Maedhros
Chapter 10
Year 423 of the First Age
Found Family and Endless Questions
It was an odd day in Himring as Laurelin's fruit had taken to breaking through the dense clouds that usually covered the fortress. In the usual cold North of Himring the sun was shining as though it were Arien's gift to the battle hardened elves that almost always saw battle. Such bright light during the height of spring would certainly keep all manner of foul beasts away. Though Maedhros Feanorian knew it would also give that giddy Maia a most likely front row seat into the madness he knew was about to unfold. The sunlight was especially bright inside his office and he could almost hear the incessant giggling the Maia was releasing as she no doubt heard of what transpired from their lover Tilion that carried Telperion's flower across the night sky. Just why oh why did Maglor cause such a scene two months ago and in his own bedroom no less! But then again his life had been anything but peaceful since this mysterious family member saw fit to turn their lives into a hurricane of endless strange events. Don't get him wrong he was grateful for everything they had done but he was endlessly worried about just what in Arda they were going to do next! He would no doubt be having a stress induced seizure right about now if not for the reply letter this new family member had sent back.
At this point he wasn't even surprised about the letter just appearing on his office desk, in the same colors as the first, and with absolutely no indication of how it got there. If there was one thing Maedhros Feanorian was not known for, it was giving up. However, when it came to this strange new family member it seemed a strategic retreat was in order. His chief healer Milya and second in command Roitaro though...didn't seem very inclined to agree with him. After the sword and pouch incident they had completely lost their patience and swore to find this elf no matter what it took. They had even teamed up with Curufin and Carinthir who had taken the lesson in humility with even less grace than his subordinates. Especially after they couldn't track down that falcon AGAIN. It had indeed been a while since he heard Curvo swear like that. He certainly would take what he said to Mandos with him because those words you just didn't repeat in good company. Honestly, just what type of language did Aulë teach his dwarves. If that was even half a reflection of what he was like it was no wonder their father could have such colorful language.
But these last 17 months had certainly been quiet.....well mostly. Though if he were being honest he was still concerned and really very worried especially with what was said in the letter. After he opened the envelope with the same strange sigil all those months ago it said
Dear Nelyafinwe Maitimo,
I hope this letter finds you in even better health than the first. I do apologize for my methods in healing you but I feared you would not trust my treatment otherwise. I want to thank you for taking care of my friend. He means a great deal to me and I am glad to know you were so kind to him. Oh and please tell Celegorm that he has actually become quite taken with the name he gave him.
I have received your letter and I know you have been looking for me. However, I must please ask you to cease your search. I know you do not mean me harm...well most of you. Your healers have made me a little nervous if I'm being quite honest. Please know that I am not avoiding you out of fear but rather necessity. There are many tasks I must complete before I can make myself known. When the time is right I will show myself to you as I do want to know all of you.
In the meantime I will answer this. Yes, the Doom of the Noldor has been lifted and yes I did play a part in it. Please know that I am not in danger for doing so and that I am certainly old enough to take care of myself.
Again though, I must warn you to tell no one you have the Silmarills! Though it is alright to tell High King Fingolfin and Prince Fingon, you must tell no one else! I fear telling you this but I'm putting my trust in you. It is especially important that the house of Arafinwe learn nothing of it. Especially Finrod Felagund and Artanis, the reason being that it was in fact Artanis who told Thingol about what happened in Alqualonde and I fear what else she would tell them should she gain any knowledge of this.
You will know in time why I say this as I have foreseen it. I know you don't trust foresight very much but please trust my sincerity in wanting to protect you all. I am also making sure that Morgoth doesn't get anymore elves so focus on building up your defenses, maybe against fire for instance. I wish you well and know that I will meet you when the time comes.
Sincerely,
A friend of the 8 pointed star and your family.
Now, his first reaction to reading the letter had been hot anger as he infact did not know who it was that told Thingol. He always suspected it may have been one of Artanis's brothers but not really her as she had always been so aloof and reserved with anything regarding their family. He did care for her but he was also wary of her since unlike her eldest brother she had a very bad habit of listening to people's thoughts without permission! He had also been vexed to no end at how everyone in Valinor endlessly praised her beauty as though she were some goddess. She had been especially cold towards their father following the hair incident but he couldn't believe she would be so careless. He didn't know she could be this vindictive towards them. His brothers had liked learning this information even less as one of his favorite quills had been crushed to splinters courtesy of Moryo's temper at finding out their cousin's big mouth had ruined so many potential business partnerships for them. Now, don't get him wrong he was going to tell Thingol eventually and bear the responsibility of his anger. But not in the careless way Artanis had done it especially when she probably told him about it from only one perspective. If there was one thing he knew it was that it was never good to find out bad news from a biased third party.
After their anger had cooled though his second reaction along with his brothers had been utter concern and worry. He couldn't help but be concerned at how this elf had even more planned and definetly knew more than they were letting on. If that wasn't worrying enough he had become hyper fixated at how this elf described themselves as "old enough" to take care of themselves. He was an older brother of 6, minder of several cousins, and uncle to a rambunctious nephew. He knew without absolute question that any elf that had to say they were "old enough" for something was probably too young to be let out out of the house!
Nevermind lifting Dooms and supposedly stealing back their family treasure from a Deranged Murdeorus Vala!
He still didn't want to believe they had really done that and gone inside Angband. No, that was just not possible....right? Also, what in Arda did they mean they were going to make sure Morgoth got no more elves?? How could they make sure of that?? Oh Eru he knew this couldn't be good and definitely not for his headaches. Especially if it wasn't bad enough this new relative had admitted to having some sort of foresight driving their actions and they were not wrong in saying he hated foresight! But, really what could he do? He couldn't track them and he had no means at the moment to convince, more like plead, with them to stop. Plus all their actions thus far had done nothing but benefit them and with astute success. So, it was with great reluctance that he called off the search. Unfortunately, Kano and Curvo had been the most vocal in opposing his decision since they were convinced this supposed young family member shouldn't be solving their problems for them, nevermind being anywhere near orcs. However, they did acknowledge they would keep an eye out for anything and immediately notify him of anything new.
Though in truth he didn't expect such notice to come two months ago in the middle of the night and in such a colorful fashion from his supposed "sensible" younger brother Makalaurë.
It was a fullmoon that night and he had just retired for the night after practicing fighting with his right hand again. He was quite pleased with how much strength he was getting back in it while still maintaining his skill with his left. He had been sleeping so much better too since his unsought "healing" and was just about to enter Irmo's realm when this time his bedroom door had been kicked off it's hinges by none other than the same elf that destroyed his office door over a year ago. After jumping several feet in the air and pulling a dagger from under his pillow he paused at the sight before him. It was his brother Maglor standing in the doorway and he looked like he was about to lose everything he ate. He was breathing very hard as though he'd been running for his life and was so jittery Maedhros could have sworn his brother had seen a ghost.
"Kano?? What???" he said in a gobsmacked tone.
"NELYO!!!!! CALL ALL OUR BROTHER'S TO MEET HERE IN TWO MONTHS TIME AND INFORM THEM TO TELL NO ONE I WAS THE ONE THAT ASKED!!!!"
"Kano, what is going on???" he said in a tone that was baffled at the scene before him.
"I FOUND THEM NELYO!!!! I FOUND THEM!!!! THEY APPEARED RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME THINKING I WOULDN'T SUSPECT ANYTHING HAHAHAHAHAH" said his brother that showed he was a little mad at the moment, acting as though he had found a long lost treasure.
...wait found them?? Found who?
......no.......it couldn't be.
"Kano calm down! What do you mean you found them?? Who are you talking about?" he said in a tone that hinted he had a bad feeling he already knew the answer.
"I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR QUESTIONS NELYO!!! I ALMOST KILLED MY HORSE GETTING HERE AS WE RODE NONSTOP SO I COULD MAKE IT HERE BEFORE THE SUN ROSE! I NEED TO RETURN BEFORE THEY SUSPECT I'M GONE!! NOW DO AS I SAY!! QUICKLY!!!! BEFORE THEY DISAPPEAR AGAIN!! I'LL DO WHAT I CAN TO CONVINCE THEM NOTHING IS AMISS IN THE MEANTIME!!" His brother said in a tone similar to one planning a life or death strategy and just like that bolted out of his now doorless bed chamber.
....WAIT?? What did he mean he almost killed his poor horse??! Aye Elbereth! Those horses aren't easy to breed Kano!
But before he could think further on the supposed mistreatment of a Valinorean horse. Maglor suddenly rushed back into his room.
"OH!!! Nelyo before I forget make sure you arrange for there to be Dorthonion wine and if isn't clear I'm borrowing one of your horses. ALRIGHT!! I'LL SEE YOU IN TWO MONTHS!! AND TELL NO ONE OF ANY OF THIS!!! he said as though he were talking over a regular meal with a crazed look in his eye.
And that was how his brother had finally left his bed chambers with only Tilion as witness to this madness.
It was now two months ago to the day. After his brother's swift exit he had recovered enough of his wits to check on the state of the poor horse and indeed found it collapsed on the ground and heaving as though it had not drank a sip of water in weeks. Luckily Roitaro and his hunters were able to save the poor thing but now it refused to let anyone ride it! He couldn't blame it given his brother's momentary bout of insanity caused him to nearly kill the poor creature. He also had his door once again replaced. He didn't explain what happened as Kano had told him to stay quiet but his second in command must have garnered a guess given his unimpressed look at the site. His thoughts then drifted to the impending meeting that now awaited him. He sat in his office waiting for news of his brother's arrivals and had indeed stocked the room with his expensive supply of Dorthonion wine. He had heard about the unique beverage from non other than Thingol when they first arrived in Beleriand. Apparently it was a very rare blend of wine that came from traders across the Blue mountains. He had tried some before and found that it was indeed capable of getting an elf slightly tipsy and drunk if they were not careful.
He knew he promised himself he would never drink wine again after the last incident but he had a deep foreboding he was going to need it.
Then it was with that thought that five of his brothers had arrived and started entering his office to sit down at their assigned seats. Celegorm was the first to speak.
"What in the world is this about Nelyo? We can't keep leaving the pass like this. Huan is getting agitated with all these trips to the North" said his 3rd youngest brother in a tone that said "make up your mind already."
"I agree with Tyelko but Nelyo I'm gonna guess something happened given Kano said to say nothing about this meeting" said Carnistir in his usual business like tone.
"Why do I have a feeling I'm not going to like what I'm about to hear? Especially since I'm seeing your expensive wine here" said Curufin in an annoyed tone.
"It's hardest for us to get here as we have the furthest territories. So this better be important" said the Ambarussa in a petulant and interchanged tone.
"I would not have called you all here if this were not important. It would seem Kano has found some information regarding our newest patron and family member" said Maedhros in a tone that said "Kano get here already so I don't have to be the one to tell them."
That got all their attention as they instantly focused on him and Curufin immediately asked.
"Really??! What is it?? Do we know who they are?? Where they are?" said Curufin in an anticipating tone.
However, before he could reply his office door opened and in walked the instigator of this meeting as well as an elf that Maedhros recognized but was glad and confused to see. Maedhros immediately rose to meet his brother and to greet his long time friend.
"Kano you're finally here and Erestor I'm surprised to see you. What brings you here to this meeting?" said Nelyo in a kind but assessing tone.
"I knew you wouldn't believe me so I brought proof but before I say anything else. Everyone here must know that I've found our supposed new family member and he is in fact our cousin! More than that Nelyo I am absolutely sure he's Irissë's son!!!"
Everyone in the room froze taking a moment to process this new revelation before Celegorm practically yelled.
"WHAT??! HOW? Irissë's son?! Kano how can you be so sure! Start from the beginning please!" said Celegorm in a desperate tone.
"Two months ago I was riding through my lands on a small patrol when I encountered a supposed Sindar traveler on the road. He said he was by himself and that he was looking for work to make some coin. I already had my doubts the moment he spoke because his voice sounded so young!! But the real revelation came when he lowered his hood!! He called himself Maeglin and Eru Illuvatar Nelyo he looks exactly like our Uncle Fingolfin!!! The only thing that's different is his eye color. I have no doubt he's Irissë's son because not only does he look like her too but he also has her mannerisms. Tyelko his nose twitches when he smiles, the same as Irissë!!" said Maglor in a swift tone that endeavored to get everything out as quickly as possible before something happened.
His brother crashed down into his seat and was struggling to process all of this. Honestly they all were. They hadn't seen Aredhel in centuries and had heard nothing of her. After her last visit to Celegorm and Curufin they all feared she had been killed somehow and was lost without them ever knowing how. The best case scenario was that she had returned to her cowardly brother Turgon and his hidden city. But before they could continue dwelling on the matter Kano spoke again.
"That's not even the half of it. His looks already had me convinced but what's strange is he just introduced himself as Maeglin, he didn't call himself son of anyone. There was no doubt in my mind he was trying to hide his identity but for what reason I know not. He said his father was friend to the dwarves and that he knew how to forge. He even said he knew how to use Mithril! Nelyo he's been with me for two months now and I can tell he doesn't known how similar he looks to our uncle!! Nevermind the state of his health when I found him!" said Maglor in a tone that sounded almost broken at the memory and all the revelations.
However, before Maglor could continue the air went still and Curufins parental instincts immediately took over as he said.
"What do you mean the state of his health? What was wrong with him??" said Curufin in a dead serious tone.
"The day I first encountered him I offered him a ride to the castle as I could tell he seemed fatigued but as soon as we had ridden for just a few moments he suddenly collapsed and nearly fell off my horse! Luckily Tarion was close enough to catch him before he fell off!!" said Maglor with heartbreak in his voice at the memory.
"WHAT!" said Curufin in a panicked shout.
"We rushed to get him back to the castle and I had to carry him to the healers since he wouldn't stir no matter what I tried. Oh Nelyo he looked so pale! I was terrified he had hidden some kind of wound or was poisoned but by the time the healers examined him what I found out may honestly be just as bad if not worse!" said his brother as he now started crying. Maedhros immediately went to hold him as he shook from the sobs.
"What...what was wrong with him?" asked Maedhros in a wary and scared to know tone.
"Apprently he passed out from malnutrition and utter exhaustion. He stayed asleep for over a day and had to be given several of our nutrient blends to be able to wake up! When myself and Máriel asked him how this happened he acted like it wasn't a pressing issue, like it was actually normal, and that he said he was USED to NOT eating much!!!" said Maglor in a tone that sounded like even he couldn't believe what he was saying!
Curufin looked gobsmacked. Carnistir had has jaw wide open.The Ambarussa looked at each other stunned. Celegorm looked like he was going to murder someone and Maedhros looked like he was on the verge of fainting and destroying something as a million thoughts were running through his head!
What did that mean??? He was used to not eating???!!! He fainted from starvation???!!! WHO DID THIS??!! WHO POISONED HIS YOUNGEST COUSIN'S MIND WITH SUCH NONSENSE AND WHERE COULD HE STRANGLE THEM!!! Where in Aulë's beard was Irissë when all this was going on??!!
It seemed his 3rd youngest brother was of a similar mind to him as he then asked the big question they were now all wondering.
"How could this happen? Where was Irissë during all this? There's no way she would ever let her child starve like this!....unless" said Celegorm in a rageful tone that soon died down and turned somber when he came to a tragic conclusion.
"Yes, I'm so sorry Tyelko but when I asked the boy about his parents he said they had died several decades ago. I'm so sorry but he wouldn't say more than that" said Maglor in a miserable tone.
They had to take a moment for the news to sink in. Tyelko and Curvo had taken the news worst and had started sobbing at now confirming that their childhood and lifelong friend was dead. Now her son being the only remnant left of her. Maedhros would definetly have to tell Fingon and Fingolfin the news. His uncle had been grief stricken at not knowing the fate of his only daughter. But despite this revelation Maedhros now had so many questions. Just as he thought this Curufin had collected himself enough to ask.
"But that still doesn't explain why he wasn't cared for. Didn't he have minders or relatives of his father to go to for help?" asked Curufin in a questioning and confused tone.
"I asked him two weeks after he settled but he said his father's relatives weren't an option and that the minders he had stayed with till he came of age didn't really pay attention to him enough to care what he was doing. Brothers you don't know how much I restrained myself when he said that! It....it sounded like he was USED to such treatment!!!!" said Maglor in a tone that was coated with venom.
They all froze.
......what?
.......used to such treatment??
.......WHO DARES?!!!!!
Had anyone walked into his office at that moment they would have been faced with the most murderous aura the Sons of Feanor had ever released. They were furious!!!!
WHO DARED IGNORE A YOUNG ELF IN NEED OF CARE!!! WHO DARED MISTREAT A PRINCE OF THE NOLDOR IN SUCH A CALOUS WAY!!!!
WHO DARED ABUSE THEIR YOUNGEST KIN!!!!
HE WAS GOING TO STRANGLE THEM AND HANG THEM AT HIS GATES!!!!!
(Turgon you're in trouble now😏)
Maedhros was shaking from sheer rage as this all really started to sink in. He couldn't believe this! He couldn't believe any of this! How could this have happened to their cousin!
"Where are they Kano? Who are they? Tell me so I can go slaughter them!" said Celegorm in a tone that promised blood while he clutched his seat in a vice grip.
"I am most regretful to say I don't know. I couldn't gleam anymore information out of the boy without him getting suspicious but I think he knows who his mother's relatives are and it seems he is avoiding them. I asked him if he needed help getting to his mother's relatives since he said his father's weren't an option but he said he didn't want to meet any of them right now and instead wanted to pursue his craft" said Maglor in a regretful tone.
Now, they were all confused. He's Fingolfin's grandson. His only grandson and he wanted to avoid him?? Their uncle would spoil and dote on the boy to the point it would drive them mad and he wanted to avoid him and Fingon. Why? Did these minders somehow sway him against meeting them? This didn't make any sense. But before he could ask further the additional elf interrupted.
"My Lord's I know you all want answers. I do as well but I'm afraid there is a grave matter to discuss right now as this concerns all our futures as well as the newest Prince" said Erestor in a grim tone that told everyone this wasn't good.
"Aye Baka what else is there????" said Curufin that clearly said he couldn't take much more of this as he was already about to erupt. But before he could Maglor finally spoke.
"Erestor is right Curvo because it was him and some of my other workers that confirmed it. What we greatly feared is now confirmed true....Maeglin....our little cousin...was indeed the one that entered Angband, took back the Silmarills from Morgoth, ended our oath, and saved the prisoners" said Maglor in a tone that sounded akin to telling the most dire of news the world had ever heard.
None of them could move.
Their eyes widened to absolute saucers.
They started trembling at this realization.
Maedhros trembled....no...no...no...this couldn't be. No that child did not do something THAT crazy and for their sakes. He did not enter the den of a monster all for a set of jewels that caused them so much grief. He couldn't have been that reckless. He couldn't speak, he couldn't think, and before he knew it all he could manage was a weak.
"How...how are you so sure?" said Maedhros in a tone that begged Eru for him to somehow be wrong.
"His voice my Lord. I was one of the elves rescued from Angband a week after I was captured. I remember that young voice that saved me and brought us all to your brothers lands. I specifically was among the group that landed in Maglor's Gap after we all grabbed onto that strange object like he told us to. I can also tell you with absolute certainty that he is indeed the healer we've all been searching for as well. I apologize for not telling you sooner my Lord but I was still unsure of your intentions towards our young savior. In truth I did actually remember something about how he healed my broken hand after I believed the orcs had damaged it beyond repair. I don't know why I did it but he held up some kind of vial and it felt like I was compelled to drink what he called a "potion." His exact words were 'here this potion should heal that in a...gi..' I'm sorry I'm afraid I don't know how to say the word he used but I believe it was something akin to swift and indeed it was as my hand healed overnight. I don't think he meant for me to remember how he healed it but I could tell he didn't count on me fighting so hard to remember the encounter. It felt like some kind of enchantment was trying to cloud the memory. He certainly doesn't know I was among the elves he rescued as he didn't recognize my face or my voice since it was too dark" said Erestor in a tone of certainty and deep gratitude.
"There's one more thing Nelyo. Do you remember the sword and pouch that was taken back after we found the bird. Well Maeglin infact had it! None of you saw the blade but myself and Curvo did. Curvo do you remember saying it was unique because it was a black blade?" said Maglor in an inquisitive tone as he addressed his younger brother.
"Ah yes, I had only ever heard of one smith making black blades since it's quite rare. So I was surprised to see such work again....wait don't tell me" said Curufin that hinted realization.
"That's right! It's Maeglin's sword and he has it! I only noticed after he fainted and I brought his things to the healing halls. He's indeed the same elf that took it from us before. Nelyo, brothers it's him that's been behind all this" said Maglor in a tone of finality.
Finally it was Celegorm that spoke "So WHAT? The boy can use magic or something and does ANYONE here think it's alright he pulled this madness???!! If he's even half Tyelpe's age I'd rather be killed by orcs than let him do something so dangerous!!"
For a moment Maglor almost released what sounded like a wimper and Erestor violently flinched as something Celegorm said had startled him.
He knew he was going to regret this but he asked anyway "Kano....he's not half Tyelpe's age is he?"
Suddenly all the brother's froze and instantly knew they wouldn't like what was coming next.
Oh how much they had underestimated that belief.
Maglor trembled He was turning white and finally said
"No, no he's not...he said...he just turned 103."
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He did the math, his mind broke, and all hell broke loose.
Celegorm was the first as incoherent screaming erupted from his 3rd youngest brother that imitated the death cry of every animal to walk the face of Arda. You couldn't make out anything he was saying as it all sounded like gargled panicked animal gibberish.
Carnistir was next as his face went redder than a strawberry and his grip tightened on the armrests of the chair he was sitting in so tightly he ripped them off with strength he knew not where it came. Then he started screaming things no living creature should ever hear, it sounded something like &$!#%&!!!#$!&%$$!%! All while still clutching the armrests he had torn off.
Then it was Curufin's turn and he probably took it the worst as he turned not pale but purple. It looked as though there was no air in any of his body. He then started convulsing in violent waves before he let out a violent unearthly scream you wouldn't think came from a grown man: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!that shook the whole fortress and no doubt scared off the surrounding wildlife. He then proceeded to pass out, a look of absolute horror still adorning his face.
The Ambaraussa probably took it best on account of their age but their reaction was no less concerning as tears started running down both their faces. They suddenly clutched onto each other like it was the last day of their lives. Then contrary to what most would have expected they started laughing like lunatics. It was even more disturbing since their laughs were perfectly synced and was akin to a frightening howl echoing though the fortress.
As for Maglor...Maglor looked on at the scene before him in silent pity and empathy. A lone tear running down his cheek in complete understanding as he too had gone through this horror and would be there for his brother's once they had finished their time of grieving.
The eldest son of Feanor looked on at the chaos erupting before him and looked as though he now understood what true madness was. There was really only one thing he could do in this situation. So he did the only natural thing he could do. He stepped towards his desk and grabbed the bottles, not the wine glasses, of Dorthonion wine and proceeded to chug the bottles with the desperation of a man in a desert. He needed to be drunk! He didn't want to be sober for any of this!! Eru!! Whatever mercy you have left for your children please grant me at least a reprieve from this s***!
And Eru did, as the Eldest son of Feanor collapsed to the floor in a blissful heap still clutching his wine as thought it were his salvation.
Meanwhile at the same time in the Halls of Mandos
Two raven haired elves and one silver headed elf were looking at a tapestry. A tapestry the Lady Vairë herself had made and admitted she couldn't quite understand what any of it meant. Two of the elves that were ner's looked at the tapestry with their eyes bucked wide. The third elf, an elleth, looked at the tapestry as though she had swallowed 20 lemons at once. Her beautiful face almost twitching from what she was seeing.
Unbeknownst to the three of them the Lord of Mandos was standing in a corner waiting to gauge their reactions. He wasn't expecting what happened next. As all three of them suddenly screamed.
HE
DID
WHAAAAAAAATTT???!!
Their yells shook the whole of Mandos.
It had been two days.
It had been two days since they learned the Arda destroying knowledge that shattered everything he valued on child rearing.
Maedhros's once clean and organized office looked like a battlefield had gone through it. The once organized cabinet was now smashed to pieces on the floor with papers strewn about courtesy of Celegorm venting his rage. The chairs his brothers sat in now lay in mostly splintered ruins with very little left of them. Only Carnistir's and the twins seemed to have survived with enough of their original structure intact to still be sat upon. The precious Dorthonion wine that Maedhros used to lift himself from his......reverie had now been mostly used up. There were only three bottles left, not including the emergency five he had down in the wine cellar, and he had no plans to chug them again. Honestly, what a waste of good wine. They had taken these last two days to pull themselves together after learning.....that. But truly, was there no mercy in this world? Arrogant bigots the Valar may be at times but how? How could they allow(they didn't😓) such a young innocent elfling to enter the belly of evil itself as though it were some kind of menial chore!(it kind of was👀). He doubted! Seriously doubted Irissë would be alright with any of this (she's not😅). Nevermind what their Uncle and Fingon were going to do when they found out(....run). Speaking of them, they were actually due to arrive in Himring after two years following the arrival of Maedhros's request for the soonest meeting. It had taken six months to get there and another six for a reply to come back. Fingolfin was High King of the Noldor now after he forgoed the title to his uncle in hopes of retaining peace among the Noldor and his subsequent rescue by his heart brother Fingon. His brothers may not have been happy about it but right now he was glad he did it. Especially since it gave him time to deal with this more pressing issue. He had so many questions, so many that they didn't seem to have an end. It was obvious by now that the elfling was indeed capable of using some kind of magic. Magic that he had apparently used to evade them and enter Angband to steal back their family treasures! Oh he didn't even want to get started on lifting the Doom. But how? How has nobody heard of this child? An elfling in the house of Finwe was a treasure and should have been nurtured and cherished. Cherished by any elf really! Children were rare enough as it was. Maedhros could attest to that as he still spoiled his only nephew Telperinquar. Even now the child was nearly 1,000 yrs old and his brother still worried for him. Everyday his brother had regretted bringing him to Endore but he couldn't change it now. But this elfling, this elfling clearly had talents they couldn't comprehend and seemed to be using them to do nothing but dangerous activities and he wanted work for coin? Why did he need money? Who left him with next to nothing? No, better yet who left such a talented infant to run about doing who knows what?? Elbereth, no wonder Kano was in such a state when he came to him that first night. This is too much for anyone to handle. Eru praise him for managing to keep up such a calm facade before the child. Eru knows if he fled now they may never find him unless he came to them.
It was with that thought he finally pulled himself from his thinking to glance at the current scene. His brothers were not really looking very well. Poor Curufin had only just woken a day ago after he learned a 101 yr old elfling did the unthinkable and heard what no father would ever want to hear. No, they looked like they'd just gone through a battle and were probably ready to grab that elfling by the collar and never let him out to pull this madness again. But that was not what needed to be done right now, no matter how much he wanted to. Oh if his father had been here to hear this...if the Balrogs didn't kill him the shock of this certainly would have. No, he had to figure out what they were going to do going forward. He had to do this carefully. One misstep and the child would vanish on them again to no doubt commit even more outrageous acts. He had to think, think of any clues from the letters. He said he'd show himself but why wasn't he telling them his identity. The elfling didn't know his looks would give him away so whoever his minders were clearly didn't bother to tell him. Ohhhh...if he ever got his hands on them he would choke them with their own hair. This was unforgivable! But murderous thoughts aside, why was he here and at the front lines no less! What was he missing....think...think! Gasp! Wait...he said he was a smith and he said something about fire in his first letter? Was he here because of something relating to that? Did his foresight show him something and he decided to take matters into their own hands?
They needed to discuss this so he gathered everyone to the couch, which somehow survived, but it seemed Maglor and Erestor were content to stay sitting on the floor. Before they would get started again he called Roitaro to bring them new wine glasses seeing as the originals had been smashed to pieces, again courtesy of Celegorm's venting session. Bless the elf's fëa as he said nothing when he saw the mess that was now his office. He made sure everyone took at least a few sips of the wine before they started this serious discussion. Forget the headache he was having, he was sure by the time this discussion was over he was going to have an utter migraine.
"Brother's I know you all don't want to but now we need to seriously discuss what we're going to do" said Maedhros in a tone that said "I don't want this either but get yourselves together."
"Oh yes Toron, we've just been sitting here twiddling our thumbs and having a good time while Aredhel's elfling solves all our problems for us" said Celegorm in a VERY sarcastic tone while he sipped his wine.
"Enough Tyelko, be quiet before I make you be quiet. Kano we need to organize our information to what we know and don't know. We can't make a mistake here but before we do I need to know how long can you stay here before the elfling starts to suspect something. You've been gone a while now" said Carnistir in the tone of a strategist and true businessman.
"I told the child I would be gone on a reconnaissance mission for at least a week. He didn't seem worried about it and said he'd have more armor done by the time I came back" said Maglor as though wincing at the idea of an elfling working like a beggar.
"Please tell me you didn't actually pay him...." said Curufin as though he thought that unthinkable.
"Believe me I argued with him about it and told him his room, board, and.......ugh employment would be his compensation. I made up a last minute excuse that I had lost several smiths to Curvo recently and would welcome one staying long-term. Luckily, he seemed to believe me as the Gap never had many smiths to begin with. It seems he was content with staying for a while, but for what reason I know not and can only guess. Though while he was....incapacitated I told everyone in the Gap to mention NOTHING of his appearance or to ask any questions about his past. It seems everyone has followed my orders as the child hasn't seemed suspicious of anything in the last two months he's been with me" said Maglor in a tone of relief and one that said "I can't believe I have to do all this."
"Alright so we're fine for a few more days. Alright let's list out what we know of his parentage and supposed abilities but before we do. Kano is there ANYTHING else you've noticed about them? Have you seen their work yet? Has anything stranger happened since he showed up?" said Caranthir in an attempted calm tone but really it sounded like "no more surprises, please no more."
Maedhros and his brothers noticed Maglor grow nervous at the question and immediately knew he already needed more wine.
"Well yes, for one thing he is an extremely skilled smith. Curvo he's honestly as good as you from what I've seen so far. His metalwork and detail is unlike anything I've seen but there's more. He recently made me a short sword and some arm braces as a means to show his work. The sword glowed blue when orcs were near but I believe he may have enchanted the sword and arm braces somehow to do more than he mentioned. I think he thought I wouldn't notice and indeed most of the smiths haven't but myself and Erestor could feel the magic pulsing from those items he made. Moryo I think he means to enchant the armies weapons somehow for a specific purpose. I sensed no offense to the enchantments but rather defense" said Maglor in a questioning but sure tone.
"It's true my Lords, here this is one of the braces he made and while I cannot gleam what specific spell was put into the brace. I sense it truly is just for defense but for what I know not" said Erestor as he handed the brace to Curufin and as he did his eyes widened in shock.
"!!!!This.....you said he made this???! and you didn't see how he laid the enchantment. Nelyo this isn't just any enchanting! This brace is specifically enchanted to defend against fire and piercing strikes!!! I haven't seen any elf capable of doing this aside from our father, and even he couldn't get this specific!!!! No, the only one who could do this is a Maia!! I've only ever seen Aulë's Maia create such work!" said Curufin in a frantic tone that clearly elaborated he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
"A Maia? But Curvo how can that be? It's clear he had parents and is an elf" said the Ambarussa in question.
"Indeed he does but there is something different about the child as evidenced a month into his stay. Remember the crossbreds we tried to breed with the Easterling horses we captured. The one's that were deemed too aggressive to ride. Well it would seem they've become puppies in the face of this elfling. Aye, Eru's mercy you should have seen it. Luckily, he didn't see me but one morning he just walked into the stable that housed all of them and I panicked thinking he was going to get mauled. But when I looked in the stall, I saw all those beasts chewing his hair and leaning into his hand like kittens!" said Maglor in a shocked tone again.
Oh that was certainly something you'd see with a Maia but then all of a sudden Curufin started muttering.
"Black sword, dwarf-friend, sindar elf, enchantments, smithing skills, no relatives for his father, dark eyes......it...it can't be" said Curufin as his eyes widened a bit in possible realization.
"Curvo, I know that look. Do you think you've learned something?" said Maedhros in a "tell me now" tone.
".....Maybe, but I can't be sure. I need time to verify but if I'm right I think I might at least know who the child's father might be. If my guesses are right then Aredhel definitely has strange taste in men! It actually might also confirm a theory I've had about someone for a longtime now." said Curufin as he sighed and looked thoughtful.
"Hey Irissë doesn't have strange taste in ner's!" said Celegorm in an affronted tone.
"She was friends with us wasn't she. Clearly she was into 'bad' elves" said Curufin with a smug tone.
Nobody commented on that.
"Alright so let's list what we know. The elfling is Irissë's son and Fingolfin's only grandson. He may be part maia for all we know. Can most certainly wield magic, forge, and conjure enchantments. Both his parents are dead, he's been mistreated by SCUM that called themselves his minders, and is able to disappear at a moment's notice. He was indeed able to steal the Silmarills, and somehow ensure Morgoth couldn't retaliate. He's a skilled healer that may be equivalent to Estë (she's confused) and somehow has foresight that is driving his actions. In addition, to all this he's hiding his identity and doesn't want anyone to know of him yet" said Carinthir in his assessing the situation tone.
"Not to mention he has his falcon that acts as his messenger to us. Though I haven't once seen it the whole time he's been with me. It could be he sent it away to run other errands. One thing is for sure though, he came to the Gap to somehow help us again. That must be why he's enchanting the armor in a way he thinks we won't notice" said Maglor as though he were trying to solve a puzzle.
"He clearly knows things and possibly things that are yet to happen. How else could you explain his knowledge about Artanis and his fixation in strengthening our defenses. He also keeps stressing we tell no one about the Silmarills. I think he has some kind of aversion to Doriath altogether as he said we must especially not let the House of Arafinwe know. Whom just so happen to be the only Noldor with access to Doriath. Moryo's previous visions are becoming more reasonable every time this comes up" said Maedhros in a tone that hardened with seriousness.
"We never planned to tell Finrod or Artanis but now it seems it's more serious than we thought. Plus we don't know the extent of the child's abilities. He seems to have no issue throwing himself into unbelievable situations and firmly believing he'll be fine" said Maglor as he groaned in frustration at remembering how the child fainted.
"He also hinted in both of his letters that we need to prepare against fire. He's already created arm braces that can withstand it and doesn't seem like he'll let anything stop him. Honestly, I don't think we could even if we tried. This elfling is clearly powerful and seems to know how to use it. But at the same time we can't let him keep doing things that hurt himself like this. Plus I should remind you all that our Uncle and Fingon are due to arrive in two years. That'll be when we tell them about the oath being fulfilled, my hand being restored, and our regaining the Silmarills" said Maedhros in a tone that stated the facts.
"But....I know there's something you purposely didn't put in that sentence" said Celegorm in a wary tone.
".......I think we should wait to tell him about the child" said Maedhros in a "here it comes" tone and took a big gulp of his wine.
His brothers exploded.
"!!!WHAT!!! Nelyo have you lost your mind?!" said Maglor in a screeching voice that nearly cracked his wine glass.
"MAITIMO!!! Our Uncle has barely forgiven us for Losgar!!! When he learns we hid his grandson from him, HIS 103 YEAR OLD GRANDSON!!!!. HE'LL PUT OUR HEADS ON A PIKE!!" said Curufin in a tone that boomed "Are you mad???"
"He's too YOUNG!! We can't leave him on the front lines! Fingon would never forgive us!! Irissë would never forgive us!!! SHE WOULD SKIN ME ALIVE FOR IT!!" said Celegorm as he stood and banged his hands on the table.
"Maitimo you can't be serious, he's a prince and needs to recognized for it. We can't have him working like he's some kind of pauper, nevermind putting himself in danger like this. We weren't nearly that young when we first started fighting and even then you barely let us have our own territories now" said the Ambarussa in clear opposition.
"Nelyo, this could have dire consequences on us. The child is third line for the throne now that Turgon has been disowned. The political implications of hiding an heir would cause a tsunami of backlash but I....I think I may see your reasoning. Are you trying to see if the child will reach out to Fingolfin or Fingon himself when he comes to visit? Fine, that may work but what about in the meantime?" said Caranthir in a subdued tone.
"In the meantime we watch him, we take care of him, and try to gather more of what happened to him. There's too many uncertain variables right now to risk being impulsive and scaring him off. Curvo you said you had an idea of who his father might be. Let's start there, maybe if we learn who he is we might learn where the child's been all this time. Or at least learn why he said his father's relatives weren't an option" said Maedhros in a tone that brokered no argument.
"And pray tell me Nelyo how you plan to explain the culprit behind all these events to our Uncle and cousin when he arrives?" said Celegorm in a once again SARCASTIC but slightly fearful tone for he knew his uncle's wrath was nothing to scoff at.
"We tell him the same thing we've told everyone else. That a talented healer and new patron was responsible and is currently hiding themselves. The only ones besides us that will know the truth for now will be our most trusted seconds. That'll ensure they keep quiet about the boy's appearance should they see him. In the meantime we'll approach the child slowly and let him see that he can trust us. I don't like this anymore than you do Tyelko but if he flees now we won't find him. You've grumbled enough times about the child's ability to sneak around without being tracked by even you. This is our best option at the moment while we have limited information. If the elfling decides to approach our uncle or cousin than I will bear the brunt of our Uncle's anger as this was my idea" said Maedhros in a voice that showed solid resolve but also said "no more arguing, this is final."
"Oh yes, but please tell me beforehand when you do because I'd rather not be in the vicinity when our Uncle learns we hid the fact his 103 year old grandson waltzed right into Angband when he was only 101..." said Celegorm in what was meant to be a sarcastic tone but suddenly turned into fearful realization.
In reality they all froze as Maedhros realized that based on their own reactions to the revelation, he would most certainly be needing full-body mithril armor SOON!
"Alright, Alright we know what we're doing and we have a plan. So Kano it's on you to keep him safe and fed until we see what he does next. I'll notify you all when I find anything out and we can meet again then" said Curufin in a "please can we be done with this now" tone.
"Very well, you all can stay here tonight and leave for your territories tomorrow" said Maedhros as he sat down and finally heaved a sigh of relief.
After everyone left and nighttime had fallen, Maedhros gazed up at the moon and couldn't help but wonder if he had done the right thing. Though despite his doubts he knew one thing for certain, he was never going to let any harm come to this elfling. If the Valar, Morgoth, or anyone dared to try and take advantage of the child he would end them. No child should ever have to be weary as this child clearly was. He couldn't but help but wonder at the power this child has displayed so far and how relentless he was in trying to help them even though it should have never been their responsibility. So many questions surrounded Irissë's newfound son and he couldn't help but wonder if she ever knew about the gifts her child possessed. He sighed at that thought and drank one last sip of his wine before rising from his chair to try and nurse the migraine he now had. Tomorrow was a new day and he had a lot to prepare for the foreseeable future.
But what Maedhros Feanorian did not know and could not have perceived was that deep within the Lands of Aman that lied across across the Sundering Seas. The Valar would soon stand within the Máhanaxar in utter bafflement at how the music of Arda had changed and deliberate on what this meant for the now forever changed future of Ea.