A World Reborn Without Them by Himring

A World Reborn Without Them

Valandil enters Annuminas with a small escort and is struck by how deserted the place feels, still. In Rivendell, he realizes, over the years, growing up among elves, he had got used somehow to the people missing: all the ones that left to go and fight on the borders of Mordor and never came back.

Here the loss still feels raw. Despite his regent’s best efforts, buildings are falling into ruin for lack of inhabitants. Entering the palace, he sees empty tables, empty chairs. And he should not be king, but Grandfather, Father, his three elder brothers—are not there.

Chapter End Notes

The title also alludes to the lyrics of the prompt.

I also was inspired by an image prompt supplied during the Insta-drabbling session, by Idle Leaves, although more indirectly.I am copying in the accompanying image ID (for which also thanks to Elleth):

[Image description: The view out of an old window made from many crystal glass panes in many smaller, hexagonal metal frames. To the right of the window is an old stone wall in yellowish brown patterned in sunlight. The view from the window shows a light grey-blue sky, dark deciduous trees in the background and the upper part of an old castle or manor house in grey stone.]