Author's Notes: Not my characters. My Ecthelion bunny refused to talk about his daughter-in-law at all, so it was very hard to fit her into this fic. Written for 50lyricsfanfic on LJ, Prompt #11: "Should I bite my tongue, until blood soaks my shirt; we'll never fall apart, tell me why this hurts so much."
And while this story could well be a companion to my other piece titled "Reflection," I honestly wasn't thinking about that with the fic names. Mardil through Turin II's reflections on their heirs will have to be left to some other writer, I'm afraid. Faramir and Elboron? Give me twenty more fics, and we'll see...
The truth? I do not know if I could be considered a credible source for the truth anymore. As I see things, though, the plain, unadorned truth is that he is simply better than my son. He does not know Gondor as well, but already the people look to him. I know not what training, if any, he has received for leadership, yet the suggestions he offers for my council work.
This is not to say that Denethor is a failure. He comes from a high lineage, and reflects proudly upon his ancestors' memories. He is cautious and canny in battle and diplomacy, yet I fear my boy is too cautious. I sent him to Adrahil and his daughter in the vain hope that they might teach him more courage. No matter how bright the Moon is, it is but a pale reflection of glory beside the Sun, and I fear that my heir is equally outshone by this star amongst my captains.
I would not have it said that I turned aside a capable man, and my own son, besides, but if I am to be fair, I must be fair to all. Each man should be praised according to his worth, and helped as he requests it. But Denethor, - my dear, defiant Denethor, - he shall not ask for help, even if he needs it. He is entirely too much my son, but that Hurin pride shall work to his advantage, someday.
I may only hope that he shall forgive me when it does.
