Epistolary Week 2026 Day 3: Family-invited
This is the third piece written for Silmarillion Epistolary Week 2026, @silmarillionepistolary Thank you for running this!
Previously, I wrote a cute little meeting between Gil-Galad and a little Elfling, CelebrĂan. In it, they became lifelong friends, via letter. These are the continuing letters. You can find the AO3 link to it here: Kith and Kin
I have also added this to the notes of Day two, for convenience.
Today's letters continue between Gil-Galad and CelebrĂan, as she prepares to come of age.
Day 3: Family, Loyalty, Journals
This is a continuation of yesterday's letters. Time has moved on and CelebrĂan is almost of age.
Since her birth year is roughly SA 300. These letters are written around SA 400
AO3 link: Day 3: Family-invited
Dear Gil-Galad,
What did Nanath do that you put her on a boat to Valinor? She told me about it. But now I'm curious why you did it.
She says she stayed for adar, but I wonder at that.
That is not why I'm writing though. (But please answer)
I am writing to personally ask you to come to LothlĂłrien when I come of age. I still have half a year, I know. I also know that you are very busy as high-king. I really like having you as my kin. It's not like I really have others, but even if I did, I'd still like you best.
Please come if you can. Nanath will finally teach me to make lembas bread. That's a significant milestone in our family.
Also I'm drying my own berries so the next time I give them to you, they will not be stolen, maybe.
Kindest regards,
CelebrĂan
Dear my not-so-little-kin,
I would be delighted to come. I will even set aside my crown and come as your kin Ereinion. I shall be required to bring a small guard with me, due to travelling and orc attacks. But I shall dress in my own colours, and not those of the king.
The reason I offered Galadriel a place on a boat to Valinor is perhaps better discussed in person. I shall endeavour to steal some time away from your celebration to explain.
Are you still thinking of being an explorer?
Am I also making Lembas bread?
Looking forward to seeing you
Ereinion
Greetings Erinion,
(Doesnât that sound so grown up)
I know you said you're not coming as king. This fills my heart with joy, incidentally. However, please bring Aeglos? I have heard of the many great feats you have achieved and wish to look upon the kingâs favoured weapon.
I am undecided about exploring now. I still wish to travel, but Iâve heard too many stories of Elves just disappearing. Perhaps that was on purpose to keep me home. (Or safe) For now I have decided to study Embroidery. Are you aware that Nanath has surviving embroidery from Doriath? Well she does! Iâm hoping to figure out how they made it and replicate the style. Itâs more challenging than it sounds. I am hoping to replicate the very colours in the threads, though we do not have access to the plants used for the dyes here.
I will be making Lembas, as it falls in tradition. (But perhaps you can pay close attention. You are king after all, and surely kings can bend some rules.) You will, hopefully, be eating it.
King Oropher is unable to attend. However, he is sending his son in his stead. Do you know of Thranduil? I have never met him, but from the chatter I have heard, Oropher hopes we will match. I think Iâm a bit young. Perhaps he should wait a dozen or perhaps even 50 years, until I am slightly more settled into adulthood.
Your almost grown up Kin,
CelebrĂan
Greetings CelebrĂan,
(It does sound grown up, you are right)
Of course I shall bring Aeglos! You need not to have even asked. Are you hoping I will bend some rules, as king and let you use my weapon a little? Because if the answer is yes, then I am absolutely planning that.
The Historical study of something lost sounds truly fascinating! I hope you will keep me informed of your successes and indeed your failures. Be sure to keep detailed notes, so others may follow your findings.
I know Thranduil. I think you will like him, but not in the way Oropher seems to be hoping. You donât have to rush marriage. How long was it before your mother even met your father? Cirdan is the oldest and wisest and he still has no wife.
I need to go on a good-will tour for a few months. I most likely will be unable to write or receive your letters. Do not fret at my lack of letters. I shall attend your coming-of-age celebration. If Galadriel sends the invite through official channels, I have left instruction on how the invitation is to be handled. (I have already written my acceptance. It is merely waiting for the invite.)
Your very grown up kin,
Ereinion.
