Isolation

Part 17…

To say Glorfindel was pleased when Erestor returned to toss a pile of slimy fish into his lap would have been a far cry from the truth, but he had smiled cordially and cleaned the smelly trout without complaint while Erestor had walked down to the river.

Having selected two large flat rocks from the river bank, along with several smaller rocks, Erestor returned to camp. Kneeling beside the fire he quickly and purposely set the smaller stones into a round circle in the merrily crackling blaze before laying the selected flat stones atop them, creating a flat, even shelf to slow cook the fish on. Having finished his preparations he settled, cross-legged, a little way away from the fire and turned expectantly to Glorfindel, silently motioning for the blonde elf to pass him the cleaned fish. Taking the decapitated and gutted animals he laid them on the ground and removed several items from his tunic pocket and began to ready their meal. Taking one of the fish he separated it into the two halves that Glorfindel had sliced and cleaned before removing his boot dagger. Picking up the garlic bulb he had unearthed he carefully started to grate the skin on the outside, spreading the shredded garlic upon the fish. Picking up a small beige colored kernel he broke the thin exterior shell and sprinkled the tiny black burdock seeds atop the garlic. Rubbing the two seasonings into the meaty part of the fish he then closed the two sides and laid it upon one of the thick leaves he had also collected. Picking up several of the Elder berries scattered amongst his small collection of herbs he crushed them and allowed their juices the trickle onto the outer scales before massaging the crushed berries into the skin. Shaving some ashwaganda root onto the berry drenched fish he then wrapped the leaf around the newly seasoned fish and pinned it closed with a sharp thorn before setting it aside and repeating the process with the remaining two fish. Finally finished with the meals preparation he placed all three neatly wrapped fish on the flat rocks in the center of the fire to cook before gracefully rising to his feet and going to wash his hands in the nearby river.

Glorfindel sighed as he watched Erestor walk away He had been unable to tear his eyes away from the dark haired elf as he had prepared the fish, had avidly watched while those slender, pale hands had crushed the ripe Elder berries and thin rivulets of juice had trickled across skin to drip down onto the fish scales. How the stately advisor could make a combination of crushed berries and smelly fish give rise to thoughts of sex Glorfindel had no idea, but that is exactly what had happened and now he was further tormented by the slight sway that accented the firm posterior as Erestor walked away from him and the all to fresh memory of a soft lips and a scorching kiss. Shaking his head he forced the wayward thoughts from his mind and instead tried to focus on some sort of strategy which would lure his hearts desire into his arms, knowing instinctively that honeyed words and coy phrases would not win the object of his affection. Chewing his lip he lost himself in thought and failed to become aware of Erestors return.

“What are you thinking about that has you frowning so my friend?”

Pulled from his musings Glorfindel lifted his eyes from the fire and the slowly cooking fish to look at his companion, smiling lopsidedly. “Why you of course dear Erestor, what else?”

“Me?” Faking exaggerated surprise Erestor seated himself across the fire from the grinning warrior, crossing his legs comfortably in front of him, warmto tto the mild bantering. “What ever could you be thinking about that would bring such an intent look upon your face?”

“What ever could I be thinking… well if you must know Erestor I was merely contemplating the best course of action that would ensure me of your eternal love, affection, devotion and sweet, tempting, naked body in my arms!” It was with a smirk of satisfaction that Glorfindel finished speaking, watching as Erestors eyes grew huge and his mouth opened and closed but with no sounds forthcoming. He had finally rendered the witty chief advisor of Imladris speechless. Leaning back he reclined on his hands and waited for Erestor to regain his ability to speak, wondering what the response to his bold admission would be.

TBC…