Vacation

Part 15…

“I’m fine, really.” Lórien waved Elrohir off, having finally regained control of himself. Now all he had to do was *not* think about Elladan’s amusing comment and he would be just fine.

Elrohir watched as Almaravarion’s lips twitched and a small snort of laughter escaped him before the smaller elf took a deep breath and a heartening sip of wine. Sending a perplexed look at Elladan he only received a shrug in return. Apparently his brother hadn’t a clue as to what had set the odd little elf off either. Being of a rather curious nature he was just about to ask what had been so funny when Almaravarion plunked his goblet down and stood, sparkling blue eyes fixed on a stoic elf clad all in black across the clearing.

“Please excuse me, I see someone I simply must speak with.”

And with that the blonde was gone, devious smirk firmly in place.

Elladan watched their new friend depart and make his way towards Erestor before turning to his brother.

“Do you think we should stop him?”

“It would be the decent thing to do. Saving Erestor and all.”

“Yes it would.”

Turning the twins watched as Almaravarion came closer and closer to his quarry before looking once more at each other.

“Or we could get another drink and find ourselves some front row seats.”

“Or we could do that.”

Grinning in agreement both elves stood together and made their way quickly towards the refreshment table.

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Manwë let Lindir lead him to where a large group of elves were dancing to a lively song beneath the stars, frowning as they approached several pairs of elves garbed in bright colors, moving gracefully with their partners. A sudden thought came to him as they reached the couples who swirled around and around, moving in synch with no visible effort. Tugging Lindir to a stop he dipped his head to reach the minstrels ear and whispered his confession.

“I don’t not know the steps.”

Lindir smiled, lips curling sweetly upwards as the fire light touched his face, dancing along temple and cheek to highlight his profile and give his skin an amber tone.

“I could teach you.”

“And risk me treading on your toes and possibly breaking some in the process?”

Laughing Lindir tightened his hold on Poldórion’s hand and began to lead him away from the crowd of dancers, out of the firelight and towards the trees, heart racing at the thought of being alone with this magnificent being. It seemed the Gods were favoring him this evening after all.

“Come, it is easier to learn the steps if we aren’t constantly running into other couples.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“Lord Erestor.”

Erestor stiffened and tightened his grip on the goblet in his hand, grateful that it was a sturdy metal instead of glass, and attempted to burn holes through Almaravarion’s person with a well placed glare.

“What do you want?”

Lórien raised his eyebrows at the disdain that fairly dripped from Erestors lips as he spoke before slinging his arm companionably around the advisors shoulders, finding the effect somewhat ruined by the fact he had to stand on tip toes to do so properly.

“Why to discuss the arrangements for tomorrow evening.” Getting no response, at least none that was verbal Lórien allowed Erestor to shrug his arm off, choosing instead to loop their arms together while waving his free hand in a wide arc. “It has occurred to me that you, having lived in Imladris for… however long you have lived here… makes you a rather knowledgeable fellow concerning the lay of the land. Where would you say is the most romantic spot for a private dinner for two?”

Lórien glanced at the rigid elf beside him, once again finding there to be a small twitch below his eye, and he waited for a response.

“Why councilor I don’t believe I have ever heard a more charming growl before.”

Erestor angrily snatched his arm free and, baring his even white teeth, snarled at the shorter elf, barely restraining the urge to hurl the contents of his cup into the smirking face, annoyed that his anger did not appear to even phase the other elf.

“Why my dear Erestor, if I didn’t know better I would think you didn’t like me.”

“Like you? LIKE YOU?” Anything further was unintelligible as Erestor resorted to sputtering indignantly.

Lórien frowned and feigned being upset. “You wouldn’t be trying to get out of dinner, w you you?”

‘There will be no di…”

“Because that is rather dishonorable of you.”

A moment of silence as Erestor stared at him, eyes wide in disbelief. After several seconds he seemed to calm considerably and, straightening to his full height, puffed his chest out and stared disdainfully down his nose at Almaravarion. “We shall dine in the West gardens tomorrow evening as agreed. I trust you to see to all the arrangements and have me informed of them.”

And with that said Erestor promptly tossed the liquid in his cup in Lórien’s face and, pivoting sharply on his heel, stalked away in a huff.

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Manwë was thoroughly enjoying himself as he and Lindir danced beneath the stars. They had stepped just passed the first line of trees so they were out of sight but could still hear the music clearly and, after an unneeded introduction where the exchanged names, Lindir had started the lessons. Following the smaller elf’s lead he stepped gracefully to the left and the let himself be pulled close to spin twice before returning to their previous stance and going through the steps again. It was a relatively simple dance, and if he hadn’t enjoyed being alone with the fair haired minstrel so much he would have stop messing up the steps and stumbling so he could get close enough to breath the fresh scent of the smaller elf. Although he was beginning to suspect he wasn’t the only one to be using the old stumbling ploy as Lindir seemed to be doing a fair amount of tripping up himself.

Laughing as they both faltered at the same time he quickly wrapped his arms around Lindirs slim waist to steady him before they both took a tumble. Still smiling he pulled back until they could make eye contact, feeling his breath leave him as emerald eyes valiantly attempted to drown him. Feeling Lindir stretch towards him Manwë dipped his head to meet him, lips touching in a soft kiss.

Lindir hummed softly as Poldórion kissed him, curling his arms around the blonde’s neck he parted his lips eagerly, moaning softly as their tongues touched tentatively before rubbing more enthusiastically. Lindir sighed longingly as they parted, wanting desperately to recreate his dream from last night, and was on the verge of asking for what he wanted when Poldórion reached up and gently removed his arms from around his neck, stepping away slowly, the immense sadness in his gaze wrenching at Lindirs heart.

“I can’t.”

“Why?”

“I… There are things about me you don’t know… that I can’t tell you. Not here.”

“We can go somewhere else... back to the house maybe?”

An even sadder smile. “That’s not it Lindir.”

“Then what? I care for you Poldórion… it’s not just lust, at least not on my part. I feel it here.” Lindir placed his right hand over his heart. “There’s something about you…”

A hand on his face, cupping his cheek, cut him off. “I’m not able to stay in Imla lon long, I’m needed back home and if I… if you and I…” Manwë trailed off, searching for the right words. “I’ll be leaving and I won’t see you for a very long time and I’m so close to falling in love with you… and… to be parted from you… I just can’t”

And with that Manwë turned and left, afraid that the look in Lindirs eyes would shatter his resolve and he would give into the calling of his heart and end up hurting the white haired minstrel when his vacation ended and his duties as Lord of the Undying lands called him home once more.

TBC…