Current mood:

tired

HotGF Part 2
Author: Anu (anubeta@lycos.com)
Rating: R
Summary: Glorfindel's life, in his own words.
Warnings: Silmarillion-based.
Pairing: Glorfindel/Turgon.



Chapter Eleven:

Amredith woke me with a summons from the King's House and a nearly ungodly hour, dawn. When I had only been asleep since just past midnight, waking was difficult, and only a cold bath roused me fully.
I dressed again, and went to Turgon's house.

Hurin was in counsel with the King, and Meaglin, who obvoiusly begrudged Hurin and Huor Turgon's favor was openly kind and fair to them, but I could see that he loathed them. When I was let in, I bowed before my mate, and looked up to recieve a sneer from Meaglin. I ignored him, for in my expierence he was harmless.

"Glorfindel, will you keep Huor company this day? I fear he is too young to be troubled with our counsels." Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Huor bristle. He'd been told he was too young many times before, but as evidenced in the fact that he'd gone to war with his brother at thirteen, he wasn't one to be held back by it. I swallowed a smile. "I would be honored." More bowing and posturing later, and I towed Huor out of the council chamber.

I needed to find Idril, she'd like to be informed of events and I had a feeling that Huor could tell us plenty.

She was in her gardens with her maidens, tending them in the rising summer heat. I introduced her and Huor to one another, and she bade us sit, and dismissed her maids. "Will you tell us Huor, of the recent events outside the walls of Gondolin? For I fear I have not yet heard them, and if Glorfindel has he has not heard them in full; and news comes rarely here."

Huor did as she said, and Idril sat beside me to listen to the tale in full.

"High King Fingolfin of the elves began it all. He decided that his forces of Men and Elves were stong enough to assail Morgoth, because he feared what Morgoth might do there in Angband in possible preparation of destroying all of Beleriand. His sons agreed with him, being that they live in Dorthonion and therefore under the shadow of Thandogrodrim, but still Fingolfin's desire came to naught."

I yawned, politely covering my mouth with my hand, and nodded for him to continue. Huor went on.

"Without warning, liquid fire issued forth from Thangorodrim in violent eruption, and destroyed Ard-Galen and all in it's path, until nothing left lived. Ard-Galen is now called Angfauglith, or the Gasping Dust, as I'm sure you two know, for you have spoken the launguage of elves longer than I."

At this Idril laughed, and said in brief my past, even as I lay my head on her shoulder and laughed. When she had finished, I added "So you see Huor, I hardly know more than you, although I have had longer to study."

"How much longer?"

"Nearly a hundred years, now."

"And your name, it means golden hair?"

"Yes."

"I had wondered about that. My grandfather was called Hador Lorindol, and often known for his golden hair. Hurin's and mine is gold too, but not the rich color of the elves." "Turgon named me, when he found me. I'd had no name before that."

"How long did you live alone? Idril did not say."

His boyish enthusiasim was fascinating. "I do not know. It was a very long time."

"Do you remember anything before it?"

"My memories before that time are vauge and blurred with sorrow; the vision of dead silver eyes assaults me everytime I try to think of it."

Huor looked as if he were about to apologize. I interrupted him "It is alright, though the memories cause me pain; I try not to think of them." I lay down with my head in Idril's lap, and she unwove the crown of office from my hair. He tilted his head to one side to look at me. "I was up late and early, and the past few days have been hard." I said by way of apology and explanation.

"Are you the Lady's lover?" he asked, wondering at my familiarity with her. We both laughed at that, and Idril undertook to make him understand. "No, we are like a brother and sister. Sometimes he is my child," She stroked my hair back from my cheek "And sometimes he is my friend. I think I am always his sister, and sometimes his daughter." I smiled up at her; Idril was even lovely upside down.

"Then you are the King's." He concluded. Idril looked up at him at that. "You are wise and see clearly in a way usually unknown to Men, young Huor. What you have seen is true, for niether hide it from eyes that wish to see. What is your opinion of it; how are such relationships viewed among you and your people?" She said gaurdedly.

"Those involved retain thier honor, and are not looked down upon or respected more. It is the same, more or less, as when a man takes a woman for his own, only said nothing of, for there be no issue of children." Idril nodded, and I saw that she was pleased. "If you will continue your tale, Huor, I would be honored."

"Would you two mind if I slept? I will listen." I asked. Huor grinned. "Sleep if you like, Master elf, and I will speak to your companion in your stead." I nodded, and turned my face against Idril's belly, the embroidery of her dress pressing me. I rearranged it as Huor continued, and laid my body full length along the stone garden bench.

"Where was I? Ah, Angfauglith. After the plain was kindled and destroyed, dragons and balrogs and orcs came forth; assaulting Hithlum and Dorthonion and Lothlann, and those not destroyed in that first attack fled to the fortresses Ossiriand or Doraith or Nagothrond, and in battle on the walls of Eithel Sirion Hador my grandfather fell, and Gundor my uncle; leaving Galdor my father lordship of our house. I and my brother were fostered with my aunt Gloredhel's husband Haldir in Brethil, and we only heard of it after."

Idril's stroking of my hair lulled me to near-sleep, and Huor paused to comment "He sleeps with his eyes open, doesn't he?"

Idril nodded, and wondering, Huor went on. I smiled and drifted into sleep, still listening.

"When the smoke of Dagor Bragollach, the battle of sudden fire, had faded, Fingolfin heard news of the events and belived that all was lost and that the Noldor had brought Beleriand to ruin. He was mad with rage, and rode off alone, and word is that he could not or would not be stopped. He went to Angband's gates and challenged Morgoth forth, calling him master of slaves and all manner of foul things, and since Morgoth could not decline when his enemy was at his very gates; lest he lose face before his hosts, he came forth, and they fought, and the battle was great."

Idril paused and I felt her take a deep breath, so I wrapped an arm around her thigh in encouragement, and she lay her slender hand over my face, fingertips brushing my lips and brows. Huor dared continue at an unseen signal from Idril, remembering that Fingolfin had been her grandfather, and that she had known him long and well, softening his words accordingly.

"Fingolfin was brave, and Thorondor marred the face of the enemy after he was dead, and carried away the corpse lest it be defiled."

Huor fell silent. Idril's tears dropped on me like rain. "He brought him here." I said, and took Idril's hands.

"I thought that it was so. Fingon in Hithlum is now High King of the Elves."

I nodded. "And so came you here how?"

"I fought to be brought along into battle. I'm not a child, and I can hold my own in a fight." There was fire in his voice, and Idril chuckled softly. "It's true." He insisted. I waved him on.

"We were in a group that got seperated from the main body of my uncle's force and were pursued to the Ford of Brithiach, but for a mist that came off the river we would have been found and slain by our enemies, and Hurin says that it was by the grace of Ulmo, but I saw no Valar anywhere I looked, and I should think Ulmo would be hard to miss." Idril muffled a laugh, and I hid my grin in her skirts.

"Ulmo can work in the most subtle of ways, Huor, for he sends Turgon dreams." I informed him.

"Well, I think it would have been more noticible, perhaps it was just the river, after all." He stubbornly resisted. I quit arguing with the strong-headed lad.

"Anyway, we crossed the river, and got lost in the hills; but Hurin refused to admit being lost, of course, and so we wandered on until he gave up at last and threatened to bind and gag me if I didn't stop straining his judgment, and blamed me for getting us lost! In the afternoon, two eagles came to our aid and asked us to alight, and when we did so, they brought us here. And you would know the rest."

He stopped, and leaned back against the trunk of the tree that grew alongside of the bench.

"Very well told, brother." Hurin said from the gate of the garden. Huor and Idril started, I woke fully and sat up to look at him. Turgon was not with him. "The King would see you in his study, Lord Glorfindel, and as for my brother, we have an opportunity to be measured for clothing before the evening meal."

I rose and nodded to him, and bowed to Idril before I departed.

Chapter Twelve:

Hurin and Huor stayed with us for a year, and after that first day the days when Huor was not in the company of Turgon and his brother were few. I still kept company with Idril, and managed my House, and spoke occasionally with Galdor. One morning I rose late, having been woken early and been well loved by an over-amorous Turgon. Hurin and Huor knew so long ago that Turgon and I were a pair that it was common for me to stay in the King's house overnight without pretending that Turgon and I did not keep night company.
And thus I was on my way to see Idril when I heard soft weeping.

Now I was then near the East Hall on the third level, and Maeglin's set of rooms. Darkness was fairly sequestered there, for heavy drapes blackened the light from the windows, and many of the furnishings were of dark wood or metal, for Maeglin was a clever forgeman. I followed the sound to its source, just behind the door of Maeglin's room. I instructed the person to move back from the door, for it was locked and that was the source of the woman's distress. With a mighty heave I broke it open, and captured an armful that threw itself at me.

"He's coming! He's coming!" She shrieked, clawing to get past me. "He's coming back!"

I held her fast. "Who? Who's coming?"

"Maeglin! He'll kill me...kill me...kill me..." She was very close to passing out.

"Why would he kill you?" I asked her. She shrugged, didn't know, and tried to escape. I noted that she had been thoroughly debauched, and it didn't bother me that Maeglin had a lover, but it did bother me that she was absolutely hysterical.

"Alright, come on." I said, and carried her out into the hall. She followed me meekly, her face white in fear.

Once out, I tucked her in an alcove to comfort her fear and need to hide, then went in search of Turgon's steward. Perhaps he could help the woman.

Turgon's steward I found in the kitchen, arranging the day's meal schedules. I told him to meet me up in the alcove outside the East Hall, and returned there. I found the girl, lying in a pool of blood from her slit throat. I knelt swiftly and checked for a pulse, finding none. I stood in silence a moment. I needed to tell Turgon. I was sure Maeglin had done it, but there was no proof. Clever, clever Maeglin. I heard the steward coming up the stair. I could not be found with the body, it was in Maeglin's plan so that he could blame me or have me killed. I had been the last to touch her, to see her alive. I was the only one here now, and with his influence, Maeglin would believably blame me.

Maeglin had almost caught me. Almost. I would not walk into a trap again. I fled down the hall, to Idril's room. I needed a solid alibi, and Idril could vouch that I was with her at the time of the killing, even if she were to lie. I hadn't done it. And who would argue with Idril? The game's stakes had just gotten higher, and now it was between Maeglin and I. Well, I wouldn't make it easy for him to drag me down. I really shouldn't drag Idril into it, I knew, but she was already involved.

When I told her, her left brow rose in alarm. "We have to tell my father."

"He won't believe us."

"He might."

"Maeglin has him where he wants him. He can't even conceive of the idea that Maeglin might be plotting against him and manipulating him."

"So what do we do?"

"Tell him, of course."

"But isn't it pointless?"

"It's incriminating not to." I pointed out.

She sighed, and we set out, her taking my hand.

When we reached Turgon's office, our knock was answered by Maeglin, sliding himself through the opened door with a glare at each of us. "Where have you been?" He asked. Ah, so that was the game. Get both of us, if not one. But you don't want Idril dead, so what's your plot? I wondered.

Instead I answered "In Idril's rooms, playing a game of strategy with her maidens." I made sure to mention our witnesses.

His eyes narrowed. "You should not consort with servants. It is not befitting of a Lord." He told me, then turned to Idril.

"Why are you here?" His voice dripped with sustained lust and hate.

"To speak with my father. Privately." She answered coolly.

He leered, and opened the door. She walked through, and I remained close on her heels. Maeglin breathed hot and angry on my neck as I passed him by. He left and attempted to close the door behind himself, but I stopped it and left it open, so that he could not eavesdrop on the other side.

Turgon looked up from his desk at us. "Yes?"

Idril lay her hand flat at her side, palm facing the floor. It was a signal to me to stay silent.

"Father," She began. "I fear we have a murderer amongst us."
Turgon now paid her full attention.

"This morning, Glorfindel found a woman weeping in Maeglin's rooms, greatly distressed. He managed to convince her that he would find her some aid, and left her where she was hiding, refusing to come out. When he had summoned the Steward, he returned to her, but she was dead."

Turgon looked sharply at me. "Do you know who did it?"

"I suspect Maeglin, my King." I replied.

"And yet there is no proof. I shan't pretend I don't tire of your accusations, but please Glorfindel, have the sense to have undeniable proof when you lay blame." He snapped. I was hurt, but said nothing in reply.

"Where are Hurin and Huor?" Idril suddenly asked. I noticed with a bit of a shock that they were not present, and that I hadn't seen them all morning.

"I granted them leave, and Maeglin sent them away." That hit like a blow. I hadn't even had a chance to say farewell to them, Idril either. I would miss Huor dearly, and Hurin too. "Did you wish to send them away?" I asked.

"No, they wanted to go."

"But Maeglin orchestrated it 'on their behalf'." I let my anger show in my sarcasm.

"Yes, he did." I felt my heart plummet. He still saw no wrong in his sister-son!

"Tell me Turgon," I said coolly, "would you trust your sister-son with your fate and your kingdom moreso than I?"

"You are not the heir, and I cannot choose between you." He said, not meeting my eyes.

I knew that he had chosen between us. And that, despite the fact that I would never lie to him or deceive him of ill will, he had chosen Maeglin. I was hurt, and more than that, afraid. If Maeglin killed him as Turgon had now unknowingly given him power to do, would I be allowed to take Idril and flee? Or would we both become slaves to his malice and yes, his lust, for I saw that he looked on Turgon with jealousy at times?

I turned on my heel without another word, and left the palace for my own house. Turgon did not stop me.

Chapter Thirteen:

The next murder was a week later, and it was Idril who informed me, having found the girl left at her door like a cat's offering. I had not been back to the palace since then, still angry and upset with Turgon, who had yet to summon me or attempt to make it right.
I went and saw how the girl was laid, and like before, her throat was slit and she was thoroughly debauched. I arranged for the grisly present to be taken care of. This girl, unlike the other, had an identity. She was of the house of the Fountain, because Idril had known her briefly before. Maeglin was hitting closer and closer to home, home being Idril. I went to talk with Ecthelion, not only to make burial arrangements, but for counsel.

He greeted me at his door and ushered me into his study, where I told him all that had happened, both between Turgon and I, and of the murders. He told me that Turgon had already asked for silence on the matter, intending to keep it hushed. I clenched my jaw at that, not liking secrecy, but it served its purpose.

"Glorfindel, I think it would be best if you just stayed out of this." He told me.

I looked him in the eye. "Why? What good does it do to do nothing?"

"More good than possibly incriminating yourself by trying to prove that Maeglin is the one doing it."

"But I know he is, and if I set myself up as bait and outthink him, I believe I can trick him into exposure."

"Glorfindel," He said gently, "I do not doubt your ability to outthink and outmaneuver him, but do you honestly think that Turgon will believe him guilty, deceived as he is?"

"No." I had to agree.

"Wait until you are in his favor again, you know he loves you and his anger cannot last long. I advise you be ready to forgive him when he is ready, and not to press him further than he will go. When he sees that, he will trust you enough to listen."

"Does he not trust me now?" The thought was heart wrenching.

"Turgon has never trusted well, and usually only one person at a time. He is wary by nature, and has never had so many to trust before. He does often make mistakes, but he cannot be forced to admit or correct them unless it is his idea to. You understand, don't you?" He said quickly, to reassure me.

"Yes." I agreed, knowing firsthand how he was. "But why does he trust so wrongly? If it were any other situation I would not be so keen to save him, but this misplaced trust may even cost him his life!"

"Valar help us all if Maeglin takes the throne." He said softly. "Do you think Maeglin would do so?"

"Why do you ask me? It is Idril who sees his heart."

"But you think as he does, and you are a man, so that will make your guess a little more accurate than her vision alone."

I thought for a moment. "I cannot say he thinks like I, or that I know what he thinks, but if I desired direct power instead of the indirect I joyfully hold; then yes, I would slay him. But Maeglin would rule with an iron fist after, to prevent the good people of Gondolin from protesting too much, or taking him from the throne, whereas I would appoint another into power so I could manipulate without being in full control."

"And that is the difference between you two, for although you are self-serving as he is, it is for the good of what you love, and with him it is for the good of himself." Ecthelion mused.

"Glorfindel, promise me this: If Turgon's throne does come to ruin, you will do what you can to save us." He asked earnestly.

I leaned forward and took his hand in a man's promise. "I have devoted myself to Gondolin as of now, be it doom or failure, and as I say, I will do, to the extent of my ability."

He smiled then, and I returned it.

"Now, go away Glorfindel, and leave me to my thoughts. When I decide what we shall do about the murders in the palace, I will come to you." He dismissed me cheerfully.

I left his house in high spirits; a burden shared was less heavy, indeed. At my house, there were a few small matters to be settled that kept me occupied for the duration of the day, including an audience with the ladies of the house, who desired to fit me for armor. Amused, I told them to make their preparations, and that I would allow them to fit me for it the next week, as I was hoping to settle the events in the palace before seeing to my own house, which was rather improper priorities, but my house was capable of leading itself, and if Turgon was going to be blind to his house, someone else would have to deal with it and I would not leave that burden to Idril alone.

That night I lay awake in bed, thinking of those two dead women. Suddenly, with clarity that surprised and angered me that I hadn't seen it before, I realized: They all looked like Idril.

Each of them had been a maiden, each had a little Vanyar blood so that she would look golden-haired in the dark, and each were close to Idril's dimensions. The most recent one had even been one of Idril's friends! I rose from my bed and paced. I could not run to Idril and save her, I 'had no proof'. No one else would listen, and perhaps if Idril knew, Maeglin would do it to her. No, I could not risk Idril. Turgon was also not an option. Ecthelion!

I was dressed and down the street before a quarter of an hour had passed, and at Ecthelion's door. As it was nine at night, still early yet for me but not the city, the steward of his house looked at me oddly, and told me that Lord Ecthelion had gone to bed. I pushed past him and went upstairs. He let me, knowing I meant no harm. I pounded on Ecthelion's bedroom door before entering, to give him fair warning, and found him nearly to the door when I stepped in. I was a little out of breath, and noted he looked startled and had not yet gone to bed.

"Glorfindel, what is it?" He asked.

"Idril, Ecthelion, Idril!" I said foolishly.

"What?" he asked.

I took a deep breath and composed myself as best I could. "The victims, they all looked like Idril. And this last was an acquaintance of hers."

He looked as alarmed as I felt. "We need to remove her from the palace as soon as it can be done. She must not stay under the same roof as he, if he is truly acting thus."

"Do you think Turgon will believe us, or will we have to act in secret?"

He looked at me long and hard. "Could you defy your king and lover, Glorfindel?"

"If I must."

"It may yet be required of you." He replied, and fell silent.

At last he spoke. "Go there, and tell her in secret what we have found, then come back here with her, if you can." I nodded, and left.

Idril, unsurprisingly, was still awake when I arrived. She seemed surprised to see me, but was more distressed tonight than I'd seen her ever be. I asked her of it, and she sent her maidens out before turning to me to speak. "Glorfindel, ever since you left the palace, he has been a terror to me."

Maeglin. "What has he said and done?" I asked.

"He corners me in the halls, and just looks at me and breathes on me...but at night, he assaults me."

"Assaults you?" I asked in alarm.

"He comes into my room, I don't know he gets there, but he lays on me - at first it was just beside me - and looks at me. I always pretend to be asleep. He has been getting braver...last night he actually rutted on me, and then this morning..." "We found the girl." I finished her sentence and took her in my arms. She was shaking like a leaf in a windstorm.

"Please, Glorfindel, I need a witness, someone to prove that this isn't just a nightmare, and you're the only one who looks so much like me...please?" She begged.

I kissed her brow. "Yes, alright. I'm so sorry Idril; I shouldn't have left, even if I was angry with Turgon. I'll find a way to get you out of here, I promise. Now, go and sleep in with your maidens, and I'll take your bed for the night." She nodded tearfully.

I darkened the room so that he wouldn't see my face by chance, and lay down. Her bed smelled sweet, like she did, and I fell asleep rather quickly. I woke, as promised, to the weight of a man laying on me. It was Maeglin; I could feel by the lines of his body. He touched my hair and face lightly, whispering. "Idril, sweet, lovely Idril..." He leaned forward and kissed me. I did not wince or kiss him back. His lips crept to mine, and dove inside. Taken unaware, I hadn't closed my jaw in time, and his tongue was inside my mouth. He pulled away. "Beautiful Idril, you taste so nice." He murmured, stroking my hair.

My hair wasn't as wavy as Idril's but I don't think he noticed. He adjusted himself atop me, and I could feel his erection on my hip. "I'd like to put it in you, cousin, but I think your father would notice your screams of bliss, and see how stiffly you walked in the morning, lovely." Urgh. This was his idea of bed talk? I'd been better seduced by a warg, and would rather have bedded the warg, too, fleas or no. "How about...instead..." He said, and I was aware of his hands creeping under the blanket. Well, one touch would find no breasts and a little extra in the package department, so I knocked his hands away.

He laughed softly. "So you're awake after all then, cousin. Why don't you open your eyes and kiss me back? I don't like it when you lay there like a loathsome slug." I made no reply. "Ah well. Your loss." He said at last, and began humping me, breathing heavily, face tucked into my neck. I endured it, and it did not take long. I felt sorry for Idril, this being one of the horrors she had endured. His scent, when he came, was heavy and metallic, deeply masculine and dark. "Mmmm." He noted, and kissed me again. This time my mouth was closed and stayed closed to him.

I didn't expect for him to go for my crotch again, but his hand was already there when he said, "Are you wet, dear cousin? Didn't you like it just a little bit?" And then his palm closed over me and I knew I was found out because he stiffened and went very still. I couldn't move for a moment, waiting to see what he'd do. "Why Idril!" He said and leaned on me, but found no breasts. With the speed of a striking snake, he pulled a knife and held it to my neck, and I returned the favor. "Drop the knife." He said, threatening with a little press of the blade. I pressed him back. He reached out with the other hand, and turned on a light.

Dazzled by it, he and I blinked stupidly at one another a moment. I focused on his dark eyes, dilated with recent passion, the sweat dampening his brow. He smirked. "Glorfindel. I had thought Idril more slight. No matter, you'll do just as well." He leaned forward, and would have kissed me again, but my second hand pressed a knife to his belly. "Get. Off." I commanded.

He did so, and sat on his heels next to me, putting away his knife. I glared at him.

"Do you honestly think anyone will believe you over me, Fin?" He asked.

My name isn't Fin, you bastard, I wanted to snap. Instead I said, "If you ever touch her again, I'll geld you."

He chuckled. "Maybe I won't touch her, then. Maybe I'll just fuck Turgon's bitch instead."

"Get out." I said evenly, voice dark with anger.

"Oh now Glorfindel, don't pretend you don't like laying with men like a girl. Spread 'em wide, let him at your man-pussy. I could show you a better time than he ever could."

I got out of the bed, incensed. Maeglin was simply obscene.

He walked nonchalantly to the door, laughing. "Some other time, then?" Came his sickly sweet, dark voice as he slid around the corner and slid down the hall. I resisted acting in anger, and considered my options.

I couldn't leave the palace. I couldn't go to Idril. Biting my lip, I fought with the idea of going and crawling in with Turgon, casting aside my pride and apologizing. No, I couldn't do that, too much was at stake, this was not just a lover's disagreement.

I lay back down, but didn't turn off the light. I didn't sleep again, either.

In the morning, I was dressed and sitting in the chair by the window when Idril came in. She looked worried. "Did he come in again?"

I nodded. There wasn't any more to be said, besides: "Get ready to take leave of here for a time. We're going to see Ecthelion, and then you may stay in my house. I'll arrange some kind of cover for you." She beamed brightly at me and I managed a smile, still upset by the events of the night. How had she stood it? Poor brave, sweet Idril.

After she packed up what she would need, we set out, not saying anything to anyone. I didn't even speak with Turgon. Once we got out in the hall, Idril clung to my side because of the dark. I stepped in something damp, and had a feeling I knew what it was. "Idril, fetch the lamp." I said. She went back, and returned with it. She gasped at the sight, and I sighed, having guessed. It was one of Idril's maidens, murdered and left in the hall. Most disturbing about her was, though she had been both raped and sodomized, her skin was still warm to the touch. Once for her and once for me, I thought darkly. "Maeglin, you bastard!" I said loudly, but there was no sound or motion in the hall. I held Idril tightly to me and half-drug her out. Turgon could keep his fucking secrecy and dispose of the corpse himself.

We went straight to Ecthelion's house. It was Ecthelion who answered the door when I knocked. "I expected you back last night!" He said.

"I'm sorry," I apologized "but I'll explain everything once you let us in without further display, as we haven't permission to be here." He let us in without another word, greeting Idril once we were inside.

"Ecthelion, we have much to tell you, and I think Idril should say her piece first."

Idril stepped over to one of the couches, and seated herself.

"Ecthelion, my father is deceived, and his house in ruins. It is no longer safe for me to remain, and by the grace of the Valar, Glorfindel has seen to my safety. Another of my maidens has died in my stead tonight, and I will have no more do the same. I beg you and Glorfindel to shelter me, even if I must wed one of you to escape my father's house and its terrors."

"Lady Idril, I would not wed thee." Ecthelion said quietly.

"Nor I, for you are like my sister, and I am bound to your father." I refused.

"Then find me an honorable way to live outside the palace, I beg you."

Ecthelion and I were silent a moment, thinking.

"Perhaps you could remain in Ecthelion's house under the guise of weaving tapestries with his maidens?" I suggested.

"It would not be believed, and my father would know it makes more sense for them to come to me in the palace, rather than I go to them." She replied.

"Lady Idril, are you skilled in the fitting and making of armor?" Ecthelion asked, sitting beside her. She nodded and he went on, "My armor does not need to be replaced, but as far as I know, Glorfindel has no proper suit of it."

"Aye, you do not, Glorfindel." She agreed, smiling at the solution. "But that will only buy us a week or two, while it is made."

"I might have come up with a solution by then, and if I have not, we could always stall until I can think of another way to spare you." I said.

"Glorfindel, Ecthelion, I am grateful to your generosity - without you I fear I should be lost."

Ecthelion rose, putting his hands together at his waist. "Well, I do not know how you two slept, but I slept not well. I have spare beds you are welcome to, and my hospitality will see you through until you feel ready to put our plan into motion." He bowed to us, and called for his steward.

Chapter Fourteen:

Thus I found myself naked before nearly fifty 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 ladies 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 closed 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."

Chapter Fifteen:

I could hear him in his forge as I walked up.
He was leaning over the flames, sweating, lips tight with focus on his chosen craft, sparks flying from the hot iron every time the hammer swung down. His black hair was tied back with a strip of silk; his bare chest gleamed in the light. I slipped in, seated myself on a bench behind him and watched quietly.

When the tool he was making took shape, a hoe, he was gentler with the metal, and sweat ran in rivulets down his back. The forge was ripe with the smell of heat, stale water, hot iron, flame, and his scent. When it was done, he plunged it into the barrel of water, causing steam to rise. Wiping his hands on his shirt, which dangled from a rafter, he turned to look at me from between his arms, the dark hair under them exposed.

"What is it you wish, Fin?" He asked lightly.

I found it hard to remember how dark he was inside, seeing him here, in his element, at his craft, for once peaceful and not coldly calculating against me and mine.

"Do not call me that." I requested.

"I'll call you what I like." He said, wiping his chest with the shirt. He eyed me shrewdly. "Why have you come, Glorfindel? Willing to take me up on my offer?"

"Which offer was that, Maeglin?" I asked icily.

He stepped close, far too close, and as I was sitting, he was looking down on me. He was warm. I was aware of just how improper, how cold was this thing I had been asked to do. I smiled serenely, showing none of my inner loathing. His eyebrows lifted in question.

"You once offered to make swords upon enquiry. Consider this a request." I told him.

"Swords, indeed." He said softly, stepping away. "Very well. What would you like?"

"I would like two swords. One a bit smaller, as it is a present for Idril." I thought a moment, then said also, "And a third, made with the first, a brother sword."

"And they are for?"

"For Turgon, and another."

His flirting mood dissipated with that statement. "Trying to buy back his favor? What a whore you are, Fin." He purred, barely audible. I did not reply, as I wanted nothing more than to snap at him 'Silence!', and that I must not do. I contented myself with thoughts of Idril, who was sweet and deserving of everything bought for her, at any cost.

He returned with three measuring rods. "Hold this." He handed me the largest. He eyed it, then handed me the second. With a nod to himself, he took both and put them away.

"Any particular designs in mind?" He asked sweetly.

"Yes, in fact." I replied, not trusting his judgment.

"There is parchment on that table, there. Draw it, and go."

I did as requested, brushing dirt off the paper before beginning. I named them with a flourish. Brother swords and a sister, which would be wonderful if Maeglin did as I asked. He brushed up against me as I was drawing Turgon's. "You need not buy *my* favor." He hissed stealthily in my ear.

I drew my knife and showed it to him. "You had best watch your tongue around me, or you shall lose it, along with anything else you lay upon or against me." He scowled disappointedly.

"I'm going to begin a collection of assorted body parts, I think. Would you care to make the first contribution, Maeglin?" I told him sharply, for I hated his roving hands with a passion.

He chuckled.

I finished my business, and left the forge. The fires flared as he pumped the bellows in my wake.