been involved with. All had been swift, quick deaths with hardly any suffering. Even the death of Elrilya's mother had not been as torturous. Here, Aredhel was fully aware of what was coming and was withering in pain and fear as to what was about to overcome the little strength she still held onto to stay in their world.
Finally coming to the room, Glorfindel stood in the doorway as he viewed Aredhel lying in bed. Her skin was pale and nearly translucent while beads of sweat dripped off her forehead as she struggled to breathe. His feet began to move toward her and he found himself eventually kneeling at her bedside, taking her clammy hand into his. His other hand tenderly smoothed her hair as she turned her face to look at him.
"Glorfindel," she whispered, her voice tired. "I wish I could say everything I want to... and to thank you."
"There is no need," he said, trying to smile through his turmoil. "We shall meet again one day."
She nodded as much as she could, "Please, do not let Ecthelion dwell on my death or fade. Have him live."
"I will," Glorfindel promised, not realizing that Turgon was nearby with Maeglin, leaning against the wall.
"Live your love with Elrilya that he and I never fully had," she said. "That is my only want of you to follow."
"I understand and we will," he said simply then squeezed her hand. "Do you wish to see him? He is waiting nearby."
"I do," she said, a deep breath racking her body's frame. "Thank you, nilmo."
Glorfindel nodded as he stood, leaving one final glance her way before turning towards the doorway. Elrilya, knowing Aredhel's words to Glorfindel, had led Ecthelion into the chambers, his face ashen and as grave as Aredhel's. He took the place where Glorfindel had been kneeling at before, taking both hands of Aredhel's that she reached with for him.
"I apologize... that we cannot talk tonight," she said, tears clouding her eyes. "There is much I wanted to say to you. That I never meant my words that day."
"Do not speak," Ecthelion shushed her quietly. "There is no use in quibbling over that fateful day at this moment."
"If I had not left..."
"No," he said, cutting her off from speaking. "I love you, Aredhel. Always will you be mine and I no one else's but yours."
Without a word, he slipped a gold band onto her index finger. The tears that had been threatening to fall finally spilled out of Aredhel's eyes as she tried to come closer to him, feeling the very essence of his love and physical form under her touch so that she would not forget as she waited for him in the spirit dwelling of Námo's. He pressed a tender kiss but it was still intense with the love they had for each other and knowing it would be the last until they were reunited.
"I love you, melindo," she whispered back as her eyelids hovered dangerously low.
And with her final breath, Aredhel Ar-Feiniel sister to Turgon and daughter of Fingolfin left the living world in her beloved's arms and in the presence of those who loved her.
*
Storm clouds hung above the city of Gondolin that grieved a second time at the passing of Aredhel, the White Lady of the Noldor. The quiet masses had gathered on the steps, walls and towers overlooking the view of the Caragdûr where their King stood with his family. The soldier guards joined him, holding the shackled Dark Elf, Eöl, who was responsible for Aredhel's death. Turgon had made his judgment not to give leniency or pardon but death as the elf had brought upon them. As Eöl was led to the precipice by two soldiers, he turned to face them but particularly to see his son, Maeglin.
"So you forsake your father and his kin, ill-gotten son! Here shall you fail of all your hopes, and here may you yet die the same death as I!"*
Thus he was sent to his doom as they threw him from the ledge onto the black rock below without a word from his progeny. Ecthelion's face was hard and unmoving as he remained watching the place his love's killer had come to meet his own fate. Idril stood nearby, a thoughtful expression present on her face as she pondered the meaning to Eöl's words.
* Words spoken by Eöl in The Silmarillion.
Glossary
Martamánu: fated departed spirit
Naneth: mother (Sindarin)
Gondolindrim: elves residing in Gondolin
Atar: father (Quenya)
Melindo: lover
Nilmo: friend (male)
Sign up to rate and review this story