Disclaimer: Only my original characters and the twisted storyline are mine, everything else belongs to those people with the money. Not me- I don't earn anything with it.

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Chapter 25: Home

Lyra was just happy that they had been able to get so many useful things and ideas to take with them. Her eyes glowed with glee at the thought of all those people in middle earth and how it would help them with their tasks. Galadriel would be so happy to get all those healing plants and a few saplings of the golden trees. Ithilien and even the grey haven would look quite different as well. It had been a hard fight to get into an conversation with the elves in Valinor but after the difficult start things had started to work smooth. At first it had looked as if the elves wouldn't even trade with them but Elrond proofed to be the skilled negotiator that she had known him to be. Really, without his skills she would have needed to imperio them all to get any kind of cooperation. Her love had a way to speak about the things he loved and appreciated that made it really hard for anyone to not listen. She loved it. He had been able to speak of Imladris, their hope for Ithilien and even the white city of Gondor in a way that people felt like they were actually walking through those places. Elrond had found a way to motivate them to help them with adding their own ideas. That had been an amazing feat and worked so fine because he went at first to those who had actually once lived in those places. He rekindled their love for their old homes and they put effort in helping to rebuild them. Their inspiration had pulled others in as well and soon it had gathered its own dynamic. At the end they had talked to their crew which would set them and their shipment over. After long conversations they had agreed to not only drop them off in middle earth but would stay at the grey haven for a while. They were interested in at least waiting a week at Cirdan's place to gather news, which they would bring back to family members in Valinor. Some of them had even relatives which still lived there and agreed to use the time to catch up with them. It had taken a while before they had come around to the idea as there was still great fear from the darkness of middle earth and it seemed that they haven't yet really processed that the threat of Sauron was gone.

She was content with their success and even more as they were finally leaving soon. There was just the visit at Irmo's house missing and they had been invited to a dinner with Celeborn's family in Alqualonde the city of the Teleri.

#

Irmo's house

The Hobbits greeted them warmly as they reached Irmo's gardens again. After their dealings with the crew and the last arrangements for the shipload they had left to visit the Valar. Lyra knew that she owed the being a lot, not just for healing her but also for speaking on her behalf to Manwe. She didn't believe that they could have reached such a consent in the end without Irmo's help. She really liked the Valar and was a bit sad that she wouldn't have the chance to get to know him better. Their journey went fast and without disturbance. They were tired though as they reached the marvelling place again. Lyra knew that they had come closer, the moment she smelled the chestnut trees. Or at least she called them chestnut trees in lack of better descriptions but as everything in Aman, things were much more alive and impressive to be compared to their relatives in middle earth.

They entered the grounds and were glad as a young elf came to welcome them and told them that there already had been a room prepared for them. Lyra walked along the familiar path that led them to the house and already felt the calming atmosphere claiming her. Elrond loved to walk under the shadows of the great trees, a soft breeze played with the leaves and the rustling sounded peaceful. It sounded like a melody and even the birds paused with their chirping to listen to it. They had to cross some bridges as there were many streamlets which gathered to different ponds and pools. There were many dragonflies and water lilies. He softly put his arm around Lyra and enjoyed it as she leaned in on him. While enjoying Elrond's presence she held out one of her arms and watched how some of the dragonflies came closer. One even sat down on her hand. It was a beautiful animal and the witch was fascinated with it's wings which looked like shimmering glass. She loved that the animals at this place were so carefree and trusting. Like the waterfalls in Imladris they had become a constant presence in the environment and Lyra had missed them in Valmar. Not that she had been surprised that they weren't present in the city. They still loved more secluded places with silence and peace. Even full of ancient beings Valmar had been a buzzy place.

Together the couple finally reached building which stretched out far but had no second floor. The walls were built of white stones, which weren't carved. So the wall looked unruly and as if it got it's only fixation through the gigantic roots and branches which ranked through the walls like veins. Sometimes those wooden vines created some space between them, like slits which served as windows and even the entrance looked like they entered through an archway of those roots. There was no door in the entrance and no glass in the windows, it simply wasn't needed. On the contrary the place profited from the soft breeze that blew through the building and kept the air fresh. Elrond wanted to look for Irmo to greet the Valar and thank him for all his help. They asked some of the healers but they told them that no one knew at the moment where the spirit had went too. Lyra opted for gathering with the Hobbits in the garden and Elrond agreed. Both went through the corridors with their stone floors which were surprisingly warm and the dark brown wooden panels which created the walls. With a smile she looked at the lamps which were made of a wooden construction that resembled a fir cone which held a crystal inside.

They reached the gardens and followed the familiar laughter which belonged to their friends. Even Bilbo who looked way younger than Lyra had ever known him, came over to pull her into a hug. Accompanied by the demand to explain him everything. The Hobbit was quite fond of good stories not that it surprised the witch. She hugged Frodo too and was happy to see that the weariness of his journey had been gone. The healers had completely erased any lingering which had belonged to the ring. Frodo looked like he had a lot of weight which had rested on his shoulders. He had become a carefree, happy but wise Hobbit with a warm smile that was directed to Elrond and her. The group decided to settle under some weeping willows that grew next to a lovely pond. The weather was so mild and nice that they settled in the grass close to peaceful clear water. Lyra could even see the fish swimming around, the pond also seemed to have interesting coloured stones underfoot. To their big surprise they found Olorin there, which they had known as Gandalf at the time as he still wore his mask of being a wizard. He stood there silently and looked into the water put turned around upon their arrival. His eyes glowed with happiness. Lyra recognized him immediately, his joyful laughter that she had got to know well during the last days in Gondor, simply gave it away. He joined them under a very old specimen of willows and as they sat together it had something magical, like they would plan to head out on a knew adventure. Maybe it was just the mischievous side of the Maia but Lyra felt like she was in for some surprises. Sharing news and experiences of that place that was so new for the Hobbits as well as for the couple was a joyful task. They were all interested in how Gandalf fared and what he was going to do now.

"Ah my dear friends I will rest here for a while. As it is that your hearts are calling you home mine had missed this place for a long time and hopefully I will find some peace now. I don't think that I have the heart to head out to a new adventure so soon."

Frodo and Bilbo had decided to stay and live in Irmo's care as well, they were also content with finding rest and peace. The Hobbits had already made new friends as elves equally with spirits simply enclosed them into their hearts. Lyra smiled... who couldn't? It was really hard to dislike Hobbits and even if the elves were stuck-up to most other races it didn't work with Hobbits as if the small people had a natural resistance against dark feelings. Lyra thought about it for a while. It was most likely even true... how else would have Bilbo managed to remain so good hearted with having the one ring for so long in his possession. Frodo told them about how they helped with the healing plants but also loved to help in the kitchens. The witch tried hard not to laugh but failed. It didn't help that she was joined by Elrond and Gandalf. Not that there had been a way to keep them away from food... They switched topic and Bilbo told them that he was really happy to still have Gandalf dropping by and talking to them. Lyra suspected that the Maia visited the Hobbits not just because of a favor to them but because he already missed the shire. Not that she would ever speak something like that aloud. Gandalf may had put his staff away but she wasn't sure if he wouldn't simply find a substitute that allowed him to hit her head if she tried.

A scene that she would never forget in her life was the moment as he took on a corporal form again just to smoke on his pipe with them, it was at the same time as Irmo joined them and the Valar just looked so oddly at the Maia. She needed everything that she could muster on occlumentic to not fall over and laugh. Sadly Elrond wasn't as lucky as she, he just started laughing and that affected the Hobbits and then her shields were gone again and they just laughed while the spirits stared irritated at them. After the last laughs subsided, everyone lit their pipes except for Irmo. The Valar didn't really know what he should think about the habit but it seemed like a kind of bonding ritual. At least he had never seen any of the children so confident in the presence of one his kin before. Not that that was a reason for him to start smoking too. He decided to use the time and look after Lyra's progression. Irmo was quite happy with her process and declared her as fully healed, which made Olorin just smile happily and he nodded approving at them. He then gave Elrond a meaningful look and to Lyra's surprise her love swallowed nervously. She looked at him concerned. What was going on?

Elrond knew that this was the moment. He had wanted to wait until she was fully healed but now the courage nearly left him. He couldn't believe how nervous he was. He could slay trolls and tons of orcs without problem but didn't dare to face his love at the moment. He swallowed again to regain some composure. Slowly, he looked at her and she saw so much love and care in his eyes. He then took her hands and kneeled down.

"Lyra, I love you and I really wish to make our relationship officially..."

Elrond halted to take one more breath. Lyra's face grew pink... this wasn't what she thought, right?

"Love, will you marry me?"

She was shocked as she had no idea that he had planned this. Sneaky elf, how was he able to plan this behind her back when they shared such a close connection? Lyra! She berated herself get back on track. She looked in his eyes and saw how nervous he was, she just couldn't withstand it and hugged him and kissed him. Both of them rolled back in the grass under the merry laughter of their friends. As she rested on his chest and looked into his eyes, she told him with her voice full of affection.

"Yes love I will marry you."

She kissed him again and told him that she would get him to tell her how exactly he had kept that secret from her. She made sure that he understood completely that she didn't care what methods she had to use to find that out. Frodo lost balance and held his stomach while laughing as he saw the elf's really red face, caused by the female's implyings. Olorin even choked at his pipe but his eyes twinkled in childish mischief. Elrond needed some time to get his grip on reality back before he finally remembered that he still needed to give her the ring... He took her hand and kissed it before he easily put a beautiful white ring on her finger which held an adamant in its middle. Lyra said nothing just looked in his eyes and he could read love, longing, happiness and a spark that just told of life and curiosity.

Lyra was really happy not because she was going to marry ok maybe that too but because their relationship was now set and known. It meant that she could kiss her elf whenever she wanted or not because of their medieval customs but she was happy, even if there was no logical reason, she just was. Elrond just chuckled while looking at her, if she had started to glow more after being healed then it had even doubled now.

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Celeborn's family

Lyra still wore her smile like others wore jewels, Elrond admired her glowing and didn't thought that anything could make her more beautiful. It suited her as well as the silver robes with the blue sash that she wore as they arrived at the Telerin home. They had said their goodbyes to Gandalf, the Hobbits and Irmo before they left for the havens. Everyone had asked them to stay a bit longer but both of them felt the pull in their hearts to finally return home soon. So they had negotiated that they would leave straight after the festivities in Alqualonde. Elrond had already warned her that what their hosts declaired as small dinner would probably a big party compared to their standards. He had been right. All over the dinner was really fun, thrilling but fun. It was a tortuous political manoeuvring but that was something Lyra as well as Elrond had lots of experience in and could even enjoy it. While the Teleri wanted to mainly gain knowledge, confirm rumours and get the truth rather then myths about both... the faring of middle earth as well as their engagement, Elrond tried to negotiate about a way to establish communication between middle earth and Aman. As the Teleri kept traditionally a neutral position in all politics, they had no problems with humans like most of their kin, which was the reason why they had decided to invite the couple to a feast in the first place. They wanted to get the truth out of the truth rather then half truths and myths which were passed on through rumours.

The haven city reminded Lyra about Venice, at least a bit. A great part of the buildings were built across the water. The docks naturally reached furthest into the sea, as well as the light tower which stood on a small island in front of the great cliffs. Alqualonde was placed in quite interesting spot, one part had buildings carved into the cliff walls which somehow crowned the rest of the cities skyline. Then the cliffs flattened out and melted into another amazing sight. The white shores. The sand was really completely white and there were lots of shells and pearls to be found. The buildings that reached into the shore had a very soft look to them, lots of organic forms. Lyra couldn't explain how you could craft a house like those, it looked so well fit into the place that you nearly overlooked them and they reminded her sometimes of shells themselves or waves of the sea. At the moment the couple wandered through the part of the city which was built on the water. Like in Venice there were a lot of small boats which were used to get around the place but there were also fragile crafted bridges and paths that seemed to be made of the sand of the shore. It was some kind of stone but it looked like they were walking across soft sand. As soon as they reached the right palace like building they heard the amazing melody. Even Lyra was filled with longing and understood a bit better why the elves seemed to so lost to the great mystery which were the depths of the sea. She felt lured away and needed to raise her occlumentic shields in order to keep her mind in one place. Elrond's face gained the expression of pain but at the same time longing and had a hard time to pull himself together.

Lyra decided to try something before they would be forced to focus on the other guests. In their minds the couple met on the veranda in Imladris, Elrond immediately got more relaxed. Carefully she wove shields of power around her love. It wasn't so effective as occlumentic but Elrond felt better, with being reminded of his home and with feeling his love close to him. Then they were ready. They walked a few steps up to the entrance and the white doors were opened. As they entered Lyra felt overwhelmed and was glad that Elrond took over the greeting. She respectfully greeted their hosts as well and was introduced to the siblings of Celeborn as well as a cousin. As the couple entered the elves watched them closely, at least one rumour could be proofed right. They seemed to be in love and already lived like they had never done anything else. It was how they looked at each other, made sure that the other one was alright and felt comfortable. There was no way to deny that the elf and the human woman were in love. They led their guests into a comfortable room full of comfortable chairs, where all the other guests had already gathered. They were introduced to all kind of sailors, merchants and traders.

Lyra settled next to her love and used her friendly but not overly so mask to listen to the conversations. They all shared lots of stories and Elrond told them that Cirdan would remain at the grey haven and that Gondor was rebuilding its own in the south. He also spoke carefully about the lack of communication between the families and if there would be interest for some new trade routes. Their hosts listened and paid attention but never showed if they approved or disapproved the idea. They were good at negotiations and Lyra silently paid them respect. After a while Celeborn's uncle asked them about the quarrels in the south and they honestly told them that Gondor would need some time to get those lands peaceful and that even pirates were not unheard of. They also told them that the Anduin River would be large enough for middle sized boats to reach Lorien and could be used to reach the outer borders of Mirkwood, even if there would still be a long way across land to reach the elven settlement.

"What about the settlement that shall be rebuild? Was that just an exaggeration, caused by gossip?"

"No, it has existed before the war and as many of our kin want closer ties to our allies in Gondor it will be rebuild. It is also likely that we will have closer interaction with the dwarves from the lonely mountains as they had shown interest to trade with us."

"You interact with dwarves? The times must have truly changed then, I can't say that I hate what you tell us but we don't make any promises either."

"We will see then how fate will lay its new strings…"

Lyra silently watched their interaction and she knew that the conversation in front of her acted according rules which she didn't know but it didn't seem to matter as Elrond held himself quite well. She found small signs of exhaustion on her love but she only saw them because she knew him quite well. Elrond started to stretch his fingers occasionally it was the hand were he had worn Vilya for long years and he tended to keep his voice more and more on the same level, that were the signs that he was tensed. It wasn't a moment to early that the lady of the house declared the conversation to be ended and they gathered in warm nice room where everything was much more informal. Drinks were handed to them and they started to listen to the famous songs of their clan. The topics became more occasionally and she just knew that the ladies would try to get some gossip out of her mouth.

She greeted the daughters of the house respectfully and was immediatly entangled in questions of where she came from, how she met Earendil's child and if its true that his daughter had married a human… Some of the questions where more cloaked then others but they basically aimed for how did you get in his bed, no elf would freely share a human maidens bed… Oh hell if they knew how much fun they had together even if they rarely used a bed but she didn't want to blow their minds.

"Ladies I'm sorry but I wondered if you would rather tell me how you came by those exiting designs for your dresses they add up so wonderfully with your jewelry?"

That was classic flattery and diversion, easy to achieve but highly effective if you knew what your opponent liked most and it seemed as if she had hit the jackpot. They started on everything from their most famous seamstress to the one handsome elf that polished their jewels to get them really shiny. Lyra just made sure to flatter some more at the right times and the thing was quite the self-runner. While she handled the ladies she also paid careful attention to her love. Sometimes Elrond would be surrounded by too many people which were too nosy. Lyra made sure that every time she saw how Elrond started to struggle to keep up with the press of people to sneak him away to dance for some time. Elrond was grateful especially when he ran out of polite excuses to discourage the questions. Besides that the meal was great and Lyra was proud to fight side by side with Elrond through this battle of political confessions and polite lies.

Even though she had most of the time just listened she was quite happy as they finally left. It was already night time again and both of them decided that it wasn't worth to return to their room anymore, their luggage was already packed and safely stored on board and they would sail with the flow which would come soon. Therefore the both of them decided to simply walk across the docks and share their last hours in the undying lands. It had something magical to look at the open sea, it calmed them and washed the tension of the last hours simply away. On their walk they passed by their ship which would carry them home. The elves were already busy with the finishing tasks. Soon they would leave.

He watched her, the soft black hair got already out of order as the sea wind had found something to play with. He loved her soft grey eyes which mustered him carefully. Both of them were exhausted but happy. They had the feeling that maybe they had some kind of success and that they could return with the knowledge that they had given their very best. Elrond softly put some strands of her hair out of her face, it didn't work. The wind had too much fun playing with Lyra's hair and clothes. Elrond pulled her closer and embraced her. They were in Aman but it was wintertime and while in the sacred lands things always blossomed, the wind had a cold bite. Lyra leaned on Elrond's shoulder and closed her eyes. It was a calm moment, no one disturbed them. It was just them, together, enjoying each others company. Elrond placed a soft kiss on her had, which got Lyra to leave her comfortable position and looked sleepily up to him. He couldn't withstand the taste of her lips and entangled her in a kiss. They held each other close and waited for the ship and crew to get ready. Lyra asked the wind to be kind with them and to carry them home safely.

#

Middle Earth

Cirdan stood at the docks. He couldn't believe it, there was a swan ship of the Teleri heading east to their shores. The last time that had happened, it had brought the five Istari and the newly reborn Glorfindel to middle earth and that had been a fate changing event. As he first got message of the sighting he hadn't want to believe it but now he saw it for himself… There was a swan ship from Alqualonde heading east… unbelievable. Somehow he had the feeling that another change came upon them and he wasn't the only one. Many, who had found rest in his realm, came to see for themselves what happened and every single face showed disbelief. It also made their hearts jump at the hope of gaining news from the west.

Lyra couldn't believe it, finally she saw the shoreline of middle earth, the familiar mountain tops came in sight and even the smells changed to what she was used. That had been one thing in Aman which she hadn't been able to get used to. That everything smelled different, more intense and that every smell had matched to the others. There had never been something which stood apart or smelled more intense than other things... no it was always the same level of intense and it was always a harmony. Now she had the smell of smoke in her nose. It was sharp and seemed to come from a camp fire but she loved it. More than anything she felt more awake, aware and alive as she was hit by different smells which didn't fit together. While the elves of the Teleri tensed as many in the crew had never been to the mystery lands as they had just heard dark tales about it, she grew all happy. The young human female turned to her elf and smiled at him with glee and her smile was answered by his and the relief that shone from his face. Yes, they would be home soon. Elrond craved to return to Imladris even if he didn't look forward to tell his children about their mother, he had to tell himself that they had a right to know that they had three half siblings and maybe they wanted to meet them… He sighed and trusting that everything would work out fine. Lyra comforted him through her thoughts and remembered him that his gorgeous children came entirely after their father and that he had nothing to fear.

It took another hour until the ship reached the haven and Cirdan's people started to prepare the docks and the ropes. As the silver ship slowly slid across the water he noticed that next to the busy crew there also stood two figures close to each other sharing an embrace. His smile grew wide, Elrond and Lyra had returned and as he saw the soft smiles on their faces, he knew everything had turned out fine. He just wondered why they had returned so shortly after they had reached the elven home, hadn't they took their time to explore the land? He would know soon though, as the ship reached the dock and started to anchor. Cirdan stepped forward and greeted his friend and Lady Lyra as well as the guests from Valinor. He was surprised as the captain told them they would stay for a week. It were amazing news. When the ship would leave to return to Valinor, they would take all messages or passengers with them who wished to reach the undying lands. The old elf welcomed them warmly and made sure that there would be rooms prepared for the crew members. So that everyone would have a comfortable place to stay and rest. He also invited them for dinner into his own house which they agreed too, gladly.

Cirdan's people unloaded the ship and were shocked as they discovered all the things which were brought along. Meanwhile, Elrond and Lyra followed Cirdan to his home. They were invited to stay there for some days. They gladly followed the elf as it had become much colder on that side of the ocean and Lyra was glad to be away from the icy wind. As they found a place to settle and rest, in what seemed to be Cirdan's office they were glad for the tea which was offered to them. After everyone was comfortable they started to talk.

"Now you two mischievous children, tell me exactly what you have done and how?"

The both of them just snickered in glee and smugness.

"We have held true to our word and spread news about the settlements and it was Lyra's idea to bring along everything useful that would fit on one ship."

Cirdan just raised an eyebrow at them knowing very well that this wasn't even half of what had happened.

"By the way Lady Lyra, congratulations to your engagement and you look great, I'm glad you have found the healing, which you needed."

"Thank you Lord Cirdan it was a nice and exciting journey but we are very glad to be home again."

The old elf looked a bit worried at that announcement and as he met Elrond's eyes he knew that not everything was at its best in his old homeland. As answer to his prying the both of them told him about what they had found and how Lyra had questioned Irmo about the ward fields.

"It is something, I just don't get…they don't work like forcing someone to do anything they just would prevent that intentions get moldy and misused, it doesn't mean that people would have a disadvantage through them… Like the old wards of Hogwarts, they create now a place of liberal interactions and gaining new knowledge would be priority but that doesn't mean that you can't be lazy as they just focus on keeping away everyone who would misuse knowledge to gain power or who would disrespect their peers and people who don't agree to that don't have to visit that place they could go somewhere else. I just don't see how someone who is blinded with hate because of someone's heritage, like the elves we have met, would be even able to see a being as clear and focused like Lady Varda."

"I believe it has to do with how close they come to our reality, like Gandalf they could easily take on a corporal form and we would be able to see them and speak with them normally."

Elrond had thought about it too for some time and he understood that she wondered about how the light in Valinor could have faded if they had lived close to the Valar since the beginning. How could someone become so confused if he constantly lives in an environment that provides him with clearness? He could just think that they underestimated the manipulations that Morgoth had poisoned land and people with. Cirdan had gotten very silent while listening to their tale.

"So the both of you tell me that Valinor isn't as light and hopeful we have always believed?"

"Yes I would say it's very much the same as everywhere and maybe it was just that our expectations were too high…"

Cirdan nodded at his friend's explanation but Lyra could see how troubled he was from this news.

"Lord Cirdan, are you worried about what is going on in Valinor?"

"Yes, Lyra I am. Even if I'm living here since millennia's it's still my home and I'm sad that there is pain too."

"Maybe it would do them good to open up to the rest of the world, if we would be able to get an exchange starting between the lands maybe we could try to heal together…"

"Why would you think that this would help?"

"They have lived secluded for a long time and maybe new people could bring new ideas and new solutions to some problems, besides I believe if they had more interaction with other species than there wouldn't be so much hate. At least if they don't behave more childish than my own kin."

Cirdan just laughed full of mirth, before mentioning that this could be a problem as elves tended to behave very childish most of the time. He agreed on the point that they would try to improve the interaction between the lands as it would give him the chance to keep a closer look on what was going on at home. With more mirth, eyes full of a mischievous gleam and laughter they recounted to him how they had got the traders interested in their projects in middle earth. Cirdan was quite proud at how Elrond had dealt with Celeborn's family. He made a face at the fact that they were still as stuck up as they had been so long ago. Maybe just maybe the human was right and it didn't do them any good to live so long on their own as it seemed to do nothing for improving their character.

After they had solved the depressing topics they got invited to a fine wine which fit perfectly to discussions about possible weddings, future plans and smoking Maia spirits. Cirdan also promised them to make sure that their commodities would be packed and sent to their destinations. He was amazed by their idea of bringing seeds for healing plants with them; he also was persistent on having some seeds of the silver trees they had seen growing in the gardens of Alqualonde. Lyra just smiled at his gleaming eyes and nodded, she also told him about scripts about new techniques to better protect the ships from plankton, which they had gathered for them. They spent a happy afternoon together but wanted still leave that day. To journey east. At the disbelieving look of their host they told him that they craved to get home to their family but still needed to drop by the Hobbits and deliver messages from Frodo and Bilbo.

"But its early winter and you are no longer in the undying lands. You do remember that we have things like snow and freezing weather in middle earth?"

Elrond just nodded and accepted the invitation, they wouldn't die from waiting a day longer but they could die from rash acting and even if he would have been happy to leave the elves of Valinor behind him, it maybe was better for their plans to use a relaxed dinner to exchange stories. The Teleri had knack for adventures even if that streak had been dimmed due the fact that it was too dangerous to travel but maybe it could be woken again? Lyra wasn't happy; he had underestimated how much the hostility had bothered her. She also told him that if he would dare to tell her it was because of her, that she would suffer too much out in the cold during the night than she would show him exactly how fiery she could be. He swallowed and told her that he believed it to be useful for their mission and she slowly calmed and nodded but he knew she hated it.

So they spend another evening full of conversations, stories, negotiations and confessions. Cirdan could clearly see that his friend and Lyra were still exhausted from their earlier experiences in that field. It was just their luck that the crew members were much less stuck up than they had original feared. Maybe it helped that they were in an foreign land but they behaved much more open minded than most of them had appeared at the last festivity. Lyra thought that Cirdan had been right and she was glad now that they hadn't left immediately. At least it helped her to reduce her own prejudices against the elves of Aman. In fact they had a lot of fun that night, with Cirdan's people joining in and lightning the atmosphere the newcomers felt much more welcome in that strange land than they had feared. Maybe middle earth wasn't bad as whole. They loved to tell stories about the sea and their experience with unpredictable ocean currents. All spend a lot of time drinking wine and singing songs. As the songs started to compete in means of silliness with the songs of the Hobbits, Lyra thought it would be better to go to sleep. Elrond agreed and both left to rest as they wanted to leave at sunrise. Not that anyone complained... the group of very happy elves was much to focused on themselves, to really notice if anyone had left.

#

home, sweet home ... welcome back in middle earth everyone... so while you remain at the party and continue your drinking and singing (just please leave the furniture whole...poor Cirdan), I will sneak away with Lyra and Elrond to write the next chapter. If you manage to get sober again... you could post a review maybe?