Chapter 16
Year 1693
" Ereinion, you have a visitor," Elrond entered.
Galadriel swept in with a smile. Ereinion rose.
" And how was Lothlorien this time of year?"
Galadriel merely smiled again. She glanced back at Elrond.
" Can you close the door on your way out?"
Elrond nodded, joining Celeborn in the hallway.
Ereinion sent her a questioning look.
" What is it?"
" I was visited by Celebrimbor on my stay."
" What did Celeborn say to that?"
" He does not know for Celebrimbor's visit must remain a secret," Galadriel revealed her hand, " He gave me this."
Ereinion gazed at the clear ring that resembled crystal waters in its depths. His face was lit by its soft light.
" What is it?" he asked softly, amazed.
" This is Nenya, the ring of water. It is the most powerful of the three rings that Celebrimbor made. He gave me all three of them. He fears Eregion is no longer safe. He believes Annatar is Sauron finally."
" What changed his mind?"
" He caught sight of a single band of gold around Annatar's index finger. When asked about it, Annatar used magic to try and erase the memory of it. Celebrimbor wanted these three safe."
" Where are the other two?" Ereinion asked.
Galadriel pulled out a pouch.
" I already gave one to Círdan, for we both know he is wise."
She handed the dark blue pouch to him. Ereinion took it, pulling out the ring. It shone a vibrant night sky blue with tiny star-like sparkles encased in it. The moment he touched it, it seemed as if the night became brighter.
" Tis Vilya, the ring of Air."
Ereinion put it upon his finger. He smiled at it, entranced by the light in it.
" Thank you. It is beautiful."
" Take it off," Galadriel whispered.
It was then Ereinion felt the other presence. Someone else was there. He could not see the other, but it was not a joyful presence. Ereinion pulled it off, shaken to the core.
" A voice told me I would die soon and he would enjoy it," Ereinion whispered.
" Sauron can perceive these rings when he wears his. We do not know if he can control them; so do not wear it on your hand. There is a chain inside the pouch."
Ereinion swiftly put it around his neck.
" And so it begins. The War is come."
~*~
Year 1695
Elrond was taken aback by the suddenness of the vision. He was in Eregion, flames all about. The heat of them scorched his skin. He beheld himself and found he was in Celebrimbor's body. The Elf ran towards the worst of the fighting.
" Where are you, you low lieutenant of Morgoth. Come out. Show your ugly face to me. Are you afraid of an Elf, Gorthaur?"
The Maia appeared, looking nothing like the sweet faced Annatar.
" You called, Celebrimbor?"
The mace left the Elf unconscious.
~*~
Galadriel was bent over Elrond. She looked up at Celeborn.
" Something terribly wrong has happened."
~*~
Ereinion was bent over his desk, as if in pain. Celeborn gingerly touched his shoulder.
" They have attacked," Ereinion whispered.
Celeborn's spirit fell, seeing Ereinion so distraught.
" Elrond fell under a vision. Something terribly wrong has happened."
Ereinion looked up.
" Eregion is under siege."
~*~
Elrond fastened the last piece of armor. He picked up his sword, attaching the bow and quiver to his back. He was sure to make sure that he showed no hint of pain at the armor resting on his chest. Ereinion strode to walk beside him.
" Be careful. We know not their numbers."
Elrond nodded.
" Do not worry."
" I cannot help but worry. Promise me you shall return," Ereinion replied.
Elrond clasped his shoulder.
" I cannot promise that."
Ereinion nodded.
" Then at least be safe. Varda shall guide your steps."
~*~
The journey lasted many days, but the siege was taking many months. Elrond looked up at Glorfindel, both bent over maps.
" I care not about the orcs. I care about getting all the refugees from the city."
Glorfindel nodded.
" Celeborn is coming from the West to this side," Glorfindel pointed, " If we surround them all, you taking the remnant over the River Loudwaters. There is nothing there, but rivers and valleys. Perchance we could use it as a fortress."
Elrond nodded.
" You are good."
Glorfindel chuckled.
" After doing this for three high-kings and all my lives, I have best be."
~*~
Elrond was busily fighting.
" Mamil?" a wail came.
He sprinted, seeing the young silver and red haired teen girl. Elrond found himself face to face with Celebrimbor.
" You must go," the Elf gasped, " Take her. Watch her. I have unfinished business."
Elrond took her hand.
" May your feet find their way home," Elrond whispered.
The teen clutched Elrond's hand as he fought his way back out of the city.
" Elrond, come on," Glorfindel screamed, " They have back up."
" Where is Celeborn?" Elrond yelled back, " He is late."
They were trapped between the two armies. Elrond looked at the teen beside him. He motioned a shivering maiden over.
" Watch her for me. I shall return for her."
Glorfindel pulled Elrond off to the side. Elrond glanced at the head wound, touching it and watching it heal.
" We are all dead. Celeborn's timing is off. There is no way…"
As if the sun was coming up, a blaze of silver caught them off guard.
" He is a genius. He split them into two armies, coming behind each," Glorfindel whispered, " Get the refugees over Loudwaters. We shall follow you there."
Elrond sheathed his sword.
" People of Eregion, follow me and hurry" he yelled.
~*~
Never had there been such a joyous reunion. Glorfindel dismounted with a cheerful whoop.
" They are beaten back for now."
Celeborn dismounted, shaking his head, his face still grave.
" They are following us. We must find a well fortified place."
Elrond nodded. He looked up at the clear sky.
" I will go look for one."
" Sir, sir," the girl he had rescued tugged on his robes.
Elrond glanced at her.
" Yes?"
" Where is Uncle Celebrimbor?"
Elrond looked up at the two elves. Celeborn shook his head. Elrond managed a mournful smile.
" He did not leave Eregion with us. He left you with me. Come on. You can help me."
~*~
Elrond beheld the majestic valley with an assessing nod. Celeborn was lost for words. He glanced at the thoughtful young Elf-lord and then at the awe-struck Glorfindel. The young maiden, Celebrisse, clapped her hands joyfully.
" Here, Elrond, here. The stars are like diamonds here."
Elrond looked down at her.
" Ok then."
" Well?" Celeborn looked at him.
Elrond shrugged.
" It is nice."
" Nice? This valley nearly outdoes Gondolin," Glorfindel exclaimed.
" Then let us fortify it so that it does not fall under Gondolin's fate."
Glorfindel rolled his eyes before beginning to aid Celeborn and the other troops. Elrond began to see to the remaining Noldor and what wounds they bore.
" Elrond," came Glorfindel's yell.
Elrond left Celebrisse with a maiden, approaching. Elrond promptly covered his mouth, before leaning over and losing his lunch in the bushes nearby.
" By Eru, please tell me," Elrond whispered.
" Tis Celebrimbor," Celeborn's eyes were shadowed.
He was the only one who could stand to watch it. They waved the mutilated body and the appendages that were loose from the body like a banner. Elrond had covered his face, turning away.
" Begin to fortify even more," Elrond slid down the wall.
*I could have saved him. I took Celebrisse, but did not take the time to pull him to safety also. His death is my fault.
Glorfindel bent before Elrond.
" Elrond?"
Elrond looked up, his face like stone.
" I must return to the wounded."
Glorfindel nodded, letting him go.
" Something happened," Celeborn said softly.
" We will have to wait for Ereinion in order to find out."
~*~
Spring 1701
Ereinion rode up with more troops. He approached the gate with caution, seeing the piles of dead orcs lying smoldering on either side.
" Ereinion, welcome," Celeborn strode out of the gate towards them.
" You are safe."
Celeborn glanced at Ereinion almost angrily, ignoring his wife.
" Why did you let her come? Sauron still lurks here."
Ereinion shook his head with a victorious smile.
" My troops and I have just driven the last from Eregion."
" And leastways, Teleporno, I am not a powerless ninny," Galadriel admonished, " I worried and not even Eru could have prevented me from coming."
Celeborn nodded. That was true.
" Come then. Elrond is waiting at the havens."
" Havens?" Ereinion asked.
Celeborn nodded.
" You left us here for four years. Did you expect us to live in tents that whole time?" Celeborn looked down and then back up, " There are many children who lost their parents. I suspect many shall leave to go over the Sea, but…"
" Tell me about this new fortress," Ereinion replied.
Celeborn lifted his chin proudly, to speak of Elrond as if the boy was his son.
" If you knew not where it is, you would never find it. Elrond has constructed it in the forest, not harming one tree for wood, but instead allowing the trees to weave roofs, which he then constructs the walls and other things from trees being cut down high in the mountains or already dead ones. It is far prettier than Lindon, I believe you will find."
" What of Celebrimbor?" Ereinion asked.
Celeborn did not meet Ereinion's eyes.
" The survivors are at the havens."