Elros sighed to himself as he wandered the hallways, hands tucked into his sleeves. he was not at all sure what he should do and was near lost. Elrond was busy with his work, the twins were no where to be found and with Elrond busy, so was Erestor so he could not even get to know his twin’s lover.
This left him at a loss and feeling the acute loss of Oropher being to far away from him.
Maglor was starting to wish he was back at the shore. This time he would build a cabin beside the sea and persuade Curufin to go with him to keep him company. Here was not home to him, no matter how much he tried. He had not seen Elrond since returning his harp, and communications with Lindir had halted and Maglor was uncertain where to find the elf. As for the others, he simply found it impossible to speak to, for so much time had passed since he was sundered from the elves it felt peculiar to hold any conversation. Every step he took he felt as an outcast.
It was bad enough that Curufin was comfortable already. When Maglor peeked into his room it was to find him gone, perhaps with that kindly elf Anarin. He recalled the way Curufin’s eyes grew wide like a child upon seeing Anarin, and smiling, Maglor left the room.
In the next couple hours, he sought for any sign of Gildor, his heart aching to see again that smiling handsome elf who took him away from his misery. He closed his eyes and hummed a sung that he overheard Gildor singing one night. The memory came vivid and thick, and wiping away the tear, Maglor opened his eyes. He smiled, noticing one other figure in the distance who he still felt comfortable around.
“Elros!”
Spinning at the sound of his name, he bore a bewildered expression on his face until he saw who was calling him and he then lit up like a candle. “MAglor!” Maglor was here! Maglor would speak with him, listen to his sad lonely heart and would surely have time for him!
He moved forwards, arms out stretched to engulf the older elf into a hug, face pressing against his shoulder. “Aiya Maglor! How have you been? How is your brother?” he asked, heart instantly becoming lighter
How nice it felt to embrace his son once more! Long they held on to one another as Maglor pushed back the tears. “I am doing well, I suppose, though it is taking time for me to adjust to this new place. Curufin is doing very well. It seems an elf around here has already caught his attention.” He chuckled, though he also wished he could have time soon to speak with his brother again. Their last conversation, he remembered, involved him screaming at Curufin for his rash behavior, and he could not help feeling guilty about it.
“Let me see you!” He pulled back and studied Elros, his hands placed on Elros’ shoulders as he had done so many years before. During his rescue of Curufin, Maglor had little time to study how either son now appeared. Elros was in good health, appearing young and strong. But Maglor knew he didn’t always appear as so, understanding from the tales he heard that he had become counted as one of the Men.
“It is an honor to have you return to us, Elros, it truly is,” Maglor said. “A leader of Man! You chose a noble path, my son! I am very proud of you!
“I believe have not asked you this yet: why have you returned? Are you now counted among the Elves?”
Elros beamed up at MAglor, relishing the warm feel of his hands upon his shoulders. It was something he had sorely missed! “Already? I wonder who the lucky elf is.” he chuckled, lifting his hands to lightly grasp Maglor’s wrists gently
He felt himself pinking slightly at the praise and ducked his head. “Aye, it was where my destiny lay.” He said modestly before he raised a hand to touch his ear. “I am unsure! I seem to have been restored to..when I made my choice.” He said, tone a tad concernedMaglor chuckled. “Yes, already, but I sense there is something special about this one. He’s been rather happy ever since meeting this special elf! His name is Anarin, one of the librarians. I spoke with him briefly, and I must confess I sense good things between the two’s future.” He grinned, but in his mind he wondered when he would have that same special moment with Gildor.
“Oh, do not be modest! Your leadership had done much in helping an entire race of people! I could not ask for a better son to be proud of!” He traced Elros’ ear with his eyes, following his son’s fingers as they felt around the edge. “I see. Well, the most important thing is that you are here again, and I have someone I may speak with. Would you like to take a walk with me?”
Elros chuckled softly at that. “Is he now? Well good, Curufin needs someone I suspect. He seemed lonely.” he agreed, reaching out to squeeze Maglor’s hand. “I have not met this scribe but perhaps I shall at some point.
His ears pinked slightly at the praise, high words coming from his foster father and he nodded. “Aye, a walk sounds lovely. I admit I have beeen….lonely ever since Oropher left.” He gave a mournful sigh, sadness flickering in his eyes
“Indeed, he does need someone,” Maglor said, “not just family but also new friends, new people in his life. I hope he finds joy here.”
They began their stroll, and Maglor listened to Elros’ words. Ah, so that was why I did not see him around for a while, Maglor thought. Maglor wrapped an arm around Elros’ shoulder. “I do not believe I ever met this Oropher yet, but he seems to have taken hold of your heart. Why did he leave and where to?”
9 
