Chapter Text
Jon and Galadriel strolled through the streets of Caras Sant, and though the city was the fairest in the East, it seems none could escape the ravages of war; the walls were reduced to rubble, and those buildings nearest the battlements were blackened by soot and flame.
The streets were lined with many people, those too old or too young to fight, and they cried aloud or wept. For the enemy had felled many of their kinsmen on this day.
"Tis cruel that such a fate should befall these people," Jon thought compassionately.
"Do not despair, my beloved wolf, that if it were not for your arrival and that of your dragon, this City would have fallen," Galadriel said lovingly.
Although she was still furious at him for forcing her to stay out of battle.
But she would have Jon answer for that foolishness later.
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After many hours of walking through the city, they were brought to a grand mansion upon the hill; it was carved from white stone and surrounded by high walls covered in ivy, grapes, and climbing roses.
However, before entering the palace, they were stopped at the gate by an elder guard with beetling black eyes and a hooked nose; his voice was akin to that of a bullfrog, but it commanded respect.
"This is the mansion of the Vinter Lord while inside you must show courtesy as befits your lineage and make no mention of the Easterlings, my Lord Hawain has heard enough about them foul folk to last a lifetime, I reckon, and it won't do you any good to be stirring up trouble."
After the guard had concluded his speech, the great gates were opened, and they stepped into the courtyard and were greeted by a wondrous sight; there stood a silent company of tall statues graven of bronze, many of them men, but there were elves among them, some clad in armour others in rich robes of purple indeed they were so carved many would think they could walk off their plinths.
"It seems to me that these are the past Vinter Lords though I hadn't thought to find Elves among them," Jon thought as he took his beloved Galadriel by the arm acting as her escort, much to her delight.
In this way, they toured the halls of Hawain, and the young Targaryen could perceive the influence of the Elves in the building of this palace.
"It seems the Dorwinion's are quite skilled in the art of masonry, though", said Jon judging the architecture of that place; while Galadriel laughed, it seems her beloved was discerning as a dwarf.
Galadriel's mind wandered in those moments, knowing how childish she acted when she was with Jon.
Such acts were inappropriate for Noldor, notably one of her age, but Jon had withered away the weariness of age and made her feel as if she was a maiden of Valinor again.
She did not understand why she felt such levity. Still, it was wondrous to feel the splendours of youth again. Unfortunately, she and her brothers were doomed to mature ere their time, leading their kin in exile and fighting a doomed rebellion that cursed all her kin.
A curse that she still suffered though her time with Jon had made it far simpler to bear.
The Lands beyond Valinor had become wearing as if a great burden was laid upon her shoulders, a burden bore by Celeborn and Celebrian though they did little to soothe her weariness, but now with Jon by her side, she felt as if the curse had been lifted.
Just as she had healed the spirit of her wild wolf, he to had healed hers.
But she must put aside those thoughts for now as she noticed Jon was staring at her, no doubt wondering why she had giggled.
"Fear not, my beloved, soon. I shall turn those giggles into moans of pleasure," Jon said in a honeyed timbre kindling Galadriel's passions, and soon her face resembled a ruby.
"Ah, It seems my beloved is mastered by her passions once more," Jon said with a laugh, though he couldn't utter another word as Galadriel used her magics to assault his mind again, no doubt a punishment for his cheek, but despite his joy, she could perceive that her wolf was dismayed at having let his savagery command his mind again.
She had long known that Jon savagery was terrible to behold, but she felt little remorse for those men for good or ill; her beloved had proffered them opportunity to escape, and they had squandered it, yet seeing her wolf in such pain filled her heart with dread.
"There is little I can do save love him fiercely and pray to the Valar he shall find peace", Galadriel pondered gloomily.
"We have arrived," Said one of the soldiers who lifted the heavy bars of the doors and swung them slowly inwards, grumbling on their great hinges, and they entered the high hall of Hawain.
The hall was long and wide and crowded with men all fair and fierce of countenance; beside these men were many elves he guessed belonged to the Avari. They were fair as any elf but lacked the majesty and beauty of the Noldor; all were gathered round a great oaken table with many maps of the Eastern lands, and at the centre of this council sat a man whom Jon knew must be the Prince he was a great bear of a man with curly brown hair and bushy side-whiskers, rather than the rich robes of his council the man was clad in a splendid suit of plate, enamelled in a striking shade of purple and upon his lap a long sword in a scabbard clasped with gold and set with green gems.
To be honest, Jon thought the Prince resembled Lord Tyrell if the latter was more warlike; seeing this man brought back joyful memories of his days in Highgarden.
Although their farewell was bitter for the betrayal of House Tyrell, he forgave them long ago though he shall never forget their betrayal.
Upon their arrival, the officers hastily covered the maps, but many among them were entranced by his beloved apart from the Avari, who eyed Galadriel warily.
At that moment, the soldier who led them bowed before Hawain while the dwarves who they had accompanied them contented themselves to several large tankards of wine.
"Lord Regent, I have brought the man who put the Easterlings to flight. He has revealed himself as an Emissary of Elendil the tall," Said the guard bestowing the seal of Elendil to the Regent and his council.
The Vinter Lord looked at Jon curiously and nodded, though it seems he wasn't enraptured by the beauty of Galadriel like his fellows and merely smiled at her.
"This man is no fool ... And his will is strong", Jon thought, appreciating the Regents qualities while Galadriel laughed heartily.
"It would seem so, my love", Galadriel said cheerily.
And at that moment, the Regent cleared his voice, approached both of them, and then extended his arms in greeting.
"I greet you as friends. I am Prince Hawain, Master of the Vinter Court, and on behalf of me and my kin, I offer thanks for the defence of my city," said the Regent, bowing.
"He seems like a reasonably humble man," Jon thought, satisfied before nodding and taking a step forward.
"Such praise is not needed, Prince Hawain... My name is Baelon Targaryen, although perhaps I am known to you as Jon Snow. Indeed, I am an emissary of King Elendil, the one who is the High King, King of all the Dúnedain, King of Arnor, King of Gondor, King of the Southern Realm, Lord of Arnor and Gondor," said Jon with some irritation having to recall so many titles but he was a humble servant of his King so it would do him little good to forgo such formalities.
"And may I know who the lovely Lady is with you, Ser?" The Governor asked, looking at Galadriel curiously.
"This is Galadriel, Lady of Edhellond, Daughter of Finarfin Great King of the Noldor in the West, the Lady of Light and Mistress of Magic," Said Jon glancing at his beloved while she bowed low in reverence for the Regent and her kin.
"It is a pleasure to be in the company of such admirable men and elves," Galadriel said courteously while all were enraptured by her beauty.
As for the Avari, upon discovering her identity, they gazed at her with resentment and distrust, but Jon saw that at least one of them was watching Galadriel with fascination and desire.
"Should that fool try anything, I will shatter his chest with my hammer", Jon thought jealously, and he could plainly discern how Galadriel was pleased by his love for her.
"It is an honour to have two such distinguished guests in our City, Jon Herenlounga, dragon slayer and also a dragon tamer if the rumours are true and you as well my lady mightiest and fairest of all the Elves," Hawain said with reverence.
"You are very kind ..." Galadriel said, pleased by Hawain's courtesy.
Upon discovering the identity of their visitors, everyone in the Hall began to murmur in excitement, but while everyone looked at Galadriel with awe and happiness, the Dwarves and Avari Elves saw Jon in a very different way.
The Dwarves, upon learning that Jon had killed a dragon and had apparently managed to tame another they began to mutter among themselves as they looked at him in awe and reverence for his remarkable feat while this mattered little to the Avari who seemed ever more wary of him and Galadriel.
"Long has it been since Lord Oromë walked among them, and it seems their distrust of the Valar runs deep", Jon thought with exasperation.
"By the Valar, I wish I had my pipe," Jon thought it had been many months since he last smoked, and he sensed a long and vexatious conversation ahead.
"You shan't be smoking in my presence, beloved", Galadriel said, threateningly plainly vexed by his desire to smoke.
Jon knew that Galadriel would break all his pipes to keep him from smoking, so he must be careful.
"Tis grim tidings that such esteemed guest should come to our halls in such trying times, but I welcome you nonetheless," Hawain said in good cheer.
"Pay it no mind, my Lord. I hadn't thought to see the Vinter court in such peril," Jon said solemnly.
"I apologise for such a poor welcome. The wealth of my lands has long drawn the ire of the Wild Men though we had little trouble repelling them in the past; however, they have grown far bolder as of late girded with swords of iron and many cruel engines of war, "Said the Governor in a piteous way remembering the battle.
"They were better prepared," Galadriel said gravely.
"We hadn't thought these men so hardy nor so fierce, and though our soldiers are strong and war-hardened, we have not the strength to conquer them nor to slain them to a man, "Said the Governor.
"I fear Sauron may have a hand in this none save he would grant such weapons to the Wild Men for such purposes," Jon suggested with rancour in his voice.
At the mention of Sauron's name, A shadow seemed to pass over the hearths and the halls for a moment grew dark. All trembled save for Galadriel and himself.
"I thought the same, my love," Galadriel said grimly though none heard her save himself.
"But why should the Lord of the Dark Tower make war upon us, is he not the enemy of the West?" One of the Avari asked it was the same fool who had eyed Galadriel with lust.
"You seem more foolish than I thought Avari, Many evil things there are that your strong walls and bright swords do not stay. You know little of the lands beyond your bounds, and soon all shall be beset by Mordor for he has ever been the enemy of all free folk be they Elf, Man or Dwarf, "Jon answered sternly while the Avari, feeling humiliated, brought out a dagger but was hindered by his companions who gave him a look of worry.
"I beg your pardon for my harsh words Lord Hawain, but that is the truth, now in regard to your question, I wager that he counselled the Wild Men that these lands were rich in loot though I suspect that there is more afoot," Jon said worryingly.
"I hadn't thought the Enemy placed much value on gold or treasure," One of the Dwarves said before taking another gulp of wine.
"No, Sauron cares little for food or treasure unless it suits his own ends; I fear Baelon is right. Sauron desired Doriwinion as it is the Easternmost stronghold of Rhovanion," Galadriel rejoined.
For a few moments, no one said anything more until Jon remembered the Elves that accompanied him.
"Lord Regent, I'm afraid we did not come alone; before coming here, we passed through Greenwood the Great, and King Oropher granted us an escort no doubt they are in the City," Jon said jovially.
"I will see that they are provided with stout drink and warm beds," Hawain said before bowing low.
"I thank you for your generosity Lord Hawain," Jon replied.
"Now, I know this is not a good time, but I daresay there won't be a better one, so what brings you to Dorwinion? By the seal of the House of Elendil, I know you came here on behalf of the King, but why have you come, Lady Galadriel? " Hawain queried.
"I have never ventured beyond the boundaries of the Greenwood and desired to look upon the fair lands of Dorwinion with my own eyes; Jon acts as my protector alongside his duties to Elendil ", Galadriel responded in a melodious tone that charmed all present.
"I am honoured to know that the beauty of our lands aroused your curiosity, Lady Galadriel, and I am saddened that someone of your lineage visits us in these dark times since now we cannot prepare a proper reception for you," Hawain said gloomily.
"Do not fret. I won't begrudge the lack of ceremony, especially in such trying times," Galadriel said understandingly.
"The Nameless Enemy has arisen again. Smoke rises once more from Orodruin that we call Mount Doom. The power of the Black Land grows, and King Elendil sent me hence to renew our oaths of friendship with you, and the other peoples of Rhovanion my Prince." Jon said, and for a moment, Hawain said nothing before letting out a booming laugh.
"Aye, we shall renew our oaths, for we are the Atani, as all good men were before Beleriand our spears are valiant, our axes keen and our bows stout. But do not despair, we are no servants of the Dark Tower, and if he is guilty of furnishing those Savages with weapons, we will gladly help the peoples of the West make war upon his lands, " Hawain said fiercely, his eyes burning with a gleaming lustre.
"I'm glad to hear it, and I'm certain my King shall be as well", Jon said with a smile.
"Now ... We will not be fit to give you a proper reception, but at least we can prepare a welcome banquet for you and the emissaries of King Oropher that is the least we can do for the help you have given us," The Prince said happily.
"It is very kind, but it is not necessary; we know the hardships faced by your people and shall not trouble them further," Galadriel said with a smile.
"Yes, but you saved us all, that cannot be forgotten, there is much to do, it is true, but luckily the loss inside the City was least," Hawain said with good cheer.
"Thank you, Lord Regent, since you seem eager to grant us a boon I bring a request from King Durin of Khazad-dûm, who urged me to acquire several barrels of your finest vintage, " Jon said with a smile remembering the request of his dear friend who had given him a great deal of gold to obtain the wine.
This caused the Vinter-Lord and his council to laugh heartily.
"It will be a pleasure, in fact, the King of Khazad-dûm is one of our best patrons, the last time he bought our wine, he left the whole city dry for several moons; no doubt you want the rest. In the meantime, my servants shall find you rooms befitting your importance," Hawain said before gesturing to the servants who rose and motioned for them to follow.
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When the meeting had ended, they were escorted through the mansion, following the winding corridors until they came to two elegant rooms; alas, they were to be parted again as they dared not mention their union in the presence of the Avari.
However, Galadriel gave Jon a mischievous smile that made the young Targaryen somewhat worried, kenning his beloved was plotting anew.
"Oh, my beloved wolf, you mustn't be so troubled", Jon heard in his mind as he saw his beloved being escorted into her chambers which were no doubt grander than his.
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The feast of the Vinter Court
Inside the hall was a large gathering of nobles, men and Avari alike; the floor was littered with the furs of large exotic cats, and there was a massive fire pit in the middle, on which a hog was roasting upon a spit. Long banqueting tables lined the chief gangway, leading straight from the entrance to the rear of the hall, where, on a raised dais, sat Hawain clad in a doublet of rich burgundy.
Jon and Galadriel were welcomed as guests of honour, with many soldiers regaling those present with the tale of how Jon had routed the enemy singlehandedly, though the soldiers refused to come near him except to offer thanks as courtesy demanded.
And though there was much merriment and good cheer, Jon was dismayed by his savagery, however little by little, he felt the guilt was withering; he gave those foul men a chance to flee, yet they were content to mock him.
Although it was rather queer that these men could drink and feast, knowing had befallen the city not a day prior.
"They just want to forget what happened and desire some merriment", Jon realised, feeling kindness for the people of Dorwinion.
The companions of King Oropher were welcomed into the halls, and they swiftly mingled with the Avari; apparently, they had frequent dealings, and the comradery between them was apparent to all as they japed and drank though the same couldn't be said for him and Galadriel whom the Avari were keen to evade.
Although Jon did not care about that, Vhagar, on the other hand, was outside the City being fed by the Citizens with generous quantities of meat which kept her happy though none were bold enough to approach her, and he wouldn't begrudge them not many dare to stand before a dragon.
"It is better to be away from a dragon when it is eating since it might want to eat you too," That's what he told a servant who was hurrying out the door with a large roast in hand no doubt meant for Vhagar.
The feast continued long into the night, and he was forced to listen to these lesser men praise Galadriel for her beauty.
None could doubt her beauty, of course, but he grew weary of these sycophants, and he was certain Galadriel wished to stoke his jealousy.
The haughty smile on his Lady's face, whenever the nobles aroused his ire, was unmistakable.
Apparently, making him envious was his beloved Galadriel's favourite pursuit but never let it be said he wasn't bold.
At that moment, one of the Regent's maids approached them.
"Lord Jon," She said meekly.
"Yes?" He said, aspiring to be courteous; she was a lovely girl, with large dark eyes and honey blonde hair.
"Lord Hawain sent me to fetch you", Said the maid shyly.
"The Regent?" Jon asked, intrigued.
"Yes, he wished to speak with you, my Lord", The maid said charmingly, and he felt Galadriel draw him closer to her side.
"What's troubles you beloved?... do you not enjoy your own games?" Jon asked.
"I warn you, Baelon, "Galadriel said threateningly.
"Very good, very good mayhap a massage will soothe your ire?" Jon asked in a honeyed timbre arousing the lust of his beloved.
"It seems all you desire is to claim me, my wolf", Galadriel replied haughtily, but Jon could hear the passion in her voice.
"Aye, that much is true, but you shall not deny yearning for my touch just as fiercely," Jon said with satisfaction when he saw Galadriel blush.
"You have grown quite prideful, Jon," Galadriel replied with ardent pride.
"Perhaps you're right, but my words are no less true; now it seems this lovely maid shall escort me to the Regent, and it would be poor manners to linger, " Jon said, smiling at the look of cold anger on Galadriel's beautiful face.
He hadn't taken two steps when suddenly Galadriel grabbed his arm again though she would not meet his gaze, no doubt embarrassed by his cheek.
As they were led to the Regent's private chambers, Galadriel gripped his arm with strength akin to the stone, and any maid who smiled at him was met with a fierce glare from his beloved.
"It seems among the Noldor that the maidens of Finwë are most possessive," Jon thought with amusement as he walked alongside his beautiful Galadriel.
"Don't fret my Star very once our business here is done I shall do my best to free you of all worries and woe", Jon thought sweetly, and he could perceive Galadriels joy.
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The maid led them to a large chamber lit by a long hearth in the midst of the chamber; the floor was made of many-coloured stones, and the walls were woven hangings wherein the deeds of the Vinter Lords could be read. In the room was Hawain and one of the dwarves who had accompanied them to the palace.
The Regent and the Dwarf were drinking a sweet-smelling wine whose aroma delighted Jon.
"Welcome I apologise for taking you away from the party too much of a good thing, some would say," Hawain said before offering him a glass of wine.
Jon took it in thanks and drained the cup in two gulps, much to the amusement of the Regent and dwarf.
"This is a wine for Elves .." Galadriel said, taking a taste of her glass.
"Aye, my Lady, it is a new brew we have taken to calling it Dorwinion gold. Is it to your liking?" Hawain asked, intrigued.
"It's pleasing, Lord Regent ... Although I don't think I can drink much ... Even though the wine is sweet, I know that too much can addle my mind," Galadriel said with a shy smile.
"Hahahaha ... Yes, my Lady, I already assumed that would happen; as I said, this is our latest stock... You and young Jon are the first newcomers to judge it .." Said the Regent, surprising his guests.
"We are honoured to sample such a fine vintage," Galadriel said merrily.
"No, the honour is ours, although I'm surprised that young Jon here hasn't keeled over in drunkenness; perhaps the strength of our vintages has lessened of late," Hawain said before refilling his goblet.
"I'm neither young nor has your wine lost any of its potency," Jon said, refilling his glass.
"Yes, I already guessed that. That's why I asked you to come. I want to introduce you to someone; this fellow next to me is Magni. He is a prince of the Ironfist," Hawain said, all the while the Dwarf was content to stare at them.
"It's my pleasure…" said the Dwarf with a voice deep like a hole in the ground and strong like an anvil while Jon and Galadriel nodded.
"The reason I called you to this room is Magni ... He insisted on meeting you both ... And well, I owe him a great deal for the defence of the City However, other matters require my attention... So I ask you not to think badly of me as host, but I must leave, " Hawain said apologetically.
"Think nothing of it, Lord Hawain. I know the rule of all things can be wearying, " said Galadriel while looking at the Eastern Dwarf with curiosity.
"Thank you for understanding, my Lady... Well, I must be off," Hawain said before departing the room, leaving them with Magni.
"What is it you desire of us, Master Dwarf?" Jon said after a moment, pouring himself a third glass of wine.
The Dwarf did not respond immediately and instead just sighed.
"Perhaps you should tell your story first, Magni, Son of Thurimar .." Galadriel said melodiously as the Dwarf's eyes widened in surprise.
"How…" the Dwarf tried to ask.
"Think nothing of it, Magni," Jon said without proffering any importance to the matter while Galadriel seemed pleased with herself.
The Dwarf eyed them suspiciously but nodded.
"Very well, the Lady is right since after all the stories must always begin with the beginning… I am Magni, Son of Thurimar .. I come from the Clan of the Ironfists, one of the Houses of Dwarves that has dwelt in Rhûn; for many centuries my people have lived as our kin in the West, although we have a greater fondness for the forging of steel and rune smithing thus we have grown famously rich and exceedingly proud. " Magni said in sadness.
"I sense that this peace and plenty did not last," Jon said, crossing his arms.
"Yes, the" Enemy gave my people one of the Rings of Power, and soon my kin were struck by the dragon sickness, though the ring is no longer a concern," Magni said.
"It was devoured by Hrímil the Cold-Drake some five centuries ago," Galadriel said, suddenly surprising Magni.
"Yes ... It was ..." The Dwarf said with some fear.
"But the Shadow has not abandoned your people, yet the ring was lost," Galadriel said in a sombre tone, and Jon felt a sudden desire to hold his beloved close and shower her with affection.
"Soon, my love, soon we may lay with each other again," Galadriel said with joy at the thought.
"Indeed, nothing would please me more, my Star, but perhaps we should let Magni conclude his tale," Jon said.
"True, that would be best, I think," Galadriel rejoined though her tone betrayed her vexation.
"What happened after?" Jon asked.
"Some twenty years ago, a strange messenger came to Ótek our king, granting gifts and promises of knowledge know only by our kin in faraway Beleriand, as well as offerings of precious metals from Rhûn, all he desired was our hand in friendship, but when questioned about his master, he said little save he was a great lord of the East," Mangi said before spitting on the ground.
"Sauron ..." Said the beautiful elf with wide eyes in surprise.
"Aye, King Ótek thought as much. We needed not the fell voice of the messenger to warn us that his words held both menace and deceit; for we knew already that the power that has re-entered Mordor has not changed, and ever it betrayed us of old, and I fear that should we refuse he shall make war upon our lands, and my kin haven't the strength to thwart him," Magni said, shedding tears of bitterness.
Jon and Galadriel were troubled by the tale; these were musterings of long-planned war, and in these lands, the Dark Power, moving its armies like pieces on the board, was gathering them together. Its first moves, the first feelers of its strength, had been checked at Isengard, and it withdrew them, but now it seemed the Lord of Mordor desired war.
"King Elendil and the other Peoples of the West must hear of this", Jon said sternly as Galadriel nodded silently.
"Don't despair, Jon, I shall send word to Elrond shortly", Galadriel said grimly, and Jon knew that she would use her magics to speak to him.
"On behalf of the Peoples of the West, we thank you for sharing this knowledge," Jon said before bowing low.
"Think nothing of it. Of course, I hold no love for the cruel Lord in his Dark Tower and desire no harm upon my Westerly kin, but that's not the only reason I asked you here. I need your aid," Magni said nervously.
"My help? .." Jon questioned, intrigued.
"Yes, I am currently leading a Dwarven colony made up of Dwarves from the four eastern clans; we have fled our homes to escape the shadow in the East and seek refuge among our Western kin," Magni said.
At that moment, Jon began to understand where the matter was moving.
"You wish to settle with the Longbeards then?" Jon asked with a slight smile, but to his confusion, the Dwarf Magni denied him.
"Yes, although not for long, I actually have more ambitious desires... I wish to for a Kingdom of my own... I have a very distant kinship with the King of the Iron Hills, but I am far lesser the line of succession, and I have no wishes to rob my cousins of the throne, But I cannot dwell in these lands while the Shadow treats with my people" Magni said taking a mug of beer.
"That's ... Well ... Complicated ..." Jon said, acknowledging the difficulty of the Dwarven enterprise, putting a hand to his head.
"I know ..." Said the Magni before taking out a long stem silver pipe that Jon looked at with dreaminess.
Noticing Jon's longing look, Magni raised an eyebrow and pulled out another pipe from among his clothes which Jon looked at hopefully until he felt severe pain and looked at his beloved, who proffered him a look warning, and Jon snorted in displeasure.
"Mayhaps later", Jon growled, bitterly as Magni burst into laughter.
"HAHAHAHA ... As you wish ..." Magni said, putting the pipe away again.
"And why do you desire my help? ... I have no gold," Jon said while Galadriel merely laughed.
"Well, the reason I need help has to do with money, I know that establishing a Kingdom is something costly, but I have already devised a means to obtain gold … a great deal of gold actually," The Dwarf said with satisfaction.
"And what pray tell would that be?" Jon asked with a bit of distrust, and Magni took out a yellowish book from beneath his cloak, the book was ancient, but it seemed that it was still legible.
Magni put it on the table, and Galadriel took it carefully.
"What's that?" Jon asked, curious.
"This boy… It's a diary that could pass for a history book and a navigation log," Magni said sternly.
"It is the account of a raider whose kin hailed from Rhûn; it seems the captain and his crew descend from Ulfast son of Ulfang; it appears they served the Great Enemy until they grew weary of his cruelty and poor compensations, "Galadriel spat in a fury.
Jon perceived the wroth of his beloved, and it wasn't without merit.
Ulfang the Black was an eastern chieftain who lived during the First Age.
After entering Beleriand at Morgoth's bidding, Ulfang and his sons Ulfast, Ulwarth, and Uldor joined the service of Caranthir. They were given lands to dwell in the north and south of the March of Maedhros. However, Ulfang was secretly in the employ of Morgoth, and his sons betrayed the Eldar and Edain during the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. Thus earning the title of the Damned one by the Noldor.
"And what pray tell does the journal of a forgotten traitor have to do with the founding of a kingdom?" Jon asked curiously.
"They were not simple pirates Jon Herenlounga, according to this account they were the greatest thieves and looters of the First Age; they even plundered the City of Gondolin," Said the Dwarf with a smile at the looks of surprise on Jon and Galadriel's faces.
"Did they truly loot the hidden city?" Jon wondered incredulously.
"According to the Captain's diary, when they learned that the forces of the Great Enemy ravaged that Kingdom, they waited for them to withdraw from the City, and they went in search of treasures ..." Magni said.
"As far as I know, there were many dragons near that day. I'm surprised any treasures yet remained," Jon said thoughtfully.
"Most of the treasures were stolen, yes, but not those from the King's tower ..." Magni said excitedly.
"Those scum made off with the possessions of my cousin Turgon even his sceptre, the very symbol of his kingship, " Galadriel said with barely contained anger as she continued reading the diary, learning that her brothers grave was looted by dishonourable pirates and despite kenning that they were being watched Jon held her tenderly while Galadriel leaned down a little eager to accept his comfort.
Magni was surprised by the show of affection between the man and the She-Elf, knowing that their relationship was more than just cordiality and friendship; that was extraordinary since, as far as he knew, there hadn't been a union of men and elves for many ages.
"But they didn't just loot Gondolin, during the times when Bauglir ruled all of Beleriand in the last years of the First Age these marauders indiscriminately plundered treasures from lost Citadels like Nargothrond, legend has it that Hurin took the Nauglamir out of the caves, but he left the rest of the treasure that Finrod brought from Valinor," Magni said.
"It seems these men were cruel but not fools," Said Jon comforting Galadriel, who struggled to hold back her tears of indignation when she learned that the treasures of her beloved brother Finrod were stolen first by Glaurung and then by those cursed pirates.
"Yes, those pirates were not stupid; they knew that if rumours about their looting spread through the region, the Peoples of Beleriand, especially the survivors, would like to recover the treasures they had collected" So that a few years after the War of Wrath and the collapse of Beleriand, the survivors and descendants of those nefarious Men decided to return to the Lands of their ancestors. Still, before taking benefit of the tumults on earth caused by the War of Wrath, they made a brief visit to the sister cities of Nogrod and Belegost," Magni said now with rancour.
"Did they also rob there?" Galadriel asked this time, genuinely impressed; she had never heard that the greed of Men could drive them to commit such thoughtless acts.
"Apparently so ... Although the thievery was minimal compared to the looting of the Elven Kingdoms, yet we Dwarves never forgive a slight so grave", Magni grunted before taking a breath from his pipe.
"And before the Dwarves could seek revenge, Beleriand sank into the sea, and those thieves retreated to Rhûn, Knowing that due to the cataclysm, the Dwarves had no desire to seek them because of the loss of both Cities" Jon deduced.
"Yes they took advantage of the elves establishing new kingdoms in Eriador and that the Edain were departing for the island of Númenor for them to take their stolen treasures back to Rhûn, but when they reached the Sea of Rhûn at It seems they suffered an accident ", said Magni with a hand on his chin remembering how difficult it is to navigate that sea.
"Accident?" Jon asked.
"The amount of treasures was incalculable, such as the amount that according to that diary it took many long months to reach the Sea of Rhûn and once there the pirates managed to raise other ships, or perhaps they purchased them from the Avari although it matters little since the ships with the crew and the treasures disappeared... They never reached the opposite shore; We can assume that according to the last entry in the diary," Magni finished saying, before taking the book from Galadriel.
"But how did you get the captain's diary if all the ships sank?" Jon asked curiously.
"Actually, it was not me, but my grandfather. He came once to negotiate with the keep of Strondost on the Sea of Rhûn, and there he found this diary... But my father never asked him how since my grandfather was obsessed with the notion of recovering those lost treasures ... But he never succeeded, and my Father dismissed it as a childish dream... The Sea of Rhûn is deep as the Greenwood is vast, "Magni said with a sigh.
"You need help finding those ships that you think are under the sea ..." Galadriel said earnestly, and the Dwarf nodded.
"Yes, I am afraid that my people never held a great love for the sea, we Dwarves of the East tolerate it a little more than our relatives of the West, but we are not scholars in the art of navigation and in fact, we never sail on our own. when I came to Dorwinion with my people, I recounted the tale to Hawain, and we reached an agreement that he would lend us ships and sailors in exchange for a part of the treasure, but the men of these lands are no mariners. "Magni sighed sadly.
"So why didn't you just give up?" Jon asked.
"That treasure is the only hope of starting anew, it is difficult, but we dwarves have never shied away from hard work. I know that for you we must seem foolish and proud, and you would be wise to believe so, but this treasure is the best hope my kin have of settling lands of our own and not have to return to the East, alas the men of Dorwinion are weary of the search and wish to return to their families, and I can't blame them," said Magni.
That's when Jon knew Magni's intentions.
"You want me to command a ship in the Sea of Rhûn," Jon said, surprised.
"That's right ... They say that all Dúnedain have a deep love for the sea and there are rumours that you were instructed by the Shipwright himself I'm certain you are a more skilled sailor than those the Regent lent us, and in thanks for the aid we gave him to defend this City he arranged this meeting between us, so I ask for your aid Jon Herenlounga, on behalf of my people," Magni said with a low bow.
He said nothing for a few moments; he had not gazed upon the sea in many years, and yet the moment now proffered itself; still, he had no desire to incur the wraith of Elendil should this venture sour their relations with Dorwinion.
Yes, he is first and foremost a man of Arnor and all the men of Arnor have a great love for the sea; Besides that, he had the favour of Lord Ulmo, the sea called to him as if calling him home, yet he had no inkling where the treasures where nor how long it would take.
"We should aid him, Jon", Galadriel said, suddenly surprising her beloved.
"My lady?" Jon asked, confused that Galadriel advised him such a thing.
"My reason for coming here was twofold beloved to see this lands and to advise you; I know in my heart we were meant to aid these Dwarves furthermore my beloved wolf I sense in your heart the Sea-longing," Said the Lady of Light with a beautiful smile that seemed to illuminate the entire room.
But Jon smiled nervously.
"It seems that this is the case ... Very well, I cannot deny in my heart the call of the sea, and I trust the judgment of my Lady we will help you, Magni, son of Thurimar, to find those treasures so that you may win your people a home," Jon said with a smile looking at the happy Dwarf.
"Praised be they and may Eru and Mahal reward you for your mercy now I only need you to sign this", Magni said, taking out a large scroll from his cloak.
Curious, Jon and Galadriel took it and smiled when they read it ... It was a contract in which it was ascertained that Jon would be granted a part of the treasure in exchange for his services.
"Well, my fellow conspirators, once you sign, we may begin," Magni said, dipping a pen in some ink before handing it to Jon.
Though before he could sign, Galadriel spoke.
"I will give you some advice Magni, son of Thurimar I have no doubt that Jon's skill will help you find the riches you long for, but the desire of your heart will not be found in the West, but in the East," Galadriel said strangely, and Jon knew she must have foreseen the days ahead.
While Magni just blinked and fell silent at Galadriel's words.