Epilogue

{A small ways from Valimar, Aman, Tuilë 74 Fourth Age (approx. mid April)}

The glitter of light within his goblet mesmerized Turgon as he sat slumped in his chair, lost in both memories and boredom. He had been reborn about a hundred years after Glorfindel had been reborn, about seventy years before the fall of Númenor, and had been living outside of Valimar since about four years after his rebirth. He had rejoiced in being reunited with his family and had thought that he had found bliss when he had discovered Elenwë and Idril along with Tuor and even Eärendil. But that had not been the case as he realized that his original love with his wife had tempered itself into a deep friendship. The fact that she also felt the same and had found another lover led to their parting in mutual love and dissolving their marriage so that they might seek other lovers. He had even attended her wedding not more than a decade later to Amrod Fëanorion, an action had shocked many including himself.

He had then moved outside of Valimar to build a modest, yet luxurious home within the forest, blending his house within a large ancient oak that had called to him on his journey one day. Since that day, he had had many visitors such as his brother Fingon and sister Aredhel along with Fingolfin his father. But his loneliness had not been eased and he came to realize that the reason he was so lonely was because of the one whom he had loved so passionately at the end of his time on Arda. Yet, when he admitted that to himself, it was quickly followed with a correction: he loved not one, but two.

Since he had been reborn, he had not heard anything of Ecthelion or Glorfindel, but the last he had seen before his rebirth had been of Ecthelion’s suffering and Glorfindel’s search for their love. His heart had broken in that time for Turgon had known that it was because of him that Ecthelion was suffering. If he had had the courage to speak up to them equally and immediately, then no hatred and betrayal would have been borne between them. He had eventually come to terms with his guilt, but he could only pray for the day when Ecthelion and he could finally see each other face to face and he could finally beg pardon for his unforgivable deed.

Sighing as he frowned at his thoughts, Turgon tilted his head back as he sought a better glimpse of the light within his miruvor. With the arrival of Elrond Peredhel, the special liqueur that had been a delicacy of the now most likely faded land of Imladris had become a popular trade. He had managed to requisition several bottles of the fine drink from the first ten years of its production before it had been restricted for holidays or medicinal means. He enjoyed having it every now and again mainly due to his temperance for dark thoughts. It served to warm him and remind him that he was alive and that things would soon be better. He just hoped that it was not long in coming...

His gloomy thoughts were interrupted unexpectedly as a knock on his door resounded through his home. “Enter!” he called as he stood slowly in confusion to face the main doorway. He was not expecting any company...who could it be?

He waited patiently for his guest to appear and was summarily stunned as his gaze was greeted with none other than Glorfindel. His breath hitched as he took in the fair face, vigorous physique, and golden hair that had taunted his dreams for centuries before his stare returned to the laughing blue eyes of his past lover. “Glorfindel!” he suddenly crowed as he ran from his seat and hugged the returned Elf tightly, swinging him around in his exuberance and joy. “You have returned to Aman!” he declared before releasing the laughing Elf Lord and wiping at his brimming tears.

“Aye, melethronen I have returned! And I bring with me great joy!” (my lover) Glorfindel replied enthusiastically as he beamed at his dark haired lover before stepping to the side.

Bewildered, Turgon looked towards the doorway and gasped in shock as he saw Ecthelion standing before them, smiling at them as he leaned lazily against the door way. Gaping, though unable to speak through his astonishment, the former High King could only stare as his gaze drank in the relaxed sight of the Elf whom he had betrayed so many millennia ago. He stepped forward, but then stopped as tears rolled down his face, overcome with emotion as he gazed at Ecthelion.

Smiling softly, Ecthelion straightened and stepped forward until he was but a foot from Turgon. “Do you not wish to hug me as well, melethen?” (my love) he whispered gently as he brought a hand up to brush away the tears.

A gust of a sob left Turgon as he smiled joyfully before hugging Ecthelion tightly, sobbing slightly as the hug was returned with just as much ardor. “I never thought this day would come,” Turgon whispered tearfully as he buried his face in the other dark haired Elf’s shoulder, his own body trembling with his emotions. “Please say you forgive me, Ecthelion. I never meant to ever hurt you. I love you so much,” he pleaded in a muffled voice as he shook with his sobs.

“Your forgiveness was given long ago, Turgon. Now we are all together. I love you as well and have always loved you,” Ecthelion murmured tenderly as he rubbed Turgon’s shaking back soothingly while he leaned his cheek against the dark head. He leaned his head back and looked into Turgon’s tear streaked face before smiling as he cupped the flushed cheeks. He moved his head in and brushed his lips over Turgon’s in a lingering kiss that radiated tenderness, love, and forgiveness, causing Turgon to sob once more into his mouth before pressing closer and sealing the kiss completely. They broke apart after a bit and hugged each other once more in joy and happiness before Glorfindel joined them with a grin.

After a few minutes, Glorfindel snickered as he stepped back, which in turn urged the other two to break their clinch.  He winked at Turgon before saying, “There is one other we wish for you to meet, Turgon. He...well, Ecthelion *you* explain!”

Rolling his eyes, Ecthelion whapped the golden haired Elf half heartedly as Turgon looked between them in bafflement. “You are such a moron,” Ecthelion retorted before releasing a much put upon sigh and smiling at Turgon. “He is someone who helped us through very rough times and has become very dear to our souls. He is, like you, the other part of our souls and we his. He is also my kin,” he explained gently before stepping towards the door. Turgon watched him with wide eyes and blinked as Ecthelion tenderly drew in a very shy Elf into the room. Ecthelion smiled over at Turgon as he wrapped his arm around the Elf’s waist. “Turgon, please meet Erestor. Erestor, this is Turgon,” he said in introduction.

“Please play nice,” Glorfindel added teasingly, earning a snort of laughter from Ecthelion and a grin from Erestor as he finally looked up.

Stepping forward, Turgon stood before Erestor and searched the soft blue eyes solemnly for a minute and in turn was scrutinized as well. After a minute, he smiled warmly and held his hands up, beaming as Erestor slid his graceful fingers into his own hands. “It is a pleasure and joy to meet one whom I willingly thank for being there for two of the most precious people in my life. I hope that we might become close as well,” he finally stated quietly, warmly as he smiled at Erestor.

Fairly beaming with happiness, Erestor nodded firmly as he squeezed the slender fingers he held. “I will look forward to that as well, Turgon. You are most valued by the two Elves who have become my soul and I long to know you as they do,” he answered softly as he blushed slightly.

“That will indeed be a very fun time I think,” Turgon purred suggestively as he waggled his eyebrows. Erestor snickered softly as he blushed even more while the other two laughed softly at their teasing. Turgon then moved forward and wrapped his arms in a welcoming hug around Erestor, holding him close as the strong arms came up along his back and held him just as tightly. “Welcome to your new home,” he whispered.

“Hannon le,” (thank you) Erestor murmured as he buried his face in the strong shoulder and relaxed. He had been very scared to meet the former High King. But he should have known that everything would work out. As they sat down in the study to catch up and bond, he considered how his life had changed one night under the light of the new moon and knew that everything would indeed be good.

The End!

<<Home>>   <Previous Chapter   Sequel "Explorations">