Resemblance by Lferion

Resemblance

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<p>Elrond knew Fingon only by his absence, by the things Maglor spoke of, certain of Maedhros’ silences. The histories and songs said some things, letters and diaries and various people in their cups said others. Not necessarily contradictory, but certainly incomplete, and often confusing. Valiant featured as an adjective both positive and ambiguous, after all. Galadriel had known him, in the far off days of Valinor, and of course the traverse of the Ice, but she spoke very rarely of either. Glorfindel too had known him, but had not been particularly close, being one of Turgon’s followers, not Fingon or Fingolfin’s, particularly in Beleriand.</p>

<p>When the Third Age drew to a close at the conclusion of the War of the Ring, and Elrond knew he would be Sailing, Fingon was one of the people he hoped to meet on the hither shore. After Celebrian, of course, and seeing Frodo and Bilbo settled in. There were many people he hoped to make proper acquaintance of, both the living and the Returned. (Not the least being his first parents, Elwing and Earendil, but that was a very different issue, as far as he was concerned.) Glorfindel had assured him that the Arafinweans and most if not all of the Nolofinweans would be in hroa again. Of the Feanorians he could not say.</p>

<p>Elrond did not know what to expect of Aman. He certainly did not expect to discover that looking at Fingon was not unlike looking in a mirror.</p>

<p>After the first shock of resemblance had passed (why hadn't Glorfindel, or Galadriel, or Celebrimbor told him?) Elrond realized it was not a physical resemblance he was seeing so much as a kind of spiritual one. A sympathy, an empathy, an understanding of lordship in one who had never sought it, but took up the job that needed doing. (Physically they shared the typical Noldor coloring, length and texture of hair, and an elusive similarity about the cheekbones and general build: Elrond was a fraction taller, Fingon was a little broader about the shoulders.) They also shared a love, affection and understanding of certain Feanorians that even now few would tolerate hearing of, much less accept.</p>

<p>And that, Elrond decided instantly, was simply ridiculous. Surely it had been more than long enough for reconciliation. Time and past time.</p>

<p>That initial recognition and alliance was the beginning of what would become a lasting friendship.</p>