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He had always thought he knew the meaning of honor and integrity. He had been raised among the Vanyar and was the heir of the First princess of Finwe. He was the grandson and nephew of two high kings with one being the king of all elves. He was taught how to fight, he was taught how to stand tall and be ever loyal. He was taught to defend the week and uphold the values of the Valar. He was counted among the Noldor and served one of their greatest kings that was chosen by the Vala Ulmo himself. So how... 

How did it all go so wrong...

How did he fall so low he could not perceive reality?

Though he asked himself this several times, he already knew the answer. He knew and in the depths of his fëa he knew it was a mistake he could not take back. It would haunt him till the end of his days. He still remembered the day it all went wrong.

He had known the son of Aredhel to be a strange one. The son of his dear friend Irisse was quiet and held a dark visage but at the time he truly was just a child of 85. Yet still he did not approach. He did not attempt to console the child or pull him away when he saw his father plummet off the caragdur. Looking back....he knew why he didn't but was too disgusted with himself to admit it. Time passed and eventually their dear princess Idril had been the link that started the foundation of a bridge between them. Him and Ecthelion approached cautiously and had taken to teaching the young prince swordsmanship. Laurefindele knew that the prince held a place in the King's heart as he would often come to Laurefindele asking about how his nephew was doing. The king had always said he was afraid of upsetting the boy if he approached too much or started talking about Irisse. He didn't want to upset him with tales of one past but also wanted him to know he was entitled to his rights as a prince as he should have been when he was born. The King always endeavored to learn about his nephew but was too scared to ask the source. At one point the King had even discussed with both him and Ecthelion the idea of bestowing the prince with a house of his own so as to reaffirm his position in the city. The two of them would always pause and tell the king that the boy was too young for that. That statement always seeming to end the conversation but in truth they had sunconsciously said so because they didn't want the "dark elf" to have too much authority. Of course he wouldn't realize this until he would soon be forced to reflect. So time passed on and it was about 40 yrs later that their tenuous "friendship" would come crashing down like the gates of Angband all on account of his own unending stupidity. It was on a night him and Maeglin were having some wine and the young prince had described Idril as his "light" with a pristine smile on his face. 

What did he mean by "light?" How dare he admit that to him!

Was this child of his best friend seriously thinking of his cousin in a romantic sense? Such things are unthinkable and abhorrent by the laws set by the Valar! How could he think of such things when his own sire was executed for being a "dark elf" that had turned away from the light and imprisoned his mother! Did he truly learn nothing from the evil action of his sire?! He knew he was frowning but the elf didn't seem to pay any heed to it, too proud of himself for having such feelings for their princess! He made his decision right then and would make sure this lying elf that had fooled him would never get the chance to do to the princess what the dark elf Eöl had done to his friend Irisse. 

Though in his anger and hubris Laurefindele had forgotten that the elf he had condemned was not only his friend's only child but that he was in fact just an innocent child. 

He started by telling the princess of his cousins lustful intentions. Of course she had not believed him really but he could see the hesitation in her eyes. She may have reached out to her wayward cousin but in secret she had always been worried about doing so. The Prince's dark eyes always reminding her of the elf that killed her aunt and his quiet disposition always subconsciously making her think he was planning something. Her father never seemed to doubt his nephew so she would try to place faith in her father's wisdom. However, now she was being presented with a reason to doubt him and for all that she preached he knew she would now doubt him and prioritize her own safety. As he believed she should as she was Turgon's beloved daughter and he had sworn to serve his king in full faith. 

Yet in his pride, he could not perceive that his actions would infact be the greatest betrayal. 

"Please Princess, you must believe me. He admitted such straight to my face while under the influence of some wine" said Glorfindel in a tone of absolute certainty.

"I hear you my friend and true it may be that I have always been wary of him. Though I still hesitate to think that, perhaps he is just confused in his feelings. Perhaps he just said something he didn't mean while he was a bit drunk" said the princess Idril in a hopeful but not hopeful tone. 

"Me thinks I would agree with you princess if he had not smiled while admitting it! Please princess you must distance yourself from him so as to send a message. I agree the prince may be young and maybe he has misunderstood his feelings. But you must remember he was under the thrall of a dark elf that imprisoned our princess and we know not what tricks or seeds of darkness he could have inflicted on his mind. As such myself and Ecthelion will attempt to make it clear that such feelings are not welcome!" said Glorfindel in a tone one would use when strategizing against an enemy. 

"Very well my friend but let us wait and see what he does. I will avoid him for now but report to me what you see on your end. I do not want to unintentionally cause a rift between myself and father because of him. You know he values Maeglin despite all his faults" said Idril in a tone of sighing from exasperation. 

"Yes, princess as you command so I shall see it done" said Glorfindel in the tone of loyal knight. 

He left the Princess's chambers and sought to find his friend in Ecthelion in discussing how they would go about teaching the elf that his actions were an affront to the kind denizens of his city. They had decided that it would be best to avoid the elf and be harsher during their training sessions. Until they had purged the filth from his head they would show no leniency. They had also taken to avoiding him whenever he sought them out so as to make it clear that they were angry and expected him to repent for what he said. However, the elf still deigned to seek them out and look at them like a hurt child! He tried to act innocent with him when he had showed his true colors not long ago! He had learned from the Princess that he still sought her out and stared at her during service dinners. His rage had begun reaching a boiling point when he noticed the "dark elf spawn" that killed their princess thought they could get away with this behavior. He would not and so him and his friend sought to be harsher in their "trainings" and at one point had broke the elf's arm. Though he did think that a bit harsh he swiftly thought it would do well to try and purge the darkness from him. It didn't! Instead the supposed prince had taken to ignoring his duties! Barely responding when approached and neglecting his appearance! He thought it funny to spite the people and the king by coming to service dinners looking like a wraith. The servants were not amused, the princess was not amused, and neither was he. Just why was he still playing at this innocent act when he so clearly was the one bothering the princess! Idril had even taken to voicing her frustration to him and Ecthelion when they were alone and had told them about how the elf had the nerve to ask her why she was angry with him. The nerve!! How dare he pretend he didn't know?! The final strike to his rage and his friends was when at one dinner the elf had sat there at his seat not touching his food, looking like a wraith, and stared unblinking at their princess with empty eyes that could have meant nothing but dark thoughts! His Vanyar relatives always warned him that the thralls and tricks of the darkness were vast and that it could creep unseemingly into the heart of any elf. They told him to be weary of such creatures as their eldar light would be dimmed and by then they were already thralls to the dark. He remembered his teachings and decided he had enough. He would give one last final warning and if that did not work than he would take his concerns to the king himself. He did not know where the added rage came from or how he was able to spit such venom at what, at the time, he could only see as "a dark elf" that was spawned from evil. But he knew, in the deepest recesses of his fëa, he knew that he shouldn't have said what he did. For a brief moment he thought that something was wrong when the prince suddenly went limp in his hold and seemed to not be seeing him. He should have known as soon as he let go and the boy still didn't move that something was wrong. Him and Echthelion should have known that something was very wrong after they left, waited a bit, and found the boy still hadn't moved from his place. But they were stubborn and repeated to themselves that they had done the right thing. That they were protecting their princess and the citizens of Gondolin who had lived in the goodness and light of Valinor. They kept telling themselves that everything would be fine now and that the boy would stay away from the princess. Everything would be as it was now. 

But no...it wouldn't.

Nor ever would again. 

It had been several days since that night and the prince had not been seen by anyone since. He did not come to the dinners, he did not come to the forges, he did not come to look for Idril, he did not come to council meetings, or could be found when the King went looking for him in his usual hiding spots. Glorfindel had noticed that when asked, the prince had not even come to the kitchens these last several days. Glorfindel was confused. What did that mean? Where was he? It was like he just vanished....and why did the staff have such a look on their faces when he asked about his food? Even the princess, in all her benevolence, was beginning to express concern over her cousins disappearance. Whenever she asked about him Glorfindel would suddenly feel a strong sense of foreboding. He did not know though that his questions would soon be answered.

It was Idril that found his body.

She had apparently had enough and went directly to his rooms but when she entered she let out a scream that shook the whole palace. He had run to her and there he saw what would forever haunt him. He saw the prince there at the base of the bed lying before the window with his eyes closed. 

There was only one reason an elf's eyes would be closed. 

But it was not just now knowing of the Prince's death that scared him. No, it was the state of his body that had sent the poor princess into convulsions of grief and had sent ice running down his spine. There all over his jaw and wrists were scathing black and blue bruises that had spread across his skin like spiderwebs. Glorfindel knew where those had come from because he had been one of the one's to place them. His mind was running faster than any horse. How did this happen? Why is he dead? He was alive when he saw them? How? This doesn't make any sense??!! What happened?? He barely registered the princess screaming "Maeglin!!!! Maeglin!!!!! Maeglin!!!!! Wake up!!!!!" But she didn't stop, she kept screaming and shaking him in a hopeless attempt to wake him. Glorfindel knew he wouldn't as his skin was already whiter than a sheet. He didn't know how he did it but he took a step closer to them to try and gain even a sliver of how this had happened. Then as the universe sadistically answered his plea he heard it. 

Ting

Something had landed on the floor and was rolling on the floor towards Glorfindel's foot. The princess had stopped shaking the Prince's body and saw that it had come from his right hand that had previously been clutched shut. Why was it in his hand? Is what they thought as they saw the object come stop at Glorfindel's foot. 

It was a small black vile. 

It was a small vile that looked like it had been opened and used. Why was this in the Prince's hand? Glorfindel in an act of thoughtless hope stepped towards the motionless body of the prince and lightly put his hand on where his pulse would've been. He had hoped that maybe he was just in some sort of enchanted sleep? Maybe someone poisoned him to only look dead? But no, his hopes would not be answered as when he felt for a pulse there was indeed none. Even worse, that made his heart twist, was that the boy was colder than the ice of the Helcaraxe. This could only mean two things and one of them he didn't want to try and conceive for it was more horrid than anything he could glean. But one truth was certain. 

This was not recent. 

The boy had been dead for several days. 

He had been dead and nobody noticed. 

This...this can't be happening.

This can't be happening!

Someone tell him this isn't real! 

Idril must have seen his pale visage and his trembling because she suddenly began to shake her head in a vain attempt to make this all go away. She started crying again and she trembled from the endless sobs. She looked again at her youngest cousins body and trembled as her hand delicately lingered on the bruises that were on his face and hands.

"What happened? How does he have these injuries? Did someone do this? Please tell me this isn't happening.. this wasn't supposed to happen. Nobody was supposed to die anymore!" she said as she sobbed even harder while pushing back his now lifeless hair. 

He didn't answer but he knew the answer to her questions. But he didn't want to admit what he already knew was forming in his mind. A conclusion was forming but it was an inconceivable one. 

Though soon he would find it wasn't as inconceivable as once perceived.

One thing was for certain though, Maeglin Lómion the Prince of Gondolin was no more.

King Turgon had been inconsolable. 

It was him and Ecthelion that had arrived to this scene of horror following the Princess's screams. Glorfindel would never forget the look on the King's face when he saw his nephews body lying lifeless on the floor and his daughter crying over him. He looked as he did the day he lost his wife Elenwe on the grinding ice. He looked the same as he did the day his sister took her last breath and begged him to protect and care for her son. He looked now as he did then but if possible this was so much worse. He fell to the floor next to his daughter and looked at the body as though he were trying to wish the scene were nothing but a nightmare. But it wasn't, this was a reality no one wanted to face. In a vain attempt the king started pleading while reaching for the boy's cold bruised cheek

"Lómion, nephew, come on please wake up now. This isn't funny."

Glorfindel's heart and the Princess's ached at his broken voice but he didn't stop. Instead he got more desperate. 

"Come on nephew please, you're scaring me" he said as he carefully grabbed the boy's cold hand while trembling.

"Lómion! Lómion! Lómion! Please open your eyes, move, do something! Please...please you can't be...please Eru tell me I didn't fail you too." 

He then started muttering and tears were racing down his face. He started turning pale and then cradled the body to him.

"No no no you're alright. He's just sleeping. He's fine, he'll be alright. This can't happen anymore. It isn't supposed to happen anymore. Nephew, Lómion my boy you're alright right? You're not gone too, right?"

Glorfindel and the princess nearly broke at the site. 

This had continued for a few minutes until the guards and servants came in and froze at this heartbreaking site. They were only pulled from their shock when the King finally noticed the injuries and bruises covering his nephews cold skin and the air around him had gone deathly still. His eyes had gone wide and in them was a rage he knew he would never want to face. His King's eyes gleamed with the murderous fire of a Balrog. With the gentleness of a kitten he traced the bruises that lined his nephews jaw and the ones splotched all over the lifeless hand he held. Just when he thought the King was about to blow Glorfindel suddenly looked down to where the vial was and when he looked the King's gaze followed him. He must have come to a conclusion as he suddenly reached for it and looked at it like it was evil incarnate. It was then he finally boomed

"TRAITORS!!!!!"

"WHO DID THIS?!!!!!!! WHO DID THIS???!!!!! WHO HURT MY NEPHEW!!!!!"

"I'LL KILL THEM!!!! I'LL KILL THEM!!!! TRAITORS OF THE LOWEST BREED!!!! I'LL MAKE YOU PAY FOR THIS!!!! HOW DARE YOU HURT MY FAMILY!!!!!!!! HOW DARE THEY POISON THEIR PRINCE!!!!!"

"HOW DARE THEY BETRAY ME!!!!!!"

The servants trembled, the guards trembled, Ecthelion trembled, the Princess trembled, and he was violently shaking like a leaf. The King's voice shook the whole palace. He had never seen this. He had never seen Turgon look like that and he knew Idril hadn't either. He had called them traitors. He had called the ones who harmed and presumably killed his nephew traitors and he was slammed with a tsunami of guilt at the knowledge that he was infact one of the ones that had harmed Maeglin. He should have spoken, he should have got on his knees and pleaded forgiveness and death as was his duty but something was holding his tongue. Because something didn't make sense. It didn't make sense that the prince had been killed when there wasn't proof of anyone breaking in...and that vial. It fell out of the Prince's hand and that could only happen if....

BZZTTTTTTT

NO No no......there's no way. 

There's no way that could have happened. There was no reason for the prince to do that right???? There was no reason...yes he had used physical force on him but that couldn't have been enough to..  

BZZZTTTZZTZT

No! There was something else. Something that he was missing. But before he could think further the king suddenly spoke to him in a voice that would have sent Morgoth running for the hills.

"Glorfindel Ecthelion stand before your King"

They did as they were told as though possessed. 

"Find the wretches who did this and bring them to me! Imprison all the servants in the palace! Investigate everything and everyone! I want a reason why this happened! I want the ones who did this and when I find them I'll hang the rope around their traitorous necks myself!!! I will find out how and why this happened even if I have to tear this city apart piece by piece!! I WILL BE AVENGED!" 

If he didn't feel ice running down his back before he certainly did now. If he thought his guilt mere seconds ago was bad it felt like it was choking him now. He felt he had just done the most traitorous and dishonorable thing a knight could ever do when he simply nodded his head and said "Yes my King." He had so many thoughts running through his head as tears ran down his face at the sight of the King crying while carrying his dead nephew in his arms out of the room. The Princess trembling in grief right behind him. He thought this was a nightmare and apparently Ecthelion was of a shared mind with him. When everyone left and they were still in what was once the Prince's room he asked him in a trembling voice "What..what do we do now?" 

".....I don't know." 

He didn't think this could get any worse but oh how wrong he would soon be. 

It had been 2 days since that horrid day and Glorfindel could tell the King had not slept at all. If he were being honest no one had. It would still be a few more days before the Prince's funeral and in that time the whole palace had been gripped with a crippling silence as most of the staff had been sent straight to the dungeons to be interrogated by not just Glorfindel and Ecthelion but also other members of the 11 houses. The King and Idril had even deigned to interrogate several staff members as well. Nobody dared lie to the King as they knew it would be the end of them if they did. However, what they soon found out from the interrogations would send Turgon into an even bigger rage, Idril into shock, Glorfindel to hsyteria, and Echtelion into the precipice of grief.

They had heard from several of the staff that the groups assigned to Prince Maeglin's chambers had in fact not visited the area in over a year. They had confessed that the rumors surrounding the prince caused them to try and punish him by not bothering with their duties since he apparently wasn't doing his. An investigation into the worn down clothes in his room further supported this claim as the servants had not been making him any new clothes either or worse bringing him meals. They had even confessed to sometimes serving him raw meat when he went to the kitchens as a warning to the "orc spawn." When checking the forges it was discovered that several of Maeglin's forging tools and gifts from Turgon had been damaged and broken by what could only be other forge tools! The smiths also confessed to violating the unspoken rule among smiths to never touch another's work. They had warped and damaged all of Maeglin's projects except for the one's ordered by the King. Their excuse was that they were trying to drive out the "orc spawn" and "cleanse" the place of whatever evil tools he was making. Glorfindel's sight started getting hazy and he was sure he was on the verge of delirium when he heard this. But no the horror didn't stop there. The healers who examined Maeglin's body said that they found injuries to his head that could have only been caused by a blunt object such as a stone. Upon hearing this the King immediately sent troops out into the streets to investigate and they found that someone had indeed thrown a stone at the Prince when they heard the rumors that he was lusting after the Princess. The civilians even confessed to following him around the city to try and "teach" him a lesson in taking after his evil father but they never got the chance as he stopped coming out of the palace. When he heard this Glorfindel came to a horrid realization. He realized that these events coincided with the time Maeglin stopped fulfilling his duties. As if Eru was punishing him(he was/all of them really), the healers also informed Turgon that they had found evidence of a broken arm on the Prince and that it had not healed correctly. This could only have happened if he did not see a healer to have it properly set and because of this his ability to hold a hammer would have been severely impeded. When asked why in Arda no healers saw him they confessed they didn't really care to and no one had ordered one of them to treat the prince. Ecthelion could hear no more of this as he fled the interrogation room and immediately threw up. Glorfindel knew why for he knew it was Ecthelion that had broke his arm in a "training" accident to try and "teach" him a lesson. But never in his wildest imagination did Ecthelion think the boy had no access to a healer!! He had essentially TORTURED him!!!!!

Idril was horrified, Turgon was ENRAGED and Glorfindel and Ecthelion were both having flashbacks of the Prince's physical condition the last he had been seen. But the worst was yet to come as Turgon's personal healer told them 3 days before the funeral that he had discovered what killed the prince. It was indeed posion but it was the type that perplexed everyone. 

"My king this is a blend of herbs that is often used to put our patient's to sleep when we have to do more painful procedures on them. It's supposed to leave them numb to the pain until we are done, but this blend is of a much concentrated quantity. Drinking this would essentially overdose them and inevitably kill them but they would feel no pain. It would be like they were falling asleep. How in the Valar did this come to be in the Prince's possession? It doesn't make any sense that someone with malicious intentions would use this on the Prince and then leave their body behind."

No, no it didn't make any sense and Glorfindel was starting to tremble with the ferocity of a tornado at the implications of what this was building up to. His not so possible theory was creeping into his mind like a centipede with every passing second. He felt like he was going to be sick if he wasn't already. Idril had a hand over her mouth in horror as it seemed she was starting to glean the same conclusion as him. While Ecthelion looked like his sanity had already long fled for Mandos. However, things just had to finally reach their zenith when the King ordered the Prince's room be searched for any evidence or clues and they most certainly did. Though one piece would be evidence to their stupidity and utter foolishness. While they waited in the throne room the soldiers and personal healer returned with the Prince's things which really wasn't much. There were only a few books and smithing tools that hadn't been destroyed. However, one of the soldiers came forward and it looked like he was trembling as he sported a very grim and pale face. He came closer to the Princess and said "Princess I think you should see this." He handed her what looked like a sketchbook, which wasn't really odd for smiths to have. However, when Glorfindel watched her open it and turn some of the pages when she suddenly froze on one particular page. She then went pale, started crying, and let out a heart wrenching wail. She dropped to the floor still holding the book and started screaming.

"NO NO NO PLEASE DON'T LET THIS BE!!! NO WHAT HAVE I DONE??! LÓMION LÓMION I'M SO SORRY!!! AHHHHHHHH!!!!" 

The King scrambled for his daughter and begged her to tell him what happened. 

"Itarillë Itarillë!!!! Please tell me what's wrong!!! What's in that book??" 

But it was no use as the Princess was hysterical and she kept pleading to her now dead cousin, as though he could hear, that she was sorry. 

Glorfindel could wait no longer and went to pick up the sketchbook from the Princess and what he saw explained why she was like this. He saw the truth, he saw the reason, he realized the weight of the city's sin, and finally had realized the weight of his own sin. 

In the sketchbook was a drawing of Idril smiling and in the corner was written in what could only be the Prince's handwriting. 

"My Light, My Big Sister. I hope you always stay smiling." 

...Oh Eru

...That's what he meant by "light"

...He meant he loved her like family...

...Oh Eru

...What have they done...What has he done...

Then the healer spoke as they watched this chaos unfold before them. "My King you must know one more thing. There was a box under the Prince's bed and it seems to be what held the vial of poison. It seems to have been under his bed for sometime as there was dust on the box when we found it."

....Oh that was it...

...Now he knew for sure...

...There could be no denying it...

The prince he had wronged, the boy the whole city mentally tortured, the child that had been driven to the brink, and finally pushed of the cliffs edge had done what no other elf had done...

The Boy drank the poison himself.

It was with that final realization that the Lord of the House of the Golden Flower collapsed in a heap on the floor and fainted.

By the time he woke up from his complete breakdown he realized two days had passed. He found out that Ecthelion had swiftly followed in his method of departing from reality as he too became friends with the floor and was now sporting a broken nose. He had heard from Turgon's personal healer that the King had nearly ordered the execution of over half the palace. He flew into a rage that the people he tried to protect betrayed his trust. He was especially furious at an unrepentant servant that said he thought it was a boon what happened to the Prince. The servant had nearly been strangled by the King and was only saved by Idril's intervention. Infact several servants said they thought the King hated the Prince as he never showed him any visible affection and always seemed indifferent to him. The only thing that stopped half the city from being hanged was Idril's insistence that such a thing would cause a revolt and that she herself was not blameless in what happened to her cousin.

In the time they were out Idril had finally become coherent enough to confess her sins to her father. She confessed how she had ostracized Lomion and called him horrible things after she misunderstood his feelings as romantic rather than familial affection. She confessed to doubting him, to inherently being doubtful of him because of his background, and she secretly disliked him for being the cause of her aunt's death. She even confessed to being one of the unconscious instigators behind the rumors that caused her cousins life to turn into a living hell. 

To say Turgon was shocked would be an understatement. He stood there frozen after her confession. She had done so while clutching the Prince's sketchbook like it was a lifeline to something long gone. Turgon could do nothing but gape at his daughter as the reality of what was happening finally sunk in. Finally the only words he could get out were "Why Itarillë...why would you do this?"

"I....I don't know Atar....I don't know..I'm so sorry" was her only reply as she said it in a broken voice with tears running down her face. 

They had not spoken to each other since and Turgon had gone completely quiet. The realization that his daughter and his perceived actions were part of what caused his nephews death steadily broke down his mental walls to pebbles. By the time the funeral came there was a solemn silence that one would not find even in a cursed crypt. The truth of what caused the Prince's death spread like wildfire all across the city and the realization that all the rumors they heard was a lie turned the people's reality on it's head. For the once innocent people of Gondolin realized that they had become something akin to the kinslayers they so once depsised if not worse! They had caused the death of an innocent child all on account of their own perceived justice. Glorfindel being no exception from this as he had practically instigated the accursed witch hunt with his own warped astute beliefs!!! But it was too late and he knew it was too late because the proof of his folly was now lying lifeless before him in a coffin that would be joined with his mother outside the city. He promised Aredhel that he would protect her son. How "wonderfully" he had fulfilled that promise as it was his and Ecthelion's hands that pushed the boy off the precipice of his last reaming sanity. Though one of his sins was yet to be realized as he had not yet confessed to Turgon to his physically hurting Maeglin. Neither him or Ecthelion had told the king that they were the one's responsible for the bruises that covered the poor boys skin and that they had done so in a vain and foolish attempt to "protect" their princess. Though this truth would still yet be known since the Lord of the Golden Flower and Lord of the Fountain were both having an existential crisis. Everything he ever knew came crashing down around him. This was worse than the reality of the kinslaying at Alqualonde. Now that he really thought about it. The Lord's could truly see the consequences of their own folly but weren't their beliefs supposed to be true? Wasn't there only light and dark and those that showed signs of being dark were just that? Dark. But that wasn't the case here where an elf that was really only a boy had met a slow death at the hands of vicious elves. Elves that were supposed to be beings of good. Elves that should have cherished children and been patient with them more than anything else. 

But why???

Why was it he couldn't make the connection before??!!

Where did all this anger and viciousness come from??

Why was it only now he remembered his promise to Aredhel???!! When he had already unforgivingly violated it!!

Why couldn't he see Maeglin for what he truly was???!

A scared child that needed help!!

By the time the funeral was over nearly a year had passed before Glorfindel and Ecthelion finally confessed to their King. Not on account of hope to escape punishment but because they and their Princess were being besieged by endless nightmares and visions of the now deceased Prince. A few weeks after the funeral Idril would wake up crying and screaming nearly every night from nightmares that would show her cousins misery at the hands of the citizens. She saw the day the stone was thrown. She saw the "orc food" he was being fed. She saw his desperate attempts to try and get her to talk to him. She saw his fear of her after she continously ignored him. She saw his outstretched hand reaching for who he once called his sister and felt the absolute pain that filled his heart each time it was left empty. Everytime in the dream she would try to take it but she would always pass right through it. Until when she finally could touch it, the hand was no longer warm as the scene would shift and she would instead be holding the hand of his lifeless body. Glorfindel and Ecthelion saw the child not just in their dreams but also in their waking hours. Whenever they would pass a darkened corridor they would see the Prince laying in the darkest corner lifeless. Sometimes he would infact be standing but he was always ghostly pale and would never say anything, his eyes unseeing as the injuries they had given him decorated his whole body. The dreams were the worst though as they both would see scenes of the boy's last moments. Glorfindel would always try to leap for Maeglin as he saw the boy raise the poison to his lips but he would always pass right through him. He tried begging, he tried apologizing, he tried pleading to Irmo to make this stop but nothing ever worked and he would see Maeglin's death all over again. The unending evidence of his own hubris. The final straw though was when one particular nightmare finally broke all his resolve that his actions had even been slightly warranted. It was a moonless night and the same scene was playing again in his nightmares but this time as Glorfindel cried over the scene. Maeglin's lifeless form suddenly twitched then rose from the floor looking away from him. In a cold voice the silhouette that looked like Maeglin said "Why did you do this to me?" 

Glorfindel didn't reply..no he couldn't reply, he was too stunned to speak but Maeglin spoke again

"Why did you hurt me? Why did you do that? You killed my father in front of me? I never hurt anyone. Why did you hate me? I thought we were friends.." 

This time Glorfindel tried for an answer but only managed a broken "Maeglin...I.." but he got no further as the figure that looked like Maeglin turned around and the sight scared Glorfindel out of his skin. 

The being that looked like Maeglin was crying but with blood tears running down his face, he had no eyes, only hollowed out sockets, the bruises still all over his neck and jaw, and blood was dripping out of his mouth...same as one suffering from a poisoning. Finally Glorfindel fell on his knees and started saying he was sorry and that he was wrong but just as soon as he collapsed the visage of Maeglin disappeared. Infact the whole scene disappeared, the whole space around him had gone black and suddenly there was a figure in front of him that he recognized. It was Maeglin's mother, it was Aredhel, and the woman who had died to protect her son.....the son he helped kill. She was no longer looking at him as one would a friend. No, she looked at him like he was the lowest scum to walk the earth and then in an unearthly screech she pounced for his neck, fell him to the ground and yelled

"TRAITOR!!!!!!!!" 

"YOU HORRID LIAR YOU HURT MY BOY!"

"HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME??!! YOU SAID YOU'D PROTECT HIM!!!" 

"YET EVEN NOW YOU HIDE YOUR GUILT AND YOUR CRIME FROM THE EYES OF ALL!!"

He had no answer, no excuse, anything he said wouldn't have justified what happened to her child. He finally realized that and just as he was about to let her choke him the scene ended and he woke up trembling in a cold sweat. Ecthelion barging into his room a few minutes later telling him they had the same dream. 

That was it. 

He could take it no longer. 

The next morning they both confessed to Turgon.

It came as no surprise they were both thrown in the dungeon for a time but what came as a surprise was that they weren't immediately hanged as Turgon had sworn. It seemed by the time they confessed to the King he had already begun what the native elves called "fading." Another slap to the face Glorfindel had to acknowledge as the signs Turgon was showing were the exact ones Maeglin was exhibiting right before his death. His last words to the boy replayed like a curse as he sat in his cell.

"Even now you pretend to be weak"

He was because he was fading.

"A Victim of Tragedy"

The boy was, he just couldn't see it.

"A scared child"

Oh but Eru he was a scared child.

"You should have died along with your sire that stole our princess"

Said Princess who was a mother that died to protect her child.

He should have never said that. 

It was on one of these nights of reflection that a guard came bursting in to inform him and Ecthelion that the High King had fallen in battle with his body brought to the city by the Great Eagles.

Dear Elbereth...it just couldn't end could it. It was one loss after another and he would be shocked if they didn't lose their King within the next decade or less! Fingolfin was gone, his daughter was gone, his grandson was gone....the grandson he was never told of. The next day after the news they were let out of the cells and ordered to attend the funeral. Turgon had removed them from their positions and ordered them not to appear before him unless called. It would seem their King just didn't have the energy to care about anything anymore. The most they saw of the House of the King was the Princess who had become gaunt after all these cumulative losses as she did infact know her grandfather. The city was in a panic and there seemed to be no light as the Doom of Mandos was swiftly approaching. An axe waiting for the right moment to drop on all their heads. 

Though some hope did come in the midst of all this tragedy when Tuor had arrived in the city. Since Ecthelion and himself were stripped of their titles, the one to find the Edain was in fact Egalmoth of the Heavenly Arch. The Edain wore the foretold armor of Ulmo and when he met the King he warned him of the inevitable fall of the city. However, it seemed the Lord of Waters had a personal message for the King, Idril, Ecthelion and himself. After the court had adjourned and they were left alone in the throne room. Tuor shifted a bit as though unsure of why he had to deliver this particular message. 

"My King the Lord of Waters asked me to tell you that a massive change in the music has occurred. I know not what he meant but he said this change is one that you 4 would be familiar as to the cause."

They all froze and started feeling an intense foreboding. 

Then Tuor continued "The Lord of Waters said that a crime unencountered has occurred and is the fault of many for its occurrence. We have acknowledged our mistake and deign to send help. We have lifted the Doom but it will only end once the chapter of Gondolins page has turned. The Valar acknowledge their mistake and now endeavor to right the wrong but know this. Elves of Gondolin you are not without fault and your repentance will be tested. Not by our hands but by the hands of fate and actions that are out of our control. Please remember the real reason you repent and weep now, for it will be what determines the course of the future we all endeavor towards." 

They all stood there frozen with their jaws wide open.

Then Tuor said "So yes....I have no idea what that message was about. But I honestly feel like a parrot for having to memorize all that. I didn't think a Vala could look......sheepish while saying that....at least I think that's what it was. I mean a giant man shaped wave twitching does look a bit off to me." 

It was then that Idril couldn't help but snort. 

Their relationship progressed and the rest was history as they got to know each other and finally wed. Many questioned the decision for a Princess of the Noldor to marry an Edain but the oppoisition was swiftly squashed given this was Ulmo's chosen. Plus by the time little Earendil was born, Glorfindel wholly believed he was the only thing keeping their King alive. Following Tuor's warning Turgon and some of the Lord's were making preparations to evacuate when they started facing unexpected backlash from some of the Lord's saying that the city was safe and that the King couldn't let his personal feelings cloud his judgment. Some even went as far as asking why they should listen to an edain in the first place when their lives were as fleeting as dust on the wind. 

It was those words that again exposed the true colors of the people Glorfindel painted as white and good. The Valar said they would be tested. Was this what they meant? Where was all this vindictivness coming from? Why did these elves think they were "superior?" when they'd barely even interacted with an Edain. Had they not learned anything from what happened to the Prince? Luckily Idril had taken the initiative and taken to building an emergency tunnel in the cliffsides. More scouting parties were sent out to try and ascertain when Morgoth's forces would strike. However, a few years later one such team led by Saglant of the House of the Harp was captured by a pac of orcs and subsequently taken to Angband. He had held out for a few months before he finally broke and gave the information before being killed. 

No one would know of this until the day the city was besieged and the spawn of Morgoth had come. The enemy did not hold anything back and attacked with an army of orcs, dragons, and Balrogs. The head of the charge being Gothmog the Lord of all Balrogs. He saw his friend charge at the best and lead him to the fountains he once precided over. That was the last time he would see Ecthelion alive in his once loved city. 

He had begged Turgon to come with them to Idril's tunnel but he refused and stayed to fight one last stand in the tower of the King. He knew it was suicide and that he wouldn't make it but all his king told him "My time is up Glorfindel. I am not long for this world anyway. My grandson and daughter were all that kept me going this long. This time make sure you protect my remaining family or I'll truly uphold the promise I made that day." 

He could only kneel and aquiese to his King's wish seeing as he'd failed him so badly already. That would be the last he'd see Turgon alive in the city of Gondolin as he fled the city with Idril, Tuor, and her son across the bridge through the tunnel that led out of the city. However, it seemed fate was not done with him and he was indeed destined to share the fate of his friend Ecthelion as another of the horrendous Balrogs decided to attack the survivors while fleeing. Glorfndel had made his decision, he promised Turgon and he wasn't going to break it this time. He didn't care anymore about his own well being, he just wanted to end all this death and somehow make amends for all the harm he'd unwittingly caused. He grabbed his sword and told all the survivors to flee while he held the beast off. He didn't know how he lasted so long, how he pushed the beast of the bridge, or how the horrendous creature managed to grab his hair but he knew his end had come.

As he fell into the abyss he couldn't help but think of Irisse's child and wonder if he'd be seeing him soon. Maybe he could finally apologize whether the child forgave him or not.

These were the final thoughts of the Lord of the House of the Golden Flower as he fell along with the beast he had felled. 

His arrival in the Halls of Mandos was NOT what he was expecting. He was expecting a peaceful rest or a maia to tell him that it would be sometime before he returned to life. But no, that's not what happened at all. He had arrived in the halls the same manner he had died. His spirit had fell right through the ceiling and shot into the halls like a comet. If he had a nose it would have surely broken with how hard he slammed into the floor. His only audience to this event being an unimpressed looking maia that quirked a brow at his entrance and muttered something about "Noldor and their theatrics." Before he could even respond to that he suddenly heard a familiar voice say "Looks like you decided to take one with you too." When he turned he saw the voice had indeed come from his friend Ecthelion who was also a see through spirit yet somehow was able to look like a drowned rat. 

"I'm going to guess you drowned that hideous Gothmog along with yourself" said Glorfindel in a tone that said "Ah so that's what happened."

"Indeed and it seems you managed to take a lackey down with you after a failed attempt at flying. Wait why does your hair look cinged....don't tell me" said Ecthelion as he quirked his ghostly brow in realization. However, before Glorfindel could reply he heard another familiar voice say in outright sarcasm

"You know when I asked you to defend my family I didn't think you'd get killed within a few hours of me saying it. I'm starting to honestly question your qualifications a bit given how rediculous you look." 

They both turned and indeed saw the former King of Gondolin sitting behind them looking like a mess. His hair was disheveled and he his ghostly form was covered in stone dust, probably from the tower collapsing.

It was then that several of the Gondolindrum started to fill the halls they were in and several looked like they'd been burned by something, probably a balrog.Though again before Glorfindel could attempt a reply a deep voice suddenly rebounded throughout the whole hall and Glorfindel indeed knew that voice. 

"I see you all have made it to my halls and failed to follow Ulmo's warning. However, the doom is over now so let this time be one where you can...." 

However, before the Lord of Mandos could finish speaking he was interrupted by a sudden commotion coming from behind a large door that led to the section of the halls they were in. 

The noise was getting louder and seemed to be heading towards them and Glorfindel could have sworn he heard the Lord of Mandos actually groan under his breath when the doors slammed open with the force of a tsunami.

And standing there would be another thing that would haunt him till the world's end.

At first glance it looked like a being of madness that radiated utter wrath. But when he finally looked closer he saw a white ghostly figure that looked female holding a......was that a javelin made of needles??? Wait!!

Oh Eru...

He knew who that was.....

.....and knew he was probably about to die a second time if that were possible.

If a spirit could tremble he probably already was as Ecthelion and Turgon seemed to have come to the same conclusion and started trembling too as three more figures joined behind the first, none of them looking happy and quite honestly downright murderous. Glorfindel instantly recognized the remaining three as Fingolfin, Feanor, and....uh oh...Maeglin's father Eöl!!! Why were those four together???!! But again before he could think the TERRIFYING wraith that was his former friend charged at him with the speed of  a lightning bolt and SCREAMED 

"BASTARD!!!!!!!!"

He tried to run, float, flee, or something!!! But he didn't get far as she bypassed Lord Namo in a blink and jabbed the "javelin" into his ghostly shoulder with the ferocity of a Grizzly bear. He definetly felt some sort of pain from that as the Lord of Mandos immediately tried to pry her off him but she wasn't going down without a fight. It was obvious she was out for blood!!!!

"YOU BASTARD!!!! HOW DARE YOU TOUCH MY BABY BOY!!!!" 

In the few seconds she had him pinned he saw Ecthelion get punched HARD by Fingolfin as he screamed in utter rage. 

"You Bastard!!! How dare you put your hands on my GRANDSON!!!!"

Soon it was Turgon's turn as the "dark elf" that was Maeglin's sire launched himself at his former King with the speed of a cobra. Turgon was pinned to the ground being throttled as Maeglin's father yelled in a voice of utter fury Glorfindel was momentarily surprised to hear

"YOU THRICE CURSED GOLODH SCUM!!! HOW DARE YOU AND YOUR CURSED PEACOCKS HARM MY SON LIKE THAT!!!!" 

His observations were soon interrupted when a horde of what were obviously Lord Namo"s maia rushed to restrain them and as they did he heard the Lord of Mandos boom.

"ENOUGH! Cease this rediculous fighting immed...AGHH!!"

What Glorfindel saw in that moment would forever mark Irisse as Fingolfin's proud descendant.

She had just bitten the Lord of Mandos's hand as she growled like a rapid dog while being pryed off him. 

Let it never be said that Aredhel Ar-Feiniel would not fight a Vala to defend her child. 

He could have sworn he heard Lord Namo almost curse but that couldn't have been right. He managed to pull her off him, remove the "javelin," and throw it across the room when she let out one final screech while being dragged away. 

"MARK MY WORDS LAUREFINDELE!

"IF YOU EVER GO NEAR MY SON AGAIN."

"I'LL SKIN YOU LIKE A PIG!!"

She didn't look sane at all when she said that.

No, he knew she meant it!

That was his last coherent thought before he lost consciousness from what was presumably the pain of the attack. However, before darkness fully claimed him he thought he saw Feanor turn into a ghostly balrog and chase the remaining Gondolindrum with the abandoned "javelin" before he finally passed out. 

By the time he woke up or became aware since he wasn't sure what spirits did. He was surrounded by grey halls and elaborately colored tapestries. 

"Good, I see you you are alright. I was becoming concerned that Ar-Feiniel may have damaged your wits" said a calm melodious voice. 

Glorfindel turned and saw that it was the Lady Vairë standing before him. She wore layers of silvers and her whitish gold hair was an illumination among the halls. He quickly bowed or tried to when he suddenly groaned from a phantom ache in his shoulder.

"No need for formalities Laurefindele. This certainly is no place for them. Though I'm sure you may be wondering why I've brought you here. I will confess it is in a way claiming responsibility. I didn't expect the child's mother to react so 'vigorously' when my law-sister told her you were here. I certainly didn't forsee her biting my husband. Honestly, it's like Nolofinwe's line is forever destined to cause some sort of harm to an Ainur. Though I suppose that keeps us humble" she said in a tone that exumed grace but really sounded like "I knew what she was gonna do but I didn't think my poor husband would get caught in the crossfire."

"Regardless, please come with me. There is something I must show both you and your king" she said in a tone that offered a choice as she started walking down a nearby corridor. He chose to follow and as they slowly walked down the hall she started explaining. 

"Please understand Laurefindele that I know you are no malicious soul. Wrong you have wrought upon an innocent but wrong we also have done by our own carelessness in trying to fulfill the One's wishes. The Doom should have never been cast and we never would have laid it in the first place had we gleaned any idea of what harm it could truly do. The guilt you feel is one we share with you and hope to try and make it right. I should not be telling you this, but know that even now as we speak our forces are rallying to make sail for Beleriand and end this travesty once and for all. This is our immediate recompense. The rest shall come later" said the Weaver in a tone that hinted remorse and sadness at a memory. 

"My Lady I know not what to say for this mercy..." he said in a shaky tone and the knowledge the darkness would finally be vanquished. 

"Not mercy Laurefindele, an apology. Contrary to what you were taught. The Ainur are not in fact infallible. I am not infallible and am very much capable of making mistakes. Our duty was to protect the children and we nearly failed in that.......almost irriversably so" said the Weaver as though she were on the brink of tears. 

"However, while we acknowledge our faults the elves of Gondolin still fail to see theirs. It is true we have played a part but this willful ignorance can go on no longer if we are to prevent past mistakes from repeating and pave the way for a brighter future" said the Lady Vairë in a tone that showed absolute resolve. 

"What do you mean my Lady" said Glorfindel in confusion.

"I believe it easier if I show you. You have learned much on your own but you still do not have all the pieces" said the Weaver in an air that radiated mystery. 

She said no more as they arrived in a smaller section of the halls that showed a limited number of tapestries. And there standing at one of the tapestries was in fact Turgon and Ecthelion. 

"Glorfindel? You're here too?" said Ecthelion as he saw them approach. 

"I'm surprised to see you here. I thought it would be just us. My Lady what is it you want to show us?" said Turgon in a tone that radiated nervousness. 

She looked at them and said nothing before a moment. Before she looked up at the tapestry in what seemed like sadness and finally said. 

"Maeglin Lómion's life, and what drove him to the unthinkable."

They all froze and if spirits could. He knew he saw Turgon start to cry. He looked like he wanted to beg her not to but he instead said nothing. They were standing in front of a tapestry now that told the story of a day Glorfindel was all too familiar with. 

"Come I believe you're all familiar with this event. The day your sister passed to my husband's halls along with her husband. However, what you all did not know is that it was also the day a young child was scarred for life and I do not mean for just the losses that happened" she said in the tone of one who knew many things. 

"What do you mean my lady? I do not understand what you're trying to tell me" said his King in a voice that was on the precipice of breaking. 

"Turukano, the day you sought 'Justice' was the day you drove that child away from you. You irrevocably drove him away from seeking your aid in anything" she said as though she knew she could not be wrong. 

"But why?! I've never harmed Maeglin. I was bringing justice to his mother's killer. How would that drive him away from me?" said Turgon in a tone that truly brokered angry confusion. 

Though to Glorfindel a theory was starting to form in his mind, and not a good one. Vairë just stared at Turgon for what felt like an eternity before she sighed and answered. 

"Turukano you killed the child's father right in front of him. You threatened to kill him as well upon your first meeting should he choose to leave the city. What message could a child of only 85 at the time glean from such actions? Then to be called harboring darkness by your own daughter following such an event? Do you truly think he would have no fear that he would be next should he have angered you. He was scared of you and endlessly so. His worst fear that should he misstep in any way he would be the next thrown from those mountains with nought a soul to weep for him" said the Lady Vairë in a tone that sounded like she was almost waiting to say this to their faces. Like it was something so obvious that they should've known themselves. 

Glorfindel felt cold, an ice biting cold when told this to his face. It didn't seem Turgon or Ecthelion were taking it well either. 

"No...that No...I would never...I would never hurt him. I WOULD NEVER HAVE HURT HIM!!! He...he should know that...why would I hurt him??? And what do you mean darkness?? When did Itarillë ever say such a thing????"said Turgon in a tone that radiated desperation for this all to be false. 

The Lady Vairë then moved and walked to another tapestry. They all followed and indeed right there was a tapestry that depicted Itarillë speaking such things with harsh eyes to the people. Maeglin hiding in a lonely corner with tears streaming down his face. 

"I loved him!! I still love him!! He's my blood. Had I known I would have protected him. Please....please tell me he knows that" he said with desperation. The frown on her face did not help.

"Did you ever tell him that Turukano? What help would you have given him that may have been against his will should he be too scared to tell you the truth? Would you have defended him regardless of any perceived situation? Would you have trusted him?" said Lady Vairë in a tone that almost sounded cold but reasonable, as though she already knew the answer. 

"I....I what are you saying? He's just a child. I would have defended him against any traitorous rats" said Turgon with absolute certainty. 

What she said next made them feel so cold.

"....and what if he was the one everyone called a traitor. What if he were the one that caused your city's fall through no fault but the torment caused by his captors. Would you have then called him traitor and deemed him evil for something out of his control. Even if he were in truth a child crying out for help" she said in a voice that showed she knew something they didn't. As though she were testing them. 

They were too shocked, that was too specific. Why was she bringing that up? She was surely testing them. 

And it seemed in some part they failed her test. For now her beautiful face had a deepened frown but still did not exume true anger, more so disappointment. She sighed again. 

"Your silence is not the worst answer I was expecting. Still disappointing but certainly far better than what I've seen from the other Gondolindrum. I see there is still much work to do" she said in a way that sounded like she was dealing with stubborn children. 

But before either of them could say anything they suddenly heard what sounded like yelling and looked to see the Lady Vairë suddenly sporting what seemed like the tired face that one would have when they foresaw more work. 

"Oh dear it seems they've finally managed to make my law sister angry. Indeed an achievement most unheard of" said the Weaver in a voice that sounded like she wasn't that surprised by it. 

But to the three ghostly elves they couldn't help but think. What? Angry? Law sister? But the only one in the halls that could be is.. When they looked to the Weaver she turned and silently nodded her approval for them to see what was going on. They swiftly followed for where they thought the noise was coming from with the Lady Vairë following not far behind.

"How could you say things like this? Where has the mercy and empathy of the eldar gone?! We did not teach you to be unsympathetic towards the suffering of others?! There are those in pain right before and yet you spurn them rather than aid them! Has the good of the eldar all but vanished?!" said a voice that turned out to have come from none other than the gray visage of the Lady of Mercy as she spoke to what seemed like a handful of dead elves from Gondolin.

"My Lady that wretch Saglant is naught but a traitor that threw his lot in with Morgoth! He's no different than that dark elf that tarnished our home!" said one of the elves in frustrated anger. 

"He was tortured and in pain you foolish child! That is not a traitor but a soul that needs help. How can you not see that?! Have you learned nothing from the loss of another innocent who was naught but a victim of your ill aimed anger!" said the Lady Nienna who had angry tears running down her face and showed through her gray veil. 

"My Lady we would have been better off if that 'prince' never showed up in our home at all. Ever since him and his cursed ilk showed up it all went to the pits. Why should we pity him or that traitor when they are naught but 'marred' wretches. Especially that traitorous Saglant! He deserves to be punished!!" said one of the elves in a blind and uncontrolled rage as he forgot who he was speaking to. 

Everything went still and in a moment akin to a blink the Lady of Mercy exumed an aura so fierce it froze all before her. He could tell even the Lady Vairë's eyes seemed to widen at what she was seeing. 

"Punishment? You dare speak to me of punishment? When my brother is the Judge as deigned by the Allfather himself. You speak such drivel when he himself has deemed the elf you speak so carelessly of innocent. Mark me foolish child who is yet to see the truth. Maeglin Lomion is an innocent that suffered unjustly as a result of your ill aimed malice and Saglant will NOT be your next victim. Until such time he ever does a commit an actual crime you will not come near or harm him hither for you learn or relearn the empathy you have so clearly lost" the Lady Nienna said in a tone that was filled with an ice colder than the Helcaraxe and indeed promised what she said. 

The elves before her trembled as they had finally come to realize who they angered. The three ghostly elves joined them in their trembling as they suddenly turned to the Lady Vairë who was now sporting a grin that promised nothing but trouble for them. But before he could think further.

"Well then shall we get started?" she said with such a smile on her face that made Glorifndel and all of his repertoire want to run away in terror. 

Unbeknownst to all a small soul had heard the commotion and was quickly floating the opposite direction while followed by a concerned maia.

Following his less than ideal introduction to the Halls of Mandos his years following had indeed for the most part been peaceful. If you count being grateful for not getting spiritually stabbed again peaceful. He didn't see much of either Ecthelion or Turgon as Lady Vairë and Lord Namo had taken to separating them for their own piece of mind. They explained that it was also for the purpose of teaching them their own individual lessons. Between the two he saw more of Ecthelion since it would seem their issues were quite similar. After seeing the wrath of the Lady of Mercy he had opted to staying away from her for now. An angry Vala was one thing but an angry Valier that was supposed to be the manifestation of pity was another matter entirely. The Lord of Mandos had said that their judgment would not come until later as there were many factors to consider. However, Turgon was judged to remain in the halls for at least an age. Mostly on account of how much healing his soul needed and addressing the willful ignorance that led to Gondolins last years of utter chaos and misery. 

In hindsight he got off quite easy as compared to the rest of the Gondolindrum who he could now see were absolutely overflowing with aimless vindictive hate and bitterness. The once kind people he thought he knew were in fact individuals that sought to blame anyone for their perceived misfortunes. He never once thought his upbringing of clear good and bad could cause such ignorance in his people. At one point he wondered how he didn't even count himself as a kinslayer when the very act of killing an elf was indeed a kinslayer regardless of reason, unless it be in pure self defense. A fact Lady Vairë had thrown right in his face, as he deserved. Now that he was here he really started to realize how much of a fool he truly was. He never explored Beleriand or went hunting in the endless forests he had never seen. He didn't help in the fight to protect the free people's of middle earth. He didn't understand any of the information told in the history books because he had willfully made himself ignorant to it. He had never met the elves of Ossiriand and had instead shamefully looked down on them for not heeding the call of the Valar. Ironic considering they were the largest group to survive the "War of Wrath" that Lady Vairë had told him off through her tapestries. Nevermind the group that made up the largest population on the East side of middle earth now. What did all their pious beliefs and preaching get them? Nothing! That's what. They thought they were better and got shot down with the greatest reality check thought possible. 

He was so full of shame he wanted to punch himself but knew it would be fruitless. At some point he even wanted to apologize to the Feanorians for his ignorance of their work against the forces of evil. He couldn't believe it when he heard the elderking had actually apologized to Feanor for all the harm his demented brother had caused. It was even more of a shock when the Lady Nienna had come to him and told him that Eönwë had actually been temporarily removed from Manwë's service due to his foolish comments almost causing Maedhors Feanorian to throw himself into a fiery chasm in sheer grief. Apparently Lord Namo had found out and luckily was able to stop him before he could do it. The very thought that there was almost a repeat of what happened to Maeglin apparently sent the Lord of Mandos into a rage so intense it not only shook the whole of Beleriand and sped up it's drowning but also almost tore the ignorant maia asunder for daring to ignore his previous warnings on approaching the Feanorians carefully. 

"He's getting a lesson in filtering his words. He angered my brother quite badly. Eönwë has his heart in the right place but a blind sense of Justice that doesn't view the full picture can cause more harm than good when not checked. Manwë of course capitulated given he's already on thin ice with my brother. I know you may find it harsh that Irmo sent you those dreams but you needed to see what you couldn't through just the tapestries. The same can be said for your princess for her willful ignorance would have only harmed her in the future" said the Lady of Mercy after he inquired about seeing the former herald in the halls. 

It didn't take a genius to notice he stayed far away from the Lord of the halls following that revelation. He did at one point ask what happened to his distant cousins but the Lady Nienna only cocked her dark brow at him and told him Maedhros had to infact be removed from his hroa due to how unstable his soul was from all the trauma. The same was done to Maglor for the poor soul was completely soaked in grief. Though it seems hearing news of how his children were doing helped. He did also ask if it were at all possible to see them. She had a blank face when he said that and upon inquiring as to the reasoning, he told her the truth and it seemed her eyes raised ever so slightly when he did. Unfortunately, it was not to be yet as it seemed both sons were receiving personal healing from the Lord of the Halls and of Dreams themselves. 

He didn't dare ask about Lómion for he was in no mood to test the patience of the Feanturi. So he waited and listened when they would come and teach him of his faults. He would see the tapestries illustrating his achievements and his faults. He didn't fight with acknowledging them as he knew they were true but he just had no idea how to fix them. He had missed so much and all because of his own bad choices. He was given some comfort when the Lady Vairë said he was actually doing far better than his fellow Gondolindrum who mostly still scorned Saglant for their fate. He was frightened when the Lady Vairë proceeded to tell him that it seemed her law sister had taken to slamming such elves with all of Saglant's pain from torture. Apparently such measures being the last resort to instill a sense of empathy in them that they wholly refused to accept. Obviously they did capitulate after the "treatment" as she so eloquently called it. He couldn't help but be disgusted that it took such a thing to feel empathy for a poor soul. Even if he tried to apologize to said elf it seemed the task would indeed be impossible as Saglant had taken to residing in Lady Nienna's halls for the foreseeable future.

So he wandered and he waited. On some occasions Ecthelion would tell him how he felt foolish for thinking himself so honorable when enough passing elves called him a decorated peacock. Many avari elves that had died in the war scoffed at them for thinking themselves great when they hardly saw battle. They did not scorn themselves for seeking safety but rather for scorning those that were different from them or brought clarity to their "reality." Ecthelion shared his regret of not seeing more of middle earth. They both deeply regretted not being able to fight in the War of Wrath or that their desertion to Gondolin essentially ostracized them from all their former friends and family. Glorfindel knew his parents would still love him but they would most certainly be disappointed in him. He knew his friendship with his Uncle Fingolfin was dead as an orc after what he'd done to his grandson. In hindsight when he actually stopped to think about it. Fingolfin would have probably never challenged Morgoth at all had he known of Maeglin's existence. Another oversight he failed to realize until it was slapped in his face upon dying. Why was he only just realizing all this now? Why did it take this to clarify the fog he had purposely placed on his mind? What did you even call something like this? 

Though he did not know it at the time, the answer would soon come during his time of judgment. 

His judgment had come when he least expected it. It was a surprise to learn spirits indeed needed to rest and that there was I'm fact a group resting area for all the weary souls. Him and Ecthelion were actually taking a routine rest in the their ghostly forms when they were awakened to the site of the Doomsman's amber eyes staring right at them. Needless to say they might have panicked and woken all the other souls that were resting that day. Lord Namo certainly didn't seem impressed with their theatrics as he led them to a quieter part of the halls. Said quieter part was actually the Lord of the Halls very throne room that was used to pass judgment on the dead. A room neither of them had actually seen but had heard tell of from the various deceased souls. It was certainly different and more plain than the many throne rooms Glorfindel had seen. Across the walls and floor was a gray hue that seemed to cast a fog on the mind and heart. Several columns of pure obsidian decorated the walkway as they rose in intricate patterns and were so reflective they almost looked like a mirror. In the center was the Lord of the Halls throne but in comparison to past thrones it looked like a simple black marble chair that was hardly used. Lord Namo walked towards his throne but did not sit on it. Instead he leaned against the wall next to it while his blank face was graced with what looked like tired frustration. Neither of them spoke when the doomsman let out a sigh. 

"Many years have passed since you both came to my halls and for many years I have yet to pass judgment. I know you are both noble souls that seek to do what's right. I am aware you would sacrifice yourselves to protect the innocent. However, your view of what is deemed 'innocent' still seems to be slightly skewed. I know your hearts hold no true maliciousness but the lessons you need to learn cannot be taught here. I have taken your sacrifices into account and now leave your judgment as a choice" said the doomsman in an impassive but almost soft tone. 

They both had a bad feeling about this and held their breath as they waited for Lord Namo to continue. 

"You both regret not seeing more of middle earth. You regret the tragedy that came as a result of your actions. You wish to learn more of why such a thing happened. You wish to protect those you deem you abandoned. So here is my judgment. I give you both the choice to be re-embodied and return to middle earth as the seneschals of Elrond Peredhel. The other choice is to remain here in the halls until you deem yourselves healed and be re-embodied to live your lives again in Valinor. This is your judgment and your choice. However, before you make a decision I find it prudent you know that Elrond Peredhel is the great grandson of your former Lord Turgon and will be the catalyst to unprecedented positive changes in the music. I do not send you to just protect his house but also to learn from him. He is the best parts of both the eldar and the edain. He has an open heart and will be a good teacher to you both" said the Doomsman with what almost seemed like a proud smile on his face. The mention of this elf seeming to garner respect from one who must be neutral to all. 

He froze for a moment upon hearing this information. This elf was Turgon's great grandson and was Peredhel. A half elf that had been left to the cruelties of middle earth for several centuries now. Lord Namo said they could protect him but also learn from him? This seemed strange to him but also a chance at redemption for the folly their ignorance caused. 

It was in that moment he suddenly saw it. 

He was no longer looking at the Doomsman but rather he saw Maeglin. 

He saw him laying in the coffin. He was back to the funeral. He was back to the proof of his greatest mistake. A mistake he couldn't take back and was too afraid to try. He was shaking and fell to his knees. It's like his mind couldn't process that the boy could be re-embodied. He couldn't process that one day he may have a chance to apologize. But what apology could even begin to atone for all the pain he put that child through? What amount of sincerity could ease the ache that the child's heart no doubt felt? What trust could be rekindled after he had so spectacularly shattered it? How could he protect someone when he didn't even have the courage to ask about the fate of an innocent he harmed all for the sake of his own self satisfying "righteousness?" For Eru's sake he was the hand that pushed him off the cliff of his failing hope. He ruined Maeglin's relationship with Idril and destroyed the last hope he was hanging on to. He called her his light and loved her like a sister but that love was no doubt as dead as he was now. What could he do? Did the boy even want an apology? Did he even have a right to apologize? Would silence be better? Would him showing his face only destroy whatever healing he had done here in the Halls? WAS HE EVEN IN THE HALLS?

He had no right. 

He had no right. 

He had no right

If he still had a heart it would have been aching at the pain of this realization. He was suddenly pulled from his tirade when someone strongly shook him. He looked up to see the worried amber eyes of the Doomsman calling out his name. 

"Laurefindele! Regain your senses and release yourself from this guilt! You are not the only one accountable for past errors. However, what you do going forward will determine how the next page ends" said the doomsman in a voice that radiated authority as he held his ghostly shoulders. 

But before he could speak Ecthelion decided to do it for him. 

"....My Lord if we were returned, what could we do? How would we even protect our charge?" said Ecthelion in a trembling voice that was scared of their unknown future. 

"Should you choose to return to middle earth, you would be granted stronger gifts than what you already possess. We would augment you with the strength to call upon songs of power and chase away the darkness should it hither to you or your charge. You would also receive training on using your new gifts before returning to middle earth. We are not cruel young elf. Of course you would be allowed to meet those who have been waiting for you. Rest you will be granted and time with loved ones as well. Also, once it comes time to leave you will not be alone. We are sending an envoy of Maiar to middle earth to serve as aid to the danger we have foreseen looming on the horizon" said the Doomsman in a foreboding tone that implicated the severity of what they would be getting into. 

"You need not make a decision right now. I will leave you some time to think as I see you are both still in need of some healing and rest" said the Doomsman in what almost sounded like pity and understanding.

How surprising to see such a thing. I always thought he was cold. 

That was how that conversation ended as they were led to an empty resting. No time was wasted as they both swiftly passed out from sheer exhaustion. No doubt caused from the overwhelming emotional storm they were faced with. If he were being honest it really wasn't a decision that required much thought. In hindsight, he bad already made his decision as soon as he was given the offer. The very idea of being re-embodied and staying in Valinor felt so wrong it could have made his skin crawl. How could he possibly act like nothing happened after the nightmare he just endured? There's no way he could live like nothing happened without doing anything to try and fix his mistakes. He may have proved himself a coward but he wasn't horrid enough to not admit his mistakes. Though he wasn't exactly thrilled at the idea of traveling back to middle earth with Maiar. They were an odd bunch and could sometimes prove quite cold when probed for specific answers. He thought that especially true for Aulë's maiar as none of them had ever been seen smiling. Of course such an assessment wasn't universally correct as the maiar here in Mandos seemed to have an....odd sense of humor. That same maia that commented on his entrance, was infact the same one assigned to managing his care. That maia was quite sarcastic and made it their mission to be blunt to his face. This particular maia did not mince words in the least or even know what subtlety entailed. Who was he kidding, they probably didn't even care. But in a way he did appreciate their bluntness and straightforward guidance on ways to improve himself. Eru knows he certainly needed a hard slap of reality to the face after spending several centuries in willful isolation. 

This went on for a while as he slowly started weighing the pros and cons of what his decision would bring. Though in truth he already knew Ecthelion would choose to go to middle earth. Partners in crime they were but also partners in thought. It was so obvious from how Ecthelion always asked to see the tapestries again and again. He did not say it but he knew Ecthelion always stared at the tapestries depicting Maelgin's life. Though the one detailing his....final day was never found. No one dared ask either for fear of what the reasoning would do to his sanity. He truly was a coward, regardless if he killed a balrog. Though to be fair it shouldn't really count as a kill considering he died with the horrible abomination. A spectacular kill indeed.

It was at the end of his mental tirade when the maia assigned to him decided to make an appearance. Possibly centuries he's been stuck with this maia and only just a few months ago, he thinks it was a few months ago, did he learn the maia's name. Iomóno he was called and a fitting name it is given his...unique looks. His face was one that exhibited peace but his voice was one that relegated his charges with endless sarcasm. His eyes were an unnatural violet and his hair was raven black. A fitting look for one working in Mandos for certain. 

"I see you're still moping about" said the maia with a quirk of his brow. 

"I am not moping. Are you here to throw my mistakes in my face again. If you are then please spare yourself the effort for I have done it for you" he said in a way that really meant "go away you hack."

Iomóno just stared at him, which was odd given he's never been the quiet type.

"Constantly guilting yourself isn't going to help. Don't misunderstand I'll take your moping over the constant excuses I've heard from others any day. I'd rather listen to you wine than be tempted to make the ears of my fana disappear when being forced to listen to the constant excuses some elves and men come up with. Truly, their imagination never ceases to amaze me. Particularly that one mortal. What was his name? Ah yes, Turin I believe. Tragic was his life and I do wish it had not ended so. However, a caterpillar would have made better decisions than him. He didn't like it when I called him a thoughtless fool that jumped into battles without thinking. And don't even get me started on the Doriathrim. I can't tell which of you is worse honestly. I almost wanted to slap that boy king Dior when he raised his voice at my Lord. What a true fool honestly. Yes, if you keep a stolen a gem that is associated with a terrible oath then there is no question disaster will come to your home. The fact that fool prioritized that rock over his children's safety would make me want to heave if I were capable of it. So yes, Laurefindele I'll take you over that lot. At least you have the decency to regret your actions" said Iomóno with more visible emotion than he's ever seen from a maia. 

He was speechless at this confession and didn't know if he should be flattered or insulted. 

"What is it exactly you're trying to tell me? You've never been one to be cryptic" he said in skepticism. 

"Fine I'll be blunt. You want to go to middle earth, so go already. Stop making excuses for yourself. We both know you won't survive a day among the Vanyar as they are now. I can't survive the Vanyar as they are right now. They annoy me to no end and I actually did make my ears disappear when one of them started blabbering on about how Eönwë's punishment was unfair" said the maia but then they both froze when an apparent shiver ran down their beings at the idea of Lord Namo being angry. 

"So the point is, go do something versus staying here moping. It's a choice my Lord does not offer often. Ecthelion has already chosen to go. So will you be left behind? There is not much time left to make a decision and I truly hope you make the right one" said Iomóno in the closest thing to concern he could possibly convey before turning and leaving. 

The right choice...well it seems he already knew his choice. He just hoped it would be the right one. Seems it was time to go look for Lord Namo. 

What he did not know though was that his decision would turn the tide of the war against Sauron and alter the fate of middle earth as we know it. 

If there was one word that could be used to describe Elrond Peredhel it would be unceremoniously brusque. Alright yes that's two words but it's hardly of import. He'd been here for several millenia now and he'd been more surprised in the first few decades of his return to middle earth than he had his whole life in Valinor and Gondolin combined. There was no facet of his being that could comprehend this elf or half elf was even remotely related to Turgon. He didn't even partially look like Earendil. Yes, he knew the boy had been raised by Maglor and Maedhros after...ugh Earnedil and Elwing's flight but this was unprecedented. For Eru's sake Elrond had called him another pretty gold boy the first day they met. He didn't know if this was a result of Elwing's abandonment or the combination of elf and edain blood making him more curt. Which didn't made sense considering Tuor and Earendil were both quite gentle. One thing was for sure though. Elrond did not tolerate nonsense in any sense of the word. Valar save Turgon because this elf was not going to get along with anyone from Gondolin. 

Upon his arrival with the other maiar, him and Echthelion had been met with nothing but praises and cheers from those who had heard of the "Balrog slayers."

It made him sick to his stomach. 

Everyone cheered for him when he had been the catalyst of disaster for the lives of many elves. He didn't want to be praised, he wanted to atone. He was surprised to see Celebrimbor and Gil-galad again. Though they were not very happy to see him or Echtelion quite honestly. Mostly on account of the fact the city had ignored several crucial battles that would have regulated the amount of deaths had they intervened. Celebrimbor was more friendly then Erenion but that was where it ended. Apparently he had heard some tell of what happened to his distant cousin and was apparently being weary. Middle earth was so much different than what he was expecting. There was such a diverse array of opinions and cultures that he had such a hard time keeping up. Elrond was not impressed at how lacking his information on the geography and historical knowledge of Beleriand actually was. It was a problem both him and Ecthelion shared and one they were not proud of. However, Elrond had taken that as an invitation to give them a crash course on what they had missed and how they could help. He hardly saw Galadriel and her new husband though on account of them really doing their own thing. 

Though there was one frightening altercation that may have encouraged him to stay away from her. It was a few months into his return to Endore that Artanis had cornered him and demanded to know what happened to Aredhel's son. He couldn't even reply as he froze like a statue at the inquiry. Unfortunately, she had taken his silence for an unsatisfactory answer and proceeded to punch him in the face. It was only after the encounter that he went through the library and found that Penegelodh had apparently recorded Maeglin as "The tragic prince" that died of grief. To anyone with half a brain this description of course wouldn't make any sense. He knew Pengelodh was a fool but this! Needless to say he went to Elrond with the truth and they sought to rewrite every book with the accurate truth. It was during this endeavor that he learned many of the Sindar and Teleri elves were extremely hostile to any elves naming themselves Gondolindrum. Mostly on account of the fact that they had abandoned the fight and of rumors saying they had infact murdered their prince who was half Sindar. Definitely not a scenario he was expecting but he never liked Thranduil so he let the matter be. He was surprised though when Thranduil tried to inquire on the matter but he just told him to go read the new books. 

He was busy enough as is trying to adapt and aiding in the fight against Sauron. It was not an easy fight and the accumulated loses truly showed him what his Feanorian cousins had suffered at the hand of evil. Whether it was guilt or a sense of honor, Ecthelion had made keeping Celebrimbor safe one of his top priorities. A blessing in the sky as it turned out when the poor elf had been captured by Sauron. With all the grace of Manwë, Ecthelion had happened to be in the city when Sauron had attacked and was able to free them both from their bonds before they made it to Mordor. They were both sporting new scars from the journey but that was a fair trade to what could have happened. Needless to say Celebrimbor had sailed following the altercation as it would have been too dangerous for him to stay in middle earth given his knowledge of the rings. 

Then so began another war. Alliances were founded, lives were lost, allies turned enemies, and the cycle went on and on. They lost Gil-galad and they lost Oropher. They lost the relations with Numenor when it sank into the sea. They lost the commradery of the edain as time continued to pass. Loss and blood just seemed to repeat and in the end he felt more lost than found. He had done good but whenever a moment of peace came it felt like a darkness would slink back in to snuff out the light. For every life he saved it felt like another would be lost. For all the hardship that came it still seemed like no lessons were learned. And in the depths of his heart he felt he still couldn't understand where all the hate was coming from. Even in peace hatred and vindictiveness seemed to flourish. If it wasn't a dark lord trying to destroy the lord, it was people being angry for one thing or another. 

Once the second age passed it became so apparent that the elves had become  monumentally divided. The worst separation being with the Sindar and Silvan elves. Thranduil had become a complete isolationist ruler! The same as Turgon and it poisoned the minds of his citizens. Elves were supposed to be a race that was kind and showed mercy. But this was anything but as the elves of the once Greenwood became completely hostile to anything that wasn't an elf and even then! Thranduil had completely copied Thingol in that he treated anything that wasn't an elf as lower than him. He couldn't believe he was throwing edain and dwarves in prisons? Since when did elves have prisons?! All because the path they were supposed to be safe guarding had become a death trap! Why did everyone keep repeating the same mistakes over and over again!? He didn't even listen to any of the other elven races. Not even Cirdan, as every emissary with a message had been completely ignored aside from the one asking to meet for deciding the rings fate. 

While he lounged in Gondolin, the whole first age became the catalyst for the worst division in their whole races history. The only exception being the Homely House of Imladris which welcomed everyone with an open heart and mind so as long as they bore no hostility. Even Lothlorien was not friendly to the edain which was harsh in his eyes given Elrond's heritage. He'll always be grateful again to Ecthelion for being able to save Celebrian from that orc attack. Though his poor friend had been incapacitated for nearly a year as a result. While the rescue had saved his heart from more grief, he still felt lost. He was here and he had fought but he still could not understand where all this hate and vindictivness had come from or what to properly call it. The same animosity he had seen in Gondolin was all over middle earth and it just didn't seem to have an end in sight. The animosity from the dwarves had certainly come as a surprise. Though his surprise was further aggravated when Elrond took the liberty of explaining to him that the Sindar had nearly started an all out war when the dwarves first woke in Beleriand. Apparently the elves left behind from the great journey had taken to killing them on sight without so much as confirming what they were. These many millenia had not alleviated such grudges. He was beyond furious when he heard Thranduil had not given so much as food or medicine to the dwarves of Erebor that had lost their home. He may be a hypocrite for thinking this but if the issue is with the royalty, don't take it out on the civilians. Why? Just why was everyone spreading this endless hate and not trying to change? The whole reason he's here is to try and change but nothing around him is. If anything it just keeps getting worse. 

His nightmares from Gondolin had also returned later into the third age. They were not as intense but still haunted him with a vengeance. The inaccurate tellings in the books certainly didn't help. Everytime he read a book about Gondolin it always detailed how bright and beautiful the city and its people were. But that wasn't his view of it now. It was once but no longer. His slap into the true nature of the Gondolindrum had sucked his well of the city's beauty completely dry. He couldn't even talk to Galadriel or Celeborn about it because they would more than happily stab him if he went near Lothlorien. If it wasn't for an assignment or a message relay than they didn't talk. Galadriel was still furious for Aredhel and Celeborn for the injustice done on a Doriath prince. Celeborn was certainly an elf that knew how to hold a grudge seeing as he still hated dwarves for killing Thingol. In all honesty though, if you're going to insult someone then at least have the sense to carry a weapon when you do it. 

Aye Elebereth, his nightmares were just getting worse and he needed answers.

These were his thoughts as he sat at the Gazebo overlooking the valleys cliffs. It was nighttime and they had just sent the fellowship off to carry out the quest of destroying the ring. Their fate now laid in the hands of a good natured hobbit. Hobbits were certainly an interesting race. Two ages of Arda and they seemed to be the only race left with any hint of innocence. They were weary but never hostile to travelers. They opened their homes to the Dunedain and were kind to the sick. Oh he wished he could have introduced them to some of the elves in Valinor. Their kind nature was a boon to his heart. Alas now their people had been pulled into the horrors of the world and the cruelty the other races now seemed intent to unleash on each other. The feud between the dwarves and elves certainly seemed to vex Gandalf to no end. Especially after the Battle of the Five Armies incident. Thranduil and his redicilous obsession with gems! Doriath was destroyed over gems and he decides to go to war for them?! He'll never understand why Dior or Elwing didn't give up that thrice-cursed rock. Thranduil was there during that chaos and he decides to imitate it and think it's a good idea? How stupid can you be!?

His mental tirade was interrupted when he heard footsteps approach. Purposely loud footsteps that were most certainly Elrond's. Glorfindel had taken to avoiding him lately due to his increasing stress at the knowledge his time in middle earth was coming to an end and he had to yet to learn answers to his questions. 

"It's called social stigma and xenophobia" said Elrond with a blank face and a knowing look. 

Glorfindel sharply turned from where he was looking over the valley and looked at Elrond in unguised bafflement. 

"What?" he said dumbly. 

"The answer to your questions. You wanted a name for it and here it is. What happened in Gondolin was the result of a social stigma against my uncle that escalated into xenophobia. All of you had a preconceived view of him that was so intense it escalated into violence. When a social stigma isn't treated or addressed people become incapable of seeing the reality of things. You forgot Maeglin was a practical elfling because you associated him so strongly with his father that you couldn't see anything else. The strength of a majority thinking the same thing didn't help at all. Had Maeglin been given the chance to flee to Barad Eithel or to my father in the Gap I doubt he would have suffered so. Don't even try to lie to me Glorfindel. I am aware of what part you and Ecthelion played in it. My visions used to show only you coming and a future that was very different from today's and what history now knows. You and Ecthelion coming here has not been pointless for you both saved many lives that would have ended in tragedy. However, you see for yourself that the end of such thinking can only be done through an exuberant amount of work or a severe shock. I'd prefer elves not die to learn such an obvious lesson" said Elrond as a shit eating grin decorated his face. 

"If not death than what could we have done different? What could I have done?" he said as he tried to ignore Elrond's smug look. He was finally getting answers and he would get as many as he could. 

"Honestly, you lot were so far gone in your thinking by then I doubt anything could have been done to change you. A vala that you all so worshipped told you to leave and yet you still didn't. True some of you did want to but there still were those that didn't. You were all trapped in a mental facet that couldn't have been broken unless you were forced out. My uncle's only hope would have been to either flee from the city, though I doubt that would have ended well, or to have all of you faced with an environment that completely contradicted your own. It's one thing when one person preaches an idea but it's another when numerous others support it as well. Strength in numbers I believe they call it. Notice how Thranduil or Galadriel can never really fight me in my own home. Thranduil is a complete isolationist now and has even pushed his son away because of it. Bare in mind that I have quite a few Sindar and Silvan elves moving here as of late. Legolas almost became the same way but his leaving the woodland realm completely changed him and opened up his world. The reason being that he was forced to change once his views no longer matched his environment. It was the social pressure of adapting to different views that opened up his eyes. The Feanorians and Fingon had a very close relationship with the race of men. They lived, fought, and died together even though their lives were shorter and more precious. Finrod saw them and went out of his way to give them a home, teach them, and befriend them when everyone else was just fearful of their appearance. This fact had been conveniently ignored until we regathered at the Last Alliance but Isildur taking the ring ruined it all" said Elrond as though he were giving a lesson that ended with a frustrated huff. 

"Why are you only just telling me this now?" he said in a mix of confusion and mild anger. 

"Because you big gold idiot. I thought you would have figured it out by now but you haven't. I'm no fool. I know our time here is coming to an end and I will dance naked in the streets before anyone expects me to reside among the High Elves of Valinor. I heard enough horror stories from Atto and Atya about life in Tirion and I have no intention to stay there. I didn't build all of this and honor Celebrimbor's wish for a kinder world just to see it disappear the moment I move somewhere else. Nay the Vala of Mandos saved my father's and I intend to repay it. You weren't there at the end of the war of Wrath but I was. The Valar want the world to be a better place for the returned souls and I intend to aid them. Besides it was so satisfying seeing that brainless pigeon Eönwë get knocked off his pedestal by the Lady of Mercy. Imladris will always be the home of my heart and I will mourn for it when it comes time to leave. But it's memory will live on again in Valinor. There will be a place in Valinor that welcomes all. Past reputations be damned. And who knows maybe my uncle who was wronged may one day come there as well. Only time can tell us and time we shall have indeed as the new sun has already begun to rise" said Elrond with absolute resolve and a light in his eyes as he looked past Glorfindel to the sun rising over the valley. 

Glorfindel followed his gaze as the sun began to rise. He could not help but dwell on Elrond's words. A day when he might see Maeglin again? What a strange thing to ponder now. Over 5,000 years had passed since his arrival in middle earth and now he could not help but think what changes awaited him back in Valinor. This chapter was closing and a new one was beginning. He just hoped that it would bring some light. 

Though at the time he could not have imagined that his return to Valinor would be full of unexpected surprises. 

Against all expectations the Hobbit Frodo Baggins and the Felloship had succeeded in destroying the One Ring and bringing an end to Sauron's tyrany over middle earth. It was a surprise to see the Hobbits Bilbo, Frodo, and the dwarf Gimli accompany them to Valinor but it was a welcome surprise. He certainly wasn't ready to say goodbye to this wonderful race just yet. It was also a pleasant surprise to find out that Arwen and both of Elrond's sons would be joining them in Valinor once Arwen's children had grown and the boys had finished all their obligations. It seems Elrond's words held true that the Valar were indeed trying to change things but it would seem the same could not really be said for the elves. 

As the harbor of Alqualonde appeared, Echtelion sleeping through the whole trip, in the distance it became obvious that a whole procession was waiting for them. Elrond...didn't take that very well. Apparently among the welcoming committee was infact Elrond's biological parents Earendil and Elwing. The moment Glorfindel informed Elrond, he and Erestor had given each other a deadpan look and started inching toward the boats railing. 

"I hate drama and I hate glorified processions" muttered Erestor in indignation and frustration. 

"I'm going to let you deal with this. Come find me in the mountains a two hours ride from Mandos" said Elrond as he and Erestor climbed the railing and proceeded to jump into the sea. Last he saw they were hastily swimming towards an underused dock. 

How in Arda Elrond got a map of Valinor ahead of time he would never know. 

Naturally people weren't very happy about his hasty exit and Ecthelion was less than happy being woken from his nap to the sound of people complaining. It had been 200 years since that day and it still gave him a headache. Elrond and Erestor had infact made it to the mountains bordering Mandos and had finished building a third of New Imladris within five years, which was downright unheard of. Apparently they had the help of Elrond's reacquainted cousin Celebrimbor who had taken to aiding Elrond after being sick of the cold in Formenos. In all the time he'd been in Valinor no one had thought to build a new city aside from New Gondolin and it had driven Celebrimbor nearly mad. Celebrimbor was especially eager to be closer to Mandos given that his father and all the Feanorians, including Feanor, had been recently re-embodied and were in need of familial support. In all the time he'd been away from Valinor Glorfindel and Ecthelion had become aware that nearly everyone from the first age had been re-embodied. 

Everyone.......except Maeglin. 

He knew he shouldn't ask so for the longest time he didn't. It'd been 200 years since their arrival and in that time he'd discovered that all the Gondolindrum were banished from Tirion for too many reasons to even count. Ecthelion and himself were the only exception given they had returned to aid middle earth. Regardless he really only went there to see his parents. He was especially happy to spend time with his mother Findis again. Elrond had taken to following his own promise of working in Mandos. His mind healing techniques being invaluable to the healing of stubborn or tortured souls that still resided within the halls. 

He knows he shouldn't have asked. 

He knows he shouldn't have done it but he just couldn't help it. 

It was a completely whimsical impulse that drove him to ask. 

But in a moment of a complete lapse of sense he had asked Elrond if he'd seen Maeglin or if he knew where he was?

Elrond gave him a very blank look, quirked a brow, and didn't say a word. It was a few weeks later when he met him again in New Imladris that Elrond would deign to give him an answer. 

"I did ask Lord Namo but he did not answer. I suspect he's at least in the halls somewhere. Though I didn't really care to confirm. So tell me what has you and Ecthelion asking about this now? Before you both were too scared to even read my uncle's name in a book" said Elrond as he munched on a pastry in the public kitchens of his new city. 

"I...I just...sigh I don't know. Of course a part of me wants to apologize to him but I'm terrified of what such an encounter would entail. I can't believe he's still in the halls after nearly 6,000 years? That's concerning to me Elrond. You may not have seen them much but Idril still has nightmares. Turgon is still guilt ridden and myself as well as Ecthelion are on that list" he said in a hopeless tone. 

Elrond just stared at him for a moment. It felt like an eternity had passed before he spoke again.

"It is not about what you want. Nor is it about what Idril or Turgon want. What matters is what my uncle wants. You all seem to keep conveniently forgetting that. I'm warning you now Glorfindel. Do not ever approach Maeglin if not by his leave. Any other course of action would only lead to disaster and more pain for him" said Elrond in a voice that indicated he knew something but wasn't going to divulge it. 

He heeded Elrond's advice and spoke no more of the matter. It would be another 100 years before Elrond's words proved to be more true than he could have imagined. 

It was just a regular day. 

Another 100 yrs had passed in the closest thing Glorfindel could call peace. Him and Echtehlion had taken to living in the newly restored city of New Gondolin since Tirion wasn't really an option. The air of the newly built city was certainly not the same as the old given all the denizens had been given a crash course in empathy from the Feanturi themselves. Turgon had even taken to restoring the house of the Heavenly Arch should Sagalant ever choose to return. Though in reality that didn't seem likely given he was still residing in the Halls of Nienna. His relationship with Turgon had improved to where they spoke a few sentences to each other. His former Lord had most certainly not forgiven him or Ecthelion but his rage had eased after learning how they protected Elrond's house. Idril and Tuor had just recently moved back into the city after residing on Tol Eressea for the longest time since they sailed back to Valinor during the first age. Idril had been very verbal about how her return was not as welcoming as she was expecting. She had been the first of the Gondolindrum to be banished and at the time could only really stay at the tower where Earendil resided with his wife Elwing. She didn't speak much with her grandparents anymore given how she played a part in Lómion's death. Fingolfin had been especially verbal in how disappointed he was that she never tried to tell him he had a grandson. Elenwë had especially ripped into both Turgon and Idril about their supposed treatment of their kin and supposed management of their demeanor during the whole First Age. For a time he believed Elenwë might actually ask to have their marriage bond severed but it didn't come to that given Elrond's timely intervention. He advised the couple to take a break and live separate until Elenwë was willing to be around her husband without wanting to choke him. 

Elrond apparently thought it humorous to mention how he gave the same advice to Aredhel and Eöl. 

Nobody thought that was funny. 

Even less so Turgon given he had been avoiding his sister like the plague.

He didn't dare approach her or her husband given the disaster that happened in Mandos.

Eru, everyone was shocked they were even still married! 

Idril, against all advice, did attempt it but came back crying up a storm. In reality, what excuse could she really give that would have lessened her aunt's anger. Her aunt had been there for her when she lost her mother on the ice. But when it came time to return the favor....well history says it all. Though despite the fractures between them Idril still tried to figure out what happened to Lómion. The drawing that had burned with the old city had been stuck in her mind for the last several millenia. She wanted to apologize, she wanted to make amends, she wanted to try and explain herself, but there was just no one that knew anything. She tried asking Elrond but he didn't even reply to her. In fact he flat out told her to cease her attempts immediately and wait to see if Lómion approached first. 

She didn't take heed and frankly neither did Turgon. 

His age in the Halls had made it clear that Lómion never came to him about his problems because he firmly believed Turgon hated him. The trauma from seeing his father's death completely damaged the innate bond between them. Maeglin had been surviving on fumes before his last bout of strength was completely lost. The tapestries always showed that Maeglin was always scared of Turgon killing him next if he so much as displeased him. Turgon was an utter wreck when it came time for him to accept the truth. He wanted to try and tell his nephew the truth but there was never a chance. Frankly the whole house of Finwë was up in arms about where the child was.

It had been over 6,000 yrs since Maeglin died and now everyone was getting very antsy about what this implied. Recent rumors said that Fingolfin and Aredhel had nearly broken down Mandos's doors in an attempt to demand answers. However, the excuse was always the same. 

"You cannot see him lest you risk his recovery" 

What in Arda did that mean? How severe was this? What were they not being told? 

Him and Echthelion started getting agitated too once they learned this. Though their fears would soon be proven underestimated once the reason behind such an answer came to light.

It started with whispers.

As do most rumors but this was different. 

There were rumors spreading among the city markets that said Maeglin had recently returned. 

He had been drinking wine when he heard it and immediately sputtered it out all over Ecthelion. 

Apparently the rumors said Maeglin had been seen wandering and purchasing some items in the markets located near new Imladris. People also told that he was seemingly always followed by what appeared to be one of Mandos's maia. 

He didn't need to think about it and neither did Ecthelion. 

As soon as he heard about how Eöl and a young elf were planning a visit to New Imladris from a vendor in the city. He immediately knew what it meant. They ran, they sped through the market and immediately ran for the King's tower. If they heard this information than there was no doubt Idril and Turgon did as well. As they rushed up the stairs of the tower and into the audience hall. They were met with a sight he once nought thought possible. There standing in the hall before the king and the princess were none other than Elrond and beside him the greatest smith of the Noldor Fëanor. 

"This isn't a suggestion Turukáno. You and your lot are forbidden from coming to New Imaldris" said Fëanor with full authority that promised retribution should he be disobeyed. 

"What do you know of this! I've waited forever to see him. I have to know he is well!" said Turgon in a mix of fury and desperation.

"THIS ISN'T ABOUT YOU! YOU SELFISH BRAT! Always, I warned Nolo about spoiling you..." said Fëanor in a rage befitting his famous temper though it was swiftly cooled when Elrond touched his shoulder in an attempt to calm him.

"Haru please..." said Elrond but he was interrupted when Turgon exploded. 

"Elerondo! He is not your grandfather, I am!" said Turgon in what clearly sounded like aghast envy.

Elrond merely quirked an unimpressed brow.

"I have already acknowledged you as family but I may rethink that if you continue to act like a child throwing a tantrum. What we have been trying to tell you and what you have clearly failed to hear is that Lómion cannot have come contact with anyone from Gondolin yet. He is not well haru and we have barely managed to stabilize him this much. Is your own self satisfaction worth risking his recovery? These orders do not just come from me but also from the Lord of Mandos. Lord Namo is not going to be forgiving of anyone that dares defy this edict. It is not always about you. You may regret what you've done and I'm glad for it. However, this is not the time to be spouting apologies to one who cannot even hear them. You must wait for him to call you. This is my final warning. None of you are to come near New Imladris unless you directly hear from me" said Elrond in his usual voice of peace and solid authority. Though really to those who knew him you'd know he was actually saying "stop whining and do as I say."

"Elrond may be merciful to all of you but I'm certainly not. This warning extends to Formenos as well. I truly dare any of you to come near my territory. Bear in mind Turukáno and Itarillë that if any of you come near Lómion. I'll be the first one to tell Irissë and Nolo about it" said Fëanor as he unleashed a glare so intense his silver eyes nearly glowed with venomous steel. 

They all froze at the idea of facing either of them. Though between the Fenaturi, Fingolfin, and Aredhel. It was Irissë they feared the most. Given that they had seen her bite a Vala and stab a spirit. 

The very memory sent a chill down all their spines. Even Idril didn't look well and she had not even seen what occured in Mandos's Halls. 

With their seeming threat delivered Fëanor and Elrond departed with swiftness akin to a wild fires spread. 

Though in reality they should have known such warnings would never stick when it came to Turgon's stubbornness. 

But in honest truth none could have possibly imagined the consequences of said stubbornness.

A few days after Elrond and Fëanor left Turgon and Idril had lost their patience and seemingly snuck off to New Imladris during the night. Their absence was noticed by Tuor who had an idea of what his wife was planning. Bless that edain for his quick wit as he immediately set off the alarm. Unlike his wife he had an idea of the seriousness of what Idril's actions were about to cause, even if he did not deign to go into the details. The first to hear of it was Erestor who happened to be camped right outside New Gondolin. Apparently he half expected something like this to happen and was waiting to sprint off and inform the others. Erestor was the reason Fëanor had made it to New Imladris so fast and was the reason Ñolofinwë had been immediately notified via messenger bird. He knew this was a bad idea and that it would end badly but he couldn't have dreamed it would be THIS bad. Nobody wanted them here!

They shouldn't have come. 

He knew they shouldn't have come!

He knew Turgon wouldn't listen! 

Damn him and his stubbornness!

But why in Eru Illuvatar's name did he and Echtelion deign to try and follow this fool to the city in an attempt to stop him!

They didn't even come because they wanted to!

But all his thoughts were halted when he heard a commotion coming from outside Elrond's halls. 

Without thinking they all rushed out to see what was going on.

Then he saw him.

He saw the elf they had all been looking for. 

He was not as he was 6,000 years ago, that much was certain. 

He was kneeling on the floor crying and getting seemingly weaker by the second. 

A maia holding him in a failed attempt to calm him down.

It was Maeglin and the moment the child looked up and saw himself and Ecthelion he finally understood what Mandos's warning meant. 

The child went completely white and gazed at them as though they were seeing evil incarnate.

His gaze was completely unseeing and was akin to a rabbit that had stumbled upon a vicious predator. 

Maeglin ran. 

The child was running in a blind panic and was heading for the bridge!

The maia, Elrond, Eöl, and Fëanor were calling out Maeglin's name but he did not stop as he jumped!

......

.......

.........

no...

No....

NO........

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NO YOU CAN'T DIE BECAUSE OF ME AGAIN!

Glorfindel wasn't thinking when he followed the child and jumped of the bridge as well. He couldn't die, he couldn't die again. Not because of him, Eru please no. He sent every prayer to every deity that would deign to hear him. 

Save him!!

Save him!!!!!

Someone please save him!!!!

It would seem someone would answer as he suddenly saw Maeglin and what appeared to be his grandfather be lifted out of the waters by what appeared to be a water bubble. The currents had ceased completely and were now as steady as the waters in a pond. He was still in the water as the bubble seemingly lifted Maeglin, Fingolfin, and the horse back onto the bridge.

There was only one being that could do this and that was Lord Ulmo, the Lord of Waters. 

Ulmo had saved Maeglin.

....

....

Though it would seem...Lord Ulmo didn't deign to be as gentle with him. 

Before he could think further Glorfindel was suddenly shot out of the water with the force a whale would use to blast water out of its spout. 

He screamed as he flew through the air and landed right onto the bridge where a whole crowd was tending to Maeglin. Then in what could be counted as a blink, the water from the river erupted upward and formed the shape of a giant man. 

"I heard the commotion and a sudden plea from Namo. I am glad I was not too late" said the Lord of Waters as he radiated both power and concern.

"My Lord thank you so much for your help. I do not want to imagine what would have happened without your help" said a dark haired and white eyed maia that seemed to be Maeglin's caretaker.

"Thank me not Ilmisse for I was already keeping an eye on that little one. Not just myself but all of us really. Namo had a foreboding that something like this would happen. Now, go tend to him while I have a word with these supposed instigators. Oh and do not fear for him becoming ill. I made sure the water was dried from his person" said Lord Ulmo as his voice bubbled and rippled with kindness. The maia then seemingly nodding her head and rushing off after Maeglin who was being carried by his father back inside, promptly followed by Fingolfin, Elrond, Celebrimbor,  Fëanor, and Elrond. The Lord of waters than turned his giant water head to the only ones left behind on the bridge that were Idril, Turgon, Ecthelion, and himself. Ulmo let out a giant sigh. 

"It was one thing to ignore my warning but to ignore a warning from Namo. Be prepared Turukáno for I do not think he will let you all off lightly. Honestly, was it not enough you all lost your lives in your city's fall. I was hurt enough when you ignored my warning. I was especially disappointed with both of you, Itarillë and Turukáno. I believed you both had the wisdom to take in those seeking refuge and acknowledge when it was time to let go. I could not have perceived that you'd take the city's need for secrecy as an acknowledgment to abandon your kin and even go so far as to threaten them when they sought to leave. Nothing lasts forever Turukáno. Even if we are eternal we must accept when the world brings changes down upon us. If anything being eternal means that you must endeavor to make as few enemies as possible. Why leave a trail of anger and resentment in your wake when it can be avoided. Now, don't attempt to use Elwing as some kind of excuse. Save her I did but her abandonment of her children was not rewarded. By the time she arrived her in Valinor and petitioned Manwë for aid, we were already about to embark to Beleriand. I saved her simply because I didn't want her to die, but Manwë forbid her return because it would have brought nothing but division and strife. I saved as many as I could but I cannot save elves from their own foolish decisions. No matter how much I care for you stubborn firstborns" said the Lord of Waters in a tone an angry parent would take to try and educate their children. Though his voice was coated with both disappointment and mournful regret. 

They all looked down in shame. 

"My Lord...I'm so sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen. Please, what can I do to make this right?" said Turgon as he shook from the shock of all that just happened. 

"Tis not me you must apologize to Turukáno. For care for you I still do. However, you will already have your hands full as Namo and Vairë are already tending to the little one. If you all truly want to atone than from this point you MUST respect that child's wishes and anyone else's really. I worry what seeing you all has done to his healing. I cannot save you from the wrath of the Feanturi and frankly it seems you all need a lesson in respecting the wills of others. Which as it seems is about to be swiftly taught. Don't try to fight it, it will make your situation worse" said the Lord of Waters as he swiftly turned to foam and sunk back into the river. His last words sending a chill down their spines as they suddenly heard a familiar "Ehh hem."

They slowly turned and standing there behind them was an angry smiling Nienna, a sweet smiling Vairë, and an amber eyed glaring Mandos. If their souls could have left their bodies from pure fear they would have long fled but to where was a good question. Ecthelion started shaking like a leaf and muttering "wait wait this isn't" before being interrupted by the Lord of Mandos and his wife.

"My my, it would seem our warnings have gone unheeded my heart. I'm fairly concerned of what to make of this. Perhaps we were too lenient with them?" said the Lady Vairë as a gentle smile graced her face, said smile that clearly said "Oh you're dead meat now."

"Indeed my heart, unless these elves have suddenly gone deaf. I distinctly recall asking Elrond to inform them that they were forbidden from approaching Maeglin. It would seem my council has become optional rather than a SENSIBLE ORDER THAT COULD HAVE PREVENTED A DISASTER! YOU FOOLS ALMOST ANNIHILATED ALL OUR EFFORTS TO KEEP THAT POOR CHILD STABLE! You are all very fortunate that I am busy monitoring him at the moment. Otherwise I would have dragged you all back to my halls where my sister would have her way with you! Actually, me thinks I have a better idea. Sister dear, what do you think should be done?" said the Lord of Mandos in a first time seen angry voice and a sweet tone that would have had them fainting. Never before had anyone seen such expressions from the doomsman.

"Oh I can think of a few things brother dear, but first I believe some meetings are in order. Be prepared because said confrontations will no doubt not end in your favor. Oh and by the way before I came I happened to come across Aredhel and took the liberty of informing her what you four were up to. Hmmm...last I heard I think she said something about getting here immediately and turning someone into....what was it? Oh yes, road kill she called it!" said the Lady of Mercy who right now was anything BUT merciful as a sadistic smile could be seen under her veil. They all froze and looked like they wanted to run for their lives. 

Aye Elbereth, Manwë, or Eru please help!

Of course their prayers would not be answered and the next few days would seem like the longest of their lives.