Children of Ilúvatar by Anne Marie Gazzolo
This is a work of fiction. No infringement on the right of the Tolkien Estate is intended. I wanted to explore various spiritual questions that Man and in this case, an Elf-lord, has grappled with for many an age. If God is all good, all loving why does He allow evil to exist? Why does He allow bad things to happen to good people? How do we keep our faith and trust in Him when it’s tested and it seems our prayers are not answered and how do we rebuild it when it’s shaken?
A few glimpses of the Ring-bearer and his faithful companion through the eyes of Elrond and Ilúvatar. I acknowledge my debt to the professor’s translation that is quoted briefly within some of these chapters. The references to brothers are meant in the context that we are all Children of God and so are siblings to each other.
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Chapter One: Brothers
Elrond bandaged the shoulder of the hobbit he had been tending for long days and nights. The shard had finally been removed and had already been sent away to be destroyed. He held the wrist of the small being lost in a bed much too large for him, almost as pale as the sheets and blankets piled on him. The Ring-bearer's pulse was weak but steady. Elrond let out a sigh as he closed his eyes and sent a prayer of thanksgiving to Ilúvatar.
He is healing, came the Voice of the One within him.
Le hannon, Adar, the Elf lord responded.
He opened his eyes again, exhausted, but unable to tear his eyes away from the little one before him. He has Your light in him, brighter than any I have seen in the Secondborn. I have never seen any mortal more fair than he.
I have hallowed your brother for a most special task.
Elrond looked down at the Ring on its chain that lay against Frodo's chest. I bless you, Adar, for giving me the gift to heal his hroa, but I grieve that I cannot protect his fëa.
It is not yours to guard. That falls to others and to Myself.
The Elf lord looked now at the other occupant of the bed, the one so similar in spirit, shining softly on his own, his hand clasped in his master's, his head touching the one he held dear, sleeping the sleep of the exhausted.
Are they brothers?
Not by blood, but so I have knit their hearts and souls together. The second serves the first and the first will serve all.
He will be safe then, for whatever You have him do.
Yes. He will know at the Council what I propose. Though he knows not what he saw, I have already sent him a dream of what the reward for all his labors will be, for the burden will be too heavy for anyone in the end and he will sorely need rest.
Elrond closed his eyes again. He felt the small hand he still held in his own. It felt so fragile, but there was in Frodo's heart and will a strength that he had thought long lost in the world. And he knew it had its match in the one that lay beside him.
Thy Will be done, Adar.
He then looked down at the sleeping hobbits, trying to send them the strength he knew both would need. You will be safe, my brothers, held in the strongest Arms of all. Rest there when the burden becomes too much.
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Note: Adar is Sindarin for Father. Hroa is Quenya for body. Fëa is soul or spirit.
Chapter Two: The Call Answered
“I will take the Ring, though I do not know the way.”
Elrond closed his eyes for a moment. Is this what you made him for, Adar?
Yes, My child.
You said the burden would be too much, then he will fail in his task?
No, he will succeed.
He looked at Frodo then, so full of light. It is a hard doom, gwador nîn, but there is strength in you. I have seen it already.
“I think that this task is appointed for you, Frodo, but it is a heavy burden. So heavy that none could lay it on another. I do not lay it on you. But if you take it freely, I will say your choice is right; and though all the mighty elf-friends of old, Hador, and Húrin, and Túrin, and Beren himelf were assembled together, your seat should be among them.”
Yes, his seat is ordained to be there and his brother will share it.
“But you won’t send him off alone surely, Master?” cried Sam.
“No, indeed!” said Elrond, turning towards him with a smile. “It is hardly possible to separate you from him.”
He looked back at Frodo. Hold him ever close to You, Adar. It is even less possible to separate You from him than from his faithful brother. Let him know he doesn’t walk alone. Hold them both.
I will shelter them.
Le hannon.
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Note: Gwador nîn is Sindarin for my brother.
Chapter Three: Affirmation
“Do you still hold to your word, Frodo, that you will be the Ring-bearer?”
“I do. I will go with Sam.”
Elrond looked down at Frodo, so small, so determined and marveled that there was no hesitation and the hobbit’s voice was strong and unwavering. The little one had already been through such terrors and he knew more were to come, but there was no quiver in his voice or tremble to his small frame. His light flared, then settled to its normal brightness. Though he thought no one else but his fellow Elves had seen it, the lord was surprised to see Sam’s eyes widen slightly at that moment, but the small gardener said nothing.
Sometimes the smallest are the greatest, Elrond thought, in service, love and humility. I am honored, Adar, that you have shown me these. They are wonders to behold.
So they have been shaped, though they know it not. Neither is aware of his own greatness, none of the four are, but they will show the whole world.
The journey will be very dark.
And filled with light.
And may Your glory shine through them and may they take their places among the Wise. He looked down at the two again. Oh, my brothers, I am humbled by your resolve and love. Let that be a light for you in the dark places you must travel. The Enemy will not be able to strike at you there. There are within you strengths that he will never understand. A Elbereth Gilthoniel, o menel palan-diriel, le nallon si di-nguruthos! A tiro hain, Fanuilos! (O Elbereth Starkindler, from heaven gazing far, to thee I cry now beneath the shadow of death! O look towards them, Everwhite!)
Elrond felt a peace within him then and he knew his prayer had been answered.
Chapter Four: Leavetaking
It was a chill, grey day that the Company gathered to hear Elrond’s last words. The Elf-lord looked down at the four hobbits among the others and marveled anew. They all seemed so small and frail, yet his heart knew they were the bravest of all the Company. At once he feared the most for them and the least.
My heart is still wondering about the two youngest, Adar.
My heart is not, My child.
Elrond sighed, his heart more at peace at the decision. I wish I could see their path. I see naught but darkness.
I can see what you cannot.
Elrond then spoke aloud and tried to believe in hope and light. “The Ring-bearer is setting out on the Quest of Mount Doom. On him alone is any charge laid: neither to cast away the Ring, nor to deliver it to any servant of the Enemy nor indeed to let any handle it, save members of the Company and the Council, and only then in gravest need. The others go with him as free companions, to help him on his way. You may tarry, or come back, or turn aside into other paths. The further you go, the less easy will it be to withdraw; yet no oath or bond is laid on you to go further than you will. For you do not yet know the strength of your hearts, and you cannot foresee what each may meet upon the road.”
I beg you, Adar, strengthen their hearts. He cannot do this alone.
He won’t.
“Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens,” said Gimli.
“Maybe,” said Elrond, “but let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.”
Listen to the wisdom of your adopted brother, My child. No oath is needed to hold these to their paths. They will all go far and one will be with him at the end.
Elrond looked at Frodo and then at Sam and he knew. I have lived too long with my own defeats. Goheno nin, Adar, for my doubts and fears.
You strive ever for the light. It is for that you were all made.
Elrond turned his attention back to the gathered Company. “May the blessing of Elves and Men and all Free Folk go with you.”
He and many of his household watched them leave. Bilbo stood there as well. Frodo gave him one more glance and then turned away with the others. So small, the Elf-lord thought again, but larger in heart and courage than any of us.
May not just our blessings go with them, but Yours as well, Adar, and that of the Valar be ever with them. May it be Your Face that shines upon them when all other lights are veiled.
So it shall be.
Le hannon.
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Note: Goheno nin, Adar is Sindarin for Forgive me, Father.