Chapter 2 - Unexpected Sanctuary
The dwarves were as surprised to suddenly find
two elves in their midst as the twins were to be there.
The Leader of the group, Norin, took in the elves identical
features, both in physical appearance and expression. It was
clear that the elves were absolutely terrified, though Norin
had the distinct impression that their fear was not solely because
of them.
He watched as they tried to back off, but then they seemed to
hear something, for they stopped dead.
Just then one of his men came running towards them, huffing
and puffing, for dwarves were not runners.
“My Lord!” He cried. “A party of elves approaches!”
The twins did not speak much dwarvish, but Erestor had insisted
they learn the basics and they picked up on what the dwarf had
said.
Elrohir gripped Elladan’s hand and his brother pulled
him closer.
Norin watched the elves’ actions. Elves
called dwarves many things, including stupid and cruel, slandering
them as enemies do to each other, but the truth was that they
were neither. Norin himself was particularly insightful. Watching
the way the two clung to each other, he realised why they were
running and his heart went out to them. Though he had no great
love of elves, his heart could not ignore the pain and suffering
that would be brought upon these obviously young elves if the
others caught up with them.
He stepped forward and spoke slowly in the common tongue.
“There’s a small cave just over that boulder.”
He said pointing to a nearby formation of rocks. “They
won’t find you there.”
The twins’ eyes widened at the unexpected help. It seemed
almost too good to be true.
“Elladan?” Elrohir asked nervously. Both could hear
the search party getting closer.
“We have to trust them, we have no choice.” The
elder twin said. He looked to the dwarf. “Thank you.”
He said simply and ran with Elrohir into the cave.
“Helping elves now, Norin?” One
of his men said with deep suspicion. Norin glared at the man.
“Elves nor not, Fundin, they are barely older than children.
Besides they are running from others of their race and therefore
different.” Fundin grumbled but said nothing, for just
then the elven search party came into view.
Glorfindel
was surprised to see the dwarves, even though he knew that they
were getting close to Moria. The rock-dwellers did not often
venture outside of their realm into the open plains.
He galloped up and came to a halt before the group. Dismounting
he pushed his prejudice aside and inclined his head in a gesture
of respect.
“I am Glorfindel of Imladris.” He said. “We
are seeking two runaways, have you seen them? They are identical
to look upon, you would remember them.”
Norin glared at the golden-haired elf.
“Even if I had seen them, why would I tell you?”
The dwarf growled. “We have no obligations to elves.”
“They may be in danger.” Glorfindel replied, trying
to keep his temper in check. “Surely you are not that
heartless, dwarf.”
Norin’s eyes hardened.
“Tell me, elf, why do you hunt them? It seems to me that
the danger you speak of is in front of me.” He glared
at Glorfindel, not fully understanding why he felt so protective
of the young elves, but acting on it anyway.
Something
was wrong with the dwarf’s demeanour, Glorfindel was sure,
despite his limited experience. He seemed far too interested
in why they were after the twins. He was hiding something.
Norin
noticed the change in the elf. He looked up and his gaze locked
with Glorfindel’s. The dwarf was surprised at what he
saw in the elf’s eyes - genuine concern for the hunted
elves. This elf had no desire to harm the twins; he was bound
by his duty to find them.
Similarly, Glorfindel was shocked to find a knowing look in
the dwarf’s gaze.
“He knows.” He realised. “He knows where they
are.” For reasons he couldn’t even begin to guess
at, the burly dwarf was protecting the elven twins.
Norin gave him a hard stare.
“Let them go.” His eyes said.
“Take care of them.” Glorfindel’s eyes returned.
The dwarf nodded imperceptibly.
“We
will get nothing from them.” The Balrog-slayer said aloud.
“Come, we must continue our search.” Shooting a
last grateful glance at Norin, Glorfindel led his party away.
He had made his choice; his love of the twins had over-ridden
his sense of duty to Elrond. He only hoped they’d be safe.
Not
until the elves were well out of sight did Norin approach the
cave where the twins were hiding.
“They have gone.” He called.
A moment later the twins appeared at the cave entrance. Hand-in-hand
they emerged and faced Norin again.
“Thank you.” Elladan said softly. “However,
I do not understand - why did you help us?” Norin smiled.
“I think I know why you’re running.” He looked
meaningfully at the brother’s tightly clasped hands. The
twins looked at him, horrified. How had a mere dwarf guessed
so quickly what they’d hidden from the elves for a century?
Norin laughed. “Worry not. I mean you no harm.”
He paused. “My cousins were twins. I - understand.”
The twins let out loud gasps of relief and Norin smiled. “Where
will you go now?” He asked. The twins exchanged looks.
“We’re not really sure.” Elrohir said softly.
“Over the mountains towards Harad but from there - who
can say?” Norin looked thoughtful for a moment before
calling two other dwarves over to him. They spoke rapidly in
their own tongue for a few minutes. The twins could not follow
the conversation, but it was clear that the dwarves were debating
something that involved them. Finally Norin turned back to them.
“Why don’t you come with us? Moria isn’t the
best place for elves but it’s warm and comfortable and
you only have to stay until those other elves have given up
looking for you.”
The
twins looked at Norin in shock. Never had they expected such
help and hospitality from the enemies of their people.
“Do you think it’s a trap?” Elrohir whispered
in Elladan’s ear.
“I don’t know, but I don’t think so.”
Elladan replied. “At any rate, I would rather risk a dwarven
trap than be dragged back home.” Elrohir nodded in agreement
and they turned to face Norin. “We would be honoured to
stay with you.” Elladan said and bowed.
Norin smiled. “Very well. I promise, nobody will hurt
you.” He said this with a pointed look at a few of the
dwarves in his group who seemed less than pleased at the idea
of staying with elves.
“Thank you.” Elrohir said quietly. “We will
try not to be any trouble.” Norin laid a calloused hand
on the young elf’s arm.
“I’m sure you won’t be.”
The
twins followed the dwarves along the steep road that led to
the great-carved entrance to the dwarves mines. They walked
quickly lest Glorfindel’s patrol should return unexpectedly.
Though Norin had said he’d let them go, if they were seen
by the other elves all would be lost.
*******************
Glorfindel’s
heart was heavy as he led the patrol onwards. He knew that they
would not find Elladan and Elrohir now, that in all likelihood
he would never see them again. The thought almost broke his
heart; he loved then dearly and knew that Imladris would be
very empty without their laughter.
He dreaded telling Lady Celebrian, the loss of her sons would
hit her hard. Arwen had lived in Lothlorien since her majority;
sometimes it was if she had never been born. Not that Glorfindel
blamed her. She too had felt trapped by her father. He wondered
if Elrond would ever realise that he alone had driven his children
away.
In truth he did not really want to return himself, but he could
not abandon those who needed him. Besides, Erestor was in Imladris
and he could never leave his raven-haired lover. They would
need each other more than ever now; the next few years were
going to be very hard.
With a deep sigh he rode on.
************************
They
reached the gates in early evening as the first stars came out
into the sky. The light illuminated the gate and the elvish
letters adorning the archway.
“Elvish?” The twins said in unison. Another dwarf,
Bifur, stepped up.
“Ai.” He said. “Elves and dwarves were not
always enemies. We still remember those ancient days.”
“Indeed we do.” Norin agreed. He stood in front
of the door and spoke a single familiar word.
“Mellon.”
There was an almost ear-splitting sound of stone grating on
stone and the gates slowly opened. Norin led the way in and
the twins clung to each other as they entered the dark passageway.
Bifur smiled. “Do not worry.” He said softly. “The
entrance is dark, but it will get lighter soon.”
He was true to his word, as they rounded a corner, everything
changed. The twins gasped, it was magnificent. High-carved ceilings
shone with precious jewels and hints of mithril while the passageway
was lined with beautifully carved statues of some of Arda’s
most famous figures, dwarves, elves and men alike. Upon the
walls were skilfully done paintings of the dwarves coming to
Arda.
The
young elves had never seen anything like it. With wide eyes
they tried to take in as much of the cavernous hall as they
could. They had heard tales of the great dwarven-halls but to
see one was an entirely different matter. The books they had
read with Erestor did not even begin to show the reality.
Norin was pleased with their reaction; he knew that many elves
would not have openly shown appreciation for dwarf-crafts, even
if they did see the skill involved. Though he knew many would
question his actions he felt sure he had done the right thing
in bringing them here. Besides, as long as he convinced his
King no other opinions mattered. He carried on towards the Royal
Hall.
After
walking through many spectacular halls they finally came to
a high archway with mithril-embossed doors. Norin turned and
spoke to the twins, who had been silent for the most part. “Within
these doors sits our Lord, King Farin. Show him the same respect
you would show an elven-lord and all will be fine.”
“We understand and we will.” Elladan replied. Norin
nodded and commanded the door to open.
If
the halls they’d seen before were magnificent, this one
almost defied description. Great pillars of stone engraved with
dwarven runes lined the hall and led to a great raised dais
at the end. The walkway itself was lined with the brightest
jewels and banners of flawless silk. Mithril was everywhere,
on the walkway, engrained into the pillars and embossed into
the intricately carved ceiling. The whole hall was lit with
a thousand candles in mithril holders. Upon the dais was a great
throne that seemed to shimmer with light from an unknown source.
Upon that throne sat Farin, King of the Dwarves.
Norin
led his party up to the throne, the twins just a step behind
him. Though they tried not to show it they were terrified. This
dwarf king was an imposing figure indeed, his presence not diminished
in the least by his small stature.
As they approached Farin noticed that the party contained some
most unusual additions. He stood, not wanting to believe his
eyes. Yet as they got closer the truth was undeniable. There
were elves in his hall.
“NORIN!” He roared. “You had better have a
good explanation for this!”
Norin stepped up and faced his king. “I do, my King.”
He said with confidence. Inwardly though, he was nervous. If
Farin rejected his explanation not only would he be in a lot
of trouble, but he’d be forced to turn the twins away
after promising them sanctuary and send them back into the wilds
where there was a very real possibility of being caught.
“I am waiting, Norin.” Farin said. “Why in
Aulë’s name are there elves in my hall?” Norin
took a deep breath and began to explain.
END
CHAPTER 2
