Well now things are getting more towards the end. A slight warning there will be some intimate scenes between Alphindil and Celebrin later on in the next chapter, not slash or anything gaudy like that, just intimate- as elves, I believe, are very emotional beings who need intimacy.
The small band of gray-clad travelers passed the gate of Mithlond, whose green elfstone bade them farewell, as the opal stone of the east welcomed them to the gray city built by mariners and soldiers in the days that had been filled with war. Before them lay the vast expanse of Eriador and beyond that the mighty mountains of Mist where Carahdras stood at the peak of ice and snow, beyond that a world that few had seen since the awakening of the Eldar. Before the troupe could start at full gallop a call came from behind and as they turned their eyes a rider dressed in gold and blue, the regalia of Erenion, came upon them at full speed. The figure rode past them and doubled back to stand in their path, his blue cloak covered his face from their eyes yet the voice was easily distinguishable as that of the Peredhel, Elrond son of Earendil the Mariner. He did not speak as he normally would to ones such as Celeborn and Galadriel, rather he spoke as one speaking words that were not his own,
"The High King Erenion Gil-galad of Lindon wishes for council with the Lady and Lord of Imladris, to know what they plan to do leaving so soon from his company."
The voice of Celeborn echoed throughout the canyon, which opened out into the hill country of Eriador, as he spoke,
"The Lord Erenion would not take our council when he first heard it, if he seeks to debate us again he will find us less than co-operative. As for our business, he should well know that my lady and I seek our home in Imladris, from there he knows our plans."
"With that answer Lord Celeborn, the High King will offer no support of your intentions, so he has spoken."
"Then return to him Elrond and tell him that we need not his help."
The final answer came from the Lady beside Celeborn, as forceful as any queen of the Eldar. As the lords debated the gilded armor of Elrond reminded Celebrin of the friend he left behind in Mithlond, the friend he never said farewell to in his rush to follow his lord. He turned to face the gate that lay just behind him, fighting the urge in him to rush back to him and gain the blessing they each gave at the other's parting. Though his master wished to ride forth to Mithlond, the horse Mithegaer stood where he was, oddly enough showing affection for the steed beside him, a mare who was as white as the snow atop the Mountains of Mist. A voice that seemed shaded and aged, rough and uncouth surprised Celebrin as it spoke,
"Gaereledh knows you meant to bid him farewell, though you left in haste and without word."
"And who are you? Did he speak with you stranger?"
"Nay he did not say so to me, but his face spoke thus...Forgive me for my interruption of your thought, I shall leave you to it."
With a smile upon his face Celebrin discerned the voice behind the cowl and in jest he spoke,
"Your skill with voices has become better my friend, though it surprised me, it did not surprise the steed I have rode since I was a youth."
The hooded stranger dropped his cowl from his face and the two warmly embraced each other and when they parted Celebrin spoke in a hushed whisper, for the journey began again with Elrond departing at haste to return to the Gray Haven,
"What reason brings you in such garb, are you an escort of the King?"
"For me you abandoned house and station all those years ago...It was for me you turned yourself into servant rather than remain a knight, though you would say it was for the Lord Celeborn. I chose to return the favor...and this."
In his outstretched hand Alphindil revealed a small blue stone that hung upon a chain of Mithril, which seemed as a tear upon his hand, a small broken tear. Celebrin took the stone in his hand and with a smile upon his face he thanked his friend for returning the jewel to him as he promised he would. The journey remained at a slow trot until the travelers made their way past the White Towers that began to rise above the hills surrounding them. From there the horn call was given and the gray company bade their last farewell to the lands of the High King.
The forests of Eriador rolled by them as they journeyed past the vale where the serenade of two voices echoed the songs of old; at full speed they past the Rhudaur, and found their way to the hidden valley of Imladris beyond the Brunien. The horses were quickly taken to the stables and the entire city was filled with the many sounds of merriment. Trumpets blared and flutes sang merrily with the tapping of feet upon the floor. The travelers entered the great hall that had been built only a decade ago, as a makeshift ward for the caring of the injured and dying; one of the few places in all the settlement that was large enough to contain several people at once with space free enough to move, save for the river bed and the great courtyard. Despite the rain that came from the east merriment did not cease and merely moved into the largest place available.
What the travelers left as a hall filled with light beds, injured soliders and the supplies of the healers, was now a place filled with dancing and song of victory and joy; in the midst of it burned a great fire, where once was laid stone and tile upon level ground, was now a great basin, carved out of the very earth and within it burned firewood that released sweet fragrances into the air. The eyes of all fell upon the newly arrived, and a great cry emminated from the room to see their lord and lady returned. A light yet tall figure pushed her way through the crowd of celebrants, her silver-white hair gleamed in the firelight and her smiling face shimmered as the morning sun, reflected in the brilliance of the green elfstone that hung upon her brow. Her musical voice rung out amid the crowd as she greeted her parents warmly,
"Adar, Naneth, joy resides in my heart to know your presence again."
Upon seeing her face all who rode with grave and troubling news, forgot it in the merriment of the moment. And the night was passed with song and dance, with drink and food that came plentifully from the bakeries and kitchens. And the stars rolled over the sky and the crescent moon fell beneath the western sky to bring his silver light to the land behind the mists.