House of the Golden Flower

A week before Midsummer Eve, I woke early, and watched him sleep, his hands draped lazily over his chest, rising with each movement.
I woke him by gently kissing each fingertip, for I loved him still with all my heart, and even were he blind, deaf and dumb I would not desert him for Maeglin's sake.

He smiled gently at me, and I gave him a kiss that started with easy abandon, and ended in fire. His hands on me turned hungry, arousing, and I arched and quivered with need, as he saw fit to bestow. He gave me release with his mouth, then turned me onto my belly and applied it liberally before sliding home inside me, pressed full length against my back.

We moaned in symphony, sympathy, as he rocked us slowly until my arousal built again, then took us both over together, screaming one another's names in a waterfall of kisses.

We lay together after, looking out the window at the sky, side-by-side, sweat drying.

"Turgon." I said quietly.

"Glorfindel."

Do you love Maeglin more than me? Do you give him this, what only you have ever given me? Do you think we did him wrong, so long ago? Is he really as bad as I think he is? Is he worse?

It was too much to say, so I didn't say enough. "I love you."

"I love you too." He took my hand clumsily.

We were silent for a long time. I thought he'd fallen asleep, almost did myself.

"Glorfindel." Softly, unsure.

"Yes?"

"I won't let my brother die." He said.

I knew what he was talking about, but I hadn't the faintest idea what he meant. Had we grown so far apart?

"I know." I replied.

He fell asleep then, and we didn't get out of bed until noon.

When we did, he and I took a quick breakfast, over which he told me to set my house in order, and to be ready for a summons this evening. I looked at him carefully, but there were no clues and he wouldn't say any more about it. I did not press him, but did as he asked.

At twilight, a messenger came to my door. I was ready, having been dressed and pacing since the sun began to set. I left with him.

I found the palace at assembly, all the Lords of all the Houses, both minor and major, were present but for myself and Rog, who came in the door even as I did. We bowed to Turgon, and took our seats.

"Lords of the Houses of Gondolin. You are aware that war is stirring outside the walls of our city. You are also aware that my brother, my only living relative, is to be present at what promises to be a bloody battle. You know as well as I what I plan to do by the calling of this council. I ask that the minor houses and my regent stay behind as I march to war at my brother's side, this Midsummer."

Turgon broke off at this point and looked at Ecthelion beside me, then met my eyes, taking up two cloaks of scarlet - the markings of captains. "Ecthelion of the Fountain, Glorfindel of the Golden Flower - will you serve as my captains?"

"Of course, my Lord." Ecthelion said, leaving his chair to kneel at Turgon's feet.

"Yes, My King." I said, and knelt beside Ecthelion.

"My dearest friend." Turgon said softly as he fitted Ecthelion's on him.

Then it was my turn, and the heavy garment swept regally onto my back even as he whispered, "You know I would not otherwise ask, my love."

"I live for you." I said, letting my tone echo the statement of this morning, that he be minded of it. His hands clasped the pin at my collarbones gently.

"Now rise, my Captains." He commanded us, and we did so, bowing to him before we took our seats.

"The rest of you who will, I ask you to set your affairs in order and ride with me at dawn tomorrow. We will meet at the Gates."

He bowed slightly to the assembled Lords; and left, Maeglin dragging at his heels, arguing in low tones that he be allowed to go along. With no more reason to stay, now that Turgon's brief word with us was done, we each separately set out for our homes. I avoided Ecthelion, Rog and Galdor, because I did not wish to be congratulated for my shaming, even with the best wishes in their hearts.