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The Flow of Silver Water – Chapter One
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Pairing: Glorfindel/Ecthelion
Rating: R
Beta: Eni
Summary: Returned to life without warning or reason, Ecthelion seeks to make the most of life while awaiting his destiny.
Notes: Click the 'tags' link to get to the prologue if you missed it. :)
Ecthelion quickly discovered that he had not been sent back particularly close to his destination. He estimated it had been near noon when he arrived and now the sun was setting, with no sign of his destination. He hoped that simply walking would be enough and that he would indeed be led to the place Námo had called Imladris.
The area was totally unfamiliar to him and that was unsettling – he had known the world reasonably well before he had committed his life to Gondolin. Ecthelion had no way of knowing that in the years since his death the entire shape of the world had changed and all that he had once known was now no more than a memory.
As he walked he tried to memorise his route, in case he had need to come this way again. Yet many of the rocky paths and sparse forests seemed to look alike, to the point where he began to wonder if he was somehow going in circles. Only the occasional appearance of something new convinced him that he was not. Along the way he came across several apple trees and picked a few of the ripe fruits, having nothing else to eat and no bow or spear with which to hunt.
At last night fell and there was no sign of either his destination or anyone to show him to it. Though he did not know the state of the world in this new age, instinct told him that to travel alone at night was still folly. He walked until he came to the next patch of trees and then, finding a tall one with wide branches, climbed up into it.
Settling himself against the trunk, he pulled an apple from his pocket and stared up at the sky through the leaves. It was dark now and the stars shone brightly in the sky. Ecthelion found his gaze drawn to one in particular, that seemed to shine brighter than all the others. He could not say why, but it seemed strangely familiar. As he gazed at it, he let his thoughts wander, taking him back to all he had left behind in Gondolin.
A long sigh left his lips as his situation finally sank in, now that he had time to absorb it. He had often dreamed of being re-embodied, as most in the halls did; however, returning to Arda was not something he had ever considered. He had never doubted that he would be sent to the Blessed Realm and be reunited with his friends, his family – and his lover.
“Glorfindel,” he whispered, saying the name of his lost lover aloud for the first time in this new life. He knew little of his lover’s fate. After his death in Gondolin and his removal to the Halls of Mandos, he had been only distantly aware of events. He knew that Glorfindel had also died, for their paths had crossed sometimes while in the halls, due to their closeness in life. However, he had not seen or sensed Glorfindel’s spirit in centuries and could only assume that his lover had been reborn. In that moment his heart felt heavy, and he wondered why they had once again been kept apart. Now he was once again in the Hither Lands, all his dreams seemed like they had been thrown into chaos. There was no way of knowing when he would get his chance to see Valinor again now.
Still, there was little point in dwelling on it. It was far better to be alive than dead and he had to believe that Námo had spoken truthfully and that there was a reason behind his unusual return. The best thing to do was to make the most of what he had been given, no matter that it was unexpected.
Finally, he pushed all the confusing thoughts away and tried to rest. Unfortunately, it was not so easy – the tree was not particularly comfortable and Ecthelion did not wish to forget where he was sleeping – the results could be undignified, not to mention painful. As a result, he dozed fitfully, leaving the tree as soon as dawn broke, feeling no more refreshed than he had the night before.
For several more hours he walked, until his path finally brought him to a rushing river. Here he paused, drinking some of the cool water and washing his face and hands. Once clean, he found he felt far more ready to face whatever lay before him.
Finding a shallow point in the river, he removed his boots and waded across, knowing somehow that his path was on the other side. Shortly after, he found himself walking deeper into the woods and a sense of peace settled over him.
There was strange power at work here, he realised. Did it mean he was approaching his destination? He hoped so, for it was disconcerting, not knowing where he was headed. Even the name of the place, though Elven, seemed strange and he was beginning to suspect that little of the world he left behind now remained. It was a thought that brought sorrow for all that could not be regained and joy, for a new start. Holding the latter thought close to his heart, he pressed on.
*********************
The sound of their horses’ hooves mingled with the rustling of the leaves and the sound of the birds as they rode through the forest. The day had been so bright and cheerful that their father had managed to convince them to take a day off from their endless hunt for Orcs and to rest for a while.
With that in mind they had packed up a lunch and ridden into the forest surrounding their home, not far enough away to find trouble or risk being attacked, but enough so that they could spend some time alone, away from the other Elves of Imladris and their father’s well-intentioned nagging.
“This is nice,” Elrohir said, smiling at his brother. “I forget, sometimes, how peaceful life can be.”
Turning to face his twin, Elladan nodded. “Mother did love it here – it feels good to remember happier times. Father was right to insist we take today for ourselves.”
Elrohir chuckled. “Aye, he has learned much from Grandmother, I think! I am quite sure he is reading our minds sometimes!”
“Now that does fill me with fear!” Elladan laughed and relaxed in the saddle. Though he did not say it, it had been far too long since they had enjoyed life and it was good to do so again. It likely would not last – but for now at least, they were content.
Unbeknownst to the twins, however, their progress through the wood had not gone unnoticed. Horses were noisy, unlike Elves, and Ecthelion heard them long before he saw them.
Slipping behind a tree, he watched as they got closer. Námo had said he would find ‘one’ to lead him to Imladris but twins were often thought of as one soul, so this could indeed be who he sought nonetheless. If nothing else, they did not seem as though they were a danger. It was good enough. As they rode past him, he stepped out, revealing himself.
“Are you from Imladris?”
Not expecting to find any others on the road, the twins whirled their mounts round swiftly. Ecthelion stepped back, in case hooves decided to fly at him.
Elladan took in the sight of the Elf before them. He was tall and well built – a warrior, that much was obvious, despite his unbraided hair. He stood proudly before them and seemed taller than he; despite the extra height afford him by his horse.
“We are,” he said, seeing no reason to lie, though he remained cautious – evil came in many forms these days. “Why do you wish to know?” Beside him, Elrohir nodded in agreement.
“I am newly returned from Mandos’ Halls and I have been instructed to seek out the hidden vale,” he replied, hoping they would believe him. He knew his situation was unusual.
Dismounting from his horse, Elrohir approached him. “I see,” he said, “yet you have been sent to Arda instead of the Blessed Realm?” He knew he should introduce himself, but before he did so he wished to ensure that this newcomer was not a threat.
“Aye, though I do not know the reason… only that there is one. Lord Námo was… somewhat cryptic.” Ecthelion admitted.
A smile graced Elrohir’s face then – that was not the first time he had heard the lord of the dead described so. Glancing at Elladan, he exchanged a look with his brother, who then also dismounted.
“I greet you then,” he said. “I am Elladan. My brother is Elrohir and our father, Elrond is Lord of Imladris.”
“Then I have indeed found the ones I was told of,” Ecthelion replied. “I am Ecthelion, formerly of Gondolin.”
Stunned silence greeted this announcement; that lasted long enough for Ecthelion to wonder if had made a terrible mistake. The twins’ faces seemed suddenly pale and he felt concerned. Fortunately, Elrohir recovered himself before he could enquire as to the problem.
“The Lord of the Fountain?” he asked, unable to quite keep the awe from his voice.
Ecthelion nodded, though he was unsure of why his identity should be so shocking. He did not know that his battle with Gothmog was a part of history and that his name was legend amongst the Eldar – and that one Elf in particular had told the twins many tales.
“It is an honour to meet you.” Elrohir said, smiling warmly. “I know you will be welcomed in Imladris.”
“Indeed you will,” Elladan agreed. “Please, allow us to take you there.” His mind was spinning – he knew, as they all did, that Glorfindel had long missed Ecthelion. Yet he said nothing, for the true nature of the relationship between them was something Glorfindel had always kept to himself and while most suspected they had been lovers, they had respected Glorfindel’s wishes when he declined to talk about his loss.
“Thank you, that would be much appreciated, though I am to spoil your day,” Ecthelion said regretfully, for it was easy to tell that duty had not been on their mind that day.
However, Elrohir was quick to reassure him. “Think nothing of it; it is not every day Mandos returns one to us.” Calling his mount forward, he offered the animal to Ecthelion. “Please, use my horse. I can ride with my brother and we will be home sooner than if we walk.”
Home. It sounded strange to Ecthelion’s ears, a home that was not Gondolin, but he knew it was likely that Imladris was just that or, at least, it soon would be.
“Thank you,” he said, mounting up easily. It seemed he still had the skills with which he had departed the world. “Lead on.”
Elladan and Elrohir mounted the remaining horse and started back towards Imladris, leading the new arrival towards what would be the beginning of many things.
***********************
By early evening, Ecthelion felt like no more than a bundle of nerves. Lord Elrond had greeted him with the same shocked warmth as his sons had and, though he had been made to feel very welcome, there seemed to be something they were keeping from him. Everywhere he turned there were hushed whispers and secretive glances. Even the servant who had showed him to his room had kept giving him the strangest looks.
Finally, unable to bear it any longer, he took his flute and went to explore the gardens he had seen on his arrival. As he had hoped, they were peaceful and he wandered deep into them, until he found the centre, graced by a carved fountain. He smiled, if a little sadly – a fountain had been both his life and his death – to see one again was as unnerving as it was reassuring.
Carefully, he perched on the edge, though instinct and fear not yet conquered caused him to check the depth, though it was far smaller than the one in which he had met his doom. Satisfied that it would be near impossible to drown in it, he took out his flute. Putting it to his lips he began to play, a gentle, soothing melody that eased some of the confusion he still felt. As he played his closed his eyes, letting the world around him fall away.
*************************
The patrol had been long and Glorfindel did not feel inclined to make his report just yet. He preferred to wait until he was refreshed and Elrond did tend to want them immediately. The only way around it was to avoid him for a time. He went straight from the stables to the gardens, completely unaware that his Lord had far more than a patrol report on his mind.
He breathed deeply as he walked, enjoying the peace that the gardens brought. It was quite usual for them to be deserted at this time of day and he enjoyed the solitude after a day surrounded by the warriors under his command.
However, when the first notes of the flute reached his ears, a chill went down his spine. For a moment he was frozen to the spot, unable to believe what he was hearing. He had not heard that tune since before he had died and had never expected to hear it again. Shaking himself out of his shock, he headed towards the source of the sound, needing to know who was playing the music.
Before long, he arrived at the garden’s centre and the source of the music. What he saw there made the blood drain from his face and his hand flew to his mouth in shock. He wondered if he was dreaming, for such a scene had long been his deepest desire. Needing to know, though fearing the truth, he ran his tongue over suddenly dry lips and forced out a single word.
“Ecthelion?”
END CHAPTER ONE
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Pairing: Glorfindel/Ecthelion
Rating: R
Beta: Eni
Summary: Returned to life without warning or reason, Ecthelion seeks to make the most of life while awaiting his destiny.
Notes: Click the 'tags' link to get to the prologue if you missed it. :)
Ecthelion quickly discovered that he had not been sent back particularly close to his destination. He estimated it had been near noon when he arrived and now the sun was setting, with no sign of his destination. He hoped that simply walking would be enough and that he would indeed be led to the place Námo had called Imladris.
The area was totally unfamiliar to him and that was unsettling – he had known the world reasonably well before he had committed his life to Gondolin. Ecthelion had no way of knowing that in the years since his death the entire shape of the world had changed and all that he had once known was now no more than a memory.
As he walked he tried to memorise his route, in case he had need to come this way again. Yet many of the rocky paths and sparse forests seemed to look alike, to the point where he began to wonder if he was somehow going in circles. Only the occasional appearance of something new convinced him that he was not. Along the way he came across several apple trees and picked a few of the ripe fruits, having nothing else to eat and no bow or spear with which to hunt.
At last night fell and there was no sign of either his destination or anyone to show him to it. Though he did not know the state of the world in this new age, instinct told him that to travel alone at night was still folly. He walked until he came to the next patch of trees and then, finding a tall one with wide branches, climbed up into it.
Settling himself against the trunk, he pulled an apple from his pocket and stared up at the sky through the leaves. It was dark now and the stars shone brightly in the sky. Ecthelion found his gaze drawn to one in particular, that seemed to shine brighter than all the others. He could not say why, but it seemed strangely familiar. As he gazed at it, he let his thoughts wander, taking him back to all he had left behind in Gondolin.
A long sigh left his lips as his situation finally sank in, now that he had time to absorb it. He had often dreamed of being re-embodied, as most in the halls did; however, returning to Arda was not something he had ever considered. He had never doubted that he would be sent to the Blessed Realm and be reunited with his friends, his family – and his lover.
“Glorfindel,” he whispered, saying the name of his lost lover aloud for the first time in this new life. He knew little of his lover’s fate. After his death in Gondolin and his removal to the Halls of Mandos, he had been only distantly aware of events. He knew that Glorfindel had also died, for their paths had crossed sometimes while in the halls, due to their closeness in life. However, he had not seen or sensed Glorfindel’s spirit in centuries and could only assume that his lover had been reborn. In that moment his heart felt heavy, and he wondered why they had once again been kept apart. Now he was once again in the Hither Lands, all his dreams seemed like they had been thrown into chaos. There was no way of knowing when he would get his chance to see Valinor again now.
Still, there was little point in dwelling on it. It was far better to be alive than dead and he had to believe that Námo had spoken truthfully and that there was a reason behind his unusual return. The best thing to do was to make the most of what he had been given, no matter that it was unexpected.
Finally, he pushed all the confusing thoughts away and tried to rest. Unfortunately, it was not so easy – the tree was not particularly comfortable and Ecthelion did not wish to forget where he was sleeping – the results could be undignified, not to mention painful. As a result, he dozed fitfully, leaving the tree as soon as dawn broke, feeling no more refreshed than he had the night before.
For several more hours he walked, until his path finally brought him to a rushing river. Here he paused, drinking some of the cool water and washing his face and hands. Once clean, he found he felt far more ready to face whatever lay before him.
Finding a shallow point in the river, he removed his boots and waded across, knowing somehow that his path was on the other side. Shortly after, he found himself walking deeper into the woods and a sense of peace settled over him.
There was strange power at work here, he realised. Did it mean he was approaching his destination? He hoped so, for it was disconcerting, not knowing where he was headed. Even the name of the place, though Elven, seemed strange and he was beginning to suspect that little of the world he left behind now remained. It was a thought that brought sorrow for all that could not be regained and joy, for a new start. Holding the latter thought close to his heart, he pressed on.
*********************
The sound of their horses’ hooves mingled with the rustling of the leaves and the sound of the birds as they rode through the forest. The day had been so bright and cheerful that their father had managed to convince them to take a day off from their endless hunt for Orcs and to rest for a while.
With that in mind they had packed up a lunch and ridden into the forest surrounding their home, not far enough away to find trouble or risk being attacked, but enough so that they could spend some time alone, away from the other Elves of Imladris and their father’s well-intentioned nagging.
“This is nice,” Elrohir said, smiling at his brother. “I forget, sometimes, how peaceful life can be.”
Turning to face his twin, Elladan nodded. “Mother did love it here – it feels good to remember happier times. Father was right to insist we take today for ourselves.”
Elrohir chuckled. “Aye, he has learned much from Grandmother, I think! I am quite sure he is reading our minds sometimes!”
“Now that does fill me with fear!” Elladan laughed and relaxed in the saddle. Though he did not say it, it had been far too long since they had enjoyed life and it was good to do so again. It likely would not last – but for now at least, they were content.
Unbeknownst to the twins, however, their progress through the wood had not gone unnoticed. Horses were noisy, unlike Elves, and Ecthelion heard them long before he saw them.
Slipping behind a tree, he watched as they got closer. Námo had said he would find ‘one’ to lead him to Imladris but twins were often thought of as one soul, so this could indeed be who he sought nonetheless. If nothing else, they did not seem as though they were a danger. It was good enough. As they rode past him, he stepped out, revealing himself.
“Are you from Imladris?”
Not expecting to find any others on the road, the twins whirled their mounts round swiftly. Ecthelion stepped back, in case hooves decided to fly at him.
Elladan took in the sight of the Elf before them. He was tall and well built – a warrior, that much was obvious, despite his unbraided hair. He stood proudly before them and seemed taller than he; despite the extra height afford him by his horse.
“We are,” he said, seeing no reason to lie, though he remained cautious – evil came in many forms these days. “Why do you wish to know?” Beside him, Elrohir nodded in agreement.
“I am newly returned from Mandos’ Halls and I have been instructed to seek out the hidden vale,” he replied, hoping they would believe him. He knew his situation was unusual.
Dismounting from his horse, Elrohir approached him. “I see,” he said, “yet you have been sent to Arda instead of the Blessed Realm?” He knew he should introduce himself, but before he did so he wished to ensure that this newcomer was not a threat.
“Aye, though I do not know the reason… only that there is one. Lord Námo was… somewhat cryptic.” Ecthelion admitted.
A smile graced Elrohir’s face then – that was not the first time he had heard the lord of the dead described so. Glancing at Elladan, he exchanged a look with his brother, who then also dismounted.
“I greet you then,” he said. “I am Elladan. My brother is Elrohir and our father, Elrond is Lord of Imladris.”
“Then I have indeed found the ones I was told of,” Ecthelion replied. “I am Ecthelion, formerly of Gondolin.”
Stunned silence greeted this announcement; that lasted long enough for Ecthelion to wonder if had made a terrible mistake. The twins’ faces seemed suddenly pale and he felt concerned. Fortunately, Elrohir recovered himself before he could enquire as to the problem.
“The Lord of the Fountain?” he asked, unable to quite keep the awe from his voice.
Ecthelion nodded, though he was unsure of why his identity should be so shocking. He did not know that his battle with Gothmog was a part of history and that his name was legend amongst the Eldar – and that one Elf in particular had told the twins many tales.
“It is an honour to meet you.” Elrohir said, smiling warmly. “I know you will be welcomed in Imladris.”
“Indeed you will,” Elladan agreed. “Please, allow us to take you there.” His mind was spinning – he knew, as they all did, that Glorfindel had long missed Ecthelion. Yet he said nothing, for the true nature of the relationship between them was something Glorfindel had always kept to himself and while most suspected they had been lovers, they had respected Glorfindel’s wishes when he declined to talk about his loss.
“Thank you, that would be much appreciated, though I am to spoil your day,” Ecthelion said regretfully, for it was easy to tell that duty had not been on their mind that day.
However, Elrohir was quick to reassure him. “Think nothing of it; it is not every day Mandos returns one to us.” Calling his mount forward, he offered the animal to Ecthelion. “Please, use my horse. I can ride with my brother and we will be home sooner than if we walk.”
Home. It sounded strange to Ecthelion’s ears, a home that was not Gondolin, but he knew it was likely that Imladris was just that or, at least, it soon would be.
“Thank you,” he said, mounting up easily. It seemed he still had the skills with which he had departed the world. “Lead on.”
Elladan and Elrohir mounted the remaining horse and started back towards Imladris, leading the new arrival towards what would be the beginning of many things.
***********************
By early evening, Ecthelion felt like no more than a bundle of nerves. Lord Elrond had greeted him with the same shocked warmth as his sons had and, though he had been made to feel very welcome, there seemed to be something they were keeping from him. Everywhere he turned there were hushed whispers and secretive glances. Even the servant who had showed him to his room had kept giving him the strangest looks.
Finally, unable to bear it any longer, he took his flute and went to explore the gardens he had seen on his arrival. As he had hoped, they were peaceful and he wandered deep into them, until he found the centre, graced by a carved fountain. He smiled, if a little sadly – a fountain had been both his life and his death – to see one again was as unnerving as it was reassuring.
Carefully, he perched on the edge, though instinct and fear not yet conquered caused him to check the depth, though it was far smaller than the one in which he had met his doom. Satisfied that it would be near impossible to drown in it, he took out his flute. Putting it to his lips he began to play, a gentle, soothing melody that eased some of the confusion he still felt. As he played his closed his eyes, letting the world around him fall away.
*************************
The patrol had been long and Glorfindel did not feel inclined to make his report just yet. He preferred to wait until he was refreshed and Elrond did tend to want them immediately. The only way around it was to avoid him for a time. He went straight from the stables to the gardens, completely unaware that his Lord had far more than a patrol report on his mind.
He breathed deeply as he walked, enjoying the peace that the gardens brought. It was quite usual for them to be deserted at this time of day and he enjoyed the solitude after a day surrounded by the warriors under his command.
However, when the first notes of the flute reached his ears, a chill went down his spine. For a moment he was frozen to the spot, unable to believe what he was hearing. He had not heard that tune since before he had died and had never expected to hear it again. Shaking himself out of his shock, he headed towards the source of the sound, needing to know who was playing the music.
Before long, he arrived at the garden’s centre and the source of the music. What he saw there made the blood drain from his face and his hand flew to his mouth in shock. He wondered if he was dreaming, for such a scene had long been his deepest desire. Needing to know, though fearing the truth, he ran his tongue over suddenly dry lips and forced out a single word.
“Ecthelion?”
END CHAPTER ONE
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2006-04-18 03:57 pm (UTC)From:Hehehe...I like this beginning, I hope there is more soon :)
~DarkDreamer
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Date: 2006-04-24 03:02 pm (UTC)From:LOL thanks! More is on the way soon!
Tux
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Date: 2006-04-18 04:33 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2006-04-24 03:02 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2006-04-18 05:22 pm (UTC)From:You cliffied us!! *wibbly lip*
Oh man, to tease us along that much and to leave us THERE!
*grins* I liked how Ecthelion checked the fountain before sitting on it *grins* I don't blame him.
I can't wait for the next chapter to see how the reunion goes!
**hugs**
no subject
Date: 2006-04-24 03:04 pm (UTC)From:Yeah, poor Elf was a bit nervous! I don't blame him either though!
More soon!
no subject
Date: 2006-04-18 06:35 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2006-04-24 03:04 pm (UTC)From:Glad you're enjoying it! :)
no subject
Date: 2006-04-18 08:05 pm (UTC)From: (Anonymous)Griz
no subject
Date: 2006-04-24 03:05 pm (UTC)From:I'm working on the next chapter and hope to post soon!
no subject
Date: 2007-05-12 08:01 am (UTC)From:"well-intentioned nagging" Hehehe.
Re the meeting between Ecthelion and the twins, I'm thinking two things. Firstly, he's lucky he didn't stumble across a pack of female Ecthelion fanelves. Secondly, I'm wondering how someone like Salgant, Eol, or Maeglin might be received if they suddenly turned upon Elrond's doorstep.
Loved it! Thanks, Tux. ♥♥ *huggles*
BTW, I'm updating quickly because I read the fic elsewhere earlier and wrote comments then. So I'm copying and pasting those comments now. xDDD