Categories > Books > Lord of the Rings > Eternal
Disclaimer: I do not own anything but my own characters, everything belongs to Tolkien the genius.
Chapter Forty-Four: Maileanossér
Laughter carried along the very slight breeze that passed through the green valley surrounding the city of Gondolin. The tenderness of the spring had come and with it the usual rains common to the season. A surprisingly warm day, much more alike to the summer months, had settled in and providing blue skies with hardly a wisp of white clouds.
Taking advantage of the beautiful day nature had afforded, Glorfindel escaped his cool and lonely study to take his beloved wife and faithful pet for a picnic outside the city walls. Many others had the same thoughts as Glorfindel and many elf-children scurried about in play through the high grasses as their talkative, yet observant, mothers sat nearby barefoot in the clover and soft alyssum. Teachers and tutors had even brought their pupils out into the welcoming sunlight for a relaxed study session.
"Do not throw it too close to the water," Elrilya warned. "Váremo might think to jump in the creek!"
"The cold water might be exactly what he needs," Glorfindel responded before lobbing a dried leather-skin ball toward the crystal waters flowing nearby.
Without a hesitation or prompt, the golden hound dove into the brook with a huge splash enveloping him completely before he paddled across to the water's edge to collect his wanted toy. Several young elf-children squealed in surprise and giggled as Váremo showered them with water as he shook himself from the tip of his snout to the last hair on his furry tail. What almost seemed a wicked smile spread from ear to floppy ear as he pranced back with his prize, his head held high. Tired of running and fetching, he found a cozy grass nest and settled to chew on his ball a while.
Glorfindel headed back to the blanket where Elrilya sat, her skirts pooled around her form as she comfortably relaxed. With a devilish grin, Glorfindel quickly came to her and pulled her on top of him as he lay upon the blanket. A smoldering spate of kisses muffled and stopped any shocked gasps or protests from Elrilya. After several moments of laying thusly, Glorfindel pulled away to gaze at his love's face above him, the bright sunrays of Anur behind her head causing a golden halo to glow around her.
"That may not be appropriate with the little ones nearby," she said, her tone letting him know she enjoyed it but was wary of the children and others seeing them.
"We could always take a walk," Glorfindel said with a nod in the direction of a thick cluster of trees that the creek ran through. "I'm certain there's a wonderful place of our own to swim."
The mischievous glint in his eye had returned and Elrilya found him pressing her body against him once more. A wayward hand drifted up her back and neck, fingers massaging her head and hair. They were quickly interrupted when the sound of galloping hooves rode near. Both looked up to see Ecthelion and Maeglin riding by, slowing their steeds to a trot as to not disturb the many people enjoying the same beauty of the day as they were.
Glorfindel had noticed after Aredhel's death that both Turgon and Ecthelion had taken it upon themselves to help raise and care for Maeglin now that his parents were gone. Maeglin was a very studious and ambitious young ellon who took on many subjects of interest, but primarily loved swordsmanship and metallurgy. Turgon and Ecthelion encourage the dark-haired elf to find what he would like to treasure in life and they used whatever resources available to help Maeglin reach his goals. Also, Idril had tried to be like an older sister to Maeglin by being a confidant in his times of need as well as one to give advice when he sought her out, much as how Aredhel had been to Idril.
It had been fifty years since Maeglin had arrived in Gondolin with his mother and he easily accustomed himself to life in the white city. As he came closer to his hundredth year, many a flirtatious elleth sought his attentions, Noldor and Sindar alike. Many were hoping they would catch the eye of the King's more than likely heir, since Idril had laid no claim and had not bound herself to another; thus, having bore no children yet. However, Maeglin had shown no outward want of enticing relationship and instead buried himself in his love of lore, war games, weaponry, and mining.
"Ever the teacher," Glorfindel heard Elrilya say above him before she snuggled her face against his chest.
"Are you jealous Ecthelion has abandoned your training?" he joked with a snicker.
"Nay!" she replied haughtily. "I have my very own at my beckoning."
"Ah, but not always," he reminded her. "I do have duties to attend to for Turgon."
"I think some of our studies may be more important than 'duties'," she said in a low tone before kissing him.
"Now who is the one needing reminding about prying eyes?" he teased before taking her in his arms and heading for the privacy underneath the canopy of trees while Váremo stared depressingly after them, his ball sitting motionless between his big paws.
*
The next quarter century had passed quickly for everyone, even to the newcomer kin of the King still trying to make a place for himself in an unexpected world. The time for celebrating his first century of life had come and it was the biggest event for celebration among the royal family in nearly three hundred years. The coming to Gondolin and the founding ceremonies were the last time all had been merry and feasted across the whole city.
Maeglin, typically the shy and quiet one of the family, had surprised Turgon with the unexpected by wanting the whole city to celebrate with him his hundredth begetting day. He had told Turgon it would be his thanks to have everyone to be present who had been so helpful and accepting of him so that he would feel surrounded by those who had shown him kindness in his three-quarters of a century in Gondolin. So it was planned as Maeglin wished and when the day arrived, all were arranging to make the day as elaborate as possible for the young prince.
Being a royal affair and related kin to Turgon's family, Glorfindel set about having himself and Elrilya prepare in the palace to arrive together in the proper fashion. Idril, being the daughter of the king, was taking the place her mother or Aredhel had always held next to Turgon during larger celebrations. She had always been further down in the line and content with the placement, but this night had her apprehensive concerning the part she had to play. She also wanted this night to be a great day for Maeglin as his official presentation as an addition to the Princes of the Noldor; hence her reasons as to not wanting to make a mistake. To calm her anxiety, Elrilya went to her suite to dress before the night events.
"You are doing wonderfully with my hair," Idril said, glancing up at Elrilya in the mirror who had stick and pins galore in her hands as she teased curls and hair strands into place.
"I am certain your maids would have done just as well," Elrilya said with a laugh. "Perhaps even better."
Idril shrugged slightly, her eyes falling to her vanity top where necklaces and other jewelry items were scattered about.
"I want to do this perfectly," Idril said. "This is the first time Atar has not had Aredhel by his side at a great occasion since Amil's death. I want to make them proud in what they taught me."
"The have been, Idril," Elrilya said, turning her friend to face her. "If I am proud of you they must be as well."
Idril embraced her friend tightly, "I can always expect you to make me feel better."
*
Contrary to Idril's worries, the Noldori princess made a stunning appearance on her father's arm. Her nervousness subsided as she watched her cousin join them in the receiving line for the guests arriving to the palace's great hall. As King of Gondolin, first and always, Turgon stood at the head of the procession. On Turgon's right stood Maeglin, since he was the one to be celebrated that evening. He made for a striking vision for all who usually saw the youth hidden behind books or in the dark shadows of the mines. His dark hair lay like smooth silk over his shoulders and the dark blues of his raiment matched the hues of his eyes, further strengthening the piercing gaze of which his father had been so fond.
Glorfindel, with his position in the kingdom, had a place for himself and Elrilya at the table with Turgon and his family. He smiled to himself often as he caught sight of Maeglin, beaming brighter than Glorfindel had ever seen. The young ellon was not one to usually wear his emotions so openly but this night was for him. Elrilya had told Glorfindel, after an occasional talk she had with Idril, that Maeglin had said to Idril he did not have the choice to celebrate like the Gondolindrim for special days such as his begetting day. Aredhel had of course doted on her son but never did Maeglin expect an entire city to join him in the merriment of his day. Certainly this was of great importance to him.
The night began to pick up after the feast had been consumed and all began to walk around and converse with one another. Several ellyth had encircled the young prince chattering excitedly and flirtatiously with him and amongst each other, trying to vie for the highest regard and attention from Maeglin. He seemed to be handling them with ease but a slight color stained his cheeks from the warmth of the room and his attempt to keep up with those craving the barest word or glance from him.
"Diplomacy is one of his better talents it appears," Ecthelion said as he sidled up next to Glorfindel. "I have taught him how to defend himself in the most deadliest of battles but those sometimes cannot amount to the assaults of a few cunning ellyth."
"Too true," Glorfindel chuckled as they looked on. "Did we ever have that many at one time?"
"Perhaps but we are not exactly the same status as Maeglin," Ecthelion pointed out. "He will have to learn his ways with them and how to keep a wide berth from those who do not care for him but their own selfish ambitions."
"Yes, very much so," Glorfindel added with a smile.
"I think he's suffered enough, I shall save him for now," Ecthelion chuckled as he wandered toward the swirling masses of skirts, hair, and perfumes.
Glorfindel watched as the captain of the guard slid expertly between a few ellyth and caught the arm of Ecthelion while giving some white lie of an excuse to ease him away from the prying hands and eyes. A soft hand found Glorfindel's own and he turned to find the blue eyes of Elrilya twinkling at him.
"Teasing him will do you both no good," she said as Glorfindel's arm wound around her waist. "He will find a way to get back at you."
"Ah, not me," he feigned innocence. "It is all Ecthelion's doing."
"Of course," she winked at him before stealing a kiss from him.
A chorus of music built up and grew louder as the orchestra signaled the beginning of the dancing for the night. As was a custom many followed, the one being celebrated would choose his partner to dance with for the night. It had indeed been on the minds of the ellyth contending for a place on Maeglin's arm and they all seemed to hold their breath in anticipation for being the one out of the others to be chosen, their flattery and conversation with him hopefully successful. With a nod by Turgon to go on, Maeglin turned around sheepishly in the crowd as he searched the faces of all around him. He stopped finally upon finding his choice.
Quiet whispers of gossip and gasps of shock spread quickly through the quieted crowd as Maeglin stepped through the parting crowd toward the elleth he had set his sights upon. He stopped in front of Idril, giving a respectful bow to her as he asked her to dance with him. She herself appeared as shocked as everyone else but graciously accepted his offer by taking his outstretched hand. The weight of the crowd's staring was heavy as Maeglin led her to the floor and took position before taking off quickly with the music's flow.
"He might certainly better you in his dancing," Turgon said as he came beside Elrilya and Glorfindel.
"I always welcome a friendly competition if he wishes to have one," Glorfindel joked with the king.
As the two continued their banter, Elrilya watched as Maeglin danced with her best friend. Being the perfect lady, Idril kept her smile on her face and kept up with each of Maeglin's strides. However, Elrilya noticed a moment of Idril's happy demeanor falter as Maeglin leaned closer to whisper in her ear. The princess quickly wiped away any surprise that came and simply nodded in reply to him. What he said to her could not be heard by anyone else due to their proximity to each other and the grand music but Idril certainly was caught incredibly off-guard by what was spoken.
The dance ended a minute later and Idril gave a brief curtsey as Maeglin bowed in thanks for joining him. She quickly made her way through the crowd as other couples began to take to the floor. Elrilya watched as Idril found her way back to their seats at the head table, taking a swift drink from her glass of wine with her back to the celebration. Elrilya did not miss the strangeness in her friend's behavior that others were not paying attention to at the time.
Silently Elrilya pried herself away from Glorfindel with a nod that she would return soon and headed in Idril's direction. She made her way to the fair-haired elleth, as Idril stood motionless staring at her glass.
"What is it?" Elrilya asked as she stepped in front of her, taking one of Idril's hands in hers.
"It was nothing," Idril said with a wave and shake of her head as she placed the glass back on the table.
"That was hardly nothing," Elrilya prodded. "You can tell me."
Idril exhaled heavily, "It may have been nothing but what Maeglin said was... very peculiar."
"How so?" Elrilya said, her brow furrowed with concern.
"He said, 'It gladdens me that you joined me tonight. I only hope that we can always have a moment like this forever, cousin.' I would not have thought anything of it but he also tightened his arm around me and his hand drifted a little lower than was proper," Idril said, keeping her voice low but also appearing a little flustered.
"Are you certain it was not a mistake?" Elrilya queried.
"Yes, I am," Idril said, pursing her lips together. "I need to be alone a moment with some fresh air, it is stuffy in here."
Elrilya let her friend go as she stepped out of the hall to a nearby open balcony that opened up above the palace gardens. Glancing back toward the gala of happy people, she could not help but notice the gaze of Maeglin following Idril out to her solitude.
Glossary
Maileanossér: lustful family member
Atar: father (Quenya)
Chapter Forty-Four: Maileanossér
Laughter carried along the very slight breeze that passed through the green valley surrounding the city of Gondolin. The tenderness of the spring had come and with it the usual rains common to the season. A surprisingly warm day, much more alike to the summer months, had settled in and providing blue skies with hardly a wisp of white clouds.
Taking advantage of the beautiful day nature had afforded, Glorfindel escaped his cool and lonely study to take his beloved wife and faithful pet for a picnic outside the city walls. Many others had the same thoughts as Glorfindel and many elf-children scurried about in play through the high grasses as their talkative, yet observant, mothers sat nearby barefoot in the clover and soft alyssum. Teachers and tutors had even brought their pupils out into the welcoming sunlight for a relaxed study session.
"Do not throw it too close to the water," Elrilya warned. "Váremo might think to jump in the creek!"
"The cold water might be exactly what he needs," Glorfindel responded before lobbing a dried leather-skin ball toward the crystal waters flowing nearby.
Without a hesitation or prompt, the golden hound dove into the brook with a huge splash enveloping him completely before he paddled across to the water's edge to collect his wanted toy. Several young elf-children squealed in surprise and giggled as Váremo showered them with water as he shook himself from the tip of his snout to the last hair on his furry tail. What almost seemed a wicked smile spread from ear to floppy ear as he pranced back with his prize, his head held high. Tired of running and fetching, he found a cozy grass nest and settled to chew on his ball a while.
Glorfindel headed back to the blanket where Elrilya sat, her skirts pooled around her form as she comfortably relaxed. With a devilish grin, Glorfindel quickly came to her and pulled her on top of him as he lay upon the blanket. A smoldering spate of kisses muffled and stopped any shocked gasps or protests from Elrilya. After several moments of laying thusly, Glorfindel pulled away to gaze at his love's face above him, the bright sunrays of Anur behind her head causing a golden halo to glow around her.
"That may not be appropriate with the little ones nearby," she said, her tone letting him know she enjoyed it but was wary of the children and others seeing them.
"We could always take a walk," Glorfindel said with a nod in the direction of a thick cluster of trees that the creek ran through. "I'm certain there's a wonderful place of our own to swim."
The mischievous glint in his eye had returned and Elrilya found him pressing her body against him once more. A wayward hand drifted up her back and neck, fingers massaging her head and hair. They were quickly interrupted when the sound of galloping hooves rode near. Both looked up to see Ecthelion and Maeglin riding by, slowing their steeds to a trot as to not disturb the many people enjoying the same beauty of the day as they were.
Glorfindel had noticed after Aredhel's death that both Turgon and Ecthelion had taken it upon themselves to help raise and care for Maeglin now that his parents were gone. Maeglin was a very studious and ambitious young ellon who took on many subjects of interest, but primarily loved swordsmanship and metallurgy. Turgon and Ecthelion encourage the dark-haired elf to find what he would like to treasure in life and they used whatever resources available to help Maeglin reach his goals. Also, Idril had tried to be like an older sister to Maeglin by being a confidant in his times of need as well as one to give advice when he sought her out, much as how Aredhel had been to Idril.
It had been fifty years since Maeglin had arrived in Gondolin with his mother and he easily accustomed himself to life in the white city. As he came closer to his hundredth year, many a flirtatious elleth sought his attentions, Noldor and Sindar alike. Many were hoping they would catch the eye of the King's more than likely heir, since Idril had laid no claim and had not bound herself to another; thus, having bore no children yet. However, Maeglin had shown no outward want of enticing relationship and instead buried himself in his love of lore, war games, weaponry, and mining.
"Ever the teacher," Glorfindel heard Elrilya say above him before she snuggled her face against his chest.
"Are you jealous Ecthelion has abandoned your training?" he joked with a snicker.
"Nay!" she replied haughtily. "I have my very own at my beckoning."
"Ah, but not always," he reminded her. "I do have duties to attend to for Turgon."
"I think some of our studies may be more important than 'duties'," she said in a low tone before kissing him.
"Now who is the one needing reminding about prying eyes?" he teased before taking her in his arms and heading for the privacy underneath the canopy of trees while Váremo stared depressingly after them, his ball sitting motionless between his big paws.
*
The next quarter century had passed quickly for everyone, even to the newcomer kin of the King still trying to make a place for himself in an unexpected world. The time for celebrating his first century of life had come and it was the biggest event for celebration among the royal family in nearly three hundred years. The coming to Gondolin and the founding ceremonies were the last time all had been merry and feasted across the whole city.
Maeglin, typically the shy and quiet one of the family, had surprised Turgon with the unexpected by wanting the whole city to celebrate with him his hundredth begetting day. He had told Turgon it would be his thanks to have everyone to be present who had been so helpful and accepting of him so that he would feel surrounded by those who had shown him kindness in his three-quarters of a century in Gondolin. So it was planned as Maeglin wished and when the day arrived, all were arranging to make the day as elaborate as possible for the young prince.
Being a royal affair and related kin to Turgon's family, Glorfindel set about having himself and Elrilya prepare in the palace to arrive together in the proper fashion. Idril, being the daughter of the king, was taking the place her mother or Aredhel had always held next to Turgon during larger celebrations. She had always been further down in the line and content with the placement, but this night had her apprehensive concerning the part she had to play. She also wanted this night to be a great day for Maeglin as his official presentation as an addition to the Princes of the Noldor; hence her reasons as to not wanting to make a mistake. To calm her anxiety, Elrilya went to her suite to dress before the night events.
"You are doing wonderfully with my hair," Idril said, glancing up at Elrilya in the mirror who had stick and pins galore in her hands as she teased curls and hair strands into place.
"I am certain your maids would have done just as well," Elrilya said with a laugh. "Perhaps even better."
Idril shrugged slightly, her eyes falling to her vanity top where necklaces and other jewelry items were scattered about.
"I want to do this perfectly," Idril said. "This is the first time Atar has not had Aredhel by his side at a great occasion since Amil's death. I want to make them proud in what they taught me."
"The have been, Idril," Elrilya said, turning her friend to face her. "If I am proud of you they must be as well."
Idril embraced her friend tightly, "I can always expect you to make me feel better."
*
Contrary to Idril's worries, the Noldori princess made a stunning appearance on her father's arm. Her nervousness subsided as she watched her cousin join them in the receiving line for the guests arriving to the palace's great hall. As King of Gondolin, first and always, Turgon stood at the head of the procession. On Turgon's right stood Maeglin, since he was the one to be celebrated that evening. He made for a striking vision for all who usually saw the youth hidden behind books or in the dark shadows of the mines. His dark hair lay like smooth silk over his shoulders and the dark blues of his raiment matched the hues of his eyes, further strengthening the piercing gaze of which his father had been so fond.
Glorfindel, with his position in the kingdom, had a place for himself and Elrilya at the table with Turgon and his family. He smiled to himself often as he caught sight of Maeglin, beaming brighter than Glorfindel had ever seen. The young ellon was not one to usually wear his emotions so openly but this night was for him. Elrilya had told Glorfindel, after an occasional talk she had with Idril, that Maeglin had said to Idril he did not have the choice to celebrate like the Gondolindrim for special days such as his begetting day. Aredhel had of course doted on her son but never did Maeglin expect an entire city to join him in the merriment of his day. Certainly this was of great importance to him.
The night began to pick up after the feast had been consumed and all began to walk around and converse with one another. Several ellyth had encircled the young prince chattering excitedly and flirtatiously with him and amongst each other, trying to vie for the highest regard and attention from Maeglin. He seemed to be handling them with ease but a slight color stained his cheeks from the warmth of the room and his attempt to keep up with those craving the barest word or glance from him.
"Diplomacy is one of his better talents it appears," Ecthelion said as he sidled up next to Glorfindel. "I have taught him how to defend himself in the most deadliest of battles but those sometimes cannot amount to the assaults of a few cunning ellyth."
"Too true," Glorfindel chuckled as they looked on. "Did we ever have that many at one time?"
"Perhaps but we are not exactly the same status as Maeglin," Ecthelion pointed out. "He will have to learn his ways with them and how to keep a wide berth from those who do not care for him but their own selfish ambitions."
"Yes, very much so," Glorfindel added with a smile.
"I think he's suffered enough, I shall save him for now," Ecthelion chuckled as he wandered toward the swirling masses of skirts, hair, and perfumes.
Glorfindel watched as the captain of the guard slid expertly between a few ellyth and caught the arm of Ecthelion while giving some white lie of an excuse to ease him away from the prying hands and eyes. A soft hand found Glorfindel's own and he turned to find the blue eyes of Elrilya twinkling at him.
"Teasing him will do you both no good," she said as Glorfindel's arm wound around her waist. "He will find a way to get back at you."
"Ah, not me," he feigned innocence. "It is all Ecthelion's doing."
"Of course," she winked at him before stealing a kiss from him.
A chorus of music built up and grew louder as the orchestra signaled the beginning of the dancing for the night. As was a custom many followed, the one being celebrated would choose his partner to dance with for the night. It had indeed been on the minds of the ellyth contending for a place on Maeglin's arm and they all seemed to hold their breath in anticipation for being the one out of the others to be chosen, their flattery and conversation with him hopefully successful. With a nod by Turgon to go on, Maeglin turned around sheepishly in the crowd as he searched the faces of all around him. He stopped finally upon finding his choice.
Quiet whispers of gossip and gasps of shock spread quickly through the quieted crowd as Maeglin stepped through the parting crowd toward the elleth he had set his sights upon. He stopped in front of Idril, giving a respectful bow to her as he asked her to dance with him. She herself appeared as shocked as everyone else but graciously accepted his offer by taking his outstretched hand. The weight of the crowd's staring was heavy as Maeglin led her to the floor and took position before taking off quickly with the music's flow.
"He might certainly better you in his dancing," Turgon said as he came beside Elrilya and Glorfindel.
"I always welcome a friendly competition if he wishes to have one," Glorfindel joked with the king.
As the two continued their banter, Elrilya watched as Maeglin danced with her best friend. Being the perfect lady, Idril kept her smile on her face and kept up with each of Maeglin's strides. However, Elrilya noticed a moment of Idril's happy demeanor falter as Maeglin leaned closer to whisper in her ear. The princess quickly wiped away any surprise that came and simply nodded in reply to him. What he said to her could not be heard by anyone else due to their proximity to each other and the grand music but Idril certainly was caught incredibly off-guard by what was spoken.
The dance ended a minute later and Idril gave a brief curtsey as Maeglin bowed in thanks for joining him. She quickly made her way through the crowd as other couples began to take to the floor. Elrilya watched as Idril found her way back to their seats at the head table, taking a swift drink from her glass of wine with her back to the celebration. Elrilya did not miss the strangeness in her friend's behavior that others were not paying attention to at the time.
Silently Elrilya pried herself away from Glorfindel with a nod that she would return soon and headed in Idril's direction. She made her way to the fair-haired elleth, as Idril stood motionless staring at her glass.
"What is it?" Elrilya asked as she stepped in front of her, taking one of Idril's hands in hers.
"It was nothing," Idril said with a wave and shake of her head as she placed the glass back on the table.
"That was hardly nothing," Elrilya prodded. "You can tell me."
Idril exhaled heavily, "It may have been nothing but what Maeglin said was... very peculiar."
"How so?" Elrilya said, her brow furrowed with concern.
"He said, 'It gladdens me that you joined me tonight. I only hope that we can always have a moment like this forever, cousin.' I would not have thought anything of it but he also tightened his arm around me and his hand drifted a little lower than was proper," Idril said, keeping her voice low but also appearing a little flustered.
"Are you certain it was not a mistake?" Elrilya queried.
"Yes, I am," Idril said, pursing her lips together. "I need to be alone a moment with some fresh air, it is stuffy in here."
Elrilya let her friend go as she stepped out of the hall to a nearby open balcony that opened up above the palace gardens. Glancing back toward the gala of happy people, she could not help but notice the gaze of Maeglin following Idril out to her solitude.
Glossary
Maileanossér: lustful family member
Atar: father (Quenya)
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