14 | Girls do get it done

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Idril Celebrindal | Princess of the Noldor

Location: Eldamar, Aman

Time: March 2981 T.A

Three months.

It had been three months since the first meetings with Elu Thingol and the Sindar has passed through, formerly the King of Doriath and brother to King Olwë, and Idril Celebrindal was surprised by its outcome.

She had thought that before the week she would begin those meetings it would have been a tense subject and she would have to make more effort to sway the ancient Sindar king to allow such a secretive alliance to be fulfilled. Though to her – and Queen Findis and the Noldor – it had only taken one moment to which gave her slight hope.

That had been Elwing.

She had known that the connection between the young peredhel and the Sindar king was through her grandmother. Lord Mablung had mentioned to her during their stay with the Sindar how much resemblance Elwing and Lúthien Tinúviel shared, perhaps from the blood of Dior Eluchíl – son of Beren and Lúthien.

She had finally met the people and the court of  Doriath since living in Beleriand for the first time as well, alongside finally meeting her supposed niece: Finduilas and those whom she was accompanied when they had met on the borders of their land.

Lord Beleg, a name which she remembered from the tales Lord Egalmoth spoke of, was as she imagined him to be. Tall and lithe, he was quick and agile and moved like the wind. His silver hair was tied back in a simple braid, allowing to shape his face. She noticed him carrying a bow and a set of arrows on his back as he arrived to greet them, a firmness and yet sincere kindness upon his features as he spotted young Elwing at her side. He immediately took a liking to Elwing, and Idril smiled slightly, knowing well a soul who could be kind to such younger ones. [1]

Alongside Lord Beleg, was Lord Mablung, whom she remembered from her father's stories. One who had been in the battles of Northern Beleriand and had escaped luckily from Nirnaeth Arnoediad. He was strict and vigilant, and despite only being equipped with one working hand: Idril knew he was a formidable fighter to be the Marchwarden of Doriath. He almost felt thrown back at the resemblance of Elwing, having to hide his softening expressions before he finished greeting them and guided them to their King's new halls. [2]

Idril knew Finduilas enough during their years in Aman, despite her niece's choice to dwell in the realm of the Sindar and Teleri than the Noldor. However, none should doubt how much pride Finduilas gave for her people, for she loved the Noldor and loved her family. However, there was a grave feeling of pain in her that she carried, especially when she spoke about wanting to do more than she could for their plans.

It would seem as if they all did. They didn't need to say anything, but Idril somehow felt a connection between her niece, Lord Beleg and Lord Mablung. As if they knew a common thing than anyone had realised.

Well, she wasn't going to dwell on such things. Orodreth and Carmetarmë knew where Finduilas resided and didn't question or worry about it.

Elu Thingol finally met with her, Finduilas and Elwing. And at first, Idril was surprised at the outcome.

Idril had thought her father was amongst the tallest elves to which she had met in her life but never had she met Elu Thingol until now. He had almost towered them all, with long flowing silver hair and a glowing face which radiated with power and purity. And yet to which she was shocked about was how modest he had dressed.

When she thought of Olwë, she had imagined great designs and jewels traded by the Noldor. Grandfather always wore jewels and gold intricate patterns on his clothes, just like Aunt Findis still did. Or perhaps like Ingwë, who wore slightly fewer jewels but pure colours of silver and white contrasting their tanned skin.

But Thingol: he had worn a hunter's garb along with a cloak that matched the emblem and circlet upon him.

Nothing like what Idril had expected at all.

Their first subject had been blunt and quick to the point. He had read over the letters that Uncle Finarfin and Uncle Fingolfin had given him, along with the information which his grandson, Dior, had provided. No doubt his wife had told him where she had gone and why she had chosen to side with him.

Thingol at first was surprised by her. Not at Elwing (he had supposedly been expecting his great-granddaughter to finally return after isolating herself up north), but at her. He had expected one of her uncles to come to discuss terms with him. Or perhaps Queen Findis herself.

Hiding her astonishment, she apologized on behalf of her great-aunt and told her that Findis was currently busy in Valimar for other matters. Thingol merely stared at her, a glint in his gaze that she suspected he knew about something.

Then the tensions rose. Thingol was still adamant, especially regarding what happened in not only Alqualondë but Doriath after his death. Idril Celebrindal knew she was bound to be shot in the foot with whatever the Fëanorians did, no doubt being the forefront of why they were in this situation in the first place.

Neither Lord Mablung nor Lord Beleg spoke of it. And Finduilas remained silent as she was forced to confront the incredibly tall ancient elf on why they should aid their people from extinction.

And in truth: Idril felt as if she was at a dead end.

Did she know what it was like to be betrayed by their kin?

Yes.

A certain cousin more specifically.

Did she know what it was like for her home to be destroyed and forced to flee?

Yes. She had watched her father die and her people get killed as Morgoth melted their walls and began burning everything to the ground.

Idril Celebrindal knew what it was like to lose. To feel desperate.

She hadn't meant it, but Thingol must have seen the fire that had been ignited in her eyes. He had understood the fire that the Noldor created, whilst the Sindar's strength was created by the winds that blew the leaves off their trees. Or the Falmari's crashing waves across the rocky coast.

And that was when Elwing crossed them.

The young peredhel. The descendant of Thingol's daughter told him that they will lose someone either way. That even the Valar will lose something if they choose a path of division than unity.

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"Because in the end: we will all lose someone or something. Even it means our heart or our family, we will never be whole if we choose to accept something like this," Elwing defiantly spoke, with silvery eyes that bore up to Thingol's.

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And for the first time, Idril couldn't help but sense that motherly pride upon her son's wife. She knew that the flame in the young peredhel would be released one way. The strength of the Nightingale herself.

The former King of Doriath had turned pale as if he was seeing his daughter walk before him in some dream. And at once he understood somewhat, speaking of how certain situations had allowed him to analyze the wrongdoings he had caused in his life.

However, what concerned her months later were the hints and notes Thingol spoke to both Elwing and her of what he suspects is happening.

And apparently, it was deeper than what he had known.

"Three months, I had not hoped to have ever allied with your kin, Lady Idril," Thingol spoke to her as they walked amongst the trees.

Below them, Idril spotted the growing work that the Sindar had made for Dagor Dagorath. Many of the elves were training whilst others were creating things. Supplies were mixed now between the Noldor and Sindar.

Thingol had gotten less secluded since their first meeting, often spending closer moments with Elwing and trying to reconcile and understand everything that has happened in his family.

Idril calmly replied to the ancient elf, "There was always a chance, my lord." She continued, "I understand not all will be willing to the choice you made, but it is much like us to yours. We shall never get truly along if we do not test the waters."

"No doubt you share your father's wisdom, for I am surprised to have a young elleth be the diplomat of a troubled realm," He hummed, making her slightly upturn her lips. She knew it was supposed to be an insult despite being subtle about it, but it was better to hide it than say anything further.

Clasping her hands, she glanced over to where she spotted the dark-haired peredhel, who was practising archery with Lord Beleg. She noticed that Thingol noticed as well, which made her ask him, "Do you miss her?" Idril quietly asked him.

Thingol's gaze never left where Elwing was, who was applauded by a grinning Beleg. The former king cleared his throat and answered quietly, "Every single moment of time."

Her heart clenched slightly. Idril knew what it was like, even if her husband was still alive.

"I hear of words of you, Lady Idril." She turned away to look back at Elwing and Beleg as she heard Thingol speak back. "That your husband is here but no longer here in spirit."

Idril nodded silently, turning to look back at him.

And to her shock, she found Thingol looking down at her not with blank emotions – but eyes of sympathy.

"None should bear such torture," Thingol spoke.

Idril inhaled, almost sensing a pin drop miles away. "It is why I do this," She spoke more confidently as she watched his face study hers in return. "It's what we've always done. We fight and we protect whom we love and who we care for."

Her heart skipped a beat, imagining Tuor again in her mind.

"But for me, I just want him to be at peace." A sad smile rested upon her lips as she told him honestly. "Death isn't the end of love. Death is just a new beginning. A path that those can take."

Thingol stated calmly, "You tamper fate with such a choice."

Idril breathed in.

"Because the Valar removed our choice," She responded. "Every single being should have a choice, should they not? We are all under the realm of Eru Ilúvatar. And we have always had a choice in how we live and how we end. Should the Valar make that choice? Do they rule us when it comes to life?"

Thingol's gaze burnt before her, but perhaps not as much as her as the mirth in them rose.

"You waste your talents with me, young Idril Celebrindal," An amused tone left his mouth before he bid her farewell, hoping to go and meet with his councils again.

Leaving Idril slightly surprised and yet feeling her own pride for herself. With a grin, she spotted Elwing's eyed look up to her's and she nodded merely back, telling her telepathically that she was improving very well.

Hopefully, in the coming month, Idril's work with the Sindar will be worthwhile when her parents and the rest of the Noldor return.

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Findis Aranye | Queen of the Noldor

Location: Tirion Upon Tuna, Eldamar, Aman

Time: March 2981 T.A

Maybe now she understood how her father felt when it came to be the ruler of an entire realm. 

The three months that had crossed over had felt like an entire millennium, with seemingly over-piling requests, meetings, visits and an endless stack of letters and reports of practically everything that was needed when it came to running the realm and city.

She understood now why her father may have accepted his exile with her stepbrother up north. Findis Aranye had no time at all to stop. After her visit at Valimar, she was forced to go straight back into a position she once held – but now in with practically every eye on her. From the Valar to the common folk of Tirion Upon Tuna, she was watched everywhere constantly. Even when she was on her own, Findis had to keep her thoughts to herself – afraid that the soldiers outside heard her or one of the Maiar had heard her mind of any defiance against the Valar.

She knew she should trust her people, but since Valimar: even trusting her people was also a growing issue that was becoming an issue.

Was she paranoid? Maybe...

But there was a genuine reason for it. How does one react when some of the people had been inside a conspiracy that has been running even before the Darkening of Valinor?

It is that fact that now, with knowledge of Elemmírë and Glorfindel and several groups of the Noldor and the Vanyar knowing of the same thing: Findis had no choice but to act as paranoid as she was now. How would she know who wasn't involved with the scandal that could practically break this continent?

And if the secret is revealed? How would the Valar react? Not even the Valar but the Ainur and everything about their cause would be a downfall.

One certain Valië would lose her reputation if the world knew what she had done.

And that was why she kept her mind as closed as possible, keeping her dreams as blank and vague from Lord Irmo's power and her voice subtle and quiet from Lord Manwë's ears. Findis had kept an eye on the Valar's alignment with the precedence of the Noldor, noting more of the discord between Lord Irmo and Lord Namo and the conflict of which side Lady Nienna would choose. Lord Oromë and Lord Aulë knew but spoke little despite their defiance when the council met, understanding perhaps that even if they associated more with the Noldor, they knew not to interfere with what has happened in history. Lady Vana, Lady Yavanna, Lady Nessa and Lady Este were not involved, more concerned over Morgoth much as Lord Tulkas: who was getting ready for his duel against the Dark lord.

Yes, she should be preparing for the war. Idril and Elwing's success over Thingol's people had shocked her and the rest of the Noldor, despite the grumblings and rumours arising from Alqualondë that Olwë was questioning his brother's choices.

Perhaps she should have settled with Olwë first than go to Ingwë and her cousin, for the Falmari still refused any association with them despite the peace from the past three ages. Orodreth and Angrod's attempts in swaying the Falmari court had only allowed them to give safe passage for the Noldor and Sindar who would return from Middle Earth, with no signs of any alliance about their removal from Arda.

If Morgoth's actions were getting closer, she might have to take more precautions.

But as Findis had been busy finishing some documents and going over the numbers of new armoury and weapons being created; she then heard a rattling from her balcony before a slight clack was heard underneath.

As she then heard a quiet hiss and a string of curse words, she relaxed.

She knew that voice very well.

Whilst she continued writing, she heard their footsteps enter her open suite before they spoke plainly, "Thought I'd find you working."

Findis remained writing as she answered calmly, "There is no time to relax, little nésa." She stopped as she glanced up, seeing the attire the elleth wore in front of her. The slim-fitted dark clothing alongside the neatly tied hair – hair that was too short for an elf.

Of course, out of all the elves, it would be her sister that would style it at such a length.

However, that wasn't the thing that made her raise a brow. "Did you have to climb up from the balcony?" Findis questioned her.

As her little sister plopped onto the chair in front of her desk, Lalwen shrugged: "Why not? I miss doing these sorts of things with Nerdanel around."

Findis shook her head, slightly amused. Her sister remained as lively and childlike even at her age. Though between the two of them, it had always been Lalwen that had endured more than they had ever imagined. It was why Findis always felt proud of her. To have that joy and relaxed persona despite the pain and horror she endured during her time in Beleriand remained with her sister had caused her to appreciate her sister more.

Because in truth, Findis believed that her sister hated her the moment she decided she would stay in Aman. But instead, the first person Lalwen decided to meet after being re-imbodied was her – and she could not help but firstly cry in each other's arms the moment they met. She had missed her sister so much, even all those times constantly making sure Lalwen wasn't getting into trouble or making their mother lose her will and patience.

And now Lalwen was different. Her innocence remained but a façade. But her eyes spoke of loss, torture, and agony. Even when reunited with the love of her life: Lalwen didn't dare enter Tirion any less remember who she had been and what she had left behind.

Deciding to live in the far west, isolated, Findis would only see Lalwen and Haldalótie every other century.

But of course, there were exceptions. Especially when it came to the plans for their missions.

"Where's Halda?" She asked her sister as she waited for the ink to dry before she could fold it into the envelope.

Lalwen answered her, inspecting one of her paperweights on her desk, "Visiting her parents." She explained to her, "She wanted to see them before we try and find wherever Nerdanel went."

That had been the mission she had tasked her with since Morgoth's supposed to escape. As soon as Nerdanel hadn't returned, Findis had notified Lalwen and Halda to search for clues in regard to their sister-in-law. She knew that the two wouldn't be watched by the Valar or Maiar, a fake story of the two still recovering and in mourning from their time in Middle Earth.

And that gained their grasp in moving in plain sight, giving Findis and the Noldor an upper hand on what was happening in Valinor and the rest of the continent.

As she was finishing her letter, Findis asked again, "And how close are you?"

"Well, that is why I visited," Lalwen exhaled as her voice turned serious. "Thank Halda and her craft, we've been able to see a pattern. Many of the resources from the northern mountains have slowly been used. And despite what the Ainur think, one thing has been odd."

She narrowed her eyes. "What?"

"These." Plucking a dark object from her pockets, Lalwen placed what seemed to be the width of a page in front of her before placing one other black light object upon her hand. Lalwen twirled the one in her hand whilst Findis took the one upon her. She asked Findis, "These feathers look familiar?"

Findis held the feather upon her fingertips, trying to sense something within its texture. With an inhale, a thought crossed her as she noticed the familiar magic lingering upon them. She murmured, "These are Nerdanel's crows and birds." She glanced back at her as she questioned, "Where?"

Lalwen gave her a knowing look as she answered bluntly, "Somewhere in the far north of Aman."

Her heart grew cold as the name rushed through her throat like a serrated knife.

Formenos.

How had she not thought of this? Findis would have known immediately where the first place the dark lord would go to. Findis' voice grew intense as she quietly said, "You think he's hiding there since his escape?"

With a firm nod, Lalwen replied: "It is the only place that not even the Valar have touched. Nobody dares to go there since Fëanáro died."

At that moment, she immediately knew the signs.

"No. You are not going there," She glared back at her sister. 

At the same time, Lalwen immediately glared back, protesting silently.

She hissed, "But Aranye—"

"That is an order from me," She tightly told her, ignoring the burning glare from her. Findis flared her nostrils as she firmly added, "As your sister and as your queen. I will not risk your lives."

The blood of Finwë ran through their veins, only the younger daughter showed intensity and aggravation whilst the older hid her anger in a controlled manner.

"Our brothers and people are risking there's!" Lalwen snapped back, leaning towards her.

They had not fought in years, and yet Findis knew how to be patient when it came to her younger sister. She just had to stare at her, to tell her internally that if she uttered any more their entire plans would be compromised. That her recklessness in being too loud will alert those that might hear them.

'Ask yourself, nésa. Why would she be there all this time if she knew every part of that place?' Findis thought back to her.

Lalwen's body relaxed slightly, and finally: her mind caught up with her's as she spoke back: "You think there's a reason why she went with them."

She had somewhat of a vague idea. Nerdanel would not have left her unaware of her choices if the situation would come to this. There was always a backup in Nerdanel's plans because that was what she was truly.

"I think she's giving us time," Findis answered, sealing the letter that would be heading to Idril and a certain Maia of the sea. The seal of the Morverulóra was prominent upon the wax. "Soon, she'll show signs and that is where we will need to strike at them."

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After her sister's visit, the next few days passed. She tasked both Lalwen and Halda to find more news within the other elven settlements, those of the Avari and the Laiquendi who roamed south of Lorien. Lalwen must have gotten the hint, immediately: sighing and grumbling for being instructed to go as far from Formenos as possible.

Because one thing was for certain: Findis was not going to have her little sister destroy Nerdanel's plans by becoming heroic alongside her wife. No matter how much they all wanted their sister-in-law back along with Nerdanel's son.

But that was the price to pay when it came to this. She was forced to remember that she had chosen to become queen with a heavy toll.

To know that their father was a hostage.

Findis wondered what her mother thought of this. Was she mourning? Was she forced to remain quiet? She didn't know. But that didn't stop her from being cold at Indis. She was still her mother. The woman who had brought her to the world.

She just wondered why sometimes her mother chose this path and not something so much simpler. Why didn't her father simply not make his life difficult?

But that extended to not just her, but her siblings. They would never have existed. She would never live, to have met a half-brother like Fëanor or Nerdanel. She would never have arguments and laughs with her sister or give advice to Fingolfin and Finarfin whenever they were thinking too emotionally about a situation. She would never cherish her love of dressmaking or succeed in politics.

And it was a subject that remained in question when it came to the secret of Elemmírë and Glorfindel.

Findis wondered why such things should have been foretold. That two children would become the match that would ignite an entire uprising.

Quite poetic it was.

And ironic and hypocritical to everything the Valar questioned them for.

She knew from the stirrings and the rumours now more evident upon the court and streets that the Valar are now preparing more than ever. Findis attended more meetings with Olwë, Ingwe and Thingol, and noted now that Thingol was being more agreeable with her points than his brother.

And that made her warier. She knew not to trust Melian from Nerdanel's notes. That even when Melian was aligning herself with them, it didn't mean it wasn't for them.

Maybe she was getting paranoid.

However, Elu Thingol's advice seemed to have a warning. As if he knew something and was trying to tell her without causing issues on his account. From Idril's conversations and updates from her, she told Findis that he had taken a liking to Elwing and that as much as he hates the Fëanorians, he still remained in support of those descended from him.

Findis rose a brow at that. Had his supposed death opened an eye upon the ancient Sindar elf?

She might never know.

However, after those meetings adjourned, Findis only had one thing in mind. And that was her safety.

She could sense the tension so tight that the rope would snap.

Everyone was waiting for her to make a mistake. To reveal a flaw in her.

So she needed to do something.

Findis was walking through the long corridors of the palace in Tirion before she finally noticed the elf she had hoped to see. With her head raised, she kindly smiled at them as they were staring out at the landscape below. 

"Ecthelion."

Turning to his left, his face slightly grew pink before he bowed his head. "Sorry, my lady. I did not see you—"

The young Noldo lord stopped as she continued to look at him, amused. She should thank him thousand times over for the heavy burden he had carried for ages.

With her genuine smile still upon her, Findis gestured for him to follow. "Please come with me, I would like to discuss some things with you."

Ecthelion quietly nodded before he took her stride towards one of the secluded gardens. Usually, the palace would be teeming with people. Visitors from across Eldamar and Valinor.

Nowadays it was empty. Not even the gardeners were around as she noted that everyone should take an effort in helping prepare for the war. The rest remained to be loremasters, her father's advisors and other elves who ran the necessities of the palace. The entirety of the city was doing all it could in the war effort.

As Findis mentally checked for any wandering ears as well as using her ingolë, she then stopped beside the fountain whilst Ecthelion stumbled out his words.

"If it is about what occurred in Valimar, I swear I was under orders," He inhaled, his voice sincerely worried as he revealed his feelings. "I didn't wish to hide something."

Findis sadly stared at the young lord.

She knew she had placed him in such a difficult position. She knew that he was going to lose a friend. A brother. But Ecthelion revealed in truth – and evident upon his face – that whatever was happening under the shadows wasn't something he approved. He had only done it because of one thing.

Ecthelion didn't wish for what was to come, that he was torn between the love of a brother and the love of his people.

The Valar once said Aman would become their haven...and yet Findis sees so many torn hearts. One to follow morality and the other to follow their heart.

With a sad smile and her heart feeling ever so heavy, Findis spoke: "If something happens to me. And I know something will," She quickly saw Ecthelion's eyes widening in horror. "If they try to take you, you will run. And you will reveal to everyone who they are."

She watched his mind and heart be torn fully apart. His words become broken as he began, "But..." Ecthelion gulped as he spoke, "This isn't mine to reveal."

Refraining to show her own guilt, Findis simply continued to smile with a sombre tone. "Neither is mine. And I hate it as I know that you care for them." She closed her eyes as she looked away. Before long, she glanced back – seeing their understanding from him. Findis implored, "But the reveal of their heritage will give sway to us."

"How?" He asked. "You are telling me something that will break not only me but everyone involved."

Findis inhaled sharply before she stared into her reflection upon the surface of the fountain. "It will. Because it is something that even the King of the Valar will confront them...for hiding something that could have saved this world long before now."

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[1] - Beleg Cúthalion: A Sinda elf from Doriath and served Elu Thingol. He was known as one of the best archers and hunters of the First Age and had been close to Turin Turambar.
[2] - Mablung: The Captain and Marchwarden of Doriath to Elu Thingol. He's known for one of the two who presented Thingol in Mereth Atherdad and help protect Morwen (Turin's mother). He died in Battle of the Thousand Caves.

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A/N: Another short chapter with our character still in Aman. Idril and Elwing have now found an Alliance with the Doriath crew, which wasn't something I thought of until the last minute when I changed Idril's chapter to involve them.

Also for Findis to which I introduced Lalwen (aka Irime and second youngest of Finwe's children). I decided that she has a lovely wife called Haldalote who she met when crossing the Helcaraxe and into Beleriand. At some point, I need to upload their one-shot because it's pretty sweet...and pretty tragic, unfortunately.

Next chapter we're still on the rest of our minor characters. There's so much to cover in this that it's really hard to pick out which one is important or not.

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Edited: 01/02/2023