Finwean Ladies Week 2021 by Kaylee Arafinwiel

Chapter Two - Sisterly Strife

This takes place at the time of the Noldor leaving Tirion for Alqualonde. Findis, eldest daughter of Finwe and Indis, has married a Vanyarin noble in service to Ingwe, Valandur Voronwion. She, of course, won't leave Valandur, while Lalwen loves Nolofinwe too much to let him leave without her.

"Lalwen, hina, what madness is this?" Findis Finwiel, wife of Valandur Voronwion, regarded her younger sister with her arms folded sternly. "Thou wouldst betray amme...thou wouldst follow Feanaro into--"

Crack.

Lalwen stared at her hand, then to Findis, kneeling on the flagstones, hand cupped around her bloody nose. Regret flashed across her face, and she sank to her knees before her elder sister, calling for a healer. Two ran over at once, faces white. "Nay, meldanya nette, I follow Feanaro not," she whispered. "I do this for Nolo. Whither he goest, I follow."

"Nolofinwe...Nolofinwe was left in charge of Tirion!" Findis sputtered as the healers tended to her. "He cannot leave amme! What of Anaire and their children? What of Ari and Earwen, and theirs?"

"Amme is perfectly capable of ruling Tirion, with or without Anaire's help," Lalwen replied calmly, though no less sorrowfully. "I do hope Ari stays, though. Amme deserves to have at least one of her children remain with her, and the elflings are old enough not to need a nurse any longer, I hope."

Findis glowered, and Lalwen winced.

"Nay, Findis, I did not mean..."

"I know what you meant," Findis muttered. "But Val and I will stay with her, with Uncle Ingwe's leave."

Lalwen nodded. "Val is a capable administrator - and I do not forget that you are, too. Help amme and Anaire here. Perhaps...perhaps Nolo and I will be able to come back soon."

Findis embraced Lalwen, hugging her tightly. "Take care then. Of yourself and Nolo."

"I will," Lalwen whispered. "I love thee, Finni."

"And I love thee, Lalwen," Findis murmured.