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Road to Redemption	By : gwaelinn Category: +Third Age > Slash - Male/Male Views: 2137 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: All characters and locations are the sole property of Professor Tolkien and his estate. I do not own LOTR and this is written only for pleasure and not for profit, no money is made

Chapter List
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Road to Redemption (5-7/50)
Author: Gwaelinn
Beta: BookofNicodemus
Pairings: Lindir/Maglor and others
Rating: (G) NC-17-R overall
Warnings: (none now) Slash (m/m)
Time line: AU
Disclaimer: All characters and locations are the sole property of Professor Tolkien�s Estate. This is written only for pleasure and not for profit.
Author notes:. The little plot bunny popped up while listening to Loreena McKennit�s The Old Ways. Somehow, the song just screamed �Maglor�.
Feedback is greatly appreciated!
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Chapter 5
Maglor bolted upright, panting and drenched in sweat. What was happening to him, and why now? For over 6000 years he had sequestered himself from the Elven population (and most of the Edain). He could not remember the last time anyone showed him any kind of affection� actually, that was not true. He did remember. It was a hug, and sweet kiss on the cheek from a little Elrond before he returned to his people. Maglor touched his cheek and silent tears slipped down his cheeks�so long ago�

Standing abruptly and wiping his nose on his sleeve in a most un-elf like manner, the Noldo began to pace. Why the dream? How could Irmo be so cruel! It had felt so real. A hand caressing his body, lips kissing him with gentle passion. Feeling filled, protected, and loved. It had been an incredible dream; a painful one upon waking. 6000 years was a long time to go without intimate or even just affectionate contact. Not that he could not have bedded someone, there were plenty of Edain, male and female, who gladly offered him their bed when he came to the village for supplies. It was not in his nature, though, to have casual relations just to satisfy an itch. It never had been. Maedhros had always teased him about it. Maglor smiled at the memory of his brother, then sank to the floor and wept. Wept for all he had lost, and all he would never have.

*****

Lindir set out early the morning after speaking with the Edain family. He was a little sorry to go; he liked them. With a filled water skin and fresh bread, cheese, and fruit, Lindir followed the coastline south. The man said that it would take about 3 days to reach the cove. Lindir decided to make the journey in two. He knew he was close and the anticipation overwhelmed him. He made good time to the next village. After careful inquiries, he found the home of the Callia�s kin.

�Yes?� A woman asked through the door

�I have been sent here by your kin.� Lindir replied

Opening the door a bit, the woman peered out and gasped. �You be one of them, ain�t cha?�

�One of whom, my lady?� Lindir asked.

�Them fair folk. The kind that saved the little one.�

�Yes. I was told your child could tell me where to find the one who saved her kin.� Lindir noticed the indecision in the woman. After a long moment, she opened the door.

�Please,� she welcomed him. �My husband is on the boat and shan�t return till dusk. If he finds ya here, he�ll be most unpleased.�

Standing just in the threshold, Lindir spoke. �I do not mean to cause strife. Just point in the cove�s direction and I shall be on my way.�

The woman smiled. �No, wouldn�t be proper ta send ya out without a bit of hospitality. Come, have a seat. I�ll fetch my little one.�

Lindir sat on a bench at the table and waited. Soon he heard footsteps. Looking up, the minstrel spied a pair of green eyes peeking around her mother�s skirt.

�Go on, love. Tell �im what happened.�

�But mamma, papa said �twas my �magination.�

�Jist tell �im the story, child.�

The small girl stood before Lindir, and cocked her head. �He be like you, but sad and dark. He pulled her from the sea and set her on the sand where my brother and me could find her. I saw him again when I wandered away from my brother while we were gathering crayfish.� The girl looked sheepishly at her mother. �I done spied on �im�he caught me though an� told me to go home then he turned about an� went back �twards the cove. �

Taking the girl's hands in his, Lindir asked, �Were you not frightened of the stranger?�

�Naw,� the girl replied, �he had kind eyes. I knew he be the singer the sailors hear. They say he�s bad but I know better. He�s jist,� here she thought for a moment. �jist sad, and maybe a little scared.�

�Thank you little one, you have helped me greatly. Only one more thing: can you tell me where the cove is? Where the �singer� is?�

The girl looked to her mother. The woman pointed out the window. "�Tis about half a days walk in that direction. You be coming to a bluff, ya can see it from there.�

Lindir stood, thanked the woman and continued his journey. True to her word, by late afternoon, Lindir had reached the bluff. There was no doubt that it was the correct bluff for he could hear a haunting song on the wind. Looking south he spotted a lone figure on the end of a rock jetty. Maglor!

Lindir nearly fell down the bluff in his haste. Reaching the bottom, the minstrel calmed himself. �Easy Lindir,� he thought, �do not spook him.� Lindir gathered his wits, took a deep breath and headed for the jetty.

****

The clouds obscured the sun and a chilled wind blew off the sea. Maglor wrapped his arms around his middle, more for comfort than to ward off the chill. Closing his eyes, Maglor lifted his voice in song. Lindir stopped for a moment when he recognized the melody. The Imladrian minstrel�s heart ached at the mournful sound. So sad, yet so beautiful. Lindir could feel Maglor�s guilt, pain and regret in every strain. The minstrel continued forward, stopping at the junction of the beach and the jetty. Maglor made no indication of knowing he was there. Leaving his pack and weapons behind, Lindir carefully climbed onto the jetty and slowly moved forward. The minstrel stopped some 10 feet from Maglor and waited.

Maglor finished his lament and hung his head. A fluttering sound caught his attention and he turned abruptly. What he saw stunned him. The two elves stared at one another, both in an odd sense of shock.

Lindir blinked in disbelief. Never had he seen so beautiful an elf. Many called Lord Erestor exotic, with his dark hair and eyes, but the advisor was nothing when compared to the vision before him. Maglor was tall, and willowy. His hair was so dark an ebony that Lindir thought it must rival the darkness of the Great Void. It held no red or blue sheen. It was pure, endless, black and it fell in soft waves to the small of Maglor�s back. The ancient eyes were a stormy gray, fathomless. Lindir could lose himself forever in the piercing gaze, but the remorse and loneliness he saw there pained him. The young minstrel swallowed the lump in his throat, opened his mouth to speak, then shut it�what could he say? Before him stood the epitome of the Noldor, and the greatest bard ever.

Maglor paled, and the words he thought to speak fled him. Before him stood a ellon with hair the color of polished silver; it was near white in its brightness. Innocent periwinkle eyes locked with his. Young, scared, expectant eyes; Maglor had never seen such expressive eyes. Not even Elrond�s showed so much. There was no doubt in his mind, before him stood a Teleri�the victim of his terrible crime. Maglor squared his shoulders and found his voice.

�I wondered when one of you would come to extract revenge,� he said coolly.

Lindir just stared and tried to process the words he heard.

�I have no right to ask for mercy, so I shall not; however, please be quick�I have suffered these past 6000 years. Send me to Namo�s judgment.�

The young minstrel shook his head to clear away the cobwebs. �You think�you think I came to kill you?� He questioned in disbelief. �Why?�

�You are Teleri. I know you know who I am. I was there when your people,� here his voice choked, and taking a deep breath he plowed on, �when your people were murdered at the hands of the Noldor.�

Lindir�s eyes went wide. He never thought how the presence of a Teleri would affect Maglor. Lindir never saw elves as Teleri, Noldor, Silvin or such. After all, he served in the court of a Noldor and trained with a Vanya. His best friends were Silvan elves from Lothlorien.

�You believe I am here for vengeance?� A look of utter disbelief crossed Lindir�s face.

Maglor bowed his head again. �No, you are no kinslayer. I can see it in your eyes.� Maglor looked up and focused on the entrancing eyes before him. �Still, you are here for a reason.�

�I wish to learn from you.�

Now it was Maglor�s turn to be stunned. �Excuse me?� He asked, sure he had heard wrong.

Lindir took a tentative step forward. �I said I wish to learn from you. I am a minstrel, and I wish learn from the best.�

Maglor walked briskly past the silver elf and replied, �Then your journey was for naught; you will return to your people and forget you ever found me.�

Lindir quickly followed the retreating figure. �It is too late to travel now,� he called. �I am afraid you are stuck with me until morning.� He finished with a smile. Maglor stopped in his tracks and turned to his �guest�.

�You would stay the night in the company of a Kinslayer?�

�No.� Linder answered as he walked past the stunned elf. �I would stay the night in the company of a fellow elf.� With that he picked up his things and headed toward the fire pit. Maglor just stared after him. The young one could not be serious!

+++++++++++++++++

CHAPTER 6

By the time Maglor caught up to his �guest�, Lindir was unpacking an array of food.

�What are you doing?� Asked Maglor.

�Preparing supper.� Lindir continued to lay out fresh bread, fruit, smoked fish and cheese.

�Pen neth�� Maglor began.

�Here try this. I found a wonderful bakery, for an Edain bakery.� Lindir tore off a chunk of fresh bread and looked up at the older elf expectantly.

Maglor sighed, �Pen neth�� Taking the offered food, all be it reluctantly.

�Well, do not just stand there, sit and eat.� Lindir ignored the exasperated huff from the other elf.

�You can not stay here.�

�It is too late for me to leave now; the sun sets. It would be foolish to travel; surely you agree. Anyway, I am too tired. Now sit; I cannot eat all this myself.�

Maglor found himself sitting despite himself. It had been years since he had a feast like this and millennia since he had company. Still guilt ate at him; he did not deserve such kindness.

Lindir noticed the longing and indecision in Maglor�s eyes. It made his heart ach. Since it was obvious the dark elf would not help himself, Lindir picked up a bowl and loaded it with food. He attempted to hand it to Maglor who just stared at it.

�Take it, please. Consider it payment for the use of your fire this night if you must; but please eat with me.�

The pleading tone did the trick and Maglor took the offered meal. He could not help the moans of appreciation that escaped as he savored every bit. Lindir smiled at the sound. His plan, well at least this part of it, worked.

****
With stomachs full, the two elves made themselves comfortable around the fire. They sat in silence for some time; Maglor staring into the fire, Lindir staring at the older elf.

Throwing a stick into the fire, the Noldo spoke. �I appreciate the meal and your wish to learn from me, but come morning you will return to your people and leave me to my solitude.�

�I will not leave until I believe I have learned all I can from you. Lord Elrond was kind enough to give me leave, I will not waste the opportunity.� Lindir knew this was a low blow. But, if Maglor wanted to be difficult, Lindir planned to use every trump card he had.

Maglor looked across the fire at his companion. �Elrond? Elrond son of E�rendil?�

�Yes, he is my lord.�

The ancient elf gave Lindir a thoughtful look. �He gave you leave to learn from me?�

�My lord is very supportive and agreed to let me expand my knowledge and experiences.� As far as Lindir was concerned, he had answered honestly, of course he casually forgot to mention that Elrond had no idea he wished to learn from Maglor. �I will leave you to your peace IF you agree to instruct me from midday to sunset each day until I am satisfied with the knowledge I received.�

Maglor could not help but smile a bit at the younger elf�s determination.

�I will set up my own camp just around the bend and come to you at high sun.� Lindir hoped that Maglor�s loneliness would out weigh his guilt. He was not disappointed.

�It would not be safe for you to stay there. You may stay here, however you will leave my to myself until mid day and you will not ask me of anything but music.�

Lindir stood and moved beside Maglor, �I will leave you to your own devices in the morning�agreed.� He hoped that the older elf was off balance just enough to not realize the minstrel only agree to part of his condition.

�It is late.� Maglor stood and moved into the cave. Lindir followed and was awed when he saw Maglor prepare for bed. The Noldo had removed his shirt and untied the braids that held his hair. Six thousand years alone did nothing to soften the former warrior�s physic. Lean muscles rippled under taunt skin and when Maglor shook out his long mane, Lindir felt an odd tingle in the pit of his stomach.

Feeling eyes upon him, Maglor turned to find a slight blush on the minstrel�s face. Lindir quickly busied himself with setting out his bedroll and blanket. He sat down, pulled off his boots, tied his hair into a single long braid and lay down to sleep with his back to his companion. He came there wanting to learn from the best. He had no idea how he would feel once he stood before the son of F�anor. Part of him expected some bitterness, anger at Magor�s past deeds, but there was none. Lindir found that he hurt for the Noldo; not pity really but something deeper. For some unnamed reason he wanted to see other�s loneliness dissipate, at least a bit and he wanted to be the catalyst.

*******

When Lindir awoke, he found himself alone in the cave. Using this opportunity, he began poking around. It was a comfortable cave, small enough to keep out the elements and big enough to not make the minstrel feel trapped. There were few personal items in plain view and since Lindir was not about to go opening the various packs and crates, he studied what was in plain sight. An old trunk, which probably kept most personal items, sat toward the back. There was a small area for a very small fire; the bedrolls were situated near it. There were no pictures or tapestries, nothing homey about the cave. Lindir spotted a longbow and pair of hunting knives leaning against one wall. No sword though�Lindir thought that odd. One thing caught his eye and he peeked under the silk cover. It was a beautiful table harp; 32 strings and stunningly carved. There was no doubt that it was old.

�Do you play?�

Lindir jumped at the unexpected question. He turned guilty eyes to Maglor. �Forgive me, I did not mean to pry. It is just that I could tell it was a harp and only wanted to see it. Since I said I would leave you be in the��

The older elf held up his hand to stop the incessant rambling. �Do you play?� He asked again.

Looking down at floor, Lindir made a quiet reply, �Yes, but my harp had to be left behind.�

�Play for me.� Maglor�s request was more of a command.

�You wish me to play it?� Lindir�s expression would have been comical if the situation were different.

�You wish to learn from me. I need to know your ability. Now play.� While Lindir was thrilled to play on nearly any occasion, his hands trembled as he took hold of the instrument. Maglor leaned against the mouth of the cave with a stern continence that rivaled Lord Erestor�s. After some thought, Lindir began to play.

Maglor just stood there void of any outward emotion. He had to get this child out of his life. Lindir�s fea was bright and trusting. All he could do is hope that Lindir played well and he could claim that the minstrel could learn nothing new from him. The Noldo was not disappointed. Lindir played flawlessly. When the last strains died away, Lindir looked up in anticipation; Maglor�s face was unreadable.

�I am afraid you made your journey in vain pen neth. There is nothing I can teach you that you do not already know.�

Lindir stood abruptly. �How can you now that?� He demanded. �I have only played one piece for you. You have not heard me sing and I do not know the music of the first age as I wish too!� Lindir began to panic. Maglor could not send him away, not now. The bard could not explain it, but he felt he needed to here.

�Pen neth,� Maglor stated firmly, �you are a Teleri. Your people are gifted in the art of voice and music, trained by Ulmo himself. This is a dark place. Go home before your light dims, too.� With that, Maglor turned and returned to the jetty�s point.

Lindir looked after him with wet eyes. This could not be happening. The journey had been difficult and now that he reached the destination�he had to think of a way to stay. He prayed to every Vala he could think of and several Maiar as well. Then it hit him�

****

When Maglor returned for mid-day meal, Lindir was ready for him. �We had an agreement.�

Maglor stared for a moment until his troubled mind caught on. �There is nothing new for you to��

�The agreement was,� Lindir stated boldly, �that you would instruct me until I believed I had learned all I could from you, not when you decided I was done.� The silver elf stood by the fire pit with his arms folded across his chest and a look of satisfaction on his face. The older elf just stared. He had not been prepared for this twist. This elf was clever; Maglor had no response for there was none. He stared into those magnificent eyes and saw a twinkle in them and stubbornness. Maglor sighed, dropped to the ground and accepted the bowl Lindir passed him. �What am I to do now?� the dark elf asked himself.

+++++++++

Chapter 7

Four days past and Maglor avoided the minstrel as much as possible. He tried to discourage Lindir but that did not work. What he feared most was his growing attachment to the younger elf. Maglor enjoyed his company, and his inner light. Lindir was intelligent, funny, a quick study and strikingly beautiful. When the minstrel decided to leave, he would find himself alone again. The thought frightened him immensely.

On that 5th day, Lindir decided to finally go swimming in the ocean. He had been fearful up until now, never having been in or even seen the ocean before. He had watch Maglor swim each morning returning with a peaceful continence. Lindir sought that same peace.

They had finished lessons a bit early and the sun had not yet set so when Maglor headed to the point after evening meal, Lindir stripped to his loincloth and headed to the shoreline. The tide was in and the water cool. Lindir hesitated for a moment then waded in.

Once he was waist deep, Lindir began to play and dive into the waves. He could not help laughing, he felt like an elfling again. Maglor heard the laughter. He glanced over just in time to see Lindir emerge from a wave. �Aye, he is beautiful with his youth.� Maglor thought, and then quickly chastised himself for it. �He is here to learn only and then he will be gone.� Maglor turned back to the sea and his melancholy thoughts as he watched a storm moved across the horizon.

Suddenly he felt a shadow pass over his mind and he no longer heard Lindir�s laugh. Turning to see that the young one was safe, he was terrified to see a silver head pulled below the surface. Lindir seemed to be caught in the undertow or such and struggled to get control. Maglor wasted no time. Diving in the direction of the flailing minstrel, Maglor swam with all his might. Once he reached the young elf, he dragged him to shore, picked him up and carried him back to the fire. Finally setting Lindir down, Maglor fetched a blanket to wrap up the shivering elf.

�Pen neth, are you all right.� He asked greatly concerned. Lindir could only nod at the moment. �Easy�slow easy breaths. That is it, cough out the water.� Maglor handed the frightened elf a cup of clean water. �What happened?�

Lindir gasped for air, �I�do not�know. I was�swim�� He took a deep breath, �swimming and the next thing I knew I was pulled under by something.�

Maglor looked at him curiously. �What do you mean by something, there is no seaweed there to get tangled it nor any undertow.�

Lindir looked at Maglor with a forlorn expression. Maglor waited for him to continue. The young elf sighed and looked down, �You will think me mad.� His whole body shook. Maglor sat beside the distraught elf and instinctively pulled him close.

�Shhhh, pen dithin. Tell me what happened.� He soothed. Lindir looked up into dark eyes filled with concern. He felt himself lean into the embrace, seeking comfort.

Looking back at the ground he began his story. �I know it was not seaweed that caught me. It felt like a hand and I saw�I saw�� Again the body shook and Maglor tightened his grip. Lindir looked up with terrified eyes. �I saw a face below the surface. It was not solid but the features of an ellon were clear to see. He wore a green helm and his wild hair was moved as if caught in a wind.� Again he looked fearfully at the elf that held him. Lindir began to sob despite attempting not to. He was frightened by what he saw; the face had smiled as a ghostly hand had held him under. Maglor began to rock his charge as he often had when Elros or Elrond woke from a dream.

�Shhhh. It is over. You are safe,� he whispered. �I will watch over you.� Maglor began to hum softly and soon the body he held relaxed and fell into reverie. �What is going on?� Maglor thought. First Namo visits him. Then, from Lindir�s description, the older elf new Ulmo was responsible of this incident. But why would the Vala try to drown an elf�and a Teleri at that? Maglor sighed.

The storm Maglor had been watching made straight for the coast. Carefully lifting the minstrel, the dark elf carried Lindir inside. Sitting down slowly against the back wall, he situated himself so he held the younger elf on his lap; the exhausted silver elf never stirred.

Maglor felt the warmth of Lindir�s body seep through the blanket. It awoke in him feelings long forgotten. He found himself holding the young elf closer and tighter than was necessary. He felt a wave of protectiveness rush through his core and somewhere deep inside a fluttering awoke. The son of F�anor knew the closeness would end the moment Lindir woke and already he began to feel the emptiness. �Why are you doing this?� he prayed to any Vala would hear him. �Why drag this innocent into my madness? Please try to dissuade him from any contact with me. He has a beautiful light and I will tarnish it as I have all that I encounter. Never have I done anything but bring sorrow to those around me.� A silent tear dripped onto the silver head tucked beneath his chin. Maglor knew he should lay the elf down, cover him and let him rest; but he could not make himself let go. Who knew when he would feel another so close again? He would deal with the heart ach later.

Maglor spent the night watching a tempest rage outside the cave. The weather mirrored the storm of emotions raging through his soul. Lighting lit up the sky and thunder rattled the ground. All night he sang softly and Lindir slept peacefully unaware the storm.

*****
Lindir woke feeling warn, comfortable and extremely safe; he was all snuggled in a blanked. He lifted his head and realized that Maglor still held him, though the older elf had drifted asleep. Memories flooded the young bard�s mind. Lindir took a moment to think about all that had happened and what it all meant, if anything. He truly believed that something or someone had pulled him under. One cannot feel an imaginary object. He suspected the dark-haired elf knew more about his near drowning than he let on. He also wondered about this peaceful feeling he had curled up in Maglor�s arms. He was amazed to discover he had no desire to move from the embrace. It felt good to be held thusly; it felt good to be in the safety of Maglor�s arms.

�He is so strong� Lindir mused. �His eyes are always sad but still the most beautiful I have ever seen.� Lindir�s mind began to wander and as it did, his body began to awaken. As heat pooled in his belly, the young elf berated himself. �Stop it. Stop it. Stop it. He is over 6000 years old and a prince of old. You are an infant, a nobody, to him. What are you thinking�He will wake up and want you?� Although he had reached his majority, by elvin standards Lindir was still very young and his desire and passion still very strong. Those impulses were quickly taking over. He had few relationships and only one lover... well, lover was not the right term�one intimate encounter. Now he found his body responding to Maglor�s closeness. He found himself looking at the bow shaped mouth wondering if it was as soft as it appeared. He imaged feeling Maglor�s hands roaming his body. He felt his heart speed up at the images his mind was conjuring. Realizing he was still in only a loincloth only added fuel to his inner fire. He had to get up and dressed before the other elf could �see� his growing attraction. As he began to extract himself from Maglor�s hold, the other elf mumbled something and held on tighter. Lindir noticed the soft smile painted on the perfectly shaped lips. He began to wonder what caused the smile.

Lindir rolled his eyes at himself and pulled away from the embrace causing Maglor to wake with a start. Lindir froze. Realizing the compromising position they were in, the older elf quickly dropped his arms to his sides freeing Lindir from the embrace.

�Good morning.� Lindir said from Maglor�s lap. As of yet, he had not really moved off the other elf.

�Good morning.� Maglor replied stiffly finding the sandy floor extremely interesting before looking up again.

�I never thanked you for saving my life yesterday.� Lindir gazed into the depthless eyes. Maglor stared back.

�Think nothing of it.� The Noldo managed. An uncomfortable silence fell before the minstrel quickly stood, wrapping the blanket around himself. The dark haired elf watched the graceful movements as Lindir donned a shirt and leggings. The young elf was willowy, smaller than Maglor. Still, Lindir�s body was toned and...the older elf gazed lower...his backside was firm. �Mmmm, how I would love to sink into�� Maglor brought himself up sharply. Where did that thought come from? How dare he think such a thing! The ellon wanted to study from him, not warm his bed. He would never want an elf as old, or as evil and disfigured as himself. With that thought, Maglor sadly resolved to make Lindir leave as soon as possible. He just did not know how and his treacherous heart and body were not helping.

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Road to Redemption