I apologize for how long it took me to get this chapter to you. I have been dealing with a few things in my real life. Thankfully no one is really sick or terribly injured. I do hope you enjoy this one. We are getting so close to the end now. I can not believe it.


Every elf in the Fellowship just wandered the city in a daze. It was like moving back through time to see it as it was. A large thriving city in the east and it was filled with Elves and Humans. Glorfindel was shocked to find that the House of the Golden Flower still existed and was ruled by Inglor. Who promptly offered the role of Lord to Glorfindel. He declined, all he would tell them was that they would understand eventually.

Elrond and Gandalf quickly went into the counsel of the King. They waited in a large room. expertly decorated with finery Elrond found himself a bit jealous of.

"You are sure you did not know any of this Mithrandir? How can a whole elven civilization be here all this time and we did not know?" Elrond asked lowly.

"I knew nothing of it yet now I feel I may know more than I thought."

Elrond just looked at the wizard with a glare as he spoke riddles. His attention turned suddenly from the wizard, the weave of the cloth of the curtains and the wood work of the mantle to an opening door.

It was a large door. Everything in the palace seemed to be a bit bigger than required. It was the tall elf that entered. It was said Thingol was the tallest of all the elves and now before him was the tallest elf he had ever seen.

His features were very sindaran. Long silver hair framed a masculine yet beautiful face. His eyes the color of ice that sparkled with silver. His jaw trembled and his words stuttered forth "Elu Thingol." The tall elf regarded Elrond for a moment then smiled pleasently.

"Why Elrond you appear lost for words. Please sit down let's hope you find them once more." Thingol was now showing Elrond to a chair. A large rather plush chair the color of wine with gold accents that reminded Gandalf of the seats in Manwe's house.

After getting Elrond comfortable he walked from his meeting room with ease and stopped at a cabinet that was filled with various wines and spirits. "I know you have many questions. That is why we are having this conversation now. I understand time is somewhat short on the matter at hand. " He poured three goblets full of the deep red wine.

The goblets shone in the natural light that filtered into the room via large windows. Neither of them could think of one word to speak. Within his large hands he held the goblets and first offered one to Elrond then to Gandalf. "It's one of our own vintages. I think you might find it appealing." He lifted his own goblet then and took a long drink.

"How is it possible? That is your first question is it not. You have already seen Glorfindel now you have seen some of his house greeting him. You will also run into old friends. Perhaps family or even lovers long gone here. Just as Manwe sent Glorfindel back to you Elrond. The Valar sent us back to Cuivienen to rebuild it because there would be a time that we would be needed. This is a land of second chances. The Valar are very wise indeed to send us back. We have seen the signs in the land and heard the whispers in the darkness." Thingol lowered down into one of the large chairs and relaxed. He knew it would take a few moments for this to all absorb.

Gandalf finally rounded one of the chairs and sat down. His hand resting in one of this hands. "Which Valar did this? It was not all of them."

"Olorin there were a few. Manwe, Orome and Tulkas and yes she was aware." Thingol answered his next question before it was even asked.

He then smiled to Elrond. "We did not seek to conquer who was already here. We ended up mixed with them. Their families became our families. That is why there are so many Humans and Peredhel that live here too."

"I met some of the peredhel in the east desert. Now I know where they came from. Well you are here and blessed by the Valar some of them anyway. Do they hold a grudge?" Thingol's brows raised and he began to laugh.

"You and I are going to be friends Elrond. I can assure you that they are hurt deeply and know what must happen this time. If it doesn't end now. There will not be a second chance." The mighty King rose and his aura was like that of Glorfindel's. Powerful and terrifying. "I wonder if your King Thranduil would like to treat with me?"

"I believe he would." Elrond took a drink and smiled. "Or even better a treat with the Queen."

Thingol looked confused. "Queen?"

Minogos found himself with Jeven and Tauriel. Hiroc and Hannibal loomed near by. It seemed as if they too had old friends here. Though their friends were the type that would sit at a pub at 2 in the afternoon and have a pint or two. They had been given the freedom of the city and some coins to spend. Glorfindel absconded with his old friends. Minogos wondered about the kind of trouble that could come from this.

Tauriel leans over and grins widely. "You are quite popular with the females. They linger and steal glances."

His purple gaze lifted and he grinned. "That's because I am not hiding who I am here. They can't help themselves."

Tauriel scowls and pushes away. "I have never found you attractive."

"There are exceptions to the rule My Dear." He nodded a bit.

"If it weren't for Bynsarda they would all be over here fawning over you." Tauriel snorted.

"I do hope her fitting is going well. I can't imagine them doing anything half way. " His eye's got a bit of a sparkle then.

Glorfindel hit a wall rather hard. He was a bit tipsy and within the walls of what was his house. He was jolly, his laughter booming through the halls. "Who?" He asked Calenhad.

"Byrel You have to remember her Glorfindel. You were close at one time."

"Oh no no no Gwanur, none for me thanks." He started to laugh again and sit down the wall and sat there. "I have a goddess waiting on me."

"A goddess? It sounds like you have it bad Gwanur, tell me about this goddess of yours." Calenhad too sat in the hall with Glorfindel. They shared a rather old bottle of whiskey made by dwarves long ago.

"Do you remember the giants of the north and their Queen?" Glorfindel asked.

Calenhad smirked, "Alright you have my attention."

Calenhad learned about Finnola then. Every fine detail Glorfindel was so bold to share with his friend. Parts of it had Calenhad blushing. Outright red in the face and looking wide eyed at Glorfindel who was inebriated and just over joyed to be with his kin once again.

Bynsarda being the voluptuous elleth she was, was having an interesting time being fitted for her wedding attire. He was one of the many tailors that made dresses for the Queen. Yet he was not used to making clothing for ones with so many curves. Nothing he had on hand would fit her even if it were let out.

He stood off to the side. His fingers pressed to his lips as he gave this problem a lot of thought. His assistant continued to measure and write down numbers. She was a mousy looking elleth with a small button nose and big brown eyes. Her auburn hair pinned loosely at the back of her head.

"I think you may have broke him." She whispered to Bynsarda and motioned with her head towards her boss.

"How did I do that?"

"Let's just say that he isn't used to those with great assets." The mousy elleth giggled.

Bynsarda sighed and stepped down from the platform they had her standing on and sat down. "Well he better get it figured out quickly, apparently I'm getting married in 2 days. I can't believe I am saying that to be honest."

The doors were opened by the guards and in strode the most beautiful woman Bynsarda had ever seen. She was tall, very tall. Her hair was as dark as a moonless night and her flesh like fine porcelain. In her eyes she held the sparkle of the stars in those deep blue depths. She was adorned in plain blue silk yet the small golden details made it appear to be far more than it was.

Byn noticed the tailor and his assistant were down on one knee with their heads bowed . Though she was not sure who this woman was she slides from where she sat and rested on a knee.

"Please do rise my friends. Be at ease." When she spoke her voice was like a beautiful song carried on a gentle breeze.

She moved right to Bynsarda who was getting to her feet. "I am here to meet this stunning red head." She said and took Bynsarda's hands. Feeling how rough they were against her soft fingertips yet she did not let go. "I am Melian and I am so happy to meet you Bynsarda."

"The Queen?" Bynsarda looked up to her with wide eyes.

The Queen chuckled. "Yes dear that Melian. Though right now You are the star of the show. I love weddings and it should be a special day. I thought perhaps you would let me help you make some of the choices for the festivities."

"I...uh... well, yes I would be honored." Bynsarda stumbled on her words a bit and felt just a little overwhelmed.

With the Queen there it did not take long for them to come up with a solution to the dress problem.

Thingol had now lowered back down into the large chair. He was the one stunned into silence. He took a long drink from his goblet and looked up to Gandalf and Elrond. "They made no mention of this."

"They did not fully know either. When I went to meet with with them, all of them were shocked to learn he had escaped his prison." Gandalf explained. "By what you have said they were aware of the prophecy and yes you are needed."

"Do you believe this Queen can defeat him?" Thingol asked and looked them both in the eye. "This tiny Fae?"

"With all of us working together I think she is our best hope. We not only have to defeat him but crush his army and destroy the legacy he has wrought upon the arda." Elrond spoke lowly.

Thingol began to laugh. "I knew we would be facing a hard fight no matter what it was we were to go against but I had no idea." He paused there and sighed. "We can be ready in 3 days." He rose once more and smiled. " I am looking forward to meeting this Queen. "

The city was bustling. They had maintained a level of preparedness ever since their numbers had grown and the city had been rebuilt. They had no idea when the call would come after all. Tauriel had thought that Thranduil's army moved like a well oiled machine back in the Woodland Realm. While they were efficient they were nothing like this Army. She sat atop of of the many walls around the palace. Her eyes wide as she watched the preparations below.

The palace was bustling behind her. There would be a wedding that night and a feast. The next day they would be leaving. In fact if she were honest she was eager to get going. She missed her friends.

"It has always amazed me just how quickly an army can make ready." A deep voice said behind her suddenly.

She turned to see a rather tall ellon wearing blue robes moving to stand beside where she sat. His skin was rather pale and on his head was the reddest hair she had ever seen. More red than her own. She smiled to this unknown ellon.

"Indeed," she turned to look down once more. "I have never seen an army like this one. They are outfitted so well and with their own war machines. Their level of efficiency is astounding."

The red haired Ellon just smiled and watched along side her. "Well what you are witnessing is the culmination of ages of experience."

"TAURIEL!" Came the cry from acoss the the grounds. "Tauriel we need to get you dressed."

Without even looking she sighed and her shoulders sank. "That is my cue." She spun around and hopped up. "I am sorry but it was nice meeting you."

"Tauriel? It was lovely meeting you as well." He said just as the voice raised once more beckoning her off.

She looked to him once more and smiled before taking off in a jog. " I am coming."

The red headed ellon turned on his heel and strode off towards the garden.

The ceremony had been lovely. The feast after had been sumptuous then the dancing began. Bynsarda and Minogos spun around the dance floor together. They both talented at their craft wowed those in attendance with their dancing. Though they did keep it toned down for the delicate sensibilities of the elves.

Elrond was huddled together with the Thingol and Gandalf. He seemed unwilling to look for any he had lost along the way. Though he knew they had to be there. He stayed within a small circle and was eager to leave the next day.

Thingol looked up and smiled. "Captain I take it you're prepared for the morning."

"Of course my Lord. My regiment will be at ready before dawn."

Elrond's eyes widen. The voice he heard behind him was distantly familiar. He turned around slowly and felt as if his breath had been taken. There just a few feet from him was the tall red headed ellon. His features just a lovely as Elrond remembered them.

He looked on Elrond and his gaze softened. "I always knew you would be a leader someday Elrond." He said softly. "It fills my heart with great happiness to be blessed to look upon you again."

Gandalf had never had the occasion to see Elrond in shock like this. Nor did he know this red headed ellon just by looking on him. He stepped closer to Elrond. "Lord Elrond?" His hand grasped the back of Elrond's arm and this seemed to bring him back to the moment"

"Yes Gandalf," he inhaled deeply. "This is Maedhros."

Gandalf blinked then looked on this tall ellon with the deep red hair. "I see." Were the only words even Gandalf could muster.

Maedrhos nodded politely to Gandalf then his attention was back on Elrond. "I was hoping you and I could talk Elrond. Though I fully understand if you wish not to."

Elrond was silent for several moments then nodded. "Very well."

Maedhros motioned with his hand. "Thingol's garden is lovely especially at night. Shall we go for a stroll?"

Elrond nodded and began to move . He grabbed a full goblet off a passing tray.

Gandalf eyed Thingol now.

"Oh do not look at me like that Ishtari. It is time for hearts to heal. This is the land of second chances."

"How many more are there?" Gandalf asked.

"If you mean Kinslayers, there are several here. Now if you mean Feanor and his sons, Celegorm, Curufin, Maedhros and Feanor are here."

Gandalf looked aghast at Thingol. Who now chuckled. Thingol shook his head and lay a large hand on Gandalf's shoulder. "I have forgiven them, If I had not they would not have been allowed here."

"Celegorm captured your daughter, He tried to force a bond between them..."

Thingol cut him off with a wave of his hand and he smiled widely. "Gandalf this is the land of second chances. What you are speaking of in the ancient past. The oath is no more. They have repented. They now reside along side many of their victims. I know this will be hard for many to understand and accept especially for the elves of the west, but here they are forgiven. They are accepted and they all have strived to make amends for what they have done. It is my hope and theirs that in fighting this war along side their brothers and sisters of the west that it can begin to heal those hurts. The healing of the arda begins here Gandalf. This is the first verse of the second song of the Ainur."

Maedhros and Elrond walked in silence through the garden. Indeed Thingol's garden was spectacular at night. There were many fountains and water features. Lamps highlight certain features. A bed of night blooming flowers. Willows with their long hanging thin limbs. The scent of spring flowers hung in the air.

They turned a corner and both ellyn were startled by a rather young elleth sitting alone on a bench. She reminded Elrond of Juniper but this was no fae. She was demure with long thick white hair. Braided and pinned up with many flowers affixed within those braids. Her eyes an icy blue and she held the gentle glow about her like all those that had returned. She was wearing a simple but elegant own of blue with silver lace.

Maedhros chuckled and shook his head. "Edlothia, didn't Thingol tell you to mingle this evening?"

There was an audible gasp from her when he spoke and she realized she was caught. Elrond guessed she could not be more than a few hundred years old. An adult but still very young for an elf.

"I ahh mmm," she stammered as she jumped up from her seat and fidgets. "Yes Ada did say I was to try and and be social and I did try Maedhros. I swear I did, I just feel more comfortable within the garden." She then looked down.

Elrond arched a brow. She called Thingol father and the more he studied her, he realized she was Peredhel.

"Edlothia, go back to the party and try a bit more. You worry me with you isolation. You worry your Ada and Naneth. We all love you pitya alma(little flower). Now go and have a bit of fun." Maedhros said gently to her.

She nodded and lowered her head before hurrying past them. Maedhros watching to make sure she headed towards the party before he turned to Elrond and motioned to the bench. "Thingol and Melian adopted her when she was brought to them as an infant. They simply fell in love with her at first sight. She has always been quiet and reserved and prefers gardens and the forest. Which if am honest I can understand."

They sat on the bench, even siting Elrond was aware of just how small he was compared to Maedhros. He being a bit shorter than Thingol. It reminded him of how he felt as a child next to him. Now they sat in silence. Elrond struggled with words. It was overwhelming him to see and be so close to this ellon and Maedhros knew this.

He sighed softly. "Elrond do you hold a grudge against me?"

Elrond shook his head. "Why would I? You and Maglor took care of us. You protected us and raised us. It is hard for me to hold any ill will towards you, even though I know everything now. You treated us well, you taught us like a father though you were more stern than Maglor. What happened between you and I later on I do not hold against you either. I wanted it just as you did, but did you have to leave me behind like you did? While I hold no grudge I suppose the hurt still lingers."

"Elrond we were going to fulfill our oath. We could not bring you nor Elros into that." Maedhros looked to him then. "Maglor loved you both as if you were his sons. I loved you much differently though I am unsure if you truly knew that back then. It was that love that left you behind. How could I taint you with the horrors of what he had done and did. I did not deserve you Elrond. Your love or Elros'. "

Elrond clasped his hands and lay then on his lap. "I loved you, deeply." Elrond confessed. "I knew you loved me as well."

Maedhros lay his right hand upon both of Elronds. "If I had not left you behind, you would have not met your wife. You would not have your children. You have lived a wonderful life Elrond. You have done great things. You have strove to better the arda and now you are the wisest of the western elves. I could not be more proud of you and wherever Maglor is I am sure he is proud of you as well."

"He is not with you? He is was not in the halls of Mandos?"

Maedhros shook his head. "He is not in the halls nor Valinor. I have no idea where he is. No one does."

This was sad news to Elrond he closed his eye's and when he opened them he looked upon the hand that lay atop his. "Maedhros, your hand."

He lifted it from Elronds and chuckled. "yes when I was given a body it was whole." He flexed his fingers. "Though I find I do not use it much. I still favor my left."

Elrond's hands encircled Maedhros' which made him blink his gaze turned to Elrond who drew his hand towards his lips. He felt a shiver course through him as Elrond kissed each finger then turned his hand gently to kiss the palm . The shock in his eyes softened as he pulled his hand from Elrond's and slid his arm over the wide shoulders of the shorter ellon His left hand pressed against Elrond's soft cheek. He pulled him closer and pressed his lips against the trembling flesh of Elrond's. Gentle at first, simply savoring the warmth is tenderness of the moment. Then slowly the kiss deepened until Elrond's arms were about him and their tongues mingled and danced together.

Maedhros had not sought this. He had not even dreamed such would ever happen again. His heart began to beat faster and all those long buried emotions began to come to surface. Tears began to stream down his cheeks and Elrond broke the kiss but did not pull away. Instead his thumbs pressed to Maedhros' cheeks and he wiped the tears away. Their foreheads pressed together and they embraced each other once more.

All the hurt Elrond had kept over the ages faded and his burden was lighter. He was reunited with his first love. Amends were made and the healing between them began.

The morning came quickly for those in Cuivienen. Maedhros sat astride his horse watching his regiment line up Elrond had elected to ride with them. Jeven and Tauriel were with the ancients. They near Thingol has he was giving commands.

Glorfindel was wearing the colors of his house. He rode with his kin once more. Proud and thrilled to be reunited with them. he was eager to get going. His wife would be there waiting on him once they got to the meeting place and he was eager to see her and have her meet his kin.

Maedhros had been at the party but had not attended the ceremony or the feast. He now was watching Minogos say goodbye to Bynsarda. She would stay behind in Cuivienen as the Queens guest. He was perplexed by Minogos but his attention kept being drawn the Redhead he was clinging to.

"Who is she?" He asked Elrond.

"Her name is Bynsarda. It was hers and Minogos' wedding that was being celebrated last night."

"There is something strangely familiar about her." Maedhros said softly before forcing himself to turn away. "So he is the the son of the demon."

"Yes though I assure you there is a huge difference between father and son. However, I call Minol a friend. His story I perhaps understand better than most."

Maedhros hummed a bit and took on more look at the stunning redhead. The horns were blown signaling their departure. Minogos kissed her once more before pulling himself up on the back of his horse and falling into place along side Thingol. After all he was the one that knew where they were going now.