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.]