A/N: So here is another chapter, right before the end of August. Wow, am I good! (Not!) Unfortunately, August means that school starts, so the next few weeks will be hectic as I readjust to college and a crazy schedule, as well as job hunting. But I will do my best to write whenever I can.
For those of you that reread the story just for fun, you may have noticed that I went back and deleted Thynna from it *waving white flag*. That is because I realized that the war will last 45 years, and we have at least another 20 before the elves of Aman arrive. Meaning Thynna will be in her seventy's before this is over. So unfortunately, she could not be Elros' love interest, even though I think it would have been fun to write that. I'm really, really, really, really sorry about that. Also, I know that technically Mithlond and Lindon did not exist during this time frame, but I hope that you all will appreciate my attempt to rectify that issue. Unfortunately, being on an island would have made this story even harder to write, and it is AU, so there is room for changes. I would never say improvements, because I think that Tolkien did a beautiful and amazing job and was an amazing author.
Also, hearing Khizr Khan's speech at the DNC made me realize how much our soldiers and veterans have given to us over the years, most without any thought of reward or heroism. And since I doubt my next chapter will be out before, during, or anytime after Veteran's Day, I wanted to say right here, right now: thank you to all those who fight for and defend this country, no matter if you are active duty, reservist, veteran, or have already gone. You have made the ultimate sacrifice, and I hope no one forgets you!
And finally, please read, review, and enjoy!
Five days had passed since Oropher had come to the camp.
In that time, they had made great progress towards Mithlond; resulting in Heledhon sending two elves on swift horses to let the King know they would be arriving the next day.
There had only truly been two instances that had caused problems. The first had involved orcs, which were quickly and easily dealt with before they came too close to camp.
The second, unsurprisingly, involved Aravaldë. Ever since Oropher had come to the camp, the Fëanorians had gone out of their way to avoid Heledhon, even Maedhros. Maedhros, knowing words to be hollow, had said nothing other than he wished he had tried harder to convince Celegorm not to attack Doriath.
Heledhon had responded with something along the lines of: "I wish there was peace in this land, but we cannot have everything we want, especially when you are the cause of strife among elves. Do not tell me what you would have done differently, for your words mean nothing." Maedhros had had no response to that, and so settled for avoiding Heledhon unless there was no other choice.
Aravaldë, however, had started to shadow Heledhon wherever he went. She had tried to comfort him in her sickeningly sweet manner, but only succeeded in getting under his skin. Heledhon, who was blessed with a nearly endless supply of patience, only ignored her as much as possible and took rotations in the trees to more easily avoid her, since a lady of the Noldor would never climb a tree.
Belegon, more often than not, was left to supervise the camp, not that he minded in the slightest.
Heledhon's infinite amount of patience had run out by the time the second incident had come up, having had it up to his ears with the she-elf, and wanting to be able to attend to his responsibilities without tripping over her at every turn.
He had not gone up in the trees for a rotation, having been giving last-minute instructions to the riders before they left for Mithlond.
After they had disappeared into the forest, Heledhon had turned away and there stood Aravaldë, smiling sweetly and ready to ask penetrating questions he had no intention of answering.
Heledhon had tolerated her presence for maybe a minute, but then he just exploded as his patience came to a sudden and abrupt end. By the time he was finished, Aravaldë was trembling in fear, and Heledhon had grabbed his bow and disappeared up a tree to be soothed by it's song and calm down.
He did not come down for the rest of the night.
When he finally did, no one acted as though his burst of bad temper had happened, all knowing that Aravaldë had asked for it when she would not leave the captain alone to his thoughts and allow him to work through his internal conflicts in peace.
Aside from those two instances, the last five days of travel had been uneventful.
As the camp had settled down for the night on the fifth day, they were met by a patrol from Mithlond the king had sent out when the two elves had reached the city, who was able to tell them what to expect when they arrived in Mithlond, namely: tents in rows in a field outside the palace walls, but still inside the realm's more well protected borders. Healers would be waiting to tend wounds with supplies near where they would enter the city before going to the tents.
The horses would be taken by the grooms for tending, and there would be fresh clothing and food and opportunities to bathe for all when they arrived.
Throughout his report, the leader of the patrol ignored the Fëanorians, only speaking it seemed, to Heledhon and Belegon.
Once finished, and after assuring Heledhon he and his patrol would be nearby, the leader turned and left, taking the most direct route out of the camp to where his patrol waited, still ignoring the Fëanorians.
Heledhon and Belegon exchanged glances before separating for different tasks that needed to be finished before they arrived in the city the next day.
The next day should be interesting to say the least.
Gil-galad had just finished a very long session with what remained of his council and was walking in the direction of the healing wing. He had not seen much of the twins over the last few days, but was able to guess that they had not spoken to each other either, and were still working through everything they needed to figure out before they sought each other out.
He had managed to, finally, convince the council to remove the ropes around Maglor's wrists, and was on his way to make sure it actually happened.
When he arrived it was to the sight of Mistaro walking, limping extremely and in pain, but walking nonetheless. He was being held up on either side by two healers, who were taking some of his weight so his legs would not be under too much strain.
He only could manage a few steps, and almost collapsed back onto the bed in exhaustion when he was finished, but there was a look of triumph in his eyes and he was smiling.
Gil-galad also smiled as he said, "Soon you will be out of here and back home. I hope you are excited? Your family looks as though they can not wait for you to come home. I heard a rumor that they were planning a party and inviting all their friends, and any of yours that survived Gondolin."
Mistaro looked at him questioningly, "How do you know this? It is only an idea in my mother's mind right now."
Gil-galad only shrugged, "The kitchen staff. They know everything that is happening in this palace, all in the span of a few hours. They are, by far, the best spy network in all of Middle-earth, no matter what race they may belong to."
Mistaro smiled and chuckled a bit before saying, "It was the same in Gondolin," before his smile faded and he murmured, "Yes, I am excited to be with my family, hir nín, even though I am not sure what I am to do when I do go home," the word still feeling foreign in his mouth.
Gondolin had been the only home he had ever known, with Himring feeling like a prison above all else. He was not sure what to make of this new notion of home, but he did know it would take some getting used to.
The king sitting on his bed drew him out of his musings, and he looked up as the king said, "For now, focus on healing, and reconnecting with your family. And do not try to hide what you experienced in Himring. Whatever happened has changed you, not necessarily in a bad way, but you would benefit from your family knowing what happened there."
"And if I do not want to cause them any more pain?" Mistaro asked quietly.
Gil-galad smiled sadly, "I have found that it will be discovered sooner or later, no matter how much you may try to hide it. It would be easier for you to save yourself the guilt you will feel by not telling them and you will also save your family having to try and guess why you are unhappy or sad, which in turn will make them upset that you do not feel as though you can trust them enough to say what is on your mind."
Mistaro was listening carefully as Gil-galad spoke, and said after the King finished, "I will think on your words, hir nín," stifling a yawn as he did so.
Even with his strength returning slowly, Mistaro still tired quickly and was constantly nodding off and sleeping throughout the day, likely side effects of the pain-killing herbs and the exercise the healers had deemed him healthy and strong enough for.
They all knew that the more he exercised and strengthened his knee, the faster it would heal, and likely without any limp or pain ever again.
Seeing Mistaro attempting not to yawn, Gil-galad patted his arm before saying, "Rest now, Mistaro, the more you sleep the faster you will recover," as he helped him lie flat and comfortably. He drew the blankets up closely around Mistaro's shoulders before standing and walking to Maglor's bed; Quildolorë taking his place as he moved away with a slight smile, which she returned shyly.
Both Quildolorë and Elmendië took turns with Indilien and Laurorno sitting with Mistaro throughout the day and night, so that he would never be without his family.
Maglor had been watching the exchange through half-lidded eyes, and as Gil-galad approached they slid shut and stayed that way, making Gil-galad realize he had been drugged. The reason was soon answered as Edraithel and Faneth approached with fresh bandages and dressings in hand.
Gil-galad was quick to explain the councils decision, as well as letting the nearby guards know before slicing through and removing the ropes and heading back to his study, where there was one more situation he had to deal with before the Fëanorians arrived.
Outside the door to Gil-galad's study stood Hadlathon and Glaewon, waiting for the king to return from whatever he was attending to.
Glaewon was slightly nervous, since he had never spoken to the High King directly before, and also Hadlathon had not spoken to him since before they had arrived. It was very nerve-wracking when you are about to speak to a king and you did not really know why.
As for Hadlathon, he was waiting patiently and quietly, thoughts calm for the first time in many days. The Fëanorians would be here soon, and everything was ready in terms of the healing wing.
They had not been there long when the king appeared from around the corner. He was in conversation with a councilor, but it only took a few more minutes for it to draw to a close and the councilor to head on his way back the way he had come.
As for Gil-galad, as he came closer he said, "Mae govannen, Master Hadlathon. I trust everything is ready?"
Hadlathon bowed his head, "Yes, my lord, everything is as prepared as we can make it."
Gil-galad smiled, "I am glad to hear it."
Glaewon, during this time, remained forgotten in the corner, and was hoping he would stay that way.
There was no such luck that day, since both healer and king turned to him at the exact same time.
Under the stares of two powerful elven gazes, Glaewon only had enough time and presence of mind for a quick bow and a murmured, "My lord," sincerely hoping that he could leave.
Again, there was no such luck, since Gil-galad then said, "Perhaps we should continue this conversation inside," as he moved to the double doors of his study and opened one, motioning both healers inside before him.
After he had closed the door, Gil-galad walked over to his desk and leaned against it as he regarded Glaewon. He then said, "I understand that whenever you are on duty, Glaewon, Maglor seems to go without draughts or anything for pain management, as well as basic things like food and water."
Glaewon only looked down at the ground and shifted his feet, unable to look the king in the eye.
The king then said, "I also understand that you have lost family to the Fëanorians when they attacked Sirion, but that is no excuse to deny someone the care they need. I expect better of every elf in my kingdom."
Glaewon looked up this time, and his eyes were full of confusion, grief and anger. He nearly whispered: "What do you expect me to do, hir nín? Just forget everything that has happened and continue on as though he was not responsible for the Kinslaying?" as tears came to his eyes but refused to be shed.
Gil-galad was watching him closely throughout his words, then said, "I want you to consider this Glaewon: Maedhros, when he learned Elwing had the Silmaril, sent a missive asking her to turn it over. At the same time, he started working to convince his elves that a third Kinslaying would be worth it if the jewel was won. It took some time, but by the time Elwing sent her refusal, whether out of pride or stubbornness, he had convinced his forces to attack Sirion. As for Maglor, he likely tried to stop Maedhros' insanity from speaking for him, but with Amras' treacherous whisperings in his ear he ignored the wiser brother in favor of what he wanted."
Gil-galad stopped for a moment to let that sink in, then said, "As you know Amras fell during the Sack, and Maglor and Maedhros took the twin sons of Elwing to raise, likely feeling some form of guilt and remorse for what they had done, considering the Silmaril was lost with Elwing and the twins were orphaned because of their actions."
Glaewon had been listening closely, and only asked, "Why did they have to slay everyone? They could have taken what they wanted without all the killing."
Gil-galad only shook his head, "You do not understand the din of war, and it is my hope you do not have to. But when the adrenaline starts pumping, and the drive to survive enters your mind, you only surface from it when it is over. And then, there is no way to turn back time and undue what was done. Do you understand what I am trying to say? There is much the Fëanorians have done that no one will ever forgive them for, but that does not mean we cannot show some compassion."
Glaewon nodded, eyes again on the floor, and Gil-galad's eyes softened as he said, "Did you know Heledhon has lost a brother, a sister, and their families when the Fëanorians attacked Doriath? Imagine having family you have never met, and now never will meet for some time. And Lord Glorfindel, he died so that others could live, only for them to be killed when Sirion was attacked. And need I speak of the twins?" to which Glaewon shook his head and Gil-galad continued, "These elves have all lost many that were dear to them, and yet they have not acted on any desire for revenge that they might have. I need you to know and understand that revenge is never the answer for what you perceive to be wrong."
At that moment, a bell and horn sounded signaling the arrival of the Fëanorians. Gil-galad stopped leaning against his desk and looked to the open window. He then turned to Hadlathon, who said, "It is time for us to get to work."
Gil-galad nodded, turning his eyes to Glaewon who looked slightly panicked. The king only said, "If you do not wish to you do not have to but please consider this: These elves are likely to be more heartsore than you, and are in need of some compassion. It is likely that the healers are the only ones who will show them compassion, and it will be appreciated and remembered. You are becoming a healer to do no harm to others, and offer your skill and abilities to nurse people back to health. Will you be able to honestly take that oath when you only help those you wish to?"
Those words broke down Glaewon's resistance fully, and he looked up and seemed to nod to himself as he came to a conclusion and said, "I think I understand now, aran nín. I will do what I must to be able to honestly uphold that oath."
Gil-galad smiled and nodded before saying, "I am glad to hear that. Now, shall we all go and make ourselves ready for what is to come?" to which both elves nodded, and followed Gil-galad out of his study before the healers and king went their separate ways to prepare to meet the Fëanorians.
In the palace gardens the night before, two identical elves met and spoke long and hard for many hours. Any who saw them only quietly turned and took another path, even the guards.
What was said was painful for both elves, but their understanding of each other was deeper for it by the end of the night.
Their conversation became one of many where what was spoken remained a mystery for all of time.
When morning came, the twins were sitting on the same bench and enjoying the sunrise while the inhabitants of the gardens came out to say hello and good morning to them. Mithien, who had returned with them but spent her days soaring above the city, also appeared for a few minutes before lifting off again to enjoy the thermals and updrafts that came in from the Sea. She still spent the night in either one of the twin's rooms, but where she went during the day was a mystery to them.
As was what was happening with Lavaneth and Levenil, but that was more of not wanting to know. The guards and everyone the cats ran into always had to tread carefully, because the cats were little terrors who never tired of causing trouble and enjoyed it immensely. But they still returned every night, sleeping by each twin's head, which was a tremendous comfort to both half-elves.
Not long after Mithien left, Elrond felt a slight tremor, and was instantly reminded of a dream that had been plaguing him for days.
At least now he understood what he was meant to do now, but not for some time.
There was no reason to make it easier for Morgoth to attack them when they had so few set-in-stone allies.
When the bell and horn sounded announcing the arrival of the Fëanorians, the twins only looked at each other before rising and heading to the courtyard.
They were able to arrive unnoticed and stay mostly in the sidelines as the King welcomed Maedhros to Mithlond and the red-haired elf returned the greeting as in the way that was expected of Noldorin royalty.
Throughout it all, Heledhon was very distracted, and both twins easily saw why: Faneth stood nearby, her abdomen only slightly swollen, but still noticeable.
Aravaldë only looked rather annoyed at how much attention Faneth was getting from Heledhon, but at least she would stop trying to annoy him through her unwanted and aggravating flirting.
"With your permission, my lord," Maedhros speaking brought the twins back to the important happenings in the courtyard, "I wish to see my brother, now."
The king nodded, "Of course. I am certain that the twins will escort you there. Captain?"
Heledhon's attention immediately snapped back to the king, who said, "You and your men are relieved of this mission. Take the time to be with your families. Barhador is in charge now. You have done well."
Heledhon was quick to give a salute, and then he and his men quickly headed to the stables, even though one of them had to stop to give the healers a blanket-wrapped object off one of the horse's backs first.
Gil-galad only looked at Calaerdir, now Asfaloth, with a raised eyebrow, but said nothing of it for the time being. There would be a time and place for that later.
While this was going on, grooms had appeared and begun taking away the horses the Fëanorians had with them when they fled Himring, their riders giving them advice on how to best tend the horses quickly and letting them know about any behavioral quirks their horses may have.
Barhador then came with some of his patrol and several guards and began directing the Fëanorians to where they could either be seen by one of the healers, who had set up an area to tend them nearby, or where they could bathe and receive new clothes, or where they could eat before they left for the tents that had been set up for them.
The she-elves with the Fëanorians would be staying in the palace, just so that they would not have to spend time outside in the elements after the hard traveling they had done.
During all this, Maedhros had only waited quietly, albeit impatiently, for the twins to acknowledge his existence.
They did not, at least not right away, since they were focused on the reunion between Faneth and Heledhon.
Heledhon had been hesitant at first, but when Faneth had guided his hand to her swollen stomach, his eyes lit up with joy and their kiss was one of happiness, joy, and excitement before they hugged and left for their home.
After seeing that, as well as Aravaldë turn away in disappointment, the twins both laughed, which caught Maedhros by surprise.
The twins had never, in his memory, been so quick to laughter while in Himring.
Their good mood immediately soured, however as they both turned to him with such accurate precision that Maedhros distantly wondered if they practiced it.
Elrond only said, "If you will follow us, my lord, we will take you to Maglor."
Elros nodded, shooting the king a dark glare that he was only able to ignore because he was speaking to Barhador. Glorfindel stood nearby, likely to tell him about Asfaloth and Halon, as well as everything that had happened involving the Men and Oropher. This report would not be detailed, but would be enough for the king for now. A more detailed report would be given to the council and king later, when everything had settled down.
The trip to the healing wing was made in silence, with the twins refusing to speak to Maedhros and Maedhros distracted by his concern for his brother.
That concern was laid to rest when they entered the healing wing and he saw his brother looking at him with bright, alert eyes.
Mistaro was there as well, but was speaking to his family, and Maedhros' attention turned quickly back to Maglor.
It seemed that the lie involving how Mistaro came to them would not work, and Maedhros was actually glad of that fact.
He did not have the heart to lie about Mistaro, he realized as he went to his brother.
He sat down on the bed, inspecting every inch of his brother before returning his eyes to Maglor's.
Maglor only smiled, squeezing his arm and causing Maedhros to forget anyone who was watching them and take his brother into an embrace, mindful of his wound and his own all the while.
The shoulder no longer troubled him, but his ribs were still a bit sore.
From where they stood, the twins smiled to themselves at seeing the reunion before going to speak to Mistaro and his family while the two brothers spoke in hushed tones.
'About what, we undoubtedly will find out soon,' Elros mused as he listened to Indilien describe the feast and party she was planning as a way to welcome Mistaro home. 'I do not think those two could not resist the temptation of fulfilling that accursed Oath, if the opportunity was right in front of them.'
"It is time we discuss Faerthurin, or Halon, as most of us know him as," the king said without preamble.
It had been nearly two months since the Fëanorians arrival. Attacks at night by orcs on the Fëanorians camp had forced Gil-galad to allow them into the city walls, and into some of the barracks and one of the storage houses that was not in use. The orcs were becoming increasingly numerous, and it was getting harder and harder to maintain borders and keep them away from the city.
But Gil-galad would not allow any elf, no matter the deeds they may have committed in the past, to suffer at the hands of Morgoth.
The council had been against it in the beginning, but seeing a young elf come to the healers with a spear in his stomach and both his parents near hysterical and frantic had softened their resolve.
Even though the council was resistive, their fears of the city turning against the Fëanorians were ill-founded.
Some of the city was opposed to the Fëanorians, but the majority was able to recognize how heartsore these elves were and attempted to lighten their hearts whenever possible.
They did not forget what happened, but they were starting to heal.
As for the Fëanorians, they accepted the invitations to dances and feasts, trying to make amends. The fact the king approved and often made an appearance helped them feel as though they had a chance of belonging amongst elves not driven by an oath.
As for Maedhros, he had refused to enter into negotiations without his brother, which was wise, and so those two months had been spent resting and recovering his strength, as well as trying to speak to the twins.
It was made difficult by the fact that they were almost never alone, being with either friends or Glorfindel and some dark-haired page or something of that nature; all of whom made private conversations next to impossible.
Maglor had needed those two months, and his body had healed, with only a lighter patch of skin where the wound had been. He spent much time with his brother, working on a compromise that would hopefully be accepted by the elves of Mithlond.
Mistaro had gotten married, on a lighter note. Both he and Quildolorë could not have waited any longer; so at the celebration to welcome him home, they had spoken the words of Eru Ilúvatar, binding themselves to each other until the End of all Days. The guests had not minded the informal setting, many of them being from Gondolin and friends of Mistaro, who were elated to see him again. Even Glorfindel had gone, and many were ecstatic to see their former commander and friend there and alive, Mistaro especially. They had been very close friends in Gondolin, and Glorfindel's death had nearly shattered the healer. To see him alive and full of life was a miracle to him, and they spent much of the night talking and catching up on news.
Needless to say, the celebration had lasted for a long time, even though the host had not been able to keep himself awake until the end, and had been taken to bed by his father and new bride.
Those two months had served Mistaro well, his wounds healing with his knee causing no limp or pain.
He now worked with the palace healers, and they quickly saw what Elrond had meant when he first arrived in the city: Mistaro's skill easily matched Hadlathon's, the two healers with the twins helping and watching when they tended the elf that had been impaled easily repairing the damage and setting him on to the path to recovery more easily and quickly than what was usually expected.
On an amusing note, Maedhros had gotten Aravaldë assigned to the maid service, something for which she was extremely unhappy. She occupied one of the lowest rungs, and there were many above her, like Merilinel, whom she had tried to turn into her personal servant.
Merilinel had tolerated it for about a day, then went to the king, who in turn spoke to Maedhros, who in turn had willingly allowed her to join the serving staff.
Aravaldë now lived in the servants quarters, where those without family or kin in the city lived, and was not allowed to be disrespectful to anyone.
The lesson she was learning was a simple one, but she was learning it the hard way: humility, and respect to those beneath you.
Now, the king, the twins, Maglor and Maedhros, Círdan, Tegolon, Glorfindel, Erestor, Daeron, and Heledhon and Faneth were meeting in the king's study to discuss what had happened all those months ago and try to make sense of it.
That included knowing and understanding Faerthurin's past. They had given him a simple, peaceful burial with only a few people present, namely those in the study right then and there, which they all felt was the last decent thing they could do for an elf whose hatred and pain had consumed him.
Maedhros nodded, exchanging a glance with his brother before saying, "What we know is not much, for he journeyed with Fingolfin before journeying with Finarfin's children when they went to Doriath. What happened after I can only speculate, and I doubt it would be very accurate. With us, he did not show much sanity all the time, flying into a rage whenever there were orcs to hunt."
"You do the same thing, you only hide it better," Elros muttered under his breath.
Maedhros whipped his head around, most likely to make a scathing retort, but thought better of it when Maglor's hand closed around his arm in a steely grip and he was speared with a glare.
"Ála lavessë larma sahtaldë, háno," was the only thing Maglor murmured sharply.
Maedhros glared at him for a few moments before wrenching his arm away and lowering his eyes.
Convinced he would stay silent until he calmed, Maglor turned back to the others in the room, giving Elros a quick glare that he returned, unrepentant and unperturbed.
"What we do know is that he quickly sided with Amras to attack Sirion, and flew into a rage when Eärendil was discovered to be absent. We assumed it was because of his desire to cross blades. Eärendil was well known for his skill with a blade. There were none in our ranks who could hold their own against Halon for long," here he stopped and looked at Elrond, "If I remember correctly, you were the only one who was able to defeat him."
Glorfindel shook his head in disbelief, while Gil-galad, Círdan, and the two captains looked at Elrond with admiration. Elrond only shook his head and murmured, "It is no big deal."
"Yes it is," Maglor said, drawing attention back to himself, "Not even I was able to hold my own against him for long."
"Neither was I," Maedhros said, "Your skills with a blade will only increase, and then I think you will likely be one of the greatest warriors of this Age."
Hearing this praise, especially from Maedhros, caused Elrond to turn a deep shade of red as he looked down at the floor. Elros laughing slightly brought him back to the present.
Maglor smiling slightly caused him to lose some of the color in his face and revert back to his normal color. Then his smiled faded as he shook his head, "At least now we know why Faerthurin was enraged. He became even more so when Elwing jumped and we took the twins to Himring. He loved Elwing, in his own twisted and disturbed way, but her rejection was more than his sanity, fragile as it was, could take."
"Hence his hatred of Elrond and Elros," Círdan murmured before turning to the twins. More loudly he asked, "The story you told me, Elrond, of that first night after you left Sirion, was it Maedhros or Faerthurin?" even though he already could guess the answer.
Elrond had been too distraught to try and lie that night.
Completely ignoring Maedhros, who was glaring at him, Elrond said, "It was Maedhros. Why would I have lied? I could barely think coherently, much less try and formulate a lie," the question was completely rhetorical and Círdan did not answer.
"One thing I do not understand," Gil-galad broke in just then, "How did Faerthurin join your ranks after Doriath?"
Now it was time for an amusing transformation. Maglor actually blushed, and Maedhros looked out the window to avoid eye contact.
Needless to say, their lack of a response said much, and Heledhon and Belegon became extremely amused, as did everyone else.
"You do not know, do you?" Belegon said while trying to control his laughter.
Maglor shook his head, and now nothing could hold in Belegon's laughter. It took him several minutes to calm down, during which time Maedhros made to go over to him, anger in his face and eyes, but stopped when the twins and Heledhon stood to his defense.
When Belegon finally calmed, Maglor said, "When we pulled away from Doriath, Maedhros had gone in search of Dior's twin sons. Amras and I were still reeling and in shock over the deaths of Celegorm, Caranthir, and Curufin, that when we saw the red hair we just assumed it was Maedhros'. We learned it was not when Maedhros came, but by then we were in Himring and he was able to convince us to let him stay as a captain. He asked to be called Halon, but told us in secret his name was Faerthurin. Why he decided to be called by a different name I did not understand, until we learned of everything that happened here."
"Why did you search for Dior's sons?" Tegolon asked Maedhros, "It has been rumored amongst the surviving Sinda, Silvan, and Nandor that you did so, but they could not understand or explain why."
Maedhros only crossed his arms and shook his head, "Because I did not agree with Celegorm's servants. Eluréd and Elurín were innocent children. We destroyed their home and Celegorm killed their mother and father before being killed himself, and they did not deserve to succumb slowly to the elements, or be hunted slowly and without mercy by wolves or orcs. I almost hope, now, that their deaths were quick, if only to spare them the agony of a slow death. That is why I searched for them, and exiled those that abandoned them. I have no tolerance for that kind of cruelty."
"And yet you had no problem slicing through Elros' hand?" Daeron asked into the shocked silence.
No one had ever expected Maedhros of being that connected to his emotions or sanity, not after three Kinslayings and playing such a willing hand in so much death.
Maedhros only looked at him in confusion, but before he could speak Elros cut in, "I believe that was the only time we really lied when we first arrived," exchanging a rueful glance and grin with his brother.
When Daeron, Círdan, Tegolon, and Gil-galad only looked at him in confusion, he elucidated by saying: "It was not Maedhros who sliced through my hand," clenching the hand in question into a fist, the scar still there. Every healer doubted it would disappear; the injury being too deep to make the scar simply fade away, no matter how much time passed. "I only said it was Maedhros so we could avoid speaking about Halon until we figured out how and why he came to be here in the city."
The sound of skin hitting skin drew everyone's attention to Gil-galad, whose palm was on his forehead. He smiled in a rueful and self-loathing manner, "He arrived here with a missive from Lord Celeborn a few weeks before the Lord and Lady arrived. The signature did not seem to be Lord Celeborn's, but with the stir that was happening because of the twin's antics in the woods I completely forgot about it. I only just remembered now. The missive said that Halon wished to spend time by the Sea, and mentioned his skills as a field healer and warrior, and assuming I could learn of his past when I had the time I let him stay, then completely forgot to learn of his past almost immediately," looking ashamed as he said this.
"He would have lied about his past anyways, cousin," Elrond said, speaking it seemed for the first time. Throughout the meeting he had remained as a ghost, only speaking when absolutely necessary. "Any way you look at it, he would have gained entry to the city and palace. He was clever enough to get in one way or the other, as well as come up with whatever story he had to to be accepted. The fake missive from Lord Celeborn only made him seem trustworthy, since you know Celeborn would only send an elf here that he would trust. And he used that same trust and the lies to get onto the council in such a short amount of time and get close to you and Círdan."
Gil-galad nodded, seeming to feel a bit reassured that he was not a fool to trust such an elf, while Círdan smiled in a way that made it clear he was not at fault.
Glorfindel finally spoke for the first time, "What I do not understand is how he slipped away from Himring. You must have known letting him leave could be dangerous? Especially for those that the twins would grow to care for," a golden eyebrow raised slightly in mockery, "And since Mistaro told me that your border guards were basically ordered to shoot anything that moved, I would assume you were aware of Halon maybe trying to leave to follow the twins."
Maglor grimaced, "Halon was captain of the border guards. He knew where they were stationed better than anyone. He left about two and half years after the twins left, even though we suspect he followed Oldhinor when he tracked the twins when they first left. We just never had any evidence of this, since he was gone for only a few days, not long enough for us to launch an expansive search for him. And when we asked where he went, he only said that he had gone hunting for game, but had wandered a little too far and had spent a few nights that were not planned out in the Wilds."
Silence fell again over the group as they delved into and sorted through their thoughts.
Finally Gil-galad said, "Tomorrow is the council meeting regarding the alliance and agreement that needs to be decided. I suggest we all relax and get some rest. It will be a trying day," as he stood and left his study to attend to other matters that required his attention, like Aglarebon and Aeglos.
Apparently Aglarebon was getting a little too protective, and was starting to charge the grooms.
Even Merenel looked as though she was tired of him and in need of a break from his antics, which was why Gil-galad was going to the stables to help separate them for a while, just so Merenel could have some time to herself.
Afterwards, he hoped to train with Aeglos for a while. While many considered a spear an unconventional weapon for a king, he wielded it as though it was an extension of himself, and not many could stand against it for long, no matter what they were armed with.
Once Gil-galad left, everyone else also left until only the twins and Maedhros were left.
Glorfindel seemed to realize this too late, and tried to go back in, but Elrond stopped him as he shut the door.
"Stay out of this Glorfindel," he said as the door slid shut, "There is some anger between us that we need to try to clear up before the meeting tomorrow if we are going to be of any use to anyone."
"But –," Glorfindel began, but was cut off by a firm, cold, and utterly uncompromising voice saying, "Do not interfere. We know what we do."
The lock clicking brought Glorfindel back to the present to find himself staring at the door, and reeling from the firmness in Elrond's voice. Looking to the left and right revealed the guards standing so stiffly they could have been sculpted from marble.
'It seems his tone not only reminded me of my king Turgon,' he thought as he settled in a chair nearby, 'I wonder if he is aware of how commanding he can be?'
As the sturdy door's lock clicked into place Elrond turned and said, "What is it you wish to speak to us about? I suggest you make this as quick as possible, though, before Glorfindel breaks down the door."
The thought of the reborn Vanyar doing exactly that caused Maedhros to remember what he wanted to speak to them about.
"Very well. I doubt you will believe me when I say I am sorry about Sirion, and all that has happened since," he said.
The stunned silence did not last very long, and Elrond was the first to speak, "Why should we accept this apology? You showed no remorse or regret for your actions when you tried to strangle me or slapped Elros in the kitchens when we first arrived. You did not stop Faerthurin from being cruel to us, making us believe that all those with red hair were cruel. It was not until we met the dwarves that that belief was proven wrong. So again, why should we accept this when you show nothing and feel only rage that you did not claim the Silmaril?"
Maedhros barely managed a grim smile before saying, "Just because I showed no emotions does not mean I did not regret my actions. Amras would have been able to convince me to go into Angband itself to try and reclaim the other jewels, so poisonous were his words that they blinded me to all else for a long time after we returned after Sirion. Faerthurin whispering in his ear did not help either."
"That is no excuse for all that you have done throughout this Age and before," Elros said quietly, "And I think we have no more to discuss," as he moved towards the doors and unlocked them, "We will think on your words if you consider giving up this Valar-forsaken mission to reclaim the Silmarils," with that he left without a backwards glance.
Elrond only said, "This Oath will consume you, and then there will be nothing left but the grief of knowing that your actions were all for naught in the end," words ominous with foresight before he left as well, leaving Maedhros to his tumultuous thoughts of giving up the quest as Elrond joined Glorfindel and his brother outside as they moved away from the door, speaking in hushed tones.
Screams and the rumble of stone and thunder. Fire licked towards the sky as rain pelted down in torrents.
He ran through the chaos of elf fighting orc, but stopped cold and watched in horror as Heledhon and Faneth became crushed in the ruins of their home. Nearby the twins lay side-by-side, necks gaping holes of blood, eyes glassy and staring in death.
Seeing them caused a wrenching scream of pain to come from his throat, but it changed to one of terror as the ground disappeared beneath his feet and he plummeted towards a river of fire.
Gil-galad shot up in bed, his heart racing and the feeling of falling slowly fading as he registered where he was.
The next thing he registered were the two guards in his chambers, swords drawn, clearly looking for some threat.
"Is there something wrong, aran nín?" one of them asked as they continued to scan the rooms.
Gil-galad only shook his head ruefully, not wanting to cause them any concern, and at the same time regretting agreeing to the guards outside his chambers while the Fëanorians were here, "It was nothing to be concerned about," his hoarse voice making him realize what had drawn the guard's attention, "only a dream I have had before. I will speak with Lord Círdan about it tomorrow."
The guards understood they were being dismissed, and so left as Gil-galad rose from his bed and moved to his wardrobe.
After dressing he went to his sitting room to read, even though he knew his ability to concentrate would be as elusive as sleep this night.
Indeed, not even five minutes later he was staring out the balcony, the book lying forgotten in his lap as he tried to make sense of the dream.
It was definitely some form of foresight, but he could not make sense of it.
What he did know and could make sense of was that Elrond likely had had the same dreams, or something similar, if the sleepless look in his eyes was any indication. He would speak with him after the meeting to see what could be learned.
The next day dawned bright and clear. Everyone seemed ready as they gathered in the council chambers, even though Gil-galad and Elrond looked as though they had not slept well.
A glance between them confirmed they both would stay afterwards. Technically the twins were too young to attend the meeting, but the Fëanorions were reluctant to work on an alliance without the twins present, since they would be able to tell if they were getting a fair deal based on the twin's reactions.
It was only because of this that they were allowed to attend. That, and the fact that they were both able leaders who needed to learn how to become great leaders. Sitting in council was one way to accomplish that.
All in all, the meeting went well, since the alliance was fairly simple. All the Fëanorians had to do was agree to Gil-galad's command, and not do anything to jeopardize the safety of any in the city.
Gil-galad knew that the other alliances that needed to be forged would now be more difficult because of the Fëanorians, but decided not to borrow trouble at the moment.
After the alliance had been agreed upon and signed, all left until only Gil-galad and Elrond remained.
Once the door had shut, Elrond turned to Gil-galad, "What have you seen?"
Gil-galad shut his eyes tightly, "The city collapsing around me as orcs attack. Heledhon and Faneth being crushed in the ruins of their home," here he opened his eyes and looked at Elrond, "You and your brother lying dead, side-by-side. Then the ground falls away beneath me and I wake up, but I feel as though I should be seeing more if I did not wake when I did."
Elrond only looked compassionate and sympathetic, "My visions are different, but the same. Yours have a darker feel to them, and you see the worst of what may happen. It is no warning, only something to drive you mad."
Gil-galad looked up in surprise, "So it comes from Morgoth?" to which Elrond nodded.
"You need to block him out," Elrond said, "I do not know how to do so, per se, but I think that now that you know what it is and where it comes from you can follow it back to where it is entering your mind and seal the door, as it were."
"That is surprisingly good advice, and not something I would have thought you knew," Gil-galad said with a raised eyebrow.
Elrond shrugged, "It is how I heal. I locate the hurt and send energy and healing to it. It is how I brought you back as well. I found the wandering light of your fëa and pulled you back. However," and here his tone dropped in warning, "do not attempt to block Morgoth by yourself. Let me help you."
Gil-galad was all too willing to agree, "I agree, but let us do it soon, like tonight. I need a full night's sleep before I become completely exhausted."
Elrond nodded, "Which is when Morgoth would strike at you, when you are at your weakest. To him it would be like snuffing out a candle, and the Noldor of Middle-earth would fall apart with no one to guide them."
"Mmmm..." was all Gil-galad could think to say on that highly depressing thought.
His thoughts then turned back to the beginning of the conversation, "What do you see in your visions?" slightly disturbed that one so young would have the Gift, or Curse, of Foresight.
Elrond actually smiled, "An evacuated city falling beneath the waves, and the balcony in your study overlooking the Sea, and not a grassy plain. But, most importantly, I know when we should begin evacuation and where to evacuate to."
Gil-galad immediately looked interested, "When?" hopefully it would not be soon, the better to have more time to plan.
Elrond smiled, "We should start preparing soon, if only to give the innocents and civilians a chance to escape, where the enemy will not strike. We need to get them to safety before the ships arrive from the West, because then it may be too late and many will die. If this is timed correctly, then only soldiers and any healers or maids willing to stay will still be here. By the time the war starts in earnest, the soldiers will leave and the city will stand empty. the healers and maids journeying with them when they go to war."
Gil-galad gratefully took in this information, then asked, "Where should we evacuate to? I doubt going out to sea would be a good idea."
Elrond laughed a little at the attempt of humor before saying, "Going inland, to Eregion, would help ease the danger of a tumultuous Sea and the grinding of the earth beneath us, especially considering how fragile the ground beneath the city is. Here, where the palace stands, the foundations are strong, but the looser foundations the city is built on will not hold up against earthquakes and tsunamis."
"That is highly depressing, but good to know," Gil-galad returned before standing.
Once on his feet, and after gathering up the signed alliance, (which he would keep with him in a secret location just in case), he said, "Should we go find Círdan, and your brother, to tell them what we are going to attempt?"
"Not attempt, do," Elrond said firmly, and in that instant Gil-galad saw an unbreakable will, "And yes, we should. We will need their help."
And with that, they both left.
Night settled over the city, but in the king's chambers the mood was somber and bleak.
Hadlathon was there, as was Uilosseth, to tend both elves afterwards. Also there were the twins and Círdan, waiting in the sitting room. Glorfindel stood outside, to make sure none entered.
Hadlathon had prepared a mild sleeping draught as the king prepared himself for sleep. Once he was ready Hadlathon, with slightly shaking hands, gave him the draught.
After finishing it, Gil-galad actually smiled a little as he made himself comfortable, "I am as nervous as you, Hadlathon, but I know what to expect, and this time I will not be alone."
"That does not ease my mind," was all the healer could think to say as he placed a cloth over the king's eyes.
Silence fell in the room, and eventually Gil-galad fell asleep, the draught working easily on a mind that had nothing to focus on.
Only when he was well and truly asleep did Hadlathon call in the others, with Elrond taking the chair closest to the bed.
Only when the movement ceased did Uilosseth ask, "Now what do we do?"
Elrond was the one who answered, voice ominous as he said, "Now we wait for Morgoth to make his move."
Seated on the darkest of thrones, Morgoth smiled, causing his servants to cower in fright and terror.
The little king was now asleep. Morgoth may not have the skill and talents of Irmo, but he could still enter someone's mind, especially as unprotected as this pathetic elf's.
'It actually is well defended,' Morgoth mused as he set to work, thinking that maybe this time the elf would not wake before the nightmare ended, 'which is expected of a brat of Fingolfin. But it has a weakness that no one can foresee, and that is when his mind was at it's weakest.'
And with that, he set to his work of making the elf-king his from far away.
A grimace was the only warning they received, and it was slight.
But Elrond noticed, and in a matter of seconds had his hand on Gil-galad's brow. The other settled over his heart.
"Does he not need athelas?" Hadlathon asked Elros, remembering the last time Elrond had done this.
Elros looked up from where he was preparing the herb. The water was already staying hot over the fire. "Not yet. If it is used too soon, then its abilities will be useless when they are needed most."
When Elrond entered Gil-galad's mind, it was to something very different than the last time.
Whereas before there had been nothing, now there was heat, and rain, and pain, and the smell of blood and the screams of the dying and of orcs.
Knowing that time was of the essence, Elrond raced to where he knew Gil-galad would be from their earlier conversation.
Sure enough, there stood Gil-galad near where the bodies of himself and his brother lay. He was staring at them in shock, and the ground beneath him was starting to tremble.
Without a second thought, Elrond dove and tackled Gil-galad to safe ground just as he was about to fall into the abyss.
Once he had picked himself up, Elrond was glad to see the relieved eyes of the king, "I am glad you are here, Elrond. For a second I thought that this was real, but that tackle you gave me just now says otherwise. Shall we set to work before you are discovered?"
Elrond could only nod. There would be time for humor later.
Morgoth jerked in surprise. 'That was not supposed to happen!' he thought, his rage seeping to the fore of his mind, 'Who was that?'
Looking more closely revealed star-silver eyes of the elf that had stopped the elf-king from falling into the abyss.
"Brat of Melian! You shall pay!" he roared, his fury felt and heard as the ground trembled.
The trembling of the ground was followed by Elros saying, "Elrond stopped Gil-galad from falling into the abyss. Morgoth is furious now."
Elrond and Gil-galad had only to wait a moment to collect themselves before they set off once more.
As it was, Elrond led Gil-galad by the hand, never letting go; a lifeline for when it was needed.
That, and Elrond knew what he was doing.
Hopefully.
After what felt like hours of walking, they had come to the epicenter; where this nightmare was coming from.
Walking towards it revealed the jeering faces of orcs, as they took a toughened whip to the king's back.
Gil-galad shook his head in disbelief. He always thought the orcs had done something more to him than torture him, and now he knew they had.
Morgoth bellowed in rage again as the half-elf found him. He had thought that no one could find him here, but it was clear he was wrong. How he was found he did not know, but he intended to find out.
Surprise followed the rage as what happened next was not what he expected.
The half-elf flicked him away and out of the king's mind, as if he was nothing more than an annoying fly, making him realize that he had been overconfident in assuming that no one could get him out and should have taken time to root himself more firmly in the mind he was seeking to control. Something to remember for next time.
Before he realized it or could attempt to stop it, the wall had been repaired in it's entirety, and battering at it revealed no chink or weakness to exploit.
For a third time there was a cry of rage, but it was cut short as he realized he was still in someone's mind.
It was not the one he wanted, but it would do as he smiled cruelly and set to his work once more.
A gasping cry was the only warning they received before Elrond fell away from the king and Gil-galad opened bloodshot, lethargic eyes that could focus on no one and nothing.
Uilosseth was quick to catch Elrond and lay him on a settee nearby before turning to the king, convinced Elrond would come around in a few moments.
That was not to be the case. Everyone jumped several inches as Elrond cried out, a wrenching sound of pain. It was a surprise in that he had never cried out in pain to their knowledge.
Only then did Elros throw the athelas into the water and drop to his knees next to the settee, taking Elrond's hand in his and placing his other hand on his cheek.
The athelas seemed to help for a few minutes, then looked to be doing nothing as Elros concentrated.
Morgoth yelled in rage as the athelas permeated his nose. He hated that smell!
Sensing the presence of another, Morgoth tried to snuff out its light but was met with firm resistance.
'The other son of the star,' he realized as he tried unsuccessfully to end both lights.
Instead, a feeling he did now know or understand coursed from the brighter light to the mind he was seeking to destroy. If he could have stayed loyal to Eru Ilúvatar, he would have known the feeling to be love; pure and unending love.
This feeling caused the mind to rally, and an all-powerful surge of energy, strength, and the power of a Maia from beyond this world forced him out for good and for all eternity, slamming mithril gates and locking them soundly.
The minute sounds of struggle ceased as Elros raised his head slowly, looking exhausted beyond measure but with a smile on his lips.
Elrond lay insensate on the settee still, but his breathing and color had returned to normal.
Moments before, all had witnessed an almost unbelievable sight: Elrond's skin glowing ethereally.
Only Círdan, of all those present, could remember the glow of a Maiar in full glory and still recognize it, and so was able to realize that Melian was helping her descendants from afar.
"He will need much rest, but will be fine," Elros murmured.
"As do you," Hadlathon said from next to Gil-galad.
The king was again asleep, his exhausted mind easily subdued by the mild draught he had been given earlier, a testament to his exhaustion.
They would watch him closely and wake him often to assess how his mind had fared after all that had happened.
"I dare not leave him," was all Elros said.
"But you still need rest," Uilosseth said, but silenced herself when Círdan stood.
"I will get another settee for you. Hadlathon, if you will help me?" was all he said.
They returned moments later, and after setting the settee down it was a matter of five minutes to convince Elros to lie down to rest for a little while; even though as soon as his head touched the pillow he fell deeply asleep.
Blankets warmed by the fire were placed over them. Lavaneth and Levenil also came and curled up next to both elves before purring themselves to sleep.
Once the twins were settled and comfortable, the others began their vigil as they waited out the night.
In his dark tower, Morgoth bellowed his rage for all to hear, and those that did were terrified.
"Foiled! By a mere child! And his pathetic healer of an ancestress! They will see! They will all see who is the true king of this land! Not today, and not tomorrow, but very soon! The war has begun! Now I begin my preparations in earnest! May those that do not soon cower when they hear my name and feel my rage meet the most painful and humiliating of ends!"
"This war will destroy all before it, but nothing new shall come from the ashes!"
In the morning peace surrounding Alqualondë, three kings and a Maiar met.
Eönwë had grown used to his hroa, and now wore it with ease.
Olwë only said, "Ships I will give to thee, and my people's skill at mast and helm thou shalt have. But heed my words, none shalt step foot onto Middle-Earth, and no words thou might say shalt convince my people and I otherwise. What was suffered at the hands of Fëanor and his sons is still fresh in our minds, and thou shalt not convince us that our pain is healing."
Ingwë and Finarfin nodded gravely, and Eönwë bowed his head in grief and solidarity with Olwë as they remembered the blood-covered streets and the burning of the Swan-ships.
But the bargain was struck and made, and all that remained to do was begin the training of those that wished to fight.
The defining battle of the Age had begun.
Translations:
hir nín – my lord
Mae govannen – Well met
aran nín – my king
Ála lavessë larma sahtaldë,háno – Do not grant him the pleasure of baiting you, brother
Sinda – Grey-elf
Silvan/Nandor – elves that did not travel West, and yielded to and became subjects of Elu Thingol and the Sinda.
Eluréd and Elurín – the twin sons of Dior and Nimloth, brothers to Elwing, who were abandoned to die in the forests of Doriath after the sack of Doriath by Celegorm's cruel servants.
Aeglos – Snow-point. The spear of Gil-galad.
Fëanorions – Sons of Fëanor
feä – spirit
Irmo – the Vala of Dreams and Visions, spouse of Estë, usually called Lórien after his gardens
Alqualondë – Swan-haven, capital of the Teleri of Aman. Where the Fëanorians stole the Swan-ships and committed the first Kinslaying.
Maiar/Maia – spirits that descended into Arda and Aman to help shape the world.
Eönwë – the herald of Manwë
hroa – body
Olwë – King of the Teleri of Alqualondë in Aman.
Ingwë – King of the Vanyar, and High King of the Elves of Aman and Arda
Finarfin – King of the Noldor that remained in Aman after the Kinslaying at Alqualondë and were pardoned by the Valar.