20 | No.1 Reason to Never trust a Strange

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Maglor Fëanorion | The Wanderer of Worlds

Location: Raj, Far Harad, Middle Earth, Arda

Time: April 2981 T.A

Once the moon sunk below the horizon, Maglor decided to wake Illyria and Bilbo up from Dalolthar's spare room.

Well, technically only Bilbo Baggins.

He knew that Illyria had been awake for the entire night, meditating and reading in the Astral Realm. Considering the laid-back demeanour the young half-Aini wore, she knew he was aware of her and simply stayed in the guild the entire time.

As for him: his entire night consisted of updating himself on the news for both Far Harad, Near Harad and Umbar.

Dalolthar (as always) was efficient and an informative spy and messenger, providing him with the past few years worth of letters and correspondence from others. Spies and watchers whom those Maglor knew and trusted to remain quiet during his years in the south. It was no minor feat, however. Centuries of growing his network had been difficult but possible. There were ups and downs during that time and sometimes Maglor couldn't comprehend how he had managed to do it.

Especially with the Istari and Sauron's forces around: they had done so undetected.

Though it was no fault but Ulmo's. The Vala had done what he could to keep his secret secure all for the sake of their plans. Hopefully, they would be able to keep it a secret by the time Dagor Dagorath arrives and possibly after it.

If there was an after of course.

After a quick breakfast consisting of fried plantain and flatbread (to which Bilbo was amazed and loved the idea of the various banana plants), they left the guild and headed west of the city. Maglor thanked Dalolthar deeply, knowing how risky it was to harbour them. Instead, the peredhel shook his head and assured him that it was the least he could do – reminding him again of the conversation they had last night. He wouldn't forget what Dalolthar had said, especially as it still cause a ripple in his spine as imagined what The Dar had been doing. [1][2]

Illyria Strange thanked the peredhel next for not only the room but for allowing her to explore their collection. Just as she did, the young peredhel before them turned slightly pink, bowing his head in return before he told her that if she and Bilbo ever returned – it would be an honour to know more about the North and the elves and hobbits who lived there.

He stood back, a small smile on his lips as he watched the three. Maglor could only wish that there would be a time that they would return here.

But not now, sadly.

As they began their trek through the city, he reminded the two to stay together and keep their veils up. Because as much as the streets were rather quiet, he did not want any attention from them at a time like this. All they had to do was to get to the certain marker Maglor had been sent through Dalolthar and they would be able to leave The Dar without notice.

Rather simple?

Except Maglor Fëanorion forgot one thing.

Nothing was simple when it came to him...especially with Illyria Strange.

At his rather old (practically anachronistic) age, he had learnt one thing when it came to spending any time with this certain sorceress and that was she was one of the worst stealthy companions to date. She was a magnet for danger and equally as reckless as any other superhero he encountered in his life. Maglor had almost lost count of the number of realities in which Illyria Strange caused at least a city-scaled conundrum. And the number of times she had caused anything less was perhaps even less.

Don't get him started on the number of reality-scaled catastrophes.

One was enough: and it wasn't even in this universe as well.

No. Maglor experienced many other Illyria Stranges in his life and every single one of them had the ability to pent up trouble and a likelihood of causing the breaking of certain realities.

He could only hope this Illyria Strange wasn't going to destroy an entire continent for the sake of her heart. Because out of all of it: it had all been because of her heart and her control of her emotions. The number of mistakes other Illyrias had made; were caused both by anger and sadness. She had torn through the fabrics of reality, sometimes killing those she didn't expect to.

All because of love.

But he would be a hypocrite if he said he had never done so in his life. No. In truth: Maglor once walked that path. And had almost broken the code he promised himself. The same code he and Isolde promised each other when it came to protecting their respective universes.

That was a time he really did lose himself, and he wasn't sure if he returned since then.

So no; Maglor would never lie that he'd been reckless to the verge of a danger to the world. But now, two reckless sorcerers with the knowledge and power to destroy the world wouldn't be the best combination at this moment.

Now: Illyria needed him. He needed to be the teacher this time, just as he promised her and Stephen Strange. Just as he promised Isolde the moment he handed a young Illyria on the doorstep of Kamar-Taj.

He can do that, right? The countless times he had done so, surely he could do it for just one individual.

Yeah...no.

Because sometimes, certain things happen.

Just like right now, when they arrived at the market – it was surprisingly empty despite it being before midday. He thought that, at the right time, it would have been busy enough to hide in plain sight, perhaps enough to keep Illyria and Bilbo distracted from what was truly happening within the main square of The Dar.

Though as he stopped whilst they were in the middle of the stalls, the sound of several people continuing their daily lives, Maglor couldn't sense the presence of the half-Aini he knew.

Usually, Illyria shone like a beacon in his magical periphery.

However: this time she was physically gone.

Maglor's heart skipped a bit, the air growing tense as he darted his eyes everywhere. 

Afterwards, he looked down at the hobbit next to him and in a cold tone, demanded, "Bilbo, where's Illyria?"

The curls of the hobbit's hair clung due to sweat as Bilbo wiped his face, glancing to his right.

Where Illyria was usually placed.

Bilbo opened his mouth and answered, "She was just...right here?" Once he turned, he creased his brows and questioned, "Wait, where did she go?"

If there was any time for him to facepalm and sigh this would be the right time.

However, the only thing that echoed in his head was one thing...

He knew where Illyria was.

'Oh Vishanti...'

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Throughout his life, even before becoming Lokachari and creating his title to The Wanderer of Worlds: Maglor Fëanorion dreamed of inspiring people. 

He dreamed of inspiring people through his songs and his music, moving them and letting them open their minds to create their own works and crafts. He wanted to learn, his youth filled with light and eagerness pushed him to do so much, to make those he loved proud.

Now: he was here, watching someone else's inspiration be fueled in the worst way possible.

Maglor should have trusted Dalolthar's word that Sauron had captured every mind in this place, because how could anybody find sacrificial rituals to be right? To watch those be killed for the sake of 'pleasing their sun god' was never an answer and should never have been an answer, to begin with.

Maybe it was his own ignorance as well. His own ignorance of hoping that everything they had done in the south had changed things for the better. Instead, it was far from it. If only he could see the future nowadays, but even such little things were never put in his sight.

Too bad there were no infinity stones lying about. And considering the madness that occurred during the breaking of the multiverse, Maglor was not going to cause a rupture just as everybody else.

But Illyria Strange was not like him.

No.

She was reckless.

So reckless that she thought interrupting a sacrificial event would then lead them on a chase.

All to save a girl.

The same girl they saw on the street.

Though, despite his horror and relief when he found himself and Bilbo staring at a large bonfire with a girl attached to it, perhaps he should thank Illyria.

They were speaking of some offering to the gods, making it as if they were pleading for Sauron to bring the sun back as one of them began to light the torch.

That was when Illyria jumped out of the crowd, her hood falling out as she blasted a wave of light at the people upon the altar. With a determined expression, she cut the binds from the girl's body and grabbed her, racing away from the open square just before the Katedrala.

After that: the first thing came to him.

Run.

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"What were you doing!"

Illyria shouted equally in the same volume and temper, "I couldn't let her die!"

Sending out her arm, she sent another wave of light behind them, knocking a few guards back.

"They were going to burn her, for fucks sake!" 

Turning across the corner, Maglor skidded before conjuring out his sword, cutting the lines of several laundry lines through the street. Hopefully, it was enough. But it didn't stop him from arguing back at the running half-Aini beside her – dragging the young frightened girl by the hand.

"We are supposed to lay low and leave! Not blind someone and use their soul to stop them!" Maglor barked back, creating an Eldritch barrier.

Just in time, arrows flew across them as they rounded out an alleyway, passing by a cart full of cabbages.

As the guards were about to get close to them, he found Illyria letting go of the girl's hand, passing her to Bilbo's before conjuring her quarterstaff out. With a swift gesture, her staff glowed at its ends behind she swiped the cart towards them.

"My cabbages!"

When the man cried out in horror for his cabbages, Illyria apologized before returning back to their conversation. [3]

"You don't tell me what to do when it comes to saving a life!" She argued back. "I wasn't going to let them get away with that shit!"

"If you gave me more time I would have!"

"What time!? They were about to light her up like some Christmas tree!"

"I had it under control!"

Truthfully, he had. Someone else was supposed to stop the sacrifice from happening.

Maglor gritted his teeth as he continued, "Instead, you exposed us and now we are perfectly fucked!"

Bilbo held his hands up, snapping at them. "Alright! Let's just all come down! You are scaring the poor girl!"

Realizing what the hobbit just said, Maglor clamped his mouth shut and inhaled sharply. Bilbo was not wrong, the girl was looking at them with tearful eyes – widened at whatever just happened and her chest heaving too heavily.

Whereas Illyria looked down at the girl, internally assuring her that they meant no harm and that they just need to get out of danger. Soon the girl nodded meekly, taking Illyria's hand before moving closer to her.

Illyria breathed in and out, sending him a glare before she returned, "Come on, let's get out of here."

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Maybe they should have followed his own advice and clearly stealthily blend in.

Though that hadn't worked enough in a short time as they found themselves with a group chasing after them.

A larger group than before in fact.

Only two words left his lips as he swore, "Horro...run!" [4]

In the spur of that moment, Maglor clasped Bilbo's hand before his speed could almost lift the poor hobbit off his feet. As much as he could apologise, there wasn't any time to say anything as he ran down the road and darted across the bustling avenue, continuing to look behind to check if Illyria was there.

The people on the street dispersed away from them with a mix of shrieks and curses, and he was shocked that he could hear the half-Aini from behind him as he lifted Bilbo up and pulled him at his back.

"I am perfectly fine running!" Bilbo yelped in protest.

However, Maglor hurriedly answered: "And I shall compliment you later, Master Baggins." He huffed, spotting the guards gaining closer to them. When he turned back to where he was running, he added: "Though for now, I suggest you experience the lovely sights!"

Whipping out his hands, he eyed the nearest palm trees and conjured a spell. Blue eldritch razor blades expelled outwards, cutting the trees as they passed by. He heard several groans and cries in pain, thankful that they dodged any civilians. He hoped that it would slow them down.

Just behind him, he looked across his shoulder to find Illyria still linked with the girl, her blonde hair now obvious against the darkness.

Illyria snapped back at him, "It would be great if you form a portal!"

Deep in his mind, he could imagine a familiar voice chuckling at that comment and he refrained from rolling his eyes. Though as he rounded the corner, skidding slightly before he entered what seemed to be a smaller forum on the southern part of The Dar. It was empty thankfully, with stalls closed and everything covered.

Maglor halted in the middle, placing Bilbo down before he conjured out his Eskrima sticks. As he spotted the incoming guards, he narrowed his eyes before he formed a large shield around them – stopping the arrows aimed at them.

Spark erupted as the arrow disintegrated, leaving a trail of blue magic surrounding them before the guards charged at them. Maglor was surprised that they did; it would seem they were either unafraid to come after them or too afraid to not attack.

They were surrounded by them now, so there was only one way they could stall before they arrived.

As Bilbo shouted a cry, Maglor spun across and sent a spell towards the incoming sword at the hobbit's head. He then pulled Bilbo back, bringing a shield up before he shouted back, "Not all things can be solved by forming a portal, Illyria!"

He heard her scoff

"No! All things are solved with a portal!" Standing just behind him and Bilbo, Illyria shouted, "On your left!" [5]

Suddenly he was met by a silver blade coming almost at his neck, thankfully saved by Illyria's instinct as he pivoted, grabbing the soldier's wrist before he twisted and swept the guard off their feet.

Maglor breathed out, eyeing the two shorter figures with them.

He demanded, "Bilbo, hide with her!"

With a nod, with his own short sword, the hobbit took the young girl's hand before disappearing around the stalls. It only took a few moments until Maglor had barely spotted them in the crowd.

For someone so small, Bilbo Baggins was incredibly good at stealth.

Unlike the blonde sorceress next to him, Illyria Strange rambled at him as she knocked out another guard with the end of her staff. "For the Sorcerer Supreme of this world, I would think he'd actually have the audacity to save a child!"

The sizzling sound of his eldritch weapon muffled his growl, "Argue all you want, Illyria!" Maglor shoved the one at him before he noticed the figure about to lunge at her, "Behind you!"

Illyria rolled her eyes before swivelling her heels, her eyes flashing in a bright blue.

The soldier froze in place, his eyes bulging out as he stared in horror at himself. With a quick flick of her hand, Maglor saw the soldier's face go blank before he turned around and aimed his weapon not at them – but at the other soldiers.

He hid back his shock, gulping it down before he looked away and gestured out his hands.

Soon as he did so, multiple versions of himself split from his original body, enough to confuse the rest of the incoming enemies as he conjured a pair of eldritch fans. Maglor pivoted from his heels, letting the fan fly out of his palm.

As the copies reflected his moves, the eldritch fan knocked out the next several soldiers – hitting one to another until Maglor caught the fan with ease.

He turned across his shoulder, peering back at Illyria before he formed the fans into shields, blocking the incoming arrow thrown from the side alleyway before he conjured a spell, sending a wave of wind towards the last incoming soldiers.

It wasn't long before more arrived, though not from the direction they were coming from.

Several figures landed from the rooftops, their cloak almost recognizable with their copper and green tint on them. Maglor didn't even need to stop to know who they were, continuing to knock the others out as their saviours knocked the rest out with their own mix of spears and staffs.

Perhaps he was too invested that he had missed a punch.

As he felt a force hit the side of his arm, he let out a groan before he stumbled to the side – tripping over before he was stopped by a fallen body.

When he looked up, he found himself staring at a pair of glowing blue eyes causing his heart to relax at them.

There before him was someone he hadn't seen in years.

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Maglor amusedly asked, "Do you forget what I look like, Mithrellas?" [6]

Their face morphed into confusion before expressing shock, relaxing the hold of her dagger before she held out a hand.

With thanks, Maglor gladly took it and hauled himself up – dusting his robes from the dry sand particles.

Meanwhile, the person who eyed him called out bluntly, "Lokachari...stars you look old."

With a wry tone, he responded, "Thank you for the input."

He didn't need a reminder again on how old he was, no less than to just painstakingly call him out as looking old.

But like others, Mithrellas was straightforward and simple, and perhaps the only one who could easily say something and she would easily understand such a simple instruction. He had known her for so long that he didn't need another thought to consider the plans they would take or how far they should take it.

Hence why she was the right person to be the head spy in all of their missions. A great asset and surprisingly a good friend that didn't hesitate to express her own opinions. If only she could relax sometimes; even back at the Sanctuary, she was always alert and vigilant – so much like Wong in a way.

As Mithrellas ordered the rest of the elves to hide and make sure the bodies had been checked for anything suspicious, she turned her gaze back to him – the same blue irises eyeing not only Maglor but the other three at his company.

She nudged her head to them and questioned, "Who are your friends? And why do you bring children without shoes?" Mithrellas hissed at him before looking directly at the trio. "The Streets of Dar is not a place for children; you know that already!"

Maglor refrained from sighing, thinning his lips instead as he turned to where the young girl was.

The Apysan child was terrified, clinging onto Illyria as if her life depended on it. All whilst Illyria was glaring at everyone, her motherly side kicking in as she stood between them with her eyes brightening again.

Thank Vishanti she was controlling herself despite bluntly stating out loud back to them, "He isn't a child. He's a hobbit. Their species are short and appear to be child-like." Shooting a glare back at him, Illyria continued, "And I saved her because they were going to burn her."

Mithrellas' voice entered his mind, 'Was this the reason you have asked for us? The girl?'

'Were you not aware of what was happening?' He questioned, concerned now at his friend. 'Dalolthar said it's been happening for years now.'

'We have been occupied at the Bay of Tulwang and the Nomads of the North,' She argued back. 'Believe me, I would have known sooner if entail has not been at risk as of lately.'

Maglor refrained to pinch his nose, his headache returning once more. No, she was right. The North was more important now and he hated that this was the reality of it.

He murmured to himself, 'I apologise again, Dalolthar. Mellon nin.'

In the corner of his sight, he noticed Mithrellas' demeanour grow slightly dark as much as the rest of the others who gripped their weapons too tightly.

But one didn't seem to falter, speaking aloud to him with a plain tone, "You bring a Noldo. We said none of your kind, Lokachari."

Turning their focus back to Illyria, Maglor rose his hand up before they could even begin to argue. He hated having to push his authority, but even with Mithrellas' support (which was yet to be determined), he was risking it all to make this decision.

"She's an exception, Aphadriel," Maglor told her, causing the elf to clamp her mouth shut before she nodded silently.

After another demand in their native tongue, Mithrellas swore under her breath. "Rhaich... But if she sees her, you know what happens," She looked at him and tutted, "She tolerates Sindar and them...but you know that's not enough." [7]

This time he did inhale sharply, pinching his nose as he answered: "I am aware." Maglor looked down at the Silvan elleth and murmured down at her in Silvan, "We shall deal with it when it arrives."

She rose a brow in return before she sent him a mental note that whatever this was about, it wasn't going to blow their cover and risk their lives. Maglor cleared his throat and gestured out his hand, allowing the broken pieces of the houses and whatever remnants of a fight or magic to be put back. In a few seconds, everything was brought back into place – spotting the awe on the young girl's face as well as Bilbo Baggins'.

Well, that reunion could have gone better. But considering how he met Mithrellas for the first time, it was far from peaceful. As were every elf and peredhel that comprised Mithrellas' special forces; Maglor had found them all on the verge of losing themselves to the world.

But after persuading them to choose a better path: Maglor stopped them from taking their lives. Instead, they had found themselves with their own self-purposes – wanting nothing more than to help the helpless. Even if it meant killing those that would pose harm. Maglor only made it certain that they would only kill as a last resort.

All were Silvan of course, with several being a mix of Sindarin and even Apysan. They greeted him with curt nods before he walked over to several others that were checking the last of the unconscious guards.

Behind him, he then heard Aphadriel instruct, "Weapons."

Maglor quickly turned to them, already prepared to assure Illyria. But luckily she quickly did so, though not without questioning them with wariness.

As she passed her staff to Aphadriel, Illyria asked, "Is this necessary? And no, I gave them already."

Sighing another breath, Maglor looked directly at her as he spoke, "Just trust me, Illyria."

Illyria shot a glare at him. He knew had lost another portion of the trust he had tried to build since coming here. And he had it ripped off him in just a mere few minutes. Inside he could tell she was acting on survival instincts, ready to use whatever power she had. And with no utter doubt: she could kill them all in one go.

However, Maglor knew she wasn't like that. She had enough control to stop herself.

Too late that he forgot one thing, and that was the similar temper that Mithrellas held. The platinum-haired elleth strode over, staring towards Illyria before she went behind her – unsheathing a hidden blade that was in her cloak.

Mithrellas noted bluntly back, "One lesson, sorceress. Do not lie to any of us." She then nudged her head in the direction of the young girl, still clinging onto Illyria. Mithrellas asked, "Lokachari?"

Maglor didn't need to think as he answered, "Let her be with her."

Opening her mouth, she protested: "A child won't survive the Fireplains—"

"She'll be protected," He shot her one look, causing the Silvan elleth to thin her lips. Maglor glanced back at the girl, sensing the fear within her mind before he sighed. "If one can protect against the forces, it would be her."

Illyria eyed back at him before she muttered back a thank you.

He knew he had totally lost the trust he built, but Maglor wasn't going to give up now to prove to her that he was certain. Instead, he quietened down as they moved, turning towards the half-Aini.

"It's alright, Illyria." Maglor added in truth, "Because I would've done the same."

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Leaving Bozisha-Dar didn't take long.

Luckily they managed to cross half of the city and finally arrived at the hidden gates just southeast of the city walls. It was a notable secret passage, often used by them and any smugglers known around the region. Without much disruption, he along with the rest of Mithrellas' group passed through with ease, discovering a pack of horses ready for them just within the rainforest.

Illyria took the little girl immediately, picking her up so easily before swinging herself up. As for Bilbo, the hobbit already began to excuse himself before squealing in shock as Aphadriel picked him up and planted him at the front of the saddle. Maglor on the other hand took the light, brown-coloured steed, thanking the horse for their help before sliding onto his saddle with ease. It's been years since he rode, but thankfully he was used to wearing even Victorian outfits for such things.

Even once attended the races and tried horse racing. Unfortunately, his talents were better off riding it with a saddle, unlike Celegorm and Aredhel who can do so without one at ease.

Once they began their journey, everyone was very much quiet at the start. It would be a couple of days until they would be able to portal at a safe location, notably outside the eyes of Raj. And by how he noticed the birds which flew above them, he knew it was not yet clear to conjure anything remotely dimensional. After those two days, they would arrive at the place he was meeting to return to. The same place he wished for Illyria to see and learn.

If the others agreed of course.

"You shouldn't have come to Raj, Lokachari," Mithrellas spoke in Silvan, her face growing concerned as she shook her head. "Ever since the Dark Lord's return, there has been an uprising. Many are fighting over who will run the realms and cities everywhere in Far and Greater Harad. Isra and Channacatt have already succumbed to choosing him." [8][9]

"And Ciryatandor?" He questioned, glancing directly at the Silvan elleth. When he saw the grim stare he received, Maglor couldn't help but share the same thought.

"Luckily we still have sway," Mithrellas gravely answered, turning across to jut her chin at Bronwen who nodded in return – taking her horse ahead of the path.

As Maglor watched the young Silvan elleth disappear through the forest, he noticed Mithrellas send him a slight smirk.

"The others will be upset," She eyed him, hinting slightly at who 'others' implied. "They've been waiting for your return for a century."

Ah yes. The others. 

Perhaps travelling for so long again made him forget who had to defend his back for the past thousands of years.

As the guilt settled in, Maglor sheepishly responded in Sindarin, "Apologies. I was delayed."

Mithrellas hummed, nudging her gaze over her shoulder, clearly hinting about him and his guests. "I can tell." She peered back at him and spoke back in Silvan: "She seems...modern. Earth?"

"She is the Eternal," He answered, but specified: "Reincarnated."

She raised her eyebrow before she chortled, "You thought Liliana was before. Instead, you found yourself an Arfanyaras." [10]

He felt the world slow down, hearing that name enter his ears. As his chest tightened and his heart swelled in pain, Maglor forced himself not to squeeze his eyes before he quietly responded, "Even so, she was still worth more than what they thought of her as."

At a rare moment, Mithrellas softened her face. "She chose to die for you to live, Lokachari," Placing her hand on his shoulder, she told him. "Don't regret your time."

Maglor exhaled raggedly, letting out the tension from his hands upon the reigns and shook his head.

If only it were that easy to let go.

But things such as names would always become a scar upon his soul.

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The lush greenery of Raj faded and soon became the pale hues of what were the Fireplains, an arid landscape south of the fertile region.

In contrast to Raj, the Fireplains was a desolated wasteland and perhaps a taste of what the Dune Sea could be like. But unlike the rolling waves of sand, this place was filled with mesas, buttes and crags. Not even a living thing could survive alone in this place, not even they could do so. The nearest settlement was Tresti, a town that was just outside Raj and the last place they replenished their horses needed and made sure both Bilbo and the young girl had suitable footwear.

During their journey, he finally learned of the young girl's name.

Shashana – or Shana for short – remained shy and always remained at Illyria's side despite Mithrellas' mental suggestion again that the girl should be left in Tresti. But once that suggestion was heard from Illyria's natural telepathic range – the idea was shut down before anything could happen. At least the half-Aini hadn't threatened to destroy anyone of their souls...

...yet.

Both he and Bilbo were very wary and prepared in case things could go more than south.

As their hobbit and young companions were ready, they found themselves entering the beginning of the Fireplains before Maglor hopped off his horse and glided towards the front of the group. In front of him were endless rocks, sands, and valleys, almost compared to the national parks of Arizona back on Earth.

Though once he conjured a portal at the right spot, he stepped through.

Through the portal he found himself standing between two rising cliff faces, opening into a large expanse of desert protected by mesas. And in the centre was a large mesa, protected by a translucent dome within the surrounding area. The same warding enchantment he had done back in Norway.

Upon the singular mesa was the place he had missed for some time.

He couldn't help but twitch his slips, forming a nostalgic smile at the fortress. Or sanctuary and mostly named it by – reminding him very of Kamar-Taj and how it was mostly known to the sorcerers as the Sanctuary.

But this: this was home. Home to many of those he had come across and had built throughout the years.

Walking up beside him, he found Illyria looking at him before she stared in awe at the landscape before her.

"So this is...whatever you said about a place you set up?" Illyria wondered.

Eyeing the young sorceress, Maglor nodded before gesturing out in front of him.

"Welcome to Arthorien." [11]

He told them, finding Bilbo had his wide eyes trained upon the landscape.

"I established this sanctuary during my travels, deciding that it was far south from the Valar's eyes. Since then it has been a place for those who I protected."

With another disbelief expletive, he just couldn't help but chuckle before telling them to follow on.

The wards easily opened to them, forming a small gap for them as they passed through. Maglor noticed how both Illyria, Bilbo and Shana never left their eyes on the walls, and most importantly Illyria: who asked if he had taken inspiration from Gondolin of making their fortress in the middle of surrounding cliffs.

Well, he can't exactly deny it. Turgon was ingenious when it came to top durable architecture.

Large sandstone walls lined the mesa's edge, with only a winding road up the cliff's side leading to the warded gate. Thankfully with the horses, they were able to get up within a few minutes, hearing the shouts of orders to open the gate he looked up at the guards above. When he spotted their surprised looks, Maglor greeted them telepathically before finding the large metal gates open wide.

From the outside, it may appear as its usual fortress.

However, Arthorien was far from a fortress as he was met with a boulevard of lined palm trees and fields of greenery combined with the reflections of blue lakes, fountains, and ponds. There were houses dotted between, with most of the buildings situated on the east side. On the west were most of the pastures and crop fields, all of which seemed endless as the place reached beyond the horizon.

"Wait, are those..."

Maglor flickered his sight once more, noticing the great tree-like beings in the distance. Their golden yellow leaves were almost familiar to the drawings perhaps Illyria once saw.

Entwives.

'What the fuck...' He heard her.

When Illyria swore again, Maglor smiled.

"Yes Illyria," He chuckled. "And please do not stare, Illyria."

There was one thing he knew, and that was to hold a very good secret such as this haven.

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At the centre of the sanctuary was the main large building. Everyone referred to it as the Khōn, which after a few decades since it was built, became a title Maglor and the rest knew it as. [12]

The Khōn perhaps felt like the beacon of Arthorien, though at the side was the tallest structure known as the Watcher's Tower, mainly a place where people were stationed for patrol or to send letters through hawks. It was in the shape of perhaps a fountain, with six circular sections interlocking one another. Each had a glass dome, enchanted easily from heating up the inside or melting from the burning sun, with the seventh-largest in the centre. [13]

In a way, it became like a flower and something which a lot of those who first arrived noted.

Inside it was very much the same, adorned with sandstone and white walls and metalwork upon the structures. The floors were lined with marble, hearing the shuffling of everyone's shoes as he remembered the number of times he watched a little girl use this place as a slip 'n slide. It was grand and spacious, reminding him of the cathedrals he had been in and once vaguely remembered of the Taj Mahal.

Once they passed the main halls and entered the upper heart, they finally arrived at the doors of the centre place. Mithrellas stood at his side whilst the guards at the gates nodded, letting him open the doors with a short gesture of his hand.

Inside they were met with another hall, though now consisting of an open dome, letting the starlight come through. There were about seven chairs at the other end, equally spaced as they curved inwards facing the centre point, where a painting of a lotus was edged in silver and blue.

But that was not what Maglor was concerned about, notably the figure who stood at their place on the left of the centre chair.

Dressed in a flowing white dress was an elleth, with sharp blue eyes aimed at him. Her blonde (almost white) hair was braided at the top, though loose from the point of her ears, her skin fair and her stature poised and elegant.

But inside, Maglor could sense easily she wasn't expecting this return at all.

He could practically imagine her rolling her eyes but considering which position she held: Maglor knew she was not going to break her tone.

"Welcome back, Lokachari," She said in Silvan first, tilting her head at the side slightly before she glanced down at Illyria, Bilbo and Shana. "I see you have guests."

Maglor nodded, greeting her first before he walked across to her, turning his heel and gesturing to his companions in Sindarin, "Indeed. Illyria Strange of Rivendell and Earth and Bilbo Baggins of the Shire." He glanced toward the white-haired woman and introduced, "This is Nimrodel, one of the Guardians of Arthorien."

"Nimrodel as in..." Illyria made a noise, her feet shifting slightly as she said in a slightly higher tone, "You know...that tale." [14]

Oh, he refrained that much not to pinch his nose.

He could imagine said person raising a brow, though thank Vishanti that Nimrodel was far from that.

Composed and controlled, Nimrodel simply nodded whilst Maglor tried to dissuade anything negative.

"Yes, Illyria." Maglor eyed the woman in white as he spoke carefully, "Nimrodel is the...same one."

With an approving tone, Nimrodel gladly brought the conversation back on track. "I must apologise for our guard's hostility. It is important that our home is kept safe away from enemy eyes. May it be Sauron's or the warlords which harbour Ciryatandor or the cities of Sîrayn."

When she finished, he found her eyes trained on him.

'And I mean it towards you, Maglor.'

Maglor answered audibly back, "I apologise that it's been a long time."

'Too long, you mean.'

"I thought you were lost against the Haradrim of the North, but I am glad you are well." Nimrodel gestured to the Silvan elf just entering the room, insisting on the three before them, "Rest. Oerion shall send you to your accommodations. We shall talk in several hours once the others have returned from their journey."

Once Nimrodel finished, Maglor's eye averted back to Illyria who warily looked back before she reluctantly followed. Shana and Bilbo followed close, knowing from the two that they would stay together until they trusted him.

More likely that Illyria trusted them.

As the doors were closing, Maglor inhaled before he sent Mithrellas a quick nod before he went down the steps. Though as he was about to head off as well, he heard a quiet noise from the white lady's mouth.

He turned back to her, finding Nimrodel stern expression bore on his mind.

In the Silvan tongue, she firmly added, "And I mean it, Maglor." Nimrodel lifted her chin up, "You owe me."

He couldn't help but then smile slightly back, causing the elleth to peer back even more as he strode out.

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[1] - Kelewele: It is a popular Ghanaian delicacy made of fried plantain seasoned with spices.
[2] - Chapati: Also known as roti, rotli, safati, shabaati, phulka, chapo, and roshi, is an unleavened flatbread originating from the Indian subcontinent and staple in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, East Africa, Arabian Peninsula and the Caribbean.(from Wikipedia)
[3] - Cabbage Man from 'Avatar: The Last Airbender': A recurring character which the audience sees. The Gaang often destroys his cart a lot.
[4] - Horro: A curse word in Quenya
[5] - Captain America:TWS Ref: The first scene with Sam Wilson and Steve Rogers in Washington D.C
[6] - Mithrellas: Name of a Silvan Elf who accompanied Nimrodel from Lothlorien to the southern havens to Amroth. She married into the Numenorean line and brought elvish blood into the Princes of Dol Amroth. Mother of Galador and Gilmith.
[7] - Raich: A Sindarin curse word.
[8] - Isra: One of the 7 Cities of Sirayn of Greater Harad.
[9] - Channacatt: A Region and Part of Sirayn.
[10] - Arfanyaras: Meaning 'Variant' in Quenya (We will be getting somewhere with this ;))
[11] - Arthorien: Names from as well another in Beleriand, Arthorien means 'Hidden Realm' in Sindarin.
[12] - Khon: Means 'Heart' in Middle Primitive Elvish from Tolkien's works.
[13] - A map of Arthorien will be posted in the next chapter as you might want to know where things are.
[14] - Nimrodel: A Silvan Elf who was beloved of Amroth of Lothlorien. She travelled south and eventually became lost in the White Mountains in TA 1981

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A/N: Another update and we finally get to more of my headcanon realm of Arthorien. :) This was, again, all inspired by the LOTR Roleplay campaigns, which expanded the lore of Middle Earth of Far Harad and beyond. 

We also get some lovely extended lore characters such as Mithrellas and Nimrodel. If you know them, they were in fact the people who once inhabited that would be Lothlorien. But now you're wondering how did they get here then? Why are the Avari here? Next few chapters we'll be meeting more of them soon. ;)

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Edited: 13/02/2023