Story Downloaded from Open Scrolls Archive (https://www.openscrolls.net)

Title: Mathoms (#3990)
Author: MedeaSmyke
Chapters: 3

Archive: Tolkien
Category: Lord of the Rings
Description: Thengel succumbs to overwhelming odds in Clemency.
Published: 09 Jan 2009
Updated: 16 Apr 2009
Warnings:
Type: Drama
Characters: Thengel, Imrahil, Eorl, Gimli, Eomer, OCs,


Chapter 1 - Swamp King

~A birthday drabble for Haarajot~

Éorl and his men surveyed the rolling leagues of grey and green grass. Beyond, the white-crested spine of the Misty Mountains and the silver Isen set the western boundary of the Mark and the Riders intended to explore every wild corner between them and Entwash.

But he froze after dismounting Felaróf. Understanding washed over him like the cool water that sloshed over his boot rims.

“…So, when Cirion mumbled something about lô, he meant…”

“A swamp!” a rider cried.

“Ah,” the young king sighed as mud squelched around his boots. “Remind me, Cnebba, not to nod when I don’t understand the language.”


Chapter 2 - Coronation Gift

Coronation Gift: A Double Drabble

For Adaneth

“Thank you, Gimli…it’s a very interesting gift,” Éomer stammered. “Em, I imagine Dwarves use these all the time to...to…”

“Comb hair?” Éothain muttered.

“Of course we use them all the time!” Gimli’s voice boomed. “We eat, don’t we?”

“Oh! Yes…of course…to eat with,” Éomer shrugged, handing the box of metal objects to Éothain. “What do you think of these…um?”

“Me!?” Éothain hissed under his breath. “I use my fingers.”

“Explain the origin of your gift, Gimli.” Legolas smiled.

Gimli leaned back in his tall chair and sat cross-legged. “A wealthy Dwarf of Belegost once had a legendary beard braided in the fashion of our kindred, except that it grew so thick that it forked in four places. Upon his death, his brothers encased the beard in gold, then made miniature tributes to sell to the guests, of course, as Dwarves are expensive to feed. Ingenuity being a strong Dwarvish trait, the guests quickly discovered the practical use of pronged instruments for eating solid food. Thus the smiths of that land devoted themselves to the fork as well as mail.” He laughed wickedly. “The profit they made selling the former to the Elves afterwards is as legendary as the beard itself.”

oOoOo

Thanks, Haarajot, for catching the elusive "a".


Chapter 3 - Clemency

Clemency

March, 2953 TA

By order of the Council of Fengel, late King of Riddermark, we hereby grant clemency to Thengel, Crown Prince of Riddermark, summoning him…

…

June, 2953 TA

The simbelmynë’s effort to cover the barrow irritated Thengel. Green suited the mound better than something so pure as white. He plucked a few of the flowers, dropping them at his feet before he surrendered to the overwhelming odds. The simbelmynë would grow tomorrow and after, right where the others had been pulled.

He stooped in the grass, cradling his head in his hands.

Overwhelming odds.

“Father, I forgive you.”

oOoOo

Thanks to LBJ and folks at GoI for comments!
------------------------------------------------------------------

Printed from Open Scrolls Archive (https://www.openscrolls.net) on Sat Nov 14, 2026 7:36 pm