Arien had already journeyed halfway through the sky. The autumn days grew shorter, and her vessel of flame was beginning its descent. Elrond did not look directly at her, for the sun was too strong for even elven eyes. Instead, he focused on the horizon under Arien's flaming splendor, sensing the mystery and power of the Maia that was also part of the Sun. He realized the creation stories of the sun were not the whole story.

"Perhaps those tales were all that elves of that time could comprehend. How many millions of leagues separated us from Arien?" He wondered. However far it was, he could still hear her song. In the cacophony, which was the song of Ainur, the sea had its own music, much softer than the wild syncopated song of Uinen. He grimaced as her song suddenly rang in his head. "If one of my patients described these things, I would think they were not fully in charge of their faculties. Surely, the sea is calm and quiet to most of those aboard. Only Mithrandir and I hear." The melodic alto voice of Uinen rang. Elrond could only pick out a few discrete vocalizations in her long sequence. One he associated with an image of waves and stormy seas.

"Please, Elbereth, bless us with calm seas." He prayed. Ossë's deep, thundering song sent shivers through him, but he could pick out nothing from the song as it was juxtaposed against Uinen's, Arien's, Ulmo's, and the sea. His head ached, and it took much willpower not to allow others to notice how much the throbbing pain behind his eyes and in his temples was bothering him. "Dare I risk more of the draught?" He thought they had packed ample supplies of healing powders and ointments. He closed his eyes briefly, but in blotting out the sense of sight, his hearing seemed far too keen.

Xxxxx Across the deck xxxxxX

"Would you like some tea, my Lady?" Faelthel carried a tray with tea and aurcram. The buttery sweetbreads were a favorite among the Imladhrim and much loved by the hobbits.

"Yes, thank you. Will you join us, too?" Galadriel turned to her dear friend, who smiled and motioned for the hobbits instead.

"No, we are in the middle of preparing another treat."

"You arranged for afternoon tea!" Bilbo was inordinately pleased and happily moved to join the Lady at the table. "You must let us help with the food preparations tomorrow!" Frodo quickly moved forward to help his uncle with his chair, then sat beside him.

"Cook will not appreciate a hobbit in his domain." Faelthel thought. Her friend's laughter rang in her head, although outwardly, Galadriel was calm and ethereal.

"Nay, he is master of his domain, even if, just for the time being, it is a small ship's galley." Galadriel agreed silently before calling to her son-in-law, who stood at the rail looking out over the ocean. "Elrond, come and join us." Cirulian stepped forward to grasp Elrond's shoulder when he did not respond.

"Lord Elrond," the Teleri called. "I am to inform you that it is tea time." Elrond turned, nodded, and then smiled at the group seated around the table. "Are you well?" Cirulian whispered.

"A storm approaches." Elrond whispered. "It is yet some days off. We should let the captain know." Cirulian nodded as he pulled the chair out for his Lord and friend.

"Your son informed us that you favored vanilla aurcram." Bilbo declared as Frodo poured the tea.

"Will you join us too, Cirulian?" Frodo asked. The guard looked momentarily stunned and scanned the area as if expecting danger.

"It is safe to let down your guard for a while." Elrond coaxed. His eyes glinted with amusement at the guard's predicament.

"Thank you; I will join you," Cirulian said, although he seemed uncomfortable with the request. Elrond gently brushed the younger hobbit's arm as he whispered his inquiry.

"Did the new draught help any?" Elrond concentrated on the song of the hobbit's faer.

"Somewhat." Frodo could not keep the disappointment from his voice.

"Keep track of how it did or did not help. That information will greatly aid us in finding the right healing herbs." Elrond reasoned, trying to think of ways to keep his patient optimistic. Their lengthy discussion about the motivations and reasons behind Frodo's choice for sailing remained foremost in his mind. Some aboard equated sailing with dying. Were they not now dead to the world they had all grown up in and loved? Elrond could not deny that he was more than a little empathetic to that view. Indeed, the March warden and his brothers, who had stayed behind with Celeborn, felt that way.

"Healing is like trial and error?" Frodo's question interrupted his thoughts.

"Our individual physiologies influence the efficacy and therapeutic index of different medicinal agents," Elrond explained. "I have treated more than a few hobbits in my years, but none of those hobbits have had wounds and injuries like yours."

"Then it may not heal?" Frodo turned away in despair.

"I did not say that. Nor do I think that." Elrond said gently. "Where we are going, there are those who are much more knowledgeable. With time and care, I believe you will be healed."

Xxxxxxx Several weeks later xxxxxxX

The ship lurched suddenly, making Erestor reach out to hold the wall for balance. The storms had finally broken, and today's skies were clear, although the sea was still rough. About half of the passengers on their ship had suffered from seasickness. In some cases, it was severe. Erestor and Gwidian were lucky and were not affected by the ship's constant motion.

"Worse than a mountain in a storm." Muttered someone behind them. Erestor was surprised to see the elderly hobbit.

"Good morning, Master Baggins." Erestor greeted him. "Where are you heading off to, if I may inquire?"

"These rough seas are giving my Frodo a very tough time. But with the waves settling down a bit, I thought I might make a special mushroom soup. It is guaranteed to whey a hobbit's appetite.

"I know a few others who enjoy savory soups. Perhaps I may be of assistance?" Erestor offered.

"Yes, yes, help is always welcome." Bilbo smiled and turned expectantly to Gwidian.

"I would be delighted to watch, but cooking is not my forte."

Xxxxxx Back on the deck xxxxxxX

"I would like to hold down more than just these herbs," Frodo grumbled at Silsilalda.

"Indeed, it is a scant existence for a hobbit." Frodo jumped at the sound of Elrond's voice. It was louder than expected for the typically dulcet tenor.

"Pardon me. I did not mean to startle you." Elrond apologized and moved to sit next to the brave hobbit. Frodo was surprised to see Elrond accept a cup of the same healing herbs from Silsilalda.

"You were also under the weather, Master Elrond?" Frodo gawked. The noble elf seemed painfully pale. Frodo could not say why this comforted him. Perhaps because he had thought he was the only one to suffer during the last ten days.

"If you mean that I am seasick, then yes." Elrond sighed, then swallowed a sip of the brew. "Elves are not immune. At least we have a small reprieve."

"You think there will be more storms!" Frodo gasped. The last week had been torturous.

"Although the storms and strong winds bring seasickness, at least they push us in the right direction. Hopefully, they have cut many days off our journey." The ship lurched suddenly. Frodo gripped the handle of his chair hard and realized that Elrond grimaced and closed his eyes. "Thankfully, Bilbo does not suffer from this malady. Where did your dear Uncle go?"

"He was off to the kitchens and said that he knew just the thing to settle my head and spur my appetite, now that I am starting to feel better." Frodo's stomach suddenly growled.

"He will undoubtedly be directing the cooks soon!" Elrond's silver eyes lit with amusement.

"I had wondered why we did not see you much this last week." Frodo continued curiously.

"Forgive me for not coming to aid you. But I am confident in Healer Silsilalda's abilities. She was the head of Imladris' school for the past age and is exceedingly skilled." Elrond praised his valued colleague, who was staring hard at the elf Lord. For an instant, Frodo thought perhaps something was wrong with the venerable Lord of Imladris. But then Silsi smiled and turned her attention back to Frodo.

"I thank you for your confidence." Silsi ran her hand over the back of his neck and then gently massaged it. "The muscles here are cramping, and I still sense something amiss." Silsi looked over to her Elrond, but he was no longer paying attention and seemed to be lost in contemplation.

"Do you think a piece of the stinger might still be in there?" Frodo shivered with horror as the memory of the battle with Shelob surfaced.

"No, my dear hobbit, I did not mean that." Silsilalda soothed. "But the flesh remembers the trauma, and there may be some damage to the tissue. We must investigate it further once you are fully recovered from this seasickness." She motioned to Cirulian, who nodded and walked over to check on Elrond.

"You are sure there is no trace of its stinger?" Frodo's voice wavered.

"Yes, Frodo, a piece of stinger, we elves would readily detect," Silsilalda repeated.

"For that, I am thankful." Frodo shuddered.

I am grateful that the weather has improved." Bilbo walked cautiously. His used his cane to purchase extra balance on the deck. Gwidian and Erestor were close behind. Erestor kept a watchful eye on the elderly hobbit while Gwidian carried a try with refreshments.

"How long will our journey be?" Frodo asked Elrond.

"The winds carried us far and perhaps shortened our journey by a week, but there is likely still a month to go," Erestor replied, even as he looked with concern at the Peredhel. Galadriel leaned across the table to touch the Peredhel's hand.

"Elrond, you are far away ion-nin." Frodo and Bilbo were surprised by the Lady's endearment. But then of course, they had yet to meet Celebrian. "Share your thoughts with us."

"We are nearing the site where Numenor once existed," Elrond said slowly, his eyes suspiciously glassy. "Though now the lands must lie at the bottom of the ocean and are part of Ulmo's domain. Usually, the waters calmed once we drew closer to Numenor."

"How many times did you travel there?" Frodo wondered.

"Five times." Elrond laughed. "And each time, the seasickness grew worse. Elros would tease me that perhaps we were not really related."

XXXXXXX The straight path xxxxxxxx

The seas foamed with jagged waves as the ship drew closer and closer to what seemed a wall of darkness.

"Dear Elbereth!" Gwidian shook with fear and clung to Erestor. Few were brave enough to venture out on deck, but both of them wanted to witness the moment the ship crossed into the straight path. The ship ahead had already disappeared through the veil of darkness. Erestor tightened his hold on his wife.

"I had thought the passage would be more welcoming. To think that Naneth went alone! So many ill and injured traveled this route. How many perished on the journey?"

"Your Naneth was not alone." Gwidian's voice shook as utter darkness engulfed them. Yet a heartbeat later, they emerged into a seemingly grey world. The only color was the water below, which looked an unnatural shade of green. Wind swooped down, blowing hard.

"Is this real?" Gwidian wondered as she turned to touch her husband's lips with her hand. His skin was shaded grey. There was not even a red tinge to his lips.

"I had not heard mention of this phenomenon," Erestor said in wonder.

"Who would send word of this back? Who would believe it?" Silsilalda's question startled them.

"You ventured out too?"

"Most are peering warily through their windows." She smiled wryly and then added. "Including two most curious and brave hobbits." She gasped as the air shifted and grabbed the rail as the ship dropped suddenly. The next breath of wind painted the sky blue with colors more intense than they had yet experienced. A boom, like thunder, sounded as they emerged from the gray tunnel of the straightway into the seas of Valinor. The ship's deck ahead of them was filled with bewildered passengers, who now gazed awestruck at the sight before them. Their journey was a success! They had safely passed into the West. One by one, elves emerged onto their deck with similar expressions.

"Well, who would have guessed!" Bilbo ambled out onto the deck. Elrond steadied him and helped him to a chair situated near the rail. Frodo came too, breathing deeply of the sweet air of West.

"Welcome to the West!" Erestor called. A cheer rang out in answer. Soon, all were happily making plans and bets on how long the journey might last.

"I hope it will only be a day or two more. I long to feel dry land under my toes." Gwidian exclaimed. Erestor hardily agreed, as did the hobbits. Elrond did not comment. He stood immobile next to the hobbits.

Bilbo turned to look more closely at the suddenly silent Elf Lord. Elrond was markedly pale. His silver eyes were unfocused. Bilbo was suddenly alarmed that his companion was not breathing. He was about to cry for help when Elrond's guard stepped closer and squeezed Elrond's shoulder.

"Lord Elrond!" The elf lord drew in a gasping breath and then another. Bilbo saw Mithrandir and Galadriel turn from where they stood against the rails. The white lady normally serene face held concern. Mithrandir whispered something to her.

"Ernil-nin," Cirulian called more loudly. Elrond reached up to brush the Cirulian's hand as if he was surprised that the Teleri was so near. The Lady of Light turned to seek out Silsilalda's aid while Mithrandir crossed over to them.

"Cirulian?" Cirulian grasped Elrond's hand firmly even as he guided him to sit.

"Are you well, my Lord?"

"I am no longer Lord of the Valley." The silver eyes were still focused out on the horizon. Bilbo saw Cirulian grin and then heard him repeat the strange title.

"Are you well, Ernil-nin?" The Teleri said loudly. Elrond's eyes flashed.

"I do not take that title."

"I do believe many will insist on it in these lands, Prince Elrond." Cirulian said solemnly, although mirth was in his eyes.

"There are too many royal houses and princes in those lands. Besides Doriath, Gondolin and Sirion are long gone. I doubt that the title will be recognized."

"Ah, but it is my duty to ensure you arrive safely. I promise to file complaints that detail how you were injured by those Maiar. They should be held accountable." When Elrond did not comment, he continued. "I have heard that most ships arrive at Tol Eressëa. I do not think it will be long before we can travel to the mainland and Alqualondë. Surely, King Olwë would grant a grand tour to a Prince of Doriath and his faithful Teleri guard." Bilbo saw the noble Lord of Imladris stare, flabbergasted at his guard. But even more shocking was the pure laughter that followed. Mithrandir now stepped forward. He was carrying Elrond's silver harp.

"Convey to us some of what you hear." Mithrandir pushed the harp into the Peredhel's hands. Galadriel raised her eyebrow at that request. Indeed, if this was due to the Peredhel's Maiar heritage, then Mithrandir should know what he was hearing. Silsilalda also looked on in concern while Bilbo and Frodo gaped in surprise.

Elrond closed his eyes and began to play, softly at first. But what followed was unlike any song that Galadriel, Cirulian, Silsilalda or the hobbits had ever heard. It was eerie and atonal at first, but at times playful and cascading like falling water. The music moved and dove into a tantalizingly melodic section only to spiral into a cry and then scamper into sea depths of long, low tones. Perspiration beaded on Elrond's brow. Galadriel could sense the strain on his spirit and motioned to Mithrandir. The Istar stepped forward and put his hand on Elrond's arm.

"Stop," he ordered firmly. "It is enough. I had not thought you would perceive us so deeply yet not mark the individual words. You, Peredhel, are truly a mystery to us." Mithrandir paused as Elrond lowered his bow and turned pained silver eyes towards him. "Come I will help you build the defenses around your mind and shield yourself from harm." Mithrandir helped Elrond to his feet. He turned to Silsilalda and Cirulian. "He is safe with me. Stay here. I will call you if we need you." Then he guided the Peredhel below. It was several days until Frodo saw Elrond again. Erestor explained that Elrond heard the songs of the Maiar, and there were many Maiar in these lands. The excitement of the next few days hid the Lord's absence.

"Are those the famed swan ships?" Frodo asked excitedly. Indeed, a small fleet of the Teleri swan ships sailed towards them.

"Yes, it appears our party has been expected." Galadriel helped Bilbo move closer to the rail. "Look beyond them. Can you see the white spires of Avallónë? I believe the ships will guide us into the harbor of Tol Eressëa." They waited and watched as, one by one, the Teleri ships moved to pair with one from Middle Earth. It was not long before their captain was sending signals back and forth to one of these boats.

"We are to be boarded." The captain's shocking announcement brought most of the ship's passengers to the deck. "Our sister ships will be docking at Tol Eressëa; however, the ring bearers ship has been summoned to Alqualondë. Apart from the ring bearers, those who wish to disembark at Tol Eressëa must transfer vessels now."

"Will your Naneth be waiting for you on the island?" Gwidian whispered.

"I will not leave Elrond now." Erestor paused. "I think my Naneth would understand. She may even know that Elrond is called to Alqualondë and may be waiting for us there." Those who sought passage to Tol Eressëa included some of the crew, the Galadhrim chef, and several of Galadriel's handmaidens. As one of the swan ships approached, they gathered their belongings on the deck. A rowboat ferried eight of the Teleri sailors to their vessel.

"Hail, friends. I am charged by my King Olwë to board your vessel and guide you into the royal dock on the swan harbor. With whom do I speak?"

"This is Galdor of the Teleri from the Havens." The captain stepped forward. "I am the Captain and charged by my Lord Cirdan to see the ring bearers safely West. We are honored to have you come aboard." With that simple statement, sailors from Alqualondë were welcomed aboard.

"Well, met Galdor. I am of the house of Olwë." Bilbo and Frodo did not understand the language that the sailors reverted to. It sounded very different than the Sindarin they were used to. Both watched as swan flags were added to the mast of their ship. The passengers heading to Tol Eressëa were transferred methodically to other vessels. Then, their new Lindarin crew charted a course that bypassed the busy port of Tol Eressëa, which would soon welcome many immigrants. The bay of Eldamar was huge, and slowly, the spires of Avallónë drew even on their starboard side.

"He is not simply a Captain," Frodo observed the silver-haired elf direct his sailors. Erestor raised his brow but did not otherwise confirm the supposition.

"What makes you say that?"

"Two of his crew act more like guards and never leave his side."

"He did say he was of the house of Olwë," Erestor recalled.

"But how close to King Olwë, I wonder?" Frodo said as the elf looked in their direction as if he was aware of their scrutiny. He greeted them as he passed quickly, moving towards the Ellith.

"My Lady." Faelthel was kneeling before the Lady of Light and holding her hands.

"A vision? Do they last so long?" Gwidian asked. But when Faelthel shook her head, she turned to seek out a small glass of Miruvor. Galadriel, unbeknown to others, was caught in memories from a far distance past.

XxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Elbereth, please spare him." Blood spurted over her hands and onto her dress as she fumbled with the torn fabric to fashion a makeshift bandage. Her kin fought each other. How could she choose sides? How could she not? These innocents were her Mother's people. She moved to help the guard, who was lying at the gate in a pool of blood.

"He will die, as will you." The sword was poised at her neck.

"What Noldor would slay the daughter of Finarfin, granddaughter of Finwe unarmed as I am?" She challenged, still bending over the injured Teler. The enraged Noldo kicked her out of the way then dealt a killing blow to the Teleri she was tending. She had never screamed like that before.

"It is your fault tending to one of those who withhold the ships." But the Noldo retreated at the advance of the palace guards.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"I did not act in time to prevent it." Galadriel whispered aloud.

"You did all you could both then and now." Someone was wiping the tears from her cheeks. His familiar blue eyes held compassion and love. Word from the east has reached even us of your part in these great deeds."

"I should have done more."

"You did what you could, Artanis." He held her face between his hands, guiding her to look at him more deeply. Her hands crept up to cover his.

"Falmatar? Uncle?" Galadriel gasped and then, indeed, did weep steadily and silently as she recognized her uncle, the son of Olwë, who had died along with so many others on that fateful day.

"Yes, I am alive, Artanis, or shall I say Galadriel?" Falmatar, Crown Prince of Lindar smiled soothingly. He recognized the underlying strain of horror and the black breath and saw the schisms and bone-chilling weariness of his niece's soul. He was also surprised to detect strength that flowed from the depths of a soul bond with a loving spouse. His niece was truly blessed if such a bond remained over the long distance that separated her from her husband. "Come sit at the front of the ship with me as we sail into the Haven of the Swan. Let us replace the memory of that horror with the exquisite view of our shining city." He gently guided her to her feet and enfolded her in a loving embrace.