All of Valinor was shocked that Prince Fëanor would draw his sword on Prince Fingolfin. Violence like that was unheard of and we were wondering what the Valar would do. I didn't exactly want to go to Fëanor's trial, but I wouldn't be worth my salt as a minstrel if I didn't have at least some knowledge of important recent events. My father and I walked with some other of Prince Arafinwë's loyal followers. I felt that some were annoyed with me as I played my lighthearted ditties along the way, but Prince Finrod actually thanked me. "We can all use some cheering up right now." He said.
When we reached the Ring of Doom, all of the Elves took places by different of the Valar's thrones. As a woodworker, my father naturally gravitated toward Lord Oromë's throne. This meant I could stand near Vána, Oromë's spouse. Tensions were high as we awaited the arrival of the Valar and the start of the trial. I kept glancing over my shoulder at the Two Trees, finding peace in their light. Even though things seemed a bit turbulent, I could count on the steadiness of their glow. Once the Valar appeared Vána gave me a discrete smile of encouragement. Then the trial commenced.
I was shocked by the accusations Fëanor was making. He claimed that we were thralls to the Valar. I was appalled that he would make such a claim of the Valar, who had done nothing but love and protect us. Amidst his falsehoods he mentioned the Outer Lands and the Aftercomers.
This filled me with, not a desire, but a curiosity about what wonders these other lands and people might have. My strange desire was calmed as I glanced over my shoulder at the Trees. I could never leave them. There was no other marvel imaginable that could top them in my heart. As the trial continued, I did not object to the punishment that Lord Námo delivered. It seemed just that Fëanor should have time away from Tirion and present tensions to reflect on what he did and amend his attitude toward both his family and the Valar.
The news that King Finwë wanted to go with Fëanor into exile shocked everyone, I think even the Valar. I pulled out my harp and strummed gently to try and help calm riled tempers. I kept this up, off and on, the entire journey back to Tirion. It seemed everyone had picked a side to one degree or another. There were those who felt Fëanor had been gravely insulted and would follow him anywhere and do anything for him. Some followed him more reluctantly, mainly following King Finwë. Others sided with Prince Fingolfin and would stay in Tirion under his regency. Then there were those who cleaved to Prince Arafinwë and just wanted this whole mess over with. My family aligned with the last group.
At one point on the return trip I caught up to Maglor, Fëanor's son, playing quietly to himself. "Maglor, may I join you?"
He just shrugged and gestured to the ground beside him. We played our harps in harmony together for a while until he broke the silence.
"You must think me a fool." He stated without preamble.
I looked up at him, "No… I mean yes… I just don't understand why." I stammered.
Maglor chuckled wryly, "He's my father, Lirullin, that's why. I don't have a choice. I couldn't do that to my family."
I frowned, "So you don't agree with him?"
He shook his head, "No, but I love him more than I do the Valar. I will follow where he leads." He shooed me away gently with his hand. " Go on. There are others you can aid more than me. Those who still have a choice."
I left him and spread my songs of peace and hope once more throughout the camps.
***
The first part of Fëanor's exile passed without anything of much note happening. Prince Finrod began to favor me more amongst the minstrels of Tirion. He invited me to play for his functions more and more often, including his betrothal dinner to Lady Amarië. He even asked me to compose a piece to perform for the happy couple. In this song I wove together my view of Prince Finrod and Lady Amarië. I sang of Finrod's strength and compassion, of Amarië's gentleness and faithfulness, and of their love and joy together. I titled it Melme Tennoio, love forever. It was very well received both by the couple and others.
When I wasn't performing in Tirion, I continued to travel throughout Valinor, practicing what the Valar taught me. Sometimes I went beyond the Pass of Light to see the stars and hear the waves. Whereas the Trees filled me with a sense of joy and light and life, the stars and sea filled me with a sense of calm. The stars made me feel small and part of something greater as they sang their distant songs. The sea was always changing, and yet the same as it sang its mighty song. I spent time with some of my Teleri friends in Alqualonde and enjoyed the beauty of that city.
Every harvest all of Valinor (except the Teleri) celebrate with a great festival of thanksgiving and praise to Eru Ilúvatar. Not halfway through Fëanor's exile the Valar decided to have a massive celebration of the harvest hosted by them at Ilmarin on the mountain Taniquetil. I was very excited for this event and practiced countless hours on my songs for it. I was also looking forward to a chance to see all of the Valar again. Although I was closer to some of them than others, like Vana, I considered all of them with fondness. Another big part of this particular festival was that there was hope for reconciliation between Prince Fingolfin and Fëanor.
The festival consisted of much dancing and singing and music. I felt my heart lifted and joined in the songs of praise and joy and hope. I was standing with some of Prince Finrod's friends and relations. I had an excellent view overlooking the Trees and also a pretty good view of the royal family. All eyes were on Fëanor as he arrived, alone. I was surprised that he did not wear the Silmarils as he often did for big festivals .Also, King Finwë had refused to come as long as his son was still exiled. I was surprised when Fingolfin vowed to follow Fëanor wherever he led.
Then the Light died.
