A moment of levity in Minas Tirith. Actually a few moments of levity, hopefully to be taken in the same spirit as it was written.
Yes, my lord?
Why are those men dancing together in such a--brazen--manner?
My lord, you seemed disappointed by the somber manner of most of our more usual type of gentlemen. You requested gaiety. I could find only twenty suitably gay Gondorians; after the sad losses of the War.
I see. Faramir; when I spoke of gay Gondorians, I meant Gondorian folk of a lively and happy demeanor.
Oh…Forgive my error, sire.
Faramir, I am not your father, no need for contrition.
Thank you, my lord. At least they do dance in a lively manner, do they not?
A bit too lively. I would prefer that they left such behavior in the field; but I shall not spoil the festivities…Faramir, is that big Swan Knight making eyes at me?
It seems so, my lord; but ‘tis surely in jest. That is Pongohil, my third cousin twice removed. He flirts with everyone above fourteen years. I could stand in front of you if you are uncomfortable, and let him know that his attentions are unwelcome.
No. I will not hide. Let us pray though, that the fellow does not direct his attentions to Éomer. Your uncle would surely be angered if one of his knights was harmed at my court.
Do not worry, my lord. I believe he now bestows his glance on Legolas.
Make him stop! Gimli will kill him! Faramir, go dance with the man, or something!
I shall dance by him, with Éowyn.
Hasten! Gimli begins to grip his axe-handle!
But hearken, sire! Gimli has set down his axe. He and Legolas are joining the dancers!
That is good! They understand true gaiety.
Truly? An Elf and a Dwarf? Is such a thing possible?
I meant that they understood the spirit of revelry, Faramir.
Ah. Of course, sire."
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This ficlet was originally written for the 20 Gay Gondorians entry as part of the 2005 Yule Mathoms Challenge at Here And Back Again/Henneth-Annun, though this version is very slightly changed.
The original character Pongohil is partially inspired by the OC Eldahil in Branwyn’s excellent story By The Light of Earendil’s Star, though Eldahil is definitely only ‘gay’ in the original sense of the word.
This ficlet is not meant to be taken canonically or seriously!
The original character Pongohil is partially inspired by the OC Eldahil in Branwyn’s excellent story By The Light of Earendil’s Star, though Eldahil is definitely only ‘gay’ in the original sense of the word.
This ficlet is not meant to be taken canonically or seriously!