Chapter Twelve

{Lothlórien, Quellë 2 TA (approx. mid October)}

A week passed after the reawakening of the Elf Lord Ecthelion and they were surprised with how quickly he healed from his near fatal wound. However, he never allowed Glorfindel near him, a request that, while sorrowful in its ordering, was fulfilled dutifully by Erestor and Elrond. In turn, the anger and hurt that Glorfindel went through because of the cold rebuttal was palpable whenever Erestor or another caught him looking up at the talan that Ecthelion was staying in. But he did nothing more than watch and hope for a chance to explain himself to his beloved.

In this time as well, he began to become closer to Erestor in their mutual care for Ecthelion. Erestor knew of Glorfindel’s feelings for his kinsman and sought to ease his mind with conversation and confessions. Glorfindel was most interested in the well-being of his lover, which they shared and discussed and, in many ways, they tried to find a way for healing to be had between the two reborn Lords. Unexpectedly, their friendship deepened because of this, becoming a quiet love and a well of respect for the other.

But still in that time, Erestor was the closest to Ecthelion outside of Celebrían, who had also earned the trust of the wary Elf Lord. Her gentle smile soothed his heartache as much as his kinsman’s tender hold and both had helped him to open up about what he had lived through, if only a little. Wary and brooding, Ecthelion kept to himself many times, but would be seen strolling with Erestor in the woods many times or sitting under a tree with Celebrían as they enjoyed the day. His heart was indeed eased in the peaceful calm of Lothlórien, though he was still very edgy. A malice seemed to creep onto the edges of his mind, taunting him with its elusiveness and dark suggestions that made his blood run with the feral side of his personality. But he fought it and was aided unexpectedly by the two Elves that he had close to him.

Yet the blissful reprieve within Lothlórien would not last as it came time for the Imladris party to return to their homely vale, bringing with them Ecthelion so that he might heal more. Elrond was certain that the vale would aid Ecthelion in his recovery from all he had been through as well as his physical troubles. He also hoped to work with Ecthelion in healing and destroying the curse that was upon the Elf Lord, breaking any ties that the darkness of Mordor might have on the reborn Elf. Ecthelion was skeptical on it, but refrained from saying so, knowing that even a little hope was enough to give them an edge unto the likes of the Dark Lord.

This thought was foremost on his mind as he and Erestor went out from the talan that had been his abode for the past three weeks to meet up with the rest of the party as they prepared the steeds for their journey. Ecthelion found that he was rather nervous and looked over at his brethren, smiling weakly as Erestor glanced over with an encouraging grin. Taking a deep breath, Ecthelion moved closer and whispered, “Will you stay by me and let us ride farther to the back? I...I do not wish to be near to...to Glorfindel.”

Looking sad, yet nodding in understanding, Erestor laced his fingers with Ecthelion’s and squeezed them reassuringly. “Aye, but...will you at least think about speaking with him? This hatred and hurt between you is poisoning you and I fear for you as well as him. You are both special to me,” he urged quietly as he kept his kind blue eyes locked with his kinsman’s.

Eyes flaring with both anger and dismay, Ecthelion gazed at his confidante as his mouth tightened with his displeasure before he looked away. They stopped as he kept his gaze down and he only lifted his head as a couple of gentle fingers urged his face to lock with his kinsman’s. “Why do you wish such a thing? What does he have to say to me that will heal the hurt he struck me with so long ago?” he asked tightly, his voice hard with his stubborn anger. He blinked as he was gathered into Erestor’s arms, but did not fight it, instead relaxing into the hold as he raised his own arms to hold Erestor tightly. He nearly purred as slender fingers ran through his hair soothingly, easing away his tension as easily as if he was in his cat form and receiving the same treatment.

“The hurt was centuries in the past, Ecthelion. How much longer until you realize that perhaps the truth would be more healing if known on both sides, no matter how hurtful it may appear to be?” Erestor murmured into Ecthelion’s neck as he held the Elf Lord to him. He sighed, mirrored by Ecthelion as he tightened his hold on the strong body. “I only wish you to be happy and I know how much you love him. You need to open your eyes and see that he loves you as well,” he murmured quietly and assuredly before leaning back to break their embrace.

Ecthelion searched Erestor’s gaze as they locked eyes and sighed again before looking down and away. “I...I will try. But...” He stopped and looked back up at his kinsman. “I am afraid. He claims to love me, but then Sauron claimed to be looking into the best interests for me, which even then I knew not to be true. How can I trust again?” he asked softly, showing his fear and insecurity vividly to the dark haired Peredhel in a show of trust.

“You are already trusting people again, aye? You trust me. You trust Lady Celebrían and her parents and you trust my Lord Elrond. I think it will be easier than you are making it out to be,” Erestor replied easily as he winked playfully, earning a small smile from his kinsman. He pulled back and started them down the path again. “Come. We are leaving soon and we need to make sure our things are prepared.”

“It has been so long since I have had ‘things’ to even worry about, much less remembering how to ride a horse. I fear I might fall off at the first move,” Ecthelion grumbled as they walked along, though he grinned good-naturedly as Erestor’s laugh rang out in the sunshine filled forest.

“One does not forget how to ride a horse! Do not worry. If you wish, you can ride in front of me until you remember,” Erestor replied teasingly, laughing again as Ecthelion growled playfully and swatted at him. Their bantering preceded them into the glade that the rest of their group were already readying for the journey and brought smiles to most of the gathered there.

Standing with Celeborn and Galadriel, Elrond was speaking with them before welcoming Celebrían to his side as she came over to them after helping load some medicines onto Elrond’s steed with Glorfindel. They all looked over as they heard the laughter and smiled as they saw the teasing going between the cousins, a sure sign that things would go well for their journey if Ecthelion was relaxed sufficiently to let down his guard enough to banter. Elrond glanced over to see a wistful smile on Glorfindel’s face as he watched the two before the golden haired Elf caught his gaze. The smile became warmer as Elrond smiled encouragingly to him and they nodded in silent agreement before returning to what they had been doing.

Coming over to the four standing Elves, Ecthelion and Erestor smiled and bowed in greeting, which were returned by the four. Celeborn looked up at the sky and sighed in acceptance. “The day fares well of your journey. I pray that your journey will be the first of many steps towards your healing, Lord Ecthelion,” he declared as he returned his gaze to the Elf Lord.

“I pray so as well, though I have much to atone for. With both Erestor and Elrond’s help, I shall hope to progress in the right direction,” Ecthelion replied graciously as he bowed his head humbly. He looked up again and smiled sadly. “I fear I have no words to express my gratitude for your kindness and acceptance of me. I can only hope that one day I might be able to repay you in kind,” he continued sadly as he clasped hands with Galadriel and Celeborn.

“In time you may indeed, Ecthelion of the House of the Fountain. But until then, just welcome it into your heart that you are accepted,” Galadriel answered warmly as she squeezed his hand, mirrored by a smiling Celeborn.

Turning to Celebrían, Ecthelion gathered her into his arms and held her. “To you my Lady I give you my sincerest thanks for your loving presence. I pray to see the day you are wedded to my Lord Elrond and to see all of the children you shall have,” he murmured as he hugged her to him. He leaned back and gazed into her shining eyes, then seemed to focus elsewhere. “Your children shall bring balance to this world as your marriage shall bring balance to the Elves,” he said softly as if from faraway before he refocused, blinking. He smiled as she giggled and hugged him again tightly before they parted.

Turning, he bowed to Elrond and they headed towards their horses, which Ecthelion was once more eyeing warily. Erestor snickered as he mounted, then cocked his eyebrow challengingly at his kinsman and earned a grin of retort from Ecthelion. But their teasing was cut short as a sudden growl of rage erupted from one of their party, startling them. The guard glared at Ecthelion as he strode forward. “You are not going to be joining us, you monster!” he snapped out, his green eyes flashing with his fury.

“Haenell! What are you doing?” Glorfindel barked out as he strode over to bar the way of his soldier as Ecthelion turned to face the challenger.

“This is him, is it not?” Haenell demanded as he stopped, glaring up at his commanding officer with such grief and fury that it stopped Glorfindel in his tracks. His gleaming eyes focused again on the cautious Elf Lord and he snarled again. “This is the one who killed my brother! That...that monster who masquerades as an Elf and would kill us all at Sauron’s word!” he cried angrily, startling them all.

Ecthelion felt his mouth go dry as he stared at the soldier, seeing the resemblance between him and the one he had killed a century ago. He was so lost in his memories and despair that he was thus unprepared for the cry of rage as the Elf charged forward, a blade shining in the sunlight as he dodged Glorfindel and tackled Ecthelion. They rolled around a bit, fighting for dominance and spooking the horses as they fought before Ecthelion was pinned and the blade was at his throat. He stared up in both fear and almost animalistic panic as he struggled to break the hold on his neck and arms as the Elf chuckled nastily. “For my brother and all those you have killed, you accursed fiend...” Haenell hissed out before tightening his hold on his sword in preparation to strike.

But he was foiled as Glorfindel grabbed him roughly from Ecthelion, yanking him off and dragging him away as he struggled to free himself from his Captain’s hold, screaming obscenities as he fought to break loose. Ecthelion stood as well with help from Erestor, glaring at the soldier as he was pinned by an angered Glorfindel. He turned away, shaking at the curses that were flung at him before he caught sight of the contempt from the others of their guard. He hunched his shoulders as he looked down, not even comforted by the hand that his kinsman placed on his shoulder.

Glorfindel held the struggling Elf as Elrond came over, his face a dark cloud of anger as he glared at his soldier. “You have crossed a line! Would you kill an Elf and become a Kin slayer?” Elrond declared angrily in a hiss before slapping the enraged Haenell, snapping him out of his haze.

Snarling, Haenell glared at his Lord. “I would be doing us a favor to end *that Kin slayer’s* life! You can not seriously think that that...that creature...is worth even allowing to live among civilized Elves?!” he demanded incredulously as he strained to free himself and finish his revenge. “He killed my brother! I will avenge my brother and all he has murdered at the behest of Sauron!” he cried as he renewed his struggles.

“You will do no such thing,” Glorfindel hissed out as he pinned his soldier even more surely, jerking the arms back and causing the Elf to grunt in pain. “You will listen and listen well. Aye, you lost your brother, but to kill another will not bring him back nor will it earn you any such peace as you hope. Our battle is with Sauron, not with the ones he has twisted to his own evil means. You best remember your place before you attack an Elven Lord once more!” he snapped out into the pointed ear near his face, his warning burning through the rage that had clouded the Elf’s senses.

Grumbling, Haenell nodded as he turned his face away in defeat, relaxing. He sheathed his sword after being released slowly, and then strode over to his horse, where he mounted up and waited for the signal to leave. Glorfindel looked over at Ecthelion as Elrond murmured softly to their guard in warning as they all glared at the disheveled Elf Lord. The golden haired Elf felt his eyes soften as Ecthelion looked over after a bit and they locked eyes. Ecthelion held his gaze for a minute before nodding in thanks, but Glorfindel had seen the barely suppressed feral light and despair within the soft grey blue eyes, which in turn tore at his own heart. He vowed then to try and become closer to Ecthelion and, as he turned to mount on his horse, he caught Erestor’s gaze. He blinked as he saw the warmth within the gentle blue eyes and returned the smile, confident now that he would succeed. Erestor was on his side.

After having spoken with his men, Glorfindel urged Asfaloth closer towards Elrond as the Peredhel Lord mounted, his face still drawn down in a frown. The Seneschal grinned as a gentle hand on Elrond’s thigh distracted the Half Elf and made him look down into Celebrían’s gleaming eyes. A few of them chuckled as he leaned down to receive the heated kiss she gave him before straightening, lightening the mood around the glade as she smirked and stepped back towards her grinning parents. Elrond flushed as he smiled giddily before looking over at Glorfindel and nodding. With a sharp nod, Glorfindel raised his hand. “Move out! To Imladris!” he barked out before leading the way along with a couple of the other guards. They were escorted by some of the Galadhrim to the border and were able to travel to the foothills of the Hithaiglin before sunset, where they then set up camp within the break of some large boulders, which helped to block the wind that swept down from the imposing mountain peaks.

After setting up, Ecthelion went over to Erestor and whispered, “I am going to hunt some. Do you think it would be all right if I brought some of the kill?”

“I think it would be most welcome,” Erestor answered quietly, smiling reassuringly at his kinsman as he squeezed the clenched hand nearest him in encouragement. His heart hurt at the uncertainty that was now plaguing his kinsman after the attack. He had been doing so well and now his fears were ripping through him. “Just be careful, all right?” he added as he grinned.

“I will. I can take care of myself,” Ecthelion replied with an answering grin as he straightened and turned to leave the camp. He was stopped though as Haenell stepped into his path just outside of the tent line. Straightening imperiously, Ecthelion gazed at the other Elf silently before asking, “What do you wish, Haenell?”

“Going to hunt now, beast? Or to rut against a tree and mark your territory?” Haenell sneered in reply as he crossed his arms over his chest in defiance.

“I am not a beast as I am now,” Ecthelion hissed out angrily, his eyes slitting as they glowed from anger at the insult. He growled lowly before saying, “You had your chance earlier, but now it has passed. I can not even begin to explain what your brother’s death meant to me, but I will atone for it.”

“Save your pathetic claims, beast! You are nothing more than a savage whore of Sauron’s and-“

But Haenell was not allowed to finish his epithets as with almost blinding speed he was suddenly pinned against a tree with Ecthelion’s claws against his neck as the Elf Lord glared at him with glowing slitted eyes. He gasped in sudden panic as Ecthelion growled menacingly. “I was *never* a whore of Sauron’s nor will I ever be!” Ecthelion snarled out in rage as he bared his fangs, startling the soldier even more in terror.

“Ecthelion! Daro!” (Stop!) Erestor cried as he ran over and put a hand on his kinsman’s arm soothingly. “Let him go, Ecthelion...you are better than this,” he whispered softly, encouragingly as Ecthelion’s growling lightened slowly.

A choked laugh left the pinned Elf as Haenell glared at them almost maniacally. “No he is not...he is a beast. A creature to be destroyed...” he rasped out as he grabbed at the clawed hand around his throat. He gasped and gulped as the grip tightened on his neck as Ecthelion snarled again.

“I suggest that if you do not wish to end up dead, then you had best stop taunting him,” Erestor stated coldly as he glared at the trapped Elf before focusing on his kinsman. “Let him go, Ecthelion...you are not a beast...you are still my kinsman...” he urged the other Elf as he stroked the taut arm soothingly. Slowly, the tight muscles relaxed and the clawed hand released the blustering soldier before shoving the Elf away, causing the stunned soldier to trip and stumble as he gasped for air and clutched at his bleeding neck.

Turning to Erestor, Ecthelion worked to control his need to both rend and tear the Elf into shreds and to indeed go find something to rut on. His bloodlust was raging out of control, which he could tell as he panted for command of his feral side. His eyes locked with his cousin’s and he whispered, “I must go...I will be back later. Ask...ask Elrond for a powerful sleep potion. I will need it this night.” He then walked swiftly towards the nearby forest and transformed into his panther form before going on his hunt, working off some of his lust in his hunt for food.

Erestor turned an icy gaze onto the unrepentant looking soldier and strode over. His hand whipped up to slap the cocky Elf across the face, stunning Haenell as he stumbled once more and grabbed his cheek in shock. Drawing himself up, Erestor stared down at the stunned Elf and snapped out, “I suggest you return to your tent. You are hereby no longer of the guard and will be taken off of the wardens.”

“You...you can not do that! Lord Glorfindel-“

“Is on my side and will agree with me once he hears of the folly you sought to cause,” Erestor interrupted coldly as he glared at the shocked Elf. “I suggest you do not add insubordination to the charges of attempted murder, Kin slaying, and disobedience of direct orders! Now go to your tent!” he ordered as his anger took the best of him. Haenell bowed curtly before striding back towards the camp and into a nearby tent. Clenching and unclenching his fists, Erestor worked to contain his own anger and rushing fright that had come over him at the sight that had greeted him. He turned and nearly ran into a broad chest that was in front of him. He looked up in surprise and released his breath in relief. “Glorfindel! What can I do for you?” he asked softly, but he could not hide his agitation from the keen eyes of his friend.

Bringing his hands up to rest on Erestor’s shoulders, Glorfindel gazed at his best friend in worry. “What happened? You are shaking like a leaf and I just saw Haenell walk into his tent with blood on his neck and a large bruise growing on his cheek,” he revealed as he searched his friend’s eyes.

A dry laugh left Erestor as he pulled back before giving into his urge to lean into his friend and hugging him tightly. “Haenell...that fool went after Ecthelion and taunted him until my cousin attacked him! I almost could not control Ecthelion, but he returned to himself in time and is now hunting for some food for himself and us. Oh Glorfindel, I was so afraid when I looked in his eyes and saw the feral light there!” he whispered as he trembled. “And that Haenell just continued in his taunting! I want him off of the guard and under house arrest!” he demanded as he looked up at his friend.

“I will discuss this with Elrond. Haenell is a good soldier, but since his brother had been killed he has become bitter and cynical. I am sure that being faced with his brother’s murderer is not easy on him,” Glorfindel replied softly, trying to soothe his friend as he rubbed the strong arms he held.

“He is a menace...but I must speak with Elrond as well. Ecthelion has requested a strong sleeping potion. I fear that he is being influenced somehow and that is why he lost control,” Erestor explained as he looked down.

“Aye, I think you are right. Ecthelion was always ever in control, only losing himself to joyous things or in...passion...” Glorfindel trailed off as he swallowed hard and released Erestor, turning away as he sought to fight the sudden tears that had welled up within his eyes. He bowed his head and sighed as Erestor pressed up behind him and held him tightly within his strong arms. “Forgive me. Sometimes I lose hope that I will ever be able to speak with him...that he shall always hate me for what happened,” he murmured in despair.

“At least now you are admitting to having done something that did betray him. Fear not...I feel that things will happen to make you both able to open up and forgive each other. But you must be patient,” Erestor answered softly, this time taking over the role of confidante and comforter. He turned the blond around and smiled up at him. “Together we can make him better...this I believe whole heartedly,” he stated firmly, his eyes shining with determination as they focused onto Glorfindel’s uncertain blues.

Smiling as he took strength in the determined gaze of his friend, Glorfindel nodded before hugging the dark haired Elf tightly once more. He released Erestor and led the way to Elrond’s side as the Peredhel stood near the fire speaking with a couple of the other sentries. They would indeed try to straighten things out and perhaps, if everything worked out, they could make sure everyone worked together as well.

TBC