CHAPTER 2
The journey itself took only a day or two since it was just over the Great River from which her
former father named her after. All along the way Eámanë was told of the recent events that led up
to her homecoming.
Galadriel, or her mother, as she was now accustomed to saying, had already left for the Grey
Havens. Her father, Celeborn, however waited for her arrival, along with Elrond of Rivendell and
Thranduil of Mirkwood.
Days before her homecoming a meeting had taken place on the borders of their lands. Thranduil
and Celeborn's kingdoms had suffered damage to the War of the Ring. They met and discuss the
future of both lands. Finally they came to an agreement; there would be a union of both lands.
The only son of Thranduil and youngest daughter of Celeborn would marry.
Eámanë only learned of this several days before it was to take place and she was not happy
about it.
"Father, please tell me this can be avoided somehow!" she exclaimed. "I do not wish to marry. At
least not against my will."
"Eámanë, this is your duty to your kingdom. Both realms are in dire need of one another's aid and
this union was to the mind of his father and I. We know this may not be easy, but ruling a
kingdom rarely is." Celeborn said, speaking firmly yet kindly.
She stood firm, yet silent. Eámanë crossed her arms over her chest and breathed deeply.
"He will not leave your side. He will rule beside you, my daughter." Sighing wearily, he placed a
hand on her shoulder. "You are a daughter of a great lady of elves. You stand forth ready to
receive all this at my passing. You must do what is best for your people and lands. They will look
to you for guidance and strength. You can do this, Eámanë, but you will go through will this
arrangement." He spoke heatedly.
Eámanë looked at her father, hot tears burning her eyes. She bowed her head in compliance and
quietly walked away.
Eámanë ran down the long and winding staircases of Caras Galadhon till she came across her
favorite horse, Rána. There she rode off till all the trees seemed to bend with her.
Haldir and his brother, Rúmil, two marchwardens that closely protected the king and queen, rode
after her but she soon lost them.
Sunset was coming and soon the forest would be dark. Unfortunately it did not impair the sight of
the elves and they could see her just as well.
Eámanë rode all the way to the very borders of Lorien. There her eyes caught sight of a band of
men. They were heading towards her from the west. She dismounted from Rána and quickly took
shelter under the trees of the wood. She stood there and watched these men; soon Eámanë
noticed that they were heading down the same path that she had been on moments before. They
would walk right past her. She observed them until finally the young one on horseback caught her
eye. She watched him until he was almost upon her. Eámanë quickly jumped back on her horse
and flung up dust and dirt as She started off. She came speedily towards them, stopping in front
of their path.
Quickly the young captain spoke. "Dear elven maiden, we seek the protection of the Lorien
people. We are in service of your king Celeborn."
She continued to stare at them silently.