I know I'm diverting from the Celebrin-Alphindil storyline, around which this very story is centered, but I realized that there was a story that needed to be said.

The hall of Cirdan rose as a great rock that was stranded by the waves of the ocean upon the shores of Lindon; it's vaulted roof gleamed as the scarlet stone of a jewelers shop that he had thoughts to throw it aside, yet seeing how the light was caught in it, took it up and coveted it for all the years of his life. The walls angled toward the roof reaching so high yet yielding to the mastery of the sky to the very stars, silver and brazen lamps surrounded it lighting it in a cascade of white and gilded flame. Facing the east stood the great doors of Cirdan's hall, made of the wood of boats that had long been destroyed by the sea storms. Their hue was gray yet devised on them were designs made of iron, silver and bronze, not in the image of the two trees of ancient fame, but of the tangled wood of Neldorath, filled with trees of beautiful darkness. The evening light was caught upon sapphires and rubies, opals and garnets as the moon light traveled across their great beauty.

Through these doors strode Celebrin, Uial's son, yet checked and slowly retreated to an unlit corner where other servants stood, waiting on their masters' call. Before him stood four Lords decked in gold and two one dressed in a white traveling dress and the other in dark gray armor; and one ancient who alone among them knew the ways of the world before the coming of the sun. He wore a scarlet robe that draped down to the floor yet it parted through the middle to reveal a youthful figure, sturdy and nimble, still wearing the garb of a sailor and shipwright. Upon his head of glowing white hair he bore a silver circlet that carried a pearl set amid emerald stones. His face was grave, and he paced the floor, seeking answers to questions that Celebrin was not present to hear. At long last his head rose to look upon the other Wise ones, and spoke in hale and aged voice, still filled with life and vigor,

"I have held the harbor from them as long as I could, yet they are many and my forces weak, my sheer presence is not enough to keep them from taking supplies from our shores. The Numenoreans are vain, they see not the authority of the earth we have right to. Till now I have said nothing yet they send an emissary now, to speak with the council, a great evil I sense beyond the haven, among them sails an evil I have seen before."

"Your wisdom is true as it has always been Cirdan, they bear with them the deceiver captured...or so they say, this news bodes ill with all who live in the free lands."

The voice of Galadriel spoke these words, harsher than Celebrin had ever known them to be, the words were spoken as if by a general, speaking harshly to avoid emotional response. She continued pacing the floor saying,

"Some odd evil enters the minds of the Edain, they seem to look upon us in jealousy."

The voice of Elrond interjected in defense,

"Yet some among them still seem to be faithful to their friendship with us."

To which Celeborn interceded,

"Yet too few among them, you too Peredhel saw how displeased they were to see us. And how quick they were to validate their actions."

"Hir Celeborn, if they indeed do bear the Deceiver, then safety appears in our favor. The power of the Eldar is fading, we could not defeat him where he resides, yet they had, perhaps it was not our fight."

These words surprisingly came from Erenion himself, someone who seemed too strong of will to give such an answer; all, even Galadriel herself was surprised by his answer. When none gave him answer in reply he began again,

"Long have we Eldar fought the long defeat, perhaps fate and Eru has blest us for our long endeavors. Perhaps this is the fate of men, to take the evil of the old world, and place it beneath new feet."

"There is no easy answer in dealing with the darkness of our world. Erenion, it cannot be so easy to assume that darkness has left these lands..."

"Do you think I do not know this Lady Galadriel? Yet long have I waited to rule my land in peace, not troubled by war, or by evil. I have longed to see the kingdom I have founded grow, rather than see it spring up without my hands."

Before any could answer, a messenger entered the hall and bowed before quickly speaking,

"My Lord Cirdan, news from the shore comes to you now at greatest speed. The fleet of the Edain has left the shores of Lindon, they depart now north... from there we know not."

Before Cirdan could answer this messenger Galadriel spoke haltingly and stern,

"Bid them to stop, send whatever forces you can, by whatever means you have keep them here...they must not leave these shores!"

"Stay where you are Gildor! Your king commands you to stay!"

Erenion's voice echoed throughout the vaulted hall, he grew in stature and in might, towering over many there; only Cirdan and Galadriel stood against his will, he turned to them and spoke,

"Send what ships you have, but know that Erenion Gil-galad, the heir of kings shall not risk open naval battle with the might of Numenor. Let them have Sauron! And Let us have peace."

To argue with him would have been folly, the white lady knew this, as did the shipwright. They turned and without a bow left the great hall, in disgust and anger; Celebrin followed them and came into pace behind his silver Lord.

In silence and muted anger the lords and the servant strode to the place where guests of Cirdan lodged. When they arrived the white lady and her silver lord entered their lodging in silence, yet after the door closed one could hear the sound of angered tones within. Cirdan stood looking at the ornate door; then, turning his eyes to the servant beside him, he was surprised by the appearance of his kin, whom he loved as his son. Their reunion was bittersweet at that moment, for many harsh feelings were present in his heart, yet joy as well at seeing the son he had raised, who had never been his own.

"Suilad Uialion, annan le u-gennin."

Greetings, son of Uial, I have not seen you for a long time.

"Suilad Hir Cirdan, Manen le?"

Greetings Lord Cirdan, how are you?

"Let us speak in a more private setting shall we?"

To this Celebrin agreed, though his heart was wroth to see his foster-father again, given their cold parting and the circumstances therein. He knew not what they would say to one another, nor what words could ease the bitterness of the long years they remained apart, never knowing if death had claimed the other. Now Celebrin followed the Lord he knew as a child, feeling as a child preparing to be scolded for riding his father's horse, nearly breaking his neck in the process.

Gildor- Yes it is Gildor Inglorion, the very elf from "The Fellowship", I thought he should make a cameo appearance...look for more later on.