It Gives A Lovely Light (Drabble/Ficlet Collection) by oshun

First Impression

A double drabble for Rhapsody: who asked for Mahtan as a father or husband. "My challenge to you is to concentrate on his daughter." Although I did not concentrate on his daughter, Mahtan does. To write you something about a father's concern for his daughter seemed appropriate right now.

(Excellent illustration by Noliel, based upon this ficlet, added at the bottom.)

Heavy black hair fell down over his shoulders obscuring his face. The boy walked with a distracted air as though lost in thought. In Mahtan's office the day before, he had used formal courtesy to cover arrogance. Although he came highly recommended from Aulë, Mahtan wondered what he might know of the unglamorous day-to-day work a smith must endure to create the space for the pursuit of beauty and innovation. The son of a king was unlikely to be constrained by such tasks, but Mahtan would insist that he master them.

Preoccupied with his thoughts, the lad greatly overshot the doorway to the forge before stopping and looking about. Puzzlement suffused his face.

At that moment, Mahtan's daughter raised her head from her work and watched. Newly seeing him through her eyes, Mahtan noted the uncanny perfection of his strong jaw line, rosy full lips, pretty as those of any maid, and his dark-winged brows accenting pale eyes.

The handsome youth lifted his head, tossing his hair onto his back. After patting his pockets, he withdrew a leather thong. He raised strongly muscled arms, and, with graceful fingers, braided and secured his hair.

"Atar, is that Prince Fëanáro?" Nerdanel asked.

Illustration: First Impression by Noliel Click to see it bigger. I love it. Love the close-up effect of the two men and Nerdanel watching. Great characterization. I am so thrilled.