Day 279: Rivendell, At Dusk

[tanaquiljall]

jay_of_lasgalen asked for another drabble in my Elrond series in which we see something about his final farewells to his sons as he leaves M-E.

Day 279

Rivendell, At Dusk

They are still young in elven-years, and the world has not yet worn upon them. With Vilya I kept time's ravages at bay from my little land, but at the cost of wearing out my own spirit.

And there is much to hold them to Middle-earth even now: a dearly-beloved sister; a foster-brother almost as close. My daughter and her husband will value their strength, wit and courage in the coming years.

But I cannot help myself. "Will you follow?"

Elrohir smiles sadly. "That choice is not yet made."

Elladan presses my hand. "But not all partings must be forever."

Comments

[dkpalaska.livejournal.com]

Hopeful and heart-breaking at the same time. The uncertainty must have weighed very heavily on Elrond, as he could neither grieve nor look forward to seeing them again until he knew. Very nicely structured.

[dkpalaska.livejournal.com]

Oops - meant to add that I really like the title, as it brought to mind the passing of Elves and the end of Rivendell (and the kind of life lived there) under Elrond's rule. Excellent!

It comes through clearly that Elrond is glad of the help Elladan and Elrohir will be to Arwen and Aragorn, despite the burden of waiting on his sons' decision.

[tanaquiljall]

Glad you liked the title - that was what I intended, as well more prosaically indicating the time of day.

[tanaquiljall]

Thank you! Elrond was going to suffer stoically in silence, but then he burst out with his question....

[jay-of-lasgalen.livejournal.com]

Oh, I like this! A beautifully bittersweet farewell, which must be hard for Elrond. Yes, Aragorn and Arwen will need their brothers - but I want to believe that they sail in the end.

I'll hold to Elladan's hope: "But not all partings must be forever."


Jay

[tanaquiljall]

Oh, absolutely! I think with Aragorn and Arwen's departure, the twins would (like Legolas and Gimli) have nothing to hold them to Middle-earth - but wouldn't sail until then.

Glad you liked the drabble. {{{hugs}}}

[lindahoyland.livejournal.com]

This was very moving.Poor Elrond!

[tanaquiljall]

Thanks, Linda. {{{hugs}}}

[elena-tiriel.livejournal.com]

Strength, wit, and courage..... *big fangurly sigh*

This is beautiful, Liz! I can feel Elrond's weariness, but also the kernel of hope he can glean from Elladan's words.

Well done!
- Barbara

[tanaquiljall]

Thank you, Barbara! {{{hugs}}} I'm glad I balanced the weariness and the hope.

*lols @ the big fangurly sigh* Thought of you when I was searching for words to describe the twins!

[gwynnyd.livejournal.com]

That was lovely. And of course, if the twins also have 'estel', even if they are parted from their loved ones by their choices there is still the hope for reunion in Arda Healed.

[tanaquiljall]

Absolutely on having "estel".

Thanks for commenting and letting me know you liked it.

[paranoidangel]

Aw, poor Elrond.

[tanaquiljall]

Yes, poor Elrond indeed! I'm sure it worked out in the end....

[sgafan.livejournal.com]

*sniff* Lovely!

[tanaquiljall]

Thanks {{{hugs}}}