And peaceful times they were.
It was the end of the Third age and the beginning of the next. All the elven had come to Aman. It had been strange at first, having all the ones, who in the past had spoken against the Valar authority, finally come here. The elves that had never seen the pure lands of Aman and Valinor were amazed by their beauty but unlike before there was no greed in their hearts or lust in their minds. The Calaquendi were the ones who put most effort in this transition from Middle-earth to Aman. They were the ones who guided the rest and helped them settle down, aiding them with all they could.
Thus the Quendi were once more united. Everything was different from the past ages. Time in Aman was different from that in Middle-earth and here everyone was immortal—even though the days flew by just as they had back in Middle-earth but it seemed as though the very time went by much slower. It seemed as if the first one hundred years had passed in the blink of an eye. During that time all of the elven cities flourished more and more as each decade passed them by. It was strange but somewhere in the middle of this century the Valar became more secluded and started dealing with a lot of matters without speaking about them with the elven leaders.
It had only been sixty years when Manwë saw what was to come and it was Varda who noticed his unease first. He explained to her what he had seen deep inside his thoughts where Ilúvatar's ideas lay and told her what needed to be done, according to this new plan of Eru's. Varda gathered the Valar and together with Manwë they explained what the close future held in store. Soon after, they called the most renowned of the Maiar and explained Ilúvatar's plan. It was Olorin, Arien and Ilmarë who offered their power and wisdom first, and, right after, Tilion, Eönwë and Uinen raised their voice. No more were needed.
Olorin paired up with Ilmarë, Arien with Tilion and Eönwë with Uinen, led by Manwë, Irmo and Yavanna. The Maiar couples held hands and a gentle song of beauty and creation filled their being and spread in the air around them. They knew that it was sent from none other than Ilúvatar himself. With his blessing they gave a part of their beings, a light so bright which connected to the other Maia's, and with the Valar's nurture and power the mix of the two lights turned into a being.
They were the next Maiar and the following Istari. The three couples and their respective Valar gave the beginning to three Children: Irmo, together with Eönwë and Uinen introduced Kelewin who possessed the wisdom, knowledge and power of both Eönwë and Uinen, some of Irmo's abilities also came easily to him. He already knew all that they did and felt like he had lived just as long even though he had come to be only moments before. It was the same with Arianrod, who had come to be by the hands of Olorin and Ilmarë, with the help of Manwë. Her wisdom and power were the greatest in between all of the Maiar and so were her beauty, compassion and love. Yavanna was the one to aid Arien and Tilion to give the beginning to Nualrion, the one who came from the last fruit of Laurelin and the last flower of Telperion. His power was immense and so were his intelligence and strength. He would always find solace in the woods, forests, and around all kelvar which were Yavanna's creations, and which he could also control.
When the three of them came to be, Ilúvatar's song faded. It had been done. They had become alive.
It was these three Children who were to be sent in Middle-earth, just like the Istari many years ago. Kelewin, Arianrod and Nualrion were the ones who had to make sure the Istari's work so many years ago was not done in vain.
Before they were sent to Middle-earth though, they had time to mix with the Children of Ilúvatar and live with them until the right time came for them to go to Arda. The elves turned out to be most helpful and they taught the Three Children the ways of Middle-earth. Even though they were of great help, what Olorin had given Arianrod was of a much greater value. He had spent a long time with the hobbits and people and he had given all his knowledge of them to her. It was only practice she lacked. After five short and fun years with the Calaquendi, the Three Children went to the Valar to receive their mission and blessings.
- It won't be too long before Sauron's evil makes new roots in a pure soul which belongs to Arda and another one from the very Aman. It will bring great sorrow and countless of battles. These were the plans of Ilúvatar. Go now, Children, to Middle-earth, do what you must to destroy the source of this dark power. But bear in mind that you may not, you are forbidden by the laws of this world, to dominate the peoples of Middle-earth or to match Sauron's power with your own. Beware, Children as one in the past did not.
His words were strong and vibrant and they sealed themselves inside the Children's minds. Accepting the task they bowed to the Valar. Varda was the one to speak first.
- The stars in the night skies will be your guides when you've lost your way.
- All waters will be friendly and helpful should you need to use them in your travels – Ulmo told them kindly.
Aulë did not promise them anything and warned them of the hostilities the Earth kept hidden within but he did give each one a necklace of his own making the likes of which had never been seen before.
- They will serve as a promise that the dwarves will aid you should you ever come in need of their help.
Nienna looked at each one of them with saddened eyes and said quietly:
- I give you the gift of faith, forgiveness and mercy. Tears are something you shouldn't be afraid to show.
Estë handed each one of them a small crystal flask with liquid that could heal any wound. She warned them to be careful of who they use it on, for the liquid was only enough to be used three times.
Vairë had weaved a cloak for each one of them to help them look older or younger should they need to hide their true faces.
Oromë gave each one a horse like no other; they were the strongest and fastest horses in all of Arda only coming after his own. They knew no fatigue or fear but they had to be fed well and often, and their hair had to be brushed every night.
Mandos did not give them anything but he only warned them:
- Out there in Midde-earth there are old, lost souls which have not come to my halls yet. You may address them and they may answer to you. No more will I promise. But afterwards, you are to send them my way. Remember that for I will not tolerate ignorance.
Tulkas was aware of what awaited the Children and gave each one the ability to wield one weapon of their choice. Nualrion chose the sword, Kelewin asked for the battle-axe and Arianrod chose the bow.
Tulkas's wife Nessa blessed their feet with silent speed and endurance.
Vána was kind and generous even though she did not give them as much as the rest of the Valar. She could not give them knowledge of all flowers and herbs that existed but she did give them the ability to sense their qualities. Of course, she warned them that they had to work on this ability, otherwise it would be lost.
After thanking the Valar and saying their goodbyes to the Maiar, the Children headed for the marine cities and the harbors. They were given a boat made especially for them and on the crack of dawn they sailed off to Arda.
