Summary:
Jon regains his life and now must share his revelations with those closest to him and come to a choice that shall shape the ages to come
Chapter Text
Kingdom of Arnor funeral of Jon Snow
The inhabitants of Annuminas were astonished as they would never have believed that they would witness the power of the One once more; many a Numenorean recalled the downfall of their home and the fury of the Valar but to see their blessings was truly wondrous.
At that moment, the former Lord of Gondolin approached his student, followed by Loras and Robar though their brother in arms appeared didn't notice their approach.
It was then a feeling of dread gripped the hearts of the Elven lords.
"STEP BACK!" Galadriel yelled in a frenzy, and though Glorfindel retreated, Loras and Robar pressed onward, seemingly ignorant of the danger.
Loras tried to lure the dragons off his brother to no avail, and so he reached for the golden dragon; it was then Jon acted.
With swiftness befitting his skill, Jon seized Loras' hand and broke his fingers with a sickening crack.
Stealing, who tried to tear his friends apart, also took his share when Jon kicked him in the stomach so hard that the Rune Lord was thrown a few feet behind.
"JON BY THE VALAR, DON'T YOU RECOGNISE US? " Loras shouted, drawing his sword, though he had no wish to wound his brother.
But what he saw made his blood run cold.
Jon's face was one of serenity, yet there was something more buried beneath his noble exterior; his eyes were that a beast ravenous and wrothful.
Many recoiled in horror, seeing the once noble dragon slayer diminished to a crazed animal, a wolf in the skin of a man.
"What foul sorceries have addled my grandsons' mind?" Rhaella asked with sadness.
"He is confused; his mind is trapped between the savagery of a beast and the nobility of men he will slay any who venture too close, even those dear to him," Galadriel said, her voice filled with horror.
"But why is this happening, Naneth? is this not a miracle of Ilúvatar? " Celebrian asked clearly.
"At this moment, his mind is not his own unless we heal his spirit Jon shall be no more than a savage animal bereft of mercy and honour", Galadriel replied, her heart aching seeing her love in such pain.
Their joy at Jon's return had turned to misery if he could master his mind; they dared not think of their lives without him, but this was not Jon; this was a beast masquerading as a man.
At that moment, Elendil, Glorfindel, Elrond, Gil-Galad and King Durin stepped forward, brandishing their weapons; they had no wish to slay Jon, but they would do so if necessary.
"By the Valar Jon, please remember I have cannot bear your death a second time," Glorfindel pleaded with tears in his eyes. But Jon didn't hear him and charged at the assembled Lords.
There was no doubt that although his mind had become more bestial, Jon's skill at arms was never in doubt, he rushed towards Lord Elrond first and began savagely attacking the aged elf, but the Lord of Imladris was far mightier than a savage beast and merely parried or blocked the wild punches.
It was then that Durin charged forward and brought his mighty hammer down upon Jon; the blow was akin to thunder striking the mountains, and the wild wolf was sent tumbling to the ground.
"JON!" Írimë shouted, her voice filled with grief; she had no desire to see her beloved perish and hoped she could break the madness that had consumed him.
It seemed as though the spell had broken Jon's visage was not of fury but contentment as if the beast inside had been tamed or cowed by Írimë 's pleading.
Seeing him calm down, everyone could finally calm down ... Or so they thought until Jon rushed away as if the winds of Manwë flowed through him; it appeared he was heading towards the gates.
"JON WAIT, YOU FOOL! " Loras yelled.
"Where has he gone?" Rhaella asked.
Alas, Shiera and Ashara wept freely, seeing their beloved dragon reduced to such savagery though in their hearts they knew Jon's madness was caused by their foolish use of the miruvor.
"Anárion", Elendil called to his youngest son, who quickly went to his father.
"Yes, father? " Anárion asked, clearly bewildered by all that had transpired.
"Gather a company of scouts and pursue Jon in his maddened state; he is a danger to any man foolish enough to cross his path", ordered the King of Arnor.
"As you wish, father," Anárion said, his heart heavy with grief.
"Wait, what are we going to do with those hatchlings?" King Gil-Galad asked, staring at the little dragons who were content to squabble amongst themselves.
"We should eliminate them before they mature," growled King Durin, a belief shared by his advisors.
"That would be most unwise King Durin these dragons were reborn by the will Ilúvatar not by the hand of the Great Enemy to slay them could arouse the ire of Eru," Galadriel said sagely.
"Then let us capture Jon and end this madness," Glorfindel said.
"We accompany King Anárion," Loras said.
"Yes, let us hope the Valar restore Jon's mind," said Robar, and Glorfindel merely nodded.
"I want to go too ..." Arya said, hoping to save her beloved brother.
"Absolutely not, Arya; you will only get in the way, and you can ill afford to be killed," said the Lady of Star Fall with authority.
"But…" Arya started to say.
"Enough, my girl this search is not for you," Shiera said, taking Arya by the shoulder to make sure she does not escape.
"We will also go find my brother," Rhaenys said, and she was quickly seconded by Arianne and Daenarys.
"Well, we're wasting time already; we have to go find that boy! " Shouted King Durin impatiently.
"Very well, let us find our wayward knight," King Elendil said, his voice mastered by grief.
"I insist that you three do not go ... Jon is not himself," Rhaella said, hoping to keep her family out of harms way alas, the princesses would not be denied, for their love was in peril, and they wouldn't abandon him to madness and death.
Unbeknownst to all except Galadriel, Írimë had snuck away to search for Jon on her own Eru granted her miracle by returning Jon and weakened or not, the daughter of Finwë and Indis would not be parted from him again.
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Jon was akin to the wind where there once dwelt a mortal man; there now stood a mortal endowed with the tremendous vitality of Elvish bodies.
Where once was nobility now only the wolf's blood remained he was led by his senses, the smells, the sounds of the forest, the summer breeze upon his face he was free a man of the wild neither man nor wholly beast but something mightier than either.
"JON STOP" A voice called out to him.
His mind knew that voice as if it were a fantasy of days long forgotten; it was then he howled in pain, for his mind was assaulted by countless memories from a frigid and wild home and then a place of flowers and remarkable beauty of love long forgotten.
He had fought many wars and slew many men, but for what? He travelled to a distant land where the stars were strange, but for what purpose?
He knows not where he travels now only that it shall bring him contentment, it was then he heard the wailing of gulls, and all was at peace.
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"Jons mind is more akin a man now though he is struggling with his more ignoble nature, I believe he shall remember us forthwith," Galadriel said with a radiant smile.
"Where is Jon going?" Írimë asked, riding her horse, anxious to be in the arms of her beloved dragon again.
"I couldn't guess, though; it seems he follows the white gulls", Said the Lady of Edhellond.
"The sea, my Lady," blurted Robar.
"The sea?" Arianne asked curiously.
"We are men of Arnor Arianne, and Jon is favoured by Lord Ulmo," Loras said.
"I'm of a mind with Loras all men of Westernesse hold a great love for the Sea," Anárion said.
"But we are a hundred leagues from the great ocean", Rhaenys said, then it dawned on them.
Lake Evendim
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Soon he stood upon the shores of the Great Lake; its boundless depths were bluer than the bluest sapphire and clear as the evening sky this was the lake of twilight purest of the northern waters and the place of his serenity.
He knew not how long he stood upon those shores, but his heart was at peace. Then men came, and there were others as well women; his heart yearned for them, but yet the fury of his blood told him to flee lest they slay him.
"Jon ..." Said one of them, a woman whose eyes shone like emeralds and whose hair was akin to beaten gold; she appeared to know him and yet her eyes shone with uncertainty and fear.
That troubled him greatly to see this fair woman wracked with grief to know he had somehow caused such misery, yet the beast inside told him to claim her so that may never be parted.
"Apparently, that part of yourself has not been lost or perhaps now you no longer hold malice for that piece of yourself", Spoke a beautiful voice in his head.
He frantically searched for the voice until he saw her, a woman fairer than the stars; her gaze held apprehension and passion in even measure.
"Do not fear us, my dragon; we wish no harm upon you, but you must conquer the beast within yourself; come now master your mind." The woman said with hope.
It was then his memories came like the crashing waves of the great sea filling his mind with all that he was and ever would be Jon had mastered the rage of his wolf's blood.
With his memories and sanity restored, Jon gazed upon his companions and wept freely, knowing he had caused them torment and pain, but those who loved him bore him no hatred nor contempt.
Seeing Jon had regained his sense, his beloveds hastened to embrace him.
"If this is a dream, I do not wish to wake", Sansa said, her cheeks stained with tears.
"You damned fool, don't frighten us again!" Arya said that she cried as much as her sister.
"I'll do what I can ..." Jon said, hugging them tightly.
At that moment, he was forcibly knocked down by his three Princesses, who were eager to push his cousins aside, much to Sansa and Arya's displeasure.
"This is not a dream ..." Arianne said through tears.
"No, my dear viper, rather the mercy of Lord Eru, we shall not be parted again," Jon said with a slight smile.
Rhaenys said nothing, merely kissing him with all the passion she could muster, fearing this was a mere fantasy.
"Yeah, my fierce dragon, I have returned," Jon said, holding his beloved sister close.
At that moment, he could see the beautiful teary faces of Shiera and Ashara, who were patiently waiting their turn with him.
"Well met my loves," said a tearful Jon.
"Oh, Jon! " Shiera shouted who forgetting everything that had transpired since the death of her love, and rushed to embrace him alongside Ashara
The consequences of what they had done could wait a while; now, they just wanted to be with Jon, letting themselves be carried away by passion, kissing and caressing him.
Standing behind Ashara and Shiera was Galadriel and Írimë , who were eager to be reunited with their beloved dragon though it would be somewhat perverse in the case of the daughter of Finarfin.
Before the Law of the Eldar, Galadriel was still married to Celeborn, and though his loss was a wound upon her soul, she could no longer ignore the truth of her heart.
At that moment, the hunters of Anárion arrived, many with notched bows.
Clearly remembering when he attacked everyone in his blind savagery.
That's when Loras and Robar stepped forward.
"He's well, my Lords; he has regained his wits", Robar said in a calm tone.
"It's true ..." Loras said, watching Jon stand up and take a few steps forward.
"I am sorry to have worried you and even more to have caused you wickedness; it was never my aim to worry our king and his guests," Jon said, bowing.
"It does us good cheer to see you have regained your wits, Jon Herenlounga," Said one of the soldiers.
"But now you must come with us ... It is an order from King Elendil," Replied another soldier, this one far
"Very well, captain take me to our king," Jon said with another bow.
"But Jon…" Rhaenys said, her voice laced with worry.
"Don't worry Rhae, all will be well", Jon said, kissing her gently on the lips to his delight and jealousy of the others, especially Írimë, who clenched his fists with his little strength.
But now that her beloved Jon had returned to her, she could feel her sick and tired spirit regain its strength, filling her with love and vigour soon she would plight their troth.
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Jon was taken to the King's palace, where he was brought before the Kings of Middle-Earth, and soon he was seen by Lord Elrond, who bore Jon no malice for his previous savagery, and so the Lord of Imladris tended to him.
"By the Valar", Elrond muttered in surprise.
"Is something awry, Elrond?" Asked King Gil-Galad.
"Nothing, my king, I can find no wounds, no marks, not even a scar ..." The Lord of Imladris said.
"So my grandson is well?" Queen Rhaella asked excitedly.
"Quite well though it is rather queer his body bears no wound nor mark as it did when he was slain," Elrond said, putting a hand to his chin.
"Mayhaps Lord Manwë healed his wounds?" Elendil suggested.
"It's quite possible; how do you feel, Jon? " Elrond asked, not losing sight of the expression on Jon's face.
"Confounded, but I have much to share with you," Jon said, staring at his cousins Sansa and Arya and then to Elendil and Anárion.
That provoked the curiosity of everyone in the room.
"Jon Snow, do you recall your time in the Rooms of Command? " Asked King Gil-Galad in surprise, standing up suddenly and holding his breath when Jon nodded.
"How is it possible? not even Beren spoke of his time there," Írimë said, her eyes wide with wonder.
"Because Lord Manwë and Lord Námo beckoned me to the rooms of the Eldar, Nin Mel, not to those of the Atani because my spirit had been divided, one part followed the path imposed by the Valar, but the other dwelt in ghost for a time," Jon said.
"This is truly remarkable," Elrond said with barely contained emotion.
"Do you remember anything else, Jon? " Galadriel asked, clearly intrigued.
"Yes, my Lady everything, absolutely everything though I met someone I did not expect," Jon said, looking at Lalwen with a knowing smile that made her raise one of her eyebrows.
"What are you talking about, Nin Mel?" Írimë asked.
"Nin Mel, I met your brother ... I met the Great King Fingolfin who was sent by the Valar to aid me, and in turn, he told me of the history of House Stark and the kinship we share Three Peoples of the Noldor, The Three Houses of the Edain and the High Kings of Númenor, " Jon said causing a great commotion from all present.
"Please tell us what you know," King Elendil ordered.
And Jon told them everything Fingolfin had told him about Lord Ulmo's pools of water by which the Eldar who rested in the "Rooms of Command" could see the world they left behind and their loved ones until they were reincarnated or they joined them in those sacred rooms .
"Jon, did you truly meet Fingolfin, my beloved brother? " Írimë said with tears in her eyes, bringing her hands to her beautiful face.
"Yes, Nin Mel, And I must say he has the same harsh sense of humour," Jon said, causing his beloved to turn scarlet, but that did not amuse Írimë, who tried to thump Jon with what little strength she had.
"What are you hoping to do, Nin Mel?" Jon asked with a mocking smile on his face.
"You will pay for your words Jon, you will see my weakness will not last Nin Mel, and then we will see who laughs at whom", Írimë growled as she vainly tried to pummel Jon for mocking her.
"I guess so, my sweet Lalwen", Jon said with a laugh, but he remembered that he was in a meeting with the Lords of Middle Earth, and he composed himself.
"Go on, Jon", King Elendil said, amused at seeing Lalwen's futile attempts to pummel him.
"Yes, my king", Jon said, sighing.
It was then Jon told everyone the story that Fingolfin had told him about his ancestor Brandon The Builder and Almiel, the sister of Tar-Aldarion and her ship was stranded by the will of the Osse landing upon the shores of Westeros where she was captured by Durran Godsgrief.
There Brandon received her and all she possessed as payment for building Storm's End, and Brandon only accepted her to save her from the cruelty of the Stormlanders.
It was there that their tale began; she fell in love with Brandon, thus becoming the First Lady of Winterfell and the First Queen of Winter and through her House, Stark was descended from the Three Houses of Edain but in part also both from the Eldar and the Maiar.
When Jon finished that part of the tale, silence reigned in the Hall of Annuminas as everyone tried to grasp the knowledge about Jon's ancestry and that of his cousins. Especially Loras, who merely wished to laugh, he may not have been the cleverest and most cunning of his father's children, but now Loras knew his grandmothers' folly was absolute she had driven Jon away for his tainted blood, but in truth, his lineage and House were far grander than she could have hoped.
Glancing at Robar showed his brother in arms agreed.
Sansa and Arya were, for their part, very excited to discover their family lineage, especially Sansa knowing that she was a descendant of Luthien that filled her with pleasure wanting to believe that when she matured, her beauty would compare to the elf maiden and Jon would take her as his bride.
As for Arya, she just wanted to jump with happiness knowing that she was related to so many renowned heroes; the young wolf was never more proud to wear the Gray and White of Stark.
As for Arianne, Daenerys, Rhaenys, Ashara, Shiera and Queen Rhaella, learning the true lineage of the Starks was rather remarkable, and in the case of the old Queen now, she could understand why her grandson seemed to have a particular bond with these faraway lands.
"This is joyful news", Elendil said with a broad smile.
"Indeed, father Jon has been ever a friend and ally, and now I'm honoured to count him among our family," Anárion said before embracing Jon as only a brother should.
"Thank you, brother," Jon said.
"Does any man here wish to speak?" Elendil asked, looking at Gil-Galad, Cirdan, Elrond and finally Durin; each seemed deep in thought.
The first to recover from the surprise was Elrond, who approached Jon, Sansa, and Arya.
"For my part, I am very happy to discover that the three are descendants of my brother Elros; you shall be ever welcome in my halls, and the spears of Rivendell shall always come to your defence," Said the Lord of Imladris with a slight bow before returning to his wives side.
"I had some knowledge of their lineage, but I dared not hope that some of my kindred no matter how remote survived the wars of wrath, but you have my relations stand before me is a welcome sight, and they shall always be welcomed in my halls, "King Gil-Galad said.
Next, Lord Cirdan spoke.
"Jon, you and your companions have once again shown your worth not even in my wildest dreams could I have guessed your royal lineage, but it is a welcome revelation," Lord Cirdan said with a solemn smile.
"Bless you! My Lord," Jon said without shyness in his voice which did not go unnoticed.
Now it was Galadriel and Lalwen's turn.
"Jon knowing we are kin bring my heart great joy though I must know is my brother at peace is he content? " Asked the beautiful elf, caressing the face of her love.
"It is not for me to say it, Lalwen, but in the little time we spoke, I sensed he misses you terribly, though he still holds a great deal of misery for the misfortunes of our house," Jon said, laying a chaste kiss upon her hands.
Finwë's beautiful daughter merely nodded, then he turned his gaze to Galadriel, who was beaming at him.
"My Lady, you seem troubled", Jon asked as the Lady of Edhellond lamented.
"I have nought to say I merely welcome you to my family and to offer thanks to The One for returning you to me", answered the daughter of Finarfin with a dainty bow.
"My Lady ..." Jon said, confused by Galadriel's actions, but she silenced him with a wave of her hand.
"However, my heart tells me that your story is not over, and you still have more to recount," Galadriel said.
"My dragon, what does she mean?" Arianne said, her voice wracked with worry.
Now all eyes fell upon him, and Jon knew he must tell them of Lord Manwë's offer.
"I'm afraid Galadriel speaks truly, and I regret the anguish that I shall bring," Jon said, shedding tears.
"What are you talking about, Jon?" A nervous Daenerys asked, worried about her beloved nephew.
"Lord Manwë and Lord Nàmo informed me that when I departed the Rooms of Command, Ilúvatar would give me a choice of destiny," Jon said, his heart heavy with woe.
"Two claims?" Rhaella asked.
"Yes, grandmother, the first to be granted the same grace as to those of the High Elves that linger in Middle-earth: that when I grew weary of the Mortal Lands, I could take ship from the Grey Havens and pass into the Uttermost West, "Jon said staring at Lalwen and Galadriel with an apologetic expression on his face.
"And the other?" Asked King Elendil.
"That I could choose the path of mortality, and if so, not only I but also my family and companions would avail by receiving from the noble Eru the wisdom and light of the Eldar, being as long-lived as Elros himself," said Jon looking at everyone with tears in the eyes .
For a few moments, no one said anything struggling to grasp the severity of this revelation, and at that moment, Írimë stood up, and Jon saw her eyes were stained with tears.
"With your permission, my King Gil-Galad, I am departing," Finwë's daughter said, holding back her tears, and Jon tried to reach her.
"Lalwen, wait please", Jon begged, but she freed herself, and without turning to regard him, she left the room; the last thing Jon heard was a groan of pain coming from her lips that broke his heart.
"Lalwen," Jon said with red eyes.
For a few moments, no one said anything leaving Jon to weep quietly.
"It seems to me that we have learned all we need to", King Elendil said.
"Yes, I think the same father", Anárion said, looking at Jon with compassion.
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Jon went to his chambers, followed closely by his loves, who pestered with many questions about his lineage, especially Sansa and Arya, who were eager to learn of their distant kindred and the tales of their heroism.
Jon entered his chambers though his beloved Lalwen was absent; he was not foolish and knew she was wroth with him; How could she not be? After all, he had wasted the only chance they had to be together until Arda broke.
"What's wrong, my love?" So asked Arianne lounging next to her dragon, wearing very little much to the ire of those present.
"Nothing, Arianne, though now I may share the other part of my tale as it hadn't the courage to speak of it in the presence of Elendil, "said Jon.
"Not even in front of Írimë and Lady Galadriel?" Daenerys asked, raising one of her eyebrows causing Jon to gulp.
"Yes, though, if she wasn't wroth with me, I would have hoped she would stay," Jon said.
"And Lady Galadriel?" Daenerys continued with jealousy in her voice jealously shared by all in the room.
"Oh, for pities sake," Rhaenys said, looking at her little brother with anger; if not for his death, she may have pummeled him.
"Jon…" Sansa growled like a wolf with disappointment in her voice.
Jon just pinched his nose as that was not what he wanted to talk about right now.
"I just returned from the Halls of the Dead, and already my list of allies grows thin; the affection I have for Galadriel isn't what I had hoped to discuss," Jon said with authority.
"Then what beloved?" Shiera asked.
"There was a moment in the Rooms of Command after revealing to me the origin of House Stark, Lord Nàmo led to a great fortress, and there I saw them," Jon said, shedding tears again.
"Who?" Rhaenys asked, dreading the answer.
"Our father Rhae and my mother, both will be confined there until the Doomsman of the Valar judges that they have atoned for their folly, and I'm afraid they weren't alone there," Said Jon looking at his beloved Ashara with compassion.
Upon hearing his words, The Lady of Starfall knew the fate of her dear brother and wept bitter tears though Shiera comforted as best she could.
"Oh, Rhaegar, my beloved son," Rhaella said, her voice filled with sadness.
"How long will our father and Your mother remain in those corridors," Rhaenys said without looking at anyone.
Jon just sighed.
"Rhaenys ..."
"HOW LONG!?" Rhaenys bellowed, her eyes wet with tears.
Finding himself in that situation, Jon no longer had a choice.
"When the last ship departs for Valinor, and the forges of the dwarves ring no more and when Men have claimed dominion of the Earth then shall their burden be done as for the Kingsguard, the sentence shall be the same for they allowed the cruelty of Aerys to blossom into madness," Jon said though he took no pleasure in it.
Hearing the fate of her first-born son, Queen Rhaella shed tears of pain.
"Rhaegar knew what he was doing, and even if not, all the pain that he and Lyanna Stark caused cannot go unanswered; there is little I can do except pray their sentence passes swiftly," Rhaella thought resignedly.
"So Rhaegar and Lyanna shall be trapped in those halls for centuries then?" Arianne asked, remembering her great-uncle Prince Lewyn Martell who used to carry her in his arms, and she felt sadness knowing that her uncle must suffer for the folly of Rhaegar.
"My brother ... My beloved brother ..." Ashara continued crying, being consoled by Shiera and Sansa.
"But why? our father always said that Ser Arthur was the best noblest knight he had ever met," Arya asked, suddenly confused.
"Oh, Arya, You're still very young," Jon thought.
"Arya being a good man has little to do with the courage of a Knight, and while the Knights of Aerys were gallant and skilled at arms, they were cowards who let a mad tyrant burn people alive", Jon said.
"Like uncle Brandon and our grandfather," Arya said suddenly, and Jon nodded.
"In death, they understood their follies though nothing may change their fate now, Ser Arthur entrusted me with two things, the first to take care of my sweet Ashara and that Lady Shiera and I ensure she wants for nothing, "Said Jon looking with amusement at the now reddened face of his beloved Starfall which stopped crying to start stuttering.
"Damn you, Arthur," Ashara said, her face scarlet.
Many were amused though Rhaenys was unsure how to feel her father he was to be captive for two ages of this world. She should be joyous, her father and his lover punished for the humiliation of her mother and family and of those horrid years in exile.
"Rhaenys .. " Jon said with a melancholy smile.
Rhaenys wept freely and threw herself into her brothers' arms.
"I will not say: do not weep, for not all tears are an evil." I know of the pain they caused, but I bear them no ill fortune nor shall I for the rest of my day our father only ask that you forgive him for his foolishness and be better than he was, "Jon said while still hugging Rhaenys.
"It's not right to ask me such because of him I was worse than a beggar and my mother a mere concubine, " Rhaenys said tearfully.
"Rhaenys ..." Rhaella said through tears.
Everyone knew this was a bitter revelation for Rhaenys, so they left them alone to grieve for a lost family.
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As Jon rested in their rooms with the others, Írimë and Galadriel watched the light of the full moon while the daughter of Finwë wept knowing she would be parted from her love by his foolish pride he had been given a chance to become half-elven, that boon hadn't been granted to any save Eärendil, and his sons and Jon had chosen a mortal life.
"It is not fair that he only thinks of those mortal women," Íirmë said, her beautiful face marred by jealousy and anger.
"I know, but it was Jon's choice to make we can ask no more of him," Galadriel said, serving both of them a cup of tea, but upon tasting it, Finarfin's daughter sighed.
"Jon's tea is much better," The noble elf thought with annoyance wondering where she had learned to prepare it.
"Is that you have to say on the matter, Artanis? do you care that little about Jon's decision? " Írimë asked, annoyed by her niece's apparent indifference, although she knew her niece mourned Celeborn.
But at that moment, Írimë was furious, so she looked at her niece, who simply glanced at the moon, shedding silent tears.
"In a single day because of that nefarious battle, I lost the two men who had captivated me in my entire existence, Celeborn whose thirst for knowledge far surpassed mine and who gave me a beautiful daughter, but the dark and evil sorcery of Sauron, as well as my own improper longing for this young mortal, my sight strayed from Celeborn who was the mightier of the two and now I'm haunted by choice of my heart," Galadriel said breaking into tears before a repentant Írimë. She was beginning to understand that her niece was actually much worse than her.
And she hugged her in an attempt to comfort her.
"Oh, forgive me, dear niece, I have been consumed by my bitterness, and I have not thought about your pain Celeborn was great among our people; the pain that you and Celebrian feel now will be rewarded when you find him again in the Blessed Kingdom," Írimë said, stroking Galadriel's hair.
"Your words are full of love, dear aunt, but you must not forget that I am still exiled from the land where I was born, and although you and my daughter will be able to see my husband again in the West, my return is still forbidden," Said Galadriel with a sad smile at the thought of her father Finarfin, her mother Eärwen and her brothers Finrod and Angrod who had previously reincarnated unlike her brother Aegnor.
"I have not forgotten, but you must not forget the mercy of Erú and the Valar because we have just seen the proof of it now that Jon has returned to us; I am certain you will see our family again," Írimë said, kissing her forehead.
"In that case, aunt, you must also be more patient; I have no doubt that Jon's choice will bring us great grief and melancholy in the years to come despite the brief reprieve from age that he and his companions will receive. But regarding Erú, you must remember that you fell in love with Jon as a man, not a Noldor, so perhaps the One thought it best he should remain as such," Galadriel said with a smile.
"You speak eloquently as always, dear niece, but you must not forget that neither of us has lost a loved one due to the bitterness of mortality, and that is something that neither of us will ever overcome. But now, knowing of the choice he was given, I hoped to have Jon by my side forever, and he refused for the sake of others," Írimë said with some bitterness.
"You think he doesn't love you as you love him," Galadriel replied.
Írimë's look of guilt told Galadriel she spoke truly.
"My dear Aunt Jon loves you like the others, I have no doubts about it, and your heart tells me the same though you may be parted by the bitterness of mortality I think you shall be reunited one day, and then your love shall blossom evergreen again," Galadriel said.
"And you dear niece? Do not think that I have not noticed that you do not want to speak about your confession of love on the deathbed of our dragon; in those painful moments, I held my tongue, but we shall speak of it," Írimë thought.
For a few minutes, both aunt and niece only consoled each other in silence for their sorrows until they decided to go to sleep.
But Elves understood that their tale had just begun, a tale written by Jon and his companions and the dragons bestowed upon them.
And there was another pressing matter, King Durin and his dwarves were keen to speak with Jon about his meeting with Lord Aulë that was something that all the elves had perceived since Jon had returned telling about the Rooms of Command.
Even so, Galadriel felt that Jon had left aside something else about the story, something that would cause her great misery; she only had to gaze into his eyes and see the look of anguish to know Jon hadn't told them the whole tale.
And she will discover that.
-------------------------------------
The next day Jon's resurrection was still the commotion of the City, and he was attended by the King's soldiers wherever he went.
After what happened after his resurrection, Jon could not expect less and much less when the news of the dragons that had appeared with him had surprised everyone.
Those little creatures had become the wonder of the Kingdom of Arnor although King Durin and his advisors avoided them still it was not all grim tidings when the dwarves learned he had the privilege of speaking to Lord Aulë and to bear a blade forged by him, they treated him with greater reverence than before.
And his brothers in arms were always by his side, eagerly questioning him about their blessing.
Although to his shame, Jon hardly knew about that subject.
-----------------------
3 days later
"So… what should we wait for now… Will we live for centuries, Jon? " Loras asked a few days later as they rested under a tree while watching the soldiers train.
"I really don't know brother, Lord Manwë only told me that Erú would grant us the beauty and the wisdom of the Eldar and the strength and hardihood of the Men of old though it tells me little of our blessings," Jon sighed,
"A great many gifts, it seems," said Robar chuckling.
"In fact, Sansa, Rhaenys and Arianne are quite pleased knowing their beauty will never fade." Jon thought with amusement.
"And Jon ... What's next?" Loras asked, earning the gaze of his companions.
"A rather good question." Jon conceded.
"I don't know, Loras, I really don't know my brother ... This has all been a change ... Lord Celeborn's death, my own demise and the discovery of the origin of House Stark, along with those dragons ..." Jon said, sighing.
"Well, it's not that I want to cause you more trouble, but you'd better decide; the rulers of Middle-earth want to know more about those dragons, and what your family intend to do with them many hope their might can be unleashed upon Sauron, but they also fear the wrath of the Lord of Mordor he suffered a defeat, yes, but he shall not let this blow go unanswered," Loras said all the while nursing a strong brandy.
"Loras speaks truly the Siege of Isengard, and the attack on Osgiliath were far worse than expected; we must not lower our guard," Jon thought.
"We shall see what destiny the Valar have for us, my brothers, but I believe it shall be glorious," Jon said, sighing standing up.
"Are you going to practice?" Robar asked, arching an eyebrow, and Jon nodded.
"It has been many weeks since I held a sword, and I cannot allow my skills to fatigue," Jon said thoughtfully, looking at his brothers in arms, who looked at him apprehensively.
"You're certain?" Loras asked, remembering Jon savagery.
"Yes, brothers, now come let us crack some fucking heads," Jon said with an unusual wolfish smile.
And so they set off for the tiltyard full of vigour and zeal.
Jon, Loras and Robar swiftly reaffirmed their standing as Arnor's best warriors, never tiring fighting like lions or perhaps dragons.
But among all Jon, he was the most different ... His movements that were beforehand elegant and swift as expected of an apprentice of Lord Glorfindel now swayed between brutality and agility, sometimes he looked like akin to a ravenous wolf other times as stalwart knight no soldier could overtake him nor breach his guard and soon many a man at arms was battered into submission.
"By the Valar Jon, what has happened to you?" Loras asked, surprised by the savagery of his northern brother.
He was also surprised by his own speed and vigour, but Jon, Jon was akin to a hurricane.
"I don't know, brother, though my heart now thunders like a bull, and my body feels as strong as oak as if the years have fallen from me like snow in the sun," Jon said, surprised by his newfound strength.
"And that explains your savagery when fighting?" Robar asked, helping a young knight to his feet after being knocked down by Jon.
"Mayhaps we should speak to Lord Elrond; he is wise in the matters of the war and skilled at arms; it seems you have grown mightier as well, my brothers," Jon said.
"Yes, but we are mere breeze before a hurricane", Loras said with his hand on his chin.
"Come on then, before King Anárion finds out what happened and wants to challenge us," Robar said, knowing very well how much King Elendil's youngest son liked sparring.
"Mayhaps I can finally avenge myself for my defeat upon the ship," Jon thought, excited about the battle he would have with his friend.
-------------------
"So… they took out an entire garrison in training?" King Elendil asked as Lord Elrond scrutinised the three Westerosi knights.
In addition to the Westerosi, the Kings Elendil, Gil-Galad, Durin, and Lords Elrond and Glorfindel were with them.
"So it seems my King, but we had no thought to how many men we fought," Loras said, abashed.
"Is it part of the blessing of the Valar?" Glorfindel asked, observing his students with scrutiny.
"Perhaps my brother was a force upon the field as well, and Jon shares his blood," Elrond said with a sigh.
At that moment, King Durin did something rather odd.
Without a word, King Durin threw his enormous Warhammer at Jon, who swiftly caught it.
"Aye, it seems the lad it well", Durin said, all the while helping himself to more Arnorian wine.
Jon growled though it didn't seem human; it sounded akin to a wild wolf or perhaps a dragon with another snarl of fury. Jon snapped the haft of the hammer into splinters.
"That was rather discourteous," Jon said.
"By the Valar that haft was fashioned from mallorn," King Gil-Galad said, decidedly startled.
"Jon?" Loras asked nervously.
Hearing his friend Jon reacted and seeing what he had done to me to King Durin's weapon, he was shocked.
"This is rather queer," Robar said, taking a few steps back.
"Indeed," Lord Elrond said with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
"Could it have something to do with our attempts to resurrect him?" thought the Lord of Imladris, wholly bewildered by Jon's strength.
Seeing the state of his beloved hammer, King Durin looked at Jon with surprise and indignation.
"By Mahal, such strength" Was the Dwarf King's reply.
"And such swiftness he's akin to a hound of Orome," Glorfindel said, gazing at Jon, eagerly hoping to cross swords with his student soon.
"By the Valar, what is happening to me?" asked a nervous Jon.
"What did you feel?" Lord Elrond asked.
"Wrath and fury, when King Durin threw his hammer at me, I ..." Jon stopped in shame, unable to meet the Lord of Khazad-dûm's eyes.
"You what, Jon? You wished to slay me like a goblin," The Dwarf King challenged with a raucous laugh.
"King Durin?" Jon asked, surprised.
"I nearly dashed your brains on the floor, lad; if you weren't wroth with me, I'd think you'd gone mad," King Durin said much to everyone's amusement.
Jon merely smiled and turned towards King Elendil.
"Forgive me, my King, but I wish to know what will become of the dragons that hatched and the fate of the shield Fingolfin gifted me," Jon asked.
At that moment, a feeling of dread filled the hall though Jon held no illusions of their fear the free peoples had fought the Worms of The Great Enemy since the Wars of Wrath, and many had lost family to them.
The fact that these new dragons arose by the grace and power of Erú was the only reason they yet lived.
"The dragons are in a tower in the eastern part of the palace being watched by the women of your family who seem to not want anything to happen to them, it has only been a little more than a day, and it seems that each has chosen their caretaker and won't be parted from them," King Elendil said wearily, much to Jon's amusement.
"These dragons are very peculiar; they have no love for gold or jewels; although they seem to prefer displays of strength and hunting more, they are very destructive if they get too close to them although they have taken a keen interest in your family," Lord Glorfindel said.
"They are akin to the winged dragons who fought my kin in the wars of the first age though their sight is less keen and they lack the skill of speech," King Gil-Galad said.
"I don't like them," Durin growled.
"Aye, my council are wary of them as well," King Elendil said, putting a hand to his chin.
"Those creatures were a gift from Erú to my family and me. Hence, I must believe that the Supreme Deity of Arda had a powerful reason to deliver them to our care," Jon said solemnly, making everyone think.
"It would seem so; still we know very little about these dragons or Lord Eru's intentions as for the Great King's shield it lay in the armoury where many have come to pay homage to it, that shield was forged by the hands of Lord Aulë, and many in the city believe it shows the Valar favour us," Said King Elendil looking to his knight who seemed far more kingly.
Something that everyone had already noticed clearly, the adventure of death had changed Jon even more than it seemed.
"Perhaps I should practice with my forbears' shield," Jon said eagerly.
"Yes, I already imagined that, and I think many here would like to measure their strength against yours but are you certain, Jon? You will have many contenders," Asked the King of Arnor to his knight.
"Let them come," Jon said eagerly.
"Impetuous boy" Was the thought that ran through the minds of the Kings of Middle-Earth.
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For the next few hours, it was one crushing loss after another; with the shield of Fingolfin and Ghal-maraz in hand, he was akin to some ancient king hot-blooded and full of vigour. The Arnorians fought ferociously but to no avail. Jon was unlike anything the knights of Arnor had ever fought, whether man or monster. Every strike was a flurry of punishing blows, and His opponents began to tire or yield in short order.
Despite this, or perhaps because of it, many a man, elf and dwarf stepped forth to challenge Jon Herenlounga mightiest among the men of the West.
But it was all fruitless that young man no longer seemed of the race of men; rather, he was like a furious beast whose ferocity is conveyed through his hammering blows and fierce gaze.
And all before the sight of all Annúminas as well as Jon's lovers, family, friends, as well as Lady Galadriel, who only looked at her prospective husband with some worry.
Jon's cousins told them that their father Eddard Stark said some Starks were Wolf blooded like their Uncle Brandon and Aunt Lyanna though they also spoke how wolf blooded Starks begot early deaths.
Everyone wished that was not the case with Jon; something tells them that Ilúvatar will not intervene again in this Age.
"This is rather queer. I do not think his resurrection was the cause". Galadriel thought with some worry casting a glance at Elrond, who seemed to share her predilections.
And for her part, even though both she and her beloved aunt Írimë yearned to speak with Jon about their passions, they knew that it was more important than he was well.
-------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ----
Over the next week, Jon was in the care of Lord Elrond and the greatest healers of Arnor, who were eager to tend to the heir of Finwë though they also desired to see if his mind was whole and so called upon the scholars of Arnor to test his skill .
Jon helped to construct ships in the harbour and debate those men of scholarly pursuits in the ways of the Valar as so few can he even entered the houses of healing and there put forth such power and skill as was afforded him healing the ill and weary of all manner of maladies and affliction.
It was blessed that Jon did not lose his talents with song and verse; it would have been a tragedy for the maids of Annuminas who were absolutely smitten with the northern poet.
He just needed to make sure that those wild wolfish mood swings Jon suffered in battle weren't a problem outside of one.
-------------------------------------
Nearly a month has passed since his resurrection, and Jon found himself once again sparring in the tiltyard this time with Anárion, Loras and Robar, who did not wish to tarry behind him and they were nearly as mighty as their brother in arms though few now in the kingdom could best him save for Elendil and Anárion who were mightiest among the Lord of Middle-Earth.
The list of opponents at his height was reduced as time passed, and he still had to speak to King Durin concerning Lord Aulë; the old King has been very patient, perhaps it is time to reward that patience though all was no well in the silver city Jon had yet to speak to his beloved Lawlen nor had he conversed with Galadriel concerning their blossoming love.
Jon knew that both elves were watching him from afar; the aroma of flowers gave them away, but he did not want to leave things like that; soon Galadriel would depart for Edhellond to mourn her husband or perhaps she would venture Valley of Imladris to be with Celebrian and Jon wished to bid her farewell though he feared Írimë may go with her and it filled his heart with grief.
Jon knew within himself that the time would come when he would claim the Lady of Light as completely his, just as he had done with his beloved Lalwen but not yet, for it was far too soon to court her lest he angers the Noldor and besmirches her name.
Worst of all, Jon's heart warned him that Lady Galadriel would ask him to reveal the destiny of her husband Celeborn in the Halls of Command, and Jon still remembered the words of the Valar.
A Vala lent his strength to that foul spear, filling its blade with hatred and darkness, corrupting Lord Celeborn's Fëa in such a way that neither Lord Aulë nor Lord Irmo had ever seen.
Oh, what bitter news Jon should bring to such a fair and noble Lady, but he knew it was his duty; after all, Lord Celeborn had fallen to protect him.
It was a duty he owed to that noble elf even if the young Targaryen desired his wife.
Jon knew he must let them grieve for Celeborn, for there was never so noble as elf since the days of his own kin Fingolfin, Galadriel had lost a husband and Celebrian a father even his dear Lalwen mourned for the Lord of Edhellond.
Despite everything, Jon was not an animal dominated by his wild instincts despite everything that had changed since he rose from his funeral pyre; he had lost much in that battle countless men fell, yet he rose men who hadn't seen twenty winters slain.
No, it was time for him to stop lamenting what had happened and stop thinking only about what he wanted; it was time for him to put his affairs in order, he thought with determination.
-------------------------------------------------- -------
After another week, King Gil-Galad departed for Harlond, leaving Glorfindel and Cirdan to guide Jon and his companions. Alas, Lord Cirdan would soon depart as well, much to the sorrow of Jon who had come to view the kindly Lord as a father So Jon, Loras and Robar took it upon themselves to enjoy their time with the Lord of the Gray Havens, studying the finer points of shipbuilding and carpentry and of course partaking in pipeweed.
Alas, Lord of the Gray Havens also had to return to his domain, leaving his apprentices again, which was no less bitter than his first farewell, but this time everyone knew in their hearts that they would meet again.
"Goodbye for now but not forever; take care, and may the light of the Valar guide our paths to cross again" were Lord Cirdan's parting words.
And with his departure, the last of the great Elves of Middle-earth had already departed from Arnor.
With that in mind, Jon had gone to find King Durin, and he soon found the old dwarf talking amicably with Elendil all the whole, nursing a mug of dwarven ale.
The King's crier announced Jon's presence.
"Yes, Jon? " Asked King Elendil.
"Good evening, your Highness, I am sorry if I disturbed your counsel, but I wished to speak with King Durin regarding my conversation with Lord Aulë," Said Jon.
Instantly the eyes of everyone in the room lit up as Jon is the first of the line of men to speak to the Blacksmith of the Valar, and all the Dwarves had waited long to hear the words of their father.
"Oh ... At last, Jon Snow ..." King Durin said.
"Baelon ..." Jon said almost in a whisper.
"Sorry?" Asked King Elendil.
"My name is Baelon Targaryen ... Lord Námo revealed my true name before he saw fit to send me to my parents" Jon said.
For a few moments, no one said anything until the King put a hand to his chin.
"Do others know your true name?" The King asked with curiosity, sure of the answer.
"Not yet, and I should tell you the longer I tarry, the worse it becomes, but it is not simple to accept another name after living a life with another for so long; it feels like leaving part of yourself behind," Jon said, sighing as the others nod.
"Well ... Baelon, we actually spoke about some minor battles against the Orcs in the past, but I think your discussion with Lord Aulë would be a better topic of conversation," King Elendil said.
"Without a doubt, if you could fetch us some stout ale and chicken, this shall be a worthy tale," King Durin said excitedly.
"As you like, Durin," King Elendil said, gesturing to his servants who went to the kitchens.
"A good brew and a piece of meat would not hurt me, although I would also like a strawberry cake," Jon thought with some sorrow inside.
-------
It took about half an hour before the food was brought, and to Jon's joy, there were strawberry tarts among them; when the servants laid everything out, King Elendil bid the servants leave and not to disturb them.
"Well, everything is ready, speak, Jon. I'm eager to hear of the Lord of Blacksmiths," King Elendil said, taking a mug of beer.
"As you wish, my King", Jon said with a smile.
Thus Jon began to recount his meeting with the Great Lord, especially his appearance, which delighted the dwarves to no end.
Then Jon described his forge and the horrifying heat that emanates from it; he then spoke of Aulë forging great weapons and wondrous devices as they conversed, especially the scoring of Ringil.
That enchanted King Durin and the Dwarves, who listened excitedly, all asking questions regarding the strength used by Aulë when forging and the shape of his instruments.
Jon was amused by their eagerness, but when he told them that Aulë saw them as his most exceptional work, the Dwarves eyes became wet with tears knowing their father truly loved them.
Finally, Jon got to the part of recounting Aulë's motives for helping him against Sauron and how he despised the servant of Morgoth for using what he had taught him to spread his master's evil.
The Dwarves growled and cursed Sauron in Khuzdul and spat upon the floor, showing their displeasure with the Lord of Mordor.
After Jon finished his tale, not a single dwarf had a dry eye.
"That would be my whole tale, King Durin ... May the little knowledge that I was able to afford you about Lord Aulë fill your hearts with happiness and bring joy to your people as they now know their father far better than most," Jon said before bowing.
For a few moments, no one in the King's Great Hall said anything; you could only hear the sound of the fire and the dwarves finishing their ale until, at last, King Durin rose from his chair and spoke his voice heavy with joy.
"What you have done for my people . it is something that we can never properly remunerate since Durin The Deathless woke in Gundabad far to the north we have heard tales of Mahal and his mighty hammer and great forge where he conveyed to him and his Fathers of the Dwarves the love for fine gems and shaping of metals but we had no more. And now, thanks to you we wholly understand our creator, that is worth more than all the gold of the seven realms, and so I thank you on behalf of my house, and my people," The Lord of Khazad-Dûm said, bowing so low his beard touched the floor .
"King Durin, as I told you in your halls those years ago, as our friendship cannot be measured in gold nor jewels but rather cheer and kinship," Jon said with a bow.
"Hahahaha ... You always exceed my expectations boy, I have followed you, Jon Snow No, Baelon Targaryen, I have been very aware of you and your companions, of their mighty deeds it filled my heart with joy knowing you slew a Worm of The Great Enemy, that alone has earned you welcome in my halls," Said the King smiling at Jon's surprised expression.
"King Durin ", Jon stuttered, but the old Dwarf silenced him,
"Well, boy, now I want to offer you something else; Elendil has already permitted it, but you must agree as well," King Durin said solemnly.
At that moment, Jon's gaze shifted to his King, who only smiled and nodded to the further bewilderment of the young Westerosi.
"What is it about?" Jon asked, intrigued.
"I have learned that you have an affection for the creation of towers and citadels as well as architecture and a keen interest in metalworking," The Dwarf King said, staring at Jon.
Jon, sensing where the offer was going, felt his heart begin to beat with great force.
"Yes, since I began to study the traditions of my High kin, I yearned to construct a fortress like those in Beleriand, and at the risk of seeming a boastful and ambitious young fool, I would like to build a city as fair as Gondolin or Tirion." Jon finished speaking some of his former shyness.
"You have mighty ambitions, Jon," Elendil said, amazed by the lofty dreams of his knight.
"I know ... But in my family, the love of fine stonework is strong" Jon said with pride when remembering Brandon, The Builder.
"Brandon, The Builder? Correct?" King Durin asked before a surprised Jon.
"Do you know about my ancestor?" Jon asked in surprise as King Durin nodded.
"As I told you… I have watched over you and yours; the elves have told me a great deal what they have learned from you and your friends, as well as from the far eastern lands from which they come yes, I know about Westeros and your ancestor Brandon Stark which leads me to propose an offer, "King Durin said, taking another sip of ale.
Jon just swallowed hard as he nodded, suppressing his excitement.
"I propose to come with you and your companion's journey to my Kingdom and learn the arts of stone forging and metalworking though you will never match a master smith of my halls I daresay you shall become mighty among your kin," King Durin said with a smile.
Jon was elated; he had yearned to return to Khazad-dûm for many years, and now he would learn from the greatest smith in all Middle-Earth.
"We only need what the others will say ... Loras and Robar will not be pleased to see Racknuff as for the others. However, I am seeing the great treasure halls of the king will delight them, especially my beloved Shiera, Ashara and Sansa; she has wanted jewellery from Khazad-Dûm since she came to Middle Earth as for Arya seeing the armoury will delight her, there is still the matter of the dragons" Jon thought with some worry.
"It is a very generous offer, and my heart cries to accept it, but ... I do not know, asking my companions to come with me, I also have duties here in Arnor," Jon said, looking at his King who stopped him with a wave of his hand.
"Jon, you don't need to worry about it; I will allow your companions to join you should they desire it. I see in your heart the hope to learn such arts as the dwarves possess, but my heart tells me this is a wise choice though you speak truly and are bound by oath to serve me go now in peace and love a time will come when you will have to return to my service," Elendil said with a smile.
Jon was only moved to tears by the generosity of his King.
"Thank you, Your Highness, but what will become of my dragons," Jon asked both monarchs.
Instantly their gaze darkened.
"Aye, that's trying Dragons and my people have a very bitter history as you already know, many of my dwarves will feel vexed, but these beast show no love for gold nor even Mithril, and they are much more savage than the Worms of the Great Enemy and the Winged Dragons, but I hadn't given it any true thought," King Durin said uncompromisingly.
"And if you choose to leave ... Then they won't stay here either ... People tolerate them for you, as a symbol of good fortune for your return from the Rooms of Command, but if you leave, those desires will give way to fear, "Elendil said pragmatically.
Jon swallowed hard, although he actually expected such an answer.
"Then let them go with us if they have no love for gold, let them roam the nearby mountains and lakes and hunt the animals they find there to live and should they cause the Longbeards issue, I shall answer for them," Jon said his voice firm as the summers wind.
"Strong words," Elendil said.
"And promises ..." King Durin said.
"I will live in Khazad-Dûm until my heart's thirst for knowledge is quenched or a great need causes my King to call me back, but I do not think that all my companions share my taste for living among the People of Durin, so my heart tells me that not all dragons are for my command so if the time comes when my family wishes to return, I am certain their dragons will follow," Jon said, sensing a glimpse into the future.
"Though I already have Ghost and the gryphon with me; I'm sure one of the dragons is for me but only one, I couldn't tame them all", Jon acknowledged silently.
"In that case, if you've already made up your mind and are willing to answer for those animals, we have an accord," King Durin said, helping himself to a leg of lamb, and Jon followed him with another fruit tart while King Elendil just smiled.
"Now the most difficult task," Jon thought apprehensively at having to give the news to his loves, his cousins and two companions and hope they would accompany him.
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The first to show her dissatisfaction was undoubtedly Rhaenys, who furiously launched herself at Jon trying to cut him with Dramborleg, but Jon effortlessly dodged the attacks of his half-sister, who was furious at the thought of living amongst those who considered women as mere trinkets.
"Come now, dear sister, such an honour has never been bestowed upon our race", Jon grunted.
"That doesn't matter; I don't want to dwell in that mine! " Rhaegar's daughter complained.
"You're selfish dear nephew," Daenerys said, looking at her love angrily, and Jon lamented when he saw her anger.
"I know my dears, but in my heart is a great longing that shall never die, and we shall not be parted. I may visit you whenever I wish, though I'm certain you would wish to accompany me and return to those rooms of treasure, "Jon said with a sly smile.
That made all his Ladies blush as they remembered with longing the treasures created by the Dwarves.
"You do know how to win the interest of a Lady, correct?" Shiera asked. She was having a cup of tea accompanied by her sweet Ashara, who was looking at Jon with an arched eyebrow.
"Yes, I learned from many beautiful maidens after all," Jon said, looking at his loves with a wolfish smile that made them blush.
"Foolish wolf," Arianne said, blushing, standing up and pouring herself a glass of wine.
The only silent ones were Queen Rhaella, Sansa, and Arya, who listened to the conversation half blushing at Jon's words and the others were upset with Jon for suddenly deciding to go live Khazad-dûm.
"Why must you go, Jon?" Arya asked.
"Because little sister to learn smithing from the sons of Aulë is a great honour never afforded to the race of men," Jon said, hoping Arya would forgive him.
Rhaenys fury was enough.
"That's very selfish of you ... You're always travelling," Sansa said, her face turning sour.
"I know, cousin, I'm sorry to thrust such things upon you, and I would love it greatly if you accompanied me, but I know in my heart you shall never find your home in the Mountain halls though I will always come back," Jon said, and Sansa sighed in annoyance.
At that moment, Queen Rhaella spoke.
"You are more akin to your father in mood eagerly seeking knowledge wherever you can though you yearn to see the world far more than he ever did, I imagine like your ancestor Tar-Aldarion," Said the ancient Queen with a cold and tired tone having a glass of wine.
Hearing his grandmother speak like that, Jon swallowed hard.
"Grandmother", Jon tried to say, but she silenced him.
"I can't stop you, Jon, I know that very well, but I object that you should stay so far away from us, so I'll just pray to the Valar to keep you safe", Queen Rhaella said gazing at Jon with impatience.
"That was better than I expected," Jon thought, now looking at his beloved viper and his Dragon Princess.
"You will come?" Jon asked, smiling.
"Stop grinning; you know that we will go with you, my white wolf; even if you do not expect us to live there, we shall return to the city when it suits us, and you must visit us frequently," Arianne said with irritation.
"We shall wait awhile, my dearest though I'm not overjoyed at this new my love for you far outweighs my wrath, and I expect you shall visit me most of all", Daenerys growled, kissing Jon hard, and he returned it with equal vigour.
"Well, then it's decided," Shiera said, delighted to finally see Khazad-Dûm and all his beautiful jewels and perhaps charm Jon into claiming several more pieces for her collection.
"Shiera… My love, you don't even hide your intentions," Ashara said with a sigh as the beautiful Targaryen bastard merely giggled.
"Come now, Ash, you too regretted not going to that place last time ... Besides, you always desired to see our dragon working tirelessly to earn us treasures," Shiera said, kissing her Dornish lover gently.
"Shiera," Said a nervous and pained Ashara looking at her two proteges, who were thoroughly reddening and seemed to want to depart quickly.
Something that Jon wanted too ... Well, his cousins were still very young. But apparently, except for Ashara and his grandmother that the others do not care.
"Now, I must tell them the final part of my journey," Jon thought, feeling real fear.
"There's just one more thing missing ..." Jon said nervously.
"Now what?" Rhaenys growled.
"In the Rooms of Commands, Lord Namo revealed to me my true name," Jon said nervously, looking at all the women in the room.
"Your true name?" Queen Rhaella asked in surprise.
"My name, as you already knew from the first time I returned from Tol Morwen, is not" Jon Snow "... Lord Námo told me that I was named Baelon Targaryen", Jon said, waiting for the next wave of outcries and objections from all the women in the room.
---------------------------
"That could have been better, "Jon thought, walking through the palace garden just as the sun was setting.
As he had expected, all the women in the Hall threw themselves on him and between grievances and blows, they emphasised his coldness towards them by hiding such a thing from them.
It took Jon hours of agonising pleas and promises never to hide that kind of knowledge from them again for them to finally forgave him, although they treated him coldly.
The worst part was that Jon knew he deserved it; he had been hiding things like that from them for weeks, and then his decision to go dwell in Khazad-dûm so suddenly and with so little time to object.
Sometimes he does not know why they love him so much since he often feels unworthy of that love yet feels fortunate to have their love.
Arianne, Daenerys, Rhaneys, Shiera, Ashara and even her grandmother Rhaella and her cousins Sansa and Arya have all had a lot of patience with her over the years ... You should start treating them better and being more considerate of them instead of just jumping into the adventure and wait for them to understand it.
That was what Tar-Aldarion did not understand during his life, and he paid a high price; now Jon understands it and will not renew the mistakes of his ancestor.
But in those moments, there is another person just as valuable to him who is quietly waiting for him under a tree, even if they haven't spoken in days.
His beloved Lalwen.
Ever since Jon was resurrected and revealed that he rejected immortality, his beautiful Elven Lady has barely looked him in the eye and the few times she has, Jon has only seen the pain and sorrow in her gaze that has caused him anguish without end.
But he knows that he did the right thing by choosing mortality; he loves Lalwen like the others, but for that reason, he could not favour her above all others, yet still there was hope for them to be reunited in Valinor should he earn the favour of the Valar.
And that when the time comes, they will be reunited; Lalwen will have to pay bitterly in the years after his death, and when he imagines her heartache, he laments his decision, even if his heart tells him that it is all part of Erú's plan for them.
Although that does not make it easier.
"Can I sit down, Lalwen? " Jon said, looking at his beloved weaving in the setting sun.
She didn't answer, but she nodded, and that indifference hurt Jon deeply.
"We haven't been able to speak since I returned," Jon said nervously, but Lalwen still didn't look at him.
"We have nothing important to talk about, Nin Mel; you chose mortality now the day will come when we must part," Lalwen said, truly looking at him for the first time in weeks.
Her gaze was hard and cold, and Jon felt as if she had grasped his heart in the frost of winter; he tried to caress her face, but Írimë recoiled and made to leave.
"Please, Lalwen, do not fell from me. I am certain that you know I will be dwelling in Khazad-Dûm, and although I am sure that you will not follow me there, I do not wish to be parted in such a way," Jon said, shedding tears.
Seeing the grief of her beloved, Írimë and embraced him.
"Why didn't you choose the path of my people? We could have lived eternally in Valinor or Tirion; we could have been so happy," She said, crying.
"Because my Nin Mel was not the right thing to do, I am sure the day will come when we will be together forever, but that day will not come so easy, my beloved Princess, I am very sorry for what I am putting you through, and it is in these moments where my decision falters ... But I know that I am not mistaken, my love, "said Jon kissing her fiercely, and she returned the kiss.
"But you will still wither and extinguish in Arda like all men," Írimë said, caressing Jon's face as if she desired to etch it in her memory forever as it is in those moments.
"To wither Undoubtedly because that is the destiny of my people we men will go to a far-flung place, but it shall not be eternal we will see each other again, I know that I have caused you grief unimaged, but I know that things must be this way because I know that the "Father of All" will compensate us both for our grief when the time comes we must wait, my sweet Lalwen," Jon said, losing himself in those emerald eyes that now glistened with tears.
"Oh, my beloved fool, your tongue is probably your mightiest weapon; it fills me with dread, pain, and now with hope," Írimë said, returning to Jon's chest and shedding tears in silence.
"It was time for me to do more than cause pain and grief," Jon said, laying a kiss upon her head.
"You will go to Khazad-Dûm to learn their secrets," Írimë said, now resting comfortably on Jon's chest.
"Yes, I desire to be a great builder," Jon said, enjoying the warmth of his elven princess.
"They say that the Dwarves are renowned teachers, but they are too strict," Írimë said, looking at Jon, her eyes sparkling like the stars.
"Yes, but nothing of worth is ever gained easily," Jon said, chortling as Lalwen sighed.
"You are a child, my Nin Mel, but unfortunately, I will not go with you this time," Said the beautiful elf with a sad smile while Jon only sighed.
"I knew it Khazad-Dûm is a harsh place, and with the exception of Celebrimbor, I doubt that there is one among the Eldar who can endure living among the Dwarves so long" Jon chuckled, and Írimë nodded between sweet laughter.
"You're right, but I am also driven by another reason, my niece Artanis," Írimë said, gazing at Jon.
Hearing the name of the Lady of Light, Jon's heartbeat thundered for a moment much to Írimë's ire.
"I will have to deal with my niece too for what it seems", Írimë thought.
"I knew you would go with her and her daughter, my Nin Mel; she needs you now," Jon said compassionately, and Lalwen nodded.
"Yes, Celeborn's death was something very sudden and painful my niece does not desire to return to Edhellond anytime soon; the memories haunt her; instead, she will go with Celebrian and Elrond to Imladris to rest her spirit," Írimë said compassionately.
Jon just hugged her.
"You do well, Lalwen ... Lady Galadriel will need you very much, and I have long to see the House of Elrond," Jon said with a smile.
"And Elrond will love to receive you, and Artanis will also like your visits Jon," Írimë said the thought of her beloved and Galadriel still filled her with jealousy.
"Restless years and constant visits to many places await me," Jon said, laughing.
"It's what you chose; the Eldar have always known that knowledge has its price, my fool Jon," Írimë said laughing.
"Aye, but I'm happy to pay it", Jon thought.
"Well, my sweet Lalwen, now I just need to tell you one more thing," Jon said, kissing her fiercely to her surprise and delight.
"What Nin Mel?" Írimë asked with a beaming smile.
"My true name," Jon said with satisfaction when he saw the surprised expression on his beloved Lalwen's face.
After spending the rest of the evening with his beloved Lalwen, Jon remained in the gardens gazing at the moon with keen interest; he knew he would soon have company.
Someone who was drawing nearer, even from a distance, could perceive her sweet scent of lavender, and she also gave off soft fragrance oils.
At that moment, he stood up and turning back; he could see who was waiting in the quiet of the night.
Lady Galadriel, the Lady of Light, watched him with a sad smile as she approached him with a grace worthy of her lineage.
"Good evening, my Lady," Jon said with a smile as she arched an eyebrow.
"Did you sense my presence?"
"Yes, I knew you would come to see me, my Lady", Jon said gravely, and Galadriel sighed.
"It seems your elven sight had become quite powerful," The Lady of Light said, standing next to Jon.
"Yes, though the truth is rather queer, we can blame it on the magic of the elves", Jon thought in amusement.
"Do my words amuse you?"
"Ah, I'm sorry if I offended you but tell me, my Lady, what do you want from me? " Jon asked, sure of the answer.
"I think that's something you already know ..." Galadriel said, gravely looking her second love in the eye; even though Finarfin's daughter was greater in aspect than the Westerosi, he was not lesser than her.
After everything Jon Snow had been through, it was clear that he was no longer just a young mortal.
"You want to know about Lord Celeborn," Jon said in a sorrowful tone that made him clench his fists which did not go unnoticed by Galadriel.
But that only fueled the fears of the Lady of Edhellond.
"What happened to my husband in the Rooms of Command, Jon?" Galadriel asked, her eyes now ablaze with fire.
"My Lady, what you are asking me it is grim news, I already knew that you would come for answers, and I would prepare to give it to you even if my heart regretted the pain they will cause you. Are you prepared for it? If so, I will speak, "Said Jon looking at the beautiful Lady with love and compassion in his eyes, and she was surprised by it, briefly feeling the desire not to know more still she would never be at ease unless she knew Celeborns fate.
She nodded, and Jon sighed.
"When I entered the Rooms of Command, I beseeched Lord Manwë and Lord Námo to tell me of Celeborn fate and alas they affirmed my fears, the dark weapon that Sauron forged to slay me was a weapon that wielded a dark power very old and full of hate, a power viler than that of Sauron himself for a Vala lent his strength to that dreadful weapon," Jon said in a remorseful tone.
"And the truth stung Galadriel like a thousand barbs The Great Enemy", Galadriel said in horror, raising a hand to her beautiful face.
"I fear that my Lady somehow the one who was his Lieutenant evoked the power of his fell master when he forged that weapon," Jon said regretfully.
"What else, Jon?" Galadriel asked, shedding tears.
"The weapon damaged Lord Celeborn's Fëa in a way that the Valar had never seen when I arrived before Lord Námo, he and Lord Manwë told me that Lord Aulë and Lord Irmo were tending Lord Celeborn, but his Fëa was tainted, and he became akin to a Nazgûl although Lord Irmo and Lord Aulë have mended his Fëa as best they could. I'm sorry my Lady to have caused you such misery," Jon said, kneeling before Galadriel, who was only shedding bitter tears for her husband.
For a few moments, neither moved nor said anything until Galadriel got to her knees and looked into Jon's eyes, caressing one of his cheeks.
"I have already told you in Isengard, you are not responsible for Celeborn's death, I bear hatred for none save Sauron and his servants who slew my husband, but I know that in the Blessed Kingdom there is no pain that does not come to an end nor fatigue that does not find rest he will be healed of that I'm certain," Galadriel said with a sad smile.
"Thank you for your words, my Lady; you have put my heart at ease," Jon said, causing Galadriel to smile a little despite the pain in her heart.
After that, they both stood up.
"I'm going to remain in Khazad-Dûm for a while, years perhaps decades," Jon said, gazing at the Lady of Light.
"I know a rather odd choice", Galadriel replied.
"I wish to learn the arts of smithing and masonry, and none are more skilled than the Longbeards", Jon said with a smile.
" I know it very well, Jon, don't forget that I have walked these lands when Durin the First was young and seen the glory of their works firsthand, and you shall learn a great deal in their company though it seems we must be parted again," Galadriel said with some joy.
"But it's for the best; we had both decided that" Galadriel thought sadly.
"Baelon", Jon said, suddenly surprising Galadriel.
"Sorry?" The noble elf asked.
"My true name given to me by my parents is Baelon Targaryen," Jon said solemnly without missing the surprised expression on the Lady of Light's face.
"Apparently, little by little, your mysteries are unravelled," Galadriel said with a sigh but then she smiled and he was filled with happiness.
"Aye, and I'm glad to unravel them for you," Jon said with a booming laugh.
"Am I the last to know Baelon?" Galadriel asked in a dangerous and jealous tone as she felt that Jon left her for last.
"I'm afraid so, our meeting has been the most vexing though not unpleasant," Jon said in a remorseful tone, and Galadriel's expression softened.
"I know soon we will part again, Baelon, as I told you on our journey to Isengard, our love shall wither and die," Galadriel said sadly.
"I don't think so, my Lady Galadriel ..." Jon said this time with great strength in his voice, so much so that for a moment, the beautiful elf felt intimidated.
"Jon?"
"Our story is not over. My heart tells me that our destiny was to know each other and to love each other as will do though I shall not shame you in the eyes of your kin, my Lady I am heartened to know a day shall come when you are by my side" Jon said before taking her into his arms, dipping her low and placing a kiss upon her lips.
"Jon ..." said the Lady of Light, surprised by Jon's speech as well as his kiss.
"Good night, My Lady", Jon said, bowing, leaving Galadriel flushed with her heart pounding with strength and emotion at Jon's promise to claim her, the Lady of Edhellond, the Lady of Light, the mightiest among the Noldor as his one day.
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After talking to Jon, Galadriel retired to sleep and awoke walking through pearl-white corridors, corridors that she remembered very well, even if thousands of years had passed since she had last walked these halls.
Although Galadriel does not know why she was walking in Ilmarin even if it was only a dream, she planned to enjoy it perhaps the Valar had withdrawn her exile.
Galadriel's heart fluttered with a fierce joy at the thought of having the opportunity to return home. With that in mind, she continued walking towards the place where she was sure the Valar had summoned her.
The throne of Manwë, and indeed there were the Valar in all their beauty, majesty and glory.
Manwë in the centre with his sapphire sceptre and stormy eyes at his side was Varda who shone with the light of Ilúvatar, Ulmo was also present, Aulë and Yavanna, Mandos, Oromë, Nienna and even Tulkas.
Seeing the eight of Arda and the champion of Valinor Galadriel felt cowed, especially seeing the indecipherable look on their faces.
"Welcome, Artanis, daughter of Finarfin, granddaughter of Finwë," Manwë in a kind voice.
As a sign of respect, she bowed low.
"The King of Arda has called me home," Galadriel said nervously.
At that moment, Manwë's powerful gaze softened, and he was filled with compassion.
"Only in a dream and just for this time in this Age, your exile has not ended yet your trial shall come much later in this age," Manwë said with wisdom while Galadriel felt sadness run through her.
"I understand, my Lord," Galadriel said humbly without looking up.
"Unfortunately, my Lady, we have not called you here to discuss your exile; we have met due to another matter of great importance," Queen Varda said.
"Your marriage to Celeborn," Mandos said dispassionately, surprising Galadriel.
"My marriage?" Galadriel asked nervously.
"You already know what Sauron's sorcery did to your husband," Aulë said, his voice as deep as earth, and Galadriel nodded in pain at the memory.
"We have tried to heal your husband's soul to allow him to reincarnate in due time, but the evils of my brother are great indeed," Manwë said regretfully.
Galadriel felt tears welling up in her eyes and held back a sob.
"But do not despair, my sweet girl; my brothers have not given up and have found a way to heal the Fëa of Celeborn," Nienna said compassionately, and Galadriel smiled with happiness.
"Praised be your mercy and power, my Lords", Galadriel said with a smile.
"Artanis, I'm afraid there is more," Lord Ulmo said, feeling compassion for the daughter of Finarfin, and instantly she felt the place darken despite the light of the Valar.
"What could they mean?" Galadriel thought.
"We have called you here for two reasons, one to inform you that Celeborn will be healed, but the second I am afraid they are not pleasant Celeborn will not be able to depart the Rooms of Command until the end of Arda," Manwë said while Galadriel burst into tears.
"Such is the power of the Lord of Mordor?" Galadriel asked, looking up in pain for the first time.
"I'm afraid so ... We are not perfect, nor omniscient but, as you already well know, you saw the fruits of our folly by trusting in the repentance of the Great Enemy," Yavanna said with pain when remembering the fate of the Two Trees her most loved creations.
"Clearly, to our misfortune Artanis, we tend to underestimate Sauron a mistake that shall not be repeated," Manwë said, irritated with himself and with regret regretting not having ordered Eönwë to chain Sauron and bring him back to Valinor to stand trial at the end of the War of Wrath.
"How much suffering for Middle-earth and Númenor could have been avoided then all for your negligence," Galadriel thought with anger.
"But that is not the reason we summoned you, Daughter of Finarfin," Mandos said.
"The reason we summoned you to the Blessed Realm again was to inform you that due to this dire news, Celeborn decided to evoke the Statute of Finwë and Míriel," Lord Manwë said solemnly.
Galadriel merely wept in shock.
"Does he want to end our marriage?" Galadriel asked with sadness and pain.
Seeing the misery of Galadriel, Manwë decided to end the grim affair.
"Yes, though he did not desire to cause you anguish and thought for many days upon the subject we summoned you here by his leave though it wounds me greatly to see as love such as your end, "Lord Manwë said with compassion.
"Celeborn, you fool. You did this to give me a chance to love again, but what about you and our daughter? I have come to accept that there is love for Jon in my heart, but I had decided to let it wither did you know that I loved him? Oh, my beloved Celeborn, I had no wish for this to happen, but perhaps it is for the best."
At that moment, Galadriel's thoughts drifted to Jon.
"Now we have a hope of being together, even if we have paid for it with pain and dishonour, but not yet I must mourn Celeborn and then Írimë , and I must discuss how we feel about our beloved dragon."
Galadriel then silently wept for her husband and for her love for Jon while the Valar looked on uncertain of the future of the Lady of Light.
Notes:
Thanks to Great_Red