RP 🎲 O Fëanoriel Runyaril ar i Vérë o i Silmarilli (Of Fëanoriel and the Oath of the 💎Silmarils)

[Áramandë Amaniel]

As he embraces me, I shudder a little, my fervent speech from earlier having overwhelmed me quite suddenly. I feel his warmth and his passion that is much akin to my own, and a few stray tears fall down my face.

Yet as the embrace is loosened, I wipe the tears away, and I ask:

"May I go with you? I would not wish to be parted from you...at least not for now. Unless you would think that it is better I remained here..."

 

[Elbereth Vala Varda]

Fingolfin sighs, adjusting his position.

"Frankly, I know not what to believe." He says softly to Aredhel. "It makes little sense to me that Fingon would ever commit such a crime, and being his father, if he has, I want to know and see that he is punished justly. But all the same, I cannot make any quick decisions, for my heart tells me that he is innocent, and has committed no fault against the House of Feanor, except in words." His voice lowers to a whisper. "But my daughter," He begins. "Findekano said more about Feanaro than you ever had, and even went as far as to tell me that I should have him cast out of our House when he first confronted me, and never allow him to return."

Fingon is rather annoyed with the tone of this conversation, seeing that he is right here, and they both seem to be ignoring him. Being spoken about in this way, after everything, only affirms his previous beliefs. He can't be a good son and a good friend. He is one or the other, except for now. Now he is neither. He is not a great son, nor a great brother or friend. He's failed at everything, and he's going insane trying to figure this all out in his mind.

 

[Maedhros_Nelyafinwë]

Aredhel doesn't respond to these words, her feelings conflicted. She thinks it's understandable enough that Fingon wouldn't want Fëanor in their House, especially after how he threatened Father. But stating that won't do her or Findekano any good.

"Of course I want justice too, but false accusations are not just," she says. "Perhaps we should pray for wisdom, that we might know the truth. That's all we want, isn't it?" She glances back and forth between her father and brother.

~~

Fëanor sighs heavily and says, "Nay, daughter, I do not think it wise. I value your judgment and your presence, but Maglor may be closed off if he feels pressure coming from you as well as me. But I will keep you informed of the outcome of this."

He embraces her one more time before leaving and seeking after Maglor. Learning that he is in his chambers, he knocks on his door and says sternly, "Maglor? Tis I, your father."

 

[Elbereth Vala Varda]

Fingolfin takes her hands.

"Wisdom... Indeed, 'tis the object of all desire for us." He says softly. "Yet I have seen evidence that suggests your brother is not innocent, and I shall not so lightly place that aside for his sake. Feanor seemed sure that he had done this all, orchestrated it somehow..." He sighs. "Who am I to argue with such a logically thought conclusion."

~~

"Father?" Maglor comes to the door, swinging it open.

 

[Áramandë Amaniel]

As I am once again left alone with my own thoughts, I heave a heavy sigh.

What had been these words that had come forth from me, in such deeply impassioned tones? Were they even my own? Were they truly so? Could they have been that of another? Yet if so, who? It seemed ludicrous to assume such, almost. Yet in most circumstances a forgiving heart I would have held despite all, yet something within me still upon this very moment holds the greatest disdain and wrath against the brothers that have betrayed and plotted against our dearest brethren in all the darkest vaults of their hearts.

I wonder still if this is some greater will within me that enables me to hold such vehement and sternly unyielding judgement against them. Mayhap it be from the Valar, and yet which one? Too much change had come across this Arda...I wonder how they would feel - and yet their ways are beyond my comprehension. If such unyielding ways I shall continue to hold, shall it be the right choice? Alas, and yet if mercy I should e'en show in the very slightest, they shall take advantage and harm our brother Maitimo again!

Nay! I can ne'er allow that! Ne'er again; ne'er so! It cannot e'er be so henceforth! This I forbid with all the will of my fëa, upon the Histories of Arda, upon the Tides of Time and Bounds of Fate! Indeed, I say, let it not be so! Let him be protected hereon from such malicious deceit and near-Kinslaying! At least this shall be the will of my own fëa; whether it shall be so or not by the will of higher Fate, I cannot tell nor do I desire to, yet still I shall let my plea be heard!​

 

[Maedhros_Nelyafinwë]

The logical conclusions of Fëanaro certainly hold no weight in Aredhel's mind. He had logically concluded, after all, that Maitimo had lied and Ancalirë rebelled against him. Fëanaro's conclusions seem to her not made of logic or careful reasoning, but of his own pride and stubbornness.

She doesn't know how that poison got in her brother's room, but it's not enough to make her think him a traitor, and certainly not against Maitimo. She casts him a sympathetic look, but remains silent.

~~

"I must speak with you," Fëanor says, entering Maglor's room. His posture is proud and erect, his voice resonant, his very presence commanding. "I have spoken with your brothers, and they said they convinced you to plant a poison in the chambers of Findekano, to make it look like he was behind the plot to kill Nelyafinwë. Is this true?"

He stares into Maglor's eyes with a piercing gaze.

 

[Elbereth Vala Varda]

Fingolfin sighs. "It pains me to say it, but..." He doesn't want to accuse his son. Really, he doesn't. But at the same time, Fingon seems responsible for this, and perhaps it is good that this topic is being raised again, since it is a rather critical one to deal with.

"So you both really think this about me?" Fingon says, feeling hurt and accused by both of them, but especially his father. "You really think that I would do something like that? That I would stoop so low as to attempt murder against my own brother?" He sighs. "Does no one stand beside me?"

~~

Maglor casts a glance downwards. He had hoped this wasn't his father's purpose of coming, a vain hope, clearly.

"Come, have a seat..." He says, sitting down on a couch near his bed. "I can tell you have things to speak about."

 

[Maedhros_Nelyafinwë]

"No," Aredhel says fiercely, staring intently at Fingon. "I never believed you would, and I still don't believe it. It has to be some sort of a trick from the brothers, somehow..."

But her voice falters, since she knows they were all locked up ever since the fight took place. They still haven't gotten an explanation as to how that happened, but she still remains confident in her brother's good heart.

~~

Fëanor remains standing. This isn't a casual chat or friendly heart-to-heart; this is a serious matter of treachery. "Answer my question," he says in an even sterner voice. "Did you, or did you not, plant a bottle of poison in Findekano's chambers?"

 

[Elbereth Vala Varda]

Fingon looks to Aredhel. Her support is encouraging, however much it doesn't make plain sense, he appreciates that she at least stands with him, and doesn't think he's a criminal, like his father seems to have concluded. He smiles at her. "Thank you." He mutters, turning his gaze back to Fingolfin. "And you?" He questions. "What do you have to say?"

Fingolfin sighs.

"I don't know what is the truth, but I'm beginning to wonder if I should have kept you locked away, despite my desires and yours." He says. "You're disobedient, that you have blatantly shown, and I don't take kindly to those who scoff at my orders as if they mean nothing. As if because you are my son, you are exempt. You are not!"

~~

Maglor looks away, not wanting to meet Feanor's gaze, but content to look upon his form.

"I, uh..." He begins. "A lot happened back there. I'm sure I wouldn't be the only one who doesn't want to talk about it. Besides, you know me better... You wouldn't, you wouldn't think that I would do something like that..." Then he mutters something under his breath, so none can hear. "Unless there was good reason."

 

[Maedhros_Nelyafinwë]

Aredhel can't believe she's hearing this. It's almost as though Nolofinwë is more inclined to side with his treacherous half-brother than with his own son. There is the matter of that evidence, but one small glass bottle doesn't carry much weight in her mind beside the many years she has known Findekano to be faithful, loyal and true.

"Don't tell me you're seriously considering this, Father," she says incredulously, her eyes widening.

~~

"I don't want to hear any more words out of your mouth other than a yes or no," Fëanor says, his voice raising in volume, and his face darkening. But the fact that Maglor is trying to squirm out of the question is very telling. Maitimo and Ancalirë, seemingly the only honest ones in this whole household, have always answered his questions directly, and looking him in the eye, without any nonsense about it.

 

[Elbereth Vala Varda]

Fingolfin turns aside with Aredhel.

"I don't want to." He mutters gently. "But your uncle is a good judge of character, or at least I would think he is, and it seems hardly right for me to conclude that Feanor is wrong and Fingon is right simply based on my own volition, and my desires for the blame to lie. I don't want to lock him up, I don't want to shove him away. Don't misread me." He says quietly. "Findekano seems honest, I just, I worry that all of this has taken too much of a toll on him, and that he has gone slightly mad against Feanor." He whispers even quieter into her ear; "He may be occupied with the throne."

~~

Maglor shakes his head. "I mean, you know me, it's not like me to do that." He says. "And besides, I have no benefit from it. I mean, none. Of course I would not do something like that. You know I wouldn't." He once again lowers his voice, muttering inaudibly under his breath. "I would need to have good reason."

 

[Maedhros_Nelyafinwë]

"He thought Maitimo lied about the brothers trying to kill him," Aredhel says bluntly. "You even didn't believe Maitimo for a while, either, but look what happened... on our very lands, his brothers shot him! I do not believe Fëanaro is as good a judge of character as you do... please..." Tears come to her eyes, and she falls on her knees and clasps at his robes. "Don't imprison my brother, I'm begging you!"

It seems ridiculous to her that Findekano would be after the throne. It makes no sense. He has never been preoccupied with such things, and the kingship rests with the House of Fëanor... if Findekano wanted the throne, he'd have to slay their entire House, and his own father. It's complete nonsense.

~~

"Yes or no, Maglor," Fëanor says severely, with a deep scowl. Even the four locked up in the dungeon have been more cooperative than Maglor! "Answer my question honestly and in a straightforward manner. If you continue to play word games, I shall put you in the dungeons along with Celegorm, Caranthir, Curufin and Amras."

 

[Elbereth Vala Varda]

Fingolfin sighs.

"I don't want to, my daughter. I want to trust in the sincerity of his heart, but I don't know if I can or should." He heaves a deep breath. "What would you have me do?" He asks. "For you have wisdom, as I have always known, and you make good choices with well-thought out reasoning. Tell me, what would be your response to all of this?" He asks this gently, not accusing her, but genuinely desiring to know what his daughter wants him to do and how she would handle all of this.

Fingon watches with anger and sadness. It's infuriating to him that they seem to be conversing about him behind his back, but he's at least relieved that Aredhel is here beside him, or else he would have no one to stand with him, and he would either have to do whatever his father wanted, or run even further into issues.

~~

Maglor doesn't know what to say. He doesn't want to lie, but Feanor's threat is a heavy one. He finally sighs and begins. "What shall be my punishment should I refuse or answer wrongly?" He asks, trying to hide his guilt, and in his mind, doing a good job at it. It pains him that his father mentions the dungeons, but he hopes that if he just remains calm, nothing will escalate.

 

[Maedhros_Nelyafinwë]

"At the very least, do not put him in prison," Aredhel says. "There is not evidence yet to merit that. I think..." she glances at Findekano-- "you should tell us the full story of what happened on your journey. I can tell you don't want to, but we need to learn the truth, and you are not helping yourself by withholding the story from us, and in fact you only add suspicion in doing that."

"And perhaps more importantly," she adds, "we should pray, and ask the Valar to guide us."

She's grateful, though, that Father values her opinion. He always has, and that is a blessing to her-- not very many fathers in this land hold their daughters in such high esteem.

~~

"The fact that you are even asking me that almost makes me want to throw you in the dungeon this instant," Fëanor says, his eyes cold and suspicious, and his voice severe. "I will do whatever I see fit. It may help you to know that I nearly exiled your brothers to the lands across the sea, and even now I believe they deserve that. If you lie to me, I will somehow find out, just as I found out that Maitimo never lied and there was a plot against him all along. And if I discover you are lying, I fear you will not like the consequences."

 

[Elbereth Vala Varda]

Fingolfin sighs. "I don't think I will throw him behind bars." He says softly. "I don't want to, and I feel it may be rash and cold to do such a thing, and could create even the more anger and conflict among our House, which as I hope you can see, I am trying to avoid." He comes closer to her. "But still, we must keep vigilant around him... I am not saying that he is a liar, but I am starting to wonder whether I should be so trusting of him." And with Aredhel's words, he turns to Fingon. "Indeed. Tell us what happened. This all has become a distraction. You still haven't told your story." And Fingolfin smiles at Aredhel. "I will pray, and so should you." He mutters.

Fingon looks down. "Listen, I don't know why you care to know the story of everything. It was a very long journey."

"Tell us." Presses Fingolfin. "For you have been so closed and dishonest that I do not know lie from truth with you."

~~

Maglor sighs. The words of his father are bitter, and he never in a million ages would have dared to think that his father considered exile. He feels there is no choice now but to surrender it. "I-" He tries to start. "Please do not be angry with me, for I had a million motives and none of them were cruel." He says softly. "But yes. I did. The brothers made it seem so alluring. They told me that if I only did that, that then I would somehow feel some relief from everything, and our family could go back to peace and harmony once more." He sighs. "They told me that I would find favor with Nelyo again, and with you, and that your heart would no longer be burdened, because you always hated Fingolfin and his family, and we could finally cut away. They said we would have peace, and in my dire bitterness, my hatred for conflict, I agreed."

 

[Maedhros_Nelyafinwë]

Aredhel nods, relieved, and finds herself with no complaints against her father's judgment. It is true that technically they can't know if Fingon is innocent, as much as they'd all like to believe he is.

"We care to know the story because we care about you," she says gently to her brother. "I know these times are tense and strange, but all we want is to know the truth, and to help you."

~~

Fëanor nods slowly, scrutinizing the face of his son. This seems to make sense based on the information he has already gathered from the brothers, and it makes sense that Maglor would want to squirm out of his questioning if he really is guilty of this. And in a way, this is almost reassuring to Fëanor to at least see that the story is consistent, upsetting as it is.

"I understand you were deceived by the four," he says. "I don't fault you much for this, since they deceived me and your mother as well. However, you still have a will of your own at the end of the day, and I am deeply disappointed that you did this treacherous thing against your cousin. Do you realize that your actions led to us imprisoning Findekano, and the great conflict between him and your mother? Is this the peace you were looking for?"

 

[Elbereth Vala Varda]

Fingon can't really counter what his sister and father are saying, and even feels regret for being a bit harsh with them at the beginning. They just want to help, they want to understand, just like he does. And at this point, it may be a welcome sympathy to have them both understand just how far Nerdanel went against him. At the least, his father really can't think any worse of him for it, since he already seems to gratefully attend to the conclusion that Findekano did indeed plot everything.

"I-" He sighs. "I rode behind them for a long time. I was weary, tired. It wasn't an easy journey. Between the constant noises and the fears I had within myself, nothing had ever been so uncomfortable. But I did it, for Maitimo. And then, after I had followed them for a long time, I couldn't tell where they went. I thought maybe they stopped, but I didn't know, so I just rode on. Eventually, I became so exhausted that I needed to stop, so I decided to." He looks down. "The only problem was, they chose the same spot, and I walked right in."

~~

Maglor doesn't grieve much hearing this, not for Findekano at least. He never had loved his cousin that much, mainly because he wanted Feanor on good terms, and any friendship with his cousins could hinder that. But he does grieve for what he's done. It's so unlike him. In fact, he would never come against someone like that, and the fact that he did, is a devastating turn of events. He hadn't fully known what happened to Findekano with Nerdanel, but he suspected there had been injuries, and since Nerdanel walked away unscathed, that only left one victim.

"No sir." He says, shaking his head and responding promptly. "I didn't know that it went that far. My care has never really outstretched to their family, but still, I am sorry that things happened in this way."

 

[Maedhros_Nelyafinwë]

Aredhel exchanges a significant glance with her father, but otherwise says nothing, and intently listens to Findekano. Hopefully, she will get some idea of why he has been so hesitant to reveal the story.

~~

Fëanor nods slowly, a hint of disapproval still in his eyes. He is at least glad that Maglor hasn't gotten tangled up in a dangerously close relationship with the House of Nolofinwë like Maitimo has, but still, these are cold words coming from him.

"Well, I hope you have learned your lesson," he says. "Celegorm, Caranthir, Curufin and Amras are no longer to be trusted, so do not ever listen to them again... you probably won't get the chance anytime soon, since they are locked up, and I don't allow anyone besides myself and the guards down there."

He sighs deeply and thinks for a moment before saying, "This is my judgment on you. You may have been deceived, but you still acted wrongly. I have written to my father, Finwë, explaining all this and asking for advice. Your mother and I plan to somehow, in some way, meet with Nolofinwë and his children and apologize for the accusations we have made and for being ungrateful of their hospitality. I do not know when this will be-- this is where Finwë will hopefully advise us-- but when it takes place, I expect you to join me and your mother, and personally apologize to Findekano, and indeed the entire family."

He also intends to keep a closer eye on Maglor, too, since he does not fully know his heart and where he really stands in regards to the brothers. At a minimum, Fëanor will not allow him to see Maitimo for the time being.

 

[Elbereth Vala Varda]

Fingon sighs.

"I don't want to talk about it, but..." He looks down. "Nerdanel came after me. She said horrible things to me, tried to tie me up." His eyes cloud with tears relaying it all. "Maitimo tried to distract her, and then Ancalire, but in the end," He looks down. "In the end, she, she prevailed." He glances away, wiping a tear from his eye. "She wounded me, and tied me up, and she would've left me to die."

~~

Maglor's heart drops, hearing the decree of his father. "In front of Finwe? You want me to apologize to him?" Maglor scoffs. "You raised a sword at Fingolfin and you never seemed to give any apology for that.." He says. "Why should it be any different with me? I did nothing worse. And besides, I was deceived, you weren't."

 

[Maedhros_Nelyafinwë]

Aredhel's face pales, hearing this-- she barely would have believed it if she had not seen what she saw when Nerdanel was dragging Fingon off to the dungeons.

"Father, this is another aspect I concealed in my attempt to help Findekano," she says suddenly. "Before he left, Nerdanel had him bound in chains and was attempting to drag him off to the dungeons. I confronted her about this, and she fled, surely knowing she had not the authority to do this. This is further evidence that not all is well between us and the House of Fëanor."

She shakes her head and tears come to her eyes, and she gazes at her brother. "She hurt you again? I'm so sorry..."

~~

"Yes. This is my judgment, and do not argue with it, unless you'd prefer to go to the dungeons," Fëanor retorts, his face flushing with anger. "You do not have the right to question me or argue with me, especially not on the matter with Nolofinwë. Your mother and I are apologizing, and you will join us, or face more of my wrath."