The Steward’s Burden by Zdenka

[zdenka]

B2MeM Challenge: From B2MeM 2012. The Steward and His Sons, G50: The Palantír
Format: double drabble
Genre: gen
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Characters: Denethor
Pairings: none
Summary: Denethor considers the palantír and his sons
Posted for the SWG Season of Writing Dangerously.

Denethor paced slowly back and forth in his tower. He did not glance aside at the cloth covering the palantír, but he could feel its presence, as if it were an open flame or the bite in the air that heralded winter. Again he considered whether he should tell his elder son of the Seeing-Stone and instruct him in its use. Boromir would not think to question his father’s course; he would see it only as another weapon against the Enemy. And yet --

He never doubted Boromir’s fitness to be his heir, and freely trusted him with Gondor’s armies and treasury. Yet his heart misgave him at the thought of putting the palantír in his son’s hands. Boromir was a warrior, with a noble and open nature, and Denethor loved him for it. He was not suited to this silent battle in the dark.

Faramir, then? Denethor paused at the window to look over the City below. Faramir knew more of the lore of Númenor, but what use would he make of it? Denethor shook his head slowly. I cannot give this task to another. And if I fail –- He gave a wintry smile. Gondor will fall also.

Comments

[lindahoyland.livejournal.com]

This is so very Denethor! A great drabble.

[zdenka]

Thank you.

[ellynn-ithilwen.livejournal.com]

Good!

[zdenka]

Thanks!

[huinare.livejournal.com]

Denethor and his palantír are one of the more intriguing aspects of LotR for me. I really like the exploration of his thoughts here, and how he can sense the palantír's presence despite it being covered up.

[zdenka]

Thank you.