Stars In Balance

Glorfindel’s hand swiftly closed around the object Fawkes dropped in front of him. It only took him a second to recognize what it could be. This was not something that should be forced out of anyone. He highly doubted the fire phoenix understood the potential meaning behind the necklace.The bird may be full of mischief, but generally tried to assist, not stress Maglor. Which is exactly what was happening to his beloved right now.

While elven eyesight was sharp, only a handful were close enough to have gotten a good enough look at it. More could probably identify it as a necklace. While a necklace of any sort could be significant, it would be recognizing how personalized the pendant was that would matter most. Maglor of course seated to his right knew what it was being its maker. Legolas was seated on his left. While it was extremely possible he recognized what the pendant portrayed, he may not understand the true potential of what it could be. Even if he did, the prince of the Greenwood was unlikely to press the issue. The rest were all varying family members who knew how fragile parts of the bard could be.

Even though all this was true, he could still feel the edge of panic that licked at Maglor’s very fea. While practicing onsawe was not a common thing between them, it would not be the first time he used it. Beloved, nothing happens until you are ready for it to happen. Glorfindel moved his hand to grip the bard’s, carefully pressing the necklace into it. I would wear this proudly, but only when you are ready. If it takes centuries, or even never, I still will be here for you.

Maglor felt that wave of panic build when he realized what Fawkes had brought start to recede. How like Glorfindel this was. The ellon kept putting the power and control in the bard’s hands. In this case quite literally. He could feel a part of himself unknotted as he looked at their clasped hands. While he might on occasion nudge, it was never an outright push. Glorfindel would only ever offer, and do his best to make Maglor comfortable.

The pendant was something that he made in one of his more buoyant moods.A harp and a flute. While the two items were not proportionate to each other, they were well balanced as a piece. He made them with the best of his very limited ability to act as a jewelsmith. Maglor had affixed it to a necklace and then promptly hid it away in a box. Apparently Fawkes had seen him do so, and figured out it was a gift for Glorfindel. One that he had not yet been able to actually present to the ellon.

This symbol that represented both of them would be more than a simple gift. It would be a promise. A declaration of intent to join their lives together. There were other ways to do so of course. A necklace made of something that just represented Maglor worn by Glorfindel would suit that purpose, or some similar object. However that is not what the bard felt drawn to. Making something that represented them both called to his fea.

The fact that Glorfindel literally was putting it in his hands discreetly as possible, soothed Maglor and filled with warmth. A part of him of course reacted that he was not worthy of joining his life to the ellon’s. That Glorfindel deserved far better than to have to deal with him. This was of course swiftly rebutted by a voice that sounded like his son. Which said that it was Glorfindel’s decision as to what the captain wanted and needed. While he was under no obligation to take what the ellon offered, he should not deny him the ability to make it.

Do you mean that?

The whisper of a thought slipped out before he really thought about it. Yet Maglor could not and would not take it back. The bard realized he really didn’t want to. He swiftly received reassurance . I would not have said it if I did not mean it. I care not if you are never ready, I still will be here for you beloved. It was rather kind of Glorfindel to not point out that it was very difficult for elves to lie mind to mind like this. Very difficult. A soft huff of laughter escaped him as he looked up to meet his beloved’s eyes.

“Not quite what I was asking, but I suppose you already answered that.” Even as he spoke out loud, calm settled over Maglor. There would likely be some panic again later, but looking in Glorfindel’s eyes all he could feel was the calm and the love. “I did make it for you, I suppose you should wear it, if you wish to.” The bard could have continued to use onsawe. Instead he was making himself vulnerable in another way. At the same time he was strongly signaling that yes, this was his intent and desire. The slight widening of Glorfindel’s eyes told him the ellon understood that.

“I would be honored.”

Gathering what remained of his feanorian courage, Maglor leaned forward and placed the necklace over Glorfindel’s head. “A year and a day then?” The bard was rewarded with a brilliant smile. “A year and a day,” Glorfindel affirmed.

“You will not be writing any poetry of any kind for the ceremony captain.” Erestor's dry tone cut into their awareness and brought it back to their surroundings. “I refuse to listen to any more of what Glorfindel considers poetry.”

*
Fall TA 2609
*
Gilriant stood patiently in his raven form as Hedwig and Fawkes trilled at the chicks. They had been through flapping exercises already. Hedwig had decided they should try gliding short distances.So before he had shifted he helped the chicks get up on a low branch of one of the smaller trees. He settled in one close by so they could see his entire flight and landing.There were other elves gathered nearby happy to make sure the little ones didn’t get hurt in their attempts. As he had been told he was going to be the example, with no little nostalgia, the young elf asked Maglor to be his target. Learning to grab on something to land could take a few tries. It was helpful to have someone that could grab back if you faltered.

Agalospen’s excited bobbing and trills told Gilriant that the young fledgling was on the verge of just launching. Regardless of what her parents thought she should be doing. He gave an amused quork. Spreading his wings, he made an exaggerated leap off the branch towards Maglor. Once he got close, shifting his body and extending his legs to clasp on to the offered arm.

The air fledgling immediately flung herself off the branch, arrowing towards Legolas with a happy chirrup. An amused burble escaped Satarmar even as Nemirchon made a scolding sound at his sister’s antics. Of all of the young siblings, Agalospen had the most experience launching herself off things and landing. So she had no difficulty hitting her mark and trilling at the elven prince. “Yes, very well done. I suppose you want to go again.” She bobbed excitedly and he laughed softly, reaching with his free hand to scratch her head. Agalospen leaned into the touch.

Under the watchful eyes of their parents the other two fledglings lept from their branches. Sartamar, being more earth oriented was the least experienced and it showed at her fumbled landing. Haldir gently caught and steadied her, murmuring quiet encouragement. Nemirchon headed for one of the fledglings other favorite targets. The big shiny elf. A little unsteady, but he managed to make the landing, instantly hop climbing up to Glorfindel’s shoulder so he could preen the captain’s hair. Gilriant quorked a laugh at the antics.

At Hedwig’s trilling call, the young elf in raven form launched up to fly towards the tree they were using for lessons. Legolas, Haldir and Glorfindel walked the fledglings back and helped them up onto branches before retreating again. So went the next couple of hours. Which included a moment when all three fledglings decided to go for the Shiny one. They fought over perches and chased each other around the captain’s shoulders and head.

It was a rather entertaining way to spend the day.

*

“You came.” Thranduil’s voice held a thread of surprise to it as he greeted the trio. “Of course we did, I would not miss the Feast of Starlight. I made a promise.” Gilriant smiled and moved to hug the elven king. “I am glad you have. In truth, it would not have surprised me to not see you for some time with all that is happening.” Thranduil gave him a light embrace before moving to his son. He did not begrudge any of them for the time away with the current circumstances.

“Fawkes dropped us off and will pick us back up tomorrow evening. Staying too long I think would be upsetting for the chicks right now.” Gilriant’s smile widened. “Though I do believe when they start teaching them their own unique way of travel you will be their first stop.” Thranduil straighten up, his head held high. “Well of course this should be their first stop. I would expect nothing less.” Legolas smiled slightly, “I do think she misses you Ada, and wants to show you her children.” “You’ll like Nemirchon, he’s the one that is most like Hedwig.” Haldir added.

“I certainly look forward to meeting him. Meeting all of them.”

*

“I am beginning to think you pull all sorts of chaos to you. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, except for when it is.” Mirthandir’s greeting brought a slight smile to Gilriant’s face. “You know I do not intend to do that.” The young elf moved forward to hug the istari. Ever since the incident with the orcs and his other form, beings of power were even more evident to his sight. Gilriant knew Mirthandir was coming long before he actually arrived.

“Perhaps not, but it is still what happens.” Taking Mirthandir’s pack from the young elf shook his head slightly moving towards the guest rooms the istari typically used. “I could say the same of you. I think the only thing Thranduil likes about the fact I’m here is that he doesn’t have to put up with you for the winter.” That made the gray wizard pause. “Yes well, as you said, it is not the intended outcome.” Amused, Gilirant just kept leading the way and Mithrandir resumed following him. “You may want to plan on staying past the winter, there is going to be all sorts of excitement coming up this next year.” The istari carefully took in his surroundings. “Oh? Just what have you been up to?”

Hearing a trilled warning, the young elf held his free arm out for one of the fledglings to land on. It didn’t take the young phoenixes long to graduate to actual flight. Gradually increasing their distances and skills. “Not I. Though I suppose you could say I’ve been helping. Meet Nemirchon, his sisters are likely around here somewhere. Hedwig and Fawkes are their parents.” He smiled at the flabbergasted expression on the istari’s face. “Little brother this is Mirthrandir, as you can see he is not an elf, he is an istari.” “Oh my, well it is lovely to meet you Nemirchon.” Mithrandir offered his arm and the young phoenix considered for a moment, before hopping over.

“They have met travelers coming through, but you are their first istari. Agalospen is likely with Legolas and Sartamar tends to keep company with Haldir.” Gilriant didn’t bother to explain their individual elements and Mirthandir would be able to understand from their names what each tended to. Or from the wizard’s own abilities. The young phoenix trilled a polite greeting before chirruping and churring at the young elf. “Yes I am aware Maethel is due for a check up and she is as well. If you want to remind her, feel free.” With a happy trill and a bob of the head the fledgling took off.

Mithrandir frowned. “Is everything alright with Maethel.” Gilriant grinned. “More than. Oh my friend there is much news to catch you up on.”

*

The fledglings were all fluffed up against the cold. Of the three Agalospen seemed the least bothered by it. Air could quite often carry cold winds after all. Sartamar and Nemirchon seemed far more uncertain about this part of things. At least until the twins gave them a supply of snowballs they could drop on others. Agalospen was the one that was most often caught dropping them on people because she found it hilarious to watch. Or perhaps it would be better to say she was the one that caught the most blame. Still it was all in good fun with plenty of laughter.

By the time the celebration for the longest night came around they had grown accustomed enough to enjoy the festivities with everyone. Happily starting to add their voices to the singing. While their songs didn’t have the same strength as their parent’s, their voices had matured and added to the beauty of it all. It was engrossing enough that barely anyone noticed when Haldir and Gilriant slipped away for their yearly tradition.

At least one elf noticed. Legolas made no move to join them, just watched as they drifted towards the trail he knew led to an area they used for the star gazing. He watched expressionlessly, before turning around to put his attention back on the celebration. There was a concerned trill from Agalospen after she settled on his shoulder. The elven prince gave her a soft smile. “It is good that they have that tradition. I would not want to intrude.”

What did surprise him was when Sartamar landed on his other shoulder and moved to preen his hair. With an outraged squawk, Agalospen charged across his shoulder and behind his neck to pop out of his hair and scold her sister. The two trilled and chirruped in annoyed tones at each other. That was of course when Nemirchon decided to land on the shoulder the young air phoenix abandoned and scolded them both. A laugh escaped Legolas when the fledglings proceeded to spend the rest of the celebration squabbling over who got what perch on him.

*
TA 2610
*

“The trees are warming and singing again!” Gilriant practically bounced over to Legolas. “Come listen with me!” The older elven prince looked down. “It is still too cold to go without your shoes.” “Nooooo.” A mock betrayed expression covered the young elf’s face. “Don’t be all reasonable now. I’ll be fine.” The archer considered the matter with a head tilt.

“Shoes until we get into the trees, and they go back on if we are up for more than an hour.” Gilriant’s eyes narrowed, “Four hours.” Legolas lifted his eyebrows at the length of time before countering, “One and a half.” A huff escaped the young elf. “Three.” Legolas shook his head. “Two max. We don’t have to come down at that point but you should put your shoes back on.” A sigh escaped Gilriant. “Fine, but I swear everyone is way too hung up on me wearing shoes.”

Gilriant grabbed Legolas’ hand and started to tug him along. “Shoes first.” He calmly reminded his friend. “Yes yes I know.” Amusement threaded through Legolas at the carefree and energetic behavior being exhibited by his friend. “You seem rather enthused.” Gilriant had yet to relinquish his hand. So he followed as apparently they were on the hunt for the aforementioned shoes. “Spring is coming, the songs and life which was slowed by winter's cold are waking.”

While that certainly was reason enough, thinking back about the celebration of last spring equinox and wondered if it was not also something more. “I would think spring has multiple reasons to be a time of celebration for you.” Gilriant glanced back at him. “Well, yes. Right now though it is about the trees waking up.” They were approaching the family wing so likely the young elf had yet to put on any shoes. Much to Legolas’ surprise Gilriant pulled him past the doors that led to the set of rooms he shared with Maglor. The confusion must have shown on his face. “My brother said I could borrow a pair of his. Arwen and Celebrian are in there with Atya working on some plans. I do not want to get dragged into that.” Ah, well that made perfect sense. “Is that part of the reason you are so intent on going out right now?”

“Avoiding it just is an added bonus.”

As they had not passed Elrond in the halls they must have communicated via onsawe. It was clear from the young elf’s behavior that he would have happily gone without any footwear, so it was unlikely that he had asked beforehand. It highlighted the close bonds Gilriant had with his family. “I do not think I have ever seen someone use onsawe in quite the same fashion as you, at least not as often.” They had reached Elrond’s rooms and thankfully his friend dropped his hand rather than drag him into the Lord of Imladris’ personal rooms. “I did not, at first. But then I saw some of what Elrond had lost. It also was a tool used for teaching me and guiding me for both the sight and other gifts.” Having found some boots Gilriant brought them out and took a seat to put them on.

“After a certain pointt it just felt as natural as talking. It took no more effort and I could communicate from farther away.” Gilriant looked over to Legolas. “My nephews likely could do so with each other, being twins. I admit it is a little unusual for me to use it so extensively but Elrond is my brother and teacher. Haldir is my anchor as well as having been my teacher. I also use it with Atya often enough as it reassures him I am well.” All of which were good reasons, even if it was atypical. “My bonds to others are very important. Perhaps more so than most elves.”

Now shod, Gilriant stood up and grabbed Legolas’ hand to lead him along again. Only pausing to pick up a small bag and sling it on his shoulder. It was much like he did as an elfling, if with a bit more foresight and common sense added. His friend though of age still kept a few small behaviors and much of the energy at times of an elfling. Though none would take him to task for it, or discourage it. Those small things were endearing in many ways, if occasionally perplexing. Still the woodland prince had no desire to pull away. He enjoyed the contact with Gilriant.

“Because of your gifts.” Legolas knew how strongly Gilriant needed those bonds for a number of reasons. “Yes. I cannot afford to get lost or lose myself with what I can do. The bonds remind me of what is most important. Of what it is that I want to cherish and protect.” There had been stories, whispers of elves that were too strong and became little more than spirits of the forest. Not something he wanted to see his friend become.

They earned a few amused looks from others as Legolas continued to be towed by the younger elf through Imladris. As Gilriant obviously had a spot chosen it was no hardship to simply let him lead the way. They did pass Haldir who apparently was helping Hedwig mediate something the fledglings had gotten into. The marchwarden simply waved them on with a smile

“There is another reason, one I don’t talk about often. I do not ever want what I can do to cause me to become a danger to others.” Leoglas' eyes went wide. “You are only a danger to what you call the corrupted. I can not imagine you being a danger to anyone else. I do not think you have it in you my friend.” Gilriant gave him a small smile. “Thank you, I just get concerned because there are those that value power above all else, feel they are entitled to it, or can do as they like. My connections to others helps me keep in mind what I do impacts all of the world around me.” The blond archer was quiet as he thought it over. “I can see why you would think so. Still, I very much doubt you would ever turn towards corruption. You do not have it in you.”

“And I hope I never do. Which is why I cherish my bonds and those they are connected to. Having spent my earliest years very isolated from others in many ways, I know how damaging that can be.” That Legolas understood. There were tales, warnings, all about the dangers of isolating yourself away from other elves. Or how it could cause great damage to a young elf, that without said bonds growing up they could become unable to truly connect with others. “Well you will always have me to help, for as long as you wish.” Gilriant offered him another small smile. “Thank you.” Then seemed to turn his attention to the trees.

Finally he led Legolas to a large tree, perhaps the largest in the forest. The branches were still bare, the tips shivering in the wind that wound through them. Small nobby points along branches showed where the buds were starting to form. Dropping his hand, Gilriant put both of his on the tree. “This one. This is perfect.” Pulling off his shoes he stashed them in the bag and slid the strap over his shoulders before proceeding to climb. Not terribly far up, the branches forking off the three were still rather thick. “Here, a good enough spot for both of us to perch. Planting his feet against the bark he offered a hand. “Trust me?” Legolas started to climb.

When he reached Gilriant, he allowed the younger elf to maneuver him into position. Following the other’s lead in how to settle. They ended up with Gilriant’s back to the trunk. Legolas in front of him, back to his friend’s front, an arm around his middle helping secure him in place. “Now feel the tree. Listen with all that you are. Find the waking melody. I will help you.” As this was a safe area and would require focus Legolas closed his eyes and listened.

He sank his awareness into the tree, seeking that thread of waking life. The faint melody that spoke of rising beginnings. While Legolas’ skill was below what most silvans might have. He worked with Haldir, and on his own, until he could make the most of it. It took him some passing of time but he was determined to find it, and he did. There, connecting to that faint song. The waking from slumber, from what weighted the tree into sleep. Transforming what it had into something more. Stretching towards the warming sun. Energy waking and rising into more.

Gilriant, no, it was Faircoivar now that reached through their connection and drew Legolas deeper into the song. The beauty and the transformation of potential to actual. The tree’s rather joyous melody as it woke to a new turn of the seasons. It was through his friend that he could feel the various elements of the season woven through everything. The fire of the sun that warmed the tree and the ground beneath. The earth of which the tree's roots dug deep. Water, a symbol of rebirth and new life, was in the sap that was starting to flow. The air that surrounded them and gently moved the parts of the tree that reached to the sky.

It was not lost on Legolas the intimacy of the position that they were in. Held close both in body and spirit. Literally surrounded by all that Faircoivar was. For now he would keep his focus off those thoughts. His friend was not ready for such things on a conscious level. If he dwelled on it now it could redirect Faircoivar’s focus into an area that was not needed currently. So he kept his awareness away from such thoughts. Instead he allowed himself to remain immersed in the moment.