While the Lord is Away

Disclaimer: LOTR belongs to the creative genius of JRR Tolkien, not me.

While the Lord Is Away…

Pairing: Erestor/Glorfindel

Chapter 1. Not Quite Alone


The Last Homely House was well known as a sanctuary that offered peace and tranquillity for those who sought refuge, no matter to what race they belonged, but to those interested in history and lore it also offered the most extensive libraries in Arda. The walls of the enormous library were lined with bookshelves that held ancient scrolls, manuscripts, letters and books on any subject one could wish to read about. This was Erestor’s favourite place in all of Imladris and this evening Elrond’s Chief Councillor sat quietly in the large armchair that was situated close to the window, reading the latest book that had caught his fancy. As he often did when alone, he discarded his outer robes and removed his soft leather shoes and curled his bare feet up under him on the seat. A goblet of his favourite wine stood on the small table at the side of the chair, and a smile of contentment adorned his face as he closed his eyes for a moment and relished the unusual, yet very welcome silence that had descended on the valley in the last few days.

Elrond had recently left for a rare trip to Mirkwood having accepted an invitation from Thranduil to attend Legolas’s coming of age celebrations, and naturally his sons had accompanied their adar, not only because Legolas was a close friend, but also to ensure Elrond’s safety. The incorrigible Glorfindel was still away with his border patrol and with Lindir spending some time in Lothlórien, as was Arwen, for the first time since he had moved to Imladris, Erestor was alone and in temporarily in charge.

His first act as “Lord” had been to grant the maids, valets and all those who served Elrond and his family a few days holiday. He wandered the passageways extinguishing lamps that were no longer needed and as he passed the now empty bed chambers he admitted that it felt rather strange to know that for several months he would not receive an unexpected summons to his Lord’s study to offer advice or deal with some urgent matter, or be forced to endure some mischief or other of the twin’s making. His greatest sense of calm, came however from the absence of the once Lord of the House of Golden Flower. He and the Balrog slayer had a strong friendship, based on respect and loyalty to each other, and mutual affection for their lord, yet outwardly they were very volatile towards each other, continually engaged in banter that was usually teasing, but sometimes insulting. Most of the inhabitants of Imladris were certain they were enemies, and neither did anything to disavow them of that opinion. Only Elrond knew differently and often admonished them for the game they played with the unsuspecting members of his household. He alone knew that the constant battle between seneschal and councillor was really a display of affection, admittedly the strangest he had ever witnessed, but that is what it was nonetheless.

However, of late there had been a subtle change, particularly in Glorfindel’s response to his friend’s caustic barbs. It took some time for Erestor to believe that there was any truth to Elrond’s observation that golden lord was often hurt by the advisor’s harsh words, but he denied vehemently that it was because Glorfindel’s feelings for him had changed to something deeper than friendship. Yet Erestor was not so naïve as to ignore what his inner voice told him, and though he had not the experience with lovers that Glorfindel was well known for, he could not deny that he sensed a hint of something more than playfulness in the recent flirtatious overtures from his friend. Nor could he deny his increasing apprehension that his heart was about to betray his better judgement and force his body to respond. Whilst the seneschal was absent he would take the time to examine his feelings, for he found his thinking none too clear whenever soft lips teased his cheek in passing or eyes that shone like starlight smiled into his across the dinner table.

Once Glorfindel returned, his inner peace would be shattered, but hopefully by then his treacherous emotions would once more be under control. He did not believe he was interested in taking a lover, no matter how persistent the Balrog slayer might become. Of course, had he really been thinking clearly, he would have realised that his resistance was a challenge that Glorfindel eagerly accepted, sucs ths the delightful prize awaiting the victor. As he slowly began drifting into a delightful dream, he imagined he could feel his friend’s presence, and his sweet voice calling his name.

“Erestor! Where are you?” The sound of footsteps in the hall and the raised voice of the seneschal, abruptly roused Erestor from the reverie to which had almost unwittingly succumbed.

“Trust Glorfindel to return early, he probably did so simply to irritate me,” he thought as the admittedly handsome Balrog slayer entered the library. The first thing Erestor noticed was that a few stray blonde hairs clung to a more than fair cheek, just asking to be tenderly tucked behind an elegant ear, by fingers that wielded a quill rather than a sword. The Councillor groaned inwardly at his unbidden thoughts that spoke of hidden desire and sought to banish them from his mind.

“Erestor, are you in here, or have you also deserted Imladris?” Glorfindel called again as he glanced about him with a brief flicker of pleasure in his eyes as he spotted his quarry. Fortunately the councillor excelled in presenting a composed demeanour even as he fought to control his inappropriate thoughts.

“Ai, I am here, but my dear Glorfindel, how could I possibly answer your second question if I were indeed elsewhere?” Erestor asked dryly. He did not bother to move from his comfortable position and indicated for Glorfindel to take a seat.

“It was a rhetorical question. Do I get a kiss to welcome me home?” Glorfindel asked with a wicked grin as he picked up Erestor’s wine goblet and drained its contents before flopping inelegantly into the armchair opposite, resting one of his legs casually over the wooden arm. Erestor eyed him warily, as he ignored his reluctance to actually deny Glorfindel.

“Was that a rhetorical question too?” Erestor smirked.

“Take it as you wish,” pouted Glorfindel as a flash of pain crossed his face. “The place feels deserted. Where is everybody?” he asked, his mood changing like quicksilver.

“Elrond and his sons are in Mirkwood by now I believe.” Erestor sighed wearily as the seneschal considered this information. He watched as his friend’s features turn dark with anger, and readied himself for the expected outburst.

“You believe? You mean you do not know?” Glorfindel shouted accusingly.

“I mean that is where he was headed, but I have not received word of his arrival. Nor do I expect to yet, he has only been gone a few days,” explained Erestor with a calmness that only served to infuriate his companion.

“If he needed to go to Mirkwood he should have waited until I returned to escort him,” declared Glorfindel, his concern for his friend and lord plainly evident. Erestor rose in silence and poured them both some wine. Glorfindel accepted the goblet with a nod.

“The invitation to attend Legolas’s majority celebration arrived almost a month after you left to go on patrol. You know how close Imladris and Mirkwood have become so naturally Elrond accepted. You were not expected back for another month, thus he went without you. He is quite capable of defending himself if need be, and he has Elladan and Elrohir at his side, there is no need for concern.”

“Are you implying my services as Captain of the guard are no longer needed?” asked Glorfindel coldly, totally misinterpreting Erestor’s words.

“Oh really Glorfindel, be sensible will you? You know that is not what I meant. I was simply pointing out that should you be unavailable, there are others, who you have trained well I might add, who can stand in your stead,” replied Erestor in exasperation. Glorfindel allowed himself a small smile at the rare compliment and the delicious sight of the pale skin of a very desirable neck revealed by Erestor’s partially open tunic.

“I suppose you are right. It is my duty to protect Elrond but I am relieved that he has our two most experienced fighters at his side. Despite his skill as a warrior in the past, I fear Elrond has had little experience with the dangers his patrols encounter of late,” said Glorfindel, his anger tuning quickly to desire that was likely to make itself very obvious if he remained in Erestor’s presence much longer. “Well, now that you have solved the mystery of the disappearing Peredhel for me, I think I will just take a relaxing bath before dinner,” said Glorfindel as he rose with his usual grace, and walked towards the door. He stopped in the doorway and turned to say something but Erestor spoke first, looking pointedly below his friend’s waist.

“No thank you, Glorfindel, I do not want to bathe with you,” he replied to the question in the lust filled eyes. “But you are welcome to join me for dinner in the private dining room when you are finished.”