Everyone is waiting on baited breath to hear what the Valar have sentenced. What will Maglor's punishment be? Will they show him mercy, or is he to be put to death? Read on to find out!
Chapter 7The air was humming with tension, and Elrond held his breath while Celebrian squeezed his hand. After what felt like an Age, Manwë began to speak. "There is a project to be undertaken by our military forces. The lands to the south have remained unexplored since the coming of Ungweliantë, more specifically in Avathar, and we fear creatures of darkness have remained there. The purpose of this mission will be to eliminate this evil, and therefore make all our lands safe and inhabitable." He paused, and Maglor was attempting to hide his confusion. "You have been sentenced to one yén in service, under the leadership of Finrod Felegund, son of Finarfin, King of the Noldor." There were gasps of surprise, Elrond included. "Once this time period has concluded, you will return to Valmar, when it will be determined if further atonement is required. You have done much evil, Maglor, son of Feanor. It is our command you will do your duty to eliminate it."
Maglor was fighting the trembling of his body, but clearly he was overcome with emotion. He had expected to be sentenced to death, and they had spared him. He would be facing great peril while undergoing such a dangerous mission, but at least he had a chance to survive.
Elrond, for his part, was sagging against Olórin, who had wrapped his arm securely around Elrond's waist. The shock and relief were overwhelming, and he was having trouble processing it. "He will live," Elrond kept whispering, not noticing how tears were running down his cheeks. Celebrian was rubbing a comforting hand on his back, a smile on her face.
His eyes snapped to Maglor's, and he could see the emotion just under the surface that he was trying to suppress. He did not react to the angry muttering of the crowd, as he was led away. Where would he be staying while he was still here, before his mission was undertaken? Elrond was determined to visit him as soon as he was able, if the Valar would allow it.
"Elrond, we must return to Tirion," Celebrian murmured. "I do not feel safe in this crowd." Truly, they were starting to get some looks from the Elves around them, and many were outraged at the verdict. They knew of Elrond's association with Maglor, although perhaps not the closeness of their bond. "Perhaps they will assume you cry in sadness over his life being spared, instead of joy, but I cannot be certain." Despite his relief at the verdict, Elrond's heart broke a little as he observed an Elleth sobbing in the arms of her husband, who had a grim expression on his face.
"She is right, mellon nin," Olórin agreed. "I will clear the way." Sure enough, people moved as Olórin strode forward, aware of his authority and power. He could look serious and important when he wished, and others would give way in his presence. Elrond knew he must feel some amusement, but he hid it well.
Once Elrond and Celebrian were in the saddle, Olórin squeezed his calf. "I will keep watch over him, do not fear."
Elrond furrowed his brow, "You mean to go with them?"
Olórin nodded, a mischievous smile on his face. "I believe it is time for another adventure."
"You always were one for causing a stir by upsetting the expectations of others," Elrond commented, amused despite himself.
The Maia just winked and said, "Namarie, until we next meet." Then Elrond and Celebrian were off, moving with the slowly dispersing crowd towards Tirion. They spoke softly to one another, trying to keep things light; there would be time for reflection later.
As soon as they arrived back in their bungalow, Celebrian drew a bath, and they both climbed in. Elrond wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close as they soaked in the warm water. He was taking deep breaths as he tried to relax, but Celebrian could tell how difficult it was for him. "I…I cannot believe he lives," Elrond breathed. "I had not prepared myself for this, truly. I was convinced he would be sentenced to death, and have it carried out before everyone."
Celebrian ran her hands over his legs in comfort. "Despite the evil deeds he has done, he is a good Ellon underneath, from what you have said." She huffed a laugh. "You will have to introduce me to him, so I can judge for myself."
"He does not share his true self easily," Elrond explained. "He is polite, and soft-spoken with most people. The best way to learn about him is through his music." He frowned. "Although I do not see him playing a harp or singing anytime soon."
"When do you suppose a visit will be granted?" Celebrian asked.
Elrond shrugged, "I do not know, but I will send a formal request to Eönwë." Finally, Elrond let himself relax, and focused on the lovely Elleth in his arms for the rest of the night.
Months had passed before Elrond was finally granted a visit to see Maglor. They allowed him to bring Celebrian, which made him feel significantly more comfortable. He was being held in Valmar, and would remain so until his training for the military began.
Elrond frowned as he was brought inside a dungeon; he had hoped Maglor would have been granted at least a small room of his own, but he was behind bars and the only person in the entire dungeon. It was large and elaborate, and Elrond had no idea why they felt the need to build so many cells. Did they anticipate a mass incarceration? Had there been one, when some of the exiled Noldor had turned back instead of crossing the Sea to Beleriand?
Shaking off this train of thought, he fixed a smile on his face, which felt a little forced as he saw the small size of the cells he had passed. They did not look comfortable in any way. However, there was an unexpected visitor, which made him freeze in place.
Elrond did not remember much of his father, but Eärendil the Mariner had a distinctive look which had been described to him. Maglor and Eärendil heard him approach, and both turned as he said, "Hello, Adar."
Eärendil's eyes widened in surprise, and were full of joy to see his son. "Ion nin, I…what an unexpected surprise!" He rushed over and pulled Elrond into his arms, who was too polite to pull out of the embrace, and stiffly returned it with an uncomfortable look towards Maglor. Behind the metal bars, he looked sad, but gave Elrond a small smile anyway.
When Eärendil finally pulled away, he raked his eyes over Elrond, taking in the adult form of his son. "You have grown much since we last saw one another," he said with a grin, a look of wonderment on his face. "But I recognized you immediately, for you have your mother's eyes."
"Yes, it has been over 6,000 years since you left," Elrond said, trying to sound casual but not quite managing to keep the hurt out of his tone. Noticing the flicker of pain in Eärendil's eyes, he motioned behind him. "Please meet Celebrian, my wife." She curtseyed, a polite smile in place as Eärendil bowed.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, hiril nin," Eärendil replied, just as politely. There was an awkward silence before he asked, "What brings you here, Ionneg?" Maglor flinched, but Eärendil did not see it.
Elrond replied with the obvious. "I am here to see Maglor."
Eärendil raised his eyebrows, "You are on…friendly terms?" He seemed genuinely confused, and Elrond wondered how much he knew of their history.
"Yes," Elrond began hesitantly. "We met again on the way to Aman, and got reacquainted."
"Ah, I imagine it must have been difficult for you to see him again," Eärendil said knowingly. "He caused you much pain and distress when you were a child, or so I hear."
"You are mistaken," Elrond replied firmly, and Eärendil looked shocked.
"I…I am?" the Peredhel stammered. "But…but he kidnapped you and Elros from us."
"Elwing threw herself off a rock into the ocean." Elrond said, trying to keep his tone even.
"Well yes, but-"
"She left Elros and I in the hands of two of the Sons of Feanor, not knowing how they would treat us." Elrond was having trouble keeping his emotions in check, annoyed at the confusion in Eärendil's eyes.
"She could not let them have the Silmaril-"
"Why?" Elrond growled. "Who cares if they had one? Or all three? They are just objects. Beautiful, to be sure, but relics of the past. They were not worth her near suicide."
Eärendil's eyes narrowed, "They did not deserve to have them. They killed thousands of innocents to obtain them."
"It did not need to happen!" Elrond found himself shouting. "If they had just been handed over, so much pain and death could have been avoided!" Celebrian had a bracing hand on his arm, trying to calm him down.
"That is enough, Ionneg," Maglor said softly, and Elrond let out a breath, which he was about to use to say something he might have regretted.
Eärendil whirled around to face Maglor, "You do not have the right to call him that! You are not his father!"
"You certainly were not," Maglor replied, still keeping his voice low and calm, but his eyes flashed. "Your wife left your children in our care, and we watched them grow for a time, and loved them as if they were our own flesh and blood." He turned his gaze to Elrond, and his eyes softened. "I still do love him, as a father would his son." Eärendil was at a loss for words, as he stared at Maglor in disbelief.
Elrond hesitated before slowly placing a hand on Eärendil's shoulder. "I know it hurts you to hear of it, but he took good care of us, for his part, and Elros and I grew to love him as well." He sighed. "We needed a father, and you were…away. You are the father of my blood, but he is the father of my heart." Eärendil flinched badly, his face creased in pain. "Perhaps we may grow to know each other, now that I am here." Elrond found himself looking around, although he knew she must not be there. "Where is Naneth?"
"She does not like to leave our tower," Eärendil said, looking uncomfortable.
"Even for her son?" Maglor interjected with a frown.
Eärendil turned angrily to face him once more, "This is none of your business, kin-slayer."
"You will not call him such, at least in my presence," Elrond said determinedly. Eärendil sighed in frustration, but nodded in understanding. "I would like a word with Maglor. We will speak later, at a better time."
There was another awkward pause, before Eärendil patted him on the shoulder. "Namarie then, ion nin. We shall speak soon, I hope." He inclined his head to Celebrian, before quickly striding away.
Elrond sighed, and moved closer to Maglor. He looked well, for being in a dungeon, and Elrond hoped they were caring for him. "What did he want?"
Maglor shrugged. "We had barely spoken before you arrived."
It was curious, to be sure, but Elrond set it aside for now, to focus on Maglor. "How are you?"
"Fair enough," Maglor replied. "They provide me with food regularly, and give me the opportunity to wash." He smiled ruefully. "I cannot complain, for things could have gone much worse for me."
Elrond looked pained, he was sure, "When do you start your training?"
"They say it will be by the end of this week," Maglor replied.
"So soon?" Elrond asked.
"It has been months since they told me of it, so it is no surprise," Maglor said with a sigh. "I must admit I am not looking forward to seeing my cousin again. We parted on bad terms, before his death."
"Much time has passed," Elrond replied reassuringly. "I know the memories of Elves are long, but Finrod had time to reflect in Mandos; perhaps he has set aside any resentment."
"I will find out soon enough," Maglor murmured. "But enough about me, how are you? Have you settled in?"
Elrond let him change the subject. "They are building a dwelling for us in a city in Yavanna's woods. It is not too far from Tirion, but secluded in the trees. It feels like Imladris, as much as it can, anyway." He gave Celebrian a smile. "However, having her by my side will make it truly feel like home."
Maglor nodded, "I am glad for you. Perhaps when my…service is over, I may come visit."
"Of course, Maglor," Celebrian said softly, smiling gently. "You would be most welcome."
"I know a yén seems like a long time," Elrond began hesitantly. "But you will not be alone. I find it likely many members of your extended family will join this mission. Perhaps it will give you time to mend some fences, and get to know each other once more."
Maglor looked thoughtful. "I would like that very much," he said with a smile.
They spoke a little longer about how Elrond was liking Valinor, and a few light-hearted childhood escapades of Elrond and his brother were told, before a guard sternly insisted they leave. "The prisoner needs rest."
"Very well," Elrond said, before facing Maglor. "I will not be able to visit you before you depart, so…" he eyed the guard, who rolled their eyes but stepped away to provide some privacy. "I wish you the best of luck on your journey." Thankfully no tears came this time, and they shared one last, fond smile before clasping shoulders. "See you soon, Adar."
"Aye, farewell for now, Ionneg," he murmured, valiantly attempting a smile. "Do not worry for me; it seems Olórin will be joining us, and from what I hear, he will keep me entertained enough."
Elrond chuckled, "Indeed, he will. He said he would keep an eye on you for me."
Maglor raised an eyebrow, "I can keep an eye on myself, but I appreciate another set regardless."
"Namarie," Celebrian said, her voice light and airy. "We will keep you in our thoughts, while you are away."
With that, the guard escorted them out, and Elrond threw Maglor one last smile before he was out of sight.
He lives! I'm a sucker for happy endings, so I just couldn't let the Valar put him to death. A Yén is roughly 144 years. Seems like a long time, but they're Elves, so it'll fly by.
I hope you liked the meeting with Eärendil; I'm not sure how canon it is for him to be able to visit Valmar, but I really wanted him to reunite with Elrond and gain some understanding of why Elrond views Maglor as a father, as well as give Elrond a chance to tell him how he feels.
Next up will be the epilogue and the end of this story. I'm glad you're enjoying it! Leave a review if you have a moment; they are really special to me.