Category: Lord of the Rings

Rating: T

Couples: Elrohir/Melkor, OC/OC and the canon ones also (some only in mention)

Warnings: Slight Slash; Not so slight AU; Blood; Angst

Chapter: 29

Copyright: Most Characters and Places © By Tolkien; Some characters and plot © by me

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"He is Eru?" Elladan exclaimed. "How is that possible?"

"I have no clue." Melkor said. This time the emotion in his voice could be identified; it was fear. "But I fear what this means."

Elrohir took his hand, squeezing it. Melkor smiled in return. Together they watched as the massive being turned towards Lothlorien.

Surrounded by Tumaran, Iphine, their children and those of Morgoth's dragons which had been redeemed he was a terrifying sight. His white robe had been ruined by black blood and fire and his rich beard had not fared better. Now Eru shrank again, reverting to the form he had entered the battlefield with.

"How?" Námo breathed when mithril-clad feet touched unburned ground.

"It was the only way." The voice, speaking with such power and fury just minutes prior, was now warm and lyrical. "Morgoth's last curse rendered them immune to your powers, leaving me no choice as to equip my own."

Melkor winced, as if the words had been a sharp blow. A soft hand came to rest on his cheek, forcing him to look into golden eyes. "Morgoth is death. Melkor has paid. Your guilt has come to an end." The hand fell down. "Be at ease."

"How can you forgive me this easily?" Melkor asked, tears in his eyes.

"You are my son." The tone of the voice became amused. "Besides, I think a certain half-elf would tear me to shreds should I not." He laughed at the shock on the face of the twin next to the Vala. "Do not be surprised, Elrohir: I dictate all life and all its' feelings. Yours are no exception, including the anger in your heart."

"Can you blame me?" Elrohir looked away, unwilling to meet that golden gaze.

"No." Guilt crossed otherwise flawless features. "I would never dare to do so. Some of the things I had to do and some of the things others did were terrible." He looked at Celeborn and Thranduil, who both had paid a terrible price in their desire to protect a friend, before turning to Tumaran, his eyes flashing with anger. The black dragon did not flinch.

"They at least live." Elrohir had followed his line of sight.

"As does your father." Eru turned from the younger twin, towards the other two. "Have some faith in me, young Elrondion."

He reached out, touching the stump which had once been a perfectly fine arm. "I hope this is a lesson to you, son of Oropher, think before you speak. I will not heal you again." There was no light, but suddenly the arm was whole once more.

As the elf stared in wonder at his limb, his healer had already moved on, healing Celeborn from his burns.

Yet when he withdrew his hand, it was caught by another. His slender hand made that of Celeborn seem as if it was rough and weary.

"You are either brave or foolish." Eru said when the cries of outrage had calmed. He gestured that the dragons were to move back. "Are you challenging me?"

"No." Celeborn's eyes narrowed. "But I recognize this healing-power: it was used on me once before."

"No surprise there." Eru chuckled. "But do share how that could warrant this." He raised his caught arm.

"It was during the Last Alliance." Celeborn said. "A troll-spear had skewered me and I was dying. Yet I was saved: by the healing-powers you just used."

"But I only descended a few weeks ago." Celeborn knew that Eru was enjoying himself immensely, as amusement colored those words and shone in that smile.

"Elrond did not." Celeborn's hand tightened around the wrist it held. "Is that why he was taken? To be a vessel to you?"

Eru chuckled. "Celeborn, son of Galadhon, Wisest of the Wise and giver of the greatest gifts. Indeed…" He freed his wrist. "You have given your family a great gift today."

This time there was light of blinding intensity.

"And for that, I am grateful." Not only had the voice changed, but also her owner. White hair had turned pitch-black and golden eyes shone in a powerful silver. Elrond smiled at his father-in-law. "Thank you."