A Planned Event

Chapter 10

Erestor awoke with a gasp. Though deep in reverie all his senses screamed that he was not alone. Not since Molnenion was but an elfling, standing next to his bed in the middle of the night, without saying a word... just staring, did he feel this eerie sensation. His heart racing in his chest, Erestor sat up, his eyes immediately focusing on his son. Nenion was indeed sitting in the chair next to Erestor’s bed, in the corner of the small bedroom.

Molnenion had come home for some clothes and was about to leave when he spied his father’s bedroom door askance. Peeking in, he slowly opened the door far enough to slip his body through. Sitting down, he just watched his father sleep. It seemed a fitful one at that, for Erestor’s hair was messed; his clothing still on and in disarray, dried tear tracks could be seen upon his face.

Feeling a twinge of guilt, he thought upon his life here as but an elfling. He had had a happy youth. He felt loved and cared for by his father and by Meriliel and Laegon. His father had ever taught him proper manners for an Elf. He would sit and tell him stories for hours as they watched the sunset each night in front of their little home. He had also encouraged Nenion to tell stories as well. He had a suspicion that his father only learned to read later on in his life. Though he had hidden it from Erestor, there were times that he was made fun of by the other elflings, either for his father’s accent or because he acted such a proper Elf for his age and he had such a vivid imagination. He was often called pompous and what did he think he was a lord’s son? All this he had endured because his father had taught him to walk with his head held high and be proud of who he was, no matter what his station in life. All that came crashing down around him the moment the rumors began about his father being a whore. “Damn your lies and half-truths.” Nenion whispered under his breath.

That is when he was startled by a gasp from his father. Erestor sat upright, eyes filled with panic, until he saw his son. “Nenion! Is anything amiss?” He then walked and sat on the edge of his bed, in front of his son as he tried to run a hand through his matted hair.

Leaning forward, his hands upon his knees, Nenion looked directly into Erestor’s eyes. “Who is my father?” He asked adding, “no lies.”

Erestor did not hesitate for he knew he must tell all truths to harbor no more ill feelings from his son. He owed him as much. “Ecthelion, Lord of the House of the Fountain in Ondolindë.”

Nenion tried to process this information. He felt as if he had been punched in his gut at the news, for deep inside he knew it was true. Erestor finding his son still sitting there continued. “I was his property. A gift from King Turgon, for Ondolindë had slaves, for a lord’s pleasure. Here Erestor closed his eyes in embarrassment. One night Ecthelion decided he wanted to breach that which was never done so before and you were conceived. A single tear escaped Erestor’s eye.

“Was I wanted?” Nenion could barely speak.

“Yes, oh yes!” Erestor did not hesitate. For all that was wrong in his life he had wanted his child and he even knew that Ecthelion had wanted this child as well.

Nenion’s chin began to tremble slightly as he fought back tears. His eyes blinking rapidly, Erestor reached out warily and touched the hand on his son’s knee. Nenion did not flinch but welcomed the touch, his fingers wrapping around his father’s. “Can I also conceive?” He asked warily.

“No,” Erestor whispered. “You have not a vagina, last I checked?” Erestor quietly asked.

“No, I have not,” Nenion confirmed for his father, adding. “I had never noticed that about you.”

“It is hidden beneath my ...” Here Nenion held up his hand for his father to say no more. Erestor nodded in acquiescence.

“I love you my son,” smiled Erestor shakily. Nenion leaned closer and kissed his father on the forehead in reply.

……………………


Second Age 751 ForLindon.


Walking the long halls of the palace besides Rasadion, Erestor had found a place in the court at last. Though still a bit reserved, he was a part of the advisory council of the High King, Gil-Galad. Although in deeds he was little more than a note taker for the senior advisors; always doing their bidding, their dirty work, it was a necessary act that needed to be preformed and he gave it his all. He had earned the respect of Rasadion, surprisingly, but there were still a handful of council Elves that were jealous of his standing with the high king. There were some like Glavier who secretly lusted after Erestor, though at the same time despised him. According to some for his 'ill-got' position.

Rasadion, though at first one of Erestor's strongest opponents, saw the potential in the Elf as well as the tirelessness of his servitude to the council. Of all the members, Erestor was the one who never complained that any task was beneath him. Never.

Molnenion, a lord in his own right, was now a Captain of Gil-Galad's army. He was presently called 'Lord' and had chambers in the palace as was his due. He was a serious Elf that had a fearless manner to him. To Erestor's pride, there were nothing but glowing reports about his son; the soldiers immediately under his care loved him dearly. Being the one who did the menial tasks of the council, every paper graced Erestor's desk first and so he was privy to all that went on in Lindon because of this. Then Erestor would assign and direct the more important tasks to the more senior advisors. He had a desk just inside the council wing; he greeted traders and dignitaries alike on a daily basis. He treated the dignitaries as he was brought up to, and because of this, Rasadion had only compliments about his 'secretary'.

The most striking change to the House of Gil-Galad was the permanent addition of an Elf who came to be a guardian under Gil-Galad's tutelage. Elrond Eärendilion and for a short time his twin , Elros. Erestor knew Elrond well due to Elrond's constant proximity to the king. Elrond was quiet much like Erestor, but there was such a passion for life hidden behind the half-Elf's grey eyes that it often mesmerized the junior advisor and he found himself gravitated towards such a personality. Elrond was often a frequent guest at Erestor's desk, for Elrond was bright and knew where to best find information. He knew that Erestor was the Elf to go to. Elrond also found that he enjoyed the quiet of the strange and beautiful Elf. He never felt he had to put on airs around Erestor. He could just be himself without feeling the need to constantly prove himself as he did to the other advisors.

Though Erestor was still Gil-Galad's lover, they met rarely for such liaisons. Gil-Galad was very busy now, with limited time to himself. He often traveled the various regions within his rule as well, being gone for weeks at a time.

As Rasadion and he went to the weekly council meeting, he found most already in their places. They were just waiting for Gil-Galad and Elrond to enter so that they could begin. Sitting next to Glavier as was his place, Erestor heard snickering and glances his way between Glavier and one of his cronies. Glavier spoke in a tone just loud enough for Erestor to hear, “I heard rumors that the king grows tired of his lover, that he rarely joins him, a guard of my acquaintance who is stationed outside the king's quarters has said as much. I also heard that the king is bored for his lover only comes around when summoned.” Then Glavier looked over, pretending to be startled at seeing Erestor next to him. “Oh, Erestor, good morn,” grinned Glavier wickedly. Erestor just glared at him and silently nodded his greeting.

All heard laughter and Erestor's heart began to beat harder at the sound of his lover and king. Gil-Galad, followed by a laughing Elrond, entered the council room. “Forgive our tardiness, we lost track of the time.”

“I bet,” smirked Glavier. Erestor did not like what Glavier was insinuating and he knew that the Elf next to him was not to be trusted nor listened to with any sort of reasoning.

As was his want, Gil-Galad looked into the eyes of all in the room as he spoke and when he looked into Erestor's eyes, they lit up just a bit more. Erestor bit down the strange urge to laugh, though his belly felt a quiver with butterflies. Elrond also threw a smile Erestor's way. The meeting was quick and uneventful—just a going over of the week's rosters and finances, and ended fast. Erestor stood and quickly made his way over to the king. “My lord?” Gil was whispering to Elrond who seemed to blush ever lightly. Erestor felt a lump begin to form in his throat. Gil-Galad turned to Erestor still smiling.

“May I have a moment of your time, Geel?” Erestor asked using his familiarity to call him such.

“Yes, of course, what is needed?” inquired the king.

Erestor gulped, “Alone, my lord?”

“I'll meet you in the yard,” Elrond smiled and excused himself.

The last of the room emptied and Erestor was found alone with the king, his lover. “Is anything amiss?” Asked Gil with worry.

“No, no, I was just wondering if you had any free time for us to spend together.” It took everything for Erestor to ask this, it was not his nature, not how he was trained to act around a king. He could feel his palms begin to sweat.

Gil-Galad, somewhat startled, smiled with his eyes. “I do not mean to neglect you, Erestor,I have been so busy lately.” He touched Erestor's cheek with the back of his hand, which Erestor found he leaned into. He had not realized that he had indeed missed the king's touch. “I shall try and make time for you and soon.” Gil then leaned down and placed a soft kiss upon Erestor's lips before he turned to leave. Erestor just stared after him stunned. This time, perhaps Glavier was indeed correct.

Gil-Galad was gone for a fortnight, when Erestor decided to surprise him upon his return. He had a meal of the king's favorites set up to his room and had strewn rose petals about the chambers in a line that led to the king's bed. He had the best silken sheets put on the royal bed as well as candles lit on many of the various surfaces offering a romantic glow to the room. Upon the bed lay a naked Erestor, who was glowing with anticipation. Perhaps they just needed a change. Erestor felt ready to be bolder in the their relationship, finally. The king's favorite wine stood chilled and ready along with two glasses. Draped under the top sheet, he let it fall just above his groin, arranging himself as seductively as possible against the pillows, raven hair fanning as a spray upon the silken pillows. Finally he heard life in the next room. His heart rate sped up as did his breathing in anticipation of the night to come.

As Gil-Galad entered the room, he immediately noticed the petals. Curious, he smile wide at his companion, thinking he had done this for them. His companion, thought the same of the king-thinking Gil-Galad had this planned for their return. Both smiled and began to kiss each other with unbridled passion. They had been trying to keep their hands off the other the whole trip.

Opening the door to the bedroom, Gil-Galad gasped at the romantic ambiance of the room. He pulled his companion close to him and began to kiss the Elf before him with a loud moan. Upon the sound of the door opening , Erestor smiled and then stilled in shock silence; the smile quickly leaving his face. For gathered in the king's arms was none other than Lord Elrond. At first all Erestor could do was stare and watch the two locked in passion before him; then slowly, he began to shake uncontrollably as he felt a sickening wave of nausea hit his stomach hard. He was such a fool. How was he ever to leave unseen? His clothes were in the bathing chamber! Unbeknownst to him, he let out a little cry, the head of the king whipping around to the sound, as did Elrond's.

Erestor lay as a vision before him. He had never done anything like this before. He had never come to Gil-Galad's chambers unbidden. He felt so ill and ashamed. “Erestor!” breathed Gil-Galad finally.

“For..forgive me, my lord...I...I just need my clothes,” here Erestor's voice cracked slightly and he closed his eyes a second to gain control. “I just need my clothes and then I shall take my leave of you.” He pulled the sheet up to his chin as he suddenly felt bared to the world.

Elrond whispered something to Gil-Galad and left as Gil walked over towards the trembling Erestor. He tried to touch Erestor's hair, but he pulled away and stood, wrapping the sheet around him. He couldn't stand the look of pity in Gil's eyes. Going to the bathing chamber, Erestor quickly dressed. Gil came to stand in the doorway. “Erestor, I meant to tell you, I really did, but I thought that you weren't interested anymore....” Gil began.

“I was waiting for your summons, tis all.” Erestor whispered not able to look into the king's eyes anymore.

“Erestor, please, look at me,” Gil said sweetly.

“I cannot.” came the barely heard reply.

“Erestor...”

“Please, let me leave here with some dignity intact.” He said finally looking up with reddened eyes.

Gil just nodded sadly.

Before Erestor left, he turned back to face his once lover. “How long?”

“Near six months now,” Gil spoke truthfully.

Erestor just nodded and left. After turning the corner, he began to run, he did not stop until he was near the water's edge. He had not noticed a grinning Glavier witnessing first Elrond's, then Erestor's leaving of the king's chambers.

TBC.......


Rasadion- Twelfth Son
Glavier- Babbling One
Ondolindë- Quenyan for Gondolin
Molnenion- son of slave and water(Quenyan)
Laegon- sharp one
Meriliel- daughter of rose

Thank you so much for all who are reading this little story and thanks for all who have left feedback.
It is very much appreciated.
~ervy