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A FIRST COUNCIL
The two Istari stood with Elrond and Glorfindel at a
table where a map of Middle-Earth was spread out. They had discussed the
question of finding a proper dwelling for the Istari. The map brought time and
distance into relation. A frustrating relation now that the two Maiar knew how
long it had taken them to travel from the Grey Havens to Imladris.
Gandalf sighed. “I have just realized how arduous
traveling is.”
“And dangerous.” Elrond added dryly.
“Dangerous?” Gandalf exclaimed. “In terms of what?”
“Cut-throats. Orcs. All kinds of rogue folk. They will
think an old man or two being an easy target.”
“Oh, let them come! A little spell shall work miracles
with them.” Gandalf said confidently. What would a simple robber do against a
flash of fire called down upon him?”
“You can’t do that. You cannot reveal your power.”
Glorfindel reminded him.
“Humph.”
“You will have to learn how to defend yourself in the
ways of Middle-Earth folk in order to stay incognito. I can give you lessons.”
Glorfindel offered.
“It seems you can give lessons about a great many
subjects, my friend.” Gandalf teased the Noldo.
Glorfindel grinned “You’d be amazed, my Wizard!”
“Oh, I am already.”
“Well, as for me, I won’t travel too much. I desire to
study the scriptures of Gondor to see if I can learn anything about the One
Ring and its whereabouts.” Saruman said firmly, interrupting the lighthearted
teasing of the two. He had no intention whatsoever of learning how to defend
himself. Plus, the first travel had made it clear that he would NEVER like
traveling. The bed at Imladris was by far more enticing than any lumpy ground
he’d lain on during their journey. Any chair was to be preferred over sitting
on a smelly horse. A house was to be
preferred to a tree or cave when the rain fell. No, traveling was not for him.
Or he was not made for traveling. Anyway, he would find an appropriate place to
settle down. Period.
“Then you might want to consider living here.”
Elrond’s long index-finger pointed at a spot somewhat north and west of the White City. It read
‘Isengard’.
“A city?” Saruman asked, wondering why he should not
live directly in Minas Tirith. Would be a lot more convenient!
“No. A tower set within a fortified circle.” Elrond
explained, “A very impressive tower. It would suit a….man of your rank as
residence. And it is set at a very
convenient junction of important
roads. News would travel along easily.”
“It sounds good. When do we leave?”
“Ummm, first we need to inquire if the owner is
willing to sell it.” Glorfindel interjected.
“The owner?” Gandalf asked with amazement. The concept
of ‘ownership’ was alien to one who had hardly ever lived in the flesh.
“Whoever built it – or his offspring or the conqueror
and his offspring. Somebody certainly owns it and would want to be asked prior
to somebody using it.” Glorfindel elaborated. “I know it is unused at the
moment, still we should properly inquire and acquire.”
“Well then: Who owns it? What must be done to enable us
to live there?”
“Ciryandil is the reigning King of Gondor. The ties
between the men of Gondor and the Eldar are somewhat frayed today, but I think
we can negotiate an arrangement.” Elrond made a mental note to send a messenger
to Minas Ithil.
“You said ‘us’, Saruman?” Gandalf asked. He wanted to
travel, meet the peoples of Middle-Earth and learn first-hand – not from old
scrolls and scriptures of things past.
“Why, of course it will be your home too, beloved.
Where you put your head to rest whenever you return from the journeys you seem
determined to undertake. It will always be your home as long as it will be
mine, my love.” Saruman smiled lovingly and let a hand caress Gandalf’s cheek.
Glorfindel cleared his throat and coughed.
“You should not display your….affection in such ways
in public.” Elrond said sternly.
“Oh, we were told. But we came to the conclusion that
we will not hide our affection.” Gandalf smiled indulgently.
“That is impolite and inappropriate, Gandalf. To avoid
embarrassment, I advise you not to.” Elrond was clearly uncomfortable with
their display.
“Well, let me put it this way: Manwe always knew what
we felt for each other. And he approved clearly. Had he not wanted us to
continue our relationship here, in Middle –Earth, he would certainly have given
us appropriate instructions. We came to the conclusion that, since Manwe
approved and since we were deliberately given these bodies, Manwe approves of
any form of us expressing our love and affection for each other. Do you
disagree?” Gandalf spoke friendly and patiently but there was a glimmer in his
blue eyes that hinted of the powers hidden behind the simple form of an old
man.
Glorfindel raised his eyebrows in surprise and Elrond
was quiet for a long time.
“I admit that I have to agree to your reasoning.” He
said eventually.
“So, given that this is Manwe’s will, and given that
obviously among Men and Eldar and others love often comes with physical
desires, would you not agree that sharing such is, too, approved by Manwe?
Besides: it is common knowledge that such happens all the time in secrecy
anyway. Why make a secret out of something that is obviously a thing of common
knowledge?” Gandalf shrugged.
Glorfindel found it nearly impossible not to laugh out
loud. Gandalf had trapped Elrond perfectly. How could the Elven-Lord oppose a
Maia and claim to know Manwe’s will better than a being that had spent eternity
in Manwe’s lap?
Elrond blushed furiously, his lips pressed firmly
together, obviously biting back a harsh retort. Finally he nodded. “I cannot
evade that conclusion. But let me tell you that you will create bewilderment
among your peers.”
“We thank you for your concern, Lord Elrond, yet we
believe that it is about time some people think their attitude over.” Saruman
said with a voice so persuasive and grateful that Elrond was truly baffled.
Soon after that the meeting was adjourned until the
messenger would return from Gondor.
“Gandalf!” Glorfindel hurried after the two wizards
who walked outside to enjoy the golden fall at Imladris. “Gandalf, Saruman,
that was brilliant! Thank you so much!”
“For what?”
“For speaking for those people who love a person and
not a gender. It was brilliant!” Glorfindel bowed.
“Oh, it was only a logical conclusion. Manwe is not a
tyrant. He loves Iluvatar’s children.” Gandalf replied with the certainty of
one who knew exactly what he was talking about.
Glorfindel bit his lip. How happy these two were! He
was too young, had only been a baby when his people had moved to Gondolin and
thus had never had the opportunity to look at Manwe’s bright face. Afraid his
voice would betray him, Glorfindel merely nodded and briskly walked away.
The two Istari looked at each other with a puzzled
frown, then shrugged and walked on in the still balmy afternoon-breeze.
TBC...
