I can hear it, there is something out there
Disclaimer: It all belongs to Lord Tolkien and the past of the Earth.
Author notes
I am seriously obsess with the period of time known as the Battles of Beleriand, which is really the whole First Age of the Sun :) So Ill try to write as close to cannon as possible (of course, with the little (some times not so little) artistic liberties), the first one being that dear Maitimo will absolutely NOT be mutilated (I still have seriously dark issues with that).
Second being the fact that I will consider all animosity and resentfulness between the grandchildren of Finwe gone, for the best part of time. There will be some tense moments concerning The Oath and Losgar, but all in all, the cousins do care for each other deeply.
As a consequence, Gondolins whereabouts were known to the family (if only to them, after all the city WAS hidden).
Another probably deviation might be the fact that elves will be a society not so human in its costumes: for example, marry will definitely take place, but bedding others will not be seen as the consummation of a marriage.
Sweet quendi will also feel cold, exhaustion they will just have a better tolerance to the elements than mortals.
Also important to say is that I will go for early versions of Tolkiens writings which state that Fingon actually had four sons (poor Argon, really), Angrod and Aegnor were close friends of Celegorn and Curufin. And the not so early version of Orothred being the bother of Finrod (not his nephew).
So, that said
This story is set in the middle of the Siege of Angband, where only little fights took place here and there (at least, they were considered little compared with the main Battles)
Hope you enjoy it!
Prologue
Nothing was as it used to be Probably it never will be again.
That was what Makalaure was thinking sadly as he gazed outside Maitimos study window on his eldest brothers fortress in Himring, playing absently some notes in his harp.
It was common to find the second son of Feanaro visiting his older brother constantly, and so he felt at home there.
It had been an uneventful journey from his domains from the Gap of Maglor to Himring, but the feeling in the air was that of a tense calm. A contain peace had settle for over two hundred years in Beleriand thanks to the Siege of Angaband, but even with the calm, if one stopped to feel and listen hard enough, they will be able to feel the anxiousness of the land.
True, there were some skirmishes here and there, but mostly were under control sooner than the allies of Morgoth knew how they had been defeated, and the Noldor realms were in relative good terms with each other, as well as with the Sindar King.
At least, Makalaure thought, We had not heard any complains of Moryos rudeness from Angarato as of late.
Your melancholy is affecting everyone who hears your music again, Listea a velvet voice behind him made the bard jump in surprise. The movement made Makalaures fingers press harder a chord of his harp and a strangled noise escaped from the instrument.
Oddly enough, it didnt sound without harmony, but reflected how Makalaure had felt at the sudden start..
Maitimo snorted gracefully (a feat that only the sons of Feanaro could achieve), always in wonder by the fact that even unconsciously, his little brother could make music more melodious than most minstrels who put a lot of effort into it.
You startle me Russandol
Yes. That I can see. Maitimo saved the short distance between them and stepped next to his brother, gazing outside. The two of them remained in a comfortable silence for a long moment, each finding solace in the other.
I see you are well. I trust you did not find any troubles in your journey? The older elf said at last.
Nay. Everything was well Makalaure sighed deeply and turned to look at his brother, his grey eyes having cast their melancholy to their bottom. What about you? Has any trouble found its way to you copper head lately?
Russandol laughed, his rich, velvet laugh that Makalaure remembered since his tender years of their childhood in Tirion. If by trouble you are referring to two certainly complicate brothers, then the answer is no. For now they are quite entertain securing Himland, than looking out for trouble with our sindar allies
They are like children, are they not? Keep them busy and they will behave. Let them be idle and they will cause havoc wherever they set their gaze on
They are worse than Ambarussa for sure Maitimo agreed, already used to the change of mood of his younger brother. It must be an artistic trait the older elf had always thought Because with Findarato is the same
Speaking of the twins, last I heard Uncle Nolofinwe had convinced them to spend some time with him in Dor-Lomin, but of course this you already know Makalaure said, implying the close friendship of his elder brothers with their elder cousin.
Of course said Maitimo graciously and amused.
It was no secret among the remaining family of Finwe, that Arakanos dead had affected deeply the High King, and since his second son left to his hidden kingdom, Nolofinwe had been in a silent mood in his moments of rest (not that there were many, as High Kingship was quite absorbing) .
Ambarussa, on the other side, where the youngest of Finwes grandchildren and their uncle had developed a special soft spot for them since Feanaro died (a softer spot than he already had), somehow finding solace in the young elves who once were close to his late son.
Well, I just hope our dear uncle will not spoil them more than they already are. The stars know that when Nolofinwe spoils a child, he does it amazingly well Makalaure said jokingly, since he himself adored his youngest bothers.
Not to mention that after performing the deed, he leaves others to deal with the consequences. Poor Turukano, for all the love he has for his sister, I bet he never imagine himself with Irisse in his kingdom
Turukano might suffer, but I can assure you that Itarille is quite happy
A knock on the door made the two elves turned to the big doors. At Maitimos signal, one of his aides came in with a sealed parchment that he deposited in Maitimos silver plate reserved for letters from his brothers, uncle and cousins.
Bowing deeply to the brothers, the elf left as swift and silent as he had arrived.
Makalure arched a dark eyebrow amused and turned to his older brother, who, knowing what was coming raised a hand to stop Kano to further utter a comment.
Do not say a thing, Listea
Just satisfy my curiosity, brother. What was all that? Hardly have I ever seen your aides in such a hurry, in times of peace
Last time young Lombatir came into the study while one member of the family was here Maitimo started as he reached for the letter suffice to say that he almost died of fright
Who was visiting?
Moryo
Makalaure winced sympathetically and started playing his harp, a melody that mixed the sensations of fear, amusement and hilarity. Maitimo shaking his head in a silent laughter turned to the desk in which the letter lay waiting to be opened.
It had Findekanos seal.
After some time in which Maitimo read what his cousin had written, he sighed thoughtful. Mmm. How curious
Makalaure turned to look at him, without pausing in his improvised composition. What is it? Have Ambarussa already succeeded breaking uncles nerves? He asked jokingly, having recognized his eldest cousins seal.
Nay, not quite Maitimo smiled Though Finno does mention that they have managed to break at least three beautiful vases. But that is not what caught my interest the older elf became serious, and Makalaure gave him all his attention without, of course, pausing his playing.
There has been some incidents in the surroundings of Nolofinwes fortress. Nothing has happened yet, and many think that is only some spirit of nature or another, amusing themselves.
What kind of incidents?
Strange noises, mostly.
Makalaure frowned.
Finno, like most elves had made nothing of it, until a fortnight ago. The noises had become more unsettling.. He says that Ambarussa grew anxious and assured them that they had never heard anything like it in their wanderings
Curious indeed. If someone would know the sounds of the forests and woods, it will be them
Findekano also says that the darkness is moving
This time Makalaure stopped his playing. That can be taken in a thousand ways was he not more specific?
Nay. However, he mentions that Uncle was reluctant to le t it be just like that. But he was asked to visit Cirdan in the Falas, and since they still had to agree to some details regarding trading between the two settlements, Nolofinwe had no option but to go. He left Finno in charge, of course, but the first night he had gone, the noises became more disturbing.
I do not like it, Russandol, especially since Ambarussa are there
My thoughts exactly, I rather have those two running wild in the woods east of the Gelion, but I can not leave the Easter Beleriand unguarded, not until we are certain that there is a real threat in Nolofinwes lands
And you shall not. I will go
Ai! Listea I am sorry, since you have just arrived. Maitmo said truly sorrowful, but knowing even before Kano had sopeken that his younger brother would take the matter in his hands, supporting him. Makalaure was not only his favourite brother, but also a dear friend and his right hand.
Worry not. It is my duty to you, the lord of our House. Makalaure said standing gracefully and bowing slightly. If I depart now, I shall arrive few days past the Full Moon. I will keep you informed
Good. If the situation is indeed grave, I shall meet you there
Let us hope it does not get to that. Especially since Nolofinwes people might not see with good eyes a Feanorian delegation
That is a great understatement Listea, they will see our coming as vile invasion. Kano thank you
My privilege and pleasure
TBC
Listea: (quenya) means full of grace.
Reviews are very, very welcome But please, as a saying goes: honesty doesnt mean lack of manners.