A/N: This song... is totally Maedhros.

And well, thought I'd be able to get more events into this one but then decided nah... I just wanna publish it now. I need to XD

* * *

On Indis' begetting day, no horses were needed to arrive at the valley where the celebration took place. It was the largest open space near the city Tirion, the area where royal events traditionally took place when happening outside.

The Noldor and Vanyar were once again reunited under my grandparents' invitations, mingling with old friends they rarely get a chance to meet up with. I stole a glance at Atar-- it was not the first time I felt wary of his mood towards my step-grandmother. Although, one thing I was surely thankful for: in communal events, he held back any insulting retorts he might have had conjuring in his mind. It was all for my grandfather's sake and his public image. Whichever one he thought more highly of, at least he knew it was best to save his temper for our private quarters.

Amil carried the small, intricately wrapped gift from all of us. Indis never complained if her gifts lacked the large splendor of other queens' gifts, and Atar was never opposed to that. If Amil hadn't insisted otherwise, he would not bother to even buy her something as small as a new ring.

Scanning the green valley, we searched for Grandfather Finwë and Indis. The twins were first to spot them. Following the Ambarussa's lead, we walked down the hill towards them.

When Grandfather spotted us approaching, he spread his arms wide. "Dearest family... welcome."

"We have missed you," Indis said in her gentle voice. "It gives me great joy to see you all on this day."

Brief kisses were exchanged between the adults. I couldn't help but look away when Atar gave his kiss to Indis.

"Here is our gift from us to you," Amil placed the parcel into Indis' hands.

My step-grandmother opened it to find a clear opal necklace with a fine silver chain. "I thank you all," she said, her smile as bright as the jewelry in her hands. "I have a dress that will go admirably with this."

"It would look splendid with the attire you're wearing now," Grandfather said. "Let me put it on for you." He swept her hair back to clip the chain at the nape of her neck. "Might I ask if any of you made it yourselves?"

"I did!" Curvo said with a grin.

Tyelko jabbed his brother's shoulder, glaring at him as if silently communicating, Keep your mouth shut, idiot.

"We all took part in crafting it," Amil answered.   "Even the Ambarussa; they chose the opals."

I glanced at Atar once again. No matter how much onlookers believed we were getting along, his unchanging, smoldering eyes would always hold the same burden, for it was not easy to have such entrenched feelings torn away. Like a pitiable creature who cannot bear to give up the only shining treasure he's owned for everlasting years, so it is with my father and his scorn.

The two have become inseparable.

* * *

Laughter and merry music reached Lilótëa's ears, although she couldn't yet see the source of the sounds. She and Elenwë brushed the foliage aside, and suddenly they saw the valley where the Noldor and Vanyar were. Up until this point, Lilótëa's mind was overall focused on seeing Nelyafinwë again. In her excitement, she had temporarily forgotten how seeing large crowds could affect her. The insecurity rose again as she imagined herself walking through the confined spaces, searching for her friend.

"Remember," Atheanís said, "if we meet with the queen, make sure to acknowledge that it's her begetting day, and give your best wishes with respect."

Elenwë rolled her eyes. "Amil, we know. We're not elfling children anymore."

As they entered the crowds, the family received smiles and salutations, some being unfamiliar faces. Naturally, Lilótëa returned the smiles, although her eyes frequently dove to the ground.

She had to keep her head up if she wanted to keep her relationship with Nelyafinwë. She looked behind to glance at Elenwë, but already her sister was nowhere to be seen. She saw her parents, but they were caught in deep conversation with a couple she barely recognized from other gatherings. Accepting her solitary state, she continued her walk and kept her eyes open for Nelyafinwë.

Eventually, she spotted him with his brothers, parents, Finwë and Indis. The king was assisting his wife in clipping a necklace around her neck, while Fëanáro pierced the couple with hot glares. Lilótëa shivered at the sight. She doubted she could manage talking to Fëanáro without her stammering taking over. It would be even more of a problem if she kept her Vanyarin heritage in mind, which in those regards she was just like Indis. Lilótëa was part of the Elven race that Fëanáro looks on with contempt, and he did not discriminate when it came to hating the Vanyar. At least, that's what Lilótëa always heard.

Wringing her hands, she retreated into the nearest copse of trees, preferring the comfort of shelter again. As she walked backwards, her eyes remained on Nelyafinwë, trying to distract herself from Fëanáro.

"Beg your pardon, miss," came a voice behind her.

Startled out of focus, Lilótëa whirled to find the amiable face of a golden haired Elf. He wore the insignia of House Arafinwë. Once again, she found it hard to speak her first words of introduction.

"I'm Prince Findaráto," he placed a hand to his chest and bowed.

"Lilótëa," she said, quickly attempting to carry out a suitable curtsy.

"Delighted to meet you, Lilótëa. Have you seen my youngest sister, Artanis, by any chance? Once she tells me to find her while she hides, it's impossible to talk her out of it."

Lilótëa smiled at the image, and remembered Elenwë when she had the face of a younger child. "I have not seen her. Do you believe she's somewhere here?"

"Well, it seems that she tricked me by saying she wanted to keep the game in the trees over there, but I couldn't find her anywhere. So, she may be in here. Would you care to help me find her?"

"Yes, of course," she nodded.

They began searching the trees, Findaráto softly calling her name and whistling as if searching for a bird. It took a moment before any progress was made, but eventually they found a head of golden hair beneath a bush.

"There you are!" Findaráto said. "You almost made me give up!"

Artanis giggled as her brother picked her up. Then she noticed Lilótëa, her eyebrows raised.

"This is Lilótëa, Artanis. She had to help me find you; you were so good."

"Hello," Artanis smiled brightly. "Would you like to play with us?"

At first Lilótëa hesitated, wondering if it was alright to do so. After reminding herself they were not Fëanáro's children, she didn't see the harm in it.

* * *

I surmised that a couple of hours had passed. By then, I should have already found Lilótëa and talked to her at least once. Although, Atar insisted I speak with Grandfather about my improvement in the forges. The discussion eventually wandered off to a different conversation about how I was dealing with the rest of my brothers in their education. And when Grandfather had a glass of wine in his hands, he could talk for hours. Sitting at the table with him and Atar, I refrained from sounding impertinent or making an excuse to leave when they were generally interested in what I had to say.

"Oh yes," I nodded, almost apathetically, "it can be difficult to keep Moryo engaged with certain subjects. But, I always manage in the end." That last part... not entirely true.

"Ah, Fëanáro." Relieved from the interruption, I looked up from my plate of delicacies to find Nercano with his daughter, Lintawen. "When was the last time we saw each other?"

Nercano had his pleasant moments, but I was always careful to stay on his good side. His angular face could turn quite frightening if he became irked by the wrong phrase spoken. In many ways, he was quite like Atar; the two of them even worked alongside each other in Mahtan's forges.

Atar stood, and I followed his lead. "Too long ago for my liking, Nercano. Please, have a seat."

A song composed for three lyres— which happened to be one of Káno's most known pieces— began to play. In fact, Káno played as one of the lyrists. Atar glanced at me and raised an eyebrow. "This is one of your favourite pieces out of Káno's works. Isn't that correct, Nelyo?"

"You are not mistaken, Atar," I replied, desperately trying to suppress a sigh. If eyes could communicate with spoken words, Atar's would be giving an insistent command. His focus did not return to Nercano so easily, so I turned to Lintawen as a way of obeying-- and to finish the dance with efficiency. My search for Caurëawen Lisseva would need to wait. "Care to dance, Lintawen?"

"I'd be honoured," she answered as she took my hand. Lintawen specialized in the craft of sewing and weaving tapestries, which had been evident by merely holding her graceful hand, long fingers entwined in mine. I led her to the open clearing, and we began to move in harmony to the rhythm. It was not too fast, nor too slow. I tried to relax myself; it would only be one dance, and I could start searching for Lilótëa at last.

"Enjoying yourself, Nelyo?" she asked.

"In all honesty, I wouldn't object if the day's end came sooner," I said in a low whisper.

Lintawen laughed. "I don't recall you saying such things before, but yes, I know the feeling. Wanting to be somewhere else, talking with someone else perhaps."

"Exactly," I agreed, then caught my subtle mistake. "Not that you're unpleasant to be around."

"Oh, I hadn't thought otherwise. We've known each other since childhood. I needn't worry about you offending me— as far as I'm concerned, that is."

I chuckled, but soon fell back into quietness. If Lilótëa saw me, would she think I preferred to dance with others rather than get to know her more? After all, it had been a number hours since the celebration commenced.

* * *

The newly acquainted trio spent their time together at a stream which ran farther off of where the main crowds were. They later returned to the same grove of trees where Artanis had been found hiding. There, they amused themselves in casual talk and questions about one another.

Lilótëa paid little attention to the group of elves dancing in the clearing, but she could not mistake the russet hair and tall figure belonging to anyone but Nelyafinwë. Who was he dancing with? What was her name and background? She did not know. All she knew was that she hoped it would not succeed in ruining her mood for the rest of her day.

He's allowed to see other maidens. As an heir, he's expected to. But more importantly, he is not mine.

Despite her firm reminders, she bit her lip to prevent herself from sighing. Lilótëa watched the mysterious girl's unrestrained hair, stark black against pale skin, blow free through the wind as she danced with him. Her lips moved with the same natural freedom, speaking words that were too far to reach Lilótëa's ears.

"Are you alright, Lilótëa?" Artanis asked.

"Yes, I'm fine," she replied, immediately regretting how it came out a whisper.

"You and Findo should dance!" Artanis suggested.

"Oh, I wouldn't make him do—" her words were cut short as Findaráto made eye contact and offered his hand. Completely taken aback by the gesture, albeit in a good way, she could not hide her smile as she accepted it. Dancing was the last thing Lilótëa expected to do on that day, judging by the offers that became increasingly rare as she matured.

"Lilótëa," said Findaráto, "if you ever need someone to talk to, you can always come to me."

She looked into his eyes— they were a warm blue, like lakes in broad daylight— then focused on the grass in shame. "I guess you observed right. Insecurity is my constant companion."

"I apologize if I came too personal towards you."

"Oh, do not worry. It's only the blatant truth," she admitted, feeling a hateful lump of pain growing in her throat. As they danced, they both noticed Artanis being picked up by her brother Angaráto. Artanis pointed in Findaráto and Lilótëa's direction. The older elf, with some amusement, waved at them. Findaráto acknowledged him with an equally amused nod. "Should you be returning to your family after our dance?"

"I believe that would be wise; I'm sure at least one of them will be calling for me soon. Although if you're interested, I do not doubt they would love to meet you as well."

Ah, what a blessed opportunity she was given. How could she turn down the offer to feel less alone? Yet, she still needed to take her chances to be available for Nelyafinwë, before their time was spent. "I... I would like to take some solitude with the trees. But if loneliness conquers, I'll make sure to find you."

"Of course. I may even introduce you to Amarië if you haven't met her yet. She's a dear friend of mine, and I think you'd get along well with her."

Lilótëa nodded, feeling comfort in Findaráto's company. With downcast lashes she hoped Nelyafinwë would remember a reserved, mute Vanya while he already had a comely maiden in his arms.