Everlasting Dawn

Chapter 2

Eriathwen was sitting in the large gardens, and she was bored. There was absolutely nothing to do in Mairon's home. She had read every book in the small library and some she had now read twice. And her relationship with the master of the house hadn't improved either. He kept his distance and only spoke to her to belittle anything she was doing. Eriathwen was finding him more than a little annoying, he was supposed to, at least, acknowledge her. So she wasn't just bored, she was stewing in her own feelings.

"Right, that's it!"

She got to her feet, pushing some of her loose chestnut locks out from her face and smoothing down her skirt. Eriathwen stormed from the gardens and towards one part of the house, the one part she knew she shouldn't go; Mairon's forge. Well, if he was going to spend all his time ignoring her, then she would just have to go and see what was keeping him from being a good host.

A little voice in her head kept telling her how wrong it was, to disobey Mairon's request. It happened to be the voice of Lady Nienna, in her soft, sad tones, but Eriathwen knew that the Valar would understand her reasons.

After all, Lady Nienna had said that Mairon would teach her. And so far all he'd taught her was that dwarves were a pointless study, men were an arrogant race and elves and maiar were generally the closest thing to perfection.

She stopped in front of the small descent to the forge, feeling a small wave of heat which danced across her cheeks. Picking up the edges of her skirt, she slowly walked down the few stairs. Once the door was opened, the heat which greeted Eriathwen was raging. She got her bearings and then gawked at the sheer size of the forge. It was expansive as far as she could see, though ended with a black chasm. A dull reddish light filled the sweating room and various finished and unfinished weapons littered the floor. It was amazing, Eriathwen could see what kept Mairon down here for so long. The woman looked around when she heard the sound of metal clashing against metal. A fire was ablaze in the dark and she could see a figure hammering away.

Silently she crept forward, her eyes gazing at various jewelled necklaces, brooches, bracelets and pendants, all in fine cases on shelves on the walls. As the gloomy light hit the jewels, faint specks of colour gleamed off them and round the forge walls, creating a magical effect. She gasped and awed in wonder as she drew nearer to the workman. Her eyes landed upon him to see that it was Mairon.

The man had his long hair ties back, revealing his stunning face and proud jaw, dirt was smeared across his features and his shirt clung against his skin, sweat beads rolling off his forehead. What he was crafting, Eriathwen couldn't tell, but the fierce look of concentration set her stomach ablaze with appreciation.

He had been down at the forge all day working on the necklace, even though it was a simple design, it held a complex beauty to it. The elf looked forward to sharing it with the city of Gondolin, once he had packed to leave of course. A shield clattered to the floor, just as he was gently cooling the mithril, and he looked up. Eriathwen was standing, watching him. His eyes hardened, she wasn't supposed to be down here.

"What are you doing here?!"

"I..I'm sorry, but I was..."

"You're not supposed to be down here! You deliberately disobeyed me!"

She held up her hands.

"I'm sorry, but a good host should never ignore his guests! I was bored. But it's amazing down here..."

He stopped and stood up straight.

"I beg...your pardon?"

"You have it."

"That's not what I meant."

"I know."

She grinned and walked over to one of the glass boxes. It was full of rings. Gently, she plucked one from the case and studied it. Her voice was breathless with awe as she spoke.

"Did you make this?"

Mairon nodded, pride puffing into his chest.

"I have made every single item in this room, Eriathwen."

"It is incredible."

He snorted.

"Most of it is just simple designs...you haven't even seen my more complex work."

She frowned.

"You know, you could just take a compliment with gratitude instead of trying to make yourself seem better. You don't have to try to look amazing, I am already in awe of you."

He hid his flinch very well, her tone was strict and unpleased. She folded her arms and carefully put the ring back.

"Snobbery, my Lord, is one of the key downfalls of a man."

"Who said that?"

Eriathwen smirked a little.

"You did actually, in nearly seven of your books."

Mairon blinked, looking down a little shame-faced. Had he really been ignoring the woman that much?

Eriathwen smiled, but felt a little guilty. Deciding quickly to change the subject, she looked at the stunning silver item in his hand.

"What is it that you are crafting, my Lord?"

Mairon looked up and raised the  thin necklace to show her. It had now cooled substantially so he dropped it into his hand and held it out to her.

"Hold out your hand."

She obeyed and their fingers brushed as he dropped the necklace into her hands. Eriathwen turned it over gently and stroked the cool metal, pulling it close to her face so that she could study the tiny engravings on it.

There were also miniature sapphires encrusted around the rim of the central neckband and a few cut crystals hanging from chained mithril loops. She looked up at him and noted how he too was admiring his work.

"What is the material?"

"Mithril, it is a priceless metal, but I find it desirable when crafting such items."

"Oh..."

She handed it back to him, but Mairon held up his hand and clasped her fingers around the piece of jewellery.

"No, my Lady, keep it as a token of my apology for being so stubborn towards you. Be comforted in the fact that I will dedicate some time in your education from now on..."

Eriathwen beamed and nodded.

"Thank you, my Lord."

He waved a hand and dismissed her thanks. He then grabbed the jug of water by his feet and extinguished the fire of the forge.