NOTE: Correct me if I'm wrong but I have yet to come across a name for Elros' queen, so I just came up with one of my own…

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The Summons

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The elves of the lake directed Elrond to simply follow the river until he found what he sought. Soon he was out of sight and hearing of the gently splashing waves of the lake, and the singing of its upper stream as it tumbled and fell over rock and boulder toward the broad lazy river winding its way to the south. It was quiet country up here, but it was summer at least, and the grasses were rich and green, and there were tall stalks with pale blue wildflowers that adorned the hills, and doe with their fawns could be seen foraging the fields at dusk - cheerful sights that made the going less lonely.

The lone traveler came to the great bend where the river turned south and grew wide and slow. He continued to follow this for a while, veering inland a good way at times when the river banks grew marshy. After a few more days the clusters of huts and houses came into view down in the lowlands by the great road cutting through the landscape in the distance.

As he grew closer Elrond saw that there was now wooden fencing and short watchtowers that had gone up around the settlements since the last time he was there. He wondered if that was his brother's influence. Once he judged that he was within range of an arrow shot, he held up his hands as he walked toward it. He could see archers in the little towers, but they did not have any arrows drawn at least. Finally, a small door opened in the wall, from which emerged a pair of guards demanding his name and purpose.

"I am Elrond, son of Eärendil," he declared. "I have come seeking my brother, Elros."

The guards stared at him for a moment in surprise, and with some level of recognition – they now saw the resemblance between the visitor and their friend who lived within. Then one answered, "You must come before our lord, and first present your request to him."

They led him to the long house amid the northern settlement where the descendants of Bëor and Marach lived, long joined together since the ancient days when they migrated from the east. Inside the dim hall a large hearth fire burned in the center of the room, with the afternoon sun streaking through the ridge vents of the roof and giving the doorway an ethereal glow. Beyond the fire were a pair of handsomely carved tall-backed chairs set on a short dais, on which sat a man and a woman, who were presented to him as their lord Macor, and his new wife Cúlwen who hailed from the southern settlement. Elrond thought she looked familiar, but that would be expected since he had spent a good amount of time among her people last year. Elrond bowed and again gave his name and business. But Macor looked at him silently for several moments, and began questioning him on why he was alone and coming from the north instead of the road.

But Elrond was reluctant to say much on the elf lands north of here. "Your wariness is understandable, lord," he said, "but I have given you no cause for suspicion. Could I speak with Lady Baleth at least?"

At this they shifted, glancing at each other, and began to let down their guard somewhat. Suddenly Elrond remembered how he knew the lady sitting on the dais. "Cúlwen!" he exclaimed once the memory came to him. "You were part of the hunting party that first found us in the woods last year."

A flash of surprise came to her face, as she had not thought of that day in a good while, and at last was assured that this visitor coming from such an unusual direction was who he claimed. Lord Macor looked over at her, and she nodded her approval. He then leaned to one of his men, who left the room. "Well then, Elrond brother of Elros," he said, his expression softened now at least, "welcome, and forgive us our hesitant hospitality. It is long since we had to worry about enemy attacks, but your search for news of them last year duly stirred our anxiety over the issue."

"The servants of Morgoth still remain in the world, after all," Lady Cúlwen added. "Did you not say so yourself?"

Elrond nodded and smiled as he recalled his words. "Indeed, I did, lady," he answered. Certainly, he could not pass any judgment, for he had recently overseen the installation of similar measures for the lake elves. "May I bid you both congratulations," he said, changing the subject. "I wish you both long years of prosperous happiness."

At last Macor warmed and laughed. "Come, master Elrond!" he called, "and dine with us tonight. Then you may indeed speak with Lady Baleth, for she is due to visit."

Just then another visitor entered the hall from outside, also recently arrived, though from not so far away. "Elrond! How are you here?" said the other visitor.

Elrond turned, and discovered that he had at last found his brother. Joyous was their reunion, and soon they were walking around outside catching up, and he told Elros all he had been up to since they parted a year ago. It so happened that his brother had been doing much the same, giving counsel and training on managing defenses here among the mortal settlements. The brothers had just been called inside again to the table of Macor and Cúlwen for the evening meal when Baleth arrived. And following behind her to everyone's surprise were two elves, whom she introduced as Sirilas and Mithaelin, hailing from the Gulf of Luhn. The brothers knew them well, and all were welcomed into the lord's halls.

"A curious day of chance meetings this is!" Macor exclaimed when he met them. "What brings you to our humble little realm, good sirs?"

Lady Baleth laughed. "Chance meetings indeed!" she said, then nodded toward the brothers, "It so happens they arrived at the south gate earlier today looking for you two."

The brothers looked at them in wonder, and then worry. "Fear not!" said Sirilas, reading their faces. "We bring no news of woe. Quite the opposite. We were tasked to come find you, to issue a summons from the high king. There is an urgent matter for which you are needed."

"Well if not woe or danger, what then?" ask Elros.

"That we were not permitted to reveal," said Mithaelin. "But someone important has arrived to meet with you."

"Their business will not keep our Elros away long, I hope?" asked Macor. "He is much beloved by all who dwell here and will be missed."

Sirilas smiled. "That I cannot say. But you need not part, not all of you at least. For we were bidden to also invite the leaders of the houses of the mortal elf-friends."

The curiosity of all at the table was greatly stirred, but the elves would tell them no more. All the guests were hosted for the night, and the elves received a taste of mortal merrymaking. During the festivities Elrond noticed his brother speaking much in quiet corners of the main hall Lady Baleth. He wondered, sensing a stirring of vague premonition within him that left a feeling of sadness. But he let it be while they were guests there, and soon all retired to make their preparations for travel westward.