Child of the Stars

There was an odd almost anticipatory feeling in the air. Especially around his guards. Gilriant gave them a suspicious look. “You aren’t trying to spring something on me are you? That didn’t go so well for you all the last time you tried.” Ferdil gave him a smile. “Would we do something like that?” The elfling huffed at them. “Yes, yes you would.” Roitaro laughed. “Don’t worry, we learned our lesson. We aren’t going to try to spring that kind of surprise on you again. No one enjoyed the frogs in their bed. Though I still have no idea how you found so many.” Now the elfling looked smug. “That is for me to know and you to attempt to find out. But seriously, that didn’t answer my question.” Unfortunately for him they didn’t seem willing to tell Harry anything more .

Wandering around Imladris Gilriant tried to decide what he wanted to do. It was a free afternoon with no lessons planned. Aravorn was out on patrol which Harry wouldn’t be considered old enough for at least another twenty-five years or so. He didn’t currently have any pranks in the works, either with or against the twins. He was still musing over his options when the elfling noticed some commotion near the main entrance to Imladris. As far as he knew there wasn’t supposed to be anybody arriving today. Curious, he went to go see what or who was behind the activity.

Getting closer he saw that there was indeed a group arriving, including one very familiar individual. “Legolas!” He dashed towards his friend. Hearing his name the prince who had dismounted turned in his direction and smiled. Gilriant did not slow his pace and slammed into his friend. The woodland elf easily managed to stay on his feet and laughed, crouching to give him a hug.

“No one told me you were coming!” Legolas smiled at him. “Well it was supposed to be a surprise, a good one I hope.” Gilriant huffed, releasing the hug only to reach for his friend's hand. “Of course it is. You still could have told me.” The elven prince just laughed. “What if I liked the idea of surprising you. And look at you, you have grown.” The elfling just looked at him. “Well it has been over five years since you saw me, that sort of thing happens. Even if I’m not growing as fast as Aravorn. Totally unfair but everyone tells me that it's going too fast for them.”

“Ah your Dunedain friend,” Legolas replied. “Hmmm, well I appreciate you not growing up too fast. It means I still get to enjoy some of this time with you my friend.” Gilriant flashed a smile at him. “I’m glad you are here, I know you have responsibilities in the Greenwood.” The prince inclined his head. “I do, but others can take care of them for now. I wanted to visit with you.”

Legolas looked beyond the elfling at the pair that approached. “And perhaps to get some in-person reports from your guard. The written ones they have sent in have been entertaining enough.” Gilriant grinned. “It’s been fun, they are all really nice, and have learned not to expect anything typical from me” That made the prince laugh. “Well, I did tell them that. I suppose they believe it now.”

“Thoroughly my prince. It is good to see you.” Maethel and Gonben both put their dominant hands over their hearts and bowed. “And you. I will check in with you all later, for now I want to spend some time with my friend.” They straightened up. “Of course. We will be ready.” Gilriant tugged on his hand and Legolas let him lead him away. Happy to listen to the elfling chatter at him.

Later he regarded Maethel, “So, what didn’t make it into the reports?” The guard’s expression didn’t change, she simply asked. “I’m not sure what you mean, my prince.” Legolas gave her a look. “I’m not asking you to betray any of the things you learned in confidence. I would much rather hear from Prince Gilriant anything he thinks I should know about him. What I am asking is what you, as his guard, have left out of written reports.” He let the silence stretch out as she thought about his request.

“There are a few things that are more a matter of opinion or speculation. I know we have reported that he is more than capable of evasion and needs no additional training there.” Legolas nodded indicating he recalled that. “I very much doubt he would use that skill if someone he cared about was in any danger. Which, from what I can tell, is very likely anyone he interacts with. Unless they were escaping with him.” That didn’t exactly surprise the ellon based on what he knew of Gilriant.

“I do think he has the capability of being a formidable fighter from the early signs of his training. I do not think that will be his primary focus as he gets older.” When Legolas tilted his head she continued. “He is focused on his musical abilities as he is training his other abilities. He’ll learn to fight in order to protect other people, rather than be a soldier. Not that the little prince would be one.”

A wry smile flashed on her face. “I also think you are going to have a difficult time getting him to accept any personal guards when he becomes of age. He’s only tolerating them now because he knows it makes it easier for him to convince people to let him do things outside the city. Perhaps also because he seems to like us well enough.” That statement had Legolas reflecting the wry smile back at her. “Yes, I would think he would not tolerate someone he didn’t get along with in his vicinity for very long.”

“That . . . I’m less sure of.” At Legolas’ expectant look Maethel continued. “He’s far more likely to be intolerant of someone that does not get along with the people in his life than himself. Prince Gilriant has gotten better at accepting a compliment or praise but he is still quick to try to divert attention from himself.” At that the prince frowned. He had noticed before that the elfling seemed to shy away from thanks, but hadn’t realized it was that prevalent of an issue.

“Not the most ideal combination for anyone that wants to keep him safe.” Legolas observed quietly. “It is not my prince,” Maethel agreed. Being a skilled enough fighter meant he wouldn’t hesitate to put himself between danger and others. Especially if he valued others far more than he valued himself.

“It is somewhat public knowledge that he did have a difficult beginning and Lord Elrond is helping him work through it.” Maethel added quietly. She was correct as Gilriant had shared that with Legolas in his letters. Bits and pieces of it, not enough for a full picture but he could glimpse the general shape of it. “We can only do our best to make sure he understands how important he is to others.” The prince concluded.

***

Aravorn stood at Gilriant’s side when he watched Legolas’ group ride away. The prince of the Greenwood had been able to stay for months, but eventually needed to go home again. While the elfling was sad, he did manage not to have a meltdown. The young ranger kept him quiet company as Harry did his best to reflect on the good times they had, and were yet to come. At least until a pair of shadows loomed over them.

“You know brother, I would say these two were entirely preoccupied with the departure of prince Legolas,” One started. “I would agree with that, if not for the fact somehow, our horses are in our rooms,” the other commented in a conversational tone. “Indeed so do you think it was our uncle, or our little brother?” The first asked.

Gilriant glanced over at Aravorn, the older looking teen inclined his head. With an unspoken agreement the two took off, the twins in hot pursuit. Sadly they only got so far away before they were caught up and carted off upside down until they were tossed into a pool of water. Apparently that was supposed to clean up their act. Jokes on them, since they were busy getting dried off the twins had to get the horses back out of their bedrooms all on their own.

***

It was quite amusing when he reached the height just a touch taller than an adult hobbit. Anyone looking at him clearly saw an elven child. However in a crowd, Gilriant could at least for a little while longer blend in. Soon enough that trick would not work. The fauntlings found it hilarious when he managed to lose the adults looking out for him that way. They also thought it was great he could reach higher up things for him. Either way they were fun to play with. Today the excitement was that additional traders had come to Hobbiton and there was some sort of mischief about the children regarding them.

They happily conspired with him to dodge the adults and run off to visit the main marketplace. Gilriant knew that if nothing else Haldir would find him quickly, his Atar a close second, and the guards following the first two. The elfling figured this was just more evasion practice. They were the ones to introduce the ideas to Harry, so it was totally their fault he just kept at it. If they asked, the elfling would just say he was assisting them with their tracking training. That was an important skill wasn’t it?

It wasn’t until he was in front of the new traders that he realized why the faultings were so mysterious about it. These traders were about a head taller than most hobbits and most distinctively had full beards. Gilriant’s eyes widened and a smile broke out on his face. “Dwarves!” He dashed towards their spot in the market filled with glee the fauntlings clustered around them. “Hello!”

One of the dwarves looked over his bright greeting and then did a double take. Wide-eyed he reached to tap the second dwarf to get their attention as Gilriant started to babble his questions. “Do you really live in a mountain? Do all dwarves live in mountains? I like your beards, are those beads? I read that the braids and beads mean something but my books didn’t say how to identify them. The ravens say they are important. They look really nice.”

The dwarves just blinked at the barrage of questions staring at the figure in front of them. Gilriant seemed to realize he was bombarding them and ducked his head. “Sorry, I was asking too many questions, wasn’t I? That’s rude. I don't want to be rude. I just really wanted to meet dwarves but Atar says I’m too young to go to the Blue Mountains.” The apology just triggered more blinking at first.

“Ah, no harm done lad . . . you just surprised us is all.” The darker haired of the two finally responded. “Are you, well, you don’t look exactly like a hobbit. You aren’t wearing shoes but your feet . . .” One of the fauntlings broke in.” That’s because shoes are silly!” There was a general agreement from the other children. The second dwarf huffed, relaxing a bit in the face of obvious child-like behavior. “Well not everyone has feet as tough as hobbits do, not so silly for us.” The second dwarf eyed Gilriant. “So, you don’t exactly look like a hobbit. You look like an elf, but no elf I have seen has ever been that short. Or enthusiastic to meet a dwarf.”

“Gilriant!”

The elfling had opened his mouth to reply to the dwarf only to whirl around at the sharp tone his name had been called out in. A pair of hands scooped him up and pulled him into a rough hug. “You do not run off like that in the marketplace. It's one thing to do that in the fields with the fauntlings. Quite another to do so here.” Harry wound his arms around Maglor’s neck. “I’m sorry Atar. I didn’t mean to worry you.” While the young one might be tall in comparison to hobbits, his father far exceeded that height.

The sudden flood of elves in the area appeared to disturb the dwarves even more. All the fauntlings having scattered at the first sign of an upset adult. The first dwarf nudged the second. “I think that’s an elf child.” The second one responded. “Not possible, I haven’t ever even heard of there being one. I thought all elves came from -” At the sudden regard of the majority of the adult elves he cut himself off. “Ah I mean, this is a surprise.”

“See! They are just as curious as I am.” Gilriant pulled away slightly to give Maglor a pleading look. “I just wanted to ask some questions, Atar.” The bard looked down at him sternly. “Those are traders, they are working. You do not run up and start interrogating people.” The elfling wilted. “I know, I apologized for being rude.”

“Quite alright,” The darker-haired dwarf spoke up. “Gilriant, was it? Didn’t do anything my nephew hasn’t done before. Isn’t that right Talin?” The second one nodded with a fond look. “Aye that, my son tends to get a wild idea and run off from time to time.” Maglor turned to look at the dwarves. “You are most gracious, Master Dwarves. My son knows if he wants to continue these trips he’s not supposed to go off the way he did without one of us.” He shifted his gaze back to the elfling. “This is not home, not everyone is able or willing to drop everything to answer your questions.”

“If the lad is curious, why don’t you come back at the end of the day. Easy enough to answer questions while we are packing up for the night. Better to get answers about dwarves from dwarves than from books. Or ravens was it?” The last part seemed to rather baffle the dwarves.

Gilriant shot Malgor a pleading look. “Oh please, please please?” The bard sighed. “If you are sure Master Dwarf, I don’t want you to inconvenience yourself.” Offering a slight smile the darker haired dwarf replied. “No trouble.” Looking back at the elfling his Atar gave him a stern look. “We will be talking about consequences later, this is not a reward. This is only because I agree that it's best to learn from the source. Now,” He gave a significant glance towards the dwarves and back.

Getting the message Gilriant said, “Thank you Master Dwarves, I appreciate the opportunity.” Talin replied. “You are most welcome, now we’ll see you at the end of the day.” With a nod they parted ways for now, Maglor keeping a firm grip on the elfling as he carried him off.

The dwarves watched the other elves encircle the pair as they walked off. “Well that was the oddest interaction I have ever had with an elf.” Talin nodded in agreement. “Aye, I’m with you on that Falin. I’m still not sure that little one is an actual elf.” Crossing his arms over his chest the darker-haired one considered. “This might be a good opportunity. Elves need metals and such at times.”

“Huh, good point. Though I never thought I would be considering trading with elves. Those were respectful enough to consider it.” The two brothers looked at each other and nodded. “Proper introductions later it is.”

***

Gilriant exhaled, feeling the flow of energies all around him. The pulse of life that moved through the plant life all around him. The brighter more thrumming notes of animals and the higher vibrations of birds. The winding wind, rush of water, the warmth of the earth and the heat of the sun across his skin. Yet there was something . . . off. A discordant sound that was disrupting the harmony surrounding him. It wasn’t a strong chord, or a off beat melody. No this was subtle half-tone off single note buried in the greater music.

Turning their attention to Haldir, the young one sent an inquiry, directing their teacher to the dissonance. The flicker of concern and then the sense of someone holding them firmly in place. That was all the permission Harry needed to open up and reach, to track down exactly what was disturbing them. With a feather-light touch they extended their awareness. Letting it lightly coast through the area. The first time they tried something like this it was entirely too strong and he managed to disturb close to half the inhabitants.

Now, only the most sensitive, aware, and familiar with them caught signs of their passing. Which encompassed the majority of their family. They let a rush of affection touch those individuals, and felt it given back in turn. It buoyed their energy as they moved on to further check the surrounding city. Oh there were minor things that were off here and there, but those were part of the natural flow of life and not the actual potential danger. Danger?

Yes, that was what they were picking up. A potential spot of danger. Not something that would happen today, or tomorrow. Yet if left unattended it could cause a problem years from now. A tree had been damaged in a storm and weakened. Perfectly natural and part of the cycle of things. It would normally either survive or die off to leave room for new growth. The issue was this particular tree’s roots were part of the integrity of the cliffside. Holding both rock and earth together in place. It either needed to be strengthened, or new growth put in place to replace the anchoring oak. They dug their awareness into the tree to see if it was salvageable.

Obviously the tree would want to survive, that was the instinct of all living things. Yet that was not the natural balance to most of Ea. While it was not their place to decide what lived and died, that wasn’t the issue here. What they needed to know if death was imminent or decades from now. A part of them already knew as it was what drew their attention. The tree was coming to a natural death. It would be best, if sad, if it was cut down with the roots left in place. A bulwark until another tree dug itself deep. If it were just left, the tree could fall and rip those roots loose and cause that weakening of the cliff.

There, two young seedlings that if nurtured could take the old one’s place. They curled their touch around them. Strengthening and boosting their growth. Nothing as drastic as what they had done for spring crops before. This would merely allow what might take a couple of years to take place within a couple of months. Then it would ease back into normal growth. They made a note of the location so they could inform those that tended such things and drew their awareness back.

As carefully as they unspooled outwards, they pulled back towards themselves and their anchors. Haldir was a steady beacon next to the cool strength of Hallows and the bright warmth of Tindil. As they came back to themselves, Gilriant became aware of the tears trickling down his face. Grief flowing through him at the dying of a tree. A low aching pain that he didn’t completely understand.

He felt Haldir gather them up and hold them close, radiating support and comfort. Giving in, Gilriant turned to burying his face against his teacher’s shoulder and wrapped his arms around the older elf. “This is one of the reasons it is important for those with such gifts as yours to have strong bonds to help them.” The marchwarden told him quietly. “Elves feel things deeply, and our souls and bodies are deeply entwined. Emotions can and will affect your body.”

They stayed curled up together like that until Gilriant felt ready to pull away. Haldir reached to cup the side of his face studying him. “You did very well. Now let me take care of that old tree. I saw where it was and I know who to talk to.” At the beginning signs of protest from the young one the marchwarden continued. “You guard all life, let me guard you. That is part of my purpose, please let me do this for you.” When Harry finally sighed and nodded the older elf pressed a kiss to his forehead.

“Good, now why don’t you go find your raven friends and have them help you grab a few of the twin’s things to put in odd places for them to find.” At Gilriant’s startled look he smiled. “You need something physical and fun to do right now and that will entertain everyone for a bit.” The young one smiled back and shifted into the young raven form. With a flap of his wings he jumped up on Haldir’s shoulder and preened his hair. He then launched into the air with a quorked “Love you!” Then flew off to do just that.

***

The tea parties were always a time of laughter and friendly banter. Today it also included Arwen’s tailor getting pulled in for a discussion about some dresses. Gilriant twisted the cup in his hand as he listened. It wasn’t that the topic bored him, far from it. He just didn’t know how to join in, or ask. Apparently Harry still had a few hang ups from his prior mortal life, as the family liked to call it.

It seemed his fidgeting wasn’t going entirely unnoticed as Celebrian reached over and lightly put her hand over his. That stilled his action and Gilriant looked up at her. His sister gave him a searching look and then smiled brightly. “Arwen, I think that style would look lovely on Gilriant, what do you think?”

Finding himself the sudden focus of the entire table he ducked his head shyly, even as he smiled. His niece smiled brilliantly. “Definitely, oh I think I still have a few smaller dresses that were never put away. We can bring them out and tailor them to fit you too. Different styles of course so you can see how they feel.”

“If not,” Lindir spoke up, “I’m sure Fanuichil can make up a couple of designs for you to try.” The tailor nodded with a smile. “I certainly can. We can make sure you have clothes ranging from a more feminine style to masculine, those most are somewhere in between. That way you can wear what you lean towards on any particular day.”With Celebrian’s hand still on his, Gilriant managed to refrain from twisting his cup again. “And, that’s okay?”

“Absolutely!” Mellessin chimed in. She gave the young one a warm smile. “While you are always welcome to explore different styles to find what suits you, you are getting to the age where its almost expected.” The nods of agreement on the table further eased the tension Gilriant felt and he exhaled. “Oh, okay, then yes please. I would like to try that.” Hedwig trilled at him and Harry burst out laughing. “You have been spending too much time around Thranduil.” The phoenix fluffed her feathers at that statement.

***

Maglor’s hair was tightly braided back from working in the forge. While he didn’t consider himself a master smith, and he was sure his father would agree on that, he did like to keep his skills sharp. Especially with the ones the dverger taught him. The other smiths had been fascinated and he’d been teaching them a few things he’d been allowed to share. Today though had been a mostly solo venture.

Mostly because Gilriant had been the only one there and teaching his son was something he took pleasure in. He doubted the young one would choose blacksmithing as a profession, it still felt good to share that knowledge. Today he had been finishing up a set of daggers for Glorfindel. The captain had complained about having lost one of his in a fight with orcs.

It made for a good lesson for his son as well as helping a friend. Ever since that first night spar Glorfindel had made a point of drawing Maglor out around other people. Sparring, teaching, or just in general interacting with those outside the family. While he wasn’t entirely sure why the captain chose to do so, the bard could see the impact of his acceptance and open approval. While it could be mildly irritating sometimes that the golden-haired ellon refused to let him stay discreetly to the side, it also warmed him to have that support.

Finished product wrapped in a cloth and in hand he left the smithy still dressed in his blacksmith apron. He tended to wear a sleeveless shirt with it as the forge could get quite hot. While elves could easily withstand a wide range of temperatures, actual fire and molten metal did have an impact. So when he reached one of the fountains he stopped and closed his eyes to better enjoy the cooling spray that wafted off it.

Only to have his attention caught by the sound of someone tripping and falling near him. Opening his eyes and turning Maglor was surprised to see his friend having somehow tripped over a bench and now sprawled on the ground. Moving over he shifted his burden to one hand and offered the other to Glorfindel. “Are you alright?” Clearly flustered the captain stared at him a moment before taking it and getting back up on his feet. “Yes, yes fine. I was distracted and wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.” Odd, but okay.

“Well I was just going to go find you so this saves me some time.” Glorfindel gave him as startled look. “Find me? Whatever for?” Maglor offered him the wrapped bundle. “To give you this.” The captain took it and started to unwrap it a smile breaking on his face when he uncovered the daggers. “This is beautiful work. Not the typical style I see.” The bard smiled in return. “Thank you. I’m no master smith but I do like to use the skills I learned.”

Now he got shocked look from Glorfindel. “You made these, for me?” Maglor dipped his head in a nodd. “You told me you lost one of yours and it was a good opportunity to show Gilriant some techniques. A lesson and a way to say thank you for everything.” Another slightly dazed look, okay this was getting concerning. “Thank me, for what?”

“For being a good friend, for helping me, take your pick.” Maglor reached to gently take Glorfindel by the arm and start to steer him towards the healing halls. “Where are we going now?” The bard shot him a look. “To make sure you didn’t hit your head too hard in that fall of yours. You are acting a bit dazed.” The captain protested, “No, no I’m just fine. There is no reason to trouble the healers.”

Maglor kept up his insistent if gentle steering. For whatever reason the captain kept walking even as he was protesting so he took it as a sign that something was actually wrong. “I very much doubt Elrond or any of the other healers would consider it troubling them to make sure you are okay.” Now Glorfindel started to resist to a small degree. “I disagree, I am perfectly fine and there is no reason to bother Elrond with this.”

“Bother me with what?” In impeccable sense of timing, his son showed up and Maglor smiled. “Glorfindel tripped over a bench. I’m concerned he may have hit his head he’s acting a bit off.” Elrond took a look at the captain and gave him a slight smile as he smoothly moved to take the blond ellon’s other side. “Of course it's not a bother. In fact I insist. I’ve got this Atya, you can go get cleaned up I see you were working.”

Looking down at his gear he nodded. “Alright, but if Glorfindel needs anything let me know?” The captain protested. “I am right here and I am just fine thank you.” Elrond tightened his grip on the captain’s arm and just smiled. “Of course.” He then took the ellon to the healing halls, despite his claims not to need it.