Glorfindel returns to Middle-earth. Tar-Telperien is furious when her nephew sends a naval force to Middle-earth against Sauron without her permission. Finrod becomes a topic of gossip for alleged slave-trading.
Some minor changes to the location to keep in line with the companion fic. Mornel should be in Tirion visiting when Glorfindel pulls his disappearing act.
The Armada of Minastir
Second Age 1600, Alqualonde
Dear Cousin Mornel
I hope you are doing well. I am sorry to inform you that I will not be visiting you in Formenos anytime soon in the foreseeable future. I will greatly miss the midsummer festivities by the lake. I have been chosen by the Valar to return to Middle-earth, strike a blow against the Shadow, and serve the great-grandson of my lord Turgon – Elrond Earendilion. Travelling with me will be the Maiar Alatar and Pallando. I hope they are able sailors in their physical forms. I do not look forward to sharing the ship with seasick fellow passengers. I do not understand why they chose the fana of mortal men (and old ones to boot). Eru willing, they do not keel over en route.
I know I was to inform you of any decision undertaken by the Valar to aid our kindred on Middle-earth (and help you get a place). Sadly, places are limited and the Valar only agreed to send one elf back. Naturally, I volunteered. Your experience and skills will be sorely missed by all in Valinor, especially those returning from Mandos, as I am sure you will agree with me. I will look out for your nephew Celebrimbor, and dear old Maglor if he is still haunting the shores. I promise not to hurt him too badly about that stunt he pulled on Uncle Ara and you at the end of the First Age.
By the time you receive this letter, I would have long sailed east. Do not bother to give chase. If you wish to blame anyone, try Master Olorin. He suggested I proceed to the Ring of Doom for discussions without waiting for you.
Yours apologetically
Glorfindel of the House of the Golden Flower
Second Age 1600, Tirion on Tuna
Dear Cousin
Thank you for leaving me to explain to your family where you have flitted off to. Aunt Lalwen is not pleased at all given what happened to you the last time you were in Middle-earth. I am not even sure if this missive will reach you ever. I have addressed a note with it to Prince Earlindo with instructions for it to be passed to Uncle Ara's envoy in Armenelos. Hopefully he can find a ship headed from Numenor to Gil-galad's court in Lindon. Try to avoid any Balrogs. Your amme also requests that you avoid other creatures like werewolves, vampires etc. the Shadow might throw your way.
On a more serious note, Lord Penlod has reported of Tar-Telperien's disinterest in Middle-earth. Prince Earlindo has also reported a growing sense of discontent among the Numenoreans with the Valar's laws and the Eldar. I hope Gil-galad is able to hold off the Shadow with your aid as we doubt Tar-Telperien will be rushing to his aid anytime soon.
Yours in exasperation
Mornel Feanoriel
P.S. Your little sister is now being courted by your esteemed colleague Lord Ecthelion. I hope they have your blessings as she seems quite taken with him. Lord Aranwe's son Voronwe has also been sending her little gifts, as have half the unattached lords in Tirion now they need not face the possible wrath of a Balrog-slayer. The other half are vying for Cousin Finduilas' favours on the assumption she is easy with them. Cousin Angrod is chasing them off with a big stick and is looking for a fierce guard dog.
Second Age 1634, Formenos
Dear Tar-Telperien
It has been a while since our last communication. Though I hate to intrude upon your peace, I have been asked by certain factions to seek your assistance on certain matters pertaining to the Eldar beyond Valinor.
Firstly, the situation with the Shadow in Middle-earth is of growing concern. Though it may be presumptuous of me, may I ask as to whether Numenor will be extending any aid to her people who have returned to the lands of their forefathers? The threat does not lie over the Eldar alone but all the Free Peoples. I trust that Gil-galad has been in contact with you and you are informed of the situation in Endore?
Secondly, there have been complaints about the restrictions on the Eldar's movements in Numenor. We have been friends for so long and it is sad that our people now stand divided due to some laws passed by your father. I understand that the Eldar of Andunie have been forbidden from raising any more new houses or settling in other parts of town. Also, travel restrictions make it difficult for them to travel beyond the city of Andustar for business in other parts of Numenor. We would appreciate if these unnecessary barriers to the friendship of our people be lifted.
Fears of Eldar-Edain unions are overrated as they may only occur under a special Doom. And no, there is no truth to the allegations of ellyn seducing Edain maids, or ellyth stealing husbands. Cousin Finrod will attest that all interactions between his brother and Andreth were conducted honourably and beyond reproach. It is the normal practice for Eldar couples to bond for life, until Arda breaks. So I doubt there will be any shenanigans from our people in this aspect.
I send with this message a little token from Formenos to mark the birth of your grandnephew.
Yours in friendship
Mornel Feanoriel
Second Age 1634, Armenelos
Dear Lady Mornel
I understand that recent developments east across the Sea have been of concern to your esteemed uncle. However, I stand by my conviction that Numenor should not intervene in any form other than accepting refugees of Numenorean descent should they sail here. As things stand, there is no need for our intervention. I have heard rumours of a mighty Balrog-slayer and Maiar being sent by the Valar to aid the Noldor King in Exile.
Regarding your concerns about laws restricting the movement of the Eldar in Numenor, I will bring them up for review at the next council meeting. Perhaps my father was starting to decline mentally when he approved that bill. I know we can really do with some Elvish craftsmen in Armenelos. I find my grandfather Anarion's taste in buildings quite appalling. We might also benefit with more greenery within the city. The presence of more of his kinsfolk might provide entertainment for poor old Penlod and my court. I think he must be tired of all those lords and ladies who wish to hear about glorious Gondolin's fall.
I thank you on my nephew's behalf for the naming-day gift for his son. You seem to be quite informed of the matters of my court. Perhaps Penlod has been sending you reports as well? Personally, I find the infant quite a trial to be around. He is forever bawling. Give me the peace and quiet of the King's Court anytime.
On more mundane matters, Nimloth seems to losing her leaves at an alarming rate recently. I fear this is a sign of the growing Shadow in my visions. Also, I have developed a distaste for jewellery, rings in particular, though I am hard-pressed to explain the reason why.
Yours in friendship
Tar-Telperien
Second Age 1695, Armenelos
Dear Prince Earlindo
Thank you for your kind advice on maritime and fleet-building matters. I pray that the Valar will smile upon my venture. It will do my son Ciryatan much good to have some experience leading men into battle. I will listen to your advice and keep his younger brother home, just in case. I intend to follow my son into Middle-earth but only in an advisory position.
I raised a proposal for maritime trade to the Council of the Sceptre. I think the Lord of Andunie might have seen through the ploy but he was overruled by the rest of the lords. My aunt, misguided as she is, will not be pleased should news of my true venture reach her. Thankfully, she seems too preoccupied with her gardening projects in Armenelos to notice the flurry of activity in Romenna's shipyards, the likes of which has not been witnessed since the reign of Tar-Aldarion.
Yours in friendship
Minastir, Queen's Heir
Second Age 1700, Armenelos
Dear Mornel
My worthless heir-apparent has seen fit to defy my explicit orders not to intervene. Imagine my horror at learning that a naval armada has set forth from Romenna, led by Prince Ciryatan under the rank of Ship-lord. The council was mostly kept in the dark of Minastir's intentions. However, they have agreed to place his remaining son under house arrest. At least I will have a potential successor should misfortune befall the fleet. I suppose I should expect a thank-you letter from King Gil-galad, if Minastir's fleet ever gets that far.
I have also requested the Noldor envoy, and all Eldar residing in Armenelos to leave the city within the week. There were allegations by members of the Council of Elvish 'glamour' involved in hiding the shipbuilding activities in Romenna. We have our suspicions on who might have assisted my heir on this half-baked venture. Nothing personal, but it might be best if your people remain in their neighbourhoods in Andustar for the time being.
Yours apologetically
Tar-Telperien
Second Age 1700, Andustar
My Liege
I am pleased to inform you that all our people have reached Andustar safely. The Lord of Andunie has been most hospitable in putting my household up on such short notice in his own mansion. Your esteemed uncle Prince Earlindo has drawn up a schedule for ferrying the Eldar gardeners previously employed by Tar-Telperien's garden scheme back home to Valinor. Due to the short notice, we have had to leave much of our furniture behind. I will greatly miss that peach tree I had been cultivating in the embassy gardens. Thankfully, my lady managed to secure a cutting and it seems to have survived our journey. As a sign of goodwill, I intend to plant it in my host's garden.
Many of our people have complained of spurious taxes levied en route by our military escort. I had to hand over a pearl just so my household could stop and fix a broken cartwheel rather than have a heavily-pregnant elleth continue on foot. My lady had to intervene with her fists when some drunk oaf decided to harass some young ellyth in our train. Verily, I will like to request that my current duties be lifted so that we may return to Valinor despite the welcome we have received in Andunie. There has been a growing sense of discontent in other parts of the island and I fear for the safety of the ellyth of my household.
Your humble servant
Penlod of the House of the Pillar
P.S. I have just received distressing news from my host about Prince Minastir's youngest. It seems the lad has managed to crack open his head falling off a tower in an attempt to flee from house arrest.
Second Age 1703, Romenna
Dear Prince Earlindo
Currently I am under house arrest in the harbourmaster's house. Not sure if the pouch of silver will see this letter safely delivered to you in Andustar. I am starting to seriously regret my decision to assemble a naval fleet behind my aunt's back. I am still banking on her (or at least the Council) relenting once she sees the riches of Middle-earth I have brought home after we were done smiting the Shadow.
My son Ciryatan has brought home a few dozen lesser men from Middle-earth as bond-servants. It was quite a trial with them kicking up a fuss in the hold throughout the journey. I am not sure if I am mistaken, but did the mighty Finrod Felagund have a system of bondage on the Edain in the early days? Perhaps it is for the best. They work for us for twenty years or so while we educate the savages. After which they could take their place in civilized society as fellow subjects of the realm.
I was naturally upset to learn my younger son has passed during my absence. One would expect my aunt to take better care of her own kinsman. At least we still have Ciryatan. For now, it seems my position as Queen's Heir is unstable. It is possible my aunt might bypass me entirely. However, Ciryatan is also in her bad books for now. He has been summoned back to Armenelos, leaving me in charge of those bondsmen whom I can barely understand. Will it be reasonable to keep them chained aboard the ship until my son returns?
Yours in friendship
Minastir, possible ex-Queen's Heir
Second Age 1703, Andustar
Dear Prince Minastir
Whatever in Lord Manwe's name gave you the idea my nephew practiced slavery? Well, a number of chieftains swore fealty to him in the First Age but they were free to leave his service whenever they choose to do so. The only slaves were the poor thralls in Angband.
Slavery is not okay whether you call them thralls or bondsmen. For starters, it might be best to get the communication thing out of the way. Find an interpreter. Let the poor creatures out of their chains and that hold. Find them healers if needed. Have them adequately fed, clothed, and sheltered. If they so desire, arrange to have them returned to their homes in Middle-earth. Otherwise, it may be possible to work out a proper employment contract (with reasonable restitution for their labour).
Yours in friendship
Earlindo Olwion
Second Age 1705, Tirion-on-Tuna
"Mornel, you believe me, don't you? I never held any thralls in Nargothrond…"
On the palace balcony, Mornel and Finrod were playing chess. They were enjoying the morning sunshine as Caranthir worked nearby within the room.
"Relax, Cousin. The rumours will stop once those gossips find something else to talk about," Mornel smiled as she checkmated Finrod.
"Okay, I did use a bit of the Songs of Power at my first meeting with Beor's people. Afterwards, we just got along so well…" Finrod reminisced.
"Haleth of the Haladin told me off when I tried to offer her people a place under my protection…" Caranthir looked up from the tapestry he had been working on for the palace. "If we did enslave the Haladin like those Numenoreans claim we did, we wouldn't have had to pay so much for their horses."
"To be fair, you showed up too late to save her brother and father," Finrod added. "At least Amarie believes me…"
"Do ask Celeglass to show some restraint. This is the third time this week he has beaten up someone over calling you a slaver," Caranthir advised. "Does anyone know what happened to those slaves Ciryatan took from Middle-earth?"
"Based on my sources, a dozen died of illnesses contracted during the journey. Another dozen requested to return home and were placed on the next ship out. The remainder agreed to stay on as part of Minastir's household or were employed in the palace," Mornel reported. The gulls that flew to and from Numenorean shores kept her well-informed of happenings on the island.
"For now, the Council has put a ban on slavery in Numenor but I doubt it will last. Ciryatan seems to be quite interested in this distasteful venture," Arakano added as he joined his cousins on the balcony. He had just returned from his sojourn in Numenor while a new envoy was sought to replace Lord Penlod. "Tar-Telperien is still furious at her nephew. Though Minastir is still her heir, she will not pass the sceptre to him anytime soon despite her current condition."
There had been rumours that the mighty Tar-Telperien had started her decline even as she tended dutifully to the White Tree in the King's Court. Her steps were less steady and her sight failing. It was said that she had fallen asleep during more than one council meeting during the past year.
"I hope Egalmoth finds the climate to his liking," Caranthir shrugged as he finished a tree in his tapestry. He started to roll up the tapestry to be stored until it could be hung up by the servants. The Noldoran had just appointed the Lord of House of the Heavenly Arch to Numenor as his ambassador.
"Oh, he liked Andustar, but the cuisine took a little getting used to with the Teleri spices," Arakano grinned impishly. "Moryo, if you are done with that tapestry, what say we go to some lowly tavern, get ourselves into a drunken brawl, and give those gossips something else to talk about instead of our poor, blameless cousin?"
"You better not!" Mornel called out as both neri laughingly exited.
Author's Notes:
The resentment would have been growing long before Numenor's rulers openly questioned the Ban of the Valar. Yep, the Numenoreans are going to get introduced to slave trading. The new envoy of the Noldor to Numenor is another one of the Lords of Gondolin.