Shiny Little Things by Meril

The Solution (Tar-Míriel)

The Solution

A shadowy room. Great books, heavy with dust and years. A window facing the sea. Sunlight glinting on golden sails.

I turn. Away from the window, from the sea, the ships, the arrogance.

The blue glass bowl, sitting on my desk.

Be careful with the brew, m'lady. 'Tis powerful strong. Taken too much, or too often, and ye may never have a child.

With a last glance to the window, to the sea, the ships, the arrogance, and the world I cannot change, I drink.

This is what I can change. The line dies with me, Pharazôn.

Tar-Míriel. Last Queen of Númenor.

Chapter End Notes

Inspired by the John William Waterhouse painting "Destiny."