Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Míriel fears a vision in which a great wave destroys Númenor. Galadriel's demand for intervention in the Southlands only deepens their disagreement, and invoking the absent king gets her imprisoned. After escaping, she enters Tar-Palantir's tower and discovers that he is gravely ill. Míriel explains the rebellion against his friendship with the Elves and shows Galadriel the seeing stone that revealed the catastrophe. Sending the visitor away seems to offer a way of preventing the future she has repeatedly witnessed.
In Khazad-dûm, Elrond follows Durin's evasions to the mining of an extraordinary new ore. He promises secrecy and receives a piece of mithril, but the work is dangerous. A collapse brings the king's prohibition on further mining. Durin's anger at his father eventually gives way to reconciliation, and he agrees to investigate what the Elves really want. Their friendship now involves a secret Elrond must keep even while serving Celebrimbor's ambitions for the forge.
Adar frees Arondir to carry an ultimatum: the Southlanders must surrender their claim and serve him or face destruction. Theo returns to Tirharad for food and attracts Orcs seeking the sword hilt. Arondir helps him escape to Ostirith, while Waldreg reveals his own loyalty to Sauron and knowledge of the weapon. In Númenor, falling petals from the White Tree interrupt Galadriel's departure. Míriel takes them as a sign and reverses her decision, announcing an expedition to aid the Southlands. Isildur and his friends volunteer after losing their cadet positions.