I-18 Freedom to Heal

[engarian.livejournal.com]

B2MeM Challenge: Feanantics: In Beleriand – Freedom Fighter
Format: Fictlet
Genre: Drama
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Characters: Maglor, Caranthir, Curufin
Pairings: Maedhros/Fingon (implied)

Summary: Determined to have Maedhros' healing continue, Maglor speaks to his brothers Caranthir and Curufin before they visit at Himring.




Freedom to Heal


Maglor rode down from the hill, meeting Caranthir and Curufin at the base near the bridge.

“He's having a bad day today,” he said in warning as his brothers approached.

“Is he alone? You left him alone?” Caranthir said accusingly. Curufin moved his horse closer to help sooth his brother's temper.

“No,” Maglor responded. “He is with Fingon. He always seems to do better when Fingon visits. Our cousin encourages him to do just a bit more each day.”

“Feh! There is something unnatural about the relationship between those two,” Caranthir said. “You shouldn't encourage this, Maglor.”

“Brother,” Curufin said softly to Caranthir. “If it helps Maedhros, then why disparage it? Fingon and our brother can never live openly as a couple, they have responsibilities and positions...”

Caranthir spit in disgust. “A couple? They are both male. There should never be reference to 'a couple' when they are mentioned.”

“Yet, whether or not they are more than just heart-brothers, it is indisputable that Fingon is aiding the recovery of our brother immeasurably. He recovers faster when Fingon is here than when our cousin has to return home and be at his father's court,” Maglor said. He began turning his horse to escort his brothers up to the gates of Himring, then he stopped and looked at each of his brothers slowly and deliberately.

“I beg both of you; please, give them the freedom to be together in whatever fashion they need. It is the only way that we will ever get our brother fully back from the blood-stained cliff of Thangorodrim.”

Comments

[zhie.livejournal.com]

Poor Maedhros... seems he never has any good days in Middle-earth. A nice little snack to read. And an interesting way to work the prompt.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Zhie! It seemed like a perfectly valid and rather nicer way to use the prompt ::-) [At least he has one brother who seems to understand him - LOL. *hugs*]

- Erulisse (one L)

[spiced-wine.livejournal.com]

“Feh! There is something unnatural about the relationship between those two,” Caranthir said. “You shouldn't encourage this, Maglor.”

Wouldn't he have thought there was something between them in Valinor? since Tolkien does imply they were close just by Maedhros asking whether they would send ships back for Fingon the Valiant.

I wonder why Caranthir didn't suspect, or know? A very LACE-influenced Caranthir, no doubt!

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Maybe, but then again, in Valinor they were all able to live their own lives pretty much. In Beleriand they are more reliant upon their own company. And we all know how family can sometimes turn a blind eye to things that they simply don't want to acknowledge. I had a specific model in mind for Caranthir's words, so if it is LACE-influenced, it was totally serendipitous. Thanks, hun.

- Erulisse (one L)

[foxrafer.livejournal.com]

I really like the interactions between the brothers here; the reactions and dialogue really work for me.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Dialog is always a bit of a trick for any author. I appreciate your kind words.

- Erulisse (one L)

[ladyelleth.livejournal.com]

I do like that re-interpretation of the prompt - freedom fighting can encompass a lot more than just taking the words at face value.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I think there are many kinds of freedom, and freedom to be true to oneself is certainly one of them :-)

- Erulisse (one L)

[hhimring]

Is this partly inspired by the discussion about slash on Aliana's journal?
Definitely a political statement, this fic, I'd say! Among other things, of course!

[engarian.livejournal.com]

No, although I certainly participated in the discussion. I am a firm believer in people's right to choose partners of choice and always have been. Yes, this fic is indeed a political statement. Thanks for your words :-)

- Erulisse (one L)

[just-jenni.livejournal.com]

This is lovely. :)

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much. I do love the characters - a LOT.

- Erulisse (one L)

[havamahal.livejournal.com]

Curufin is defending the relationship between Fingon and Maedhros?! *is speechless* Wow... I never saw that coming. But I like Caranthir's protectiveness, when he asks, if Maglor left their brother alone. It shows how close they really are, no matter what disagreements exist between them.

Very interesting interpretation of the prompt and a great story.

“You shouldn't encourage this, Maglor.” - Oh, yes, he should! Come on, Caranthir... think about your brother's well-being and what makes him happy. Doesn't he deserve the same happiness you found with your wife? (or not) :/

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much. This was early in B2ME and I'm really pleased that people are catching up and still reading. I loved how this story turned out.

- Erulisse (one L)