Star of Hope by Fuin  

Star of Hope

A new star shines in the sky.

Time, they claim, has no meaning in Aman. And yet it leaves its mark.

The marble is weathered, its surface has become rough and gray. In the light of the new star, her gaze wanders across the fine cracks in the stone. The figure in the center of the fountain is an image of Nienna. Centuries upon centuries have erased any expression from her face chiseled from stone. Where once there was pity, now lingers indifference.

Eärwen looks at her sideways, waiting.

Pearls adorn her silver hair, breaking waves are embroidered into the collar and sleeves of her sea-blue gown. She may be the High Queen of the Noldor – yet she does not hide her Telerin descent.

It is easy to see through her.

There is no reason to renew the sculpture right at this time, rather than a hundred years ago or fifty years hence.

There is no reason to commission her instead of any other sculptor.

Finwë Arafinwë goes to war, across the sea in the Telerin ships.

And Eärwen offers peace to Nerdanel. In her eyes, there is pity.

Nerdanel has no need for it. Her heart has become the hardest stone. As soon as it shows cracks, she polishes its surface until it is smooth, so that it will not weather and break.

"I will send my new apprentice. She will be honoured to prove her skill to you," says Nerdanel and turns to leave. "May your Lord return safely."

A new star shines in the sky.

They claim it brings hope.

Chapter End Notes

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