[Mithadan]

Mithadan borrowed several books from Child's cabin and began researching the date on which the Numenorean fleet departed for Valinor. The year was well known, Second Age 3319. But the precise date was obscure. He reviewed the Akallabeth but discovered that it was silent on this matter. Other books of history were similarly unhelpful.

Then, based upon a niggling memory from his own long passed studies of the history of Gondor, he took up one of his own books and flipped through it until he reached a section entitled "Festivals". Here, he found the following:

"Thrice each year are the Festivals of Planting and Harvest celebrated... And on Loende is the Festival of First Fruits which corresponds to the Numenorean holiday of the same name. It is said that on Loende, the King of Numenor would ascend the Meneltarma to make offering of the first fruits to Eru. On this day also did the forces of Ar-Pharazon set sail in rebellion against the Valar and so even greater was the insult of that assault. Thus we of Gondor celebrate this day both in joy for what will be and regret for what was."

Mithadan closed the book. "Loende," he whispered. "Mid-summer!"