Title: Maintaining Dignity
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Rating: G
Pairing: Mild implied Glorfindel/Ecthelion
Summary: It's not Ecthelion's day……
Author's note: Khylea's fault! *Giggle*
Archivist's note: *bows* (See Author Notes)

****************

"Oh, how dreadful, did it hurt terribly much?"

"I have a wonderful salve, would you like some?"

"Oh, you are just so brave!"

The downside to visible wounds, Ecthelion realised, was that there was
no avoiding the fawning maidens who took such things as an opportunity
to throw themselves at him. The deep red lines that currently adorned
his right cheek were exactly the sort of thing that sent them running
to him.

Never mind that he was already spoken for, that did not discourage
them in the least. In fact, the last time Glorfindel had shown up
while they had been trying to drag him off, they had simply split
their attentions and thrown themselves at him too. Ecthelion never
understood why they did not go after Duilin or Penlod, both of whom
were handsome, single, rich and far more interested in the ladies than
he. It was most infuriating.

"It is not so bad," he said, trying to get some distance between them.
"In a few weeks there will not even be a scar."

"Oh I do hope not!" one of them cried, trying to touch his face.

"There will not be," he assured her. "Though it is a risk we all take."

"So noble," another sighed, giving Ecthelion a look that made him
distinctly uncomfortable.

"Well, I thank you for your concern, though if you will excuse me, I
must return to my house. I have much to attend to," he said, hoping to
get away.

To his horror, one of the ladies latched onto his arm. "Might I come
with you? I am sure I could be of help!"

It was a nauseating thought. "No, no fair lady, your company would be
far too distracting," he said politely. In truth, he was wondering if
these insipid females were not the best defence against the enemy.
Surely even orcs would flee at the prospect of spending time with them.

Carefully, he extracted himself from her grasp. "You have all been
most kind, but I must leave." He began to back away slowly. "I am sure
our paths will cross again."

Indeed, he did not think himself lucky enough to avoid any future
encounters. There were some definite disadvantages to living in a
sealed city.

The group of ladies looked disappointed, but thankfully did not give
chase. Turning on his heel, Ecthelion walked away quickly, his head
held high.

Only once they were out of sight did he slow down and breathe a sigh
of relief. He had been lucky really…… bad enough that they fawned over
him, but if they had known the truth behind the wounds, his reputation
would have been ruined.

No, they could never know that the injuries had come not from an orc
or a rockslide, but from trying to take an unfortunate mouse from
Glorfindel's cat.

END