The 25th of March
During the gathering at their chosen tavern, Boromir observed his men.
The men joked that old Amlaith (who now sipped at a brew silently) wouldn’t smile for his mother. Red-haired Ragnor sat with a barmaid beside him, whispering in her ear and fingering her skirt.
But there were empty spaces. Heldar, who wouldn’t see his rosy-cheeked wife again. Baran, who had barely sprouted a beard.
The best comes with the bitters, or so they say. Taking a long look at the crowded, laughing, living tavern, Boromir drained his ale.
To a new year. Remember the dead, but still keep living.
----
March 17, 2005. Instant drabbled: gathering, skirt, bitters, mother. Extra-special challenge: work in "alcohol" for St. Patrick's Day and "new year" for March 25th.
Features characters borrowed from Aeneid.