Title: Witness
Prompt: 040. somewhere after midnight, in my wildest fantasy; somewhere just beyond my reach, there's someone reaching back for me
Author's Notes: They're not my characters. This was written straight after 'Talisman', and is meant to be a companion piece. Anglachel was Beleg's sword, and Túrin used it to (accidentally) kill him. It was made from a meteor and its edges were black. In Nargothrond, one of Túrin's names was Mormegil (Blacksword) because of Anglachel. At the very end of the story, Anglachel speaks to Túrin, but whether it's a fact or due to Túrin's mad state is up for debate. The 'blood is memory' line was inspired by Robin Hobb's trilogy The Liveship Traders, and I highly recommend reading it.
And Gwindor gave the sword Anglachel into his hands, and Túrin knew that it was heavy and strong and had great power; but its blade was black and dull and its edges blunt. Then Gwindor said: 'This is a strange blade, and unlike any that I have seen in Middle-earth. It mourns for Beleg even as you do.'
- The Silmarillion
Do you think that hiding your sword and your true name will save you, Turambar? Do you think that memories can be stored like a sword in a box? Memories are like swords – sharp, and dangerous for the undefended. Memories and swords could cut through the lies you tell these people, now that you've deluded yourself into thinking that you're part of them. But you're already ensnared, aren't you? A web of lies traps no-one but its creator, in the end. I could tell you these things, if you'd listen. I know you can hear me.
Do you think a sword has no memory? But blood is memory, and I've tasted a lot of blood at your hands – orc blood, men's blood, Beleg's blood. And I know you'll need me again soon. Call it intuition, but swords can sense bloodshed, and I can see it on the horizon, coming closer every day.
Your battles – our battles – are far from over, son of Húrin.