How Long is Forever?

[engarian.livejournal.com]

B2MeM Prompt and Path:How Long is Forever, Red
Format:Ficlet
Genre:tragedy
Rating:PG
Warnings:Mention of Death
Characters:Nerdanel, Namo
Pairings:None
Creator’s Notes:Tolkien provided the sandbox, I merely play with the bucket and shovel he left behind. No profit of any kind is made from my fanworks.
Summary:On a day when her courage ran high, Nerdanel visited the halls of the dead.



How Long is Forever?


Nerdanel stumbled over the last hillock. In the distance was a sheer cliff broken by an elaborate door. Entrapping this edifice was a tall dense hedge with a single opening closed off by a door of mist. There was a roadway wide enough for carriages, but it didn’t look well used, and to each side of the arched opening was a bench – sturdy but not comfortable.

In the distance closer to Valmar she saw a riot of greenery with spots of brilliant color and glints of sunlight reflected on hidden water. That was the land of Irmo and Estë, the Gardens of Healing. She sniffed – she would find no healing there, no more than Fëanor’s mother had when Míriel had stretched out to rest in those bowers so long ago.

She pushed back to her feet and moved closer to the gates. The air seemed colder although the sun was hot that day. She shivered a bit as she drew closer, walking to the fog-filled entryway.

“He died,” she cried out into the void. “Long ago. Now they have all died, save my two oldest. When will they be returned to me?”

A presence appeared behind her and she whirled, her anger giving her courage where it would have failed her otherwise.

“When will they be returned to me, Lord Námo? When will I hold my beloved husband or any of my sons again?”

“Dear child, how long is forever?” was his response as he stroked her hair. Then, as quickly as he had appeared he was gone, leaving Nerdanel crumpled and weeping in front of the doorway to his Halls.

Comments

[lindahoyland.livejournal.com]

Poor Nerdanel. You really made me feel for her.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

I adore Nerdanel, but she had such a tragic life in so many aspects. I keep hoping that the Valar will bend and allow some, if not all, of her sons to be returned to her at some point. Feanor, I fear, will be restricted to Mandos forever.

- Erulisse (one L)

[kayleelupin.livejournal.com]

Ohhh, poor Nerdanel, nettenya. I weep for her.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

I don't think there's much that's easy about Nerdanel's life, and she's a strong woman and a character that I dearly adore. I saw this in my dreams last night and it was heartbreaking to watch.

- Erulisse (one L)

[hhimring]

By any measurement, forever is a very long time.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

I wish there was a way to work around the Oath and its many consequences. It's always the innocent that bear unintended burdens from the actions of a few. Forever is NOT a happy concept or resolution, especially within this context.

As you can tell, my dilemma was resolved :-) I like my rewrite much better than the tale I scrapped.

- Erulisse (one L)

[just-jenni.livejournal.com]

Oh dear, poor Nerdanel! This was so deliciously sad. I loved it.&heaerts;

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Thank you my dear. Deliciously sad is a lovely description.

- Erulisse (one L)

[silver-trails.livejournal.com]

So sad... Beautiful!

You know, I'm not really reading fiction, because I'm so far behind that I gave up, but today this one caught my eye, and it was yours, my dear friend! =)

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much, my dear. I'm totally honored that it was one of my stories that caught your eye. *hugs*

- Erulisse (one L)

[silver-trails.livejournal.com]

*hugs back* =)