savetheearth | First Flower

[Although Gabriel’s been aware of the network since november and posting on it since the new year, he's been weary of showing his face to those that he doesn't know off it up to now. Sometimes a little bit of anonymity is needed, but unfortunately it seems he no longer has a choice.

Some people might recognise him as the c list celebrity always shoving his charities in people’s faces, others might recognise him from the university, and a few might recognise from the peak of his modelling days. Those who do will notice that he doesn’t look as old as he did (or for those who recognise him from when he was younger that he looks much younger than he should). Assuming that most people won’t know it, though, he opens his post by explaining his problem with a wry smile.]

I appear to be growing young again and it’s a problem. [He’s aware that most people would be pretty happy with the cards he’s been dealt but when there’s recent photographic evidence of how old you looked last month and you’re trying to stay under cover it’s a pain in the arse.] I think this has gone beyond the point where I can claim I’ve had surgery now, especially with these. [He tucks his hair behind his ears, revealing that like his friends', his are now also elongated into elegant points.] As long as I stop before I become a teenager again! Dealing with that once was bad enough. [He laughs. It’s a serious problem, but that doesn’t mean that he has to deal with it seriously.]

I had been hoping to stay in work a while longer, but it’s not going to be possible to work and stay under cover like this. I have the choice of revealing myself and doing what I can to direct the media to paint us with a more positive light or retiring. And I'm not sure that I'm ready to retire! But talking about this openly - or as openly as is safe - affects more than just me, which is why I wanted to ask if anyone had any objections.

I was also wondering, for those of you who also have echoes that mean that you can’t be out and about, what do you do to keep yourself busy and amused?

[Private to the known Tolkiens and Julien]

[He's come prepared! Once he has all of their numbers put in and a private line set up, he holds up a piece of paper with twelve crests on, each named underneath. One of them is recognisable as the crest on Thorir's sword, labeled as 'Fountain'.]

I remembered these. Does anyone else recognise them?

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I've been more at ease since making up my mind. I'm going to speak to my agent on monday, and then Ariel, and then we shall see.

Have you had any more echoes lately?

Oh? What have you decided to do? [he asked, curious though he knows that Gabriel's had some issues with his younger appearance recently.]

I don't believe so, other than the knowledge of my great-grandfather. I wish I knew more of him, of Gondolin.

There seems little point in trying to stay hidden away. I might as well do what I can to ensure that there's something positive of us in the media.

Be patient! We're getting there. I'm sure more will come in time. [And hopefully not the fire and death that Gabriel remembers. He's still not certain what place those memories come from; the focus in the memories is the destruction, not the place. The reason he hasn't mentioned them to Eliot is because at first he was certain they were Rivendell and he didn't want him to have to cope with the same memories as he's been burdened.] Until then, I had this returned to me this week. Or at least, I think so. I'd remember having brought something like this. [Out of his pocket he brings the elf stone that Glorfindel left as a marker when he was searching for Frodo.] I wondered if you'd recognise it.

That is very admirable. Perhaps in time it will be possible I will not have to wear the headbands to work.

[Eliot said with approval as he served them their tea before leading the way to the library. It was where the painting was, as well as being more comfortable than sitting in the kitchen.

The sight of the elfstone makes him pause as he reaches out and takes it carefully.] It simply appeared to you?

I hope so! Although I would also hope that your coworkers and patients would be understanding enough not to judge you if you stopped wearing them now.

[Gabriel stands again easily, following Eliot. He lets him take the stone willingly, watching him with it.] I noticed it on my desk, and I'm sure that I'm not old enough to forget having put it there yet.

Perhaps someday, the headbands are uncomfortable to wear all the time over my ears.

[Once in the library, there is the large painting, leaning up against one of the bookcases, completed. It's exactly as Eliot had seen in his mind, though it didn't compare to the original beauty of the place itself.]

Do you know what this is called? [He asked as he handed back the stone carefully.]

[As they enter the study, Gabriel spots the painting and immediately heads over to it. He's flooded with that same sense of home and belonging that hit him the first time he smelt athelas, something which is more bitter sweet these days, with the echoes he's had since. Yes, this is it, the place that he remembers, and it makes his chest ache for a home that he's never had. He doesn't reply immediately, closing his eyes for a moment and taking a breath before he opens them again and turns to his friend with a wry, tired smile.]

The valley, if that song I remembered is anything to do with it. I never thought to ask, but perhaps Julien knows? [He takes the stone as he speaks, returning it to his pocket, before taking his tea and a seat, settling down.]

I meant the elfstone. I actually recognize it and know who had it in Imladris. [Eliot explained, there was a name suddenly in mind and a mental picture of an elf in armor. Glorfindel.]

Yes, the Hidden Valley. Imladris. [He said softly as he looked at the painting, giving Gabriel a smile in return. It was home, it made his heart stop every time he saw the painting, it was hard to believe he felt such longing for a place he hadn't stepped foot in yet he knew each curving path, each waterfall.]

Puck? What was his name? [Of course, it could be that the stone belonged to someone else as well as Puck, but if he recognises the name, maybe he'll finally be able to shake off this name that Thorir's given him.]

Glorfindel. [Eliot said as he looked at his friend, taking a sip of tea, curious.] Do you know that name?

[The now familiar rush of an echo floods Gabriel, and he sits down, taking a deep breath. His head is swimming, rushing with the new information even though this isn't much compared to what he's had in the past. But he's been waiting for it.]

That was his name. [He confirms, after a moment, when he feels a little more steady.] There were others as well, but that was what he answered to. [Glorfindel. Puck's easier to say, but Glorfindel felt right. Finally he had a name.]

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