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

Fingolfin gazes in shock at his son, barely able to believe what he has heard.

He sighs. "Wow, I-I had no idea." He says, hoping he didn't say anything too hurtful. "How did it happen? Were you not armed?"

Fingon shakes his head. "I mean, no I wasn't armed. She stole my dagger and many of my belongings, and pushed me down. My head hit the rocks, and I would have just been left there, probably eaten by wolves." He sighs. "If not for Maitimo, who, he, he saved me. He helped me up, gave me his only dagger to cut the cords... He did everything."

Fingolfin turns abruptly to Aredhel as she mentions this.

"What? Why didn't you tell me? How long ago was this?"

~~

At Feanor's words, Maglor recoils in grief, devastated that he will now have to confess guilt in front of Finwe and directly to Findekano. In his opinion, it's a terribly humbling thing, and he should not be asked to do it. "There was hardly any harm in what I did." He mutters, but quickly wonders if it was a good thing to say. "I won't defy your orders, however." He adds.

"A day or two ago, just before Findekano left," Aredhel replies, shifting uncomfortably. "Nerdanel was gone, and I had promised Findekano not to speak to you of any of this... but it was wrong of me to not tell you, Father, and I'm sorry."

Her heart goes out to her brother. It certainly seems like a violent and upsetting story, and humiliating for him. And she wonders how Maitimo could have both freed him and escaped the notice of Nerdanel in his condition.

~~

"Hardly any harm?" Fëanor's voice is raised to a greater volume, not quite to the point of yelling, but almost. "My son, do you have any idea of the discord and disaster which befell our Houses because of your deed? Findekano was unjustly thrown in prison, and your mother was so fearful of the House of Nolofinwë that she took Nelyo home early, which caused him to regress in his healing. And then your mother fought with Findekano and left him for dead. All this is because of you. Do you really not understand this, or do you not care? I don't know which is worse."

Fingolfin looks to Aredhel and Findekano.

"My children, what have I ever done that has made you wary of me?" He asks. "Tell me how I have broken your trust, where we became disconnected, and pray, let me fix it. Let me make right with you." He says softly. "Please... Do not keep these things from me. He narrows at Aredhel. "What would have been your response if Findekano had not been saved? Do you realize that if you had told me, I could have been standing by, charting his path, knowing to where he would go, or even counseling him out of this, with all due kindness and respect for his desires." He sighs. "I am your father, your protector. By my role alone, I have taken an oath to protect each of you, and preserve you through all perils. But if you do not tell me what is happening, and do not open yourselves to me..." He takes a deep breath. "I want to do my best rightly. Please, let me."

~~

Maglor cringes at the words of his father, and shuts his eyes tightly closed. He doesn't want to hear a lecture about how what he did has really resulted in some major issues, but that seems like the only thing Feanor wants to talk about.

"You raised a sword against our uncle." He says. "Isn't that nearly as bad as what my other brothers are being imprisoned for? And certainly it's worse than anything that I've done."

These words of Nolofinwë pain Aredhel, and tears come to her eyes as she says, "We thought you would try to stop him from going after Maitimo, and that he really needed Findekano's help... that is the only reason. It's not that we didn't trust you; we must have known deep down inside that you stopping us would have been the right thing, but we were set in our ways..."

~~

"You have no right to accuse me," Fëanor says bitterly. "You are my son and I expect you to respect my authority, and that is all I will say on the subject. I do not have to defend myself to you."

He leaves the room and slams the door shut.

In truth, he feels no guilt after pulling his sword on Nolofinwë. His half-brother was being suspicious at the time and refusing to say where Nelyo and Fëanoriel were, so in Fëanor's mind, he had every right to act defensively. This current situation is far different, since Fëanor knows he and Nerdanel made the wrong accusation and caused much chaos and discord because of it. But regardless, Maglor ought to have more respect and obedience, and his insolence is almost enough to make Fëanor want to throw him in the dungeon.

Fingolfin sighs.

"I get it." He says softly. "I don't want to raise those thoughts in you, so I just wish you had told me." He looks to both of them. "But for the now, come here. Get some rest, especially you, Fingon. Take care of yourselves. Relay the story to Turgon, and to your mother and Argon when they arrive." He embraces both of them. "I know you don't trust me fully right now, but I'm begging you to please tell me when you are in trouble, and when you are suffering, do not do it silently and hidden away. It hurts all the more for both of us."

He looks a bit bitterly at Fingon. "Please, surrender any weapons you have, just for... for the sake of obedience."

Findekano looks down. "Fine." He says, laying down a dagger on the table, for it was all that he had.

~~

Maglor adjusts his position, blinking in shock at the utter anger of Feanaro.

A few days pass, and Finwë, High King of the Noldor, receives his son's message and responds promptly. He sends a letter in return telling Fëanaro that his House, and the House of Nolofinwë, are both invited to the House of Finwë for a gathering, where attempts at reconciliation may be made.

After reading this letter, Fëanor quickly seeks out Nerdanel, to inform her of the news of it. He finds her in the gardens, walking alone, and shows her the letter.

"What do you think of this, my love?" he asks her. "This is the advice of my father, so I think it is what we should do."

~~

Maitimo is not in the gardens or the forests, but in the armory.

After a few days of rest, his shoulder is mostly healed and the poison completely gone. But after the ordeal he endured, he still has much strength left to recover, and can't walk or ride very far without getting tired.

The past few days have been dull and boring, but strangely enough he didn't really care much about that-- he's had no desire to do anything. What is there to do? Study? How can he focus on history and diplomacy after everything that has happened? The House feels so quiet without the brothers around, but Maitimo has no desire to see them. He's seen plenty of Fëanor, Nerdanel and Ancalirë, but less of Amrod, and even less of Maglor for some reason. And with them, he doesn't have much to talk about, or at least, things that aren't painful and sad to talk about. He has tried to spend time in the gardens and the woods, but nature has not brought him any happiness the way it used to.

There's only one thought in his mind which is becoming an obsession, and that is arming himself.

The healers won't let him get back into training yet, but he's anxious to do so. So he is having a new sword and set of mithril mail made, and whenever he gets the chance, he closely watches the smiths as they make them. This sword is supposed to be perfectly balanced, and the mithril mail made of such fine, tiny links that nothing will be able to pass through it. The mithril mail will also be so thin and light that he'll be able to wear it all the time and it will be concealed under his clothing, so no one will suspect it.

~~

Meanwhile, a messenger brings a letter from Finwë to Fingolfin.

Nerdanel is gladdened to see her husband coming to her. The gardens have been rather quiet without her daughter and son, and after everything, it is hard to find joy. She still chides herself for doing what she did to her nephew and hopes their relationship will not be forever scarred because of this, but, it probably will.

"A letter?" She says, taking the paper in her hand and reading through it carefully. "His House?" She finally says, finishing the reading process and tucking a strand of her hair back. "This is lovely. A great idea.." She softly mutters. "And what a good opportunity for us all to get together, and truly, all of us..." She smiles. "I must admit," She says gently. "You were right, love."

~~

Meanwhile, in the House of Nolofinwe, Fingolfin receives the messenger, and the message.

Seeing the stamped paper, he quickly calls his children. "Come. A letter from Finwe."

Maitimo jumps, startled by the voice of Ancalirë, since he was so intently focused on watching the crafting of his armor and sword. But he smiles at Ancalirë, gladdened to see her. They haven't gotten a word alone since they returned home a few days ago.

"Yes, they shall be," he says in response to her, glancing at the work of the smiths. "A perfectly balanced sword and the finest mithril mail. I'll need them at some point... the question is not if, but when."

He is surprised and relieved by her news about the Silmaril. Truthfully, he had nearly forgotten about it after all the recent events-- and he immediately feels guilty for it, since it is not just a gem, but a work which contains the fëa of his sister, so its loss was not a thing that bode well for her.

"That is good news... I'm glad to hear it," he says, smiling. But his smile fades at the mention of Fëanor. He remembers when Fëanor took the Silmaril, after having wounded Ancalirë, and Maitimo had tried to stop it... what a wretched and disastrous day that had been... He's mildly curious how it came to be that Fëanor gave it back, but doesn't really want to bring the whole thing up, especially since Ancalirë seems to have been growing closer with Fëanor lately. Maitimo tries to tell himself that this is a good thing, that Fëanaro's repentance was sincere, but he still feels cold and suspicious and untrusting of his father.

In fact, he feels cold and suspicious and untrusting of basically everyone, these days. Even the smiths-- this is why he carefully watches their work, to make sure they're not somehow sabotaging his armor and sword.

With these thoughts, he doesn't even know how to continue the conversation with his sister. He trusts her more than he trusts others, but struggles to find any words to say that are not despairing or sorrowful.

~~

Fëanor smiles at Nerdanel, glad that she seems to approve of the idea. "It seems to make the most sense," he admits. "If we were to visit the House of Nolofinwë, or they were to visit us, there would be more opportunity for hostility. My father's House is more neutral territory and will be a better place for us to resolve these things."

Glancing at the letter, he says, "It looks as though he wishes us to arrive in about two day's time, but he's flexible. I think that should be enough time for us to make preparations and journey there, don't you?"

~~

Aredhel and Turgon quickly respond and come beside their father, listening attentively.

Nerdanel nods.

"Yes! That will be lovely." She says softly. "Have you told the boys yet?" She asks, immediately feeling the need to correct herself, since most of 'the boys' were in the dungeon. "I mean, did you tell anyone else?"

~~

Fingon also arrives, and Fingolfin looks at them all, sighing.

"A letter came from Finwe. You all may read it." He says, a slight smirk forming on his face, merely by knowing the information in the letter by reading it when his children had no clue.

I give my brother a soft embrace before pulling away.

"At least I am glad that it's been returned to me. Yet still...I regard it not completely as my own - only half of it would be - and Feanor seems to have picked up on this other essence also. He says he wants to compare mine with his at some point...I know that other half is from the Valar, yet he is most definitely not one to speak of the Powers."

An anxious expression crosses my face as I realise of this dilemma.

"What am I to do? Surely I would not deny this idea of comparing my Silmaril with his three...and I had called upon the Valar in my heart during the creation of Runyaril...yet I cannot so openly tell him. Truly, what am I to do?"

Maitimo frowns slightly and gazes off into the distance. That does seem like a dilemma if the Valar were involved in the crafting of the Silmaril... just putting those two words in the same sentence is a recipe for infuriating Fëanaro.

"That is difficult," he admits. "On one hand, you'd best not let Father find out about that if you don't want his temper provoked. On the other hand, he may come to find out anyway, and get suspicious if he finds out you concealed it from him."

Dealing with Fëanor and trying to avoid his wrath is like navigating an intricate, deadly labyrinth. One slight misstep and his temper will rain down in a fiery blast.

~~

"No, not yet," says Fëanor. "You are the first I have told. Do you think Nelyo is ready to travel yet? He's seemed much better lately."

~~

Aredhel and Turgon gather together with Fingon and read the letter, and they all look hopeful at the news.

"This seems an excellent idea from our grandfather," says Turgon. "We may be able to resolve these things, and Fëanor may be a little calmer since he will neither be at his House or ours. And it will be good to see Maitimo and Ancalirë and Maglor, and see how they fare."

Aredhel nods, but internally she worries. She isn't as optimistic as Turgon is that things will go so smoothly. Her attitude towards Fëanor and even Nerdanel now is cynical and suspicious, after all she has seen from them.

I give a deep sigh.

"That is true...it is hard to say."

For long I ponder, and for long moments I remain silent.

Nerdanel nods.

"I mean, he probably is... We could ask him how he feels. I'm sure he would like to see Findekano."

~~

Fingon sighs. "I- honestly I don't even know anymore. If I didn't care about Maitimo as much as I do, I's probably cut with their family entirely."

Fingolfin shoots him a dull glare. "Don't, do that."

Fëanor nods in agreement. "Let us find him, then, and ask about it."

So he and Nerdanel depart and begin looking for Maitimo. First they search the riding trails and his chambers, but they don't find him there. After looking all over the palace, they are almost starting to get worried until Fëanor finds out from a guard that Maitimo is in the armory.

"That's odd," he says to Nerdanel. "He's never had any interest in the place before."

So they arrive at the armory, and approach Maitimo and Ancalirë.

"Ah, Nelyo," says Fëanor, and his voice causes Maitimo to jump, startled. "I never thought I'd see the day where you came here voluntarily! It is good to see you finally taking an interest in weaponry."

"It's out of necessity," Maitimo says coldly, his heart still racing.

"Yes, indeed... Anyway, your mother and I have some news. We have been invited to the House of Finwë, and the Nolofinwians are to attend as well."

~~

Aredhel glances in concern at her brother, hoping another conflict won't start up between him and Fingolfin.

"Well, hopefully this will be a chance for us and them to make things right, so you won't feel that way anymore, " Turgon says to Fingon, smiling kindly.

I turn round as Fëanor approaches, and after he has spoken, I stand for a few moments, glancing at him.

"The House of Finwë..." I mutter softly, wondering what could come out of that. I walk towards him, glancing upwards, waiting for him to respond.

Nerdanel stands beside Maitimo.

"Yes, love... We were trying to see if you would be well enough to travel... I mean, it has been some time since you were hurt, and you are walking and moving as usual now, and..." She pauses. "Just, tell us... Tell us if you feel well enough. We haven't told anyone else. You are the first."

~~

Fingon looks coldly. "I don't know if that's really, possible."

"It better be." Fingolfin adds. "You must put your worries aside."

Fingon glances down, sighing. "How? I mean, really, how? Do you have any idea how many times they've humiliated me, and twisted my thoughts against me?"

Maitimo realizes he should feel gladdened or even slightly intrigued by the news-- seeing his grandfather Finwë would surely be a nice thing, and of course, seeing Findekano and his family is what he's been hoping for for ages.

But it seems like his heart is dead and can't feel anything other than cold suspicion.

"This is welcome news," he says with a forced smile, hoping he looks cheerier than he feels. "I think I should manage the journey just fine, as long as we don't ride too fast or for too long."

He glances over the work of the smiths, hoping they'll finish the armor and sword before he leaves. If necessary, he can use some other armor and sword, but he'd rather have his new, custom-made items for the journey.

~~

"I'm worried too," says Aredhel, subtly coming to Findekano's defense. "There is indeed much to worry about, after what we have seen. But, we can and should still do our part to remain civil and courteous."

Nerdanel nods. "It really is." She smiles, placing her hand on Maitimo's shoulder. "We will of course not ride any faster than you feel comfortable, love. I just know that, well, you've wanted to see Finwe, and especially Nolofinwe. So, I guessed this would be a welcome surprise."

She really hopes that Nelyo is as delighted as she is. Obviously, there is some stuff that needs to be dealt with. It truly does. But all the same, she just wants to get back together with their families. Too much conflict has stirred, and she doesn't even want to think about how she has acted to her nephew. He'll probably hate her forever.

"We'll leave soon, of course, if you're up to it." She says, eyes beaming.

~~

Fingolfin glances at Fingon, walking close to him, whispering in his ear. "Do not bring that sort of conflict up, my son." He says sternly. "Keep that to yourself."

Findekano looks down, speaking openly. "Do you really want that?" He asks Fingolfin. "You want me to conceal everything?"

"I have longed to see them again," Maitimo agrees. But he feels like there is a gaping silence hanging over them as they do not talk about the circumstances behind the House of Nolofinwë. After all, one of his primary purposes in seeing them was to properly thank them for their aid and to try to smooth things over after what his parents did. At least they'll be doing some of that themselves, but still.

"When did you want to leave?" he asks.

"Tomorrow, if possible, " Fëanor replies.

Maitimo glances anxiously towards the smiths again. Will their work be finished by then? He doesn't wish to rush their work, but he knows this mail and sword will be far superior to the other things in the armory, and is hesitant to leave without it.

~~

"You may not have to conceal everything, since this will be a visit of reconciliation, " says Turgon.