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B2MeM Challenge: Heroism "At that time Nimloth was dark and bore no bloom, for it was late in the autumn, and its winter was nigh Format: short story Genre: general, angst Rating: PG Warnings: alcohol consumption Characters: Aragorn, Faramir, OMC Pairings: none Summary: Aragorn, Faramir and Tahir discuss the nature of heroism over a bottle of wine. With thanks to Raksha Aragorn stretched out his long legs across the cushions and took another sip of the wine, which Ambassador Tahir had produced for this evening at his house. The Harradrim drank wine only on special occasions, usually preferring mint or sherbet tea. Today, though, Tahir had opened a bottle to celebrate the Khan's birthday. It was a fine vintage that he had not tasted before. The taste was rich and fruity with a hint of spice. Aragorn had no idea that the Haradrim produced such fine wines. Those he had sampled during his travels in that land had been nowhere near as satisfying. Beside him, Faramir drained his glass and licked his lips in obvious pleasure. "Let me refill your glass, esteemed friend," said Tahir, pouring more wine into "We are honoured that you will share it with us, my friend," said Faramir, taking a sip from his overfull glass. "You have not yet told us if you accept our invitation," said Aragorn, moving to sit upright against his cushions. "We would be delighted if you would come to our celebration of the war heroes. It would show all that peace exists between our lands after so many generations of warfare between us." Tahir's brown eyes clouded over with sorrow. "I think not, esteemed friends. My presence would offend many." "I would be honoured by your presence," said Faramir, reaching across to clasp Tahir's shoulder. "The folk are offended are those who most need healing of the mental hurts they carry," said Aragorn. "Hatred is like a poison. I want to show my people that there is now a lasting peace between our lands and that there are good and courageous men who were once our enemies." "I do not belong amongst heroes, esteemed friends," said Tahir. He took a long swallow of his wine. "I fought against those in the war whom I now know "You were wounded, were you not?" asked Aragorn. "It was but a scratch. I was carried from "I think you have," said Aragorn. "You fought when you thought you were battling monsters. When the war was over, you came here to work for peace. That takes great courage. You should take your place alongside Faramir and me next week at the celebration." Faramir, who had been listening to the conversation morosely, suddenly spoke. "Éowyn is more worthy than I to stand by your side when we remember the heroes!" Aragorn regarded his friend in astonishment. "But why, Faramir?" "I did no great deeds during the war," the Steward replied. While my wife was slaying the "From a wound received while fighting against hopeless odds," said Aragorn. "But I did nothing heroic." Faramir took another swallow of the wine and slumped back against the cushions. "My brother was a mighty warrior, not I! I cannot compare with your great deeds! You fought at Helm's Deep then summoned the Army of the Dead, the fought at Pelennor Fields and then fought at the Black Gate and …." "I think the wine has clouded your judgement, "Wise words, esteemed friend," said Tahir. "Lord Faramir has worked harder than any to bring about the treaty between Harad and Gondor and faced the wrath of many on both sides who prefer war! You are both heroes, my esteemed friends and I salute you! Let us drink a toast to heroes!" "To heroes!" Faramir echoed him. "To all our heroes of both war and peace!" said Aragorn, draining his glass. Faramir began to sing softly in a pleasant baritone, "It's of dear wine to you I'll sing, And to dear I like my cup filled to the brim, And I'll drink all you'd like to bring. And it's oh, dear wine, thou art my darling, And my joy both night and morning. Before I'd part with you, my dear." Aragorn took up the next verse in a sonorous bass, Now since this liquor's all drunk up, Methinks to you I'll hand this cup, And when you've filled it up with rain, I'll drink your health all 'round again. Tahir hummed along to the tune and the three sang cheerfully until there was no wine left in the bottle. A/n. The drinking song is adapted from a traditional one. Faramir saves Aragorn in several of my stories. |
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