Chapter Text
"I've already made my decision," said Nela. "Would you insist I change my mind if I was one of your male friends, Finek?"
"I do not insist, and I respect your courage. I just... don’t want any harm to come to you."
"I feel the same about you, but I will not stop you. And as for me, I already know what it means to fight. Civillians like me liberated Warsaw with you, don’t you remember? I'm ready to do what it takes again."
Indeed, they did what it took that night – more than Fingon thought it will.
There was not even that much Russian presence in the city. The problem was, some senior Polish officers, multiple generals among them, turned out to not believe in the cause. In the end, Warsaw was fighting itself. And that meant much more blood than Fingon expected.
Both stayed silent for a while.
"I understand," said Fingon. "Do you already have documents?"
"Father made them for me."
"You told him?"
"Yes. I couldn't trust him with our engagement, but with this? He just called me his little Amazon. I'll be Majdros now," pronouncing the name, she smiled briefly, then sighed. "I don’t have education in those matters, but... well. I'll need to be smart and figure it out. He believes in me."
"And so do I. I'll help you get recruited... Majdros."
"Thank you," she smiled again.
"It's fine," he said, and after a moment added: "You also need to know, I might be sent away from Warsaw soon. The fight is spreading."
"Be careful," she took his hand. "I know you'll be brave, but be careful too. Spartan women used to say: come back with the shield or on it. But I'm not Spartan. I want you to live, Finek."
"I will be careful. I cannot avoid danger, but I have too much to live for to die out of foolishness. And you know... you might not be Spartan, but you're no less beautiful than Helen."
"Helen in trousers?"
Indeed, she was already dressed in men's clothes. Her hair was cut short, and no powder covered her freckles. She was blooming, as if something was awakened within her, and there was fire in her eyes – and Fingon had never seen her this beautiful.
"Yes."
"Ah. I don’t like that story. Well, more just feel bad for her and don’t like how people hate her."
"Sorry if the comparison upset you. I didn't mean... that."
"No, I know what you meant."
If someone took you away, Fingon thought, I would fight for you. But to save you, never to own or control you. I know what you resent in marriage, but to me you'll always be a person, like I am. Not a beautiful gem.
"Finek?"
"Yes?"
"What are you thinking about?"
"Just... I suppose I can put it this way – you deserve the best, and not for your looks. I hope you'll be happy with me as your husband."
"I know I will," she said. "And I love you, Finek. I'll marry no other."