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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
- 7
- 8
- 9
Road to Redemption (16-18/50)
Author: Gwaelinn
Beta: BookofNicodemus
Pairings: Lindir/Maglor
Rating: NC-17-R overall
Warnings: Slash (m/m), graphic description of sexual acts
Time line: AU (not really connected to the actual timeline of the books)

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�.

**Additional Author�s note: I know that according to canon, Maedhros, Maglor, and the twins were the ones who attacked Elwing�s town. However, I need to take some liberties. In my universe, the twins were killed in the attack on Doriath. Celegorm, Curufin, Caranthir, Maedhros and Maglor survived. The plan to attack the haven at Sirion was Curufin�s. Maglor and Maedhros were reluctant followers. In my little world, Celegrom, Curufin and Caranthir perished during the last attempt to take the gems�leaving Maglor and Maedhros with the stones. I�m also going with the idea that Elrond/Elros were about 6 at the time of the sack. I�ve also made them about 16 when they were left behind the waterfall to be found.

Chapter 16

***In the Golden Wood***

Maglor stood with a bowed head before the rulers of Lothlorien. �My Lord and Lady,� he greeted timidly.

Galadriel came to stand before the Noldo. Using two fingers, she lifted the lowered head and gazed into the deep eyes. Maglor opened his mind and let all defensive walls crumble before her probing.

�You have suffered greatly and repented your ways; however, you have not come to see me�� She stepped aside and allowed Celeborn to advance. The remorseful Noldo could not look the great lord in the eyes, instead staring at the floor.

�Look at me, Son of Feanor!� the Silver Lord commanded.

Lindir took a supportive step forward but was stayed by Galadriel. In his mind the minstrel heard her gentle voice, �This is between them alone.�

�Why have you come here? Your kin is responsible for the destruction of my home and kin. Furthermore, you brought the Doom of the Noldor unto my wife.�

Maglor looked up into the steel-blue eyes. �I regret those actions, had I your wisdom, perhaps I would have been able to sway my kin. As it was, my voice was ignored. I mourn my deeds and those of my kin always; to say �I am sorry� seems too little to offer you. I do not dare ask your forgiveness for I certainly do not deserve it. I do wish to stand before you, accountable for past action, mine and my brothers.�

Celeborn�s gaze softened at the admission. Here stood a broken elf, willing to take the blame for his wrongs and the wrongs of his kin, for which he was not accountable. �Tell me, why do you come now? Millennia have passed.�

Glancing quickly at his lover, Maglor turned back to the silver-haired lord. �My guilt and mourning held me prisoner. It was not that I feared your wrath, as it is justly due. I could not bear to accept my lot and face those I had wronged. Since then, I have met my rock, one who has given me the strength to face my past and get over it. I wish to start anew and cannot do that so long as the past smothers me like a blanket.�

Celeborn looked at his wife. There was a silent conversation going on between them, but it was missed by Maglor. With a sigh, Celeborn responded. �You did not come here seeking forgiveness, but my heart has healed. Though I still mourn the loss, I am wise enough to know that elves can change. When I look upon you, I see remorse and a calmed spirit. You saved the one that became my daughter�s husband, standing against your kin. You came here knowing you may well face the end of my sword�you did not ask it, but I will give it�I accept your apology. I cannot forget the past; however, I do not count you as an enemy. You are welcome in the Golden Wood."

Maglor dared a small smile, �You are most kind. That is more than I had hoped for.� Glancing at Lindir for affirmation, he continued. �We do not plan to stay more that one night as we wish to cross the mountains before the snows come.�

�Very well,� Galadriel replied. �A servant will show you to lodging and see that you have a warm bath and food. I invite you to join Celeborn and myself for the evening meal.� With that, a young elleth appeared to escort the weary elves to their room.

Celeborn stared after them. �It took great courage for him to stand before me. Yet, I saw the blessings of the Valar in his eyes. It is time to let go of the past. A greater darkness still lurks in this world.�

Galadriel moved forward and embraced her husband. �I am proud of you, my love.� She kissed him on the cheek and moved out of his arms. With a coy smile, she left the chamber.

******

Lindir and Maglor relished the feel of the warm water. They gently cleaned each others hair and things would have progressed to a far less innocent situation if not for the interruption of the servant, bringing clean robes and removing their dirty travel-stained ones.

�Dinner will be in an hour, my lords,� she called as she quickly left the room.

Lindir giggled and left the tub. �I think we embarrassed her.�

The elves dried off and dressed. They braided each other�s hair, which Maglor found extremely calming. He was worried about dinner.

�Relax melethron.� The silver haired elf said as he tied off the last braid. �All will be well.�

Lindir was correct. The meal was pleasant and the conversation light. They retired early, for they planned to leave at dawn. That night Maglor slept in the protective embrace of his lover and all felt right in the world.

*****

Elrond stared out the window, a parade of emotions going through him. Glorfindel had alerted him of Lindir�s impending return. While he was happy to have the young elf back safely, he could not help the foreboding feeling he had. He had been assailed with memories for the last few weeks; memories that had long been buried. His unease continued as he saw the minstrel arrive with a companion. He had sent Glorfindel to greet the silver-haired elf. He would speak with Lindir once the penneth had time to clean up and eat. He wondered who was traveling with his minstrel; there was something about the stranger�

*****

�Welcome home, Lindir!� Glorfindel called as he descended the steps.

Lindir dismounted and accepted the warrior�s embrace. �It is good to be home.� The bard replied. �I have brought a special someone with me and we would like to see Lord Elrond, now.�

�Why not eat and rest? Elrond does not expect to speak with you until later.�

�Please Glorfindel, if he isn't busy, I wish to speak to him immediately. It is important.�

Glorfindel eyed the minstrel and the now dismounted �guest�. There was something odd going on, but it was not his place to inquire. �He is in his study. I am sure he has time for you. Come.� The golden warrior lead the two elves to his Lord�s study.

Knocking on the partially closed door the Vanya stuck his head in. �Elrond, Lindir needs to see you if you have a moment.�

Elrond looked up questioningly. �Alright.� Glorfindel opened the door to admit the pair of elves. A nod from Elrond sent his chief counselor and seneschal from the room, closing the door behind them. Elrond advanced and hugged the minstrel. �I am happy to have you home safe. I hope your adventure was fruitful.� At this he eyed the still hooded stranger.

�Aye, my Lord, it was. I found someone very special and I asked them to return with me�� Lindir looked to Maglor and gave a small nod. Elrond stared in disbelief as the hood was lowered.

�Hello, Elrond,� Maglor said. He was not at all prepared for the dark-haired elf lord�s reaction. Elrond took a step back, a look of disbelief on his fair feature.

�It cannot be�� He breathed, �you�YOU!� He suddenly yelled, fury in the grey eyes. �You�what are you doing here!� Maglor was shocked but not altogether surprised at the less than warm welcome. Lindir, however, was stunned. Maglor lowered his eyes and braced himself for the forthcoming tirade.

�My Lord�� Lindir began

�Sit down!� Elrond turned to the startled minstrel and pointed to a chair. �I will speak with you in a moment.� Lindir, in utter confusion could do nothing but comply. Elrond advanced on the Noldo. �You dare to come back, now? You left us! You said you would come back and you did not. You left us alone!�

�Elrond, I did��

�You did nothing! You gave us away. What, did you grow tired of us? Is that it?� The elf lord spat. �I believed you loved us. That is what you always said. You said we would be a family! Then you gave us to strangers!�

�El��

The elf lord ignored the attempted interruption. �How could you do that? We had already lost one family. You said you would take care of us!� Tears streamed down Elrond�s cheeks and it broke Maglor�s heart. �You said you would keep us safe, but you did not! You lied.� Old pain surfaced and took hold of the normally calm Elda. Elrond was blind in his fury, his mind racing to images of the past�

****Flashback�later part of the first age*****

�I want to stay with you.� The young elfling pleaded.

�Not this time. It is not safe.�

�Why must you go?�

�Elrond, I explained it to you. When you are older you will understand and see that this was best.�

�You are coming back, right?� Elrond�s foresight had not yet developed, however he had an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. Today would be a turning point in his and Elros� lives.

Maglor led the twins to the river's edge then followed an almost non-existent path up to a waterfall. Carefully picking his way over the rocks, the older elf led the two into a small cavern. �Alright. Promise me you will stay here and not venture out until someone comes for you.�

�Are you not coming for us yourself?� Elrond asked wide-eyed.

�If not me, then I will give my ring to the one who you are to go with. You are to stay with them until a time when either Maedhros or I can come for you. Promise me, you will stay put?�

Elrond looked Maglor long and hard. �But you will come back right?� Maglor ruffled the elfling's hair. It was hard to believe that it had been 10 years since the frightened little twins came into his life and found a place in his heart. As much as he loathed it, the oath hung over Maglor like a shroud. One last time, he and Maedhros would stand by their brothers. It was a fool�s plan and Maglor did not foresee surviving it. Actually, he was beginning to hope he did not. He was weary of all this. Regardless, this would be the last time he or Maedhros would try to fulfill the cursed oath. First, however, he had to know the Twins were safe.

�I need you to promise me Elrond, no sneaking out after me. I mean it.� Maglor gave the stubborn child a firm look.

�I promise.� Elrond finally said quietly.

Elros, who rarely spoke to begin with also answered, �I promise.�

�Good, now come here and give me a hug. I love you both so much, never forget that.� Maglor held both boys tight before quickly turning away. Without another word, the Noldo left the cavern and vanished into the night.

****

Elrond eyed the stranger doubtfully. �Who are you?�

�I am Ereinion-Gilgalad. I have come to take you back to your people.�

Elros stood next to his brother. �Prove it.� He demanded. The stranger produced a ring from a pocket�Maglor�s ring.

�Where is Maglor?� Elrond demanded. �Why did he not come?�

Gilgalad looked to his companion for help. The ancient elf smiled sadly. �I do not know little one.� The sadness that resonated from the elflings broke Cirdan�s heart. �Come, it is time to leave this place.�

After a brief hesitation, the twins followed the older elves, certain that Maglor or Maedhros would come for them soon. As the seasons passed, Elrond came to realize that Maglor was not coming back for them. They had been abandoned again. Maglor and Maedhros did not love them. If they did, they would have come for them. Cirdan and Gilgalad tried to explain the whole F�anor-oath situation to the twins, and why Maglor did what he did. Tried to explain the crimes the sons had done and why it was best that Elros and he stay with Gilgalad. Elrond did not care about past deeds or oaths. Maglor was the Adar he never had. He loved the older elf with all his heart, but Maglor had lied. He did not love them! Elrond would never forgive him for that deception.

The years passed and the twins grew, made their choices and names for themselves. However, the feeling of abandonment did not diminish with the ages and when Elros finally succumbed to mortality, Elrond was left all alone�

****end flashback***

�Elrond, please I had to do it,� Maglor pleaded.

�Had to? You had to? No Maglor, you survived and should have come back for us as you promised�of course, you did not intend to come back, did you? If you truly cared, you would have asked what I wanted�what we wanted. But that did not matter. All I wanted was to be with you! I had wanted you as a part of my life! Yet, at all the moments in my life that you should have been present, you were not. All the milestones, the choice, my wedding, the birth of my children, the loss of my wife�you never came or even sent word! �I will always be there fore you�, you had said, but you lied! You did not want me in your life; now I do not want you in mine!� Elrond�s face was red with anger. There was a deathly silence in the room. Lindir was in total shock at his Lord's behavior and knew not what to say or do. He knew the truth; Maglor had shared with him how he snuck into Imladris to see the wedding and at the presentation of Elrond�s children to the people of the Valley. Maglor witnessed everything, but did not feel worthy of coming forward.

Maglor raised his hood as the silent tears of regret trailed down his cheeks. �I told you I could not return with you,� he said to Lindir, voice soft and resigned. �That I would not be forgiven.� Looking at Elrond, the elf continued. �I am sorry you believe I failed you. I truly did what I thought was best for you. I did not want to drag you into the foolish oath, nor the bloodshed that came with it. I will leave your lands and your life as you ask.� With that, he turned, strode to the door and opened it without hesitation. Upon entering the hall, he passed a pair of confused elves and headed towards the main entrance. It seems that he had misinterpreted the Valar. He only hoped that Lindir would find a new love, one more deserving of him.

Chapter 17

Lindir finally shook himself out of his daze. He glared at Elrond. �You could have heard his side!� The minstrel ground out before running to catch his fleeing lover. In his haste, he nearly toppled both Erestor and Glorfindel.

�Elrond?� Erestor asked cautiously, seeing the distraught state of his lord.

Elrond�s gaze remained focused on some distant point. �All my life I wanted him back, and now he�s here�� Elrond sighed.

�Who? GilGalad?�

Elrond looked at the questioning blond and gave a bitter chuckle. �Maglor.� He simply replied, like that explained everything.

Erestor had move to the side table to pour them glasses of wine. He nearly dropped the decanter at Elrond�s soft admission. He flashed a concerned look to Glorfindel who just shrugged his shoulders. Carefully maneuvering the dazed elf-lord to a chair near the fireplace, Glorfindel accepted two glasses from the advisor. Elrond sat with his two dear friends down on their heels beside him. He knew they were waiting for an explanation, he just did not know where or how to start.

****

Lindir quickly caught up to the retreating Noldo.

�Graelinn!� He called out, hoping the upset elf would recognize the new name. �Wait, please.�

Maglor stopped and turned glassy eyes to the minstrel. �This was a mistake. I should not have come here. Why could you not listen to me?�

�I did listen to you�but this was not a mistake. Elrond was just taken by surprise that is all.� Lindir placed a hand on Maglor�s arm. �Please, come inside?�

Maglor looked down the steps to the courtyard. He was so tired; tired of running, of hiding, of being alone. Looking at the pleading minstrel, he raised his hand to caress Lindir�s cheek. �Oh melethron,� he sighed. It was not until he had gone several yards that Maglor realized that Lindir had somehow gotten him to return into the building. The young minstrel was nothing if not persistent.

�Stay with me tonight, in my room. If you still want to leave or Elrond does not come to his senses, then you may leave. But understand this�I will leave with you. I will not be separated from you.�

Maglor made to protest but gentle fingers pressed against his lips. Lindir lead his lover to his room. It had been aired out and a plate of fresh fruit and cheeses was waiting for him. Before they got much further than through the threshold, Lindir kicked the door closed and pinned Maglor against it. His lips sought out their mate. The kiss was gentle, loving and full of support. When the need for air grew crucial, they reluctantly parted. Looking down into eyes that held such love for him, Maglor had to smile.

�I will stay the night, but please do not hope that Elrond will change his mind. In some ways he is right�I just thought it was best for him.�

Lindir pulled Maglor further into the room. �I have a wonderful tub, very spacious. Care to join me in a nice relaxing bath? I will wash your hair.�

Maglor�s smile broadened at the twinkle in the smaller elf�s eyes. Somehow, he doubted that his hair was the only thing Lindir wanted to wash. Following, he entered the bathroom and began to strip. When Lindir turned from the tub, he was met with a sight that made his member twitch. Maglor had stripped and bent over to place his clothing on a low bench. Maglor stood and turned. He raised an eyebrow at the obviously ogling elf.

�See something appealing?� He asked as the silver-haired elf made a slow show of stripping. Maglor�s heart began to pound. No one had ever being able to chase away the shadows in his soul like the beautiful elf before him. Lindir reached out and grabbed hold of the Noldo�s awakening flesh, earning him a gasp. He gently pulled, indicating that the dark-haired elf should join him in the bath, lest he find himself in some pain. The elves stepped into the pool, sighing when the warm water hit their travel-weary bodies.

*****

�Let me see if I have this right.� Glorfindel began once Elrond managed to get his tale out. �Maglor is�okay, was�� he amended when Elrond shot him a look. �Like a father too you. He hid you away before his last attempt to steal the Silmarils; a plot that cost three of the brothers their lives. He made sure that GilGalad would find you and give you sanctuary. He stays away for ages, probably out of guilt. Now he returns with Lindir and you just told him off?�

�Without giving him an opportunity to explain, by the sound of it,� Erestor added. Elrond scowled. He knew they were right; but the pain felt so new. Perhaps if he had warning, time to come to grips with all this.

�I appreciate your concern, my friends; however, I really would like to be alone.�

�Suit yourself. You know you can come to either of us,� Erestor said as he stood to leave. As Glorfindel had yet to move, the advisor gave a little cough. �Umm, Glorfindel?�

The warrior rose and gave his lord's shoulder a little squeeze, then followed the black-haired advisor into the hall. Erestor sighed. �I will be in my study for a time, yet. I will look in on him before I retire. If he is still there, I will see that he gets to his rooms."

�Thank you, melon nin. I have a patrol to lead tomorrow. If you need me though, do not hesitate. In the morning someone has to make Elrond face his past and I am afraid that task must fall to you and Lindir.�

�Have no worries, Glorfindel. Good night.� With that, the two friends parted ways.

***Later that night***

Elrond tossed and turned, images of the past assailing him. His sleep was troubled, but he was unable to wake himself. Through the smoke on some past battlefield, he saw a figure. Tall, most likely Elven. The person wore a flowing gown; who would wear a gown on a battlefield? The Noldo approached the woman, thinking perhaps she needed help. Climbing over the carnage, he was surprised to see the pristine lady smiling at him.

�Come with me,� she softly beckoned.

�Who are you?�

�Come with me, child, and learn the truth.�

Elrond was compelled to follow; he knew there was a higher power at work.

�Abandoned, you say. Perhaps. Lied too, yes. Unloved�never. Look closely at what would have come to pass if Maglor had been ruled by selfish desire.� A sweep of her hand cast away the battle field and replaced it with a small room filled with�

�Vaire...� Elrond whispered and went down on one knee.

The Vala could not suppress her smile. �Look closely at the weavings.� She pointed to an unfinished tapestry.

Elrond stood and moved closer and soon found himself as an unseen observer. He recognized the time and place�it was the Sons of F�anor�s last attempt at getting the Silmarils. Odd though, he saw himself and Elros there. Their clothing was bloodstained; they were huddled behind a building. Elros saw their protector and ran toward the great warrior. A garbled cry came and Elrond watched in horror as Elros fell with an Elven arrow piercing his breast. The Elda watched as the scene continued to unfold. Maedhros surged forward, catching the small elfling. Celegrom killed the archer before he, too, was slain. It was strange to be a detached observer, neither seen nor heard�nor able to help.

Maedhros held the small body, crying out in anguish. The adult Elrond felt himself scream the warning that went unheard. Maedhros was struck down, his head severed from the strong shoulders. Elrond watched as Maglor fell. In this history, Curufin and Caranthir survived but did not gain the cursed gems�the village began to fade and the Noldo found himself back in the tapestry room. Grief tore at his heart as tears poured from his eyes.

�I��

�Look now at the result that history would have brought forth,� she pointed back to the unfinished tapestry.

�No, I cannot bear to see more!� He sobbed.

�Look Elrond Half-Elven!� She commanded, her eyes narrow. �You held judgment against one who loved you dearly. See what would have happened if Maglor and Maedhros did not care about you. See what the future would have become.�

Through tear-blurred eyes, Elrond looked to the other tapestry. It showed his family tree. There were no great kings of men since Elros was killed. He never married Celebrian. The Dark Lord still held Arda in his grip. As he moved along the tapestry he saw himself as a young adult riding with the remaining brothers, sword brandished high. It dripped with red blood�Elven blood. A village lay in ruin as he and the remaining Sons of Feanor pillaged for the Silmarils. Elrond could feel the hate radiate from his younger self.

�What happened?� He asked in dismay. The village faded, and again he stood beside Vaire.

�When you lost your brother and surrogate fathers to the weapons of their own kin, you fell into despair. Seeing the hate bloom in your eyes, Caranthir decided to take you in. He raised you to fight, to hate.�

�These things though, never came to pass...� Elrond pointed out quietly.

�I know, that is why they are unfinished. Tell me, Son of Earendil, why they did not come to pass?�

Elrond hung his head in shame. �Because Maglor kept us safe and found us loving caretakers. Oh, forgive me��

�There is a bit more I wish to show you.�

�Please....� Elrond begged, fearful of the visions.

�Come, what you will see is how history really unfurled.� She lead Elrond out of the room into a bright hallway lined with completed weavings. �Look at them, child.�

Elrond slowly walked the hall looking at the picture of the Kings of Numenor. He stopped at the weaving showing his wedding.

�Look carefully, penneth.� Vaire whispered in his ear. As he looked deep into the tapestry, he saw Maglor, standing in the shadows of the garden. Slate-gray eyes grew wide and the Noldo quickly moved to the picture of his son�s birth celebration. Again, he found Maglor in the shadows. Elrond wanted to curl up and cry. How could he have behaved the way he had. How could he truly believe what he had told himself so long ago? Cirdan had always tried to explain it. Tried to get him to forgive but he was too stubborn.

�I am afraid that I have ensured that Maglor will have nothing to do with me.�

�One last thing, before you return�� The Valier again showed him an unfinished tapestry.

�That just��

�Happened.� She finished. �I cannot complete it until you return and make the future happen.� She leaned forward and kissed his forehead. �So much sorrow you have had; but you are not alone. Let go of the past and its pain. Look to the future and to happiness, for the Music is forever changing.�
****
Elrond sat up straight in his bed, and took a hasty look around. He was covered in sweat and his heart pounded, but there was a realization that brought peace to his soul. He looked out the window. Ithil still ruled the sky. He had to speak to Maglor, had to make things right. The Lord of the Valley could only hope that the young minstrel was able to make Maglor stay.

Chapter 18

Elrond knew the hour was very late, but after his little tantrum, he could not wait until morning. He had said some dreadful things to Maglor; he never gave the other elf a chance. Coming to a stop at Lindir�s door, he knocked firmly. He could here the swish of fabric and some inaudible mumbling. The door opened and an irate head minstrel greeted him.

�It is late my lord. Surely you would not throw him out in the dead of night?�

Elrond flushed with guilt and embarrassment. He deserved the younger elf�s ire. �I only wish to speak to him.�

�I believe you have *spoken* to him enough. We will leave at dawn.� Lindir hissed.

�Please, just give me a moment.� The great lord begged. A hand came to rest on Lindir�s shoulder.

�It is alright. He may speak.�

Lindir looked back at his lover cautiously. Maglor gave a subtle nod. Lindir stepped aside to let Elrond enter, and then he began to raise the wicks on the oil lamps. The room was filled with a warm glow. Elrond stood just inside the now closed door, unsure of his next move. He was beginning to wish he had waited until morning. It would have given him some time to formulate and organize his thoughts.

�Come.� Maglor walked to two chairs situated before the dying fire. Taking a quick look at the still glowering minstrel, Elrond followed to the chairs. Lindir sat himself at a small desk in the far corner of the room. Under no circumstances was he about to leave his lover alone with his lord. The room was filled with an uncomfortable silence. Maglor waited patiently for the Noldo to begin.

Elrond to a deep breath and finally raised his eyes to Maglor. �'I am sorry' hardly covers it. I do not know what to say. I was shocked to see you and suddenly all the old emotions swelled up and poured out of me. It was not fair to you�then, or now. I was a foolish child who would not listen to reason and as an adult, I acted like I was still a child.�

�Elrond�� Maglor began softly but Elrond interrupted.

�It took the Valar to finally open my eyes to that which I tried to deny.� Tears welled up in the slate eyes. �I did not mean all those things I said. That was the child in me.� The tears now flowed freely and the younger elf began to sob, making it difficult to speak. �I loved you so much and when you�� Elrond broke down, unable to finish. Maglor moved from the chair to kneel before the repentant elf.

Taking Elrond into his arms, Maglor began to sooth him as had done millennia ago. �It is alright, penneth,� he whispered. �I should have at least sent word but I feared the others greatly.�

Elrond looked up abruptly. �No, you have no blame in this. You did what you had to; I was just too pig-headed to see.� The sorrowful eyes nearly broke Maglor�s heart. �Please, forgive my irrational behavior. Please, can we start over? Stay. Please?� Elrond pleaded from the familiar embrace. Maglor tightened his hold on the dark-haired elf, burying his face in the dark tresses. Tears left his eyes as he clung to the younger elf.

�It is forgiven if you can forgive me. I did not want to leave you, but I did not think I would survive. I could not let you be alone again.� Maglor pulled back and used a hand to raise Elrond�s chin. Staring into the deep eyes, Maglor continued. � I loved you�I still do, and you are ever in my thoughts. Your life, however, moved on and you thrived. I no longer had a place with you.�

�Yes, you did. If you had returned, I would have�� Elrond stopped himself as a realization hit him, �responded the same as now,� he conceded. �Though you need not my forgiveness, I will give it as you ask. Please, stay. I want you back in my life. I want my sons to meet you.�

Maglor smiled and looked over Elrond to Lindir. Lindir had heard everything and there was a peace in his eyes. Yes, they would stay.

Maglor embraced the half-elf one last time before standing. �We will stay. There is much for you to share with me, as I have to with you.� The older Noldo held out his hand to help the younger up. Once he was standing, Elrond crushed his foster-father in a hug.

�I am so glad you are back.� He said with a genuine smile. The elf lord turned to the elf sitting at the desk wearing a very smug smile. �This is who you really searched for, is it not. You wished to learn from Maglor.� Lindir merely nodded. �I am glad you found him.�

�Well,� Lindir began as he stood. �I had a bit of help.� Maglor chuckled. Elrond looked between the two elves in confusion. Lindir gave Maglor a wink, �We will tell you about it�in the morning.�

Elrond took the hint and moved to leave. Before opening the door, he looked back and saw the possessive arm wrapped around Maglor�s� waist. �I am very sorry; I wronged you both.�
�It is behind us, my lord. In the morn we will begin again.� Elrond gave the couple one last smile before he left. No sooner had the door clicked than Maglor found his mouth being plundered, most sweetly, by his lover. Breaking away when air became scarce, Lindir looked into the depths of Maglor�s eyes. He saw forgiveness, redemption, gratitude and love shining back at him. Taking the Noldo�s hand, he led him back to bed. This night he would make sweet love to his �Gaerlinn.�

*****

On the other side of the Last Homely House, a certain golden warrior got a most startling surprise�

Glorfindel came from the bathroom in his leggings, towel drying his hair and lost in thought. He never saw the one leaning causally against the wall.

�You are as beautiful as always.�

Glorfindel dropped the towel and took up a defensive stance. When he finally identified the intruded, he cursed.

�Now that is hardly befitting you.�

�Namo, you really should not sneak up on someone like that!� The warrior commented tartly.

The Vala of the Dead smiled and chuckled softly. �Now where would the fun be in that?�

The golden warrior shook his head. Glorfindel was one of the few who knew the �true� spirit of the solemn Vala. They had been close companions in the Halls and Namo actually missed him.

�So what can I do for you? Has Elrond implored you to take me back?� he asked with a smirk.

�No, you are stuck here. I would not take you back anyway�I think you favored my wife a bit too much.� Before the Vanya could respond, a serious look fell over the Vala. �I have two things to tell you. One I should not reveal to you, but I think you might be a bit reluctant to do as I will request.� Glorfindel sat on his bed as Namo came to lean on the bedpost. �Much time has passed since the dawn of Arda. Il�vatar has announced that some of the elves in my halls are to be reborn. They are to choose between remaining in my halls for all eternity and dwelling in Valinor, or returning to Arda, sailing west when they see fit.�

Glorfindel hung on every word the Doomsman said. Could it be that he would finally be reunited with Ecthelion? Hope blossomed in his heart. Namo saw that hope and it pained him to continue. �This brings me to the first point of business. Ecthelion was given this choice.� The Vala paused. Glorfindel was not going to like this but if he was to succeed with his upcoming task, he had to here it. �He chose to return to Valinor�with an elf who captured his heart while dwelling in my halls.�

To say that the warrior was shocked was an understatement. Glorfindel raised pleading eyes to the figure before him. �He did not wish to come back to me?� He asked softly, hoping beyond hope that he had misunderstood. Now, being the Vala of the Dead, Namo could kill or comfort with his touch. At this moment, he chose to comfort and rested a hand on Glorfindel�s shoulder.

�You were not bound and he found the mate of his soul. You cannot begrudge him that. But I know it pains you. You loved him dearly. Do not lose hope, Golden Warrior. There is a mate for you�you need only stop and listen to your heart.� While Glorfindel knew Namo meant to offer support, he still felt like a part of him was ripped from his body. His former lover loved another.

He looked up at the Vala, �What task do you ask of me?� His voice was flat and his eyes a bit dull.

Namo stood and regarded the warrior. Yes, this was the right decision�on both points. �There is one who wishes to be returned to Arda. He however is still serving his penance for his past crimes. Therefore, he is not returning entirely�well, healthy. It will be very difficult for him and he has great trepidations about it all. Still, he did not feel himself worthy of Valinor yet and whished to fight the evil which haunts this world. I ask you to be his guide and support. It will not be quite as easy as it sounds, Glorfindel.�

Glorfindel thought back to his return. It had been difficult on so many levels. If it had not been for Ciridan and Elrond, he did not know what his fate would have been. Furthermore, he respected Namo greatly and felt honored to be given such a task. It would hopefully take his mind way from Ecthelion.

�Who is the elf?� He asked.

The tall Vala smirked. �You will know him when he arrives.� Namo knew so much more, but he could not tell all. It was not his place, no matter how special an elf was. �Remember, love is not lost to you, melon nin.� With that, the Vala faded into the shadows and left Glorfindel alone.

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Road to Redemption