Chapter Text
"Are you sure you won't stay?" said Thorin.
Maedhros smiled. "No, you seem to have a good hold on everything here. Besides, I have a granddaughter I've yet to meet, and my brother needs to be reunited with our son."
"I know, I know, but we'll miss you."
"Come visit, then! You'll all be making the trip to see Bilbo, and Rivendell is right on the way. A perfect meet-up place, in fact."
"You may be right. Farewell, Maedhros," said Thorin. "And thank you."
"Farewell, King Thorin. I hope to see you soon."
The two former kings-in-exile bowed to each other, and Maedhros and Maglor left Erebor.
Rivendell was awash in the glow of sunset as Maglor, Maedhros, and Bilbo crested the hill, the sweet smell of wisteria wafting up from the countless arbors of the valley below.
"But are you sure?" asked Maglor.
"Yes, I'm sure Elrond really does want to see you," said Maedhros once again. He had been repeating variations of this reassurance more and more often as they neared Imladris, in response to Maglor's heightening anxiety.
“He does,” said Bilbo. “He was over the moon when your brother showed up; I’m surprised we ever managed to have a productive conversation when this one,” he patted Maedhros’s leg, “was doting on Master Elrond the entire time we were here.”
The very minute they crossed the border of the valley, a joyful shout came up from the main house. Not a moment later, four figures came running out the gate towards where the brothers were walking down the hillside. Elrond reached them first, with Arwen, Elrohir, and Elladan close behind.
The whole family collided into a great embrace and crashed to the ground, still hugging and crying tears of joy. It was better than anything Maedhros had ever felt, and Maglor had somehow lost every word he knew but "I love you," and after so long sundered, a piece of their family was at last reconstructed.
"You're home! You're both finally home! " cried Elrond.
And around them came the song:
O! Where are you going,
So late in returning?
The sunset is glowing,
The bonfires are burning!
Hear singing and humming
When all things are righted,
Here’s to your homecoming,
A family united.
O! tra-la-la-lally, come into the valley,
ha! ha!