Author's Note: Welcome back all and thank you for your never-ending patience with me! This chapter took a lot of reading and referencing source material, so I hope I have done the work by Prof. Tolkien justice. In any case, I am curious to hear your thoughts on this chapter! Many thanks to ColdOnePaul and Tibblets for their reviews of the last chapter; you guys are amazing!

With this chapter, we are also nearing the end. Like I mentioned before, there will be one more (very long) chapter – and not to spoil things too much, but there will also be a epilogue. Now, enjoy the chapter and don't forget to review!


Chapter twenty-nine: Under friendlier skies

Their White Ship followed the Straight Road for five days through open sea. Five days of nothing but water in every direction, of nothing but the salty sea wind, the calming sway of the boat, and the company of family and friends to keep one occupied. And then there were seagulls, soaring on the wind as they kept pace with their ship. And then there was land, far on the horizon and yet unmistakable, firm, land.

On the sixth day, they reached the large haven of Avallonë. Here they transferred to another, smaller ship, meant for shallower waters, and continued on to Alqualondë, and it was on the morning of the eighth day after departing from Middle-Earth that they sailed into these havens. Tall walls of sandstone rose up on either side of them, large towers and luxurious homes that bordered the ocean decorated with the treasures that it provided. The rising sun played on the reflective surfaces of the seashells embedded in the architecture, pearls shimmering warmly even in the still chilly morning air.

Unwillingly, Ardhoniel found herself coming to a halt, eyes closing as she took in the fresh air, the morning breeze – the pure bliss. It was something she could not describe, something so utterly instinctive that she knew no other way to explain it but magic.

Upon hearing her name called, she reluctantly opened her eyes, finding the others had already moved along the pier, and quickly hurried along. Together, they made their way through the buzzling haven city, where they acquired rations, a cart, and horses for the last leg of their journey.

As Mithrandir explained, their journey would cost them another five days, for they would have to travel south towards the Calacirya, a cleft in the Pelóri mountain range that separated the east coast from the inner lands of Valinor. There, they would find the green hill of Túna, on which was based the largest settlement of Elves west of the sea, Tirion. Truthfully, now that she was here Ardhoniel did not care all that much about the duration of the journey, feeling like she could never be unhappy again in a land as beautiful as this. Indeed, she thought she would be quite content spending the rest of eternity riding through the endless greenlands and pastures.

And she may have been, until they finally passed into the Calacirya and she saw it. White crystal steps, leading up to white golden gates. Beyond, she could make out the white walls and terraces of grand mansions and wealthy dwellings, linked together by streets of diamond, shimmering in the afternoon sun. From in the heart of the city, a tall tower reached high into the sky and gazed out over the outstretched lands and the sea. Even for someone who cared nothing for gems and riches, it was enough to steal one's breathe away. For Ardhoniel, it was like nothing she had seen before, and the company came to a standstill as they stood in awe at the sight.

'Tirion – city of the Eldar,' Mithrandir announced, waking everyone from their temporary stupor.

'Let us continue, so that we can make it to the city gates before nightfall.'

And so they did. Some of the previously abandoned conversation was started back up, but participation was limited, and half-hearted at best, for all – with the exception of perhaps Mithrandir and Galadriel – were too transfixed by the city that awaited them. As her father had predicted, they reached the gates near sundown, the red light dancing on the pure white like flame. The gates were open and unguarded, and they passed into the silver streets of the city without pause or resistance. Somewhere in the distance, a bell tolled, and they followed the sound to a large square in the heart of the city. Nearly a hundred feet in breadth and width, the square was surrounded on all sides by dwellings the like of which none of them had ever seen. On one side stood the tall tower they had seen before, which her father now explained was the tower of Mindon Eldaliéva, built by the High King Ingwë. At its peak, it held a silver lantern, which shone out far to the sea. In the middle of the square was stood a large fountain, made of white gold, which at the centre held a single flower and a piece of fruit, representing the two remnants of the Two Trees that had become their Sun and Moon. Despite the late hour, it was still quite busy, Elves walking to and fro, not at all alarmed by or even interested in the company of newcomers that had appeared in their midst. Because of this, it was all the more surprising when one of them, a youthful male in pale blue robes, approached them.

'I welcome you, travellers,' he spoke, and he bowed to each of them. 'Long and far has been your journey. My lady has bid me to invite you to rest at her house tonight; soft beds to revive you, and food to fill your hungry stomachs.'

'Food?' Bilbo repeated, suddenly perched up right on the cart and looking far more attentive than he had so far.

The Elf nodded, then made a sweeping direction towards the right. 'It is right this way; if you will follow me.'

Ardhoniel sneaked a glance at her companions, unsure what to make of his kindness. Might it be a trap? Her father's expression revealed nothing – her grandmother simply smiled absentmindedly, in that way that she did when she knew something others did not. Ardhoniel sighed, realising there was nothing to do but follow, and urged her horse onwards.

They ended up following the Elf, who was revealed to be named Nandir, for another ten minutes, up a small hill that looked out over the rest of the city. As they did, Nandir politely inquired after their journey across the Belegaer and across the lands of Valinor. Despite the Ellon's best efforts, however, most of the journey was taken in silence. At last, when the sun had finally disappeared below the horizon, they stopped in front of one of the mansions.

It was of moderate size, nothing like the dwellings they had seen near the town square but still large enough to house an extended family. Like the other buildings in the city, its walls were of the purest white, seemingly emitting a pale light all of their own. The steps leading up to the front door were made of crystal and shimmered brightly in the moonlight.

'You may leave your horses here, I shall make sure they are brought to the stables and are well taken care of,' Nandir said, 'Please proceed to the front door, my lady expects you.'

Following the example of the others, Ardhoniel descended from her horse and then aided Frodo in getting Bilbo down from the cart. Together, they walked up the steps to the front door, and she couldn't help but note that the younger Hobbit, too, shared her expression of reserve. Their trials still fresh in mind, they were slow to let their guard down and even slower to trust. The company had to wait but a moment on the doorstep before the white door opened – and all reservation was washed from Ardhoniel's face, making room for unadulterated surprise.

There she was, exactly like she remembered from when she was but a young Elfling. And yet, she couldn't help but study her as if she had never seen her before. Her silver hair – so like her own – was drawn back from her face, revealing fair skin and delicate features. Unlike her own, however, those features were kind and forgiving, with warm grey eyes and soft pink lips. And those lips were currently pulled up in a hint of smile, as those grey eyes met her own. Lost in reverie as she had been, it seemed all others had already been greeted by the lady, and had passed further into the house.

'Nana…' She found herself whispering, unsure even now that she stood before her that this was real. So many years had passed. So many years in which she had accepted, but never truly had made peace with the absence of her mother. She had still been very young when her mother had made the decision to sail into the West, and far less understanding of that decision than she knew she should have been. Back then, she had been unable to fathom what kind of grief could move someone to leave all that they loved behind. In hindsight, it seemed like a trick of fate that the same reasons that had brought Celebrían to these shores had now also driven her.

Something shifted in the older Elleth's grey eyes, came undone, as she too reminisced on the many years apart. It had been many years since she had last heard that title. Many years since she had last held her children. When the time for a reunion would come, she had hoped it would be for happier reasons. She touched one hand to her daughter's hair, knowing – perhaps better than anyone – the horrors than she had lived through, and lamenting that her own fate had to be Ardhoniel's. Valinor soothed many wounds, but she feared even all the magic in Aman would not be enough to heal her daughter's wounds. As it had not been enough for her.

'Come inside, henig,' Celebrían said at last, voice a little thick as she smiled through the tears in her eyes. 'Dinner is near ready and I am sure our other guests are getting restless.'

Ardhoniel was led through a wide corridor, past several other doors and arches until at last they entered a fine dining room. It was nearly fifty feet in width, and almost as deep as it was wide. It was generously lit by a dozen candles that were set in elegantly wound silver holders on the walls. The chamber was clearly located at the back of the house, for one wall was covered by grand windows and doors that led into the garden. In the middle of the room was set a large, square table, clad with white cloth and set with plates, cups, and cutlery of shining silver. Many of the places were already taken, with Bilbo and Frodo having chosen to sit on the far side near the window, where it was more quiet – although that did not seem to stop Bilbo from asking questions to the nearest Elf. Why, just now he…

She stopped dead in her tracks, eyes wide as she took a double take at the unfortunate victim of the curious Hobbit's questions. 'Neneth?'

The silver-haired Elleth looked up, eyes wide with merriment but – she noticed with interest – not in surprise. Excusing herself from the elderly Hobbit, Neneth rounded the table and quite literally threw her arms around her childhood friend. Words to express her joy at seeing her again escaped Ardhoniel and she would not have the time to speak them anyway, for just then another tall figure stopped near them.

'Well isn't this cute. I am afraid I will have to break you two up, however, or else my brother might get ill-humoured.'

'Bruihel!' Ardhoniel cried, a smile spreading easily across her lips at the familiar teasing. How she had missed her – had missed both of them. Indeed, she even welcomed the sour face of the Ellon in question as he stepped closer and gave her a curt nod of the head. Turning back to his sister, Ardhoniel felt her lips easing into a less wide – but no less genuine – smile. 'Under friendlier skies.'

'Under friendlier skies,' she agreed, 'Although I must admit this was not entirely what I had in mind. You must tell me all about how…-'

'Time for dinner, children,' Celebrían chided good-naturedly, gesturing for them to take their seats as food was served. 'I did not invite you here just to waste my food and ruin my peace.' On the inside, she found her heart easing just a little. Perhaps. Perhaps all would be all right, after all.

~ Nana = Mum
~ Henig = My child


Author's Note. I have not said it explicitly, though I do think it is implied, but I imagine Celebrían also having the gift of foresight at least to some extent. At the very least, I think she would have felt they were coming.