Maedhros would know that secret sweetness well. He has it himself, always did. People outside the family would not necessarily know that, because what they saw was the fiery sons of Fëanor, stern of face and iron in strength, always ready to fight, kill or die. But they had that other side to them as well. And of course the younger six had wanted the attention of the eldest! They worshipped him. They loved him dearly.

"I can understand how hard it must have been to say goodbye to your foster-sons. And yet. . . that was an act of love. Letting them go on to their destinies, to do their part in saving the world."