Kiera

Kiera sank to the floor in her room the minute the door was closed. She pulled her knees up against her chest as she sobbed frantically into her arms. Glorfindel's words hurt, but deep down, she knew them to be true. It was foolish for her to think that an elf would love enough to be with her. She was mortal, she would die, and leave them forever. The pain would be unbearable, and she didn't know if she could put someone she loved through that.

She sniffed as she wiped the snot from her face on her arm. Resting her head against the door, she wanted to get away from the city more than ever. An idea formed in her head, and she clung to it as a lifeline as she thought about what she should do.

It was early yet, so she stood and made her way over to the bathroom. Not feeling up to get some hot water, she opted for a cold bath. Her mind raced as she sorted out her feelings and thoughts. She had been in Gondolin for over six months, but it was only now that she really thought about the future.

She couldn't focus on finding love or having a family someday, because that future was gone. The fall was her priority and she needed to focus on helping the city and surviving the fall. She remembered Idril and Tuor having a young child when it fell, and she knew that the two had grown closer and it was only a matter of time before the wedding was announced.

An idea formed in her head as she thought about her options. It was reaching, but at the moment, she needed some space to breathe and plan. She wasn't sure if it would work, but she had to try. Leaving the bathroom, she dried off and dressed in a hurry.

She rushed out of the house and into the street. It was early yet, as people went about their morning duties as she jogged to Maeglin's house. Hoping that she would not be seen by Glorfindel or Ecthelion, she was relieved that she made it to Maeglin's house without seeing anyone. When she stepped into the house, she peeked her head around the doorway, but Maeglin wasn't at his table.

His handmaiden approached and told her that he was in his study and could go on up. After thanking her, Kiera raced up the stairs and walked down the hall to the study. The door was closed, but after she knocked, his voice called out to come in. He was writing at his desk with a hefty stack of papers on the table.

He glanced up and then went back to work. "Good morning, Kiera. What can I do for you today?"

Deciding to be blunt, she asked, "I would like to go work in the mines for a while. I need some time away from the city and the people. I know I am still under restrictions, but I was hoping you would be able to grant my request."

His hand stopped midstream as the surprise rolled across his face. He set his quill down and leaned back in his chair to stare at her. "Why should I grant your request? You seemed perfectly happy last night. What has changed since then? Spent the night with the wrong person, perhaps?"

Kiera sat down in the chair and leaned closer to the desk. There was no point in lying to him, and she needed this to work. "I spent the night with Ecthelion. Nothing happened between us, but he needed a friend to talk to last night. I spent the night curled up with him in his bed. I care about him, and there is hope in my heart that I will find someone to love and marry. I…"

Her heart clenched in her chest as she started to choke up. Taking a deep breath to calm down, she said, "I want to find love and have a family someday. I understand that I am human, but there are thousands of people in this city. Surely, I would get close to someone in time. That hope was shattered this morning as Glorfindel found us together."

She sighed and then closed her eyes as the words came fresh to her mind. "I won't lie and say that his words didn't hurt. He said I could never love Ecthelion or marry him. Any children we have would be mortal, and we would leave him forever when we die. I realize now that there is no hope for me anymore. I allowed myself a small shred of hope, but I can't do it any longer. There is no hope for me here, not for love. No elf will ever marry me. Love me perhaps, but never bind themselves to me. I'm not trying to throw myself a pity party, but I need to be realistic. There has been only one marriage between a man and an elf, and they faced Morgoth and Sauron together."

When she finally opened her eyes, she was shocked to see that Maeglin had a few tears in his eyes. She knew he could be cruel, petty, and vengeful. Yet, there was also kindness and empathy in him that he hardly let anyone see. Kiera knew he was the right person to talk to about this and she hoped he would grant her request.

Kiera spoke softly, "I need some time to myself. I need some space from this city and the people in it. I don't want to hear from my friends about how wonderful I am and that I will find love because I won't. Unless I marry Tuor, which will never happen. I need to let that future go. I need some time away so I can sort out my feelings and let that hope die."

Maeglin was quiet for a moment, as he stared at her with an understanding look. Finally, he said, "when did you want to leave? I can grant your request, but I will need the king to sign off on it. He will, as the mines are under my control, and he will think it is a good place for you. It will be hard work, and you won't be living in luxury, but I will give you your own room."

"The sooner, the better."

He nodded at her and moved away from his desk to stand. "Stay here," he told her. "I will go speak to the king and get permission. When I return, we can collect your things, and you can tell your friends if you wish. I won't be gone long."

As he passed by her, he gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze before he stepped out of the room. Alone with only her thoughts, Kiera tried to push Glorfindel's words from her mind. It was difficult and the tears came easily, but she tried focusing on something else. She thought then that the rumors of Maeglin must be true. He loves Idril, but she will never love him in return. Kiera thought she must have struck a nerve in him as she spoke. Perhaps, they were of similar minds where they were both practical people yet allowed themselves a small sliver of hope.

Maeglin scared her as he opened the door and called out to her, "the king approved. He believes some hard labor will be good for you. I did not tell him the real reason, except that you needed some space from the city. However, he did ask how long you planned to be in the mines. I told him you did not have a time frame but perhaps a month or two. My workers will have to keep an eye on you per the king's orders but take all the time you need. The king suggested six months, but you may come back sooner."

Relieved, she let out a long sigh. Trailing after Maeglin, they left the house and walked towards her home. He told her more about the mines as they walked including the history of the little village.

"We will leave this afternoon," Maeglin told her. "It will not take long to get to Anghabar. I will also have some guards keep up your training as well as your lessons."

Satisfied with her decision, she felt a little sad as they walked into her house. She was going to miss her friends dearly, but this was what she needed. Maeglin waited for her downstairs while she backed a bag with everything that she needed. Feeling guilty, she stopped in front of Maeglin in the entrance hall.

"I don't want to leave without telling my friends where I am going. I don't want to see Glorfindel right now, and I can't look at Ecthelion. I want to stop and see the craftsmen before we leave, but I have no idea where Tuor and Idril are."

"The palace," Maeglin replied quickly. "I saw them having a meal together as I went to find the king." Maeglin offered his arm and then led her out of the house. "We will go to the palace to see Tuor and Idril. Then we can stop by the craftsmen's workshop. Anghabar is located to the north, so we will leave out of the northern gate. I will speak to Ecthelion and Glorfindel when I return."

A guilty weight had been lifted off her shoulders as they made their way to the palace. It had been a while since she had been there, but Maeglin told her they were in the dining hall and opted to wait outside.

Kiera walked the familiar path to the small table where she found Idril and Tuor having a lovely lunch together. The smiles on both of their faces nearly made her cry as they both looked so happy in each other's presence. Idril noticed her first and then saw the pack slung on her back.

"Where are you going, Kiera?"

Feeling awkward, she coughed, "the mines. I don't want to talk about it right now, but I need some time to myself. Glorfindel said some pretty harsh words, but they were the truth. I need some time to think about my future and sort out my feelings. Maeglin is allowing me to work in the mines."

Idril and Tuor shared a look as she replied, "is that really what you want? I have heard the mines is hard work and the village tends to be a little rough around the edges. Has my father approved of this?"

"Yes, he has. He actually thinks it is a good place for me. I know it is hard work, but it gives me time away from the city. I don't want to get into everything right now. I just need some time to get away from the people and the city. I am not sure how long I will be gone, but I came to say goodbye."

Thor stood then and came around to give her a bear hug. Once he pulled away, he said, "take all the time that you need. We will be here, ready to listen when you get back."

Idril hugged her as well and then she said goodbye to them both and left. Maeglin joined her without a word as they set off across the city. Once they arrived at the workshop, Maeglin opted to stay outside again.

Stepping in, she noticed immediately that everyone was there. All eyes turned to her when the door opened until Celebrimbor noticed her bag.

"Where are you going?"

Everyone stopped their work and waited for her to speak. "The mines. I need some time away and the king has granted my request. I don't want to get into it, but Glorfindel said some hurtful things this morning, but they were true. I need time to myself to think about my future and sort out my feelings."

Looking over at Harmon, she said, "could you tell Cadweth and Hanniel where I have gone? It is sort of a last-minute decision."

Harmon nodded but looked at her with sadness as he wiped his hands on a rag. It was quiet in the shop for a moment, until Celebrimbor started dousing his fire and putting his tools away. Kiera stared at him, in shock. "What are you doing?"

"Cleaning up. Do you think I would let you go work in the mines by yourself? I haven't done my rotation yet, and you look like you could use a friend."

His words made her heart stop. At that moment, she knew that they would always be friends. There was no question or asking. He just decided to go with her and she choked up at the thought. A few tears pooled at the edge of her eyes as he came to stand next to her. He smiled, giving her a knowing nod, as he squeezed her shoulder.

"Give me a few minutes to pack. I assume my cousin is escorting you to the mines?"

Celebrimbor left and then one by one, the others came over to hug her. Voronwë was last and hugged her tightly as he whispered, "I love you and I want you to take care of yourself. I am glad Celebrimbor is going with you. I am not sure what happened between you and Glorfindel, but I will be here for you when you return. Please don't take what he said to heart. If you want to talk about it when you return, I will listen."

She sniffed and wiped the tears from her eyes as they pulled away from each other. She smiled at them all one last time before she stepped outside. Maeglin was waiting for her, but he arched his brow, "I see my cousin is joining you. He does need to do his rotation in the mines regardless."

She smiled and nodded in response. They waited for Celebrimbor, but she was feeling much better about not being alone. When he made it out to them, with a thick pack slung over his shoulders, Maeglin shot him a look but didn't comment.

After a short walk, they came to the gate. The doors were open, so the three of them walked through and out into the plains. Kiera hadn't been on this side of the valley and took a moment to take in the sights. At the bottom of the path was a large building with horses in the pasture. Some chickens and pigs are wandering around as well. Eager to see it, she trailed after the two elves as they walked briskly down the path.

Once they reached the building, Maeglin stepped inside and spoke to one of the workers. The elf ran off quickly but came back shortly with two horses.

Maeglin looked at her, "we will ride together. Celebrimbor will ride his own horse. It is not that long of a ride, but we are in no hurry. They aren't expecting me today, so I will just enjoy the trip."

Unsurprisingly, Maeglin's horse was black and very talk. Kiera snorted at the color which caused Maeglin to grin. His horse was too tall for her, she she had to use a stool to climb on. Once she was seated, Maeglin gracefully slid in front of her.

Celebrimbor did the same with his brown horse and she snorted at them. Kiera grabbed onto Maeglin's waist tightly as they began the long trek to the village. It had been years since she had been on a horse and there was no saddle. Thankfully, the horse trotted with an easy pace towards the village.

After a while of silence, Maeglin started speaking. "My guards at the mines will treat you both with respect. All the smiths in the city take turns working in the mines. Usually for a month or two out of the year. I will come on the next rotation and see if you wish to return. Otherwise, you will have to be escorted back to the city by my head guard."

He turned around enough to face her and said, "do not stray too far from the village. It is safe as the mountains are steep, and we do not have to worry about goblins on this side of the mountain. However, I do not want you to stray far in case someone reports it to the king. There are guards stationed around the village, so just keep within their eyesight if you wish to walk in the plains. I will permit you to do so."

Kiera nodded at him in understanding. Then Maeglin turned to Celebrimbor who was just grinning at him. "You need to work with the others in the mines. There are rotations: one group in the morning and one in the afternoon. It is too dark in the mines in the evening, and it is hard work. You will switch every week with a day off between the switch. There is a large house in the village for the mine workers. They each have their own room and facilities, but there are no baths. There is a hot spring behind the house where you will bathe. It is secluded and private, so you don't need to worry about that. Meals will be served in a common dining hall."

"There are a few people who are serving their punishment as well. It would be best to avoid them, and they tend to stick together anyway. You will see them wearing the same basic tunic and leggings every day. Do not ask them or the others what they did, and it would be best to leave them be."

He chuckled almost in an afterthought. "I am told there are many parties in the evenings. Most of my smiths are more relaxed and more open-minded. The village has a little less than a hundred people in it, but not everyone turns up to the parties. There are not many single women in the village or in the mine, so you will be a popular dance partner."

He gave Celebrimbor a look. "I believe you will like the mine workers and the village. They are a bit rough around the edges and most don't come to the city. You'll fit in nicely."

Celebrimbor chuckled but didn't reply. Kiera was looking forward to a change of pace although she knew she would begin to miss the city eventually. The horses trotted across the plains until a small village came into view.

It was mid-afternoon when they arrived, but the village was larger than she expected.

A small wall surrounded the area that was butted up against the mountain. On top of the wall were guards walking, and she spotted a few different house colors. The gates were open and after they passed through, the village looked similar to the city. A wide cobblestone street lay in front of them with tall houses on either side. Where the city was pristine and looked to be crafted with love and detail, these houses had flaws.

Kiera liked the look of them better as they made their way over to a stable and small pasture. After she dismounted, Maeglin saw her wandering eye and said, "this was the first city built. The builders and the king spent over 50 years living here and hauling stones and materials to the city. There are a few families and people who prefer to live out here instead of in the city."

Maeglin handed off the reins of his horse to the stable hand. He mentioned to the elf that he would be back soon for his horse. Maeglin then led the way out of the building and onto the road. A guard from the gate made his way over to them and intercepted them before they got any further. Maeglin waved over to her and Celebrimbor.

"This is Eluon, the head guard of the village. This is Kiera, the human woman from the city. She will be staying here for a while to work in the mines. She is here as my guest as she desires some time away from the city. The king has allowed her out beyond the walls in the plains, but she will not go out of your sight. Kiera has volunteered to work, but she is a mortal and will most likely not produce as much material. If any problems arise, I expect you to handle them. Also, if she desires to return to the city, please escort her back."

"This is Celebrimbor. He is here to do his rotation and keep Kiera company. I expect everyone to treat him with respect and dignity. If there are any problems, I expect you to handle them regardless of who he is related to."

The guard nodded, but he seemed like a friendly elf. "Well met, Lady Kiera. I have heard about you, but I do not get to the city often, as I prefer the village. You may come to me with any concerns, and I will handle them or send a falcon to Maeglin. I will inform the guards about you, but please don't leave our sight line if you go outside the walls." He nodded at Celebrimbor, "I have tales of your craftsmanship. Please let me know if you have any issues, but I don't think you will. Few of us in the village care about past history."

"Nice to meet you as well," she replied. "I hope there won't be any problems. I'm here to work and take some time for myself. I promise to stay close to the city."

Eluon bowed to Maeglin and returned to the wall. Maeglin waved them to follow after him as he led them through the village. It was quite a charming village and was spread out but easily navigated. The main road mirrored the wall and small alleys branched out on either side. Kiera could see the stone wall on one end of the alleys and the mountainside on the other.

Maeglin said hello to a few people, as they came up to a small market. The booths were wrapped around a small courtyard, but it was a lively little place. Connected to the courtyard was a walkway to a large house. Maeglin walked inside as they followed.

In the entryway, a handmaiden bowed low to him and asked, "good afternoon, Prince Maeglin. We were not expecting you today. Did you need our help with anything?"

"Yes, could you show Kiera and Celebrimbor to empty rooms? She will be working in the mines for a while. She is here as my guest as she needs some time away from the city. Celebrimbor is here to do his rotation, but he may be placed on the guest floor. Once they drop off their things, will you please give them a quick tour and then escort them to my study."

She curtsied and then waited for him to leave. Once he was gone, she smiled at them both. "My name is Riyla. I am the handmaiden for the smiths that work in the mines. If you follow me, I will escort you to your room and give you a tour."

Celebrimbor winked at her, causing her to blush. Kiera rolled her eyes at him as he grinned back at her. Riyla turned and started down the hallway. Waving her arms at the doors, she said, "this is the floor for all the blacksmiths."

At the end of the hall was a small staircase that led up to three floors. On the second-floor landing, she told them, "this floor is for the handmaidens and cooks."

They went up to the top floor as Riyla said, "this is the floor for guests and extra space for smiths."

As they walked down the hall, names were painted on the doors while others were blank. After about halfway, Riyla stopped in front of an empty one and opened the door. Inside was a small bedroom with a bed and dresser. There was no closet, and a mirror was propped up on top of the dresser. It was an alright room, and she wouldn't complain.

After setting down her things, she stopped in the bathroom. It was very tiny, with just a sink and toilet. Out in the hall, Riyla was waiting for her as Celebrimbor was given the room across from hers. Once they were both finished, she withdrew some chalk in her pocket and wrote their names on the door. After, they hurried down the hall and stairs until they were back where they started.

The lower level of the house was divided in the middle by the main hallway. On the side opposite of the rooms, Riyla led them around to a small dining hall, a large living room with a small library, the kitchens, and the handmaiden's work quarters. At the end of the tour, Riyla left them outside of a small door. Celebrimbor shot her a wink, but she scampered off quickly after with a blush on her face.

Kiera rolled her eyes at him again as she knocked on the door. Maeglin's voice called from the room and they stepped inside. There was another elf in the study, it the room was mostly empty. Maeglin was relaxing in a chair near the door, while the other elf sat behind a large desk. Taking one of the few remaining chairs, she sat and looked expectantly at Maeglin.

The elf behind the desk spoke first, "well met, lady Kiera and Celebrimbor. I am Alion, and I am the head smith in the village. I take care of the mines under Prince Maeglin. I am glad to have you both join us for a while. I will help you get started tomorrow in the mines, but you will both start your rotation with the morning crew."

"That's fine. It's nice to meet you as well."

Maeglin gave him a final nod and then stood. He looked over at her and patted her softly on the shoulder. "Come back when you are ready. Enjoy your time here, and I hope you get the peace and quiet that you need."

Kiera surprised him then by standing up quickly and giving him a hug. Maeglin tensed at first, but then relaxed and gave her a small hug in return.

"Thank you for helping me," she told him. "I just need some space to come to terms with everything."

Maeglin let her go and gave her one last small smile. Before he left, he looked at Celebrimbor. "You need to stay a month for your rotation, but you may stay longer with Kiera." He left the room as the door closed behind with a snap.

After taking a seat again, Alion gave her a strange look. "I am not sure if I have ever seen Maeglin hug anyone. I hardly get to the city these days, but I have been told you are somewhat friends with my lord. I did not truly believe the tales, but now I see it with my own eyes."

Shaking himself out of his confused state, he shuffled some papers on his desk. Then he asked, "what do you know about the mines?"

Kiera shrugged, "nothing."

"A beginner, lovely," he grinned at her. "Well, it's going to be hard work. You will join the crew tomorrow after your morning meal. I will send a handmaiden to wake you both, as I do with the others. You will have free time in the afternoon and evening this week and a free day on Sunday. We usually have gatherings every night in the courtyard or the common room. We have large parties every Saturday night, and they get a bit rowdy. Maeglin tells me you both go to Rog's parties, so I am sure you will be fine. The rest of the night is yours to explore the house and village. A bell will ring out across the village to signal the end of the shift. The evening meal will be served shortly after that."

She and Celebrimbor stood as they both thanked him. They left Alion then to return to his work. Out in the hall, Celebrimbor pulled on her arm to lead her outside. Once they were out of the house, he jumped right in. "So, you want to tell me what happened?"

Kiera sighed as it had already been a long day. However, she needed to get everything off her chest, and he was a good listener. "Yes, but let's walk out in the plains. I don't want to be overheard."

Satisfied, they walked through the village again until they came to the front gates. The guards nodded at them as they passed. Out in the plains, she breathed in the scent of the flowers and fresh air as she looked around. Maeglin was in the distance on his horse, but the rest of the plains were filled with wildflowers. There was a small path along the wall, so they started down it.

For a while, she was content with the peacefulness that she didn't speak. It was only when Celebrimbor coughed and gave her a look that she started. Kiera told him everything that happened, and she left nothing out. She opened up to him about her feelings and why she needed some time alone from everyone. He listened quietly, but after she was finished, he said nothing.

"Well? Spit out whatever bullshit line about me finding love and happiness in the city someday."

Refusing to answer her, Celebrimbor looked ahead thoughtfully as he asked her a surprising question. "If you knew the city would fall in five years, and Ecthelion would die, would you love him anyway?"

Her throat closed up instantly and she froze in place. The blood drained from her face as she was shocked. Celebrimbor hadn't noticed as he continued walking, but the question made her whole body tense up in horror.

Finally, he realized that she was no longer walking with him and turned out to face her. He looked at her with deep concern as he asked, "Kiera is everything alright?"

The blackness formed around the edges of her vision. She felt her body start to sway and her vision became fussy. Within seconds, she fell forward towards Celebrimbor's outstretched arms. Before she made it to him, everything went black.