I was tagged for this game by @from-the-coffee-shop-in-edoras, thank you so much!! I miss doing tag games like this, and it works out great because I've been writing a bunch.
Have a scene from Misfit (which is now up on ao3! https://archiveofourown.org/works/75475491)
Culfin arrived at Findoron’s home only a short while after Findoron himself had returned from his patrol, and naturally he and Feren invited Culfin to partake in their evening meal (which was a rabbit and rosemary stew that had been simmering over the fire all day). Culfin, who was still hungry since he had left his dinner only half-eaten, willingly obliged, and so a good time was had by all. Culfin found his worries eased by the laughter he shared with his friends.
As the last of the evening light faded and dinner was almost over, Culfin decided to bring up the subject he had come to discuss in the first place.
“Oh, by the way—I will be playing my violin at the New Years’ feast soon,” he announced. He sipped his cup of ginger tea as the two heartily congratulated him, but after they had finished he went on: “It will be very enjoyable, I am sure, but I do think that the performance would be much enhanced if I had another instrument to accompany me. Perhaps a certain lutenist I know would like to join me?” he asked, looking slyly at Findoron, whose smile immediately turned to a scoff, like he found the question funny.
“Perhaps not,” he snarked. “You are out of your mind to ask me that.”
Culfin opened his mouth to protest, but Feren beat him to it. “I, for one, think it is a wonderful idea!” he exclaimed, looking reproachfully at his nephew. “You play beautifully, Findoron—don’t you want a chance to show your talent?”
Findoron shot his uncle a sharp glance. “No, I do not, and I’m sick of you both asking me this,” he said sullenly. He turned back to Culfin and added, “I am very pleased that you will be performing, and of course I will attend the feast to watch you, but I won’t partake. I wouldn’t want to ruin your show.”
Culfin fell silent for a moment, noticing the sudden tension in the atmosphere. Findoron was not joking—he truly thought that his presence would sour any goodwill the Elves would have for Culfin’s playing. But Culfin was being serious as well—and this time, he did not want to accept ‘no’ for an answer. “Findoron, if I thought you would ruin my show, I would not be asking you to join it,” he said earnestly. “I want you to play with me. It would mean a lot to me if you did.”
The two Elves looked at him, surprised; Feren in particular looked very moved by Culfin’s statement. “You are very kind, Culfin… Even if my nephew does not accept your offer, I thank you for it. He is blessed to have a friend like you.”
Culfin smiled at him gratefully, but soon returned his focus to Findoron, who had not answered. He, too, looked shaken by Culfin’s sincerity—even though they had been close friends for so many years now, their relationship was mostly a private one, and Findoron liked it that way. Even when Culfin had managed to drag Findoron to some feast or another, Findoron remained staunchly silent and was thus ignored by all but Culfin. He had never drawn attention to himself in such a way as a public performance, but if he did so, attention would be unavoidable… and it may not be good attention.
“I don’t know,” Findoron said after a long moment. “This is a lot to ask of me, Culfin.”
Culfin nodded, acknowledging this.
“But,” Findoron went on, looking up, “since it is you asking… I will consider it.”
“Splendid!” Culfin exclaimed, his grin returning in full force.
Findoron threw up his hands in exasperation. “Don’t get your hopes up—I said I would think about it, nothing more!” he cautioned, but he was hiding a smile.
And, after dinner, Culfin and Findoron spent several hours going over the songs that Culfin was planning to play.
@sotwk @frodothefair @coopsgirl @kylobith @dreambigdreamz
