Yalúmessë

Thingol and Melian


The party came to the mouth of a giant cave. The entrance was barred with two giant double doors of dark wood. Both were intricately carved with depictions of the Valar and the awakening of the Elves on the shores of Aman.

Teleporno moved to the doors and, raising his right hand he lightly rested it on them. Then with a loud voice he cried, “Edro!”

The large doors silently opened. Artanis was not impressed in the least and was anxious to get inside and even more anxious to get away from this arrogant elf named Teleporno.

The elf guards departed then to resume their posts and the party went forward into Menegroth.

They were not but four feet inside when a dark-haired elf came to greet them.

“Mae govannen,” he said. Artanis looked blankly at him.

//Oh, why did I not bother to learn this speech? And why did not you, Findaráto?// Her brother shrugged.

“Suilaid, Tathar,” Teleporno said to the elf.

“Suilaid, Hîr Celeborn,” Tathar answered with a bow.

Teleporno then turned back to them. “He says: ‘greetings.’” For I understand that you do not know the tongue of the Grey-Elves. That is why I greeted you in the language of Valinor, which I took great pains to study and it took me a very long time to master it.

“This is Tathar. He is the head of our stables and will take charge of your horses for you.”

“Thank-you,” said Findaráto. Tathar bowed and waited for the travelers to dismount.

Teleporno moved to Artanis’ side as she prepared to get off. “May I assist you, my lady?”

“No you may not,” she answered coolly. “I am quite capable of dismounting on my own. I don’t need the help of some dark elf.”
Teleporno visibly stiffened. “Very well,” his voice came out hard and mocking, “whatever pleases thee.”

//Nerwen!// Her brother’s scolding voice came into her head. //Watch what you say! Our lives depend on staying on the good side of everyone here. We don’t want cause of suspicion!//

//I am sorry, brother. It is just that elf, he aggravates me//

Findaráto rolled his eyes and said nothing in response. Once he slid off his horse he linked Artanis’ arm with his and the walked together down the hall behind Teleporno.


Findaráto looked around at the details carvings and paintings all along the hall. Pillars were soon seen as they entered the main hall. Carvings of delicate ivy spiraled up them and even little butterflies were added on a leaf or two.

//What I would give for a place like this to call my own// He said to his sister.

//A place to call my own, yes. But not in a cave. Someplace open. I deeply desire to rule someplace of my own, to watch over whoever would choose to dwell there//

“Lord Celeborn,” Artanis called out.

Teleporno glanced over his shoulder and automatically answered. “Yes?”

“So, that is your true name.”

“It is.”

“What does it mean,” asked her brother.

“Silver-tree.”

“It is a beautiful language,” Findaráto said, “I should like to learn it.”

//Traitor// Artanis glared at him.

Findaráto only smiled. “Out of curiousity, what would my name be in your tongue?”

Celeborn thought for a moment then answered over his shoulder, “Your name would be ‘Finrod.’”

“Finrod . . .” Findaráto repeated. “I like it. It’s short and to the point. I think I prefer that name, in all honesty.”

//Findaráto!// Artanis yelled. Her brother shrugged and then smiled.

//It’s Finrod, now//

Artanis glared at him. He enjoyed vexing his baby sister every now and then

//What? I like it. I don’t why you have to be so stubborn. It’s the same name, just in a different way//

//I shall always call you Findaráto, whether you prefer it or not//


Whatever Artanis was about to say next was cut off by their reaching two double doors. Two guards were posted on either side of them.

“Greetings, Lord Celeborn,” one of them said. “They are ready to greet them.” “Hannon le,” the silver haired elf replied as they proceeded to open the doors for them.


Finrod and Artanis caught their breath when they entered the throne room. It was large and circular with many pillars surrounding it. Pillars just as intricately carved as the last. Beautiful murals adorned the walls and ceiling. The walls depicted the scenery of Valinor. The forests, woods and waterfalls, and where the torchlight shone brightest there was painted the Two Trees. The ceiling was a dark blue and dotted with stars painted by Melian herself. Banners also hung from the ceiling and golden tapestries adorned the parts of the walls that were un-painted.

“Greetings!” Thingol said warmly, rising from his chair. Artanis saw a lady quietly rise from her seat beside and put down the embroidery she had been working on. She was by far the fairest lady ever to grace Beleriand. Dark like night was her hair, but blue and clear were her eyes. And though the gaze was gently they pierced Artanis when she looked at her and her brother. She felt naked under her sight, as if her soul was being laid bare and she instinctively crept closer to her brother.

“Come,” said Thingol “let me look at you.” He stepped down from his throne and lovingly grasped Finrod by the shoulders. “Yes, indeed you are my brother’s grandson,” he said with satisfaction. “And you . . .” He moved to Artanis. Artanis lowered her head, but Thingol put his knuckle under her chin and gently made her look up. “You have the beauty of your mother, my niece, Eärwen, and even more so, I believe.”

Artanis blushed and smiled. It would not be hard getting to like her uncle. He was all friendliness and much of her nervousness was put at ease. Until Melian stepped forward. But soon her nerves on that point were put to ease, for Melian received her like a sister and Artanis did not again feel the piercing sight of the Maia.

After the general greetings were over Melian took Celeborn aside. “I want you to keep a close eye on the lady Artanis while their visit lasts. I sense that something is wrong. Some shadow rests on their hearts and I feel it most in Artanis. Engage her in conversation as much as you can until she grows comfortable enough to perhaps tell you something of it, or better yet, to confide in me.”

“I beg pardon, my lady, but must I be the one to do it? For I would really rather not. She abhors my company and I abhor hers, and all of this was found out in the course of only thirty minutes!”

At this Melian laughed. “I would not be too sure, my dear Celeborn. She may have cold and proud exterior, but underneath all that she is quite otherwise, I have sensed it.”

Celeborn gave a resigned sigh, “very well, but you know I shant like it one bit!” He moved away muttering something about “blasted Noldor,” when Melian called out loud enough for all to hear: “Celeborn?”

“Yes, your majesty?”

“Please show our guests to their rooms.”

Celeborn almost gaped at Melian but restrained himself and grudgingly marched off to do her bidding.

“Darned Maia . . .” he thought.

Melian laughed again. //I heard that//



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