Surrounded by Ghosts by Erulisse (one L)

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Author: Erulisse (one L)
Title: Surrounded by Ghosts
Rating: G with hints of PG
Theme: B2MeM 2015
Elements: Maglor and the Doors of Khazad-dûm
Author's Notes: Disclaimer: Tolkien built the sandbox, I only play with the bucket and shovel that he left for me. No money, profit or non, is made from the publication of this story.
Summary: During his wanderings in the Second Age or later, Maglor passes by the Doors of Khazad-dum (it could be before or after the fall or Eregion). What are his thoughts on seeing the Star of Feanor on the side of a mountain? Posted on 2-26-15 by lignota
Word Count: 491





Surrounded by Ghosts


Maglor crept quietly along the ridge. Glancing over toward the back doors of Khazad-dûm, he saw the doors were closed and guards had been well-hidden in the rocky crevices nearby. It was a mark of the rising danger that the dwarves had closed that which had, until now, always been kept open.

He had been visiting his niece and nephew in Ost-in-Edhil, collecting strings that Helyanwë had made for his harp and tanbur. During this trip Celebrimbor had been working in his forge, closed in with his primary apprentice. He had left strict instructions not to be disturbed, so Maglor had missed the opportunity to speak with him, but he preferred the light-hearted mischievous attitude of his niece over the overly serious nature of her brother in any case. He had held off leaving as long as possible, but finally had to continue on his journey. Although it had been long since he had cast the stone into the ocean, elven memories were longer and he was still labeled as a kinslayer. Staying in a populated place for long could endanger him and those he loved.

The clouds parted for a moment, allowing moonlight to illuminate the tracery upon the dwarven doorway. He stopped, transfixed, as his eyes scanned the doorway's imagery. His eyes fell upon the sigil of his house - the Fëanorean eight-pointed star, and an unexpected stab of grief struck him. He sank down onto the ground, his head on his knees and his arms wrapped around his legs.

I haven't seen the symbol of our house displayed with pride for long years, he thought. When did I last see it? Ah! I remember seeing it on our shields, splashed with blood when we attempted to wrest Lúthien's silmaril from Elwing at the Havens of Sirion. Nothing good came from that day, only more death and more destruction. We slew our fellow elves in pursuit of something that had never been ours to possess.

There was a small benefit - two of them; Elrond and Elros. We took them from the fallen tower and raised them as if they were our own. They grew to love us; Elrond still does. Their love pulled my brother away from his single-minded pursuit for a few years and allowed us to live a more normal life. It was temporary, of course, but those memories have been my lifeline through these empty years.

Drawing a shuddering breath, he stood once again, casting another glance at the cliff-face. The moon was occluded, its light diffused, and the tracery had faded again into the camouflaging rocks. He could not waste time, he was due at Oropher's court by the end of the season. Kinslayer or not, he still needed shelter for the winter and the Woodland Realm's king had consented to his residing near the court for a few months. He began to walk away from the dwarven city, solitary but surrounded by ghosts.

Comments

[shirebound]

Such a lonesome, poignant, endless journey for Maglor. Well done.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Thank you. He is one of my favorite characters to write about :-)

- Erulisse (one L)

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

How poignant to see that there, the dwarves proud of what the elves shun - no wonder it was such a moment for the poor lost soul.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your comment. The sons of Feanor, indeed, everyone in that luckless house, must have seen the star often, yet now its use was virtually forgotten. It must have been a shock to see it emblazoned in such a public manner after such a long time.

I've always been struck by that unique alliance - between Narvi and Celebrimbor. Their love of their craft surmounted the racial differences and allowed each to have their own pride in the making of an extraordinary kingdom. It was a real pleasure to write this prompt.

- Erulisse (one L)

[aearwen2.livejournal.com]

That's really quite an interesting picture of Maglor: on the move but wintering in the Greenwood with Oropher's permission. It fits my idea of Oropher to a "t", as I see him as a non-conformist and bit of a loose cannon (he'd have to be to lead Elves over the mountains and away from the West.)

And yeah, seeing the sigil of his house would pack an emotional punch. VERY good job setting the scene.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Thanks!!! I know he would receive no welcome in Lothlorien, given his actions at Doriath and the fact that Celeborn was of that house. Yet he needed a place to winter. Since I have this (mentally) as occurring before Rivendell was founded, there was no refuge for him in Elrond's valley. Oropher seemed a logical choice since he was usually characterized as a rebel :-)

- Erulisse (one L)

[zdenka]

I am so delighted someone wrote this! I know it says prompt fills aren't gifts, but it feels like one!

I enjoyed this piece -- beautifully written and very sad.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Thank you so very much. I adored the prompt as an opportunity to write about one of my favorite characters, and it gave me great pleasure to write the tale. That you enjoy the piece really makes my day!

- Erulisse (one L)

[kayleelupin.livejournal.com]

Oh, poor Maglor! This story makes my heart ache for him. I do love it, though! This is just how he must have felt, seeing that star again.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! I adore Maglor, he's one of my top favorite characters to write about and I feel that I have come to know him as I perceive him over the years and many, many stories. I'm so pleased that my Maglor rang true for you in this short piece.

- Erulisse (one L)

[ladyelleth.livejournal.com]

Poor Maglor, but gorgeous writing. And it was lovely to learn that Helyanwe is still around!

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Oh wow, thank you SO much. Yes, Helyanwe never really goes away, I love her too much. She has her life and adores her uncle. When he comes to Ost-in-Edhil, he usually stays in her small set of rooms and they talk late into the night and play music together. Her older brother, Celebrimbor, is not as fond of his remaining uncle and often complains about Helyanwe's open door policy. It's made for some interesting arguments between the siblings.

There you go - TMI for sure - LOL.

- Erulisse (one L)

[lindahoyland.livejournal.com]

A beautiful poignant story which vividly brought Maglor to life.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much! Maglor is one of my favorite characters to write about, so I'm delighted he came to life for you.

- Erulisse (one L)

[marta-bee.livejournal.com]

Oh, that was sad - but beautifully told. I think this lonesome burden is a bit of Maglor's atonement, but that doesn't make it any less heavy to bear up under.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Marta. I agree, atonement for an action doesn't lessen the weight of the deed. I appreciate your reading and comments, as always. *hugs*

- Erulisse (one L)

[maglor-20.livejournal.com]

This is wonderful, Erulisse. I enjoyed it. :)

[engarian.livejournal.com]

I'm delighted to have written something that you enjoyed. That's a pat on the back for me and will make me smile all day. Thank you!

- Erulisse (one L)

[huinare.livejournal.com]

This was a very cinematic moment for me when reading, the sigil aglow just long enough for Maglor to see it and be overwhelmed by memory. Nicely done!

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Huinare. I see whatever I write and just try to put down on paper what I see in my mind. That you feel it was almost cinematic thrills me.

- Erulisse (one L)

[zhie.livejournal.com]

I was almost expecting the watcher to show up (or the great great granddaddy of the watcher), and that added a little suspense to the story. Never really thought of it, but a lone kinslayer would be subject to more danger in the later ages... wonder if there were ever kinslayer hunts in Middle-earth like there were witch hunts here... As always, nicely done.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much, Zhie. Having you read and comment means a great deal to me.

The Watcher would have been an interesting twist, but I don't see it being in that area until after the fall of Ost-in-Edhil, so after the time of this story. Maybe I'll write another one later in his timeframe in which the Watcher appears.

It's hard to think of elves holding 'witch-hunts' for kinslayers, but I could see the elves of Doriath perhaps doing that very thing. I suspect the rest of them were too busy just trying to survive against the forces of Morgoth for quite a while there.

- Erulisse (one L)

[dreamflower]

Sad as this is, there's still a bit of hopefulness here as well; there are still people he is connected to, who,still welcome him.

I've often been a little curious as what Tolkien was thinking when he included that star on that door.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Well, Helyanwe has always been a bit of a rebel, listening to her own drummers. She adored her uncles and certainly wouldn't turn Maglor away if he came through wherever she was living. She's delighted to make strings for him and make sure he has a soft bed and hot bath for a few days, as well as good food.

I love that Tolkien included the star on the door. It means that Celebrimbor, despite Alqualonde and the problems with being Feanorian, is still proud of his heritage, as he should be. Since it was Celebrimbor and Narvi who made the doors together, it suits that both the hammer and anvil of Durin and the star of Feanor should be featured on those doors.

Thank you so much for reading and commenting, it means a great deal to have your input.

- Erulisse (one L)

[silver-trails.livejournal.com]

Loverly story, dear! I'm glad that Maglor had friends who allow him to stay with them at times.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Helyanwe would never turn away her uncle, no matter what he did, he's family and remembers the good times before everything got away from them and they ended up on these strange shores.

Thanks so much for reading and commenting :-) *hugs*

- Erulisse (one L)