Surprise, it’s a boy…
The year 362 of the first age
Maedhorse is still not sure how it happened. He was returning to Himring with a raiding party after removing an orc encampment from the border when he felt a pull in his fea, something was waiting for him, calling him. He knew it wasn’t anything to do with Morgoth, Maedhors was familiar with him enough to recognize that this was different, pure and full of life. He followed the call, but signaled his party to stay a little behind and stay alert. Just because he is not sensing danger, does not mean there is non, it is better they keep watch. As he was riding in the direction east he could feel how close the what ever calling him is. It was not until he was a top of a hill that he noticed a bundle with an odd bird keeping watch.
It was nothing like he had ever seen before, the bird was pure white a little larger than an average raven, but its shape and feathers were unlike any he had ever seen. It looked at him; inspecting him, after a long moment it seemed the creature saw what it was looking for. He was allowed near the bundle, when he looked closely he was in shock, it was an elfling, around 10 years old if the size was any indication. The elfling had dark curls and pale skin, superficially reminded him of Kano. He was covered in a soft green blanket made of a silk like fabric he never saw before, it had a beautiful engraving of a stag with a crown of lilies. Nelyo quickly picked it up to make sure the elfling was ok, he had enough experience as an elder sibling to know just how fragile the little one is. As soon as he made skin to skin contact a connection opened, the little ones fëa was starving for affection, he knew he had to confirm it but if he is not mistaken the babe showed signs of fëa sickness. As he was holding the elfling, feeding it’s fëa something started to happen, before he realized what was happening a bond formed between them, he was bombarded with fragments of the little ones life, it was terrifying and confusing.
He saw a readheaded with piercing green eyes standing between the little one and death, telling the babe how loved he was in her finale moments. He saw the same babe shoved in a tiny space crying in silence, haunting green eyes begging for help. A different moment where a child with the same green eyes being chased by a giant snake holding a sword bigger than himself. The green eyed boy standing helpless in front of a dragon, a crowed cheering in the background for his demise. There was a moment where the babe was slightly bigger wearing rags, doing the work of adults while looking at a table full of food with longing. The same babe lying in the darkness, blood stained mat and a ragged blanket as he sings happy birthday to himself. Many more followed, each more horrific than the former. The last memory was of the child standing tall with resolve in the middle of a ritual? He knew he was going to die, and was planning to take his enemy with him. Suddenly when the memories stopped he felt like a foreign being invaded his mind it left a massage, one that shocked him to his core; ‘you are trusted with Hrávo. Care for him, love him. He deserves your best.’
From what he understood the little one in his hand wasn’t always an elf, but a child of edain, one with powers of a maiar. He died, or at least on the verge of dying while fighting a dark lord; however, The Creator took mercy on him, transformed him to an elfling and charged Nelyofinwë with his care and protection.
He was overwhelmed with both joy and fear. Why is he being trusted him with someone so precious? How? He is nothing but a tainted murderer bound to an oath! This little one deserves better. But it was clear by both the All-Father and the elfling that he was now responsible for this impossible little one. He wasn’t certain but Nelyo could tell the little one is part elf, part Ainur; his fëa is too powerful to be anything else. The fragments he saw showed him a different place somewhere unlike anywhere he has ever been. It was both mesmerizing and disturbing, few moments were beautiful, yet for the most part they were horrific. Reminded him of his days that he was still at His mercy. To think the little one in front of him understood what it meant to be alone, trapped, starving, hurting, wondering if you ever feel joy again.
That was when he made up his mind, it became clear to him why he was chosen. He might be a marred fëa, but it does not mean he has nothing to offer, if anyone would be able to understand the little one it is those that survived. He took the precious bundle safely with him as he set on his horse, the odd bird flew to his shoulder, they were clearly a packaged deal. To his surprise it was holding an odd looking leather pouch, it had the same engraving as the blanket of the stag with the lilies. When his party saw what he was holding they sorounded him, and instantly set the swiftest route to Himring, as they were riding everyone were on high alert not wiling to chance the little one’s well being.
When they finally reached the castle he trusted the others to care for everything else as he took Hrávo to the healing halls. Ceutare was in shock, his head healer did not expect him to return with an elfling, especially not one as powerful as he is. After a thorough check she found that he was a 14 year old underweight powerful child with signs of fea sickness. According to her had he not been what ever else he is he would not have survived as long as he has. She has her suspicion to whatever else the child might be, and if Maedhors has any inclination she is wise enough to keep them to herself. She also warned him that now that the little one bonded to him, attempting to separate them for longer than a few short hours would harm the elfling. It is not like he is complaining, but it was good that he at least has a healer to justify him keeping Hrávo. It is safer not to let it be known that Eru Ilúvatar chose him for care and protection.
Summoning his seconds and explaining the situation was not as difficult as he assumed, it seemed they already received a report from the raiding party. Precautions were decided regarding entrees to the fortress, along with gag order about the elfling until they have a better grasp on the situation. They were however saddened to discover that the Hrávo is severely malnourished and is depended on their lord for survival. Each knew what fëa sickness meant, and were grateful he was found early enough to survive. Unbeknown to Maedhors they thought the little one might do their lord some good. Ever since his rescue by prince Findecáno, lord Nelyafinwë was doing his duty, his pain so far beyond that of his visible scars. Today was the first time they saw glimpses of the prince they knew from before.
As Hrávo was resting in his arm he contacted his siblings via ósanwë letting them know about their nephew. They were all both in awe, and utterly shocked. Kano was cursing him out loud due to jealousy.(he always wanted children) It was amusing having them all inform him that they will winter in Himring, and to keep them regularly updated about the little one. Though none were pleased when he told them that any further information would be provided in person, he did emphasized to them all to not say a word about him until he can decide the best way to secure the safety of his elfling.
Nelyo wondered who would be here sooner Findecáno might be the farthest, but for the elf that would be a mere delay. Kanafinwë on the other hand might be the closest but considering how busy they all were protecting the territories, Kano and himself in particular he is very likely to be delayed. Honestly he would have felt bad about not leading his people in battle had the little one not needed him so desperately. That and he is fairly certain they would mutiny if he even considered it.
It has been 3 weeks since Hrávo was found and Nelyo could sincerely say that he was charmed, along with everyone else in the fortress. The place was not meant for the young or innocents but it seemed to not bother Hrávo, whenever someone mentioned having the little one leave, or perhaps relocated to with someone else a safer guardian, Hrávo made his displeasure clear. Normally he would grab something near by and throw it at the offending party (with disturbing accuracy), when that was not an option he would set his bird on them. Such suggestions quickly stoped, no matter how well intentioned they were. His brothers loved hearing about his antics over ósanwë daily. Fino went as far as informing their uncle of everything as soon as he was told as well. It seemed his uncle wanted to join him in coming and meet hrávo, unfortunately it was far too long of an absence for them both to leave the territory on short notice.
As for the little one, he was on the road to recover physically from all that happened to him and was constantly resting in his arm. Though at first when he was awake it was clear he did not speak the same language. They were able to communicate via Ósanwë and Nelyo was taking the time to teach him, he was also trying to learn from the child what he was willing to share.
From what he could decipher from the initial connection, along with what the child was able (and willing) to tell him Hrávo remembered everything in his former life,(he was dismayed to learn that the vision initially shared with him were a significant chunk of that) still, it helped navigate this new relationship. When Nelyo explained that he has fragments without actual context Hrávo was a little more talkative. He was originally from a world with magic and there was a dangerous dark lord that targeted his family, and Hrávo in particular. After his parents passed he was left with his none magical aunt and her family, the less said about that the better. It wasn’t until he was 11 that he was reintroduced to magic, and his people where he was surprised to discover of his status there (Nelyo could read between the lines, his little one was also heavily manipulated). His child faced horrific situations, not really having a chance to be innocent. He hasn’t even finished a year of schooling before repeatedly facing the enemy, the fact that his first kill was at 11 was something that outraged Maedhors. Than at the age of 14 he was set up to face the enemy again, only this time he was prepared, able to use his family magic to tear the dark lord apart and have him face judgment with death. Sadly he destroyed his own hroa in the process, coming here was his reward. According to hinya he knew that he was safe not just because both the voice and the bird told him so, his magic did to.
That amazed Nelyo, to have such a young child tell you that his soul and magic trust you and feel safe with you is overwhelming. When he tried to explain to his little one that he was tainted, that he should find him someone better for a home, the little one schuffed at him. He never expected a 14 yo elfling to scuff at him in a mental connection and tell him to get his head out of his arse and stop feeling sorry for himself. Hrávo then proceeded to inform him that if he didn’t stop with the self flegilation he would let Hedwig loose on him, something Maedhors can live without. Those little chats they had when his hinya was awake were not just educating, but also made him more determined. Though he realized he is in for a wild ride, yonya has a temper even more aggressive than Carnistir…
To his surprise the first of his siblings to arrive were the Ambarussa, despite being the farthest they somehow reached him first. As it turns out they were the most flexible when it came to winter preparations for their territory and were able to get things ready faster. Next was his nephew Celebrimbor, as soon as the twins saw him they started laughing with him, saying they finally understood the joy of no longer being the youngest fëanorian. It amazed him how well Hrávo took to the 3, he seemed to like them from the start, the twins antics in particular amused him to no end. It also helped him that there were 3 other elves that yonya was comfortable around, it allowed him to get work done faster since there were things you should not do with a little one around. The problem was getting the 3 trouble makers to give him his son back every time he returned.
In less than a month all of his brothers were there, including Fingon who was a cousin by mere technicality. Maglor, Fingon, and Carnithir were particularly delighted with arriving to the castle to witness a tiny elfling giggling and yelling ‘faster, faster…” whilst Celegorm and the twins chasing after Huan holding something. It was impossible not to enjoy as the entire castle witnessed the great Feanorian hunters chase after the hound. All the while a giggling elfling held safely in Curufin’s arms who had no problem following and narrating it all. (If the hound and the 3 hunters dramatized their chase, and slowed their running considerably it was no one’s business but their own!).
The evenning after they all settled, Nelyo put his hinya to sleep snuggled with Huan and Hedwig, and met with them all in his study where explained to them the truth about who lead him to his son, and elaborated slightly about his past. To say they were concerned would be an understatement, had Maedhors not shared the initial encounter with them all via ósanwë they would have rushed to have his mind checked by a healer. At first some of them were worried about it being a ploy, it sounded like one of Morgoth’s machinations; however, they all held the boy and felt how powerful his fëa is. That was not someone the dark lord would let go of. What’s more, even through the shared memory they could feel some of the power of the being that charged Nelyo with the babe, this was not something the dark lord would ever be able to duplicate.
Nelyofinwë raised his concern about an elfling being placed under his charge, easpcially considering their location, though Finno and Kano were quick to dissuade him saying that there were many praucations they can take. Caranthir even suggested it was a wise thing the child was placed with him because of how relentless he had always been in keeping them safe, that little boy needed someone like him in his life. Oddly the others seemed to agree with that. It was Celegorm that suprised him most. ‘Brother, you already know it is more than just safety. If I understand from the little you shared it is likely he was sent to you because the two of you would be good for each other.’ His brothers around him gave sad nods of agreements. ‘The little one is a wounded soul and a surviver, something you are likely to understand better than most. The two of you can help each other heal.’ He already figured as much but the confirmation was a reassurance he dearly needed, looking around the room he could see nods of reluctant agreement. Sadly Maedhors spent many nights comforting his little one during nightmares, singing the lullabies his parents always sang. He knew that it would take a long time for Hrávo to feel safe, and it broke his heart to know that Celegorm had a point.
They each had a chance to see Nelyo with the little one, and for the first time since Fino rescued him from his capture they saw glimpses of who he was from before. The overprotective giant big brother that often indulged them and let them hide with him whenever they got in to mischief. As for the child, well he was a sassy little thing that had no problem letting his opinion be known. He might not speek much of their language but he did not need words to express what was on his mind. Curufin was still amused by how unimpressed the little one seemed by Celegorms antics. His brother tried his usual nonsensical attitude, only to receive a deadpan look from the 14 yo. Celegorm was still pouting whenever it was brought up.
The winter that followed in Himring was anything but cold. Despite the castle being full with war veteran elves, surrounded by the snow the little mischief maker made everything so lively. It has been many years since any of them was near someone so young and full of life, between the Doom they were cursed with and the constant battle they faced against the darkness of Morgoth few felt safe enough to risk birthing elflings. And those that have were as far as possible from their territories (something they encouraged, no one wanted to risk the harm that might come)
They each had a chance to connect with the new member of their family, share privet moments that sparkled light back in to their being. Caranthis loved sneaking away with his nephew to the kitchens once the little one shared with him how much he loved the smells. They would converse for hours comparing things between Hrávo’s old world and Arda. And if Carnithir wrote down a few recipes of Hrávo’s favorite foods and got them to the cooks no one complained.
Amrod, Amras, and Celegorm probably enjoyed their time with their nephew a little to much, it turns out yonya is a prankster of the highest degree. The menacing quartet would get in to elaborate prank wars and drag half of his fort in to the madness. They actually had to place ground rules, safe zones, and time limitations on the entire thing. Maedhors isn’t sure he would still have a castle left otherwise.
Curufin and Celebrimbor loved talking to hinya, explaining this worlds magic to him. The difference with how enchantments worked in the 2 worlds was fascinating to the three of them. He was beginning to worry just how smart Hrávo is, keeping up with the duo is not an easy feat. It was in particularly impressive when he started talking to them about layering enchantments and rune application. Apparently it was something he had 2 years of official schooling in the matter, not including the independent study he did because of how practical it was. (Maedhors saw some of the memories where using those enchanted items he described were the only reason the child survived, discovering he made some of those made a lot more sense.)
Maglor is probably torn between loving his big brother, and resenting him for having such a wonderful elfling. The little one was so confused by the application of songs of power that he listened to Maglor talk about it for hours, always wanting to learn more. At a certain point they started to ansking about utilizing instruments to channel their active magic and the elfling was overwhelmed with the possibilities. Appearntly there was an instrument he always wanted to learn but never been able to. He shared with Maglor a few memories of hearing a performance by Colin Carr, when he was on a school trip. How he fell in love with what he heard but never been able learn. Hrávo asked his uncle about the various instruments of Eä and the different types of music with so much fascination Maglor knew he has found a kindred spirit. (No one was surprised when Maglor practically moved to Himring when Hrävo turned 22, the unhinge bard spent many hours with his nephew teaching him.)
Another wonderful development was when Fingon told the little menace of his siblings, when Hrávo heard of Aredhel and how she is currently missing due to her wondering ways the little one suggested sending her a letter with Hedwig. Up until that point they all knew the bird was like nothing they had ever seen, especially after witnessing her singing to the little one after a nightmare; however, it seems she is much more then that. The sassy bird as it turns is what Hrávo calls a snow phoenix, which is a creature of song and magic, and is bonded to Hrávo on a soul deep level. She can reach places differently than they ever seen as she demonstrated when she moved the child from one room to another. What’s more, she can track down someone as long as she has their name and some connection to follow (when she changed from Owl to Phenix her tracking magic was influenced, they are not sure what the difference means but apparently it is important.). Had either she or Hrávo already met Irisee, Hedwig would have been able to track her, seeing as neither of them know her, and are new to the land Hedwig will need to use the others bonds with Irisee to follow.
As soon as Fingon, Celegorm and Curufin heard that they started telling both the child and the phoenix of her, further opening their bonds to the child. It was after a week of them sharing their bond that Hedwig gave the elfling an indication that she has a link to follow, from the impression she communicated to him Aredhel was behind some kind of protection. Since they weren’t sure about the situation Maedhors instructed the bird to approach his cousin when she was alone, and observe the situation to the best of her ability without endangering either of them.
The phoenix left with letters from them all, only to return 5 days later with letters back telling them their cousin married a sindar elf and had a child with him. Little Maeglin was currently 42 years old and is being raised Sindar as he is still too young to understand the difference in the cultures and neither parent wanted to confuse him with how different the 2 cultures are in practice. According to the letters she was open to communication through the bird, but wanted to keep the identity of her husband and the location secret for fear of repercussions to her son due to her being a Noldor princess. They did notice there was a letter to uncle Fingolfin, which encouraged Fingon and Maedhors to write explanations as well and send Hedwig to him when possible.
The observations Hedwig provided Hrávo were not as optimistic as the letters Ardhel wrote. The place Aredhel was at is a forest of forever twilight, which that in itself was not the issue. The concern the bird raised was the corruption surrounding the forest, and its lord constant battle at keeping it at bay. According to Hedwig the lord is Maeglin’s other parent, and if he doesn’t get support in this constant battle his mind is likely to break.
Another thing that Hedwig let them know was that initially Aredhel’s husband did not want her to write back (they were all greatful for Hrávo’s ability to communicate with her). He was suspicious of the entire situation and wanted nothing to do with them, them being Fëanorians only made his objections more aggrassive. It wasn’t until Hedwig sang to them and calmed them down that he was open to some form of communication.(they wouldn’t be surprised if he sensed that she is a powerful creature of song and light and that was the tipping point.) Hrávo didn’t voice it but it is clear that he’s worried about what he was seeing from his companion. He was able to share some of her impressions with Nelyo through ósanwë so he understood better why they should navigate with care.
From what his hinya noticed the lord was showing concerning aggressive behavior, Hrávo suspected that it was mostly due to fear and pressure. Maedhors is fairly certain hinya didn’t intend to share the particular thought that followed, his hinya saw a lot of similarities between the lord’s behavior and himself during the last year he had in his old world. Maedhors remembered the little his child told him about that year; a child forced to compete in a tournament meant for adults with no support, being persecuted by everyone but a handful of friends. Yonya had no real help (Nelyo can acknowledge that the 5 friends did their best, but they were children, and the servant that manage to assist was fairly unhinge.) as he was planning his last stand against a powerful dark lord while trying to survive a competition with dragons, underwater creature, and a lethal maze. Despite it all he was determined, he knew he wasn’t going to survive, but he was damned if he wasn’t going to take his enemy with him. More than that, he made a plan that guaranteed his blood line wasn’t to end with him. (And wasn’t that a terrifying thought, in another world, he is a grandfather…)
It is quite troubling that Hrávo can see so many similarities between Ardhel’s husband, and himself making a last stand with no real support. What is more concerning is that after reviewing the information Hedwig showed to hinya he knows that Hrávo is not projecting and the parallels are far to many for comfort.
With that speculation in mind he knew they would have to tread lightly when dealing with him. Someone cornered with everything to loose is unpredictable, and dangerous. The last thing they wanted was to be perceived as a threat, especially to Aredhel and Maeglin. It was decided with the approval of Lady Hedwig off course to continue the correspondence without pushing the boundaries with whoever the lord is. Moreover, he is a Sindar lord, it means that he is close to Thingol, which is probably the real reason they are not teaching their son about Noldor culture. He is too young to understand the importance of discretion. Just as important, Aredhel is the daughter of the Noldor high king, her being married to a Sindar Lord under the directive of Tingol can and will cause issues in her fathers court, she is right to be weary and prioritizing her son’s well being.
Caranthir was charged with discreetly looking in to information about who ever he is. he had enough information to make inquireies without raising attention, as oppose to the rest of them. (No matter how unhappy it makes Fingon and Celegorm). As for Turgen, when Fingon asked if Hedwig can track him down both Hrávo and Hedwig seemed to be discomforted. Both got a sense from their magic that it was not yet time, trying not to be disheartened Fingon respected it and focused on the fact that he finally has a way to communicate with his sister. Not to mention the joy of having 2 nephews!
Uncle Fingolfin was both overjoyed and devastated. On one hand he has a way of talking to his daughter, not to mention a little grandson. On the other hand he is unable to see them, and was limited to communication in letters via magical bird his recently adopted elfling grand-nephew happens to bond with. It is more than a little disheartening. None of them knew what Aredhel wrote to him, but according to Fingon it was enough to assuage his Atar. It was decided that Fingolfin and Fingon would start laying the ground work for acknowledging Maeglin, this way if anything happened to them the status of Aredhel’s child would be secure.
The rest of the season passed with quite a lot of mischief and all his brothers were devastated by the prospect of leaving. Though knowing that Hedwig can transport the little mischief maker to them was a treat they were delighted to discover, ( that incident involved a prank, flowers, and a lot of high pitched screams from Fingon, Celegorm, and the Ambrussa. Caranthir and Calambrimbor vehemently denied involvement). Though Nelyafinwë had to make the little one promise not to go anywhere before he clears it personally with him, and take his guards with him. He later confirmed his instructions with Hedwig, knowing full well what a mischievous elfling can get up to (after the madness his siblings caused he learned to be weary of innocent faćade.)