Though my first official work of LoTR slash fanfiction was In Twilight, I am more fond of the series The Flower and The Fountain that pairs the two captains of Gondolin, Glorfindel and Ecthelion. Both are my favorite elves of the First Age and of The Silmarillion. As little is known of them other than their roles in Gondolin, and their famous slayings of balrogs, I decided I would write a series of stories in which they are the focus.
Unlike my other stories, there are very few pieces of either fiction or art that inspired me to write this series. I only know of one artist, a Japanese fan comic artist, who has drawn pictures of Ecthelion. Likewise, I have only read two pieces of fanfiction that mention Ecthelion, and one that mentions the first Glorfindel (though I, like many, believe the Glorfindel of Imladris is indeed Glorfindel of Gondolin reborn). Therefore, I was moved to write this series of short stories (most of which can stand alone) that portrays the captains of Gondolin in a more intense light.
Most of my background information is taken from The Silmarillion, as well as notes on the book provided by the fanfic writer Anu
(who wrote The Ondolinde Series). Though I base background information on the original work, there is very little of such knowledge that actually occurs in the story.
This series is purely written for my pleasure; the plot and pairing stem from my imagination, though the characters are not mine to claim. Beta read by Siobhan; illustrations done by Nina Soraco of king's blue-green.
Illustrated!!
The first meeting of Glorfindel and Ecthelion while they are still children.
Illustrated!!
Glorfindel and Ecthelion do a little experiementing, and experience their first kisses.
The Light of the Two Trees is gone, the Silmarils stolen. When Fëanor and his sons swear their oath and begin to lead the Noldor from Aman, Glorfindel is torn between staying with his parents or following the rest of his family to the Middle-earth he longs to see.
The White Ships of the Teleri, their pride and joy, wrenched horribly from their hands. One of the few who dared not raise a hand against such fair people, Ecthelion watches in despair and horror friends and family he has come to know and love fall before his eyes.
The Grinding Ice claims many lives, including those of Ecthelion's parents. With part of his family in Aman and part gone, he nearly gives up hope and becomes another victim of the ice.
Nevrast, the first seat of Turgon's power. Both Glorfindel and Ecthelion learn to adjust to their new lives in a place they have never seen, and the memories of their crossing begin to fade so that they may heal.
Illustrated!!
Glorfindel and Ecthelion share their first times with one another, and end up creating a lasting love.
Glorfindel misinterprets Ecthelion's relationship with a she-elf; the confrontation afterwards threatens to tear their relationship apart.
Glorfindel's point-of-view as he contemplates his relationship with Ecthelion while watching the other elf bathe.
Ecthelion's point-of-view as he contemplates his relationship with Glorfindel while watching the other elf spar.
At each Tarnin Austa, Turgon holds a feast and dance within his royal court. The young maidens of the eleven elven houses view the dance as a way of siphoning out a potential mate, and this year they have their sights and hearts set on the fair Lord of the Fountain.
After an exhausting day, Glorfindel and Ecthelion share the night together... and their favorite places to kiss.
After a hectic day, Glorfindel and Ecthelion take turns smoothing out frazzled wits, and tense muscles.
Ecthelion has created a new composition upon his flute, and implores Glorfindel to sing with him.
Winter approaches Gondolin. On a bright morning, snow descends upon the white city, and Glorfindel and Ecthelion share the day together.
Turgon calls his two trusted captains to him and gives them an assignment in order to keep their minds free from foreboding. It isn't quite the type of assignment Glorfindel and Ecthelion thought they would be receiving.
The Nirnaeth Arnoediad, the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. It has been long years since the battle ended. And yet, with foreboding entering his heart, Ecthelion begins to remember the last words Huor uttered to him and needs Glorfindel's comfort.
The fall of Gondolin is near. The captains sense the impending doom of the Hidden Rock, as well as their deaths. They take the time to share memories to keep them going in the days to come.
Gondolin has crumbled, Turgon is dead, and one of many balrogs threatens to cut off the escape of Tuor, Idril and the rest of the people. Ecthelion challenges Gothmog, imploring Glorfindel to see the people to safety; he has no choice to do so, leaving his lover behind.
Tuor and Idril are safely away, but Glorfindel plunges to his death after slaying a balrog. But, he regrets nothing as his final thoughts turn to Ecthelion and their next meeting.
A second childhood relieved, but the beginning of his years are filled with a sadness he doesn't understand. Soon, however, the memories return and Glorfindel learns just what is missing in his new life. Yet he must bid farewell to his parents yet again as he goes to Elrond's aid, but leaves a heartfelt message behind.
Reborn on the shores of Valinor, Ecthelion relives memories of his last moments in Gondolin. His only consolation during this traumatic time after returning are the kind words of Estelien and the hope that Glorfindel will return one day.
The Third Age has ended; the elves set sail for Valinor. For Glorfindel, he wonders if he'll meet Ecthelion again on the shores of their birthplace.
| Ecthelion Entry 1: Valinor, the Second Age of Middle-earth, 3440 Entry 2 Entry 3 Entry 4 Entry 5 Entry 6 Entry 7 Entry 8 Entry 9 Entry 10 |