Armanduil's return to Forlond seemed to cause only strife between him and his mother Eril. She was pressing her will upon him more than ever, one day before the departure "I lost my husband and my daughter to Middle Earth, and you too son, if you choose not to sail to Valinor!". He looked at her and spoke more hushed "I will depart when I deem the time right". The years made her more bitter than she used to be "When will that be!? When you searched every corner of the world and turned every stone to find Faervel? Face it, she is dead! You will only find your own death if you go further down that path." Armanduil looked at her with a heavy heart "So you have given up on her?". Eril was furious and almost hissed "Dont you dare doubt my love for my daugther! Even if she lives, she would not be the same. I cant bear to stay here a day longer in doubt and fear". Tears rolled over her cheeks and Armanduil could only walk up to her and embrace his mother.
The sun had fallen and many elves were gathering at the docks of Forlond. They came from all over Forlindon or even beyond for the passing to the west. Some of them, only came to bid their loved ones a final farewell. All elves were wearing lanterns and hardly spoke, only hushed. A song filled the air, sang by many, its melody serene and sad at the same time.
Fanuilos heryn aglar
Rîn athar annún-aearath,
Calad ammen i reniar
Mi ‘aladhremmin ennorath!
A Elbereth Gilthoniel
Armanduil guided Eril towards the docks, holding her arm with his elbow. In the crowd they watched the docked ships and slowly walked further upon the docks. They halted and Eril turned towards her son "You are so much like your father, Im proud of you son, as he would be". Armanduil smiled "I miss him, as I will miss you Naneth, I wish you a safe journey". Eril smiled in return "This is no farewell, we will see each other again" with her hands she held his cheeks and kissed her son on the forehead. She turned gracefully as she is towards the ship and followed the line of boarding passengers. Meanwhile the song continued.
I chîn a thûl lin míriel
Fanuilos le linnathon
Ne ndor haer thar i aearon.
A elin na gaim eglerib
Ned în ben-anor trerennin
Si silivrin ne pherth ‘waewib
Cenim lyth thílyn thuiennin.
A Elbereth Gilthoniel
The ships were made ready for departure. Under a clear starry night sky they sailed away from the docks into the west. Armanduil kept staring at the ship until it sailed beyond the horizon. He looked at the stars and silently sang the last verse.
Men echenim sí derthiel
Ne chaered hen nu ‘aladhath
Ngilith or annún-aearath.
