I very much enjoyed reading this. Very nice description of a difficult, emotional encounter. This is also something I have thought about a lot. I tried to describe my view of it in one of my chapters in my latest WIP. I also imagined although I interpreted it somewhat differently what the encounter between Maglor and Fingon on this question must have been almost unbearably painful. I finally decided that Maglor, due to his responsibilities to his brothers and followers, was not free to do what Fingon did and Fingon would understand that. (In the end, for me, thinking about how Fingon was able to take on his quest to rescue Maedhros was a pivotal clue for developing my characterization of him--valiant, undoubtedly, but also rash, passionate and, ultimately, incredibly idealistic.)

Tarion, you've captured vividly a powerful, emotionally-fraught scene in this ficlet.  Maglor and Fingon's anger and frustration crackle through your well-turned phrases which not only convey their emotional state but also the physical reactions to such, e.g., clenched jaw, narrowed eyes.  

And this...

“Do you know what it’s like to bear the condemning stares of your people? To see your family fall apart? To wake up every morning knowing you must live another day and going to bed at night hoping you don’t imagine your brother’s screams? Do you know what it’s like to fail?”

...is wrenching. 

I'm partial to first person POV as both reader and writer (for better or worse). I really like how you put yourself in Maglor's head and drew me, as the reader, into that headspace, too.

Well done! And a special tip o' the hat for conveying so much in a short piece.

Oh, what a ficlet! I enjoyed it very, very much. Rage and uncertainty are palpable, and you've done a splendid job capturing them. Very powerful, very vivid and simply stunning. I could almost see Maglor and Fingon with their raw emotions. Thank you tons for sharing :)

Best wishes,

Binka