It has been a week since Galahir and Armanduil docked at Mithlond. They picked up a hard-fought shipment of Linen in Forlond and afterwards loaded a shipment of various herbs in Harlond. The herbs were already dispatched to the market of Mithlond, but the Linen shipment belonged to a tailor in Falathlorn, that still needed to be delivered. Armanduil waited around the dock for his friend Galahir to return. The early spring was in the air, he closed his eyes as the sun shed its light over the havens and the sound of seagulls ringed in his ears.
Someone tapped him on the shoulder, it was the young Galahir who didn’t look too amused “Bad news, the shipwright has concluded his inspection of my ship, it doesn’t look too good”. Armanduil looked with some disappointment to the sea “How long will it take to repair?”. Galahir sighed slightly “He couldn’t start repairs anytime soon, after the winter the stores are lacking supplies. Great parts of the hull need replacement and the sails need to be remade…”. Armanduil hoped he could fill many a year transferring the goods from dock to dock, and looked saddened by this news. Galahir shared the sentiment as he belonged to the sea “I can arrange someone who will take you back to Forlond, friend”. Ever since the last departure Forlond did not feel the same anymore. The emptiness that the departure of his mother and few of his friend left behind was not easy to bear, and Forlond now seemed like a monument of memories of a happier time. Armanduil shook his head “No, I have no desire to return to Forlond.”.
Galahir stared at the sea and hesitated to speak “You have changed friend, although we hardly speak of it, I can sense you are struggling”. Armanduil kept silent as he stared in the same direction as his him. Galahir spoke again after a pause “….what is keeping you here?”. Armanduil did not break his stare “Unanswered questions tie me to this world, and a promise towards my father”. Galahir looked in thought knowing he talked about his lost sister, Galahir was one of the few who he entrusted with this information. For a time they watched the waves entering the bay of Mithlond.
Armanduil broke the silence “What will you do now?” . Galahir shrugged mildly “I will stay around here and keep an eye on the repairs”. Armanduil gestured towards the linen shipment “What about the linen cargo, why has no-one picked it up by now?”. Galahir checked his journal “Oh, it seems that the tailor had not arranged anyone to get it”. Armanduil turned around “Can I bring it to him, it’s been a long time since I visited Falathlorn”. Galahir blinked “Yes, why not, it’s not like we planned something else, do we?”. Galahir described the route he best should take and they said their farewells, Armanduil patted his shoulder “Take care my friend, until we meet again.”
In the stables he found his horse again who had been well tended for. The horse pushed his head into Armanduils torso in greeting while he stroked his dark brown manes “Yes its me, I have returned”. The horse keeper smiled at the reunion of the horse and its rider “He missed you, go ahead and take the horse out for a ride”. He led the horse out of the stable and tied the wagon of linen behind him. With a slow thread they departed from Mithlond.
The tree branches were full of new leaf and flower buds, signs of early spring. Yet winter chill could still be felt. The nature was preparing for new life, Armanduil listened as early birds already filled the air with their songs. It was a pleasant ride between overhanging trees with in the distant the flowing sound of river Lhûn.
After a long while he reached Falathlorn region and made his way to the tailor. The tailor was dressed in long linen blue robe himself stood outside his door. He hailed Armanduil and approached the wagon “Is this the Linen shipment I was patiently waiting for?” Armanduil jumped off his horse and opened a crate and lay the long finely woven fabric over his arm for him to see. The tailor inspected the fabric intently and wishes to see all of the crates. In the end he was quite pleased with the quality of the Linen and invited Armanduil inside. Once inside he looked at a neatly ordered workshop with many shelves and cabinets dedicated to tailoring. There were also a few mannequins, one of them had a very long dress with the colors of the sea. Armanduil stood before it and inspected it with curiosity. The tailor smiled and let his fingers slide over the fabric of the blue dress “Remarkable is it? I am making this one for a wedding, look closely as the dress moves.” When the tailor moved the dress it seemed as if the waves of the sea flowed over the fabric. Armanduil looked impressed as he sat down at a table in the corner. They shared a cup of tea and talked for quite a while about the trouble of the Linen shipment. The topic changed as Armanduil was enquiring if there was any work to be found around here. The tailor gave it a long thought “You may try speaking with the Mithdirith in their hall of Thamas Lorn, which is not that far from here.” Armanduil sat in doubt for a moment “I am no stranger to warfare, but I have not served in any army since the Battle of Fornost, I doubt I can be of any use to them”. The tailor smirked, “Just go talk with them, Falathlorn is known for its beauty and creation of arts and wonders.”. The tailor looked at the mannequin with the new dress when he said that.
Armanduil thanked for his hospitality and rode to the appointed mansion. Its towers peaked high in the sky and the white-flower banners danced gently in the wind. He reached the front door and slowly walked in the entree hall. He was approached by a proud looking elf who greeted him politely and asked whether he made an appointment. Armanduil bowed in return, he had no appointment as he realized he simply barged in the hall. No offense was taken however, and he was given a glass of wine as they waited until the Hirgonui was able to see him. After a short wait he was led before the Hirgonui, Armanduil looked at his long silver hair and guessed he was one of the Teleri. After proper introductions he spoke “Armanduil, what can I do for you?”.
