Through the Long Night by IdleLeaves
Fanwork Notes
Fanwork Information
Summary: Maedhros comes to Barad Eithel after the Dagor Bragollach and the fall of Fingolfin. Major Characters: Maedhros, Fingon Major Relationships: Fingon/Maedhros Challenges: Rating: General Warnings: |
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Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 996 |
Posted on 28 January 2025 | Updated on 28 January 2025 |
This fanwork is complete. |
Through the Long Night
Read Through the Long Night
They approach Barad Eithel from the south, through Ered Wethrin's rocky foothills. In the east, Ard-galen - Anfauglith, now - continues to smolder, though spring has been, thus far, unusually cold. Neither leaves nor grasses along the banks of Sirion are yet full-formed, and Maedhros still wears his winter cloak.
He has not travelled alone - the road that passes between Neldoreth and Nan Dungortheb is dangerous - but he's brought with him as few as he dared. They cross the bridge into the keep not long after dusk, thick cloud blotting out the stars that should be shining overhead.
Fingon is waiting. He clasps Maedhros' hand and kisses his cheek, leaning close as he speaks. "I was beginning to think you'd been waylaid," he says, both worry and relief in his voice. The journey from Himring to Barad Eithel is longer, now, but these days nothing can be taken for granted.
Fingon leads Maedhros to guest chambers with a hand on his back. He's had a meal prepared, and he takes his leave so Maedhros can eat and rest. Fingon doesn't send for Maedhros until much later; he enters Fingon's private chambers with still-damp hair curling down his back.
Inside, there are two chairs set close together near the fire, a small table between them. Fingon rises from one of them, bottle of wine in hand, as Maedhros shuts the door behind him. He pours wine into a pair of jewelled cups, offering one to Maedhros without a word as they each take a seat. Fingon takes a long sip from his own cup before breaking the silence.
"We've been waiting," he says, with a tight and mostly unfamiliar smile. "Tarried along the road, did you?" Maedhros doesn't answer, and Fingon tilts his head. "Any trouble?"
"Nothing of note," says Maedhros. "East of the Esgalduin is… unsafe, but passable."
Fingon nods, then stifles a yawn with the back of his hand.
"How are you?" Maedhros asks, as carefully as he can, and does not avert his eyes even when Fingon looks away.
The fire snaps and sparks as it settles, and Fingon turns back to Maedhros with a measured exhale. He is still, for a moment, grey eyes guarded and unreadable, then leans forward with a raised hand. His fingers brush Maedhros' hair back from his temple. "May I?" he asks, seeking permission he knows Maedhros cannot help but grant.
"Of course," Maedhros breathes, as Fingon sets his wine aside and comes to stand beside him. He braids Maedhros' hair away from his face, his touch far gentler than Maedhros remembers.
"You haven't answered my question," Maedhros says.
Fingon's response, when it comes, is quiet. "As well as can be expected," he says, and doesn't speak further until he's fastened off the ends of Maedhros' braids with his own gold bands. "There," Fingon says. "Presentable again." His smile, this time, is even less convincing than the last, and it quickly fades.
"Thank you," says Maedhros.
Fingon does not reply; instead, he slowly takes Maedhros' cup from his hand and sets it on the table. Then, with one swift, fluid motion, Fingon bends and kisses him on the mouth.
It's less of a request and more of a warning; the second kiss is fierce and desperate and raw. Fingon takes Maedhros' hand to pull him to his feet, and Maedhros steadies himself with an arm around Fingon's waist. Fingon guides him - one step at a time, one kiss at a time - until Maedhros feels smooth stone wall against his shoulders and spine.
Fingon's hands come to rest low on Maedhros' hips.
"Stop," Maedhros whispers against Fingon's mouth.
Fingon pulls back as if struck, breath coming in soft, uneven gasps. He leaves Maedhros where he stands and returns to the hearth, arms crossed over his chest and face illuminated by firelight only.
Maedhros waits, in silence, until Fingon calms and his own heart slows. Then, he approaches, and lays his hand on Fingon's back. "What do you need?" he says, echoing what Fingon had asked, again and again, after Thangorodrim.
He's not asking now, though - nor is he answering. He simply remains as he is, gazing into the fire, until all at once he closes his eyes, uncrosses his arms, and takes a deep, shuddering breath.
"Come here," Maedhros says as Fingon's tears begin to fall. Fingon obeys, wrapping his arms around Maedhros' waist, face against his shoulder.
This grief, at least, Maedhros understands.
After a time, Fingon quiets. He steps away, and meets Maedhros' eyes for a brief moment before retrieving his wine. He drains the cup and puts it down. The fire has burned to little more than ash and embers, yet he makes no move to stoke it.
"Have you slept?" Maedhros asks.
Fingon shakes his head, exhaustion now plain on his still-flushed face. "Very little," he admits with a sigh. "I need-" he says, then rubs a hand over wet, reddened eyes and leaves the rest unvoiced.
"Yes," Maedhros says, "you do." He inclines his head toward the door that leads to Fingon's bed. "Shall I leave you to your rest?"
Fingon turns to fill his empty cup; Maedhros' is still untouched. "No," says Fingon. "Not yet. Please," he adds, and closes the gap between them to press Maedhros' cup into his hand. Fingon reaches up, then, his thumb stroking Maedhros' cheek. "May I?" he asks.
Maedhros kisses him first this time, slow and searching, Fingon's hand falling to his shoulder. When they part, it's without words, and Fingon drops to one knee to rekindle the fire before returning to his chair.
"Thank you," Fingon says, so quietly Maedhros has to strain to hear him.
Outside, the wind is rising; it tumbles down from the mountain peaks in cold gusts and howls around the walls of the keep. Inside, there is only warmth. The night is not yet half-gone; Maedhros takes a first sip of wine, and joins Fingon at the hearth.
I really enjoyed it! I…
I really enjoyed it! I thought there was a lovely gentleness throughout <3
Thank you! <3
Thank you! <3