More Than One Hundred Words About Maedhros by Himring

After Rain

Before and after the Nirnaeth: a legacy.

Characters: Fingon, Maedhros, Elros, Elrond

Written for Elleth, in response to her cinquain A Moment After Rain.

Warnings: none.

‘It’s a good thing I don’t mind the rain’, said Fingon, laughing, ‘considering where I live!’

He made a wide sweeping gesture; a spray of fine droplets flew from his braids and across Maedhros’s face.

‘Don’t you love the smell of the countryside after rain?’

***

Sun sparkled on rain drops beneath the eaves of Taur-im-Duinath.

‘Close your eyes’, said Maedhros. ‘Smell the wetness on the grass and on the trees.’

‘Why?’ asked Elros.

‘You need to know how things ought to smell to detect anything out of place that might be dangerous. And also…’

‘And also?’ asked Elrond.

Maedhros gave him a cautious smile.

‘And also just because: for its own sake.’