100 Theme Challenge #53

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53. Fantasy

Lossëhelin was walking with heavy steps, apprehending the dreadful report he had to reveal to his King. The battle has been messy, gruesome; the orcs, merciless with his soldiers. They had won, but at what cost? Many had fallen today, the city would be mourning the loss of their own for the next decennia. Such was the elvish tradition of remembering the death, and ten years was a blink for them. It was so rare elves died, and that many only happened during wars.

"It shall go fine, do not worry Lossëhelin."

"I do not worry," he protested to his second in command.

"The scowl on your face tells otherwise."

He scoffed and glared at Elros.

"How can you assure me such things when I have to announce to the King that his son has perished?"

Elros's mouth lifted up a bit. "I have ways," he replied while pointing at his own head. Lossëhelin made sure they were alone in the castle's hall before towering over his second.

"Are you fool enough to talk of your… abilities in carefree manners? You know how our King judges them."

Elros pressed a hand against Lossëhelin's chest to shove him back.

"I am quite aware, but despite what you might believe, walls do not have ears."

Lossëhelin puffed, angry that Elros has so little care for his own protection, but carried on to the throne room, with his second following him.

The King was awaiting on his luxurious throne, and his eyes searched for his son as they approached.

"Lossëhelin, what news do you bring me?"

"My King, we have won this battle, the orcs have retreated back to the Underworld."

The King nodded. "I could hear their screams from here. How many did we lose?"

Lossëhelin shifted, looked at his joined, bloodied hands. He was soaked in blood, wouldn't take the time to clean himself before delivering the news.

"Many, sadly. The orcs had prepared an ambush that cost us a lot. My King, Oropher showed great courage by fighting them back, he-…"

"Where is my son now? Was he injured?"

"… He received a fatal blow on the head. His soul left us."

The King's face fell, closed up.

"Leave me," he barked.

"My King, I-"

"I said, leave me, Lossëhelin. Another victory on your hands."

Lossëhelin sighed and glanced at Elros before leaving. The hall was quiet, calmed his spirit.

"That was not so bad, was it?"

"A fight with swords would have been less painful than to speak these words," he replied, sad eyes on Elros.

"But the deed is done. Come now, I shall help you out of your armor if you help me with mine."

The walk to the communal bath was short. Their armor was covered in dark blood, already rusting the metal with how corrupted it was. Once bare, they took a seat in the large bath filled of a natural spring. Elros gently began to wash the dirt and gore of Lossëhelin's long locks.

"There is nothing you could have done, mizhir'dii." Elros mumbled, and Lossëhelin hummed low in his throat, eyes closed.

"There was, but I did not, so be it. Oropher chose to sacrifice himself to save many others. My only consolation shall be the tale of his braveness spread all over the realm."

(What is 100TC?)

Note: First time I'm creating a new word! Mizhir'dii is just a sweet nickname, there's no real translation, I created it more based on the softness of the consonants rather than anything else. I'm not looking to create a whole new elvish language. As for the names, I put random names into a elvish translator, et voilà!