A Deed Unforgiven by LadySternchen  

Flashback- Lúthien

The gem in her hand gleamed, making her surroundings vanish into blackness. It felt like a living thing, like there was a tiny heart beating within the Silmaril, a heart that made warm blood course through it. She knew this light, knew it within her heart, had perhaps known it from the moment of her conception. Melian’s spirit, her being had brimmed with it.  It sang to her even in this moment, keen and blissful now that it was free once more from Morgoth’s ghastly clutches. It comforted her. And yet, it put her and her companions into even graver peril than they already were.

She must not let anyone know.

The Silmaril felt still warm against her skin as she stowed it beneath her tunic once more, heartening her as she turned once more to her wounded companions. Beren would surely survive losing his hand, but if the same would hold true for the venom of Carcharoth’s teeth she was not so sure. He had not regained consciousness since the wolf had bitten his hand off, not as Huan had mauled Carcharoth to death, not as Lúthien had cut the Silmaril once more free from wolf’s belly, not as Thorondor and his eagles had borne them away from Angband. Lúthien tenderly kissed Beren’s cracked lips, then also stretched out her hand to stroke Huan’s shoulder. He lifted his head wearily, nuzzling her hand, his nose hot and dry.

“Oh my poor boy. You will be alright, Huan. I promise I will make you both well again. Just hold on, alright? I need you both to hold on!”

Neither of her companions answered her.