Doriath`s Fall

THE FALL OF DORIATH
*MELETH NIN is Sindarin for "My love".
**MELWEN is Sindarin for "Beloved".

Chapter Two...
"GRAVE MESSAGES"

Dior sat now in his chamber as a king content with his kingdom, his power at rest and whose people dwelt in gentle bliss. All was well yet a sense of unease had come into his heart of late.
A faint chill in the warm sun, a far shadow on a bright horizon. What it forboded he could not yet fathom, but the unease of it grew in him as the days went by.

Now he had his family before him and it were at joyful times such as these when the shadow would recede and give him peace for a while. Beside him sat Nimloth his wife with their daughter cradled in her arms, while before them were their twin sons, playing at their ease. He looked upon Elured and Elurin with great pride for though they were yet young, being of eight summers, they were a wonder to all in Doriath as they were far matured for their age and both held the distant promise of becoming great lords of the Sindar.

Elured was the elder and like to his mother in appearance. He was fair haired and wide eyed with delicate features that were very fair to behold as was Nimloth, that fair queen of Doriath. Quiet was his mood, being less apt to talk and seldom inclined to laughter. Yet it was his trait to listen to the speech of others and afterwards searchingly question minds in a bid to understand purposes. Indeed, "Celeglhaw" (Quick Ears) was a name given to him by many, though "Saelcund" (Wise Prince) was much used.

Elurin the younger was however like to his father in appearance, being dark haired and fairer of face than his elder brother. His mood was more jovial, quick to laughter and swift in speech. His young delight was in the knowledge of all things tutored to him, be it the long histories of Middle-earth, or the few tales of Aman that had come down to the Sindar through their Noldorin brethren or Melian the Maiar. He was at times called "Baranauth" (Eager Thought) by those close to him, or "Maencund" (Clever Prince) by his tutors.

Yet Elwing the youngest was a child of the very likeness of Luthien. She had graced the world for only three summers yet already had the same dark tresses, the same smile that brought joy to all who were bequeathed its pleasure and the same dark beauty that promised to resemble that which only the elf ministrels could recall in song. Indeed the flame of Elwing`s beauty as she wore the Silmaril at such times as Dior adorned her, was the wonder of all Doriath. It eased their hearts knowing that there was one who was of Luthien`s beauty in female form that still blessed their land. She was therefore called "Luthieniell" (Luthien`s Daughter) by most or "Bainrin" (Beautiful Queen).

Now Nimloth looked up from her daughter who lay asleep in her arms. She turned to Dior and observed him staring warmly at their sons. It pleased her to see him so as his mood had been somewhat sullen of late as if he were troubled in thought. Yet she failed to see what could possibly worry him as all seemed well.
"Meleth nin*," she said softly. "Of late you have not been yourself as something seems to trouble you. I thought you would sooner share your worry yet you have said naught. Therefore I would speak first and ask what is it that ails you?"

Dior turned to his wife.
"What would I say Nimloth. I cannot answer for I myself know not the reason for the persistent dark that has afflicted me. Long have I pondered on what it might be but I have neither dreamt of aught to warn me nor has foresight been granted to guide me."
He slowly shook his head, his beautiful face darkened with doubt.
"Yet I do not know," he said in a low voice. "I almost fear for our continued bliss here in Doriath!"

Nimloth instinctively held Elwing closer as if guarding her child from the imagined woes that her husband now portended. Unease crept into her heart and she turned her wide gaze to her sons, innocent and delighting in their play. She had already begun to fear for their safety but Dior saw her apparent distress and took her hand in a comforting gesture.

"Do not worry melwen**," he said with a disarming smile.
"It could be nothing but foolish fears. Our people and realm have never been better and we are blessed with the wholesome power of the Silmaril in our midst. We shall be fine!"

But Nimloth was far from comforted, for when he spoke of the Silmaril a sudden chill passed over her heart. Perhaps it were not so good after all that the jewel had returned to them as she felt that whatever ill would come to Doriath in the future, would be because of that work of Feanor.
"Indeed it is strange that you should feel so troubled when all is good under your reign," she said to her husband.
"Yet I will admit to a chill that passed over my hearts happiness when you mentioned the Silmaril and that troubles me all the more. However, I will not look too deeply into what that may yet mean to me, but I would take back my words to you when the jewel first came to us. Receive it now in hope I said then, but woe be to us if the jewel has us pay for the light it has so far given by bringing darkness to Doriath once more!"

Her words were grim and Dior sighed, noting that he would not have the peace of mind that usually came to him when he was in the presence of his beloved family. He was about to say more in a bid to soothe his wife when he saw Elured leave his play and come towards him. He turned back to Nimloth and saw her suppress her newfound fears with a forced smile at her sons approach.

Soon the young prince was stood before his chair with a questioningly look on his young face.
"Father," he said. "I have been given many names yet I would ask what Aranhil means as I am called that by many of our people?"

"You are the eldest of my children Elured," said the king, "And therefore held to be The Kings Heir and next in line to the throne. But that name is not far from the meaning of the name I gave to you which is 'Heir of Elu'."

"Yet why should I be held as the next in line to the throne if you are already king?" Elured asked. He paused a moment, then a sudden look of distress came over his fair face.
"Unless you are to leave us! Where are you going father?"

Dior smiled gently.
"I am not going anywhere my son... at least not as far as I can see. Yet know that I too was named heir of Thingol, your great grandsire who is now gone."

Elured turned away, apparently answered yet he suddenly turned back to his father.
"That`s something I`ve always heard and yet wondered," he said. "For where did he go? I`ve heard people say in sadness that Thingol our long king is no more and Lord Haradion says our great grandsire has passed away. Yet he`ll say no more whenever I further question him as to what that means.
Won`t you tell me father? Did he tire of ruling his realm and so leave it to you? And if he did, where does he live now and why doesn`t he come to visit us or we to visit him?"

Dior looked at his son gravely. So it was with Saelcund who was ever wont to ask the searching questions that had no easy answers.
"To your first question I would say nay Elured, he did not tire of ruling Doriath. He was a mighty king, revered and adored by all. He would never have tired from ruling the people he loved and the realm he cherished.
Yet in answer to your second question I would say that it is true that he still left us, for he passed on to his long home in the West. But know that once you are called hither, you cannot refuse the summons whether you would or no. And when you are gone you cannot come back, for it is very, very far away and so are we also unable to visit him in return."

Elured remained silent with a thoughtful look but Elurin, who had been listening in the wings, stepped forward.
"The West!" he said. "Lord Haradion has taught something of it to us in his tutorings. Isn`t that where the great powers of the world who are called the Valar dwell?"

"Indeed Baranauth," replied Dior, smiling at his sons eagerness to show his gained knowledge.
"Yet they are not alone for many elves dwell with them, even those who are of our kin. That is the long home of all the elves of Middle-earth."

"Is that where the race of men also go father?" asked Elurin. "Isn`t that where our beloved grandsire and grandam have gone?"

Dior saw that he was in for a hard grilling from both his sons and answered solemnly,
"It is said there are also halls set aside for the race of men, yet they tarry not for long within the circles of the world but soon take to ship and cross the Sundering Seas that lie in the uttermost West. Where they sail to is not known, but this doom is said to be the gift of "The One" to men:
That the fullness of their fates be achieved elsewhere, outside the circles of Arda."

Here Elured broke his silence.
"So is that where we shall go if we are ever summoned, as I`ve heard that we have some kinship with the race of men?"

Dior gazed at his son for a moment, surprised by his grave question. He turned to Nimloth who remained silent with downcast eyes. Seldom was she inclined to discuss that side of her husband and her childrens fate in Arda. It was a grave topic as the grief of the feared outcome was too much for Nimloth to bear. She was of elven-kind whereas Dior and their children had mortal blood. Would Dior in time leave her to widowhood and her children leave her in bereavement as they succumbed to their mortality? It was hoped that perhaps the elven side of their being would prove the more potent and therefore grant them the life of the Eldar. Yet how it would prove in the end, none knew.

He turned back to Elured and answered truthfully.
"Indeed my son, the blood of men flows in our veins. Yet if truth be told, I do not know under which kindred we shall be judged."

But Elured replied, "And if truth be told on my part, I don`t ever want to go into the West or over the Sundering Seas! Neither do I want you or any other that I love to go. I would have you refuse the summons and stay here in Doriath and always be king!"

Dior stared at Elured in wonder at his words. He turned to Nimloth who gazed at her son with a motherly look of concern. What grim mood had come over his first born that would out such talk.
After a silent moment he answered gravely.
"That is perhaps as Thingol would have wished for himself also! Alas, it was not fated so, though long did he live and rule. Now I am king and am content as are my people, yet we know not what is fated ahead. However, even if it were so that I am doomed to swiftly pass away, it gladdens my heart still to know that you two sons of mine shall become the lords of our people."
"And," he added with a sidelong glance, "It is hoped that you shall rule with the same prudential wisdom that I see in your questioning. But come! Do not think overmuch of such things Elured for your young mind should not be burdened by such grave matters. To bed now for it is late!"

Nimloth now stood and declared that she would relieve her maidens of their duty for the night and put the children to bed herself. He kissed the brow of each of his sons and Nimloth held Elwing close for him to kiss his sleeping daughter`s cheek. As they turned to leave he blessed them saying, "May the Valar protect and bless you and the morning lighten each of your hearts thoughts!"

Nimloth ushered their sons through the doorway and turned back to Dior.
"Will we soon continue our talk?" she asked in a serious tone.

"Indeed we shall." answered Dior with a gentle nod.

Nimloth bowed her head in courtesy.
"My lord." she said in parting and passed out of his chamber.

When they were gone he sat back in his chair in deep thought. The mood of disquiet settled all the heavier over him as the words of Elured returned to his mind. That a heavy mood should now come down even upon his young son, further added to his forboding. Yet all seemed well in his realm!
Indeed, there was more joy and prosperity than ever before. Yet Nimloth`s grim view and his own doubts had him think that perhaps the flame of the Silmaril burned too brightly in the land, blinding him and his people to the many perils that now crept outside his borders. He made a point to himself to give urgent thought to the defense of his realm as the Girdle was no more and he knew there were enemies other than orcs who would see Doriath`s destruction.

He turned to look about his chamber. That place was named Sam-uin-Ennin (The Chamber of Birth), and had been Thingol`s private room, set aside for his quiet contemplation. About the walls were oaken shelves brimming with books, documents and scrolls of a wide assortment. These were precious reams written by Thingol himself, of his own lore. Much could be found there of the old king`s musings and purposes. It was a favoured pastime of Dior to read them and so fathom somewhat the wise mind of his grandfather. He himself had begun to write of his experiences as king, and of his own lore, hoping that they would one day be of use to his sons and later descendants.


His gaze rose to the great tapestries that hung in the chamber. There was one on each wall to the left, right and front of him. Those tapestries were woven by Melian herself and depicted the most joyous moments of Thingol`s long life.

On the right wall was depicted an elf standing in a forest clearing that was surrounded by tall trees. The sky above was of a dark blanket of night, illuminated by a multitude of bright stars. However, the lustre of a stronger light was cast on the earth and all about the glade as the elf`s face was lit by a vision at which he stared agape in wonder.
Ahead of him stood a figure of a lady, surrounded by a strong glow of silver light that was cast all about the forest clearing. She was clad in raiment of shining white and her long dark tresses flowed freely at full length as if caught in a breeze of potent power. The heavenly beauty of her face was turned towards the elf and her bright eyes smiled upon the wonder in his stare. It seemed that she sang with outstretched arms and there were many Nightingales portrayed that fluttered about her with chirping mouths, singing along to her blissful enchantments. That was the birth of Thingol and Melian`s love as it was of their ancient meeting deep within the enchanted forest of Nan Elmoth.

Hung on the left wall were Thingol and Melian in a scene depicting the birth of their kingdom. They now stood in a forest clearing before a multitude of Telerin elves who had refused to forsake their lord and leave Middle-earth for the blessed realm. These would indeed become the Sindar of Eglador which would in time be renamed Doriath. Now there was Thingol with his Maiar queen and he himself transformed into the likeness of a Maiar lord with hair shining grey silver and standing above all other heads as the tallest of all the children of Iluvatar.

Dior turned his gaze to the largest tapestry of the three that spanned the entire front wall from end to end. It showed a starlit sky that cast a silver sheen over the forest top of Neldoreth. Beneath the beech trees stood a mighty throng of elves, many of whom bore gifts while others bore musical instruments and played to the many who were singing and dancing. At the center of the merrymaking was Thingol whose arms were held about Melian who sat on the green grass at his feet. Yet all eyes in that picture were turned to the babe held in Melian`s arms for there lay Luthien as she had just come into the world and the green forest floor was dotted with the white flowers of Niphredil that first grew in that hour to greet her.

Dior smiled at the memories of his mother that surfaced. The sound of her sweet song to him as a babe. Her tender care for him as a child. Her wise instruction to him as a young man. Her proud words for him as he came to full manhood.
He turned again to the tapestry of Thingol and Melian as they stood before their people.
"Much have I done to preserve your ancient realm O Thingol Lord of Beleriand," he said softly. "So shall it remain unless an evil greater than our strength comes to destroy us!"

Even as he said these words there came a knock at his door.
"Enter!" said Dior.

Authir his doorwarden entered and bowed.
"My lord. One has come who says he has journeyed from Arthorien and bears with him a message of great import."

"And what of it?" asked the king.

"I do not know my lord," replied Authir. "All he would say when questioned was that all that pertained to the message was for the lord of Doriath`s eyes and ears alone. However, he respectfully requested that you not delay to see him as those who had sent him yet awaited your answer."

At that the feeling of forboding waxed the heavier in Dior`s heart and it seemed to him that a doom long feared were now to be visited upon him and his realm.
"Let him enter," he said, "And let us not be disturbed!"

Authir bowed and exited the chamber.
Soon there came an elf who haltingly entered as one fearful and full of awe in the presence of his lord and liege. He fell to one knee and for a moment was silent with bowed head under the king`s stern gaze.
Yet he finally sought courage, raised his eyes and said,
"My lord, I am named Haldir son of Falathar and belong to those of your people who dwell in the forest of Arthorien on the eastern borders of your land."

The king`s face softened.
"Then I welcome you to Menegroth son of Falathar. Rise now and sit with me. Indeed it is seldom that we should see one of our folk from Arthorien grace our fair halls."

"I am truly deeply honoured my lord," said Haldir as he sat down before Dior, warmed by the king`s gracious words.

"I am also aware of the friendship that lies between your folk and the men of Estolad," said Dior. "Therefore the honour is mine that I should meet with one of Doriath who has aided the race of my father and his kin. How goes it with the Edain who dwell there? Of late my mind has turned to that land and I have thought to bring its people into the greater protection of our forests."

"Their plight is worse than before my lord," replied Haldir, slowly shaking his head. "As is all else in Beleriand with the waning of the years. Yet they still defend that ancient land of their fathers though the enemy would roam about their lands doing harm at every ill chance. Indeed we elves marvel at their hardihood and aid them whenever we can as did the dwarves, who before their wicked fall, used to come at times in great numbers as they passed by on the great road.
But now the Edain are few for many have been slain over the years and more fled to their kin in other lands. However, those who were boldest among them remained and their sons have become bolder than their fathers. It is because of this that I would say that though the notion of bringing Estolad`s people into the protection of the wood is wise and merciful, they would refuse such favour."

The king frowned. "And why pray tell would any refuse safer harbouring from the perils of Morgoth?"

"Why indeed my lord," said Haldir solemnly. "Yet I speak with some authority in this for many times have my folk tried to convince them to seek admittance into Doriath from you my lord. But their valiance has also made them a proud people, refusing wise council and trusting rather to their strength in arms. However, I would say they are admirably proud for there are none among them who would now forsake the eldest realm of all the three houses of the Edain in Beleriand. They would endure all hardships and fight unto the bitter end when the dark power should surely sweep them all away. They fill me and my folk with pity for they are dear to us and we would only wish for what is best for their wellbeing!"

Dior sat silent, troubled by the news. The realms of the elf-friends were all but destroyed. Dorthonion, the land of the House of Beor had fallen after the Dagor Bragollach, whilst Dor-Lomin, of the House of Malach and Hador, had ended with the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. Only the gleanings of those two Houses were now joined with the Haladin of Brethil. Estolad was the only other realm of the Edain to survive the onslaught of Morgoth and therefore all the more grievous for the race of men were it to fall to the enemy.

Finally he said, "Alas! Now I join you in that concern and pity, for I would also have them as safe as I could make them."
After another moments pause, he sighed.
"Well, things will go as they will. When chance permits I shall send an envoy to try and persuade them to remove to our safer lands encompassed by our great forests. Until then I would not have us give up hope, but rather continue to aid them in all we can until such time as they find it in themselves to humble their pride and accept our counsel."

Haldir stood and bowed low before the king saying, "It shall be done my lord!"
"Not for naught is the king named Aranel, 'The Noble Elf'," thought the wood elf. "There could not have been a better fitting heir to Thingol than this blessed son of Luthien."
Haldir`s heart was high with renewed hope for his friends.

"Now," said Dior. "We move on to matters of greater import, for I have heard that you are come on an urgent errand."

At that, a troubled look came over Haldir`s face and he slowly retook his seat. His joy was extinguished by the descending shadow of doubt that came with the tidings he was now asked to share.

"What now ails you Haldir?" asked Dior, perceiving his sudden change of mood. "Why the look of dismay at my mere mention of your errand?"

Haldir remained silent, sitting with his head bowed. It was at that moment, more than any other, that he loathed his part in the grave matters of the Silmaril.

"Is the true purpose of your coming so not to your liking that you would now repent of it?" asked the king. "Come now! What is this message of request that demands my urgent answer? I bid you! Say all that you would to me!"

Haldir slowly raised his head in answer to Dior`s command.
"Forgive me O king, and pardon my silence! Yet loath am I to deliver that for which I was sent, as it shall serve only to add to your concerns and may in time become a grief to all your people!"

The king`s stern gaze returned.
"Those are grave words son of Falathar," he said, slowly leaning forward. "Who sent you hither, bearing tidings of such ill omen for me and my people?"

Haldir had no choice. He had to speak. He was commanded to speak.
"My lord, the message I bear comes from the sons of Feanor!"

"The sons of Feanor you say!" said Dior, leaning back in his chair as his fears were realised. Haldir did not reply, but sat with downcast eyes. An ominous silence descended on the room.
The king now thought to himself.
"So the doom of Doriath now comes to the final point as I have long feared! They are come to claim their own no doubt, yet shall it be the Silmaril`s fate to return to their house? Or if it be otherwise, shall Doriath hope to withstand the wrath of Feanor`s sons and prevail? Are my people prepared for yet another assault, as they are but newly healed from their past sorrows of war?"
Finally he sighed and said aloud, "Alas that this grief should come so soon to disturb the newfound peace of Doriath!"

But Haldir, being deeply moved by his king`s sorrow said, "Alas that it should be Haldir son of Falathar who bears this new grief to his lord! May the king forgive him!"

The king turned to him.
"Nay! No blame is laid on you for you are but the bearer of these ill tidings. It is also news long forseen, for how long could we of Doriath truly have hoped to retain the jewel without any word from the sons of Feanor? Nay! This doom was wrought the very day the Silmaril was delivered to me! Now come Haldir! Tell me of your meeting with those who sent you on their errand to Dior of Doriath!"

Then Haldir related to the king all that had been said between him and the two princes Celegorm and Curufin. When he was done, the king asked to be handed the message. Haldir produced the rolled up parchment and gave it to the king.
Dior opened it and read...

Amon Ereb, Year 506 of the Sun.

To Dior Lord Of Doriath.
News has reached our ears that a Silmaril of our father burns in the woods of your realm. Now our claim over the Silmarils that is bound by our Oath of old is known to all in Beleriand. An Oath that none can take, or break and is binding to the very end of the world and should call the everlasting dark on he who keeps it not! Of such gravity do we hold this matter O Lord of Doriath, for we named Manwe and Varda and the very mount of Taniquetil upon which they dwell to bear witness!

Our vow remains thus...
"To pursue with vengeance and hatred to the very ends of the world, Vala, demon of Morgoth, elf, man or any creature good or evil who should so hold, take or keep a Silmaril from our possession!"
This we vowed in the name of Iluvatar himself! Thus is our Oath written in the tale of the world.

Now it has come to us that you keep the Silmaril that was rescued by your father and mother from the Iron Crown of Angband. We have heard tell of how you have used its power, healing the hurts of your people and land with its light, bringing joy back to your realm. We do not begrudge you your good fortunes as all that is well done by the Silmaril is also a joy to us. However, the time has come to return it to its true heirs who have waited patiently in the dark for it. You have read the words of our grave Oath for yourself, yet we would have you know that we have not carried out its harsh edicts in mercy, leaving you awhile to raise again your kingdom.

Thus we have honoured those whose great deeds won the jewel from the enemy. Therefore let it not be said that the sons of Feanor are proud and unyielding in all their dealings with the Silmarils, for we have shown great restraint and understanding in this.

Yet we also have need of our fathers work as we have many hurts that need to be healed, as we are also compelled by our Oath and our fathers dying wish.
Therefore we ask you Dior Eluchil, Lord of Doriath, in all devotion to your wisdom, that you surrender the Silmaril to the house of Feanor and so lay to rest our Oath, as well as give hope for us to raise anew the glory of the Noldor in Beleriand.

We await your answer in earnest...
The six sons of Feanor,
Maedhros, Maglor, Celegorm, Caranthir, Curufin and Amrod.


The king looked up from the letter, his face thoughtful as he pondered on all he had read. Haldir looked to the king expectantly.

Dior finally turned to him.
"When did you receive this?"

"It were yester-eve when I received it my lord," replied Haldir.

"Then you have travelled far, seventy miles and more, through the night with no rest," said the king. "I thank you son of Falathar and bid you rest now, for you must be weary. A council shall be held tomorrow of which you may be summoned. Till then I bid you tell no one of this matter!"

Haldir stood and bowed once again, "I shall do as you wish my lord," he said.

Dior called out to his doorwarden.
"See to it that this good elf receives the best of food and lodging while he stays with us."

Authir bowed and led Haldir away. Dior turned once more to the tapestry of Thingol and Melian as they stood before their people.

"Unless an evil greater than our strength should come to destroy us!" he said softly.



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Author`s Commentary:

In this second chapter we jump back to Menegroth with Dior feeling uneasy. Tolkien liked the idea of forboding and foretelling. As a wise king who is imbued with the Silmaril`s power, Dior would certainly have felt the approach of peril, though he`s not quite sure what the danger is. His mood here can be likened to Idril, Turgon`s daughter, whose heart misgave her at the approach of the doom of Gondolin. I also wanted a scene with Dior and his family, as I have always wondered what Nimloth and his twin sons were like. It`s a kind of a poignant moment for them, as Dior, his wife and even his child, all kind of foretell their grim futures.
The next part is Haldir`s conversation with Dior and his handing over the message. I felt there would have been talk on the Edain of Estolad as Dior would have been interested since he was part mortal. With many Sindarin elves flocking to his realm, not to mention Dior`s own connection to the race of men, I don`t think it far-fetched to have him think of even inviting the Edain to stay within the greater protection of Doriath.
Yet I have always pictured the Edain to be valiantly proud, especially those from the eldest realm of men in Beleriand. They wouldn`t have wanted to be subject to elvish laws, as they might have, had they moved. Their proud stance is reminiscent of Barahir and his twelve companions who would not yield though they had lost everything. There is also the fateful decision by the Men of Dor-Lomin in their last stand in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. They did not wish in their hearts to leave the Northlands if they could not win back their homes. The Edain of Estolad would have certainly felt the same, though they were grateful for the elvish help they received.

After the initial talk, the true purpose of Haldir`s coming is revealed and Dior reads the message.
My take on the letter is that the sons of Feanor, though grim, would have at that time been less proud than before. Fate hadn`t been kind to them for they had lost the great war and with it, many of their people. Their ensuing life of wandering in Ossiriand would have been somewhat humbling. So instead of the harsh wording they gave to Thingol before, they would now try to be diplomatic at the least, not overly emphasizing the threatening nature of their Oath, but showing uncharacteristic leniency and quietly honouring Beren and Luthien`s great deed that won the jewel. This would have been a genuine sentiment as well as an attempt to coddle the Sindar into surrendering their jewel.

I think it makes the story more interesting, by not portraying the sons of Feanor as outright jerks or evil elves. But more on that later. After reading the letter, we see Dior make up his mind to have a council with which to discuss the matter with his lords. But that comes in the next chapter!