"Salt," for callirhoe

I wrote this story for Vana's (callirhoe) birthday, which was actually back in July. But since Vana didn't have computer access until recently, I intentionally withheld posting it because it didn't make much sense to post a birthday gift when the birthday girl can't read it!

Vana requested a story about Caranthir and the sea. This story is exactly that. In it, I assume my Felak!verse notion that Caranthir was the most "psychically" gifted of all of the Feanorians and that his osanwe guided much of his behavior. "Salt" spans his entire life--from the age of three years old until the day of his death--and considers how one misunderstood Elf and his relationship with his mother, the sea, and his own strange emotions might have led to the eventual overthrow of Morgoth.

Sounds strange? Well...yes. This story is a bit experimental, so please do not hesitate to let me know if something does not work for you. I started this story in mid-June and just finished it at the beginning of August. The basic concept and the first few pages came easily, like they'd already been written and just needed to be put onto paper. Then it faltered, and I wasn't sure exactly how I wanted to connect the many dots I'd drawn into a coherent story. July through August was mostly spent thinking about this story and how I wished it to end. In the past few days, I finally came to enough of a decision that the ending wrote itself, much as the beginning had.

But anyone who has lived with a story barely over ten pages for the better part of two months can probably relate the exhausted inability to comprehend anything about said story any longer. So I appreciate any honest assessments that readers are willing to give.

Vana, I hope that you enjoyed your birthday and send my fondest wishes, virtual hugs, and one strange story! :)

( Salt )