While the Lord is Away

Glorfindel eased his lean, muscular body into the warmth, lay back resting his head on the edge of the bathing pool and allowed the aroma of the herbs he had sprinkled on the water to soothe his aches from many days’ riding. As he relaxed, the rapid beating of his heart caused by his heartfelt desire for Erestor gradually slowed to its normal pace and his thoughts turned to consideration of his emotions and his relationship with the councillor. Until tonight Erestor had never hinted that he felt anything more than friendship towards him, but the way those deep, dark eyes had looked at him so wantonly if only for a moment, was enough to give Glorfindel hope that perhaps his secret love had begun to return his feelings. A private dinner for two was certainly an excellent opportunity to find out, and what better time to make a determined attack on the fortress around Erestor’s heart than when he could not seek refuge behind Elrond’s stern gaze, or the untimely interruptions of Elladan and Elrohir.

Glorfindel was a brave warrior who had never faltered in battle, and would not accept defeat now even though his foe had already captured his heart. Images of kissing Erestor’s sweet lips, and of holding his naked body close in the throes of passion as he cried out his name filled the golden lord’s mind and sent a searing heat to his arousal that would not be denied. The seneschal had no choice but to close his eyes and imagine that the hand now pleasuring his body belonged to the dark haired beauty named Erestor and not himself.

******
As soon as Glorfindel left the library, Erestor made his way to the kitchen, belatedly realising that along with the other household staff, the cook and her stanstants had also eagerly accepted the short holiday, and were nowhere to be found. When he had dismissed them all, he had expected to be on his own and was quite prepared to see to his own domestic needs, but with the seneschal’s unexpected return, his plans had changed. Although until a few days ago he had not needed to cook his own meals, Erestor was quite capable of preparing a repast, and set about doing so.

When Glorfindel entered the dining room, dressed in clean clothes and still glowing from the warmth of the bath and his recent pleasuring, he found the table set for two with a delicious looking meal that consisted of a large platter of cold meats, cheese as well as several steaming dishes of his favourite vegetables and a basket of warm bread rolls. He was actually quite hungry now that he could see the food, and as he helped himself to the meal he wondered where Erestor was. Probably dressing for dinner in those unbecoming black robes he favours, thought the seneschal who wore his usual tunic and leggings.

“Ah, Glorfindel, I see you are already enjoying the meal,” said a voice from the doorway. Glorfindel turned in his seat to see Erestor enter, dusting the cobwebs off the bottle of wine he had obviously just collected from the cellar.

“Ai, it has been some time since I have tasted anything but lembas, and dried fruit,” replied Glorfindel as he buttered another roll.

“Nor some of Elrond’s private stock, I expect,” added the Councillor as he sat opposite his friend, opened the wine and poured them both a glass.

“You are dressed a little more casually than I have come to expect,” teased Glorfindel, surprised to see Erestor still wearing his seductively opened tunic and the equally erotic tight leggings, he had not bothered to don his robes, nor his boots, for that matter.

“Despite what I have heard you claim to all and sundry, my robes are not permanently attached to me, and I do not bathe in them either,” he added sarcastically with an eyebrow slightly raised in displeasure. Glorfindel choked on his wine, feeling slightly embarrassed that his friend had heard the rather uncomplimentary words that he could not deny uttering. “I much prefer my current attire, but it is not fitting dress for a highly placed member of Elrond’s staff, as you well know.”

“I can certainly see why, when you look so absolutely stunning, not to mention desirable in the few you are wearing. I find you to be a great distraction,” whispered Glorfindel in his most sultry voice.

“A pretty face is more than enough to ‘distract’ you,” replied Erestor lightly, albeit a little shakily as the seductive words sent a tingle down his spine.

“Yours definitely is,” agreed Glorfindel. Erestor failed to hide his slight blush of pleasure and Glorfindel smiled inwardly at the first ‘crack’ in his friend’s defences. Deciding to savour the chase and not push his advantage just yet, he abruptly changed the topic of conversation, much to the Councillor’s relief.

“Speaking of staff, where are they? Surely Elrond did not take his whole household to Mirkwood?”

“Of course not!” scoffed Erestor having quickly regained his composure. “I gave them all leave to take a brief holiday while the house is unoccupied.”

“How very generous of you. So who prepared the meal?” asked Glorfindel his eyes alight with delight at the realisation that he and the object of his affections were truly alone together.

“I did, and before you ask, ai, we will have to do our own cooking, and cleaning for that matter, until they return. Unless, of course you wish to go back out on patrol?” suggested Erestor hopefully as he caught the unmistakeable longing in his friend’s eyes and knew it was directed at him. Knowing how determined his friend could be, how how wildly his own heart was racing, Erestor could not help but worry that it was only a matter of time before he would give in to the charm of the incredibly seductive Balrog slayer.

“And miss the chance for some time alone with you, my dear Erestor. I think not,” replied Glorfindel with a wicked grin, sounding as if he could read Erestor’s mind. “My warriors can see to the patrols for a few days without me.”

“Not more than an hour ago you were worried about being replaced,” commented Erestor with a slight shake of hisd.
d.

“With no cause, as you so justly pointed out, and as a member of Elrond’s staff does not your leave to take a few days off apply to me as well?”

“I suppose so,” he was forced to concede.

“So what plans did you have for us this evening?” asked Glorfindel nonchalantly.

“First *we* will attend to clearing the table and washing the dishes, and then *I* intend to take a walk in the gardens,” replied Erestor, laughing at the astonished look on his friend’s face.

“Do you honestly expect me to assist in domestic chores?” he asked incredulously.

“Of course. I am not your servant, and I assure you that you will suffer no harm from performing such menial tasks. You might actually enjoy it,” teased Erestor. Glorfindel considered that extremely unlikely until a delightful thought crossed his mind; playing kitchen maid might not be such a bad idea.“I k“I know I will since the price of my assistance is a kiss,” he said with a mischievous wink. Erestor rolled his eyes with exasperation at his friend’s determination and his heart answered before his mind had a chance to protest.

“Oh, very well, if your work is satisfactory, I will pay the price.”

With such an incentive, the dining room and kitchen were swiftly and expertly rendered back to their pristine condition, and as he awaited Erestor’s final approval, it seemed to the councillor that Glorfindel was like an innocent young elf waiting for his conception day gifts.

“So have I earned my kiss,” whispered Glorfindel into Erestor’s ear as he wrapped his arms around his friend’s waist from behind and moved his hips in an action that held no child like innocence whatsoever. Erestor turned to face his captor, and was almost lost in the eyes darkened to midnight with desire. Instead of placing a chaste kiss on the fair cheek as he intended, Erestor found he was unable to resist the sweet lips that were so close to his own, and he hungrily claimed them. Glorfindel’s moaned with desire as the kiss travelled straight to his groin but before he could respond further, Erestor found the strength to break free of the embrace and ran from the kitchen, disappearing into the stillness of the night.