When We Were Very Young

I hope this story is comprehensible on its own, but a little family history may help readers unfamiliar with the Akallabêth. I give a gloss in the "Family Matters" section of my [url=http://www.silmarillionwritersguild.org/reference/references/pf/isildur.php" rel="nofollow"]Isildur[/link] biography, or readers can read this history themselves in the "Akallabêth," beginning with "There was a lady Inzilbêth, renowned for her beauty…"

Elendil's relationship with Pharazôn and Míriel is (to my knowledge) mere speculation. Azrabêth is my own invention, as is the concept of Ar-Pharazôn as an abusive husband. Although, really, JRRT himself says he took Zimraphel to wife by force. It's not such a great leap. My title comes from the book by A.A. Milne, and the tone and themes are vaguely based on "[link=http://allpoetry.com/poem/8518977-Disobedience-by-A.A._Milne" rel="nofollow"]Disobedience[/link]."

This story was inspired by several BMEM quotes, specifically "Then slowly a change came over the land, and the hearts of the Elf-friends were sorely troubled, and many fell away out of fear; and although those that remained still called themselves the Faithful, their enemies named them rebels.” (Day # and "Inziladûn, the elder, was like his mother in mind as in body; but Gimilkhâd, the younger, went with his father, unless he were yet prouder and more wilful. To him Ar-Gimilzôr would have yielded the sceptre rather than to the elder son, if the laws had allowed." (Day #9)

Thanks to Linda Hoyland for reading over this story. Any remaining typos are mine.