N-38 Life Events Bingo Card, Loss of Friendship

[grey-wonderer.livejournal.com]

B2MeM Challenge: N38, Life Events, Loss of Friendship
Format: short ficlet
Genre: Gen
Rating: G
Characters:  Gandalf, Aragorn
Title: Casualty of War
Summary:  A brief discussion between two friends during a quiet moment.



“His betrayal was a great loss to all who knew him and many who did not,” Gandalf sighed wearily.  “He was, in years past, an honourable man.  I valued his council very much.  What happened today also hurts our efforts in this war.”

“Obviously, he has been corrupted,” Aragorn said softly.  “His words and his efforts to deceive us, when you confronted him are proof of that.  He is a casualty of war.  He is no longer who he was meant to be.”

“Sauron has won a victory.  He has taken one who could have been a strong force for good and turned him from that path,” Gandalf said.  “I tried to give Saruman every opportunity, tried to make him see reason, but I fear that he has gone beyond my power to call back.”

“Then we must be glad that his treachery has been revealed to us,” Aragorn said.

“Yes, we go forward with a better knowledge of our situation,” Gandalf said leaning heavily upon his staff as he spoke.  “It is important that we understand our enemies and what they plan.”

Aragorn placed a hand upon the Wizard’s shoulder.  “And it is important that we also take time to remember our friends as they once were, before they were taken from us, no matter the method of their removal.”

Gandalf nodded.  “Yes, I have called him friend for many long years and been grateful for that friendship.”

“Then allow yourself to mourn its loss,” Aragorn said.  “The others are asleep or nearing it.  I will stand first watch.  Tomorrow will be time enough for ‘knowing our enemies’.  Tonight, while the camp is asleep, take time to say a private farewell to your friend.  I will stand first watch.”

Cradling the wrapped palantir next to his side, Gandalf walked away, leaving Aragorn to his watch.

GW

03-18-2012

Comments

[engarian.livejournal.com]

This makes so much sense, because the Istari have known each other for time uncounted.

- Erulisse (one L)

[grey-wonderer.livejournal.com]

I often have felt that the loss of Saruman must have touched Gandalf deeply. He seemed to value him. I'm glad you liked it.

[cairistiona7.livejournal.com]

Very nicely done. Aragorn's words of comfort are full of wisdom.

[grey-wonderer.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I decided that if anyone at all might suspect that Gandalf was feeling more than he showed on this, it would have to be Aragorn.

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

This is a wonderful gap-filler. Saruman's betrayal had to be a bitter grief for Gandalf.

[grey-wonderer.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much. I would think that Gandalf not only valued Saruman as a friend through the long years but he also must have know that they lost a great power in their fight when Saruman went to the other side of things.

[huinare.livejournal.com]

Cradling the wrapped palantir next to his side, Gandalf walked away, leaving Aragorn to his watch.

Nice touch! since arguably the palantír was what turned Saruman in the first place.

I quite liked this. Saruman's betrayal really must be rather depressing on a very personal level (for Gandalf, I mean) when one thinks about it.

[grey-wonderer.livejournal.com]

I'm very glad you liked it. The palantir served me as a connection as well as a way to show exactly where in the story I was. My setting it there, I felt it showed what damage it had already done and led into what it was 'about' to do.

[lindahoyland.livejournal.com]

This was very moving.

[grey-wonderer.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I don't do serious often but this one just came to me.

[addie71.livejournal.com]

it is important that we also take time to remember our friends as they once were, before they were taken from us

Aragorn is so wise and forgiving.

[grey-wonderer.livejournal.com]

He really is, isn't he? I guess that's why he's the King. Thanks for reading!