Streams of Time by Leithriel

Tales of the Past and Present

Beleg always did his duty as the guard of Doriath's border with pride. Yet, now, that feeling was gone. Gone with the knowledge that he had failed to protect the one person he cherished the most. However, the failure only strengthened his resolve to succeed this time.

He turned around. His gaze fell upon Mablung, Turin and the rest of his fellow border guards, who were sitting by the fire. He joined them, sitting down onto an empty stone.

"We're in the mood for some stories, Beleg." Mablung announced, cheerfully "Care to tell us some?"

"Of course." Beleg said smoothly "Melkor, renamed Morgoth, is the enemy of all living things, ourselves included. He, however, has all the powers of the other Valar, including the ability to pronounce someone's doom according to his will. Many people opposed him, including a warrior of great renown. He openly defied Morgoth, and the Vala of Darkness was furious. He cursed this warrior and all of his kin, declaring that all their deeds will end in failure, and that they would die alone, cursing both life and death. Five years after this, two individuals met one another and became fast friends, not knowing that one of them was cursed."

"How does the story end?" Mablung wondered "Did they survive?"

"They both died." Beleg announced "However, one of them convinced the other Valar themselves to let them relive those events, so that neither of them or those close to them has to die."

He watched his companions carefully to gauge their reaction. After observing them for a while, he nodded to himself, satisfied.

"It is time for us to retire for the night." Beleg stood up

He was held back by Mablung, preventing him from entering his tent.

"Beleg." Mablung stated in a low tone "That story.....it's more than just a story, isn't it?"

"Maybe." Beleg shrugged

"It's about Turin and yourself, isn't it?" Mablung pressed further

"The exact details of the story aren't something that the public should be privy to." Beleg announced, in a tone which left no rooms for argument

"Then let me help you." Mablung requested

"I already have help." Beleg answered cryptically "This time, we will save Hurin and his kin."

-x-

"Happy birthday, Lalaith." Nellas sat next to her friend.

"I am not sure if it's happy, especially not after what you told me six days ago." Lalaith sighed "Will my brother be all right?"

"He will be." Nellas assured "Beleg will protect your brother. Just as I will protect you. The Curse of Morgoth will never see its fulfillment."

"I am glad to hear that." Lalaith smiled a genuine smile for the first time in days

"Here is your present." Nellas handed her a closed package.

Lalaith opened it quietly, revealing a harp which could be held in one hand.

"It's beautiful, Nellas." she praised, inspecting the instrument from every angle."

"You're welcome." Nellas smiled "I had it custom made. Beleg is skilled in wood-crafting. A hobby of his. I have another gift for you. Your mother and sister should arrive here sometime next week. They sent us a letter in advance to tell us of their plans."

"I will look forward to meeting them, then." Lalaith beamed "Would you like me to play you a song?"