122: Rumors Among the Eldar

As predicted, the afternoon round of fighting was not as exciting as the morning’s round had been. Finrod and Ingwion both won their matches, though not easily. As Laurendil later commented, their opponents made them work for their wins. Region and Aldundil were evenly matched but the ellon managed to score a "mortal" blow, thus winning the round. Valacar lost to Hallas when he failed to block a thrust that caused his shield to drop so as to give Hallas just enough of an opening to drive the ellon to the ground.

So, it was not the fighting that had everyone talking, it was what had gone on in the stands. Those who had elected to stay away that afternoon soon regretted their decision as rumors flew, each one more outrageous than the last. One rumor had Glorfindel not only attacking but murdering the Vanyarin lord. Another had Sador attempting to kidnap a Vanyarin child. In both cases, the miscreants were apparently aided and abetted by Lord Námo himself.

When Námo heard that one he nearly exploded. "Have they all gone insane?" he shouted in outraged disbelief as the Valar congregated in the throne room on Taniquetil that evening. "Perhaps Ulmo should recheck their water supply!"

Ulmo burst into laughter at that and gave the irate Vala a hug. "Ah, Little Brother, you are too funny."

"Being accused of complicity in kidnaping and murder is not funny, Ulmo," Námo retorted though he could not resist a faint smile at the absurdity of the charges. Ulmo continued to hold him in his embrace for a moment or two longer, allowing the younger Vala to calm down. The Lord of Waters smiled fondly at his younger brother in Ilúvatar’s Thought, remembering earlier ages when Námo had been less sure of himself. Now he was the dread Lord of Mandos, a role he took on with great dignity and not a little humor, though the Children were rarely aware of the latter trait, poor things. Ulmo chuckled to himself and gave Námo a brief kiss before letting him go.

"No, it is not funny," Manwë said solemnly, though there was a hint of laughter in his eyes.

"Such an insult, not only to us, but to Glorfindel and Sador, should not go unanswered," Varda then said, her expression neutral, though only Manwë knew just how furious she truly was.

"And what do you propose we do, my love... kill them?" the Elder King asked in a mild tone that fooled none of them. Vána actually snickered and Tulkas’ booming laughter soon followed when Varda blushed at the unspoken reprimand. That broke the tension that had been building among them and they all, including Námo, laughed.

"Varda is correct, though," Námo said when they had calmed down. "Not so much for our sake, but Glorfindel and Sador shouldn’t be accused of crimes they’ve not committed."

"Do you think Ingwë is unaware of these rumors, or even who may be spreading them?" Manwë asked with a lift of an eyebrow.

Námo shook his head. "Nay, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t use a little help." He sighed then, looking less aggrieved but more sorrowful. "It does not help that it is the Reborn who are the targets of these rumors, nor the fact that their apparent victims were Vanyar. It’s only going to make things worse."

"Or better," Yavanna interjected. They all gave her questioning looks. She merely smiled. "When Ingwë exposes these rumors, and any others that may come along, for the absurd lies that they are, when he can prove that Súlimondil is alive and well and that the child is equally well and happy, those spreading the rumors will be shown for what they are: liars and malcontents. That can only be a good thing, can it not?"

Manwë nodded. "We will let Ingwë handle this as he sees fit, and Námo," he looked pointedly at the Lord of Mandos, "if you’re thinking of taking your own revenge on these rumormongers, remember our conversation from the last time."

Námo blushed and bowed to Manwë. "Yes, my lord." Then he scowled and muttered to no one in particular, "Sometimes being good and noble really sucks."

This set everyone laughing again. Vairë reached up and gave her husband a fond kiss.

****

When Ingwë heard the rumors later that evening he stood in stunned surprise as Valandur recounted the more absurd lies to his lord. The other royals, including Ingwion, were gathered in Ingwë’s private sitting room, taking their ease. It was just after dinner and Ingwë was about to go to his study for his meeting with Lord Súlimondil, but when Valandur came in with the news he just stood there in fury. The others looked equally stunned and furious at the same time.

"And do you have any ideas as to who is spreading these rumors?" Ingwë asked softly when Valandur finished his report.

The High King’s chief loremaster and spymaster shrugged. "I have my theories," he said diffidently.

The High King raised an eyebrow. "Would you care to share them with us?" His voice was low and dangerous.

Valandur, used to his lord’s moods, merely shook his head. "Not at this time, my lord. There are one or two points I wish to check first. I do not wish to make false accusations against the innocent."

Ingwë was about to make a retort when Arafinwë cut him off with a question of his own. "What about the Valar? Surely the insult to Lord Námo will not go unpunished."

"I’m sure the Valar are quite capable of taking care of themselves," Ingwë snarled brusquely. "It is Glorfindel and Sador for whom I am most concerned."

"And any of the other Reborn," Olwë added. "They could easily become targets of people’s rage if these rumors are not quashed immediately."

Ingwë nodded and turned back to Valandur. "Have extra guards placed around Findaráto’s encampment, but be discreet about it. In the morning I will have both Lord Súlimondil and the child appear with us at the tournament. That should take care of the rumors. Glorfindel can’t be accused of killing someone when the supposed victim is standing there alive and well. Same goes for the elfling, though I regret subjecting the child to the ordeal." He sighed and shook his head. "Well, I’d best go see Súlimondil."

But Súlimondil never showed for his meeting with the High King and then Ingwë’s rage knew no bounds. He summoned his chief guards. "Find him and bring him to me, even if you have to tear this city apart. Have his family brought to the palace as well. They may know where he’s hiding."

The guards left and Ingwë sat at his desk... and waited.

****

Glorfindel and Sador slept most of the afternoon away, both of them waking around sunset. They made their way back to the encampment along with Laurendil, Manwen and Vorondil. When they arrived Finrod drew Sador aside and spoke to him quietly, then the two ellyn went into the main pavilion together while the others remained outside at Finrod’s request.

Inside, Sador followed Finrod to their sleeping quarters where he saw Veryandur asleep in Finrod’s cot, his stuffed toy snuggled in his arms. Finrod sat on the cot and gently called the child awake. Sador kept out of the ellon’s line of sight.

Veryandur woke and gave Finrod a sleepy smile. "How are you feeling now, Little One?" Finrod asked gently.

"Hungry," came the reply around a yawn.

Finrod chuckled. "Well, dinner will be soon. In the meantime, there’s someone who wants to talk to you."

It was only then that Sador stepped into Veryandur’s view. The child clutched his toy and tried to move away but Finrod took him in his arms and held him. Sador knelt beside his brother, his expression full of regret.

"Hello, Veryandur," he said quietly. "I hope you can forgive me for what I did earlier."

"You scared me," the child said accusingly.

"I know," Sador replied. "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I was lost in a memory and had no idea what I was doing."

Veryandur gave Finrod an uncertain look. Finrod nodded. "Sador was remembering something bad that happened to him when he was an elfling and he did not realize he was scaring you."

"How bad?" the ellon asked, now curious.

"It was very bad, child," Sador said. "I will not tell you about it, but I will tell you that I did not mean you any harm. Lost in my memory though I was, my only thought was to see you safely out of harm’s way. Do you believe me?"

Veryandur considered Sador’s words for a few moments and then nodded. He then looked at Finrod, his expression still accusatory. "I didn’t like the fighting. It was scary."

Finrod gave the ellon a light smile. "Then I am sorry as well. Perhaps you would rather stay here from now on?"

"A-alone?" Veryandur asked.

Finrod shrugged. "Well, everyone else will be at the tournament."

The ellon thought this over for a moment, then sighed. "I guess I can close my eyes like Eruanna when it gets too scary."

Finrod and Sador both chuckled at that. Sador ruffled the ellon’s hair, giving Finrod a conspiratorial wink. "I tell you what. We’ll close our eyes together. I don’t like watching the fighting either. Is that all right with you?"

Veryandur gave Sador a smile and nodded. "Narmollë can watch the fighting for us," he said, holding up his stuffed toy. "He’s not afraid."

Finrod smiled, pleased that this particular crisis had been resolved. "That’s settled then." He released Veryandur from his embrace and stood up. "Now who’s ready to eat?"

****

Finrod decided to make dinner that evening a festive affair to celebrate everyone’s wins. Aldundil and Calalindalë came by, having been invited by Finrod earlier, and Ingwion, as well, though the Vanyarin prince did not stay very long, having promised to meet with his atar after dinner. The children were delighted to be allowed to eat with the grown-ups and laughed along with the others when Sador and Glorfindel suddenly got into a food fight. Soon everyone was covered with food and Finrod declared a truce, ordering his brothers to do the washing up. Then they were startled to see their own lord help haul the hot water, even giving Sador a hand with the drying. The three older elflings especially were looking thoughtful as they watched the prince of the Noldor and his two brothers teasing one another as they did the dishes together.

Afterwards, they sat around the fire, the children growing somewhat sleepy but determined to stay awake as long as possible. Veryandur was already nestled in Manwen’s arms, Narmollë firmly in his grasp. Lindorillë and Eruanna were attempting to braid the hair of Eruanna’s doll Yávië to match the braids that Finrod sported. Finrod, when he learned what they wanted to do, smiled and gave them some small beads and gems to play with, explaining the pattern of the twists. He did not bother to tell them the significance of the warrior braids, pleased as he was that the two ellith wanted to imitate him in some fashion. It meant that they were beginning to accept him as a parental substitute. Alassiel sat next to them, giving them pointers and even fashioning a sword for the doll from a dinner knife. She promised Eruanna that they could also make a mail coat for Yávië later when the elleth asked about it. The other adults looked on with indulgent smiles.

When Oromendil tentatively asked Finrod about Tirion, the prince regaled them with stories of the first city of the Eldar in Eldamar, telling them about growing up there and the things he had done as an elfling, giving them an idea of what their own lives might be like.

"Atar will probably place you with Mistress Lótemalda, who cares for all the court pages," Finrod told them at one point and gave them a conspiratorial look. "She’s a real terror, so you’d best behave."

Glorfindel laughed. "And you know this from personal experience, do you?"

Finrod gave his brother a deprecating grin. "Mistress Lótemalda was never impressed by the fact that I was a prince of the Noldor in my grandfather’s court. She meted out punishment without showing any favoritism."

"Probably on Atar’s orders," Sador said as he took a sip of wine.

Finrod nodded. "Probably. So, my children, you had best mind yourselves around Mistress Lótemalda, but have no fear of her. She is strict but not cruel and you will learn much from her."

Sorondil and Oromendil nodded their understanding, as did Lindorillë. Sorondil then asked what it was like living in Endórë. Finrod asked Sador to tell them about growing up in Doriath and Sador took a few minutes to tell them about Menegroth and playing in the forests of Region with his friends. He was in the middle of recounting the time they had built a raft to float down the river that ran before the gates of Menegroth when Ingwion showed up, looking distraught.

Finrod got up and drew the Vanyarin prince aside while Sador quickly finished up his story. Then Laurendil and Manwen began herding the sleepy children to their cots, though there was much protest from the older elflings. Veryandur was already asleep and Eruanna was yawning away. Soon, however, all five elflings were safely abed and slipping onto the Path of Dreams.

Meanwhile, Ingwion was telling the others about the rumors that were spreading. When Glorfindel heard about what he was supposed to have done, he grimaced. "It would serve them all right if I’d done just that," he muttered.

Sador simply looked distraught and Finrod put an arm around the ellon’s shoulders and gave him a hug. "Do not be concerned, my brother," he said soothingly. "They are only rumors and no one who knows you will take them seriously."

"But few of the Vanyar know me," Sador protested.

"I know you," Ingwion stated firmly. "You are my otorno, even as Glorfindel is. That is all that is important. Atar will find who is spreading such lies and put an end to it. We think that Lord Súlimondil is behind them."

He told them that the Vanyarin lord never showed for his meeting with Ingwë and that the High King had put out a warrant for his arrest. "He’s hiding somewhere in the city," Ingwion said. "Eventually he’ll be found."

"Assuming he stayed in the city," Laurendil said.

"Where else could he go?" Ingwion asked. "It’s not as if he knows anyone in the encampment."

"There’s Lord Valacar."

They all turned to look at Vorondil in surprise. The ellon had been sitting by the fire with his parents and had been listening to the exchange.

"What do you mean, child?" Ingwion asked.

Vorondil looked at Finrod who gave him a nod of encouragement. He turned back to Ingwion. "It’s just that Lord Valacar came to the tent to have his hurts from the fighting tended to and Lord Súlimondil came soon afterwards. I think they may be cousins, leastwise that is how they addressed one another." Ingwion nodded and Vorondil continued. "Lord Súlimondil was very upset and Lord Valacar invited him to return to his tent with him."

"Valacar has a tent here in the encampment?" Ingwion asked.

Finrod nodded. "Except for you, all of the other Vanyarin fighters do. It’s more convenient to the lists after all."

Ingwion nodded his understanding, then addressed Vorondil, giving the ellon a smile. "Thank you, Vorondil. You’ve been most helpful. Findaráto is lucky to have you in his service. You do him great credit." He gave the ellon a respectful bow that left Vorondil speechless, though obviously pleased by the praise. His parents looked equally pleased, especially Aldundil, who gave his son a hug, much to the ellon’s delight.

"Do you know where Valacar’s tent is?" Ingwion then asked Finrod.

"No," Finrod answered, "but that is not a problem." He went to the gate and told the guards there what he wanted. One of them left in a hurry and returned several minutes later with another elf who turned out to have been in charge of assigning tent spaces in the encampment. A soft word from Finrod and the elf was happily pulling out his map of the encampment, pointing out where Lord Valacar’s tent was located.

Finrod gave them all a wicked grin. "Shall we go see if Lord Valacar is entertaining?"

They all laughed. Glorfindel ran to get his sword along with Finrod’s. Sador was planning to remain in the encampment to watch the children but Finrod insisted that as one of the injured parties, he should be there.

"Vorondil can watch over them for us," Finrod said, for both Laurendil and Manwen as well as Alassiel asked to join them and Finrod had agreed. Aldundil stated that he and his wife would remain with their son and give him a hand until the others had returned. Finrod gave his consent and then turned to the others. "Well, let us go see if we can put these rumors to rest, once and for all."

In minutes, the compound was empty except for Aldundil, Calalindalë, Vorondil and five elflings. Vorondil gave a sigh as he watched his master leave with his brothers and the other elves. Aldundil gave him a sympathetic smile and gathered him into his embrace, giving his son a kiss on the brow.

"Why don’t you tell your ammë and me about your training as a healer," Aldundil suggested, hoping to distract his child.

Vorondil reluctantly complied but soon began to speak more enthusiastically about his studies, forgetting for a time his own disappointment at not being by his master’s side. Aldundil and Calalindalë traded fond looks as they listened to Vorondil regaling them about his life in Lórien.

****

Narmollë: Little Wolf. In English, ‘Wolfie’.

Yávië: Autumn.