Categories > Books > Lord of the Rings > Eternal
Chapter Forty-One: Autamelme
Some peace was to be had after Aredhel had departed now that her hounding of her brother to give her leave was granted. However, it still seemed not quite the same without her presence around. Either way, she would be expected back in not too late of a time. After two months had passed since Aredhel's departure, Glorfindel had still not heard from Ecthelion and the elf lord had still not returned from patrol, obviously avoiding those who knew of the secret he harbored. Taking it upon himself, Glorfindel decided to seek Ecthelion out in case his friend needed the assistance that he would not speak of to anyone.
After bidding Elrilya farewell for the day, Glorfindel left his duties to take care of the personal matter since it was of great importance to him and more so than daily chores and paperwork. After searching a few post stations and questioning a few soldiers, Glorfindel was able to locate his absent friend. He found Ecthelion sharpening his knife in a ledge out of the way of the main corridor by the gate and walked up to him carefully, not wanting to seem intrusive. The dark-haired elf looked up with barely a reaction as if he were expecting Glorfindel to meet him there and Glorfindel decided Ecthelion had expected he would show eventually.
"How do you fare this morn?" he asked.
"As expected," Ecthelion said plainly and stoically. "To anyone else it is the same as it always has been."
"Though it is not to us," Glorfindel answered. "Or for Aredhel."
"She cares not for me or my feelings," Ecthelion said quietly but his voice was strained. "If she had, then Aredhel would understand my needs."
"She might," Glorfindel said carefully. "However, anger and hurt will cloud one's mind from what is the proper decision or words to speak."
Ecthelion guffawed with an annoyed tone at Glorfindel's words and the golden lord looked at him quizzically, not comprehending the humor his friend found.
"You dare to counsel me on the way of love?" Ecthelion said icily. "He who only found his desire from lacking the presence of whom he loves? Who turned his back on what was offered to him willingly and openly?"
"Though you conceded to me I was the stronger of the two of us in my ability to be forthright," Glorfindel answered coolly, not wanting to become angered with Ecthelion who Glorfindel knew was only reacting as expected due to his vulnerable and over-emotional state. "What does one call a liaison that is not publicly declared and shrouded in secrecy nigh four hundred years?"
Ecthelion pursed his lips together as he contemplated saying what came to his tongue first or thoughtfully consider a more rational response.
"I should not spit my venom at you, mellon nin," Ecthelion responded, sitting upon a seat and covering his face with his hands. "I am not in my right mind."
"Neither was I when I let my love walk away," Glorfindel replied. "And like you, I ran from it rather than accept it and do what my love deserved to have."
"You are truthful in this," Ecthelion said with a sigh. "I knew I should not have let her go."
"As long as you seek her out once she returns," Glorfindel consoled him.
"Immediately," Ecthelion said with a small smile. "I will tell her we shall be betrothed as she wanted then I will seek a boon with Turgon."
"That was what she wished?" Glorfindel asked with an upraised eyebrow.
"Aredhel had tired of being guarded and cautious. Finally she found herself prepared to ask Turgon's approval," Ecthelion explained. "After all these years, however, I was not."
"Have it set for her when she comes," Glorfindel said with a grin. "She certainly will have calmed during her time away."
"Indeed," Ecthelion agreed. "If I may inquire as to who wrought your betrothal rings as I might be needing their services?"
"Take it slowly for now," Glorfindel chuckled, glad to see his spirits up. "You have a little time until you should act."
It was then the calls of the soldiers on duty at the gate in the tunnel were heard as they echoed off the stone walls. Glorfindel and Ecthelion looked at each other curiously before heading to where the commotion was. It sounded as though someone was approaching the gate and everyone was wondering who it could be. Glorfindel saw Ecthelion's face brighten, as he must have realized the ones coming near could be Aredhel and her guard. Glorfindel had to smile, Ecthelion certainly had become optimistic at the situation and Glorfindel could feel the dread slipping away.
The elation instantly fell once they saw that Aredhel did not accompany the three lord soldiers of Turgon's house as they passed through the gate. Their faces were pale and full of terror and uncertainty at being seen without the White Lady of the Noldor. Bruised, beaten, sore, and broken were their bodies as if they had been wandering in the wilderness for years, attacked and fighting for survival at every turn.
The three rode forward from the gate, glancing around as a murmur spread through those present. Glorfindel quickly came to them as their leader, Lord Súrion, dismounted once he saw the captain.
"Where is the Lady Aredhel?" Glorfindel asked immediately, trepidation appearing on the faces of those watching as their captain asked the question on everyone's minds.
"Perhaps it would be best if I spoke with King Turgon on this matter," Súrion said, his face haunted. "It is my responsibility, my lord."
Glorfindel nodded and turned to retrieve his own horse to escort them quickly to the city. He caught Ecthelion's gaze as he seemed to search Glorfindel's eyes for some sort of glimmer of hope that they just shared in before. Glorfindel lowered his eyes and placed a comforting hand on Ecthelion's shoulder as he passed him. The dark-haired elf caught Glorfindel's arm that touched him, stopping him in his tracks a moment.
"I wish to hear what is to be said," Ecthelion whispered. "With you I shall ride."
Without an objection, Glorfindel simply nodded and did not halt him. Word would spread in no time so they had to set off to the city without delay. Only did they stop at the palace steps, leaving their horses to stunned guards nearby as they raced up to meet with Turgon. They found him with Idril having a midday meal in his study. Glorfindel knocked first, waiting to be beckoned in by the king.
Turgon's features changed upon seeing the lords of his house and his sister's apparent absence. Quietly, he motioned to them to come forth and face him. Turgon knew the news was not good as soon as he lay eyes on Glorfindel, who looked quite worried himself despite trying to restrain and school his emotions.
"Lord Súrion, why is it you have returned to me but bring not my sister with you as you were instructed?" Turgon demanded.
"My Lord," Súrion said as he bent on one knee in front of Turgon, his head lowered shamefully. "The Lady Aredhel has been lost in the region of Nan Dungortheb. We had stopped for a few moments to rest on our journey then realized she had wandered away while we tended to our short camp. Immediately we searched long and hard for her but were attacked by the creatures of Ungoliant. Without other aid, we certainly would have met a deadly fate. We retreated from the foothills so that you would be informed of this and not lingering in wait, not knowing of our doom."
"Hû ú-gaun! What of Aredhel? Does she linger?" Turgon bellowed at him, his anger bursting forth after it had built up inside him while Súrion had spoken. "What if she waits for you to come for her? That she may meet an even more gruesome torture and end than you would perhaps endure?!"
Glorfindel stepped between them as Turgon bore down upon Súrion as he flinched under his king's tirade. Glorfindel knew Turgon was upset with the information they brought but taking it out upon his lords would not fix the situation. Turning his tumultuous eyes on the golden lord, Turgon faced a pleading gaze for him to calm so that they could learn more in the event of sending a search party. Letting himself be led back to the chair by Glorfindel, Turgon let his captain take it upon himself to ask the lords what else had occurred. Idril, having been quiet the entire time, took Turgon's hand tightly in her own.
"Why were you to the east when you were to go to Hithlum?" Glorfindel questioned.
"The Lady demanded we change our passage to visit Celegorm and Curufin, Sons of Fëanor," Súrion answered. "She would not halt her wishes so we conceded. Doriath would not permit us passage through King Thingol's lands; thus, we had to take another path."
"How long ago was it since you last saw her?" Glorfindel further continued, knowing they would have searched for a time plus the traveling time.
"Two weeks," Súrion answered.
Glorfindel looked to the other two lords whose heads were also lowered like Súrion's at their failure in protecting their king's sister. Disappointment was an understatement of what coursed through Glorfindel's mind at the three whom he trained for years. All knew Aredhel's propensity at wandering and not always listening to orders so it was unexpected that the guard for Aredhel to forget it. Glorfindel knew one could be caught off-guard but this indiscretion was beyond that.
"Return to the barracks and your homes before we decide what to do with you," Glorfindel said to them in dismissal.
With a few muttered acknowledgements they filed out. Glorfindel had forgotten Ecthelion's presence and hardly could say a word before the devastated elf left hastily. He suddenly felt torn between duty and friendship. Wanting to comfort Ecthelion while also apologizing for leading him to such high hopes but yet, another distraught friend was by him. Turgon had let go of what was inside again, once the others had departed, but this time he wept silently.
Idril held her father as he hid his face in his hands, his body shaking as he was overcome with emotion. The young princess' face was sorrowful too as she tried to comfort her father, keeping a resolve and strength that he usually had yet had failed him that hour. She mouthed silent words for Glorfindel to go, noticing there was a conflict within him.
Glorfindel sensed Elrilya on the edge of his mind, realizing she had been aware of all that had passed at the same moments he encountered them. Heading to the healing ward, Glorfindel found her in a nearby room with a flushed face and downcast eyes. Not long after she had learned of Aredhel's fate over their connection, did word finally reach the city of the guard returning without Aredhel. He took her into his arms tightly, not wanting to think of having such a loss closer to him.
*
Later that evening, Glorfindel and Elrilya were together at their home as the whole city grieved at the loss of its Lady. Glorfindel had held Elrilya as she had cried, finally finding security in her lover's arms alone and away from any other people. Aredhel had been like a second mother to Elrilya over the centuries and was more than just a close friend. Having exhausted her tears and body from the upsetting day, Elrilya had drifted into slumber. Glorfindel quietly contemplated his spouse's sleeping face, calm and untroubled from the terrors of consciousness. He let his fingers softly caress her dark hair as he began to think about the risk of death they had in the eastern lands, unlike Valinor. The threat of mortality by injury and not age or sickness weighed heavily upon him.
Pulling her closer into his arms, Glorfindel began to kiss her forehead then traced down her cheek to her lips and nose that he tenderly pressed his lips upon. Coming out of her sleep, Elrilya looked up at him in wonder as to why he blessed her skin with his numerous touches. His eyes glistened with unshed tears as he looked upon her and she traced the edge of his face with her fingers in concern.
"What is it?" she asked as she sat up further.
"I do not know what I would do if I lost you," he said then pulled her to him again, nuzzling into her hair. "I promise I will not let that happen nor will I leave you."
"Do not speak like that," she said, cupping his face. "We will always have each other."
The reverie was short as a knock was heard downstairs at the front door. Elrilya slipped on a soft robe to cover herself to see who was at their home. Glorfindel dressed and followed her down a few minutes later to hear Idril in the sitting room with Elrilya. He went into the small kitchen for a moment, finding some fruit to snack on for a night munching. Váremo came up to Glorfindel, nudging his leg with a little whine to encourage a pat. Elrilya came into the room a moment later, collecting a few items to take to Idril in the other room.
"Turgon is being oddly reclusive tonight," she said. "Idril wanted company so she came here if that is fine with you."
"She is welcome anytime," Glorfindel said with a smile. "Perhaps I will go in search of Ecthelion."
"He might need that," Elrilya said, coming to Glorfindel. "You may find him out near one of the waterfalls outside the wall. He goes there to think at times."
Glorfindel nodded and gave her a kiss farewell before he headed out the backdoor, taking an antsy Váremo with him for a walk. They strolled down the avenues for a time as they neared the wall, Váremo sniffing various places as Glorfindel walked nearby. Finally they came to the gates, one of the soldiers letting him through. A still shadow sitting on the rocks next to one of the waterfalls caught Glorfindel's attention as he began his wandering on the outside of the city. As he got closer, he verified it was Ecthelion and took a place next to him. He sat a moment without a word, not certain of where to begin as Váremo bounded about in the grasses behind them.
"She loved the autumn nights like this one," Ecthelion said, breaking the silence. "We would always take a few hours just to enjoy a walk in it."
"We will bring her back, Ecthelion," Glorfindel said. "I will see to it that we find her so that she may return."
"Aredhel does not wish to be found," Ecthelion said softly. "She sought to escape here and that is what she accomplished. To get away from me."
"That is not so," Glorfindel said. "I know this will show her what you mean to her and she will take you with open arms once she is here again."
"I am not so certain anymore," Ecthelion confessed as he threw a few rocks into the bubbling and churning waters.
"One cannot lose hope in such matters otherwise life has little purpose anymore," Glorfindel said. "we need that shred to hold fast to."
Another silence ensued as they stayed still, feeling one another's comforting presence.
"I did not mean my words earlier," Ecthelion said softly. "I cannot help but envy your freedom to love."
"You have that right as well," Glorfindel replied.
"Nay, I did not."
Glorfindel winced at Ecthelion's words as if he would never have Aredhel again.
"You are worthy of anyone's love," Glorfindel said. "Be she a peasant, lady, or queen; love sees no titles or birthrights."
"If it were true, I have lost my chance," Ecthelion sighed. "Let us not talk of this now. I want to have the peace here I always found with her."
With a nod, Glorfindel quieted and watched the rippling water below as the night went onward.
Glossary
Autamelme: lost love
Hû ú-gaun: cowardly dog
Mellon nin: my friend
Some peace was to be had after Aredhel had departed now that her hounding of her brother to give her leave was granted. However, it still seemed not quite the same without her presence around. Either way, she would be expected back in not too late of a time. After two months had passed since Aredhel's departure, Glorfindel had still not heard from Ecthelion and the elf lord had still not returned from patrol, obviously avoiding those who knew of the secret he harbored. Taking it upon himself, Glorfindel decided to seek Ecthelion out in case his friend needed the assistance that he would not speak of to anyone.
After bidding Elrilya farewell for the day, Glorfindel left his duties to take care of the personal matter since it was of great importance to him and more so than daily chores and paperwork. After searching a few post stations and questioning a few soldiers, Glorfindel was able to locate his absent friend. He found Ecthelion sharpening his knife in a ledge out of the way of the main corridor by the gate and walked up to him carefully, not wanting to seem intrusive. The dark-haired elf looked up with barely a reaction as if he were expecting Glorfindel to meet him there and Glorfindel decided Ecthelion had expected he would show eventually.
"How do you fare this morn?" he asked.
"As expected," Ecthelion said plainly and stoically. "To anyone else it is the same as it always has been."
"Though it is not to us," Glorfindel answered. "Or for Aredhel."
"She cares not for me or my feelings," Ecthelion said quietly but his voice was strained. "If she had, then Aredhel would understand my needs."
"She might," Glorfindel said carefully. "However, anger and hurt will cloud one's mind from what is the proper decision or words to speak."
Ecthelion guffawed with an annoyed tone at Glorfindel's words and the golden lord looked at him quizzically, not comprehending the humor his friend found.
"You dare to counsel me on the way of love?" Ecthelion said icily. "He who only found his desire from lacking the presence of whom he loves? Who turned his back on what was offered to him willingly and openly?"
"Though you conceded to me I was the stronger of the two of us in my ability to be forthright," Glorfindel answered coolly, not wanting to become angered with Ecthelion who Glorfindel knew was only reacting as expected due to his vulnerable and over-emotional state. "What does one call a liaison that is not publicly declared and shrouded in secrecy nigh four hundred years?"
Ecthelion pursed his lips together as he contemplated saying what came to his tongue first or thoughtfully consider a more rational response.
"I should not spit my venom at you, mellon nin," Ecthelion responded, sitting upon a seat and covering his face with his hands. "I am not in my right mind."
"Neither was I when I let my love walk away," Glorfindel replied. "And like you, I ran from it rather than accept it and do what my love deserved to have."
"You are truthful in this," Ecthelion said with a sigh. "I knew I should not have let her go."
"As long as you seek her out once she returns," Glorfindel consoled him.
"Immediately," Ecthelion said with a small smile. "I will tell her we shall be betrothed as she wanted then I will seek a boon with Turgon."
"That was what she wished?" Glorfindel asked with an upraised eyebrow.
"Aredhel had tired of being guarded and cautious. Finally she found herself prepared to ask Turgon's approval," Ecthelion explained. "After all these years, however, I was not."
"Have it set for her when she comes," Glorfindel said with a grin. "She certainly will have calmed during her time away."
"Indeed," Ecthelion agreed. "If I may inquire as to who wrought your betrothal rings as I might be needing their services?"
"Take it slowly for now," Glorfindel chuckled, glad to see his spirits up. "You have a little time until you should act."
It was then the calls of the soldiers on duty at the gate in the tunnel were heard as they echoed off the stone walls. Glorfindel and Ecthelion looked at each other curiously before heading to where the commotion was. It sounded as though someone was approaching the gate and everyone was wondering who it could be. Glorfindel saw Ecthelion's face brighten, as he must have realized the ones coming near could be Aredhel and her guard. Glorfindel had to smile, Ecthelion certainly had become optimistic at the situation and Glorfindel could feel the dread slipping away.
The elation instantly fell once they saw that Aredhel did not accompany the three lord soldiers of Turgon's house as they passed through the gate. Their faces were pale and full of terror and uncertainty at being seen without the White Lady of the Noldor. Bruised, beaten, sore, and broken were their bodies as if they had been wandering in the wilderness for years, attacked and fighting for survival at every turn.
The three rode forward from the gate, glancing around as a murmur spread through those present. Glorfindel quickly came to them as their leader, Lord Súrion, dismounted once he saw the captain.
"Where is the Lady Aredhel?" Glorfindel asked immediately, trepidation appearing on the faces of those watching as their captain asked the question on everyone's minds.
"Perhaps it would be best if I spoke with King Turgon on this matter," Súrion said, his face haunted. "It is my responsibility, my lord."
Glorfindel nodded and turned to retrieve his own horse to escort them quickly to the city. He caught Ecthelion's gaze as he seemed to search Glorfindel's eyes for some sort of glimmer of hope that they just shared in before. Glorfindel lowered his eyes and placed a comforting hand on Ecthelion's shoulder as he passed him. The dark-haired elf caught Glorfindel's arm that touched him, stopping him in his tracks a moment.
"I wish to hear what is to be said," Ecthelion whispered. "With you I shall ride."
Without an objection, Glorfindel simply nodded and did not halt him. Word would spread in no time so they had to set off to the city without delay. Only did they stop at the palace steps, leaving their horses to stunned guards nearby as they raced up to meet with Turgon. They found him with Idril having a midday meal in his study. Glorfindel knocked first, waiting to be beckoned in by the king.
Turgon's features changed upon seeing the lords of his house and his sister's apparent absence. Quietly, he motioned to them to come forth and face him. Turgon knew the news was not good as soon as he lay eyes on Glorfindel, who looked quite worried himself despite trying to restrain and school his emotions.
"Lord Súrion, why is it you have returned to me but bring not my sister with you as you were instructed?" Turgon demanded.
"My Lord," Súrion said as he bent on one knee in front of Turgon, his head lowered shamefully. "The Lady Aredhel has been lost in the region of Nan Dungortheb. We had stopped for a few moments to rest on our journey then realized she had wandered away while we tended to our short camp. Immediately we searched long and hard for her but were attacked by the creatures of Ungoliant. Without other aid, we certainly would have met a deadly fate. We retreated from the foothills so that you would be informed of this and not lingering in wait, not knowing of our doom."
"Hû ú-gaun! What of Aredhel? Does she linger?" Turgon bellowed at him, his anger bursting forth after it had built up inside him while Súrion had spoken. "What if she waits for you to come for her? That she may meet an even more gruesome torture and end than you would perhaps endure?!"
Glorfindel stepped between them as Turgon bore down upon Súrion as he flinched under his king's tirade. Glorfindel knew Turgon was upset with the information they brought but taking it out upon his lords would not fix the situation. Turning his tumultuous eyes on the golden lord, Turgon faced a pleading gaze for him to calm so that they could learn more in the event of sending a search party. Letting himself be led back to the chair by Glorfindel, Turgon let his captain take it upon himself to ask the lords what else had occurred. Idril, having been quiet the entire time, took Turgon's hand tightly in her own.
"Why were you to the east when you were to go to Hithlum?" Glorfindel questioned.
"The Lady demanded we change our passage to visit Celegorm and Curufin, Sons of Fëanor," Súrion answered. "She would not halt her wishes so we conceded. Doriath would not permit us passage through King Thingol's lands; thus, we had to take another path."
"How long ago was it since you last saw her?" Glorfindel further continued, knowing they would have searched for a time plus the traveling time.
"Two weeks," Súrion answered.
Glorfindel looked to the other two lords whose heads were also lowered like Súrion's at their failure in protecting their king's sister. Disappointment was an understatement of what coursed through Glorfindel's mind at the three whom he trained for years. All knew Aredhel's propensity at wandering and not always listening to orders so it was unexpected that the guard for Aredhel to forget it. Glorfindel knew one could be caught off-guard but this indiscretion was beyond that.
"Return to the barracks and your homes before we decide what to do with you," Glorfindel said to them in dismissal.
With a few muttered acknowledgements they filed out. Glorfindel had forgotten Ecthelion's presence and hardly could say a word before the devastated elf left hastily. He suddenly felt torn between duty and friendship. Wanting to comfort Ecthelion while also apologizing for leading him to such high hopes but yet, another distraught friend was by him. Turgon had let go of what was inside again, once the others had departed, but this time he wept silently.
Idril held her father as he hid his face in his hands, his body shaking as he was overcome with emotion. The young princess' face was sorrowful too as she tried to comfort her father, keeping a resolve and strength that he usually had yet had failed him that hour. She mouthed silent words for Glorfindel to go, noticing there was a conflict within him.
Glorfindel sensed Elrilya on the edge of his mind, realizing she had been aware of all that had passed at the same moments he encountered them. Heading to the healing ward, Glorfindel found her in a nearby room with a flushed face and downcast eyes. Not long after she had learned of Aredhel's fate over their connection, did word finally reach the city of the guard returning without Aredhel. He took her into his arms tightly, not wanting to think of having such a loss closer to him.
*
Later that evening, Glorfindel and Elrilya were together at their home as the whole city grieved at the loss of its Lady. Glorfindel had held Elrilya as she had cried, finally finding security in her lover's arms alone and away from any other people. Aredhel had been like a second mother to Elrilya over the centuries and was more than just a close friend. Having exhausted her tears and body from the upsetting day, Elrilya had drifted into slumber. Glorfindel quietly contemplated his spouse's sleeping face, calm and untroubled from the terrors of consciousness. He let his fingers softly caress her dark hair as he began to think about the risk of death they had in the eastern lands, unlike Valinor. The threat of mortality by injury and not age or sickness weighed heavily upon him.
Pulling her closer into his arms, Glorfindel began to kiss her forehead then traced down her cheek to her lips and nose that he tenderly pressed his lips upon. Coming out of her sleep, Elrilya looked up at him in wonder as to why he blessed her skin with his numerous touches. His eyes glistened with unshed tears as he looked upon her and she traced the edge of his face with her fingers in concern.
"What is it?" she asked as she sat up further.
"I do not know what I would do if I lost you," he said then pulled her to him again, nuzzling into her hair. "I promise I will not let that happen nor will I leave you."
"Do not speak like that," she said, cupping his face. "We will always have each other."
The reverie was short as a knock was heard downstairs at the front door. Elrilya slipped on a soft robe to cover herself to see who was at their home. Glorfindel dressed and followed her down a few minutes later to hear Idril in the sitting room with Elrilya. He went into the small kitchen for a moment, finding some fruit to snack on for a night munching. Váremo came up to Glorfindel, nudging his leg with a little whine to encourage a pat. Elrilya came into the room a moment later, collecting a few items to take to Idril in the other room.
"Turgon is being oddly reclusive tonight," she said. "Idril wanted company so she came here if that is fine with you."
"She is welcome anytime," Glorfindel said with a smile. "Perhaps I will go in search of Ecthelion."
"He might need that," Elrilya said, coming to Glorfindel. "You may find him out near one of the waterfalls outside the wall. He goes there to think at times."
Glorfindel nodded and gave her a kiss farewell before he headed out the backdoor, taking an antsy Váremo with him for a walk. They strolled down the avenues for a time as they neared the wall, Váremo sniffing various places as Glorfindel walked nearby. Finally they came to the gates, one of the soldiers letting him through. A still shadow sitting on the rocks next to one of the waterfalls caught Glorfindel's attention as he began his wandering on the outside of the city. As he got closer, he verified it was Ecthelion and took a place next to him. He sat a moment without a word, not certain of where to begin as Váremo bounded about in the grasses behind them.
"She loved the autumn nights like this one," Ecthelion said, breaking the silence. "We would always take a few hours just to enjoy a walk in it."
"We will bring her back, Ecthelion," Glorfindel said. "I will see to it that we find her so that she may return."
"Aredhel does not wish to be found," Ecthelion said softly. "She sought to escape here and that is what she accomplished. To get away from me."
"That is not so," Glorfindel said. "I know this will show her what you mean to her and she will take you with open arms once she is here again."
"I am not so certain anymore," Ecthelion confessed as he threw a few rocks into the bubbling and churning waters.
"One cannot lose hope in such matters otherwise life has little purpose anymore," Glorfindel said. "we need that shred to hold fast to."
Another silence ensued as they stayed still, feeling one another's comforting presence.
"I did not mean my words earlier," Ecthelion said softly. "I cannot help but envy your freedom to love."
"You have that right as well," Glorfindel replied.
"Nay, I did not."
Glorfindel winced at Ecthelion's words as if he would never have Aredhel again.
"You are worthy of anyone's love," Glorfindel said. "Be she a peasant, lady, or queen; love sees no titles or birthrights."
"If it were true, I have lost my chance," Ecthelion sighed. "Let us not talk of this now. I want to have the peace here I always found with her."
With a nod, Glorfindel quieted and watched the rippling water below as the night went onward.
Glossary
Autamelme: lost love
Hû ú-gaun: cowardly dog
Mellon nin: my friend
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