[November 2] The Silmarillion - Choices Made In Death

[ladybrooke]

Title: Choices Made In Death 
Day/Prompt: Nov 2, 2020 - I swallowed hard, like I understood
Fandom: The Silmarillion
Character/Pairing: Finarfin, Rúmil
Rating/Warning(s): Teen, Referenced Canonical Character Deaths
Word Count: 300 

Summary: News comes from Námo of Finarfin’s brother, nephew, and niece. 

 

“Sire?” 

Finarfin turned at the sound of Rúmil’s voice. “Yes?”

“Your mother and Míriel are curious as to what news Lord Námo’s messenger brought, but do not wish to disturb you if you are to be in meetings.”

Finarfin swallowed once, clearing his throat. “I must go see Anairë. The messenger brought news of my brother, Findekáno, and Irissë.”

“Are they to be returned soon?” 

Finarfin could see why Rúmil would believe such. The last messenger had brought news of Turgon’s release. “No.” 

“Arafinwë?” Rúmil sounded as lost as Finarfin felt. 

“Findekáno refuses to return without his half-cousins, as does Irissë, who also refuses to return so long as she is considered married.” Finarfin paused for only a moment, looking at the rings on his fingers. Fingolfin had given him one of them, a blue sapphire on the occasion of Finarfin’s marriage. It seemed a cruel reminder now. 

“And your brother?” 

Finarfin met Rúmil’s eyes. “I shall see my mother as soon as I have left Anairë. Nolofinwë sent word. He feels he cannot abandon two of his children. He will stay until they leave, and if they do not, he shall not.” 

Rúmil did not respond at first, though he closed his eyes as though trying to ground himself against this latest blow. It was only after several moments that he opened them again. “I am sorry, Arafinwë. I know you had hoped for his return, when so many others shall not be permitted to.” 

Finarfin swallowed again, and told himself that he understood how they had come to this, even as new grief filled him. 

Then he fixed a smile on his face. “It is for the best, I am sure. Nolofinwë has always done what he understood to be for the good of those who needed him.”