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The Choice of Elrond and Elros

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In the morning the leaders and guests all headed down toward the South Gate of the wall fencing, and set out west along the road together on their horses. As they went Elrond asked a question that was now on his mind.

"You have been among these people for a year now, brother, and all seem to love you," he said. "The young leaders are grown now and getting married. Why have you not asked the Lady Baleth for her hand? One does not need the mind-reading powers of Galadriel to see that you desire to be joined with each other."

Elros was quiet for a moment, shifting subtly from a touch of embarrassed discomfort, and then he laughed. "She asked me the same not a week ago," he began. "But I feel as if something else is supposed to happen first. I could not say what. Some way, perhaps, that I could first lead them to a place of better safety for peace and joy, far from the hauntings of the enemy's servants. I have told her this, and her friends and kin who have asked the same."

Elrond wondered at his words. "I am not sure you could find such a place, not without leave to bring mortals to the Undying Lands," he answered. "I would counsel you not to tarry too long looking for such an event to occur or place to appear. Mortals have less time to wait for such things."

They continued westward, and after several days they arrived at the havens. The mortals in their company were in great wonder at both the elven cities and at the gulf, for many had not yet been so far west to catch sight of any part of the great sea. Then they were all escorted to the halls of Gil-galad, where the two brothers then stood alone before the king now wearing his magnificent crown. The elves and their mortal companions went to the side of the room, where Lord Círdan was also in attendance.

"Welcome home, sons of Eärendil!" the king exclaimed. "Greatly have you both been missed. But we all must find our own destinies in this world, which brings me to why you are here, so I will not suspend your curiosity any longer. You have been summoned to receive a message from Eonwë, the angelic herald of Manwë, Lord of Winds and king of the gods."

Gil-galad then turned and gestured to the side of the dais. His other guest, who had also recently arrived, stepped forward to stand by the throne. To the marvel of the two brothers, and their companions, they saw one who looked elf-like but at the same time not quite elf. His long hair gleamed white but he did not look old like an aged mortal. Neither did he look young, yet his face was beautiful beyond description and shined with the light of the gods. His princely garments sparkled like glittering crystal, and on his head was a circlet of silver set with sapphires, and in his hand was a bright silver horn. He turned to them with an enchanting smile.

"Greetings, children of Eärendil and Elwing!" he began. "I have come from Valinor, sent here by the gods with two tasks. The first, to request from you both a decision. For the two unions of elf woman and mortal man from which you claim descent, and for your service and valor in the Great Battle, Manwë king of the gods has bid me present you the following choice: to count yourself with the race of the immortal Elves, your spirits bound to the world as long as it lasts. Or to count yourself with the Mortals, who have a destiny apart, and go to a place of special keeping with the One when they die. Consider carefully, for your choices will affect not just your own destinies, but those of all the world."

The brothers stood grave and quiet for a long moment. The finality of such a decision weighed heavy on their minds, even though in each heart the choice was already made. Still they knew it would mean their final parting in the end, and they felt a sudden reluctance to declare their hearts aloud.

"And the second task?" asked Elrond softly, to stall their response.

The herald turned to Gil-galad, who in turn gestured to the two elf escorts of their mortal guests. Sirilas and Mithaelin then led Baleth, Macor, and Cúlwen to the center of the room, and left them standing next to the two brothers.

"The second," Eonwë continued, "is to make an announcement to the faithful elf-friends among the Mortals." He turned toward the guests. "For you, the gods have created a special gift: an island set amid the sea, where you may dwell long in peace with healthful lives much longer than that of other mortals, in honor of the valiance and sacrifice of your forefathers to the elves and the gods. If you choose to accept, I have also been instructed to teach you what I can in all manner of lore and arts and wisdom before you go. I shall leave you all to think on it," he concluded, "and will call on you tomorrow."

There was much to discuss. And yet at the same time there was little to discuss. The folk of the mortal elf-friends were certainly allured by the promise of such gifts of strength and wisdom and long life, in a fair and peaceful place far from the troubles of Middle-earth. They were quite ready to accept, and have their friend Elros lead them there. For his part Elros took this as the event or sign he sought, and later that evening finally proposed to Baleth, who happily accepted. Then the next day they all declared their decisions to Eonwë: Elrond would remain with the elves, and Elros would go with the mortals, who would take him as their lord in this fabled new land, and Baleth as their queen.

But the mortals were not to part right away. Now Eonwë went with them back to their settlements, to help them make the announcement to the rest of their people, and begin teaching them. With them went Elrond, both to learn from Eonwë what he could, and also because he knew that the time would come soon when he and his brother would be parted forever. And in late summer on the open fields by the settlements, elves and mortals from around the region gathered in witness to the wedding of Elros and Baleth, after which there were several days of celebration. But following this at last all made ready to depart – the elves to their homes, and the mortals to the Havens, and the day of departure was drawing near.