The Aran is Missing

The Lady's Grove

Fit slipped silently into the grove on Taibreamh wishing only for a few moments of peace in the evening shadows by the flowing waters and the statues of the lady. She stood quietly in front of the statue’s small pool and knelt to leave a small bunch of white flowers by the candle kept burning there. It had been a hectic few days and she had little time to spare for thinking of Kat and wondered if she had returned or if Jaek had heard any word about her.

“I must go check with him about her”; she thought, wondering if maybe Kat was in grave danger though surely Jaek would have sent word. Running from the grove she found her horse and mounted quickly, setting off at a gallop for Calenhad.

The elven city was strangely quiet as Fit left her horse in the square and walked towards the council hall. No elves were to be seen, unusual at this time of day, but as she entered the hall, a lone elf ranger stood guard trying to look stern and only succeeding in looking worried. Seeing her he started and blurted out: “My lady have you found him?”

Fit and Nolofinwe

Fit stared back at Nolofinwe in puzzlement; “Found who? And where is everyone” she asked curtly. The ranger snapped back: “The Aran of course; has spending so much time with humans addled your wits? Everyone is out searching since they found his note.”

Fit crossed her arms and glared at the agitated elf, relenting somewhat when she could see he was truly deeply upset. “I have heard nothing; what note? And why the search?” Nolofinwe shook his head sadly; “They must have forgotten to send for you in the upset, my lady. We came looking for the Aran this morning only to find him missing and a strange note in human speech on his throne.” “Please read it and see if you can add anything to the meaning.”

Jaek's Letter

Walking rapidly to Jaek’s throne, Fit saw several sheets of paper on the seat covered with writing. Gathering them up, she began to read:

“My dearest friends; I set out this day to help the hobbits in the Shire with arms training as I had promised. But as I left I met Ettrian returning with Kathena who had suffered badly at the hands of those she had pursued. I treated her injuries and left her resting well, but as I left the infirmary I had a sudden vision of my mate, Amethyst, who has been missing these long months. I realized I can no longer go on not knowing what happened to her; I must follow and find her or at least some news of where she might be. I am sorry to leave you all, but the council has questioned my abilities for some time and will be easier with someone else in charge. I hope to see you all again someday in better times. Namaarie and safe paths to you all.”

Fit read the note several times, her eyes glistening. Then she dropped it on the throne and turned to Nolofinwe. ”So everyone is gone looking for him? Where is Ettrian, he may know something?” The ranger shook his head, “As we returned from our patrol, Ettrian rode by at top speed shouting, “My lord I must protect you.” “We think he, too has gone to hunt for our king. Lady what will happen to us without him, what shall we do?”

The archdruid drew herself up to full height and looked at the worried elf sternly, though her eyes were red and misty. “We will do as he would wish us to do; protect the people of these lands and go on until he returns to us.”

Calenhad

Thranduil seeks Entrance to Lothloriel 

Gwaihir informs Elbereth of a Visitor

Gwaihir swooped over the Haven of Lothloriel, coming to rest upon a rocky crag near the Golden Hall. Elbereth met his steady gaze with a wide smile and went to meet the giant Eagle, pausing only a breath away from its perch. 'Alla melda Gwaihir! (Hail dear Gwaihir!). You have tidings for me?,' she asked quizzically, not having sensed any unexpected movement around the realm, busy with preparations for her next errand for Ulmo.

The Eagle inclined his majestic head and recounted his observation to Elbereth. Their silent discourse was short and the Maia listened intently, her eyes following his glance towards the mountainous path to Mirkwood. With vision beyond eyesight, she instantaneously perceived Gwaihir's purpose in seeking her out.

'Le hannon, Hîr e-Hûl, (Thanks to you, Lord of the Wind),' Elbereth saluted the regal bird with an inclination of her head. She turned and waved a hand towards the southern border, her tone ardent, yet respectful, 'please seek Galdor along the banks of the Anduin and request his return to me here. I have need of him.' Gwaihir dipped his crown and extended his immense wings, slowly rising into the air. Elbereth watched his flight with admiration, her voice resonating around the mountains, 'Suil vain, mellonnin!' (Fair winds, my friend!).

Iolas took charge of his King's steed. They had reached the pass into Lothloriel and both were stopped in their passage by an unseen force. There was nothing to see or touch, yet both were aware that they could not venture on. Lothloriel was temptingly near, hidden by a fine golden mist. Iolas waited nervously for Thranduil to speak, and when after several minutes he did, Iolas opened his eyes wide at the unexpected awe in his tone.

'Or velen! (Joyous Day!)

The Golden Vale ~ Lothloriel

It is then true, the Lady is a sign that we are yet blessed and cherished by the Powers!', his voice drifted off as he stared at the golden mist. Iolas moved closer, puzzled, his head moving rapidly from east to west, unable to peer through the haze. 'Hîr vuin (Esteemed Lord),  what do you see? The mist veils my eyes.'

Thranduil gave no immediate answer, deep in thought. His reply, when it came, revealed little of what he saw, or any silent message he may have received, but his accent had an injured tone. 'Do you not see the verdant greenness spread beneath us, each living thing embraced by the mighty Ainur? Resplendent Lothloriel... as it was in Ages past!'

The Woodland King reluctantly turned his back on the shimmering splendour, his expression pained as he added, 'holler I ven, (the way is shut), …we can return to my Halls. I shall gain no entry to the Golden Vale.'

Iolas stared at surprise towards his King. Never had he witnessed Thranduil so dejected. He was bewildered, but to perplexed to utter a word. He deduced that some powerful ward was hindering their entry, but as yet no one had barred their entrance. Why then was Thranduil so certain that he would receive no welcome from the Lady who shone like starlight? Footsteps approached the elves, the near silent tread of Galdor, Elf of the Trees, who suddenly appeared through the mist within an arms length of the King.

Thranduil at the border to Lothloriel

He bowed to Thranduil and his eyes were friendly and welcoming as he nodded towards Iolas. 'Suilad, Thranduil, King of the Woodland Elves!', he intoned a reverent welcome as he stood proudly before his former regent. 'Elbereth Elentari, the Keeper of Lothloriel, guardian of this blessed realm, sends me with her greetings and tidings that she is well pleased with your coming.'Thranduil nodded, his eyes devoid of brightness, 'And yet, she will not allow entrance and not see me again' he said, strangely saddened.

Galdor regarded the proud King with pity. The knowledge that one was not accepted into her presence, to be deprived of just one further moment in her Light would cripple him and thus he knew, even a magnificent King could be brought low by this knowledge. His own existence had been imbued with a deep sense of purpose and acceptance since he had become her Defender. Each of his thoughts and deeds were according to the Will of Iluvatar. He would do all to remain near Elbereth Elentari until he was finally called to the Halls of Mandos.

He squared his shoulders and spoke kindly, but his words were a blow and Thranduil looked defeated, 'I believe she has already communicated her resolve, Tar'quessir (Elven King). She is as unbending as the binds that protect Lothloriel.'

 

Galdor passes Elbereth's message to Thranduil

Thranduil searched Galdor's face for a glimmer of hope, then resigning, he bid softly farewell and moved towards Iolas, who held his horse ready. His recent thoughts and visions had led him to this point. He knew which course he must take, his path was clear and a hopeful smile crossed his lips as Galdor's last utterance reached his ears, 'King Thranduil, the Lady of Lothloriel would have you know that she has foreseen your path and within time, according to Eru's Plan, you shall receive her summons to Lothloriel, where the reunion you yearn for may well occur.

Galdor disappeared into the golden mist before Thranduil was settled in his saddle, so that the delayed, yet heartfelt thanks from the King went unheeded. But his words were instead noted by Gwaihir, who took to flight as Thranduil and Iolas watched and marvelled at his grandeur.

Litha, the Summer Solstice Ceremony in the River Lands

The River Lands Henge Ready for Litha

Fiesty Lotus clears her throat

Welcome friends and family

We gather tonight to celebrate the longest day and shortest night, 

Litha, the Summer Solstice.

The Sun shines down upon us in its full crowning glory. It’s light, life giving and purifying.

I honor the Earth itself. I am surrounded by tall trees.

There is a clear sky above me and cool dirt beneath me, and I am connected to all three.

I celebrate the Summer Solstice, held in honor of the Sun.

All of Nature vibrates with the fertileness of the Summer Spirits

 

Shadow Dragon Ambassador Saphira

Saphira Mistwalker smiles and turns to face South and Fire, and hisses out a chant in the tongue of her people:

Wer Edar wharacic persvek wer ixenic di wer mitne vur tobor di wer Siksta.

Wer rinov shartleg Rimn di wer Eorikc tepohaic xurwka wer mitne throdenilt versvesh

Vur wer mitne tepohaic naktada xkhatir drong, halkvri naeck.

Wer kihlek di wer tairais di mitne, Litha, Lihlek di Erthnetora Tangisir, Erthnetora Lleisgar.

De tenpiswo, wer mitne tlushic ekess loreat, tenamalo,

Halkvri huena throdenilt wer Rimn shartlegi ekess wer tairais di whedabra, Samhain, Yule, Onkmet Lleisgar.

Sjerit, ihk naeck, wer Siksta ui yoweth, wer mitne ui itmen, wer Edar ui mornea.

Lae wer Siksta valignatic svern, nomag wer ixenic di sia sorwhitaj ibafarshan vhir.

Saphira Mistwalker raises her voice for all to hear and repeats in the common language:

The Earth basks in the fires of the light and life of the Sun.

The ever turning Wheel of the Year has made the light ever stronger

And the light has kept growing longer, until today.

The middle of the time of light, Litha, Midsummer's Eve, Summer Solstice.

From here, the light begins to fade, again,

Until once more the Wheel turns to the time of darkness, Samhain, Yule, Winter Solstice.

Yet, for today, the Sun is high, the light is bright, the Earth is warm.

As the Sun blazes above, may the fires of my rite flame below.

Saphira Mistwalker turns back to the center

Fiesty Lotus turns and looks North

Fiesty Lotus: The sun rises high in the summer sky

And lights our way even into the night

Today the sun casts three rays

The light of fire upon the land, the sea, and the heavens

Beneath my feet is the Earth, Soil dark and fertile

The cradle of all creatures

The womb in which life begins

And will later die, then return anew.

Fiesty Lotus turns back to the center

Archdruid Fitheach

Fitheach Eun turns slowly to face the west and water and speaks clearly

Fitheach Eun: From the west, the mist rolls in

Bringing gentle rain and billowing fog

The life-giving water without which

We would all cease to be.

Water, life bringer, healer of all

Flow into and through us

Bring change and fluidity

The clear stream of mystic reflection

Fitheach Eun turns back to face the altar

 

Archdruid Fiesty

Fiesty Lotus turns East

Fiesty Lotus: Warm winds caress my spirit

And rustle the green leaves above me

Soft and tender breezes carry the scent of summer’s bounty

Give support and flight to all creatures of the air

You dance around us gaily, but carry the threat of storms to come

The darkness begins to hold sway

Soon you will bring cooler winds and threats of winter snows

As the world turns to the dark again

Fiesty Lotus turns back to the center

Fitheach Eun addresses the group

Fitheach Eun: Does anyone here wish to contribute any words to this celebration?

Fitheach Eun: If not, Let us take a minute to remember absent friends and hope for their return

And keep a moment of silence for those we will see no more

Fiesty Lotus bows her head

Saphira Mistwalker bows her head in silence

Fitheach Eun bows her head silently

 

The Summer Solstice Altar

Fitheach Eun stands straight and smiles at the assembled friends

Fitheach Eun: But, today, at Litha, We celebrate the life and love of the spirits of the world

Now let your heart and be light and your spirit filled with joy as we revel in the joys of Midsummer!”

Let us dance out the longest day and honor the light as it begins to take its leave of us.

Fitheach Eun: The circle is broken, the rite is ended. Thank you all.

Saphira Mistwalker hisses happily, "Tiichia qe! (Blessed be!)"

Fitheach Eun: Blessed be

Fiesty Lotus smiles and says: "I got us blueberry mead and some nice spice cakes

Fitheach Eun smiles at the lovely food

Fiesty Lotus: Blessed be

Saphira Mistwalker: Mmm, blueberry mead.

Fitheach Eun: Sounds excellent my dear sister

Fiesty Lotus puts away her staff and says "Time to dance"

Saphira Mistwalker: Aye, time to dance.

Time to Dance!

Thranduil's Dilemma

The day was yet young, dew still clinging to each blade of grass as Galdor led Elbereth out of Mirkwood forest to the bridge and paused. Towering above them were the grand white walls that revealed the entrance to the mythical Halls of Thranduil.

The King of the Woodland Elves had successfully championed his kin and secured continuity for the House of Oropher for over a thousand years. He was known to all for his distrust of strangers, yet this inherent cautiousness had not stopped him from nobly fighting evil when he deemed it fitting.

Elbereth smiled encouragingly at Galdor, sensing his unease. The incandescent light surrounding her had already alerted the Realm's guards to their coming and more Rangers were issuing forth from the majestic doors. Their surprise was not unfounded.

Lothloriel's Guardian had denied Galdor's request to send word of her imminent arrival, with the simple statement, 'It is unnecessary, my Champion, as I have already communicated with the Elven King.'

Galdor was puzzled by her words, as he was by many things concerning the Maiar. Had she sent the Eagles to convey her message? Did she have other forms of communication at her leisure? He sighed. He did not know the answer and it would appear impertinent to query the Keeper of Lothloriel.

Elbereth took a step forward, nudging Galdor into movement. As they approached his fellow Elven brethren, he feared they would attempt to lay hands on Elbereth and take her bound before Thranduil, as they were commanded. But as they neared, the Rangers fell back, forming a guard of sorts, and wordlessly followed their passage within the Halls with glazed looks.

Galdor hesitated not, he proceeded to lead Elbereth directly to the Throne of Thranduil, unsure if the King would even be there, yet certain that his guards would have immediately informed him of the commotion at the entrance to his hidden Halls.

The Light of Elbereth cast a glittering hue as she walked, illuminating the dark cavern and bouncing off the gemstones still clinging to its walls. Reaching the last steps leading to Thranduil's throne, she moved ahead of Galdor, pausing just at the top step, her gaze steady as she observed the Woodland King.

Thranduil lazed on his throne, not only a sign of his ennui, but also the reaction to a true weariness that had overcome him this day. His nightly reverie had been deep and troubling, he doubted the truth of what he had witnessed and was annoyed at the tricks his mind seemed to be playing.

Casting a glance towards the stairway, becoming aware of the confused whispering of many elves just below, his eyes fell upon a dazzling light and he squinted inadvertently. At the edge of the luminous glow he could just make out Galdor, Elf of the Trees.

Thranduil sat upright, his eyes slowly growing accustomed to the blaze and he demanded loudly of his throne guards, 'No dirweg! Man ceril?' (Be watchful! What are you doing?).The guards had no answer and seemed unwilling to move against the source of the brilliant light.

'Vedui, Thranduil Oropherion!' (Greetings Thranduil, Son of Oropher!), Elbereth's harmonious voice filled the cavernous Halls, refreshing the minds and hearts of each who heard it. The Elven King remained seated, the dulcet tones captivating his senses and activating his memory of the previous night.

And as the vision rose again in his eyes, the radiant halo issuing from Elbereth dimmed enough for him to discern her earthly form and after a moment he recollected himself sufficiently to intone,

'Hiril vuin, melda Tarí, mae l'ovannen. Le nathlam hí,' the words rushed from his mouth, his voice dropping to a husky whisper of disbelief, 'Iston i nîf lîn!'

(My Lady, beloved Queen, you are well met. We welcome you here... I know your face!)

Thranduil struggled with musings, lore, fancies and the cold reality of his being. He did not trust his legs enough to stand and approach the ethereal being before him, yet he trusted less to the myths and legends of the past.

'Anwa, arod Thranduil. Telin le thaed.' ('True, noble Thranduil. I come to help.')

Elbereth smiled softly and nodded, 'I came to you in a dream,' her tone lilting, yet an underlying steel in her words, 'The world is changing, valiant Thranduil, the Shadows are lengthening once again. The time has come for you to reconnect with your fellow Elves, the courageous Men, brave Hobbits and sturdy Dwarves who all call these Lands their home.'

Thranduil did not take his eyes off Elbereth, but his mind was in turmoil. Against his better judgement, one look at her and the truth of her heritage was hard to deny, yet the Valar had seemingly abandoned the dwellers of the Eastern Lands eons ago. His realm was secure. His Rangers held the spawn of Shelob at bay. What would he gain at seeking allegiances against another unknown enemy? He pondered all this and much more before responding.

When he again spoke, the tone of the Elven King was proud and unbending. 'The Woodland Realm has endured for more moons than Man, Hobbit or Dwarf can ever hope to exist in their short lifespans. We have no need of their help and there has been no entreaties for aid on their part!'

Thranduil folded his arms across his chest, leaning back into his cushioned throne, waiting expectantly for Elbereth's next utterance.

Elbereth bathed her surroundings in a splendid  luster and no Elf who witnessed the meeting of their King with the radiant stranger doubted her origin or was left untouched by her compassion.

'Tar-Thranduil, I am no Queen. I am Elbereth Elentari of the Ainur, formed before Eä. I hope only to open your eyes and heart to the realities of your changing world.'

A slight tremor shook the caverns and Elbereth's speech faltered. A message from the Valar King Ulmo pierced her consciousness. She sought Galdor's face, her eyes closing and he, rushing to her side, cried 'Man le trasta, Arwenamin? Man cenich?' ('What troubles you, My Lady? What do you see?).

Elbereth regained her composure, her hand resting lightly on Galdor's arm as she gazed into his eyes and with a mute nod, communicated her wellbeing. Ulmo's summons was urgent, but they must bring their current errand to an end first.

The Defender of Lothloriel exhaled deeply and stepped back, his attention returning to the Elven King, who had risen from his seat as the walls trembled.

'Thranduil, lasto beth nîn, tolo dan nan galad,' (Thranduil, listen to my words, come back to the Light), Elbereth's declaration echoed throughout the realm. She regarded the King with sadness, the weight of her sorrow resonating in waves and stripping the Woodland Elves of hope.

The Woodland King remained rooted to the spot, his indecision at war with a yearning to bend to her Will and follow her counsel. He descended the stairs, the desire to be closer to her Light guiding his steps, but just as he was within an arms length of her and before he could answer, Elbereth turned to leave, her parting words falling like Doom among the gathered elves and their King, 'The choice is your own. 

'Ú-ethelithon, Eruchîn. Nai tiruvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna nu vilya.)

('I shall not be returning, Children of Eru. May the Valar protect you on your path under the sky.')

Galdor watched as the gravity of her message saw Thranduil fail, only just holding his stance, his face ashen, his eyes beseeching as her Light faded from his immediate presence.

Elbereth passed the gathering of Woodland Elves and descended the many stairs with Galdor by her side, until she departed the Halls, crossing the bridge and disappearing completely as the darkness of Mirkwood devoured her. Her focus must now move to Ulmo's call and a request for help from another quarter.

Thranduil, after watching the Light fade entirely, returned and sat alone on his throne, falling into a reverie, his mind troubled as the words of Elbereth Elentari echoed through his soul.