No, I am not Tolkien.

Friendship

"Long before, in the bliss of Valinor, before Melkor was unchained, or lies came between them, Fingon had been close in friendship with Maedhros; and though he knew not yet that Maedhros had not forgotten him at the burning of the ships, the thought of their ancient friendship stung his heart. Therefore he dared a deed which is justly renowned among the feats of the princes of the Noldor: alone, and without the counsel of any, he set forth in search of Maedhros; and aided by the very darkness that Morgoth had made he came unseen into the fastness of his foes." –The Silmarillion

Back to Middle Earth Month is here again! =D

A golden light glowed over the horizon. It was the most light Finrod had seen since the Trees had died, but it kindled no hope. It was gold of greed, gold of pride, gold of betrayal. Feanor had enticed them into violent rebellion and then left them to face the Valar's judgement alone. He burned his stolen ships to ensure that his own kin were stranded.

Finrod watched his uncle collapse onto his knees with a scream that eloquently summed up what everyone was feeling.

Turgon was restraining his sister. Aredhel was attempting a valiant, although futile, effort to wade into the water, screaming and struggling against her brother.

Elenwe held her daughter on her hip. She gently pushed her head down against her shoulder, and covered the little girl's eyes, as if to keep her from viewing the bitter sight across the sea.

Finrod looked to his own family, and saw Aegnor pacing and cursing as if his cousins could hear. Angrod wrapped his arms around Galadriel, who remained straight and stiff.

But it was Fingon that worried Finrod the most. He walked over to his raven-haired cousin. Fingon stood still, tears slowly freezing on his cheeks. He was completely defeated. Finrod forced his gaze away from the dried blood on Fingon's tunic, and laid a hand on his shoulder.

It was a moment before Fingon responded. "Gone," he whispered. "They're gone." Finrod winced as his cousin spun toward him, fiercely gripping his hand. His eyes were wild and unnerved Finrod. "He left me! We… we were… but he left. He's gone!" Fingon sobbed. Finrod hugged the grief-stricken elf, afraid he would fall.

"Will he come back?" Finrod paused after hearing the question. He wanted to say yes. He wanted to assure Fingon that his best friend had not abandoned him to die. He wanted to say everything would be fine, but he couldn't. So he stayed silent and held his cousin tighter.

Finrod looked up and met his father's eyes. Come home with me, Finarfin pleaded.

Finrod closed his eyes. He knew that returning was the right choice. He needed to comfort his mother. He needed to beg his grandfather's forgiveness. He needed to be with Amarie.

But as he comforted the shivering elf in his arms, he knew he couldn't. Today he had learned what abandonment was, and he could not leave his dearest friend.