Elrohir eschewed the veranda in favor of the living room, which was safely inside. Once back at Cirdan's house, he bathed and changed into dry clothes while Glorfindel helped his father and sent for Mistress Silsilalda. Cirdan stepped away to talk with Galdor and Celongwen about their guests.
"The song – her song was so powerful," Elrohir shivered as he sipped the Miruvor. "The memory of it burns. Do you think her songs also hurt Adar?"
"You will have to ask him." Celeborn and Galadriel exchanged looks of concern. Their silent interchange passed mind-to-mind.
"It is well that you will remain with our grandchildren." Galadriel squeezed her husband's hand gently. If she only could prolong every touch, every word, every kiss.
"He has not met Uinen before." Elrohir knew, having sensed his Adar's surprise, apprehension, and awe.
"No, but Elros did." Most of them jumped at Glorfindel's unexpected entrance.
"How is Adar?" Elrohir immediately inquired.
"He says that he is fine." Glorfindel paused and was rewarded by Elrohir's laugh of disbelief. "He is resting. Silsilalda and Erestor are with him."
"I should go to him."
"He will soon be asleep, and you need to talk about what you experienced." Glorfindel sensed this keenly.
"Adar helped me listen to the songs of the Maiar. Today, they were loud, powerful, and nearly unbearable." He shook his head.
"What else troubles you?" Galadriel could sense he held something back.
"I could not understand the words. I could only feel the power and sense…" Here, Elrohir paused, uncertain, "…sense colors or sensations or perhaps they were emotions. Everything was all together, overwhelming in their strength. Adar goes west to a land where these beings are numerous."
"Elwing has the same heritage and lives there in peace." Glorfindel words were light and unconcerned and eased Elrohir's heart.
"Mithrandir will meet us tomorrow. He is the one you should approach with your questions and worries." Celeborn advised. Elrohir studied his Daeradar and Glorfindel for a long moment.
Then he asked, "Were one of you there when Elros met Uinen?"
"Glorfindel and I witnessed the meeting between Elros, Ossë, and Uinen," Cirdan began, having just returned to their gathering. "It was in the first age, after the War of Wrath. I think your Adar has told you how many Maiar spirits came with the hosts of the Valar. Only a few drew hroar about them. Thus, we were quite ignorant of their presence. But your Adar and Uncle felt them keenly and were unfortunately injured by the fierce strength of the Maiar in battle."
"Adar went to live among the Avari to learn to meditate and listen for the songs of the Ainur," Elrohir recalled. "It took him years to recover. What happened to Elros?
"Ossë and Uinen cared for him and helped him understand his heritage. He recovered quickly." Glorfindel remembered Elrond's prickly and, at times, an overbearing brother who grew into a great king. At the names of the Maiar, Elrohir noticeably stiffened, and his eyes grew distance.
"What is it?" Celeborn moved over to him.
"Another Maia approaches." Elrohir felt a rising anxiety, but his Adar's voice whispered calmly in his mind. "Do not worry. It is Mithrandir." The touch of his father's spirit triggered an old memory.
Xxxxxx Imladris, Third age, 1000 xxxxxxX
"All is prepared, my Lord." Erestor intercepted Adar as he stepped out onto the veranda. They talked briefly before Elrond waved him away with a smile. Naneth enjoyed having their family meet for breakfast on the veranda, especially in the spring. It had become a tradition, even though Arwen was now an adult. But this morning, both Adar and Naneth were late. Elladan, always the fastest eater, was already finished with breakfast and was now sitting sipping tea out of courtesy.
"Good morning Adar!" Arwen beamed. To say that his daughter was excited to visit Lothlorien was an understatement. "Why are you dressed the same as Elrohir and Elladan?"
"Good morning, Sell-nin." He bent to kiss her cheek before greeting his sons. "Do you think I might be mistaken for one of them? Or them for me? Perhaps your brothers might officiate in my place."
"Or maybe you could take my watch." Elrohir teased.
"Or my place in the patrol." Elladan grinned.
"I have gone on patrol with you before, ion-nin." Elrond returned.
"Aye, once." Elrohir laughed. It had been an experience. Apparently, their father had taken part in the watches and patrols more regularly before the twins graced Imladris. While that was only a few hundred years ago, Elrohir and his brother agreed that they could not imagine it.
"Where is Naneth?" Arwen was surprised that her Mother had not yet appeared.
"She is taking care of some last preparations," Elrond assured her.
"I was going to prepare our horses, Adar." Elladan rose and grasped their father's hand before turning to the rest of them.
"Excellent, Elladan. I will catch up." Elrohir smiled slyly at his brother but reached for another vanilla Aurcram. The breakfast pastries were a favorite item. Elladan gave an exaggerated sigh before leaving. Elrond's eyes glinted in amusement at the proceedings while Arwen laughed openly.
"Will you tease each other the entire journey?" Arwen asked hopefully. Elrohir coughed to hide his answer. Their Adar was oddly silent. He usually enjoyed and commented on their banter. Arwen was the first to notice something amiss.
"Adar?" She rose from her seat and was by her Adar in the blink of an eye. Elrond sat, nearly immobile, at the table. His silver eyes were staring hard at something. Elrohir had the sense that whatever it was, it was not in the room before them.
"Adar?" Elrohir approached, too.
"A vision?" Arwen placed her hand on Ada's shoulder as they had been taught. Neither of them had seen their Adar or Daernaneth experience visions but had heard stories.
"What is wrong sell-nin?" Their Naneth entered the room. She, too, was clad in the simple garb of a scout. It only took her a moment to assess the situation and take charge.
"Elrohir, tell the guard to let none but family come in. Then find Glorfindel. Be discrete." Celebrian took Arwen's place by their Adar's side. "Arwen, my love, can you brew willow-bark tea for your Adar?"
"Yes, Nana." Arwen turned and ran past Elrohir. Elrohir could not recall how he found Glorfindel. His next memory was of them out on the veranda. He stood guard at the door while his Mother and Glorfindel talked with his father. Elrond's voice was barely audible.
"… are coming." Adar's voice was low and steady.
"You are sure? Galdor leads one of the Maiar here?" Glorfindel repeated.
"Yes, they are only days from the Bruinen." His Adar clarified. The three heads together – silver, gold, and ebony had ever been his protectors. He missed some of the words in his musings but caught fragments: "Cirdan's charge … Maia clothed in gray with shrouded power. What if he is like Annatar?" From his new vantage point, Elrohir suddenly understood these concerns from nearly two thousand years before.
"We will bar him from Imladris as we counseled Gil-Galad to bar Annatar from Lindon." Glorfindel was ever their guardian.
"If he has tricked Cirdan, then the need is more dire. Celebrian, perhaps you and the children should leave as planned. Their heritage may leave them vulnerable."
"I am not leaving you, Meleth-nin." Celebrian stroked his hair. Elrohir blushed at seeing the depth of love between them.
"There is no safer place than the valley," Glorfindel whispered. "And no one better than you to guide them."
"I have the draught." Arwen appeared behind him.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
"Welcome back, Elrohir." Galadriel smiled and held his hand. "Where have your thoughts taken you?" Celeborn poured half of a cup more Miruvor and passed it to him.
"Mithrandir draws near. I can sense him." Elrohir paused, realizing he was now coming into his heritage from Luthien. How would he have reacted if this had happened earlier in his life? "I was thinking of when we first met him. Arwen was not pleased when his arrival made us delay our trip."
"Then Mithrandir had the gall to come with you to Lothlorien." Celeborn smiled at the memory.
"These new sensibilities are confusing and disorienting. How will Adar react when he arrives in the west and is suddenly faced with many Maiar?"
"Your Adar has faced many things in his long life. Now, he is called West. Do not fear for him."
Xxxxxxxxx The night before the ship sails xxxxxxxxxX
"They call it a hâlûr (fish fire)," Frodo said as he helped Bilbo straighten his tunic. "I think it is a gathering on the beach where they fill pots full of seafood and cook them over outdoor fires."
"I think you will enjoy seeing the size of the vessels they use to store the seaweed." Elrond entered carrying a tray with two steaming cups. "I heard you were not feeling well this morning, Frodo." Sam was quiet and apprehensive as he watched the elf Lord. He knew Frodo also needed the healer's help, but he could not declare that aloud publically.
"I am feeling better now," he said, although he accepted the offered cup without complaint. Elrond nodded and moved to assess Bilbo's pulse and general well-being.
"No offense, Master Elrond, but I would much prefer even your draughts to the thought of eating seaweed," Bilbo declared.
"Oh, we will not be eating the seaweed. It is kept wet and fresh to act as a water source for keeping the seafood moist during cooking. Cirdan's people have prepared a pit of stones. They will start a wood fire with a precise amount of fuel over the stones. The fire heats them to the proper cooking temperature but is designed to go out shortly after. Then, the ashes are swept between the stones. The wet seaweed goes on next, followed by fish, mussels, and clams. Finally, everything is covered with a damp tarp.
"They steam the food from the sea." Bilbo realized.
"Yes, you are as quick as ever. It is indeed all an elaborate method for steaming." Elrond praised, then asked. "You have had further pains?"
"Ever since the new draught, I have been feeling well." Bilbo paused. "I heard that you were also unwell, Master Elrond." Elrond ignored the last comment.
"But Master Frodo has had trouble sleeping." Sam could not help adding. Frodo looked at him sharply.
"It is only because of the excitement of the journey." Frodo brushed off their concern. "Poor Sam will have to journey back alone because of me." Elrond moved to Frodo, addressing his concern amiably as he took his pulse.
"Do not worry for Master Samwise. He will not need to travel alone." Elrond said amiably. "Others will be traveling the road back, including my son and Glorfindel. The wound on your neck is bothering you?"
"A little," Frodo admitted, although it had been burning dreadfully and keeping him awake at night. Sam watched closely, for at other times, he had observed a glow around the elf's hand. 'Elven magic,' he had named it. But he did not observe anything unusual. Still, the elf lord's voice was soothing as he described other celebrations or 'hâlûr' that he had been at over his long life. There was a commotion in the hallway outside their room. Then, a knock sounded.
"Come in," Frodo replied wearily.
"Good afternoon, my fine hobbits." Erestor entered. Elrohir and Silsilalda followed.
"Adar, we were wondering where you went off to." Elrohir frowned slightly as he scrutinized his father.
"Well, you have solved the mystery and have found me. I described the first time you and Elladan had feasted at a hâlûr." Elrond laughed lightly while Elrohir grinned and stepped close.
"Elladan did not fare well that time." Elrohir watched as his Adar picked up the hobbits' empty cups and signaled cryptically to Silsilalda.
"Frodo will need a draught this evening to help him sleep." Elrond's voice was light and even.
"It will be my pleasure to help you, Frodo." Silsilalda nodded as she moved to help Bilbo. "Are you both ready for the celebration?" The three hobbits nodded enthusiastically. Images from Elrond's descriptions had whet their appetite.
"It is time to go." Gwidian peered around the door. Glorfindel entered and executed a low bow to the hobbits.
"No, no!" cried Frodo, "We are not noble."
"What the three of you helped bring about is worthy of note and admiration." The light of Glorfindel's spirit was bright like his smile. They filed jovially out of the room. Elrond remained behind. Glorfindel waved Elrohir off and went over to his friend.
"I could not help them much." Elrond tried to mask the sorrow and weariness that plagued him. Glorfindel helped him to his feet and drew him into a warm embrace before stepping back to look the Peredhel over with a critical eye. Silsi and Elrohir both reported that Elrond had suffered a migraine and some bruising after the incident. The bruises were likely due to their efforts to keep Elrond from drowning and clear the water from his lungs. Elrond shrugged off their concern saying he would soon recover. Indeed, the migraine passed after two days, and the bruises were well-hidden by Elrond's rich robes.
"Elrond, you did help him as you have helped so many. It was your draughts and words that soothed and calmed them. Your caring and knowledge are enough." Glorfindel's light glimmered brightly, and he intoned his words with love. "It has been my great joy and privilege to be your friend. But come, now is a time for celebration. Tomorrow is a fortuitous day to depart for Aman."
"Elrohir thinks so, too." Elrond agreed, following Glorfindel out of the house and towards the beach.
"I noticed that you and Elrohir talked deep into the night." Glorfindel guided his friend down the steps onto the sand. Galdor and Cirdan waved them over to a raised platform behind the main group. A great cheer rose on the beach as Elrond came forward. Belatedly, he realized that the majority of elves were from Imladris. They sang, and some wept as their dear Lord moved to join Cirdan and Elrohir in what was clearly the place of honor.
"I believe you are called to give the toast." Cirdan handed Elrond a glass of the effervescent summer wine. Elrohir's eyes glinted with emotion.
"Tomorrow begins a new adventure. May Elbereth bless our journey and grant many happy reunions on the white shores of the West. May we ever remember the bonds of love and friendship forged in these lands." Nearly as one, the host of elves blessed Elbereth and drank. Just a small elderly hobbit was out of sync with the others. They laughed and wept and called for Bilbo to make the next toast. Sam marveled at how the elves rejoiced over the presence of Frodo and Bilbo. He was too humble to realize that the elves also rejoiced at his presence.
"For millennia, we have lived under the constant threat of Sauron and his master Melkor. Evil was not ordinary but guided by a power older and more powerful than that of the elves. Although we could get the upper hand and hold back the darkness at times, we were never able to defeat it." Glorfindel explained as he sat down next to the hobbits. "By the hands of hobbits was his power undone. For that, we are forever grateful."
"But evil is not gone," Sam said as he remembered the scouring of the Shire.
"Ordinary evil will always be with us." Glorfindel agreed. "But in the people of this world, there is the strength and goodness to prevail. I think the leaders of the Shire will ever be wary and protective of the light, just as you have planted and will nourish the seeds of the Shire's renewal." Lindir's voice lilted over the crowd. He was announcing the start of the dance. The music rose, lovely and full of life, as the Imladriam rejoiced and joined the dance.
"Where are the Galadhrim celebrating?" Elrond asked Erestor.
"They are at the inlet a mile from here down towards the Havens." Erestor paused and watched as Elrond remembered the spot. They had enjoyed many celebrations there. "Some changes were made in the ship assignments, and the Lady will only travel with a handful of her handmaidens and a few of the Galadhrim. Cirdan said the ring bearers should all travel together on the smaller ship. Most of our belongings are already aboard."
"When did this happen? Did he give a reason?" Elrond was surprised by the change of plans.
"You were indisposed, suffering from migraines." Erestor paused. "Cirdan had word from Ulmo with the request."
"My Lord?" Salia approached with a bountiful dinner. "Cirdan sent up a tray."
"Thank you, Salia." Erestor and Gwidian helped put the dishes out on their table. Glorfindel approached with the hobbits. Elrohir assisted Bilbo to his seat. Merwen and his wife Rhíloth completed their table. The rest of Imladris' former council sat nearby as the plates of steamed clams, mussels, and fish were passed around, followed by grilled summer corn, green beans, and tomatoes. Dinner was a social and rousing affair. Many freely shared their dreams about tomorrow's journey, even without the copious drink that flowed from Telerin's hospitality. The sun was beginning to set when the dancing started in earnest. Elrohir would have joined in had he not realized how weary his Adar was.
"Come, Adar, it is best that you rest," Elrohir whispered. A supporting hand under Elrond's arm was all the coaxing that was required. Many bid the Peredhil a good night as they slowly walked back to Cirdan's villa and climbed the steps to the veranda.
"Adar?" Elrohir wondered as his father paused. Elrond leaned against the rail. He looked weary and drained. Elrohir crossed over to aid him. "There is no rush, Adar. Let us sit here for a little while." He led Elrond over to the settee and sat down beside him. Elrohir concentrated, reaching out with his fëa to assess and strengthen him. His gift was much weaker than his Adar's, but he was able to ease some of the pain. A healing song, soft and calm, sprang immediately from his lips as he focused on his Adar's irregular heart rhythm.
"Elrohir," Adar's voice was full of emotion. "I am sorry that I must leave you. I am so proud of you." Elrohir pulled his father closer. The elder peredhel's head now rested on his son's shoulder. Tears glistened in Elrohir's eyes.
Xxxxxxxxx A morning to sail xxxxxxxxxX
Dawn was breaking when they gathered in front of Cirdan's house. The hobbits were the last to mount their ponies. The path down into the Havens was well-traveled. Their group grew steadily as they passed houses where others had taken refuge this week. It was a bittersweet trip for Elrond, who had walked these paths for a thousand years as a youth and then as Ereinion's Herald. The last trip here had been to escort his beloved Celebrian to the ship. Now, it was his turn, and his son escorted him for this last journey. Cirdan led the party down through the Havens.
"I know not what to expect on the other side," Elrond whispered, not realizing he had spoken his thoughts aloud.
"I would tell you what I remember, but change happens even in Valinor. Surely, my recollections would have little in common with reality after three ages." Galadriel's words surprised her grandson, who was keeping a close eye on his Adar.
"If I know anything of Finarfin, he will be standing at the quay, ready to receive you." Celeborn smiled. That thought had often consoled him, for he knew in his heart that Celebrian was warmly welcomed in the east. If there were healing to be had, Finarfin would make sure his granddaughter received it. Perhaps, Eru willing, his own Adar Galadhon or his brother Galathil had also supported Celebrian. In the distance, a row of beautiful ships anchored, but they were making directly for the smaller white ship docked in the place once reserved for royal visitors.
"Well met Mithrandir and Shadowfax!" Cirdan called out. The horse whinnied in greeting. "Finally, I am honored to meet the last of the fellowship."
"Pippin! Merry!" Frodo and Sam maneuvered their ponies around Celeborn and Galadriel, who had gladly slowed their pace to let the hobbits pass. Mithandir formally introduced the hobbits to the Shipwright. Elrohir smiled as he listened to the hobbits' banter. Erestor helped Bilbo dismount, and the elder hobbit ambled over to his kinsman.
"They need some privacy for their leave-taking." Galadriel turned to her husband. They walked hand in hand to the docks. Galadriel's hand-maidens were already aboard. Thirty were set to sail on this vessel. Celeborn looked back to where Elrohir was talking with Gandalf.
"He is making Mithrandir aware of Elrond's condition," Galadriel commented.
"And of the encounter with Uinen," Celeborn said with surety. "I am sure he is extracting a promise from the wizard to protect Elrond from future danger from overzealous Maiar."
"Why do the Valar want the ring bearers together?" Celeborn mused. Only five of Elrond's trusted companions from Imladris would be boarding this boat. These included Elrond's guard Cirulian, Erestor and his wife, and the healer Silsilalda and her husband. Ten of the Galadhrim sailed with his wife. With the sailors, the vessel was filled to capacity. Celeborn turned again to embrace his wife. They had spent the last weeks saying their goodbyes, but it could never be enough.
"I will come as soon as my duties are over." Celeborn intoned mind-to-mind.
"When might that be?" Galadriel could not stop the question.
"Estel – hope – dear heart. This is what Eru asks of us. You return home on your own terms, having accomplished much in these lands. Our people will need your guidance in the west." Of that, Celeborn was sure. The culture of the elves of Lothlorien was a unique blend of Sindar, Silvan, and Noldor ideas and customs. "How will we adapt among the Noldor of Aman?"
"Aman is a large land. There is room for our people." Galadriel reassured him with a gentle kiss. "Room eventually to welcome any of the elves who chose now to remain with you in East Lorien. When you hear the call west, I will be there to welcome you."
"I doubt we will dock with the other boats at Tol Eressëa. The Valar will want us to answer to them at Máhanaxar."
"Surely, they will grant you time to recover at Lorien. Elrond and you, not to mention Frodo, are in need of healing."
"I am called West. Trust in that. It is enough for now." Galadriel comforted him. None witnessed their last few moments together. When all were safely aboard, the gangplank was removed. Then Cirdan's elves unfastened the moorings one by one: the bowline, forward breast line, quarter spring line, and finally, the stern line. Cirdan waved as the captain slowly eased the vessel away from the quay. Then, the shipwright strode back to join Elrohir, Glorfindel, and the three hobbits. Together, they watched the white ship sail from the harbor.
"I was surprised when you decided to remain." Cirdan said to Glorfindel.
"Charges from my King's line still remain," Glorfindel replied, although the smile did not quite reach his eyes. He was grieved at the parting from his dear friend. Elrohir was uncharacteristically silent, as were the hobbits.
Xxxxxxxxx
They stood at the bow and looked back on the fading shore of the Havens. The figures of the three hobbits were soon too small to be seen, though Frodo knew they were still standing there. In the end, even Glorfindel's golden light faded away.
"When one loses sight of land, it is usually a sign to move to the front of the ship. It is time to look forward." Elrond smiled at the hobbits, whose appearance masked their incredible strength.
"Perhaps there is also time for a nap before lunch." Bilbo yawned.
"Come, Uncle. I saw an empty chair for you to lounge in." Frodo helped his Uncle rise, and with Elrond's help, they proceeded slowly around the deck.
"Have you traveled often by ship?" Frodo wondered.
"Early in the second age, I often visited Numenor to visit my brother." Elrond smiled. "But I was never much of a sailor, myself. I think Elros and Cirdan were disappointed."
"We all have our own talents." Bilbo's comments startled them both.
"Yes, you are quite right." Elrond agreed. They settled Bilbo in a comfortable chair, and Elrond tucked a light blanket around the elderly hobbit. Then Frodo and Elrond leaned upon the rail, looking out at the horizon.
"I enjoyed myself too much last night." Frodo divulged. "I would take a nap like Bilbo, but…" He trailed off.
"But your shoulder and neck are bothering you. Unfortunately, we need to wait at least an hour longer before it is safe to try a different draught." Elrond grimaced slightly and rubbed his temple.
"You are unwell too?"
"The music of the sea sounds very loud to me," Elrond admitted.
"Elves must have excellent hearing, for I do not notice anything." Frodo turned in amazement.
"It is quiet to me, too." Erestor approached with a tray of refreshments. "Shall I ask Silsilalda to brew some willow bark tea for you?" Willow bark tea was often favored for headaches and migraines. Elrond tensed again, and the strange music seemed to grow in volume.
"The song is for you. She is calling you. Why do you not answer?" Mithrandir approached them. "I had not thought you to be so rude."
"She is calling me?" Elrond turned in surprise. Erestor and Frodo exchanged puzzled looks, for neither understood the wizard's words.
"Little wonder she sent a wave splashing over you! You should at least acknowledge her." Mithrandir paused as comprehension dawned. "You cannot understand?"
"No, I can sense colors and feelings, but I understand little of the words. My vocabulary was learned during the War of Wrath and consists mostly of war strategy." Elrond paused as he focused more deeply on the song. He grimaced in pain. Erestor moved next to him out of concern.
"She is angry or frustrated." Elrond translated what he felt from the song.
"As I would be if you refused to answer me." Mithrandir reasoned.
"How do I answer?" Elrond gaped in wonder. "Can you teach me?" The white wizard peered long at the Peredhel, noting the fearful stares of Erestor and the soft footsteps of Elrond's other guardians.
"Your heritage is always a surprise to me. I know not how much I can teach you nor how much you can learn, given the injuries to your spirit." He took Elrond's hand, and they both turned to face the ocean. "Let us answer her together."