[Video, All Courts, shortly after the feast]

[sculptor_of_aman]

[The locket is held slightly askew, as the woman holding it has never done so before with this particular item. She's had experience with similar things, but she's still getting used to the locket. The Elven woman's face looks worried and a little sad, as if she's expecting bad news.]

Anyone who can hear me... I have heard talk of one who was killed recently. And the little I have heard... troubles me. The name I have heard is Celegorm, and he is described as an Elf with golden hair... among other things. I can only hope I am mistaken, but the description is very similar to someone I know. Someone I once called Tyelkormo.

If anyone knew him, and could tell me more about him... and how he died... I must know.

Please. ...He may be my son.

Comments

[inafadingcrown]

[Softly:] I would enjoy that a great deal. [But- there is a fairly large question hanging in the air here.] My lady, if I may ask- how long has it been for you, since we left?

[sculptor_of_aman]

Long enough to know this may be my only chance to see my sons alive again. But not so long as to know the Elves who remained in Middle-earth aside from those who returned with your father.

[inafadingcrown]

Then there is much I could tell you. ['Could' being the keyword. She's not entirely certain that she should. Or that Nerdanel would wish to know.]

When you reach the Station, you must seek me out. Our family is...complex and I would prefer to speak of them in person.

[sculptor_of_aman]

Our family has always been complex, since before you were ever born, Artanis. We are Noldor. Nothing we do is simple.

I will hear all that you can tell me. Fear not the truth. Wisdom only comes from knowing it in its entirety.

[inafadingcrown]

[There's a soft exhale.] In truth, it would be a great relief to speak frankly. I have been cautious in what I have revealed to the others. [And it's a burden to know more than almost anyone else. Not too different from the burden and gift of foresight. But still... it would be a comfort to speak her mind plainly.]

[sculptor_of_aman]

You know that you may always speak freely with me, dear niece. You always have.

[inafadingcrown]

I pray that you do not regret that pledge; much of what I would tell you will be difficult to hear.

[sculptor_of_aman]

No good has ever come from trying to ignore evil in our midst. Better to know the truth, however harshly it may shine, than to allow it to fester in darkness.

[inafadingcrown]

[She gives a curt little nod.] I will leave it to you, then. I will speak now, if you wish; otherwise, I will welcome you when you arrive at the Station.

[sculptor_of_aman]

Tell me what you can now. I will take the rest when I see you.

[inafadingcrown]

The years have not been kind to our family. In my time, I am the last of House of Finwë to remain in Middle Earth. Your sons and husband had all passed into the Halls of Mandos by the end of the First Age.

[A pause] Or so I believe most likely. I will admit, I do not know of Makalaurë's fate with any certainty. There are some who say that he wanders the shores still, shunning the company of his kind and singing laments to the sea.

[sculptor_of_aman]

[Nerdanel is quiet for a long time.]

...I know. It is as was foretold.

[inafadingcrown]

[A soft, slow exhale] The Doom of the Noldor held fast and true, I am afraid. In all its parts. [Treachery as well as death.]

[sculptor_of_aman]

I fear no counsel was able to stop it, or the rebellion would have perished in its infancy.

[inafadingcrown]

[There's another long pause] I am sorry- for the part I have played in your grief.

[It all would have happened whether she had been there or not. Galadriel's not so arrogant as to think otherwise. But she had played a part. She had fanned the flames, purposefully or not, and she bears part of the blame for all the ills that came out of it.]