Welcome to my latest story! It was written for the Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang challenge on Ao3, so I thought I'd cross-post it here for you all to see. It was a challenge to write, but I like how it turned out. Hope you like it too!
Chapter 1Third Age, 2510
Elrond didn't remember much of the journey back from Mithlond. The way there was fraught with a swirl of confusing emotions as he escorted his ailing wife to board a ship to Valinor without him. Her pale visage flashed into his mind; she looked like a wraith as Elrond helped her walk onto the deck. The sparkle of mischief and joy, which was once so prevalent in her eyes, had faded into a dull, lifeless grey. He knew letting her sail away from him was the only way she could possibly heal, but who could know for certain? Galadriel seemed confident, but she was also grieving the loss of her only daughter. The formidable Elleth was from Aman, so she had more insight than Elrond into what it was like there, and this gave him a small measure of comfort.
Elladan and Elrohir were silent and grim as they rode beside him, their anger just simmering under the surface of their stony faces. Arwen had stayed behind to oversee Imladris with Erestor, and Elrond was glad she did not have to watch her mother sail away from her. Elrond had noticed how withdrawn she had become; her voice, usually heard throughout Imladris as she sang joyfully, had been silent since Celebrían's return from her captivity, with the exception of soft lullabies to help soothe her mother's frightful dreams.
Finally, after what felt like an Age, he saw Lindir's kind face as he greeted them at the gates. "Mae Govannen, hir nin," he said softly, a small smile gracing his lips as he bowed.
Elrond forced a smile of his own, but felt it was more of a grimace. "Hannon le. All has been well in our absence?"
Lindir nodded, "Arwen has overseen the realm without issue. You know how the people love her."
"That I do," Elrond replied fondly. He then frowned as his sons rode past without a word. "I am sorry for their behavior. This has been…difficult for them."
"Indeed," Lindir said with a sigh. "Finding her as she was must have been unimaginable." Elrond wished he could have spared his sons from coming upon her in the wilds, but he had not been the one to find her first. "I will have someone stable your horse so you can freshen up."
Elrond blushed, knowing he must look a state. "Very well; I will see you in my study and receive a more extensive report," he said brusquely, inclining his head briefly before dismounting and striding purposefully towards his quarters.
He made short work of bathing and donning his customary robes; despite the freedom of wearing breeches and a tunic while traveling, there was something comforting about the weight of his usual garments. The absence of Celebrían was deafening, for she had spent half of the last year mostly on bedrest in their bedroom, but he tried to ignore it.
There was no time to dwell on his latest loss when there was a Realm to run.
Elrond knocked softly on Elladan's door, "Ion nin, will you not join me for the evening meal?" There was silence, with the exception of the stifled sobs he could hear within. "Elrohir?" The twins had rarely been apart since the kidnapping, although they had always been close, so he knew they must be together.
"We are not hungry, Adar," Elrohir said roughly, tears heavy in his voice.
"Can I come in?" Elrond asked gently.
"Not now," he replied, and Elrond's heart ached as he heard the brokenness in his tone. "I am sorry, but we need space."
Holding in a sigh, Elrond murmured, "Very well. I will check on you later." Hearing no response, Elrond slowly continued down the hall, grieving the loss of their joyful spirits. He could only pray that time would help with healing, and perhaps they would find their spark again.
He took his meal in his study instead of the dining hall, but it was nice to spend time with Arwen, Lindir, and Erestor in a more intimate setting as he caught up on what he had missed. It wasn't Arwen's fault that her smile was identical to her mother's, and Elrond refused to feel sad when she was finally smiling again. "You have done well Arwen," he said, pleased with her leadership.
"It was only a short time, Ada," she countered, blushing slightly with the praise. "I am glad there were no incidents for me to deal with in your absence."
"I hear from your grandmother that you mean to travel to Lothlorien soon?" Elrond asked, feeling a sliver of panic at the thought. "Are we sure it is safe?" Celebrían had been traveling back from there when she was accosted on the road, and Elrond had a strong urge to keep Arwen close.
"I was told the Galadhrim and our own soldiers thoroughly cleared the area of orcs and goblins," Arwen replied hesitantly. "Leaving sooner rather than later would be best because it will decrease the likelihood of more having returned."
Pushing aside the urge to forbid her from going, Elrond said, "I will be sending an extensive guard with you, and Galadriel has many of her own to accompany you as she returns. When do you expect to leave?"
Erestor interjected, "In speaking with the Galadhrim, I was informed they would be leaving by the end of the month."
Elrond raised an eyebrow, "So soon?" The end of the month was only two weeks away, and there was much to organize before their departure. "Will you be gone long, iell nin?"
Arwen diverted her gaze to the desk, idly tracing the intricate woodwork with her finger. "I…I do not know." She swallowed thickly, blinking away tears. "Everything here reminds me of naneth, and I think distance will make it easier to heal." Finally meeting Elrond's gaze, she whispered, "Yet how can I leave you here when you are hurting?"
"Your brothers will be here, and I have plenty to keep me busy," Elrond replied, sounding more confident than he really was.
"Ada…" Arwen began. "I do not think Elladan and Elrohir will be staying here for much longer."
Elrond felt his heart squeeze in worry. "Why do you say this? Have they spoken to you?"
Arwen sighed heavily, running a hand messily through her hair. "Yes. They wish to avenge naneth by slaying as many orcs as they can find."
"It will not bring her healing," Elrond cautioned, wanting to bang his head against his desk in frustration. "The orcs who took her are slain."
"They blame the entire race, and I can see how angry they are," Arwen said haltingly. "Perhaps it will help with cooling their rage." Yet it was clear Arwen was as unsure of this working as Elrond was.
"I will speak with them of this tomorrow," Elrond said decisively. Perhaps he could convince them of their folly. Unfortunately, they were as stubborn as their mother, and it would be very difficult to dissuade them if they had decided on a course of action. "Let us retire for tonight, for it has been a very exhausting few weeks." Elrond was not as old as Galadriel or Cirdan, but after turning away from his wife's tiny form as the ship crested the horizon, he felt ancient in his bones.
Yet, even as exhausted as he was, he found he could not sleep in his bed without Celebrían by his side; the absence of her light breathing, which had comforted him when he feared she would fade away, made everything seem wrong. After tossing and turning, he finally left their bedroom behind and curled up on the comfortable chaise lounge in the sitting room. The fire was crackling merrily, and Elrond finally dozed off.
Irmo must have been watching over him, for he did not suffer with poor dreams, and he felt surprisingly well-rested when there was a soft knock on his door. However, instead of the gentle voice of Lindir, the musical voice of Glorfindel came from the other side. "May I come in?"
Clearing his throat and drinking a few sips of water, Elrond replied in the affirmative, and the tall warrior strode in with a pensive look on his face. It seemed strange, because Glorfindel tended to have a sunny smile that lit up the room, and not this quizzical frown with a furrowed brow. "Suilad, mellon nin. It is good to see you."
"It is good to see you as well," Elrond replied, his usual calm expression sliding into place. "Have a seat, can I get you anything?" When Glorfindel shook his head and gracefully lowered himself into a nearby chair, Elrond gave him his full attention. "What brings you by my quarters this morning?"
Elrond tried to wait patiently as Glorfindel silently stared into the fireplace, hands steepled under his chin in thought. Clearly, he was trying to figure out how to phrase his words. Finally, he said, "I have heard a strange rumor."
After another period of time where Glorfindel was silently pondering, Elrond prompted him, "What does this rumor entail?"
"I first heard mention of it years ago, but dismissed it as simple ghost stories told by travelers. However, it was interesting enough that I eventually sent a few of my scouts to investigate."
Elrond was extremely curious now. What could be so interesting that Glorfindel felt the need to pursue it? "Did they find anything?" Elrond raised his brows when the ancient soldier started drumming his fingers anxiously on his leg. Glorfindel was not one to fidget. "Mellon nin, you know you can tell me anything. I will not judge you or think you foolish," Elrond insisted.
With a decisive nod to himself, Glorfindel made eye contact with Elrond. "Further up the coast of Forlindon, people were hearing echoes of a haunting voice. Some said it was just the wind, while others claim it is Ulmo or Ossë reaching out from the Sea with some strange melody or message. People claim to hear the voices of those they have lost, but are unable to discern the messages, for it is in a language they cannot understand and it is just quiet enough to be out of reach."
Elrond frowned, not really understanding the relevance to himself. "Very few live so far up the coast, and the dwarves rarely venture to the western side of the mountains. How far into the past did these rumors begin?"
Glorfindel shrugged, "In human generations, it is unclear, but it seems to be somewhat of a legend among them. Not considered something to be real, but rather just a story."
"Your soldiers also heard this voice?" Elrond asked curiously.
There was a beat of silence, before Glorfindel replied, "While you were away, I rode out with them after one of my scouts returned confirming the rumors, and I heard it myself. It seems to be coming from out in the Sea, but I suspect it's true location to be Tol Himling."
Elrond froze, his breath stolen for a moment. "Tol Himling? No one dwells there, it is an abandoned island." The Sea was treacherous in that location as well, from what he had heard. "How could anyone access it in such violent waters?"
Glorfindel looked grave, "I can think of one person who might try. You know of whom I speak."
Impossible. It could not be true, and Elrond could not afford to even think it was. Denial was the only response, "I am not certain I do, mellon nin. Could you enlighten me?"
Glorfindel frowned, clearly not believing Elrond to be so naïve. "Makalaurë."
Elrond was surprised to find he was suddenly on his feet and pacing. "He goes by Maglor," he said automatically, remembering how much the Ellon hated being called by his mother-name. "He died long ago."
"How do you know for sure?" Glorfindel countered. "No body was ever found."
"Maglor and…and Maedhros took the Silmarils and were never seen again. They clearly died when Beleriand sunk into the Sea," Elrond replied, embarrassed by the way his voice shook. They would have come looking for me.
"Perhaps they chose to stay away," Glorfindel said. "Or one died and the other lived."
"No," Elrond growled, pushing his frustration away as much as he could. "It cannot be true. It has been too long; they would have been found. Did you not come across them in Mandos?"
Glorfindel shook his head, voice calm as he replied, "No, but there are many places to hide and remain unseen. In truth, I encountered few people during my…stay." The Ellon grimaced. "Time has little meaning there, and I personally was not inclined to be around many others as I attempted to heal from my losses."
Elrond paused his pacing for a moment and turned to face his friend. "I am sorry, I am being insensitive. It must have been very difficult, and I could see the Sons of Fëanor choosing to separate themselves from the rest." If they were even in Mandos in the first place. It was rumored they would be sent into the Void, where Morgoth dwelt, after their deaths. Elrond prayed it wasn't true, but there was nothing to be done about it.
"There is nothing to forgive, mellon nin," Glorfindel assured Elrond. "Now, if one or both of them were alive, there are many places to hide on the coast, and the Blue Mountains are nearby," Glorfindel replied. Elrond, who had begun pacing again, whirled to face him, and Glorfindel put his hands up. "I am not certain of anything, and I do not want to get your hopes up. I just felt you should know that the voice I heard on the wind was very reminiscent of how I remember Maglor sounding in Tirion in the grand concert halls. It could have been my mind playing tricks on me, but I could not sit idly by and keep this to myself."
As quickly as Elrond's ire formed, he deflated a moment later and sunk into the thick cushions of the couch. "I had let him go, both of them. I had made peace with their loss, as I have done with many in my life." Elros. Elwing. Eärendil, Gil-galad, Celebrimbor…the list went on and on. "So much death and loss." Elrond startled as Glorfindel put a heavy hand on his shoulder and squeezed gently. "You have seen much as well."
"It does not do to compare tallies," Glorfindel gently admonished. "Loss is not measured in such ways."
There was silence for a few minutes, as both of them sat down and pondered this information. Eventually, Elrond muttered, "What would you have me do? Leave to pursue this potentially unfruitful rumor? I have only just returned, and I must pull my people together as we move forward from the…departure of Celebrían." There were also signs of some force of evil emerging once again, if the increase in frequency of orc attacks and the darkening of the Greenwood meant anything. There was a heavy feeling of foreboding always hovering in his mind. With the forming of the White Council only a short time ago, Elrond knew there would be more pain and hardship to face in the near future. "I am responsible for protecting and leading my people."
"Elladan and Elrohir could reign in your stead," Glorfindel countered. "I know you will not remain in Middle Earth forever, and they will need to take up the mantle eventually."
Elrond sighed, "I do not believe they mean to stay here in Imladris for much longer, if what Arwen told me is to be believed." He briefly outlined his discussion with his daughter from the night before.
"Perhaps remaining behind to rule for a few weeks would help cool their anger, at least temporarily," Glorfindel said. "It will give them time to reflect on their next course of action before they take it."
"They will not be happy about this," Elrond warned. Yet, if they knew why he would be undertaking this journey, perhaps they would be sympathetic. Elrond had told them stories of Maglor and Maedhros, mostly of happy memories of his childhood under their care. Yes, they had done many wrongs, but both of them had loved Elrond and his brother. At least, he hoped so.
"I believe they would understand," Glorfindel insisted.
The thought of departing on yet another search for his foster fathers seemed overwhelming and outrageous. It was very possible neither lived and it was either someone else or no one at all, singing on that remaining portion of Himring. Yet, it was the only lead he had on their whereabouts in thousands of years. Could he allow himself to open up to the possibility of seeing one or both of them again? "Would you travel with me?"
Glorfindel hesitated, looking uncertain. "As you know, things are becoming more unstable as more creatures of evil roam outside our borders. I do not know if they could spare me for even a few weeks. Besides, I believe Maglor would be near impossible to find if he learned of my presence with you. There is bad blood between his family and I because of what happened on the Ice." He shivered involuntarily, and Elrond knew events from so long ago could feel fresh sometimes. "However, I would rather you be accompanied by someone, in case of trouble."
Elrond reflected on this. Who of those still living knew and were friendly with Maglor in the Elder days? Very few, he was sure. There was one person he could think of, but would he be willing to come? Would others join as well? Maglor might feel less threatened by strangers, but it was impossible to know for certain. "I cannot believe I am even considering this."
Glorfindel let out a chuckle. "If I was in your place, and there was a possibility of reuniting with family I thought were lost, I would not hesitate to take a chance and look for them. You might even get lucky and find Maedhros as well." Elrond found it extremely unlikely both of them were still alive, but if they were…it would be a miracle unlooked for.
"What if they do not wish to see me?" Elrond asked quietly, his voice sounding small. "What if they choose to hide, and I cannot find them?"
"Then that is their choice to make, but I hope for your sake that they would reveal themselves," Glorfindel replied, sounding reassuringly confident. Suddenly his head whipped towards the door. "Whoever is lurking out in the corridor, please come in. Neither your Lord or myself tolerate eavesdroppers."
There was a soft, feminine sigh, before the door opened to reveal a guilty-looking Arwen. "I…I am sorry, Ada. I heard you and Glorfindel talking, and I became worried when I felt your anxiety."
Elrond couldn't help but slightly smile at her fondly. "You have always been very sensitive to the emotions of our family, iellig. While I do not fault you for your worry, it is not becoming of you to listen in on conversations you are not privy to," he scolded.
"I know," Arwen whispered. "I did not mean to linger for so long, but once I heard the topic of your conversation, I became curious. I should have left, but…"
"Yes, you should have," Elrond replied sternly. "Since you did not, I suggest you have a seat while I explain."
Arwen gracefully lowered herself into her favorite chair, curling up like she used to as a child. "If you are certain…" She raised her grey eyes curiously, and Elrond tried to ignore the stabbing pain of grief at how identical they were to Celebrían's gentle gaze. Stifling a sigh, Elrond calmly retold the information Glorfindel had relayed, pleased at the evenness of his voice. Arwen's eyes were wide once he finished, making her look younger than she was. "You think dearadar is still alive?"
Elrond raised an eyebrow in surprise, pleased she referred to Maglor as her grandfather, despite their lack of blood-ties. "Perhaps, but it is more likely to be a fanciful tale with some other explanation."
"I do not think you believe that," Arwen replied, narrowing her eyes. "You would not even consider this journey if you did not believe it was without merit."
Elrond smiled ruefully, "You are probably right."
"Who would travel with you?" Arwen asked.
"I have one person in mind whom I have considered approaching on this matter," Elrond said slowly. "Lindir was a student under Maglor when he was very young, before the Darkening. I believe they were close, at least back then." You would not know it, but Lindir was one of the oldest Elves still dwelling in Middle Earth. His youthful energy and pleasant voice made him seem much younger. "He has never said a bad word about Maglor, although I do not know if he would ever do so in my presence."
"He also has significant experience in battle," Glorfindel added. "He set such things aside when he assumed his current role, but he was deadly with both voice and sword in the Battle of Dagorlad. He had no Words of Power like Maglor, but the haunting quality of his voice when fighting the enemy frightened those dark creatures." He shrugged. "I believe he would protect you well, should the need arise."
"I am coming too, Ada," Arwen suddenly interjected, looking surprised at her own words.
"Absolutely not," Elrond swiftly replied. "It is too dangerous."
"I can fight just as well as Elladan and Elrohir," she argued. "Though I do not ride out and engage in skirmishes, Glorfindel trained me." Arwen turned her attention to said Balrog-slayer. "You told me I was skilled and could hold my own, should the need arise. I still spar regularly with the soldiers to keep up my form."
"You have no experience in battle," Elrond countered. "You have never faced an orc, or any other creature of evil."
"I am no flower to put in a vase, hidden away," Arwen said hotly. "Maglor is my family as well as yours, and I believe I have other skills which may be of use." She was breathing heavily, and Elrond was surprised at her outburst of emotion. It was not usual for her to be so outwardly expressive. Yet, he was secretly proud of her determination to help. He snapped out of his thoughts when Arwen continued, "Those who knew Luthien have said my voice sounds very similar to hers, as is my appearance. Perhaps those two characteristics could be used to disarm Maglor long enough for you to find him, if he freezes in surprise. I could be a distraction while you sneak up to him."
Her plan seemed far-fetched, but Elrond knew he could use any advantage he could find to aid him in the search. He had to admit Arwen made a good argument. "Were you not planning to travel to Lothlórien soon?" He could not see Galadriel waiting for Elrond to return with Arwen, with Maglor possibly in tow. There was certainly bad blood between them, and it would not be a good enough reason to delay her plans.
Arwen did not agree, saying dismissively, "I believe I can convince her, if you give me a chance. Please, Ada?" Her hopeful expression was so endearing that Elrond found it very hard to say no, just as she intended. "Helping you find peace and closure means much to daernaneth, even at her own expense…and I think n-nana would agree." Arwen blinked rapidly, dispelling the tears in her eyes.
Elrond's heart squeezed at the mention of his wife, but he knew she would indeed encourage him to purse this, if she was here. With a heavy sigh, he replied, "I must speak to Lindir first, and if he agrees to this journey, and if Elladan and Elrohir agree to stay behind and rule in my stead, you may accompany us."
"Do not worry Ada, I will make them see reason as well," Arwen said decisively, determination and excitement clear on her face. Despite the seriousness of the topic at hand, it lightened Elrond's heart to see the familiar spark reappear in his daughter; it had been absent ever since Celebrían returned. Without another word, Arwen stood and strode through the door, shutting it gently behind her.
Glorfindel chuckled, "That is one spirited daughter you have, mellon nin."
Elrond huffed a laugh, "She certainly did not get it from me, but I am glad to see it nonetheless."
After eating a light breakfast, Elrond called Lindir into his study and discussed everything with him. There was no hesitation in the bard's voice when he agreed to come along, seeming excited to do something so different from his regular duties. "Despite everything he has done, it would be good to see Maglor again." Lindir paused, looking more serious. "If we do succeed, we do not know what state he will be in. He may believe us to be phantoms, haunting his waking nightmares. Maedhros was certainly not in his right mind towards the end, and could be very dangerous should he also be there."
"We will need to tread carefully," Elrond replied. "Thank you for agreeing to accompany me. To my chagrin, Arwen will also be joining us."
Lindir raised an eyebrow, clearly trying not to laugh. "She has you twisted around her little finger!"
"She did the second I laid eyes on her," Elrond said with a grin, shaking his head. "Her plan to use herself as a distraction to put Maglor off his guard is risky, but it just might be outrageous enough to work."
Elladan and Elrohir were not happy about being asked to stay in Imladris, for they had indeed planned to ride out and join the scouting parties who were flushing out the orcs. Thankfully they were mature enough to accept the responsibility, especially since it would be a short-term role. Elrond did not appreciate the eyerolling when he explained it would be good practice for the future, but he let it slide (this time).
Elrond had an interesting conversation with Galadriel when she approached him about his plans. "My instinct was to tell you how foolish this was," she began, eyeing him from her considerable height. "My cousin has brought our people naught but misery." Her eyes, usually difficult to read, softened. "Yet I know the bonds of family run deep. Despite my anger towards him, I wish you only happiness." She placed a cool hand on his cheek, and he felt like a child again. "Old grievances can be set aside, with time and effort. The memories of our people are long, and old hurts are hard to heal, but I believe it can be done." She paused, and Elrond felt her press a small stone into his hand. He looked down to examine it, but could not understand the language which was inscribed upon it. "Both of us were fascinated with languages. This is old Telerin; he will know what it means." Elrond carefully put it into the pocket of his robes, very aware of how ancient it must be. "My people and I can delay our departure for a little longer."
"If all goes according to plan, we should return in four fortnights," Elrond said. "Please watch over my sons, if you can. They may need guidance."
"Of course," she replied softly. "Now go and prepare, there is much to do, I am sure."
"Indeed," Elrond murmured, mind racing with the tasks he needed to complete in a short amount of time. "Hannon le, híril nin." With a slight bow, he turned on his heel and strode towards his quarters.
There was packing to do.
Thanks for reading! This story has 4 chapters and an epilogue, and is complete. Leave a review if you have a moment, I love hearing from you!
