After the war by ford_of_bruinen

After the war

He shook his head. ‘The less said about it the better,’ he said. ‘It was dirty and rough and bloody, just as a battle is expected to be. Ecthelion says we fought well, the error lay in the planning and premature execution.’

Idril watched him carefully, looking for the gentleness and warmth she had always associated with him. ‘I am sorry you lost.’ She knew words were not enough. So much had been lost, so many people, so much land now in shadow. Another beloved uncle gone.

He choked back a bitter laugh. ‘There are never winners in war, niece.’