Pen and Sword

            Just then Eliza walked in. She yanked Gilbert back by his cape and glared at him

            Roderich sat back down and picked up his pen.

            Gilbert’s eyes flashed with anger but Roderich just kept writing.

            Eliza seemed to understand the situation for she asked no questions. Or maybe she had just heard everything.

            Gilbert saw he would get no help. “Fine you damn coward! Hide behind you damn pen. I’ll go aid the right flank.” he spat angrily as he sharply turned around and stalked off, his cape swishing behind him

            Roderich sighed and leaned back in his chair “He calls me coward then turns on heel and runs off.” he said with a slight chuckle

            Eliza smiled “Your tea” she said placing it down on his desk then sitting in a chair

            Hours passed and soon another man ran into the tent. He was in the dress of one of Gilbert’s soldiers.

            “Mr. Edelstein! Please come quickly!” he said, his face covered in sweat and worry in his eyes

            Roderich quickly stood and grabbed his sword, Eliza followed him her sword on her hip.

            The two ran after the young Prussian man. Roderich felt his gut twist when he realized they were running to the right flank.

            A cluster of men were up ahead, they broke apart when they saw the tow approaching.

            Roderich’s heart fell when he saw the broken man on the grass. Eliza let out a gasp and tears started streaming down her face.

            The young Prussia man that led them there issued some order and the cluster of people left.

            Roderich sunk to his knees as did Eliza

            Gilbert lay bleeding out in the grass, he was barely conscious.

            “Gil…” Eliza choked out

            “Hey… Roddy we won… See? Told you… Real men… use swords…” Gilbert said slowly, blood was pooling on his stomach, where a large cut in his uniform revealed a huge stab wound

            “Yes, I see Gilbert” Roderich said, he fought back tears. Gilbert wasn’t going to make it. They all knew that.

            “Roddy… you… you hide behind a pen” Gilbert stated

            “Uh, yes I did… I’m sorry Gilbert”

            “Roddy… Elizia… Is the pen really… mightier than the… sword?” Gilbert asked, his voice fading with every word and his breaths becoming even shallower

            “Gil keep fighting it!” Eliza cried

            Roderich put a hand on his long time comrade’s shoulder. Gilbert may have been highly obnoxious and irritating, and they may have never got along, but neither could deny the fact they had a rather good friendship.

            “No Gil. I was wrong. The sword is mightier than the pen can ever be.” Roderich spoke

            Gilbert gave a weak smile, he coughed violently and blood spattered his lips

            “I’m glad to hear that… Tell… Luddy I say… Goodbye… and I love… him.” he asked barely at a whisper

            Roderich nodded “Of course Gilbert”

            Gilbert nodded, and his eyes glazed over and his chest stopped moving.

            Eliza let out a sob and kissed her long time friends forehead before sobbing into Roderich’s chest.

            A few silent tears slipped from Roderich’s eyes and down his cheek.

            “Goodbye Gil… my friend” he whispered before closing Gil’s eye lids

Present

            Roderich walked into the sitting room where young Ludwig sat watching and waiting.

            Roderich kneeled in front of the small boy.

            “Ludwig. Your brother… isn’t coming back… He said to say that he loves you and goodbye” Austria said softly

            Pain flashed in Ludwig’s blue eyes, he lowered his gaze from Roderich’s eyes and hung his head, he fought to keep back tears, but couldn’t. He cried silently.

            Roderich didn’t move, he just kept where he was. Eliza watched from across the room, her own tears falling once more.

            “Ludwig I think I have one more thing Gilbert would have liked you to know and have.”

            Roderich stood and walked into the next room, returning with Gilbert’s sword. He handed the sheathed blade to Ludwig, who took it with gratitude.

            “Your brother often said the sword was mightier than the pen… and it is… but remember, the sword may be mightier, but the pen outlives the sword. You will do well to remember that Ludwig.” Roderich said placing a hand on the boys shoulder

            Ludwig nodded and stood up, his brother’s sword in his small hands.

            He said softly what sounded like a goodbye, and he gave a small bow before leaving the house.

            “Roderich do you really think that?” Eliza asked softly

            “I think as thickheaded as Gilbert was he did have a small edge of wisdom. And he thought he was right, and that is what mattered here” Roderich said

            Eliza nodded and hugged him

            The sun set, casting shadows in the piano room. The house still had no music to it, and it was still silent. For what merriment was there to be had? And the only loud thing to ever bother the halls was now forever gone.

Again sorry if Austria is OOC. Please tell me if he is I’ll try to fix it.