Here we are at last, at the end of this story! I hope you enjoy the epilogue, for I very much enjoyed writing it!

Chapter 8: Epilogue

The yén passed quickly for Elrond; his wife kept him busy, and many of his friends settled into the same city. He was not in a place of leadership; Finarfin was still the King of the Noldor, as Finwë had not been interested in taking up the mantle again, and being just another Elf suited him well. It took a while to get used to having idle time, but eventually he found ways to keep busy. There was a small library where he spent his days, offering to teach the Elflings various subjects. Since things were safer here in Aman than they were in Middle Earth, many couples had decided to have children again. It made Elrond smile to see them running around, playing and causing mischief like his own children had. His sons had yet to sail, but he had been told that there was still a remnant of Elves living in Imladris, and Elladan and Elrohir would remain, both for their people and to be with Arwen and Aragorn while they yet lived. Elrond always felt a pang of grief when he thought of it.

He kept his promise to speak with Eärendil, and visited him several times over the years at his home near Alqualonde, when he wasn't sailing his ship, of course. Things would never be easy between them; too much had happened. However, their relationship was mending, which was a start. His mother didn't seem to know how to handle having a grown son, and was awkward around him when they interacted.

Speaking of Elwing, Elrond had more trouble forgiving his mother for her actions than he expected. Giving forgiveness to Maglor seemed so much easier, and he knew Eärendil could not return to Middle Earth, once he left for Aman, so he could not fully fault him for his absence. Eärendil did not know he would be forced to stay away, although Elrond wished he had remained with his family, even if it was a selfish thought. His actions saved many from pain and death, and Elrond felt pride for his father, mingled with the heartache of his departure when Elrond and Elros were so young.

Yet, Elwing had thrown herself into the Sea by her own choice, instead of giving the Silmaril to Maglor and Maedhros, believing she would drown along with the cursed jewel. Only by divine intervention did Ulmo aid her and therefore save her life. She could not have known Maglor and Maedhros would spare her sons, for they very well could have chosen to slay the elflings. The memory of how abandoned Elrond had felt was still sharp, even all of these years later, and hearing her try to justify her actions was almost too difficult to bear. When he told her so, her face was hard to look upon, for the grief was clearly evident. She had fled from him, unwilling to let Elrond see the tears on her cheeks. He found it grimly ironic that she left his side once more, even if it was not for the same reasons as before. Eärendil had been torn on who to comfort during that exchange, but ultimately went to his wife's side. Elrond found this understandable, but he had felt quite alone in that moment as he sat with his head in his hands, wishing Celebrian was next to him.

It was only after he spent more time with her, despite how uncomfortable it was, that Elrond was able to forgive her for her actions, but he made sure to impress upon her that he was well-cared for by Maglor and Maedhros. It seemed to make her feel a bit better, but it couldn't fully banish the shadow of regret in her eyes when he spoke of his childhood without her.

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Elrond heard a commotion in the town square before he saw anything; he and Celebrian were perusing the market today, and it was getting near to closing time as the sun began to set. "What do you suppose is going on?" Celebrian asked curiously.

"I do not know," Elrond replied slowly, but there was a foreboding feeling in his heart, although not one of danger. "Let us get closer." It was difficult to get a good view of why so many were gathering, but Elrond held some clout, by reputation and because he once led many of the people who lived here, so they made way for him.

Once he saw what, or rather, who was the cause of the uproar, he could not prevent the wide grin from appearing on his face. Celebrian gasped in surprise, "Look who it is!"

"Maglor!" he shouted, and although he thought there was no possible way the Ellon could hear it over the din of the crowd, he looked right at Elrond with a smile and a nod of his head, his eyes twinkling merrily. Although many were interested in the spectacle of him being there, few wished to speak with Maglor directly. He was greeted first by the lord of their city, and although it was cordial, Elrond could tell both were uncomfortable with the interaction.

Elrond stayed where he was, waiting as patiently as he could. He had heard little of Maglor since they last spoke, but he knew the expedition and mission in the South was going well. Many creatures of evil had been killed, mostly spawn of Ungoliant, but other things as well. There was talk of establishing dwellings along the coast of Andrath, but it would not be for some time, until things were deemed safe.

Finally, Maglor strode forward confidently. He was much more relaxed than the last time they had seen each other; his time in the South clearly had done him some good. A familiar, small smile adorned his face, and Elrond could see how pleased he was to be here. "Suilad, Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian," he greeted them with a small bow. "It is good to see you once more."

"You as well, Maglor," Celebrian said kindly. She turned to Elrond and asked, "Shall we return to our home? Maglor, we would love to have you join us, if it would please you."

"I would be honored, hiril nin," he replied, with a charming smile. Elrond had an amusing image in his head of Maglor flashing his dimpled grin at the beautiful Ellyth, when he still lived in Aman before leaving for Beleriand. He probably had them swooning as they fluttered their eyelashes at him.

"Please, call me Celebrian," she said airily as they began to walk. "We are no longer a Lord or Lady of anything." She smiled, and continued, "Would you help me carry these?" Her arms were full of bags of produce, and Maglor took them hurriedly. Elrond flushed, realizing he should have noticed his wife's heavy load, and Celebrian laughed. "Do not worry, husband of mine, there will be plenty more opportunities for you to carry things for me." She winked, and Elrond chuckled.

It was a short walk, and Celebrian filled the air with pleasant chatter, giving Maglor a tour as they went. There would be time to give a more extensive one later, once Maglor had rested, for he looked fatigued.

"Here we are," Celebrian exclaimed, and the two Ellyn followed her inside. It was a talan, but it was not very high off of the ground, like the ones in Lothlorien were. A wooden staircase led up to the entrance. There was a balcony which wrapped all the way around the talan, and an extensive garden on the ground below. Elrond smiled at the familiar scent of roses.

Inside it was an open floor plan with five bedrooms, a bathroom, an expansive kitchen, and a study for Elrond, along with a solar and other areas to relax. There was a river nearby, with the pleasant sound of waterfalls in the distance, which reminded Elrond of Imladris.

"Your home is beautiful," Maglor commented genuinely.

"It is also yours," Elrond murmured, feeling nervous. "Should you wish to join us."

Maglor's eyes were wide in shock, and it almost made Elrond laugh. "You…you would have me live with you here?"

"You are family, and this is our family's home," Celebrian said sincerely.

"But…I would not wish to impose," he stammered, clearly still stunned by the offer.

"Maglor, did I not say you could see us once you returned?" Elrond asked. He had to clench his hands behind his back, trying to resist the urge to just throw his arms around his father.

"Well, yes you did, but I figured the offer might have been made simply out of kindness," he mumbled. "I certainly did not think you intended for me to live here."

"Kindness yes, but also love," Elrond said softly. "You seem quite overcome, Adar." Truly, Maglor was trembling slightly, staring at Elrond and Celebrian in wonder.

"I-Ionneg, I do not know what to say," he stuttered.

"Say that you will stay with us," Celebrian said cheerfully. "I need someone who will sing with me, for Elrond's voice is somewhat lacking." She laughed musically as Elrond grumbled.

"Well in that case, how can I refuse?" Maglor replied with a smile. "I accept." He held out his hand for Elrond to shake, and was pleasantly surprised when Elrond embraced him instead. "I have missed you, ion nin."

"Likewise, Adar," Elrond whispered, sighing happily. Yes, he may be 6500 years old, but in Maglor's arms, he felt like a child again.

So it was that Maglor, son of Fëanor, came to live with Elrond Peredhel and Celebrian the Fair. It took many years and much patience, but the people of their city came to tolerate Maglor, and eventually count him as one of their own. He carefully made his apologies to those he had most wronged, both during his time in the military, and after his return. Though not everyone could forgive him, many did, and he was welcomed in the grand music halls of Tirion once more. Despite what one thought of Maglor as an Ellon, as a harpist and singer, none could deny his talent. He shone with an inner fire as he played, blazing with a brilliant light. He even composed a duet with Daeron, the greatest bard in Beleriand, and it was beautiful beyond description. So much so, that it was requested many times, and even some of the Valar would come to listen.

To Maglor's delight, one by one his brothers were released from the Halls. He had been afraid they really were banished to some 'eternal darkness', where Morgoth was rumored to dwell. Elrond mused that they must have been given leave to dwell in Mandos, and was glad of it. Instead of entering into society, as Maglor had, they chose to live in Formenos once more, along with their mother Nerdanel. Fëanor, however, was not allowed to be reimbodied, until the Dagor Dagorath, or so it was said.

Despite all Fëanor had done, Maglor had whispered to Elrond that he still loved his father. "He may not deserve my love, and I despise the Oath he had us swear, and many of his deeds were evil…yet, he is my Adar, and I cannot help but care for him." Elrond embraced him then, wishing he could do something to ease Maglor's pain.

When Elrond was reunited with Maedhros, the older Ellon seemed quite ashamed of himself. Elrond had insisted on traveling to Formenos, and out of respect, or perhaps discomfort, the other, younger brothers, made themselves scarce. Therefore, it was only Maglor at his side when they arrived at the grand manor Fëanor had built, all those years ago.

To Elrond's dismay, Maedhros cast himself at his son's feet and begged for forgiveness. "I let you down, when I convinced Maglor to go after the Silmarils and left you and…and Elros in Lindon," he choked, a sob caught in his throat. "I know I do not deserve your forgiveness, let alone your…your love." He took a shaking breath, his eyes still cast down at the stone walkway beneath their feet as his copper hair fell in waves over his face. "But I wish for you to know how deeply sorry I am for what I have done to you." He was trembling, and Elrond wondered if it was out of fear, or simply being overcome with emotion.

Elrond looked towards Maglor, who was standing next to him and appearing just as sorrowful; Elrond wondered what he was thinking. Setting that aside for now, Elrond grasped Maedhros' hands (for the other was there once more) and pulled him to his feet. The Fëanorian swayed for a moment, and Maglor reached out and bracingly put a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Adar…I forgave you long ago."

"You…you did?" Maedhros breathed, looking somewhat dazed. "But why?"

"Because I love you," Elrond whispered with a smile. Dimly, Elrond realized he now had three fathers, and his heart warmed at this comforting thought. How blessed he was, to have them all returned to him.

Maedhros placed a shaking hand on Elrond's cheek, their grey eyes meeting, before he pulled Elrond into his arms. Elrond simply held him as he cried, smiling at Maglor over Maedhros' shoulder. After this emotional moment, they spent the day getting reacquainted. It was wonderful to see the brothers together again, and Elrond was reminded of his childhood once more. Although Maedhros left Formenos rarely, Elrond and Maglor often came to visit him, and gradually they became as close as ever. Elrond desperately wished Elros could have been with them, but knew there was no use dwelling on it. He needed to focus on the blessings he had in front of him now, and part of him hoped that Elros could somehow see the three of them together and smile.

There was both joy and sadness when Elrohir and Elladan arrived, for they knew now that Aragorn and Arwen had passed beyond the circles of the world, to where mortal Men go. "They had two sons and four daughters," Elladan told them. "They send their love." He showed them very life-like sketches he had brought, and the resemblance to their family was striking. "We will treasure them, always," Celebrian had whispered, before throwing her arms around her sons. "I am so very glad to have you with me."

The twins hit it off with Maglor right away, letting him know in no uncertain terms that the past is best left there. Both of them fell in love, and eventually tiny Elflings were crawling all over. The expression of wonder on Maglor's face when he held Elrohir's first child moved Elrond to tears. "I wonder if this is what you looked like, Ionneg," he had whispered, not taking his eyes off the sleeping bundle in his arms. "He has dark hair, and grey eyes, just like you."

One warm, summer evening, Elrond was moving about the talan, blowing out some candles before bed, when he noticed Maglor out on the balcony. The Ellon was kneeling on the wood planks, staring up into the starry skies, and did not seem to notice Elrond as he moved closer.

Before he could announce his presence, Maglor began to speak, but not to him. "Iluvatar, I do not know what I have done in my life to deserve the blessings on which you have bestowed me these past years. You know of my struggles, and bad decisions. You know of the pain that I caused, and the Oath I swore in your name. Yet, here I am, surrounded by a family who loves me, and who I love in return. I wish for you to know that I do not take them for granted, and will thank you every moment of every day for them." Elrond could hear the tears in his voice. "I will cherish them…always."

"And we will cherish you," Elrond murmured, kneeling down next to Maglor and embracing him. The older Ellon cried silently on Elrond's shoulder, and they stayed thus for a while.

They both looked up as they noticed Eärendil on his voyage across the sky. "He gave me the greatest gift," Maglor whispered, before kissing Elrond's forehead as he used to do when he was a child.

No more words were spoken as they sat together quietly, and eventually watched the sun as it rose over the trees.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I am glad so many of you enjoyed it, and I treasure each and every review and favorite I receive! I could go on forever about Maglor and Elrond, but I felt this was a good place to end this fanfic. I will likely write more stories in this 'universe', for I hold these characters in a special place in my heart. So consider subscribing to my username as an author alert, if you're interested in something like that, and if you have any ideas for things you'd like to see, leave it in a review! For now, I will be focusing on my other, much longer story "A Ranger and an Elleth", but I'll be back in 'Silm Land' in the future! Hantanyë tyen ar namárië!