Heart of Flame: A Tale Of Sauron

The Last of Summer Wine

A freezing rain rattled the tree branches as Luimëníssë followed her husband towards the outskirts of Fëanor's encampment, his hand gripping her own. The hood of her cloak was drawn over her forehead, hiding her tears. Curvo sensed her distress and peered over his shoulder, his hair hanging limp with wet. 

"He'll come around. Don't fret," he spoke coolly, though the muscles in his jaw were tense. "Give him time."

When they had first gone to Fingolfin's camp to seek refuge after a watchful night in the forest, they were given an icy welcome. Luimëníssë bit her tongue, unwilling to tell her husband that it was probably due to his aloof demeanor. Even his attitude towards Írissë had been cold. Curvo spoke with his uncle, telling him of their new status as husband and wife. Luimëníssë had held her head high despite the stares of shock and censure from those present. As though they weren't as guilty of taking up arms against her people.

Fingolfin had sent them away politely, saying that if he received them into his encampment, it could stress already tense relations between he and his brother. Curvo had scowled, grabbed her hand and strode from the tent, his body rigid with frustration. He told her they had no other option now, but to join his father's people. He didn't feel safe having her exposed in the forest another night, especially after she had run across the monstrous wolf pack lurking in the darkness.

Vantaro's welcome had been even more disturbing. They had found him with her cousins Ingoldo and Artanis. Luimëníssë had pulled her little brother aside to tell him that he was to come with her now to Fëanor's encampment with her new husband. Curvo had stood to the side, ignoring the frigid glares from Ingoldo and Artanis with pompous indifference. Frustration rose up in her that Curvo didn't at least make an effort. With Vantaro especially. The child eyed him, fingering his beloved bow, his small hands lingering on the arrows in his belt.

"I will not go with you," he announced, lifting his chin much like their mother did when she was being firm. He was so much like Nanwë in that moment, it took Luimëníssë's breath away. "I will not live among those who murdered our family."

Ingoldo passed an uneasy look to Luimëníssë then knelt next to the child. "Things will be very different from now on between our families, Vantaro. You must understand that there are those in this encampment who committed similar crimes."

Vantaro spit in Curvo's general direction. "I will not make my bed among kinslayers, unlike my sister."

Curvo gave an amused scoff. Luimëníssë rose to her feet, her face burning hot with shame. Vantaro's eyes softened with regret as he peered back at her, but then Curvo stepped forward.

"Vantaro. You must go where your sister is and she is with me now, whether you like it or not. She is my wife and you are her brother. We are kin," he explained in a prideful tone, his gaze chilled with impatience. "You don't have much choice in the matter."

He took another step towards him. Vantaro slipped out of Ingoldo's grasp, his bright eyes alight with fury. Whipping an arrow from his belt, he strung the bow and aimed it towards Curvo, backing away slowly. Curvo lifted a unimpressed brow.

"I am sorry, Luimëníssë, but I will not go with you." Turning on his heel, Vantaro fled into the depths of the encampment. Ingoldo hurried after him, calling his name. 

Artanis came alongside Luimëníssë, laying a steadying hand to her trembling shoulder. "We can keep him here with us for a time till he accepts it."

Luimëníssë peered down at her shaking hands. "I fear he will never accept it."

"He loves you dearly. He will eventually." Artanis cast a disproving stare in Curvo's direction. "For your sake at least."

Curvo chuckled mirthlessly, the sound grating on her nerves. "Come wife. I believe that once a weapon is pulled on you, that is the best sign that you are not welcome."