The sun was just starting to creep into their chilly room. She briefly thought of rising to stoke the fire but decided against it, for the movement would surely wake him. His eyes were closed in the way of the second born, but that was to be expected as he healed. He looked young and innocent in this state. She smiled wryly, for her own thoughts were anything but innocent. She found it hard to repress the urge to seduce him. Still, she had left the bandage off for the first time last night. It would be soon. She shuddered in anticipation and licked her lips.
"Celebrian," he mumbled her name, obviously sensing some of her thoughts through his dreams.
"Sleep, beloved." She placed her hand on his cheek and concentrated. His breathing evened out again. She rejoiced at each small gain of these past few weeks. They were as simple as having a few minutes more of peaceful sleep, regaining a bit of color to his still-too-pale skin, or experiencing fewer episodes in which his spirit's melodies spun out of rhythm. His spirit had been changed by the long years and trials. Yet even under such duress, she felt his underlying strength and deep devotion to serve Eru. She watched as he slept, amazed that he was alive and beside her. The voices of his parents in the kitchen did not wake him. They left mid-morning to take a walk together. She realized that Elwing and Eärendil were still recovering too, and also needed time to reestablish their relationship now that Eärendil had finally been released from his nightly duties.
"Good morning." She smiled and kissed him, ecstatic that he was finally awake. The past week, Elrond had been asleep for many more hours of the day than he had been awake. Of the waking hours, most were spent sharing dinner with his parents.
"Beloved," he murmured into the kiss and ran his fingers through her hair. Interpreting the glint in her azure eyes, he asked cautiously. "What have you been planning?"
"If you feel well enough, we might take a short walk along the beach." She smiled as she sensed him taking stock of his health. "Not far, maybe four or five times the distance to the Oak."
"Where are we going?" He asked, but her wicked smile only deepened.
"Come, a bit of breakfast is first on the agenda." She rose and went to help him, but he had already swung his feet off the bed and was rising, too. He waved off her help.
"It seems you have plans to make. I will get ready quickly." She kissed him again, pausing momentarily to assess him.
"You do look better. I will see what is available for the morning meal." She left him to dress. When she returned, he had already pulled on warm leggings she had laid out for him and was drying his face.
"Do you need more salve?" she asked, stepping in front of him with a silk undershirt in hand. The incision site was raised and red but healing well.
"The edges of the wound knit well together. There is no sign of infection." Elrond said, chagrinned that his stomach chose that moment to rumble.
"I think you can forgo the bandage. We will put more salve on later." She handed him the undershirt and then helped him don the understated tunic. It was a deep blue, a color he favored. He straightened, ever regal and handsome despite all. She licked her lips as he buttoned up his shirt. He had tied his silk black mass of hair in a sailor's knot, an old habit he had long eschewed due to his station as Lord of Imladris.
"Celebrian!" He shivered under her intense scrutiny.
"Come, I have some food laid out for us." She smiled and led him to the table. "Your parents left some sailor's treats." She handed him a small bowl of rice and pointed to the bowl of cooked small sea creatures with a brown glaze. "It is called lithâl. Your Adar said it's a traditional breakfast for the Lindar sailors. Apparently, they were caught early this year." She laughed when he eyed the dish dubiously. Then she spooned some of the fish over his rice and pushed a bowl with steaming clear broth towards him. "Maybe it's better not to know exactly what they are. Just think of them as little fish boiled in a salty, sweet sauce. I think they are sand eels." He sipped the broth first before moving to taste the fish, which he enjoyed despite his initial reaction. She counted it a win, for he had turned away all meat or fish thus far. A note from Elwing was on the table. They had gone up to the Palace and would return for dinner. After breakfast, they stepped out of the cottage onto the cool white sand. Jewels flashed in the morning light, but her smile was brighter.
"This way, El-nin." She slipped her arm through his. He squinted momentarily as his eyes adjusted to the bright sun. The winter day was brisk yet not too cold. "Is it too loud?"
"Nay, Meleth. I hear only your song and the song of the waves." He pulled her close, his eyes flashing with a desire that matched hers. She twirled away slightly, reveling in a dance of advance and retreat.
"Nay, tis this way, El-nin. Not far now." Celebrian's smile rivaled Arien's glow. They wove their way along the beach, sometimes teasing the surf to try to catch them, sometimes wandering up to snare a treasured shell or a bright jewel. "Can your hands not hold more?" She teased.
"Usually, my tunic sports a pocket or two, yet this one has none." He quipped in return, pleased to see the joy on her face.
"I prefer you in such form-fitting garb." She eyed him mischievously. "Here, I would like to gift you another jewel." She pushed a light green gemstone into his full hands.
"Peridot?" He said in wonder. She merely laughed.
"Here we are." They had come to the secluded point that she had chosen. Just behind the trees, a faint glimmer signaled the end of the protected land. She was careful not to go too close. He deposited the treasures in the sand and helped to spread the blanket out.
"Sit El-nin." He raised a brow at her order as if to point out this unusual domineering side. She met his look squarely and then smiled as he complied. He carefully ordered the stones and shells in the sand while she guided his hair over his shoulder.
"Let go of all your worries. You are here to heal." She whispered in his ear, then kissed his neck below. With strong hands, she softly massaged his shoulders, humming one of their favorite songs. He marveled at the exquisite scenery. The blue ocean foamed slightly as it eagerly licked the glamorous colors of the bejeweled white sands. The olive tone of the peridot glimmered next to the reds of the tourmalines and the sublime whites, creams, and beiges of the seashells. The green reminded him of Arwen's dress that last day in the hills.
"Elrond?" Celebrian felt the split. His thoughts diverged as each part of his spirit latched onto different memories. Their melodies began again to unwind and diverge. Images flashed in her head.
"I will miss you, Adar." The mithril circlet glimmered around her forehead. His eyes were wet with tears of parting.
"Can you hear the wind calling?"
"Your loved ones are in danger. Help them, help them. Fly as part of us. You belong with us!" Whispered the wind.
"I believe it is a poison made from several substances. But testing that supposition is more difficult. What experiments to start with?"
"Meleth-nin, stay with me." She wrapped her spirit around his, opening her soul to the dissonant voices that slid further out of rhythm. She then realized that he was no longer aware of their surroundings and no longer registered her presence. The threads that, in harmony, were his essence in this disunion robbed him of consciousness. Little wonder he had no recollection when he returned to himself. "These episodes are diminishing in frequency." She reassured herself and focused her essence through their newly reestablished bond. His songs wrapped first around her and then each other as a melancholy wind whistled and merged. "Was this due to Vilya?" She wondered. She rejoiced at the harmonious song of his spirit that once again rang around her. Then she pivoted to nestle next to him on the blanket. His lips gently, almost worshipfully, touch her cheek as his long strong fingers caress her head.
"Too beautiful. It is a dream. I do not deserve happiness." She felt the undercurrent of his guilty conscience.
"You have never failed me. Beloved, you are my joy," she declared. Too long have we been parted. But we are one again. You are not meant to face this alone. Trust me." She held him close, counting the moments as he gathered himself. This time, for the first time, he sensed her distress.
"What happened?"
"You do not need to trouble yourself over it." She smiled, but he detected the falsehood. She almost laughed at his raised brow.
"Whatever happened is not an infrequent occurrence judging from your reaction." He eyed her thoughtfully. "Tell me, Meleth."
"You are recovering slowly. But it is still shocking and worrying—each time it happens." For the past few weeks, she had kept all her worries inside. They tumbled out at once. He listened in astonishment and dismay, having little idea what went on when he lost track of time.
"I do not know what to say." He realized.
"Do not dwell on it." She kissed him. "You are getting better. These happen much less frequently, and when they do occur, their duration is less. It may be that complete healing will not happen until we go to Lórien. Yet, you have come so far in but a few weeks." She pushed him back on the blanket, slipping her hand under his tunic to gently rub higher on his chest and tweak a nipple. When he gasped, she covered his lips with her own, stealing kiss after kiss as the sea sang sensuously in the background.
Xxxxxxx Palace of the Lindar xxxxxxxxX
"I thank Eru for every moment we have together." Eärwen shut the door to the room where Artanis was sleeping. "It has been such a pleasure to begin to know our daughter again."
"Cévëalë and Olwë rejoice as well. I do not remember a single visit here when they both made sure to share each and every meal with us."
"Is it that obvious?" Eärwen laughed. "I suppose it is the lure of a grandchild returned. We, too, always spend as much time as possible together with Celebrian. This is the first time we have been in the same city with our granddaughter, yet we have not shared our meals together."
"Celebrian has her husband to care for. Once he recovers, we will spend ample time with them." Arafinwë promised. Eärwen nodded and sent another prayer to Elbereth for her grand-son-in-law. "Also, Eärendil and Elwing need time to get to know their son. I think our presence still unsettles them."
"I am thankful that Indiriel regularly brings word of Elrond's progress, for Artanis rejoices to hear the news."
"We should take her to Lórien," Arafinwë stated softly. "The damage to her spirit will only be healed there." Eärwen eyes glistened in agreement, and she embraced her husband. They moved to sit on the couch.
"I am afraid we will lose her," Eärwen whispered.
"We will not. Compared with Celeborn's assessments, I think she has stabilized since her arrival here. Yet, it is clear that she is not improving. Others also need healing that is only to be found in Lórien." Arafinwë paused, then admitted. "I do not understand the power of the rings that Celembrior forged. I think even the Valar were surprised."
"It is such a long journey from here to Lórien. I worry it will be too taxing for her."
"Eärendil went this morning to seek permission to use an alternative method to traverse the distance. Findaráto and Olwë went with him to add their voices to the request."
Xxxxxxxx Shell room xxxxxxX
"Master Bilbo Baggins?" The hobbit startled awake at the deep voice. He was dozing in his current favorite spot near the great windows of the game room, or shell room as it was affectionately named. Frodo stood next to the tall, bright figure.
"Uncle, I want to introduce you to the famous Lord Eärendil." Frodo looked hopeful and much better rested than in many days. The venerable elf lord blanched slightly at the introduction.
"There is no need to rise." Eärendil said gently. "My son has told me much about you."
"Your son," Bilbo paused. "Lord Elrond! Of course!"
"He was asking about you. He was greatly concerned about your health." Eärendil continued.
"I have not felt this good in years." The elder hobbit stretched. "Perhaps not since I turned one hundred! It must be the air here in Valinor."
"You must tell me more about your people." Eärendil smiled slightly at the younger hobbit. "Elrond says you are both remarkable. He believes that no elf nor man could have done what you accomplished." Frodo flushed slightly and looked down at his injured hand. "He was most worried about your healing, Frodo. Do you begin to feel better?"
"Yes, I am feeling better," Frodo said unconvincingly. He could not hide his discomfort and sought to change the topic. "Lord Elrond said he lost his parents. I mean, he lost you very early in his life." Frodo began, then reddened as he realized this might be a sensitive topic. "I, too, lost my parents too early." He hastened to add. Eärendil looked startled momentarily but then was moved at Frodo's embarrassment.
"I hope you will be reunited with them through Eru's will," the Mariner said softly. "I feel blessed that I finally have the opportunity to get to know my son."
"I have not seen Lord Elrond in many days." Bilbo commented.
"He, too, is recovering." Eärendil reassured them. "We moved him down to the Shell Cottage because it is quieter there. You should stay there sometime. It is beautiful and relaxing."
"They said Frodo must make the journey to Lórien to heal. But it is so far." Bilbo said. Frodo could not hide his hopelessness. He had traveled so far, yet healing was still out of reach.
"I know it is hard to keep faith when healing takes so long." The Mariner placed a hand comfortingly on the younger hobbit's shoulder. "But it has been a scant two months since you arrived. I want to suggest a different journey. My ship has sailed the sky for many years through the power and will of the Valar. It will only make a few more journeys with the blessings of the Valar. After that, should elves wish to take to the skies, we must design our airships. If you are willing, I have gained permission for you to sail to Lórien on the Vingilot." Eärendil was gratified by Bilbo's enthusiastic response.
"Frodo, my lad, we will get you there! I will see you well soon. It is time for another adventure."
"Will any of our companions be coming with us?'
"I think Arafinwë will discuss it with his daughter. As for my son, we will remain here a while longer to allow him to heal in solitude. Once he is strong enough to visit with the Maiar in Lórien, I will bring him there. That trip will be truly the final voyage of the Vingilot."
"You will be sad to say goodbye to your ship." Frodo realized slowly.
"I have mixed feelings." Eärendil agreed. "I love to sail the skies, but my duties isolated me from all else for too long. I will miss flying. I know the methods the Valar used to lift and propel my ship will not work for elves. Perhaps others will help me experiment and develop a design for a flying ship that would work for us. We need special materials – lighter than wood but stronger than the alloys used in forging swords."
Xxxxxxxx Early afternoon days later xxxxxxxX
"Elrond?" she tentatively offered her hand. "Walk with me?" He turned with a smile to Celebrian, nodded, and took his Naneth's hand.
"Do you like this new life you are adjusting to?" Elrond asked. He had heard from his Adar that they had little time together in this last age. Eärendil often sailed the skies or obliged to carry out requests for the Valar.
"It is strange but wonderful to relearn things about one's spouse," Elwing admitted. "I do not think your Adar and I have spent this much time together since the first age."
"I do understand that." Elrond agreed. "Responsibilities and duties in Imladris did drain our time. But we tried to make time for each other – an occasional short trip together. It was hard on Glorfindel, as he and Cirulian ever worried about our safety on those trips. Thus, more often, we stayed within the boundaries of Imladris." Elwing waded slightly into the water, then stepped onto the sand jetty. Elrond avoided stepping on any of the numerous perfect sand dollars that decorated the shallow pool.
"You and Elros did like to collect shells." Elwing laughed at the memory.
"Why are there so many sand dollars here?"
"There are not so many Elflings nor elves like yourself to collect or appreciate them." Elwing reached for his hand and pulled him to stand close. With their hands entwined, Elrond heard the strange music, which had been dampened for him all these weeks. He shivered slightly with recognition.
"You understand their language?" It was more of a statement than a question.
"It began on the beach in Sirion," Elwing said slowly. "You boys would play, and Uinen would come to me."
"We never saw her." Elrond shook his head in confusion.
"The Maia can take forms as they wish. They do not need to appear to all present." Elwing smiled. "I worried that you and Elros sensed her presence. But you both only thought I was talking to the birds."
"It is Uinen calling." Elrond said.
"Yes, she keeps her song soft and simple at my request. I am sorry, Ion-nin. I asked her to check on you and Elros when she got near the shores."
"It was one misunderstanding compounded by another." Elrond squeezed her hand.
"Is not that always the case for things that divide us." She shook her head slowly. "But I can feel your spirit healing. Perhaps we can start to learn some basic words of their song. When they want to share and communicate, they merge their minds by ósanwë. Let me introduce you to Uinen."
"I do not think I am ready yet." He shivered.
"Nonsense, it is time to start."
Xxxxxxxxx Days later xxxxxxxX
Elrond coaxed melodies from the silver harp, a treasured gift from Ereinion, while the former King played the chalumeau. If they smiled at old memories of gallivanting incognito as Tinumán and Glawróvan, their wives did not notice. Celebrian's voice lifted in song, a beautiful soprano lilting melodically with Elrond's tenor. Little Gilwen danced with joy with her Naneth. Eärendil hummed, not knowing the words, but his deep voice added depth, while Elwing sat next to him with glistening eyes. What parent did not dream of seeing their child grown and happy? These parents had waited far too long for such an experience.
"He begins to have a headache," Elwing whispered.
"It has been a long afternoon," Eärendil said.
"But so lovely." Elwing agreed as she rose. "I will go brew a draught."
"More! More!" Gilwen shrieked and clapped. Eärendil saw Elrond grimace at the noise. He crossed the distance and sat down next to his son.
"Headache?" He whispered.
"A little," Elrond admitted.
"Shall we go for a walk?" Indiriel tried to distract her daughter, who was clamoring for more music. Celebrian had a wistful smile, obviously recalling her children at that age. Gilwen swung between them.
"Go for a walk." Eärendil motioned to Ereinion then put his arm around his son. "We will stay here until you return. Elwing is preparing a healing draught." Celebrian came over to kiss her husband.
"I am fine," Elrond reassured her. "Go enjoy a walk."
"Do not worry. He is in good hands." Earendil smiled. Celebrian gave in and turned to join Ereinion and his family. They meandered together down the golden, glistening sands, laughing while comparing gems and shells they found at their feet.
"Bilbo and Frodo were overjoyed by the idea of traveling on the Vingilot." Eärendil kept his voice low.
"Bilbo especially is a most unusual hobbit who harbors a love of adventures. I hope Frodo will soon find healing." Elrond whispered. His Adar agreed.
"I hope you will soon be well enough to travel to Lórien. It shall be the last voyage. The Valar will take her after that."
"I can hardly imagine what it would be like to sail the skies." Elrond paused. "Will you build a new ship?"
"Yes, but it will be limited to sailing the seas. Unless we can develop new designs and principles for sailing the skies." Eärendil smiled at his wife, who returned with a steaming cup.
"You play the harp beautifully, Ion-nin." Elwing handed him the draught. In the distance, they could see Celebrian, Ereinion, Indiriel, and Gilwen. The little Elfling would occasionally run down to the ocean, only to scream when the tide ticked her toes.
"Thank you," Elrond sipped slowly at the willow bark tea. Elwing hesitated, but at Elrond's raised brow, she tentatively inquired.
"Who taught you to play?" Silver eyes, so much like her own, stared at her as if assessing what he should share. After another long sip, he spoke.
"Maglor Feanorian." She tried in vain not to stiffen, but instinctively, she backed away. Eärendil gasped.
"Tis true that Maglor and his brothers were responsible for horrendous deeds. Yet, two small Peredhil would have surely died without his intervention." Elrond's keen eyes could not miss the tension in his parents' stance. He sighed. "These deeds that haunt you occurred over six thousand years ago. Is it not time to let it go? Of the sons of Feanor, all but Maglor paid with their lives and stood before the Valar to answer for their deeds. Maglor has paid with six thousand years of exile. After wandering years alone, half-mad, I believe he heard Ilúvatar call him. He lives humbly now, teaching the Edain and trying to live as Eru intended. He believes himself beyond redemption, believes that he can never atone for his misdeeds and seeks only to try each day to do some good. What should the sentence be?" Elrond saw his Adar look away, but his Naneth's eyes flashed with anger, and he heard her thoughts though she spoke not aloud.
"Death!"
"Naneth," Elrond began slowly as he rose to take Elwing's hand. "You can not fully heal until you release this hate." She shivered and looked away. Eärendil stood stoically beside her. Elrond looked out over the sea in the ensuing silence.
"What would you say to those who counsel mercy?" He turned towards his parents again. It was clear that they would scoff at such counsel. His silver eyes brimmed with a lifetime of experience, both wonderful and tragic. "All of us carry our failures and are burdened with regret. But hatred eats away at our hearts. "
"You can not ask this of us," Eärendil whispered.
"I can not not ask, for the good of your own hearts and spirits." Elrond paused. "I have forgiven Maglor long ago." His parents both gasped. " I will beseech the Valar to forgive him, to show mercy and declare his sentence served."