The bright fëa sighed, then bowed.

"I would still like to speak with him, my lord," he said.

Fëanor looked up when his half-brother came into his cell in Mandos. For a moment, the two fëar just looked at each other. Then Fingolfin spoke.

"I kept my oath," he said bluntly. Fëanor raised his eyebrows.

"What oath?" he asked. Fingolfin smiled grimly.

"Half-brother in blood, full brother in heart will I be. Thou shalt lead and I will follow," he quoted sardonically. He leaned forward.

"I followed. When you left us, and betrayed all those who remained behind, I followed the only way I could, across the Helcaraxë. I followed in your footsteps when my son rescued yours from Thangorodrim, and Maedhros abdicated in my favor. I followed, fighting the war you started. I died fighting Morgoth himself, following not only what you did, but what you wanted to do! And now I have followed you into death itself."

Fingolfin leaned forward until there was mere inches between the half-brothers.

"I have kept my oath. But I tell you this, brother, I will follow you no more." With that, he turned and left, leaving Fëanor behind, stunned.


Poor Fingolfin's had a bad day.