History Lessons, The Second Age, by Nilmandra

This prologue opens a new story, 'History Lessons: The Second Age.' The purpose of the prologue is merely to introduce our latest canon character, Arwen.

This story will cover the spring when Arwen is twelve and her brothers are 123 years old (TA 253). There will be a third age story that involves the three children of Elrond and Celebrían, and a variety of second age stories told by members of Elrond's household who lived through the Second Age. The second age lasted from the founding of Lindon in the first year, and ended with the Battle of the Last Alliance of Men and Elves in II 3441, the deaths of Elendil and Gil-Galad, and the cutting of the Ring of the Power from Sauron's hand.

Obviously, this story cannot cover the second age in depth, so the focus will be on only several major areas: the forging of the rings of power, Celebrían's birth, Glorfindel's return, the founding of Imladris, and the war of the Last Alliance (although I won't tell the story of the war; Tolkien did that - instead the story will focus on the impact to these characters). As much as it would be fun to focus on the rise and fall of Númenor, sadly there is not time to do that here.

You do not have to have read the original story 'History Lessons' to understand this story, although it would help in understanding some of the humor and background I have given to these characters.

I will again point out what is canon and what I have made up as I go along.

For those kind enough to have asked, I do have another little 'Legles' story planned - right now it is a vignette, and I am deciding if it fits into a larger story before moving on with it.

Feedback is appreciated!!

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Thanks to daw the minstrel for beta reading this chapter

Prologue: Arwen

Year 241 of the Third Age

Elrond and Celebrían's suite of rooms in Imladris….

Elrond knelt between his wife's knees, his ear resting against her belly as he listened intently. His fingers moved about the expanded surface, gently pushing and prodding. He sat back on his heels, but did not remove his hands, as Celebrían giggled and squirmed.

"You are an impossible patient," he scolded her.

"That tickles!" she protested.

Grinning, Elrond moved his finger into the thin skin over her ribs and began tickling her purposefully, holding her firmly in place as she tried to squirm away. "Where? There? Or here?"

"Elrond, behave!" she scolded him back. "What will our daughter think?"

Elrond pressed his ear back to her belly. "She thinks it is time she joined us in this world. She is tired of being cooped up in there all alone, when it sounds so much more exciting out here," he informed her.

Celebrían's hands covered his suddenly and she moved them to a different spot. "Feel her kick! She must have your feet."

"She wants out," repeated Elrond. He moved to sit next to Celebrían on the couch and kissed her. "It is nearly time."

"My parents are here, our sons are here. I suppose this is a good time," she agreed.

"The whole house is here and waiting. Her begetting day was yesterday. I hope this lateness is not going to be a habit," spoke a voice from the door.

"Elladan! Come and you can feel her kick," Celebrían called to him, her hand held out in welcome and her face lit with joy at the sight of him.

Elladan took his mother's hand in his own, and kissed it before moving to kneel on the floor at her side. He allowed her to place his hands on her belly, and he smiled as he felt a kick through the thin silk of his mother's gown.

"Why, that must be her heel!" he exclaimed. "Adar, is that her foot?"

"Yes," answered Elrond. "She is in position to be born."

"Oh, dear," Celebrían suddenly said, her hands moving suddenly to the lower part of her abdomen as her eyes opened wide.

"Naneth?" Elladan asked, worried. "Are you well?"

Elrond laughed aloud, though, as his hands covered Celebrían's reassuringly. "Your sister plans to make her grand entrance soon. Where is Elrohir?"

"He is with Daeradar in the library," replied Elladan.

"There is time, but go deliver the news and find your grandmother too."

Elladan kissed his mother on the cheek, and left to do his father's bidding.

"I think she might come sooner than you think," Celebrían suddenly informed Elrond as warm liquid puddled beneath her on the floor. She laughed aloud at Elrond as he jumped to his feet before his trousers became soaked, then kissed her before going to obtain a towel to mop up the floor. She stood when he was finished, still graceful despite her expanded form, and her brow furrowed. "I think I shall walk a bit and then she will come."

Elrond merely smiled as he aided her in shedding the damp gown and replacing it with a short robe, then offered her his arm. They strolled out the open doors leading outside and through the quiet garden, Celebrían's hands moving slowly over her large belly as their daughter shifted and moved. Elrond recalled this experience over a century earlier, but then Celebrían's discomfort was far greater. She had become so large that she had had difficult rising of her own accord. But never, except for the begetting of their children, had he felt this level of communion with his wife. He could feel her joy and her pain, and as each contraction hit he opened his mind to help her bear it, willing some of the pain to flow through her to him.

"You are stubborn," he chided her softly, as he felt a contraction pulse through her, but not reach him. They stopped walking and he moved behind her, his hands covering hers on her belly, her head lying against his shoulder as she relaxed into him, allowing him to hold her up.

As the contraction passed, she turned her head to his and caught his lips in a kiss, her tongue probing his mouth as she tasted him. He pulled back, surprised.

"Stubborn and full of surprises!"

Celebrían smiled and continued their walk, breathing through each contraction that followed, allowing the pain to overflow to Elrond. As the contractions increased in frequency, he steered her back in the direction of their rooms. "Unless I am to catch this child here in the garden, it is time to go inside."

They entered their suite to find the bedroom prepared for birth. Elrohir stood beaming next to a tray of tools that could be needed, should any difficulty occur. Celeborn sat next to a stack of clean cloths, one already in his hands, that he would use to clean and wrap the babe in; and Elladan paced. Galadriel waited serenely, and as soon as they entered she took loving charge of her daughter, helping Celebrían to prepare herself in her dressing room even as she imparted her own comfort and strength into her daughter. She smiled as she saw the pain decrease, and then led Celebrían to her husband.

Elrond was already seated at end of the couch, and he helped Celebrían nestle in between his legs. She rested her arms on his thighs, allowing him to support most of her weight as she squatted, then sighed and rested her head against his broad chest. She looked up at him and smiled, kissing him, for she had asked him to support her rather than deliver their daughter. She had told him she felt selfish asking such a thing, but Elrond had decided if anything her request only made him love her more. He would know if there was a problem before it occurred, and others could catch the infant, but none could support Celebrían and the infant in the way that he could.

"Celebrían, you are ready," Galadriel informed them as she knelt on the floor in front of her daughter. "Begin to push when you feel the need."

The next contraction came hard and fast, and Celebrían leaned forward as she bore down, trusting Elrond to hold her and keep her from falling. She felt her braids being pinned up, and then a cool cloth brush her neck, forehead and cheeks. She smiled her thanks to Elladan, who knelt at her side.

"She has dark hair," encouraged Galadriel. She placed her hand on the crowning head, concentrating all her strength to ease the child's passage. "Push, Celebrían!"

As Elrond poured his strength into Celebrían, she poured it all into birthing their child, and suddenly the pain stopped.

"She's here!" Elrohir breathed as he held the special knife for cutting the cord.

Elrond watched the miracle before him as Celebrían drew in her breath and Galadriel caught the baby girl as she slid from his wife's body and then laid her in Celeborn's hands, on the towel he had been holding for the last hour. Elrohir handed Galadriel the knife, but she instead held up the birthing cord, and with a huge grin Elrohir cut the cord.

Elrond watched as Celeborn stood with the child in his hands, gently wiping her clean. He seemed mesmerized by the child. After a moment, Celeborn moved to sit at Elrond's other side, holding the child out so they all could see her. Celebrían leaned back against Elrond and her eyes were on the infant even as her own mother tended her.

A beautiful child with blue eyes in a pale pink face framed by dark hair met the gazes of her family with a coo. She seemed as a princess holding court, looking upon them all as if she were indeed the center of their world.

"She is the image of Lúthien," Celeborn finally said. "She is a most beautiful child."

At his pronouncement the baby cooed again, and all watching would swear she smiled at that moment. Her tiny hand curled around her grandfather's finger, and Elrond knew that she would soon have them all wrapped around her little finger.

Galadriel had finished tending Celebrían, and Elrond helped his wife to stand and then wrapped her in a clean robe. Elrohir piled cushions about the couch, and Celebrían settled into the nest he had made for her with a contented sigh. He sat down next to her and kissed her on the cheek, his eyes bright.

"Naneth, that was the most wonderful and beautiful thing I have ever seen," Elrohir whispered.

Celebrían brushed the back of her hand against his cheek, then smoothed the dark hair away from his face. Her gaze seemed far away, as if in remembrance of days past. She pulled her son close, but where normally she would have drawn him into her arms, this time Elrohir deftly turned her so that she rested in his powerful arms.

"I have only ever seen one other wondrous occasion that could compare," she agreed, "and that was when you and Elladan entered the world."

Elladan moved to sit on the other side of his mother, and the three watched in amusement as Elrond attempted to wash his daughter and swaddle her in soft blankets. The child's grandfather, however, did not wish to release her. Each time Elrond removed his touch from the babe, Celeborn would reclaim her.

"They are fighting over our sister," said Elrohir indignantly.

"Perhaps we had better rescue her," replied Elladan, with a gleam in his eye.

The twins abandoned their mother with kisses and Celebrían relaxed into the cushions with a smile as she watched her sons stalk their baby sister. They approached with Elladan moving to Elrond's side and Elrohir beside his grandfather. As soon as Elrond finished wrapping her in swaddling, Elrohir clapped his hands over his grandfather's, preventing him from reclaiming his granddaughter, and Elladan swooped in to claim the child. A moment later, the twins had their sister to themselves, and they sat on the edge of the bed as they introduced themselves to her.

"Adar, Naneth, we cannot properly introduce ourselves without knowing her name," Elladan informed them. As he spoke he pressed against Elrohir's side, preventing Celeborn from squeezing in between them.

Elrond looked to Celebrían, and at her nod he spoke. "Her name is Arwen."

Elrohir stroked the downy head and lifting the babe, kissed her on the forehead. "You seem a bit small to be a noble lady, little sister, but I am sure you will quickly grow into that name. Welcome to the family, Arwen. I am your brother, Elrohir."

Elladan nuzzled her next, and the bright blue eyes looked intently at the dark haired twins facing her, their heads touching. "And I am Elladan, and do not worry that you are having double vision. We are twins. It is wonderful to have a twin, Arwen. I am sorry you do not have one. But it just means all of our attention will go to you."

Arwen cooed and waved a small arm that she had freed from her swaddling. It was quickly caught by her grandfather, who had perched near his grandsons.

Across the room Celebrían sighed and smiled. Her mother had moved to sit next to her, and Celebrían rested her head against Galadriel's shoulder briefly.

"Naneth, I am so thankful only I can feed her, or I would never get to hold my daughter. Will you go rescue Arwen?"

Galadriel rose gracefully and walked to stand in front of the four males competing for Arwen's attention, four sets of hands that vied to capture the tiny fingers that waved at them, or stroke the dark hair, and when possible, actually remove the child from Elladan's arms.

"Give me my granddaughter," Galadriel instructed in a soft yet commanding tone. "Her mother has yet to hold her, and Arwen needs to nurse."

Elladan reluctantly relinquished his hold on the small bundle and Galadriel took advantage of the opportunity herself to meet the child. She spoke no words, but Arwen seemed to communicate with her as well, and the tiny mouth began to move as if she were suckling.

She placed the child in Celebrían's arms, and none heard what the mother spoke to her much awaited and longed for daughter, but moments later the infant latched on to her mother's breast and Celebrían relaxed into the cushions with a sigh of utter contentment.

Elrond sat next to her, drawing Celebrían and Arwen comfortably into his arms, so that Celebrían need not even support the weight of the infant. She relaxed against him, turning her face slightly to capture his lips in a kiss.

"Thank you, meleth-nín, for my daughter," she murmured.

Elladan and Elrohir laughed as Elrond kissed his wife deeply, and they knew their father would take his time to find the perfect words and actions that would speak his gratitude to Celebrían for bearing him another child. Elrohir winked at Elladan, and then spoke.

"Well, I must say that practice surely made for perfection, Adar. I cannot imagine a more perfect child than Arwen."

Elrond looked up sharply and Celebrían laughed aloud, as did Galadriel. As Elrond contemplated scolding his son, he saw the glints of humor in their eyes.

"When, exactly, did you overhear that, Elrohir?" Elrond finally asked.

Elladan laughed too then. "Adar, even I have heard that you and Naneth have been practicing making Arwen for some time."

An arched brow from his sire made Elrohir finally cease laughing and answer the question.

"The summer we were injured at the waterfall, Adar," he finally answered. "I did not know for some time why you had to practice whatever you were doing in the privacy of your own chambers, but when I asked Glorfindel he assured me it was the best place for that kind of practice."

Elrond felt color rising in his cheeks, but Celebrían was not embarrassed in the least, and continued to laugh.

"Really, Adar, it is rather an old family joke. Whenever our grandparents or Glorfindel or Erestor asked where the two of you were, the answer was that you were practicing," Elladan chimed in.

Celebrían finally ceased laughing, and kissed Elrond again. He looked into her eyes and saw weariness beneath her pride and joy.

"Well, I would say the practice was put good to use, then, for our daughter is perfect," Elrond agreed ruefully. He unpinned the braids that were still atop Celebrían's head and stroked the silver hair gently.

"Elladan, Elrohir, would you go share the news of Arwen's safe arrival with the rest of the house? We will come to the Hall of Fire this evening to present her, after your naneth has had time to rest."

The twins kissed their parents and little sister, and then left the room. Even within their sanctuary, Elrond and Celebrían could hear voices raised in joy as their sons spread the news.

As Celebrían drifted into sleep, Celeborn reclaimed his granddaughter, allowing Elrond and Galadriel to move Celebrían to her bed and tend her before she slept. To Elrond's surprise, Galadriel motioned for him to join Celebrían.

"You gave much of yourself in Arwen's arrival, too. Rest, Elrond."

Elrond drifted quickly into sleep, his hands unconsciously moving to cover Celebrían's belly as they had for so many months, and the two slept deeply.

Galadriel sat down next to Celeborn.

"I saw Lúthien when she was just a few days in this world. A beautiful child in body and spirit, she charmed all who knew her. It is no wonder Elu-Thingol would hold her captive from the outside world," said Celeborn thoughtfully.

Galadriel laughed softly. "Arwen will have a father and brothers to ensure that no one steals her heart. She is a descendent of Lúthien; it is of no great surprise that she bears a resemblance to her foremother."

"Why do I fear for her?" whispered Celeborn.

Galadriel was silent for a long moment, watching her husband tenderly hold the now sleeping child. He had reacted in a similar protective manner when Celebrían was born.

"I do not know," Galadriel replied truthfully. "Enjoy her now, hervenn, and do not let fear rob you of your grandfatherly joy. Even if there is grief in the future for any of our daughter's family, that is only reason to treasure each of them more now."

Celeborn met his wife's eyes, and when he probed through their bond he felt only truth in her words. He placed Arwen into Galadriel's arms, and then pulled them both close. No further words did they speak aloud, but in their minds they recalled and relived the joy they had felt when Celebrían was born, and then the twins, and they contented themselves for the several hours Elrond and Celebrían slept by reliving their memories of these ones they held dear.

* * *

All of Imladris had gathered in the Hall of Fire. The minstrels made soft music that others accompanied with song. A sense of lightness and joy pervaded the hall, with ready smiles on the faces of all present.

Elrond and his sons entered the Hall dressed in colors of midnight blue edged with silver, their dark hair offset by narrow silver circlets on their foreheads. They surrounded Celebrían, who dressed in silver this evening. Throughout her pregnancy she had glowed, but this night as she walked with her daughter in her arms the light seemed more brilliant, reflecting off the silver of her gown and her silver hair and offset with the fire of sapphires that Elrond had placed about her neck and in her hair.

In her arms was a child of the evening. Arwen was wrapped in a midnight blue blanket trimmed in silver, framing her face, and her blue eyes were wide open and serene.

Elrond led Celebrían through the Hall to their chairs. They did not sit, but stood before the gathered elves with their sons on either side of them.

"We are greatly honored by the presence of each of you here this evening," Elrond greeted them. "It has been of great joy to us to know that all of Imladris has waited as expectantly for the arrival of our daughter as we have."

He took Arwen from Celebrían's arms, and held her before him so that all could see her.

"I present to you our daughter, Arwen."

Lindir stepped forward amidst the murmur of greetings, and bowed before Elrond, Celebrían and Arwen.

"Lady Arwen, we welcome you to life in Imladris," he said softly as he strummed his harp.

The room grew silent, and Lindir stepped back to the group of musicians and singers. With an almost imperceptible nod of his head, Lindir motioned for the group to begin and soft music arose in the Hall. Meant to soothe and welcome the newly born child, it had been written and prepared especially for her.

When it was completed, Celebrían sat on her chair, thoughtfully cushioned by someone, and Elrond placed Arwen back in her arms. He sat next to her and their sons stood behind her as individuals from Imladris began to approach them, bearing gifts and kind words. Arwen neither cried nor fussed, but looked wide-eyed at all who passed her. Small gowns and beautiful blankets, rattles and dolls, hair ribbons and gems, and even small furniture crafted especially for Arwen were gifted to them.

To Elrond's surprise, Glorfindel and Erestor approached last. Erestor sank to his knees before Celebrían, kissing her hand and then touching Arwen's palm and grinning unabashedly as her tiny fingers wrapped around his.

"Lady Celebrían, she is as exquisite as her mother."

Elladan and Elrohir nudged each other and their shoulders shook with silent laughter. They had driven Erestor to distraction from the time they could walk, but clearly their sister had already conquered his heart. As Erestor rose his gaze settled on the brothers and his eyes narrowed slightly, but the smile did not leave his face.

"I am sure she will be an utter delight," he whispered in Elladan's ear as he moved past.

Elladan grinned back. "We shall teach her all we know."

Glorfindel was dressed as splendidly as Elrond had ever seen him, and Elrond was immediately reminded of two prior occasions when Glorfindel had appeared in his finery and with such a serious demeanor. Emotion welled up in him as he recalled the way that Glorfindel had welcomed Celebrían as his wife and Lady of Imladris, and then the way he had greeted Elladan and Elrohir on the day they were born. He knew that in Glorfindel's mind a ceremony was being played out, a vow and commitment were being made, perhaps similar to the ones he had made in Valinor before returning to Middle-earth.

Glorfindel first grasped Elrond's arm in the way of warriors, and then bowed before him. He then kissed Celebrían's hand, and bowed before her. Elrond watched Glorfindel as the golden-haired warrior then stood silently before them for some minutes, his hand over his heart, as he gazed upon the child in Celebrían's arms. Arwen met his gaze serenely. Finally his hand dropped again to his side and he knelt before Celebrían. Like Erestor before him, he touched the tiny palm with one fingertip and a smile of adoration spread across his face as the tiny fingers wrapped around his. He gently raised the small hand to his lips and kissed it, his eyes growing bright as Arwen cooed at him.

At Elrond's motion, Elrohir brought a low stool and set it beside his mother. Elrond nudged Glorfindel to sit, and then placed Arwen in his arms.

As Glorfindel introduced himself to the infant, he became aware that the twins were leaning one over each shoulder and he turned to smile at each of them.

"Glorfindel, have you fallen to her charms already?" Elladan asked, teasing.

"Yes," answered Glorfindel immediately. He motioned for them to sit, and they did so on cushions before him. "Just as I fell for your charms the first time I held each of you."

Celebrían laughed in remembrance. "He held you both in one arm, for you were each slightly smaller than Arwen, and Elladan had a hand wrapped about his thumb while Elrohir had taken hold of his small finger, and neither of you was about to let go. Glorfindel thought that Elladan's grip would lead to more skill with the sword, while Elrohir would prefer the bow."

Elladan and Elrohir laughed, for indeed Elladan excelled with the sword and Elrohir preferred the bow! But their eyes were bright and they both found themselves unconsciously moving to lean against Glorfindel's legs as they considered that he had looked at them the same way that he looked at Arwen now - with intense pride and adoration and love.

Arwen yawned, and drew her hand, still wrapped about Glorfindel's finger, to her face and began to suckle on the tip of his finger. A doting smile crossed Glorfindel's face, but he acceded gracefully to the child's demands and returned her to her mother's arms.

"Goodnight, Arwen," Glorfindel said as he kissed the dark head.

Elrohir took Arwen from his mother's arms and carried her from the Hall, Elladan at his side, while Elrond escorted Celebrían. Once the door had closed behind them, Elrond whispered in Celebrían's ear, and then scooped her up into his arms and carried her the rest of the way. He could feel her weariness as she wrapped her arms about his neck and relaxed against him, and he poured his strength into her, replenishing her.

Unsurprisingly, Galadriel was waiting for them in their rooms, and she tended to Celebrían then dressed her for bed while Elrond undressed Arwen from her finery and swaddled her comfortably in soft cloths and blankets. She had just started to fuss when Elrond placed her at Celebrían's breast. A few moments later he crawled in next to them, cuddling them to him and gently rocking them until both were asleep.

As he held them, tears of joy slid down his cheeks as feelings of love overflowed from him. He had not known that he could be this content and full of joy, but as he thought back over the day, to the dignity and beauty of his wife, and how she had given him a daughter he would cherish until the end of Arda; to the mature and wonderful sons who had assisted, and to their extended family and all of the household of Imladris, he felt a good kind of pain as he thought his heart might burst.

* * * * *

Author's Notes:

Use of Elvish: I continue to use bits of Sindarin for forms of address and terms of endearment. It helps in not shocking the Brits by using 'Mommy' and the Americans by using 'Mum'. I can write 'Nana' and everyone can translate it however they want. It also reminds me that these are elves, not humans.

Ada/Adar---------------------diminutive of father/Father
Nana/Naneth-----------------diminutive of mother/ Mother
Daerada/Daeradar----------Grandpa/Grandfather
Daernana/Daernaneth------Grandma/grandmother
Meleth-nín--------------------my love
Hervenn/hervess-------------husband/ wife

Regarding child development: Elves choose the begetting day of their child, and the child is born usually exactly to the day a year later. If baby Arwen seems a little more alert than what you have recalled in newborns, I am doing that on purpose. She has had three more months in the womb than a human child, and elvish children develop many skills faster than a human child in that first year of life. Laws and Customs of the Eldar (HoME Vol X, Morgoth's Ring) suggests that an elf-child learns to walk and talk before one year of age, and that they gain mastery of their bodies quite early.

* * * * *

Imladris Third Age 253
(Arwen is 12 and the twins 123 years old)

Chapter 1: Brothers and Sister

* * * * *

It was still dark when Arwen laid the small bag on her bed and began filling it with her favorite things. Her favorite doll, her favorite book, the embroidery of roses her mother was helping her with, her pad of paper and colored pencils, and her own favorite cup that didn't spill when tipped over. She looked around her room, content she had everything important for the day, then carefully tied her cloak about her shoulders. It really was not cold, but her mother would insist she wear it in the chill of the spring morning. Picking up her bag, she left her room and made her way down the hall, out of the family quarters, and to the front door of the house.

"Good morning, Arwen," said Amariel, an elf who tended to the clothing of the people in Elrond's house.

"Good morning, Amariel," answered Arwen solemnly.

A little further down the hall she met Erestor. He bowed slightly, then greeted her.

"Good morning, Lady Arwen," he said formally.

"Good morning, Erestor," replied Arwen politely, without stopping.

"I am glad you have your cloak; there is a chill in the air this morning," Erestor continued. When she attempted to pass him, he stepped into her path, blocking her way. "Perhaps you should stop in the kitchen for some hot tea."

Arwen stopped and looked at Erestor contemplatively for a moment. "Yes," she finally answered. "I believe that would be comforting." She took the hand he held out to her, and allowed him to escort her to the kitchens. The kindly cook filled her cup with sweetened hot tea, and wrapped several scones for her as well. These Erestor graciously carried on a tray for her.

Once on the front porch, Arwen commandeered the swing. Setting her bag to one side, she climbed up to sit next to it, and Erestor set the tray on the other side of her. She took her doll out of the bag, smoothed her dress, and set her on the other side of the tray. She looked off into the distance and sighed, then said, "It may be a long day."

Erestor smiled and smoothed her hair affectionately, before walking back into the house. Days like today were much anticipated, and fortunately for Arwen, it was warm enough that she could wait outside. Arwen sipped her tea carefully, and then pulled her book out to begin reading as the sun rose over the treetops.

* * *

Elrond entered the dining hall, quickly scanning the room to see who was present before seating himself next to Celebrían. Erestor was quietly speaking to his wife, but his daughter was nowhere to be seen.

"She is on the porch, settled in for the day," Celebrían answered the question on his lips, then kissed those same lips before returning her attention to her breakfast.

Elrond glanced at the fruit on his wife's plate, then stabbed a plump strawberry with his fork. He savored the sweet taste, then looked up and down the table for the bowl. His brow furrowed as he realized there were none left. He looked surreptitiously at the beautiful globes beckoning him from Celebrían's plate.

"Are you coveting my fruit, hervenn?" asked Celebrían sweetly.

"Yes," Elrond answered hopefully. "It appears there are none left."

"Indeed, one had to be early to partake of the strawberries."

"Alas, my duties kept me from the breakfast table this morning," replied Elrond mournfully. When Celebrían did not respond to his best pathetic look, he decided to change tactics. "Perhaps you would consider a trade?"

Celebrían perked up at this offer, but then quickly resumed her breakfast. "I cannot think of anything I want or need, meleth-nín."

His hand slid playfully up her thigh under the privacy of the table and a smile crossed his face as she sighed thoughtfully. After a moment she split her supply of strawberries in half and placed a portion of them on his plate.

"I will share with you in remembrance of things given that I desired," Celebrían answered.

When she smiled, he fell in love with her all over again.

"Does our small living reminder of things desired know that her brothers are not expected back from their patrol until mid-afternoon?" Elrond asked.

"She has been told, but has high hopes that they will come sooner than that. Last time they returned early and she was not there waiting. She is determined that this will not happen again."

"Elladan and Elrohir need to remember that she takes to heart anything they say," said Elrond. "They teased her about not being there to greet them, and now she waits from sunup when they are expected."

Celebrían smiled. "But I love that they love her as they do, and that she adores them."

Elrond smiled as he savored another strawberry. He had never asked that the tastiest morsels of food be set aside for his family, but he was close to begging the Master Gardener who grew these in the greenhouses to save him a few every so often. He looked at the last few on his plate with a greedy eye, but then wrapped them in his napkin and set them aside. He finished the rest of his breakfast, bid farewell to those lingering at the table, and then took the napkin with him as he left.

He found Arwen sleeping on the swing in the bright morning sun, her eyes half closed and her book laid across her chest. Her tray was empty, and he removed that to a side table, glad she had at least eaten what Cook had given her, and then sat down beside her. He pulled the book from her lap and then lifted her in his arms. She snuggled against him with a sigh. Elrond rocked her quietly for some minutes, until the blue eyes suddenly focused and she quickly sat upright, her bright eyes scanning the yard.

"They are not home yet," laughed Elrond.

Arwen leaned back against him with a sigh. Elrond opened his napkin in front of her to reveal the saved strawberries. She turned her head slightly to look up at him with a smile, and when he nodded, she popped a whole berry in her mouth.

"You have the last one, Ada. I know they are your favorites," said Arwen, as she held the berry to his lips.

"Thank you, sweetheart," Elrond replied as he pulled her to him again. They sat quietly for a few moments, enjoying the warm sunshine and watching the birds that were landing on the porch rail. "Arwen, you know that you do not have to wait here all day for Elladan and Elrohir to come home?"

Arwen shook her head resolutely.

"I could have the guards send word when the patrol approaches," offered Elrond.

"No thank you, Ada. I will wait here."

Elrond moved her to where she had been sitting before. "You may have lunch here, but if they do not come before dinner, you must come in and eat with us at the dinner table."

Arwen kissed him on the cheek and nodded, and Elrond stood and returned to his duties inside the house.

* * *

"Glorfindel, do you think that Adar will send us to the Havens?" asked Elladan as he maneuvered his horse alongside the magnificent white horse Glorfindel rode.

Glorfindel's eyes twinkled as he regarded the eager son of Elrond before him. He contemplated teasing the young elf, but he knew how excited the twins were at the idea of visiting Círdan at the Havens. "I have heard that he is contemplating such action," he answered with a smile.

"Will he let us go alone?"

"No," answered Glorfindel without a moment's hesitation.

"But Glorfindel, there is hardly any danger anymore!" protested Elladan. "We have only heard stories of orcs and have never seen a troll."

"As fortunate as you are to have lived in a time of peace, Middle-earth is not a safe place and your father will not send the two of you alone. We still encounter goblins in the Misty Mountains and reports have come of evil men from the east moving westward," replied Glorfindel firmly.

Elrohir rode up on the other side of Elladan, having heard the conversation from behind them. "Then will we go with you, Glorfindel?"

"Perhaps," he answered non-committally. "It is not for me to decide. You must speak to your father."

With that, he waved them off and rode ahead. Indeed Elladan and Elrohir would be accompanying him and two others. The details of the journey were already planned, but as much as he would enjoy telling the twins himself, Elrond wished for that joy himself.

He waved a greeting to the guards near the entrance to Imladris, then released the bells he kept tightly bound and wrapped in soft cloth to prevent unwanted noise while on patrol. His horse threw back his noble head and stepped high, shaking the tiny bells and whinnying with pleasure. Glorfindel laughed aloud then, and behind him many a head was shaken and other voices joined his as the elves indulged their captain his whim.

As they rode into the courtyard, a tiny figure raced down the stairs of the porch of the house. They dismounted as grooms came forward to lead their horses to the stables and Elladan caught the small elleth who leapt into his arms and hugged him tight.

"I was waiting this time, Elladan," she informed him as she kissed his cheek, and then stretched her arm out to embrace Elrohir and kiss him too.

"We would have been very disappointed if you were not," replied Elladan as he hugged her back.

Arwen wrinkled her nose primly at him. "You smell like a horse."

Elladan laughed and tossed her high in the hair, laughing at the squeal she made at being caught off guard. "If you slept with a horse at night, you would smell like one too!"

To Arwen's surprise, Elladan tossed her high into the air, but she did not fall back to his protective arms. The twins both laughed at the shock on her face as an even taller and stronger elf caught her and held her high.

"Glorfindel!"

"Mae Govannen, little princess!" Glorfindel lowered her to his chest, pressed his lips to her cheek and blew a wet kiss on her.

"Glorfindel, stop that!" Arwen pushed him away, giggling.

"Stop what? This?" Glorfindel tickled her.

"Elrohir, save me from this brute!" Arwen shrieked, holding her arms out to her brother.

Elrohir scooped her up, laughing. Elladan was pointing at Glorfindel and laughing at the shocked look on his face.

"She called me a brute!" said Glorfindel indignantly.

"You were tickling me!" Arwen defended herself.

His arms crossed over his chest and one foot tapping on the ground, Glorfindel eyed the small child glaring back at him from the safety of her brother's arms.

"I might do far worse for being disrespectful to your elders," growled Glorfindel playfully.

Arwen tossed her head and looked away from the golden warrior. "I am not afraid of you," she informed him, her hand twisting tightly into Elrohir's tunic.

Glorfindel winked at the twins before moving back into Arwen's line of sight. "Are you sure about that, Lady Arwen?" he purred, grinning.

Arwen's eyes opened wide and she slid down her brother to stand before Glorfindel. Her arms crossed over her chest and fire in her eyes, she lifted her foot in preparation to stomp on his when laughter all around her made her look up and around. Her brothers and Glorfindel were laughing, as were other warriors and bystanders. Color rose in her cheeks at the humiliation, and her lower lip began to tremble as tears filled her eyes. The first tear slid down her cheek as she turned to run into the house. After only a few steps she found herself caught in someone's arms, but when she turned her head she found it was Elrohir. She buried her face in his shoulder to hide her tears.

"Shhh, Arwen," Elrohir said gently. "Listen."

Sheltered in Elrohir's arms, her own long hair hiding her face, she listened as the warriors laughed at ……Glorfindel?

"Bested by a child, Glorfindel!" said one of the other captains who had come to greet them.

"You certainly are an elder," teased a younger warrior playfully. "Perhaps we can teach an old elf how to charm the maidens."

Glorfindel accepted the teasing good-naturedly, then began looking around for Arwen. He walked to her and bowed slightly, then held out his hand. Elrohir nudged her to take it, and when she did, he kissed it like a gentleman ought.

"I am glad to see you, Arwen, even if you did best me in front of my command," acknowledged Glorfindel.

A confused look, followed by dismay passed across Arwen's face. She held her arms out to Glorfindel, then hugged him and kissed his cheek. "Oh, no Glorfindel. I did not mean to make you look bad!"

Another roar of laugher echoed in the courtyard at this pronouncement, and Elrohir gently pushed them towards the house after seeing the confused look cross Arwen's face again. Elladan joined them, and they stopped on the porch, Glorfindel setting Arwen down amidst her treasures.

Elladan picked up and folded her cloak, while Elrohir picked up her drawing pad and began leafing through the pages.

"Arwen, how long have you been waiting here?" Elrohir finally asked.

"Since the sun came up," replied Arwen proudly. "I was not going to disappoint you again."

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged glances and both blushed slightly. They helped her pack her things, then Elladan took her by the hand while Elrohir picked up her bag, and they entered the house together. As soon as they were inside, she let go of Elladan's hand and raced down the hall, swerving deftly around Erestor as he stepped into the corridor, and calling, "Ada, Nana, they are finally home!"

"I will put her bag in her room," said Erestor as he took the bag from Elrohir. "Welcome home. You have time to bathe before dinner."

Elladan grinned at Erestor. "You would have scolded us for running in the hall."

"Yes, I would have," answered Erestor matter-of-factly. "Now, go get ready for dinner. I will bring your packs up later too."

Glorfindel dropped the twins' packs on the floor before Erestor, grinning when bits of dirt and a few twigs fell on to the polished floor. Erestor glared at him momentarily, then sniffed, his nose upturned as if at some foul odor.

"The baths are that way." Erestor pointed down the hall, carefully lifted the packs to keep them from touching his clothing and headed for the laundry.

Glorfindel laughed aloud. "And a good day to you too!" Whistling, he headed for the baths.

* * *

Arwen sat between her brothers, a beaming smile on her face. She barely listened to what was being said around her. Her mind raced with the things she needed to show her brothers and tell them had happened in the week they had been gone. The kittens in the barn had their eyes open, and could now be picked up without the mother cat growling. She had another rose done in her stitchery, and she knew Elrohir would like it because he had helped her pick out the thread colors. Lindir had taught her a new note on the flute as well as on the harp. They were her favorite instruments because they were the ones her brothers played. Erestor had practiced her song with her, singing Elladan's part, to help her prepare for the duet she and her brother would sing at the summer festival.

"Thank you, Adar!"

Elrohir's slightly raised voice caught her attention and she sat back in her chair, looking at him.

"Glorfindel will lead the trip, and two other guards will accompany you," Elrond said. "You will be able to visit Círdan and the Havens, and Lindon as well. I do expect you home by the end of summer, however."

Arwen tugged on Elrohir's sleeve. "Where are you going?"

"We are going with Glorfindel to deliver something to Círdan from Adar. We will visit the Havens and Lindon," replied Elrohir enthusiastically.

"How long will you be gone?" asked Arwen in a small voice.

"Just for the summer, Arwen," Elrohir answered, his voice softening in response to the look of dismay that crossed her face. "We will return before you know it."

Arwen turned to Elladan. "We will not sing our duet at the summer solstice?"

"I am sorry, Arwen," Elladan replied sincerely. "Perhaps we can sing it at the fall festival."

"It is a song about summer," said Arwen softly.

Arwen slid from her chair and approached her mother, touching her softly on the sleeve. Celebrían was laughing at something Glorfindel said, and Arwen felt a deep anger towards him build within her.

"Yes, Arwen?" Celebrían smoothed the dark hair back from Arwen's face and kissed her on the forehead as she gave her daughter her full attention.

"Nana, I am tired. May I be excused?"

"Yes, darling. Your Adar and I will come to bid you goodnight in a little while," replied Celebrían.

Arwen left the room slowly, turning back once to look at her brothers. They were laughing and happy, speaking to their parents and Glorfindel about their trip. She quickly left the room and made her way down the hall to her own chamber, and only there did she let her tears fall. They would be gone all summer and she did not think she could bear it. Worse yet, it appeared not to bother them at all that they would be apart from her.

* * *

"Adar, tell us more about Lindon and the Havens," said Elrohir, his face shining.

Elrond smiled, pleased to see his sons so obviously thrilled with the idea of their adventure far from home. He knew Círdan would enjoy meeting his sons, and he wished for them to see Lindon before it faded further than it already had, bereft of Gil-Galad's presence.

"Lindon is called the last of the great elven kingdoms, and nearly every elf who had survived the destruction of Beleriand lived there at one time," he began. "The many cultures contributed to a rich atmosphere where, as Gil-Galad had hoped, we truly lived and did not just survive….

~ ~ ~* * *~ ~ ~

Elrond walked down the brick paved street of Lindon, a wide thoroughfare that was split in the middle to house a large fountain surrounded by a wide seat. Elflings played in the shallow water, splashing each other and sailing their small boats about the large lower pool. Trees shaded the sides of the street, and beneath the boughs of one large tree a small orchestra played - rays of sunshine dappled those below, glinting off the polished wood of the fine instruments. Elrond found himself smiling at the children, recalling the joy he and Elros had had playing on the beach of the Isle of Balar when they were small. He hummed along with the musicians as he strolled past.

A large sun garden sat opposite the musicians, and elves tended the roses that flourished in their care. Pink, yellow, white, red and even an occasional blue flower flourished amidst the lush greenery. Warm summer breezes sent tantalizing smells wafting over the street, and Elrond breathed in the heady fragrance, momentarily closing his eyes as he savored the experience.

He continued down the street, passing by the amphitheater. The outdoor section was in use, and he could hear the sounds of music and dance being practiced. He walked on to the large brick library, climbing up the stairs and entering the wing where scribes were copying texts of elven lore and artists were illustrating the completed pages. He laid the volume he had brought with him on the table, nodding as the young scribe bowed to him before opening the pages in delight. Carefully pressed between the pages were dried leaves of various herbs along with sketches of the plants they came from and a written description of where they were most likely to be found. Elrond had spent much of the previous year collecting the samples and documenting the habitats that had produced them. He had traveled far inland, to Lake Evendim in the North and then further east, to the low slopes of the Misty Mountains. These samples were of plants known to him or others in his party, all of whom had a deep interest in herbal lore. Other samples they had collected and were testing to see what benefit they might offer. Artists would now draw detailed renderings of the leaves and copy Elrond's own drawings of the plants and text into beautiful script.

He left the library only hesitantly, for though he knew he must attend a meeting in a short time, he was drawn to the smells of leather and ink and parchment. He always felt at home in the atmosphere of the library. He walked into the street again, this time heading to the palace of the King. Situated at the end of the street, the palace was a glorious end to the beauty of this main thoroughfare. As Elrond approached the stairs he saw the long robes and beard of a figure he knew well, and he waited patiently for the old elf to reach him.

"Círdan," Elrond greeted him warmly, and he breathed in the smell of sea salt that pervaded all Círdan owned as the elf embraced him.

"Elrond, it is good to see you. How was your time in the wild?" Círdan's voice remained gruff, but Elrond loved the sound of it, different as it was from the melodious voices of most elves.

"Beneficial. I look forward to exploring south along the coast line in the future, and perhaps even crossing the Misty Mountains to the great river beyond," answered Elrond with a smile.

"Ereinion suggests others may wish to settle eastward."

Elrond pulled a scroll identical to the one Círdan held from his robe. "So I hear. I did not travel so far south as Khazad-dum. The tales of the workmanship of the dwarves there are grand indeed."

"Galadriel and Celeborn will go," Círdan forewarned him.

Elrond looked up in surprise. "This is certain?"

"I believe so, though they will go for different reasons."

"The Nargothrond survivors going would not surprise me. They have lived and worked with dwarves in the past, in closer relationship than those of Doriath."

"Celebrimbor will go," confirmed Círdan. He looked off in the distance for a moment, toward the settlement of the green elves that was beyond the main city of Lindon. "The green elves are content, for this has been their home for many a year. Some of the Sindar seek the simpler time of days past, when the Nandor lived peacefully in the trees, blending with the land as part of nature. They have heard tale of kin that did not pass the Misty Mountains. Word has it that they wish to travel east to find these lost kinfolk, to see how they fare and if the shadow that covered Beleriand in times past also affected them."

"I have heard talk of this for many years. Do you believe it will happen soon?" Elrond asked skeptically.

"It will in time. Many have explored farther inland, yourself included. The ships of Númenor have sailed the coastline now, and they have plans to sail further east, as well as make land and explore inland. Each group explores for different reasons. For these Sindar, it is lost kin and a simple way of life they seek. If they are welcomed by these elves, they will go and settle among them."

"We have had many years of peace," said Elrond thoughtfully as they climbed the stairs together. "Restlessness grows among some who wish to experience new things and try new crafts."

Círdan turned his gaze to the far west then. "Aye, the same restlessness that caused some of the Noldor to leave Valinor and seek adventure in the land of their forbearer's awakening. Only some came to follow Fëanor in his quest for the Silmarilli. The greater excitement lay in exploration."

They entered the Great Hall, acknowledging the bows of guards who served as ornament now rather than security. They were motioned to the antechamber that sat behind Gil-Galad's throne, and found several other advisors and interested parties already present.

After greetings were exchanged, Gil-Galad opened the meeting.

"I have called together all who have spoken to me, or who I have heard are interested in making settlements farther inland or exploring eastward for other reasons. Many explorations have already occurred, some led by individuals and some that I have sent. It is time we discussed this openly. Celebrimbor?"

Celebrimbor stood, an elf close in stature and appearance to his father Curufin, son of Fëanor, but who had not sworn an oath to recover the Silmarilli nor harmed his kin.

"The dwarves of Nogrod have moved most of their people to Moria, Khazad-dum in their tongue, where they claim to have discovered Mithril, the most precious of metals. In our friendship with these dwarves, we have spoken of establishing an elven settlement nearby and working with them in an arrangement beneficial to all. I will lead my smiths and craftsmen there."

"It is also wise to have an elven stronghold inland," added Galadriel. "Evil exists yet in the East. An inland stronghold protects Lindon and the Havens of Mithlond."

"We seek not riches, but our kin," interrupted Oropher, motioning to the Sindar who sat near him. "Elves live yet in the forests beyond the Misty Mountains and in the lands east of the Anduin, in the mighty Greenwood. But we do not go to bring the culture of Lindon to these Silvan elves," he ended forcefully.

"What do you hope to bring them?" asked Círdan curiously.

"News of kin, and the destruction of Beleriand. Warning that though Morgoth is chained, the Valar care not that Sauron and others of his followers still reside in Middle-earth or that these may seek to bring harm and shadow upon them."

"You shall be their saviors, then?" asked Galadriel lightly.

"Nay, merely relatives with information that may aid them. We do not seek to change them to Noldor ways," answered Oropher tersely.

Celeborn bristled at this insult, for the implication was that he, as one of the Sindar, had done just that. "Let us not forget what all of us elves who stay in Middle-earth have in common: hope and a love for this land. Why we have hope and why we are tied to the land may differ, but let us not seek to divide our people. We may bring aid to them in the way of knowledge of all kinds, but forget not that they may teach and aid us as well."

Gil-Galad raised his hand for silence.

"All are, of course, free to go forth as they please. Oropher, if I may aid you in any way, please make your requests known to me. I should like to know who travels with you, in case others seek them. If you are well received and do not plan to return, send word of this and of the elves you find. I shall send emissaries to establish relations with you."

Oropher appeared pleased at Gil-Galad's words, and Elrond silently noted that Amdir and others of the Sindar who remained in the background, while glaring at Galadriel, Celebrimbor and others of the Noldor, looked upon the King with respect. Celeborn, he thought regretfully, would ever be caught between his heritage and his marriage to a Noldor elf.

"Celeborn and Galadriel, you seem prepared to go forth and explore and establish a settlement. Celebrimbor, am I correct in believing that you wish to focus on your craft?" Gil-Galad continued.

Celebrimbor merely nodded, the politics and strife not of interest to him. Elrond noted this reaction, and thought the elf would defer to Galadriel in all things except his craft, his reason for settling near Moria.

"Please include Elrond in your planning and let him know of your needs. We will meet again, at a time to be scheduled, to see how your preparations progress and to ensure that methods of contact are established to maintain communications between our peoples."

Gil-Galad rose, as did everyone else in the room, and with a nearly imperceptible nod of his head to Círdan and Elrond, Círdan followed him and Elrond knew he was to join them later.

Elrond moved first to the Sindar, seeing the slight distrust in their eyes. He might be descended from their king, but his loyalty to Gil-Galad would always make him suspect in their minds. Oropher acknowledged his offer for assistance and agreed to inform him of their plans, but left quickly.

"Come to dinner this eve, Elrond, and we shall begin discussions." Elrond heard Galadriel's soft voice behind him. He turned to see her standing with Celeborn, and agreed to her suggestion.

Elrond waited until all had left the antechamber, and took a minute to collect his thoughts and ponder on all he had heard. Gil-Galad would expect his assessment of each individual involved and where he thought their loyalties would reside in the future. Gil-Galad is wise to let them go and even offer assistance, Elrond thought. He does more to maintain ultimate loyalty by letting them go their own ways than by attempting to gain control of their endeavors. And so this begins a new era in Middle-earth.

~ ~ ~* * *~ ~ ~

Celebrían rose as soon as the story ended, but Elrond and the twins were already engrossed in another conversation regarding the politics of the decisions for elves to split apart and seek their own paths. She cleared her throat and three identical sets of eyes turned to her.

"Excuse me, Naneth!" Elrohir jumped to his feet, quickly followed by the others.

"I am going to tuck Arwen in," she said with a smile to Elrohir, who was blushing at his lack of manners.

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged rather sheepish glances. "Naneth, we are sorry that we have made Arwen unhappy. We will speak with her in the morning," Elladan spoke for both of them.

"She is disappointed, but that is to be expected," replied Celebrían. "She misses you when you are gone. She will adjust and have a fine summer here with us, and be very excited when you are finally home again."

"We will join you in the Hall of Fire in a short while," Elrond informed his sons. Offering Celebrían his arm, he escorted her from the dining area and to Arwen's room. The door was partially open, and they entered to see Arwen in her bed, her hair loose and spread about her pillow. She was sound asleep. Tear tracks were still evident on her face and she clutched her doll tightly to her.

They sat down on either side of the bed, Celebrían quickly undressing the child and holding her upright as Elrond slipped a nightgown over her head.

"She is exhausted from crying herself to sleep," said Celebrían tenderly. "It is so hard being the little sister sometimes." She kissed her daughter on the forehead and pulled the covers up over the child and her doll, again held tightly.

Elrond was silent, his heart aching at seeing one of his children in pain. There was nothing to be done but to love the child through her hurt, for her brothers had to be allowed to grow as well. He kissed her as well, then rested his hand on her forehead, soothing the hurt in her heart and willing sweet dreams to visit her.

* * * * *

hervenn------------husband
meleth-nín---------my love
Mae Govannen---well met

Author's Notes:

In answer to several questions that reviewers had, I have copied a few lines from LACE (Laws and Customs of the Eldar), HoME Vol X Morgoth's Ring

The Eldar grew in bodily form slower than Men, but in mind more swiftly. They learned to speak before they were one year old; and in the same time they learned to walk and to dance, for their wills cam soon to the mastery of their bodies.

This same watcher might indeed have wondered at the small limbs and statures of these children, judging their age by their skill in words and grace in motion. For at the end of the third year mortal children began to outstrip the elves, hastening on to a full stature while the Elves lingered in the first spring of childhood. Children of Men might reach their full height while Eldar of the same age were still in body like to mortals of not more than seven years. Not until the fiftieth year did the Eldar attain the stature and shape in which their lives would afterwards endure, and for some a hundred years would pass before they were full-grown.

So, think of Arwen as a precocious human 5 year old, and that is how she might appear to us. The twins are 'young adults' - fully grown, with the rights and responsibilities of adulthood, able to marry and so on - but still very young in the eyes of their people. In my mind I see an adult in their early to mid twenties - of age, but still young.

With regards to the history of the Second Age: I am using the Tale of Years in Appendix B of the LOTR for the dates, but often we don't know who was involved or how things happened. In the second age, we know that some of the Noldor founded Eregion in II 750. In Unfinished Tales, we are told it is Celeborn and Galadriel; but elsewhere Celebrimbor is called Lord of Eregion. I am going to use a lot of the information from UT about Galadriel and Celeborn and their presence in Eregion, but I am not going to have Amroth be their son. It is tempting, but creates too many problems for me later on. We also know that some of the Sindar moved eastward to join the Silvan elves….but when, exactly, is unclear. Appendix B has it occurring before Barad-dur was built in Mordor, and that occurred in II 1000. I am going to have Oropher and Amdir be the leaders of this movement - but some sources suggest it was Thranduil, not Oropher, who led the Sindar east.

* * * * *

Chapter 2: Leaving Imladris

Elladan walked into his father's study and flopped unceremoniously into a chair before the desk. Elrond looked up, his quill suspended in mid-air, as he waited for his son to speak.

"Adar, now she acts as if she does not care that we are leaving," said Elladan, exasperated. "We leave in two days, so I asked if she wished to pick out a song to sing at the fall festival."

Elrond waited patiently for a moment, then finally asked, "And?"

"She picked out a song with me, and then said she was going to play with Liriel."

Elrond laughed at the expression on his son's face. "Is this not what we hoped for, Elladan? That she would play with other children near her age?"

Elladan released a startled breath of air as he stretched his long legs out in front of him and stared at his father. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it.

"It is a confusing emotion, is it not?" said Elrond gently. "We all like to be loved and missed and adored, and it is difficult to reconcile that feeling with the pride we feel for a child who takes a step towards independence."

Elladan smiled sheepishly at his father. "It is true, Adar. I want her to miss me terribly but I do not want her to be miserable while I am gone."

"Let her find her way," advised Elrond. "She may suddenly change her mind and tomorrow you will be trying to disentangle yourself from her."

Elladan laughed and stood, and was not surprised when his father came from around the desk to walk him to the door. He felt the comforting weight of his father's arm across his back followed by a firm squeeze to his shoulder.

"I promise your naneth and I will love, miss and adore you while you are gone," teased Elrond.

Elladan glanced sideways at this father, noting the teasing tone to the voice, and the utter sincerity in his eyes.

"Thank you, Adar," he replied, then hugged his father before returning to the planning and packing.

* * *

Elrohir followed the sounds of bickering into the stables where Erestor was attempting to pack the wagon of goods they were taking to Círdan. He pursed his lips in an attempt not to laugh and give away his presence, for this scene was one he had enjoyed since he was just an elfling.

"Do they not have berries in Lindon?" asked Glorfindel as he pulled a jar of preserves from the box that Erestor had just carefully packed, scattering the wrapping.

"Not blackberries," replied Erestor tersely as he grabbed the jar from Glorfindel's hand and replaced its packing in the box. "Leave it!" he scolded, slapping the long fingers that were already reaching for a second jar.

Glorfindel leapt nimbly into the wagon, perching on the side. He pulled the packing loose from a statue and peeked inside to see it.

"Glorfindel! Go away! Are you ready to go? Do you not have something to do?" Erestor finally pushed Glorfindel off the wagon as the warrior continued to prod the contents.

"I need to know what I am transporting," protested Glorfindel as he landed lightly on his feet.

"I will send with you an itemized list with the location of each item in the wagon!" snapped Erestor.

"That would be lovely," agreed Glorfindel. "But I should be able to tell Círdan about each item, and for me to provide a proper description and history for each gift I need to see it first."

Erestor turned on his heel slightly, looking in Elrohir's direction. "Elrohir, come and escort Glorfindel from the stable."

Elrohir walked into the space where they were working, laughter finally pouring from him. "You wish me to make Glorfindel do something?" he asked incredulously.

Erestor walked to Elrohir and placed his hands on the young elf's shoulders. "Elrohir, you are an adult now and I am very proud of how you have taken on the responsibilities of an adult elf. This shall be one of your greatest challenges, but I have faith you can do it."

Elrohir ducked under Erestor's arms and quickly placed the item his mother had asked him to pack on the back of the wagon. "Naneth says this is breakable and to pack it carefully," he said as he nimbly sidestepped both elves and raced for the door. He was back in the sunshine when he heard a crash from the barn and then Erestor's voice raised in frustration.

"Does 'breakable' mean something else in your world?"

Elrohir laughed merrily as he went to find his twin.

* * *

Arwen sat on her bed brushing her hair, carefully stroking through the dark tresses until they gleamed. She had played with Liriel at the waterfall nearly all day, and it had, as Nana suggested, taken her mind off her brothers. Still, when she had gone to the barn to visit the kittens, she found herself saddened at seeing the packed wagon. She had climbed up on the wheel and looked under the loose tarp at all the things that were being taken to the Havens and wished she were one of them. Her hair brushed, she slipped out of her dress and pulled her nightgown over her head.

When she had left the dining room, Glorfindel and her brothers were going over the map and their plans for the trip. They were leaving in the morning. It was a long way to the Havens, but a fairly straight road. Arwen sighed and crawled into bed, hugging her doll tight.

Not much time had gone by and she was not asleep when she heard the soft knock at her door, and then Elladan poked his head in.

"Arwen, are you awake?" he called softly.

"I am still awake," Arwen answered quickly.

Elladan and Elrohir came into the room, and Elladan picked her up and then sat down with her in his lap, while Elrohir flopped across the end of her bed.

"Naneth said that Daeradar and Daernaneth will probably arrive by the summer solstice," Elladan informed her.

Arwen sat up in surprise. "I am so glad!" she cried.

Elladan squeezed her tight. "I knew you would be."

"We will miss you, Arwen," said Elrohir seriously. "Promise you will not forget us while we are gone?"

Arwen bit her lip, but it failed to hold back her tears. She leaned forward and put her arms around Elrohir's neck and whispered, "I promise I will remember you."

Elrohir stroked her hair, and then Elladan stood and they set her back on her bed. Elrohir pulled the covers up over her and Elladan nestled her doll snug in her arms. "We will see you in the morning, before we go," said Elladan softly. "Good night, Arwen."

"Good night, Elladan. Good night, Elrohir," answered Arwen in a choked voice.

* * *

Elladan threw a pillow at his brother's head, intending to wake him, only to have Elrohir catch the pillow in midair and throw it back at him.

"You are awake," laughed Elladan.

Elrohir rolled on to his side to look at Elladan. "I know I slept some, but I must admit I am eager to go and have been lying here just counting down the hours."

"What are you looking forward to the most?"

"Seeing the Sea. Meeting Círdan," answered Elrohir. "You?"

"Círdan and the Sea, definitely. But also to see the wide expanse of flat land we will cross before reaching the Tower Hills - Glorfindel says you can see for miles," replied Elladan as he sat on the floor and leaned up against Elrohir's bed.

"It is hard to believe that Adar wandered those lands 3000 years ago, and now we will finally see them too."

"I want to see the towers in the Emyn Beraid, the ones Gil-Galad built for Elendil. There is a palantir there, but I do not know if we will be able to see it," added Elladan.

Elrohir swung his feet over the side of the bed, barely clearing Elladan's head. "Come, brother, I see Anor's first light in the east. Let us prepare to go!"

* * *

The chime of bells greeted the twins as they entered the courtyard. Glorfindel's horse was tossing its head, thoroughly enjoying the delicate music he made with each motion. Elrohir led his horse into the yard, followed by Elladan and Garthon, the guard who would accompany them. Originally Elrond had determined to send two guards, but in the end he had decided that one was enough.

Arwen appeared on the porch, her little bag in hand. She walked down to join her parents and brothers. Glorfindel came over as well with a map unfurled. She glared at him, unable to hide her anger that he was taking her brothers away again. She tugged on Elrohir's tunic.

"Goodbye, Elrohir," she said when he stooped down to hug her. She kissed him on the cheek, tears running down her own.

"We will be back by summer's end, Arwen," he replied, intending his words to be comforting as he wiped the tears from her face

She nodded, but did not reply.

"Goodbye, Elladan," she said as Elladan hugged her.

"I will miss you, Arwen. Take care of Ada and Nana while we are gone," he whispered.

Arwen pulled away and turned to her mother. "Nana, Cook has packed us a lunch. I am going to the waterfall and Liriel is to come later."

"You do not want to wait until your brothers leave?" Celebrían asked, surprised.

"No, Naneth," replied Arwen softly.

"Have a good day at the waterfall then, sweetheart. Be home for dinner," answered Celebrían as she kissed her daughter on the forehead.

Arwen murmured goodbye to Glorfindel as she walked by, ignoring the hurt she saw in his eyes when she did not hug or kiss him. She knew it was wrong to be angry at him, but she ignored the little voice inside that told her to be nice to him, the little voice that reminded her that he loved her too. She walked across the yard and on to the path to the waterfall with her head held stiffly, and never once looked back.

* * *

Elladan shouted for joy as they crossed the Bruinen, Elrohir and Garthon joining him as Glorfindel watched in amusement. It was the first time any of the three had ventured far from home, and he had to admit their excitement was catching.

"We are finally on our way!" crowed Elrohir as his horse climbed from the riverbed on to the road.

"I thought Erestor would never decide we were ready. He had to tie down the wagon cover and then check it twice. How many times did he ask you if you had an extra blanket?" Elladan asked his brother.

Glorfindel laughed as he rode next to the horse pulling the wagon. The waters were high with the spring melting, but not so high as to make the crossing dangerous. Still he had spoken softly to the sweet mare and encouraged her as she made the crossing. Once they were out of the water he dismounted, checked the harness and straps to ensure they had not loosened in the watery crossing, and stuck his hand inside the wagon, feeling along the seam to ensure it was not wet. The young elves continued talking, waiting until he mounted again.

"Three times, I think," Elladan answered.

"You will be grateful before this journey is over for all the things that Erestor did think of," interrupted Glorfindel with a smile. "Extra blankets, balm to soothe muscles made sore from hours of riding, the waterproofing of the wagon to ensure we don't have to unpack and dry everything after rain or water crossings, a good supply of lembas should game be scarce. . . ."

Elrohir cocked his head, staring at him. "Glorfindel, do you like or dislike Erestor?"

Glorfindel looked up in surprise. "Erestor is a good friend," he answered immediately.

"Why do you two argue all the time, then?" asked Elrohir, his curiosity genuine.

Glorfindel smirked. "You will understand when you are much older," he answered sagely.

"You have been saying that since we were elflings!" protested Elladan.

"Yes, I have, and when you understand I will not have to say it anymore!" laughed Glorfindel. He nudged his horse into a slight gallop and pulled ahead of the twins, laughing all the way.

They stopped several hours later, to rest and water the horses, and then continued on until dusk. Their road had followed the Bruinen River, and they set up camp near the river that night. The terrain was wooded and hilly, with several large rock outcroppings. The location was one chosen often by travelers to Imladris.

Garthon and Elladan unhitched the cart after backing the mare and cart up beneath an outcropping of rock. Once the wagon wheels were locked, they saw to the care of the horses, paying extra attention to the mare by giving her a good rubdown and special treats. Glorfindel sat in a low tree branch, laughing as the other four horses nudged the two elves, nickering and snorting their arguments that they had worked just as hard. The little mare tossed her head. Her lowly job held high honor with the elves and she was not about to let the warrior horses forget it.

Elrohir had built a campfire a short way from the wagon, just beneath the edge of the rock but far enough out that they could sit against the rock wall and still feel the warmth of the flames. The fire would aid in dinner preparations as well as provide a source of protection. Glorfindel truly did not expect any danger on their journey, but some creatures of the night would fear the flame and keep their distance from it.

"Ah, this is quite good, Elrohir," commented Glorfindel as he tasted the stew bubbling over the fire.

"That is one thing I am grateful to Erestor for already," answered Elrohir with a smile. "All I had to do was heat this up."

Glorfindel accepted the bowl Elrohir prepared for him, and seated himself on the ground. He enjoyed listening to the three younger warriors, although Garthon was considerably older than the twins and very quiet. Elladan and Elrohir had the map of the journey laid out between them on the ground, and were pointing out landmarks and what day they expected to reach each spot. He found himself only half listening to their talk and instead remembering them at different ages and how they had grown. He sighed as he thought of Arwen. His heart ached at the hurt in her face as they had left this morning. Celebrían had kissed him on the cheek and apologized for Arwen ignoring him, but explained that she and Elrond thought that Arwen saw Glorfindel as competition for her brothers' time. Glorfindel found himself deeply saddened by this. He loved Arwen for her own sake, yet in her child's eyes he was someone she competed with.

"Glorfindel?" Elladan's voice interrupted his melancholic thoughts.

"Yes, Elladan?"

"Did you live in Lindon long?"

"I lived in Lindon until Gil-Galad sent your father to aid Eregion when Sauron attacked them. I went with your father, and when he founded Imladris I stayed with him. I have lived in Imladris ever since," explained Glorfindel.

"Glorfindel," began Elrohir, "will you tell us about when you came back? From Valinor, I mean?"

Glorfindel looked at the sincere faces watching him closely, hoping he might finally tell them this story that they had long wished to hear. A rumble of thunder overhead caught his attention, and he looked up to see storm clouds moving in from the northwest. A flash of lightning split the night sky in a bolt of silvery blue light.

"Time is different in Valinor, and in the Halls of Mandos even more so. . . ," Glorfindel began.

~ ~ ~* * *~ ~ ~

Glorfindel's first waking thought was that the pain was gone. The blistering heat of the flame of the Balrog had whipped and burned him, and crushing pain had followed as he and the Balrog had toppled over the edge of the steep rocky path of Cirith Thoronath to die on the sharp rocks below. There was now no physical discomfort, and it took him a moment to realize it was because he no longer possessed a physical body.

He guessed, in retrospect, that Mandos had beckoned his feä, had called him to come to his Halls. Glorfindel did not recall deciding to go, but perhaps his decision was so clear that it merely seemed as if there were no choice to be made. He had died in anguish - physical pain from the battle, but also mental pain that he was unable to complete the mission to see Idril and Eärendil to safety. He had died only able to hope that he had helped clear their way. He recalled the presence of one he could only assume was sent to escort him to Námo. After that time seemed to stand still and he remembered little, for he was weary and found rest.

The pain was gone, then, but the mists of time seemed to swirl about him as he took up residence in Mandos' Halls. After some immeasurable time, his feä had begun to wander the Halls and he had heard many a spirit crying out to Nienna. He followed the laments, and drifted near to where the Vala would come to provide comfort and counsel.

He listened, confused, for he did not know what the other feär were saying. He realized then that they were not really speaking either, yet he could hear them and Nienna despite his lack of ears.

"Glorfindel, what counsel do you seek?" came a voice like a song in the wind. "Or is it comfort you wish for instead?"

He pondered her words, for surely she knew his every thought. Yet she did not respond to his pondering, so he directed his mind to her instead.

"Surely you know, my Lady, that what I seek is comfort?"

"What will bring you comfort, Glorfindel?"

"Knowledge, my Lady. I would be comforted to know that Lady Idril and young Eärendil escaped death at Morgoth's hands and escaped to safety."

"The fate of others is no longer your responsibility. Your only responsibility now is your own healing," replied Nienna gently.

Glorfindel withdrew as a deep sadness pervaded him and he again felt weary. What hope he had felt that Nienna might comfort him had fled. His spirit sank low and he felt a despair unlike anything he had ever felt before.

"Why do you despair?" asked Nienna.

Glorfindel felt his light dim and his spirit fade, and wondered how he could possibly find words to express the depths of his hurt.

"What causes you pain, Glorfindel?" Nienna asked softly.

It seemed many long moments before he could compose an answer, and even then he felt any response he might give would be inadequate. Gondolin's defense and the safety of King Turgon's family had long been his mission. Did he need to know the outcome because he loved his king, or because it would wound his pride to fail? His conscience took him deeper then, back to his early years in Aman. He had not yet reached his majority when Fëanor had led the Noldor on their march northward. His father was loyal to Turgon, and so had followed him faithfully, though swearing no oath and not participating in the kinslaying at Alqualondë. Sorrow filled him as he thought of his sweet and beautiful mother, and the last time he had seen her face as she slipped through the ice of the Helcaraxë. His older brother and father had perished in Beleriand in the fight against the war machine of Morgoth. Guilt infused him, for he had not asked whether his family was present in these Halls. Yet Eärendil was only a child, and Glorfindel had been partially responsible for his safety. Did others aid them? Were they protected now?

A sense of warmth filled his spirit then, like a flame kindling dry tinder. He opened himself to the comfort and felt Nienna near him, calling to him.

"Come, Glorfindel, there is much for you to see," she called. He followed her light to the walls of the long hall, where tapestries were hung for as far as he could see. "Vairë, spouse to Námo my brother, weaves the history of Arda into tapestry and hangs them along the halls. Here you will see your journey and arrival in Beleriand, the building of Gondolin and the arrival of Tuor. Ulmo did send him, and all were well pleased to see his message delivered."

Glorfindel was too stunned to speak as he took in the delicate artistry that captured the land and people of his King, chronicling their rise and then, to his horror, their fall. He saw himself battling the Balrog, and his own fall to death, entwined with the Balrog, crashing into the rocks below. He felt both horror and detachment as he remembered that struggle, but he did not turn away, for on the path woven into the next tapestry he could see fleeing elves, and clearly one of them was the child, Eärendil, and Idril, daughter of the King. He felt his spirit quicken then as he hurried to the next scene, seeing the elves watch as Thorondor, King of the Eagles, carried his broken body to a place of burial and then those he had served wept at his passing. Emotion filled him, but he could not linger, for the next tapestry showed the survivors of Gondolin fleeing down the Sirion, finally coming to the Havens where the remnant of Doriath now lived. Further scenes of young Eärendil growing to adulthood - too quickly, Glorfindel thought - and then of his betrothal and marriage to Elwing, half elven of Doriath who carried the Silmaril won by her grandparents, completed that cloth. The tapestries ended two more down, one showing the birth of twin sons to Eärendil and Elwing and Eärendil's departure as he sailed seeking the Undying lands; and the other showing the sack of Sirion, Elwing's leap from the cliff into the sea and the abduction of their children by the sons of Fëanor.

Glorfindel felt caught in a swirl of emotions, reaching a height of gladness as he learned that young Eärendil had survived and grown to adulthood, and then falling to despair as he saw Sirion fall and Eärendil's own children taken.

"In knowledge there is both joy and sadness," said Nienna gently. Her voice was strong, though, as she asked him, "Did you find the comfort you wished for in knowing the fate of Turgon's heir?"

"Yes," answered Glorfindel softly. "And no. For they survived the Fall of Gondolin, only to seemingly be lost - Eärendil sailing into mists, Elwing leaping into the sea and their sons taken by those who might kill them. My sorrow is heightened, my Lady, yet I am glad you showed me."

"Yet all is not lost, for Vairë continues to weave the story that unfolds, though you may not see it yet," continued Nienna. "Eärendil is the one spoken of in legend who would find the way to Valinor, come before the Valar and plead the cause of Elves and Men. He has done so and his plea has been heard. We shall go to their aid and cast down Morgoth one last time. Elwing did not perish, for Ulmo bore her upon wings to Eärendil's ship and it was the light of the Silmaril that guided them to the place that that light once called home. And Elrond and Elros did not die at the hands of the kinslayers, but were instead loved and freed by Maglor, son of Fëanor."

Glorfindel wept at her words, and his spirit bowed before her presence. "I am comforted, my Lady. Thank you for your compassion."

Indeed his spirit was free, unburdened by pride and weight of conscience, and strengthened with knowledge that his mission, far greater than himself, had succeeded despite his own passing from that world. He felt joy and grace, and he sang of his gladness.

Later, in the quiet of the mists, Námo beckoned him. Glorfindel's spirit bowed low before the throne of the Vala and received his judgment.

"Glorfindel, loyal servant to the House of Turgon, I pronounce you fit to return to life in Valinor. Do you wish to be reembodied and rejoin the living beyond these Halls?"

"Yes, my Lord," answered Glorfindel humbly.

Words were then spoken he did not understand, but he felt himself drift into rest, into the timeless mists, as the face of Námo faded from his thought.

~ ~ ~* * *~ ~ ~

Glorfindel completed the chapter of his story and they sat in a silence broken only by the receding roars of thunder as the storm moved past them. He shifted in his bedroll, covering himself with his blanket and laying his head near Elrohir's. Garthon took the first watch, and he sat silent on a nearby rock, his eyes resting on Glorfindel and his expression reflecting that he saw his captain in a new light. Glorfindel did not need words to know that his story had affected his young companions greatly, but when he felt Elrohir's hand slip beneath his blanket and cover his own, he found he had to blink away a tear. He recalled how tenderhearted Elrohir had been as a child, and was strangely pleased to see this trait remained in him as a young adult.

"Good night, Elrohir," he whispered softly.

* * *

Dinnertime, back in Imladris . . .

Celebrían felt a growing sense of unease as the afternoon grew late. She had gone out into the back garden to cut spring flowers and found Liriel's mother planting vegetables across the yard. The two mothers had talked pleasantly; then Celebrían had glanced skyward to see Anor beginning her descent.

"Liriel and Arwen should be heading home soon," she had commented. "They do enjoy playing at the waterfall."

Liriel's mother sat back on her heels. "Perhaps they had a disagreement today, for Liriel came home for the midday meal. She seemed disappointed by something, but then her father asked her to help him this afternoon. She is with him."

Celebrían felt a shiver run up her spine and a slight fear begin to grow in her. She pushed it down, and tried to think practically. "Arwen was quite upset about her brothers leaving this morning. Perhaps they disagreed about something and she decided to finish the afternoon alone."

Liriel's mother touched Celebrían's arm gently. "I am sure she is well and will be home soon."

That had been nearly an hour ago, and still Celebrían had seen no sign of Arwen. She had not returned to her room, nor was she anywhere in the family quarters. The house staff had not seen her. Celebrían moved out on to the porch, and decided to walk to the waterfall. She set off at a determined pace, following the same path Arwen had taken that morning. She came to the area where the children loved to play, near a shallow pool just beyond the small waterfall where they could wade or swim if they so desired.

"Arwen!" Celebrían called. "Arwen!"

There was no response, and Celebrían found her hand was shaking as she brushed a strand of hair back from her face. She walked to the waterfall, and then turned to walk down the stream. Her long gown tangled in the tall grass and rushes, and she was about to move back to the path when a bit of color caught her eye. She felt wetness and then mud sucking at the bottom of her slippers as she moved into the shallow water, until she could finally reach the item. She grabbed it, pulling it from the rushes, and she felt as if her heart had fallen into the pit of her stomach. It was Arwen's favorite doll.

Celebrían turned, stumbling in the mud, but quickly regaining her balance and holding her gown up above her knees, she raced down the path. Several elves saw the Lady of Imladris running, panic in her face, and they turned to follow her. She ran into the courtyard, her breaths coming in heaving gasps.

"Elrond! Elrond!"

She was on the porch steps and reaching for the door when Elrond opened it from the other side. He caught her in his arms, his eyes widened at the panic in her face and mud covering her shoes and the bottom of the gown.

"Arwen!" Celebrían gasped. "Elrond, Arwen is gone!"

She grabbed his hand, trying to drag him down the porch steps with her, when his greater strength overwhelmed hers and he literally picked her up and sat her on the porch rail.

"Celebrían! Please, meleth-nín, slow down. Tell me what has happened," Elrond spoke gently but firmly. "Take a deep breath."

"I spoke to Liriel's mother in the garden. Liriel was home for the midday meal. I went to look for Arwen, but she is not in the house nor was she at the waterfall. I searched the area, and called for her, Elrond. I found this." A sob caught in her throat as she held up Arwen's wet and muddy doll.

Elrond took it soberly. Arwen was very careful with her dolls, and this one was her favorite. Just last evening they had tucked it in her arms as she slept. He closed his eyes and felt for his bond with his daughter. It was intact, and he felt sure he would know if she were injured or distressed, or worse, dead. He let out a slow breath of air and opened his eyes. He pulled Celebrían close to him and whispered in her ear, "Feel for your bond with Arwen, Celebrían. She is alive."

A growing group of elves was surrounding the porch and more were walking to them as word spread of Celebrían's fright and flight. Elrond looked out over the group, and then at the position of the sun.

"Amariel!" Elrond called to one of Celebrían's maidens who served in the house. She ran forward to him. "Take Celebrían inside and help her get cleaned up, then escort her to the dining hall."

Elrond turned to Celebrían, noting she was still shaking, but was calmer now. "Go with Amariel, Celebrían. I will organize search parties and then come for you."

He waited until Amariel had led a reluctant Celebrían inside before turning to the waiting elves.

"Arwen appears to be lost or missing," he said to the group. He quickly appointed leaders to organize smaller search parties. "Erestor, please search the house from top to bottom. Arthrenen, please search all outdoor buildings. Arwen has a special love for the barn kittens. Calenil, please search from the waterfall to the Bruinen. We will use the dining hall as our command center."

Elrond watched the elves disperse; listening as Erestor rang the bell atop the house, informing all of Imladris that an emergency had occurred on the grounds, and he was thankful that plans for everything from an attack by the enemy to a fire to a missing child had been created.

* * *

Elrond sat with his head in his hands, thinking, as the last search party entered the dining hall. The cooks were still serving hot food to each elf who entered, providing their own tangible comfort. It was long past dark, and Arwen had not been found anywhere on the grounds of Imladris.

On the table before Elrond were wet pieces of drawing paper, the colors smeared and dripping, but the work unmistakably that of his daughter. Calenil's group had found them further downstream from where Celebrían had found the doll.

"My lord, we have searched to the Fords of the Bruinen, and seen no evidence of Arwen," reported the weary elf.

Elrond looked up and nodded, his face drawn. Fear was growing in his heart, along with a sense of uneasiness that Arwen was in danger. He felt Erestor's hand on his arm.

"Elrond, I think we should send warriors to each of the patrols. We must consider all options - that Arwen is lost beyond the normal ground of Imladris, that someone has taken her, or that she has run away."

Elrond nodded. "I should have already done that, Erestor," he acknowledged wearily.

"Actually, you did. You sent this missive several hours ago," answered Erestor with a grim smile. He had taken this action on Elrond's behalf, and Elrond knew he would take others before this night was through. He watched as Erestor turned to the heads of the search parties, then, and directed them to detailed maps of Imladris spread out on the tables. "Map everywhere you looked, and think of everywhere that a small child could be lost. Wells, caves, cellars, closets, wardrobes, barrels - any place a child could become trapped. Send out elves to search these areas as you identify them."

The elves leapt into action, surrounding the maps, adding detail and sending out smaller search groups. Elrond squeezed Erestor's hand in thanks, and felt relieved that he had the aid of someone so thorough and so detail oriented. He bore these qualities himself, but admitted to himself that fear was clouding his thinking.

He rose and walked across the room to where Amariel still sat with Celebrían. Never had he seen Celebrían looking as she now did - fear and grief and loss all burdening her and weighing down her normally vibrant and lively spirit. One of the healers arrived then, and Elrond took the vial the elf gave him and mixed it in wine. This he gave to Celebrían. He did not like to deceive her, but he did not regret sedating her. He sat with her as she drank the wine, then pulled her into his arms. When she was asleep he carried her to their bed, and left her in Amariel's care.

He returned to the dining hall with a heavy heart.

* * * * *

Author's Notes: The information about Glorfindel is mostly made up, with my reference points on possible timing for when he left Mandos' Halls and returned to Middle-earth based on the Glorfindel essays published in HoME Volume XII 'The Peoples of Middle Earth.' There is nothing written about his history or family.

Geography wise, early in the Third Age there was no Shire, but Bree may have existed. The Brandywine is a hobbit name for the Baranduin River, so we will refer to it as the Baranduin, the elvish name for the river that runs from Lake Nenuial (Evendim) to the Sea. At this time, Valandil is still King of the Northern Kingdom, with the primary city being Annúminas at Lake Nenuial. The ancient East-West road literally runs from Imladris to the Havens, and is the same road the dwarves used in the First Age. Fornost was likely present, although not a chief city of the Dúnedain, and Amon Sul (Weathertop) was in use.

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Chapters 4 - 6