An Attempt at Redemption - by Amber
He ran north and east as the pain in his remaining hand burned. He had known before he slew the soldiers in the camp that this would be the end of him. He had tried to save as much as he could of his younger brother’s fate, but it was not to be. Maglor had seen through his distraction and ridden after him. At least he had not let him further drench his hands with more blood. No, that he had reserved for himself.
He had been surprised when Eonwe stopped those chasing them from killing them, but then had seen Maglor’s foster-sons among the crowd. He had sent a silent prayer of thanks to Eru that the young ones were spared the pain of seeing their deaths. As much as they had tried to shield them, they had known too much pain growing up. He had overheard talk of the cruel separation to come for them as they had neared the camp. He knew then that in taking and raising the twins, they had passed on at least some of the curse to them. It was this fact that drove him away more than anything.
For just a moment he had been tempted by Eönwë’s plea to return and face judgment. Then he remembered the tortured eyes of Elrond in the crowd and decided against it. To stay and face judgment would only cause the memories to linger over the twin’s future, and that he would not do. As he rounded the corner of the path he saw what he was looking for across the way.
He was tired as he neared the edge of the path. The pain in his hand was a constant reminder of his sins and of how unworthy he really was. He had been a disappointment to both of his parents when he did not inherit any of the artistic talents they carried. He realized now that he had made the mistake of trying to be a good son through blind obedience. He had come to believe that this failing in him had led not only to his own downfall but also to Maglor’s and his twin brother’s. Now it was time to pay for his mistakes, but in doing so he would take his father’s cursed jewel away with him. Let no other fall under its evil spell. Maglor had agreed with his plan to take them away to prevent others from following in their shoes. He hoped that his brother could find the forgiveness and peace he sought afterwards.
He knew they would think their fleeing was because the jewels had driven them mad, but he did not care. In many ways, this was actually redemption for them; let them think what they wanted. As he neared the edge and prepared to huddle himself into the sea of molten rock below, he knelt and cried out to Ilúvatar one final time.
“Forgive me! Do not let the others suffer because they chose to follow me. I take full responsibility for not only my actions but theirs also. They would not have committed the hideous crimes we did without me to guide them. Please Lord, hear my plea. Let me take the punishment meant for them and return them to the innocents I failed to protect. And please Eru, do not let the taint of our curse follow Eärendil’s sons. They truly are innocent and do not deserve to carry our stain. It is with my life I pay for my crimes, and in doing so put the jewel that caused so much trouble into your keeping.”
It was with a sigh of relief that he felt the ground below him give way. He knew he had been heard and that this was his answer.
“Thank you,” he whispered as he fell one final time.