tolkien100 | "For us the time is short", by Himring (Doomed to Die challenge)

Title : "For us the time is short"
Author : Himring
Fandom/Source : Silmarillion
Rating : PG13
Characters : Maeglin, Hurin
Disclaimer : Tolkien's characters (no offence intended, no monetary recompense received).
Spoilers/Warnings : Allusion to Eol's death and to the Battle of Sudden Flame.
Summary: Hurin and Huor have obtained leave from Turgon to leave Gondolin, partly on the grounds of their short life span. Maeglin told them, in Turgon's hearing: "the law is become less stern than aforetime". After that conversation, Maeglin visits Caragdur, where Eol was executed.

He stood gazing out over the precipice. Nobody came here; he was surprised to hear steps approaching.

It was Hurin.

‘I asked why you said what you did. They told me about your parents. I am sorry.’

Maeglin gazed at him rather blankly. It had been the first time he had ever come close to saying to Turgon: Could you not have let him go?

‘I do not begrudge you the leave,’ he said finally.

How staunchly the young Mortal believed in Gondolin, in Turgon’s plans! Even though, when his home was attacked, Turgon had not moved hand or foot.

A/N: The title is quoted from Hurin's previous words to Turgon. Maeglin is said to dislike all Men by the canonical text, although it seems unlikely he had actually met any at this point besides Hurin and Huor, so I'm choosing to take that with a grain of salt, meant to foreshadow the later thing with Tuor. Maeglin's comment to Hurin reads to me as if it is really aimed at Turgon. It's interesting to consider that, by Elvish standards, Maeglin might still be approximately as young as Hurin is, by the standards of the Edain.
I do have an idea for the Hunger challenge, but it's one that I'm not ready to write yet.