Iron Stars

Chapter 20: Truth

TA 3019
Lothlorien

     "Who are you?"

"What do you mean?" Ruinë retorted, her eyes meeting Boromir's. She had expected the question to come at some point but feared it still. "I am Ruinë, Commander of the Battalion and Member of this Fellowship."

"That is true, yes. But who were you before? Clearly you are more than you say," the man continued earning confused glances from some of the Fellowship. "You never speak of your own past, only tales from others. You avoid questions, preferring others to speak. Your instincts are not just that of a warrior, they are that of one who has seen more than just battle."

Aragorn furrowed his brow, evidently putting some of the pieces together. "As the Balrog approached, you knew what it was, you knew its danger. But you still volunteered to fight it rather than Gandalf. When I mentioned your name to Haldir, he reacted strangely. Like at first he didn't recognize the name until he looked at you again. With the influence you seem to have, why would he not know your name?" Aragorn questioned. She could see the man thinking, confusion on his face.

"Not to mention you speak the secret tongue of the dwarves," murmured Legolas. "You also wield a double bladed sword, a weapon few elves even attempt to use. Also one that causes orcs to flee upon sight."

Ruinë sighed, walking over to her pack. She crouched by it, her eyes gazing into the coals of the fire. The light reflected back at her, dancing shadows across the strong features of her face. "I never lied to you, I only told you part of the truth, both for your safety and mine. I never wished to conceal myself forever," she began.

The group looked at each other, surprised by her words. She continued, "The name I used, Ruinë, is an epessë, one I have used when traveling. It is not in that sense, a fake name. However that name is tied to the Commander whose true name is unknown to Sauron and most of the world. It is hidden even unto many members of the Battalion. Revealing my true name would make each of you targets. Ways for the enemy to get at me. And if there is anything he wishes for, it is my death." She paused, evidently considering how best to say it.

"I have walked under many names over many years. It has kept me safe from danger on occasion. It has brought me danger on other occasions. The name granted by my father was Canyafinwë, brave Finwë. The name given to me by my mother shortly before she died, the name I am known by in truth is Velcanyxa Fëanoriel, last of the House of Fëanor, born the year the Silmarils were made."

The group stared at her, stunned by her proclamation. "But Nyx died, did she not?" asked Legolas.

"In the official records, my name is struck off with a note saying I was presumed dead. Caused by injuries and cold in the Ered Luin. And in truth, the laws of life and death say I should have died in those mountains. The burden of my oath and the loss of my brothers should have finished me if not my wounds from fighting," Nyx explained.

"You swore the oath of Fëanor?" Aragorn said, his shock evident.

She nodded, "It was the greatest mistake of my life and my deepest regret. I wish I had not taken it nor that any had. For perhaps many would still live and I would not have lost my family."

"The brothers you spoke of, they were the sons of Fëanor? And they died?" Frodo blurted out.

"By blade and fire and loss, one by one they fell to ruin. Just as it was foretold by Mandos. We began as eight, now we are one. My nephew died in the Second Age, and with him the supposed line of Fëanor," Nyx replied.

She reached up and touched nine beads that hung by the two given to her by Airon. Each was made of burnished copper with a symbol on it. "I made a bead for each of them and a symbol so I could remember what they did both for me and others. A jewel for my father, a ring for my nephew. Curufin I gave a hammer, Celegorm a wolfhound. Amrod and Amras a bow and arrow, Caranthir a bat for his skill at stealth. Maglor his great harp and Maedhros a shield. It was Maedhros who led us and protected us. I cannot forget the sting of realizing he was gone too."