《West of Arda》Losengriol

5、Chapter five

　　As the Hill of Túna faded into the shimmering light emitted by the golden bough, the gentle rolling plain of K?r gave way to densely forested woodlands. North to the forest, the mansion and forge of Aul? stood proudly on the hilltop, imposing in its metallic glory. Further down south, the light of the Trees started to dim. A great shawl of grey mist shrouded the world.

　　The last image that flickered pass by was Est?’s Lake. The water was as still as a mirror, and it was difficult to tell apart water and air. Rainfall never stopped there. Weary souls would go to the isle in middle of the lake to sleep.

　　Shadow deepened. The silver and golden light of the two Trees was no longer seen. The entrance to the Hall of the Spirits stood silently, steely grey and curved with many formless motives. Lives ceased living upon entrance. Their forms and bodily functions were stripped away and only the barest f?a remained to mourn and weep.

　　I looked down at my hands. They were still as formed as flesh would come. The threshold of living and death was crossed. Time stood still and my sense of direction gradually dissipated. Yet I remained alive.

　　The herald of Lord Námo led me to a comfortably furnished apartment situated on the top floor of the hall. A small fire was lit in the fireplace. There was refreshment laid out on the table including fresh spring water, fruit, bread and various smoked fish.

　　There were several large windows that lined the wall at the other end of the apartment. I pulled the heavy curtains to the side and pushed the glass panes out. The view was grey and misty. At the end of the formless plain, the lake came to view again, as grey as the rain, the air and the land surrounding it.

　　The bed prepared for me was comfortable. I laid on the unfamiliar fabric and sank into deep mediation. Sleep eluded me, even in this room so close to the Lake of the Sleeping.

　　The next morning, I was summoned to the Hall of the Judgment where Lord Námo would receive the spirits and presided over their judgement.

　　The grand hall was dimly lit. Its walls were lined with tapestries made of shimmering threads that seemed to be moving according to their own will. I did not get a chance to look carefully as I was bid to step closer to the thrones.

　　Sitting next to Lord Námo was Lady Vair?, the Weaver. When she spoke, her voice was gentle and resonant.

　　“My child, within the wall of the Hall of Spirits, you shall remain safe.”

　　I bowed my head down as a sign of respect.

　　“You shall be guided by your forefathers’ wisdom…so the light of the world will be eternal.” She smiled, as if trying to reassure me.

　　Lord Námo, who had been quietly watching, finally spoke. “I see shadow befalling the high cliff. Your fate and that of our light are aligned to the Star of Bauglir. I cannot expect eternity.”

　　“You spoke too early.” Lady Vair? interceded. “This will be discussed in the time to be. Not now.”

　　Lord Námo thus fell silent again.

　　“Go and rest now.” She held her pale hand up, forming a gesture of blessing, “For ‘morrow you shall assume your study in the Hall of Spirits.”

　　I took my leave from the great empty hall with many tapestries. I could still feel Lord Námo’s black eyes trained on my back. I shivered, next to the warm fireplace. The grey mist clung to the windowpanes, making it now difficult to even see the outside.

　　I came to the great hall early in the morning. After a whole day of sitting around, I was deeply bored and was hoping to find a new preoccupation as soon as possible.

　　When it came to the craft of the Aratars, I was hoping that I would be taught the secret spells and studies that dealt in spirits and dooms. For Lord Námo was rumoured to have the greatest foresight and could place judgement on all creatures that resided in Arda.

　　I did not expect to be greeted by Lady Vair? again, and her alone, in the great hall. Lord Námo was nowhere to be seen, but the Lady sat gracefully on the stone throne and smiled benevolently at me.

　　“Come, my child.” She stood up and easily glided down the steep steps of the podium. She motioned me into a side corridor at the back of the great hall. This led into a smaller chamber. There were several looms stacked at the back of the room, but the floor was littered with baskets of threads.

　　Lady Vair? then showed me a silver spindle. “This is your first task.” She handed the spindle to me. “I usually prefer to weave with those threads that were brought to me by the arriving spirits. Regretfully, they came into disarray during the Great War. Please ensure that they are well ordered on the spindles.”

　　With that, she disappeared into thin air.

　　I was taken aback. Surely they did not expect me to become the Weaver’s apprentice. I could weave good enough but found it extremely boring. Although it was traditional for Noldorin ladies to spend time in front of a loom making beautiful fabric and tapestries, the King-sister enjoyed metal work more than weaving, so she never enforced it on me.

　　There was no point arguing. Hopefully I could sort out the mess quickly and move onto something more useful and interesting. Settled on a floor cushion, I grabbed a random basket and started to wind the silvery thread onto the spindle.