I own nothing save this plot line and my own personal character. Yes, it is the same story as the one in my LOTR strain, however I am trying to get it out a little more. Please read and review. I hope you enjoy.

-SighingWinter

The Poems used within this chapter are properly cited and are NOT mine

Elvish translations:

Namárië, Brand, ná Elbereth veria le, ná elenath dín síla erin rád o chuil lín- Farewell, Brand, may Elbereth protect you, may her stars shine on the path of your life.

Belain na le- The Valar be with you

Ada- father

Namárië, mellon- Farewell friend

Hannon le- Thank you

Im gelir ceni ad lín, mellon-

Manen nalyë? - How are you?

Im maer- I'm well

Gen hannon- I thank you

Elleth- female elf

Eldar- the word used for elves who left the shores of Aman and took the Great Journey

Fëar and hröar- Quenya words that mean 'spirits' and 'bodies', remove the r at the end and that would be the singular versions of the above words.

Secret Souls

Chapter Seven- Glorfindel

I awoke near dawn to the sound of the door quietly opening and closing shut. Long sharpened instincts made me tense and reach for the sword that lay against the wall by my bedside, only to find that my main sword arm was trapped under the warm body of my lover. Cursing silently, I opened my eyes, not wanting to wake Erestor unless there truly was an intruder. Dark grey eyes glanced over at me and Ecthelion smirked before grabbing a casual tunic and leggings. He disappeared and all I could hear was the rustling of fabric and then the sound of a brush being run through hair. Reappearing, the presently dressed Lord of the Fountain smirked down at me once more, "Have fun last night?"

I could feel the tips of my ears redden in embarrassment, we had forgotten about my roommate and I sincerely hoped he hadn't walked in on anything, "It's none of your business. Where are you headed anyhow?" I hissed in reply.

He laughed lowly, "I am headed for a ride and a training session as your substitute, since you promised your squire you'd teach her as soon as you returned."

A groan escaped my lips and I moved to sit up, only to have Ecthelion raise his hand. "Stay. I will behave to my utmost ability." With that he quickly and silently exited the room, whose colors were becoming a little more discernible as the early morning light filtered in through gossamer curtains.

Little more than an hour later, the morning began flowing in its usual pattern and as the sun rose to wake the rest of the valley I found myself grinning proudly as I watched my squire fight against one of the survivors of the Last Alliance. Careion was sharp and a definite challenge due to his experience and long life on the battle field; but my squire seemed at ease, wielding her sword with a familiar mixture of confidence and humility. In a graceful swoop she brought her sword towards the older elf's right side, only to abruptly spin on the ball of her right foot. Pale blonde hair slipped free from its leather bindings and whirled around following the circle, as her sword spun and stopped a mere breadth away from her opponent's neck. Her sharp blue eyes met that of her elder's and the two stared at one another, waiting until at last, Careion laughed and stepped backwards, yielding to the younger woman.

"Very well done, young Laiste." The veteran said as she warily stepped back into a comfortable standing position, returning her lightly curved sword to its sheath. When both swords were safely back where they had started, I moved forwards as Laiste bowed and offered smiling thanks to the older elf.

"You were sloppy at the start, squire; never assume that your opponent will fight fair." I heard Ecthelion lightly scold, only to hide a smile as I listened to Laiste sigh as she wiped away the dirt that had been kicked up into her face a few minutes earlier. "A lesson you learned, I think. Otherwise, you did very well Laiste and I believe you are ready to begin the last step of your training."

Bright blue eyes, sparkling with eagerness looked up as she beamed up at Ecthelion, "Really?"

He nodded and released an easy laugh as she asked if they could start immediately. "This last part will take a very long time to master- in fact it is quite possible you may never master it. None, save myself and your Lord, have mastered this form of the warrior's path."

At this she ceased her child-like movements and her face grew serious, "What makes you think I am even cut out for this then?"

"Perhaps it is because Lord Ecthelion is someone who knows your limits, perhaps even better that you know them." The familiar voice of Mithrandir called, as he walked up to the training grounds. Turning I rushed over to my Ishtari friend smiling and bidding him a cheerful good morning, which he returned with equal cheer. Waving away my offered assistance, with a smiling reminder that he was not as old as he looked the Ishtari lightly walked into the arena.

"However," He continued, seemingly from where he'd left off, "I believe that it is time for breakfast and after that you and I are going to try and sort out your memory." He offered Laiste his arm and she looked over to me. I nodded, urging her to do both the correct and courteous thing.

Graciously she smiled and took the wizard's arm, "Perhaps Grey Bread, however might I make a request to make a quick stop by my chambers so that I may appear decent before my lord and his family?"

He laughed warmly as they set off down the road, "Why of course my dear. Now while we walk, do tell me about…." Their voices faded away as I approached Ecthelion who looked both uncertain and a little worried.

Clasping his shoulder, I offered what reassurance I could, in a teasing manner. Somewhat more relaxed, he and I walked slowly back, discussing the morning's training and the upcoming trials. "Are you certain she is ready to learn unarmed combat?"

Ecthelion nodded his gaze serious even as he paused to admire the summer flowers, "Yes. Surely you have seen it as well Glorfindel- her body retains all that she ever learned under you and others. The moment she enter true combat she knows what to do, where to strike, how to reach out with her senses. She was ready for it all those years ago when you first made her into your squire here and I know that she is ready for it now. Besides, you heard and saw the same as I, the darkness that whispers in the night beyond this valley. The trails and numbers of orcs are growing; I fear that another battle is coming- and it is with this that the fate of all elf kind rests." Dark eyes locked onto mine as he continued, "I would not have her unable to defend herself if she had neither bow nor sword. There will be no Anearith to save her this time, she must be ready."