Child of the Stars

The nap he had before was not really enough to completely recharge Gilriant. It wasn’t a matter of pure power, as the forest provided that. It was more the pain he took from Thranduil that wrung him out. Darkness that was a part of the fea-sickness from the broken bond and the corruption of dragon fire. The two combined were a terrible thing. It shredded his barriers against things Harry would rather not see. Definitely needing some meditation before he slept tonight.

It would be all too easy for visions to creep in his dreams. Sparked by the darkness and cursed fire. Darkness itself wasn’t the issue. People often forgot that it was not darkness, it was not shadow, it was the corruption that was the bane. It was just easier to hide within darkness when the purity of light could burn it. Like in the south, in the bottom of Mirkwood, in a not so abandoned fortress. “I cannot protect all of the forest, not when the corruption holds sway in the south.”

There had been a murmur of voices at the edge of his awareness when the visions started to creep over him. They went silent at his words. Gilriant could feel Haldir, gently tugging at his awareness. “No. I need, I need to see this.” The tugging stopped, instead he felt the bolstering strength coming from his anchor. “So many paths . . . so much death. How can I . . . ?” Thranduil likely needed to hear some of this, but he couldn’t reach out to the King in this state. At the thought there was a whisper of sound and movement.

Elrond would be able to channel this better, he knew. Even though his gift might be stronger because of his higher amount of maia ancestry, his brother had millennia of experience where he had not even one full century with the sight. Yet the path to the Lord of Imladris was blocked. Gilriant would only be able to hold on to the edge of it, and only while it unfolded before him. “I had not realized, my wolves did not go south. It’s spreading, I cannot protect the southern woods, not until the corruption is finally crushed. He cannot learn of my existence, not yet. For once he does, he will not cease hunting me and if he takes me, the world could burn.”

“He who?” The deep voice filtered into his awareness and Gilriant turned his head towards it. While he could not see with his physical eyes the sight showed him many things. The one that stood was made of starlight and linked to the forest. Scarred but healing. “The fallen, the corrupt one, it is his infection which has broken the forest in two. Every day he tries to chip off more to add to his corruption. He sends his creatures in.” There was a pause and the deep voice asked another question. “Where is the line?”

“It is difficult to See. The webs are obscuring, encroaching. The Narrows are not safe. The old forest road . . it’s creeping towards it.” Gilriant was trying to see. Yet every word, every thought, every potential caused it to blur. There were too many possibilities here. How could he seek out the best path to follow? A strong if more gentle voice asked, “What can be done?”

Turning towards it, he saw starlight mixed with forest, a good mix. Equal parts of the land and the sky. Something in it called to him but not yet, not yet. Wait there was a question. “Warding, I can make a boundary that will keep the Greenwood safe, but it will take time to build it so it does not draw his attention.” Gilriant’s head was starting to hurt. The fragmented paths were warring making it more difficult. “The end of the river at the mountain, that could be the southernmost point. No further.” He was faltering and he knew it. His anchor knew it too and started tugging again.

“Haldir?” The pain was starting to get too strong for him to focus. “I’m here. Just let go, I have you.” Gilriant released the edges of the vision he’d been hanging on to. It was important, but there was a point where he needed to make sure that he was okay too. A last fleeting thought flickered. “The Beornings, they need to be warned. The orcs . . . .it's not good.”

“Let go, Gilriant,” Haldir repeated. With a sigh the young elf closed his eyes and relaxed. Most of what he had seen crumbled away from his active knowledge. One of the ones that was only meant as a warning because too much knowledge sometimes was just as bad as not enough. Opening them he gave the marchwarden a slight smile. “You are completely allowed to tell me I told you so. That would not have been so rough if I was not so open due to, other things.”

“Like your foolish overextending yourself while healing me?” Came the deeply unamused voice of the elven king. Rubbing his temple he turned his smile to Thranduil. “That would be the one. Don’t worry Haldir already had words for me. I’m sure you’ll have a few as well. However it may be best to save them for later please? I don’t think I could focus on them right now.” The request, or perhaps the reason behind the request did not make the older elf any happier. “Very well. Rest, and you both can join Legolas and I for breakfast tomorrow. We will speak further then.” He swept out of the room with a swirl of cloth.

“You know, he reminds me of one of my teachers from my first life sometimes.” Gilriant reminisced. Especially with the move he made now was very much in line with Snape’s flair. To be completely honest it reminded him of an unholy combination of the Malfoys and Snape. Yet Thranduil had much more reason for any of his prickly behavior. And was far better in behavior. In some ways it was a second chance at the friendship with Draco. The more Harry worked on removing the causes of pain in the elven king’s life, the more he could see the better parts of the elf. He was a good King, his people would not be so devoted to him if he was not devoted to them in turn. “Just much kinder and better behaved.”

Both elves looked at him and he waved a hand with a grin that turned to a grimace. His head really was throbbing at this point. There was a concerned croon from Hedwig who leaned against him, stretching her head up to try and preen his hair. “Thanks girl.” Gilriant reached to stroke a hand over her feathers. The ice phoenix studied him a moment longer and then launched into the air, teleporting away in a swirl of sparkling snowflakes. As they settled on his head, they actually managed to ease his headache to a degree. Smoothing out some of the pain lines that had started to dig into his face. He further relaxed, easing some of the tension.

“Looks like she helped some, though I have the feeling she’s also plotting something.” Haldir commented. “Oh probably. She typically is. She was less than thrilled with me today as well.” Legolas’s reply to Gilriant held notes both of concern and amusement. “I look forward to seeing what she comes up with.”

When there was a faint knock on the door, Legolas got up to check and came back a short time later with another pot of tea. “My father asked them to bring this here for you. It should help some with the headache.” He fixed the cup of tea, adding a generous dollop of honey to the cup. Well aware that Gilriant could have a sweet tooth at times. The younger elf leaned into him as he set the tea down in front of him. “Thanks.” The heat of the tea in contrast to the coolness Hedwig left behind appeared to work well together. Further smoothing away the signs of pain from his face.

“Well my friend, you certainly had started out your stay with excitement. I look forward to what else you bring.” Gilriant tried to ignore the statement as he nursed his cup of tea. Haldir didn’t laugh, but his amusement was clear. “This time you can’t even claim it wasn’t your fault.” With the headache easing away, it left them feeling free to tease him some. “It’s not like I planned for this all to happen,” Harry grumbled. “You never do, it just somehow happens anyways.” The marchwarden countered. The younger elf just grumbled again, leaning more heavily into Legolas. The amusement faded as Haldir studied Gilriant.

“Alright, time to get you back to bed before you latch onto Legolas again.” A soft laugh escaped the older prince at his friend’s grumbles. “I don’t mind.” Haldir continued in his neutral tone. “Perhaps not, but your father may wish to speak with you. If he latches on to you now you are not likely to be able to leave until he wakes again.” The marchwarden got up and moved to Gilriant’s side even as the other blonde acknowledged his words with an incline of his head. “As you say. I will see you in the morning then. Rest well.” He helped shift the younger elf to lean against Haldir. Then with a soft smile departed the room.

M’not an elfling,” Gilriant complained as Haldir helped him get to his feet. “No you are not. What you are is exhausted from your experience earlier and then a rough vision. Unless you want the headache to come back, you should sleep. Tomorrow is likely to be another interesting day.” Knowing his friend had a point, he didn’t protest further.

The next morning only took a minimal effort on either of their parts to get going. A solid night of sleep had Gilriant waking up earlier enough to get some meditation in. That helped steady his mind enough to face Thranduil and whatever else was to come. He was completely sure that something would happen after yesterday’s escapades. The highest probability was some form of lecture or censure but he wasn’t going to rule out other things.

Haldir, who had disappeared into his adjoining room when he started his meditation, reappeared while he was finishing his morning’s preparations. “Exactly how formal do you think we need to be?” Glancing over at the marchwarden’s clothing, it was finely made but not on the higher end of elaborate. “You more so than I. As this is a mix of Sindarian and Silvan cultures here you don’t have to wear too much in the way of jewelry. You can get away with just the circlet and pendant I think. Want me to do your braids?” Gilriant flashed him a smile, “Yes, thank you.” Pulling an over-robe he thought would work, he pulled it on before settling into a chair. It was one of his pieces of clothing that straddled the line between masculine and feminine. Thranduil did seem to like clothing with flair so that might help him, maybe.

“So,” Haldir started as he twisted some of Gilriant’s hair into a braid, “Remember what I said?” Harry refrained from rolling his eyes knowing that would not help him any. “To accept whatever consequences Thranduil comes up with and you are the one that will decide if they are unreasonable.” The marchwarden kept the braid simple, but clearly not an archer’s braid. Which wasn’t the younger elf’s strongest skill. “And?” He quirked his lips in a smile as he dutifully replied. “I’m not to send you away again. You are going to hold that one against me for some time I imagine.” With a small tug of the hair, the blonde elf didn’t bother to keep the smug satisfaction out of his voice. “Absolutely, and you can’t argue against it, as you agreed to it.” After joining the two side braids into one at the back, Haldir settled the circlet in place.

“That should do, now let’s go so you can start scandalizing the rest of the Greenwood.” That earned the marchwarden a laugh. “Pretty sure they already are plenty scandalized.” Gilriant paused, “You aren’t going to let them shove me into shoes are you?” Because that might be something Thranduil might try, to be all proper. “No, shoes are still only for practice, patrol, travel, too harsh terrain and winter.” Harry’s shoulders slumped in relief. There were plenty of things he could put up with. Constant shoe wearing when it wasn’t physically necessary was not.

There was a guide outside their room that escorted them to a brightly lit room with an oval table. Not one intended for a crowd but the perfect size for a small group. The sideboard was set with breakfast foods. Thraduil was already present though Legolas walked in right after them. “Good morning King Thranduil, Legolas.” Gilriant offered them a bright smile as he sat at the table. The elven king set down the cup of tea he’d been sipping.

“Good morning, I trust you feel better today?” Gilriant inclined his head, “Yes thank you. I appreciate your forbearance yesterday.” He gave a smile to the household servant that poured tea for the newcomers. “That was quite the introduction to my halls you gave,” Thranduil drawled out. “I do have a few questions regarding that.” Which was nothing less than the young prince expected. The server started bringing the foods over, allowing those at the table to indicate if they wanted some or not.

“Of course, and I will be happy to answer any question you or Prince Legolas have.” Gilriant flicked his gaze over so his friend would make sure he knew he was included. “Thank you, though this is not a formal situation, so do not need to use my title here my friend.” Harry smiled at him, of course everyone here is welcome not to use my title as well, I often prefer that.” Though the marchwarden didn’t verbally comment, the younger elf could feel his amusement at his statement. “Yes, I have heard of your objection, though you are very much entitled to be called prince, many times over from my understanding.”

With an interesting sense of timing Hedwig suddenly appeared in a small burst of glittering snowflakes. A package was held in her talons and she settled it on the table with a cheerful trill. Of course she greeted her elf first, launching off the package to rub her head against his. “Good morning to you too. Who is this from, I wasn’t expecting anything.” Her answering trill was full of amusement which gave Gilriant a faint feeling of foreboding. “What have you been up to?” With another trill that was clearly a laugh, she launched off his shoulder to go land on Thranduils. Happily accepting the piece of fruit he offered up to her. “Who is it from,” asked Legolas with open curiosity.

“I don’t want to further interrupt our meal,” Gilriant tried to defer. “Nonsense, Lady Hedwig clearly meant for it to be opened now if she brought it to you here.” Apparently Thranduil was going to start the potential punishment right away. At Haldir’s meaningful look, Harry managed not to sigh as he shifted his plate over and brought the package close. There was a letter on top, he opened that up first. “ . . . Apparently my Uncles decided that since I was coming here, I needed something special for it. To properly represent my less obvious heritage.” Both of Legolas’s eyebrows went up. “Which Uncles?” An not unexpected question, but he was fairly certain it would quickly be obvious. “Elured and Elurin, they refuse to tell me which of them is my direct ancestor. So that is what I came up with for them.” Which the teasing might be coming back to bite him in the butt.

Not without some apprehension did he free a box from the wrapping it was covered in and opened the lid. He stared at the contents. “Apparently they got my cousin to help.” If it had been just Haldir sitting there, he may have indulged in a facepalm, or letting his head hit the table. As he was attempting to be on his best behavior he refrained from doing so. Thranduil had stilled when he mentioned his uncles’ names. Now he had a rather intense look on his face as he considered the package. It did not take long for that to be smoothed away. Legolas couldn’t help but to ask, “What did they send you?”

With a bit of resignation, Gilriant started pulling out pieces of jewelry and placing them on the table for everyone to see. Finely wrought, in clean elegant lines and all feature either the moon and stars of Thingol, or the flowers of Melian. Circlet, broach, bracelets and even some armbands. The glaring lack of any rings made it rather obvious who was most likely to have made them. Apparently his entire family was willing to conspire together for his ‘benefit’. “It is appropriate,” Haldir observed. The marchwarden didn’t bother to hide his look of amusement when Harry shot him a look of betrayal.

“Elegant work, I would say it's acceptable.” Hedwig gave a trill of approval from Thranduil’s shoulder at the King’s response. He reached for the armband that was closest to him, glancing at Gilriant for permission before picking it up. “I’m not entirely sure why they thought that would be a good choice. They are best with sleeveless shirts and I don’t have any appropriate ones to wear them with.” The king of the Greenwood dismissed that concern with a wave of a hand, “Easily remedied. I certainly can arrange for something to suit this.”

When he opened his mouth to protest, Haldir nudged him. Instead he held back another sigh. “That is a very generous offer, I don’t want to put anyone out.” Thranduil’s gaze slid over to him. “Nonsense, I insist on it. While I wouldn’t recommend wearing them all at once as that is more of the look of a Noldor, each type featured separately would be appropriate. I look forward to seeing it.” Which boxed Gilriant in at this point. So he inclined his head in acceptance, even if he would prefer not to. “You are very kind.” Glancing over at Legolas’ he saw the corners of his friend’s mouth twitching up in an highly amused smile. Inwardly he resolved to find a good way to get back at the woodland prince later.

“Well for now I think we should get on with breakfast.” Picking the pieces up, he carefully tucked them back in the box. He also vowed to have a word with his uncles and cousin later. Possibly Namo because clearly he allowed for it all to happen. Then again considering the vala would likely have some sort of justification for it. It was obviously some sort of conspiracy considering when Hedwig delivered the package. Accepting the last piece from Thranduil, he gave the household staff that stepped up to take it quiet thanks.

“Well now that the interruption has been taken care of, perhaps we should start the conversation about yesterday?” At Thranduil’s suggestion Gilriant had to refrain from asking for the box to be brought back. Instead he asked, “Of course, what did you want to start with?” Thranduil’s gaze had more than a hint of intensity. “If I had refused, would you have stopped?” That at least was an easy and instant answer. “Yes. The only time I would act without consent is if for some reason the individual is clearly compromised or unconscious and their life was in danger.” The King’s eyebrow rose, “And how do you determine if someone is compromised?” That required a bit more thought. “Heavily drugged, or clearly mentally controlled by another. Before you ask, I would also check with Haldir.” The marchwarden smoothly added, “Which is one of the reasons he’s not going to go into any more new situations without me.”

Thrandul considered that before moving on to more questions. “How much of that was you, and how much was that power moving through you?” Gilriant’s eyebrows knit together as he considered that one. “It was all me but it was me connecting to a force that is far greater and far older than myself.” The latter was more than a tiny bit of an underestimate. “It’s difficult to explain. It’s also a reason I need to have a strong sense of self, and one of the reasons why I need Haldir as an anchor.” Now he did sigh, “And why I owe you an apology. When I invoke those kinds of powers it's easy to slip into a neutral state of mind. Haldir also acts as a sort of moral compass as needed.”

“That’s not entirely accurate. You still have a moral compass, it's more that because you are looking from an entirely different type of mentality that it's just different.” Haldir offered in a thoughtful tone. “It's far too easy for the power to influence you with what it wants, so it's best to have someone with your best interest around to remind you is all.” Gilriant tilted his head in acknowledgement. “You are strong willed, but you are balancing on a rock in the middle of rushing rapids. I just give you a safetyline to hold on to.”

“So still you, but just with access to more.” Legolas offered. “As good an explanation as any.” Gilriant cheerfully agreed. “Shall we go back to the point where that causes you to owe me an apology?” The younger elf managed to keep the sheepish look off his face as he turned to face Thranduil fully. “Yes, I apologize I should have more fully explained potential consequences before I did anything.” The king studied him, “And why didn’t you?”

Now came the tricky part in answering. “There are many reasons, some I cannot speak of.” Which left it open-ended enough but still a breadcrumb for Thranduil to follow. “Above all, I was entirely too focused on the desire to help and accomplishing that goal.” The king didn’t so much as twitch, but Gilriant could still feel the intensity of his gaze. “Perhaps we were both pushed by something, as I should have asked more questions before agreeing.” He heard Legolas’ soft inhale at the admission from his father. “Still, I need to be better, so I apologize for my lack of clarity.” At that Thranduil finally inclined his head. “Very well, I accept your apology. Though I still wish to know exactly what it was you did.” A sense of relief stole through Harry at the acceptance. Not that he thought he was entirely off the hook, not yet anyways.

“Of course, the simplest explanation is that in order to heal something I need to understand it. Which can take a few different forms. With the amount of power being funneled through me, it took the quickest possible form.” A smile quirked on his lips. “The good news is any lesser degree of injury of that type I will be able to more easily heal now.” Thranduil’s expression looked like it was carved from stone. “And understanding it, clarify for me.” Well now was the point likely to get a reaction. “Experience it for myself.”

“You fool! I would have never agreed to that. You either knew that and moved forward anyways or the power pushed you to. I like this not.” That made Thranduil’s expression slip, the King clearly angry with that bit of information. “I’m probably not going to make you feel any better. While I’m not entirely sure if the push came from myself, or because the forest itself wanted you healed, I easily accepted that consequence for myself. You are Legolas’ father. That is reason enough for me. He is my good friend and I would like to think we have the groundwork for a friendship of our own.”

“Gilriant, I would have never asked that from you. To help Ada if you could yes, but not put yourself through pain.” He turned his head to offer Legolas a smile. “I know that. I’m afraid it simply goes against my nature to allow someone to suffer if I can do something about it. Especially not for people I care about.” Haldir’s voice was dry. “His early life gave him the mindset that he needs to fix things if he can. Regardless of the consequences he might suffer. Another reason he has me. I put his best interests first.”

“Good. You are not to send Haldir away again.” Thranduil’s aggravated tone made it clear he wasn’t making a request. Which on a certain level amused Gilriant but he would do his best not to make that clear. “I already promised Haldir that it was his decision alone and I won’t insist on him going somewhere without me again. The king’s gaze shifted to the marchwarden. “You have my sympathies on having to deal with the idiocy.”

Harry did his best not to look too offended as Haldir replied, “None needed. While it may get frustrating at times, it is still worth it.” Well that made him feel a bit better. “As aggravating, stubborn, willful and self-sacrificing as he can be,” Never mind. “He is also kind, caring, compassionate and considerate. As well as listening to me, well at least most of the time.”

“So you have one anchor to keep you from going too far, and to make sure you are prioritized. What would a second anchor do for you?” Not an entirely unexpected question. Nor was he surprised that Thrandul understood part or all of his relationship with Haldir. Gilriant certainly shared with Legolas many details. It was better for people to understand, especially as it started when he was so young. “Balance me out. Help Haldir keep me grounded. While he can do it alone, it would be even stronger, I would be stronger, with another. Be another partner in my life that would be honored and appreciated.” The next question from the King was also not entirely unexpected. “Would that be another platonic life-bond or would you wed them?”

“Ada!” Haldir coughed to cover a laugh beside him even as Legolas protested the prying question. “It’s a fair enough question. I’d rather people understand than not. The answer to that is I don’t know. It’s going to be based on who it is and what kind of relationship we both want. I’m not against the idea but whoever it was would need to understand Haldir’s place in my life and accept his importance. No one can displace him. He’s also done a rather good job of setting a high standard for anyone I would accept.” Thranduil studied him a moment longer before moving on to the next question.

“We do have another issue to discuss, the vision you received last night.” Gilriant was fairly certain that wasn’t the end of the other things they discussed. They would likely come back up later. That’s fine, it would give him more time to think about how to answer things. “Yes, I retain some general impressions but not specifics. I believe I mentioned something about wards?” Thranduil inclined his head. “Yes, what would that entail?”

The younger elf tilted his head in thought. “I’m not entirely sure, won’t be until I do an evaluation later. Depending on what I have to work with it may take time to set them up. With my wolves helping keep at least this part of the forest safe and clear, I have time to do it the slower way. Wards are one of those things that it's better to be thorough with to be the most effective. It wouldn’t keep everyone out, but it could prevent the corrupt from entering as well as help balance the land itself.” The Greenwood didn’t need to be hidden like Imladris did in the war. So energy wouldn’t need to be invested in that.

“What would you need for that evaluation?” Another question he was prepared for. “My violin, I would start here. Then I would need to visit all the cardinal points at specific times as well as the center. Then I can give you a better answer.” Thranduil’s voice was firm. “You will take guards with you.” Another expected demand. “My personal guard as they know how to work with Haldir and I and the number is perfect for the number of the starlight wolves if they are needed. They can travel faster than any horse.” The king’s eyes narrowed. “And a few of my scouts, they will know the current conditions of the forest better.” Inwardly Gilriant wanted to sigh but again, this wasn’t an unreasonable demand. “Very well, I would prefer to keep the number small. The wolves can carry double in an emergency, no more than that. I would prefer fewer as I need people that know what not to do as much as what to do.”

“You can understand my caution when you spoke of an enemy as well in your vision.” Gilriant nodded, “Yes. I have every intention of preventing the enemy of becoming aware of my presence. That would not end well for anyone.”

“You are being strangely reasonable considering how foolish you were.” Okay now he really didn’t know if he should be offended or not. He could tell that Haldir very much wanted to laugh next to him, and could guess Legolas was not that far from it. “ I enjoy surprising people.”