Windsong ~ A Lord of the Ring Fan Fiction Story
Windsong
Rating: General
Setting: Minas Tirith and Rivendell
Set up: Eldarion wakes up in the middle of the night and runs to Aragorn after hearing a strange noise outside his window.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings books. All characters and place names are owned by The Tolkien Estate. I just feel incredably lucky I get to play in the same sandbox with all of them. :o)
Minas Tirith
A familiar sound could be heard heading towards the Royal Chambers in Minas Tirith. The pitter patter of a little one’s footfalls as he ran as fast as he could. The only thing wrong about this was when it was happening. It was the middle of the night. A sobbing little boy pushed open the doors to the bedchamber, ran inside and flung himself on the bed.
“Adar...Naneth...”
Aragorn reached over and started rubbing his sobbing son’s back. Still half asleep, he asked “What is wrong pen neth?” At the same time he squeezed Arwen’s shoulder gently. To let her know he would handle whatever was ailing their small son. “What has frightened you so Eldarion? Was it a bad dream?”
Crawling up to snuggle into his father’s shoulder, the little boy sniffled as he answered Aragorn’s question. “No Ada. It was the sound outside my bedchamber window. I do not know what is making the sound. Ada...Please come and make it go away. Bring Anduril with you because we do not know what it is.” Aragorn would have chuckled at his little one’s request, if he had not seen the terror in Eldarion’s eyes and was not feeling how badly his son was shaking in his arms.
“Very well pen neth. Allow me to fetch Anduril and change my garments. Then we will investigate this sound that disturbs your rest.” Rising, Aragorn quickly changed out of his nightshirt and into leggings and a tunic. Then he walked into his study, took Anduril from the place it rested when not in use and turned to his little boy. “Now that we are properly armed, let us see what is troubling you so ion nin. Come.” Taking Eldarion’s hand in his, Aragorn walked out of the study and started down the hall towards his son’s chambers.
*~*~*~*~*
Aragorn and Eldarion stood in front of the door to the little boy’s bedchamber. Looking down at his son Aragorn asked, “Are you ready to enter?” A Guard of the Citadel stood ready beside Eldarion’s bedchamber door to open it for them. The King was thankful the Guard had been on his rounds of the Royal Chambers and had been coming down the hallway at the same time he and his son were. For Eldarion would not let go of Aragorn’s hand and the King needed the Guard’s help to take Anduril out of it’s scabbard. Eldarion would not even go up in front of the door until Aragorn had Anduril out and ready for use. If it would help Eldarion face his terrors and calm him down a little, then Aragorn was willing to do it.
A few minutes passed before Eldarion replied with a very shaky voice. “Yes Ada. I think you need to enter first though and hold up Anduril as high as you can. That way whatever it is can see Anduril and it might just go away by the sight of it alone.” Trying not to smile at his young one’s ‘strategy’, Aragorn nodded at the Guard to open the door and half dragging Eldarion behind him, they entered the young Crown Prince’s room.
They entered slowly and carefully. Aragorn moving cautiously to try and keep Eldarion calm. Also to ensure the boy did not make some sort of movement and cause an accident due to the sword being bumped while in his father’s hand. Aragorn held up Anduril as high as he could and by using his most majestic tone of voice called out, “I am the King Elessar of Gondor and Arnor. Who dares disturb the sleep and rest of my son Eldarion, Crown Prince of these lands?”
Silence answered the King’s Challenge.
Walking into the room, Aragorn could see the covers of Eldarion’s bed in a tumbled mess. Beside the pillow, he could just make out the outline of a small wooden sword. The King could not keep the smile off his face as he thought about the day only two weeks earlier when Legolas and Gimli had paid a visit. It was a beautifully made replica of the sword Aragorn held in his hand. He knew it had rarely left Eldarion’s side since being given, but this was the first time Aragorn knew his son slept with it. “Just like another little boy I used to know who did the same with his first wooden sword.” The King thought with a small grin.
Aragorn’s thoughts were swept aside by the gasp of horror Eldarion made and by how the little one’s grip of his hand had become tighter. Crouching down to look his son in the eye Aragorn asked, “What is it ion nin? What did you hear?” Rubbing the top of Eldarion’s hand with his thumb, Aragorn waited for his son’s answer. He could not understand what was going on however. He had not heard anything unusual and the room certainly appeared to be the same as it always was.
Eldarion looked at his father in shock. “Ada, did you not hear that howling from outside my window? What is it?” By this time, Eldarion’s eyes had doubled in size and were filled with fear. After hearing the word “howling” in the boy’s description, Aragorn knew instantly what had happened. He also berated himself for not expecting this to happen at the start of Eldarion’s fifth winter. It had happened to him as well many moons ago.
Placing Anduril on his son’s bed, Aragorn picked up Eldarion and headed over to the room’s rocking chair that sat near the fireplace. Sitting down in the chair and placing the boy in his lap, Aragorn started to rock his son. Speaking softly and soothingly, Aragorn started to explain. “That howling you hear pen neth is nothing to be alarmed or frightened over. At least not here in your chambers and us snug and safe from the weather outside. It is only the wind.”
Eldarion gave his father a puzzled look. “But Ada...It can not be. The wind is gentle, soft and...and...” The young Prince paused searching for the right word, “It is a friend. It does not make that sound.” Eldarion looked up at his father with a stubborn pout on his face. Aragorn tried to keep the laughter inside and the grin off his face in front of his son. Even at this young age, when Eldarion had that look on his face, he bore an uncanny resemblance to Lord Elrond when he was angry about something.
“Eldarion, I imagine the wind must sound very different here in your own bedchamber than it did in the nursery. Does it not?” Looking down, he could see Eldarion nodding. Keeping his voice soothing, Aragorn continued, “It must also be strange not to have Lessien sitting nearby whenever you need her or to be down the hallway in your own chamber instead of just beside your Naneth’s and mine. Is that why you sleep with your sword beside you in bed pen neth?” Once again all the little boy did was nod and snuggled a little closer to his father.
Smiling at his young son Aragorn told him, “Eldarion, the wind sounds that way now because winter is coming. The wind changes with the seasons. It must sound very frightening when you have never heard it before at night when you have been by yourself. Even in your own chamber.” The King moved his son so Eldarion was in a more comfortable position on his lap. “I know it must sound like a creature from one of your books of tales pen neth, but it is not. In fact, a very long time ago, I did the very same thing you did tonight.”
Eldarion looked up at his father with wide eyes. “You Ada?” The little boy was amazed. His father was The King after all. The strongest man he knew. His father was not afraid of anything. Or at least the small boy believed.
Aragorn grinned at his son. “Yes ion nin. Even I am afraid of things from time to time. Would you like to hear how I learned the winter wind is nothing to fear?” With Eldarion’s nod, Aragorn settled himself into the rocking chair and began to tell his son a tale that took place many, many moons ago.
~*~*~*~*~*
Rivendell
Glorfindel had just laid his head down on his pillow. It had been a long and tiring day in the Last Homely House. Between the group of visiting elves from Lothlorien arriving and various errands needing seen to, it had been a day seemingly without end. The Elven Lord was looking forward to finally getting some rest. Just as Glorfindel was drifting off though, he heard his door bang open and a small body flung itself into bed with him.
“Glorfindel, help me!!”
Groaning from the impact of a little boy landing on top of him at full speed, Glorfindel managed to sit up. Gathering the shaking little one into his arms, he asked, “Estel, whatever is the matter? Have you had a bad dream?” Lord Elrond’s foster son was now sitting beside him and obviously frightened over something.
“Not a dream Glorfindel, but I heard something. Something not right. Some creature is outside my chambers. I heard it howl.” The small boy’s eyes were wide and filled with horror. The elf was puzzled. He knew no creature would have been able to pass the border patrols and gain entry into the lands of Imladris without being seen. Suddenly Estel stiffened and he cried out, “Glorfindel...There it is again. It is outside your chambers now. It must have followed me here. Help me!!” The little boy flung himself into the Elven Lord’s arms.
“Oh Estel...” Glorfindel hugged the trembling boy close to him and started rubbing the little one’s back. “Estel, it is only the wind making that noise. Do you not know it singing when you hear it?” As the little boy’s sobs started to die down, Glorfindel drew back and looked the little one in the eye. “Why did you come here pen neth instead of to your Naneth or Ada?” Even as Glorfindel asked, he had a feeling he knew the answer.
Rubbing his eyes, Estel replied, “Well...I did not want Naneth or Ada to think I could not sleep in my own chambers. I know they think I am too young for them. Glorfindel...Are you certain it is the wind? I do not remember the wind ever sounding like that. Why do you say it is singing?”
Settling himself for a long conversation with his Elven Lord’s foster son, Glorfindel put his arm around Estel and said, “The reason the wind is sounding as though it howls Estel is because winter is coming. Winter storms are on their way and the wind changes her tone to match the season. Spring and summer winds have lovely gentle breezes and warm gusts. Fall and winter bring howling gales and bitter chills. Each have their own melody pen neth, but none of them are frightening when you are indoors and safe. Most especially in your own home.” Glorfindel noticed Estel was starting to relax.
“Each and every season has its own windsong pen neth. If you listen to them, they may tell you many things just by the pitch and tone of the notes. Tonight, the wind is singing frost and snow is on the way. You may have snow for Yule this year after all.’ Looking down at the sleepy boy in his arms, Glorfindel said to him, “Most of all Estel, they can sing you to sleep if you let them. The wind and her songs are never anything to fear when you are in a safe place. Close your eyes pen neth and listen to the winter wind sing.”
Feeling Estel snuggle against him, Glorfindel managed to tuck the covers over the both of them. He realized the little one was staying for the night. This time. Just as he was about to lay back down, he felt a poke in his ribs. Knowing an unspoken question when he felt it, he asked, “Yes Estel?”
Sleepily, the little boy looked up and asked, “You will not tell Naneth or Ada this happened, will you Glorfindel? I do not want them thinking I am too little to have my own chamber. Especially over something like being frightened by a windsong.” There was a pleading look in Estel’s eyes the Elven Lord had a hard time not laughing over.
“Not to worry pen neth. This shall be our secret. Now, close your eyes. I am here and you are safe. Close your eyes and let the windsongs sing you to your dreams.” Smiling as he looked down at the little boy, Glorfindel arranged the covers over the both of them again, then drew the little one close to him. Giving Estel an hug, he noticed the boy was already sound asleep and deep in dreams. Smiling Glorfindel lay his head back down on his pillow and finally started to drift off to his own dreams.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Minas Tirith
Looking up at his father, Eldarion asked, “Is that the truth? No creature is outside my window? It is just the wind?” The young boy wanted to believe his father, but was not quite certain. Those howls sounded exactly how he imagined a Warg sounded like. “There really are windsongs?” The little boy was calmer now, but ever since Aragorn had picked up Eldarion and sat down with him in the rocking chair, the boy had moved his grip from his father’s hand to his shoulder. It was still there and had a very tight grip of both the shoulder and his father’s tunic.
“Yes, pen neth nin. There are indeed windsongs. I know the wind sounds like a horrible creature howling in wait outside your window. There is no creature there though. I know because your window is on the side of the Citadel that is also part of the edge of the seventh circle. No creature can scale that climb. Also, the wall is smooth. There is nothing for a creature to gain a hand hold. Will you allow me to show you Eldarion?” The young Prince looked at his father with terrified eyes. Aragorn gave him a reassuring smile, “I will be beside you, as will Anduril. Will you not allow me to show you there is nothing to fear?”
Aragorn waited while his son made up his mind. After all this time, it still amazed him this little boy was really his and Arwen’s. It made Aragorn realize all the years of waiting they had endured to be together was worth it in the end, as it brought this precious little boy into his world. Finally seeing the briefest of nods from Eldarion, Aragorn put his arms around his son and rose from the rocking chair. Pausing at Eldarion’s bed to pick up Anduril, they headed for the window.
“Look out pen neth. There is nothing to fear. I have you and I will not let anything happen.” Aragorn felt Eldarion’s hold on his tunic tighten as his little boy moved towards the window, took a long look out and around from it. As time passed, Aragorn noticed his son’s grip of his tunic gradually ease. “Do you see Eldarion? There is nothing out there to fear. Also listen. Do you hear the winter wind singing her song? I believe when you head outside in the morning to play, there will be snow on the ground of the Citadel. The wind is singing snow is on the way.”
Eldarion lay his head on his father’s shoulder, “I hear it Ada. I am sorry I woke you. So sorry.” The little boy’s voice broke and he started to cry. Burrowing his head into his father’s shoulder, the tears quickly progressed to sobs. Aragorn propped Andruil up against the window sill and rubbed his son’s back hoping to calm him down.
“Oh Eldarion...You have nothing to be sorry about ion nin.” Turning away from the window, Aragorn carried Eldarion over to the boy’s bed and laid him down. Reaching for the blankets, Aragorn spread them over the two of them and curled up beside his son. “You heard something you had not heard before, thought you were in danger and came to me. You should never be ashamed of coming to me or your Naneth when you feel that way. Especially at night. The wind can sound very frightening at times and may also sound like something it is not.” Hearing his little one still sniffling, Aragorn asked, “Are you feeling ashamed you woke me in the middle of the night when it was only the wind?”
Looking up at his Ada, Eldarion nodded. “Ada...I do not need to go back to the nursery, do I? I like having my own chambers and not needing to worry about the girls playing with my things. Or taking my inks and ruining any of my drawings I make for you and Naneth. Not that I do not like playing with Gilrean or Celebrian, I do. It is just...” The little boy’s voice trailed off as he tried to figure out exactly what he wanted to say.
Smiling, Aragorn asked, “You like having a place of your own, but because of what took place this night you think you will go back to sleeping in the nursery?” Eldarion nodded again, with a little bit of fear back in his eyes. “Eldarion, do not worry. Your Naneth and I would not allow you to have your own chambers if we did not think you old enough for them. It is all right to be afraid at times pen neth. Fear is a natural thing to have. However, you have to face your fears or they will control you. Now that you know the wind will change how it sounds with the seasons, are you still frightened of it?”
Eldarion looked up at his Ada and shook his head, “No Ada. Now that I know it is only singing of winter coming and not a warg howling, I do not. I just feel sorry I did not figure that out on my own. I am now five and a babe no longer.” The little boy snuggled up beside his father, “Ada, even though I know it is only the wind singing and even though I am a babe no longer...Will you stay with me tonight?”
Looking down at his little boy, Aragorn smiled, but a small sigh escaped his lips at the same time. The King could not help but wonder how much time was left to the two of them for moments such as this. As Eldarion had just said, he was a babe no longer. Snuggling down beside his son the King replied, “Of course I will pen neth. Close your eyes and let the wind sing you to sleep and your dreams.” Feeling Eldarion relax beside him, Aragorn whispered in his son’s ear, “Dream of sneaking up and pelting Faramir with snowballs in the morning.”
Eldarion giggled, sat up and flung his arms around his father. “Hannon le Ada. For coming and aiding me this night. I love you Adar.” Aragorn hugged his little boy and as he did, he could not help but find tears coming to his eyes. Eldarion noticed and asked, “Is there something wrong Ada? Are you well?”
Aragorn grinned and laughed, then replied, “I am more than well ion nin and there is nothing wrong.” Looking down at his little boy he said, “I love you as well Eldarion. Now, I think we should try and find some rest. Let us lie back and listen to the song of the winter wind. Windsongs are beautiful things to listen to at night and very soothing as well.”
Lying down beside his son, Aragorn thought back to the night when he was a small child and Glorfindel told him about windsongs to calm his fears. Looking towards the window and hearing the whistling wind, Aragorn whispered a soft blessing on the Elven Lord and all he was taught by him. The same lessons he was now sharing with Eldarion and, someday, Eldarion’s twin sisters who were sleeping in the nursery down the hall. Turning back to look down on his now sleeping son, Aragorn snuggled close to him, closed his eyes and let the winter wind once again sing him off to his dreams.
The End
Dedication
Dedicated in loving memory to my Uncle Clarence who one night while looking after me taught me about windsongs.
Translation of Elvish Words
pen neth ~ Little one
pen neth nin ~ My little one
ion nin ~ My son
Adar ~ Father
Naneth ~ Mother
Ada ~ Daddy
hannon le ~ Thank you
Rating: General
Setting: Minas Tirith and Rivendell
Set up: Eldarion wakes up in the middle of the night and runs to Aragorn after hearing a strange noise outside his window.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings books. All characters and place names are owned by The Tolkien Estate. I just feel incredably lucky I get to play in the same sandbox with all of them. :o)
Minas Tirith
A familiar sound could be heard heading towards the Royal Chambers in Minas Tirith. The pitter patter of a little one’s footfalls as he ran as fast as he could. The only thing wrong about this was when it was happening. It was the middle of the night. A sobbing little boy pushed open the doors to the bedchamber, ran inside and flung himself on the bed.
“Adar...Naneth...”
Aragorn reached over and started rubbing his sobbing son’s back. Still half asleep, he asked “What is wrong pen neth?” At the same time he squeezed Arwen’s shoulder gently. To let her know he would handle whatever was ailing their small son. “What has frightened you so Eldarion? Was it a bad dream?”
Crawling up to snuggle into his father’s shoulder, the little boy sniffled as he answered Aragorn’s question. “No Ada. It was the sound outside my bedchamber window. I do not know what is making the sound. Ada...Please come and make it go away. Bring Anduril with you because we do not know what it is.” Aragorn would have chuckled at his little one’s request, if he had not seen the terror in Eldarion’s eyes and was not feeling how badly his son was shaking in his arms.
“Very well pen neth. Allow me to fetch Anduril and change my garments. Then we will investigate this sound that disturbs your rest.” Rising, Aragorn quickly changed out of his nightshirt and into leggings and a tunic. Then he walked into his study, took Anduril from the place it rested when not in use and turned to his little boy. “Now that we are properly armed, let us see what is troubling you so ion nin. Come.” Taking Eldarion’s hand in his, Aragorn walked out of the study and started down the hall towards his son’s chambers.
*~*~*~*~*
Aragorn and Eldarion stood in front of the door to the little boy’s bedchamber. Looking down at his son Aragorn asked, “Are you ready to enter?” A Guard of the Citadel stood ready beside Eldarion’s bedchamber door to open it for them. The King was thankful the Guard had been on his rounds of the Royal Chambers and had been coming down the hallway at the same time he and his son were. For Eldarion would not let go of Aragorn’s hand and the King needed the Guard’s help to take Anduril out of it’s scabbard. Eldarion would not even go up in front of the door until Aragorn had Anduril out and ready for use. If it would help Eldarion face his terrors and calm him down a little, then Aragorn was willing to do it.
A few minutes passed before Eldarion replied with a very shaky voice. “Yes Ada. I think you need to enter first though and hold up Anduril as high as you can. That way whatever it is can see Anduril and it might just go away by the sight of it alone.” Trying not to smile at his young one’s ‘strategy’, Aragorn nodded at the Guard to open the door and half dragging Eldarion behind him, they entered the young Crown Prince’s room.
They entered slowly and carefully. Aragorn moving cautiously to try and keep Eldarion calm. Also to ensure the boy did not make some sort of movement and cause an accident due to the sword being bumped while in his father’s hand. Aragorn held up Anduril as high as he could and by using his most majestic tone of voice called out, “I am the King Elessar of Gondor and Arnor. Who dares disturb the sleep and rest of my son Eldarion, Crown Prince of these lands?”
Silence answered the King’s Challenge.
Walking into the room, Aragorn could see the covers of Eldarion’s bed in a tumbled mess. Beside the pillow, he could just make out the outline of a small wooden sword. The King could not keep the smile off his face as he thought about the day only two weeks earlier when Legolas and Gimli had paid a visit. It was a beautifully made replica of the sword Aragorn held in his hand. He knew it had rarely left Eldarion’s side since being given, but this was the first time Aragorn knew his son slept with it. “Just like another little boy I used to know who did the same with his first wooden sword.” The King thought with a small grin.
Aragorn’s thoughts were swept aside by the gasp of horror Eldarion made and by how the little one’s grip of his hand had become tighter. Crouching down to look his son in the eye Aragorn asked, “What is it ion nin? What did you hear?” Rubbing the top of Eldarion’s hand with his thumb, Aragorn waited for his son’s answer. He could not understand what was going on however. He had not heard anything unusual and the room certainly appeared to be the same as it always was.
Eldarion looked at his father in shock. “Ada, did you not hear that howling from outside my window? What is it?” By this time, Eldarion’s eyes had doubled in size and were filled with fear. After hearing the word “howling” in the boy’s description, Aragorn knew instantly what had happened. He also berated himself for not expecting this to happen at the start of Eldarion’s fifth winter. It had happened to him as well many moons ago.
Placing Anduril on his son’s bed, Aragorn picked up Eldarion and headed over to the room’s rocking chair that sat near the fireplace. Sitting down in the chair and placing the boy in his lap, Aragorn started to rock his son. Speaking softly and soothingly, Aragorn started to explain. “That howling you hear pen neth is nothing to be alarmed or frightened over. At least not here in your chambers and us snug and safe from the weather outside. It is only the wind.”
Eldarion gave his father a puzzled look. “But Ada...It can not be. The wind is gentle, soft and...and...” The young Prince paused searching for the right word, “It is a friend. It does not make that sound.” Eldarion looked up at his father with a stubborn pout on his face. Aragorn tried to keep the laughter inside and the grin off his face in front of his son. Even at this young age, when Eldarion had that look on his face, he bore an uncanny resemblance to Lord Elrond when he was angry about something.
“Eldarion, I imagine the wind must sound very different here in your own bedchamber than it did in the nursery. Does it not?” Looking down, he could see Eldarion nodding. Keeping his voice soothing, Aragorn continued, “It must also be strange not to have Lessien sitting nearby whenever you need her or to be down the hallway in your own chamber instead of just beside your Naneth’s and mine. Is that why you sleep with your sword beside you in bed pen neth?” Once again all the little boy did was nod and snuggled a little closer to his father.
Smiling at his young son Aragorn told him, “Eldarion, the wind sounds that way now because winter is coming. The wind changes with the seasons. It must sound very frightening when you have never heard it before at night when you have been by yourself. Even in your own chamber.” The King moved his son so Eldarion was in a more comfortable position on his lap. “I know it must sound like a creature from one of your books of tales pen neth, but it is not. In fact, a very long time ago, I did the very same thing you did tonight.”
Eldarion looked up at his father with wide eyes. “You Ada?” The little boy was amazed. His father was The King after all. The strongest man he knew. His father was not afraid of anything. Or at least the small boy believed.
Aragorn grinned at his son. “Yes ion nin. Even I am afraid of things from time to time. Would you like to hear how I learned the winter wind is nothing to fear?” With Eldarion’s nod, Aragorn settled himself into the rocking chair and began to tell his son a tale that took place many, many moons ago.
~*~*~*~*~*
Rivendell
Glorfindel had just laid his head down on his pillow. It had been a long and tiring day in the Last Homely House. Between the group of visiting elves from Lothlorien arriving and various errands needing seen to, it had been a day seemingly without end. The Elven Lord was looking forward to finally getting some rest. Just as Glorfindel was drifting off though, he heard his door bang open and a small body flung itself into bed with him.
“Glorfindel, help me!!”
Groaning from the impact of a little boy landing on top of him at full speed, Glorfindel managed to sit up. Gathering the shaking little one into his arms, he asked, “Estel, whatever is the matter? Have you had a bad dream?” Lord Elrond’s foster son was now sitting beside him and obviously frightened over something.
“Not a dream Glorfindel, but I heard something. Something not right. Some creature is outside my chambers. I heard it howl.” The small boy’s eyes were wide and filled with horror. The elf was puzzled. He knew no creature would have been able to pass the border patrols and gain entry into the lands of Imladris without being seen. Suddenly Estel stiffened and he cried out, “Glorfindel...There it is again. It is outside your chambers now. It must have followed me here. Help me!!” The little boy flung himself into the Elven Lord’s arms.
“Oh Estel...” Glorfindel hugged the trembling boy close to him and started rubbing the little one’s back. “Estel, it is only the wind making that noise. Do you not know it singing when you hear it?” As the little boy’s sobs started to die down, Glorfindel drew back and looked the little one in the eye. “Why did you come here pen neth instead of to your Naneth or Ada?” Even as Glorfindel asked, he had a feeling he knew the answer.
Rubbing his eyes, Estel replied, “Well...I did not want Naneth or Ada to think I could not sleep in my own chambers. I know they think I am too young for them. Glorfindel...Are you certain it is the wind? I do not remember the wind ever sounding like that. Why do you say it is singing?”
Settling himself for a long conversation with his Elven Lord’s foster son, Glorfindel put his arm around Estel and said, “The reason the wind is sounding as though it howls Estel is because winter is coming. Winter storms are on their way and the wind changes her tone to match the season. Spring and summer winds have lovely gentle breezes and warm gusts. Fall and winter bring howling gales and bitter chills. Each have their own melody pen neth, but none of them are frightening when you are indoors and safe. Most especially in your own home.” Glorfindel noticed Estel was starting to relax.
“Each and every season has its own windsong pen neth. If you listen to them, they may tell you many things just by the pitch and tone of the notes. Tonight, the wind is singing frost and snow is on the way. You may have snow for Yule this year after all.’ Looking down at the sleepy boy in his arms, Glorfindel said to him, “Most of all Estel, they can sing you to sleep if you let them. The wind and her songs are never anything to fear when you are in a safe place. Close your eyes pen neth and listen to the winter wind sing.”
Feeling Estel snuggle against him, Glorfindel managed to tuck the covers over the both of them. He realized the little one was staying for the night. This time. Just as he was about to lay back down, he felt a poke in his ribs. Knowing an unspoken question when he felt it, he asked, “Yes Estel?”
Sleepily, the little boy looked up and asked, “You will not tell Naneth or Ada this happened, will you Glorfindel? I do not want them thinking I am too little to have my own chamber. Especially over something like being frightened by a windsong.” There was a pleading look in Estel’s eyes the Elven Lord had a hard time not laughing over.
“Not to worry pen neth. This shall be our secret. Now, close your eyes. I am here and you are safe. Close your eyes and let the windsongs sing you to your dreams.” Smiling as he looked down at the little boy, Glorfindel arranged the covers over the both of them again, then drew the little one close to him. Giving Estel an hug, he noticed the boy was already sound asleep and deep in dreams. Smiling Glorfindel lay his head back down on his pillow and finally started to drift off to his own dreams.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Minas Tirith
Looking up at his father, Eldarion asked, “Is that the truth? No creature is outside my window? It is just the wind?” The young boy wanted to believe his father, but was not quite certain. Those howls sounded exactly how he imagined a Warg sounded like. “There really are windsongs?” The little boy was calmer now, but ever since Aragorn had picked up Eldarion and sat down with him in the rocking chair, the boy had moved his grip from his father’s hand to his shoulder. It was still there and had a very tight grip of both the shoulder and his father’s tunic.
“Yes, pen neth nin. There are indeed windsongs. I know the wind sounds like a horrible creature howling in wait outside your window. There is no creature there though. I know because your window is on the side of the Citadel that is also part of the edge of the seventh circle. No creature can scale that climb. Also, the wall is smooth. There is nothing for a creature to gain a hand hold. Will you allow me to show you Eldarion?” The young Prince looked at his father with terrified eyes. Aragorn gave him a reassuring smile, “I will be beside you, as will Anduril. Will you not allow me to show you there is nothing to fear?”
Aragorn waited while his son made up his mind. After all this time, it still amazed him this little boy was really his and Arwen’s. It made Aragorn realize all the years of waiting they had endured to be together was worth it in the end, as it brought this precious little boy into his world. Finally seeing the briefest of nods from Eldarion, Aragorn put his arms around his son and rose from the rocking chair. Pausing at Eldarion’s bed to pick up Anduril, they headed for the window.
“Look out pen neth. There is nothing to fear. I have you and I will not let anything happen.” Aragorn felt Eldarion’s hold on his tunic tighten as his little boy moved towards the window, took a long look out and around from it. As time passed, Aragorn noticed his son’s grip of his tunic gradually ease. “Do you see Eldarion? There is nothing out there to fear. Also listen. Do you hear the winter wind singing her song? I believe when you head outside in the morning to play, there will be snow on the ground of the Citadel. The wind is singing snow is on the way.”
Eldarion lay his head on his father’s shoulder, “I hear it Ada. I am sorry I woke you. So sorry.” The little boy’s voice broke and he started to cry. Burrowing his head into his father’s shoulder, the tears quickly progressed to sobs. Aragorn propped Andruil up against the window sill and rubbed his son’s back hoping to calm him down.
“Oh Eldarion...You have nothing to be sorry about ion nin.” Turning away from the window, Aragorn carried Eldarion over to the boy’s bed and laid him down. Reaching for the blankets, Aragorn spread them over the two of them and curled up beside his son. “You heard something you had not heard before, thought you were in danger and came to me. You should never be ashamed of coming to me or your Naneth when you feel that way. Especially at night. The wind can sound very frightening at times and may also sound like something it is not.” Hearing his little one still sniffling, Aragorn asked, “Are you feeling ashamed you woke me in the middle of the night when it was only the wind?”
Looking up at his Ada, Eldarion nodded. “Ada...I do not need to go back to the nursery, do I? I like having my own chambers and not needing to worry about the girls playing with my things. Or taking my inks and ruining any of my drawings I make for you and Naneth. Not that I do not like playing with Gilrean or Celebrian, I do. It is just...” The little boy’s voice trailed off as he tried to figure out exactly what he wanted to say.
Smiling, Aragorn asked, “You like having a place of your own, but because of what took place this night you think you will go back to sleeping in the nursery?” Eldarion nodded again, with a little bit of fear back in his eyes. “Eldarion, do not worry. Your Naneth and I would not allow you to have your own chambers if we did not think you old enough for them. It is all right to be afraid at times pen neth. Fear is a natural thing to have. However, you have to face your fears or they will control you. Now that you know the wind will change how it sounds with the seasons, are you still frightened of it?”
Eldarion looked up at his Ada and shook his head, “No Ada. Now that I know it is only singing of winter coming and not a warg howling, I do not. I just feel sorry I did not figure that out on my own. I am now five and a babe no longer.” The little boy snuggled up beside his father, “Ada, even though I know it is only the wind singing and even though I am a babe no longer...Will you stay with me tonight?”
Looking down at his little boy, Aragorn smiled, but a small sigh escaped his lips at the same time. The King could not help but wonder how much time was left to the two of them for moments such as this. As Eldarion had just said, he was a babe no longer. Snuggling down beside his son the King replied, “Of course I will pen neth. Close your eyes and let the wind sing you to sleep and your dreams.” Feeling Eldarion relax beside him, Aragorn whispered in his son’s ear, “Dream of sneaking up and pelting Faramir with snowballs in the morning.”
Eldarion giggled, sat up and flung his arms around his father. “Hannon le Ada. For coming and aiding me this night. I love you Adar.” Aragorn hugged his little boy and as he did, he could not help but find tears coming to his eyes. Eldarion noticed and asked, “Is there something wrong Ada? Are you well?”
Aragorn grinned and laughed, then replied, “I am more than well ion nin and there is nothing wrong.” Looking down at his little boy he said, “I love you as well Eldarion. Now, I think we should try and find some rest. Let us lie back and listen to the song of the winter wind. Windsongs are beautiful things to listen to at night and very soothing as well.”
Lying down beside his son, Aragorn thought back to the night when he was a small child and Glorfindel told him about windsongs to calm his fears. Looking towards the window and hearing the whistling wind, Aragorn whispered a soft blessing on the Elven Lord and all he was taught by him. The same lessons he was now sharing with Eldarion and, someday, Eldarion’s twin sisters who were sleeping in the nursery down the hall. Turning back to look down on his now sleeping son, Aragorn snuggled close to him, closed his eyes and let the winter wind once again sing him off to his dreams.
The End
Dedication
Dedicated in loving memory to my Uncle Clarence who one night while looking after me taught me about windsongs.
Translation of Elvish Words
pen neth ~ Little one
pen neth nin ~ My little one
ion nin ~ My son
Adar ~ Father
Naneth ~ Mother
Ada ~ Daddy
hannon le ~ Thank you