Title & Chapter Number: Fate's Mirror 15/?
Author(s): - Author's Index
Website:
Fandom: Tolkien
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: do not own these characters, they are the property of Tolkien, and I am sure he would be horrified if he read this…
Warnings: This story is rated NC-17 and contains male slash pairings and explicit sexual content. If you find this offensive, or you are under-age, I strongly suggest you stop now.
Betas: Larian Elensar
Cast: Erestor, Glorfindel, Gildor, Thranduil
Timeline: SA
Spoilers: None
Summary: Set during the second half of the second age. Reincarnated Glorfindel returns to Lindon from the Halls of Mandos. Erestor recovers and has a talk with Lord Elrond; Gildor and Glorfindel share some quality time; Erestor makes a shocking discovery.
Notes: I have yet to read the Unfinished Tales or History of ME, so I know there will be inaccuracies in this - so consider this AU.
December, 1701, Second Age, Imladris
Erestor was finally able to get up and move around, though he still depended on a cane for support. He resumed his duties as Chief Counselor and, true to character, dived back into work with a vengeance. Glorfindel felt more comfortable being away now that Erestor was more independent, but he had not yet moved his quarters back to the barracks. Every night the two friends shared an after dinner drink, consisting of either miruvor, or a fine brandy or wine from the human settlements to the south. They would sit opposite one another next to the fire, sometimes discussing happenings in and around Imladris, or sometimes not speaking at all, preferring to simply enjoy one another's company.
The awkward silence that had existed between them before they left Imladris for war was gone; Erestor's brush with death had solved that. Glorfindel was determined never to let a misunderstanding come between them again. Erestor's fall in battle and long recovery had a dramatic effect on the Vanya. He had been incapacitated with grief and fear when his friend was wounded. He remembered climbing the stairs of the ruined fortress, hacking his way through the orcs that poured out from buildings that had once housed the Mírdain. He found his close friend locked in violent combat with the largest orc he had ever seen. Visions of that event still haunted him; often bringing nightmares that left him sweating and panting for air. He had some idea of the pain Erestor had felt with that attack and the ensuing recovery; at least he had been released from his own pain by death.
He stood at the window overlooking the balcony to his room, watching the snow fall soundlessly upon the terrace. His thoughts were occupied with where he would go next. With Sauron driven back to the east, Imladris and most of the lands west of the Misty Mountains were safe from his evil; he was no longer needed to protect Imladris borders. He thought of traveling to Lindon with Gildor when he returned; or perhaps venturing east, over the mountains though Amroth's realm, back to the great wood. He thought about Thranduil, the young prince that had awakened his heart, and he wondered how he fared now that they were rebuilding what Sauron's minions had destroyed.
He inhaled the warm air of the room, breathing in Gildor's comforting and familiar scent as he felt the Noldo press his forehead against his back.
"Gildor, mellonamin," he said softly.
Gildor slid his arms around the Vanya's waist and leaned his chin upon his shoulder. "Where are you, Glorfindel? You have the look of one lost in thought."
Glorfindel nodded. "Aye, my thoughts do wander, to places once visited and those I have left behind."
Gildor smiled. "To a certain Sinda prince, perhaps?"
Glorfindel sighed and smiled sadly. "Yes. I hurt him, Gildor. I do not know if he will ever forgive me."
Gildor stepped around in front of the warrior and caressed his face. "He will, mellon. Give him time, he will see that you did the only thing you could do. It is not your role to play lover to a prince, you are meant for more than that."
Glorfindel looked into his friend's eyes and answered quietly, "I would be meant for only that if it were up to me, Gildor. I could find peace and happiness in his bed until the ending of the world."
Gildor narrowed his eyes for just a moment then responded, "Perhaps, but I do not believe that, Glorfindel. I believe you were meant for other things, and perhaps, other beds."
Glorfindel raised one golden eyebrow and smiled half-heartedly. "Is that so, mellonamin? Who's bed might I be meant for?"
Gildor laughed quietly. "That is not for me to say, my Vanyarian friend. I merely state what you will not see for yourself."
Glorfindel grasped the Noldo by the shoulders and spun him around to face the window. He wrapped his arms around Gildor's waist and slid his hands across the smooth suede of his doublet. "How long has it been, mellon? Since you were bedded properly, hmm?"
Gildor gasped and arched into the warrior's touch, memories of the night they shared in Lindon returning to his mind. "Ah!" he gasped, as Glorfindel's fingers slid over the seam of his leggings, traveling deep between his legs. "Too long," he whispered. "Far too long."
"Well," Glorfindel purred, "that will not do. We must remedy this immediately." He turned Gildor again and grasped him under the arms, lifting him until his friend's legs locked around his waist. He moaned quietly as Gildor grasped his face in his hands and assaulted his mouth with intensity he had felt from no other. The Noldo was no fawning and flirtatious young elf, he was a warrior, like himself, and he was not afraid to reach out and take what he wanted.
They stumbled backward toward the bed, Glorfindel flinging Gildor down upon the mattress. Gildor reached up and grabbed Glorfindel's collar, pulling him down and rolling over him, attacking his friend's body with his hands and his mouth. Glorfindel groaned and arched into him, hardening almost instantly to Gildor's assault. He pulled and struggled with Gildor's doublet and tunic as the Noldo struggled out of it.
~*~*~*~
Erestor sat across the small table from Lord Elrond, his eyes occasionally drifting toward Glorfindel's empty chair. He ate his meal and conversed with his Lord, trying to hide the concern he felt for Glorfindel's absence.
"It appears neither Glorfindel nor Gildor will be joining us for dinner tonight, mellonamin," Elrond said quietly.
"Gildor, my Lord?" Erestor pried his gaze away from the empty chair and focused on his Lord's face.
"I had invited Gildor to join us for dinner as well," Elrond answered as he sliced into a juicy piece of beef. "It appears he and Glorfindel had other dinner plans." He brought the slice of beef to his mouth and chewed it quietly.
Several moments of silence passed, the only sound heard was the quiet clinking of silverware on china. Erestor broke the silence, "Perhaps they take their meal with the soldiers in the barracks. I know Glorfindel feels as though he has neglected them these past months."
Elrond smiled and waived his empty fork. "'Tis no matter. This is not a formal affair, they are free to come and go as they choose. At any rate, I have the feeling that Glorfindel may be leaving us soon."
Erestor's eyes widened as he nearly choked on his wine. He dabbed his mouth with his napkin and questioned, "Leaving, my Lord? Why do you say so?"
Elrond smiled wryly, "Our Golden One grows restless I fear. He has done all he can with the border guard; they are well trained and seasoned in battle. His work as seneschal is boring for him, Erestor. You must have noticed this. I suspect he will return to Lindon with Gildor and offer his service to the High King. I must admit, I am envious. I have longed to look upon Lindon for many months now, and I have missed my service to my Lord."
Erestor sat, temporarily stunned into silence. He had no idea Glorfindel was unhappy; his friend had never mentioned it to him in all their talks. He felt a sudden, overwhelming surge of panic at the thought of Glorfindel leaving; he had grown quite accustomed to his friend's company.
"Erestor? Are you alright?" Elrond questioned softly.
The Counselor cleared his throat and nodded. "Aye. Pardon me, my Lord. I was taken aback by your observation. I was not aware that Glorfindel was unhappy."
Elrond took a sip of wine and answered, "I do not believe he is unhappy, per say, just unchallenged. Glorfindel was not made to be an administrator, Erestor. He is not like you or I. Glorfindel is more like Gildor; he is a soldier, not a bureaucrat."
Erestor nodded in agreement. In that, his Lord was correct, Glorfindel was not an administrator.
"I will be sad to lose him," Elrond continued. "He has become a friend as well as an assistant. More than one of us owes our life to him."
Erestor swallowed and answered quietly, "I know I do."
Elrond reached across the table and placed his hand over Erestor's. "As do I, mellonamin, as do I."
Erestor furrowed his brow and looked up at Elrond. "What do you mean, my Lord?"
"Just before he found you on the battlement, he and his regiment were covering the south gate. My regiment joined them and we were fighting side by side. I tell you, Erestor, few have taken my breath away as he did. Only twice before have I seen elves more fierce than he. I swear to you, there were Orcs cowering in his wake. If I had a doubt before, it was removed that day. He is an Eldar, Erestor. He has looked upon the glory of Valinor and seen the light of the trees. His sight pierces the veil between dark and light, he sees what the rest of us do not. There is no fear in him, and the Dark Lord's minions sensed it. They fled before him like a black tide, only those too foolish to know better met his challenge." He took a deep breath and continued, "When Annatar reached the gate he hurled a spear through the breach. Glorfindel caught it in his hand, Erestor. As I sit here before you, I swear, he reached up and snatched it out of the air and hurled it back at the beast that threw it. If it were not for the Dark Lord's power, he would have killed him on the spot. That spear was meant for me, Erestor; he caught it before it pierced my chest. Had he not been there, I would not be sitting here with you now."
Erestor listened to Elrond's tale in shock. Glorfindel had never breathed a word of it to him, but then that was not surprising, the warrior never liked to talk about himself. "He never told me, but I am not surprised," he answered softly.
Elrond smiled and resumed his meal. "No, nor am I. Glorfindel is a most humble elf. It occurs to me that I owe him my life in more ways than one. Were it not for his protection and sacrifice during the Fall of Gondolin, I would not be sitting here with you now. So much would be different, Erestor; I often wonder what the world would be like if not for that one act of self-sacrifice."
The rest of their meal passed in silence and Erestor excused himself to return to his quarters.
~*~*~*~
Gildor lay across Glorfindel's chest, a blissful smile spreading across his lips. He took a deep breath and sighed, causing the Vanya to chuckle.
"Satisfied are we?" Glorfindel asked teasingly.
"Most satisfied," Gildor answered. "But…"
"Yes?" Glorfindel questioned.
"We missed dinner with Lord Elrond. Do you suppose he is angry?" Gildor asked quietly.
Glorfindel smiled and stroked Gildor's hair. "I do not think so, Gildor. Lord Elrond's temper is slow to burn. In the months that I have been here, I have grown to know him better. He is much like his grandfather. Tuor was the first Edain I had ever met. He was a kind and noble soul, slow to anger, wise for his years. The lady Idril loved him dearly, and the King loved him as a son before he took his daughter to wed. I am only sorry that my Lord did not survive to know his grandson and see his great grandsons come into this world. King Turgon loved Eärendil so, he doted on that elfling to the point that it frustrated Idril sometimes; he spoiled little Eärendil terribly. I think he would have loved Lord Elrond and King Elros just as much." He took a deep breath and sighed. "It is fitting that Eärendil carries the light of the Silmaril; its beauty will forever be safe in his keeping."
Gildor listened contentedly to Glorfindel talk of his kinsman; he so rarely heard the warrior reminisce and it was clear how much he had loved his home and those he swore to protect. After a few moments of silence he shifted against the warrior and grimaced. "Ai, we are a mess, Glorfindel."
Glorfindel chuckled and nodded. "That we are, mellonamin, that we are. Shall we rise and bathe? We could raid the kitchens and see what is left for dinner."
Gildor nodded. "Excellent idea." He slowly rose from the warrior and climbed from the bed, preparing a bath.
~*~*~*~
Erestor slowly walked along the long corridor that led to his chambers, leaning upon his oaken staff for support. This walk always seemed to take forever at the end of the day. He knew he pushed himself too hard, but he could not seem to stop himself. After months of lying in bed and feeling useless, he could not bear to be idle. He came to a stop at Glorfindel's door, noticing he had not picked up the schedule for the next day that was delivered to their door each night. He bent down with difficulty and picked up the scroll. He looked at it for a moment before raising his hand to knock.
Before his knuckles could make contact with the door, it swung open to reveal the Vanya in a thin silken robe, his hair still wet from the bath.
"Erestor," Glorfindel said softly, surprise coloring his voice.
"Glorfindel," Erestor answered, his eyes quickly perusing the Vanya's form before bowing his head in greeting. He extended his hand and offered the scroll to him. "Tomorrow's schedule…" his voice trailed off as he caught sight of Gildor treading toward the door in nothing but his leggings. "I am sorry," he murmured, "I did not realize you had company."
Glorfindel reached out and took the scroll, noting the small tremor in Erestor's hand. "Erestor, your hand… you are…" he looked at the Counselor's face and continued, "You are pale. You are pushing yourself too hard…"
Gildor stepped next to Glorfindel, his eyes widening in surprise for just a moment as he stammered a greeting. "Erestor…"
Erestor fought down the blood that threatened to rush to his face and he bowed his head again. "Gildor," he answered as calmly as he could manage. "Lord Elrond and I missed the two of you at dinner. Perhaps we can reschedule when you are free?" He stepped back and continued, "I am quite tired. I suppose I have pushed myself too hard today. Glorfindel, would you mind terribly if we postponed our drink tonight? I would like to go to bed early."
Glorfindel stepped forward to take Erestor's elbow. "Of course not, mellonamin. But let me escort you to your chamber at least, you look very tired."
"I am quite alright, Glorfindel," Erestor snapped as Glorfindel recoiled. He took a deep breath and continued, "Forgive me, mellonamin. I am just tired. It is only fifteen paces to my door; I can manage by myself. Have a good evening." He turned on his heel and walked as quickly as he could to his door, entering his chamber and closing the door behind him.
Glorfindel turned and looked at Gildor, who replied, "That went well. Do you not think so?"
Glorfindel furrowed his brow and grumbled as he closed the door.
~*~*~*~
Erestor sank back against the door and sighed. He supposed he should not be surprised at what he saw, Gildor and Glorfindel were more suited to one another than… he shook his head. "Pointless…" he grumbled. He righted himself and hobbled to his armoire, removing his heavy robes and changing into a thin silk nightshirt. He practically fell into the bed and in his weary state, drifted into reverie almost immediately.
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