Discussion Ill Chances and Strange Fates Discussion

Maedhros_Nelyafinwë · Feb 1, 2026

Glorfindel Goldtress said:
I remember the first time I read the chapter, I was utterly bowled over when Tyelko lost his ability to speak with Huan, a deeper sign of the emotional cutoff resulting from Tyelko's behavior and mindset. And I'm sure you probably recall my psychotic screaming-through-text-sound-effects as it were. Though such happens on numerous occasions.😂

Fastest reader in the West strikes again!

And lol, yes, I very much remember your reaction! I always love reading your reactions; it's like I'm right there with you as you read! And as @Fingon_Findekáno pointed out to me one time, and I fully agree, we can all feel your extrovertedness in your reactions!

Glorfindel Goldtress said:
ither way, bro needs help, poor lad. This contemplation under the stars is only the beginning!

Yeah. 🥺 It sure was interesting to see how much the incident affected him, and I was glad to be able to spend the time to allow his character arc to come through to full fruition.

Glorfindel Goldtress said:
And of course, the Fëanorian family hunt drama--! I quite enjoy it when the majority of the family is together because it's not as common seeing the multifaceted dynamic interwoven amongst them all. Let the chaos ensue!

And guess what-- there's more of All the Fëanorians in Arc 4! 👀 I know that's a long ways out, but something to look forward to.

WatcherWraith · Feb 3, 2026

I only just found out about the update, so I apologize for the lateness of my comments ':] but here they are!

Fëanáro and Nerdanel rode north at a leisurely pace, for once in their lives. To both of these high-achieving creators, it felt strange and empty to have no pressing matter to attend to. No place to be in a timely manner. There was only the gentle creaking of wood as ancient trees swayed slightly in the breeze, and the melodious calls of songbirds, and the smell of recent rain upon the rich soil and fresh grass.

This is a great intro. The atmosphere, the real surroundings, the feelings of both characters, are so eloquently given here. It also set the pacing not only of the journey, but of the chapter. Both the readers and the characters are allowed to steep in a sense of calm which will foundationally carry them through the rest of the chapter.

They were silent for a while. Uncomfortable, almost. When was the last time they had shared such a peaceful solitude, with no children or servants running around?

Fëanáro casually pointed out some caves which he had once explored and mined for gems or metal. Nerdanel listened and nodded, but she didn’t have much to say in response. She hadn’t been around for most of these expeditions he described.

It's truly precious how it's Fëanor who tries to break the ice. He wants this time with his wife, he really does, but the awkward silence is not helping. Time for some action, then!
The ensuing conversation between Fëanor and Nerdanel is probably going to be one of my favorite parts of this chapter. You can still see Fëanor's stubborn streak even as he tries to accommodate what he's sensing from his wife. And the fact he still knows her that well! But I did notice Nerdanel said nothing about knowing her husband as well as he knows her. I wonder if this was intentional, because it would really fit how they later drift apart.

“Knock it off. You’re a horrible liar,” Moryo scolded him, scowling.

Your Honor, I love this boy. He has all the brain cells in this group.

Fëanáro sighed loudly. “That is the opposite of what you should have done. You should have gone east first precisely because there is less ground to cover. You could have eliminated the possibility quickly. Come, let’s find Kanafinwë and Curufinwë, and I will design a more efficient method of search.”

One third of Fëanor's brain right here: agh, I wanted time with my wife
The second third: where the heck is Tyelko???
The final third: Strategy! 🤓

Still, Atar might be more likely to understand than Nelyo or anyone else, so he did his best to explain. “Tyelkormo has barely breathed a word to me recently. I don’t understand what’s going on in his mind. I have no more useful information than anyone else, and thus, cannot make an informed guess.”

Sure enough, Fëanáro’s expression changed from a look of hardened focus to a gentler, more sympathetic gaze. “You are in the dark as much as we are, then. However, you still have your ability to reason logically, so if you come up with any ideas based on your limited information, please tell me.”

Curvo nodded, feeling as though some sort of uncomfortably tight screw in his body had been loosened, and his muscles relaxed. Finally, he was released of this expectation to read Tyelko’s mind. Nelyo seemed able to read everyone’s mind, and was probably frustrated with Curvo for lacking the ability. However, Fëanáro was more like Curvo, preferring observable facts over attempting to read the complex and often self-contradictory feelings and moods of others.

I love this way of showing how close Fëanor and Curufin are, even in personality. And look! Behold! Fëanor understands limitations! He has compassion!
He loves his childrens 🥰🥰🥰

“Nelyafinwë has an intelligent brain in his head, and he will not be stupid enough to leave home while he is still wounded.

You wish, Fëanor. We all wish. Except Aranya. She almost wishes.

The silence weighed heavier and heavier on Tyelko’s heart, especially as he realized these were among his last moments of spending time with his beloved hound.

The deadpan expression of exasperation I have on my face right now. This boy should know better. He would know better, if He Bothered To Ask Questions And Communicate.
Part of what truly frustrates me about this event is how badly it could damage Tyelko and Huan's relationship with each other. Of course, Tyelko's not really thinking about that, since he's sure he'll never see Huan again, anyway. But we know otherwise, and this could cause a breach between the two which may never really heal.

Normally, his winning strategy was to ask for something and throw a fit if he didn’t get his way. So, he decided to just walk up to the nearest mariner, who was tending the sails of one of the mighty swan-boats.

Oh my. This is going to go amazingly well. 😃

The Teler looked peeved, with his silver brows creasing and a faint scowl crossing his lips. He shook his head in disapproval. “You need some time under the stars.”

“Excuse me?”

“Time under the stars. Exactly what it sounds like.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Are you not from around here?” the Teler said incredulously.

How fascinating. An example of regional phrases and their differences. Alqualondë, it seems, has a visible(or audible XD) cultural difference Tyelko can't understand.

“I’m not saying you are, young one. But whenever one of us is angry or hurt or in despair, it is often because we have not spent enough time with the stars. Gazing at them in silence. Contemplating how they, though beautiful and splendid in their own right, point to the greater beauty and splendor of those who created them. Varda, and ultimately Eru Ilúvatar.”

“Oh, so now you’re making this all about the Valar!” Tyelko’s face flushed and he stood up, preparing to leave, but the Teler put a gentle hand on his arm.

First of all, I really like this Teler. Whoever he is, he values meditation and contemplation very much, and I would feel at ease around him.
Second: now I get the phrase! That's such a lovely thought put into casual words!
Third: how interesting on Tyelko's part. Even though the Kin-Sundering is a long ways away, and Finwë still lives, we can see the dismissal of the Valar which Fëanor's family holds in their hearts.

Things he didn’t want to think about. Like his family, and how they might have all been searching for him. How Timo was probably still suffering and in pain because of him. Well, they would all be better off without him. They’d grieve at first, but they’d quickly grow accustomed to the absence of Tyelkormo and his hot temper.

why are you like this
He would not feel the same way as he thinks his family will if one of his brothers had gone missing instead of himself. Curufinwë, for example, or Morifinwë.

Huan looked up at Tyelko and uttered a happy bark.

Tyelko’s face paled and his heart crashed into the pit of his stomach.

He heard only a hollow bark, and understood no words.

See?! See?! That's what you're giving up! It's awful! And you would never get it back!
To be fair to Tyelko, he wasn't anticipating never being able to understand Huan again, he was just going to give up his best friend.
Still, that is an awful moment....
I cannot wait for Fëanor to find his boy.

Beleg_Cúthalion · Feb 3, 2026

I really liked the new chapter! It was a very good read.

Fëanáro casually pointed out some caves which he had once explored and mined for gems or metal. Nerdanel listened and nodded, but she didn’t have much to say in response. She hadn’t been around for most of these expeditions he described.

I found this funny because it sounds like something Feanor would do. I just imagined Nerdanel saying "Oh yes" "Very intersting" "How intriguing" and things of the sort. Imagining Feanor talking and Nerdanel nodding seemed funny to me.

“Um, no reason, Atar,” Telvo said, his face flushing, and he squirmed in his saddle and fidgeted with his reins. “We were just—having fun—”

“Knock it off. You’re a horrible liar,” Moryo scolded him, scowling.

The excuse Amras used was not, dare I say, brilliant. Caranthir's response is hilarious too, because unlike Amrod and Amras, he is good at scheming and making up stories, so the fact he was judging Telvo's ability to lie sounds like something he would do.

“Curvo bristled at the question. Why did everyone, even his Atar, have to keep asking him that? Still, Atar might be more likely to understand than Nelyo or anyone else, so he did his best to explain. “Tyelkormo has barely breathed a word to me recently. I don’t understand what’s going on in his mind. I have no more useful information than anyone else, and thus, cannot make an informed guess.”

Poor Curvo. At least he knows that Feanor will understand him.

Only Makalaurë and Nerdanel shared an uneasy glance, both knowing Maitimo well enough to disagree with Fëanáro’s assessment. While Laurë resented Fëanáro essentially calling Maitimo stupid, he also knew full well that Maitimo’s intelligence was mostly in the areas of academics and diplomacy, and not in, well, common sense. Laurë couldn’t fault him there, since he was inclined the same way. Honestly, so was pretty much everyone in this family. Besides, he wasn’t sure Maitimo would be able to endure the stress of waiting home alone for all his missing brothers, even if he knew it would be stupid to go out searching for them. If his past patterns of behavior were any indicator, Maitimo would always put his brothers’ needs first, and his own needs last.

Nerdanel and Laure know that Maitimo isn't the sort to just wait and see if his brothers come home late. Maedhros will make sure his siblings are okay at all costs. Maitimo knows it would be stupid to go out and look his brothers that had scattered looking for Tyelko, but he would do it anyway. I'm glad that quality of his is written there. It's one of my favorites, and one he would certainly have, being the eldest of seven siblings.

Nerdanel silently sent a prayer to Eru Ilúvatar and the Valar, asking them to give Maitimo some peace in his heart, and to prevent him from doing anything foolish.

Good job Nerdanel. That's all you can do for now. You know he's going to end up looking for them, though.

And Tyelko blended in here. In Tirion, his head of silver hair stuck out almost as badly as those of his redheaded mother and brothers. But here in Alqualondë, many of the Teleri had silver hair, so no one glanced at him as he entered the city.

This is true, Tyelko probably felt self-conscious, considering not many Noldor had silver hair. It must have been relieving for his hair color not to stand out as much.

“I didn’t mean the swan boats,” Tyelko shot back, his face reddening. “Real swans aren’t like that, anyway. They’re obnoxious and they bite people. They’re not as nice as you make them out to be.”

This made me laugh because I know people who have been chased by swans. Tyelko really needs to learn to have manners when he's cranky though, even though his statement is true.

Huan looked up at Tyelko and uttered a happy bark.

Tyelko’s face paled and his heart crashed into the pit of his stomach.

He heard only a hollow bark, and understood no words.

My stomach dropped when I read this. He really needs time under the stars. I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Server Room Gremlin · Feb 6, 2026

He paused and frowned after one such instance, noticing her quietness. “Are you still angry with me, love?”

“No,” she told him, and unlike many recent times, she spoke truthfully.

Oof, that kinda stings to read. 😖

A bittersweet smile crossed her features. Part of her wished she had asked Fëanáro to wait, so she could stay with Maitimo a little longer. How was he faring now? She wasn’t sure she had much rational reason to worry, since he was recovering well and the healers were watching over him. But why was there still a knot in her stomach when she thought of him?

Nerdanel is still worried about Maitimo's emotional health no doubt. Even if his body is getting better, he is an anxious and sensitive bean and she does not want to leave him alone.

“No. No,” Nerdanel reassured him, despite this accurate naming of her feelings and intuitions. She could read hurt in his words, and too many times since they became parents, she had neglected him in favor of the children. “I know it is not rational for me to worry too much, since he is faring so much better, and the healers are caring for him diligently. I only ask for a little patience if my mind wanders elsewhere.” Putting a hand on his muscular arm, she added, “You deserve my time and my love every bit as much as Maitimo does.”

🥺

Fëanor and Nerdanel having some time alone together is very sweet to read about, even if it is short-lived.

Fëanáro sighed loudly. “That is the opposite of what you should have done. You should have gone east first precisely because there is less ground to cover. You could have eliminated the possibility quickly. Come, let’s find Kanafinwë and Curufinwë, and I will design a more efficient method of search.”

Despite Fëanor's often abrupt outer manner, and his stubborn nature, you can tell his heart is in the right place regarding his loved ones. He did not even hesitate to drop his current plans and take over the search for Tyelko. It's not even a thought in his mind.

Curvo nodded, feeling as though some sort of uncomfortably tight screw in his body had been loosened, and his muscles relaxed. Finally, he was released of this expectation to read Tyelko’s mind. Nelyo seemed able to read everyone’s mind, and was probably frustrated with Curvo for lacking the ability. However, Fëanáro was more like Curvo, preferring observable facts over attempting to read the complex and often self-contradictory feelings and moods of others.

*pat pats the poor lil Curvo*

Curufin is pretty good at predicting how others will think and act, and he takes this into account when dealing with them. And he does pay close attention to what their facial expressions are saying. So he does appear to 'read minds', in his own way.
But this only works if he has observed the behaviour and witnessed each cause and effect before. With new and unexpected situations or emotions, he'll most likely be at a loss.
So I guess Curvo is often confused during his youth, since he doesn't have as much experience with people and all the various things they think, feel and do. 🥺

Nelyo seemed able to read everyone’s mind, and was probably frustrated with Curvo for lacking the ability.

This is very much the kind of thing Curvo would think. When lacking further knowledge, or when stressed out or upset so he can't think in his usual calculating manner, he defaults to assuming people think/feel in the same way he does.

When Curvo is trying to explain to someone how to do something, and they don't seem to get it, even though he is explaining or showing them very precisely and clearly, he does start feeling frustrated under the surface. Because somehow they still don't get the logic, and he's like 'well now what do I do?'.

So he assumes the same happens with his brother: Maitimo is good at dealing with people using a particular method or an emotional wavelength that Curvo doesn't understand or have much access to, and so he must get frustrated when Curvo doesn't do the same, or does 'the wrong thing'.

To Tyelko’s great surprise, he felt… a sort of calm being here. Being on the other side of the eastern mountains of Valinórë, the Trees did not shine as brightly here. The silver-gold light of the Trees was a dim glow, just enough to light the streets. This allowed Tyelko to see the black, velvety sky above, twinkling with silver stars.

Seeee, Tyelko? Time under the stars is already doing you good. 😉

“No. I know I’m in Alqualondë. The overly nice swan boats kind of give it away. And by the way, I came here on purpose.”

I can hear Tyelko's grumpy, abrupt tone just through his words. So many big, unpleasant feelings to carry alone, poor lil guy. And it just comes out as stubbornness and hot temper. Similar to Fëanor really, from whom his sons likely inherited this tendency, to a greater or lesser extent.

Tyelko scowled deeply in an effort to suppress the tears welling up in his throat. He wouldn’t allow some random Telerin sailor to get to his feelings! He wouldn’t!

🥺 😔

Things he didn’t want to think about. Like his family, and how they might have all been searching for him. How Timo was probably still suffering and in pain because of him. Well, they would all be better off without him. They’d grieve at first, but they’d quickly grow accustomed to the absence of Tyelkormo and his hot temper.

No, clearly not. They are indeed looking for you at this moment, bro, and they won't stop looking. 🥺
And believe me, Timo would be suffering even more if he lost you. And Curvo would never grow accustomed to your absence.

Ah, poor Tyelko. He's in such a tight spot by the end of this chapter. He probably doesn't know where to turn anymore, or what to do.

Maedhros_Nelyafinwë · Feb 8, 2026

WatcherWraith said:
This is a great intro. The atmosphere, the real surroundings, the feelings of both characters, are so eloquently given here. It also set the pacing not only of the journey, but of the chapter. Both the readers and the characters are allowed to steep in a sense of calm which will foundationally carry them through the rest of the chapter.

Thank you! I'm a big believer in balanced pacing. Fast-paced action moments need to be balanced out with slower-paced fluff moments or times when characters can slow down and process what's going on. And plenty more action is coming soon!

WatcherWraith said:
It's truly precious how it's Fëanor who tries to break the ice. He wants this time with his wife, he really does, but the awkward silence is not helping. Time for some action, then!
The ensuing conversation between Fëanor and Nerdanel is probably going to be one of my favorite parts of this chapter. You can still see Fëanor's stubborn streak even as he tries to accommodate what he's sensing from his wife. And the fact he still knows her that well!

Yes! Even though I do see Fëanor as more on the harsh side in general, he still has a big heart for his family, and I think he's deserving of some more sympathetic moments so the reader doesn't totally see him as a villain, based on his extreme reactions in the previous chapters.

WatcherWraith said:
But I did notice Nerdanel said nothing about knowing her husband as well as he knows her. I wonder if this was intentional, because it would really fit how they later drift apart.

Interesting, I didn't think of that!

WatcherWraith said:
Your Honor, I love this boy. He has all the brain cells in this group.

Lol! I interpret his main character trait as Honesty, which can be for good or for ill depending on the circumstances. You'll see more of that in Arc 4.

WatcherWraith said:
You wish, Fëanor. We all wish. Except Aranya. She almost wishes.

Hehe! If she gets to see Maitimo and dote on him, she's not exactly disappointed!

WatcherWraith said:
The deadpan expression of exasperation I have on my face right now. This boy should know better. He would know better, if He Bothered To Ask Questions And Communicate.
Part of what truly frustrates me about this event is how badly it could damage Tyelko and Huan's relationship with each other. Of course, Tyelko's not really thinking about that, since he's sure he'll never see Huan again, anyway. But we know otherwise, and this could cause a breach between the two which may never really heal.

Yeah, he's not really in the mental state to be thinking rationally right now!

WatcherWraith said:
First of all, I really like this Teler. Whoever he is, he values meditation and contemplation very much, and I would feel at ease around him.
Second: now I get the phrase! That's such a lovely thought put into casual words!
Third: how interesting on Tyelko's part. Even though the Kin-Sundering is a long ways away, and Finwë still lives, we can see the dismissal of the Valar which Fëanor's family holds in their hearts.

I'm so glad you liked the Teler and the phrase! I love doing cultural worldbuilding, and even though Tolkien already did most of his own, I still enjoyed getting to explore Alqualondë in more detail.

And my brain is also running ahead to wondering what this Teler's fate would be in the First Kinslaying. 🥺

WatcherWraith said:
why are you like this
He would not feel the same way as he thinks his family will if one of his brothers had gone missing instead of himself. Curufinwë, for example, or Morifinwë.

WatcherWraith said:
See?! See?! That's what you're giving up! It's awful! And you would never get it back!
To be fair to Tyelko, he wasn't anticipating never being able to understand Huan again, he was just going to give up his best friend.
Still, that is an awful moment....
I cannot wait for Fëanor to find his boy.

Very true! He needs somebody to talk some sense into him. Except that he's not really in the mental state to listen to anyone. He has to get there on his own!

Beleg_Cúthalion said:
I found this funny because it sounds like something Feanor would do. I just imagined Nerdanel saying "Oh yes" "Very intersting" "How intriguing" and things of the sort. Imagining Feanor talking and Nerdanel nodding seemed funny to me.

Hehe, yes! Fëanor is a nerd at his core and he's excited to do a bit of infodumping with his wife. Which she appreciates, but when she's not knowledgeable on the topic herself (since she is also a major nerd), she doesn't know what to say.

Beleg_Cúthalion said:
The excuse Amras used was not, dare I say, brilliant. Caranthir's response is hilarious too, because unlike Amrod and Amras, he is good at scheming and making up stories, so the fact he was judging Telvo's ability to lie sounds like something he would do.

Lol! Actually, I see Curufin as the main Schemer of the 3C's, and Caranthir is much more straightforward and always says what's on his mind. So I think he's good at calling out dishonesty in others.

Beleg_Cúthalion said:
Nerdanel and Laure know that Maitimo isn't the sort to just wait and see if his brothers come home late. Maedhros will make sure his siblings are okay at all costs. Maitimo knows it would be stupid to go out and look his brothers that had scattered looking for Tyelko, but he would do it anyway. I'm glad that quality of his is written there. It's one of my favorites, and one he would certainly have, being the eldest of seven siblings.

Yes, exactly! He knows it's stupid and does it anyway because he loves his brothers that much. I agree with you that this is one of Maitimo's main character traits!

Beleg_Cúthalion said:
This made me laugh because I know people who have been chased by swans. Tyelko really needs to learn to have manners when he's cranky though, even though his statement is true.

Lol! Geese and swans are definitely not birds you want to mess with. And Tyelko, being so well-versed in knowledge of all the animals, is well aware of this. Funny, I think we could draw some parallels between Tyelko and swans: pretty and whitish in coloring, but aggressive and prone to biting people. 😂

Server Room Gremlin said:
Oof, that kinda stings to read. 😖

Yeah, it's sad to see the damage of all their fighting. 🥺

Server Room Gremlin said:
Nerdanel is still worried about Maitimo's emotional health no doubt. Even if his body is getting better, he is an anxious and sensitive bean and she does not want to leave him alone.

Definitely! I imagine, in addition to her motherly instincts, she has strong Fe (that's where Maitimo got it from) and she can probably feel his anxiety as though it's her own.

Server Room Gremlin said:
Curufin is pretty good at predicting how others will think and act, and he takes this into account when dealing with them. And he does pay close attention to what their facial expressions are saying. So he does appear to 'read minds', in his own way.
But this only works if he has observed the behaviour and witnessed each cause and effect before. With new and unexpected situations or emotions, he'll most likely be at a loss.
So I guess Curvo is often confused during his youth, since he doesn't have as much experience with people and all the various things they think, feel and do. 🥺

And especially when one of the people he knows best has suddenly started to behave totally differently, poor Curvo is disoriented indeed!

Server Room Gremlin said:
This is very much the kind of thing Curvo would think. When lacking further knowledge, or when stressed out or upset so he can't think in his usual calculating manner, he defaults to assuming people think/feel in the same way he does.

When Curvo is trying to explain to someone how to do something, and they don't seem to get it, even though he is explaining or showing them very precisely and clearly, he does start feeling frustrated under the surface. Because somehow they still don't get the logic, and he's like 'well now what do I do?'.

So he assumes the same happens with his brother: Maitimo is good at dealing with people using a particular method or an emotional wavelength that Curvo doesn't understand or have much access to, and so he must get frustrated when Curvo doesn't do the same, or does 'the wrong thing'.

If only Curvo knew he really doesn't need to stress about Maitimo feeling that way about him! Maitimo understands that all his brothers have different personalities and means of communicating, and he always tries to accommodate them (within reason; if he feels strongly that one of them acted wrongly, he'll call them out.) But don't worry, little bro. Timo doesn't fault you for not being a mind-reader!

Server Room Gremlin said:
I can hear Tyelko's grumpy, abrupt tone just through his words. So many big, unpleasant feelings to carry alone, poor lil guy. And it just comes out as stubbornness and hot temper. Similar to Fëanor really, from whom his sons likely inherited this tendency, to a greater or lesser extent.

True! The apparent short-temperedness is really just a mask for his deeper feelings.

Server Room Gremlin said:
No, clearly not. They are indeed looking for you at this moment, bro, and they won't stop looking. 🥺
And believe me, Timo would be suffering even more if he lost you. And Curvo would never grow accustomed to your absence.

Ah, poor Tyelko. He's in such a tight spot by the end of this chapter. He probably doesn't know where to turn anymore, or what to do.

💯

Thank you all for your comments! I really enjoyed all of your different perspectives and interpretations of these events. The next chapter is a very cute one, so stay tuned!

WatcherWraith · Feb 8, 2026

And my brain is also running ahead to wondering what this Teler's fate would be in the First Kinslaying. 🥺

If you kill him off, I will weep profusely.
We have a dearth of beautiful-minded elves right now, and to lose him would be a pity.

Maedhros_Nelyafinwë · Apr 26, 2026

At long last, I've finally updated again! This chapter is another one of my favorites, not for any super profound reason, but just because hurt-comfort is my jam. Hope you enjoy, and I look forward to your thoughts!

WatcherWraith · Apr 26, 2026

Maitimo, seeing this, raised his eyebrows slightly. “Is that the fellow?” he whispered.

“That’s the fellow.”

Welp. That's the fellow. The Garlic Fool.

Arcamë, mercifully, was quick to notice this tension. “Tecno, dear, why don’t you go fetch us the numbing salve?”

I don't recall: why is this ellon tolerated when he is so commonly inconsiderate and oblivious?

Unfortunately, Tecno was quick to return with the numbing salve. His lips were pursed in a smug smile as he handed the mixing cup to Arcamë. “My lady Arcamë, I was wondering, as I am always seeking opportunities to refine my stitching skills, if I might have the honor of doing these stitches?”

Take up sewing. You'll get plenty of practice. And it'll be out of sight. Just please, confine yourself to perfume bags. You need them.

“Don’t look at the wound or what my hands are doing,” Aranya told Maitimo, hoping her voice was remaining steady, not so much from fear this time, but from excitement. “Focus instead on the bunnies and kittens I’ve embroidered onto my robes.”

Maitimo nodded and smiled faintly as he focused his gaze on the intricately embroidered woodland critters adorning the collar of her robes. He remembered when she had embroidered most of these, as she often brought her embroidery hoop to their picnics. Just one little bird or squirrel often took weeks to embroider. They each had a blend of different colored threads, depicting the fur of the animals with uncanny realism. Aranya was almost always embroidering. She told Maitimo her hands were always restless, even when she was trying to relax or talk to someone.

And yet, as much as Maitimo loved the artistic work of her hands, he found his eyes drawn upward to her face. To her intently focused eyes framed in dark lashes, and her soft lips and rosy cheeks.

First of all: 🥺

Second: Look! Her stitches are intricate! No wonder her hands are so skilled!

Third: 🥺🥺🥺 maitimo and aranya 💖💖💖

Aranya and Arcamë rolled their eyes at each other. Then Arcamë approached Maitimo with the draught, but Aranya put a hand on her arm. “Wait. May I see that?”

Arcamë blinked at her, seemingly puzzled. “Why? It’s just an ordinary draught to ease pain and promote sleep.”

“About that—” Maitimo spoke up, but neither of them seemed to hear him.

“I just want to verify it was made correctly,” Aranya said.

“Aranya, dear, why in all Arda wouldn’t it be? You know Tecno is incredibly precise when it comes to mixing medicines, and he has never made something incorrectly before.”

“Just… I don’t know, can I check it anyway?”

Excellent instincts, Aranya. I don't know how malevolent or resentful Tecno can be, but it's always, ALWAYS wise to check the work of a rival coworker.

Especially since he absorbed the feelings of others like a sponge...

Moment of autistic recognition(again, if it's actually there). Being very sensitive to the emotions of others is the trait of a strongly autistic relative of mine.

His family, she thought, was a shackle on his brilliant mind.

Makes me wonder what Aranya's relationship would have been with Maitimo's family had she actually been able to marry him at this stage.

But rather than just leaving him alone, Aranya sat by him again and hummed a soft melody, a healing lullaby her mother had taught her. And though her heart pounded a little, she reached for his curls and stroked them gently. It didn’t take him long to fall asleep.

How sweet! I love how naturally caring Aranya is, how all her instincts fit her work so well. I wonder what Nerdanel would say if she could see such a scene(possibly from behind the curtains or something, since both Aranya and Maitimo are way too cautious to do this in front of anybody else.

A lovely update(with a sprinkling of groaning garlic and odious onion)! Thank you :]

Maedhros_Nelyafinwë · Apr 26, 2026

WatcherWraith said:
I don't recall: why is this ellon tolerated when he is so commonly inconsiderate and oblivious?

Probably because the House of Nolofinwë is too nice! 😂 I feel like that's one of their weaknesses. Their kindness is great, but sometimes they tolerate bad behavior more than they should.

WatcherWraith said:
Take up sewing. You'll get plenty of practice. And it'll be out of sight. Just please, confine yourself to perfume bags. You need them.

Ha!!! 🤣

WatcherWraith said:
Excellent instincts, Aranya. I don't know how malevolent or resentful Tecno can be, but it's always, ALWAYS wise to check the work of a rival coworker.

Very true, since Tecno has a serious attitude problem regarding Maitimo!

WatcherWraith said:
Moment of autistic recognition(again, if it's actually there). Being very sensitive to the emotions of others is the trait of a strongly autistic relative of mine.

👀 Again, I'm fascinated to hear this, because this is the biggest trait Maitimo directly inherited from me. In fact, I can actually appear rather low-empathy because I really strongly absorb and internalize the emotions of others, and then I get overwhelmed and avoid the person who's having a bad time. I think being more extroverted, Maitimo is better able to engage with his loved ones' distress. But his acute sensitivity to, and anxiety about, other people's emotions, is the biggest trait we have in common.

Your comment made me think of something else. In this chapter, we see Maitimo more unmasked, since his injuries and exhaustion have lowered his inhibitions. And he totally misinterprets the healers when they ask him what's wrong. His response is very literal: "My brothers are missing!"

WatcherWraith said:
Makes me wonder what Aranya's relationship would have been with Maitimo's family had she actually been able to marry him at this stage.

In Arc 4, you'll get to find out, in a sense!

WatcherWraith said:
How sweet! I love how naturally caring Aranya is, how all her instincts fit her work so well. I wonder what Nerdanel would say if she could see such a scene(possibly from behind the curtains or something, since both Aranya and Maitimo are way too cautious to do this in front of anybody else.

Ooh, very good points.

WatcherWraith said:
A lovely update(with a sprinkling of groaning garlic and odious onion)! Thank you :]

Glad you enjoyed it, and thank you as well for your comments!

Beleg_Cúthalion · Apr 26, 2026

Maitimo, seeing this, raised his eyebrows slightly. “Is that the fellow?” he whispered.

“That’s the fellow.”

The fact that Aranya talked to Maitimo about Tecno being annoying is something I find really funny.

Maitimo had never pitied Aranya more than he did in that moment, especially since he now felt like his own personal space was being violated too. Was this what she had to put up with every day?

I pity her too Maitimo.

Aranya’s face flushed and her dark eyes glinted with fury. Maitimo was almost worried for Tecno—though now he could see the overbearing young nér must have deserved whatever Aranya had coming for him—but thankfully, Arcamë spoke up before any heated words could be exchanged. “Thank you for offering. However, I’d like to give this task to Aranya.”

Ha! The fact that Maitimo is worried for Tecno is hilarious 🤣. He knows Aranya will slap him in the face if she needs to.

“No,” Maitimo said with a firm shake of his head. The motion made the room seem to tilt and spin all the faster, but he didn’t care. “I know Aranya, and I trust her.”

Aranya’s eyes lit up and she smiled widely, but she couldn’t express the extent of her delight. Instead, she was forced to remain serene as Arcamë handed her the cup of numbing poultice and took a few steps back.

Aww 🥹

Maitimo nodded and smiled faintly as he focused his gaze on the intricately embroidered woodland critters adorning the collar of her robes. He remembered when she had embroidered most of these, as she often brought her embroidery hoop to their picnics. Just one little bird or squirrel often took weeks to embroider. They each had a blend of different colored threads, depicting the fur of the animals with uncanny realism. Aranya was almost always embroidering. She told Maitimo her hands were always restless, even when she was trying to relax or talk to someone.

And yet, as much as Maitimo loved the artistic work of her hands, he found his eyes drawn upward to her face. To her intently focused eyes framed in dark lashes, and her soft lips and rosy cheeks.

Aranya’s work was quick and skillful. Maitimo didn’t feel a thing, and she was finished stitching within a few minutes.

How I wish Aranya had given me stitches the one time I needed them! Maitimo had a far better experience than I 😂

Tecno waited a short distance away with the draught he had made. “Can I give it to him yet?” he asked with a whiny air of impatience.

Yet? Maitimo wondered. Then he realized, perhaps Tecno had been consistently offering the draught as Aranya worked, and Arcamë had kept them shielded from his pestering.

The fact he is so eager to give Maitimo a draught is disturbing.

Aranya and Arcamë rolled their eyes at each other. Then Arcamë approached Maitimo with the draught, but Aranya put a hand on her arm. “Wait. May I see that?”

I agree with you Aranya. I would not trust that draught either- especially since Tecno seemed so eager to give it to Maitimo.

Aranya nodded, and Arcamë turned to leave, and then both the healers gasped. Maitimo had gotten out of bed and was trying to stand up fully. His stance was incredibly shaky.

Still being stubborn Maitimo, eh? You have too good a heart for your own good.

Aranya pulled up a chair next to Maitimo’s bed and pulled out her embroidery hoop. This design featured a mother duck followed by her seven ducklings, of which only two and a half were complete. “I suppose you won’t be able to sleep or anything while this problem with your brothers is yet unresolved.”

He nodded. “I knew it might be dangerous to go out and search for them. And I tried to sleep at home, truly, but I tossed and turned for hours. I couldn’t stop worrying about them, and I still can’t.”

I also find embroidering very relaxing.
Maitimo is so sweet. He really needs to take better care of himself though. He's more accident prone than I am!

Aranya nodded and sighed as she considered all this. Though she couldn’t relate to the way Maitimo carried the burdens of his brothers, since she had no siblings, she knew how she felt on the rare occasion when her parents fought. To hear them raising their voices at each other from behind closed doors, or to see one of them cast a nasty glare at the other, it put a sick feeling in her stomach. Normally, her solution was to get out of the house and run in the forest or tend the garden. And now, since she boarded at the House of Nolofinwë, she was rarely home, so she rarely experienced that problem anymore. She couldn’t imagine living in a situation like Maitimo’s, where the conflict between his parents was near constant, and he couldn’t leave because his brothers depended on him. Especially since he absorbed the feelings of others like a sponge, this seemed to her like a poison constantly dripping into him. It was small wonder, she realized, that he was so anxious and exhausted all the time.

He would never consider such a possibility because he loved his family too much, but Aranya wanted him out of there.

I'm glad Aranya understands that for Maitimo, not absorbing the feelings of others and trying to relax is a lot easier said than done.

She had a thought, but kept it to herself because it would have grieved Maitimo too much. He should have sent guards out to search rather than going himself. It really was as simple as that. She would let him figure it out on his own later. Right now, she couldn’t bear to heap any more guilt on him than what he already carried.

I'm glad Aranya isn't telling Maitimo everything he could have done to keep his brothers safe. She understands it's too late now, and telling Maitimo will only guilt him more. Instead, she's trying to comfort him- that's a sign of a very good friend (perhaps more).

So what about other possibilities? Are there other explanations, ones that do not have a disastrous outcome?”

Good! Aranya is helping Maitimo think more realistically.

But rather than just leaving him alone, Aranya sat by him again and hummed a soft melody, a healing lullaby her mother had taught her. And though her heart pounded a little, she reached for his curls and stroked them gently. It didn’t take him long to fall asleep.

Once his breathing had fallen into a steady rhythm, Aranya laid a hand on his forehead. Still hot, but not nearly as much as before. Aranya suspected his fëa wouldn’t settle down completely until he knew for certain what had happened to his brothers. But he had at least settled down and realized there was nothing more he could do, and Aranya was thankful for that. She whispered a prayer of thanks to Estë for guiding her through this.

🥺

I really enjoyed reading this chapter! It was very sweet, and also quite funny!

Server Room Gremlin · Apr 26, 2026

He would never consider such a possibility because he loved his family too much, but Aranya wanted him out of there. She wanted to see him become a powerful lord of Tirion in his own right and establish a House of his own. He was more than capable of such a thing, and already headed down that path thanks to his achievements in the city council. And he had accomplished so much despite being barely one hundred! His family, she thought, was a shackle on his brilliant mind. She could only imagine what he would have been capable of if he weren’t forced to babysit and endure family conflicts and sacrifice sleep all the time. The House of Nelyafinwë… it had a nice ring to it.

Comparing that mental image to the current circumstances nearly brought tears to Aranya’s eyes. She firmly shook her head and returned her focus to the present moment.

I find it curious to see Aranya's perspective on this, and how different it is from Maitimo's. I'm reading this as Aranya knowing Maitimo's personality quite well, and very much wanting to look out for his personal wellbeing, but also not quite being at the point of deeper understanding (which would be built over the course of a longer relationship).

While Maitimo does want to become successful in his personal accomplishments, and he would certainly appreciate a reduced burden on his time and energy, I doubt he'd think of his family as a 'shackle'. His family is important to him, and he genuinely wants to invest his time in building his relationships with his brothers. Unfortunately, in his current family situation, this task is proving to be much more strenuous than usual...

Bro needs a rest. And he gets one in this chapter, even if he's still worried and not in the best shape. 🥺

Aranya pulled up a chair next to Maitimo’s bed and pulled out her embroidery hoop. This design featured a mother duck followed by her seven ducklings, of which only two and a half were complete. “I suppose you won’t be able to sleep or anything while this problem with your brothers is yet unresolved.”

He nodded. “I knew it might be dangerous to go out and search for them. And I tried to sleep at home, truly, but I tossed and turned for hours. I couldn’t stop worrying about them, and I still can’t.”

“So what happened, exactly? Start from the beginning. Why did your brothers leave?”

I was actually reading the chapter out loud to myself, starting from the point where Aranya and Maitimo were left alone together. Dialogue lends itself well to reading aloud. I really liked the voices that came out as I did so. Maitimo's voice is soft and sad, and he speaks smoothly even though he's feeling upset and there's a tense/frustrated edge in his tone. But even with that frustration, his voice is naturally warm, and not sharp or unpleasant. By contrast, Aranya's voice sounds sharper, but it's simply because she's being direct and matter-of-fact, and not because she's scolding him or anything. Also because she speaks more quickly.

Maitimo's concern and helplessness is very clearly felt in this chapter, poor bro. I felt sad to see him fall asleep with still no answers as to what happened with his brothers. :<

Maedhros_Nelyafinwë · May 25, 2026

Beleg_Cúthalion said:
The fact that Aranya talked to Maitimo about Tecno being annoying is something I find really funny.

Oh yeah, she vents to Maitimo all the time!

Beleg_Cúthalion said:
Ha! The fact that Maitimo is worried for Tecno is hilarious 🤣. He knows Aranya will slap him in the face if she needs to.

Only the Healer's Code has prevented her from doing that all these years!

Beleg_Cúthalion said:
How I wish Aranya had given me stitches the one time I needed them! Maitimo had a far better experience than I 😂

😬 Yikes! For your sake, I wish that were the case too!

Beleg_Cúthalion said:
The fact he is so eager to give Maitimo a draught is disturbing.

Yeah. Annoying at best, creepy at worst!

Beleg_Cúthalion said:
I also find embroidering very relaxing.
Maitimo is so sweet. He really needs to take better care of himself though. He's more accident prone than I am!

Yeah, he needs to find that balance between caring for his bros and caring for himself!

Beleg_Cúthalion said:
I really enjoyed reading this chapter! It was very sweet, and also quite funny!

Good, I'm glad you enjoyed it! I love walking a fine line between silliness and seriousness. The silliness gives the seriousness more weight, and vice versa.

Server Room Gremlin said:
I find it curious to see Aranya's perspective on this, and how different it is from Maitimo's. I'm reading this as Aranya knowing Maitimo's personality quite well, and very much wanting to look out for his personal wellbeing, but also not quite being at the point of deeper understanding (which would be built over the course of a longer relationship).

While Maitimo does want to become successful in his personal accomplishments, and he would certainly appreciate a reduced burden on his time and energy, I doubt he'd think of his family as a 'shackle'. His family is important to him, and he genuinely wants to invest his time in building his relationships with his brothers. Unfortunately, in his current family situation, this task is proving to be much more strenuous than usual...

Very true! Additionally, IC&SF's main theme of "a certain point of view" is once again coming into play here. Aranya has never really met Maitimo's family. She only knows what he's telling her, and without any other context, she's then concluding he has kind of a toxic relationship with his family and would be better off without being obligated to them. Which, there is some truth to that in the sense that he doesn't have healthy boundaries, and his family obligations are a big reason for his burnout. But he certainly loves them too much to completely cut himself off from them, of course. So a bit of balance between Maitimo's view and Aranya's view would be best here.

Server Room Gremlin said:
I was actually reading the chapter out loud to myself, starting from the point where Aranya and Maitimo were left alone together. Dialogue lends itself well to reading aloud. I really liked the voices that came out as I did so. Maitimo's voice is soft and sad, and he speaks smoothly even though he's feeling upset and there's a tense/frustrated edge in his tone. But even with that frustration, his voice is naturally warm, and not sharp or unpleasant. By contrast, Aranya's voice sounds sharper, but it's simply because she's being direct and matter-of-fact, and not because she's scolding him or anything. Also because she speaks more quickly.

I love that! That's exactly how I imagine their voices. I don't read my dialogue out loud very often, but my goal is always for it to sound natural.

Server Room Gremlin said:
Maitimo's concern and helplessness is very clearly felt in this chapter, poor bro. I felt sad to see him fall asleep with still no answers as to what happened with his brothers. :<

Yeah! 🥺 I sure would hate to be in his situation. I've gotten terrible anxiety just from my parents being out later than they said they would be!

Maedhros_Nelyafinwë · Jun 7, 2026

Whoa, I can't believe it's been over a month since I last posted! The time slips rapidly past me. Here is another chapter update. This one was a rather tricky one to write, since I had to put a lot of conscious effort into resolving Tyelko's conflicts. Arc 2 is nearly at an end, with only 2 chapters left! Let me know if you find this a satisfying resolution to Tyelko's dilemma, and enjoy!

Beleg_Cúthalion · Jun 7, 2026

I enjoyed reading this chapter very much! Here are my thoughts on it.

Upon realizing he couldn’t understand Huan, Tyelko took a few staggering steps back and then sank to his knees. The ship and the stars spun dizzyingly around him, and if he weren’t so shocked, he might have wept.

He had just lost the one thing that no one else in his family had. The thing that made him special. The thing that made him Turcafinwë Tyelkormo.

If he couldn’t talk with the animals now, then who was he? No one, most likely.

“Oromë, why?” he cried out in a loud voice. “How could you do this to me? Haven’t I been through enough?”

There was no response. Typical of the Valar, to show up to rebuke him but not to help him.

Something warm and wet brushed up against his face—Huan’s tongue. Tyelko glanced up miserably into the face of his hound, with big brown eyes staring at him so warmly and sweetly as always.

“Is this a trick?” Tyelko said bitterly. “Say something, Huan. Say something!”

Huan only uttered some soft whimpering noises. Again, Tyelko could not understand.

Tyelko’s shock finally gave way to tears, and his body trembled as he wept.

🥺 I felt so bad for Tyelko here. Realizing he couldn't understand Huan must have been quite a shock for him.

But before they left the ship, Oromë raised his hand in farewell to the Teler sailor, who had climbed high up on the rigging to polish some of the higher beams of the sails. The Teler nodded deeply in return, and smiled at Tyelko, who ducked his head in shame.

I smiled when I read this. This scene painted a very pretty picture in my head.

And here was Oromë in his usual furs and leather, and his curly brown hair and beard, and his muscular arms clearly visible thanks to his sleeveless tunic. If Tyelko weren’t so upset, he would have laughed. Yet somehow, Oromë didn’t seem bothered by the curious stares he earned from the Teleri they passed.

I appreciate how you described Orome here. It helped me have a very clear picture of how the two of them walking through Alqualonde

Maybe it was because Tyelko’s eyes were tired and sore, but he found them welling up with tears. Though he couldn’t understand Huan’s speech anymore, he realized if he could, Huan was likely saying, Come cuddle with Huan, Tyelko.

🥺

“Turcafinwë!” Fëanáro was the first to speak, and Tyelko was surprised to detect a certain amount of warmth and relief in his father’s voice. That didn’t last, though, as his tone grew suddenly angry. “We’ve been searching for you since yesterday morning—”

I like how Feanor reacted to Tyelko being found. I think it's the way he would react.

He couldn’t resist his tears anymore, and Nerdanel quickly jumped up and threw her arms around him, holding his head close to her chest and stroking his hair. In that moment, Tyelko forgot why he should have been mad at his mother at all, and he held her tightly as he wept.

The twins also rushed over and joined in on the embrace.

🥺 This scene is one of my favorites. Nerdanel rushing to hug Tyelko just seems so sweet to me.

“Hopefully,” Laurë muttered dryly.

Laure, you did not need to say that.

“Nelyafinwë has enough intelligence to not do anything stupid. You have no place to question my judgement!”

I wouldn't be too sure of that. Nelyafinwe is intelligent, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't decide to go look for his brothers despite knowing it is not wise.

“If this is true…” Fëanáro’s voice was uncharacteristically quiet, and he looked at Oromë with a pleading gaze, as though begging him for some reassurance, but Oromë was silent. “If this is true, then I have erred twice and harmed Nelyafinwë twice. First by removing him from my father’s House too soon, and then by leaving him alone to worry. I realize now I could have sent one of my sons back home yesterday to tell him the news.”

Oh Feanor. He must feel terrible realizing what he caused to happen.

“If you need some extra help practicing—” Curvo regarded Tyelko with a stone-serious gaze— “I will do my very best to impersonate a bird.”

Tyelko burst out laughing so hard that he doubled over.

“You know, Curvo, I’d love to see your best attempt at that.”

🤣 Like Tyelko, I also burst out laughing reading this.

“Goodbye to you too,” Curvo said flatly. “I’d like to be able to breathe now, Tyelko.”

“Picky, picky.” Tyelko released him, and he returned to the others.

🥹 I'm glad they reconciled.

This was wonderful to read! Thank you!

WatcherWraith · Jun 8, 2026

“Oromë, why?” he cried out in a loud voice. “How could you do this to me? Haven’t I been through enough?”

There was no response. Typical of the Valar, to show up to rebuke him but not to help him.

He heard footsteps on the wooden planks of the ship, sounding as though they came from the Teler. “Go away!” Tyelko snapped. “The stars didn’t help me! You were wrong!”

“Was he, though?” The deep, resonant voice from behind didn’t sound like the Teler, and instead it was familiar. Tyelko didn’t even have to look up to recognize his master.

Interestingly enough, Oromë did show up. Look, there he is. You called to him, and he came.

Oromë gazed at him with an unreadable expression. “If you insist. We shall head south, then, to my woods.”

"We shall go home, then."

There was too much of Oromë's and Tyelko's conversation for me to quote all at once; I'd have to crop the entire thing into one quote. But it reminded me strongly of the struggles undergone by so many. Does the Lord truly care for us? If He does, why does He allow us to go through the pain we do? Why does He put us through trials we can scarcely endure? Why does He allow us to lose what we love?

And...Oromë doesn't answer, exactly. He just lets Tyelko sit in his confusion and pain. Is this helpful? Perhaps. Perhaps Oromë believes Tyelko to be one of those people who must clme up with his own answer.

The only other person he knew, besides himself and Huan, who loved cuddling that much, was Timo. And yet ironically, Timo didn’t appreciate Huan’s cuddling that much. Perhaps because it was typically accompanied by copious amounts of drool.

But then again… little brothers had been drooling all over Timo ever since Laurë was born, and that certainly didn’t diminish his enjoyment of their cuddling.

It's because they don't smell like dog, Tyelko. I think Maitimo prefers not to smell like dog breath and dog fur.

But out of the corner of his eye, he spotted the people he really didn’t want to talk to: his parents, and Makalaurë. And upon noticing Curufinwë arriving with the group, Tyelko closed his eyes. He couldn’t bear to face his favorite brother after all this.

“Turcafinwë!” Fëanáro was the first to speak, and Tyelko was surprised to detect a certain amount of warmth and relief in his father’s voice. That didn’t last, though, as his tone grew suddenly angry. “We’ve been searching for you since yesterday morning—”

“Tyelkormo will explain everything if given a few moments of patience and understanding,” Oromë interrupted. His voice was perhaps the only one even deeper and more resonant than that of Fëanáro. “I ask you all to withhold your anger and listen quietly.”

Fëanáro’s eyes glinted like a diamond in the firelight, and he opened his mouth as though to speak, but Nerdanel placed a hand on his arm and quietly shook her head. This, to Tyelko’s great surprise, seemed to be enough to keep Fëanáro silent.

Ah yes. De familys.
Fëanor, in my opinion, is still expressing his relief and love through his initial scolding. After all, if he didn't care about his son, why take the time to wait for him, to welcome him back, to correct his behavior?
But not everyone hears his intentions.
Perhaps Nerdanel does, but she also knows the correct time and place for them.

“I don’t even know where to begin,” he said.

“Chronological order would likely be easiest,” Moryo offered. “Start with the morning you left, perhaps. What were you doing?”

We love Morifinwë. Direct as a rock to the face, that fella.

“Fear not for Nelyafinwë. He is safe.” Oromë’s resonant voice cut through all the anxious murmuring amongst the family and silenced them. “However, Tyelkormo and Makalaurë are both correct in their judgment. Maitimo could not bear the worry of his entire family being missing, and he set out on his own search. I guided his horse to take him to a safe place. After all is resolved here, you must discover for yourselves where that safe place is.”

Now Fëanáro’s face drained white, and Makalaurë’s reddened with rage. Nerdanel closed her eyes, and tears trickled down her cheeks.

Fëanor: 🤯😨😵‍💫
Nerdanel: ☹️😩😫😭
Tyelko: 😢😥😓
Laurë: 🫠🙂‍↔️😐

Tyelko noticed Oromë looking long and hard at Makalaurë, but he remained moodily silent.

That boy ain't sayin' sorry anytime soon. Beware the gentle son whose wroth is finally kindled! For the ocean is slow to ebb.

“If you need some extra help practicing—” Curvo regarded Tyelko with a stone-serious gaze— “I will do my very best to impersonate a bird.”

Tyelko burst out laughing so hard that he doubled over.

“You know, Curvo, I’d love to see your best attempt at that.”

They emerged from the armory, laughing heartily, and Curvo carrying the finely sharpened blade. And they discovered the rest of their family tacking up their horses, preparing to leave. Their tent was disassembled and its parts loaded up into several bags, which the horses bore on their backs. Oromë accepted his blade back from Curvo with a nod of thanks, and he sheathed it in its scabbard.

Jokes, understanding, and sympathy are truly excellent ways to heal familial injuries : D

Curvo let out an unearthly screech, which Tyelko had no idea was possible to come out of his little brother’s lungs. Rustling noises of flapping wings, and squawking sounds, came from the nearby trees as hundreds of birds took off and flew away in fear.

...

“Curufinwë!” Fëanáro’s voice roared out from where he sat on his horse. “Are you coming?”

I will wager a thousand pounds Fëanor heard that and thought, "What in Eru's name are they up to now?! Not another screeching contest!"

And off they go, chasing the horse Tyelko once hunted. I wonder what the horse is thinking...

I enjoyed this chapter very much. Many things to think about in here, for sure!

Server Room Gremlin · Jun 23, 2026

Tyelko could practically hear Oromë frown through his disapproving hum. “No, that is not true. No one is a failure or worthless so long as they are alive. And aside from the inherent value you carry simply for being one of the Firstborn of Ilúvatar, you also have many worthy achievements of your own. For example, if it weren’t for you and your quick action, your brother might very well have gone to the Halls of Mandos.”

Poor Tyelko. That is the very root of all this, isn't it? How upset and traumatised he was at what happened to Maitimo. It's a common thing in the Fëanorian family (and perhaps even in general...) for so much rage and stubbornness and pride and impulsive action to be expressed, when at the root, the true cause is grief, and unhealed pain.

If someone had reached out to Tyelko with care and empathy beforehand, perhaps the pain could have been soothed, the emotions would not have reached such intense heights, and the consequences would have been so much less severe.

But then, with Tyelko's actions here, and how that turned out for him (and for them all!), there was the opportunity for greater grace and mercy to be given, and greater understanding to grow between the family members. And opportunity for humility to grow - each one recognises that they cannot be right all the time, and that they always have more to learn.

It does not last forever, perhaps, but it is good that they experienced it anyway. For a time, they understood each other and listened to each other more fully, and this remains a part of them, and a part of their lives, even if later on so many things unravel and fall apart.

The familiar feel of Huan’s coarse fur, and the view of his head bobbing back and forth as he ran, took Tyelko back to much fonder times. For a few minutes, it felt as though none of these things had happened. He and Huan were just out riding with Oromë again, chasing some stag or another.

He needs this, poor lil guy. 🥺

The trunks of these trees were so thick that Tyelko and Maitimo couldn’t have touched each other’s fingertips if they wrapped their arms around them.

Even here, his thoughts still gravitate towards Maitimo.

“If this is true…” Fëanáro’s voice was uncharacteristically quiet, and he looked at Oromë with a pleading gaze, as though begging him for some reassurance, but Oromë was silent. “If this is true, then I have erred twice and harmed Nelyafinwë twice. First by removing him from my father’s House too soon, and then by leaving him alone to worry. I realize now I could have sent one of my sons back home yesterday to tell him the news.”

It takes a lot for Fëanor to admit he was wrong about something. It shows the deep care he has for his sons. 🥺

Oromë nodded in agreement. “I would like someone skilled to sharpen a rather dull blade I have,” he said to the group. “Curufinwë, would you come with me and Tyelkormo?”

He nodded dully, still staring at the ground, and Tyelko’s heart twinged with guilt as Oromë led them to his armory. This place was a great stone hall, with walls and shelves stacked with spears and bows and arrows and daggers. Oromë handed a large hunting knife and a sharpening rock to Curvo, and then left the hall.

Curvo halfheartedly scraped at the blade, his movements lacking their normal concentration and efficiency.

Poor lil Curvo. :<

I really liked his and Tyelko's reunion. And I liked how it soon turned into joking and lightheartedness between them, after the heavier emotions had been worked through. Such separation hurts a lot, but they know each other well, and know the love they have for each other, and as such forgive each other quickly. It is easy to fall back into their old patterns of life together.

Curvo's deadpan but also silly humour is top notch. :>

Maedhros_Nelyafinwë · 2026-09-20T11:45:37-0400

Oops, I'm sorry, guys, I did not realize I hadn't replied to your comments yet! 3 months later, here we go!

Beleg_Cúthalion said:
I smiled when I read this. This scene painted a very pretty picture in my head.

Beleg_Cúthalion said:
I appreciate how you described Orome here. It helped me have a very clear picture of how the two of them walking through Alqualonde

I'm glad you enjoyed the descriptions! I feel like sensory descriptions are my weak point as a writer, so I have to put a lot of conscious effort into them.

Beleg_Cúthalion said:
🥺 This scene is one of my favorites. Nerdanel rushing to hug Tyelko just seems so sweet to me.

Aww, yes! And it turned into a big ole hug pile of Feanorians.

Beleg_Cúthalion said:
Laure, you did not need to say that.

😂 I think he did!

Beleg_Cúthalion said:
I wouldn't be too sure of that. Nelyafinwe is intelligent, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't decide to go look for his brothers despite knowing it is not wise.

Yeah, Maitimo knew it would be stupid, but he did it anyway out of love!

WatcherWraith said:
There was too much of Oromë's and Tyelko's conversation for me to quote all at once; I'd have to crop the entire thing into one quote. But it reminded me strongly of the struggles undergone by so many. Does the Lord truly care for us? If He does, why does He allow us to go through the pain we do? Why does He put us through trials we can scarcely endure? Why does He allow us to lose what we love?

And...Oromë doesn't answer, exactly. He just lets Tyelko sit in his confusion and pain. Is this helpful? Perhaps. Perhaps Oromë believes Tyelko to be one of those people who must clme up with his own answer.

Exactly! This is based very deeply on my own struggles and experience, and guess what, I still don't have these feelings resolved. I don't think I ever will. Orome not answering Tyelko as to why he had to suffer so much is pretty reminiscent of how God operates; we pretty much never get to know why a thing happens to us.

WatcherWraith said:
It's because they don't smell like dog, Tyelko. I think Maitimo prefers not to smell like dog breath and dog fur.

😂 I think Aranya is grateful for Maitimo's preference there!

WatcherWraith said:
Fëanor, in my opinion, is still expressing his relief and love through his initial scolding. After all, if he didn't care about his son, why take the time to wait for him, to welcome him back, to correct his behavior?

Oh, so true! He's a loving father, but not always the greatest at expressing his love in a way his sons can understand.

WatcherWraith said:
We love Morifinwë. Direct as a rock to the face, that fella.

I love him too! In Arc 4, he continues to be as direct as a rock to the face!

WatcherWraith said:
That boy ain't sayin' sorry anytime soon. Beware the gentle son whose wroth is finally kindled! For the ocean is slow to ebb.

Again, so true! I feel like Maglor isn't easily angered, but once he is, WATCH. OUT.

Server Room Gremlin said:
If someone had reached out to Tyelko with care and empathy beforehand, perhaps the pain could have been soothed, the emotions would not have reached such intense heights, and the consequences would have been so much less severe.

All of what you said there is so true! It can be so hard on the supporters of a wounded or sick loved one because they're not getting much attention, but they have to cope with a ton of trauma. Maitimo was actually the only one really concerned about Tyelko's mental state when all this went down, and he was in no position to do much of anything about it.

Server Room Gremlin said:
It takes a lot for Fëanor to admit he was wrong about something. It shows the deep care he has for his sons. 🥺

Definitely. It's probably the last time we'll see him listening to the Valar, too.

Server Room Gremlin said:
Poor lil Curvo. :<

I really liked his and Tyelko's reunion. And I liked how it soon turned into joking and lightheartedness between them, after the heavier emotions had been worked through. Such separation hurts a lot, but they know each other well, and know the love they have for each other, and as such forgive each other quickly. It is easy to fall back into their old patterns of life together.

Thank you! I was trying to avoid overly on-the-nose dialogue or direct apologies, because I know explicit apologies are something neither Tyelko nor Curvo are great at. They have their more indirect ways of apologizing, and since these two speak the same language in that way, it worked out. Tyelko admitting his wrong and explaining why he did it, making some self-deprecating jokes, and then meaningfully correcting his behavior by letting Curvo be the first to know his secret with Moriramo, seemed more to me like something Tyelko would do and Curvo would accept.

Everyone is different, though: if Tyelko had hurt Maitimo like this, Maitimo would have needed a direct and explicit "I hurt you, and I'm sorry" before he could begin to feel better.

Server Room Gremlin said:
Curvo's deadpan but also silly humour is top notch. :>

I only learned from the best! 😌

Maedhros_Nelyafinwë · 2026-09-20T11:46:19-0400

Aaaand it's been way too long since I last posted a chapter! Didn't help that I was being bullied at work for a while, and that kinda used up any of my ability to engage with fanfic stuff. I've also had a lot of sewing to work on. But, Chapter 15 is up, and I look forward to your comments!

WatcherWraith · 2026-09-20T11:54:20-0400

Maedhros_Nelyafinwë said:
Aaaand it's been way too long since I last posted a chapter! Didn't help that I was being bullied at work for a while, and that kinda used up any of my ability to engage with fanfic stuff. I've also had a lot of sewing to work on. But, Chapter 15 is up, and I look forward to your comments!

Asap :>
Currently in church, and then it's off to visit church friends. But I should have time soon. Thank you!

WatcherWraith · 2026-09-20T17:13:54-0400

“I don’t much like that Prince Nelyafinwë fellow.”

Aranya wanted to say, See how much water is in this bucket, Tecno? None, right? That’s how much I care about your opinion. But she actually said—through gritted teeth, while aggressively scrubbing a bloodstain out of her apron— “We are not supposed to dislike any of our patients, Tecno.”

I Knew It Was Garlic Rat As Soon As I Saw That First Line!
Maybe he'll find out how much we don't like his breath attacks. We'll stuff a cheese in his mouth; maybe it'll gain some extra flavoring.

Aranya rolled her eyes. She tried to scoot away from him as she rinsed her apron and wrung it out, twisting it with a fierce grip. But he had conveniently decided he also needed to wash his apron, at that exact same moment, and his wet hands brushed against hers as he dipped his apron into the rinsing basin.

She thought she was going to be sick.

I wonder why Tecno likes Aranya when her reactions to him have been so clearly negative. What's drawing him? It must be her beauty, because she certainly hasn't been giving him reasons to like her personally.

“She says this is not the first time you’ve been the only healer who could calm him.” Nolofinwë raised his eyebrows, and his smile turned into something of a smirk. Aranya’s blush deepened, and in that moment she wasn’t sure if she was grateful for Arcamë’s praise or mortified by it.

Arcamë, don't give a prince reasons to notice Aranya! Royal attention rarely goes well! And what if it got back to Fëanor? 😱

“Good,” Aranya said. “I suppose our House is better at communicating than the House of Fëanáro.”

Nolofinwë’s normally stoic expression lit up with a wide smile. He laughed heartily and patted Aranya on the shoulder. “It is a low bar to reach, but we try. I have also sent some guards to search for my brother and his children.”

🫠🫠🫠🫠
Somewhere out there, Fëanor, Morifinwë, and Tyelko all winced. Their ears are burning.

But I am more concerned with his lack of consideration for your wishes. How many times have we told him he is not to touch you or come too close to you?”

“I’ve lost count,” Aranya said dully.

“It may be worth bringing up with Prince Nolofinwë at this point. He will understand, I think, and perhaps he can determine if a severe threat is all that is needed, or if we should dismiss him from our service. I will seek an audience with him as soon as I am able.”

Yes, PLEASE, Mother Healer. Royal prohibition. And if that doesn't help, maybe send Tecno to House Fëanor. An ultimatum, I know, but it could work.

Even as Arcamë came and went from the healing halls, Aranya remained a short distance away, seeming to focus on her embroidery. But out of the corner of his eye, Nolofinwë spotted her casting brief glances at Maitimo.

Nolofinwë smiled slightly, but turned his head so she wouldn’t see. Normally Aranya hated to sit in one spot too long.

I wonder if Fingolfin wouldn't mind one of his children marrying below their station. He doesn't appear to mind a healer-maid falling for his nephew. Perhaps this indicates a more lenient mind.

“No one holds you at fault. All we can do now is move forward, and for you that means resting and getting better.”

“And improving my decision-making capabilities,” Maitimo said bitterly.

Maitimo nooo
I mean maybe a little but but noooo

So, Nolofinwë had finally seen it with his own two eyes. Aranya, this healer who had practically grown up in his House, had a way with Maitimo which not even his own relatives had.
....
Did any of Maitimo’s brothers know about this? Did Fëanáro?

If they ever did know, I can think of only one sibling who'd actually tell their father: Morifinwë. And then Fëanor would descend like a volcanic eruption, with Nerdanel right behind him ':]

Discussion Ill Chances and Strange Fates Discussion

CPA of Himring

Fairë Hyamië(Phantom of Prayer).

Captain of the Marchwardens

a.k.a. Curufin the Crafty

CPA of Himring

Fairë Hyamië(Phantom of Prayer).

CPA of Himring

Fairë Hyamië(Phantom of Prayer).

CPA of Himring

Captain of the Marchwardens

a.k.a. Curufin the Crafty

CPA of Himring

CPA of Himring

Captain of the Marchwardens

Fairë Hyamië(Phantom of Prayer).

a.k.a. Curufin the Crafty

CPA of Himring

CPA of Himring

Fairë Hyamië(Phantom of Prayer).

Fairë Hyamië(Phantom of Prayer).

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