The War of Wrath (writing/editing)

[Huinesoron]

So I've started work on my version of the Voyage of Earendil, tentatively titled The War of Wrath. I have an outline which reached the Muster of Valinor in 25 scenes - but in writing the first three scenes, I already increased that length by one. If it gets too long, I think we should consider cutting Earendil off from the War - and getting a war-writer to create WoW.

I'm going to put my working notes/outline into this post. That'll mean full, quite disjointed notes for the unwritten scenes - with no numbers, as they're subject to change - being cut down to just the titles for those which I've posted. I'll also link the written scenes to this post, so we can keep everything organised.

1. The Ruin of Doriath
2. The Flight of Elwing/Opening titles
3. Arrival and Reunion
4. First Meeting
5. Some Years Later
6. Progress Report
7. Sea-longing
8. Tenn' Ambar-metta
9. The World's End
10. Building Vingilot
11. Setting Sail
12. Osse's Rebuff
13. The Southern Shore
The Spider's Lair - Drained - Earendil v. Ungoliant - Her flight
Camp - Vision of Sirion - 'We have to go home!'
Map of Earendil's return, assault on Havens - Overlay of assault
Smoke at Sirion - Gil-Galad's restraint - News - 'Cast off I say!'
Earendil's grief - A new star - Elwing! - Flashback to the dive - ' I give it unto you' - 'We sail west.'
Across the Shadowy Sea (montage) - Taniquetil!
'None but myself will set foot' - 'I will take on myself also' - 'Only one may bring'
The Pass of Light - Diamonds in Tirion - Tongues of both Elves and Men - Turning back - Whispers
The Ring of Doom - The Powers in Aspect form - 'Aiya Earendil elenion ancalima!' - Earendil's prayer (w/ Quenya echo) - Granted! - The Doom of Mandos to Earendil
Reunion at Swanhaven - Elwing's choice - 'We have a lot of work to do'.
(Silent) Farewell to companions - With the Eldar to Aman
Remaking Vingilot - Elwing's tower
Farewell to Earth - 'No regrets' - A new star rises - Flying to meet him
Earendil's view of the Muster of Valinor and the Swanfleet

And a brief summary of planned major changes...

-The various voyages of Earendil are being cut down to one. He tries to reach Valinor, is rebuffed, ends up fighting Ungoliant, then returns to Sirion too late.
-Earendil does not kill Ungoliant. I like the 'she devoured herself' story better. But it is vaguely canonical that he fought her.
-I'm removing Eonwe from Tirion. Earendil will walk alone to Ezellohar and the Ring of Doom before he meets anyone - though he will be prompted by 'whispers'. This is for purely dramatic purposes. I have a scene planned.
-I'm making Celebrimbor the Warden of the Havens of Sirion before Tuor et al show up. He has to be somewhere, after all, and his presence in the story will allow me to do something with scene 6 that I really want to.
-Tied to this, I'm making Gil-Galad the son of Orodreth, who will keep his position as son of Finarfin. This is a half-and-half between the published Silmarillion, and JRRT's final conclusions on the matter.

[Huinesoron]

Scene 1: The Ruin of Doriath

[A picturesque forest, recognisable as Doriath from The Lay of Luthien. Birdsong. Pan slowly to the bridge over Esgalduin – and smoke pouring out of the doors of Menegroth. Hold. A cruel-looking Elf saunters out, his sword dripping blood.]

MAEDHROS: [OSV] Curufin!

[Curufin turns, and we cut to Maedhros standing by a tree (his sword, too, is red) and Maglor hunched over on a stump. Curufin walks into shot]

MAEDHROS: Curufin – have you found it?

CURUFIN: [grimacing] No. He didn't have it, she didn't have it, it's not in the treasury... [He shrugs]

[Maedhros sighs]

MAEDHROS: All right. Bring them to me and we'll try to... persuade them.

CURUFIN: It's rather late for that, brother dear.

[Silence. Maedhros stares at him]

MAEDHROS: You didn't.

CURUFIN: [suddenly angry] Our brothers are dead, Maedhros! Caranthir shot from behind – that half-breed Dior killed Celegorm with his own sword! This isn't a game where no-one really gets hurt. Of course I killed them. [Maedhros' sword starts to rise – Curufin ignores it completely] What did you think was going to happen? They stole our Silmaril.

MAGLOR: [without lifting his head] What did you do with them?

CURUFIN: [blinking] Well, I have a sword. What do you-?

[Maglor lifts his head, eyes blazing]

MAGLOR: His children, Curufin. What did you do with his children?

CURUFIN: [shrugs] Those two boys? Is it important?

[Maedhros' sword is now definitely threatening Curufin]

MAEDHROS: Answer. Him.

CURUFIN: Celegorm had them hidden in the woods. Some sort of negotiation tactic, I think. [He laughs] I guess we'll not be seeing them again any time soon.

MAEDHROS: [flat] You disgust me.

CURUFIN: Oh, come, brother, Father would have-

MAGLOR: [shouting] You know nothing of what Father would have done!

CURUFIN: Oh, the harper has teeth. You always did think you were his favourite, didn't you? Well, big brother, I-

DORIATHRIN ELF: [OSV] Dior!



MAEDHROS: We have to find those boys.

[Maglor nods, ignoring Curufin's body]

MAGLOR: Didn't he have a daughter, too? What do you think happened to her?

[Maedhros turns and looks at the gates of Menegroth – flames are now licking out of the cave mouth]

MAEDHROS: In all this? I doubt she's alive – or wants to be.

[Spin and race away through the forest, disorienting the viewer until we come to a small group of Elves. In the middle is a young girl, about eight years old, weeping and holding a rough wooden box to her chest. Out of the cracks of the box beams of light shine – the Silmaril]

[Huinesoron]

Scene 2: The Flight of Elwing/Opening Titles

[Opening titles over an parchment-type map. Moving dotted lines appear in White (Elwing), Red (Maedhros), Black (Orcs), Blue (Earendil) and Yellow (Cirdan) – each leaves a fading 'trail' behind it, tracing various paths. We start focussed on Doriath, with the red line milling about north of Menegroth while the white flees west towards Sirion. The red heads off south-east towards Amon Ereb (off-screen), and we pan across to follow white to Sirion. As we scroll out of Doriath, we see black lines entering it from the north]

[The white line crosses Sirion. We see black lines crawling across Talath Dirnen, and one comes to intercept the white at the northern end of Aelin-uial. As they overtake the white, blue comes down Sirion's west bank and drives the black off. Blue and white pass southwards to where we see the Havens of Sirion, with yellow ship-lines moving in the Bay of Balar]

---

Note a little fiddling with the timeline takes place here. In actuality, Doriath fell at least a year before Gondolin, so this scene would imply Elwing's party took a twelve-month break in Nivrim. So I tweaked it.

[Huinesoron]

Scene 3: Arrival and Reunion

[Looking out over the white walls of the Haven, we see the combined Gondolin/Doriath party approaching. Cheers in the haven. Pan down and fly over the heads of the crowd to look the the gates as Tuor and Indril pass through, young Earendil on Tuor's shoulders. Celebrimbor, Warden of the Havens, comes out to meet them]

CELEBRIMBOR: [flustered] We heard you were coming – our scouts - up at the falls – welcome. In the name of the Valar, welcome.

[He glances nervously between Tuor and Idril. The latter smiles gently]

IDRIL: Hello, Celebrimbor. It's been a long time.

[Murmurs from the Doriathrin party. A commotion. Elwing marches forward, shaking off those who attempt to restrain her, and stops in front of Celebrimbor. Earendil watches her in amazement]

ELWING: [very formal] You, sir, are Celebrimbor son of Curufin son of Fëanor?

[Celebrimbor winces, but his reply is delivered perfectly calmly]

CELEBRIMBOR: Not any more. Curufin – that entire family – was a dangerous maniac. I stopped being one of them long before you were born. But... [He kneels down in front of her. Elwing tilts her head slightly, considering him] Being tied to them by blood if not by kinship or choice, I will do everything I can to repay you for his actions. Starting with this news: Celegorm, Caranthir and Curufin are dead.

ELWING: [nods] Good. They deserved it.

CELEBRIMBOR: I agree. Wholeheartedly.

ELWING: [curious/mischievous – she is eight, after all, and has had some time to get used to the situation] So, if you are not of the House of Fëanor the Accursed, does that mean you do not want this?

[Without any further warning she opens the box and the light of the Silmaril shines on Celebrimbor's face. He gasps and leans forward slightly, involuntarily, before getting himself under control. He swallows and looks up into Elwing's eyes]

CELEBRIMBOR: I would never touch that jewel – not even if I found it lying at the side of the road.

ELWING: [closing the box] Good. You'll do.

CELEBRIMBOR: [nods gravely] I thank you for your confidence, Heir of Thingol. [he stands] My ladies, my lords, once again – welcome to the Havens of Sirion. Please, come inside.

[Tuor lifts Eärendil from his shoulders as the party moves to follow Celebrimbor, and kneels down next to him]

TUOR: I have a mission for you, son.

EARENDIL: Something dangerous?

TUOR: Better – something useful. Take a look around this Haven, find out how it's laid out – how it's defended. Stay inside the walls, but learn everything you can.

[Eärendil looks thoughtful]

EÄRENDIL: I might accomplish more if I had a companion in my task.

TUOR: I'm afraid I can't spare anyone right now, Eärendil.

[Eärendil looks over at Elwing]

EÄRENDIL: Not to worry, Father. I think I can find my own...

[Huinesoron]

Scene 4: First Meeting

[Against a backdrop of a white, columned building we see Elwing sitting on the grass, the Silmaril's box open in her hands. She is looking down into the light as Eärendil silently approaches from behind]

ELWING: [not looking up] They used to say the necklace it was set in was cursed – by a dwarf, I think. So when the sons of Fëanor came with their swords, Father pried it out. 'Put the jewel in your treasure box,' he said, 'and keep it safe. It's yours now, granddaughter of Luthien.' 'But what about you?' I asked, and he... just smiled.

[Earendil stares at her for a long moment before replying]

EARENDIL: My uncle tried to kill me before we left home. He was going to throw me off the cliff, but Father saved me. Then I watched... my grandfather fell from his tower when the enemy attacked.

[Elwing closes the box, stands, and turns to face him]

ELWING: Why are people wicked?

EARENDIL: Because they want things. Because they see people as things.

ELWING: [nods sadly] And... why are people good?

[Beat]

EARENDIL: That's a tricky one.

[Elwing laughs, holds out her hand]

ELWING: I'm Elwing. Daughter of Dior son of Luthien daughter of Thingol.

[They clasp hands briefly]

EARENDIL: Eärendil son of Idril daughter of Turgon the High King. And... what's that?

[He points at the box. Elwing clutches it to her, looks unhappy]

ELWING: [clipped] This is the Silmaril Beren and Luthien rescued from Angband. It's why my parents – and my brothers – died. Everyone wants it.

EARENDIL: I don't want it.

ELWING: Good. Because I'll never give it to you.

TUOR: [OSV] ... doesn't feel right, just taking your city from you.

[Cut to Tuor and Celebrimbor walking along a colonnaded patio down the side of the building]

CELEBRIMBOR: It's not my city, it's Cirdan's and Gil-Galad's. As warden, it is my duty to tell them about Turgon's death – and Thingol's. [He stops, turns to face Tuor] But it's more than that. You're a messenger of Ulmo. Everyone in this Haven will listen to you – which can't be said of me.

[Tuor considers this, then nods reluctantly. Cut back to the children as Tuor and Celebrimbor walk into shot from the left]

TUOR: I suppose you're right. I still don't like it, though. [He stops, and Celebrimbor continues off screen] Eärendil! How goes the mission?

[Eärendil exchanges a look with Elwing, and they grin]

EARENDIL: I think it's going pretty well, Father. Come on!

[He darts off to the left, and after a moment Elwing follows him, laughing. Tuor shakes his head and walks off right, after Celebrimbor]

[Huinesoron]

Scene 5: Some Years Later

[The garden fades to another day, where everything looks slightly older and more battered. We hear laughter still, but now more adult, and then adult Eärendil runs across the camera, Elwing close behind. Go to closeup as she catches him by one arm. He spins around the arm to face her and they stop]

ELWING: Got you! Now you have to pay the forfeit.

EARENDIL: And what might that be?

ELWING: It might be lots of things. I might require a flower from each of the gardens in the Haven...

EARENDIL: But that would take all day!

ELWING: Shouldn't have let me catch you, then... but no. Let the flowers keep growing. I'll claim my prize from you directly.

[She rises up on tiptoes (note that on grounds of heredity, Elwing is probably somewhat shorter than Earendil – Tuor and Turgon were both tall, while Beren and the Moriquendi in general were shorter) and goes to kiss him on the cheek, but Earendil turns his head at the last second and catches her lips on his. Elwing's eyes widen – but she leans into the kiss. A few seconds pass before they part]

ELWING: [slightly breathless] Earendil Half-elven, I do believe you planned that.

[Earendil raises an eyebrow – remember he is Elrond's father!]

EARENDIL: And what if I did, Elwing Five-eighths-elven? Must I pay another forfeit?

ELWING: Hmm, I think that might be necessary...

[She leans forward again, but starts back as clear trumpets sound somewhere in the city. Earendil tilts his head attentively]

EARENDIL: A ship... from Balar... flying the High King's standard!

[He turns to face Elwing, eagerness showing in his face. She sighs tolerantly and makes a shooing motion]

ELWING: Hurry down and you can watch them dock. I'll join you in a while... no, on second thoughts, your mother will need help preparing the council hall. I'll meet you there.

[Earendil gives her a hug and a quick kiss and runs to the right out of shot. Alone, Elwing's cheerful demeanour slips and she wraps her arms around herself in an echo of the hug]

ELWING: The Sea... oh, Earendil my love, I know I have your heart, and it's good to see you so happy... but I wish I didn't fear the raging deeps would take you from me...

[Shaking her head, she walks off to the left]

---

This scene is mostly setup for the next, but it's also to establish something about Elwing: she fears the Sea, both for its hold on Earendil, and for itself - she is, after all, a forest girl.

[Huinesoron]

Scene 6: Progress Report

[Fade to the interior of the council building. Elves from the Havens, Doriath, Gondolin and Balar are present (along with a few assorted Men), all distinguishable by their habitual dress – silver & grey for the Havens, foresty for Doriath, ornate for Gondolin and white for Balar – and milling around in general conversation. At the top of the hall is a long, almost empty table, behind which is a line of banners. From left to right: Beor – Thingol – Cirdan (a white swanship) – Gil-Galad – Turgon – Finwe – Hador. Other banners are scattered around the hall, including Luthien, Beren, and various Houses of Gondolin – this website (www.forodrim.org/gobennas/heraldry/heraldry.htm ) is a good resource. Fly slowly down the crowded hall to where Tuor and Cirdan are sitting in front of the banners of Turgon and Cirdan, conversing across Gil-Galad's empty seat.

TUOR: No more arrivals?

CIRDAN: Neither on the Isle, nor at the ruins of Brithombar and Eglarest. And, nothing here?

[Tuor shakes his head sadly]

TUOR: It doesn't make sense, Cirdan. I know there are people left up north. Dor-Lomin has never been emptied, and even Hithlum... well, the mountains and forests of Beleriand should be thick with Elvish refugees.

CIRDAN: And men, too, give your race their due. But... well, you named Dor-Lomin. Even before the fall of Nargothrond the Edain there were little more than thralls to Morgoth's servants. Now, with no-one but orcs in Beleriand... what chance does even the bravest ex-thrall, half-starved and abused, have of reaching us?

TUOR: Not all are thralls. [He glances at an ongoing conversation at the side of the room between Earendil, Elwing, Gil-Galad and Celebrimbor, and lowers his voice] The Sons of Feanor-

CIRDAN: [sharp] Would not be welcome in any of our realms, after their actions. [He sighs] But yes, Maedhros still holds his own in the east. And the Green Elves still occupy Ossiriand, right up to the feet of the Mountains. Here in the west, however... there is no Beleriand any more. [He meets Tuor's gaze] I still say you should remove to the Isle. This Haven is not safe.

[Tuor shakes his head]

TUOR: I won't make that decision. I leave it to those who come after me.

[Cirdan looks dissatisfied, but takes the hint and unrolls a sheet of parchment onto the table between them]

CIRDAN: Since you brought it up... I've had to make a few changes in the course of the construction...

[Pull back as they lean over the diagrams of a ship on the paper, then focus on the standing group previously noted. Gil-Galad is gesturing emphatically]

GIL-GALAD: ... could retake the whole of the West with the forces we have available! Bounded by the Ered Wethrin to the north and Sirion to the east-

ELWING: Sirion's no use as a defence, though. We learnt that; Father was always off fighting Orcs who crossed from the west.

GIL-GALAD: All right, so we'll have to fortify it. Not the whole length, of course, but there must be somewhere south of the Mountains we could set our border.

EARENDIL: Not likely. It's terrifyingly open out there. I think the Dark Lord has his armies cutting down trees instead of elves, these days-

GIL-GALAD: I hear you, but there must be something. We could reoccupy Nargothrond, at the least.

CELEBRIMBOR: No.

GIL-GALAD: [blinks] Why not? It was a perfect fortress when my uncle established it, what's so different now?

EARENDIL: It's not a secret any more.

ELWING: You haven't got the forces to guard Talath Dirnen.

CELEBRIMBOR: – you weren't there, your Majesty. Not at the end.

GIL-GALAD: Nor were you. You were at Tumladen. You ran.

[Celebrimbor flinches]

CELEBRIMBOR: The Dragon-

GIL-GALAD: Is dead at the hands of one who didn't run. My father didn't run.

CELEBRIMBOR: [clipped] And Orodreth is dead.

[Gil-Galad goes to respond, but Celebrimbor holds up a hand]

CELEBRIMBOR: [becoming more anguished] Gil-Galad, it wasn't just scary. It was as if the fear was in your very bones. I watched elves I'd known since the Trees – brave elves – throw down their swords and just wait for death – or even take their own lives. Yes, I ran. I have no doubt I would run again, if I had to face him another time.

EARENDIL: [low] There were dragons when Gondolin fell. Not many of us escaped.

[Celebrimbor nods at him]

CELEBRIMBOR: But despite all that... Sire, our old home is cursed. By the Dragon, by [he glances at Elwing] others. It wouldn't be a safe haven – any more than Menegroth.

[Gil-Galad sighs]

GIL-GALAD: I suppose so. But we have to do something. Hiding on an island – or in a delta – won't hold off the Enemy forever.

EARENDIL: [far-away look] Remember that the true hope of the Noldor lieth in the West, and cometh from the Sea.

ELWING: What's that?

EARENDIL: It's the message – father's message from Ulmo to Turgon.

GIL-GALAD: Well, there is no hope from the West for us. No messenger we've sent has ever gotten through – and few enough even come back.

EARENDIL: Maybe you're sending the wrong sort of emissary. Maybe the Valar need someone special.

CELEBRIMBOR: Like us four?

[They look at him in surprise. He shrugs]

CELEBRIMBOR: Think about it. Between us we represent pretty much every force for Good in Beleriand. The Houses of Fingolfin, [he points at Earendil] Finarfin, [Gil-Galad] and, okay, Fëanor... the Grey and Green-Elves [Elwing], not to mention a Maia...

EARENDIL: [nodding along] You can't leave out the Edain: Beor [he points at Elwing] and Hador [to himself].

ELWING: [small voice] Your father's father's mother was of the Haladin, I think.

CELEBRIMBOR: There we are, then. We'll borrow that ship Cirdan's building for you father [Earendil starts but doesn't interrupt] and set sail for Valinor. What could go wrong?

GIL-GALAD: And when Lord Osse shows up, we'll say, what? 'Don't mind us, we're just passing through.' [He shakes his head, but can't help smiling] Genius, Celebrimbor. Maybe we should make you High King in my place.

CELEBRIMBOR: Oh, that would go down well, a twice-dispossessed King. I'd have about as much chance of passing myself off as Turgon's secret son. [He strikes a faux-valiant pose] Behold! I am Celebrimbor of Gondolin, kinsman to the King and no relation to and other Celebrimbors you may have heard of!

[Pull out on their laughter]

---

Lots of references here. Gil-Galad ended up ruling in Lindon - the last part of Beleriand to remain above the waves - so he clearly had some attachment to the old place. All the genealogy mentioned is accurate. Tolkien considered making Celebrimbor of Eregion/Hollin a separate character to the son of Curufin - a smith of Gondolin, in fact. And he is, of course, twice dispossessed - the House of Feanor, which he has removed himself from, was already the Dispossessed (see the Doom of Mandos).

[Huinesoron]

Scene 7: Sea-longing

[Cut to a dark shore, with the sound of laughter still fading out. Under the clear, starry sky we see one light on the water – the departing ship. Pull back slightly so we are looking over Earendil's shoulder as he stares out from the beach. Another figure enters the shot and puts a hand on Earendil's shoulder. Cut to front shot]

TUOR: They'll be back.

[Earendil doesn't reply, and Tuor nods]

TUOR: But that's not the thing, is it, son? It's not that they're gone – it's that you're not.

[Earendil looks at him, startled, then smiles slightly]

EARENDIL: You too?

TUOR: Oh yes. Ever since the horns of Ulmo called me to the beach. The Eldar say the sea-longing is their curse alone, but...

[He shrugs. Earendil looks curious]

EARENDIL: So why do you stay? Gil-Galad would be happy to have you on the Isle, I'm sure.

TUOR: And even happier to have you, my son. Why didn't you leave?

[Earendil looks uncomfortable]

EARENDIL: Well, there's a lot of things tying me to the Haven-

TUOR: Things? Or people?

[Earendil feigns confusion, then gives up]

EARENDIL: How did you know?

TUOR: I'm your father, Earendil, not stupid.

[Earendil slumps]

EARENDIL: How long have you known?

TUOR: Remember the first day we arrived?

[Earendil groans and puts his head in his hands. Tuor pats him on the back]

TUOR: Son, you and Elwing are the only two of your kind – half-elven – in the world. Of course you were going to fall in lone. And I'm happy for you.

[Earendil raises his head]

EARENDIL: You're not disappointed?

TUOR: In your choice? No. Perhaps a little that you didn't think to tell us, but...

[Earendil groans]

EARENDIL: Mother knows too?

TUOR: Mothers always know. She's been pestering me to find someone to teach you silverwork. [Earendil looks blank] The rings...?

[Earendil flushes red]

EARENDIL: We haven't... I mean, I didn't...

TUOR: Yes, I know. Don't you know it's impolite to keep a girl waiting?

[Earendil shakes his head, then straightens up]

EARENDIL: [formal] The Princess Elwing will be teaching me the patterns of the stars this night. With your permission, then, Lord of the Havens and of my House, I will broach the subject with her.

TUOR: [smiles] Good lad. Your mother will be so pleased.

[Earendil nods and turns to go, then stops and half-turns back]

EARENDIL: Then, father, since you so very neatly changed the subject... what's keeping you here?

[Tuor nods – well played – and looks again at the ship, now low on the horizon]

TUOR: [quiet] My heart yearns not for the south, for the Isle of Balar, but rather for the Ancient West. That's why- [He checks. Earendil nods]

EARENDIL: Why you're having Cirdan build you a ship. [He catches Tuor's look] You're not the only one who can worm out secrets, father. What's her name?

TUOR: Eärrámë.

EARENDIL: The Sea-Wing. You named her after our House? [Tuor nods] And will Mother pass West with you?

TUOR: [quiet] She will.

EARENDIL: I understand. And... when?

[Long pause]

TUOR: [slow] Among the Eldar, a betrothal lasts a year before silver rings are exchanged for gold. [Pause] Son – I will see you wed.

[Earendil nods, bites his lip, then crosses the space between them to give his father a hug before heading up the beach. Tuor stands alone as the ship passes finally out of sight]

---

I've just noticed another change I've made from canon - one that's probably indefensible. Nimloth, Elwing's mother, is apparently a Grey-elf, not a Green- -- apparently she's Celeborn's niece.

[Huinesoron]

Scene 8: Tenn' Ambar-metta

[Slam cut to a bright day in front of the council hall with upbeat music & rose petals falling from the balcony above. At the foot of the steps is a milling crowd in festival clothing, but note that there are no elvish children – just Mannish ones. The doors to the hall are concealed by three banners – Thingol, Gil-Galad, Turgon – and in front of them stand Elwing, Gil-Galad and Earendil. Idril stands behind Elwing, and Tuor behind Earendil, making a line of five. All are dressed in elaborately simple finery – but Earendil and Elwing even more so. Elwing's hairpiece is a creation in fine silver wire which holds the Silmaril on her brow]

GIL-GALAD: And who stands for the bride?

IDRIL: I stand for her in memory of Nimloth, her mother.

GIL-GALAD: And of what house and lineage is she?

IDRIL: She is Elwing, Thingol's heir of Doriath, and shares the blood of Denethor and Beor.

GIL-GALAD: Elwing, will you be joined with this man and with his house?

ELWING: I will.

GIL-GALAD: Why?

[We get the impression that this ritual question does not have a ritual answer – she's actually supposed to think about it. She does, and the crowd goes quiet]

ELWING: Because I love him. My heart is already his – and always will be.

GIL-GALAD: As High King of Elves, Men and all that is Good in Middle-earth, I declare that this union shall be.

[He steps back, and Earendil and Elwing face each other directly. Silence. They each hold out their left hands, and each removes the silver ring from the other's index finger. Tuor and Idril step forward with silver chains, and Earendil and Elwing thread the rings onto them. Tuor and Idril clasp them around their necks and step alongside Gil-Galad. The High King holds up his hands, one to each of the couple, with gold rings on his palms. Elwing takes one ring and slips it onto Earendil's right index finger]

ELWING: As silver becomes gold, let our love be as the sun, burning bright.

[Earendil takes the other ring and puts it on her finger]

EARENDIL: As silver becomes gold, let our love be as the sun, never dying.

[Tuor and Idril step forward, each taking the right hand of their appointed partner. They raise the hands so the crowd can see the rings, which glint in the sunlight]

EARENDIL: Let ages pass; my love will remain strong.

ELWING: Let ages pass; my love will remain true.

[Tuor and Idril bring the hands together, clasping them in sight of the crowd. Together they wrap a braid of silver and gold ribbon around the hands]

ELWING: As Taniquetil stands witness, I will bear you up.

EARENDIL: As Taniquetil stands witness, I will share your burdens.

[They lean in for a long kiss. The crowd goes wild. They part and stand with hands still clasped, looking into each other's eyes. Dead silence as Tuor and Idril lift the joined hands once again]

TUOR and IDRIL: (in near-unison) In the name of Eru Iluvatar, Father of All, and by the witness of the Elder King and the Queen of the Stars, we bless this union until the world's end!

[Earendil and Elwing turn to face the crowd, which swarms up the steps to congratulate them]

---

This is conjured up from a very brief description in LaCE, as follows:

After the betrothal it was the part of the betrothed to appoint the time of their wedding, when at least one year had passed. Then at a feast, again shared by the two houses, the marriage was celebrated. At the end of the feast the betrothed stood forth, and the mother of the bride and the father of the bridegroom joined the hands of the pair and blessed them. For this blessing there was a solemn form, but no mortal has heard it; though the Eldar say that Varda was named in witness by the mother and Manwe by the father; and moreover that the name of Eru was spoken (as was seldom done at any other time). The betrothed then received back one from the other their silver rings (and treasured them); but they gave in exchange slender rings of gold, which were worn upon the index of the right hand.

I'm assuming some alteration over the years. ;) I'm also deliberately echoing the structure of the Oath of Feanor, on the grounds that it makes the latter even more blasphemous.

As regards Elwing's kindred, the Encyclopedia of Arda indicates her mother was actually Celeborn's niece, with Celeborn being Thingol's nephew's son. But it says nothing about her other lines of descent, so I think I'm actually okay saying she was part Green.

[Huinesoron]

Scene 9: The World's End

[The same location, noticably later. Chairs are scattered around, including a pair at the top of the steps where Earendil and Elwing are still sitting, chatting quietly. The rest of the crowd has dispersed - they are alone, until Tuor walks up the stairs into shot. His clothes are simpler than before - not aggressively so, but we will notice the difference later. Earendil stands - and Elwing follows suit a second or so later - and embraces his father]

TUOR: [thick voice] Who would have thought I'd see this day, when I crept out of Hithlum all those years ago...

[He steps back, gives his son a long, approving look, and turns to embrace Elwing too]

TUOR: You two... you make me incredibly proud. You will do great things together.

[Earendil raises an eyebrow]

EARENDIL: Prophecy, father? I thought that was Mother's field.

TUOR: [snorts] The only prophecy I have is the one Ulmo gave me years ago - the one you were named for.

[Earendil tenses - he's never heard this before]

EARENDIL: I thought Mother-

TUOR: She named you Ardamire from her own Foresight, o Jewel of the World. But Earendil - that was my choice.

EARENDIL: [softly] 'Sea-friend'...

[Elwing looks at him sharply, distress in her eyes]

EARENDIL: What did the Lord of the Waters say?

TUOR: Nothing, save that my son would be renowned as a great mariner.

[Earendil laughs nervously, trying to shift the tension]

EARENDIL: All these prophecies? I must be a very important man.

IDRIL: [OSV] 'And thought I will never look on those white walls again, from thee and from me a new star shall rise'.

[Idril strides up the stairs dressed in simple travelling clothes and takes her husband's arm, drawing our attention to the fact that he too has dressed down. Earendil and Elwing stare at her]

IDRIL: So my father's great friend, Huor of Dor-Lomin, said to him as the hopes of Men and Elves died beneath Unnumbered Tears, and so Turgon the King told me as I first held my newborn son in my arms.

EARENDIL: [very tense] And what does it mean?

[Idril's eyes flick very quickly to the Silmaril on Elwing's brow, and the younger woman slaps a hand over it. Idril's gaze returns to her son's grey eyes]

IDRIL: That, I know not. But it is more than 'a chance meeting in Middle-earth' that brought you two together, Peredhil. Your course will be a long one, but if you hold fast one to another, I think the end will be greater than any have dared dream.

[The other three stare at her in awe, forcefully reminded - as are we - that she is a Noldo of high rank, born in the Bliss of Aman, under the light of the Two Trees - and gifted with a more powerful Foresight than anyone else in Beleriand. Earendil breaks the silence]

EARENDIL: The way you're speaking... it's as if... are you...?

[Tuor nods gently]

TUOR: We're leaving, son, daughter. The High King brought Earrame with him, and now you are wed, there is no more reason to stay.

IDRIL: Well, not entirely wed.

TUOR: No - but I don't think we need to be present for that.

[Earendil and Elwing blush furiously. Idril laughs]

IDRIL: Perhaps not. [Her expression grows serious] Earendil... you are wed. You are old enough to stand as Lord of the Haven in your own right. You and your radiant new bride combine every people that lives here - you are the leaders they need. And we... [she stops]

TUOR: [gently] We're weary, Earendil. Weary of lingering when we know where we should be going.

EARENDIL: Will... will you be safe?

TUOR: Who knows?

EARENDIL: But surely Ulmo-

TUOR: The Lord of the Deeps has not spoken to me since I reached Gondolin.

EARENDIL: No-one has ever crossed the Sea.

[Tuor nods]

TUOR: But I am not a Noldo - I am a Man, and we are not under the Ban. And I am - or was - a messenger of the Valar. I believe we will make it.

ELWING: [Looks at Idril, tears in her eyes] And you?

IDRIL: [Softly] Until the world's end. I go with him.

[Silence. Various people go to talk, but can't. Finally hugs are exchanged all round]

TUOR: We love you, son. Both of you.

[Earendil takes Elwing's hand and holds it tight, nods]

EARENDIL: And I love you... fare well.

TUOR: And you.

[They walk down the steps, but just before they reach the bottom, Elwing calls out]

ELWING: When you reach the Uttermost Shore... tell them of our plight. They are our only hope.

[Idril and Tuor exchange a look]

IDRIL: We will try. But we are but a Man and an Exile - I fear that message is not ours to bear.

ELWING: [distraught, trying to avoid the implication] Then whose?

[Idril smiles sadly and shakes her head - she doesn't know. Elwing lowers her own head - is she hiding tears? Earendil meets his father's gaze and holds it for a long moment. Then Tuor gives a slight nod, and he and Idril turn and walk out of shot. Earendil stares after them. Eventually Elwing lifts her head and turns to him]

ELWING: Will you be all right?

[Earendil shakes himself, looks at her, smiles]

EARENDIL: Of course I will. [He lifts his right hand and touches her cheek] I've got you, haven't I?

ELWING: Always. [They hug] So... what now?

EARENDIL: I seem to recall a chamber prepared for us somewhere?

[She laughs - it's something of a nervous giggle - and they start to walk down the steps]

ELWING: I do love you. But I meant... after that?

[Earendil looks over his shoulder at the banners on the wall. A gull cries somewhere in the city. Cut to a closeup of his face as he seems to have a realisation, and his features set in determination]

EARENDIL: After that... I need to talk to Cirdan.

---

'This tale grew in the telling...' and all that prophecy stuff was added in along the way. Elwing's final exchange with Idril was actually put in as I typed this up - but I think it works.

The information here is accurate as far as I can recall it. Idril did give her son the prophetic name Jewel of the World, although it's not the name he used.

'A chance meeting in Middle-earth' is one of Gandalf's favourite sayings for describing his encounter with Thorin. I think Sam may use it once as well. It's clearly a Thing.

As to why Tuor couldn't bear the Message, since (rumour has it) he did get through - and was even granted an exemption from the Gift of Men - ... well, this is my guess. You know, the guess that yours is as good as.

(Any errors in this scene are entirely accidental. I'm typing it up in a different location to usual, so I can't fact-check myself)

[Huinesoron]

10. Building Vingilot

[Flyover shot of the Haven of Sirion in daylight, with ships moving over the water and birds overhead. Zoom down to the harbour. We are standing on the dockfront looking west, with a couple of buildings visible to our right, and the water of the harbour to our left. Across the horizon and passing out of sight on the left is the wall of the harbour. In front of us, Cirdan and Earendil stand talking over a sheet of parchment. Elwing is hanging back to the right, close to us in the foreground, casting apprehensive looks at the two men and the Sea]

[Wipe to the same location at sunset (putting the sun somewhere in front of us). The skeleton of a ship stands on the dock up ahead, and we see Earendil near it, directing workers. Elwing stands in the same place as before, visibly pregnant, one hand on her stomach. She still looks unhappy]

[Wipe again to a rainy day. The ship's structure is nearly complete, and Earendil is visible on the deck, having mucked in to help raise the mast. Elwing has moved - she is standing under an overhanging roof near us, out of the rain, holding a pair of infants in her arms. Lingering fade to black]

---

I know nothing about shipbuilding.

Originally I planned a voiceover for this scene, but actually I don't think we need it. The name of the ship and so forth will be covered in the next scene.

[Huinesoron]

Scene 11. Setting Sail

[Fade in on a bright, sunny morning from the same angle. The ship is complete - and moving. The workmen give a final heave and she slides down the ramp into the water with an almighty splash. A cheer - and as the vessel stabilises we see Earendil high in the rigging, clinging to the mast and laughing. The ship turns and comes alongside the dock under the control of one man, and as the rest of the crew climb aboard Earendil slides down the mast and hops to the dock. Elwing is standing by with two toddlers]

EARENDIL: Did you see? Did you? She's perfect!

[He kisses his unresponsive wife on the cheek, then leans down and lifts one of the boys up in his arms. The child laughs as his father tosses him high in the air, then catches him in a hug]

EARENDIL: Elros, did you see my ship?

ELROS: Splash!

[He makes splashing motions with his hands. Note that the boys look younger and act older than they actually are - this is Elvish maturation at work]

EARENDIL: A big splash - a perfect splash!

ELROND: [quietly] Scary splash.

[Earendil lowers Elros to the ground and kneels by his other son]

EARENDIL: [serious] It can be scary. But sometimes scary things come to good end - like in stories, yes?

[Elrond nods dubiously, and Earendil kisses him on the forehead before stepping back to look at Elwing. The enthusiasm drains from his face as he sees her expression]

EARENDIL: You're not impressed?

ELWING: [neutral] The ship appears to be perfect.

EARENDIL: ... but?

[We do not get the impression this is a conversation they've had before]

ELWING: [quiet] But I want my sons to know their father.

EARENDIL: [looks puzzled] What do you mean? Have I spent too much time on the dock?

[He reaches down and takes Elros' hand absently. This is not a broken family - just one under sudden stress]

ELWING: You've spent less time here than you have in the council hall, and we always came to see you - even [She smiles slightly] if you did sometimes get a bit too involved in the work.

EARENDIL: It was only a small break, and it-

ELWING: [Overlapping him] Was fine a month later. I know. Earendil, it's not that. You've been a perfect father and an attentive - if distractable - husband.

EARENDIL: Then what, oh desire of my heart, is the problem?

ELWING: What it has always been. That.

[She points at the ship. Earendil frowns]

EARENDIL: I thought you just said-

ELWING: Not the ship. The Sea. [Earendil goes to speak, but she holds up a hand] My love, Belegaer is wide and deep, and it devours all who sail on it.

EARENDIL: But Cirdan-

ELWING: Has not passed beyond the Bay of Balar in centuries. It isn't safe, husband. My people fear the Sea - but we fear it for a reason.

[Earendil shakes his head]

EARENDIL: Elwing, Cirdan has been building ships since before the Sun first rose. It will be safe.

[Elwing looks taut]

ELWING: And even if it is... will you even then return?

[Earendil studies her face, concerned]

EARENDIL: [gentle] Elwing... you know I have to do this. Middle-earth needs the West - whatever peril it places me under.

ELWING: Someone has to go.

EARENDIL: I have to go. [He pauses, looks down, then looks back at her] Come with me.

[Elwing bites her lip, glances at the ship, and shakes her head. Earendil sighs and releases Elros' hand, returning him to his mother. He walks silently to the ship and pulls himself up - the rail is only a couple of feet above the dockside. He stands with both hands on the rail as the sail unfurls behind him, looking at his family]

ELWING: [In a rush] Don't go!

[Earendil makes eye contact, and she flinches]

ELWING: [whisper] Please... don't go.



ELWING: Come back to us.

EARENDIL: Always.

[The ship pulls away, leaving Elwing on the dock. Earendil stands at the rail, and they watch each other until they are out of sight. Then Elwing shakes her head, turns, and leads her sons away]

---

This is the last scene I have written so far, but at least I know what's next. As I've said elsewhere, I'm trying very hard not to turn them into Aldarion and Erednis, so I've made Earendil /not/ inattentive - or at least I've tried. Unfortunately I fear the previous scene may clash slightly with this - I'unno. I like both.

[Huinesoron]

Scene 12: Osse's Rebuff

[Fade to Vingilot under sail on a sunlit ocean. Earendil, Aerandir and Falathar are visible on the deck. Cut to Earendil's face as we hear:]

ERELLONT: [OSV] Land!

[Cut to him climbing hand-over-hand down the rigging, then jumping the last ten feet to stand before Earendil]

ERELLONT: Land! A green isle, to port!

EARENDIL: [Nods] Thank you, Erellont. That must be one of the so-called Enchanted Isles Voronwe told us of.

ERELLONT: There's something on it... a sliver of gleaming white, like a tower of pearl.

FALATHAR: [Captivated] A lost tower... who knows what lies within?

EARENDIL: Perhaps nothing... perhaps great riches. We'll never know.

[His shipmates exchange looks]

EARENDIL: [Gently] For that is not our errand. We travel on – into the Shadowy Sea.

[Fade to a distant vision of the Tower of Pearl as Vingilot slides over the ocean before it. As she passes the line of the island, the sky begins to darken, until as she sails off the only lights are the Tower, and those on the ship. Fade out to black, and back in to Earendil with Aerandir and Falathar on the deck. Falathar is holding a lamp, while Aerandir is coiling a long rope.

AERANDIR: It's getting worse, Earendil. It's been three days, probably, with no light in this wretched murk. The men are restless.

FALATHAR: We're all restless.

AERANDIR: They say we've sailed past the edge of the world – into the Devouring Dark.

EARENDIL: It won't be long now. Can't you feel it? The air is getting fresher...

AERANDIR: Feels more like a storm brewing.

FALATHAR: No, he's right, there is something on the breeze...

[Erellont steps into frame]

ERELLONT: [Whispers] Captain, you'll want to see this.

[Earendil and Falathar follow Erellont up to the prow, and we follow them. Erellont points at the horizon]

ERELLONT: You see? Lights, moving on the water.

[Earendil nods slowly]

EARENDIL: You have sharp eyes, my friend. Those are the lights of Elfinesse, the ships of Swanhaven. We're almost there.

FALATHAR: Shall I tell the crew?

EARENDIL: Yes... no, wait.

[He peers into the darkness. We see the lights vanishing one by one, from right to left]

ERELLONT: Did they spot us?

EARENDIL: No, I think it's...

[Cut to a high shot over Alqualonde, the sea – and a rapidly building storm wall]

EARENDIL: [OSV] ... something else.

[Lightning flashes once, twice, and on the third bolt we white out and are back on the ship watching over the men's shoulders as it fades. They stare in stunned silence]

AERANDIR: [OSV] The Eagles! The Eagles are coming!

[Lightning flashes in sheets, illuminating three colossal cloud-forms coming out of the stormwall. As the trio watch, the Eagles of Manwe spread their wings, throwing down rain and lightning as they swoop towards the ship]

ERELLONT: [Whisper] The Eagles of the Lord of the West have come... Earendil, we cannot go on.

[Earendil nods, his lips set in a thin line]

EARENDIL: Lower the sails. Warn the men. We'll ride this storm – wherever it takes us.

[Erellont and Falathar nod and dash off, shouting to the crew. Earendil stays, staring out at the storm, as a light rain begins to fall. The first Eagle is now directly overhead.

EARENDIL: [Softly] I was so close...

[He half-turns to starboard, and his expression turns in an instant from longing to fear. He throws himself backwards – and a huge wave comes from offscreen and slaps the ship away]

---

Aerandir, Erellont and Falathir are Earendil's three companions who were with him on every journey. I've sketched in characters for them - Aerandir is the pessimist, Falathir the optimist, and Erellont is the lookout. :P

Voronwe is of course Tuor's guide to Gondolin.

I have a fair number of references within the legendarium here (it might be fun to go through this script when it's done and count up all the LotR lines I've used), but most of all the Eagles of Manwe. These are the same storm/warning birds which fly over Numenor as the very last warning before the Downfall. They aren't actual birds, but shapes in the clouds - I hope that's clear from the script, and no-one's imagining lightning-wielding avians swooping over Vingilot.

[Huinesoron]

Scene 13. The Southern Shore

[The wave falls away to reveal calm seas under a clear morning sky. Pan until we see the desert shoreline, mountains standing tall along it, and the battered form of Vingilot on the water. Her mast is gone, she sits low in the water, and is listing badly to one side. Cut to the deck, where Aerandir and Erellont are talking quietly]

ERELLONT: ... seen anything like it. Never mind the terrain – even the stars are changed. The Sickle is gone.

[Aerandir nods gloomily]

AERANDIR: Perhaps the crew were right, and we have sailed out of Arda and into some other sphere.

ERELLONT: Well, in the north... I'll have to wait until night to be sure, but I think Menelvagor showed his feet, as if he were diving over the horizon.

AERANDIR: The Swordsman inverted, his feet above his head? No! What could reverse the pattern of the stars?

EARENDIL: [OSV] Going south, my friends.

[Cut to a wider shot as Earendil approaches]

EARENDIL: I am convinced that we have come further south than any mariner before us. That land [He points] is what we call Harad.

ERELLONT: Sutherland? Well, a dark and forbidding place it looks.

EARENDIL: [Looks at the shore] Really? It seems all right to me. Somewhat bleak, perhaps, but-

ERELLONT: Look there. [He points] Between the two highest peaks.

[Cut to a flying camera, into a great mountain pass]

ERELLONT: [OSV] A darkness lies there...

[We are seized by a murkier gloom than the Shadowy Sea – as if snared in threads of darkness. We are swung round and fall headfirst towards the ground, struggling.

ERELLONT: [OSV] ... I know not why, but...

[We fall, bouncing off shadowy ropes only glimpsed occasionally at the last instant. There are small spiders everywhere in the web – or perhaps the scale is wrong and they are large]

ERELLONT: [OSV] ... I fear it is something fell.

[We bounce one last time, plunge through clear air for a moment, then tumble into a dark hole in the rock. Silence for a moment – then a soft hiss – and eight eyes light up one by one. Cut back to the ship. Earendil is leaning on the rail, studying the shore]

EARENDIL: [Soft] Land her.

[Aerandier and Erellont exchange a look]

AERANDIR: Is that wise, Earendil? If Erellont is right-

EARENDIL: [Blunt] Is this still my ship? Am I still your captain? Then land her.

[He turns and looks to the north as they leave]

EARENDIL: [Soft again] I keep my promises, Elwing my love. I will come back to you – but I won't run from fell things.

---

Technically the use of 'Harad' is an anachronism - but it's the only option I can find.

I'm hoping we can work a fell-things-related-promise into the end of Fall of Gondolin, so that both his final clauses are promises, but, dunno.

[Glorfindel]

Nice going. I hope to do a read through this weekend. Keep it up...I still can't believe someone else is posting besides me!