OPEN POST

[grumpycatanthir]

I mean far be it from me to cause more
drama in this family full of
pretentious princes but I think I
could solve our cash flow
problem if you lot would STOP
KILLING MY BUSINESS PARTNERS.

- Morifinwë ‘Caranthir’ Carnistir, to his brothers, cousins, and assorted followers, the Silmarillion, on more than one occasion.

 

http://incorrecttolkienquotes.tumblr.com/post/141254726581/i-mean-far-be-it-from-me-to-cause-more-drama-in

 

Comments

[grumpycatanthir]

Now whose bias is showing?

"I love you too." He says it softly and cups her cheek fondly.

"Take as much time as you need, but do not dwell." He says firmly. "Your mother would never have approved of moping."

[canien]

She's just as allowed as he is!

Canien smiles at him, leaning into the hand. He so rarely says it, but she remembers each time clearly. Every moment is treasured.

She nods firmly, determined. "I will not disappoint either of you."

[grumpycatanthir]

"You never have, Canien. I know you never will. No one could have a better daughter."

[canien]

She might refuse to cry, but that brings a lump to her throat and she has to take a moment and just soak in her father's love and pride.

"You have been a good father. Despite all this."

[grumpycatanthir]

Neither of them are the sort for tears, but Caranthir presses a kiss to her brow and his eyes are suspiciously damp.

"I could have been better. I wish I could have been. But I love you. I am always proud of you."

[canien]

Damp doesn't mean actual crying, right?

She tries for a smile for him.

"Let me be the good you give. I hold your love, your pride, your knowledge and your teachings."

[grumpycatanthir]

Exactly

He traces her smile with gentle fingers.

"You are everything good and bright that I have left." He says honestly. "So you are right in saying you must go now. I am only sorry we did not have longer."

[canien]

The smile strengthens.

"I am sorry for that as well. But we both have our tasks before us. We can only go forward. Know you have my love no matter what happens."

[grumpycatanthir]

"We do." Caranthir tucks a strand of hair back and kisses her forehead again.

"Will you stay tonight, or go?"

[canien]

She curls against him again, taking advantage of him allowing it.

"If I stay tonight, I would wish to spend it with you." To steal just a few more hours with her father, even if they didn't spend it all in conversation. Just spending quiet time together.

[grumpycatanthir]

He should send her away right now, he knows but he can't quite bring himself to do so.

"Stay then." He decides. "You can leave at first light."

That's the longest it will be safe for her to stay.

[canien]

He should. They both know it. But they can be a bit selfish sometimes, too.

Canien wraps her arms tight around him. "One last meal together?"

[grumpycatanthir]

He kisses her forehead and then nods.

"Aye. One last meal. I have bread and wine - will you fetch us some cold meat?"

[canien]

She slowly lets go, pulling back.

"Of course." Canien stands and leaves, though isn't gone long.

[grumpycatanthir]

He has things set up for a meal when she returns, such as they can be in a mobile force like this one. But there are advantages to being the commander, and being fairly rich, even now.

The little foldable table is covered with a cloth to hide the stains, and the dishes are silverware, not wooden, and the wine actually tastes pretty decent.

"Thank you, Canien. Come and sit."

[canien]

The meat she brings might not be the best, but it's good enough and what they have. Even then, it's better than what others have.

She smiles slightly, seeing her father's preparations, and sets the platter on the table before sitting as bid.

"Thank you."

[grumpycatanthir]

He pours for them both and lets her divide up the meat. Portions are slim, on the march, but they are adequate - Caranthir would never stint his people.

"A final toast, hm? To what we had."

[canien]

She divides it up evenly and set his plate before him. What they have is enough, always. Her father is a good leader, and a good provider.

Canien raises her glass to him. "To all the joys we have shared."

[grumpycatanthir]

He does his best it would be easier if people stopped DYING to do so - it's not something that people will remember about him, later. But it will be no less true, for all that.

He taps her glass with his. "To all the ones you have yet to come."

[canien]

That would generally help, yes. Canien won't forget. In the end, those who matter will remember, even if they reside in the Halls.

"For us both." Because she will live for him, with all he's taught her. All the love he's given her.

[grumpycatanthir]

Such is Arda Marred, Caranthir knows, and tries not to wish for more than what he already has.

"You will do well." He nods. "My bright girl."

[canien]

Middle-Earth is far from perfect. But it's home, and Canien loves it with all she is. She will be the shield and the sword in the ways her father can't be.

"You have taught me well and you know it."

[grumpycatanthir]

Everything he has to give, all the good he has left in him, he knows, will go with his bright girl. And that's fine. It's how it has to be.

"I did. And your life will be the proof of that. My Canien."

[canien]

"My long life." She knows it. So she will stay alive as long as she has the skill, and keep learning. He's taught her all he can- she won't forget a second of it.

"I do not regret working and fighting beside you." She feels it's important he knows that too.

[grumpycatanthir]

"It had better be long!" He grunts at her half-heartedly.

He flushes at that - even now, his fair skin is too quick to betray him.

"Thank you, daughter." He says quietly but with no less sincerity for that.