Chapter 7 CoTN
The Dance.
I had watched Fianth give my brother his Midsummer's present, and saw her skip merrily over to her friends and sit down. Reluctantly, I dragged my attention from her for long to eat my dessert, like Maglor I had a sweet tooth and I enjoyed the rich and fruity concoctions the cooks had prepared. From the corner of my eye I saw Fianth and she too seemed to be enjoying the desserts.
Soon I hoped the dancing would start, I could not dance too often with my mortal lady or it would cause remark, however I hoped for several dances with her. I had enjoyed her in nearly every way a man could enjoy a woman, and I didn't mean just physically. I meant I enjoyed her, her company, her intellect, her wit and her compassion. It seemed only right to enjoy her on the dance floor, besides it would be nice to be near her again.
Maglor was speaking quietly to the musicians who had been playing softly throughout our meal, and they nodded, smiling. It appeared the dancing might start soon, and I was determined to claim Fianth's hand early, but to my surprise Maedhros it was who lead her out to start the dancing and the great celebrations that would follow with it. My oldest brother hadn't danced in years, and now it startled me a little to see him with Fianth, both clearly enjoying spinning around the floor together.
Other couples joined in, and soon Maedhros relinquished Fianth, and she laughed and sat down to catch her breath and drink some wine. Curiously now, Maedhros found no lack of dance partners and it was nice to see him having such a pleasant time, usually he sat in a corner at such celebrations, playing Lord and not joining in much. Only we, his brothers, his family, knew why; Maedhros was often as uncomfortable around others as they were around him. I could not grudge him my lady's company if she helped to ease his discomfort, but now was the time to claim her for myself.
'Will you dance with me, lady?' I asked, bending over her hand as I kissed it.
'With pleasure, Lord', she answered, a sparkle in her eyes as she took my hand.
Although I never lacked for ladies to dance with, Fianth seemed just the right height, and for a mortal she was quite a good dancer. She fitted nicely within the circle of my arm, her face turned up to me and I had to force myself not to kiss her.
The music stopped and everyone went back to his or her seats, laughing and talking. Fianth went back to where she had been sitting and I sat down again, listening to the singers. I'd never sung much, but the twins did, and sometimes Caranthir but Maglor would save the special magic of his voice until later in the evening. I noticed Fianth leave with Radyn, the commander of the mortal warriors and as they passed quite close to me I could even over the noise of the celebration hear them discussing the duty roster with my elven hearing.
I took no further notice, and sat talking with my brothers, but after a while Celegorm left on the excuse of getting some fresh air, and only a few minutes later I could suddenly and expectedly felt Fianth's thoughts, and she was distressed and very frightened. I strode quickly from the hall to find her, down two flights of and through another minor hall and there I found her, and Maedhros! And Celegorm! What was happening?
An unconscious mortal was sprawled on the ground, it was Radyn and even as I noticed Celegorm had a satisfied look on his face, to my eyes it was clear he was responsible for Radyn's state, and Maedhros appeared to comforting her.
'What in the name of the Valar?' I gasped.
Maedhros tried to answer, but it was difficult for him with Fianth collapsed against him, so Celegorm it was who spoke, 'this diseased pig's turd tried to force himself on Fianth! Maedhros and I just happened to enter this hall just in time, and I think I broke his jaw,' he said in a self-satisfied tone. 'The only question now is what to do with him?' and we both looked at Maedhros.
With considerable difficulty Maedhros disentangled himself from Fianth, and passed her to me, why I wondered. Had Maedhros somehow drawn correct conclusions about Fianth and myself, or was his action simply coincidence? I had no time to think further, as soon Fianth was clinging desperately to me, and even though he was nursing an injured hand Celegorm dragged the unconscious mortal to the other side of the room. Maedhros had left, and came back with healers who naturally assumed they were to attend the unconscious man first. Maedhros indicated that Celegorm's hand was to be treated first. Surprised, they none the less obeyed.
Fianth had calmed a little now, and she responded to Maedhros gently asking if she was able to speak yet.
'Yes'.
'What happened, why were you here alone with Radyn?'
She looked up at Maedhros and spoke quietly, 'He said he wanted to speak to me about the duty roster, next thing I know he'd pushed against the wall and said something about the way I looked at him. So I managed to punch him and partly stun him, and then you and Celegorm arrived.'
Maedhros' eyes held a look that meant Radyn would regret his actions. 'Has he ever behaved improperly to you or any of the other women before tonight?'
'No, not that I know of. He uses his position of command to have whichever lady pleases him, but I refused him a few weeks ago, and I guess that tonight he's had too much wine!' Fianth replied, her voice no longer shaky and she seemed to have recovered herself greatly.
'That is no excuse,' growled Celegorm.
By now others had arrived, warriors amongst them, and it was these that Maedhros gave orders concerning Radyn who was now regaining consciousness. He was to be chained and thrown into a dungeon overnight until a decision could be made regarding his fate tomorrow. The healers protested, but were allowed to examine and treat him prior to his confinement.
All this time Fianth continued to cling tightly to me, her hands had tangled in my tunic and she would not let go, not that I blamed her. I just wished I'd arrived earlier and spared her the awful situation that happened.
'Come now, Fianth,' said Maedhros, holding out his hand. 'Back into the hall, child, for I wish no one to know what happened until morning. I shall seat with Maglor and the other musicians until you have recovered more. You will be safe there,' he said as she shook her head.
'Please, tell people I have been taken suddenly ill, it will explain the healers presence here to others, but please, Lord, I would rather go to my room.'
'Fianth, please, do as I ask. Not for long, but I have good reason to ask this,' said Maedhros.
She hesitated, but I felt her fingers releasing my tunic, and she nodded, 'As long as I'm not alone!'
Maedhros smiled understandingly, 'I give you my word that myself or one of my brothers will be with at all times.'
'Very well, then, I agree.'
I peeled her fingers from me, and then folded her hands in mine, 'Allow me to escort you,' I said quietly.
She straightened, and took my arm leaning slightly on me. We followed Maedhros back into the hall, Celegorm choosing a different route in order to avoid his injured hand being connected to Fianth. Once in the hall, I saw Maglor wave, and we walked his way, I noticed a faint look on concern on his face as his gaze turned to Fianth. Obviously Maedhros had already spoken to him. He was of course his usual fussy self, sometimes I wonder about Maglor. I mean, if he's really one of us, or if Mother found an orphan and adopted him. Then I remembered his temper was as violent as Caranthir's on the rare occasion he lost it, so my theory on his origin must be wrong after all!
Still, Fianth seemed to enjoy Maglor's fussing, but I wished I could look after her. I understood Maedhros' reasoning for her to stay with Maglor; no one would pay much attention even though he did have her sing with him. I hadn't realised she could sing, for a mortal her voice was sweet and clear, a pleasant soprano that suited the song she sang with my brother. She blushed at some of the compliments she received, but seemed to have completely recovered from her ordeal.
Strangely, the mortals had an odd dance which required people dance in threes and not couples, two men and woman, or two women and a man. The twins soon discovered this was fun (for them) and convinced Fianth that she should dance with them, and Fianth seemed quite agreeable. I decided after this that she should give me some more of her time, and she laughed softly at me, saying I was jealous. I protested at first, even as we swung around the dance floor, then as she insisted I was shocked into silence that she was right. And that yes, I was being foolish over her simply dancing with my brothers. So, I delivered her to Celegorm, and she kept her promise to me, and danced with him, cheering Celegorm up tremendously.
The evening continued, and by early morning nearly everyone was too drunk to manage any more dancing, although by this time I had been made take other dance partners than Fianth, and she had danced with all six of my brothers. Maglor had even given up singing by this point, although his marvellous songs had caused rapture at midnight when he had sung alone, and unaccompanied by any instrument. I had used to be very jealous of him; until he had told me three years ago that he envied me my jewel crafting and smithying skills. We had come to an understanding then, and I was much fonder of him now.
The first rays of the dawning sun found me talking to some of Maedhros' smiths about a massive project for new gates for Himring, which they wanted my opinion on. Fianth was trying to charm a smile from Caranthir, who was not really as grumpy as he made out to her, but he delighted in playing those sort of games.
Everyone went outside to watch the sun rise, and to give thanks to the Valar for the light it gave. By then even I was exhausted, and I looked at Fianth, who stood between Maedhros and I. She look very tired, dark circles under her eyes, and barely awake.
'Come,' I said, 'I shall see you to bed.'
'No, I don't want to sleep,' she said, even though she was nearly asleep standing up.
I lowered my voice, 'why?'
'I'll have nightmares. Bad dreams, and I don't want to be alone in my quarters, either,' she explained when I looked puzzled.
'Then stay with me, please Fianth just so you won't be alone,' I was almost begging her.
She agreed after initial hesitation, and we stole quietly to my chambers hoping not to be seen, for neither of us wanted scandalous talk, and anyway tonight poor Fianth just needed comfort.
It was long before she slept, tired though she was, and I was happy to hold her and soothe her. It was little enough for all that she had done for me.
The Dance.
I had watched Fianth give my brother his Midsummer's present, and saw her skip merrily over to her friends and sit down. Reluctantly, I dragged my attention from her for long to eat my dessert, like Maglor I had a sweet tooth and I enjoyed the rich and fruity concoctions the cooks had prepared. From the corner of my eye I saw Fianth and she too seemed to be enjoying the desserts.
Soon I hoped the dancing would start, I could not dance too often with my mortal lady or it would cause remark, however I hoped for several dances with her. I had enjoyed her in nearly every way a man could enjoy a woman, and I didn't mean just physically. I meant I enjoyed her, her company, her intellect, her wit and her compassion. It seemed only right to enjoy her on the dance floor, besides it would be nice to be near her again.
Maglor was speaking quietly to the musicians who had been playing softly throughout our meal, and they nodded, smiling. It appeared the dancing might start soon, and I was determined to claim Fianth's hand early, but to my surprise Maedhros it was who lead her out to start the dancing and the great celebrations that would follow with it. My oldest brother hadn't danced in years, and now it startled me a little to see him with Fianth, both clearly enjoying spinning around the floor together.
Other couples joined in, and soon Maedhros relinquished Fianth, and she laughed and sat down to catch her breath and drink some wine. Curiously now, Maedhros found no lack of dance partners and it was nice to see him having such a pleasant time, usually he sat in a corner at such celebrations, playing Lord and not joining in much. Only we, his brothers, his family, knew why; Maedhros was often as uncomfortable around others as they were around him. I could not grudge him my lady's company if she helped to ease his discomfort, but now was the time to claim her for myself.
'Will you dance with me, lady?' I asked, bending over her hand as I kissed it.
'With pleasure, Lord', she answered, a sparkle in her eyes as she took my hand.
Although I never lacked for ladies to dance with, Fianth seemed just the right height, and for a mortal she was quite a good dancer. She fitted nicely within the circle of my arm, her face turned up to me and I had to force myself not to kiss her.
The music stopped and everyone went back to his or her seats, laughing and talking. Fianth went back to where she had been sitting and I sat down again, listening to the singers. I'd never sung much, but the twins did, and sometimes Caranthir but Maglor would save the special magic of his voice until later in the evening. I noticed Fianth leave with Radyn, the commander of the mortal warriors and as they passed quite close to me I could even over the noise of the celebration hear them discussing the duty roster with my elven hearing.
I took no further notice, and sat talking with my brothers, but after a while Celegorm left on the excuse of getting some fresh air, and only a few minutes later I could suddenly and expectedly felt Fianth's thoughts, and she was distressed and very frightened. I strode quickly from the hall to find her, down two flights of and through another minor hall and there I found her, and Maedhros! And Celegorm! What was happening?
An unconscious mortal was sprawled on the ground, it was Radyn and even as I noticed Celegorm had a satisfied look on his face, to my eyes it was clear he was responsible for Radyn's state, and Maedhros appeared to comforting her.
'What in the name of the Valar?' I gasped.
Maedhros tried to answer, but it was difficult for him with Fianth collapsed against him, so Celegorm it was who spoke, 'this diseased pig's turd tried to force himself on Fianth! Maedhros and I just happened to enter this hall just in time, and I think I broke his jaw,' he said in a self-satisfied tone. 'The only question now is what to do with him?' and we both looked at Maedhros.
With considerable difficulty Maedhros disentangled himself from Fianth, and passed her to me, why I wondered. Had Maedhros somehow drawn correct conclusions about Fianth and myself, or was his action simply coincidence? I had no time to think further, as soon Fianth was clinging desperately to me, and even though he was nursing an injured hand Celegorm dragged the unconscious mortal to the other side of the room. Maedhros had left, and came back with healers who naturally assumed they were to attend the unconscious man first. Maedhros indicated that Celegorm's hand was to be treated first. Surprised, they none the less obeyed.
Fianth had calmed a little now, and she responded to Maedhros gently asking if she was able to speak yet.
'Yes'.
'What happened, why were you here alone with Radyn?'
She looked up at Maedhros and spoke quietly, 'He said he wanted to speak to me about the duty roster, next thing I know he'd pushed against the wall and said something about the way I looked at him. So I managed to punch him and partly stun him, and then you and Celegorm arrived.'
Maedhros' eyes held a look that meant Radyn would regret his actions. 'Has he ever behaved improperly to you or any of the other women before tonight?'
'No, not that I know of. He uses his position of command to have whichever lady pleases him, but I refused him a few weeks ago, and I guess that tonight he's had too much wine!' Fianth replied, her voice no longer shaky and she seemed to have recovered herself greatly.
'That is no excuse,' growled Celegorm.
By now others had arrived, warriors amongst them, and it was these that Maedhros gave orders concerning Radyn who was now regaining consciousness. He was to be chained and thrown into a dungeon overnight until a decision could be made regarding his fate tomorrow. The healers protested, but were allowed to examine and treat him prior to his confinement.
All this time Fianth continued to cling tightly to me, her hands had tangled in my tunic and she would not let go, not that I blamed her. I just wished I'd arrived earlier and spared her the awful situation that happened.
'Come now, Fianth,' said Maedhros, holding out his hand. 'Back into the hall, child, for I wish no one to know what happened until morning. I shall seat with Maglor and the other musicians until you have recovered more. You will be safe there,' he said as she shook her head.
'Please, tell people I have been taken suddenly ill, it will explain the healers presence here to others, but please, Lord, I would rather go to my room.'
'Fianth, please, do as I ask. Not for long, but I have good reason to ask this,' said Maedhros.
She hesitated, but I felt her fingers releasing my tunic, and she nodded, 'As long as I'm not alone!'
Maedhros smiled understandingly, 'I give you my word that myself or one of my brothers will be with at all times.'
'Very well, then, I agree.'
I peeled her fingers from me, and then folded her hands in mine, 'Allow me to escort you,' I said quietly.
She straightened, and took my arm leaning slightly on me. We followed Maedhros back into the hall, Celegorm choosing a different route in order to avoid his injured hand being connected to Fianth. Once in the hall, I saw Maglor wave, and we walked his way, I noticed a faint look on concern on his face as his gaze turned to Fianth. Obviously Maedhros had already spoken to him. He was of course his usual fussy self, sometimes I wonder about Maglor. I mean, if he's really one of us, or if Mother found an orphan and adopted him. Then I remembered his temper was as violent as Caranthir's on the rare occasion he lost it, so my theory on his origin must be wrong after all!
Still, Fianth seemed to enjoy Maglor's fussing, but I wished I could look after her. I understood Maedhros' reasoning for her to stay with Maglor; no one would pay much attention even though he did have her sing with him. I hadn't realised she could sing, for a mortal her voice was sweet and clear, a pleasant soprano that suited the song she sang with my brother. She blushed at some of the compliments she received, but seemed to have completely recovered from her ordeal.
Strangely, the mortals had an odd dance which required people dance in threes and not couples, two men and woman, or two women and a man. The twins soon discovered this was fun (for them) and convinced Fianth that she should dance with them, and Fianth seemed quite agreeable. I decided after this that she should give me some more of her time, and she laughed softly at me, saying I was jealous. I protested at first, even as we swung around the dance floor, then as she insisted I was shocked into silence that she was right. And that yes, I was being foolish over her simply dancing with my brothers. So, I delivered her to Celegorm, and she kept her promise to me, and danced with him, cheering Celegorm up tremendously.
The evening continued, and by early morning nearly everyone was too drunk to manage any more dancing, although by this time I had been made take other dance partners than Fianth, and she had danced with all six of my brothers. Maglor had even given up singing by this point, although his marvellous songs had caused rapture at midnight when he had sung alone, and unaccompanied by any instrument. I had used to be very jealous of him; until he had told me three years ago that he envied me my jewel crafting and smithying skills. We had come to an understanding then, and I was much fonder of him now.
The first rays of the dawning sun found me talking to some of Maedhros' smiths about a massive project for new gates for Himring, which they wanted my opinion on. Fianth was trying to charm a smile from Caranthir, who was not really as grumpy as he made out to her, but he delighted in playing those sort of games.
Everyone went outside to watch the sun rise, and to give thanks to the Valar for the light it gave. By then even I was exhausted, and I looked at Fianth, who stood between Maedhros and I. She look very tired, dark circles under her eyes, and barely awake.
'Come,' I said, 'I shall see you to bed.'
'No, I don't want to sleep,' she said, even though she was nearly asleep standing up.
I lowered my voice, 'why?'
'I'll have nightmares. Bad dreams, and I don't want to be alone in my quarters, either,' she explained when I looked puzzled.
'Then stay with me, please Fianth just so you won't be alone,' I was almost begging her.
She agreed after initial hesitation, and we stole quietly to my chambers hoping not to be seen, for neither of us wanted scandalous talk, and anyway tonight poor Fianth just needed comfort.
It was long before she slept, tired though she was, and I was happy to hold her and soothe her. It was little enough for all that she had done for me.