Work Text:
F.A. 540
Maedhros,
Lalwen is dead.
The last outpost of the Noldor outside of Balar and Amon Ereb has fallen with her. I do not know what became of all the warriors with her. Morgoth placed her body within sight of Círdan’s ship when last Círdan’s sailors went to survey the coast - or perhaps it was Sauron, for it seems more his work. But the others who stayed with her to defend the last retreat have not been found.
I will not tell you what to do if they appear in your camp, save to say that as much grief as you have brought to both our family and the line of Doriath, I remember too that Eärendil’s sons appear much like their great-uncle. They are reliant on your judgment now. Do not fail them for Morgoth’s captives. We cannot save all of them, no matter how pity moves your heart, for the Doom presses ever harder on us. If any among them finds their way to you and seems well enough to cross the mountains, send them there. Morgoth’s attention is focused on us and they may escape his notice if they are truly freed of his control.
We are the eldest of our house left now on these shores.
I shall keep Ereinion safe as long as I may, so that the kingship does not end like this. Maglor and you must keep Eärendil’s sons safe. I know what calls to you. Unless you wish to doom them as we doomed ourselves and our elders doomed themselves, delay your quest long enough for the boys to protect themselves.
Galadriel