[ Changed? Maglor wonders and smiles a little I suppose that he is a little calmer. A bit more the brother I remember from Valinor, and not the merciless butcher of Middle-earth but he says nothing - Celegorm does not wish it known, and so he will not tell. But his brother's light burns clear again, untangled from its snares, and Valar willing with Nerdanel here they may keep it so. He takes the warning to heart however - once he is assured his friends and kin here are safe, he will head back out and keep an eye on Celegorm ]
And I am sorry that your world would afflict you so. It is not... quite the same for us as for you - Death is unnatural to the Eldar. In our own world, those of us whose hroa - bodies - are slain - their fear go to the Halls of Waiting where they may, in time, be reborn. What this world may do I know not, but I hope that you will not know that grief again.
You travel fast, little niece, but aye she is. She is armed, now - her brothers, she said, saw to it that she learnt. Only one of the blades from the armory for the moment, until we can get to a forge, but it is a good one and will serve her well.
We had already been traveling so that we might return to Caer Glaem. I merely chose to return to the Station instead. And my horse was kind, he rushed when he learned how much it meant to me. He will need a great deal of rest now though.
[Poor thing. She'd have to bring him an apple later. And one of those sugar cubes they sell in the Station shops.]
The trip takes little effort, with thanks to the boon-ring. [ Maglor shrugs wryly ] And I think she will be as eager to see you as you are to see her! She will be hard pressed to wait til moonrise.
Mm, a boon gift, when I asked for a way to travel without the fairy rings - something which could carry more would be useful, of course, but I suspect this will get good use as well.
I am sure you did not - what mother would? But you are reunited here, and I am happy for you.
There is one I wish for you to meet - at your convenience, of course. His name is Stefen and -
He is my shay'kreth'ashke. [He loves saying that and knowing it's true. Without his lover's support, he doubts he would be in such a stable place currently.] His Gift is a rarity. He can sing pain away.
A strange gift indeed, Vanyel - one that must be highly prized, no doubt. [ Vanyel does not see, but pain spasms across his face and Maglor's hand goes to his heart, his Light flickering once, drawing a concerned look from his brother. Shaking his head he mouths Bad memories, and his voice stays steady and calm ]
It is put to great use in Valdemar. Our King suffers from an unknown malady that causes him great pain. Stefen is the only one who can give him relief.
The healers cannot aid him? It must be a grievous malady indeed, although I know little of the illnesses of Men. I am glad he has, at least, the aid of your beloved. Fortunate are you to have your heart with you! I would be honored to meet him, Vanyel, although I know not how this might be accomplished.
His Life-Bonded is a Healer. She is incredibly skilled, but - [He sighs sadly.] I am fortunate. The Drabworld separated me from the other half of my heart. Perhaps it wanted to amend that by giving me my future love.
[His brow furrows in thought and he is silent for a moment.]
My heart has been given to two. [Well...three, but only two of the three are alive.] My Companion Yfandes is the other half of my heart. Where Stefen is my romantic love; she is...my family. I see her as a mother of my soul - or perhaps a sister of my soul.
Companions are otherworldly beings that Choose those who are meant to be Heralds. Once a Companion bonds with someone, the bond cannot be broken except through death.
Ah, I see! You had mentioned that one was chosen - I see that the statement carried a significance that I did not understand. How do the Companions choose?
But for such a bond to be sundered by the Drabwurld's capricious rulers...I am sorry that you must be parted so, Vanyel. You do not suffer unduly for it?
[ There's a text from Kelsi with coordinates just outside the Unseelie territory. If Maglor ventures, there's a small box containing a few homemade bags of tea and a handwritten note: ]
❤Maglor❤ Thank you for putting up with me and all of my questions! You have so much patience. I really admire you, so I'm giving you my favourite blend of tea. I hope Elves can drink it! Maybe if you just smell it a lot, you'll get the same effect? ♬Kelsi Nielson
P.S. Sorry I had to make you walk, none of the fairies wanted to deliver to Unseelie.☻
[ It is after dark when the reply comes back, Maglor taking advantage of his ring to fetch it himself rather than send his ainsel ]
Thank you, brave heart. I will enjoy trying this, and will think of you when I do. It is always a joy to teach those eager to learn, and I am happy to answer whatever questions you have.
I was hoping I might be able to have a chat with you about a couple of things, at the behest of Higgin, the majordomo of Caer Scima. I'm looking to take note of your current whereabouts and any special abilities you may have or may have been granted by Morla.
I appreciate that this is actually very forward, but you'd be doing me an incredible favour by getting in touch.
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