The Wizarding Prince of Twilight

Chapter 13

Year 425 of the First Age

Discoveries, Truths and Comfort

Maglor Feanorian was not the most infamous of the sons of Feanor. He loved his family more than anything but contrary to his brothers who all exhibited outstanding talents for warfare and politics, one would say he was the white sheep among the black. Many said he inherited his mother's softness and that his talent lay not in strength but rather in the heart. He was no fool that sought out riches and strength. Ney he was one that sought the richness of music and kindness. His mother had named him "strong voice" as his was a voice that could calm the most wild heart and weave spells that could put the most tortured souls to sleep. Many called him a sensible and gentle elf that could gleam a solution from any situation. All would claim he was the easiest to approach and would never be fazed by any strangeness the world would conjure.

What a load of B*******

If anyone were to have met Kanafinwë Makalaurë in the last four years they would have thought he was a jittery clown prone to sudden bouts of madness as a result of no doubt smoking some type of weed! Not even his days of war here in the harsh lands of Beleriand had made him go through so many mood swings one would honestly think he'd lost his wits, nevermind almost killing a poor horse that wanted him dead as a doorknob right now! Once he came back to his senses he couldn't believe he'd actually done such a thing. Though he certainly wouldn't be alone in such accusations. No, his brothers and people would be right there behind him. There wasn't enough parchment in Arda to write down all the madness and panic attacks he'd had in the last two years. The collective cause being one elfling that seemed to enjoy breaking every law of nature the world deemed to place. This little elfling that was barely a century old had done impossible after impossible things and was still at it with no end in site. This child that was clearly powerful but also so frail hearted they veiled it from even himself. This child was their kin and was doing so much for them at the risk of himself. The last two years had not been easy on himself or his brothers. The restraint they had to exercise, the devastating information they found, and the utter heartbreak at the child's final confession at what they'd been through had caused more pain than any of that wretch Morgoth's torture could have ever done. 

And ohhhh now that they knew the cause, there would be a reckoning indeed. 

From who though was indeed the question, but he was getting ahead of himself. Right now he was watching his now heart son Maeglin, from a safe distance, laying on a great black mare under a large tree. Another oddity, considering these horses were the crossbreds that were considered too dangerous to approach as they were deemed near feral. No doubt that assessment would hold true and he would probably be trampled to death if he got too close to the herd that was now peacefully clustered around the child. He almost bit his tongue clean off when he heard from the stableman that Maeglin had actually managed to ride one of those vicious beasts and on bareback no less. No amount of wine was going to calm his nerves from all this. Though he was truly touched at how honest the child had been by the end of their discussion with his brothers. 

If he were being honest he may have been mentally comatose for some.....most of it seeing as none of it made a lick of sense.

Hahahaha well he certainly would never forget the look on Curvo's face. 

He would never admit it but he could confess that there may have been some screaming......and fainting once certain truths came to light. His poor brother Maedhros was certainly working to try and figure out how to deal with the tornado of s*** that was to be their lives should certain truths come out. They had already issued more gag orders in the last two years than was thought reasonably possible. Oh his uncle was not going to be happy when he got here and Eru save them from what he'd do once he found out what happened to Maeglin. He had no doubt his brother Curufin was currently working to break the record at how fast one could craft full-body mithril armor because they were going to need it! Their only salvation at this point from what would soon be their uncle's wrath was who he would be more furious with.

Them or his second son?

If he thought what he learned in the past two years was bad then what he had just learned, based on him and his brother's own reactions, was about to send the whole line of Finwë into hysterics worthy of history books. 

To think the pieces started to come together only a few months into Maeglin's stay.

It had started four months into Maeglin's stay at the Gap. He had already told everyone, during the time the child had fainted, to keep quiet about his appearance and any strange things they notice. He thought the enchanted bracers and swords were one thing but what he soon see would send his entire world upside down. He thought it was bad enough this child seemed to have a penchant for not caring for themselves on account of walking horse feces that dared to call themselves the childs minders but this child really was a WORKAHOLIC that didn't know when to stop. More than once Erestor and himself had to drag that child out of the forge in order to make sure he ate. Maglor had even taken to sitting next to him at meal times and sharing food with the elfling when it didn't look like he ate enough. Already following a month from meeting his brothers he had been getting endless reports from Erestor about the child enchanting their armor and placing strange marks on the inner leather vests at a speed as though it were the end of the world. They already knew he was placing some kind of enchantment that guarded against flames and cuts but now it seemed he was doing something else that couldn't even be identified. By the time Erestor had managed to sneak away one of the sets Maeglin had finished it became obvious to most of the smiths that something was VERY wrong with it.

The strange marks on the armors were radiating so much energy you'd have thought a Vala made it! (Funny you say that🤭)

At this point so many of his smiths were coming to him in the middle of the night begging him for answers as they were so curious to learn the technique themselves! He told them to keep their mouths shut as any questions would scare the child off. That seemed to quell them as they certainly didn't want to frighten Maeglin and seemed to be coming to care for him. Many had already questioned why an elfling was working for room and board when it should've already been provided unconditionally! It took a lot of time to explain the situation and many were understanding to his plight as they had seen the horrors that Beleriand could bring into people's lives. After dealing with that storm him and Erestor had finally managed to sneak a piece of the child's finished work away from him so as to try and figure out just what in Arda he had done to it!

He was no smith but being a son of Feanor left him with at least some sense of what regular weapons feel like and this was NOT normal. He could already tell these marks were meant to do something that had never been seen before. Even Erestor who was a gifted forge master couldn't figure out what they did. Dear Eru he wasn't even sure if Curufin could have figured it out. He had never seen anything like it and the energy coming off it made him too scared to even touch it. But Erestor, bless his brave fëa, actually started touching the marks and chanting some diagnostic tunes to try and ascertain their meaning. 

What happened next nearly made him faint.

Just as his friend was examining the marks, a bright light suddenly erupted from the armor that sent Maglor flying across the room. By the time he slammed into his couch and regained some of his bearings his close aid had DISAPPEARED in what looked like a puff of smoke! Where once was an elf was now no elf and in it's place a breastplate that had clanged to the floor. It still looked brand new and was showing his reflection so clearly as if it meant to tell him he was next!! 

Did he just watch his friend die????

What just happened???

WHERE WAS ERESTOR????!!

Before he could think any further on the possible disintegration of his friend he started hearing screaming coming from the healing halls.

Sweet Elbereth what now😭

He ran for the healing halls and was shocked at what he found. There screaming in the corner was Máriel and on one of the healing beds looking like he was about to throw up was Erestor who he had just seen disappear!! "What What what??" he could hear Máriel muttering in utter bafflement. 

"Erestor are you alright?? What in the void just happened???" he said as if terrified his friend was about to die right in front of him.

What in the world did that child make????!

He didn't get an immediate answer as Erestor than proceeded to actually throw up all over the floor and faint. He was only out for a few minutes and a check from Máriel confirmed that he was just extremely startled and who wouldn't be!! One of his closest friends just went from one place to another in an instant because of a piece of metal his elfling cousin made???!! It didn't take a genius to figure out that Erestor wasn't trying that again and neither of them even dared to move the piece that was currently on the floor in his office until his brother Curufin got here. By the time he'd sent out a rider to the Pass of Aglon and his brother was here. Maglor had ensured that Maeglin was fast asleep with Erestor keeping watch of his door should he wake. 

"Let me see if I understand this right. Erestor was trying to analyze the marks on this thing and suddenly disappeared from here right into the healing halls while you took a flying lesson? You do know this sounds utterly mad right" his brother Curufin said as they approached the breastplate that still lay on the floor for the past three days. 

"Yes, Curvo I know it does but do you think I would've called you here if this wasn't serious. For Eru's sake Curvo this is Maeglin we're talking about. Nothing makes sense when that child is involved!" he said in an absolutely frantic voice that screamed "Please just help me before something else happens!"

"Alright alright calm down. Let me see it and then we can panic" his brother said as he walked to the armor and started examining it. Everything looked fine until his brother started feeling the marks when he suddenly gasped and then........

FLASH 

POP

The light appeared again but this time he jumped out of the way and was able to see that what had caused him to fly before was actually some kind of light bubble that now surrounded the breastplate. The same breastplate that once again clanged to the floor where his little brother had once stood! AGAIN!!!! it looked like he had disappeared in a puff of smoke. As if the universe loved making his life difficult, he heard Máriel scream again and ran for the healing halls where the same scene replayed but this time with one different victim. His brother Curvo was now on of the healing beds looking utterly gobsmacked!.....was he grinning??!!!

"Curvo!!! Are you alright???!" he screamed as he rushed for his brother.

"What in Aulë's hairy toe was that??!" Curufin said in utter bafflement but then almost started laughing with a mad gleam in his eye. 

"You tell me!!! This is what happened last time! but this time I saw what pushed me back. It was some kind of circular bubble that appeared where you stood. Curvo what is this?" he said in desperation that screamed "Please tell me you have an answer because I'm not doing this again."

"Oh...I think I know what that armor does now and I'm sorry to tell you Kano but this may happen more often than you think. Pffftttt HAHAHAHA that elfling is a genius!!! I wouldn't be surprised if Aulë showed up to try and kidnap this little balrog"(he wants to😏) his brother said in a humorous tone as though he found something funny about all this.

Both of them completely missing Máriel's look of horror at the idea of this becoming a routine thing.

Long story short the trio came to the conclusion that Maeglin had somehow created a magic that could take you straight to the healing halls should something happen that warranted that light shield coming up. Of course they found that there were more enchantments in the armor and leather vests but they didn't bother to investigate or mess with it. One near heart attack was enough for one night and they didn't want to risk someone actually dying from the attempt! They would just have to trust that Maeglin knew what he was doing as it seemed all the magic was meant for defense but defense from what none of them could guess. Though his brother did warn him to absolutely let no dwarves go near that stuff because he knew they wouldn't be as patient as them.  

Now, once his brother left and he had some time to calm down from his bout of sheer panic. 

Yes, yes think about this logically. 

This was actually a good thing. 

A magic that could get people to a healer instantly was a blessing. 

A good idea really....the method of transport may not be quite orthodox but nothing about this child was. 

Yes, yes it was fine.

People can stay quiet about armor. 

It's not like it can get any stranger right?

....Right?😳

Oh but if he only he knew that this would be only the beginning of the strangeness

It was nearly six months into Maeglin's stay at the Gap when he decided enchanting armor wasn't enough. No, the child decided he would do something that would send the whole fortress including himself into a panic! Now, it wasn't necessarily the stunt the child pulled that caused the panic........okay yes it was a big part but still. No, it was what it implied and Maglor didn't like it one bit because if it was indeed what he thought than they were really about to have a headache on their hands. It was the middle of the night and Maeglin had excused himself after the evening meal. Everything seemed fine....well as fine as could be expected after issuing a gag order on any questions pertaining to Maeglin's death armor and forbidding anyone analyze it for their own safety and Máriel's sanity. 

He was just about to turn in when Tarion suddenly came bursting through the door looking utterly panicked.

Oh Gods what has Maeglin done now?

"My Lord there are strange lights coming from the forest and they seem to be forming some kind of.....barrier?" said Tarion in a panicked voice that said he didn't even believe what he was saying.

Strange lights?...wait....BARRIER???!!!

Maglor ran straight for Maeglin's room and low and behold he wasn't there. 

How did he get out???

Maglor didn't have time to think as he ran for the nearest balcony and indeed saw what Tarion was talking about. There in the forest rising into the sky was a stream of consecutive lights that seemed to be converging into something above the Gap. Maglor couldn't tell what enchantments this supposed barrier held but he could definitely tell that this one was indeed meant to be offensive! But not against elves though. No, as a user of songs of power himself he could tell that this magic was meant to be completely unseen by the enemy and even to most elves. However, the reason they could probably sense this was because it was so powerful! He had seen the Girdle of Melian from a distance and that didn't even compare to this! If what he was sensing was true this power might very well be strong enough to take out a Balrog or more! But how? Why was the child doing this?? Wait....how is he even able to do this? The only one in all of Beleriand that he knows is capable of doing this is.....

His thoughts were interrupted when the lights suddenly stopped and the spread of this supposed barrier was halted. It was still certainly there but it was no longer spreading nor did it seem to be activated. That was when Tarion found him.

"My lord the fortress is in a panic. Many are asking if we should send out riders to investigate the source of those lights" said Tarion in a nervous voice that clearly showed he was freaking from all this.

"Tarion I think I know where those lights came from but you must tell everyone not to speak of it. Do you understand me not a word. Just know that this is indeed nothing offensive against us. If anything it may be so much an unbelievable gift that I fear the cost to the giver" he said in a voice that brokered no argument but deep down held a tinge of fear at what this could mean.

"My Lord is this....does this have something to do with the young prince?" said Tarion as he almost inaudibly whispered the last part. Maglor had made it clear that no anyone was allowed to discuss the boy's most likely status as it seemed he was trying to hide for someone reason. But that didn't stop anyone with half a brain from silently taking one look at the child and seeing the resemblance to the high King. If anything this charade was getting everyone worried sick for that child.

"Speak nothing of this Tarion. Just trust me for now and let's see what happens. I will handle anything that follows" said Maglor in the stern tone of a lord that would hear nothing else even if inside he was on the verge of having a heart attack.

It couldn't be and if it is what could this do to that child. Melian could make an almost instant one if he remembered the legends right. If he truly is what he thinks he is than why was this one halted.

His fears would be bolstered soon enough as this trend would repeat almost every night for the next month. It was like a repetitive cycle. Maeglin would excuse himself from the evening meal and than go to his room to await nightfall. Honestly, did this child think he wouldn't notice this? Than once it was late enough he would somehow disappear from his room without ever seemingly leaving it through the door. He would know because Tarion and some of his other seconds were always waiting in hiding to see how the child was getting out! But there was no sign whatsoever!! It was quite maddening to his seconds and himself. Was there any end to this child's gifts?!(No🤣). But anyway, everytime the child disappeared the strange lights would start again in their sequence and each time it did, this "barrier" would grow in size and spread further across the Gap. The lights would last no longer than a few moments though and it would also cause the spread to cease. After a near month of this madness Maglor was able to gleam some facts. The child was trying to create some sort of barrier around the Gap and could not do it all at once. He could only do it for a time before he had to stop and each time he did the barrier would spread even further. By the time the month was nearly up everyone in the Gap had pretty much realized that it was in fact their newest unnamed prince that was doing this because who else could it be! Enchanted armor was one thing but this! They didn't even want to know what this one did. For all anyone knew it would set things on fire! 👀. 

Eventually there would be even more worries since a little after Maeglin started this game. Erestor started coming to him saying that the child had started going quiet and was seemingly sluggish by the near end of the day in the forge. Whenever he would try and ask the child if he was alright Maeglin would just say he was thinking or tired. 

Oh Elbereth he knew it!

This endeavor was exhausting the child! 

If Maeglin really was part.....oh dear he couldn't even say it because the implications would surely cause Nelyo to have his bouts of fainting again! They'd all barely recovered after finding out the child's age when he recovered the Silmarills. Thank Eru they never saw his own reaction to the revelation because he was NOT proud of it. The moment he'd found out he immediately ran into the forest and started screaming so loud the mountains not only shook but he was soon surrounded by dead rabbits and squirrels that died from the sheer volume of his high pitched screams! Now he really felt like a killer of poor animals😰. He was a lover not a fighter!

He'd taken to playing his Harp more frequently to try and calm his nerves. He'd also ensured that he would sit right next to Maeglin at meal times and assess the state of his health. Erestor wasn't wrong the boy did indeed look tired and quite frankly frustrated at something. Was he angry he couldn't complete the barrier? 

Though his questions would soon be answered as it seemed the child's apparent impatience took over. He had seemed especially frustrated that day and Maglor noticed. He had headed for his room no doubt to enlarge the barrier again, but this time the lights weren't stopping at the regular times. No, it seems the child had decided to try and keep the lights going ALL NIGHT!!!

Maglor noticed

Erestor noticed

The whole Gap noticed!!!!

Who wouldn't! The seeming lights that were steadily growing the barrier now seemed to have grown the thing to cover nearly half the Gap in a single stroke! Now, everyone was really feeling the power coming off that thing. He pitied whoever this magic was targeted at because they would be most certainly dead should it become active! 

What is that child thinking??!! 

Maglor wanted nothing more than to run out there and grab the child's collar to get him to stop. But he didn't know if interfering with the spell could possibly hurt him. His patience ran out! He sent Tarion out with a letter that same night to Maedhros begging for help on what to do. But he soon saw that he was hasty because the situation was about to get worse. 

By the time the next morning came and Maeglin came down for breakfast. Everyone in the hall nearly dropped their forks. The poor child looked as pale as a sheet! Maglor could barely contain himself as the child shakily sat next to him at the table no doubt failing in trying to act normal. But what happened next almost made his heart shatter. Just as the elfling was about to take a bite of his food his nose suddenly started bleeding😱!!! Everyone screamed when the child then proceeded to pass out right into his plate.

It was sheer panic. 

Especially for him. 

So he did what any parent would do, he carefully grabbed the child and ran him to the healing halls like a mad man. He'd never forget the look of panic on Máriel's face that day and the look of rage when she discovered this was caused by severe exhaustion. By the time the day was up she was on an endless rant of how the child could be so reckless. She even decided to tear into him a bit at how he could be so stupid to allow the child to act this way. He didn't stop her. If there was one thing he knew it was that you never argued with an angry healer. NEVER! It wasn't a battle you would ever win. So as she continued on Maglor watched the pale faced sleeping child lying in the bed. The blood cleaned off his face and the pillows elevated in case it started again. Maglor let out a sorrowful sigh. He couldn't believe this happened. The whole Gap couldn't as they nearly stormed the healing halls to gain some knowledge of the child's condition. It took Máriel nearly threatening them with a spear to get them to leave after she told them he just needed complete bed rest.

It was at this thought that he then reached for the child's smaller hand. He wanted to try and let the child know in some way that he wasn't alone. 

He could never have imagined what happened next.

When Maglor Feanorian touched that small child's hand he felt a small but POWERFUL fëa reach for his own with the desperation of a starving man. 

He had tears running down his face instantly. 

For he knew what such a response meant. 

The act was desperate and was akin to a miserable puppy begging for attention. 

This was so much worse than what he imagined. 

As he tightened his hand on the child's and let the little one's fëa touch his own through their familial bond he came to a realization that was too horrid to register. 

This child, his little cousin, who had touched his heart was completely love-starved. 

The child was showing the first signs of fëa sickness. 

It need not be said but he completely panicked and immediately sent out another rider to Maedhros once Máriel had confirmed his suspicions. He begged Maedhros to immediately come for a secret meeting and that it was extremely urgent. How could this be happening?

Fëa sickness was an ailment unique to the eldar and only happened when an elfling was left without the affection and unconditional love needed to feed their Fëa. While it was not common in Valinor it indeed was in the harsh lands of Beleriand where elves died from orc attacks. This was one of many reasons that eldar children usually stuck with their parents or relatives till they were over 500 years old. The bond between relatives and parents was just too precious to give up. Even if there were no relatives any elf would have gladly formed an adoption bond that would subsequently feed the child's fëa and give it the nourishment it would most certainly need to survive. It was a part of their nature and every elf should know this. So how???!! How is there a young elf before him right now that is suffering from this horrid affliction!! When he should have been cherished for the gem that he is! If anything Maglor could clearly see there was a deep pain from where a bond had actually been severed!! This child's fëa  looked like it hadn't been fed since he was....80????!!

How How How How How.......HOW?

How could anyone be this STUPID and CARELESS with an elfling that was clearly crying out for help! Was it the wretches that called themselves this child's minders?? Who was he kidding, of course it was! Maglor Feanorian swore in that moment as he held the child's hand that when he got his hands on the wretches that did this he was going to tear their limbs off! 

He could already tell from the immediate touch of Maeglin's fëa that this was not a recent occurrence. No, this had been going on for a while and somehow he was still alive. Such prolonged lack of love and nourishment would have surely killed any other elfling but somehow he was only now showing the early stages. The fact that Maeglin had immediately jumped his fëa in his sleep meant that he didn't mean to do this and was subconsciously searching for the nearest source of affection he could find.

This was heartbreaking!

How did this happen?

Of course he let the child feed off his fëa. Eru he was more than happy to do it but there was only so much he could do while the child was asleep. Contrary to if awake, Maglor actually could not discern the specifics of what had caused this to happen. No, because Maeglin was asleep and deeply suppressing his thoughts he could only cleave that he had been mistreated by others and this caused him to become love-starved and scared to even seek it. Maglor could also tell that Maeglin had a DEEP incomprehensible fear of being hated by his blood relatives. For what reason he couldn't even begin to guess but something must have certainly happened for him to be like this. It was starting to make sense now why he was so scared to see his grandfather or uncle. The poor boy was terrified that they would hate him for some reason.

But that was utterly ridiculous! 

Maglor knew without question that his uncle and cousin would smother this child with affection.

Regardless of anything!

He was Aredhel's son for goodness sake!!

Dear Eru, they were going to go on a rampage when they found out about this. 

Him and his brothers were going to on a rampage once they figured this out!

This was beyond unforgivable!

HE WAS GOING TO BREAK THAT SCUM'S NECK!!

Kinslaying be damned!

(Oh Turgon you better run..)

This was no longer a joke. The poor child's health was now at risk. He could actually get sick and die from this if this wasn't immediately addressed. What he was giving Maeglin now was the equivalent of giving a withered plant it's first drops of water but it still wouldn't be enough seeing as this was their first feeding. Their bond may have slightly strengthened with this contact but it still wasn't enough compared to a parent. Oh Elbereth what was he going to do? Could they even keep up this charade? And even if they decided to end it, with the way Maeglin is he may very well flee and make the situation worse. It was in that moment that Kanafinwë Makalaurë REALLY took a look at the tiny fëa that was latching onto him like a kitten begging to be pet and oh goodness he couldn't believe it. As horrid as it was he was starting to get an idea of how he may have possibly.....fought Morgoth and won. This child's fëa was radiating an energy that may very well be as strong as a Vala! This was not a normal elven fëa by any means. He didn't even think that the half-maia Luthien radiated THIS much energy. This fëa was certainly young but there was something else. It's like the age of the fëa didn't match the hroa. But how could that be? Every time they came close to an answer on one mystery it seemed another always took it's place. It was no wonder Maeglin was able to avoid them so easily. If what Maglor was feeling from this child was right then this love-starved gwining might very well be capable of send the Valar running for their lives if he got mad (oh they know😅). He shivered at the very idea but despite that, in the moment all he could care about was trying to feed Maeglin what he needed before he woke up. Ugh...which didn't seem for a while since even with the limited information, he could tell the little one was exhausted. This would honestly be adorable if it weren't so nerve wracking. 

Before he even knew it the sun had already set and he was still in the healing halls gently holding the little one's hand. It was late in the evening when he finally heard word that his brother Maedhros was here at last. As much as he hated it he had to leave Maeglin for a little bit, just as well with the timing seeing as the little one seemed to stop feeding off him for now. He was almost upset to leave him alone now that he truly knew this little one was not as "old enough" as he so continuously claimed. Good grief children...

That was his last thought as gently placed Maeglin's hand back down and gently pulled up the covers to cover him more as he said "Rest well Pitya, I'll be back soon I promise." Before leaving he made Máriel swear that she would immediately find him if there was any change in the child's condition. Then he was off and heading for his office where he found his eldest sibling waiting for him with a grimace on his face. 

"What happened Kano? Your messengers were absolutely frantic saying something about barriers and Maeglin fainting?" said Maedhros in a very worried tone.

"Nelyo I'm not going to mince words and quite frankly I don't think words will even do this justice so please just see and feel for yourself what I've just learned. Because this....this is very serious" he said as looked into his brothers eyes with an intensity he knew he didn't usually have. His brother said no more as they both reached for each others bonds and Maglor showed him everything he had just learned. 

What happened next wasn't all that surprising. 

As soon as Maglor showed him everything his brother's eyes had gone buck wide and he started shaking in no doubt a rage that would have made their father proud. His brother than proceeded to punch the nearest wall with such force that it actually left a hole in it. The chair that he went to grab in an attempt to ground himself exploded from the sheer force of his grip. His brother was furious, his brother was no doubt about to go on a witch hunt and he would happily join him. 

"How dare...Who.....I WILL........" his brother said in rage filled mutterings that would have sent a Balrog fleeing. 

"Nelyo we need information and we need it now. This is no longer a game. Nevermind the child's magic, we are now dealing with a crime that is very well unheard of. I'm no saint and we have sinned but this....this is evil. I've heard of the shameless mutterings that Atar suffered in his youth but this is downright maliciousness an elfling should have never suffered. Our father had Haru to protect him but it would seem this child had no one. One of his bond's was broken Nelyo and not by death! I never even thought such a thing possible. This can't go on Nelyo that child's fëa is seeking help in his SLEEP. This is unheard of. As you've seen he's obviously powerful but he's still just a child. We need to do something and we need to do it NOW. Have you heard anything from Curvo? Please tell me he's found something" said Maglor in a tone of icy seriousness. 

"Huff huff.....he said he did but he's confirming with the dwarves of Belegost before making any final assessments. He's trying to be careful so that Doriath doesn't learn we've been asking questions about a Sindar elf. I don't know why but that's what Curvo said. He said that he'd have finalized his information by the end of the year" said his brother that exhumed worry at this whole mess after finishing his bout of rage release. 

"That's another six months away Nelyo. What am I supposed to do in the meantime?" he said in desperation that screamed "I need something."

"Slow him down, force him to rest and keep him from overexerting himself. Try to sneak in physical touches as best you can without seeming suspicious. You showed me in your thoughts yourself. If we scare him off we'll never find him. We can't stop him but we can grow his trust in us to where he won't be scared when he's caught. You and I both know he'll hit a breaking point now that he's tasted affection. I'll warn all our brother's pf the situation and tell them to watch out for any instance the boy may seek them out somehow" said Nelyo in an almost planning tone that stemmed from pure care. 

Oh he knew his brother was right. He knew he was right because Maglor knew that once you strengthened a bond with one of your family members you would instinctively want to always go back to them. It was almost akin to ducklings imprinting and following their parents everywhere. It was a big reason why Maedhros and Fingon were so close even as cousins. It was because they had strengthened their bonds to that of brothers when they were younger. Their father might not have been very happy about it but he never outright opposed it. 

"What do you mean seek out our brothers? How would he do that?" he said in confusion as he tilted his head. 

"From what you've showed me, I have a feeling there is far more to this elfling that we've initially gleamed" said his brother that hinted he might have a suspicion he knew not of. 

"Fine keep your secrets but we reconvene in your office once the year is up" he said and watch as Maedhros nodded his head and left. 

If he thought what he was facing now was bad.

Then he was in for a world of surprise. 

By the time Maeglin's first year in the Gap had ended Maglor had indeed become the equivalent of a jittery mess that couldn't even touch his harp strings without twitching. Now, he completely understood why his brother had become....unhinged as of late considering the most recent letter he got.

Following the few weeks Maeglin regained consciousness it seemed the elfling was indeed improving as he now rested and ate more. Every time Maglor touched his shoulder and tried to sneak in a "treat" feed as he called it, he could tell that the elflings fëa was not so much better but more stable than it was initially. In a surprise twist the former thralls that Maeglin unknowingly rescued had taken to following him and taking on work that had the potential to strain the elfling. Although of course they couldn't do anything about the barrier he was STILL building around the Gap, but at the very least his measures seemed to ensure the elfling could only really do it once a week. They would socialize with him and make every attempt to make him feel happy. They knew this was their little savior and they were fully committed to making their gratitude known even if he didn't know it yet. 

Of course said little elfling decided to pull another stunt that would send his and all his brothers heads spinning into the allfather's arms for some mercy. It was about 8 months into Maeglin's stay in the Gap when his brother decided to bomb his office with a frantic need for assistance. Apparently their little chaos child had done something again! But this time they'd really outdone themselves as according to his brother. The little balrog had apparently carved some kind of runes into the cellar of the fortress in Himring that gave off an aura so intense it terrified every resident of the fortress right out of their skin. Scaring seasoned Feanorian warriors was one thing but terrifying them to the point they weren't even willing to sleep in the fortress all together was just another matter entirely. 

How did that little s*** even get into the cellar???

It took a month of sleeping in the woods to convince everyone to come back inside once Maedhros proved whatever was done wasn't going to kill them. 

Oh no.

But it would kill something as they'd soon find out. 

He had been visiting his brother in Himring when it happened. Roitaro decided to take an orc prisoner for interrogation when the oddest thing in the history of the eldar happened. One moment there was an orc and the next. 

BOOM!! 

Everyone screamed as the orc suddenly combusted into flames and turned to LITERAL dust!! All that was left were the chains used to hold the creature. Needless to say everyone panicked and both him and his brother were left to try and calm down the madness seeing as they knew who was behind this. He didn't know how much more of this he could take😫. Please Eru, someone, stop this mad child!!

What in Eru Illuvatar's mercy had Irissë's spawn come up with now???!!!

Where in the void did he even learn any of this??!! 

And where can he PUNCH them in the face??!

That wasn't the last time either as they tried again to bring an orc prisoner and the same thing happened AGAIN! Once the beast got within a certain distance of the fortress it erupted into flames and turned to dust. At this point no one even tried anymore and just started bringing orcs in for fun! It was more than sadistic but he felt no pity for orcs! And apparently Himring wasn't the only one affected. Once the end of the year was approaching reports started coming in that the same thing started happening once the boy's falcon had apparently visited Himlad a few times after initially delivering "gifts". What gifts? In any case orcs started turning to dust as soon as they got within a certain distance of the fortress. And that wasn't all, apparently Tyelko, in all his brilliance, attempted to goad an orc towards the fortress and it resulted in the creature firing an arrow at him. Said arrow never even reached his brother as the thing suddenly disappeared and reappeared heading right for the orc that fired it! The thing was dead as soon as the arrow hit it's head. 

Curvo apparently lost it and decided to search the fortress for where the little minx could have possibly placed the marks and of course they found it in the cellar and on the outer walls! His brother didn't dare mess with them given what happened last time but he knew enough to tell what they'd seen wasn't the only thing they were meant to do. Oh no there was more and they were almost scared to find out.

Stars above how was he doing this?? Dear Eru he was going to cry if this didn't stop!

What kind of future could he have seen that warranted him turning their homes into death traps?! Contrary to the elves in Himring, Tyelko's hunters started having fun with it. "Orc popping" they would call it since they considered the manner of the orcs death to how a flame popped when agitated. They also found it convenient that they didn't have to burn orcs anymore seeing as they turned to dust upon their death. At one point he decided to visit the pass to see for himself and upon his arrival he heard a howling scream that came from none other than the forge where his brother Curvo worked. He didn't even need a prompt as he raced for the forge and almost slammed into his 3rd youngest brother when they got there. Upon their arrival Maglor kicked the door open and was met with a sight he would never forget till the end of his days. 

Standing there holding what looked like a quiver was his 6th youngest brother and he was....blue??? Was his skin blue??? And was that....no....was that a beard???? 

There standing before two of the sons of Feanor was their younger brother sporting blue skin and a white beard. Before they could even blink a note suddenly appeared out of nowhere and flew into Tyelko's hand that said 

Dear Curufinwe Atarinke,

I had a feeling you would ignore my advice so consider this my little "warning." When someone tells you not to touch something it probably means you shouldn't. I do care for you but sometimes I just can't help myself. I hope you're not too mad at me. Please know that your new look will only last about 5 days.

Sorry this had to happen but I can be a little....mischievous when provoked. 

Sincerely,

A friend to the House of Feanor and your family. 

Both their jaws dropped and Curufin stayed petrified while muttering "five days.. five day..." like his brain just broke. It took but a moment but then they both erupted into loud bouts of laughter that caused Tyelko to collapse to the ground while clutching his stomach. Maglor could barely stay on his feet at the utter insanity of all this! This child was fearless that was for sure. But before he could think further his now blue brother shouted at the top of his lungs.

"THAT...THAT THAT LITTLE BRAT!!!!"

"AHHHHHHH"

Long story short they both had to tackle him to the ground to stop him from going after the elfling and downright ordering him to fix him. He did calm down eventually after Tyelko told him he shouldn't have been dumb enough to fall for a child's prank. Curvo also took the liberty of threatening to murder everyone should they ever speak of this incident again. Tyelpe did catch a glimpse of the whole thing and laughed so hard his father couldn't help but calm down a bit. It had been a long time since Maglor's nephew laughed like that so in a way it was a good thing. If anything now his nephew really wanted to meet this gifted cousin of theirs. Hopefully he would by the time their uncle got here. 

His next visit to the Pass would also yield some new information by the time Curvo looked like himself again. Two weeks following the incident and two months before they were all set to meet he visited the pass again and received some rather shocking information when he entered Curvo's office. Both Tyelko and Curvo had started telling him that now their cousin was sending each of them "gifts" to be used sometime in the near future. The quiver had actually been a gift from the child along with some Galvorn for Curvo. Magic aside that mineral was extremely rare. Where in the world did he get it? Though what his brother said next would certainly explain Maeglin's continued stable health. 

"He's the falcon Kano" said Tyelko in a tone that screamed "yup you heard me right."

His eyes went completely wide and he just muttered a dumb sounding. 

"What...what?"

"The falcon is Maeglin Kano. Huan saw him change into it on his second visit here when he decided our home needed some new 'accessories'. But you remember how you and Nelyo warned us about his fea sickness. Well guess what he fed off me during his first visit after he fell asleep as a bird. He also did the same to Nelyo more than once when he visited after delivering those "medicines or potions" as he calls them. He's done it everytime he's visited. That's how he's been kept stable but he truly believes we haven't noticed him doing it. Well to be fair he probably doesn't even know he's doing it" said Celegorm in a  voice that sounded sad and concerned. 

"He didn't just feed off you, you know. He also fed off me when I held him around his 3rd visit" said Curufin in a tone that said "you didn't get to hog him all to yourself."

"You mean he fed off you after you grabbed him from me while he was asleep. I don't think that really counts but whatever helps you sleep at night little brother" said Celegorm in a way that basically said "Oh please you were just jealous he likes me more."

"The point is he's still doing that and now we've basically confirmed he's got maiaran abilities. The problem is we still don't know why he's doing this but at some point him feeding off us like this won't be enough. He's getting more desperate for affection but he's suppressing it. He's been pulling his fea away from you lately hasn't he?" said Curvo in a voice that housed utter concern for this elfling despite his mischievous streak. 

"I can't deny it. I've felt his fea reach for mine on numerous occasions but he pulls away thinking I won't notice. He truly does not want us to know anything but now it is risking his health" he said in woeful sorrow at this whole situation. 

"Yes, and we didn't gleam as much information as you when he fed off us. I know you only told Nelyo what you saw the first time he did it and that's fine for now. We can discuss it when we all meet. But we did learn something that I will discuss at the next meeting. I think I may have an idea of who hurt this child and it's not good. But again for another time, but in the meantime Kano be aware that if that bird shows up. It's him and he's looking for attention so give it to him without making him think you know. We've yet had the chance to tell Caranthir and the twins. In addition try to see if you can somehow mention our uncle and Fingon. It might drive him to try and meet them. Also dear toron...beware his medicines. It seems he likes to be dramatic in keeping them from being stolen. His magic does in fact work when we tested it on a foolish orc we tricked into trying to take a bottle. Pfftt hahaha I never thought I'd see the day when an orc's hands exploded. Hahahahahaa" his brother Curvo said with a wolfish grin and proceeded to laugh as though he were unhinged. Tyelko soon joining him in the theatrics. 

Aside from the horror at exploding hands, Maglor patiently awaited till the day arrived for the meeting he'd been holding his breath for.

Finally the day arrived and they were all set to meet in Himring. He had told Maeglin that he would be gone for a routine hunt with his brothers and that he would be back within the week. The child simply nodded his headed and told him to stay safe, completely ignorant that he would in fact be the main subject of their upcoming meeting. So far the child seemed stable and yet to grace him as a falcon but he had indeed continued his work on the armor and the barrier. Luckily, both seeming not to drain him as badly as before. Sigh....he knew this was going to be a long meeting.

As he rode up to his brother's castle he could see his brothers coming up along the paths. As he greeted them they all made their way to Maedhros's office to discuss what Curvo had learned. With any luck his brother thought bring more Dorthonion wine. He knew he was running low but having at least one bottle available couldn't hurt. And bless his brothers mind for there was indeed two bottles at the ready. His brother was always so smart. Curvo was the last to arrive as they all took their seats and waited for what most certainly be bad news.

"Well don't you all look cheery" said Curufin in a sarcastic tone that screamed "okay I know this isn't good but come on, you're not making it any better."

"Oh I'm sorry Curvo I didn't know it was a requirement to smile when being given what is most assuredly bad news" said Caranthir as he gave the fakest smile imaginable just to prove a point.

"Alright enough Curvo, please tell us what you've found so I can chug this bottle already" said Maedhros in a way that really sounded like "just say it, let me get drunk, then deal with it."

"Alright, alright so here it is. So after we all last met I traveled to the dwarves of Belegost and asked them if they knew any dwarf friends who had a young son that hadn't been by in a long time. It was not easy Nelyo. The dwarfs are very secretive and quiet about who they call their friends but luckily one dwarf Darti pulled me aside and told me that the lord of Nan-Elmoth Eöl had a young son that hadn't been around in over 50 years. I'm telling you all now, I did not like that elf one bit but he was an unbelievably talented smith. He's actually the first elf to use Galvorn and in fact craft black swords. That was one thing that made me suspect but guess what all the dwarves said his son's name is in fact Maeglin! There you have it. I know you don't like it Tyelko but it seems our dear Irissë really did have odd taste in ners. It's Eöl that's Maeglin's father and Nan-Elmoth is most likely where he grew up and where Irissë must have been for a while after she left us" said Curufin as though he told a big secret.

"So if Eöl was his father than what does that tell us about how he's able to do any of this. I've heard he's kin to Thingol but still, if they're just friends..." said Maedhros in a voice that told everyone he had a bad feeling about this. 

Curufin squirmed a bit in his chair before he took a big breath.

"Yes....so Nelyo that's the thing. It would seem Eöl was not just 'kin' to Thingol. Umm.....it would seem......he's Thingol's first born son with Melian.....hahaha so yes Irissë married the first prince of Doriath" he said and quickly closed his eyes for what was about to happen. 

They all paused and let it sink in.....

.............

.............

......oh s***

That was when he saw his eldest brother and Caranthir turn completely red and start giggling in hysterical fits at what this meant. Maeglin was a prince of both Doriath and the Noldor. Oh Elu Thingol had no clue his son married the Noldor's princess. This would kill him! Or them considering they were now hiding said Prince!! Great it was gonna be two grandfathers that would stick their heads on PIKES!! Oh Eru they were so dead. Then suddenly Maedhros spoke as he started filling up his wine glass.

"Prince?....He's the prince?....the first prince???....did I hear that right? And we have his son here? Doriath's only heir???!" said Maedhros in a voice that begged "tell me you're lying or that I heard that wrong PLEASE!"

"Haha yes you heard me right he's the prince but it would seem he wasn't very favored. He only really spoke to Darti about it but it would seem Melian wasn't affectionate with him growing up and instead spoiled Luthien due to her showing more power than her brother. We've all seen how courts can get so this inevitably led to him resenting Doriath, Melian, Thingol, and his sister altogether. He left Doriath long before we landed in Beleriand. How in Arda him and Irissë became a thing I'll never know, but it would seem Eöl never told Thingol about Maeglin or even that he married. Darti told me that his last visit to Doriath would have been when Maeglin was around 55 and it ended on a very bad note. Apparently he got into a massive argument with Thingol and Melian about trying to extend the Girdle to Nan-Elmoth or to at least allow elves not born in Doriath to live in the forests of Neldoreth. They rejected him saying they couldn't risk letting outsiders in and if he was worried about Nan-Elmoth than he could just move back in. As you can imagine he didn't take that very well and exploded in their faces. He left after that and never came back" said Curufin as he started rubbing his forehead in exasperation. 

That was when something clicked in Maglor's head.

"Wait if he was asking to extend the Girdle then?" he said in realization.

"Yes, for all that he can be an a** sometimes, it would seem he was trying to get some more protection for Irissë and their son without telling them about him. But, they said no and according to Darti he started getting erratic. He stopped bringing Maeglin to the dwarves when he was around 60 and started muttering about him being untrustworthy about being let out of Nan-Elmoth. I don't know what happened but it seems Irissë wanted to leave but he didn't like that and it became a big issue between them. The last time I saw him was when he was actually trying to follow his wife and son that he said had run away from him. If I'm right Nelyo than Maeglin would have been around 80. Nelyo I think Irissë might have made it to Gondolin with Maeglin as that's the only other place she would have gone. It was probably the only place she thought Eöl wouldn't be able to find. Nelyo when I met him I had a vision that foretold his death should he go....I don't know the specifics of how he died but I know it has something to do with Gondolin" said Curufin in a way that said there was more to this and that it was most most likely not good. 

"There's more actually. We didn't have a chance to tell the rest of you but at this point we know for sure that the child has maia blood running through his veins. That would explain some of his abilities including this one. He's the falcon that's been visiting us, delivering the messages, and playing all these fun tricks on us. That's how the little sneak was able to know where his things were that first time we caught him. We practically told him to his face! I could sense that bird was thinking of mischief but I never imagined it was actually an elf I was trying to talk to! It's no wonder I couldn't communicate with him. He completely played us, especially after the twins left him alone after I told them not to" said Celegorm as he side eyed the Amabarussa in a look that said "I told you not to leave that bird."

"Why that little sneak, well he certainly got us didn't he. Though how could we have guessed when neither Eöl or Luthien ever demonstrated such abilities. None of the rumors or what I've heard from Finrod said they could do even half of what this child can do. It explains part of it but not all of it. Like how he even learned to use his abilities like this, and even if he is part maia that still shouldn't be enough to Eru forbid fight Morgoth and win!" said Caranthir in a tone that went from amused to panicked very quickly.

"That's one part we don't know but I was able to learn something from his first visit. Nelyo that child was very depressed when Curvo mentioned he was worried about him, almost like he....wasn't used to hearing such things. Huan even felt it and told me that he wasn't a regular bird so I tired something. I talked about how his parentage could be either Fingon or Idril. He didn't do anything when I mentioned Fingon but he was absolutely LIVID when I mentioned Idril. I may not have been able to talk to him but I could feel the anger radiating off him, that bird was PISSED at the mere idea of being related to her. Eru's sake his talons were clenching in my lap the moment I said it" said Celegorm that showed utter confusion at this. 

Okay now they were really confused. Angry at Idril?? Isn't she his cousin? If they made it to Gondolin she should have treated him well, so what was this??

....wait a minute...80....severed bond.....oh no.

"One of his bonds is severed" he said in an emotionless voice that made him sound possessed.

They all turned to him in shock except for Nelyo who already knew but looked no less worried.

"What did you say?" said the ambarussa as they reached for each other's hands.

"When he first fed off my fëa I could instantly feel that something was wrong with his fëa. It didn't just feel love-starved but it felt like a bond, though weak, had been forcibly severed without the other party dying. I know it sounds mad but I think somehow he didn't want to have a bond with her anymore and severed it. That's one explanation for why he's so desperate for love yet holds himself back like this. It's possible she did something but I have no idea as to what" he said with a deep fear growing in his heart at the implications of this. 

"So we know for sure now he was in Gondolin. When you connected with him did you feel anything about what could have happened? What about Turgon? Come on Kano, give us something. This is officially serious." said Carnistir in a way that demanded an answer.

Him and Maedhros flinched. His eldest brother clenched his wine glass in a way that would surely break it. He took a deep breathe to try and rein in his temper.

"You mentioned he got to Gondolin when he was 80....toron that's exactly when his fëa sickness started. I learned that fact when he first touched me and as far as Turgon it looked their bond was never nurtured even once" he said in voice that was cold as ice. 

Nobody moved.

Nobody breathed.

What those words implied filled their souls with a cold unlike any other.

There was only one truth that could be gleamed.

Aredhel & Eöl had died around the same time in Gondolin.

They left their son behind.

And Neither Turgon or anyone thought to nurture the child's hurt soul.

In complete unison as though practiced they said only one thing in a tone as cold as icy steel

........."What?"

"Kano are you telling me that neither Turgon nor anyone fed his fëa or gave that child any affection for over 20 years" said Celegorm in a voice that was eerily calm and that made it so much more frightening.

"...yes" said Maglor in absolute revulsion.

...........……………………

.......………………………..

"Well then...who's up for another kinslaying?" 

For all the mercy that Eru could grant there luckily was no second kinslaying. As much as he wanted to hunt down Turgon and throttle the bastard for answers, this was not the time. After Celegorm's fun suggestion it took throwing all his brother's in the dungeon, aside from Maedhros who just looked on at this s***show with blank eyes, to get them to listen long enough for him to explain that all of Maeglin's sacrifices would be in VAIN if they killed another elf. They did try to argue but finally he had enough and just screamed.

"Are you trying to spit on all that child's efforts?! Does his loss of health from overwork say nothing?!"

"We don't even know what he did to end the Doom!!"

That seemed to do the trick as they all promptly shut up and were finally led back to the office so they could figure out what to do next. This was an utter mess that Irissë left them. She not only married a prince of a nation that hated them but then she left her child behind. He could not fault her for dying but he could very much be upset at the fact that this child was throwing his magic about with no intention of stopping. That child was part maia and if Doriath found out about him and where he was staying. It could very well start a hell of a political mess which they didn't need! Maglor was so worried those greedy bastards would try and use the child's power for themselves. Yes, he's an elfling but Thingol's actions in refusing to help his son says it all. That elf would sooner lock up the poor child in Doriath where he thinks it's "safe" than respect his free will. Only thing he probably isn't counting on is how powerful his grandchild actually is. The fact remains that Maeglin indeed knows how to use his power and could trounce Melian easily if he wanted to.....good gracious what a thought. The only precedent that could stop Thingol should he ever found out is if Maeglin became acquainted with his grandfather Fingolfin. He was his grandfather as well and Thingol could go fling himself into horse dung before saying he didn't have a right to see Maeglin. Sigh....he's heard a lot of things about Thingol from the Sindar living with him and none of them were good.

The latest news was more than disheartening. Apparently that elf has steadily begun developing a like of shiny things and was allowing less and less elves into Doriath if they weren't born there. From what he could tell of Maeglin's personality, he would absolutely despise that. At one point Erestor had told him about how Maeglin seemed to despise bigotry and "stupid leaders," as he so eloquently put it, that thought they could do whatever they wanted because of their ridiculous "rank." It was more than unsettling hearing that and he had a few opinions on where he learned such things but he would have to shelf it for now. If anything this was more of a reason to get Maeglin to trust them and believe that they truly just cared for him. He wanted him to know that their opinion did matter to him and his brother's. Now, that he knew the boy was the falcon he'd be able to tell him what he thought of him without suspicion and hopefully push the child to agreeing to meet his grandfather and uncle. He honestly wanted the child to be happy. For all the time he'd been at the Gap it became more obvious that there were large holes in Maeglin's education. Thank Eru he managed to control his face when the boy came and asked him for lessons on Noldor culture! If he was in Gondolin all this time then why wasn't he taught anything?! What did that overgrown dumb duck of a cousin Turgon do while the boy was with him?! He was so envious that Erestor was getting to teach the child and not him. His brothers liked it even less when he later told them after they all settled from their bout of murderous hysteria though it almost reignited after he told them. Especially Caranthir who valued knowledge above all else. By the time the meeting was done all his brothers had agreed to wait and see what the child would do once their uncle and cousin arrived. Though he had no doubt Celegorm and Curufin were going to send hunters out to try and find Gondolin in the meantime. 

Ugh what a mess. 

Though said mess would apparently only get worse a few months later when a certain falcon did indeed make an appearance in his office. As his brothers said the boy was indeed delivering "potions" to his brothers but 400?!! Where in the world did he even make them?? And.....coming to life...biting hands off? Now, he just knew this child liked watching them squirm! Where does he even get these ideas? Is he secretly sadistic? Well at least he got to say his opinion on the matter right to the child's face or bird face in this case. 

Honestly, insane protective measures aside this child was indeed very cute. It seems the little one was growing to like him more as his bird self immediately climbed up his shoulder and started nuzzling him. Oh it was so cute! He didn't need to be asked as he gently moved the little one into his arms and held his bird self as one would a precious treasure. Oh he wished he could do this more. The child was still awake and he was already crooning towards his fëa. It endlessly annoyed him how Maedhros would never shut up on how he was the first the child consciously came to for affection. His latest letter telling him that apparently by the 5th visit the child had now strengthened their bond to that of an uncle with Celegorm next and Curufin close behind. Carnisitr had actually thrown a chair at the frustration of not seeing the child followed promptly by the twins moping. Well the little one was here now and he fully planned to spoil him a bit. He did take the chance to mention his uncle and cousin which seemed to grab the bird's notice as his fëa suddenly stirred. 

It would seem this child was indeed thinking about them but just as quickly as the feeling came it swiftly vanished when the child fell asleep in his arms. 

Maglor was worried, he was very worried about this little one. As it seemed what they were giving him so far was certainly not enough but he knew that. This boy needed constant attention not small doses that could only be given when he was a falcon. He needed to be consciously nourished not only when he slept but if what he's feeling right now is right than this child is still scared. As the little one touched his fëa  he could tell the child was indeed getting more desperate and would soon break if nothing was done. He could only hope it would be sooner rather than later. Those were his last thoughts as he pulled the sleeping falcon closer to him and did his best to make sure this child felt his love for him. 

.......

It was for but a moment.

Merely a blink.

But he felt it in the depths of his fëa.

He felt love.

A love this child had for someone that he knew naught of but felt now towards himself.

For but a moment their bond strengthened.

And he heard the child's fëa whisper a name in deep longing.

A name of one Maglor could tell had long left the world.

..........

............Sirius.

There were only four months left until his uncle arrived and it would seem the day the child met him was not far behind. He didn't buy for one moment the child was going to Nan-Elmoth when given that excuse. He was touched the child was being a bit honest with him but at the same time couldn't help but be a bit offended that he thought he was a bit dense. He did believe him though when he said the trip involved.....boulders. He still remembers when the child first asked about them and how he violently twitched. 

He knew.

He absolutely knew that whatever this little hellion was thinking of doing with them would probably give him a heart attack.

He thought in that moment that he might very well be the first elf to die of stress.

He didn't want to know.

He just didn't want to know what more absurd things this child could come up with.

Especially after whatever magic he did to Maedhros' home had now come to his. About two months ago is when he felt it! The strange magic that made orcs combust was now here and it happened in the middle of the night! Once again he had a mountain of explaining to do before anyone would start screaming and Maeglin inevitably heard it. Once again he had to issue several gag orders and at this point the residents of the Gap almost became excited to see what this little minx was going to do next. Máriel was already angry at him for being the first elf that needed to take routine stomach medicine on account of stress. Nevermind she had actually seen the anti-theft spells in action when her fellow healers tricked an orc into taking a bottle and had actually seen the thing seemingly come to life, grow razor sharp teeth, and bite the monsters hands clean off!

He had fainted when he heard that report!!

From that point forward they never touched the bottles with their hands again! Now they used tongs to move them or give them to patients that had indeed lost limbs. 

But getting back to the task at hand it was almost three weeks when Maeglin was expected to return and in that time a heavy foreboding had run rampant in his bones. He knew something was going to happen and he feared what it was going to do to the child. There was still so much they didn't know.

His thoughts were interrupted when he suddenly heard a loud crash!

The following said crash he could hear screaming and crying coming from Maelgin's room!

He needn't think as he bolted for the child's room and kicked the door down to a heart wrenching site. 

There lying in the middle of the floor surrounded by shattered glass and sobbing was the boy he'd come to consider a son. As soon as he saw him he immediately knew something was wrong with his fëa. It was completely out of control and was running amuck on the boy's emotions! So much infact that the boy's power was going nuts with them. He could have sworn the boy's eyes started glowing green as the floor began to creek. He grabbed the child and immediately held him to him. He pulled the child into his arms and hardly noticed when Erestor and Máriel rushed in to see what was happening. He didn't think as he pulled the child's fëa to him in attempt to calm it down. As soon as they made contact he immediately knew that the boy had made contact with Fingon as his bond was now trying to reach his uncle in a desperate uncontrolled effort to get affection. The boy's fear of being hated was overwhelming him and he could tell he was going to collapse at this rate. Maglor screamed with his fëa for Maeglin to calm down and to know that he wasn't alone. The sudden surge of emotion seemed to pull him our of his trance for the boy now looked at him as though somewhat aware now of what was happening. 

Though what the child said next shattered his heart a thousand fold.

"I'm scared to expect love."

.....huh?

"I'm scared because the last time I wanted to believe in it my uncle threatened to kill me when he met me, and I was only 80."

.....what??

"He loved his city's secrecy more than he loved me and barely spoke to me."

...No...please no....

"My uncle killed my father right in front of me. He threw him off the cliffs and made me watch because he killed my mother when she tried to protect me."

...Turgon you fool!!!!

"His daughter called me orc spawn, she thought I was scum, she thought I was a 'dark' elf."

.....How dare.....HOW DARE.....THAT LITTLE....

"They were going to kill me. If I stayed it would have killed me. They all hated me. I always wondered when I was next."

......Oh Eru please no....no child...no please.....how could this???!!

"They didn't feed me if I didn't go to the kitchens. They messed with my forge work if I wasn't careful. They whispered about me everyday and my uncle did nothing."

.......THEY DID WHAT?!...

"But you know what's crazy. I still love my father because he was kind once and the only one I ever knew. Am I evil for such a thing?"

NO!!...No sweet child you are anything but!....oh gods

"Please...please don't hate me too. Because this time it really will kill me."

....Never....Never....never never little one would I hate you...never..

But that was all the small child could handle anymore as he spoke the last word with lifeless eyes and passed out into his arms and reached for his fëa in a desperation akin to reaching at a last chance at survival. 

That was when he saw it.

The boy had opened his soul to him and he saw everything but yet not.

He saw the boy's life with his parents.

His father and mother's warm gazes.

Their endless love for him.

His childhood in Nan-Elmoth.

His father's decline and increased controlling behavior.

Their loss of trust in one another.

Their flight from the forest and their arrival in Gondolin.

In horror he saw his father's attempt to kill the child and Aredhel's death by his hand in an attempt to protect her child.

He saw the execution and how the child was forced to watch. 

He heard Turgon's foolish words upon their meeting and how he had not touched the child since.

He saw the city's coldness to him, the missed meals, the whispers, and the belligerence of his peers.

He felt the child's constant fear, the friendship formed with Idril, and the cold comeuppance she had done to him.

He felt the withering of their bond and the pain of the cold words she sent his way.

He felt the pain of rejection he felt from the gift he had made for her and his fear of death at her threat.

He felt the loneliness and misery that assaulted the child for the 21 years he stayed in that cursed city.

He saw the miserable begetting days spent being taunted and living a lie for fear of the uncle who was supposed to love him.

Then finally he saw the night the child awakened his power, severed his bond with Idril, and left. 

All this information assaulted him in the span of a few seconds as he held the child for dear life and shook with the rage of a volcano. In a moment of unthinking rage he SLAMMED a mental plead to Maedhros and told him to get here immediately. No excuses. He barely felt his brother flinchingly acquiesce as he began carefully moving the boy in his arms so he could carry him to the healing halls while never letting go of his fëa which was so desperately clinging to his. His poor heart son was now completely drained from that explosion and now needed comfort more than ever. All the while completely blind to the horrified looks gracing Erestor and Máriel's faces as they seemingly heard the whole thing. Though the depth of their knowledge was utterly lacking as compared to the pain he just felt. He didn't care about the concerned looks everyone gave him as he carefully carried the child with Máriel not far behind. He didn't care about the furious tears running down his face. No, all he cared about was dealing annihilation onto the UTTER WRETCHES that did this! 

Never Never in his wildest imagination could he think Turgon could be so STUPID.

Never did he ever imagine Maeglin had suffered so much at the hand of his own uncle and FOOLISH cousin.

It was no wonder he was missing a bond!!

Kinslaying be DAMNED!

He was going to make every single one of the them PAY for this!

How dare Turgon threaten him like that!

AND FOR WHAT!

HIS STUPID CITY'S SECRECY?!

For all their father's sins and their own they never once threatened an elfling or a child of their own blood!

He'd sooner throw himself in the sea!

Unforgivable

Unforgivable

UNFORGIVABLE!

As he entered the healing halls and gently lowered the child to the bed while never letting go of his hand he couldn't help but think. It's not wonder he was so scared of being rejected. That horrid mutton headed excuse of an uncle and his demon spawn had completely traumatized the boy. How could he be so stupid??? How could he not think to supply this innocent child with his MOST BASIC NEEDS!!!? He couldn't believe those ignorant foolish pigs in Gondolin were actually stupid enough to blame a child for their princess's death. Her own child that she had died to protect! Eöl may have deserved punishment but you don't make their child watch! Their father who had been called "marred" once he reached adulthood had not gotten even close to this level of maliciousness, nevermind feared for his life! If this child weren't part maia he may very well have been dead by now, faded, or suffering from severe emotional development issues. This child's mental strength was unbelievable but even then everyone has their limits and it seemed meeting Fingon finally made him hit his. Fingon was a kind soul that no doubt got blasted with some of this pain once they made contact. This child had ill control of the emotions in his fëa and no doubt had his uncle already worrying sick if not speeding to Himring right now. He didn't even know how he was going to tell Fingon and his Uncle all this as they were already angry with Turgon for his desertion. But this?! This would surely break their relationship altogether. Though honestly he couldn't bring himself to care. Let that pretentious peacock burn for all he cared. He would most certainly deserve it!

He needed to vent.

He needed to yell.

He needed to scream.

But he couldn't leave Maeglin right now, not when he needed him right now to stabilize his fëa. So with all the patience the allfather could grant he waited while all the while holding his little heart son's hand and never letting go. He would pat the child's head, brush his mother's colored hair back, and whisper him little lullabies that seemed to soothe his fëa for a time until the sadness came rearing it's head again. He had to tell his brothers, they needed to know, and they needed to plan. Because he was not going to let this go. In that moment he made a silent oath that he would do everything he could to protect this child and ensure he never went through anything so horrid again.

Oh the Gondolindrum were going to PAY!

Then as though summoned his brother Maedhros burst into the healing halls by kicking down the door right off it's hinges.

.....sigh..... I guess I deserve that.

His brother took in the scene before him and looked straight at the child that now lay on the bed with dried tears on his face. His face said it all "did it happen?"

Maglor merely nodded his head and spoke to his brother in a tone of pure ice that wasn't directed at him.

"Did you call our brothers?"

Maedhros nodded.

"Good, stay with Maeglin. He can't be left alone, and I suppose you already know he contacted Fingon."

Maedhros nodded as worry started becoming apparent on his features.

"Good, that'll make this easier. Just know I'll be back soon and tell no one to follow me."

Maedhros nodded again and moved to take Maeglin's hand but not before Maglor gently pat the child's head and pressed a gentle kiss to his brow while silently telling him even though he couldn't hear him "Rest now Pitya, I'll be back soon I promise." His gentle tone completely in contrast to the cold wrath raging inside him and he was about to release it. 

All got out of his way as he walked down the halls. His blue grey eyes burned with an icy steel more deadly than the Helcaraxë. He carried no weapons and he needed none as he walked into the forest with the ferocity of a tiger. None heard him coming and none would survive as the Second Son of Feanor walked into an orc camp unarmed and screamed.

Twas not a scream akin to a song of power. Ney, twas a scream of power that promised utter wrath and ruin. A promise to bring desolation and blood to all that crossed him and dared harm his kin. 

They had no chance and had no prayer as Maglor Feanorian unleashed the full brunt of his rage of the Gondolindrum onto these filthy orcs. 

He would be avenged and he would bring Justice onto those who forgot the basic teachings of the eldar to cherish children.

If not to protect the children than what was any of this for.

By the time Tarion and his hunters found their Lord nearly 300 orcs and 20 trolls lay dead with their heads blown off. Several trees lay uprooted with a crater placed where the orcs once stood. 

And in the middle of all this destruction stood not the gentle bard of the Noldor.

In the middle of all this destruction stood Kanafinwë Makalaurë and he had only just begun to release his rage.

By the time he was done and cleared his head a bit, it was well into the next day. He was quite sure he may have given himself a new title after that spectacle but he couldn't care less. His only priority right now was checking on Maeglin and informing his brothers of this evil slash disaster they were now facing. As he walked into the healing halls he was met with the heartwarming sight of the gwining cuddled into Maedhros's lap as he held his now heart Uncle's hand and no doubt sought attention from his fëa. He also took note of the child's face as it seemed it had been cleaned of the tears he so heartbreakingly released.

Most likely his brother's work.

Maedhros looked up at him and quietly told him that their brothers had arrived and would no doubt want answers as to what he just learned. As horrible as it was, they would have to leave Maeglin for a bit but it seemed he was stable for now as Máriel was keeping a vigilant eye on the child. As they made their way to his office Maedhros took the liberty of telling him that Erestor had given everyone a brief report of what happened.

Oh they don't know the half of it but they soon will.

They reached his office and all his brother's stood inside with bated breath.

Nobody moved. 

Nobody spoke. 

He looked into all his brother's eyes and asked them to open their bonds for he planned to use no words for this.

They had to see it all for themselves.

They all closed their eyes and let him in.

In what could be perceived as shorter than a blink he showed them everything.

Then they opened their eyes.

WARNING!

THE FOLLOWING SCENE CONTAINS LANGUAGE OF A FRANK AND EXPLICIT NATURE.

READER DISCRETION IS SERIOUSLY ADVISED!!!

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⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️

🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋

"TUUURRRRGOOOON!!!!!!!!!"

Maedhros was first as he grabbed the couch and lifted it with strength as though he were Tulkas himself and threw it through the wall and thereby leaving no wall where once was one. There were screams below where the couch had landed as he then screamed and yelled unholy words in the black speech he had heard in Angband for no other language could do justice to his wrath. The trees creaked and the ground shook with every word he uttered. The sky had even begun to darken.

Celegorm was next as he let out a war cry that would have terrified every animal that walked the face of Arda. The murderess aura he released skinned the trees of all their leaves and shattered every glass in the office and possibly the whole fortress. He then started punching the walls with an intensity that left craters in the stone for every one he unleashed. 

Caranthir then followed as his face went completely red and his eyes turned venomous. He then grabbed the nearest cabinet and threw it as though it were merely paper through the hole Maedhros had made. Screams erupted again where the cabinet had landed and his brother began throwing chairs at the walls and through the hole as well. He then erupted curses so foul many knew not they even existed "$#!&%$#!&%$$#!%$!&$#!$#!&%$#!&%$$#!%$!&$#!" With every word he spoke the leaves of the trees withered. 

The Ambarussa were next as they ran to the hole, jumped through it, landed on the ground, and started laughing like murderous homicidal maniacs. They were heading for the forests no doubt in an attempt to track the bastard down. They terrified and butchered every orc they passed. 

Curufin was the last and no doubt the worst as he went completely white but then in a mere moment proved himself to be the closest in temper to the great spirit of fire 🔥. Curufinwe Atarinke erupted into flames while at the same time screamed with the ferocity of a Balrog "BASTAAAAAAAARRRRDDDDDD!!!!!!!!" His screams were so intense it shook the whole fortress and knocked down several unused buildings whose foundations were too weak to handle the power of his wrath. His fire also cinging everything in the office and incinerating every parchment that lay unprotected. 

As all this occurred Maglor looked on and was quite honestly pleased he had his brothers to share this wrath. Because there was now no place little Turgon and his peacocks could hide.

Be afraid Turgon because the Sons of Feanor are coming to EAT YOU ALIVE! 

Meanwhile in the Halls of Mandos

Three elves gazed at a tapestry the Lady Vairë had just recently made. She had actually told them she was almost afraid to make it. Unbeknownst to them the Lord of Mandos was shaking his head with wide eyes as he gazed at it with them. 

The dark haired elleth gazed at it in sadistic joy and a wolfish grin. 

The Silver haired ner looked at it with unlooked for appreciation and an almost grateful look on his face. He even nodded his head in respect.

While the black haired ner looked at it with nothing less than overwhelming pride and when his gaze landed at what looked like a flaming ner he spoke with tears of joy

"That's my boy"

By the time the Sons of Feanor were done three days had passed and Maglor was now in need of a new office seeing as there was now a wall missing. Luckily they had gleamed enough of their wits to take turns in unleashing their wrath in order to look after Maeglin as at least one of them had to stay behind to look after the child and nurture his fëa. None brokered any argument when it was their turn, especially Curufin who had taken to cuddling the child and humming him lullabies he once sang to Tyelpe. Celegorm had become especially taken with the child and did a 180° degree turn in temperament once he saw the child's uncanny similarity to Aredhel. He had been patting his head and telling him stories while he slept as a means to keep his fëa calm, which it did. It took a while to track down the twins as they had apparently made it all the way to the edges of Dorthonion by the time Carnistir caught up to them. Though tracking them wasn't that hard given they left a trail of orc guts in their wake. His residents were actually not as mad at their Lord as one would think given Erestor took the liberty of telling everyone some of the details of what had caused their Lord's to fly into an uncontrolled rage. 

Needless to say everyone understood it, especially the former thralls. 

The moment they found out their savior had apparently been abused by prissy peacocks. Well let's just say the Gondolindrum better pray they never run into any of them because it most certainly won't be pretty. The smiths were especially furious after they learned the unspoken law of the forge had been violated so callously. He didn't understand it at first but Erestor had taken the time to explain that since forge work was first established by Aulë. The Vala had instilled the unspoken rule that no smiths were allowed to touch or interfere with another smith's work unless given explicit permission by the smith that started the project. Any violation of this rule labeled one scum lower than orc dung and would get you banished from any forge period. The dwarves especially valued this law as any violation of this rule resulted in one of the offenders hands getting cut off. Such cases were indeed rare or nonexistent as all smiths respected each others work but it would seem the Gondolindrum never got that memo or just conveniently forgot. As soon as any of this information got out they were done for. None of those smiths would ever be allowed to work in any forge across the whole of middle earth ever AGAIN. The dwarves would kiss a tree before they ever let the Gondolindrum anywhere near their lands. They might actually get stabbed for the attempt. 

As one could imagine that was exactly what Caranthir had already started working on with Curufin not far behind. The moment he got back to the Pass, he was going to tell every dwarf in Belegost and Nogrod what the Gondolindrum had done and they were really in for it when that happened. As a fellow smith Erestor had taken to sending out missives to all the guilds in the surrounding territories that the Gondolindrum had apparently taken the liberty to violate the unspoken rule. If those elves showed up in Ossiriand and the Falas with a desire to forge than they were in for a nasty surprise. Maedhros had also taken the liberty of sending out riders to spread rumors of the Gondolindrum apparently enjoying their time being away from the war at the expense of those fighting. People were already angry at them before but now they could expect welcome from nowhere once they left their pretty little city. 

The sons of Feanor may have had a temper but they were not stupid when it came to destroying someone in a sensible sense. If they were going to be dumb enough to neglect an elfling for such a ridiculous reason then they were going to pay for it. What's worse is that now they knew for sure that in all the 21 years Maeglin was in Gondolin Turgon never bothered to inform Fingolfin of his existence or of his daughter's death. 

He was dead meat.

They were all now gathered in Maglor's room and had moved Maeglin there since it seemed he would be waking up soon. There was no longer an office so this was the next best thing. The rest of their conversation was now through ósanwë so that they wouldn't accidentally wake up the little one.

"This is a disaster, I hope you know that" said Maglor into all their heads.

"Oh thank you Kano, really I had no idea. Of course I know it is! This is completely unprecedented. It's no wonder this child didn't go to Doriath, he already knew that if he did it would start a civil war. Eöl may have deserved punishment for killing Aredhel and trying to kill him but the fact Turgon did it and made the child watch is completely mad and CRUEL! You all know that I love the boy but the fact a prince of Doriath was killed and the heir was abused by the Noldor would outrage Thingol and Melian to the point they'll come after all of us. This will start a war that won't have an end unless Thingol has Turgon's head. Which honestly I doubt our Uncle would acquiesce despite what the fool has done. He may be disinherited but our uncle wouldn't let his son get murdered even if he may deserve it. Either way this is a political disaster" said Maedhros in a tone that screamed "I'm gonna kill that bastard for making such a mess." 

"What I can't believe is how he neglected the child of his needs or how Idril acted. Uncle will never believe what his granddaughter has done. I can't believe that brat thought Maeglin was in love with her all because of a necklace. The boy grew up as a Sindar, how could she just assume that. Even I wouldn't have assumed such a thing. No, that girl already had it in for him and all it took was a small trigger. I know you all won't approve but what she did was worse than Turgon. She built a bond with him and then stepped on it. Maybe it's the maia heritage that allowed him to break the bond but I think he's better off for it. Such a toxic person would have never been good for him and it seems his bond with Turgon is still at the base level of just knowing a relative exists. That fool didn't build it up in over 20 years. It'll be a miracle if Uncle or Fingon don't kill him before us" said Celegorm as he held the child's hand and spoke in a way that made sense, which was odd coming from him. 

"They broke the unspoken law of the forge and didn't.....feed him. They disgust me and will forever more and no matter what anyone says I'm going to make sure the world knows what they did. I don't care if Ulmo told Turgon to make the city. I doubt he told the fool to steal our uncle's forces, threaten a child, abandon everyone, and live as if nothing is wrong. Even I doubt he's happy with the fool (he's not😓). This poor gwining was scared to death of his own blood and thought every minute that he was going to kill him if he said one thing wrong. That is disgusting and I want to throw up knowing this child only felt safe after they got their powers" said Curufin in a tone of pure disgust as he himself was a parent.

"You know I'm really tempted to burn the whole place down when I find it" said Celegorm in voice that itched to truly do as he promised. 

"No fires Tyelko, but this whole thing just really shows you how cruel people can get. I knew they were avoiding reality but the fact they seemingly forgot the child's age and called him 'dark' is completely unprecedented. Nelyo they completely forgot the basic teachings of the eldar that said children were precious. This is a crime uncounted and I don't even know how we'd deal with it. But the fact remains that Fingon now knows of the child's existence and is going to tear this place apart looking for him. The only thing on our side right now is that he is apparently now aware of some of the pain this child has suffered. Is that right Kano?" said Caranthir as he rubbed his head due to a migraine he was no doubt having.

"Yes before he collapsed I could tell he had spoken with him and in fact formed an ósanwë with him on accident. He's clamping down on it right now but it would seem they have a great affinity for each other. Fingon also knows that the falcon is indeed him. I don't know if he's figured out the part maia bit but there's no doubt it's crossed his mind by now" he said as he stated the facts. 

"If he has ósanwë then that means Fingon will sense him as soon as he gets here. There's no way to hide him anymore" said one of the Ambarussa, specifically Amras as he spoke from experience.

"Tis true, Fingon is already frantic right now and I can tell from our bond that he may be here in just a month. If Maeglin wills it then the truth will come out and we will be there for him but at the very least we need to talk to him once he wakes up. I already know this child has an entire barrage of secrets but at the very least we need to know how we're going to handle this political nightmare and ascertain why he's been putting up all these defenses. Now apparently it seems he's planning to defend Hithlum too because I've just recently gotten reports of strange things happening there. We know he's seen the future but I have to say I think this is a little much. I don't think our soldiers can handle any more surprises" said Maedhros in a voice that really said "no more surprises, I can't handle anymore."

"Well at least he hasn't done anything to Thargelion yet though I am upset I haven't gotten to spend much time with this gwining. He's actually quite adorable once you get past the strange magic and hands exploding. Honestly, it seems like this little hellion's imagination is endless. Plus it seems he intends to spread this barrier he's making all over our territories seeing as now it's extending toward Himring. Nelyo you said nobody from your group has noticed yet?" said Caranthir in a miffed, humorous, and assessing tone.

"Indeed none have. It seems the elves here were able to gleam it's presence on account of here is it's starting point. The marks he put on my castle though were indeed noticed but it seems everyone is starting to get used to it all be it reluctantly. The power of this barrier though is immense and we've already established from the times he's touched our fëa's that he's as strong as a Vala. If Doriath finds out that an heir is capable of making these barriers, they'll never stop looking for him. Especially since we know neither Luthien or his father could do it" said Maedhros in a fact of the matter tone.

"Then for now we wait till he wakes up and see what he wants to do. I will not break his trust but I have a feeling he'll be honest with us as much as he can be" he said in the tone a father would have when he knew his son would make the right choice.

"Then all we can do is wait and screw over Gondolin in the meantime" said Celegorm with a sadistic smirk on his face.

With that two more days passed and all awaited meeting was held.

For all the madness he had to put up with he could honestly say it was worth it to be able to freely hug this little elfling now. In all honesty his heart had lept with joy when the little one asked him for a hug. Oh the others were going to be so jealous hahaha. Another grand part of all this was that Maeglin had agreed to answer some of their questions and to indeed meet his grandfather and uncle when they came though he did say they'd discuss the details once everyone gathered in his room seeing as there was no office available. Haha the look on the child's face was priceless after he told him the office had in fact been destroyed after their brothers venting session. He truly was starting to notice how this child had their emotions written all over their face half the time. It was quite refreshing. 

As opposed to sitting in bed they'd both moved to the couch where Maeglin now sat next to him and was leaning into his side like a kitten. The door to the room opened and in walked all his brother's and some of them froze at the adorable site they probably made. This was Maeglin's first time meeting them in his real form and could tell the child was nervous. But before he could try and calm the child Maedhros moved towards them, kneeled, and gently reached for the child's hands. 

"Hello little chick, now I finally get to see your true face. You've no idea how long I've waited to truly thank you in person. But for now would my little nephew honor me with a hug. As much as I've enjoyed petting your feathers, I've found hugs to be even more satisfying" said Maedhros in a completely affectionate tone that said how happy he really was to finally meet Maeglin as himself. 

Maeglin looked like he was going to cry as he lowered his head and lunged himself at his brother. He really looked so small in comparison to his brother's massive height but somehow that only made it more precious as he watched the boy wrap his arms around the one he now called his heart uncle. He saw Maedhros hug him back so tightly you could tell he had been waiting forever to do this. 

As they slowly pulled apart Maedhros made to wipe away some of the child's years as he said "don't cry little chick, you look much better smiling."

Maeglin nodded his head as he wiped what was left of the tears and turned to look at his other brothers who were now sporting warm smiles. Celegorm and Curufin as they both stepped towards the boy and Celegorm quickly took the chance to ruffle his hair and pull him into a hug so tight it almost lifted the child off the floor. 

"You're a bird of many talents and even if I didn't know at the time. I still cared for you the moment I saw you. I'll always wish I was there for you sooner but know you've got me now you hear. You know you're truly the spitting image of your mother little bird" said Celegorm as he gently took the boy's face in his hands and looked into his eyes with such warmth not often seen from the 3rd youngest brother. 

It was then Curufin plucked the child from his brother by his shoulders and looked at him with a stern eye before pulling the boy into his own arms. It looked like Curufin was crying when he held the boy tight and said "You may be powerful little one but please never pull anything so dangerous again. Even if you're not my son, you're still my blood and I would sooner protect you than it be the other way around. Please little one, for this old elf's sake."

It looked like Maeglin was going to cry again. It was so heart wrenching to see the child so unused to blatant affection.  

"I must say it's nice to finally put a face to the one who's been causing all this mischief. You've got your mother's wild streak in you that's for sure. I heard your an astute student but I'm sure I would be a much more fun teacher should you ever ask" said Caranthir as he came over and pat the child's shoulder.

"Sure if he wants to die of boredom. Forget studies you have to show us how you pranked Curvo. We've been dying to know" said Amrod as both the Ambarussa sported mischievous grins.

The others sighed at that and he could see Maeglin snorted at that. His ears went a little red before the child turned to him and then looked at everyone with resolve.

"I suppose before I say anything I should introduce myself properly this time. You know my father name but my full name is Maeglin Lómion or Lómion Irission. I suppose it's whatever you like more" the child said with a sheepish look on his face.

Child of the Twilight

Oh Irissë what a beautiful name.

"That's a lovely name Pitya. Irissë always did have a knack for coming up with good names" said Celegorm with a fond smile on his face.

"Than...Thank you. Um so before we get started. How much do you already know? Aside from me being the falcon and that I was in Gondolin" said Lómion in a bashful and almost embarrassed tone.

"We know who your parents are, both of them. We know you're avoiding Doriath aside from the obvious reason of you being their prince, and that you use magic. And now Maeglin I do not hate you and never will. The issues I had with Eöl are between us and not you. Please never forget that" said Curufin and he noticed Maeglin's eyes widen in surprise at that.

"...Right...so what do you want to know? Um...I'll be honest there may be some things I can't tell you.....yet. I'm really sorry" said the boy in a tone that hinted fear of their reaction.

"Let me guess it has something to do with your foresight and warnings? It's fine Pitya tell what your comfortable sharing. No one's going to scorn you for it" he said as he gripped the boy's shoulder in a comforting gesture.

"Yes, and thank you" the child said as he looked at him and graced them with a small smile.

"Thank you child. In that case I'll start and forgive my forwardness with this but child what in Arda were you thinking? Did you really go into Angband and retrieve the Silmarills yourself? How could you do something so dangerous? You wouldn't even believe our shock when he finally had to accept you had really done it. Please tell me Morgoth didn't notice you" said Maedhros in the tone of a frantic big brother.

Oh they were shocked indeed and quite a bit of the furniture paid for it.

Though he was pulled from his thoughts when he saw the child flinch and almost look.....confused?

Why is he confused?? Of course they'd be worried.

".....Um well he did notice....but it's fine he won't do anything because I erased his memory of the whole thing and left fake silmarills in his crown so he wouldn't suspect anything" the child said a bit sheepishly.

.....He what? :/

"....Pardon?" his brother Maedhros said with his jaw wide open.

"I erased Morgoth's memory of the whole thing after I paralyzed him and one of his balrogs. I actually did that to the whole fortress after I got the gems and saved the prisoners. I just made them think all the prisoners escaped when you did. Plus I was invisible the whole time so no one else saw me. Really I know this might sound rude, but....it wasn't that hard? I certainly wasn't playing around with it. I even let an orc catch me to make sure my spells worked when I stalked the place for a month" Maeglin said as though it was normal but was completely missing the utter shock he was unleashing upon them.

.....wait.....🤯HE WHAT???!!!.......ERASED HIS MEMORY???!!.....PARALYZED!!

......DID HE JUST SAY A MONTH??????.....

His brother read his mind.

"YOU WHAT??!!" his brother Maedhros screeched in abject horror that he let himself get caught.

"Nothing happened, I erased it's memory as soon as it saw me and it let me know that my spells would work on that ugly skulkor. So, yeah?" the child said in his defense when in reality there was no defense for this.

...what did he just calm him?😳

Ugly Skulkor? So he really did fight Morgoth!

Oh Sweet Elbereth!

"You....You actually fought him? How in the world did you do that? And you erased his memories? Why would you do that, nevermind make....did you say fake silmarils???" said Maedhros as though he were about to pass out from shock. He was actually starting to look blue and the others weren't looking much better.

"Well I had to use my full power for it and I wouldn't say 'fought' so much as I snuck up on him and hit him with a stunning spell. I mean it worked since he was frozen as a dead fish while I took the gems. Pretty sure he was glaring at me while I did it but whatever it all worked out. As for the fakes......they're necessary.....verynecessary" said the child as though he had won the argument and what he said made sense. Which it didn't!

Hahahahahahahaa😵‍💫

He froze Morgoth.

...dead fish????

Does he seriously think that's any better??????

Oh I'm going to faint....I can already see the stars💫

Though it would seem Maedhros beat him to it as he quietly muttered "....he did ....he fought....not hard....erase mem..." then proceeded to crash his head on the arm of the chair in a dead faint.

The only one looking surprised at this being in fact the instigator of his brother's mental breakdown.

"I'm almost sure I'm about to follow him but before I do. What do you mean the fakes are necessary? Does this have something to do with Doriath and your warning about the Arafinweians finding out we have them? I was having visions about some kind of conflict we'd have with them regarding the gems before you brought them" said Caranthir as he was shaking and clutching his chair while trying to stay composed but in truth he was probably a few seconds away from following Maedhros's example.

What they all noticed and were sure Maeglin didn't intend to show, was that he violently flinched and his eyes went frighteningly black when Caranthir mentioned the visions of Doriath. The child didn't answer right away and instead he shook a bit as though contemplating what to say. The others, aside from Maedhros, were using the chance to try and compose themselves from the madness they just heard.

So this was a very important point.

".......yes....but it's handled now. I can't tell you the reason just yet but they can't find out you have them. Especially Finrod and Gala..I mean Artanis. I'm serious, please believe me because those fakes will ensure that some events still occur but for the better. There are certain events for the future that have to happen and even I can't stop, but I can at least alter or remove the tragedies that happen as a result of such events" Maeglin said as he clutched the coach material in fear and almost hidden anger at the knowledge he held.

What in the world would have happened if he didn't take them? Why is he going to such extremes to even make fakes?

"I believe you child and please calm down. We're going to keep this secret and the only ones we planned to tell were your uncle and grandfather. I believe you said you were alright with that in your letter?" said Caranthir in a tone attempting to placate and soothe the startled child.

"Yes, yes telling them is fine but please tell no one else. Don't even tell a lot of the elves here. The last thing we need is rumors spreading and even with the efforts I've made I'm still going to have to oversee somethings and make sure events still occur as they should. I promise I will tell you the details but just not now." said the child as they let the weight of this secret show on his face.

He shouldn't have to be the one to bear all this.

"Peace cousin we understand. I may not have foresight as detailed as you but I understand the weight of knowing the future to some degree. I will press you no longer and will respect what you want, but I think I can speak for all of us when I ask just how are you able to do all these enchantments? We know from what you showed Kano that you only recently awakened your abilities but that doesn't explain how you can use them so adeptly?" said Caranthir in an understanding and inquisitive tone that left room to answer or not.

That was when he saw it and knew immediately that what he had sensed in the child's fëa may not have been false. In that moment he looked older and his eyes hardened akin to a man who had seen evil and war. In that moment Maeglin didn't look his age at all. No, he looked like he'd seen evil and the horrors it can bring.

But how can that be? 

What more was there to this elfling?

"I'm sorry but I can't tell you that right now. But just know that I've seen evil...not just Morgoth but real evil in human skin. It's part of why I wanted to help you all so much. You all may think you're evil but I disagree. I know with every fiber of my being that you're sorry for what happened and would take it back. Your my family, you know how to love, and you didn't deserve to suffer because of the narrowminded views of those who can't see real evil when it's right in front of them. I wasn't going to allow so much unnecessary tragedy when it could be so avoidable and only stemmed from the prejudices of people's closed eyed view of the world and inability of those needing to admit their mistakes. All life is precious and should never be undermined, you did do wrong but no one is faultless in the tragedy that happened in Alqualonde. I know how to use my powers because I've had to fight a monster born from tragedy but was utterly unrepentant of their actions no matter what chance was thrown their way. They became a monster that did things that were incomprehensible and just evil in essence. I've known a monster that took the lives of innocent children and babes for the pettiest of reasons and never regretted it. No, they laughed while they did it and even their cronies enjoyed it. I know you don't understand what I'm talking about but please believe me when I say that I'm not naïve to the cruelty this world can bring on people not seeking it. I know there are those forced into circumstances out of their control but can find their way to a brighter future if just given the strength, opportunity, and courage to reach for it" Maeglin said with hardened eyes that showed he was speaking from experience and wisdom beyond his years.

Caranthir stared.

Curufin stared.

Celegorm stared.

Maglor stared.

The Ambarussa stared.

Even Maedhros seemed shock at what he'd just heard upon waking up a few moments ago.

Eru have mercy what has this child seen.

"Pitya how do you?" he said as a tear went down his face.

But Maeglin did not answer and only shook his head with a sad smile on his face. 

It was then Celegorm stood from his seat and took the child in his arms, no doubt in an attempt to comfort him from what he just said. It was almost inaudible but he heard his silver headed brother whisper "Thank you pitya" as he gently tightened his hold on the child. 

No one had ever said such things to them. No one had ever asked and just accepted being labeled murderers when in truth there was so much more to the truth. There was so much going on in Valinor and the Valar's cursing of them just made everyone believe they were evil. 

....wait curse...oh right!

"Pitya, now I have a question of my own" he said as Celegorm pulled away and Maeglin looked at him and tilted his head in confusion.

He steeled himself and took a deep breath before asking the question that everyone was curious about. 

"Pitya, how....how did you end the doom?" he said and almost couldn't contain his anxiety at what the answer would pertain.

He was shocked at what he saw next.

Maeglin looked at him and on his face was a dazzling smile that could brighten the darkest pit.

"Remember when I said you shouldn't have had to suffer. Well someone agreed with me. That "doom" as you put it was ill placed and ill aimed. Innocents would have needlessly suffered because of it and what happened with the Noldor did not warrant such a punishment when an even greater evil was left to wonder with no supervision. It was a rash and poor decision that shouldn't have happened. No, I could have broken the curse myself but I wanted to make sure it wasn't at the behest of the one being that would no doubt love us all. I seriously doubted they would wish such a thing on their children and I was right. Honestly, if I ever get my hands on this Manwë him and I will be having a very long CHAT" said Maeglin with a heart warming smile on his face which soon changed to a clenched jaw and clenched fist at the mention of the elderking.

(On the highest peak of Taniquetil the Star Queen's brow quirked upon hearing a certain comment)

(In the Halls of Mandos where the Elderking was speaking with the Doomsman a sudden foreboding hit the Lord of Winds like a hurricane while the Lord of the Halls noticed and seemed to hide a small smirk under his dark hood)

His mind went completely blank.

He could have ended it but he asked permission?

Who could give such......

....no it couldn't be?

....it just couldn't

.....after all they had done.

.......

.......

......there's no way they still loved them...

He could tell his brothers couldn't believe what they were hearing either but in their gazes there was the slightest bit of hope.

He couldn't believe it but he asked anyway.

"Pitya, who?"

Maeglin Lómion, the beautiful child of their cousin Aredhel smiled so bright and said what they'd all been holding their breath for.

"Eru, Uncle"

"It was Eru Ilúvatar that said I could free you all from the Doom"

"Remember the pillar of light, that was them helping me break the curse"

They all broke down.

They cried.

They cried so hard and he knows the child held him as he did.

He couldn't believe it.

This child pled for them to the Allfather and they heard him.

They weren't cursed.

They could be forgiven.

"But you all have to know this, there can be no other kinslaying"

"Any more death will only hurt your souls to the point the curse will reactivate and you'll need to heal in Mandos"

"This is a warning to not hurt yourselves anymore"

Not hurt themselves!

Oh mercy what kindness.

No, NO he wouldn't waste this second chance.

None of them would!

They all reached for the child who had brought this miracle. They reached for the child who had a heart as wide as the sea and beyond. Their debt to this child was incomprehensible and he would make sure no harm ever came to this little one ever again. How could anyone be so foolish as to not see what a gem this child was?  

They all held him and endlessly thanked him until the could shed no more tears. 

This child was a miracle and they would never spit on his efforts. 

Never.

In a silent prayer that reverberated within the depths of his fëa he sent a deep thanks to the one who had granted them a second chance.

He sent a thanks for blessing their line with this beautiful child who had suffered but still had so much love in his heart.

He sent a thanks for leading him to them and swore that he would protect him and give him the love that he needed.

He would not fail and he would not abandon.

This he solemnly promised. 

(In the farthest depths of the void where the Timeless Halls laid, a prayer was felt and a smile was graced by the bearer of the Flame Imperishable)

It took a while for them all to calm down and to run out of tears to shed. Many of their eyes were swollen at this point and instead of strong lords they all looked like plumbed pigeons. But who cares, nobody would blame them for bleeding their hearts out at what they just heard. Maedhros had taken to getting everyone some hot chocolate and was now sitting beside Maeglin on the couch as he was wrapped in a warm blanket, courtesy of Curufin who by this point was going to spoil the boy rotten during begetting days just as he did for Tyelpe. The little one was leaning into Celegorm as though looking for warmth, he wouldn't be surprised if the little one was feeding on him again. 

For all the sense of caution he lacks he certainly is adorable. 

In the dark recesses of his mind he couldn't help but think what those prissy Gondolindrum were going to think when they found out they ostracized a child loved by Eru. 

He may not be able to kill them now but he can most certainly watch them rot.

Oh what utter glee😈 such thoughts bring. 

.....though he'd never tell Lómion that. 

As they all finally settled and Lómion had some of his drink the twins decided to enthusiastically interrupt the moment with their long awaited questions.

"You're part maia right!! we know you can change into a falcon, but can you turn into anything else?? Come one please tell us cousin!!" the ambarussa said with a lot of energy. 

Maeglin looked up at them and turned a little embarassed at the question.

"Umm... yes I can change into a falcon and two more animals. I call them my animagi."

Animagi? an odd thing to call them but alright.

"Actually Lómion I was curious what type of falcon it was you turned into. I've never seen such a breed. Though I suppose you know that given you heard our whole conversation the first time we caught you, you sneaky little chick" said Celegorm as he quirked his brow with a smug expression and lightly tapped the child's nose which made him go beet red.

"I...ummm...sorry about that? hahaha. Anyway, the type I change into is called a Saker falcon and it's originally a desert or canyon falcon that resides in warm climates. It's actually one of the fastest birds in the world. It's top speed is 200 miles per hr!" said Maeglin with initial embarrassment and then excitement as he started talking about his animal.

200 miles????!!!🤯

Sweet Eru!!! No wonder they couldn't catch him!!

Manwë's eagles definitely weren't THAT fast!

Celegorm's eyes went completely wide and so did everyone else's.

But before they could say anything else. Maeglin sported a smirk on his face as he put down his drink and stood from where he sat. 

Then there before everyone could say anything they saw it.

The child before them that was once an elf suddenly became the falcon they had all come to know in almost the blink of an eye. 

That!! That was so fast!!

He can change that quickly?!

The falcon that they now knew was Lómion let out a soft "chirp" and hopped over to Amrod who was sporting a wide-jawed smile.

In fact they all were. 

Only Celegorm and Curufin had ever seen a maia shift and even they seemed shocked. 

Even he knew the change wasn't supposed to be that fast.

But again before they could contemplate further the falcon suddenly changed again!

And in it's place was the smallest creature they had ever seen......is that.....a hummingbird???

Oh goodness he's so cute!!! 

He'd heard of them but never actually saw them as they could mostly only survive in Yavanna's Gardens or heavily forested areas.

They all stared at the little creature that let out a loud "meep" and flew in a swift motion over to Caranthir who had extended his finger. 

"Sweet Eru he's beautiful! I've only seen them a handful of times and never with such beautiful coloring! His chin is a shade of purple indigo I've never seen" said Celegorm with utter excitement at seeing all these new animals. 

"Oh goodness you are so small. Careful brothers this means he could sneak in anywhere" said Caranthir as he gently ran his thumb over the little bird's head.

The small bird that was Lómion jumped from his perch and landed on the spot he had next to Maedhros and then in another blink changed back to the elf they had all come to know. 

Unbelievable.

"That was amazing!! But you said you could change into three animals. What's the third?" said Amras in deep curiosity.

Maeglin's ears went completely red and he answered with apparent reluctance.

".....I don't use my third one often.....it's....it's embarrassing" 

Oh well now he just had to see it.

"Ooooohh Pitya I'm surprised there's something you're reluctant to show us given all the 'changes' you've made to our homes. Come now what's one new trick" he said with humor and sarcasm. 

Maeglin looked at him in exaggerated frustration and said.

"I'm not changing into it and you'll see soon enough since I plan on using it....when Haru gets here. I know it's cowardly but that's how I want to meet him first before I decide to change back in front of him" 

"Tis not cowardly at all Pitya and we'll respect what you want" he said in a gentle tone.

"Speaking of magic Lómion, could you please tell us what exactly you've been doing to our homes? It's impossible for me to take prisoners now because they well...explode" said Maedhros as he quirked his brow in a way that said "time to fess up."

In all honesty he wasn't expecting Lómion to look shocked and drop his jaw. 

"...wait....Uncle Maedhros..you take prisoners?...ooh........oops?" said Maeglin in complete surprise.

Oh so the little sneak didn't think they took prisoners huh? 

What a little....good grief...how long was he planning to hide this? Or badly attempt it. 

Maedhros just looked amused at the whole thing and humored the child. While the whole time Curufin was sporting a shit eating smirk that the child was caught.

"Yes child we most certainly noticed orcs exploding and arrows killing their shooters. Now if you don't mind an explanation would be appreciated considering your little 'redecorating' left deadly auras in their wake" said Curufin in a smug tone that screamed "bet you weren't counting on that were you? Haha."

The child was humble enough to look embarassed and lowered their head in shame. 

"Okay well they're the second defense that I'm placing in all your castles. They're high power defense wards that are designed to be able invisible to any enemies while at the same time highly effective. They're designed to do as follows: 

1. Block fire
2. Block physical attacks with weight equivalent to the weight of a whale.
3. Keep out mind based magic and ricochet it back at the attacker. We'll more so they'll get a mind full of snapping Basilisk which will probably melt their brains.
4. Repel all arrows, fireballs, and boulders right back at the shooter.
5. Disintegrate any orcs that get within 1 mile of the castle. That's why they exploded by the way...sorry.
6. Make any ladders that touch the castle explode and melt anyone with evil intent that touches the stone. Such as evil men or orcs. 

So yeah, that's about it. I know it's not much but that's only the secondary till I get the primary barrier up...Uncle are you alright?"

Nope 

No

Not in any sense of the word did his brother look okay!!!

No he was getting paler with every crazy thing this child said. 

WHAT IN THE EVER LOVING F***??!?!!!

No wonder that magic felt murderous!! 

Who with any sanity would live in a place like that?!! 

Wait....secondary...what did he mean there's more?!

Now he really was going to faint!

While he was on a mental tirade Curufin looked like he couldnt breathe and was dangerously swaying. He looked like he'd just drank orc blood for weeks. 

The only thing he managed to croak out was.

"What? Second?"

"Oh yes it's only the second defense in case the primary isn't enough. I'm planning to put the barrier all over your territories. I just recently started in Hithlum."

Hahahahahhaaha now it's your turn uncle!! It's not just us that have to deal with this!

"Once the barrier is up its designed to do as follows:

1. Defend against fire as hot as fiendfyre.
2. Soak anything hotter than a candle with a Lake's worth of eater and turn it into ice statue. 
3. Incinerate any orcs that get within the boundry. Digging won't help either by the way. 
4. Keep out any mental or magic based attacks.
5. Also best part is it'll keep out any curses that ugly duck Morgoth tries to swing at us"

He said as though he were speaking about the weather. 

He couldn't help it.

He let out a loud "Ahhhhhhhhh" upon hearing the last sentence. 

Was he trying to slaughter the enemy entirely??!!! That's not a defense!! It's a massacre!🤯🤯😱😱

And apparently that was all Curufin could take before he let out a hysterical "hehe hehe" and faceplanted into the soft carpet below him. 

Though he would soon have company. 

It was Maedhros that spoke next and he too was swaying and if not looking green. A complete contrast to his red coloring. 

"Anything else?" his brother said with barely concealed anxiety equivalent to one about to have a panic attack. 

"Ummm I have been enchanting the armor to defend against fire, mental attacks, be unbreakable, and instantly transport someone to the healing halls if they get a deadly injury" the boy said as cool as a cucumber.

Well that explained what happened to Erestor. 

His brother Maedhros though wasn't so accepting as he let out a weak sounding.

".....okay" 

And promptly followed his younger brother on the floor as he passed out in a colossal heap. 

That's two brothers out. 

...who's next? 

"What's a basilisk?" said Celegorm.

"Oh it's an ancient over 3,000 yr old poisonous snake the size of a small mountain and is the most venomous thing in the world. Nasty thing really, wasn't easy getting it's venom or incorporating eat into the mental protections. It'll be a nasty surprise to the enemy for sure" said Maeglin with an unsettling smile on his face. 

Aaand that's when his brother let out a small "Ah" and promptly became the third victim to join the floor party. 

I know I'll regret this but I'll ask anyway.

"Pitya...is there anything else I should know about your...plans?"

When the child smiled he got the worst shiver down his spine.

"Oh yes! Uncle I found some perfect boulders for Hithlum!! I already made two stacks to place as a last ditch defense...uncle?"

Ah of course...of course he got the boulders.. hahahah

Oh Dear that's it...

....I'm done.

This was the last thought of the Second Son of Feanor as he became the 4th victim to join the floor. 

Soon enough his uncle and cousin would be joining as well.