Galadriel and her family moves to Lothlorien. Elrond is not impressed by a certain new arrival.
The Gathering Storm
S.A. 1350, Lindon
Dear Elros
News reached us that Aunt Galadriel has finally called it quits and moved her household to the realm of King Amdir across the mountains. Half the court here in Lindon are scandalized but methinks it a smart political move on her part seeing Annatar's position as Lord Celebrimbor's right-hand man (and some claim consort) is nigh set in stone. I do wonder if she intends to offer her daughter up as a potential bride to Prince Amroth (the poor sod). King Amdir better watch himself. I heard Aunt Galadriel has it in for him since a certain feast back in the First Age. Another reason for the move would probably be the growing Dwarf population in the city. Celebrimbor was always big on collaborations – though I do wonder if they ever got round to fixing that project in Khazad-dum.
Have not seen or heard from little Celebrian for a while. Gildor claims she was growing into quite a beauty. Then again, Gildor also claims Adar Maglor has been spotted in Eregion begging outside a seedy tavern. I believe it a case of mistaken identity as I cannot picture Tyelpe leaving his uncle to rot in the gutters of his own city. I imagine Celebrian would take after her Nana. Work has kept me in Lindon all this while and I have not had leave to go too far afield to visit Tyelpe or make a trip to Tol Himring. The last time I dropped in back in Year 1300, it would seem that Ada Maglor has quit the place for good. No, I did not have the time to dig about the sand dunes on the beach to see if he was buried under them.
That Annatar fellow still disturbs me and Gil-galad, even if he is said to be sent by the Valar. His Majesty is now wary of writing to Celebrimbor. Gildor also confided in me that Annatar disturbs him as well. I do wish I had had the time and opportunity to stick a dagger in him at that banquet. Somehow I cannot shake off the feeling this Annatar will return to bite us in the ass.
On the upside, your descendants are doing well in Numenor and resettling parts of the south with a decided push inland. We do receive the occasional diplomat but nothing as outstanding as a visit by a crown prince. Actually, I think it is kind of boring – nothing but an exchange of greetings and pleasantries. Whatever mischief in the East seems to have quietened but I doubt we have seen the end of it. Gil-galad wonders if it has anything to do with Annatar and I will not be surprised if it did. Lord Cirdan called on Gil-galad to discuss the calm before the storm as they call it. However, he is of the firm belief it is not Morgoth breaking out from the Void yet, or we would have heard from Earendil by now.
Actually, I have no idea why I am keeping up this correspondence with you, knowing things here in Middle-earth no longer concern you directly and your descendants haven't exactly been on familiar terms with us.
Elrond
S.A. 1500, Eregion
Dear Elros
I knew it! That Annatar was not to be trusted. Why else would he take off without a word after coaching Celebrimbor's people into achieving the pinnacle of smithwork in Eregion? Actually, those rings do not look anything much to me. Adar Maglor has made his reappearance and narrowly escaped being lynched by an angry mob. Gildor not thrilled we had to risk our necks to save him. Maglor insists that the rings be melted down and cast into the river. Some of the smiths seem to accept his suggestion but Celebrimbor reluctant to destroy any of the 16 Rings of Power. Methinks he is still distraught over his mentor's leaving without a word. Is that any hope that Annatar is quietly lying in a shallow grave outside the city walls with a harp string round his neck? I know it is unlikely but one could always hope. When I asked, Maglor smacked me and said he thought Gil-galad would have coached the Feanorion aggressiveness out of me by now, or I have been hanging out with Aunt Galadriel too much.
We managed to round up most of the lesser rings to be melted down but Celebrimbor was adamant about storing the 16 away until Annatar returns. Your lock-picking skills would have been of great use to us as we could not crack the safe. Well, to be fair, we have no evidence on Annatar's ill intents yet, apart from Ada Maglor's ravings about the rings having the taint of Shadow on them. I had to sedate him before he annoys anyone else.
Celebrimbor is still hoping dear Annatar just took off for a scenic trek down south. Well, I am not holding my breath. He swears to continue perfecting his art and create more Rings of Power. I utterly despair of talking sense into our misguided cousin.
Elrond
S.A. 1580, Lindon
Dear Elros
Methinks we have a situation on our hands. Our High King Gil-galad has been writing excessively to a certain Ruling Queen and her to him in return. He calls it a meeting of minds but I call it a disaster in the manner of Aegnor and Andreth. I do not see any Valar popping up to sanction this budding relationship. I know she is unmarried but she is mortal. We are going around pretending all is chaste and there is absolutely no chance of romance. Even her young nephew and heir finds it embarrassing. I do not mean to pry but I am required to keep a copy of all royal letters. On the surface, both are trying to keep their distant, aloof facade. Gil-galad insists that he only admires Tar-Telperien's intellect – I do hope it is not the same way Aegnor admired Andreth's wisdom.
That aside, Prince Minastir brought over a royal portrait of his aunt and Gil had it put up in his study. Then he had me fix an appointment for the first time ever with a portrait-painter so he could return the favour. Perhaps he hopes to pique her interest enough to make a sea-voyage to Middle-earth? Perhaps Tar-Telperien is just playing coy and has no intention of sailing over to meet Gil in person, or she fears the spark of passion might take for real.
Come on, do you see me reply Celebrian's letters with rambling discourses into music and Elven lore? If our little cousin is serious about becoming a healer, I am sure there are lots of potential teachers in Lothlorien. I only intervene to correct her when her mistaken understanding of herbs could cause grievous bodily harm or worse to any unwitting patients. How did she ever get the notion poison ivy could be used externally for urinary tract infections?
Ada Maglor not helping by reminding us that his parents started off with a meeting of minds before conceiving their eldest in his Grandpa's forge. At least if Gil-galad and Telperien keep the sea between them, I will remain the only Peredhel on these shores. Checked in with Gildor and Cirdan on whether there was a chance of the pair's mutual interest developing further, but their advice for romance runs along the lines of finding a room (or quiet spot in the woods) and getting down to business.
Elrond
P.S. It might interest you to know Ada Maglor has grown a beard worthy of a Dwarf and is making use of his rugged new looks to slip in and out of our cities like some Mannish tramp.
S.A. 1600, Lindon
Dear Elros
A messenger showed up with a gift from Celebrimbor for Gil-galad – a pair of fancy rings crafted by Cousin Celebrimbor himself. Vilya and Narya. Celebrimbor insisted that the rings not be worn but be hidden away. Gil-galad insisted Lord Cirdan be given Narya, arguing it was better the rings be held by two different elves. Fortunately for us, Lord Cirdan was on hand to accept the task of safeguarding Narya due to his visiting a certain lady-friend in out that Annatar was Sauron himself. We really didn't see that one coming, did we?
We were also informed in Celebrimbor's letter that a certain bearded elf was sent east with a third ring for Lady Galadriel. Do you suppose it would be enough to stop her from throwing Ada Maglor to the wolves? I really wished Celebrimbor had thought things through properly before sending his uncle out.
I would like to continue chatting but Gil-galad insists we go dust off the old armour and take stock of the citadel's armoury.
Your brother
Elrond
P.S. Some golden-haired idiot just stormed into the room demanding to see the High King. Poor Gil-galad was caught behind the door when it burst open.
P.P.S. Just met Glorfindel of Gondolin, Balrog-Slayer, sent by the Valar to aid us. Fool just gave His Majesty a concussion with that door. He claims there were two Maiar sent with him but he lost them somewhere. Methinks the Valar must hate us Exiles.
Author's Notes:
Despite Elrond's concerns, there is nothing going on between Gil-galad and Tar-Telperien, just an intellectual attraction. Glorfindel made quite an impression.
I am not sure when the folks in Eregion caught onto who Annatar is and when the Three Elven Rings were sent out. I suppose the next chapter will have Tyelpe on a pole.