66

KHAZAD-DÛM

When she awoke many hours later, Galadriel's first feeling was a pleasant warmth upon her cheek. At first, she thought it was merely a dream, and then the memories of last night came rushing back.

After so long, she and Jon had consummated their love and bonded as husband and wife.

"I can scarcely believe I was merely content to watch my beloved and rather than share in his passions," Galadriel thought, feeling quite foolish for having waited so long to surrender herself to Jon.

Just remembering everything she did last night filled Galadriel with both joy and shame in equal measure; she had given in to her fierce lust and committed acts of such debauchery if any should find out, they would never see her as the Lady of Light again.

And yet, she cared little for the opinions of others so long as she had Jon were together.

Covering her naked body with the sheets, she began to kiss her lover's neck with fervour leaving a mark on him, and she was soon overcome with the scent of her beloved and wanted to claim every part of Jon's body for herself. He may have the love of many in his heart, but she will ensure that her aunt Ìrimë and herself become the dearest to her wild wolf.

But for the moment, Galadriel will enjoy caressing every part of Jon's body ... Marking it as her possession because he was hers.

Something she shall make clear to Jon's mortal loves as she had no intention of being parted from her wild wolf again.

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Due to the caresses of the beautiful elf, his wild wolf began to wake up, and Jon got up to see Galadriel kissing his neck.

"Good morning, Jon," Galadriel said happily before laying a chaste kiss upon his lips.

"Morning, my Star of the West", Jon said, returning her kiss with tenderness.

"Last night, my wolf was wonderful," Said the beautiful elf with a radiant smile.

"It was ... It was ..." Jon tried to say but having shared the bed with the fairest of the House of Finwë was too much, and he merely smiled in happiness.

"I know my fool Jon," Galadriel said, teasing her wolf until his face had turned scarlet.

"According to the laws of your people, now I'm married to you and Lalwen, "Jon said proudly, drawing her closer to his chest.

"I know ... That fills you with pride, doesn't it?" Galadriel questioned, kissing Jon's chest.

"Aye, it fills me with pride to know I snared the hearts of such fair maidens you and Lawlen are as dear to me as the stars of the heavens," Jon replied, delighting in her scent and warmth.

"Thank you for your words, my beloved, but as I already told you, you are the only one among all the Atani worthy of my aunt and me. Thank you for loving us as you do," Galadriel said, gazing at him with fierce love.

Seeing the love in her eyes, he was overcome with a furious desire and placed a kiss upon her brow.

Laughing merrily, Galadriel began to kiss Jon, and he, in turn, took her by the hips and soon they were consumed by their passions again.

"Alas, Soon I will return to Annúminas and you to Imladris ..." Jon said sadly, but Galadriel kissed him again.

"Only for a short time, I intend to return to Edhellond to put my Kingdom in order and when I am sure that it will be in the hands of a competent Castilian ... I intend to live with you in Annúminas ... And I am sure that my Aunt shall accompany me, "Galadriel said vexedly knowing how jealous her aunt was in regards to their love.

Meanwhile, he felt surprise and happiness knowing that both Princesses of the Noldor would finally live with him.

"Rhaenys won't like that Lalwen lives with us," Jon thought, remembering the rivalry between Rhaenys and Lalwen.

"Certainly not…" Galadriel said with amusement reading the mind of her beloved before kissing him once more, and soon they embraced each other in a flurry of heat and lust.

They made love for the better part of the morning, and Galadriel believed that she would become expectant, although, in her heart, she knew that she shall not bear her wolf's children for many more years. That filled her with sadness, but she comprehended that it was better not to bring children into the world if dark times awaited them.

Soon the bed began to creek and splinter clearly; their passions had overcome them, and though dwarven craftsmanship was sturdy, apparently the lusts of elves and men could undo it.

They both looked at each other in surprise, their faces flushed and sweaty before grinning ruefully.

"We cracked a solid oak bed ..." Jon said, chuckling before taking her in his arms again.

"This ... is discomfiting ..." Galadriel said, deeply saddened, burying her face in Jon's chest.

"King Durin shall heckle me, but you will be safe my beloved star," Jon said, kissing Galadriel's head.

"Ohhh ... Jon"

"Sshhh ... We'd better get some rest, my star, I'm sure we'll be summoned soon ..." Jon said only to discover that Galadriel had fallen asleep again.

Jon smiled before laying a chaste kiss upon her golden tresses. "Sleep well, my love; you shall forever be in my heart."

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Finally, after what seemed like a few more hours, Jon and Galadriel were awakened by knocking on the door and rubbing their eyes wearily. Jon and Galadriel remembered that they had destroyed the bed and felt ashamed.

Galadriel sheathed her naked body in the sheets while Jon hastily put on his breeches before opening the door, and there was a very old-looking dwarf in the entranceway with a white beard.

"Greetings, Lord Jon, his majesty asked me to tell you that he expects you and Lady Galadriel for breakfast as well as ask you to bring your creations," The old dwarf said with a smile, and Jon groaned.

"Very well, we shall be there shortly though I must ask you to draw us a bath," Jon said, reddening while the Dwarf smiled maliciously, nodded and left; the young Targaryen had not finished closing the door when he felt a knock on his head.

"Ah, by the Valar, what was that for?" Jon asked angrily.

"For being so foolish, they will discover us ..." Galadriel said, blushing.

"Everyone already knows, they have known for years ... And I suspect the dwarves shall ask why the bed was broken," Jon replied, enjoying his beloveds reddening countenance.

"Be silent, Jon; we must prepare", Galadriel snapped back, still covered with the sheets.

"I know my star; it seems Durin wishes to see what I forged with the Maltagil ", Jon said.

"I don't blame him ... They are beautiful, Jon, Especially my gift," Galadriel said before kissing him, but he pulled away to her surprise and disappointment.

"Thank you, my beloved ... But unfortunately, we must stop. I'm afraid we shall end up in bed again or what's left of it," Jon said, looking at the state of the oak bed.

She groaned in annoyance, which filled him with a great deal of pride, knowing he could enrapture her as she did him.

"Yes, as vexing as it is, we just wait till evening, and then I shall take you as a wolf takes his bitch", Jon whispered in her ear.

When he saw his beloved blush, Jon couldn't resist and began to laugh, which earned him a blow from Galadriel.

"By the Valar that stings", Jon complained.

"Good ..." Said the flushed elf snarled.

"Let's go ... Let's go to the tub, my beloved", Jon said, leading his beloved into the washroom where a deep basin of warm water awaited them.

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After washing away the remnants of their passions from the previous night, Jon and Galadriel made their way to the throne room; it was filled with many dwarves, whether the king's council or those miners who had aided in the metals forging.

"At last ..." King Durin said as he saw his guest arrive.

"Forgive us for being late; we were occupied", Jon said, bowing slightly, but King Durin snorted.

"Yes ... I'm certain you were. Good morning, Lady Galadriel," King Durin said reverently, and the beautiful elf responded with a bow of her own.

"Has the Maltagil metal lived up to your expectations?" Galadriel asked, very curious about the metal that her beloved wolf and the King created, and all the Dwarves began to speak animatedly, and King Durin nodded.

"I never thought I would see the day when our Mithril could be bound to another metal and retain its beauty ... That knowledge you gave us is a treasure greater than anything we have seen in this Age. Thank you, my friend, "King Durin said.

"Indeed, Enerdhil's knowledge will be in good hands ... Now the Dwarves and the Eldar shall be able to wrought objects of great beauty like those created in the ancient days of Beleriand," Said Jon, pleased to have aided the Dwarves so greatly.

"Aye, but forgive me if I'm too insistent ... Please show me your creations; I greatly desire to see them," King Durin said joyfully.

"Very well," Jon said, opening the oaken box revelling the fillet of Maltagil set with the pearl of Ulmo that shone in many shades and hues; beside it rested the dragon necklace he had forged for Lawlen glittering like the leaves of spring.

Glimpsing both pieces of jewellery, the Dwarves murmured in amazement if Jon had not lived among them for so long, they would have scarcely admitted one of the secondborn could forge things of such beauty.

The King quickly approached the box excitedly and pondered his two works with delight, as they seemed to glow like the setting sun upon the peaks of the mountains.

But seeing the strange and wonderful shine that the pearl and emerald emit, Durin raised an eyebrow, but he nodded smugly and sighed in satisfaction.

"When I allowed you… to come to learn here, I did it because I wanted to meet you, I wanted to know why Sulimo had summoned you from the" Outer Lands ", and perhaps if we passed on some of our knowledge to you, we could help the plans of the Valar. However, we did not believe that a mortal would equal us in mastery, but you proved us false, you are the first and perhaps the only one among all men whose knowledge rivals that of the Dwarves, even here where we accept nothing less than perfection, King Durin said, looking at Jon as satisfied and proud as a father to a son.

Feeling that Jon smiled and contained a tear that came out of his eye.

"I thank you for your kind words, Lord Durin. I know not what strength runs through my veins, yet I feel at ease when I learn the lore of the Elder races and shall not accept anything less than perfection," said Jon.

"Then there is no doubt that you are descended from the Noldor ... Isn't that so, my Lady?" King Durin asked Galadriel, who nodded.

"It is true, my people have a great love for knowledge just like you, Jon, and regarding your ancestry, it is not surprising because you enjoy learning," Galadriel said, looking at her love with pride, and Jon smiled somewhat sadly.

My Lady… "He said, pained while the Dwarves laughed.

"Well, these objects are wonderful, worthy of a King and a Queen; however, it seems to me that something is still missing; what did you do with the Silmaril?" King Durin asked, raising an eyebrow, not believing his old friend had done away with the gem.

Sighing, he had to acknowledge the King's cunning and smiled.

"I knew you would notice ... Yes, I forged something with the Silmaril and left it in the keeping of one whom I love", Jon said, noticing how the King stared at him suspiciously.

"And to whom did you gift that sacred gem?" King Durin asked, feigning ignorance as he looked at Galadriel, who merely blushed.

"Jon entrusted the Silmaril to me," Galadriel said, revealing her new necklace to the astonished dwarves.

Seeing the image of Galadriel bearing the shining Silmaril, many dwarves wept in joy for nothing so fair had ever graced their halls; it was as if Varda herself had journeyed across the great sea and stood before them.

"Nauglamir," One of the Dwarves said, and Jon was proud to hear it.

The Nauglamír was made for Finrod by Dwarves of the Ered Luin and was the most renowned of their works in that Age. They fastened on it gems that Finrod brought from Valinor. It was his most prized treasure in Nargothrond and the most famed Dwarven work of the Elder Days.

During and after the Fall of Nargothrond, the Nauglamír remained therefore forgotten in the hoard of Glaurung. His Forebear Húrin found it and brought the famous treasure to the Kingdom of Doriath, and threw it on the floor, bitterly "thanking" Thingol for fostering his son and wife. When Húrin left, Dwarves of Nogrod had been invited to Menegroth by Thingol and decided to refashion it and fasten the Silmaril of Lúthien and Beren on it.

But this would be the undoing of Thingol.

The Dwarves were enthralled by its gems and, of course, the Silmaril, and demanded it from Thingol, claiming it as just payment for their labours. Thingol realised that they wished to possess the Silmaril and sent them from Doriath without any payment, so the Dwarves slew the King. The Dwarves fled, only to be slaughtered by the avenging Elves who killed all but two and returned the Nauglamír to Doriath. However, a great host from Nogrod, roused to war and began the Battle of the Thousand Caves, stealing the entire treasure of Doriath, including the Nauglamír. But they were waylaid by Beren at Sarn Athrad. The Dwarves were all slain, and the treasure was cast into the River Ascar, except for the Nauglamír, which Beren took to Lúthien.

A beautiful gem with a tragic history, but to be held in the same esteem as those mighty smiths of the Elder days indeed, there was no more lavish praise.

"I thank you for your kind words, though I have much to learn," Jon said humbly, and King Durin nodded.

"That is obvious ... The life of a blacksmith is a life of toil and training; there is no such thing as perfection ... It can always be improved," King Durin said wisely.

"Thank you for your wisdom, King Durin; I intend to do just that ... Well, even if I learn the techniques of Enerdhil, it will not make me a better blacksmith if the quality of my work is deplorable," Jon said.

"You mustn't be so hard on yourself, my wolf", Galadriel said gloomily.

"It seems after spending so long among these admirable fellows I 've inherited some of their inclinations", Jon replied, amused.

"Aye, I wouldn't call your work deplorable, yet you've a great deal to learn before you shall equal the skills of Telchar or Azaghâl," King Durin said, and the dwarves nodded in agreement.

And at that moment, a dwarf with a blue beard tucked into a golden belt rushed into the hall and knelt before the king.

"Excuse me for interrupting you at this moment of joy, Your Majesty, but it seems our kin from the Eastern Lands are approaching the gate," The Dwarf said, surprising everyone.

"Magni ..." Jon said, guessing who it was.

"It seems they arrived earlier than planned ..." Galadriel said in an impassive tone.

"Indeed, I hope their journey was pleasant," Jon said.

"Aye, let us greet our kin of the East," Durin said before strolling out of the hall, followed closely by his guard and councillors.

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Jon, Galadriel and King Durin, along with a dozen armed guards and heralds carrying banners of the House of Durin, went to the East Gate, and there they could see how little by little a vast clan of Dwarves bearing many different banners were approaching.

"It is Magni, Son of Thurimar ... He is in the lead," Galadriel said; after a few moments, waylaying Jon's apprehension, and he kissed her cheek, filling Galadriel with a keen joy.

After waiting for some half an hour, the caravan had arrived at the Eastern gate, and they could see many dwarves of the Eastern houses.

Magni, Britu and the others had not changed much; they were dressed in their finest raiments though their countenance was soured no doubt weary from the long journey Westward.

Seeing Jon and Galadriel standing next to King Durin, Magni smiled slightly and stepped forward, but his way was barred by the King's councillors.

"You stand in the presence of Durin IV, King of Durin's Folk, King of Khazad-dûm, the fourth incarnation of Durin I," Said one of the Councilors.

"Greetings ... King Durin, I am Magni, Son of Thurimar, and I am a member of the House of the Ironfists in the East ... I am the one who leads this colony of fierce and courageous Dwarves ..." Magni said, bowing before the King as he nodded.

"I welcome you, Magni Son of Thurimar. I know of you and what you seek for my friends have told me plenty of your journies together," King Durin said, glancing at Jon and Galadriel.

"Indeed... Hello, again Jon, Lady Galadriel .." Magni said, bowing.

"Greetings, Magni" Son of Thurimar "..." Galadriel said with a kind smile.

"Hello, again, my friend. I trust your journey was a splendid one?" Jon asked with a smile, and the Eastern Dwarves began to angrily mutter amongst themselves.

"Long and tiring yes ... Difficult without a doubt ..." Magni growled.

"In that case, it is time for you to taste the hospitality of the West and rest among your kin," King Durin said with a nod, and Magni's kin let out cries of relief and many other platitudes.

"May the Mahal reward your generosity King Durin ..." Magni said in his voice laden with gratitude.

"Yes ... Boy, come on ... They arrived just in time, we were about to start our breakfast and discussing a new metal we have forged. You're welcome to join us as you played a part in its discovery." Durin said brusquely while Magni and his Dwarves were confused.

"Did you truly fashion a new metal?" Mangni asked, intrigued.

"Let's all go inside ... My servants will help you with your things ..." The King said, and a throng of dwarves appeared and began unloading the carts and saddlebags with a practised proficiency befitting a dwarf.

"Now it begins ..." Jon said, glad that Magni arrived safely, and Galadriel silently nodded.

"Thank you for your generosity; Jon and Lady Galadriel have probably already told you about the treasure we found ... But we also bring a fair amount of lamb that we bought in villages along the way ... We owe a debt to Jon's dragon ..." Magni said grumpily.

"Aye ... Vhagar has waited anxiously for you ... She will be happy to claim her reward ..." Jon said, amused at seeing the expression of the Dwarves.

"Yeah, the faster we pay that debt, the better", Magni grunted.

"In that case, let's all go inside; there is much to discuss", King Durin said before entering the mine, followed by Jon Galadriel and the Eastern Dwarves.

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Around Midday, all the provisions had been carried into the great halls and tucked away for safekeeping. While Magni and his followers were escorted to the feasting hall where the prince of the Ironfist told them of his journies in the East and the treasure they had discovered there.

"Ah yes ... A treasures fit for a King ... Gems cut in the Undying Lands, Jon already showed me the white gems he received, they are wonderful", King Durin said, devouring a piece of roasted boar.

"Indeed… Although much had to be done to get it back, were it not for Jon's skill as a navigator and the magic of Galadriel, I daresay we would've never recovered the treasure though I feel I should have rewarded you more graciously for your aid my friends a few trinkets and chest are hardly worth your efforts," Magni said looking at Jon and Galadriel with gratitude.

"Think nothing of it, Magni; I've enough treasure to last me many lifetimes," Jon said nervously, devouring a strawberry cake, while Galadriel and Durin laughed at his modesty.

"Oh, my humble foolish wolf," Said the Lady of Light, happy to tease Jon while drinking a goblet of wine.

"Yes, you owe them a great deal now. Have you thought of where you might settle?" King Durin asked, scrutinising Magni's every gesture with his gaze.

"No, not really ... I must be evenhanded, my people and I know little about the lands of the West except for what our elders say or what we have read, and I, in particular, have never been to Eriador, "Magni said with one hand stroking his beard.

"Why not Mount Gundabad?" One the Dwarves suggested, and once more, the halls were filled with much murmuring.

Now, this aroused Jon's curiosity. According to the Dwarves, Durin the Deathless, eldest of the Fathers of the Dwarves, awoke at Mount Gundabad shortly after the Awakening of the Elves. From that time forward, the mountain was revered by the Dwarves. However, since Durin awoke alone, he did not stay at the mountain; he walked southward until he founded Khazad-dûm. In the early ages, Mount Gundabad did serve as a place of assembly for delegations of Dwarves, yet Jon had no knowledge of any Dwarves settling there.

"Impossible the lands around our ancestral hall have been in Orcs' hands for many ages now, and I doubt we have the strength of arms to clear the lands around them," Durin said sourly.

"Perhaps the White Mountains? ... As far as we know, there are no kin of ours dwelling there," said Magni's Advisor, Brítu, but King Durin began to scratch his beard.

"Maybe Those mountains run from Thrihyrne in the northwest to Mindolluin and Amon Tirith in the east. A low spur rises to the southwest and ends at Ras Morthil; they are extensive and have nearby rivers to supply villages, although it seems to me that there are already men living in those places," King Durin said before taking a sip of wine.

"There are ... The men of Dunharrow ..." said Jon finishing his breakfast brooding on those men whose ancestors were servants of Sauron in the "Dark Days", the men of Dunharrow had helped them fifty years ago during the attack on Isengard, but he held little love for those men whose hearts were clouded by shadow.

"Are they trustworthy?" Asked King Durin.

"They aided us in the past ... And they swore allegiance to Isildur during the early days of Gondor," Jon said grimly, remembering the history of those men.

"Maybe we should start there Magni said in a thoughtful tone agreeing with the idea.

"It may be a good place to start a Kingdom ... But you can see to that later, you may stay in my domain as long as you need to rest and regain strength," King Durìn said with kindness and shrugging.

"That very kind of you, King Durin," Magni said with a grateful nod.

"Good ... Now going back to the treasure you recovered from the Sea of Rhûn ... In it, there were two books written in the Hidden City of Gondolin by the legendary blacksmith Enerdhil ..." King Durin said before producing a magnificent long steemed pipe.

When Jon saw the pipe, he was elated, but as quick as his joy came, it was crushed by a fierce blow to his mind, and he saw Galadriel eyeing him sternly.

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"I know, my love", Jon groaned in vexation.

"You had better, my wolf, if I smell even a hint of that foul smoke upon you shall not be sharing my bed any night hence" Galadriel threatened while eating a roasted potato.

Knowing that he would be deprived of his beloved star's sweet touch and warmth made Jon sigh in concession, and for now, he will settle for smelling the smoke from the Dwarves' pipes.

"By the Valar, why must I be tortured so," Jon thought grimly, all the while the melodious laughter of his beloved rand in his ears.

"Do not think you have won my Star", Jon promised.

"We shall see my wolf", Galadriel replied, abiding the challenge.

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"I know, those books are an unimaginable treasure of knowledge ..." Magni said.

"Knowledge that Jon has shared with us ... The Longbeards ... He taught us to forge a metal that had not been seen since Elder days," King Durin said smugly as Magni and his captains showed interest.

"King Durin had said it before ... It was a unique metal according to his words ..." Magni said, stroking his beard.

"It is a mixture of gold and Mithril, we call it Maltagil since Enerdhil did not name it in his book ... It is hard but soft and moldable ... But what makes it so wondrous is the silver lustre turned golden like the light of the dawn, by my beard it's wonderful ", said King Durìn inhaling the smoke of his pipe.

"By Mahal ... I never heard of something like this ... Even in the Far East we know that Mithril is a wonderful and beautiful metal that cannot be blended with other metals, but if you speak truly, it is a wonderful discovery ", Magni said excitedly.

"It is my friend, laborious is its creation, but equally great is the reward; see for yourself," Said Jon revealing the tiara and necklace to the stunned delegation of dwarves who gazed at them in wonderment and joy.

"Oh ... what splendid works," said Dwarf Britu.

"I knew the craftsmanship of Khazad-dûm was splendid, but ..." Magni began, but King Durin only snorted in annoyance.

"Thanks for your compliment, but I'm afraid that was not forged by any of my kin but by the man you see in front of you ..." Durin said, acknowledging Jon's talent and enjoying the stunned look of the Eastern Dwarves.

"By Mahal, I never imagined something like this to be possible the gems are of the loftiest quality, but this metal is akin gold; as if the light of the sun would have been trapped in it ... I did not believe that someone of the race of men could be so skilled in the arts of Mahal," Magni said.

"I wouldn't have thought it feasible myself, and without the aid of Vhagar's fire, I doubt I could equal those smiths of the Elder days", Jon replied humbly.

And with those words, Magni and his Dwarves glanced at the King with a look of awe and bafflement.

"Yes, I know what you are thinking; in all my years, I never believed I would see the day when a Dwarf would forge in a forge fueled by the fire of a dragon ... But still forging metal in those green flames was a memorable affair," Durin growled while the eastern dwarves conversed amongst themselves.

"I don't know what to say about this discovery ... It's like ... As if we were living in the legends of the First Age of the Sun," Magni said in astonishment.

"You don't have to say, anything boy, the Second Book of Enerdhil has many more techniques that have yet to be tested and mastered and since you aided in their recovery, I see no reason why you should not learn from them as well," King Durin said, blowing out several large rings of smoke.

"Oh, how wonderful, thank you for your generosity, King Durin may Mahal bless your realm and house for many ages," said Magni bowing.

"Hahahahahaha ... You're welcome," Said the Dwarf King chuckling and soon the high halls were filled with many cheers and the banging of ale mugs, much to the joy of Jon and Galadriel.

"It is wonderful when a new friendship arises, but there is still much to do forging armour as light as air, spears, axes and swords of great power, broad shields and beautiful jewels, I must hurry, my loves and King Elendil will not wait for me forever ... I better learn quickly to create beautiful gifts or my life could be in peril," Jon thought worried.

"That is wise of your, my wolf. I'm certain my aunt and your Lady loves shall be delighted by your labours," Galadriel said kindly, but Jon could perceive the condescension in her voice.

She had gotten the best gift of all ... And she knew it.

"You're just as possessive as Lawlen. I fear My return to Annúminas shall not be pleasant," Jon thought with a sigh.

"Nay, it won't but do not fret, my wolf. I shall be by your side for now; content yourself with learning the arts of my kin," Galadriel said before entwining her hands with his.

"I will strive to equal our kin in distant Beleriand, "Jon said with determination, and Galadriel smiled happily.

"I expect no less from you husband, I will advise Elrond, Círdan and Gil-Galad to go to Annúminas when you return; until then, I will keep the Silmaril hidden and safe," Galadriel said.

"Thank you, my Star", Jon replied happily.

"However, I fear our time together must come to an end. I've tarried too long in the halls, and my heart yearns for the woods and rivers," Galadriel said sourly at the thought of being parted from her wolf.

"I know my beloved star. I feel hollow when we are apart but do not fret for we shall not be parted for long", Jon said with resignation, and Galadriel contented herself by stroking his ebony curls.

"Every moment away from you is an unbearable agony, my foolish wolf, for many years I harboured my love in silence I shall bear this illusion a little while longer, but once I come to Annúminas, we shall never be parted again," Galadriel said sweetly, and this filled him with love greater than the light of the two trees.

In this way, both remained embraced, relishing the warmth and love of the other.

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For the remaining half year, Jon dedicated himself to mastering the techniques of Enderhil forging wondrous swords that shone as flame when Orcs drew near and coats of mail that glittered like stars.

However, Jon did not limit himself only to following the techniques that Enerdhil left in his second book but using the many notes he had collected to forge several runic objects.

The chiefest among them was a brazier of Maltagil; Jon had Vhagar fill it with her fire and gave it to King Durin and the dwarves of Khazad-dûm as proof of the brotherhood between Dwarves and men, and there it sat for many centuries illuminating the great city.

Many centuries thereafter, the shadow and the flame banished the People of Durin from their ancestral home, filling the once beautiful halls with despair and darkness. However, that remembrance of the brotherhood between the Dwarves and the Lord of the Dragons continued to illuminate the vast corridors of Moria untouched by the evil things that now dwelt there.

And it was then in the Fourth Age that Durin VII, As the King of Durin's Folk, led a final return to the city. He was victorious, and once the evil was purged from those halls, he beheld the brazier of Maltagil in which the bright emerald fire of the dragon Vhagar still burned imperishably.

The vision of that beautiful monument gladdened the Dwarves, who, even after three thousand years, remembered the fantastical tales of the friendship between their King and the dragon lord Jon Snow.

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Annúminas (Six Months Later)

It was a beautiful morning at Lake Evendim as the sun illuminated the sparkling waters, and the city was filled with pleasant spring winds; it seemed quite an unremarkable day.

However, that morning was exceptional, as many people had gathered in the city, chief among them King Elendil his sons Isildur and Anárion and Isildurs eldest Elendur.

Besides them were the Lords of the Elves such as Gil-Galad, Círdan and Glorfindel; beside them stood Elrond, who was accompanied by Celebrian and finally the Ladies Galadriel and Írimë whose joyous countenance filled Rhaenys with sour envy.

Since they met her, Lady Galadriel had changed a lot; she was a Lady of incomparable beauty and grace, like the moon and the stars, kind, warm, prudent, thoughtful and knowing but distant.

The death of her husband Celeborn had estranged her from her people for half a century and caused her to seek the comforts of Imladris, though as of late, her countenance had gladdened considerably.

Now she was much happier and more open; even her sense of dress was far more daring.

And most among them had an inkling who was responsible for her happiness, much to the vexation of Jon's loves.

Before, the Lady of Light seemed to radiate an ethereal silver glow as if the moon and the stars followed her wherever she went; of course, she still cast such a glow, but something in her had changed. Lady Galadriel now shone like the sun; her mere smile illuminated everything around her as if she herself conveyed the light of the flame imperishable.

However, the wisdom of the Lady of Edhellond was still magnificent and profound, therefore when she summoned the Sages to Annúminas, they all came without hesitation, eager to hear the tale she wished to tell.

That is the reason that Lords of Middle Earth had been summoned by Lady Galadriel at Jon's request a few months before his return because he wished to tell them something of great importance.

Yet the question persists, what was so noteworthy that only Jon would reveal? And why were the Lords of Elvendom summoned? Only Lady Galadriel knew it, and she had no intention of revealing it to anyone; not even her aunt or Celebrian knew her intentions as she felt it was Jon place to tell this tale.

The whole city was abuzz with well-wishers, and many wished to host a grand celebration; the young Westerosi was so loved and respected by the Citizens of Arnor that they desired to give him a proper reception.

"I can't believe Jon is finally coming back," Arianne said, holding in her good cheer.

"Indeed, perhaps he can explain why he tarried so long in those damnable mines and the East", Rhaenys said cruelly while sharpening Dramborleg with a fine wheat stone.

"I look forward to that merry tale myself," Daenerys said, sharpening her arrows.

Arya said nothing content to thrust Needle at some imagined foe though Loras and Robar could glean her intentions.

"Jon is a dead man", Loras and Robar thought, and to be evenhanded, it's not that Jon didn't merit it.

Isildur, for his part, said nothing clearly bewildered by the Westerosi while his eldest son smiled at their fierce loyalty.

While the other Westerosi, like Queen Rhaella, Sansa, Shiera and Ashara, were waiting expectantly for Jon's arrival, though their expressions were unreadable

When Jon returned from Dorwinion, he sent an account of his journey; in his letter, he spoke of summoning Vhagar by will alone, which astonished all the Ladies who in vain tried to call their dragons just as their beloved had, but it proved fruitless.

Their dragons understood them, but not as Jon had described in his letters; they knew that they were clever creatures and could understand their language, but their dragons couldn't discern their thoughts.

How had Jon thought to communicate with Vhagar? They will question him when he arrives.

However, all was not well; upon discovering that his wayward knight had revealed his dragon to the Easterlings, Elendil's wraith was terrible to behold, and many feared Jon would be stripped of his position.

It was only when a few days later they received a letter from Regent Hawain telling of Jon's bravery and how the great dragon had saved his city; fortunately, this soothed Elendils mood somewhat, though he would see Jon punished for his foolishness.