One Flesh, One Soul. Part I by FellFireFan  

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The Folly Of Celegorm

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The warm rays of the late morning sun bathed Andreth's face, casting a golden glow upon her as she awakened. Her eyes fluttered open, greeted by the radiant sunlight filtering through the tree above. The gentle rustling of leaves and the melodic chorus of birdsong greeted her ears.

The horrors of the previous day seemed to melt away in her mind, giving way to the beauty of the crisp morning air. With a contented sigh, Andreth shifted onto her side, her gaze drawn to a captivating sight—a luscious red apple carefully placed beside her head. Sitting up, she surveyed her surroundings, discovering that she was alone.

"Aegnor?" she called softly.

Aegnor was nowhere in sight. The birds were her only reply. The sudden memory of the previous night flooded into her mind. The scent of his hair, the taste of his breath. The lingering memory of a sweet kiss that almost was. Her stomach turned within, riddled with a deep regret.

"He has rightly abandoned me here. I had his trust, and I betrayed him, Ive driven my dear friend away," her thoughts as broken as her heart, she began to weep softly. Her eyes filled with fragile tears. "I was a fool to believe he could ever love me,"

Holding the apple in her hand, she took a bite, savouring the succulent and sweet explosion of flavours that danced upon her taste buds. The sweet taste seemed to comfort her as she devoured the juicy fruit down to its core. Her hunger and pain remedied, she rose gracefully and stretched her lithe form. Her slender back arching as her arms folded behind her head. She drank in the song of the birds. A truly beautiful morning.

Finally, she left the camp behind, picking up her satchel as she went. She wandered through the forest. The gentle rustling of the wind through the towering trees created a soothing melody, accompanied by the cheerful symphony of chirping birds.

As she continued her stroll, she paused to watch the flickering tail of a playful squirrel scurry away up a tall tree. Its mouth filled with a tasty nut. She smiled softly as it scampered into its home and out of sight, warm and safe. A sudden thought took her, stilling her with fear. She had not a clue how to get home.

As she wondered a few steps more, a firm hand clasped her wrist from behind, halting her steps. Startled, she whirled around, gasping loudly to see it was Aegnor who had siezed her. The sunlight illluminated his eyes, reflecting their hypnotic glow that captured her every time. Without uttering a word, he motioned for her to be silent, placing a finger on his lips.

He gestured for her to follow him, and she readily complied, following him into the thicket immediately. Silently, Aegnor led her to the edge of the forest, where a vast grassy field stretched out before them. Andreth gasped in sheer delight at the sight that greeted her. In the centre of the field stood a magnificent horse, a true embodiment of grace and strength. Cold splashes of rain hissed in the distance and kissed the grass. Its onyx coat shimmered in the raindrops, elevated by powerful legs. The horse flicked its wet tail contently as it grazed on the lush, sweet grass. Aegnor and Andreth crouched low, concealed by the tall grass.

"Never in all my days have I seen such a magnificent beast!" Andreth whispered, her voice filled with amazement.

"He wandered into the camp during the night, and I have been quietly tracking him ever since," Aegnor whispered, his eyes never leaving the horse. "If I am to tame him, I will need your help."

Andreth nodded understandingly as cold raindrops slashed her nose and sprinkled her long eye lashes with due.

"You will be the distraction," Aegnor replied softly, taking her hand gently in his. He placed an apple in her palm, his touch sending shivers down her spine. "I will take care of the rest."

Their gazes met in that moment, his eyes, filled with light and beauty entangled with hers. "Aegnor," she whispered, her voice trembling.

"Keep yourself in his line of sight at all times. Let him come to you. We only have one chance at this, do you understand, Andreth?" Aegnor instructed, redirecting her attention back to their plan. She nodded determination in her eyes. He waited for the perfect moment. "Go," he whispered. She followed his command without question and slowly, cautiously, Andreth began her approach.

The stallion spotted her, its gaze fixed upon her, as she maintained a respectful distance. With steady hands, she held out the apple, a symbol of trust and friendship. The horse's curiosity piqued, and its cautious steps ebbing closer.

As the horse nibbled the apple in Andreth's hand, her heart pounded with a mixture of excitement and awe. Filled with newfound courage, Andreth nervously eached out and caressed the horse's nose. Meanwhile, Aegnor calmly circled the creature at a distance, gradually coming closer with each round. He sang a gentle melody, an elvish lullaby to soothe a fiery soul. As he closed in, he caressed the beast, soothing it with his beautiful voice.

With a chord woven from vines, Aegnor gently roped the animal. However, the spell was suddenly broken as the startled horse whined loudly and reared. Aegnor acted quickly, taking control of the situation using his strength and gentle voice to calm the animal.

With soft hums and soothing moans from Aegnor's buttery voice, the horse gradually came to stillness and snorted, indicating its readiness. Aegnor gracefully leapt and slipped onto its curvaceous back and swung his leg over. His smile gave Andreth courage as she steadily approached. Extending his hand to her, Aegnor pulled her up onto the horse's strong back behind him. She gasped as she felt the horse's power beneath her.

"It will be a long while before we reach Ladros, so we can not stop," Aegnor spoke softly but no less firmly.

"Aegnor...," she whispered  softly. He waited for her to speak.

She lingered in a moment. The rain splashed upon them, their faces and hair wet with its heavenly due. From the stillness, the faint rhythmic thump of a beating heart. Slender hands slowly encircled his narrow waist. Thin wet clothes clung to his solid frame yeilded to her delicate fingertips as they slowly glided over the firm indent of his navel and down the solid planes of his lower abdomen.

A faint sigh of surrender echoed from his lips, the heat of his breath carried away by the wind. She brought her lips to his ear.

"Thank you...,"

Her grateful whisper, dripping with honey, lingered in the cold air. Her velveteen murmur sweetened his ear. His trembled. His face a flush of red. A vulnerable moment, he chose to conceal from her view.

A gentle stroke of the horses neck, the majestic stallion instantly understood its chosen masters command and launched forward. Together, they embarked on a journey bound for home, just as they had done once before. They soared the expansive open plains of Dorthonion, with only the wind and rain to challenge them. With a raging fire within him, he tested the stallion's endurance, its muscles coiled like springs ready to unleash its power. Clinging tightly to Aegnor's solid body, Andreth couldn't contain her sheer delight in the exhilaration of the furious ride, her voice called out in jubilation and excitement, her bright smile challenging the suns very power.

Her unhinged joy infected Aegnor's whose laughter and shouts melded with hers. They shared in their release and love of freedom. In that liberating ride, the wind wipped their hair, locks of gold entwined with ebony. All the weight of the previous day seemed to fade into the distance. They were as spirits renewed with hope and joy in their hearts. She clung to his back, burying her head into his clothing. His scent filled her nostrils, intoxicating her. Her faith in him now unbreakable. Aegnor was her rightful protector, her champion and she was his alone.

As the warm, orange sun descended upon the horizon, Andreth's humble abode came into view. Aegnor brought his horse to a gentle halt on the hillside, taking in the picturesque scene before them. Wisps of smoke gracefully billowed out from the vent on the roof, dancing against the backdrop of the vibrant orange sky.

"There seems to be a grand feast underway," Andreth remarked, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "The Valar must have blessed Bragor and Variel with a new baby just last night!" She exclaimed excitedly Aegnor turned his head to regard her.

"Already?" He gasped, shocked, "It has only been nine months since they were wed, the pregnancy cycle in mortal women is far shorter than that in elves!"

Andreth's brows furrowed with uncertainty as she turned to Aegnor. "Are you certain you wish to accompany me into the household?" she inquired, her voice laced with nervous uncertainty.

"Perhaps my presence will aid in cooling the full force of your fathers wrath," he replied simply.

"Thank you Aegnor, I feel much better...," she retorted with faint annoyance. With a gentle kick, the stallion galloped down the steep hilltop and onto the lush, grassy plain, carrying them toward the celebration.

As they approached the keep, the imposing gates swung open with a graceful motion, allowing Aegnor and Andreth to enter. The fortress seemed eerily quiet, except for a few guards who approached Lady Andreth and informed her of her father's restlessness during her absence, as he was preoccupied with the birth of his grandchild. Consequently, he had decided to postpone his search for her until the morning. Aware of the trouble she had caused, Andreth's heart filled with fear as she struggled to gather the courage to step into her own home.

A warm hand gently grasped hers, and she turned to see Aegnor standing beside her, his smile and reassuring gaze providing her with the strength she needed. Knowing that he was right there by her side, Andreth wiped her eyes and straightened her dishevelled clothes, determined to face whatever awaited her inside. With a firm nod, she signalled to the guards to open the grand doors.

As the doors swung wide, a wave of tantalizing aromas wafted through the air, teasing their nostrils. The keep was a bustling scene, filled with people of all ages seated at three long tables laden with a feast of food and drink. Two tables flanked either side of the room, while the third stretched across the back, facing the entrance. Andreth's family and a handful of her most persistent suitors occupied the seats at the back, their expressions a mix of curiosity and disgruntlement.

The joyful music, cheers, and lively songs that had once filled the air fell into a hushed silence. The room seemed to hold its breath. Andreth, doing her best to ignore the sea of eyes upon her, stepped forward with Aegnor gliding closely behind. Murmurs and whispers echoed around. Boromir slowly rose from his chair as she approached, placing two hands on the table before him. Silence hung in the air, the weight of unspoken words pressing upon them. Boromir bowed his defeated head low, and let out a long, heavy sigh. Struggling to hold on to what patience he had left for his eldest daughter.

"Lord Aegnor!" he addressed the elf first, his strong voice bellowing into the hall. "If my daughter had come alone or with anyone other than you, I would not be as calm as I am now!" he spoke. His voice laced with authority and slight relief. "Andreth, daughter! Your absence has caused your mother and I a great deal of distress! Bregor missed the very birth of his child, searching for you! You can not fathom the emotions I feel at this moment!" Andreths teary gaze turned to Bregor who could only return the exchange with equal concern.

"Whatever perilous ventures befell you, judging by the state of both of you, they were grave, and once again, he brings you to my doorstep! Do you not think he has enough to do?!" Her father scolded her harshly. Not holding back. The tension in the hall was palpable as Boromir's words hung in the air, awaiting Andreth's response, when her voice failed her, Boromir's anger blazed.

"Speak girl!" He ordered her.

"I..." she whimpered, her breath hitching as she struggled to hold back her tears. Aegnor could witness it no longer.

"Lord Boromir, if I may speak on behalf of your daughter, she is still greatly shaken from her frightful encounter with the orcs," Aegnor stepped forward, his steady voice echoing confidently in the hall.

"Orcs?" Boromir replied, his brow raising with concern.

"It was upon a meadow of flowers I found her, my kin and I. It was then we were caught off guard by a band of ferocious orcs, we became quickly overwhelmed and driven out. At daybreak when it was safe, I parted from my company to escort her home. Please hold her in no blame, for her only desire was to be of service to Variel to ease her discomfort as best she could,"

"It is true, but I am unharmed thanks to the valiant efforts of Aegnor and his company," Andreth breathed, calming her nerves and turned to Bregor, her brother. Her sincere regret filling her eyes. "Bregor, I took something from you that I can never give back, the very birth of your first child!" Andreth added, her voice broken with sincere, teary regret. "I am very sorry!"

"You have returned safe and well, Andreth," Bregor replied, "That is all I could ask for,"

"There are other men present who also require your heartfelt apology, Andreth!" Lady Anthel chimed in. "Our gracious lords and champions who have patiently waited for your response to their proposal for twelve long weeks now!" Andreth turned her gaze to the handsome, noble men, who scowled at her impatiently from the end of the table. "Extend your apology to them and finally provide either one of them with your acceptance," her mother grumbled bitterly. Andreth looked back at her mother and narrowed her eyes.

"No," Her blunt reply came.

The room filled with echoes of small tittering as the insulted men rose from the table and left, followed by Lady Anthel running and pleading after them.

"Bregor has forgiven you daughter, and so, we shall speak no more on it. Please, everyone! Let us continue this joyous celebration!" Boromir declared. The voices and music swelled once again as the hall became alive with laughter.

"Take your place at the table, Andreth," He requested, his voice competing with the crowd.

"No father, allow me to retire to my bed chambers, the orc attack has unnerved me, I will pay my respects to Variel once I have rested" Andreth requested politely. Boromir nodded agreeingly.

"Lord Aegnor!" His voice boomed over the crowd. "Thank you once again for returning my daughter to the safety of her family. It will not be forgotten,"

A small girl emerged from underneath one of the tables parallel to the great hall and ran towards him, latching around his leg. Aegnor dropped to his knees and scooped her up, smiling radiantly up as she hugged his neck tightly. She was promptly followed by a swarm of children, their gleeful laughter filling the air as they all crowded Aegnor. Playful laughter bubbled from the elven warrior, immersing himself in a sea of tiny hands and arms, all eager to touch him. The young girls showered him with affectionate strokes on his face, while the boys gathered around, peppering him with curious questions. The children were utterly gleeful to have their special guardian back

Andreth watched on as the children flooded Aegnor with innocent smiles and kisses and Aegnor soaked in every one. She had witnessed the brutal violence he was capable of, yet he seemed in that moment so childlike himself. How could a being be so gentle, yet so brutal, so guarded, yet so passionate. She shuddered at such a man

Finally, Aegnor said his goodbye's and rose, leaving behind a crowd of jumping, excited children, eagerly waving in his wake. While everyone was distracted by their conversation, Andreth quietly followed Aegnor outside. The two of them found themselves bathed in the warm golden embrace of the lowering sun, marking the end of this day. Watching as Aegnor tenderly stroked the nose of his new stallion.

"What shall be his name?" Andreth asked, a soft smile playing on her lips. Aegnor turned to her with a smile of his own.

"Sorna," Aegnor replied, his voice filled with pride. "His will is unbreakable!"

"Sorna...It's a fitting name," Andreth said, her eyes lighting up. She joined Aegnor in stroking the magnificent beast. Finally, she turned to him, shy eyes shrouded in admiration and deep affection.

With a slight smile, Aegnor gazed down at her, his eyes filled with tenderness. An intense pause hung between pregnant with the weight of unspoken words. Then, like a graceful swan, she dipped into a formal but no less bittersweet bow.

"Goodbye, Aegnor," she finally said.

With all the bearing of a regal elf, her glided closer to her and leaned forward. Her breath stopped in her chest. A kiss, sweet and lingering, landed on her soft cheek. She dared not move. Slowly he withdrew and turned around, his intense gaze never wavering from her. She watched silently as he climbed upon Sorna's curved back with an almighty leap. His muscles bulging beneath his clothing and he effortlessly pulled himself up.

"Andreth, before you lay upon your bed tonight, check the contents of your satchel," he spoke down at her, a sly smile upon his lips.

Puzzled, she drew breath to speak and he charged off without waiting for her reply. She watched him fly away from her in a manner she did once before. He rode through gates at a furious pace and soared accross the glade. His hair flying wildly behind him. A furious flame, untamed and unconquered.

Upon entering her bed chamber, she cleansed her body with water. The voices and music muffled from the great hall as she sat by the cosy fireplace. The cool sponge kissed along the delicate surface of her body as the sweet water trickled down. She removed the bandage from her thigh and cleaned her wound. Washing the horrors of the past behind her. Glimpses of him flew through her mind. His tender care and fierce protection. She now saw him in a new light. For beautiful, though he was, he was dangerous. She would not take him so lightly.

As she slipped into appropriate bedding garments, she took note of her satchel and his parting words to her. Picking it up with a mix of curiosity and trepidation, she gingerly searched the contents of her satchel, her fingers fumbling in the dim light. Among the items, her hand brushed against something unexpectedly cold and solid. Intrigued, she tightened her grip. With cautious anticipation, she pulled it out and gasped, her breath catching in her throat at the wonder resting in her palm. In the soft glow of the flickering fire, a blade hilt adorned with moonstone wrapped in delicate vines of pure gold and silver.

Her heart quickened and her eyes filled with delicate tears as she unsheathed Aegnor's cherished possession. Its surface gleamed with a resplendent lustre. She held the blade to her chest and danced around her chambers with joy, her long, white bed gown whirling gracefully with her long hair. He had given his answer.

She had his heart.

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HITHRIM

381 A.D

 

The sons of Feänor had convened at the behest of Fingolfin the High King, with the noble intention of assuaging their long-standing enmity towards the houses. Secluded in a modest chamber away from the gathering, they engaged in counsel with one another, the mood in the small room was potent with a deathly foulness.

"It appears that Fingolfin the King has squandered our father's rightful fortune on superfluous and self-indulgent diversions," Caranthir grumbled to his brother, his rough voice dripping with envy.

"And to what end, dear brother?" interjected Celegorm. "Merely to beseech us to set aside our well-founded disdain for him and his progeny, so that he may revel in these frivolities without hindrance?" He scoffed, raising a goblet of potent elvish wine to his lips.

"I implore you both to cease your foolish behaviour," Amrod retorted from across the dimly lit room, bathed in the ethereal glow of moonlight and adorned with marble accents. His voice, gentle and imbued with silken grace, carried a subtle reproach. "It seems to have eluded your consciousness, that father never condoned the act of speaking ill behind one's back."

Celegorm, his baritone resonating with a mixture of disdain and venom, responded sharply, "Pray tell, were you dropped upon your head at birth, or are you purposefully foolish? Has it not occurred to you that this entire charade is but another display designed to flaunt his accomplishments before us?"

"Enough Celegorm! Refrain from uttering another word about Fingolfin!" Maedhros interjected, effectively silencing their contentious banter. "I am well aware that some among us harbour deep-seated animosity towards our kin, yet I must remind you that nurturing such sentiments has not aided us in cultivating any valuable alliances. Regardless of your resentment, it remains an indisputable fact that the houses of Fingolfin and Finarfin stand as our closest allegiances against the real threat that we all fight. Devoid of their support, our realms shall forfeit the relentless tides of Morgoth. This is a lesson I have learned and one that you must also!"

Maedhros departed and rejoined the lively gathering. His departure was swiftly followed by the arrival of Maglor and Amrod. Meanwhile, Celegorm, Curufin, and Caranthir remained behind, immersed in their despondency, before reluctantly succumbing and joining their kin. The air was suffused with the enchanting strains of a beautiful harp, its delicate melody weaving through the atmosphere. Maedhros and Maglor engaged in amiable conversation with their cousins and the esteemed Fingolfin. As they conversed, they forged deeper connections with the likes of Finrod and Turgon, both of whom held influential positions within their hidden cities.

As the conversations unfolded, Maedhros and Maglor found themselves building profound connections not only with Finrod and Turgon but also indirectly with the formidable warriors Aegnor and Angrod, who, along with Maedhros himself, were the undisputed champions of war. Amidst these conversations, words about Aegnor and Angrod slipped in. Maedhros listened eagerly as Finrod spoke of his brothers proudly and the terror they filled within the hearts of Morgoth's minions. Their fierce loyalty to Finrod made him a powerful ally, one Maedhros and Maglor hoped to persuade to join their cause in building their alliances.

Meanwhile, Celegorm stubbornly huddled in a shadowy alcove, distanced from the bright and jovial crowd, his reluctance to partake in the festivities only serving to heighten Maedhros' already arduous task. Muttering discontentedly to himself, his abhorrent distaste in the company abundantly clear.

"I apologize on behalf of my brother, my lord," Maglor spoke, a tinge of embarrassment colouring his soft voice. "His heart, devoid of joy, have never been enticed by the pleasures of merriment."

Fingolfin smiled warmly, his eyes reflecting a deep understanding. "Nor was your father, my brother," he replied. "He will forever dwell in his colossal shadow. However, you and Maedhros, your partaking in this feast is what truly matters to me. We are more than just allies striving to defeat a single enemy," he paused, his eyes brimming with warmth beneath his shimmering silver crown, "We are family, bound by blood, and always we shall remain,"

Maedhros and Maglor mirrored each other's smiles, a testament to the unbreakable bond they shared. With a graceful motion, Maedhros raised his chalice, a gleaming vessel filled with the elixir of celebration. "To family, and the king, long may he reign!" he proclaimed,

Fingolfin, his countenance adorned by a humbling smile, raised his chalice in unison with Maglor. Together, their voices melded into a harmonious chant. "To family," they intoned, their words infused with a profound sense of belonging and unity.

As they were yet drinking, a door clanked open, and the imposing figures of Aegnor and Angrod entered the gathering, returning from an inspection of the guards and the palace defences. Their commanding presence seized the attention of the entire room as they waded through the crowd. Their faces were stern with perceptual glances. They moved with confidence, their powerful aura filling the open space. As they made their deliberate approach, their gaze fell upon their cousin, who huddled in the shadows, visibly miserable.

"What do your eyes behold?" Celegorm retorted, his gaze coshing with theirs as they crossed their line of sight. Angrod paused, followed by Aegnor.

"Why do you not partake in the gathering with your kin?" Aegnor inquired, his brow tense with a profound distain.

"Do not presume that mere familial ties bind us as forever companions!" Celegorm sneered disdainfully. "I would no sooner seek your friendship than entertain the preposterous notion of Morgoth as my becoming bride! Be on your way!" He grunted with a flick of his wrist, adorned in bracers of black wolf fur. Aegnor glanced at his brother, his lips pulling into a mocking grin.

"Have you not heard, Angrod? The Noldor face a dearth of suitable brides for their princes!" Smiling sardonically, his gaze fell upon Celegorm again. "Henceforth, it is my judgment that Morgoth himself would serve as the only commendable match for you Celegorm!" His mocking wit was followed by Angrod's sardonic snicker. "I shall be first to send my congratulations by letter!" Aegnor's legendary wit left Celegorm bereft of a matching response. With a haughty glint in his eye's Aegnor claimed his victory with a shallow dip, his arms open in a taunting bow. He spun on his heels and began striding away.

"You dare to turn your back on me, half breed! Do you truly believe that to be a wise choice?" Celegorm called out. The gentle harp stopped. Maedhros cast a stern gaze upon Celegorm, and an air of hushed silence fell upon the room, for the threat made against Aegnor was unmistakable. With all eyes upon Aegnor, a soft, mocking chuff escaped him as he turned to face him again, and he glided toward him, closing the distance.

"I did not turn my back on you out of trust, cousin!" He hissed "I did so because you are no threat to me... so do not even attempt to be so. You are nought but a wayward hound, pitifully picking at the bones of my kill," Aegnor's voice lowered to a hum dripping with potent venom. "You are nothing compared to me!"

"Always so fierce and guarded you are Aegnor. A lion in a cage of wolves. But remove the claws and a lion is still just a kitten," Celegorm hissed, narrowing his icy grey eyes. Celegorm circled him, his voice resounding loudly for all to hear. "Heed my voice and listen!" He called to all. "It has come to my ears that Aegnor possesses little understanding of the events within his own realm. Morgoths power is growing, while he spends his days with men and playing with their children!"

"Stop this Celegorm!" Maedhros roared at his brother. His eyes burning.

"Be silent Maedhros! If no one is prepared to speak on him, then I shall!" Celegorm bellowed, pointing at Maedhros. Finally, he came to a halt in front of Aegnor's thrunderous scowl and spoke clearly, "do not think it has escaped my notice, I know what you have been doing, what secrets you keep from us, and that delightful man Lord Boromir, whome you so esteem,"

"Keep that name out of your mouth..." Aegnors voice rumbled with a fierce and primal growl. A stark warning.

"I hear their hospitality is greatly admired, perhaps I shall pay them a visit... perhaps even meet their little ones," Celegorm muttered

Aegnor's last restraint shattered like brittle glass, with a violent surge of rage, his hands instinctively lunged for Celegorm's throat. His strong frame slammed against the the wall held by Aegnors iron grip. The raw force nearly knocked an unwitting musician from her stool and she hastily retreated from the scene. Finrod swiftly inteceded to control his younger brother, whose melting eyes burned like liquid gold into Celegorm's skin.

("Let him go!") Finrod commanded. Aegnor needed more persuasion. Finrod grabbed his brothers wrists, pulling at them.("Aegnor! I command you! Release him!") Finrods voice grew more urgant.

With his eyes still blazing, Aegnor finally released his grip from Celegorm's thick, swollen throat and he sagged to the ground, gasping for air. Aegnor was pulled away by Finrod who threw himself between them, but the rage in Aegnor could not be quelled by even his efforts. Aegnor paced furiously, his chest heaving, his burning glare boring into Celegorms as he struggled to rise to his feet. He lashed out at Finrod

"You carry the blame for this Felagund!" He roared clasping his throat and rasping, "had you had tighter reins over your war hound, he would be fulfilling the role you charged him with, instead he has been squandering his nights wrapped in the lips of a certain maiden!"

At this, Aegnor exploded. Like a demon from hell, he lunged at Celegorm, the force pushing Finrod out of the way. With claws of iron, he grabbed his cousin once more and they balled upon the floor, with Aegnor quickly gaining the upper hand. Furniture was knocked over and ornaments crashed. Aegnor straddled Celegorms strong form. Curufin and Caranthir rushed to aid their brother, but their attempts was foiled by Angrod who quickly intervened. He grappled their squirming bodies. Aegnor, utterly compromised, unleased his rage upon his helpless cousin, delivering a barrage of bone crushing blows to his face, elven blood splattered as he relentlessly pummelled Celegorm into the unyielding stone ground.

All looked on in horror as the House of Finarfin, the paragon of their lineage and prudent grace, transformed into primal brutes. Suddenly hands siezed Aegnor and in one fell swoop, effortlessly lifted him from the ground, and with an unfathomable strength, propelled Aegnor across the room in one fell throw. His body collided to the ground with great force. Pain and shock gripped his body as it slammed into the ground,. Fingolfin towered over his nephew. Casting a shadow over him. His glaring eyes fixed upon Aegnor. The tense rage that marred his beautiful face was replaced by one of terror, like a defiant child suddenly chastised.

"Stay where you are!" he thundered, pointing an unwavering finger directly at Aegnor.

"Angrod! Release them!" his command echoed, leaving no room for negotiation. Angrod released the squirming bodies of Curufin and Caranthir. The King commanded the entire room, an air of authority unchallenged. Finally, he turned to his beloved nephew, who was nursing his bloodied knuckles, sadness and disappointment laced his deep and booming voice.

"Aegnor, I think it is best you left us. Return to your realm, your presence here is no longer welcome among us," Fingolfin's order, delivered with a sense of deep hurt and disappointment, was final. Aegnor, his wounded eyes fixed firmly on the ground, rose to his feet

"Forgive me, uncle," he murmured with a respectful nod and departed, quietly weaving his way through the see of judgmental gazes and elvish whispers.

"My Lord, I will leave also," Angrod stated drawing Fingolfins attention, "With your permission... If you must cast out my brother, then cast me out also. He has done no wrong!"

"Do you not see your error in this?" Fingolfin replied, "Aegnor is a force unleashed, and you enable him! Argon is no longer among us. Already, I have lost one son in this struggle, and I bear his weight not lightly, and yet behold, there is now squabbling amidst our own kin. I will not bear anymore losses, we are too few as it is!"

"It is Aegnor that has brought us this far! Or have you all forgotten so quickly!?" Angrod passionately shouted, "we would all be in Mandos cursed grasp if it werent for him!"

"Aegnor is a problem I can no longer afford! He will learn to control his anger or face the consequences, do you understand Angrod?!" Fingolfin bellowed

"Clearly...." Angrod hissed, wholly unwillingly.

Fingolfin turned to Finrod, whose dismay was evident on his down cast gaze and cradled brow.

"Finrod, I know the weight of Aegnor's decisions weigh heavily upon you. But I can not allow it to continue, do you understand?" He asked softly

"Yes, my lord." Finrod replied vacantly.