Chapter Eighteen: Tyelkormo. Part One.


(Disclaimer: I am writing in the world created by JRR Tolkien and using characters, scenarios and timelines created by him. I own nothing except the mistakes, and a few, easily identifiable, secondary characters. References are from The Silmarillion and HoME 1, 10 and 12)



“..but Celegorm went rather to the house of Oromë, and there he got great knowledge of birds and beasts, and all their tongues he knew.”

(Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië The Silmarillion J.R.R. Tolkien. Ed C. Tolkien.)


The house of Curufinwë Fëanáro. Tirion. Seventh Age.


When I think of Tyelkormo, many, and some sorrowful, thoughts cross my mind. Of all of my sons if he the one I consider I most failed. Yet do I see him often in memory, coming to my rescue on that particular occasion, with such an air of composure and authority about him. The day was one in early 1478, another disturbance in the terrible years of the lies. And much had transpired to bring the Houses of my lord and of his half-brother into such a place of tension. Before I tread that most difficult path of recall, do I intend to write more of my sons’ early years. I will write of Tyelkormo’s youth, that he, who in many later writings is considered so troublesome, may be better understood.


****


“You shall unhand my son, least you answer to me!”

I had ridden as fast as I could across the part-wooded valley, unto the aid of Ambarussa the elder*. Now he lay upon the ground, beside a tall yew hedge, his right arm, twisted beneath him at a most unlikely angle. That it was broken, I was certain. That the servants of the Lord Poldórion had misconstrued their lord’s commands, and that this attack on my son had nothing to do with Nolofinwë* was I also certain.


My mount, my favoured dappled mare, had I urged on at speed, and I halted abruptly before the four neri that surrounded the prone figure. Unusual expressions did they bear; those sort of expressions I had noted, but of late, on the faces of some few of our folk. Proud they looked, and confident, as with most of the Noldor; but that other touch was upon them that I was still struggling to understand. Cruel! Aye, that was the word! They held a look that said their nobility was compromised by their enjoyment of others’ misfortune.


Now did they gaze upon me as if they doubted I could enforce my will where Ambarussa had failed. But he had they brought low by trickery, and this I had observed from afar. They had made a call for aid, then driven him into a copse of trees, and used ropes to trip his horse, and to entangle him and pull him to the ground. One of their number, clad in blue and white, was prodding the semi-conscious Ambarussa with his booted foot, and two others made ready to bind him, broken arm and all! No sound did my sixth son make, though there was blood from a wound to his head, and that running freely through his copper-brown hair and onto his green cloak.


I was angry!


No concern did I ever have in the earlier days for my own, or for my sons’, safety in Eldamar, and such a deliberate event was not one I had any previous experience of. Although there had been increasing squabbles between the eldest sons of Finwë those last twenty years, never had I thought any of the Eldar would come to such actions, and here, in the Blessed Realm! Nay, thought I, this is some terrible mistake, and even so, they will not harm a nís; not harm a Lady of their people. But I had not taken sufficient account of the subtle changes wrought, not just upon expression, but also in the hearts and minds of some of the Noldor.

“Lady Nerdanel! What a pleasant surprise to find you, also, riding back to Tirion on this day.” The captain of the group, a strong looking, brown haired nér, stepped forward, and spoke rather sarcastically to me. “You will not find us as easy to control as you do your husband, however. Soon will you be answering to our lord for your vain words, rather than we to you.”

I was further angered by the comment, but would not let it rob me of my wits. Still was that rumouring being put abroad in Tirion, that I could in some manner control Fëanáro, as if I were some sort of curuni* If only they knew! My wisdom was only ever of words, and love, and lore. The captain gestured that the one of his accomplices who was still mounted, move to take me captive. No weapons had I, nor would I have likely used a sword at any time, (no swords had then been forged, though was this one of the events that led to them so being), but I was still the daughter of Urundil, and had grown and worked amongst my father’s apprentices. Swiftly did I slide from my horse’s back, and the neri smiled at what they considered my stupidity. But a heavy branch there was upon the grass, fallen loose from the nearby trees, and with well-remembered fluidity of movement, I took grasp of it, and, turning, knocked my would-be assailant clean off his horse as he made to take hold of me.

Many a time in my youth had I practiced with quarterstaff at my father’s house, and many of the neri there could I overcome, if I had a mind so to do. Ambarussa, seeing what his mother was undertaking, and coming back, somewhat, to his senses, had lashed out with his good arm to seize the ankle of the assailant closest to him. He was no longer the docile prisoner the group had thought, momentarily, he would be. One nér turned to kick him again, and made to bind him fast. The others turned on me!

Glad was I that I had but recently ridden from working in my father’s forge, and was still clad for such undertakings in boots and hose and belted leather jerkin. No fine, court dress was there to impair my movements. As the captain now approached me, with a most uncivil expression on his face, I made feign with the branch, then, as he moved to avoid me, I caught him on the jaw with a blow that would have nigh felled even Maitimo. *


“You forget your place!” said I with barely controlled rage, “What manner of behaviour is this that you waylay a prince, and a grandson of King Finwë? What manner of fool are you to seek to take captive the wife of Prince Fëanáro?”

For an instant all four hesitated, doubtlessly considering the retribution my husband would deliver. But then boldness, in the opportunity afforded them by the current situation, overcame their fear.

“You are no Lady to fight so! No Lady to work in a forge and dress as a nér!” the second of the group turned now on me with open contempt. “It is no wonder the sons of Prince Fëanáro are wild in manner, considering the lesser sort their father chose to wed with!”

I could not be bothered conversing with them further. Such neri would heed not my words, though did I wonder at what tales they had been told about me? But now did I mightily wish to be away with Ambarussa, for there were three more of their ilk approaching rapidly on horses, and with several yapping hounds. With many blows did I push them back, all three, for Ambarussa had, by then, pulled down the one who was trying to bind him. But apart from the one with the broken jaw, all were unperturbed, and that their companions would surely be enough to overcome me. Ai, fools!

I have noted in some writings that I am referred to as slower, and more patient than my husband, and of a more peaceful nature than he. That is a truth; more peaceful than Fëanáro was I! I stood over the form of my son, wielding a branch as a most effective weapon as he struggled to disentangle himself from both rope and assailant, and find strength to regain his feet. The neri stood back, still grinning, and the hounds now made at us. But those neri, in their sense of closure upon their prey, knew not what I knew.

A large, dark form passed over my head, and I ducked low, as Huan leapt the yew hedge, landed just in front of me, and stood guard, snarling defiance at those other, those lesser hounds. If that was not enough to deter the seven attackers, a second form, and that of a black horse, now followed the wolfhound. The rider turned his mount in a tight circle, and also faced the group.

“You should flee back to the safety of your lord’s halls, while you still have the ability to so do. For here are three of the House of Prince Fëanáro, and you are outnumbered!”

Tyelkormo’s * words were no simple arrogance. My third son had his bow drawn and aimed, and he was a hunter of great renown. He would not miss! So did the bold servants of Lord Poldórion reluctantly do as my son had recommended.

****


Upon our return to our house in Tirion, did I find Fëanáro to be ill pleased indeed, and not just with the accosting of Ambarussa.

“Of certainty did my half-brother’s attitude and that of Turukáno*, encourage such disrespect. For ever do they seek to undermine my house, and my rights, and that by any means!” Fëanáro had spoken, with barely contained temper, but the icy power of his will, an almost tangible force in the room, was even more daunting. Fire and ice he was, at that time. And those ill-informed neri thought I could easily control him? Nay: since he had come to full might was his power far exceeding anything I could easily restrain. Yet ever did I try to soften his mind-mood, to speak wisdom to him, and he, for the most part, still heeded my words as ones of value to him.

“This is no doing of Nolofinwë’s, my lord,” I had tried to speak reason into the situation, though I, too, had been gravely disturbed. Never before had any sought to so accost me, and I was finding it a difficult experience to understand. “This is a misunderstanding, I believe, and eagerness for acknowledgement on behalf of Poldórion, that he issues forth unclear commands to those of lesser nobility.”

“What manner of prince, then, is my half-brother, who cannot control the actions of his servants?” my husband turned to me, grey-blue eyes flashing with derision, though his anger was not aimed against me.

Yet, did he have some point of contention with me that he needed to speak of, for he beheld me with agitation.

“Nerdanel! You will cease this friendship with Indis once and for all! Her words blind you to the schemes of her son. To her do you go, and at times straight from council with me. Though I know you seek to do what is best, yet are you misled. I must have your loyalty, you must do as I bid.”

At that time had Fëanáro given more orders to me than I cared for. Was I not one, even as he, to become more stubbornly defiant when pressed? Still, did I understand his need, that he wished not for Nolofinwë to be mocking him with rumours put about of: ‘What manner of prince is my half-brother, who cannot control his wife!’ though was I grieved at his words, and that they were spoken before Makalaurë* and Tyelkormo. I followed him as he headed briskly down the corridor from the great hall, towards his study.

Tyelkormo had slumped into a chair, calling for refreshment to be brought him, but Makalaurë followed us with matching stride, concerned for me, for the well being of his younger brother, and more than concerned at the escalation in events between the princes of the Noldor.

“Mother, you must not ride out again without an escort. You could have been badly hurt! Rumours there are, that some most unpleasant things are being planned by Nolofinwë’s lords.”

“No craven am I!” I retorted, lengthening my own stride in an effort to keep pace with my husband. Though I knew that our second son had meant well, I was recoiling from the prospect of a more confined way of life. “I am not afraid of them, Makalaurë. What do you take me for?”

We had reached the door to Fëanáro’s study, the three of us, and it was not Makalaurë who gave me answer.

“No craven, aye, but not ‘Nerdanel the Wise’ either. Is it not insult enough there was an attempt to take captive one of my sons, without the added conceit of them trying to take my wife?” my husband spoke sharply, and gestured for Makalaurë to leave us.

“Assemble all of your brothers. Summon Ecthelion, Alcarin and Almon. I needs must consider our response to this attack.”

“Even Ambarussa, my lord?”

“Aye, if his arm is set. I would have all hear his words.”

“As you wish, my lord and father.” With a nod of affirmation to Fëanáro, and a perplexed glance at me, our second son departed.

My husband ushered me though the heavy, double doors, into that room that was as his sanctuary. Now, away from our sons, would he certainly speak his mind.

He made to his desk and his chair, picking up pen with which to write a letter, mayhap to Fionu, or another of those lords who were allied to him. I followed still closely, to stand by his shoulder. I would not stand before him as one seeking audience.

“For too long have I tolerated your behaviour, Nerdanel,” his voice, though little more than a whisper, held the note of command, and, although courteous to me, was he determined to have his way in this matter. “You will take more consideration of the company you keep. You will cease this wandering around Aman as the mood takes you. You will certainly refrain from brawling with neri! A princess of the house of King Finwë, are you, and these many a year. Long overdue is your acceptance of that fact.”

I wondered at such words, for, although there was certainly tension between the different allegiances, never had any such incident as that which had just occurred been reported. I had ever continued to visit and work with my parents, and with Aulë, and take myself off on rare occasions to wander the hills alone. Never had Fëanáro hinted that he found my behaviour in any way unfitting. Indeed, had he always encouraged me in my undertakings. But I did not wonder at his dismay that I had recently renewed my friendship with Indis, or even that he hinted at a growing distrust of Aulë. Though I felt most strongly that I had been right to intervene in the situation with Ambarussa, yet, mayhap, in other matters I was unwise, and it was time I paid far more heed to my husband.


“My lord, never have I meant you any disrespect, neither to ignore your wishes. But what was I to do? Those neri had our son brought low by foul means.”

“What you were to do, was to wait upon Tyelkormo, who you knew was fast approaching!” he shouted suddenly, dropping the pen, and slamming his fist upon the table in a fit of irritation.


I was startled at his abrupt show of temper, though I should have been expecting it. Did not everything about Fëanáro’s demeanour, tell me to take care with my choice of words? Silent was I at such an outburst, for I knew well that there was nothing to be gained from a direct confrontation of will or word with him. Often had I been able to curb such moods before they developed, through gentleness, through quietly spoken words of wisdom. Always, had I believed, I influenced my husband because I would speak my mind, yet knew also when to yield. My behaviour of late in taking counsel with Indis, in riding through Aman as if naught were wrong, in actually taking part in a struggle had not been the most wise. I could understand Fëanáro’s vexation with me. But much was at stake, and I knew I needed to play the best game I could to win him back from fierce retaliation against Poldórion, and Nolofinwë, to calmer rationality.

I moved slowly to stand before him, in the very position of supplication I had thought to distain. A low and precise curtsey I made, though now did I wish I was refreshed, and garbed in a gown like the lady I was. Lowering my head, I addressed him most softly. And I understood!

“I know that I have disappointed you, my lord, that I have given you cause for distress. Yet will I seek to do better henceforth, and as you bid. But I beseech you not to take any rash action, but to consider well all possibilities.”

My change of attitude had the desired effect, at least for that moment. Not truly angry with me, was Fëanáro; rather, determined that I should give him the unquestioning loyalty that he believed his due. And he was horrified, more than he could show, that his son, his wife, had been insulted, and put in danger. He drew a deep breath, and, though his expression was still one of sternness, moved from behind the desk to stand directly before me.

“Are you hurt in any manner, lady?” Softened, in turn, was his rich voice.

“Nay, Finwion! I am but concerned for our son, and for what will come of this event.”

He reached out to touch my face, gently, with his slender, sensitive fingers, as if assessing for himself the validity of my words. “What will come of this is that our sons, and those lords loyal to me, will be ever more vigilant against those loyal to my half-brother! And shall I not seek out the Lord Poldórion, in front of Nolofinwë, so as to make clear I will not tolerate such an assault upon any of my family or people.” The gentleness of his touch was most pleasing, for through that touch could I feel his anger subside, and did I know of certainty the real reason for his loss of temper.

“Yet it is in my thoughts that this act might be a planned provocation, to force me to rashness, as you rightly warn me. I will not give Nolofinwë that satisfaction,” he concluded thoughtfully.

Always was it Nolofinwë’s fault in those days, and the days after. Never could Fëanáro see that many of his comments and actions could be construed as equally provocative. But then, unbeknown to us all, was not Moringotho entwining both princes in his slow forming plans, and giving fuel to their mistrust, each of the other? For that matter, never then could I see that my mind was also becoming ensnared, though in a different lie.

Still was Fëanáro’s hand lightly caressing my cheek. In fëa then did he speak to me.
“Though my heart burns hot against them for their insult to me, for what they have done to Ambarussa; yet if they had harmed thee, as Tyelkormo tells me they were about to, I would have nigh slain them!” said he. “None shall take nor harm what is dear to me. I would that thou doest give me no cause to think like this again.”

His words perturbed me almost as much as the incident. While I understood my husband’s wish to protect me, to keep me safe in that new and unprecedented situation that was upon us, (for had I not been so moved to protect my son?), yet to consider nigh slaying anyone was beyond my thoughts. If Fëanáro felt that way about me, what, then, if any ever threatened his father! What if any threatened to take from him that which his heart loved, and to which it was bound---the Silmarils---did I then wonder!

If only I had seen clearly the battle that was already underway, mayhap I would have fought back earlier, and with more cunning. Mayhap I would have ceased my close friendship with Indis when I first did, and never sought to renew it, to better be my husband’s wisdom, and hold him in my counsel the more effectively until we all knew who was behind the troubles. But then, was it not my lord’s very actions that exposed the liar, the betrayer, the perverter of the bliss of Valinor? Ai, if only I could have prevented what was to follow! If only the Valar had never so freed that great enemy of ours, and of theirs.

That event taught me much. Never again did I wander the Blessed Realm with quite the sense of freedom I had previously enjoyed. Never again was it always safe for a maid or youth to traverse the land, nay, not if they were loyal to any of the princes of the Noldor. Although there was some measure of improvement once Moringotho’s part in the poisoning of the peace of Valinor had been discovered, and my lord was exiled, and withdrew to build the fortress in the north, it was only once the dark night was upon us, and nine tenths of our people had left, that we who remained begin to trust each other as of old.


All years are Valinorian years.
Tyelkormo = Celegorm
Ambarussa the elder = Amrod
Nolofinwë = Fingolfin
Curuni = witch. One who uses ‘magic’ for good.
Maitimo = Maedhros
Turukáno= Turgon
Makalaurë = Maglor