The trio of eastern lords and their cubs rode into the Havens twenty years after Círdan instructed Galadriel to bid them come. Círdan spotted immediately they were without Galadriel. Glorfindel had Elrond and I in the training arena, so a page was dispatched to inform us we had guests for our evening meal to be eaten at the lord's house.

Gil-galad was also on hand when the horn tapped a cadence of important visitors approaching. They dismounted at Círdan's front door and Celeborn, Orophin and Amdír bowed their heads in greeting to the High King and Círdan.

"I assume you have a valid reason for not bringing your better half and elfling?" Círdan inquired pleasantly to Celeborn after Sindarin greetings all around.

Celeborn growled something inaudible with only swear words clearly caught.

"Eh, bruin meldir, I didn't catch it all," Círdan asked with unconcealed mirth in his request. Anything that could get Celeborn this angry was worth pursuing.

"I said, the witch I married won't allow Celebrían on this particular trip. I was allowed to bring my only child when she was a baby, but now, she must remain cloistered among the Mallorns until it is time; or something to that effect. My throat is parched and now I need something to calm my wrath."

The kings and their sons, Thranduil and Amroth, departed to the baths along with Celeborn about the same time Glorfindel, Elrond and I sank into the pool for soldiers to clean sweat and dirt from ourselves before greeting Círdan's latest round of guests.

"Really, Glorfindel," I chastised him. "Why must we use this bathing pool when the baths at Gil-galad's are warmer and cleaner?"

Glorfindel naturally smiled at us first. "Because his baths are currently occupied by soldiers at his invitation. I went for five years without bathing once."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm sure you exaggerate."

"No, Glorfindel actually did so," Elrond corrected me. "Remember the Helcaraxë?"

I conceded and we finished our cleaning in silence. I too was curious as who graced Círdan's palace and had a thought of horror that it might be another annoying twice-born."

I'm glad now to be chosen by Glorfindel as a companion and friend. For the meeting between him and Celeborn was one for the record books and I had a front row seat.

We hastened to our assigned destination in clean clothes and robes brought from our chambers by servants of Gil-galad's house. Círdan's main hall was crowded with lords visiting the new arrivals, so we weren't immediately noticed as we stood just in the doorway.

Gil-galad spotted us first and nudged Círdan, who in turn called for quiet. "King's Oropher, Amdir and Lord Celeborn, may I present Lord Glorfindel of the House of the Golden Flower."

Glorfindel strode to the ellon, glowed from within and bowed respectfully, with his ever present smile in place. "My lords, you've aged rapidly these past two thousand years. I recommend a stay with Lord Mandos to preserve what is left of your prime."

"Why is Manwë punishing us?" Oropher replied for the three just as mockingly. "I was convinced Galadriel was lying when she returned with absurd stories that they allowed you to return; both from the dead and to these quiet shores."

"I didn't get to meet you formally," Amdír took his turn before Glorfindel could mount a comeback. "You were guarding Fingolfin back then?"

"Yes," was all Glorfindel said and turned his attention to Celeborn. "Am I also banned from Lothlórien?"

There was an uncomfortable silence at his statement and finally Amdír recovered from his shock and protested, "Nay, you are welcome into my kingdom. Celeborn isn't in charge there."

This time the room gasped at the audacity of the king and Celeborn turned his attention squarely upon him. "There was a time you bowed down to me and it was I who granted your wish to be called king."

"I apologize, Lord Celeborn. I forget when you moved to my kingdom that you are the rightful heir to the title and for you to not forfeit my title is generous of you."

Celeborn pierced him with a withering look that said he didn't believe one word and everyone in the room was relieved it wasn't directed at them and there was a collective sigh when he turned back to Glorfindel. "Galadriel sends greetings and mentioned we must spar for some reason."

Glorfindel gave a bow of his head in acceptance. "So, am I banned from Lothlórien?" Amdír remained wisely quiet and allowed the greater lords their sport.

I didn't understand what Glorfindel was asking, but it was obvious there was history between them that wasn't all good.

"You cost me many nights alone when word reached my wife's ears I turned you away. She was slow to forgive and threatened to leave the girdle and search for Aredhel when the extent of our disdain for the Ñoldor became clear."

"So it was a ruse; allowing the Ñoldor to stay in Menegroth for your wedding?" Glorfindel asked quietly and all strained pointed ears to not miss one word.

We were seeing a serious side to Glorfindel and wouldn't wish to face him thus; although Celeborn didn't seemed fazed or didn't show it by standing tall before his equal of Maia powers.

"While I was indisposed with my bride, several Ñoldor stole into our vault and helped themselves to bags of jewels and coin. Melian, of course, saw them in her mirror and Fingolfin was ushered before her and Thingol to explain. When the thieves were brought before Fingolfin; he pleaded against their imprisonment and said he was responsible for his warrior's behavior, but denied any precognitive knowledge. Melian, sitting on her throne beside our king, said otherwise.

Even Círdan looked shocked and interrupted, "Celeborn, I've never heard this story."

Celeborn shifted his gaze to Círdan and then stared back into Glorfindel's eyes. "I heard verbatim from Elu Thingol. He told me Melian's exact words. 'King Fingolfin, you are in fact very aware your captain's are spying our layout and location of armories and wealth. In fact several maps have found their way into your possession.'"

"I don't believe it," Glorfindel all but snarled and stepped closer to Celeborn, who didn't back down.

"Thingol sent guards to search Fingolfin's rooms and found three maps detailing quarters and hallways. I know, because I was allowed to look at them after they were confiscated. Elu Thingol decreed, 'Abusing our hospitality comes with a great price. You will leave tomorrow with your entire host and never be allowed to set foot inside the Girdle of Melian again and that decree falls upon your iôns to lowest servant. If my new great niece-in-law wishes contact; it will be done elsewhere. In time she will learn her family is nothing more than thieving, kinslaying Ñoldor trash, but I'll not spoil her wedding with this trivial matter. When she and Celeborn make an appearance, I will explain you had to leave hastily. For all your blustering about your brother, Fëanor; you act just like him.'"

Glorfindel reflected back to that day. "Word was circulated that orcs were invading Hithlum and getting close to Barad Eithel. We rode hard and long only to find our city intact and those left to defend it looking at us as if we were crazy. Fingolfin immediately stated it was well we left anyway because we beat Thingol's finest warriors at every match and it would lead to violence. We didn't dwell further on our hasty departure and got back to work on Gondolin. What did Galadriel say when told?"

"She never was informed." Celeborn looked at everyone in the room and snarled, "I suppose it is asking too much for all of you to remain silent."

"I think for passage freely anytime I choose to visit Lothlórien and any place you wish to bar me; we can convince those present that upsetting Galadriel after all this time isn't necessary," Glorfindel smoothly answered.

"I say we have a contest I was denied during my wedding against you. Pick any three events and you have to win two for free passage into my kingdom. You choose weapons and I'll choose the game."

Amdír flinched at that, but didn't want to face an irate Celeborn's sword.

Glorfindel smiled, "Lance, sword and bow."

"Three hundred yards; six tries for kill shots on stuffed deer, bear, elk, ram, pig and orc. Two swords; loser is the one who loses one of his swords. Fifty arrows; twenty targets at various distances and obstacles. Five doubles and three triples."

The fëas in the room were dancing with excitement and silent pleas to Círdan garnered a response we hoped. He raised his arms and stepped between the two posturing lords. We will make it a city-wide event, complete with a fair for the youngsters. You will not face each other tomorrow, but in one week. We will have other warriors perform their skills all day until two in the afternoon. Then you two will begin. Celeborn will represent Sindar and Silvan elves and Glorfindel the Vanyar and Ñoldor."

"Wait," Gil-galad ordered. "Celeborn, you were the one who personally turned Lady Aredhel and her escort away when they sought entrance to Menegroth. I say we are missing something between these two."

Once again those in the room looked at the lords.

Celeborn flinched first, "He was in my personal chambers way too often. I would open my door in the middle of the night for a stroll and he would be skulking in the hall. I complained to Melian and Thingol, but they allowed this irritating elf access to my home and I had no say and for that I resent him."

"I believe those nightly strolls were in the direction of my cousin's bedchamber," Glorfindel clarified and we all laughed.

"Galadriel liked having you guarding her for some unknown reason. On top of Glorfindel, my cavern was invaded by all the royal Ñoldor's and my personal guards. Some nights up to a dozen of them

making themselves at home while I was trying to rest."

"Overpowering Turgon and stealing his clothes in an attempt to reach Galadriel's bedchamber was low even for you," Glorfindel stated with a smirk. "You have a long list if seeking revenge for us guarding her honor." He splayed the fingers of his right hand across his chest for emphases. "I was chosen for my lack of guile and strength of sword. In one week, I'll display why Fingolfin chose me."

"I'm taking bets," I hollered out and was mobbed.

Celeborn: I never got a chance to test my sword arm or agility against Glorfindel in the First Age. If I didn't want another hundred years added to my wait, I wasn't allowed to physically attack my chaperones; although the Turgon incident got me a severe reprimand and threat. I behaved reasonably well after that.

Celeborn: Galadriel returned from her visit all smiles and happy. She talked for days on her cousin and all he told her about her family in Aman. I could see it made her happy, so decided when opportunity for a break presented itself, I would ride to the Havens and see for myself if it really was her cousin or some magic of Sauron. As soon as my eyes lit on him; I was taken back to that day when I was on patrol of Melian's Girdle and came upon him and Aredhel and two more searching for a way in. Having my orders; I found myself resenting Thingol for what I had to do. I stood firm as they pleaded entrance. They claimed to be seeking the treacherous Sons of Fëanor. I gave them a route to Fëanor's realm and departed their presence, lest I defy Thingol and let them come and see Galadriel. I never saw Glorfindel again until that day in Círdan's home. I now understand why Galadriel and Írimë insisted on Glorfindel's presence. I would have killed any other male from her family except him. He has a way about him that is different from all others. You can't help but be drawn to his likeable fëa and elfling like innocence. We talked much the week leading up to our contest and dined every evening together. My wife would expect nothing less of me.

Oropher: He easily beat my best warriors in the games Elu Thingol provided for our entertainment at Celeborn's wedding. He carried the Ñoldor banner when they entered the arena each day. I wanted to hate him on one hand and have him at my side on the other. That Fingolfin marched proudly at his side and at games end, declared Glorfindel his finest warrior, seared his face into my memory. I insisted on a match against him towards games end, as I couldn't take not knowing any longer. I had to know who was the greatest of us; him or me. I was chosen to lead many Sindar and Silvan elves for my skills as a warrior and lord in the halls of Doriath during its prime. I chose swords and we squared off. I fought my finest and when I was sure the victory was mine for another mark on the Sindar side of the scoreboard, he slapped my wrist in a move my eyes couldn't follow and my left hand sword flew from my grasp. The horn sounded end of the contest and I was looking into the grinning face of one whose hair matched mine for brightness. I conceded and it makes me root all that much more for Celeborn to win. I still see the same likable elf that elflings follow, as when he was at Celeborn's wedding. That one meeting left an eternal impression.

Thranduil: I was the elf who pushed to ride to the Havens when word reached us of the twice-born. I was born just after he died and became the newfound hero of elvendom. I was raised on hero worship of him and a carved figurine to play with, so of course wished to meet one so great. My adar recalled losing to him in the sparring ring and that story left me speechless. My adar was the greatest elf of all time and I only dreamed of filling his boots. It was interesting that story of my adar's defeat surfaced only when Glorfindel reappeared. I'm sure it would remain forgotten had he stayed dead. My turn came for introduction by my adar and I stood tall; and was happy to see my height matched his and he didn't tower over me more than an inch or so. Glorfindel lit from within and I saw the light of Aman for the first time in his face and he grasped my forearm as if greeting a warrior, instead of a princeling cut down in his first battle and left scarred and hideous. Although my exterior was made perfect, I was at an age the inner healing was still progressing. I thought him humoring me with the warrior handshake, but he spoke with much kindness and sincerity. 'Thranduil, I rejoiced with the dead when your name graced Queen Vairë's tapestries. We pleaded with Lord Mandos not to send you to us and Queen Varda heard his prayers and spared you. We shall have a long and lasting friendship.' For the first time in my life, I felt independence from my adar and knew Glorfindel was speaking to me as an individual and not my adar's heir. I felt elfling hero worship returning and scoffed silently at the notion, but found myself near him at day's end to hear the stories and was relieved that many my age devoted evenings to his lore. Elrond and Erestor were his constant companions and I envied them.

Amdír: Every time an elf sailed from the west, we were met with change and losses of life. His return bode ill for us and I hoped Celeborn banned Glorfindel from our realm and Oropher closed Greenwood the Great to him and the Ñoldor in general. These mandatory trips to pay homage to a foreign invader who called himself king of all elves grated on my nerves; not to mention upset the balance of my fëa. I was relieved when he greeted me perfunctorily and didn't extend a personal message. The meetings couldn't end soon enough and I didn't care about Celeborn's need to see who was the greater warrior.

Amroth: I feared I would dishonor my adar and stumble over my words upon greeting one so famous and a reborn to boot. I used to beg adar and naneth to read stories about Gondolin before sleeping. I lost my fear of death when he described the peacefulness of the afterlife and those who died so long ago and felt at times he was talking directly to me. I was the youngest of the royals that gathered nightly around the lord and was overjoyed to be included with his entourage along with Elrond, Erestor, Fálmar and Thranduil as we strode city lanes, exploring and tasting wine in every tavern while the kings and lords conducted boring meetings.

Fálmar: It was only natural that I take over as guide when the kings of the east visited. I let it be known to Thranduil and Amroth it was I who was on the docks that day when he arrived. My mind was only partially with the group for I was on pins and needles waiting the results of one particular meeting. My adar, Lord Fálwë, was meeting with Lord Celeborn to arrange a betrothal between the elfling, Celebrían and me. I let my mind wander what we would call a son. I'm sure Lord Celeborn would insist part of his name incorporated, so started thinking….Fálborn came to mind, but I didn't realize I'd spoken aloud until a hand slapped me on the back of the head and Glorfindel's mouth was in my ear. "It will never happen, pen neth." Startled, I felt my ears redden and was glad the others weren't paying attention, but looking at a pod of dolphins in the fjord. I would remember not to telegraph my thoughts so loudly around one with Maia powers. I'm sure Glorfindel didn't know everything; including just how persuasive my adar was.

The day of the match arrived with elves from all over Lindon descending upon The Havens. A simple contest turned into a three day fair; complete with booths full of wares and judging fall harvests. The warriors that traveled with Celeborn and Oropher were eager to compete against those of the Havens. Elflings ran free among the legs of adults shouting and laughing, and their play rang from one end of the area to the other.

Promptly at two; all activity ceased; booths closed and elflings were gathered by parents that crowded into a large coliseum, leaving only a few guards with promise of extra pay for their sacrifice.

Glorfindel entered from one end, carrying a banner with Vanyar logo on one side and Ñoldor on the other. He wore black leggings and tunic with golden flowers embroidered over button holes and down the outside of his leggings. Emerging at the same time, Celeborn hoisted high the banner of the Sindar and Silvan elves likewise on each side of the cloth. His attire was Sindar grey with dark blue embroidery of Elu Thingol's House down each arm. They met in the middle and crossed staves to the roaring of the crowd.

Círdan joined them and in a loud voice detailed the first event. "The targets are being set up. Glorfindel, you will go first. If both of you make a killing shot on all six targets, a hundred yards will be added until one of you misses a kill zone. The pace starts at three hundred yards."

The crowd grew quiet and Glorfindel easily placed his six spears in kill spots. Celeborn stunned us with like display and the targets were moved back. Again they displayed why they were the best and the targets reached five hundred yards. Glorfindel's aim was true and Celeborn just placed his last lance into the ram's neck; and it deemed not a kill. Round one went to Glorfindel.

Again Círdan motioned them to him in the center of the arena. "Well played. Next are the bows because I want both of you fresh when you spar. You can see where the targets are being set. Are you both sure this is the first time your eyes alight upon them? Both ellon nodded. "Celeborn, you go first," Círdan instructed.

Celeborn's skill with bow is legendary and he easily beat Glorfindel, who had one of his triple arrows bounce off a block and into the stands. A warrior caught it and raised it above his head while the crowd laughed and applauded. Glorfindel raised his own hand and accepted his defeat with a smile.

Some would argue who really won the first two rounds, but the last event is still being talked about by elves that are still on these shores and those who have long sailed. We watched two masters of the sword facing in the center of the arena, a sword in each hand. They saluted with all four swords clashing over their heads in salute and the match was on. For the longest time, neither gained the upper hand and slowly after an hour of fast movements both slowed down so we could actually follow their moves. Not a sound was heard from the crowd; just rapid successions of metal on metal. After three hours and the sun sinking in the west, neither would concede the match; although both were heaving and dripping in sweat. Círdan shouted DARO and the swords clashed and held. He stepped between the exhausted warriors and commanded quietly, "Put your swords down." He turned and raised his voice, "I haven't seen an exhibition like this since Olórin challenged Eönwë to a fight during the War of the Wrath and they fought for a week without ceasing. It took Lord Manwë to break it up and he swore to Olórin he would get even with him someday for losing his temper." I call this contest a draw, and…" he turned to Celeborn, "I suggest you let him and the Ñoldor into your realm; for I see a much needed alliance before the end of the ages."

Glorfindel nodded, "Yes, someday all elves will be united."

"Until then, Ñoldor can stay away from me," Celeborn demanded, humiliated that he lost one bought and couldn't best Glorfindel at swordplay.

"I hope that doesn't include your wife or daughter," Glorfindel merrily replied and the crowd laughed as they broke up for the evening feast and end of the impromptu fair.

Thráin heard the knock on the door, but kept reading. His ears perked up at the exchange when he heard, "Tell his majesty, the caravan is almost ta the bridge." He sighed and marked his place before Picket reached him. Rising, he buckled on his sword and checked his body for knives. "Is the warrior who banged on the door one of them?" He brought up young Thorin's difficulty.

"Aye," Picket answered.

"Tell him ta personally go an get Thorin an bring him here."

Picket grinned and hurried to the door.

The guard ground his molars, but banged just as loudly on the door down the hall. It was thrown open by an old dwarrowdam. "You better have a good reason disrupting us this late."

"I'm ta fetch master Thorin Stonehelm ta the king's chambers."

He marched ahead of the youth; more out of chagrin than a need to protect him. He banged once more and found the king, elven weapon at his side and many knife handles prominently displayed from wrist to boot, standing just inside the door the servant answered. "Master Thorin Stonehelm, your majesty." He stepped back against the wall.