Title: Duty’s Call
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Rating: PG
Beta: Eni
Prompt: 25 - But there is no other way out that I can see or think of.
Summary: The call of duty can sometimes be a hard thing to hear.

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“It is not fair,” Glorfindel seethed, his eyes narrowed in anger.

Ecthelion raised an eyebrow at the statement. “You are not an Elfling, Glorfindel. You should know better than most that life is rarely fair.”

“I care not, this is beyond all reason! Ecthelion, we have done so much, sacrificed everything for those we swore allegiance to! I do not regret that, but is it so much to ask that we be given a little peace for ourselves in return? To my eyes it seems as if the Valar are mocking us with their demands!”

“The Valar have their reasons,” Ecthelion replied gently, “and they are not needlessly cruel. They would not ask this of you if there was another way.” He smiled softly, his hand reaching up to caress his lover’s cheek. “It is not so bad. You always loved it there.”

“Yet I love you more,” Glorfindel protested. “It would be empty and lifeless without you.”

“I know, and I return that love in equal measure. But long ago you and I accepted that we must put duty before our own desires.”

Glorfindel looked sharply at Ecthelion, frustrated by his calm demeanour. “I am close to screaming, yet you stand there so placid and quiet; does this cause you no pain?”

“Do not think that because I do not rage that I find this any easier to accept,” Ecthelion responded. “I do not like this any more than you do – however, I accept that there are those who need you now even more than I. In your heart, Glorfindel, you know that too.”

Glorfindel’s shoulders slumped and he hung his head in defeat. “Why do they not allow you to come with me?”

“I do not know,” Ecthelion admitted. “Perhaps they do not wish you to be distracted.”

To this, Glorfindel snorted. “Then they are in error, for I will think of you every day and night.”

Ecthelion chuckled. “I have no doubt of that. You may be sure that I will be doing much the same.” He pulled Glorfindel into a tender embrace. “You will be in my mind and my heart always.”

Sighing, Glorfindel rested his head on his lover’s shoulder. “I am afraid, Ecthelion,” he whispered, embarrassed to be admitting to fear. “It may be millennia before I can return again.”

“It may,” his lover agreed. “But you will return. When all is said and done, you will come back to me. I promise you, my Glorfindel, when that day comes I will be waiting. This will not last forever, though it might seem that way now. I would change this fate if I could, but there is no other way out that I can see or think of. This is as it must be, hard though it is.”

Glorfindel held his lover close, wishing he did not have to let go. “You are so wise. What will I do without your guidance?”

“You have wisdom enough of your own,” Ecthelion assured him. “Do not doubt yourself so.” Stepping reluctantly from the embrace, he took Glorfindel’s hand and began to walk slowly along the winding path. “You would not have been chosen if you were not suited.”

Glorfindel nodded, squeezing the hand he held lightly. “I had never realised an honour and a curse could be so intertwined.” Looking up, away from Ecthelion, his heart sank as the harbour came into view. “Yet now it is painfully clear that they can be.” His steps slowed further as they approached the ship that bobbed gently on the water. Aboard the elegant vessel, he could see the Telerin crew waiting for him.

Ecthelion pulled Glorfindel into his arms once more and leaned forward, pressing their lips together and pouring the love of two lifetimes into a simple kiss. “We are never truly apart, my love.” Ecthelion murmured. “Remember that.”

“I will,” Glorfindel promised, his hand running lightly over Ecthelion’s lips, “always.”

“Good.” Taking a deep breath, Ecthelion stepped back. “Now go, before I start to weep like a maiden. I would not have this memory tainted by tears.”

His heart heavy, Glorfindel also stepped away. “Be well, love…until we meet again…” Fighting back his own emotions, Glorfindel turned and all but ran onto the ship, fearing that if he did not go that very moment, he never would.

As soon as he was aboard, the gangplank was moved and the mooring ropes untied. The Elves who were sailing with him could see his reluctance and did their best not to delay the parting.

With the ropes untied the ship began to move away, guided towards the open sea by the skilled hands of the Teleri. Glorfindel stood at the railings, his eyes still on Ecthelion as the figure on the beach grew ever smaller until at last he could no longer make him out.

Only then did he turn his eyes to the east, away from the one he loved and towards a new life in the Hither Lands.

THE END