Rip my guts out, why don't you! *grin*

Exceptionally well done, Red. I like how you've narrowed the entire relationship to one moment in time, so brief and painful, yet somehow fully illustrating the complex range of emotions that Ecthelion feels about both the past and his lover.

I also like the portrayal of Ecthelion being the reluctant warrior, out of necessity putting aside his skill for diplomacy in favor of the sword.