Silmarillion Epistolary Week 2026 Day 2
This is the second piece written for Silmarillion Epistolary Week 2026, @silmarillionepistolary This time I have found my way to the appendices of The Silmarillion.
For Arafinwëan Week earlier this year, I wrote a cute little meeting between Gil-Galad and a little Elfling, Celebrían. In it, they became lifelong friends, via letter. It was called Kith and Kin. 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, as the letters reference it.
Today's fic is some of those early letters.
Day 2: Exploration, New Lands, Maps
Letters between an elfling Celebrían, and her Kin, Gil-Galad
It was really nice to meet you. Nanath said I should write a thank you letter, for being so kind.
You were kind. I told you that many times. I don't know why you need it in a letter.
I can write to you for other things, can't I? You're my kin and king. I don't know if I'm allowed to write to my king, but surely as my kin, you'll receive my letters? You said I could, but is it really alright?
Of course you can write to me. Nothing would bring me more joy than to get letters from my little berry thief.
What would you like to share with me?
That would be lovely! I would also like to share my secrets with you. This is why I wanted a brother! Can you keep a secret? I haven't told anyone this, but when I'm a full she-elf I want to be something special.
I want to be an explorer when I'm of age. I already know all of Lothlórien by heart. Perhaps I could be one of your royal explorers, greeting new races. I could learn the harp, like Finrod did and introduce myself that way!
I could go to Númenor and meet the king there, for you. Nanath says they are men, but have elven blood. The half-elven there must be very special indeed.
What a wonderful thing to aspire to.
I have enclosed several maps and scrolls on Númenor culture for you. The dancing bears are quite the sight.
That last letter was not in your hand! How am I meant to trust you with my secrets, if you then dictate your answers to them.
Thank you for the maps and the cultural notes. They will be very useful. Thank your hapless herald too. Though I wish for you to write me.
Please, please write yourself, your little kin
I promise from now on to keep your secrets and write to you myself.
As for the mistake I made with my last letter, my herald is most trustworthy. He will not tell anyone your secrets. Not even your mother. I can promise you of this.
If you still want to be an explorer when you reach adulthood, I would be thrilled to have you as part of my royal court.
However, you are still a long way from being of age, and may change your mind. When I was your age, I wanted to be a fisherman. I had no idea I was going to be a king! There, I’ve told you a secret to keep safe for me.
Regardless of your choices, I will always be your kin. I will help you in any way I can.