Chapter 5 – Part 1
Chapter 4 – Part 2 Chapter 4 – Part 1
Chapter 3 – Part 2 Chapter 3 – Part 1
Chapter 2 – Part 3 Chapter 2 – Part 2
Chapter 2 – Part 1 Chapter 1
by Silent Draco
Chapter 5, Part 2 – Visitations and Wonders
In an hour’s time, the three Halflings (now scrubbed, groomed, and uncomfortably garbed in comfortable old travel wear) stood ready by the door. Olorin gave them one last piece of advice, “You will be on your best manners again, and when feasting, do not become over-excited like Merry and Pippin would – at least not until the Moon approaches its zenith, and the Eldar begin to dance and sing. In addition to the Great Lords of the Eldar, some folk of the Valar may be present, but unseen or cloaked. For this is the High King’s welcome and thanks, and he is the host.” They set out in a line, with Olorin leading and four of the Household Guard resplendent in elven-mail, spear, and shield, as an honor guard. As they proceeded, many folk called to come see Ernilii-i-Pheriainath, the Princes of the Halflings, pass in honor.
Their parade dispersed at the gates of the King’s citadel, on the crest of Tuna, as the Sun westered to redden the Sea. Olorin nodded; neither early nor late, but when needed. The gate opened, to reveal another eight of the Household Guard armed as if foes were expected, and the Warden of the Citadel in mithril-washed armor before them. Noldanorie raised his helm’s visor, and with a stern visage sang with a clear voice in Quenyan,
Hail O strangers from afar, brightly led
And Mortals ye be, thus unexpected.
How come ye now to Lands Undying, O
To have ye now a proper password, so?
To speak thy provenance now say the word,
That thee may pass, and pass be averred,
To ease the Ban and Doom for the Mortal,
Lest ye be smote, and banished from portal!
The Halflings quailed and gazed in uncomprehending silence; Frodo grasped perhaps one word in five, but could not speak this form of the High Tongue. Olorin bowed gravely and replied.
The word is ‘Mellon,’ and passage averred,
Permitted, cleansed, and welcomed by Manwe.
A Doom and Ban repealed, for Heroes’ Word;
They stood temptation, fear and Eye that day!
Thus smiting Gorthaur low, to clear the sky
And land of evil: plunder, woe, and fear.
With loss of home and hearth held not too dear;
So summoned West to Heal, their time comes near.
Noldanorie bowed gravely in return, and parted the guard with a simple gesture,
So welcome Friends and well we meet indeed,
These Noble Halflings, whom the West hath freed,
By quiet, steadfast honor were they bound;
Now joyful trumpet let their song resound!
The Halflings entered the Citadel to triumphs of trumpeted calls, ranging from sounds like nightingales to great land- and sea-beasts bellowing welcomes. The guards and guests in the courtyard chanted welcomes and sang praises of them, while the stupefied three were gently guided to the inner door of the Citadel and the King’s Tower by Olorin and Noldanorie.
The King’s Tower was constructed such that its entrance and ground floor were comprised mostly of a large and small presentation chamber, with galleries opening above, and farther up the tower were the apartments for the King and his family; suites for favored guests; a private library; and small presence chambers and a Council Room. His great treasury was set into the heart of Tuna, accessed by three guarded gates from the private portions of the Tower. The Tower and the entire Citadel faced not the rising Sun and Moon, but instead the Calacirya, the great valley formed in the Pelori, the Mountains of Defense, by the Valar. In this way did the light of the Two Trees pass outward to Tirion, the Alaquonde, and Tol Eressea in younger and happier times. By careful and subtle work, the Noldo stonemasons had devised additional openings, light-wells, and mirrors to let the light of Sun, Moon, and stars permeate the interiors, while special crystal-lamps were used to provide cool light of a desired intensity at need.
And so the Halflings were conducted through great doors of true-steel and pearlescent visor-glass, opened at the command of the Warden. They marveled privately that the light appeared to dim only slightly, retaining the pale cerulean and rose-gold tones of early evening. Two guards at the open doors of the large presentation chamber bowed as they stepped over the threshold, and walked forward to stand five paces from the throne of the King. They bowed deeply and profoundly, following the lead of Noldanorie, and then stood, nervously glancing around in the profound silence. They found the chamber uncomfortably bright, not from the sunset but from the light kindled from Elvish eyes, lamps, and a bewildering array of gems and jewelry. After a long, measuring moment, Noldanorie stepped forward and bowed again, saying “Your Majesty, I have the honor to announce your guests. I present the most honored and honorable Pheriainnath: Bilbo Baggins, Frodo Baggins, and Samwise Gamgee.”
After a set of deep bows, once more came moments of complete silence and stillness. Sam had the awkward feeling that someone was looking through him, if that word could be used, and was weighing his spirit, like Ronald Hayman the butcher would judge sausages on his scales. King Finarfin rose, and to their consternation bowed as deeply to his guests. At a look, one of the stewards brought forth a sumptuous low bench, covered in fine, padded okapi-hide; the King gestured that they should be seated on the bench at his right hand, while the audience cheered and sang their praises. Sam, crimson-faced, murmured to Frodo, “How can we be seated afore him like this, an’ all the great ones, nobles an’ lords be cheering at us?” A thought formed quickly, and whispered away like mist: It is OUR pleasure and privilege to honor you so. Even among the Noldo, we have few with the courage and strength to face merciless adversaries and vanquish them; few can prepare for their journey and not perish from cold, thirst, or starvation first. Young Samwise … ah, Olorin was correct; let it suffice that it is Our Pleasure to honor all three of you for deeds worthy of Our doughtiest warriors. A simple ‘thank you, Your Majesty’ will suffice. Sam, now garnet-colored and turning to dark ruby, murmured his thanks while the King smiled and sang.
After a time the King raised both hands, and all merriment tapered off. “My Lord Warden,” he inquired, “are there matters requiring Our attention to resolve? Have any new concerns, missives, or disputes risen that require Our Decision?” Noldanorie bowed gravely, noting that all such matters had been resolved, and several new items had been resolved by the disputants before coming to the attention of the Council. “It is well.” Clapping his hands three times, the King announced, “We have one other gift for our most welcome visitors.” Reaching behind to his left, he brought forth what appeared to be necklaces of ruby and sapphire. He gravely laid one over each Halfling’s shoulders, noting “They are beautiful adornments, but serve also to relay our words and thoughts into a familiar speech, for you, and will do the same for us in return. It is not good for a welcome and honored guest be unaware of the esteem in which he is held.” Pausing a moment, he continued: “Our Works with the Court are concluded. Let a light first course of refreshments be laid; as we progress to Our Feast, let the bards come forward and sing pleasing airs and lays.”
To Be Continued…
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