Child of the Stars

After a couple of days of rest, studying Sindarin and practicing not accidently invoking any new abilities, Harry felt ready to try another dream trip. Things had been going well. Except for the one regrettable incident with a houseplant that everyone agreed not to mention again. It only ate Kreacher’s least favorite frying plan so totally dismissable. Seriously it wasn’t that bad. Alright there was the one set of curtains now gone too but no one liked those. In related news the Black family garden now had a new guardian. It fit in perfectly with the rest of the plants. Regardless of that minor mishap, the point was he was now ready.

Settling on the couch, Maglor sat nearby harp in hand. He wasn’t absolutely thrilled about the whole thing, but the bard also had no intention of rescinding permission. At least this time he already knew about it, and could stand watch. Both parts of it gave Harry a warm fuzzy feeling. That the tall elf was letting him make that decision with no pressure, and standing watch.

There really wouldn’t be much that Maglor could do. Still he insisted on sitting here, and if nothing else, playing music to help smooth the journey as much as possible. The notes of the harp’s music hung in the air. Motes of comfort with the wisps of power about them. They wove warmth and protection around the young one, best they could. Like another warm blanket laying over him.

Speaking of blankets, they did indeed have one over the cloak. Considering all of them found it pretty disturbing to see Harry as a headless body. While he could have covered his body completely, something stopped him from doing so. Perhaps instinct, or something about his new abilities that told him it would not be the best idea. Having at least a part of him outside the cloak keeping his anchor to the here and now. He could not afford to become lost. Covered by a blanket of cloth, one woven of music notes and guarded by his family, Gilriant drifted off.

This time there was just a soft tug, and he found himself in the great Hall he remembered from before. Just the tall dark haired male there this time. Looking surprised for only a moment. Then amused resignation on his face. He started towards Harry but as before there seemed to be something that held him slightly apart. Oh well, Gilriant had other things to do at the moment. As much as he’d like to explore, his time was limited. Now where was that exit?

Just as he spotted and headed towards it, the doors opened and a tall silver-haired man advanced on him with a smile. While he would have just darted past him, this one seemed to have no problem getting close. He easily caught Harry in both hands, scooping the elfling up with a warm chuckle. “Not so fast little one, I actually want to make this easier on you.”

Resigned, Harry hung limply in the beings hold. “This going be thing now, isn’t it?”

“Hmmm?” The silver haired male tilted his head. “What do you mean?”

Gilriant sighed, “Being just picked up, do I really have to be this small?”

At least the being had the grace to look slightly chagrined at his actions. “I am sorry about that. Namo told me what he knows and -” Here he paused to look over at the dark haired male standing just at the edge. He carefully shifted Gilriant in his hold and made a small pulling gesture towards the other tall male. “He wants to be part of the conversation apparently. Sorry about that brother, but dreams are my domain.”

The silver-haired male had addressed the other and Harry gave a small frown looking at the dark haired one. “Namo? Is that your name? I thought it Mandos?”

“They both are,” with a smile he reached to take Gilriant from the silver-haired male. “Mandos is what Eru’s children call me. Namo is the other name I go by. Well-met Elenrieano. It is good to be able to talk to you.” He glanced at the other. “Thanks to my brother Irmo.”

The silver-haired one, Irmo apparently, inclined his head. “Well it is as I said. I want to make the little one’s journey a bit easier.” His expression clouded over briefly as he regarded the elfling. “I know you are different, but I am a bit concerned. Which is why I intercepted you. I can supply the dream itself, and connect everyone needed to it. You, little traveler, can then spend more time without exhausting yourself.”

Much to Harry’s frustration, he could see others starting to gather around the edges. Great more interruptions. As if hearing the young one’s thoughts Irmo looked over and then back with a chuckle. “And keep the rest at bay. If you travel only under your own power, there are more chances one of the others would try to intercept you. I know this is not why you are here, please forgive their curiosity.” A warm smile spread on his face. “It has been some time since we have had a young one such as yourself to interact with.”

Namo gave his brother a dry look. “I don’t think we have ever had a youngling quite like this one here.” The pair made an interesting contrast. The shining light hair of Irmo, and the more free and friendly air. The one also known as Mandos could come across as dark and imposing, almost a direct opposite. Yet to Gilriant, he could feel a very similar strength and warmth underneath the outward appearance of it all.

“Um,” Gilriant started. “I not want to be rude but . . “

“You aren’t here to talk to us. No worries little one, we understand that.” He was relieved at Irmo’s words. Not that he wasn’t curious, and didn’t want to explore, but he had a different priority for this trip. Looking around at the deeply colorful hall, yeah he really wanted to explore just, not yet.

“Right, first ground rules. Then Irmo will take you to talk to them.” Namo focused on Gilriant. The elfling was sure that he probably looked stern to most. However he had experienced Professor McGonagall having a bad day. Still he tried to look suitably impressed. After all, Mandos was the one holding him at the moment. “Don’t take trips back to back, it will wear you out too much. You can focus on your intent and Irmo will help you go directly to where you desire.” Eying the elfling if not entirely convinced of his sincerity, he added, “If you do want to come here, no wandering around on your own, and you need an escort for Aule’s forges.” He gave a closer look at the young one and sighed. “And for Yavanna’s gardens for that matter.”

Irmo cocked his head at that. “How much trouble could he get into there?” Namo winced, “Somehow I do not think we want to risk it. So please don’t utter that particular choice of wording again.” For his part Gilriant decided to do his best to radiant innocent little one. Hey if he was going to be stuck with it, best to try and use it to his advantage. Irmo at least seemed to be buying it.

Namo seemed to be made of sterner stuff. He gave Gilriant a look, before handing him back to Irmo. His expression softened and he ran a hand over the youngling’s hair. “Safe travels Star-Crowned. There will always be a haven here for you, if you need it.” Stepping away he turned back towards the depths of his halls.

With a shrug Irmo looked down at Gilriant. “Alright, close your eyes. When you open them again, all will be as it should be.” Following the direction the young elf closed his eyes. He felt the tall silver-haired one set him down on his feet. The feeling of hands on him disappeared, and then the sound of distant water flowing caught the edge of his hearing. Eyes flying open, he took in the appearance of Imladris. It worked.

He wandered around on bare feet, enjoying the feeling of cool stone. It took Gilriant a moment to orient to what he remembered of this place. Trying to find the spot he found the other two elves last time. There was no doubt in his mind that they were here. Irmo said he would arrange it.

When he did find that same room they weren’t there. Which just meant, they must be someplace else. It took him a moment to realize that it was actually night-time here. To these eyes it was illuminated nearly as well as day. Easy enough to navigate. So maybe they were in their rooms this time? One way to find out. Gilriant started wandering the halls calling out. “Hello?”

For Elrond, it had been not quite two weeks since he and Glorfindel encountered the elfling while in a dream state. During that time he had to try to discreetly seek out answers for all the questions they had. Unfortunately, no information seemed forthcoming. Neither good nor bad, decidedly neutral, there was no way of knowing what move to make. Thankfully the time that had passed so far was barely a blink of an eye. Easy enough to be patient.

So when he felt the soft tug pulling him from his waking dream to a different dream state he did not resist. The underlying sounds of life in Imladris once more hushed. Even in the waking dreams at night there were still some. So a notable difference. Getting up out of bed he pulled on a dressing robe and left his rooms. It didn’t take long for Glorfindel to join him. At a glance they both agreed upon looking to see if the young one was here again.

It didn’t take long for their search to bear fruit when they heard the young one calling out. Tracking his voice they turned a corner and there he was. Same white streak in the hair, simple tunic and trousers, pendant, barefoot, and when he looked at them, the same jewel-bright green eyes. Which lit up upon sight of them. “Shiny!” Elrond chuckled softly at Glorfindel’s amused sound. Once again he went to one knee, and let the elfing choose how close he came. “Hello little one, it’s good to see you again.”

The elfing stopped a few feet short and beamed a smile at them. “Yes good, will have more time than last. Irmo helping, he said so I not get too tired.”

“Did he now?” Elrond took this information in without changing his expression, but he could feel Glorfindel’s shock behind him. Apparently not displayed to the young one as he did not react. He could feel his old friend taking a closer look at the elfing in front of him. “Well that is a good thing, I would enjoy having more time to spend with you.”

“Yes!” The elfing beamed a smile even as he fidgeted with the pendant again. “Are you Elrond?”

The aforementioned elf inclined his head in agreement. “I am, did your grandfather tell you I might be?” Difficult to forget the little one said the last time he was here. Elrond had analyzed every word, image and action to the best of his abilities.

Nodding the little one agreed. “Yes, Grandfather knows you,” his gaze looked up to Glorfindel with a slight sparkle of mischief in his eyes. “And Shiny.” His expression shifted and he let go of the familiar looking pendant letting it free as he spread his hands apart.

“Say Grandfather but many between. What he say I can call him. Have him, Uncles, and one
Other. Is . . . many words story?”

“A long story?” Glorfindel offered. “And I do believe you know my name is Glorfindel, you said it last time.”

“Yes, long story,” the elfling agreed. “Still learning words, getting better but still much to learn.” Which is something they had picked up on. The young one’s manner of speech was smoother, closer to a native speaker with a limited vocabulary. Then the sparkle of mischief was back. “Like Shiny better.”

Glorfindel, or Shiny, gave a mock sigh at that. “If you must. How about you little one, what is your name?”

“Grandfather name me Gilriant,” Came the easy reply.

“That is a beautiful name.” Elrond replied with a smile. “What are the names of your Grandfather, Uncles and the Other?” He chose to use the same titles the young one did. Hoping to keep him relaxed.

“That, part of the long story.” The child admitted.

“Then perhaps, since we shall have the time, we walk to the garden while you tell us?” Elrond had noticed the small fidgets and movements. Perhaps a walk would help keep the young one soothed. He stood and offered his hand. Gilriant looked at it for a moment then stepped closer and placed his hand in the taller elf’s. He was just tall enough to keep the hold from becoming too uncomfortable for either one of them.

Thanks to Elrond’s great experience he was able to keep from outwardly showing his reaction as a small, but powerful young fea, that cautiously touched his. It would give the young one a bit more information about him, but it was also giving him even more information in turn. He would have to carefully consider it later. For now he needed to focus on what Gilriant had to say. Slowly in deference to the young one’s size, he led them towards the gardens.

“Started long ago. Long long ago.” The child began. “Back when first Dark One do great evil. He took first elves, second elves, tore fea from hroa. He used bodies to create corrupted ones.” Both elves' attention went sharp with shock at that. Gilriant was talking about the desecration of the elves. Making the beginning of this story a long time ago even as an elf measured time. “Not know why, but he take fea, throw away through . . . break between this world, and mine. Those the Lost Ones. Not part of my world, they stuck. No where to go, just exist as fea.”

He wasn’t sure what expression was on his or Glorfindel’s face or if the young one took in their horrified sounds at it. Either way the young one looked up and gave them both a reassuring smile. “Is okay, Grandfather find them after he fell through escaping second dark one. He, his children and helper find, build sanctuary within home, safe place for them to rest. Make promise try get them home. Grandfather find first ones to fall through, have family, then fade with grief. Gave their fea safe place rest. Grandfathers family caretakers, helper caretaker, keep safe, protected.”

Decidedly odd to be reassured by the elfling. The sheer shock of the contents of the story had both adults though struggling to comprehend what they were being told. “That is good that they were able to help them. Sad that the Lost Ones were stuck.” Glorfindel finally managed. The ancient elf looked pained.

Gilriant reached for his hand as well to give it a squeeze. Thankfully the hallway was wide enough for them to walk comfortably with the young one between them.At the touch, the warrior took in with the young one with a blink. Likely getting just as much, if not more than Elrond from it.

Taking their silence as a permission, the elfling continued. “Three times living elves come through break between worlds. Uncles first, Grandfather, not sure if second or third, and the last. Uncles and Grandfather have family and raise children. I come from children of all three of them. Last did not know about his child. Child was hidden away.” There was a faint frown on Gilriant’s face, one the adults echoed. A terrible thing to have your child taken from you. “Is hard explain, not enough words yet.”

“We can leave that for another time then,” Elrond gently encouraged before prompting the elfing to continue. “Now, your Uncles?”

“Yes,” Here the elfing’s face took on an exasperated expression. “They not tell me which start my father’s family line. So Uncles. Not matter much, are brothers born same time?” His gaze flicked up at Elrond’s face. It was probably a good thing they had reached the garden as the dark haired elf sank down on a bench. “Twins?” He offered faintly. “Yes! That.” Gilriant agreed.

“Elured and Elurin?” Glorfindel carefully asked as he also sat down, helping the elfling settle on the bench with them. The young one nodded. “Their sons researched how fix break, send father home. Did make doorway, but not find way take home yet. That, that I will do. Soon. Bring everyone home.” Now Gilriant gave them both an anxious look. “You, okay?”

The story was incredible, but the fact the young one’s fea touched his, however lightly, he knew he spoke the truth. “Okay?” A soft laugh escaped Elrond. “More than okay. You tell me that some of my family is found, and will be coming home. That you are family. That is a blessing young one, a gift. You are a blessing.”

“Oh.” Gilriant’s voice was small and he blinked hard. Elrond reached to cup the side of his face, the movement slow and deliberate so he could stop if the young one didn’t want it. He didn’t know exactly what the young one was getting from him, but he could feel the very old wound to the elfling’s fae that was hurting him. Likely the cause of the tear that he gently wiped away.

“Very much a blessing,” Glorifindel agreed.

Looking as overwhelmed as Elrond was, the older elf stayed quiet. Giving the elfling time to process. Finally he spoke again. “My mother, father, died when I baby. Given to mother’s relatives. They . . . not like me. Not like what I am. Not want me. Not have real family until I find Grandfather and others.”

Now Elrond’s heart broke at the pain he could feel in the young one. Thankfully the elfling was looking at him and not Glorfindel who was looking rather murderous behind him. Such a thing was dangerous for an elfling this young. He could be twenty at the very most. Granted it was likely they were not elves with an attitude like that, at least he hoped for that. There were still many questions, and he might have a small breakdown about this later. Yet the most important thing at this moment was to make one thing very clear.

“Well we most certainly want you.” Elrond moved carefully, giving the young one every opportunity to pull away if he wanted, to pull him into his arms. The young one allowed him to do so, curling up against him. Tucked under his chin he could feel the young one grasp his shirt tightly. “Even if there was not a drop of blood between us, we would want you.”

Glorfindel had calmed himself to move closer and reach to stroke a hand over dark hair, tucking a bit with the white streak behind his pointed ear. “Yes, it matters not where you came from. We would want you.”

“Not entirely elf,” came the soft voice of Gilriant.

“Matters not,” Elrond said firmly. “Neither am I.”

“Not look like this yet.” Was further explained. “In my world, elf is all inside. Will probably look like this after travel here, but might not.”

“It really doesn’t matter little one.” Glorfindel’s voice was firm, and he moved to dismiss other concerns before the young one could voice them. “It doesn’t matter if you are man, elf, child, or older. You are welcome here.” Though from everything he could tell this definitely was an elfling. Regardless, the point was to soothe concerns and make sure he knew he was welcome and valued.

“We’ll have to get rooms ready for you. Who else is coming?” Elrond asked delicately.

“Grandfather, Uncles, others all only fea. Will need stay in Mandos’ halls and heal.” A quiet reply.

“Is your Grandfather Gil-Galad?” Glorfindel gently asked the question that had been on both adult elves’ minds

“Yes.” The little one agreed softly.

“And the Other?” Elrond questioned. “Is that one still living?” This he hoped for. If the young one was all alone without someone to hold him, that did not bear thinking on.

“Yes.” Thankfully elvish hearing was excellent and could pick up on all the quiet words. “He . . . we found him. He’s going to stay with me. Namo said so.”

“Then he shall.” He could feel Gilriant go a little limp with relief against him before the young one continued. “I should tell you, I . . .”

Clearly struggling with his emotions, Elrond continued to be patient, letting Gilriant get the words out on his own time. “We found him, Maglor.” Inhaling at the news, the older elf managed not to tighten his arms too much around the youngling. “He promise to stay with me. He say you raise him. He going to raise me. Say, maybe be okay we come here to live. Maybe you want to be my brother?”

“Yes.” The response was instant and heartfelt. Elrond closed his eyes, his entire focus on the precious elfling in his arms. This was more than he ever dreamed of. Valuable beyond words. At his swift agreement, it felt like a connection between them clicking into place. A vibrant bond of close family. Something that could and should take many years to build. The intense emotion both carried somehow solidifying it swiftly into place. It would hurt when it was time to let the young one go. He knew that he could not keep them both in this dream state forever. Though Elrond could not, would not, regret any pain ever associated with it.

The elfling peeked out at Glorfindel. “Is okay?”

“Of course.” Came the quick and easy response.

Gilriant studied him intently. “I know what Maglor did. Grandfather explained. The world I come from, know about oaths, magic, and power. What oaths can make someone do even if not want to, once made.” Now that type of perspective was one to be thought upon. Glorfindel mused over the implications of it, even as the elfling continued. “Maglor carry deep hurt inside. We help heal together.”

“You’re hurt?” The distress Elrond felt at that thought was evident to the others. Gilriant cuddled into him best he could. “Old hurts, am okay. Coming here, Maglor think fix many things. Others heal in time.” A sigh escaped him. “More long story.”

“It can keep.” Came the quick answer from Elrond. “More importantly, when will you be coming? Is it safe enough for you? I can wait if need be.”

“More than four months, less than five we travel. Need to do, is part of more long story. Will be safe enough.” The elfling tried to reassure. “Will go through Mandos’ halls first.”

“There will be a place here ready and waiting for you both.” Glorfindel reassured. He knew how overwhelmed Elrond must be feeling now. The golden haired warrior felt it as well. Just a degree of separation because this was not his new brother and father involved. Just the claimed grandson of his King. He would probably dwell on that part later.

The Valar clearly had a hand in this. Their actions proved that they wanted this too. Which meant that Glorfindel, as their agent and sworn guardian of Elrond’s house, would do all that he could. There would be work involved. Maglor was a sensitive subject for many, and ruffled feathers may need to be smoothed. As discreet as they may need to be, the coming of the elfling prince likely would aid with that.

For now he let Elrond simply sit and hold the elfling. Many questions remained, but many answers were given tonight. They had a starting point with which to make plans and a time frame they needed to be completed within. That was more than enough for tonight. Despite what difficulties might arise, this gift was more than worth it.

After not too long Gilriant flickered. The same kind that preceded his departure from the last dreamscape. Elrond clearly did not want to let the young one go, and the elfling patted his arm in reassurance when he finally pulled back enough to look at the young one. “Will come back soon. Namo say not every night, but soon.”

“Only when it is safe for you to do so.” Here Elrond held a trace of sterness in his expression. “I can wait, you being safe cannot.”

“Will be safe,” Gilriant promised. An impish expression formed on his face. “Namo also say I not allowed in Aule’s forge or Yavanna’s garden alone. Not sure why.”

As was probably intended the mischievous look drew a smile on Elrond’s face, and an outright laugh from Glorfindel. “Of course you do not know why.” The humor vibrant in the warrior’s voice. “Though knowing what I do of your family, I can take a good guess as to why.”

The sound of the elfling’s laughter was a soothing balm against the sting of him fading from the dream. A heartbeat later and both woke in their own beds.

“Ada?”

Elrond found himself surrounded by the concern expressions on his three adult children’s faces. His wife was away visiting her mother or undoubtedly she would be there as well. They, being close by, must have caught on to something disturbing his rest and the extreme emotions he experienced.

“Are you okay?” This from Arwen.

He smiled and sat up, putting his arms around his children gathered around him. “More than. Much more than.” Looking up he saw Glorfindel and Erestor in his doorway.

“You may have to pin your father to the floor lest he float away with happiness,” Came Glorfindel’s amused answer.

“Is this about the elfling that visited you in a dream before, did they come back?” Elladan asked. He rarely kept things from his children. Especially as they would run Imladris in any absence of his.

“Yes,” he answered with simple joy. “And he will be coming to live here within five months. He will also be bringing my Atar with him.”

“Our wandering grandfather will be coming? It will be nice to meet him.” Was Elrohir’s contribution. “We should make sure there is forge space for him if he wants it, definitely a place within the Halls of Fire for his music.”

“More family?” Arwen smiled. “I will help get the rooms ready.”

“And who knows what this elfling has been taught. I will have to make sure there are lessons ready.” His seneschal sniffed.

Elrond truly loved his family. “Gilriant will need our support, I know I can count on all of you to give it.” He could see their spark of interest in the name. There would be complications of course, but nothing they could not get through together.