Under the Sun, by Himring

[hhimring]

Author: Himring
Title: Under the Sun
Characters: Arien
Pairing: n/a
Text type / Format: half drabble, poem
Source / Fandom: Silmarillion
Rating: Teens
Warnings: Reference to canonical deaths in war
Word Count: 50
Summary: Returning to Valinor on Midsummer, the Maia of the Sun reports on a disastrous defeat of the First Age. Twice.
Author notes: The Battle of Unnumbered Tears was lost at Midsummer. Gondolin fell on the day of the Gates of Summer. It is not certain that both of these terms refer to the solstice, but they may do.


Arien, what did you see,
as you passed over Middle-earth
this longest day?
I saw Eldar die
upon the plain
this longest day.

Arien, what did you see,
as you passed over Middle-earth
this longest day?
My dear, nothing but woe!
I saw the fairest city fall,
this longest day.

Comments

[chestnut_pod]

This reminds me of a folk song, the kind that get played when it’s very late and everyone is maudlin in their cups.

[hhimring]

A folk song vibe was definitely what I was going for! Thank you!

(Of course, Midsummer is also the date of the marriage of Aragorn and Arwen. Happier associations.)

[lferion]

This is very speaking. The repetition packs a punch.

[hhimring]

Thank you very much! Good to hear the repetition works!

[erulissedances]

I liked the framework very much, and your comment on Agagorn and Arwen's wedding on Midsummer Day also brings to mind that so many things are bookended by the twins of tragedy and joy.

- Erulisse (one L)

[hhimring]

Very true!
Thank you, Erulisse!