Hero and Horse Trainer by Erulisse (one L)

[engarian.livejournal.com]

B2MeM Challenge: 2013 H Heroism
Format: Triple Drabble
Genre: Narrative Drama
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Characters: Glorfindel, Erestor, Elrond
Pairings: None (yet)
Creators' Notes (optional): None
Summary: Sent to the refugee camp of Imladris by Ereinion, Glorfindel arrives and starts to settle in.




Hero and Horse Trainer

Elrond beckoned them into the chamber. Four other elves sat around an oval table. Broad arches allowed sunlight into the room and two scribes holding quills were in the far corners. The Lord of Imladris stood as Glorfindel and Erestor moved to the table.

"All of you assembled here met Glorfindel of Gondolin two nights ago when he first arrived in the Valley. He bore missives and intelligence for us as well as papers that have assigned him to assist me until I hear otherwise from the High King." He turned to the golden-haired elf. "Although we welcome you drawing your sword next to us, there might be other aspects you can offer that would benefit us. Please tell us. What are your skills? Why has Ereinion sent you to us?"

"My Lord Elrond and members of this Council, I am Glorfindel, Lord of the House of the Golden Flower, late of Aman. I defeated a Balrog at the cost of my own life, allowing Tuor, Idril, Eärendil and others to escape Gondolin and the forces of Morgoth. I must point out, however, that I killed only one Balrog, losing my life in the challenge. Ecthelion of the Fountain, Gondolin's premier warrior, defeated three such monsters, drowning the third along with himself when he was weaponless.

"In Gondolin, I made my living as a horse trainer."

A buzz and murmur came from the assembled commanders. "You are no warrior?" one queried.

"I am a warrior, but more than that, I trained those who fought, both elves and beasts. That was my skill."

"Do you claim to train troops better than we who have been doing so for many turns?"

Glorfindel shook his head. "Not better, no. Differently."

"You are accounted a hero."

"Heroism isn't as wonderful as the tales imply."

Comments

[kayleelupin.livejournal.com]

Oh, I like this! Especially the last line! :)

Also, the note that Ecthelion killed more than one balrog...O.O Is that canon?

Kaylee

[engarian.livejournal.com]

I spent a bit of time with my Silmarillion this morning to try and answer your question, but that only states that Ecthelion slew Gothmog who, in turn slew him. I don't have my copies of HOME at hand and that may give greater detail. I know I've read, however, that Ecthelion killed two balrogs with blade and edge, but was then assailed by Gothmog. His sword was broken and other weapons were of no use against this Balrog, and finally, bereft of weaponry, but still armed with his helm which featured a sharp point, he rushed his enemy, stabbing him with the point of his hel and driving him backward into the King's fountain wherein both contestants died.

If it wasn't Tolkien who wrote that, he probably should have - LOL. It makes for a great tale.

- Erulisse (one L)

[shirebound]

I like your Glorfindel. He's modest yet he knows his own worth.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Thank you. He's no fool, but he hasn't found his feet quite yet either. Friends and staunch supporters will help him to achieve his greatness in Middle Earth.

- Erulisse (one L)

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

"Heroism isn't as wonderful as the tales imply."

Oh so very true. And usually even more painful.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Yes, it's a fact that heroes usually have short lifespans and that their lives end in great pain and physical distress. I think I'll pass on the hero category for my life goals - LOL.

- Erulisse (one L)

[dreamflower]

I would think the memory of being burnt up as he slew the Balrog would definitely take away any pleasure out of being thought a hero.

In some ways, your Glorfindel's reaction to his fame kind of reminds me of Harry Potter; perhaps it's because here he's experiencing that same combination of hero-worship and skeptical hostility that poor Harry often had to endure.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

What a nice comparison. I hadn't thought about reluctant heroes before, but in essence that is what Harry Potter certainly is and perhaps Glorfindel also fits that definition.

When you read about heroes in the tales and even in comics, heroes are usually short-lived. I think it's one moniker I'll skip on my own resume. LOL

- Erulisse (one L)

[blslarner.livejournal.com]

No, being a hero can be extraordinarily painful, as he can attest. Love this introduction to him, newly returned to Endor.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Thank you! And thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment *hugs*

I've GOT to try and get caught up a bit more with your stories too *bad me!!!*

- Erulisse (one L)

[nialoke]

"Heroism isn't as wonderful as the tales imply."
Sadly, no. I imagine dying a violent death would have cured Glorfindel of any illusions about heroism he might have harboured.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

One of the general job descriptions for "hero" is "died". It seems to work that way through stories and comic books. Glorfindel's death was very unpleasant, I'm sure.

- Erulisse (one L)