Disclaimer : Lord of the Rings and its characters belong to Tolkien and his
heirs along with the movie productions who did the movie and of course
Peter Jackson. Along with several authors but most notably Cassia and Sio,
Gilraen, Aragorn's mother died along her husband thus making Elrond a
single parent fostering Aragorn and the only parent Estel considers his.
* Interlude *
In Return for Grace
Note-This is partially the reason I wrote this fanfic, because it was an idea of this first and then Araanaz wanted me to write a story where Legolas was seeing visions of Strider, of course being angsty I wrote it that way instead of fluffy like she wanted. Thank you for all the reviews, acknowledgements will be in the next chapter.
------
The shore were still but something hung in the air, something that made him lurk at the bay and stare out on the horizon.
He felt someone coming, his dreams had whispered the same but he couldn't bring himself to tell it to anyone. He had hinted to Galadriel but she had not answered nor confided in him. It was much too early for anyone to be awake but he just couldn't sleep. Even the warmth of his wife's embrace and the softness of their bed had not quenched his need to leave and roam.
He had left a part of himself behind and no matter the tranquillity in Aman, he still felt the hurt and pain. The wound of leaving his only daughter alone to die a mortal. He had left without his sons, but they arrived with Celeborn several years later after bearing news of Aragorn's death. The way his twins prepared him for the news for he had not only left his daughter behind but the foster son he held dearest in his heart. He had expected to loose Aragorn since the moment he held him in his arms and lulled him to sleep. And even if he had Arwen's happiness first and foremost he couldn't get over her passing. He had dropped a bomb on Estel, challenging him to bring back Royalty in Gondor and Anor. In truth, he had not expected him to succeed even if he should have, for he raised the edan himself and knew him to be the finest his diluted elven blood could offer.
And now walking on the pebbles he was lost in deep memories so heavy his knees forced him to sit on a large rock. He stared at the misty fog surrounding the island, the sun had not rose and would not for a few hours, but dawn was starting to break away the mist slowly. Elrond shock his long brown hair feeling a chill through his bones, he looked back again when he saw a faint outline of something moving closer.
He stood up and walked further on the beach, there was no doubt about it, a boat was coming close. He felt his heart flutter, after Legolas' abrupt exit they were explained of the Valar's gift to the Elf-Stone and the curse given upon him. He wept after Galadriel told him, so much grief had passed over him. When he heard the news of Estel's death he remembered when his own twin Elros passed away for he almost bore the same love for his brother than for his foster-son. He knew that Legolas had gone searching for his brother-in-arm and perhaps he was bringing him back, along with his daughter.
The boat moved closer, but there was only one figure on it, a dark haired figure who pushed the anchor a few meters from the shore. He stood up and walked to the front of the boat while Elrond walked until he was knee deep in the water and came face to face with the man aboard.
He was a stranger that bore so much familiarity it was frightening. Shoulder dark brown hair that fell in long waves, grey eyes that carried a wise echo, long porcelain face with thick eyelashes. He carried grace and power wearing Westron style with Elven fabric, but something was missing on him. "A crown." Whispered Elrond as he gazed on the presence of his grand- son, the King of the Reunited Anor and Gondor.
-"My name is Eldarion Telcontar son of Elessar Telcontar and Arwen Evenstar." Eldarion declared as if he was in court addressing another king with respect.
-"Though I had never before laid eyes on you, I knew of you young King. Your uncles informed me of your life and the times they have passed with you and your sisters. And even if they had not, I still would have recognised you for you bear the spirit of your mother, my child and the greatness of your father." Elrond declared walking further and grasping the boat with one hand.
-"You are my grand-father." Said Eldarion smiling fondly at the Lord in front of him. "I have heard so much about you from my parents and uncles."
-"Please let's talk on land, there is a lot of friends and family that would wish to greet you." Elrond said reaching out a hand to help the young king disembarked, he frowned when the young man stepped back further in the boat.
-"Please forgive me my lord but I cannot. I fear the Elven blood runs deep in my veins and I am not sure I would be able to return to my realm. My people needs me as does this boat meant to be use for the last of the fellowship." Eldarion declared sincere, he glanced at the surrounding, it was clear that the curiosity and the yearning to step on the peacefulness of Aman was tempting.
-"I understand. But please stay, I will fetch your uncles for they will be glad to talk with you. My wife would also no forgive me for denying the chance to meet you." Elrond said grasping harder the boat as if he feared Eldarion would pulled the anchor and leave in the minute.
-"I would be over joy to meet any one living on this land Grand-Father. But I carry letters for yourself and for other that I only know in names. Could you be so kind and distribute them." Eldarion searched his pockets and pulled out several envelop of parchment each carrying a different name.
Elrond took the letter and deliberately brushed his fingers against Eldarion's, he wanted to take the child in his arms. It was perhaps the need for closure surrounding both Arwen and Estel's fate. He had denied the two of their love knowing what Estel was meant to accomplish but also because he was a father to a beautiful daughter he didn't want to share. However seeing the brave young man in front of him, he couldn't help but feel proud. Elrond took a rope and tied it to the shore, the waves had moved the boat toward the sea instead of the shore, it felt the Havens knew Eldarion wasn't suppose to be there and was trying to push him.
-"Wait here, I will be back." Elrond said before almost running out of the waters, he heard Eldarion calling out "Where could I go, you tied the boat?!" and grinned like mad, he felt years younger even if seeing the grown face of his grand-son was a bit upsetting. Wasn't it yesterday he held a two years old Aragorn and a week ago he played with a toddler Arwen, he could still remember the birth of the twin with amazing clarity.
He walked on the shore for a few minutes when he saw a group of Elves led by Galadriel approach him, the little knowing smile on his mother-in-law reminded him that nothing could escape Galadriel. Near her was her husband, Celeborn who held Celebrian's arm, the trio were a blessing to see, their hairs illuminating the surrounding with the gold in them. Following were Elladan and Elrohir, skipping making gestures behind their mother and grand- parents. They hid the small three figures of Sam, Frodo and Gimli. They all stopped and Galadriel motioned them to return at Eldarion's. The mood was lighter suddenly and Eldarion waved to his uncles and the people he recognized.
-"Greetings, Eldarion King of Gondor, son of my daughter's daughter and our Elf-Stone." Galadriel said while Eldarion bowed in awe, his mouth was wide open as he watched the beauty of the Elf that everyone considered a queen among them and her daughter who passed on her beauty to the Evenstar. Eldarion might have mistook Celebrian for his mother had she wore a veil covering her golden tresses that would have made any jeweller weep at the beauty.
-"Eldarion ! How are you lad ?!" Asked Gimli asked laughing at Eldarion trying to speak at the Queenly Elf but lacking the power.
-"Gimli ! I am well. I bring message from nana and Gwador Legolas for you and for you too Uncle Sam and Gwador Elrohir and Elladan as well. They send me with message for everyone present it seems." Eldarion added glancing around at the group surrounding him. Elrond took the parchments in his hands and distributed them to their owner. Each of them read their letters in silence giving time for Eldarion to memorize their features, their reactions. There was his family in front of him, members he grew up with, members he heard of, only missing were his sisters, honorary uncles, aunts and cousins and his beloved parents.
-"You bring comforting words child, I shall tell King Thranduil that Legolas is well. Thank you for bringing words from my daughter, it has been far too long since I laid eyes on her." Celebrian said softly and lightly, Eldarion had the impression that had it not been the stillness of the World, he would not have heard. Elladan and Elrohir moved closer to their mother as if fearing she would disappear again. Eldarion heard from Arwen the whole story about Celebrian's departure and how it affected their family. Arwen herself had trouble staying at her father's home because the memories of her mother's illness was too hard to bear.
-"Tell the Evenstar and Thraduilion that they have our prayers, we wish them a speedy search. We await their return with impatience." Celeborn said hugging his daughter closer to him.
-"We will ask Eru to help them finding Estel. Tell them that they are always in our thoughts." Declared Elrond the closest to Eldarion, he grinned to his kin who nodded solemnly.
-"Can we.could we." stammered Sam clutching his letter to his chest, he looked at a calm Frodo who smiled gently at him even if the years had weathered him down. Strider and Arwen had done so much for his master and he wanted to do anything to help. Since he couldn't leave the Havens he thought he could perhaps write them an encouraging letter to support them. Little did he know that everyone else had the same thoughts.
-"Yes Master Gamgee, I think we should all write encouragement for the Evenstar and our prince. Would you please be our messenger Lord Telcontar?" Asked Galadriel waving her hand, three handmaiden appeared with quills and parchments.
-"I would be my honour." Said Eldarion bowing once more. Another pair of handmaiden appear with refreshment that they passed around to the hobbits and to Eldarion. They also packed the boat with several types of food when Eldarion, seeing Sam, Gimli, Frodo and even Gandalf's interest in the Gondarian food he brought, gave his to the remainders of the Fellowship.
They all wrote and chatted in relative silence with Eldarion, who sat in his boat enjoying lembas breads and stories about the hobbits and Gandalf who took quite a liking to the young king. The silence was disrupted thought not by any loud voice or sounds but by the mere presence of a couple who stumbled on the beach. They both had long blonde hair and had the regal air about them. They also seemed familiar to Eldarion but it was hard to tell. Galadriel exchanged glance with her daughter and her husband before walking to the couple.
-"Lord Thranduil, Lady. You have heard about our visitor." Galadriel said with some kind of warning in her voice.
-"I have mostly heard about the fact that my son has not yet set foot on this shore." Said the former King of Mirkwood bitterly, looking at Eldarion with almost disgust. Out of protectiveness, Elrond and Celeborn placed themselves in front of their respective grand-son and great-grand-son.
-"Do not give hope yet, my love." Whispered Legolas' mother to her husband.
-"You should listen to the Lady, I have forseen your son's return to us, and you are aware that I have never been wrong while reading the shadows of my mirrors." Galadriel said reminding Eldarion of his former tutor.
-"Why should I not be mad that this Edan's father has taken away my son!" Snapped Thranduil glaring at Telcontar.
-"Thranduil, I know you want your son back. But I also want mine." Said urgently Elrond looking almost ashamed, he knew the pain caused on his fellow lord.
-"Legolas will find Estel soon. He sworn to me that he will walk upon this shore." Celeborn said showing the letter he had in his hands. Elrond took the last two letters he didn't distribute and handed them to the Lord of Mirkwood. Thranduil opened the letter and read it with vigour, turning back the letter to inspect every ink spot. His eyes watered as he read it another time before taking his wife in his arms while she wept after reading her letter.
-"Good Lord, write a message to your son. And I swear to you that nothing in Arda will keep me from giving it to Legolas. It will be my honour and privileges to give words to your son. I hold the prince in the highest regards, only second to my parents for I have grown calling him family. I owe you allegiance as I owe him. Your letter will be in his hands as if you had given it yourself." Eldarion placed a hand on his forehead and lips mimicking his father's sign of respect.
-"I now realise why my son placed you in the highest of confidence. The Elvish blood flows into your veins and it shows. I will entrust you with a message to my son and sleep knowing it will be in his keeping soon. Will you join us in the Havens after your rule?" Thranduil said after a pause, watching the expression on Eldarion's face become sorrowful.
-"I am afraid that I will not. This will be my only chance to gaze upon all of you. I have chosen Elros' choice in his honour. My people has far too great needs of me. My wife told me she was expecting just before I left. Though my elvish blood wish it, I will not join this land and I will remain edan." Eldarion said switching uneasy in his seat. Elrond closed his eyes in pain, no matter how long and how far, his twin's choice haunted him. He felt his wife's hand slid into his squeezing hard before he opened his eyes and looked at his sons. One of them could have easily chosen to stay in Middle-Earth, and it was nearly the case, but they followed their grand- father out of love for their family. It was not easy for any of them to leave their sister behind.
-"I wish you joy and happiness for the blessing you have received." Legolas' mother said with a knowing smile, though it was obvious she was in pain because she missed her son, she saw the good heart that beat in Eldarion's chest.
-"Thank you my lady." Eldarion bowed to the lady giving her the charms that swooned so many court maidens. Elladan and Elrohir rolled their eyes at their nephews' antics while the Silvian Elf blushed at the courtesy.
-"We should hurry to finish our task, It will soon be the time for this young man to go home." Said suddenly Galadriel listening to the wind. The day was now high and looked as beautiful as ever. But Galadriel's frown worried every single one of them.
Another hour passed before they all finished writing what they wanted to say, a few asked for another piece of paper for forgotten messages. Eldarion had now messages for members of the Gondarian Royal family as well as Rohan's and Ithilien's and going as far as the Shire. The boat was a bit heavier than when he arrived. He had half crutched as he was hugged by his uncles, his grand-father and grand-mother who held him the longest, somehow transmitting her love for her daughter through the child.
Eldarion was just picking up the anchor of the boat that Elrond gave to him when he heard a small voice ask him to wait. He bent and saw the large blue eyes of Frodo holding out something in his hands, the water was far to high for him so he stopped when the water was at thighs' high. Celeborn who was nearest of him picked up in his arms and crossed the last remaining steps so Frodo could give what he held. The item was in metal but quite light and cool, he opened his hands to see a necklace with a sort of silver eagle spreading his wings.
-"It's the Evenstar that Arwen gave to me for comfort. I have no need for it now. It belongs to your father." Frodo said breathlessly. Eldarion nodding, loss for words before kissing the hobbit's forehead in thanks.
With a last wave, Eldarion sailed back to shore carrying both sadness and joy he never thought possible. Celeborn had told him just before leaving that the boat would be the only one capable of such trip. Its sails were magically made to navigate to the Havens. It could only bear one more trip. Eldarion almost renounced his choice, he longed to jump into waters and join his family and live forever more in the peaceful of the Island. But he had sworn he would give the messages to their owner. He was a man of promise and truth. He watched as the people on the beach disappeared in the afternoon fog while he sailed back to Middle-Earth.
Eldarion Telcontar was the only man to set eyes on the Havens protected afterward by the strongest magic. The only exception was a little grey elven boat sent to allow the prince of Mirkwood to rejoin his compatriots. Not even Galadriel could have believe it would be over a millennia before they saw the little grey boat again.
* Interlude *
In Return for Grace
Note-This is partially the reason I wrote this fanfic, because it was an idea of this first and then Araanaz wanted me to write a story where Legolas was seeing visions of Strider, of course being angsty I wrote it that way instead of fluffy like she wanted. Thank you for all the reviews, acknowledgements will be in the next chapter.
------
The shore were still but something hung in the air, something that made him lurk at the bay and stare out on the horizon.
He felt someone coming, his dreams had whispered the same but he couldn't bring himself to tell it to anyone. He had hinted to Galadriel but she had not answered nor confided in him. It was much too early for anyone to be awake but he just couldn't sleep. Even the warmth of his wife's embrace and the softness of their bed had not quenched his need to leave and roam.
He had left a part of himself behind and no matter the tranquillity in Aman, he still felt the hurt and pain. The wound of leaving his only daughter alone to die a mortal. He had left without his sons, but they arrived with Celeborn several years later after bearing news of Aragorn's death. The way his twins prepared him for the news for he had not only left his daughter behind but the foster son he held dearest in his heart. He had expected to loose Aragorn since the moment he held him in his arms and lulled him to sleep. And even if he had Arwen's happiness first and foremost he couldn't get over her passing. He had dropped a bomb on Estel, challenging him to bring back Royalty in Gondor and Anor. In truth, he had not expected him to succeed even if he should have, for he raised the edan himself and knew him to be the finest his diluted elven blood could offer.
And now walking on the pebbles he was lost in deep memories so heavy his knees forced him to sit on a large rock. He stared at the misty fog surrounding the island, the sun had not rose and would not for a few hours, but dawn was starting to break away the mist slowly. Elrond shock his long brown hair feeling a chill through his bones, he looked back again when he saw a faint outline of something moving closer.
He stood up and walked further on the beach, there was no doubt about it, a boat was coming close. He felt his heart flutter, after Legolas' abrupt exit they were explained of the Valar's gift to the Elf-Stone and the curse given upon him. He wept after Galadriel told him, so much grief had passed over him. When he heard the news of Estel's death he remembered when his own twin Elros passed away for he almost bore the same love for his brother than for his foster-son. He knew that Legolas had gone searching for his brother-in-arm and perhaps he was bringing him back, along with his daughter.
The boat moved closer, but there was only one figure on it, a dark haired figure who pushed the anchor a few meters from the shore. He stood up and walked to the front of the boat while Elrond walked until he was knee deep in the water and came face to face with the man aboard.
He was a stranger that bore so much familiarity it was frightening. Shoulder dark brown hair that fell in long waves, grey eyes that carried a wise echo, long porcelain face with thick eyelashes. He carried grace and power wearing Westron style with Elven fabric, but something was missing on him. "A crown." Whispered Elrond as he gazed on the presence of his grand- son, the King of the Reunited Anor and Gondor.
-"My name is Eldarion Telcontar son of Elessar Telcontar and Arwen Evenstar." Eldarion declared as if he was in court addressing another king with respect.
-"Though I had never before laid eyes on you, I knew of you young King. Your uncles informed me of your life and the times they have passed with you and your sisters. And even if they had not, I still would have recognised you for you bear the spirit of your mother, my child and the greatness of your father." Elrond declared walking further and grasping the boat with one hand.
-"You are my grand-father." Said Eldarion smiling fondly at the Lord in front of him. "I have heard so much about you from my parents and uncles."
-"Please let's talk on land, there is a lot of friends and family that would wish to greet you." Elrond said reaching out a hand to help the young king disembarked, he frowned when the young man stepped back further in the boat.
-"Please forgive me my lord but I cannot. I fear the Elven blood runs deep in my veins and I am not sure I would be able to return to my realm. My people needs me as does this boat meant to be use for the last of the fellowship." Eldarion declared sincere, he glanced at the surrounding, it was clear that the curiosity and the yearning to step on the peacefulness of Aman was tempting.
-"I understand. But please stay, I will fetch your uncles for they will be glad to talk with you. My wife would also no forgive me for denying the chance to meet you." Elrond said grasping harder the boat as if he feared Eldarion would pulled the anchor and leave in the minute.
-"I would be over joy to meet any one living on this land Grand-Father. But I carry letters for yourself and for other that I only know in names. Could you be so kind and distribute them." Eldarion searched his pockets and pulled out several envelop of parchment each carrying a different name.
Elrond took the letter and deliberately brushed his fingers against Eldarion's, he wanted to take the child in his arms. It was perhaps the need for closure surrounding both Arwen and Estel's fate. He had denied the two of their love knowing what Estel was meant to accomplish but also because he was a father to a beautiful daughter he didn't want to share. However seeing the brave young man in front of him, he couldn't help but feel proud. Elrond took a rope and tied it to the shore, the waves had moved the boat toward the sea instead of the shore, it felt the Havens knew Eldarion wasn't suppose to be there and was trying to push him.
-"Wait here, I will be back." Elrond said before almost running out of the waters, he heard Eldarion calling out "Where could I go, you tied the boat?!" and grinned like mad, he felt years younger even if seeing the grown face of his grand-son was a bit upsetting. Wasn't it yesterday he held a two years old Aragorn and a week ago he played with a toddler Arwen, he could still remember the birth of the twin with amazing clarity.
He walked on the shore for a few minutes when he saw a group of Elves led by Galadriel approach him, the little knowing smile on his mother-in-law reminded him that nothing could escape Galadriel. Near her was her husband, Celeborn who held Celebrian's arm, the trio were a blessing to see, their hairs illuminating the surrounding with the gold in them. Following were Elladan and Elrohir, skipping making gestures behind their mother and grand- parents. They hid the small three figures of Sam, Frodo and Gimli. They all stopped and Galadriel motioned them to return at Eldarion's. The mood was lighter suddenly and Eldarion waved to his uncles and the people he recognized.
-"Greetings, Eldarion King of Gondor, son of my daughter's daughter and our Elf-Stone." Galadriel said while Eldarion bowed in awe, his mouth was wide open as he watched the beauty of the Elf that everyone considered a queen among them and her daughter who passed on her beauty to the Evenstar. Eldarion might have mistook Celebrian for his mother had she wore a veil covering her golden tresses that would have made any jeweller weep at the beauty.
-"Eldarion ! How are you lad ?!" Asked Gimli asked laughing at Eldarion trying to speak at the Queenly Elf but lacking the power.
-"Gimli ! I am well. I bring message from nana and Gwador Legolas for you and for you too Uncle Sam and Gwador Elrohir and Elladan as well. They send me with message for everyone present it seems." Eldarion added glancing around at the group surrounding him. Elrond took the parchments in his hands and distributed them to their owner. Each of them read their letters in silence giving time for Eldarion to memorize their features, their reactions. There was his family in front of him, members he grew up with, members he heard of, only missing were his sisters, honorary uncles, aunts and cousins and his beloved parents.
-"You bring comforting words child, I shall tell King Thranduil that Legolas is well. Thank you for bringing words from my daughter, it has been far too long since I laid eyes on her." Celebrian said softly and lightly, Eldarion had the impression that had it not been the stillness of the World, he would not have heard. Elladan and Elrohir moved closer to their mother as if fearing she would disappear again. Eldarion heard from Arwen the whole story about Celebrian's departure and how it affected their family. Arwen herself had trouble staying at her father's home because the memories of her mother's illness was too hard to bear.
-"Tell the Evenstar and Thraduilion that they have our prayers, we wish them a speedy search. We await their return with impatience." Celeborn said hugging his daughter closer to him.
-"We will ask Eru to help them finding Estel. Tell them that they are always in our thoughts." Declared Elrond the closest to Eldarion, he grinned to his kin who nodded solemnly.
-"Can we.could we." stammered Sam clutching his letter to his chest, he looked at a calm Frodo who smiled gently at him even if the years had weathered him down. Strider and Arwen had done so much for his master and he wanted to do anything to help. Since he couldn't leave the Havens he thought he could perhaps write them an encouraging letter to support them. Little did he know that everyone else had the same thoughts.
-"Yes Master Gamgee, I think we should all write encouragement for the Evenstar and our prince. Would you please be our messenger Lord Telcontar?" Asked Galadriel waving her hand, three handmaiden appeared with quills and parchments.
-"I would be my honour." Said Eldarion bowing once more. Another pair of handmaiden appear with refreshment that they passed around to the hobbits and to Eldarion. They also packed the boat with several types of food when Eldarion, seeing Sam, Gimli, Frodo and even Gandalf's interest in the Gondarian food he brought, gave his to the remainders of the Fellowship.
They all wrote and chatted in relative silence with Eldarion, who sat in his boat enjoying lembas breads and stories about the hobbits and Gandalf who took quite a liking to the young king. The silence was disrupted thought not by any loud voice or sounds but by the mere presence of a couple who stumbled on the beach. They both had long blonde hair and had the regal air about them. They also seemed familiar to Eldarion but it was hard to tell. Galadriel exchanged glance with her daughter and her husband before walking to the couple.
-"Lord Thranduil, Lady. You have heard about our visitor." Galadriel said with some kind of warning in her voice.
-"I have mostly heard about the fact that my son has not yet set foot on this shore." Said the former King of Mirkwood bitterly, looking at Eldarion with almost disgust. Out of protectiveness, Elrond and Celeborn placed themselves in front of their respective grand-son and great-grand-son.
-"Do not give hope yet, my love." Whispered Legolas' mother to her husband.
-"You should listen to the Lady, I have forseen your son's return to us, and you are aware that I have never been wrong while reading the shadows of my mirrors." Galadriel said reminding Eldarion of his former tutor.
-"Why should I not be mad that this Edan's father has taken away my son!" Snapped Thranduil glaring at Telcontar.
-"Thranduil, I know you want your son back. But I also want mine." Said urgently Elrond looking almost ashamed, he knew the pain caused on his fellow lord.
-"Legolas will find Estel soon. He sworn to me that he will walk upon this shore." Celeborn said showing the letter he had in his hands. Elrond took the last two letters he didn't distribute and handed them to the Lord of Mirkwood. Thranduil opened the letter and read it with vigour, turning back the letter to inspect every ink spot. His eyes watered as he read it another time before taking his wife in his arms while she wept after reading her letter.
-"Good Lord, write a message to your son. And I swear to you that nothing in Arda will keep me from giving it to Legolas. It will be my honour and privileges to give words to your son. I hold the prince in the highest regards, only second to my parents for I have grown calling him family. I owe you allegiance as I owe him. Your letter will be in his hands as if you had given it yourself." Eldarion placed a hand on his forehead and lips mimicking his father's sign of respect.
-"I now realise why my son placed you in the highest of confidence. The Elvish blood flows into your veins and it shows. I will entrust you with a message to my son and sleep knowing it will be in his keeping soon. Will you join us in the Havens after your rule?" Thranduil said after a pause, watching the expression on Eldarion's face become sorrowful.
-"I am afraid that I will not. This will be my only chance to gaze upon all of you. I have chosen Elros' choice in his honour. My people has far too great needs of me. My wife told me she was expecting just before I left. Though my elvish blood wish it, I will not join this land and I will remain edan." Eldarion said switching uneasy in his seat. Elrond closed his eyes in pain, no matter how long and how far, his twin's choice haunted him. He felt his wife's hand slid into his squeezing hard before he opened his eyes and looked at his sons. One of them could have easily chosen to stay in Middle-Earth, and it was nearly the case, but they followed their grand- father out of love for their family. It was not easy for any of them to leave their sister behind.
-"I wish you joy and happiness for the blessing you have received." Legolas' mother said with a knowing smile, though it was obvious she was in pain because she missed her son, she saw the good heart that beat in Eldarion's chest.
-"Thank you my lady." Eldarion bowed to the lady giving her the charms that swooned so many court maidens. Elladan and Elrohir rolled their eyes at their nephews' antics while the Silvian Elf blushed at the courtesy.
-"We should hurry to finish our task, It will soon be the time for this young man to go home." Said suddenly Galadriel listening to the wind. The day was now high and looked as beautiful as ever. But Galadriel's frown worried every single one of them.
Another hour passed before they all finished writing what they wanted to say, a few asked for another piece of paper for forgotten messages. Eldarion had now messages for members of the Gondarian Royal family as well as Rohan's and Ithilien's and going as far as the Shire. The boat was a bit heavier than when he arrived. He had half crutched as he was hugged by his uncles, his grand-father and grand-mother who held him the longest, somehow transmitting her love for her daughter through the child.
Eldarion was just picking up the anchor of the boat that Elrond gave to him when he heard a small voice ask him to wait. He bent and saw the large blue eyes of Frodo holding out something in his hands, the water was far to high for him so he stopped when the water was at thighs' high. Celeborn who was nearest of him picked up in his arms and crossed the last remaining steps so Frodo could give what he held. The item was in metal but quite light and cool, he opened his hands to see a necklace with a sort of silver eagle spreading his wings.
-"It's the Evenstar that Arwen gave to me for comfort. I have no need for it now. It belongs to your father." Frodo said breathlessly. Eldarion nodding, loss for words before kissing the hobbit's forehead in thanks.
With a last wave, Eldarion sailed back to shore carrying both sadness and joy he never thought possible. Celeborn had told him just before leaving that the boat would be the only one capable of such trip. Its sails were magically made to navigate to the Havens. It could only bear one more trip. Eldarion almost renounced his choice, he longed to jump into waters and join his family and live forever more in the peaceful of the Island. But he had sworn he would give the messages to their owner. He was a man of promise and truth. He watched as the people on the beach disappeared in the afternoon fog while he sailed back to Middle-Earth.
Eldarion Telcontar was the only man to set eyes on the Havens protected afterward by the strongest magic. The only exception was a little grey elven boat sent to allow the prince of Mirkwood to rejoin his compatriots. Not even Galadriel could have believe it would be over a millennia before they saw the little grey boat again.
