Rhûn Darkmoon and Lihan Taifun
Nienna finds walking easier this morning. A night's sleep -- rest for the body and the senses -- helped immensely. Her mind was beginning to sort out "common" from "uncommon" sensations, finding patterns in the stream of experiences. The new sandals Aulë had crafted for her the night before helped, too. It had taken her a while to get them fastened properly, even with Aulë's patient help. But now that they were securely on, they certainly reduced the number of surprising sensations on the soles of her feet.
Aule is careful to keep his stride measured as he walks next to Nienna. He could tell from the light link he still kept with her that she was greatly refreshed by the night's rest, but he knew she must not tax herself just yet, and keeping up with the pace of his long legs would certainly have been taxing for the petite Vala. The frown that had become an almost constant feature of his face in recent weeks deepened. His mind and body clamoured for him to return to that dark chamber beneath the Halls of Mandos as swiftly as possible. He had to return. He needed to return. Now. This instant. But instead he kept a measured tread, consoling himself that with each step he was drawing closer to where he yearned to be. This consolation was not enough to erase the frown, however.Nienna marvels as she walks. So many times she has travelled this route, between her brother's Halls and Manwë's, yet never has the experience been like this! Every flower is a flash of color and fragrance, every bird calling is a note of music, every blade of grass a tickle on her ankles, Aule himself a solid presence beside her.
Yet a corner of her mind remembers her purpose in travelling with him. He continues to frown, and indeed it is not likely that one night would cause a Vala would forget whatever is troubling him. She asks what she hopes is a discretely mild question, to start him talking. "How has your work progressed in Mandos?"
Aule is so caught up in his yearnings that he continues to walk on beside Nienna a few moments before her question registers in his mind. When it does, he almost stumbles; so strong is the wash of emotions such a simple question evokes. His mind replays images of his work in Mandos, the discovery of the mysterious writings, his decision to cleanse the cell, the confrontation with Eonwe, all flash before his mind's eye. The last causes his frown to deepen even more, if that were possible. That insolent puppy! How dare he draw blade to one of the Valar! The treacherous... With a start he realises he still has not replied to Nienna. He takes in a deep breath to calm himself but when he releases it, it comes out in a derisive snort. "My work goes well enough." he says, "although not all seem to think so."
Nienna notices the break in Aule's stride, the play of expression across his face, his hesitation before answering. "How so?" she continues. "Do some expect the work to go faster?"
Aule gives a short bark of laughter. "On the contrary," he says, 'It would seem some find fault in the fact it went so fast.' The sneer in his voice when he says the word 'some' is very evident.
Nienna turns to look questioningly at Aule, and stumbles a bit as her attention wanders from the mechanics of walking. "That sounds like a strange complaint. Who finds fault?"
Aule swiftly raises a hand to lightly steady her as Nienna stumbles. When she is walking steadily again he ponders his reply a moment before answering. What should he tell her? Will she, like the others, be so ready to judge him badly for his actions? He casts a sidelong glance at her just as those beautiful emerald eyes light up in pleasure as a young fox breaks from cover ahead of them It chases a lowflying butterfly across their path. The creature gambols and leaps on legs far too long and gangly to control yet in its efforts to catch its 'prey' before suddenly realising their presence and scurrying back into the woods. Watching her wonderment, he remembers the glimpses he'd had of her mind as he had sought the channels for her senses. No, this one would not be swift to judge him poorly. Still, his anger at their remembered confrontation is strong in his voice as he answers. "It would seem that my dear brother's upstart Herald dares to find fault with my actions."
The contrast between the fox's playful antics, and Aule's bitter words throws Nienna's mind off balance for a moment. "Eonwe? But did not Manwe himself ask you to cleanse that chamber? Why should Eonwe find fault, if you did what his lord, and ours, asked?"
Aule shakes his head as he replies. "No, he did not. When I discovered the writings and dark magic in Melkor's old cell I recognised immediately their danger, for no less than six, yes, six of my Maiar were incapacitated by it! What was I to do? Sit on my hands like a child and put others at risk while I asked what to do about this? Or was I to act like the capable and intelligent being I am and take steps to neutralise the danger to us all? So I immediately began recording the writings for later study and then cleansing the cell. Haste was of the utmost need. It was only later that I received word from my brother bidding me that he would send another to do the task. As if another could do it as well as I! And that other was none other than his pretty boy Herald, Eonwe. A herald! He clearly has a sweet turn to his tongue but what knows he of dealing with dark magic? In any event, by the time he arrived the work was complete, and his pretty petulant nose got severely out of joint. He not only dared to find fault with my actions, but declared me traitorous and drew his blade against me!"
During this outburst the travelers had rounded a corner in their path, and not far ahead lay the entrance to the Halls of Mandos. At last! Aule's heart sang with joy at the sight. Soon, so soon now, he would be home at last.
Aule's smile is genuine as they pass through the open gates. Before them at last are the great doors to the Halls of Mandos. So close! So close now. He looks down at his companion, sensing the tiredness creeping upon her even after so small a journey. He knew her body would take time to build up the stamina to deal with constant sensory input Yet still she had not complained once all morning about the strangeness of it all. Now they had arrived he found himself suddenly loathe to leave her company. "It has been a challenging journey for you this time, sweet Nienna. Would you join me for a proper meal and some refreshment?"
"And taste other foods? That would be a pleasure." Nienna's eyes light in anticipation. Food has been fascinating, now that she is aware of its flavor and texture. And, of course, this gives her more time to unravel the mysterious events that are disturbing Aule.
Aule cannot help but smile at her pleasure. Gently he takes her hand in hers to lead her forth. "Then come with me, and we shall see what sort of feast we can arrange for your delight."
Aule spots a Maia hurrying to greet them as they enter the Halls of Mandos. "You there!" He gives a curt nod to the Maia. "Send to the kitchens immediately for wine and refreshments to be sent to my chambers. To my NEW chambers, mind. I do hope all my belongings have been moved as instructed?" He pauses long enough for the startled Maia to nod mutely before hurrying on with his list of demands. "I want fresh water to rinse the dust of the journey from our faces, too. Make sure the fires are all lit. Hurry, man, hurry, we don't have all day to dally!" He turns to Nienna and shakes his head. "These people could become fat and lazy if I let them," he says. "Come, let us get you refreshed and off those weary feet." He takes her hand again to lead the way.
Nienna looks back at the departing Maia. That was Serelomë, a member of her brother's house. Was Aule in the habit of ordering other Valar's staff around so brusquely? What truly was happening here? Confused, she allows Aule to lead her down the corridor.
The way is unadorned, lit only by a few torches, for few who come this way are wearing physical bodies. These are the Halls of the Dead, the Halls of Waiting. They go on, not to the area where a visiting Vala might be lodged, nor to the wide halls where she comforts the spirits of dead elves, but down a stark stone corridor, descending toward the seldom-used dungeons.
Nienna surveys the room. She herself had never visited the dungeon chamber where Melkor spent eons of imprisonment, but it is easy to see this was no longer a prison. Fine chairs nestle next to a laden table, set with golden candlesticks. Carpets cover the rough stone floor. A well-used writing desk sits in one corner, a sumptuous bed in another. She frowns at Aule. "You live here? Where the traitor dwelt?"
Aule glances around the room, his eyes regarding it as one might a lover rather than a room of dwelling. "I like it here. It is quiet and away from the bustle of the upper levels. I find it.. peaceful. When I study my notes on what was written here, I find it helps me connect to them in some way." Aule's voice had become soft and wistful as he spoke, and now he gives himself a small shake, as though bringing his mind back from somewhere far away. "Come, dear Nienna, where are my manners keeping you standing about. Please, take a seat, and let us see what they have managed to find for you to enjoy."Following Aule's example, Nienna removes her own cloak, which is more of an ornamental piece of cloth, rather than a functional item to keep her warm. Before yesterday, she had never been aware of the temperature of the air. She carefully lays the cloak across an unused chair, before seating herself at the table.
The smell of the food drifts into her nose -- bread, freshly baked this time, and a variety of fruits and cheeses. She is suddenly aware, not only that she is hungry, but tired as well. Her legs relax gratefully after two days of walking, and she slumps a bit in the richly upholstered chair.
Aule courteously pours some wine into a goblet for Nienna. Rather than being pleased that whomever had laid out their meal had taken the time to match a light crisp white wine to suit it, he rather mutters to himself about their fate had they chosen differently. Filling his own goblet from the flask, he takes a long draught from it before waving it toward the food, "Come, drink, eat. There are pleasures to be found in the food before you, as well as much needed fuel for that mortal body. You are in need of both, dear friend."
Nienna takes a slice of bread to her plate, and samples of the cheeses. She sips curiously at the wine -- a fragrance of fruit, a cool taste, sweet, and yet not sweet, totally unlike the water on their journey. She drinks deeper, and a new sensation rises from inside her body, warm and heavy, nudging her toward sleep.
Aule idly helps himself to a slice of the cheese, selecting one he knew had a strong, pungent flavour. He is about to take a bite when he feels the wine hit Nienna's system through the control link he still has in place. His lips curve into a slow smile. Of course, he should have realised. Alcohol would impact her body even more now, and she was tired to begin with. He opens the link a little more between them to monitor her response more closely. The cheese lies forgotten on his plate, but he lifts his own goblet to his lips to help hide his smile.
Nienna nibbles at her own bread. This is even more pleasant than the bread from Aule's pack, soft and tender, still slightly warm from the ovens. The cheese is nice, too, but she finds it more and more difficult to concentrate on the flavors. In fact, more and more difficult to concentrate on anything at all. She yawns.
Enthralled by what he senses through their connection, Aule continues to watch Nienna over the rim of his goblet, his food completely forgotten. Such sweet innocence of the world touched him greatly. Nienna's head droops. She catches herself, and tries to continue eating, but focusing on her food is just too difficult. The table draws closer and closer to her head, and she leans an arm on the table to steady herself.
Aule had sensed this moment approaching as the effects of the food, tiredness and such a draught of heady wine on an empty stomach all combined to take their toll on Nienna's already overloaded body. As her head nods, he rises quietly to catch her just as sleep overcomes her. Scooping her gently up into his arms he thinks a moment about what to do. He should take her up to the rooms she usually stays in while here at Mandos. She was but a featherweight in his powerful arms and the walk back up to the upper levels was no real task for him, even carrying her. He looks down at her, already sleeping peacefully with her head nestled against his shoulder. Through the link he could feel her thoughts becoming her dreams, dreams filled with beautiful and innocent things. He glances around the chamber, once the home of such darkness and thinks again on the doubt and treachery that surrounded him. No, he would not be parted from this one small light of hope. Turning he strode lightly over to his bed, and with great care, laid Nienna lightly upon it, making sure she was comfortable and well out of danger of falling off should she move during her sleep. He stands there for long moments watching her, deep in thought.
Through the deep haze of sleep, Nienna dimly senses her body being settled onto soft cushions. Clean linen brushes against her cheek. Smiling, she relaxes into the depths of dreams.
Aule smiles as he sees her settle more comfortably into sleep. He shakes his head in wonderment that in all these ages he'd never before noticed the sweetness of her innocence. He gives himself a small shake as the weight of all that had happened in recent times seemed to come crashing down upon him, his body responding with a heavy tiredness of its own. Stripping off his dusty Jerkin he moves around to the other side of the great bed. Taking care not to let his movement disturb her, he lies down quietly and watches her sleep, his thoughts drawn to the contrast of her open, honest nature and what he now perceived as the perfidious, disloyal behaviour of his wife. Troubled thoughts were still chasing each other around in his mind when sleep at last overcame him also.
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