As Maeglin stepped inside the entrance hall he heard the shouts and chaos as the defence at the gates had broken. Smiling grimly he knew that the building he stood in would fall very soon. As the thought passed his mind the foundations shook as something seemed to have hit it from behind. He heard screams of the maidens and children hiding inside where they had believed it to be safe.
Striding down corridors Maeglin threw himself to the side as part of the ceiling and walls caved in. Through the gaping hole he could see the swarm of black creatures pushing through the gates and a few of the survivors running towards the building he stood in. To his dismay Tuor was alive still and as Maeglin frowned down at him, Tuor chanced to look up and spotted Maeglin. Cursing, Maeglin hurried on, knowing now that his time was limited as Tuor knew what he had done and what he was going to do.
Bursting in through the doorway of Idril's room Maeglin smiled at her. How beautiful she looked, even in shock.
"Maeglin! What is happening? How did they find out?" she cried to him as she cradled her son to her. Maeglin only smiled at her again in reply. Suddenly realisation dawned on her and in horror she backed away from him "You!" she gasped. "How could you!? After all we have done for you?!"
"All you have done for me?" Maeglin exclaimed angrily "All you have done for me is to shun me, to reject me…but no longer!" Idril tried to edge towards the door but the wild light in Maeglin's eyes pierced through her and he seized her arm as she tried to run.
The building shook again, tears dripped down Idril's face as Maeglin forced a kiss upon her. The sound of another roof caving in caused the young Eärendil to wail in fright
"We cannot linger here," Maeglin announced and he dragged Idril by her arm along corridors to reach the walls of the city.
The light off the fires destroying the beautiful lawns and trees played across Maeglin's dark features, Idril cowered away from him and tried her best to comfort Eärendil despite her own tears.
Maeglin turned in shock at the sound of running feet and then pulled Idril roughly behind him as Tuor, sword drawn drew closer.
"Traitor!" Tuor spat "Leave my wife and son alone. You must face the consequences for your actions!" Surprisingly Maeglin stepped forwards towards Tuor; suddenly Idril screamed a warning as she saw the dark dagger Maeglin had hidden from Tuor. In the firelight Idril saw the blade skim over Tuor's head as he ducked underneath, Tuor jumped upright and grasped the hand Maeglin held the dagger in. With his spare hand Maeglin desperately tried to grasp Tuor's neck. Idril would not be taken from him now.
Tuor stopped the attack and Maeglin was caught off balance as his other hand was gripped by Tuor. His feet desperately tried to balance him on the edge of the wall but it took one slight push from Tuor and Maeglin fell.
Looking up he saw Idril run to Tuor and embrace him, he heard the screams of countless others and felt guilt. Tears sprung to his eyes…all he had wanted was her…and he had aided the sack of the last safe city.
Idril was all he lived for, and now she was out of his reach forever.