Road to Redemption

Road to Redemption (49-50/50)

Author: Gwaelinn
Beta: Aglarien
Pairings: Lindir/Maglor, Erestor/Maedhros and others
Rating: NC-17-R overall
Warnings: Slash (m/m)
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’. I began it in 2005 as a fic called Redemption…now I am back to it and with a new name the story continues.


Chapter 49

Two brothers sat in the moonlit garden. The time of the elves had come and gone. The Last Homely House was in a state of organized chaos; elves were packing and repacking, trying to decide what to take and what to leave. In two days, the household of Elrond Half-elven would travel to the Havens and take the ships to the Blessed Realm. Now Maglor and Maedhros sat in doubt. Would the Valar truly allow them passage?

“Have you packed?” Maglor asked his brother.

“No.”

“Do you not plan to go to the havens?”

The older brother shrugged. “I fear damning any ship I board if the Valar bar my passage.”

“What does Erestor say?”

“I have not said anything.”

“Maedhros! You cannot just…”

“Don’t!” Maedhros hissed. “Are you packed? Are you sure of your path?” Silence. “I thought not, or you would be inside, having at your lover.” His words were harsher than he intended, but he knew how the Valar had helped Lindir win Maglor’s heart. He knew that they were bound and if Maglor did not sail, Lindir would stay with him, for the sea-longing did not call to the younger elf. Maedhros did not think it ever would. Maedhros’ lover, on the other hand, was so very weary and ready to seek the blessed realm. Maedhros could not ask him to stay in Arda. The great elf’s heart grew heavy. “I…” he began, “ I...I will…” He could not speak and the tears came unbidden.

A cool breeze rustled the leaves and Maedhros felt a chill he knew all too well. Looking up with fearful eyes, he found the Doomsman standing before them. His sudden movement alerted his brother. Fearful though they were, the brothers stood and bowed to the Vala.

Námo schooled his features. “Why do you sit here when the others are packing and celebrating the upcoming journey? Surely you would prefer the company of your loves to that of each other.”

“My Lord,” Maedhros began, not daring to look the Vala in the eyes. “Our hearts are troubled. Since you are here, I can only believe you have come to pass the final judgment upon us. Are we to loose the other halves of our souls when they are granted passage to Valinor and we are not? If that be the case, I beg you to spare Maglor such a fate; all that he has ever done has been out of love.”

Maglor began to protest but Námo raised his hand. In a swirl of dark robes, the beautiful Vala sat on the bench across from the two Noldor and indicated they should sit as well. With what sounded like a sigh of exasperation, the Vala spoke, “Judgment was passed long ago, but you two are too stubborn to accept it. Maglor, you have lamented and grieved for your mistakes and those of your kin. Still, you opened your heart to love and in turn are loved. Your redemption began the moment you left your solitude. I thought you understood that. Furthermore, you have bound your fëa to Lindir’s. To separate you now would damn Lindir to fade; he would never make it to the havens, so great would be his grief. The Valar did not go to all the trouble of leading him to you just to have him enter my halls!”

Dark eyes sparked with starlight as Namo looked at the elder brother. “As for you, you were offered a chance at a new life with heavy conditions. You have held true to them and yourself. You have made a new name for yourself as a master smith with a generous spirit. Part of your redemption required you to find unconditional love and unconditionally return that love. All your conditions have been met, although, you have not bound your souls since you have not taken Erestor yet. But know this: regardless of the physical aspect of your relationship, if you do not go west with Erestor, he too will fade. He is meant for you and you for him…for eternity. Even now, you beg me to spare judgment on your brother, but ask nothing for yourself.” A loving smile crossed the Vala’s face as he stood. “Do not waste your time brooding out here. Since you cannot seem to feel it in your fear, I will spell it out to you. Rejoice in your redemption and know that you are awaited in the lands of the West.” As the breeze picked up, the majestic Vala moved and faded into the whispering wind.

The brothers sat for a moment longer. Suddenly they stood as one and ran in the most un-lord like manner to their respective lovers, a newfound joy burning with in them.

*****
Lindir squeaked as he was grabbed from behind and swung around. “What, pray tell, has gotten in to you?” he asked with a laugh.

“You, my beloved,” was the answer, just before demanding lips sucked at a delicate ear-tip.

Lindir melted. With some regret, he pulled away from his long time lover and turned to face the raven-haired minstrel. He looked deep into the ageless eyes and saw a flame burning anew. His fëa recognized the sign and Lindir threw himself into his lover’s arms. “Now will you bind with me?” he asked as he nibbled at the smooth neck.

“Aye. I will bind with you when we reach the shores of Valinor!”

Lindir looked at his lover in joyful shock. It was the first time that Maglor acknowledged the upcoming journey. There had been a time when the young elf feared his lover did not mean to travel with him and Lindir had decided that he would not go without the other half of his soul. Now that anxiety was gone. He and Maglor would be together forever. With the fervor of elves just past their majority, the two lovers ripped at each other’s clothing, tumbled into bed amidst the pile of clothing to be packed, and made mad, passionate love for the remainder of the night.

*****
When Maedhros reached the rooms he shared with Erestor, he found his little love sitting on a stool at the dressing table, silent tears running down the pale cheeks. Looking about quickly, the cinnamon eyes noticed that his *empty* trunk which he had tried to hide in his wardrobe was in the center of the room. The smith had a sinking feeling.

“Meleth? What is wrong?” Maedhros asked as he cautiously approached his lover. His warrior skills awoke quickly as he dodged the silver brush that came hurtling towards his head.

As the stunned elf ducked, Erestor stood, eyes filled with rage. “You liar!” Erestor hissed. “You were never planning to travel west, were you! What did you think? That I would not notice? When were you going to tell me? When I got on my horse and you were not there? Have you grown tired of me?” Tears flowed freely. “Is that why you never took me? Not once in all these years have you claimed me. You do not want me, do you?!” Erestor’s rage dissolved into despair as he crumbled to the floor and sobbed.

Maedhros was at his side in a heartbeat, his own heart bleeding. “Meleth…”

“DO NOT CALL ME THAT!” Erestor screamed before breaking into uncontrollable sobs.

The re-made elf wrapped his arms about his lover. Erestor tried to push him away, but he just could not. He was so tired.

I love you, Erestor nin,” the powerful elf whispered. “I do want you, it just…well it was just…”

“Just what?” Erestor choked out. “Now that we will return to your kin, I am not good enough am I? I am just a plain…”

Maedhros pulled from the embrace and grabbed Erestor by the upper arms. Giving the smaller elf a shake he growled, “Do not ever say that again.” *shake* “You are a better elf that any I know. It never was you. It was *me*!” Erestor looked up with frightened, red-rimmed eyes. Maedhros had never taken this tone with him and the advisor was frightened.

Cinnamon colored eyes looked at the smaller elf. Tears stung the great elf’s eyes and he quickly wrapped his lover in a tight embrace. “Forgive me. I did not mean to behave so. It is just that I love you so much and you do not understand. I feared losing you before I was able to tell you the truth.” Maedhros kissed the ebony locks. “Please give me a chance to explain.”

Erestor nodded from the warmth and security of the strong arms.

Shifting so he was leaning against the bed with the smaller elf cradled on his lap, Maedhros began, “I have loved you since I first laid eyes on you.” He kissed Erestor’s forehead. “What we shared has been wonderful. Still, I did not feel right claiming you. I feared binding with you, for I knew one day you would want and need to sail. I did not think that I would be allowed back to Valinor and I could not allow you to be trapped here, bound to me for eternity. I wanted you to be free to sail if you wanted.” He paused, his face reflecting his shame. “You were right; I was going to go to the Havens, give you a sleeping draught, and put you on the ship… not because I don’t want you but because I am not worth…”

Erestor placed his hand over Maedhros’ lips. “Do not say it,” he said. “You are not the same elf you were when you were young. Ilúvatar saw fit to have you re-made and gave you another chance. You are an honorable elf and I love you. Why did you not just talk to me? We could have figured something out together. Furthermore, it is my choice to stay or go. I want to be with you. I care not if it is here of Valinor. I will gladly stay with you in Arda if that is where you must remain. I want to give myself to you, to be yours for eternity. Please?”

Erestor’s declaration caused the tears to spill and Maedhros buried his face in the raven silk and cried. Taking a deep breath, the ancient elf continued to tell his lover what had happened in the garden. “Lord Námo came to me this eve.”

Erestor looked up in horror. “No!” he pleaded.

“Shh, precious one. He came to explain things to me again, since I apparently did not understand the first time. I am a stubborn elf and forgiving myself was hard. I truly thought that my fate was to remain here. Lord Námo came to enlighten me, for I was incorrect in that thought. Erestor, I can and will sail to Valinor with you. We will be together forever…if you will still have me that is.” He looked into rich chocolate eyes.

Erestor met Maedhros’ probing gaze and smiled. “If you will claim me tonight, I will be yours forever.” The challenge was issued.

In one graceful movement, Maedhros stood, still holding his lover, and moved onto the bed. He laid Erestor down gently before standing and shedding his clothing. Erestor looked at the powerful form and his passions stirred. He had dreamt of this moment for years uncounted. His naked lover moved to the bed, and as one hand began to undo clasps, hungry lips explored an ear and neck, tasting every inch of skin as it became visible. It was slow and deliberate. Butterflies swarmed in Erestor’s stomach as he was divested of clothing. Strong hands caressed his flushed skin. A wet tongue lapped at a rosy nipple causing heat to pool in the advisor’s groin. Erestor closed his eyes and lost himself to the pleasures assaulting his body. He bucked as a warm mouth engulfed his awakening flesh. A wicked tongue licked at the slit, coaxing bittersweet nectar from it. The younger elf tangled his hands in the soft burgundy hair. His body had never been so on fire. It was like their first time together all over again. In his passion fogged mind, Erestor realized that this was, in fact, his first time. Tonight he would be filled, claimed, loved.

Maedhros took his time with Erestor. This was his lover's first time and the re-made elf wanted to be sure it was the most pleasurable experience ever. It was hard to control his desires, though he longed to join with this beautiful elf. Reaching blindly to the nightstand, he found the oil. While his lips continued their assault, he poured the oil into his hand and let it warm a moment. Then he slid a hand between Erestor’s cheeks. Feeling his lover tense, he whispered words of love and encouragement. Next, he took the full length of Erestor’s shaft into his mouth, and as the raven-haired elf bucked, he slid a finger beyond the guardian ring.

Erestor moaned at the sudden intrusion but the wet sucking on his rod overrode any discomfort.

Carefully sliding the finger in and out, Maedhros bent it and found the special spot that made Erestor writhe and gasp in ecstasy.

Erestor soon found himself begging for more. He wanted to feel that explosion again and again.

His lover obliged, adding fingers and carefully preparing Erestor. Letting go of Erestor’s throbbing member, Maedhros sat back on his haunches. He kept thrusting with his fingers, but when Erestor opened his eyes, he nearly spent himself. Maedhros had taken his own weeping rod and was stroking it in time with the thrusting fingers. His body arched and his head was thrown back in pleasure. Gasps and moans filled the night air. Suddenly Erestor found himself staring into flaming eyes filled with love and lust.

“Last chance to change your mind, melethron.” Maedhros panted in an effort to control his desire.

“I am yours forever,” Erestor breathed, letting all the love he had for the elf shine through his eyes.

Maedhros leaned down, captured Erestor’s lips in a heated kiss, and thrust forward. Erestor’s gasp was swallowed by his lover’s kiss. The larger elf paused for a moment. Erestor took the opportunity to wrap his legs around the narrow waist. Locking gazes, the two lovers began to move as one. They never blinked as the pace quickened and supreme ecstasy ripped through them. Their souls soared and danced as the bond was completed. They came crashing to earth and lay entwined as exhaustion claimed them. They were bound now…and forever.

“When we reach Valinor,” Maedhros mumbled sleepily, “I will make our wedding bands.”

Erestor smiled and nestled closer.

Námo and Manwë watched the scene unfold as Vairë wove it into history. They were pleased; all was as it should be.

****

In the early morning light, Maglor rose from the bed and retrieved a small box. Kissing his love softly, he whispered for him to wake. Sleepy eyes grew aware and a lithe body stretched. “I have something for you, meleth,” Maglor said softly.

Lindir scooted up and leaned on the headboard, stifling a yawn. “What could you have for me that you have not already given me?”

“This.” Maglor opened the small box. Resting in soft red velvet were two identical silver bands.


Chapter 50

*Weeks later*

Círdan brought the ship to dock smoothly. It had taken three great ships to bring those whose duty had kept them on Arda until the last. Elrond and Thranduil looked anxiously for their wives. They had become lovers; they knew that their wives had done the same, for the four had no secrets. There was no need for marriages of convenience anymore and the ladies had released their spouses of their marriage bonds before they left for the west.

Elrond gasped as he saw a flash of flowing silver that he knew well, and there, next to the Lady of Imladris, was the equally beautiful Lady of the Greenwood. Tears flowed freely from the mighty king’s eyes as he looked upon his beloved wife for the first time in millennium. Their hearts might have belonged to others, but there was love and respect between them.

Celebrían spotted her husband and waved enthusiastically. She let out a squeal when a pair of matching dark heads appeared beside their father. Her joy was momentarily dimmed; because of her gift of foresight, she already knew the fate of her precious little girl. Love was a powerful magic and few could resist its pull. As soon as the gangplank was lowered, all decorum was abandoned as the regal lady grabbed her lover’s hand and pulled her toward the ship and into the arms of their former husbands.

Maglor, Lindir, Maedhros, and Erestor stood on the deck of the white ship, watching as the mists parted to reveal the most luscious land imaginable. Although they knew that Valar welcomed them, Maglor and Maedhros did not feel so confident about the welcome they would receive from the kinsmen they had wronged. As the ship pulled into the harbor, they could see a large crowd standing along the shore. Erestor squeezed his lover’s hand in silent support. Cinnamon eyes looked down at the advisor lovingly. Maedhros felt truly blessed. Lindir had begun to bounce on the balls of his feet in anticipation, causing Maglor to laugh and pull the minstrel closer. He could handle anything so long as Lindir stayed at his side.

Maglor reached over and gripped his older brother’s forearm when he saw their mother. Butterflies swarmed in the pit of his stomach, knowing he would have to face her and others. He had wronged so many and hoped that perhaps in time they could forgive him. Maedhros placed his arm around Maglor’s shoulder. Their lovers lagged behind, knowing this was a reunion the brothers needed to do alone,.

“Come,” Maedhros said softly. “Let us go to her.” Maglor nodded and walked down the plank. A beautiful elleth rushed forward, followed closely by Amrod and Amros (the only other of Fëanor’s seed allowed rebirth) and embraced them tightly.

“Oh, my dear sons. I knew you would return to me. I have waited for you so long. Let me get a good look at you. Oh, my darling ones!” Nerdanel was told that the evil that tainted her husband and other three sons could not be purged from their fëar and they would never again walk amongst the living. She did not morn though, for she had her four gentle sons with her now. Tears of joy flowed down their faces. Soon the brothers felt another presence and found Fingon waiting.

“We are so sorry!” Maedhros dropped to his knees before his cousin, wrapping his arms around Fingon’s waist and sobbing.

“Hush now, all is forgiven.” The eldest son of Fingolfin grabbed his cousin’s biceps, encouraging him to stand, and pulled him into a warm embrace. Maglor received the same warm greeting. “I have missed you both so. I am overjoyed that you are able to return to us.” Finrod came with his beloved Amarië. The brothers begged forgiveness for wrong deeds but were quickly hushed for it was all in the past. It felt so wonderful, like it had been before the exile, the rebellion, the damned oath.

A sudden realization hit Maedhros and he looked about frantically. Where was Erestor? Seeing the dark haired advisor just off to the side with Lindir, the large elf grabbed his mother’s hand. With Maglor, Amrod and Amros in tow, he headed for his lover. When they reached the Imladrian elves, introductions were unnecessary.

Nerdanel immediately wrapped Erestor and Lindir in a tight embrace. “Thank you,” she said as tears rolled down her cheeks. “Thank you for loving my sons and bringing them home.”

The two Imladris elves held the elleth as she cried. Maedhros and Maglor looked on, tears stinging their own eyes. She pulled away, wiped her cheeks and said with a smile, “Come. There is room in my home for now. Once you are all settled, you may find lodgings of your own. I know that there are others you wish to speak with, but first you will rest and eat.”

The small group moved towards the distant dwellings. She was right; there would be time for others later…now was time for family.

THE END