Promises, Broken and Kept by gaydhros  

Elwing embraces her children fiercely. She holds them to her chest like she did when they were infants, a twin in each arm, and tries not to weep. She kisses the crown of Elros’ head.

“I love you both.” She pulls back to regard them, fighting hard to keep her voice steady. Elrond’s cheeks are wet. Elros is biting his trembling lip, refusing to let his tears fall. “Go now with Egalmoth. He will keep you safe.”

“But we want to stay!” cries Elrond.

“I know, my darling,” Elwing soothes, smoothing back his hair. She takes a deep, fortifying breath and manages a watery smile. “I know. I will see you both again very soon. You will hardly even know I’m gone.”

“Promise us,” Elros suddenly demands. He stands tall, trying desperately to look brave. “You cannot break a promise.”

Elwing’s heart is falling to pieces. She glances up at Egalmoth. He looks back at her, his grim face set. Elwing swallows against the rising lump in her throat.

“I promise,” she whispers. She leans in and kisses Elrond’s tearstained cheek, then turns to kiss Elros’ brow. “All will be well. I will join you as soon as I may.”

Chapter End Notes

The title is referencing the fact that Elwing’s promise to Elrond will eventually be kept, albeit not until thousands of years later, while (depending on how much freedom of movement you believe Elwing and Eärendil had across the sea/whether you think Elros could have travelled to meet them somewhere nearer to Aman), Elros will choose the fate of men and die without ever seeing her again.

Thank you for reading! I'm on tumblr at @gaydhros <3

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