Finrod

On the banks of river Narog, a group of elves stood guard around an entourage of Nargothrondim including princess Finduilas and Lord Celebrimbor. It was the princess' idea that they would take a breath of fresh air, away from the heat and smoke of the forge for him and away from court intrigue for her, away from any dark thoughts that the recent turmoil caused by the death of King Finrod might bring. Said group of elves from the city had spread towels, picnic baskets and were enjoying the chill of the water, some swimming, a couple fishing.

Carniquessë stood in a darkened corner at the end of the farthest wall in the throne room, near the great carved wooden doors left slightly ajar so guards could come and go at the end (or start) of their shift. Her company was supposed to be off duty as for the occasion they were given leave to return to Nargothrond from the plains and attend Princess Finduilas’ begetting day ceremony. Luckily for her comrades, who all seemed to enjoy themselves scattered here and there in the crowd, unluckily for her.

After Glaurung had left Nargothrond, Telpenaro was curious enough to enter it once again, but the air was stale and a lot of places had soot after the dragon. The sight was sad to him, and yet he was prepared to what he saw. He took some of his family belongings, but he wondered whether he dared to look at his mother's garden. Eventually he did because to his surprise the air was more fresh closer to the area.

Nargothrond was now permanently under the rule of Orodreth, and at first Telpenaro served him with the same dedication as he served Finrod. Though one day he was at his home, and thoughtfully examined the pendant that King Finrod had once laid on his neck. The pendant looked otherwise as mainly as beautiful ornament made for a Lord, but once he pulled the hilt of the pendant, he revealed the hidden sword made with incredible details, all the way from leaf shaped blade to the symbols on the blade.

The dawn was overshadowed by sorrow as Telpenaro remembered how the reality was no different from his recent nightmares. He had heard news about Lord Aegnor passing away in Dagor Bragollach, along with Lord Angrod, another one of King Finrod's brothers. And as if it was not enough for hunger of the Enemy, the High King Fingolfin of Noldor had been driven by the madness of his anger, and had died in a duel with Morgoth.

It was the morning after Telpenaro's return to Nargothrond, and he was back at his home. Though he had slept well, he was not well rested yet after the journey. He eventually rose up from his bed and went to look for some breakfast. He took some honey roasted fruits and fried a few slices of meat to enjoy it on some bread, washing them down with some hot tea.

Telpenaro had grown to his full stature, being confident with his young eagerness still present. His father knocked his door. ”Come in, ada”, Telpenaro said and Erendo smiled as he opened the door. ”Son, you have advanced tremendously, and you have reason to be proud of yourself”, he said. Telpenaro answered: ”Thank you, ada. Do you have something else to say to me, though?”

”Do you question my bravery?”, Telpenaro asked when he was sitting next to the table, trying to negotiate his way out. ”I do, as long as you don't eat your mushrooms”, his mother answered, smiling secretly in amused way, knowing her son. He looked back at her with his pale green eyes and sighed before he chewed a few and finished his meal gladly, without any further protesting.