eowyn disciple

(Artanis like Psykhê is the youngest daughter/child of there respective families) Artanis begs her parents to leave her home so that she could explore the world, this is where she finds herself in Doriath. where the people whisper about her great and brilliant hair. She is welcomed by Melian and it during that time that she decides on marring the Prince of Doriath, Celeborn.

"[...} but the youngest girl’s looks were so delightful, so dazzling, no human speech in its poverty could celebrate them, or even rise to adequate description." 'Apuleius, The Golden Ass', Book IV :28 -31 The tale of Cupid and Psyche: fatal beauty

(while Aphrodite plays the major inspiration for Melkor in this au, I also imagine him being more like the Goddess Eris with his domain being of strife, discord, contention and rivalry. But it's also important to note that Aphrodite also has association with war so it all works out.) Melkor the keeper of Silmarils begins hearing whispers of the brilliant hair possessed by the elven princess, he grows jealous and summons his most loyal servant, Mairon. Driven by wrath he decided he will not share the Silmarils reverence with the girl.

"Am I to suffer the vagaries of vicarious reverence, a share in the worship of my divinity? […] But she’ll reap no joy from usurping my honours, whatever she may be: I’ll soon make her regret that illicit beauty of hers.” 'Apuleius, The Golden Ass', Book IV :28 -31 The tale of Cupid and Psyche: fatal beauty

"And she swiftly summoned Cupid, that son of hers, a winged and headstrong boy, who with his wicked ways and contempt for public order [...] committing such shameful acts with impunity, and doing not an ounce of good." 'Apuleius, The Golden Ass', Book IV :28 -31 The tale of Cupid and Psyche: fatal beauty

“by the bond of maternal love, by you arrows’ sweet wounds, by the honeyed licking of your flames, revenge your mother fully; exact harsh punishment from defiant beauty. One act of yours, pursued with a will, would accomplish all: let the girl be seized by violent, burning passion for the most wretched of men, one to whom Fortune has denied rank, wealth, even health, one so insignificant there is none on earth equal to him in misery.” 'Apuleius, The Golden Ass', Book IV :28 -31 The tale of Cupid and Psyche: fatal beauty

(While Aphrodite uses maternal love, 'Storgē' to send Eros on his mission, I think it would be better to change the love experienced between Melkor and Marion to 'Eros'.) Marion disguise himself and watches her from afar, waiting for the right moment to strike. But its in this time that he falls for her allure and so he decided to keep her beauty and pride for himself. On the day of her wedding to Prince Celeborn. Marion attacks Doriath and holds Lúthien and demands for Artanis. Thingol and Melian with great grief send Artanis off.

"But the need to obey the divine command sent poor Psyche to meet the sentence decreed, the ritual preparations for the fatal marriage were completed in utter sorrow, and the living corpse was led from the house surrounded by all the people. Tearful Psyche walked along, not in wedding procession, but in her own funeral cortege." 'Apuleius, The Golden Ass', Book IV :32 -33 The tale of Cupid and Psyche: the oracle

(She is unaware that this Gorthaur/Sauron (as she knows him) at this time, only thinking him a dark spirt) Artanis is taken by Marion donned his dark armor with his face covered, she is placed in Tol-in-Gaurhoth. Her resolve isn't shattered and decides to explore her new gilded cage. It's then that Marion reaches out and speaks to her through their minds.

" Seduced by the attractions of this lovely place Psyche moved closer and, gaining confidence, dared to cross the threshold. Now her desire to gaze on all these beautiful things led her to examine every object closely. […] As she looked around her, in rapturous delight, a bodiless voice spoke to her: “Lady, why are you so surprised at all this vast wealth? All that is here is yours. So retire to your room, and ease your weariness on the bed, and when you wish you can bathe. The voices you may hear are those of your servants, we who wait on you willingly, and when your body is refreshed we will be ready with a feast.” 'Apuleius, The Golden Ass', Book V:1-3 The tale of Cupid and Psyche: the palace

(Unlike the myth Artanis and Marion have yet to marry, so at this time he is merely her keeper and she is prisoner, the 'the new bride no longer virgin' plot of myth is moved to a later part of this au) In the time Artanis and Marion get to know each other in Tol-in-Gaurhoth (its going as you expected, tons of bickering through the mind and threats of violence) Soon enough Melian informs Artanis elder brothers of the fate of their sister, they soon make there way to Doriath where they plan to rescue their sister.

"The story had spread far and wide, and her elder sisters learning of all that had occurred, abandoned their own homes, and sorrowing and lamenting, vied with each other in bringing solace to their parents." 'Apuleius, The Golden Ass', Book V:4-6 The tale of Cupid and Psyche: the mysterious husband

I believe its during this period of time that Artanis become codependent on his company and becomes distraught when ever he leaves her in the company of his servants but even more she grieves the family she will never see again. For every time she attempts to escape and stops her and she is back to square one. While Artanis still distrust him they grow closer and when her grief becomes to much she pleas to see her family again in return Marion (succumbed to his affection for) tells Artanis she must bind herself to him, to marry him and to not tell his secrets or investigate the truth of his identity.

"But when he had vanished with the darkness, she spent the day weeping and grieving wretchedly, repeating again and again that she was truly dead, caged by the walls of her luxurious prison, bereft of human company and mortal speech, unable to tell her sisters not to mourn for her, and worse unable even to see them." 'Apuleius, The Golden Ass', Book V:4-6 The tale of Cupid and Psyche: the mysterious husband

"But Psyche pleaded with him, threatening to die if he would not agree to her desire to see her sisters, speak with them, and ease her sorrows. So he acceded to his new bride’s prayers [...] But he warned her, time and again, often with threats, never to yield if her sisters gave her bad advice or urged her to investigate his appearance. Otherwise, through curiosity, her act of sacrilege would hurl her from the heights of good fortune, and she would never enjoy his embraces more." 'Apuleius, The Golden Ass', Book V:4-6 The tale of Cupid and Psyche: the mysterious husband

"He succumbed reluctantly to the strength and power of her seductive murmurs, promising to agree to everything, and then as daylight drew near vanished from his wife’s embrace." 'Apuleius, The Golden Ass', Book V:4-6 The tale of Cupid and Psyche: the mysterious husband

The night before he allows her to see her brothers again he weds her in shadow. Thus hearing her brothers pleas at the bottom of Tol-in-Gaurhoth, Atrantis ascends and quells her brothers anguish. She most happy to be held again by Finrod. It's not long before her brothers come to question her well being and the nature of the man that has abducted and wedded their sister. So Atrantis pretended he was a young and handsome man (why is this line so halbrand coded lol), with just the hint of a beard on his cheeks, and works the forge with great dedication. Worried what would happen to those she loves if she reveals anything more she sends her brothers away with three swords forged by her husband.

Her unknown husband had arrived and mounted the bed, and made Psyche his wife, departing swiftly before light fell. The servant-voices waiting in her chamber cared for the new bride no longer virgin. 'Apuleius, The Golden Ass', Book V:4-6 The tale of Cupid and Psyche: the mysterious husband

"Then they called their poor sister’s name till Psyche came running from the palace, distraught and trembling, at the sound of their melancholy voices descending the slope. “Why tear your selves apart with heart-wrenching grief?” she cried. “I who you mourn am here. Cease those sad sounds and dry your cheeks drenched in tears, you can embrace the girl for whom you weep.” 'Apuleius, The Golden Ass', Book V:7-10 The tale of Cupid and Psyche: the wicked sisters

"They started to question her endlessly, inquisitively, and intensively. Who owned these divine objects? What sort of man was her husband and who on earth was he? But Psyche could not banish the thought of her secret promise and violate her pledge to her husband, so she pretended he was a young and handsome man, with just the hint of a beard on his cheeks, who spent his days hunting over the fields and hillsides. But afraid of revealing something if the talk continued, and so betraying his trust, she heaped gold and jewellery in their hands, called there and then for Zephyr, and placed her sisters in his charge so he might return them." 'Apuleius, The Golden Ass', Book V:7-10 The tale of Cupid and Psyche: the wicked sisters

(The story deviates from here, instead of envy, her brothers are consumed by distrust and anguish and continue to push Atrantis to discover her husbands secrets, for how could he truly love Atrantis if his identity remains secret.) Now more than ever she is blinded by her stubborn pride and with the encouragement of her beloved brothers, a seed is planted in her head to reveal his identity. Before she succumbs to her curiosity, Marion comes to her informing her of the blessed child that has been conceived in the shadow of their union. When her brothers come again and discover the truth of her pregnancy they grow even more anxious and begging their dear sister to uncover the truth. She reveals to them in panicked state that she has never laid eyes on him, while she has felt his body they only communicate through the mind. Later that night, with her pride guiding her she sets a plan in place, after keeping the company of Marion, she waits for him to slumber.

But do so and, as I’ve told you, you’ll never see me again. So if those foul harpies armed with their noxious thoughts return, as I know they will, you must hold no conversation with them. And if in your true innocence and tender-heartedness you can’t bear that, then at least, if they speak of me, don’t listen, or if you must don’t answer. You see our family will increase, and your womb, a child’s, must bear another child, who if you keep our secret silently will be divine, though if you profane it, mortal.” 'Apuleius, The Golden Ass', Book V:11-13 The tale of Cupid and Psyche: Cupid’s warning

"Beyond reason, she forgot all the warnings her husband had issued, and her own pledge, and plunged headlong to ruin. Trembling and pale, the blood draining from her face, stammering feverish words through half-open lips, she answered as follows: “Dearest sisters, true and loyal as ever to your own, you are right: I believe those who told you all this speak no lie. Indeed, I have never seen my husband’s face, nor do I know what he truly is. I only hear his midnight whispers, and suffer the attentions of an unseen partner who shuns the light. He must be some strange creature, I agree. He always warns me not to try and reveal his features, and threatens harsh punishment for my curiosity concerning his appearance." 'Apuleius, The Golden Ass', Book V:14-21 The tale of Cupid and Psyche: the sisters’ scheme

"Psyche was left alone, except that a woman driven by hostile Furies is never alone. In her grief, she ebbed and flowed like the ocean tide. Though the scheme was decided and she determined, still as she drew towards the act itself she wavered, confused in mind, torn by the countless conflicting emotions the situation prompted. She prepared and delayed, dared and feared, despaired and felt anger, while, hardest of all to endure, she hated the beast and loved the husband embodied in a single form. Yet, as evening led towards night, she readied all needed for the wicked crime with frantic haste. Night fell, and her husband came, and after love’s skirmishes and struggles he dropped into deep slumber." 'Apuleius, The Golden Ass', Book V:14-21 The tale of Cupid and Psyche: the sisters’ scheme

(Twisting the story a bit, I like the the idea that where Psykhê imagines a beast and is instead greeted with an angelic man, that Atrantis imagines a humble handsom man but is greeted with the servant of the god she hates, the savage beast that has plagued Middle Earth. A reversal of the identity reveal) Before she had sent her brothers away, Finrod gave her his beloved dagger for her to use for protection and thanks for the sword she had gave him. In the dark of the night Atrantis seeked to find her dagger and a candle. With courage she lights and it and thus is graced with Marions face. There before she finds Saroun, where she imagined a sweet husband what she left is the savage beast that has brought terror to the land under his god's command. He awakes when she drops her candle, grabbing the dagger that was held to his throat.

"Then Psyche, though lacking strength and courage, was empowered by cruel fate, and unveiling the lamp, seized the razor, acting a man’s part in her boldness. Yet, as the light shone clear and the bed’s mysteries were revealed, she found her savage beast was the gentlest and sweetest creature of all, that handsome god Cupid, handsome now in sleep [...] But Psyche, terrified at the marvellous vision, beside her self with fear, and overcome with sudden weariness, sank pale, faint and trembling to her knees. She tried to conceal the weapon, in her own breast! She would indeed have done so if the gleaming blade had not flown from her reckless hands, in horror at her dreadful intent." 'Apuleius, The Golden Ass', Book V:22-24 The tale of Cupid and Psyche: revelation

Once Marion had realized her betrayal, wrath consumes him. Confonting her, he informs her that he betrayed his master by keeping her alive, that he has scaraficed so much for her only for her to be blinded by her prided. He flees and finds himself at his masters feet. While he is away, her brothers pay a final vist where Atrantis confesses what she has discovered. Quickly a decision was made and Atrantis was taken back to Doriath so she and the child would cared for under Melian's care.

“Poor innocent Psyche,” he cried, “Venus commanded me, though I have disobeyed my mother’s orders, to fill you with passion for some vile wretch and sentence you to the meanest kind of marriage, but I flew to you as your lover instead. It was a foolish thing to do, I see that, and illustrious archer though I am, I shot myself with my own arrow, and made you my wife, only for you to think me some savage monster, and sever my head with a sword, a head that bears the very eyes that love you. I told you time and again to beware of this, I warned you over and over for your own good. As for those precious advisors of yours, I’ll soon take my revenge for their pernicious machinations; you I punish merely by my flight.” With this he took wing and soared into the air." 'Apuleius, The Golden Ass', Book V:22-24 The tale of Cupid and Psyche: revelation

(The further i go into this au the further it strays from the source materiel, but it keeps similar elements. While i have yet to rlly go in depth the later tasks portion of the myth just know Melkor sends Atrantis and Marion on task to appease his anger, he holds Atrantis brother and the kingdom of Doriath hostage and life of their newborn. During the time theyre doing their tasks, they and Melian and Lúthien devise a plan to betray and seal the in-ragged god. while am not a huge fan of good!saroun its hard to adat this myth without inducing some of these elements, but when i mean he becomes good am following what Tolkien had described letters) Melkor consumed by anger over the betrayal of Marion demands the life the child convinced with, Marion pleads with his master and over a period he convinces Melkor to send him and Atrantis on three tasks while on those tasks, Atrantis's brothers and child would be kept imprisoned in Doriath under Melkor's watchful eye. if they successfully complete them, then they shall be let go and free from his wrath.

Venus at once grew angry, crying: “So now that fine son of mine has a lover has he? Come tell me then, my only loving servant, the name of the creature that’s seduced a simple innocent child, Is she one of the host of Nymphs, or the troop of Hours, or the Muses’ choir, or my own companions the Graces?” 'Apuleius, The Golden Ass', Book V:28-31 The tale of Cupid and Psyche: Venus is angered

Now Venus screamed, loud with indignation: “Psyche, that witch who steals my form, that pretender to my name! Is she the one who delights him? Does the imp take me for some procuress, who pointed that same girl out so he might know her?” 'Apuleius, The Golden Ass', Book V:28-31 The tale of Cupid and Psyche: Venus is angered