#faeleth

For now at least. The smell of breakfast met his nose before he heard Vanifinwë’s little stomach begin to growl. 

“I’m hungry hanyo.” She complained with a frown on her lips, and Tyelkormo huffed out in amusement. 

“Perhaps next time, breakfast first and then beauty parlor.” Tyelkormo said, for once giving sound and reasonable advice to someone in the family. Even if it were just his baby sister, usually giving her advice to break all the rules- to which she never did. 

Tyelkormo opened the door to find their Amme and Atya down at the head of the table, and Nerdanel sitting to his right. Both were distracted in conversation with one another and before Tyelkormo could say anything in greeting- with his brothers trailing in behind him- Vanifinwë began to wriggle in his hold to get down. 

“Put me down please!” She said trying to use her manners in an impatient and almost whiny voice, and so Tyelkormo did just that. Setting the little elfling down who went bounding across the room at full speed to their Atya’s side. 

“Good morning Atya!” She said in a chipper voice as she arrived just at his side, looking up at him with big blue eyes. 

“Can I sit with you please Atya?” Little Vanifinwë asked holding out her arms for him to pick her up, and Fëanaro turned his head to look down at his daughter. A soft smile pulled at his lips before he scooted his chair out and reached down to pick her up plopping her in his lap. 

“Good morn anelya.” Fëanaro shot back, kissing the top of her head and wrapping an arm around her waist as she sat on his knee. Collectively her plate was passed down the long table before it got to Maedhros for him to hand to Fëanaro, who moved his plate more towards Nerdanel to make room for Vanifinwë’s food. 

There was a collective sound of snorting and giggling from those in the room, all eyes but Fëanaro’s were falling onto Tyelkormo and Makalaurë. Tyelkormo simply humphed as he turned his nose up at his brother’s snickering, while Makalaurë simply took in stride having known that his makeover was going to elicit such a reaction. Though it was nothing compared to Tyelkormo’s bold smeared green and red look. 

Nerdanel paused in her eating to look at her third eldest, blinking quietly and she only watched as he turned to look at her. Flashing her a smile, making Nerdanel begin to choke some on her food. Prompting Fëanaro to look at his wife, while Vanifinwë began to eat the food on her plate, happily swinging her feet. 

“Arimelda? Are you alright?” He asked with concern, furrowing his brows as he watched her, his hand dropping his fork to bring it to her shoulder. Leaning over in her direction, while Nerdanel nodded doing her best to clear her throat as she went for the goblet of water that was jus next to her plate. 

“Amme you okay?” Vanifinwë piped up, before putting a piece of toast in her mouth. Nerdanel nodded at their concern as she took generous swallows of food to dislodge the food she was choking on. Successful before clearing her throat and setting the goblet down on the table again. 

“I am alright, but Vani, what have you been doing this morning?” Nerdanel asked, raising her russet brows and she watched her daughter hurriedly chew before swallowing. The little elfling looked to her Amme with a big and wide smile, 

“Playing beauty parlor with Makalaurë!” She exclaimed happily, and for a moment Tyelkormo frowned opening his mouth to say something, but Nerdanel raised her hand to stop him. Her head turned to look at Makalaurë sitting there with his knotted bun sitting on top of his head and the dark blue glittery eyeshadow that was around his eyes. 

“Just with Makalaurë?” She asked and Vanifinwë began to shake her head now, sending black little curls flouncing about. Fëanaro having to lean back so he didn’t get hit in the face by them, and when she stopped, he began to tuck her hair behind her little pointed ears. 

“Then with who else, anelya?” Fëanaro asked, seeing as he hadn’t had the opportunity to have looked down the table at his sons. Too engrossed in eating his meal, sitting with Vanifinwë and chatting with Nerdanel. 

“Tyelko too! I made him the most beautifullest elf ever Amme and Atya!” She beamed so proudly and Nerdanel smiled, chuckling at the excitement that encapsulated her. Nerdanel knew very well that was a game Tyelkormo never tried to get involved in. Considering he hated frilly and girly things, though like the rest of his brothers, she knew he was a sucker for her. 

“Mhmm I can see that you did.” Nerdanel said, her eyes falling right down on her little hands.  Fëanaro eyes followed his wifes, and now had noticed how her hands were covered in green and red smears. He frowned pausing to reach for his napkin to wipe off her hands, 

“One of you should’ve made sure her hands were washed before she came to the table.” Fëanaro sighed out in disapproval, sometimes it was like he raised animals who forgot to wash hands and not bring muddy boots and the like into the clean eating area. Now they were subjecting Vanifinwë to having the same poor table manners too. Taking the napkin and her little hands to wipe them down. 

“That is not the only thing they should’ve made sure they washed.” Curufinwë snorted out behind his goblet, raising his eyebrows. His sharp eyes cutting over to Tyelkormo who only made a face in return to what he had to say, 

“Tsk, says you.” Tyelkormo argued, not particularly in the mood for Curvo’s snark today. Usually the two were on one another’s side, but not with the mess all over Tyelkormo’s face. Fëanaro sighed, feeling how an argument was set to start if he didn’t intervene. He knew just how brutal they could be against one another, and he’d be damned if they did in front of Vanifinwë. 

She was still recovering from when Carnistir punched Tyelko in the nose. Just now reaching a point where she could be around him again without crying or running away from him in fear. He didn’t need to add Tyelkormo and Curufinwë to the habilitation list for Vanifinwë. 

“Stop, we are not going to-” Fëanaro’s eyes flashed up from his task of wiping the stubborn smears off of Vanifinwë’s hands, looking to Tyelkormo before he looked back down. But he paused before doing a double take to look at his son in bewilderment, their eyes locking before Tyelkormo flashed a big grin. 

Fëanaro blinked for a moment not sure what to say or do, what in Eru’s name happened to his son? What the fuck was he wearing?

“My son, what the he-” Nerdanel elbowed him, stopping him from finishing that sentence so aggressively, but Tyelkormo only kept his smile. “What are you wearing?” He finished winding his arm a little more snug around his daughter. Who began to gasp out with excitement, 

“I am the most beautifullest ever, Atya.” Tyelkormo said with pride, throwing some of his long platinum hair right over his shoulder. Fëanaro furrowed his brows, curling his lips in and narrowing his eyes as he tried to discern what had gotten into his son.

Face and body paints were certainly a thing for Tyelkormo, often wearing them when he went galavanting off with Orome. To which Fëanaro had never said anything after some time seeing as that was just part of hunting with Orome. But his son was wearing makeup. And to make matters worse it looked terrible. 

Bright red lipstick was smeared all up his cheek, under his nose and down his chin. With green eyeshadow smeared all over his face. It wasn’t even all on his eyelids, nor the stuff on his eyelids fully covered his lid, and if he looked hard enough… Fëanaro could see some of it in his hair. Not to mention the bright blush that covered his cheeks and the bridge of his nose, and it was caked on there good. For the love of Eru…

“You are… something.” Fëanaro muttered before his eyes went to Makalaurë, recalling how Vanifinwë said she played with both of them. Though Makalaurë didn’t look nearly as… bold just a “simple” eyeshadow look on his eyes with a bun on his head. That looked tangled painfully tight. It was a wonder it wasn’t pulling his eyes and brows back. 

“Aren’t they beautiful Atya!?” Vanifinwë said excitedly leaning her head back to look up at her father with a big beaming grin. Fëanaro looked down for a moment at her, and he could see how important to her his opinion would be. Especially regarding this… He had never been one to discourage them from their creative endeavors. 

“You did that all by yourself Vani?” He asked, raising his eyebrows, completely avoiding her question and feeling her shift to turn sideways in his lap. Her head craned back to look up at him. 

“I did!” She grinned excitedly, and Fëanaro hummed out still shocked that his little girl could well… do so much damage. But both of his sons seemed to take it in stride, Tyelkormo perhaps wearing it a little too proudly…

“Tell me about Tyelkormo’s dress up.” He pressed,

“Makeover Atya.” Vanifinwë corrected, nothing short of a little attitude in her correction, making Fëanaro snort in amusement. He usually wasn’t one to tolerate such an attitude, no matter how small, but considering she was the expert on the situation… He’d let it slide for now. 

“Forgive me, anelya. Makeover, tell me about Tyelkormo’s makeover.” Fëanaro watched the way her face began to light up, the big grin that pulled at her little lips, the way her big blue eyes sparkled with joy. He could certainly see how her big brothers gave into her whims, including this one regarding makeup and makeovers. 

“Tyelko I thought would looks really pretty with eyes shadows, green is a pretty color on him.” She rambled to him, “And then he needed a lickstips that would match and make him even prettier.” Fëanaro hummed at her words, nodding along as he began to pick back at his breakfast again. 

“And oh! He needed blushes and lots and lots of pretty pearls. And it made him the most beautifullest elf ever!” Vanifinwë said with a higher pitched voice, speaking with her hands while Fëanaro listened, the rest of his sons chattering between one another, half paying attention to her. But Nerdanel was engrossed in what she was telling her father. 

“Beautifullest elf ever?” Nerdanel asked her, and Vanifinwë nodded with certainty. 

“Yes! Don’t you think so Amme and Atya?” She asked, leaving the pair to look between one another and both of them turning to look back at Tyelkormo. Who seemed to be patiently waiting for a confirmation from their parents, that what Vanifinwë said was true. Because of course it was true, and he’d start a fight with anyone who said he wasn’t. 

“Yes, Vani. You did a wonderful job on making Tyelko the beautifullest elf ever.” Nerdanel agreed warmly, and with a smile. Vanifinwë only seemed to grin wider with excitement, but her Atya had not said whether or not Tyelkormo was the beautifullest elf ever. And to Vanifinwë, her Atya’s opinion was incredibly important because she knew how creative he was too. 

“Atya? Don’t you think Tyelko’s the beautifullest elf ever?” She asked, her brows furrowing a bit as she had noticed this was the second time he had danced around her question about Tyelkormo’s beauty. This time she wasn’t going to let him escape it, Fëanaro paused in his chewing looking like he might flounder. 

Everyone at the table began to hold their breath, as his look seemed to become stern and lost in thought. Assuming that he was trying to find a way to gently let her down. As he could do from time to time and they all feared if he did it… It would break her heart. 

In all honesty? His son looked ridiculous, Fëanaro had heard of her makeovers before. But he didn’t ever see what the extent of them was, and now seeing it.. Well… Then again he supposed beauty was in the eye of the beholder. And that beholder was the fifteen year old elfling in his lap, desperately looking for his approval. Even he didn’t have the heart to give her constructive criticism. 

“Vani, anelya…” He began and quietly thought for a moment, while his daughter waited on baited breath for whatever it was he might say. 

“I think you made Tyelkormo, the prettiest, most beautifullest elf in all of Valinor.” Fëanaro said firmly and with conviction, there was a collective sigh of relief from around the table. Everyone had expected him to give his most honest opinion, as he did on occasions regardless of what anyone's ages had ever been. 

“Really!? You think so Atya!?” Vanifinwë said with mirth and excitement, scrambling to sit up on her knees in his lap and hug him. Fëanaro smiled softly as her arms were thrown around his neck, setting his fork down he wrapped an arm around her, holding her close to him. 

“Yes, anelya, I do.” Fëanaro said leaning his head against hers, feeling her little hand pat his back gently before her arms unwound from his neck. But she kept her head rested on his shoulder not moving from her spot. His eyes only went to his son in question who was positively glowing have triple the approval from Amme, Atya and Vani. 

Fëanaro only shook his head at his sons reaction, listening to him begin to brag about his enhanced beauty. He could see how the res of his sons wanted to tell him otherwise but not with Vanifinwë present. 

“Here anelya let us finish our breakfast hm?” He said nudging her softly and Vanifinwë nodded at his words, sliding down to sit back down in his lap. Before they both began to eat again, listening to the chatter around the table. 

* * * 

Walking through these grand big halls she was so unfamiliar with, Vanifinwë was afraid that she had gotten lost in them somehow. On the verge of tears as they began to well in her big blue eyes, looking around at the many corridors and doorways that led into rooms that Vanifinwë didn’t know. It all was starting to look the same in her eyes- all the same gold crown molding and tapestries on the walls. 

But the deep smooth voice that spoke with such familiarity filled her with relief. Vanifinwë wiped the tears from her eyes immediately, not wanting to worry her Nelyo. So with excitement she ran towards the sound of Nelyafinwë’s voice, a big smile coming to her little cherub like face as her eyes landed on his imposingly tall figure. Though she found comfort in seeing her massively tall big hanyo. 

With him though was cousin Findekano and cousin Findarato, it didn’t seem important with how casual it was they were speaking with one another. Nothing like when Atya spoke to their Uncle and displomatticks… Or whatever they were called.

“Hanyo!” She squealed out gleefully, pulling the three ner from their talks and all smiled as they saw the frilly dressed little nis running right towards them. Her burgundy ruffled gown flouncing with every step, black curls bouncing and big blue eyes honed right in on Maitimo. Her bare little feet slapping against the marble floor as she ran right for him.

“Lady Vanifinwë it is good to see you.” Findekano said in a playful tone, knowing his little cousin liked having the title of Lady before her name. But he watched as the usually confident little nis moved to hide behind Nelyafinwë’s calves, looking up at him with big blue eyes that sparkled with wonder at the sight of him… Even more so when they landed on Findarato in all his sparkling gems and jewelry.

“My have you grown since I last saw you.” Findarato reminisced in a soft voice, with a warm smile, kneeling down to be level with little Vanifinwë who only grinned bashfully. Pressing her face into Nelyafinwë’s calf giggling softly,

“Mm she certainly has, I think she’s a full five inches taller than when you saw her last.” Nelyafinwë mused softly, looking at Findarato for a moment, before turning his head down to look at his littlest sibling and sister.

“What is it you need onorë?” Nelyafinwë asks in a gentle voice, though from her tone and glee to see him.. He suspected that she had been turned down one too many times by their brothers. That wasn’t an unusual issue that she constantly faced. None wishing to entertain her in the ways she wished to be, all wanting her to partake in their loves and desires. Unless it was simple games like Hide and Seek and Tag, but Vanifinwë was a frilly little girl and her elder brothers certainly weren’t interested in makeup and jewelry and having their hair done. 

But Nelyafinwë always indulged Vanifinwë in what she wished to play, and despite the importance of this budget meeting with their cousins, he found himself unable to deny her already. The words hadn’t even left her lips yet for her request.

“Hanyo will you let me make you pretty? Makalaurë said no… Carnistir was rude when I asked him and Curvo told me to ask you.” Vanifinwë asked, explaining her situation as she wrinkled her nose. Making all the freckles wrinkle and furrow as she did so, scrunching her face up into displeasure before folding her arms over her chest. Findarato and Findekano looked over at Nelyafinwë, expectantly. Waiting for him to deny her request gently, with promises of fulfilling this at a later date or hour.

They had important things to discuss, and it was urgent so their grandfather Finwë had said. Not to mention it was a good exercise of Nelyafinwë’s ever budding career in politics and as Prince. As well as one for his cousins, it was their first meager steps into the world of Politics, so it was imperative that Nelyafinwë was focused on the matter.

“Of course I will, onorë.” Nelyafinwë says much to their cousins shock,

“Cousin… We have business still to discuss, Findarato says with a healthy dose of skepticism in his tone. Findekano only furrowing his brows trying to decipher how exactly this was going to work, except overpowering the whole situation was the gleeful excitement of Vanifnwë’s shrill voice.

“YAY! Come on Hanyo! Let’s go!” Vanifinwë said, reaching for his hand, gripping his fingers to his large hand before tugging on his hand to follow as hard as she could.

“We can still discuss things despite the play.” Nelyafinwë assured them both, but the pair looked between one another with uncertainty at his words. How could they possibly continue the discussion if Nelyafinwë was embroiled in the game of whatever… make you pretty was? Nelyafinwë waved for the cousins to follow, and with their own curiosity they certainly did.

Nelyafinwë having to lead Vanifinwë the many winding corridors as he sensed her being disoriented by all the closed doors in the winding halls. The chatter is mostly Vanifinwë telling him what she is going to do to him. Put him in make up, fix his hair, add pretty fabrics to his clothes and jewelry- failed creations from their Atya- to him and make him look very pretty.

Her eldest hanyo only muses along to her words, with their cousins the silent sentinels listening to their talking before they came to her room. With a small table in the center and little chairs that were certainly fit for the little nis who was leading Nelyafinwë to one of the chairs. He sat down immediately in the chair, expectantly before Vanifinwë turned to the others.

“Finda and Fino you come sit too.” Vanifinwë says pointing to the other chairs at the table that are empty, they’re both snorting as they look at eight foot tall Nelyafinwë comically sitting in these tiny chairs. Though they admire his duty to her as her brother to do as she pleased.

“Thank you Lady, but I am afraid I will stand.” Findarato said bowing politely to the little elfling, only watching as Vanifinwë scrunched her nose up at his refusal. Bringing the blond to raise his brows at her reaction, never having been on the receiving end of one of her adorable scowls.

“Ammë says it’s rude for a guest to not sit at someone else’s table.” Vanifinwë retorts out immediately, bringing Findarato to fluster some at her words. Damn whomever had taught her etiquette this young… Then again he supposed he could thank his Uncle Fëanaro and Aunt Nerdanel for such a thing as they truly only wanted the best for their children. Findarato only gave Nelyafinwë a pleading look for help, yet the elder Fëanorian only motioned for him to take his seat.

“You’ve heard the Lady, it would be rude not to.” Nelyafinwë says, still holding his hand out towards one of the small chairs, like the ones that he sat in. With his knees practically pressed to his chest as Vanifinwë was adamant he sat as close to the table as possible- that was the polite thing to do. Findarato hesitated that was until Vanifinwë grabbed his hand,

“Finda… Come on. Come sit while I make Nelyo pretty.” She said to him pleadingly and he can hardly resist as those big blue eyes are like doe eyes in their pleadingly. He melts at the sight and tone of her voice,

“Alright Lady, I shall sit.” Watching as at his words, a big grin spreads across those soft little lips and happily does she pull him to the table where she pulls out his chair. Findarato thanks her as he awkwardly sits in the chair, his knees practically in his chest as he blankly stares at his eldest cousin, trying to discern how he had been roped into this situation. Yet in comparison, Findekano seemed all too eager to let their tiniest cousin lead him to the chair.

“My what a good host you are, Vani. Thank you so much.” Findekano says gently, taking his seat without batting an eyelash even if it was uncomfortable to sit in the seat all squished up. Yet Vanifinwë doesn’t say a word, only going to her dresser and digging through her drawers, while the trio turn their attention to one another.

“Now that we are all here and together, did you have time to go over those documents I had sent over?” Nelyafinwë asks, as Vanifinwë comes marching over with several brushes, elastics, and bows setting them on the table. Seeing that Nelyafinwë wasn’t reacting to what she was doing, Findarato simply took it in stride, opening the pockets of his robes to pull out thick documents.

“Only part of them, though there were parts I didn’t understand regarding certain budgets.” Findarato answered as smoothly as he could, watching the way Vanifinwë smacked the brush into Nelyafinwë’s hair, thudding off his head, making even Findekano flinch at her lack of gentleness. Before they all heard the unmistakable sound of the brush ripping through his hair. But Nelyafinwë didn’t bat an eyelash despite the clear pain he surely must have been in at this!

“Which parts were difficult to understand?” Nelyafinwë asked, holding out his hand to take the documents from his cousins, who watched as Vanifinwë released the brush that dangled in his hair, turning her attention to the elastics on the table. Grabbing one before ripping the brush out of his hair,

“Uh- This part… Concerning the budget for the statue replacements for the large plaza in the markets.” Findarato said, wincing as he watched as Vanifinwë began to wrap a strand of his hair chaotically in the elastic. Looping it far too tight that they could see his scalp redden, yet Nelyafinwë took the documents from his hands to read them over as Vanifinwë grabbed another little elastic to loop in another part of his hair.

“I’m afraid even I had difficulty understanding the jargon that was used in it. Still struggling to understand, cousin.” Findekano adds as Nelyafinwë looks over the paperwork, reading it carefully even as Vanifinwë makes his head pull in certain directions with her brushing and elastic tying. Which she was utterly quick at as there were already four or five little pigtails sticking straight off the top of his head that were growing tangled.

“It is just a fancy way of saying how much we are going to pay the artisans and the nerri and nissi to remove the dwindling and eroded statues.” Nelyafinwë began to explain, as Vanifinwë left her place by his side to hurry to her dresser digging around in another drawer for stars knew what. Findekano began to try and bite back the smile forming on his lips seeing how utterly serious Nelyafinwë was with five little russet pigtails and loops in his air. All done at the scalp and fly aways cluing them in to just how tangled they were.

“Then why say them in such a manner? Would it not be simpler to state it out right than say it in this word play?” Findarato asked his cousin, watching as Vanifinwë came over with several cosmetic items. Opening one up to reveal a bright rouge for the cheeks and holding a big fluffy brush that she vigorously dipped into the crème make up. Expectantly she held out the brush and Nelyafinwë leaned down enough for her to apply it to his cheeks, only making their cousins begin to chuckle.

“I asked grandfather the same question, he answered back that was simply how things were done. It looks more professional that way.” Nelyafinwë answered who was looking far from professional with heavily red and rosy cheeks as Vanifinwë slathered on the rouge. It made even Carnistir’s rubicund face look pale in comparison, she even managed to cover the freckles on his face and nose.

“You look sooooooooo pretty Nelyo!” Vanifinwë beamed out to him, and now the nature of the game was making sense. She simply just wanted someone she could dress up, and put makeup on. Someone to spend time with, because being the littlest female elfling in a house full of nerri and one nissi got to be lonely. Especially when none of your older brothers wanted to play with you, and how you wanted to play.

“Thank you Vani, you are a wonderful stylist.” Nelyafinwë simply encouraged, despite how ridiculous he looked to his cousins, but to his sister he truly did look beautiful. The little elfling grinned widely at his words, before pressing a kiss to his cheek.

“Hanyo you’re so sweet.” She said with excitement before she rushed away from the table again and back to her dresser.

“It… seems hardly professional if you can’t understand it.” Findekano said, wearing a big grin on his face watching how once more Vanifinwë came back this time with a tube of dark purple lipstick. Surely Nelyafinwë was going to stop her now in this game, seeing as he had put on makeup and had his hair practically matted by little fingers. But even as she climbed upon the table, Nelyafinwë didn’t stop her. Leaving Findarato and Findekano to begin laughing softly at the ridiculousness of this game.

“Unfortunately grandfather seems unwilling to change in his-“

“Stop Hanyo! I can’t put on your lickstip if you’re talking!” Vanifinwë protested suddenly interrupting him in his speech. So he sat quietly for a moment, letting her apply her “lickstip” even if it was smearing dark purple streaks all over his lips, chin and just under his nose. Nelyafinwë just still continued to sit patiently, not correcting her, just letting her indulge in her moment of creativity.

“Vani, perhaps an eyeshadow would look lovely on your hanyo, yes?” Findekano teased, watching the little elflings look over her shoulder at his words in thought. Pursing her little lips for a moment as it was clear she was thinking while holding Nelyo’s face, who only sighed out through his nose at Findekano’s suggestion.

“No! He looks beautiful like this!” She said stubbornly, having the original intent to add eyeshadow, one that was a deep green one that sparkled because it made his eyes look pretty. But now that it had been suggested and no longer her idea… Well that simply wouldn’t do. Vanifinwë clambered off the table, satisfied by her lickstip look on his face.

“You can talk now hanyo I’m done with the lickstip.” She assured him with her back to him looking over all the dazzling little hair clips. Patiently Nelyafinwë turned his attention back to his cousins, who were wearing amused grins on their faces, as the more Vanifinwë did… Well the more silly their elder cousin looked.

“As I was saying, unfortunately grandfather seems unwilling to change in his ways. Preferring more jargon and antiquated terms than shortening them into easy to understand. Though I must ask, did you understand what the allotment was for the artisans payment?” Nelyafinwë asked, only leaning his head down as Vanifinwë approached with flowery clips and bows in hand. Clasping them to the longer strands of his hair in clear focus, while Nelyafinwë held statue still so she didn’t mess up.

“Mhmm I see.” Findarato says in an amused tone, and by it Nelyafinwë knows Vanifinwë has certainly gone overboard. As embarrassed as he wanted to be by it, he could see that his darling little sister is pleased and happy and mostly not disruptive to him working. Just by the grace of Eru he prayed to never let his Ammë ask him to bring her to work. For his Atya and the other Politicians might not be so forgiving like their cousins were about her doing this to him.

“That is certainly quite the shame.” Findekano says, exchanging a glance with Findarato before he watched her finish pinning her hair clips in his hair. Moving again to the dresser, curious to know what it was she’d bring out of it this time to decorate her eldest brother in. They could hear her digging around in it madly and Nelyafinwë could see that neither were focused on the task at hand.

“Findekano, Findarato? The question, please answer it.” He stated firmly, only making Findekano begin to laugh at how serious his face was despite its… adornment. Yet here came Vanifinwë with jewelry in her hand this time, lots of little earrings- surely clip ons- in her hands before sprawling them out on the table. Vanifinwë moved to open the big ones before going for Nelyafinwë’s ears.

“Oh right, forgive us… You are… distracting.” Findarato laughed, and he watched as Nelyafinwë raised an eyebrow at his words. Vanifinwë was clipping lots of big sparkling gemstone earrings all up his long ears. Trying to be gentle despite how truly rough she was being, Nelyafinwë only winced some as the earrings pinched his ears. 

When she was finished, Vanifinwë stood back to look at her handiwork. Smiling widely as she thought he was certainly the prettiest ner in all of Valinor, courtesy of her hard work. With Vanifinwë finally moving to reach for something from the table,

“Look hanyo! Aren’t you so pretty?” Vanifinwë asks with a big toothy grin holding out the mirror for Nelyafinwë to take. He takes a steady breath before taking the mirror and holding it up to look at himself, and by Eru he could certainly tell Vanifinwë was bored and busy. He could see why now his cousins were so distracted, and why they had been laughing and amused in retort.

He was so used to it, but for a moment he wanted to be embarrassed by what she had done in front of their cousins. Nelyafinwë wanted to be upset; she had made him look so ridiculous, until he looked down at those excited blue eyes waiting for an important answer from her hanyo. 

Nelyafinwë gently reminded himself that Vanifinwë hadn’t done this to be malicious. She simply wanted her eldest hanyo’s attention and time to spend with him. Even if it meant sharing him with Findarato and Findekano. He simply to a soft and steady breath before he smiled gently at the elfling,

“You’ve done a lovely job Vani, thank you.” And with that she squealed out happily moving to hug him quickly, so happy that he was pleased with his appearance. Only bringing him to wrap his arms around her tenderly and pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

“You know Vani, you’ve done such a good job, I think you should make Findarato and Findekano pretty too.” Nelyafinwë said giving the two of them a smirk, watching them clam up as the little elfling began to excitedly clamber away. Reaching immediately for the elastics,

“Nelyo- Wait- But-” But it was too late little Vanifinwë had descended upon Findarato, with her brush and elastics in hand. Ready to make him and Findekano pretty too. 

* * * 

She knew they had tended to her hroa, surely stitching up gashes that had been long left to fester and stay open. The poking of the needle through her skin was nothing compared to when Morgoth or Sauron had ran their torture devices through her skin, ripping flesh open from her body… It was more of an annoyance that she had simply slept through. Though her mind wandered back to her hand… Thoughtlessly she reached across her abdomen to touch at the bandaged nub that was there. 

Not even flinching despite the searing pain that ripped through her at the graze done by her own volition. Reminding her again of what was lost. Her previous self would have mourned the loss of it, for her love to create would be impeded. But Vanifinwe felt no desire nor love nor want for such things anymore, the will for song and dance had been stamped out long ago. The desire to paint and sketch was long lost. Her inspiration and hope sucked right out of her fea at Sauron and Morgoth hands alone. 

She winced as the thought of Sauron’s tool scraping against her skin flashed into her mind, the sounds of his maniacal laughter filled her ears. It was all so realistic it made the hairs on her body stand. Prompting her to sit up quickly, even despite the ache that ran through her body at the motion, reaching up to loosen the collar of her gown further in hopes to reduce the pressure she felt around her throat. Trying not to remember the large hands that could engulf it in one go and would squeeze until she lost her breath.

The room was quiet, deafeningly so missing only the sounds of whipping winds to rip and tear at her exposed flesh. Nor was it filled with the sounds of snarling from orcs or screams from other thralls that had fallen victim to Morgoth’s hand. All the silence did was make her wary of what could possibly happen… What if someone else came to hurt her? Or return her back to Morgoth’s hands? What if Morgoth came and attacked?

Would her brothers be able to stop them this time? 

She doubted it, she had seen the might and power of Morgoth, having been subjected to it for Eru only knew how long. Being at his mercy and Sauron’s. It had been a miserable existence, yet this one away from it all hadn’t felt much different so far, now she just felt as if she was prolonging what was yet to come. 

Vanifinwe was a fool for taking the Oath… She couldn’t believe she had managed to let Maitimo and Makalaure convince her to take it. All for what? For rocks? Stupid shining fucking rocks. It made anger boil in her blood, she should’ve said no. Risked whatever consequences would’ve come with not taking the Oath from her father and be separated from her brothers. She doubts that he would’ve let her come with them at that rate… But it would’ve been better than hanging from a cliff face for thirty years. 

Suddenly the sound of the door creaking open pulled her from her bitter thoughts, a feeling she had been well.. Feeling.. Since her capture at Morgoth’s hands. She watched as swaths of red and black began to flood the room all sighing in relief as they saw that she was awake. Vanifinwe should’ve been relieved to see her brothers, but there was only the reminder that they too were bound to the Oath that lingered over her head. 

She sighed as they all filed in, Makalaure being who came to take his seat next to her side of the bed, Maitimo at the foot of her bed and the rest dispersed. Vanifinwe tensed at the feeling of Makalaure’s hands coming to her back, and she couldn’t lift her eyes to look at any of them. She was just filled with shame and discomfort right now, for looking and being so physically weak and vulnerable. Nothing like what she had been before, now she was but skin and bones. If that. 

“How are you feeling, nesa?” Makalaure asked in his soft and gentle voice, for a moment Vanifinwe thought on his words. What was she supposed to say? That she was feeling better? When her body still ached and the core of her fea felt broken and maybe even corrupted if she dared to take it that far. So all she could do was shrug for a moment as she continued to think, before finally she opened her mouth to speak. 

“I don’t know…” Vanifinwe answered lowly, keeping her gaze on her hand and wrist. She felt empty, cold, distant. Was that what he wanted her to say? But she didn’t iterate those thoughts and feelings to him. Or was he concerned about her physical being? He didn’t specify nor state, and the look on his face didn’t help either as she glanced up and saw the crinkling of worry find his face. There is a long and awkward silence and she can feel all their gazes on her, and it makes her uncomfortable. 

Maitimo has yet to say anything, but she feels his hand reach for hers. Watches how his big one engulfs her frailer and thinner one, and Vanifinwe wonders what might be on his mind. But again it is Makalaure who speaks up, feeling his hand card through her matts in her hair. Uncombable heavy thick mats from where her hair had been whipped around by Manwe’s winds, and the fact that the back of her had been pressed against the cliff face. Tangling it further, leaving it to mat… 

“How about I cut your hair? I do not think you wish for me to try and brush it.” He asks softly, and she was glad he came to the obvious conclusion about how she didn’t want her hair to be brushed. There was nothing about it that she wanted to save. So Vanifinwe nods quietly prompting Makalaure to get to his feet, but Curvo had been quicker in searching for shears. Finding them quickly before he handed them off to him, as Makalaure had cut all of their hair at some point when they had been little. 

As she sits there, quietly she looks up again at Maitimo. His pale blue eyes finding hers, and she can see regret and guilt swimming in his eyes. It was on the tip of his tongue to say something in regards to it, but for the moment he said nothing and Vanifinwe only held still as she heard and felt the snipping of hair coming loose off her head. 

Maitimo looks over his sister, who is gaunt and frail.. Skin and bones quite literally. The scars that litter what skin that does show through her nightgown, but he had seen how extensive they were. Having hovered and assisted in bandaging her up, the fact that she had to lose her hand. The dominant one in which she held paint brushes, chisels, and plucked harp strings with. It was his fault, for believing that there could’ve been any negotiating with Morgoth for the Silmarils. That he had let his baby sister come along with him, it should’ve been him in this position. Who was scarred up and having been rescued from a cliff face… Not her. It should’ve been him that was captured…

“Vani… I am sorry.” He breathes out, and he watches the way her jaw tenses at his words. Maitimo wonders if she is bitter about what he caused for her- or at least what he feels he has caused for her. By leaving her to have been kidnapped by Morgoth… He could’ve done more right?

“Don’t.” She says firmly, she doesn’t want regretful apologies, it was her choice to have joined him to meet Morgoth. The only resentment she feels is perhaps towards herself that he had convinced her to take the Oath. That she let him do it. It would’ve taken nothing to have said no, yet in that moment of still shellshockedness of seeing Grandfather crushed in the foyer… Vanifinwe felt compelled by her brothers pressing to say yes. 

“If I hadn’t convinced you take the Oath-”

“I don’t want to hear about the Oath.” Vanifinwe responds sharply, closing her eyes. Anything but the Oath, for the love of merciful Iluvatar. She doesn’t want to hear about the Oath or to think about it anymore than what she already was. Was it not enough that she suffered because of it? Now they were bringing it up. 

She can hear Curvo scoff across the room, but she chooses to ignore it. Though not for long as of course Atya’s favored son would have something to say about her response. 

“You took the Oath the same as us, it is best if you get used to hearing about it again for we are all bound to it.” Vanifinwe felt her temper flare at his words, and her eyes grew dark as she shot a scathing glare over at Curufinwe. Maitimo brought a hand to her shoulder, his hand rubbing while Makalaure still continued to cut through her thick hair in sections to free the mat on the back of her head. 

“I don’t want to hear about the fucking Oath!” She said, raising her voice, one that was raw and raspy. From being dry as she had been without water for so long and so hoarse from all the screaming from torture. Vanifinwe watched how the familiar chilling scowl found Curufinwe’s face. But it didn’t deter her, she had faced Morgoth himself and Sauron too, the haunting face of her father was nothing to her any longer. It elicited no fear, just rage. 

“Have I not paid enough for it!? Was thirty years on Thangorodrim’s cliff face not enough about the Oath!? What of the years of torture!?” Vanifinwe said, her voice wavering, and the tears welled in her eyes for the first time in a long time. The silence was deafening, she didn’t care if she was bound to it, Vanifinwe wanted nothing more to do with it. 

“All for what? For fucking rocks?” It came out weakly despite her best efforts for it not too, she sounded vulnerable and weak. She hated it. Even if it were in front of her brothers, she didn’t want to be so weak anymore… Makalaure had stopped cutting, Curufinwe’s rebuttal died on his lips as they merely parted but nothing came out. Maitimo simply pulled her into him for an embrace and Vanifinwe tensely went with the motions, resting her forehead against his shoulder.

Fighting back the tears she didn’t want to shed. She had shed enough over this ordeal in Angband, on Thangorodrim… When Findekano had cut her hand from her wrist. She didn’t want to cry anymore, yet her body had other plans in mind as the tears came out in a deluge and Vanifinwe felt terrible. Everything ached and she was tired of aching- physically, mentally, emotionally. It would’ve been kinder if Findekano had just let her be the second victim to the Oath and have killed her. 

Curse Manwe’s kindness to have listened to Findekano’s plight. But she was simply too much of a coward to let herself fade, for she feared being sent to the Void as she didn’t fulfill the Oath if she had died. Instead of the comforts and healing halls of Mandos… And if she would be so lucky to go to Mandos’ she didn’t want to see their father. 

She hated him. 

“We don’t have to talk about it… You don’t have too, nesa.” Maitimo said softly, his big hand coming to her back to rub gently. Especially not now, Maitimo didn’t know how avoidable it would be for her… But he wouldn’t pressure her right now in recovery. Not now, not ever if he could help it. If there was anyone who could figure out how to break the Oath and be free of it… Vanifinwe would somehow figure it out… Right?

He should have never pressured her, in the depths of his fea he knew that the Oath would take. He knew there would be horrendous repercussions, he knew that all of them would be at the mercy of it. Just not to this extent, not in the way that Vani had or the way that Amrod had when he had burnt up in the ships… Or the way their father burnt up in his own death. Even if it was somewhat of a blessing to stop him in his madness.

Slowly she nodded her head, listening to the sound of his heart beating, the sound so familiar and comforting. Reminding her of all the times Maitimo had held her when she had been hurting the most, and for a moment a pulse of comfort ran through her. It was the first time in too long she had felt it, closing her eyes and trying to relax as all was still and silent. 

Taking some deep breaths to stop the tears, walling herself back up, before slowly she pulled away. Maitimo letting his arms fall from her slowly, mindful of where his hands fell so it wasn’t on her injured wrist and hand. Vanifinwe nodded her head, knowing all had been waiting to do anything and react. It was only then that Makalaure brought the shears back and cut her hair again. 

The weight of the mat was steadily becoming lighter, and more free. Stray hair that came up to her ears fell forward and she caught glimpses of white strands… It had been some time since she had seen her hair as most of it had been tucked and tangled behind her head. Vanifinwe knew the stress had been immense, it was just didn’t expect for it to have outwardly shown despite how taxing it had been. 

Finally her head was free of the mat as she felt it roll down her back before Makalaure picked it up. Tossing it in a bin, before he moved to take his seat right back next to her again. His own hand coming to hold hers now that it was free, and she looked to him. 

“We will help you get through this Vanifinwe.” Makalaure said with optimism and encouragement, and for a moment she could believe that he was telling the truth. But without having access to Mandos or the Gardens of Lorien, Vanifinwe was skeptical. When these trauma’s were all new to them and the Healers, it was unlike anything they had experience in to help. 

“It is a long way to go but we will be here every step of the way.” He said, and slowly she nodded. That she did believe, that they’d all be there for her as they all always operated as one giant unit together. Again that small pulse of comfort ran through her, and as uncomfortable as it made her… She simply accepted it. 

“Thank you.” She only answered weakly, it was a long way to go. And she was sure she’d never be the same again, but… perhaps there was hope there’d be something worthwhile after this ordeal. Even if it were simply breaking her Oath somehow.

All Vanifinwe could do was sigh, deciding to put some of her care into her brothers hands and hope that Eru would be forgiving and willing to help out of this mess. For she feared of what was to come and how much worse this could get. 

* * * 

Vanifinwe stretched out on the wolfskin rug that lay before the hearth in her shared bedroom. The silence outside stretched into her bedroom as the snow absorbed the usual sounds of the forests that were beyond Minas Mornedhel here in Nan Elmoth. She savored the stretch of silence even if the season and weather wasn’t ideal as it would be painfully cold, the warmth of the fire place licked and laved over her exposed skin. 

Her sheer negligee riding and bunching up around her thighs and a strap was fallen off her shoulder. She put her legs up as she lay on her front, crossing her ankles and slowly rocking them back and forth as her eyes scanned across the tengwar in the pages of her book. Something to help her pass the time as she refused to be out in this weather. 

Vanifinwe was hardly paying attention to the approaching footsteps, or the sounds of the bedroom door opening. Enthralled with what the heroine of her story was going to do next, not noticing as her husband, Oradhon stepped in through the door. He sighed out, bringing a hand to run through his blond hair as he shut the door behind him. Chilled from the winter air outside even despite dressing appropriately. 

He dusted some of the snow off his shoulders, before his silver eyes went to work looking around the room for his wife. Until finally they found a set of feet in the air just in front of the sofa. He smirked, forgetting the stresses of the hunt he usually loved so much as always did Vanifinwe put him in such a good and positive mood. He adored his wife, just as she adored him. 

Without making a sound did Oradhon carefully step across the floor, watching with intense eyes as his wife came into view fully. Her sheer negligee ridden up, exposing long slender legs, the curve of her ass, the dip in her perfect back with tendrils of wavy inky starless hair falling around her. Her skin kissed by the light of the Two Trees with fawn freckles dotting along her skin, Oradhon felt his heart leap into his throat seeing such a beautiful sight of his wife on display. 

He couldn’t help but give a rakish smile, letting his eyes roam over her form, before finally Oradhon opened his mouth to speak;

“My dear you do look lovely.” He began watching the way Vanifinwe seemed to perk up at the sound of his voice, his eyes swimming with desire as he watched her push aside the book and turn around on her back. Leaning up on her elbows so casually, yet putting herself on display for him. 

“Though… Perhaps I think you’d look even more beautiful wearing less.” He said with a wink, undoing the ties on his cape and furs, and letting it all fall to the floor unceremoniously. Oradhon watched the beautiful smile that spread across her full pink lips, looking up at him in almost a coy fashion and already could feel his cock twitch with excitement. 

“Mm.. I think you might be right.” She mused out in a huskier voice, noticing how his eyes trailed from her eyes, to her breasts lingering before they went even lower to the small smattering of black curls that lay between her legs. 

“Perhap you’d like to give me a hand and find out?” Vanifinwe continued with a note of feigned innocence in her voice, watching as Oradhon had already sat himself in the floor next to her. She watched eagerly as Oradhon moved to lean on his one arm, bringing the other to gently run a finger along the low cut neckline of her negligee. 

“I should like that very much, Vani.” The sound of his husky voice sent a fire burning through her loins. Oradhon could feel her body come to life as his hand caressed her collar bones and up her throat watching eagerly as her head tilted back before his hand came up to her jaw to cup. 

His thumb gently stroking her cheek before he slid it back down her neck and this time towards her breasts. Vanifinwe arched her body provocatively into his touch, as his touch left a fire in it’s wake. She was eager for more, for him, to be one with him. 

“Then please come help yourself.” She mused to him as he moved to dip his head in, prompting Vanifinwe to lay back into the floor on the wolfskin rug. His cold lips came connecting to the warm skin of her throat, feeling her quickened pulse beating against him. Trailing soft kisses down to her collar bones, her body again arching and pressing up into him with her hands coming to tangle beneath his shirt. Feeling his cold and hard muscles flex as he held himself up above her and his other hand kneading her breast in his palm. 

“Ah, my sweetheart, ever so eager…” Oradhon mused out with a soft moan, enticed by her restlessness and hunger for more of him. He could feel the way his trousers began to grow tight as his cock hardened. He began to nip lightly at her collar bones, making her shiver at his affections. 

“Always am I eager for you, meldanya.” Vanifinwe openly confessed to him as she freed a hand from his shirt to come and tangle in his soft blond, cropped hair. Comfortable to be able to tell him and not hide her desires for him. Oradhon’s hand released her soft breast, sliding it up to undo the ties of her negligee. 

“As I am for you, love…” He whispered as Vanifinwe guided his head up so their lips could meet. It was a soft and gentle caress at first, before her lips firmly pressed against his. Oradhon maneuvered himself to be in between her legs, feeling how they spread wider to accommodate him and his hands began to make work of her negligee. Stripping her out of it as he pulled it up, his hands skimming across her thighs and hips, up her stomach and over her bare breasts before he parted from her to slip it over her head.

Vanifinwe’s lips connected back to his, and her hands began not wasting any time as they came down to his trousers. Clumsily untying them, fumbling some as Oradhon slipped his tongue into her mouth, tasting her natural sweetness and the wine that she had earlier. 

He groaned as Vanifinwe’s hand dipped into his trousers, grabbing his cock feeling just how hard and sensitive he was twitching in her hands. While Vanifinwe pulled her hand back to push his trousers down, his cock springing free and her hand found him again. His hips twitching as she began to stroke him, 

“I love you…” She said in a husky breath, lips brushing against his before she kissed him again. There was a heavy sigh Oradhon released and his breath danced across her warm skin, growing drunk off of her affections. Taking a moment to register what it was she said as her hand became more vigorous in it’s ministrations, Oradhon felt pleasure rush through him, finally the words meeting his ears and mind, 

“I love you too, Vani.” He breathed out, reaching for her wrist bringing her to release his cock as he guided it above her head. Vanifinwe spread her legs wide to accommodate for him, eagerly pressing her hips upwards as she looked into half lidded silver eyes. Without wasting any more time, Oradhon guided the head of his cock to her dripping entrance. Parting her folds as he rubbed the head of his dick against her pussy, slickening him before he slowly sank into her warm wet walls. 

Feeling them clench around him, and a soft gasp left her lips. Body arching again, her nails biting into his knuckles as heat pulsed through her, and a coil in her belly winding ever so slightly. Oradhon closed his eyes for a moment as he continued to sheathe himself inside of her, groaning out as his hips met her ass, hilted fully. 

He opened his eyes once more as he rolled his hips, not fully thrusting and he heard her release a breathy sigh. Another pulse flowing through her as his pelvis rubbed against her clit, rolling his hips again, hitting deep inside of her. 

“Oradhon… Please..” Vanifinwe panted out, beginning to squirm, desperate for full thrusts, as his rolling wasn’t enough. It was teasing and he only seemed to do it again, with a small smirk on his lips. Vanifinwe raised her hips slightly, grinding them in return trying to encourage him to take her since her plea was falling on deaf ears, but it didn’t stop her from asking again. 

“Please meldanya…” She breathed out, her body arching as her freehand came to rest on his shoulder, clinging to his shirt as finally his hips snapped into her. Oradhon watched with excitement as he began to fuck her the way her body jolted, seeing her breasts begin to bounce as he drank in the sight. 

Listening to the way her moans dripped off her lips and he panted as her silken walls fluttered around his leaking cock. Even despite the lack of foreplay she was dripping, audible wet sounds ringing out coupled with the sound of his skin slapping against her ass. Desire and pleasure flowed through him as his heart pounded in his chest, before dipping his head down to kiss at her neck. 

Vanifinwe spread her legs wider, tilting her head to the side, her breath tickling his ear as Oradhon kissed and bit at her neck. Sucking against her skin, leaving little red marks in his wake, hips continuing their hard thrusts. 

Oradhon rested on his elbow that held her hand, while his freehand came to dive between their legs where they were connected. His now warm thumb coming to press against her clit and he felt her legs spasm at the sudden welcomed pressure and the moaning gasp that left her lips. Her fingers digging deeper into his shoulder before gliding around him to hold him close to her. 

Oradhon’s thumb rubbed in a slow circular motion against her clit, as he continued to thrust into her. Vanifinwe’s voice climbing higher in her moans and her body squirming as it was all so much and so little in the same breath. But by the stars did it feel sinfully good as the pleasure coated her veins, hands going numb and her toes starting to curl. 

As Oradhone continued to rub a little faster with a little more pressure, Vanifinwe could feel the coil in her belly winding tighter. Her body tensing and winding up, legs trying to close around him, squeezing into his side before finally the flames in her belly leapt forward and the coil snapped. Vanifinwe released a cry of bliss as she came around him, her walls fluttering around his cock making Oradhon shudder.

His eyes committing her spasms and trembling to memory as he watched her unravel in full. She was a beautiful sight as a moaning and whining mess beneath him, especially as he continued. Oradhon’s lips dipping down to capture hers, his thumb leaving her throbbing clit, with Vanifinwe eagerly kissing him back. Wrapping a leg around his waist, and Oradhon began to thrust harder and faster into her pussy. 

Chasing after his own release, his pelvis rubbing still against her clit overstimulating her. Bringing her to whine into his mouth as he slipped his tongue into her mouth, Vanifinwe brought a hand to run through his platinum hair. Angling her hips upward with shaky legs, Oradhon feeling everything tighten, panting as he broke the kiss. 

Groans dripping from his lips, her wetness audible and skin slapping out loudly. He felt his cock twitch and pulse as pleasure before finally his hips stuttered and faltered as he began to cum. Oradhon’s breaths coming out shaky and panting, slowing down in his thrusting before his lips connected back to Vanifinwe’s. Eeking out his satisfaction until he was finally finished and slowly did he break the kiss.

Pulling away enough to look down at his wife who smiled up at him, Oradhon couldn’t help but mirror her expression. Before leaning forward to press a soft kiss to her forehead, with care Oradhon slipped his softening cock from her pussy, sitting up enough on his knees to pull his trousers up before he moved to take his place next to her. Vanifinwe rolled over onto her side and Oradhon wrapped his arm around her pulling her in close to him. 

“I love you Oradhon…” Vanifinwe said to him softly, snuggling in close, and he couldn’t help but smile to hear her say such tender things. 

“And I love you Vani… Never leave me…” He uttered, turning his head to press another kiss to the top of her head, Vanifinwe hummed as her arm wrapped around his waist, giving him a reassuring squeeze.

It was a letter claiming that he would surrender one of the Silmarils. Morgoth claimed it was being done out of the terror of the wrath that was to come of the Noldor. Yet Vanifinwë was not buying such words, not after what she saw done to Finwë and now her father. 

It had been a nightmare since they left Manwë and Varda and moved to rally all who would follow Fëanaro to the shores of Arda. They had gained a hefty host, even Nolofinwë following faithfully to leave with Fëanaro when called upon. Without hesitation he had rallied his own followers, even the Arafinwëans had followed their Uncle. Vanifinwë couldn’t help but come to regret not following Nolofinwë instead of her Atar. As she predicted, she regretted this Oath already.

It brought utter ruin upon innocents caught in the crosshairs of her father’s rage and extreme tempestuous behavior. When the Teleri denied him the ships, she knew her Atar would still take them regardless of what they said, but she did not think he would kill them for the ships.

It had been horrific. 

Fëanaro beheaded the poor Teleri Lord who came to meet their host when he had decided that he would not be told no again. In an instant, it had caused chaos.

Her brothers quickly took up arms and had slashed their way through the Teleri like they were nothing. Even though the Teleri had every right to defend themselves, they had no weapons of their own to stave off such an attack. Stuck with simple letter openers or kitchen knives at the most, only for each of them to slaughter them as they came.

Vanifinwë was only grateful that Fëanaro had not tried to give her, to use it against the innocent elves her family so willingly moved to slaughter. Other elves within the host had joined the massacre, with Maitimo simply dragging Vanifinwë along through the bodies and blood that ran through the streets of Alqualondë. Washing down the docks and dripping into the water as he slashed at any elf who charged at them. 

Fear struck faces paralyzed in death, or agony permanently plastered there. Lifeless eyes that stared back up at her as she looked over the mess. Those who survived their wounds pleaded in desperation for help. Their cries came out broken and in obvious horrid pain, and as much as Vanifinwë would have given everything to have stopped to help them, her family would allow for no such thing.

She protested as much as they drug her along through the blood covered streets, yelling at them to stop. Berating and cursing at them for what they had done! Even as they cut down another elf who even attempted to come near. Vanifinwë was the first to board the ships, per her Atars instructions. Maitimo had physically lifted her and stuck her on the swan ship himself, knowing if he did not she would certainly run back to the Valar.

Vanifinwë would have given anything in that moment to have rushed back and recant her vow. Once the ship set sail, with hundreds following, she could not turn back. It was far too late for that, especially now.

When they had landed, for a while they had dawdled. Waiting for survivors to make landfall, as ships broke in the harsh waves, falling apart and drowning part of their host. Their cries were deafening and heartbreaking. All Vanifinwë could do was stand and listen to them. Maitimo and Makalaurë gave her a weapon Fëanaro kept from giving to her during the Kinslaying. Knowing that now she needed it and that she could not refuse having reached the point of no return. 

What ships didn’t make it… lost to Ulmo and Ossë.

By the grace of Eru they had been lucky their own ship had taken on a little water, though that luck was very short-lived after the surviving ships and their sailors arrived. Just as they prepared to return them, so Nolofinwë and his own host may join them, did Fëanaro protest. Screaming for everyone to halt, in their confusion they did as commanded by their High King. While her Atar had given some speech to their host, Vanifinwë had slowly realized that they were short a sibling.

Noting how frantic Minyarussa had looked searching through the crowd for his twin, Vanifinwë ready to join her brother in their search before suddenly a ship burst into flames. Despite being on the sea and having been drenched, the fire took to it like it was dry kindling. This time, Vanifinwë had been the unfortunate target of her Atar, as he shoved a torch in her hands. Hovering over her and making sure she too took part, knowing now she had nowhere to run and rescind anything.

It was the agonized shrill screams of Atyarussa that had caught their attention, several ships in… To their pure horror they could only listen as they pierced through the crackling and burning of the fire. Hatred burned in Vanifinwë’s veins for her Atar at this, and she resented him for making her take part in any of this. 

Already she saw the cost of the Oath, and there had been no relief even when Fëanaro was struck by the Balrogs that ambushed them past Mithrim.

They mortally wounded him, and Vanifinwë had hoped that perhaps he saw how in vain this mission had been. That he would release them from the Oath. But no, he merely cursed Morgoth and his body burst into flames in their hold.

“Vanie? Are you listening?” Curufinwë asked, pulling her from the self loathing and memories of their so-called plight. She only hummed out in question,

“Hm? No, I am afraid my mind was elsewhere hanno.” She sighed out, rubbing her face some before moving to stand and approach the table. Pulling her cloak a little tighter around herself as a chilly wind blew through the tent, and she could feel her eldest brother’s eyes on her. Since the burning she could not look him in the eyes, ashamed by what she had done- even if he had done worse. Vanifinwë felt just as responsible for Atyarussa’s death as Fëanaro had been.

“I said that I intend to meet with Morgoth and I shall take an embassy with me. For I do not trust he will appear alone.” Maitimo stated to her simply, and Vanifinwë didn’t understand this either. Another drive of the Oath to retrieve the stupid gem in the hands of their enemy. To meet with him as if he did not smash their grandfather with a hammer or send an ambush that killed their Atar.

“Who are you taking?” She asked him in short,

“Whoever will follow.” Maitimo responded with ease at her words as he watched the way she nodded.

“Unless you object?” Vanifinwë couldn’t help but scoff at his words, as if they would tolerate her objections! They didn’t back in Valinor, not in Alqualondë. She had no way to object in Losgar with Fëanaro breathing down her neck. She would have, if she could have, and as a result Vanifinwë envied Maitimo in the same breath for having done so during the burnings.

She ran a hand through her long black hair, giving a more sarcastic expression that wrinkled her nose. She repressed the sneer that wanted to curl up at her lips, currently at wits’ end with this sudden need to ask her to be present for this “meeting”. Maitimo was simply telling them what he was going to do, whether anyone here liked it. Vanifinwë had caught earlier how Makalaure wanted to go with him, and Maitimo told all the brothers that they were to stay behind.

“Like my opinions and objections matter suddenly?” She questioned, feeling heat flare inside of her. It had grown more intense the longer time had passed, part of her heart having grown sour already from this chaos. Vanifinwë heard the huff that left Curufinwë and Tyelkormo, all knowing easily this could turn into an argument if she very well wanted it too.

They had all concluded she had been quiet for far too long. They had avoided hour long lectures, and a proper chewing out this far. Vanifinwë was an explosion waiting to happen in her brothers’ eyes.

“They have always mattered, Vanie. Now is not the time. If you have any objections, state it now. If not, then I must leave as soon as possible.” Maitimo stressed watching the way her brows knit together, and a frown pulled at her lips with every word he spoke. Only growing more severe as he sidelined her current emotions, even if he had a point.

“The objection I have is that you are going without even one of us, Nelyafinwë.” She stated with firmness to her tone, using his Ataresse, something she had always done if she disapproved of something he did. Folding her arms over her narrow chest as her eyes finally met his. Narrowed and sharply honed in on him,

“Agreed, it is foolish to run in there without us.” Carnistir piped up nodding his head. For once, a sibling was in vocal agreement of her thoughts since this all began. 

“Even with an embassy.” Vanifinwë included so Maitimo could not try to weasel that into his argument to make it fair. Maitimo let out a huff of his own, bringing a hand to rub his face as he frowned. He already had this argument with them, now it was Vanifinwë he had to contend with. Why hadn’t anyone made sure she was listening earlier?

“I have already explained why you all cannot come. Each of you will have duties I need for you to do in my absence.” He explained with simplicity, yet Vanifinwë was not buying it. Vigorously she shook her head,

“I have no duties to tend to. I will go with you.” There was an array of gasps and scoffs that flew around the table at this, and the severe look of Maitimo’s face was an immediate sign of an answer to come.

“Vanie that is not happening.” Tyelkormo firmly stated, stabbing his finger firmly into the table as he stared her down. Silver hair falling over his shoulders as he leaned forward as if it would further drive his point home. Vanifinwë merely sneered at his reaction!

“No. You all have forced me into this Oath-”

“No one forced you! You accepted it yourself!” Curufinwë muttered darkly with a sneer of his own to match Vanifinwë’s. Were she more sympathetic in her father’s death, his appearance would’ve offset her. Yet it only made her more determined as she was angry with her Atar, and the sight of Curufinwë looking just like him only made her dig her heels in harder.

“Not without manipulation and pressure from our eldest brothers and Atar!” Vanifinwë as she placed her hands on the tabletop, her voice carrying loudly across the tent as she glared in return to him. Her gaze then turning to Maitimo, his red hair hastily pulled back into a braid with his copper circlet sitting atop his head. If there was any guilt there, he kept it hidden from Vanifinwë’s prying eyes.

“You got me into this mess, knowing I wanted no part of it. I am going with you, the sooner we end this Eru forsaken Oath the better. I want out of it as soon as we can end it.” Each brother turned their attention to Maitimo, who quietly chewed on the inside of his cheek at her words. It was true, if he hadn’t interfered then Vanifinwë would have said no. She would have stayed with their amillë, he was sure, or perhaps stayed with Nolofinwë. Just like their Atar, he had made sure she too took the Oath.

“It is not up for debate, so I do not know why you are thinking so hard.” She added pulling him from his thoughts watching him fold his arms over his chest before there was a sigh and his shoulders hunched forward. Makalaurë gasped at his words!

“Maitimo! You cannot seriously be accepting of it!” He stated quickly,

“Only, if at the first sign of trouble that you run Vanie.” Maitimo added, making sure that there was of course a condition to this, that seemed to be the only game he would play by. Conditions. A condition to show how much Vanifinwë cared for this family to accept the Oath. A condition to take the sword Fëanaro gave her when they landed in Losgar so she may protect them and herself. Now a condition now to run at the first sign of trouble..

“Do you not think I am capable? I fought just as hard as you all during Dagor-nuin-Giliath!” Like them, she had taken to the sword easily and with little help from them, and did indeed prove herself valiant during Dagor-nuin-Giliath. She helped save several other elves who certainly had been in direct peril. Her swordsmanship was far from under fire.

“That is not what I am saying, Vanifinwë. Just let us not take any further risks, it will be bad enough having one of us there. Two of us is far more tempting, I just want for us to be careful.” In silence, Vanifinwë only stared her brother down, thinking on his words and weighing the consequences of what could happen. With a sigh, she nodded, conceding to his words and conditions. Though she would not tell him how she certainly planned to stay if he did not run from that fight either. It was bad enough she contributed to the death of her brother, she’d not leave another one to such a fate again.

“Alright, Nelyafinwë.” She answered, and relief filled her brother to know that she would do as directed. Though the walk to the meeting place would not be a pleasant one, as he knew Vanifinwë was holding her tongue for the moment. Such a long walk would be an opportune time to tell him how she really feels.

“Good. I shall gather some others and we will be off, be ready for when I return.” With that, Maitimo left the tent on a search for other elves who would bravely and perhaps foolishly follow them both to meet with Morgoth. None of the others said a word, there was nothing left to argue.

Maitimo had already given all their tasks and what their duties were in his absence. He hadn’t cleverly thought of any for Vanifinwë, so they could not help him in persuading her to stay. They only lingered in the tent in silence as Vanifinwë placed her sheath back around her waist and waited for his return.

*

Swiftly Maitimo had returned and Vanifinwë faithfully followed along with his men, being sure to walk beside her brother. Their host was not great or large, but certainly enough to withstand whatever orcs Morgoth might bring to attack them. Vanifinwë was silent the whole walk there, and even if Maitimo said something to her, she responded with nothing. Not wanting to fight or spill what her intentions were about how she would not strand him.

Though she prayed quietly to Eru that it would not have to come down to that. If Morgoth could twist and corrupt her Atar how he had, she didn’t trust what he might do to Maitimo. She commended him silently for at least bringing an embassy, grateful he had enough wits about him to know he wasn’t trustworthy.

For hours they walked with ease through the rocky mountain pass, sensing no sign of unrest around them, even despite the unusual silence that lingered here. In these passes it did not appear there was much wild life this close to Thangorodrim. Though Vanifinwë was already feeling uneasy as they drew nearer to their destination. Chalking it up mostly to nerves about coming face to face with the Dark Valar now knowing truly what he was capable of.

As they walked up the gravel slope to the flat rock area discussed for them to meet at, Vanifinwë had expected for Maitimo to have strategically placed his men. That way if Morgoth showed up alone, so it would not send him on a tirade against them, but he did not. 

All walking upon the flat and none having a chance to even settle into the space they had just entered before suddenly orcs and balrogs alike sprang from the surrounding rocks!

Caught in the surprise unprepared, they all scrambled and the fell beasts slew two elves in the embassy amidst the chaos! They didn’t even have the chance to pull their swords out! Not even Vanifinwë and Maitimo could get their swords out in time!

“Vanie! Go!” He commanded in his booming voice, not realizing even if she wanted too.. She could not leave as the fell beasts and creatures surrounded them all, not that she intended to begin with only cutting down the orcs that came forward and at her. 

Easily in the attack she became separated from Maitimo as a few of the orcs drove her back, even as she cut one down. His blood splattering on her body, making her grimace in disgust, but just as she turned her attention to the remaining orc… another appeared.

Too preoccupied with the task at hand, Vanifinwë could not see past the creatures before her, and Maitimo had yet to realize what had happened. Trying to assist his companions only to watch each one slaughtered by orcs, no matter how hard they fought against them. They were no match for the balrogs that were present here, and Morgoth was certain to have proven that to Maitimo.

With the crack of a whip, Vanifinwë felt the heat of it wrap around her wrist and yank her back. Forcing her to drop her sword with a clatter and fall back as an orc raised his blade, charging at her fallen form and ready to end her life right there. Heat searing through her wrist from where the whip had scalded and burned her skin.

“Spare the she-elf!” Morgoths voice commanded, prompting her to turn her head and see the Dark Vala stepping forward from where he had hidden with a grin on his face. There was far too much delight on his face as his eyes bounced between herself and Maitimo, his long black hair draped down his black velvet clad back. The claws of the beast behind her wrapping in her thick hair and pulling her to her feet with a grimace. Seeing her brother surrounded by orcs and the other balrogs that stood there.

“I see despite your betrayal that you have brought something far more worthwhile than yourself.” He all but purred as he walked over to where Vanifinwë stood trapped in the clutches of his beast. The grip so tight in her hair she could feel some strands giving way and ripping from her scalp. Morgoth paused just before her, bringing a rough blackened hand to grab her chin and pull her face to look up at him and into his ghastly white eyes.

Quietly his eyes roaming her face, committing it to memory… almost admiring her features, but it was only for a moment. A wry grin once more pulling at his lips,

“Release her Morgoth!” Maitimo hissed out, trying to muscle his way through the hold he was in, several orcs surrounding him with swords all aimed for his throat. Giving him no opportunity to slash his way through it, Morgoth merely chuckled and turned his head before standing back to his full height and releasing her face. 

“You are in no position to be demanding things of me, Prince Nelyafinwë.” Morgoth tutted out, Vanifinwë watching him like a hawk with a glare on her brow. Though she didn’t struggle, Vanifinwë knew well enough what he was capable of. There was no point in that. Even if her adrenaline and anxiety was pounding through her, nothing good would come of this. They fell into his trap like flies to vinegar… 

“What is it you want?” Vanifinwë piped up from behind him, not wanting to draw things out and to get right down to it, feeling Maitimo’s eyes flit between herself and the Dark Vala. She knew that there were consequences to face, beating around the bush would only be worse. 

“My, my eager are we?” He paused in thought after his words, slinking across the rocky ground back to Vanifinwë, 

“What I wanted was your brother. I knew he’d betray me, relished in the thought of watching him end up so defenseless and powerless against me as I had his embassy slaughtered and taking him as my prisoner.” He sighed out casually, shoulders back and straight as he clasped his hands behind his back. Boots scuffing across the ground as he halted before her, looking down his nose at Vanifinwë, as she all but sneered gazing back at him. 

“Yet imagine my surprise to see you amongst them too, not one but two of Fëanaro’s prized offspring almost as precious as his gemstones.” Morgoth delivered a jab, knowing well the spite she held for those rocks, though his words held some truth Vanifinwë had come to terms with. Fëanaro had indeed loved those gemstones more than his children. Regardless, it sent a flush of heat through her, leaving her to glower in response. 

“Well? You have me so take me and let my nesa go.” Maitimo responded easily and without a shred of hesitation, Vanifinwë could only watch the way Morgoth seemed to shake his head, eyes still trained on her as he tilted his head. Half heartedly looking over his shoulder at the eldest Fëanorian, waving away his words with a scorched hand.

“Again, you are in no position to be making demands, Nelyafinwë.” His voice deep and commanding this time, almost a growl as his lip curled at the Prince’s pressing. Morgoth stepped to the side of the elleth still within the fell beast’s hold, bringing his hand to slip around her throat. 

“My plans changed when I saw Anamartindë. Such a fitting name for all that I have in store for your beloved sister.” He sighed out, shoving the beast away, its claws snatching her head sideways and ripping black strands from her scalp. Bringing her to hiss out in pain as the Dark Vala stood right behind her, Vanifinwë locking eyes with her brother as sweat beaded on her forehead. A shaky sigh releasing from her throat at his words… 

There was nothing that could be done… It was just her and Maitimo left, and she was going to end up in Morgoth’s clutches. There was no doubt about any of it… What was there to do? 

Vanifinwë felt Morgoth’s hand squeezing lightly as her pulse quickened beneath the pads of his sensitive fingers. Swallowing thickly as all she could do was stare back at her equally bewildered brother,

“Take one last look and let this be a warning, Nelyafinwë. Leave now with your host, back to Valinor, lest you be met with my wrath. Leave knowing that your dear sister will know pain unlike any you can fathom and that you and your brothers failed.” Vanifinwë watched as Maitimo’s brow furrowed deep in his anger, his jaw clenched tight and his body tense and ready to jump out at a moment’s notice. Even despite being restrained and knowing at this moment it would do no good… 

Before Maitimo could protest or even open his mouth and demand that he take him instead, in a cloud of black smoke both Vanifinwë and Morgoth were gone. The balrogs following in smoke and flame and with orcs being all that were left in his fury; he barreled through them. Sword swiping, slashing throats, heads rolling and all who could ran at the intensity in which Maitimo fought with. 

Screaming out angrily now that his sister was gone and there was nothing more that he could do. 

* * *