Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Year 423 of the First Age
True Love and Belated Meetings
The trees stood tall and the sun was shining as spring was on the horizon. This was the sight beheld by Harry/Lomion as he walked through the foliage towards his destination. He had been on the road for about 5 hours now and was greatly enjoying having a break from flying and stalking...cough..cough...erm surveying people all across Beleriand. Well it hadn't been quite peaceful following his last swift exit from his cousin's office...again. Apparently that healer Milya and soldier Roitaro didn't take his little prank very well and made it their personal mission to find him even if they had to tear the hills apart. Sheesh those elves couldn't take a joke. Though he could say the same about Curufin considering him and Celegorm had tried to hunt...find him as well but again didn't succeed. They did give up once Harry/Lomion sent a reply to Maedhros a few days following their last meeting. Of course he didn't go as a bird given everyone was now looking for a Saker Falcon as though they were looking for water in a desert. No, he had gone as himself but simply floated into his office while wearing his cloak. He left his reply on the desk in an envelope bearing the Gryffindor crest. Maedhros would know it was him as soon as he saw it. Good news was that the letter seemed to do the trick as the searches had ceased.....well mostly if we're not counting the coocoo duo. Maybe he overdid it a bit with his last stunt but they should have never challenged him right in front of him! Though they really didn't know it was actually him, but anyway the point remains.
That had been nearly 15 months ago today. That amount of time would have been nothing to an elf but he was no ordinary elf. No, he was an elf on a time crunch and a schedule that needed to be upheld. He had certainly not been idle in the last year. Following his immediate retrieval of his tent and gear from his camp he swiftly took his broom and started scouting the whole of Beleriand and some of middle earth that laid beyond the blue mountains. He even went as far as the Havens of Sirion to scout out the lands of Cirdan. He certainly was quite a site and wise beyond his years. Prongs wasn't kidding when he told Harry/Lomion, after his delivery service, that this elf was different from the others. At one point Lomion could have sworn the elf had almost seen him when he was gazing at the city from the cliffs but he had his cloak on so there was no way. That was as close as Harry/Lomion wanted to get to the coast though, he didn't want to risk this Lord of Waters Ulmo sensing him and deciding he needed to be drowned or something (He wouldnt have🤭). He knew the book portayed him as kind but he couldn't risk it. He couldn't rely solely on his information from the book considering some things were apparently different from Tolkien's legendarium. Aside from Sauron being missing, and Maedhros being freed sooner. It turned out the dates of some side characters birth had actually been a bit off. A bit concerning but in reality a boon because one said character was in fact Andreth Saelind, the wise woman of the House of Bëor and subsequent human lover of his cousin Aegnor. That was until that pretty faced Malfoy copy Finrod came along and ruined it. That was another part of the book Harry/Lomion hated because the reasoning made no sense! In their famous methodical conversation the Athrabeth, he went on and on about how elves didn't marry during wartime. Apparently he just conveniently decided to leave out the part where his sister Galadriel had in fact married Celeborn during the first age. Never mind all the other elves that got married during this disaster of an age. One classic example being Idril and Tuor and oh I don't know Earendil and Elwing. Now let's add more insult to injury and look at how Beren and Luthien decided to make their bloody marriage a NATIONWIDE event!! Sigh he couldn't even imagine how furious Aegnor had been in the halls when he saw all this, especially when his dear sweet elder brother Finrod who gave said advice decided to have a fatal singing contest with a homicidal Maia for the sake of a human that was in love with a half minor goddess. Hypocrite thy name is Finrod!
Yeah no.
He wasn't gonna let that stand. Sigh....he knows Finrod is no where near as bad as Thingol or the Doriath elves but he absolutely hated this perceived superiority with the whole immortality bit. Finrod may not have meant to come off like that but still. I mean sure a match between an elf and a human hasn't happened yet in this age and it can be scary but so what! If the love can exist than what's the problem. He knows Finrod is for the most part a good person and certainly not on the top of his list of relatives to avoid but it seems he didn't handle the concept of dying from old age very well. Regardless as the Master of Death he can say with utmost certainly that no one is excused from it and they need to get over that it is an inevitability that can come to anyone, regardless of the form. Trying to avoid it brings nothing but disaster and downright damnation. One capitalistic example being that psycho specter Voldemort and the civilization of Atlantis. Yeah apparently it had been a real place. Said fact being confirmed when Harry turned 450 and discovered an ancient archive at the bottom of Lochness in Scotland. It was almost frightening how the people of Atlantis and what would soon be Numenor both fell to the depths in their deluded and blood stained path to gaining immortality.
If he had not lived the life he has now Harry/Lomion would have very well chosen to reunite with his old friends and family as soon as he could after living a fulfilling life....But he couldn't really do that now. His previous life was over and he had lived a near century with a loving mother and father (mostly). He had met his Feanorian cousins that fawned over him even if they didn't know they did. He had people here he wanted to meet and family he wanted to protect. He wanted to live a life of leisure and rest that was nothing but a mere dream back in his old life. Sure he had traveled and saw how the world advanced but it wasn't the same. No, he would not regret living this life and how his previous ended. He would be grateful that death came for him at all in his last life! Because he most certainly didn't want to be immortal back in the Wizarding world. That would have been an utter disaster. He would have never known peace but here he could and he was glad he stepped in to make sure his curly blonde cousin would now get that chance too. EAT IT FINROD! You blasted Glorified Barbie doll! Hahaha who knew him and Prongs could be such romantics. True he may have had some experience but he had outdone himself this time. Hermione would have been so proud😇.
Ah come to think it was only a few months ago...
8 months ago
He had been flying for a while now but not as a bird of prey mind you. This place was so bountiful in bugs and flowers it wasn't really necessary to be a Saker Falcon. No, Harry/Lomion had dawned his second animagus, a black chinned hummingbird. Plus no one would ever suspect such a small cute creature being up to something. Especially not playing matchmaker and subsequent wedding planner. This was the form he used when he finally made it to the lands of Dothonion and the dwelling of Ladros which was on the Northeast end of his cousin Aegnor's territory. This dwelling was also home to the Lady Andreth who had apparently been born in 389 of the First Age rather than 361. She was 33 now and had only been 20 when Finrod broke her heart. Though what she didn't know was that her heart wouldn't stay broken for long.
She certainly was a beauty with her chocolate brown locks and green eyes. She had his mother's eyes and this drove him even more to help her. He had appeared to her as a hummingbird a handful of times when she was in her garden and each time she would hold up a flower for him. One time she even pecked his little head with her finger. He liked her, she was kind, and sometimes she would tell him about her love for Aegnor. She would grieve they couldn't be together and he with her. Many times they thought of running away but fear always stopping them as they were the first of the two races to fall in love. Their lifespans always being a major topic of debate.
Oh don't you worry my Lady you won't be scared after I'm done.
It was on the night of a fullmoon when Harry/Lomion had sent a fake missive to Aegnor telling him Andreth was in danger and needed his help. He had also sent a fake message to Andreth telling her that Aegnor wanted to see her at the tree where they first met. It was a Wisteria tree that currently had no blooms as it was now fall, and it was on this same fullmoon night that true love would bloom and fates would be forever changed for the better.
His thoughts were paused as he heard rushed steps and rustling leaves approaching the tree. It was Aegnor that came first. His hair was disheveled and he was wearing leather armor and a cape that beared the Telerin white swan. He looked panicked and called out "Andreth!!! Melleth where are you??!!" Then as though summoned Andreth crashed through the bushes and ran to the tree almost out of breath. She ran faster when she saw him then said in a worried tone "Aegnor?? My love what is wrong?? Are you hurt??"
"No I am unharmed but I received a letter saying you were in danger" he said as he reached for her and started checking her for injuries.
"Pardon? That can't be right because I received an urgent letter that said you called for me" she said in a worried and almost frightened tone.
It was then Harry/Lomion descended from his perch atop the Wisteria, and landed on a stump at the base of the tree giving a loud "meep" as he landed. They both turned and looked at him in surprise.
"Little sprout? What are you doing here?"said Andreth in a surprised tone.
"Melleth you know this bird?"said Aegnor in a suspicious tone.
"Yes, this little sprout has been visiting my garden for sometime now. What is it little one? Do you know what is going on?" she said and then patted him on the head with her finger.
He then "meeped" again and hovered for a moment to blow away some leaves that were covering an envelope at the base of his tiny feet. It was an enveloped that beared the sigil of Gryffindor.
"Is this letter for us little sprout?"she said with curiosity and no fear in her tone.
Harry/Lomion "meeped" again and hopped back so she could reach for it.
"What in Arda is this all about? Please be careful melleth" said Aegnor in a worried tone as he held his love.
"Worry not my heart for I sense there is no evil afoot, rather..... I sense quite the opposite" she said with what sounded like a hopeful tone as she smiled at the hummingbird.
They pulled the letter from the envelope and read what was written.
Greetings my Lady Andreth and Lord Aegnor,
I beg you both forgive my method of bringing you here tonight. For I feared any other way would have been rejected. I know you do not know me and have every right to be weary but please hear my plea before you judge me harshly.
I know of the love you both share and I tell you now that it is a beautiful love born from the wisdom and compassion of two blessed souls. I know of your love and what you fear from it but please hear me when I say your fears are just that fears and nothing more.
I know because I have shared such a love as well. I loved my partner who was mortal and I the one with the longer life. I knew our love would be short as compared to the tides of my life but there was never a moment I regretted my choice. For when our time for parting came it was painful yes but I knew she wanted me to live on. I lived knowing what it was like to love her rather than live without her.
My Lord Aegnor I beseech you please do not make the mistake of always wondering "what could have been" for even though the elves are immortal in lifespan, death can still come to us when we least expect it.
My Lady Andreth I beseech that you see how precious you truly are. You are not lesser for being mortal rather you are wiser and more kind as you see things in a way the eldar cannot see. Mortal life you may live but the circles beyond the world are no curse but rather the blessing and salvation of the one true creator of this world. The parting you so fear is not a true end of all things but rather a respite until the world is remade and all of Eru's children are reunited.
The truth you sought is this, the race of men are the second children of Illuvatar. Nothing was stolen from you by the shadow but rather the creator sought to save your people from the weariness that the shadow would unquestionably weigh down on your soul. Please have faith my Lady that it will be alright. Also, please trust not the words of King Felagund as he is wrong that no elf marries in war time.
I have seen what lies on the horizon and there are many that will marry in this age. Many of which will be between elves and men. You are not the only ones so please follow your hearts.
I know my words may be counted as intrusive and you have no reason to trust me so let my friend be the messenger that shows you my sincerity and the life that I lived with my other half.
With all my heart Lord Aegnor and Lady Andreth I wish you both true happiness.
Sincerely,
The Master of the White Stag
Then just as they finished reading the letter with wide eyes. Harry/Lomion silently casted in his hummingbird mind
"Expecto Patronum"
Then in a flash of silver blue light Prongs appeared before them. He stood tall and glowed with the light of memories long past.
But before the lovers could even fathom what they were seeing. Prongs began to sing.
He sang and by his side the hummingbird silently cast his magic that would set the mood.
Prongs' light began to flash and then they felt it. They felt the feelings of Harry's life with his wife Ginny Weasely.
They felt the attraction and love that grew when they were only teens in a world torn by war.
He showed them their wedding and how they danced in the restored enchanted hall of Hogwarts.
He shared with them the birth of their first son Albus, his second son James, and then their sweet daughter Lily who took after their mother.
He shared his children's first steps, the day they started Hogwarts, and every walk him and Ginny ever went on.
He showed them the years that passed in joy and all the memories they made.
He shared with them the feeling of Ginny getting older and him staying the same.
They were weeping now but he couldn't stop. He had to show them that his life was not a sad one. He shared with them the feeling of their children growing up and him still aging slowly but he got to meet his grandchildren and their children along with Ginny.
He shared with them their final days together. How they walked on the beach and when Ginny said her final goodbye but made him promise to see all the good of life and to remember all their time together as happiness not a regret.
"Do you regret us Harry James Potter"
"No, never"
"Than that's all I can ask for. Please move forward and don't look back, but always remember while I live in your heart there will always be room for more. This is not goodbye only a see you later. I love you."
And with that final piece of his heart shown Prongs stopped singing and gazed at the two lovers before him. They had collapsed to the ground crying but not from sadness. No, it was at knowing this person was willing to show so much of themselves to total strangers and that someone else had experienced the life they were scared to live. They finally had hope! Aegnor made his decision right then and there. He would wait no longer and refused to live a life of regret. At the same time Andreth also made her choice. She would live with Aegnor for whatever time Eru granted her. Presumptions and wartime be damned! She would never spit on the efforts of the person who did this for them. She loved Aegnor and didn't care he was an elf. He was her love and that's all that mattered. She would be there for him and him for her. Their love was real and knew they would regret it if they suppressed this any longer, and if Eru blessed them with a child they would love them with every fiber of their being.
Harry/Lomion saw the looks in their eyes and knew he had succeeded but he was not done yet. These two would marry tonight under the glittering stars and shining moon. Tonight he would be the author of a beautiful and deserved love story. Tonight he would give them a beautiful memory to remember and cherish for the ages to come. This night would be a lesson to those that dared to challenge love based on supposed "station." Tonight Aegnor and Andreth, the once ignored and tragic side characters, were going to be the protagonists of their own story and it would be one of happiness. It was with that last thought that the hummingbird let out a long "meep" and in a flash of silver light shot towards Andreth and Aegnor like a bullet. He casted a quiet "Lumos Maxima" that left a trail of light behind him as he flew around them in a spiraling circle. As he flew he used his transfiguration magic to change the lover's clothes into that of a true Prince and Princess but with a twist.
By the time he was done Aegnor and Andreth looked like Odette and Siegfried from the Swan Princess. But between the two it was Andreth that took the true visage of the swan princess.
It was then Prongs sang again but this time a melody of bells & trumpets would also come from the little hummingbird that was Harry/Lomion.
Then as if possessed they danced a dance they had never done before or knew existed. They both raised their toes and danced as though they weighed nothing. They glided across the ground as though it were clouds and began dancing on top of the water of the nearby pond. Then just as this miracle processed in their heads they found themselves surrounded by silver silhouettes that danced in unearthly grace. Silvery swans began to appear around them and before they knew it the silhouettes were dancing with them as though they were their prince and princess.
It was magical and Andreth became completely enraptured at this miracle around her. This was a dream and she was going to enjoy it. She followed the music more fervently and before she knew it the next moves appeared in her head.
She did a Pirouette
She did an Arabesque
The swans and silhouettes danced around their princess and basked her in silver light. She was a vision and Aegnor fell for her all over again.
In a move of grace he danced towards his love and took his hand in hers.
They danced a Pas de deux
Then just as they were dancing together to the sound of the stag's singing and the little bird's music. White roses began to grow around them and bask them in a white glow the moment Aegnor lifted Andreth into the air.
The little hummingbird that had changed them came again but this time he came only towards Andreth and flew around her in another dazzling spiral.
What happened next would be known as the most amazing moment of her life and a fairytale moment for an unseen audience.
She transformed into a true swan princess. Her shorter dress changed into a wedding gown and at that moment the Wisteria tree bloomed.
She wore a tiara of white diamond and her dress was akin to a blooming flower. Glittering stars illuminated her.
She was surrounded by the white swans and shone under the moonlight of the night sky. The wisteria tree highlighting her in pink petals that danced around her.
He would wait no longer. He leaped towards her, gently took her hand, kneeled, and finally asked her what he'd wanted to ask her for so many years.
"Melleth my love, my heart, my life, my angel will you marry me?"
She didn't even let him finish before she leaped towards him and said
"Yes! Yes my love! Yes and always Yes!"
Under the glittering stars, shining swans, and moonlight night the fates of two lovers had changed for the better.
When the music had ceased and Prongs had stopped singing the lovers changed back to their regular selves and came towards the stump that housed the little hummingbird and the glowing stag. But before they could say anything the little bird had pushed towards them a little box, and inside contained two rings. They were a vision as they were lined with gold and forged in the style of a Wisteria flower! The coloring of the flower shown by shining amethysts and in the center where the largest amethyst stood was the insignia of a swan. A memento to remember this magical night for years to come.
They didn't know what to say but they certainly tried.
"Thank you, thank you little sprout and great stag" Andreth said in a tone that exhumed her endless happiness at what had happened this night.
"No words can express our gratitude and how I can't even being to thank your master for what he shared with us this night" said Aegnor in a tone that reverberated his deep thanks for this blessed gift.
The little hummingbird that was Harry/Lomion flew towards the lovers and handed them a final note. This one much smaller than the last.
If my plea has been heard and your happiness found. Head to the Havens of Sirion as there you will find a place to live in peace among the waters guarded by Cirdan the shipwright. None shall disturb you there but please make no mention of me to anyone. My existence is one I prefer to keep secret. Good luck my friends and may the stars guard your path.
"We shall do as you say, thank you my friends and may your paths be blessed" they said as they finally left the tree and made ready to leave for their new lives.
As Harry/Lomion gazed at their retreating figures he couldn't help but think "Well that went well."
However, unbeknownst to the lovers and the wizard their night of magic had in fact been made witness by some young members of the House of Bëor and would many ages from now live on as the tale of the Stag, the Hummingbird, and the Starlight lovers. Harry/Lomion would learn of this much later and frankly have a heart attack from the knowledge he had become an essential Disney Princess.
Back to the Present
Ah yes, his plan had certainly gone well. Last he heard the lands of Dorthonion were in an uproar after their Lord had left the whole of his lands to his brother Angrod, only notifying him through a letter of course. Not to mention the disappearance of Lord Boromir's eldest daughter after she only left a letter behind saying she was going to go live her life. Pfftt haha well he was happy for them especially since he made sure they had in fact made it to Cirdan's territory and were now living a married life. He certainly did not go through all that effort for this to turn into a Victorian style tragedy. He did send a silent prayer that they have kids. Aegnor would certainly need the company, especially if the child stuck with being immortal. As for his current situation, he spent this little hike steadily heading for where he decided would be the place he would finally meet one of his extended family. He was heading for the Gap of Maglor. From what he had seen of the brother's and knew of the book. Maglor was indeed the most reasonable of the lot and would no doubt be less inclined to punching him should he make a mistake. This territory was also where that butt ugly lizard would strike first and Harry/Lomion would make sure this territory was ready for it. Maglor's forces consisted of mostly cavalry and was home to many forges second to only to Himlad. This would be the perfect place for him to start enchanting the Noldor's armors and casting defense charms around their territories. In the past 15 months he had also made the decision that after infiltrating....erm joining the Noldor forces he would come clean to his Feanorian cousins about his identity, not his magic...well all of it, after the Dager Bragollach. It would certainly be confusing for all parties if the enemy suddenly started melting in front of them. He would also come in contact with Maglor while wearing no disguise. His mother had never mentioned interacting much with Maglor and he knew from all the noble bigots' of Gondolin that he looked more like his father so there was no reason to think Maglor would recognize him from anywhere. He would simply tell them he was a traveling Sindar that recently came of age after his parents died. There was no reason for Maglor to believe he was someone important (You have no idea how much I am facepalming writing this). It was at this last thought that Lomion suddenly heard a loud noise coming towards him.
It sounded like horse hoofs and there were maybe three of them? Likely just a scouting or messenger party. However, it seemed his thought process was quite wrong as the horses suddenly burst from the top of the hill he was walking up and standing there in all his glory was his cousin Maglor Kanafinwë Makalaurë, the greatest bard of the elves, and the future father of Elrond and Elros. He was accompanied by two other guards that didn't seem familiar to him. He kept still as Maglor looked down and eyed the stranger before him from his horse. Lomion only had his traveling pack (spelled to look like that as it had his tent, broom, and everything else), a traveling cloak with a hood that was currently up, and his sword Anguirel. He was dressed in very plain clothing and would seem harmless to most. He was pulled from his thoughts when his cousin suddenly spoke
"Where do you hail form stranger and why are you in these lands?" said his cousin in a tone that brokered authority but peace.
"Speak quickly for you stand before the lord of these lands" said one of the elves on the other horse that had black hair and greyish blue eyes.
"At ease Tarion there is no need to be so harsh" said his cousin in a "don't start tone."
Harry/Lomion then replied in a calm tone. "Greetings my Lord, I mean no trouble and apologize if I am trespassing. I am a traveler that was actually seeking work in the Gap of Maglor."
Maglor and the other elves paused for a moment when they heard him speak. They acted as though they couldn't believe what they just heard.
"Ah forgive me my lord for not introducing myself properly" he said as he then pulled down his hood revealing his black hair, pale skin, and dark eyes "My name is Maeglin and a star shines on the hour of our meeting" he said in his best business voice that housed a small smile. Oh his nose twitched again, it always did that when he smiled.
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Huh? Why isn't anyone saying anything?
Maglor wasn't just staying silent no he was staring at him with the intensity of a hawk.....was his mouth gaping open? He knew his cousin could be dramatic given what he'd seen of him. Yes, seeing a grown man weep didn't exactly help his image. What's wrong with him? Wait why are those elves looking at him like that too??? Was this a bad idea?? Come on cousin do something!
"....My lord are you well?"
That seemed to do the trick as Maglor immediately snapped out of his little spell and rushed to say
"Oh yes, apologies it's just...are you traveling by yourself? Forgive me for saying this but you look quite young."
Oh so that's what it was. Phew he thought it was something serious (Facepalm😓).
"Oh yes, I suppose I would look young but I assure you I am most certainly an adult my Lord. I have actually come here hoping to see if I could trade some of my sword making skills for possible coin?" he said as though it were something simple.
What the? Why is he pale?? Okay, yes I'm young but blimey that's no reason to act comatose. Don't you have an image to uphold??
"My Lord? I apologize if I am causing you trouble or have offended you in some way. I can take my leave if you like" Lomion said in an attempt to wake him up but didn't get far before Maglor quickly said.
"Oh no no! Forgive me it's just we have actually been looking for more smiths as many of ours have left to my brother Curufin's territory recently. I was just surprised at how convenient your timing was. If you would like you could ride with us to the castle and there we can discuss any potential business transactions."
Ah okay that made sense...probably. He could see how some of the smiths would prefer to work with Curufin since he was a master at it second to his father Feanor. Also, he wasn't 100% sure of what had been going on in the Gap since his recent scouting session was about two months ago. If he was being honest his smithing skills probably needed a refresher since his awakening to magic again. He had made the couple their rings but he was out of practice with making swords. Shouldn't be too hard though, he was always good at adapting fast.
"Oh I don't mean to impose, I'd be fine just walking alongside the horses" he said in a tone that tried to get him to stop looking at him funny.
It didn't, instead Maglor slightly frowned and said "Tis no trouble at all, I am sure you must be weary from a long journey. Come my horse is more calm to new riders and is strong enough to carry us both" said Maglor as he held out his arm to him and had a look that brokered no argument.
Lomion internally sighed but didn't argue as he took his cousins offered arm and shakily climbed onto the horse. Okay, it had been a while since he rode or was even near one of the creatures. No, he didn't count the escape from Nan Elmoth as riding unless you count sharing the horse while his mother steered. The only times he had ever truly ridden one was when he traveled with his father to meet the dwarfs of Belegost and Nogrod. Though in truth his father had started taking him more often to Belegost in the Blue Mountains as it was farther from Doriath and seemingly enjoyed teaching his son how to ride. Ironic how the Prince of Doriath would be dwarf friend to the dwarves that would soon murder his grandfather because he decided to get persnickety with them. But when you look at the situation as a whole his grandfather should have never taken that stupid Nauglamir necklace and try to merge it with a Silmaril. Was he out of his mind? No, he was probably possessed by the half-crux but the point still stood. His father had told him a bit about Anglachel and how Thingol asked for it as permission to stay in Nan Elmoth. Needless to say he wasn't happy but still gave it up because he wanted to be away from Melian more than he wanted to keep it. Apparently they weren't expecting him to give it up as Eöl made a point of telling his son the glee he felt from seeing his grandparents shocked faces. As far as Luthien...oof his father really was not merciful about her. He never said anything too harsh, but he made it a point that Lomion was better off never meeting her as common sense didn't seem to be a strong point with her. Unfortunately, as far as future planning went he would have to probably interact with her to some degree if he wanted to keep his cousin Finrod from becoming dog food. Plus, if he was being honest he was a little curious about what she was like. He wondered if she would recognize who he was if she saw him, of course he wouldn't let her tell his grandparents about his existence but he was curious none the less.
Ugh all this planning and thinking was making him tired. Why did it feel like this horse was rocking so much....hmmm huh? Why was he remembering the times his mother would sing him to sleep when he was little? Okay, maybe he hasn't been sleeping as much as he should but now he was actually starting to feel kind of heavy. Oh whatever maybe a moment to rest his eyes wouldn't hurt now that his cousin was steering the horse.....alright just for a minute.
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......Hmmm? That's weird why is it so quiet? Wait... when did a horse feel soft? Huh?????
He was suddenly broken from his reverie when Harry/Lomion snapped his eyes open and found he was no longer riding with his cousin but rather he was lying on a soft bed in what appeared to be the castle's healing halls. Why is it he was always ending up in hospitals regardless which life?!! But just as soon as he was about to continue berating himself a smooth voice broke him from his tirade
"Good I see you're awake now, you gave Lord Maglor and his retinue quite the startle."
He turned and saw a tall raven haired elleth coming towards him and was dressed in what obviously were healers robes.
"You passed out on your way here and almost fell off Lord Maglor's horse. They couldn't wake you no matter how much they tried to jostle you. We feared you were injured or poisoned from an orc wound. However, do tell me young one what exactly caused you to be malnourished and exhausted to the point you would pass out for several hours?" she said in a tone that promised the greatest reprimand of his life if he didn't answer.
"Yes, as Máriel says, I too would like to know the answer to that seeing as I had to carry you here" said a voice from his left that turned out to be his cousin who was just now entering the healing halls.
"I...I apologize for all the trouble I've caused. I'm afraid I've made quite an embarrassing site" said Lomion as his ears were going red from embarrassment and he was mentally punching a wall. What kind of a horrible first impression was this?!!
"I did not ask for an apology Maeglin I asked for the reasoning" said Maglor in a tone that was all too familiar to him. For a split second he swore he saw the ghost of Professor McGonagall giving him her "Harry Potter!!!" look.
"My Lord there is really not much to be said, I'm simply used to going without eating for long periods and overdid it this time. I'm more than used to it and this incident was truly a first time thing. I assure you it will not happen again" he said as though he were talking about the weather.
Maglor stared.
Máriel stared.
Finally Máriel spoke in an almost disbelieving voice "What do you mean you are used to not eating? My Lord Maglor said you worked as a smith but surely your parents told you to keep up with meals so you wouldn't fall over a hot anvil."
Okay now he was getting miffed. So he replied in an almost defensive tone
"Yes, they probably did when they were still alive."
Silence and for a brief moment Lomion thought he saw Maglor flinch before he quickly schooled his face into one of remorse and said "I am truly sorry for your loss."
"...It's fine." he said in a tone that said he wanted to be done with this conversation.
It seems Maglor took the hint as he quickly said "You said you were a smith and were seeking work yes? If you like we can discuss this further in my office once Máriel clears you. I can even introduce you to one of our smiths."
Okay, now they were getting somewhere.
"Yes, my lord I thank you for this honor" he said in a triumphant tone.
"Well then I suppose we better finish up before you get impatient and try to sneak out" said Máriel in a "great he's another one of those" tone.
Oh lady you don't even know the half of it😏.
About an hour later Harry/Lomion was being guided to Maglor's office by Máriel. Maglor's office, similar to Maedhros, was located on the highest level of the castle seemingly akin to one's rank. He was pulled from his thoughts when the door to the office opened and Maglor welcomed him in. When Harry/Lomion entered the office he was soon faced with a stone and rustic styled office that was graced with a fireplace and fur rugs. He also wasn't the only one there as a seemingly stone faced and dark brown haired elf was also there. Lomion could immediately tell he was a smith as he was wearing a smith's smock and sporting some soot on his face. He must have just finished working and still was as he was looking over some documents.
"Please Maeglin have a seat, and let me introduce you to one of our smiths. Maeglin this is Erestor" said Maglor in a pleasant and kind tone.
Harry/Lomion almost did a double take. He knew that name! This was Elrond's future chief advisor!! So this was how they met! Erestor worked for Maglor!
"A star shines upon the hour of our meeting fellow smith. By chance will I have the pleasure of working with you" he said and didn't notice when Erestor suddenly stiffened but quickly recovered before he replied with a small smile that looked as though it hadn't been there for a long long time.
"Indeed kinsman, but first I must ask what skills you have for the Gap and might I ask where you learned your craft."
Harry/Lomion took no offense and answered in a business like tone "I am skilled in making swords, armor, and other forms of weapons. I was taught by my father who was friend to the dwarves. He was a skilled smith and actually taught me his technique for enchanting blades to glow when orcs are near. If available I can also craft using mithril."
Both Maglor and Erestor looked surprised at his repertoire and Lomion couldn't help but feel slightly proud of himself.
Though of course they have no idea he's going to be putting......some interesting charms in their armor heh😏
"That is certainly quite a good bit of skills you have. I am afraid I have yet had the chance to work with mithril" said Erestor in a tone of surprise and fondness.
"Then it's settled, Maeglin you can begin your work here in the gap and in turn you will be provided room and board" said Maglor in a tone that hinted at victory.
"Oh thank you my Lord that is most kind of you" said Maeglin and again didn't notice how his tone of gratitude for board seemed to affect Maglor. However, he was soon pulled from his thoughts by Erestor.
"By the way Maeglin might I ask how old you are? It would help in determining which group would best suit you?"
"Oh! of course, I actually just turned 103!"
Snap
The quill Maglor was holding had snapped like a twig and his mouth was hanging wide open....he looked like he was going to faint.
Thud
Erestor dropped the papers he was holding and had a blank look one would have the day the world came to an end.
Sigh, really he's not that young. It seems these next few years at the Gap of Maglor would be interesting indeed.