1174

It had been a while since the Eldars had been visiting Numenor, in great numbers. No one really remembered exactly when that was.

And nobody in Numenor had seen a parade like this before. It was as if all the Eldars of Valinor had return to the island. People remembered stories about the funeral of Elros Tar-Minyatur, the first king of Numenor, and they imagine this to be of the same scale. Little would they know that this would be the third last time the elves from Tol Eressea would visit Numenor.

It was the year of the birth of the third child of Lendalle and Anarion, a son, Neldeon.

The rumour of their arrival reached Armenelos, and Ancalime, Anarion and Lendalle received the elves in the courtyard of the King House. Lendalle had Neldeon in her arms, and Anarion stood with their daughters.

Ancalime spoke; "We, the people of Numenor, welcomes the blessed people from the west. This is always an honour. We owe you for helping us, by creating this beautiful home of ours. It is however long finished, so please tell us the reason for your visit.

An elf answered; "We are here to celebrate the return of love to Numenor." She looked at Anarion and Lendalle; "This couple present the love that should flourish among the Numenoreans."

She held forward a jewel. It was dark, almost black. Behold the black jewels of Valinor!

He went to Anarion and his daughters and handed Minyane. The princess bowed when receiving the gift. Another elf handed Attane a similar gem.

The gems were large almost as eggs.

An elf said; "These are the gems of Valinor. It was from them Feanor created the Silmarils by consuming the light of the trees. The light has gone, but the gems still remains in the mountains of our homes. They are unbreakable by any fire created by the children of Eru."

Anarion said; "Some says this material also resides beneath Meneltarma under the Ondo stones."

An elf said; "True, Numenor is created, so the flames of Udun can never reach it. Only Eru himself would be able to change this. Therefore, these gifts will never perish as long as Numenor exist."

The girls held the jewel up.

"Look it shines, even though it seems to be black"; Minyane said

The elf answered; "It is the presence of the white tree that makes it shine! Sail it from your island and it will become dark and lifeless."

Another elf approached Lendalle and handed her a present.

"This is a horn made in the image of Valaroma, the horn of Orome. Your son will make use of this, when he call upon the youth of Numenor! They will look up to him, and he will guide them wisely."

Lendalle bowed as much as she could holding Neldeon.

People gathered around the children to see the presents.

Ancalime stood alone and looked at her family and the elves. She felt their presence was around her son and his family and that she was neglected.

In Mordor, the construction of the foundation of the tower was finish, and all the stolen stone was used.

He came from the crack in the mountain.

The orcs gathered around the magnificent man. He could have been a giant warrior due to his statue, but his kind face would prevent anybody from believing this.

The orcs did not attack.

He said; "I have seen the fire of Udun! I thought it was extinguished in Middle Earth. Once it flamed in the north east of Middle Earth, the offspring's of my master tried to escape to their firing home, but the Vala had extinguished the fire and they were frozen in the cold ice that surrounded the north. However, other deep mountain gores extend to the depth of Udun. In those places, other of his servants may hide.

He looked at the orcs: "We should all prepare for his return! And create life so the final battle will be won."

One of the orcs looked at him; "But creation of life, like the first and second born was only for the creator himself to do. You cannot create such life!"

He answered; "No! Not at present! But you can!" He blinked his eye.

The orc did not understand!

"Fetch the Middle Men of Khand;" he commanded; "They will be my mouth and ears in Eriador!"