Wanderer

3 - Council Readjourned

Earendil

Oh Valar, it’s good to be home.

 Life is so quiet here, as opposed to the Capitol. With the boys riding with Alaytarthat elf has got to be a Maia –, Elwing stirring gravy, the fire crackling steadily, I could just freeze this moment in time and keep it this way forever.

It’s hard on Elwing when I leave. Not to say it isn’t hard on me, but it weighs heavier on Elwing. I know she’s naturally, but I forget it sometimes. I would worry too, in her place. That’s a heavy burden to carry at nineteen: two boys, one of them almost her age; a house of her own, and a husband who can’t stay off the sea. And then there’s Vairë, whom neither of us like to think of but I of course I still do.

It’s like a standard that Elwing thinks she has to live up to. She doesn’t, of course. Vairë was different entirely. I can’t even compare the two. Vairë was dark, dramatic and romantic. Elwing is lithe, golden and glowing. I glance at her standing beside the fire; her hair pulled back, her face flushed from the heat, her dress flecked with flour, and think of how beautiful she is.

I spend the afternoon with Elwing and my quiet house. I tell her of my travels, of the new ship being built in the Capitol, of the peacock-feather craze while she sets the table, and then let Elwing talk while I carve the roast. And finally we just sit and wait for the boys to come home.

I know they’re here long before I hear them. They are all laughing, even Alaytar. I look at Elwing, and we stand up.

The door isn’t wide enough to let all of them burst inside at once. When the boys finally make it inside, Elrond, then Frond, almost bowl me over in a hug. Suddenly, the kitchen is filled with sound and life. I shake Alaytar’s hand and accept his ‘welcome home’.

Dinner is spectacular. The boys hardly stop talking the entire time. Elwing is radiant in a gorgeous dress, and the food is superb, even after Capitol fare. Elwing keeps our wineglasses full and finally brings out a chocolate cheesecake that I didn’t know we had. I switch from wine to tea, and slowly the atmosphere winds down.

The sun sets down into the sea. Frond indiscreetly yawns, and Elwing hurries him to bed. He hugs me goodnight, and my heart swells. Elwing turns on Elrond, but Jade speaks before Elwing can.

“May Elrond and I go outside for a bit?”

 “You can stay on the porch, where we can see you.” Alaytar says forcefully.

What can Elwing say, if Alaytar has already given permission? So Elrond offers Jade his arm as they depart.

Elwing clears the table and pours us more tea.

“What news from the west, o wanderer among wanderers?”

I thought she was talking to me, so it surprises me when Alaytar answers.

“You’re not going to like this.” His accent is more pronounced than usual.

 I don’t really know how to answer this; so many possibilities run through my head. It can’t be about Elwing, the boys, or even about the Capitol, because I’ve just been there.

 I’m wrong, of course.

Alaytar continues. “And you’re not going to believe it, either. The council reconvened late last afternoon after you had left it.”

Oh, Valar, no!

“It was, as you can imagine, an emergency meeting. One decision was made: the High King Erenion is calling a council of war, to be held the day after tomorrow. Your presence is requested.” Alaytar does look deeply distressed to be the bearer of bad news. “I too am going.” he adds.