Disclaimer: I do not own, nor presume to own any of J.R.R. Tolkien's work.

A Family's Destiny

The sun has not yet set but my life is already darkened. A little more than an hour ago, my brother and I parted ways. He left for Numenor, the Valar's gift to him and his descendants. My brother chose to live as a mortal blessed with the Gift of Eru.

The day before was spent quietly contemplating life without the other. I could not look at his face for his eyes perfectly reflected my own grief. We could not speak to one another, in fear our voice would reveal our true feelings to the others in the room. We would not show weakness, we will not shed any tears.

This afternoon had a light-hearted mood while my dear brother and I were in denial. We had playfully said our goodbyes, ruffling each other's hair and reminiscing about our childhood. To onlookers, it was only two brothers separating for a week. However, it was the separation of a lifetime. We know it would be the last time we spent as brothers.

I am an Elf, immortal and wise, beyond any Edain. Elros would live on an island with mortals until the day he dies. Death. Eru's Gift to Men. It is now his doom. My kin, my brother, my twin, we seem destined to live separated from our family.