Chapter Seven
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SUMMARY: Elrond and the others greet the rest of the Vanguards, as they return home from their exchange year in the Northern Kingdoms. Elladan and Elrohir receive some very disturbing news.
And there are lots of letters from the North!**
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"Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold."
– Zelda Fitzgerald
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Rivendell, 4th of October 2945 T.A.
Elrond adjusted the shoulders of his robes before he descended the steps to the Courtyard. A crowd had gathered to greet rest of the Vanguard who had served their exchange year in the North. 1
A month ago, Elrond and his people had a Feast to bid the Woodland Guardians a fond farewell. All six had served him with distinction, and lifelong bonds of friendship had been formed. Elrond had written to King Thranduil regularly, praising their discipline, character, and their skill as soldiers.
To no one's surprise, not all the Guardians had chosen to return home. Thenin, and his wife Eílíent, were two of Thranduil's best Woodland Archers, but Commander Feren had been concerned about Eílíent for quite a while.
~o0o~
Twelve years ago, Eílíent's parents had disappeared, and during the search, it was she who found their mutilated bodies trapped in the web of a giant spider. Eager to add her to its meal, the creature launched itself toward Eílíent. Out of pure reflex, she whipped an arrow out of her quiver and nocked it in her bow, sending it deep into one of its many eyes. The spider shrieked in agony yet continued its charge. Throwing her bow aside, she drew her sword. Blinded by tears of grief and outrage, the blade swung in furious frenzy. She sobbed and screamed obscenities, not caring in that moment whether she survived, as long as that deplorable monster was hacked into slices like a loaf of bread. When she drew near, the spider took advantage of her grief-filled hysteria, and towered over her on his hindmost legs, ready to strike again.
Thenin's heart was in his throat when he came upon the scene. "Ai! Eílíent, daro! Baw! Baw!" he cried. He grabbed his wife around her waist and pulled her out of harm's way as the rest of the Elves finished off the beast.
"Do not look, Mellon nîn." He said, turning her away from the bodies of her parents and holding her to his chest. The others hacked their way through the web and gently retrieved the remains of her Ada and Naneth and covered them with Eílíent's and Thenin's cloaks. They formed a reverent circle, singing a prayer that Eílíent's parents, who had been kind and generous in life, would swiftly find their way through Mando's halls to enjoy the paradise of the Blessed Realm.
Since that day, Thenin's beloved wife hadn't been the same. Her normal smile and easy laugh were replaced by eyes full of anger and a grim resolve to rid Thranduil's kingdom of all foul creatures, single-handedly if need be. Despite her husband's concerns, Eílíent begged Feren for more tours of duty in the south, which he reluctantly granted, hoping she might get this out of her system. It worked—but only to an extent. Eílíent's eyes began to lose the dull grey of grief and while they were never quite as bright, Thenin was glad to see the sky-blue of their depths once more.
But in October of 2941 T.A. Smaug the Terrible awoke and destroyed the city of Laketown, and Thranduil brought life-saving aid to the refugees in Dale, along with almost his entire army. Then on 23rd of November of that same year, the Elves and Men of Dale confronted the Company of Thorin for reasons explained elsewhere, and the ground shook. Wereworms erupted from the soil, followed by legions of Orcs, sent by Sauron to destroy every last Man, Elf and Dwarf.
Thenin and Eílíent fought valiantly. Feren commanded his troops to help bury the Men of Dale and aid the living wherever possible. At the joint funeral service on the 29th of November, Thenin again grew concerned.
When Elrond and his company were visiting last year, Thenin approached his Commander with the idea of an exchange year with Rivendell. Feren liked the suggestion, went to see the King, and off they went under Lt. Commander Mablung's charge, the newly-promoted Captain Legron serving as his second, along with the brother-warriors Maglan and Morwë.
All the Guardians worked hard that year, spending their free time wandering through the woods and swimming in the rivers and pools. They reveled in the clean air, the beautiful architecture and the peace that soothed their fëas and gave them strength. Mablung, the head of their visiting unit, often commented on the remarkable sense of irith within the borders of this land. When he went to Elrond to ask about it, the Elf-Lord merely smiled and thanked him for the compliment. 2
Clearly, the Elf that benefited the most from her time in Rivendell was Eílíent, and Thenin was relieved to see her heart become as light and happy as when they first wed. In July, the couple, with Mablung's approval, approached Glorfindel and requested to make their home there. The Elf-Warrior was thrilled to have them, pending their King's approval, of course. Elrond wrote to King Thranduil, who granted their request, though he reserved the right to call them back to defend the Woodland Realm should circumstances warrant it. Then he wished the couple well and asked that they write regularly to apprise him of their progress.
~o0o~
The horns signaled the Vanguard's arrival, the Gates opened, and Captain Rahlen entered, smiling, and waving to the crowd. His grey horse pranced into the courtyard, tossing his head with a delighted neigh, happy to be home again. Elrohir, came next, followed by Archers Kædhan and his sister Nyssiel.
Elrond bowed his head, extended them an Elven salute then raised his hands to bless them, saying, "Gwannas lûmh and; mae govannen a mâr maedol, Mellyn nîn. Trevaded varna?"
Rahlen dismounted, as did the rest of the returning company, and went down on one knee in salute. "De fael, hîr nîn. We are happy to be home once more," he said. "The Valar blessed us as we encountered few difficulties on our journey."
"Rise, Captain," Elrond urged him, and motioned for the others to get to their feet. "Once your horses have been seen to, take a few hours to rest. There will be a Welcome Feast in my main dining hall at seven o'clock this evening. You are dismissed."
The formalities now over, the crowd broke into applause and cheers as they pressed forward to greet their friends. With a satisfied smile, Elrond left the dais and returned to his study to wait.
In due time, as expected, there was a knock on his door, and his sons entered. Elrond rose from his chair and met his Elrohir's embrace.
"It is good to see you again, Ada," Elrohir murmured. "You are never far from my thoughts."
"As you are always in mine. More than you deserve, I think," Elrond quipped with a sly smile. "Imladris has been blessedly quiet in your absence."
"Now that I am back, I will make sure things around here will be livelier!" Elrohir grinned, as he stepped back to give his father the once-over. "You look old," he said, his mouth pulling into a lop-sided grin.
"I am old." Elrond's eyebrow quirked with a half-smile. "If that bothers you, I can always assign you and your brother to spend another two years with the Dúnedain, to spare your feelings."
"Do not listen to him, Ada." Elladan gave his brother a hard jab in the side. "I am not going to get into trouble because of your big mouth."
"Ai, naeg!" Elrohir cried and rubbed the spot. "Our assignment with the Dúnedain was to protect King Thranduil's son—"
"Enough, children," the Elf-Lord motioned his sons to sit. The smile slipped from his face and his countenance grew serious. "I need to speak with the two of you."
"I thought you might." Elrohir's jocularity had also fallen away. "There was much you did not say in your message about Narseg and Meássë's murder."
"He refused to tell me more until you arrived," Elladan told his brother, with equal gravity.
"For good reason, which I will explain later." Elrond pulled a desk drawer open and pulled out a rectangular box. After placing his palm upon it, he recited the spell and opened it to reveal a scroll tied with a red ribbon.
"This is official report of Lord Gildor's and Glorfindel's observations at the scene, and my own after examining the bodies. Aside from the three of us, you two are the others who will be given this information, do you understand?"
"Ma Adar," they said, as one.
Elrond untied the parchment and read:
"Narseg and Meássë were found lying on their backs, pierced with arrows and weapons were scattered on the ground around them, dripping with black blood.
"Five arrows—all of Orc-make—had been shot into Narseg's chest and abdomen, as were the four protruding from Meássë's body in the same area. Narseg's sword, his fighting dagger and both of his boot-knives were found on the ground nearby, smeared with black blood as was Meássë's fighting knives. The ground, stained with both Orc and Elven blood, had been torn up to suggest a great struggle had taken place, but no clear footprints could be identified, save for those of the victims. Narseg's horn was smashed, Meássë's clothing was torn to her undergarments indicating, the creatures had sexually assaulted her."
Elrohir's breath caught, and his eyes closed in horror. "Like Naneth," he whispered.
All the color drained from Elladan's face, including his lips, as he grasped his brother's arm. "Go on, Ada," he murmured.
"Upon closer examination, however, Meássë's body bore no bruises in her private areas, nor any sign of forcible rape—"
"Belain galu," Elladan breathed.
"There is more, I am afraid," Elrond said, and continued:
"Despite the apparent signs of struggle on the ground, neither body bore defensive wounds, nor even bruising. We have carefully inspected their arms, hands and even checked under their fingernails, which were perfectly clean. The wounds from the arrows in their abdomens had bled some, but not nearly as much as one would expect under normal circumstances. This raised our concerns that all might not be as it appeared. Our suspicions were confirmed when the bodies were turned onto their front. There were no wounds along their legs, torsos or arms, but when we lifted their hair, we found arrow wounds at the base of their skulls—"
"Ai, gorgor!" Elrohir straightened in his chair.
"It would seem so," Elrond said grimly.
"—which appeared to have severed their spinal cords, thus preventing any sort of effort to protect themselves. Once accomplished, it was obvious that the arrows had been removed and their bodies were positioned in the manner which Gildor's party discovered them. The state of these injuries leads us to believe they were alive while the attackers stood over them and shot their bellies full of the Orc-arrows, which explains the bleeding, and were probably aware on some level what was happening to them. Mercifully, Narseg and Meássë were unable to feel the pain of the wounds from the Orc-arrows as they went in, but their lungs were no longer functioning to take in air. Though you shall be the final judge as to the exact cause of death, we believe they slowly suffocated to death several minutes after they were shot."
Elrond lowered the paper and set it on the top of his desk with pursed lips. "They lay there helpless, forced to watch their own murder take place."
"Natho mhen, Bereth Varda mhuin," Elladan whispered roughly.
"I do not understand how this could have happened!" Elrohir said angrily. "How could they have been separated from the group in the first place? Narseg was a talented soldier; surely, he would have smelled Orcs in the area, and he would have heard the movements of Men, even if they were of the Dúnedain!"
"According to this report," Elrond's finger tapped the parchment, "the angle of the wounds in their necks had a downward trajectory, meaning—"
"The killer—or killers—were waiting for them in the trees," Elladan said.
"Correct. And there is more; perhaps the most important finding of all." Elrond reached into the drawer of his desk and took out a sealed envelope. "Once again, I order you not to reveal what you are about to see, is that clear?"
"Of course, Ada." Elladan's brow creased in confusion.
"Not even to Vildan," Elrond said. "Especially not to Vildan."
"Why?" Elrohir was taken aback. "Surely—"
"No!" Elrond's eyes blazed. "If he were made aware of these details right now, he would spend all his energies hunting for those responsible."
"One can hardly blame him," Elrohir's mouth thinned dourly. "I would not tolerate staying put while others did my duty."
"He must stay with Melui and protect her," Elrond's tone was patient and firm. "Until we find the person responsible for this, that child continues to be in danger."
"Here?" Elladan was incredulous. "You cannot be serious, Ada; there is no safer place in Middle Earth than Imladris!"
"Not anymore." Elrond let out a heavy sigh, broke the envelope's seal and removed a piece of cloth. "When the bodies were brought to me, Gildor sent a message asking that no one else be present while I examined them. Now I see why." He unfolded its layers to reveal a small, triangular piece of metal. "I found this embedded in the base of Meássë's skull."
The twins leaned forward with narrowed eyes. "An arrowhead." Elrohir said.
"Correct," Elrond said ominously, "but this is not just any arrowhead. We have confirmed it was fashioned here, in our own forges, stored in our own armories."
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LETTERS
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To Elrond from King Thranduil:
Dhe suilon, Hír nîn,
As you can see, Mellon, I have returned the rest of your Vanguard, hopefully in the same shape as when I borrowed them. We held a feast in the Great Hall a few nights before their return journey, and we were humbled at the praise they heaped upon our people (though I strongly suspect much of that was due to the copious amounts of wine that was consumed). I can report that these compliments were sincerely reciprocated, and they will be missed. Legolas was especially reluctant to say farewell, as he has fond memories of his time spent in your Halls, and I believe he gave them several letters to be passed on to the friends he made there.
I am certain you are safe and well, so I hope you will forgive my lack of protocol in not asking. Instead, I must express my concern for the welfare of Lieutenant Vildan and his young niece. I regret that there was no time for me to go to the Palace, but you can be assured that Legolas and Galion sent him off with the very best wishes and prayers.
Besides the melancholy of missing your Vanguard, my family is well. My husband and I are pleased with the success of the crops in our Kingdoms and look forward to a bountiful harvest this year.
Tilda has just begun another year of school, and enjoys excellent health, as you predicted. 3 It will be no surprise to you that Bard still occasionally expresses amazement at the gift your father bestowed. We have both decided it is best not to say anything to our daughter until she comes of age, and to accept whatever fate awaits her—though you can be sure I strongly desire a marriage to an Elf!
Once again, I wish to ask you to pass along my blessings to Thenin and Eílíent, as well as my prayer that they thrive in Imladris. You will not be disappointed in them, Mellon.
With the highest regards,
Thranduil, son of Oropher, King of the Woodland Realm
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To Elrond from Bard
Greetings My Lord,
Please add my thanks to Thranduil's for so generously allowing Captain Rahlen and the others to stay here. We've loved having them. Everyone at the Market says nothing but good things about your Vanguard and wanted me to pass along their compliments.
I should also tell you that Percy and Rôgon miss your sons, especially. Those two are a lethal combination at the gaming tables in the Tavern, and no one except the twins ever managed to skunk them at cards on a regular basis.
I also wanted to add my own message of sympathy. From what I have heard, Narseg was an excellent soldier and they tell me none could match Meássë's skill with your messenger birds. I don't need to ask that you keep a close eye on Vildan—I know you will—but if it helps to know we are thinking of him, please relay our hopes that he and the baby will be well.
I am and I remain,
Your humble servant,
Bard, son of Brand, King of Dale
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To Elrond from Tilda
Dear Lord Elrond,
I am doing really good. I started school again yesterday. Mistress Eryn is still my teacher which is good. Rhys's Da told my Da that Evan and Eryn are going to have a baby next spring. I am exsi really excited. Uncle Galion says I still have to work on my spelling, but he says I am getting better so that is good.
You said you want me to tell you when I have dreams, right? 4 I told you abowt the one with the pretty grass and flowers, and I see that sometimes, but that Elf I told you about was in the field this one time and he was all glowy like Gloorfindel and Lady Gallerdil only his hair was really really big. He kinda looked like Gallerdil but only a little bit. He dident see me there, or maybe I was invisable or something, but he just stared and looked so lonly lonely I wanted to cry.
Anyways, if I see him again, I'll write.
Your friend,
Tilda
P.S. Da and Adda said to tell you thank you, but they wouldn't say why.
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To Elladan and Elrohir from Sigrid
Suil, Mellyn nîn,
I hope you don't have any problems read my Tengwar, but Uncle Galion says I need the practice. I wanted to thank you for all your help with my lessons this past year at the Healing House. I won't bother your Ada as I am sure he is very busy, but when you get a minute, tell him thanks again for sharing his time and knowledge with me.
We really do miss you all here in Dale, and I hope someday we can come visit Rivendell. Ada and Rôgon tell me how beautiful it is. Legolas talks about it all the time, especially when he got a chance to talk with those who knew his Naneth the best.
Sincerely,
Sigrid, Princess of Dale
P.S. Auntie Hil says the things are a lot quieter around here, since you two left, but I know she misses you, too.
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To Gildor Inglorion from Gildor Gwindorion 5
Suilad, Tôrado mîl,
My family sends you much love and hopes this letter finds you well. Adar tells me he has also enclosed a letter to send along with the Vanguard, so please look for it. I can tell you he and my mother are in good spirits and take great delight in their foster-grandchildren. 6
As to said children, I am thrilled to tell you that Dylan and Rowena suffer no effects from their experience last December. There was the occasional nightmare for a few months, but they were quickly back to adding their own happy noise to the other children of Men at the Palace. They do well at their lessons, both are voracious readers and love to sit at their grandfather's knee and listen to stories about their powerful great-uncle.
Parenting children of Men has many rewards, but alas, it is all too temporary. In a blink of an eye, they will be taken from us, and I cannot help but worry for my beloved wife when they are gone. When Nielthi asked me to adopt them, I hesitated for that very reason. My wife and I share the same heart in all things, but in this matter, we were divided. I admit I was selfish, Uncle; I did not think I would be strong enough to bear her grief. Still, she persisted, and you know I can refuse her nothing she really desires.
I found myself in much the same position as many other adopted Adars: it was easier at first to keep my distance and think of the children as more Nielthi's than mine. But then they were kidnapped by Saeros and had it not been for the efforts of Evranin Ohtariel, they would have been lost to us. 7 It was then I realized what a foolish coward I had been; any child is a precious gift from the Valar! When Commander Feren brought our children back to us, all I could do was hold them tight and sob a prayer of thanks.
Since that day, I count every moment, every memory as a blessing.
They are most anxious to meet their famous relative, so I hope you are prepared for nothing short of hero-worship. Dylan has a great many questions about your skill with weapons, and Rowena wants her Haru to tell her all about your hair, and why the Two Trees makes you, to use her words, "shiny" like Lord Glorfindel."
With much affection,
Your namesake and nephew,
Gildor
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To Vildan from Lord Thranduil
Suilad, Nardû Vildan Valendillion,
On behalf of myself, my family and everyone in the Northern Kingdoms who have enjoyed your acquaintance during your stay this past year, I wish to offer my deepest condolences at your recent tragedy.
I speak to you not as a King, but as a fellow Eldar whose family was forever damaged by those creatures who call the Dark Lord their master. As much as I wish otherwise, I have no words that might ease your grief, but if you would kindly permit, I would like to confide in you and offer a few words of advice:
There will be times when you think shielding others from your sorrow is a sign of strength, but I assure you, your grief will not stay buried. It will only harden you from the inside out. I wish I would have had more faith in my love for my son to carry me through the worst of it. I wish I had had more faith in the power of his love for me.
Please, Vildan, do not make the same mistakes that I did. Look to your friends for help and accept whatever support they offer. And do not allow your heartache to make you bitter. Remember that the Valar is there to offer strength and comfort, and I have it on good authority that your parents' love can reach across the sea and bring you solace.
I feel I must address a matter which you might find personal: I would be lying if I said I did not notice the growing affection between you and my most-beloved foster-daughter. In this matter, I hold you blameless. None could have foreseen these current circumstances, or your reasons why your stay in the North could not continue. Do not burden yourself with thoughts of returning, now. Just take each day as it finds you and not beyond that. It is the smallest steps that take us on the longest journeys of our lives.
You have my personal assurance that Tauriel and I will take the utmost care of Mistanâr and her foal. We will notify you as soon as the mare has given birth and if possible, find a way to return them both to you. She is a remarkable horse, and one that must be seen for the treasure she is. I have no doubt her filly will be the same.
If there is anything you need, Vildan, myself and my Kingdom are at your disposal.
Best wishes,
King Thranduil
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To Vildan from Tilda
Dear Vildan,
I dident get a chance to say goodbye when you had to go, so I wrote you a letter. You are still my friend and I liked it when you guarded me and Bain and Sigrid. We all miss you. Tauriel is very sad, but only when she thinks I can't see. This one time I walked by her room and she was sitting on her bed and playing with this loop of brown hair. I ran in and gave her a big hug and told her not to cry, so I know you will like that.
Your horse is getting really really fat, but she isn't grouchie or anything like that. She likes it when I bring her carrots or apples and sometimes Cook even gives me this sugar thingies to give her and she really loves that! Its like she smiles at me when I pet her. Blossom can't even do that. I thoght she would cry a lot when you left, but its like she knows what happned to your poor sister and doesnt want to make you sadder. She's taking really good care of her baby and I can't wait until its born! I promise I will send you a really good picture of the baby so you know what it looks like, okay?
If you want, I can send your baby neece some pictures too. It might make her feel better.
Your friend,
Tilda
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To Vildan from Bain, Rhys, and Bowen
Hi Vildan!
We just wanted to say we're sorry you had to leave early. Elrohir and Rahlen said your sister and brother-in-law were real nice people and it's terrible what happened. They said you have a niece who is cute and we hope she'll be all right.
We don't want to talk about our practices, because it's just not important when you have too much to think about. But we can say we help Tauriel take care of Mistanâr every chance we get. Ada takes Tauriel to see her in the pastures every night when they take Thangon for his walk. Even Thangon likes her. She lowers her head so he can lick her nose, like he's saying she doesn't have to worry.
Please write to us, but only when you can, okay?
Your friends,
Bain, Rhys, and Bowen
P.S. You remember Tauriel's horse? Well, Lasbelin fusses over Mistanâr something awful and she gets annoyed and bites him. Auntie Hil says he's probably going to have labor pains too when the foal is born!
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To Vildan from Tauriel
Suilad, Mellon nîn,
I confess I started this letter to you so many times, there is a pile of crumpled paper on the floor next to my desk. Try as I might, I couldn't find words that could ease your sorrow, but I soon realized what a foolish idea that was. I truly wish I could take this pain from you, but to dwell on such a thing only wastes energy neither of us have.
I fear I must dispense with propriety, and ask that there be only truth between us. To behave as if the growing affection between us did not exist would dishonor both of us, do you not agree? For my part, I do not regret the time I spent with you, for you showed me that my heart could still be open to possibilities. For that I will always be grateful.
But things have changed, Vildan. That is nothing we could have prevented. Of course you had to go to your young niece; I would have been furious if you had delayed your journey for even an hour!
You need not regret leaving Mistanâr; though her love for you has not wavered, amazingly, she relaxed and at peace in your absence. Mistanâr understands, Vildan, and so do I.
Few can say with certainty what lies ahead for either of us, but none of that matters as much as your little Melui, who needs her uncle more than ever before.
Be well, Mellon.
Yours fondly,
Tauriel Neldor-Thranduillion
P.S. Thank you for the lock of hair you left for me. It is in jewelry box along with your letter. Whenever I see it, I will smile at the memories that it evokes—especially that first, disastrous lunch in the willow tree! 8
I also hope the small token I have enclosed in this letter will do the same for you. 9
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ELVEN TRANSLATIONS:
Ai! Eílíent, daro! Baw! Baw! – Oh no! Eílíent, stop! Don't! Don't!
Ai gorgor! – Oh no!
Ai, naeg! – Oh, OW!
De fael, hîr nîn – Thank you, My Lord
Gwannas lûmh and; mae govannen a mâr maedol, Mellyn nîn. Trevaded varna? – It has been too long; welcome and well met, my friends. Was your journey safe?
Gwanûr – brother
Ma Adar – Yes, father
Mellon nîn – My love
Natho mhen, Bereth Varda mhuin – Help us, beloved Queen Varda
Suilad, Tôrado mîl – Greetings, kind Uncle
Tirith - safety
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NOTES:
1 Broken Wings, Ch. 3: /works/20519588/chapters/48867101
2 What Mablung or the others didn't know was that Elrond possessed Vilya, one of the three rings of power. Thranduil, is aware of them, but has vowed to never speak of it until he sets foot on the White Shores of Valinor. The Elvenking never desired such a ring for himself because he knows they come with a tremendous burden. /wiki/Vilya
3 Broken Wings, Ch. 3: /works/20519588/chapters/48867101
4 Ibid.
5 And Winter Came…, Ch. 26: /works/12026709/chapters/30451701
6 Broken Wings, Ch. 15: /works/20519588/chapters/51847021
7 Broken Wings, Ch. 18: /works/20519588/chapters/52298323
8 Broken Wings, Ch. 11: /works/20519588/chapters/50766088
9 Broken Wings, Ch. 38: /works/20519588/chapters/60050749
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