Categories > Books > Lord of the Rings > Eternal
Disclaimer: I do not own anything but my own characters, everything belongs to Tolkien the genius.
Author's Note: The fate of Gondolin is sealed.
Chapter Forty-One: Aredhel
The Eldari settled well in their new city that the Noldori king had set about building for them. Safety seemed to be on many a mind even though the siege upon Angband was still in place but Turgon's magnificent Gondolin calmed the fears a little. The Crissaegrim mountaintops reaching into the clouds like the high wall of the Pelóri in Valinor made a shield for them from the dangers of the outside world. All the while guardians of the peaks and sky, Thorondor and his mighty eagles, soared high above the valley to watch over the Noldor following the credence of Manwë.
All seemed to finally be going well for the Noldori and their fellow Sindar living with them. Carefree days seemed to be upon them again like it once was in Valinor despite the little reminder that pecked at the edge of their consciousness. The need for extra assurance in their protection came in the form of patrols much similar to that of the watch duty around Nevrast but instead in the passes of the Crissaegrim and at the gates barring passage to the secret path.
Glorfindel, captain of the greater army of Gondolin, frequently took leave to do his part in making certain the city, most importantly, his beloved, came to no harm. Yet, he also put aside time to be with Elrilya to make up for his long months away. The isolation in the valley of Tumladen was not constricting to them or any others... except one.
*
Glorfindel raced up the stairs to his home he shared with Elrilya. His patrol had finally ended as spring's cool briskness developed into the warm and sunny days of summer. The afternoon was just ending as he finished his patrol report with Turgon and Anar was just about to dip behind the jagged peaks of the Encircling Mountains as he came through the front door.
The golden lord did not hesitate as he took another flight of stairs leading to the bedroom. Having taken to watching the sunsets together, Glorfindel knew Elrilya kept the custom even while he was away. Glorfindel knew he would find her at their favorite lookout on the balcony from the bedroom that afforded an open view to the west. Glorfindel found her lounging in one of the patio chairs just where he expected. Váremo lay in an exhausted heap beside the chair but stared out in the distance like his owner.
The happy mood Glorfindel had, however, sobered a little as he noticed the far away look on Elrilya's face. He had hoped to surprise her upon his arrival as well as not bore her across their link while he was going over the reports with Turgon so he had closed off his mind. Slowly he went to her, pulling another chair to her side as he faced her. Váremo lazily got up and sat on his haunches next to Glorfindel in greeting and waiting for a loving pat on his head, which he got for a moment while his master took Elrilya's hand with his free one.
"What ill is boding within you?" he asked her as his fingers rubbed her palm. "Why do you frown?"
Elrilya sighed sadly as she squeezed his hand, "Aredhel has broken her secret troth with Ecthelion."
Placing a kiss to Elrilya's brow, Glorfindel wrapped his arm around her shoulders to pull her closer to him.
"How is it that you came to know this?" he asked.
"I went to ask Aredhel for a recipe she had said she would give me," she began, and then sighed. "I could hear them arguing through the door to her room so I went to leave as to not intrude but Ecthelion suddenly came out appearing very distressed."
Glorfindel frowned at this development. He and Ecthelion had grown extremely close, even more so than they had been before. It disturbed Glorfindel greatly to know his friend was in such straights.
"I did not have the chance to speak with him today," Glorfindel said. "Perhaps I should go to him tonight."
"He left soon after their argument," Elrilya informed him with a shake of her head. "Aredhel slammed her door behind him so I caught Ecthelion to see how he fared. He said they were no more and that he needed to get away for a while so he went on patrol."
Grimacing, Glorfindel hung his head with a frustrated sigh. Elrilya turned to him finally and held his hand tightly, sensing the tense aggravation in her mate. He leaned his forehead against hers as he exhaled heavily.
"I will let him be then until he is ready," Glorfindel said. "Though, I wish I knew what their argument was about so I could help."
"Aredhel does not want to speak of it so we must let it be until Ecthelion returns," Elrilya replied. "It is terrible to see two who seemed so strong and wonderful together even in secret, so suddenly be devastated."
Elrilya was unexpectedly stunned to find Glorfindel holding her close; his head snuggled into the crook of her neck. She hesitantly put her arms around him as he clutched at her and she wondered at the worrisome feelings and dread she felt coming from Glorfindel.
"What is the matter?" she asked finally when he pulled away slightly.
"We hardly have fought in the years we've known each other," he said. "Though, I feared I had indeed driven you away when you left for Eglarest. Something told me inside I was treading close to ruining the happiness of my fate but I did not understand it at the time. I only hope Aredhel and Ecthelion will realize that, too, ere it be too late."
"As do I hope, too," Elrilya said, holding him close again.
*
The peace and contentment that once permeated every corner of Gondolin seemed to crumble when its White Lady was upset. Aredhel's usual vivacious self was contagious to any who came across her but it now appeared her sadness did as well. A shroud of uneasy anxiousness existed in the moods of the citizens and it was apparent something was about to change.
Glorfindel knew that favorable news was not to be had when he came to Turgon's study. The king was tossing items fro his desk as he cleared off the clutter. He was stacking several books, slamming them together loudly, when Glorfindel appeared at his door. The golden lord waited a few moments as he observed his obviously troubled friend. It had been a couple weeks since Elrilya had witness the fight between Aredhel and Ecthelion but Glorfindel had a feeling that Turgon's mood was a result of something related.
"Are my reports truly that terrible to read?" he asked.
"Nay," Turgon said as he collapsed into his chair, his hand covering his face. "I do not know what to do, mellon nin."
"With what?" Glorfindel asked as he shut the study door behind him and began tidying up the disheveled room.
"Aredhel wishes to leave," Turgon said. "She said she is tired and bored of this grand city I built for us."
Glorfindel stared at him, slightly in shock at the information. Turgon had a law that no one could leave the borders of the Crissaegrim beyond the valley of Tumladen. It was the only way to protect them all from Morgoth discovering Gondolin. Though, they also did not know their king did it in fear of one of his citizens leaving and causing the treachery from within that Ulmo had prophesized to him.
"Tell her she cannot be an exception to your rule," Glorfindel responded, finally finding his voice but not sure how to convince Turgon to have Aredhel remain without divulging her secret relationship with Ecthelion. "If she may go, others may seek it out as well."
"I do realize that," Turgon said with a sigh. "She said she misses the forests and hunting that we do not have here in the valley but also wishes to visit with our brother, Fingon, and our sire."
"Does she believe she will travel on her own without escort in these dangerous lands?" Glorfindel asked incredulously. "That would mean we would have to assign my soldiers to aid her in her travel. Thus, sending more outside of the border."
"Aredhel persists and does not desist in her constant queries to make me change my decision," the king said with frustration.
"Remain steadfast and she will come to understand your decision one day," Glorfindel said.
"I do not know if that shall happen, Glorfindel," he said with a shake of his head. "She seems very determined in this quest of hers."
"Do not relent or else the cause of hiding this city will come to naught," Glorfindel pressed carefully.
"You are passionate that I stay by my decision," Turgon pointed out.
"I would like for both you and Aredhel not to make any brash decisions," he said with obvious care for his kin.
"Of course," the king said with a nod. "Perhaps I should send her to you next time she repeats her request."
"Nay, I doubt I would make a dent even with my fervor," Glorfindel said, though he knew the truth as to why she would not listen to him since she was aware he knew of the relationship.
"Is it that terrible to live here?" Turgon asked. "Have I made a place of boredom and disinterest by closing ourselves off from beyond these walls? My own sister does not even wish to remain and cries of despondency and despair. Am I truly that tyrannical?"
"Not even close to it," Glorfindel said, his brow furrowing as he saw his friend faltering before his eyes. "Do not think such falsities."
"I cannot help but doubt what good intentions I had that now have caused pain to my beloved sister," Turgon said quietly.
"She will understand, I know she shall," Glorfindel assured him.
*
To Glorfindel's dismay, Turgon yielded finally to Aredhel's wishes after many months of continuing her bombardment. Elrilya had even tried her hand at swaying Aredhel or even trying to discover the cause to the break between her and Ecthelion since the latter was still hiding away on patrol. Nothing changed the sheer determination of Aredhel Ar-Feiniel to escape the confines of Gondolin.
It came to pass one day that she was prepared to leave. Though in strong disagreement, Glorfindel followed Turgon's commands to appoint a small guard of his soldiers to travel by Aredhel's side. She was nonplussed by the arrangement but agreed anyway since she had been permitted to depart. Glorfindel led the travelers to the gate after Aredhel said her farewells. As they passed into the carved halls and tunnel leading to the outside world, several of the soldiers on duty saw the troops off. Aredhel did not look back but Glorfindel did not miss the shadowed image of the Lord of Fountain, Ecthelion, watching from a ledge high above.
Author's Note: The fate of Gondolin is sealed.
Chapter Forty-One: Aredhel
The Eldari settled well in their new city that the Noldori king had set about building for them. Safety seemed to be on many a mind even though the siege upon Angband was still in place but Turgon's magnificent Gondolin calmed the fears a little. The Crissaegrim mountaintops reaching into the clouds like the high wall of the Pelóri in Valinor made a shield for them from the dangers of the outside world. All the while guardians of the peaks and sky, Thorondor and his mighty eagles, soared high above the valley to watch over the Noldor following the credence of Manwë.
All seemed to finally be going well for the Noldori and their fellow Sindar living with them. Carefree days seemed to be upon them again like it once was in Valinor despite the little reminder that pecked at the edge of their consciousness. The need for extra assurance in their protection came in the form of patrols much similar to that of the watch duty around Nevrast but instead in the passes of the Crissaegrim and at the gates barring passage to the secret path.
Glorfindel, captain of the greater army of Gondolin, frequently took leave to do his part in making certain the city, most importantly, his beloved, came to no harm. Yet, he also put aside time to be with Elrilya to make up for his long months away. The isolation in the valley of Tumladen was not constricting to them or any others... except one.
*
Glorfindel raced up the stairs to his home he shared with Elrilya. His patrol had finally ended as spring's cool briskness developed into the warm and sunny days of summer. The afternoon was just ending as he finished his patrol report with Turgon and Anar was just about to dip behind the jagged peaks of the Encircling Mountains as he came through the front door.
The golden lord did not hesitate as he took another flight of stairs leading to the bedroom. Having taken to watching the sunsets together, Glorfindel knew Elrilya kept the custom even while he was away. Glorfindel knew he would find her at their favorite lookout on the balcony from the bedroom that afforded an open view to the west. Glorfindel found her lounging in one of the patio chairs just where he expected. Váremo lay in an exhausted heap beside the chair but stared out in the distance like his owner.
The happy mood Glorfindel had, however, sobered a little as he noticed the far away look on Elrilya's face. He had hoped to surprise her upon his arrival as well as not bore her across their link while he was going over the reports with Turgon so he had closed off his mind. Slowly he went to her, pulling another chair to her side as he faced her. Váremo lazily got up and sat on his haunches next to Glorfindel in greeting and waiting for a loving pat on his head, which he got for a moment while his master took Elrilya's hand with his free one.
"What ill is boding within you?" he asked her as his fingers rubbed her palm. "Why do you frown?"
Elrilya sighed sadly as she squeezed his hand, "Aredhel has broken her secret troth with Ecthelion."
Placing a kiss to Elrilya's brow, Glorfindel wrapped his arm around her shoulders to pull her closer to him.
"How is it that you came to know this?" he asked.
"I went to ask Aredhel for a recipe she had said she would give me," she began, and then sighed. "I could hear them arguing through the door to her room so I went to leave as to not intrude but Ecthelion suddenly came out appearing very distressed."
Glorfindel frowned at this development. He and Ecthelion had grown extremely close, even more so than they had been before. It disturbed Glorfindel greatly to know his friend was in such straights.
"I did not have the chance to speak with him today," Glorfindel said. "Perhaps I should go to him tonight."
"He left soon after their argument," Elrilya informed him with a shake of her head. "Aredhel slammed her door behind him so I caught Ecthelion to see how he fared. He said they were no more and that he needed to get away for a while so he went on patrol."
Grimacing, Glorfindel hung his head with a frustrated sigh. Elrilya turned to him finally and held his hand tightly, sensing the tense aggravation in her mate. He leaned his forehead against hers as he exhaled heavily.
"I will let him be then until he is ready," Glorfindel said. "Though, I wish I knew what their argument was about so I could help."
"Aredhel does not want to speak of it so we must let it be until Ecthelion returns," Elrilya replied. "It is terrible to see two who seemed so strong and wonderful together even in secret, so suddenly be devastated."
Elrilya was unexpectedly stunned to find Glorfindel holding her close; his head snuggled into the crook of her neck. She hesitantly put her arms around him as he clutched at her and she wondered at the worrisome feelings and dread she felt coming from Glorfindel.
"What is the matter?" she asked finally when he pulled away slightly.
"We hardly have fought in the years we've known each other," he said. "Though, I feared I had indeed driven you away when you left for Eglarest. Something told me inside I was treading close to ruining the happiness of my fate but I did not understand it at the time. I only hope Aredhel and Ecthelion will realize that, too, ere it be too late."
"As do I hope, too," Elrilya said, holding him close again.
*
The peace and contentment that once permeated every corner of Gondolin seemed to crumble when its White Lady was upset. Aredhel's usual vivacious self was contagious to any who came across her but it now appeared her sadness did as well. A shroud of uneasy anxiousness existed in the moods of the citizens and it was apparent something was about to change.
Glorfindel knew that favorable news was not to be had when he came to Turgon's study. The king was tossing items fro his desk as he cleared off the clutter. He was stacking several books, slamming them together loudly, when Glorfindel appeared at his door. The golden lord waited a few moments as he observed his obviously troubled friend. It had been a couple weeks since Elrilya had witness the fight between Aredhel and Ecthelion but Glorfindel had a feeling that Turgon's mood was a result of something related.
"Are my reports truly that terrible to read?" he asked.
"Nay," Turgon said as he collapsed into his chair, his hand covering his face. "I do not know what to do, mellon nin."
"With what?" Glorfindel asked as he shut the study door behind him and began tidying up the disheveled room.
"Aredhel wishes to leave," Turgon said. "She said she is tired and bored of this grand city I built for us."
Glorfindel stared at him, slightly in shock at the information. Turgon had a law that no one could leave the borders of the Crissaegrim beyond the valley of Tumladen. It was the only way to protect them all from Morgoth discovering Gondolin. Though, they also did not know their king did it in fear of one of his citizens leaving and causing the treachery from within that Ulmo had prophesized to him.
"Tell her she cannot be an exception to your rule," Glorfindel responded, finally finding his voice but not sure how to convince Turgon to have Aredhel remain without divulging her secret relationship with Ecthelion. "If she may go, others may seek it out as well."
"I do realize that," Turgon said with a sigh. "She said she misses the forests and hunting that we do not have here in the valley but also wishes to visit with our brother, Fingon, and our sire."
"Does she believe she will travel on her own without escort in these dangerous lands?" Glorfindel asked incredulously. "That would mean we would have to assign my soldiers to aid her in her travel. Thus, sending more outside of the border."
"Aredhel persists and does not desist in her constant queries to make me change my decision," the king said with frustration.
"Remain steadfast and she will come to understand your decision one day," Glorfindel said.
"I do not know if that shall happen, Glorfindel," he said with a shake of his head. "She seems very determined in this quest of hers."
"Do not relent or else the cause of hiding this city will come to naught," Glorfindel pressed carefully.
"You are passionate that I stay by my decision," Turgon pointed out.
"I would like for both you and Aredhel not to make any brash decisions," he said with obvious care for his kin.
"Of course," the king said with a nod. "Perhaps I should send her to you next time she repeats her request."
"Nay, I doubt I would make a dent even with my fervor," Glorfindel said, though he knew the truth as to why she would not listen to him since she was aware he knew of the relationship.
"Is it that terrible to live here?" Turgon asked. "Have I made a place of boredom and disinterest by closing ourselves off from beyond these walls? My own sister does not even wish to remain and cries of despondency and despair. Am I truly that tyrannical?"
"Not even close to it," Glorfindel said, his brow furrowing as he saw his friend faltering before his eyes. "Do not think such falsities."
"I cannot help but doubt what good intentions I had that now have caused pain to my beloved sister," Turgon said quietly.
"She will understand, I know she shall," Glorfindel assured him.
*
To Glorfindel's dismay, Turgon yielded finally to Aredhel's wishes after many months of continuing her bombardment. Elrilya had even tried her hand at swaying Aredhel or even trying to discover the cause to the break between her and Ecthelion since the latter was still hiding away on patrol. Nothing changed the sheer determination of Aredhel Ar-Feiniel to escape the confines of Gondolin.
It came to pass one day that she was prepared to leave. Though in strong disagreement, Glorfindel followed Turgon's commands to appoint a small guard of his soldiers to travel by Aredhel's side. She was nonplussed by the arrangement but agreed anyway since she had been permitted to depart. Glorfindel led the travelers to the gate after Aredhel said her farewells. As they passed into the carved halls and tunnel leading to the outside world, several of the soldiers on duty saw the troops off. Aredhel did not look back but Glorfindel did not miss the shadowed image of the Lord of Fountain, Ecthelion, watching from a ledge high above.
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