Going Home (to a place we've never been before). Chapter Eighteen. Lord Aulë's Forge
Two posts in a day! But this is the next chapter of my ongoing story, which I know is mostly read in other places these days. Posted here for completeness really.
Going Home (to a place we've never been before).
Chapter Eighteen.
Lord Aulë's Forge
3655 words.
Over the course of their lives there were many days which had nothing about them to make them easily brought to mind. Both Elladan and Elrohir could say, with absolute certainty, that the day Gimli slipped away from the circles of this world was not one of them.
The few hours after his last breath became something of a mosaic of images. Mithrandir coming out to confirm what those keeping vigil outside already knew. Then those same elves singing softly as if to make the journey easier for his fëa. Legolas turning for comfort, not to his naneth or Ithilienne, just yet, but to Tindómë. Tharhîwon doing the same.
Naltatamë had turned to the twins. Silently they had gathered her into a hug between them, and stood like that for some time, as the moon continued to rise over the sea.
Tharhîwon coming to speak to her, his eyes still red from crying.
“He came. Lord Aulë was there, in the end. Gimli saw him, I know, because he smiled.”
There was the image of Tharhîwon inviting anyone who wanted to see the dwarf for one last time to come into the Hobbit Hole… and Naltatamë speaking to both the twins silently, worried to go as she had never seen a dead body before.
They had reassured her and accompanied her in, where Gimli lay on top of the bed, dressed in his finest clothes, hair and beard intricately dressed with mithril and precious stones, his helm under one hand and his axe at the other side. He looked exactly what he had been; a Dwarven Lord. Elladan remembered his father’s words, from many centuries before, when the body in question had been that of one of the Dúnedain.
“It is the last honour we can offer, and it is beholden on us to make him look as he would want to be remembered.”
Adar and, doubtless, Gimli’s closest friends had certainly done that, and Elladan was pleased to think that this is how Naltatamë would remember the dwarf, rather than the frail figure inside the bed hours earlier.
………………………………….
It was around mid-morning of the next day, that Gandalf approached Tindómë. By now, Legolas had sought comfort with Ithilienne, Tharhîwon had been gathered up by others, and Tisirion and another smith had taken over the role of ‘honour guard’ at the Hobbit Hole, where folk still came to pay their last respects (or possibly assuage their curiosity).
Two minutes into the conversation Tindómë’s inner Dawn Summers thought ‘Fuck! The shit is totally gonna hit the fan now!’.
Out loud she used a description that the Maia would be more likely to understand.
“M’kay… well that will certainly let the cat out of the bag…”
He still looked briefly puzzled, but she reckoned he already knew exactly what she meant.
“Well,” he said after a moment or two, “perhaps not so much letting it out of the bag completely as letting one or two people know that it is there and take a peek…”
Of course, like Gimli’s other friends, Tindómë had known that Lord Aulë had promised that the dwarf would be entombed for all time, in good stone, outside the entrance to His Lordship’s Forge. But she had never wondered about dwarven funeral rites, or how his body, and any possible mourners, would get there.
Now she knew.
It made sense, of course, to form a portal between Alqualondë and His Lordship’s Forge. The journey overland would have taken at least a couple of weeks, she understood, and that would not have been a good idea with a body as part of the cortege. She vaguely remembered bits of history from her time in California, which suggested that lead lined coffins, or preserving the body in rum, might work. But for Gimli to lie in state for a day or two in His Lordship’s domain, looking every inch a warrior as he did now, seemed only right.
And whilst doubtless, with some help from one or two other Valar, such a state of preservation could be achieved until the mourners arrived in time, it seemed they had agreed that using The Key to open a doorway was the right thing to do.
Not that Tindómë objected in the least to giving her blood for such a purpose but, as she now said, “Won’t some people start to be a bit suspicious that I am always in the front, clutching a bandage to myself, as such events?”
Gandalf smiled at her. “Were it to become a regular occurrence, perhaps. But very, very, few know that is how you found yourself in the Battle at The Black Gate. Those who know that Radagast used Haldirin’s blood to return you to Middle Earth, after your unexpected sojourn in the other place, can all be trusted not to make it public knowledge. And, when we opened a door this way to return Elrond and his family here last week, very few realised I used anything other than my own power.”
“Yeah… But if we go back to the conversation you and I had, before Gimli became so ill, about Naltatamë… I know you said you had spoken to the twins already, and what I told her was up to me if she asked out-right… but isn’t she going to be in, like, the front row of the mourners this time?
“And Tisirion and Tharhîwon. I don’t think we ever exactly explained to Thar how Haldirin and I rescued him, although I don’t suppose he will be all that surprised. But Tisirion is like some of the others from Imladris - they know I’m a bit weird but not the details.”
“I will discuss it with Lord Aulë; if he deems it best, I am sure the doorway can be opened with just you and himself before anyone else is aware of it.”
And that was that.
……………………………………………..
Tindómë awoke, knowing that she needed to go to the Hobbit Hole, and that Rumil should come with her. She put on her sensible clothes, picked up the bag she had left prepared, and together they obeyed the mental summons.
Tisirion, Naltatamë and Tharhîwon were already there, along with Legolas, having kept vigil together. Behind them was another figure that she immediately recognised as Lord Aulë although she did not think he had been one of the Valar she had met in the Máhanaxar.
“Tindómë,” he said, “child. It is good to meet the elleth our creation has become.”
‘M’kay…’ she thought, ‘so Naltatamë and Tisirion are being given front row seats, and that line is definitely going to catch their attention.’
She could feel Rumil’s amusement as he silently agreed.
His Lordship went on, “We will create the doorway here, in the place Gimli last thought of as his home. Then,” he nodded at the four who had kept the vigil, “you will carry his body through to the place you will find already prepared, lay him down, and maintain your vigil a little longer. The other mourners here are already assembling and will then make their way through this building and out into my forge.”
Ah - that made sense. It would do so to all those outside as well.
Lord Aulë beckoned Tindómë forward and when she reached him at the back wall of the room, she held out her arm. Within seconds the cut was made, the Vala said a few words in Valarin (‘weird language,’ thought Tindómë) and, as her blood dripped quickly to the ground, both it and the wall behind began to shimmer with the familiar green light until there was no longer a wall - just an opening to somewhere new.
Gandalf awaited them there.
‘He must have gone under his own power,’ Tindómë thought.
His hair, beard, and robes were all grey and he had a rather battered grey hat in his hands. Although she had never known him as Gandalf the Grey, she knew that was who stood there, neither Mithrandir nor Gandalf the White.
Lord Aulë beckoned both Tindómë and Rumil through the portal then touched the place where he had cut her arm and it healed instantly.
“No need to stand there clutching a bandage,” he said silently, with a distinct smile in his voice.
…………………………………….
Elladan was glad that they had arrived here in Aman before Gimli had left the circles of the world. It had been good to see him and talk to him and, finally, to see his hröa laid to rest with all due ceremony.
His hröa had been laid on a granite plinth for two days as all those who wanted to pay their last respects did so and then, as the sun began to set on the second day, everyone present took a stone and, with them, built a cairn around both Gimli and the plinth. Legolas had placed the first stone, Gandalf the Grey the final one.
There had, of course, been questions from Naltatamë and Tisirion about Tindómë’s role in the formation of the portal, but the twins had not needed to answer them. Tindómë had told the two smiths that, once the ceremonies were complete, she would speak with them before she left with her family. Naltatamë, Tisirion, and Tharhîwon were invited to stay in Lord Aulë’s domain for longer. As were the twins.
The evening had begun with glasses of wine and Tindómë saying, “This is the story of the creation of The Key as it was told to me by someone who was there…”
It ended with her saying, “But, really, I am just me,” and a couple of slightly dazed smiths.
…………………………..
Tindómë was very happy to be making her way back to Alqualondë with her family, slowly, on horses provided by Lord Aulë. Any more questions that Naltatamë or Tisirion might have she had left to Elladan and Elrohir.
Before they left, though, Orophin and Lithôniel, Rumil and Tindómë, Haldirin and Ithilienne, Legolas, and Tharhîwon, had sat together as a family, and Tindómë made sure she had not shocked her ‘adopted son’ when the portal had opened.
She asked Tharhîwon how much he remembered of the events that led to him coming to Aman, the events that had given him his name.
“I remember being cold,” he said.
Then he continued, “I remembered feeling warm once I took both your hands and we walked through a shining green gate,” he nodded at Tindómë and Haldirin, “but I had forgotten about the blood until I saw His Lordship open that gateway between places. Even though I know from Haldirin that the three of you have special blood so that he is glad there are no unhoused here, and it means Ithilienne can meet people on their dream paths.
“And,” he smiled at Tindómë, “I know you are a gift of the Valar, Naneth Tindómë, because Adar Rumil says so!”
…………..
Time in Lord Aulë’s domain seemed to drift by. It appeared that all the assorted grandparents felt it over-rode any other invitations, as none arrived here gently pointing out how long they had been there… The twins were not exactly certain why they were there, much though they both appreciated, and enjoyed, what was an honour.
“You are of the line of Finwë, and so always welcome here,” the Vala said, when they asked.
They did learn more of the craft than they had expected to, and met new people, but both thought that the real reason for the invitation to remain was so that His Lordship could (as Tindómë might say) ‘suss them out’.
They were more and more certain that their future was bound up with Naltatamë’s, and also that Lord Aulë had either known about this in advance or, at least, suspected it. He had, after all, personally suggested that she join their parents’ household to learn new skills. Now he may well want to be sure that had been the right thing to do.
Although the time had drifted by, they were far enough north to realise the days were getting shorter, the nights longer. When they first arrived, they had spent time starlight bathing in the river that ran down the hills behind the forge complex, supplying the water.
Sometimes both the twins went bathing with Naltatamë, sometimes only one of them, sometimes one or both enjoyed such evenings with others, for the Noldorin smiths seemed happy to adopt the pastime. But now there was less sunshine and the river ran colder. Pleasant enough to wash for cleanliness, but less conducive to hours spent enjoying the pleasures of the body. And, deep inside Elladan, there was a small seed of worry.
On this particular evening Naltatamë was still involved in a project in one of the workrooms and the twins were eating in the large mess hall with Tharhîwon. He was happy. He had learnt new skills, had even worked with the Great Smith himself, and helped spread the pleasures of starlight bathing amongst the other smiths, aided by Tisirion.
The three of them began to consider how long they had been here.
“It will be midwinter in another full cycle of the moon,” said Tharhîwon.
He smiled a little wistfully, “remember that I was brought up by hobbits and the calendar was always more important to them than to most elves.”
The twins looked at each other. Elladan spoke.
“I think we might like to be back at our Adar and Naneth’s home for mid-winter, before we are called upon to spend time with more relatives. I believe it takes about two weeks to travel at a comfortable pace. If Lord Aulë does not mind, I think we might leave here in a few days’ time.”
“He has asked me to stay longer, to add to my knowledge, so that I might be more useful when we move fully into our own lands. Gimli taught me much about the rocks, about ores and minerals, but His Lordship wishes me to know more.”
The younger ellon paused, then added, “But I celebrated mid-summer properly… whilst you were in Tirion!”
Both the twins smiled. Tharhîwon was correct - midsummer in Tirion seemed a long time ago now but, they knew, it had not been anywhere near as much fun as it would have been had they celebrated with the Ithilrim!
Back in Elrohir’s room, they were waiting for Naltatamë to return to the living quarters, to ask if she would accompany them back to the coast. And finally, Elladan spoke, fëa to fëa, to his twin about that tiny seed of worry. The worry that Naltatamë might be favouring one of them over the other.
“Sometimes when we are together it feels… I am not quite sure… as if three is the wrong number. But then, if it is only her and I, it sometimes feels as if you should be there.”
Hidden so deeply inside that he hoped his brother could not sense it was the possibility that, although he could no longer imagine life without the master smith as an intimate part of it, she may only be meant for Elrohir.
He was, almost, relieved when Elrohir answered that he understood exactly, because he had experienced the same feeling sometimes; a slight disorientation as if something was missing.
As so often, their minds took the next step simultaneously. “Or,” said Elrohir, “…someone!” finished Elladan.
“Huitho!” he said, after a pause, “it has taken us millennia to find Naltatamë, to now have to find a fourth, who is destined to be equally important to not just you and I, but also to her, might take as long again!”
“Perhaps we need to start visiting more of the many grandparents with more enthusiasm,” said Elrohir, “and find a way of explaining to them all why we need Naltatamë with us!”
“Are you both all right?” As if they had conjured her up, Naltatamë’s silent voice broke into the conversation. “I felt that you were both worried, or upset.”
“Yes…” they answered together.
But their hesitancy must have been clear as Naltatamë looked worried as she came, quickly, into the room.
She spoke out loud. “And why would you need to take me anywhere with you? I just caught the end of your conversation.”
The twins looked at each other. Naltatamë looked at both of them.
Elrohir caved first and, still rather hesitantly, explained their conversation to her.
She nodded slowly. An unexpected expression flashed across her face… Elladan though she almost looked… guilty? And she blushed! He had never seen her blush, even when she had been asked rather pointed questions about her relationship with the two of them. The flush of colour had been almost as fleeting as the expression, but he was sure he had not imagined it.
“I feel that odd sense of imbalance sometimes, too,” she answered after a very long moment, “but I thought it was only me.”
Then she quickly changed the subject.
“I was speaking to Tharhîwon when I felt that you might need me. He said you were planning to return to Alqualondë for mid-winter and wondered if I would be leaving with you.”
This was easier ground. “We are,” Elladan answered, “And we are, indeed, hoping you might come with us.”
“I think, yes, I would like to go back. But,” there was a pause again, “… but I think I would like to call and see my family first.”
“We could do that,” Elrohir offered.
“No! No, I will go alone. But I will leave with you, and go to Tirion whilst you go straight to Alqualondë. However, I promise I will be in Alqualondë for the solstice celebration.”
So that is how it was left. And, if there was any sense of imbalance in their lovemaking over the next few nights before their paths split, no-one mentioned it.
………….
Even in the time they had been away from Alqualondë things had changed; there were fewer Ithilrim.
Orophin and Lithôniel, Saeldauron and his family, even Galanthir; all were missing along with others. It was as if Gimli’s passing was a signal and the great migration had begun.
“Begun again,” Tindómë said. “For the Ithilrim it began after the Ring War when they moved from Eryn Lasgalen or Lothlorien to Ithilien. And we only ever looked at Alqualondë as a place to rest for a while before the next stage - like butterflies or migrating birds.”
Galadhrim had already begun to leave the lands around Grandmother’s estate, they were told. The first group had left some time ago, led by Haldir.
‘Ah,’ thought Elladan, ‘that would explain why we saw so little of him when we were there.’
Others, Thranduil’s folk, or even Oropher’s, who had been living in small settlements along the coast or in small woodlands inland, were also quietly moving further West.
“We are awaiting Aran Thranduil,” Rumil explained, when asked about his brother leaving without him. “Orophin and the others will begin to make paths, and build some dwellings, But Tindómë and I promised Legolas that we would stay at his side many years ago.
“Legolas and Lady Ferveren know, from the letters you brought, that Aran Thranduil will be here in the next year or two. So we will not be apart for all that long. Tangannel, who came with us when we went to explore the new lands, is leading those making similar preparations for those who will live in the new Eryn Lasgalen.”
He looked over to his daughter. “Ithilienne waits, ostensibly, for us but, in reality, she would have chosen to stay with Legolas even had we travelled with Orophin and Lithôniel. Haldirin has no need to wait, and part of him wanted to go ahead. But he waits for Tharhîwon, who may need a brother, and also for Rhîwen as he wants to get to know her better before she joins her parents.”
“Of course,” Tindómë joined the conversation, “she may choose to live with the Ithilrim, or he might choose to spend time amongst her grandfather’s people. We will not be that far apart.”
She smiled then went on, “And everyone knows that ‘The Valley’ is yours. But by the time you get there you may find a few temporary shelters there already. And I know there are already some who came from Imladris who are readying themselves to travel there with the two of you.”
Even though there were fewer Ithilrim, there were still plenty of people preparing for the mid-winter celebrations.
“Definitely enough for a good ‘hunt’,” Legolas said when he gave the twins the ribbons he owed them from the year before.
But as the sun approached its highest point on mid-winter day, the twins had little enthusiasm for dressing in their best and plaiting those ribbons into their hair. They had begun to worry a little a couple of days earlier, but now they found themselves looking towards the road from Tirion more and more for Naltatamë had not arrived.
‘She promised. She promised. She promised,’ went through both minds over and over again. Could she have had an accident? Would they know? They had been told that Orophin knew when Lithôniel was injured before they were bound; but they had only been yards apart. Had she wanted more time with her parents? But surely she would have sent a message. Had she decided she would be better without the twins in her life?
And now it was dusk, and they would have to go out to the celebrations, and smile, dance, and persuade ellyth to accept their ribbons.
And then, just as Captain Grandfather’s crew were casting off for their nightly journey through the sky, two horses appeared, approaching the house at a canter.
Grandfather! Grandfather and Naltatamë! Except that they had no sense of her, there was not a hint of her fëa. It was as if she had shut them out.
Going Home (to a place we've never been before).
Chapter Eighteen.
Lord Aulë's Forge
3655 words.
Over the course of their lives there were many days which had nothing about them to make them easily brought to mind. Both Elladan and Elrohir could say, with absolute certainty, that the day Gimli slipped away from the circles of this world was not one of them.
The few hours after his last breath became something of a mosaic of images. Mithrandir coming out to confirm what those keeping vigil outside already knew. Then those same elves singing softly as if to make the journey easier for his fëa. Legolas turning for comfort, not to his naneth or Ithilienne, just yet, but to Tindómë. Tharhîwon doing the same.
Naltatamë had turned to the twins. Silently they had gathered her into a hug between them, and stood like that for some time, as the moon continued to rise over the sea.
Tharhîwon coming to speak to her, his eyes still red from crying.
“He came. Lord Aulë was there, in the end. Gimli saw him, I know, because he smiled.”
There was the image of Tharhîwon inviting anyone who wanted to see the dwarf for one last time to come into the Hobbit Hole… and Naltatamë speaking to both the twins silently, worried to go as she had never seen a dead body before.
They had reassured her and accompanied her in, where Gimli lay on top of the bed, dressed in his finest clothes, hair and beard intricately dressed with mithril and precious stones, his helm under one hand and his axe at the other side. He looked exactly what he had been; a Dwarven Lord. Elladan remembered his father’s words, from many centuries before, when the body in question had been that of one of the Dúnedain.
“It is the last honour we can offer, and it is beholden on us to make him look as he would want to be remembered.”
Adar and, doubtless, Gimli’s closest friends had certainly done that, and Elladan was pleased to think that this is how Naltatamë would remember the dwarf, rather than the frail figure inside the bed hours earlier.
………………………………….
It was around mid-morning of the next day, that Gandalf approached Tindómë. By now, Legolas had sought comfort with Ithilienne, Tharhîwon had been gathered up by others, and Tisirion and another smith had taken over the role of ‘honour guard’ at the Hobbit Hole, where folk still came to pay their last respects (or possibly assuage their curiosity).
Two minutes into the conversation Tindómë’s inner Dawn Summers thought ‘Fuck! The shit is totally gonna hit the fan now!’.
Out loud she used a description that the Maia would be more likely to understand.
“M’kay… well that will certainly let the cat out of the bag…”
He still looked briefly puzzled, but she reckoned he already knew exactly what she meant.
“Well,” he said after a moment or two, “perhaps not so much letting it out of the bag completely as letting one or two people know that it is there and take a peek…”
Of course, like Gimli’s other friends, Tindómë had known that Lord Aulë had promised that the dwarf would be entombed for all time, in good stone, outside the entrance to His Lordship’s Forge. But she had never wondered about dwarven funeral rites, or how his body, and any possible mourners, would get there.
Now she knew.
It made sense, of course, to form a portal between Alqualondë and His Lordship’s Forge. The journey overland would have taken at least a couple of weeks, she understood, and that would not have been a good idea with a body as part of the cortege. She vaguely remembered bits of history from her time in California, which suggested that lead lined coffins, or preserving the body in rum, might work. But for Gimli to lie in state for a day or two in His Lordship’s domain, looking every inch a warrior as he did now, seemed only right.
And whilst doubtless, with some help from one or two other Valar, such a state of preservation could be achieved until the mourners arrived in time, it seemed they had agreed that using The Key to open a doorway was the right thing to do.
Not that Tindómë objected in the least to giving her blood for such a purpose but, as she now said, “Won’t some people start to be a bit suspicious that I am always in the front, clutching a bandage to myself, as such events?”
Gandalf smiled at her. “Were it to become a regular occurrence, perhaps. But very, very, few know that is how you found yourself in the Battle at The Black Gate. Those who know that Radagast used Haldirin’s blood to return you to Middle Earth, after your unexpected sojourn in the other place, can all be trusted not to make it public knowledge. And, when we opened a door this way to return Elrond and his family here last week, very few realised I used anything other than my own power.”
“Yeah… But if we go back to the conversation you and I had, before Gimli became so ill, about Naltatamë… I know you said you had spoken to the twins already, and what I told her was up to me if she asked out-right… but isn’t she going to be in, like, the front row of the mourners this time?
“And Tisirion and Tharhîwon. I don’t think we ever exactly explained to Thar how Haldirin and I rescued him, although I don’t suppose he will be all that surprised. But Tisirion is like some of the others from Imladris - they know I’m a bit weird but not the details.”
“I will discuss it with Lord Aulë; if he deems it best, I am sure the doorway can be opened with just you and himself before anyone else is aware of it.”
And that was that.
……………………………………………..
Tindómë awoke, knowing that she needed to go to the Hobbit Hole, and that Rumil should come with her. She put on her sensible clothes, picked up the bag she had left prepared, and together they obeyed the mental summons.
Tisirion, Naltatamë and Tharhîwon were already there, along with Legolas, having kept vigil together. Behind them was another figure that she immediately recognised as Lord Aulë although she did not think he had been one of the Valar she had met in the Máhanaxar.
“Tindómë,” he said, “child. It is good to meet the elleth our creation has become.”
‘M’kay…’ she thought, ‘so Naltatamë and Tisirion are being given front row seats, and that line is definitely going to catch their attention.’
She could feel Rumil’s amusement as he silently agreed.
His Lordship went on, “We will create the doorway here, in the place Gimli last thought of as his home. Then,” he nodded at the four who had kept the vigil, “you will carry his body through to the place you will find already prepared, lay him down, and maintain your vigil a little longer. The other mourners here are already assembling and will then make their way through this building and out into my forge.”
Ah - that made sense. It would do so to all those outside as well.
Lord Aulë beckoned Tindómë forward and when she reached him at the back wall of the room, she held out her arm. Within seconds the cut was made, the Vala said a few words in Valarin (‘weird language,’ thought Tindómë) and, as her blood dripped quickly to the ground, both it and the wall behind began to shimmer with the familiar green light until there was no longer a wall - just an opening to somewhere new.
Gandalf awaited them there.
‘He must have gone under his own power,’ Tindómë thought.
His hair, beard, and robes were all grey and he had a rather battered grey hat in his hands. Although she had never known him as Gandalf the Grey, she knew that was who stood there, neither Mithrandir nor Gandalf the White.
Lord Aulë beckoned both Tindómë and Rumil through the portal then touched the place where he had cut her arm and it healed instantly.
“No need to stand there clutching a bandage,” he said silently, with a distinct smile in his voice.
…………………………………….
Elladan was glad that they had arrived here in Aman before Gimli had left the circles of the world. It had been good to see him and talk to him and, finally, to see his hröa laid to rest with all due ceremony.
His hröa had been laid on a granite plinth for two days as all those who wanted to pay their last respects did so and then, as the sun began to set on the second day, everyone present took a stone and, with them, built a cairn around both Gimli and the plinth. Legolas had placed the first stone, Gandalf the Grey the final one.
There had, of course, been questions from Naltatamë and Tisirion about Tindómë’s role in the formation of the portal, but the twins had not needed to answer them. Tindómë had told the two smiths that, once the ceremonies were complete, she would speak with them before she left with her family. Naltatamë, Tisirion, and Tharhîwon were invited to stay in Lord Aulë’s domain for longer. As were the twins.
The evening had begun with glasses of wine and Tindómë saying, “This is the story of the creation of The Key as it was told to me by someone who was there…”
It ended with her saying, “But, really, I am just me,” and a couple of slightly dazed smiths.
…………………………..
Tindómë was very happy to be making her way back to Alqualondë with her family, slowly, on horses provided by Lord Aulë. Any more questions that Naltatamë or Tisirion might have she had left to Elladan and Elrohir.
Before they left, though, Orophin and Lithôniel, Rumil and Tindómë, Haldirin and Ithilienne, Legolas, and Tharhîwon, had sat together as a family, and Tindómë made sure she had not shocked her ‘adopted son’ when the portal had opened.
She asked Tharhîwon how much he remembered of the events that led to him coming to Aman, the events that had given him his name.
“I remember being cold,” he said.
Then he continued, “I remembered feeling warm once I took both your hands and we walked through a shining green gate,” he nodded at Tindómë and Haldirin, “but I had forgotten about the blood until I saw His Lordship open that gateway between places. Even though I know from Haldirin that the three of you have special blood so that he is glad there are no unhoused here, and it means Ithilienne can meet people on their dream paths.
“And,” he smiled at Tindómë, “I know you are a gift of the Valar, Naneth Tindómë, because Adar Rumil says so!”
…………..
Time in Lord Aulë’s domain seemed to drift by. It appeared that all the assorted grandparents felt it over-rode any other invitations, as none arrived here gently pointing out how long they had been there… The twins were not exactly certain why they were there, much though they both appreciated, and enjoyed, what was an honour.
“You are of the line of Finwë, and so always welcome here,” the Vala said, when they asked.
They did learn more of the craft than they had expected to, and met new people, but both thought that the real reason for the invitation to remain was so that His Lordship could (as Tindómë might say) ‘suss them out’.
They were more and more certain that their future was bound up with Naltatamë’s, and also that Lord Aulë had either known about this in advance or, at least, suspected it. He had, after all, personally suggested that she join their parents’ household to learn new skills. Now he may well want to be sure that had been the right thing to do.
Although the time had drifted by, they were far enough north to realise the days were getting shorter, the nights longer. When they first arrived, they had spent time starlight bathing in the river that ran down the hills behind the forge complex, supplying the water.
Sometimes both the twins went bathing with Naltatamë, sometimes only one of them, sometimes one or both enjoyed such evenings with others, for the Noldorin smiths seemed happy to adopt the pastime. But now there was less sunshine and the river ran colder. Pleasant enough to wash for cleanliness, but less conducive to hours spent enjoying the pleasures of the body. And, deep inside Elladan, there was a small seed of worry.
On this particular evening Naltatamë was still involved in a project in one of the workrooms and the twins were eating in the large mess hall with Tharhîwon. He was happy. He had learnt new skills, had even worked with the Great Smith himself, and helped spread the pleasures of starlight bathing amongst the other smiths, aided by Tisirion.
The three of them began to consider how long they had been here.
“It will be midwinter in another full cycle of the moon,” said Tharhîwon.
He smiled a little wistfully, “remember that I was brought up by hobbits and the calendar was always more important to them than to most elves.”
The twins looked at each other. Elladan spoke.
“I think we might like to be back at our Adar and Naneth’s home for mid-winter, before we are called upon to spend time with more relatives. I believe it takes about two weeks to travel at a comfortable pace. If Lord Aulë does not mind, I think we might leave here in a few days’ time.”
“He has asked me to stay longer, to add to my knowledge, so that I might be more useful when we move fully into our own lands. Gimli taught me much about the rocks, about ores and minerals, but His Lordship wishes me to know more.”
The younger ellon paused, then added, “But I celebrated mid-summer properly… whilst you were in Tirion!”
Both the twins smiled. Tharhîwon was correct - midsummer in Tirion seemed a long time ago now but, they knew, it had not been anywhere near as much fun as it would have been had they celebrated with the Ithilrim!
Back in Elrohir’s room, they were waiting for Naltatamë to return to the living quarters, to ask if she would accompany them back to the coast. And finally, Elladan spoke, fëa to fëa, to his twin about that tiny seed of worry. The worry that Naltatamë might be favouring one of them over the other.
“Sometimes when we are together it feels… I am not quite sure… as if three is the wrong number. But then, if it is only her and I, it sometimes feels as if you should be there.”
Hidden so deeply inside that he hoped his brother could not sense it was the possibility that, although he could no longer imagine life without the master smith as an intimate part of it, she may only be meant for Elrohir.
He was, almost, relieved when Elrohir answered that he understood exactly, because he had experienced the same feeling sometimes; a slight disorientation as if something was missing.
As so often, their minds took the next step simultaneously. “Or,” said Elrohir, “…someone!” finished Elladan.
“Huitho!” he said, after a pause, “it has taken us millennia to find Naltatamë, to now have to find a fourth, who is destined to be equally important to not just you and I, but also to her, might take as long again!”
“Perhaps we need to start visiting more of the many grandparents with more enthusiasm,” said Elrohir, “and find a way of explaining to them all why we need Naltatamë with us!”
“Are you both all right?” As if they had conjured her up, Naltatamë’s silent voice broke into the conversation. “I felt that you were both worried, or upset.”
“Yes…” they answered together.
But their hesitancy must have been clear as Naltatamë looked worried as she came, quickly, into the room.
She spoke out loud. “And why would you need to take me anywhere with you? I just caught the end of your conversation.”
The twins looked at each other. Naltatamë looked at both of them.
Elrohir caved first and, still rather hesitantly, explained their conversation to her.
She nodded slowly. An unexpected expression flashed across her face… Elladan though she almost looked… guilty? And she blushed! He had never seen her blush, even when she had been asked rather pointed questions about her relationship with the two of them. The flush of colour had been almost as fleeting as the expression, but he was sure he had not imagined it.
“I feel that odd sense of imbalance sometimes, too,” she answered after a very long moment, “but I thought it was only me.”
Then she quickly changed the subject.
“I was speaking to Tharhîwon when I felt that you might need me. He said you were planning to return to Alqualondë for mid-winter and wondered if I would be leaving with you.”
This was easier ground. “We are,” Elladan answered, “And we are, indeed, hoping you might come with us.”
“I think, yes, I would like to go back. But,” there was a pause again, “… but I think I would like to call and see my family first.”
“We could do that,” Elrohir offered.
“No! No, I will go alone. But I will leave with you, and go to Tirion whilst you go straight to Alqualondë. However, I promise I will be in Alqualondë for the solstice celebration.”
So that is how it was left. And, if there was any sense of imbalance in their lovemaking over the next few nights before their paths split, no-one mentioned it.
………….
Even in the time they had been away from Alqualondë things had changed; there were fewer Ithilrim.
Orophin and Lithôniel, Saeldauron and his family, even Galanthir; all were missing along with others. It was as if Gimli’s passing was a signal and the great migration had begun.
“Begun again,” Tindómë said. “For the Ithilrim it began after the Ring War when they moved from Eryn Lasgalen or Lothlorien to Ithilien. And we only ever looked at Alqualondë as a place to rest for a while before the next stage - like butterflies or migrating birds.”
Galadhrim had already begun to leave the lands around Grandmother’s estate, they were told. The first group had left some time ago, led by Haldir.
‘Ah,’ thought Elladan, ‘that would explain why we saw so little of him when we were there.’
Others, Thranduil’s folk, or even Oropher’s, who had been living in small settlements along the coast or in small woodlands inland, were also quietly moving further West.
“We are awaiting Aran Thranduil,” Rumil explained, when asked about his brother leaving without him. “Orophin and the others will begin to make paths, and build some dwellings, But Tindómë and I promised Legolas that we would stay at his side many years ago.
“Legolas and Lady Ferveren know, from the letters you brought, that Aran Thranduil will be here in the next year or two. So we will not be apart for all that long. Tangannel, who came with us when we went to explore the new lands, is leading those making similar preparations for those who will live in the new Eryn Lasgalen.”
He looked over to his daughter. “Ithilienne waits, ostensibly, for us but, in reality, she would have chosen to stay with Legolas even had we travelled with Orophin and Lithôniel. Haldirin has no need to wait, and part of him wanted to go ahead. But he waits for Tharhîwon, who may need a brother, and also for Rhîwen as he wants to get to know her better before she joins her parents.”
“Of course,” Tindómë joined the conversation, “she may choose to live with the Ithilrim, or he might choose to spend time amongst her grandfather’s people. We will not be that far apart.”
She smiled then went on, “And everyone knows that ‘The Valley’ is yours. But by the time you get there you may find a few temporary shelters there already. And I know there are already some who came from Imladris who are readying themselves to travel there with the two of you.”
Even though there were fewer Ithilrim, there were still plenty of people preparing for the mid-winter celebrations.
“Definitely enough for a good ‘hunt’,” Legolas said when he gave the twins the ribbons he owed them from the year before.
But as the sun approached its highest point on mid-winter day, the twins had little enthusiasm for dressing in their best and plaiting those ribbons into their hair. They had begun to worry a little a couple of days earlier, but now they found themselves looking towards the road from Tirion more and more for Naltatamë had not arrived.
‘She promised. She promised. She promised,’ went through both minds over and over again. Could she have had an accident? Would they know? They had been told that Orophin knew when Lithôniel was injured before they were bound; but they had only been yards apart. Had she wanted more time with her parents? But surely she would have sent a message. Had she decided she would be better without the twins in her life?
And now it was dusk, and they would have to go out to the celebrations, and smile, dance, and persuade ellyth to accept their ribbons.
And then, just as Captain Grandfather’s crew were casting off for their nightly journey through the sky, two horses appeared, approaching the house at a canter.
Grandfather! Grandfather and Naltatamë! Except that they had no sense of her, there was not a hint of her fëa. It was as if she had shut them out.