A Common Root, by Himring (non-challenge)

[hhimring]

Author: Himring
Source / Fandom: Silmarillion
Rating: PG
Warnings: allusion to canonical character deaths
Characters: Fingon, Hurin
Disclaimer: According to Tolkien, these two canonical characters must have talked, but we have no record of any private conversation.
Summary: Fingon, the High King, and Hurin, lord of Dor-lomin, have both suffered grievous loss, but Hurin has recently won a battle for Fingon. A bonding moment.
Author notes: Inspired by the discovery that the canonical bynames of Fingon and Hurin are (probably) etymologically related, although they are not usually rendered in the same way. (Written for a prompt "name".)

‘I hear they are calling you Thalion, now,’ said Fingon, almost casually.
‘I guess they do.’
‘Don’t be embarrassed, Hurin—it is well-deserved! Do you know they used to give me a similar byname? The Valiant. The Quenya word astalda is related. It was intended humorously, originally, I believe.’
As far as Hurin knew, everyone was still calling Fingon ‘Valiant’ and they were entirely serious in doing so, regardless of their recent grievous losses.
‘I suppose a partly shared name constitutes some sort of brotherhood?’ offered Fingon wryly.
‘Of course it does,’ said Hurin heartily. ‘Brotherhood! Let’s drink to that!’

Cross-posted from Dreamwidth