Child of the Stars

The next few days by mutual decision they kept to light topics and worked on settling in. With the elfling feeling self conscious about the crowds, they kept to meals in the family wing. Slowly introducing Gilriant to more and more residents. It was not an usual sight to see Elrond carrying his brother explaining things. Or for the young one to be sticking closer to Maglor, seeking refuge with his Atar when he felt overwhelmed.

There was a brief discussion over a napping Gilriant that there were more things in fact that needed to be talked over. First they wanted to make sure the elfling felt settled in, and that he belonged there no matter what. To be ready and choose to confide more in his family. Partially to respect the independence of the young one.

**

“NO!”

A child’s scream split the night. In the family wing Arwen was holding a half hysterical Gilriant. He had fallen asleep on her earlier. Both wanting to rub it in her brothers’ faces and enjoying the fact Gilriant trusted her enough to do so, she stayed right where she was, letting him rest. Or at least until he started twitching.

That brought her out of her waking dream swiftly. When she came to the conclusion he was having a nightmare, Arwen did her best to try to gently wake him. Carefully as they all had discussed the possibility of this occurrence and that he may not wake calmly. Discreet warning was given to the guard so while they would be on alert, if it was just a nightmare there would not be an uproar. None were pleased of course with the knowledge that the young one might be subject to routine nightmares.

Yet when she touched him in an attempt to wake Gilriant, it felt like something more. She did not have the degree of sight her father did, but Arwen still had a trace of the gift. Enough that whispered to her this was no nightmare. Still it did not entirely prepare her for the state the elfling woke in. His scream had the family boiling into the room. Difficult to tell who was first as she was most focused on the young one’s distress.

Maglor was the one to pick Gilriant up from her and attempt to calm him, Elrond at his side. Hedwig perched on the elven lord’s shoulders, Fawkes on Maglor’s. The phoenixes added their crooning trills in hopes of helping their friend. Both her brothers were there with weapons though they left them sheathed on seeing the situation. It only took a moment for Glorfindel and Erestor to show up, with the Captain being obviously armed as well. Relaxing only a fraction when they realized there was no immediate threat in sight. Yet still on guard.

“No! Nonononono. It can’t happen, please no!” Attempts to soothe were for naught when the elfling suddenly stiffened. It gave all the adults pause when they could feel the first stirrings of power. ”I won’t let it happen!” There was a faint echo now in the young one’s tone. Everyone froze in place.

Maglor slowly went to one knee and set them down to stand on the floor. “Keeper of Balances, I am your song and shield. What do you need?” There was an almost serene expression on the young one’s face now. “Our instruments, a place under the open sky, and you to follow my lead. We have little time to save lives.”

The bard looked up to the apprehensive faces of most of the others. “Apologies, I will explain more later but if they say we have little time, then it must be later. This is about the maia part of him and why our arrival here was even possible. Elrond, is there a good place outside? Power will be raised there.” Glorfindel had slowly approached and gone to one knee as well. Whatever he was seeing had his expression holding solemn deference.

“Yes, though the path is slightly steep.” The Lord of Imladris replied, concern etched on his features. What questions or objections he may hold stayed unspoken at least for now. Maglor turned back to the young one. “It would be fastest if it were possible for you to be carried, is this permissible?”

Light seemed to gather and glint on the circlet the young one wore. They turned their head in Glorfindel’s direction. “The twice-born may.” A pause and a consideration. “Can you play an instrument and follow Song?”

“Flute and yes I can.” He reached to carefully pick up the young one. His air one not of servitude, but with a touch of reverence.

“I’ll get your flute.” Erestor left the room to fetch it.

“The instruments are in our rooms.” Maglor left to retrieve them, grabbing Elladan’s sleeve to follow. He swiftly returned with his lap harp with the handpan in the other elf’s hands. The Senechal was back and they all followed Elrond out of the room. Both birds clinging to their respective chosen perches. As they moved through the halls two of the night guards fell into place behind them.

The group remained silent as they swiftly traveled. It could have been due to the intensity of the moment. Or the warning of the lack of time. Undoubtedly in part to the heaviness they could feel pressing down on all of them. The prickle of anticipation.

Elrond led them to a spot along the cliffs jutting out above the rivers below. Passing through an archway over the twisted path that ducked under waterfalls. If one looked closely they could see the patterns in the stone footing. Natural looking but also helping to prevent the walkway from becoming too slick. Finally opening to a roughly round open spot. The sky spread above glimmering with stars. The water rushed to either side and far below.

Glorfindel set the young one down and they paced forward nodding. “This will do, with Fawkes as our fire, the elements are in balance.” Turning back to the group they studied them even as Elladan came forward and offered the handpan. They inclined their head in thanks and instructed. “Please stay out of the circle.” He looked over at Elrond and concern flashed over his face before he transferred his gaze to the ice phoenix. “Hedwig, stay there. Keep him calm. Soon he will See.”

Settling in the middle facing the group the Keeper set the handpan in front of him before looking at the two chosen elves. First he looked towards Maglor and Fawkes. “To my right, you two are Song tonight.” The bard settled down with his lap harp, the fire phoenix dripping with false fire down his shoulder and swirling around the pair. Then their gaze rested on Glorfindel. “Twice born, twice shield, to my left. Listen, follow the song. Do not move away from where you stand until the circle fades, understand?” The captain inclined his head and took up position watching the young one intently.

On the surface it would seem strange. This small elfling, giving commands to the two aged elves who had many millennia of experience. To an outsider, truly perplexing why they all followed and listened. But to those that could feel and heed power, it was Power that they felt here. Others would wonder why they gathered in the dark. The only light emitting from the elves themselves, and the two phoenixes as well as the stars, the moon hidden away. Yet the starlight was all they needed to see, and that light gleamed off the circlet on the young one’s head. They who shone brightest of them all.

The two elves took their position and the Keeper of Balances placed his hands on the handpan in front of him. “Eru I ask for your blessing, Yavanna be my guide, Varda for your touch, and Orome for your strength.” Their voice was quiet, yet echoing curling and resonating with more than just sound.

Then, they began to play.

The music began to rise and fall, the first measure of notes ringing from the handpan alone. On the second a ring of silver mist slowly started to form around them. On the fifth Maglor more attuned to both music and playing with the young one started fitting the harp music in.The Keeper of Balances began to sing, Fawkes opening his beak to echo their song.

Go row the boat to safer grounds
But don't you know we're stronger now
My heart still beats and my skin still feels
My lungs still breathe, my mind still fears

The silver mist hung thick now, swirling around them shining and reflecting looking like a ribbon made of infinite tiny stars. With a look of intense focus on his face, Glorfindel brought his flute up to start winding its notes into the music.

But we're running out of time
Oh, all the echoes in my mind cry
There's blood on your lies
The sky's open wide

Outside the circle Elrond’s eyes widened. A look of alarm and distress forming on his face. The young ice phoenix opened her wings, a dusting of tiny snow crystals radiating from her and surrounding the pair.

There is nowhere for you to hide
The hunter's moon is shining

The elven lord’s hands balled into fists, his breathing coming harsh. His children and the guards were torn between watching the sight in front of them and being alarmed by his actions.

I'm running with the wolves tonight
I'm running with the wolves
I'm running with the wolves tonight
I'm running with the wolves
I'm running with the

Within the silver mist ghostly outlines started to form. Large, lupine forms running in the circle around the trio playing. The silver mist started to pulse like a heartbeat. And the Keeper sang on.

Trick or treat, what would it be?
I walk alone, I'm everything
My ears can hear and my mouth can speak
My spirit talks, I know my soul believes
But we're running out of time

Over the Keeper the glowing outline of a lupine head formed gleaming brighter than any star in the sky.

Oh, all the echoes in my mind cry
There's blood on your lies
The sky's open wide
There is nowhere for you to hide
The hunter's moon is shining

The outline flowed away and into a moon bright wolf. Ears and tails tipped in black. She paced away and then started running on the inside of the circle of mists. She could stand shoulder to shoulder with a fully grown elf and her fur gleamed. Inside the silver mist the forms of wolves that echoed her shape started to become more solid.

I'm running with the wolves tonight
I'm running with the wolves
I'm running with the wolves tonight
I'm running with the wolves

The feet of the wolves thudding on the ground now. Dark gray coats with shining lights laying over their head and ears running down their backs and to the tips of their tails. The lights sprinkling down their side and trailing off. Each paw print temporarily lighting up on the ground and then fading away.

I'm running with the wolves tonight
I'm running with the wolves
I'm running with the wolves tonight
I'm running with the wolves
(I'm running with the)

This time over the Keeper’s face the silver outline of a young cervidae formed gleaming bright. Within the running circle of wolves two additional creatures started to take shape. Branching antlers gathering in starlight.

A gift, curse
They track and hurt
Say can you dream
In nightmares seems
A million voices, silent screams
Where hope is left so incomplete

The cervidae mask flowed away and out, a dark coated young deer, sides dappled in silver spots leaped out. Joining directly opposite the moon bright wolf in running around the inside of the circle. The two deer within the mist now fully solid, leaving the same glowing hoofprints on the ground that faded away.

I'm running with the wolves tonight
I'm running with the wolves
I'm running with the wolves tonight
I'm running with the wolves
I'm running with the wolves tonight
I'm running with the wolves
I'm running with the wolves tonight
I'm running with the wolves
I'm running with the

The song faded away, the moon-bright wolf coming up to the Keeper’s right side and the dark fawn on their left. The remaining creatures came to a stop and started pacing towards the young one. They stood and reached out as the first pair approached them. They bowed low and the Keeper placed a hand on each wolf's head and murmured their names softly. “Remus, Tonks, go and protect, guard the way, cleanse the corruption.” They turned and flashed away.

The second and third pair approached, each bowing in turn and waiting for a hand on their head Once they accepted their names and instructions racing off in a flash. “Fred, Sirius, Colin, Lavender, go, go now and keep the travelers safe!” There was a sharp inhale from the observers at those words. Who it came from is difficult to say when all attention seemed to be drawn to the Keeper and creatures.

The two deer approached, their coats echoing the pattern of the wolves. Each carried a shining silver rack, the buck with twenty points and the doe slightly smaller and eighteen points on her rack. Bowing their heads down to receive the young one’s hands placed gently on their foreheads. “Prongs, Naurcunneth, guide the way, bring light to the darkness. Help them bring back any injured or lost.” They too turned and flashed away, now only a trace of the silver mist still encircling them.

The moon-bright wolf paced forward green eyes bright and butted her head against the Keeper. With a smile he hugged her. “Hallows, be my agent, make sure all are safe.” Instead of flashing away, she flared up and when the light faded away was gone. When the fawn came to their side they sighed. “Sorry Tindil, we both have some growing to do I think.” The encircling silver mist faded completely away and Gilriant sagged, leaning on the fawn by his side.

All gathered started to move, breaking whatever hold that kept them mostly still. On Elrond’s shoulder Hedwig closed her wings and the snowflakes faded away. His children came to his side first. Murmuring questions and checking on him. Maglor, already seated, slumped slightly as Fawkes' false fire faded. Glorfindel staggered a step, flute loosely held in hand. Erestor rushed up, taking the instrument and ducking under one of his arms to allow the captain to lean on him.

“We, we need to get to the Healing Halls.” Gilriant called softly. Arwen looked over at him, eyes wide and moved swiftly, she waited for his nod before picking him up. Elrond moved to Maglor’s side helping him up while Elladan retrieved the instruments and Elrohir carefully picked up the fawn. The path was not the best for the young one to walk. The Lord of Imladris turned to the guards, his voice urgent. “Go, summon the healers to the hall. We are about to receive injured.”

A testament to their training that neither questioned it just started moving away at a swift place. The family followed them carefully down the path. “She’ll be okay brother, they got there in time.” Was the soft reassurance from Gilriant. It did little to abate the tension.

###

At the base of the Misty Mountains on the route between Lothlorien and Imladris a group had set up camp. The horses needed rest and so did the elves in the group after the trip over the pass. Even with their ability to rest in a meditative state rather than sleep like the edain needed, they still set watches. Some were relaxed, this was technically considered an easy escort duty. Yet at the last minute Lady Galadriel had asked Haldir to join the group along with a few extra guards. Despite the recent peacefulness over the land.

This alarmed the marchwarden and he couldn’t quite relax completely. Not when it was the Lady, known for her sight, that insisted the group be increased. Now it could certainly have been her being protective of her daughter Celebrian. They were escorting her back to Imladris. However something spoke deep inside him. Instincts telling him there was a danger that lurked, even if there was no sign of it. Still he could not rest and stood watch instead. So when it happened, he was one of the first attacked.

There was no obvious warning. The night was peaceful until it exploded into action. A massive group of orcs attacking from all sides. They slaughtered the horses first, likely to cut off potential retreat. While Haldir was no stranger to fighting orcs, these were ferocious in a way he had not seen. Like they were lashing out against the peace that had settled recently. Speculation would come later. For now the group fought for their lives. Even the lady taking up arms for no daughter of Galadriel and Celeborn would be unable to defend themselves. Still he did his best to keep himself between her and the worst of the danger.

It was the sheer numbers of the attackers that was the problem along with the wargs they rode. While they were archers first they were also skilled with blades. Yet it seemed like for each orc or warg they cut down, another took its place. And they had archers too. He felt the bite of the hit scored into his side. If he was to see the Halls of Mandos, he would take out as many of them as he could on his way there.

Then help came, in the most unexpected manner. A moon-bright wolf, large and bright suddenly was at his side lunging and tearing into the warg attacking him. The creature was more than a match for the vicious beast’s size. The wolf seemed to radiate a light that was actually painful to their attackers. And she was not alone. More wolves tore into their attackers. Shining with light specked over their coats which their attackers seemed not to be able to penetrate.

When the two deer charged in, blinding light burning into the remaining orcs the fight was over. Those that were intact enough fled the pure light radiating off the pair. The rest fell beneath the teeth of the wolves and the blades of the elves. The camp fell quiet, mostly. Harsh breathing and the calls of the elves checking on each other. The Lady especially issuing orders. Unfortunately with what he could see of their equipment they had little left to use to tend the wounded.

Haldir suddenly found the moon-bright wolf directly in front of him, staring him down. She, yes she had startling green eyes that regarded him with intensity. While normally this could be considered a dominance challenge, there was no feel of it here. More as if she was staring into his very fea and evaluating it. There was nothing of darkness about this creature, only the purity of moonlight yet he dared not look away. “My thanks Lady, I would bow but I’m afraid I’m in need of a bit of healing.” While it was not unknown for elves to at times communicate and get along with creatures in nature, this was different.

The white wolf then laid down at his side and stared at him. Haldir was left with the distinct impression that if he didn’t get on and let her take him to help, she might just snatch him up and drag him there. Glanding around he saw the wolves and yes there was the Lady with the smaller of the two deer at her side. Not anything what he expected but for now he would accept it. They were too wounded and too vulnerable as they were “Looks like our new friends want to help. Double up as needed, the more wounded with the less.”

A slight prodding feel to his mind told Haldir while the others would permit any elf, he and he alone was all she chose to carry. Why him and not anyone else was a matter to ponder later. Especially when he could see his order being followed. The wolves and the deer drew to their feet, every elf being carried. The moon-bright wolf tilted her head back and howled. The sound was a resonating musical note that the other wolves echoed and harmonized with. Even the two deer joined in the calls. Another oddity, deer fighting with and running with wolves.

Then they started to move. A gentle walk transitioning to an all out run. Far smoother than he would have ever expected and far faster than any horse. The landscape flashed by in a blur. He leaned forward, resting best he could and trying to ignore the ach in his side. Haldir got the distinct impression that his new friend could go faster if she wished. The pace had to be kept to a speed or travel type that the elves could tolerate.

While most elves could communicate with birds and beasts to some extent, Haldir never thought of himself as one that could get such detailed communication. The fact he was getting such information now bewildered him, leaving him feeling lightheaded. Wait, no, that was injuries. Perhaps he was more injured than he thought. The marchwarden struggled to stay upright. A low whine escaped his mount and the reassurance no matter what he would not fall off. She would not permit it.

What was one more oddity this night? Haldir took her at her word and allowed himself to slump forward. Murmuring a soft apology for no doubt getting blood on her white fur. The marchwarden doing his best to keep some sort of watch out for trouble. Despite his efforts he may have passed out, or they were traveling swifter than he thought. For quicker than possible he felt the wards of Imladris slide over him. He must have closed his eyes at some point for now he cracked them open. Seeing the white stone of Imladris under his new friend’s paws.

Apparently they were expected as there were many waiting elves he could hear. Taking riders off their mounts to take into the halls. As he felt hands on him lifting him, he could also hear the Lady assuring her husband she only hand minor wounds. To go take care of the more seriously wounded first. Good. She was safe. They all were safe. He could hear Lord Elrond’s voice close to him, he could now let go completely. Haldir felt a hand on his forehead and then slid completely into unconsciousness.

###

As little as most elves need it, there was something to be said about the peacefulness of sleep. The soft edges that could wrap you up and keep you from pain. Granted, waking from it could be a challenge as it attempted to keep you in its soft embrace. Regardless he could feel himself start to break through that comfort. The feel of sunlight on his face helped with that. Some warm weight against his legs. Then what probably started the waking process and had Haldir’s eyes flying open. The voice of an elfling. “Hallows, you can’t claim people, that’s not how it works. No, that’s really not how it works.” At the edges of his senses he could pick up some sort of deeper communication he couldn’t hear. There at the side of his bed was the white wolf looking at the young one standing there. And was that a young deer? If this was a hallucination it was a very strange one.

“Considering she saved my life, I don’t think I’m going to argue about her claim.” Haldir tried to sit up as three heads turned in his direction. Odd, their eyes were all the exact same shade of green. He kept that information tucked away with the rest. The young one made a startled sound then rushed to grab the part of his arm that was unbandaged to keep him from sitting up.

“No, no no no. Do not sit up. My brother is going to get upset enough that we woke you. If you hurt yourself it will be worse.” Haldir let the young one press him back to the bed. Even in his weakened state he could have easily countered it. The astonishment at seeing an elfling was enough to obey the gentle touch. He had to be less than two decades old. Black hair to go with those green eyes. Dressed in a simple tunic with a much elaborate and oddly designed circlet on his head.

“Where did you come from, little one?” He could not resist asking. Haldir had heard of no elfling being born for a very long time. Such a thing would have been celebrated.

The young one sighed. “This going to be thing too. Not my fault I am so short.” Haldir’s lips twitched into a smile at the response.

“How are you feeling? Hallows said you were hurt bad? I was sleeping when you got here.” At the young one’s question Haldir’s gaze drifted down best it could to the white wolf laid stretched out by his side. Looking far smaller than he remembered.

“Hallows, is that her name? I thought she was larger.” The boy frowned and then fetched a glass of water holding it carefully to help him take a sip. Well this was probably not a hallucination then. Probably.

The boy’s head turned towards the moon-bright wolf. She picked her head up and then laid it back down again, licking Haldir’s hand before tucking her nose under it. “She can be what size she needs to be.”

Giving a hum at the response the marchwarden took stock of his injuries. What he came up with was not exactly making sense. But if the wolf could change her size. . . what else could she do? “Is she, doing something about my pain? I feel far better than I should.” Why not add one more strangeness on top of the rest.

Distantly he could hear movement in the halls and worried voices. Likely the young one’s minders. The elfling turned his head towards the wolf and then sighed. “No, that is not how it works.” Still addressing the wolf he added, “Because I said so, that’s why.”

Before he could respond the door to his room which had been partially opened, opened fully and a tall ellon he did not recognize stepped in. “Gilriant, there you are. You shouldn’t be in here.” The elf looked at him, “My apologies.” Then leaned back into the hallway. “Elrond, I found him. Apparently he found one of your patients.”

The elfling gave the tall elf a contrite look. “Sorry Atar but Hallows insisted.” The apparently named Gilriant set the glass on the table as his father moved over to crouch beside him. “Did she now?”

Apparently that was the point the young deer decided they needed to be included and stuck their face close to Haldir’s. “Tindil no!” The elfling immediately moved to pull the fawn away. Elrond chose that moment to enter the room. The elf Lord taking in the scene. “Gilriant perhaps you should take your new friends elsewhere?”

“No, no.” Haldir interrupted before anyone could say anything more. “I am lucky to be alive. I think I can handle some company. They have not been bothering me.”

Besides, the marchwarden really wanted some answers as to what was going on. Haldir had the distinct feeling this was only just the beginning.