I am not sure if the other Kings of Numenor like Tar-Minastir and the like ever visited Lindon but we can safely presume there were Numenorean envoys calling for a time between the Ruling Queens Tar-Ancalime and Tar-Telperien.

Lords Bearing Gifts

Second Age 1100, Lindon

Dear Elros

News finally reached us in Lindon. Tar-Aldarion is no more. I suppose things must be getting a little crowded on Numenor as many of your people have sailed back to Middle-earth to set up settlements among the local populace in the south during his reign.

We heard from the envoy sent by his successor – Tar-Ancalime, first Ruling Queen of Numenor – that she would prefer to cut back on the diplomatic visits as her father's maritime ambitions had weighed heavily on the realm's coffers. Gil-galad is having me look into the trade agreements we currently have with Eregion and perhaps I can spend a few days with Cousin Tyelpe, if he is not too caught up with his work.

I am a little bewildered by the decision by so many of the Numenoreans visiting Middle-earth. Gil-galad says he imagines it was the same thing when the Noldor came to Beleriand, only without all that drama about Silmarils and Kinslayings. He then goes all wistful and starts singing an old Sindar song about the First Elves. When I asked if he ever thought of leaving for Aman someday, he only smiles and shakes his head. I imagine he feels it is his duty to the rest of us in Middle-earth to remain.

I do wonder if Ada Maglor ever feels the urge to sail home to Aman. Unlike Gil-galad and me, he was born in Valinor. I suppose Aunt Galadriel made her choice when she married a local lord from Elu Thingol's court. I read from Cousin Tyelpe's last letter that the couple are happily settling into their new lodgings in Eregion after another disastrous council meeting with King Oropher and King Amdir. She should have known pushing her husband forward was not going to endear them to those two kings, even if he was once a minor prince of Doriath. Between Elu Thingol and Dior's mismanagement, Doriath is no more and they do not need a distant nephew hanging about as a reminder of that painful incident.

I still miss you, you know. And I do wonder if you know all the things you are missing out – both good and bad – here in Arda.

Your brother

Elrond


Second Age 1200, Lindon

Dear Elros

Just encountered a rather disturbing visitor seeking audience with Gil-galad. A mighty fine-looking lord but there was just that little something off about him. I did not dally as His Majesty charged me with making preparations for an upcoming visit to Eregion. Does he have any idea how tedious it can be juggling the security detail and ceremonial escort required? It would be worth the effort if Aunt Galadriel appreciates the gifts for her coming child. I am hoping it would be a boy so that we can offer the post of herald to him when he comes of age. All this fetching and carrying for the High King is starting to get monotonous.

Ran into Gildor and Erestor. They are all gossiping about this Annatar chap, whom Gil-galad had uncharacteristically given short shrift to. I guess our royal cousin also sensed something off about this stranger. Erestor notes that said stranger was last seen riding off to Eregion. I do not hope we do not encounter him again there as things could get awkward.

Your brother

Elrond


Second Age 1200, Eregion

Dear Elros

You would never believe our ill luck. We reached Eregion to find Aunt Galadriel screaming in the birthing chamber, Celeborn passed out outside, and Celebrimbor nowhere in sight. Never imagined Aunt Galadriel could out-swear Lord Cirdan. Gil-galad even felt obliged to clap his hands on my ears as I was the youngest in attendance. I have heard worse from Mad Maedhros, I assure you, including creative observations in orc-speech. I did not hang about for the actual birth as I believe I have already attended enough of them in my role as a trainee healer in Lindon. I mean, all new babies look the same.

Found Celebrimbor, no, Lord Celebrimbor wining and dining some visitor – turns out it was the same Annatar Gil-galad sent packing from Lindon. It would appear he has won Cousin Celebrimbor over. It just makes my stomach turn watching Tyelpe fawn all over him. I mean, I am sure between you and your gem-smiths you could give him a run for his money. I am not impressed by those cheap trinkets he has been showing off. No, I am not jealous at all.

Fine, since everyone is otherwise occupied, I will go visit the Dwarves or something. I hear the Numenoreans are setting up permanent settlements down south. I suppose they would not mind if I go take a ramble there.

Feeling overlooked

Elrond


S.A. 1250, Eregion

Dear Elros

I believe I have previously mentioned my distrust of a certain Annatar. I am not alone. Aunt Galadriel went so far as to bribe me into sending a stray arrow his way during the Games. It seems she has been pushing rather vehemently from his expulsion from the city to no avail. Instead both she and her husband had been excluded from the city council on grounds they need to take their daughter in hand. And guess who has filled in that empty seat beside Celebrimbor? And to have to watch the pair carry on… Urgh… It's not the hand-holding and secret exchanges that get to me, but the sense that Annatar could very well be planning to cut our cousin's heart out.

Is it just me or was that Dwarf envoy – Narvi, I believe – looking a bit put out? I understand there was some grand collaboration with Khazad-dum and Tyelpe made a mess of it somehow. I am surprised Eregion has not been overrun by angry dwarves yet. He looked set to hurl an axe in Celebrimbor's direction or somewhere thereabouts. I hope he gets Annatar if he does. Gil-galad has discreetly shifted our chairs a couple inches to the right to allow for more leeway.

Met Celebrian – good grief. I think her parents have been neglecting her breeding between their politicking. She is a wild thing, with her hair all in tangles – I thought she was wearing a hat of rats' tails at a glance. Gildor took a liking to her and has been coaching her in archery. Methinks the child needs a new coach. By the way, I am writing this from the healing ward as said Celebrian sent an arrow into my shoulder as I sat in the royal box with my lord. She is trying to make it up me by playing nurse. Have not the heart to tell her there is no need to bandage my head.

Ah well…

Elrond

P.S. I never got a chance to send any arrows Annatar's way, so I better return that jewelled brooch to Aunt Galadriel once I can leave the ward. Or I can just pin it on her little girl and have her run home to Nana.

Author's Notes:

I am not sure if my portrayal of a less-than-mature Elrond has worn out its welcome. I like to think he is slowly maturing and will be fit law-son material for Lady Galadriel soon.

The mistake Elrond is referring to is the misnaming of Khazad-dum as Moria on the Doors of Durin.