“Your highness, we have visitors.”

The king looked up from the letter he was reading and gave a nod and a wave of his hand to the messenger, who ran down the steps again and motioned for the doors to be opened.

“I wonder who it is,” mumbled the seneschal, stretching his neck to see.

The Sinda smiled at his chief counselor and good friend, then stood as soon as he saw who was entering. The messenger at the other end of the hall boomed in a loud voice, “Clear the way for the King of East Lorien! His highness, King Orophin and the Queen Valarda, with Prince Phindir!”

“Greetings, my southern cousins! I welcome you warmly.” Legolas placed his feet upon the floor at the bottom of the stairs that led up to the throne as the regal trio reached his spot. “It pleases me greatly to have you here in Greenwood.”

“We are indeed thankful of your hospitality and your invitation for us to join you for the summer in your home.” Orophin made a motion in the direction of the doorway they had entered and said, “I have brought gifts; meager offerings from our home. Lembas, wine, a few other items.”

Gimli’s ears perked up at the mention of wine, and soon the stout seneschal was standing beside the King of Greenwood. “Ah don’t suppose there might’n be a bit fer us to sample with the meal this evening, would there?”

“I am sure there is plenty,” answered Orophin with a grin.

At that moment, an impatient elfling began to tug on the Lorien King’s cape. When Orophin stooped down to rest one knee on the ground so that he was eyelevel with his son, the elfling whispered rather loudly, “Adar, that elf has a beard!”

Chuckling along with the rest of the court in earshot, King Legolas placed a hand upon Gimli’s shoulder and said, “Tis no elf, but Elf-friend I call him. This is Lord Gimli, the chief of my counselors and a good friend of mine.”

“My apologies,” said Orophin with a smile as he stood back up. “I should have introduced you. My son, Phindir. Phindir, this is King Legolas.”

The elfling bowed politely. “Pleased to meet you, your highness.”

“As am I to meet you.” Legolas could not help but notice that the elfling bore a resemblance to an elf he once knew, an elf who would have been uncle to this young one. If only Haldir had not been killed at Helm’s Deep – it was something Legolas found himself thinking of from time to time.

As if Orophin could tell the thought that the Sinda was having, he smiled sadly and squeezed Legolas’ shoulder. “I miss him, too,” he said. Motioning that they might walk a little without the others, the two kings strolled out of the throne room and made their way down the hall. “I can tell you were a bit surprised to see me.”

“Well, I invited the king of East Lorien. I had no idea that there was a new king,” admitted the blond. “I hope nothing ill has come upon your father.”

“My father misses my mother greatly,” said Orophin. “Ever since she crossed the sea, he looks always to the west. He has traveled to Rivendell, but he wished to place me in charge. We both agreed it was temporary, but I know in my heart that he will not return to these woods.”

“Well, Curufin?”

The ellon darkly shook his head. “They have no intention of giving us their ships. Apparently, they like their lot as slaves to the whims of the Valar.”

Sighing, the commander of the expedition looked a little worn out. It had been but a few days since Finwe’s death, with little time to grieve and no time to make good plans as to what was to be done.

“I think what we should do,” Curufin said in a low voice, “is go back to the others and tell them that Teleri threatened us and killed the messengers. We can overtake them; the sailors have no weapons.”

Immediately, Feanorel shook her head before her sons could debate the idea. “No, that would not be a good idea. They do not have enough ships for us to take everyone in one journey; some would be left behind and we would need to burn the vessels once we made it to Middle-earth. The rest would be forced to take another road – the Helcaraxe, perhaps, and I am not about to leave our kinfolk to that doom.” Motioning to her half-brothers who stood nearby, Feanorel called to them, “Where are your daughters? I have need of them.”

- - -

Celeborn was still on watch when the Noldorin party approached again. “Cirdan! Look sharp; here they are again!”

Olwe heard the call as well, and took to the shore. He had no intention of being called a liar and a traitor again upon the deck of his own ship. The sight of the three ellith walking across the sandy beach confused him greatly.

“What do you think they want?” asked Cirdan in a low voice as he and Celeborn joined the lord of Alqualonde.

“Obviously, the ships, but still I shall not give them freely,” was the answer, though Olwe’s voice was not so stern as once it had been.

The trio curtseyed once they were upon the ellin; the favor was returned with matching bows. “Feanorel, to what is such an honor of your visit owed?”


“Olwe, it is as always a pleasure. I am sure my son spoke with you only just this midday?”

“That he did,” confirmed Olwe. “If I might state boldly,” he said, trying to keep his eyes on hers rather than allowing them to wander further down, where her dress cut low, “he was rather discourteous in his asking for our assistance.”

“Then you must understand how terribly in need we are,” Feanorel stated, taking another step forward. “He is merely worried about our quest – you see, there is another way, of course, to travel over the churning ice, but... we have little ones in our party, and ellith as well.” Her voice took on a saddened tone as she said, “I fear, only the heartiest shall make it, and the rest will perish under the strain.”

“My mother is ill,” spoke Aredhel. “She is so devoted to my father, though. She means to follow him, if even to her death.”

Artanis, who had focused upon the youngest of the sea-elves, gave Celeborn a big, blue-eyed pout as she said, “I have several nephews and a niece who will be traveling with us. The thought of them trying to keep up with the rest, not to slide off of the floating patches of ice...” It was now that she sniffled and was handed a cloth by Aredhel with which to dab her eyes.

“Olwe, this is horrible, for us to make the elflings battle the Helcaraxe. Can we not provide ships enough for them to make the journey?” It was Cirdan who had broken first, less due to the eyelash batting Aredhel was directing towards him and more because of the logic of the situation. “It is not as if we cannot build more ships later.”

As Olwe considered this, Feanorel said, “There must be room also for their mothers, for someone must take care of the little ones. And it will not do for the rest to arrive only after the ships have – we have no idea what perils await us and what traps Morgoth has planned.”

“The ellith and children we might manage, but there is no possibility of room for the entire host on these ships,” argued Olwe.

“What about the fishing boats?” Celeborn’s gaze lingered on the slit that went up the side of Artanis’ dress that fluttered in the sea breeze. “Some could take the fishing boats and row them; if they stay in sight of the sailing ships, there may be enough room.”

Olwe looked only partially convinced, so Feanorel added, “We do not wish to keep them; we shall only borrow your ships. When we are done, they will be sent back.”

“How?” demanded Olwe. “Ships do not row themselves home.”

“Send with us some of your sailors. You have my word that once we have reached the shores of Middle-earth, your ships and kinfolk shall be sent back home. There must be a few sailors in your company who would care for a little adventure.”

“I am not sure if-“

“I will go.” The reply came from each of the elves standing with Olwe. The Lord of Aqualonde cleared his throat upon noticing that their focus was not exactly on the situation at hand, but neither looked up from their view.

“You are most generous, Olwe,” said Feanorel, stepping very close to the Telerin king. “I will not forget your kindness.” Leaning forward, she kissed him on a cheek, winked, and set off back in the direction she had come with Artanis and Aredhel following her.

When they were a safe distance away, Aredhel burst into giggles. “That was just brilliant, Auntie!” she commended as they came over the ridge where the rest of the Noldorin were awaiting them.

“For a moment, I nearly thought we were not going to be able to do it,” admitted Artanis.

Feanorel smirked. “Ladies, I gave birth to seven sons. That,” she said, motioning behind her with a flick of her cape, “was nothing.”

Sitting up, Haldir tried to find what Legolas had suddenly become interested in. “What can you see on the horizon?” questioned Haldir, looking more intently over the water.

“A light on the water...” he said, and then nearly jumping up, shouted, “A ship! A grey ship passes!” He ran toward the surf, and even through the surge of water continued to run toward the swiftly moving vessel. “It is the ship that carries Lord Glorfindel and Master Erestor! At last, they have come into the west!” he shouted.

Clearing the remaining thoughts of sorrow from his head for now, Haldir smiled and picked up their instruments. “I shall alert the household,” he called as he jogged in the direction of the house.

- - -

It was still over an hour before the ship was close enough to shore so that the anchor could be dropped. Although initially everyone came outside when Haldir alerted them, most returned in from the cold night air to wait until the ship came closer. Only Haldir, Legolas, and Celebdreth remained, watching in silence as the ship inched closer and closer. The vessel moved slowly and was low in the water – likely, as had been predicted, Erestor had brought nearly every last book in Imladris with them. He was standing now at an opening at the bow of the ship, sliding a long plank out the front that would be used to create a makeshift dock of sorts. Ropes were thrown to shore and the ship was secured before the few who were on the vessel stepped onto the beach.

“Where is everyone?” questioned Celebdreth.

“I was about to ask the same,” Erestor said, embracing his grandson. “How bad is Valinor?”

Celebdreth grinned. “I’m glad now that I came. I know I was hesitant, but you were right. I have things to tell you, many wonderful things. Everything is just fine here, and everyone came as you said they would.”

Hugging him once again, he said apologetically, “Not everyone, pen-neth. Forgive me, but there are some who are destined to stay.”

“Not Glorfindel!” Celebdreth looked as if he might burst into tears, and it was lucky that the golden-haired warrior chose that moment to step down the makeshift dock.

“Not Glorfindel!” shouted Glorfindel himself. “The last time I was here, they would not even allow me a day! I plan never to leave these shores again!” Behind him, carefully minding his way, was Asfaloth.

Instead of leaving, Nahar followed Glorfindel as others slowly trickled out of the doors of the house. When Celebrian approached, holding a tiny golden-haired elfling in her arms, the babe was taken by Glorfindel and passed to Celebdreth before the warrior took hold of Celebrian by her waist and spun her around and around until she complained she was dizzy though she laughed and kissed Glorfindel’s cheek once she was on solid ground again. “It is so very good to see you again, my lady,” replied Glorfindel as he bowed to her with tears in his aqua eyes.

“Likewise, Glorfindel. You have been missed by all.” She then went to Erestor and threw her arms around his neck. “And, you, Erestor. We hoped we might see you both walk one day upon these shores.”

“Today is that day!” he said happily. “You’re all stuck with me now,” he merrily laughed as none had heard him before. Nenniach stepped toward them, carrying a small elfling with dark hair. “Lady Nenniach!” Glorfindel embraced her best he could without jostling her small charge. “A little sister for Celebdreth?”

“Nay, a little sister for the twins,” she said, handing the bundle to Celebrian.

“And for someone else.”

Everyone stopped their talking and merriment. Celebrian shakily handed the babe she held back to Nenniach as the front doors of the house burst open.

At the top of the stairs, Elrond seemed to have lost the ability to speak or move. Only when his sons sleepily filed out the door and then ran down the steps did he regain his senses. There was nothing regal or lordly about his reaction or movement. When he reached the sobbing group clinging to one another, crying and laughing all at the same time, Elrond reached his arms around to hug them all in one big group.

Once things were sorted out a bit at it was determined there was no mirage, Elrond managed to part his sons and wife from the peredhel who remained. Softly she said, “I missed you, Ada.”

“Arwen.” Embracing her tightly, tears fell from Elrond’s eyes as they had the rest of the group. “I thought your fate tied to men.”

“As did I.” As she snuggled closer to her father, Arwen said, “I thought the grief would take me as soon as he was gone. But there was something.. something keeping me tied to this world. Someone who, if I faded, would fade himself.”

It was at this point that Erestor nudged Haldir forward. The ellon hesitated only slightly before boldly walking to the happy reunion on the beach. Placing his hand on Elrond’s shoulder, the two exchanged a long look, trying to gage the other’s reaction as to what was to happen next.

With a serious look, Elrond took hold of one of Arwen’s hands and placed it within the one that Haldir had begun to offer. He then placed his own hands around theirs, looking from one to the other, and then with a slight squeeze – an obvious sign of approval – the elven lord dropped his hands to his sides and stepped away.

“I worry you are a dream, but in my dreams, you never came.” Not the most romantic words, but they were words he needed to say. As were the next ones he said. “But I never lost hope.”

Arwen relaxed in Haldir’s arms as he held her. “I was torn between two worlds; I-“

Haldir made it unnecessary for her to continue. As his lips played against hers, he uncaring of those who looked on, he knew, his would not be a marriage of necessity and politics, as had her one to Aragorn been. Obviously, the man had loved Arwen deeply, and she him, but there had been other reasons for it. Haldir had only one reason for the need he felt.

- - -

Near to the ship, Legolas took one last longing look at it and then sighed. This was the last one; the last ship that would sail to Valinor. In his heart he knew this. Hanging his head in sadness, he turned to leave the beach.

“Did you forget about me already, little prince?”

Legolas halted, his heart beginning to race. Could it simply be his mind playing tricks on him? “Nay, my princess, I had not. In fact, I have not once been able to put you out of my mind since coming to these shores. I did not expect you to come.”

“Well, I did say no when you asked a few months ago,” admitted Elodien, approaching the blond elf with his back still turned to her. “But, things have changed. I realized how much I love you.”

Unable to control the smile on his lips, Legolas turned to face her. “And I-“ His eyes strayed away from her face, in a pleasant sort of shock. “And I, you,” he finished, gently taking her into his arms. “My word...” he said in awe, placing his hand upon the soft curve of her swelling stomach.

“Congratulations are in order I believe,” whispered Erestor as he passed by.

“And not to rush things,” added Glorfindel to Legolas, “but you may want to consider getting married before Elrond finds out you impregnated his granddaughter without be wed to her first.”

“I packed extra clothing this time, because last time he apparently did not have enough shirts.”

“I assure you, you packed more than enough during his last time here, however, I thought it only proper for me to provide some of the necessities of his wellbeing.” Looking down at the two crates that had just been unpacked and set upon the ground by Celeborn, Erestor narrowed his eyes. “What are those?”

“Lembas,” grumbled the Sinda, giving Erestor one of THOSE looks. One of those, ‘I can’t believe she did it, either’, looks, but of course, it was not Celeborn who would say anything.

With a deep breath and a withheld sigh, Erestor shook his head. “Artanis, you know you have no need of bringing food. I will remember to feed him!”

“Hush, Erestor. I think it rather inappropriate to argue in front of him,” answered Galadriel, retying rope on the saddlebags.

Shifting his weight, and consequently Haldir to the other side as well, Erestor continued to protest. “I know you worry about him, but it is like an insult to Elrond. There is more than enough food here in Imladris to feed him.”

“He likes lembas. I did not expect him to eat all of it, either; I am sure there are others who will have some as well.”

Another look was exchanged between Erestor and Celeborn – the ‘right, as if we believe that cover-up’ look. Glorfindel came around from the back of the wagon that had been used on the journey from Lothlorien to Imladris. “I do believe everything Haldir needs is off the back. Did I hear correctly that Celebrian is staying for the duration as well?”

“Aye, she is,” nodded Celeborn. The wise ellon, who had kept his fatherly gaze in check over the past half-hour, now glanced over at his daughter, flirting discretely with the lord of the realm as he smiled giddily and even blushed now and again. “We shall have an empty tree when we return.”

“Only for a few years,” Galadriel reminded him, though a smirk tugged at the corners of her mouth. Perhaps the tree would not be empty for quite so long. “Come, let us say our farewells to Celebrian.”

As soon as the pair was out of earshot, Erestor looked down at his son and smiled. “How was your trip, pen-neth? Adventurous?”

“We saw bears,” answered the elfling, snuggling against soft velvet of his Imladris daddy’s robes. “Nana’s horse got stuck in the mud, too.”

Erestor pursed his lips and tried not to laugh, but the snort that Glorfindel let out only made matters worse when he did finally give in to the urge. Haldir’s giggles rose up between them, until suddenly, Lady Galadriel walked back with an arched brow and said, “It was my horse in the mud, not me.” This only made them laugh harder.

“Be good. Listen to your father. No staying up too late, either,” Galadriel half-scolded, having had a most difficult time getting Haldir back on a good sleep schedule once he had returned from his last visit.

“Yes, ma’am,” said Glorfindel, to which he was answered, “Oh, do not think that I do not know you are the real troublemaker.”

“Take care of yourselves,” offered Celeborn, and then to Haldir said, “May I have a hug before I leave?”

“You will come back?” questioned Haldir.

“Next summer – fifteen months,” Celeborn assured him. “Just for a visit, and then in three years – that is thirty-six months, that is when you will travel to see us.”

“Maemae,” he answered, then held his little arms out to receive a hug from Celeborn. “Love you!”

“I love you, too, Haldir.” Celeborn moved aside to make room for his wife.

This was always the worst part of the parting, no matter if it was Galadriel bringing Haldir to Imladris, or if it was Erestor returning him to Lothlorien. “Listen to your father. And to Glorfindel. And Lord Elrond. And your sister,” added Galadriel for good measure.

“Yes, nana. I will, nana.” Haldir was promptly snuggled and kissed and fussed over until Celeborn coaxed Galadriel back a pace. Then Haldir repeated the same sentiments he had for Celeborn, causing the cycle of snuggling and fussing, and now sniffling, to start anew.

When finally the last ‘Namarie, Nana, Namarie, Ada!’ echoed across the courtyard, Haldir let out a sigh.

“Are you alright ion-nin?” asked Erestor. Haldir nodded. “Are you tired; would you like to take a nap?” Haldir shook his head – as if any child was going to agree with the suggestion of a nap. “Would you like to have something to eat?” Another shake of his curly blond hair. “What would you like to do?” Haldir shrugged.

“One of the horses just had a baby a few days ago,” said Glorfindel. “If you would like, we could-“

“Haldir!” The ellin and elfling looked suddenly over to where Celebrian and Elrond were standing. “Haldir, Lord Elrond says that he has some new illustrated books in the library! Would you like to go with us to see them?”

“New books! Oh, aiya, yes, please!” Haldir was promptly set upon the ground by his father, who was given a hasty hug about the knees. Glorfindel received a hug around his legs as well before Haldir ran to his sister, grabbing one of her hands in one of his, and placing his other hand in the one that Lord Elrond offered him. “I will be back for supper, Daddy!” he called after him.

“We will know where to find you!” Erestor called after him. He stood there for some time, even after his son had hopped up the stairs of the Last Homely House and disappeared inside.

It was the voice of his cheeky young lover that jolted his from his reverie. “Now, aren’t you glad I told everyone that you are his father when I did?”

Erestor glanced sidelong over at Glorfindel. “It does mean that for the next three years, you will need to restrain yourself when we retire for the evening.”

“Completely worth it to see the look in your eyes each night when you tuck him in,” answered Glorfindel with a smile.