As he entered, the High King looked up, surprised at the unusual lack of formality to which he was accustomed. A slight look of concern formed on his face as he wondered if the haste of his messenger meant a crises of some form.

“Your highness, I have news for you,” the Elf said. “Lord Ecthelion has just passed the borders of the city!”

Fingolfin’s face lit up - long years had passed since he had last seen his lover, who was now the aide of his son in Gondolin. “Show him in immediately,” he commanded, “and have a meal prepared and brought to my rooms within the hour.”

“Aye, your highness.” The messenger bowed and hurried off - the relationship between the High King and Ecthelion was no secret and they were all glad to see him return. Though he had tried to hide it, many had noticed that their King was not quite himself when his lover was away.

Once the messenger had departed, Fingolfin hurried to his - their - private chambers. This was always where they met when Ecthelion returned. His mind raced with ideas - a quiet dinner and an evening alone.

As he heard the sound of the heavy door-handle being pulled, Fingolfin turned to stand before it, overjoyed to see his lover and to spend time with him after so long apart.

Yet the moment Ecthelion entered, all thoughts of dinner fled from Fingolfin’s mind. His lover looked weary, and not just in body, but in spirit also.

Moving swiftly towards him, Fingolfin wasted no time in pulling Ecthelion into his arms. “What troubles you?” he asked softly. “You seem so tired.”

Ecthelion nodded, leaning into the comforting and dearly missed arms. “I bear news, love, and it is not good,” he said quietly.

“What is it? Please tell me,” Fingolfin almost pleaded as concern gripped his heart. “Is it my children? Are they well?”

“They are in good health.” Ecthelion replied. “However, Turgon has made a decision that will change everything.” He paused, hating to say the words, no matter how much they had to be said. “He is sealing off the city and will allow no one in or out. We are told that it is for the safety of all… yet it will cut us off from all our kin. Your children… and I… will be sundered from you.”

The words were like a killing blow and Fingolfin gasped sharply. He had known his son desired secrecy, but had not thought he would take such drastic measures. His mind reeled with the news and his grip on Ecthelion tightened, though he did not realise it.

“I cannot leave his service,” Ecthelion whispered. “I swore allegiance.”

Taking a long breath, Fingolfin calmed his mind and heart as he looked at his troubled lover. It was no easy task, but he could not give in to despair. There would be time enough later to deal with the news, for now it was more important to soothe Ecthelion.

“I know this and I would not expect you to even try.” Fingolfin smiled tenderly, though it was an effort when the terrible news was so fresh. “Though do not lose heart. Turgon is wise and in his heart he knows that he can never completely seal an entire city. He will find in time that he has reason to have his aides venture outside the stone walls. Nor will he hesitate to send you when he does, knowing what it is that still waits for you beyond the guarded lands.

Looking up, Ecthelion met the determined expression of his lover. “You are certain of this?”

“I am.” Fingolfin caressed the smooth skin of Ecthelion’s cheek. “We will find a way, Ecthelion. This is not the end.”

“I hope not,” Ecthelion murmured. “I could not bear that.”

“You will not have to.” Fingolfin smiled again, this time letting it touch his heart. “I am always with you, Ecthelion, do not forget that. We are never truly apart.”

END