House of the Golden Flower by Anu

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Part Two, Chapters 12-23

Also written in 2003.

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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 forge man. 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 more so 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.
Chapter Sixteen:

I returned several times that week, to see my bidding done, that Maeglin might not go astray from the plans I had described. He never took action, despite his maliciousness and innuendoes, and I was above lowering myself to plead with him, or worse, to attract him purposely. It was all I could stomach to encourage him.
In two weeks, the bought time was up, and I took Idril with me to a second meeting at Rog's house. There it was decided that Ecthelion must return to Turgon his daughter, and I must go back to Turgon and release my own opinion of matters before him, and be welcomed back as an errant lover, to see to Idril's security, as Maeglin's attention had not wavered from her to me, as had been hoped.

The following morning, Maeglin brought the swords, finished and wrapped in soft leather, to my home. I notified Ecthelion that tonight we would return to the palace.

I spent the day at rest in my study, with Idril reading at my knee, her favorite place as of late. I did not wish to admit Turgon that he was right, because in my mind he was very wrong, to place Maeglin in higher esteem than I. But as Galdor had said to me as we left the night before; "Who else can bend their knees if not the King's own?"

At midafternoon Idril and I each went to our rooms, and I bathed and dressed in my finest. The women of my house also dressed in their finest, and took up the banners they had made as gifts to our king, having thoughtfully noted that the ones tied to the tower pinnacles were grown threadbare. The men bore gifts of the cooking by their ladies and lamps to light the way, and when Idril appeared with an entourage of maidens to attend her, we left the house in regal grace for Ecthelion's by twilight.

He came to his door, also dressed finely, and we walked together to the palace at the center of the city.

The People came out to watch, and threw flowers in our path, and sang. Every event was a celebration, they were glad to have another occasion to do as they pleased. Amredeth, my steward, filled me in on the story passing among them, and I laughed to hear such foolishness being spread instead of our true purpose - to deceive the King into our control. They were saying that the King's lover and his daughter had fallen in love, and were cast out in the King's anger, but when his wrath had cooled they were invited to return to his grace, that their love might be sheltered and honored.

By the time we reached the palace, they had heard of it, for news traveled fast in our city, and were in the gardens, waiting with Turgon at their head, Maeglin at his right hand.

"Turgon, my King." Ecthelion knelt, and Turgon laid a hand on his head. Ecthelion lifted up his face, and Turgon withdrew his hand.

"Why have you come?" He asked.

"I bring you thy daughter, see you that she is well and unharmed."

"I see her." Turgon said, and she stepped forward, hands extended in greeting. He took them, then embraced her.

"See also, your lover returns." Ecthelion said, rising to his feet and removing himself from between Turgon and I.

I did not take one knee before him, but two, and grasped his hand and held it to my face. "My Lord and King." I said, kissing his palm. I noticed Ecthelion was looking away, granting me honor despite my self-debasement. "I have brought you food and drink, that you may welcome your daughter home. I have also tapestries to adorn your house, and a gift to restore me to thy favor."

I gestured to the boy who held the swords, and he brought them to me, and laid them, wrapped, in my hands. I opened the leather, and revealed the shining metal, for once not hating Maeglin's utter existence, if he could create things of such beauty.

"This, my Lord," I said as I drew out his sword from its sheath and laid it in his open hands, "is Glamdring," Ignoring his awe for the present, as he probably itched to test it, he allowed me to tie the sheath to his belt, and I handed the old sword and sheath to the boy behind me. "And his brother, Orcrist." This one I tied to the belt of Maeglin as he held the second sword he had made. Maeglin smirked down at me kneeling at his feet; I did not look at him.

"And this," I said, presenting the third, hilt-first, to Idril, "is a my gift to your daughter, Hadhafang." She took it with a half-bow to me.

At this point, Turgon took my hands and pulled me up from my knees to my feet, and continued holding them in welcome. "Dine with me." He said, face shining with joy. I nodded to him in acceptance, and the people cheered as we went inside the King's halls.

After the meal, he drew me aside in the hall outside the dining room. "Has your return meant what I think it has?" He asked guardedly.

I bowed my head, not meeting his eyes, lest he see the lie in them. Let him think it shame. "I have spent time with Maeglin during the making of these swords," I touched the hilt of Glamdring, next to his hip. "And I have found that you were right, Turgon."

His hand came to rest against my cheek. "Then have no shame. Our fight is done, fights between us are only to be expected for staying together so long, or so Maeglin says." Whatever tenderness I'd felt building toward renewing our relationship was at this point chilled by that other's name. "Now Glorfindel," Turgon said, and kissed me. "Let us lie together as we have in the past, lovers only, with naught but trust between us."

I met his eyes and smiled, responding to his next kiss as he wrapped his arms around me. My heart felt coldened and empty, but I knew it would warm with our bond reaffirmed. "Yes, my love." I said quietly, enfolding him with my arms.

The sword Maeglin had made came between us, and we both pushed it away, him habitually, I fiercely.
Chapter Seventeen:

News came not often to Gondolin, and when it came, it was usually brought by the guards from the gate, who had gotten it from the eagles on Crissaegrim, or from the eagles themselves by way of landing on Ard-Galen and delivering their messages before taking flight once more.
It was seven years since Dagor Bragollach when we received word in the Hidden Kingdom of stirrings in the world outside.

Meadhros, son of Feanor had perceived the threat of Angband, and it's seeming dormancy, and knew there was trouble to come, and that it was not unassailable, for he had heard of the quest of Beren and Luthien. Thus he sent forth word all over Beleriand of standing to fight alongside him, but here his father's legacy undid his work, and there were some in regions of our world that would not heed him unto battle, and forebade their people from following also.

Upon this word Turgon acted not, and when word came that Meadhros had driven all the orcs out of the North, Turgon and Maeglin said to one another in my presence in the drawing room, "He has attacked too soon." And, "Surely now Morgoth has all the warning he needs."

I said nothing, as I was keeping scribe duty for them, and as Maeglin had once pointed out to me with spite, this required no speech. Loath though I was to obey Maeglin, I must to keep Turgon's favor, and besides, I had nothing to add that was unsaid.

Word came then, that Meadhros and Fingon had joined forces and made plans set for Midsummer, but of this Turgon said nothing to neither Maeglin nor I.

Chapter Eighteen:

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.

Chapter Nineteen:

The dawn was brisk and cold, both my breath and my horse's frosted the air. The men of my house walked afoot beside me, and we gathered a distance from the Gates, where the other Lords and houses waited.
Presently Turgon came, the disobedient Maeglin trailing along, and behind them the women of the city.

Silently, he led us out through the Gates, the guards standing aside. As we crossed Ard-Galen, our women thronged at the walls, a choking garden of beauty. Pennants and laces waved in the air in silent farewell, and stoically there were no tears, even though they knew not if we would return.

Idril stood at the head of them, but did not wave, lest Maeglin, who rode near Turgon, misunderstand. I gave her a final salute that did her justice without being weak. She saluted me back - one hand over her heart - then palm toward me. 'My love to you.' 'My heart goes with you.'

I turned to see who was looking, and beyond Maeglin's sneer, was Turgon's grateful, sad smile.

By noon we had left Echoriath, and by sunset, the main part of Crissaegrim lay before us, treacherous terrain at night - thus our leaving early to allow its travel by day. We made camp within sight of the eagles' roosts.

The end of the second day put Crissaegrim and the eagles behind us.

The third day put us into the river valley, and there on the banks of the Sirion we made formation, by Turgon's design. He was foremost, I at his left, Ecthelion at his right, and Maeglin behind him and between us, our hosts with us. Rog, Duilin, Egalmoth, and Galdor rode in the center and behind, as pleased them, and thus we made another day.

The fourth day we slowed our pace, as we wanted to be well rested for battle, so we did not go far that day, or the next.

That evening, after the men had settled and the hour was late and quiet, I stole down to Turgon's camp. He slept in his bedroll in the midst of his men, so I was cat-footed as I crept up on him, and silenced him as I shook him awake. It was not hard, then, to sly him out of the encampment and deep into the brush.

We kissed feveredly among the pines, decided we were too close to camp, and chased one another deeper into the forest over and over again. We were within hearing range of the river when one of our kisses got further than the point where we usually decided to run further, and he fell atop me in the thick pine needles.

It was very dark; I could barely see the contours of his face. I knew what he wanted, but it was not possible here, having nothing to ease the way. We didn't often have oral sex only, and this night it took some time before he was convinced I'd rather not just take him in hand, so I propped him against a tree, nuzzled his belly while unlacing his pants, and trapped his leg between mine.

With his hard cock freed and pointing darkly upward, I swallowed it with relish, not bothering to open my eyes, as it was too dark to see anything anyway, not that there was much to see. He moaned loudly and petted my hair all the while, and I rutted against his shin hungrily. When he came, gasping, I swallowed, and came thickly in my leggings.

He slid slowly down the tree, and took me in his arms. I tucked him back in as we sat there in the quiet. I was asleep when he shook me, getting up. I whimpered, and reached out for him as he stood, clinging to one of his legs when I found it. "Shh." He soothed. "It will look suspicious, my love, if we return together. I would not cause scandal."

I nodded and released him, seeing the wisdom of his statement. He bent down and tilted my chin up, kissing me again, then set off toward the camp.

I waited until a count of three hundred, and then set out after him.

All the way back when he had gone, the forest had been relatively quiet. Now, as I walked, it was quieter, yet soft steps kept coming behind me. I was being stalked, and knew better than to stop and alert it that I knew. What was it? I kept walking, listening carefully. Whatever it was, it walked on two legs. I kept walking, and then suddenly, it stopped.

I stopped too, and looked up into the trees. Dark eyes leaned into mine, less than a foot away.

"Maeglin." I said, somewhat relieved.

"You didn't hear me chasing you both. Neither of you were paying attention." He rebuked.

I blushed.

He leaned closer. "I can smell him on your breath." He said. "Mmmm."

I drew my knife. "You remember what I said before."

He smiled. "Better run on home to bed, Fin. Dawn comes early."

Then, with a flash of white teeth like a knife blade, he was gone.

I was cold all the way back to camp, and when I crawled into my warm bedroll, I shivered for long after.

Chapter Twenty:

On the sixth day, we took shelter in the foothills near the Sirion, and struck camp. For Turgon there was a tent, that he might have room to divine his purposes, but the rest of us slept out on the open ground near our horses in groups of houses.
I waited, once again, until all was dark and quiet, then crept into Turgon's camp. A border guard saw me, but said and did nothing, he knew I was trustworthy. Turgon's tent was dark and cold when I pushed aside the door flaps and padded in.

He lay curled in his blankets in the middle of the floor. I lay down beside him and put an arm around his waist. "Glorfindel?" He asked.

"Who else?" I asked, amused.

He smiled. "Was hoping you'd come."

I kissed him, he returned it. We lay together and kissed for a while, he pulled me under his blankets with him and undressed me. He reached for a bottle of oil at one point; I playfully licked his arm, his neck. He laughed, and the soft sounds of our loving continued.

I grunted and rubbed myself against his chest, up on my hands over his head, his fingers sliding in and out of me with slow thrusts. He leaned up and licked my belly, as his fingers vanished from my anatomy. I gasped when he raised me up, his hands on my hips, and lowered me down again so that he pierced me deeply.

I rode him in the fury of our copulation, cries involuntary, yet hushed by one another's mouths and hands. The laughter spilled over whatever dams we placed against it, however. I was laughing in gasps as I spurted on his belly, the warm fire of his own seed racing through me comfortingly.

He tucked me back against his chest, and I hid my face in his neck and chuckled. Tomorrow we would go to battle, tomorrow we might die. So far, we were having the best end party of the night. I didn't really fear death in his arms; nor he, I was sure, in mine.

We kissed for nearly and hour after, before I left, with a last few touches to his face and soft, wet, final kisses.

As I stepped amid the men of his hosts scattered around the tent to sleep, I realized they were awake and felt my happiness plummet a little.

They had heard.

And Maeglin would like to see me shamed, I thought. He doesn't even need to try, I do it all on my own.

Chapter Twenty-One:

The next morning the camp was up early, well before dawn, making preparations for battle.
We were forbidden to light fires, eat heavily, or drink anything but water, as we had the entire journey, but it was especially important now. Many of us left our bedrolls down for the wounded, to give the healers we had brought with us greater ease in caring for them. The rest were stacked neatly according to camps, that we might reclaim them after, if possible.

Armor was brought out, but not put on yet; it would not be done so until daybreak, lest we be overwhelmed by heat. Last minute repairs and such were made to it, and our swords were tested. Many among us sought solace for prayers.

I knew Turgon would call council of all the Lords, so I made myself rest before then, laying flat on my back with my eyes shut. I would need the strength later, I knew. I found that nothing could quell a man's dread of his first battle in that hour before I was summoned, when I purposely lay dormant, my preparations done. As I had only had about an hour or so's worth of sleep all in all, this was wise.

Just before the summons came, I got up, washed my face and hands, and braided my hair, which had grown nearly to my knees again, tying the end tightly with a strip of silk. I tied on my sword, and laid out my armor to be ready for me, it was lovely, the work of Idril and my ladies; the mail cleverly inlaid with gold, and the breastplate other pieces forged steel with gold overlay, as gold alone was not strong enough for battle.

I was tying my sword at my side when the messenger came, and I followed him through the camps to Turgon's tent.

I was ushered in, and took my place in the circle around the bare floor. Turgon sat quietly, unspeaking. I knew he was waiting for others, and a moment later, Duilin appeared. The air was chill, and the first rays of light were breaking through the trees, I saw, as he entered.

"My Lords," Turgon said, and paused. He appeared as nervous as I - forgetting what he had planned to say. "Today we go into the Fifth Battle. Let us pray it be the last, and Angband be conquered this day. Fingon and his armies are already in place, so my scouts report. Meadhros has not yet shown, not for the whole of the night. It is good that we came, and we must be ready to move, as he needs. I have no plans other than to be flexible to the ones Fingon has laid out."

"I knew he was not to be trusted." Ecthelion murmured quietly beside me, his lips barely moving. I put the back of my hand against his thigh. "No one under speaks the King, not even you and I. Show an example, Ecthelion." I rebuked.

He eyed me darkly, but I ignored him. It was a common symptom of pre-battle nerves, to be faithless and moody. I did not blame him for anything he said at this time.

Whatever the rest of Turgon's short speech had been, I had missed it in our exchange. Several of the Lords were rising, Galdor had already left.

When Egalmoth had gone, the last of them, and closed the tent flap behind him, Ecthelion and I were left with Turgon and Maeglin. "What was said between my captains?" Turgon asked mildly.

Seeing that Ecthelion was now being sullen and would not answer, I spoke instead. "Nothing of true consequence, my Lord. A few words between Captains without import behind them. I pray your forgiveness for the interruption."

He nodded to me. "You have it, Glorfindel."

Maeglin rolled his eyes behind Turgon, where he couldn't see. I looked away from him.

"Show me your swords." Turgon asked of us, and Ecthelion and I both handed them over, scabbards and all.

I knew my sheath was threadbare, and the handle loose on the blade - it had been Ecthelion's before mine. His was still relatively new, and Turgon seemed pleased with it when he handed it back to its owner. Mine however, he frowned upon. "I fear the handle would come loose from the blade in battle, Glorfindel." He took it and laid it aside, digging out his old one and handing it to me. "Bear this one, instead, it has many good years left in it."

I accepted it gratefully. "Thank you, Turgon."

He smiled at me.

"Now, go, and prepare for battle. As best I know, the challenge is set for dawn."

Ecthelion and I rose and went out. As I left, I heard Maeglin say 'Think you not we are being hasty, rushing into battles we know nothing of, simply because your brother is in them?"

Ecthelion and I were outside the tent by the time Turgon's angered answer came. "You know nothing of my purposes. Now get out, and do as I bade you."

Ecthelion and I looked at one another, I saw his jaw clench. Maeglin slunk out of the tent, leered at me, and swept off to his own camp.

I did not look at Ecthelion as I turned away, and went back to my own.

Chapter Twenty-Two:

With the dawn, every man was in place, armor shining in the sun, spears held high, swords at our sides. We waited in a breathless silence for Fingon's first move. It seemed an eternity before far off and faint; we heard the blast of trumpets.
Our host as one shifted on its feet, but Turgon stayed us with a hand signal - every eye was on him. "Not yet." Those close could hear him say. The rest simply obeyed.

We waited for the trumpets of the host of Meadhros, to see the banners waving high, the dust under their feet, anything. There was nothing at all, for perhaps forty minutes, as the trumpets continued, making the challenge upon Angband.

Turgon's eyes turned toward Thangorodrim, and ours with him, and we all saw dark smoke rise from it, and I felt both relief and terror that the enemy had accepted the challenge to battle. My eyes went to Turgon, and the fierce look on his face gave me strength, courage, minded me of the scarlet cloak on my back, that men saw from afar and looked to for direction.

"Meadhros is not coming." The murmur spread throughout our host with the speed of wind.

When it reached Turgon, he turned his horse to face us. "He cannot stand alone, his strength may be mighty, but there is not enough yet to assail Angband. We must move!" He shouted, and turned his horse and we set out at a fast walk to join Fingon's host, which the forefront of was now was emerging from where they had hidden themselves, to hold reserves in secret.

Ten thousand of us, we rode at that pace, and when we came into sight of them, we were awed at their number, as they were ours.

From afar we heard the cry: "The day has come! Behold, people of the Eldar and Fathers of Men, the day has come!" This chant was taken up by the host of Fingon, and when we heard it clearly, Turgon answered, "The night is passing!" Which also we took up, furthering his voice.

When the hosts met, Ecthelion and I with Turgon were gathered into the thick of it, amid Men and Elves, and Turgon leapt down from his horse and embraced his brother, while Ecthelion and I remained mounted, until that is, blonde hair appeared at my knee, and I was tugged down by the leg into Huor's arms. He and his brother both embraced me joyfully - Hurin was short and strong as ever, and Huor grown to manhood in our absence, fuzzy down on his jaw denoting this status.

Then Turgon pulled me forward, along with Ecthelion who had dismounted, and introduced us as his captains to his brother. Fingon looked like Turgon, but older, with a few small inches greater height. He saw what was between Turgon and I, and his bow to me was warmer than need be.

After our welcome, our horses were taken away, as none of the other captains among Fingon's host had them, fearing it would make for greater targets.

Now we turned our attention back to the battle at hand, even as Fingon directed the hosts of Gondolin into reserve and flanks guard, as need be.

The sharpest-eyed among us were the first to see the hosts of Angband slinking over the barren plain of Angfauglith, dressed to match the area, with nothing to catch the sunlight and betray them. We would have fought them there on the plain, but Hurin, with his wise head for battle and quick tongue convinced us to remain where we were, lest it be a trap, for he said: "Beware the guile of Morgoth, whose strength is always greater than it seems, and his purpose other than he reveals."

And so we stood our ground, and waited, but Meadhros did not appear. Again, we wished to strike blades with our foes, but again Hurin advised Fingon and Turgon to hold ground, and let them break themselves over the hills, and be winded when they reached us and not the other way.

At the far end, along the banks of the Sirion, the hosts of the enemy had drawn even with ours, and they were close enough to see one another's eyes, and the orcs called out taunts, but our men held their ground and gripped their swords and spears, and made no answer, nor charged forth, for they had not been commanded.

Messengers flew up and down the line, and of the tactics of the enemy to anger us was one of the most dreadful I had yet heard in that time, for they had brought forth a prisoner, known to the Men in our company, and hewed off his hands and feet, then his head, and left him there in front of our host. Despite Turgon and Fingon's orders not to retaliate, the Men charged forth and slew those who had done it, and dove into the main host.

Our line of defense broken, Turgon and Fingon saw that this was the time to act, and Fingon put on his helm and ordered the trumpets, and with that his host charged forth, leaving Turgon and the reserves behind to hold our ground.

They flew forward over the sands, and fought to the very gates of Angband, and the day was long and filled with blood. The Gondolindrim and those who stayed as reserves shifted uneasily, and slew those who charged us, and as the sun began to set and Fingon had not returned, a large band of orcs took advantage and attacked us, and the fighting was thick, and I drew my first blood and had my very first taste of battle.

I fought back to back with Galdor and Ecthelion to protect our King, and it was very hot where we were crowded close, several times I hit elbows with Turgon while defending him. An Orc slipped past all guard, and even though he was dead before his blow fell, his aim was true and his axe broke the nosegaurd of Turgon's helm.

I took Turgon by the shoulders and turned him to face me in terror, and wiped away the blood I found there flowing. The bridge of his nose was sliced cleanly, but it had been a straight cut and would likely heal without more than a ridge across his nose. His nosegaurd was worthless, I snapped off the bits of metal that were left, lest they cause more damage, and lacking anything better, wiped the blood away with my hair.

"How do I look?" He dared asked me cheekily in the midst of battle.

"Terrible!" I answered, smiling in relief that he was so narrowly unhurt.

We moved aside to avoid Rog's swinging arm, bearing a mighty hammer. Turgon wiped off some of the black Orc blood from my breastplate and looked at his reflection.

"Well, I never was much of a beauty." He said. "You're enough for both of us, I suppose. Back to the fight!" He grinned rakishly.

I shook my head at him, and stuck close for the remainder of the skirmish, but the battle died down after that point considerably.

We kicked the Orcish corpses aside, and waited for Fingon's return, taking turns at sitting to rest all the night. We could hear distantly the sounds of battle in early evening, but by midnight all was quiet but for the breathing of our guards and orcs running past, messengers on their way to wherever. We kept low in the front lines, to allow the archers to pick them off if they could in the dark, and a surprising number fell in the night to arrow wounds.

At dawn he could wait no longer, his worry for his brother was such that he ordered us up onto our feet, and we left the ground we were to hold, with only a remainder of our reserves behind, enough to stand against a few attacks such as the one last night.

We found Fingon and his host nearly to Ered Wethrin, and they were surrounded and evenly numbered when we approached. We dove into battle, the house of the Fountain and the house of the Tree leading, while the house of the King and the Golden Flower guarded Turgon and I valiantly. They cut aside the masses, and gave us clear path, and soon we were at the side of Fingon, and with him was Hurin and Huor still, we were glad to see them.

We began to fight our way back to the reserves with this added strength, and just as we were making progress beneath the hot noonday sun, the trumpets of Meadhros were at last heard, and we beheld him coming from the east, and were glad to see even their banners. They enfolded us with their ranks, and we might have won the day then, for already the orcs attacking us wavered in their onslaught, and many were now turning to flee.

Then, as we made haste back to the mouth of Sirion, Angband was emptied, and the very bowels of that hell unleashed upon us. There came Wargs, and Wargriders, Balrogs and dragons, and the much-famed Glaurung father of dragons. They cut us to pieces from the outside, and when Glaurung swept up between the ranks of Meadhros and Fingon, they were parted.

Now the Easterlings among us fled, and those with the sons of Feanor turned on them, and began to attack from their unprotected back. Under the assault from these three sides the host of Meadhros broke and fled, seeing their only chance for survival, they gathered together as many hale as they could find, and retreated the battle toward the mountains in the east, no longer being in any condition to fight.

The dwarves who had come with them from the east also fought bravely, and withstood the fires of the dragons best, and wounded them, so that they fled in dismay back to Angband. Their leader was killed in this attack, and the dwarves paid no more heed to the battle or the foes after this, loyal only to their own, and they bore him up and returned to their home, and none dared stay them, not while battle was hot, and not after having seen them fight.

Balrogs had fallen upon us in the meantime, and before we could see their plans, they had driven a wedge between our forces, surrounding Fingon and forcing him toward the Fen of Serech. I had to hold Turgon back by bodily force, sheathing my sword, to prevent him charging madly to his brother's defense, hoping to hold him long enough that he would see that he was of no use in aid at this time.

We watched in horror in the midst of our fighting allies as Fingon stood alone amid his dead guard and fought the leader of them, while another came up behind him and cast it's whip about him. Then the first hewed him with his axe, and white flame sprang up from the helm of Fingon as it was cloven. Turgon screamed as they beat him into the dust, the High King of the Noldor.

Hurin and Huor stood still with us, having been among the Gondolindrim as we were parted, and we yet fought for the Pass of Sirion with violence and much loss to the enemy's side. Hurin looked away from the sight of Fingon's death, and Turgon turned his eyes to him, but I did not release him, and Ecthelion stood at hand to restrain him yet.

Hurin said, "Go now, Lord, while there is still time. For in you lives the last hope of the Eldar, and while Gondolin stands Morgoth shall still know fear in his heart."

Turgon replied, "Not long now can Gondolin be hidden; and being discovered it must fall."

Then Huor beside his brother said, "Yet if it stands but a little while, then out of your house shall come the hope of Elves and Men. This I say to you, lord, with the eyes of death: though we part here forever, and I shall not look upon your white walls again, from you and from me a new star shall arise. Farewell!"

Turgon did not wish to go, but I knew he was considering it, and I knew that Hurin's words were true - only now while there was still time did we have a chance at flight. I looked around me to anyone who could convince Turgon to take their advice, anyone. Ecthelion's eyes were averted, and Maeglin stood dispassionately to one side. I looked at him with pleading eyes, and he turned away from me.

At length Turgon fought to be free of me, and I released him warily. He leaned forward, and bowed low to Hurin and Huor, then turned to Ecthelion and I. "We retreat. Hurin and Huor will hold the pass behind us, and you will guard the flanks."

I embraced Hurin and Huor farewell, told them that I would tell Idril I had seen them, and send along their love and memory, then went to do my King's bidding.

With the Golden Flower I held the right of our host, and our feet were in the river as we killed the orcs that would pass us by and ambush us ahead. Several times my men had to shoot with arrows the messengers on the banks, in the thick brush there.

Ecthelion had the left side, and the Fountain's swords clanged constantly as they destroyed assailants from the cliff face, or those climbing along it to get ahead.

At last we outpaced them, and came to our camp, and there the wounded were given care, and the rest of us given drink and rest. I went into Turgon's tent with him, and none argued, and Maeglin followed with us, saying it was to guard us if need be, and all three of us lay on the ground in full armor, our weapons at our sides, and slept in the dirt with exhaustion.

We woke again when day ended, and the cool of the evening chilled us awake. Maeglin and I slept with Turgon between us, and both stirred when he was the first to rise.

Our joints felt feverish and sore as we rose, and Maeglin left the tent before Turgon and I removed one another's armor and dropped it on the floor before going out barefoot and in our leggings and tunics, stiff with dried sweat and dirt and blood from the long battle. We went down to the river, where many of our company were, and bathed and soaked. My hair was filthy, matted with blood and dirt.

Turgon and I held our breath and anchored ourselves with weeds to the bottom of the river to let the dirt soak off us, then scrubbed each other briskly with sand.

When we were clean, we went back up to the tent, and I brought my bed there, and after we ate, we slept again, until nearly noon of the next day.

Chapter Twenty-Three:

This day's task was to number our men, and to account for them. I had many wounded, but few missing utterly or known dead. They were scattered all over the camp, and healers bustled busily like bees between the rows of wounded and their bags of supplies. For dinner was horse meat and water with wine in it, as no one felt like hunting and the water alone would make some of the men who had overexerted themselves in the heat sick.
At sunset, after I had eaten, I went to stand at the river. We would not mourn until we reached Gondolin, then we would mourn with our women for those lost. Hurin and Huor were surely dead, I thought, with sorrow.

I tried thinking of something else, the peaceful beauty of the river, anything. With a sigh, I walked down the grassy knoll and knelt at the water's edge, lifting a handful of it to wash my face.

I saw that it was growing dark, and turned back toward the shore. I caught sight of a lean, dark figure ducking back quickly into the shadows. Maeglin? I wondered. An Orc spy? Whatever it was, the guards ought to know of it. We weren't to be prowling around beyond camp borders anyway. I started back for camp, taking the shorter path through the forest.

Once again, I heard someone following me, so I pointedly lay a hand on my knife and kept walking. Maeglin, if it were he, would understand that threat. A particularly loud crash sounded behind me, and I whirled to find the forest silent and still. It was very dark.

I took a step forward again, turning, and walked into something warm, solid and definitely not a tree. Maeglin's arms caught me, and pushed me back against the trunk of a nearby oak, then held me there with his lean, hard, body. I struggled against him.

Maeglin's hand pulled my knife from me, and he leaned forward and whispered in my ear, "Why are you out here alone?"

"I'll do as I please." I snapped.

"As will I." He replied darkly, and his fingers brushed my mouth, rubbed my lips.

"What are you doing?" I asked him.

"Whatever I want." Maeglin answered, slipping his first finger into my mouth, rubbing the damp onto my lips. He reached further inside, and stroked my tongue. I briefly considered biting, but couldn't bring myself to.

Maeglin tasted of earth and metal and salt. After a moment, he leaned more heavily against me. His other hand cupped the erection I didn't know I'd had, until that very moment. He opened my breeches, I fought him a bit, and he withdrew his finger from my mouth, and replaced it with his own.

It was nothing like that night he had thought I was Idril. Pure heat, dark desire, rival hatred and the flavor of metal. I was coming into his hand, flushed with shame, before I knew what was happening, sucking passively on Maeglin's thrusting tongue.

Maeglin put his hand to his face, breaking off our kiss, and cleaned it leisurely, to my disgust. I let my lashes flicker, lustfully, derisively; swirling with mixed emotions.

"Run away, little Fin." Maeglin said.

"I hate you." I managed.

He smiled. "I hate you too." He countered, tracing my jaw with his fingertips, kissing me softly beside the mouth. I closed my eyes.

He stepped back, and I fled, stumbling, shaking and distraught; dressing myself haphazardly.

When I got back to camp, I forced myself to breathe normally, lest anyone suspect, and paced uneasily outside Turgon's tent, trying to compose my racing emotions.

When I felt calm enough to go inside, Turgon looked up at me from his armor spread out on his lap.

"Where were you?"

"Washing." I lied.

"Ah." He went back to fiddling with his helm.

"Turgon," I said, sitting next to him and taking the parts away, "Will you mark me as yours?"

"Why?" He asked. He was so sweet, so innocently charming. How could I tell him I'd just come in a stranger's hand, not just any stranger, but one I held rivalry with, hated?

"Because I need the protection of your claim."

"What mark would you have of me?"

I glanced around him, saw his chipped signet ring on his hand. "Your ring, in my ear."

He sighed, he'd been procrastinating replacing that ring for years. "Bring the salve, so that it will be healed before the march tomorrow."

I smiled at him gratefully, and went and got the small pot. He took out his knife, cleaned it, and took off his ring and cleaned that too. I sat at his feet as he knelt over me, and he turned my head to have full access to my right ear. He slit the lobe from the side down to the center - it didn't hurt or bleed too much. He set the ring in the gash, and smeared salve all over, then held it while it bled and scabbed over.

When it was solid enough to release, he did so, and motioned me to lie down. I did as he requested, on my left side.

He blew out the lamp, and lay down beside me, face to face. We kissed leisurely, and I ran my fingertip across the cut on his nose, making him smile.

This night was the first time I had ever lied to him. Maeglin was the only person other than Turgon who had ever made me feel pleasure. And just as before, when we had fought and were estranged, Maeglin had come between us.

"I love you." I whispered.

"I love you too." He said.

Then I let him kiss me.

 

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Chapter End Notes

It was at this point I left off and did not complete the story for another five years. May I be forgiven!