Without the Counsel of Any by Artano

Dear Father, Turukáno, írissë:

I have gone to search for Nelyafinwë.  If I am able, I shall rescue him.  With the coming of the Sun, the Orcs cower underground, hiding behind the walls of their fortress.  Though a machination of Morgoth, these recent vapours shall work against him and conceal my approach.  There is no better time to attempt this.  And I must try; we must heal the feud between our people and the Fëanorians.  Though their betrayal is deep, and I am unsure it can ever be forgiven, we must attempt to put the matter aside.  Morgoth daily strengthens his armies and prepares for an assault upon us.  We have all seen the signs.  Alone, we cannot survive.  We must work together.  If I can find Nelyafinwë and bring him back, his brothers and people will be indebted to us; perhaps they would then be willing to join with our people.  And despite Nelyafinwë’s treachery, I cannot altogether forget our former friendship.

I hope you can forgive me for leaving you without a word.  I know you would seek to dissuade me, perhaps rightly so.  But I must attempt this, if it has a chance of bringing our peoples together.  I am sorry for the grief this will bring you.  And…if I do not return, know that I love you all dearly and will be thinking of you until the end.

Farewell

Findekáno signed his name, then folded the paper and placed it on the bedside table.  He had written it carefully, ensuring he sounded calm and reasonable.  But how different that was from the turmoil in his heart!  He stood, pulling the hood of his cloak over his head, and turned towards the door.

It was time.

Chapter End Notes

Turukáno is another name for Turgon

írissë is another name for Aredhel

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