Thawing the Ice

Chapter 17--Reversed Roles

Glorfindel woke from a light reverie and saw it was dawn. He felt guilty for falling asleep and glanced at Erestor. He sighed when he saw the advisor still was unconscious. He was worried, but he knew he would wake up. The injuries were bad, but not life threatening. Rising, he went to the balcony and opened the doors to let in fresh air and daylight. That done he sat down again and went back to his vigil. An hour later he heard a faint moan. He immediately leaned over Erestor. "Lirimaer? Wake up. Can you hear me?" he asked.

Ink black eyes slowly opened. "I told you not to call me that," he muttered.

Glorfindel smiled in a mix of amusement and relief. "I am glad to see you are awake and back to your charming self," he said.

"The twins, where are they?" Erestor asked.

"The twins are safe and unharmed thanks to you. You are the one who is hurt. You have broken ribs, so try not to move. Looks like it is my turn to care for you," Glorfindel said.

"I do not need you to take care of me," Erestor retorted. Pain shot through his side and he couldn't keep from wincing.

"I believe you do, so do not be stubborn or argue with me. You are hurt and need care and rest," Glorfindel said sternly.

"It is only some broken ribs. I have suffered much worse then this," Erestor protested. He didn't need a nursemaid!

Glorfindel decided to ignore the protest. He reached out and brushed his fingers over the tattoo.

Erestor flinched back. "What are you doing?" he demanded.

"When you came to my room this was glowing red. Why?" Glorfindel asked.

"It was warning me," Erestor said quietly.

"Warning you?" Glorfindel asked.

"When the tattoo was done, so was a ceremony. A drop of Elrond's blood was mixed into the ink and now Elrond and anyone else with Elrond's blood are linked to me. I know where they are at all times and if they are in danger," Erestor said.

"What about Lady Celebrian?" Glorfindel asked.

"She has refused to undergo the ceremony, so she is not linked to me," Erestor said.

"Who created it?" Glorfindel asked.

"I cannot tell you that. My vows forbid it," Erestor said.

Glorfindel nodded thoughtfully and that's when Elrond entered the room.

"I am relieved to see you awake and alert, Erestor. Thank you so much for saving the twins," Elrond said. "I am eternally grateful to you."

"You are most welcome, hopefully they will not do that again," Erestor said.

"I think they have learned a lesson. They are worried about you too. They will be glad that you have awoken as well," Elrond said.

"How long must I stay here?" Erestor asked.

"Until those ribs are completely healed and no arguments, Erestor. I will not allow you to injure yourself more by moving around," Elrond said.

"Bt, my duties," Erestor began.

"Erestor, I said no arguments. You will stay here until those ribs are healed to my satisfaction," Elrond said.

"I will stay with him and make sure he does not do to much. It is the least I can do after he cared for me so well when I was injured," Glorfindel smirked.

Erestor scowled at the Elda. He didn't like the smirk or the way he had said that. Erestor was suddenly acutely aware of how vulnerable he was right now.

"Thank you, Glorfindel, I think that is a fine idea," Elrond said.

"I do not!" Erestor said and flushed.

Elrond left eyebrow rose. "Why is that, Erestor?" he asked.

Erestor hated it when Elrond did that. "I am well pass the age for a babysitter to be required," he said.

"I am sure, but I also know how stubborn you are. Glorfindel, your kind offer is accepted. I have things to attend," Elrond said and left.

Glorfindel grinned wickedly at Erestor. "Ah, lirimaer, we are alone at last," he teased. He sat down on the edge of the bed

"I said do not call me that!" Erestor snapped, "and sit in the damned chair where you belong!"

"I think I like it here much better," Glorfindel said. He caught Erestor's left hand gently then kissed the back.


Angry and a bit flustered, Erestor tried to pull his hand free only to find Glorfindel wouldn't let go.

Glorfindel seemed amused by the attempt then winked roguishly at him.

Erestor had to bite back a curse. The next few days were going to be the most miserable ones of his life. He was certain of it!

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Whee! Am I having fun! R/R please!