Disclaimer: Aegnor, Andreth and all related characters belong to JRR Tolkien. No intentional copyright infringement is intended through their use.

A/N: What information there was on Andreth and Aegnor were taken from HoME 10: Morgoth's Ring, from the section of "Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth." There was not much to go on by, so please forgive me if there's anything wrong.

   This is also an "answer" to my Valentine's Day request/challenge to the Elhellond group.

Dedication: To Cirdan, who is still accepting belated birthday fics from the year before. Sorry for it being late and short.

Song of the Sharp-flame

   When the Siege of Angband was formed, a little peace came to the lands of Middle Earth, and the Elves and Men rested but were watchful and wary, for many trusted not in the strength of the Siege.

   Yet, because of the many long and bitter battles the Elves had fought—both against the Shadow and their own kin—they took the chance for rest, turning to music and songs once again, though their swords were ever by their sides.

   Aegnor Aikanár, the Sharp-flame, brother of Finrod Felagund, did not do so. Like his brother, Aegnor did not trust that the Siege would hold, and he would frequently take small parties of Elves with him to scout for news and for Orcs. At times, he would go alone, always wary and careful.

   His hands stayed rather to his sword and bow than to the harp or flute, staying true to his promise that until Morgoth was cast down, he would sing no song and play no music unless they be victory over the Shadow.

   So it was that Aegnor returned from scouting one dawn, hastening to his brother's camp, eager for rest and food. He climbed one of the hills that populated Dorthonion some leagues away from Finrod's camp, and his ears picked up on a faint but fair melody.

   The song gave his weary limbs strength, and he climbed to the top in haste. And on the peak, he saw that the sun had arisen, and standing before it was a fair maiden, singing and dancing, oblivious to aught else. Her steps were long and her black hair shone with the red of the sun.

   Aegnor watched her for a long time, being enamoured of her. He hastened forth, making deliberate noises as he did so, and the maiden stopped, turning to face him.

   And he saw then that she was of Men, a Mortal, without the pointed ears of fairness of the Elves. But he cared not for those, and saw only her beauty for itself.

   She, seeing that he was an Elf, was not afraid, and smiled to him.

   "What is your name, fair lady?" He asked.

   "Andreth, lord." She gazed at him. "You look weary. Do you have need of a place to rest?"

   "I need no rest but for your songs and dances, Andreth," he said. "They give strength to me. Would you sing and dance for me each day at dawn and dusk, Andreth?"

   She cast her eyes shyly to the ground. "If you wish it so, lord."

   And Aegnor departed from her back to Finrod's camp, returning to the hill every dawn and dusk, watching as Andreth danced and sang for him.

   Many days passed, and one dusk, Agenor took Andreth's hands in his and danced with her upon the grass as Ithil started to wax. To her voice he added words from songs of Elvenkind, proclaiming his love.

   And Aegnor Sharp-flame sang.

~finis~