The Half-Blood Prince 2 Prologue
Agathon is almost 6 years old. Just a few more days until he reaches such a momentous birthday.
Normally any little boy would be getting excited over such a celebration.
Not Agathon.
Right now he's sitting in the rooms he shares with his mother on the bed reading a book that Lord Elrond gave him to practice his Elvish. He knows some of the language by now since he's grown up around Elves, but he still has difficulty with a great deal of it.
Agathon hates it, but at the same time he knows he needs to persevere and stick with it. Because it's one of the key things leading to a better life and proving to all around him that he really is part Elf and not whole Orc.
A knock on the door interrupts his studies.
"Come in," he said.
The door opened revealing his mother.
Smiling at him, shutting the door behind her, Maerwen said "Hi, Honey."
"Hi, Mother," said Agathon, waving at her.
"Hard at work," said Maerwen, gesturing at the book.
Tossing the text on the bed, flopping down onto his back in a bored manner, Agathon sighed "Yes, Lord Elrond's been making me read all day. I wish he'd let me do something else."
Chuckling, Maerwen said "Reading is important. It helps us learn from our past so we can better yet be prepared to mold our future."
"Yeah, I guess," huffed Agathon, begrudgingly conceding the fact. As he sat back up he noticed his mother hiding something behind her back. "What's that?"
A mischievous twinkle sparkled in Maerwen's one good eye.
"I was saving this for your birthday, but here…," said Maerwen, pulling out what was behind her back. "I thought you might like to see it now."
A brand new bow.
"A bow," said Agathon, abandoning the book completely now.
Agathon took the large weapon in his hands. He's not yet strong enough to hold it on his own.
Falling on his butt, Agathon whined "It's too big."
"The world is going to need you one day, Agathon. You just have to grow into it," said Maerwen, softly, gently caressing his cheek. "And I know that you're going to do big things someday." Her demeanor now turned reminiscent. "When I was your age I was so much like you. I had no idea what I was supposed to be in this world. So I went out and tried to find my own way. And I want you to have the same. You should be able to fill those holes in your life. I only ask that you be safe, be smart, and, above all, be true to yourself."
All this is genuine. She really, truly wants what's best for him. She wants him to rise in the world, to fulfill his own destiny and carve a path into the new tomorrow. They are far from their true home, but she prays it will not always be so. Maerwen can't afford to take him back, not that her family will ever have her back. Especially not after their last meeting. So she is here in Rivendell, trying to raise a young boy that sees and hears and thinks to his hearts content.
Agathon's fingertips trace an engraving carved into the wood of the bow.
"What's this say," he asked, head cocked in curiosity.
Cupping his chin in her hand, Maerwen said "It means 'There's more in you'."
Agathon leapt at his mother, hugging her tight.
Kissing his hair, Maerwen said "I love so much."
"I love you too, Mama," said Agathon.
Authors Note:
Surprise! Ha! Ha! Bet you weren't expecting this so soon! ;D