Tiny Stars at Ruby City~

[brightseastar]

Why are you making me forget my sword? What if the Enemy is there? You say this is a "game", but it sounds more serious than that!

{Like a sword would protect you from Morgoth.}

I know. They were much stronger and he killed them.

But Mother always says I should carry some kind of weapon! I agree with her. It could give me time to get away.

{He's not happy with that outcome and that much is clear.}

I want to be brave and strong! Like them.

Comments

[silverwaters]

It both is, and is not as serious as if the Enemy were here. Being armed is always a good idea, but when you do not have any weapon, you still have your heart and your voice - which are mighty in and of themselves.

[brightseastar]

{...that voice. He frowns and silently tells himself that he's dreaming. Ecthelion has talked to him that way before...

He pinches his arm and winces. Ouch! Oh no, he's awake.}

I think I'm awake and dreaming.

[silverwaters]

[Stifled mirth slips into his voice.]

Would it be so bad to be awake and this be real? The city has it's good points.

1/2

[brightseastar]

{...no, he's sure. This can't be anyone else.}

Lord Ecthelion?

2/2

[brightseastar]

{Then Ecthelion will have a sobbing golden mess wrapped around his waist.}

[silverwaters]

The very one.

[He wraps his arms tightly around him and a kiss pressed to the top of his head.]

There are friends here. All will wish to know you.

[brightseastar]

{His body shakes and he holds on as tight as he can lest Ecthelion disappear. But then he tips his head back, taking in his friend... His dear friend... His family.}

F-Friends? {He grabs his little flute and holds it up.} I practice!

[silverwaters]

[Ecthelion smiles down at him, smoothing a hand over pale hair.]

Yes. Perhaps even one you know!

[Pride flickers in his gaze at the announcement.]

Will you show me what you have learned?

[brightseastar]

{His breath catches and he hopefully murmurs:}

Lord Glorfindel?

{Oh please oh please oh please...

He beams and brings the flute to his lips. It's clear he has made progress since their last lesson - and it is a song of Gondolin.}

[silverwaters]

[He chuckles.]

Brighter than ever!

[He listens with delight then hugs him again.]

With that you have little to fear!

[brightseastar]

{A little happy shudder runs through him and he closes his eyes.}

I've missed you both so much.

{He finishes the song shakily and smiles into the hug.}

Mama asks me to play for her when she has a headache.

[silverwaters]

As have we missed you - and so grown up you have become!

[Can you tell he's proud of you, baby?]

You bring her great comfort.

[brightseastar]

You are heroes! {To him, always - even when they were alive.} I have?

{He bounces on his feet and blushes.}

She's worried about Papa. He's mortal and she doesn't want to lose him.

[silverwaters]

So are you. [Earendil's always been a bright star, there when he needed a happy point.] Can you not see yourself?

[He chuckles fondly though, gently patting the boy's cheek.]

I suggest you speak to Glorfindel about what they do - he was reborn and went back to Middle-Earth so knows of future events.

[brightseastar]

Not like you. {But he wants to be; he will be.} I guess it's hard to see the differences when it happens to you?

{Growing is complicated, okay. He blinks.}

He knows what becomes of them? {It must be good!} Where is he reborn?

[silverwaters]

No indeed! I would hope you have not had to face a Balrog alone. [He definitely will be. Ecthelion has faith in you Earendil!] You have grown well! Not enough to hide who you are to me, but you have.

[Especially for elves.]

He does! If you ask him very nicely [aka beg and give him irresistible eyes] he might even tell you! He was returned to life in Aman, then returned to Middle-Earth with a host to further the Valar's goals.

[brightseastar]

{He pales and tucks his face against Ecthelion's chest.}

Were you scared? {Of course he was. That doesn't make him less of a hero.}

I wouldn't want to hide from you! {Never ever ever!}

I could make Lord Glorfindel laugh by smiling at him. {That is said oh so proudly. He discovered that power at a young age.} ...hm.

{Nope.}

What about his goals?

[silverwaters]

[He smooths a hand over Earendil's hair again, other arm wrapped securely around him.]

I was. I was scared I would be unable to save you and your family. [He will never actually, outright lie to this precious child.

He smiles at him, amused and eyes alight with memory.] You likely still can! Though he may cry on you when he sees you again.

They are in line, actually. Peace, and to fight the Enemy.

[brightseastar]

{There are so many things he has missed. Ecthelion being a good hugger at the foremost. As a baby, there were many times he fell asleep in these arms.}

But you did! Mama's secret passage took us out of the city and... {His features darken.} Uncle Maeglin tried to kill me. Papa stopped him after Uncle Maeglin hit Mama.

{He doesn't like those memories, so he puts them away and smiles again.}

I don't want to make him cry! {A nod.} I didn't want him to be used, that's all.

[silverwaters]

[He's been doing his best not to miss Earendil and everyone else in Gondolin, and those he'd long since left behind in Aman. He doesn't always succeed, but he has good memories to fall back on. And Glorfindel.

And Erestor.]

I know that now - hush. I know. Glorfindel has told me everything he knows. You were brave, Earendil. You always have been.

[Earendil's smile is one thing that has always gotten a smile from Ecthelion.]

Tears of joy! And he would never let himself be used.

[brightseastar]

{It feels good that Ecthelion knows and still thinks him brave. Eärendil had felt so helpless that day and he had hated seeing his mother hurt. But Tuor had put an end to it. He had never seen his father so mad.

Tuor had told Eärendil to close his eyes so he wouldn't see. He had still heard...

Then he had been in both of their arms and he was pretty sure they were both crying. He had cried too.}

Papa carried me himself after that. I don't think he put me down much the entire trip! {He laughs and beams.} Well those are good tears! He's too strong to be used.

[silverwaters]

[He knows that feeling. But Earendil's worthy of everything he could give him. He tightens his hug, offering what comfort he can.]

Your parents are very kind and good, perfect for one such as yourself.

[He chuckles fondly.] Indeed they are! I agree.

[brightseastar]

Are they perfect for me or am I perfect for them? {He grins and reaches out to hold one of Ecthelion's hands.} You said "friends". Who else?

[silverwaters]

Both! [The grin is mostly in his eyes, but there's something of it on his lips too. He squeezes the boy's hand warmly.]

Some of the first people you will meet will be a dear friend of ours - Erestor. You will also meet Aragorn, I am sure, and the ladies Galadriel and her daughter Celebrian.

[brightseastar]

{He gives a cheer at the answer, a lock of hair falling in his eyes. Giving his head a shake, he dislodges it and itches his cheek.}

Erestor? Is he an Elf? {Eärendil is always happy to meet new people.} Aragorn is a Man's name.

{And a further surprise!} I didn't know the Lady Galadriel had a daughter!