Chapter 2: The Giving of Gifts

Galadriel stood in the courtyard of Ost-in-Edhul next to Elrond as Celebrimbor presented the completed rings to Gil-galad. As she listened to the exchange of formalities, she always kept a measure of her attention on Halbrand, standing amongst the minor smiths at the edge of the courtyard. She would have preferred him not to be there at all, but Celebrimbor had invited him without her knowledge.

"As you can see, my lord, the techniques developed by myself, my apprentices, and our guest have succeeded in forging three balanced rings of power which will save our people and aid us in the coming darkness.''

Gil-galad scrutinized the rings, asking questions about their unique shapes and gems. Finally, he nodded, satisfied. "You have done well, and perhaps you have completed this task in time. Only once all three are born by our people will we know for sure the measure of this success."

Gently, he picked up Vilya and held it out to Elrond whose eyes widened fractionally. "I know you have considered creating a new settlement, one that can be a refuge for all in this time of peril. Use the gift of the Ring of Air to hide your new home. In time, it may become a sanctuary for all people, but for now I ask that you keep its secrets to the elves." Gil-galad smiled as Elrond tentatively received the ring. "You have done well, both in your work with the dwarves and in your support of Celebrimbor. Thank you."

Next, the High King picked up the adamant ring, Nenya, and turned to Galadriel. "I wish that you had accepted passage across the sea. However, it is clear you will not rest until this age has come to its end. Since you insist on being a part of the coming war, you will need this to aid you." He held out the Ring of Water.

Galadriel opened her mouth to decline the gift, but her eye was caught by Halbrand. His eyes burned as he watched her, and she felt the memory of the possible future loom large in her mind. She struggled with herself for another moment before her will failed. "Thank you, your highness," she said softly as she took the proffered ring.

Gil-galad watched her for a moment, his face impassive, before nodding. "Very well. I will take Narya with me. I have a bearer in mind. Celebrimbor, do not be discouraged," he added quickly, seeing the other elf's face fall. "I fear that you are too well-known, as is your craft. For you to bear one of these rings would make you too tempting a target for the enemy."

Celebrimbor quickly regained his composure. "Of course, your majesty."

The High King looked at each of them again before turning toward the side of the courtyard. "You are Halbrand, the Southlander king, are you not?"

Halbrand stepped forward and bowed. "I am, your highness. I thank you and your people for the hospitality I have received here."

Gil-galad stared at him for a long moment as Galadriel felt unease gnaw at her stomach. Finally, he said simply, "Thank you for your assistance. I've been told it was invaluable."

Halbrand bowed again before backing up to his place in line.

Gil-galad pursed his lip before turning to Galadriel. "If you would grant me another moment of your time?"

Galadriel nodded quickly and followed him from the courtyard and into the trees. They walked in silence until they were out of sight of the party. "This Southlander—do you trust him?"

Galadriel stared at the passing trees without seeing them. "I do not know. He saved my life, but he is a man, and men are easily corrupted."

Gil-galad nodded solemnly. "It was foolish of Celebrimbor to rely on him so, but it cannot be changed now. He will not know where Elrond builds his dwelling, nor will he know who bears the last ring."

"Indeed. I was concerned that he would know too much and was relieved when you said you would take Narya away from here."

They stood in silence, both watching the birds flitting among the golden leaves above them. Finally, Gil-galad turned toward her. "Where will you go now? South with this king?"

Galadriel turned to face him and nodded. "Yes. I promised my aid to the Southlanders, and we expect the Númenóreans to return in due time to help us face Adar and his Uruk. Also, I feel I must keep watch on Halbrand now that I have aided him in his ascent to power. If he should be corrupted, it is my duty to throw him down again."

"Your path will be long and twisting, but I believe you have judged it well. Whatever is coming, I sense that it will center around the southern reaches of Middle Earth. However," as he said this, Gil-galad's face grew grave and his many centuries appeared as a weight upon his brow. "I advise you to be wary of your trust in all men, whether Southlander or Númenórean. The race of men is weak and easy to sway. The followers of Morgoth may be scattered, but they are not at liberty to make plans contrary to his purpose. All those who have once fallen under sway of the enemy's song will continue to dance to its music whether they know it or not. Even as we follow the great music and walk in the paths set out by the Valar, so too must their feet ever bend towards the darkness."

Gil-galad bid her farewell and safe travels and soon left the copse to return to Lindon. However, Galadriel stood there long without moving, wrestling with herself and weighing her options. It was only once Elrond came and found her that she returned to the halls of Ost-in-Edhul and her preparations.

On the fifth day after the departure of the High King, Elrond, Galadriel, Halbrand, and Celebrimbor were gathered in the courtyard of Ost-in-Edhul once again. The former three were readied for their journeys, for Elrond too had plans to depart the city. He had explained his intention of going first back to Khazad-dûm to bring news to his friend, Prince Durin, before traveling west to establish his sanctuary as instructed by Gil-galad.

"Good luck to you all," Celebrimbor said finally as all was made ready for departure. "May the light of Elbereth make your roads safe and guide your steps."

Elrond thanked him warmly before turning to Galadriel. "Be safe, my friend. Last time we parted, I'd feared I would never again see you on these shores. That fear remains even as your path now bends South rather than West over the sea. If you ever need my help, please call." He embraced her warmly.

"Thank you, Elrond. I hope you find what it is you're seeking."

Elrond bid a cordial farewell to Halbrand before he mounted his horse and set off along the eastward road toward the gates of Khazad-dûm.

Galadriel turned from his retreating form and spoke then to Celebrimbor. "Be careful, my lord. There is a growing darkness in the South. We know Adar has gathered many of the remaining orcs into his new wasteland, but it is likely that there are more. Do not relax your guard."

Celebrimbor nodded and took her hand, admiring Nenya as it glinted there. "Do not worry for me, for Eregion is well defended. You, however, ride under the very eaves of the storm. Indeed, although I think this gift you bear is likely sufficient, I have another for you as well."

From a nearby gateway, an apprentice stepped forward with a long linen-wrapped bundle. Celebrimbor took it before turning back to Galadriel. "When I heard you had settled on traveling south again, I readied this for you. I noticed when you first arrived that you no longer bore your sword. I think this one may aid you in the coming years. Its name is Nimlhach, the White Flame. Let it bring light to you in the darkness and burn through the spirits of your foes."

Galadriel carefully unwrapped the sword, revealing a shining blade. She sheathed it and belted it fast to her side. "Thank you, Celebrimbor. Your generosity will not be forgotten, and I swear this blade shall be wielded in a manner worthy of its maker."

They clasped hands before Celebrimbor turned to Halbrand. "And you, my friend. You who have given such gifts to us. I wish to present one to you as well. I know you for a smith, but I do not know that you have the time or resources to forge for yourself such a sword as I can gift. Until your task is done, then, I ask that you take this one." Another carefully wrapped blade was brought out, this one handed directly to the Southlander. "Amantur has seen battle before. As long as you fight against the darkness, it will serve you well."

Halbrand hesitated before thanking Celebrimbor and accepting the blade. Galadriel frowned at the gift but did not interject. Instead, she mounted and turned to face the gate. "Come, Halbrand. We have tarried here too long. I am sure much has happened since we rode north."

Halbrand thanked Celebrimbor again before mounting his own horse. Together they rode out from the gates of Ost-in-Edhul and directed their steps south toward the lands of men.

AN: There you go, the first chapter that we didn't already see in the televised series. From here, we will chart a course through the murky realm of what could be. I've been researching the Silmarillion more as part of planning this story, and I'm even more confused by the show now. One particular note for those who may be more familiar with Tolkien's version of events: I'm setting this story in the Second Age, beginning in 3255. Many events in the show that are shown as occurring at the same time, actually occurred centuries or even millennia apart. However, the death of Tar Palantir of Númenor is a definitive event that I think grounds us in the timeline. Again, in the case of conflicts between the first season and the book, I will largely be deferring to the series since much of what it shows is clearly disproven in the Silmarillion. However, there are many topics that have not yet been touched on in the show or are only being alluded to at this time. For those, I will take the liberty of deciding what makes the most sense in this context. I apologize if that makes the story confusing. I will do my best to ensure internal consistency in my text.