Drabbles: The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales by Zdenka  

Facing the Shadow

Written for tolkien_weekly, prompt "Petrology: granite" (Tar-Míriel, Amandil)

Míriel lets Amandil lead her into the square before the false Temple. It is a hideous thing, granite and obsidian. Though the afternoon sunlight is warm, she feels a chill in her heart. She turns away and covers her face.

Amandil’s hand touches her arm. “Do not hide from it, lady.”

“Do you know,” she whispers, “what is done there?”

“I know it.” His tone is grim. He stands facing the Temple, and Míriel forces herself to raise her head. “Look upon the work of our Enemy, my Queen,” Amandil says quietly, “and let us speak of what hope remains.”