(A/N This is a tongue-in-cheek one shot inspired by Merry KK’s review of ‘Nerdanel’s Sons’. I am using altered mother-names instead of father names, as Nelyafinwiel and Kanafinwiel were a bit of a struggle to get my thoughts around. I am not sure what ‘Ambarussa’ would be – so I have left it as is. While I think the idea is intriguing enough to develop as an AU tale, this ‘dream’ is the most my muse will allow!)

With thanks to Ellie

– – – – – –

So had I woken to much noise in the house. They were arguing! Always did it seem to me that Tyelkorwen and Carniel were arguing over who should take precedence – over who should have the seat nearest the king at the forthcoming banquet – over who should have first the attention of Meldawen, the seamstress; or Arnónë to fix of their hair. Indeed, over which daughter of the High Prince – the dark or the fair – would look most becoming when attired for the following hunt.

Would that I could bury my head under the pillow and remain on the couch until their noise had abated. But was it not to me to sort out the problem? Nay – it was to their mother!

There was a knock at the door of my room. Without waiting upon my permission, Makalauriel entered – the bejewelled train of her sapphire blue gown trailing behind her as she came to stand by my side.

“Atar – wouldst thou give heed to the song I prepare for this coming celebration? It has taken me much time of pondering, and I would have thy view on its suitability for my grandsire.”

‘Should thou not have sung it to thy mother’ thought I – but ever the indulgent father, I nodded assent.

So did I hearken to a voice most beautiful – like the trill of the nightingale close in my ear, and of the joy to be had in babes!

Ai!!!

Would that my wife and I had not seven of our own! Would that Nerdanel restrained her passions but a little, and redirected them to her crafting in stone.

“Thy voice is beautiful, daughter mine – but for the benefit of King Finwë mayhap thy song should be one of content other than babes?”

She looked disappointed. “Maitimë said just the same. She said I should have composed a livelier song that could be danced to. Much hope has she of dancing all day at the king’s house, for she says all of the lords find her to be most well formed in appearance that she will never lack of a partner.”

Enough!!!

Enough of matters trivial, thought I. Rising from the couch I hurriedly made way along the corridor to the study, out to the upper terrace and my workroom.

Curufinwen was already there – green sleeves rolled up; raven dark hair drawn back in a single braid. She turned as I entered, but looked perplexed.

“Atar – this glass is faulty – I cannot see myself in it with the clarity I desire.”

“Later, daughter!” said I. “I will attend to thy mirror later!”

Then the twins were at the door behind me – as if to hem me in.

“Atar – tell Ambarussa my sister that I am to ride the new golden pony first!”

“Nay, Ambarussa – I am to ride first. Amillë said so!”

I ran from that place to find sanctuary from the nissi in my life – ran across the terrace to the stables, thinking to take horse – to ride awhile outside of Tirion, to ride anywhere I could find a place where I could have peace and clarity of thought.

But then was my wife calling to me.

“Fëanáro!”

I always paid her heed – when I was of a mind to. Nay, I always heard my wife.

Fëanáro – awaken!”

I could only wonder at what she wanted of me that she thought me not already awake.

“Fëanáro – ’tis some form of nightmare thou art having, beloved. Awaken, I beseech thee.”

And I awoke – with very much relief.

There was much noise in the house. Tyelkormo and Carnistir were arguing over who should sit nearest my father at the forthcoming celebrations to tell him of their latest exploits. Glad was I to hear their shouting – most glad to hear their deep tone of voice!

– – – – –

Fëanorieli – Daughters of Fëanor.
Nissi – She-Elves
Atar – Father
Amillë – Mother

Print Friendly, PDF & Email