'The air is cleaner now.' Legolas was thinking as he moved along one of the stone paths. It had just finished raining and water dripped from branches over head. He had been making notes of all the changes he was seeing in the days since the fall of the dark lord and the rising of the tree. He even had a small notebook he wrote these notes down in. It had rained everyday at least once over the last month. Each time everything was just cleaner. The filth that had permeated the land was really washing away.
He continued on his way. They had been given residence there for as long as they needed, here in the mothers garden. It was far more than a garden. It was a whole small village. There were many dwellings and all of the Avanati that stayed here were caretakers of this place. As Legolas walked along the curve in the path he could see Ryu sitting with a few of the shrine maidens. They were simply enjoying the moments after the rain. They under an awning on a large stone bench. Ryu saw him and smiled to him. He nodded his head and smiled back to her. The maidens around her lower their heads and giggle.
Yes this place was magical. Not just in appearance. Magic has always been strong here but now it was overflowing with it. The more he learned about this place the more he learned about the history they lovingly kept. He felt a far deeper connection to these people.
The clouds opened up and bright rays of sunshine began to spill down over the garden itself. He looked out over it as he continued on his way. The hot spring at the center, surrounded by grass so green he had to question if he had ever really known what green was. Stone paths took you through it. Beds of lilies and large purple and golden blossoms of flowers he did not know the names were small ponds with their own waterfalls replenishing them. In their crystal clear depths were many brightly colored fish. Large evergreen trees gave shade to parts of the garden and other parts it was fruiting trees with pink blossoms. Here near the water it was enormous weeping willows that hung over the water.
Her house was beside the spring and in the heart of the garden. It was a wooden structure that was ornately decorated with all manner of flowering plants carved into the wood and painted in painstaking detail so that they looked real and alive. The walls of her house opened up to let in fresh air and sunlight and when you sat inside you felt outside. In the center of the large open room as a large bed that was lower to the floor.
Legolas took the steps up onto the deck of the house and he could see his father sitting beside the bed. One of his books opened on his lap. He had been reading to her. Legolas stopped, he did not wish to interrupt them. His eyes looked to her. The bruises had faded and only a few discolored yellowing places remained on her face. She had been asleep since the night Morgoth fell and the tree appeared. That had been 5 weeks ago.
"It's alright ion nin, I think she enjoys visitors. In fact its time we let her friends come see her before they depart." Thranduil turned and looked to his son and managed a smile.
"That is what I was coming to tell you Ada, the first group of our own are planning to leave tomorrow. Will you see them off in the morning?" Legolas moved deeper into the house and lowered to sit on the low sitting bench next to his father.
Thranduil nodded as he closed the book on his lap and set it beside him. "Yes I will see them off. They have been away from home for far too long. All of us have." He trailed off and looked to her.
Legolas knew his father fairly well. He outwardly appeared stoic and strong. He could see the signs though. The signs of worry, grief and weariness. "You should rest too Ada." He said lowly. His concern for his father only grew each day Juniper remained asleep.
Thranduil smiled gently and looked over to his son. "I do, and thank you for being concerned. Ryu was just here not long ago. She went with the shrine maidens. She has really blossomed along the way Legolas. She is going to make a very good wife for you. You won't get away with anything." Thranduil began to chuckle.
Legolas laughed with his father. Happy to see him still maintaining his humor. They turned towards the sound of fast foot falls on the deck and they see a breathless Ryu running towards them. She stopped and bent over . Her hands on her knees. "There is word from home." Thranduil and Legolas both look to each other . "Please stay with her." Thranduil says as he stops and places a hand on her shoulder. Ryu nods and gasps. "I will my lord."
Ryu catches her breath and walks towards the bed . She crawled on it and curled up beside her sister and held her closely. "Your mind is so quiet." She whispered to Juniper. "Everyone misses you so much. I miss you. Most of all Thranduil misses you. He hardly ever leaves your side. There is word from home so he went to go find out what it is. I hope it's good news." He wiggled closer to Juniper and pressed her forehead to hers. There was nothing. It was like the doors were shut and locked. She lay back down and rested her head on Junipers shoulder.
Thranduil entered the largest building in the complex it had been set up as a base for so the King could deal with matters that did not involve his wife. There stood Feren with Celeborn and Elrond. Gandalf was just arriving as Thranduil and Legolas were and they entered together. "Tell me it is good news." Thranduil says as he looked to all gathered. Feren handed him the parchment that was rolled in his hand.
Thranduil sat down on one of the benches and read. His eyes sweeping over the page. He looked to his son and a smile curled on his lips. "We still have a home. They defended the northern kingdoms. Gondor took heavy damage to the walls but the loss of life was minimal. Lorien was untouched, Greenwood saw a little fighting but it seems the main attack was on Dale. Which makes sense. Erebor is still a prime location. They took heavy damage and there were many lost but the North still stands." Legolas sighed in relief and sat down as well.
Thranduil began to laugh. "I am so happy I could kiss King Brand I could even Kiss the King under the mountain." Everyone began to laugh then. The sense of relief and joy was thick in those moments.
After a while Thranduil was leaving to go back to his wife's side and to tell her the good news. Thingol was walking up the path with Maedhros. "Is it good news lord Thranduil?" He called out and Thranduil turned and waited for them. "It is I was just going to tell Juniper. The northern kingdoms were defended successfully but I do fear I will be helping to rebuild Dale again." He smiled obviously happy to do it.
"This is the best news to receive. Tonight we will feast in the camp." Thingol said brightly and pat Thranduil's shoulder. Maedhros spotted Elrond and turned to the two kings. "I am so happy for this good news." He looked to Elrond once again from the corner of his eye. "Excuse me please." He bowed and walked towards Elrond.
Thranduil watched a few moments then turned to stroll down the path with Thingol. "I never knew about their love for each other. Elrond never spoke of it and I have known Elrond all of my life." Thranduil said softly.
"I did not even know Thranduil, Maedhros never spoke of it either. I can not say I am surprised though. He explained it all to me and I assure you this did not start and was not even a thought until Elrond was well into adulthood. I had been very curious and I asked. Maedhros was forthcoming in his answers."
Thranduil nodded quietly. That had been his only concern. "How is Maglor doing?"
"I am unsure, he will only see his brothers and he refuses to see his father or anyone else right now. he has not even seen Elrond."
Thranduil looked to Thingol with lifted brows. "Elrond always spoke of Maglor as if Maglor was his father. He did not excuse him for what he had done but he loved him dearly. This must pain Elrond deeply."
Thingol nodded. "I have a feeling that is all going to change today." He smiled to Thranduil. "Now I hear you are going to allow all of us to visit your wife soon. I would be honored if you would allow me to visit for a bit. I must be returning to my own Kingdom very soon."
Maedhros took Elrond by the had without a word and he lead him to a secluded place in the garden. When he stopped he saw the face of a confused Elrond. He smiled and pulled the dark haired elf to him. His hand pressing to the back of Elrond head and he pulled his lips against his own.
Elrond melted into Maedhros' embrace and they kissed deeply for several moments. "I have a surprise for you today my love. " Maedhros said against Elrond's lips. "You do?" Elrond smiled and lifted his hands to smooth red hair from his lovers beautiful face. The red headed elf nodded and grinned as he took Elrond's hand into his again and they walked through the garden.
"I am taking you to see Maglor today." He suddenly said and Elrond stopped but did not let go of his lovers hand. This made Maedhros be tugged back . He turned and looked to Elrond. "Don't be afraid. It's time for him to see you and for you to see him. He never stopped loving you Elrond. You and Elros are his sons as if you are his own. Seeing you will heal his heart." Maedhros stepped back to his love and caressed his cheek. "Please trust me."
Elrond lowered his gaze and Maedhros kissed his forehead. Finally Elrond lifted his eyes and he nodded. This made Maedhros smile and he pressed a reassuring kiss to Elrond's hand as he lifted it.
They walked through the garden towards several smaller dwellings far to the back. These dwellings were more secluded. It was more quiet in this part of the garden. The sound of flowing water from the small stream that ran through it mixed with the song of brightly colored birds.
Elrond stopped dead in his tracks when he first saw the back of the tall, slender ellon that stood under one of the trees covered in pink blossoms. He was looking out over a small golden pond. The healer in Elrond immediately began to assess him. He was far too thin and when he turned Elrond gasped. His face was a bit sunken and there were dark circles under his eyes but it was the face of one he loved most deeply.
He release Maedhros' hand and stepped forward several steps. tears began to stream down his cheeks. The 2 elves just stood there staring at each other until Elrond's voice cracked. "Ada." He cried and ran to Maglor. They embraced each other and began to cry. Elrond's legs felt weak and gently Maglor began to guide him down to the ground where they knelt and held each other.
Thingol knelt beside the bed . His large powerful hand held hers. Thranduil stood out on the deck with Ryu and watched him with Juniper and just how gentle he could be. Ryu leaned against Thranduil and he wrapped an arm around her. "She needs to feel the presence of her loved ones. She needs to hear them." Ryu said. "It is good that you will let a few come at a time."
"She is healed outside. I wonder what still needs to be healed inside." Thranduil spoke softly. "I am not even sure what Eru meant by that. There are wounds inside of both of us that may never heal." He was speaking of Elthian and Ryu knew it. Thingol leaned over Juniper and kissed her forehead. Then rose . He had to duck as he walked out to the deck. He took Ryu's hand and kissed the back of it. "You are still a marvel. The both of you. Are you sure you want to marry His son? There are many fine ellon in Cuivienen." He teased her and she pulled her hand away and slapped at this mighty kings arm playfully. "Well it's always good to have options." She laughed.
Thingol wished her well and asked to speak with Thranduil as he left. Ryu went back to her sisters side. They paused at the end of the deck and Thingol sighed. "I have been struggling with tell telling you this Thranduil but I think you should know. Then you can decided what you wish to do." Thranduil looked at Thingol with furrowed brows. "Oropher is in Cuivienen." Thrandul staggered back and Thingol reached out to steady him. "He was charged with protecting the city instead of coming with us. That was on me, he wanted to go. You two look so much alike. It's like twins. The body he came back in is younger than you are now. "
Thranduil just stared at Thingol. "Did my mother come with him?"
"No, she did not wish to return. When one wants to return and one doesn't the bond is dissolved. This is something that should be dealt with any place than the battlefield. This is very personal. He doesn't want to be a king Thranduil. He just wants to live. He is afraid and unsure of what his return would mean to greenwood. He might even be angry with me for telling you but I really think you should see each other eventually. He loves you so much and wants you to keep being the king you are. He is scared that you will not forgive him for that day. "
Thranduil leaned hard against the post behind him. "Thank you for telling me."
Thingol smiled and turned to go. "You are a great king Thranduil. Chosen to lead us into this new age. Forgiveness and love are so important to the future. " With that he walked away and disappeared around the curve in the path.
Juniper had a few visitors that day. Finnola and Glorfindel came and sat beside her. They both told her about their adventures and Finnola reminded her of her own promise to guard her while they went to see all the places Juniper and Finnola wished to see. Glorfindel was just hearing this for the first time as was Thranduil. There was light hearted banter and laughter and Juniper lay quietly through it all.
Tauriel came as well. Jeven was busy so she came alone and explained Jeven would be coming later. She held Juniper's hand and told her about what they had done. How they had gone all the way to the far eastern mountains. How she had fallen in love with Jeven's people. How there was so much in the world she did not understand but now she wanted to. How she and Jeven wanted many children. She was considering staying in the east with Jeven for a while. How much she loved her. How much she wished she would wake up.
Curufin came. Thranduil didn't like this so much but he was convinced to allow it by Elrond. Curufin brought playing cards. and he sat down beside her and talked as he shuffled them and began to play a game that only needed one player with them. He learned it from one of the soldiers in the camp and he wanted to teach her how to play it. He missed Elthian too. He told her about Maglor. How he kept asking about the one who saved him. He kissed her hand before he left.
Thranduil sat on the floor beside the bed and held her hand. Eventually he fell asleep like this. His head against her hip.
There was light. A warm flickering light. It was right in front of her. This dancing flame that just hovered in mid air. She was standing before it. "This is your heart my child. Always burning, always bright. Within it holds the power of creation the power of renewal and rebirth, but also the power to destroy and rebuild." The voice was deep and masculine and unfamiliar yet not at the same time. "You are our greatest creation and we love you. It is time for you to go back. You are sorely missed."
She awoke slowly. Her eyes only able to open to little slits. She felt weak and she couldn't really move. She was looking up at thick timber beams and an unfamiliar roof. She managed to move her head just a little and she looked down at unfamiliar surroundings. Then she saw wisps of silver that were scattered over her belly. Silver hair, long and soft she followed its trail to the head that it belong to. It was a struggle to lift her small frail hand but she wanted to touch the head that spun silver hair belongs to. Her hand shook and fell softly and her fingers grazed against the hair and caressed back and forth as much as she could move them.
His eyes opened feeling the small gentle caresses. His head lifted and her hand fell against her belly. His silver gaze looked into the pools of purple he so missed seeing. He began to lift her in his arms. "Gently, Gently." She said in a small voice.
"Juniper," His voice cracked . His emotions burst forth. He not longer able to contain them. He began to weep. "I thought you were lost to me." He cradled her head in his hand. She unable to hold it up herself. He held her to him. "Why did you kiss me?" She asked and he gasped.
Gently she lay her back so he could look into her eyes. "What kiss?" He asked. "By the falls." She said softly. He felt his heart almost seize. Has all her memories been lost? Was she only remembering their first kiss? She started to giggle then. Even as weak as she was she was making a joke. "Oh you think that is funny?" His lips trembled as he tried to hold back his laughter as the tears streamed from his cheeks.
"Tell me why you kissed me." She said softly.
"Because I love you." He whispered to her. He lay beside her and gently he turned her so they were facing each other. He held her hands before him and kissed each finger twice. She was smiling at him and now she began to cry softly. "I missed you." She managed to get out before her body shook with a sob and he holds her against his chest. "I am here now. Everything will be alright. You will see."
She had really not been able to mourn any of her losses. She felt them keenly in those moments and he felt them too. He began to understand so much as her emotions began to flood him. He felt the loss of Rowena and the loss of Minol. Then the loss of Elthian. Ryu came running. She was sobbing as she ran up the steps and across the deck. She did not knock or announce herself. She crawled onto the bed with them. Laying behind Juniper her arm went around her and she held on tight. Juniper lay cradled between them.
Ryu kissed the back of her head and whispered to Juniper. "It will be ok. You need to stay with us. Please stay with us." Thranduil did not understand why she was saying these things but he could feel The tension that had begun to rise in Junipers body begin to ease and the heaviness he was feeling began to fade.
Legolas stood on the deck watching wide eyed. Juniper was awake. He turned and hurried down the steps and ran to tell the others that Juniper was awake.
"You just cry, you cry all you need. We will be right here. You are safe." Ryu whispered to her.
Thranduil ended up wrapping his arm around the both of them and just holding them closely.
Soon the complex was alive with the news that Juniper was awake. The news traveled out to the camps. The Queen was awake. The feast that had been prepared to celebrate the news from home was now amped up into high gear. They celebrated the Queens recovery.
The dawn of the next day just seemed a bit brighter than the ones before. It did not start with rain as the others had. This one started with a glorious sunrise of pinks and purples that changed into oranges and reds as the sun rose higher. Juniper seemed to be gaining her strength back quickly. Elrond just smiled widely as she checked her over. "My dear Queen, You are are recovered from your poisoning. Now we just need to get your stronger. " He held up a finger and she followed it with her eyes as he moved it.
"How is he?" She asked Elrond and his brows creased a bit as he lowered his hand.
"How is who?"
"How is Maglor?" She asked and looked to his eyes.
Elrond smiled softly as she started to mix a tea for her. "He is doing very well. He is weak much like you but he is beginning to recover. Though he will never pluck a harp again. The injury to his hands from holding the Silmaril for so long can not be healed. I think he has a long road ahead of him but he is surrounded by those that love him."
Juniper nodded thoughtfully and looked into the cup of tea Elrond placed in her hands. "Juniper, I know its soon and you do not have to start today, you need to talk about what happened. Not just to ease our curious minds but to get it all straight for yourself. Just to tell someone often helps. You have many of us that would listen. Especially that doting husband of yours. You have turned him to mush." Elrond teased as he gathered up this things.
"Thank you." she smiled and peeked up to him. "There are things I really would like to talk to you about someday Elrond. I just can't find the words today." He pat her shoulder gently then smiled. "The baby is doing fine. It was untouched by the poison. I do not understand the magic that protected it but its powerful. The child grows and is healthy. "
She nodded and watched as he got up and walked out. Leaving her there with herself for a moment. She did not like being left alone for long. That need for independence was not there and she began to look around for Thranduil or Ryu. She placed the cup of tea down and pushed the covers back. Her legs felt heavy as she moved them and when she tried to wiggle her toes she could barely make them flinch.
There was no way she was walking. She groaned and sighed throwing her hands in the air. "There is all this powerful talk and I can't even walk outside on my own." She said in frustration. Her arms dropping to her sides and suddenly she was scooped up and she was being taken from the bed and out onto the deck. She blinked and looked up to see Jeven. "Jeven what are you doing?"
"You wanted to go outside didn't you?" He looked over his shoulder as he carried her quickly down the steps.
"Yes but, who are we running from?" She asked.
"Tauriel, she wanted to wager with me. I am winning the wager." He looked back the ahead and he ran right into the chest of Hannibal. "Oh excuse me." He said and went to step around when a large hand came out and took him by the shoulder.
"You may run from Tauriel but you should not run with my pixie." He took Juniper from Jeven and lay her over his shoulder gently. He held onto Jeven and called out. "I have him."
Juniper started to laugh. "It seems I have been caught up in it again."
Tauriel came running around a corner and she stopped and laughed at the scene before her. Jeven trying hard to get away. "My Lady I am sorry. Jeven bet me that He could get to you first and hide you away and that I would not be able to find either if you. He forgets that I know when to ask for help. Thank You Hannibal."
She walked up the Jeven and grinned. "Pay up."
"You cheated."
"You never said I couldn't ask for help."
Hannibal let Jeven go and walked a short distance away as they argued. He sat down with Juniper in his lap. He said nothing while they watched it all play out. Jeven finally handing Tauriel a coin.
They joined them and plopped down on the grass in the shade. "well it got me outside anyway." Juniper laughed and looked to Tauriel and Jeven. Everyone was behaving normally. Though she could sense the undercurrent of sadness just below the surface. All of them were in one stage of grieving or another.
Hannibal's hand rubbed over her belly and he smiled proudly. He was like a proud grandfather. He pat his hand and they shared their silent moment. Tauriel smiled to Juniper and then began to tell her about their desire to stay and the east for a while. Hannibal was planning to stay with them. Juniper felt a moment of sadness but within a few moments she began to understand why. They would be liaisons between the Avanati and the west. Tauriel wanted to learn as much as she could and then she could return and teach everyone. Open communication would be established between distant peoples. She would miss them dearly but felt a sense of pride about it as well.
Thranduil had returned to find Juniper was not there and for a moment he grew worried until he could feel her and she was not far. He found her sitting under the trees with Tauriel, Jeven and Hannibal. He ended up taking her into his arms. He didn't scold them he only said it was time for her to return. They began to make their way back to the house by the spring.
"Thranduil if I was asleep for five weeks what happened on the moon?" She asked. Thranduil had been waiting for this question and he smiled. "It did not affect you. Nor did it affect Ryu and Minogos said he felt nothing."
Now she had wondered where Minogos was and she had asked and been told he was helping in the camps and the news that he nor Ryu did not feel the slightest twinge from the moon was curious. "How is that possible?" She mused more to herself out loud.
"I will show you what we believe is the cause." Thranduil said with this knowing grin. "You can see it during the day though it is more beautiful at night." He began to stroll on past the spring .
Then as they came around a curve the open plain was before them and there in the distance she could see it. The bright glow. Even from this distance she could see what it was. The tree had to be as big as the mountain had once been. She went slack jawed and gasped. Her hand going to her lips.
"It began to grow the night Morgoth fell. It's influence spreads through the land around it. The battlefield that was scorched and covered in blood is lush and green now. We think this is the reason the moon no longer affects you."
She remembered the words she had heard. She was to 'plant the seed of hope.' "It's the promise tree. The seed was the light of the Silmaril and its soil was Morgoth. He reaps what he had sown and Minol kept his promise." Her lips trembled. She had not spoken of what happened with Minol. Minogos would not speak of it either he would only say. "When she is ready to speak of it then I will." In fact he had said nothing about their days in Morkala.
"He was growing weak Thranduil. He hid it well until he couldn't. He battled this thing. It was malice in solid form. Darkness, hate and hunger, great hunger. It was her venom that ultimately would kill him. He put himself into me and I was his vessel." Thranduil listened as she stared at the tree and spoke.
"Morgoth cast Rowena from me. He expected that. He knew about Rowena but he did not suspect I was a vessel for more than one. Then on that night he planned to force a bond but it was not I that consented. It was Minol and just when that bond was about to happen Minol thrust himself into Morgoth. His body was but a vessel as well. One he was bound to. It was Minol's eyes I looked into as I placed the Silmaril in his chest."
Thranduil felt a hard lump rising in his throat. He was beginning to now understand what Eru had meant about healing inside. He held her as she cried. He had no idea how it had played out. He had no idea what she had gone through and he had a growing respect for the demon he had loathed all this time. He held her tightly and turned away from the tree and walked slowly back towards the house by the spring.
The days spent there in her garden were peaceful and calm. She began to get her strength back. She was walking without help within a few days and they were often having to chase her down to remind her she still needed to be gentle on herself. She still had bad days were she was rather overwhelmed with her emotions and she was still getting used to being inside her own body without anyone else there.
She was strolling around the spring. Thranduil sat on the deck with Celeborn. We will be leaving soon Thranduil. I miss my Queen and my home. I was hearing the call of the sea Thranduil. So was Galadriel. We were planning to sail soon." This made Thranduil look to his cousin in surprise. Celeborn lifted his hand and waved it a bit then laughed. "Don't look so shocked. I want you to know I no longer hear that call. I suspect neither does my beautiful wife. I am curious to see what changes have happened in my Kingdom."
Thranduil looked back to see Juniper had noticed the squirrels and was following them as the chattered from the treetops. She wandered down the path out of sight but he could feel her. He could feel her as if she were right next to him. This deep bond was so welcomed. After months of barely feeling anything she was close and he could hold her if he chose to.
Juniper walked along and actually chatted with the squirrels as they went about their day. She was roaming deeper into the garden than she had been before and she was finding this part of it rather nice. There were no shrine maidens or priestess' walking by . No idle chatter in the back ground. It was just the sounds of nature and the sound of harp strings being plucked. The sound wavering as if it were being tuned.
She followed the sound and stopped in the shadows under a tree and she watched a dark haired elf tune a harp. When he lifted his head she pressed her hand to her lips. It was Maglor. "I can not play it but I can tune it." He said then looked towards where she stood. She stepped out of the shadow and into the light. "That's much better my lady the darkness doesn't suit you." He plucked another string and twisted the tuning key.
She began to walk slowly closer to him. He watched her and smiled. "This is just like my dream. I was aware you know. While I was holding that stone. I was in dreams, most of them dark. Then there was this one, All was dark but there in the dark distance was this miniscule point of light. I watched that light forever it seemed and then I began to realize it was a bit bigger. It was moving closer. Then one day it began to bounce in the distance and it made circles and seemed to be happy. It got closer and I began to make out some details. It had arms and legs but curiously it had wings."
She had stopped just a few feet away from him. He sitting on the steps of the cottage he had been staying in. She lowered to the ground and sat like a child with her legs criss crossed and she listened. Then I was able to see her face. It was golden and bright and she smiled on me. Her eyes a brilliant purple and her hair silver and light. "She kissed me in my dream and told me it was time to wake up. My job was done. Then I was no longer in a dream. "
She smiled up at him and he looked back to the harp in his tortured hands. "Your fea is different. It always was." She said softly. "You never wanted to go to war. You never wanted to do the things you did. You swore the oath out of love for your father not out of anger for what was stolen."
"It was more than that. It was that he had murdered my grandfather. I did it for the love of my family my Lady. I thought about my actions over the passage of time. Its been thousands of years and I still can not forgive myself nor find any good reason anyone should grant me forgiveness."
Her eyes lifted and she looked at him as he lowered his head and he clutched the harp. She crawled closer and knelt before him . Her head ducked down so she could look up at him. Her lips finding a gentle smile. She then sat back against her heels and she took the harp from his hands and placed it to the side. Then gently she pressed his hands together and placed hers on the outside of them. His gnarled fingers laced with each other and her soft finger tips lightly traced over his knuckles.
"Your father died as did all of your brothers. They spent centuries in the Halls of Mandos and were denied entrance into valinor. They all reflected on themselves over the course of time. They all had their own journey to take. In the end Mandos allowed them to leave and return to middle earth. Satisfied that they were on the path of redemption and their new lives would be ones of good deeds." She caressed his hands as she spoke softly to him. "You did not pass into the Halls of Mandos. You did not die but you had your time of reflection just the same. I can not give you absolution from what you have done. What I can do is be your friend and watch you as you take your own journey of redemption."
Her hands grew very warm as they stilled and pressed to his hands. The a light grew around them and there was a moment of pain and he tried to pull his hands away but he couldn't and then the light was gone and she released his hands. He looked at them. His lips trembling as he spread his fingers apart and wiggled them with no pain. She placed the harp back in his hands. He looked to her and tears began to form and his eyes grew wet.
She rose to her feet and leaned forward to kiss his forehead softly. "The world should not be deprived of your music Maglor." She smiled and spun around on her heels and left him there with so much to ponder. He looked to the harp and plucked the strings his heart lighter as he played his first song.
"Curufin!" She called out seeing him walking towards Maglors house. He was with Elrond and Maedhros. She began to run towards them and stopped a few feet away. She smiled to Elrond and Maedhros and tipped her head slightly as the music from a harp drifted on the breeze. All 3 elves gasped and Elrond and his lover hurried off Curufin waited with her though she could see the excitement in his eyes. "Go on see your brother but I would like to play cards later." He took a few moments to regard her then smiled wider and bowed his head before he too ran off.
Thranduil had begun to worry when she had not been seen in a while. He and Celeborn were rising to go look for her when she reappeared skipping along the path, curiously enough she seemed unbothered by the sudden interest in what was going on down the path she had just walked from. Shrine Maidens and Elves alike began to rush down it.
Celeborn and Thranduil just watched her innocently walking back to them as others run down the path. "Juniper what did you do?" Thranduil asked as both elves eyed her suspiciously.
"Hmmm?" She looked at them both with wide questioning eyes. Celeborn motioned with his hand toward the path. "Juniper there are many running down the path you just left."
She turned around and looked then giggled. "Oh I guess they are going to listen to Maglor play his harp." She then walked past them and up the steps to the deck of the house. Celeborn and Thranduil looked at each other then back to the pixie who was smiling to herself. Then they too turned towards the path and hurried down it.
Juniper sat down on the deck and relaxed with her hands on her belly. Her small fingers caressing it tenderly. She stared out to the garden and thought about bringing her children here. She thought about him and how he wanted children when it was all over. She would give him a child but he was not there. She held onto his promise to her and it made her smile.
She closed her eyes and felt the warmth of the sun on her golden skin. She sat there for a while just like that and the sound of steps made her open her eyes and she turned to see who was coming. Her heart skipped a beat as her eyes drifted up to see Minogos. She let out a sob and held her arms out to him.
He did not hesitate. He hurried to her and fell to his knees. His arms wrapping around her they held each other tightly. She was overwhelmed by the flood of emotions that was suddenly rushing through her. Minogos was crying too.
Thranduil came rushing back. He felt the sudden overwhelming deluge that was her emotions. He stopped when he saw why. He was not sure what all they had been through together. She had not spoken of it and neither had Minogos in fact he had rushed to his new wife as soon as he was well enough. He stayed back. Whatever they needed to do and say he would leave them to it. Instead he lingered near by in the garden.
They just held each other and Minogos pulled her into his lap as he settled to sit. He did not wish to let go and he did not. "Has there been any word about Beleg and Turin? What about Drannor?" She asked him. These were questions she was hesitant to ask the others and she couldn't explain why.
He held her a bit tighter and sighed softly. "Nothing at all. There is no sign or word of any of them." She cried a bit harder and pressed her face to his chest. "Though I think Drannor survived. Just call it a gut feeling." He looked down at her and started to rock her gently. "I told Byn everything. I wanted you to know she can not wait to meet you. She understands Juniper. So you don't need to worry yourself any longer on that."
Juniper finally sits up and bit and wipes at her eyes with the hem of her dress. "I can not wait to meet her." He lifted his hand and cupped her small cheek and turned her so he could look her in her eyes. Her lavender eyes like his. "I will always love you. You can not change that nor can I. I will always protect you. I will always be there for you. Not just because father made me that way but because I choose to. Byn and I talked about it and we are going to live in Lasgalen. We will open a tavern and an inn. With the best entertainment in all the city."
"That sounds wonderful Minogos." She said as she sniffled and he pulled her in closely again. "I will be very close should you need me." He reassured her and smiled.
"There has also been a large black dragon sighted flying over the mountains. They say it appears to be going north." He said and watched her reaction. The happy smile that curled on her soft lips told him what he needed to know. "You really did have tea and cakes with a dragon."
"I wouldn't lie about something like that. I am so happy for him. He chose to be free." She seemed very proud of this.
"You know he is a dragon Juniper. It wont be long before the destruction begins."
"He will not destroy anything."
"Juniper." Minogos said and looked her in the eye."
She leaned in and pressed her forehead to his. "You will see."
That night after her very serious card game with Curufin, which ended up in her loosing. She lay cuddled to Thranduil. The walls closed up, they were completely alone. His hand caressed over her belly and then pressed against her firmly. She heard a content sigh pass is lips. "He did promise you he would come back didn't he?" Juniper lay her hand over his and sighed. "He promised me in Eru's name he would come back." Thranduil lifted his head and looked at her. He then began to grin. "In Eru's name." He said softly knowing oaths made in Eru's name were oaths one could not break. 'Well played' he thought and held her just a little tighter.