More of Valinor
The next few days were an interesting collection of experiences and challenges. On one hand, it was good to get to meet and explore. Harry knew he could trust the people helping him. Valar, maia, and of course Maglor, Fawkes, and Hedwig. While he was slightly uncomfortable with being the center of attention for so many, there was no malice in any of it. Which made it far more bearable.
***
Keeper sat on the arm of Mados’ chair, the vala next to him. Both support and teacher. The young one held the insistent fea from before in their cupped hands. Closing their eyes to better focus they could See the life of the one before them. See her, yes her, experiences unfold. Those experiences of an elfling’s, a youth’s, and the adult’s. The entirety of it unspooled both good and bad. Considering the length it should take time, yet it happened in the blink of an eye. And then they Knew.
Opening their eyes they regarded the fea before turning to look at Namo. “I know what could happen, but it is not a thing that should happen right away.” At the almost angry vibration of the fea in their hands, they turned to focus on her. A faint almost echo quality coming to their voice.
“Impatient one. You still need healing. There are still things you must face and accept. Lessons to learn. Part of the Price for what you want is time.” The green fea with streaks of brown and red stilled under the intensity of the full regard of the Keeper of Balances. Her colors swirled even as she stayed in one place. After a moment the young one tilted their head to the side. “I hear your plea.”
Turning back to Namo they gave the valar a questioning look. When all the Keeper received was a steady look in return, the young one broke the silence. “I think what she wants is just, considering. But I need more agreement, do I not?”
Namo inclined his head in agreement. “And?”
“And,” Keeper continued, “If I work on either part of it, no one in Middle Earth can know what I am doing or why I am doing it. Not even Atar.”
“Yes,” Mandos agreed. “With what and who you are, everything has a price. Part of that which will be paid by you. In this case your silence, even when it may be difficult. Another part will be patience on your part as well. As you are young and growing. You cannot and will not be able to spend a great deal of time on this until you come of age. Some yes, as her well being is apparently your responsibility now. Both by her and your choices.”
The Keeper of Balances bowed their head in acknowledgment of Mados’ words before turning back to the fea. “And you Lady, do you agree? I would be learning as you heal, so I cannot make any promises. We are talking close to a century before I can give it any full time effort. In addition it's quite possible you will be teaching me things as well.” A shadow of a smile formed on their face. “More than possible considering who and what I am.”
In their cupped hands the fea radiated agreement, laced with gratitude and acceptance. While what she wanted may not immediately happen, there was room for an addition. Her colors swirled once again and Keeper considered. “That is not an unreasonable request, but one that will be complicated by my need for silence.” They looked back to Namo.
“As long as you keep within the rules I have set down I have no objection to it.”
Turning back they gave the fea a warm smile. “Then we are in agreement. I will help you as I can, on all parts of your request. With the understanding that it will take as long as it takes.” A trace of amusement filtered through. “I do believe you are the most impatient elf I have come across yet.” Her response made them laugh. The fea moved away in a much more calm motion than any she had before.
Gilriant blinked and looked over to Namo, who smiled at him. “Well done young one. Now I see your Grandfather and Uncles over there, why don’t you go visit with them.” The elfling promptly scrambled down and raced over to where the vala indicated.
“You have put him on a most interesting path beloved.” Namo looked to the side where his wife approached, eyebrows lifting. “Oh? A ripple in the weave?”
“Yes, a precarious one, with risks. Yet also with much joy and happiness.” She moved to his side and he got up to reach for her hand, tangling their fingers together. “I would support him either way in this. While I cannot do more than that, perhaps we can help ensure the happier tapestry is the one woven.”
***
While Gilriant had originally brought the handpan in to show and play for Maeglin, another of his cousins ended up absolutely fascinated by it. When Nienna brought him over to be introduced, there was an immediate spark of interest in the instrument. Not because this cousin was a musician. No, for an entirely different reason came the request for a demonstration that was a hair close to a demand but not quite.
“This is a little smaller than most.” Gilriant explained as the instrument was carefully examined from all angles. “My Atar made it for my size.” Which happened prior to them leaving but that was a whole other story that didn’t need to be discussed right now. Not that Celebrimbor was leaving him much room for other topics.
Right now he was examining the edge very closely. “Is this . . this is primitive elvish!” The astonishment was clear. “And I can feel the power in it. How?”
The elfling bobbed his head in agreement. “Atar put on while metal hot, sang over it. Words have power. Older words have more power. First words have the most power potential. Place the power of creation in words, words shape what power does.” Figuring out what words people were using from context alone could be a challenge. It was also rapidly expanding his vocabulary. Grammar and such would still require some drilling but he was getting there. “What you feel, think, believe help shape that power.”
This was not knowledge completely unknown to Celebrimbor. But it was being put very simply by an elfling. When before the one that held the knowledge both shrouded it in mystery and kept their true nature and motive hidden. While this young one sat with Nienna by his side and talked openly.
“Where I come from before, many peoples learn different ways to do this. My Atar learn from people well . . . known? For abilities and ability work with metals. They probably not teach him everything.” He gave a little shrug, careful not to dislodge Hedwig. She had already started gaining size and strength. Currently choosing to perch on his shoulder close to his neck. “Atar is bard first but knows smithing too.”
The last statement had Celebrimbor pausing, likely letting the smith know exactly how his new cousin was related. Yet it was not enough to distract from his current fascination. “You said peoples, meaning more than one race?”
The smith turned the handpan around again, studying the words. “So for example dwarves here could use Khuzdul.”
“Yes,” Gilriant agreed. After a moment’s hesitation he reached to remove his circlet. Almost immediately Nienna placed a hand on his shoulder to help buffer and ground him. The small white fledgling on the young one’s shoulder cuddled close to his neck at the same time. The elfling gave the vala a quick smile of thanks before offering the circlet to Celebrimbor for inspection. As the smith placed the handpan down the elfling gave him a word of caution. “Careful with this. Do not put on. Has protection so only I can wear, but is okay to look. A different people from my world made this for me. Special.” A fond smile graced Gilriant’s face.
While Celebrimbor did not hesitate to take it, he was very careful in how he handled it. When he touched it, a small zing of power ran across his hands before settling down. The outside symbolism and use of heraldic devices were not lost on him. Though overall what he found needing closer inspection was what he found engraved on the inside. Lightly he ran his finger over them. Though he was not able to understand what it said, he could tell from the feel of it some of the intent and power. “Fascinating.”
He didn’t miss the amused and happy smile the elfling gave him. It warmed something deep inside his fea, this new connection he could feel. A kinsmen, more proof that his family was more than the oath that overtook the generation before them and their grandfather. Celebrimbor’s fingertip paused on one of the feanorian stars worked into the circle before moving to carefully put it back on Gilriant’s head. He didn’t miss Nienna’s move, or what he could sense of the circlet’s purpose. Not difficult to see the ease of tension when he returned it to the young one’s head. His brain ticked over all the information and possibilities. What was, what could be, what there might be to learn. “I would very much like to watch such techniques sometime.”
Gilriant brightened. “Can! Irmo help me dream-walk. So even after I can visit. Atar can teach me, I can show you. And because dream, can make what we want. It will not teach . . . body but it will teach mind, yes?”
“No muscle memory then, but yes first hand knowledge would be helpful.” One couldn’t help but smile at the elflings enthusiasm.
This was very much an oddity. Feanorians had a well known distrust and gulf between themselves and the Valar. Yet this elfling was sitting with Nienna. Speaking of their father teaching them things and Irmo helping him pass along that knowledge. It both gave him hope and caused an old fear and pain to rise up in him. “Gilriant, your Atar isn’t . . . I mean the Oath. No one should ever force you to take that.”
That got him a wide-eyed look and a vehement shaking of the head. “No! Atar would never.” Hesitantly the elfling shuffled closer on the bench they were sitting on and tentatively reached out to put a hand on his arm. “Eru help him. Make Atar’s promise to me stronger than Oath. Make Oath quiet.”
He exhaled with relief. “Good, that’s . . . good.” Though he had technically had no physical form really at the moment Celebrimbor could still feel his eyes prickle. It seemed he had become solid enough for that. Gilriant was not yet done with the topic.
“Cousin?” The elfling hesitantly. “I know you not take it. I was thinking . . maybe my uncles might have tried to drive away those that matter most. So they not be taken over by oath.” Gilriant looked up studying his face.
Now that, put an entirely different perspective on the last conversation Celembrimbor had with his father. He could feel something deep inside him start to unknot. “I would, I would love it if that were true.” Gilriant moved closer and he could feel the elfling do his best to engulf him in a hug. With a sigh he returned the gesture, wrapping both arms around his young cousin. He knew that he was still not whole. Yet this little one never faltered at what he looked like. Never hesitated to interact. He could even feel that young bird of his trying to preen his hair.
“Tyelpe,” he offered. At Gilriant’s confused noise he pulled back enough to smile down at him. “That is the name my family called me before.” He was rewarded by a brilliantly bright smile for the elfling. Literally as he seemed to glow even more strongly.
“Atar likes to call me little raven. Want to see why?” Before he could respond Tyelpe found the small white bird being thrust in his hands. “Here, hold Hedwig.” Carefully cradling the small bird he could only blink as with a quick swirl of magic where Gilriant once stood was the fluffiest raven hatchling he had ever seen. Wait, no, those were flight feathers growing in so fledgling? It happily hopped towards him giving a quorking call. He noted the bird shared the same green eyes as his cousin, and the white feather above the right eye. Celebrimbor stared.
“Ah, yes that would be a good reason to call you that.”
He watched as Nienne gave a small laugh of delight and moved forward to gently scratch the young raven on the back of his head. “Oh you should show Namo this, and Irmo, if you have not already.”
“Quork, quark, quorrrrrrrk!”
“Ah, Namo probably knows but you are not sure? We are the first here you have shown this to. I’m honored.” At least the vala seemed to have no problem understanding the small raven. Tyelpe just stared a bit more. Then remembered all the devices on the circlet. Well, maia blood might explain this?
Finally he felt his brain clicking into gear and to his great surprise he found a rusty chuckle escaping him. “Little raven indeed. Perhaps then I shall call you Crabandil.” Raven-friend would certainly fit the little one. Absentmindedly he set the white bird, Hedwig, on his shoulder. She immediately started trying to preen his hair again, which he ignored in favor of examining the elfling turned fledgling. He reached to gently scratch the raven’s head smiling at the way his eyes shut in pleasure.
It was nice, to have close family once more.
***
Maglor found himself doing something he never thought he would. Teaching Aule, Aule the vala of crafting, The Blacksmith, something about blacksmithing. He was a bard not a blacksmith. How did this end up happening? Well the responsibility for that lay squarely on the head of his little elfling. Somehow he shouldn’t be entirely surprised, yet he was.
Gilriant, after visiting Tyelpe, had the bright idea of asking if one of Aule’s creations could visit the smith. The elfling had convinced Nienna to bring him to the vala and explain how he thought his cousin would improve more rapidly if he had the opportunity to interact with other smiths. Especially his dwarven friend, Narvi. Which certainly was a kind and caring thing that Maglor approved of.
However the young one had also been carrying the handpan Maglor had made with him, and Aule spotted it. First intrigued by the craftsmanship of the new instrument, and then finding the protections the bard had inlaid using dverger techniques. Now while he was contract bound not to reveal some of what he learned, most he could. There were a few things, like the creation of dverger-silver he could only teach one person to create one day. Which would be Gilriant or any children he may have that had an interest in blacksmithing.
The work on the boat Aule was building was promptly halted and partially disassembled. This was to see if the new techniques could also be transferred to the wood and metal used in it. A slight delay would be worth it to inlay protections and things that could help the boat travel swiftly. Apparently the whole thing was giving the vala ideas on how to improve other vessels. Or even make them so they did not need anyone directing them but follow a set course all on their own.
Yavanna showed up at some point and was quickly enraptured by Gilriant and the phoenixes. What alarmed him at least slightly was how the pair had their heads together discussing something. Yet he wasn’t exactly at a good stopping point in being able to see exactly what they were up to. When Varda showed up to join the conversation Maglor just resigned himself to the fact that he would find out about it later. Likely in a very surprising fashion.
Oh that was Este over there now meeting the phoenixes as well. It seemed his little chaos magnet was attracting the attention of all the vala. At least he would be well taken care of while Maglor was helping build a boat of all things. Which was particularly bizarre considering his history.
He had a fleeting thought that his father would hopefully one day be proud of the fact that Maglor was teaching something to Aule. The person that first taught Feanor how to create. One day, when they were all free of the confines of the Oath. That little elfling that landed him in this situation was equally likely to be the one to someday allow that reunion to occur.
None of which he knew when he first agreed to go and help the young one. Not that it mattered then, nor now. No matter what happened, everything was worth it. Just to see that smile on his hinya’s face. To know that he, Maglor, had a hand in putting it there. To nurture life once again. Rather being the cause of destruction and death. No matter how chaotic it may get, or who he would end up interacting with. He would never regret agreeing to meet with the young one and claiming the child as his own.
***
The prow of the boat cut through the water heading inevitably to the far shore. It wasn’t a very large vessel. Just big enough to carry a pair of adult elves at most. Which made it the perfect size for one adult and one elfling and their companions to cross the sea. A simple square sail billowed in the breeze helping propel them forward. Between the breeze granted by Manwe, the help of Ulmo and the enchantments worked into the boat by Maglor and Aule, they would swiftly reach their destination.
Saying their goodbyes certainly had not been easy on Gilriant. The absolute utter distress when it came time for that almost mystified Maglor. At least until he realized that Harry was terrified to leave his Grandfather and Uncles behind. Intellectually the elfling knew this wasn’t goodbye for good. Even knew that Irmo promised he could continue dream-walking and visit everyone. However, conviction of the intellect, could not overrule past trauma.
Perhaps it was unexpected because of how happy and lighthearted Gilriant had been. The elfling certainly had been invested in spreading that around to as many as he could. Focused on helping his relatives and embracing his new life. Yet that could not wipe away the past. The list of the young one’s losses was heavy with grief that had yet to be completely resolved. Emotional scars were ones that one carried for life. While you could and often people did learn how to live with them so they did not hurt as much, that did not make them disappear.
This was a difficult weight for an adult elf to carry, especially with how close their souls and bodies were connected. For an elfling, even more precarious. Despite whatever else he was, the young one was more elf than not. Which likely was part of the reason Maglor was allowed back in Mandos’ hall when he bid his beloved relatives goodbye. The resulting meltdown saw the bard simply sitting down and cradling Gilriant close as he worked through his emotions. Refusing to leave or just take him away until he had at least reached a point of resolution. Fawkes doing his share by crooning a song of reassurance and Hedwig cuddling close.
It wasn’t until Nienna led the hesitant shade of a dark haired and dark eyed young elf to them that the storms started to calm. The shadow of an elf seemed very reluctant to be out there in the open, but steeled himself when he saw the elfling’s distress. Solidifying into solid form that Gilriant lurched for and was rewarded with an enveloping hug. Maglor would never forget the soft words the young elf spoke, the ones that finally started to sooth the young one enough for goodbyes.
”Go and live your life Gilriant. I want to hear stories of your adventures. I want to hear the songs you have learned and the mischief you get up to. I do not need to see you every day, but I do need to know that you are out there living.”
Apparently that was what he needed to hear. For after that the tears slowed and stopped. The young elf kissed Gilriant’s forehead, and then passed him back to Maglor before fading again. The vala that brought him to the elflings aid, led the shadow back to whatever sanctuary that healing fea resided in. Obviously one of the relatives that the young one had been visiting, and equally obvious one that was far from healed. The bard wouldn’t press the young one for answers, but let him share in his own time.
After that, Gilriant could manage to bid his farewells. Not without a complete absence of tears, but a far cry from the deluge they had been. The elfling was sad and more than a bit wrung out by his emotions. So when they finally boarded the boat and set off, it wasn’t a surprise that he quickly fell asleep. Tucked firmly in Maglor’s arms there wasn’t much for the elfling to see anyways at the beginning.
Now, Maglor was fully aware that if wanted, they could have simply had the Eagles take them. They could have picked them up from where Manwe often met with them and from there carried them to Imladris. There must have been a reason for them to travel this way across the water first. No, a reason for Gilriant to have been transported this way. He could sense a faint ripple of power even now, spreading from the boat as they moved. Once they reached the shore, he would have a better idea if his theory was correct.
The sun making the bright reds and golds of the firebird shiny brightly and the white of Hedwig sparkle with iridescence. That spectacle is what greeted the elfling when he finally woke from his exhausted slumber. Gilriant shifted in his arms but made no move to pull away yet. Instead he greeted Maglor with a soft and embarrassed sounding, “Hi.”
“Hi there.” He offered back in a warm gentle tone. “I know you were an adult before, with better control over your emotions. Through no fault of your own, you have a much lesser ability to regulate them now. There is no shame in feeling emotions hinya. Nor is there in having difficulty managing them, especially at your age.” Hedwig trilled her agreement from her spot cuddled up with the elfling. On his nearby perch Fawkes added his own crooned support.
Muttering and mumbling responses that weren’t exactly agreement, yet that did not deter the bard. It would likely take many repetitions for those words to be accepted. While Maglor left some of his back up behind in Mandos’ halls, he would soon gain more. Family that would care and help teach and heal his young one.
Eventually Gilriant stirred from his arms and looked around with interest. Knowing the enchantments laid into the boat, Maglor had no difficulty letting him explore. Even half hanging over the side despite the scolding from Hedwig to reach and touch the water. There was little danger of him actually managing to fall overboard. It lifted up his spirits to see the young one shake off his grief and embrace the trip. It didn’t take long for the sparkle to return to his face.
Eventually the young one spotted the fast approaching shore. He pointed it out with a happy chatter. Growing even more excited when he spotted the Great Eagles already there and waiting for them. His eyes widening and bright with his enthusiasm. A balm to both of their hearts.
As soon as the boat touched the shore Maglor hopped out to drag it up on the shore. Gilriant of course happily hopped out and dashed over to the eagles. Joined by Fawkes flying over to join in. The young one was either ignoring or choosing not to acknowledge the pulse of power that spread out from his first contact with the ground. Stopping a short distance away, the bard could see the elfling bow low and wait. The Great Eagles bowed back and only then did he get closer, happily chattering them. And of course he was barefoot again. After he got the ship ready for its own travel, he reached in and scooped up the discarded footwear.
Pacing over to the Great Eagles he repeated his elfling’s actions and bowed low. His family owed much to their aid over the years. They deserved all respect and honor. When they bowed back and he approached it didn’t surprise him to see instead of a young elf, a fledgling raven hopping around the eagles’ feet. “The fledglings could use some flying lessons,” Observed one.
While Hedwig chirped a protest, this idea clearly excited the young raven who hopped around quorking excitedly. “Lady Hedwig is actually quite an accomplished flier and will likely be fine as she grows into her new form.” He looked over at his elfling. “Gilriant you are far too small to go jumping off cliffs with the Great Eagles.”
From what he could tell the eagles both understood and were amused by the protests coming from the fledgling raven. “Perhaps when he is more fully fledged then? It would be a pleasure to teach the young one some of the tricks of the skies.”
Gilriant hopped closer looking up at Maglor with such hope, he didn’t have the heart to deny him completely. “Fine When you are big enough and skilled enough and only with Lady Hedwig’s approval and supervision.” He looked back at the eagles. “She has an unique ability that would help if he manages to find trouble. Which is far too likely.”
At the excited quorking Maglor held a hand up. “Now, socks and shoes and your cloak. Yes you need to take your elfling form for the flight. Yes you need all those things as you are still a bit vulnerable to such things at your age. The sooner you get ready the sooner we can be in the air and you can enjoy that.”
The fledgling quickly popped back into being an elf and scrambled to put everything on. “This is going to be so cool. Oh thank you Gwaihir for being willing to take us and bring the boat.” Harry happily looked up at them.
“You are most welcome. I understand that the boat has enchantments to make transporting it easier?” The second eagle moved over to take a look at the set up as Gwaihir addressed them.
“Yes, it's just not able to fly on its own. It should be light enough.” Maglor agreed as he made sure their satchels sat securely. Gilriant picked Hedwig back up and tucked her into the front of his tunic. Scooping the young one up, the bard helped him up on Gwaihir’s back before climbing on as well. Carefully settling into place making sure they would both be secure. Fawkes dove in and settled with them as well. Wise as the Great Eagles were capable of extreme speeds. Even still the trip to Imladris would take hours.
“Ready?” Gwaihir asked.
“Ready!” Piped up an enthused Gilriant with an added confirmation from Maglor.
The Lord of Skies launched upwards, his companion following.