Chapter Text
Gather Before Departure
Two days have passed since Elrond's spectacular leap from the waterfall. Despite sharing half of his blood with the Edain, Elrond healed much faster than any mortal man would with the same injuries. Just forty-eight hours were enough for him to stand on his feet again and walk without support. A lot has happened in those short two days. His painful wounds, the dread of discovery, the discovery itself, being sentenced by his King and the utter surprise upon receiving a new task rather than ten lashes on his back.
Galadriel was let in on the assignment only moments after it was given to Elrond in the council chamber. Gil-Galad found it necessary to inform her as soon as possible to ease her mind, as he was fairly certain she would have rebelled against him as well if Elrond's sentence had been carried out. The King needed his two trusted people, he needed his friends together, united not divided. Since their meeting, Galadriel had been bombarding Elrond with suggestions and questions in the healing chambers where he rested until he recovered enough. Fortunately enough for him that moment was now as Galadriel was driving him insane with the countless propositions that she made.
On this very pleasant warm evening, Elrond and Galadriel made their way to the dwelling of Camnir, which was only a short walk away from the healing chambers. Camnir the King's cartographer would be essential for the upcoming assignment, if not for his talents to find his way around every corner of both Lindon and Eregion, it's for his close friendship with Elrond. If there was anyone he would take on a potentially dangerous journey with him, it would be Camnir. Of course Elrond had doubts about his decision. Including the Cartographer seemed only logical but he didn't want to bring his life in jeopardy. If Camnir agreed, Elrond would make sure to keep a close eye on him, he would return safely back home.
Camnir's house was relatively small but cozy. Green vines covered at least half of the walls growing in an arch above the entry which radiated peace and quiet across the surrounding area. Peace and quiet, that is exactly how Elrond would describe his friend. An abundance of flowers grew in the small garden leading up to his door, the scent of them made Elrond feel even more at peace. Galadriel reached the door first and knocked. Some light stumbling could be heard from the inside before the door carefully opened to a smidge. A look of utter confusion fell on the cartographer's face as he stared right into Galadriel's eyes.
“Hello Camnir, mellon-nin.” Elrond spoke warmly behind Galadriel.
Camnir's gaze moved to the Peredhel and a smile appeared on his face.”Elrond! It's so good to see you. How are you doing? I haven been hearing the strangest rumours surrounding you these past days. I wanted to visit you myself but I have been terribly occupied for almost every moment of the day. The King seemed very eager for information on the surroundings of Ost-in-Edhil.”
“It's alright my friend, I'm alright. Can we come in? I have something important to discuss with you. I think it will also make things much clearer concerning your current work.” Elrond replied trying to assure his friend. He wondered what the rumours about him were about. He fervently wished that the whole waterfall debacle would have stayed between him, Galadriel, the King and the few guards that were present. Of course he should have known that the guards would talk. He just hoped that it wouldn't ruin his reputation.
“Of course, of course, come in.” Camnir held the door wide open for the company to enter. As they set foot in the home Elrond asked, “What are these rumours you have heard?”
“Oh well, I have heard that you got into an argument with the King and that you had to visit the healing chambers! I hope it was nothing serious. Please forgive me for not seeking you out immediately after hearing these rumours, I have been quite worried about you. I would have gone and visited you myself tomorrow. But now you are here and everything is fine right? You are not eh...wanted by the King are you?” The thought of harbouring a fugitive, even if a dear friend, scared Camnir.
Galadriel laughed before laying her hand on his shoulder. “Be at peace Camnir, he's no fugitive, but he could have been one if he came at your door two days ago.” Elrond shot her a dark look but didn't reply to her playful banter. The three of them entered the living room lit by a fireplace in the corner and Camnir gestured for them to sit down on the couch.
“Would you like some tea?”
“Yes thank you, we would love some do we Elrond.” Galadriel replied without losing her earlier cheeky tone of voice. Elrond rolled his eyes at her before turning to his friend, “Thank you Camnir, we would love a cup of tea on this pleasant evening.”
A few minutes passed as Camnir returned to his living room carrying a tray loaded with cups and refreshments. He set the tray on the low coffee table before sitting down himself. As the two others grabbed their cup he asked: “What brings you here this evening. I...I mean I always enjoy your company Elrond but since Galadriel is here as well, I can't keep wondering that there is something more behind this visit than just a little catch-up.”
“You are right my friend, there is indeed more behind this than just drinking tea.” Elrond replied. “I have come here to ask for your help.”
“What kind of help?” Camnir's eyebrows furrowed. “This hasn't anything to do with your near-fugitive status now has it?”
“No of course not.” Elrond answered after taking a sip of the hot tea he was holding. “The King has given me a task. He wishes for me and Galadriel to travel to Ost-in-Edhil to warm Celebrimbor about Sauron.” Camnir's eyes grew large at hearing the name of their greatest foe. “We would really appreciate it if you would accompany us for our journey. Surely your map-skills will prove invaluable to our cause.”
“Sauron? He's back? How?”
Elrond looked at Galadriel, “I think she is more suited to explain that specific part of the story.”
“Elrond!” Galadriel hissed. “The details do not matter. Right now, our most important concern is getting to Celebrimbor in time to warn him. Eru only knows what would happen if we don't arrive in time. Will you join us Camnir?” Galadriel replied.
“Of course, of course I will help you but I must tell you lady Galadriel that I am not good with a sword. Sure I can guide us to Eregion but if Sauron is truly there, by the Valar what can we do? We need warriors if we at least want to stand a chance.”
“Don't worry, Vorohil and Daemor will accompany us as well.” Elrond replied. “Do you know of any other capable warriors who would be loyal to our cause and be discreet about it?”
“Let me think... Yes! Rian would help us for sure. Her skills with the bow are unmatched. She and I are on good footing, she would most certainly say yes if asked.” Camnir told them with growing enthousiasm. “Don't get me wrong, I still think this entire expedition is extremely dangerous, possibly suicidal but with Rian, Daemor, Vorohil and of course you two, we might stand a chance. By the light of Aman we need all the chances we can get.”
“Good, then it is settled.” Galadriel replied. “Go and inform Rian as soon as you are able. We leave in two days at dawn. Meet us at the stables here in Lindon, we move out on horseback.” The three of them finished their tea as their talk slowly turned to more mundane matters. Eventually the evening was about to turn into the night and the two left Camnir's house in good spirits.
Another day and a half passed by as dawn grew near. The company of six had assembled themselves at the stables as ordered. Horse bags were filled and last minute adjustments were made. Galadriel turned towards Elrond after she made sure the straps of her saddle were firmly in place. “Are you alright? I mean have your injuries healed well?”
“I'm alright Galadriel. The healers truly perform wonders, I hope I can live up to them one day.” Elrond replied. “My shoulder is still slightly sore but it shouldn't interfere with our mission.”
“If there is anything you want to talk about, please don't hesitate to ask me. I'm here for you.” Galadriel's head bowed slightly forward so that their foreheads were touching. It was a precious close contact, almost intimate. “I don't want to lose you. I thought I almost had when you leaped from that fall.” Tears formed in her eyes.
“Ssshh, everything will be fine. I won't lose you and you won't lose me, I promise.” Elrond replied before pulling her close into a firm hug. It wasn't until then that he noticed a new shiny object on her finger. He grabbed her hand before she had the chance to pull away. “What is this? Galadriel is this what I think that it is?” Panic could be heard in his voice as he realized she was wearing one of three rings of power.
“Come on and mount up, the others are waiting for us.” Galadriel replied, trying to divert the attention away from the matter at hand.
“No, wait a moment. Why are you wearing one of those rings? They are dangerous, we are heading straight for our black foe and you are wearing his ring? Are you insane?”
“Elrond! Now is not the time for discussions. Gil-Galad gave me this ring in person and I trust in him and in Nenya. Now come on, we need to go, we will discuss this some time later.” Galadriel wiped her eyes clean with the sleeve of her tunic and turned to mount her horse. Elrond did the same and joined the rest of the company that was waiting outside the stables.
“Are we all ready to go?” Elrond asked the others. His voice was filled with confidence but it was a mask that hid his great uncertainty. Galadriel wielding one of these three rings definitely shook him deep to his core. He would never forgive himself if she fell to the darkness of Sauron because of it.
Camnir nodded uncertainly, “I am as ready as I will ever be.” Rian smiled and nodded encouragingly towards him. Daemor and Vorohil nodded their heads as well. “I'm ready Commander,” Vorohil replied. “We should depart right now, we can reach the bridge before sunset.”
“Alright let's go!' The company spurred on their horses as they left the safety of Lindon behind them. The journey was sure to be dangerous but well worth it if they could save Celebrimbor and Ost-in-Edhil. Nothing was more important than to stop Sauron from enacting whatever notorious plans he was concocting.