Happy New Year everyone! Sorry for a bit of a wait, Christmas celebrations got in the way of writing! Now let the Games Begin...
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Tirion...First Age 505...
This was it. The day they had been waiting for had arrived. Siofra shook away her nerves and used deep breaths to rid the nausea in her stomach ...It will be fine...it is only the first day...I am skilled enough to pass this test...it will be fine...
Kyelaeron beside her had turned so pale that his skin could be mistaken for a summer tan. Siofra composed herself and focused her attention on ridding her otorno of his self doubts.
'NEXT!' barked a voice they had become accustomed to the past few days. Kyelaeron stepped forward, it was his turn to be checked for forbidden weapons (such as poison darts) and performance enhancing medicines (something reborn nandor were notorious for)
Kyelaeron was brushed down at his sides, his pockets were checked, as were his weapons, leathers and everything in-between, all while Tanwë simultaneously meticulously interrogated him with questions in search of tell-tale signs of prohibited substance use.
Of course, Kyelaeron was clean, his weapons all permitted. Tanwë shoved him to the other side, ready to enter the Game's arena. Siofra stepped forward before Tanwë could yank her.
Her weapons were all approved, then Tanwë began checking her leathers for hidden contraband, with the intensity of one scanning for a needle in a haystack.
Siofra was not worried, she had nothing to hide.
Therefore it was much to her dismay when Tanwë stopped dead in her search, rage emanating from her aura. So much so heads turned in the direction of the pair. Siofra was taken aback, shock and slight panic in her expression.
'What is your name?' Tanwë sharply ordered.
'Siofra' she replied with her usual confidence.
'Full name?'
'Siofra Aranya'
Tanwë raised an eyebrow, indicating she had not been fooled by the failure to mention who was her father
She did not press the paternity matter further however. 'Follow me!' She ordered, with as much gentleness as Fëanáro used when ordering Moringotto away from Formenos.
Siofra obliged, ignoring the stares she received and holding her head up with as much arrogance as she had inherited.
Kyelaeron made to follow, but a warning glare from Tanwë stayed his steps.
Siofra was led through the marquee the competitors were currently in, located just beside the arena. The trial was set to begin in an hour.
Tanwë ushered her into a small 'room' out of sight and earshot of any other person. It appeared to be an office of sorts.
As Tanwë drew the curtains, giving the two privacy, Siofra pleaded her case.
'I swear to you I did not take any sort of drugs and I have no prohibited weapons!'
Tanwë took her time, ensuring not a soul could possibly guess the happenings of the room. 'I know' she replied eventually.
'THEN WHY AM I HERE!? I DID NOTHING! PLEASE DON'T DISQUALIFY ME! AI VALAR THIS IS ABOUT THE TREE ISN'T IT?' Siofra could only maintain her temper for so long.
'CALM DOWN! Tanwë snapped, before her face softened just a little. 'You will not be disqualified.' Her brow furrowed 'Wait what tree?'
'Nothing' Siofra muttered quickly.
Tanwë rolled her eyes. 'You are here because I need you to cover this.' She pointed to Siofra's neck, to the eight pointed star.
Confusion dawned in Siofra's expression. 'My tattoo...but why? '
Tanwë sighed. 'Because this is the first time the Teleri have ventured within one hundred leagues of Tirion since the flight. King Olwë will be present, as will families of those lost at Alqualonde. For you to proudly brandish your marking is an insult to them, after all they have suffered. It could even have political impacts.'
'For your own sake, if you openly wear your mark, there will be many who will dislike you, followers of Nolofinwë and Arafinwë who remain and also Telerin warriors, who you will be competing against. Your tattoo could trigger dark memories, they could lose their self control to grief. You would be surprised how much grief can transform a person. It can turn one insane, in the blink of an eye. I have witnessed it firsthand, many years ago.'
Siofra was taken aback, and also a little confused. 'But...my Ammë followed Nolofinwë, and my Atar Fëanáro! They did not hate each other! Why should a follower of Nolofinwë hate me for my tattoo! I was too young to have followed either of them!'
Tanwë narrowed her eyes... was it not obvious why there would be tension? 'You know what happened after the flight...the shipburning?'
'Oh yes I remember now. Sorry.' Siofra replied. Tanwë wasn't sure if the girl was being sarcastic or not.
'Whatever about Noldo politics, you must cover it for the Teleri. It is dangerous not to, on many fronts.' Tanwë warned.
'Are they not being a little bitter? I know the Noldor stole their ships but they really ought to forgive and forget. I don't see why I should have to cover my tattoo.' Siofra stubbornly crossed her arms, as if she had indeed been raised in the palace.
'YOU DID NOT JUST...- Tanwë began but had to compose herself when she saw that there was no ill intent in Siofra's words.
She could not believe it. This girl was oblivious. How can the kinslaying have completely escaped the knowledge of this nís?!
Tanwë shuddered as she did each time the tragic events at Alqualondë entered her mind. Or, more specifically, when she recalled just who had taken part. Surely he did not have it in him? Surely he stood aside.
History told her otherwise.
Tanwë started again 'Did you not learn history as part of your education in the woods?'
Siofra shrugged 'I was never good with letters, so Oromë brought me hunting while the others were schooled and taught me what I needed to know himself.'
In other words Oromë taught you hunting and nothing else...especially nothing that had anything to do with Tyelkormo... typical.
Tanwë shook her head. She understood the pain the Vala must have but to ignore the lessons history taught was almost as sinful as the kinslaying itself. There was no better way to ensure it never happened again than to educate elflings of the horrors of war.
Tanwë took a deep breath, how did one explain Alqualondë to one who was clueless? Anger rose within her. Siofra should know this already! This was not Tanwë's job!
And there was the fact that Tanwë, no more than Oromë, hated to even think about the horrors committed by someone she loved.
She sighed 'Moina, you cannot so much as mention the flight or the stealing of the ships to any Teleri. They suffered more than any other Eldar race after the darkening. The horror caused by the Noldor at Swanhaven was so great that I have not the heart nor the time to explain it to you. Just know that innocent people died, for the sake of a few ships.'
Siofra's eyes widened, genuine and heartfelt sadness flooded her face. Tanwë felt like crying at the mere sight of it. 'No...' she gasped, before shaking herself out of her trance 'I'm sorry...I didn't know...I...will...should I remove it?' She nodded to her tattoo, albeit hesitantly.
'No.' Tanwë shook her head. 'It is a link to who you are, you did not take part in any of the mess of Alqualondë, or the flight. Yes, you must hide it at a time like this, but do not be ashamed of it. Wear it with pride.'
Tanwë proceeded to pull down the neckline of her dress, exposing her chest. Siofra gasped as just above Tanwë's heart, was a tattoo that perfectly matched her own. The eight pointed star.
' Hide it, but do not forget it.' Tanwë reiterated, before pulling her dress back up. 'Here, take this for today. I can have something made for you for the next trial.'
She handed Siofra the thick headband she had been wearing.
'I hope I get to the next trial.' Siofra felt the nerves kicking in yet again.
'You will' Tanwë assured. If you possess a fraction of the talent of he whom you are the spitting image of...
'Thank you' Siofra said while securing the band onto her brow. 'Wow! My hair is completely out of my way now! This makes seeing so much easier!'
'You really ought to tie it back for the competition. Take Laurëfindal's failure as a lesson.' Tanwë warned.
'Who?' Siofra really knew nothing to do with history of any sort.
'He was runner up in Tyelkormo and Írissë's Games. He insisted on leaving his long, golden hair free of any braids or ties and Tyelko had no qualms in taking full advantage of it.' Tanwë explained.
'I see...' Siofra replied 'Wait you knew Tyelkormo? You called him by his epessë.'
Tanwë cursed her slip of tongue, she did not wish to talk about any of her doomed in-laws ever again. 'I used to do the Palace accounts' was all she gave away. 'Now you better go. We have been here too long. Keep that headband on.'
Siofra gave her thanks yet again and practically skipped off to the other competitors again, delighted with her new 'hairstyle'
Tanwë hesitated, before shouting 'SIOFRA!'
'Yes!' The young nís skidded to a halt, almost falling over in the process, so much so that Tanwë could not help the smile that broke out on her face. When had she last smiled? It scared her to remember when.
'Good Luck.' Her smile widened.
Siofra returned the beam. She nodded her head, before skipping off.
Tanwë wryly raised an eyebrow. With a face so much like your Atar's you are going to need it...
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Oromë's Woods , Y.T...
'Hullo Mister Robin! Do you have any feathers we can use in our game please?! Mára needs them because the Ambarussa didn't give her anything so she needs something to put on her head so she can pretend to be Manwë!'
The startled bird had to pause for a minute to comprehend what the babbling elfling requested of him. On realising it was but a few mere feathers, to play some game with her little peer, he gladly complied to the gleeful silvery haired child.
'Here you go princess.' he replied, plucking a few stray loose feathers from his breast. She stroked under his red breast in thanks.
As he flew off she replied, a little feisty 'I am not a princess, I am a king see!' She held what appeared to be a sparkling bracelet and hastily secured it to her brow, acting as though it was the finest crown in all the land.
'Keep that bracelet away from the magpies! The red breast warned, taking his leave.
Siofra turned to Mára. 'Here you go! Now put them in your hair and you will look like Manwë!'
Her friend complied. The two giggled. They had heard of this game from the talk of the elders. Though, when they asked how to play it, all they received was laughs and shaking heads.
That meant the game must be funny.
'What do we do now?' Mára questioned. 'The elders said they would not tell us and that we'd find out when were older!'
'I'm not waiting that long to play a game! ' The child of the Hasty Riser wrinkled her nose in disgust. She wished her Atto were here, he would know...or Ammë... Ammë knew everything.
'How about you bow to me and say you're my obedient servant.' Mára suggested.
'Obb-ee-ddien...what?' Siofra had never heard that word.
'I don't know. I heard Ambarussa saying it to Lady Vána when she was dealing them punishments for digging the trap that she felt into.' Mára recounted. 'Maybe just bow instead.'
'Okay' Siofra responded by lowering her head almost to the forest floor.
Then she lost her balance.
Little Mára managed to just about cling to her friend's wrist to prevent her from falling head first into deep lake.
The bracelet was not so lucky. The two girls caught a glimpse the sparkling eight pointed star before it vanished to the deeps.
'Oh no!' Siofra gasped. 'That was a present from Pityo and Telvo! It was so pretty! And it matched my neck!' The elfling hysterically pointed to the inking of the same star behind her ear.
'Well at least you had a present. I didn't! Not fair!' Mára still had not let go the fact that Siofra was Ambarussa's pet.
Siofra ignored her friend's envy. Her panicked mind flitted through solutions to her dilemma. Only one answer came to mind. Siofra knew what she had to do. She braced herself.
'Mára I'm going to dive for it. Count me down.'
Mára's expression turned from jealousy to horror. 'Siofra no...Oromë said this lake has no bottom!'
'I have to risk it!' replied Siofra, already beginning her run to the edge of the lake, driven by the bravery and/or stupidty that went hand in hand with the House of Finwë.
Upon reaching the edge, she crouched, just like Ammë had taught her, then leapt, arms in front of her, legs flung up in the air, a diagonal line emerging into the deep.
She knew she had not quite perfected swimming yet, but she pushed those fears aside.
Upon hitting the surface, her body felt the shrill, ice cold water. It made her gasp in shock, thus leading to a few mouthfuls of water flooding down to her lungs.
Oops! Not good...I need to cough but I can't!
She tried to pull herself down, to find her precious jewellery, but something was holding her back...something on her foot. She kicked but it would not go away...Someone was holding her ankle.
She felt herself being pulled up out of the water- to her relief, though she would not like to admit it. She was hoisted up high, almost eye level with her rescuer, but she remained hanging upside down from her ankle.
She coughed and spluttered water, half giddy from her little expedition.
As her vision became less blurry and the water in her eyes dried, she got a big surprise on seeing just who was holding her.
'ATTO!' She squealed in delight, wriggling free from his grip and promptly slamming herself into his legs, hugging them as though it was the last time. 'YOU'RE BACK!'
Atto, did not respond immediately, in fact he seemed a little paler than usual as he crouched down to her level and wrapped his strong arms around her skinny little bodice. Siofra felt he was hugging a little too tight.
They stayed like so for a moment, before Tyelkormo pulled away enough to look into his daughter's eyes. 'Siofra! What were you doing in there! You have not finished learning how to swim! It is too deep onya, you could have drowned! We are a good ten minutes from camp!'
Siofra did not like being told off, she always wanted to be a good girl for her parents, because perhaps if she was good they would stay longer. Therefore she was not used to being told off much, well not by Atto anyway...Ammë got cross a little more often...Ammë could be scary sometimes, but Siofra had gotten used to it...Atto...he hardly ever got cross...
Therefore all it took for tears to come to her eyes was a few hysterical and panicked lines from Tyelkormo's mouth. 'But..But the bracelet from the Ambarussa...m-me a-and Mára were playing and it was my crown and I bowed and it fell in and it had a star on it, like my tattoo so it was special and I couldn't just leave it Atar! It is so beautiful!'
Atar was quick to reply 'No don't cry onya, ssshhh I am not angry, I just don't want anything bad to happen you. You are far more beautiful and precious than any damn jewel! Do not cry baby.' Tyelkormo hugged his child again, knowing he was far too soft but, since Írissë was not here, that he could get away with it.
To give Tyelko credit, he was fairly quick at piecing together the pieces. 'This bracelet...Ambarussa gave it to you when they visited last? It had a star on it?'
'Yes!' Siofra answered while rubbing her eyes, happy that Atto understood.
Tyelko's eyes widened as he realised many things at once. He muttered under his breath 'Those two little...' Siofra didn't quite understand the word Atto used at the end.
'Atto?' Siofra looked up at him with her gleaming bright eyes.
'Yes onya?' Tyelkormo responded, waking from his imaginary rant to his youngest brothers, knowing no matter what she asked him he would comply. How could anyone say no to that perfect little face? Tyelko certainly could not.
Which is why Tyelkormo found himself diving head first into the lake in an attempt to retrieve his daughter's bracelet, made by his Atar, meant for his Ammë.
He had as much success in finding the bracelet as Fëanáro himself had.
'I'm sorry onya, the lake really does have no bottom.' He emerged breathless and empty handed a few minutes later.
Any disappointment his daughter may have had vanished at the sight of him, with lake weed in his hair, a drowned rat, no more than Siofra herself.
Both Siofra and her friend burst into laughter. Practically falling and rolling round until their tummies hurt with mirth.
How exactly did my life come to this...? If one had told Tyelkormo fifty years prior that regular occurrence of his future included being the laughing stock of two little girls no less, he would never have believed it.
Eyes flitting between both Mára and Siofra, Tyelkormo asked 'And what game were the two of you playing to cause such trouble?'
'Manwë and Ingwë! ' the two elflings cried in unison.
Tyelkormo almost fell back into the lake.
'Wh-where did you hear about that posit- game I mean.' It was fair to say that Tyelko wished for the ground to swallow him, if only to be spared of coming up with an explanation to an... adult love-making position/move/ 'game' that he most definitely did not ever want to talk about, discuss or even acknowledge to any child, let alone his own daughter.
If Siofra heard his unease, she ignored it.
'You know it? Of course! You know almost everything! How do we play it Atar?'
'Yes tell us how to play it, no one else would!' Mára chipped in.
'I ahh...I cannot remember exactly...' Tyelko began.
'When was the last time you played it?' Siofra demanded.
'Who did you play it with? They might remember.' Mára added.
Tyelkormo resisted the urge to cradle his face in his arms, or maybe just run away form this very uncomfortable conversation.
However, in his awkwardness, he saw a solution. He smiled all too sweetly at the girls.
'You know what? The last time I played Manwë and Ingwë was with your Ammë Siofra, I think it was the day you were begot. Your Ammë loves that game you know? And any questions you have about it you should ask her.' He smirked to himself, passing the problem to Írissë seemed as good a solution as any. Even her wrath was better than this.
'Okay Atto! C'mon Mára we have to go right now and ask Ammë...'
'Wait...Ammë is here? Already...? Tyelkormo could not hide the panic in his voice as he felt a very familiar presence behind him...
'Ask me what?' a speaker seemed to materialise out of thin air.
'Ammë!' Tyelkormo and Siofra both shouted and turned simultaneously to face no other than Írissë, who had arrived a few hours prior. On seeing both father and daughter sopping wet, she threw a look at Tyelkormo.
She spoke in osanwë. The two of you are alone for no more than five minutes and look at the state of you!
Do not say you did not miss me Írissë... Tyelkormo smirked... Formenos is so cold and lonely without you.
And whose fault is it that you are there...? Írissë raised an eyebrow, holding no pity ...Nerdanel returned to Tirion...why can't you...?
Same reason you can't leave Tirion for Formenos...Family loyalty...
Your Ammë is as much your family as your Atar...
Atar and Ammë haven't been seeing eye to eye for some time now. She leaves to return to her craft, for some space and time alone...as I leave for the woods. I'd much rather return here to the both of you where I can love you openly and avoid the whispers about Atar that would plague me constantly in Tirion.
Fair enough... Írissë sighed. I missed you too. But seriously Tyelko what in the Valar are the two of you doing? You're both soaked!
It's a long story...
Let me guess, you couldn't say no?
Something along the lines of that... Tyelko did not even try to hide it.
The couple's conversation was cut short as Siofra flung herself into Írissë's legs this time. 'AMMË! The birds said you had arrived but I was here so I didn't see you!'
'Come here baby.' Írissë lifted her daughter onto her hip, ignoring the muddy stains she received on her white riding dress she had not yet changed. 'I missed you so, so much my Aranya.'
As she kissed Aranya on the forehead, a feeling of warmth and emotion that Tyelko would never admit feeling swirled through his being. Those two were his whole world.
Times like these made him long for more children, despite the challenges, despite the ongoing banishment, despite the secrecy, he longed for a few siblings for his daughter, too give a big 'Fuck You!' to the world that seemed to keep him apart from his child for far too long. He wanted her to have the memories of childhood he had, growing up with six brothers ensured Tyelkormo was never truly lonely. He was sure Írissë and he could manage it...if that was also what Írissë wanted.
However, Tyelko was also afraid of the idea of begetting another child. In his dreams he saw Írissë with a boy who looked much like her. Her son... My son? ... He sincerely hoped so. The alternative was unthinkable.
The boy in his dreams had a life full of darkness, fear, loathing and misery.
The dream always went the same way. Írissë raised him alone, in the dark. Then he was pulled forward a few years, and beheld the boy as a grown adult. He would walk alone through a city much like Tirion, but it was not.
He would catch a glimpse of who could not be anyone but Siofra, grown up, wrapping an arm around his shoulder as the two sat below stars in a sky darker than he had ever seen. Finally he would feel pain...pain more terrible than Tyelkormo could possibly begin to comprehend... torture... interrogation... breaking...
He did not know what this dream meant, he assured himself constantly it meant nothing. He did not have the gift of foresight, unlike his Ammë. But why was Írissë alone? Why was the sky so dark? Why was he unable to recognise the city? Why did he not feel the same attachment to the boy in his visions as he did with Siofra?
Because the boy is not real! I am simply imagining things and that dream was naught but a strange type of nightmare. Of course I would be there for my son if Írissë and I were blessed with one. Írissë would never be left alone in such a dark maleficent place with a child no less! I would never allow it, be he our son or hers alone! I would never let someone I loved be tortured, tainted, tormented and broken, I would kill the oppressor with my own hands!
A small hand tapping his knee woke him form his dark musings. Mára looked up at him with her chocolate brown eyes. She wanted to be carried. The old Tyelko probably would have refused. But now...
When did elflings become so adorable? Damn it!
Mára whooped as he picked her up and carried her on his shoulders.
'Your Ammë was looking for you Mára. She is planning on teaching you how to set rabbit traps.' Írissë called over.
'Yayyy!' squealed Mára.
'But what about the game Mára? Siofra asked. 'Now Ammë is here she will tell us how to play it!'
Tyelkormo almost froze in shock, barely composing himself enough to conceal his fear... No no no! Siofra could you not have waited until I was a good ten leagues away before you mentioned that to your Ammë?!
'I am sure you can wait until later to play.' Írissë insisted, and for a brief moment Tyelkormo thought he had gotten away with his earlier cheating of the question.
But then Írissë asked. 'What game is it you two are playing.'
Siofra, don't let Atto down, come on...please just say any game other than Manwë and Ingwë...
'Your favourite game Ammë! One Atar said you loved and that I could ask you how to play it cos Atar does not remember.'
'What game is this ?' Írissë asked again.
'MANWË AND INGWË!' the two elfling's cried again.
Írissë's face went blank with shock, before she slowly raised an eyebrow, turning to face Tyelko.
It took all of Tyelko's willpower not to flinch at the sweet smile Írissë shot him, before turning back to her daughter. 'Baby, your Atto is far too humble...did you know it was he who invented that... game.'
' Really Ammë?' Siofra's eyes were wide.
'Really.' Írissë assured, a smug triumphant smirk on her face.
ÍRISSË! Tyelkormo cried through their bond.
Yes darling?
Why did you tell her that?
It is the truth.
You do realise someday she will grow up and realise the true nature 'Manwë and Ingwë'? I do not want my daughter to get any ideas of that kind, especially from me!
What is this, the biggest player in Tirion suddenly is against his daughter playing the game?
We all know that Makalaurë was the biggest player, he could play níssi as well as he played the harp. And he had his magical voice to charm them.
Perhaps that is true...and he also had manners...
Are you implying I don't?
I think Ossë has better manners than you.
At least I didn't court níssi for the sole purpose of songwriting inspiration.
No...your motives were far less innocent... Returning to the problem at hand Tyelko, you do realise that telling her 'Manwë and Ingwë' was my favourite game is as bad as me telling her you invented it?
Tyelko could find no answer to that.
Afraid of the courting neri chasing her already Tyelko? Ìrissë could not resist. I thought you would be the opposite of the overprotective father...
Really? Tyelko raised his eyebrows.
No. You were overprotective of me before we were even together!
Hhmmmpphh
Lucky for you Meldo, I have a solution to the mess you have gotten us into, as always.
Turning back to Aranya, Írissë responded to her daughter. 'But I am afraid Aranya and Mára, that to play that game you have to be an adult.
'Why!?' demanded Siofra.
'That is just the rules onya' Írissë's tone left nothing up for argument.
'But AMM-'
'No no 'buts' Anya, rules are rules.'
When did you ever do anything by the rules Melda? This time it was Tyelko who could not resist.
Do you want to explain a sex position to her Tyelko? Írissë snapped.
Sorry he muttered rapidly back.
'But...Atto made the game...he can change the rules...' Siofra crinkled her brow in thought.
'Actually he can't...see the rules are set and only two people in these woods have the power to change them...'
'Who?' both elflings looked intrigued.
'Who is the most powerful in these woods?' Írissë had a smug look about her as she composed a long winded tale. Tyelko shot her a sly smirk as he realised what she was doing.
Both Siofra and Mára looked at each other, before shouting 'OROMË AND VÁNA!'
'That's right!' Írissë laughed. 'But I would leave poor Vána alone, she is busy tending to the flowers of the forest. Any questions you have you can ask Oromë...'
The two pairs of eyes looked at each with the excitement only the young can possess. They both sprung to the ground, taking leave of their carriers, and sprinted off to camp, with a very important question for a Vala who was about to find himself in a very tricky situation indeed.
All Tyelkormo and Írissë could do was laugh.
When the moment had passed Tyelko turned to Írissë. 'You know...' he began, voice sounding as innocent as he could make it...'while we are on the subject of 'Manwë and Ingwë'...it has been a while since we...played that 'game' .' He could not hide the suggestive smirk that made its way too his face.
Írissë was not fooled. 'Yes I believe it was the fateful day Turcafinwë Tyelkormo could not resist staying inside me a second too long.' Her smirk matched his.
'I am not sorry.' How could he be? In fact sometimes it was insane to imagine how slight the odds of Siofra's existence were...they used to be so careful.
'Nor am I' Írissë's smirk turned to a beam, and Valar, she looked so beautiful Tyelkormo found himself crashing into her arms, not dissimilar to his daughter's manner of doing so.
'Easy!' Írissë laughed, he loved Írissë's laugh. She leaned into his ear and whispered 'Trying to floor me already Tyelko?', her voice full of lust.
'Actually I would rather you went on your knees...' He did not bother to conceal his intentions.
'You want me to be Ingwë?' She breathed, her hand already on his crotch.
'Yes' he half whispered, half moaned. They had spent too much time apart...he needed it...
Írissë made to comply, kneeling in front of him, freeing him of the few leathers he wore.
However she stopped at the last minute, looking up at Tyelko with the eyes of a temptress.
'You TEASE! Please Írissë! Please go on!'
To his horror she casually stood up, as if she had not just made his heart soar and crash to the ground.
'Why?' He sounded desperate. He didn't care, he was.
She leaned over and whispered into his neck. 'If you want me to please you, first you must do what I ask.'
Tyelko gasped, hesitating, trying to think of a way to convince her to please him first.
Írissë proceeded to strip off her dress and stood there naked in front of him, blinding him with her glowing beauty, the vision of his dreams.
Slowly she backed away...
'WAIT! I'LL DO IT I'LL DO ANYTHING!' How did Írissë have so much self control? He knew he had none.
'Very well' she purred, biting her lip. She cradled his face in her hand. ' Down. I will be Manwë first and you are Ingw- ...ahhh AHHH! ooh...TYELK- AHHH YESSS! AHHHHH! ' She gasped between cries and moans of passion, raking her hands through his hair.
Tyelkormo had begun obeying the command before Írisse had finished giving it. She finally lost her composure to his touch.
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Tirion, First Age 505...
An hour later, the hunters and warriors alike found themselves assembled in a grand arena, below hundreds of thousands of people. As if that was not overwhelming enough, the Valar all were in attendance, even Ulmo.
Siofra and Kyelaeron looked up to gaze upon the Valar they had never seen before, but had heard of many times (Mostly in Oromë's rants about how idiotic some were.)
Also in attendance were the Kings of each Eldar city. Arafinwë they had seen before of course. He paid his respects to Manwë before moving along, allowing his law- father to do the same.
Olwë was unmistakable, Telerin silver hair flowing in the wind, his crown shaped in the figure of the swan. His robes were a different style to the Noldor royalty, a style suited to sailing, imitating the water and waves in with each flow of the fabric. He made his way to Manwë's throne and bowed low.
Siofra felt another rush of pain through her as she recalled what she had just learned, that Teleri had been killed for the ships. Why? How could people have done such a thing!? It went against every moral she had been taught, it broke the unspoken creed every hunter lived by. Surely her Atar and Ammë did not take part in the violence? They were hunters. They did not kill so carelessly. It was not possible!
They did not kill anyone! I knew them. They were good people. They were my parents. I have nothing to fear.
Are you alright Anya? Kyelaeron's soothing voice echoed in her head.
I just...I can't believe the Noldor killed for ships. It makes me sick.
I can't believe you didn't know...Then again it is not something anyone ever wishes to talk about. Do not let it trouble you osellë. There was nothing we could have done, we were children at the time. I am sure Lord Námo would not be so cold hearted to keep the fallen Teleri in his halls for too long...
It may be a short time in the eyes of the Valar, but a few hundred years in the Halls is enough for a parent to miss out on the childhood of their sons and daughters...You and I both know how that feels...the difference is our parents had a choice...the Teleri..they...
Siofra was on the verge of tears.
Kyelaeron knew he needed to think fast to console his osellë. The Games were about to begin. Alqualondë was a heavy burden on his heart also, as it was for all Noldor. But he and Siofra had lost enough to the Flight. He was going to make sure it was not the reason they lost the Games also.
We both lost many things during the flight. And half of our people were doomed. But...I am glad the flight happened. Who knows where I would be if my parents remained here. I would probably be a prissy warrior now. And a proper Lord, with a stick up my arse! And the greatest dancer and musician in Tirion, but Alas!
Siofra giggled. Where are you going with this? And you are still all of those things!
Excuse me?!
Once a prissy Lord always a prissy Lord, my Lord. Siofra smirked.
Oh shut up Anya! My point is...I would never have joined the hunters if the flight never happened. And I would never have met you...
Siofra smiled warmly, before replying Exactly! My life would have been so much better if it wasn't for the flight!
ANYA! Kyelaeron tried to sound offended but failed, he was happy his words had the effect he desired. Aranya was back to her usual mischievous self.
Their eyes returned to the scene above them. Another king stepped forward. His hair seemed to shine as bright as Anar. Beads adorned his intricate braids. His robes were brightly coloured. A more regal style than the previous two, if such was even possible. He geneflected onto his knees and kissed the hand of the king of the Valar. He stayed in this position for longer than Siofra's patience permitted, so busy he was singing prayers of praise to Manwë.
For Eru's sake would that Vanya idiot ever get off his arse and let us begin! She exasperatedly sighed.
What did you expect Anya? It is Ingwë after all! Kyelaeron smirked.
Wait as in...? Something long forgotten clicked in Siofra's mind
Yes as in the King of the Vanyar and according to Oromë the biggest lickarse to walk the face of Am-...'
AS IN THE GAME MANWË AND INGWË!? Siofra yelled in excitement through their bond.
Kyelaeron shot her an amused look before he shook his head with humor, replying Of course that is the first thing that comes to your mind!
Siofra did not know if it was the nerves, or the fact that she had felt low a few moments ago before soaring back to high, or if it was the scene she had just witnessed, or a memory from her childhood that was just so funny. But she found herself hunkered over on the ground in a fit of laughter she could not shake.
Kyelaeron tried to end it. Anya please stop...you know when you laugh in a crowd it will not be long before I start.
She did not stop.
A few seconds later Kyelaeron had joined in the laughter. The two desperately tried to hide their faces, hoping to be concealed in the crowd.
Mára, looking over her shoulder to see what the commotion was, caught eyes with Siofra.
Nothing more needed to be said. The childhood memory had already resurfaced in her mind.
Another voice joined the laughter.
It was not long before Vána was scolding them in their heads from her position high above the crowds. THE THREE OF YOU CALM DOWN! NERVES ARE NO EXCUSE FOR THIS! WHAT IN ERU IS SO FUNNY?
Sorry Vána Siofra managed to choke out between her cries of mirth, But...do you...remember..Mára..and me...asking Oromë...how to... play...
The giggles defeated Siofra before she could finish her explanation but Vána seemed to get the message. Her eyes widened and Kyelaeron swore he saw her lips curve upward before she promptly pulled her veil over her face and began to shake suspiciously.
Oromë looked to his wife and then to his King and then to his three young charges and placed a hand on his forehead, leaning his elbows onto his lap. Unlike his lady he made no attempt to conceal his emotions. He appeared to be cringing. As if remembering something he wished to completely erase from his memory.
Unknown to any of those in on the joke, another pair of eyes stared at the boisterous hunters, in particular at the girl who started the chaos.
This time she did not glare however.
In fact, if one looked closely enough, the faintest of smiles could be seen on her usually cold face.
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Anairë sat in the Noldor royal box as always. She maintained her regal and stern etiquette, but now she struggled to keep her facade up. How could she? She did not feel so alone anymore. She resisted the urge to smile when she once again heard her daughter's laugh coming from that bold young huntress. Her granddaughter. It was so strange calling her that. She did not know this nís at all really. She wished she did.
She did not feel the same way she had when in the presence of little Itarillë. This was a different emotion, the slightest bond that the young huntress did not even know exsisted. Anairë hoped with time it would become just as strong.
She took in a deep breath. Yesterday, her life had taken a turn for the better. She received help she did not know she needed, from someone she least expected it from.
She was by no means fully healed...but.. the melancholy...the loneliness the grief and misery and pain...they all seemed a little further away than before. How was the answer so simple? All she had needed to do was to let her emotions out, and talk about the grief...with people who knew how she felt.
She had a friends now, who would help her through this, law-sisters who suffered the same as she, who understood, who a lot of the time regretted staying also, regretted things they had said, done, or perhaps could have done. They would support each other from this day forward...What fools they all were to bear their burdens alone until now.
Life was just becoming bearable again...Anairë could finally breathe. Finally smile , not scowl.
Well...in public she could almost smile.
She gazed across from her and caught eyes with her three law-sisters. They nodded and gave her smiles of encouragement, quite amused at the outbreak of giggles among the hunters. (Anairë knew that if this nís was half her mother's daughter she would most likely be laughing at King Ingwë...some things never change.)
Nerdanel gave her a discreet squeeze of the hand. The events of yesterday sprang to mind.
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The day before...Tirion, First Age 505...
Findis led Nerdanel through private quarters she had rarely seen. She calmed herself. Yes Anairë was bitter and stubborn and set in her ways, but Nerdanel was well used to such traits. No one was as stubborn as Fëanáro.
Finally they came to a halt at an intricately carved door. Findis expression saddened. She whispered 'Brace yourself... in her private quarters she is a different Anairë.'
Indeed when Nerdanel strained her hearing enough she swore she could hear crying.
Findis knocked softly on the door, before opening it gently. Nerdanel did not miss her discreetly locking the door, pocketing the key.
Nerdanel would not in a million years expect the room she had walked into to belong to Anairë of all people. She was almost sure Ambarussa kept their bedroom tidier than this.
'Anairë. It is me, Findis. Bad day again?' This was clearly a sight that Findis had grown used to.
Nerdanel could not see Anairë and almost jumped when she heard a pile of crumpled sheets cry 'No...I am... fine. Just... leave...me be to...day.' Each word was interrupted by sobs.
Nerdanel spied a bottle of mirúvorë on the bedside table. Half empty.
Findis sighed, used to such responses too. 'I am afraid I cannot do that today nésa, I have...a visitor for you.'
Anairë sprung up from her bed so fast Nerdanel had to blink a few times. Her hair was in a braid that had turned messy with the friction of the sheets, her eyes were red from tears, her cheeks streaked. All she wore was a nightdress, although it was only early afternoon. She looked much younger in such a state, no more than Nerdanel she was barely of age when she married.
However, on seeing Nerdanel, the regal Anairë returned in an instant. Gone were any signs of emotion or distress. 'YOU!... ' She cried with rage, 'GET OUT!'
Nerdanel did not move. 'We need to talk Anairë, it cannot wait.'
'After everything your kin has done? How dare you! LEAVE NOW!' Nerdanel began to believe there would be no getting through to the wife of Nolo. She made to leave. Findis restrained her.
'Please listen Anairë, it has as much to do with you as it does Nerdanel.'
Anairë rose an eyebrow. 'Whatever you have to say is irrelevant. It is most improper to storm into my bedroom when I am not in a decent state and if you will not leave, I will.
She stormed across the room to her door, only to find it locked. 'WHAT IS THIS!? You keep me hostage in my own chambers!? GUARDS!'
'There are none to hear you Anairë. I ordered them away for privacy.' Findis could not help the smug tone her voice took.
Anairë threw her one of her glares. Findis did not so much as bat an eyelid.
'Whatever you have to say, spill it. I want the two of you to leave as soon as possible.' Anaire pulled a silk dressing gown over her petitie figure and sat on the edge of her bed, back straight, legs and arms crossed.
Nerdanel took this as her cue. 'I believe you and I have a granddaughter that has until this time been unknown to us.' There was no 'right' way to divulge such a thing and Nerdanel figured it was best to be blunt.
Anairë did not react with as much protest as both Findis or Nerdanel expected. Her eyes narrowed, she clearly understood what it meant for both her and Nerdanel to be grandmother to the same child. 'What you are implying is absurd.' she replied coolly.
'Anairë I have proof...it's all there...like it or not we need your infl-...'
'MY ÍRISSE DID NOT BIND HERSELF IN SUCH A MANNER TO YOUR PIGHEADED THIRD SON!'
Nerdanel could not take such an insult to her son.
YOU TAKE THAT BACK! TYELKORMO WAS PROUD BUT HE HAD THE BIGGEST HEART, FOR THOSE WHO TREATED HIM WITH RESPECT, NOT JUDGEMENT! She glared with the intensity years of being with Fëanáro had taught her.
Both níssi found themselves face to face. Rage emanating from both of them.
'THE TWO OF YOU CALM DOWN! I WOULD LIKE TO THINK YOU ARE BOTH A LITTLE WISER THAN YOUR STUBBORN HUSBANDS! YOU SOUND JUST LIKE THEM!'
Somehow, the daughter of Finwë made the two law-sisters flinch.
'Wait...' Nerdanel began...'You knew Tyelkormo and Írissë are the parents...I did not say anything of that sort...'
'We only have one daughter between us Nerdanel...' Anairë did not utter her name kindly '...so of course Írissë would be one of the parents. And which of your sons was she constantly running off with?'
'Tyelko' Nerdanel sighed.
'Anairë...' Findis narrowed her eyes, staring deeply into Anairë's '...You do not seem as shocked as I expected you to be...You knew immediately Tyelkormo was the father and...you do not appear angry more than you are in denial...you knew.'
Nerdanel's eyes darted to Anairë. 'You knew? How?'
Anairë remained silent for a moment, before shaking her head. 'Look, you have NO proof that ...huntress... is Írissë's child. Tyelkormo's certainly, but it is no secret that he shared a bed with half of Tirion's maidens and probably more huntresses. For all we know this girl could have been born before Tyelkormo and Írissë even met.'
Nerdanel frowned at Anairë's crude description of her son but could not deny the truth in it. But Anairë's presumptions were not completely accurate either. 'She was born after Tyelkormo and Írissë met, after their Games. She is just short of six hundred years. You know Tyelkormo did not have such a... wild lovelife after his adolescence...he settled down much.'
'Are you implying my daughter is the reason?' Anairë sounded offended to say the least.
'Yes I am.' Nerdanel answered truthfully. 'Think Anairë...they were hiding under our noses, we were blinded by the fact they were cousins-
' Half -cousins.' Anaire interrupted.
'Half-cousins, another excuse they probably told themselves.' Nerdanel corrected herself. 'They were more than just friends, more than otorno and osellë Anairë.'
Anairë stared at Nerdanel for what felt like an eternity. Nerdanel did not flinch nor back away, but she would never had guessed a battle was being waged in the mind of the wife of Nolofinwë.
Finally Anairë broke the gaze. Her internal battle had ended. She was not completely certain she was happy with the victor.
Anairë looked as if she was about to lash out in sheer anger. But the moment passed. She slumped back onto the bed, her face in her palms, elbows on her lap, vunerable, defeated, 'I..I know they were... together ...in that way. I... saw them one day, in the gardens. Every moral I clung to demanded I turned them in, demanded that I destroy them, they would have been exiled, royalty or not Finwë would never stand for such. Their reputations ruined. I wonder did they even realise how great a risk they were taking...they were so carefree and young...and it reminded me of myself before I put duty ahead of love..I am sorry to say Nerdanel I probably would have turned Tyelkormo in...How dare he touch my daughter?... How dare he steal her innocence like so, or the little she had left. I hated how he gave my daughter the freedom and love that I could not.'
'But I could not turn them in, I could never see Írissë runied in such a way. She was my baby girl...I remember cradling her in my arms and thinking I was the luckiest nís alive. I had a little me to cherish, a bond different to that I shared with my sons. I...' Anairë's voice hitched. 'She was the first granddaughter of Finwë after how many boys? I wanted to make sure she was treated like the most precious princess the land had ever been graced with. I wanted to make sure she never had the hunger in her belly that I had as a girl, never had the hard labour I had to endure, never had to bear the shame of begging in rags and dirt. People refusing to so much as look at you, do you know how that feels!? It feels as though you are so unimportant you are not worth the smallest glance. So yes, I wanted Írissë to feel privileged, admired by all, dressed in finery and clean. I wanted her to have the security marriage provided and the carefree life of a noble nís, the traditional sort who does not have to do a thing for themselves, never mind work and certainly not fight.
'The funny thing was, Írissë did not want to be a princess. And I did not see or accept that until it was too late. The only one who fully understood her was Tyelkormo... and I loath him for it...but at least her made her happy. '
'You...you are not of noble descent?' Nerdanel had to ask. 'I always presumed.. you were so...'
'So ladylike?' Anairë let out a bitter laugh. 'I started and the bottom and worked my fingers to the bone until I climbed and climbed. I lived by the phrase 'Fake it until you make it' for so long I forgot who I truly was. Even after I married Nolo...and do not get me wrong, I loved him, it was not for status, I already had riches and titles by the time we met... that fear of going hungry, of losing everything...it was inbred in me. So I faked it more and more and more...and I lost everything...
Findis and Nerdanel were taken aback at Anairë's spontaneous spilling of her heart. 'The charity work you did...for the poorer citizens...' Findis gasped.
'At least one good thing came from my acting skills.' Anairë said dryly. 'I ensured no child or family would ever had to live through what I did again. And I have to laugh. Here I am, as I was all those years ago alone, no hope for the future, no family. The only difference is I am in a palace, and have unlimited access to mirúvorë.'
She made to pour herself a glass. Findis grabbed the bottle before she could. Anairë feigned indifference, while discreetly checking how tight the princess' grip was.
'But Anairë. You have family. You have all of us 'royals' and ...you have Siofra Aranya... your granddaughter.' Nerdanel began.
That certainly took her mind off mirúvorë.
'Aranya...' Anairë almost smiled. 'Of course Írissë would call her firstborn 'freedom'. I know the child is hers. She did not drink at Kanafinwë's wedding, she disappeared to the woods for over a year, she sang lullabies in her sleep...it...she reminded me of myself, when my daughter was a beautiful little babe and all mine and I loved her more than any ridiculous manners and...Aranya has her laugh.'
The tears flooded Anairë'e eyes again.
Findis and Nerdanel were immediately by her side. 'Anairë, it is alright...they loved you, they know you loved them.' Findis consoled.
'I know how you feel Anairë...the pain will ease, but never will go away...until they all return. And they will.' Nerdanel assured.
Anaire suddenly stood up, angry again. 'You do not know how I feel! My husband chose Fëanáro over me! And all of our children followed! They did not even take the lack of unburnt ships as good enough reason to return home! They crossed the HELCARAXE for the sake of pride! And for the sake of desperate eagerness to be accepted by a half brother who Nolo was never good enough for. No matter what he did!'
'I know EXACTLY how you feel! When will you realise I am as lonely as you are! I had as much say in them leaving Aman and burning the ships as you. My story is the same as yours! Except instead of his brother, my husband chose jewels over me! And my children, my boys , my pride and joy followed! Not only did they follow but they sold their souls! FOR JEWELS! Eru knows if I will ever see them again! I am not angry Anairë but I am SICK of being blamed for something I was against from the beginning!
There was a tense silence in the air.
A knock sounded on the door, breaking the sound of silence.
'Anairë? Findis? Nerdanel? A voice as gentle as a sea breeze called from the door. 'The guards told me I would find you all here. I apologise Ara and I missed tea Nerdanel, welcome to the palace.'
Findis strolled over to the door, opening it and letting the Queen in. Eärwen looked startled at the scene in front of her. She closed the door behind her, before asking. 'What has happened here? Are you all alright? Valar Anairë, Nerdanel the two of you are in tears!'
When neither replied to Eärwen's concern Findis, silently confirming with the two grandmothers that it was alright with them to let Eärwen in on the secret, quickly explained the situation at hand. Eärwen, to give her credit, took the heritage of Siofra Aranya in her stride. If anything she seemed more concerned about the states her law-sisters had gotten themselves into.
She lowered herself onto Anairë's mattress, beside Anairë, gesturing Nerdanel to sit at her other side. 'I know those looks. Come on, let us chat. And let everything out, hold nothing in. Personally, I find myself in need of a good cry at the moment, these Games bring back many memories.' She wrapped her arms around the grieving mothers and pulled them close, mothering them.
It was not long before the three of them were bawling, telling each other stories of their children, of better times. With Eärwen's gentle prodding, Anairë and Nerdanel made peace. Both apologised for their angered words, Anairë apologising for slighting Nerdanel's family, and for her ignorance to the pain Nerdanel too must be feeling. Anairë agreed to protect Aranya's secret heritage, Nerdanel needn't have even asked, she would always protect what was probably the most precious part of Írissë's life.
Findis left the three mothers to cry a little longer, stating she would inform Ara and Indis to not expect the three of them at dinner, promising she would arrange it be brought to Anairë's door.
As she closed the door behind her, she smiled. Another problem solved from the shadows.
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Present day...Tirion, First Age 505...
'Listen carefully! The Trials will only be explained once!' Tanwë's voice echoed throughout the arena. 'The Trials have been composed by my fellow champions and I, overlooked by the Valar, save for Lords Oromë and Tulkas and Ladies Vána and Nessa, to ensure fair play.
'We are sworn to secrecy, any attempt from any of you in the forthcoming days to bribe any of us for information or hints as regards what awaits you in the arena will result in immediate disqualification.'
'You all have been briefed on forbidden weapons and medicines, you will be searched and checked before each trial for these. Combat may be necessary in the trials, but any serious intended injury to ones opponent or foul play will result in disqualification.'
'Any offense, verbal or otherwise to the race, gender or class of a fellow competitor will end in disqualification, however you must have significant evidence when claiming you have been offended, attempts to frame an innocent competitor will mean immediate disqualification.'
Siofra whispered to Kyelaeron 'Remind me if I ever am about to break one of the million rules she has just thrown in our face.'
'Forgetting the rules Aranya will result in immediate DISQUALIFICATION!' Kyelaeron smirked as he shot back a response.
'Do not make me laugh again.'
'You are more than capable doing that to yourself, as you proved moments ago.'
'Hmmph' The two turned to face Tanwë.
'The First Trial...' Tanwë began, '...consists of a maze. You will be blindfolded and tied to a partner. You must use teamwork and communication skills to untie yourselves before you enter the maze. Once inside, you may use whatever skills you have acquired during your training to overcome the obstacles in your way, within the rules. You must find the centre. There are many correct routes, and even more incorrect ones. This Games we have been blessed with an equal number on both sides. There are fifty hunters and fifty warriors alike. The first twenty five pairs to the centre will progress to the second trial. Am I Clear?
The competitors mumured in agreement.
Partners? Siofra asked Kyelaeron.
You didn't even need to ask osellë. With our communication skills, we will fly through this Trial.
Do not jinx us otorno! But I admit, I feel confident about this Trial too.
As if she had heard them, Tanwë began again, a smug look on her face. 'And one final piece of information!' She began 'Partners will be comprised of one Hunter and one Warrior.
There was a collective gasp of panic through the two groups of competitors.
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Tanwë smirked the final pair of blindfolded warrior and hunter were tangled together in knots of strong rope. The faces of disgust on some (mostly warriors, but not all) was humorous indeed.
She herself took credit for this idea. When brainstorming ideas for the trials she had made a habit of inventing something she would have absolutely hated. Teamwork and opponents were two things that she certainly did not have the patience for. Combine them together and you have perfect Aráto material.
Speaking of impatience I wonder how Hasty Riser 2.0 is taking this.
She took a brief moment to locate the silvery blonde curls. Siofra did not seem too bothered, more nervous if anything. She was currently talking very fast to her partner- a warrior, a nís, one of the-... oh no...
...one of the Teleri.
Tanwë began to panic.
It is fine. She knows now not to say anything. It will be fine, there is nothing I can do now, Tirion is watching...
CURSE YOU OROME! AI VALAR THAT HEADBAND BETTER NOT COME OFF...
...This is going to result in a second kinslaying...resuming the Aráto Games was a terrible idea...
Just breathe..it will be fine...she is not stupid...
Tanwë was right in one sense, there was nothing she could do about the girls unfortunate partnering now. She resumed her duties.
'Lady Yavanna.' She boomed, her voice stretching across the crowd, to where the Vala in question sat. Tanwë bowed her head in acknowledgement. 'It is time, my Lady.
Yavanna wove herself a rope ladder of entwined twigs from nothing, gliding down to the centre of the arena. She knelt and kissed the ground and as she rose back up, trees grew up from the ground, lacing their branches and leaves into each other, an intricate maze being formed in the process. The spectators gasped, Yavanna's power was truly a wonder to behold, even to one who had witnessed it many times. Tanwë almost pitied those she had just blinded temporarily.
The trees grew until Tanwë could no longer see in front of her. A Large oak, taller than any of its surrounding trees marked the centre. Yavanna stood on its tallest branch as it grew, swinging from a wayward vine back to her seat.
'Lord Aulë.' Tanwë called next. The smith, unlike his spouse, did not even bother to move from where he sat. A clank echoed throughout the arena. Aulë nodded, content his work was complete.
One after another selected Vala contributed their own to the maze, all called on by Tanwë. Irmo composed illusions and mirages, Vairë weaved nets so fine they were as entrapping as any of the work of Ungoliant's, Ulmo ensured swimming would be a necessary asset to one who wished tread a great many of the paths.
Most expected that would be all the Valar would contribute, however, Tanwë had one final call to make.
'Lord Námo.' The air fell still. The Lord of the Dead, mysterious dropped down in an ominous leap, disappearing with what was...was that a soul? No...well it was not an Eldar soul anyway...and suddenly there was a hroa, the fëa re-entering with the Lord's touch. And then...
The crowd yet again gasped as they saw what 'obstacle' Námo had to give.
Oromë made to storm into the maze and retrieve what he felt was rightfully his, or rightfully belonging someone who was once the equivalent of his son. Vána somehow stopped him.
Nerdanel only felt fear. The fact the 'obstacle' was here and not across the sea only meant bad news for her house, for her sons, her third son in particular.
Never did I think I would see the day you would not be by Tyelko's side... She silently whispered, unsure if he could truly hear her or not.
It was as if nothing had ever changed, his eyes from the maze somehow met hers, all the way up in the stands, he knew more than any of his kind ought to. Staring directly at Nerdanel, he replied to her inner musings...
'Woof!'
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After being blinded and binded to a complete stranger, each competitior had different reactions and experiences.
'Hullo!' Siofra blurted the moment the knot had been tied. 'My name is Siofra, I'm from the woods, well you already know that but I've been there my whole life and I've never seen the city before, even though my Atar and Ammë were from Tirion. Anyway I am very nervous and I thought this trial would be easy 'cos my otorno and I use osanwë and we know each other well but then Tanwë said we had to partner with the warriors and here we are. But enough about me who are you!?'
'Lindë' was the only soft-spoken reply Siofra received. Siofra was not content with just that.
'Where are you from Lindë? I have never heard an accent like yours before.'
'Alqualondë.'
SHIT! Of all places, why does she have to be from there?...I am going to cry again..no I cannot think about that now. Okay I am going to avoid the topic of Alqualondë completely...'
'Have you been with the warriors long?' Siofra was quick to change the subject.
'I joined when I was a young girl after...after the... Flight.' the final word was uttered with as much gentleness as Oromë in a rage.
Thank Eru I covered my tattoo... Siofra would have face-palmed had her hands been free.
'I...I am sorry.' What else could Siofra say?
Lindë sighed. 'Don't be...I am sure you and your family had nothing to do with it.'
'No...we..we didn't.' Well it was probably the truth ...Atar and Ammë are innocent...I know it!
'So Siofra, how do you suppose we get out of this mess?' This time Lindë broke the silence.
'I think we should try to rid the blindfolds first. Then we will be able to see what we are doing.' Siofra affirmed.
'I agree.' Lindë replied. 'Can you reach any of your weapons? '
'No' Siofra sighed. 'They made sure to tie our hands well away from them.'
Lindë rolled her eyes. On doing so, she noticed something. 'Siofra, raise your eyebrows up and down your forehead. The blindfolds are loose enough to move down.'
'Excellent!' Siofra exclaimed. 'You are right. So, our plan of action is to get these blindfolds off, then undo the knots, then...?'
'Impossible to predict what will be in the maze. How about we improvise to each situation and try to go as quickly as we can , while also being steady enough to think.'
'Agreed. We've got this Lindë!'
'Let's break a leg!'
The two níssi fell silent as they heard Yavanna called to centre stage, to create the maze they would soon battle.
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A few paces away, Kyelaeron was having no such luck with his partner as Siofra.
He could feel the judgement pouring out of the ner he was tied to. A Vanya, who clearly thought the mannerisms of the hunters were 'unholy' or something ridiculous like that.
To make matters worse, when Kyelaeron tried to break the silence by asking the ner was he enjoying the Games so far, the ner responded by going through every year in history a member of his glorious House almost won.
'My cousin made it to the final of his Games. My family say I am much like him. With the blessings of the Valar I will get as far as he...well a little further. I shall win. I am the best at swordplay you see, best out of all the warriors of the mighty Lord Tulkas.'
Well aren't you so special and humble? Kyelaeron has to admit his patience was treading a fine line.
'That is nice but should we not focus on the task at hand?' Your family history is not going to get us through this trial.
'Indeed. With the blessings of Manwë and Varda we shall prevail. But I must remind you, for a lower class ner such as yourself, it is only proper for you to address me by my title. I am Lord Malta to you.'
Kyelaeron cursed his tied hands. This ner was asking for it. He did not wish to ever use his title but perhaps...perhaps he would need to.
It was the only way this arrogant fool would trust a word from his mouth, or do anything Kyelaeron suggested. Kyelaeron did not trust this Vanya to get him through the trial, in fact he would not be surprised if mid-trial his partner began praying to the Valar for aid.
If Anya finds out I used my title she will never let me live it down...Damn it! It is the only way this idiot will listen!
Kyelaeron sighed. 'What makes you think I am lower class?'
'You are...are you not.?'
'I am as much a Lord as you. My father fought in the final of the Games also. But enough of our family histories! Every other competitor is thinking of ways to escape our ropes and blindfolds! Have any ideas?'
'I do not believe you are a Lord. What is your father's name? Where is your family from?' Kyelaeron used every piece of restraint in his body to prevent himself from exploding in rage and panic.
However, a voice in his head was his salvation. It sounds like you need some help otorno...
Anya! Thank Eru. My partner is an absolute idiot! If you happen to have figured out a way to escape... I could really use a favour at the moment...
Raise your eyebrows...
What?
Just do it Aranya insisted.
Kyelaeron complied and felt the blindfold slide a little down his face. Thank you Anya! You have saved my Games!
Thank my partner. Keep your mind open in the maze. I might need help from you also...
Of course.
Enjoy your conversation with another of your status, my Lord
You heard that? Kyelaeron winced.
We are closer than you think.
Ai Valar give me strength!
SSssSSSssSSsssSsSSsSSsSSs
Once the arena was complete. Tanwë turned to the competitors once again.
'LET THE FIRST ARÁTO TRIAL BEGIN!'
SSssSSsSSSSSsSSSSssSSSss
Translations:
Nandor- Silvan
Lindë- Song
Malta- Golden.
SSSssSsSsssSSSSsSsssSsSS
Sorry for a bit of a cliff at the end, but I think I left enough interesting things in the maze and plot to keep ye all imagining until the next chapter.
AHH Tanwë is onto Siofra's secret. I imagine she figures Siofra is indeed Tyelko's daughter, but who can say if she knows Írissë is the mother?
Siofra be like 'My parents are completely innocent and had nothing to do with the kinslaying...' House of Finwë in Mandos looking around whistling and pretending they didn't hear anything.
I am sorry if it was kinda indulgent but I had to add the thing about Glorfindel leaving his hair down for the final.
Typical Oromë, 'educating Siofra', more like running around in the trees.
Little Siofra be keeping up the family's reputation; 'House of Fëanor, risking their lives for jewellery since Y.T.'
I cannot take credit for inventing the 'move' 'Manwë and Ingwë'. I got inspiration from the story 'Five things Celegorm fixed for Celebrimbor and the one thing he couldn't' , by Urloth(CollyWobbleKiwi) on AO3.
Good parenting with Tyelko and Írissë: when an awkward situation arises send the child off to a Vala to deal with it and then have sex.
It also may seem a little far fetched to have Tyelko envisioning Maeglin when firstly; Maeglin's birth is hundreds of years away and secondly; Maeglin is not even his son. I like to imagine that Tyelko inherited some of Nerdanel's gift of foresight and visions and since he wished for more children, he was subconsciously imagining what his and Írissë's future would hold. Of course, the future he saw was Írissë's and, if I am honest, made me want to cry (As did the little Maedhros reference).
I love Vána so much. Shes just there absolutely dying with laughter at Oromë's expense. Totally ignores the thousands of people around her.
A big turn in Anairë's character. Things are looking positive.
I also thought Anairë and Nerdanel's mini bitch fight was hilarious. Eärwen is so sweet and Findis is like the grand architect of whatever you would call that little 'get together'.
And of course the star of the show, the moment we've been waiting for...HUAN BOYYY! I am following the storyline that Huan died helping Beren and Luthien. He went to the Halls because he is no ordinary dog OFC!
Hope you all enjoy this chapter and see you all soon for the twists and turns of the maze!
SiofraMarina x