Prompt #5 Marcus
By nautika
Warning: Not for sensitive readers! K+ at least.
Author's Notes: I wrote this for the Prompt #5 Challenge Lack on the OAA board, but I'd toyed with this story for a long time and couldnt get it to work. The word limit on the Prompts is 500 words.
Disclaimer: Only Marcus is mine. Non-profit work of fiction.
Summary: I have no idea how to summarize other than to give a tissue alert.
Marcus
Elrond thought his heart would break as he watched his youngest standing stiffly by his side. His chin quivered, but he did not give in to his sorrow.
Elrond recalled his relief when they came across this place after Estel had fallen ill. The servants had hesitated when Elrond asked for shelter, but the money that crossed the caretaker's palm had erased any reservations they had. The boy who lived here had helped entertain Estel while he was forced to remain in bed and the two had formed a close bond very quickly. Marcus had never had a friend before and Estel's exposure to elflings always made him feel clumsy and unwelcome. The two boys were good for each other. The elf lord had never before come across a child who was so starved for attention. The boy had evidently never been allowed to go anywhere with his parents, who traveled extensively, nor was he permitted to be present when they entertained. Elves treated their animals better than this couple treated their son.
When they discovered Marcus' birthday was approaching, Estel had begged to be allowed to stay. Elrond consented and set about making a flute for Marcus and putting as many elven stories on scrolls as his limited supply of parchment allowed. As the day crept closer, Elrond inquired of the caretaker when the boy's parents would arrive and found they were not expected to return for the event. Elrond was shocked by Marcus' calm acceptance of this news.
While the servants seemed to have no real affection for the boy, they did plan a special meal for the day. By the time it arrived, however, Marcus was far too ill to eat. Estel was terrified that Marcus had caught his illness, but the caretaker assured them that Marcus had suffered from this malady since early childhood. The physician was summoned, but despite his and Elrond's combined efforts, they were unable to save the child. Word was sent to his parents. When their reply came, it contained no regrets, only instructions for the boy's burial. Elrond had thought he would be ill.
Now they stood across from the servants at the boy's graveside. Estel moved forward and placed the scrolls and flute on the small mound, then spun and ran into his father's arms, crying as though he would never cease. The servants departed quietly, leaving the father and son alone. As Estel's sobs became sniffles, he spoke voluntarily for the first time since his friend's death. "Ada?"
"Yes, ion nin?"
"Will Marcus be in the halls of Mandos with my mother and my first father?"
"I believe so, Estel."
"Good! Then they will have a little boy while I am here with you and Marcus will not lack for love."
End