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Findekáno’s arms ached as he pulled himself up over the last ledge of his climb, and he collapsed, satisfied onto the cliff’s edge. He took several deep breaths, relishing the satisfying soreness in his muscles, and stared up into the blue sky.
After a few minutes, Findekáno got back to his feet to continue his journey. He was so close, he could see the great bronze and copper pillars that welcomed travelers to Tarmatambë, the Great Hall of Tulkas. His heart beat faster in excitement, and he broke into a run, crossing the last hundred yards of tall green grass in a sprint.
He came to a halt just outside the entrance gate, looking up in awe at the mighty pillars Aulë himself had crafted. Beyond he could see a many-storeyed castle that seemed to spring up out of the air, its base concealed by thick white clouds. Afar off, he heard the sounds of a tourney: horses, the clashing of steel on shields, cries of triumph and exertion.
Findekáno’s blood was hot with anticipation. Yes, this was the place for him! He was named Astaldo by his mother, for his valiant temper, yes, but also for Tulkas. And now he had arrived at Tarmatambë, and would learn from the mighty Vala himself.
He knocked upon the gate, and after only a short moment, there he was: Tulkas Astaldo, in all his glory, easily twice Findekáno’s height or taller. His complexion was a deep bronze, only a few shades lighter than the coppered alloy that made up the pillars of his home; his eyes shone bright blue, more brilliant than sapphires; his hair and beard were a rich, golden yellow. He wore no shirt, only a pair of unremarkable trousers, and was likewise barefoot and bare-handed. His muscular form gleamed in the Treelight, and patterns of Power and Music shifted and swirled just beneath his skin.
Findekáno knelt before him, bowing his head. He had served Valar before, even Manwë himself, but the awe and radiance of each of the Powers overwhelmed him each time. Tulkas had no halo, but he did not need one to display his utter strength and majesty.
“Rise, Findekáno Astaldo Ñolofinwion,” Tulkas commanded, and offered him a hand. “Your esteemed mother, disciple of my fair wife Nessa Melesta, sent word of your coming, and I have eagerly awaited your arrival.”
Findekáno’s heart pounded as he took the Vala’s offered hand. Tulkas grasped him firmly by the forearm and squeezed, and though he could easily have crushed every bone in Findekáno’s body, instead the gesture was full of warmth and friendship.
“I am honored, Lord Tulkas, to join your service,” he said, keeping his voice steady through sheer force of will, “if you would have me.”
“Gladly!” Tulkas exclaimed. “To have such a noble, valiant prince among my knights is a high honor.” He beamed, released Findekáno’s arm, and beckoned him inward, toward the castle and the courtyards.
Findekáno smiled broadly, following him with a lightness in his step that he had not felt in a while. Though he would miss his friends and family whilst he served in Tarmatambë, he was beyond excited to begin his training, and Tulkas’ easy, cheerful friendship reminded him how deeply the Valar loved the Eldar, despite what certain cousins and their fathers might think otherwise.
“Ah—look!” Tulkas stopped and chuckled, reaching down to gently pluck something off of Findekáno’s tunic. “Another new friend!”
Findekáno blinked, peering at what was now perched on the Vala’s finger. “A ladybug?” he said.
Tulkas blew at the little creature, and it spread its wings, flying up into the air. “She must have hitched a ride on your way here,” he said. “Tell me, Findekáno, was the journey as challenging and fulfilling as you hoped?”
“And more,” Findekáno assured. “I love to climb, and those cliffs took all my concentration. And the river I had to ford—I nearly drowned!”
To some, the prospect of such trials before even reaching Tarmatambë would be far too much. A certain cousin of his had said as much, before he left. But for Findekáno and those who would follow Tulkas Astaldo, it was the perfect way to begin a stint in the Vala’s service.
(Findekáno pushed any thoughts of that cousin out of his mind. Their quarrel before his departure was of no importance here. He had come in part to refocus himself, to find himself again. To prove he was more than just Maitimo’s...whatever. He hadn’t even been able to bring himself to name it! Well—that was why he had left, if only for a time.)
“I am glad to hear it!” Tulkas exclaimed. “And gladder still to welcome you into my home. You will fit right in with my other knights. Come, and let us watch the end of today’s tourney! And perhaps tomorrow, you might enter yourself!”
Findekáno grinned, and followed his Vala to the courtyard. Yes—here was a place just for him. Here was a place to prove himself. Here was a place to forget the tensions of Tirion, and cousins, and simply be Findekáno Astaldo. Here was a place where he could belong.