Silent words by Rhapsody

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Fanwork Notes

“Somewhere we know that without silence words lose their meaning, that without listening speaking no longer heals, that without distance closeness cannot cure.”
Henri J.M. Nouwen

Fanwork Information

Summary:

During the retreat from the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, the two famous elves from Doriath come to a decision.

A tripple drabble for Robinka, my dear and loyal friend for so many years. And just because I can, with love.

Major Characters: Beleg, Mablung

Major Relationships:

Genre: Drama, Fixed-Length Ficlet

Challenges: Gift of a Story

Rating: General

Warnings:

Chapters: 1 Word Count: 300
Posted on 17 April 2020 Updated on 17 April 2020

This fanwork is complete.

Silent words

Read Silent words

Of all the hurts he had faced of late, there was naught he could say to his brother in arms now.

‘There is no use for words,’ his friend would grumble, stringing his bow after he usually had retrieved any useable arrows left on the battlefield. This time there had been no time for that.  Often, he had wondered what would go through his mind when he fletched the arrows anew. Would he spend any thoughts on those he had slain? Their training of so long ago had not allowed for it. Knowing his friend all too well: he would stick to the strict regime for his own sanity.

It was different now and it was not because of the ongoing mourning around them for comrades lost in this final battle. Neither was it because of the ultimate betrayal all had witnessed, either directly or by tales. Nay, no words could ease the hurts. Quietly he rose to his feet and stretched out his hand to his friend of old.

‘Come, let us return home. There is naught we can do here anymore.’

Beleg Cuthalion’s eyes met his, tears briefly shortly brimmed. Of course, he would say that the pain came from the wound he took in his leg.

‘Aye. Their last stand failed; we must see to our own realm now.’ He spoke as he clutched Mablung’s hand to stand.  ‘As ever we stand strong, together.’

‘We will stand beside each other, back to back when pressured.’ Mablung nodded as he tried to ignore the chill that crept over him.

Mablung watched how his tall friend slung his bow casually over his shoulder and made way to the forest line. With no arrows left: the only defence would be him with his great axe. This did not bode well.


Comments

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These are the most poignant 300 words in my life.

In these circumstances we've been going through, and you have been through especially, I am just speechless... And yet those two of Doriath are just knocking at my door right now, you know.

THANK YOU! TAKE CARE!

Oh Rhapsy, I have such a storm of emotions in my heart, reading this. First is just the overwhelming joy of reading new writing by you again. I did not know if I would, when you took your hiatus. I feared this even more, with your diagnosis.

Then there is the pain that I don't want to put into a comment but think you know, of this particular theme, at this particular time (speaking personally, not of the worldwide plague).

But let the joy win! Tears, away! This was a beautiful piece: so poignant and bittersweet. I love the line

'Aye. Their last stand failed; we must see to our own realm now.’ He spoke as he clutched Mablung’s hand to stand.  ‘As ever we stand strong, together.’

This really sums it up, doesn't it? And yet there is no ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds, and they know their road is hard.

Yet they take it.

Beautiful. Thank you. <3