Chapter Text
Legolas watched Elladan nurse his arrow wound. Legolas had made himself comfortable by the tree furthest from the fire; and from Maglor. As Elladan wiped healing herbs over the wound, he watched Maglor silently, searching for that violence in his eyes he had seen hours before. It was a shallow wound, but Glorfindel was concerned about Legolas and it was apparent on his face.
"How are you feeling?" He asked from the fire and he felt Maglor's gaze find him.
"I am fine," Legolas promised him. "Elladan has looked at it and also assures me it is fine."
Glorfindel smirked, "You cannot blame me, Legolas. I care about you, plus, I promised your mother you would return unscathed."
Legolas smiled and Elladan re-bandaged his arm before collapsing next to him against the tree. "Tomorrow we should make it to the shore- unless I am mistaken?" Elladan asked.
"Yes, we will avoid Bree and The Shire, but we will still make it there tomorrow," Glorfindel said, sharpening his dagger.
It was Voronwë's turn to keep watch, and Legolas slept soundly, not without being plagued by nightmares of Maglor's destruction. He dreamt of Maglor murdering his father's people in Doriath, Thranduil watching on in horror. He could see, now, how Thranduil could not get the images from his mind. Legolas woke before dawn and sat with Voronwë in comfortable silence before the others woke and began breakfast. Maglor was withdrawn and sitting with his legs drawn against his chest, his eyes wide and feral.
"Come, eat," Voronwë prodded gently. Maglor shook his head, and Voronwë took an apple from his bag and cut it into triangles before offering him one. Maglor shook his head again, and Voronwë moved to sit next to him. He put his arm around his shoulders, "You must eat, Maglor."
"No," he said quietly. "I am not hungry."
Legolas watched from the tree, and put on his tunic and scabbard, and braided his hair quickly behind his head.
Voronwë pulled a leather pouch from his bag and put the apple slices in it, before putting it into Maglor's bag.
They packed and killed their dwindling embers before heading out on the road again, Maglor silently trailing, his hand on his dagger.
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The ship was large and towered elegantly from the water lapping at the shore. They were in a stone city that was long left to be taken by nature, plants growing up the walls of the havens. The sun was setting, and the Valacirca of Varda was glimmering purple through the thinning clouds. Glorfindel and Voronwë, as well as Elladan and Elrohir were on board already, and sudden terror filled Maglor's heart. Nothing waited for him in Valinor but judgement and exile. They would lock him up, use him as an example. Why had he come this far? What was he expecting to welcome him but the faces of those he had mercilessly slaughtered? He was a Feanorian, hated and loathed by all those that heard his name. Legolas put out his hand to him, and Maglor shook his head, falling back over a rock with a sharp twinge to his tail bone.
"Come, it's alright," Legolas assured.
"I'm a monster, I- they'll-" Maglor stuttered, remembering the disgust and terror in Legolas' face that day, the day he'd slaughtered a dozen men without a second thought-
"Maglor," Legolas said again, taking a step toward him. Maglor rose and dashed for the tree line, and Legolas stared at his retreating form in shock for a moment before pursuing him. Legolas whipped through the havens, knowing where Maglor was going. Maglor was remarkably fast, and Legolas could barely focus on the silk of braids he was chasing. He staggered and fell into the forest, and Legolas followed on high alert the moment he'd entered. How desperate was he not to return? What measures would he take to prevent Legolas from convincing him? "Maglor!" Legolas called. "You don't have to be afraid!" The trees sang around him, trying to give Maglor's position away for him. "What will you do? Return to the forest and remain alone until the end of Arda?"
Maglor jumped down from a tree, the cool metal of the dagger pressed to Legolas' neck. Raw anger radiated in his eyes. "You think you know everything, son of Thranduil. But what you do not know is my life, so do not pretend you know me from any stories you may have heard." Legolas eyed the dagger nervously, defensive maneuvers running through his head.
"Maglor." He said softly. "Killing me isn't going to help you. I'm your friend. I want you to be happy again. To go home and see your family."
"I have no family!" He cried, madness in his eyes, "I have none!" He threw Legolas back so he fell on his bottom, and he drew his sword defensively. Maglor's eyes widened with excitement. "The words of your father plague your mind." He laughed. "You never genuinely believed in me, grey elf. You came for the glory of it, to be a hero again. To drag me to answer to my sins!" He swung, and Legolas deflected again and again and again, Maglor slamming the dagger repeatedly into Legolas' blade with all his force. Panic fluttered in Legolas' chest, and Maglor's now blackened eyes were laced with bloodlust and rage. The light of the two trees surged from him, and his power knocked Legolas' arm down like that of a training elfling. Legolas leapt over a log and ducked before Maglor's blade, and it sang past his ear with a whistle, cutting its edge. Maglor plowed his dagger down on Legolas' sword again, forcing it from his hand and sending it clattering to the forest floor. Legolas pulled his twin blades and crossed them defensively just before Maglor's dagger wedged itself between his eyes, leaving a deep cut on his forehead.
"Maglor! Maglor please!" Legolas cried. "That's not true please, I wish nothing but the best for you, I wish for you to see Elrond again, Finarfin and Fingolfin. This is your chance Maglor, your chance for peace and forgiveness. You have family that loves you waiting there. Your naneth and your brothers, your grandfather. Don't condemn yourself again." He parried a few more incoming blows and tripped over a root, falling backwards and panting on the forest floor. Maglor paused, his eyes filled with tears and his mouth fell open. "I know you're scared, I am too, you have done awful things and I know you wish to forget they ever happened, but they did Mellon nin, they did and I'm sure they have forgiven you by now. If they have not they will in time. Let's go home, Maglor. Let's go home and forget all about this."
Maglor dropped his dagger weakly and leaned against the tree, his chest heaving and his body shaking violently. "I'm so sorry Legolas I-"
"Do not apologize," Legolas said, sheathing his sword and embracing him.
Maglor embraced him with a choked sob. "I'm a monster."
"No, you're an elf who carries his guilt with him. You made bad choices, Maglor. Bad ones. But it is over now and there are people who love you waiting for you. Lord Elrond, Maglor. He can help you, so can your brothers, your uncles. Me. Voronwë Glorfindel. We all care about you Maglor, we are family now."
"Your father-"
"My father is like you, haunted by the past. With time he will learn, as will others, to live in peace again."
Maglor's fingers curled around Legolas' tunic and he sighed shakily. "I almost killed you."
"Almost doesn't count," Legolas grinned, and Maglor's face was serious, tears falling down his cheeks.
"You did not. No one has to know."
"I know. You know. Your face, Legolas, you were so afraid. Just like-"
"Stop." Legolas commanded, his hands firmly planted on the sides of his face. Maglor diverted his eyes, and Legolas shook him gently. "Let's go. They're waiting for us." He nodded and Legolas touched the wound at his forehead, blood dripping down his finger to his wrist and to the earth. Glorfindel was standing in the clearing as they returned, alarm on his face. Legolas could see that he knew, and the cut on Legolas' face and ear gave it away. "I'm fine, just a branch," Legolas said quickly.
Glorfindel opened and closed his mouth into a hard line before nodding a judgmental nod to Maglor. "Are you ready?" Maglor nodded, wiping tears from his cheeks.
Maglor lay with Voronwë on the deck of the ship, speaking quietly in quenya for a time. Legolas and Glorfindel stood at the bow, relishing in their return home under the stars. Legolas was ready to be with his family again, and this time, he felt he genuinely made peace with his departure.
"What happened, Legolas," Glorfindel asked quietly.
"He was scared, Glor, I cornered him- that is all."
"I heard swords clanging, I wished to go to you but something told me I should not have."
"That is good, I do not know what would have happened if backup had arrived and he was outnumbered."
"I do not think he could ever be outnumbered," Glorfindel said darkly.
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Two days later they entered the harbor, and Maglor's fear was palpable. Elladan and Elrohir were all wide eyes and toothy smiles, and Legolas couldn't help but reflect their joy. "I'll take you to your father's after we get Maglor settled." The twins nodded and grabbed their bags. A sizable crowd of the usual marketgoers gawked at them, whispering amongst themselves. Some people flinched from the sight of the son of Feanor, and some walked away, disgusted.
"Legolas." He whispered, fearful.
"It's alright." He whispered in return, suddenly concerned for Maglor. They walked down the ramp to the dock, Glorfindel's arm around Maglor's shoulder. They walked past the crowd, some disgusted or angry, others fearful. The crowd followed behind them, all the way to the foot of Taniquetil. There they waited until Manwë arrived with several Maiar on either side of him, including Eonwë stood close. He was just as breathtaking as the first time Legolas saw him, and the crowd silenced at his arrival.
"Son of Feanor." He boomed. "You have come in search of peace, and in penance for your evil doings."
Maglor fell to his knees. "Yes, my lord," he cried, tears spilling down his cheeks.
"Of all of your brothers and those you led to evil, you are the sole survivor," Maglor said nothing, and Legolas' heart was pounding in his chest.
"It is believed that your penance has been paid, and with mercy we have judged you. Your heart is broken. Truly your soul seeks healing, and has begun its journey to forgiveness in the presence of your traveling companions." Maglor nodded, tears once again finding him. "You may walk freely with those that love you." He looked up at Manwë with sadness in his eyes. Just then a tall, red-haired figure emerged from behind Manwë, clothed in emerald robes. His hair was long past his shoulders in thick copper locks and waved splendidly unbraided in the ocean breeze. He had yet one hand still- but was captivating in his fair beauty.
Maglor stood, his form quivering. "Russandol?" He cried. Maedhros nodded, and Maglor stumbled toward him, sobs wracking his form. He clung to his brothers robes, desperately pawing his face. "Russ-" he sobbed, quenya falling out of his mouth in messy cries. Maedhros wrapped his arms around him, his face hidden in Maglor's torn hair. Maglor crumpled, the strength leaving his knees and Maedhros held him up, tears falling into Maglor's hair. Legolas wiped his own tears, and a hand fell gently on his shoulder. He turned, and Thranduil was smiling sadly at his son.
Legolas turned and threw his arms around his father, and Thranduil smiled and kissed his cheek. "Ion nin." He murmured.
"Ada." Thranduil's arms were warm and familiar, and Legolas felt like a lost elfling in his father's arms again. He turned to watch Maedhros and Maglor again, and Thranduil's emotions were unreadable on his serene face.
"Let's go home, Legolas."
Legolas' mother was behind Thranduil, and he turned to embrace her. She ran her hands through his hair with a chuckle. "I missed you." She said, her voice like silk in Legolas' ear.
"I missed you, Nana," he responded softly, and walked with his hand in his mother's toward their cottage.
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The following week Maglor and Maedhros were settled in their grandfather's home with Amrod and Amras, and were then invited to Thranduil and Earien's home. Elrond, Celebrian, Elladan, and Elrohir were all present, however, Oropher was not. Thranduil felt he may take things too far. Legolas was a little nervous about his father but was excited for Maglor and Maedhros to see Elrond again. Once Legolas spotted four horses riding up to the house he went outside to greet them. They had brought Amrod and Amras with them, and Legolas was taken back by them. They were tall and fair, hair slightly more red than Maedhros' silkily lay on their shoulders. They were entirely identical with exception to their differing rich clothing and braids. They dismounted, and Maglor greeted Legolas first. He looked better, his hair healthier and his features less savage. He looked as beautiful as his brothers, and Legolas could only imagine what the other three could possibly look like.
"Thank you for having us. I hope that it is alright that I have brought my youngest brothers with me."
"That is alright, of course." Maedhros approached them, towering over Maglor. He was incredibly lean up close, emerald eyes rich pools in fair lightly freckled skin. Legolas' voice caught in his throat, and he looked to Maglor.
"Legolas this is my elder brother, Maedhros."
Maedhros bowed his head gracefully, his remaining hand on his chest. "It is a pleasure. Maglor has told me much of your kindness, and I genuinely appreciate your bringing him back to us."
"The pleasure was mine," Legolas assured.
The twins approached and Maglor gestured toward them. "This is Amrod, and Amras."
They both nodded to him, noting which was which.
"Come, my mother and her servants have prepared a meal for us."
Maglor smiled, "that sounds great."
They entered the house and Elrond stood from the couch, his boys standing also.
Maedhros' mouth fell open at the sight of him, and he nudged Maglor. He turned, and Elrond approached him.
Maglor's hand clamped over his mouth, and fresh tears bubbled at the surface. "Elrond." He cried. "I-" he choked, but Elrond embraced him. "Oh my boy-" he sobbed, fisting the material of his tunic in his hands. "I'm so sorry." He sobbed, "I'm so, so sorry."
Elrond shook his head. "I've never been angry, Adar." He whispered. He turned and embraced Maedhros, who could not hide his own smile. Elladan and Elrohir were next to Legolas, smiling. Maglor turned toward them, and Elrond gestured for the boys and Celebrian to approach. "You have met my boys, Elladan and Elrohir," he said and Maedhros embraced them both.
"Twins, Elrond?" he teased and Elrond laughed.
"This is my wife, Celebrian. She is Galadriel's daughter."
Maglor's eyebrows rose and he took her hand. "We are related then." He grinned and turned to Elrond, who nodded. Maglor turned to Earien and Thranduil, who stood in the back of the room to allow introductions and reunions to occur. Maglor's smile disappeared at the sight of Thranduil's sturdy glare, and Maedhros and the twins stiffened as well. Maglor scratched his reddening face self-consciously, and bowed. Thranduil's eyebrows rose. "King Thranduil, I understand your feelings toward me and mine but Legolas-" Thranduil put out his hand, and Maglor took his elbow in the sindarin warrior embrace with a grin.
"As I told Legolas, I would very much like to start anew as well."
Maglor nodded seriously, a silent relief settling over the Feanorians. He introduced his brothers to Thranduil and to Earien, and spoke quietly to Earien for a time while everyone told stories and got better acquainted over the food laid out before them. Once Maglor returned to the group, he took Elrond's brooch from his pocket, and held it out to him.
"No, it is yours," Elrond argued.
"I gave it to you, it's yours," Maglor insisted. "I distinctly recall you throwing it at me."
Elrond chuckled, "Gil-galad saved it, and gave it to Earien to give to me when I was ready. Which was just before I moved to Lindon to start my own life. It was all in hopes of making you proud, of giving it back someday."
Maglor blinked away mist in his eyes, "I do not think I could have been convinced to return without its meaning." He said quietly. "It is important to me that you keep it." Elrond took it from his hand and pinned it at his throat like he had for centuries, a kind smile on his face. "That is where it belongs."
Elrond smiled, and Elrohir smirked, "So do you have embarrassing stories about our Adar we can use in the future?"
The table laughed, and Maedhros pulled closer to the table, "I have one-"
"Oh no," Elrond laughed.
"The time you tried to play healer with Elros-"
"Oh by the Valar, stop-"
Legolas watched the joy that was evident on all of the faces in the room, and looked to his father. Thranduil smiled proudly at him, and Legolas was pleased. He was surrounded by family that he never thought he would acquire, and he had never felt more at home.