The Flower and The Fountain

Misunderstandings
Summary: Glorfindel misinterprets Ecthelion’s affections towards a she-Elf, a misunderstanding which could cost the both of them their relationship. (Gondolin)

“All seems well within the city. There have bee rep reports of any disturbances, and the people of the Tree report nothing unusual occurring in and around the surrounding mountains. It does not seem that we will be found any time in the near future. All seems truly peaceful, my Lord. My Lord? My Lord Glorfindel!”

He shook himself back to the present upon hearing his name shouted out suddenly, and in close proximity. Glorfindel, chief of the House of the Golden Flower, found himself returning the brown-eyed stare of one of his assistants.

“Forgive me, Linaewen,” the golden Elf said, addressing the other as he ran a hand through his shimmering locks. He had barely been listening during his assistant’s report, gazing out the nearby window absentmindedly and drumming his slender fingers upon the oak tabletop before him. Glorfindel had been rather bored as of late and was not in the mood to listen to political affairs this day. Let Galdor, Legolas and the other people of the Tree worry about the borders. Let the rest of Gondolin mind their own affairs. Glorfindel just wanted to be left alone.

“Are you all right, my Lord?” Linaewen held a soft spot for his lord, for Glorfindel had always kind to him when he was but an elfling. He was one of the few people who knew, rather than speculated, about the relationship between his Lord and the Lord of the Fountain; he had seen Ecthelion spend a great deal of time in Glorfindel‘s company, especially during the night. The two lords were always very cheerful and outgoing that most thought their friendship was one bordering on kinship rather than love. Linaewen knew better, of course, for he had witnessed the exchanges of affections more than once. Somehow, though, the air between the two lords today seemed different, not at all like the usually light and carefree feeling that lingered about them.

When Glorfindel shook his head to answer Linaewen’s question and concerned look, the assistant stood silent and observed his Lord. The golden-haired Elf did not seem himself today; today he seemed troubled. Linaewen thought back to the hour just before he had been in Glorfindel’s company. He had been speaking with Ecthelion in the corridors when Glorfindel had stepped up, requested his presence. Then he had walked past Ecthelion without a single wordthe the Lord of the Fountain. Linaewen had thought it odd that Glorfindel would act in such away to his friend and lover, but had remained silent on the matter as he excused himself and followed his Lord; the assistant had barely caught the bewildered look upon Ecthelion‘s face before he rounded a corner.

He had not asked Glorfindel if there was strife between the pair, thinking it inappropriate. But, as he observed the blond, he could clearly see that there was something amiss. What bothered Linaewen about the situation was Glorfindel’s current behavior and Ecthelion’s confusion on the matter. Clearly whatever had happened, it was one-sided as Linaewen doubted the Fountain Lord knew what was troubling Glorfindel. Whatever it was, it involved the two of them, and the assistant was going to stay out of it. He knew better than to meddle in the affairs of others.

“My report is over, my Lord,” Linaewen announced, gathering his papers. “You do not look well. Please get some rest.”

“I am fine, Linaewen,” Glorfindel replied, his voice sounding tired. “But thank you for your concern.”

Linaewen smiled before exiting the room. He was hopeful that things would work out; it was best to let things run their course and wait the storm out.

Once his assistant had left, Glorfindel heaved a long sigh, pushed away from the table and stood from his chair. He stretched, arching his back in a feline manner, before making his way over to another table and pouring himself a flute of wine. Downing the glass in one, long drink, he refilled the delicate crystal ware before stepping into his adjourning bedroom and claimed a seat. Setting down the flute after taking a few sips, Glorfindel leaned forward and settled his head upon his arms. Golden hair spilled around him in shimmering waves, catching the fading light of the sun as it streamed in through the windows. He let his mind wander aimlessly through the days events as his eyes slowly slid shut.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

He had been wandering the halls for a few hours, speaking with Egalmoth about stately matters that both of them found rather boring but were unable to neglect for long. Glorfindel rolled his eyes upon hearing the chief of the Heavenly Arch speak about the follies of some of the younger members of his house; the blond began to wonder if he too had some less graceful elflings within the Golden Flower.

“I swear, Glorfindel,” Egalmoth said in an exasperated tone. “I watch the young recruits spar and wonder sometimes if they are being serious or playful. You would never think most of them were nearing their two hundredth year by the way they act sometimes.”

“Let them be, meldir,” Glorfindel replied, clasping his companion lightly on the shoulder. They have less worries than we did when we were their age.”

“Aye, this is true. We had much to ponder over during our youths.”

“Perhaps too much, I believe.” The two captains fell into a somber mood as they recounted parts of their childhood that were not particularly happy. Shaking himself back to the present, Egalmoth gave Glorfindel a weak smile before dismissing himself with the excuse of checking on the young members of his house before they ended up in the healing houses, or worse. The blond watched him go a moment before continuing on his trek down the palace corridors in silence.

Stopping at a large window facing into the king’s courtyard, Glorfindel sighed deeply as his eyes scanned the area. There were a number of Elves about, attending to their duties as they hurried here and there. There were also some taking a leisurely stroll about the beautiful grounds and enjoying the day. Glorfindel thought about going out to join them when one particular figure caught his eye. A slow smile crept across his face as the sight of Ecthelion leaning lazily against an aged tree filled his azure eyes.

Deciding to go out and enjoy the day with his lover, Glorfindel made a motion to leave the window when something else drew his attention. A young she-Elf, much younger than the Elda himself, appeared, racing up to Ecthelion. She was a stunning beauty Glorfindel realized when he saw her. She was dressed in green, her dark hair waving behind her as she ran, her gray eyes sparkling as she caught sight of Ecthelion. The dark-haired Elf smiled, pushing away from the tree as she approached him and clasped her in a tight embrace. Glorfindel felt a lump form in his throat at seeing the two exchange smiles and greetings he could not hear.

/She must be a friend,/ he thought to himself. /Or perhaps she is a relative. She can’t be his sister; Ecthelion only mentioned a brother./ Glorfindel felt his heart race, then slow again as he watched the pair speaking beneath the shadows of the tree. He felt hurt to see them so at ease with one another, but he tried to dismiss the feeling, tried to reassure himself that the woman was no more than a friend to Ecthelion. But, he couldn’t fight against the feeling that something was amiss, something he didn’t know about.

/Ecthelion has been a little absentminded lately. He’s been preoccupied, always leaving in a hurry. I’ve hardly seen him the past week./ Sapphire eyes widened then averted their gaze as the woman leaned in closer towards Ecthelion, the dark Elf‘s smile turning a little nervous at her gesture. Hurriedly, Glorfindel stepped away from the window and almost raced down the corridors of the palace; he checked himself in time and slowed his pace to a brisk walk so as to not draw unwanted attention towards himself. What had he just seen? Who was this woman and what relationship did she have with Ecthelion? He wasn’t quite sure, nor was he sure if he wanted to know. The whole scene was beginning to bother him greatly.

He left Turgon’s hall in a blurred hurry, not hearing the voices of Rog and Galdor as they passed him and uttered a greeting. The two captains exchanged a confused glance upon seeing their normally cheerful friend suddenly very somber and withdrawn. Glorfindel ignored them as he made his way towards his own house, inclining his head when the maidens of the Golden Flower greeted him. He had then locked himself within his study, busying himself with some papers, before leaving again to seek out Linaewen to complete the rest of the day’s duties.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Shutting his eyes, Glorfindel tried pushing the image of Ecthelion with the woman away from his mind. He had succeeded in not recounting the scene whilst engrossed in his work and listening to Linaewen deliver his report. But, now that he was alone, it was difficult to think about anything but what occurred in the palace courtyard. The unanswered questions he had both saddened and enraged Glorfindel. The most pressing question of all was who was that she-Elf, and what was she to Ecthelion?

The sound of the double doors opening caused Glorfindel’s eyes to snap open. With a slight puff of air from his lips, he blew aside a wayward strand of golden hair to find Ecthelion staring back at him. He froze in place whilst the dark-haired Elf studied him, Ecthelion leaning against the doors with his arms bracing him as he so. so. There was on odd expression on the Fountain Lord’s face, almost as if he could not decide whether to be concerned, amused or confused about Glorfindel’s current state. In response, the golden Elf narrowed his eyes slightly, and waited for something to happen or be said.

“Well?” Ecthelion asked, keeping his eyes steady on Glorfindel’s half-prone form.

“Well what?” Glorfindel shot back a little too sharply. Inwardly he cringed at the frown that creased his lover’s forehead but said nothing as Ecthelion stepped into the room, pulling the doors shut behind him before locking them both in.

“Don’t act so distant with me, Glorfindel. You’ve been acting rather strange all day, avoiding my company and refusing to speak with me. I’ve just spoken to Linaewen, and he seems to think there is something amiss with you.” Ecthelion claimed a seat near the blond, returning the azure gaze that was constantly fixed upon him. “Is there something amiss that I don’t know about?”

“No.” His voice was blunt and emotionless; he really didn’t want to have to tell Ecthelion what he suspected. Glorfindel was afraid that his suspicions would turn into reality. He didn’t want that. Better to keep silent than face the painful truth. But Ecthelion was having none of it.

“Don’t lie to me.” Ecthelion reached for the wine flute just as he saw Glorfindel’s eyes stray to it and pulled the glass out of the other’s reach. Both his eyes and his voice softened when next he spoke. “Malthener, talk to me. What’s bothering you?” His heart arched when he saw the unshed tears glimmering in his lover’s eyes. “Malthener?”

Instead of speaking, Glorfindel slipped from his chair. Kneeling on the floor, he buried his face into Ecthelion’s lap and cried his heart out. His initial anger and jealousy that had arisen when thinking about his lover and the woman had died away when Ecthelion had used that loving endearment with him. He reverted to a weeping, scared elfling who felt lost and alone. Glorfindel didn’t want to lose the one person he loved the most in all of Arda--he couldn’t.

Gentle hands stroked the golden hair as Ecthelion allowed his lover to cry in silence, offering his comfort freely. He didn’t know what was bothering Glorfindel, but hoped the blond would confide in him. For now, he allowed his lover to cry and cleanse his soul of troubles. His other hand gently smoothed over the trembling shoulders, soft whispers of comfort leaving Ecthelion’s lips.

After a time, Glorfindel’s tears slowed and he allowed his lover to draw him over to the bed where they both laid down. He sighed deeply as he buried his face into Ecthelion’s neck and breathed in his scent.

“Glorfindel, malthener, tell me what is troubling you.” When Glorfindel shook his head and refused to speak, Ecthelion sighed and pulled away slightly. He frowned at the slight whimper of protest the blond issued, his concern for his lover growing more. The dark-haired Elf reached down, cupping Glorfindel’s face in his hands and stared deep into the azure orbs. “Please, malthener. Tell me so that I may help you. Let me help you.”

Glorfindel hesitated a moment before giving in, closing his eyes as his voice came out in a barely audible whisper. “I saw you in the king’s courtyard this morning.”

“And?”

“I saw you…with someone else.”

Ecthelion frowned; he was beginning to understand what was troubling Glorfindel. But he needed to know more, and pressed harder. “Who did you see me with, Glorfindel? There was a large gathering of people in the courtyard this morning, and I spoke to a fair number of them.”

“You were with a woman.”

“A woman? What did she look like?”

“She wore a green dress, and had dark hair.” Sapphire orbs on the verge of issuing forth more tears turned up to Ecthelion, searching is gray-blue gaze for an answer. “Who was she?” His voice cracked when he voiced his question, frightened of the answer he would receive. He found himself buried in a warm embrace, a soft kiss placed upon his brow.

“She is my cousin.”

“Your cousin?” Other than parents, an elder brother and maternal grandparents, Glorfindel did not know of any other family Ecthelion might have had. He felt his lover nod before speaking again.

“She is a distant cousin, but I was close to her before my majority. Her name is Arien. I have not seen her in some years, nor did I realize that she crossed and survived Helcaraxë with us; she has been residing in Nevrast and Gondolin all these years. A few days ago one of Penlod’s squires delivered a letter from her to me. She requested to meet me. I did not know she was living in the house of the Pillar.”

“She must have known you were here though.” Glorfindel felt more at ease now that his fears had been quieted upon learning the woman he had seen was his lover’s cousin. He blinked in curiosity at the laugh that Ecthelion issued.

“That is the amusing thing--she did not. Apparently, Penlod and his assistants and captains, one of whom Arien married, hardly ever mention my name. They call me by my titles rather than my name.”

“Then, how did she learn who you were?”

“One of the maidens of my house was a friend of Arien’s, and they reunited some weeks ago. The maiden spoke highly of me and mentioned who I was. So Arien wrote me a letter and asked me to meet her. Which I did today, and which was the scene you probably saw.” Ecthelion gazed down at Glorfindel, but the blond had averted his eyes. “Glorfindel?” When no answer came, he gently cupped a hand beneath his golden lover’s chin. He saw embarrassment etched within the sapphire eyes.

“Forgive me, vanimaer,” Glorfindel whispered. “I did not know. I should not have jumped to conclusions when I saw you. But you seemed so distant this week and I thought…”

“Hush now, melethron. There is nothing to forgive; it was a mistake.”

“But…”

Ecthelion silenced his lover with a shake of his dark head. “No, Glorfindel. We are still together, no harm has been done.” The look in the azure eyes told him that Glorfindel was not convinced. Ecthelion sighed, running a hand through the golden locks. “You may make it up to me if you wish.”

“How?”

“Any way you see fit.”

Glorfindel thought about the offer for a moment before nuzzling the side of Ecthelion’s neck. “I think I know of a way.”

“Do you now?”

“Mmhmm. And I think you will enjoy it very much.” His tongue darted out, flickering across an earlobe and eliciting a delighted sigh from the other. A pretty shade of pink began to stain Ecthelion’s cheeks as Glorfindel began to suckle on the point of his ear whilst divesting the both of them of their clothes. Their bodies were soon naked, clothes crumpled upon the floor; warm skin slipped against one another like liquid satin and created delicious friction.

“I don’t ever want to lose you,” Glorfindel whispered as his eyes locked with his love’s, fingers whispering over pale, smooth skin covering high cheekbones.

“You will never lose me. I will always be with you.” Ecthelion smiled, unraveling Glorfindel’s thick braid and brushing golden hair behind pointed ears. He felt hands shifting in his dark tresses and freeing them of their own braided confines. Strands of gold and silver-black mixed in a sensual dance upon white pillows as the lovers drew closer. Lips joined in a breathless kiss as tongues wrestled and twined about one another, each swallowing their lover’s moans of delight as passion enveloped them.

“Im mela lle, vanimaer.” Ecthelion’s eyes seemed to darken at the admission as he drew Glorfindel closer for another kiss. The blond gently pulled away to explore the familiar planes of his lover’s slender form, hands caressing skin as tentative kisses were placed wherever his lips could reach, teeth nipping playfully at a collarbone and then a lower rib. A finger brushed against Ecthelion’s erection, causing him to moan deeply and arch his back as he sought more contact. Glorfindel complied, moving lower down his love’s body. His lips placed a whisper of a kiss over the head of his lover’s cock before he licked his lips and swallowed the heated column in one fluid motion, relaxing his throat in the process. He slipped the hard column from his lips before taking it in again, his tongue rasping lightly over the heated skin.

Ecthelion felt his whole world dance as he was being pleasured. All he could think about was the way Glorfindel’s hands and mouth were working him to completion and the look of pure, unconditional love emanating from the blond’s sapphire gaze. His back arched off the bed, seeking to press himself deeper in the warm heat surrounding his erect sex. But Glorfindel’s steady hand on his hip forced him back down, drawing a whimper of protest from the Fountain Lord’s lips.

The whimper was followed by a groan of frustration as Glorfindel released him and began to move lower, placing loving kisses upon Ecthelion’s inner thighs and calves. His actions sent shivers of pleasure coursing through the dark-haired Elf’s lithe form. After reaching slim ankles, Glorfindel began to move back up the flushed body; gently cupping Ecthelion’s face in his hands, the blond placed butterfly kisses upon the closed eyes and over arousal flushed cheeks. His hands moved to slender shoulders, thumbs flicking over smooth skin as he continued to kiss his lover’s fair face. Ecthelion offered his lover a mocking glare of impatience when their eyes next met, to which the blond merely chuckled.

“I’m not done making up to you yet,” he whispered, placing a light kiss upon an ear tip whilst turning Ecthelion over until the dark-haired Elf was lying on his stomach. He whimpered again as his straining erection rubbing against the sheets, seeking for release. He closed his eyes, dark hair falling forward to partially obscuis fis face, as he felt the tips of Glorfindel’s fingers brush against his entrance, already well-oiled. The digit easily slipped inside, soon joined by a second and then a third.

Ecthelion groaned as he was being prepared, pressing back against the fingers and hissing his pleasure when his prostate was gently brushed. “Saes, malthener. I can’t hold on much longer.”

Glorfindel nodded even though Ecthelion could not see him. Withdrawing his fingers, he added more oil to his palm from the vial he had taken from his nightstand and quickly readied himself. Placing a hand on either side of Ecthelion’s hips, he gently lifted them off the bed until his lover was on his knees and he was kneeling between the spread legs. Glorfindel leaned forward over his lover’s back, positioning himself just before pressing in past the guardian ring of muscle and burying himself to the hilt. Ecthelion threw his head back and moaned as the first thrust hit his sweet spot accurately. He pressed back against his love, a silent plea for Glorfindel to move, as his hands raised to tightly grip the wooden headboard in anticipation.

Closing his eyes, Glorfindel concentrated on making sweet love to Ecthelion, his thrust speeding up with passing time and aching need. He felt Ecthelion shutter beneath him each time his prostate was stimulated. Wishing to give his love more pleasure, Glorfindel wrapped an arouaround a slender waist and curling his fingers about Ecthelion’s erection, gently pumping in time with his thrust. His lover’s head was bowed, dark hair creating a curtain about his face and hiding the flushed cheeks, closed eyes and moistened lips parted in pleasure. Leaning forward, Glorfindel sealed his lips over the curve of Ecthelion’s neck, feeling their dampened skin slide against one another in their lovemaking.

Nearing his peak, Ecthelion tried to hold out a moment longer but found the act impossible. Glorfindel’s tender lovemaking, the gentle touch of his hands and lips were driving the dark-haired Elf insane. Stars danced behind his closed eyes, becoming brighter as his climax neared. Tossing his head, he let loose a small cry of pleasure and delias has he achieved orgasm, shivers wracking his body as he felt the waves of satisfaction consume him. He felt and heard the muffled cry of his lover against his neck as Gindeindel came inside him.

Together they sank back onto the bed, the furniture creaking slightly under their weight. They lay like that for some time, Glorfindel pressed against Ecthelion’s back, as they road out the last of their orgasms together. With a soft sigh, Glorfindel rose up slightly on his knees and gently pulled out of his lover. He sank back down onto the bed on his side whilst turning Ecthelion over to face him. He smiled at the love radiating from the tired but satiated gray-blue eyes as they fixed on Glorfindel’s person. Reaching for his hand, Ecthelion entwined his fingers with Glorfindel’s and laid a kiss upon their joined digits.

“Did I make it up to you?” Glorfindel asked, his voice a barely audible whisper meant only for his lover’s ears.

“I believe so,” Ecthelion replied, snuggling closer and wrapping his free arm around a slim waist, smiling as he felt Glorfindel do the same. “And you did wonderfully might I add.”

A mischievous grin spread itself across the blond’s face. “Do you have any other relatives I should know about?” Ecthelion’s soft, musical laughter filled his ears and Glorfindel couldn’t help but turn his grin into a smile.

“I’ll make sure to introduce you to them before I have any other reunions.”

“Good. I would hate to have this argument again at a later point. But I do not mind making up with you afterwards.”

“Nor would I, malthener.” The pair smiled brilliantly at one another before sharing a tender kiss. Ecthelion snuggled ever closer, burying his face against golden hair and a creamy neck as Glorfindel released their clasped hands a moment to pull the sheets around them before claiming his lover’s hand again.

“I love you, Glorfindel. I will always love you no matter where I am. You will always have my heart.”

“And you will have mine. Only the Halls of Mandos will keep us apart. But, even then, I will always be yours.” He pulled Ecthelion closer, laying a tender kiss upon the dark crown. “Im mela lle, vanimaer. Mela en‘ coiamin.”

“Im vithel, malthener. Im mela lle. Ilyamenie.”

Another tender kiss filled with love passed between them before they stopped resisting the pull of sleep they had been fighting for the last few minutes. Their entwined hands remained locked, their bodies close as eyes turned vacant. Long was their previous misunderstand forgotten; love had succeeded in dispelling t fea fears and would forever remain, binding the golden flower to his fountain.

TBC...