Fanfic Hasty in guilt

[Tyelkormo the Fair]

Chapter 1: Tyelko's remorse




Knock.

"Tyelko...can I come in?"
He rolled on his bed,his back to the door.

knock.

"I know ammë said you can't eat dinner with us tonight, but I snuck you some of the dessert anyway. we had your favorite."
He continued ignoring the whispered calls of his name.
The voice sighed.
"I...I put it on the floor in front of your door. You can come pick it up whenever you want.Try thinking about what you said and why it was wrong.I'll be going to bed now. good night little brother."
With this, Maitimo left. Leaving him alone in the darkness of his room with his thoughts.
Tyelko sighed but got up and walked to his door, opening it enough to fit the plate of honey cakes before closing it.
He didn't want to eat them,no matter how tempting they looked. But if someone found it on the floor tomorrow,Nelyo would get into trouble.
He ignored the growling of his stomach and flopped back on his bed.
He didn't need to think about what he did wrong because he knew it the moment the words left his mouth.
And the look of sheer horror on his mother's face which later turned to a terrible anger she had never shown to him...that didn't help either.
What was imprinted on his mind more prominently though,was the hurt on his father's face.
He hadn't even scolded him. Fëanáro had just turned away and left for his workshop wordlessly. But not without Tyelko seeing his glassy eyes.
Father never cried. and Tyelko had made him cry.
Not even aunt Findis' worst insults had made the great Fëanáro bat an eye. But his own son's foolish words had brought him to tears.



Are you afraid of getting me killed like you did with her?! because I look like her?!



he flinched as he was reminded of his own cruel words.



Well I'm not Miriel! I'm Tyelkormo! you can stop with this madness already!



Oh if he only could just turn back time and punch himself in the face! And for what he had said those words? To be able to go and learn from a Vala?
"How many punches can I take though? it's not like it was my first time doing this..."
He whispered.
And indeed,this might have been the worst time he had let his tongue speed ahead of his mind,but it was definitely not the first time. Knowing himself, it wouldn't be the last.



Go to your room and don't come out until you are able to think before you open that mouth of yours and hurt someone!



Nerdanel had said before storming out of their house,in search of her husband.
"So am I supposed to stay here forever then?"
Finally,he allowed his tears to fall from his eyes as he hugged his pillow.
"I'm-m so sor-ry atar..."
But his father couldn't hear him. He hadn't heard his and mother's voice since they had left a few hours ago which meant they hadn't returned yet.



He wouldn't have forgiven me anyway...why would he?

He must hate me now...



He curled into himself further as silent sobs shook his body.
He didn't want to go and learn to be a hunter from Oromë anymore. he just wanted his atar to love him again.
But he didn't deserve it. He had never deserved it everytime one of his older brothers or parents forgave him. Even Finno. He didn't deserve him either.



I wish Tyelko had a little bit of our cousin's sense in him. Findekáno would have been a preferable baby brother.

You shouldn't talk about our brother like that Kano.

I'm right though! And I know you agree with me.



He had heard his brothers say once.
Nelyo might not have voiced his thoughts,but his silence was enough.
And Tyelko had just proved their point by burning Kano's new song notes later that day.
Finno wouldn't have done that. But Tyelko did.



That is why no one loves you you little brat! everyone only tolerate you because they have no other choice!



Kano had said after finding all his hard works of two months in the fireplace,too late to do anything but watch them burn.
Tyelko might have smirked and ran away only,but it didn't mean Kano's word didn't hurt him.
And no one,not even his mother had objected. So they must have thought the same thing.
And today,he had proved it to himself as well.
Well...the only thing Tyelko could do to make up for all his wrongs was to make sure they didn't have to tolerate him any longer.
Didn't he want to learn to survive in the wild and be a hunter so bad he hurt his atar like that?
This way everyone would just get what they want. With him gone,there would be no one to ruin Kano's songs or disturb Nelyo's peace...and...and make atar cry.
Ammë and atar can always have another baby. One who wasn't as troublesome as him.
They'd forget him soon.
"No...no one is going to miss me here..."
He muttered before he made his decision.
Standing up, he went to his desk and took out a piece of paper from the stash he rarely used and got started with writing. The least he could do for atar was to apologize sincerely.
Once finished,he folded it and put it in his pocket.
Getting up,he made a beeline to his closet and came back with a pack and a few pair of trousers,some tunics and he was old enough to remember to pack some of his underclothes and socks too.
He also picked out a warm cloak for one never knew when one might need it.
Putting them all in the pack,he pulled it on his back before his eyes fell on the honey cakes. He ... might need to take them with him. He had had gone hunting with his family a few times,but he was not skilled enough to be able to hunt immediately and no one survived long in the wilderness if they went hungry.
Packing them in an old piece of cloth and putting those in his bag as well, he headed towards his window.
If he were to leave through the door, Nelyo would notice and would try to stop him to keep him out of trouble and he couldn't have that.

So window it was.

Thankfully,his room was just across the great beech tree in their courtyard so he didn't have to climb down the wall or jump.
Once down the tree,he wasted no time and walked towards their armory, placed outside of the house so he wouldn't alert either of his brothers.
Well...Kano couldn't hear anything besides his own music even if there was a battle raging outside. But Nelyo was always alert. And he remained awake studying at night so he would definitely hear him.
Once inside,he took the bow and arrows atar had especially made for him to fit his small(for now) frame and after thinking,a dagger as well.



Just to be safe...



Well...he didn't exactly know how to work with daggers but..but he will learn. He had to learn to survive on his own now.
As he went to close the door of armory behind him though,there came a screeching sound which Tyelko came to realize was the sound of the door being closed.
Seeing the shadows move from Nelyo's room,he hid behind the wall just in time his brother slided his window open.
After a few seconds though, Nelyo disappeared inside, closing the window behind him and Tyelko finally breathed.
"That was close...wait! what if he is coming out to look around?"
That was something Nelyo would do.
he didn't wait to find out,and ran with all the speed he was capable of.
He stopped for a short breath as atar's workshop came into view,so his panting wouldn't alert his parents if they were still there.
looking at the familiar door,he felt tears brimming in his eyes again.
he wanted to see his parents one last time before leaving ,but would they want that as well?
he shook his head and pulling out the letter he wrote for them,he put it in between the door and it's frame, before turning and walking away, leaving his family behind.

Forever.

 

[Tyelkormo the Fair]

Chapter 2: Míriel's ghost



Fëanáro shut the door of his smithies behind him before leaning against it and silding down, finally letting go of his tears.
Why was he this affected by the words of an elfling?
He had heard all those words(worse than them even)all his life from people at his father's court and his half sister and had barely cared.
So why when his little Turco said them,it had hurt so much?
Turcafinwë hadn't even meant those probably, didn't know the depth of them.
So why did Fëanáro's heart felt like it was tearing apart?
It hurt. It hurt a lot.

"Náro? my Love? please open the door. It's just me."
Said the voice of his beloved, lightly knocking on the door but not opening it.
Waiting for him to give the cue. Paitent. Always so patient with him.
He rose slowly and whipped away his tears, trying to destroy any evidence of him crying.
He open the door and Nerdanel slided in and shut and locked it behind herself before turning to him.
"Are you...are you alright?"
he shrugged, trying to act nonchalant.
"Why wouldn't I be?"
Nerdanel looked at him helplessly before sighing.
"You don't have to pretend with me, husband."
Fëanáro raised his eyebrows questionably.
"What do you mean by that?"
"What... what Tyelko said. He didn't mean them. He just wanted to hurt you."
"Well he should try harder. It isn't like I haven't heard or thought of them before."
Nerdanel walked towards him, cupping his cheeks and swiping her thumbs under his eyes, slightly red from crying.
Fëanáro tried to look away but she didn't let him.
"I know your heart and mind love. You're hurting and it is alright to feel this way. What our son said...his words were cruel and no matter your disagreements,you didn't deserve them."
"He wasn't wrong though..."
Nerdanel's eyes hardened and her hold on his face tightened.
"I wouldn't let anyone talk about you like that. Even yourself. You are not responsible for what happened to your mother. She decided to give all of herself so you could live. I know this because I am a mother. Ind I can never be thankful of her enough for she gave me you."
Smiling slightly,she kissed him.
Fëanáro could feel himself calm down in the comforting presence of his wife as he returned the kiss.
Parting,he put his forehead against hers.
"Where is he now?"
"I've grounded him in his room for now until we decide what his punishment shall be."
"Because punishment and grounding are things that will make him hate me less?"
"He doesn't hate you. He is just upset. And if it's alright to ask..why don't you want him to learn from Oromë? Haven't we all learnt our skill from Aulë? Why is it wrong for him to want to have the same opportunity?"
He shook his head. There was no way for him to want to trust his son's safety with one of the Valar. Turcafinwë was still too young and even if he was older, Fëanáro wouldn't have allowed this to happen. He had trusted them once and they had betrayed it. He couldn't. Especially not Turcafinwë. Not his only child who beared any resemblance to his late mother. Her only legacy.
Fëanáro looked away but Nerdanel took his chin in her hand and made him look at her.
"Come now. tell me so we can fix this."
He sighed.
"I can't trust him to be in their care. Not after what happened with ..."
He closed his eyes and bowed his head, unable to finish his sentence so Nerdanel did it for him.
"With ...Miriel?"
Another traitorous tear fell from his eyes but Nerdanel kissed it away.
"It's alright to be afraid. He is your son. Your blood. It's not unnatural that you care for him...but he is not Miriel. He is not her ghost and...he has the right for him to want you to not see him as another her. Your mother wouldn't want it either."
He nodded.
"I know...but what if ... what if my curse follows-"
"You're not cursed!"
Nerdanel shouted and Fëanáro almost winced at her tone.
She continued, a bit calmer now.
"You're not cursed and so aren't our children. Your mother chose her own fate. Let yourself and our family be free of it. Let us make our own destiny."
He stared into her determined eyes. The eyes which bewitched him the moment they fell on his.
He knew she was right. As she was always right. His wise wife.
"I... I'll try."
Her eyes softened as she smiled.
"That is all I can ask from you."
Taking his hand, she led him towards a chair.
"We will settle this matter later. He is still too young to be away from home and accompany Oromë's hunting host throughout Aman. Give it a few years and maybe you ended up changing your mind."
Fëanáro doubted his mind would be changed on his own, unless his son wore him out until then.
"Do you want us to stay the night here? Just the two of us. You have a bed we can sleep on. Tyelko is in his room and Laurë and Maitimo are old enough and can take care of themselves."
Fëanáro raised his eyebrows in surprise.
Nerdanel had never wanted to leave their children unsupervised since Turco turned out to be... Turco-like.
"I was planning to anyway. You're welcome to stay though. Maybe we can work on... a project together?"
He dodged the scroll coming his way and laughed as he saw his wife's flaming cheeks. But she was smiling so she might not be completely opposed to his idea.
_______
Maitimo sighed and leaned back against his chair.
Today had been such a mess.
When the fight between Tyelko and their father started, Maitimo could have never guessed it would end the way it did.
Atar...he had looked crushed. Maitimo couldn't remember having seen him that way in all these times he had been Fëanáro's son.
But he was not surprised it was in fact his own little brother who managed to do that.
After all, Tyelko couldn't open his mouth without insulting someone or upsetting them slightly,even though he didn't mean it most of the time. And people forgave him often,for what else could they do?
But this time...this time Tyelko had taken things too far. And atar wasn't the most forgiving person out there.
"What do you think ammë and atar are going to do to him? I hope it's something awful."
Laurë mused from his place on Maitimo's bed.
Maitimo turned around with raised eyebrows.
"Why do make it sound like they're going to torture him?"
"Do you think they will?"
"No! By Eru! What is wrong with you?!"
Laurë shrugged but started humming,too happy with the prospect of Tyelko being tortured.
Maitimo sighed and got up from his chair and walked towards his bed, sitting down next to Laurë.
"I don't know what punishment will be assigned to him,but he isn't going to have a good time. I had never saw mother this angry and ...and father... Tyelko hurt his emotions badly."
"That little brat! He had it coming after all the problems he make!"
Maitimo frowned. He understood the reason for Laurë's hostility towards their little brother,but he was being too hard on him.
Tyelko was only an elfling after all and had just turned twenty. And if being honest,some of the fault lied with Laurë as well because Tyelko never hurt Maitimo on purpose but with Laurë antagonizing him all the time, Tyelko happily spent his days making the second son of Fëanáro suffer.
"You should be more patient with him and maybe he wouldn't try to get on your nerves so much. He doesn't treat me the way he does you after all."
"So is it my fault then? Why are you even taking his side? that little spawn of Utumno!"
"Laurë! Watch your tongue! He is our brother!"
as Laurë went to open his mouth to talk,there came a sound and broke the unusual silence which filled their resident.
Sound of the door of armory being closed to be precise.
Atar had tinkered with it himself to make it alert them in case of a certain mischievous elfling whom had grown enough to reach the handle and wanted to do stuff he wasn't not supposed to.
Could it be Tyelko?
Why would he be there though?
He stood up and went to his window, sliding it up.
But there was nothing there. With Telperion shining, barely anything could pass Maitimo's sharp eyes.
"What do you see?"
Laurë said from behind him.
"Nothing..."
"That's weird..."
Maitimo nodded mindlessly. If it was Tyelko causing mischief again,he'd get into even a bigger trouble. Maitimo had to go and check, just to be sure.
"I'll go look around to see what it was."
He said, sliding the window shut.
"Maybe it's where atar and ammë were all this time? We didn't exactly see where they went."
Maitimo hadn't thought about that,buy it made sense. They could have been there, with ammë comforting atar and now they had returned to get some sleep.
He just hoped atar was feeling better.
"perhaps you're right...we should go to sleep. Are you staying the night here?"
"If you don't mind. Don't feel like sleeping in my own room."
Maitimo smiled helplessly. He had never minded. And even if he did,he had very little choice here.
"Come then. It's already late."
They both went and lay down and Maitimo covered them with his blanket. It didn't take long for Laurë to drift of to sleep, cuddling his arm.
Maitimo sighed but tried to get some sleep as well.
Tomorrow,he'd talk with Tyelko, convince him to apologize.
Tomorrow.
_______
As Laurelin began it's blooming for the day, Fëanáro woke up in his smithy with his wife in his arms.
He stayed like that for a few seconds, just enjoying the nice morning and his beloved's comforting presence before he remembered all the events that came to pass last day.
He sighed and nudged Nerdanel awake gently and it didn't take long for her to open her eyes.
"Good morning."
She smiled and kissed him.
"Morning to you too."
"We should go back. Unless we want to have Turco bring the house down without us there."
Nerdanel snorted but got up and pulled him up as well.
"That sounds about right. We missed dinner last night too. You must be hungry."
He was. But he wanted to settle things with his son first.
"I am."
"Then let's go."
She walked ahead of him and opened the door.
But to their surprise,a piece of paper fell down in front of Nerdanel,by her feet.
They exchanged a look of confusion before she reached down and picked it up, unfolding it.
As she read it though,she suddenly became pale as snow, trembling slightly.
Worried, he asked.
"What is it?"
She couldn't say anything, and just passed the paper to him.
"Wha-"
His eyes widened as he read those words, written in his youngest's not so elegant tengwar hand writing.
dear atar;
I'm writing this letter to inform you that I will be leaving this house and family forever.
I have come to this realization about how my presence causes you,ammë and my brothers nothing but pain. What happened today was just the last strike and I understand if you can never bring yourself to forgive me,but I hope that you'll try at least.
I'm sorry I wasn't the son you might have wanted. One who wouldn't hurt you and make you cry.
Please say goodbye to ammë and my brothers from me.
With love.
Turcafinwë Tyelkormo.
He didn't know to laugh or cry or scream in rage.
What were they to do now?
Where could he have gone to?
Where was his son?

 

[Tyelkormo the Fair]

Chapter 3: Brothers to the rescue





Maitimo woke with a start as the front door of their house was slammed shut.


He felt Makalaurë stirr besides him,both still groggy from sleep.


"Nelyafinwë! Nelyo!"


Someon- no,his father was shouting his name.


"What's going on?"


Laurë asked, nervous.


Maitimo could relate to that. He didn't remember doing anything for his father to be shouting his name, demanding his presence.


He didn't get the chance to answer him before his door was opened and both of his parents barged in, frantic and pale looking.


"Ata-"


"Where's you brother?! Where's Tyelko?!"


Nerdanel asked, at the verge of tears.


"In his room? He hadn't left it since you told him to go there. Why?"


Maitimo was starting to get worried here as well. If they wanted to punish him,then why did they looked so... helpless? Worried? Why mother looked seconds away from bursting into tears? Maitimo couldn't tell. But he had seen his father express his emotions much more since yesterday than than he had ...well...ever.


"Atar? is Tyelko in trou-"


But atar left as soon as Maitimo gave him Tyelko's supposed whereabouts,to seek out him in his room no doubt.


Ammë was hot in his tails and after a few seconds, Maitimo scrambled to his feet, following them.


"N-Nelyo... what is going on?"


He ignored his other brother's hesitant questions. He had a bad feeling in his guts. One which had troubled him since last night but he hadn't heeded to it. He just hoped he wouldn't come to regret his decision.


"Ammë... what is happening? Why are yo-"


He didn't get to finish his sentence as Nerdanel finally let go of her tears, with Fëanáro bringing her into his embrace.


"It's alright... We'll find him... He couldn't have gotten too far..."


His father whispered before kissing his mother's hair. Maitimo looked around the room.


Everything looked... normal,if perhaps not too tidy. The bed though...it was almost unused with a few wrinkles here and there. Considering Tyelko's habits of rolling around and kicking in his sleep, Maitimo doubted he had slept on his bed last night at all.


"Find who?... Atar please tell me what's happening."


He could feel Laurë's presence nearby,but his brother remained silent.


Fëanáro looked at him with sympathy before reaching into his pockets and brought out a piece of paper and offering it to him.


"Read this."


Maitimo had no choice but to obey.


Laurë,too curious to wait for his own turn,came and stood besides him.


They both went very still at the same time, holding their breath.


Leaving forever? Bringing them nothing but pain?


What... what was this supposed to mean?


Where had he gone to? He was only a baby! And...and had they really made him feel he was unloved here? That he was only a annoyance?


Maitimo found himself tearing up as well.


"What... what if this is another one of his pranks?"


Laurë said,his voice barely audible.


Maitimo wondered that too for a second, before remembering the suspicious sounds coming from their armory last night. It must have been Tyelko then,as he had first guessed.


"He...I think he was at the armory last night. I...we heard the sound of its door being shut but we thought it to be you,so we didn't go check it then...I'm so sorry atar!"


Fëanáro shook his head.


"Not your fault. None of us could have guessed he was entertaining such ideas ..."


"He must be really scared now..."


Nerdanel muttered, still weeping in her husband's arms.


"What are we going to do now atya? It's been hours..."


Laurë asked, trying not to show how worried he was. He still hadn't forgiven Tyelko for what he did to his music sheets,but it did not mean he didn't care if something were to happen to their little brother.


"You search around the house,I'll go ... We'll go ask your grandfather for help. The guards might have seen him. Or they can help us find him faster."


Maitimo nodded and whipped away the tears as his parents left the room and it didn't take long for him to hear the sound of hooves getting further away from them, heading towards the palace.


He breath deeply. Now was not the time to panic. They needed to find Tyelko before he did something stupid or hurt himself.


"Come on Kano. Let's start with the surrounding fields and forest."


"He is much faster than this you know?"


Laurë looked at him, acting nonchalant but Maitimo knew his brother. He was as guilty as Maitimo was feeling.


Tyelko had said he felt like he didn't bring them anything but pain. This is not something an elfling can come up on his own and as much as Maitimo liked to deny it,he knew they were partly responsible for his brother running away.


Laurë more than him perhaps,but he was not innocent in this.


"Do you have any better ideas?"


Laurë looked at him then glanced away.


"I do ... actually."


"Then what are you waiting for?!"


Maitimo didn't want to yell at his brother but his patience was running thin. Tyelko had been gone for hours and Eru knew what could have happened to him. Sure,they lived in the safety of Aman. But even Valinor was too vast and dangerous for a child as small as Tyelko.


"He could have gone to find Oromë's host. you can travel to his halls and ask the Vala for help. And you could have asked that without raising your voice. I can hear you just fine from this distance."


Laurë looked away,hurt and angry.


Nelyo felt a bit guilty but did not apologize. It seemed to him Kano was not grasping the depth of this situation.


He walked up to him and holding his arms,he looked into his eyes and spoke.


"Look here brother. I know you're angry with him and believe me,no one will blame you for it but this is serious. Tyelko can get seriously hurt. And...and even... become like grandmother... Do you want that?"


He could see the gravity of the situation setting in his brother's mind as his eyes widen in horror,tears forming in them. Laurë shook his head immediately and Maitimo smiled in sympathy before embracing him.


"I don't want him gone Nelyo I swear! I'm- I was just angry!"


"I know...shhh..."


Maitimo stroke his hair until his breathing calm down.


He raised Laurë's head from his shoulder.


"Now let's go to Oromë's halls like you said. That is the fastest way to find him."


"But...atar wouldn't like it..."


Maitimo had thought about this himself but he preferred to have atar be displeased with him than any of his brothers being hurt.


"He will understand once we return with Tyelko."


Laurë looked doubtful but didn't complain anymore.


"If you say so..."


"Go to your room then and change. I'll bring our bows from the armory and some food for the way and you can get the horses. We should be quick."


Laurë gave him a determind look and left and with one last glance towards their baby brother's bed, Maitimo followed and headed towards his own room.


Changing into his hunting clothes and getting enough bread and meat jerky from their pantry, he left their house for their armory and came back with their bows and quivers and a couple of daggers.


He was going to face his father's wrath for his impulsive decision of going to meet a Vala, the least he could do was to make sure he would come back safely to not have his atar more upset.


Laurë was ready in front of their gates, holding the rein of their horses and once Maitimo reached him,he handed him his weapons and climbing up the saddles,they galloped towards the streets and out of the city.


Towards the west.

 

[Tyelkormo the Fair]

Chapter 4: Fëanáro's fears



Fëanáro gazed upon the palace as he waited for the stable boy to come and take his and Nerdanel's horses.


"My prince! Forgive us for the delay. We've been very busy today with all the guests coming to stay in the palace."


Fëanáro's brows furrowed. What was happening in the palace that he did not know about? Whatever it was,he was sure Nolofinwë had a hand in it.


"What is with all the guests?"


"The feast of course. Doesn't his highness know about this?"


Fëanáro felt anger bubbling in his chest. A feast that he was not invited to? In his own father's palace? Had Nolofinwë no shame?


Before he could open his mouth and say something this poor stable staff did not need to hear, Nerdanel pinched his side slightly and with a smile,sent the servant away.


"Why did you do that? Didn't want me to ruin the reputation of my dear brother?"


"What reputation to ruin? What has he done wrong?"


"Not inviting me to a feast in my own father's castle?"


Nerdanel gave him a long suffering look before sighing and pinching the bridge of her nose.


"Both Nolo and Ara sent you formal invitations and your father has reminded you countless times until today yet you still managed to forget it. It's their wives' pregnancy announcement. Your own nephews for Eru's sake, Fëanáro!"


Fëanáro looked away at first, blushing. He ..he had no explanation because he had indeed forgotten about it.


"It's because it was not important enough for me to remember it. Besides it's just an announcement. It's not like they have already been born."


Nerdanel paled suddenly, before whispering.


"What are we to do now Fëanáro? I don't want to ruin today for the four of them. No matter how generous and forgiving Nolo is,his wife won't forget it if we ruin today for her. I'd not either if I was in her place. We should make sure no one but your father finds out."


Fëanáro had not planned for anyone but his atar to find out but for completely different reasons. He didn't want to give another opportunity to Findis and the rest of the court to ridicule him. He had only wanted to come and get a couple of guards with him to help search around his property.


The amount of guests suggested his father would be pretty busy. He just have to get him somewhere private so they could talk.


"Didn't want to in the first place. Come on then. The more time we waste here the more Turco is going to get lost."


Nerdanel nodded solemnly before both of the walked toward the castle in search of Finwë.


Asking a servant carrying sheets to guest rooms,they were told their king was at his study with one or two of his important guests.


And true to her words,they found the said king was exchanging pleasantries with another fellow king and soon to be grandfather,both nursing a glass of wine as they laughed about something Fëanáro neither knew nor cared about.


"Father. King Olwë."


"Your majesties."


They both bowed slightly as the said kings smiled at them.


"My son and daughter. Hadn't expected you here so soon."


"Prince Fëanáro. Princess. It's been long since our last meeting. And what a joyous occasion for us to see each other once again."


Fëanáro nodded politely in agreement before turning to his father.


"If it is not rude of me to ask father,is it possible for you and I to talk for a moment? There are some urgent matters we need to discuss."


It was in fact,very rude of him. But he didn't care. Olwë could find some other time to continue this useless conversation with his father. Turcafinwë was much more important than any political relations to him.


Finwë frowned but seeing his son much more serious than he usually was and sensing his anxiety through their bond, turned back to king Olwë with a guilty smile.


The said king smiled back graciously and putting the glass on Finwë's desk, spoke.


"No need to look at me like that my friend. It was about time for me to go anyways. Ëarwen awaits me."


Olwë turned to the couple then before nodding and leaving the study, closing it behind himself.


"Couldn't this matter be postponed,my son? I feel awful for sending our friend away like this."


Fëanáro huffed.his father was always too nice and sometimes even naive. It had ended with him falling into the trap of that Vanyarin wench after all.


But he had no time to appease his father now. They were losing time.


"Unfortunately,it is. I ...I might need some of your guards to help me with some matter father."


Finwë's brows furrowed as he stepped forward, grasping his son's arm.


"What is it Curufinwë? You're worrying me."


Nerdanel started to tear up again and Fëanáro reached out and grasped her hand to comfort her.


Finwë's eyes fell on his daughter in law and then back at his son.


"Why are you crying daughter? What is happening?"


Fëanáro took a deep breath before answering.


"Tur... Turcafinwë ran away from home... sometimes last night I assume. We had a fight and...he thinks we don't want him anymore so he thought he is doing us a favor by leaving. We don't know where he is. I've left Nelyafinwë and Kanafinwë to look for him in the surrounding areas but knowing him,I believe he has covered much more distance than the surrounding forests. I came here to ask for help. I can't do this alone."


He looked away to hide his own tearful eyes. Where was Turco now? Was he cold? Hungry? Had something happened to him?


The not knowing was driving him mad.


Finwë stared at him in shock for a few seconds before his hand dropped from Fëanáro's arm as he sat down on the nearest chair.


"He... he ... why would he do that? "


Nerdanel whipped away her tears.


"We are at a loss ourselves. Tyelko...he is a difficult child to get along with and I knew he has some problems with his brothers, especially Makalaurë. But I.. I never could have imagined him to think we don't love him. Have we really made him feel that way Náro?"


Fëanáro looked away, speechless. It bothered him that the only matters he had no opinions on were always related to his own family.


Out of his three sons, Turco was the most alike to him in temperament and it frustrated him how he was his only son he struggled to understand. Maybe he could ask for some advices from his father. But it would have to wait until he actually had his son back.


Finwë's voice interrupted his string of thoughts.


"Take as many as you think wise. I ...I would have helped you search myself but...well ...you know my situation at the moment."


Fëanáro nodded, trying to convince himself Finwë was just staying to do his duty to his guests as a host and not because of the feast of his new grandchildren.


"We understand atar. We don't want you missing the feast on our account. The guards will do the their job just fine. And apologize to Nolo and Ara from us,will you?"


Nerdanel said, smile not reaching her eyes but trying to erase the look of guilt on her father in law's face.


"And I would rather this stayed between us, father. I don't want my siblings or any courtier to know of this matter."


Finwë's sad eyes turned to him.


"No one would ridicule you over such serious matter, least of all your siblings. Turcafinwë is...is a especial child. he can be as sensitive as his grandmoth-"


Finwë interrupted himself as the old wound in his heart reopened. his eyes gazed afar, himself existing on another time,long ago.


Fëanáro knew his father saw Turcafinwë much like himself;the only legacy his mother left behind.


After Turco was born and they all saw the silver of his hair and blue of his eyes,so,so much like Míriel's, Fëanáro was filled with both great happiness and also, anxiety. His mother was not lost to him after all. He could have her live in his son. But,what if... what if his son,so small and vulnerable yet,were to be like his grandmother's? What if he were to lose him as well? What... what if he were to take his life somehow like he did with her?


And his fears had turned to be true after all. Turcafinwë had ended up being lost to him,and it was, although not directly,his fault.


Sensing a warm hand grasping his own,he looked down at were his and Nerdanel's hands were linked together and squeezed her hand, reassuring her he still remembered his promise to her.


His father too, seemed to have returned from whatever dream he was walking in and was looking at him with a sad smile.


He stood up and walked towards him before leaning towards him and planting a kiss on his brow.


"Do not worry my son. I'm sure he has realized his mistake and will come back home for lunch. Go to lord Arosso and get as many men as you need and leave. Go find your child."


Fëanáro nodded,before moving towards the door and grasping the door handle and swinging it open,still holding Nerdanel's hand.


What was on the other side of the door made him pause though. The shock slowly gave way to annoyance and a little bit of anger.


Nolofinwë was standing in front of him, had been for quite sometimes likely, holding his son and both of them were looking at him sheepishly.

 

[Tyelkormo the Fair]

Chapter 5:A friend for life​

Tyelkormo was lost. he had been lost for quite sometimes actually. but he had just admitted this fact to himself as he came upon a tree he had put a sign on for the fourth time in the last...in the last...he didn't know in the last what. he was never good with numbers and time.​

what he knew was that his feet were hurting from walking all the way from their house.​

when he left,it was sometimes after mingling and Telperion was at his shiniest hour. and then there was another mingling and laurëlin had bloomed for the day and he was pretty sure, it was already noontime.​

he put his hand on his stomach as it growled from hunger and he cursed himself for the hundredth time that day for eating all the honey cakes all at once. missing both dinner and breakfast had left him famished and before he realized,the only thing left of his supplies of three days were sticky crumbles on his fingers.​

he pouted and scowled before stomping his legs and plopping down where he was.​

he was exhausted. he was hungry. and he wanted his Ammë to hug him.​

"she doesn't want me anymore though..."​

he felt tears he had tried to hold back all night and day brimming in his eyes again but he had no strength to stop them this time.​

the sound of his sniffles and hiccups filled the silence of the forest as he curled into himself further and hugged his knees.​

he had promised himself to not go back home,ever. but he couldn't take it anymore. he hadn't expected living on his own to be so hard.​

looking around,he remembered again that he was lost so even if he were to allow himself to go back home,he couldn't. he had never come this far of from home, neither alone nor with his parents or brothers. everything looked the same in this quiet forest.​

quiet forest.​

his breath hitched as he stood up suddenly, reaching for his bow and arrows.​

listen carefully,Tyelko. This is the sound of a forest. ​

His brother had whispered by his ear and Tyelko had obeyed, searching for what his elder brother meant for him to find.​

the crickets...the squirrels climbing up and down the trees... the birds... This is the sound of life.​

Tyelko had smiled because Maitimo's description matched what he was hearing. and that was when he knew he wanted to know more.​

but be careful of when you can not hear them...​

Maitimo had moved a bit then as the fallen leaves of the trees crunched under his feet. the sound had echoed, breaking the tranquility that resided in the forest. Tyelko had sat there in amazement as the sounds he was hearing earlier gave place to a deadly silence.​

Maitimo had smiled and picking him up in his arms,he had shouldered his bow and left their hiding spot.​

Why are we leaving? Didn't you want to catch something for dinner?​

because they know we are here now and they know we are predators. It's going to be very hard to catch something now.​

So why did you give us away? I know it was on purpose!​

his brother had laughed at his frustration before kissing him on his head which had made his pouting lips slowly turn to a smile, although he would have denied it if anyone asked.​

to teach you a lesson. Today,we might have been the hunters but this would not remain true in all cases. Valinorë is full of different kinds of creatures and not just the animals we hunt for sport. If you want to stay aware of your surroundings,you just have to listen. ​

and...if the forest had turned silent just like now,and you were pretty sure you had not given yourself away like we did today, then you should be careful for there might be another predator who had chosen that place and time to be there, hunting like you. And it might not be an elda like you,but something dangerous.​

it could have been his crying which has alerted the forest creatures,but he was pretty sure his surroundings had been silent for far longer than a few minutes and he knew by experience,he barely made any noises while walking.​

trying to listen to anything but his raging heartbeat, he took a deep breath to calm himself.​

so his senses became clearer.​

his breathing hitched and he swallowed a sob as his wild guesses turned to be a reality as the sound of rough breathings of a large animal reached his ears.​

tears of terror came streaming down his cheeks and his vision blurred.​

he tried to locate the place where the sound was coming from but his mind was too disoriented in his fear for him to be able to do it.​

a low growl came from the bushes, somewhere behind him and Tyelko gave a scream before his surprisingly stable hands reached out for an arrow out of his quiver.​

He didn't bother with aiming properly as he had yet to see where this other hunter was exactly. He just knew it was somewhere behind those bushes which looked too tightly entwined for him to be able to see anything anyway.​

the arrow he had released mindlessly was a lucky one for it was not a second after it when he heard the whining of the animal. was it a ...dog?​

his moments of smugness came to an end far too quickly because it didn't take long for his enemy to emerge from its hiding place.​

a hound jumped out of the bushes. it was huge and almost reached Tyelko's height standing and it had a fur of a silvery-grey, almost like Tyelko's own hair. he seemed to be favoring his left paw and there was red spots on his other front leg.​

caused by Tyelko's own arrow,he thought fearfully.​

Tyelko's bow dropped from his hand as he burst into tears anew.​

so that was how he died. alone in a forest and by the hands of a dog.​

The hound, though,looked confused. He hadn't expected the prey he had been following for some time now to be one of the creatures his master called Eldar. And by the looks of him,he was young like Huan was.​

His small arrows were nothing compared to what his master Oromë used to hunt. He huffed lightly in laughter. The arrow had hurt him a bit, making a small scratch on his right paw and it was painful,but nothing his master couldn't fix.​

The little Elda on the other hand, had water coming out of his eyes. Salty water. Huan knew because Huan could smell it from here.​

Master had poured salt water on Huan's wounds before. To clean it,he had said.​

And it had hurt Huan. Poor little Elda,must be in a lot of pain with all that salt water.​

Huan stepped forward but the little Elda seemed to not care about him. Encouraged by this,he shortened the distance between them and licked the little Elda on his eyes,as his other friends would do to him when he had injured himself.​

His new friend didn't seem to like it though as he shrieked in fear, falling on his bum.​

"Are you hurt, little Elda?"​

Huan asked,and he watched his friend freeze in his place.​

Tyelko almost jumped in his place, hearing someone talk to him in Quenya but with a gruff voice he had never heard from anyone.​

He looked around himself but found none but the dog he had injured.​

He cocked his head, staring at the dog,his tears and fear forgotten and replaced by his ever present curiosity.​

Could it be him?​

He could be going crazy in his fear but…but what if?​

It wouldn't hurt for him to find out…hopefully.​

"Are you talking to me do–mister dog?"​

He had hurt the creature with his arrow already and although it didn't seem like it was mad at him,he knew better than to aggravate its temper now in a situation where it could easily take his life.​

The dog huffed in what seemed to be an amused manner(Tyelko didn't know where these guesses were coming from) before sitting down in front of him.​

"Who else then? Although Huan hadn't expected for you to understand him. You are the only Elda he has met so far,you see. Didn't know you could speak his language. Name is Huan, what is yours?"​

Tyelko didn't know why on Valinor this felt natural to him. Dogs were not supposed to be able to talk to people or the other way around. Yet instead of running away and screaming,there he sat, conversing with a dog.​

"Um…I have met other…dogs but they couldn't speak to me like you do. You are also much bigger than any I have met. My name is Tyelko–"​

Thinking a bit,he held out his hand for a hand(paw?)shake. The do–No, Huan looked at his outstretched hand before putting his uninjured paw on his palm.​

"Nice to meet you."​

"Huan is happy to have met you too, Tyelko. Would have been more happy if you hadn't shot him."​

Ashamed, Tyelko looked down at the injured paw of the dog,he quickly apologized.​

"I'm sorry for hurting you. You scared me pretty badly."​

Thinking,he put down his bag before rummaging into it and bringing out his oldest tunic (which was still pretty new.) Before ripping stripes from it that could pass as makeshift bandages.​

"Here. Let me bind this around it until I can find someone to help you with it. My Atar says it slows down the blood flow. Whatever that is."​

"Your what?"​

"My Atar. My father,I mean."​

Tyelkormo explained. Didn't the dog have an Atar too? Had Huan's parents become like his grandmother? De–Dead?​

"Huan doesn't have a father. Or a mother. Huan is just is. But Huan has a master who cares for him. Master can heal Huan."​

Tyelkormo eyed the dog. Besides his unnatural size and his ability to speak,there was nothing about him that screamed abnormal.​

Huan was weirdly calm when Tyelko bandaged his paw as best as a 20 years old elfling could manage. He only whined a little after when Tyelko tied the piece of fabric in a knot.​

"You didn't answer Huan Tyelko. Are you hurt? Huan's master can heal you too if you are."​

Tyelko shook his head before remembering why he was upset before Huan came to him.​

"I want to go home."​

"Then why don't you?"​

Huan was puzzled by this. Why can't Tyelko go home?​

"I'm…I'm lost and even if I weren't,my Atar...he doesn't want me anymore."​

He sniffled as a fresh wave of tears came streaming down his cheeks.​

"Why?"​

"I said some stuff and hurt him very badly. My Ammë…my mother I mean…she is mad at me too. And so are my brothers. No one wants me anymore."​

"Do you hurt people a lot?"​

Tyelkormo locked eyes with Huan before dropping his gaze, nodding shamefully.​

"Why?"​

"I don't mean to! I…I don't know. I don't know why I do it."​

But he knew. He did because it was the only way he could get their attention. Both of his brothers were very busy often and so were his parents. None of them had the time to spend it on a 20 something elfling with as much energy as Tyelko. He couldn't be unfair, Maitimo tried but why would it matter if he just felt obligated to do so. Tyelko had Findekáno,he guessed but…he didn't like him. That brother stealer who stole his brothers and their affection from him. And he was not even allowed to be mad at him for doing so because he was just so nice and perfect! Compared to him, Tyelko was only a burden laid on his family's shoulders just because he was related to them.​

Huan interrupted his train of thoughts by licking his tears away again.​

"If Tyelko doesn't have anywhere to go he can come live with Huan. Huan likes to be your friend. You just have to promise not to shoot at Huan again."​

Tyelko eyed him with a hopeful look before smiling. Huan liked him. Even though he had just shot him with his arrow yet Huan liked him.​

But why?​

"Why do you like me?"​

He asked, hesitant for a moment to accept the offer. It sounded too good to be true.​

"Huan doesn't know. Huan just does. And master says Huan should trust his heart so Huan does. And Huan's heart says he likes you."​

And he licked Tyelko's face again, making him giggle.​

"Tyelko likes to stay with you too Huan. You are kind. I like to be your friend too."​

Looking around,he noticed them to be in the middle of nowhere still.​

"Where is your home Huan?"​

"Huan doesn't stay in one place. Here is Huan's home for now until master comes and take Huan to another place. But master promised to be here today so Huan is waiting for him. We can ask master to heal Huan."​

"So are we going to just…wait here ?"​

Huan barked to confirm him.​

Well…that wasn't so bad. Tyelko was tired and in all honesty,he had no energy to get up and walk to another place for some time. He was still hungry but maybe this master had some food he could give him. He could wait.​

"Can I hug you Huan?"​

"Tyelko can hug Huan. Huan likes hugs and cuddles. Master used to hug Huan when he was a baby but he doesn't do anymore because Huan has gotten big."​

"I promise to always hug you,no matter how big you get."​

Huan was his family now and Tyelko had no plan of pushing the kind beast away like he did with his own family. And Tyelko liked hugs too so it was a win-win.​

Embracing the huge beast,he let himself relax. He was not alone anymore.​

 

[Tyelkormo the Fair]

Chapter 6: half uncle in blood,full uncle in heart



Fëanáro stared into the grey-blue eyes of his half-brother for a few seconds before scoffing,half in anger and half in mockery.
"You have terrible timing,son of Indis. Did you know that?"
Finwë, hearing this,speed walked towards them in case he needed to interfere.
"There's no need for that tone of voice, Curufinwë."
Finwë said gently, putting a hand on his elder son's shoulder, trying to calm him down but his attempts seemed to be like fuel to the fire of Fëanáro's rage.

How could father still take Nolofinwë's side when he was clearly at fault this time?

"Fëanáro…I–"
"I don't know why you felt the need to eavesdrop on my conversation with my father but frankly,I don't care. Neither do I have enough time to listen to your excuses."
Finwë frowned but remained silent, fearing anything he might say would only make things worst.
"Brother, please don't speak like that! Why do you wish to think I was spying on you? Aren't we family? I just heard you saying Tyelkormo was missing and couldn't help myself listening to the rest. I was worried for him. That's all."
Fëanáro laughed out loud in a cruel manner but before he could respond to Nolofinwë with any more scathing words he felt a sharp pain in his fingers as they were crushed. He stopped himself from hissing out loud and redirected his glare towards his wife who was looking at him with as much annoyance as he was.
Nerdanel mouthed not in front of the child before letting go of his hand and pointing her chin towards young Findekáno who was looking at him a bit fearfully,still in his father's arms.
Fëanáro felt a bit guilty for he did not wish to involve their children in their fights as much as Nolofinwë didn't want to.
So he cleared his throat before motioning for his half-brother and to come inside before he closed the door behind them.
"You will not say a word about Turcafinwë to anyone Nolo. I mean it. If I find out you have babbled to Findis or your mother about this you will face my wrath!"
Nolofinwë looked at him wide eyed before he schooled his features and nodded slowly.
"I won't. But on one condition."
"You have no right to order me around.  I am the crown prince!"
Fëanáro didn't want this to get into to fist fights the two of them often engaged in during their youth, especially in front of Findekáno. But Nolofinwë was testing his patience here even though he knew well that he didn't possess much of it.
Finwë jumped in before the fight could escalate further.
"And I am the high king."
The stern tone of his father made him flinch a bit before he composed himself.
Finwë continued,more gentle.
"And your father. Both of you. It breaks my heart that you two can not get along,my sons. But this is not a time for me,for us to worry about this,is it? Your son is missing Curufinwë. Sort out your priorities."
He turned to Nolofinwë then.
"I am disappointed in you, Nolofinwë. Is it really wise of you to be antagonizing your brother when he is clearly in distress? You have a son of your own and another child on its way. Surely,you understand his pain and grief over not knowing his child's whereabouts. You should know better than this."
Nolofinwë blushed and Findekáno's little face scrunched up in a scowl as he watched his grandfather scold his father when he hadn't even done anything. But father didn't like it when he interfered with adult stuff so he remained silent and only reached out to stroke his father's chin, trying to comfort him. He was rewarded with a gentle kiss on his little palm as his father smiled at him.
Nolofinwë looked at Finwë after receiving the gentle encouragement from his son.
" I am sorry, father. But you didn't even let me finish."
Finwë sighed but nodded.
"Very well then."
Nolofinwë cleared his throat before turning to Fëanáro,but this time there was a strange sadness in his always cheerful eyes. Fëanáro frowned. He didn't like it. He didn't like it when things were out of place. Nolofinwë was supposed to be his stupid and always happy self. He was not supposed to look sad. Why did he, anyway? His son was not lost like Fëanáro's. His mother wasn't dead like Fëanáro's. He hadn't killed her like Fëanáro had.
"I only keep quiet if you let me help you. I want my nephew back safe and sound as much as you do, although it might be hard to believe for you."
Fëanáro was stunned to silence before another smaller voice grabbed his attention.
"I want to go look for Tyelko too! I want to help!"
The voice belonged to none other than Nolofinwë's first born. In Fëanáro's honest opinion,it was not too dramatic to want to name him Turcafinwë's archenemy. So why exactly this young elfling felt like he should be helping them was beyond him.
Finwë's kind words brought him back and out of his head.
"That is very kind and brave of you my dear,but we can't have you lost like him. Let the adults handle this, alright?"
And he turned to Nolofinwë before taking his free hand on his own.
"Your offer is beyond generous my son. But we can't have you lose your own wife's pregnancy announcement now,can we? They will send word to you once they find him. Go and spend the day with your family."
Nolofinwë though,shook his head stubbornly and it was times like these when Fëanáro hated him the most. Unlike their younger brother who could have been a spawn of Ingwë for all they knew, Nolofinwë could have been Fëanáro's twin if not for their height difference (Fëanáro was still bitter about this) and the pleasant smile he sported all the times. But times like this when his easygoing demeanor gave way to this determined one,there was hardly a way to spot any difference between the two of them.
This time though, Nerdanel who had been silent up to that point spoke up.
"You néri understand nothing! How can you suggest spending your own child's begetting feast away from your pregnant wife,dear brother mine? Have you even thought about what Anairë might feel if you do this? She might act like it doesn't affect her but I know, It will hurt her! You will go back to your wife Nolo. End of discussion."
Nerdanel's freckled cheeks were bright red and Fëanáro couldn't help but fall in love with her even more. This was the nissë he had married. He couldn't help but confess how satisfying it was that for once,he was not the nér she was shouting at.
Nolofinwë and Findekáno were both stunned for a few seconds before Nolofinwë's face broke into a smile.
"Anairë would be honored to hear you think so kindly of her, sister. But that was the reason I came to Atar's study in the first place. Ëarwen was the one in charge of managing the kitchen and the food for tonight and it's not surprising if I say most of them are Alqualondë's…seafood cuisine. Anairë used to love them as much as the next elda and was fine with them up until this morning but when we went for a last check for tonight,she couldn't even enter the kitchens and started throwing up. Poor Ëarwen too hasn't been able to stop crying since then and keeps apologizing even though it's not her fault. Anyways…the feast will be postponed to tomorrow so the cooks can think of something to do for the dinner. We can't have one of the mothers to be being sick all night now,can we?"
Nerdanel looked a bit embarrassed but kept her composure for the most part.
Nolofinwë grinned seeing her discomfort and put a hand on Nerdanel's shoulder.
"It's alright sister. How about you keep Anairë's and Ëarwen's company and I help brother look for Tyelkormo?"
"But...fine. it's not like I'm much help to you out in the woods."
"I still want to help!"
Findekáno said,this time loud enough to catch the attention of the rest of them.
Finwë chuckled and took Findekáno in his own arms before kissing his forehead.
"My sweet boy. How about you go get lord Arosso? You know where his study is, don't you,my smart lad? Go tell him to come here and then go to your mother and look after her until your Atar comes back, alright?"
Findekáno nodded with determination, causing the adults to smile fondly at him.
With another kiss on his hair (which was braided with gold ribbons like Finwë's own silver ones) Finwë put him down gently and the boy ran to the door, closing it behind him.
Nolofinwë looked at the path his son had disappeared in with fondness before looking at the couple present.
"Do you know where he could have gone? What did you fight about anyway?"
Fëanáro bristled again at this question.
"Just because you are forcing me to allow you to help me doesn't mean you can stick your nose in my household business!"
"Boys…"
Finwë said with a tired, paternal tone.
"Náro!"
So Nerdanel was back at shouting at him it seemed.
Nolofinwë looked at him and pinched his nose bridge with a long suffering sigh.
"Can you not put our feuds behind for a few moments here? I'm trying to help you and I have never ever entertained the idea of harming you and your family in any way. You may not think of me this way but for me,you have been and always will be my brother,not my half brother. I do not love you any less than I love Ara and believe me when I say you make it difficult. I am trying to make sure my nephew comes back home to his family safely and that is my only motive here. Can we establish this before continuing?"
"I don't need your pity!"
"I am not pitying you brother. What is there to pity even?"
"Don't call me that!"
"Curufinwë that is enough!"
Finwë shouted,at the end of his wits.
"And now you take his side too?!"
He threw a betrayed look at his father before starting to walk away towards the door when a strong hand caught his arm.
"Let me go Nolofinwë before I make you regret it."
Nolofinwë looked at him warily before loosening his grip.
"I will but …please don't walk away. For Tyelkormo if not for others."
Fëanáro sighed but nodded. Turco didn't need him to be stubborn now. And Nolofinwë could help him find his son faster. He shook his arm out of Nolofinwë's grip before turning to them and avoiding his father's gaze. Finwë didn't speak more, afraid of aggravating Fëanáro when he was clearly in distress.
Nolofinwë looked at him in sympathy before saying.
"You don't have to tell me what you fought about but…do you think it could be related to him running away? Give you a location? Anything?"
Fëanáro wanted to smack himself. How had he not thought about this himself?
He ran a hand through his hair and cursed as it got stuck in tangles. He hadn't even thought of brushing his hair and noticing now,he could see Nerdanel didn't fare any better. And he had come right away to the palace looking like he had just rolled out of bed.(which was true.)
His mind was in shambles and he was unable to think straight. Nolofinwë had given him new insight about the situation so maybe…he could help him with this too.
Turcafinwë thought he didn't love him. Only if he could see to whom he begged for help so he could bring him back home.
"He …he wanted to go learn form Oromë the hunter for a while now but I kept refusing. He is still too young for being away from home for such a long time and without any family accompanying him."
Nolofinwë nodded.
"You made the right decision. I can never imagine Findekáno being away from home like this and he is what? Seven years older than Tyelkormo? They are both still too young."
Everyone heard the much more mature Nolofinwë left out of his sentence.
"Do you think he would go as far as seeking out Oromë in his halls? That …that sounds like Tyelkormo to me."
Nolofinwë continued, frowning at the idea of Turco actually doing this.
Fëanáro shook his head, frustrated and exhausted even though he had just woke up from a full night sleep. Had Turcafinwë slept at all?
And should he go so low to ask Valar for their help too?
"How about we just…follow the route to his halls? You don't even have to go and ask for his help if you don't want to."
Nerdanel added helpfully and Fëanáro sighed in relief. This was a faster way too,than going to the Vala's halls.
Finwë's voice resonated in the room.
"Then it's settled. We just have to wait for Arosso to be here."
Fëanáro nodded,but not even a solid plan like this calmed the worry in his heart. Nothing but holding his son in his arms would help him be calm again.

 

[Tyelkormo the Fair]

Chapter Seven: Hasty Helper



Findekáno ran as fast as his short legs allowed him, finding his way easily through the maze that was the royal palace of Tirion.

His mind too,was running with a million thoughts,but most of it was occupied with thoughts about his little cousin and his fate.

Uncle Fëanáro said Tyelkormo had ran away because he thought he was unwanted.

Tyelkormo had always been an idiot. It wasn't like the younger elfling ever tried to hide it or if Findekáno were to declare this out loud (not that he'd ever do that) anyone,even his uncle and aunt, would object.

But Tyelkormo was truly a fool if he thought his family didn't love him.

Uncle said they had a fight. Now that was something Findekáno had no trouble believing. Tyelkormo seemed to have made a habit of picking fights with anyone and anything, primarily Findekáno himself or Makalaurë. For some reason though, his oldest cousin Maitimo,was the only one safe from the wrath of the youngest grandson of Finwë. But again,even Tyelkormo wasn't as much of an idiot to not see just how much his eldest brother loved and cared for him.

Or was he? If he wasn't, then, why had he left?

He shook his head and slowly came to a stop in front of the lord commander's office.

Findekáno grimaced. He doubted lord Arosso would take this news very well considering it was his own nephew who was missing.

And Tyelkormo, for whatever reason there was,was lord Arosso's favorite nephew between the three of his sister sons.

Standing in there would not help anyone so Findekáno gathered all his courage before knocking on the door and hearing the lord commander bidding him entry,he opened the door and closed it behind him.

The red-headed ellon was sitting behind his desk peering over a piece of paper and it took him a few seconds to look up from it. He looked towards the door with a confused expression, probably looking for someone taller as it took him some time to look down and find him.

But when he did, his face broke into a dimpled smile. Tyelkormo had inherited the same trait from his grandfather Mahtan but while it had a soothing effect when it came from the said elfling's uncle and grandfather, Findekáno felt great anxiety whenever he saw it on his little cousin's face. Because there was not one time those smiles ended very well for him.

He snapped out of his thoughts when lord Arosso called his name.

"Findekáno? Did you need something, Pitya?"
"Um…"

Arosso gave him an encouraging nod, although his eyes were twinkling with slight amusement.

Did he have to tell him anything about Tyelkormo? Grandfather only asked him to tell the lord commander he was expecting him in his study.

Grandfather told him adults will take care of this and he should just go back to his Ammë. Well…Findekáno wasn't exactly going to do that but again, that didn't mean he enjoyed breaking such news to anyone.

"Grandfather told me to come get you. He wanted to talk about something with you, my lord. And he said it was urgent and you should hurry."

This brought a slight crease between Arosso's brows but it was gone in a second and the pleasant expression was back on his face.

"Of course, little prince. As my king commands. And where are you heading from here? Will you be accompanying me there?"

Findekáno shook his head immediately.

"Haru said I have to go take care of my Ammë while Atar is busy with some…stuff."

Arosso eyed him suspiciously. The lord commander had spent enough time playing mock battles with him and Tyelkormo to know them like the back of his hand and Findekáno could only hope his expression was as neutral and innocent as he wished it to be. He hadn't done anything for Arosso to be looking at him like that. Yet.

He wasn't lying…technically. He wasn't supposed to go back to the study and he didn't say he was going to keep his Ammë's company. Just that he was told to do so.

Findekáno never disobeyed his elders' wishes. At least not any they knew of. He was way more subtle than that.

That was enough for the suspicious look to drop from Arosso's face as he stood up from his chair.

"Well then. I should not keep the king waiting. Neither should you delay here. Your lady mother would want you by her side, my young prince."

Findekáno nodded seriously and both of them left the room and parted ways in the hallway.

Findekáno was just lucky the nearest stable where his father's horse was resting just happened to be in the same route as the chambers mother was staying in with aunt Ëarwen.

Maitimo and Makalaurë were supposed to be looking around their house in search of their brother. Surely, father would understand and even appreciate the fact that Findekáno was going to lend them a couple more eyes so they could search faster.
_____

Fëanáro rose his head from where it was buried in his palms, elbows still resting on his lap as Arosso knocked on the door of the study and entered once Finwë bid him to do so.

The twinkle of mischief (that reminded Fëanáro painfully of his own missing son) vanished from his brother in law's eyes as he saw Nerdanel and both their tired and tear streaked faces.

Findekáno had said nothing to him about what had happened, then. And will not tell anyone else, likely. That was good. The lad knew how to keep secrets.

Like his father.

Fëanáro frowned and shook his head. Thinking about his half-brother always left him in a confused state of mind and he didn't like it, which meant he didn't like Nolofinwë too. That made sense.

Arosso walked towards Nerdanel, putting a hand on her shoulder, eyes on Fëanáro as he frowned.

"Sister? What are you–who made you cry?"

The implication was crystal clear and Fëanáro glowered, not liking the tone of Arosso's voice.

They got along fairly well most of the time, even better than he did with his own brothers. But Arosso was also a protective, idiotic little brother of Nerdanel. And was not shy of throwing hands unlike his father if Fëanáro were to hurt his sister.

Which was a ridiculous thought.

Sure, he and his wife had their disagreements. But it didn't mean he would ever entertain such a thought even during their worst arguments.

So no one could blame him as he huffed in indignation, throwing an unamused look at his brother in law.

Finwë interfered once more, not letting it get out of hand like it did with Nolofinwë.

"Thank you for coming in such short notice."

Arosso seemed to have suddenly remembered he was in the presence of his king. For he bowed, cheeks flushing red like his sister's had just a few minutes ago.

"Forgive me, my king. And of course, your wish is my command. What can I help you with? Prince Findekáno said something about an urgent matter?"

His confused expression confirmed Fëanáro's assumptions about Findekáno not telling him anything.

Well…Fëanáro had no plan of doing it either. He was not very happy with his brother in law now and was not sure if he could do it without starting a feud between them.

Good thing he had his father to help with that.

Finwë gave him a sad smile, pointing at the couple there.

"As you might have guessed already, it's not a pleasant matter. I'm afraid we can't tell you all the details as we have lost enough time already."

He took a deep breath before continuing, and a worried looking Arosso listened attentively.

"Turcafinwë is…missing. He ran away from home last night and Curufinwë and Nerdanel noticed it just this morning and came to me right away. We could use the help of you and your guards to search for him around."

Arosso's eyes widened before he schooled his features, every bit as professional as one could expect from the commander of the city guards.

"Is there any specific place you have in mind, or should I bring enough men to search all the places he might have gone to?"

Finwë shared a look with Nolofinwë,who answered the commander.

"We believe he might be taking the route towards the halls of the hunter. Bring as many as you deem necessary. We trust your judgment, my lord."

Arosso nodded grimly, but then as if realizing something, his eye fell first on Fëanáro and then on Nolofinwë.

"Are …will you be accompanying us, my prince?"

He asked Nolofinwë,who smiled at his confusion and nodded.

"The feast will be postponed to tomorrow due to some uh…technical problems that arose some time ago. I will be helping you look for our nephew."

Arosso smiled back at him,and bowing to the princes and the king once more, and after putting a comforting hand on his sister's shoulder he turned towards Fëanáro once again.

"I'll gather ten of my men and will meet you by the gates. Worry not, brother. We'll find him."

Fëanáro could only nod, feeling a bit more confident now that Arosso was there.

His brother in law knew what to do. Or at least, he hoped he did.

~~~~

"Nolo."

"... what?"

"If I ever hear another parenting advice from you, consider all your teeth knocked out."

Nolofinwë did not answer him as he continued staring at the empty stall where his stallion was supposed to be resting, looking like he could faint at any moment.

Was supposed to be,until the said prince's innocent little boy who could do no wrong took the horse out without permission.

Off to where, Eru only knew.

Who would dare to call his Turcafinwë insolent and troublesome from now on? At least he had never stolen Fëanáro's horse.
Fëanáro wanted to bang his head against the beams of the stables.

There they were, with two small princes on the run and no success in bringing them back home.

It was going to be a long long day.

 

[Tyelkormo the Fair]

Chapter 8: A Possible Apprentice



Findekáno halted Tana, his father’s stallion, to a stop once he reached the house of his uncle.

He looked around, searching for his cousins, but he found none but a gardener, working on trimming the bushes around the house.

Uncle had told them to look around, so they would not be in the courtyard or inside, but the surrounding woods.
He cued Tana to move on, taking the small, unpaved path just behind Fëanáro's mansion to the woods.

Just wait,Tyelko…I’m coming to find you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
“When is he coming? Your master?”
Tyelkormo asked after a while, disturbing the comfortable silence around them.
He and Huan were still cuddling, with Tyelkormo stroking the soft fur of Huan’s head, and him letting out quiet whines, content with the affection he was receiving from the little boy.

“Huan doesn’t know, but he should be here soon. Why? Are you hungry?”
Huan licked his face again, and Tyelkormo’s face broke into a smile.
Huan was the most adorable puppy he had ever seen, despite his size.

He nodded, a little embarrassed at the sounds his stomach was making.
Huan sniffed before standing up.
“Huan will catch you something. Wait here. The woods are dangerous.”

Tyelkormo wanted to protest. Now that he had realized just how lucky he was that Huan had found him before any other creatures roaming the woods, he was hesitant and maybe a little afraid to be left alone to fend for himself.
His stomach made another painful sound, and he gave in.
“Come back soon.”

Huan patted his knee in an awkward manner, still not used to interacting with very small, two-legged creatures. But he had noticed how Tyelkormo had done it when they were cuddling, and surprisingly, it had helped him calm down.
Tyelkormo smiled nervously and leaned against a nearby tree, keeping his quiver of arrows and his bow close to him. And Huan left, still limping a bit.

It was only later when Huan had gotten too far to be called back Tyelkormo remembered he couldn’t possibly eat whatever the hound would bring him uncooked. And he was not allowed to use fire.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Findekáno followed along the small forest road for another hour, not galloping, but keeping a steady pace. He did not want to miss if there was any sign of the brothers.
Tana didn’t look a little bit tired, but

Findekáno himself was not as enduring as the great stallion. His legs were cramping, and he was starting to consider a break.
And he was starting to worry as well. Unless Maitimo and Makalaurë had brought their horses, Findekáno knew he should have caught up to them by now.

He halted Tana to a stop as he heard the sound of running water. Tana neighed and whined, pointing his head towards the source of the sound.
Findekáno smiled and ran a hand across his proud neck.
“Thirsty? All right then. We can make a stop. I can walk a little while you have your fill.”

Tana snorted and began making his way inside the woods. Findekáno felt a little nervous about leaving behind the main road, but soon, it was forgotten as he began taking in his surroundings.
The only times he had come so far into the woods was when he, his Atar and his Ammë would come for rides into the woods. But even then, he was not allowed to wander around.
They passed the trees and delved deeper, and came upon a small spring. The water had made its way through the bark of an ancient tree, the bark looking like it was a bridge upon a small river. The sight made his eyes brighten up in excitement, the thoughts of dangers and his missing cousin forgotten momentarily.

Perfect spot for sailing the boats Aunt Ëarwen has made for us! I should tell Tyelk–

Then, he remembered. Tyelkormo was missing. He was there to find him. He couldn't show his cousin anything until he had found him.

He sighed and flopped on his back on the slightly wet grass near the spring, Tana having his fill of fresh grass and water.

Could he really help? Could he find Tyelkormo?
No. He could not afford to doubt himself now. Not when he’s managed to sneak away from the watchful eyes of his parents. That was the hard part. Finding Tyelkormo should not be that hard.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Lord Oromë was a busy Vala, and usually, it wasn’t him who was in charge of retrieving the training hunting puppies, but his Maiar.
He was not sure himself, as to why this particular energetic one had opened a special place in his heart for himself to the point he managed his training on his own.
Oromë wasn’t one to choose favorites. That was his lord, Manwë, not him. He loved all his apprentices and his hounds equally, but the Great Hound who was still so small had become an exception after all these Millenia.

So that was why he was there, looking for his wayward puppy who definitely wasn’t in the place he had told him to be when he left him almost two weeks ago, or anywhere else in near sight.
Instead, he found a silver-haired Elfling who, as far as Oromë was aware, had no business being there at all.
The child was sleeping, hugging a small bow and quiver full of tiny arrows close to his chest. The sight had him coo out loud despite his annoyance.
Eldar were adorable, but the small ones who had a love for hunting even more so.

What was one so young doing there, so far away from his parents? He looked to be one of the Lindar with that bright hair. So, why was he there, miles away from Alqualondë?

As much as it pained him to disturb his peaceful slumber, he had to know where he was from or where his parents were. He could not stay there alone.

So he knelt down and once he was eye to eye with the child, poked him lightly on his nose. The small face scrunched up a little, but beside that, silver-haired showed no more reactions.

Oromë sighed and sat down. It was going to be a long day.

 

[Tyelkormo the Fair]

Chapter 9: Valaróma

Arosso's tired eyes moved over the faces of his two eldest nephews, their heads bowed down in guilt. He sighed.
"Uncle…"
"Not now, Russandol."
"But…"
"If it is not related to your brother and cousin's whereabouts, I don't want to hear it."

The questioning look exchanged between the troublemakers was enough to tell him they had left their father's house earlier than he had imagined, meaning that none of them had seen young Findekáno arrive.

If that's where he had gone, that was.

Just how long have they been chasing that poor horse?

Arosso didn't want to know.

When he and his men had left the two high princes to pursue their own missing little prince, he would have never thought he would come across his two mature older nephews running around, chasing a grey mare atop of a hill, looking disheveled and out of breath.

Fëanáro's decision to follow his brother back to his own state caught him by surprise, but he couldn't help but be glad about it. The talent of handling the crown prince at his worst didn't run in the family.

After catching the frightened mare of Makalaurë, he had ordered his men to scatter around, looking for his youngest sister-son.

No trace. No footprint. Nothing.

He knew then. Tyelkormo had no plan of pursuing the Vala of hunting. Where he had planned to leave for, Eru only knew.

"Did you even look around the house as your father had told you?"

Both young néri became as red as tomatoes, and Arosso did not need any verbal answers from them.

He sighed impatiently, tugging at his warrior braids before turning to his nephews once more.

"You will return to your house and tell your father how our party has been unsuccessful. I will return and bring more men with me before joining you. We'll scatter around the house in small groups, covering all grounds. He's just a baby. He couldn't have gotten too far."

Maitimo looked like he wanted to protest, but a glance from Arosso was enough to silence him.

"Has Tyelko stolen Findekáno?"
Makalaurë whispered discreetly to his brother, and both red-headed néri rolled their eyes.

____________

Something, or someone was there with him, Tyelkormo knew even though he was still caught in a dreamless sleep, so exhausted to want to get up any time soon.

The Something was very annoying too, as it kept trying to wake him up by booping his nose and being noisy.

"Stop it…go away…"
He mumbled sleepily, curling up to himself even further, the feathers of the arrow-ends tickling his chubby cheeks.

"Even his voice is cute…"
Something cooed, and despite the annoyance he was causing him, Tyelkormo couldn't help but smile proudly at the compliment. He was cute.

"I know you can hear me though, little one. As much as I wish to let you sleep, you can't stay here for long. Where are your parents, young Teler?"

Teler?!!

At once, Tyelkormo's eyes snapped open, staring into nothingness as it progressed the Something's words. Did he just call him a Teler? Him? The son of the crown prince of the Noldor?

Oh he would take that back!

A giant hand came into his line of sight, meaning to boop his nose and be annoying again, and Tyelkormo did not think.

Sharp teeth bit through the skin of Oromë's index finger, and the Vala of hunt yelped despite himself, snatching away his hand quickly and with it, the elfling.

The little creature glared at him before increasing the pressure of his jaw around his finger to the point his small nose scrunched up in pain.

With a long suffering sigh, Oromë held up the child who was hanging in the air with his teeth on his finger by his collar, and looked at him long before asking.

"Why are you doing this?"

The elfling looked confused and deep in thoughts, jaw slacking off now that he wasn't holding onto him for dear life.

Oromë used this opportunity to take his slightly throbbing finger away from the small yet surprisingly sharp milky teeth.

The child was back glaring at him again, and Oromë had to be fair; for something so small, the frown was a pretty intimidating one. Or maybe it was the possibility of sharp teeth puncturing his skin again that made it so.

"Why are you so mad at me, little one? Have I offended you in any way?"

He asked, setting him down and smoothing down the wrinkles on his fine silky tunic. A noble young lord of Alqualondë, perhaps?

Tyelkormo huffed but let the weird nér help him with getting rid of the wrinkles on his clothes. Ammë wouldn't like it if she saw him like this.

The thought of his mother brought tears to his eyes again, and he sniffled. He wanted Huan to come back so they could leave.

The sudden question from the man had him glance towards him, frowning again.

"You called me a Teler! How dare you! I'm a Noldo and son of prince Fëanáro! Would you dare say this to his face?!"

He shouted and the man's eyes widened ever so slightly before smiling once more. He smiled an awful lot. Was he crazy?
Uncle Nolo smiled all the time too, and Atar said it was because he was crazy.

"Ah, I see. I knew you looked a bit familiar, little one. My apologies, although there is no shame in being a Telerin elf. They are quite the merry folk your kin could learn a thing or two from."

He knelt down to see him eye to eye.

"It still does not answer my other question. Why are you here, all by yourself? Woods are a dangerous place for some so young–"

Tyelkormo's eyes went to his bow and arrows.

"Even one as well equiped as you. Where are your parents?"

Tears threatening to fall again, Tyelkormo huffed and turned away from him.
"I live on my own now. Here, in the forest."

Oromë's eyes danced with mirth before he shook his head.
"Do you, now? Well, have you perhaps seen a small pup, should be as tall as yourself I believe, running around here? His fur was the color of your hair too. In fact, you two are a lot like each other, now that I think about it. Your teeth are also sharp like his."

The elfling's eyes widened for a brief second before his brows furrowed again. He shook his head after a moment of thoughts, but did not look him in the eyes.

He was lying, and Oromë was curious to know why.

Tyelkormo didn't know why he lied to the né- no, Huan's master. Or perhaps he did.

He didn't want to lose his first friend he's ever made who didn't start hating him after a few minutes.

What if Huan's master wanted to take him away and not Tyelkormo because of how he bit him?

But…he had said his teeth were as sharp as Huan's. Did it mean Huan had bitten him too? Did it mean he would not hate Tyelkormo?

Tyelkormo didn't want to risk finding out.

Oromë's sharp eyes caught all emotions passing through the youngling's eyes, trying hard to keep himself from smiling.

He had recognized the description of his missing hound easily, which meant he had not just seen Huan on passing.

Made sense in a way. Huan was a friendly one, and loved helping others. A missing elfling or even a runaway one was the exact thing which could attract the attention of his troublemaking little puppy.

"Well. I guess I should try my own luck in finding him."

And he took out Valaróma.
_______

Sound of a horn, terrible and powerful, rang around the clearing, making Findekáno sit up quickly as his head whipped towards the source which, unfortunately, wasn't so far away.

Hands shaking, he stood up and walked towards Tána who, surprisingly, didn't seem to be afraid. He appeared amused, even, and Findekáno wanted to know why.

"Who do you think that was, Tána? Hunters of Oromë? Matters not, though. We can avoid it and still look for Tyelk–"

An offended screech from a familiar voice was heard.

Tána looked at him long before snorting. Findekáno stared ahead for a few seconds before snapping out of it when Tána knelt down so he could mount him easier.

Was Tyelkormo now picking fights with the hunters of the Valar?

_________

"Where are your sons? Shouldn't they be here? Finno would try to go to Maitimo, I'm sure. You said they would be around here, looking for Tyelko? Where are they? Are you listening to me Nár–"

A hand slapped across Nolofinwë's mouth, shutting him up successfully.

Fëanáro glared at his half-brother mightily before dismounting and dragging Nolofinwë behind himself. His half-brother yelped and stumbled due to his extremely long and inconvenient robes, blinking at him owlishly.

"Just…just shut up for a second. Not a word, Nolo? Get it? Not. A. Word."

Nolofinwë went to open his mouth again, probably to tell him he would remain silent, and Fëanáro was ready to run headfirst into his forge fire and become one with it just so he wouldn't have to tolerate someone like Nolofinwë be related to him.

He would have, really, if the sound of a Valarin horn wasn't coming from somewhere too close to his property.

His Atar senses were tingling. It had to be related to at least one of his children.