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

[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.