Chapter Fourteen

Telepathy

{Imladris, Quellë 2 TA (approx. beg. November)}

In all of his time on Middle earth, Ecthelion had not been prepared in any way for the beauty that was the Last Homely House. As they came into the vale that was to be his new home, his eyes drank in the sights, taking in the lush greenery that surrounded them while the rest of his senses absorbed the vivacious scents, textures, and sounds that pressed in on them in an almost overwhelming cacophony of new experiences. He realized the difference between this life-filled land and the peaceful realm that was Lothlórien almost immediately as he took in the multitude of sounds and scents. While Lothlórien was peaceful and stable, Imladris was a center of power within nature. And his spirit adored it.

He turned his head constantly in an effort to see and experience all of the things that were around him, most likely seeming like an Elfling to those around him, but to his enhanced senses, nothing had felt as welcoming and heady as the mysterious vale. The waterfalls thundered in the distance, mingling with the river Bruinen’s currents as the water rushed over the hidden river rock that lined the bottom of the meandering body of water. Mist from those waterfalls caused an air of secrecy to mingle in amongst the clean air of the forest, while the towering cliffs promised security as they strained towards the sky within the sunlit hours. The smells of the forest delighted his senses and stirred his animal side as easily as the chirrups from the birds and the rustling of rabbits and squirrels in the foliage. It was like a new sweet that was to be savored and devoured all at once! He could not take in enough to satisfy his cravings!

His musings were interrupted by a gentle hand on his own and he looked over into Erestor’s laughing blue eyes, his own wide with delight and shining with excitement as he smiled. “Oh Erestor! This land is glorious!” he whispered breathlessly before looking around once more as they came into the more structured areas of living that was the Elven kingdom.

“I am glad you like it, Ecthelion,” Erestor murmured with a grin, both amused and heartened at his kinsman’s response to their home. He glanced over to see Glorfindel watching them with a small smile, enjoying Ecthelion’s reaction just as much as the Peredhel. Elrond also glanced over and grinned before focusing forward again as cheering rang up from the gathering Elves as their Lord returned.

Looking forward almost immediately as the cheering started, Ecthelion’s eyes widened, but this time it was in anxiety as he took in all of the Elves that were there. He looked down after a bit, suddenly terrified of the people’s reactions to his sudden presence. What if they were the same as what Haenell’s had been at first?! True, things were now not as bad as they had been but a few days previous, however the thought that things would change at any moment always hung over the Elf Lord as he rode alongside the more ‘normal’ of his companions. He was shaken from his self doubt as a gentle hand laced with his own and squeezed. He looked over through a curtain of his ebony hair to lock eyes with his kinsman. He smiled slightly as he saw the concern within the soft blue eyes and felt his heart and faer warm to that tenderness, banishing his uncertainties. With Erestor by his side, he could withstand any ridicule or scorn that may be foisted upon him by the residents of Imladris.

Their party came to the main courtyard, where they were greeted by what appeared to be the entire household staff. At the head of the group was an Elf with long white hair and a gentle face and another Elf that had soft brown hair and vivid green eyes that seemed to take in all details and catalogue them within a very sharp mind. Relaxing, Ecthelion felt no malice within their assessing gazes and met their looks with a neutral yet open look of his own. They smiled in greeting and each nodded in welcome to him, putting his initial apprehension to rest with that simple gesture. The group dismounted and their horses were led off as they went to meet the awaiting assembly. Elrond smiled at his two advisors and clasped arms with them in salutation before turning to his people. “My friends, I have returned from Lothlórien with someone who was thought lost to our people an Age ago. May I present Lord Ecthelion of the House of the Fountain. I ask only that you care for him as your own and aid him in adjusting to our realm,” he declared as he held a hand out to the stunned Ecthelion.

Frozen as cheers and applause rose up around him, Ecthelion found that he could not move out of fear of what may be said. But the acceptance was genuine as he finally looked around and was surprised when a firm hand pushed him towards Elrond so he could accept the offered hand. He looked at the Peredhel Lord and swallowed hard as he smiled weakly while squeezing the hand that grasped his own firmly, stunned at the continued approval that washed over him. He bowed his head then in recognition of their kindness before he was led from the courtyard by Elrond and into the main lodging of the Elven city, followed by Glorfindel, Erestor, and the two Elves that had been at the head of the assembled household. The rest of the household and traveling party went on to their separate duties, all gossiping about the latest addition to their household. Imladris was certainly becoming quite the celebrity attraction!

Glancing at Elrond as they went along the marbled halls of Imladris, Ecthelion smiled slightly as he caught Elrond’s eye. “Thank you for not saying more,” he murmured quietly, luckily stifled by the chatter that was going on behind them between the other four Elves so his cousin could not hear him.

Smiling warmly, Elrond nodded. “You are coming to us as an Elf. There is no need for your personal life to come to light. And with luck we shall cure you before it becomes a danger,” he replied with a shrug. They turned down a couple more passageways until they came to a wide staircase that led into a sprawling library. Ecthelion was once more compelled to look around in awe as he took in the seemingly endless amounts of books, scrolls, and parchments that filled a multitude of bookshelves. A sweeping balcony circled the entire room and held another row of unending shelves of books that went to the edges of the vaulted ceiling. A gilded ladder could be seen in a farther corner under the balcony with several smaller versions amidst the many rows of shelving.

His perusal was interrupted as a gentle hand tugged him towards the right, where he found himself climbing a set of three stairs onto a raised dais that took up the opposite third of the room. He saw there a long polished oak table that held many plush chairs around it, an obvious conference table for when meetings were to be held and information gathered. He sat down in a daze at the seat that Erestor pulled out for him, his wide eyed gaze still taking in the lavish surroundings before being drawn to the massive windows that rose up in clear arches towards the ceiling that they were now situated near. His breath caught as he took in the view of the waterfalls that tumbled along the craggy recesses in the distance, where they melded with the surrounding calming forest that called to him enticingly. He tore his gaze away finally and finished his examination of his surroundings, finding a set of three desks nearby, the largest one hosting a pile of papers and a few maps amidst the quill and ink bottles there, while the other two were smaller in size, yet no less cluttered. He saw a small book shelf behind them that held various artifacts and a box that caught his eye almost immediately, causing his curiosity and a strange sense of want to rise up within him before he forced his gaze away. His final sweep of the immense room showed that several of the smaller windows around the library also held window seats and pillows so that people who came in merely for leisure could curl up and read to their hearts’ content without bothering anyone. A large stone fireplace stood near the edge of the dais and was already filled with a merrily crackling fire, spreading warmth throughout the drafty room.

The soft sound of a voice clearing broke through his scrutiny and urged him to focus on the amused gathering around him. He grinned sheepishly and looked down in contrition as the others chuckled. “Forgive me, but it has been many years since I have been in such a room,” he murmured as a faint tinge of pink came to his cheeks.

“I remember how much you had adored coming to the library of my House for yours was, in your words, too small and uninformed,” Glorfindel commented as he sat back, grinning widely as more soft laughter greeted his comment. Ecthelion looked up, a soft smile on his lips as his eyes sparkled at the memory before looking over at Elrond as the Half Elf cleared his throat once more in a call for calm among them. Glorfindel felt his own heart beat faster in joy at the look and flicked his gaze over briefly to Erestor, who was grinning at him hopefully. He focused on Elrond then, so missed the look of sorrow that went through Erestor’s eyes.

Scrutinizing the gathered Elves with warmth, Elrond nodded before centering his gaze upon the two as yet unnamed Elves. “Lindir, Melpomaen, I would like to introduce you to Lord Ecthelion. Ecthelion, this is Lindir, our chief Minstrel and one of my most trusted advisors, and Melpomaen, the head of my household staff. Along with Erestor, who is my Chief Advisor and diplomat, and Glorfindel, who is my Seneschal, they help me run Imladris. I would like you to work with them until you find your niche here in Imladris,” he stated as he smiled at Ecthelion, gesturing to each Elf as he explained their duties.

Bowing his head in acceptance of the suggestion, Ecthelion then looked up. “I may suggest having me work within the soldiers, my Lord. I was one of Turgon’s Captains along with Glorfindel and know much of leadership, if you wish,” he said with only a slight bit of hesitation. He did not dare look over at Glorfindel, instead sensing the excitement such a suggestion aroused within his former lover.

Nodding thoughtfully before tilting his head, Elrond kept his gaze on Ecthelion as he answered, “Perhaps at a later time when you are no longer in danger. It would not do for you to lose control while on a mission.”

“Why do you say this, my Lord? Is Lord Ecthelion ill?” Melpomaen asked in confusion as he leaned his chin onto his propped up hand, his eyes filled with concerned curiosity as they took in the bowed head of the newly arrived Elf.

“Ill perhaps might be the best term, but it is not necessary for you to know, Melpomaen,” Elrond replied gently as he folded his hands before him on the table.

“Nay, my Lord...tis all right if they know. Best to have it out of the way before the rumor mill takes it and runs with it unto the ends of Arda,” Ecthelion murmured somewhat jokingly, though his voice shook with some withheld emotion as he looked up at the Half Elf.

Staring at Ecthelion in surprise before nodding once in grim acceptance, Elrond refocused on the now confused advisors. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he smiled before saying, “Lord Ecthelion is the...creature...that you have heard of. He is the Elf that was captured and changed by Sauron and was killing for the past three centuries.”

Eyes wide with shock, both Elves looked over at Ecthelion with mingled looks of incredulity and fear. Ecthelion stared blankly at the table before whispering, “Aye, I sense your fear. I do not wish anyone harm and have taken precautions to protect others from my animal side.” His trembling hands clenched tightly around each other as he forced himself to remain focused on his hands, not wishing to see the condemnation within the advisors’ eyes.

The other three Elf Lords watched the two advisors quietly, letting them absorb the news that the gentle Elf that had joined their ranks was also a ravening beast within. But they did not disappoint them and relaxed, smiling. “Well, that is a tale worth spinning someday,” Lindir commented lightly as he deliberately relaxed, exchanging a grin with Melpomaen before looking over at the grateful Elf Lord as Ecthelion looked up at them.

“Perhaps when I am not doomed to death with my words I might tell you my tale,” Ecthelion responded a bit hoarsely as he fought the sudden tears of relief that threatened to spill down his pale cheeks.

Nodding, Lindir winked at Ecthelion, setting them all at ease. “Your story would most likely rank up there along with the Lord Glorfindel’s tale of bravery against the Balrog,” he suggested slyly before blinking in confusion as Ecthelion looked at him in bafflement.

“What...Balrog?” Ecthelion asked as he looked around at the table before focusing on Glorfindel. He frowned as he saw that Glorfindel was focused on the table, his own face dark with the shadows of the past. Ecthelion turned his gaze to Erestor, puzzled and worried as he saw the understanding light within his kinsman’s eyes. “Perhaps I will need to hear this tale as well,” he murmured as he looked down in shame.

“Perhaps indeed at the feast this night,” Elrond said briskly as he worked to smooth away the uncomfortable tension that now sat within their midst. He looked over at Melpomaen and smiled. “Melpomaen, would you please show Ecthelion to his new rooms and then give him a tour of the House? I would like to speak with these four,” he requested politely.

“Of course, my Lord. This way, Lord Ecthelion,” Melpomaen responded warmly as he stood and stepped away from the table, turning to direct Ecthelion as the Elf Lord stood numbly and left the room after an absent-minded bow to them in farewell. Elrond focused on his friends and smiled once more. Hopefully everything would work out...

Walking silently along the halls as he followed the advisor, Ecthelion could not react very well as thoughts of Glorfindel’s death harassed his conscious. He had never thought on how his ex-lover had died and had never thought to look into it. His own hurt and anger had closed him off to such thoughts. But with their relationship slowly renewing itself, it now became something of an importance for him to find out if he were to understand Glorfindel’s own darkness. But did he really wish to know? Shaking himself with a growl, Ecthelion’s eyes narrowed as they glared at the ground at such a selfish thought. Of course he wanted to know! He was not the only one to suffer there!

But is that not what you want? You wish him to suffer for what he did to you...

Stopping in shock at the voice that whispered through his mind, Ecthelion stared in horror at nothing. ‘Nay! I do not want that anymore! I...I...’

You wish him to suffer as he sees you with another. You want him to know of betrayal.

Gasping as he clutched his tunic over his heart, Ecthelion stumbled and sat down abruptly, not even hearing Melpomaen’s concerned inquiries on what was wrong, too shaken by this statement to even hear the other Elf. ‘N-Nay! I would never...I could never! I still love him!’

Yet you love another...another has taken his place in your heart. You will hurt him as he hurt you so many years ago...

“Nay!” he suddenly screamed, clutching his head as he trembled in terror at what the words were saying to him. He did not even think on where the words were coming from as the darkness within him welled up. He sobbed as he fought the darkness in him. ‘I will never hurt Erestor like that! I love him!’

You will destroy them...you can not escape who you are...

Screaming in agony as he wept, Ecthelion did not even feel as Melpomaen shook him as he struggled. He did not hear the footsteps that came running towards them, nor did he feel the arms that gathered him to a strong chest as he was carried to his rooms. He clutched at the tunic that he was resting against as he sobbed, shaking and nearly writhing as he battled with the shadows that were welling up to over run his mind before he finally lost consciousness as he was laid out onto his bed. But he was not freed from the battle as he clashed against the will that was working to take him over. ‘I will never let harm come to the ones I love!!’ he screamed into the blackness that pressed in around him, suffocating him.

You are mine, Ecthelion...you will never escape my hold...

A wail of despair tore from his lips as he arched before a sudden light seemed to break through the darkness. He sensed them...sensed the touches and voices of the two he loved. They were pushing the shadows back, driving them away with their light! He reached towards that light and worked to break free, sobbing with his desperate climb towards the gentle luminescence that called to him. He lurched awake, breaking out of his nightmare laden oblivion to fall into Erestor’s hold, weeping as he shook with tremors so violent that they shook the bed. Soothing hands brushed over his back and through his hair as Erestor whispered softly to him, calming him as he was held within those strong arms. He finally regained control of himself after a while and looked over through bleary eyes to see Elrond watching him in worry along with Glorfindel.

Leaning in, Elrond placed a cool hand on Ecthelion’s fevered forehead and frowned lightly. “What happened, Ecthelion?” he asked softly, encouragingly. Shaking his head wildly as he swallowed hard, Ecthelion buried his face within Erestor’s abdomen once more, seeking both solace and security there as he worked to expel the evilness that had been trying to take hold of him again. It had been two weeks since the last new moon. Now he feared that he might not be able to fight the darkness that overwhelmed him. What was more was the terror that filled him as he wondered just what he might end up doing.

After a bit, he dozed off and was left alone with Erestor. He slept fitfully, too frightened to sleep. Erestor watched over him in worry as he dozed, concerned with the sudden fit his cousin had gone through. He knew then that he had to work on helping his beloved kinsman break through the darkness that still held him. He only hoped that they could do it.

TBC