Thoughts on Gold

by Kryal

What would an elf think of going to war all for the sake of a dragon's hoard? No names named, although in my mind this is Legolas' PoV of The Battle of Five Armies.

                Such a pointless thing to fight for. Am I the only one who sees it as ironic, that we should fight and kill each other for such a useless thing as gold?

                Perhaps I misword my thoughts. I do not say that gold is useless, for I do not deny the value it has to others. I do not deny that, with a coin, I might buy many arrows with which to hunt orcs and protect my home. And yet, I have made my own arrows since I was a mere child wise enough to have steady hands and able to handle an arrowhead. I craft my own arrows, and they fly the surer for it, for I know them and all the little twists of wood and fletching that might lead them astray.

                And what of gold itself? It is soft, malleable. It does not last. Gold is easily melted and heavy in weight. Indeed, it is not even as beautiful as many think, for without some silver alloyed within it, gold is dull and will not hold a form under any amount of honest use. Gold thus may only be set to use in ornaments, for any item of practical use made from this 'most precious' of metals would be worthless.

                And yet gold is foremost in so many minds. Gold is like a fever, a presence that, once it takes hold of a mind, will not let go and breeds upon itself. Attempting to cure this lust for gold by possessing gold is folly, for the more gold that is held, the more one desires it, and the more one attempts to claim.

                Thus here we are, marching upon those whom we might have one day called allies, though not friends, all for the sake of gold. We bring armies to claim this thing that has no use yet holds great value in the eyes of many. It is so bitterly ironic.

                Yet I cannot find it within myself to laugh.

(A.N. – No names named, as I said, although I consider this to be Legolas' point of view. This story was inspired by Jen's "Conversation", and I strongly suggest that you read that story. It is excellent.

                I own this! (Doncha love it? I didn't name any names, so I don't have to disclaim! This could have been anything! laughs maniacally

                As ever, review review review! …onegai shimasu?

--Kryal (Cally))