Thawing the Ice

Chapter 15--A New Tactic

Glorfindel set the angry advisor on the floor in front of his chamber. "So do you go into your rooms willingly or do I carry you in?" Glorfindel asked. "It is your choice, lirimaer."

Erestor glared at the laughing Elda then went into his chambers and slammed the door. Leaning against the closed door, he sighed heavily. Well, at least you do not have to spend the morning with him now, he thought.

Glorfindel walked away to discuss his reports with Lord Elrond then he had an errand of his own to run. He would begin a new plan to woo Erestor this very day. It took nearly two hours, but finally the task was done. Glorfindel excused himself and practically ran from Elrond's study.

Elrond stared bemusedly after his seneschal, wondering what had gotten into him. He decided that he would find out soon enough and returned his attention to the papers that demanded his immediate attention.

Glorfindel felt many of the Elves in the kitchen staring at him as he gathered up the last of the things he needed. They especially stared at the things he already carried, but he ignored them. Finally he had all he needed then he headed down the hall to Erestor's chamber. Once there he laid his burdens down in front of the door, knocked loudly then hurried off out of sight.

Erestor looked up from his book at the knock. "Come in!' he called. When there was no answer he was a mix of annoyed and curious. He stood, went to the door and opened it. His eyes widened at what rested in front of his door. It was a bouquet of deep red roses and a plate of his favorite sweet cakes. There was a note as well. He picked it up and opened it.

Not even these roses, which were the most beautiful ones in the garden, can match your beauty, lirimaer; I hope you enjoy the treats,

Glorfindel.

Deep inside Erestor knew he shouldn’t accept the gifts. It would just encourage Glorfindel to continue his pursuit and he didn't want that, or did he? He decided to think about it later and took the things into his room.

Later Erestor woke with a start when the book he had been reading slipped from his hand and thudded to the floor. He hadn't meant to fall asleep. He realized it was late and Celebrian and her escort could arrive at any time. He got up and hurriedly began to prepare to welcome the Lady of Imladris home. He reached his place beside Glorfindel just as the Lady and her escort rode into the courtyard.

Elrond didn't waste time. He moved forward immediately and helped his wife from her horse then embraced his wife tenderly. "I have missed you, beloved," he said.

Celebrian smiled. "I have missed you as well, my husband," she said, returning the embrace.

Glorfindel approached and bowed to Celebrian when they were apart. "It is good that you have returned to Imladris, Lady. It is a dark and cold place without your beauty to warm it," he said.

Celebrian laughed, green eyes dancing. "Flirty tease, have you won a Elf maid's heart with that silver tongue of yours?" she asked.

"Nay, not yet, my Lady, but I am pursuing someone who has proved to be very elusive," Glorfindel said, glancing wickedly at Erestor.

Erestor scowled at the blond then stepped forward and bowed to Lady Celebrian. "Welcome home, my Lady," he said, pretending he hadn't noticed her tense up at the sight of him.

"Thank you, Erestor," Celebrian said.

Erestor knew Lady Celebrian was made uncomfortable by the bond he shared with Elrond through the link. She refused to allow herself to be added to it like it was usually done with a spouse. She hadn't wanted the children in it either and had been upset to find the bond was created the minute the children were born because they were of Elrond's blood.

"Let us go inside, love. I am eager to spend some time alone with you and our children," Celebrian said pointedly.

Elrond escorted her into the house, leaving Erestor and Glorfindel to settle in her escort who would rest before returning to Lorien.

The horses were stabled and the Elves shown to guestrooms. Once it was done Glorfindel turned to Erestor. "I trust you liked my gifts," he said.

"I did not give you leave to court me, Glorfindel," Erestor pointed out.

"Yes, I know and if I had asked you would have refused, so I decided not to ask. Do I get a thank you kiss?" Glorfindel asked.

Erestor gave the blond an icy scowl then turned and walked off. He returned to his chambers and picked up his book.

Elrond and Celebrian didn't come to the dining room that night, choosing to eat in their chambers instead. Erestor was not surprised. It was natural they would wish to be alone.

Glorfindel was quiet at dinner, watching Erestor occasionally until the dark haired Elf rose to leave. Once he did Glorfindel rose and followed him silently.

Erestor gasped when his shoulder was seized and he was turned around. He got a brief glance at Glorfindel before his lips were claimed in a passionate kiss. It felt like flames leapt through him and he was grateful for Glorfindel's hold, fearing that his legs would give way.

Glorfindel was delighted by Erestor's response and reluctantly pulled away to take a breath. "You taste sweet, lirimaer," he purred.

Suddenly Erestor realized what he had done and he felt his face heat. He knew he was blushing. "I did not give you leave to kiss me, let me go!" he demanded, trying to squirm away.

Glorfindel refused to let him. "Now lirimaer, you accepted the kiss quite eagerly," he said.

"I did not!" Erestor protested, shoving at him.

"Liar, you did and I will prove it," Glorfindel said and kissed him again before he could protest.

A noise made them pull apart and they found Lindir staring at them. The minstrel walked past, chuckling. "Have a pleasent evening, my Lords," he said.

Erestor glared at Glorfindel. "Everyone will know about this by morning now. I told you to release me," he said. He yanked away and retreated into his chambers.

Glorfindel considered that and grinned as he decided he didn't mind if everyone was. This could prove to be entertaining.

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