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 am pleased to announce that Eternal has been nominated for the 2006 Middle Earth FanFiction Awards by Rhapsody. If you are a member of MEFA and ElvenLords, please support Eternal in its bid! Eternal was also nominated recently for the 2006 My Precious Awards by Kwannom. Please show your support and vote for Eternal at the website mpawards*com, so far right Eternal is winning so that's even greater news but voting ends tomorrow, June 15th, so make sure you get your vote in! I am honored you, my readers, enjoy this story so much so I will try not to let you down.
Chapter Forty-Five: Coile a Qualme
Once more the years passed with little notice to time. Life was comfortable once more without fears or dangers on the horizon. The world outside of the natural walls of the Crissaegrim seemed to be in the calmest peace imaginable since before the return of Morgoth. The forces in Ard-galen held steadfast and strong in the siege against Angband, thus not allowing any of the vile creatures borne within to escape to the outside world.
Good tidings reached Gondolin one morn after Turgon conversed with Thorondor, mightiest of the Eagles. The great bird often came to the king to pass on the goings-on outside of the city because of its secretive isolation. The words of Thorondor had in earlier years told of Turgon's brother, Fingon, finally taking a wife. There was further joy as news of a child born to Fingon and his spouse was spread. A baby ellon was the gift and his given name was Ereinion Gil-Galad.
The celebrations continued for two days, as Fingon was always popular among the Noldor as the hero who saved his cousin Maedhros and healed the rift between the houses of the Noldori initially caused by Fëanor's greed and betrayal. Keeping to his promise not to open the way to Gondolin, Turgon could not join his brother in his new happiness. Instead, he sent many gifts with Thorondor to Fingon that were included among the most treasured items in Gondolin. One was a finely handcrafted golden crown of jewels for when the child reached an older age. Idril and Maeglin, as older cousins to Ereinion, sent a hand-sewn royal robe of rich silk and a decorative dagger with inset gems and a leather scabbard. Fingon could never give or show enough gratitude in the letters and missives sent back to Turgon by way of the Eagles.
However, a day came when all could sense a shift that was for the worse in the world. Turgon had remained at his balcony in his tower watching the skies for a sign of the outstretched feathers and wings of the Eagles to bring the news of what had befallen those beyond Gondolin's border. None came and weeks passed without change. The wings and sky told another story. Winter was upon the lands again but the icy sky was filled with dirty clouds of smoke and smelled of dread. The feeling did not subside as spring came finally with worrisome events.
Thorondor came and spoke of devastating battles and death. Morgoth, having built up his minions and forces while being held up in Angband, swept through Dorthonion with rivers of fire, burning alive all who stood in his path. Quickly he destroyed many of the forces that stood as sentinels in the surrounding lands. Angrod and Aegnor, sons of Finarfin, died in defense of their fortresses in the vicinity; thus, allowing Morgoth's forces to sweep through the Ered Wethrin and the lands east of the Crissaegrim. Maglor's Gap was under assault with Maedhros holding on barely to a slight victory at Himring. High King Fingolfin was mobilizing his forces to the Ered Wethrin to fight off the forces that spread there. Rallying vengeance for his brother's, Finrod, eldest of Finarfin's children, was beating the forces back at the Tower of Minas Tirith on Tol Sirion.
With the proximity of the roving hordes of Angband nearby in the Pass of Sirion, Turgon set stronger and more frequent patrols in the mountains in case any orc or monster came too close for comfort to threaten the secret location of Gondolin. Turgon wished to ride to his sire and kin's aid but he remembered Ulmo's words that Gondolin must stand and not be discovered.
It was then one late afternoon that Glorfindel joined Turgon for a walk to discuss further methods of fortification. Any ideas for Turgon were good enough for him to work into his overall plan. There were also more secret arrangements by Turgon who was never one wanting to be caught off-guard. To have his captain, his friend, by his side kept his mind off the strange sense of loss that day.
"I have not told many of this, Glorfindel," Turgon began as he looked out across the great valley. "But the last day Thorondor was here, I gave him a letter and a sack of gold to take to Cirdan."
"What for?" the golden lord asked as he stood beside his king.
"Preparations," he said before turning his gaze back to his friend. "A safe haven if all should fail here. Cirdan has always been a friend and ally to my kingdom and me as I have to his fiefs. This is to assure that both our peoples will survive and flee to if Morgoth should grow stronger and overthrow us. I am planning to send seafarers from here, who are willing, to cross the sea in search of Valinor."
"Seeking forgiveness and a pardon for our trespasses?" Glorfindel asked.
Turgon nodded, "I hope they permit it for all our sakes."
"IT gives me some ease that you seem to always have a plan," Glorfindel smiled. "I only hope it comes to more than naught."
"I have had many years to contemplate my decisions, as much as you and everyone else have had who crossed from the West," Turgon said. "I do not know about any others but I do not regret my decision to come. I cannot betray my words of duty and promise even at this time. My only regrets are that I have brought pain to my family."
"Turgon, Elenwë and Aredhel knew the risks and threats for following you and your sire," Glorfindel explained. "There was no way we could have known what was to come."
"I know," Turgon replied. "Perhaps I should have made them remain in Valinor and Idril too; though, I know in my heart they would have none of it."
"Many things may have happened differently if we did not take our current paths," Glorfindel said. "I may never have realized a love for Elrilya, or maybe I would have realized it sooner than I did on this path. There is no way to know unless we were granted the foresight some of the Eldar are blessed with or the Valar themselves!"
"That is true," Turgon said with a sigh. "Enough of this miserable talk. If the Valar hear my words and messages then all of our labors will be worth it. The Valar will never permit Morgoth to reign or destroy this world as he nearly did before."
"Indeed," Glorfindel smiled.
They both turned to continue onward but stopped as they noticed the recognizable shape of Thorondor flying over the peaks of the Crissaegrim to the walls where they stood. Dangling from his talons was the form of a body but they could see little details of whom the great eagle carried. To the peak northernmost from Gondolin he flew and landed, laying his burden carefully while looking toward the city where Turgon and Glorfindel stood. Turning to his king, Glorfindel found Turgon hale and ashen as if he realized something that Glorfindel did not.
"Come quickly," Turgon said, his voice tight. "We must ride to him."
Nothing was said the entire way to the livery stables. Glorfindel followed his friend, dreading what news they would receive upon their arrival to the mountaintop. Hastening with such great speed on their horses, Glorfindel and Turgon barely were identifiable to the passersby in the streets and avenues. They traveled much faster once they reached open land in the valley. Glorfindel urged his own steed onward as he tried to keep up to Turgon who pushed his horse to the breaking point. At one point Glorfindel lost sight of Turgon around the bend of the foothill passes. He knew where they were headed and kept riding, knowing that either Turgon or the clearing would be reached or seen eventually.
As the ground leveled out, Glorfindel finally came upon the sight of the golden-brown feathers of Thorondor perched silently on the rocks. Lowering his gaze, Glorfindel found Turgon still as a statue staring at the body below him. On the ground lay the body of High King Fingolfin with no sign of life in the once proud and strong Eldari. His body was limp and his limbs twisted at unnatural angles as if every bone was crushed to dust. His golden mane of hair, from his Vanyar heritage, was ripped from his scalp and tangled in knots in other places. The silver helm upon Fingolfin's head was cracked and dented inward from a forceful blow and his broken shield, its beauteous gems broken off or stolen, bore evidence of a fierce battle. Burns also marred his pale skin that appeared to be the ultimate cause of his death along with the imprint of a large boot upon his chest and neck. In his death grip, Fingolfin still held to his sword Ringil, its once shimmering gleam like ice covered by the stain of a hideous, foul-smelling blood.
Glorfindel finally slid off his horse to come to Turgon's side just as the King of Gondolin kneeled to the ground and clutched his father to him. At a loss for words, Glorfindel could only squeeze Turgon's shoulder tightly since nothing he may say could truly convey enough comfort. After some time, Turgon rose and faced the great eagle who had borne King Fingolfin to them.
"What happened, my friend?" he asked Thorondor, his voice raspy.
"Your sire fought the Dark Lord in combat at the Gates of Angband," Thorondor said. "Courageously and fearlessly he battled until he erred in his weariness. Yet, even then he dealt a terrible blow to Morgoth at the end."
"I thank you for bringing him to me," struggled Turgon, his voice cracking slightly. "A hero and king of the Eldar deserves a proper burial."
"As would I wish for my kin in return," the eagle replied.
"Does my brother know of his death?" Turgon asked.
Thorondor nodded with a bob of his head, "They saw him go forth past their battles and hear the trumpets of Angband echo their lord's triumph. I sent another to tell them of this day."
Glorfindel locked eyes with Turgon as he turned to face him.
"Glorfindel, help me."
Following the suddenly drained figure of his friend, Glorfindel watched as Turgon began to dig a shallow impression in the ground. On his knees, he began to dig as well in the soft dirt. Anur moved across the sky and was well hidden behind the mountains as they collected the rocks for High King Fingolfin's cairn. Before setting the first stones, Turgon laid his father's body in the hole and placed Ringil on Fingolfin's chest and his shield by his side. All the while Thorondor stood as a sentinel over them during their laboring, watching with sharp eyes that seemed to show the sorrow of his higher master, Manwë. The stars had come out when Turgon and Glorfindel placed the last stones on top of the memorial.
"We must go and tell everyone," Turgon said before turning to his horse and climbing up on its back.
"My lord," Thorondor beckoned to Glorfindel to come closer.
"Yes?" he asked as he stepped closer.
"Your loyalty is strong to the houses and kings of the Noldor, I have no concerns that you would falter," Thorondor said quietly so that it was only between them. "Idril Celebrindal has stood by her sire's side but more than ever he needs you to hold him steady."
"That I will do," Glorfindel assured him, knowing already Turgon's state of mind.
"Dangerous times are coming," the eagle warned. "Do not be afraid."
"I will stay strong," Glorfindel replied. "As you have for us many times."
"Farewell then, Lord of the House of the Golden Flower," Thorondor said as he spread his mighty wings. "As long as Gondolin stands, I and my kind shall be by its side."
With a powerful beat, the giant bird rose into the air and soared back to his watch of the world.
Glossary
Coile a Qualme: Life and Death
Author's Note: I am pleased to announce that Eternal has been nominated for the 2006 Middle Earth FanFiction Awards by Rhapsody. If you are a member of MEFA and ElvenLords, please support Eternal in its bid! Eternal was also nominated recently for the 2006 My Precious Awards by Kwannom. Please show your support and vote for Eternal at the website mpawards*com, so far right Eternal is winning so that's even greater news but voting ends tomorrow, June 15th, so make sure you get your vote in! I am honored you, my readers, enjoy this story so much so I will try not to let you down.
Chapter Forty-Five: Coile a Qualme
Once more the years passed with little notice to time. Life was comfortable once more without fears or dangers on the horizon. The world outside of the natural walls of the Crissaegrim seemed to be in the calmest peace imaginable since before the return of Morgoth. The forces in Ard-galen held steadfast and strong in the siege against Angband, thus not allowing any of the vile creatures borne within to escape to the outside world.
Good tidings reached Gondolin one morn after Turgon conversed with Thorondor, mightiest of the Eagles. The great bird often came to the king to pass on the goings-on outside of the city because of its secretive isolation. The words of Thorondor had in earlier years told of Turgon's brother, Fingon, finally taking a wife. There was further joy as news of a child born to Fingon and his spouse was spread. A baby ellon was the gift and his given name was Ereinion Gil-Galad.
The celebrations continued for two days, as Fingon was always popular among the Noldor as the hero who saved his cousin Maedhros and healed the rift between the houses of the Noldori initially caused by Fëanor's greed and betrayal. Keeping to his promise not to open the way to Gondolin, Turgon could not join his brother in his new happiness. Instead, he sent many gifts with Thorondor to Fingon that were included among the most treasured items in Gondolin. One was a finely handcrafted golden crown of jewels for when the child reached an older age. Idril and Maeglin, as older cousins to Ereinion, sent a hand-sewn royal robe of rich silk and a decorative dagger with inset gems and a leather scabbard. Fingon could never give or show enough gratitude in the letters and missives sent back to Turgon by way of the Eagles.
However, a day came when all could sense a shift that was for the worse in the world. Turgon had remained at his balcony in his tower watching the skies for a sign of the outstretched feathers and wings of the Eagles to bring the news of what had befallen those beyond Gondolin's border. None came and weeks passed without change. The wings and sky told another story. Winter was upon the lands again but the icy sky was filled with dirty clouds of smoke and smelled of dread. The feeling did not subside as spring came finally with worrisome events.
Thorondor came and spoke of devastating battles and death. Morgoth, having built up his minions and forces while being held up in Angband, swept through Dorthonion with rivers of fire, burning alive all who stood in his path. Quickly he destroyed many of the forces that stood as sentinels in the surrounding lands. Angrod and Aegnor, sons of Finarfin, died in defense of their fortresses in the vicinity; thus, allowing Morgoth's forces to sweep through the Ered Wethrin and the lands east of the Crissaegrim. Maglor's Gap was under assault with Maedhros holding on barely to a slight victory at Himring. High King Fingolfin was mobilizing his forces to the Ered Wethrin to fight off the forces that spread there. Rallying vengeance for his brother's, Finrod, eldest of Finarfin's children, was beating the forces back at the Tower of Minas Tirith on Tol Sirion.
With the proximity of the roving hordes of Angband nearby in the Pass of Sirion, Turgon set stronger and more frequent patrols in the mountains in case any orc or monster came too close for comfort to threaten the secret location of Gondolin. Turgon wished to ride to his sire and kin's aid but he remembered Ulmo's words that Gondolin must stand and not be discovered.
It was then one late afternoon that Glorfindel joined Turgon for a walk to discuss further methods of fortification. Any ideas for Turgon were good enough for him to work into his overall plan. There were also more secret arrangements by Turgon who was never one wanting to be caught off-guard. To have his captain, his friend, by his side kept his mind off the strange sense of loss that day.
"I have not told many of this, Glorfindel," Turgon began as he looked out across the great valley. "But the last day Thorondor was here, I gave him a letter and a sack of gold to take to Cirdan."
"What for?" the golden lord asked as he stood beside his king.
"Preparations," he said before turning his gaze back to his friend. "A safe haven if all should fail here. Cirdan has always been a friend and ally to my kingdom and me as I have to his fiefs. This is to assure that both our peoples will survive and flee to if Morgoth should grow stronger and overthrow us. I am planning to send seafarers from here, who are willing, to cross the sea in search of Valinor."
"Seeking forgiveness and a pardon for our trespasses?" Glorfindel asked.
Turgon nodded, "I hope they permit it for all our sakes."
"IT gives me some ease that you seem to always have a plan," Glorfindel smiled. "I only hope it comes to more than naught."
"I have had many years to contemplate my decisions, as much as you and everyone else have had who crossed from the West," Turgon said. "I do not know about any others but I do not regret my decision to come. I cannot betray my words of duty and promise even at this time. My only regrets are that I have brought pain to my family."
"Turgon, Elenwë and Aredhel knew the risks and threats for following you and your sire," Glorfindel explained. "There was no way we could have known what was to come."
"I know," Turgon replied. "Perhaps I should have made them remain in Valinor and Idril too; though, I know in my heart they would have none of it."
"Many things may have happened differently if we did not take our current paths," Glorfindel said. "I may never have realized a love for Elrilya, or maybe I would have realized it sooner than I did on this path. There is no way to know unless we were granted the foresight some of the Eldar are blessed with or the Valar themselves!"
"That is true," Turgon said with a sigh. "Enough of this miserable talk. If the Valar hear my words and messages then all of our labors will be worth it. The Valar will never permit Morgoth to reign or destroy this world as he nearly did before."
"Indeed," Glorfindel smiled.
They both turned to continue onward but stopped as they noticed the recognizable shape of Thorondor flying over the peaks of the Crissaegrim to the walls where they stood. Dangling from his talons was the form of a body but they could see little details of whom the great eagle carried. To the peak northernmost from Gondolin he flew and landed, laying his burden carefully while looking toward the city where Turgon and Glorfindel stood. Turning to his king, Glorfindel found Turgon hale and ashen as if he realized something that Glorfindel did not.
"Come quickly," Turgon said, his voice tight. "We must ride to him."
Nothing was said the entire way to the livery stables. Glorfindel followed his friend, dreading what news they would receive upon their arrival to the mountaintop. Hastening with such great speed on their horses, Glorfindel and Turgon barely were identifiable to the passersby in the streets and avenues. They traveled much faster once they reached open land in the valley. Glorfindel urged his own steed onward as he tried to keep up to Turgon who pushed his horse to the breaking point. At one point Glorfindel lost sight of Turgon around the bend of the foothill passes. He knew where they were headed and kept riding, knowing that either Turgon or the clearing would be reached or seen eventually.
As the ground leveled out, Glorfindel finally came upon the sight of the golden-brown feathers of Thorondor perched silently on the rocks. Lowering his gaze, Glorfindel found Turgon still as a statue staring at the body below him. On the ground lay the body of High King Fingolfin with no sign of life in the once proud and strong Eldari. His body was limp and his limbs twisted at unnatural angles as if every bone was crushed to dust. His golden mane of hair, from his Vanyar heritage, was ripped from his scalp and tangled in knots in other places. The silver helm upon Fingolfin's head was cracked and dented inward from a forceful blow and his broken shield, its beauteous gems broken off or stolen, bore evidence of a fierce battle. Burns also marred his pale skin that appeared to be the ultimate cause of his death along with the imprint of a large boot upon his chest and neck. In his death grip, Fingolfin still held to his sword Ringil, its once shimmering gleam like ice covered by the stain of a hideous, foul-smelling blood.
Glorfindel finally slid off his horse to come to Turgon's side just as the King of Gondolin kneeled to the ground and clutched his father to him. At a loss for words, Glorfindel could only squeeze Turgon's shoulder tightly since nothing he may say could truly convey enough comfort. After some time, Turgon rose and faced the great eagle who had borne King Fingolfin to them.
"What happened, my friend?" he asked Thorondor, his voice raspy.
"Your sire fought the Dark Lord in combat at the Gates of Angband," Thorondor said. "Courageously and fearlessly he battled until he erred in his weariness. Yet, even then he dealt a terrible blow to Morgoth at the end."
"I thank you for bringing him to me," struggled Turgon, his voice cracking slightly. "A hero and king of the Eldar deserves a proper burial."
"As would I wish for my kin in return," the eagle replied.
"Does my brother know of his death?" Turgon asked.
Thorondor nodded with a bob of his head, "They saw him go forth past their battles and hear the trumpets of Angband echo their lord's triumph. I sent another to tell them of this day."
Glorfindel locked eyes with Turgon as he turned to face him.
"Glorfindel, help me."
Following the suddenly drained figure of his friend, Glorfindel watched as Turgon began to dig a shallow impression in the ground. On his knees, he began to dig as well in the soft dirt. Anur moved across the sky and was well hidden behind the mountains as they collected the rocks for High King Fingolfin's cairn. Before setting the first stones, Turgon laid his father's body in the hole and placed Ringil on Fingolfin's chest and his shield by his side. All the while Thorondor stood as a sentinel over them during their laboring, watching with sharp eyes that seemed to show the sorrow of his higher master, Manwë. The stars had come out when Turgon and Glorfindel placed the last stones on top of the memorial.
"We must go and tell everyone," Turgon said before turning to his horse and climbing up on its back.
"My lord," Thorondor beckoned to Glorfindel to come closer.
"Yes?" he asked as he stepped closer.
"Your loyalty is strong to the houses and kings of the Noldor, I have no concerns that you would falter," Thorondor said quietly so that it was only between them. "Idril Celebrindal has stood by her sire's side but more than ever he needs you to hold him steady."
"That I will do," Glorfindel assured him, knowing already Turgon's state of mind.
"Dangerous times are coming," the eagle warned. "Do not be afraid."
"I will stay strong," Glorfindel replied. "As you have for us many times."
"Farewell then, Lord of the House of the Golden Flower," Thorondor said as he spread his mighty wings. "As long as Gondolin stands, I and my kind shall be by its side."
With a powerful beat, the giant bird rose into the air and soared back to his watch of the world.
Glossary
Coile a Qualme: Life and Death
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