As promised in the chapter before, here is the Part I of the double update I said I would put up! I had thought I'd published it yesterday, which was my original intention, but my computer decided it was going to shut down and take hours to update. Honestly! I'm so excited that I'm getting a new one for Christmas!
Just a tiny note, Elrond's eyes are supposed to be grey! I kept putting in brown because of the movies...Sorry for any confusion!
Thank-you guys so much for the lovely reviews! They all make my day when I see them! I'm thrilled you guys are enjoying the story!
Anywho, just jump right on in and read! Review if you'd like! Those are always welcome ;)
~Duplicity~
Maglor froze, his bloodied sword held tightly in his grasp.
What...?
He looked to his blade then to the crumpled form of Fëanaro on the ground before him in confusion and growing horror.
No...
Oh Valar...
Panic and terror welled up inside of him as Maglor stared, unable to bring himself to move. He could barely hear the sound of his brothers and Turgon shouting.
His vision suddenly blurred.
His mind swam as millions of thoughts raced through it, overwhelming him.
How could this have happened?
The sword slipped from his stiff fingers, falling onto the ground, forgotten. He hardly registered the pain flaring in his right side.
"Kano!"
Maglor blinked multiple times, slowly raising his eyes to find Turgon standing in front of him, hands firmly grasping his shoulders, brows drawn together in concern and worry.
Maglor tried to speak, but nothing would come out. He couldn't even make a sound, only grimacing as fiery pain shot up his side.
"Kano?" Turgon gently shook him, but Maglor paid him no mind, looking down to find he had been pressing a hand against his side. Removing it, Maglor was stunned to see he had been hit. His hand was coated with blood, and his deep blue tunic was stained red.
He'd been hit.
Turgon followed his gaze to see the wound Maglor had sustained. His eyes widened at the amount of blood his cousin was losing and started rapidly speaking to Maglor, trying to keep him focused.
Maglor didn't listen. He couldn't understand him.
He only stared at Turgon, not quite understanding what the fuss was about. He had gotten worse wounds before and survived just fine, it was his Father they should worry about.
His Father...
Peering over Turgon's shoulder, Maglor could see Nelyo leaning over the unconscious ner, checking whatever wounds he had received from the fierce duel.
Dark spots dotted his vision and the last thing Maglor saw was Nelyo commanding his brothers to do something before all went dark.
~Duplicity~
Fëanaro stared up at the white ceiling above him unblinkingly.
This was new...
He'd never been down to the Healing Halls- for himself- since he was an Elfling. Well, to be honest, he hadn't ever been to the Healing Halls since he and Nolofinwë had gotten into a rather...intense argument.
He couldn't even recall what they had been arguing about, but he did remember when Finwë had asked them why they were there, both Nolofinwë and Fëanaro lied and claimed the two had slipped and fallen down a rather steep hill. Actually, Nolofinwë had said Fëanaro had tripped and he had been trying to help Fëanaro when he also slipped and fell.
Even though Fëanaro didn't appreciate Nolofinwë saying he had been the clumsy one, he went along with the lie. After all, it was the only one their Father would probably believe. The world would've come to an end if Nolofinwë had been the one to trip and Fëanaro had been kind enough to keep him from falling.
Finwë, ever so blind, had bought the lie.
Oh, Finwë knew Fëanaro didn't like his half-brother and that his two sons were constantly at one another's throats, but he didn't know that sometimes, their arguments and fights could come to blows. At least, when they were younger, they had. Now, they only argued.
But, this time, Fëanaro wasn't in the Halls of Healing because he and Nolofinwë had a little spat. He had been put there by his second-born.
The door to the healing room opened and Fëanaro groggily turned his head to see his first-born step into the room, quietly shutting the door behind him. Nelyo heaved a sigh and ran a hand down his face, appearing worn and drained.
Fëanaro coughed lightly, attracting Nelyo's attention. When Nelyo saw that he was awake, he visibly brightened.
"Atto!" He strode over to the bedside, relief dancing in his eyes. "You're awake!"
"Clearly." Fëanaro deadpanned, gingerly crossing his fingers over his chest. He definitely was not happy about being in the Halls of Healing.
Nelyo grinned weakly. "You were out for quite some time."
Fëanaro looked at him. "How long?"
"It was near dusk when we brought you in. It is dawn now." Nelyo answered. "Nalara said when you'd fallen, you had hit your head and that was what knocked you out."
Fëanaro nodded, immediately regretting doing so when his vision swam. Closing his eyes when the world started to tilt in odd angles, Fëanaro chuckled.
Nelyo gave him an odd, and wary, look.
"I cannot believe it. Sent to the Halls of Healing because of my little Songbird." His eyes fluttered open, his lips quirking a little. "Never expected this to happen." He'd be lying if he didn't say he was proud of his second-born, but also a little concerned. Something just didn't add up to Fëanaro. In fact, many things didn't make sense to him. And those things all revolved around Makalaurë.
Nelyo huffed out a small laugh, shaking his head. "Nor did we. It happened so suddenly..."
"What did happen? I can't...quite remember." Fëanaro inquired, his brow furrowing as he tried to recall his last memory. "I remember Kano saying something to me..."
"I don't know what he said to you...but you started to duel again. I..." Nelyo bowed his head guiltily. "I forgot to put the dummy away..."
"The one you broke when we were training?"
Nelyo sharply nodded. "The one I broke. I didn't put it aside. You tripped over it. Kano didn't realize what was happening until it was too late. He had already swung and you were wounded just before you fell." The tall ner gestured to the bandages peeking out from under the silky white shirt Fëanaro wore. "When you fell, you hit your head. We brought you here immediately afterwards."
Fëanaro bit his lower lip. "How embarrassing." Knocked out because he tripped and struck his head on a rock. He didn't truly care that Makalaurë had wounded him, knowing it wasn't Makalaurë's fault. "And...what of Kano?" He inquired, a little hesitantly.
Nelyo averted his gaze, worry brewing in his dark orbs. Fëanaro grew concerned.
"Nelyo?"
"He...Kano," Nelyo began, fiddling with the edge of his sleeve, "He didn't escape unscathed. In fact, he fell unconscious a little after you did."
"What?" Fëanaro whipped his head in Nelyo's direction.
Nelyo nodded, an uncertain look crossing his features. "He panicked? I don't know if that is the correct word, but he was also wounded. You managed to land a strike on him at some point during the duel and we didn't notice until Kano collapsed."
"How is he?" Fëanaro demanded to know. Even though he and Kano weren't exactly getting along as well as he would have liked, Fëanaro was still overly concerned about his son. He still yearned to have his little Songbird back. All of those words he had said to him before the duel...What he had said during the duel... Fëanaro felt horrid. He hadn't meant anything he had spoken. The words he had said were all spoken because of how stressed and angered Fëanaro had been. That wasn't even an excuse. He wondered how wounded Makalaurë had felt by his words. Not only that, but he had also harmed his son, something Fëanaro had internally sworn he wouldn't do just before the duel.
The wounded ner watched as his son thought over how he would answer his question, causing Fëanaro's concern to rise.
"He...we don't know." Nelyo sighed, shoulders dropping.
"You don't know?" Fëanaro repeated, silently asking his son to explain.
"We brought Kano here along with you but...Nalara informed me that he escaped earlier."
"He escaped?"Incredulous, all Fëanaro could do was stare at his first-born. Makalaurë had escaped?
"Aye. He didn't take too well to the fact that he had injured you. He was...not himself." Nelyo carefully answered, thinking back to when he had visited Makalaurë earlier that night. Before he had escaped, according to Nalara. Makalaurë had looked so haunted...so lost and in pain. When Nelyo had tried speaking to him, Makalaurë wouldn't say anything. He only stared off into the distance, eyes far away.
He was remembering, Nelyo knew. He was remembering something. Something that had happened during the ten years he was gone. Whatever it was he was remembering, it couldn't have been pleasant.
The only time Makalaurë had spoken was when he had asked about their Father's condition.
When Nelyo had told him that Fëanaro had yet to wake up, Makalaurë had fallen back into himself and never answered Nelyo afterwards. Nelyo had left him not too long after that to check on Fëanaro. When he returned, he was greeted by a worried Nalara searching for his brother.
Nelyo and his other brothers had searched everywhere for Makalaurë, but couldn't find him anywhere.
He had most likely hidden himself away in order to deal with his guilt alone.
Fëanaro appeared disheartened by this. "He's so far away..." The ner murmured quietly, voice reflecting the pain he felt. Nelyo pretended not to have heard him until his Father addressed him. "Find him, Nelyo...He shouldn't be alone, and...bring him here. I want to see him."
"I will try."
~Duplicity~
And try Nelyo did. He had even roped his brothers, cousins, Grandfather, and Nerdanel into trying to find where Makalaurë had vanished to, but to no avail. Makalaurë most certainly did not want to be found. It worried the family.
Neither of them knew that, after spending centuries in the wilderness, Makalaurë had become an expert in making himself invisible when he wanted to. He could vanish in the blink of an eye.
Coincidentally, Nolofinwë was also nowhere to be found.
Nelyo was close to giving up after another two hours of searching when a thought struck his mind.
Elerondo.
The tall ner suddenly stopped in the middle of the hall, blinking multiple times. Why had he suddenly thought of Elerondo? What could the Elfling possibly do that would help them in finding Makalaurë?
Yet...Nelyo couldn't help but think Elerondo would be able to aid them in locating their missing brother.
It was a strange feeling. There was something Nelyo felt...Something that drew him to the Elfling. He didn't know what it was, but ever since he had met the little one, Nelyo had felt a connection spark between them, as if a bond had formed between the two of them. After getting to know the Elfling a bit more, Nelyo suddenly felt that Elerondo had filled up a part of him that he hadn't realized he had been missing.
He thought he had been treating Elerondo like a little brother, but now that he thought about it...
It didn't fit. Since meeting Elerondo, the Elfling had sought him out, chatted animatedly with him, sat with him in silence, and even had Nelyo read him some books written in Quenya since he couldn't quite understand the words. Just the other night, Nelyo had allowed the Elfling to crawl into his lap and read a children's book aloud to him. When night would fall, Nelyo would peek into the Elfling's room to see if he was resting well.
It was odd...
He felt almost like...
No. Nelyo shook his head. That was an absurd thought. He had only just met the Elfling and yet...
The red-head sighed. Everything was so confusing. He didn't know what to think or believe anymore. Everything had changed, and Nelyo couldn't help but feel that something was coming. Something they needed to be prepared for.
But what was it?
He needed to find out.
And he was going to, one way, or another.
~Duplicity~
Night fell, and Fëanaro found himself dozing off in his room in the Halls of Healing. It had been a long, and tiresome day. He had been doing a lot of thinking ever since Nalara had told him he would be bedridden for another day before he would be set free from his prison.
He'd thought about his family, about his life, his home, their future, and most of all, his second-born.
Makalaurë.
His little Songbird.
His son had suffered greatly, Fëanaro could see it in his eyes, the overwhelming pain, the weariness, and yet, a fire so bright still flared within those dark blue orbs. Makalaurë had changed so much in the last decade Fëanaro almost felt that he no longer knew his son. Whatever his son had been through, it had affected him greatly. He was stronger, but it wasn't his strength Fëanaro had noted. It was his demeanor. The way he had carried himself throughout their duel. He had fought better than anyone Fëanaro had ever dueled against, excluding Nelyo, Nolofinwë, and his Father. He had challenged Fëanaro, and Fëanaro had almost lost the duel.
What had shocked Fëanaro the most, was the way his son had fought. Makalaurë had fought like a seasoned warrior, and he had held himself like one who held authority. There was an air of superiority that had enveloped Makalaurë when he dueled against Fëanaro, even though Makalaurë probably hadn't noticed the sudden shift in his demeanor. He was calm, focused, and controlled. He almost looked as if he wasn't even trying to fight. Everything he did, all of the moves he made, were executed smoothly, as if they were second nature to him.
That was what struck Fëanaro.
It told him that his son had been somewhere where he had to learn to fight in order to survive.
But where could he possible have gone? Valinor was a safe land. There was no trouble whatsoever in the Blessed Realm.
Unless...
A cold feeling settled over Fëanaro, and his stomach churned.
Unless, his son had been taken away from Valinor and to a different land.
A more dangerous place.
How, then, had Makalaurë been able to return? How had he been taken away? Had he escaped? What had happened to him?
So many questions Fëanaro wanted to ask him, but was afraid to. He didn't want to chase his son away...
As if that could happen, Fëanaro darkly thought to himself, greatly saddened. His son had already turned his back on him, but Fëanaro didn't want to cut him off completely. He treasured every moment he could be with Makalaurë, and his spirit was always uplifted whenever Makalaurë would speak with him. As much as he wished they could speak more, Fëanaro was more than happy to listen to whatever Makalaurë had to say, even if it was just a couple sentences.
Oh, if only he knew what he could do to bridge the gap between them.
Exhaling deeply, Fëanaro closed his eyes and tried to will himself to sleep. Sleep had been eluding him for the past many hours, and Fëanaro was growing restless. He couldn't stand it.
Every time he tried to sleep, thoughts of Makalaurë would pop into his mind and he would go back to thinking about his Songbird. Mostly, Fëanaro was worried for him. Makalaurë had still not been found. He definitely did not want to be. Fëanaro had ordered Nelyo to break off the search, wanting to respect his Songbird's wish for privacy, and told him to get some sleep. Nelyo most certainly needed it.
His son had been stressing greatly the past few days and it was draining him mentally as well as physically. It took a lot of convincing, but Nelyo finally gave in and left to retire for the night. Fëanaro was sure that once Nelyo's head hit his pillow, he would be out.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door quietly opening, and Fëanaro quickly evened out his breathing to appear as if he were sleeping. It was most likely Nalara coming to make sure he was getting the rest he needed, and Fëanaro most certainly did not want to be on the receiving end of Nalara's lecture if she were to discover he was still awake. That nis had a sharp tongue and knew how to make anyone feel childish when they tried to argue with her. Normally, this would grate on Fëanaro's nerves, being told off by another Elf, but Nalara had become a close friend, no, a new member of their family. She had become an aunt to his sons and cared for them greatly, and was a good friend to Fëanaro. He could always trust Nalara to help them. She had often been the one Fëanaro and Nerdanel would have watch over their children when they would leave to visit Finwë in Tirion, and Nalara made sure their children were well-taken care of.
Quiet footsteps, so soft Fëanaro could barely hear them, sounded as whoever had entered, shut the door and slowly approached his bedside.
Fëanaro grew confused.
Whoever was there was not Nalara.
Was it Nelyo? Fëanaro exasperatedly wondered. It had better not be or Fëanaro would chew him out for not resting as he should be. Honestly, Nelyo always had to make sure everyone but himself was well taken care of and would often disobey his elders to ensure his brothers and family were doing fine. Fëanaro would not be surprised if Nelyo had come to check on him to make sure he was alright.
A soft, musical sigh filled the room and Fëanaro was stunned.
It couldn't be...
"Atar..."
That voice...So smooth and melodious, whispered. It was hardly a breath of air, but Fëanaro heard it. He had to fight the urge to snap his eyes open, grab the ner, and demand where his accursed son had been and if he was well. He knew if he were to alert the newcomer that he was awake, he would most likely make like a rabbit and bolt.
"I'm so sorry..."
Once again, Fëanaro had to quell the urge to sit up and comfort his son, to let him know everything was fine. He sounded so brokenhearted.
"I didn't...I didn't mean for this to happen. I should have seen it. I should have been able to stop myself..." Makalaurë's voice trembled. "But, by the time I realized what was happening, it was too late. I didn't react in time..." A gentle hand grasped his firmly.
Fëanaro almost couldn't believe it.
"I've been thinking...After the incident...It brought so many memories back. I wish I could talk to you. I wish I could tell you the truth. I don't hate you, Atto. I truly don't."
Fëanaro's breath caught.
Atto...
He'd called him Atto for the first time in ages! It wasn't the formal 'Atar' as Makalaurë would often address him, painfully reminding Fëanaro of how distant their relationship as Father and Son had become, it was 'Atto.'
"It is just...difficult. You probably wouldn't understand." Makalaurë whispered. "Not now, at least." He sighed morosely. "But it will be different now. I have had plenty of time to think over everything..." He paused briefly. "Will you forgive me, Atto? For turning away from you? For...wounding you?" He tightened his hold on Fëanaro's hand. "I was wrong. So wrong, and I see that now. If only I could have seen it before, it would never have come to this." He muttered mostly to himself. "I only hope you will not turn me away...I will not lie and say the words we exchanged during the duel did not hurt me...I am sure my words wounded you as yours did me."
Fëanaro's gut twisted, a twinge of guilt flashing through him along with hope.
Inhaling deeply, Makalaurë released Fëanaro's hand and stepped back. "I will return tomorrow, then...Surely, you will be awake by then, and perhaps, we will be able to speak."
Just when Fëanaro went to let Makalaurë know that he was awake, another voice quietly spoke up.
"He be okay?"
Surprise registered in Fëanaro when he heard Elerondo's voice. What was the Elfling doing here? Was he with Makalaurë?
He heard Makalaurë turn to face the Elfling, a smile in his voice as he replied, "Yes, Elerondo. He will be well."
"And you?"
"What about me?"
"You upset..." The Elfling responded, sounding genuinely upset as well.
Makalaurë lightly chuckled. "I am fine. I just...need more time, I suppose."
"Thinking of home?"
"Perhaps."
"It better here..."
"Yes, yes it is." Makalaurë agreed.
Wait...Had Elerondo come from wherever Makalaurë had been, Fëanaro wondered. How was that possible? Elerondo was Nalara's nephew. He had come from the East coast of Aman, according to Moryo...
Unless...his sons were lying.
Now that he thought about it, Elerondo looked nothing like Nalara. Of course, Fëanaro knew Elerondo, being the son of Nalara's sister and brother-in-law, would probably not strongly resemble Nalara, but surely he would have some of the same features as his aunt.
But he had none.
Not only that, but the Elfling had grey eyes...
And dark brown, nearly black, hair.
The more he thought about it, the more suspicious Fëanaro became.
"But I miss Maedhros...and El." Elerondo's voice wobbled.
"Oh, Yonya..." Makalaurë soothingly murmured, affection lacing his tone.
This time, Fëanaro's eyes did snap open as shock filled his entire being.
Yonya?!
He whipped his head in the direction of Makalaurë and the Elfling. He could see Makalaurë kneeling beside him, pulling Elerondo into his arms and rocking back and forth in order to comfort him.
Elerondo's small shoulders shook slightly, but there was no sound made that told Fëanaro he was crying.
After a short moment, Elerondo pulled away in order to look up at Makalaurë, his grey eyes shimmering as he reached up and placed his small hands on the minstrel's cheeks.
"You miss them too, Atto?" Elerondo asked, recognizing the signs of sadness the minstrel was showing.
Now Fëanaro knew he wasn't imagining things. Makalaurë had truly called the Elfling 'Yonya' and the Elfling, in turn, had called his second-born 'Atto.'
This...was more than just a shocking revelation to Fëanaro.
"I do, my little one...So very much."
This was all too much for Fëanaro. He needed to know he wasn't dreaming this.
Elerondo somberly nodded, lowering his head as an expression of extreme, heart-felt, sadness graced his youthful features. It tore at both Fëanaro and Makalaurë's hearts to see.
A moment passed as Makalaurë soothingly ran his fingers through Elerondo's hair, respecting the Elfling's need for silence.
Elerondo broke the silence not too long afterwards. "But...We see them again, right?" He asked, hopefully staring up at Makalaurë with earnest, grey eyes.
Makalaurë gave him a weak, uncertain smile.
"Perhaps one day we will..." He answered, not wanting to get the Elfling's hopes up. Fëanaro could immediately see the shift in Makalaurë's mood when he answered Elerondo. He clearly didn't know if they would see this 'Maedhros' or Elerondo's twin again. It made Fëanaro wonder...
Ever so slowly, so as to not alert them to the fact that he had been awake the entire time, Fëanaro raised himself into a sitting position, staring at the two incredulously.
It was at that moment Elerondo raised his head and his grey orbs clashed with Fëanaro's blue ones. Elerondo blinked, small lips parting in a small 'O' shape. It wasn't the 'Oh, you're awake,' kind of 'O' either. It was the 'Oh, he knows,' kind of 'O.'
"Atto..."
So... Fëanaro vaguely thought to himself.
He hadn't been going crazy.
"Yes, Yonya?"
Oh Valar...
Fëanaro could feel himself growing faint once more, only this time, it wasn't because of the accursed concussion.
Elerondo raised his arm, pointing in Fëanaro's direction.
"He awake."
The reaction was instantaneous.
Makalaurë stood and whipped around so fast Fëanaro distantly wondered how he didn't topple over from being unbalanced. Wide blue eyes locked with Fëanaro's, and if possible, Makalaurë's eyes grew a little wider.
"A..." His mouth opened and closed as Makalaurë tried to think of what to say.
Fëanaro beat him to it.
"Yonya..?" It was only one word, but it was accompanied by several different question; and, it was the only question Fëanaro could bring himself to voice aloud. Everything else got stuck in his throat.
Makalaurë couldn't have gotten any closer to resembling a fish out of water.
It appeared he was also at a loss for words.
"I...Erm..." His eyes darted back and forth as Makalaurë thought about what he wanted to say- of what he could say.
"Yonya!?" Fëanaro repeated, shock evident in his voice.
Makalaurë's eyes drifted shut, his lips thinning. The minstrel pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling deeply.
"This...was not how I wanted you to find out."
Fëanaro could only stare, mouth agape.
Seconds ticked by with Fëanaro trying to wrap his mind around what he had learned. When he finally managed to, Fëanaro slowly recollected himself, sternly eyeing the minstrel.
"We have a LOT to talk about."
~Duplicity~
The next day found Fëanaro glaring at the wall across from him, arms crossed over his chest. His wife, five of his sons, Nolofinwë and Findekano, and Finwë were seated about the room, keeping themselves occupied while Fëanaro waited. Thankfully, since the room was big, they weren't too crowded.
Nerdanel continually shot him concerned looks, wondering what could have made Fëanaro so...frustrated, but Fëanaro was NOT in the mood to speak or even socialize.
Everyone seemed to have caught onto this and remained as quiet as possible.
Almost shyly, Nerdanel reached over and covered his hand with her own, causing Fëanaro to meet her worried gaze. His wife looked imploringly at him, worry creasing her brow.
"Fëanaro..." She quietly said, "What ails you, love?"
Fëanaro looked away to glower at the wall once more.
Nerdanel waited patiently for a little before silently sighing. She wished to know what was bothering Fëanaro so, but he hadn't said a word ever since they'd arrived that morning.
Every once in a while, Fëanaro's gaze would shift over to the door, as if he were expecting for someone to come. No one knew who he was expecting, and he wouldn't say.
No one came through the door for the remainder of that day, and the family gradually left the room until it was only Fëanaro. The ner sighed and leaned back against his pillows. He needed answers, but Makalaurë was not willing to give them to him... He proved that last night.
But he would find out.
Oh, he most certainly would.
~Duplicity~
The door to the Family room flew open and Nelyo entered, forcefully tugging an irked ner beside him. Finwë, who had been doing a little reading in the peaceful room, snapped eyes snapped over in their direction and straightened upon seeing his unhappy grandson.
"Would you please!" Nelyo exasperatedly grumbled, firmly yanking the reluctant younger ner further into the room.
The darker-haired ner scowled, glaring daggers at the red-head, making Finwë stare at them. He had never seen his grandsons so upset with one another before. The two had always had a rather close bond and were usually so peaceful.
"Release me." Came the demand.
"No." Was the curt response.
"Nelyo!"
"Enough, Kano!" Nelyo sharply cut his brother off, and even Finwë flinched back at the tone. It was the same one he would use to rebuke his sons or grandsons for whenever they would cross the line. Nelyo had certainly mastered it, having had six younger brothers, three of whom often needed to be put back in line.
Normally, Makalaurë would've immediately silenced and withdrawn into himself, but this time, Makalaurë's eyes blazed rebelliously and the ner growled.
"If you do not release me at once-"
"What will you do?" Nelyo hissed back.
Finwë watched the two glare at one another, Makalaurë clenching his fists and baring his teeth while Nelyo merely crossed his arms and stare down at his brother, unaffected.
"Turn tail and flee?"
"I-" Makalaurë began, voice low and threatening as his expression darkened.
"Will remain here."
"I will do as I please!" Makalaurë bit out, starting to turn around so he could leave.
"Kano!" Nelyo reached out and grasped hold of one of Makalaurë's braids in order to keep him from leaving. This forced Makalaurë to lean back at an awkward angle, grimacing. The minstrel curled his fingers around his braid and tugged, trying to release it from Nelyo's hold, but Nelyo held onto it tightly.
"Would you stop treating me like a child!" Makalaurë exclaimed, frustratingly.
Nelyo immediately snapped back, "Quit acting like one and I may treat you as the adult you are."
Clearly...The two of them had been at this for a while.
Makalaurë responded with a murderous glare. "You infuriating-" He started to rage, but Nelyo shot him an unimpressed glance.
"Yes, yes, I know what it is you think of me, Kano. I have listened to every one of your insults on the way here."
Makalaurë bit back whatever retort he'd had to say, wisely choosing to remain silent. His eyes, however, conveyed the message he wanted to say.
Nelyo rolled his eyes up towards the ceiling. "You are worse than Ambarto and Pityo when they have a fit! By Varda, I could go as far as to say you are far worse than even Moryo when he becomes enraged!"
"You have no idea..." Makalaurë muttered in reply, though Finwë had the feeling he hadn't meant to say that aloud. The minstrel turned his head away and incidentally met his curious, and concerned, gaze.
He froze, just now realizing that the two of them weren't alone.
"Andatar!" Makalaurë coughed, embarrassed. Nelyo started, glancing over his shoulder to find that their Grandfather was indeed there. The two awkwardly stood there, while Finwë merely raised an eyebrow in question.
Slowly, Nelyo and Makalaurë straightened, both avoiding their Grandfather's gaze while trying to appear as though nothing was wrong.
Finwë hid a smirk as Makalaurë's braid slipped from Nelyo's grasp, and Makalaurë quickly fixed it.
"Is there a problem here, boys?"
"No, whatever made you think that?" Came the automatic, and far-too-innocent, response from the both of them.
Finwë rolled his eyes.
"Oh please, don't think that you can fool me. I had your Father and Nolofinwë as my sons." He pointedly reminded Makalaurë and Nelyo, disguising the the smile growing on his lips when his two grandsons glanced at one another. "I know when there is something up." He sat up in his chair, setting the book onto the table nearby and folding his hands in his lap. "Now, tell me, what seems to be the matter?" He gestured for the two to sit on the couch across from him.
Both Makalaurë and Nelyo obeyed, seating themselves down several inches from one another. Finwë bit back a laugh when his grandsons glared at one another. It made him wonder what the two could have possibly been arguing about.
Makalaurë said nothing, staring at the wall over Finwë's shoulder. Nelyo, seeing that his brother wasn't going to answer, answered for them.
"Atto wanted to speak with Makalaurë, but Makalaurë is being childish-"
Here, Makalaurë clenched his jaw, but other than that, he was silent.
"And would prefer to hide himself away from the world-"
"As if you wouldn't have done the same." Makalaurë muttered, tapping his arm with his hand impatiently.
"No." Nelyo sharply replied. "I wouldn't have. I would have checked to make sure he was doing well and then locked myself away so I could deal with my guilt."
"You know, Nelyo, I'm not you."
"Oh, please. You know what I meant."
The two shot back and forth and the entire argument started back up again while Finwë casually reclined back into his seat and waited. At least, they weren't as bad as when Fëanaro and Nolofinwë were younger.
Those two had always tried his patience since it usually took hours for the two to settle down, but as they grew, Finwë gave up trying to get them to calm down and left them to settle it out themselves.
Nelyo then growled and pinched the bridge of his nose. His brother was so difficult!
Makalaurë said something Finwë didn't quite catch, but it made Nelyo react.
"Grow a spine, Makalaurë!"
Makalaurë smirked. "You're humorous."
Nelyo paused, the retort he had prepared immediately forgotten.
Finwë snorted, having understood what Makalaurë had just done while Nelyo slowly turned to face his brother, blinking slowly several times.
"You did not..."
Makalaurë grinned. Nelyo's shoulders shook a little before he barked out a laugh, shaking his head. Musical laughter filled the air soon after, and it wasn't long before Finwë joined them, having found the small joke rather funny. And just like that, the tense atmosphere ebbed away into a more lighthearted one.
Once the laughter died down, the three sat in companionable silence, Makalaurë and Nelyo sitting a little closer to one another. Finwë marveled at how easily the two had wrapped up their dispute, wishing Fëanaro and Nolofinwë could be the same.
"So, what exactly started this little argument?" Finwë inquired. Makalaurë and Nelyo blinked, looking to one another then back at Finwë.
"You know what," Makalaurë slowly started, placing his hands against his knees and leaning forward slightly, "I can't even remember."
"Neither can I..." Nelyo murmured, stroking his chin thoughtfully. He just shrugged and glanced out of the window. "Oh, Valar, I need to check on the twins. I promised I would read them a story." He, Makalaurë, and Finwë all stood.
"Well, I suppose I should also retire for the night." Finwë said mostly to himself, fixing his robes and smoothing out any wrinkles. "You as well, Makalaurë. It has been a rather exciting day for you."
Makalaurë gave him a pained smile. "I do not know if I will be able to rest tonight." He sighed softly. He most certainly did not want to go to sleep, for he knew his dreams would be filled with memories of his time in Middle-Earth
Finwë frowned, catching sight of the dark circles that were beginning to make themselves known underneath Makalaurë's eyes. Nelyo also looked concerned, but before he could do anything, Finwë had inclined his head towards the door, silently telling Nelyo to check on the twins so he could speak with Makalaurë alone.
Nelyo understood the message and turned to embrace his younger brother. "Goodnight, Kano. I will see you in the morning." He leaned closer so he could whisper, "If you are having difficulty sleeping, wake me."
Makalaurë graced him with a thankful smile as he reciprocated the embrace. "I will, thank-you."
But Makalaurë wasn't sure if he could burden his brother by making him lose a few hours of sleep. The first night Makalaurë had had a nightmare a little after he'd returned, Nelyo had woken him and the two had gone to walk outside. Because they had done that, and Makalaurë was used to only sleeping when he truly felt fatigued, the minstrel was completely awake. Nelyo had been kind enough to stay awake with him for the remainder of the night, and the two decided to try making some cookies while sharing stories of what they had done in the past ten years. Makalaurë told Nelyo stories of twins that he knew, but didn't share their names. He called them the 'Twin Terrors,' for that was exactly what Elladan and Elrohir were. However, during the short time Makalaurë had been in Imladris, the twins had become attached to him and Makalaurë had bonded with the two. They had reminded him greatly of Elrond and Elros when they were younger.
Nelyo had, in turn, shared stories of what devious little pranks Ambarto and Pityo had pulled on their victims- which was usually the entire family- and how they could come up to creative solutions to any problems they faced.
Makalaurë had paid close attention to everything, laughing every so often at the stories Nelyo told him.
It had happened a couple of times, and each time, Nelyo always stayed with him and the two would find something to keep themselves occupied.
Nelyo, satisfied with Makalaurë's response, turned and bid Finwë goodnight. Once he left, Finwë reached out and grasped Makalaurë's shoulder. When his grandson looked up at him, Finwë gently steered him in the direction of the door.
"Walk with me, Kano." Finwë said, and Makalaurë followed, warily eyeing his Grandfather. What did Finwë want with him?
"Andatar?" Makalaurë finally called to him, when they left the Family Room.
"Tell me, Makalaurë, what is it that troubles you so?" Finwë calmly inquired, never once looking to his grandson. Makalaur's brow furrowed.
"What troubles me..?"
"Makalaurë."
Makalaurë shrunk back a bit. His Grandfather had used that tone on him. The one that brooked no argument, and the look Finwë was giving him...
If there was anyone who could make him feel like a child again, it was Finwë. Even though he was far older than his Grandfather-
Wait...
He blinked.
That...was odd to think about. He was far older than everyone in his family...Possibly the oldest in the entire land.
He didn't even realize he had stopped walking when that realization had struck him. It made him feel a little strange. It wasn't until Finwë had started to shake his shoulder that Makalaurë realized he had zoned out.
"Andatar?"
Finwë was gazing down at him in concern. "Is everything well, Kano?" He asked him.
Makalaurë gave a one arm shrug, still feeling a little odd. "Everything is fine, Andatar." He replied.
Finwë didn't believe him, but he didn't press. Instead, once they reached Makalaurë's room, Finwë rested his hands on Makalaurë's shoulders, effectively catching his attention.
"Makalaurë, I know something troubles you. We all do. You need to talk to someone, Makalaurë. It does not have to be me, but I can assure you that if you were to speak with someone, anyone, it would lighten the burden you carry on your shoulders." His Grandfather advised. "Promise me that you will do so." He looked imploringly at his grandson. He didn't want his grandson to suffer so much alone, and he hoped Makalaurë would take his advise.
Makalaurë was silent for a moment, seemingly deep in thought, as if contemplating something, then he nodded. "I will, Andatar. Thank-you."
Finwë smiled, relieved, and pulled his grandson into a hug. "I am glad. We are all here for you, Kano. Never forget that."
"How could I?" Makalaurë laughed, voice muffled. "With everyone constantly reminding me that I am not alone, it is a little difficult to forget."
"Good."
~Duplicity~
Later that night, Maglor was seated outside on one of the stone benches Curvo had carved from a rather large rock. Leaning back, Maglor gazed up into the night sky, admiring it's beauty.
It was so peaceful here...
He frowned bitterly. Too bad that peace wasn't going to last much longer. It wouldn't be long before trouble would begin stirring. A few months at least. He worried a little. His family was so stubborn and thick-headed.
Sooner or later, they would be exiled to Formenos...
The group had agreed to allow that to happen. It needed to.
Maglor bit his lip. He and the group needed to come up with something soon. They needed a plan. What would they do once he left for Formenos with Finwë? Maglor certainly could not face a Vala on his own. Especially if that Vala was Melkor.
Turgon had told Maglor that he would keep in touch with him, keep him updated on everything that was happening, but that wouldn't do much to help them. Thuringwethil had suggested that she be the messenger, for she could travel from Tirion to Formenos with ease, that-a-way, they would be able to keep planning on what to do in the future. Sending missives would be too risky. Anyone could get them and read them. Maglor certainly did not want that happening, for he knew, if he were to receive a missive from Turgon, his family would start questioning him about them. Fëanaro would most likely not be please...
Yes, Thuringwethil's idea was the best they had for now.
During the short period Thuringwethil had been with them, she and Aredhel had become like friends, and it was for that reason Thuringwethil wished to remain in Tirion. The group allowed it. Aredhel had most certainly been excited, and it never was surprising to find the two chattering away about something or another. Thuringwethil was especially relieved that she didn't have to pretend to be someone she wasn't and Aredhel was pleased to have someone to talk to.
Elerondo, Maglor smiled, kept Caranthir on his toes. Even though Caranthir would act irritated and snap at the Elfling, Maglor knew Caranthir enjoyed having Elerondo around. The Elfling never took offense to whatever Caranthir had to say, always wearing a smile and shrieking with laughter when he succeeded in getting the attention of his absolute favorite uncle.
Ambarto and Pityo had immediately decided they liked this new Elfling and allowed Elerondo to aid them in whatever pranks they would conjure up. Maglor had been shocked to find that Nelyo wasn't jesting when he said the two could think of the most creative, and innovative, pranks.
Meanwhile, Turgon and Maglor had become close friends. It had been strange at first, but soon, Maglor and Turgon found that they rather enjoyed each other's company.
Their friendship had definitely thrown off their families, though Nerdanel was pleased with it. She didn't hold anything against Nolofinwë or his family. She hoped, that the friendship Nelyo shared with Findekano and the one Maglor and Turgon had would lead her other sons to give their cousins and uncles a chance. She wanted her family to be united, not divided, and that included Nolofinwë and Arafinwë, as well as their children.
Maglor agreed. If their family could be brought together, perhaps, it would impact the future. Hopefully, for the better and not for the worse.
A deep sigh drew Maglor from his thoughts and he looked to find Nolofinwë step out onto the balcony he was on, completely oblivious to the fact that his nephew was there.
"Uncle!"
Never in Maglor's life had he seen Nolofinwë start so violently from having been caught off guard. The poor ner jerked, wide grey eyes snapping over to where Maglor was hidden in the shadows.
Narrowing his eyes, Nolofinwë could just barely see the outline of his nephew and exhaled deeply. "Makalaurë...You startled me."
Maglor snickered. "I could tell."
Nolofinwë shot him a resentful look, but it was betrayed by his twinkling eyes. "What are you still doing awake? 'Tis quite late."
Maglor shrugged. "Couldn't sleep. What of you?"
"Nightmare." Nolofinwë replied, walking over towards the railing of the balcony and leaning against it. "A strange one at that..." He murmured under his breath, but Maglor caught it.
"How so?" Maglor inquired. Nolofinwë glimpsed at him and shook his head.
"It is nothing."
But Maglor knew better. From the look in his Uncle's eyes, he could tell this nightmare had unsettled him.
"Uncle..." He tsked.
Nolofinwë huffed out a small laugh. "It was truly nothing, Makalaurë."
Maglor hummed disbelievingly, noticing how his Uncle's grip on the railing tightened. He frowned, but didn't press his Uncle any further.
They said nothing for some time as Nolofinwë gazed out into the night sky. Maglor retreated back into his thoughts, trying to think of a way their group could prepare their families for what was to come. He still didn't know how they could, and with the Holiday coming up, they would be too busy to plan.
He was still pondering over what to do when his Uncle's voice broke into his thoughts.
"...Arda..."
Maglor whipped his head in Nolofinwë's direction, immediately demanding, "What did you say?"
Nolofinwë turned his head towards him, a little confused. "What do you mean? I said nothing."
"You didn't?" Maglor asked, a frown crinkling his forehead. "I could have sworn you said...Arda." He carefully responded, watching his Uncle's reaction.
Nolofinwë appeared rather surprised. "Oh...Perhaps I was thinking aloud. Why? Is it something significant?" He asked in reply, catching the flicker of recognition in Maglor's eyes.
Maglor shifted closer to the edge of the bench, gazing at his Uncle. "Uncle...What did you dream about?"
The elder ner didn't respond for a moment. "I'm not exactly sure, to be honest. There were so many things happening I couldn't keep up with it. I only remember a few words I heard."
"What were they?"
"Why are you so interested to know, Makalaurë?" Nolofinwë inquired. Maglor didn't answer, instead asking again,
"What words did you hear, Uncle?"
Nolofinwë sighed. "I will answer your questions if you will answer one of mine."
Maglor thought over this deal. "Fair enough." He agreed. "So, what do you remember hearing?"
"I heard the words 'Turgon,' 'Aredhel,'" Nolofinwë began listing off, not noticing how the minstrel was now openly staring at him. "-and 'Caranthir.' But...The last one I believe I heard was 'Maglor.' Apparently, from what I remember, all but one of them died."
Maglor was frozen into place, stunned.
What was this? His Uncle had had a vision of the future? Of what their future had been?
"I didn't understand it...When this Turgon and Aredhel were killed...I was grievously saddened...As if I knew them personally." Nolofinwë bowed his head, as if he were still pained by their deaths in his dream. "But I have never heard of them before."
You did...do know them, Maglor thought to himself.
Nolofinwë inhaled quietly before looking to Maglor with a small smile. "That was all I remember."
Maglor managed a nod, still quite confused. He hadn't know Nolofinwë could have visions...
Or maybe he couldn't...
"I see..."
"Now, seeing as I answered your question, you must answer one of mine."
"Ah, yes. That was the agreement wasn't it?" Maglor said, straightening. "Well, ask away."
"Makalaurë," Nolofinwë hesitated, glancing back into the house before looking back at Maglor, "Is Elerondo your son?"
Maglor blinked.
Then blinked again.
That was not what Maglor had been expecting.
"What gave you that idea?" Maglor calmly asked, curious to know. Nolofinwë had only met Elrond a couple of times...
"I kept noticing you disappearing into the Halls of Healing every once-in-a-while, and usually, when you left, you had Elerondo with you. The way the two of you interacted...How excited and thrilled Elerondo was to see you...Well, the both of you act as Father and Son, it made me wonder, and I had to ask."
Of course. Maglor had forgotten how skilled Nolofinwë was in reading between the lines. He could see things others would normally miss.
"He is...isn't he?" They both knew it wasn't really a question.
"Well-" Maglor began, but was cut off when a new voice called out his name.
Both Nolofinwë and Maglor tensed, giving one another identical oh-Valar looks as they turned in time to see Fëanaro walk outside onto the balcony. He was wearing a loose white shirt and black leggings, his hair mussed and braids ruined. He had clearly not been resting as he should've been based from the dark circles underneath his eyes.
A slow smile, and not a friendly one at that, spread across Fëanaro's lips as the ner kept their gazes locked.
"Why, my little Songbird, you left so quickly last night that I was unable to personally meet my own grandson."
~Duplicity~
Nolofinwë and Maglor could do nothing but stare dumbly at Fëanaro. How had they missed hearing him enter? What was he even doing out of the Halls of Healing?
"Speaking of which, when were you planning on telling me that he was your son?" Fëanaro added, tilting his head in question.
Maglor didn't answer.
Fëanaro quirked an eyebrow.
"At some point?" Maglor finally answered, shrugging innocently.
Fëanaro looked unimpressed by the answer.
Another thirty seconds passed, and for Maglor, it felt like an eternity. Nolofinwë didn't look at all surprised by Fëanaro's words, having already figured out the fact that Elerondo was Maglor's son. Fëanaro appeared to catch onto this and lowered his gaze, a little disheartened.
Maglor inwardly groaned. His Father must believe he told Nolofinwë that he'd had a son rather than telling Fëanaro.
"Look-" Maglor started to say, but was once again interrupted by an abrupt exclamation.
"I KNEW IT!"
The three Elves jerked at the new voice, whipping around to see Curvo and Tyelko emerge from where they had been hiding in the room. Curvo didn't pay them any attention, instead jabbing a finger in Tyelko's direction with a victorious smile.
"I told you! I definitely told you!" He sounded rather pleased with himself.
Well, this was not what Maglor was expecting.
Tyelko shot him a glare, crossing his arms defiantly. "Well, how was I supposed to believe such an outrageous claim? I mean...It's Makalaurë."
Curvo rolled his eyes. "Lame excuse, but admit it, I told you."
Tyelko muttered something under his breath, raising his hands in the air. "Fine, fine, calm your horses, Curvo. No need to get so excited."
"Say it." Curvo demanded.
"Varda's name, Curvo! Fine! You were right!"
Curvo leaned back, happy.
"Wait..." Fëanaro slowly began, uncaring that his sons had been eavesdropping. "How did you find out?"
Curvo grinned. "Simple. I watched them."
Maglor's brows drew together. "You watched us? When?"
"In the Healing Halls, when you went to visit him with Moryo. I watched the two of you interact."
"I see...Who else is here?" Maglor asked loudly, knowing Tyelko and Curvo hadn't been the only ones sneaking around.
Aredhel, Turgon, and Caranthir sheepishly revealed themselves.
"What in Eru's name...When did you arrive?" Maglor wanted to know, looking at each person, wondering how in Arda he could have missed the fact that he and Nolofinwë weren't alone.
"We followed Atto..." Came the response from Curvo and Tyelko. "We knew something was up."
Purposefully ignoring the shocked looks he was receiving from Fëanaro and Tyelko, Maglor shook his head. He should have known.
It was uncomfortably silent, and Maglor bit his lower lip. He felt he was being buried under the weight of everyone's stares and it was not a feeling the minstrel was accustomed to.
Turgon, Aredhel, and Caranthir were, for reasons only known to Maglor, unaffected by the news.
This time, Fëanaro turned to pin Caranthir with an intense stare. "I suppose you knew then?"
Caranthir carelessly shrugged. "Yeah."
"Anyone else, beside us, know then?" Fëanaro asked, not truly expecting to receive an answer.
Turgon and Aredhel glanced at one another and Fëanaro sighed, having caught the look they shared. "The two of you then?"
They nodded.
"How?"
"Um..." Aredhel began uncertainly, looking to her brother. Turgon shook his head at her, knowing Aredhel wanted him to answer for the both of them.
"Makalaurë told us."
Fëanaro clearly did not like this answer and Maglor inwardly sighed.
"You're...quite young, Makalaurë." Nolofinwë remarked.
"Younger than I was," Fëanaro muttered. "And everyone thought I was insane."
Maglor face-palmed.
This was going to be a looong night.
"Wait a minute..." Tyelko, ever the slow one, gasped, realization dawning over him. "That means we're uncles!"
"Oh, Tyelko..." Maglor fondly chuckled while everyone else either laughed at Tyelko's slowness or gave him the same look Curvo wore.
Tyelko reddened, defensively snapping back, "What?"
~Duplicity~
Needless to say, Elrond was ecstatic that he could finally come out of hiding. By the next morning, the family, those who knew about Elrond, had already adopted Elrond as their new family member. Elrond was more than happy to spend time with all of his new family members.
Elrond was now sitting in Maglor's lap.
Well, he was. Curiosity got the best of the Elfling and he slipped away from Maglor and wandered over to Fëanaro, peering up at him in awe. Fëanaro was staring back down at him, wondering what in Aman he could possibly want.
"So..." Elrond began, glimpsing back towards Maglor and pointing up at Fëanaro, "Atto, he my Andatar?"
Anyone could have heard a pin drop after Elrond spoke.
Finwë was gaping at the Elfling and Maglor, Nerdanel's jaw dropped, and Nelyo was trying to process Elrond's words in his mind while incredulously staring at Makalaurë. He and Findekano both appeared gobsmacked, Curvo was calmly regarding his brother, and Tyelko was sort of already getting over his surprise. Ambarto and Pityo, who had been with Nelyo, didn't understand what exactly was going on, but they knew it had to be something reeeeally shocking based from the looks everyone wore.
Maglor rolled his eyes up towards the ceiling. He should have known this would happen sooner or later.
"Yes. That is Fëanaro, my Atto."
"They look like Andatar..." Elrond looked at Curvo and Moryo. "And Atto! You look like Andatar." He returned to Maglor and crawled into his lap. Once settled, the Elfling dropped back against Maglor's chest. Maglor smiled down at him, wrapping his arms around the small Elfling and resting his chin on Elrond's head.
"Yes, indeed. Nelyo, Ambarto, and Pityo took after Ammë."
"But, he look like Andatar." Elrond pointed to Finwë, then spotted Nolofinwë and blinked. "And him..."
Fëanaro pursed his lips but said nothing.
"That is your great-grandfather." Maglor told Elrond, nudging his head in Finwë's direction while discreetly eyeing Turgon in the corner of his eye right when he said it. Turgon had no idea Elrond was his direct descendant, and that it was he who was Elrond's actual great-grandfather.
Ambarto and Pityo looked up when they heard their names, but, figuring it wasn't anything important, went back to doodling.
"Wait a moment..." Nerdanel finally managed to find her voice. "What is this?"
Elrond looked at her then shook his head. "You no look like her, though, Atto."
Maglor bit his lip, laughing inwardly at the looks on Nelyo, Fidekano, Finwë, and his Mother's faces.
Nerdanel laughed at the little Elfling, some of the shock she felt fading away. "No. He does not. A shame, really."
Fëanaro gave her an offended look, which Elrond found funny. He pressed a hand to his mouth to stifle his laughter when Fëanaro raised an eyebrow at him. When he gave a small grin, Elrond graced him with a wide smile.
"All but three of my sons took after their Atto." She thoughtfully tipped her head to the side. "Well...I don't know about Tyelko...He has his Father's eyes, but that is all..."
Finwë was the second one to speak, "When..? Hold a moment," He raised a hand to keep Maglor from speaking when he remembered something, "Didn't Elerondo claim to be nineteen years of age?"
What..?
When did Elrond say he was nineteen? WHY did he say he was nineteen? Why hadn't Maglor known of this?
Based from the way Turgon was averting his gaze, Maglor would hazard to guess it was Turgon's idea.
Oh, Maglor was in so much trouble...
Now everyone was giving him incredulous looks.
"KANO!" Nerdanel exclaimed, her voice incredibly high.
Maglor flinched, glaring daggers at Caranthir as he laughed at his brother's misfortune.
"Not only that..." Nerdanel narrowed her green eyes. "But this is Elerondo we are speaking of...This supposed 'nephew of Nalara' Elfling, from the East Coast of Aman." She sternly looked to both Caranthir and Maglor when she spoke.
Oh Valar, Maglor was definitely in trouble. Even Caranthir had silenced.
The two shifted a little uneasily in their seats.
"Yes?" He timidly replied, fiddling with his sleeve, hoping Nerdanel wouldn't get too upset.
Nerdanel pondered over this, seemingly calm. Maglor didn't know what to expect. His Mother could be rather unpredictable at times, though she was extremely patient and understanding...
But this was different.
Much different.
Nelyo, still taken aback, turned to face Maglor. "Why didn't you tell us?" He asked, gesturing to himself, Tyelko, and Curvo. Why hadn't Maglor told them? He'd told Aredhel and Turgon, but kept his brothers in the dark.
Maglor's shoulders dropped. "I couldn't."
"Couldn't?"
"I didn't know how to tell you. I was going to, believe me, I was, but I didn't know how to break the news and how you would react."
Nelyo moved his gaze to the ground, looking rather down. "You could have at least said something to me...I would not have said anything."
"I was going to!" Maglor assured his tall brother. Nelyo looked unconvinced. Maglor growled lightly, running a hand through his hair. "I was. In fact, you were the first person I was going to tell."
"But I wasn't."
Maglor dropped his head.
He should have known Nelyo would have been a little wounded by this.
"Who?" Nerdanel inquired, and Maglor chewed on his lower lip. "Do I know his Ammë?"
If only they knew...
"No."
Nerdanel pinned him with a stern look. "Will I ever meet his Ammë ?"
It wasn't a question.
Maglor sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. "Perhaps?"
"I had better Makalaurë, or else." Nerdanel warned, pointing a finger in his direction. Elrond looked at her then up at his Atto in confusion.
"Atto,"
"Yes, Elerondo?" Maglor sighed, peering down at the Elfling he held.
"Are you in trouble?" Elrond asked, a little guiltily. He knew his Atto had to be because he'd said something. If he'd kept his mouth shut, his Atto wouldn't be in trouble.
Catching his line of thought, Maglor soothingly patted Elrond's head, shaking his head.
"It wasn't your fault, little one. They were going to find out sooner or later."
"Oh..." Elrond's shoulders dropped. So his Atto was in trouble.
Nerdanel, not able to stand the brokenhearted expression Elrond wore, immediately went to reassure him. "He isn't in trouble, Elerondo. It is just a shock for me to learn that I am...an Andammë." She admitted, the word sounding foreign on her tongue. She made a face after saying it.
"How do you think I feel?" Finwë incredulously spoke up after Nerdanel. "I am an And-Andatar now. Valar, do I feel old now."
Everyone shared a laugh at this.
"So, before we move along, I have to ask, Makalaurë," Fëanaro leaned forward inquisitively, "Is there anything else we should know?"
Maglor shared a look with Elrond, grinning mischievously. He leaned closer to the Elfling, whispering in his ear, "It appears they have forgotten something important, hm, ionya?"
Elrond smiled evilly and raised a hand, effectively grabbing everyone's attention.
"I have a twin?" He innocently reminded everyone.
The reactions he received were the best.
~Duplicity~
There is part I of the update I promised! I do hope you enjoyed it! Stay turned for Part II!
