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

[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)