Disclaimer: The settings and characters of the Silmarillion belong to J.R.R. Tolkien and his estate. This story has been crafted solely for entertainment purposes, and no copyright infringement is intended. Many thanks to PlasticChevy for inspiring the character of Gilthaethil.
Chapter One - Prologue - The Rising Dark
Long ago, when the Jewel Smiths ruled Eregion, Sauron, feigning goodwill, wholly deceived the Elven artisans. With fair mien hiding a false heart, the Dark Lord exchanged knowledge with the Elves and guided them in the forging of rings of Power. Many rings were crafted under his tuition, and every one of them was poisoned with his malice.
Celebrimbor, of Fëanor's line, greatest in skill, 'twas said, since Fëanor himself, learned best the art of ring making. Not only was he gifted in the crafting of jewels, however, he was also possessed of wisdom and foresight. Sensing that the days of peace were drawing to an end, and that the Darkness would soon return, he secretly wrought three great rings of Power: the Ring of Air, the Ring of Water, and the Ring of Fire. Celebrimbor hoped that the power in these rings might halt the encroaching Shadow, safeguard the world of the Eldar, and protect the free races of Middle Earth.
Sauron's hand never touched the Three. His eyes never beheld them. Yet he knew of their existence as soon as they were made, and he devised a foul scheme to bend them to his will. Deep in the fiery depths of Orodruin, he forged a mighty ring of his own, a ring so powerful that it would overcome even the great power of the Elves. But as Sauron pronounced the words that would forever enslave the Eldar, Celebrimbor became aware of his betrayal, and hid the Three.
The Dark Lord was consumed with rage, and he prepared to unfurl his wrath upon the Jewel Smiths. Celebrimbor sensed that time was growing short. He fortified his city, and armed his folk for battle. But he knew full well that his people's strength lay in their mastery over the jewels of the earth, and not in their skill at the arts of war. He foresaw the destruction of Eregion, and resolved to send the Three Rings to the King for safekeeping, with the dire warning that they should never again be wielded openly, so long as Sauron held the One.
And so it was that in the wan light of a late winter's dawn, three messengers left Ost-en-Edhil. They rode west, bearing secret messages and powerful gifts for Gil-Galad, King of the Noldor of Middle Earth, and mightiest of the Elven Lords.
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To be continued