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The Flow of Silver Water - Chapter Three
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.
Previous chapters: Here.
Pushing open the door to his rooms, Glorfindel led Ecthelion inside. His quarters here were not as luxurious or elaborate as those he’d had in Gondolin, but they were attractive and comfortable enough and still befit his status as a Lord and head of Imladris’ defences. He had grown used to them over the years, adding personal touches to make them his own and yet, as he turned to look at Ecthelion, this was the first time that they felt like home.
“It is smaller than you are used to, I fear,” he said gently, “but it is quite pleasant once you get used to it.”
“It is lovely,” Ecthelion assured him, looking round the light, airy rooms. “I do not need a whole house to be happy – this is more than enough. To live together with you is more wonderful by far.”
That was true, Glorfindel realised. In Gondolin their status had always meant they had to live apart, responsible as they were for the running of their respective houses. While many nights had been passed in each other’s arms, the dawn light had always brought about a reluctant parting. Glorfindel could easily count the number of times one or the other had been able to stay late, for they had been few and far between.
“I have waited long for such an opportunity,” Glorfindel admitted, pulling Ecthelion a bit closer. “I hope you will feel at home here.”
Ecthelion chuckled, leaning into Glorfindel’s arms. “I already do.”
****************
For long hours they sat together on the wide sofa near the balcony, arms wrapped around each other as Ecthelion gently urged Glorfindel into describing his life since his return. It was not a story Glorfindel wished to tell, for often it had felt like half a life, with all that was dear to him dead and gone. Even Ecthelion’s return could not entirely erase that – Gondolin and most of his friends were still beyond his reach and that hurt would remain. Yet the most important thing had been given back to him and for that he was grateful beyond words.
At length, he told Ecthelion of his own rebirth, though he left out some of the details, not yet ready to speak of how lost and alone he had felt. He spoke of his coming to Imladris and how he had been charged with the protection of Eärendil’s line. His tone lightened as he talked of the Elves here and how they had welcomed him into their lives.
“It made things much easier,” he admitted. “I badly needed distracting from the memories – over time I learned to manage them, but at the beginning it was near overwhelming.”
He felt Ecthelion tighten his arms about him slightly and leaned in closer.
“Elrond helped a great deal and has become more a friend than the Lord whom I serve. He also knows loss – he has lost as much as we have, if not more. His strength helped me become strong again too.”
Ecthelion nodded, taking in all he had been told. So many changes – he knew much time would be needed to allow him to become accustomed to them.
“Tell me then,” he asked. “What became of Eärendil?”
Disentangling himself from his lover’s arms, Glorfindel rose. It was night now and soon the one whose tale was next to be told would make himself seen.
“Come; sit on the balcony with me, under the stars. The tale I will tell you now demands it.”
Though he did not understand, Ecthelion saw no reason to decline, nor did he want to, and he willingly followed Glorfindel outside, picking up some wine and two glasses as he went.
Joining Glorfindel again, he set the wine down on a low table and poured them each a glass. Glorfindel took one and then, with his free hand, pointed towards the star that shone brighter than all the others above them.
“There he is. There flies the child you once taught to play the flute as he sat upon your knee.”
***********************
“Incredible…” Though he meant it, Ecthelion’s voice came out more distant than intended. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, trying to rid himself of the tension there.
Glorfindel’s arm came to rest around his shoulder. “Ecthelion, are you well?” he asked, his voice concerned.
Ecthelion’s mind was reeling. He had already taken in much that day and the story of Eärendil had been almost unbelievable, even to him, who had seen many strange things in both life and death. He let out a long breath, staring down into the half-full wine glass and feeling incredibly weary.
“Aye, simply tired,” Ecthelion replied, smiling slightly. “It has been a long day – I feel if I have fought several battles!”
“Forgive me, I of all people should have realised how exhausting returning to life is,” Glorfindel apologised. Gently, he led Ecthelion back into his rooms. “We can talk more tomorrow. You will… sleep beside me?”
Leaning forward, Ecthelion kissed Glorfindel lightly. “Of course.”
Reassured, Glorfindel took two pairs of sleeping pants from a drawer, handing one pair to his lover. It felt odd to go to bed clothed when Ecthelion was near, but he knew it was too soon to expect any more from him. He was still adjusting and would need time. If he was honest with himself, he did too. Mere hours had passed since their reunion and he knew he had not yet fully accepted the events of the day. As Ecthelion began to remove his tunic, however, Glorfindel found himself blushing and had to turn his back to avoid embarrassing himself as he also made ready for bed.
This did not go unnoticed by Ecthelion and guilt started to nag at him, though he was of the same mind regarding the need to wait. Still, he hoped that it would not be too long before they could once again consummate their relationship.
Ecthelion waited until Glorfindel turned back the sheets and slipped under the covers before joining him. For now, these were still Glorfindel’s rooms, though that, like their relationship, would soon change as he adjusted to this life.
For a long moment they stared at each other, feeling awkward. Previously, their roles had been defined and comfortable, but now both were unsure of where they stood, wanting what was familiar, yet at the same time, knowing some things would have to change.
Suddenly, Ecthelion laughed and opened his arms. Glorfindel all but flew into them, relishing the feel of being held once again. Resting his head on Ecthelion’s broad chest, he sighed in contentment. “Not everything has to change,” he murmured.
“Not at all,” Ecthelion agreed. “Change is what keeps thing new and alive – though it is the things that do not which provide stability and the reassurance that the more things change, the more things remain as they always were.”
Chuckling, Glorfindel toyed with a strand of Ecthelion’s dark hair. “Still wise, I see.”
“I would not say that,” came the reply. “It is surely impossible to be wise when several thousand years are lost to you.”
“Not in history, no,” Glorfindel said. “But you are wise in the ways of the mind and the heart. History has no bearing on that.”
It was Ecthelion’s turn to chuckle. “Now who is the wise one? I have never heard you sound so serious!”
Blushing, Glorfindel hid his face in Ecthelion’s chest. “Lord Elrond has taught me much,” he mumbled. “As did the Lady Celebrían before she left us.”
“It suits you.” At that, Glorfindel looked up. Ecthelion brushed the golden hair from his lover’s eyes before kissing him. “I always knew you were more than just fair of face and form.”
Glorfindel looked horrified for a moment, before he caught the wicked glint in Ecthelion’s eye. “How cruel!” he cried. “Why, for that you must pay!” Twisting around, he flashed Ecthelion a playful grin, before pinning him and tickling him relentlessly.
It was lucky indeed that Glorfindel’s quarters were secluded, for Ecthelion’s squeals of laughter were most unbecoming of the Elf that the historians held in such high esteem. He squirmed under the mischievous fingers, half-heartedly attempting to fend his lover off.
“Stop, please!” he gasped at last, his face flushed from laughing. “You win!”
Grinning broadly, Glorfindel finally stopped his attack and lay back in the strong arms. “Another thing that has not changed!” he said. “You still have your weaknesses!”
“And you are as wicked as you ever were!” Ecthelion’s reply earned him a teasing nudge in the ribs, though Glorfindel declined comment, simply shaking his head in amusement as they both caught their breath and composed themselves.
At length, Ecthelion’s stare returned to the window, and the night sky.
“I still cannot believe that star is the same child I used to know,” he said quietly. “So different from the Eärendil that often ran wild in the King’s halls.”
“It does seem strange sometimes, even to me,” Glorfindel agreed. “He was such a curious child. Do you remember when Turgon bade us stay at the palace during the winter festival and Eärendil came into our room?”
Ecthelion groaned. “I only wish I could forget! It was a good thing indeed he was so young – any older and telling him that we had lost something between the sheets would not have worked!”
“Nor would the excuse that it is easier to look for things without clothing,” Glorfindel added. “As it was, Idril was less than pleased when he took his clothes off to look for that… what was it… wooden horse?”
Laughing, Ecthelion nodded. “I will never forget her face! She knew what Eärendil had nearly caught us doing the moment she questioned him! I thought we would be exiled on the spot!”
“As did I – it was a relief when all we got was a lecture about locked doors – and coming from Idril, that was bad enough!”
“Those were good times.” Ecthelion’s gaze turned to the golden-haired Elf in his arms. “I will always hold the memories close to my heart.”
Placing his hands over Ecthelion’s, Glorfindel squeezed them reassuringly. “We will make new memories now, I promise,” he said. “This age has much to offer and I look forward to showing you all I can.”
Leaning back, Ecthelion brought them both deeper into the bed. “I hope so. Until I know the reason for my return, I will remain uncertain. We cannot know what the Valar have planned and I fear that this peace will not last. War may come upon us again.”
“Then should we need to fight, we will do so side-by-side,” Glorfindel vowed. “History has shown us that we have only ever failed when we are apart. Together we are strong – you know this.”
“I do,” Ecthelion agreed. “Thank you, Glorfindel.” He tried unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn. “Though perhaps such thoughts are best kept for another day.”
“They are. Do not push yourself; it will take some time until you are back to full strength. Your body is still recovering and you have already made one long journey.” Reaching out for the soft blankets, he pulled the covers over them. “Sleep well.”
“I will,” Ecthelion said, smiling and giving in to another yawn.
Chuckling, Glorfindel blew out the candle, sending the room into darkness.
Before the smoke had even cleared, the two Elves were walking the path of dreams, hand in hand.
END CHAPTER 3
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.
Previous chapters: Here.
Pushing open the door to his rooms, Glorfindel led Ecthelion inside. His quarters here were not as luxurious or elaborate as those he’d had in Gondolin, but they were attractive and comfortable enough and still befit his status as a Lord and head of Imladris’ defences. He had grown used to them over the years, adding personal touches to make them his own and yet, as he turned to look at Ecthelion, this was the first time that they felt like home.
“It is smaller than you are used to, I fear,” he said gently, “but it is quite pleasant once you get used to it.”
“It is lovely,” Ecthelion assured him, looking round the light, airy rooms. “I do not need a whole house to be happy – this is more than enough. To live together with you is more wonderful by far.”
That was true, Glorfindel realised. In Gondolin their status had always meant they had to live apart, responsible as they were for the running of their respective houses. While many nights had been passed in each other’s arms, the dawn light had always brought about a reluctant parting. Glorfindel could easily count the number of times one or the other had been able to stay late, for they had been few and far between.
“I have waited long for such an opportunity,” Glorfindel admitted, pulling Ecthelion a bit closer. “I hope you will feel at home here.”
Ecthelion chuckled, leaning into Glorfindel’s arms. “I already do.”
****************
For long hours they sat together on the wide sofa near the balcony, arms wrapped around each other as Ecthelion gently urged Glorfindel into describing his life since his return. It was not a story Glorfindel wished to tell, for often it had felt like half a life, with all that was dear to him dead and gone. Even Ecthelion’s return could not entirely erase that – Gondolin and most of his friends were still beyond his reach and that hurt would remain. Yet the most important thing had been given back to him and for that he was grateful beyond words.
At length, he told Ecthelion of his own rebirth, though he left out some of the details, not yet ready to speak of how lost and alone he had felt. He spoke of his coming to Imladris and how he had been charged with the protection of Eärendil’s line. His tone lightened as he talked of the Elves here and how they had welcomed him into their lives.
“It made things much easier,” he admitted. “I badly needed distracting from the memories – over time I learned to manage them, but at the beginning it was near overwhelming.”
He felt Ecthelion tighten his arms about him slightly and leaned in closer.
“Elrond helped a great deal and has become more a friend than the Lord whom I serve. He also knows loss – he has lost as much as we have, if not more. His strength helped me become strong again too.”
Ecthelion nodded, taking in all he had been told. So many changes – he knew much time would be needed to allow him to become accustomed to them.
“Tell me then,” he asked. “What became of Eärendil?”
Disentangling himself from his lover’s arms, Glorfindel rose. It was night now and soon the one whose tale was next to be told would make himself seen.
“Come; sit on the balcony with me, under the stars. The tale I will tell you now demands it.”
Though he did not understand, Ecthelion saw no reason to decline, nor did he want to, and he willingly followed Glorfindel outside, picking up some wine and two glasses as he went.
Joining Glorfindel again, he set the wine down on a low table and poured them each a glass. Glorfindel took one and then, with his free hand, pointed towards the star that shone brighter than all the others above them.
“There he is. There flies the child you once taught to play the flute as he sat upon your knee.”
***********************
“Incredible…” Though he meant it, Ecthelion’s voice came out more distant than intended. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, trying to rid himself of the tension there.
Glorfindel’s arm came to rest around his shoulder. “Ecthelion, are you well?” he asked, his voice concerned.
Ecthelion’s mind was reeling. He had already taken in much that day and the story of Eärendil had been almost unbelievable, even to him, who had seen many strange things in both life and death. He let out a long breath, staring down into the half-full wine glass and feeling incredibly weary.
“Aye, simply tired,” Ecthelion replied, smiling slightly. “It has been a long day – I feel if I have fought several battles!”
“Forgive me, I of all people should have realised how exhausting returning to life is,” Glorfindel apologised. Gently, he led Ecthelion back into his rooms. “We can talk more tomorrow. You will… sleep beside me?”
Leaning forward, Ecthelion kissed Glorfindel lightly. “Of course.”
Reassured, Glorfindel took two pairs of sleeping pants from a drawer, handing one pair to his lover. It felt odd to go to bed clothed when Ecthelion was near, but he knew it was too soon to expect any more from him. He was still adjusting and would need time. If he was honest with himself, he did too. Mere hours had passed since their reunion and he knew he had not yet fully accepted the events of the day. As Ecthelion began to remove his tunic, however, Glorfindel found himself blushing and had to turn his back to avoid embarrassing himself as he also made ready for bed.
This did not go unnoticed by Ecthelion and guilt started to nag at him, though he was of the same mind regarding the need to wait. Still, he hoped that it would not be too long before they could once again consummate their relationship.
Ecthelion waited until Glorfindel turned back the sheets and slipped under the covers before joining him. For now, these were still Glorfindel’s rooms, though that, like their relationship, would soon change as he adjusted to this life.
For a long moment they stared at each other, feeling awkward. Previously, their roles had been defined and comfortable, but now both were unsure of where they stood, wanting what was familiar, yet at the same time, knowing some things would have to change.
Suddenly, Ecthelion laughed and opened his arms. Glorfindel all but flew into them, relishing the feel of being held once again. Resting his head on Ecthelion’s broad chest, he sighed in contentment. “Not everything has to change,” he murmured.
“Not at all,” Ecthelion agreed. “Change is what keeps thing new and alive – though it is the things that do not which provide stability and the reassurance that the more things change, the more things remain as they always were.”
Chuckling, Glorfindel toyed with a strand of Ecthelion’s dark hair. “Still wise, I see.”
“I would not say that,” came the reply. “It is surely impossible to be wise when several thousand years are lost to you.”
“Not in history, no,” Glorfindel said. “But you are wise in the ways of the mind and the heart. History has no bearing on that.”
It was Ecthelion’s turn to chuckle. “Now who is the wise one? I have never heard you sound so serious!”
Blushing, Glorfindel hid his face in Ecthelion’s chest. “Lord Elrond has taught me much,” he mumbled. “As did the Lady Celebrían before she left us.”
“It suits you.” At that, Glorfindel looked up. Ecthelion brushed the golden hair from his lover’s eyes before kissing him. “I always knew you were more than just fair of face and form.”
Glorfindel looked horrified for a moment, before he caught the wicked glint in Ecthelion’s eye. “How cruel!” he cried. “Why, for that you must pay!” Twisting around, he flashed Ecthelion a playful grin, before pinning him and tickling him relentlessly.
It was lucky indeed that Glorfindel’s quarters were secluded, for Ecthelion’s squeals of laughter were most unbecoming of the Elf that the historians held in such high esteem. He squirmed under the mischievous fingers, half-heartedly attempting to fend his lover off.
“Stop, please!” he gasped at last, his face flushed from laughing. “You win!”
Grinning broadly, Glorfindel finally stopped his attack and lay back in the strong arms. “Another thing that has not changed!” he said. “You still have your weaknesses!”
“And you are as wicked as you ever were!” Ecthelion’s reply earned him a teasing nudge in the ribs, though Glorfindel declined comment, simply shaking his head in amusement as they both caught their breath and composed themselves.
At length, Ecthelion’s stare returned to the window, and the night sky.
“I still cannot believe that star is the same child I used to know,” he said quietly. “So different from the Eärendil that often ran wild in the King’s halls.”
“It does seem strange sometimes, even to me,” Glorfindel agreed. “He was such a curious child. Do you remember when Turgon bade us stay at the palace during the winter festival and Eärendil came into our room?”
Ecthelion groaned. “I only wish I could forget! It was a good thing indeed he was so young – any older and telling him that we had lost something between the sheets would not have worked!”
“Nor would the excuse that it is easier to look for things without clothing,” Glorfindel added. “As it was, Idril was less than pleased when he took his clothes off to look for that… what was it… wooden horse?”
Laughing, Ecthelion nodded. “I will never forget her face! She knew what Eärendil had nearly caught us doing the moment she questioned him! I thought we would be exiled on the spot!”
“As did I – it was a relief when all we got was a lecture about locked doors – and coming from Idril, that was bad enough!”
“Those were good times.” Ecthelion’s gaze turned to the golden-haired Elf in his arms. “I will always hold the memories close to my heart.”
Placing his hands over Ecthelion’s, Glorfindel squeezed them reassuringly. “We will make new memories now, I promise,” he said. “This age has much to offer and I look forward to showing you all I can.”
Leaning back, Ecthelion brought them both deeper into the bed. “I hope so. Until I know the reason for my return, I will remain uncertain. We cannot know what the Valar have planned and I fear that this peace will not last. War may come upon us again.”
“Then should we need to fight, we will do so side-by-side,” Glorfindel vowed. “History has shown us that we have only ever failed when we are apart. Together we are strong – you know this.”
“I do,” Ecthelion agreed. “Thank you, Glorfindel.” He tried unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn. “Though perhaps such thoughts are best kept for another day.”
“They are. Do not push yourself; it will take some time until you are back to full strength. Your body is still recovering and you have already made one long journey.” Reaching out for the soft blankets, he pulled the covers over them. “Sleep well.”
“I will,” Ecthelion said, smiling and giving in to another yawn.
Chuckling, Glorfindel blew out the candle, sending the room into darkness.
Before the smoke had even cleared, the two Elves were walking the path of dreams, hand in hand.
END CHAPTER 3
