Ecthelion
He heard Glorfindel before he saw him. Ecthelion was sitting on his couch playing a soft melody on his flute when Glorfindel's voice drifted up from down the hall. His bedroom door was open just a crack, as it always was on party nights. He sighed as he knew it would be a long, tiring night.
To his shock though, Glorfindel came rushing in and deposited someone on the couch. It was Kiera and Ecthelion was stunned by the sight. She rolled over to her side and mumbled, "Dpnt feele good, goin to throw iip."
His focus was shifted away from her as Glorfindel waved his hands frantically in front of his face and started crying hysterically. "I am terrible friend. I kissssed Kiera during a drink game and I am sorry. Please do not be mad, know she is your fiend, so I bought her wit to apologize. I don't feel goos either."
There was a lot to process in that statement, but before he could do anything, Kiera leaned over the side of the couch and vomited. He sighed at the sight, but then she continued to throw up onto herself and he knew that she was really sick. Moving over to her, he leaned down and rubbed soft circles on her back. She was burning up, and he knew she needed a cool bath and some clean clothes. Some medicine as well, but one thing at a time.
"It is alright. I will clean it up and help you both," he told her softly. The next moment, Glorfindel threw up on the floor behind him. He sighed loudly which made Kiera cry harder and start to hiccup.
Kiera murmured, '"I sorry. Don't feel good."
"It's alright," he told her again. "I am used to it by now. Are you fine to rest here a little while longer?"
Kiera turned her head and looked at him, "I ned rest moment."
"I will be right back. I am going to get Glorfindel cleaned up and dressed for bed. Then I will help you. Yell if you need something. I will leave the door open to hear you. I will not be gone long."
All Ecthelion got was a soft hum in reply, but he hoped she would be alright while he bathed Glorfindel. His friend had sunk down onto the floor and was leaning against the chair. His eyes were glazed over and Ecthelion wondered how much he had to drink.
Picking up Glorfindel by arms, he hauled him to his feet and directed him to the bathroom. His friend sniveled at him and looked at him with puppy dog eyes the entire way. It was only when they were in the bathroom alone that he broke down.
"I sorry. I such a terrible friend. I kissed her and I should not have done it. I regret it. Please believe me Theil. Please."
"Stop," he told him firmly. "I do not want to talk about this tonight. Let's get you cleaned up and into bed. We will talk tomorrow."
Glorfindel sniffed and hung his head low. Ecthelion moved past him and turned on the tap to fill the tub. Then he stripped his friend and helped him into the bath. He would not actually wash him, but he sat down on the floor while his friend cleaned himself up. The water seemed to bring him back to his senses as his incoherent ramblings diminished. "I am sorry Theil."
He looked up at his friend and saw the truth in his words. Ecthelion felt conflicted as he had no say over who Kiera spent time with, but he knew what Glorfindel meant.
"I should not have," Glorfindel continued. "You admitted to me that feelings are growing and I should not have kissed her. Regardless of whether you act on your feelings or if she acts on hers. It was wrong for me to kiss her after you were honest with me. I was not a good friend."
They sat in silence for a while as Ecthelion needed time to process his thoughts. Glorfindel respected that and finished cleaning himself up. Finally, Ecthelion asked, "do you have feelings for her?"
Glorfindel looked up at him in surprise. Ecthelion continued before he could answer. "You spend a lot of time together training. I wonder if feelings have grown between you two? Please be honest with me."
"No," Glorfindel answered firmly. "No, not in the slightest. Please do not take my words the wrong way, but she does not interest me. Kiera is pretty, for a mortal, but I am not drawn to her. When we train together, I find myself admiring her features, but all I can see are her flaws. You may think I am horrible for saying these things, but I cannot unsee them. Kiera is not an elf and I am not attracted to her." He shrugged nonchalantly and said, "it is very shallow for me to say, but it is how I feel."
Ecthelion was stunned, to say the least. Inside, he was jumping with joy at his friend's words, even though they were harsh. To him, Kiera was beautiful and it was her flaws that helped draw him in. The thought made him laugh and he said, "well as horrible as it is to hear you say that, I am glad you are honest with me."
He paused and thought of something else. "You spoke of her looks, but what of her personality? Or have you not given it much thought."
Glorfindel shrugged again, "oh I like her. Kiera is funny, kind, and determined. She has that fire in her that only comes out occasionally. She reminds me of you as she has a calming presence. I know a lot of people are interested in her world, but I am not. To me, it seems pointless to learn about a place that we will never go to. If she were from someplace close, like Tuor, perhaps I would be more interested. I am not sure, but I think a lot of my feelings towards her have to do with you as well."
That confused him as he stared at his friend, waiting for more. Glorfindel sighed and sunk into the tub until his head was rested against the back. He closed his eyes and said, "I think my mind sees all of her flaws and things I do not like about her because of you."
"Excuse me," he spluttered.
Glorfindel chuckled, "oh not in that way. It is hard to explain, but I think when you were so taken with her in the beginning and so interested, I made myself disinterested. I do not believe it was truly a conscious thought, but I still feel a lot of guilt over Amara. The more time you spent with Kiera, the less I was interested in her. It's odd I know, but perhaps this is my mind's way of not messing up again."
"Glorfindel," he sighed tiredly.
"Hush, Theil," Glorfindel quipped back. "Let me wallow in my feelings for as long as I want. We will not talk about Amara tonight. Let me deal with my guilt on my own."
Ecthelion sighed, but there was nothing more for him to say. Glorfindel was stubborn and there was no use rehashing the past again. His friend opened his eyes and yawned.
"I am tired," Glorfindel commented. "I think you need to help Kiera. Rog stocked Salgant's strong wine in the back."
That made him groan as he hurried his friend out of the bath. Kiera would need some medicine before he put her to bed. Elfish wine on a good day was too strong for mortals. Salgant's wine was in a category of its own. Once Glorfindel was dry and wrapped in a towel, Ecthelion led to grab him a fresh change of clothes. Luckily, he and Glorfindel were of similar build.
After handing the clothes to his friend and waiting for him to get dressed, Ecthelion followed him out of the room. Kiera was still sleeping on the couch, but Glorfindel made his way over to the side of the bed and crawled in. His friend grinned at him with mirth as he came over and tucked him in as if he were an elfing. Ecthelion smirked at him when he finished, "I will have to thank you someday when I am a father. You have given me so much practice over the years."
Glorfindel scowled at him and rolled his eyes. Ecthelion chuckled as he walked out of the bedroom to gather more water. The handmaid's quarters were empty, but he took the remaining cauldron over the fire and carried it to his bath and dumped it in. After returning it to the workroom, he stepped back into his bedroom and moved towards the couch. Kiera was sleeping peacefully and part of him did not want to disturb her. However, the smell of vomit filled his nose and brought him back to his senses. Scoping her up in his chest, she woke long enough to press herself closer to him.
Ecthelion carried her to the bathroom and stood awkwardly in the middle of the room while the bath filled up. Kiera blinked awake and stared sleepily at him. He found it adorable and smiled at her as he said, "you are covered in vomit and need a bath. Are you alright to bathe yourself or do you need some help? I can wake Inthel to help you."
She shook her head, "I don't feel well."
"I know," he replied softly. "You drank too much Elvish wine. It is too potent for humans and I need to get you some medicine before you fall back asleep." He hesitated a moment as he did need to bathe her, but it was not acceptable for him to help her. Ecthelion gave her the choice, "I can help you if you wish or I can get Inthel if that would make you feel more comfortable."
Kiera snuggled closer to his chest and shook her head. "It's fine. I trust you. Help me into the tub, can wash myself."
Her words caused him to blush, but he nodded. Setting her down gently on the floor, she leaned against him as he fumbled with the buttons of her dress. His hands were shaking as he pulled the dress up quickly and looked away. Ecthelion allowed himself a small glance so he knew where to lead her as he helped her step into the tub. His face felt on fire as he glanced at her naked form as she lowered herself into the tub. Once she was covered, he took his seat on the floor with his back against the tub and looked away.
Just as the hot water helped Glorfindel, it did the same for Kiera as her words came out less slurred. The wine still affected her, but not as badly as it once had.
"Feels nice. Warm, but give me a minnite to wash."
Ecthelion did not reply as he was so focused on calming his breathing and staring at the wall. The sound of splashing let him know that Kiera started to wash and he finally relaxed on the floor.
Suddenly, Kiera burst out in tears, "I sorry. So sorry. I kissed Glorfidnely during the party. Never kissed a mortal and I kissed all at the table. He your friend and both my friend. I don't want hurt you. I dont like jhim that way. I like you that way. You kind and loveingly person. Deserve love and happiness. I sorry, i reget kiss him."
The words choked up in his throat as it was an admission he was hoping for, but not in the right way. Kiera was drunk and while he knew that truths came out easily with wine, Ecthelion would have rather had this conversation when they were both ready. The small flicker in his chest grew, but he stopped himself before it went too far. He would not allow himself to feel anything more until he was certain. For now, her words soothed his feelings as breathed out deeply.
A loud splash happened behind him and then he felt the water trickle down his neck. "Ecrhjrlon, say somet tine," Kiera cried out desperately. "I sorry, dint mean it. Wanted fun night wit friends. I kisses Cele, Hanniel, and Elemmkii as well. Tay don't mean anything. Tay are my feinds. Glordinel is my frind. Don't mean nothing, dont love him like that. He upset at what happened. Came here to apologise."
He was still taking in her words when she splashed him again. The corners of his lips turned up in a smirk, but then he turned and locked eyes with her. The tears and sadness on her face made his eyes well up with tears. It was a look of sheer devastation and it caused him to rethink what he wanted to say. His silence made Kiera move closer to him and he got a full view of her as she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him from behind.
It was an awkward hug, and she was sopping wet, but he appreciated it anyway. She spoke while they hugged. "I sorry. So sorry. I dont want to hurt you, I love you and care about you. Pelase forgive me. Stupid drunk mistake. I wish to take it back. Wish it never happened. Don't want to see you sad."
Ecthelion couldn't think straight as it was all too much at the moment. He closed his eyes but wrapped his hands around hers and curled them against his chest. Kiera was warm against his back as he breathed out easily. "You need not apologize to me. You are I are not together and you owe me nothing. Thank you for your kind words, but I doubt you will remember them tomorrow. I forgive you, but now you need to finish your bath."
Kiera sighed in relief as she pulled away from him and sunk back into the tub. She huffed stubbornly as she replied, "I will member tomorrow. Not that drunk."
He broke out in a burst of loud laughter which made Kiera giggle with him. Ecthelion could not control the smile on his face as it broke out in a wide grin. He was happy. So incredibly happy, and that in itself surprised him. Even though he spent his evening taking care of Glorfindel and then a drunk Kiera, he was incredibly happy. It had been so long since he enjoyed himself and just spent time with friends and relaxed. As Kiera finished washing, he mused over their times together and realized he was happy every moment with her. The thought lingered on his mind as Kiera finished her bath.
"Done washing. No clothes."
He handed her a towel from the rack and she wrapped it around herself as she stood in the tub. Once the towel was secured, he picked her up easily and carried her in his arms. Her exposed skin was hot against his and it took all of his resolve not to think about it too long. They made it into his closet and he set her gently onto the ground and grabbed a tunic for her. He spun around to give her privacy to change, but then she tapped him when she was finished.
His tunic was large on her, but it was similar to a dress and came down to her knees. Ecthelion helped her over to the couch where she sat on the clean side. Kiera smiled warmly at him, as he said, "I will be right back. I need to make you a hot drink for the wine. Stay there alright."
She nodded and then he turned quickly and left the room. When he made it into the kitchen, one of the cooks was still up so he asked for some hot water. While the water was boiling, he grabbed the medicine from the pantry and added some honey and a squeeze of lemon to the mix. He strained the herb mix with the hot water and thanked the cook for his help.
When he returned to the room, Kiera was still awake and he handed her the cup. "Drink it slowly. I need to clean up the vomit."
Stepping out into the hall once more, he grabbed a bucket, some soap, and a rag from the hall closet. He went back into his bedroom and filled the bucket up half full with water and then returned to the couch. It didn't take him long to clean up both areas of vomit, but the smell still lingered when he was done. After he was finished emptying everything and giving himself a good rinse, he grabbed the glass jar and headed back to his room. He sprinkled the power over the areas and the room was filled with scents of flowers and herbs.
When he looked over at Kiera, she said to him, "tired."
He took the empty cup and set it on the dresser. He looked over at her hesitantly but then said, "I was going to put you in the bed with Glorfindel if that is alright. He doesn't move much when he is drunk."
"Tis fine, where you sleep."
Her question made him blush as he coughed. "I was going to take a chair for the night."
"No, sleep in bed. Your bed, trust you, be fine."
His face felt like it was on fire again, but he had to admit that the chair would be extremely uncomfortable for the night. "Are you sure?" He asked once more.
"I'm sure," Kiera replied sleepily.
He gulped and nodded. Kiera stood and he helped her over to the bed where she waited as he pulled back the covers. Glorfindel had his back to them, but there was more than enough room for three people. Kiera crawled in and snuggled deep under the covers. She blinked up at him and then patted the empty side of the bed next to her.
Picking up the covers, he sighed as he moved in next to her. He was tense instantly as Kiera came over and laid her head against his chest. It was very intimate and he remained tense as he stared up at the ceiling. After a few long breaths, he began to relax and curled his arm around her. Slowly, he found a comfortable spot and pulled up the covers over both of them.
"Sleep," he told her. "I will be here when you wake up."
Kiera fell asleep quickly and Ecthelion found himself admiring her as she rested. She looked so peaceful as she slept and Ecthelion found that he was quite comfortable with her resting on him. The night was already long and he was tired enough to fall asleep quickly.
He entered a deep sleep but was awoken a little later to Glorfindel vomiting in the bathroom. Kiera stirred in his arms from the noise and he remained still as he was too comfortable to move. He faded back into a light slumber until he felt the bed move as Glorfindel returned. Kiera sighed next to him and he felt the bed shift as she moved off his chest and turned over next to him. Without her warmth, he was cold, so without thinking, he turned over and pulled her into his chest.
His arms wrapped around her waist and his hand rested against hers. He was just starting to fall asleep once more when he felt soft fingers curl into his. The movement nearly startled him awake, but then he relaxed and sighed into the warmth. Feeling as if he was in a dream, he curled his fingers with hers and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.
He fell dreamily back asleep as he dreamed peacefully. Once he felt well-rested enough, he slowly came back to himself. The first thing he realized was that he was hot and the room was dark. It was early yet, but about the usual time he awoke. Kiera was curled up in his chest with her backside pressed flush with him. He nearly groaned as he was finally awake enough to realize what happened in the night. His body reacted and he felt himself grow stiff and hard as she lay next to him.
Closing his eyes, he thought of anything other than Kiera, but he found it difficult to think clearly. To his horror, Kiera shifted and pressed herself even closer to him. He groaned softly, but he knew he had to remove himself from her. It was to imitate and not how he wanted his morning to start. He knew that she was awake next to him, so he kissed her cheek softly and then slowly untangled himself from her.
She shivered when he left her side, so he tucked the covers all around her. He walked silently to his bathroom. After closing the door, he leaned against the counter to try and calm himself. He was throbbing and too turned on to think straight. He turned on the tap for some cold water and splashed his face, hoping to trick his mind into thinking of something else. The feeling was slowly going away as he tried desperately to think of anything else. Amara came fresh to his mind and the feelings quickly evaporated.
Once he was back to normal, he chuckled to himself as he knew thinking about Amara would stifle any feelings. After that he left his room and stepped out into the hall, looking for Inthel. He found her in the maid's quarters and she brightened at seeing him.
"Good morning my lord. How was your evening?" There was a smirk on her face and he knew that she had come into his room. Inthel woke before him and usually checked on him early in the morning to bring him hot water.
They were alone in the maid's quarters so he asked, "did you come in earlier?"
"Indeed, but I will not speak a word of it, my lord. However, I saw Glorfindel as well, so I am a little confused. You need not explain yourself to me, but my ear is open if you need to speak."
Ecthelion smiled at his friend and handmaiden. He was glad they had opened up to one another after everything. Inthel was one of his most trusted friends and he looked to her as an older sister. She always gave good advice and he trusted her judgement.
"Glorfindel and Kiera came from Rog's party last night. Kiera had drunk a lot of Salgant's wine and was unwell. Glorfindel brought her here as he knew I would look after both of them. As for what you most likely saw this morning, I am surprised myself. We must have gotten closer in the night and I was not aware."
A soft blush crept up on his cheeks, but Inthel merely smiled at him. "It is alright Ecthelion. I am sure Kiera will not mind. You are a handsome elf lord who is her friend. She knows you and trusts you."
He nodded as he felt the same. Kiera was becoming a dear friend to him and a small part of him wondered if there could be more. He would not push her as she was new in the city and needed time to settle. Not only that, but he would not put himself out there again unless he was absolutely sure. For now, he was content on being her friend, but he did owe her an apology.
Inthel gathered some hot water for him and he followed her to the guest room across from his. Inthel left him to bathe, but when he stepped back into his room for some clean clothes, both Glorfindel and Kiera were still sound asleep. He had a few things he needed to do, so he walked into his study and took a seat at his desk.
A little while later, Inthel brought him his morning meal as he read over the guard's reports for the gates. All was quiet and he was quite content with that as he still felt uneasy about closing the gates. A couple of hours passed and he finished up most of his duties before he heard Glorfindel curse in the bedroom. Ecthelion heard them speaking, but before he could get up, Glorfindel entered his study.
His friend's hair was ruffled and tangled, but he otherwise looked well rested and clean. Glorfindel took his normal chair across from him and the silence grew loud between them. Ecthelion sighed as it was going to be a long morning.
He heard the soft pitter-patter of feet and Kiera came in to stand in the doorway. Her hair was in a similar state to Glorfindel's, but Ecthelion thought she looked adorable. Smiling at her, he said, "good morning. I hope you are feeling better. Inthel will get a bath ready for you, but I asked her to bring you a change of clothes as well. Once you are finished with your bath, I would like to speak with you both."
"Ok," Kiera replied awkwardly to him.
Between the two of his friends, he did not know which one was feeling the guilt more. Thankfully, he knew that once they all spoke, it would be better. Ecthelion stood and led Kiera out of his study and down the hall to the maid's quarters. Inthel took her immediately to bathe and he returned to his study where Glorfindel was still refusing to look at him.
"Would you like to speak now or when Kiera returns?" Ecthelion asked quietly.
His friend shrugged but replied, "when she returns."
He nodded, but told him, "let me get some food brought in. I am sure you are both hungry." He didn't wait for Glorfindel to speak as he quickly left the room and headed down to the kitchens. The head cook was happy to bring up more food and one of the servants followed him to his study with a small selection of food.
Glorfindel perked up when the food was brought it and Ecthelion relaxed in his chair as they waited for Kiera. It wasn't long before Inthel ushered her in wearing a new clothes and dressed for the day. He smiled warmly at her as she approached and took a seat across from him. He offered her food first and waited as she ate.
The silence was a little awkward, but he waited patiently for her to finish. When she was done, neither one of his friends would look at each other or him. It made his heart clench up in his chest as this was not what he wanted at all.
"I forgive you both, but neither of you owe me an apology."
Glorfindel, as expected, raged and stood as he yelled, "stop being so understanding and nice about this. I kissed her last night. She is your friend, but I took it too far. I cannot do that to you again. What happened with Amara haunts me to this day. I do not want to be the reason you do not find love."
"You will not be," he replied sadly. "Kiera and I are not together. Neither one of you owes me an explanation or an apology. We are all friends and I am sad that my friends are worried more about my feelings than their own. If you wish to be together, I do not want to hold either of you back. If you are happy, then I am happy. However, I know neither of you feel that way towards the other as you both told me yourself last night."
Glorfindel slumped back into his chair and sighed loudly. The look on his face made Ecthelion chuckle as he said, "Glorfindel, you have been with a far majority of the single elleth in this city. The possibly of finding a elleth that you have not been with, would be slim."
Ecthelion smiled as his friend's cheeks reddened. He turned to look at both of them now as he said, "you kissed a friend last night. That in itself is not a problem and Kiera is a wonderful person and I do not blame you in the slightest. She is my friend also, but that does not mean that I should control what happens between the two of you. If you wish to spend the evening together, it does not bother me and I will encourage it if it makes you happy."
Kiera shook her head, "he is a bit of a man whore. I don't want to be another notch in his bedposts."
Glorfindel glared at Kiera, but Ecthelion could not help himself as he burst out laughing. It was such an odd expression and one he had not heard before, but it fit perfectly. The tension in the room broke and the three of them all laughed together.
Glorfindel looked over at Kiera with a goofy grin as he said, "I had fun last night. Next time should not drink as much and you especially. Elvish wine is very potent to mortals and I was worried about you. It was part of the reason I brought you here. Ecthelion usually takes care of me when I am drunk. The wine in the back room is stronger than usual. I did not know if you knew that or not."
Kiera shook her head no, but answered his question as well. Now that the three of them cleared the air, Ecthelion cleared his throat. "Good, I am glad that is settled. Glorfindel, I want you to leave. I wish to speak to Kiera alone.