For Better Or For Worse

Crossing and Building

The cold was their constant companion as the elven host crossed the ice plains. Many were lost to the cold and the breaking of the ice. Many of the Noldo wondered why this sole Vanyarian elf of high standing would share in their exile. Many of the Vanyarian's warriors of Noldo decent followed him. They gave aide and trained even in the ice and miserable cold.
"Erestor, my Lord requests your presence." A Noldo warrior with the mark of the Vanyarian house stated before walking away, expecting him to follow. Erestor, who had been speaking to Ecthelion, obediently followed the messenger. Ecthelion and many of the elves that would be of the house of the Fountain, also followed as it was the rest period and it was rare to have a summons.
Glorfindel was in his armor, dueling the captain of his guard and absolutely dominating. He finished the fight as Erestor came within speaking distance.
"Erestor! You have not trained in quite a while. Are you feeling well?" Glorfindel asked as kindly as a Vanyarian Lord of Old could.
"I am well, my lord." Erestor simply stated, once again noticing the flicker of loneliness and pain at the title.
"There is no need to call me a lord. I am merely a captain. Would you duel with me if only to put my old mind at ease?" Glorfindel stated softly, his desire to grow friendship seen by the lord's and Erestor. Erestor found himself nodding and was handed a training sword by a young warrior.
The two fought in silence, Glorfindel occasionally correcting him on this or that. As the duel drew to a close, Glorfindel asked a question about something Erestor never told him.
"How did classes proceed for you? My lord was concerned that the instructor would keep from you the required materials. Was it translated into an acceptable script?" Glorfindel almost whispered.
Erestor froze before studying the Vanyarian in front of him.
"I was top of my class, my lord. I strove to be the best as the Lord of the House of Air had granted me so much, I would not disappoint him." Erestor answered carefully. Glorfindel sighed.
"I meant to ask how you personally felt. You would have found yourself in his court if not for Feanör." Glorfindel simply stated as he disarmed his favorite student. "Remember to practice gripping your sword. Control your emotions. You did well, Erestor." Glorfindel stated before he was called away by a group of young elflings. Ecthelion placed a hand on his cousin's shoulder.
"You know that he's not lying about the court thing, right? I need to show you the letter. It looks like the Lord of the House of Air has a soft spot for Gold. Anyways, Turgon wants to see you. Something about a friend of yours recommending you for chief advisor. Do try to be respectful, cousin dear." Ecthelion lightly teased as he started to follow the golden elf. The screams of rage from Rog as he was once again defeated by the smaller, thinner, and undeniably Vanyarian elf made many in the camp laugh. Eventually, the ice became land.
Many of the Noldo had never set foot on this shore before, therefore having no idea where to go. Glorfindel ended up leading them to a place surrounded by mountains. Morgoth would not be able to find this place for quite a while. As many of the host mourned, Glorfindel and his house started to build the city.
He oversaw the training of the new warriors of all the houses, divvied up the building schedules, and worked and trained with his people. The walls of the city and the part of the city that was to be his house were completed six months to the day of the start. His fields gave way to plenty, livestock multiplied, and his house had more elflings and warriors.
All in his house loved their kind Lord and showed their respect. They would bow to him and showed him the same respect he had in the House of the Air. It saddened him to be separated from his people. Even Turgon and the other 10 lords of Gondolin treated him with respect and friendship was not found for this lonely lord.
"Cheer up, pretty hair." Rog would say sometimes. Yes, Glorfindel was closest with Ecthelion but they were only music companions, duet partners, and silent confidents, not anything a friend would do with another friend. If one did not include the small fact that Glorfindel could not read and Ecthelion would read to him from time to time.