42: Of Births and Betrothals

The next year, the fourth since Fëanáro’s exile, was nearly over when news of great import reached Vanyamar as Ingwë and Elindis sat in court listening to petitions. A herald entered the audience chamber as Ingwë was addressing one of the petitioners and whispered something in the High King’s ear which Ingalaurë, standing between his parents’ thrones did not hear. Ingwë’s expression was one of surprise at whatever the herald was saying and then he nodded, turning to the petitioner.

"Pray excuse this interruption," he said, "but there is a messenger from Tirion whom We desire to greet at this time. We will resume your petition once We have heard the news from Tirion."

The petitioner bowed and stepped aside, not looking at all pleased by the interruption but having no choice in the matter. Then Ingwë nodded to the herald who then announced the Noldorin messenger who, when he entered, turned out to be no less a personage than Prince Findaráto.

"Nephew!" Ingwë exclaimed as he and Elindis rose to greet him. "Why didn’t you say you were coming?"

Findaráto gave the High King and Queen his obeisance and then allowed them to embrace him as kin. He laughed. "I wished to surprise you and the message I bear I felt should be one that it was meet for a family member to bring."

"And what news is that?" Elindis asked, though from the brightness of her eyes and her knowing smile, it was apparent that she knew or at least guessed.

For an answer, Findaráto turned to address the entire court. "Rejoice, O People of Vanyamar, for I bring tidings of great joy: my beloved cousin, Prince Turucáno and his wife, the Lady Elenwë, have been blessed with the birth of their first-born child, an elleth, whom they have named Itarildë."

"Yé mána!" Elindis exclaimed, clapping her hands in delight.

"A blessing indeed," Ingwë said with a wide grin and there was much cheering among the court, for the birth of a child was seen as a great boon bestowed upon all the Eldar and not just on the immediate family. "Thank you for bringing such joyous news to us, Nephew," he said once the cheering had died down. "In honor of this happy event, I declare a holiday for the rest of the week. Let all rejoice and make merry. We will resume this court on Elenya."

With that, he signaled the chamberlain to dismiss the court as he and Elindis took Findaráto by the hands and led him away with Ingalaurë and Indil right behind them. When they reached the royal apartments, Ingwë called for wine and everyone gathered around to toast the new elfling. Even Ingoldo and Tinwetariel made an appearance and expressed their congratulations.

"I was surprised when I heard that Elenwë had conceived," Ingoldo said to Findaráto as he sipped his wine. "I did not think they would wish to bring a child into these troubling times."

Findaráto nodded. "Turco and Elenwë consulted with the whole family before deciding," he answered. "I think it was something we needed, a sign of hope that, in spite of our troubles, life does go on."

There were nods all around. Then Valandur gave Ingwë a sly look. "Declaring a three-day holiday. Isn’t that a bit much?"

Ingwë shook his head. "No. I think it is what we need. There has been little to rejoice about these last few years and this is an excuse to celebrate something joyous." He turned to Findaráto. "I am assuming the Valar have been told."

"Yes, and a messenger went to Alqualondë as well," the Noldorin prince answered. "I have also been commanded to invite all of you to the naming ceremony. It has been purposely delayed so as many of the family can attend as possible."

Ingwë nodded. "Indeed, I think that is an excellent idea. For when has the ceremony been set?"

"Six weeks from last Alduya, which is when the little elleth made her grand appearance," Findaráto replied with a smile and there was much laughter from the rest.

"Then you may so inform Ñolofinwë that we will come," Ingwë announced, "though naturally, not all of us will be able to attend as I must leave someone to act as regent during our absence."

"Will you return immediately, dear?" Elindis asked Findaráto.

"No, Aunt," he replied. "I would like to spend a few days here before going back. I made a rather rushed journey to get here as quickly as possible and I wish to give my poor horse a good long rest before we start back."

"Then plan to stay through Valanya," Ingwë suggested, "and enjoy this holiday with us."

"I would like that, thank you," Findaráto said and so it was decided.

****

Ingwë spent some time after Findaráto left for Tirion pondering who should remain behind as his regent, but he was at a loss as to how to choose. He spoke of his concerns with Elindis but with no one else. As usual, she merely said that she would support whatever decision he made.

"You know better than any what needs to be done," she said. "It will not be for very long, either, for I do not think we will remain more than a week after the ceremony."

"No, I do not wish to linger there either," Ingwë agreed. "Well, we will call the family together after dinner and I will ask them who they think should be regent. Perhaps someone will volunteer." He gave her a wry smile and she returned it with an arch look, then broke out in laughter and he joined her.

When the family was gathered together, Ingwë came right to the point. "I know most of you are eager to go to Tirion for the naming ceremony and to see our families. Findis, of course, will wish to see her amillë and siblings and their children and I know that Indil and Ingil are looking forward to seeing Ingwi. Yet, someone has to remain behind and I am loath to name any unless they are willing to do so."

There was a moment of silence as they all looked at one another, as if trying to gauge what everyone else was thinking. Finally, though, Ingoldo spoke up. "I have no real desire to travel to Tirion. If you are willing to trust me with the regency for the time you are gone, I will gladly take up the role."

Ingalaurë was unsurprised at his uncle’s offer, though he could see that others were taken aback, Indil especially. His atar’s expression was carefully neutral. "When last I went to Tirion I left my sons as regent," he said slowly, as if feeling out his words before committing to them, "and you made some effort to undermine their authority. I would almost be willing to hand the regency to you, Brother, save for your earlier actions. Also, you resigned from government service and I wonder that you would want to take up such duties again."

"Perhaps I was over hasty in resigning," Ingoldo replied with equanimity, "yet, I am willing to help in this matter. I know that normally you would appoint Ingil or even Indil as your regent, but it would be highly unfair to either of them if they could not go to Tirion and see their brother and visit with their cousins. I believe that they have spoken about making an extended visit to Tirion for some time now."

Indil nodded. "Yes, we promised Findaráto that Ingil and I would go with Tam and Amarië to visit him for a time. We were waiting for a time when Tam’s duties would permit him to leave Vanyamar and of course Amarië is busy at the Academy teaching."

"Well, this would certainly be a good time for you all to go," Tinwetariel offered. "My husband speaks for me as well, for I have no desire to leave Vanyamar. There does not seem to be any point in having anyone remain behind who would rather go. That would be unfair."

Ingwë nodded. "I agree. It would be unfair to deprive anyone of the opportunity to visit with our family in Tirion who truly wished to do so." He gave a sigh. "Very well. I will appoint you as regent, Brother. Do not make me regret it."

"You will not," Ingoldo stated firmly, "and I thank you for your trust in me."

"It is not trust," Ingwë retorted. "Say, rather, it is a second chance."

Ingoldo bowed his head in acknowledgment of Ingwë’s implied warning. Ingalaurë, however, was not entirely convinced by his uncle’s motives and before he could think it through he blurted out, "If you will, Atto, perhaps I will stay behind and help Uncle Ingoldo."

There was a surprised silence from them all and even Ingoldo looked a bit nonplused at the ellon’s offer. "But yonya," Elindis protested, "you have been looking forward to seeing Ingwion for so long."

"And I will see him," Ingalaurë assured her, "but just not immediately. You will be gone for only a couple of weeks, is that not so?" He looked at Ingwë when he spoke and his atar nodded. "Then I will travel to Tirion and join Indil and the others when you return."

Ingwë stared at his son for some time, his expression unreadable, then turned to Ingoldo. "What say you, Brother? Will you be willing to share the regency with Ingil? As the elder you would have final say on any matter that arises, but I do not think that in such a short time there will be anything of major import."

For a long moment Ingoldo did not answer, merely gazing at Ingalaurë who kept his own eyes on Ingwë. Then, he turned to the High King. "I would welcome my nephew’s aid while you are away, Ingwë."

"You are sure that this is what you wish to do, yonya?" Ingwë asked Ingalaurë, clearly unconvinced.

Ingalaurë nodded. "Yes, Atto. I am sure."

"Well, we will not be leaving for another two weeks," Ingwë said, " so if at any time before that you change your mind, we would be happy to have you travel with us."

Ingalaurë nodded again but in his heart he knew he would not change his mind. He did not look forward to being alone with his uncle yet something had driven him to make the offer and he would not back down now. He did not entirely trust Ingoldo and thought that someone should remain behind to see that he did not do any harm while his parents were away. It would only be for a couple of weeks after all and he did not think that even Ingoldo could get into that much trouble in so short a time. What his uncle truly thought about it was anyone’s guess.

****

The ceremony handing over the regency to Ingoldo and Ingalaurë was brief and to the point and there was little fanfare. Then the High King and the rest of the family left for Tirion. Both Ingwë and Elindis had some misgivings about leaving their son behind but, as Valandur pointed out, Ingalaurë was not an elfling.

"That is not quite the point," Ingwë retorted as they rode along the southern road towards Valmar. "It’s the fact that he is alone with Ingoldo. That is what worries me."

"Then why did you allow it?" Valandur asked.

"Because, as you pointed out, Ingil is not an elfling and it’s high time I started treating him as the adult he truly is. I fear Elindis and I have been somewhat remiss in the upbringing of our children, not giving them responsibilities commensurate with their status as our offspring."

Valandur shook his head. "It is understandable considering what our childhood was like," he said.

Ingwë gave him a sardonic look. "Some of us did not have a childhood."

"Not in the ordinary sense of the word, no," Valandur admitted, "but there was a period of time, I think, when you who woke first by the shores of Cuiviénen were as children in your understanding of the world around you."

"True, we were," Ingwë averred.

"And those who were of the following generations and those who were elflings at the time of the Great Migration sometimes suffered. Surely you have not forgotten the Dark Rider who stole some of our kin away? One of my own playmates disappeared and was never seen again."

"No, I have not forgotten, and now I think I know who that might have been."

"You mean, Melkor," Valandur replied darkly.

Ingwë nodded. "He or one of his minions."

Valandur sighed, now looking suddenly sad. "I wonder what he did with my playmate."

Ingwë had no words to comfort his friend, for there was none to be had and they continued to ride in silence for some time.

****

They arrived in Tirion in good time and were warmly greeted. Findaráto received a pleasant surprise when he saw that Amarië had accompanied the High King and his family. It had been a last minute decision. Tamurilon was also with them, for Ingwë had given him his permission to come and remain for a time as he had planned to do with Indil and the twins. Intarion and Lirulin were also on hand and so the gathering was joyous, though somewhat marred for Ingwion when he saw that his twin was not with them. When Ingwë explained, he felt himself grow pale.

"You left him alone with Uncle Ingoldo?" he asked in disbelief. "He’s afraid of Uncle Ingoldo. He’s told me so many times."

"Yet, things have changed since you left, yonya," Ingwë replied. "Come. Your brother will be joining you in a couple of weeks once we have returned home. I truly do not fear that either he or Ingoldo will get into any trouble in such a short span of time."

Ingwion was unconvinced but as he could do nothing about it he let it go.

****

The naming ceremony took place, as all such ceremonies did, at First Mingling. Everyone gathered in the Court of the White Tree bearing sprigs of linden blossoms and oak leaves. Only the family and nobles of the court were present along with representatives of the guilds, who would act as witnesses for the rest of the populace. Besides the royals from Vanyamar, representing the Teleri were Falmaron and his brother Salmar. His wife, Faniel, glowed with the new life within her, though she was not yet showing. When all were gathered, Turucáno and Elenwë stepped forward from the midst of their family, with Turucáno holding his daughter. His expression was one of mingled pride, joy and bemusement, as if he could not believe in his good fortune. Every time he glanced down at the squirming bundle in his arms his eyes brightened with unalloyed delight and there were indulgent smiles among those in attendance. When he spoke, though, it was with a clear, ringing voice, both solemn and glad at the same time.

"We are gathered together at this hour to officially name our daughter and to welcome her into our family as well as into the community into which she has deigned to be born." He held up the child in both hands so all could see her. "Here is our beloved child, our daughter, whom I, her atar, have named Itarildë."

"Welcome, Itarildë," everyone exclaimed, waving the linden blossoms and oak leaves. "Welcome to Life and to Love. Mayest thou be a joy to thy family and a delight unto us with whom thou wilt dwell. The Valar’s blessing and Eru’s grace be upon thee now and for all the Ages of Arda."

Turucáno then placed his daughter in a cradle that had been set before him earlier. At the same time, Findaráto began plucking on his harp which he had brought with him and began singing the traditional song of welcome for a newborn. All the others joined in while one by one people stepped forward and plucked a single linden blossom from their sprigs, placing it inside the cradle along with an oak leaf until the child was blanketed in yellow and green, happily cooing. When the song came to an end, Turucáno lifted the cradle, making funny faces at his daughter which set the others laughing as they made their way back into the palace to the feasting hall where a repast had been prepared for all those who were present for the ceremony. Turucáno and Elenwë sat at the high table with their daughter between them still in her cradle. As the feast progressed various people would approach the couple with a small gift for their child. The gifts were placed on a table behind them and would be opened later in private.

Findaráto sat at one of the lower tables along with his cousins, Amarië and Tamurilon. He and Amarië were quietly holding hands under the table and stealing shy glances at one another, much to everyone else’s amusement.

"A lovely ceremony," Indil said at one point. Everyone nodded. "It’s been some time since there’s been a royal naming ceremony and now I see that Faniel and Salmar are expecting. That is good news."

"Indeed," Falmaron, who was sitting with them, said with a laugh. "No one was more pleased by the announcement than Atar. He was absolutely ecstatic and made such a fuss that Emmë finally had to scold him." The others laughed.

"It’s a pity Ingalaurë could not be here," Findaráto said.

"Yes. I was rather upset to find that he remained behind," Ingwion replied, "but Atto assured me that he will be coming in a couple of weeks."

"Then we will have to plan to have a picnic or something when he does," Artanis suggested. "Perhaps we can even travel to Lord Oromë’s Forest."

The others thought that was a splendid idea and they spent the rest of the feast making plans both simple and elaborate for when Ingalaurë would be there.

****

During the week that Ingwë and the others remained in Tirion, Prince Findaráto was seen in nearly constant attendance to Lady Amarië, the two often found walking through the palace gardens or riding in Finwë Park. The others left them alone on Arafinwë’s orders. Only their guards were present and they were instructed by Arafinwë to give the couple as much space for privacy as could reasonably be allowed.

Thus, it came to no one’s surprise and everyone’s great delight that at the farewell feast for the royal visitors who would be leaving the next day, Findaráto stood up just before the last remove, asking Ñolofinwë’s permission to speak, which permission was gladly granted. The hall quieted in expectation, nor were they disappointed.

Findaráto appeared unusually shy at that moment but his voice was strong and carried throughout the hall. "My family and friends, before you must depart for your own homes, I wish to inform you that yesterday I asked Lady Amarië to be my wife and she has so consented."

He got no further for suddenly the hall burst out in applause and cheers. "About bloody time!" Ingwion was heard to shout and there was a great deal of laughter among them while Findaráto and Amarië blushed bright red. Then Arafinwë and Eärwen rose and went to Amarië, giving her loving embraces and kisses and formally welcoming her to their family. Ñolofinwë then ordered that all charge their goblets and toast the newly betrothed couple and there were many who came to the table to offer their personal congratulations to the happy couple.

"When will the betrothal dinner be held and where?" Indil asked when everyone had resumed their seats and were eating the subtlety that had been brought out in the meantime.

"We have to inform Amarië’s parents first," Findaráto said, "but we’ve decided the dinner will be held here, so you will all be able to attend. We will wait for Amarië’s parents and Ingil to join us."

Intarion then lifted his goblet. "To Findaráto and Amarië. May you know only joy and..." here he gave them a wicked grin, "I am so glad that I do not have to wait another yén to see you two finally married."

Findaráto stuck his tongue out at him and everyone else at the table laughed even as they lifted their goblets. "To Findaráto and Amarië," they intoned before drinking while the couple sat there, both looking shyly pleased with themselves, their hands entwined.

****

Yé mána!: ‘What a blessing!’; an attested phrase.

Notes:

1. At this time, approximately 38 solar years have passed since Fëanáro was tried before the Valar and exiled.

2. Turco is an attested short form of Turucáno.

3. The linden tree was a symbol of conjugal love in ancient Greece, which is often manifested by the birth of children. In medieval Germany, linden trees were often planted when a (male) child was born, the growth of the tree paralleling the growth of the child. This analogy was extended to families and even to whole villages, so that every village had its linden tree planted in the main square, the fate of the village tied with the fate of the tree. Here, the linden sprigs represent the hope for the continued growth of the family and the child as well as symbolizing the love between the child’s parents which brought her into existence. The oak tree was a symbol of hospitality in ancient Greece and thus a sign of welcome. Here, it represents the welcoming of the child by the community at large.