In which Caranthir gets into even deeper trouble than he's already in (and we all know it's just going to keep getting worse).

And I realized Pityafinwë's nickname is actually 'Pityo,' not 'Pitya.' Woops. :p

Enjoy!

The following morning, we rushed about like mad getting ready for the Feast of Kementári, which would be held in the great palace of my grandfather Finwë in Tirion. The twins kept haranguing Ammë with questions, until I took them outside to leave her in peace while she finished braiding Tyelko's long, silky silver hair. I had made myself as presentable as I could ever be. I had attempted straightening my hair earlier that morning, before anyone else awoke, but I only succeeded in burning part of it instead. I made do with tying the whole mess back with a red ribbon, to which Curufinwë commented I looked like a silly maiden on her way to a party. To which I nearly gave him a black eye, but then Atar entered the room, and I smoldered in silence.

I was still troubled from last night. I asked Ammë if she had noticed the chill, and she said she hadn't. I wanted to ask Atar about the sketches, but he was moody and irritable that morning. I avoided him.

At last, all was ready. Atar did not accompany us, but otherwise, the entire House of Fëanáro rode into Tirion in all its terrifying splendor. People flowed around us, children gaping in wonder, maidens giggling and blushing. One particularly bold maid strode up to Maitimo's horse and asked, a devilish grin on her face, "Lord Prince, may I have a lock of your hair?"

To my astonishment, he took out his knife, cut off a tiny red curl, and obliged her.

It took a long time weaving through all the crowds, and we made it to the palace about an hour after the festival started. We gave our horses to the grooms waiting outside, endured Ammë's last minute preening, waited while Ammë and Tyelko argued over whether or not Huan could join the festivities, and then, finally, strode into the palace like a gang of thugs. (Huan did not leave my brother's side.)

The vast banquet hall hung with garlands of flowers and baskets of fruit. Tables loaded with food lined the walls. In the middle of the hall, a few couples danced to the lively music playing on the dais. Although I had wanted to attend the Feast, I suddenly panicked and wanted to crawl into a hole. Telvo, glancing at me, remarked, "You're blushing again, Moryo."

"I know. Shut it."

"Peace, Carnistir," whispered Ammë. She turned toward us, her face also flushed, but probably from excitement. She gave us all an anxious smile. "Now, boys -"

Loud groan from Curufinwë. "Ammë, we're not boys anymore."

"Except for Moryo," Tyelkormo added.

I could have strangled him, but Ammë took my hand and squeezed it. I relaxed. "Sons," she began again, though firmer, "this is a special day. I expect you all to act your age and not to cause any trouble for anyone. That means no teasing your brothers, Tyelko. Ambarussa, do not eat too much like you did at Atarinkë's wedding. Makalaurë, do not wander off too far. You don't want to miss your time to play. Help him, Eärlinel. Atarinkë, please pay attention to more people than just Serlis, and be polite. Don't give me that look; I don't care that you're married, you still act like a brat sometimes." (Stifled laughter from all present, except Curvo, who looked close to exploding.) "Maitimo, don't spend the entire day with your cousin, please. And Carnistir, smile. Now I'm going to go find Indis. Behave." She swept away.

"'Carnistir, smile'," I mumbled to myself.

"Well, you never do," said Tyelko.

Maitimo pulled me away before I could rip out Tyelko's hair. "Do you trust me, Carnistir?"

I rolled my eyes. "Sure."

"I'll find a maiden for you, and you will dance at least once with her."

"Fine."

He frowned, but said nothing, and left me. I watched him approach a small group of maidens, who all began giggling and whispering among themselves. One of them fainted. I grumbled and crossed my arms. No maidens ever fainted around me. Though, now that I thought of it, it might be annoying.

While I waited, I watched the dancers. I saw my cousin, Findekáno, dancing with his wife, Vamarië. Findaráto danced with Írrisë (I tried not to care. Findarárato smiled when he saw me, but Írrisë ignored me as always.) Curvo and Serlis soon went out as well, at which point, I stopped watching. Their interactions always left me gagging, and dancing couldn't be much better. I located the rest of my brothers. The Ambarussa haunted the tables, and Pityo flirted with a Vanyarin lady as he attempted cramming a cream puff into his mouth at the same time. Telvo looked bored. Tyelko sprawled on a chair in the back, more interested in Huan than anything else, though I knew he would soon join Pityo (in both the food and the flirting). Maka and Eërlinel engaged in lively conversation with Uncle Arafinwë and Aunt Eärwen, who held little Artanis. I had to force myself to stop staring at her.

And Maitimo, talking to the maidens for me. I smiled a little. I wondered what he was telling them. Perhaps, "If I dance with you, will you dance with my ugly little brother?"

I tensed when Maitimo stepped away from the group, a lithe Vanyarin maid half his height on his arm. Oh dear. This was a bad idea. I felt my face turning red. They walked up to me, both with easy smiles. My, she was beautiful. I thought about running out the open doors into the gardens.

"Morifinwë, this is Amarië. Amarië, this is my brother, Morifinwë. He is a little shy, so treat him well." Maitimo winked and left us.

I almost bolted, but Amarië looked as shy as I felt. She blushed, her face turned away from me, her tiny white hands playing with the delicate sash around her waist. She wore a light pink gown which flowed around her like a dewy waterfall. A crown of pink flowers twined in her hair, her hair the color of Laurelin. I wondered why she volunteered to dance with me. I cleared my throat. "Did my brother promise to dance with you so you'd dance with me?"

She looked up at me, startled. "No." She offered me a tiny smile.

Feeling a little better, I made myself smile back. "Well, ah, shall we dance?"

When did I become so gallant?

Amarië nodded. I took her hand and led her out into the middle of the floor. Curvo saw us and momentarily lost his charm when he stepped on Serlis' foot and she slapped him.

I placed my hand on Amarië's waist, and she laid her hand on my shoulder. I looked down at her, feeling strange. Her smile widened a little. "Are you all right, Prince Morifinwë?"

"Yes, I am fine."

We danced.

The music flowed around us, never-ending. I didn't even notice when the music changed, and Makalaurë's sweet voice filled the room. All I saw were Amarië's eyes, like blue stars from the sky, like crystals from the shores of the sea.

And then the music stopped.

Tyelkormo came up to me, saying, "It's time to go, Lover-Boy."

I ignored him, and kissed Amarië's hand.

"Thank you," I whispered.

She blushed.

Maitimo rode close to me as we returned home in Telperion's soft light. I heard Pityo going off about the lovely maiden he met. Maitimo grinned at me. "That went better than I thought. You danced with her the entire time."

"I'm not raising my hopes."

"She seemed to like you."

I said nothing, but felt lighter in heart.

I really should not have raised my hopes.

Last edited: 5/17/18