Old Swords

Elrond took the sword, examining it carefully.  The blade was bright, untarnished even after its long sojourn in the trolls’ lair; the edge still sharp.  Runes were etched along its length.   He wrapped his hand around the jewelled hilt – it felt comfortable and oddly familiar; as if he had once wielded it long ago.

Visions assailed him – scenes of fire and destruction, a burning city and a mountain pass.  He shook his head, wondering where the images had come from, and bent to study the runes again. 

Of course …

“This was Glamdring, that the King of Gondolin once wore.”

 Author's Note:  A scene from The Hobbit, written for the Tolkien Weekly 'Swords' challenge.

 [Edit:  It was pointed out that it's not too clear what Elrond is seeing here.  He wasn't at the fall of Gondolin himself, of course - this is an inherited memory of what Tuor, Idril and Earendil saw as they fled Gondolin.  The King of Gondolin is his great grandfather.]