Awakenings

Notes: In this chapter the twins are around the age of 8 in human years.

Part 16.

A few years had passed, Glorfindel had become a well established member of the house as well as captain of the guard. He had gained many a friend and the respect of all. Elrond, the lady Celebrian and the twins who had grown at an alarming rate were as his family. Yet his most trusted friend, the one person that was simply apart of him in an inexplicable way, was Erestor. Every evening they would sit together discussing days of old, or at least what Glorfindel could remember.

Small snippets and images would come back to him, mostly through simply speaking with Erestor, whether it be about Gondolin or the weather that day. It was Erestor himself that triggered any memories in him. Yet he had still to remember the most important person from his past, and that was Erestor himself. If frustrated him to no end. But Erestor would not yet speak of them and their personal history. He insisted upon Glorfindel remembering all the other small parts of the puzzle first. And so, every evening they would sit together, either in the advisors chambers or his own, and share.

But the dreams, the dreams still haunted him. He had found a recurring pattern now, every time he would remember something more potent, or a large part of his past, the dreams would be stronger. More horrifying, more acute and all the more real. So it was that on some evenings Glorfindel would request they not speak of the past, needing a break from the relentless flames and smoke that plagued his nights. And Erestor would comply without question, unaware of Glorfindel’s troubled nights and assuming the warrior simply needed a break from trying to remember.

It was odd, it felt as if his life had been divided into two separate halves. His life in Imladris was flourishing, he loved all who dwelled there and they loved him in return, Imladris had truly become a home to him. And then there was the other half, the half that he barely knew and caused him pain. If it were not for Erestor he would forsake his past and continue with his new life. But if he were to do that, he knew he could not have Erestor, not as he longed to. That was the one thing that made his nightmare worthwhile, because through all the fire and darkness there were his precious memories of Erestor, begging to be released.

Erestor on the other hand was fighting his own frustrations. It was torture, seeing his beloved and not being able to kiss him, to touch him how he wished to. Though through it all he was able to find one consolation, it were as if he and Glorfindel were meeting and getting to know each other again for the first time. There was always a nervous excitement between them. Often he would catch Glorfindel staring at him, and smile when the warrior would turn away with an embarrassed smile. Everything was new yet with an underlying love of old that was already there, unmoveable and untouchable, even as it seemed yet unapproachable. He felt alive in a way he had only in Gondolin when with Glorfindel, and he treasured every second he spent with his beloved, waiting for the day when he could share all.

So they had a unique relationship, there was the past that was on the very brink of being the present. And then there was the actual present, which was new and thrilling for the both of them. Little did they know it, but both of them looked forwards to one particular time of day. After spending the evening together they would always depart for their own chambers. But before doing so they would simply hold each other, it was the closest they allowed each other to get. But it was the single highlight of both of their days.

Glorfindel would always gently and almost shyly pull Erestor to him, either by the hands or the waist. They would share a secret smile, and then hold each other for a few minutes before having to pull away. But whilst they held onto one another they would take full advantage. Glorfindel would run his hands up and down Erestor’s sides, slowly following and dipping into his subtle curves. If feeling brave he would gently run his hands up and over Erestor’s shoulder blades to let his hand caress cool silky black strands and an amazingly soft scalp. He would shiver at the feel of Erestor sweetly nuzzling into his neck, no lips would ever make contact but the feel of Erestor’s soft fingers touching his neck was divine.

At times there would be brief trying moments, moments when they would pull away, and their lips would be so close. So close they could feel each others warm breath. And then Erestor would gently touch his face, just a skim of the fingers against his cheek whilst exhaling slowly with a shudder, as if it were almost painful not to kiss him. And at those times it took all of his strength not to pull Erestor back and into a fierce kiss, but he would not ruin the moment by complicating it, it was the way it had had to be.

Always he wondered of their past relationship. At first it had been simple questions, such as; where and when did they share their first kiss? What mischief did they get up to? But now, now his body was stirring. Now he wondered when was the first time he had slowly undressed Erestor, if he had at all. What did his skin taste like? Was it as soft as it looked? Had he ever seen Erestor in the throws of passion? Had Erestor ever screamed his name in ecstasy? What would Erestor look like covered in sweat, throwing his head back and forth, writhing, begging! What would Erestor’s soft sighs sound like? What would his moans sound like? His whimpers, his desperate pleas?! But most importantly, had he and Erestor ever made love?

He had been but a few years past his majority when he had died, and even now he could tell that Erestor was very conserved and could be more than a little shy when coming to delicate maters such as this. He remembered one particular instant when Elrond Erestor and himself had been sitting sharing a glass of wine one eve, and the subject of sex had come up. He himself had little to say on the subject, having no recollection of his past possible trysts. But Erestor had blushed crimson and hidden behind his hair and the glass he held. He had smiled adoringly and even chuckled when Erestor had nervously began to fiddle with his sleeves, something he noted as a most endearing and sweet habit of his.

No he knew nothing, but he intended to find out, and soon. His affection and desire for Erestor grew each day, and after each hug he was finding himself more and more aroused, more unwilling to release his hold. He was tired of waiting, it was time to ask his questions, and get some answers.


“Excited?” Erestor whispered into Glorfindel’s ear from behind, making the warrior jump in surprise. He turned to see Erestor standing behind him with an equally inane grin.

“What are you doing here?” He asked quietly, not that he minded Erestor’s company.

Erestor shrugged and he could tell the advisor was as excited for the twins as he was. “I was hoping to watch, you don’t mind do you?”
“Of course not. I’ve been looking forward to this day for a few years now. I can’t believe they begin their warrior training today!” He whispered, and if he were younger he would of bounced in excitement.

“I know you have.”

Glorfindel noted the soft and caring tone in the advisors voice and smiled almost roguishly as Erestor caught himself staring and quickly bowed his head. Just then voices could be heard from within the room they stood outside of.

They had been standing outside the twins shared bedroom, watching through the small gap of the door from where Glorfindel had opened the it. So far the boys had been sleeping, but now they mumbled sleepily together, neither yet willing to stir from their warm beds.

“What time do you think it is ‘Ro?”
“Don’t know….don’t care.” Care the muffled reply. Both warrior and advisor smiled, Elrohir was notorious for being grumpy first thing in the morning, and was most defiantly not a morning person.

“You’re so grumpy in the mornings.”
“Good.”
“Shouldn’t Nana of woken us by now?”
“Perhaps she’s still in bed.” And with that Elrohir buried his head beneath his pillow, blocking out his brothers voice.

“But shouldn’t we be starting our lessons soon?” Elladan said in a sing song voice, knowing that Elrohir would never wish to miss one of Erestor’s lessons, for his brother, although could be as energetic as Elladan, was an avid bookworm. Where as Elladan was a constant ball of energy, always thinking of other places when forced to sit still for to long.

“Now that you mention it, ‘tis strange Nana did not wake us….What if there is something wrong with Nana? What if she is hurt?!” They were still at a young age when young boys think of their Nana’s as the only acceptable females. And therefore were fiercely protective and reliant on them for hugs and to make everything bad good again, Elrohir had immediately feared for his Nana’s safety. He sat bolt upright in his bed, Elladan was already on his feet, ready to run to his Nana’s rescue when two of the greatest elves that ever lived, (or at least to the two young boys) stepped through their bedroom door.

“Glorfindel!” Cried Elladan.
“Erestor!” Cried Elrohir, who was trying to untangle himself from his sheets. “You must help us! Nana is hurt!”

Glorfindel held up his hand with a calming smile. “Nay she is not little one, she is just fine.”

Elrohir immediately stopped his squirming and collapsed back flat on his bed, pulling the covers back around him. “Oh thank goodness, now I can go back to sleep.”

“I am relieved to see that my lessons are held in such high regard master Elrohir.” Erestor said in what both Elrohir and Elladan called his ‘tutor voice’. Elrohir grinned and pulled his bed sheets up and over his head with a giggle.

“What a shame, it seems it will be only you and I this morning Elladan .” Sighed Glorfindel, knowing exactly how to bate the twins.

“What do you mean?” Elladan asked as he casually released Erestor’s from his good morning hug to give the warrior the same treatment, looking up curiously.

“Well I thought that this morning we would begin your warriors training.” Glorfindel said with a shrug as he pulled from behind his back two small swords in their scabbards with red bows around both of them. “But if your brother does not wish to get out of bed…”

“ELROHIR GET UP! NOW!!” Elladan practically screamed as he bounced excitedly. Though Elrohir did not need to be told twice, he was already wriggling beneath the sheets to climb out at the end of the bed.

Erestor closed his eyes and rested his brow against Glorfindel’s shoulder as Elrohir climbed out of his bed, rump first, the sheets making his nightwear ride up. Erestor and Glorfindel were hard pressed not to laugh too loudly as a round naked little bottom came out first from beneath the sheets.

“Elrohir!” Elladan cried out and immediately ran to pull down his brothers night clothes and to cover his brothers modesty. He turned and stood in front of his brother, giggling helplessly with his hand pressed over his mouth.

When Elrohir was on his feet it was with a blush and embarrassed giggle as he pulled down his gown.

“Ai what am I going to do with you?!” Glorfindel laughed as he knelt down to present the boys with their swords. Two ecstatic squeals sounded through the chambers as they sprang forth to hold their first swords.

“Worry not Glorfindel, if they are ever faced with a foe to mighty to slay with swords I’m sure Elrohir will just flash his…”
“Erestor!” Elrohir squeaked before the advisor could finish.
“The sooner the both of you get dressed the sooner we can begin your first lesson. And I think you’ll find your parents in the gardens waiting, I think your Ada wishes to spar with us.”

Both boys ran to the bathroom with excited hollers and yells, both fighting over the wash basin. Within moments they stood before Glorfindel, hopping on the spot with their hair messily and hastily braided and with the clasps on their tunics clipped and buttoned into the wrong corresponding holes. Sighing but with much amusement Erestor and Glorfindel glanced to each other.

“I’ll take Elrohir, you take Elladan.” Erestor sat himself upon the bed and pulled Elrohir onto his lap, Glorfindel likewise with Elladan. When both boys squirmed and whined Glorfindel knew exactly what to say to keep them put.

“Boys, you know that if you do not turn up immaculate for your first lesson your Nana will only delay things further until you look like the little angels she thinks you are.” Both elfling’s managed to stop squirming for a few minutes, just long enough for their hair to be re-braided and their tunics fastened properly.

“There, now don’t forget your swords…”

Both boys started swishing and swinging their swords around.

“Careful.” Erestor warned, unable for even a minute to not worry for the twins safety. He had a mother hen nature about him that could almost rival Celebrian’s when it came to the twins.

“Worry not, I made sure that they were of the bluntest of blades.” Glorfindel whispered into his ear, letting his hand gently rest at the small of Erestor’s back. “Plus they haven’t even removed the bows.” Glorfindel sighed as Erestor leaned into his touch, unconsciously he let his hand hold Erestor around the waist and pull the advisors form close against his own.

“Come on lets go!” Elladan bellowed impatiently and dragged Glorfindel away by the hand. Where as Elrohir pulled Erestor.

Erestor and Glorfindel grinned and bared being pulled through the halls of the house by the two over excited elfling’s. Although when they neared passing Erestor’s office the advisor stopped. Elrohir looked back questionably and with a small amount of annoyance.

“Come Erestor!” He said whilst pulling at the larger hand. Glorfindel and Elladan also stopped, waiting.

“I have work to do little one, though I wish you to have a wonderful first lesson with Glorfindel.”

“Can you not come and watch for a little while?” Asked Glorfindel, as disappointed as the two young ones.

“I’m afraid not, I really need to get on with my work. But why do you not come to office afterwards or if I’m not there come find me in the library and you can tell me all about it?”

“Alright.” The twins sighed together, both disappointed.
“No frowns now, have fun.” Erestor bent down to receive a kiss from both elfling’s and gave them each a pat on the behind as they took one of Glorfindel’s hands each and led the warrior away. Glorfindel glanced over his shoulder to see Erestor still standing there watching them with a smile.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Erestor had been standing by one of the many book cases in the vast library, deeply involved in one of the volumes when he suddenly found himself flat on his back. With two very excited elfling’s upon him, both talking at the same time and too quickly for him to understand. Yet he chuckled none the less, to amused to be angry when their cheeks were flushed a healthy pink and their eyes so bright with exuberant joy.

Thankfully Erestor was saved, Glorfindel picked up both still chattering boys by the backs of their tunics and helped Erestor to his feet.

“It went well then?” He asked sarcastically.
“Oh Erestor it was wonderful!” Cried Elladan.
“We learned how to deflect blows!” Carried on Elrohir.
“And tomorrow we learn how to lunge!” Elladan practically bounced. They continued on this way for some time, taking it in turns speaking.

“…And then Ada and Glorfindel fought!”
“It was amazing!”

Erestor glanced at Glorfindel, the front of his tunic was open and his chest still shone with sweat. The sight of Glorfindel’s bare chest covered in sweat was still just as arousing as he remembered. He caught himself taking a deep steadying breath and forced his attentions back to the twins who were still yammering.

“Glorfindel said that we would be able to fight like that some day!”
“Why do we not sit down and you can tell me all about it?”

Erestor sat beside Glorfindel on one of the sofas in the presently deserted library, whilst the boys enthusiastically re-enacted what they had learned in front of them.

“You should of seen Ada and Glorfindel fight Erestor!”
“They would of looked scary, if they weren’t Ada and Glorfindel.”

Erestor chuckled and glanced to Glorfindel for explanation, to which the warrior shrugged.

“What do you mean little ones?”
“You would of thought the same thing Erestor! They were both growling and grunting, and they looked all big and scary! Accept not, because its Ada and Glorfindel.” Explained Elladan.
“Growling…and grunting?” Erestor said slowly, grinning at their excitement.
“Yes! And they had their shirts off so their muscles were all big and shiny!” Elrohir piped in.

“Shiny?” Erestor couldn’t help but giggle.
“Its called sweat boys.”
“We know.” They said offended unison.
“Glorfindel, you are even bigger than Ada!” Elladan said with a slight awe in his voice that made Erestor chuckle softly to himself.

“Well, I practice more.” The blond said with a shrug.
“No but your muscles are *much* bigger!”
“Yes look Erestor!” Elrohir, as if it were his own arm held up Glorfindel’s arm to show him.

“That’s a very nice arm Glorfindel.” Erestor commented dryly to satisfy the boys.
“Thank you Erestor.”
“No, no, no! Your not looking properly!” Elrohir with quite a matter-of- fact persona pulled Glorfindel’s already open tunic down the one arm and again lifted it up.

“Elrohir!” Glorfindel bellowed in shocked amusement. Elladan was giggling helplessly, whilst Erestor cleared his throat and attempted to avert his eyes.

“Do the thing where they get all big!”
“Yes do it!” Elladan chorused
“I will not, now kindly please stop trying to strip me!” The warrior laughed, trying to pry two elfling’s off of him.

“But all those other warriors were looking and staring at you without your tunic on.”
“They were?” Erestor asked in a clipped tone before he could stop himself. A look of possessiveness and jealously briefly passing over his features before he could hide it. Glorfindel had not missed and grinned smugly at the advisor, finding the fact that Erestor was apparently somewhat possessive over him in a way quite arousing. Unfortunately the feel of two younglings pulling on his sleeve brought him out of his pleasant thoughts.

“Boys let go.”
“No do it!” Elladan protested.
“Do it!” Elrohir joined him.
“DO IT!” They demanded in unison.
“Fine, here!” Glorfindel for the sake of piece momentarily pulled his tunic down the one arm and passively flexed his bicep, blushing at being put on show in such a way.

“Wow.” They both said in awe. Elladan touched the arm, amazed that he could not even fit his entire hand half way around the impressive muscle. Where as Elrohir, with his tongue sticking out one corner of his mouth measured his own arm against the warriors. Flexing the best he could. Erestor on the other hand had crossed his legs and blushed prettily.

“Erestor feel it!” Elladan insisted.
“What? Oh no, no.” Erestor laughed nervously and shook his head.
“Its alright, I’ve already been manhandled by these two terrors. I know you’ll be gentle.” Glorfindel teased, loving the blush had had actually spread to the councillors ears.

“Uh….that’s alright.”
“Erestor feel!” Not waiting for a reply Elrohir took the advisors hand and pressed it against Glorfindel’s bicep. “See! Isn’t it huge?!”

“A-ye, it is indeed large.” Erestor stammered. Glorfindel’s arm was slick under his gentle touch. He gasped as it flexed beneath his hand. And looking up he swallowed to see Glorfindel looking at him in a way that could not be described as anything but predatory.

“Its big isn’t it?” Elladan asked innocently, completely unaware of what had just transpired.

“Aye child, now leave poor Glorfindel alone.” Erestor hastily snatched his hand away and proceeded to fiddle with his sleeves.

“Lets feel Erestor’s muscles!” Elrohir suggested, exciting his brother who immediately left Glorfindel’s side to sit beside Erestor’s.

“Oh I would have to grow some first boys.” Erestor joked, but this did not stop their curiosity.

Elrohir touched Erestor’s upper arm and giggled. “Erestor they are so much smaller!”

“Let me.” Glorfindel reached out and gently grasped Erestor’s upper arm, he looked up at Erestor with a knowing smirk as he rubbed his hand up and down Erestor’s arm, squeezing gently. “They are right, you are much smaller than I, of course there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.”

“Well I am an advisor not a warrior, what do you expect?” Erestor replied indignantly with a fake pout. The young boys gave each other glances that held slight guilt and both patted Erestor’s shoulders.

“It’s alright Erestor. You are the smartest elf we know.” Elrohir started, trying to redeem himself.

“Aye, you are much smarter than Glorfindel.” Elladan continued.
“Hey.” Now it was Erestor who smiled smugly and Glorfindel who feigned hurt.

The twins simply giggled and seeing Erestor smile in pleasure continued. “You are smarter than *anyone* we know….but do not tell Ada we said that.” Elrohir finished in a whisper that made Erestor laugh merrily. He paused though when seeing the vacant look in Glorfindel’s eyes, as if he were somewhere else completely.

**~**~**
“He is my best friend, you would like him, he’s so very clever. I‘ll introduce the two of you next time we meet”
“I would like that, does he not have combat training also?”
“He attends your basic sword and archery lessons, but his skill lies with his mind. You will find none as sharp witted as Erestor.”

**~**~**

Glorfindel gasped slightly as he felt someone shake him, brining him back to the present.

“Glorfindel, are you alright?”

When coming back to himself he realised that he had been staring into space for some time, ignoring the twins worried looks and questions.

“Oh, uh, I’m….I’m fine, really.” Glorfindel ruffled the boys hair, and laughed half-heartedly.

“Boys why don’t you go wash up hmm?” Erestor gently edged the boys out of the library, reassuring them everything was fine but all the while glancing back to Glorfindel worriedly.

When alone in the library Erestor sat himself next to Glorfindel and touched his face gently. “Glorfindel, where were you then?” He whispered.

“I was in Gondolin, I remembered something else…the boys they, they reminded me of it.”
“W-what was it, what did you remember?”
“I was walking back from sword practice with Ecthelion…”
“Oh.” Erestor could not help but sound slightly disappointed, a drop in the pond of what he actually felt.

“What’s wrong? This is good news is it not?”
“Aye, aye it is, I just….for a moment I thought you may of remembered something about me.”
“But that’s exactly it Erestor! I was talking to Ecthelion, about you!”


TBC....