Chapter 12

A jolt rocked through him, ceasing his strumming fingers. A strong gist flew past him, and all movement stopped. The wind quit is onslaught, simmering to a gentle breeze. Thick mist that had enveloped him, melted away. Maglor's head jerked from his harp strings. There, at the far end of shore she stood. The woman who haunted his dreams and most every waking moment. His mind was playing with him again. He was angered at the cruel fate. Wallowing in his own self anguish and exile was not enough for the Valar. They had to entice him with that which he could never have. Love.

Even knowing she was a figment of his imagination, he could not take his eyes from her, watching her walk towards him. Without even realizing it, he was on his feet, gaze locked with hers. Her voice floated down to him on the breeze, pulling at his heart. The deep-rooted tendrils that ate away at him loosened, almost as if he could feel each one snapping with each step she took. Where she once was no more than an obscure image, she was crystal clear.

Her skin was exotic, a sun-kissed bronze, with striking green eyes that pierced his soul. His heart beat wildly in his chest. Maglor took in her hair, black dark with flecks of fire framed her face pulled back in thick woven braids. Jewels adorned the weaves in intricate patterns, with feathers imbedded, others were woven with ribbon. She was strange yet enticing creature.

A haunting voice filled his ears, and Maglor realized the image was singing, words echoing through his mind, their meaning fighting the cords that held him in despair. They plucked away, opening his soul. Briefly he closed his eyes relishing in the joy, an emotion he had not felt in an age. When he opened them, he found her standing before him, a mere hair's breath away, crystal clear, eyes boring into his. Ever so softly calloused fingers touched his cheek. It was different than before, it was not the feather light touch of mist from the mirage, it was real. She was real and before him. The touch sent a jolt of electricity through him.

It was if every nerve in his body was alight, it burned with a desire and an intensity Maglor was unfamiliar with. The woman's touch freed his soul from the binds that had kept him prisoner for so long. Her words resonating through her mind— "I found you."

Maglor was no longer in control of his body, his mind ceased to work as he brought his hands up to cup her face. She did not disappear, instead she leaned into his touch, relishing in it, as a gasp escaped her lips. His mind fought for control, knowing this was too good to be true, he did not deserve happiness, but it could not overcome the pull of his heart, freed from its cage. His lips crashed against hers.

It was not a gentle kiss, it was not sweet and tender. It was rough, needy, filled with a longing neither could describe, nor completely understand. Strong, lithe arms wrapped around his neck, his own snaking around her waist. They fought for control, Maglor slipped his tongue through her parted lips, gaining the upper hand, feeling the woman moan. They danced, creating their own melody.

A bright burning light exploded above them, starling them. Abruptly, their kiss ended as they both looked up, startled. The thick dark clouds above them broke free of one another. The sun shimmered down on them through the parted mist. They had to blink their eyes and look away from its glory.

"I have not beheld the beauty of the sun in an age." Maglor stated, his eyes taking in the breath-taking colors around him. Gone were the bleak shades of grey that had surround him in exile. The sea glittered in the sunlight, white shimmers over blue-green waves. The shore was golden, littered with white shells and shining sea glass that reflected against the rocky cliff line. He could see sea gulls flying above, their calls reverberating around him.

Elarinya was stroke by the deep smooth voice that spoke above her. The sound swathed her, wrapping her in its embrace, his voice was music of its own. Even though he spoke of the sun, he spoke to her soul. She longed to hear his voice again.

It was a few long moments before he looked down, eyes meeting hers again, shock making them grow wide, as if he expected her to be gone. Removing his hands from her waist, he touched his lips, felt their tenderness and how they were swollen. Elarinya let her arms fall to his chest, feeling the taught muscle through the silky fabric of his tunic.

"You are real." He stated mystified.

"As are you." She replied. "You have haunted me for an age." Her voice was husky and rich, the perfect match to her exotic beauty.

"As you have me." Maglor responded, regarding her carefully, working to memorize every detail in case she should disappear at any moment. "Who are you?"

"Elarinya."

"Elarinya," he tested the name on his tongue, wondering at its familiarity, though unable to pinpoint exactly why he should know that name. But he knew in his soul, he had heard the name before. "Morning star, that is a beautiful name…it is fitting." Maglor smiled. "I am Maglor."

She smiled, "Maglor." It was a strange and unfamiliar name, yet speaking it felt right. It filled her heart with hope. But hope for what, she was not sure. It occurred to her then that though she understood his words, he was not speaking Avarin, and neither did he speak the common tongue. "What language is it that you speak?"

Maglor starred at her, confused at first by her words, until the same realization dawned on him as it did her. "Sindarin. You do not speak Sindarin, nor do you speak Quenyan."

"You do not speak Avarin." She stated, fear sinking into her gut, as she did not understand what was happening, she dropped her hands from him, taking a step back, the loss of contact was like a sword being stabbed into her heart, she gasped, clutching her chest. "I do not understand?" She questioned, as strong hand gripped her forearms, the pain lessening instantly.

A movement from above caught her attention, and suddenly she understood. Golden armor glittered on the rise of the cliff. Maglor turned, following her line of sight and stiffened beside her. "Oromë." She stated, wondering at his presence here and what it meant.