I can hear it, there is something out there

by Taurenyell

Set in the middle of the Siege of Angband, something disturbing is happening in Dor-Lomin.

2. Chapter 2

I can hear it, there is something out there

Disclaimer: It all belongs to Lord Tolkien and the past of the Earth.

Author notes: This is not slash Even if sometimes it might seem to be, it is not.

Important to note that when I write Ambarussa, and dont make a reference to which twin I am talking about, is meant to imply that both twins are in it. (talking, dancing, fighting)

Thanks to Lysana and Araloth the Random for their wonderful reviews!!! I took everything in consideration

And Lysana,.. what you wrote cheered me up in ways that you cant imagine. Thank you.

Characters with their Kwenya name

Feanaro (Feanor) and Nerdanel children:

Maitimo, Nelyafinwe (Nelyo), Russandol: Maedhros

Makalaure, Kanafinwe (Kano): Maglor

Tyelkormo, Turcafinwe (Turco): Celegorn

Carnistir, Morifinwe (Moryo): Caranthir

Atarinke, Curufinwe (Kurvo): Curufin

Ambarussa, Pityafinwe (Pityo): Amrod

Ambarussa, Telufinwe (Telvo): Amras (Im going with the Silmarillion version that the twins were both called Ambarussa as their mother name, no Ambarussa and Ambarto (fated one) because as I said earlier, for me no twin died in the burning of the ships at Losgar, and thus neither Amras ended possessing his twin creepy, sad and sadistic if you ask me No twin should be left without his sibling)

Nolofinwe (Fingon) and Anaire children:

Findekano: Fingon

Turukano: Turgon

risse: Aredhel

Arakno: Argon

Itarille (Turgons daughter): Idril

Arafinwe (Finarfin) and Earwen children:

Findarato, Ingoldo: Finrod Felagund

Artaresto: Orodhred

Angarato, Angamaite: Angrod

Aikanaro, Ambarto: Aegnor

Artanis, Nerwen: Galadriel

And... I think its all for now. If I use another character, Ill tell you their sindar name.

Chapter 1

Rain was pouring down, hard and heavy and to the Noldor in exile it was something that still continued to amaze them, even after living in Beleriand for little more than a couple of centuries now.

All the Noldor were used to the sweet light rains of Valinor, where the soft and silky raindrops caressed their skin and made their hearts sing in joy.

But so different were the storms that fell in Beleriand Strong with lighting and thunder, sometimes even the raindrops would hurt for they were sharp and cold. And the noise that was made by the falling water was not a song of freshness and wonder, but of harshness and anger, of desolation and sadness.

Or so it seemed to the majority of the exiles.

But Findekano was not among this group of elves. He rather enjoyed the powerful storms as they made everything dark with their looming grey clouds that hided the Sun and covered the land in a disturbing darkness.

The sound of thunder and water always made him feel vibrant with life, with a passion burning inside him that he could only compare with ridding a horse at high speed in the green plains or golden fields. A clear fact that proved that he had left Valinor not only out of love and loyalty to his half uncle and his sons, but for a hunger of adventure and excitement that he had long ago lost in the beautiful land now beyond the Western Sea.

So it never was a surprise to find the heir of Nolofinwe in one of the towers of his fathers dwellings in Dor Lomin, almost outside a window and watching intently as the landscape was covered in a curtain of heavy grey rain.

This time however, to his utter happiness he was not alone. Ambarussa, the twin sons of Feanaro were staying at Dor Lomin at Nolofinwes request. And as it was usual with all the sons of his half uncle, the twins enjoyed deeply the new world and all its wonders, especially that witch were mysterious and uncanny, which of course, included the storms.

This trait however was not seen well by the people of Nolofinwe and Findarato. Dark and damned, as like calls to like, they are fond of what they are they used to say, if never in front of their King and Lords, Findekano thought sadly.

But the truth was that no one understood the real nature of his cousins, no one ironically but the descendants of Indis. True, damned they were, that was made perfectly clear by Mandos, but werent they all? As for dark they just have an intense ardour for all things mystifying and new it was the best quality of the Noldor race taken to an extreme that bordered craziness. And to the descendants of Indis, the grandsons of Miriel were the only ones who could balance all of it without becoming mad. Most of the time, anyway.

You are too serious, cousin a soft voice took him out of his musings.

A mood that indeed is not fitting, as you are in the company of your beloved kin another voice, almost identical to the first added.

Findekano looked at his youngest cousins, identical twinkling eyes and mischievous smirks greeted his grey eyes. Miscreants he thought, pushing quickly aside the sudden ache in his heart as he was reminded of his dead youngest brother and cheered up immediately. There were some things that could not be dwelt with and were better to cast aside in a remote side of the heart and soul.

Ah! Cousins. Indeed I was in a thoughtful mood I was thinking dark and fearful things as it is Finno started seriously, but the spark in his grey eyes betrayed his act. You see, I was thinking about the moment I will be force to tell Father that his youngest nephews managed, in his absence, to break two more beautiful, exquisite and rare vases

The twins smirk fell immediately You would not they said simultaneously.

Findekano laughed good naturally, and the twins both punch him lightly.

You are awful Finno! You almost killed us of fright Telufinwe said in what seem suspiciously close to a pout.

Really Ambarussa, you should know better! Father will never do anything to you. Maybe if you were Moryo, Kurvo specially Kurvo Angarato or Aikanaro but you?

So you say but if we add the number of vases that had been mysteriously broken in the past weeks

That you have slain more like it Finno interrupted.

We are hurt, cousin. Deeply hurt

Indeed But really, you must realize that sooner or later, Father will know that two more of his vases are missing

Ambarussa fell silent, pondering their options as if they were considering a grave matter of war, to the amusement of his cousin, when suddenly they could hear a low and chilly howling.

The three elves turned their attention outside, trying to catch something through the rain and wind, but the only thing that was different was the lighting, that was flashing farer and farer from Dor Lomin, carrying the storm gradually away.

For a moment, they stayed silent, trying to catch again the disturbing sound, but it did not repeat itself.

Probably a wolf or a jackal said Findekano

Nay. It was neither, we will know Ambarussa said with conviction and their cousin frowned.

There was no point in questioning the young twins, Findekano knew. It was true what they had said, because if someone knew Beleriand and its creatures, that were Ambarussa. There was even a rumour that the youngest sons of Finwe had forged a close friendship with one of the marchwardens of Thingol in the Mereth Arderthad (1), the one know as Cthalion (2), witch was famous for his knowledge of the wild places and creatures and the twins, being as they were, had learned a lot from him.

Then, what say you it was that cause such an eerie sound?

We do not know said Pityafinwe after exchanging a quick glance with his brother. It was different from the ones we have been hearing here, they all are really, yet they hold quite a resemblance to one another

So, those forsaken noises are not only starting again, but increasing in frequency and intensity. I do not remember having heard any of them so loud or close Findekano sighed heavily. Father just has departed to Cirdans dwelling and would not be back for at least a couple of moons. Maybe it is time to ask the opinion of the well learned. I will write a letter to Maitimo and Makalaure, as well as to Findarato, perhaps they will know something

Perhaps. But let us give you an advice cousin; it would be wise to write to Tylekormo as well. He knows much about the wilds, you will have a powerful ally in him if the need arrives

Nay, I can not. You eldest brother told me that he and Kurvo are securing Himland and I can not possibly distract them, because aye, if Turco comes, so will Kurvo. Himland needs them right now, and all we got here are suppositions. Probably what is behind all these are nothing but the spirits of nature amusing themselves with us, their older brothers.

Or it is also possible that they are creatures of Morgoth spying on us. It always saddened Finno how his sweet and mischievous little cousins could turn into cold and merciless warriors in the blink of an eye.

Either way, I will not take any chances. Father wanted to solve this, but as he is not here, I will take the matter in my hands. But really, I would rather wait and see what this is about before dragging your crazy brother here. After all and Finno lighten his tone he would not appreciate if I pull him out of a fight just so he can listen to creepy disturbing howls

The twins laughed, without being able to help it. That was Tyelkormo, alright, and it was true that he was going to be in an incredible bad mood if everything turned to be an innocent fairy prank.

Findekano sighed with contentment; at least he had succeeded in dragging Ambarussa out of the gloomy mood before it could settle in them.

The rain is passing, so it is a good time as any other for writing a letter to the cousins Finno said as he rose from the perch of the window.

If you want to save time, and a messenger with the Sons ofd Feanaro, send just a letter to Russandol in Himring. Kano will be there with him when it arrives

You would know Finno said amazed that the sons of Feanaro always seemed to know where each brother was, without an apparent exchange pf messages between them. This special gift was particularly strong in Maitimo, who no matter what, seemed to always know when his younger brothers were in trouble or mischief (to the distress of the four youngest ones and the dismay of Tyelkormo)

Once Findekano had departed, Ambarussa exchanged one of their famous glances and as it was common between twins, an entire silent conversation took place. Sighing softly after a few moments, both twins followed their eldest cousin.

***

It had been three weeks since Findekano sent the message to his cousins. To his dismay, the messenger he sent to Nargothrond hadnt been able to see Findarato, since the golden one was visiting Galadriel in Doriath along with Angarto, so he had left the letter with Artaresto and returned to Dor Lomin swiftly.

Makalaure arrived shortly after.

With little escort, only five elves had accompanied him, the second son of Feanaro, called The Bard (3) entered the fortress of the High King of the Noldor with all his might and grace.

Findekano and the twins were the ones who greeted him at the doors, having been called moments earlier when the guards had spotted the Feanorian banner, red and yellow (4) against the grey afternoon that threatened with rain yet again.

Feanaros banner was not alien to the inhabitants of Dor Lomin, but it made them a little bit uncomfortable, because it was well known that Maitimo and Makalaure often travelled between the Noldor settlements to meet with the other lords of the Noldor (5) to hold councils, strengthen alliances and just be with their kin.

Yet, the Feanorians never rode with more than a small contingent of their people, not wanting to stretch too much the situation with the subjects of his uncle and cousin. This put them in great peril, for even if Angband was held in siege, the creatures of Morgoth roamed freely in the wild lands, and despite being unorganized they were a force to considered and take care of. Especially for a few number elves, no mater how great warriors they were, wandering constantly here and there.

A servant guided the horse of the newly arrived lord to the stables, as Makalaure greeted his cousin and brothers fondly, yet formally as it was due to their rank and position.

I see you have made the journey swiftly cousin, and for that I thank you. It has not pass even a moon since I sent my message to you and your lord brother, so please, come and refresh yourself inside, the wind is gaining force and another storm will fall again soon Findekano said, noticing that his cousin seemed to be a little weary and slightly cold, not to wonder if you considered the chilly nights and wet afternoons of middle Autumn.

I will be delighted cousin Kano said, but whispered in a sing song tune when he passed close to his kin For I really want a warm bath and a cup of sweet wine. Oh! Joys of live!

Amabrussa snickered softly and Findekano just managed to suppress a hard laughed, instead occupying himself in leading the way to the guest chambers reserved to the family of the High King.

As they made their way through the corridors and hallways of the Fortress of Dor Lomin, most of the elves in the dwelling let them be, less curious as they saw the newcomer who was a frequent visitor.

I trust you did not find any troubles in your journey? Findekano asked less formal and Kano laughed with his sweet melodious voice.

Russandol asked me the same thing, with the same exact words. I do wonder cousin, is it because both of you have the same eldest brother education? Or perhaps

Kano, shush! do not even dare to end that sentence Finno interrupted his cousin alarmed.

Why Finno? Makalure feigned surprise you do not even know what I was about to say

Knowing you, something utter bizarre Findekano muttered.

Or completely insane added the twins.

Watch it you two Makalaure admonished his youngest brothers, with a twinkle of merriment in his eyes, a twinkle that all his youngest brothers from Tyelkormo to Ambarussa had learned to fear and be wary, because usually it was accompanied by what they had called long ago artistic craziness You ought to have more respect to your elders

Finno laughed good naturally.

Older only in age, sweet brother. Telufinwe said, with that strange facial expression that suspiciously resembled a pout.

And in height, experience, maturity, knowledge added Finno

Finno!

Makalaure laughed.

Dear cousins, you should know by now that whenever a discussion about older versus younger brothers take place, I will always fight in the olders side Findekano said proudly.

Not that you can help it. It will be too weird otherwise Makalaure pointed out, the second idea in a thoughtful way.

Findekano rolled his eyes good naturally. Of course. And before you immerse yourself in that mysterious world of yours and ignore the rest of us, tell me did you encounter something out of place in your way here?

All sobered immediately. Findekano felt a little guilty for being him the one to end the cheerful reunion, but they could not forget the real reason behind all this. And if the last evenings where any indication, noises and howling will start again soon.

Nay, nothing out of the ordinary Makalaure said.

Yet you are weary

I made the journey in a week and a half, Finno Makalaure said calmly To achieve that we have to ride almost without stopping, so a little weariness is to be expected.

Findekano looked intently at his cousin. Both equal in age, they never got the upper hand towards the other. Both held the grey eyes of the other: Findekanos the colour of steel, Makalaures like liquid silver.

Imperceptible, Makalaure moved his head in a negative manner that clearly indicated that the subject and details should not be talked now.

Findekano understood. Makalaure didnt want to worry Ambarussa.

This in turn worried Findekano, because that meant that something had happened.

You see I had to make the journey quickly, for in your letter you wrote about the eerie things that were happening here. So tell me Ambarussa how many vases you have managed to broke

What?! the twins said and Findekano laughed. Trust Makalaure to shift the conversation where he wanted.

They arrived at the chambers that were appointed to Makalaure, which were next to his brothers and close to Findekanos own.

When they entered, Makalaures few belongings (he always travelled light) where already there, so he sat in a soft chair next to a cheerful fire burning in the fireplace.

Many candles were lit and the darkness was cast away by their warm light. Outside, the wind howled furiously as the first thunders were heard in the distance. A heavy rain had begun to fall.

I love storms Kano said drinking from the cup of wine that Pityafinwe had served him The music of the rains of Beleriand is so beautiful and he started to play a haunting tune in his harp, which was among his belongings.

Findekano sighed softly, thinking to himself as he contemplated Makalaure You should not have travelled with so small escort Kano. Madly he was trying to find a good excuse to send Ambarussa out of the room, without opportunity of eavesdrop, so his cousin could tell what had happened during his journey.

It was then, as Makalaure finished the last note in his harp that terrible noises started again, more terrifying than ever and chilling the heart of all who heard them.

To be Continue

Remember : Reviews are always welcome

(1) Mereth Arderthad (Feast of Reuniting) Hosted by Nolofinwe near the pool of Ivrin, it was a Feast where all the races of the elves were present. There is a theory that says that only Maitimo and Makalaure were present, and so conflict was avoided (Tyelkormo, Caranthir and Curufinwe were quite hot tempered and had a tendency to stat animosities between the Feanorians and the followers of Nolofinwe and Findarato)

(2) Cuthalion was the epesse (aftername) that was given to Beleg, because of his skill with the bow.

(3) Riiight Tolkien never said this specifically, but really only Maglor and the twins didnt have an adjective to go with their name Maedhros was call the Tall, Celegorn the Fair, Caranthir the Dark and Curufin the Skilful, and even the twins were known as the twins duh so poor Maglor was left without a wonderful adjective to accompany his name and since he was a powerful singer, the greater among the Noldor (and this IS cannon), well why not he be called the Bard?

(4) Feanaros banner (which supposedly continued to be the banner of the House of Feanor lead by Maedhros after his Fathers dead) had eight red flames and yellow rays and in the middle there was a blue circle with what seems to be a silmaril inside. It must not be mistaken with the silmaril banner (a kind of tree with the three silmarils in its top) which I really, really dont think that was used when the brothers werent after one of the jewels especially in times of peace like the Site of Angband.

(5) Yes, this is cannon. At least the part that concerned Maedhros, but really no matter what version you read of the First Age, Maedhros was almost always in the company of Maglor. And Maglor was one of the most rational of his brothers, a trait that I think Maedrhos would have appreciated and used in his favour, either personally (I mean yeah brotherly friendship and comfort) and politically (allies are always welcome in hostile meetings I swear)