Chapter Seven

{Imladris, Tuilë 3200 SA (approx. Beginning of May)}

The sunlight seemed a little cold to Glorfindel as the party of Elves crossed into Imladris, escorted in by an excited group of sentries that had met them at the border. But the excitement had dimmed when they had glimpsed the body that had been strapped to one of the horses and they knew that the journey had not been as peaceful as they had hoped. Glorfindel knew that they had owed the hidden informant for their main survival, but the mystery behind the source would now forever taint their minds since the Elf that had known who the spy was dead. Glorfindel had a sneaky suspicion that the creature that had attacked them after the Orcs was responsible, but what bothered him was why the beast had.

He glanced over at Erestor and saw that his new friend was just as lost in thought as he was, most likely on the same subject. They locked eyes and smiled at each other before looking forward once more as they came around the bend. Glorfindel’s breath hitched in surprise as he took in the beauteous vale that spread out before them, forests misted by the thundering waterfalls that fell from the surrounding valley walls. The buildings of Imladris seemed to meld with the forest and cliffs, striking out as if in extension to the rule of nature.

Sighing in appreciation, Glorfindel felt his spirits lifting as he looked over at Erestor, smiling again. “Tis a beautiful vale, my friend. You should be proud,” he complimented warmly as they traveled down the inclining path into the heart of Imladris.

Bowing his head as he smiled proudly, Erestor gazed at Glorfindel with twinkling eyes. “I am very proud, aye. Elrond and I worked very hard to bring this peaceful sanctuary to life and all the Elves here are dedicated to its successful arrangement,” he stated quietly before looking ahead once more.

“Then I shall pledge myself to its continued existence for as long as I am here on these shores,” Glorfindel stated after a moment of contemplative silence. He locked eyes with Erestor again and grinned. “A peaceful place for an old soldier to live.”

“A peaceful place for a lover of harmony to live,” Erestor corrected with another warm smile, but then blinked as a shadow seemed to pass over Glorfindel’s face before the other Elf looked forward with a frown. “Glorfindel?” he queried softly in concern.

“Your words...they remind me of my Ecthelion. He would say that as well, and especially since he loved music so,” Glorfindel murmured absently as his mind was lost in happy memories.  He blinked as a gentle hand touched his own, breaking him out of his memories, and turned his saddened gaze to that of his worried companion’s. He smiled weakly and sighed. “I will be fine.”

“We will find him,” Erestor murmured softly as he returned his hand to his reins. Glorfindel had told him of Ecthelion’s rebirth and their rather painful parting, so had promised to aid his new friend in the search for his kinsman. He had a feeling that, if things had been so soured when they had parted in both life and death, then most likely Ecthelion was staying in one of the other realms, especially now as Glorfindel’s arrival spread through the Elven lands.

Taking a steadying breath, Glorfindel nodded as they came over the bridge that crossed over the Bruinen. ‘Aye, we will find you, Ecthelion. And I pray that you will listen to me and forgive me my transgressions,’ he thought in determination as his face cleared of the gloom that had been taking him over.

He looked around in interest as they came down the main pathway that wound its way through the city, heading towards the upper House that was the main buildings for the Lord of Imladris. He smiled warmly as Elves came out to greet them, all cheering as they saw the famous Balrog Slayer, some he even recognized from his time in Gondolin so many centuries before. They came to the main courtyard where many of the Elves were laughing and greeting them while at the top of a wide staircase that led into the house stood several regal looking Elves.

The troupe of Elves dismounted, smiling as their horses were led away to the stables while they went towards the Elves that were coming down the stairs.  Glorfindel and Erestor were at the front of the pack as they stopped at the bottom of the stairs and awaited the descending Elves with warm smiles.

The lead Elf came forward, his face gentle with a smile and knowledge as he bowed his head to them in greeting. “Mae govannen Lord Glorfindel. Your presence here is a welcome addition to our home. I am Elrond Eärendilion, Lord of Imladris,” he welcomed Glorfindel before offering his hand in salutation to the golden haired Elf.

Glorfindel accepted the hand and knelt onto one knee as he bowed his head, touching his forehead to the slender hand. “I pledge my sword and life to your realm and to your house, son of Eärendil. As I had when your father was but a babe, I do so once more with you and your kin until we leave these shores,” he declared firmly before looking up at Elrond and smiling. “You look just as your father and grandfather, Elrond. You have made them proud,” he said quietly as cheering burst up around them.

Eyes sparkling in delight, Elrond smiled softly before beckoning Glorfindel to rise. “I hope that, when you might have time, we may sit down and share stories. I...I would like to hear about my lost kin,” he answered just as quietly as he shook hands with Glorfindel. He turned to Erestor and beamed before clasping hands with his friend. “Meldiren...it is so good to have you back with us. Come, you both have much to tell me by the solemn glint I see in your eyes,” (my dear friend) he stated quietly before leading them both up the long stairs. They were followed by two other Elves as the rest went about their duties, all anticipating the feast that would surely be occurring later that night.

Talking idly as they walked along the marbled halls, the five Elves discussed random things, pointing out various curiosities to the interested Elf Lord as they headed for Elrond’s study. Once in the study, they gathered around the long table that sat near the long windows at the south wall and seated themselves with Elrond at the head and Glorfindel to his right. Erestor sat on Elrond’s left while the pale haired Elf sat on his right. The brunet Elf sat on Glorfindel’s left, smiling in greeting as he sat down.

Sighing quietly, Elrond looked at both Glorfindel and Erestor with sadness as he placed his hands on the polished wood. “Before you tell us what happened on your journey, let me introduce two of our most trusted aides to you, Glorfindel. On Erestor’s right is our head Minstrel, Lindir. He is also one of my aides in the household, dealing with much of our staff problems and concerns. On your left is Melpomaen, who aides Erestor with the outside correspondences and dealing with any guests that we may have. Both will help you if you have any concerns for they have been invaluable to us from the beginning,” he started with a graceful gesture to each Elf as they were introduced. Glorfindel nodded to them both in greeting, giving a small smile to each as they bowed their heads in acknowledgment.

Straightening a bit as he nodded, the Peredhel Lord sighed again as he looked down at his hands. “I saw the body that was on the back of that horse. Tell me what happened on your journey here from Lindon,” he bid them as he along with Lindir and Melpomaen focused on the two recently arrived Elven Lords.

Erestor and Glorfindel took turns explaining their journey, especially the battle and encounter with the panther. Concerned and grieved, Elrond took in all that was revealed with a heavy heart and concerned soul. “It sounds as though the panther knew who you were. And if the source was indeed the panther, then perhaps we might be able to save the poor faer that has been so ensnared in Sauron’s hold,” he murmured quietly, thoughtfully as he caressed his chin. He sat back and looked at the four other Elves before him. “What are your thoughts on this?” he asked in curiosity.

Glancing at Glorfindel in silent request for permission, Erestor looked at Elrond grimly. “I fear that there is other news that has come to light which may concern us more. I...I fear that Ecthelion, whom Glorfindel has informed me has been reborn as well in Middle earth, has been...” he stopped, unable to finish as Glorfindel looked at him in rising understanding and horror. “Forgive me, mellonen...but the coincidence is just too high. It may be as I fear,” (my friend) he whispered sadly as Glorfindel turned his face away.

“You think that Lord Ecthelion has become the panther hunter that has been killing for the past two centuries,” Elrond murmured in understanding as he watched the golden haired Elf in sympathy. “If that is so, then t’would be better if we were to end his suffering,” he stated quietly.

“Nay! You can not do such a thing! He is kin!” Glorfindel cried unexpectedly as he stood, surprising all present with his display of emotion. His trembling hands braced him on the table as he gazed earnestly at Elrond. “We can cure him if it is so! We do not even know if it is he that has been so changed!” he pleaded intently, casting his gaze at the other three solemn Elves in a desperate plea for their agreement.

“Hîren, we understand your despair, but we do not indeed know for certain. Please, calm yourself and think rationally. We will try to find this creature and free it from Sauron’s hold, but it can not happen yet until Sauron has been eliminated from the face of Middle earth,” (My Lord) Melpomaen stated in answer to the plea within the intense blue eyes, his own pale emerald eyes soft with concern and sympathy.

Sitting down heavily, Glorfindel released a weighted sigh as he stared down at his hands. “Forgive my outburst. But I have known Ecthelion for millennia. To imagine him doing such foul deeds...”

“No one wishes to believe that Elves can do such a thing as murder in cold blood, but Sauron and Morgoth both have been known to change the very hearts of creatures that have served the light for so long into caves of darkness. While it will hurt your very heart to admit this, it is something that may have to be faced and dealt with,” Elrond declared firmly, yet warmly as he gazed at Glorfindel. He reached over and placed a comforting hand over Glorfindel’s shaking hands. “Have faith that we shall try to prove our suppositions wrong and find him elsewhere and try to seek your peace here, my friend,” he suggested gently as he smiled encouragingly at the golden haired Elf.

Taking a shaky breath, Glorfindel returned the smile, albeit weakly as he placed a hand over the one on his other hand. “You are just like your great grandfather indeed. He would always knock sense into me when I would stray from my path. Aye, you are right. We have much to do in this time and my search for Ecthelion will be amongst all I must do. Until Sauron’s death, I will do all I can to aide you, my Lord Elrond,” he declared softly as he sat straighter within his seat. The other four Elves nodded and smiled in acceptance of what he had declared before they all set to work on delegating out Glorfindel’s duties as he learned them as well as ideas that could be put into play for the defense of the hidden vale they were dedicated to.

After they had finished, Melpomaen showed Glorfindel to his new rooms where his packs had already been unloaded and his belongings had been stored away or sent to be cleaned. He admired his rooms briefly before going into the bathing room to take a soothing bath. He had to ready himself for the feast that was to come that night, but he needed to order his thoughts first. As he sat in the heated water, his mind and heart traveled in search for their partner. Yet, as always, only darkness met his search and despair filled him. He knew that Ecthelion was alive, but feared the worst: that Erestor’s words were indeed true. If that was the truth, then he would take his own blade and end his lover’s agony.

He just prayed that it would not come to that. With determination, he rose from the bath and readied himself for the feast. He was prepared to face any and all obstacles before him in order to find his beloved and right the wrongs that he had committed centuries ago. And, to his relief, he was not alone in his search.

TBC