A Light in Dark Places - Linda Hoyland

[lindahoyland.livejournal.com]

B2MeM Challenge: Friendship

"It cannot be seen, cannot be felt,

Cannot be heard, cannot be smelt.

It lies behind stars and under hills,

And empty holes it fills.

It comes first and follows after,

Ends life, kills laughter."

Format: Ficlet

Genre: friendship, angst, h/c

Rating: PG

Warnings: none

Characters: Aragorn, Faramir, Legolas, Gimli

Pairings: none

Summary: A hunting trip goes awry.

With thanks to Raksha

“These fossils are fascinating,” said Aragorn. “I wonder if I could take one to show Eldarion. He took out his pocket knife and started chipping at the rock face. “I will just tell the others we will join them in a few moments,” said Faramir. The King and Steward were enjoying a short hunting trip together with Legolas and Gimli. Aragorn’s keen eyes had espied a cave in the rock face and, together with Faramir had lingered behind to explore it. “I do not think they will hear you,” said Aragorn and grinned. Above him on the hillside, the Elf and Dwarf were engaged in a yodelling contest. Their calls echoed around the rocky pass. “They will never catch anything if they make such a noise,” said Faramir. “I will go ahead and,,,,” There was a sudden ominous rumbling. “Look out!” cried Faramir. He dashed back inside the cave, pushing Aragorn out of the way, just before an avalanche came tumbling down, filling the cave mouth with large rocks. After a few moments, which seemed like hours, Aragorn called out. “Faramir!” “I am here, mellon nîn.” Faramir crawled over the debris in the direction of the voice. It was pitch black in the cave now and the boulders blocking the entrance blocked out every glimmer of light. “The yodelling must have triggered the avalanche,” said Aragorn. “I hope Legolas and Gimli are not hurt.” “I think they were higher up the mountain,” said Faramir. He reached out in the darkness for Aragorn’s hand. It was trembling slightly. Faramir grasped it. “Have no fear, mellon nîn,” he said. “They will rescue us soon.” Aragorn gave a deep sigh. “You know me too well, ion nîn. I like dark places not at all. In Moria , the Hobbits’ courage put me to shame!” “And you have known even worse dark places since,” said Faramir. “It is no shame to be afraid. The Hobbits speak only of how you comforted them. I am certain they never knew of your fear.” Aragorn’s only reply was to press Faramir’s hand more tightly. He coughed as the dust irritated his lungs. “Do you have your water bottle?” asked Faramir. “I do, but I must save it in case we are trapped for a long time.” “Have some of mine,” said Faramir. “You will have need of it for yourself.” Faramir reached for his water skin, uncorked it and held it to Aragorn’s lips. “I insist,” he said. Aragorn drank, albeit sparingly. “Let us try to find a way out,” said Faramir. The two men pushed against the rocks until their hands bled, vainly trying to move them. “It is hopeless,” said Aragorn. “We might only bring more rock down and we are using all the air in here.” He flopped to the ground, dejection evident in his tone. “Legolas and Gimli will rescue us soon,” said Faramir. “While we, two of Gondor’s finest warriors sit like rats in a trap!” said Aragorn bitterly. “What if they too are trapped by the rock fall, or worse?” “I feel certain they will find us,” said Faramir. “And should they fail, our ladies will send out search parties when we fail to return.” “That could take hours,” Aragorn said morosely. Silence fell, broken only by the sound of Aragorn’s heavy breathing. Faramir draped a comforting arm round Aragorn’s shoulders. “I know, he said after a long pause. “We could play Bilbo’s riddle game. Frodo told me about it. It should help the time to pass more pleasantly. It cannot be seen, cannot be felt, Cannot be heard, cannot be smelt. It lies behind stars and under hills, And empty holes it fills. It comes first and follows after, Ends life, kills laughter. “Darkness,” Aragorn replied. “The darkness which now surrounds us and surrounded Bilbo too under the mountains. You should not be trapped here, ion nîn, you were outside the cave when the rocks began to fall. Why did you not jump clear?” “Because you are my friend,” said Faramir. “I would not leave you. You once rescued me from the darkness too and I do not forget.” “A true friend is like a candle in the darkness,” said Aragorn. “It is your turn to ask a riddle,” said Faramir. “Voiceless it cries….” He was interrupted by cries from outside. “Aragorn, Faramir!” “We are both here and unhurt,” cried Aragorn. “We will soon have you out of there,” cried Gimli’s voice. “These stones are easy work for a stout Dwarf.” “And easier still for a strong Elf!” came Legolas’ call. “Stay back!” Faramir and Aragorn moved back further into the cave. They could only listen to the sounds outside and wait patiently. Then there was a crash as the largest of the rocks was moved. Sunlight flooded into the cave, banishing the darkness. Never had daylight seemed so fair as the two friends stumbled forth from their prison!