AN: So, Crackers and I had this conversation a while ago about how it was fortunate that neither of us ever had to try to get rid of a Silmaril by throwing it into the sea because it probably would've come back very fast... and that's how we came up with this story. I wrote the first chapter, the second is hers,and so on.

Now, before I get boring, we just want to say enjoy reading, and we hope you like it!

Chapter I

Darkness was all he could see. Varda's stars, as well as the Moon – they were covered by thick clouds. Even Earendil was nowhere to be seen, although he had to admit that the absence of this particular light left him somewhat relieved right now. At times he thought he could make out the movements of the Sea, but maybe it was just his imagination. Had it been this dark after the destruction of The Trees?

He could hear the waves, however. They were tossing angrily, and crashing against some rocks nearby. The splashing of water, the howling of the wind – those were the only sounds he could hear. Even the seagulls remained silent. They must have taken shelter somewhere against the upcoming storm.

How long had he been standing here, alone? It must have been quite a while. He must be closer to the water than the darkness had led him to believe also, for while his shoes were still dry, the rest of his clothes were soaked.

It was the end of his world, or at least that was what it felt like. His father and his brothers were all dead by now. The Oath had taken them, one after another, until he alone remained. There was no home he could return to, either, not after what Maedhros and he had done at the camp. In the midst of celebration, they had drawn their swords and slain their kin. Again. Their sins could not be forgiven, he was sure of that. And in the end, they had gained nothing. The Silmarils were forever lost to them now… to them? No, to him, since he was the only one left. The burning of his hands reminded him of the moment he had let go of the jewel he held to throw it into the Sea.

It had all been in vain. All those years, all those fights, all the blood they had shed, everything they had lost – in the end, it meant nothing. At least it was over. If there was nothing left, then he was finally free. It was what they all had wished for so desperately over the past centuries, was it not? Freedom. Nobody had told him that freedom tasted this bitter, though.

With a sigh, Maglor turned to leave. Where to? He did not know. All he wanted was to get as far away from this place as he could. Maybe, if he brought enough miles between himself and Beleriand, just maybe he could forget. Maybe he could find peace. A laugh escaped his mouth. Peace? He sincerely doubted it. There was no way his demons would leave him alone.

He threw one last glance in the direction of the ocean. All of a sudden, a curious greenish gleam caught his attention. Whatever it was, it slowly moved closer to the shore. Then, something was washed up by the next wave. When the water drew back, it remained behind. Almost entirely covered by sand, the item's silver-golden glow still illuminated a part of the beach.

The elf's eyes widened. It was impossible. A wave of shock and horror momentarily paralyzed him. A few minutes passed before he hesitantly moved closer to the thing, although his instincts told him not to. Told him not to? Quite the contrary, they screamed at him to run away. He should have listened.

This had to be some kind of sick joke. Or maybe his mind was playing tricks on him, maybe he started seeing things. He could have sworn that he had thrown the thing away with all the force he had still left in his body. He could have sworn that it would be lost in the sea forever. Yet there it laid, the accursed jewel, spreading its holy light as innocent as ever. Impossible. A humorless grin appeared on his face. Sworn. He really shouldn't do that anymore.

Then, to his utmost terror and fright, an unknown voice spoke, mocking him. He paled, and his legs almost gave in, when he heard the words. "Did you really think you could get rid of me so easily?" Stumbling backwards, Maglor screamed.