The Sea Calls Us Home

Mídhenaer shaded her deep sea green eyes with a graceful hand as she gazed from the watchtower towards the East and away from the Sea. An unusual occurrence to be certain as the daughter of Círdan the shipwright was more likely to look towards the Undying Lands, seeking the return of her father or watching him go in the course of his duties as ferryman to the Elven people.

“No word yet?” she heard the beloved tones of her sire’s resonant bass voice.

She turned to meet him, her rich blue-black hair cascading fluidly over her left shoulder as her head tipped up to match his gaze. “Laume, Ada. Not even a glimmer of a sign. Perhaps he is not yet ready…”

“He is ready,” announced Círdan with assurance. “Yet he may have other commitments to see through before he may leave.”

“Like his friendship with the dwarf?”

The sea captain shrugged lightly, “The Elf-friend’s path has not been revealed to me. It may be that Legolas is not so easily rid of Gimli, Glóin’s son.”

She laughed lightly and tossed her heavy hair behind her as she replied, “What an unlikely pair they are!”

“Indeed they are, melethnín,” he smiled then sobered instantly. “I cannot wait longer for him, Mídhenaer. The ship awaits and I must sail. You know what to do if you get word while I’m gone?”

“Nai, Ada,” she answered. “I know what to do. Legolas Greenleaf will get the help he needs when the time comes.”

Stooping to give her a soft kiss on the cheek, “You are my treasure, Mídhenaer. I will miss you when I am gone.” To his surprise she suddenly clung to him like a young child. “There, there, my girl… the time is coming when we will sail together and then we won’t have to be separated again. So dry your tears and I’ll be back before you know it.”

“Namárië, Ada,” she swallowed her tears. “Safe journey and a speedy return…”

Círdan caressed her silky hair softly and then shouldered his pack and slowly descended the watchtower to the pier. Wistfully Mídhenaer watched him go for a long moment, but then with a sigh she returned to her lonely vigil.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Rúmil strode onto the veranda where the brothers Elladan and Elrohir had joined Celeborn after their daily ride. As the number of his people staying in Lothlórien was dwindling, The Lord of the Golden Wood had gathered the remainder of the Galadhrim to resettle in Imladris. Now Queen Arwen wandered those silent woods alone and in sorrow. No one wanted to intrude upon her mournful and solitary desolation.

“My lords,” the sentry greeted them with a brief bow, “word has traveled up from the Ford that Prince Legolas and his friend the dwarf are approaching Rivendell.”

“Legolas?” asked Elrohir, arching an eyebrow in mild surprise. “What in the name of the Valar is he doing here? I thought he was living in Ithilien?”

“Actually, I’ve been staying with Gimli in Aglarond,” spoke the elf-prince as he and Gimli were shown to the veranda. “I beg your pardon, my lords, for arriving unannounced. Gimli and I are journeying to Mirkwood and hoped we might beg a few nights’ lodging here with you.”

“Of course,” Elladan answered affably. “Welcome back to Rivendell, my friends! Stay as long as you wish…”

Celeborn looked at his woodland sentry and remarked dryly, “Your information, Rúmil, seems to be slow in coming this day. Perhaps you should check on what sort of distraction might keep Orophin from sending it on in a more timely fashion.”

All the elflords knew, however, that the “distraction” was one elfmaid called Rodwen with whom Orophin was lately infatuated. Bright eyes and bright hair in a graceful body were a potent enough diversion, but as the remaining women were few and far between, the pull to find a mate was even stronger. This was the third elfmaid Rúmil’s brother had courted since the Galadhrim arrived in Imladris.

“I will do so, my lord,” Rúmil responded gravely with a bow before leaving the veranda.

Always the genial host, Elladan asked, “Now where were we? Are you hungry? Or would you like to freshen up first?”

Legolas, of course, knew Gimli’s answer, but forestalled him by replying, “A hot bath and a fresh change of clothes first would be welcome, my Lord Elladan. Would they not, Gimli?”

The dwarf’s answer was a surly growl and Legolas took that as grudging agreement.

Leading them off some moments later to guest housing, Elladan met up with a lovely, if grave-looking, elfmaid as they crossed the courtyard.

“Eruwestiel,” he greeted with a fond smile, “you are just the one I was looking for. Do you have a moment to spare?”

She paused expectantly and responded, “Always, uncle. How may I serve?”

Briefly the elflord introduced Legolas and Gimli to her then reciprocated by saying, “And gentlemen, this is my niece. Since my daughter Carantaliel went over the Sea, Eruwestiel has been like a second child to me.”

With grey eyes and silky jet hair, it was no surprise to learn she was of the House of Elrond Halfelven. Her sober air completed the picture then, sealing her resemblance to her solemn sire Elrohir, though she did smile at the newcomers graciously. “Mae govannen, Prince Legolas… Master Gimli…” she bowed her head.

“Hannon lle, arwenamin,” Legolas responded automatically then heard Gimli grumble quietly at his side. “Forgive us, my friend,” he told him. “It’s old habit, I’m afraid.”

“You’d think after all these years you would have at least taught me a little of your language…”

Legolas gave his friend an arch look, “Why do I have a feeling you know more than you pretend?”

Gimli chuckled, confirming the elf-prince’s suspicions. “Come, Legolas, let’s get settled so we can have something to eat.”

Turning to his niece, Elladan said with tolerant amusement, “Eruwestiel, you know which guest quarters are best to offer these gentlemen. Would you see it done, my dear?”

She nodded with silent gravity and then gestured for Legolas and Gimli to follow her.

“She’s a cheerful one…” the dwarf murmured under his breath.

“Hush, Gimli,” responded Legolas quietly.

“My friends,” Elladan said, “dinner is at sunset in my father’s old apartments. Do you remember the way?” When the elf-prince nodded acknowledgement, he added, “Excellent. We will see you when you’ve rested then. Welcome again to Rivendell…”

-end of Chapter Two-

Translations:
Laume, Ada -- No, Daddy
Melethnín -- My Love
Nai, Ada -- yes, Daddy
Namárië, Ada -- Farewell, Daddy
Mae Govannen -- Welcome
Hannon lle, arwenamin -- Thank you, my lady