The balance of power shifts in Nargothrond with news of Finrod Felagund's heroic demise.

The King is Dead, Long Live the King

Year 465

Orodreth

Uncle Finrod is dead. I am officially king of the hidden city of Nargothrond. Finduilas (dear child) promised to hold my hand if I get nervous during the coronation. At least we got rid of those Feanorions and their bad luck. I suppose Tyelpe will fill in his father's duties in the local forge, or we can pack him off to Cirdan's like the Council suggested. Not sure I like the new regal robes I need to wear now, though. They are so heavy and itchy, now I understand why Uncle sometimes tore them off to his undershirt once the formal part of Council's over.

Finduilas

Poor Uncle Finrod. And we didn't even get a chance to give him a proper Noldor send-off on a funeral pyre. I suppose I better start planning my wedding and revamping my entire wardrobe before then. Being the king's grand-niece is one thing, but being the King's daughter is another level entirely. I do wish it was not protocol to have a dozen silly handmaidens trailing after me – it really puts a damper on my meetings with my fiancé. Plus they are distracting him with their idle chatter. I know he is just trying to be polite but still, I don't need to hear how pretty you find some other elleth's new dress, or walk someone else home. Perhaps I should raise his ire a wee bit by calling on Tyelpe in the forge… I do wonder if he needs cheering up after disowning his father.

Celebrimbor

I doubt the Council will tolerate having me about much longer, even if I did cut off all ties with my father and uncles. I suppose it will be best for me to seek sanctuary elsewhere. I am not calling on my Uncle Caranthir. I bet my ada and uncle Celegorm are there as his guests. Not too certain the Dwarves will accept me as a long-term guest. And I will probably keep banging my head on their ceilings. I don't even speak the same language as the Avari and Elu Thingol probably hates my Noldor guts. The seaside sounds tempting, unless Lord Osse is still offended about those Swan-ships and tries to drown me while I am enjoying a sunset stroll by the water. I suppose there are worse ways to go.

I owe Finrod an apology on my father and uncle's behalf. Thingol's daughter too, but she got Huan and her Man, so I guess that evens things out. I really will like to continue contributing to the prosperity of Nargothrond but I seem to be getting shockingly accident-prone in the forge. Leaky crucibles spewing hot metals, loose pulley-blocks falling around me.

Nearly dropped in on Lord Namo this morning when that mold I was using for casting shields just exploded. Thank the Valar for sturdily-made Dwarf-style forge aprons, safety boots, gloves, and face guards. One more such 'accident' and I am out of here for the sake of my good health and continued well-being.

Gwindor

Not too sure how this is going to affect our relationship now Finduilas is tentatively King's heir. My Atto's pushing for us to get the wedding over with but I think it will be disrespectful to our late King. Not too mention we need to rethink the entire ceremony and arrangements. Then there's all those fair (but brainless) maidens that keep fluttering about her like butterflies. We can't even get an intelligent conversation going without someone turning it into gossip fodder for the Council. I feel that Finduilas seems to be holding herself aloof now… Maybe I am not ranked highly enough to suit her. Is there any way I can get a promotion or something in this city? Maybe if I start training hard for the next battle…

Guilin

Trying to get my stubborn-to-goodness son to see sense and marry the princess before some other upstart noble tries to lay claim to her. I do rather fancy having a grandson in line for the throne after all. Then he has this crazy idea of risking it all by going on some risky mission… Thank goodness he is too late to go rescue our late king. I already lost one son to the Shadow. I do not intend to lose another. I better get him a place on King Orodreth's honour guard.

Author's Notes:

Have I missed out anyone from Nargothrond at this point?