AN: I've always liked the theory that Glorfy is Findis's son, making him another Finwean cousin (hence the reason he was one of the highest lords in Gondolin, he was already directly related to Turgon). His Father is Ingwion, son of the High King of the Elves Ingwë. He left Valinor against the wishes of his grandfather and father. Finwë also wished for his grandson to remain in Valinor but Laurfindel snuck away, too loyal to his idiotic cousins. Findis and Ingwion waited for news of their son's fate. This will be part of my newest fanfic.
Glorfindel was silently watching the new guards try to best the older ones. The younger guards were struggling. As was expected as they lacked the experience the others had. He wouldn't say that he was being harsh by pitting them against experienced fighters but he knew the younger soldiers felt that way. He pushed them in ways he knew they hadn't been pushed. Elrond had allowed him to also make sure that all in the Valley could defund themselves as Glorfindel did not want to lose another Valley to Morgoth's minions without the least of them able to protect themselves enough to run away.
Erestor had agreed to help him with making a schedule, stating that it was a practical idea that should have been implemented after Gondolin fell but unfortunately no one had thought of it. Glorfindel knew, though, that arrogance and pride had been a key factor in not doing so in other Elven Realms. Elrond often left for Lindon on business with the High King Gil Galad and would have to inform the Noldorian High King in Exile about him. Glorfindel had nodded, praying that Gil Galad wouldn't be stupid about it like Fingon would have been. He knew better but one can hope for it all the same.
"Your forms are sloppy. Twenty laps around the valley then spar again with a different partner! I need fifteen volunteers to help with the scholars as they practice archery and make sure no one is shot." All the soldiers solutes and did as ordered or volunteered where they were needed. No one complained as Glorfindel was intimidating. No one had bothered him about the Balrog or Gondolin, Lindir having explained that it had only been 6 years for Glorfindel since he had died and been reborn. It would have taken most of them centuries or even a whole life time to begin healing if everyone they knew had died. A lesser elf would have faded by now. This earned him respect and a community that would help him when he eventually needed them.
He released all the people under his care an hour before the thunder storm began. He was in his room when the lightning and the thunder began. The fire in his hearth crackled and he felt the heat rising all around him. There were screams and death was in the air. He felt it. Hands gripping at him, burning him. His throat burned. He was falling, fire and smoke rising all around him. He reached for the dagger he always kept on his boot and cut his hair short, crying as the locks drifted to the ground around him. The fire still blazed in his hearth. He was broken, useless, and pathetic. Why would the Valar send him? He hadn't slept well since before he had fallen. His tears fell as he curled up, looking like a lost elfling. If anyone saw him like this then they would know he was nothing but he couldn't move. He could barely even breathe.
Erestor wasn't stupid. He recognized the sadness in Glorfindel's eyes. The elf was not okay. There was guilt and a deep sorrow he knew in the eyes of the Vanya male. Glorfindel was not fragile but he wasn't whole either and anything could set Glorfindel off. For the time he had been in Rivendell, Elrond had used his power to prevent thunderstorms from sweeping through in the vain hope that the blonde warrior would find peace and rest. Now that Elrond was in Lindon, Glorfindel would have to face his first thunderstorm. Glorfindel didn't know that some of the experienced soldiers had shared their worries with Erestor but he had felt their worry and had told them that he was well. They hadn't believed him and Erestor didn't blame them. The reborn elf had bags under his eyes and the maids said that his bed was rarely touched. The storm had moved in with tremendous claps of thunder. Erestor found himself outside of Glorfindel's door, knocking. Glorfindel didn't answer when Erestor had called for him. Erestor opened the door in worry. It appeared that he was right again.
Glorfindel looked miserable on the floor, hair unevenly cut and spread around him. Tears falling from the bluest eyes Erestor had ever seen. The Vanya male was truly broken, unable to wrench his eyes from the fire, shivering and flinching every time grounder boomed. Erestor found himself wrapping Glorfindel in a blanket but Glorfindel started to struggle. Erestor took the blanket off and gently moved the rug Glorfindel sat on away from the fire place. Once Glorfindel was safely away from the hearth, Erestor made some lavender tea with lukewarm water. Glorfindel didn't grab it so Erestor gently coaxed Glorfindel into drinking a few sips. The shivers started to be from being cold so Erestor draped the blanket onto Glorfindel, humming gently for the broken elven lord. He guided Glorfindel's head to his shoulder and felt as Glorfindel fell asleep.
"I'll watch over you. Someday the pain will fade, Glorfindel. I promise." Erestor whispered as he kept his vigil.