Title: Living Legend

Author: Page; Library Page

Disclaimer: I do not own any of Tolkien's works. I will not make any money from this story.

Chapter One:

Release from Mandos' Halls.

"Your time here has come to an end, Glorfindel of Gondolin. You have a choice; you may live here in Valinor with your fallen comrades, or you may return to Middle Earth and protect those who escaped the Fall of Gondolin." Mandos, the keeper of the Houses of the Dead, told the golden-haired elf.

"Who…" Glorfindel's voice cracked from nearly a millennium of being unused. "Who survived for me to protect?" he asked.

"Come, I will show you." Mandos said, walking down a hallway and around the corner. Glorfindel followed at a respective distance.

As Glorfindel rounded the corner, one of Vaire's tapestries came into view. It showed Glorfindel's fight and fall with the Balrog and in the background stood the remnant that survived the attack on Gondolin.

One child caught Glorfindel's eye: Earendil, the son of Tuor and Idril. It seemed to Glorfindel that he remembered the child was to be of great importance to the future of Middle Earth.

They continued down the hall, past many more tapestries, until Mandos stopped at the one that Vaire had just hung.

Vaire stepped aside and Glorfindel saw two elf children watching in horror as their mother cast herself into the sea, leaving them to be taken captive by the sons of Feanor.

"These are the twin sons of Earendil." Vaire said, " The eldest is Elrond, he and his descendants will be known as the Peredhil. The younger is Elros, he will choose the mortality of men and will become the first king of Numenor."

Glorfindel was confused. 'What did Earendil's sons have to do with him?' he thought.

"If you decide to return to Middle Earth, Elrond Peredhil will be your charge. There will be a ship moored at Alqualonde and depending on your decision, it will depart for Middle Earth in seven days time." Mandos said.

Mandos then turned to lead Glorfindel to the gates.

As he did, Vaire spoke, "Elrond will need you, he will need someone of great strength that he can fall back upon. Elrond will become acquainted with more sorrow than any other of the Eldar." She said, turning back to her tapestry, her voice full of sadness.

"I will go to Tirion. I will choose my path there." Glorfindel said when he and Mandos reached the gates.

"Good, I wish you safe travels." Mandos said as the Noldor left. "May you never visit my halls again. Farewell."

Glorfindel stepped outside into the clear night. Before Mandos closed the gates completely he turned and asked, "What will happen to the Peredhil if I do not go to Middle Earth?"

"They will cease to exist."

Glorfindel traveled tirelessly for many hours until he came to the bottom of the mountain. He looked back, but could no longer see the Halls of Mandos.

"Why was I released? Why was I not reborn into a new body?" Glorfindel asked himself. "Who is this Elrond Peredhil?" he wondered.

Elvish Translations:

Peredhil Half-elven