The Snakes and the Flowers by Lyra

Chapter 2

„A snake charmer, am I?“
Amárië could not say whether Lord Arafinwë was angry or merely curious. She tried to meet his gaze – the steely grey of the Noldor, not the summery blue of his mother's eyes - without fear or guilt. Or annoyance at the fact that her private observation had somehow made it to the ears of Findaráto's father, for that matter.
„It seemed like a good description at the time,“ she said cautiously. „Of course, it is not meant to be taken literally.“ She half-turned, giving Findaráto a pointed look. „It was not meant to be made public, either.“

Findaráto had the grace of looking down, abashed, but just as quickly he raised his head again. „I know. But it was too apt to ignore. I just had to make something of it. Look!“ Grinning, he held out his hand, and Amárië could see gold glinting on his finger where one would normally wear a signet ring. It was indeed a ring. But instead of a simple band bearing a seal matrix, it was shaped in the likeness of two snakes that were coiled around each other, one's head ending at the other's tail. Both appeared to have sunk their fangs into a wreath of flowers that formed the centrepiece of the ring: they might have been upholding it, or tearing it apart. It was quite masterfully crafted, each petal and stem clearly recogniseable; the bodies of the snakes suggesting their writhing muscles and brute strength even in miniature, and their emerald eyes were glinting with a semblance of life.
„I had Uncle Fëanáro make it for me,“ Findaráto said proudly.

Amárië blinked. „I hope you didn't tell him that he's one of the snakes,“ she said.
„Of course not! No need to worry. I don't think he figured it out himself, either – he's quite immune to self-criticism. But I did have to explain it to Father.“
„At first, I thought it was about two men loving the same woman!“ Arafinwë admitted, blushing at the mere thought. „I was worried that my son might be courting a married lady.“
„I should hope not,“ Amárië said primly.
Arafinwë tilted his head, giving her an amused glance. To her relief, he did not inquire about the status of her relationship to his son. Instead, he said, „I should be flattered that you think me capable of keeping those two in check. I am not so certain. Still, maybe I should adopt this as the badge of my house?“

They laughed together and turned towards other topics, although Amárië was reminded of it whenever she saw the gold and the emeralds gleaming on Findaráto's hand. It made her smile.