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The Flow of Silver Water - Chapter Two
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Rating: R
Pairing: Glorfindel/Ecthelion
Beta: Eni
Summary: Returned to life without warning or reason, Ecthelion seeks to make the most of life while awaiting his destiny.
The music stopped abruptly. Ecthelion's eyes flew open and he stared in wonder at what he saw before him. Though he had longed to see Glorfindel again, he had not even entertained the thought that he might find him here, on Arda.
“Glorfindel...” A slow smile spread over his face as he realised that what he had wished for the most had actually been given. “Aye it is me – I was returned just yesterday.” He jumped down from the edge of the fountain, to stand tall and proud before the one who had always held his heart.
Glorfindel's world was spinning – for so long he had dreamed of this, to have it finally made real was almost too much to believe. Yet real it was – Ecthelion stood before him, alive and well. He stepped closer, his heart pounding madly in his chest, until he could reach out and touch the soft skin of Ecthelion's cheek. It was warm, alive, and as he touched, Ecthelion tilted his head to lean into the gentle caress.
“Ecthelion!” Without further hesitation, Glorfindel wrapped his arms around the slightly taller Elf and held him close, emotion welling in his heart when he felt Ecthelion do the same. “I have missed you,” he whispered. “You have been ever in my heart.” He clung to him, as if fearing the other Elf would vanish back into Mandos’ Halls.
“I have missed you also,” Ecthelion replied, “and have waited long to see you again.” He paused and then laughed lightly. “Yet I find I do not know what to say, now that we are both here.”
“Nor I,” Glorfindel admitted. “Though I fear in a moment I will weep like a child in my joy!”
“Even a warrior must sometimes cry,” Ecthelion said, “and if you do I will likely join you, for seeing you again does bring me to tears.”
They looked at each other as they remained close, seeing all that they had once had and that had been so brutally torn from them. Then both saw what had now been given - a second chance - and then the tears did fall, as love, longing and gratitude overwhelmed the two great lords of Gondolin, reunited after long and painful years apart.
*************
Hours passed and still they remained in the garden. When the tears had finally ceased they sat together under a tree, Ecthelion's back resting against the bark, Glorfindel lying down, instinctively resting his head in Ecthelion's lap, as he had always done before. He gazed up at the dark-haired Elf as the other sat with a glazed expression, one hand gently stroking the golden hair.
“What are you thinking?” Glorfindel asked softly, taking Ecthelion's free hand in his. It was more wonderful than he had the words for to touch him again.
“The past – and the future,” Ecthelion replied. “Or rather – our past and future.”
“What of it?” Glorfindel said. “The past is over and worth remembering and the future is before us. What else matters?”
Ecthelion chuckled lightly and bent to place a kiss on Glorfindel's brow. “I may have been born yesterday, but I am no fool,” he said. However, his expression sobered as he continued. “You have been living here a great many years and have likely changed much, while I am still fresh from Gondolin, unaware of all that has happened during the long years of my stay in the Halls. I am sure that nothing is as it once was – not even you.”
“That much is true,” Glorfindel admitted, “I have changed – I have had to. But not beyond recognition; my heart is still the same. Still yours.”
“Is it?” Ecthelion tried to keep his desperate hope from his voice, though he feared his efforts were not enough. “All these years alone and you have not loved again?”
“I tried,” Glorfindel admitted. “Twice. Once was with Lindir, a minstrel who lives here; the other was Haldir, a Marchwarden of Lothlórien. Yet in both cases I could not find it in me to give my heart. Because it still belonged to you. I have remained friends with both - but they are not who I desire.” He blushed slightly and looked away before continuing. “I have taken bedmates on occasion… when the needs of the flesh became more than I could bear.”
Ecthelion’s hand came to rest on his cheek, turning his head until their gazes met again. “That is nothing to be ashamed of,” he said softly. “I am overjoyed that I still have you – I could never blame you for having needs. I would not have blamed you had you found love again, though my heart would have been left empty.”
“Then I am glad I did not and that I waited for you to return to me.” Sitting up, Glorfindel leaned close to Ecthelion. “I know there may be trials caused by the changes in both ourselves and the world – but we have already survived the greatest trial, I believe we still have all that we need and that our love is strong enough to adjust where it needs to.”
“I agree.” The words were a great weight off Ecthelion’s heart. From the moment he had realised that Glorfindel was here, he had wondered if all he had dreamed of could still be realised. It did not have to happen overnight. Now at last they had time – at least, that was his hope. Still, there was one thing he found he had no desire to wait for at all. Moving forward, he pressed their lips together in the gentlest of kisses.
Glorfindel breathed deeply as kiss deepened, closing his eyes to better feel the sweetness of the touch. Memories flooded his mind – memories that had, until just a few hours ago, been laced with near unbearable sadness. Now that sadness was gone and his heart felt lighter than it had done since his rebirth. He wound his arms around Ecthelion’s waist, holding him close until the kiss came to an end.
Pulling back, he smiled softly, aware that, much to his shame, he was blushing.
“That was… nice,” he said, brushing a strand of hair from his face.
Ecthelion’s jaw dropped. “Nice? Our first kiss in two ages and it was ‘nice’? By Eru, Glorfindel, you have become hard to please!” He looked rather indignant and it sent Glorfindel into peals of laughter.
“I am sorry!” he laughed. “I was so overwhelmed I did not know what to say! You always have been and still are a wonderful kisser!”
“No, no, no!” Ecthelion replied. “I can handle the truth. Clearly, much practice is required to regain my former skill.” He winked and then they both laughed, the last of the awkwardness between them melting away.
“We should go back to the house,” Glorfindel said. “They will be wondering where I am – as well as you.”
“They have probably guessed,” Ecthelion countered, “but you are right. We cannot stay here all night, tempting as that sounds!” Standing, he offered Glorfindel his hand, pulling him gently to his feet.
Entwining their fingers, Glorfindel held on to his returned lover as they made their way out of the gardens.
********************
“There!” Elrohir pointed to where Glorfindel and Ecthelion were emerging from the gardens, a smile on his face. When it had been discovered that neither Glorfindel or Ecthelion could be found, all had hoped that the two had found each other of their own accord. Now it seemed as if that was indeed the case.
Elrond hurried out from where he had been spending quiet time with his sons in their family rooms and cast his eyes over the new arrivals. He noted their entwined hands and at the look of pure joy on Glorfindel’s face, felt a pang of longing for his own reunion, which was doubtless many years away. Pushing those feelings aside, he approached them, smiling as he realised that he had never before seen Glorfindel look so alive.
“I see you have met our new arrival,” he said, teasing lightly.
“Indeed I have,” Glorfindel replied brightly, holding Ecthelion’s hand a little tighter. “And a most welcome arrival he is!”
Ecthelion chuckled, leaning in towards Glorfindel slightly. Their closeness, even after such a short reunion, was apparent.
“So I can see,” Elrond said. “Come into my office and let us talk.” He led them a short way down the corridor, towards a large room, well furnished with a desk and several high-backed chairs. Elladan and Elrohir followed, curious as what would happen now.
Once they were seated and Elladan had served drinks, Elrond’s gaze settled on Ecthelion.
“As I said before, you are most welcome in Imladris. I apologise for not informing you of Glorfindel’s presence – I had hoped to speak with him myself before shocking either of you. It seems the Valar had other plans, though.”
“It is fine, My Lord,” Ecthelion replied softly. “It all worked out well.” He smiled, glancing at Glorfindel, who was sitting close beside him. “I appreciate you welcoming me into your lands and hope I can be of some use here – I am not one to happily sit idle.”
“We will find a place for you,” Elrond assured him, “in time. For now do not push yourself – Glorfindel will tell you that it takes a while to re-adjust to life.”
Ecthelion nodded, seeing the wisdom in the words, and Elrond smiled. “Do I need to assign you quarters?” he asked, his gaze moving to Glorfindel. Had there been any doubts about the nature of their relationship, they were firmly erased now.
Shifting in his chair, Glorfindel faced his lover. “Stay with me,” he pleaded quietly. “My rooms are large enough. We do not have to rush into anything, but I would dearly love to have you near.”
“I would like that,” Ecthelion responded, gazing at Glorfindel for a moment before turning back to Elrond. “I do not think that will be necessary, my Lord,” he said, chuckling softly.
“I had suspected as much,” Elrond said. “I hope you will be happy here. I had not said anything earlier, for fear of overwhelming you, but my family and I owe our lives to the sacrifices you and Glorfindel made.”
Ecthelion looked confused. “How so, my Lord?” he asked.
It was Glorfindel who replied, however.
“It is a long story, the details of which I will tell you later – but Lord Elrond is Eärendil’s son. Eärendil made it safely out of Gondolin and to the Havens at Sirion, where he later met his wife. They had two children, of which Elrond was one. When I was returned, I was told that my duty was to continue to watch over the family.”
Ecthelion let out a long breath at this revelation. It made many things fall into place: his ease in Elrond’s presence and why his sons had been the ones to meet him, but it also raised many questions.
“Amazing,” he breathed. “That the line of Eärendil should have lasted this long is wonderful news.” He had to admit, though – it was difficult to reconcile this tall, powerful Lord as the son of one whom he still thought of as a child. “If I did play a part in it, then I am fortunate indeed.”
“You are,” Glorfindel said gently. “And perhaps now you have been rewarded.”
“That I doubt,” Ecthelion replied. “I do not know why I have been reborn – only that there is a reason for it. My destiny is not yet complete, that is all I can be sure of.”
“Then we will find the reason together,” Glorfindel promised. Reaching out, he laid his hand over Ecthelion’s. So caught in the moment they were that they seemed oblivious to the three others in the room.
Coughing discreetly, Elrond stood. “You should both rest; it has been a long day,” he told them, his voice gentle but his expression leaving no doubts that it was not a request.
“Thank you again,” Ecthelion said as he and Glorfindel both stood. “I am looking forward to making my home here.” Bowing respectfully he then allowed Glorfindel to lead him out, towards the rooms they would now share.
Glorfindel looked pleased as he walked along the corridor. “That went well. I think you will fit in easily amongst the Elves here.”
Stopping, Ecthelion reached out and pulled Glorfindel towards him. “With you by my side, I know I will,” he replied, wrapping his arms around his lover and looking intently at him.
“I am glad to hear it,” Glorfindel whispered, closing his eyes and, not caring who saw, leaned in for a kiss.
END CHAPTER 2
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Rating: R
Pairing: Glorfindel/Ecthelion
Beta: Eni
Summary: Returned to life without warning or reason, Ecthelion seeks to make the most of life while awaiting his destiny.
The music stopped abruptly. Ecthelion's eyes flew open and he stared in wonder at what he saw before him. Though he had longed to see Glorfindel again, he had not even entertained the thought that he might find him here, on Arda.
“Glorfindel...” A slow smile spread over his face as he realised that what he had wished for the most had actually been given. “Aye it is me – I was returned just yesterday.” He jumped down from the edge of the fountain, to stand tall and proud before the one who had always held his heart.
Glorfindel's world was spinning – for so long he had dreamed of this, to have it finally made real was almost too much to believe. Yet real it was – Ecthelion stood before him, alive and well. He stepped closer, his heart pounding madly in his chest, until he could reach out and touch the soft skin of Ecthelion's cheek. It was warm, alive, and as he touched, Ecthelion tilted his head to lean into the gentle caress.
“Ecthelion!” Without further hesitation, Glorfindel wrapped his arms around the slightly taller Elf and held him close, emotion welling in his heart when he felt Ecthelion do the same. “I have missed you,” he whispered. “You have been ever in my heart.” He clung to him, as if fearing the other Elf would vanish back into Mandos’ Halls.
“I have missed you also,” Ecthelion replied, “and have waited long to see you again.” He paused and then laughed lightly. “Yet I find I do not know what to say, now that we are both here.”
“Nor I,” Glorfindel admitted. “Though I fear in a moment I will weep like a child in my joy!”
“Even a warrior must sometimes cry,” Ecthelion said, “and if you do I will likely join you, for seeing you again does bring me to tears.”
They looked at each other as they remained close, seeing all that they had once had and that had been so brutally torn from them. Then both saw what had now been given - a second chance - and then the tears did fall, as love, longing and gratitude overwhelmed the two great lords of Gondolin, reunited after long and painful years apart.
*************
Hours passed and still they remained in the garden. When the tears had finally ceased they sat together under a tree, Ecthelion's back resting against the bark, Glorfindel lying down, instinctively resting his head in Ecthelion's lap, as he had always done before. He gazed up at the dark-haired Elf as the other sat with a glazed expression, one hand gently stroking the golden hair.
“What are you thinking?” Glorfindel asked softly, taking Ecthelion's free hand in his. It was more wonderful than he had the words for to touch him again.
“The past – and the future,” Ecthelion replied. “Or rather – our past and future.”
“What of it?” Glorfindel said. “The past is over and worth remembering and the future is before us. What else matters?”
Ecthelion chuckled lightly and bent to place a kiss on Glorfindel's brow. “I may have been born yesterday, but I am no fool,” he said. However, his expression sobered as he continued. “You have been living here a great many years and have likely changed much, while I am still fresh from Gondolin, unaware of all that has happened during the long years of my stay in the Halls. I am sure that nothing is as it once was – not even you.”
“That much is true,” Glorfindel admitted, “I have changed – I have had to. But not beyond recognition; my heart is still the same. Still yours.”
“Is it?” Ecthelion tried to keep his desperate hope from his voice, though he feared his efforts were not enough. “All these years alone and you have not loved again?”
“I tried,” Glorfindel admitted. “Twice. Once was with Lindir, a minstrel who lives here; the other was Haldir, a Marchwarden of Lothlórien. Yet in both cases I could not find it in me to give my heart. Because it still belonged to you. I have remained friends with both - but they are not who I desire.” He blushed slightly and looked away before continuing. “I have taken bedmates on occasion… when the needs of the flesh became more than I could bear.”
Ecthelion’s hand came to rest on his cheek, turning his head until their gazes met again. “That is nothing to be ashamed of,” he said softly. “I am overjoyed that I still have you – I could never blame you for having needs. I would not have blamed you had you found love again, though my heart would have been left empty.”
“Then I am glad I did not and that I waited for you to return to me.” Sitting up, Glorfindel leaned close to Ecthelion. “I know there may be trials caused by the changes in both ourselves and the world – but we have already survived the greatest trial, I believe we still have all that we need and that our love is strong enough to adjust where it needs to.”
“I agree.” The words were a great weight off Ecthelion’s heart. From the moment he had realised that Glorfindel was here, he had wondered if all he had dreamed of could still be realised. It did not have to happen overnight. Now at last they had time – at least, that was his hope. Still, there was one thing he found he had no desire to wait for at all. Moving forward, he pressed their lips together in the gentlest of kisses.
Glorfindel breathed deeply as kiss deepened, closing his eyes to better feel the sweetness of the touch. Memories flooded his mind – memories that had, until just a few hours ago, been laced with near unbearable sadness. Now that sadness was gone and his heart felt lighter than it had done since his rebirth. He wound his arms around Ecthelion’s waist, holding him close until the kiss came to an end.
Pulling back, he smiled softly, aware that, much to his shame, he was blushing.
“That was… nice,” he said, brushing a strand of hair from his face.
Ecthelion’s jaw dropped. “Nice? Our first kiss in two ages and it was ‘nice’? By Eru, Glorfindel, you have become hard to please!” He looked rather indignant and it sent Glorfindel into peals of laughter.
“I am sorry!” he laughed. “I was so overwhelmed I did not know what to say! You always have been and still are a wonderful kisser!”
“No, no, no!” Ecthelion replied. “I can handle the truth. Clearly, much practice is required to regain my former skill.” He winked and then they both laughed, the last of the awkwardness between them melting away.
“We should go back to the house,” Glorfindel said. “They will be wondering where I am – as well as you.”
“They have probably guessed,” Ecthelion countered, “but you are right. We cannot stay here all night, tempting as that sounds!” Standing, he offered Glorfindel his hand, pulling him gently to his feet.
Entwining their fingers, Glorfindel held on to his returned lover as they made their way out of the gardens.
********************
“There!” Elrohir pointed to where Glorfindel and Ecthelion were emerging from the gardens, a smile on his face. When it had been discovered that neither Glorfindel or Ecthelion could be found, all had hoped that the two had found each other of their own accord. Now it seemed as if that was indeed the case.
Elrond hurried out from where he had been spending quiet time with his sons in their family rooms and cast his eyes over the new arrivals. He noted their entwined hands and at the look of pure joy on Glorfindel’s face, felt a pang of longing for his own reunion, which was doubtless many years away. Pushing those feelings aside, he approached them, smiling as he realised that he had never before seen Glorfindel look so alive.
“I see you have met our new arrival,” he said, teasing lightly.
“Indeed I have,” Glorfindel replied brightly, holding Ecthelion’s hand a little tighter. “And a most welcome arrival he is!”
Ecthelion chuckled, leaning in towards Glorfindel slightly. Their closeness, even after such a short reunion, was apparent.
“So I can see,” Elrond said. “Come into my office and let us talk.” He led them a short way down the corridor, towards a large room, well furnished with a desk and several high-backed chairs. Elladan and Elrohir followed, curious as what would happen now.
Once they were seated and Elladan had served drinks, Elrond’s gaze settled on Ecthelion.
“As I said before, you are most welcome in Imladris. I apologise for not informing you of Glorfindel’s presence – I had hoped to speak with him myself before shocking either of you. It seems the Valar had other plans, though.”
“It is fine, My Lord,” Ecthelion replied softly. “It all worked out well.” He smiled, glancing at Glorfindel, who was sitting close beside him. “I appreciate you welcoming me into your lands and hope I can be of some use here – I am not one to happily sit idle.”
“We will find a place for you,” Elrond assured him, “in time. For now do not push yourself – Glorfindel will tell you that it takes a while to re-adjust to life.”
Ecthelion nodded, seeing the wisdom in the words, and Elrond smiled. “Do I need to assign you quarters?” he asked, his gaze moving to Glorfindel. Had there been any doubts about the nature of their relationship, they were firmly erased now.
Shifting in his chair, Glorfindel faced his lover. “Stay with me,” he pleaded quietly. “My rooms are large enough. We do not have to rush into anything, but I would dearly love to have you near.”
“I would like that,” Ecthelion responded, gazing at Glorfindel for a moment before turning back to Elrond. “I do not think that will be necessary, my Lord,” he said, chuckling softly.
“I had suspected as much,” Elrond said. “I hope you will be happy here. I had not said anything earlier, for fear of overwhelming you, but my family and I owe our lives to the sacrifices you and Glorfindel made.”
Ecthelion looked confused. “How so, my Lord?” he asked.
It was Glorfindel who replied, however.
“It is a long story, the details of which I will tell you later – but Lord Elrond is Eärendil’s son. Eärendil made it safely out of Gondolin and to the Havens at Sirion, where he later met his wife. They had two children, of which Elrond was one. When I was returned, I was told that my duty was to continue to watch over the family.”
Ecthelion let out a long breath at this revelation. It made many things fall into place: his ease in Elrond’s presence and why his sons had been the ones to meet him, but it also raised many questions.
“Amazing,” he breathed. “That the line of Eärendil should have lasted this long is wonderful news.” He had to admit, though – it was difficult to reconcile this tall, powerful Lord as the son of one whom he still thought of as a child. “If I did play a part in it, then I am fortunate indeed.”
“You are,” Glorfindel said gently. “And perhaps now you have been rewarded.”
“That I doubt,” Ecthelion replied. “I do not know why I have been reborn – only that there is a reason for it. My destiny is not yet complete, that is all I can be sure of.”
“Then we will find the reason together,” Glorfindel promised. Reaching out, he laid his hand over Ecthelion’s. So caught in the moment they were that they seemed oblivious to the three others in the room.
Coughing discreetly, Elrond stood. “You should both rest; it has been a long day,” he told them, his voice gentle but his expression leaving no doubts that it was not a request.
“Thank you again,” Ecthelion said as he and Glorfindel both stood. “I am looking forward to making my home here.” Bowing respectfully he then allowed Glorfindel to lead him out, towards the rooms they would now share.
Glorfindel looked pleased as he walked along the corridor. “That went well. I think you will fit in easily amongst the Elves here.”
Stopping, Ecthelion reached out and pulled Glorfindel towards him. “With you by my side, I know I will,” he replied, wrapping his arms around his lover and looking intently at him.
“I am glad to hear it,” Glorfindel whispered, closing his eyes and, not caring who saw, leaned in for a kiss.
END CHAPTER 2
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2006-05-17 09:15 pm (UTC)From:Well done Tuxie! Keep it up.
Jane
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Date: 2006-05-19 10:48 pm (UTC)From:*Hugs*
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Date: 2006-05-18 07:15 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2006-05-19 10:49 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2006-06-06 06:18 am (UTC)From:Hugs
Inara
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Date: 2006-06-06 09:51 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2007-05-12 08:06 am (UTC)From:Glorfindel's honesty about his past relationships kind of shocked me. I'm glad Ecthelion took it so well. Would have thought he'd be twitchier, but the honesty is sweet. As for their swiftness in making the decision to share Glorfindel's rooms – YESH! o(^___^)o
This chapter borders… or rather, crosses well into the land of sap, but it's lovely sap. xDDD Lovely chapter, this. Thanks, Tux! ♥ *huggles*