"Indeed in nothing is the power of the Dark Lord more clearly shown than in the estrangement that divides all those who still oppose him. " Haldir, Lothlorien, FotR

Ch. 67 - Estrangement Or

Was It Really Denethor’s Fault or the Dark Lord’s?

How I long to hold him in my arms, as when he was a babe. Not oft did I think beyond those moments. The feel of him was so right. My heart would soar.

Two sons! How could I be more blessed? My sister had three daughters birthed to her; her husband is still bitter. Yet I was blessed with two sons. I still wonder at the grace of it.

I would listen as he spoke his first words, garbled, yet delightful. Ada seemed easy enough, but when he called Boromir, B’eer, I lost my heart to him. Im’hil still loves the boy, even after his name was butchered. Who could not love him?

He stands before me now and my heart aches. I would have him imprisoned in his own quarters, anything to protect him, but the Enemy draws nigh and I must use him, in whatever way I can.

He will not understand; he will think I send him to his death. Is his regard for me so little? I know it is. Not only the wizard has come between us.

I give him his orders; he obeys. B’eer already lost; I will hold F’ah, if I can.

~*~

A/N – First, I have a two-year old grandbaby who absolutely butchers names. I have a list of LotR names that she has graciously told me how to pronounce. B'eer is definitely how Boromir sounds to her and F'ah is Faramir. Giggles

Second, I wonder if, according to Haldir, it is really Sauron who caused the estrangement between Denethor and Faramir? Whispers of Sauron instead of whispers of the Ring?