1240

Several years had passed since Surion was proclaimed the Heir to the Throne. The family of Anarion lived in Emerie in the house that were once Erendis.

Anarion was often in Armenelos, and one in a while, he took Lendalle or Surion with him, but never his daughters.

Surion abilities with riding and using the bow at the same time became famous. Many young people came to Emerie and learned to ride and use weapon for competitions.

Larcatal was proud over his grandchild, and often sat and watch the youth of Numenor engage in such sports. This year Larcatal died, and he was buried like Hallacar in a hill on the plains of Emerie.

Surion was very sad with the loss of the grandfather and this year his passion was turned away from that of sport.

He came to see his parents.

He said; "I have to open my heart for you, mother and father"

He said "Our Queen have send maids to live with us, and cater for our needs. They stay here only a few years to be replaced by others. However I have become close with one of them, and she tells me she is a spy from Armenelos, and that must report back to the Queen,"

Anarion said; "I am not surprised that our queen will do that, this was expected"

Surion continued; "However she is reluctant to follow her Queen, but my heart follow her, and she is the one I want to marry. I love her!"

Anarion said; "who is she?"

Surion answered; "Her name is Cemenie; she is not of the house of Elros, and I fear that grandmother will disapprove of her,

Anarion said; "Then wait son, you can get my blessing when I become king. Love is more important than hediridty.

When Surion sisters heard about this story, their mind was made up. They told their parents that they would be leaving for Middle Earth.

Lendalle cried and said; "If you do not find happiness in Middle Earth, will you return?"

"Yes, mother!" Minyane said; "but it will not be under the reign of Tar-Ancalime."

Surion looked at his father, and said; "-and if you do find happiness remember the king can change the laws of Numenor! Regardless of what happens, I promise to come to visit you, my sisters."

Anarion added; "I will send orders to Middle Earth that you shall be given the house where I stayed in Thrabad."

The girls left from Romenna harbour. Surion and his parents were there. Anarion and Lendalle cried, but Surion was confident he would see his sisters again.

Lendalle gave the girls an Oiolaire bough. She said; "Attach this to the bow of your ship. This is an ancient symbol of safe return from the first journeys of the Numenoreans to Middle Earth. Now long forgotten."

While the girls and their mother attached the bough to the bow of the ship, Anarion spoke with the captain of the ship.

When the ship left Romenna, the two girls were holding each others hands. Attane said; "I hope our choice is right."

Minyane answered; "I believe it is and that he will be waiting for us."

After the ship left Romenna bay and started the long journey onto the sea, the captain address the girls.

"Your father ordered me to sail to Lindon and asked for an elf called Sultar to escort us to Vinyalinde afterwards."

The girls looked at each other.

Attane said; "Did he also state that we will command this ship and you should obey our orders?"

The captain confirmed this.

"Then sail directly to Vinyalonde. We will find our way to Tharbad without escort! When you return to Romenna you can tell our father that this was our command for you."

The captain bowed to respect the wishes of the girls.

In Eregion, Celebrimbor was looking at his jewel.

"How will I ever be capable of using your beauty?" he said to himself.

Annatar stood not far away. He said; "The jewel can be enchanted and it beauty include more than itself."

Celebrimbor; "I know! However this requires a heat that can melt this, and no such heat exist in Middle Earth"

Annatar said; "-but it does! Beneath the tallest mountains of Middle Earth, you will find rivers and lakes of fire, the heat and strength of which is matched only by the sun."

Celebrimbor said; "However, this is far underground. The Eldar look for the sky, not into the ground."

Annatar then said; "-But the Naugrim do! You have befriended them. Ask them to search the deepest caves beneath their home. In time, they will find this fire. To master such heat will be of great benefit for them in many ways. However, if you must you can offer them a part of what I gave you, if you must."

Celebrimbor though over Annatars words. Then he said; "I see no harm in asking them, after all the fire must belong to them. I will do so."

Annatar bowed; he left Eregion, but promised to return.

When Celeborn heard about Annatars suggestion for Celebrimbor. He said; "I have seen what becomes of making friendship with the Naugrim, for the sole purpose of creating beauty. The slew my master, king Thingol of Doriath! Celebrimbor should be careful working with the Naugrim; they possess no heart, which you can trust."

Galadriel commented; "However if one let go of pride and prejudice, you can foresee their reactions. I fear more those I cannot read."