Disclaimer: The Silmarillion and all its characters belong to Tolkien, I don't profit from any fanwork.
The day had ended, and it had taken with it the last remaining visitors. Finarfin stood alone and in silence in the throne room.
It had been the day of his official appointment as the King of the Noldor.
It wasn't a celebration, for Finarfin deemed it unwise and had little cause to celebrate. His uncle, Ingwë had been present along with his mother. Earwen had represented her father, his absence understandable in his eyes. He still struggled to meet Olwë and Eärwen's eyes.
The shame of his kin's actions weighted heavy upon his shoulders. Even if those who had followed him and his children had done what little they could to defend Olwë's people. It had been too little and it had been too late. The sand had been tainted an unnatural scarlet. Some days he could still hear the screams of the Teleri, he could still smell the coppery scent of blood and it turned his stomach.
Manwë, Varda and several other Valar had been present. Mandos absence was noted, but Finarfin understood. He understood it too well. His once sister in law had been absent too, Nerdanel had declined the invitation; for she rarely left her father's house or Aulë's smithy. He both understood her and pitied her, they were both to loose their children and they would bare the knowledge of their kin's actions. She had lost a husband and he nearly lost Eärwen too, after the slaying she had stayed in Alqualondë for a time; choosing to remain at what was left of her own kin's side.
Finarfin wouldn't and couldn't blame her. To this day he still felt the ghost of the Noldor's actions between them.
And now, a crown sat upon his forehead. It wasn't that of his father, it was a new one made by Aulë, it was just a simple circlet of gold. He didn't need more.
At some point, the tears began to fall freely without him noticing and he knelt, hugged himself and in the darkness, Finarfin wept.
A/N: I don't have a beta and while I try to make sure there are no mistakes, I might have missed something. Please let me know if I did. All reviews and constructive criticism are very much welcome. Thank you for reading.