RL-C1: FIRST ROUND CREATION - Ruth Fic- Louder Than Words
Louder Than Words
by lunarknightz
Rating:G
Genre: Gen
Characters: Ruth centric, appearance of David, mention of James.
Spoilers: "The Shepherd", set pre-series.
Word Count: 457
“Wow, Mom!” David’s eyes lit up at the site of the dual birthday cakes. “That’s a lot of cake!”
It warmed Ruth’s heart that her son, still barely a teenager- closer to a man than a child, was excited to have something as simple as an extra birthday cake. David was a good boy, who had been through a lot; especially losing his father so young. Ruth would give him the moon if she was able, but such luxuries didn’t come easily for sheep farmers. More often than not, they were barely squeaking by. But some days were special days. Ruth squeaked by enough every year to give David little luxuries- a toy and an orange in his Christmas stocking, and two cakes every birthday.
Spoiling David is not the reason Ruth bakes two cakes each year. The reason behind it is a season that Ruth carries alone, now that her husband has passed on.
The second cake is for David’s twin. His identical twin brother that David never knew. Ruth had barely known the boy herself. She was still recovering from the birth when her husband, in a fit of despair on how to raise two boys on the budget of a failing sheep farm, had sold the infant for money. Ruth had been beside herself in rage and fury when she realized what happened, but it was too late. The deal had been made, and James had been spirited away by a wizard.
From time to time, Ruth imagines what it would be like to have both of her sons around, and wonders if things might run smoother with two able bodied men able to do work at the farm. She wonders what James would be like- would he be loud and boisterous, or silly yet sweet? How would David handle having a brother? Is James still living? Is he happy? These are the thoughts that dance through her mind and keep her awake at night.
James may no longer be her son, but she will always be his mother. Each year, Ruth thinks about sharing her secret with David. He was too little understand before; but now he is getting to the age where Ruth thinks he should know. The fear of losing David, losing his trust is what stays her tongue.
Eventually the time will come to tell him the truth. She silently decides that today is not the day.
“It’s a special day.” She says, kissing his forehead. “And you are my special son. Happy birthday, dear.” “I love you, Mom.” He says, before taking a knife and cutting a slice of cake. “You’re the best!”
Ruth wishes that she could hear an echo of David’s words, but James’ silence is deafening.
by lunarknightz
Rating:G
Genre: Gen
Characters: Ruth centric, appearance of David, mention of James.
Spoilers: "The Shepherd", set pre-series.
Word Count: 457
“Wow, Mom!” David’s eyes lit up at the site of the dual birthday cakes. “That’s a lot of cake!”
It warmed Ruth’s heart that her son, still barely a teenager- closer to a man than a child, was excited to have something as simple as an extra birthday cake. David was a good boy, who had been through a lot; especially losing his father so young. Ruth would give him the moon if she was able, but such luxuries didn’t come easily for sheep farmers. More often than not, they were barely squeaking by. But some days were special days. Ruth squeaked by enough every year to give David little luxuries- a toy and an orange in his Christmas stocking, and two cakes every birthday.
Spoiling David is not the reason Ruth bakes two cakes each year. The reason behind it is a season that Ruth carries alone, now that her husband has passed on.
The second cake is for David’s twin. His identical twin brother that David never knew. Ruth had barely known the boy herself. She was still recovering from the birth when her husband, in a fit of despair on how to raise two boys on the budget of a failing sheep farm, had sold the infant for money. Ruth had been beside herself in rage and fury when she realized what happened, but it was too late. The deal had been made, and James had been spirited away by a wizard.
From time to time, Ruth imagines what it would be like to have both of her sons around, and wonders if things might run smoother with two able bodied men able to do work at the farm. She wonders what James would be like- would he be loud and boisterous, or silly yet sweet? How would David handle having a brother? Is James still living? Is he happy? These are the thoughts that dance through her mind and keep her awake at night.
James may no longer be her son, but she will always be his mother. Each year, Ruth thinks about sharing her secret with David. He was too little understand before; but now he is getting to the age where Ruth thinks he should know. The fear of losing David, losing his trust is what stays her tongue.
Eventually the time will come to tell him the truth. She silently decides that today is not the day.
“It’s a special day.” She says, kissing his forehead. “And you are my special son. Happy birthday, dear.” “I love you, Mom.” He says, before taking a knife and cutting a slice of cake. “You’re the best!”
Ruth wishes that she could hear an echo of David’s words, but James’ silence is deafening.
