Something Stronger by Tehta

Fanwork Notes

I wanted to begin by thanking eveiya, lenine, and wulfila, for beta-reading (and for putting up with my whining.) And by saying that I love constructive criticism, questions, and writing-or-Tolkien-themed discussions in general, so I welcome comments. (I enjoy praise as well, though. It tells me when I get things right.)

Now, the notes:
0. I have left the canonical het involvement (of Aegnor with Andreth) in, both because I hate writing women out, and because it is such an interesting piece of canon. (And the Athrabeth Finrod Ah Andreth, in Morgoth's Ring, is the fullest source we have regarding Aegnor, anyway.) On the other hand, I have clearly chosen to ignore Finrod's repeated hints that Aegnor "will not wish to return" from Mandos. I guess Finrod is not ALWAYS right.
1. Aegnor’s punk hairstyle is canon: "[his hair was] strong and stiff, rising upon his head like flames".
2. Regarding the Kinslayings: it is canon that Glorfindel did not participate (at least, Tolkien said so in an essay about Big G.) As for Aegnor, well… we know Fingon did jump into the fray, and Aegnor is described as a close friend of his, and even (in earlier drafts) of the middle Feanorians. Plus, he is known as fierce in battle. So, I thought it made sense for him to get involved.
3. As to the fate of Elven spirits, and resurrection, and so on: I am obviously going with the interpretation presented by Finrod in the Athrabeth. Elves are part of Arda, and are stuck there until it ends, at which point… who knows. In the meantime, however, death means that they get separated from their physical body -- though they can get a new one, with the help of the Valar. Humans, however, are on Arda briefly, but are not of it. One of Finrod's "proofs" is the psychological observation that humans are bored by familiarity and repetition, while Elves are not. Anyway, my Aegnor has clearly heard Finrod's words on the subject, and interpreted them in his own way, for which I accept no responsibility.
4. Concerning Laurefindil’s surprise at tides and seasons: we know that "Though all tides and seasons were at the will of the Valar, and in Valinor there was no winter of death... " which can, of course, be interpreted in many ways, but total lack of seasons seems plausible. Also, tides and seasons are so tied to the moon and the sun, which only show up in Chapter Four.
5. Dorthonion is the (imaginatively named) Land of Pines.
6. Aurewen is a minor Vanyarin OFC, with a bad Noldorin Quenya name because I am terrible at languages. Which is also why I did not even bother name the OMC in Scene One.
7. Finally, I wanted to make the point that I am not 100% behind this characterization of Aegnor. I just needed it for the fic! But a nobler Aegnor would meet my usual needs much better.

Fanwork Information

Summary: This story was written a fic swap, where I was assigned Aegnor/Glorfindel as a pairing, and asked for the following additional story elements: Friendship which grows into love, parting and reunion in Valinor, hardship on the long trek over the ice, wonderment at the discoveries in the new world of Middle Earth. I believe I have managed to include all of the above, after a fashion. I have also managed to amuse myself by giving Aegnor some unique views on controversial issues such as Kinslaying, Luthien's choice, and the Gift of Men. So: come for the meta, stay for the relationship drama!       Important note for any fans of my usual Glorfindel: this is a different take on the same character! I hope you’re not disappointed. (Although Ecthelion/Glorfindel fans should really be relieved.) Vague note for everyone: all of the scenes occur in times and/or places where Quenya would have been the natural language. Thus, Glorfindel goes by Laurefindil, Aegnor -- by Aikanáro, and so on. Major Characters: Aegnor, Glorfindel Major Relationships: Artwork Type: No artwork type listed Genre: Drama, Slash/Femslash Challenges: Rating: Teens Warnings:
Chapters: 5	Word Count: 5, 833
Posted on 8 September 2013	Updated on 8 September 2013
This fanwork is complete.