When word reached Eärendil’s spouse,
She received Amrod in her own house,
Though its furnishings lacked splendorous dignity,
The Elf-prince respected their simplicity,
Before he could be met he was met with surprise,
As two Elf-children ran before his eyes,
Laughing and shouting, they circled the room,
Innocent of their forthcoming doom,
Their mother, Elwing, chased after the boys,
And in her face Amrod found peace amid the noise,
For though she had known sorrow and grievances,
She had no concept of the guilt that was his,
But when she saw the envoy she frowned,
Ushered away her children, hardly making a sound,
“Well met, gentle lady of the Sirion!”
Spoke loudly Amrod Fëanor-ion,
“Hold your tongue Amrod; I am not here to hear,
Your words lest I cut you from ear to ear,
Were this not my husband’s hall,
Your chances of leaving alive would be small,”
Amrod replied “Harsh words you have served,
Though I will not say they were not deserved,”
“Ever they will be,” Elwing cut in,
“For those brought Doriath to ruin,”
“Were it not for you and your brethren five,
My parents and brothers would yet be alive,”
Now her voice rose, fierce and fey,
“To you Amrod Carnfinda, I have naught to say!”
She turned, giving a stare helcë-cold,
One that would shake the boldest of the bold,
Amrod stood still, his brow aflame,
For Elwing’s words had awoken his shame,
Núrhanda, Eärendil’s steward, ended the silence,
Implored, “My lord, forget that past violence,
Lady Elwing mourns for her parents and her brothers twin,
But this haven is also home to the Gondolindrim,
Many here would learn what you have to say,
Leave us not as children in the dark I pray”
“Then I will tell you I sought the son of Tuor,
To assure him of the friendship of the sons of Fëanor,”
“On my sire’s behalf I thank you,” Núrhanda did speak,
“But I sense it is not merely friendship you seek,”
“Your presumption is correct,” Amrod admitted,
“I have come for the jewel that in the Nauglamír is fitted,”
At this those of the household turned hostile,
Even good natured Núrhanda bent back his smile,
He saw that Amrod would not be denied,
Yet with proud eloquence he firmly replied:
“You mean the gem Lúthien wore, that Beren won?
That afterwards was worn by Dior their son?
Much my lady’s house has endured for that stone,
Part with it they shall not, till the world be overthrown,”
“Esteemed are their struggles,” came Amrod’s response,
“To dishonour them I did not think once,
But of sorrow they have already known too much,
And neither you nor I wish on them more of such,”
“I myself do not but I cannot speak for you,
Who brought death to the realm of King Elu,
I ask you, Carnfinda, what sense would it be,
To abandon our talisman of prosperity?”
Amrod answered, “Good sense, for though you are brave,
Little that shall aid you,” his tone now grave,
“If your view of my kin has become distorted,
Know now that we shall not be thwarted,”
“Well as I have already made clear,
My lord Eärendil is not here,
It is not for me to speak in his stead,”
Spoke Núrhanda to the one whose hair was red,
“In that case,” said Amrod, “This meeting is ceased,
And when I return my words may not be ones of peace,”
And with that Amrod the Red went forth,
And rode to his brothers in the north,
