babel, by Starlight

[starli-ght.livejournal.com]

B2MeM Challenge: Day 1: i18, Games people play: Tag
Format:Drabble
Genre: 
Rating: General
Warnings: None
Characters: Denethor, Faramir
Summary: Sometimes we can't really say what we mean


When his father said, "You are reading too much," Faramir hid the book, for later. What Denethor meant was, "All this reading will be useless, in the end, son."

When Faramir said, "I cannot escape this dream," Denethor left him, for the Tower. What Faramir meant was, "This is important, Father, sent me with a purpose!"

When Denethor said, "There's no Captain left in Gondor," Faramir gave his all, away. What Denethor meant was, Alas for Boromir!"

When his father wanted to tell him he loved him, he built a pyre.

They kept missing each other.

Comments

[mrowe.livejournal.com]

Alas, this rings all too true...

[aliana1.livejournal.com]

*cracking up at your icon*

[starli-ght.livejournal.com]

It does, doesn't it? This complex relationship (or lack of it?) has always fascinated me. Hopefully Faramir can find a way to sort the pieces out.

[aliana1.livejournal.com]

Wow. I love the structure and rhythm of this drabble--great use of the "tag" prompt. It encapsulates the tragedy of their relationship so well, especially the last line.

[starli-ght.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Aliana. I'm glad it worked for you and that the rather oblique use of "tag" came through. I loved writing this. It finally allowed me to "articulate" something that I see as vital in this interaction that I had not been able to say before. Thanks for reading!

[lindahoyland.livejournal.com]

I loved this. You captured them both so well.

[starli-ght.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I love these people but I am always intimidated writing them. I'm glad it worked :-)

[grey-wonderer.livejournal.com]

So very true. With everything that Denethor had to deal with in ruling Minas Tirith, and the threats to his lands, and the palantir and its effects on him, I suspect that what he really wanted to say to his youngest son got lost amid the rest. This is very insightful. I enjoyed reading it.

[starli-ght.livejournal.com]

Thank you! As a parent, writing this gives me pause. We can do so much damage without really meaning to-- it's so easy! I imagine that them being so much alike that understanding each other proved challenging. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[altariel.livejournal.com]

Oh well done! Tower of Babel indeed.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Communication is everything.

- Erulisse (one L)

[havamahal.livejournal.com]

Their relationship really was tragic and you depicted that so well in this story. Wonderfully done.

[ladyelleth.livejournal.com]

Communication is difficult business, and it's a pity that it turned into such a tragic end with Denethor and Faramir. Well done!

[elleth]

And as opposed to Éomer and Elfwine, this was a thorough punch in the gut. I enjoyed it anyway - you write fathers and sons very well!