The afternoon air bore the slight chill of a spring that had not yet lengthened into the gracious warmth of summer. Somewhere nearby, the song of a lark floated from a shadowed glade as Uilossiel made her way along the well-worn path. Brushing away a stray lock of dark hair blown by the gentle breeze, she drew her warm cloak about her shoulders. On the hilltop above her, she could see the warm glow of the forges, and already the faint metallic sounds of hammers striking steel rang above the stillness of the Valley.
Uilossiel reached into her pack and drew out several neatly folded parchments, each bearing the seal of Lord Erestor. He had entrusted them to her before she had finished her duties in the library, with the admonition that they needed to be delivered to the forges immediately. Though he had said nothing more about their contents, she surmised that they were somehow connected to the new recruits joining the ranks of the Hammer, and perhaps to the new weapons they would require for their training.
Her footsteps rang on the smooth flagstones of the courtyard as the warmth of the forges flared up to meet her. It took only a moment to greet the head smith and deliver the documents, and Uilossiel was preparing to return to her rooms when she spied a familiar figure standing beside a forge, examining a slender dagger.
Turning toward the forges once more, Uilossiel smiled in greeting. "What a pleasant surprise to see you here, Dolthafaer."
The ellon looked up from his work and gave Uilossiel a small grin, then bowed deeply before her.
"Well-met, Uilossiel. I have just finished my training for the day. And yourself?"
With a wave of her hand, Uilossiel dismissed his greeting with a smile. "No need for such formalities here. I have just delivered some papers to the head smith. I believe Lord Anglachelm has commissioned new weapons for the Hammer recruits. I am not sure, but it seems that orders for weapons have increased recently."
Dolthafaer gave her a look of interest. "Has he? Well, that makes sense, I think. The armory is in a sorry state right now." With a slight grimace, he continued, "We would be better off training with broomsticks."
"Quite an unfitting condition for the Noldor of Vanimar, indeed!" Uilossiel gave a wry smile. "Hence the new weapons, I suppose." She took a step towards Dolthafaer, then checked herself. "Do you have any business here? I hope I am not keeping you from anything."
Dolthafaer shook his head. "No, I only finished repairing a nick in my dagger a moment ago."
"I had forgotten you were a smith as well. It must be so useful to be able to repair your own weapons. Do you mind taking a look at my blade?" She drew out the short sword she always wore tucked into her cloak. "It is a bit the worse for wear since I have recently been practicing with it. My father has advised me to take up some lessons in sparring if I am going to continue travelling outside the Valley."
Dolthafaer raised an eyebrow, then broke into a smile, holding his hand out for the sword. Training a keen eye on the bright blade, he inspected it carefully as he turned it over in his hands. He stepped back and took a few short swings as he measured its balance. The blade glinted in the light, cutting graceful swathes through the air. Uilossiel looked on with admiration, thinking that it would be long before she could attain such mastery of a weapon. He moved with the ease of a battle-hardened warrior, as if the sword were merely an extension of himself.
The sight brought back memories - of a young ellon, unruly flaxen locks swinging in the breeze, sparring with her father. She had been a child then, perched in the branches of a nearby tree and watching the two at their training. Ada had been fighting admirably, but the boy had gained on him, wielding his practice blade with a natural grace. She remembered gazing with round eyes at the two, seeing for the first time the swordplay she had only read of in her story-books. It was fascinating, even graceful, like the dances that Naneth taught her. She had almost fallen out of the tree in surprise when the boy - her elder brother - had flashed a triumphant grin at her after finally disarming his mentor. That beaming smile, long since lost, rose before her eyes as she watched Dolthafaer testing her sword.
Dolthafaer's voice broke into her reverie, as he hefted the sword and smiled. " It could do with sharpening and a good polish, maybe, but it is a good blade." Uilossiel turned towards Dolthafaer and extended her hand toward the sword.
"That is good, since I plan to keep it with me if I travel outside the Valley. May I have it back?"
Dolthafaer glanced up at Uilossiel, catching her stare. He blinked, hesitating for a moment, and then handed the sword back with a puzzled little smile. "Of course. You are leaving the Valley?"
Caught off guard by Dolthafaer's disarming smile, Uilossiel stuttered slightly, "N-no, not in the near future. However, I do have a residence in Falathlorn which I may return to if I receive any more assignments in Lindon."
Dolthafaer nodded once, standing a little straighter. "Certainly. The Pillars are planning a trip to Falathlorn soon, I hear, after the tourney. Will you be joining them?"
"I am considering it. It would be good to put my home in Falathlorn in order, at least. But what of yourself? Will you be leaving the Valley any time soon?"
In response, Dolthafaer nodded again, a little distracted, and glanced away at the water, hoping he did not look half as confused as he felt. "Aye. The lord Estarfin is taking the recruits for a trip in the Misty Mountains soon. A training exercise, apparently."
Uilossiel looked away, eyes clouded for a moment. He spoke as if such an exercise was trivial, yet it was no small thing to venture into those vales, now overrun with foul creatures. Yet she was sure he knew as much as she did of the perils of such a venture, if not even more. Watching him stand beside the water, the afternoon light gilding his leather hauberk, Uilossiel could not help but feel a pang of anxiety at his departure. Perhaps she was being selfish of his company, but she truly wished that he did not have to leave so soon.
Attempting to shake off her cares, Uilossiel responeded, "I know full well that a warrior of your class has nothing to fear from such an excursion." She paused, then murmured, "Yet ... all the same, I will be watching for your safe return."
Glancing at Dolthafaer, she hoped he had not taken offense at her concern.
Dolthafaer went very still. He turned his eyes back to Uilossiel, a small frown on his face, and considered her for a moment before replying.
"I... thank you, my lady." He paused, then finally broke into a small smile again, shrugging a little. "Do not worry for me. I am looking forward to this; it has not been the first time I have hunted orcs, and it will not be the last."
Twin spots of color appeared on Uilossiel's cheeks as she glanced toward the ground. "I ... I beg your pardon, I have been too forward with my words - I am sure you will return safe and sound. May your campaign be most successful."
Dolthafaer smiled, still a little stiffly, and nodded. He hesitated for another moment, then continued, "So you have decided to take up sparring, then? I could give you a hand with that if you like. If you do not mind taking pointers from a lowly recruit of the Hammer, that is."
Caught by surprise, Uilossiel exclaimed, "That would be wonderful! I - I mean, if it would not take too much of your time. I know you must be busy with your training."
Dolthafaer flashed her a grin. "I am a bit busy, yes, but I can spare an hour or two here and there. Have you had a teacher before?" The glint in his eyes startled her - she had first seen that infectious joy of battle in her brother's eyes after that sparring match, so long ago...
"Yes, I have done some sparring before, with my father and later, with Ta- ... with my older brother, but that was a - a long time ago." Uilossiel sighed.
Dolthafaer broke into a concerned frown, seeing her distracted expression. "Your brother left the Valley?"
Glancing at the face of her friend, Uilossiel surprised by the depth of concern shining in his eyes. Perhaps it was time to face her memories, rather than fight them. Uilossiel beckoned Dolthafaer towards an alcove shaded by flower-laden vines, well away from prying ears.
Drawing a deep breath, she began, "I suppose I must start at the beginning. My older brother, Tancamir, was expected to carry on my father's scholarship, but he favored the sword and bow rather than the pen. It was ... difficult as he grew older, since he would neglect his studies and badger my father about wanting to join Lords Elladan and Elrohir on patrol when he was of age. He was only slightly younger than they were, and the three were fast friends. The day before he was supposed to have taken his entrance exams to begin his apprenticeship with Lord Erestor, he left with Lords Elladan and Elrohir on a hunting trip."
Uilossiel glanced at Dolthafaer, who was listening intently to the story. His expression was carefully guarded as he tried to imagine such a simple childhood.
"He came back the next day and announced that he wished to join Elladan and Elrohir on patrol. Needless to say, my father was not pleased. A few years later, when he did come of age, he followed the Patrol out on one of their campaigns. He - he was reported as missing when they returned to the Valley."
Uilossiel stopped speaking, overcome by memories. "I have not seen him for many sun-rounds now, and though my mind tells me not to hope, my heart tells me that he still lives. He - he was a promising shot with the bow, and would have made a fine hunter, like yourself, if he had been allowed to follow that path."
At the unhappy conclusion of her tale, Dolthafaer's expression sobered. He watched Uilossiel carefully as she continued, his expression grave and sad.
Uilossiel bit her lip, willing her voice not to break. "But that is all, and now it is just my parents, my younger sister, and I left in the Valley." She paused for a moment, before sighing softly. "I am sorry, I must bore you with my trivial problems. For one who has lived through so much ..." She trailed off, not knowing how to continue, averting her gaze in embarrassment. She did not lightly share such personal matters, usually preferring to remain aloof and distant. Even among her colleagues she was known to be withdrawn and solitary, and kept only to a circle of close friends.
Dolthafaer stood awkwardly for a moment, clearly wishing to comfort the lady and at a loss for how to do so. After a moment of hesitation, he took half a step closer.
"No, forgive me, my lady. I did not mean to touch upon such a wound. I did not know."
Uilossiel unconsciously stepped closer to Dolthafaer. "There is no offense taken where none was intended. It was - it was rather good to speak of it with someone, so I should thank you for listening."
Hesitating for a moment, he shook his head. "No need to thank me...And the loss of a brother is no trivial thing. I have known loss all my life, my lady, and it is no easier to bear if it is the first or the last."
Dolthafaer paused, obviously conflicted, and after a moment, decided to continue. "I lost my father in the final push of the Last Alliance. We were fighting together. He fell by my side." He shifted slightly on his feet, an uncomfortable expression flitting across his face. "It is no trivial thing."
Uilossiel 's eyes softened with sympathy. Bitter though her brother's absence was, she could not imagine a life without her Ada's patient and steadfast presence. Looking into Dolthafaer's grey eyes, she saw her loss mirrored in eyes that had seen far more than hers. "My father, too, saw his father fall in that battle."
Dolthafaer nodded stiffly as Uilossiel continued to speak in a halting voice. "I never knew my grandfather. When I was small I used to wish I could ask him all sorts of things about Gondolin, and even of Tirion. But the times indeed grow dark, and even amid the darkness we must learn to find the light and cling to it. We are a people that have seen much loss, and yet there is no shortage of beauty and fair things among us - of poetry, art and song."
She paused before softly muttering, "And there is friendship such as yours, which shines as the brightest star amid the growing Shadow."
Dolthafaer considered this all in silence, watching the lady with dark eyes, until a soft smile touched his face. "It is indeed." He glanced away at the forges and smiths shaping their weapons in the fires, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I have found my comfort in duty. It helps to have a - a purpose, a cause, and a lord. Idleness is not the friend of grief, and it is difficult to grieve when one has an enemy to fight. I found new purpose in joining Bar-en-Vanimar, and new friends as well. I hope it brings you the comfort that it has brought me."
Uilossiel glanced at his earnest face, taking courage from his example. "It has been wonderful to find a second home in Vanimar, and even more with friends such as yourself beside me." Looking up at the sunny sky, she gasped, "I had not realized how late I am keeping you! I hope I have not made you late for something?"
"No, no. I have already finished my training for the day; there is to be a feast on the morrow, you know - the opening of the tourney. Surely a little wine will help to lighten our hearts, yes?"
Uilossiel smiled at Dolthafaer in response. "Indeed, I hope to see you there."
Dolthafaer returned the grin, nodding his head politely. "But surely I must be keeping you with all this talk! Do not let an old dramatic such as I keep you from your business."
"Not at all, I think you are most kind to listen to my ramblings. My duties are light today, as all the Valley seems to be preparing for the feast on the morrow. I have heard there is to be an announcement of the contesters in the Tourney. Will you be partaking in the competition?"
"Yes, I will be attending the feast - and the melee, and the archery, of course." A little chagrined, he continued wryly, "You see, I never grow bored of the lord Estarfin beating me to the dust!"
"I will be at the feast for certain, but regret that I may not be able to attend the tournament. " Uilossiel frowned, her gaze falling on a silver chain bracelet resting on her wrist, which she had unconsciously been fiddling with in her agitation. Hesitantly, she unclasped it and held it out to Dolthafaer. "Would you accept this instead, as a little token of my best wishes?"
Chagrined by her own boldness, she toyed anxiously with the links of the simple chain bracelet, on which a clear sapphire was set. Seeing that Dolthafaer is still staring at the bracelet as if in confusion, she debated putting it back in her pocket. At that moment, Dolthafaer glanced from the bracelet to Uilossiel and back again, then smiled curiously, reaching to take the charm.
"Thank you, my lady. I am honoured. I have no choice but to win now, then, do I?"
Gratefully offering the bracelet to Dolthafaer, Uilossiel nearly stumbled over her words in relief. " I - I suppose not, and I am sure you will impress even Lord Estarfin, and yes, just - just take it as a token between friends then, in place of my absence. It is but a trifle, there is no need to thank me. I will not miss it at all, knowing it is in safe hands. "
With a chuckle, Dolthafaer inspected the little bracelet curiously. "In truth, I am not sure what I will do if I manage to defeat all these lords and ladies of the First Age. It will be down to this charm, I assure you; luck alone could help me there!"
"There are indeed many formidable opponents in the lists, but I am sure you will do as well as the best among them." Uilossiel grinned at her friend, before glancing at the sky once more. "I think I may have a few things to finish before the day of the feast. At least Naneth has been nagging me to find a suitable dress of the occasion. It is not as if I care that much, as long as I look presentable. You should see my younger sister before a feast. She spends hours choosing her outfit, then fussing with her hair, then with her powders and jewellery. I do not see why such a fuss has to be made."
Dolthafaer tucked the bracelet safely into a pocket of his tunic, still eyeing the lady with a small smile. "She sounds like quite a handful! Perhaps I will meet her, too, one day. It is a small valley. But I will not keep you, my friend. You let your Naneth fuss over you, and I will see you at the feast!"
Uilossiel smiled warmly at Dolthafaer, eyes sparkling with excitement. "I will go, and perhaps find an outfit suitable for tomorrow. I would not want to be out-classed by a mere huntsman like you!" Her spirits lifted by their conversation, she could hardly wait until the feast, where she would once more be in his company.
Her companion gave a merry laugh. "A mere huntsman! My lady, I was raised by a lord of Gondolin. He taught me well how to dress." Dolthafaer grinned, cutting a flourishing bow, despite her early chastizement.
"We shall see tomorrow, my lord!" In turn, Uilossiel dipped low in a grand curtsey.
As Dolthafaer bade her farewell and turned toward the forges once more, she made her way toward the stairs leading down the hill. Sparing a last lingering glance at the hilltop, she saw him bent over the anvil once more. A soft smile spread across her features as she contemplated the unexpected comfort she had found in his company. The air seemed less chill and the birds seemed to warble more beautifully as she continued along the path. It was day, and all the Valley was bathed in golden light which gleamed bright as the hope rekindled within her heart.
