AN: Happy late Valentine's Day! I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 18: Reunions

"Until we determine what will replace the old palace in Pelargir, I believe the rebuilding is complete. In addition, we have now gone two full seasons without any men of Númenor finding their way here. I believe we can assume that all survivors of the break have now found their way to one of our lands. The numbers are fewer than we would like, but it is only by the grace of the Valar that even this many survived."

Galadriel nodded along with the others at the long stone table in the heart of Elendil's palace. Across from her, Kemen leaned forward. "Is it possible there are others further south in Harad who do not know of the destruction?"

Anárion hummed where he sat at his father's right hand. "It's always possible, but if they have not found their way to Pelargir by now, they likely never will. Pelargir was the largest Númenórean settlement east of the sea. When the ships stopped coming, anyone living south along the coastline would have gone there for news."

A chorus of agreement echoed the statement.

"You are the last bastion of the line of Númenor, but with the blessing of the Valar you may yet regain the prosperity of your forefathers." Everyone turned toward Galadriel. She smiled back at them. "I believe you are well on your way already, and we will do what we can to aid you."

Elendil nodded once and thanked her. "I believe that concludes our business. Galadriel, will you stay another night or begin your journey after the noon meal?"

"I would prefer to begin today, but I wish to broach one final topic—a request I ask of you. With the resettlement work complete and the Dark Lands quiet, Halbrand and I would like to begin dealing with an old evil that has long dwelt on the borders of our lands, in the Black Mountains. We are gathering a small council to discuss our options. I would request a representative from your people to accompany me back to my city so we may confer."

Ontamo frowned. "I suppose it is past time to deal with the shadow in Cirith Ungol. Now that the kingdom is established and we have fought off the orcs once, it is unlikely we could be overwhelmed through that pass."

"Precisely. We have tolerated the demon on our doorstep this long from necessity. Now that the need is removed, I believe it is time to rid the world of such a stain."

Ontamo nodded and turned to the head of the table. "Captain, will you permit me to accompany Galadriel for this council? I am familiar with the forces of both nations and the earlier discussions regarding the enemy."

"Certainly. I ask that Anárion accompany you as well, since we are not so familiar with this evil you speak of."

Anárion agreed at once.

"Excellent. Thank you both for your assistance. If you would begin preparations for a short trip, I would like to leave shortly after we have eaten."

The group dispersed, Ontamo and Anárion departing for their own quarters to prepare bags. At a gesture from Elendil, Galadriel fell into step beside her friend. "Cirith Ungol, you said? I pray that name does not mean what I think it does."

Galadriel sighed. "The Gloomweaver left a host of her spawn. Many have been dealt with by my people, but it seems one found refuge here in the Black Mountains. It dwells in a pass through the mountains, and Isildur's city was always meant to watch both the pass and the shadow within it."

"We will provide whatever aid we can. Such a being should not be allowed to survive, much less to live on our borders."

Galadriel thanked him as they stepped out of the cool palace and back out into the shadow of the mountain. Before her, white stone buildings stretched out, falling away with the land descending from the mountains' feet. Beyond the buildings, white walls glittered in the sunlight followed by an ocean of pale green grassland.

"Will you join me for a meal before you depart?"

"It would be my pleasure." Galadriel smiled and followed him to a small house built up against the mountainside. They took a meal of bread with some soup Eärien had made for her father, sharing stories of the past few months.

While the words flowed like wine between them, the food was soon finished, and Galadriel knew her companions would soon be ready to depart. Elendil sighed at her declaration. "My lady, I know why you must leave today, but I do not understand why you spend so few of your days in my city. For every week you reside here, you spend a season on the river."

"Elendil, you are an experienced general and politician, with other experienced leaders under your command. The men of the south are motley bunch of refugee farmers who have had to establish a city. They require my assistance far more than you do."

"They did when you and Halbrand led them to the river and helped them trade tents for solid walls. Years have passed since then, Galadriel. They seem short to you and I and perhaps even to Halbrand depending on how strong the blood of Númenor flows within him. However, that band of refugees is now a thriving and established city. Your counsel must have been invaluable in the beginning, but they can and should stand on their own without your support now."

Galadriel rolled her neck back with a sigh and stared up at the simple wooden slats of the roof. "I cannot explain it more than to say I have found a home there. I am as shocked as anyone, as I never intended to settle anywhere. After my brother fell and my husband was lost, I was restless and wandered Middle Earth seeking to root out any evil I could find, whether man, orc, or some greater power. When my people tried to force me to rest, I fled. How could I go west to peace when my brethren still fought and struggled against the darkness?"

She sighed and looked back at Elendil who watched her patiently. "I nearly fell to the wrath of the waves, but I was saved, first by Halbrand, then by you. We fought to bring your kin back east with us. We fought the forces of Adar and the orcs in the Dark Land. Then we fought to establish a haven for any who needed it. Then, for the first time, the fighting ended, but I remained. I reasoned that it was my duty. Now that my duty compels me to be here equally, I still cannot tear myself away from my familiar haunts along the Anduin and under the trees of Ithilien."

Elendil was quiet for a moment. "I know of Tindómëon's quest to secure an heir for Halbrand. Ontamo confided in me many months ago. My lady, please forgive me if I presume too much, but have you not left because you return in some part the king's affections?"

Galadriel stared back at him, her eyes wide. She fought the muscles of her face to keep them composed even as she felt her fingers flex uncontrollably. "That is quite a presumption. The reality is, I must confess, much less intriguing. The elves do not trust the authority of men, especially those not of Númenor, and Gil-galad charged me to watch Halbrand for any sign that he would lead his new country back under the shadow of Morgoth."

"Do you watch me for the same?"

"I do, but less closely. You have proven yourself a man of character and a loyal follower of the Valar."

Elendil studied her for a moment. "And Halbrand has not?"

Galadriel's fingers twitched again under the table. "I believe he cares more for the safety and comfort of the men in his care than for any law of nature or morality."

"I agree." Elendil nodded firmly and sat back, fingers steepled and brow furrowed. "I have yet to determine if that is a wise path or not, but I do believe it shows Halbrand to be a good man and a better king. I do not think you need to watch him so closely. Halbrand and shown his quality. Even Gil-galad should be content." Galadriel nodded along with him, opening her mouth to agree, when Elendil spoke again, a small smile playing about his lips. "Unless, of course, you stay in his court because of your own feelings and not your duty."

Galadriel shut her mouth and scowled at him as Elendil laughed. He stood and gestured for the doorway, mirth lines still decorating his face. "Come, you must begin your journey soon if you wish to start today. But do consider coming back sooner. I do not know all your reasons for staying close to the Southlanders, but we would be glad to have you among us for longer periods."

Galadriel thanked him softly and together they walked down the slope toward the large gate set into the stone walls. There they found Anárion and Ontamo ready to depart as well as a few others of Elendil's council ready to bid them farewell.

Galadriel hung back as the others spoke, mind caught up by Elendil's unexpected line of questioning. He had, of course, encouraged her many times to come more frequently or stay for longer, but this was the first time he'd posed such a reason for her absence. It was preposterous.

Yet.

As Galadriel watched, Elendil finished his goodbyes and took a step away from his son. The others quickly followed suit, and her companions led their horses to where Galadriel was already mounted. Soon they were on their way. It was only two days by horse, with the rolling plains easing their journey. With the horses able to easily pick their own way, Galadriel's mind was free to consider her conversation with Elendil, turning it this way and that in her mind, as she attempted to answer the questions she had so quickly dismissed before.

The unsatisfying answers did not speed the journey.

When at last the city's farms came into view, Galadriel tamped down the hurried jump in her heartbeat. Curse Elendil and the traitorous thoughts he had inspired.

By the time they arrived in the city, night had nearly fallen, and Galadriel was tired from her unwilling introspection. They made their way directly to the palace, to greet Halbrand and dine.

As Galadriel pushed open the heavy wooden door, a loud bout of familiar laughter greeted her. She jolted forward in amazement, a wide smile pulling at her lips as her exhaustion dissipated.

Elrond looked over at the opening of the door and grinned back, standing from his seat at the table. "Ah Galadriel, Halbrand said you should be back soon, but I confess I was worried we would miss you."

Galadriel threw her arms around her friend, laughter bubbling up from her chest. "Elrond, my friend, when did you arrive? Are you here with news?"

"Gil-galad sent us with news and to bring some back to him. Since the breaking, the world has not been quite as it was. Many things have changed, even some that are unexpected." He pulled back to look into her face, and Galadriel was struck by an almost manic energy that seemed to radiate off Elrond. His grin just grew wider as she studied him. "Entirely unexpected things really. You must wait here. I will be back in a moment. I was so worried we would miss you entirely." Elrond continued to murmur to himself as he abruptly left the hall, food left half-finished on the table."

Galadriel watched him go, puzzled by his behavior, before turning back to Halbrand. Distracted as she'd been by her friend, she hadn't noticed the stiff set of Halbrand's shoulders or his pale and drawn expression.

"Are you alright?"

He jerked in his seat, making eye contact for a moment before looking away. "Of course. How was your trip? I'm sure you're all weary and in need of food. Please, sit and eat."

Galadriel slowly followed her companions to the table, eyes still fixed on Halbrand. "You do not look yourself. Are you quite sure you feel well?" After a pause to butter a piece of bread, she continued. "Elrond said Gil-galad had sent 'them.' Who else has come? Celebrimbor?"

Halbrand flinched, his face paling further, but he did not have a chance to answer as the heavy door behind them flew open with a bang.

Galadriel turned back toward the door and saw Elrond re-enter, the manic glee now unmistakable on his face. Behind him was another figure, entering the door with his head bowed. He looked up, silver hair parting around a familiar, though heavily care-worn, face.

Galadriel stood abruptly, knocking the chair down behind her. Her approach was slow and unsteady as the floor seemed to sway beneath her feet. When she was finally close enough to reach his outstretched hand, she held her breath until her fingertips came to rest on smooth skin.

"Celeborn."

His hand wrapped around hers, holding her tightly as warm eyes gazed into hers. "Galadriel, I have found you again."