Fifi Wickentower
Gathering the birds close to her, the Ocean Wind, known as Linfea Nensule, hastens on her way to Mt Tanequetil, musing over the many strange occurrences of the recent past. "Elven maidens dropping from the sky, ashes with partial words, Voronwe the Hawk and a Great Swan of Alqualonde all out of place and far, far, far from their usual haunts.
"Come to think of it, I haven't seen much activity at all around the home of King Olwe. Alqualonde usually has lots of activity: ships coming and going from the harbor, the swans gliding about, traders, visitors, and song and music; always the lilting sounds of stringed instruments and gentle melodies, and the scent of pots simmering in kitchens. Not even the usual bustle of the Teleri that have called Alqualonde home.
"I know I have little awareness of time passing, at least as it pertains to those of Middle Earth, but it does seem a lengthy period and another oddity, which, when put together with all the other oddities makes for one great big question. What is going on?!? Where are the Teleri? Where is King Olwe?"
The ocean's surface started whipping madly as Linfea increased her speed, leaving in her passing great waves frothing and slamming into each other. Had anyone been there to see, it would appear that a sudden storm had arisen and wise sailors would draw sails and hang tight.
She drew the birds closer still, holding them that they might rest their weary wings, and once again increased her speed leaving in her wake ever greater waves.
At long last she came within sight of the Pelori Mountains and Mt Taniquetil, home of the leader of the Vala, Manwe Sulimo. Slowing, she gracefully entered the Palace and very gently lowered Voronwe the Hawk and the Great Swan (whose name she recalled was Donald) to the great slab of a table. As she stepped back, Linfea noticed a scroll tied around the leg of the swan. Looking at Voronwe she saw, also, a similar message secured to Queen Comet's bird.
"Well, well" she said to herself, " it was indeed fortuitous that I came along, for I doubt that either would have made this journey without injury or loss of life; especially as it now is apparent that I am not the only one who requires the ear of Lord Manwe."
The Ocean Wind saw to the needs of the exhausted birds and then went looking for her Lord. Calling out "Lord Manwe, a moment of your time, if you please," she went searching throughout the palace but all was still. Through room after great room she moved, rustling a paper here, an arrangement of feathers there, and all remained still except for the merest wisp of breeze as she passed. After thoroughly investigating the many empty rooms there is only the one conclusion. Manwe, himself, is not at home; nor are any that usually attend him.
Returning to the Great Hall where the birds continued to rest, Linfea sat down herself. "I shall wait for a short time and see if he returns. If he does not return, I shall endeavor to find him and will search all the corners of The Undying Lands until I do."
And so Linfea rests with her hands lightly on the back of each bird, offering her strength and comfort, and awaits the return of Lord Manwe.
"Come to think of it, I haven't seen much activity at all around the home of King Olwe. Alqualonde usually has lots of activity: ships coming and going from the harbor, the swans gliding about, traders, visitors, and song and music; always the lilting sounds of stringed instruments and gentle melodies, and the scent of pots simmering in kitchens. Not even the usual bustle of the Teleri that have called Alqualonde home.
"I know I have little awareness of time passing, at least as it pertains to those of Middle Earth, but it does seem a lengthy period and another oddity, which, when put together with all the other oddities makes for one great big question. What is going on?!? Where are the Teleri? Where is King Olwe?"
The ocean's surface started whipping madly as Linfea increased her speed, leaving in her passing great waves frothing and slamming into each other. Had anyone been there to see, it would appear that a sudden storm had arisen and wise sailors would draw sails and hang tight.
She drew the birds closer still, holding them that they might rest their weary wings, and once again increased her speed leaving in her wake ever greater waves.
At long last she came within sight of the Pelori Mountains and Mt Taniquetil, home of the leader of the Vala, Manwe Sulimo. Slowing, she gracefully entered the Palace and very gently lowered Voronwe the Hawk and the Great Swan (whose name she recalled was Donald) to the great slab of a table. As she stepped back, Linfea noticed a scroll tied around the leg of the swan. Looking at Voronwe she saw, also, a similar message secured to Queen Comet's bird.
"Well, well" she said to herself, " it was indeed fortuitous that I came along, for I doubt that either would have made this journey without injury or loss of life; especially as it now is apparent that I am not the only one who requires the ear of Lord Manwe."
The Ocean Wind saw to the needs of the exhausted birds and then went looking for her Lord. Calling out "Lord Manwe, a moment of your time, if you please," she went searching throughout the palace but all was still. Through room after great room she moved, rustling a paper here, an arrangement of feathers there, and all remained still except for the merest wisp of breeze as she passed. After thoroughly investigating the many empty rooms there is only the one conclusion. Manwe, himself, is not at home; nor are any that usually attend him.
Returning to the Great Hall where the birds continued to rest, Linfea sat down herself. "I shall wait for a short time and see if he returns. If he does not return, I shall endeavor to find him and will search all the corners of The Undying Lands until I do."
And so Linfea rests with her hands lightly on the back of each bird, offering her strength and comfort, and awaits the return of Lord Manwe.
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