Everlasting Dawn

Chapter 5

Eriathwen woke to the smell of sweet rolls in the oven. She was ready to leap from her bed had she not been so comfortable and warm, but before long a soft tapping came from the door. She smiled "I'm coming ... I'm coming!"

"Alright but hurry ... wouldn't want your rolls to cool"

Scrambling from the bed she met Mairon in the dining hall and was greeted with a pleasant smile from across the table.

"I saw them on the kitchen table and thought we could have them for breakfast"

"I meant to put them in myself ..." she mumble out while taking a bite of a roll. "But I was too cosy to get out"

He chuckled and they continued the meal in silence with the occasional comment on the food, but it was never uncomfortable, but peaceful. When the breakfast was finished Eriathwen went on her with her chores and headed straight for the stables.

"Morning Hallion, Meralda." She was welcomed with neighs.

Sweeping the stalls quietly as the horse cantered in their small paddock behind the stables, she was eventually joined by her proud host, who was beaming ear to ear.

"For you." Handing her a soft lavender cloak with a silver broach fastener. he had been working on it for a few days, the material was from Gondolin and he had made the brooch himself. She couldn't get the words out to say thank you, instead she just gave out a small squeak.

He laughed "Would you like to try it on?" she nodded and tried it on, twirling around. Even the horses stopped to look.

"Why?"

Before Mairon could think of a reply, he caught the smell of smoke. He grabbed Hallion (he would trust his steed more) and tacked him up.

"Go ... GO now! I will find you! Take the woodland road and keep going!" He lifted her up effortlessly onto the horse. He slapped Hallion's hind quarters forcing the horse into a full gallop before she could say a word. She whirled across the estate to the edge of the forest, with a final glance she managed to see the library enveloped in flame.

The horse sensing its rider grief, slowed its pace, now that they were deep in the forest. Hallion tossed his head back encouragingly, but the hear was too much for the unseasoned elleth. Eri began to cry.

She was weeping, but was also alert, as memories of the hooded figure flooded in. The forest around seemed to be alive and even the smallest of noses seem to echo. Even though she was left alone in the house often, this was a new kind of loneliness and she was scared. Thumping could be heard all around her...it was her own heart beat drumming in her ears.

She whispered for her friend.

"Mairon ... were are you." The thumping grew louder and seemed to close in around her, then Hallion reared up and she screamed.

"HUSH!!"

Mairon's voice was hash and spiteful, but then he saw the quivering form on the back of his steed and pulled Meralda alongside her. Gently, he touched Eriathwen's arm.

"I'm here ... I'm here." He calmed and she let out more tears, they seemed to be endless.

"Wha ... what happened? I was so scared. I thought you ...."

"shhhhhh...It was nothing."

"MAIRON...THAT WAS NOT NOTHING."

She had finally managed to compose herself. The male looked at her and sighed...part of him was glad of her interruption...he didn't want to lie to her.

"Servants of Morgoth...but I'm fine." He said when her eyes bulged, " I'm taking you to Gondolin ... "

She butted in "Gondolin .... I thought I ..."

He came back in "Yes I know, but it is hidden and safe from the servants of Morgoth."

"oh...."

"Hush now, Eriathwen...and follow me."

They rode astride each other silently, for a time. Eriathwen was so deep in thought that Mairon could have heard her brow furrowing, a small smirk crept onto his face. Then she spoke up.

"Mairon, why was I not allowed to go to Gondolin?"

He gave out sigh. He expected this question to come up, but had no idea how to answer it.

"Well, there is something I have not told you. You have a brother, Maeglin."

He paused for a moment to let it sink in, and also for a chance for to say something, but she was silent.

"You see, your father was a dark elf by the name of Eol. He was truly as dark as his name suggests, but that is a story to be told there, but another time maybe. Your older brother Maeglin was stolen away to the king of Gondolin. Your mother was still only pregnant with you and when you were born Maeglin had already grown into a matured elf. He is .... Well to be frank dark like your father. He has a fears hunger for power and an even fearser hatred for anyone who stands in his way. So the valar has kept you separate from each other...it is safer for you. For a time you stayed in Valinor, as you know, but they felt that there was a greater purpose for you in this world. So you were brought to me. I was however told never to bring you to Gondolin for fear that you might be ... killed!" He shuddered as he said and for a moment seemed confused.

She didn't speak...she didn't even look at him. her teeth were fixated onto her bottom lip and she seemed to stroked Hallion's fur rapidly. Words seemed to fail him at this spectacle...he hadn't expected this to happen s early...but he had already made a note for Aule that he wanted his forge rebuilt.

Eri looked over at him as he looked away. Why was he still helping her? If she caused so much pain and bother? Why? He had lost everything...his home and his livelihood...there was nothing for him helping her.

For what felt like an age, silence endured. Eriathwen rode with her face expressionless. Then something seemed to snap in her head. She noticed that Mairon's face was grim, her voice shook as she spoke out from the silence.

"It will be okay, we can stay out of sight... I could disguise myself or something..."

"Yes .... Yes. And its only for a little while until things calm down. I don't want to be in the city longer than a week I don't want to be in the city longer than a week."

This brought both of them relief. So they wondered through the forest as night closed in and the moon lit a silver path.