1900

Ever since the days of Tar-Surion, most of the young men of Numenor had competed in sports. First horseback riding, later weapons use. This had taken the enemy by surprise, as he did not expect the peace loving Seapeople to be mastering these skills when Tar-Minastir landed in Eriador.

Atanamir had return from several years in Middle Earth for his one hundred years birthday. The King held a party for his son, and many people from came to congratulate his son, including Murazor. Atanamir approached Murazor; "You have been here for thirty years now, have you learn all our customs?"

"I believe so;" Murazor answered.

"-and seen most of our island?" Atanamir continued.

"I have only been in Armenelos;" Murazor answered.

Atanamir laughed; "we will have to do something about this. Do you like to compete in sports?"

"Sports?" Murazor asked.

Atanamir gave examples; "running, swimming, wrestling, riding, archery…"

Murazor believed himself to be strong and an excellent rider and archer. He answered; "yes! However I cannot swim."

"Excellent! I will take you there for the next competition;" Atanamir said.

They rode south of the capital to where the young men were gathered. The men was currently engaged in wrestling.

After watching for a while, Atanamir asked if Murazor would like to participate. "These men are younger than you, and a lot younger than me, we ought to be stronger than them;" he said with a smile.

Murazor accepted the challenge, and prepared to wrestle one of the young men. Full of confidence Murazor attacked the man, but the Numenorean was fast and strong, and quickly threw Murazor to the ground. Murazor got up, but the same scenario was repeated. After Murazor was forced to the ground five times Atanamir said; "I am sorry, but this is now considered a loss, as we fight only nine rounds."

Murazor got up. He looked at his opponent, and said; "Maybe I did not fight a random opponent, but the best of you."

Atanamir said; "I think not." He walked to the young man and asked him if he was fit for another round.

Atanamir wrestled the young man a lot longer than Murazor, and eventually he became tired and Atanamir could win by forcing him to the ground.

Murazor said; "I am impressed by your strength!"

Atanamir said; "I have been practicing this since I was young. There are other sports in which I believe you will do much better."

Murazor and Atanamir stayed with the young men the entire day and competed with them. Murazor expected to be better at other disciplines like hitting a target with a bow and arrow from horseback, but he came last in most disciplines, and as the day passed, it was clear he was the weakest of them all.

Atanamir said; "After a day of sports, we feast and drink wine. The men have asked us to stay with them.

Murazor answered; "You do that! However I wish to return to Armenelos."

Atanamir smiled; "then perhaps another time, but if you have business home, so it must be. However before we depart you shall receive this."

He handed forward a bough with red flowers.

"What is it?" Murazor asked.

"A Nessamelda bough;" Atanamir answered. "I am surprised you did not know this. It is named after Nessa, the youngest Vala. One of the objectives of our sport is to have her speed and agility. The flowers can be dried and use to take away our current smell if mixed with water and put on your body. It is custom for all who begin training here to receive one from his master."

Murazor took it without speaking.

I wish you luck on your journey!" Atanamir then said.

Murazor left and returned home. He was very tired and the defeats had made him in a poor mode. He looked up at the King House on the mountainside. There were lights everywhere. It looked like a peaceful and beautiful place to be.

A few days after Murazor went to the King and asked for permission to travel around Numenor.

The king said; "you do not need my permission to do that. Our Island is rich on food and people will share with travelers. However, I will write you a letter that shows you are in the most trusted service of the King. It will allow you to stay everywhere and command anyone even the Earls that live at our capes. Only if you contradict another standing order of the King, you will be stopped.