Elrond and his people take the Straight Road to Valinor, Maglor in tow. One thing I would like to mention is that the timing of who's already in Valinor/when they are coming/where they live is not 100% in line with canon, although not too different. Just want to avoid any confusion! Enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 5

Elrond did not feel particularly well-rested when he awoke from reverie the next morning. His mind had been going in circles about his conversation with Maglor, and if there was some way he could prevent his death. Yet, it was pointless. The Valar were the ultimate authority below Iluvatar, and whatever Manwe proclaimed, it would be done.

The sun was just beginning to rise, and he knew he had much to do before they departed. "Meleth nin, I will see you soon," he whispered to the air. His dreams, when he managed to slip into reverie, had been of Celebrian, and her sparkling blue eyes. It was difficult to believe he would be seeing them in reality soon.

He ate a light breakfast of fruit and porridge, which had been provided to him by a shy, blonde Elleth, and took an extra moment to have a bath. They would be on the ship for a while, he suspected, and he wanted to look his best when he met his wife again. Elrond chuckled to himself; Celebrian would embrace him even if he was completely filthy. She certainly had when he would return from patrols, covered in mysterious substances and smelling less than pleasant, but not without wrinkling her nose adorably. He wondered if she would be wearing her familiar scent of roses, which she picked up from being in her garden so often. There had to be rose gardens in Aman, right?

Smiling at his silly thoughts, he fell into step beside Glorfindel as they headed outside. Elrond sucked in a breath at the beauty of the sun reflecting on the waters before him. "Glorfindel," Elrond said, and Glorfindel looked at him expectantly. "Do the beaches in Aman look like this?"

The Lord of the Golden Flower smiled mysteriously, "You will just have to find out when we get there, mellon nin." Elrond resisted rolling his eyes, but pursed his lips as Glorfindel laughed musically. "Now, let us get down to business, shall we?"

Pushing his worried thoughts of Maglor from his mind, Elrond greeted Cirdan and he escorted the two of them to a massive, white ship. It was beautifully constructed in the shape of a swan, and Elrond could see the complex emotions flitting across Glorfindel's face as he beheld it. Elrond wondered if this looked like the ships the Teleri constructed, but did not have the heart to ask, in concern for bringing back bad memories. The small group boarded the ship, and Elrond was pleased at the cozy rooms for people to stay in, as well as the large dining hall, which let in plenty of light, despite being below deck. Outside, there was plenty of space to walk around. Everything looked very sturdy and well-made, which was as expected. The Falathrim were a sea-dwelling people, and had been building these ships for thousands of years. They had perfected their craft, and Elrond knew they would be safe here.

Speaking of safety, once his people were gathered at the docks, Cirdan gave them a run down of safety procedures and what to expect on their voyage, including the travel time. However, his answer was a bit disappointing in its vagueness. "Time moves differently on this journey, so the days will blend together. It may feel shorter for some, and longer for others. None who travel it return again to Middle Earth, so there is no true account of the distance."

"So those who sail with us and man the ship also wish to stay in the Undying Lands?" Lindir asked, and Cirdan nodded. It was an interesting question, because while Mithlond was a busy place, he could imagine that they would eventually run out of mariners to pilot the ships…and then Elrond had a realization. Cirdan would be the last to leave, and would steer his own ship into the West. There were only a limited number of opportunities left for Elves to travel to Valinor. Elrond hoped Elladan and Elrohir would not tarry too long and miss their chance. Although, knowing them, they would find a way to build their own boat, should they need to. He refused to acknowledge the possibility that they would choose the Path of Men and remain, like his brother Elros and daughter Arwen.

The morning was busy with loading everything onto the ship, and the Falathrim helped make sure everyone was accounted for as people began to board. Many of them took time to themselves to say their private farewells to Middle Earth. As much as they wished to sail, leaving the lands where they had made their homes and seen their children grow, and fought to protect…it would be bittersweet. Yet, the original home of their people was in the West, and West was where they would go.

For Elrond, leaving meant never seeing his daughter again. Although they had said their farewells years ago, it did not make it any easier. His Estel…Elrond knew he would lose him to death someday, but it made his heart ache to think on the little boy who had grown into a man of such high quality. Galadriel would join them in Valinor soon, but Celeborn perhaps would not, from what he understood. In addition, many of the Elves in Eryn Lasgalen had no affinity for the Sea, and some had ancestors who had chosen not to take the Great Journey long ago, and held no attachment or love for Valinor. They would remain, until the world was changed.

He caught some guards escorting Maglor onto the ship, but Elrond kept his distance for now. He had things to whisper to the winds, and found himself kneeling on the ground. He had not donned his robes yet, simply wearing leggings and a warm tunic. Therefore, he didn't mind the sand underneath him as he sat back on his heels to think. What to say? The words did not come easily. He looked into the forest nearby. Would there be trees like this? Nothing could truly compare to Imladris. Certainly, Yavanna's forests and gardens would be beautiful beyond compare, but they were not from his home. Yes, the Vala had played a hand in creating what grew here, but had left it to its own devices long ago. The forest had done its own work, and become a part of the lands on which it grew.

Home…he would have a new one now. Elrond had lived in many places, and each held a special place in his heart, but none so much as Imladris. It was difficult to comprehend living his days somewhere new. However, he would be with his wife, and many whom he cared for and loved, and was it not people, rather than a place, which made a home? The sand slipped through his fingers, and he murmured to no one about the many memories he had of this land. He would treasure them in his heart, always, and would make many more in Aman.

"Hir nin?" Glorfindel asked, kneeling at his side. "We are getting ready to depart." Elrond felt a jolt of something undefinable, but simply nodded and smiled, before joining his friend as they made their way towards the ship. Erestor, who had traveled here weeks ago in preparation for their arrival, and whom he hadn't spoken with much since arriving here, handed him his robe with a smile. "Fished this out of your belongings, as I figured you would need it." Elrond raised an eyebrow at the pun, and pursed his lips when Erestor placed a simple circlet on his head. "You are still our lord, mellon nin." It made him feel warm inside to know he had his people's love.

With his friends at his side, he found his feet moving forward, and eventually he was going up the ramp and standing on the deck. I have taken my last steps in Middle Earth. It was a surreal thought. Shaking off the rush of feelings attempting to consume him, he settled into his familiar role of leadership and made sure everyone had what they needed. He worked with Erestor to ensure every Elf was accounted for, and finally, it was time to depart.

Cirdan made his way to the deck and everyone gathered around. "I wish you joy in Aman, and a safe journey. May Ulmo guide you to your new home in the Blessed Realm. Namarie." He surprisingly pulled Elrond into an embrace, squeezing him tightly before whispering, "All will be well, mellon nin. Say hello to Celebrian for me." Elrond nodded with a smile, too choked up to say anything. He did not realize how much he needed a hug until he received one. "I will see you again." Looking into Cirdan's impossibly ancient eyes one last time, he turned away to join the others standing at the sturdy railing surrounding the deck.

And then, quite suddenly it seemed, they set sail.

As Arda got smaller and smaller in the distance, it was eventually swallowed up by a wall of fog. He knew then that they had passed beyond the bounds of Middle Earth. Aman was outside of the known world, as they had removed it from Arda after the treachery of the Numenorians. It was difficult to comprehend, so he decided not to dwell on it too much, and rather focus on what was right in front of him.

After what felt like the morning and evening went by, he had expected a sunset, but none came. It reinforced Cirdan's words about time being different here. Elrond made his way to where he knew Maglor was staying. He wanted to check in with him, as he was finally on his journey. "Glorfindel, how is he?"

The Ellon shrugged, not really caring. "He has been polite and courteous to anyone who has interacted with him, but I cannot read his mood. You wish to see him?"

Elrond nodded. "Thank you, mellon nin, for supporting me in this. I know you do not agree with my decision to have him accompany us."

Glorfindel sighed, "Perhaps not, but I will follow you, to whatever end, and I trust your judgement." He smiled, and I could see his mood lift. "I will be glad to arrive at our destination."

"As will I, mellon nin," Elrond replied, and with another smile, he opened the door. Maglor was humming something while scribbling on a piece of parchment someone had given him. It looked to be music, for Elrond could see the familiar staff and notes written somewhat untidily. "Well, isn't that a familiar sight?" Elrond said fondly.

Maglor looked up and quirked a smile. "Ah yes, I have memories of a certain Elfling who would pester me about what I was writing constantly. I assume you remember everything I taught you about music?" Elrond's heart lightened at the teasing smirk, not having seen it in a long time.

"Oh yes, I have become quite the composer," Elrond said sarcastically, and he nearly jumped at the laugh which followed. Maglor himself seemed surprised at the sound which had come out of his mouth, which made Elrond start laughing. Eventually Maglor joined him, and it brought Elrond a surge of happiness. Once their chuckles subsided to smiles, Elrond said, "May I see it?"

"Well, it is barely started, so there is not much to see," Maglor explained, "But certainly." Elrond took the parchment from Maglor and appraised it, before humming what little there was. It was a slow and almost reflective tune, and Elrond wondered what the lyrics might be. "What do you think, penneth?"

"I think anything you write will be a masterpiece," Elrond said softly. "It always has been, even when the tune was simple and you wrote it just for us."

Maglor huffed a laugh, "Yes, some of what I sang was silly, but you seemed to enjoy it well enough." Elrond smiled, and they spent some time reminiscing on these, singing those tunes from long ago.

The truth was, it may be one of the only chances they ever got.

It seemed like many days went by as they traveled, and Elrond found himself at loose ends. He had little in the way of duties to attend to here, as everyone was well-looked after. Normally, he would spend his days writing correspondents, and meeting with his Council to make sure his Realm was safe and people taken care of. He would get reports from his soldiers, and read the many books in his library. Sometimes he would sit in on some of the lessons of the Elflings, although there had been fewer and fewer of them lately. Ruling Imladris kept him busy, but there was nothing to rule now. Again, he wondered what the political climate would be, and where he would fit in. Did he even want to be involved in politics again? There was certainly quite an appeal to spending his days with his wife, doing things he enjoyed. It would be much less complicated, and provide more flexibility for how he wanted to live his life.

Finally, his eyes widened as the near constant wall of fog before them rolled back, and a tower became visible, with a shining light at its top. Taniquetil! He could spot green hills, under a fair blue sky. First, however, they would be approaching Tol Eressea. There was a city called Avallone on the eastern side of the island, where many lived. Elrond and the others on the ship were unsure if their kin were on Tol Eressea, or if they had gone all the way to Valinor, so the ship would be docking temporarily, to check a record of all those who lived there. Elrond was curious; perhaps Celebrian was there?

There were many Elves on the Eastern shore, and some of his people rushed off the boat to greet their loved ones. The rest of the group waited anxiously to learn who else lived there, and a few more families disembarked. A handful of people from Avallone boarded the ship, and would be taking it to Valinor along with the rest of them. Celebrian was not there, and Elrond felt a moment of disappointment, wishing desperately to reunite with her. However, Valinor was only a short distance away, and his excitement began to build.

"Elrond, pacing the deck will not get you there any faster than if you were to stand still," Lindir said with a laugh.

"I know," Elrond replied, forcing himself to stay still with great difficulty. "I hope she is there," he murmured, realizing that she may very well not be.

Lindir squeezed his shoulder, "She will be, I know it."

Elrond sighed but smiled, grateful for his friend's support. After a few moments of silence, he felt a sudden squeezing in his chest. Maglor! "I will be right back, Lindir." The Ellon seemed to know where Elrond was about to go, and gave him a nod. Elrond walked with as much dignity as he could manage, until he was out of sight of the others. He found himself near sprinting to get to Maglor's room. He needed to speak with him! There might not be another opportunity again.

Glorfindel gave him a look of concern. "Mellon nin, what is it?" Elrond was panting. "You are as white as a sheet."

"I must see Maglor," Elrond burst out. "Before it is too late."

"Too late for what?" Glorfindel said, before a look of realization formed. "You wish to see Maglor before he is arrested."

"I saw it in a dream; your people, the Gondolindhrim, immediately apprehended him to escort him to the Circle of Doom. I must…I…" Elrond was speaking rapidly, his heart racing.

Glorfindel put a hand on his shoulder. "I understand." He opened the door, and Elrond ducked inside.

Maglor was pacing, as Elrond had just been doing, but he paused as he spotted his visitor. "Ionneg, you should be up on the deck with the others-" His speech was hampered by Elrond throwing his arms around him. "Penneth, you are trembling," he whispered, returning the embrace.

Elrond tried to get ahold of himself, but it was difficult. "They will take you soon…and I may never see you again," he mumbled, willing himself not to cry and act even more like an Elfling than he already was. Maglor stroked his hair, but did not reply for a time. Perhaps he did not have the words to say.

Finally, he pulled back a little, and Elrond was startled at the emotion in his grey eyes. He swallowed thickly, seemingly overcome. "I have loved you, almost from the moment we met. When your startled grey eyes looked into mine, I knew I would always do my best to keep you safe. Parenting you and your muindor seemed like an insurmountable task at times," he gave a watery chuckle. "But they are some of the happiest moments of my life."

"Mine as well," Elrond whispered. "I was so afraid when Naneth…left. You and Maedhros had taken us from the palace, and I did not know what to think." He took a shaky breath. "Yet, when you awkwardly hugged the two of us, I felt safe but did not understand why." Elrond forced a smile, "I do now."

Maglor's eyes were sparkling with tears, but he tried to blink them away, "I love you, Ionneg. Do not forget it." He took his hand in his and placed it against Elrond's chest, over his heart. "It will live here, forever."

"I love you too, Ada," Elrond replied tremulously, before repeating Maglor's gesture and words.

With one last embrace, Maglor pulled away. A gentle smile was on his face, "Now go see your Celebrian, and find your happiness in her arms."

"I will," Elrond replied earnestly. "It is not over yet; we may see each other again."

Maglor's smile faded, "Perhaps." With that, he shooed Elrond out the door, and suddenly he was in the hallway, a compassionate Glorfindel at his side. He looked into his friend's eyes. "Please, treat him kindly. I know you do not care for him or trust him, but he is important to me."

Glorfindel nodded gravely, "I will, I promise."

Steeling himself, he made his way back above deck. They were much closer now, and Elrond felt his heart fill with an almost overwhelming longing for Celebrian. His soul was reaching out for her without him even trying, as if it knew she was near. Their bond had not been sundered while she was…away, but rather inhibited with an impenetrable 'wall'. He could feel it beginning to crumble. They were almost there!

Finally, the captain had them throw down the anchor, and his people shifted impatiently as the ramp was put into place. Elrond had to assert some kind of order, as people began to rush forward all at once. There was quite the crowd on the beach, and he had some difficulty trying to spot Celebrian.

However, her signature silver hair shone like a beacon, and once most of his people had disembarked, he saw her.

Her smile was like the sun, and Elrond could see her crying as he rushed down the ramp and into her arms. He sagged against her as she held him tightly, and he inhaled her familiar, rosy scent with a shuddering breath. "Meleth nin," he gasped, over and over. He pulled back to look into her expressive blue eyes, and as she pulled his face down to hers, their bond blazed like a flame once more.

Knowing what would happen shortly, he pulled back and simply said, "Maglor traveled with us." Celebrian's eyes widened in shock, but she did not ask for more details as Elrond pulled her back into his arms, and turned himself around to face the ship.

Sure enough, his vision was coming true right before his eyes.

Glorfindel escorted Maglor, his grip firm as they walked down to the shore. Elrond was not sure who told who that Maglor was coming, but they were ready for him. Perhaps the Valar alerted those in leadership who would need to know. Whatever the case may be, Elrond stiffened as the Gondolindhrim tied his hands behind his back with some sturdy rope. He could not tell who the dark-haired Elf was, but Glorfindel greeted him with strong familiarity, and he wondered if this was Ecthelion, returned from Mandos.

"Meleth, it will be all right," Celebrian murmured, trying to comfort him.

Elrond sighed, running a hand through her silver hair, left unbound as he liked it. "It very well may not be."

"Come, I will bring you to where I have been staying these past few days, since we got word of your ship coming, and we can talk," Celebrian said softly, her lips curving into a smile. "We have much to catch up on."

Elrond couldn't help but return it, and leaned in to kiss her. The familiarity of it was a balm to his soul, and he wondered how he had survived for so long without her. She looked so healthy, much improved from the wraith-like Elleth she had been as they said goodbye all those years ago. "You are beautiful," he whispered. "Even more so than the day we met."

They began to walk down the beach, and she gave him a playful smirk, "Oh, you mean when you literally stumbled into me as I was walking in Caras Galadhon, nearly knocking me to the ground?"

"I was busy with something for Gil-Galad," Elrond insisted. "You are so small that I did not see you." She laughed, and it made Elrond's heart lighter. "The dress you chose to wear blended into the mallorn trees."

They spoke about lighter things as they walked, and despite his worries over Maglor, he could not stop smiling.

They are finally reunited! I got emotional writing this chapter due to all the emotional moments, and I was actually crying as I typed out Maglor and Elrond's conversation right before the ship arrived in Avallone. Those two just really touch my heart. Thanks for reading, and leave a review if you have a moment; they mean a lot to me.