House of the Golden Flower

(Hey fans, you know I don't ask for much, and that I truck out chapter after chapter without encouragement, but come on already. Some feedback would be nice.)


Thus I found myself naked before nearlyty wty women of my house and Idril, being measured for armor. I kept my hands in front of me, blushing. Idril just laughed and bade me sit so she could measure my feet for shoes. The ls trs truly were more into talking with one another rather than looking at me, and I would have been more comfortable with that, except that it was me they were talking about. If I didn't trust Idril so much, I might have accused her of forcing me into unnecessary exposure.
After they were done, taking most of the morning to map my dimensions, Idril gave me leave to dress, and bade me go, saying: "We have much work to do, and you will be in the way." I did as she requested, and went in search of Ecthelion, to see about a solution for Idril to stay away from her home.

When Ecthelion's steward answered the door, he informed me that Ecthelion was not at home, visiting Rog instead. I thanked the man, and wondered whether I should go and seek Ecthelion out or not, and as I was wandering toward home, it was Galdor who answered that question. He came upon me in the market and spoke to me from horseback. "I am on my way to Rog's house for a meal, do you want to come along?"

"Why it would be of interest to me?" I asked politely, not having been invited.

It was a reasonable request, and he replied, "The topic of discussion is Idril, and the events in the King's House, and that I thought it would be of special interest to you."

I agreed that it was so, and alighted on his horse behind him, as I did not know the way and he had offered.

Rog's house was a large one, not only in mass but also in population, I soon saw. Children wrestled on the garden lawn, their mothers sewing on the porch, as Galdor and I rode up. I dismounted and held the reins, and he led his horse away to the stable while I waited.

When he returned, we went indoors together and were greeted by Lord Rog. He was a tall elf, slender and doe-eyed as we all tended to be, but there was something to the saucy tilt of his jaw and his easygoing manner that endeared him to me. I felt quite comfortable in his house, and have often wondered, but have never found why I liked the man so much, other than his personality.

The meal was simple, yet plentiful, and when the women and children had eaten and politely slipped away from the table, we sat sipping our wine as Galdor opened the task of conversation.

"We have all met Maeglin, and most of us spoken to him. All of us here know what lurks within his eyes, windows to the chamber of darkness beyond. I fear he shall be pitfall to our King, who is blinded to his malice by love for his sister that remains for the son. Glorfindel has fallen from his grace for this very argument, and as Turgon wishes not to listen to any reason but his own, Rog and I have called this council to see what must be done."

Rog spoke up as Galdor paused.

"The recent events in the King's house have disturbed him very little if at all, surely he thinks them of small consequence. While the deaths are hushed to keep the city at peace, families mourn their lost daughters. Three women have died, all linked with our princess. Even if Turgon does not see this as a threat to his own daughter, I do, and I believe that some action must be taken - against Maeglin."

Galdor took up narrative again, inclining his head to Rog respectfully.

"Glorfindel and Ecthelion have seen to her safety after she was rescued from her suite, and she is now sheltered among the women of Glorfindel's house. This puts them both in a compromised position, both being unwed, and soon tongues will begin to slander them. I would not see my fellow Lord or our Lady brought low by gossip. Has anyone a suggested course of action?"

Ecthelion spoke up. "The Princess should be returned to her home as soon as is possible, but first it must be made safe for her to reside there. There is only one who can go easily into the palace and spy upon him."

All eyes turned toward me at this time.

I closed my eyes briefly. "I will do as is good for my city, but I do not wish to go back to him and bow upon the matter we have parted with."

Ecthelion looked at me sharply. "There is yet another that looks on you with desire there, Glorfindel. You know of whom I speak."

I cl my my eyes again, to quell the rising unwillingness in me. "I would go, if this council deemed it necessary, and act the part, but only if my shame were unknown to all but those present."

"There is no alternative?" Rog asked.

"No." Galdor answered. "Ecthelion is right. There is no other who might be trusted so far, if he is trusted at all."

Ecthelion met my eyes. "Your shame will be the secret of this council."

Rog and Galdor nodded their agreement.

I sighed heavily. "Then I will go and seek Maeglin's services as sword smith, and be whatever use I can, at the bowing of my pride." I truly did not wish to do this thing, but I had made a promise, and what must be done must be done, and there was no other to take this burden, and no other I would rather bear it.

I stood, and bowed to them.

"This council is at a close." Rog said; then more softly, "I wish you well, Glorfindel."