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Discussion Ill Chances and Strange Fates Discussion

A knot formed in Laurë’s stomach, but he dared not make any move or speak to the trio for fear of distracting them. He could only stand aside and watch awkwardly as Fëanáro and Nerdanel helped Maitimo get into the carriage. By the end of it, Maitimo was gasping, shuddering, closing his eyes, and pressing his fingers against his forehead.
It's pretty painful to witness, and easy to imagine how Maitimo must be feeling, based on the way he reacts after being forced to move. 🙁


Every muscle in Laurë’s body tensed and his mind froze in terror; he couldn’t move or think. He had a sudden urge to run away from the scene, but as he saw Nerdanel settling into one of the seats next to Maitimo and Fëanáro preparing to get in the other one, Laurë realized there was something he needed to do.

“Wait, Ammë, Atar,” he said. “Please, Atar, may I sit next to Maitimo? My presence will reassure him.”
It's sweet that Makalaurë wants to sit beside his brother, even if he hates the sight of what's happening enough to feel like running away. Simply because he knows it will bring Maitimo some comfort.


Laurë managed to catch Maitimo’s eye, though, and the frustration and sorrow in his soft gray stare clearly indicated he would have preferred Laurë to be there instead of Fëanáro, but neither could speak up about it.
Poor Maitimo. Again.


Fëanáro and Nerdanel felt him go limp in their arms. Alarmed, they carefully laid him on the ground and spoke his name, gently shaking him and trying to revive him.
...And things go from bad to worse.

It is just the perfect situation for tempers to flare all over again, given that nobody has really recovered yet from the stress of recent events. I would agree that it was the worst time for Laurë to speak his mind, and yet he could no longer contain it, given the way he was feeling about all this.

Everyone's reactions to this new problem are unfortunately all too realistic. The concern of Fëanáro for Maitimo, and Laurë's concern for his brother clash with each other, due to their opposing points of view on what should have been done. On top of that, Laurë is bitter and resentful, and Fëanáro is scared, with perhaps the beginnings of regret. Therefore they both lash out angrily, and Fëanáro sends Laurë away with a punishment.

Sad to witness, and nobody is any better off for it. It is hard to see a wedge driven between these close family members, likely to remain unresolved for a while, since nothing that has happened in this chapter can be easily and lightly set aside.
 
(Also, apologies for completely forgetting to reply to comments earlier!)

Kano, as I understand it, is a low-maintenance child, much like Maitimo, but in a more silent way. Nobody asks what's going on in his head(except some of his brothers), and nobody expects him to have any real issues, because he's quiet and keeps to himself. The moment he makes himself a problem, it's startling and suddenly brings him to the foreground, as though he scarcely existed before.
This is so accurate, and honestly sad. In this crazy family, being generally well-behaved can make one seem invisible.

Although I understand, and in many ways approve, Kano's anger, it should have been clear this was not the way to rebuke his father. I don't think Kano would have seen this, however, not when he's looking at an unconscious brother whom he loves dearly, and a parent whom he already doubts and questions internally on a daily basis. With someone like Fëanor, soft words would work better than harsh ones for at least getting him to hear one out. Though...even these would not guarantee he would actually listen.
Yes, absolutely true!

I wonder how Fëanor's thoughts are going. And how much has he changed since making the Silmarils? I don't see this person as being the one Nerdanel fell in love with.
Oh actually, he hasn't made the Silmarils yet! The Silmarils and Morgoth and all that will be covered in Arc 4. But even before then, he did have his pride and hot temper.

Otherwise, you'll get answers to your questions in Chapter 10!

It's sweet that Makalaurë wants to sit beside his brother, even if he hates the sight of what's happening enough to feel like running away. Simply because he knows it will bring Maitimo some comfort.
Yeah, I think he has trouble being present around people who are suffering (ask me how I know what this is like...) but he forces his way through it because he knows it's the right thing to do. Only to then be rejected.

It is just the perfect situation for tempers to flare all over again, given that nobody has really recovered yet from the stress of recent events. I would agree that it was the worst time for Laurë to speak his mind, and yet he could no longer contain it, given the way he was feeling about all this.

Everyone's reactions to this new problem are unfortunately all too realistic. The concern of Fëanáro for Maitimo, and Laurë's concern for his brother clash with each other, due to their opposing points of view on what should have been done. On top of that, Laurë is bitter and resentful, and Fëanáro is scared, with perhaps the beginnings of regret. Therefore they both lash out angrily, and Fëanáro sends Laurë away with a punishment.

Sad to witness, and nobody is any better off for it. It is hard to see a wedge driven between these close family members, likely to remain unresolved for a while, since nothing that has happened in this chapter can be easily and lightly set aside.
Yeah exactly, it's all just a perfect storm. A lot of people are to blame for their poor reactions here, but at the same time you can't really blame them too much because it is so new and stressful to everyone. They all just need some grace and forgiveness.
 
Well, I've copied it all out. I've some catching up to do here..!!!
I'll clean it all up--i.e. delete the emojis and stuff--print it, and get reading.
Then I'll come back and catch up with the comments of the faithful, who have been following along.

"I'll be back..." (I wonder if Orc stomping qualifies me as a Terminator?!)
 
My favorite part was how Nerdanel and Fëanor are trying to get back to each other. That was heartwarming, even if it won't last.

I also loved how the brothers each express their relationships with Maitimo, from Kano's stubborn pride to the twins' love of helping and being useful. I wonder what will happen to Tyelko now he's angry with Oromë.

Maitimo's at last getting some peace and quiet. Maybe in time he'll be able to ask about Aranya. For now, things have been moving too fast(funnily enough), and there's been nobody he could ask.

I liked how Tyelko can just speak in creatures' languages. That was a fascinating part, especially how it seems to enforce his will on the animals he talks to. I wonder, does that work on Huan? Or is the hound different because he belonged to Oromë?
 
Poor Tyelko. He feels helpless and somewhat overlooked after his offer to help is rejected, perhaps in large part due to his own insecurity about how valuable his talents are considered within the family. 😞 His emotions will now be expressed in rather less helpful ways.


Maitimo knew those two healers well, not because he frequently got hurt himself, but because he was in charge of six rowdy brothers all the time. For the first time he could remember, now it was his turn to pay these healers a visit.
Timo is carefultimo...! 😲


Excellent Maitimo, enchanting audiences even in sleep,” Curvo added from the back of the group, smirking. He was never one to turn down the opportunity for a joke or pun.
Maira Maitimo. (in Quenya) 😁😉


Maitimo tried to smile. There were some members of this family who could not utter the words “I’m sorry” to save their life. Tyelko, Moryo and Curvo were the main culprits, and they all inherited that trait, of course, from Fëanáro. However, each of these proud Eldar had their own way of indirectly apologizing or at least expressing guilt. Maitimo recognized these words from his father as one of those times.
It's an interesting observation.
I would say that adult Curufin doesn't have much trouble apologising, if he sees he was in the wrong for something. It becomes difficult for him if he was only partly wrong, or he felt justified in doing what he did for some reason. He tends to say exactly what he means when he's being sincere, and if he wasn't completely sorry for everything, it would just feel wrong, and he would have trouble saying those words.

Perhaps this is what's happening with Fëanáro now? He realises he was wrong to move Maitimo in his condition, but due to the things that happened in the house of Finwë, he felt (and perhaps still partly feels) justified in doing so.

And pride does come into it too, of course.


Curvo’s posture sagged as he watched Tyelko leave. “Well, I thought that was a good joke,” he muttered softly to himself.
🎻

sad-curvo.png



Sívenettë chuckled warmly. “You are such a responsible one, I never would have guessed I’d see you in such a predicament. But your family and the notes from the previous healers have detailed the entire incident to me, and it sounds to me like a terrible case of the wrong place and the wrong time.”
She agrees with 'carefultimo'. >_> ✨


Maitimo nodded, relaxing a little. That did indeed sound like Tyelko, especially since he seemed to be taking the incident harder than the rest. Maitimo wished Tyelko would just come talk to him and tell him how he felt, and allow Maitimo to reassure him that none of this was his fault. But, in all fairness, there hadn’t yet been an opportunity for that.
🥺
Caring big bro feels.


Laurë heaved a long, deep sigh. His sighs were nearly twice as long as anyone else’s due to his incredibly strong lungs.
I bet he also uses this ability to great effect when he's being dramatic about something. 🤭


Maitimo, again, could only nod, not daring to probe any deeper, though the information was fascinating to him.
Curvo can relate lol. Though perhaps the subject matter of interest would not necessarily be the same.
*keeps a carefully neutral face while filing away this interesting information for potential later use* 😶


Tyelko’s lip quivered as he tried to choke back tears. His knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground and gave in to his sobs. His whole body trembled. It was the first time he had wept, really wept, since the incident.
🥺😞 This should have been with his family, particularly a brother he's close to, or Maitimo himself. But instead it's here, after he's hurt Morirámo.
 
My favorite part was how Nerdanel and Fëanor are trying to get back to each other. That was heartwarming, even if it won't last.
Yeah, it kinda hurts because the reader knows how it ultimately ends!

I also loved how the brothers each express their relationships with Maitimo, from Kano's stubborn pride to the twins' love of helping and being useful.
It's been really fun to write all their different dynamics!

I wonder, does that work on Huan? Or is the hound different because he belonged to Oromë?
Hmm, I haven't thought about that, actually!

As for your future questions, they will be answered soon! 👀

Poor Tyelko. He feels helpless and somewhat overlooked after his offer to help is rejected, perhaps in large part due to his own insecurity about how valuable his talents are considered within the family. 😞 His emotions will now be expressed in rather less helpful ways.
I really feel for him there. Especially since his gift of strength was what saved Maitimo in the first place. Tyelko definitely deserves more appreciation!

Timo is carefultimo...! 😲
Ooh, I'm keeping that one in my back pocket!

It's an interesting observation.
I would say that adult Curufin doesn't have much trouble apologising, if he sees he was in the wrong for something. It becomes difficult for him if he was only partly wrong, or he felt justified in doing what he did for some reason. He tends to say exactly what he means when he's being sincere, and if he wasn't completely sorry for everything, it would just feel wrong, and he would have trouble saying those words.

Perhaps this is what's happening with Fëanáro now? He realises he was wrong to move Maitimo in his condition, but due to the things that happened in the house of Finwë, he felt (and perhaps still partly feels) justified in doing so.

And pride does come into it too, of course.
Interesting, I guess I haven't really seen very many examples of adult Curufin apologizing! But yeah, I do get how hard it can be to apologize when you at least feel like you're not totally in the wrong. And I think you're on to something with how Fëanor is feeling. He realizes now he made the wrong decision, but he doesn't see how he could have done it differently before, given his limited information and experience. Which is honestly kinda valid, if you live in a world where serious injury is rare.

Inspired by this very meme, of course!

I bet he also uses this ability to great effect when he's being dramatic about something. 🤭
Oh boy! Maybe the brothers make bets on how long his dramatic sighs will last.

Thank you guys for your comments! I enjoyed reading your thoughts, as always!
 
I am very much enjoying this story so far! I finished Chapter 10 recently. I would give this story a 10 out of 10. I admire how Maitimo is described, along with Tyelko, Kano, and all the Sons of Feanor overall. I like Nerdanel in this tale too, she is acting how I would imagine her to act towards Nelyo in these circumstances, Aranya, for being made up, is extremely well written. She is kind to Maedhros, and that seemed to be what he needed for once. I am glad this tale is giving Maitimo a happier story in a life full of sad ones,

I was also delighted when Kano stood up for Feanor, and that he isn't apologizing. Feanor was being a brat to Nelyo (and everyone else, really). I like how Fingon speaks to Nelyo like his best friend even in youth, and how Tyelko-like Tyelko is in my opinion. Tyelko having some mood swings and trying to get to the bottom of why his brother said he got "poisoned by mushrooms" seemed very... well as I said Tyelko-like. I also enjoy how Caranthir and Curufin are portrayed as clever, mature, and smart for their ages. I found it humorous how Curufin was managing practically running the interrogation of Maitmo, and how he managed to act so adult-like. I like the way Caranthir was portrayed during both interrogations with Maitimo. I especially liked in the last one where Moryo told Tyelko to practically "Take advantage of this moment where you have something over him. At this point, you can ask almost anything! Don't waste it on dessert, but on something you really want!" This reminded me of myself speaking to my sister when we had a card over somebody. Again, I would like to emphasize on how delighted I am that Maitimo was portrayed so well.

Overall, I am saying I think the characters were portrayed accurately, especially Maitimo, and the ones made up were written very well. I truly enjoyed this story and am excited to see more of it!
 
I am very much enjoying this story so far! I finished Chapter 10 recently. I would give this story a 10 out of 10. I admire how Maitimo is described, along with Tyelko, Kano, and all the Sons of Feanor overall. I like Nerdanel in this tale too, she is acting how I would imagine her to act towards Nelyo in these circumstances, Aranya, for being made up, is extremely well written. She is kind to Maedhros, and that seemed to be what he needed for once. I am glad this tale is giving Maitimo a happier story in a life full of sad ones,
Thank you so much for your kind words! For some reason, my brain loves to take tragic stories and find ways to turn them into happier stories.

I'm very glad you like Aranya. I do my best not to make her a stereotypical OC who only exists to be a love interest for a canon character and for the author to project onto. She has a vivid life and complex personality of her own.

I was also delighted when Kano stood up for Feanor, and that he isn't apologizing. Feanor was being a brat to Nelyo (and everyone else, really).
Not to spoil, but you might be surprised by how things turn out by the end of Arc 2! I actually feel sorry for both Kano and Fëanor in this part of the story, because they're under so much stress. They're lashing out at people because of their concern for Maitimo. There's some interesting character growth in store for both of them.

I like how Fingon speaks to Nelyo like his best friend even in youth, and how Tyelko-like Tyelko is in my opinion. Tyelko having some mood swings and trying to get to the bottom of why his brother said he got "poisoned by mushrooms" seemed very... well as I said Tyelko-like. I also enjoy how Caranthir and Curufin are portrayed as clever, mature, and smart for their ages. I found it humorous how Curufin was managing practically running the interrogation of Maitmo, and how he managed to act so adult-like. I like the way Caranthir was portrayed during both interrogations with Maitimo.
I'm so glad you like their portrayals! Even though the love story is the main focus of the story, I think the presence of all the friends and family members are really what make the story rich and heartfelt. It'd be boring if the narrative focused only on the main couple and never explored the other characters.

Also, I have @Server Room Gremlin and @Tyelkormo the Fair to thank for my portrayal of Curvo and Tyelko, because they helped me get to know them on a deeper level and look at them beyond just "sneaky scheming Curufin" and "hot-tempered Celegorm."

. I especially liked in the last one where Moryo told Tyelko to practically "Take advantage of this moment where you have something over him. At this point, you can ask almost anything! Don't waste it on dessert, but on something you really want!" This reminded me of myself speaking to my sister when we had a card over somebody.
Hehe, it is an unhinged sibling dynamic! Im glad you found it relatable. I'm an oldest sibling myself, so I can relate to Maitimo in that way.

Overall, I am saying I think the characters were portrayed accurately, especially Maitimo, and the ones made up were written very well. I truly enjoyed this story and am excited to see more of it!
I know you're particular over how Maitimo is portrayed, like I am, so this is what makes me most glad about your review!

Thank you for your comments! They are much appreciated, and they're inspiring me to get back to work on publishing the remaining chapters of Arc 2!
 
Chapter 11 has been posted, and it's one of my favorites! There's so many things going on in it, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts! Don't feel like you have to comment on every aspect of the chapter, but I'll enjoy hearing about whatever parts stood out to you.

Having @Beleg_Cúthalion as a new reader gave me some fresh motivation to start editing and publishing again. And as always, special thanks to @Server Room Gremlin for being my proofreader and helping me catch pesky typos and funky wording before I publish!

I'm not sure I'll be able to post every week, but hopefully updates will be a little more frequent. I hope to get all of Arc 2 published soonish, and then it won't be long before Arc 3 is ready to start publishing as well! Enjoy!
 
Though Curvo was often difficult to read, Maitimo could clearly sense the hurt now in his strained voice and avoidant gaze. So then, Tyelko must have been shutting out Curvo too, rather than Curvo being an accomplice in Tyelko’s secrecy, which was normally the case.
☹️ Poor Curvo. He may seem less than social, but take away his most interactive brother and he'll be very sad.

The silence felt thick and oppressive compared to the typical rowdy ruckus of the brothers. The haphazardly placed plates and scattered crumbs made it feel like the brothers would come back any second. Unable to stand the strange stillness and silence, Maitimo got out of there as quickly as he could.
Fascinating. One would ordinarily assume the silence would give Maitimo a sense of relief(or at least, I would), but in fact Maitimo is better used to the chatter and chaos of his brothers, and to have them absent is a lack to his senses.

Figuring nobody was around to judge him, he spent some time cleaning and tuning his lyre, and then he carefully plucked out what he could remember of a song of Valinorë his parents had taught him long ago. And, though his heart pounded for some reason, he tentatively began to softly sing the words, an octave lower than the way he had sung it as an Elfling.
This whole scene with Maitimo amusing himself in various ways is very precious to read. This is what he does when he's alone: quiet things, creative things. Aranya would be head-over-heels if she could see him.

The silver and gold lights mingled. Still no brothers.
I swear, it's going to turn out the kids got lost or something. Or Tyelko has led them on such a wild goose chase everybody got trapped in some thicket or other and Tyelko's laughing at them.
Or worse, the twins ran off and now everybody's looking for them, too.

A sick feeling settled in his stomach as he realized he did have something very valuable: Huan.
Boi-

“I’m sorry, Huan,” he whispered, squeezing his eyes shut, and some tears leaked out. “I have to do this. I don’t deserve you anymore.”
CHILD-

No matter how much they tried, they could never get Turukáno to participate, since he was a boring brother and preferred to study in the morning instead.
I beg your pardon, Turgon is a perfectly non-boring brother.

Finno frowned at them and hummed in disapproval. “I am not going to tolerate that sort of negativity from you two. We get to see the healers, and they’re going to get Maitimo all fixed up, and it’s all going to be okay!”
This sounds a lot like our Finno, actually XD
Or at least, it reminded me of her.

“Trust me, she won’t care,” Íri muttered under her breath, smirking to herself.
😏
One of the few occasions I can justifiably use this emoji.

On this early morning, she sat by a windowsill in the healing halls. The fading silver light of Telperion and flickering golden candlelight danced over the silver threads of her half-finished embroidered kitten. She planned to affix this to the front of her healing robes along with her other embroidered patches of bunnies, squirrels and flowers.
Freaking precious XD The other healers must be either scandalized or sighing in secret jealousy.

“What’s wrong?” she asked Maitimo, forcing her voice to remain calm and even, and then wincing at how deadpan it sounded coming out of her mouth. “How do you feel?”

“Embarrassed,” he blurted out, avoiding her gaze. His breaths were short, choppy and panicked. “I know I look a wreck, and I just saw you three days ago—no, four— or was it five?"

Despite the urgency of the situation, Aranya fought the urge to smile. “No, Maitimo, I mean, what do you feel physically? Are you in pain? Is it hard to breathe? Are you dizzy?”
I can imagine many of their conversations would go this way if they ever did get married. Aranya would be fussing over her husband, and Maitimo would be more focused on how his condition affected her or how embarrassing it was than on his actual injuries.

"Are you angry with me?” he asked quietly. “I ruined the stitches you did. And I got you expelled from the House of Finwë. I’m sorry I wound up back here to bother you.”

“Oh, Maitimo, no, of course not!” Aranya winced at herself for making him think she was upset with him, and she offered him a strained smile. “I’m concentrating on my work here, that’s all. What happened at the House of Finwë was my fault, not yours. And don’t worry about the stitches. It’s no trouble for us to redo them. Besides… I’m not glad this happened to you, but I am glad I got to see you again.”
It is *just* a bit upsetting you decided to follow The Silmarillion closely enough these two will never get a proper marriage. Mlem.

Aranya tried not to smile. Extended alone time with Maitimo was apparently what he most needed for his healing. Such a shame!
Strange. I seem to hear the distant cackling laughter of a fluffy cat getting her way....
 
I loved this new chapter so much! I really enjoyed how Ambarussar were chirping about where they had last seen Tyelkormo, and trying their best to be helpful. It was entertaining and endearing, in my opinion. Poor Curvo must feel so bad that Tyelko isn't even talking to him. I think Curvo is miserable inside, and trying not to show it, honestly. I also like how Nelyo doesn't seem to be able to help himself. When his brothers are in possible danger, he would put his own life and comfort at risk to help them. It strikes me as very Nelyo-like, and I am glad that detail was added.

I love how Finno is written. I always imagined him as chirpy and optimistic, and trying to look for the best in the worst to comfort himself and others. It's a good quality, and one that I imagine he would have. I feel bad for Tyelko. The way he feels undeserving of Huan is sad, and the fact he wants to run away really emphasizes on how he actually feels, and how strongly he thinks he failed his brother, even though he didn't. I can't wait to see how that story turns up to end!

I thought it was quite funny that Nelyo was so embarrassed that he thought he looked like a wreck, and that is what he was concerned about seeing Aranya instead of his actual injury. That is actually something supporting my point on Nelyo doing anything to keep those dear to him safe. When he was in pain, he was more thinking about his brothers and Aranya, then his actual injury. I think this increases with time, the more loss he receives at the hands of Morgoth and the Oath, the more protective he feels about those whom he cares for. It's a quality that in this story, I very much like about him.

I enjoyed this chapter very much and am very excited to read the next ones that are coming!
 
This was a very good chapter. Most of the time I was simultaneously awwing and facepalming.
And Laurë did a much better job than Fëanáro and Nerdanel in keeping the room quiet; he himself spoke in soft, melodious tones, which Moryo and Curvo tried to mimic. The twins, however, kept raising their voices, and whenever they did, Laurë promptly silenced them with a firm, resonant tone of voice.
I thought this was interesting. Moryo and Curvo are in the ‘imitation is the sincerest from of flattery’ stage, while the twins are still too young to understand proper volume regulation.

For some hours, he kept himself thoroughly amused. Only his parchment, legal books, and several cups of tea served as his company. When was the last time he had uninterrupted time to focus on his studies like this? Had he ever had such time in his life?
Being entertained by writing a speech is an interesting thought, but I somewhat understand it. I also liked how he decided to have fun with the lyre since he’s on how own and doesn’t have to worry about other people.

Moryo was especially conscientious regarding time; he’d have followed Maitimo’s command to the letter, and made sure the others did too. Kano, though he easily got lost in his own daydream world, was highly sensitive to Maitimo’s feelings, so he would have understood the importance of returning at least close to the agreed time. Curvo would have likely seen the logic of the agreement too. So the only ones who might have believably dishonored the agreement were the twins, and Moryo was supposed to be with them.
Interesting, and fitting, reasons for each of the elder brothers to have come back by this point. That they haven’t is… concerning. I know Valinor is supposed to be relatively safe, but there’s still dangers, and if anything’s happened to them…

Finally, he sat up and sighed. This was ridiculous. He was the older brother of these young Eldar, and in his parents’ absence, he was the head of the house. And as the day had demonstrated, he was no longer bedridden. And he wasn’t doing himself any favors by tossing and turning all night.

He didn’t bother to ask the healers because he knew they would have said no. He went to the armory and put a mithril mail shirt on over his clothing, and took a hunting spear, just in case he encountered any wolves.

His side hurt a little when he mounted a horse, and his head throbbed, but he was too anxious to care. Maitimo took off and rode into the night.
Maitimo, you crazy, protective Elda! At least see if you can find someone else to go with you or leave a note explaining what’s happened! What if your parents come back and find all their children missing?

What was beyond those tranquil blue seas, anyway? Fëanáro and Finwë and the history books all spoke of the Elves who first awoke in Cuiviénen, which was across the sea. Tyelko was also quite familiar with the wars Melkor and the Valar had fought with each other, wild and bitter wars which destroyed entire continents.
This whole section seems like foreshadowing of the Flight of the Noldor.

A sick feeling settled in his stomach as he realized he did have something very valuable: Huan.

The great hound stared pathetically at him, as though he knew Tyelko’s thoughts. At first, Tyelko dismissed the idea. Huan is my best friend! How dare I ever give him up?

But perhaps… perhaps it was better this way. Tyelko didn’t feel he was worthy of Huan anymore. And maybe the lands beyond the sea were too dangerous. Perhaps it would be cruel to force Huan to come along on this perilous journey, especially after Tyelko had scared him the way he did. Huan had once been Oromë’s, so maybe now it was time for him to find someone new, someone better than Tyelko.

“I’m sorry, Huan,” he whispered, squeezing his eyes shut, and some tears leaked out. “I have to do this. I don’t deserve you anymore.”
NOOO! Bad, bad idea, Tyelko. And his belief he’s not worthy to be Huan’s friend is absolutely heartbreaking.

He scrambled over, thrust his arm out and grabbed the reins. Then he yelped as a sharp, ripping sensation of pain shot through his side.

No time to think about that now. He jumped up on the horse, and they took off at a gallop away from the howling noise.
What on Arda else did you expect would happen? There’s a good reason you are supposed to rest. I’m simultaneously annoyed and concerned.

Maitimo shrugged and said nothing. But his eyes started to roll back, and Finno and Íri both reached out and managed to grab him before he could fall. They slowly lowered him until he was leaning against his horse’s neck.

Being this close to him, Íri, being on Maitimo’s right side, noticed a few droplets of blood collecting on the rings of his mail shirt. Her own face paled and she glanced wide-eyed at her brother. “Finno… he needs help.”
What did I tell you? … Please be okay.

Aranya had never held mithril mail before. It almost felt more like liquid than metal, sparkling under the silver treelight and draping over her hand like flowing silk.
Very pretty description. Now I want some.😄

Overall, highly emotional and captivating chapter. I really enjoyed it.
 
“I didn’t mean to imply that,” Maitimo said, trying to keep his voice level as the brothers’ glances and murmurs turned increasingly anxious. “I guess what I meant to say is, you’re more likely than any of us to know what Tyelko’s been up to, and we need your help.”

“I’d help if I had anything to offer. Tyelko’s hardly told me a thing lately. I’ve barely seen him. I’m no different to him than anyone else, apparently.”

Though Curvo was often difficult to read, Maitimo could clearly sense the hurt now in his strained voice and avoidant gaze. So then, Tyelko must have been shutting out Curvo too, rather than Curvo being an accomplice in Tyelko’s secrecy, which was normally the case.
*pat pats the small Curvo* 🥺


The silence felt thick and oppressive compared to the typical rowdy ruckus of the brothers. The haphazardly placed plates and scattered crumbs made it feel like the brothers would come back any second. Unable to stand the strange stillness and silence, Maitimo got out of there as quickly as he could.

Immediately, he searched for something to occupy his mind with, knowing the alternative was to sit around and stress about his brothers.
Of course, even if Maitimo can't do anything about the current situation, he's still going to be worrying about his brothers. He cares too much to do otherwise. Also, I'm sure his sociable nature comes into it: silence and lack of interaction will eventually become draining and somewhat stressful/bothersome, in addition to his worries.


Still, he had all his books up here, and no brothers or parents to bother him! He could finally make some serious progress on the speech he had started to write for the city council!

For some hours, he kept himself thoroughly amused. Only his parchment, legal books, and several cups of tea served as his company. When was the last time he had uninterrupted time to focus on his studies like this? Had he ever had such time in his life?
He seems so comfy here, and it's adorable! 😂 🥺


Tyelko got up and didn’t even bother to brush the sand out of his clothes. He decided he did not deserve to use Huan as his mount, so he trudged north towards Alqualondë on foot.

Huan followed him, loyally as ever.
Poor Tyelko. He seems so depressed. :<


He glanced around at their surroundings. Where exactly were they, anyway? All the woods looked the same, so Maitimo had been solely relying on his mental sense of direction, which was now disoriented.

For some reason, he was finding it difficult to think. His heart still pounded, and he felt a little lightheaded. The forest seemed to blur as he tried to study it.
Bro... 🤦 😬
Sounds like you're bleeding again. >:I


“It is a bad morning,” Íri solemnly agreed.

“Someone gets it,” Maitimo said.
This part is funny every time. 😂

As is this:
Aranya?” Maitimo’s eyes shot wide open and he once again tried to right himself on the horse, but Finno and Íri once again held him firmly to his position. “I can’t see Aranya! I must look like a wreck! Again!”

But poor Maitimo is in quite a pitiful state by the end of this chapter, having hurt himself again and being so worried about his brothers. *gives bro a hug*


Aranya hated getting up early, but she hated being pestered by Tecno even more. Waking up well before the mingling of the lights was her only way to escape him, and get a few hours in which she could read or do some embroidery in peace. It also helped to have a valid excuse to go to bed early, so Tecno had no time to bother her after supper.
Ah! This pest! Someone should really deal with him. >:I


A shame indeed that Aranya unexpectedly gets to spend more time with Maitimo (not!). :>
 
☹️ Poor Curvo. He may seem less than social, but take away his most interactive brother and he'll be very sad.
Oh yes! He's pretty introverted and might come across as aloof, but he's still a sensitive lil bean.

Fascinating. One would ordinarily assume the silence would give Maitimo a sense of relief(or at least, I would), but in fact Maitimo is better used to the chatter and chaos of his brothers, and to have them absent is a lack to his senses.
Indeed! He's definitely extroverted and gets anxious if left alone too long. But I think even if you're introverted, and you're used to living in a noisy household, it would be unnerving to have it suddenly empty.

This whole scene with Maitimo amusing himself in various ways is very precious to read. This is what he does when he's alone: quiet things, creative things. Aranya would be head-over-heels if she could see him.
Oh, absolutely! I think it stands to reason that Maitimo was at least a competent singer, since (a) music is a huge part of the Elves' lives and (b) he famously sung a song of Valinor with Fingon in the Silmarillion. So I thought it would be cute and fun to show him privately experimenting with his voice, probably for the first time since his voice changed as an adolescent.

I beg your pardon, Turgon is a perfectly non-boring brother.
I agree! But Iri and Finno think studying and reading are super boring compared to hunting.

I can imagine many of their conversations would go this way if they ever did get married. Aranya would be fussing over her husband, and Maitimo would be more focused on how his condition affected her or how embarrassing it was than on his actual injuries.
Absolutely correct! When we eventually get to the Himring era, you're gonna see looooots of this.

It is *just* a bit upsetting you decided to follow The Silmarillion closely enough these two will never get a proper marriage. Mlem.
Yeah, trust me, it upsets me too! Though, even I don't know for sure how the long term plot of this fic will turn out, just sayin'. 👀

Strange. I seem to hear the distant cackling laughter of a fluffy cat getting her way....
mad scientist laughing GIF


I loved this new chapter so much! I really enjoyed how Ambarussar were chirping about where they had last seen Tyelkormo, and trying their best to be helpful. It was entertaining and endearing, in my opinion. Poor Curvo must feel so bad that Tyelko isn't even talking to him. I think Curvo is miserable inside, and trying not to show it, honestly. I also like how Nelyo doesn't seem to be able to help himself. When his brothers are in possible danger, he would put his own life and comfort at risk to help them. It strikes me as very Nelyo-like, and I am glad that detail was added.
So glad you enjoyed their brotherly dynamic! I love writing about how much they all care for each other, and their different ways of expressing it.

I love how Finno is written. I always imagined him as chirpy and optimistic, and trying to look for the best in the worst to comfort himself and others. It's a good quality, and one that I imagine he would have.
Thank you! He'll continue to mature as he gets older, but he'll always have a cheerful spark and undying optimism.

I feel bad for Tyelko. The way he feels undeserving of Huan is sad, and the fact he wants to run away really emphasizes on how he actually feels, and how strongly he thinks he failed his brother, even though he didn't. I can't wait to see how that story turns up to end!
Yeah, poor bro is really going through it in this arc. He might not have been the one to actually get injured, but he's deeply internalized the trauma of it all.

I thought it was quite funny that Nelyo was so embarrassed that he thought he looked like a wreck, and that is what he was concerned about seeing Aranya instead of his actual injury. That is actually something supporting my point on Nelyo doing anything to keep those dear to him safe. When he was in pain, he was more thinking about his brothers and Aranya, then his actual injury. I think this increases with time, the more loss he receives at the hands of Morgoth and the Oath, the more protective he feels about those whom he cares for. It's a quality that in this story, I very much like about him.
Same, it's one of my favorite things about Maitimo too. Even though the Silmarillion only gives us little glimpses of his personality here and there, I absolutely inferred based on the text that he is loyal and selfless to the point of self-destruction. It can be a noble quality, but for him, it's out of balance and causes harm to himself. Take care of yourself, bro!

This was a very good chapter. Most of the time I was simultaneously awwing and facepalming.
Thank you! That is valid; I was doing the same when I was writing this.

I thought this was interesting. Moryo and Curvo are in the ‘imitation is the sincerest from of flattery’ stage, while the twins are still too young to understand proper volume regulation.
Hehe! I think Moryo and Curvo are intrigued by Maglor's melodious and soft form of speech, but it went right over the twins' heads. 😂

Being entertained by writing a speech is an interesting thought, but I somewhat understand it. I also liked how he decided to have fun with the lyre since he’s on how own and doesn’t have to worry about other people.
I think he's just excited about the idea of being able to catch up on some work uninterrupted. I do see him as an academic nerd, so he probably finds it enjoyable enough when he has ample time for the task and doesn't have other pressures on him. But we see his more artistic side come out when he starts experimenting with his singing.

Maitimo, you crazy, protective Elda! At least see if you can find someone else to go with you or leave a note explaining what’s happened! What if your parents come back and find all their children missing?
Bro's not really thinking rationally at this point. 🙃 He's too anxious, plus he has a lot of medicine in his system and is still kind of weak from his injuries.

NOOO! Bad, bad idea, Tyelko. And his belief he’s not worthy to be Huan’s friend is absolutely heartbreaking.
Yeah, it was really sad for me to write this part.

Overall, highly emotional and captivating chapter. I really enjoyed it.
Thank you so much!

Of course, even if Maitimo can't do anything about the current situation, he's still going to be worrying about his brothers. He cares too much to do otherwise. Also, I'm sure his sociable nature comes into it: silence and lack of interaction will eventually become draining and somewhat stressful/bothersome, in addition to his worries.
Yes! I can't relate to being drained by alone time, but that is a really good point. It is a factor that caused some impairment to his thinking, besides what I just mentioned.

He seems so comfy here, and it's adorable! 😂 🥺
Indeed, and now we have a visual of what his bedroom looks like in your birthday drawing!

Poor Tyelko. He seems so depressed. :<
Yeah, he definitely doesn't care very much about things he normally cares about.

But poor Maitimo is in quite a pitiful state by the end of this chapter, having hurt himself again and being so worried about his brothers. *gives bro a hug*
Timo will take all the hugs he can get!

Ah! This pest! Someone should really deal with him. >:I
Hehehe... 😏

A shame indeed that Aranya unexpectedly gets to spend more time with Maitimo (not!). :>
*see the evil cackling cat*

Thank you all for your commentary, it is greatly appreciated! Hearing how the story has impacted you helps keep me motivated to continue working on the story. Hopefully another chapter will be published soonish.
 
Yes! I can't relate to being drained by alone time, but that is a really good point. It is a factor that caused some impairment to his thinking, besides what I just mentioned.
My brother is very outgoing and extroverted, and during the lockdowns when everyone was staying at home, he got his studies and assignments done more efficiently (due to lack of distractions), but at the same time it was very draining and depressing to not have in-person contact with all his friends and acquaintances. 🥺 I wasn't nearly so bothered.
 
My brother is very outgoing and extroverted, and during the lockdowns when everyone was staying at home, he got his studies and assignments done more efficiently (due to lack of distractions), but at the same time it was very draining and depressing to not have in-person contact with all his friends and acquaintances. 🥺 I wasn't nearly so bothered.
I actually felt similarly to your brother, even though I'm introverted. Not being able to connect with my friends except over Zoom put me in a rather depressed state. I might not need much time with my friends in person, but I definitely do need it.
 
Wow, I feel like I just recently updated, and turns out it was over two months ago-- oops! But anyway, Chapter 12 is ready for you! Originally Chapters 12 and 13 were combined, but I split them since the chapter would have been over 6,000 words.

But anyway, these were all very fun character interactions to write. I do love Fëanor and Nerdanel as a couple, and I really enjoyed the Teler sailor. I'm curious to hear your thoughts on him in particular. Looking forward to your comments!
 
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.😂Either way, bro needs help, poor lad. This contemplation under the stars is only the beginning!

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!

I probably mentioned this the first time around, but I greatly appreciate the references pointing to Ilúvatar, ie. when characters recognize Him as being the highest authority. It's comforting.

It's nice recapturing the earlier parts of the narrative since they were so long ago and reinforcing themes and such. :D
 

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