Chapter Text
Elendil woke at dawn, the soft beam of light pouring on his face aroused him quite gently from his sleep. A pleasant breeze hit his face coming from a window next to his head that was slightly ajar. The Sea Captain looked up at the unfamiliar ceiling as it took a few seconds before he realized that he wasn’t lying on his bed in Númenor. He sat up when it dawned on him that he was in fact in Mithlond surrounded by Elves.
“Good morning, I hope you slept well.” Cirdan greeted him jovially.
Elendil nodded gratefully. “Thank you sir for your hospitality, I slept rather well.”
“That is good to hear. There is some breakfast for you on the dining table if you wish to eat. “
Elendil nodded again but his thoughts rushed back to last evening when he was discussing his desire to find his son. Galadriel had bravely volunteered to accompany him which had bolstered his heart. Elrond wished to join him as well and the two were already cooking up plans how best to proceed. They were willing to defy their King to help him find his son.
Cirdan seemed to have listened to his train of thoughts, “if you wish to catch up with your co-conspirators, they are just outside next to the docks.” Cirdan winked and left the human to his own devices.
Elendil got up and ate what was left for him on the small dining table. There was a bowl filled with an assortment of fruits and nuts, cheese, bread and a few hard boiled eggs. There was also a large jug of milk and hot water for some tea. The meal was refreshing though he rather ate it in a hurry, eager to join up with Galadriel and Elrond to discuss further plans.
He left the shipwright’s cabin and followed the directions made by Cirdan. It didn’t take him a long time to find Elrond and Galadriel sitting together seemingly in deep conversation. He wasn’t sure whether he should intrude on them or not. They appeared to be quite close, even sharing a brief kiss in front of his eyes last evening, Elendil however wasn’t very knowledgable on the inner workings of Elvish relationships so he could not be sure whether they were just being friendly or if there was something more behind their affections for each other.
His footsteps were noticed long before any human could hear him approach. The two Elves looked around and saw the Sea Captain walking towards them. Now with their attention upon him, he found it easier to approach them.
“Good morning Elendil.” Galadriel greeted him warmly.
Elendil returned the greeting and sat down next to them. “Have you thought about what we discussed last evening?”
“We have,” Elrond replied. “Our High-King returns for Lindon tomorrow. We thought we might use that moment to travel along with him and his entourage under the guise of returning to Rivendell. That gives us exactly one day to gather our travel companions.”
“Are you sure about this? I mean that I understand if you do not wish to anger your King, I do not wish to sow discord amongst your people.”
“Nonsense Elendil, we want to do this. Remember, you risked your life and reputation with your Queen to help us out. It is only right to help you find your son.” Galadriel replied gratefully. “Besides, if it weren’t for my meddling, your son wouldn’t have been there in the Southlands in the first place.”
Elrond stood up, “I will go and convince Vorohil, Beriedir and Camnir of our cause while you go and talk with Arondir and Adar. Elendil, it is best if you tag along with Galadriel for today as to not arouse any suspicions. Let’s meet back here around sunset to work out the finer details of the journey.”
The other two got up as well and nodded in agreement. “Come with me Elendil, I think I know where Arondir and Adar are located at.”
The three of them dispersed from their spot at the docks completely oblivious to the fact that Cirdan had been watching them from a distance. Galadriel’s instincts were right, she knew exactly where to look for Arondir and Adar who were having their own seemingly secretive conversation together at the edge of the grey havens.
They were sitting opposite of each other largely hidden from view behind large lines of fishing nets. Galadriel approached them quietly before calling out. “You two seem very busy on such a fine early morning.”
Arondir’s eyes shot up in surprise while Adar turned around in visible annoyance. “It isn’t very polite to eavesdrop you know.
“Este, mellon nin” Galadriel replied holding up her arms as a sign she did not mean any harm by her intrusion.
The two visibly relaxed a bit as Adar sat back down again. “If you are here to talk us out of leaving then you are sorely mistaken.” Adar spoke with an icy tone in his voice.
“I am not here to stop you, in fact it is rather the opposite. I am here to recruit you for yet another little trip which is quite up your alley I imagine.”
“What do you mean?” Arondir replied in confusion.
“I know you desire to travel to the Southlands. Elendil, Elrond and I intend to travel southwards ourselves tomorrow to find Elendil’s son. We would rather really appreciate it if you would accompany us on our journey. It will probably be dangerous and the King would not appreciate us sneaking out there like that but if you are serious about traveling to the Southlands, this is the best opportunity that you have.”
Adar’s frown turned into a furtive smile while Arondir nodded gratefully. “You can count on our help lady Galadriel.”
“The High-King travels for Lindon tomorrow, we will accompany him as to not arouse any suspicions. Make sure you are prepared and ready to leave in one day’s time. We will wait for each other at the stables come break of dawn.”
“You remain full of surprises Altáriel.” Adar joked weakly. “I already look forward to our journey towards the Southlands.”
Galadriel smiled and took off again together with Elendil. “Well, that went rather easy don’t you think? “ Elendil observed as they walked back to Cirdan’s cabin.
“Adar has yet his own destiny to fullfill which will lead him to the Southlands regardless of our intervention. As for Arondir, he has lived amongst the Southlanders for centuries, he feels bound to that land and its people. I admit their recently formed friendship surprised me and there is no doubt that they already made some form of oath to return to the Southlands together.”
“Really now, that is interesting.” Elendil replied in response.
Meanwhile Elrond made his way over to Vorohil and Beriedir who were standing guard next to the house the High-King had been using during his brief stay in Mithlond.
“Hello Peredhel,” Vorohil greeted him warmly. “How are you doing today?”
“I’m doing rather well thank you for asking.” Elrond replied.
“If you are here to see the King, I am not sure if he is ready yet to receive visitors but I guess in your case feel free to walk right in, I do not think the King would mind your presence.”
“Those are some kind words thank you but I have actually come here to talk to you two.”
“Us? What could you possibly want from us so early in the morning?” Beriedir replied slightly confused.
“As you might be aware, I do not know if the High-King has informed you about this, you two are free to choose whether you remain part of Gil-Galad’s royal guard or join me instead and be assigned to Rivendell.”
“I believe the King has mentioned something like that.” Vorohil replied sounding slightly amused. “Let me guess, you wish to hear our decision? We were actually waiting to reveal it dramatically tomorrow when the King leaves for Lindon.”
“What if you told me right now then I might have some interesting information to offer.”
“Oh, and what might this information be about?” Beriedir asked.
“I can not tell you until I know your decision.” Elrond answered mysteriously. This greatly aroused the curiousity of both Elves. They looked at each other, it was clear that both of them were seriously doubting whether they should indulge the Half-Elf or keep their decision a secret until the last moment.
“Oh sod it.” Vorohil caved it. “We wish to return with you to Rivendell if you like to have us at your side.”
“Yes, I imagine our lives will be a lot more adventurous at the side of the famous Half-Elf. It sure beats standing guard at the tree of Lindon.” Beriedir continued.
Elrond smiled. “Well then, I can happily announce that yet another adventure lies ahead if you wish to join.” He lowered his voice before continuing. He could not risk the High-King overhearing his plans. “We will leave together with the High-King towards Rivendell but our true purpose will be the Southlands.”
“The Southlands? Why would you want to go there?” Vorohil cried out.
“Shhh, keep your voice down.” Elrond replied annoyed while beriedir budded his friend’s shin with the lower part of his spear.
“Galadriel and I have promised Elendil to find his son who is still stuck in the Southlands.”
“How noble of you.” Beriedir replied. “You can count us in Peredhel, we will follow you everywhere.” Vorohil nodded in agreement.
“Make sure you are prepared for the journey tomorrow morning. We will meet each other at the stables at first light.” And with that Elrond left the two guards, praying that Gil-Galad hadn’t overheard them speaking just now. Elrond was sure that the King would disapprove deeply of their plan to travel to the most likely place Sauron was hiding. He had seen the downright scared look in his King’s eyes when Galadriel told him what had happened on Númenor.
The next task on his list was to pay Camnir a visit. It would probably take a lot more effort to convince his friend to join him. He did not want to put his friend through even more danger but at the same time he selfishly couldn’t imagine undertaking such a journey without his friend at his side. Besides, his excellent navigational skills would be unmissable on such a journey.
Camnir was a little harder to find. Elrond had to ask multiple people for directions towards his missing map-maker. In the end, it turned out that Camnir was seated inside the shipbuilder’s hall observing the Elves working on a brand new vessel. Right next to him was Cirdan himself sipping on some tea and making casual conversation with the Cartographer.
“Hello Elrond.” Cirdan stood up from his chair and looked at them both in turn, “I will leave you two alone to talk.” With a small wink, the shipwright moved towards the ship that lay under construction and inspected the recent work done by the other Elven workers.
Elrond took a seat and frowned at the shipwright’s odd behaviour. “Is it true?” Camnir whispered to his friend.
Elrond looked at Camnir in confusion, “what do you mean mellon nin?”
“Cirdan told me that you and Galadriel are planning another little excursion, is that true?”
Elrond sighed and looked over at Cirdan who was obviously feigning great interest in a specific part of the ship. “It’s true. Galadriel and I have promised Elendil to find his son in the Southlands.”
Camnir looked exasperated. “We just came back from Númenor. It has barely been a day and you already want to run off on yet another dangerous errant?”
“Yes I do. It was Galadriel’s initial suggestion to help Elendil. They are good friends and have been to the Southlands before. I can’t let her run off on her own while I can help her. Besides, I have already convinced Vorohil and Beriedir to join us and Galadriel is talking Adar and Arondir in joining as well.”
“You know this is crazy right? Does the King approve of your plan?”
“The King does not know and he doesn’t need to know. If it were up to him, I would be spending another century here under Cirdan’s watchful eye and do nothing. Speaking of, did he tell you how he knew of our plan?”
Camnir shook his head. “He did not tell me but unbelievably enough I think he somehow approves of your decision, otherwise he would have run off to inform the King already.”
“Will you join us Camnir? We could really use your knowledge and friendship.”
“I believe we have been here before.” Camnir muttered back looking down at his lap.
Elrond grabbed one of his hands that lay on the small table next to their chairs. “I will not force you into doing something you wish not to do. If you want to remain here or travel back to Lindon with the King, that is perfectly fine by me. Do not feel obligated to join.”
“When will you leave?”
“We move out tomorrow with the King under the pretense of traveling to Rivendell. We will likely stop at Rivendell for some rest, it aligns with the route of our journey.”
Camnir still looked uncertain about the whole matter.
“You do not have to make a decision right now. Think over it today and if you wish to join us, meet us at the stables at first light with enough provisions to make the journey to Rivendell.” Elrond warmly embraced his friend before he got up and left the builder’s hall. As he closed the large wooden door, he gave a small glance at the shipwright who nodded at him. Elrond still wasn’t sure whose side Cirdan was on and how he knew in the first place.
Elrond made his way back to Cirdan’s cabin. He figured the place would be suitable for working out the details of their upcoming journey since the Shipwright already seemed to know what was going on. He entered the small but comfortable looking home and discovered Galadriel chatting with Elendil at the dining table.
“How did it go with recruiting Arondir and Adar?” Elrond asked curiously as he sat down as well. The table in front of them was filled with all sorts of food not too dissimilar as the breakfast that Elendil ate here earlier today.
“As expected they immediately jumped in at the opportunity to travel to the Southlands. They are with us and will be waiting for us at the stables.” Galadriel answered with a smile.
“So, how did you fare with the others?” Elendil asked while buttering a piece of bread.
“Vorohil and Beriedir are with us as well.” Elrond replied. “Of course they tried to turn their decision into a large spectacle on the day of the King’s departure but I convinced them to reveal their big decision by being secretive myself. They couldn’t resist the temptation for more adventure so they happily volunteered to join us tomorrow.”
“So it seems Gil-Galad has lost two of his finest guards.” Galadriel joked.
Elrond shrugged. “It’s not that he needs them at the moment or in the immediate future. It will take a while before the three armies have been assembled and I highly doubt that there will be an attack on Lindon any time soon. I have read the reports made by the scouts and there have been no orc sightings anywhere near Lindon or Mithlond.”
“Isn’t that a bit strange?” Galadriel replied thoughtfully. “Sauron has an entire army of orcs behind his back and the nine rings that Celebrimbor forged. We have been significantly weakened since the fall of Ost-in-Edhil and our armies have not yet been fully assembled. Why wouldn’t he take advantage of this situation to drive us out of Middle-Earth?”
“I still have difficulties imagining Halbrand being the Dark Lord.” Elendil admitted. “He was a good lad and a very decent smith when I brought you two to Númenor after being shipwrecked. He even saved my life during the attack on that Southland village.”
“The Deceiver carries his name well.” Galadriel replied bitterly. “So how did it go with Camnir?”
“As expected, he was a lot more difficult to speak to. Truth be told I am not sure whether he will actually join us. He was most relunctant after Cirdan spilled the beans to him before I could ask.”
“Cirdan knows?” Galadriel asked confusion visible on her face.
“Don’t ask me how but yes he knows. I do not believe we have to worry about it at the moment, he seems to be on our side. At least he has not informed the King yet.”
“Let’s hope it stays that way.” Galadriel replied. “I do sure hope that Camnir will join us tomorrow, he is a pleasant travel companion.”
“He is that young lad who asked me to copy down Númenor’s maps right?” Elendil asked curiously.
“Yes he is, though I think he is a lot older than you are.” Galadriel joked. “He is the King’s cartographer, well respected and extremely skillfull in making maps and navigating. Though he is not very used to conflicts. I fear the recent few weeks have put a toll on him. I quite understand if he is not ready to go an another journey.”
“I hope he will join us. With his navigational skills, he could shorten our journey considerably especially if we run into any troubles.”
“If the Southlands still look as they did when we last left there then there is no doubt we will run into trouble.” Elendil replied gloomily. He could still remember that dreadful day when the quiet mountain exploded with such great force that it nearly killed them all. It was the same day that lost his son and blinded his Queen.
“If your son is in Pelargir like Arondir said he is, then perhaps we don’t have to run into any problems at all. “ Galadriel replied comfortingly. “After all, Pelargir is located on the outer edges of the Southlands and is not affected by the fumes of the volcano. We will be back here with your son before King Gil-Galad even notices that we’re gone.”
Elendil smiled at the Elves seated around him feeling comforted by the words of Galadriel. “Let us make a toast then to a swift and successful search for Isildur!”
Both Elrond and Galadriel raised their glasses, “cheers!” and the three of them downed their drink before their conversation turned into less serious topics.
The following morning arrived quickly and as promised, Arondir, Vorohil, Beriedir and Adar had already assembled themselves at the stables packing away their gear carefully onto their horses. The sun had yet to rise but faint traces of first light were already visible when Galadriel, Elrond and Elendil joined the others.
“Good morning to all.” Elendil greeted the others gratefully. He could still hardly believe that all of these Elves, including one former enemy, were all so eager to help him find his son.
“Good morning Elendil.” Vorohil replied enthusiastically. “I hope you had a comfortable night rest because it will probably be a while before we can sleep again in a decent bed.”
Elendil laughed softly. “I am used to sleeping roughly on the seas, I figure land shouldn’t be a problem.”
“That’s the spirit!” Beriedir laughed as they steered their horses out of the stable.
“Have you seen Camnir?” Elrond asked concerned.
“No I haven’t” Galadriel replied while she made her way to Elrond. “Are you alright?” She asked softly out of earshot of the others. She placed one of her hands on the exact same spot Elrond was stabbed by Sauron with Morgoth’s crown not too long ago.
Elrond placed his hand on top of hers and squeezed it confidently. “I am doing perfectly fine. I assure you that I am no longer troubled by nightmares.”
“If there is anything, please do not hesitate and talk to me alright?”
Elrond nodded. “Of course meleth nîn, you will be the first to know after Elendil.” Galadriel laughed and kissed him briefly on his cheek before returning to her horse.
Gil-Galad and part of his remaining royal guard arrived at the stables not soon after the others had prepared themselves for the journey.
“You are here early in the morning, what is the meaning of this?” The King asked his Herald.
“I intend on returning to Rivendell immediately my king. I thought it would be convenient to travel part of the way along with you.”
Gil-Galad looked a little suspicious at the band of Elves who seemed far too eager to travel along with his Herald.
“Where is our Cartographer?” Gil-Galad asked with even more suspicion. “Surely your friend will be joining your side at Rivendell?”
“I’m here my King!” Camnir called out from a slight distance but within Elvish earshot. Elrond and Ereinion turned to see Camnir approach in all haste and lightly packed.
“Got lost on your way to the stables?” Gil-Galad asked in such a way that Elrond could not tell whether he was joking or irritated.
“Forgive me, my king.” Camnir was panting by the time he reached his horse. Elrond observed the somewhat questionable behaviour of his friend but remained quiet as to not arouse any more suspicions in his King.
“If you are finally ready, go and saddle up. I want to be back in Lindon as soon as possible.” Gil-Galad and his guard mounted their horses as did Elrond and his company as they slowly made their way to the outskirts of Mithlond.
“Safe travels…” Cirdan told the passing company while he stood on the edge of the grey havens gazing thoughtfully at the departing Elves.