The Great Tales of Beleriand: Definitive Edition by Chilled in Hithlum

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Part Seven: Of Predication and Greater Wisdom

When partners do not communicate fully there is misunderstanding, this is especially true of old married couples...

Such an occasion arises when Thingol and Melian receive a guest...

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THE GREAT TALES OF BELERIAND

PART SEVEN: OF PREDICATION AND GREATER WISDOM

Southeast Brethil…

Voice of Lúthien: “The tenuous peace after the Repulsion at the Pass of Sirion presented the free-folk of Beleriand with a small degree of opportunity for movement across the lands to once more…”  

[A nobleman rides between two Elves as they pass in single file along the treacherous straits between the Arms of the Sirion and Mindeb which lie at the closest borders between Brethil and Doriath…]

Voice of Lúthien: “And an opportunity also arose for a meeting which many of the Sindar of Doriath has long anticipated.  For almost One Hundred years and fifty now, ever since Finrod bore the news to Thingol of their coming into Beleriand, we have wondered much upon the appearance and manner of the Secondborn….”

[Halad Halmir calls to the Elf rider at his front…]    

Halmir: “Master Beleg, the waters grow more perilous here; surely we should have crossed the Brithiach and come to your lands through Dimbar?”

Beleg: “Nay Lord, that road takes us too far north; moreover on horseback it is only passable by the sources of Mindeb at the Pass of Anach, bringing us nigh to the Mountains of Terror… we do not go that way!”

Halmir: “But lo, the rock face becomes far too sheer and the terrain shifts underfoot; this is no path for horses!”

Beleg: “Trust us!”

Halmir: “I can see no road ahead…”

Beleg: “This is as Melian contrived it!”

[The rider at the rear calls out…]

Mablung: “Fear not, Friend, we have crossed this way many times and it is quite safe; your mount is of the Livery of Thingol and among the most surefooted of beasts…”

Voice of Lúthien: “In those days, the arrival of the Edain in great number and their close association with the Noldorin Elves little pleased the Sindar, not least King Thingol; however, in light of recent events and with the proof of their valour, some Sindarin hearts have softened towards these relative newcomers…”

[The curious trinity continue beyond Brethil where the conduit widens somewhat, Mablung with a reassuring smile overtakes Halmir’s horse as they reach a halt just before the meeting of Sirion and Teiglin; coming to a point where the pathway has crumbled away into a steep gorge, apparently caused by the heavy currents of Sirion splashing against a vertical fault line in the rocky wall.  Here the Elves dismount and begin to incant in a tongue unknown to Halmir’s ears: to his utter disbelief a mist invisible dissipates skyward revealing a stone bridge that spans the River Sirion, beginning at the point where the seemingly missing section of road, now whole, plummeted down before them…]  

The Realm of Doriath…
 

Voice of Lúthien: “And it happened for the first time that mortal eyes witnessed the power of the Girdle of Melian in full effect!”

[The Elves ascend their steeds once more and Beleg with an eloquent nod leads Halmir safely across the rushing torrent and they pass unencumbered through the wall of enchantment.  The Lord of Brethil looks back with some unease as the Girdle falls back again rendering the bridge invisible and the opposite pathway broken in appearance; for a brief moment it seemed as though Mablung bringing up the rear traversed a half built bridge with no practical means of support…]

Beleg: “You have just entered the Realm of Doriath, it is a measure of King Thingol’s trust that you have been permitted thus far…”    

Halmir: “For that I am grateful!”

Beleg: “Now, whilst you shall never learn the words to gain entry into these lands, which change constantly with the flow of the Great River, you do know the location of the Secret Bridge; therefore, before we continue any further I must ask you to take a Double-bound Oath never to reveal its vicinity… are we in accord?”

Halmir: “We are…”

Beleg: “Please be aware that the breaking such a pledge would release calamitous ruin on the Oath-maker and all that he holds dear; and such would be your plight that we as witnesses could not forswear its making or offer any succour beyond, even if we be so disposed by pity…”   

Halmir: “I understand and accept!”   

Beleg: “Very well…”

[The Elves instruct Halmir to stretch out his hands ahead of him whilst they drape long braids golden flax upon his forearms to form loose looped spirals that dangle freely at the ends; and turning to face him they each thread an arm through the loops and clasp him at the elbows…]

Beleg: “In your own words state thy vow!”

Halmir: “By the alliance twixt Brethil and Doriath I vow never to divulge to any other my knowledge of the existence of the hidden bridge linking our lands or its location!”

[Beleg and Mablung share a glance of approval and once again intone in an unfamiliar Elvish Tongue.  Presently the cords tighten, seemingly of their own volition, until when at last as the chanting stops they unravel and drop to the floor; Halmir staggers slightly and his companions lead him to a flat rock to rest whilst the braids are recovered…]

Beleg: “Take a moment to recover Lord, simple magic is often the most potent though its effects soon wear off…”  

[Halmir takes a drink of water offered to him by Mablung…]

Halmir: “Masters, I understand the need for secrecy but tell me: why did you wait until we crossed into Doriath before performing the oath?”

Beleg: “It was the will of Thingol and Melian!”

Halmir: “Yes, but…”

Mablung: “Please understand, Friend, we do not question the word of our sovereigns; though it seems to me that they wanted to show you something that goes beyond any form of magic, and that is trust unproven…”

[Beleg coughs with annoyance…]

Beleg: “If you are rested enough, Lord Halmir, I think that we should be getting along while time is!”

The voice of Lúthien: “Their travels would bring them into the deep heart of Doriath, the leading office of Elven power long before the return to Middle-earth of Morgoth and the pursuing Noldor some centuries before…”

[Aerial view of the Province of Doriath…]

The voice of Lúthien: “One journeys south for a short time along the western eaves of Neldoreth the North Forest, reaching the River Esgalduin that meets mighty Sirion; the banks of which lead east toward the stone bridge at Menegroth, wherein sit the halls of Thingol and Melian hewn deep beneath the caves of the greater Forest of Region…”

[They ride in silence for the longest time and Halmir marvels at the beauty of the views of both forests offered along Esgalduin on either side; ahead, the river seems to bend away north though it is shrouded by many trees.  At length, Halmir slows down almost to a halt and looks around uneasily; Mablung draws up alongside him whilst Beleg continues to ride on…]

Mablung: “What troubles you?”

Halmir: “Ever since we entered this land I have noticed no other living thing, save for the Olvar as you call it; yet I cannot help but sense that our coming is being marked by many eyes as yet unseen!”

Mablung: “Fear not Friend, you shall come to no harm!  The Eldar and the Kelvar of this kingdom have never before seen your like and are curious; for you see, Lord, you are the first of Men to come hither bidden by Thingol…”

[Beleg turns about blocking their path…]

Beleg: “Lord Halmir, see there in that thicket a small family of deer; they shall not bolt whilst we are present… go to them if it pleases you!”

[Halmir dismounts and creeps gingerly to the point indicated by Beleg; the lead Elf speaks to his colleague in hushed tones…]  

Beleg: “You presume too much Mablung, the King has not even spoken and trice you have addressed this visitor as FRIEND; moreover, you told him earlier that we question not the word of our sovereigns and then go on to do exactly that!”

Mablung: “Have compassion Beleg, this fellow and his folk have dwelt next to our borders all their lives never knowing, or better never being allowed to know, who or what lives here save only for your wardens and a mysterious king giving out edicts!”

Beleg: “Do you question his will?”  

Mablung: “If that were so I would not be Captain of the Guard!”

Beleg: “Then you should be clear on our orders, escort the Lord of Brethil to the throne; that is all!”

Mablung: “A task requiring only one, and of lesser rank than ours; why else do you think that the Queen requested that we perform this duty?”

Beleg: “Ours is to serve not to question!”

Mablung: “Of course it is but…”

Beleg: “There are no buts, Mablung!  My Friend, heed me: I know you are in the counsel of the Queen and that for a long time now you have been eager for greater openness between the peoples of Middle-earth, but have a care and do let your aim overreach its mark!”

[Halmir returns and they resume…]

Menegroth…

[They are greeted at the stone bridge by a beautiful Elf maiden…]

Lúthien: “Lord Halmir, I am so thrilled to meet you at last; please, please come this way, I know my parents are eager to meet you!”

[She leads them into the Hall of the Thousand Caves, passing along myriad corridors of infinite finery until at last they reach the throne room of Thingol and Melian…]

Lúthien: “I have heard so much of the deeds of your people and the other Edain, of course we have met with the Naugrim before but that is hardly the same is it; after all are we not of the mind of Ilúvatar, the Children of his thought?”

[Therein Lúthien takes her place on the vacant seat beside her parents; resplendent behind them is a wall of golden pine blocks fashioned in divers shapes to depict an immense sunburst that illuminates the three dark-wood thrones and their occupants.  
Brightest amongst these sits Melian, the Queen: who alone being of the Maia radiates from her own being the gentle sheen of Gold and Silver that echoes the lost joy of the Springtime of Arda.  

The stately thrones stand upon an intricately carved wooden dais with three broad and sweeping crescent steps leading onto a patterned oak floor whereupon stand many other Elves in attendance at either side.  In the presence of such serene beauty the travellers are compelled to kneel until when at last the peace is quietly broken and they are bidden, ‘Rise!’  

On a sudden every Elf there present gasps audibly at a noise never before heard in that chamber as the ringing metallic sound of the unsheathing of a sword echoes against the walls; whereafter Halmir steps forward and lays his weapon at the feet of the king and bows reverently…]    

Melian: “You do King Thingol great honour; Halmir, Son of Brethil…”    

Halmir: “It is but a trifle, My Lady; a token in repayment for the salvation of my lands by your armies…”

Melian: “I would not call one doing obeisance to a greater lord a trivial matter…”   

[After a considered silence Thingol speaks…]

Thingol: “Long ago, my kinsman Finrod told me of the plight of a people whom escaping the Shadow came out of the perilous East into shining Beleriand; our home!  And although their coming had been long foretold I deemed it then an ill chance for the country that I loved, and love still; it not being so long back as we count it since Beleriand was overrun by the errant Noldor.  Nonetheless many Elves seemed taken with you Newcomers, and through the wisdom of my chief counsellor, the Queen, and sensing that little could be done in retaliation against this influx without causing strife amongst my kind, I set my concerns aside…”

[Melian glances impassively at her husband throughout but at this last remark she looks away slowly, pursing her lips as one unimpressed by flattery; eyes closed with a sideways upturn of the head held in disregard…]

Thingol: “Yet and all, those latter years of the Siege of Angband passed for us without incident and the better I was pleased, until when at last Finrod visited me baring the Tale of Haleth, the matriarch of your people, who sought independent lands in which her folk could settle in their own right…”

[The Haladin depart from Estolad…]    

Voice of Thingol: “It was given to me that she was self-reliant, single-minded and somewhat detached; though nobody ever doubted her courage!”

[Haleth, in the forefront of her people, helps fend off an attack by the Great Spiders of Ered Gorgoroth…]
 
Thingol: “Of these days we would be glad to hear more from one who knows the fuller tale…”

Halmir: “I would be only too happy to oblige!”

Thingol: “Yes, yes we should enjoy that a great deal: but perhaps a little later!”

Halmir: “Of course but pray, Lord…?”

Thingol: “Haleth was the first Adanic name from your kin-line that I knew of any consequence, of consequence to Doriath that is; and although I never met her I found her story quite intriguing, I admired her mettle!”

Halmir: “Yet you thought her too uncouth to treat with?”     

[Melian interjects in an attempt to quell any brimming tension…]

Melian: “The passing of time brings with it its own wisdom, greater than any first impression might provide…”

[Halmir acknowledges her with a gentile nod but Thingol blunders on…]

Thingol: “Yet more intriguing to me in that time was the report I heard from Finrod of one whom I love little and that I know loves me even less, Caranthir, Son of Fëanor; for it is told that he was eager to have Haleth’s Folk dwell freely under his friendship and protection… this seems a strange business coming from one so haughty as he!”

Halmir: “Haughty?  Perhaps that might describe him since he showed no interest in my forebears ere they proved themselves fit in the defence of their homes after an assault by stealth that went undetected by the supposedly farsighted…”

Thingol: “So then he was moved by shame than aught else?”   

Halmir: “How can I say; I was born not in South Thargelion but at Amon Obel …”

[Melian smiles to herself…]  

Thingol: “Pity: ‘tis the one account to reach my ears that state anything remotely positive about him, I do confess I thought it curious at the time…”

Halmir: “May I ask, Lord; have you ever met this fellow?”  

Thingol: “Oh my word, no!”

Halmir: “?”

Melian: “Then Husband, since neither of you know Caranthir in person I am quite sure that our guest wonders why that name of  is on your lips at all; or indeed as to why he has been asked here!?”

Thingol: “Quite right, please pardon my stragglings Lord Halmir!  Now, it is well recorded that I granted Haleth the freedom of Brethil provided that the Haladin defended the Crossings of Teiglin from our foes…”

[Halmir glances across to Melian who smiles sweetly…]

Thingol: “It pleases me greatly to have seen that when put to the greatest test your people did not flinch from this duty; thus Doriath is glad to officially bestow upon the Halad of Brethil the distinction of Elf-friend and all that it entails.  Please come forward and accept this token of our appreciation!”

[Thingol and Melian rise from their seats to meet Halmir and present him with an ornate bow and quiver of golden arrows…]

Halmir: “Now it is you, Majesties, which does me great honour and more than I deserve…”

Melian: “Oh, how so?”

Halmir: “It was my son Haldir who held the line when we were pushed back to the very eaves of our home and he also that led the charge once your troops reinforced us, whilst I watched impotently in the rearguard…”

Thingol: “Are you not General of your company?”

Halmir: “I am!”

Thingol: “Then from where else would you expect to oversee the battle?”

[Halmir pauses, unable to answer…]

Melian: “Your honesty does you credit, Lord, but your modesty is miss-placed; please, hand me your sword!”

[This he does…]

Melian: “This is a noble blade and its employment by your hand is unfinished; I foresee that it shall spill the blood of many foes ere the end when the need is greater yet…”

[She closes her eyes momentarily: an image of two young men wandering blindly in a mist forms in her minds eye, she takes counsel with herself…]

Voice of Melian: “I see also that those who are lost shall be returned to their right place but until then the father shall lament!”

[She reopens them and smiles, saying no more…]

Thingol: “Moreover: the Halad in waiting shall inherit the title given to you, for our custom dictates that the name of Elf-friend passes from its owner to their progeny.  It is otherwise only when the determination goes individually for a sole act or out of long standing affection!”

Halmir: “Then I am doubly grateful, thank you!”

Thingol: “If you will remain, we shall feast tonight to mark our new Friendship!”

Halmir: “Gladly!”

Thingol: “Excellent, our attendants are at your disposal and I feel certain that my daughter would be pleased to show you the delights of our underworld refuge…”

Melian: “And Mablung, would you be kind enough to arrange comfortable provision for our Friend!”

Thingol: “Beleg, if you might remain but one moment!”

[The room empties…]

Thingol: “I take it then that all went as discussed?”

Beleg: “To the letter, Lord!”

Thingol: “Very well, you are relieved!”

[Beleg bows and turns to leave…]

Melian: “Beleg… are you sure that you have nothing else to add?”

Beleg: “Nay, My Lady!”

Melian: “Your heart reads otherwise; please Beleg, what troubles you?”

Beleg: “Nothing really, just a chance remark along the way!”

Melian: “By Mablung, perhaps?”

Beleg: “I would rather not say without his being present!”

Melian: “Very well… you may leave us!”

Thingol: “Nay, I will hear it!   Beleg, if Mablung has offended any of my laws then you are duty bound to speak!”

Beleg: “It is nothing like that… or at least I hope not!”

Thingol: “Go on!”

Melian: “Thingol, his heart is aching: do not press him!”

Thingol: “Mablung is amongst my most trusted, I would know if I am betrayed!”

Beleg: “Nay Lord, nay; it is just that he was indiscrete in presuming to call Halmir, Friend, before you had spoken!”

Thingol: “Ha, ha, ha; is that all?  Beleg, you had me worried there for a moment!”

Melian: “Elu Thingol!  How dare you laugh at the betrayal of another’s loyalty; no matter how relieved you feel!  And you, Beleg, do not berate a beloved friend in your heart when the only so-called indiscretion is the extension of his hand to a stranger!”

[Both are abashed: Melian is serene once more…]

Melian: “Beleg, you are aware of the missive sent by the King to the Lord of Brethil ere Sauron’s forces attacked from Tol Sirion?”

Beleg “I delivered it by my own hand to their Captain of Watch!”

Melian: “Then that is well, you may now leave!”

[Beleg and Thingol seem a little puzzled by this but they know better than to gainsay the Queen of Doriath once she has been crossed; and following Beleg’s departure she too leaves, her husband remains alone in silent thought…]

The Banquet Hall in Menegroth…

[That evening Halmir has a place of honour at the head of the king’s board between the royal household, at his left-hand are Melian and Lúthien with Thingol to the right; in attendance also are Beleg and Mablung and many other notaries beside.  The plentiful table is broad and long, decked in silver trimmed white linen with candelabra illuming its length; the walls and ceiling are brightened by hangings of merry colours and the great hall is filled with mirth and music, never before has one of Men seen such a fine display of Sindarin hospitality…]

Halmir: “Ah ‘twas rich Lord, once your companies joined mine we gave ground no more and drove our foes back into Sirion’s Pass whence they came, even unto the Accursed Isle!”

Beleg: “Ay… and many there quailed even though it stood seemingly uninhabited and ‘He that is abhorred’ came not forth!”

Halmir: “Truly, both Elves and Men held back!”

[Beleg gives no answer…]

Halmir: “But of course it is well known that the Mighty Strongbow dispatched a great many foes at the Isle ere we were joined by the High King and his company hastening from the north!”

Thingol: “And amid all the tales of defeat in these subdued times the valour of Men was witnessed by the Great and should be remembered with honour!”

[Melian smiles her approval at this…]

Melian: “I understand that you have kin in Hithlum?”

Halmir: “Hareth my daughter is wedded to Galdor, the King’s Vassal, and their two sons were commended to my care ere the assault, but alas they are lost to us; for you see they would not be constrained in the fight but their division was ambushed at the Brithiach and as I understand it none survived!”

Lúthien: “Oh, how terribly sad; were they very young?”

Halmir: “Seventeen and Thirteen: yes still thirteen I believe!”

Melian: “Still Thirteen?”

Halmir: “Hopefully so, since their bodies were the only ones among that group to remain undiscovered but alas the rains washed away any trace of them ere the company was found!”

Lúthien: “So there is still hope!”

Halmir: “Little, My Lady, once you consider that many boys before them, and of lesser age, have been taken perforce into thraldom; my lads are strong and would make prime targets for the Orc Slavers…”

Thingol: “Is that your best guess as to their fate?”

Halmir: “It is amongst my worst fears!”

Melian: “A soldier’s livery often belies his age and it seems to me that still much more needs to be revealed until such conclusions should be drawn; My Lord Halmir, I would urge you against despair whilst hope is still alive!”

Halmir: “I attempted similar words with my daughter and her husband though I doubt not that mine were less graceful as yours; alas, I fear that when I departed there were still three broken-hearts on that doorstep…”  

Thingol: “All this of course explains why you were not at home when first we extended our invitation to you; ah, the misfortune of war!”

Halmir: “Ay Lord, I am told that your summons arrived the day after I departed for Hithlum; I held fast at Amon Obel for sure news with regard to the activities between Ivrin and Serech as long as decency would permit but none came.  After several weeks of waiting need drove me at last, thus I opted to travel only under the cover of darkness and my journey was prolonged…”

Thingol: “I see…”

Halmir: “It is the custom with us that as custodian another’s children one bears any news, good or bad, to the father first; and since Galdor was away on other business when I arrived there was a further delay…”

Lúthien: “Was not your daughter curious as to your business there?”

Halmir: “Convention dictated that I could not see her until her husband returned!”

Melian: “That must have been difficult…”

Halmir: “It was; but still, I did not have to wait overlong…”

Several weeks earlier…

Dor-lómin…

[Afternoon in a half-lit bedroom; a sickly lady is attended to by nursemaids, there is a knocking at the front door which is answered by an adolescent girl; there before her stands an impressive grey horse and rider, unarmed but bedecked with the indigo and gold livery of the High King, she cranes her neck but cannot make out the rider’s face or indeed if he be Elf or Man…]

Morwen: “The Lady Emeldir is unwell and cannot receive visitors today!”

Galdor: “I am sorry to here that, Child; but I come the business of the High King!”

Morwen: “That being so, then perhaps you might leave a message which I could pass along to her…”

Galdor: “Is this how today’s youth would treat with the lord of this land?”

Morwen: “If said lord would care to dismount his steed so as not to speak from on high then mayhap this youth might recognise him!”

[Galdor alights looking squarely on Morwen’s impassive face, her eyes unflinching…]

Galdor: “Is my face enough for you or do I need to produce a royal proclamation bearing the Seal of Fingon himself!”

Morwen: “Do you have one?”

[Half amused and half annoyed he holds out a sealed letter with a deadpan smile…]

Morwen: “I suppose that I had better announce you; please take a seat in the parlour!”

Galdor: “It seems that Dorthonion produces the loveliest of all guard-dogs and perhaps the most spirited…”  

Morwen: “Yes, but they only bite when cornered!”  

Galdor: “I do not doubt it!”

[Somewhat bemused Galdor takes a seat: he does not notice to look of abashed horror on the girl’s face as it sinks in with her to whom she has speaking, nor does he mark the rapid speed at which she ascends to stairway to announce his presence.  He hears the muffled clucking of many voices and the bustle of stifled movement above him until when at last the chastened voice of Morwen beckons him forth.  At length Emeldir and her visitor are left alone, that is of course once the coy-acting maids have got their eyeful of him from the stairway landing…]    

Galdor: “My Lady it grieves me to see you so unwell after less than a year when you last visited the King, especially when I bring further news pertaining that time…”

[Panicked, Emeldir darts forward in her bed…]

Emeldir: “My husband, my son; do they yet live?”

Galdor: “I know not, there has been no certain report from Dorthonion since your folk came to stay here in Dor-lómin; save only for the surveillance of our scouts which has revealed only the movements of our enemies.”

Emeldir: “So there has been some engagement in those parts since Morgoth’s last attempt at invasion?”

Galdor: “From what little I know I would have to say yes!”

[She falls back into her pillows with relief…]

Emeldir: “They are alive then!”

Galdor: “I cannot say…”

Emeldir: “If my husband’s men fight on then I know that he endures still; Lord Galdor, thank you I can rest easy!”

Galdor: “In this matter I am sure you are the better judge!”

[After a brief silence he produces the letter…]

Galdor: “However, My Lady, I am here to bring you this; it comes from the King!”

[He hands the envelope across to her but she does take it…]

Emeldir: “I am too weak, please read it to me!”

[Galdor hesitates…]

Emeldir: “Do not be anxious, Lord; if King Fingon has trusted you enough to deliver his words then I trust you to relay them in his confidence!”

Galdor: “Very well…”

[He opens the letter which reads…]

EMELDIR, LADY OF DORTHONION,

I HOPE THAT THIS NOTE FINDS YOU AS HALE AS YOUR WERE UPON THE TIME WE LAST TOOK COUNSEL TOGETHER, FOR IT IS MY GREAT PLEASURE TO TENDER TO YOU THE SERVICE THAT YOU REQUESTED OF ME THEN.  AS YOU MAY BE AWARE THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE WAR HAVE CHANGED, ALBEIT FOR AN UNCERTAIN LENGTH OF TIME, AND AT PRESENT THE PASS OF SIRION IS DEVOID OF ANY FOES.  THEREFORE I SHOULD BE DELIGHTED TO PERSONALLY ARRANGE SAFE PASSAGE TO YOUR HOMELAND FOR YOU AND ANY THAT WISH TO LEAVE; OF COURSE MY INVITATION TO REMAIN HERE STILL STANDS.  I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO SPEAKING AGAIN WITH YOU IN PERSON WHEN WE FINALISE THE DETAILS OF THE CROSSING, BUT UNTIL THEN I WOULD STRESS UPON YOU THE NEED OF HASTE.

IN SERVICE

FINGON

Galdor: “That is all…”

Emeldir: “Alas: oh how long have I prayed in my yearning for home to be quenched of this thirst?  At last the bounties of Fingon’s cup of grace overflow when it is too late to drink from it and I am left only with dry bitter ashes in my throat.  O Galdor, what a foolish woman I have been; the King told me not to give in to despair and now I find that I cannot be cured of it, I am dying from lack of usefulness and a deficiency of hope…”  

Galdor: “Nay, say not such things; there is healing to be had here among the Elf-kind!”

Emeldir: “Ah, grief erodes even the most abiding…”

Galdor: “O Lady…”

Emeldir: “Tell the King, Galdor, tell him that I did my husband’s will; I kept Barahir’s Folk safe here under his royal protection, tell him it is for that reason now that I would not have them know of this new kindness to me.  Tell him that at last I see my task, which is to pour what little hope remains to me into my young charges.  Barahir knew this, therefore if I am not to see him again then I shall honour him by doing this last act howsoever long I last; tell the King that the foolish woman has finally found her purpose at last!”

Galdor: “I will recount those words, Emeldir, but I will not name you foolish!”

Emeldir: “They do say… A fool’s hope is better then none at all!”

Galdor: “And also…Wisdom comes ere the end!”

Emeldir: “Bah, these are but the ramblings of old-wives and matter not!  I grow weary now, Lord, and would rest: please accept my thanks and convey the same to the King, for on this day you have both done me great service… farewell!”       

Menegroth…

Halmir: “Alas poor Galdor, he left Dor-lómin with a heavy heart only to find me on his return, ruefully waiting on the threshold of the Barad Eithel… forgive me, the extract of the vine causes me blether overmuch and flourishes the eye.”

[Melian pats his hand sympathetically…]

Melian: “Be not troubled, Halmir, it is oft good for a lord to unburden a heavy heart away from the eyes of his charges…”

Beleg: “Especially when he is amongst friends!”

Halmir: “Thank you, all of you; it has been a remarkable day and I should hate for it to end with my reeling from over excess.  By your leave, My Lord and Lady, I would like to retire now in order to rise afresh for my return tomorrow…”

Thingol: “Of course: wise is he that looks to the clear morn!”

[In truth the hour was already late and the earlier hustle had long died down with but a few folk remaining; Mablung was slumped half asleep in his seat although Beleg was alert as were the King and Queen, Lúthien was rubbing her eyes whilst Galadriel and her company had long retired.  Halmir arises somewhat unsteadily at first but regaining himself he bows before resetting his chair; a lone minstrel sings a lullaby of The Days of Starlight before the coming of the Sun and Moon…]

Melian: “Hope is alive, Halmir; tend it well and its yield shall be sweeter than aught tasted from the vine… Goodnight!”

The next day…

[Thingol and Melian have risen early to greet the New-day Sun as is their wont; they come to a clearing in Neldoreth long prepared for them and perform their daily morning rituals, when all is done Thingol leads his queen to a nearby stone bench…]

Melian: “My Lord?”

Thingol: “We need to talk!”  

Melian: “Our household will be awaiting us, our guest…”

Thingol: “All can wait!”

Melian: “Then pray, say on!”

Thingol: “Since there is need of haste I shall be blunt: is he the one, Melian, Halmir I mean?”

Melian: “Which one?”

Thingol: “The one of whose coming you foretold to Galadriel!”

Melian: “Even now after these many ages you still leave me staggered; did you even mean those words of friendship offered to the Lord of Brethil or did you agree to all this simply to pre-empt an old prophesy?”

Thingol: “You scandalise me Lady, my word is my bond; moreover, you have not answered my question!”

Melian: “And I have a mind not to since that specific prophesy was given to Galadriel alone, in which I now find that my confidence is betrayed!”

Thingol: “Come now, there has been enough talk this last day of perceived betrayal by trusted ones; Galadriel is no gossip, you know this, and I would not have you think otherwise!”

Melian: “Though you would cast Beleg as the same?”

Thingol: “That was altogether different, and besides it was not I that read the misgivings in his heart…”

Melian: “Beleg is innocent; he knew not nor read the contents of the letter that you sent to Brethil!”

Thingol: “Then the point is moot!”

Melian: “Good, shall we return?”

Thingol: “Not so hasty, My Queen, there is still the matter of Galadriel!  Know this: I only heard of your words with her but recently when Finrod visited us last and the subject arose as a scarce remark on his part as we discussed matters of war; indeed he assumed that I knew all about it and I give him no cause to think otherwise…”

Melian: “What did he say?”

Thingol: “Nothing much, that you spoke with Galadriel long ago regarding the coming of Men and gave a prophesy; indeed it had been a good while since he his sister talked of it for he said, forgotten words spoken in long days past are oft altered in the retelling…”

Melian: “That is true, very well I shall tell you; hmm, it is queer that this should arise now since I cannot help but think those events and what we heard last night from Halmir are somehow linked…”

[She pauses for thought…]  

Thingol: “Well?”

Melian: “I confess, Thingol, we were equally at fault all those years ago; I did not consult you with because of the disdain for Men that you showed to Finrod!  What did you say now, ah yes, ‘INTO DORIATH NO MAN SHALL COME WHILE MY REALM LASTS,’ also, ‘MEN SHOULD TAKE NO LANDS TO DWELL IN SAVE IN THE NORTH, AND THE PRINCES WHOM THEY SERVE SHALL BE ANSWERABLE FOR WHAT THEY DID’ …harsh words, Husband!”  

Thingol: “I was troubled by dreams of ill omen regarding their coming!”

Melian: “And you sought not to share this with me; well never mind!  I meditated on your remarks which at the time I took for vehemence against the Noldor; I spoke to Galadriel of my findings saying that, ‘ONE OF MEN, OF BËOR’S HOUSE, SHALL INDEED COME, AND THE GIRDLE OF MELIAN SHALL NOT RESTRAIN HIM, FOR DOOM GREATER THAN MY POWER SHALL SEND HIM…’  Therefore, Dearest Elwë, to answer your question; no, Halmir is not the one of whom I foretold!”   

Thingol: “How then is this interlinked with what Halmir has told us?”

Melian: “I foresee that the son of one that is displaced from Halmir shall also be a son of Doriath and that he also will claim lineage to the House of Bëor like the first!”

Thingol: “How can this be?”

Melian: “I know not!”

Thingol: “I wonder then who is this first of whom you spoke of to Galadriel?”

Melian: “I have asked myself that question many times… come, let us break our fast!”