Chapter 4
Early the next morning, before sunrise, Arwen muttered a message to one of the types of birds she knew how to communicate with. She wanted Cirdan to know they were safe, and that they had found Maglor and Maedhros, but she simply said 'the brothers' because she doubted the bird could pronounce both names very well. She was sure Cirdan would know what she meant. Elrond, Maedhros, and Maglor had made a little 'nest' of sorts and were still in reverie. Seeing them together brought her a rush of joy, for she knew her father loved his Atto and Atya very much, based on the stories of his childhood with them. Of course they were not all happy memories, but those were the ones Elrond held onto. Her face fell when she thought of all the people he had lost in his life; if these two were somehow taken away from him, how would he weather such a blow?
Puttering around, she pulled together some semblance of a breakfast from what she could find in the camp and what was in her own pack. She heard the others stirring as a pot of porridge bubbled over the small fire, and there was a yelp of surprise and "Your elbow is in my back, Maglor!" before they all stumbled over in various states of sleepiness. She suppressed a smile at her father's embarrassment and dished all of them a portion from some clay bowls she found. "Good morning Ada, Maglor, Maedhros," she said lightly. "Sleep well?"
They nodded sheepishly and settled down on the ground with their food. Elrond asked, "Did you send a message to Lord Cirdan this morning, iell?"
Arwen nodded, "I assume they will wait for us on the beach, but it is possible they will meet us along the way." She turned her attention to the other two Ellyn, who were staring silently into their bowls. "I know this will be difficult, but Ada and I will be by your sides as long as we are able. Do not despair."
Maedhros huffed a humorless laugh, "It is easy to say, but hard to put into practice."
"Atto, may I look at your hand this morning?" Elrond asked gently. "I know you may not believe it will do any good, but I must try."
"Very well," Maglor huffed, sticking his wounded hand out while Elrond took the time to apply the salve and fresh linen. It looked just as bad as Maedhros' hand, and it made Elrond's heart ache to think of how long they had suffered with these painful wounds. "I half-expected to awaken and find you and Arwen were just a vision I had imagined," he added, sounding surprised. "Yet, here you are. While I do not truly understand why you took such risks to seek us out…I am glad of it."
Meeting them at twilight and speaking in the darkness felt very different than doing so under the light of the early morning sun, Elrond mused. It felt more real, more tangible. As they began their journey from the ruins, Elrond looked back once more. He could sense how difficult this was for Maglor and Maedhros, based on the way their shoulders drooped and they trudged along. The landscape seemed not to trouble the brothers, but Elrond and Arwen made good use of their staves to keep their footing. Arwen began to sing a light-hearted, calming tune about the sunrise over Arda, and Maglor kept giving her looks of bemusement. Before he could ask, Maglor explained, "My cousin Artanis used to sing something similar, back when we were on better terms. I wonder whatever happened to her."
Arwen and Elrond traded knowing looks; would it be better to prepare them to meet Galadriel, or let her approach them in her own time? "It is quite a common melody in Imladris, our home," Arwen said, before returning to her singing.
"So is this Imladris your realm?" Maedhros asked Elrond curiously.
Elrond nodded, "When my people had to flee from the destruction of Sauron-" both Fëanorians flinched "-I had to find somewhere to be a refuge. It took many years, but I built and protected Imladris to the best of my ability. It is a safe haven for all who desire rest, and a realm of peace. I must admit, it has not been an easy task, but it is one I am proud to uphold." He gave Arwen a loving glance. "My children have grown up there, and dwell there still."
"Children? As in more than one?" Maglor asked with a flicker of a smile.
"Yes, along with Arwen, I have two sons, Elladan and Elrohir. They are twins, just as Elros and I are." Were.
"How intriguing," Maedhros said. "I would be curious to see how closely they resemble you." The unspoken words were 'if we ever get the chance'.
After a long day of travel, the sun was low in the sky as they approached the beach. Elrond got a glimpse of Cirdan before their small group was surrounded by soldiers. Elrond and Arwen were swiftly pulled away and to safety, after which the soldiers converged on Maglor and Maedhros. Both had their hands out in front of them, clearly unarmed. They both looked stoic, but Elrond could see Maedhros shuffle a little closer to Maglor in some semblance of added protection.
"Stay where you are, kinslayer," one of the soldiers barked, and Maedhros froze. "Langlas, bind their hands."
Elrond somehow managed to stay still as they bound both of their hands, a little rougher than necessary in his opinion. Thankfully they stayed clear of the dressings on their palms, and the linen looked secure. Once bound, they pushed Maglor and Maedhros to the front of the group and hustled them along to the boat. Cirdan was standing on the deck, and both brothers stopped in surprise at seeing the ancient Ellon. His eyes were hard as he beheld them, but the rest of his demeanor remained calm as he said, "Maglor and Maedhros Fëanorian, it has been long since our last meeting."
Maedhros, ever the diplomat, bowed as much as he was able and replied, "Yes it has, hir nin Cirdan. I hope you and your people are well."
"Certainly they are well now," Cirdan said sternly. "Very different from the last time you encountered them, I daresay." His words had a bite to them, and Elrond could sense him holding back his anger. "Now, you will come onto this ship and you will stay here until we get to Mithlond. Then we will decide what is to be done with you."
"Yes, hir nin," Maedhros said softly, looking completely unconcerned about their current predicament. Maglor was quiet but his cheeks were flushed in what was either anger or embarrassment, or some combination of both. His hands were clenched, and it looked like he was suppressing the urge to reach for a weapon that was no longer on his hip. Luckily, they had put the few they had in Elrond's pack. Some were older than the Sun, and made Elrond feel like a child in comparison.
After Maedhros and Maglor were escorted onto the boat, Cirdan greeted Elrond and Arwen. "Are you both well?" he asked, sounding concerned. "Did they hurt you in any way?"
Elrond shook his head. "They were certainly surprised to see us, and skeptical of our identities, but did not harm us." Not entirely true, for he had certainly been hurt by Maglor's suspicion and harsh words.
"He speaks the truth, hir nin," Arwen chimed in with a winning smile. "We are well."
Cirdan smiled back and said, "I am glad. Now let us return to Mithlond. Your quarters are as you left them, so get some rest while you can."
Elrond hesitated before asking, "Where will Maglor and Maedhros be housed?"
Cirdan frowned, "In one of the rooms below deck; we have a few with locks on them. It will suffice for now."
"Very well," Elrond said with a sigh. "Thank you for coming with us; I know you have many duties at home which keep you busy."
"I have known you since you were in diapers, Elrond," Cirdan teased. "I will always help when I am able."
Elrond blushed, and hurriedly gave his farewells as he escorted Arwen to her room. It was obvious where the 'prisoners' were located due to two soldiers standing guard outside the locked door, and it was difficult for Elrond to simply walk by and continue to his own quarters. He wanted to make sure they were all right, but there was simply no opportunity to do so.
The seas were much less friendly on their return journey. The theory that it was because of Maglor and Maedhros' presence flew around the boat rapidly; they mused that Ulmo must be angry at Cirdan for allowing them passage on his vessel. Others suggested it was the more temperamental Ossë who was determined to drown them all. Yet Cirdan was completely calm, as was his experienced crew, but Elrond was sure he caught him praying frequently under his breath.
Luckily, they managed to get to Mithlond without capsizing, but Arwen and Elrond had both struggled with seasickness due to the increased rocking, despite Elrond's ginger lozenges. Both were glad to be on steady ground once more. Cirdan had disembarked first, determined to spread the word of Maglor and Maedhros' arrival to eliminate any surprises. Elrond tried not to react to the angry mutterings and protestations he heard; only a handful of people knew Elrond had been fostered by the two Ellyn, and it would not do to look too friendly towards them or it could cause people to view him unfavorably.
Despite feeling prepared, he flinched as the guards all but shoved the Fëanorians onto dry land, causing them to almost stumble to the ground. Elves aren't known to be very outwardly emotional, but the glares of the onlookers could have cut glass with how razor-sharp they were. Elrond noted how much restraint the crowd must have had to not engage in any sort of physical altercation, and despite his best efforts, Maedhros looked uneasy while Maglor had much more trouble keeping his emotions in check. To Maglor's credit, people seemed to wilt under his intense gaze as he glared back. He would not go down without a fight.
"Make way!" one of the captains shouted, and the crowd moved aside as they brought the Ellyn to a more secure location. Again, Cirdan had nothing like a jail in his realm, but he did find a secure location to house them until it was decided what would be done. At least they were provided with food.
Elrond tried not to pace inside his quarters, and Arwen watched him with concern as he fidgeted uncharacteristically. What was to be done? Elrond felt helpless in this matter; Cirdan was his elder by far, and this was his realm. If they were charged for their crimes, what would happen to them? What would they need to do to pay for their misdeeds? Elves, as a rule, were not a people of cruelty, but the deeds of the Sons of Fëanor were no small evil.
"What about a lengthy sentence of servitude in one of the Elven realms?" Arwen suggested, and Elrond realized he had been muttering his thoughts out loud.
"Which one?" Elrond replied quizzically.
"Daernaneth Galadriel is their direct family member; perhaps she will wish for them to be brought to Lothlorien." Arwen mused. "Or she may wish for them to stay far away from her and her people."
"They could stay here, but I do not know how Cirdan's people would feel about their presence, due to the pain they caused their ancestors," Elrond said.
"What about Imladris?" Arwen asked.
A hopeful feeling leapt up in Elrond's chest. "It is certainly a viable option." The question was, how would he construct their punishment? It would be difficult for him to do so, for he cared for them very much. "It would cause a stir, and confuse many who believe there was no love between us. It is widely suspected Elros and I were considered hostages, and nothing more."
Arwen scoffed. "Who cares what others think? You know the truth of it, and that is what matters most."
Elrond smiled ruefully. "You make it sound so simple, iell nin."
"Because it is," she said smugly, before rising to embrace him. "All will be well in the end; I am sure of it."
Elrond did not hold to such hopes, due to the many tragedies he had experienced in his life, but he would try to be optimistic for his fathers' sakes.
To Elrond's dismay and frustration, they remained in Mithlond for several days, during which Elrond was not allowed to see or speak to Maglor and Maedhros. Cirdan explained that they were questioning the Ellyn (more likely interrogating), and did not want any interruptions. He insisted they were being treated fairly and given food and water, but Elrond wanted to see for himself if these things were true. They had already been through so much; he understood Cirdan's caution, but it was difficult to bear. Arwen tried to keep him busy, asking him to continue her studies in Quenya and diplomacy, which she had set aside to go on this journey. While he did not have all of her materials, they made it work, and Elrond was grateful for the distraction.
Finally, after what felt like an Age, Cirdan approached Elrond one evening as they dined, and asked to speak privately. Arwen waved him on, stating they should speak alone. Elrond nodded reluctantly, wishing he had the supportive presence of Celebrian by his side.
After situating themselves across from one another in some plush chairs, Cirdan laced his fingers together in thought. Elrond tried to wait patiently as the silence stretched, but it was difficult. Finally Cirdan met his eyes and said, "After much conversation with Maglor and Maedhros, it has been decided where they should go, if those involved are amenable to it."
"Where shall that be?" Elrond asked cautiously.
A flicker of a smile crossed Cirdan's face, so rapidly that Elrond wondered if he had imagined it. "They insisted it would be best to let you return to Imladris without them, for your own good, but I disagree. It is only right for them to be sentenced to labor under your orders, for it is you whom they have greatly erred." He sighed. "To be truthful, there are many who could claim such a thing, too many to count."
"Indeed, they have caused much pain and suffering," Elrond said evenly, pushing his rising emotions aside.
"They both expressed profound regret for their deeds, particularly those related to you and Elros," Cirdan continued. "They want to do whatever they can to bring you peace and closure, and I believe having them close to you would be a good way to facilitate it."
Elrond's heart was beating rapidly. Could he truly be so lucky as to return home with not only his daughter and Lindir, but also his foster fathers? Swallowing thickly, his voice was steady as he replied, "I agree with your conclusions, and will accept their transfer to my custody. If things do not go well in Imladris, the matter can be further evaluated. Did you have a length of sentence in mind?"
Cirdan nodded, "I believe two yeni to be an appropriate starting point. Assign them duties which you see fit, but remember, this is a punishment, not a reward."
Elrond nodded, mind racing as he considered possibilities. Realizing Cirdan expected an answer, he said, "I accept these terms. If it is amenable to you, I would like to leave in two days time. Would you be able to send a message via carrier pigeon to Imladris, to prepare Erestor and my people for our arrival? Seeing Maglor and Maedhros in our entourage will be a bit of a shock, and it would be best to warn them ahead of time."
"Of course," Cirdan said gravely. "This is no small matter." He eyed Elrond closely, who tried to school his expression into one of calm affability. "I trust you will follow through admirably with their sentence."
"Galadriel will be there when we arrive, as far as I am aware, so the political and family dynamics are sure to be tricky to navigate," Elrond said with a sigh. "But yes, I will do as you ask." Hopefully he could keep the peace.
Sure enough, two days later, Elrond, Arwen, Lindir, and the two Fëanorians were on their way to Imladris. Lindir had an unfortunately dark history with Maglor, the specifics of which Elrond had been unaware. Apparently, Lindir's father and brother were badly injured at the Mouths of Sirion, by Maglor's hand. Elrond had a vague recollection of the bard living there during his early childhood, but had not known him well at the time. To Lindir's credit, he remained as light-hearted as usual, but he understandably did not interact with Maglor much, even though they shared a profound love of musical composition. Elrond hoped that they could reconcile someday, for they could create some outstanding works of music in collaboration, if given the chance. Arwen remained sunny and tried to engage Maglor and Maedhros in conversation, but both Ellyn were quiet and subdued. Maedhros kept giving Elrond worried looks, as if he was afraid some doom would befall him due to their presence. Yet Elrond was not afraid, for he would trust both of them with his life.
Unfortunately, this belief was tested as they were ambushed by a pack of hungry wolves.
Maglor and Maedhros had no weapons on them when the animals set upon them, but with Elrond's quick thinking, both of their bonds were cut and daggers shoved into their hands while Lindir and Arwen attempted to engage the wolves. It was unfortunate they were bound in the first place, but Cirdan insisted it was necessary for Elrond's safety. Arwen's eyes were wide but determined; she had never faced real battle, but she was a fierce fighter. Thankfully, the rest of them made short work of the pack once all were armed, and Elrond admired the fluidity of Maglor and Maedhros' movements as they fought. He had learned from them first in regards to fighting, and still used the techniques to this day. They had pulled Arwen between them as soon as their hands were free, trying to protect her from any harm, and Elrond knew he could trust them with her life, if needed.
Once the large pack of wolves was slain, everyone took a moment to catch their breaths and gather their belongings. Maedhros insisted on pulling the corpses of the beasts off the road and into the woods, which was quickly done. Elrond told the Ellyn to keep hold of the daggers, just in case they were needed again. Maglor frowned and eyed Lindir, who looked uncomfortable with this suggestion, and instead handed both daggers back to Elrond. "You can hand them to us quickly if needed, just as before," Maglor explained. Elrond nodded reluctantly and took the weapons, storing them within easy reach once more.
Luckily the rest of the journey was uneventful. They chose to stay away from populated areas to avoid suspicion due to the Fëanorian brothers, and Elrond held in a sigh as Glorfindel met them at the Fords of Bruinen, eyes stony and his right hand on the hilt of his sword.
Maglor and Maedhros looked to each other, before both bowed slightly. "Aiya, Laurefindelë," Maedhros said in greeting. "It has been long since our last meeting." Glorfindel remained silent, so Maedhros continued, "Lord Elrond has been tasked to bring us to Imladris to spend our sentence in servitude to him and your people." Elrond admired the familiar diplomatic nature of his manner of speech, for the Ellon looked completely comfortable settling back into this role.
"I see," Glorfindel murmured, eyes narrowed. "Do not assume this will be an easy time for you, Maitimo." Maedhros flinched at the name, as it surely brought back bad memories of his captivity with Morgoth, and Maglor glared at Glorfindel. "I doubt your tasks will be easy, and you will face much hostility."
"Glorfindel that is enough," Elrond interjected, raising a hand in protest. "I will decide what is appropriate for their sentence." Glorfindel grit his teeth in frustration, but nodded tightly in deference. "Now, may we continue on? I would like to greet my sons and settle in for the evening."
With that, they followed Glorfindel up the slopes, and Elrond could only hope things would go more smoothly, but knew it would be difficult. Arwen tried to engage the brothers with descriptions of the surrounding area and what to expect to see in Imladris, but they were distracted and constantly giving Elrond concerned glances. Said elf held in a sigh over their fretting, for they should be more worried about themselves than him.
However, he could not help but smile as they crested the hill and rode through the gates of his realm. It always brought him joy and comfort to see what he had been able to create over the thousands of years they dwelt here. He had been so heartsick and frankly terrified after fleeing the battles in Eregion that it had seemed impossible they would ever live in safety again. Luckily, with Celebrian's help, they had made a good home for their people.
Glorfindel directed the group towards a secure location where Maglor and Maedhros would be held during the duration of their stay. It was a barracks of sorts, and locks had been added to the doors. Elrond would make sure they did not stay under lock and key the entire time, for no one liked to be held prisoner. Additionally, Maedhros had suffered enough in the dungeons of Angband, and Elrond did not want to cause him to relive those painful memories. Luckily the quarters were moderately comfortable, and included a kitchen within so they could prepare their own meals; having them join the rest of the citizens in the Dining Hall was a very bad idea, at least for now.
Elrond snapped to attention as Lindir seamlessly stepped back into his role as steward of Imladris. "Ingredients and other necessities will be delivered to you regularly, so there is no need to worry about starving."
"Hannon le," Maedhros replied. "We are grateful." Maglor seemed less so, but kept his comments to himself. All turned as they heard two voices shout, "Adar!". Elladan and Elrohir approached the group, looking curiously at Maedhros and Maglor, before opening their arms to a delighted Arwen. She rushed towards them and laughed joyfully as they hugged her tightly. Elladan pulled back slightly and teased, "Did you have fun, tithen pen?"
Arwen pouted and smacked him on the shoulder, "I am not 'little' anymore dear brother." A smile formed on her face and she continued, "The journey went well, for we found Ada's foster-fathers." All three of Elrond's children turned to appraise Maglor and Maedhros, and Arwen introduced them. Both Fëanorians had expressions of shock on their faces, and the twins started to shift uncomfortably as the silence stretched.
"They…they look like you and Elros," Maglor choked, clearly emotional. "Fully grown."
"I always wondered how you would have appeared, had you stayed with us longer," Maedhros murmured, so quietly that Elrond had to listen closely. "I see it here before us." His scarred lips twisted into a small smile. "You are blessed, Elrond."
"Yes, I am indeed," Elrond managed to say, feeling a plethora of emotions at this exchange.
Elladan and Elrohir looked at one another before turning to bow in unison, "Mae Govannen, Dearadares," they greeted, and Glorfindel sucked in a sharp breath in surprise. "We are glad Adar found you."
"Likewise," Maedhros replied, eyes still misty.
"As pleasant as this has been, I know Erestor would like to meet with you and discuss how things have gone during your absence," Glorfindel said, addressing Elrond. "Lindir, would you escort him to the study? I will take care of these two, do not worry." He turned to eye Maedhros and Maglor with disgust, little moved by the family reunions.
"Very well," Elrond replied. "Arwen, go with your brothers to our quarters. I will meet you there once business is concluded." She reluctantly agreed, waving farewell as the siblings made their way to the main house. Elrond turned to face Maglor and Maedhros, and managed a small smile. "I will come see you in the morning, and we can discuss your sentence in more detail."
"Of course, Elrond," Maedhros replied softly. "Namarie."
With that, Elrond forced his feet to follow those of Lindir as he walked away from two people he still viewed as his foster-fathers, even this many years later. This would be a difficult almost 300 years; he could only pray things would get better over time, and the others would accept them into the fold.
