The Rival

[lindahoyland]

Disclaimer: The characters are the property of the Tolkien Estate. No profit has been, nor will be made from this story

I look at the unconscious man’s face. How like his father he is!

I sense he is very near death.

 

Should Sauron fall, Denethor’s son would be the last obstacle between my hopes of Gondor’s crown and winning Arwen’s hand.

 

I am exhausted, yet Gandalf requests I heal my rival, the man who could destroy all my hopes.

 

I take Faramir’s hand and feel his brow. I sense a man of quality and goodness. I cannot allow this man’s life to be forfeit to the Dark Lord when I could prevent it.

 

Whatever it costs me, I must save him. 

A/N. A very personal view of a favourite moment from LOTR. Written for the "Difficult Decisons "Challenge.

 

Comments

[heartofoshun.livejournal.com]

I inadvertently smiled evilly when I read this. No fault of yours or your story--but it just provoked a plotbunny for a scary dark!fic in my mind. Don't worry though, I don't write dark fics, but Halloween and requests from friends for scary stories are all about me this month. Of course, Aragorn is far too strong and noble to give in to such impulses, but maybe he could have his brain scorched by a Nazgul or something (damage only temporary, but enough to cause some nervous moments at Faramir's sickbed). I am so sorry! I am not usually so silly (I am silly, but not about other people's lovely, well-written stories); please take this in the spirit it was sent--me overwhelmed by people nagging me for dark and scary ficlets or making me Beta-read them.

[lindahoyland.livejournal.com]

I'm not at all offended, but could easily see it as the basis for a scary AU, while naturally preferring Tolkien's version of events! I'm pleased you enjoyed this.Thanks for commenting.

[heartofoshun.livejournal.com]

Don't worry--I will never write it. And I do like your version better!

[lindahoyland.livejournal.com]

Thank you.LOTR is full of fascinating what ifs? Maybe why we so love writing fanfic.