Gifts
While elves did not necessarily celebrate Yule or Christmas, they also apparently never missed an excuse for a feast or festival. There was a mid-winter one that approximately lined up with the holiday he knew. He wanted to give gifts, but it was difficult to know exactly what to give a bunch of long-lived beings. Especially when some of them either didn’t have a physical state for him to give a gift to, or he couldn’t give anything of that nature to.
Then he had an idea. But not one he could pull off on his own. It was also one that would be a little tricky to surprise everyone with. He was fairly certain he could get Irmo’s cooperation. Namo’s would be trickier. But he was nothing if not determined.
“Please?” Namo sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose trying not to look at the elfling in front of him. In fact he closed his eyes. It did not help. “It would really mean so much to him. And Irmo agreed to help.”
“Of course he did.” Namo opened his eyes and refrained from the urge to sigh, again. “One, you get one. Not Feanor. He needs a bit more time before I give him any more reasons to try and break out of here.”
“Oh,” Gilriant deflated slightly, thinking it over. “Maedhros?”
At Namo’s scowl he did his very best impression of puppy eyes. If he was going to be an elfling, might as well milk it for all it was worth. Apparently they did indeed work even on Valar. “Fine.” Namo looked upward and muttered something about Eru giving him patience. Or something like that. Then he looked back at Gilriant and softened. “Fine. I will even say if it helps him, I will consider allowing it on a more regular basis, and including others.”
“Thank you!” Gilriant practically bounced in place and moved to hug Namo’s leg. The only part of him that he could reach at the moment. “Thank you so much, this is really brilliant of you.”
Scooping up the elfling, Namo secured Gilriant in his arms. “I will go with you. I need to show you the way and while I doubt he would try to harm you, he has been brooding for a very long time.” No need to tell the elfling he had already planned for this eventuality. Knowing what he did of Elenrieano it was only a matter of time before this happened. He wasn’t kidding that Feanor wasn’t quite ready yet. But the rest, he would make sure they got there.
Gilriant looked around as Namo carried him through the halls. Irmo already promised that he just had to focus on the person and the connection would draw them into the dream state. His curiosity was piqued by all the elves he could sense nearby. He knew they were states of healing and he wondered if he could help.
Namo led them deep in the halls where they reached a room with a sole occupant. While Gilriant couldn’t see it, he somehow knew there was something that kept this elf from wandering too far. “Maedhros, I brought you a guest. One that was most insistent on visiting you.”
“Wow you are tall.” At the very young voice of the elfling Maedhros turned around with a startled expression. “Hi! I am Gilriant.” He stared for a very long time if not quite sure he was seeing right. So long that the young one leaned towards him peering at his face. This time the cheerful voice was much more quiet. “You . . . you look like my mother. “
Those words broke the spell of immobility of Maedhros and he moved closer, cautiously reaching towards Gilriant. To his surprise Namo easily handed over the elfling. To his greater shock, he could feel a bond of kinship with the little one. Still the words emerged from him unprompted. “Why, why do you think I look like your mother?” The sound of his own voice almost surprised Maedhros. It had been a very long time since he had tried to talk to anyone. It was at least a little rusty with disuse.
“Because you look like the portraits I have of her. Except her eyes. Everyone say I have her eyes.” He wasn’t even lying. The pictures of Lily Evens Potter looked strikingly similar to the giant elf that was holding him now. He was just a more masculine version. The hair color was even the same. There wasn’t really a word for pictures in Sindarian, portrait would come the closest. At least as far as he could find. “And you are my distant uncle. Maglor says the distant part does not matter. He calls me hinya.”
Namo stepped back in the shadows. Not really leaving but certainly not the main focus. He hid a smile knowing exactly what the little one was doing. Watching it unfold, it was going exactly the way he’d hoped. The valar wanted the elves to heal, every one of them. Only his wife and sister bore witness to the grief he felt when nothing he did seemed to help. If this was going to be happening regardless, he may as well try to direct things to where it would do the most good.
“Does he now?” His voice grew warmer and a small smile formed on his face. “Pleases me to meet you nephew.” Meadhros paused as a thought occurred to him. “I know Namo brought you to me, but however did you get here?” He could tell that this elfling was different from the other unhoused spirits in this place. Just not how exactly. Or why someone so young would be found here.
“That a really long story.” The elfling had the strangest of accents. Closer to a fluent speaker but not quite there. The odd use of wording proof of it. Nor did he have an accent brought on by speaking queyna or the tongue of the edain or dwarves. “Short story, I am visiting and helping other fea, will be bringing them home. Right now I am visiting you because I wanted to do something for Maglor and I was hoping you would help me.”
“Me?” His eyebrows went up with surprise. “How could I possibly be of help?”
“He misses you, all his family. I can tell from the stories that he tells me. But I could only visit one of you. I was hoping you would tell me what you want to say to him and after I leave here I can write it down and give it to him.” The elfling chewed on his lip. “I can not think of anything to give him that he does not already have. This was the thing I thought of that he could not get himself. I know he loves you all. I can hear it in his voice.”
The small one wilted a little. “I think I do. I know more about what love is not than what it is.” At Maedhros’ stricken look he perked back up. “But it is okay, because I have Maglor and we are working on healing each other.”
Maedhros gave the elfling a long look. “Okay nephew, how about a trade. You tell me about how my brother is doing and about yourself. I’ll tell you what to write down that I want him to hear.”
“Thank you!” The elfling flung his arms around Maedhros’ neck in a hug. After a moment, the tall elf carefully returned it. “No, tis I should be thanking you young one.” He happily listened to the elfling. For a far shorter time than he liked, but knowing there must be limits, he made sure to repeat what he wanted to say to his brother. As many times as Gilriant wanted, until he was sure he had it right. All too soon Namo stepped back out of the shadows.
“I’m afraid it is time for Elenrieano to go home.” Both elves gave Namo the same disappointed look. It was easy to tell they were related. Yet he did need to leave with the elfling. Too long was not healthy for the young one and they were pushing it as is.
Gilriant gave a sigh and leaned in to hug Maedhros one more time. “Good-bye Uncle. It is nice to have Uncles that like me. I hope you get better soon.”
After hugging him back, Maedhros reluctantly handed the elfling over to Namo. “For you I will try. I hope to see you again soon.”
As Namo carried Gilriant off, the elfling waved. After they had gotten out of both line of sight and earshot, the valar chuckled. “That was very well done Elenrieano.”
Shifting to look at the valar carrying him he blinked innocently. “I have no idea what you mean.”
A dry response came from Namo. “I’m sure you do not. Regardless, I meant what I said. I will see how he does and if this helps, I will consider letting you visit others.” A beaming smile was his reward. “Though I do believe you have other visits to make first.”
“Yes, I do.” With a small yawn, the elfling rested his head on Namo’s shoulder. “Not tonight.”
“No, not tonight little one. Tonight you go back, and rest in your bed. Nor tomorrow night. Remember what I said, I will know if you do not follow the rules.”
“Mhmmm.” Was the sleepy response. As soon as he got far enough into the upper part of his halls, the young one flickered, and then faded back to his world. Yes, a very good night’s work indeed.
***
Getting Elrond to talk was easy, and his Grandfather. Elured and Elurin were a little more difficult to find the right people to get messages from for them, but not by much. The tricky part really was getting help getting the messages for Elrond and Glorfindel to them and it be a surprise. However, from how the lord of Imladris talked about his sons, he thought he might have a pair of willing conspirators. They were both kind-hearted, and were mischievous. A good combination.
He slipped into Imladris, into the family wing, focusing on the pair he needed. It didn’t take long to hear a pair of matching, if slightly confused voices. He lightly knocked on the door and the voices instantly fell quiet. After a beat the door opened to a pair of mirror images that looked down on him in surprise. “Um, hi.”
A pair of smiles brightened up their faces. “Are you Gilriant?” Said one. “That would certainly explain our current circumstances.” Was the other’s response.
“Yes.” He offered them a shy smile and the two stepped back.
“Come in, sit, there must be a reason you are here visiting us instead of Ada.”
“Well he could have just wanted to meet us.”
“True, but I doubt it was that simple.”
Smiling at the banter he followed them in, climbing up into a seat they pointed out to him. “It was simple, I just asked Irmo for help. But you are also right,” he looked from one to the other. I had a reason, I need your help.”
They brightened at the admissions. They had been wanting to meet their new little uncle but had resigned themselves to waiting until he physically got here. Yet now here he was, not only visiting them but asking for their help. Since they were the only ones there he must have asked for them specifically still . . . . “I am Elladan,” Said the one on the right. “And I am Ellohir.”
Gilriant took in the details of the two. “I may need a few times hearing your names. You are very alike.”
“Whatever you need little one.”
“Especially considering that you are family.”
The shy smile Gilriant gave them all the reward they needed. Their Ada had spoken of how he would need reassurance. What he had pieced together of the elfling’s past prior to finding the elven family he had not known he had, was not good.
“Now,” Elladan prompted. “You said you needed our help?”
“Yes.” Somehow this was much more difficult than any of the other help he had reached out for so far. Yet, they were giving him encouraging looks and wanted to help. “So, I know the winter festival is coming soon. We have a holiday where I come from, that sort of overlaps. It has a tradition of gift giving. But, I can not exactly give your father a gift he can hold when he wakes up.”
“Though I am fairly certain anything you tried to do Ada would be thrilled with,” Elladan commented, “Please go on and tell us how we can help.” Their earnest expressions put him further at ease.
“Well I have messages. One for Elrond and one for Glorfindel, from Gil-Galad. Someone that they can not talk to. I thought you could write them out and deliver them for me, as a surprise?” He gave them both an impish grin. “I sorta did that for Grandfather from them. I do not think they will think I would find a way to do the same for them.”
“Let me get this straight. Not only did you get Ada and Glorfindel to help you with a present for Gil-Galad, you left them thinking you would not do the reverse for them?” Elladan clarified with a lifted eyebrow.
“Did not tell him was doing that for everything. He not know I get Irmo and Namos to help.” Gilrant confirmed with a grin.
The twins looked at each other and then back to Gilriant. Elrohir asked, “ You wouldn’t happen to be a fan of pulling pranks would you?”
Now Gilriant blinked at them innocently. “Why you think that?”
Elladan burst out laughing. “Oh you are good, really good. This is going to be fun.”
“I am looking forward to the time you are living here even more now.” Elrohir added.
That threw Gilriant off a little and he blinked at them. This was . . . Okay it wasn’t like he had a real strong expectation of what they would feel about it. That was maybe a little bit of a lie. Someone, somewhere, had to be unhappy that he was coming. The fact that everyone was so enthused, those kinds of things didn’t happen to him. Except, maybe they did now? This was so confusing.
“Gilriant? Are you okay?”
His gaze focused on one of the twins who had crouched down in front of him. Oh, he must have gotten lost in his own head for a moment. And they were doing the thing that Elrond did. Putting themselves on his level. “Yes. Um. You want me here? Is your family. I from outside.” Probably not the best word choice but his brain was starting to flail.
“Yes, absolutely.”This came from the other twin, Elladan, he thinks. Who had started easing himself slowly to Gilriant’s side on the bench. Like he was trying to get him used to the twin’s presence close by.
“Rather looking forward to it. And not just because you are making Ada so happy.” Elrohir chimed in from in front of him. “In fact we are really happy you wanted us to help you.”
The twins were careful not to exchange glances at this point. Each knew what the other was thinking either way. They really wanted to talk to Ada about this, but they would have to wait until after they carried out the elfling’s surprise for him. No child should doubt their welcome this much. What exactly happened to this young one?
“Arwen is going to be jealous, she’s looking forward to meeting you too.” Elladan added. “Nanath will be excited, she’s been in Lothlorien. Ada is going to see if she can come home around the same time we are expecting you to be here.” They watched the elfling thinking that over, and Elladan moved slowly to tuck an arm around Gilriant. After a moment he took the offered embrace leaning into his new kinsmen.
“Okay,” Elrohir said brightly. “Shall we work on memorizing those messages for you?” He simply folded his legs under him in an easy seated position on the floor.
“Yes, thank you.” Gilriant smiled then, shoving any more contemplation to the back of his brain for later. Time limits after all. He’d bee cutting the trips a hair too close together. Not enough to get Namo and Irmo to yank him out but enough that they might lecture if he pushed too much more. Thankfully elves had wonderful memories and it really only took one solid recitation by him to have both twins fully latched on. Easily parroting back the message in its entirety.
Then of course there was the whole debate over the delivery method. Finally Gilriant reminded them, “This gift. Not prank. Prank later, not expect as much.”
With mock sighs the twins agreed. Probably good because Gilriant had started to flicker. A warning that the session was coming to the end. “See you soon little one. Don’t worry about visiting us again until you actually get here. We’ll be fine.”
“Yes,” Elrohir agreed. “Then we’ll have lots of fun. You’ll see.”
After he faded, the twins woke in their beds. Sitting up with a nod to each other they got to work. First the letters, then other plans to be made.
***
Kreacher had been an excellent conspirator. It was difficult to keep Maglor in the dark and his Grandfather and Uncles, but somehow he managed it. Even though they might have a clue and there was more representative right now. Maybe Namo would let him leave the letters with them in the hall? It certainly couldn’t hurt any. Either way they would at least have this now. Gilriant practically vibrated with excitement.
He had sent some other gifts out of course. The Weasleys a variety of things including quidditch gear, the odd muggle gadget for Arthur to play with, muggle cook books he thought Molly might like, other things he picked up for them to enjoy. He’d been invited to the Burrow, but he just, couldn’t, and gave his excuses. Hermione was easy with some rare books. Luna got even odder books. Neville got some rare plant cuttings and seeds from the contents of the Black family gardens. (With warning labels.) Soft toys for Teddy, and some non-harmful Black family heirlooms went to Andromeda.
Kreacher was a little more difficult. What do you give someone who pretty much does not want to be given anything? Finally Harry just had Maglor pick up a new fancy frying pan and a whole collection of cleaning products for the house elf to try and figure out if he liked any of them. He also promised Kreacher he wouldn’t put any arguments about anything the small being wanted him to wear for at least a month, plus one special occasion. That seemed to do the trick.
Harry handed Maglor his letter and then busied himself with laying out the letters for Grandfather from Elrond and Glorfindel. Also the ones for Elured and Elurin from their parents, who thankfully were together and not requiring more trips. Their fea could see and have limited interactions so this worked. He kept watch on the bard out of the corner of his eye. Figuring he might want to just read and absorb the contents for a bit.
It didn’t take overly long before, “Hinya, how?” Gilriant gave Maglor his full attention then. The tall elf, was he trembling slightly? He moved over to sit with the bard, not surprised when he was engulfed in a tight hug. “How?”
“I asked Namo. He wouldn’t let me see your Dad but he did let me pick one of your brothers. Did I do okay?” The question came out with a slightly nervous air.
“Did you do-? I don’t think you know what a miracle you are Gilriant.” The bard pulled back enough to look at the youngling. “I need no gift and I really don’t want you risking yourself.” Seeing the start of a mulish expression he added, “I do love that you did this for me. For everyone. Don’t think I didn’t notice you laying out letters over there.”
“We’re family. Family takes care of each other, right?” An almost amused huff escaped Maglor as he pulled Gilriant in close again. Seemed the young one listened when he said that. Just didn’t apply it in the direction the bard was hoping for. His child had the biggest heart. It was remarkable the past he lived through didn’t take that too from him. Probably a good thing that soon enough he’d have more help in keeping the youngling from overdoing.
“That it does.” He answered quietly.
****
Imladris had been a whirl of activity for their mid-winter festival. Plenty of laughter, song, food and drink. It gave Elrond a sense of pride in how his children helped out and made sure everyone was having a good time. Their refuge was a place of peace and joy. Just as he wanted it to be. He was also looking forward to being able to introduce Gilriant to their festivals.
He had settled into his office to check on a few things when he smiled at the sight of Arwen entering. “Ada, I have something for you.” She gave him a bright happy smile and handed over a folded letter.
“What’s this? I didn’t think we were getting any messages in today.” His daughter just grinned at him.
“Read it, it's a good surprise.” She pressed a kiss to his cheek before slipping back out of the office.
With a look of contemplation he opened it up. There was a short letter inside, he picked that one up first. Starting to read it he stilled. After a moment he set it to the side and carefully handled the remaining letter. Then read it again. Elrond was still staring at it when a certain blond balrog slayer slipped into his office and sat down.
“That child, managed to find a way to rope your children into this,” Came the quiet comment.
“Indeed.” Finally Elrond delicately put the letter down. “On one hand I am concerned as to what they might be able to get up to when he finally arrives. I am also even more determined to give him the family he deserves. He is well named.”
He looked over to take in the smile on Glorfindel’s face. “That he is. But what else do you expect from Gil-Galad and his grandson?”