Chapter 12
Chapter 11
Year 425 of the First Age
Loneliness, Plans and Family (Part 1)
The sun was out and the birds were chirping. The tree leaves swayed while a gentle breeze combed the ever reaching grass fields. This was Harry/Lomion's observation as he rested at the base of a tree curled against a large black stallion. Said stallion though was one of many that were either resting near him or grazing on the surrounding grass. He was alone of course as these horses only seemed to really like him in particular. They didn't seem to like other elves for some reason but had allowed him to pet them, feed them, and even ride them a bit on bare saddle. He wondered why the stable hand looked so surprised the first time he did it. Though Maglor had said he could come as often as he liked since it seemed to help keep the horses calm. He didn't object and made the place his official rest spot for his days off.
It was one of his rest days today actually. Why was he having a rest day, you ask? Simple, he got ordered into having one. Though that's getting ahead of himself. It's been 2 years now since he started living long-term at the Gap and it had been better than he thought. Yes, he did miss the convenient amenities of his tent. Though in truth he would pitch it in his room whenever he wanted to take a bath or use the other facilities. Call him spoiled but he wasn't giving up a modern restroom with flushing toilets and consistent hot water. You don't give someone a steak and expect them to eat carrots after. He had certainly earned it considering in all this time he has not been idle. After proving his skill following the first 2 months of his stay in the Gap. Maglor had tasked Lomion to working directly with Erestor as he was one of the chief smiths. Anything he needed he could ask Erestor or Maglor directly. At first he wondered why he could come directly to the territories lord but Maglor had just smiled and said he wanted everyone to feel like they could talk to him when they needed something. He had to hand it to his cousin, he really did live up to his reputation as the gentlest of Feanor's sons. Everyone at the Gap seemed to really respect him and were somehow welcoming to Lomion's work. At first he was subconsciously worried everyone would be suspicious and cautious as the smiths in Gondolin were but that fear turned out to be hogwash. Though that may have been in part due to them finding out his age. That blasted Erestor had snitched it to his assigned group and by the time Harry/Lomion noticed some of the fortress was already....ugh cooing at him. But he'd take that over Máriel's reaction to finding out his age. That elf had to be the reincarnation of Madame Pomfrey as she apparently went ballistic and eventually cornered him to endlessly lecture him on the importance of eating proper meals. She swore that for every time he neglected himself she would tie him to the bed to make sure he ate.
He certainly heeded her words for the most part given all the work he had to get done before a certain lizard decided he wanted to try roast elf. He had exactly 30 yrs left and in that time he'd managed to outfit most of the cavalry with armor and shields charmed to be resistant to flames as hot as fiendfyre. He'd also mixed in his father's techniques and fashioned most of the swords to glow blue when orcs were nearby. The armor and swords were also outfitted with unbreakable and anti-theft charms. The helmets and leather vests underneath the armors were also charmed with "muffling" and "silencio" charms designed to keep out any illusion or mental attacks, whatever the origin, should the dragon try to "jedi mind trick" anyone. That sick lizard messed with Turin and he'd be damned before he messed with him. In addition to that he had engraved several runes into the armor that were designed to instantly put up a physical defense version of "Protego" and immediately transport the wearer to the nearest friendly healing halls should they sustain a deadly injury. Those wards were for emergencies though and hopefully would only be the default if the Dragon, Balrogs, or whatever managed to breach the primary and secondary defenses.
Before the Gates of Hell Burst open he would set up three defenses:
1. A primary defense shield around Hithlum and the Sons of Feanor's territories.
2. Wards and Runes incorporated into the castles of each territory.
3. Warded armor and charmed weapons should emergency assault be necessary.
Out of all the work he'd done, the primary shield was indeed the hardest and most taxing part of this whole endeavor. The primary defense was in honor of the last minute defense put up around Hogwarts during the final battle. The barrier his teachers put up defended against most forms of magic as well as physical assault. However, the difference between then and now was that then there were several wizards to cast the spell for one location. Now, there was only one of him and while he was powerful he was still covering a range of nearly 1,000 miles. Plus he was incorporating far more spells into this barrier. Aside from the three spells "Protego Maxima", "Fianto Duri", and "Repello Inimicum." Harry/Lomion was also incorporating the "Glacius", "Aguamenti", and "Incendio" spells. The water spells would instantly hit the offending target with a Lake's worth of deluge as well as freeze the target once doused should they give off any temperature readings higher or equivalent to a candle flame. The Incendio would blaze any evil creature that stepped within the boundary and create a side order of lightly roasted orc. He'd also gone ahead and incorporated "Salvio Hexia" in case Morgoth decided to open his mouth for a cursing like he did to poor Hurin. So far, he'd managed to get the barrier to cover most of the Gap but it still only stretched halfway into Himring. He still had to work on getting it to cover all of the Feanorian territories that lead South and East towards Himlad, as the shield wouldn't work until it touched ground. It would certainly be a bonus if Celegorm and Curufin never wounded up in Nargathrond and subsequently ended up labeled "villains" once the "Silmaril" quest takes place.
Speaking of that, Harry/Lomion couldn't help but sigh. The "Silmaril" quest was already going to be a mess seeing as he would have to monitor the whole thing to make sure Elrond and Elros would still be born. Mr. Eru didn't seem too worried about it during those few moments they spoke but Lomion couldn't help but be twitchy about it. Years of Hermione's plans going awry will do that to you. For all his plans and dreams of retirement Lomion knew he couldn't save everything nor for that matter did he want to. Some things were what he called "fixed" events that just had to happen such as Gondolin's fall. Though of course the finer details could be edited. He was planning the defenses for the Sons of Feanor's territories as well as Hithlum's but not Dorthonion. There was just too much at risk if he tried to save it. Finrod would never pledge to Barahir or give the ring. Beren would never be driven to Doriath and meet Luthien. The trek to Minas Tirith would never happen if it didn't fall and the couple would never have the chance to make it to Angband to procure a "Silmaril." He wasn't too worried about the werewolves as it seems regardless of Sauron being absent there were still some running around in Angband. Another hint that somethings couldn't really be changed, besides the couple didn't necessarily need Huan in Angband. No, they mostly just needed him against Sauron and he's gone MIA so that part was mute. Plus even if another baddy ended up in charge of the tower Luthien could handle most of the drama herself.
Of course, while he couldn't save Dorthonion he could certainly make sure he got Angrod, Orodreth, and most of the people out before doomsday. Nothing some confusion and illusion spells couldn't fix or he could just spell everyone asleep and port-key them out. Normally, he'd try and send a letter but something in him told him they wouldn't listen, stubborn blonde gits. He would certainly do his best to drive them to Nargothrond since he knew Finrod would never cast them out. It hurt him to admit it but he knew without a doubt his grandfather Thingol would never allow the refugees into Doriath.....he hated that his grandfather was like that.
Especially to the mortal races. He hated the part in the book where he called Beren a "baseborn mortal." Sure he was miffed about his daughter secretly dating the guy I get it, but to say something like that when Harry/Lomion's own parents were mortal and loved their child to the point they gave up their lives. Their precious lives that weren't granted this ability to come back. He couldn't stand it and wouldn't ever forgive it if his grandfather ever said something like that should they ever meet and he found out about his previous life. He loved his parents of this life and would forever love the strong and beautiful woman that was Lily Evans and the proud but caring father that was James Potter. Neither of them were by any means perfect and had their faults but he loved them nonetheless. Mortality didn't make them weak, it made them so much stronger.
His apprehensiveness got even worse after he started talking to some of the other Sindar elves in Erestor's forge. Many leaving Doriath for similar reasons and apparently frustration at the court's fixation on Luthien's maia heritage that supposedly made her "superior."
Yeah no.
He wasn't dealing with that.
His temper might very well turn someone into a duck.
But for all his faults he wasn't going to let the elf die on account of stupid greed. No, somehow he'd have to drive them to leave Beleriand and head for Valinor. That could even help in getting those BLASTED lazy Valar here sooner. He didn't think they'd be too happy getting delivered a "fake" silmaril but a plead from one of their own might do the trick. Yes, boys the situation is actually serious if you actually got off your high horse to take a look. Ugh bugger. All the work he had to do right now was already a lot to handle. For all his preaching, there's just no way he could get the desired defenses around Dorthonion anyway. He was already preoccupied with building the defenses for two large regions.
The process was slow going though as he was limited to recasting the spells once a week and had only just began building a shield around Hithlum. He also was planning an "extra" failsafe defense for that area seeing as while the land did survive in the book. They only did so with heavy casualties, but this time he would make sure there were some unsuspecting largely stacked boulders in that part of Ard-Galen. Call it his remembrance gift in honor of a certain witch's favorite spell. Sigh, he did try asking Maglor if there were any statues around or if someone in the Gap was a good sculptor but those plans fell through. Though the good news was that he already had two large stacks already in place. So that would do for now until he made another round west. He's glad nobody noticed him using "Wingardium Leviosa" on the boulders (You sure?👀).
If all his plans went well there would be a total of two barriers up for the primary defense and spelled armors for the fall back as well as failsafe. The secondary defense on the castles though would be effective and well a little gruesome. Sadly he had to take a note from Dumbledore as the man was quite gifted in incorporating wards into stone.....and a bit sadistic in what they did. He had already finished warding the Fortress in the Gap, Himring, and Himlad. But he still needed to get the remaining 2 if he wanted to be partially satisfied. He knew he'd have to come clean to his cousins by then since the secondary defenses incorporated into the castles were designed to melt evil targets such as evil men that touched the stone or came within arms reach. Any ladders used by offending parties would instantly explode and send their carriers flying. Any arrows, stones, or flames shot at the castles would be instantly repelled and bounced right back at the original shooter. The castles would also instantly put up a "Protego" wall that could block any physical attacks equivalent to the weight of a blue whale as well as disintegrate any orcs that got within 1 mile of the castles. Of course he also spelled the castles against fire and magic based mental assaults just in case. Any attempted attacks of such nature would end with the caster getting a brain full of snapping Basilisk which is by no means a pleasant experience.
So yeah.
An explanation would be warranted.
.......considering he turned their homes into literal death traps.
Was he being paranoid?.....Probably.
But years of plans going loopy and endlessly flopped will do that!
So don't judge.
Now, was he worried about getting caught in the meantime. No, he wasn't worried about the enemy sensing it as they were designed not to be sensed by outside foes and it seems elves weren't as sensitive to sensing these things as he thought. Nobody, in the Gap seemed to notice his chanting at night (they did😅) nor noticed what wards he spelled into the castle (they noticed!🤭). So, as far as he could tell he was free to continue with his schedule.
His plan was to get this all done within the next 20 yrs. Mostly on account of the fact his famous impatience got the better of him AGAIN during the first year of casting and caused him to try and spread the primary defense shield across the Gap in a single night. Yeah, that didn't go well since by the time he had finished chanting the spells over and over again all through the night he had drained himself to the point he looked like a ghost. His attempts to hide it the next day were unsuccessful as he suddenly had a bloody nose and passed out into his plate during the morning meal. Even worse, poor Maglor happened to be sitting right next to him when that happened and once again ended up carrying him to the healing halls. Oof he was so embarrassed as the whole thing reminded him of those shows his former cousin Dudley would entertain himself with whenever Aunt Marge visited. It took him 3 days to wake up to a worried sick Maglor and a furious Máriel. He was too scared to look her in the eye for a while. Erestor was even worse considering he charged into the healing halls to rage at his absolute lack of caution. Following the incident Maglor ordered him to a week of rest and that from hence forth he was take at least a day off each week with regulated work hours. Otherwise he could kiss his forge privileges goodbye, and bloody Erestor agreed with him! He'd be guarding the forges from him like bloodhound on his days off. Of course Máriel had to be the one to verify he indeed rested and was the one who watched him like a hawk during that week of bedrest.
What was he a child?? Argh
Okay fine his recent conversation with Maglor may not have been in his favor but come on.
So hopefully, by 445 the work would be done and he could focus on taking a nice relaxing decade long break before all literal hell broke loose. Oh he knew he wouldn't be getting another break until the second age. He certainly wasn't about to just ghost everything and wake up in his tent to find himself underwater from the aftermath of the Valar's chaos dance. Plus no "Silencio" was gonna drown out THAT much noise. Yes, the spell did not filter out earthquakes. That part was not in the product description.
If he were being honest with himself a part of him also really wanted to screw over that creature he plucked the shiny death rocks from. These Ainur were supposedly beings that were made of music and good. Well he doesn't know what went wrong with that one but from what he sensed the few minutes he was near this former "Melkor" he could say with absolute certainty that whatever "good" was once there was long gone. Bloody hell him and Voldemort would have ended up best friends. And Harry/Lomion had an innate penchant for wanting to wreck the goals of any dark lords. What could he say, some quirks just stick.
He was pulled from his planning when the black stallion he was resting on decided to wake up and start nuzzling his face. "Hmmm what is it Neomíre? Are you trying to cheer me up? Hahaha that's sweet of you but I'm okay" he said as he gently pet the horses snout.
Sigh, though he says that he's not sure if he really is honestly.
Seeing as now things had irrevocably changed.
It had started about six months into his stay in the Gap. It also may have been partially the reason he got so impatient with the shield. In truth Lomion started to feel an ache in his heart whenever he saw Maglor. It was like something in him was always begging for physical attention like a pat on the head or a hug. He had felt this before with Turgon but it wasn't nearly as strong as this and it was getting stronger. It was getting harder for him because quite frankly Maglor was already so kind to him. He would always praise him and tell him not to push himself. He always made sure he ate and sometimes would move food from his plate to his! He was so touched and honestly felt better when he woke up from his long sleep to Maglor holding his hand like he knew they were family even though he didn't. Eventually he noticed that something was indeed wrong with him as he felt like his very fëa was trying to reach out to Maglor's. Every time he had to reel it in he felt like crying, as though he were doing something he shouldn't. But what could he do?? From what he remembered of his fëa touching with his mother, once you make contact you feel and know that person in an instant. If he remembers right it's part of the innate familial bond with family.
Maybe this was a consequence of him destroying his bond with Idril. Was his fëa looking for a replacement to the one he broke or the one he never built up with Turgon. Maybe he underestimated how much elves need to hold their bonds. I mean he knew elflings could die without their parents but could it be the literal lack of familial affection is what kills them??? Is that why he felt tired every time he reined in his fëa from touching Maglor? Ugh...this was a mess. Who could he even ask? Sure he could ask Maglor but what if he got suspicious or thought he was an idiot for not knowing. He was never taught any of this and he was already just starting to learn Noldor culture from Erestor. Everyone believing he was a Sindar elf certainly helped. And unlike the airheads of Gondolin, Erestor actually explained in a pace he could understand.
It certainly got worse when he thought of......
....his grandfather..AGH!
THROB!!
Bloody Hell!!!! Now every time he thought of him it's like every fiber of his being wanted to see him. But...but what if he didn't love him...what if he didn't recognize him when he saw him. He believed in innate love once and look how that turned out. Yes, the deity said he would be loved but he couldn't control the fear of disappointment. He had tried to keep busy so he wouldn't think about it and for a time it worked but only for so long before he started feeling it again. Finally, he had enough and went to seek answers from the main source.
One night he apparated out of his room as a hummingbird and appeared on the hill where he had first spoken to Mr. Eru. Indeed there were lilies and grass everywhere.....what a kind gift. Now he felt bad, this may have been a really petty or embarrassing question to most, nevermind he was asking as a bird. But he just felt in his gut he could ask them with no fear. So he tapped into his connection and again there was an answer...though this time much softer than before with a beautiful beam of moonlight shining on the little bird.
Immediately he felt warm again.
The ache had stopped.
Soft melodies were playing around him.
It felt like someone was gently holding his small form in kind hands and patting his tiny head.
Then he heard it...
"Hello again little one"
"I know what answers you seek and fear not for I shall answer"
"Sweet child the longing you feel is one all elves as young as you feel when left alone for too long"
"Another life you may have lived but who you are now is what matters"
"The Eldar were not a race meant to be alone"
"Deny not yourself that love and cause thy self undue pain"
"You strain thy fëa needlessly each time you do"
"The balm I place on your heart tonight will only ease thou for a time"
"Reach out little one and I believe you shall be surprised with how quick you find yourself beloved by those around you"
"Fear not seeking me out again dear child of twilight for I will be here when you need me"
"The future is also one you need not fear, for as I promised all will be well"
Then before the presence faded again he felt what seemed like a gentle thumb wiping where tears would have been.
And then it was over.
He sat there in the Lily patch for a while, sipping on some nectar while he gathered his thoughts. Indeed the pain had disappeared for now but like they said this was a temporary solution.
Sigh, maybe it was it was time to start planning some house calls.
About 2 weeks after his discussion with the deity, seven months into his stay at the Gap, he decided he would be making a trek to most of the brother's nearby territories starting of course with Himring. For Himring all he needed to do was change into a Saker Falcon and he'd be there within the hour if he flew at top speed. What made these trips different though was that he'd be bringing some...peace offerings. Okay, yes he did mess with them a bit and blatantly made....changes to Maedhros' person so capitulations were in order. He was making these trips as a bird to not only to get some animal affection but also to try and implement the secondary defenses into the castles. Might as well hit two birds with one stone....but not literally though because that would actually hurt. For Himring his regulated work hours were a boon since once he was done with dinner he would "turn in" and apparate out of his bedroom into the nearby forest. Then from there he would shift into a bird and fly the rest of the way. He had a note tied to his leg and in his beak he carried a "present" his red headed cousin would benefit from during the upcoming battle. Plus, it was also a peace offering for the healers he may have miffed. Ah, he could see the fortress incoming now, but he could stop for a quick break.
Harry/Lomion saw a fence post near the ground level of the back gate and made to perch on it. As soon as he perched he was just thinking how winded he was when he turned his head..........
............what the bloody hell is that?
"Hello Little bird, remember me?" said none other than that blonde healer Milya he heard swear before he bolted the last time he was here.
What does she think she's doing?........why does she have a net?
"It's okay sweet bird why don't you come here. I'm not gonna hurt you" she said with a grin that promised anything but!
Does she think I'm daft?! Lady I see that net!!
"Oh I see you have something there. I don't suppose your master is around" she said with a grin that did not belong on that face.
Sweet Cersei she's gone mad.....wait why isn't she moving?
GASP
SHE'S A DIVERSION.......YIKES!!!!
He took immediate evasive action and shot sideways. Then low and behold that elf Roitaro slammed right into the fence post. "NOOOOOOOOO Damn it!!" he heard her scream and that was his cue to make for salvation. Meaning his cousin who could hopefully defend him from these psychos! Not even a minute later he landed at the windowsill of Maedhros' office window and started tapping it like crazy. OPEN UP OPEN UP! Luckily he heard him and looked up to see him there. He couldn't very well squak with a pouch bearing the Gryffindor symbol in his beak could he. He didn't wait long as Maedhros quickly opened the window for him and Harry/Lomion took the chance to immediately perch on his desk and stretch his wings. Goodness gracious that was too close.
"Well hello there little one. Have something for me I see?" said Maedhros as he grabbed the note first while Harry/Lomion set the pouch on the desk. Before Maedhros could start reading the note he jumped and perched on his cousins shoulder.
"Oh what's this, looking for some affection are you?" said Maedhros as he smiled at him and starting stroking his chest feathers. It felt so nice, and he loved the attention so much he started cooing and leaning into his hand. He could already feel the ache starting to subside.
"Well you seem happy, I'm pleased I could help. Now let's see what your master has for me now" said his cousin as he opened the note and read it aloud.
Dear Nelyafinwe Maitimo,
I hope all has been well with you. I've sent my friend as a courier for a gift. These are some of the medicines that were used to treat yourself and the thralls that came to your brother's territories. I apologize for not sending these sooner. I'm afraid I've been busy with other matters and was limited in my time to make them. These are also a "peace offering" to the healers I may have upset. I hope you can get them to stop scaring my friend please. Also, please know that it is imperative that you use these only in dire emergencies. The pouch contains a stock supply of 100 for each potion type. The potions are listed as follows:
- Skele-grow (Limb regrowth/regrows bones)(It tastes horrible but it works)
- Renervate (Heals almost all deadly wounds/including poison & scars)
- Heart of the Lion (Heals Mental Scars)
- Burn Heal (Will cure burns even if the skin is burned off)
Instructions for their administration and detailed usage are in the pouch as well. The bottles are unbreakable and cannot be stolen so worry not for that. If a thief that is not loyal to you does try to take them.....well their hands will explode. So please bear that in mind and don't be surprised if it actually does happen. Also, please do not open the pouch in your office. Do it in the healing halls and do not try to replicate the potions. These are extremely difficult to make and if any of your healers were to try and dissect the ingredients they may very well get bit, LITERALLY.
I hope you can also look after my friend for a bit. I'll also be sending him to your brother's territories. It would seem he's especially missed your brother Celegorm.
Stay safe and give your healers my regards,
Sincerely,
A friend of the 8 pointed star and your family.
...................
...................
"hands exploding, get bit" he mumbled with wide eyes. Then his cousin turned to him and said "You know I shouldn't be surprised, yet I continue to be" in a "Are you enjoying this" tone. He only let out a soft "chirp" as Maedhros shook his head and started patting him on the head again. "Your Master truly does nothing half way. I suspect this will indeed please Milya."
Oh it better, because I won't be held responsible for pecking her if she tries that again.
He stayed with his cousin for most of the eve until it was around midnight were this still London. He made about six visits to Maedhros before the two years past and each time he felt himself connecting more with his cousin to the point he didn't feel like a cousin....more like an uncle. One time, maybe the 2nd visit, he came on the eve of one of his break days and was able to stay longer. He remembers he fell a sleep on Maedhros's shoulder while patting his head and by the time he woke up his fëa had felt significantly better. He was still on his cousins shoulder and since then he seemed to look at him with an even warmer smile.
Odd but he wasn't complaining.
It was about 9 months into his stay at the Gap when he decided to try and visit Himlad where Celegorm and Curufin lived. Funny enough Maglor had actually started patting his shoulder and that seemed to also help his aching fëa. It was a bit of a challenge getting Maglor to agree to him being gone for about two days. Actually when he first brought it up on a visit to his office, his cousin looked almost scared. It was like he thought he was never coming back or something. Though he quickly schooled his face when he told him that he had to mine and search for some minerals for his work. Maglor argued that someone could go with him but Lomion said that he'd focus better on his own. Finally, the elf sighed and agreed but said that if he didn't come back on time he'd send a search party out for him. Harry/Lomion thought he was overreacting a bit but couldn't help but be touched at the concern. It was more than he ever felt in Gondolin where Turgon never once came to his room. Odd how he seemed to think of him a bit more lately. It was like his mind couldn't help compare the actions between the two elves. So little in his life did he have family to worry about his well being like this, even if Maglor didn't know they were.
So on his first trip to Himlad he had once again prepped his potions, in his tent of course, and wrote a note addressed to the brothers. Really for the potions all he had to do was make one and then use the doubling charm "Geminio" to instantly make more. Though of course brewing just one of each of the potions was already a challenge give their.......unique ingredients. He also took the liberty of fashioning some "special" gifts for them seeing as Celegorm was starting to grow on him. What could he say the duck meat helped. He was still wary of Curufin all things considering but doubted he'd need to be nervous as a bird. So by the next morning he was off after a quick send off from Erestor and Maglor. He got just far enough to be able to change and fly straight for Himlad. It took him a little over an hour at cruising speed and as soon as he landed on a low hanging branch from an oak tree he was suddenly besieged with the sound of loud barking.
He screeched in surprise and looked down to see.......sweet cersei!!
Blimey! that was the biggest dog he'd ever seen!! This thing was bigger than Sirius's animagus!!
It was huge!!! It was a deep grey and looked about the size of a horse. It was jumping at the tree he was on and.....was it's tail wagging?
Nope, no go away shoo! I'm not your dinner you overgrown fur ball!
Suddenly, he heard a loud whistle and out of the bushes came his other cousin Celegorm, silver hair flowing in the wind. He was riding a brown stallion followed by the familiar sharp face of his brother Curufin who also rode a brown stallion. They both paused for a moment when they saw what the dog was barking at.
"Huan down! you're scaring him. Ailimbë it's alright little one. He won't hurt you. Come now, I see you have something for me" said Celegorm as he moved the horse toward the tree he was in and stretched out his arm. He hesitated for a second but jumped from his perch and landed on his cousin's arm. He took a quick moment to look.
So that was Huan. I wonder if he actually is a maia....doesn't seem like it. Then again he's never really met one.
"Hello little sneak, I don't suppose your master is running around causing some more headaches are they" said Curufin that said he was almost expecting trouble.
"Come Curvo, blame not the messenger. Besides it seems we will soon find out. I see another note and pouch tied to him this time. Alright Ailimbë this time let's see if you can keep up with us" said Celegorm with a wolf like grin as his cousin set him off into the air and started heading back at top speed with Huan close behind. Curufin just momentarily shaking their head before following as well.
Pfftt keep up, like that'll be hard.
Annnnd of course it wasn't. He was already perched at a tree by the main gate by the time they arrived. He let out a proud cry at their arrival and couldn't help but internally smirk at the look of surprise on Celegorm's face and slightly miffed one on Curufin's. Celegorm stretched out his arm again and he took the message to perch on it. His cousin then affectionately pat his head.
"Alright you win this time, I'll admit your fast. If only you weren't taken I would have happily raised you. Guess I should be happy you pay me this much attention" said Celegorm as Harry/Lomion took the liberty to playfully nip at his fingers. They then dismounted and carried him inside their fortress. Their castle was certainly different from the two elder brothers as this seemed more "rugged" while elegant. There were more furs strewn about in some parts of the inner walls and floors while other parts seemed to hold an ambiance of Gothic style architecture. Hunters and smiths walked past him and bowed their heads at their lords as they passed. Some gave him curious glances as it seems a Saker Falcon was not indigenous to middle earth. They finally made it to what seemed like Curufin's office seeing as there were only papers and forging tools laying around. Curufin sat at his desk and Celegorm sat on the couch while placing him on his lap once again and taking the note and pouch from his leg.
"Alright let's see what this young one has to tell us now" said Celegorm while he started patting Harry/Lomions feathers again. He couldn't help but fluff up his feathers at the attention. This was really helping his ache.
"I'm almost scared to hear what it says" said Curufin in a tone that screamed "if this is anymore madness I may die from stress."
Celegorm just shrugged and opened the letter to read it aloud.
Dear Turkafinwe Tyelkormo and Curufinwe Atarinke,
I hope this letter finds you both well. I know you have been made known of me by your brother Lord Maedhros and apologize that I am late in making a correspondence. I'm afraid I have been delayed with some tasks lately but hope to make up for that. I also apologize to you both for making a prompt exit with my belongings but I still must keep myself hidden for now. In the pouch are some of the medicines that were used to heal Maedhros and the former thralls that arrived at your lands. The stock supply for the potions are 100 each. They are protected against breakage and theft. Please only use these in the most DIRE circumstances as I have foreseen that they will be useful to all of you. Your brother Maedhros has already received a supply and I plan to send more to your other brothers once given time. I am currently doing what I can to make sure Morgoth cannot get past your defenses.
Please be advised that should someone disloyal to either of you ever attempt to steal them their hands will explode. So don't be alarmed or panic if that happens. It is perfectly normal, and you could always use the medicines to regrow their hands if they are repentant. I'd prefer people didn't call me mad for causing damage without a solution.
He stopped reading a moment and both looked like they'd swallowed a lemon before he started again. Did Curufin's brow just twitch? What's wrong with him?
The instructions for the potions use and administration are contained within a note in the pouch but please do not open it until you are in the healing halls. I don't think either of you would prefer your offices be flooded with 400 bottles as the pouches contents will flood out once opened.
Also, as an apology for my late correspondence and show of appreciation for showing my friend such care I have fashioned gifts for the both of you. Both are in the pouch as well. Lord Celegorm for you I have fashioned a quiver that is normal in appearance but contains up to 300 arrows. At first sight the quiver will appear to only have only 15 but will instantly restock once you pull one out. The quiver is designed to only work for you or those who share blood in the house of Finwe. To have it only work for you all you need to do is place a single drop of your blood on it. I know that may sound unsettling but I promise it is harmless. The quiver is also designed to be unbreakable and to be protected against theft. Even if a thief tried to pick it up with a stick, the stick and the hands holding the stick would explode as well.
Curufin started slamming his head against the desk....Sheesh has he finally gone daft? Well Celegorm seemed amused seeing as now he was stroking his chin. He just cooed at the attention. Ohhh this was REALLY helping his fëa.
Lord Curufin for you I was able to procure some Galvorn that was in my possession. Please do with it what you will as I feared offending you should I have tried to make something from it for you. I hope this serves in bolstering the Noldor's defenses and keeping everyone safe. Please know that my friend may be visiting you both more often as he seems especially attached to you Lord Celegorm. It seems he's been a bit lonely lately. If you would be gracious enough to host him for a night or two each time he stays I would be most grateful. I'm sorry I couldn't do this in person but I'm afraid I can't show myself to you all just yet. Please know that I do want to know you all but there is still much to do.
I hope the gifts serve you well.
P.S: Lord Curufin please do not attempt to study the marks on the quiver. The technique is quite complicated and if you were to study it I'm afraid you might turn into the first elf to look like a porcupine so please don't.
Stay Safe
Sincerely,
A friend of the 8 pointed star and your family.
They all paused and even Celegorm ceased in petting him for a moment before.....he burst out laughing. Curufin clearly looked bristled as he was clenching the arm rests of his chair and was muttering "porcupine" to himself. Well he wouldn't really turn into one but Harry/Lomion did leave a "warning" in case he did try and of course he knew he would despite the warning. Well it would be nice if he happened to be in the room when that happened. He might very well be the first bird to laugh if it did. He internally grinned like a Cheshire cat just thinking about it.
Oh the twins would have been proud.
"You know for all their humor I'm still not alright with any of this! What business does this child have putting themselves at risk like this. I worry every time I hear of another stunt!" said Curufin as he finally cooled down and groaned into his hands.
Worried?
"I know Curvo but there's nothing we can do. Nelyo said to leave it for now until our Uncle and Findekano get here. For all we know they may have contacted them by now." said Celegorm in a tone that hinted frustration at the situation. His cousin held him closer and started patting his head again.
Wait What?? Who's coming???
"They've just admitted in the letter that they share our blood and still we are helpless to stop them and help them. This is beyond maddening!! They say they are delayed with doing tasks? What does that mean? What dangers have they gotten themselves into now? Are they even eating and resting properly? For all we know they could be passed out somewhere from exhaustion. One of these days I will get my hands on the sycophant that poisoned this child's mind into thinking they need to be the one to bear all this. If they were Tyelpe's brother I'd sooner kiss an orc than see them in danger" said Curufin in the tone of a frustrated parent.
....they're worried?.....nobody's ever said that. People in this life and the last always......
Suddenly as if sensing his feelings. Huan suddenly stood from where he was laying on the floor and licked his bird face.
He saw Celegorm look down at this and humm to himself.
"I know Curvo, I know but would you still say the same after learning of whatever their parentage is. We still don't know who they are after all, and for all we know they could be Idril or Fingon's child" said Celegorm in a voice that hinted sarcasm and some seriousness.
Harry/Lomion bristled at the very idea of being Idril's child. For all he cared he never wanted to see her again or pretend she didn't exist. Sigh but she was important to the timeline and he would have to at least follow up on Tuor and Earendil at some point. But he paused those thoughts when he heard what Curufin said next.
"I'm not that petty Tyelko!! Why would I fault a child for their parents! Adults are supposed to protect the children, not the other way around! If I ever did do something that stupid, I'd actually give you the right to punch me in the face" said Curufin in a voice that clearly radiated he meant what he said.
....I thought he'd hate me because I'm Eöl's son. Right? ....that's what everyone else did.
Does he mean that? or is he just saying it?.....bugger this is so confusing.
He didn't notice Celegorm start holding him closer and he didn't notice he fell asleep.
He didn't wonder why that on his future four visits Celegorm and Curufin seemed to be giving him more affection.
He didn't notice that on the second visit when he warded the castle in the middle of the night as an elf, a pair of eyes had seen him do it right before he flew off.