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: Eternal has won First Place in the 2006 My Precious Awards for the Silmarillion category! The details for the awards ceremony will be posted on my profile if you wish to see the other winners and our acceptance speeches. Thanks again everyone so much! As a present, I give you an early update!
Chapter Forty-Six: Toroni
The sadness and grief of the Eldar as a whole had not been as great since the Kinslaying. Once word had spread of High King Fingolfin's death, mourning overwhelmed the kingdoms of the east. The large host of Noldor who had followed him from Valinor had always loved him and the High King had gained more respect from the Sindar and Silvan when relations between them and the Noldor were made upon their arrival from Aman. The news was indeed a shattering blow to the Eldar's on-going fight against Morgoth.
Gondolin saw many days of grief so far, the mood far differing from the typical bustling, happy mien of most days. Having built the cairn for Fingolfin upon meeting Thorondor on the mountain, Turgon spared Idril the sigh of her grandfather's battered body and from giving Maeglin a dreadful first image of the grandfather he never met. Turgon did not want anyone to remember Fingolfin in that way but Turgon spoke only once of the battle that led to the High King's ultimate death.
There were moments in private that Turgon became lost in his guilt and sorrow but Glorfindel stayed to his word in staying by his side. There was little time spent in the first few weeks for Glorfindel at home but Elrilya understood that her husband had a duty in friendship as well as needing his own way to grieve with an elf he had been close to for many years, having been such a good friend with his son.
One midday a couple years after the dreadful news, Glorfindel was out on the balcony of Turgon's study after a long morning of talking with Turgon. The fresh air soothed his feelings and cooled the still flaming anger and pain that raged in his soul toward Morgoth. The beautiful, yet oddly out of season, fog hanging on the cliffs of the mountains also gave a wondrous view to take his mind off of things. It was then, while standing high above Gondolin in Turgon's tower, that Glory eyed two of Thorondor's eagles gliding out of the fog and down to the city's courtyard below where the trees Glingal and Belthil, stood. A cry was released from one of them as they both landed then released their talons to reveal two figures they had been carrying.
"Turgon, come quickly," Glorfindel said as he rushed inside. "The eagles have brought two people to us."
"Who could it be?" Turgon asked out loud as they hurried down the stairwell.
When they reached the courtyard, a large host of onlookers had gathered to see whom the eagles had brought. A path opened up through the citizenry as Turgon made his way to the center of the excitement. The buzz of talk quieted once Turgon laid eyes on the two boys, sons of Men, in front of him. Standing at Turgon's side, Glorfindel looked over the two Edain.
They had golden hair but the younger of the two had a darker coloring of brown on his head. They looked no older than when Maeglin had first arrived in the city with Aredhel but Glorfindel knew they grew older much quicker in years than the Eldar did. Such was the way of the mortals. One could see which of them was the eldest but the younger of the two stood taller than the other who obviously was related to him by their fair features. They were dressed as if they had been in battle, their weapons with them and their clothing soiled with a few wounds visible. As Turgon approached them, they seemed to understand his importance and bowed with heads lowered.
"Aiya! Pedich Edhellen?" Turgon asked them first as he motioned for them to rise, knowing that Men were more familiar with the use of Sindarin than his native tongue of Quenya.
The eldest boy nodded, "Yes, my lord."
"Good," Turgon smiled to let them know not to be afraid. "I am King Turgon of the city of Gondolin where you now find yourselves. From whence have you come that the eagles have brought you?"
Suddenly both of the boys went to their knee again. Turgon went to them, placing his hands on their shoulders.
"You need not kneel again," he told them as they rose to meet his face.
"My lord, I am Húrin and with me is my brother Huor," he paused then continued. "We are the sons of Galdor, son of Hador Lórindol."
Glorfindel knew of whom they spoke. Their grandfather had fought alongside the Eldar against Morgoth and was a friend of the Noldori kingdoms. Turgon had known Hador well and upon hearing the name spoken, squeezed the shoulders of the youths with a familiarity of recognition.
"I know of your kin well," Turgon said, his smile broadening. "I fought alongside your grandsire many years ago. The kin of Hador are always welcome in my home."
"Thank you, my lord," Húrin said still playing the part of the diplomat since he was the eldest. "We knew of your sire as well since he gave our grandsire Dor-lómin and fought also with our kin. We were dismayed to hear of his passing, my lord. He was truly a courageous King."
Turgon's mouth tightened a moment as he blinked away the reminder of his father's death. However, his smile seemed to turn more loving and welcoming as he looked upon the two young boys.
"I thank you for those kind words," he said. "Come, we shall let you clean yourselves and settle so you can tell us your tale before your arrival."
As Turgon turned away with Húrin and Huor, Glorfindel went to the eagles who still sat perched nearby.
"We share our thanks with you for bringing these elf-friends to us in their time of need. Do also tell your lord of our gratitude," Glorfindel said to them.
"We shall," one of them said. "Before we bid you farewell, I have a message you can give to your own lord."
"Of course," Glorfindel said.
"His brother, Fingon, finally found time to return to his fiefs and sends his kindly thoughts to King Turgon. He knows Turgon shall guard their sire's resting place from destruction," the eagle said. "It was with great distress that he took their sire's title of High King. The continued warring has worried him and to protect his family, he has sent his wife and son to live in the Havens with Lord Cirdan."
"They will be well seen to there," Glorfindel assured. "If anything were to happen to Fingon, Cirdan will see to it that Ereinion is safe."
The eagles nodded in unison before they both took to the sky.
*
Glorfindel watched as the two brothers ate the meals prepared for them. They obviously had not eaten in some time but were hanging on the last threads of polite behavior while eating in front of King Turgon and his family. Their tattered and stained clothes had been taken away and they were given some new clothing to wear, which they had both exclaimed were the most finely-crafted they had ever laid eyes upon. Idril had gone to finding some servants and maids to help her set up a room with two beds and other amenities for Húrin and Huor. Elrilya had also seen to their wounds and injuries to help them begin to heal.
Quietly Turgon, Idril, Glorfindel, and Elrilya watched them in between their own eating with interest and a touch of fascination since neither Idril nor Elrilya had met any Edain before. Ecthelion was on the mountain borders so he was not with them for the supper meal but Maeglin was there as well; however, he seemed none too interested in the new visitors and poked away at his food as if nothing were amiss. Once Húrin and Huor slowed a little in their appetite, Turgon turned their attention to him.
"Now you can tell us your story," he said, sounding very much like his doting, fatherly side.
"Well, my lord, the battles between Morgoth's creatures and our peoples kept coming closer to our lands where we have lived with our kin of the Haladin in Brethil," Húrin began. "We were kept from the frontlines but still we were protecting the mountains from being crossed."
"I wanted to join them, my lord, but our uncle would not permit it!" young Huor suddenly spoke up. "He said I was too young."
"Huor..." Húrin started to warn his brother for his outburst.
"It is all right," Turgon said then looked to Huor. "How old are you, Master Huor?"
"Thirteen comings of spring," he answered proudly. "And Húrin has seen sixteen."
"So few years but you are already set for battle," Turgon said almost a little sadly. "Please, do continue, Master Húrin."
"We became under attack one day and were separated from the others or those with us died from wounds," he explained. "We had been wandering for many days when we decided to climb the mountain to find our way after becoming lost, hoping we could see more from above. Yet, a strange fog came over us and then the eagles came and took us."
"I was not afraid but I thought we might become food for the great eagle's young!" Huor said suddenly.
Turgon chuckled, "Hardly. Thorondor and his kin are friends of ours. The Valar must be watching you both today."
Glorfindel smirked a moment as he saw Huor struggle unsuccessfully to hide a yawn.
"You must be weary from your traveling," Glorfindel said. "Perhaps you would like to retire early?"
"That might be best," Húrin said, trying also to stifle an escaped yawn.
"We will keep a guard nearby if you have any questions or need anything," Turgon informed them.
"Thank you, my lord," Húrin said with a bow as he and his brother stood from their chairs. "We appreciate your hospitality to us."
Turgon nodded in response as Idril rose and led the young men out of the dining area to their rooms.
"Húrin is wise for his age," Glorfindel commented once they were gone. "And Huor is eager to show himself as a warrior."
A scrape of a chair came across the stone floor as Maeglin scooted his chair back and stood.
"Please excuse me, Uncle. I have some errands I must tend to this evening," Maeglin said suddenly before receiving a nod from Turgon.
"That was strange," Elrilya added after Maeglin left.
"He is only bothered that someone is stealing the attention he has had since his arrival years ago," Turgon laughed light-heartedly.
"What do you suppose we shall do with these boys?" Glorfindel asked.
"I do not know," Turgon said thoughtfully. "They must remain here I am afraid but we shall make them as comfortable as we can for now among us."
Glossary
Toroni: brothers
Aiya: Hail
Pedich Edhellen: "Do you speak Elvish?"
Author's Note: Eternal has won First Place in the 2006 My Precious Awards for the Silmarillion category! The details for the awards ceremony will be posted on my profile if you wish to see the other winners and our acceptance speeches. Thanks again everyone so much! As a present, I give you an early update!
Chapter Forty-Six: Toroni
The sadness and grief of the Eldar as a whole had not been as great since the Kinslaying. Once word had spread of High King Fingolfin's death, mourning overwhelmed the kingdoms of the east. The large host of Noldor who had followed him from Valinor had always loved him and the High King had gained more respect from the Sindar and Silvan when relations between them and the Noldor were made upon their arrival from Aman. The news was indeed a shattering blow to the Eldar's on-going fight against Morgoth.
Gondolin saw many days of grief so far, the mood far differing from the typical bustling, happy mien of most days. Having built the cairn for Fingolfin upon meeting Thorondor on the mountain, Turgon spared Idril the sigh of her grandfather's battered body and from giving Maeglin a dreadful first image of the grandfather he never met. Turgon did not want anyone to remember Fingolfin in that way but Turgon spoke only once of the battle that led to the High King's ultimate death.
There were moments in private that Turgon became lost in his guilt and sorrow but Glorfindel stayed to his word in staying by his side. There was little time spent in the first few weeks for Glorfindel at home but Elrilya understood that her husband had a duty in friendship as well as needing his own way to grieve with an elf he had been close to for many years, having been such a good friend with his son.
One midday a couple years after the dreadful news, Glorfindel was out on the balcony of Turgon's study after a long morning of talking with Turgon. The fresh air soothed his feelings and cooled the still flaming anger and pain that raged in his soul toward Morgoth. The beautiful, yet oddly out of season, fog hanging on the cliffs of the mountains also gave a wondrous view to take his mind off of things. It was then, while standing high above Gondolin in Turgon's tower, that Glory eyed two of Thorondor's eagles gliding out of the fog and down to the city's courtyard below where the trees Glingal and Belthil, stood. A cry was released from one of them as they both landed then released their talons to reveal two figures they had been carrying.
"Turgon, come quickly," Glorfindel said as he rushed inside. "The eagles have brought two people to us."
"Who could it be?" Turgon asked out loud as they hurried down the stairwell.
When they reached the courtyard, a large host of onlookers had gathered to see whom the eagles had brought. A path opened up through the citizenry as Turgon made his way to the center of the excitement. The buzz of talk quieted once Turgon laid eyes on the two boys, sons of Men, in front of him. Standing at Turgon's side, Glorfindel looked over the two Edain.
They had golden hair but the younger of the two had a darker coloring of brown on his head. They looked no older than when Maeglin had first arrived in the city with Aredhel but Glorfindel knew they grew older much quicker in years than the Eldar did. Such was the way of the mortals. One could see which of them was the eldest but the younger of the two stood taller than the other who obviously was related to him by their fair features. They were dressed as if they had been in battle, their weapons with them and their clothing soiled with a few wounds visible. As Turgon approached them, they seemed to understand his importance and bowed with heads lowered.
"Aiya! Pedich Edhellen?" Turgon asked them first as he motioned for them to rise, knowing that Men were more familiar with the use of Sindarin than his native tongue of Quenya.
The eldest boy nodded, "Yes, my lord."
"Good," Turgon smiled to let them know not to be afraid. "I am King Turgon of the city of Gondolin where you now find yourselves. From whence have you come that the eagles have brought you?"
Suddenly both of the boys went to their knee again. Turgon went to them, placing his hands on their shoulders.
"You need not kneel again," he told them as they rose to meet his face.
"My lord, I am Húrin and with me is my brother Huor," he paused then continued. "We are the sons of Galdor, son of Hador Lórindol."
Glorfindel knew of whom they spoke. Their grandfather had fought alongside the Eldar against Morgoth and was a friend of the Noldori kingdoms. Turgon had known Hador well and upon hearing the name spoken, squeezed the shoulders of the youths with a familiarity of recognition.
"I know of your kin well," Turgon said, his smile broadening. "I fought alongside your grandsire many years ago. The kin of Hador are always welcome in my home."
"Thank you, my lord," Húrin said still playing the part of the diplomat since he was the eldest. "We knew of your sire as well since he gave our grandsire Dor-lómin and fought also with our kin. We were dismayed to hear of his passing, my lord. He was truly a courageous King."
Turgon's mouth tightened a moment as he blinked away the reminder of his father's death. However, his smile seemed to turn more loving and welcoming as he looked upon the two young boys.
"I thank you for those kind words," he said. "Come, we shall let you clean yourselves and settle so you can tell us your tale before your arrival."
As Turgon turned away with Húrin and Huor, Glorfindel went to the eagles who still sat perched nearby.
"We share our thanks with you for bringing these elf-friends to us in their time of need. Do also tell your lord of our gratitude," Glorfindel said to them.
"We shall," one of them said. "Before we bid you farewell, I have a message you can give to your own lord."
"Of course," Glorfindel said.
"His brother, Fingon, finally found time to return to his fiefs and sends his kindly thoughts to King Turgon. He knows Turgon shall guard their sire's resting place from destruction," the eagle said. "It was with great distress that he took their sire's title of High King. The continued warring has worried him and to protect his family, he has sent his wife and son to live in the Havens with Lord Cirdan."
"They will be well seen to there," Glorfindel assured. "If anything were to happen to Fingon, Cirdan will see to it that Ereinion is safe."
The eagles nodded in unison before they both took to the sky.
*
Glorfindel watched as the two brothers ate the meals prepared for them. They obviously had not eaten in some time but were hanging on the last threads of polite behavior while eating in front of King Turgon and his family. Their tattered and stained clothes had been taken away and they were given some new clothing to wear, which they had both exclaimed were the most finely-crafted they had ever laid eyes upon. Idril had gone to finding some servants and maids to help her set up a room with two beds and other amenities for Húrin and Huor. Elrilya had also seen to their wounds and injuries to help them begin to heal.
Quietly Turgon, Idril, Glorfindel, and Elrilya watched them in between their own eating with interest and a touch of fascination since neither Idril nor Elrilya had met any Edain before. Ecthelion was on the mountain borders so he was not with them for the supper meal but Maeglin was there as well; however, he seemed none too interested in the new visitors and poked away at his food as if nothing were amiss. Once Húrin and Huor slowed a little in their appetite, Turgon turned their attention to him.
"Now you can tell us your story," he said, sounding very much like his doting, fatherly side.
"Well, my lord, the battles between Morgoth's creatures and our peoples kept coming closer to our lands where we have lived with our kin of the Haladin in Brethil," Húrin began. "We were kept from the frontlines but still we were protecting the mountains from being crossed."
"I wanted to join them, my lord, but our uncle would not permit it!" young Huor suddenly spoke up. "He said I was too young."
"Huor..." Húrin started to warn his brother for his outburst.
"It is all right," Turgon said then looked to Huor. "How old are you, Master Huor?"
"Thirteen comings of spring," he answered proudly. "And Húrin has seen sixteen."
"So few years but you are already set for battle," Turgon said almost a little sadly. "Please, do continue, Master Húrin."
"We became under attack one day and were separated from the others or those with us died from wounds," he explained. "We had been wandering for many days when we decided to climb the mountain to find our way after becoming lost, hoping we could see more from above. Yet, a strange fog came over us and then the eagles came and took us."
"I was not afraid but I thought we might become food for the great eagle's young!" Huor said suddenly.
Turgon chuckled, "Hardly. Thorondor and his kin are friends of ours. The Valar must be watching you both today."
Glorfindel smirked a moment as he saw Huor struggle unsuccessfully to hide a yawn.
"You must be weary from your traveling," Glorfindel said. "Perhaps you would like to retire early?"
"That might be best," Húrin said, trying also to stifle an escaped yawn.
"We will keep a guard nearby if you have any questions or need anything," Turgon informed them.
"Thank you, my lord," Húrin said with a bow as he and his brother stood from their chairs. "We appreciate your hospitality to us."
Turgon nodded in response as Idril rose and led the young men out of the dining area to their rooms.
"Húrin is wise for his age," Glorfindel commented once they were gone. "And Huor is eager to show himself as a warrior."
A scrape of a chair came across the stone floor as Maeglin scooted his chair back and stood.
"Please excuse me, Uncle. I have some errands I must tend to this evening," Maeglin said suddenly before receiving a nod from Turgon.
"That was strange," Elrilya added after Maeglin left.
"He is only bothered that someone is stealing the attention he has had since his arrival years ago," Turgon laughed light-heartedly.
"What do you suppose we shall do with these boys?" Glorfindel asked.
"I do not know," Turgon said thoughtfully. "They must remain here I am afraid but we shall make them as comfortable as we can for now among us."
Glossary
Toroni: brothers
Aiya: Hail
Pedich Edhellen: "Do you speak Elvish?"
Sign up to rate and review this story