Erestor's Gift

Title: Erestor’s Gift (14/?)
Author: Aglarien
Type: FPS
Pairing: Erestor/Glorfindel, Elrond/Melpomaen
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: Alas, not mine. The great Master Tolkien’s estate owns everything. I promise to return his elves when I’m done playing with them.
Warning: None, except for fluff.
Summary: Erestor is sure Glorfindel forgot his begetting day, Elrond meddles, and both the chief Councilor and Lord of Imladris find their heart’s desire.
Author’s Note: Not a part of my usual Erestor/Glorfindel universe.

Chapter 14

By midday Erestor began to feel better as his depression lifted. After their bath, Glorfindel had helped him dress, then brushed his long, dark hair, and braided it into one heavy rope that hung down his back. Erestor had drunk more of Elrond’s tea, and they had both eaten. Glorfindel made up Erestor’s bed with fresh linens, and they lay on the bed to rest, arms wrapped around each other.

“Glorfindel, will you take me away today?” Erestor asked, his head on Glorfindel’s chest. He was feeling much better, just tired. Glorfindel loved him still and was going to bind with him. If only he didn’t still feel so ashamed over what had happened.

“Aye, love, as soon as you feel well enough to travel for an hour or two.”

“Just an hour or two? We will still be inside Imladris then?”

Glorfindel nodded. “Aye. It is a very special place. We will be quite alone, and very safe and comfortable, and we do not have to return until five days from now.”

“Sounds nice,” Erestor said dreamily. “I really am feeling better, love. Can we leave soon, please? I would like to go away with you, and just forget everything for a little while. I feel…so ashamed. I know no one but you saw me, but I just don’t want to see anyone else for a little while.”

Glorfindel was saddened by Erestor’s words. “And do you not wish to go away to marry me, my love? Only to get away from everyone?”

Erestor raised his head and looked at his golden love. “I want to marry you with all my heart, Glorfindel. Forgive me for making it sound as if getting away from everyone was the only reason. My mind is still a little garbled, but of one thing I am sure – I love you with all my heart, all my body and all my soul.”

Moving his head closer to Erestor’s, Glorfindel whispered, “Will you kiss me?” He knew Erestor was still feeling shy about initiating anything since last night. Erestor’s silky lips descended on his, and he moaned softly. There was nothing more beautiful than his lover’s sweet mouth. Restraining himself, he allowed Erestor to fully control the kiss.

Erestor could not resist running his fingers through Glorfindel’s hair and caressing his neck. Ghosting his tongue over satiny lips, he was rewarded with a soft whimper. Emboldened, he nipped at the lower lip and then caressed it with his tongue. Remembering Glorfindel’s earlier kiss, he gently pressed past lips and teeth and softly touched the warrior’s tongue with his own. Glorfindel whimpered into his mouth.

And a knock sounded at the door.

Both elves moaned as they pulled apart. “Arwen, is that you?” Glorfindel said.

“‘Aye, Glorfindel,” a voice said from outside the door. “May I come in?”

“Come in, little one,” Glorfindel called. He whispered to Erestor, “Let us leave, my love. I have our things already packed.”

Erestor nodded and moved off of Glorfindel so they could both get up.

Glorfindel went into his own rooms as Arwen entered, and hastily scribbled a note at his desk. Returning to Erestor’s rooms, he handed the note to Arwen. “We are leaving, Arwen. Will you take care of this for me, and then have someone bring our horses around?”

Arwen glanced at the note and smiled. “Of course, Glorfindel. Is there anything else you need?”

“If you would send a servant to bring some flasks of water and a little food from the kitchens for our journey, I would be grateful.” Glorfindel smiled down at Arwen. “Thank you, little one.”

Arwen smiled again and dashed off.

Erestor went to his wardrobe and reached for his cloak, then looked up at the shelf where he had placed the box with Glorfindel’s brooch. “Glorfindel, may I have my pack? I think I would like to add a couple of things.”

Glorfindel retrieved their packs from his rooms and handed Erestor his.

Opening his pack, Erestor checked the contents. “Are you sure this is all we will need, love? Two sets of clothing for five days?”

Glorfindel laughed. “I am a silly elf. I packed like I was going on patrol. You’re right, of course. We may want to wear fresh clothing every day. I will just go and add some things to my pack as well.” Chucking at his own stupidity, Glorfindel took his pack into his room. The cottage held a few articles of clothing he kept there, like lounging robes and an extra set of regular daywear, but he would need more if he were not to smell like he was out on patrol.

Erestor smiled and took the brooch down and placed it in the pack. He didn’t know where they were going, but Glorfindel had said they would be comfortable, so he added a soft robe he wore for lounging around his rooms that was too sheer to wear in public, a pair of soft house slippers, and three more sets of tunics and leggings.

Arwen carefully opened the door to Glorfindel’s rooms. “Glorfindel, are you in here?” she whispered.

Glorfindel stealthily went to Arwen, smiling broadly to see her carrying two boxes, each the size of a book. Arwen grinned and handed him the boxes. He kissed her on the cheek in thanks, and she quietly hurried out again. Carrying the boxes back to his bedroom, he peeked inside of them, then buried them at the bottom of his pack. He strapped on his sword and fastened his bow and quiver on his back. He was ready.

Erestor had finished his packing, and was brushing his long hair out when Glorfindel rejoined him. The dark hair swirled over his buttocks in soft waves from the braid. He smiled at Glorfindel as he added the brush to his pack and closed it. “I like to feel the wind in my hair when I ride,” he said.

The warrior put his pack on the floor and held his arms open. “Come here, my beautiful love.”

Erestor moved into the welcoming embrace and laid his head on Glorfindel’s shoulder. “I am excited. I can’t wait to leave with you. Just the two of us, together.” He smiled up at his beloved.

“As I am, my love,” Glorfindel said. “I love you so much, Erestor,” he brushed his lips against the smaller elf’s. “You are so beautiful, so perfect,” he whispered against the soft lips before claiming a passionate kiss. A knock sounded at the door. “And that is the last time we will be interrupted for the next five days. Come in, Arwen.” He grinned at Erestor as they parted.

Arwen entered the room carrying a small pack. “Your horses are at the door,” she grinned, “and there is fruit and cheese, a flask of water and more tea for Erestor in here.” She handed the pack to Glorfindel. “I will miss you both,” she said, and stood on her toes to kiss them both on a cheek.

“Take care of your father and Melpomaen for us while we are gone, Arwen,” Erestor said. “I think your father may need your help with Melpomaen when he awakens.” Erestor took his knives, bow and quiver from the wardrobe. He strapped his knives at his waist and held his bow and quiver, planning on fastening them to his horse.

“I will,” Arwen answered. “Now you two go. It is midday already. Do not forget to drink the tea, Erestor. Ada says you must.”

“We will be back at the end of the fifth day, little one,” Glorfindel said as he picked up their packs.

After they said goodbye to Arwen, Glorfindel and Erestor hurried out to the courtyard. Two stable hands stood by Asfaloth and Erestor’s black stallion, and took the larger packs from Glorfindel to fasten them on the horses.

“Fasten both of the packs onto Durion,” Glorfindel said. Lord Erestor will ride with me on Asfaloth.

Erestor looked up at Glorfindel, surprised but pleased. He attached his bow and quiver to Durion, then gracefully seated himself on Asfaloth. Glorfindel quickly settled behind him, wrapping his arms around Erestor and taking the reins in his hands.

When the packs were fastened, the stable hands stepped back. Glorfindel thanked them, and he and Erestor were off, following the Bruinen south, sheltered in the surrounding forest.

They rode in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying the open air. Erestor relaxed and leaned back against Glorfindel. Birdsong filled the air and gentle breezes caressed their cheeks and moved their hair. “This is so nice,” Erestor sighed.

“Hmmm…” Glorfindel purred, nuzzling Erestor’s head with his chin. “Might I have a kiss, oh fair one,” he said softly. When Erestor turned his head, Glorfindel captured his mouth in a passionate kiss.

Erestor moaned. Asfaloth snorted, stomped, and shook his head, and both elves broke out laughing.

“I do not care if you approve or not, Asfaloth,” Glorfindel said. “Get used to it.”

After an hour they stopped in a sheltered glen and sat upon a fallen tree. Erestor drank his tea and ate a piece of fruit while the horses grazed. “Aiya, I have eaten so much today, Glorfindel. I seem to be constantly hungry.”

Glorfindel chuckled and pulled Erestor into his arms. “It will pass soon, love,” he said, kissing Erestor softly. “Come, let us continue on our journey.”

They called the horses and remounted Asfaloth. Glorfindel veered out of the forest towards the river and they rode along the shoreline for a mile or so. At a bend in the river, he moved back into the thick forest. Just inside the first line of trees was a clearing, unseen from the riverbank. And in the clearing sat a cottage with a small stable next to it. Apple trees grew around the clearing, and their branches were heavy with ripe, red fruit. A small garden next to the cottage was neatly planted with herbs and vegetables. Round balls of cabbage, plump pods of peas and beans hanging on vines, and leafy greens just waited to be harvested. And next to the vegetable garden was a flower garden bursting in color, with roses, lilacs, daisies, and a myriad of other flowers.

“Oh, Glorfindel…. it’s beautiful!” Erestor breathed. “But whose is it, and how is it here?”

“It is mine,” Glorfindel said. “Do you remember when I first returned, how I needed to get away and be alone?”

Erestor nodded. Glorfindel stopped the horses and dismounted, followed by Erestor. The warrior continued talking as they removed their packs and the horses’ saddles and let the horses roam free.

“Elrond had it built for me. He told me this would be my special place to come and find myself again. When I disappeared for days at a time, I came here. Even after I no longer needed to be alone, I still came. I love it here. And once in a while, Elrond comes too. We have kept it secret – only a few of the servants even know about it. When he went off alone after Celebrian sailed, this is where he came to. There is something special here, Erestor. The trees, the animals, everything is so peaceful. And now it will be our special place.”

“But who tends the garden?” Erestor asked.

“The two gardeners who planted it come out once in a while during the season. They love it here too, and it does not require much care. And Elrond or I come out here every so often, although neither of us has spent a night here for many years. It’s almost magical how everything grows here. But no one will come while we are here. Some of the servants came out yesterday and cleaned the cottage and brought everything we will need. When we return, Elrond is going to bring Melpomaen here for a few days to help him recover.”

Glorfindel opened the stable door for the horses to find their way inside when they wanted to. He put the saddles inside, then returned to Erestor and helped him carry their packs. “Come, I want to show you inside.” Going to the door of the cottage, he opened it and stood aside for Erestor to enter. “Welcome to your new home away from home, my love,” he said softly.

Erestor entered the cottage and wandered around in awe. In the main room was a large fireplace with soft rugs and pillows spread before it. There were comfortable chairs, footstools, side tables, and a long chaise, as well as a large dining table with chairs. Through an open doorway, he could see the kitchen. A door off the main room led to a bedroom containing a wardrobe, dressing table, and a large four-poster bed with canopy and curtains in a deep green fabric shot with gold. Tables stood on each side of the bed, each with a lamp filled with oil sitting on it. The room had its own fireplace, and like the one in the main room, it was already laid and waiting to be lit.

There was another door leading out of the bedroom and Erestor opened it, then giggled when he saw a large bathtub with taps, a privy, a basin with more taps, and shelves holding fresh, plush towels and jars of soaps and oils. “There are taps for water, Glorfindel! From the Bruinen?”

“Aye. Which means the water is cold, but if we leave a fire in the stove in the kitchen it will heat the water in the pipes for the bath,” Glorfindel grinned. “Come and see the kitchen.” He took Erestor’s hand and led him back through the cottage and into the kitchen. “See, there are sinks with more taps for cooking and washing up, and we even have an iron stove and oven.” There was a large worktable with chairs for preparing food, and shelves held pots and pans, dishes and food staples. A basket of fresh breads, bottles of wine, and rounds of cheese sat on the table, all brought by the servants the day before.

“Oh, it’s wonderful, Glorfindel – all of it!” Erestor exclaimed, throwing himself into Glorfindel’s arms.

“I am glad it pleases you, my love,” Glorfindel said with a smile. “Do I get a kiss for my surprise?”

Erestor pulled his lover’s lips down on his own and gave him a loving kiss. “So what are we going to do with the rest of our day, my love?” he said softly.

“I thought I would catch us some nice fish for our dinner. Would you like to come down to Bruinen with me? We can bring a blanket or two, and you can rest while I fish. Then we will make dinner together. How does that sound, my sweet one?” Glorfindel lovingly kissed the dark head. “And if you are feeling quite yourself again after dinner…well, we will see.” He grinned and kissed the tip of Erestor’s nose.

Glorfindel gathered his fishing pole, a basket for the fish, a knife to clean them with, and blankets. Erestor put bread, cheese, two glasses and a bottle of wine in a basket, then went outside to the apple trees, plucked two ripe apples and added them to his basket.

It was only a short walk back to the Bruinen. Erestor spread the blankets, cut pieces of the bread, cheese, and apple, and poured wine into the two glasses. He set the food and wine on a rock next to Glorfindel, and they sat together and ate as the warrior fished.

The sound of the flowing river was soothing, and when he had finished his meal, Erestor spread his blankets next to Glorfindel, laid down, and promptly fell soundly asleep. Glorfindel gazed down at the sleeping elf, thinking again how beautiful he was, and wondering how he could have been so fortunate to earn Erestor’s love.

Glorfindel quickly caught more than enough fish for both their meal that night and breakfast the next day. He took them downriver a ways and cleaned them. Returning to Erestor, he was reluctant to wake the slumbering elf. Deciding that there were still several hours of daylight left and a nap sounded rather good, he lay down beside Erestor. Drawing the elf he loved gently into his arms, he rested and dozed for the next hour.

Erestor awoke to soft kisses falling on his face. Giggling, he wrapped his arms around Glorfindel’s neck and captured the warrior’s mouth in a passionate kiss.

When they finally broke for air, Glorfindel nuzzled his head in Erestor’s neck, gently nibbling here and there. “How do you feel, my heart?” he asked between nibbles.

“I feel wonderful, my love. And I am not even hungry again. More,” Erestor purred, stretching his neck to give Glorfindel more room.

Glorfindel chuckled into Erestor’s neck. “Oh…my little imp is back. I so love my little imp. Is my councilor in here too?” He lifted his head and gazed into Erestor’s eyes. “I love you, Erestor. Will you bind yourself to me this night, my dear one?”

Erestor could not stop the tears that fell from his eyes. “I love you, Glorfindel. Aye, I will bind myself to you this night, beloved.” Soft lips kissed the tears from his eyes before falling onto his lips.

~~~*~~~
Back at the Last Homely House~~~~

The three siblings sat in the twins room, waiting. None spoke, their eyes seemingly glued to the floor.

The silence was shattered by a loud, piercing scream that echoed through the halls.

Arwen ran from the room towards their father’s rooms. The twins jumped up and stared at each other, eyes wide in distress and mouths grim. When the second scream split the air, Elrohir whimpered and threw himself at Elladan, seeking comfort in his brother’s arms.

They stood together, holding each other tightly, the sound of the screams broken only by their sobs.

Tbc…