|
Post by Alliecat on Dec 2, 2012 13:11:19 GMT 10
Title: The Big Things, and the Little Ones Rating: PG Prompt: #1, Homecoming Summary: Left behind by the Tortallan delegation, Owen and Kel are taken hostage as war prisoners when a war begins between their homeland and Carthark.
“Do you think they’ll throw us a party?” Owen asks, his head between his knees. The folds of his pants muffle his voice and Kel has to ask him to repeat what he’d said. “A party, a ball. When we return. Do you think King Jonathan will throw one?”
“I imagine so,” Kel says. They’ve been left underground for three months now, yet Owen’s spirit remains unbroken. “Perhaps it will be Midwinter, and tinsel will cover the hallways.”
“Holly too,” Owen adds. “With plenty of red berries.”
“Don’t forget the pine trees with popcorn strings.” Kel smiles as her heart warms. “Cranberry ones too.”
Owen nods enthusiastically. “And mistletoe will hang from every doorway.” His smile falters a bit, and he quiets.
“Margarry will be there,” Kel says gently. “In all of her finery.”
“Yes,” Owen murmurs and he tucks his face downward again. “Though I don’t care what she’s wearing.”
“She’s always beautiful,” Kel offers.
“She is. I...I can’t wait.” For the first time in months, Kel can see the serious doubt in his face as his features tighten and he brings his knees closer to his chest. “I...” He falters, unable to continue.
I miss her.
Kel knows the feeling as she thinks of her own loved ones. Dom. Her mother, her father. Neal. Raoul. Conal, even.
She’s stricken with silence, and for a few moments she can’t speak. Then, she forces another smile. “I would kill for a peppermint stick right now.”
|
|
|
Post by Katty on Dec 2, 2012 13:55:53 GMT 10
This is so sad, but lovely!
I love this line. SO MUCH.
|
|
|
Post by mistrali on Dec 2, 2012 17:24:22 GMT 10
The contrast between Kel and Owen's situation and the talk of festivities makes this sadder, but still hopeful. The only thing I have to say is that they wouldn't call it Christmas, since Christianity doesn't exist in Tortall - maybe Midwinter? I love the "peppermint stick", too - innovative term for a candy cane there!
|
|
Kris11
Squire
Shipping in Circles
I am so confused when did I change my name
Posts: 1,250
|
Post by Kris11 on Dec 2, 2012 17:54:15 GMT 10
This was excellent! I loved the way you had Kel understand him so completely when he gets serious there at the end, and the longing you managed to get across with what he doesn't say. And then Kel's reation is SO perfect to her character. It was lovely. Thanks for sharing.
|
|
|
Post by ubiquitous on Dec 2, 2012 20:25:08 GMT 10
So sad, and yet a lovely fic. I adore the last line, and that she understood without him saying anything. And the peppermint stick - love it!
|
|
|
Post by Alliecat on Dec 3, 2012 2:12:13 GMT 10
Thanks everybody! mistrali, excellent point. Thank you!
|
|
|
Post by Tamari on Dec 3, 2012 2:54:01 GMT 10
Heartbreaking but so pretty. I love the situation here and the way she show Owen and Kel's characters through their dialogue, if that makes sense at all. I love their conversation about Margarry and Owen's response! It seems I'm not the only one.
|
|
|
Post by wordy on Dec 3, 2012 9:34:30 GMT 10
I love that Owen's trying to keep positive in this situation, though it's heartbreaking as well. Great fic!
|
|