Altariel is Altariel's favorite character, fanfiction appearances notwithstanding. So for her birthday, a drabble about her namesake.
So Fëanor had made the palantíri, and cast them into a net to look over all the lands, mirrors mirroring to each other and themselves through the burning of spirit.
Now she stands in a strange new land, hers to guard, if she will—if she can. But 'tis not dead earth she needs. The Mirror awaits. She speaks the words:
"A Ulmo, send thy servant, Water, blood of earth that hears all cries, that my eyes may be opened!"
Ulmo, as the Vala of water, is said to be able to gather news anywhere that water flows or falls. He also is, obviously, the contrary of spirits of fire of whatever cosmic rank and thanks to him, the earth can support life and not just dead rocks. I figured there must be a reason why Galadriel would use water as the basis of her mirror rather than some other substance.