Sorry for a late update, but both me and my beta-reader have had a hard week( more than one, to be true). This chapter is twice as long as the others, so enjoy :)

A bird was singing nearby. It was a beautiful tune, swirling like a light wind and descending like a fresh rain. I opened my eyes. The small creature was sitting on the rail of the open window, twittering happily, while ruffling his yellow-green feathers. It looked at me with eyes black as coals, trilled melodiously, waved his wings and was gone. I watched after it with amusement as it sped along the paved path to the edge of the great fountain, standing under the branches of two trees. The trees were tall, their silver trunks gleamed slightly and golden leaves whispered gently as their images were reflected on the moving surface of the water. A beautiful garden surrounded the fountain, its trees and flowers looked as if they were wild, planted there only by nature. But I saw that in their wildness there was a pattern and some sort of... well, magic. Then I remembered where I was and smiled happily. I stood up from the bed, approached the window and took a deep breath of fresh air, enjoying the cool breeze, tickling my skin.

'I didn`t know there were mallorns in Ost-in-Edhil' I thought to myself. 'But after all, why not? It`s still Galadriel`s home and Gil-galad could have already given her some samplings, when he received them from his friends in Numenor.' I saddened at the thought that the number of Elf-friends of Numenor were already dwindling. Soon only Lords of Andunie would remain.

"I see you are awake."

I looked behind me. Galadriel was standing in the doorway, watching me closely. Her long hair fell on the back of her blue garb like a wave of liquid gold. I turned back to her and nodded, wondering how she could move so quietly.

"Yes, and I can walk without pain, for which I am very grateful. You are indeed a great healer." I was starting to get used to this more eloquent way of speaking.

She smiled kindly, approached the carved closet and opened it. She pulled out a long, green tunic and black pants and looked at me thoughtfully.

"These should suit you. Your own garb was torn and covered with dirt and blood, so I disposed of it. The simple gown I gave you will not be comfortable in the city, so perhaps you will find it acceptable?"

I agreed happily, inwardly sighing with relief at the thought that I had been wearing a similar outfit on that memorable day. Jeans and a blouse would be hard to explain and I already had enough secrets.

I dressed and followed Galadriel. We went down the smooth, marble stairs and to the cosy living room. The stone floor was strewn with dry lavender, filing the room with fragrance. It was divided to three parts. The base of the stairs was near the entrance. On the other side of the hall, by the fireplace cut into the wall, stood two comfortable, wooden chairs. In the middle was long table, carved from some grey stone with matching benches. On the left, visable a ew steps further down the stairs, was located massive library with lots of big volumes and scrolls. Deftly woven tapestries hung from its walls, showing mostly battle scenes, hunts, or simple beauties, like the mountains in the morning sun or falling waterfalls. Near the wall, engrossed in reading some volume, was sitting very tall Elf with a long, silver hair belted with a matching band. He looked up from the book, hearing our footsteps. Then he noticed me and in his dark eyes, full of calm wisdom, flickered with a spark of interest.

"Our guest feels well already, it seems. Tell me, Talia, do you have some special talent of falling into trouble or was it just a coincidence that a particularly vicious Orc approached you from behind?"

I looked at him, rather amazed. He smiled lightly. I didn`t that know the future lord of Lothlorien had a sense of humor. I smiled back. I liked him instantly.

"No, my lord, but that was my first true fight and though my skills as an archer did not fall me, unfortunately my other senses did. Next time they won`t."

He looked at me, suddenly very serious and tired. "Unfortunately, you may have your next time rather soon. Though no one must fight who does not wish to, the danger often comes unlooked for and there is no choice. We had almost a millennium of peace since the Banishment of the Great Enemy, but my dear lady an I, especially she, are beginning to feel that a shadow rises in this world once again. A shadow which never really left this world. Not all of the servants of the Nameless One were annihilated and they may strike down upon us again in the future. Our people do not want to listen to us in this matter, they love their peace too much. This ambush so near our capital may have alarmed them, but after we have destroyed this Orc group, they will forget about it. But I am afraid that this was not just an arbitrary encounter, that something, or someone is controlling them from behind."

I looked at him, astonished. Why was he telling me this? I was to them, after all, just some unknown Elf, who happened to help them in a difficult situation.

"You are wondering why?" Celeborn asked me, nodding in understanding. "Then know this: you should be dead. The venom in that arrow was lethal. You would have died anyway without my help, but you should not have prevailed long enough to reach this city. There is also something about you, Talia, that tells me you are something more than you appear. I cannot sense your age. Galadriel cannot read your mind, and this is very rare for her. Your amazing bond with the falcon, your appearance just in time to help our people to survive and above all your strange fëa, as if mixed with a soul of the Edain. I would say you are one of the Maiar, but your fëa tells a different story. Either way, I think you were not sent here by the Valar. Tell me, am I wrong?"

Now I was positively terrified, but I knew I shouldn`t be surprised. These were wise, ancient beings who had seen much. Whom was I trying to deceive? But how could I be honest with them but not tell them the whole truth?

Then I got an idea that could possibly work. I will try to be as honest as I can.

"I am... sorry that I was hiding this from you, but the truth is... I do not remember much. I think I was never in Valinor but I also remember little of Middle-earth. My memory is fragmented so I am not really sure about anything. I know that I have some unusual skills and that I have known Alcar for a long time, but I can`t tell you anything more. Alcar is the same. I thought it would be better to make up something than to tell the truth, but now I see that maybe this was a bad idea. Accept my explanation and my apologies if they are of any worth to you." I smiled sadly. I wasn`t counting on much.

Then I felt someone`s arm on my shoulder. I raised my head and saw Galadriel. She looked me deeply in the eye for a moment and then smiled to me reassuringly. "Do not be afraid. We are not judging you. I confess that the fact I could not read your thoughts made me think that you might have some connection to this danger, this shadow, that I have sensed. But now I see that I was probably wrong. You are still keeping some things to yourself and you are a mystery to us, but so be it. Everyone here has some past he wishes he could forget. You do not have to say much, they will understand, though I am glad you were as honest with us as you were." She glanced at her husband and he nodded his head. She then looked back at me. "But enough of this for now. Celebrimbor wants to meet you and I promised I would bring you to him for breakfast. I think you are hungry, after so severe a wound."

"Celebrimbor?" I gasped. The famous craftsman of the Second Age?

"I see you have heard about him?" asked Galadriel, smiling.

"Yes" I answered simply. There would be no point in denying. "But why does he want to meet me? Have you told him your worries about me?"

"No, we preferred to keep it for ourselves and it is good we did, now you do not have to explain everything to everyone" answered Celeborn. He then smiled and looked me in the eye. "He wants to meet you, because he was one of those elves, whom you rescued."

A few minutes later, I was walking down the city`s main street, admiring my surroundings. Ost-in-Edhil was a beautiful city, with its great, marble houses, paved, straight roads, clean environment and closeness to nature. Along the road were growing many old trees of many kinds and various species of birds were bustling up in their branches, building nests and filling the air with their songs. The inhabitants were full of energy and joy, as only could be the folk still remembering war and living in peace. They didn`t have any real labour to do, so they mostly were developing their interests. Some were playing sweet songs on their harps, flutes or lyres, others were tending to their gardens, playing with birds or carrying some packages. It was not as in any human towns I knew - the Elves were full of joy, they weren`t rushing out to do something, they were just doing what they loved with a knowledge that they have whole eternity to do it or at least a very long time.

When they saw me they began approaching me, praising my courage and asking about my health. It seemed that the rumour of my arrival had spread around the entire city. At first I was rather shocked, but then I was just laughing with them, answering their questions as best as I could. They were beautiful people, tall and strong, with dark hair and grey eyes of the Noldor or the silver hair and dark or blue eyes of the Sindar, sometimes mixed together, because they lived with each other in friendship and mixed marriages were not a rare occurrence. They spoke mostly in Sindarin and I was happy to realize I could understand it almost as well as my native language. No wonder, I have been speaking in Sindarin with Galadriel all this time. "Aglar`ni Rovalhen!*" I heard a cheer in Sindarin and then even the welcoming phrase in Quenya: "Elen sila lumenn omentielvo!**".

I frowned. I had heard this name before. Galadriel called me that when she was saving my life. I leaned to her and whispered "Why are they calling me 'Rovalhen'? I have heard that name many times and once from you."

She smiled lightly. "The Winged-eye? It is just an Anessi, the Given-name that was given to you by our people after they heard about your deeds. You do not have to accept it if you do not wish, but I believe it suits you. It might mean either your keen sight or your bond to your falcon."

I was wondering about it when we were walking through the city. It was big, but after another ten minutes we were there. On the eastern edge of the city there was a high hill or a rather low mountain, something between them. One slope was falling gently towards the city and the other was sheer, sticking a little above the external battlements of the town. The dozens of polished steps were leading up to the circling path and to the gate, forged from silver and bluish iron. Behind the gate stood a big house, built from iron, stone and wood mixed together in a spectacular design. I couldn`t see everything from below, but the whole complex was probably guarded by the tall iron walls. Before me stood the mighty house of the Gwaith-i-Mirdain, the last line of the defence of the city. Something stirred in my memory, but I pushed it away. Now was not the time for such thoughts.

We climbed the first stairs and went up the path. The path meandered up the hill and I could see many caves, cut into its slopes. Some Elves were sometimes walking to and from it, but if there were ever any mines, they were long depleted. Maybe they were now used as a storehouse or a meeting place.

Alcar caught up with me then. He landed near the path, folding his long, white wings and screeched shrilly. I smiled and ran up to him. His leg was bandaged with a clean piece of cloth, but he looked fine. I had to ask anyway.

"Hello, Alcar. How is your leg?"

~ Fine, I think the wound is almost healed. You have slept a few days, so it had enough time.' He ruffled his feathers and rubbed his leg with his beak. `So you are going to a meeting with master craftsman from this doomed line of fools, who always ruin everything they touch?'

"Alcar, shut up!" I turned back to Galadriel, who was looking at us with interest, to apologise her, but my falcon interrupted.

~ Don`t worry, Talia, she didn`t hear it, I was talking to you only. And I didn`t mean her. She is from Finarfin`s line and the most sane one in this whole family. That`s the reason she is still alive.`

~Celebrimbor lives too` I remarked mentally.

~ Celebrimbor is from the second line. But he is also one of the Feanorians and you know as well as I do...`

~Yes, I know` I cut him. I sighed and nodded in the gate`s direction. "Let`s go, they are waiting for us."

We entered the final stretch of the road. Meanwhile, Galadriel was mentally talking with Alcar, who was flying near us, asking him about many things; his history, his interests. I also could enter falcon`s mind, so I`ve heard the whole conversation. She seemed fascinated with him, but she also wanted to confirm my version of our past. Fortunately we shared our experience last night, so he hasn`t raised her suspicion. Galadriel wasn`t pushing him, I think she decided to let go her suspicion about us and she was just curious. I concluded that we don`t have to be afraid of her digging in our past, but still, we must be careful to not let out anything ourselves. She maybe couldn`t read our thoughts, but she was still a very good observant.

Then we finally reached the gate. Its doors were open and the morning sun made its iron shimmer with silver and blue, making me wondering from what material it was wrought. The mighty wall of fifteen feet was rising from both sides of it, looking like the fence made from stripes of iron, first melted and then twisted together into design resembling some very high thicket of tangled, thorny shrubs. It was amazing sight and I gasped in wonder.

"Stunning view, is it not?" remarked Galadriel, smiling wryly, when we walked through the gate. "Our Craftmaster worked on it for over a century. The gate is made from meteorite ore and mithril. Those battlements of steel encircle his whole house."

"And he made it all by himself?" I asked, awed. That`s a persistence. "I understand the gate, but the battlements..."

We went to the large area, on which the house was standing. There was no big garden in that place, though many old trees were growing there, giving some pleasant shade. Around the house were many smithy devices and a few forges. Some Elves were working there for I heard the noise ofy anvils and saw thin trails of stream, rising up in the air.

"After he found that meteorite ore he had to use it for something" continued Galadriel, leading me to the base of the stairs. "The single gate is not of much use, so he added the walls. He had some assistants, but he did most of it. Now, more than ever, I am happy that we have the second line of defence."

We were now entering to the staircase, leading to the large entrance to the household. It looked similar to what I remembered from the description of Rivendell, but I think it was a bit bigger and more enclosed. It was made from wood and stone, with some ornaments of silver, gold and other metals. Alcar landed on the floor, clattering his claws on stone. He looked hilarious, when he was walking and I laughed silently. He glared at me, shaking his wings.

We passed the large door and entered the long corridor. It was carved from light marble, its walls were decorated with many paintings, murals, some sculptures and tapestries – fruits of the labour of many skilful hands and eager hearts. A few doors were cut in the walls, probably leading to bedchambers or workrooms of members of Gwaith-i-Mirdain or their families. I wondered whether they lived here or in the other places of the city. And that left the other doubts.

"My lady, may I ask you a question?" I asked tentatively, glancing at Galadriel.

She looked at me thoughtfully. "Yes, you may. What is it?"

"I got the impression that you and your husband rule the city, am I right?"

"Yes, we founded it and we have been exercising our authority over the city since year 750 of the Second Age." she answered, watching me curiously.

"Then why are you living in a lesser house then the Craftmaster? Your house is very well planed and beautiful, but why don`t you want to live here?"

Galadriel looked at me, surprised. Me and my sharp tongue! I have been listening to Alcar`s comments way too long! "I am sorry, I shouldn`t have..."

Then she laughed gently, the clear and pure sound like the ringing of crystal. I looked at her, amazed. "Nay, do not apologise. You were only curious. To answer your question, it is because Celeborn is a Sinda and he prefers less lofty buildings. With time I have become used to his preferences. Furthermore, despite the fact that we admire the hard work and energy of the members of this guild, we are content to live on the other side of the town, away from their excitement and the everlasting sounds of anvils. There is your answer."

I nodded, and opened my mouth to ask her other questions, but we had arrived at the great hall, on one end of the long corridor. The hall had a high ceiling, studded with gems, which were shimmering like stars. On the walls were hanging many tools of war; dozens of swords in leather scabbards, scores of bows and lances, a few axes and many shields of various designs. Each one of them was very beautiful and ornate, but, as I well knew, also very deadly. Elves do not make their weapons and armour only for decoration.

In the middle of the hall was standing a long, semicircular table with about a hundred seats. Nearly all of them were empty, except for the three closest to the centre. These were occupied by three Elves, who led a lively conversation. One in the middle had dark hair and the grey eyes of the Noldor. His companion on the right must have been a Noldo as well, but the second one clearly was a Sinda. The Elf in the middle paused when he heard our footsteps and turned his head to see us. He glanced at Galadriel and then at me. In his deep, grey eyes shone a ray of fierce light, betraying his charismatic personality. He was observing me for a moment, clearly interested and I recognized him as that Elf, who tried to warn me about the Orc, that was sneaking up to me. He saw that recognition and smiled to me, gesturing for me to sit down on the chair in front of him. Then he spoke with a deep, melodious voice:

"I am very glad to finally meet you, Rovalhen, the one who saved my life. My friends here would be miffed if I died there and left them alone with the new task." He smiled and his companions laughed, the Sinda drunk some wine from his cup, shaking his head. My host pointed me to the chair again. "Please, sit down, our novices will soon bring some food. I am Celebrimbor, the Craftmaster and the Leader of Gwaith-i-Mirdain, but I am sure you have guessed it already."

This chapter was just getting to long and I had to cut it somewhere. But that means that I already have a beginning to the next one, so I think it will be put faster. Please review!

*"Glory to the Winged-eye!"

** "May the stars shine above the hour of our meeting!"