Darker than Night by Luxa

I  almost wish I had not read this, which I think is actually a compliment. Very well done. Harsh, but with a lot of subtlety and compassion.

Another Amlach story! And what a ride, from the almost frivolous colour and bustle of the hunting party to the horrors of Angband. The beginning and ending of this story could hardly be more contrasting, and yet it ended on a high note for me. Amlach makes an excellent companion, and I'm glad he confronted Maedhros about his behaviour - and that he not only got an apology, but a much bigger acknowledgement of how much he is worth to Maedhros. As a reader, I can see how well they work together through Amlach's intuitive adaptation to Maedhros' weaknesses, to Maedhros without a moment's doubt trusting him to sort the situation out when he is too shaken to do so, through the way they work in sync to execute the spies, and their final "we've got work to do". It was gratifying to see that Maedhros isn't taking this high level of effort from Amlach for granted, and that Amlach isn't so lovestruck that he'll put up with anything. Thus, in spite of the many gruesome details that you didn't shy away from, this focus on their companionship made the ending - well, almost a happy one for me. (You're turning me into an Amlach fan, it seems!)

I like the way you've developed the relationship between Maedhros and Amlach here from their earlier encounter in Belegost!

It is an interesting idea (and powerful plot device) that Amlach is in a better position, as an outsider, to spot the traitors than Maedhros or the refugees.

And you also make the most of Amlach's angle as as (relative) outsider in the descriptions--the hunt, the messenger from Doriath, Angband, and so on.

Wow. This vividly captured one of the darkest, most disturbing aspects of this universe. Part of me wanted to reject this detail in the original Silmarillion when I read it: wait, escapees from Morgoth are in turn rejected by their own people? And part of me sees where it fits.

You portray the horror for the captives, for Maedhros, and for the human observor really disturbingly.

I don't think I've read a story with Amlach before and, as dark as this story is, I thoroughly enjoyed it and his character.