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: I had meant to get this out earlier than this but life is getting busy. My own wedding anniversary is coming up next week and it seems only yesterday we had the ceremony! Same goes for when I began writing Eternal nearly two and a half years ago. Much more is to come soon!
Chapter Forty-Seven: Ambapendamaca
"Do not eat too quickly," Elrilya warned. "You will make yourself sick today in the fields."
Huor slowed his pace, unhurriedly bringing the fork carrying food to his mouth instead of the heaping motion he had displayed before.
"I do not want to be late!" he exclaimed, waiting at least until he had swallowed.
"There is no need to hurry, we have other days we can spend more time training," Glorfindel reminded the young boy, taking each bite of his own without haste.
"Today is my first time, though!" Huor said. "I will not get another like this."
"Best to remember it with good memories," Elrilya added. "Not with stomach pains and cramps in your side."
Glorfindel smiled to himself as he watched the earnest youth at his table. Huor had taken a liking to Glorfindel over the few months he and his brother, Húrin, had been in Gondolin. The lad had a strong interest in swordplay and battle strategy, which obviously led him to the captain. Glorfindel noticed Huor showed promise in skill as well as a fiery will to never give up; thus the reason his people had allowed him into battle so early in life. Having given his word that Huor could join in during the training sessions once he was ready; Glorfindel had given his approval the night before. Huor, full of excitement and energy, stayed at Glorfindel and Elrilya's home as he discussed with Glorfindel the plans for the next morning. Overcome eventually with exhaustion, Huor fell asleep on the divans in the sitting room. They decided to let him be, as it had not been the first time to happen.
Húrin, like his brother, had a strong spirit but also a sage one that was uncommon for one of so few years. He was a powerful fighter in the field but was also just as gifted in the studies of lore, diplomacy, and various other leadership traits. Turgon took the teen under his wing after the boys' arrival, quickly taking a liking to the elder brother due to the properness and politeness in their first meeting. Many a day one could find the elf-king and young man stashed away in Turgon's study or library deep in various discussions.
"Will you and Lady Idril come watch today?" Huor asked hopefully.
Elrilya glanced at Glorfindel for a moment to get his reaction that was no more than a slight shrug.
"I may but I will ask Idril if you wish her to come," the dark-haired elf answered.
"Very much so!"
Both of the brothers had a great fondness for Idril, much like the respect and love for an older sister. She had been incredibly helpful and kind in making their life in Gondolin more comfortable. It was obvious to the two elves present that Huor wanted to make Idril proud.
"Is your brother joining us as well?" Glorfindel asked as Elrilya took away their empty plates.
"He said he would," replied Huor, who was then followed by a knock at the door.
Before Glorfindel could say another word, the boy had sprinted off to the door. The excited chatter of the brothers could be heard drifting in from the other room.
"You will have your hands full today," Elrilya said as Glorfindel wrapped his arms around her.
"As long as we have ourselves alone tonight," he whispered before claiming a kiss.
The clamoring noise of the brothers spilled into the kitchen as the couple turned to face them. Huor snickered while Húrin had a sheepish grin.
"Are you both ready?" Glorfindel asked.
"I might ask the same of you," Huor joked.
In one fell swoop, Glorfindel had thrown Huor over his shoulder and began to march outside. The youngest brother let out several loud protests that Glorfindel certainly would make him sick if he did not let him down while Húrin followed behind laughing.
*
Luckily for Huor, Glorfindel changed his mind about making the boy sick or embarrassing him by carrying him over his shoulder all the way through the cit to the gates. The three arrived to the training yards ready for the day and perhaps with a touch of nervousness for the youngsters'. The two boys had trotted alongside Glorfindel talking between each other in Sindarin rather than their mother tongue. They had slipped into using the Eldar language even during their common speech with each other after having lived in Gondolin for the past season.
Many of the Gondolindrim soldiers were present along with Ecthelion and Maeglin, who had taken a reprieve from his days in the mining caves. Glorfindel did not miss the annoyed glare on Maeglin's face as he approached with Húrin and Huor. The sister-son of Turgon did not harbor much interest or cares about the young brothers and Glorfindel was well aware of it. Turgon's thoughts that Maeglin was jealous did not seem well founded until the king turned more attention to Húrin and their daily conversations. The depth of the dark-haired elf's dislike grew more apparent after several public tantrums upon being turned away from Turgon's study or the throne room. Glorfindel hoped Maeglin would get over his dislike and being king required Turgon to do many things as well as manage his personal time and with whom he desired to spend it.
Glorfindel and Ecthelion had already decided on the drills for the day so as soon as the two boys and the golden lord arrived they began straightaway. Everyone teamed up into pairs, sparring with one another in offence and defensive moves and blocks. After a couple hours, Elrilya and Idril arrived and found a spot a little distance away from the field. Glorfindel thought that Huor would have already begun to tire, and he did seem slightly fatigued, but he visibly perked up when the two ellith came to watch as promised. Húrin was fairing well too and managed to give a smile at his brother's surge of enthusiasm. However, it did not last long.
"Rhaich!" hissed Maeglin loudly. "Reckless fool! Heed attention to what you are doing!"
"If you had not opened your flank with your block then I would not have had to make known the opportunity you have me," Huor said mischievously.
"Enough," Glorfindel said, stepping between the human and elf. "Take new partners. Remember, everyone here is a friend but we must not let that lull our security and soften our reaction you will need one day."
"There is no need to remind me of that," Maeglin growled, a hard glare leveled at Glorfindel then at Huor as he moved to another partner.
Glorfindel went back to his place as Ecthelion came to his side.
"The Edain are very impulsive," the captain of the guard said to him.
"They are still young and have much to learn," Glorfindel answered. "Let them have some enjoyment in this. They had little to none in their lives before."
"At the cost of Maeglin's pride and others' respect for him?" Ecthelion said and slightly protective.
"Then he has much to learn in opening himself up without protection," Glorfindel added. "I had thought after all his time he has spent with you that Maeglin would have more of a sense of humor."
All Glorfindel received in response was a grumbled remark and roll of the eyes from Ecthelion.
*
Glorfindel kicked off his boots and placed his armor on a chair for cleaning later that night. The house was empty and quiet other than Váremo's feet plodding along the stone floor as he came to greet Glorfindel back home. After giving Váremo a welcoming scratch on his head, Glorfindel headed upstairs to the bedroom and bathing chamber. He determined Elrilya was still out taking Húrin and Huor back to their rooms in the palace. Disrobing and throwing the dirty clothing in a basket, Glorfindel took to cleaning himself of the same mud and sweat that clung to his clothes. As he was finishing and stepping out of the bathing basin, he heard Elrilya coming up the stairs to their bedroom.
A warm smile greeted him and Glorfindel gave her one in return as he gladly embraced his spouse in his arms. He still marveled at how Elrilya managed to spark the love and intense emotions inside of him whenever he laid eyes on her.
"How well did Húrin and Huor's training continue for the rest of the exercises?" Elrilya asked, snuggling against his chest.
"Better than I had expected," Glorfindel said but he had noticed the way she had asked him the question, as if she were planning to say more that did not even depend on what he would said in response to her. "Why do you ask?"
"When you left for a while to discuss tomorrow's preparations with Ecthelion, Húrin and Huor stayed here for a while before I took them back to the palace. Húrin was not as happy as his brother," Elrilya explained. "Was there anything that happened today with him?"
"Other than the small argument with Maeglin and Huor, no, there was nothing else," Glorfindel said as he stroked her hair.
"Perhaps Maeglin said something to Húrin about his brother," Elrilya said.
"If would not surprise me if he had," Glorfindel replied with a sigh. "I thought Maeglin's reaction was rather quick-tempered. He is not usually so vocal."
"Indeed it was," Elrilya agreed. "He seems to be that way as of late."
"Ecthelion has not been himself either," Glorfindel pointed out. "I do not know. It may be nothing."
"Hopefully it is," Elrilya said as she pulled him close.
Glossary
Ambapendamaca: uphill battle
Author's Note: I had meant to get this out earlier than this but life is getting busy. My own wedding anniversary is coming up next week and it seems only yesterday we had the ceremony! Same goes for when I began writing Eternal nearly two and a half years ago. Much more is to come soon!
Chapter Forty-Seven: Ambapendamaca
"Do not eat too quickly," Elrilya warned. "You will make yourself sick today in the fields."
Huor slowed his pace, unhurriedly bringing the fork carrying food to his mouth instead of the heaping motion he had displayed before.
"I do not want to be late!" he exclaimed, waiting at least until he had swallowed.
"There is no need to hurry, we have other days we can spend more time training," Glorfindel reminded the young boy, taking each bite of his own without haste.
"Today is my first time, though!" Huor said. "I will not get another like this."
"Best to remember it with good memories," Elrilya added. "Not with stomach pains and cramps in your side."
Glorfindel smiled to himself as he watched the earnest youth at his table. Huor had taken a liking to Glorfindel over the few months he and his brother, Húrin, had been in Gondolin. The lad had a strong interest in swordplay and battle strategy, which obviously led him to the captain. Glorfindel noticed Huor showed promise in skill as well as a fiery will to never give up; thus the reason his people had allowed him into battle so early in life. Having given his word that Huor could join in during the training sessions once he was ready; Glorfindel had given his approval the night before. Huor, full of excitement and energy, stayed at Glorfindel and Elrilya's home as he discussed with Glorfindel the plans for the next morning. Overcome eventually with exhaustion, Huor fell asleep on the divans in the sitting room. They decided to let him be, as it had not been the first time to happen.
Húrin, like his brother, had a strong spirit but also a sage one that was uncommon for one of so few years. He was a powerful fighter in the field but was also just as gifted in the studies of lore, diplomacy, and various other leadership traits. Turgon took the teen under his wing after the boys' arrival, quickly taking a liking to the elder brother due to the properness and politeness in their first meeting. Many a day one could find the elf-king and young man stashed away in Turgon's study or library deep in various discussions.
"Will you and Lady Idril come watch today?" Huor asked hopefully.
Elrilya glanced at Glorfindel for a moment to get his reaction that was no more than a slight shrug.
"I may but I will ask Idril if you wish her to come," the dark-haired elf answered.
"Very much so!"
Both of the brothers had a great fondness for Idril, much like the respect and love for an older sister. She had been incredibly helpful and kind in making their life in Gondolin more comfortable. It was obvious to the two elves present that Huor wanted to make Idril proud.
"Is your brother joining us as well?" Glorfindel asked as Elrilya took away their empty plates.
"He said he would," replied Huor, who was then followed by a knock at the door.
Before Glorfindel could say another word, the boy had sprinted off to the door. The excited chatter of the brothers could be heard drifting in from the other room.
"You will have your hands full today," Elrilya said as Glorfindel wrapped his arms around her.
"As long as we have ourselves alone tonight," he whispered before claiming a kiss.
The clamoring noise of the brothers spilled into the kitchen as the couple turned to face them. Huor snickered while Húrin had a sheepish grin.
"Are you both ready?" Glorfindel asked.
"I might ask the same of you," Huor joked.
In one fell swoop, Glorfindel had thrown Huor over his shoulder and began to march outside. The youngest brother let out several loud protests that Glorfindel certainly would make him sick if he did not let him down while Húrin followed behind laughing.
*
Luckily for Huor, Glorfindel changed his mind about making the boy sick or embarrassing him by carrying him over his shoulder all the way through the cit to the gates. The three arrived to the training yards ready for the day and perhaps with a touch of nervousness for the youngsters'. The two boys had trotted alongside Glorfindel talking between each other in Sindarin rather than their mother tongue. They had slipped into using the Eldar language even during their common speech with each other after having lived in Gondolin for the past season.
Many of the Gondolindrim soldiers were present along with Ecthelion and Maeglin, who had taken a reprieve from his days in the mining caves. Glorfindel did not miss the annoyed glare on Maeglin's face as he approached with Húrin and Huor. The sister-son of Turgon did not harbor much interest or cares about the young brothers and Glorfindel was well aware of it. Turgon's thoughts that Maeglin was jealous did not seem well founded until the king turned more attention to Húrin and their daily conversations. The depth of the dark-haired elf's dislike grew more apparent after several public tantrums upon being turned away from Turgon's study or the throne room. Glorfindel hoped Maeglin would get over his dislike and being king required Turgon to do many things as well as manage his personal time and with whom he desired to spend it.
Glorfindel and Ecthelion had already decided on the drills for the day so as soon as the two boys and the golden lord arrived they began straightaway. Everyone teamed up into pairs, sparring with one another in offence and defensive moves and blocks. After a couple hours, Elrilya and Idril arrived and found a spot a little distance away from the field. Glorfindel thought that Huor would have already begun to tire, and he did seem slightly fatigued, but he visibly perked up when the two ellith came to watch as promised. Húrin was fairing well too and managed to give a smile at his brother's surge of enthusiasm. However, it did not last long.
"Rhaich!" hissed Maeglin loudly. "Reckless fool! Heed attention to what you are doing!"
"If you had not opened your flank with your block then I would not have had to make known the opportunity you have me," Huor said mischievously.
"Enough," Glorfindel said, stepping between the human and elf. "Take new partners. Remember, everyone here is a friend but we must not let that lull our security and soften our reaction you will need one day."
"There is no need to remind me of that," Maeglin growled, a hard glare leveled at Glorfindel then at Huor as he moved to another partner.
Glorfindel went back to his place as Ecthelion came to his side.
"The Edain are very impulsive," the captain of the guard said to him.
"They are still young and have much to learn," Glorfindel answered. "Let them have some enjoyment in this. They had little to none in their lives before."
"At the cost of Maeglin's pride and others' respect for him?" Ecthelion said and slightly protective.
"Then he has much to learn in opening himself up without protection," Glorfindel added. "I had thought after all his time he has spent with you that Maeglin would have more of a sense of humor."
All Glorfindel received in response was a grumbled remark and roll of the eyes from Ecthelion.
*
Glorfindel kicked off his boots and placed his armor on a chair for cleaning later that night. The house was empty and quiet other than Váremo's feet plodding along the stone floor as he came to greet Glorfindel back home. After giving Váremo a welcoming scratch on his head, Glorfindel headed upstairs to the bedroom and bathing chamber. He determined Elrilya was still out taking Húrin and Huor back to their rooms in the palace. Disrobing and throwing the dirty clothing in a basket, Glorfindel took to cleaning himself of the same mud and sweat that clung to his clothes. As he was finishing and stepping out of the bathing basin, he heard Elrilya coming up the stairs to their bedroom.
A warm smile greeted him and Glorfindel gave her one in return as he gladly embraced his spouse in his arms. He still marveled at how Elrilya managed to spark the love and intense emotions inside of him whenever he laid eyes on her.
"How well did Húrin and Huor's training continue for the rest of the exercises?" Elrilya asked, snuggling against his chest.
"Better than I had expected," Glorfindel said but he had noticed the way she had asked him the question, as if she were planning to say more that did not even depend on what he would said in response to her. "Why do you ask?"
"When you left for a while to discuss tomorrow's preparations with Ecthelion, Húrin and Huor stayed here for a while before I took them back to the palace. Húrin was not as happy as his brother," Elrilya explained. "Was there anything that happened today with him?"
"Other than the small argument with Maeglin and Huor, no, there was nothing else," Glorfindel said as he stroked her hair.
"Perhaps Maeglin said something to Húrin about his brother," Elrilya said.
"If would not surprise me if he had," Glorfindel replied with a sigh. "I thought Maeglin's reaction was rather quick-tempered. He is not usually so vocal."
"Indeed it was," Elrilya agreed. "He seems to be that way as of late."
"Ecthelion has not been himself either," Glorfindel pointed out. "I do not know. It may be nothing."
"Hopefully it is," Elrilya said as she pulled him close.
Glossary
Ambapendamaca: uphill battle
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