It was a fine day for travel, and Legolas knew that Glorfindel hoped to reach Rivendell before midday. It was ambitious, but as was Glorfindel. Whatever he set his mind to was accomplished. Maglor struggled along behind them, and Legolas ignored the subtle hum of Maglor's nervous energy. He was going to be nervous until they got to Valinor, there was nothing Legolas could do to help him. Glorfindel had tried several times, to no avail.
"Are we getting close?" Maglor asked quietly, and Legolas, being the closest to him, nodded.
"Very," he nodded, and Maglor looked sharply at the ground.
"Are you afraid?" Legolas asked, adjusting his bag on his back. He looked over at him, his eyes giving away his terror. "What scares you so?"
"I do not know."
Legolas watched him pull string from his new shirt. "Do you prefer I call you Maglor, or by another name?"
Maglor looked up at him, his expression surprised. "What do you mean?"
"You have other names, do you not? Maglor you chose for yourself, as Elrond has told me."
"My father name is Kanafinwë, and my mother name is Makalaurë," He said gently as if the words were a secret long hidden, and Legolas' heart softened. "However Maglor is just fine."
"The forest we met in, it is Eryn LasGalen, the wood of green leaves. It was named after me by my father." Legolas said.
"Really?" Maglor asked, nodding with a small smile. "You and your father are close then?"
"Yes, very."
"Who is he?"
"Thranduil, son of Oropher."
Maglor recognized the name and shame darkened his features. "How did he feel about you coming to get me?" Legolas did not respond, and Maglor prodded. "Tell me, Legolas. What was his reaction when you told him of this journey of yours?"
"He was angry with me," Legolas admitted.
"I am sure, as I am sure your mother was as well." He paused. "Who is your mother?"
"Earien, daughter-"
"Earien, the elleth that I gave Elrond to?" Legolas nodded, and Maglor's eyes widened slightly. "What a small world this truly is."
"It is, and she was not angry. She wished for you to return."
Maglor smiled, "she was gracious and kind to me when I wrote to her."
"She is gracious and kind always, as are Elrond's sons." Legolas said, and gestured toward Rivendell over the cliff.
The sun was shining bright, and cast rainbows in the water that sprayed from the waterfall. The few remaining elves could be seen walking about in the sunlight. Maglor's mouth fell open, and Legolas smiled and started toward Rivendell. Once at the gate, the guard greeted Glorfindel again, and Maglor was shaking next to Legolas. Voronwë touched his shoulder, and the boys entered the courtyard. They greeted Glorfindel first, and Maglor took a step back. Glorfindel turned and gestured toward Maglor.
"Maglor, this is Elladan and Elrohir. Elrond's sons." They took a step toward him and he flinched. Elrohir stopped, and Elladan gave him a knowing look before approaching.
"It is a pleasure to meet you. My father spoke often and affectionately of you. I know he will be jealous to know I saw you before he did." He said kindly and Maglor smiled. "Please, join us for the night, and tomorrow we can continue together." Maglor nodded and walked with Elladan into the house. "We have a room ready for you, and we took the liberty of choosing some clothing." He gestured toward the room in front of him and Maglor pushed the door open. It held a large hand carved bed of branch like build, and beautiful furniture of the same. A beautiful white gauzy canopy fell from the ceiling over the bed, and the same fabric blew gently from the open doors of the balcony. Fine silk clothing lay on the bed, and he turned to Elladan.
"Thank you," he said, at a loss for words.
"Of course. I'll leave you, if you need anything I am three rooms down from you. Legolas is in the room next to you, and Voronwë in the one after that."
Maglor nodded and sat on the bed as Elladan left him. He felt dirty and didn't want to put on Elrond's son's gorgeous silk. He walked into the bathroom, and a natural spring flowed in from the lake. He couldn't believe this was his little Elrond's land. He decided to look for Voronwe to ask him ti help him take a bath, and went out into the hall. There was no one in sight, and he decided to return to his room. Just as he did, Legolas emerged into the hall and looked at him.
"Are you alright?"
He hesitated, "I-"
"Do you need help with something?" Legolas asked. He came toward him, and he was dressed in light blue robes that swept the floor. His hair was braided in a complicated lattice-like braid behind his head, and Maglor was taken back by the elf prince for a moment. He looked like a simple wood elf before, and now he truly saw the royal Sindarin blood that ran in the elf.
"I wanted to ask Voronwe if-"
"Voronwe is with Elrohir," Legolas nodded. "Is it something I can help you with?"
"I wanted to take a bath," he admitted.
"I'll help you if you like. It's up to you."
"Alright."
Legolas smiled and followed Maglor into his room. He helped him out of his clothes, and spoke softly of Rivendell and what they would be doing the following day. He washed his hair with the finest soaps they had, and he one again felt like he did when he was in Valinor, and allowed himself to pretend for a moment that he was there with his family, before their fall. Legolas' hands were gentle but efficient, and Maglor was grateful he asked Legolas and not Voronwë. Legolas was ok with silence where Voronwë was not. He helped him out and wrapped his towel around him, and rubbed his hair with another. He sat him down at the vanity in his bedroom and braided and combed his hair away from his face, before helping him dress in his robes. He was careful and patient, and Maglor grew comfortable with him. Once he was finished, Maglor looked in the mirror, and his heart pounded in his chest. He looked like he once did when he was young and still thirst for power and vengeance.
"You look beautiful," Legolas mused quietly.
"I once was."
Sorry for the delay! Spring break came and went too quickly for me to keep track. I hope you enjoy, please review! This is a fluffy chapter but the next will have more action.