![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
The Flow of Silver Water - Chapter 6
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Pairing: Glorfindel/Ecthelion
Beta: Eni
Rating: R
Summary: Returned to life without warning or reason, Ecthelion seeks to make the most of life while awaiting his destiny.
It was not long before Elrond called the heads of his household to conference. The exhausted messenger had been sent away to rest and the Lord of Imladris now had chance to confer about the situation with those who aided him in the running of the realm.
Looking around the room, Elrond met the gaze of each of those sitting with him. He was aware that they already knew of the presence of the messenger and were wondering what had occurred in the Greenwood.
His paused for a moment as his gaze came to rest upon Ecthelion. In the decades since his return, Ecthelion had worked hard to prove himself. It was not enough for him to gain a seat on Elrond’s council by title and reputation alone - he had felt the need to earn it. To that end he had volunteered to take on numerous responsibilities, in order to assist his new hosts. In truth, it was nothing that could not have been done by another, but it was the willingness that endeared him to the people, much as it had in his previous life. Elrond was confident he had learned enough about the changed world to feel a part of the discussions that would now take place.
“As you have no doubt heard, the Greenwood has come under heavy attack of late. The report is grim: the forest turns darker by the day and much of it is already infested with Orcs, wargs and spiders that are suspected to be descended from Ungoliant, so great is their size. Thranduil’s forces have been greatly diminished by the constant attacks and so he has asked for our aid.”
Erestor looked highly sceptical. “Thranduil has asked for help? I find that hard to believe, especially from us.”
“He is a proud King, but no fool,” Elrond admonished gently. “He would never set his pride above the safety of his realm. His army has been decimated - they were ill prepared for the force of the attacks. All of his commanders are dead and his son is as yet too inexperienced to lead.” Elrond paused, though he desired to help Thranduil, he was uncertain of the reaction his request would bring. “He needs someone able to lead his army as well as help with the training of the new warriors he has had to recruit.”
“Surely he does not honestly expect us to hand over one of our commanders?” Elladan was indignant. “We have our own troubles and if we deplete our own resources we will have accomplished nothing.”
“Would you leave them, then, to suffer and perhaps be destroyed?” Elrohir questioned his brother. “Could you live with that on your conscience? I know I could not.”
“I do not wish them ill,” Elladan replied, “yet I do not see how we can aid them without causing ourselves to be weakened. What good would that serve?”
“Enough,” Elrond interrupted. “Be that as it may, Elladan, I do not feel it wise to decline. The time may come when we need their aid and if it does, we need to be in the position to ask for it. We must find someone to send.”
“My Lord, I am more than willing, if you wish it.”
Silence fell in the room as Ecthelion made his proposition.
“You think that a good idea?” Glorfindel replied at last, his voice oddly tense. “You are barely reacquainted with life and you do not know the realm. It is too soon.”
“You were not given nearly as much time as I to adapt, yet you coped admirably,” Ecthelion returned. “Do you not think I am able to do the same?”
“Of course!” Glorfindel had the grace to look embarrassed that he had implied such a thing. “It is just…” He paused, shaking his head as he fought with the sudden onslaught of emotions. “Never mind,” he ground out a moment later, clenching his fists in sudden anger. “Do as you see fit.” He fell silent, knowing he was in danger of causing a scene and trying to maintain his dignity, despite his deep and swiftly growing hatred of the suggestion his lover had put forward.
There was silence in the room for a time, all trying to give the two Lords time to work things out between them. Glorfindel’s rigid posture and the tenseness of his jaw made his anger painfully clear. Likewise, Ecthelion’s guilt was also obvious by he look of hurt distress that could be seen in his eyes. However, neither said a word, and Elrond knew he would have to be the one to make the decision.
“Very well,” he said quietly. “Ecthelion, make whatever preparations you need to and be ready to depart in one week. Ensure you have an escort of at least a dozen guards; the paths into Mirkwood should not be travelled alone.”
“Very good, my Lord.” Ecthelion bowed his head in acknowledgement of the orders, finding himself unable to look at his lover. He knew that the news would not go down well, despite feeling that it was the right choice.
On hearing this, Glorfindel stood, pushed back his chair so hard that it almost toppled over, turned on his heel and left the room before anyone could even think to try to stop him.
Putting his head in his hands, Ecthelion sighed.
**************
Ecthelion could not find Glorfindel anywhere within the house or the gardens, despite his best efforts. As night fell and his lover failed to turn up for the evening meal, he grew concerned. Surely he had not left the borders without an escort? Even in rage, Ecthelion preferred to think that Glorfindel had more sense than that.
Not wishing to worry anyone, Ecthelion wondered what to do. He had already asked so many people as to Glorfindel’s whereabouts that he was sure half of Imladris already knew that something was wrong between the couple. He growled in frustration - he understood why his lover was upset, but avoiding the issue was not helping.
Throwing his hands up, he all but stormed back to their rooms, ignoring the looks the passing Elves gave him. Pushing the door open roughly, he slumped on the couch and did the only thing he could - he waited.
It was nearly midnight when Glorfindel at last returned to their rooms. Looking up from the book he had been pretending to read, Ecthelion let his gaze fall on the quiet figure. “There you are,” he said gently. “Wherever have you been?” He kept his tone soft, not wanting to sound accusing.
“Walking around,” came the half-hearted reply. Ecthelion did not ask where, though he dearly whished to know how Glorfindel had managed to evade him for so long.
“I was looking for you… you left so suddenly.”
“As you plan to do?”
The venom in Glorfindel’s voice caught Ecthelion off-guard and he dropped the book that was still in his hands. “For the love of Varda, Glorfindel, please stop this. You are not helping matters by acting in this manner.”
“And you are helping by throwing yourself into danger?”
“It would not be the first time and they need aid, Glorfindel. Would you deny them that? They are in need of assistance and there is no one else who can be spared. Or do you think me incapable of performing this task?”
“I did not say any such thing,” Glorfindel responded. “Yet you do not know what that place is like. Mirkwood is unlike any realm you have ever been to, of that I am sure. It is unwise to send one who is unfamiliar with the wood.”
“Glorfindel,” Ecthelion replied, “you and I have had plenty of experience with being thrown into unfamiliar settings. This will be but one more. Please, have a little faith in me.”
“I have faith!” There was an almost petulant tone to his voice, much to his shame, and he felt the last of his composure cracking. “Yet I still do not think you should go!”
“Why?” Ecthelion asked simply.
“You know why,” Glorfindel retorted.
“Tell me anyway,” Ecthelion coaxed. It needed to be said, that he knew.
“Mandos take it, Ecthelion!” Glorfindel’s already frayed nerves finally unravelled. “Do not be so obtuse! Very well then, I do not wish you to go because we will be parted again! I wonder how you can even consider such a thing when we have had not more than a handful of years together again. Do I mean that little to you?”
“It surprises me you can even suggest such a thing.” Ecthelion’s voice showed his hurt. “You know that duty often conflicts with the matters of the heart and it is up to us to resolve such situations as best we can. You are all I desire in life, yet I was returned for a reason; perhaps that reason lies in Mirkwood. As much as I wish I was returned solely for you, I do not think it is so.”
“Then I tire of duty,” Glorfindel snapped. “I am surprised you do not.”
“You do not mean that.” Ecthelion replied. “If that were true then you would not have been returned.”
“That was before you were reborn! It did not matter so much then!”
“Perhaps then, that is why I was not returned sooner!” The moment the words left his mouth, Ecthelion regretted them. To put his extended stay in the halls on Glorfindel’s shoulders was cruel and unfair.
Saying nothing, Glorfindel eyed Ecthelion coldly. “I am sorry you feel that way.” Then, for the second time in less than a day, Glorfindel turned his back on Ecthelion and walked out of the room.
“Glorfindel!” Ecthelion hurried after him, but as he stepped out of the door, a hand came to rest on his shoulder. Surprised, he turned to see Erestor.
“Allow me, please,” the councillor said. “You both need to calm down; let me speak to him; he is not - as yet - annoyed with me and I may have more success.”
While Ecthelion would have preferred to go after Glorfindel himself, he saw the wisdom of Erestor’s words and nodded. Currently he knew that nothing he could say or do would soothe his lover – better, then, to let someone else try. “Very well, perhaps he will say to you what he will not to me.” He smiled slightly as Erestor laid a comforting hand on his shoulder, before departing to track Glorfindel down.
**************
As it so happened, Glorfindel had not gone very far. He had stopped just outside the house and was now leaning against the stone wall, his gaze fixed on the sky.
“What do you think you are doing?” Erestor’s voice cut through the silence of the night.
Turning his head slowly, Glorfindel looked at his companion. “Stay out of my private affairs, Erestor. They do not concern you.”
Erestor snorted. “Forgive me, but they do. You are my friend, as is Ecthelion, and therefore I care when either of you are troubled. This aside, your actions are affecting a decision that will have repercussions on two realms. That is most certainly my business.”
“You do not understand.” Glorfindel returned his gaze to the sky.
“I understand that you are acting like a child and shaming yourself and Ecthelion in doing so.”
Glorfindel spun, furious and intending to berate Erestor, but the councillor did not give him the chance. “Just take a look at yourself! Are these the actions of a respected Lord? Of a warrior? Love changes you, this I know, yet it is no excuse for losing all dignity. Proper conduct does not mean lack of feeling. You used to know this.”
Glorfindel sagged and Erestor took pity on him, softening his tone. “Perhaps I would be the same in your position. I would not want Seroniel to leave either, even for a good cause. However, she is not a warrior - Ecthelion is. Remember that and trust in him, Glorfindel. He will return to you.”
End Chapter 6
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Pairing: Glorfindel/Ecthelion
Beta: Eni
Rating: R
Summary: Returned to life without warning or reason, Ecthelion seeks to make the most of life while awaiting his destiny.
It was not long before Elrond called the heads of his household to conference. The exhausted messenger had been sent away to rest and the Lord of Imladris now had chance to confer about the situation with those who aided him in the running of the realm.
Looking around the room, Elrond met the gaze of each of those sitting with him. He was aware that they already knew of the presence of the messenger and were wondering what had occurred in the Greenwood.
His paused for a moment as his gaze came to rest upon Ecthelion. In the decades since his return, Ecthelion had worked hard to prove himself. It was not enough for him to gain a seat on Elrond’s council by title and reputation alone - he had felt the need to earn it. To that end he had volunteered to take on numerous responsibilities, in order to assist his new hosts. In truth, it was nothing that could not have been done by another, but it was the willingness that endeared him to the people, much as it had in his previous life. Elrond was confident he had learned enough about the changed world to feel a part of the discussions that would now take place.
“As you have no doubt heard, the Greenwood has come under heavy attack of late. The report is grim: the forest turns darker by the day and much of it is already infested with Orcs, wargs and spiders that are suspected to be descended from Ungoliant, so great is their size. Thranduil’s forces have been greatly diminished by the constant attacks and so he has asked for our aid.”
Erestor looked highly sceptical. “Thranduil has asked for help? I find that hard to believe, especially from us.”
“He is a proud King, but no fool,” Elrond admonished gently. “He would never set his pride above the safety of his realm. His army has been decimated - they were ill prepared for the force of the attacks. All of his commanders are dead and his son is as yet too inexperienced to lead.” Elrond paused, though he desired to help Thranduil, he was uncertain of the reaction his request would bring. “He needs someone able to lead his army as well as help with the training of the new warriors he has had to recruit.”
“Surely he does not honestly expect us to hand over one of our commanders?” Elladan was indignant. “We have our own troubles and if we deplete our own resources we will have accomplished nothing.”
“Would you leave them, then, to suffer and perhaps be destroyed?” Elrohir questioned his brother. “Could you live with that on your conscience? I know I could not.”
“I do not wish them ill,” Elladan replied, “yet I do not see how we can aid them without causing ourselves to be weakened. What good would that serve?”
“Enough,” Elrond interrupted. “Be that as it may, Elladan, I do not feel it wise to decline. The time may come when we need their aid and if it does, we need to be in the position to ask for it. We must find someone to send.”
“My Lord, I am more than willing, if you wish it.”
Silence fell in the room as Ecthelion made his proposition.
“You think that a good idea?” Glorfindel replied at last, his voice oddly tense. “You are barely reacquainted with life and you do not know the realm. It is too soon.”
“You were not given nearly as much time as I to adapt, yet you coped admirably,” Ecthelion returned. “Do you not think I am able to do the same?”
“Of course!” Glorfindel had the grace to look embarrassed that he had implied such a thing. “It is just…” He paused, shaking his head as he fought with the sudden onslaught of emotions. “Never mind,” he ground out a moment later, clenching his fists in sudden anger. “Do as you see fit.” He fell silent, knowing he was in danger of causing a scene and trying to maintain his dignity, despite his deep and swiftly growing hatred of the suggestion his lover had put forward.
There was silence in the room for a time, all trying to give the two Lords time to work things out between them. Glorfindel’s rigid posture and the tenseness of his jaw made his anger painfully clear. Likewise, Ecthelion’s guilt was also obvious by he look of hurt distress that could be seen in his eyes. However, neither said a word, and Elrond knew he would have to be the one to make the decision.
“Very well,” he said quietly. “Ecthelion, make whatever preparations you need to and be ready to depart in one week. Ensure you have an escort of at least a dozen guards; the paths into Mirkwood should not be travelled alone.”
“Very good, my Lord.” Ecthelion bowed his head in acknowledgement of the orders, finding himself unable to look at his lover. He knew that the news would not go down well, despite feeling that it was the right choice.
On hearing this, Glorfindel stood, pushed back his chair so hard that it almost toppled over, turned on his heel and left the room before anyone could even think to try to stop him.
Putting his head in his hands, Ecthelion sighed.
**************
Ecthelion could not find Glorfindel anywhere within the house or the gardens, despite his best efforts. As night fell and his lover failed to turn up for the evening meal, he grew concerned. Surely he had not left the borders without an escort? Even in rage, Ecthelion preferred to think that Glorfindel had more sense than that.
Not wishing to worry anyone, Ecthelion wondered what to do. He had already asked so many people as to Glorfindel’s whereabouts that he was sure half of Imladris already knew that something was wrong between the couple. He growled in frustration - he understood why his lover was upset, but avoiding the issue was not helping.
Throwing his hands up, he all but stormed back to their rooms, ignoring the looks the passing Elves gave him. Pushing the door open roughly, he slumped on the couch and did the only thing he could - he waited.
It was nearly midnight when Glorfindel at last returned to their rooms. Looking up from the book he had been pretending to read, Ecthelion let his gaze fall on the quiet figure. “There you are,” he said gently. “Wherever have you been?” He kept his tone soft, not wanting to sound accusing.
“Walking around,” came the half-hearted reply. Ecthelion did not ask where, though he dearly whished to know how Glorfindel had managed to evade him for so long.
“I was looking for you… you left so suddenly.”
“As you plan to do?”
The venom in Glorfindel’s voice caught Ecthelion off-guard and he dropped the book that was still in his hands. “For the love of Varda, Glorfindel, please stop this. You are not helping matters by acting in this manner.”
“And you are helping by throwing yourself into danger?”
“It would not be the first time and they need aid, Glorfindel. Would you deny them that? They are in need of assistance and there is no one else who can be spared. Or do you think me incapable of performing this task?”
“I did not say any such thing,” Glorfindel responded. “Yet you do not know what that place is like. Mirkwood is unlike any realm you have ever been to, of that I am sure. It is unwise to send one who is unfamiliar with the wood.”
“Glorfindel,” Ecthelion replied, “you and I have had plenty of experience with being thrown into unfamiliar settings. This will be but one more. Please, have a little faith in me.”
“I have faith!” There was an almost petulant tone to his voice, much to his shame, and he felt the last of his composure cracking. “Yet I still do not think you should go!”
“Why?” Ecthelion asked simply.
“You know why,” Glorfindel retorted.
“Tell me anyway,” Ecthelion coaxed. It needed to be said, that he knew.
“Mandos take it, Ecthelion!” Glorfindel’s already frayed nerves finally unravelled. “Do not be so obtuse! Very well then, I do not wish you to go because we will be parted again! I wonder how you can even consider such a thing when we have had not more than a handful of years together again. Do I mean that little to you?”
“It surprises me you can even suggest such a thing.” Ecthelion’s voice showed his hurt. “You know that duty often conflicts with the matters of the heart and it is up to us to resolve such situations as best we can. You are all I desire in life, yet I was returned for a reason; perhaps that reason lies in Mirkwood. As much as I wish I was returned solely for you, I do not think it is so.”
“Then I tire of duty,” Glorfindel snapped. “I am surprised you do not.”
“You do not mean that.” Ecthelion replied. “If that were true then you would not have been returned.”
“That was before you were reborn! It did not matter so much then!”
“Perhaps then, that is why I was not returned sooner!” The moment the words left his mouth, Ecthelion regretted them. To put his extended stay in the halls on Glorfindel’s shoulders was cruel and unfair.
Saying nothing, Glorfindel eyed Ecthelion coldly. “I am sorry you feel that way.” Then, for the second time in less than a day, Glorfindel turned his back on Ecthelion and walked out of the room.
“Glorfindel!” Ecthelion hurried after him, but as he stepped out of the door, a hand came to rest on his shoulder. Surprised, he turned to see Erestor.
“Allow me, please,” the councillor said. “You both need to calm down; let me speak to him; he is not - as yet - annoyed with me and I may have more success.”
While Ecthelion would have preferred to go after Glorfindel himself, he saw the wisdom of Erestor’s words and nodded. Currently he knew that nothing he could say or do would soothe his lover – better, then, to let someone else try. “Very well, perhaps he will say to you what he will not to me.” He smiled slightly as Erestor laid a comforting hand on his shoulder, before departing to track Glorfindel down.
**************
As it so happened, Glorfindel had not gone very far. He had stopped just outside the house and was now leaning against the stone wall, his gaze fixed on the sky.
“What do you think you are doing?” Erestor’s voice cut through the silence of the night.
Turning his head slowly, Glorfindel looked at his companion. “Stay out of my private affairs, Erestor. They do not concern you.”
Erestor snorted. “Forgive me, but they do. You are my friend, as is Ecthelion, and therefore I care when either of you are troubled. This aside, your actions are affecting a decision that will have repercussions on two realms. That is most certainly my business.”
“You do not understand.” Glorfindel returned his gaze to the sky.
“I understand that you are acting like a child and shaming yourself and Ecthelion in doing so.”
Glorfindel spun, furious and intending to berate Erestor, but the councillor did not give him the chance. “Just take a look at yourself! Are these the actions of a respected Lord? Of a warrior? Love changes you, this I know, yet it is no excuse for losing all dignity. Proper conduct does not mean lack of feeling. You used to know this.”
Glorfindel sagged and Erestor took pity on him, softening his tone. “Perhaps I would be the same in your position. I would not want Seroniel to leave either, even for a good cause. However, she is not a warrior - Ecthelion is. Remember that and trust in him, Glorfindel. He will return to you.”
End Chapter 6
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2007-03-03 12:42 am (UTC)From:I hope they make up before Ecthelion leaves, it would do no good to part on bad terms, but usually makes them feel guilty. Sigh, I wonder how they will solves this problem in future - mingling private life and duty as warriors ...
*hugs*
no subject
Date: 2007-03-06 09:44 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2007-03-03 02:34 am (UTC)From:*hugs*
Tena
no subject
Date: 2007-03-06 09:47 pm (UTC)From:Erestor is a demanding Elf, he's just informed me he wants me to write more about he and his wife. LOL.
no subject
Date: 2007-03-03 05:29 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2007-03-06 09:49 pm (UTC)From:*Hugs*
no subject
Date: 2007-03-03 08:10 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2007-03-06 09:51 pm (UTC)From:Glad you're enjoying it!
no subject
Date: 2007-05-12 08:20 am (UTC)From:Loved this update, Tux. Thank you. ♥♥