Disclaimer: It's not mine, it's not yours, it's Tolkien's.

A/N: Everything here is a bit AU. But then how can you write anything without it being AU? One noticeable part is taken directly from Tolkien. It should be hopefully obvious, as it is the best thing on this page!

"talking"- Elvish. I don't have the skill to translate the various dialects into anything I would be happy with. Those who can: I salute you.

Foreign guests, new allies: Prolouge

In the distance, a single ship slowly made its way towards the shoreline. Long and sleek, it seemed to dance across the waves, glowing with an unearthly light against he gray morning. On the deck a single cloaked figure stood, staring unwaveringly at the dock before him.

On the shore two figures stood, watching as the ship approached them.

"My lord, do you recognize the vessel?" asked the younger of the two shipwrights. A look of worry crossed Celegil's fair face. "Never have I seen its make before, it is not from the havens. Should I call the guard?"

Silence hang between them for a moment before an answer broke the false calm of the morning. "No," said the imposing figure. He was clad in long dark blue robes, with his dark hair puled back from his face in a single braid for functionality."I have never seen this particular ship before, and I can only guess to who the occupants are," Here he paused and for a moment he seemed troubled by some past thought, and Celegil was about to interrupt when he continued. "The make of the ship, I remember well. I would guess that it comes to us from the far West, Alqualonde, city of the swans, and thus from our Telari brethren. However they would not have any desire to come here. The kin-slaying ways heavy still on their minds, as it does for all who remember that day,"

The ship reached the end of the dock and the pair could now see that there were five figures, all clad in heavy robes. Men they seemed, though they appeared age. A lone voice rang out from the ship, imperious and resolute.

"Hail, lord of the havens. May peace find you and your people on this day." The speaker was clad in white sea-stained robes.

The two elves tried to hide their astonishment. The man had addressed them in flawless Elvish. Neither had ever encountered such a thing before. The elder replied.

"Well met my friends, I am Cirdan, Master of these waters, and lord of the Grey Havens. What brings you to these shores? And what may I ask are your intentions?"

The melodic voice continued "Peace, Master Shipbuilder, we intend no harm to your fair land. We come from the West, as messengers of the Valar themselves."

Cirdan visibly shook and Celegil hastily bowed deeply and replied. "Then you arrival is truly fortuitous! May the light of Elbereth shine on you!"

Standing up straight Cirdan addressed the voyagers next. "Messengers you say, has news of our plight reached the ears of the great ones? What message is it you bring? And who, may I ask are you to deliver it?"

Laughter broke out from the gray clad man next to the original speaker. "Never let it be said that Lord Cirdan is unwise. You are right to question us, as we are strangers. We are Istar, Maiar from the undying lands. We have come to this land to aid the peoples here. For my part, you may call me Mithrandir."

Here the first Istar interrupted him. "I my friend, am the leader of this little expedition. You may address me as Curunir. We are here to remind you that you are still in the thoughts of the Valar."

With that the group disembarked and came forward, Making their apologies the three previously silent figures made their excuses and departed into the East to the wonder of the present elves. Surprising both, the departing figures seemed to know exactly where they were going. Curunir, came up to Cirdan.

"I thank you again for your warm welcome, i look forward to speaking to you soon, but I must ask: Is there perchance a place nearby where I can break my fast?"

Cirdan smiled politely, subtly looking over Curunir's shoulder and caching an amused gleam in the eye of the Istar called Mithrandir. It was then that Cirdan was enlightened. Whether by the guide of the Valar, or by his own base instincts he knew that this man would be important, nay, vital for the future of Middle-Earth. He would aid him as much as he could.

Turning back to Curunir, he bowed his head and replied. "But of course, please allow me to offer you a place in my halls. Celegil will guide you to your room if you allow."

Curunir bowed his head in turn. "This is most generous of you my lord." He then turned to Celegil who was waiting, looking excited to be delegated such an important task.

"This way master Curunir." Together the pair walked away towards the home of Cirdan, leaving the Istar and Elven lord behind together on the dock.

"Your leader is quick to answer," Said Cirdan slowly "But long in the giving of actual information. You say you are Istar. Wizards men would call you, but their memory is short. Who is it that you serve friend?"

Mithrandir smiled once again, the ever-present twinkle of mirth still in his eye. "Wise among your people you must be my lord, for you are quick to the point and hard driven from your task. For myself I can tell you that I myself am in the service of Lorien, Master of dreams"

Something tugged again at the corner of Cirdan's mind. He knew what he had to do. But first he had to have answers. This was not a decision to make lightly. "May I ask you Mithrandir what it is that Irmo and the others find so important, what it is that causes them to send you now, after the war?"

For the first time since their meeting the mirth and smile was gone from the face of the wizard. Without them he looked troubled and grave. "Quick to the heart of the matter once again. The war is over, true but Sauron is not truly defeated. He will bide his time and gather his strength. We cannot let him get what he wants."

Cirdan did not know what answer he wanted, but this was good enough for him. He reached beneath his robes and pulled out a ring on a chain. Removing it he handed it to Mithrandir. "Take this ring Master," he said, " for your labours will be heavy; but it will support you in the weariness that you have taken upon yourself. For this is the Ring of Fire, and with it you may rekindle hearts in a world that has grown chill. But as for me, my heart is with the Sea, and I will dwell by the grey shores until the last ship sails. I will wait for you."

With that they parted. It would be many years before they met again and many journeys and deeds would take place in-between. But it seemed to Cirdan that the clouds had parted and the sun graced the city near the sea.

TBC

Reviews would be appreciated, and answered as best as I can.