(This tale takes place two days before Danel and Parnard leave Numenstaya for Celondim.)
After the much subdued celebration of Midsummer, we kept the table and fire pit set out nigh Parnard’s house, and roasted more food, though we still had plenty left over. Unlike the Autumn festival, Midsummer did not usually go on for weeks, but this year we were all a little less concerned for close observances and a little more inclined to do as we wished. I am glad that was so, for we had two unexpected visitors on that second day, both of whom brightened us somewhat.
Parnard and I were sitting out on a rug, enjoying the sunny day and talking generally about rebuilding. Estarfin was on the hill, keeping watch, Marawendi was with Filignil in the Hall, preparing some sweet treats and cakes, when Earcalie first arrived.
Now I had known the young Earcalie from my time in Imladris. A lively elleth, she seemed interested in many things, though could be easily bored at times. Quick of wit, she could also be very bright company. I held on to that thought from the moment I saw her riding towards the houses. I did not want us to bring her mood low.
“Well-met, Earcalie! I rose to my feet and hurried towards the bridge over the trench. “It is good to see you.”
She slowed her horse, her original smile of greeting fading as she took in the sight of the decimated dwellings. She sighed.
“Likewise! I heard rumors of a “few hot-headed Noldor” from my neighbours, and for once they did not mean me!”
I smiled at her words. Under normal circumstances I would have been quite amused. We certainly fitted the description until recently. I gestured around at the wreckage.
“Forgive the state of Numenstaya, I ask. This is not our usual welcome to guests.”
“What happened?” she asked, drawing her horse to a halt.
I had almost taken it for granted that she knew of the attack, that possibly it was the reason she visited. But no. Not all of Lindon knew what had transpired, even if to me it felt otherwise.
“It was almost two months ago now. We had travelled to Mirkwood with Parnard and had not yet returned, when a group or around fifteen men attacked and robbed the place. There were only two of our folk here at the time. I do not believe you knew Aearlinn…but they slew her, and badly wounded our stable master.”
Earcalie blinked her keen grey eyes, her face showed disbelief. “Men?”
“Brigands from the Breelands, we think. They set our workrooms alight, after ransacking them.”
“In Lindon?” I knew it was hard for her to believe that any Men travelled abroad in Lindon, and particularly that they had attacked an Elven home. Such was not heard of.
“It seems…hard to believe, Danel. If I did not know you to never lie..and to take matters seriously.”
I blinked in turn. I could not say I never lied, though I did attempt to be ever-truthful about things.
“But then I can see the wreckage here.” She dismounted, leading her horse forward.
I nodded. “Our stables still stand, and your horse will be attended shortly, as is befitting. We are wounded and have lost one dear to us, but we are far from on our knees.”
We turned the corner, by the glimmering lake. I pointed at the house I had come from.
“We only know from Barahirn, who survived the attack. Around fifteen Men crossed the bridge, and did all this. They trampled our stable master under their horses’ hooves. One of them ran Aearlinn through with his sword. Parnard’s house, just there, was fortunate. It is set back amidst the trees just enough that they likely noticed it not.”
“Whose house?” Earcalie asked, following me in the direction of Parnard himself. He stood to greet her.
“Parnard,” I waved to him and pointed, as he made a gallant bow. “Were you in Imladris when he was there?”
Earcalie tapped her forehead. “Hmmm…the name rings a bell. The Ambassador?”
“Yes. Lord Anglachem appointed him as his Ambassador for a while. He is skillful with words. He is from Mirkwood.”
“I know him via stories, though I don’t remember actually meeting him.” she said.
And Parnard had poured more wine for he and I, and a welcome cup for our guest, seeing she obviously knew me at least.
“Hello,” said Parnard, now we were in hearing distance. He held out a goblet to Earcalie. “I am Parnard. Have we not met in the Hall of Fire?”
“I don’t remember...maybe?” She took the goblet with a nod and a smile. “I admit my attention span is not the greatest.”
Parnard eyed Earcalie, then pointed to cushions on the rug. “Please, make yourself at home.”
I indicated the next house along the path, one wing but rubble so that you could see through to what was one the main hall, with dust covered chairs and a table and a circular pool. “That is my house. It is being cleared, but our defense is our priority. Alas that I cannot give you a proper welcome.”
“I don’t quite know what to say,” her expression was incredulous. “For such a thing to happen, and in Lindon. Why would Men come so far? Why would they do this?”
I waved a hand, “We know not, for now. And words are not needed, to see a bright smile again and hear your news is an unexpected boon.”
Parnard nodded at my words, making to sit on the rug himself, even if Earcalie and I remained standing.
Then he stood again too, pointing to another lone rider heading from the main gate towards us.
I narrowed my eyes. I did not recognise the Horse, but I knew the rider. What a day it was turning out to be.
“Hingalas!” I called out, waving for him to draw nigh.
“Friend Hingalas,” Parnard was smiling broadly at the sight. Earcalie tilted her head.
“Don’t mention ‘rope’, I whispered to her. She looked curious.
The young, fair haired rope-maker dismounted, letting his horse wander on the sward, wound his way on foot through the barricades we had set up, and over the narrow bridge that crossed the dug trench.
“Well met,” he called. “I came for the Midsummer Feast…You invited me last year, but alas I was too busy.” He halted and looked around. “What happened here?” He dusted himself off from the ride, and stood tall. Then he bowed very deeply to each of us in turn.
“Do you know Hingalas of Mithlond, Earcalie?” I asked.
“Hmmm,” she replied, suggesting she did not. I introduced her to him, and he bowed again.
“Cousin, will you explain to them, or shall I?” Parnard asked.
“Perhaps you do so, I have already explained some to Earcalie.”
I sat down on the rug, and began sipping my wine again, seeing as Parnard was already offering a goblet to Hingalas. Both neri also sat, though Earcalie remained standing for a little longer.
“I was about to tell Danel, if you need anything here … wood or new tools or whatever, maybe my uncle and I can provide something.” Earcalie interposed. “We escort caravans transporting goods along the coast. My new…occupation, so to speak…after leaving Imladris.”
“Oh? That is useful to know. My thanks to you for your kind offer.” Now I knew Estarfin had ordered certain goods, and that we had Dwarf stone masons expected to build the wall, but it certainly did not hurt to know where we could obtain more materials as needed.
“What kind of goods?” asked Parnard.
“How exciting,” Hingalas lent forward, reaching out to take a plate and help himself to some of the food spread out between us all. “You must meet all kinds of new people.”
Earcalie finally settled down on the rug, and looked at the selection before her. “Usually it’s wood for building ships, cloth for sails, provisions…”
“Rope?” asked Hingalas, reaching for some bread, cheese and sliced boar meat.
I glanced at Hingalas. Dear to us though he was, the word had now been spoken. I closed my eyes and steeled myself.
Neri [Quenya] Adult Male Elves.
