Title & Chapter Number: Fate's Mirror 26/?
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. Gildor leaves for Imladris, Thranduil and Nessa take a day hike, Elrond grows more enamored of Celebrían and gives Erestor a hard time.
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. Thanks to Orchyd Constyne for Quenya and Sindarin translations, as well as a few borrowed names.
September 1702, Second Age, Greenwood the Great
Thranduil stood beside Gildor as the Noldo placed his bags across his horse's withers. He idly stroked the gelding's neck as he looked at the ground, fighting to maintain a cheerful expression. He did not want to make his lover's departure more painful than it had to be, he knew Gildor did not want to leave him. He felt his love's strong fingers under his chin and he looked up into Gildor's kind gray eyes. He smiled weakly, feeling the corners of his mouth begin to tremble.
Gildor sighed and drew Thranduil into his arms, fighting back his own tears that threatened to fall. He stroked the Sinda's hair and whispered quietly to him. They had made such sweet love that morning, and it had been so hard to let go of Thranduil. "I will return, melethen," he said softly. "I promise you that."
Thranduil said nothing but nodded and squeezed the Noldo tighter. He took a deep breath and whispered, "Be careful, seron vell."
Gildor smiled and buried his face in his lover's hair. "I will, meleth. You be careful on patrol, and stop volunteering to take point on every mission. You have proven your worth as a warrior, take no more foolish chances."
"Alright," Thranduil whispered.
"Promise me, Thranduil. Swear to me that you will be careful. If you were to fall…" Gildor found he could not bear to finish the thought.
"I promise," Thranduil answered quietly. He took a deep breath and sniffled, drawing away from Gildor's embrace and wiping his eyes. "Now, go. Daylight is wasting."
Gildor nodded and caressed his face. "I will see you soon, meleth," he answered before pressing a kiss to his lover's lips.
They parted and Gildor leapt upon his horse, signaling to his entourage to ride forth into the forest.
Thranduil ran and leapt upon a rock, waiving to them as they rode into the wood. He watched them ride away until he could no longer see them.
Oropher stood at the edge of his flet, watching Gildor and his men ride into the forest. His eyes drifted to his son, he could feel the pain radiating off Thranduil in waves. This saddened him, he never liked seeing his only son in such pain, but Gildor's place was with Gil-galad, and Thranduil's was in the great wood.
He looked down and saw Nessa standing several feet behind Thranduil; her delicate hands clasped together, her long neck bent as she looked at the ground. He smiled sadly, this maiden was to play an important part in his son's life, he could feel it. He turned and moved back to the maps spread upon the floor as he returned his attention to the scout that sat patiently next to them.
Thranduil turned and hopped down from the rock as Gildor's troupe disappeared from view. He looked up and saw Nessa standing before him, her fair face a mask of concern. He walked toward her and put his arm around her shoulders, leading her away from the meadow.
"Come now, elleth," he said softly. "Why do you look so sad?"
"Because my lord does," she answered quietly.
"Aye, I am sad, Nessa," he answered quietly. "Gildor is a kind and good friend, I will miss him while he is gone."
"You love him, do you not?" she asked quietly.
Thranduil smiled sadly and nodded. "Aye, I do."
She wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her head upon his strong shoulder. "I will try to keep thee company, my Lord. I know I am not Gildor, but perhaps I can make you smile nonetheless."
Thranduil smiled and squeezed her tight. "You are a good friend as well, Nessa, and you do make me smile."
She pulled away and skipped ahead a step or two. "I know what will lighten my Lord's spirits!" she exclaimed.
Thranduil laughed softly and responded, "What?"
Her eyes grew wide in excitement. "A fresh crop of fawns has arrived! The does and fawns make their home on the other side of the hill." She reached out and took his hand. "Come with me, I will show you!"
Thranduil smiled and nodded, the elf-maid never ceased to lighten his spirits. "Alright, Nessa. But first, let us pack some fruit and water to take with us. It is a long walk up that hill."
She smiled broadly and nodded. "A most excellent idea, my Lord," she answered. "Come, if we hurry they will still be asleep." She tugged him along and they quickly walked to where breakfast had been set up.
~*~*~*~
September 1702, Second Age, Last Homely House, Imladris
Elrond stood under a tall tree, his arms crossed over his chest and a satisfied smile gracing his lips. He watched as Celebrían directed the workers hanging lanterns and various decorations around the large garden. He chuckled to himself as he watched half the population of Mírdain in addition to a large number of household staff dart to and fro, hanging finely crafted silver and crystal lanterns, birds made of fine wire and ribbon, and baskets overflowing with flowers. Tables were being set up and covered with fine white linen, chairs in various shapes and sizes being brought from inside the house and placed around them. Centerpieces of bright summer foliage were placed upon each table and a platform was being erected for the minstrels. This would be the most elegant and stately Iavas celebration Imladris had ever seen.
He heard the clattering of hooves and rattling of wagon wheels coming from the courtyard, and he turned to see the latest shipment arriving from the south. He raised an eyebrow and turned to make for the courtyard. A wicked grin graced his lips as he formulated the words he would say to Erestor. He planned to make the Counselor squirm properly for his abrupt departure. He was not truly angry, but he did so love to tease Erestor.
He walked up the short hill toward the courtyard, schooling his features into a properly stern expression.
Celebrían watched Elrond walk up the hill and smiled. She had known he was watching her and it made her heart flutter in her chest. She struggled not to blush and fawn like a young maid, but the Lord of Imladris was so incredibly beautiful and wise, it was hard not to do so. **You are the daughter of Galadriel,** she mentally chastised herself. **Act like it, foolish girl!** She struggled to mold her expression into one of seriousness, but found it soon reverted to the broad smile she wore moments ago. She turned back to her work, and began instructing the workers again.
~*~*~*~
Elrond arrived in the courtyard just as Erestor and Glorfindel were dismounting. The two lovers were chatting and laughing amiably as they removed their gear. The men they had with them were assisting the kitchen staff in unloading the wagons with the provisions for the upcoming celebration.
A group of children and elflings, hearing the arrival of the riders and wagons, came running up the hill, bolting past Elrond as they headed toward the wagons laden with goods. One of the smallest became tangled up in the elf lord's robes, and he carefully extracted it before sending it upon its way. Shouting and excited young ones quickly surrounded Erestor and Glorfindel, and Glorfindel laughed as he picked one up and swung it around. Erestor crouched down low, producing various trinkets from the folds of his robes, smiling and ushering the little ones off to harass the kitchen staff for sweets.
They were both road worn, their clothes and skin peppered with dust from the dry trails, but they looked otherwise no worse for wear. Elrond mused that they even looked happy. He placed his hands upon his hips, a proper glare affixed upon his face as he cleared his throat.
"Ehem…"
Erestor and Glorfindel turned around to see their Lord casting a disapproving glance their way. Glorfindel looked at Elrond with one elegantly raised golden eyebrow then glanced at his lover. He picked up his pack and began to make his way toward the stair.
Erestor reached out and grasped his cloak. "Where are you going?" he asked his lover in hushed tones.
Glorfindel shook his head, his great golden mane shifting about his shoulders. "Oh no, melethen, I was supposed to be there. This is your problem, not mine."
Erestor furrowed his brow and grumbled. "Thank you very much, seron vell," he mumbled as Glorfindel left him to his fate.
He straightened his cloak and quiver and took a deep breath, holding his head high as he walked toward Elrond. He stopped in front of his lord and bowed his head, covering his heart with his hand. "My Lord," he said calmly.
"And just what did you think you were doing when you ran off with Glorfindel like that, Erestor? Have you forgotten your position in this household? Do your duties mean so little to you that you can push them upon poor Melpomaen and just leave without so much as discussing it with me first?"
Erestor opened his mouth to reply and was quickly cut off by Elrond. The Lord of Imladris was really having fun with his second.
"Melpomaen nearly had a break down trying to cover for you, Erestor. He is in the healer's quarters as we speak. Celebrían has had to step in and take over preparations for the High King's arrival and the upcoming celebration. Trade negotiations have come to a halt with the settlements to the south." He threw up his hands in mock exasperation and raised his voice, "You have left a complete disaster in your wake! What do you have to say for yourself?"
Erestor blanched at the dressing down he was receiving. His brow knitted with guilt and his head hung in shame. He had never shirked his duties as Elrond's second before. He opened his mouth and quietly replied, "I am sorry, my Lord. I did not think that my leaving would cause so much trouble."
"Well it did not!" Elrond barked, barely able to keep from laughing. "Little did I know my Chief Counselor was so gullible."
Erestor opened his mouth in shock, then closed it as he realized he did not know what to say.
A broad smile crossed Elrond's lips and he placed a hand upon Erestor's shoulder. "It is good to have you home, meldir. I have so missed teasing you."
Erestor heaved a sigh of relief. He answered, "It is good to be home, my Lord."
They turned and made their way toward the stair leading to the main house. Erestor began hesitantly, "Tell me, my Lord, Melpomaen…"
Elrond chuckled and answered, "Melpomaen is fine. He performed your duties with flawless skill. We have closed negotiations with the settlements to the south and we are prepared for the High King's arrival. Yes, the Lady Celebrían did take over the celebration preparations, but only because she practically begged me for something to do. Melpomaen was reluctant to relinquish even the smallest responsibility, but he acquiesced when I convinced him she could handle it."
Erestor nodded and laughed softly. "You did a fine job of fooling me, my Lord. I truly thought Melpomaen was in the healer's quarters."
Elrond raised one eyebrow and smiled wryly. "Well, truth be told, he is. But not for the reasons I mentioned."
Erestor looked at him with alarm. "Is he all right? What happened?"
Elrond grinned as he replied, "It appears the household staff has been waxing the rear stair in the middle of the night when they thought everyone was abed. Our dear Melpomaen chose to use that stair when sneaking back to his room after visiting Ariel. He has only twisted his ankle. He will be given crutches and allowed to return to his duties, and his liaisons, in a few days."
Erestor's eyes widened and he placed his hand upon his mouth as he chuckled. "Oh, I am sure he will think twice before taking that route again," he answered softly.
Elrond laughed heartily and nodded. "Aye, I suppose he will, he is quite mortified."
They continued up the stair toward the Council chambers.
~*~*~*~
September 1702, Second Age, Greenwood the Great
Thranduil and Nessa trudged back up the mountain toward their home. It was unseasonably warm and she was beginning to tire. She stopped and placed her hands upon her knees and looked up at the Prince.
"I am sorry, my Lord," she panted. "I am afraid I need to rest."
Thranduil turned back to her and smiled. "Of course, meldis. Come, let us rest against a tree in the shade." He led her to a soft patch of ground under a large tree. They sat beside one another in silence, listening to the wind in the tree boughs and the birds singing over head.
She looked up at him and smiled gently. "I suppose this walk is easy for you, yes? You do not look tired at all."
He smiled and nodded. "Well, I have to run and climb trees everyday, I have since I was an elfling. So yes, I suppose I am more accustomed to this sort of activity."
She nodded and plucked a piece of clover. She looked up into the sky and saw the sun drawing lower on the horizon. "It grows late," she said softly. "Will we be safe returning if it grows dark?"
Thranduil smiled and brushed the hair off her shoulder. "You have nothing to fear as long as you are with me, Nessa. I will protect you," he answered quietly.
She nodded again and sighed. "I still have bad dreams sometimes," she said quietly. "But I feel safe most of the time."
Thranduil pulled her close and cradled her head against his shoulder. "I am sorry you have bad dreams, elleth," he said softly.
She shrugged and wrapped her arms around his waist. "They fade as time goes on," she answered quietly.
Thranduil pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "Rest now, Nessa. I will keep you safe, I promise."
She closed her eyes and sighed, slowly drifting into reverie.
~*~*~*~
Melethen = my love
Meleth = love
Seron vell = dear lover
Meldir = friend, male
Elleth = maid~*~*~*~
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