Galadriel arrives
There was an odd buzzing at the edge of his senses. As far as Gilriant could tell, it wasn’t something he was doing. He was keeping his abilities neatly tucked in and not freely wandering. Haldir certainly would be telling him if he was not. So where was this odd sensation coming from? It had to be coming from within the wards. But what could have passed through them and not be considered a threat?
Erestor was calling his name, he knew this, but looking for the source was more important right now. He left his book on the desk and slipped off his seat. Harry needed to make sure his family was okay. Ignoring his teacher's worried tone he kept walking, the Seneschal following behind. He could hear the questions and the soothing tone, but he didn’t want to be soothed. Something was wrong.
A faint flicker of alarm and pressure laced with his sense of Maglor changed his gait from walking to a full on run. There were raised voices and that was never good. Yet he still ran towards the source. Skittering into the room he noticed first his Atar on one side looking discomforted, Fawkes was on his shoulder giving him a comforting trill. Elrond and Celebrian were next to him. Across the room was a tall elleth that looked a great deal like his sister-by-marriage and a tall silver haired ellon by her.
He could feel it, as her regard swung around him, the pressure started. When her eyes met his, the press against his mind intensified. Harry’s mind instantly went to those terrible terrible lessons with Snape. The pain that was inflicted all in the guise of ‘teaching’ him. Gilriant’s mind lashed out, shoving against the pressure and crackling with offensive energy. The silver haired elleth stumbled backwards with a pained shout, the ellon next to her keeping her from falling.
A torrent of angry words flowed from him. Tasting bitter on his tongue as all of the painful memories flipped through his mind. Lessons that should have not been taught that way, no matter what the reason or motivation. Of cruelty upon cruelty in words and complete disregard for his own feelings. There was the racing of feet behind him but he paid it little mind until suddenly his vision was filled with white, blocking his sight. With an edge of darkness cuddling up to his side. Hallows, no warning growl this time. Instead full on snarling and filling the space between him and the threat. Then he realized some of the white was Hedwig, her wings mantling over him as she gave him a soothing trill. Tindil, the little fawn trying to comfort him too.
Vaguely he realized there were more people around him. Erestor, looking paler than he had seen his teacher ever before. Glorfindel kept people back in the hall outside the room. Elrond and Maglor, they were both crouched down by him, talking softly. Harry couldn’t quite make out the words yet, but they were there. Celebrian was fearlessly moving near Hallows, towards the elven couple. Haldir, yes the marchwarden had slipped into the room. Gently he placed a hand in the white wolf’s furn and the snarling started to calm. It was like, yes, it was like that warm safe blanket was slowly being eased around them. It helped to ease the grip of fear that had seized his mind.
Turning his head he saw the calm face of Elrond and the very worried one of Maglor. “A-atar.” Harry hiccuped. His brain wasn’t quite up to processing the Sindarin everyone was speaking, but he knew who his father was. Gilriant lifted his hands towards the bard and was carefully scooped up and held close. Hedwig moving to the tall elf’s unoccupied shoulder. His body shook with repressed sobs. Oh, no. Nononononono, he couldn’t cry, it would just make things worse. It always made things worse. No, no noise. Noise was not safe. The young one curled even tighter into a ball, hands gripping Maglor’s clothes even as tears slid down his face. Hiding best he could within his atar’s embrace.
Celebrian watched as her father-in-law and husband left with her little brother, the fawn following them. This was a flat out disaster and she knew exactly who caused it. “Congratulations Nanath, you just set off a very powerful elfling’s battle reflexes. You are lucky if all you have is a headache.” Next to her Haldir had managed to get the snarling reduced to a low growl but Hallows still had her intense focus on Galadriel.
The Lady and Lord of Lothlorien looked startled by what she told them. “An elfling, one with battle reflexes? How did that happen? If I had known I would not have -” Celebrain interrupted her. “If you had told us you were coming early we could have prepared him and this would not have happened.” She sighed looking at the wolf. “Be thankful Haldir has a bond with the young one and can calm his magic. Though she has deemed you a threat and I do not know how to resolve that.”
Celeborn guided his wife over to sit, the white wolf’s gaze still locked on them. “This is why you stayed Haldir?” The marchwarden nodded. “Yes my lord, he needed a teacher, and Hallows chose me. I did not tell you he is not ready for everyone to know. I will not betray his trust.” The pair looked at each other. “I . . see.”
“I don’t think you do, not entirely,” Erestor sounded shaken. “The language he was speaking was the one of the place of his birth. He has been teaching it to me. I do not understand all of it, but if what I did understand is correct, you did one of the worst possible things to him.” Now Galadriel looked pained for more reasons than that of a headache. “I did not mean to hurt the young one. I would never harm a child.”
Now Celebrian sighed, “You never mean to hurt anyone, but I have told you before this is not Lothlorien. The people there may understand what you do and you are doing it to protect them, they may even welcome it. But it is not welcome here. These are not your people to protect, they are mine and Elrond’s. You may not think what you do is harmful, but you need to realize what I have told you before is true. It very much can be.” Ever so slowly the wolf’s growl receded. She turned her head enough to lick Haldir’s face. He slowly stroked her fur, and she whined leaning into him.
“You cannot blame me for being alarmed that the kinslayer is here.” Celebrian gave her a stern look. “He is Elrond’s beloved father. I know I have told you that Malgor is such to him. So yes, I can blame you when you did not bother to tell us you were coming so early. I would have told you he was here and this whole event would not have happened.”
She glanced back, noticing movement from the hall and spotted Lindir. He stepped inside and inclined his head to her. “My Lady, I am having guest quarters prepared away from the family wing if that is acceptable.” Galadriel looked like she would protest only to stop and sigh. “I would not cause more discomfort to your, new brother is it?” Celebrian accepted this with an incline of the head. “Thank you for that Nanath. As Elrond will undoubtedly be busy for however long it takes I will have one of the other healers visit you and bring you a headache potion. I will meet with you tomorrow to talk.”
Haldir had managed to coax Hallows to move, and guided the white wolf out of the room. He nodded at Celebrian but did not look back at the lord and lady of Lothlorien. That was one worry dealt with. No one wanted the full force of Gilriant’s abilities to lash out. The lady of Imladris followed them both out.
Galadriel continued to lean into her husband. “I fear I have transgressed severely. I also fear we are not likely to see Haldir in Lothlorien for a very long time.” Celeborn cupped the side of her face and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “We will fix what we can together. Our daughter did say she will speak with us tomorrow. As for Haldir, perhaps we should have more faith that what delayed him was important and he would have spoken to us in his own time.”
In the family wing Maglor held his elfling tight and close. At a loss what to do because he could feel Gilriant shaking, yet, no noise escaped. That was not a good sign. He didn’t dare try to use onsanwe, not after what he heard. Nor did he know what to do for a young one that would not make a sound like this. So he did the only thing he could think of, he started to sing. A lullaby of comfort and safety. Elrond gave him an encouraging nod, and as it was familiar to him, added his voice to the song. Both phoenixes joined in with crooning trills.
This was a much more severe reaction than the one he had with Mithrandir. Thankfully the istari had not been trying to do anything. His poor hinya. Just how much trauma could have been packed into such a short life. Maglor wished he had known more of it before they left. So he could have served vengeance on those that caused it. All he could do now was focus on trying to help the young one heal. At least the song was doing some good as slowly he could feel Gilriant relax. Carefully he adjusted his posture so that when the young one fell asleep, it would be comfortable for them both.
Eventually the elfling did fall asleep, his breathing even and peaceful. Celebrian slipped into the room carrying a blanket. She tucked it around the pair and Maglor could feel the enchantments for warmth and comfort that had been woven into it. Hopefully that would keep any dreams the young one had peaceful. Please let them be peaceful. Hedwig moved to make a nest in the blankets to cuddle with her hatchling too.
When Elrond gave him an inquiring look he shook his head slightly and then inclined it towards the door. His eldest reached over to squeeze his arm before he left the room with Celebrian. Erestor had been waiting in the hall. The lady of Imladris reached and tugged on his sleeve for him to follow them further into the family wing. Shortly after they reached a sitting room one of the household staff brought in a calming tea for them. Celebrian fixed a cup for the Seneschal judging him to be in the need most, and then her husband.
She waited until he had drank a full cup before asking. “Erestor, you said you understood some of what Gilriant was saying? We all knew he saw what my mother did as an attack. It sounds like you have an understanding as to how severely it affected him.” The Seneschal set his teacup down and Celebrian promptly refilled it for him.
“Yes, the prince has been teaching me the language so that I might read the books they brought with him. While I am not fluent yet, and the language is utterly backwards, I do understand some.” They waited letting Erestor gather his composure. The elf was deeply shaken, in a way neither had seen. “If I understand correctly, the sanctity of his mind was not respected. Some of it was as mild as what Galadriel does on a regular basis, while others . . . one would think he had been in the hands of the Enemy.”
Elrond uttered a soft curse and Celebrian reached over to take his hand. “Now it is even more important that I find a way to get him to open up and talk. He will not heal fully without doing so.” HIs expression was grim. “It is best we keep him well away from Galadriel until he is ready to talk to her.”
“I already told my mother I would speak with her tomorrow and Lindir settled them in guest rooms away from the family.” Elrond squeezed her hand in thanks, giving her a small smile. Then he looked back at Erestor. “When my brother is feeling better, it is best we go over important figures and who else might show up. With Mithrandir and then Galadriel showing up with no warning, it is likely others will too. We need to prevent any further upset if we can. I had planned on going over that with him. It just seems like there is so much that he needs to know. I do not want to overload him.”
“He has a remarkably strong fea, having been through so much and still able to laugh and be kind.” Erestor commented quietly. Having lived through horrors of the war against the enemy and even suffered for it, that was no small thing for him to have said.
***
It was more difficult than it typically was to wake up. A part of him really did not want to face the day and would much rather just stay in the warm safe space. The place where no one could hurt him. But if he stayed, he couldn’t make sure his Atar and everyone else was okay. Still he took his time, listening to the steady thump of Maglor’s heart under his ear. It wasn’t until a nagging need to empty his bladder forced him to wake the rest of the way and wiggle to be put down. He did note that Haldir was in another seating area in the room. Hallows rested against him, and Tindil against the wolf. Likely part of why he had been feeling so safe and warm. The phoenixes upon his movement found perches around the room.
Maglor slipped in behind him as he started to wash up. With a hum the bard moved to help him, giving his hair a slight tug. “Fresh braids for now, a bath tonight because I have no doubt that you should spend plenty of time outside today.” After a moment he nodded his agreement. “I want to braid your hair too, Atar.”
Inclining his head in agreement, Maglor smiled. While his young one was being quiet, he could still see his resilient spirit peeking out. “Of course. Then breakfast with the family I think.” Guiding the young one back to take a seat, he grabbed a brush and some fresh hair clips. Haldir traded places with them, freshening up as the bard started working on Gilriant’s hair. As typical, he gently used the white streak of hair in one of the braids. He knew he couldn’t get away with too many hair ornaments, yet, but still he used a nice clasp when he drew the braids together.
Obediently he sat on the floor when the elfling ran off for his ‘supplies’ GIlriant had actually caught on to braiding fairly fast. Getting better at it over time and enjoying collecting things to use in it. So he wasn’t entirely sure what he would end up with, but knew his young one would have fun. The elfling had a gentle touch as he lightly tugged and twined the braid on either side of his face together. Pausing at time to add in whatever ornament he chose for today.
Haldir came out before Gilriant was done and came over and sat by them. “Appropriate choice, fire is associated with feanorians.” He commented, giving Maglor a clue as to what was being done. “Yeah I keep collecting his feathers and Hedwig’s. The small ones are good for hair. I think some of the bigger ones are for hair clasps. But only when they want to give them to me to keep.” Curious, the marchwarden looked at the supplies. “Only when they want?”
Gilriant nodded firmly. “Phoenix feathers can be a conduit for magic. They don’t always need to molt when they aren’t growing from the reborn state to full adult. But they can choose to drop feathers. So it's more of when they want to give them than not. It’s why I have more of Hedwig’s than Fawkes. I won’t have a whole lot of his until he goes through a burning day and grows from chick to full grown again.” Maglor hummed. “I remember that, so if he has a burning day, will Hedwig have some ice related equivalent?”
“Probably,” the elfling replied cheerfully. “They are birds made of magic, light and music. Since she’s ice it would have to be ice or snow. Or maybe something with water.” Hedwig trilled her agreement. “I think because she’s a new phoenix, it is a minimum of once a year for ten years then . ..” He looked at her and Fawkes. The firebird chirped and trilled at him. “Yeah once a year for ten years, then every five years for fifty years, then every twenty years.” Fawkes gave another trill. “Woah, you are over a thousand years old?”
Haldir’s eyebrows went up. “Truly? I have not heard of another bird so long lived.” Gilriant gave Maglor’s braid one last tug and put the fastener on. “Oh phoenixes are essentially immortal. While they do age, that only happens at the end of their cycle and then they are reborn. If they are hit with a mortal wound, they absorb it and are reborn.” There was a sad trill from Fawkes and the elfling gave the bird a concerned look. “That is when they are most vulnerable and it is important to keep them safe from people that might misuse them.” He was quiet for a moment. “I can understand you better now.” The firebird gave a proud trill and leaned forward to lightly preen his hair.
“Vulnerable how?” Haldir asked with concern. When Fawkes just drooped Girliant moved over to open his arms to the firebird for cuddles. The phoenix accepted letting the elfling hold him. “I think, maybe forcing a companion bond on them, instead of letting them freely choose. Like a kind of imprinting. They are very loyal creatures and once they have chosen a companion, it takes a lot to make them leave again.” He gently scratched under the firebird’s crest. “That is why it is important they have either a safe place or safe people to be around.”
“Well they are both safe here.” Haldir said firmly. “Plus, they need not worry about choosing another companion. Not when they will always have you.” Both birds gave cheerful trills at that. Hedwig hopped over to preen Haldir’s hair. Gilriant laughed. “They can also make and keep company with friends too. You made the list a while ago. I think Fawkes likes Atar so much because the House of Feanor is associated with fire, the creative type.” The firebird gave another happy trill this time in agreement.” With another laugh the elfling set him on Maglor’s shoulder.
“What do you think of your braids Atar?” Obediently Maglor got up to look in a mirror. The five strand braid on each side of his face had the small body feathers from Fawkes woven into it. Easily recognizable as his from the color and the false fire sparks that they dripped. “I will have to save the feathers for you to use another time. This looks excellent hinya, you did very well.”
Beaming with pride he moved to scoop up the elfling. “Breakfast time I think.” Hedwig hopped with a flap of wings to perch on Haldir’s shoulder. They all moved to Elrond’s sitting room and sure enough found the rest of the family there gathered around the table. Arwen hopped up. “Stop hogging him, Grandfather.” With a laugh Gilriant was transferred over to her and she returned her seat, getting them set up. The twins mock arguing over who’s turn it would be at the next meal.
Breakfast itself was a cheerful and lighthearted affair. Everyone kept to light topics. Admiring Maglor’s braids. In general reconnecting and enjoying each other’s company. Something sorely needed from the shock of yesterday. Only after everyone was done did Elrond clear his throat.
“While I hate to bring tension to the morning, there are a few things we need to discuss.” Everyone at the table was quiet, giving him their attention. “Celebrian and I are going to handle Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn, giving them an update and making sure they know to stay away from Gilriant until he is ready to talk to them. As well as address Lady Galadriel’s actions. Children, I know you love your grandmother, you certainly can spend time with her. Just please keep that in mind.” He looked around the table, meeting everyone’s gaze but the elflings who was playing with the ends of his sleeves and looking down.
“Elladan and Ellrohir, I do think it’s a good idea for you to sit down with Gilriant and listen to Erestor go over who else might be coming. While my brother is not going to be held to all the formalities that may need to be observed, you two certainly are and could use a refresher.” The twins grumbled but nodded an agreement as the elfling peered over at them. Probably an obvious ploy to make it easier for him, but not an entirely untrue one. While Elrond’s oldest could and would follow protocol with the best of them, they would equally disregard it at times.
“We’ll still have a lesson outside later, “Haldir added to Gilriant. “So do not be concerned on that front.” That further cheered up the elfling, still. “Why do I think there is another thing coming?” The young one eyed his brother.
“Did you know that Imlardis started out as an outpost during the war?” Instead of answering directly, this needed handling from a different angle. “Yes, it was in my lessons.” Elrond nodded. “Afterwards I made this place into one of healing, where anyone was welcome. Many who had fought in the war bore invisible wounds that needed to be tended to as well. It is difficult work, but has allowed them to be at peace within themselves. I would like to work with you as well. I’m well aware you think you are fine, we may have to come up with a new definition for that.” The last statement came out dry.
“We all talk to Ada sometimes,” Elladan commented and his brother continued. “He helps us feel better. Keeping the pains of your heart and mind just means whoever gave them to you wins.” When the elfling still looked uncertain, Elrond picked up the conversation. “Not today, but once a week, we can talk about whatever you want to talk about. Besides, it means I get to spend more time with you little brother. Something I very much want.”
***
Legolas ‘reminded’ his father that he agreed to send the message bird ahead to Imladris. Which did indeed be as the King said it would, on the morning of the day they were to arrive. It would not give them much time, as they would likely arrive around mid-day. Thranduil merely said it equated with how much information Elrond had been sharing with them around recent events. The prince of the Greenwood may have further argued that point, if for not how their initial arrival actually ended up.
They were properly greeted. Stablemen came up to take their mounts and other household staff their baggage. The head of the staff, Lindir, lead them further into the city. While he was used to having the tall trees around, Imladris had its own beauty and greenery that he could appreciate. Lindir was offering to escort them to their rooms when something entirely unexpected interrupted them.
“Faster Hallows, faster! They’re catching up!” The very elven voice of a child. Before Legolas could process that, there was a white wolf barreling towards them with a very interesting rider. A laughing dark-haired elfling whose eyes widened seeing them in their path. For their part they were frozen in surprise. Of all of them the wolf handled it the best, weaving between everyone and out to the other side. The dark pelted fawn that followed them was almost an afterthought. Hot on their heels were the flour covered forms of Elrond’s twin sons. Who both skidded to a stop before they could collide with the group.
In the ensuing chaos of apologies and such Legolas tugged on his father’s attention. Thranduil looked sharply at him. In turn he looked in the direction the elfling went and then back to his Ada. Understanding what he was asking, the king inclined his head, granting permission. Swiftly he backed out of the group and turned to go the direction the young one went.
It wasn’t too difficult, even though their path was over stone. The laughter of the elfling was quite evident and it led to one of the gardens. “Oh wow, do you think I’ll get into trouble later?” The young one’s laughter trailed off. As he got closer Legolas could see the young rider was now sitting on the ground and addressing the white wolf he had been riding. Weighing his options he decided to speak up. While he might learn something from simple observation, something told him he wouldn’t remain unnoticed for long.
“All depends on how you view pranks. If you caused the flour I saw all over the twins they are likely to prank you back.” The young one, the wolf and the fawn all turned their heads in his direction. What struck him first was the vibrant green of their eyes, and the oddity that they all had the same shade of it. It pulled at something in him, though he could not say what. Dismissing it as unimportant for the moment he stepped further into the garden. “So did you?” He offered the elfling a smile.
“Maybe?” The young one grinned back at him. “Everybody was stressed, so I thought maybe making them laugh would help. And they were going to prank me eventually anyways.” The ellon laughed softly and sat down cross legged near them. “I’m Legolas.” There was a flicker of recognition in the elflings eyes. “I’m Gilriant and this is Hallows,” He put a hand on the white wolf. “And the fawn here is Tindil. They are special.”
“I can tell, I’ve never seen anything quite like them before.” He held his hand out when the fawn took a tentative step towards him. Odd to see a young prey creature so comfortable next to an adult predator. Odder still the coloration, the bright white wolf with black tipped ears tail, and the dark furred fawn with silver spots along their back. The fawn stepped closer, lightly sniffing his hand. It didn’t actually touch him but went back to the elfling again.
“Tindil seems to like you.” He petted the fawn for a few moments, looking like he was making up his mind about something. “What makes them so special?” Legolas couldn’t quite help asking. It was just part of the large list of questions he currently had. Ada said that sometimes if you let other people talk, you find out more than if you just asked. So he focused on what the young one was telling him to encourage him to talk more.
“That is a rather long story. Which, considering you are the prince of the Greenwood and likely part of a delegation that just showed up. That means that people are going to be looking for you.” The elfling did recognize his name then. Well considering the young one already showed a penchant for mischief, it wouldn’t be too harmful to encourage a bit more. Ada would forgive him if it led to more information. “Well, we don’t have to exactly be easy to find. I bet you know all kinds of places around here.”
Gilriant nodded. “Yeah I do, want to meet Tindil’s sort of parents?” The elfling got up and offered a hand to Legolas. Slightly surprised by the action he stood and carefully took it. “How can a fawn have sort of parents?” He asked baffled.
“That’s part of the long story.”