Child of the Stars

Maglor looked at Glorfindel, who waited for him to speak. Ever patient, he knew from experience that his friend would wait for however long it took. Never rushing him to speak before he was ready. The captain had literally waited hours before to hear him say a single word. Which in a way was its own kind of message. “If I asked you to go away, would you?”

Cocking his head to the side, the blonde ellon considered the question seriously. “It depends on the situation. If it was because you just needed some quiet time alone, or I did something to offend you, of course I would go away. I just wouldn’t stay away.” Glorfindel smiled brightly, “If it was some sort of idea that you were protecting me, then no, not at all. If you were in danger that goes doubly so. I might leave temporarily if the situation calls for it. Though I always would come back. Erestor says I’m irritating that way.” That pair had an odd and close relationship that made a strange sort of sense. In many ways they behaved like a pair of brothers. Endlessly irritating each other, but always there to back each other up when needed.

Well he had one answer, but some of the other questions he needed to answer for himself first. “I need to think,” Maglor explained as he turned and moved towards the Hall of Fire. He kept one of his large harps here. Easy enough to find a quiet corner this time of day and play. The music would soothe any nerves the bard might have as well better organize not just his thoughts, but his feelings as well. The captain easily fell into step with him. Noting the direction they were headed he asked, “Oh, are you going to play? I love listening to your music.”

“Then you will be entertained while I think.” Maglor replied easily. The quiet corner he liked to occupy was empty of all save the harp he kept there. He often just sat and played, not to or for anyone. Sometimes he needed to play music without an audience. Just for the sake of music itself. Today it served another purpose.

Taking a seat, he lightly plucked the strings, checking to see if they needed adjusting at all to be in tune. As experienced as he was, he could easily tell if any needed it. As he played this harp frequently he knew the variance on every string in every type of weather. So he made a few quick adjustments, and then started to play. The tune was simple enough that it didn’t consume all of his attention, yet emotional enough to help him find his center. Half closing his eyes he ignored the seated elf next to him and just played. Letting the notes drift there in his awareness and reflect the part of him that was always open to music.

What did he want, that is what his sons wanted him to think about. Maglor knew what they would say about the question of what he deserved. So despite his doubts, he let that particular worry float away on the notes that rang from the harp. Did he want love? Well he already had that. From his family, those that nurtured and supported him. Wanting him to be happy. So the real question was did he want romantic love, and if so, did he want it with Glorfindel? That was difficult to answer, so perhaps it would be better to ask if he was open to that possibility?

Maglor already knew he wanted Glorfindel in his life. His friend brightened his day and made him feel stronger. More able to face the public. Strong, patient, stubborn, and sometimes he needed to have his face shoved into the truth before he changed his mind. Yet once he did he accepted it with grace and moved to make amends if it was called for. Truthfully that fit right in with the bard’s family. The ellon could also be the embodiment of sunshine. Which, considering his mind’s tendency to wander down dark paths, was helpful. It would hurt on a level he didn’t know he could handle it if he lost the blonde elf from his life. Which told him on some level, he did love him.

Not that he thought Glorfindel would reject him if Maglor turned down the courting and wanted simple friendship. Most elven courtships ended in marriage. The very act of entering one said something about how deeply you wanted that person to be in your life. So to actually accept, was a serious step. Some believed in love at first sight, while that could be true, it was equally true someone could simply become so tightly woven into your life over time that things just shifted. Even a friendship could be a complex and beautiful thing.

In the end, Maglor knew what he wanted, there was just one more question he needed to find the answer to for himself. Yet it was not one he could find by only playing music. At least playing helped him find clarity, strength and courage. For that is what he would need.

Under his hands the song drew to a close, and then the notes shifted into a new one. More complex and requiring more of his attention. But first, he fully opened his eyes and moved enough to catch Glorfindel’s gaze, and held it. Now Maglor was not just playing, he was playing to the elf in front of him. By the way the ellon’s eyes widened, the captain knew it. The bard poured his feelings and all their complexity into the song he wove. Even a few pauses that were the stumbles and changes all experienced in life. The moments when your life pivots and begins anew while carrying on from before.

When the song finally ended he let his hands still, then dropped away from the harp. “That second song, you were playing to me.” Glorfindel’s voice was mostly calm, though it was clear the elf was far from unaffected. “Yes,” Maglor answered simply. “Was there a reason behind it?” Considering the second question, the bard had yet to look away from the blond ellon. “That depends on the answer to two questions. If the answer is no then it is simply a performance for a friend. For that is what you are, and I have no desire to risk losing. Agreed?” Glorfindel cleared his throat, “Ah yes, agreed.”

Odd, how calm he felt now when before Maglor was panicking over the thought of it all. “Good, and I want you to think about this question and I don’t need an answer to it right now. In some ways I would prefer you to wait and give me a definitive answer when you are ready to.” Glorfinedel’s brows knit together as he considered that and then nodded, “I should be able to do that.” Maglor moved to settle right by Glorfindel before speaking again. “I was recently made aware of the fact that I may be the person you are trying to court. So my first question is in two parts, if that is true and what your intentions are.”

Well now he knew what Glorfindel looked like when someone surprised him. It looked like the other elf was barely breathing when he asked. “And the second question?” The fact that he didn’t instantly go with no, told the bard plenty. So his lips quirked in a slight smile. “I would have my part of the second answer now, and if your answer to it is no, you are going to need to stop me.” Now this could be considered crossing a line but it should give him a definitive answer on what he needed to know. After all, the captain had crossed a line by initiating a courtship without talking about it. Clearly telegraphing his moves Maglor slowly reached to cup the side of the ellon’s face with one hand. Then leaned up tilting his head to lightly press his lips against the other elf’s in a gentle kiss.

Glorfindel started to respond, his hand reaching to lightly curl around Maglor’s forearm of the hand on his cheek. The bard pulled back with a soft smile. “Well, that’s a yes for me, if it's what we both want. So think good and hard about how you want to answer that first question.” The blonde ellon had a dazed expression on his face as Maglor got up and walked away.

Yes, his music definitely gave him courage.

Clasping his hands together behind his back, Maglor went off in search of Erestor. Finally locating him in the library he inclined his head to the other elf. “Glorfindel may need someone to talk to, I am unsure.” The schenestal started to straighten up, “What happened?” Tilting his head the bard considered how to answer that. “I was recently made aware of something and after some thought I decided my sons were correct in that I should ask and require the actual words about it. So I let him know. I left him in the Hall of Fire, contemplating things.” Well, his family’s sense of mischief had to come from somewhere after all. “Oh, and do let me know the end results of that betting pool.”

*

“That’s why in regards to what?” Mellessin looked at Giliriant with open interest, even as she glanced over his current state. “Oh that will never do, you are still a mess. Come on, let's get you cleaned up.” She started herding him towards the family wing. Well aware there was a bathing room close to it to clean up the remaining dirt. “Right, well Hedwig isn’t back yet, would you help me pick out what to wear from what I still have here?” The golden haired elleth brightened at the request. “Of course I can!”

As Elrond was headed towards their rooms to check over Maglor and Gilriant’s books from their world, that would do nicely. Trying not to flail he reached out mentally to his brother. Unfortunately it would be difficult for him to completely hide his panic that way. The only reason he wasn’t outwardly freaking out was the occlumancy training they worked out on how elves could use. Great for discipline and blocking someone else out, the problem was it could be too severe and cause mental and emotional damage if you weren’t careful. Most definitely a double edged sword. Please please tell me you have a way to detect if an elf is in the early stages of pregnancy.

Gilriant could feel the shock that rippled through his brother’s mind at the question. In response he pushed the memory of what he saw of Mellessin with his extra senses. Elrond processed the information he shared before he replied. Yes, I believe I can verify your findings. I can do a discreet check while she’s helping you. He gently pushed his gratitude towards the older elf even as he spoke out loud to the elleth. “So how have you been doing? Still keeping Lindir on his toes?” Her musical laughter answered him. “Of course, he’d be lost without me.”

“I do believe most of Imladris would be lost without your support,” Elrond’s warm voice contributed as they entered their family rooms. He had a book in his hands and at least outwardly appeared to be very composed. “Lord Elrond, that’s kind of you to say.” Mellessin smiled at him brightly before turning to Gilriant and making a shooing gesture. “Go wash up while I pick you out something to wear. If I need help with it, your brother has a better fashion sense then you do.” Putting the book down the lord of Imladris smiled. “Of course, shall we?” He followed her over to Harry’s personal rooms and the wardrobe within.

Gilriant moved so he could quickly return. One he really did want to get the remaining dirt off of him. Secondly, if he wasn’t there, they may get too elaborate with his fashion. Hard to say. So very much some self defense. It didn’t take long for him to feel his brother reach back out to him. I do believe your diagnosis is correct. From what you saw, I can see, and what she’s telling me, she shows all the signs. The feeling of elation flowed from Elrond along their family bond.

Careful big brother or you are going to tell all the family something is up. Well Haldir should be able to confirm as well if we want another opinion. Though he doesn’t normally come to our tea parties. Hedwig does and being a phoenix, a bird of rebirth and life, she may be able to tell. At the unspoken question from Elrond he explained. I just, don’t want to get her hopes up if I’m wrong. After a beat his brother commented, she may not want everyone there to know right away.

By this point he had returned to his rooms. “Alright let me see what you picked.” As they showed him he gave a nod. “That works, just fancy enough.” One of his outfits that leaned more towards the feminine side of elvish style. While he didn’t originally think of it, it did fit the occasion and Mellessin had a knack for picking up on what he felt like on any given day. “Thank you.” He flicked a glance over at Elrond.

“Why don’t you escort her to our tea party and I’ll catch up.” Mentally he added, Hedwig is on her way, and the other guests should be acceptable to know. One of course is Lindir, who would need to know right away as I understand it the father’s fea helps to support the pregnancy. Celebrian who could help her having already been through it, and Arwen who is a close friend and support. She does know how to keep a secret when the occasion calls for it. The fact that his niece would torment him if she found out Gilriant knew and didn’t tell her had nothing to do with it. At all. “Of course.” Elrond offered his arm to Mellessin who took it with a laugh. “Don’t take too long,” his brother cautioned as he left.

Gilriant quickly swapped out his current outfit for the one they picked. While he could have taken his time, there was only so much time Elrond could delay leaving before drawing suspicion. He wasn’t a normal part of their tea party. In part because there was very strong feminine energy to the event. Lindir was well balanced which made him a good fit. However the Lord of Imladris leaned more to the masculine side. So he would very much stick out. Thankfully his braids from this morning were still in good shape. So by the time he finished up and shot out the door, he could easily catch up. Reaching the room just after them.

Elrond handed off Mellessin to Lindir, who helped her into a chair before moving to press a kiss on his wife’s cheek. She accepted it with a smile before flicking her hands at him. “Now shoo. I know you really want to finish looking through the books.” Gilriant settled into his chair as Hedwig burst into the room in a shower of her magical snowflakes. Instead of her typical perch she took one look at Mellessin and diverted to land on her shoulder, trilling up a storm. “I missed you too!” The elleth smiled delightedly. Then the ice phoenix turned to her elf and started to scold him. “How was I even supposed to know to tell you?” Even as Harry protested he mentally sent to his brother, And that would be our confirmation.

Either she believed him, or just decided it wasn’t important, as Hedwig turned back to Mellessin to start preening her hair. “What was she scolding you about?” Arwen asked curiously. With long familiarity they had a basic understanding that the ice phoenix was upset about something, but not the details. Only Gilriant could completely understand her. Not that he really wanted to be the one to explain this so he looked over to Elrond for some help.

“Oh I think you should explain. After all you were the one to discover it, and your work with the land is likely the reason it's even possible.” Mentally his brother sent you want to be an adult, this is part of it. Figuring how to break such news gracefully. The traitor. Now Gilriant could feel all the elven eyes on him. Before he could formulate a response Hedwig had started preening out fluffy down feathers which she was dropping in Mellessin’s lap. “Hedwig, I’m sure she’ll make good use of them but elves don’t nest like how birds do. You don’t need to give her too many.”

Mellessin, who had been distracted by the feathers, looked at him wide-eyed. “My Prince, why does she think I need to nest?” Lindir got up to move behind his wife. The room had gone silent and Gilriant vowed silent revenge on his brother for setting things up for him to be the one to break the news. Especially as it seemed to have pushed his friend into the formality of his title. “Just Gilriant to you, you are my friend and the one that is in the process of creating a new miracle.” Both of her hands flew to her face to cup over her mouth and nose. “I’m . . .?” “Going to be a mother, yes.”

It was like noise suddenly returned to the room. With a happy cry, Celebrain swiftly moved around the table to sweep her up in a hug as Hedwig crooned to Mellessin. Behind her there was a thud and Lindir fell to the ground in a faint. Which had Elrond and Arwen quickly moving to check on him. Celebrain looked over at him with a huff, “Musicians, you are all so dramatic. And I am including you in that husband.” He replied mildly, “That is not my main profession.” “That doesn’t mean you aren’t dramatic.”

Mellessin burst out into laughter at the by play, leaning into Celebrain’s embrace. Which was likely the older elleth’s intent. Wiping the happy tears from her face she asked, “Lord Elrond said you made it possible, what did he mean by that?” Refraining from sighing, and mentally vowing to prank the heck out of his brother later, Gilriant started to explain. “I have many names and many roles in Ea. Part of that is to purify the land, putting energy and magic back into it. That is one of the things elves need to flourish. I grew up here, working with the land. It was already strong because of my brother's gifts. Combine the two, and the land is strong enough to support more elves living here.”

Arwen observed from where she was helping with Lindir. “She is also one of the married elves you’ve spent the most time with in Imladris. So most exposed to the energy you use directly.” The thought had crossed his mind, but, “I would prefer you not to spread that in public. I don’t exactly want to be accosted by those wanting to become pregnant.” Celebrian added, “It would also stress you out, which I doubt is the type of energy needed.” She really was the best sister-in-law ever.

“Mellessin, are you okay with me telling Thranduil and Legolas about this when I go back to the Greenwood?” With a faint air of panic she reached out to grab his hand. “You are going to leave again? What if we need you here?” Again, he really was going to prank the heck out of his brother later. At least part of this was from the comment that he made it possible. “The starlight deer Prongs and Naurcunneth are still my agents here in Imladris. They can boost you if need be. The Wiggenwood tree is growing in the center of the city, it will help you as well. Elrond, I am sure, will be monitoring you every step of the way and Hedwig can always bring me back.” He smiled at her. “She’s going to be checking on you too.” The ice phoenix gave an affirmative trill.

“You didn’t need me to get pregnant. Based on how far along I think you are, it happened after I left. I very much doubt you will need me specifically to thrive. I will be back, Imladris is my home. My responsibilities, however, lay outside the borders of this city and I cannot abandon them. They have already waited for me to grow up.” As they spoke they got up out of their chair to move closer to her. A faintest haze of silver shining around them. Bending down they pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You are the blessing here my friend.”

Squeezing her hand once they let go of it and strode over to Lindir. The other elves shifted to the side for them and they crouched down and lightly touched a finger to the minstrel’s forehead. “Wake friend, your bonded needs you.” The ellon stirred, opening his eyes to look up at Gilriant. They could never be quite sure how other musicians saw them. All held a slightly deeper connection to the music of Ea than most. So when they were even slightly tapped into that, well there had been a few interesting reactions. Lindir smiled at him, “We’re going to be parents, really?” Well at this they should have never doubted. This minstrel at least never treated them differently. Standing he offered a hand to help his friend up. “Really.”

When the elf took their hand they hauled Lindir to his feet. Once there the minstrel immediately moved to Mellessin’s side, engulfing her in a hug. The pair clung tightly to each other. Starting to step past them Gilriant stopped and smiled. “Blessings upon you my friends.” The slight haze of silver swirled around them and faded. The young elf moved back to his seat. Hedwig, who somehow had managed to keep her perch on the elleth’s shoulder, trilled happily before hopping down to find her place at the table.

Taking their cue from her, the rest started shifting back to their places. “Well now it's going to be a real party.” Celebrian smiled and moved to pour the tea. “Elrond dear, go back to your books. You can fuss later.” Inclining his head the lord of Imladris did as he was bid, leaving the room to those that regularly gathered there. Lindir slowly unwound himself from the hug, but did pull his chair flush against Mellessin’s for the remainder of the party.

“Gilriant, if you wish you should tell King Thranduil and Prince Legolas. We will not be able to keep this quiet for long.” The bonded couple looked at each other and then Lindir spoke. “I agree, and we will do our best to keep mention of you out of it. As this seems to be your wish. Otherwise we would have heard more about your work.” The good thing about having smart and observant friends is that you didn’t always have to spell everything out for them. “Are you alright? You must have been using your gifts quite a bit today.” The bad part was they also knew you a little too well at times.

“Yes, my gifts are like using a muscle. At first it is tiring, then as you regularly use it, it becomes easy. At least until you reach the next level of difficulty. Today was simple.” Gilriant smiled at them, glad he could speak the utter truth. That was the point of using his skills after all, and the training he did with Haldir. To make things easier, and make him more capable.

“Then let us celebrate.” Arwen smiled at the group, moving to pass the treats around the table. There never was rank here at their tea parties, not really. They took turns serving each other, though tonight they were likely to wait on the soon to be parents. He held tightly onto the buoyant feeling of the celebration even after their party ended.

Held it until Gilriant could reach his favorite tree to think in and climbed up past the point he would be easily seen. Oh it was likely most knew where he was but doing that meant he was unlikely to be disturbed by most. The ravens that made Imladris their home easily settled by him keeping watch. A short time later Hedwig found him and perched on the young elf. He was her elf first after all, and would be there when he needed her. With a slight smile of thanks, he slowly stroked her feathers. After a short time he felt the faint shift in the tree that meant the one person he did want to talk to was making their way up. Haldir settled near him in the tree, staying silent.

“Mellessin is pregnant, which is wonderful and I am so happy about it. Happy for her, happy about what it means. It’s just that . . . “ Gilriant’s voice trailed off as he struggled to articulate his thoughts. “You are the Keeper of Balances, of Life and Death. You have been dealing with life and protection mostly recently.” There was the benefit of making sure to have long discussions with Haldir about what he was, his responsibilities, and what they meant. It gnawed at him that there was one he couldn’t currently discuss.

“Yes, that’s it exactly. I know in part it is because it's my job to cleanse the lands. That means dealing with that which has been corrupted.” Haldir quietly let Gilriant continue to contemplate it. “For all that I chose this, I was also chosen by Death, not Life. I know they are but a reflection of each other and part of the cycle. Still, I worry sometimes what that means. I worry about exposing you and others to that part of me. Of taking you into danger. If something were to ever happen to you I would not handle it well.”

“Which is likely one of the reasons you are supposed to have two anchors. To keep you in balance at all times.” Haldir’s observation was spot on and Gilriant sighed. The phoenix shifted to a spot she could preen his hair from. “Yet it is going to be some time before I can solidify that decision.” After a beat the marchwarden quietly responded. “I know there is a task you cannot speak of. Is that what is holding you back?” The younger elf sighed. “I refuse to bind anyone to what my life entails without being able to discuss everything with them. It's bad enough that it happened to you.” “I trust you,” Haldir replied simply. Hedwig trilled her agreement.

“I think, that is part of it. An act of faith is required. It would fall in line with myths from the world of my birth. I will try and find them for you.” A humorless laugh escaped the young elf. “I cannot speak of it, yet I keep finding loopholes. If this is about faith what does that say?” “You are the Keeper of Balance, not Absolutes.” Haldir quickly replied.

“What if Tindil took the choice out of your hands and claimed someone?” The marchwarden had a point, but . . . “It can’t work that way now. The difference before was Hallows was the adult part of me and could make that decision on her own. It was necessary even. Tindil and I are equals in age. He cannot claim someone on his own anymore than I could bind to another anchor without him. What he can do is make his preferences clear, and even choose to work with someone, just not fully bond.”

“We will deal with what is, together.” Haldir replied firmly, accompanied by a croon from Hedwig. “Thank you. For now that is going to mean going orc hunting after we return to the Greenwood. I will as Thranduil for permission to get volunteers for such a task. While we could go it alone, you would be safer if we had more to fight alongside us.”