Elrond and his companions arrive in Tol Eressea and get snared in immigration. You may take this as a sequel to Figwit's Journal.

Arrival

Fourth Age 1, Tol Eressea

Dear Arwen

We have reached the Undying Lands this morning. Mithrandir took the express lane through the immigration checkpoint with the Hobbits while the rest of us are stuck in the queue. Fortunately, your grandmother did not kick up too much of a fuss. She went below decks for a lie-down, as did Glorfindel. It strikes me as odd as there is no way they could be seasick in such calm waters.

Speaking of seasickness, you will be glad to know your favourite Uncle Mel is feeling a lot better. Kept down some gruel this morning after the storm broke. He is looking forward to meeting up with his parents. Met Lord Osse and Lady Uinen last night on approach to Valinor and they were a little frisky, which explained the patch of rough weather we encountered. Osse sent a rain of mackerel for our luncheon by way of apology.

Nothing has been decided yet on room and board. I intend to take rooms at an inn on Tol Eressea. Immigration rules require that newly arrived elves spend some time on the island to acclimate themselves to the 'light' of Valinor. Seems a nice place for a rest, if one overlooks the fact we are still stuck on the deck waiting to be 'processed'. Mithrandir is quite apologetic about the mess but he had his instructions from the Valar. Wish I have Lindir or your brothers to while the time away with. Mel is a good valet but he's not one for interesting conversation.

I sincerely hope Estel is treating you well… If he isn't, your brothers will sort him out. Miss you.

Your loving Ada

Fourth Age 1, Tol Eressea

Dear Arwen

Finally cleared immigration after two weeks on board a ship bobbing in the harbour. My fellow passengers were glad to see the end of the ship – they fired it, which was a crying shame given the work Cirdan's crew put into it. It was starting to reek. Will not speculate on how Captain Glorfindel and your grandmother ended up being fished out of the harbour with second-degree burns and smoke inhalation. They are warded in the infirmary as I write. Your grandmother is claiming it an omen she should cease her relationship with Fin. I sincerely hope they continue to be friends after this.

They could have hauled it ashore and turned it into an inn or something. Note numerous buildings made from ship timbers in Avallone. The sight of a fine ship going up in flames is enough to bring tears to the eye of an old elf. My foster father Maglor was there to meet me, along with your dear Nana.

Your Nana has improved tremendously since you last saw her. Maglor also introduced me to his lady-wife. My foster-mother never left Valinor and is of Teleri stock. They would be glad to have us lodge at their place (a charming cabin made of ship timbers, naturally). They have no elflings of their own and have adopted Celebrian as a daughter during her sojourn in Tol Eressea. Her grandfather tried to have her sent up to Tirion on arrival but was overruled by his council. Something about that Light of Valinor thing again, and the fact they had to send your Nana to Lorien for treatment. Maglor explained that he had to serve in Olwe's household as a servant for a time as penance for the First Kinslaying. They had him herding swans.

Mel is agog at how Ada Maglor ended up with such a lovely wife. Maglor is now a minstrel attached to Olwe's court, having redeemed himself in the eyes of the Lindar. He is a member of the Alqualonde Shore quartet – the other three being Fingon, Finrod Felagund and Ecthelion of the Fountain. Daeron was part of the group but left due to incompatibility of his music.

Have informed your Nana about your choice. She is not amused in the least. Hence I will be sleeping on the patio until further notice. Don't worry. The nights are balmy here and Maglor has kindly put up a cot there for me. Your Nana will come round eventually.

Am nervous about meeting the rest of the family – especially my real parents. I know they will be proud of you…

Your Ada, Elrond Earendilion

Author's Notes:

Fin - Elrond's nickname for Glorfindel

Mel- Figwit/ Melpomaen's nickname in the family.