Isolation

Part 2…

Erestor paused outside the study door and silently contemplated his companion. Observing the unhappy countenance of the flaxen haired warrior and conspicuously analyzing every last detail in a moment. After a full minute of the two simply starting at each other Erestor inclined his head, his dark tresses slipping forward to caress a pale cheek, before excusing himself.

“Good evening Lord Glorfindel, I shall see you at dawn in the courtyard.” With that the serene counselor turned to make his way to his chambers, intending to pack and prepare himself for the upcoming expedition into the wilderness with his adversary, an experience he was dreading, but as a loyal servant and friend to Elrond, would do nothing to oppose his orders.

“Where are you going?” There was annoyance lacing Glorfindels question, with an underlying tinge of distress. Erestor turned back to Glorfindel and leveled an exasperated look at the ancient warrior.

“Where do you think? I have to pack and make ready for our little holiday, and may I suggest you do the same.” And with that Erestor turned once more and proceeded to his rooms without a backwards glance.

Glorfindel watched him go in disbelief. Not a single word of protestation at their newest ‘assignment’. Well that just would not do, if the scrawny little bookworm wasn’t going to join him in talking Elrond out of this latest folly then he would have to do so alone. With that in mind Glorfindel pivoted smartly on his heel and knocked on the study door.

Elrond sighed. Although he had been expecting the knock he had hoped that Glorfindel would, for once, just accept his decision. Seating himself behind the wide desk he barked his consent for his foreseen guest to enter.

“Ah Glorfindel, what an expected surprise. No, no please save your objections and arguments as to why this is such an erroneous decision, I will not change my mind.”

“Elrond, really, you cannot be serious. Do you really think this will solve anything?”

“Yes! I am sick of the two of you arguing and fighting. It must end Glorfindel and the only solution I can think of is for the two of you spend time with each other and learn to cooperate. This… expedition will be a superb opportunity for you to do just that.”

“So your solution to this ‘problem’ is to send me into the middle of nowhere with a bookish, over glorified librarian. By all that is holy Elrond have you taken leave of your senses? You expect me to baby-sit that skinny excuse for an elf, because that’s exactly what your doing, honestly what could a scholar know of surviving in the wilds?”

“He might surprise you Glorfindel.”

“Highly unlikely.” If this whole idea hadn’t been so offensive it would be almost funny.”

“Object all you like but you will be leaving come morning, or do you wish everyone to think you are too cowardly to spend an entire week alone with Erestor? As you can see, he is not here whining like an infant over this undertaking and will be ready for departure at dawn.”

Glorfindels jaw worked but no sounds was immediately forth coming. Had his Lord and friend just implied that he was a coward and that he whined like an infant? He, feared warrior and slayer of demons, afraid of one measly advisor? Not likely!

“Fine! I assume you will be there in the morning to see us off.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Good night Glorfindel.”

“Good night Lord Elrond.” Whirling around Glorfindel stalked towards the door and out into the hallway before heading towards his chambers.

Wincing at the formal application of his title, the glacial tone of voice and the harsh slamming of his study door Elrond sighed and bent his head to cradle it in his hands. /Why me? / After a few minutes thusly he stood and made his way to his own chambers, the night’s activities having drained him of energy.

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

Erestor sighed. He really really really did not want to go on this trip, not because he was incapable of surviving in the wilderness, before he had taken the permanent and time consuming position as chief advisor he had been quite adept at hunting and camping. No it was not out of lack of desire to re-familiarize himself with nature, far from it. It was the company he would be subjected to that caused him to balk at the opportunity. Why oh why did it have to be Glorfindel? Pushing the question aside as there was not a thing he could do about the circumstances, although secretly he prayed the warrior would be successful in his appeal to Elrond, he re-checked his supplies. Brush, spare tunic and leggings, three daggers, a length of rope, fighting knives, his sword, a bottle of ink wrapped in protective cloth, a quill and his journal. Although he was hesitant to bring it along Erestor realized that if he did not have his journal to write in, thereby alleviating the tension that was sure to arise enduring a week with only Glorfindel as company, he would most likely do something unforgivable, such as loose his compose in front of the soldier, a fate worse than death. With another cursory glance at his supplies he exited his room and made for the library, knowing that he had to finished some reports and organize his notes if he was to be gone for a week so that Elrond wouldn’t be completely lost in his absence. Seated behind his oak desk he resigned himself to a long night of work.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Next morning ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


As ordered Glorfindel was in the courtyard at dawn, standing beside the lone mare, Palia, who would be taking both him and Erestor on this foreboding journey. Across his back was a small pack for his clothing and the minimal amount of food and gear. Attached to the pack was a full quiver of arrows and his bow along with the appointed solitary bed roll which he was expected to share with Erestor. Between his bag and back was fighting knives and his sword, all safely encased within their sheaths. He glanced up as he heard Elrond and Erestor approaching, Erestor giving last minute instructions to the half-elf as to what matters would require his attention during this ‘trip’ and what he was to keep his grubby hands off of. Barely registering Erestors last minute orders, really one would think that the running of Imladris would cease during his absence, Glorfindel took in the counselors form. Although he had not expected the advisor to go on this journey in his customary robes it was a bit unexpected to see him attired in tunic and leggings. /He’s not as skinny as I thought/. In fact the scholar had nicely muscled legs and arms, a fact that had remained hidden from Glorfindel and everyone else until now. Taking in the small pack and the sword and fighting knives the advisor sported Glorfindel almost laughed out loud, but restrained himself, barely. What would the scribe need with such weapons? Shaking his head slightly he moved towathe the two elves, leading the mare behind him.

“I take it you have not changed you mind then?” This directed at Elrond.

“No, my orders still stand.”

“Very well my Lord, we shall see you in a week’s time.” With that Glorfindel swung up onto Palias’ back, waiting until Erestor mounted behind him, noticing the slight hesitation in the advisors movements, before he turned the horse and rode away from the last homely house, Elrond watching until they faded from sight.

TBC…