B2MeM 2. Losgar
Defiance is defined as the willingness to contend or fight. Write a story or poem or create artwork where the characters defy authority in some way.
and
B2MeM 3. Vinyamar
Some people have difficulty embracing changes and moving on. Write a story or poem or create artwork that shows the consequences of refusing to change.
AN: Part of the Belonging ‘verse.
At the Duck & Pony
“We shouldn’t even be here.”
Glorfindel took another mouthful of vegetable soup and looked around the crowded dining room of the Duck and Pony. “It’s fine, Erestor. No one’s paying any attention, we’re just two more travellers passing through, stopping for a meal, maybe a room for the night…”
“I wonder what the rooms are like? Warmer than a loft maybe? With a real bed?”
Glorfindel grinned. “Oh yes, and water to wash with and lanterns that aren’t likely to set the bedding alight… Why, would you like me to try and get us a room instead of taking advantage of our usual accommodation?”
Erestor considered this while he sipped at his beer. He had learned to be careful of beer, which tasted harmless but could lead to an aching head the next morning and vague memories of all sorts of strange occurrences. “Well, seeing as we weren’t meant to be here anyhow – what are the chances they’d realise there was anything unusual about us at the front desk?”
“Should be all right,” Glorfindel, ever the optimist, said. “Just keep up the story that we’re on our way home to – whatever that place is near Lake Evendim, and we’ll be fine. I’ll pay up front, no one asks too many questions when you do that.”
“And you know this… how?”
“Common sense? Or can you stand the true answer now you’ve joined the ranks of rebels defying authority? Just one more thing to keep from Elrond when we get back,” Glorfindel asked, reaching for more bread. “Damn, this bread is good.”
Erestor blinked. “It’s a lot coarser than we have back home.” He offered.
“That’s it, exactly. It’s rough and chewy and has all these flavours in it, You need to treat it as a new experience, not as bread that’s less refined than we get at home.”
Erestor broke off a piece of bread and sniffed it carefully. It did smell different, suggesting many more influences than he was used to. Glorfindel, who had been applying butter liberally to his slice, placed a dab on Erestor’s. “Just finishes it off somehow. Close your eyes, pretend it’s something you’ve never tasted before.”
Obediently Erestor closed his eyes and took a small bite. “Um – grain, yeast… sugar? And salt and some other grain I don’t recognise and earth and – sunshine…”
“It’s bread, not wine,” Glorfindel said, laughing. “Can’t have that many grace notes, can it? But you see what I mean? It’s new, exciting, just happens to be called by the same name. If you’re not willing to try new things you end up missing out on all sorts of experiences that make you grow. Look at us here right now, completely defying Elrond’s standing orders about elves in Bree? If you hadn’t taken a chance on coming here when we found the baby, you’d not have learned about beer or love in a hayloft or the good-heartedness of mortals, not at first hand anyhow. And you’d be the poorer for it, wouldn’t you?”
Erestor put down his tankard and rested his elbows on the table, his chin on his linked hands. He looked carefully at Glorfindel. “New experiences,” he said slowly. “Was that one of the reasons you wanted to come over here? Originally, I mean? Because it was new, different? Besides going after the Enemy, I mean.”
Glorfindel reached over to touch Erestor’s hair, then let his hand drop hastily, recalling where he was. “Besides going after the Enemy, yes probably,” he said gently, his eyes laughing. “I never swore their Oath, was never even tempted; it had the feel of blasphemy about it. Or perhaps I was less angry than some, more – perplexed, like my father was. But the Valar’s authority had become a yoke for many of our necks by then, we each had our own reasons to be resentful. The chance to defy their edicts, follow the leader of our choice – that was a good feeling, Ery. And then there was the curiosity I’d always felt towards the land where our people were first born.”
“And leaving, learning new things, helped you grow?” Erestor picked up his beer as he spoke. “Beer was a new experience for me, but growth…?”
“You learned your limits,” Glorfindel reminded him grinning now. “And that is never a bad thing. And being here the first time taught me about people’s natures, the good and the bad, and how to use a sword and to value time alone with a good book.”
“And this time?”
“This time?” Glorfindel gave him a thoughtful look. “This time I learned about tolerance and compassion, and how families can grow together. I learned about a race I’d only met two examples of before. I’ve learned that walking in the sun is a gift, and that so is the rain on my face or wind howling around an uneasy shelter. And – one more thing.”
“One more thing?” Cheek resting against a closed fist, head tilted, Erestor waited for Glorfindel to continue. At the same time he casually took note of the activity around them, the movement of diners and serving maids, their host crossing the room to greet a friend and get him seated. Watching that no one was in turn watching them.
“This time I also learned that love can be open and have no need to hide. And I had some really interesting new experiences related to that, too….”
“You did?” Erestor’s smile was brief but wicked.
“Oh, oh yes I really did. And I’d be happy to share them with you if we’re to defy authority all the way by not only visiting Bree but also staying over here.”
“I think a little rebellion is probably good for the soul,” Erestor said judiciously. “It’s my Noldor blood, I suppose. Really don’t seem able to help myself. I think a room in an inn in Bree would be a novel and possibly educational experience. For us both, I hope? You haven’t done this before with someone else, right?”
“First time for both of us,” Glorfindel assured him. “Well, not staying at an inn, I’ll admit. But — sharing a bed in an inn? Definitely.”
“Oh good,” Erestor said, downing the remains of his beer in one long swallow. “Eat up and let’s go then. I’m all in favour of education.”
~*~*~*~*~