"Do not worry, Ferenaiwë. We will return - the hosts of Moringotho have everywhere been defeated, and we shall strike the final blow!"
"You know my love for you is great, husband. But I worry for others than myself, too. How is a child to grow without his father?"
"Rest easily! I assure you, I will -"
"Tandoher!" a voice came from the host. "We are leaving!"
"Farewell, love. We will meet again" cried Tandoher, as the host departed.
"Farewell, my dear" she spoke quietly.
---------------------------------------------------
A rider came to the house. Ferenaiwë recognised him - he was Tandoher's friend, and one of the messengers of the armies. She went out to greet him, and the young Elf gazing from the window could not hear them.
"Airastë! What news do you bring?" Ferenaiwë asked, voice filled with awaitment and and worry. "How went the battle?"
"The battle was won; the hosts of Moringotho were scattered and slain."
Ferenaiwë's heart was liftenened, and joy sparkled in her eyes.
"But..." Airastë uttered the words slowly and somehow difficultly. "I regret to announce that your husband has been slain. I have this for you." Airastë handed her a small gem in a chain of silver and gold. Ferenaiwë was devastated; this was a gift from her to her husband. She could not utter a word, and Airastë bowed and left.
--------------------------------------------------
"Where is Father?" the child asked his mother, who laid still on the bed, in silence. "Where is he, Mother?" Time passed, and no answer came.
"Mother, I am hungry."
People came in. They were Ferenaiwë's friends, having heard what had happened. They found the child sitting next to the bed, weeping and calling for his mother.
----------------------------------------------------
Note: names are in Quenya, because Thingol hadn't yet banned its use. Moringotho is Morgoth, and the story takes place at the time of Dagor Aglareb.
