Flame of Gondolin, book 1: Love Story

CHAPTER EIGHT
Late Autumn of 509, FA

Nossë Laurelótëo was not as large as Ecthelion's abode, which was actually two houses joint by a closed bridge, but it was large enough. Storied, with turrets rising at the sides, its far wall merging with Gondolin's outer defences and looking over the lower levels and Tumladen, it had been built from sand-coloured stone so that it indeed seemed to be made of gold.

It housed first-class stables at the very bottom, with large destriers and chargers, as well as work horses and scouting mares beside them. There was also a winter garden, blocked by the wild weather by glass doors that could be opened during summer.

The inside was lavishly, yet tastefully decorated, with the emblem of the blazing sun upon a field of green-blue on the wall opposite the main entrance. It covered the stones from floor to the ceiling, standing behind the rail which framed the upper story and to which twin sets of stairs lead. The sun, golden flowers and also a roaring lion – a symbol Glorfindel had adapted when he first came to Middle Earth, as Ecthelion explained – were prominent features throughout the rest of the house as well.

It was large, and yet it gave the feeling of comfort and safety.

Ecthelion, after being gone for a few days with his warriors in training, had asked Glorfindel if the evening planned at Nossë Ehtelëo could be held at the Golden Flower, a suggestion which was met with much enthusiasm and agreement.

So now, next to Ecthelion and Anárië, Glorfindel was hosting Egalmoth and his wife, Tuor and Idril and also Galdor. The others were either disinclined to come – mostly it was Maeglin's doing, but they all remained silent about it – or they did not have the time. One of the latter was Turgon, who had politely declined the invitation because he had promised his grandson that they would look for treasure in the palace.

The company was small enough for comfort and big enough for fun, because they were fast friends and nothing seemed dull when they were about.

They were also a flourish of colours decipting their houses, blue, white, grey, green, red.

The golden threads in Glorfindel's tunic shimmered in the light as he leaned close to speak with Ecthelion while Idril and Anárië chatted animately about Eärendil's upcoming beggeting day.

"You have brought your flute, my friend?"

The Lord of the Fountain smiled and indicated over his shoulder, to where he had placed the instrument upon one of the cupboards.

"As you asked of me, of course. Would you like me to play after dinner?"

"Perhaps not directly after, but sometime during the evening, absolutely," Glorfindel agreed with a smile, "on my count, we have eight people here, but six of them, at least, would be dancers."

Ecthelion nodded, "Galdor can play on the wooden whistles he enjoys so much. He always carries those with him."

Idril, who had been subtly eavesdropping, joined in, "That is a marvelous idea, my lords. And since dinner is practically finished, might I suggest we move to the sitting area already? Unless of course, our Lord of the Golden Flower has more food prepared."

They shared a laugh and Glorfindel denied any more food graciously, then stood and offered Idril a hand, something that made her roll her eyes in a very mortal fashion, but accept anyway. Tuor looked at Egalmoth who shrugged and lightly touched Anárië's shoulder so she stood and took his hand, while his wife joined the Prince.

"You are either playing a game I do not understand, or being a fool," Idril said to Glorfindel, "you should have gone for the other golden-haired elleth present tonight."

"Ah, but Ecthelion's eyes see too much sometimes," he replied as he lead her to a cushioned seat.

To this, she simply sighed: "And here they say a man's greatest strength is his courage. My dear golden lion, you know nothing of that if you allow propriety to cloud your judgement."

Egalmoth laughed softly as he came to them, leading Anárië to a near-by chair.

Tuor grinned behind him, feeling very much at ease, "Are you taking lessons from my wife, Flower Lord? Take care, she's feisty."

There was a smack, but Idril never moved. In fact she looked as taken aback as her husband, who rubbed the back of his head and grinned sheepishly at Lalaith. Egalmoth's wife 'hmphed' and swept past him dramatically, seating herself between the other two women in a flourish.

"Tuor my young friend, I think you've put your foot in it," Glorfindel exclaimed solemnly, but that only served to make them all laugh.

Galdor and Ecthelion joined them.

"How about a little music for starters, so the lovely Lady of the Rainbow doesn't give our Prince too many headaches?" the first of the musicians asked, pulling a whistle out.

Anárië was first to agree to that, and moments later a lively melody streamed through the room, the Elves laughing or humming with it while they clapped in rhythm, simply enjoying the music. Dancing was not required for them to have a good time, although it livened the evening up quite a bit.

Therefore, before Galdor could run entirely out of breath, Ecthelion stopped him and asked if the chairs could be moved aside and the tables pushed to the walls, so that a small cleared space appeared, just enough for their purposes.

This time, with a mischevious smile of her own and a wink at Anárië, it was Idril who took Glorfindel's hand and lead him to the makeshift dance floor. They danced alone for a few turns while the others observed, but then Lalaith pulled Tuor behind her and Egalmoth bowed before Anárië. Moments later, the six people were already holding hands and spinning in a loose circle while the flute and whistle gave them wings.

At the end of the song, they applauded, and Galdor called for wine, which was brought to him by a shy serving elleth.

"Careful Glorfindel, or he'll drink you dry!" Ecthelion joked, and they laughed again. But drinks were being served all around and they took a brief pause, sipping at them, before urging Galdor to put his goblet down already.

"I have never met a more demanding group in my life!" he exclaimed, but slammed the cup down anyway and took a seat, peeling the velvet off one of the chairs. No one stopped him because the moment his hands smacked against the wood, he had a makeshift drum.

Ecthelion placed his flute against his lips again and looked at Galdor, who seemed to be thinking for a moment too long, because his friend shook his head and blew a sharp note on his instrument.

Galdor fell into a thundering rhythm while the dancers laughed and moved around the floor to switch partners. The ellyn played the role of Tulkas this time around, and the ellith Nessa.

Ta da dum, ta da dum, ta da da da da da dum! went the drum while the flute seemed to skip right between the beats, just as the ellith seemed to fly between their partners.

Colours flashed, hair flew, the men's feet smacked against the floor in rhythm while the women lightly skipped, almost on their toes, twirling to the sound of the flute.

'Tulkas and Nessa' came to an end with a cascade of beats and a shrill cry of the flute. Egalmoth, in good humor, complained that Idril had stepped on his foot, which earned him a smack on the arm from the Princess.

"I will really step on it if you do not hold that tongue!"

Lalaith's laugh was loudest as she stepped to her husband easily and kissed him.

"Egalmoth, rule number one in this house," Glorfindel exclaimed over the laughter and jokes, "keep what is supposed to be private private!"

"You are being extremely wise for someone who is unwed!" the other lord replied, which made all the ellith giggle. Lalaith simply rested her cheek against her husband's chest and he hugged her to him, their raven hair mingling as he kissed the top of her head. This rare display of emotion from an otherwise serious Egalmoth made them all pause and smile fondly.

Ecthelion stopped any more complaining by sitting down beside Galdor and making another drum for himself.

"Who wants to hear 'Ride of Oromë'?"

They were quickly up for bat, and this time Tuor and Egalmoth danced with their wives. Anárië smiled shyly when she curtsied to Glorfindel.

But after the dancing started it was so easy to forget about her father and just enjoy the dance and the feel of Glorfindel's hands when he took hers to turn her or lead her in a given direction. Almost too easy. And the way he was smiling at her made her feel that he could be the One. She didn't feel this way with anyone else.

Taking hold of her skirt, she lightly side-stepped and tapped her slippered feet against the floor in union with Glorfindel, smiling brightly as he slipped an arm around her waist and they turned.

The ellith slipped away from their dancers then to form one row, their arms stretched to their sides, fingers touching, as they moved a foot back and forth before going into a series of twirls while their male companions clapped to the rhythm.

The song ended shortly after that with generous applause for the two drummers, who sat back with grins on their faces.

"Ecthelion, play us something of your own composition!" Lalaith exclaimed happily, "It has been so long since you've done that. Please!"

"And how can I deny one as lovely as yourself?" he replied, smiling as he bowed to her. Lalaith smacked one slippered foot against his calf unceremoniously. But she was at liberty to do so, for Ecthelion was her cousin once removed on her father's side.

"You are entirely out of order – Egalmoth, when was the last time you checked your wife?"

They laughed as Lalaith stuck her tongue out.

"I think you're just trying to weasel out of playing," her husband replied calmly, smiling as he took a seat beside her, "but come, my brother, play for us! Your music is always a wonder to behold."

Ecthelion sketched a bow then, and looked at his daughter.

"Yendenya, will you sing for us?"

"She writes lyrics?" Tuor asked from somewhere in the back as Anárië blushed lightly from the attention.

"Very rarely, but it is a treat whenever she does," Ecthelion confirmed and beckoned to her, "come dear, I will play the last song I composed. Then, perhaps later we can do a duet."

"If my lord Father asks of me," she conceded and moved closer, seating herself at his feet and spreading her skirt out as he lifted a flute to his lips.

The music began as a sweet cadence of rising tones, before they melted into falling raindrops. They listened, already mesmerised, as Anárië lifted her head to sing, in a clear, gentle voice.

"Ever close your eyes? Ever stop and listen? Ever feel alive? And you've nothing missing … you don't need a reason, let the day go on and on …"

Ecthelion quieted his flute, but it still resembled the patter of raindrops against the leaves. Lalaith leaned against Egalmoth and Tuor took Idril's hand.

Anárië met Glorfindel's eyes.

"Let the rain fall down everywhere around you, give into it now, let the day surround you – you don't need a reason … let the rain go on and on …"

Afterwards, Glorfindel couldn't say whether he'd be able to recall the exact words of the song or not. Anárië's voice blended with the flute and became one with it at times, words turning into simple tones as she sang. And as if on cue, a slight, gentle rain had begun outside.

The singer fell silent and looked at her father, who drew his notes to a close with a final, quiet raindrop.

Lalaith wiped a tear from her cheek before going over and hugging Anárië, while Idril, Tuor and Egalmoth complimented both generously. Glorfindel was silent, but his eyes spoke volumes and Anárië smiled shyly.

"Sing more!" Lalaith begged.

"Yes, please, Anárië," Idril joined in, "and you should sing sometimes when you come to our house as well. My son would fall asleep swiftly then."

"I am not that good of a singer," she replied timidly, "my mother was better at it than I am."

"Cealea devoted much time to it, though," the Princess stated, smiling at Ecthelion, "but your daughter is just as good."

Ecthelion inclined his head, "She is. Shall you sing one more, my sweet? About edelweiss as it is known in Valinor, or niphredil as they call it here?"

She paused, "The one Ammë enjoyed so much?"

Her father nodded, and she agreed, after a little more persuasion from the other two women.

"Oh very well; play it, Father."

The Lord of the Fountain complied and lifted the flute to his lips again. This time, Galdor sat closer with his whistle too, for he knew the song well; they all did.

"Edelweiss, edelweiss, every morning you greet me," Anárië sang, her eyes turned towards the nearest window as she tried to convey the longing and love of the Exiles who sang about something infinitively beloved that remained behind in Valinor.

"Small and white, clean and bright, you look happy to meet me …"

Lalaith and Idril joined in now, "Blossom of snow may you bloom and grow …"

"Bloom and grow forever …" Egalmoth added in a baritone.

Ecthelion had his eyes closed; Anárië wondered whether he was holding back tears. Galdor's eyes were unfocused. She looked at Glorfindel who was last to join in this praise,

"Edelweiss, edelweiss … bless my homeland forever …"

"Blossom of snow may you bloom and grow," Anárië took up again, with more strength in her voice as she lead the women into the final repeat, the men following,

"Bloom and grow forever … Edelweiss, edelweiss … bless my homeland forever …"

They fell silent; Tuor gently wrapped an arm around Idril, who looked heartbreakingly sad, while Lalaith curved closer to Egalmoth. Ecthelion and Galdor lowered their instruments, and Anárië looked at the hands folded in her lap.

Talk and soft laughter resumed later, but the hearts of the Exiles, who were the majority out of those gathered that night, remained tainted with sorrow.

"She sings beautifully," Glorfindel commented to Ecthelion as they went in search of some fruit and were just returning to the living room. Lalaith had brought forth some cards, and the ellith were all demanding something or other from the game.

"She does; she does not give herself credit enough. And yes, she is not as good as those who have commited to singing most of their life, but she is good enough," Ecthelion agreed.

They had paused and were observing how Tuor tried explaining the game to them all, failing since Idril was clearly unamused. Galdor looked close to bursting with laughter.

"Evenings like this will grow scarce soon," the Lord of the Fountain said quietly to his friend. Glorfindel looked at him; Ecthelion's grey eyes were troubled.

"Bad reports?"

"No; it is quiet. Too quiet. I fear Maeglin will lull Turgon into inatentiveness. We must be prepared. Bauglir will not have forgotten about Gondolin; the hammer will fall. The question is, when and where will it hit the hardest."

They both looked at their friends and family again; Anárië laughed and playfully nudged Tuor aside to take the place next to Idril.

"She loves you."

Glorfindel returned his blue eyes to Ecthelion. The dark-haired Elf had a faint smile on his lips.

"She does not realise it fully yet … but she does. And she will learn it. Hopefully soon."

He looked pointedly at Glorfindel, who was trying to decide whether he should feel uncomfortable or glad. The scrunity of those grey eyes was alarming.

"She is young."

"Older than Cealea was when she claimed me for her own," Ecthelion pointed out, "do not waste too much time, my friend. Time is a luxury we should not cast aside."

Glorfindel looked at Anárië again, wondering where this was all leading. Ecthelion was very calm about it all.

"This does not bother you?"

"The only thing bothering me is that you have yet to make your move. Personally, I would much rather have her feeling complete and whole with you than happily empty with Duinhir.

But even though you are my best friend, and the closest thing I have to a brother, Glorfindel, remember this: it will not save you should you break her heart. I will break every bone in your body and leave you like that if you do. You will find death is more merciful than me."



Yendenya - my daughter, Quenya
*Nossë Laurelótëo - House of the Golden Flower, Quenya
*Nossë Ehtelëo - House of the Fountain, Quenya
Thank you to *Breogan for correcting the translations.

**Wild Child © to Enya
***Edelweiss © to Sound of Music

*A note on the names of houses - I couldn't find any official translations, so these are a work in progress, and pretty rudamental, without the preposition 'of' anywhere in the Quenya name. My logic behind the names being in Quenya is that the House Lords were all Noldor and in exile, which means they would have spoken Quenya upon their arrival in Middle Earth, and while they would have learned Sindarin, it is quite probable that the names of places they owned would be named in Quenya.

**Enya songs just speak to me of Elven culture, somehow, with their melody and graceful lyrics. You'll probably find them again in this story.

***This one's a bit trickier, but looking at pictures of what niphrendil would have looked like, edelweiss seemed like a very likely candidate; as for the song, it was patriotic in The Sound of Music, which is why I thought it would suit the Exiles perfectly.