Chapter Five

{The Grey Havens and Lindon, Tuilë 3200 SA (approx. mid April)}

The caress of the salty sea air lulled Glorfindel’s senses into a state of calm as he gazed out over the prow of the ship he was on at the looming land of Middle Earth that they were approaching steadily. He balanced himself with a leg up on one railing and his buttocks back against the opposing railing. The sun shone down on him, causing his hair to glisten like the gold it was named after and shining on the pale skin that was eternally alabaster and forever touched with the light of the Valar. His sharp blue eyes took in the swerving flight of the gulls that called them home as well as the swell and crags of the hills that were to be their harbor. He glanced over as he heard the captain call for them to trim the sails and set them heading windward, into the wind, as they narrowed their course to the harbors of the Grey Havens.

He felt a sense of peace and hope well up within him, but knew that he had other duties to attend to first before he could truly focus on his own personal agenda. He was to serve Elrond’s house, who was the son of Eärendil. He saddened briefly as he thought on lost Elros, but his fate was as a Man and not of the Firstborn. Such might be for Elrond’s children, if he was to have any, yet he knew without a doubt that he would protect them with his very life. He owed it to Tuor and Eärendil...and to Turgon.

His eyes welled up with tears as he remembered the distant, yet still aching good bye that he had shared with Turgon. Turgon’s words would forever ring in his mind and heart, making him proud to be both friend and lover to such a great Elf. “Find Ecthelion and bring him back to love. Bring him back to us and remember that love forever, Glorfindel. Come back to me...both of you.”

‘I will return, my love and King. I will return with Ecthelion and, this time, we shall be together as I know it was meant to be,’ Glorfindel silently vowed as he returned his gaze forward to the nearing lands of his home for so many centuries. ‘Arda...it has changed and yet it has not. I still feel my peace here,’ he thought fondly as he smiled while leaning against the prow, his golden hair blowing within the teasing wind as he rocked with the movements of the boat.

The crew and other passengers of the ship came alive as they neared their port, moving out of the way of each other or listening to shouted instructions from the captain and first mate as they made preparations to dock. They pulled in through the guardian reef and cliffs, noticing the ancient Elven architecture that surrounded them within the precipices. Calls and cheers welcomed the returning Elves, though they were very few besides Glorfindel. Most of them were family that had come to reunite early with their returning kith and kin. It had made the journey a bit more enjoyable to hear the stories many of them had to tell of the times and lives they had led within Middle Earth’s welcoming climes.

Shouldering the pack that carried all his possessions, including a ring from Turgon and the silver flute that Ecthelion had once played at all times, Glorfindel of Gondolin strode down the gangplank to the wooden dock that berthed their ship. He smiled as he was patted on the back in welcome, shaking hands and nodding to those who greeted him before families were reunited. He skirted to the outside of the crowds and sighed, squelching the loneliness he felt within as he went to find a way to Imladris. But his path was blocked as a single Elf stood formally before him. Cloaked in black and silver robes and with a pale beard framing his pale chiseled face, the Elf stood out distinctly among the rest of the gathered Elves.

Stopping, Glorfindel frowned, and then bowed his head in greeting. The greeting was returned before a knowing smile lit the stranger’s face. “Lord Glorfindel...you have returned as was stated. I am Cirdan, Lord of the Teleri of the Grey Havens. I have been sent to guide you to Ereinion Gil-galad, High King of the Noldor for he shall then be your lead to whom you are searching for,” he stated in greeting before turning to the side in a gesture for Glorfindel to follow him.

Relaxing, Glorfindel returned the smile as he stepped up to walk alongside the Teleri. “I welcome your aid, Cirdan of the Havens. But I must ask...how do you have a beard when all Elves are clean shaven?” he asked impulsively.

A melodious laugh left the pale haired Elf as he tossed his head back before smiling over at Glorfindel in amusement. “You are not the only one to ask me that question, Glorfindel,” he answered before telling his tale as they walked the stairs of the havens towards the city of Lindon. By the time they had reached the bustling Elven city, they had struck up a warm friendship, laughing and sharing stories of their lives and, in Glorfindel's case, of happy times in realms lost. They went into the palace and down the winding halls until they came to more private rooms. Once there, Cirdan steered them into one of the rooms, smiling reassuringly at the returned Elf. He knocked on the large wooden door that loomed before them and entered as soon as he heard the beckon.

Going inside, Glorfindel looked around slowly at the comfortable room that they entered. It was obviously both a study and a library with all the shelves of scrolls and parchments surrounding the walls. He took in the curving architecture that vaulted the ceiling and the high paned windows that seemed to support the walls' arcing assent. In front of the western most windows sat a large desk made of mahogany that was trimmed with gold and silver and held the crest of the High King on its polished front. Plush maroon carpeting covered the floor, decorated with gold, blue, and green swirls and leaves. A stone fireplace stood nearby as well, a blazing fire welcoming them in as it crackled cheerfully.

Behind the desk was a rather large luxurious chair and within the chair sat a very regal looking Elf. His dark head was crowned with a simple circlet of mithril and gold, while his dark blue and silver vestments draped across his broad shoulders and down his sturdy frame in a stately manner. Dark blue eyes took in their entrance, dancing with intrigue and warmth as well as welcome before the royal Elf stood.

Glorfindel knelt immediately onto one knee, his fist coming up instantly in a salute. “My King, I come to serve both you and your Herald, Elrond Eärendilion,” he stated simply as he bowed his golden head.

“Rise, Lord Glorfindel. Cirdan has told me what Ulmo informed him of in concern to you. In two days you shall leave for Imladris with a small party, for our times are dangerous with Sauron the Deceiver working to destroy us,” Ereinion replied with a warm smile as he came around the desk and touched the kneeling Elf’s shoulder in a bid to rise. He nodded and shook Glorfindel's hand after the Elf Lord stood, clasping the slender hands with his own in welcome. "You are most welcome, Glorfindel of Gondolin," he whispered softly as he smiled.

"I am no longer of Gondolin since that fair city fell at Morgoth's treacherous hands. I am merely Glorfindel," Glorfindel answered with a sad smile of his own before looking away in sorrow and discomfort.

"Of course. Forgive my slip, but your story is well known to many of us. It will take many a long time to adjust to your newer status. We merely wished to honor you as a hero," Ereinion replied soothingly as he released the strong hands and crossed his hands before him.

"There were many heroes who died that day. Honor them all as well as any who fell in the battle against darkness," Glorfindel responded kindly and humbly, smiling in thanks when the High King nodded in acceptance. "Tell me, my King, what has happened and what is Sauron doing now?" he asked firmly as he tilted his head in question.

"First, I feel that we must call in one of the ones who will be journeying with you. Erestor? Are you still in here?" Ereinion called as he led Glorfindel and Cirdan to the two chairs that were stationed in front of his desk. He went over and brought another chair just as a shadow parted from the library section of the study and came towards them. "Ah, good...Erestor...Lord Glorfindel, this is Master Erestor of Imladris. He was my Chief Advisor here until he went with Elrond and became his Chief Advisor there. He was very essential to the establishment of the vale,” the High King introduced the Elf that appeared with a warm smile.

But his words only washed over Glorfindel’s shocked mind as he stared at Erestor. The Elf before him was almost an exact image of Ecthelion, if only a little shorter. The high cheek-boned face framed inquisitively penetrative blue grey eyes that swiftly took in the Elf before them while thin lips tilted in a smile of greeting to the Elf Lord. A slender body could be seen within the deceivably formless robes, the long sleeves coming down over slender hands that laced together delicately. Ebony hair floated down the lean back, floating loosely while the top was held in with two braids and a series of sparkling hairclips. But the illusion was broken as Erestor turned his head in a slant of question and the softly pointed ears were revealed. The ears were not sharply pointed, but rather rounded a bit as a Peredhel. “You are Peredhel?” Glorfindel blurted out, then blushed scarlet in his embarrassment as the other three Elves stared at him in consternation.

“Aye, I am Peredhel. My mother was of the Folk of Marach and met with an Elf that had escaped from Gondolin’s fall. So, it would seem we have a connection already,” Erestor replied smoothly as he smiled tightly, his blue eyes never leaving Glorfindel’s suddenly saddened eyes.

“I apologize but...you look so much like...like Ecthelion of the House of the Fountain. It was...a surprise,” Glorfindel murmured as he bowed his head, shaken to the core.

“Ecthelion, you say? Tis no coincidence then since Erestor’s father was indeed a close cousin to Lord Ecthelion. His honorable bloodline has continued on before you,” Ereinion commented congenially, smiling as Glorfindel smiled weakly at him. “Come then...sit. We have much to discuss,” he ordered warmly.

“Aye, we do. Lord Glorfindel, perhaps you could tell us why you are to be here once more when you could have stayed in Aman,” Cirdan asked as he sat down in the chair that was at the right corner of the large desk. Glorfindel sank into the chair that was perched in the center while Erestor gracefully slid into the chair that framed the left corner.

“I am afraid that I can be no more specific than that I will be serving Elrond and the House of Tuor thusly. But the evil that is rising is also reason for my rebirth and mission,” Glorfindel explained, smiling sheepishly at them in apology as he relaxed.

“Well perhaps your mission will coincide with the growing concern that is coming from Mordor. Not only have reports of increasing Orc activity been coming in, but there has also been reports of a strange...assailant...who has been murdering many of our Men allies,” Ereinion said softly, his eyes and face grim as he related this news to the surprised Glorfindel.

“An assailant? Has no one seen it and confirmed what it is? You speak as though it came from the shadows itself!” Glorfindel exclaimed in concern as he leaned his chin on his propped up fist, frowning darkly.

“Indeed that is what it is almost like. The attacks are only on the nights of the new moon, which is even stranger. The first attack was two hundred years ago on a Winter Solstice night. The attack happened in Ithilien and all of the leaders and their families were slaughtered in their beds along with a few sentries, their throats torn out as if by some...beast,” Cirdan explained quietly as he gazed at Glorfindel solemnly. “It was the first Winter Solstice with a new moon since four hundred years previous and the attacks have not stopped since then. Almost five hundred Men have been killed as were a couple of Dwarves. No Elves as of yet, but we can not take that for granted,” he added with a sigh.

“Aye no doubt some post will be attacked. But there were some reports of a large feline leaving the premises. A panther said by some of the witnesses, but the only panthers in existence live in Fangorn and have been very tame recently. It is rare to see them in fact, though none of the Men who live near there will put a claim to killing them in vengeance,” Erestor continued on for Cirdan, frowning darkly as he locked gazes with the worried golden haired Elf. “The reports say that the creature is twice the size of a normal panther and has longer ears. In fact, they say even that the panther shows incredible intelligence.”

“It almost sounds like this beast has a human mind...” Glorfindel murmured as he caressed his lip absently in thought. He frowned darkly at that as they all nodded. “Perhaps a poor man that has become now a slave to Sauron?” he suggested.

“We think so, save that this creature has been the same since it first appeared two hundred years ago,” Ereinion concurred darkly.

Staring at the High King in confusion, Glorfindel’s mind clicked as it processed this and put the puzzle together. His eyes widened and he growled. “An Elf? You think an Elf has been placed in this unfortunate curse?!” he demanded, almost enraged with grief at the thought that a kinsman or woman was now a murdering creature of Sauron’s.

“It makes sense though. Only Elves are so immortal. And to be so cunning...I fear that it would be our best respect to this poor Elf to find him or her and kill them,” Ereinion murmured sadly before sighing and standing to walk towards the nearby window. He stared out, hands behind his back as he took in the sea before him. “But that is only one of many problems.” He turned and faced the three other Elves before him. “I fear for the Men of Númenor. Their arrogance is causing a stir that will end in their destruction. Of this I am certain of. Only a few of our mortal kin remember the old alliances and times. Now they are so power hungry and bent on being greater than the Valar themselves that it will only be a matter of time before their destruction will be at hand. I hope only that the few of the Faithful that remain will escape such judgment,” he declared dismally as he bowed his head and gazed down at the floor in bleak consideration.

“My Liege...what would you have me do in addition to my mission?” Glorfindel asked quietly as he watched the somber figure before them.

Looking up, Ereinion smiled tiredly. “Find out what you can, Glorfindel. I shall leave it to you, Erestor, and Elrond to determine just who it is that has been made into an enemy. Also, I wish for you to work with Galadriel, Celeborn, and Amdír on strengthening the mountain passes’ protection. And also speak with Oropher on how you might be able to help their own security in Greenwood,” he instructed as he sat down in his chair regally.

Bowing his head along with Erestor, Glorfindel accepted the charges. “As you wish, my Lord. I shall do my best to fulfill your instructions,” he stated firmly before looking up and smiling.

Sighing in relief, Ereinion nodded as well. “Hannon le. Now, if I may impose, Erestor would you please show our guest to some quarters so that he might wash and rest up before the dinner this eve?” (Thank you) he asked politely of his former Chief Advisor.

Smirking in amusement as he nodded, Erestor stood, and then tilted his head towards Glorfindel in beckon. “This way, my Lord,” he offered before leading the way out.

Sighing in reprieve as he followed after the Peredhel, Glorfindel studied his surroundings without interest. Since he was done with his ‘debriefing’, his exhaustion was pressing in on him with impunity. All of the new information he had learned for the day was overwhelming and he had not even started his search for Ecthelion. At the thought of his lover, he glanced out of the corner of his eye at the serene looking Erestor as they strode together down the halls. The resemblance was remarkable! If it had not been for the ears, he would have embraced the Peredhel as if it had been his lover returned!

Cheeks pinking at that thought, Glorfindel quickly looked ahead once more as they came to a set of rooms that were not far from the royal chambers. Erestor smiled as he lifted a hand in verification towards the large oaken doors before them. “I hope you will find your temporary accommodations satisfactory,” he said warmly before turning to leave.

“Erestor...my thanks. And I apologize again for my unseemly behavior earlier,” Glorfindel murmured quietly, his comment stopping the Half Elf before he could move a step.

Turning and smiling again, Erestor shook his head. “Your love affair with Ecthelion was well known. I know how much I look like my fallen kinsman, so it is understandable. Hopefully it will not hinder us in our working together and in our creating a possible friendship,” he replied soothingly before bowing and leaving.

“Aye, hopefully it will not hinder us...” Glorfindel mumbled distractedly, his mind caught upon Erestor’s previous statement. ‘Fallen kinsman...but Ecthelion was reborn. Could he possibly have not come yet to Arda?’ he wondered in worry before going into his rooms to freshen up and prepare for a nap before the evening’s festivities. He had much to think on.

TBC