Ecthelion

The words made him suck in a large breath, but Glorfindel did not stop.

"I do, Theil. I wonder every day why you wish to remain friends with me. Why you put up with my anger and biting words? My mother could not remain in the same room as I and my father turned a blind eye to my actions. But not you." Glorfindel sniffed as the tears welled up in his eyes. "I am scared to lose you, because you mean the world to me, and I would be lost without you."

Ecthelion felt his heart clench painfully in his chest as he looked at Glorfindel, the tears in his friend's eyes making his own eyes prickle with unshed tears. He had always known that Glorfindel had a sharp tongue and a fiery temper, but he also knew that beneath the tough exterior lay a heart full of love and loyalty.

"Glorfindel," Ecthelion said softly, reaching out to take his friend's hand in his own. "You do not have to be scared of losing me. I am not going anywhere."

Glorfindel looked up at him, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "But what if I push you away, Theil? What if I cannot control my temper and I end up driving you away like I did with my mother?"

He squeezed his hand comfortingly. "Never," he replied firmly. "I know you better than anyone else. And as for your mother, you will see her again in time. I know you will mend your relationship with her and things will be better."

His friend's shoulders sagged with relief as Glorfindel finally believed his words. He pulled his hand free and wiped the tears. "Thank you, Theil."

Ecthelion smiled, but the grief still lingered. It would take time for Glorfindel to heal, but he would be there for him no matter what. Glorfindel sniffed, and then his voice cracked as he asked, "I do not know what to do about the situation."

"Inthel is not back yet," Ecthelion started cautiously. "I sent her to get a name, but that was before you told me. We shall just have to wait and see what other information she comes back with. I hope that the elleth has not begun to spread rumors or tales of your bonding. I do not want you to be pressured by anyone, including the king."

Glorfindel was quiet, and Ecthelion wondered if he was thinking back to the same memory as Ecthelion was. Early in the first age, before they left Nevrast. Where an ellon and elleth got drunk and found themselves almost married. The king was furious and demanded that they enter a courtship. The couple's time together was made into a spectacle and example for any other curious elves who could not handle their wine. When the year of courtship was up, the couple broke off from one another immediately. What surprised most of the city was that the couple fled to the Falas together and never returned. Ecthelion could not blame them in the slightest, and most people agreed that the king was not in his right mind after losing his wife.

However, when Gondolin was built, the king was adamant that the old parties in Valinor would not happen in the city. It took nearly a century before Rog's parties were approved, and only because the festivals became overrun by eager and love struck elves. Now, though, Ecthelion was concerned that the king might do something drastic as Glorfindel was a lord and the elleth was young.

Ecthelion finally spoke his thoughts out loud, "I do not wish to involve the king. For your safety and the elleth's, I would prefer to handle this discreetly. What are your thoughts?"

The panic shown on Glorfindel's face for a moment before he calmed himself and shook his head. "I agree. I do not trust the king's judgment on this. I know we will have to involve Egalmoth, but I believe we should tell a few other lords. As much as I am surprised to hear myself say it, I think we should inform Maeglin."

His mind had also gone to Maeglin as well. While the prince was stubborn, arrogant, cruel, and petty, Ecthelion knew that Maeglin would understand. Ecthelion questioned, "do you believe in the rumors from years ago or are you hoping that Maeglin punishes the elleth? There is also a chance that he will use to this his advantage later. That is the risk involving him."

Glorfindel sighed, running a hand through his golden locks. "I know, but I believe he will take this seriously. I know the rumors were true, and I wished I had known about it then to help him. Regardless of whether he would have accepted my help, but I do not believe he would use this against me in the future. I am unsure how I wish to proceed, and that is why I want a few other lords present. Also, if the king were to find out about this situation, Maeglin might be able to persuade him to handle it in a more reasonable manner."

"Very well," Ecthelion replied. "Do you have an idea of which other lords? Do you need a healer present when we discuss this with them?"

Glorfindel managed a quick nod, as Ecthelion knew he was embarrassed. "There is nothing to be ashamed of," Ecthelion told him firmly. "My mother always said asking for help and healing takes a great deal of courage."

Before Glorfindel could reply, a soft knock sounded on the door. Ecthelion called and then Inthel stepped in followed by Vaine. Glorfindel's handmaiden cried at seeing her lord.

"Oh Glorfindel," she cried immediately. "It is all my fault."

That caused Glorfindel to spring up from the bed and run over to her. He watched as the two hugged each other tightly as Vaine choked out some words.

"It is my fault. I have failed you, my lord. I saw her that evening in the hallway as I was cleaning and waiting to escort her out. She came to me and said that you wished for more wine, and she offered to go and get some. I led her to the kitchens, and we spoke along the way. Guldureth spoke highly of you and the night you shared so far. I helped her collect the wine and glasses and led her back to your bedchambers. Never did it cross my mind that you were asleep, and I did not check on you myself. I returned to my own chambers after as I realized that Guldureth would most likely stay late. Forgive me, my lord. I should have tried harder or at least checked on you before letting her back in. I am sorry."

"Shhh," Glorfindel said softly to her as he held her in his arms. "It is not your fault. The only person to blame is Guldureth. You are a wonderful friend and the best handmaiden. I would ask you to not blame yourself over this. I am not married, and you did all you could."

Ecthelion moved over to the chair by the fire as Glorfindel and Vaine confided in one another. Inthel remained busy as she stoked the fire and added more logs to it. Eventually, they all took chairs around the fire and Vaine told them everything she knew. Then, both handmaidens spoke as they told them they heard no rumors or gossip in the city that day, for which Ecthelion was glad.

After, the two handmaidens left just as night was fading to dawn. Neither one of them spoke for a while until Glorfindel surprised him. "I would like to see Kiera first this morning. I need to apologize, and then we can focus on handling the situation."

Ecthelion arched his eyebrows at him, "are you sure? Apologizing to Kiera can wait. She will forgive you, my friend, I know it."

A soft sigh escaped Glorfindel's lips as he replied, "I know. Yet, I know that if I do not speak to her first, I might not be well enough after we speak to the lords and discuss everything."

Ecthelion nodded, and then Glorfindel told him he would return after he cleaned up and changed for the day. Ecthelion did the same, but after he was finished, he ate a quick meal and left to find the lords. He stopped first at Maeglin's house and passed the message that the prince should meet them at Egalmoth's house mid-morning after the daily training sessions. Then he told the same to Egalmoth directly and Duilin's handmaiden. Finally, he reached the healing halls and told Cadunir the same.

The sun had just risen above the horizon when he stepped into the entrance hall of Glorfindel's house. His friend was seated at his high table, with a small collection of wrapped gifts. Ecthelion arched his brow at him as he approached.

"Gifts," he questioned.

Glorfindel blushed and hung his head low. "For Kiera. I hope this helps her accept my apology."

Ecthelion sighed as he waited for him to finish his meal. Kiera might not accept the gifts, but he would have to wait and see what his friend had bought. Finally, the two lords began the trek across the city to the craftsmen's house.

After knocking, Celebrimbor opened the door and looked at them with a blank stare. Ecthelion coughed, "we would like to speak to Kiera if she is available."

"She's sleeping yet, but come in. I will wake her," Celebrimbor replied as he swung open the door for them. They took seats at the table and waited patiently for Kiera to come down. Celebrimbor came first and joined them.

The look the Feanorian gave them put Ecthelion on edge. However, he would not back down and simply asked, "have you heard any unsavory rumors lately."

Celebrimbor leaned back in his chair as his eyes grew stormy. "Only one that I would not wish on my worst enemy. Very few know, and even I would not know had I not been at the right place at the right time."

Cryptic, per usual, Ecthelion thought. Celebrimbor was his father's son and kept his cards close to his chest. Before he could reply, Glorfindel chimed in, "does this rumor have to do with me?"

"Yes," Celebrimbor replied simply. "However, it only lies with me as I have not told anyone, including my friends in this household."

They both nodded their thanks to him. It was only a few minutes later when Kiera came down the stairs. She didn't even make it to the table before Glorfindel raced around the table and then got on his knees in front of her. He bowed his head low as he said, "I am very sorry for my harsh words. I was angry and upset last night, and I lashed out at you. You are very kind, and you do not deserve to be spoken to like that. I did not mean the words that I spoke, and I beg for your forgiveness," he cried.

Glorfindel looked up at Kiera with a sad look on his face. The corners of Ecthelion's lips grew as he held in a smile. Kiera glanced shyly at him, but he just smirked at her in return.

Finally, Kiera said, "I accept your apology."

That was all Glorfindel needed as he scooped Kiera up in his arms and hugged her tightly. Kiera blushed but patted his arm awkwardly as Glorfindel sniffed. When he let her go, he said, "I have brought you some gifts as an apology."

Without waiting for her to refuse, Glorfindel grabbed the first package and handed it to her. Kiera smiled, but then gave him a look. "You didn't have to get me anything. An apology is enough."

Ecthelion chuckled softly to himself as Kiera unwrapped a beautiful dark blue cloak.

The next gift was a box of different pastries that smelled heavenly. The last was a flower bracelet in the design of daisies connected by a gold chain. Kiera moved the gifts to the table and took a seat across from him, while Glorfindel returned to his chair.

Celebrimbor reached out to grab the bracelet. As he admired the craftsmanship, he said, "you are too forgiving. If I were a woman, I would make him beg for days for forgiveness. I would make him take me to the market where I could pick out all the things that I wanted and make him pay for it." He wiggled his eyebrows at Kiera as he added, "I would make him do other things before I would forgive him."

Kiera and Glorfindel instantly blushed, while he watched the scene with amusement. There was a slight tingling feeling in his stomach at Celebrimbor's words, but they disappeared easily.

Glorfindel cleared his throat, "I am thankful that Lady Kiera is not like you. I apologize again for my words. My anger gets the best of me sometimes, and I lash out at people around me. I was very upset when I saw the two of you together last night, and I snapped. It used to be worse when I was younger, and I have lost many friends over the years who were not so forgiving. Since I took over the training, I direct my anger into fighting, and it helps."

He looked down at the table and fidgeted with his hands. Glorfindel breathed out deeply as he said, "something horrible happened at the party a few nights ago. I do not wish to discuss it, but it made me very upset to the point where I lost control. I wanted to speak to Ecthelion as he has been my friend for many years and knows how to help. I did not like being told I could not see him last night, and by the time I got to his study, my rage had boiled over."

Kiera smiled at Glorfindel, although his friend couldn't see as his head was still down. "We all have moments where we lose control. I'm sure you don't want to talk about what happened, but are you alright now?"

Glorfindel looked up, and Ecthelion caught the flicker of sadness in his gaze. It disappeared quickly, but his friend replied, "I am better now. I have taken care of the issue and I do not wish to discuss it. Thank you for asking, as it means a lot to me."

Celebrimbor caught his gaze, but Ecthelion only managed a slight shake of his head.

Glorfindel was oblivious to the motion, but Kiera caught it as well. She asked, "would you both like to stay for our morning meal, or do you have plans?"

Ecthelion said, "thank you for the kind offer, but Glorfindel and I need to take care of a few things. We are both going to be busy for the next few days, but I will send Inthel over when I find a day that will work for us. Tuor also spoke to me at the king's meeting. He wishes to see you and Voronwë, as he said he has been a bit lonely since you both moved here. I told him I would pass the message as I was going to be seeing you the next day."

Kiera smiled, "I will go see him. I have been a bit busy and preoccupied, but I will visit him soon."

With those final words, Ecthelion and Glorfindel were escorted out of the house by Celebrimbor. The craftsmen patted Glorfindel on the back and quietly wished him well. Ecthelion thought the action and words were very kind, but he was not surprised.

Then, the two lords made the dreaded walk to Egalmoth's house. Glorfindel seemed to fidget and play with his hands as they drew closer. Ecthelion noticed and placed a warm hand on his back and helped guide him into the house. There, a handmaiden led them up to Egalmoth's study, where everyone was already seated and waiting for them. Cadunir moved instantly when they arrived and took the place on Glorfindel's other side and began a light healing session.

His friend breathed in deeply and a little easier as they took seats in chairs around the desk. Glorfindel looked at him with an anxious look in his eyes that Ecthelion knew. He started, "I have called you here to discuss a heinous crime that took place two nights ago."

The room was silent, and he felt the burning stares of his fellow lords. Ecthelion looked around at each of them, before he started. He spoke firmly, without emotion and focusing solely on the facts. Glorfindel remained quiet by his side, but then he interrupted Ecthelion by giving more details of the event. Cadunir's light grew from his hands as it shone around the room. When Glorfindel finished, he let out a loud sigh and his shoulders slumped in relief from the healing and finally explaining what happened.

It was then that Ecthelion looked over at Maeglin's face and was shocked. The prince's face was ashen, and his hand was trembling slightly. It was his eyes, though, that gave way to the truth as there was understanding in his gaze. No one spoke for a while, as they all needed a moment to come to terms with what happened.

Duilin spoke first, "Glorfindel…there are no words. I am truly sorry that that happened to you. I am glad you are still with us and not married to someone of your choosing. Know this. I will do anything in my power to help, and I will stand by whatever punishment you decree. This is a heinous crime and one that cannot go unpunished."

A soft sob came from Glorfindel, but all his friend could do was nod. Ecthelion coughed to direct the attention back on him. "We have not discussed a punishment yet. The elleth is young and while that is not an excuse, we have not spoken to her yet or heard why she did it."

"She is old enough," Maeglin voiced firmly, but quietly. "These are things every elfing is taught, the minute we are old enough to understand. Even I was told by my father and I grew up in a secluded forest. Age is no excuse."

Egalmoth interjected, "I would like to hear from the elleth myself. That is not to say that I do not believe your words Glorfindel, but I know you take many elleth to your bed. Perhaps, Guldureth misread your intentions."

Maeglin sneered venomously and spat, "misread intentions. You make me sick. She snuck back in after she had been escorted out. His intentions had been clear."

Egalmoth matched the sneer and replied darkly, "I am her liege lord. It is my job to protect those in my house. It is my duty to hear her words as well as Glorfindel's. To assume otherwise is cruel and unjust. I will send for her and her parents. I know her father quite well, and it is troubling to hear that his daughter acted as such."

Before anyone else could reply, Egalmoth stood up and left the room. Maeglin growled loudly at Egalmoth retreating back. Ecthelion had to agree with both of them. On one hand, Egalmoth's job was to protect the people in his house. On the other hand, the elleth's intentions were very clear, and Ecthelion could not understand why she would even do it. The thought had been on his mind since that morning, but he found no probable reason why Guldureth would try to force a marriage on an unwilling lord. It confused him, as he waited patiently for them all to return.

When they finally came, it was not a pretty sight. Egalmoth strode into the room with a dark look on his gaze, followed by a tall elf. He looked like a typical Noldor with black hair and grey eyes. Trailing behind the two males, was an older elleth pulling a sobbing young one along with her. Ecthelion was on edge instantly as there was a dark look in the mother's gaze.

Egalmoth told them all to sit, but the father remained standing and kept a firm hold on his daughter's shoulder. Her mother held her hands tightly in hers as Guldureth cried loudly.

There was no emotion in Egalmoth's voice as he said, "Guldureth daughter of Weniel and Eccario. You stand accused of trying to force a bonding onto Lord Glorfindel of the house of the golden flower. This is a serious crime. Lord Glorfindel could have been married against his will, or he could have died. Do you understand the severity of these accusations?"

Guldureth sobbed uncontrollably as her mother wrapped her arms around her and spat. "LIES. Lord Glorfindel was drunk and tempted my daughter into giving herself over to him. She was inexperienced and did not understand that it would create a bond. The only person to blame is Lord Glorfindel."

Before any of the lords could reply, Eccario's voice rang out like steel. "Leave us Weniel. I wish to speak to my daughter alone."

A flicker of fear crossed Weniel's face, and Ecthelion had a gut-wrenching feeling in his stomach. The names of Guldureth's parents triggered a memory in his mind, and now he realized what was happening. Without a word, Weniel stood up and left the room.

When she was gone, Eccario took her vacant seat and whispered softly to his daughter. "I need you to tell me the truth, Guldureth. Did your mother put you up to this? Did she tell you how serious this is? I need you to understand that you could have killed Lord Glorfindel and, almost just as worst, was that you could have made him marry someone he does not love, forever. Do you understand the severity of your actions?"

Eccario's eyes never left his daughters, and it only took a few seconds before she broke. Guldureth flung her arm around her father and cried out as if she was dying. It was heartbreaking to witness, and Ecthelion knew that this was not going to be an easy decision. It took about an hour before Guldureth was calm enough to speak. Then the horrible tale started.

It made Ecthelion stomach roll as Guldureth talked about growing up with her mother. The bitterness, the anger, and the frustration that Weniel had about her own life, she took out on her daughter. The poor girl was terrified of her, so much that she was willing to do the unthinkable to make her happy and to make the torment stop. Her mother's plans came almost to fruition, as Amara, who normally drove most young elleth's from pursuing Glorfindel, was banned from parties for two years. It was the perfect time for Weniel to enact her plan. Only Glorfindel was the perfect gentleman.

Guldureth spoke about the wonderful evening she had and how Glorfindel made her feel safe and comfortable. The way she spoke of it ripped at Ecthelion's heart, because she was just a young elleth who was expected to do the unthinkable to appease her mother. Guldureth spoke about how she got cold feet when she came back into Glorfindel's bedchambers. That it took her a while to make up her mind, but then she made the dreaded decision due to multiple reasons. The main one was that she wished to escape from her mother. When Guldureth came home unbonded, her mother took out her anger on her physically and the elleth was forced to show them the bruises on her stomach.

The bile rose up in Ecthelion's mouth at the sight, and it hurt to swallow. Glorfindel could not look at Guldureth after, and Ecthelion knew that he felt a great deal of pity for her, even after what she tried to do to him.

When Guldureth finished talking, Eccario rose and then made his way to the center of the lords. He kneeled down in front of Egalmoth and looked him straight in the eye as he said, "take me. Spare her, please, for me. Guldureth is all that I have and the only thing I love in this life. If death is what you require as punishment, then I will gladly give my life for my daughter. My only wish is that you protect her from my wife after I am gone and give her a lighter punishment."

No one spoke for a second, before Glorfindel's voice rang out loud and clear, "no."

Guldureth broke down instantly, but Glorfindel raised his hand to silence her and said, "no. I will not accept death as a punishment. You harmed me, that is true. Yet, you are also a victim and I cannot ignore that. You need your father and he needs you. I believe we can come to a decision about punishment that does not require taking someone's life. Even after I heard everything about Weniel, I would not take her life either. We are not kinslayers."

"However," Glorfindel's voice broke, "I remember your wedding announcement to Weniel. It caused quite a stir in Valinor and I believe we are seeing the backlash to such a union."

Eccario hung his head low as he said, "yes. I understand that now as well. Our courtship was arranged by our families, and we had no say in our chosen partners. Despite our families hopes, love never grew between Weniel and I. It is my shortcomings as a father that I did not see how she treated our daughter. Guldureth is the only thing I love in this life, and I will protect her no matter what."

Ecthelion caught the dark look that formed on Maeglin's face. The prince's voice rumbled softly, "do you mean to tell me that the Valar allowed arranged marriages to happen in Valinor?"

"Yes," Eccario replied simply. "They could not be present everywhere at once, but most families lied and said that their children were in love. The pressure from our families was enough to make us go along with their plans. It wasn't until the bond had set in, that we realized our mistake. Weniel and I are bonded for life, until the end. It is a fool's hope that I may one day return to Valinor and beg the Valar to break our bonds. Until then, we were more friends than lovers, and I did my duty as her husband to provide for her and our daughter. I see now how the resentment and anger of our predicament grew overtime. In truth, I would rather leave my wife and step out on her, than to remain married to her."

"Well," Maeglin drawled. "I can see that this situation has had a profound impact. Take Guldureth and step outside for a moment while the lords discuss punishment."

Without a word, the father and daughter left together, each clinging to one another tightly. While this situation was terrible, it seemed to bring the father and daughter closer than ever before. Ecthelion missed his own father at that moment and wished he could have been here to give him advice.

Once the door was closed behind the pair, Egalmoth started. "Glorfindel," he asked softly. "Do you have an idea of the punishment?"

Glorfindel shook his head, "no. I admit that I wish for Eccario and Guldureth to remain together. They need each other, and I believe it would be cruel to separate them."

"I agree," Ecthelion said. Glorfindel's face turned to him and his friend smiled at him.

Maeglin spoke his opinions next. "I want Weniel to serve in the mines. I am in need of more workers, and it is a harsh punishment for a lady of the court. As for the father and daughter, I could take them into my house where I can keep an eye on them. Eccario can work in my forges, while Guldureth works in my kitchens. My house is loyal and will watch them closely."

They all turned to Egalmoth, who looked troubled. "Eccario has been a good smith in my house for years. He is a noble ellon of the court, but his title will have to be stripped along with his house and possessions. Many people would be curious as to what happened and if his wife is sentenced to the mines, people will talk."

"Let them talk," Duilin finally said. "The gossip and rumors in this city have run rampant for long enough. I know we are an isolated settlement, but let the city know that the lord's will not tolerate it any longer. Make up some excuse for the punishment and leave it at that. If anyone in the city dares to question, they can bring it up to their lords."

Egalmoth turned to Duilin, "oh, and what would we say? What story would satisfy the people of the city for such a harsh punishment? I agree that we must not bow to gossip and rumors, but we must tell the city something, or else it will cause a panic. The crime must fit the punishment."

Maeglin grinned a feral grin. "Tell them a version of the truth. Say that Guldureth was pressured by her mother to bond with a lord without his knowledge. Tell the city that Guldureth could not go through with it and confided in the lord instead. From there, Weniel is punished, while Eccario and Guldureth receive less. You may tell the city that Guldureth offered to join my bed after giving me multiple glasses of wine. It was only when I took her up on her offer that she grew scared because she is an inexperienced elleth. Seeing as I am the prince of this city, she confided in me as she knew I could help her."

All the lords turned to Maeglin and looked at him with a deep surprise. Ecthelion recovered first as he said, "are you sure you wish to go through with that story?"

"Yes," Maeglin replied simply.

Egalmoth coughed, but seemed to look at the prince in a new light. Then he said, "so be it. That is the story we will tell. How long will the punishment last, and will Eccario regain his status after he and his daughter complete their sentence?"

Maeglin looked at his fingernails absently as he murmured, "oh, I do not know. Five years? Ten? As for his status, he will no longer be considered a high lord in the court, even after he completes his punishment. I am more concerned with Weniel's punishment. For her, I will require a century in the mines."

Ecthelion visibly winced, but he thought the punishment was fitting. All eyes turned to Glorfindel, who looked thoughtfully at them all. After a moment, he said, "I think five will suffice. Guldureth is also a victim, but with her father's help, she will start to heal. I would like to require regular healing sessions for her as well. I cannot imagine her childhood, growing up as she did."

"It is settled then," Egalmoth stated. "I will tell the three of them their punishments and coordinate with Maeglin. I will call a house meeting and inform the majority of my house as well. I believe that will be all that is needed. I am sure the word will trickle out eventually, but something else will come up and this will be forgotten by most of the city."

All the lords were in agreement, and Egalmoth left to deliver the sentence. The remaining lords made their way outside the house, where Duilin invited them to his home for a midday meal. They all took up his offer except for Maeglin who told them he had things to attend to. Glorfindel managed to pull the prince aside before he left, and Ecthelion heard the soft thank you from his friend. Without a word, Maeglin just nodded and walked off into the city.