Ecthelion

The city was getting colder, and he wondered when the first snowfall would happen as he looked out the window of his study. Yesterday had been long, and he was looking forward to spending the afternoon and evening with Kiera.

The king had called an emergency session for the food storage over the winter. Most of the lords had grumbled the entire session as they had plenty of food, but the king was just paranoid. They spent all afternoon going over the numbers and when dinner finally arrived, he looked forward to a drink.

Unfortunately, Egalmoth had his daughter's party that same evening and Ecthelion was required to make an attendance. The party went exactly as he predicted it would, as Tithessel and Glordil made passionate speeches about their love for one another. Everyone toasted to the happy couple, and then the music started, and the food was brought out. Ecthelion down a few glasses of wine while he spoke to Duilin and Glorfindel.

When the dance came, he made his way along with the other lords to the hall and stood on the sidelines. Glorfindel was asked to dance immediately, but Duilin remained by his side. Vierel was not invited to the party, which rubbed both of the lords the wrong way, but there was nothing to be done about it. After the opening dance, Duilin snorted and muttered, "well, I made an appearance. Have a good evening Ecthelion, I am leaving to spend time with my wife."

Ecthelion nodded and wished his friend a good evening. When he was alone, his eyes searched all the faces at the party, looking for Kiera. He had forgotten to ask if she had been invited, but he had hoped she was present. On his first pass of the dance floor, he did not see her, but he found Celebrimbor and his friends on the other side of the hall. He took another long swig of wine and made his way over to them.

Celebrimbor spotted him instantly and smiled as he approached. The others nodded their heads in greeting, but before he could ask, Celebrimbor cut him off.

"Kiera's not here. She was not invited."

"Oh," Ecthelion replied softly as his mood deflated a little. They all stared at him, but then he added, "that is alright. It has been a long day and I will see her tomorrow."

Ecthelion felt the eyes on him, and he noticed the two brothers whispering to one another. Celebrimbor patted him on the back and said, "I am sure she would have loved to dance with you. She and Voronwë are watching a movie. I really have no idea what that means, but perhaps you do."

"Yes," he murmured, still lost in his deflated mood. "Kiera explained it to me and said she will show them to me."

"You could join them," one of the brothers said to him. It was the taller of the two with a bit darker hair. He could not place his name at the moment.

"No, that is alright," he replied. "I would not want to interrupt if they are spending time together."

That must have been the right thing to say as they all nodded approvingly at him. Ecthelion felt like he had just undergone a sort of test and passed. It made him nervous, but these were Kiera's friends, and he knew they felt protective over her. Even more so lately.

He stood by them for a while, but eventually they were all asked to dance, and he was left alone again. The familiar feeling settled in his stomach and he wished to go home. With one last swig of wine, he dropped his glass off at an empty table and left the dance hall. The cold wind brushed across his face as he took the long walk home. He lingered in the fountains of the south, listening to the musicians for a while, before returning home.

Inthel was waiting in the entrance hall as she dusted off some of the portraits. Ecthelion watched her, amused, as he said, "you need not wait up for me."

His handmaiden snorted without turning around. "It is not you I am waiting for. Surely Glorfindel will come stumbling in a little later and beg to see you."

That made Ecthelion smile as went and sat down on the steps. Inthel looked back at him and realized that he wished to speak to someone, so she came over and joined him. "You do not have to wait for Glorfindel. He knows which rooms are mine."

Inthel huffed, but then smiled as she crossed her arms. "I enjoy these nights. Langon likes the night watch and I wish to stay up with him, so we can sleep together. Let the younger elves enjoy the parties."

Ecthelion smiled as she spoke about her husband. He hoped to have that same kind of love in the future. Someday at least. For now, his thoughts lingered on Kiera, and he blurted out his question, "what do you think of Kiera?"

A knowing look fitted across Inthel's face as she looked at him. He felt very seen, but he trusted his handmaid's judgment. Her soft hand rested on his arm as she said, "she is very kind and thoughtful. Even though she is human, she treats people with more respect than some elves. The times I have spoken to her, she speaks to me as a friend, and does not look down at me for being a handmaiden. She is quite funny as well, but a bit different. In a good way, of course, but it is like a breath of fresh air in this stuffy city." Inthel paused for a moment and then added, "I can see why you like her."

Ecthelion glanced at her, but she still wore a knowing look on her face. Eventually, he sighed and admitted, "I like her. It is hard not too, but what you said is true. Kiera is becoming a good friend to me, but I am still cautious and nervous."

Inthel nodded and they both looked toward the front door, lost in thought. It was a comfortable silence, as they had been friends for centuries, and he could always count on her to give him the truth. Softly, he spoke, "I do not wish to make the same mistake twice. Nor do I wish to befriend anyone who would treat my staff poorly. The thought has never left my mind, and I want you to know that."

"Oh, Ecthelion," Inthel sniffed. "You must stop beating yourself up about the past. Amara's actions are her own. We are both to blame for not trusting one another. I did not confide in you how she treated the staff, because she made you so happy. I struggled with it every day as I could see how much you loved her."

He moved without thinking as he swallowed her up in a warm hug. "I am sorry. So very sorry about everything. I will never allow my friends or someone I love to treat anyone in my house that way ever again. It still pains me sometimes, and I just wanted you to know that."

They pulled away from one another and wiped their tears. Inthel rubbed her hand across his back as he hung his head low in shame. She said to him, "we all make mistakes. I am glad we can talk about this now as friends. You are a great lord, Ecthelion. Everyone in our house loves you, and we appreciate everything you do for us. I believe Kiera will be a good friend to you, and maybe even something more. Your heart is precious, and I understand your caution and concern."

He nodded solemnly, as he knew she was right. They spent a little more time together, just talking and speaking about the past. It helped clear his head, as he often got lost in memories and the thoughts of what if. He bid her a goodnight after a while, as they both knew Glorfindel went home to his own house that night.

Now, the door to his study opened and Kiera walked in. He smiled warmly at her as she made her way to his desk. They both took seats as he said, "I apologize for my absence yesterday. The king requested all the lords for an abrupt meeting. Nothing terribly important, except that the winter food stores are a little lower than normal. We have solved the issue, but the king gets flustered by news sometimes."

Kiera grinned at him,"no apology needed. I washed the laundry yesterday and this morning. The boys only had one wash bin, so I can see why they hated doing laundry."

That made him chuckle as it sounded like something he would do if he lived alone as well without handmaidens. "I must say that not having to do the household chores has been a blessing. However, sometimes I wish to trade my house duties for simple chores. I also wanted to let you know that I added your training sessions in the spring to Glorfindel's schedule. You will train with him daily for the first season, and then we will reassess your abilities. I do not want to get too far ahead if you do not wish to continue after."

She brightened at his words and replied, "thanks, that means a lot. Honestly, I am not sure what I am going to do in the afternoons once we finish this story. I have a few others to share if you are interested, but they are all single stories that will take a day each."

The thought of hearing more tales and even watching some of the movies she spoke about made his heart flutter. The time he spent with her was never enough, as she was unique and lovely in her own way. "I would love to hear them," he admitted softly. "I believe I also promised I would play for you in exchange for hearing your stories. After we finish this book, we can meet once a week. With the guards back in the city, I did not realize how much extra work I am going to have. I would still like to spend more time with you, so we can plan for a day a week."

The smile that formed on Kiera's face was one of pure happiness. His heart clenched in his chest at the sight.

"Whatever day works best for you," she replied happily. "I don't have anything in terms of work except laundry. I also wanted to invite you and Glorfindel to my Christmas party. It will be sometime next month."

He laughed a happy laugh as he clapped excitedly, "I would love to come. I think if I enjoy the party, I might add it to my house's festivals in the future. We hardly have any events during the winter and I think it would cheer my house up."

His suggestion made her beam at him with delight. "I think you will like it. I am going to work on getting everything ready and set up. I am handing out gifts this year, but I have told everyone not to worry about gifts. This is my tradition from my home and I want everyone to enjoy it for the first time. Everyone will be getting one gift from me. We will have dinner and a gift unwrapping, but it is mainly a time for friends and family."

"I have enjoyed it in the books. I will respect your wishes about a gift, and I am honored you are inviting us. Now, I have been dying to hear the last book and cannot wait any longer."

Kiera laughed and nodded as she said, "I forgot to charge my phone, so I will have to sit next to the window. It is too cold for me outside today, but it should be charged after dinner."

Ecthelion did not understand entirely what her phone did or needed, but he moved a few chairs from the sitting area, over to the window. He waited, patiently, for her to get situated, and then she began to read. From the first words, he was hooked and was on the edge of his seat. The words were vivid and bright, and he found himself imaging the story playing out behind his eyes. Kiera stopped shortly after Dobby's death, and he felt the punch to the gut from the loss.

He murmured softly, "Dobby died a true Elven hero. I have no words to describe what I am feeling. This is the best story I have ever heard, and I want to know how it ends, but I am not hopeful."

"There is always hope," Kiera replied softly. "I know the beginning was a little slow at times, but the rest is much better. It is late, though, and I am quite hungry."

Ecthelion finally realized that the daylight had faded, and the sun had already set. He was so consumed in the story that time seemed to fly by. He brushed a few of his tears away and said, "I do not wish to eat with my house tonight. Do you mind if we eat at my desk?"

"I don't care where we eat."

Satisfied, that Kiera didn't mind a private meal, he left the room to tell the chefs. It didn't take long before a small group of elves were following him with plates and food. When he entered, Kiera was already waiting for him in the chair across from his desk, and he took his seat while the rest set up the plates and food. he gets up to move the chair. I grab my things and sit in the chair in front of his desk. Once they began eating, Ecthelion started the conversation with his thoughts so far.

"I am troubled by the things we have learned about Dumbledore. I thought he was a great man and a great wizard, but now I am not so sure. Ron also troubled me, as he left them when they needed him the most. I do understand that Dumbledore set them up for war quite poorly."

There were a few moments of silence as Kiera ate her food. She smiled softly at him as she answered, "Dumbledore was a very flawed man, but he made changes later in his life."

Ecthelion groaned softly to himself as he knew Kiera would not spoil anything for him. He preferred it that way, if he was being honest, but now he wanted to hear the rest of the tale. That way, his curiosity would be stated, and so they may discuss the characters and stories together.

They ate the rest of the meal in silence, and then he took everything back to the kitchens. When he returned, he found Kiera sitting on the couch with her legs spread out. It looked quite comfortable, and he wished to join her.

However, before he could, Kiera asked, "do you have a small blanket? I am a bit cold."

He smiled and turned towards the door leading to his bedroom. He grabbed a small fluffy blanket and then came back into the study. He hesitated by the couch, feeling nervous, "may I join you? I would like to stretch out my legs as well."

Kiera laughed and nodded, "sure. I was a bit uncomfortable in the chair earlier, so I wanted to stretch out my legs."

The couch was extremely comfy, and he took a seat across from her. He sat back against the pillows and stretched his long legs, next to hers. They each took one side of the couch for their legs, but his brushed against her softly. When he was finally in a comfortable position, he threw the blanket over them both. Then, Kiera began to read.

She read slow, and the emotion and excitement sounded in her voice. Ecthelion couldn't help himself as he gasped, cried, laughed, and sobbed along with the story. It was incredible, and the ending was everything he wanted and more. Kiera paused at the end, and he had tears streaming down his face as he asked, "what happens after?"

Thankfully, there was one more chapter and his heart was content when she finally finished. He sniffled and wiped the tears from his eyes. "I loved it. Thank you for sharing it with me. I will treasure it always." He paused and gave her a small smile. "I am not sure how I feel just yet about some of the revelations. I think I will need some time to soak the ending in. This last one is my favorite out of them all. There were many fights and answers to my questions. Not only that, but the light prevailed and Voldemort has been defeated for good."

Kiera agreed with him, and added, "The sixth one is my favorite. Followed by the third. I like them all so much for different reasons, and I am happy to share them with you. I..."

A loud bang sounded out from down the hall, making Keira jump. Ecthelion was on edge, but he looked to the door and waited. Soon, he could hear the shouting voices of Inthel and Glorfindel as they approached. He was slightly confused as to what could have upset his friend, but all he could do was wait.

Glorfindel stormed into the room after throwing open the door with a bang. Inthel was following close behind, but whatever Glorfindel was going to say died on his lips when he saw them.

"WHAT IS THIS?" he bellowed.

Ecthelion looked at him calmly and said, "Kiera was reading the last book to me from the series I have told you about. What is the matter? Why have you barged into my study in a rage."

Glorfindel fumed but didn't answer his questions. "Why are you sitting together on the couch? She should be reading to you in a chair, not lounging on the couch with you."

He sent Glorfindel a scathing look, but Ecthelion was still confused as to what upset his friend. The look didn't faze Glorfindel in the slightest as he rounded on Kiera. "ONE LORD ISN'T ENOUGH FOR YOU. HOW MANY ELVES ARE YOU GOING TO STRING ALONG? FIRST VORONWE, THEN MAEGLIN, AND NOW ECTHELION."

Kiera looked up at Glorfindel stunned and speechless. Ecthelion would not allow him to take out his rage on her. "THAT IS ENOUGH," he yelled. "Kiera has shown me nothing but kindness and friendship. We can sit together on a couch without there being something between us. Why are you yelling at her, she does not deserve your anger. Apologize to her!"

Glorfindel clenched his teeth and hissed at Kiera. "GET OUT! I don't want you here. I need to speak to Ecthelion alone."

Not needing to be told twice, Kiera grabbed her things and flew off the couch. Inthel hurried her out of the room just as he began to round on Glorfindel.

"WHAT WAS THAT? HOW DARE YOU SCREAM AT HER AND ACCUSE HER. SHE HAS DONE NOTHING WRONG."

"SHE IS LEADING YOU ON. KIERA IS NOTHING BUT A LIAR AND A HUMAN WHOR…."

Ecthelion moved without thinking as his fist made contact with Glorfindel's face. His hand hurt from the blow, but then Glorfindel's anger turned into a rage as he tackled Ecthelion to the ground. They tumbled and wrestled, each trying to get a punch or hit in, but both knowing the other so well that, neither of them managed to do much of anything else except smash into the furniture.

Finally, after a few minutes of tussling on the floor, Ecthelion pinned Glorfindel to the ground as he loomed over him. "ENOUGH," he yelled. "TELL ME WHAT IS THE MATTER."

He assumed Glorfindel would continue to rage, scream, and yell at him some more. He was not prepared for the absolute breakdown that happened next. Glorfindel's face fell as he began to sob uncontrollably. Ecthelion was stunned, and he realized then that something was seriously wrong with his friend.

Glorfindel's arms snaked around his waist as he lifted his head to bury it in his chest. Ecthelion moved with ease as he sat up and leaned on the couch behind him, bringing Glorfindel with him. His whole body shook as he cried, and the tears and wails ricocheted throughout his study. Ecthelion held onto him tightly and whispered that it would be alright in his ear.

Inthel returned as he cradled his best friend in his arms. Ecthelion was at a loss for what was happening, and even Inthel's face turned ashen as she looked at the scene.

"I will get a healer," she told him, and then ran quickly from the room.

"Glorfindel," he whispered. "What happened?"

The wails grew louder as his body shuttered again from the sobs. It brought back memories of when he first was told about Amara and his body shut down from the shock. He did not think Glorfindel would fade, but whatever was troubling him, was causing him deep distress. Ecthelion was out of his element, and all he could do was wait for the healer and keep comforting his friend. He tried cautiously a few times to figure out what was wrong while they waited, but anytime he asked, the sobs grew worse and Glorfindel's body trembled in his arms.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Cadunir, the healer, arrived. Without a word, he sat beside Glorfindel and began a healing session. The bright glow grew around them and extended to the rest of the room. It was warm, comforting, and Ecthelion felt at peace. Just then, Cadunir began to sing. Ecthelion was beyond shocked, as the healers only sang for serious wounds. His arms squeezed Glorfindel tightly as he slowly calmed down and then was at peace.

After the song finished, Glorfindel raised his head and looked empty inside. His eyes found his as he said, "Theil."

"I am here. I will not leave you."

Glorfindel closed his eyes and then muttered softly, "I wish to go back….I wish to relive those moments between us….I wish I never went to Nienna's halls….I wish they did not take my love away…It was all that I had."

Ecthelion brushed his hair out of his face and behind his ear. "It is not. I, too, cherish those memories. They are a part of me and will always be a part of me. The love we shared was special. I know it. Yet, the same part of me knows that we are not meant for one another. We are not in love with one another, and we never will be." He tipped Glorfindel's face up, so he could look him directly in the eyes. "I do not regret a second of my life with you, and I never will. There is nothing in this life that would make me not be friends with you. I would rescue you from Angband if I had to. I would walk this earth a thousand times over to find you. I would die for you, and I know you feel the same."

Tears pooled in Glorfindel's eyes, and a few trickled down his cheek. Ecthelion brushed them away with his thumb and stared into his eyes. "Tell me," he asked softly. "Please, tell me, as my heart cannot bear to see you like this any longer."

"I think I am married," he whispered.

Ecthelion sucked in a breath, but Glorfindel kept talking. "I am married, but I do not wish to be, and I did not ask for this. I was tipsy and drowsy from the wine. She came back after I was already asleep, but I do not believe I woke up in time."

A soft scream of horror sounded from Inthel as she stood on his other side. Ecthelion looked frantically up at Cadunir. His voice broke as he asked, "is he married?"

Cadunir's face was as white as a sheet, but he shook his head no. Ecthelion breathed out deeply and squeezed Glorfindel tighter. "You are not married. You are not." he repeated the phrase over and over again as Glorfindel broke down crying. He hugged him tightly as Cadunir reached out and rubbed soft circles across Glorfindel's back. The healing session came, but it was a soothing one as Ecthelion repeated the words over and over again until his throat was scratchy and raw and hurting. When he finally stopped speaking, Glorfindel was asleep.

Inthel came then and threw a warm blanket over the both of them and stoked the fire. The tears were streaming down her face as she worked, but all Ecthelion could do was hug his best friend close. When the fire was burning, he looked up to Inthel with a fiery passion.

"I need you to speak to Vaine. I require a name, Inthel and this needs to done discreetly. She will know, but she loves Glorfindel and will not betray his trust. Tell her that I sent you and that this needs to stay quiet."

The look of determination that shone on his handmaiden's face was one he would never forget. She nodded and then left the room quickly. Ecthelion knew she would come back with the information. Cadunir remained silent next to him, but the healer's pact was strong, and he would not speak to anyone about this. Word could not get out about this, not until he got all the information from Glorfindel and the elleth who did this. Even then, this was a heinous crime and Ecthelion could not make the decision on what to be done.

Glorfindel's body was relaxed, as he seemed to be peacefully sleeping in Ecthelion's arms. Making a quick decision, Ecthelion stood and picked Glorfindel up in his arms. He carried his friend to his room and laid him gently on his bed. Ecthelion tucked him in the blankets and then sat beside him, rubbing soothing circles across his back. Cadunir remained in the doorway, but asked, "do you need me still or do you wish for me to watch over him tonight?"

Ecthelion looked down at his sleeping friend and shook his head, "I will stay with him. Thank you, for everything. I think Glorfindel may visit you in time for some healing sessions."

Cadunir nodded, "you know where to find me. Do not hesitate to reach out. I will do anything in my power to help. I promise you that."

"Thank you," he replied.

The healer left after, and once it was just the two of them, Ecthelion moved into the bed behind Glorfindel. He wrapped his arms around him and pulled him close. Glorfindel woke then and said hesitantly, "Theil….do not leave me….I do not want to be alone tonight."

"I know," he replied. "I am not going anywhere."

It was silent after, but Ecthelion knew Glorfindel was still awake. It brought back memories in his mind of when he found out about Amara. He wouldn't leave his bed for days, sometimes weeks, but Glorfindel came and held him at night, so he wouldn't fade or be alone. It was comforting and what he needed most at the time. Ecthelion rested his head on the pillow above Glorfindel's head and started a soft hum. He kissed the top of his head softly as he hummed and slowly rocked him, like his mother used to do when he was a child.

He could hear the soft sobs and sniffing, but his friend seemed to be alright for the moment. He stayed awake with him for a few hours and only stopped when the moonlight drifted into his room from the window. It must have been close to midnight, but Inthel was still not back yet. The light came down on the bed, and Glorfindel reached out his hand and rested it in the glow. The light of the two trees was diminished, but was not gone forever. The moonlight seemed to give him strength as he began to talk.

"Her name is Guldureth, and she is a young maiden from Egalmoth's house. Her father is a smith, while her mother is a lady of the court. She had just reached her majority a few years ago."

Glorfindel paused and then started to choke up. "I thought she was pretty. Young, but pretty and full of life. She did not giggle or blush as others do in my presence, and that interested me. We danced the entire evening and I asked her to return home with me. The night progressed as normal, but when we arrived at my bedchambers, she told me she was inexperienced. I was drunk from the wine, but I told her that it was fine, and I would make sure she had a good evening."

"We started off slow, much slower than I usually go. The wine still had an effect on me, and we laughed a lot, but she enjoyed herself immensely. I pleasured her and made sure she experienced it all. She cried out my name in pleasure a few times, until the night wore on and I grew tired. I told her she need not pleasure me in return, as I was exhausted and wished to sleep. She seemed understanding and thanked me for a wonderful evening. I helped her get dressed and kissed her goodbye as I walked her out."

Glorfindel grew quiet for a while, and Ecthelion squeezed him tightly. "I went to sleep," he finally said. "I fell into a deep sleep of memories. Of when you and I were together when we were young. It was peaceful, and it is the one place my mind takes me when I need to relax. Soon, the dream turned real and instead of you, it was her. She had snuck back in, undressed, and was on top of me."

"Oh Glorfindel," Ecthelion cried softly.

"I was…." Glorfindel choked up. "I was inside…"

Ecthelion shushed him and told him firmly, "you need not relive it. Not unless you wish to tell me. You are not married, but I can guess what happened."

Glorfindel nodded into the pillow, and Ecthelion knew it was better if they did not speak of it. The details were better left for the healers, as they could soothe his mind and heart when he talked about it. His friend needed professional help and Ecthelion was no healer, although he wished he was at that moment. He kissed the top of Glorfindel's head and asked, "what happened after. Why did you not come to me right away?"

"I threw her off of me when I realized what was happening. I ran into my bathroom and locked the door. My mind was in a state, and then I got sick and threw up. I think I froze." He said the last part so quietly that Ecthelion wondered what he meant.

"A state of shock, perhaps?" Ecthelion asked him.

"I think so," he replied quietly. "The next thing I remember was Vaine knocking on the door. She was worried about me as she had not seen me all day, and it was close to dinner time. I asked for some hot water for a bath and for her to lay out some clothes for me. I seemed to move as if I was not in control of my own body. As if someone else was controlling me, and I was a prisoner in my own mind. My mind kept repeating what happened, until I had the strength enough to push everything away. I did not think I could hold on for long, so I left to come here. When Inthel told me that you did not want to see me, I lost it. I felt like I was bombarded with emotions, but the anger came easily than ever before. I lashed out at you… and Kiera. I am sorry."

"You need not apologize to me. The only person you should say anything to is Kiera, but that can wait until later. She will forgive you, I know it."

Glorfindel moved and then turned on the bed until they were laying side by side, facing one another. "I am sorry," he said. "I did not mean to lash out at her, and I hope she forgives me. I do not wish to be the reason if she decides not to be friends with you any longer."

Ecthelion smiled softly as he knew that Glorfindel was thinking of their childhood when other children did not wish to play with them due to his rage. Ecthelion was never one for having many friends, and he would take his deep friendship with Glorfindel any day. "Do not worry about Kiera or my friendship with her. She is kind and forgiving, and a simple apology to her will be enough. I know it."

The sad smile grew on Glorfindel's face as the next words he said drove a dagger straight to his heart.

"I ruin everything I touch."