140: iQuild’ epë iRaumo

Glorfindel and Finrod disappeared into the arming tent and no one was allowed to see them, save for the Valar. Sador and Beleg in fact had rushed to the arming tent only to be stayed by a contingent of warrior Maiar ringing it.

"But they’re my brothers," Sador exclaimed in exasperation when Manveru told them that no one would be allowed in.

The Maia looked fondly upon the ellon and smiled. "Nevertheless, my orders stand," Manveru said, not unkindly. "For all that you wear a warrior’s braid, young Sador, you little understand what this match has cost your brothers. They need time alone."

Sador looked unconvinced and even Beleg appeared skeptical, but all thoughts of arguing with the warrior Maia fled at the appearance of Lord Oromë, who took both ellyn in his arms and hugged them.

"Hush, now, my little warriors," he said softly. "Let us leave your brothers to their own devices, shall we? I wish to speak to the both of you. Come, we will go and have something to eat. I understand my Lady has put together a veritable feast for luncheon. We should not miss that if it can at all be helped."

He smiled at them and gave them a wink. The two elves were at a loss at how to respond to that, so they merely allowed the Vala to lead them away without protest. They found themselves leaving the encampment altogether. Beleg recognized their destination as the same grove of trees where he had had his conversation with Lady Vána. Soon, they were among the trees and in a small clearing they found Lady Vána sitting upon a blanket with several tempting dishes spread before her. Sador and Beleg gave her a bow and then without further urging, sat with the Valar and began to eat. During the meal the two Valar asked what seemed to the two elves to be rather innocuous questions, mostly having to do with their hopes for themselves in the coming days and months.

Sador was still young enough in experience not to question the reasons for the Valar’s interest and Beleg, for all that he was ancient, was still too new to Life to be wary and answered as honestly as he knew how, though he admitted he had given it little thought.

"I barely remember my past," he said at one point rather wistfully. "I haven’t the strength yet to think of the future."

The two Valar gave him sympathetic looks. Vána reached over and stroked him gently on the cheek. "Do not despair, child," she said. "Take one day at a time. You’ll get there eventually."

"Sador will help you there, I’m sure," Oromë then said, giving the younger ellon a smile. Sador merely nodded, taking Beleg’s hand and giving it a squeeze. Beleg smiled shyly back.

"Now, who wants another piece of wild berry pie?" Vána asked, sounding like any ammë with a brood of hungry elflings.

Sador and Beleg grinned and held out their plates but Oromë got there first with his own plate, laughing at his beloved’s look of exasperation as she dished him out a slice. He gave Sador and Beleg a wink and the two ellyn found themselves laughing even as they accepted their own slices.

****

Arafinwë was also put out when he and Eärwen attempted to see Findaráto and Glorfindel.

"Since when am I not allowed to see my own son and the son of my heart?" he demanded rather angrily of Manveru.

The Maia resisted a sigh, really wishing that he could just take his sword and... well, that wouldn’t really solve anything, though it might make him feel better... for about ten seconds, just before Lord Manwë came down on him like a Valarauco in a bad mood. He nearly grinned at that image, but managed to maintain a neutral expression as he addressed Arafinwë.

"Forgive me, Noldóran, but I have my orders from the Elder King himself," he said. "If you have a problem with that may I suggest you take it up with him."

Arafinwë raised an eyebrow at that. "Perhaps I will," he said rather haughtily and Manveru stopped himself from grinning outright, but only just. Truly these Children were hysterically amusing.

Manveru nodded respectfully and Arafinwë sighed, suddenly looking less the King of the Noldor and more like a worried atar. Manveru felt sorry for him, but his orders stood and he could make no exceptions.

"They are well, my lord," he said sympathetically. "Even so, they are both tired and Lord Irmo thought it best that they rest undisturbed until the afternoon’s bout."

"In that case," Arafinwë replied with all sincerity, "it eases my heart that the Valar are so solicitous of my sons and are looking after their welfare. Please convey my heartfelt thanks for their care." He gave the Maia a bow and left with Eärwen.

*Amazing creatures, are they not, brother?* Erunáro thought to him from where he stood nearby on guard.

*Yes,* Manveru said, *they are that. I rejoice that Atar saw fit to entrust us with them. They are indeed a great gift and I cherish them... even when they are most annoying.*

Erunáro laughed silently in agreement. *Yea, what would our lives be like without someone like Glorfindel to brighten our days?*

Now all the Maiar guarding the arming tent were laughing though any elf watching them would never suspect.

****

Alassiel was trying to herd the five elflings back to the compound for lunch, silently cursing Sador for deserting her again. She was supposed to be her cousin’s squire but so far she had done no squiring at all. Really, she might as well have just stayed in Lórien for all that Findaráto truly needed her. She was beginning to resent being relegated to the role of nanny. She was a member of the High King’s household, not a servant, after all.

She was still silently fuming when Laurendil and Manwen appeared as if from nowhere. She gave them a grateful smile. "I’m glad you are here. I am beginning to feel unappreciated and unwanted."

Manwen gave her a fierce hug. "Never that, my sister," she said. "Come, let us leave Laurendil to feed this brood while you and I go to the city and do some shopping. Lady Amarië left word with us through the High King that she will join us at the Bowman’s Rest for lunch."

Alassiel brightened at that and gave Manwen a grateful hug, never seeing the wink that passed between Manwen and Laurendil. She would never know that it was Findaráto who had suggested the shopping trip and luncheon to Manwen while Laurendil watched the elflings. Laurendil rounded up the children and announced that lunch was at the Leaping Frog to which they all cheered while Manwen led Alassiel away chattering about nothing of consequence, yet the two healers could tell that Alassiel already looked happier than she had been all week.

****

Aldundil and Vorondil were attempting to leave the stands when they were confronted by a group of elves, Vanyarin by the looks of them, although there were also a couple of Noldor in the mix as well. They did not look pleased to see father and son and Aldundil wrapped a protective arm around Vorondil, hoping that there would be no trouble. His son had suffered enough.

"You got off too easily, thrall," one of the elves snarled at Vorondil. "I little like Prince Findaráto, but no one should be allowed to attack a lord of the realm without being suitably punished."

"And what punishment would you deem suitable, Morinquar Alassardion?"

The elves all turned to see a Maia standing there, dressed in the livery of Nienna. He gazed upon them with mild interest, though there was a light in his eyes that cowed them, except Morinquar, who glared at the Maia.

"Death is the usual punishment," he declared.

The Maia nodded. "Yes. It usually is... but even Fëanáro did not suffer that for his attack on Ñolofinwë, his own brother. Do you not think the same mercy should be shown to this child?"

"A child who is an abomination," exclaimed one of the other elves. "His existence is a curse on us all."

Vorondil went white at the vehemence of those words and Aldundil had to hold him tightly to prevent him from collapsing. The Maia’s expression went dark and several of the elves quailed, taking a step or two back.

"No one is a curse," he said. "Vorondil Aldundilion is no less beloved by Ilúvatar than any of you. He is not an abomination and the manner of his conception is not something for which he can be blamed." The Maia paused and his expression went even colder than before. "Go now, all of you, before my Lord Manwë decides that you have breached the Sérë Valaron. He does not look kindly on those who flaunt the Peace of Aman. Lord Aldundil and his son are under the protection of the Valar. Seek to harm either one at your peril."

Such was the force of his words that the crowd melted silently away, many of the elves looking sheepish, even fearful, as if they suddenly woke to the fact that they may have been swimming in dangerous waters. When all were gone, the Maia turned to Aldundil and Vorondil and gave them a warm smile.

"I am Tiutalion of the People of Nienna, my children," the Maia said with a bow. "Fear not, all is well."

Vorondil gave his atar and the Maia a hurt and confused look. "Wh-why do they all hate me?" he whispered forlornly. "I... I said I was sorry."

Tiutalion took the ellon into his own embrace. "They do not hate you so much as they feel cheated," he said gently. "They were hoping to be entertained by watching you being humiliated before all and feel thwarted that your master showed you mercy and love instead."

"M-master..." Vorondil gulped. "He... he... I never knew he could fight like that."

Tiutalion looked down at the ellon with a smile. "Surprised you, didn’t he?"

The drollness of the question forced a giggle out of Vorondil and he visibly relaxed in the Maia’s embrace. Aldundil gave Tiutalion a wry look.

"I fear my son will forever be paying for my mistakes," he said softly.

The Maia shook his head. "Nay, child, that is not true. But come, let us away. My Lady Nienna bade me to see you safely to your tent. I will remain as your guardian until such time as you leave with Prince Ingwion."

Aldundil merely grunted at the news, but Vorondil looked troubled. "Does my master know?"

Tiutalion gave the ellon a smile and a gentle kiss on his forehead. "It was he who asked my Lady for the loan of one of her People so that you may enjoy the rest of the tournament unmolested."

Both father and son looked mollified by that. Aldundil nodded and gave the Maia a bow. "Then I am doubly grateful to my lord and Lady Nienna for their solicitousness," he said, then turned to Vorondil. "What say you, yonya?"

Vorondil gave his atar a grave look and then turned to the Maia. "Wouldst thou join us for the nooning, lord?" he asked formally, his voice shy and uncertain.

Tiutalion smiled warmly, giving Vorondil a hug and another kiss on the brow. "I would be honored, Little One."

Thus, two who thought themselves as outcasts knew now that their lord and master loved them and that even the Valar wished them well. By the time they reached their tent, Aldundil and Vorondil were speaking to Tiutalion as if they were life-long friends.

Nienna, helping her brothers watch over Findaráto and Glorfindel, smiled to herself as she observed the deft way in which Tiutalion handled the fragile fëar of these two Children, so in need of love and understanding.

"Yes, a useful Maia indeed," she muttered to no one in particular. Her brothers in the Thought of Ilúvatar exchanged knowing smiles which she deigned not to notice.

****

Finrod and Glorfindel had in fact intended to join their family and friends for the noon meal but found themselves thwarted by three Valar. When they entered the arming tent, they found, not only Lord Irmo and Lord Námo waiting for them, but Lady Nienna, as well. There were also two steaming tubs of hot water, which the two ellyn looked upon with gratitude, for they were both drenched in sweat.

When the Fëanturi indicated that they would help the ellyn to disarm and disrobe, the two elves balked. Finrod gave Nienna a polite but cool stare.

"Perhaps we could have some privacy, my lady?" he asked.

Nienna raised an eyebrow and smiled but said nothing, merely turning around and humming softly to herself. Finrod and Glorfindel exchanged glances. Glorfindel rolled his eyes and began divesting himself of his sword belt, throwing it onto a nearby cot. Finrod grimaced slightly as he followed suit. The Fëanturi had amused smiles on their faces, silently laughing at the prudish nature of their charges. They surreptitiously cast a glamour over the elves’ eyes so neither one was aware of the fact that Nienna had so positioned herself that she could see into a standing mirror that revealed all.

*You are very naughty, sister,* Námo laughed silently even as he helped Glorfindel with the lacings on his vambraces.

*I remember when they first came here, all wearing clothes,* she commented with a snort of amusement that only her brothers heard. *How strange they looked. I had to consciously remember to cover my hröa whenever I incarnated.*

*We all did,* Irmo replied as he handed Finrod a flannel to wash himself with after the ellon had slipped into the tub with a grateful sigh. *Until Ingwë, Elwë and Finwë showed up, none of us ever bothered with such things whenever we clothed ourselves in flesh.*

*You have to admit, though,* Námo added as he gathered up Glorfindel’s things and hung the armor up on its stand, *they are quite creative in the weaving and cutting of cloth into clothes. Vairë was most pleased when she saw that they had invented looms all on their own, crude though they were.*

The other two nodded as Glorfindel and Finrod stepped out of their tubs and began drying themselves off. The ellyn were surprised when, instead of breeches and shirts, the Valar handed them nightshirts.

"We think it best that you sleep for now," Námo said when they gave the Valar quizzical looks. "This last bout was quite strenuous and you will be fighting again in a few hours. Take some refreshment first and then lie down. We will waken you in plenty of time to re-arm."

The ellyn were rather reluctant at first but finally acquiesced, slipping on the nightshirts.

"Can I turn around now?" Nienna asked innocently.

"If you must," Finrod said with feigned annoyance, giving Glorfindel a wink as the two sat down to a light repast. Neither elf noticed the smug looks on the three Valar’s faces. A half an hour later both were sound asleep while the Fëanturi and their sister sat and watched over them, reminiscing about earlier times when the Eldar had first arrived in Aman, all innocent and wide-eyed with wonder.

****

When the royals returned to the list in the afternoon, they were joined by Amarië and Alassiel, as well as the elflings, Sador and Beleg. Laurendil and Manwen returned to their stations at the healers’ tent which had been turned into a sort of nursery as infants and small children were left in the care of healers with no one to heal and the occasional off-duty Maia while their parents enjoyed the tournament in peace.

Aldundil and Vorondil had also returned to the stands with Tiutalion, but now they were sitting close to the royal gallery. When Veryandur and the other elflings saw where Vorondil was sitting they insisted on being allowed to join their friend. All in the gallery watched the older elfling’s eyes light up with joy at the sight of the younger children. The surprised yet shy look on Vorondil’s face as he made room for Veryandur and Eruanna was poignant and more than one onlooker felt nothing but sympathy for the child.

Eärwen turned to Amarië as the elleth seated herself between her and Arafinwë. "We’ve missed you, my dear," the Queen of the Noldor said. "We wondered if we would ever see you again."

Amarië made a slight moue. "Ammë refused to let me attend the tournament," she answered. "She’s not yet forgiven Findaráto and me for our... subterfuge. I’m only here today because Atto realized what was going on and put a stop to it."

Eärwen patted the elleth on the arm in sympathy. "Well, I’m sure she’ll come around eventually, dear. After all, she has twelve years in which to get used to the idea. More than enough time, even for your amillë."

Amarië gave the queen a blank look then started snickering, a hand to her mouth. "Ammë doesn’t realize how close I came to climbing out my bedroom window and sneaking away to the tournament."

Arafinwë gave his soon-to-be daughter a wry grin. "And knowing your atar as I do, I wouldn’t be surprised to find he had supplied you with the rope."

Now Amarië started laughing and they all joined in.

"Look!" Beleg exclaimed, pointing. "I think the tournament is about to begin."

They all looked to where the Reborn archer pointed and sure enough, there were Findaráto and Glorfindel exiting the arming tent and heading for the list with Eönwë escorting them. They all sighed and unconsciously began settling in for what they were sure would be a most exciting match.

None of them, not even the Valar, could have predicted just how exciting.

****

iQuild’ epë iRaumo: "The Calm before the Storm". Quildë is elided; the word literally means "hush, rest, quiet".