Chapter Text
On a dark starry night in the center of Beleriand within the hills of Tumladen lied the city of Gondolin. The city in all it's white glory stood under the shining stars and the now full moon as it had every other night. It's denizens content and resting for the start of the new day. However, that new day would not start again for one young elf who now overlooked the night sky from his one window. This young elf was none other than Gondolins' supposed prince Maeglin Lomion who was nephew to the king and cousin to their beloved Princess Idril.
Except he had never been their prince..not really. That fact had been made so clear following both his parents' death. If it wasn't the hushed whispers, piercing glares, or disrespect from the servants it was certainly the way their King was quite jaded in giving the prince any physical affection like a simple pat on the shoulder. The king had barely spoken to Maeglin during dinners only ever speaking about state affairs or his assigned duties. That had been his relationship with his uncle for the past 40 years and it had not changed despite his efforts to try and cleave some connection with Turgon. His only salvation thus far had been his tenuous friendship with his cousin Idril. He cared for Idril very much and saw her as an older sister. He loved her dearly for she had been the only one to reach out to her family and try to make him smile. Heck, she had even introduced him to Glorfindel, his mother's old friend, and the noble Ecthelion. She did this so he could try and make more friends and for a time they had or at least they had become good acquaintances. Between the two Maeglin was particularly fond of Glorfindel as he was good source of stories about his mother's days in Valinor.
However, just as soon as this spark of hope had come it soon turned to ashes on the wind when after a bit of wine he had for once opened up to Glorfindel about how much he cared for Idril. His exact words had been "she means so much to me, to me she is like my light." On that night what poor Lomion could have never imagined was that these words would be interpreted as an admission of a lover's affection, which couldn't have been farther from the truth. But how could he have known when he was never taught about the Noldor culture growing up in Nan Elmoth. How could he have known? The answer was simple he couldn't have known nor the repercussions of what such a misunderstanding would soon bring. It was on that night that as he was dozing off following his confession he did not see the angry scowl marring Glorfindel's pretty face. No, it was the next day and the days following he would see and it would forever scar his heart.
He had lost everything.
Everything in the last 40 years that he had arduously tried to build had disappeared in a single night. Glorfindel and Ecthelion no longer talked to him nor did they respond when Maeglin sought them out. There was even one incident where Ecthelion had "accidentally" broken his arm during a training session, he did apologize but Maeglin knew he didn't mean it. Idril had started avoiding him and there were times when he saw her give him dirty glares. Only one time he had tried to ask what was wrong and she replied with an icy tone "You're just like your father, how could you have such vile thoughts." He froze at those words and tried to ask her what she was talking about, but she had only huffed in disgust and walked away from him. He didn't know what to do and then the whispers had started to get worse until one night when he was walking the streets back to the palace someone had thrown a stone at him. It did not draw blood but it did bruise and not one person had told him to go to the healers though he doubted they would have treated him. Then soon it was like the city was on a silent witch hunt and he was the prey. The servants started messing with his food by putting raw meat in it as if they were telling him he was kin to orcs. Next the other smiths would mess with his work by moving his things, hiding his tools, and insulting all his work. As if that wasn't bad enough he could swear someone was following him when he tried to walk the streets, he no longer felt safe to leave the palace. The guards would never follow him as they did Idril and he felt even less safe at the idea of armed haters following him. He even noticed that the servants were no longer cleaning his room, brining him new clothes, or meals when he did not go to the palace kitchens.
This was too much and going to his uncle was not an option for he knew that if he had, his situation would have worsened a thousand fold. He couldn't take much more of this, the loneliness and isolation was killing him. Literally, he noticed the first year following this treatment that he was becoming gaunt and he was losing his natural Eldar light. He lost interest in forging and could hardly get out of bed to do his duties. He felt less hungry despite his meager meals and had lost his desire to quite frankly do anything. His dark eyes that held an obsidian shine comparable to a black pearl had gone dull and lifeless, his mother's hair that he loved had become tangled and was now falling out. There were many instances where he would just stare off into nothing during royal dinners and wouldn't hear anything going on around him. He...he was fading and no one would help him and he found he didn't dislike the thought. As these thoughts became more prominent, it was at one of these dinners that apparently Maeglin's unseeing stare had lingered on Idril for longer than ideal for two particular elves.
By the time the dinner was over and he was weakly heading back to his rooms two pairs of hands had suddenly grabbed him and dragged him into an empty storage room. Before he could cry out for help, if any even answered, a large hand had clamped over his mouth and he soon found himself pinned onto a work table. He tried to fight but it was comparable to the strength of a newborn mouse. He was too weak and he was getting weaker by the day to the point he couldn't even pick up Anguirel. If his attackers decided to kill him he would be powerless to stop them....maybe that would be a welcome. He then looked up and what he saw truly shocked him. The two elves holding him were in fact Glorfindel and Ecthelion, his once friends who were now looking at him like he was an orc and what they said next was even more painful.
"You dirty snake! How dare you look at the princess like that!" said Glorfindel as his grip on his mouth and jaw painfully tightened.
"You really just don't learn, I should have known you were that dark elf's spawn the moment you were let in this city" said Ecthelion with a sneer in his voice and in turn tightened his grip on Maeglin's wrists to the point he knew there would be bruises.
"Even now you pretend to be weak, a victim of tragedy, a scared child when in fact you should have died along with your sire that stole our princess" said Glorfindel with an uncontrolled rage.
"It's not enough you ignore your duties and test King Turgon's patience but now you still make your unclean thoughts towards the princess clear!" said Echtelion as though he were talking to an orc.
"Well no longer, this is your final warning you wretch! Cease this helpless act at once and do not prove yourself a threat to the citizens of Gondolin or our princess lest you find yourself over the Caragdur the same as your sire!!" said Glorfindel with an ice and finality in his voice that promised he would deliver on this promise.
What Glorfindel did not realize though and would not until it was too late was that those words were the final force that broke the dam within Maeglin Lomion's very fëa. As soon as he heard those words Maeglin's mind went blank and he felt something in his fëa crack. Oh....so this is what it feels like to truly break, his light had finally gone out. His worst nightmare had become reality without even trying, his father's curse would soon be upon him. It didn't matter what he said or what he did. If everyone saw him as evil, as scum than that was what he was and nothing else. It was pointless to try and fight, to try and explain because no one would listen.
No one would listen because to them he wasn't worth listening too.
He doesn't know when they left or how long it takes him to pry himself out of the storage room, now sporting new bruises. He doesn't know when he makes it to his room, or how he even got there. He doesn't know how many days pass with him just laying against his bed not moving and trying to process what had just happened. But he knew one thing, he was only 128 yrs old. Why was this happening to him? Weren't elves not supposed to act like this and cherish children. His mother had and so had his father until he started to change when mother wanted to see her relatives. He didn't understand why this was happening though he knew one thing was for certain.
He couldn't take it this anymore
He was tired.
He was so tired.
He wanted to sleep.
He wanted to forget.
He wanted to disappear where no one could hurt him anymore.
If he were being honest he had been thinking this for quite some time in fact. For so long even that he had procured a special blend of herbs that would very well take him from this hell. It was in a small box under his bed that he had been holding onto. He never thought he'd use it, mainly because he was fading anyway but it was taking too long and he wanted it all to be over. He had given up and didn't want to try anymore. He just wanted to be left alone and finally have peace and quiet. He didn't want to fulfill his father's curse and die such a painful death. In truth, the only reason he didn't say anything to his father that horrible day was because he was in a daze from all that happened. He was too shocked to speak and once again his stupidity had caused more misunderstandings that ended up damning him. He was done and it was time to finally rest. He pulled the vial from the box and looked out the window. It was a full moon tonight with the stars in the sky, the prelude to a new day though he knew he would not see it.
These were his last thoughts as he drank the vial and in a feeling a kin to falling a sleep Prince Maeglin Lomion closed his eyes for the last time in the city of Ondolinde.
What he did not though was that as he closed his eyes deep in the halls of Mandos the Doomsman and Weaver had frozen, both unmoving as a single tear fell from both their faces.
The Lonely Prince could not know that he was the first to ever commit such an act and what that act would change for all of Ea.
The halls of Mandos were as one could probably expect he supposed.
They were endlessly rising in a silent parade of obsidian and gray. The halls were quiet and were without the troubles of life. The maiar ever silent and gentle in their ministrations with the dead. It was odd not having a hroa anymore and rather just being a floating light or see through specter if he willed it hard enough. His first meeting with the Doomsman had been quite a memorable event. As soon as he had taken his last breath he was shaken awake to the sounds of panicked shouting and a worried visage he was sure Namo did not normally sport. He never heard anything about judgment and rather was ushered into a quiet hall by what seemed like a fretting maia. He did not complain though for he welcomed the quiet as it was a massive change from the noise of Gondolin. He even welcomed the Maia assigned to him called Ilmisse. She never pushed him into "healing" or "reminiscing" his life, which honestly he found kind of odd but it seemed she respected giving him his space. Which was a good thing honestly because he had no plans of ever leaving really. Frankly why would he?? This is the least stressed he's ever been and for the first time since he was an elfling somebody is actually worried about him. He doesn't need to constantly worry about being backstabbed or getting murdered because he was already dead! He even found Mandos's company to be quite calming because he never really had any expressions except for that one time but he couldn't really call that bad. He was curious though why he was mostly left alone. Ilmisse with her white eyes, gray robes, and dark hair would mostly come check on him to see if he needed anything or wanted to have a conversation on anything he was interested in. He did take the chance though to learn more about the Ainur, because well he was curious. And learn he did especially about how things worked in the halls of Vairë. He did know that Miriel worked alongside the Weaver of history herself and did hope that maybe at one point he would see about perhaps inquiring about making residence here as well.
He didn't mind being reembodied, okay yes he did, but beggars can't be choosers. He just never really wanted to see any elves again or live among them for that matter. After the altercation that drove him over the edge it was like all his attachments or willingness to make them had vanished.
Once he wanted to meet his grandfather. Now that feeling was gone.
Once he wanted to see his mother and father again. Now that feeling was gone.
He was curious about learning smithing techniques from Aule if he sailed. Now he couldn't care less or even really think about it.
He once wanted to try and make things right with Idril and Turgon, or meet his other uncle Fingon. Now he tried to forget they existed.
This quiet and peace was just too tempting to him. He was alone, he was at peace, and he didn't have to feel like he had to hide anymore. How could he possibly give that up. He did realize at some point that something was probably wrong with him given he couldn't find it in him to care about anything else or rather the ability to do so seemed to be stunted but again he had no plans of leaving so he need not dwell on it.
Of course the powers above had other plans for him.
It had happened on a day when he had run into Lady Vairë visiting her husband. For what he didn't know but he was glad to see her regardless. She had actually taken to patting his ghostly head whenever she saw him coming towards her, an action that normally would have sent him into shock but from her was comforting and warm.
"Hello Pitya" she said with a kind tone.
"Greetings my Lady, I hope you are well" said Maeglin in a calm tone.
"Yes Dear I am well, that's very kind of you to ask" she said with a warmth in her voice "It's actually well that you are here, I had just asked my husband if it would be alright for you to accompany me on a walk of my halls. If you would like of course?" she said as though she truly respected his opinion.
"Yes, my lady! I would be most honored" said Maeglin an excited tone. "What parts of your halls could I be granted the pleasure of seeing?"
"Oh hmmm let me see, would you perhaps be interested in seeing the tapestries and the main workshop? It's always nice to hear what others think of my work so I can improve ideas."
"You need improvement my lady? But you're a valar" Said Maeglin in a quizzical tone.
"I may be a Vala dear child but there is always new things to be learned, and I find joy in learning from others too" she said as she chuckled with a sound akin to sweet tinkling bells. She then proceeded to pat his spectral head.
Maeglin did not flinch from the touch and was instead happy to gain some affection he never had in life.
"Well then shall we be off, but just remember you must stay close to me and don't let go of my hand. My realm is not usually one visited by my husband's charges" she said in a tone a mother would use to keep her child safe.
"Yes my lady" and with his hand in her warm one they set out for her halls.
The halls of the Weaver were similar to that of her husband except in that rather than only gray and obsidian decorating the halls there were instead an array of colors from green to even purple. Most of the walls were lined with a starlight silver that gave off a pleasant ambience and throughout their track they eventually reached the prized room the halls of the Weaver had been renowned for. They had reached the room of tapestries and it stretched as though it were never ending. Endless tapestries lined with fine threads of blues and silvers told the stories of the world. They told stories of events before he was even born, before the elves had come, and before even the world was made. These tapestries also told the stories of what happened after his death and of events yet to come. Actually now that he thought about it he wasn't sure how long he had been dead for but he didn't really care to know. He was aware that some significant events must have happened seeing as for a time both the Lady of Mercy and the Doomsman had been absent from the halls for a time. It was actually during that period that he had become closer with Lady Vairë as she had been the one to oversee the whole of Mandos in their absence. He never thought about asking honestly, he didn't see a reason for it as he never planned on leaving. He didn't wonder if now was a good time to ask about possibly working for her but he held it in for now as he thought it might be rude when she was in the middle of a tour. At that thought they suddenly stopped before a tapestry clearly depicting a battle of single combat.
"What is this tapestry my lady?" Maeglin asked in the tone of a curious child.
"This is the fall of Fingolfin, he challenged Morgoth to single combat and perished though his body was saved by Thorondor and brought to his family" said Vairë in a gentle tone akin to trying to ease someone's pain.
"....Well that wasn't very smart of him honestly" said Maeglin in a tone of one commenting a chapter in a book.
Vairë looked at him for a moment and blinked. She held no expression and said nothing but there was something in what he said that had startled her. Almost like she was searching for a different reaction. They continued their track through the tapestries and at times Lady Vairë would tell Maeglin about what some of the different tapestries meant such as the battle of unnumbered tears, the lay of Luthien, the war of wrath, the sailing of Earendil, the battle of the last alliance, the fall of Kazad-dum, the founding of Imladris by Elrond Peredhel, and the beginning of the war of the ring. It was like a routine Lady Vairë would stop at a tapestry, explain it, and then ask his opinion on it. He would say they were well made and then comment as one would reading a book. There was never really any emotion when he commented on a tapestry. For a moment he thought that odd but quickly shelved it. It was when they were nearing the end of their tour that Maeglin found himself feeling a little weary. Despite him being a soul with no hroa, it didn't make him any less susceptible to being tired. Lady Vairë had noticed and lightly chuckled
"Feeling tired now Pitya? I suppose we have been walking for quite a while. Come you can rest in my main workshop. I'm sure you'll find the blankets I've woven quite soft" she said with a wink in her tone and proceeded to walk the young elf to her workshop.
"Thank you my lady, I apologize for the trouble" said Maeglin in a tone as though he were yawning.
"No trouble at all Pitya, now rest and I'll wake you when it's time to return" said Vairë as she led him to a soft couch and covered him with one of her sheep wool blankets.
It had only taken a few minutes for the young elf to completely fall into a peaceful sleep with the faint feeling of a hand patting his head.
Vairë watched the young elf and sighed.
"He is a sleep" she said as her husband appeared in a whirl of gray by her side.
"Yes, though it appears he is more stable now, he still has not truly improved" said Namo in a tone that exhumed concern.
"No, I thought showing him the tapestries would instigate some sort of a reaction out of him. It has been over 5,000 yrs since his death and it has taken this long just to remove the threat of him breaking" she said in a tone of one feeling heartbreak at the horrid memory.
"I know my dear and I know you want to help this child. I do too, you know this, and yet we cannot push too hard. Something like this has never happened before and I do not want to risk undoing the sense of safety we've managed to instill for him here. I already had a close call with Maitimo that was far too close for comfort. I do not particularly want to tackle an elf away from a fiery chasm again thank you." said Namo in a tone of calm and reasoning that said "give me a break."
"I find it humorous you speak of calm and safety when you and Nienna unleashed your rage upon Manwë and the Gondolindrum not long following this child's arrival. I am also sure you both roped your brother into giving Idril Celebrindal quite a few nasty dreams detailing the consequences of her behavior" said Vairë in a tone that sounded like "Really?"
"I also seem to recall that it was at your encouragement we do so along with my brother Irmo. I also seem to recall you holding Turukano in the halls containing the child's life in Gondolin for quite a while. He was profoundly mute when you brought him back. Though I must say he got off quite easy in comparison to Glorfindel and Ecthelion" said Namo with an emotionless face but a quirk of his brow that screamed "please you were worse than me, you wanted to stab them."
"Very well I will admit my part in that but I bear no guilt. They needed that lesson, for this streak of naivety and ignorance could continue no longer. If this child is to return to life we must do our best to make it safe for him. What happened to him must NEVER happen to another and I was quite merciful to his father as is, given he was so grief stricken over his actions and is respecting this child's need for space. Though I wish I could say the same for the rest of the Finweans honestly. How many times has it been now that Nolofinwe or Irisse have nearly broken down the main gate of your halls with their incessant banging" she said as though she were laughing at the memory.
"My heart please do not get me started on that. I have told them more than once that they cannot see him lest they risk his recovery, but I can understand their frustration. Your attempt to get a reaction out of him through the tapestries only shows that his ability to seek love has been badly damaged. Anytime we have tried to mention his relatives it's like he's listening to the stories of characters rather than loved one's, that's not normal and I dared not even mention his tormentors lest he shut himself off from us. No elf or child of Illuvatar should have ever faced what he did and at this age no less. Rest assured I have made it my mission at Atar's behest to make sure any possibility of a repeat is Void." he said in voice of determined finality.
"Speaking of repeats, how are the Sons of Feanor doing? I noticed a few of my blankets have gone missing" she said in a tone that said "I know what you did but I'm still gonna ask because it's fun."
"As well as can be expected, Makalaure and Maitimo seem to appease themselves with wrapping themselves with your blankets in Lorien when their mother visits. The Ambarussa, Carnistir, and terrible duo have just recently returned to life and now rest in Lorien content to use Huan as a pillow it seems. Telperinquar and his mother also take care of them. In addition, I have already ensured the elves of Doriath understand that their tragedy rests not solely on the sons of Feanor but also on their tendency to act like moths. Elrond and his children were quite instrumental in getting this message across given Elwing's subsequent abandonment of her sons for the gem. Plus what right have they to argue further when it was Maitimo who saved Dior's sons Elured and Elurin from the cold that night. Who honestly would have thought those elves would make better parents?" said Namo with a sigh that sounded like "Why me?."
"Indeed, If it were back to the time of the trees I could not have perceived what such actions would wrought. However, since that moment we felt the music scream in pain at this child's arrival we all knew it was time to act. How else were we able to end the evil of our rotted kin as soon as Elwing and Earendil arrived here and within only 5 yrs of war." she said with an air of wisdom.
"Yes, and as horrible as it is, this child's choice of....coming to us ended up being the slap in the face our elderking needed to wake up." said Namo in air of annoyed sarcasm.
"True as that may be....I am worried dear heart. I...I cannot see this child suffer, I do not know what to do to restore his wish for love. Nienna has already become extremely protective of this child and no matter what anyone says I know she told Feanor and Irisse about Glorfindel and Ecthelion's actions just so she could watch them almost get skewered. At this time he still finds safety in death rather than life and those are not thoughts any Eldar should have. He convinces himself that there is nothing in this world worth seeing anymore and that is wrong. I know he wishes to join my Weavers like Miriel but I cannot in good conscience let him. He believes if he joins he will never have to leave but that is not true since after.....well your session with Manwe we made it clear she can leave and come whenever she wants but she simply chooses not to. I cannot do that to a child this young, he needs what he hasn't had in so long but I do not know how to give it without risking seeing that almost shattered soul that came to our halls in tatters again. By all that is good Namo it took you pleading to Atar for help to heal him. I'll never forget how the music screamed that day...and how we truly almost failed in our responsibility to protect the children....it... it cannot happen my love...it just can't." she said in a broken sob as she stroked the sleeping elf's hair again with the gentleness of a mother.
"I know my heart, I know and it won't. I would give this child my personal protection just as I did for that poor elf Saglant the gondolindrum tried to blame for the fall of their city. The poor elf had been tortured into giving the information, that is NOT a traitor. It is someone who needed help and it was the one of the few times I ever saw Nienna truly furious. It took her slamming his feelings of misery into every one of them for them to finally realize how foolish they were being. Though the point remains, we protected him and I can protect this child if need be. Should anyone try to harm him they will face my WRATH." said the doomsman in a tone that assured repercussions should he be crossed.
"I would never doubt you my love but I can't help but worry. Perhaps we can approach the idea of re-embodying to him first. Though even if we manage that, it will still take time for him to recover enough strength to even perform any tasks. I doubt Lorien would be soothing to him unless he went there at night. He truly is a child of twilight you know. I truly believe Varda would adore him if they ever got a chance to meet." she said in a tone of fondness.
"Oh I have no doubt, but I have a feeling she'd have to fight you for him. However, all that aside I do believe that is a good place to start. He does need to start having interactions with elves again though, but fear not I can have Ilmisse with him to keep him comfortable. She has grown very fond of him and always comes to me worrying about his well being." said Namo in a soothing tone.
"That could work but the question is which elves should he interact with first. We can't be careless about this and absolutely can't pick anyone that could trigger his trauma. He's definitely not ready for that yet. Wait...let me guess, you were thinking of Elrond Peredhel weren't you?" she said in a "I'm right aren't I" tone.
"You would be correct, but bear in mind Elrond does not look like any from the house of Fingolfin aside from his dark hair. Rather his face is akin to the Sindar and I hope this physical trait can in fact help sooth Lomion a bit. Elrond is also very open minded, he has aided me more than once in the mind healing of some of the souls here. Actually, there was one instance when he did inquire about the well being of our much sought after charge." said Namo.
"He did? whatever for? There's no instance I can think of where he would have heard of Lomion aside from in history books" she said in a confused tone.
"Ah yes, it would seem he became curious and endeavored to inquire at the behest of the seneschals we assigned him. Indeed it was Glorfindel and Ecthelion that attempted to learn something of the child's condition after we "rewarded" them for their sacrifice during the city's fall" said Namo in a "I already know what she's gonna say" tone.
"Oh did they now?" she said in a tone that clearly said "THEY DARE?!"
"Peace my heart, overstepped they certainly have but I do not believe this stems from anything malicious. Rather quite a bit of guilt as we are already aware. They have made this guilt known since the child's death and have had no true peace since. Especially, after you took them through your tapestries. We granted them second life in Endore so they could learn to humble themselves, actually learn from their mistakes, and reflect on how their isolation damned them to a dangerous precedent of willful ignorance. However, I chose not to dain Elrond with an answer and he took no offense. Rather he seemed almost amused at how we would retaliate against his seneschals. Regardless, I have no intention of humoring those two nor letting them near the child until he is safely healed." he said in a mix of humor and seriousness.
"I suppose now we will just have to wait and see then" she said in a tone of finality.
"Yes, Indeed we will" he said also with an air of finality.
And with that the War of the Ring would end before the lonely Prince would be seen again in the living world.
He had no idea how this happened or well he did since he was willing but it was still quite surreal. He was sitting outside for the first time in he didn't know how long and what's even crazier is that he was sitting and could feel it. He was outside of Lord Namo's halls and it was deep into the night on a moonless night. He was sitting on a bench in Lord Namo's garden waiting for Ilmisse.
It was about a century ago he believed, that he had finally worked up the courage to ask Lady Vairë about joining her halls and he had been a bit nervous when it took her more than a minute to answer. She did accept his request with a kind smile but did so on the condition that he be re-embodied and serve an apprenticeship before joining. These requirements seemed simple enough as it did make sense. He wasn't aware that the Weaver needed supplies from the outside markets of Valinor to complete some of her unique projects. Her reasoning was that he would need to be re-embodied to perform these tasks and to purchase her items. Lady Vairë and Lord Namo had also promised that he would never be alone on these trips and that Ilmisse would happily join him on the night excursions as he could not currently tolerate the daylight yet. It had been a LONG adjustment period following his rebirth and subsequent slam into physical sensations again. Much of that time was spent sleeping in the quarters he had been given that were located close to the Doomsman's main office. Durong that time he was routinely visited by both him and the Lady of Mercy. The biggest test had been him stepping foot in Lorien at the side of Lady Nienna as means to acclimate him to wildlife again. He almost started trembling at the idea he might run into other elves or even worse....no he didn't want to think of it. He was already terrified at the idea of being outside the safety of the halls or even "alive" for that matter. He wasn't sure what scared him more being in Lorien where he could see elves or having to face the Lord of Dreams Irmo himself. That fear though was subsequently squashed after one such excursion resulted in the Lord of Dreams brewing tea for him and engaging in a fun conversation with him about pranking some of his charges with humorous dreams involving dancing goats. He also never ran into any elves during his 90 yr recovery period, so he had little to complain about.
It was only during these last 10 yrs that he truly began his apprenticeship.
He then heard a noise behind him and as he turned he said "Oh Ilmisse are you...." but was cut off when he found the person behind him was in fact not Ilmisse but in fact an elf. A dark haired elf that was looking at him a surprised expression. What was he doing here? Where was Ilmisse? He had never seen another elf since he died. Why was he in Lord Namo's gardens? He couldn't control himself as this rapid myriad of thoughts started hitting him with full force. He was about to start trembling until the elf finally spoke as if noticing his discomfort.
"Greetings kinsman, apologies for startling you. I was just coming from aiding Lord Namo when I thought to take a respite here in the gardens. Though I didn't know it was currently occupied. I apologize again for disturbing you" he said with a kind understanding smile as he then stepped back a bit away from him.
His brain did a double take and froze trying to come up with a response after the tornado that just hit him. He worked for Lord Namo? Was he like him somehow? He doesn't look familiar and if he works there then he must be nice?
Finally he found some semblance of his voice to form a response "...there has been no offense. I will actually be leaving soon."
"Ah I see, well it's good to see another elf visiting in these parts. I'm afraid I am alone as far as company goes whenever I come for work" he said in what sounded like a bashful tone.
He had never seen an elf be so expressive....it was almost relieving.
"You said you were coming from Lord Namo's service. What do you do with him?" Maeglin asked because he couldn't help but be curious. This elf looked Sindar more than anything. He couldn't possibly be someone he knew.
"Oh I am a healer! I help my Lord with healing the fea in his care. I take great joy in the task as there are few I can really talk with about it" the elf said with an almost embarrassed blush on his face that made him look young.
He didn't feel as frightened anymore.
"Oh I might understand that to an extent. I am in an apprenticeship with the Lady Vairë" he said.
"Truly? That is wonderful. I have met her ladyship only twice and I already know she is quite kind and wonderful in her work" the elf said in a tone a child would use to admire a role model.
Maeglin couldn't help but be happy that someone else liked Lady Vairë as well.
"Yes, she is very kind" he said in a soft voice that looked back at memories.
"Indeed but goodness me where are my manners. I never introduced myself. Apologies and Greetings kinsman my name is Elrond Peredhel" he said in a kind tone.
It was at his name that something clicked in his head. He had heard that name before quite a few times when he walked through the tapestries with her ladyship.
"You are the elf that founded Imladris, the homely house?"
Elrond's eyes went wide as if he was surprised that's what Maeglin remembered of him but then his face quickly had a happy smile on it.
"Indeed I am, but I suppose it would be more accurate to say half-elf as I have mannish blood in me. Actually I'm quite the mix honestly. It's been quite the fun subject of debate. Sometimes I get a kick out of just watching people run around like headless chickens trying to figure out how best to describe it" he said as he laughed into his hand with the mischief of a child.
This actually got Maeglin to let out the smallest laugh. The first he had let out long before even his death. It was then Ilmisse made an appearance and deftly apologized to Maeglin for being late. She then saw Elrond and thanked him for sitting with him. As they were leaving for the gardens she did ask if he felt uncomfortable at all with the elf but he quickly countered and told her he had gotten him to laugh. She immediately paused in her steps, looked at Lomion, and briefly gave him one of her quick hugs. She then told him "that is wonderful little one, you may not realize it but you have a very nice smile." He knew she meant it because that's just how she is, she never minced words and was very honest. One trait of the maiar of Mandos and Vairë he found he very much liked.
She then asked him "Would you like to see Elrond again? He does come by often enough." He thought about it, he really did. "Perhaps, if time allows. I'm not sure honestly. Would you be around? If I said yes?" he asked with nervousness in his voice. "Of course I would, I would never leave you if you didn't want me to little one" she said as though it were the most obvious thing in the world but no less kind. He felt....warm when she said that. Then as though he were possessed he asked her something he never imagined he would or rather what he suppressed himself from asking
"Ilmisse is Adar alive now?"
He didn't know what came over him. He didn't even know why that thought had popped into his head. For as soon as the words left his lips it was like his whole head was buzzing with the verocity of a bee hive. He had collapsed on the ground and almost started crying as something within his fëa was seemingly trying to wake up. It felt like it was reaching out for something or someone. Deep inside him he....he wanted to see his father again. He didn't know why because he....
Bzzztzt
Huh? That was odd, he knew what his father did to him. Knew the damage it caused but he still wanted to see him somehow. It's like he's having a feeling towards him but what is it....
Bzzzzztttzt
Ugh how annoying, he couldn't find the word for what he was feeling towards his father. It was like his mind had been blocked by something or there was an emotion that was being quieted with each attempt to reach it.
"Lomion??! Lomion??! Are you alright" he heard Ilmisse crouch down next to him and start calling to him in a panicked tone.
"I'm alright, I just.. I don't know what happening. I'm sorry for surprising you. I don't know why I just said that"
"It's alright young one. You need not apologize to me for anything. I was surprised yes but do you by some chance...want to see your father? I will help you with whatever you like. You need not fear my opinion on such a thing. I will never judge you little one. You are free to always do what puts you at peace" she said in a tone that was cautious but also truthful. She...she sounded like a true friend.
"Ilmisse...can...can I call you a friend?" he said with great hesitance.
She paused for a moment but then a very kind smile graced her face as though she were flattered to be asked such a thing "I would be honored to be called your friend, and as your friend please tell me what I can do to help."
"I.. I don't know what I want honestly. I think I'm feeling..or trying to feel something but I don't know what. I think this happened when Elrond was so friendly to me and it happens whenever you're nice to me as well. Is that strange??"
She paused and the white eyes of her fana widened as though in realization.
"It is not strange at all Lomion but I don't think I can tell you what it is you're trying to feel. I don't want to unpurposely give you a false idea. Perhaps the best solution would be facing the cause of the issue? If that is your wish that is?" she said as though she were approaching a sensitive subject. "Honestly, Eöl does indeed live again. He has been re-embodied for quite some time now. I know where he dwells if you wish to go there or I could send a message to try and call him to the halls if you prefer it that way. Either way I will stay with you if you allow it. I can even call Lady Nienna to supercede your meeting if you like."
He thought about it. Seeing his father...seeing his father again seemed like something that could just never happen. Yet, she made it sound so easy. Wait why did it sound easy? She didn't sound worried at all. Then in a moment he couldn't explain he suddenly asked her.
"Did he...did he ever come looking for me?" he said as though he were looking for something. He was almost holding back tears in fear of the answer.
Ilmisse gave him a kind smile and patted his shoulder.
"You may not believe me little one but many came looking for you, not just him."
He breathed a deep breath and he started crying. He couldn't believe it, he just couldn't. Who would come looking for him? Why would they even look for him? It didn't make any sense but he hated not knowing. Maybe it would turn out to be one big joke. At the very least he'll have gotten rid if this itch he can't seem to scratch.
"Yes, yes I'd like to try and see him. Would it be possible to do it with Lady Nienna present? I'd feel better with her there."
"Of course Lomion! I'll see to that it is done right away. Now in the meantime I think we should find you some ice" she said and he could have sworn he could see her holding back a grin.
Sigh, this was going to be a rough week.
It had been two days since his decision to meet with his father.
During that time he had spent the better part of it in bed utterly exhausted. As soon as he and Ilmisse returned to the halls he had been overcome with an inexplicable exhaustion that left him bedridden the whole time Ilmisse worked to complete his request. At one point during his cycles of partial consciousness he was sure he had seen both the Doomsman and the Weaver come check on him, both sporting worried expressions. With time Lomion had come to realize that all the frightening stories he'd heard of the Doomsman were nothing but nonsense. He might be a bit unsettling at first glance but he was kind and cared for his charges. Aside from assigning Ilmisse to him, going on walks with him, and giving subtle advise. There was never an instance where Maeglin felt scared of being forced into something he didn't want. The choice was always his and whenever he did ask a question both masters of the halls had answered truthfully. They even respected all the times he wanted to be alone. At one point during his two day long respite he was almost sure he felt Lord Namo pat his forehead at least once, as though he were checking for a fever. He couldn't understand what was happening to him honestly. Since his interaction with Elrond it was like his fëa was trying to stretch itself and it was taking his body with it. Something was missing and he had to figure out what soon.
It was on the morning of the third day that Ilmisse had returned and told him that Eöl could come as soon as the afternoon and that Lady Nienna would be happy to oversee their meeting, even if she had to stay out of visible sight. The Lady of Mercy had always been kind to him and behaved almost like an older sister. She had been so different from his expectations in that she didn't get mad at him for making a mistake and didn't hold it against him whenever he rejected the idea of meeting elves. It always felt like communicating with her was easy and contrary to her title she could be very well become fierce when warranted. He remembered one instance, he thinks it had been several millennia ago, where he was floating through some of the higher levels of the halls and had heard her voice echoing through the whole level in what sounded like a scolding tone. He didn't know what she said or who she was talking to because he had immediately floated back to his personal corner to avoid seeing any elves. Though he couldn't help but wonder what those spirits had done to make her so mad. Then as if summoned she appeared in his room and her gray visage turned worried "Tinnu are you still not feeling well? We can move the meeting if you're don't think you can do it?"
"No my Lady it is fine, I shouldn't have any problems heading to Lord Namo's gardens." Though he would regret saying that as the entire walk there had been exhausting, and by the time they had reached the gardens and Nienna had gone to get Eöl he had found himself dozing off at the base of a tree feeling almost faint. He had almost fallen a sleep when he heard a quiet gasp coming from in front of him. What he saw certainly wasn't what he was expecting.
He saw a tall silver haired dark eyed elf that had tears running down his face...was he trembling? He looked still as a statue, as though he were afraid to move. What was he scared of? It's not like Maeglin could do anything at present. It took a moment for it to click in Maeglin's head that this was in fact his father though definetly not as he remembered him, but before he could think any further the elf before him suddenly fell to his knees and started crying even harder.
"I didn't really believe her when she came and told me you asked to see me. I asked many times before if I could see you. I know it was selfish but I was so scared that if I didn't try then the next time I came they would tell me you were truly gone and I was too late to tell you I was sorry. I....I felt it. I felt it when you died even when I was just a spirit in Mandos's halls. I had never felt such pain in all my life nor do I ever wish to again. It almost destroyed me knowing I was a big part in what led you to" he winced between his sobs as though the memory had stabbed his heart.
"Please...please yonya no matter what else please I beg you never do that again! Never hurt yourself like that again! I'll do whatever you want. I'll stay away. I won't bother you if you truly never wish to see me again but please please never be the one that ends your own life. I'm sorry for everything, I'm sorry I wasn't a good father, I'm sorry I never told you how much I loved you, I'm sorry for what I said that day and all days before. I didn't mean it, any of it. I would never set you in bonds or want you gone, I regretted it as soon as I said it but I was too foolishly prideful to tell you. There has never been a day I didn't love you or thanked Eru that you were begotten. You are my only son, my jewel and I love you. I was just so scared of loosing you that I became blind that I was pushing you away. I'm sorry Maeglin for everything. I'm so sorry. I love you my son. Please please believe that from your fool of father."
He believed him. Maeglin believed him and before he knew it he could feel so many tears running down his face. He couldn't move, he was too tired but he felt his fëa reaching out and finally he figured out what it was he was trying to feel.
He missed his Ada.
He missed his father and wanted to see if he really loved him. He wanted to tell him he still loved him and that he missed him. But just as soon as those feelings came he suddenly felt angry and he let it out.
"How can you say you love me when you cursed me!!! You killed Amme! You called me an ill-gotten son! I didn't say anything that day because I couldn't think!! I was in shock!! Everyone hated me because of what you did and said!! They thought I was a monster! I couldn't take it anymore!" Maeglin said through broken sobs and a heat in his voice.
"They were going to kill me I was sure of it the same way they killed you! I didn't want to lose you too! But I couldn't fight Turgon. I was never their Prince! I was never welcomed!! They barely even fed me!! I was too scared and tired everyday!! I wanted to go home but there was no home left anywhere! I...I wanted you back..I wanted my Ada.. I wanted my Amme."
"So...so I ended it. I took the poison and ended it."
He saw Eöl violently flinch when he said that and in a broken wimper he said "I know...I know and I'm so sorry."
"I HATED YOU, I HATED YOU, YOU CURSED ME AND I LOVED YOU!!!!!!"
"I know"
"I HATED YOU FOR BEING SO CONTROLLING I HATED YOU FOR LEAVING ME!! FOR TRYING TO KILL ME WHEN I WOULDN'T DO WHAT YOU WHATED!!!"
"I know, I have no excuse"
"I HATED YOU FOR HURTING AMME AND AND I hated you for leaving me alone...."
"I hate...I hate that I still love you..and I missed you, even if I didn't realize I did. I wanted to see you because your my Ada and I still love you. You were so kind to me when I was little. I want that father back" said Maeglin as he suddenly started violently coughing and trembling from his sudden exertion. He was sure he was going to pass out soon as all his muscles were aching something fierce.
"Maeglin!! Please please stop you're hurting yourself!" he heard his father say in a panicked and worried tone. He looked like he wanted to come closer but was too scared too as though he were afraid Maeglin would break and disappear.
In a broken sob Maeglin said as though calling for him "Ada."
"Can..can I hold you?" said Eöl as though he were asking for a miracle.
Maeglin granted it
"Please"
He needed no more encouragement as Eöl slowly stepped towards his son and gently pulled him into his arms. He held onto his son for dear life but with the gentleness of one holding a porcelain vase. He pulled Maeglin to his chest and started patting his son's head. He tucked his son's head under his chin as they rested at the base of the tree.
Maeglin hugged him back and snuggled even further into his father's arms. He felt himself finally starting to fall a sleep and in the warmth of his Ada's arms. He felt like a piece of himself had come back and he welcomed it. Though he knew there were still many pieces of himself still missing he could at least enjoy the moment.
It would be the next day that they would waken from their reverie by an overly jubilant Nienna and a smiling Ilmisse. He had no doubt the tips of his ears went red in embarassment.
That would not be the last meeting with his father. In fact they had taken to meeting at least several times a year in Lord Namo's gardens following their making ammends. Lady Nienna seemed especially pleased with teasing him about how cute he looked in his father's arms. After that first meeting she would go on and on about how "adorable he was" or how "lively and happier" he seemed after seeing his Ada. He couldn't have imagined the Lady of Mercy was one to tease but he found it nice to be able to talk to someone about it. One downside to the whole thing was that both Ainur apparently heard him say he had barely been fed and sought to make it their personal mission that he become the world's first overweight elf. He never did gain much weight but they had endeavored to make sure he ate endless amounts of healthy fruit, vegetables, and meats. They had at some point even convinced Yavanna into creating some new fruit called Avocado to better his health. He did in fact love it as it had such a smooth taste. He had even tried one with Elrond and now the elf couldn't stop eating at least three a day because of it's taste. Lady Vairë and his father had been the worst of them though. They had taken to always bringing him dried meat and making sure he always ate at least some of it infront of them. He had nearly fainted when the Weaver and Doomsman had invited both him and his father to tea. Of course that fear soon evaporated once he saw the assortment of Avocados and cookies that had him eagerly nibbling on them like a squirrel. He could have sworn he saw his father twitching from holding back a giant grin.
As another three years passed he eventually became true friends with Elrond. He would walk with him to the gates whenever he went home, and they would sometimes have lunch together where even he would make sure Lomion ate! Lomion even spent time being caught up on events from Elrond's perspective. He even told him about his wife, twin sons, and how his daughter Arwen had married a mortal he fostered.
"I was scared for her in the beginning but a dream from Irmo told me that she would be allowed to come to Valinor following his death and their children were grown. I had a hard time believing it honestly until he came a few more times to show me he was telling the truth. That's what gave me the strength to allow their union. Losing your child is the worst pain any parent can face. We still wait for her even now. She said she'd sail with my sons once they were done with their work in middle earth. I'm grateful everyday that I have Celebrian and my father Maglor to help ground me."
"You said Maglor was your adopted father? Did you ever find your birth father?" Maeglin asked with complete innocence in his voice as he truly did not know who Elrond's father was even though he heard the story of Earendil in Lady Vairë's tapestries. At the time he only heard the story as though he were listening to just that, a story. He could not connect the emotion behind him being Idril's son, it was like the information was being filtered out of his head.
Elrond looked at him for a moment with surprise as though he thought it odd he asked. Though that look quickly vanished and he said "I have met him here in Valinor though I don't truly feel for him as I do with Maglor. He spent more time on the sea than with me as a child and I fear our bond will take time to build up. Though it's fine, I take things one step at a time. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for my birth mother as till now she still doesn't truly understand what she did wrong. Sigh I find I can't even speak to her, she's too narrow minded in my opinion. I try to be understanding given her circumstances but she is not faultless in some of her choices. If the day comes she understands and communicates with me with an open mind, than I will endeavor to move forward wit her but until then I'll patiently wait and enjoy my time with the ones I love."
Maeglin looked at him as though he were seeing him for the first time. Where in Arda was this elf when he had to deal with so many bigoted elves in
BZZZZZTTTT
Huh? This seemed familiar but different somehow? Oh well.
Anyway this elf was wise beyond his years. It's no wonder Lord Namo favored him so much. Ilmisse always had nothing but good things to say about him. Elrond was born later than him but now he was senior to Maeglin who was only 231 yrs old. Elves weren't even considered truly adults till they were 500. Elrond had even told him about how his cousin Celebrimbor whined endlessly about his father Curufin treating him like an elfling till he was over 300.
"When I first got here it had been quite a transition. For the longest time I still slept with a dagger in hand because I just couldn't believe there were no orcs here. It was an even bigger nightmare dismissing my seneschals and telling them I was not going anywhere near Tirion. I had heard enough horror stories from Atto about how gaudy the place was. I refuse to be dressed up like a peacock because every Noldor there is obsessed with shiny things. I think I broke the record for how fast you could build a new city just so I wouldn't be offered to live there" he said as he threw up his hands in exagerrated frustration and cocked an eyebrow to highlight how obvious his actions were.
At that he couldn't help but laugh. Lomion laughed so hard he almost fell off the bench. His laughter sounded like a tinkling bell that echoed through the halls and the gardens.
Hiding behind a tree Ilmisse smiled, deep in the halls the Weaver and Doomsman cracked a heartfelt grin, and across the river to the Halls of Nienna the Lady of Mercy let a tear of joy fall from her cheek.
That was the sound Eöl heard as he walked into the gardens with a basket full of Maeglin's favorite pastries. He couldn't help but smile as he so rarely heard the sound, almost never after his son became a physical adult. He would cherish this sound and make sure it happened more often. He would thank Eru everyday for this gift even if his wife was on the verge of hanging him upside down from his toes for being the first one to see their son. Oohh she was going to be quite mad he heard this and she didn't. Oh dear he could already hear her fuming through their bond. They may be separated for now but that didn't mean they didn't see or care for each other. They had finally worked things out after a LONG rest period courtesy of Elrond's advice, marriage counseling he had called it.
In fact he was shocked at how welcoming Aredhel's father and mother had been as compared to her thrice-cursed imbecile of a brother Turgon, and no at no point was he threatened with death when he said he didn't want to stay in Tirion. Fingolfin had managed to cleave the whole story of their marriage after his death and was the most fervent, aside from his brother Feanor, in nearly breaking down Mandos's doors in order to get to his grandson after he saw what was happening in Gondolin. He watched as Feanor and Fingolfin had to be restrained by a horde of Mandos's maia and even some of Lady Vairë's. Finally it took the Doomsman threatening to keep them from ever being let out (he wouldn't have really done it) to get them to calm down long enough for him to explain his reasoning. He told them that if they tried to leave now they would last no longer than a few minutes with how damaged their souls had been. They didn't like it but they did quell their endeavors, that is until his child's death then all hell had broken loose. He was no better but he had NEVER seen his wife so wrathful. She looked like Morgoth come'ith again. He had stayed far away from her after she heard from Lady Nienna what her once friends Glorfindel and Echtelion had done to her son. Her and Feanor practically became best friends, especially since Feanor could relate to such treatment on some level. Still he made it quite clear to both Aredhel and Fingolfin that he had never been treated with that level of harassment. The four of them practically went mad when they learned the poor boy wasn't even being given food or clothes by the servants anymore. Even Lord Namo's brow seemed to twitch when he heard this. To this day he still doesn't know how a spirit managed to steal enough of Lady Vairë's sewing needles(she gave them to her) to fashion a double ended javelin. As soon as Glorfindel and Ecthelion entered the halls his wife had become an unstoppable rapid dog that even managed to stab Glorfindel in the shoulder before Lord Namo had to pry her off him. It took 10 maia to pry off Fingolfin after he had managed to punch Echtelion in the face. It's nothing to brag about but he did manage to tackle Turgon's ghostly spirit in a fit of rage before being subsequently restrained as well. As for the remaining Gondolindrum Feanor had taken to chasing them with the abandoned javelin while he was LITERALLY on fire. He looked like a spectral Balrog which was more than frightening for those just killed by one. After their eventual rebirth Fingolfin had made it very clear that while he still loved his son there were consequences for what he had done! What happened to Maeglin being the most obvious. He and his brother king Arafinwe had banished Turgon from Tirion and forbid any of the defector Gondolindrim from setting foot in the city. If they were found they would be swiftly led out, this was for all their sakes as quite frankly the whole of Beleriand wasn't as welcoming to the Gondolindrim as they would have initially thought. Quite the opposite actually, they were downright furious. Turgon had stolen a third of Fingolfin's host, hid from the world's problems, and made himself a ruler that threatened his own kin if they tried to leave. On top of all that he failed to realize the political implications of his killing him stunt in regards to Doriath. Yes, contrary to popular belief Eöl wasn't just kin to Thingol. No, in truth he was in fact Thingols nephew once removed. If word got out that a Noldor had killed a prince of Doriath it would have started a civil war!! The only thing that prevented this disaster was the fact he had left Doriath many years before, after the isolation of the forest had nearly driven him mad. Ironic how isolation seemed to be the only shared quality between Turgon and Thingol. At one point Thingol had asked to see Maeglin after he learned of his rebirth from him, but he told him to go kiss an orc! There was no way he was letting the boy meet another isolationist ruler especially when there was clearly something wrong with his son. Lord Namo had brought it up to him after their first meeting. He had told him that the....manner of his son's death had caused such profound damage that it took all these long millenia just to keep him from shattering entirely. Though he was far more stable now, he absolutely could not be provoked unless he sought out people himself. They would subtly introduce him to more of his relatives to where he could handle them and not have a meltdown. He agreed wholeheartedly with this and while it miffed his wife and father in law, they were just glad to know he was doing better.
Eöl was suddenly pulled from his thoughts when he heard Elrond speak again.
"Maeglin by any chance would you like to see new Imladris yourself? It's still small but I think you'd like it. It's located along a river only a 2 hrs ride from here. I modeled it completely after Imladris" he said in a hopeful tone.
"I would love to but I don't know if I can. I have my apprenticeship with Lady Vairë and I can't physically move much for now. I'm still getting accustomed to being re-embodied" said Maeglin that noted his hesitance but also wish to go.
"Oh it doesn't have to be right now of course!! It's an open offer for whenever you'd have time. As far as mobility goes I could bring a cart for you to rest in. Your father could even come, it would be no trouble at all" said Elrond with a jubilant tone.
"What do you think yonya? It sounds like it might be fun. We could even go at night when the stars are out" said Eöl as he walked up to his son and gave him the pastries.
"Well maybe it would be alright but I'd have to ask Ilmisse if she'd be alright...." he said as he was quickly cut off by a loud
"I would be completely fine with it little one!!!!!" Ilmisse had excitedly shouted from her tree overlooking them.
They had paused for a moment before Elrond and Eöl burst into fitted giggles while Maeglin sported a deadpan look on his face.
He sighed and then said "Well I guess that answers that question. Alright I'll go but let's do it next month, that'll give me time to finish some of my work with Lady Vairë."
"Well then I guess it's settled! I'll make sure to get the cart ready in the meantime. I have to go now but I'll see you soon Maeglin" said Elrond in the joyful tone of a child.
"I have to cut my visit short today as well yonya but I'll make sure to ready my horse for you" said Eöl as he kissed the top of Maeglin's head before heading out.
And just like that another month passed.
The visit to new Imladris was going better than he expected. He would never admit it but completing his tasks for Lady Vairë took less time than expected on account of the fact he really didn't have much talent for weaving. He did more work in relation to supply and stocking really. There were some instances where he would be asked to weave the base of the tapestries but he still couldn't get to the point of making fine details. The other Weavers had found the whole thing adorable and would always tell him it was fine he couldn't make detailed patterns without it turning into supposed chicken scratch. He stopped feeling bad about it after Lady Vairë pat him on the head again and told him that she was just grateful for any help he was willing to give.
The journey to Imaldris had been easier than expected with him and Ilmisse riding in the cart, Elrond driving it, and his father riding alongside. The rising cliffs and crisscrossing river made it seem like the small city had been built in a valley. The people of the city were an even bigger surprise as some of them would wave at him when they saw him and......were some of them cooing at him??? Well whatever, it seemed his father found the whole thing endearing. Speaking of his father their journeys outside were indeed limited to mostly night time as Eöl truly still was a starlight elf. An apparent title he had been given that accurately classified why he couldn't endure daylight for long periods. Elrond had found that this trait, once people actually stopped to look, was especially apparent in the elves that lived before the sun rose. The Doriathrim having it less serious as they had built bright lights for their underground caves. Maeglin though could endure it but currently could not due to his weakened re-embodied state. Nobody complained though as Imladris was different from most elven cities in that it's bustling streets continued through both the day and night. His father had found himself enjoying the city with his son, especially the verandas perched near the river. Though there was one instance where he wished it would cloudy enough for him to try going out during the day, as it Manwë was listening (he was) there was one day during their visit where it was indeed cloudy enough for Maeglin to venture out and see the beautiful pink trees lining the city. He even had the privilege of meeting Elrond's wife Celebrian who instantly became take with him and became ANOTHER mother hen that made sure he had everything he needed and made sure he minded his health. His father was apparently ecstatic to have someone else to brag to about him. One surprise meeting though had been meeting Elrond's ,and supposedly his, cousin Celebrimbor. Celebrimbor had moved to the city to stay with his cousin as soon as it was built on account of the culture being comparable to his once diverse city of ost-in-ethil. Elrond had established the city's social culture to where all were welcome and as long as you didn't bring or intend harm nobody would harm you. First Age incidents and past reputations be damned. Celebrimbor had been quite touched by this sentiment and quickly established the cities forges and guild halls. At one point he had invited Maeglin to come see them work but at that time Maeglin could not physically lift a hammer for long without straining his wrists. Plus if he were being honest his burn to forge had not truly come back yet. Though a spark of interest in the current age's techniques was present. He had been strong enough to stay down in the forges and watch them work for around 30 minutes before he had to be helped out on account of the heat making him dizzy. He worried his father and Celebrimbor would be upset he couldn't forge but instead they were worried for his health and told him not to push himself. His father then helped him back to his rooms to rest and Maeglin was content falling a sleep to the sound of bird song, rustling leaves, and rushing water.
Of course for every gentle pond a pebble must come to create ripples.
It happened on their last day in the city. Him and llmisse were coming back from the markets and as they approached Elrond's home he suddenly saw that there were some horses standing around the main gates. There were around 5 horses and it was then he heard a VERY loud voice yelling at someone with Celebrimbor and Elrond attempting to calm them down. "Have you all lost your minds?!!!!! Have you finally gone insane!!! You were told not to come here!!!!! I raced here when we heard you left your damn city. Nolo is on his way but you need to leave NOW!!!!"
"Haru this is not the time or place for this but he's right you need to go now before you're seen" he heard Celebrimbor say.
"I must agree with them both, you cannot be seen. I can't believe you did this. Do you have any idea what you are risking! You were told why to stay away!" he heard Elrond say in frustration. That was the first time Maeglin ever heard him be truly angry.
"I need to see him Elrond! Please I need to tell him I never hated him!" said a male voice
"Elrond please I have to see him! He needs to know I'm sorry!" said a female voice.
Maeglin froze
Ilmisse froze
He knew those voices.
He knew those voices.
Especially the female voice.
It was the voice of someone he once cared for
But no more...
Now he..
BZZZZTTTTTTTTT
What.....what does he feel now?
BZZZZTTTTTT
UGH!!!
No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No
It hurts!!!
It hurts!!!
Go away!!!!!
Go away!!!!
You don't exist anymore!!!!! Ugh!!!!!! Make it stop!!!!
"Lomion!!!!! Little one snap out of it!!!!!" a voice screamed at him and when he gazed up it was Ilmisse. He was on the ground clutching his head with tears running down his face.
He couldn't breathe, he couldn't move. It hurt, it hurt too much. He wants to leave, he needs help, please please someone help. Not again.
"Little one listen to me I'm right here! Nothing is going to happen to you. I'm right here little one." said Ilmisse with utter truth and determination as she pulled him to her in a comforting embrace. But before he had a chance to calm down or reply the voices stopped and suddenly several faces came out of the house. Most of which he knew but the others....
Gasp... No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No
Not him
Standing next to Turgon was an elf with blond hair and another with black.
He knew those elves
He must have really looked bad because Ilmisse suddenly started screaming for Lord Namo. But he didn't really hear her as suddenly every survival instinct in him took over like a bolt of lightning.
Danger
Danger
They'll hurt you
RUN!
And he did.
In a jolt of sheer and utter panic he ran. He ran for the bridge. He didn't look back when he heard people screaming "LOMION!!!" He needed to get away, get away from the one's that'll hurt him. He knew they'd catch up so in a moments decision he climbed the rails of the bridge and jumped into the river below. He heard probably his father and Elrond scream "Maeglin!!!" Though it was too late now as he crashed into the water and let the current carry him away. He was too weak to swim for long. He was getting too tired but in just a moment of lucidity he saw a horse and it's rider crash into the river. He couldn't see the rider well but he knew they had black hair and they looked...panicked? He was trying to reach him and was getting closer before his vision finally started going dark and let exhaustion claim him.