Enough for Tonight

Title: Enough for Tonight (7 - 13/22)
Author: Aglarien
Rating: NC-17
Type: FPS
Pairing: Erestor/Glorfindel
Disclaimer: Alas, not mine. Except for the cat.
Warning: AU. Fluff – including the cat kind.
Summary: Erestor cares for a wounded friend and something very special happens.

Part 7

Erestor’s work sat undone on the desk in Glorfindel’s sitting room. He had planned on Glorfindel napping after their bath, knowing he would wear his lover out. He had not planned on wearing himself out as well. He was wearing his usual daywear robes, this one a soft-to-the-touch rich blue, so dark it was almost black. In the center of the bed, leaning against the richly carved headboard, he watched Glorfindel sleeping, cradled in his lap, long golden hair spread out over blue robes. He had somehow managed to get Glorfindel into a fresh night robe before his beautiful lover had literally collapsed into sleep.

Stroking Glorfindel’s hair, Erestor suddenly realized he had not seen Tinnu since – when? Yesterday before dinner? Yes, that was right. He wondered what the little scamp was up to now, but was not concerned. Tinnu had long ago made himself at home in Imladris. He was usually welcome just about anywhere, including the kitchens, where he never took without asking. Not that he didn’t have the cook and kitchen servants wrapped around his little paw. All he had to do was sit prettily, gaze up longingly with those bright amber eyes, give a little plaintive meow, and anything he wanted was his.

Erestor closed his eyes, a smile appearing on his face as thought back to their bath. That wonderful bath, oh how wonderful it was to touch Glorfindel like that. He was almost proud of what he’d been able to do to Glorfindel. He just loved it when a good plan came together.

It wasn’t long before he joined Glorfindel in reverie, and they slept the morning away.

Erestor woke at the sound of a knock at the door, and knew it would be the twins with lunch. He gently woke Glorfindel. “Glorfindel, my love, wake up. It’s time for lunch and we have guests.”
Glorfindel murmured and stirred, eyes regaining focus. The brilliant smile that lit his face took Erestor’s breath away. He couldn’t resist giving Glorfindel a small kiss– well, maybe more than small – more like a big, deep one.

Managing to reluctantly extricate himself from Glorfindel, he hurried to open the door and ushered in the twins with their lunch tray. “I’m sorry to take so long boys, we were both asleep,” hoping he wasn’t blushing too wildly.

Elladan and Elrohir laughed, and when they had placed the tray on a table, engulfed their old tutor in hugs. “Erestor, we’re so very happy for you and Glorfindel! Ada told us.”

“Boys, what are doing to my beloved?” The smile on Glorfindel’s face belied the stern voice. The twins subjected Glorfindel the same treatment, but were careful not to hurt his shoulder.

Glorfindel had managed to get an outer robe on over his night robe, hurriedly brush his tangled mane, and had even remembered to put on the sling.

Erestor walked over to Glorfindel, wrapped an arm around him, and escorted him to a large, comfortable looking chaise, insisting he lie down again, then sitting beside him. “Thank you Elrohir, Elladan. Your approval means a lot to us, as does your father’s.”

“You know you are both very dear to us, Erestor. It’s been obvious to us for most of our lives that you two loved each other. We’ve always wondered why neither of you could see it,” Elrohir said, chuckling.

“Indeed most of us could see something, but did not think it our place to bring it up,” Caladir added, strolling to his captain’s rooms, accompanied by Elrond. A very contented Tinnu was wrapped around Caladir’s neck, calmly surveying his world. “The blessing of the Valar on you both. Glorfindel, I’m afraid the word has gotten around, what with these two young Lords here!”

“Tinnu!” Erestor exclaimed. “And just where have been for almost an entire day?”

“I thought you might be looking for him, Lord Erestor, so I brought him along. He’s been cheering up the wounded still in the healing house.” Tinnu meowed. “I’m sure he’s done a world of good for them all. If he didn’t have us all laughing until we cried with his antics, he was curled up next to some poor wounded elf giving them comfort. When he started showing off by leaping from bed to bed without touching the floor we were all amazed. Extraordinary animal.”

“He is indeed, Caladir,” Erestor said. At that, Tinnu leapt straight from Caladir’s shoulder to Erestor’s lap, causing Erestor to flinch when he landed.

“Tinnu! I’ve told you about that before. Keep your claws in when you land, please!” The room exploded with laughter. Tinnu just walked off Erestor’s lap, meowing non-stop, and sat down next to Glorfindel. The variety of meows coming from the cat was amazing – there were trebles and squeaks, purring rumbles and chirps, accompanied by long ‘reows’ and short ‘nows’.

“Erestor, what is he doing?” Glorfindel whispered, staring fascinated at the cat.

“It’s perfectly obvious, Glorfindel. He’s telling you all about his stay in the healing house and giving you a report on your men.”

Glorfindel grinned. Stroking the cat, he began talking to it. “Really? He did? No, tell me more. And then what happened? He said what?”

“Lord Elrond,” Erestor said, “I regret to tell you, I am madly in love with a very foolish elf. Is there any hope for me?”

Elrond just laughed, and motioned to his sons to begin serving everyone lunch, including Tinnu.


Part 8

Glorfindel and Erestor relaxed on the chaise with Tinnu curled up beside them. The room had suddenly become silent. Elladan and Elrohir sat grim-faced, Caladir simply stood staring at the floor, while Elrond paced.

Glorfindel knew immediately that something was wrong. “Elrond? What are you not telling us? What has happened?”

Elrond stopped pacing and gave Caladir a nod.

Caladir moved a chair next to Erestor and Glorfindel and sat facing the two of them. “I sent the regular patrols out yesterday, as always. We did not expect any problems after what happened two days ago, but it appears we may have underestimated our enemy. The patrol on the Eastern border was attacked by a large group of Orcs.” He paused for a moment and drew an unsteady breath. “I am sorry, Glorfindel. I should have been with them. Only two of the patrol survived.”

Elrond placed a hand on Caladir’s arm. “You are not to blame, Caladir. It is not your fault. No one blames you. Sauron only is to blame.”

Erestor and Glorfindel were shocked. They had truly believed that the borders would not be threatened for some time.

Elladan crossed the room and stood next to his former tutors. “There is something different about the Orcs the patrol encountered. The two survivors report they were larger and stronger. They saw hundreds of them, and we believe they came from the Misty Mountains.”

“Elrond,” Glorfindel spoke forcefully, “this threat must be dealt with. You know this. Wounded or no, I insist on leading our warriors to deal with it.”

Elrond and Erestor were very aware of the fact that they would not be able to hold Glorfindel back from taking action. The Seneschal would not let others deal with the threat while he remained behind.

Erestor clasped Glorfindel’s hand. “And I go with you, Glorfindel.”

“No, Lord Elrond, we cannot allow our Chief Counselor to endanger himself in this manner!” Caladir was amazed when the other elves laughed at his statement!

“Caladir,” Elrond responded, “Erestor would be no more in danger than any of the rest of the patrol. Erestor fought at my side when Eregion was overrun, and again when the Last Alliance was formed and we battled Sauron. He is a most skilled warrior.”

Erestor acknowledged the compliment with a bow of his head.

“Well, I am amazed! How is it I have never heard this before?”

“It was not something Erestor chose to have widely know, Caladir, and we have always honored his decision. Glorfindel hones our skills with the sword, but it is Erestor we look to for skill with the knives. Indeed, I trusted my sons’ training with them to no other.”

“Well, that certainly explains your skills, my young Lords.”

Glorfindel squeezed Erestor’s hand. “Erestor, my love, I know your skill. Never have I seen a deadlier elf with knives than you, but I would prefer it if you remained in Imladris. I cannot bear the thought of you in danger.”

“No, Glorfindel, where you go, I go. The matter is closed.”

“Elrond! Can you not make him see reason?” Elrond held up his hand to silence Glorfindel.

Hands clasped behind his back, eyes focused on his feet, the Lord of Imladris began to pace back and forth in the room. The remaining elves knew he was deep in thought, and kept their silence.

After several minutes, Elrond stopped. “Glorfindel, have we four unwounded, strong warriors who are proven leaders that the others will follow?”

“Aye. Lathron, Suithoron, Conuion, and Torladen all fit that description, my Lord.”

Elrond nodded and resumed pacing. Several more minutes passed.

Elrond stopped. “Erestor, you may go with Glorfindel. In fact, we all go,” gesturing to all the others, “but not all to the same place. We have roughly 2,000 warriors at present. I estimate about 1,700 are fit for duty, correct?” The Seneschal and his second nodded, agreeing.

“This vale is safe, but I am not arrogant enough to think we cannot be assailed. The North and South borders are most vulnerable to attack from the Misty Mountains. We take 300 with us to the East, and place 200 on the least vulnerable Western border.”

“Leave 200 on the Eastern border in case they circle around us, and place 500 on each of the more vulnerable North and South borders,” Erestor concluded, realizing what Elrond was planning. “Experienced warriors must be equally mixed with those less experienced in all cases, except in the case of our 300. Only the best go with us, as it is the most dangerous.”

“Well, Erestor, there is a reason you are my Chief Councilor. Continue, please.”

“Glorfindel, of the four warriors named, who are the best two?”

“Suithoron and Torladen.”

“Very well. Suithoron takes the East border, Torlanden the West. Though they are the least vulnerable, they will have only one of the strongest leaders. Elladan along with Lathron will take the North, and Elrohir with Conuion the South. Elrond?”

“Aye, Erestor you know my mind, as always. The warriors on each border must stay hidden within the tree lines.” Elrond looked at his sons. “Space them out in pairs, no more than twenty paces apart on the North and South borders, no more than fifty paces apart on the others. The entire border must be surrounded. This will all be for naught if Imladris is invaded. If we fail to the East, you, my sons, must keep this haven safe. You must keep evil out. I depend on you, as well as the other leaders, to make any changes necessary if you are besieged to keep Imladris safe. Do you understood?”

“Aye, Ada. We will not fail you.”

“Good. Caladir, please go with my sons and instruct your leaders. Ready all our warriors. We leave in the morning. I would speak with Erestor and Glorfindel alone now.”

When the younger elves had gone, Elrond sat in the chair next to Glorfindel and Erestor, “Well, my old friends, we go to battle again.” He sighed heavily. “I wish to speak to you both about something that concerns no one but you.”

Erestor raised an eyebrow. “You know you can speak freely with us, Elrond. What is it you wish to say?”

Elrond smiled. “First, Glorfindel, feel free to take off that sling. It does seem silly, now, does it not? When we ride to battle in the morning?”

“Oh, thank the Valar.” Glorfindel removed the offending item and tossed it across the room. Finally having two arms to wrap around Erestor, he wasted no time in doing so.

“The second thing I wish to speak about I fear is more personal. I fear I intrude, and know not where to start.”

Erestor snuggled against his lover. “Elrond, out with it! I promise we will take no offense.”

“Very well. Have the two of you discussed binding yourselves to each other?”

“We have not, Elrond.” Glorfindel gazed into Erestor’s eyes. “Erestor, my love, I think I owe you an apology. I simply took for granted you would bind with me when I healed. Forgive me.”

“Nay, beloved, for I assumed the same.” Erestor placed a chaste kiss on Glorfindel’s lips. “Elrond, why do you ask?”

Elrond smiled at his friends, happy with their response. “For a very selfish reason. You have been my friend and companion for nearly five millennia, Erestor, and Glorfindel for three. You are both very dear to me. You are part of my family. I would gladly give my own life for one or both of you. I do not want to lose you. I do not want Imladris to lose you. If you were bonded, you would strengthen each other should anything happen. I fear for this battle that comes.”

Understanding dawned in Glorfindel’s eyes. “Erestor, my sweetest love, will you bind yourself to me? Will you be my husband forever?”

Tears welled in Erestor’s eyes. “Aye, Glorfindel, beloved, I will bind with you. I will be your husband forever.”

“Erestor of Imladris, I bind myself to you. You are my heart and soul, my eternal love. You are the gift the Valar gave me for returning to this world. You hold my heart in your hands. I will always love you, always protect you, and always care for you. May Eru bless our binding. I love you.”

Erestor had never heard more beautiful words, and so with tears streaming down his face, repeated them to his love.

“Glorfindel of Gondolin and Imladris, I bind myself to you. You are my heart and soul, my eternal love. I thank the Valar for giving you to me. You hold my heart in your hands. I will always love you, always protect you, and always care for you. May Eru bless our binding. I love you.”

Glorfindel’s mouth sought his new husband’s. Their tears mingling, they sealed their vows with a kiss.

Elrond cleared his throat, trying to keep tears from his own eyes. Rising, he folded his arms around his friends, whispering, “May the Valar bless you both forever.” He placed a chaste kiss on each brow, and walked to the door to leave the two new lovers alone.

Reaching the door, he turned back once more. “My friends, don’t worry about joining us for dinner. I’ll just bring a tray later and leave it on the desk in case you want anything during the night, shall I? I think that should be enough for tonight, don’t you? Oh, and you can forget about what I told you about no strenuous activities. I will see you in the morning.” And he exited the room, softly closing the door behind him.


Part 9

Erestor and Glorfindel remained on the chaise after Elrond left, sharing deep and passionate kisses.

Erestor nudged the cat awake. “Tinnu, time for you to go off hunting, or playing, or something, little one.” Tinnu rose, yawned hugely, and pressing his nose against Erestor’s robe, sniffed. Odd, why did his master smell different? He subjected Glorfindel to the same treatment, identifying the same smell. That’s strange, he thought. Oh well, time to go find some trouble to get into. Maybe he could go find a lonely scribe in the library and try to grab his quills as he was writing. That was always fun, and the lonely elves seemed to really like it when he did that.

Erestor reluctantly rose, let the cat out, then closed and locked the door. A brilliant smile gracing his face, he returned to his new husband - and pounced, giggling as he landed lightly on Glorfindel.

“Mmmm…. Erestor, we have all afternoon, and then all night.”

Erestor captured Glorfindel’s delectable lips, nipping at them tenderly.

“Erestor?” The slighter elf had moved to Glorfindel’s neck, and uttered something between a purr and a growl, causing Glorfindel to chuckle. “Have you ever had a lover before?”

After a final nip and lick to his lover’s neck, Erestor cuddled himself in Glorfindel’s arms. He felt Glorfindel gently run his fingers though his hair. “Yes, my love, I had a lover once. It was long ago, before the fall of Eregion. It was a marriage arranged by our fathers. We never truly bonded, but we were happy with other. He was a kind elf, and always good to me, as I was to him. We loved each other, but never with passion; more like close companions. I do not believe I ever truly gave him my heart. Like you, he was a warrior by profession and by choice. He was killed in battle beside me when Eregion fell. His name was Galuon.”

Erestor wanted there to be no secrets untold between them. He leaned into the hand caressing his face. Ebony locks curled around strong fingers. “We were together almost a thousand years. When he died, my heart ached for his companionship, but I recovered quickly. Too quickly for one who had lost a mate of so many years. I still feel quilt at that. But it simply was the way it was. When we loved each other with our bodies, it was always gently, with love but not passion.” Erestor moved his head to kiss the hand that caressed him. “I do not want that with you, my husband. With you I want love and heat and raging passion. You will have not only my body, but my heart, my soul, my very essence. All that I am is yours, my love. I have loved no other as I love you, Glorfindel. You are my soul mate, now and for eternity.”

Glorfindel hungrily devoured Erestor’s mouth. He wanted Erestor to feel his passion for his dark love. He wanted Erestor to have no doubt that he was not Galuon. Erestor moaned into the kiss, opening all that he was to his new bonded, his mate, and his lover. Lips and teeth clashed, tongues danced and dueled. And it was perfect.

When they parted, Erestor, panting, laid his head on Glorfindel’s chest. When Glorfindel was able to breathe, he knew the time had come for him to speak, even though Erestor had not asked. “I never married, although I was not without occasional lovers. Both in Gondolin, and once or twice when I returned, until I realized it was you I wanted. I am ashamed to admit that I do not even remember their names. When I realized I was in love with you, I took no other. I knew in you I had found the one I was meant for.”

Glorfindel gently placed his hand on Erestor’s chin, and raised his head to meet his eyes. “I have never made love before, Erestor. I have only ever shared my body. My sweetest love, my husband, will you make love with me?”

“I will make love with you, beloved, today and always. Come, let us find our bed.” Hands and arms reached for their mates, the bedroom was found, and the door closed behind them.


~Tinnu finds a playmate

Tinnu wandered the library, but could find no lone elf. He scurried back through the large room, bounded into the hall, and came to a screeching halt in front of the door to Elrond’s office. He carefully pushed the door open an inch, and nudged his nose around it. Ah, there was his prey. A lonely elf awaited! Sneaking quietly into the room, he waited for just the right moment. He huddled low to the floor, tail flicking and back haunches shimmying back and forth, building momentum….and there it was! He sprang, flying through the air, paws barely hitting surface, as he swept the quill out of Elrond’s hand, grabbing it with his teeth, and landed with it three feet beyond the desk.

Elrond! Come play! I have your feather!

Elrond dissolved into laughter. He rose from his desk, grabbed the cat up from the floor, and settled them both on his sofa. Stealing the quill back from Tinnu, he started tickling and teasing the cat with it, and a game of ‘steal the feather’ began.

~Back to the Bedroom

Erestor found the bottle of oil he was looking for in the bathroom, and brought it to the bedroom, placing on the table beside the bed. He had already removed Glorfindel’s clothing, as well as his own. Glorfindel now lay sprawled in the middle of the bed, long golden hair spread over the pillows.

Moving like a giant Tinnu, Erestor slowly crawled from the foot of the bed, moving over this beautiful lover, slowing letting their bodies touch. Lowering his hips, he gently rubbed their engorged members together. Moans erupted from both lovers. Holding himself up, hands placed on either side of Glorfindel, he slowly lowered his chest, teasing hardened nipples.

Glorfindel raised his hips again and again, arching his body up, arms wrapping around the beautiful elf gazing down on him. His shoulder ached; he didn’t care. He felt like he had waited both of his long lives for this. “Erestor, beloved, will you take me?”

Erestor looked at Glorfindel in surprise. As kind an elf as Galuon was, he had always done the taking. Erestor had never taken anyone before. “Are you sure, my love? I have never done that before. I’m not sure I would know how to do it right…how to please you.”

“Erestor, my darling husband, you make me so happy that I can do that for you, that I can be your first. Whatever you do will always please me. Please, my love, make love to me. Make me yours. Please, take me.”

Erestor captured Glorfindel’s mouth and kissed him deeply. If he was going to do this, he wanted this to be a night that Glorfindel would always remember. His lips moved around Glorfindel’s jaw line, stopping to nip the tender skin below his ear. Softly licking a line down his neck, nibbling down his chest, he stopped to pay homage to a peaked rosy nipple, sucking it into his mouth and biting gently. Glorfindel moaned and arched below him. He released the nipple and paid the same homage to its mate, then licked down to his naval and paused to swirl his tongue around it, dipping in and out. He licked from the tip to the base of the beautiful penis, then back to the tip, suckling it in his mouth, tasting Glorfindel’s sweetness. He ran his tongue around the tip, and gently teased the slit with his tongue. Erestor worshipped his lover’s body.

Glorfindel wailed and moaned in ecstasy, hands gripping the sheets below him, body writhing. In his previous sexual encounters, no one had made him feel like this. No one had cared enough about his pleasure to do the things Erestor was doing, only looking to be pleasured by the Golden Lord of Gondolin.

Erestor released the heavy cock from his mouth, and ran his tongue along the sensitive vein on the underside. Glorfindel wailed his pleasure. Erestor licked the soft sac nestled between Glorfindel’s thighs, sucking one side gently into his mouth.

“Erestor…ai! ……please! Glorfindel moaned.

“Soon, my sweet one, soon.” He kissed inside of the firm thighs, then reached for the bottle of oil. If he did not do this soon, he knew he would not be able to stop himself from spending. His member was so engorged it ached, and he wanted nothing more than to be inside of Glorfindel.

Grabbing a pillow, he pushed it under Glorfindel’s hips, then lifted Glorfindel’s legs and placed them over his shoulders. Opening the bottle of oil, he poured some on his fingers. He slowing massaged around Glorfindel’s entrance, and finally pressed one finger inside, moaning when he felt the muscles clench around it.

Glorfindel wailed and pressed down on the finger. “Erestor!…..more….more!”

“Shh, love. Relax for me. I will not have you sore when we ride tomorrow.”
A second finger joined the first, scissoring and stretching. Erestor crooked his fingers searching for the bundle of nerves inside Glorfindel, and knew he found it when Glorfindel screamed his name.

“E…res…tor….ah!….ooh!…now!….please!” Glorfindel was whimpering, but Erestor would not give in. A third finger joined the others as Erestor took Glorfindel’s cock to the hilt into his mouth. When he felt Glorfindel was close, he tightened his fingers sharply at base and let the cock fall from his mouth with a ‘plop’.

All Glorfindel was capable of doing was screaming. Erestor removed his fingers. “Shh, my sweet one. Wait for me.” Quickly preparing himself, he groaned as he spread the oil over his cock.

Placing the tip at Glorfindel’s entrance, he pushed slowly. He had prepared his lover well, and sheathed himself to the hilt in one movement.

Erestor had never felt anything so good. “Oh, love, so good…so good.” Feeling Glorfindel lift his hips, he slowly began to move. Pulling out half way and thrusting back in, he hit Glorfindel’s sweet spot the first time.

Glorfindel screamed. “Oh…again…oh…oh…Erestor!”

Erestor lowered Glorfindel’s legs and wrapped them around his waist. Again Erestor pulled out and thrust back in.

Glorfindel reached his arms around Erestor’s neck and pulled him down for a deep kiss.

Erestor placed his arms under Glorfindel’s back and lifted the upper part of his body up to him, burying his head in Glorfindel’s neck. Again and again Erestor thrust. Howling their pleasure, tears streaming from their eyes, they felt the joining of two separate hearts and souls. Light shone from their bodies and the air sparkled and sizzled around them and lightening coursed through them. Moaning, whimpering, words of love were screamed, and they felt their souls move to became one. They felt what the other was feeling. They shared the same emotions, the same physical sensations, and they were one. Finding completion together, they lay, sated, together and slept. It was enough for tonight.


Part 10

A short time after their evening meal, Elrond picked up the cat, and lifted him onto his shoulder. “Come, Tinnu, let’s see if we can find some dinner for Erestor and Glorfindel.” Off they went to the kitchens.

Elrond personally prepared a tray for his friends, while the curious cat supervised every movement. “I think something light would be good, don’t you Tinnu?” Selecting a couple of oranges, he peeled them and separated the sections, arranging them neatly on a plate. He covered the plate with a damp cloth to keep the fruit fresh. Next were apples. These he cored, sliced and arranged. Next he squeezed lemon juice over the slices, and then drizzled honey over each one. A bowl of fresh strawberries was added to the tray next, along with fresh scones, a crock of butter, and jars of honey, strawberry jam and orange marmalade, and thick cream. Next, a bottle of wine and a carafe of fruit juice were added.

Elrond walked out to the gardens, Tinnu bounding along after him. Elrond looked around at the flowers, wondering which ones to select. Tinnu sat next to a rose bush, meowing loudly. Elrond! Look at these! Take these!

“Ah, a good choice, little one.” Elrond selected two perfect red roses, carefully removed the thorns, and they returned to the kitchens, adding them to the tray.

Tinnu led the way to Glorfindel’s rooms. Elrond carefully balanced the tray in one hand, and silently tried the door. Locked. Fumbling around in his pockets, he finally found the key he was looking for and very quietly opened the door. Good, the sitting room was empty. The elf and the cat quietly crept into the room, set the tray on Glorfindel’s desk, and quietly crept out, locking the door behind them.

“Come on, Tinnu, time for bed. How would you like to stay with me tonight, my little friend?” Elrond picked up the cat, placed him over his shoulder, and set off to find his own bed for a few brief hours of sleep before they set out in the morning.

It was shortly before midnight when Glorfindel woke. Erestor was cuddled in his arms beside him, dark head resting his chest. Smiling at the sight, he gently lifted the dark locks to the side, and proceeded to nibble on a luscious neck.

“Hmmm…Glorfindel, what are you doing?”

“I’m hungry. Just lie there and let me finish nibbling. Ooh, I’m going to eat you all up!” More nibbles.

Erestor giggled and tried to raise his shoulder against his neck to keep Glorfindel off his neck.
“I’m hungry too. Shall I go see what Elrond has left us?”

“I’ll go. You stay right where you are, my love.” Glorfindel released his lover, got up and was half way to the door when he moaned, ran back, grabbed Erestor, gave him a passionate kiss, and ran out to the sitting room.

Erestor laughed, stretched and lay back, waiting for his mate to return. When he saw Glorfindel return with the heavily laden tray, he was instantly concerned. “Glorfindel, your shoulder!”

“My shoulder is fine, my love. It feels almost normal. I feel wonderful, in fact!” He set the tray down on the bed, crawled in, and grabbed Erestor. “I think it must be due to the ministrations of my wonderful new husband.”

“Truly, love? It feels all right?” Glorfindel nodded as Erestor rubbed the shoulder through the remaining bandages. He carefully removed the bandages, and gasped at the sight. The redness was gone and the wound nearly healed. “Elrond’s new salve is a wonder! You are almost healed!” Erestor wrapped his arms around his lover, enfolding him in a fierce hug. He was so happy, he laughed.

Glorfindel couldn’t help laughing with him. “I do not know if it was Elrond’s salve, or our binding, love. All I know is I feel wonderful.” He cupped Erestor’s beautiful face in his hands, and sweetly kissed him. Releasing Erestor, he reached for the tray, and said, “Food!” Erestor sat comfortably across from him as they fed each other their well-earned meal.

Erestor leaned back, sighing, “I cannot eat another bite.”

Glorfindel set the near empty tray on the table. “Really? I’m still hungry. I think I’ll just have dessert.” Taking a rose off the tray, he turned to the bed. “Care to join me for dessert, sweet one?”

Erestor didn’t say a word. He smirked, then languidly stretched his arms over his head, unwrapped his long legs, spreading them out, and lightly arched his back.

That little cat, Glorfindel thought. He knows full well what that’s doing to me. Chuckling, he realized how silly that would sound. After all, he was still without a stitch of clothing, and Erestor could ‘see’ full well what it was doing to him.

“Come and get your dessert, Glorfindel,” Erestor purred.

Grinning, Glorfindel advanced on his mate. He straddled Erestor’s legs, gently sitting on his thighs. Taking the rose, he slowly and gently dragged the bloom along his thighs to where leg and hip joined. Using the very top of the rose, he gently teased the heavy sacs, ran the rose lightly up Erestor’s perfectly formed, perfectly engorged member, paused to tease the tip, up to the cute little navel, up the chest to dance in circles around the two loveliest nipples Glorfindel had ever seen, and up to the neck where it stopped to caress.

Erestor moaned and writhed under the tender onslaught. “Glorfindel…..oh, please.”

Glorfindel laid the rose aside, leaned forward, and pressing his body against his love’s, attacked the mouth below him. He deeply thrust his tongue within, tasting every corner, and sucking on Erestor’s tongue.

When their mouths broke apart for breath, Erestor moaned, and turned his head to tempt Glorfindel with his pale neck. Oh, he loved the feel of Glorfindel’s lips on his neck. Glorfindel licked up the neck, but did not linger, heading to new territory. Reaching an ear, he extended his tongue and pressed it against the delicate organ. After caressing the ear with his tongue, his mouth descended on the tip, and drawing it into his mouth, he sucked.

Erestor howled and arched up against Glorfindel as exquisite sensations traversed his body. Never had he felt so alive. Never had he felt as he was feeling now.

Glorfindel captured his mouth again, then moved to Erestor’s chest, sucking sweet nipples into his mouth, suckling.

Erestor writhed, arching his back, and moaning Glorfindel’s name. His member was engulfed in wet heat, and he screamed, arching into the mouth above him. He was on fire. Gentle fingers teased his sacs, and he dimly registered an oiled finger encircling his entrance When he felt a finger push inside, he pushed down onto it, then back up into the heat above him.

Erestor had never felt so loved, or been loved with such passion. Tears streamed from his eyes as he writhed and wailed in pleasure, as Glorfindel gently continued preparing him.

“Glorfindel, oh please, take me now. I love you so, please love me now.”

“Always, my sweet love. I will always love you.” Glorfindel removed his fingers, then quickly prepared himself. Lifting Erestor’s legs and wrapping them around his waist, he stretched over his lover, kissing him passionately. Then, one hand by Erestor’s shoulder, one guiding his member, he slowly sought to enter his husband for the first time.

Erestor moaned, and arched up, then pulled Glorfindel’s hips down with his legs, urging him to move faster, to take him now! “More, my love, please!”

Glorfindel gave in and entered Erestor’s tight channel in one thrust.

Erestor screamed in delight, and wrapping his arms around Glorfindel’s neck, he pulled him down for a searing kiss. Letting his body fall back down, he moaned, “Oh, so good, Glorfindel, you feel so good inside me. Please, my love, my life, show me your passion.”

And Glorfindel did. Thrusting again and again, he showed Erestor how much he was loved. He told him how much he loved him, never ceasing. “Oh, Erestor, I love you,” he panted, “I love you…love you…love you. Oh…so good…so beautiful.” Lifting a hand, he grasped Erestor’s cock, stroking in time with his thrusts.

Erestor came, screaming, “Glorfindel…I love you!”

Glorfindel felt Erestor’s muscles tighten around him. Screaming, “Oh…Oh…Erestor!” he spilled himself for the first time into his husband. Collapsing onto his mate, he rolled them to their sides so he did not crush his precious little love.

Their bond sparkled in the air around them, and sated, bodies glowing brightly, arms wrapped tightly around each other, they slept once more.

Part 11

Dawn found ten elves in Elrond’s office, in the final stages of planning both their attack and the defense of Imladris. All were dressed in tight brown or black leather tunics and leggings. Pieces of armor, helmets and weapons lay to one side of the room, carefully guarded by a resting black cat.

Elrond was speaking to Glorfindel and Erestor, as his sons, Caladir and four other elves chosen to lead listened. “ I have been feeling uncomfortable about two things. The first is placing only two hundred on the Eastern border, and the second is leaving Imladris itself near empty of warriors, except for the wounded.”

“What do you know, Elrond?” Erestor cocked his head and looked at Elrond.

“Nothing with certainty, Erestor, nothing with certainty.”

The house servant Amarion entered the room, and Erestor gestured toward the remains of their hastily consumed breakfast.

Glorfindel hovered over the maps again. “Very well. I suggest we move one hundred off each of the North and South borders, and bring the total on the East to four hundred. That will give us four hundred on the North, South and East, keeping still only two hundred on the less vulnerable West.”

“And what of Imladris itself? We must have a plan for its protection if any border is breeched.” Elrond looked to his Seneschal and Chief Councilor.

“Forgive me, my Lords.” Amarion was clearly nervous as he spoke.

Erestor knew Amarion would never interrupt such a meeting without good cause. “Go ahead, Amarion, you may speak.”

“My Lords, if I may, I think you may have forgotten to consider all of your resources.” Elrond and Erestor motioned for him to continue. “We all heard what is happening. Well, last night all the workers – servants, weavers, blacksmiths, scribes, cooks, musicians, everyone – well, we met out in the training fields, my Lords. We know we’re not as skilled as our warriors, but we’ve all been trained to use bow, or sword, or knife. We want to help, my Lords.” Amarion looked around the room, meeting the eyes of every elf. “This is our home, and we are ready to die defending it.”

“You are correct, Amarion, we did forget. Thank you for coming to me.” Elrond extended his hand, clasping Amarion’s arm in a warrior’s greeting. “Have you chosen a leader, or would you like me to assign one of our captains?”

“They chose me, my Lord.” Amarion was nervous, but he never faltered, and never looked away. “But we need more weapons, my Lord, and arrows, we need hundreds of arrows.”

Elrond nodded. “Excellent. They chose well. You shall have all you need, my friend. Stay with us while we determine our final plans.”

Elrond took down a new map from his shelves and spread it out on his desk. “How many are you, would you estimate, Amarion?”

“Nearly two hundred, my Lord”

Elrond asked Elrohir to find Lindir and bring him to the office, and taking a quill in hand, began to mark the map. Glorfindel and Erestor stood on either side of him, occasionally pointing to another section of the map, which Elrond would then mark.

When Elrohir returned with the minstrel, Elrond addressed him. “Lindir, my friend, I will assume you know what is happening?”

“Aye, my Lord. I plan to defend our home with the others here.”

“Thank you, my friend, for that is exactly what you will do. You I place in charge of the house and all within it. Now, this is what I want you to do,” and Elrond proceeded to give his instructions, occasionally assisted by Erestor or Glorfindel.

All of the workers who would defend Imladris received a new name. They were now dubbed “defenders”. Thirty were to be handpicked by Lindir and assigned to protect the house and healing hall. All elflings and their mothers, all elf maidens and wives, all hurt or wounded elves and any other that could not fight were to be housed in the Last Homely House or the healing house and put under the protection Lindir and his defenders.

“Now go, my friend, pick your elves and start gathering everyone into the house and the healing wings.” Elrond, Erestor, Glorfindel, and the twins all embraced Lindir, and he left to carry out Elrond’s wishes.

“Now, Amarion, come look at this map.” Elrond led the elf to his desk.. “You will place your defenders, here, here, and here.” Elrond indicated all the marks on the map. “If the Orcs break through our perimeters, you and your elves will be our last defense. Understood?”

“Aye, my Lord, we will not fail you.”

Elrond placed his hand on the elf’s shoulder. “I have faith in you, Amarion, and in your defenders. Take the map with you in case you need it. Gather your defenders and go to the armory. Take whatever you will need. Our warriors are already prepared with what they need. Should any question you, tell them it is on my orders.” Amarion accepted the map and turned to leave.

“Amarion, hold a moment please,” Erestor said. Walking over to where Tinnu was laying, he picked up the cat, held him against his chest, and placed his lips against the soft head. “Keep safe. Tinnu,” he whispered. “I will return, little friend.” Handing the cat to Amarion, he said, “Will you ask your dear lady to please take care of Tinnu for me, my friend.”

“Aye, Lord Erestor. Have no fear, Diwen will care for him and make sure he is safe.” Amarion’s spouse was a healer. He would stop in the healing house on the way to the armory, and deliver Tinnu into her care. Bowing to his Lords, he took Tinnu and hurried out.

“One final thing before we leave.” Elrond had everyone’s instant attention. “If any of the borders are attacked, you must immediately send runners for reinforcements from the others, except for the West border. We still will have only 200 there, so they will not be able to provide reinforcements unless it is absolutely necessary. No waiting, understood? You immediately send runners the minute you see Orcs approaching.”

The six elves who would control the borders answered, “Aye, my Lord.”

“Good. Let’s move.” The ten elves gathered their gear and assisted each other, putting on armor and weapons.

Glorfindel was helping Erestor tie on his chest plates. “Erestor, promise me you will be careful and not do anything extraordinarily brave, please?”

Erestor lifted a hand to stroke Glorfindel’s cheek. “Aye, love, if you will do the same.”

Glorfindel nodded. “I promise you, husband, if you should fall, know that I will not be far behind you. I will find you in Mandos’ Halls.”

“As will I, husband.”

Outside homes and businesses had emptied. The marketplace was deserted. Warriors had helped arm the defenders. Defenders and warriors gathered their families and friends and herded everyone to the Last Homely House or the healing house. Inside the healing house, healers and even some of the wounded helped prepare bandages, salves and potions. All would be in readiness if needed.

Lindir and Amarion stood in the courtyard, swords girded at their waists, knives and bows strapped on their backs, waiting for Elrond and the others to depart. The entire valley was assembled.

Elrond and the others mounted their waiting horses. All was ready.

Lindir began to sing a prayer asking for the protection of Elbereth; choruses of elven voices soon joined him.

Prayer completed, Elrond paused and looked around him. He nodded to his sons, the four other elves chosen to defend the borders, Lindir and Amarion. Raising his voice, he called, “Everyone, move out!”


Part 12

Diwen was so worried about her husband, Amarion, that she was having a hard time concentrating on her work. Tinnu decided that this elf obviously needed him, and was determined to stay by her side, so together they moved through the healing house, checking on elves.

Some of the wounded elves decided they were in good enough condition to aid in the defense of Imladris. Maybe they couldn’t walk, but they would be just fine sitting on an upper balcony somewhere, armed with bow and arrow. And so almost one hundred more were added to the defenders. Most of the wounded were carried to places around the Last Homely House and healing house for ease of transport, allowing the others to be deployed to positions around the deserted marketplace and homes.

Elladan, Elrohir, and the four other border leaders were huddled together talking. Catching their father’s uneasiness about the East border, Elladan and Elrohir wanted a faster method of communication than runners if Orcs appeared. They settled on the idea of tying messages to arrows, which would reach their destination much faster than runners. They would utilize runners as well, in case one or the other method failed. That settled, they moved out.

~~~*~~~

Elrond, flanked by Erestor, Glorfindel and Caladir, was in the lead of the three hundred best warriors, moving east toward the Misty Mountains. After several hours of hard riding, Glorfindel and Caladir rode to a rise to investigate what lay ahead of them. Reaching the top and looking into the distance, they instantly grew concerned, and signaled Elrond and Erestor to join them.
“Look. There.” Glorfindel pointed. The others could easily see the tracks left by the passage of the Orcs. The ground had been pummeled and torn.

“There are, what, three groups?” Elrond asked in amazement.

“Aye, it looks like one is still in front of us, and the two others have flanked us, both heading to
our borders,” Glorfindel responded.

“Do we return to Imladris, my Lords?” Caladir asked.

“Nay.” Erestor waited for Elrond’s agreement before continuing. “We trust in the warriors and the others there. This threat must be ended, or we will never be safe. We must make Sauron rue the day he decided to threaten us.”

Glorfindel sighed. “I just wish there was some way to tell their number. But from the ground, I would say it’s large.”

Elrond nodded. “Aye. We had better send out scouts ahead of us a ways. We cannot afford to be surprised when we find them, nor let them find us.”

Glorfindel chose several warriors most skilled in scouting in stealth and sent them ahead, while the others followed at a slower pace.

Toward dusk, they decided to make camp and await the return of the scouts. Glorfindel and Caladir set a ring of sentries around the camp, and ordered the elves to remain as quiet as possible, and light no fires that could be seen from a distance. After a meal of way bread and fruit, the elves rested, waiting for the return of the scouts.

It was an hour or so after full darkness when the scouts returned.

“We found them, my Lord, no more than a half a league in front of us. They’ve camped for the night. We estimate they number five hundred.” Another of the scouts added, “The earlier reports are correct, my Lord. These Orcs are different than those we have dealt with before. They are larger and appear to be stronger.”

“You have done well. Go get something to eat and take some rest now.” Glorfindel dismissed the elves, and joined his friends. “Elrond, Erestor? Did you hear? We need to plan. I would suggest we begin to move an hour or two before dawn begins to break. We need to catch them before they break camp.”

“Agreed,” Erestor said. “We leave the horses and supplies here and move quietly, on foot.”

“Aye.”

“What are you thinking of for an attack plan, Glorfindel?” Elrond asked.

Glorfindel first moved them to the other side of camp, sheltered in front of their troops, where he could have light to show the others what he had in mind. Then, lighting a very small torch, he picked up a twig, cleared a spot on the ground, and began to draw.

“Here’s the Orc camp.” He drew a circle. “We divide the troops into three groups. One slightly smaller group anchored here.” A line on their side of the Orc camp. “The other two groups move silently in a flanking movement, one on each side.” A line was drawn from the end of the first group, around the side of the Orc camp and extending slightly beyond, and a matching line on the other side. “We catch them in enfilade fire, (1) as the flanking lines move to encircle the rear, driving them into our anchor line.”

Erestor and Elrond grinned.

“I do love the way your mind works, my sweet,” and Erestor bestowed a brief kiss on Glorfindel’s lips.

Elrond chuckled. “Come on, you two love birds. We’ve got some troops to brief.”

Tbc…

(1) The term enfilade fire originated in the Napoleonic Wars, and actually refers to gunfire, a sweeping gunfire, although I can’t see why it wouldn’t work for arrow fire just as well, so I decided to include it here. When you flank an enemy, instead of having just one row of the enemy exposed to you, you basically have the entire length of the enemy’s force. Enfilade fire after a flanking movement is particularly deadly because of the number of targets you have. Glorfindel’s plan flanks the Orcs on both sides, then both lines of elves fire into the enemy camp/lines wreaking havoc, gradually encircling the Orcs. The circling movement on the back side of the Orc camp should drive what’s left of the Orcs into the anchoring front line. The elves on the anchor line stop/kill anyone left, and battle over! At least that’s the plan.

Title: Enough for Tonight (13/22)
Author: Aglarien
Type: FPS
Pairing: Erestor/Glorfindel
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: Alas, not mine. Except for the cat.
Warning: AU. Battle gore.
Archive: Glorfindel of Imladris, AFF, Melethryn, OEAM
Summary: Orcs attack Imladris.


Part 13

The Orcs reached the eastern border by the afternoon. Suithoron had sent out sentries so that they would have the earliest possible warning. Sighting the Orcs in the distance, the sentries immediately tied pieces of red cloth to their arrows, and sent them up into the sky. The cloth impeded the arrow’s flight, but it was enough. They were seen.

Suithoron instantly sent out both runners and arrows to the north and south borders.

When the message arrived on the south border, Elrohir and Conuion immediately ordered one half of their warriors to the east border. Elrohir left Conuion in charge, and rode with the warriors. Almost identical actions occurred to the north, where Elladan left Lathron in charge and left with his warriors. Four hundred reinforcements were racing to the eastern border.

Suithoron watched and waited anxiously. Three of the four sentries had safely returned. His warriors were ready, but they were greatly outnumbered. He watched as his last sentry was overtaken by the Orcs. The anger of the watching elves against the foul creatures was so strong the very trees seemed to shake from it.

When the Orcs were within range, Suithoron ordered, “Loose arrows!”, and two hundred arrows flew into the Orc hoard, bringing down many. The speed with which the elves loosed their arrows was blinding; and still the Orcs came. When the Orcs were nearly upon them, Suithoron ordered, “Swords!” and the elves instantly tossed aside their bows and drew swords or knives.
In moments the Orcs were upon them, screaming their fierce battle cries.

Elladan could hear the battle. They were close. “Faster!” he yelled. “They are attacking!” He prayed they would arrive in time.

The elves were being pushed back when Elladan and his elves finally reached the site of the battle and threw themselves into the combat. Knives and swords flashed and little by little the elves began to regain ground.

Unnoticed in the battle’s fury, several small groups of Orcs had moved around the battleground, and were on their way to Imladris.

When Elrohir and his warriors finally reached the battle, the elves were standing firm. The ground was soaked in blood. Black Orc blood along with red Elven. It pooled on rocks; it covered grass and flowers. Trees were splattered with it. Elf and Orc lay dead and dying. It was a gruesome sight.

A group of Orcs was moving around to the south. “Quick,” Elrohir yelled to his warriors, “they are trying to flank them! Charge!” And little by little, dead Orc by dead Orc, they drove them back.

The battle was over before night fell. The weary elves first gathered their wounded and did what they could to clean, bandage and strengthen, and then sent them to Imladris to be cared for. Over one hundred wounded elves and horses, and nearly as many again to escort them, slowly returned to the city.

The bodies of over fifty dead elves were reverently placed on clean, unsullied ground, away from the battleground and guarded until they could be carried home.

Hundreds of Orc bodies were stacked and burned where they fell, tainting the land and air with their acrid stench.

Pure elven voiced rose in a song of thanksgiving to Elbereth for their deliverance and laments for their lost, and then the exhausted warriors rested. It was enough for tonight.

In the morning they would regroup and assess, send out scouts and determine their next actions.

And the small groups of Orcs reached Imladris.

But the defenders were vigilant. An ancient, wounded warrior, sitting on the highest balcony of the Last Homely House, noticed a small movement. “Turidon, did you see that? Look over there. Go to the rail and check. I don’t want to fire at a defender,” he whispered to his companion. Turidon notched an arrow, looked carefully, and let loose his arrow while shouting loudly, “ORCS!”

The Orcs had no chance. They were outnumbered by elves determined to protect their home, and the threat was quickly done away with. Amarion was personally responsible for killing several of them.

One particularly determined Orc managed to make his way into the Last Homely House where Lindir was carefully guarding the elflings and the valley’s elf maidens. The tall, broad Orc was no match for one small wrathful minstrel. Lindir’s knives flew. He was just sorry there had to be such a mess of black Orc blood all over Elrond’s lovely floor. Oh well, he would just get some of the stronger elves to carry away the body later. As long as the elflings and younger elf maidens didn’t see it, it was all right there for a while, so Lindir calmly returned to his charges.

A second determined Orc made his way into the healing house, but the elves there had heard the shouts. When the Orc charged in, he was hit by over 50 arrows loosed by elves calmly lying in beds. Diwen was sitting, holding Tinnu closely to her chest. Tinnu was fascinated by all the flying arrows, and wished they would do it again.

The wounded from the battle on the eastern border reached the healing house and were cared for. The defenders insisted that their escort had done enough for tonight, and send them to eat and rest.

The defenders maintained a silent vigilance all night long.

And in the east, Elrond, Erestor and Glorfindel finalized their attack plan with their warriors.

It was enough for tonight.

Authors Note: My compliments to Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Twentieth Maine Regiment, and the Union troops at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in 1863, under the command of Gen. Winfield Hancock. Their actions inspired the battle scenes in chapters 13 & 14. A small portion of Col. Chamberlain’s description of the Battle of Little Round Top, July 2, 1863, reads: “The two lines met and broke and mingled in the shock….the edge of the conflict swayed to and fro, with wild whirlpools and eddies…At times I saw around me more of the enemy than of my own men; gaps opening, swallowing, closing again with sharp convulsive energy….All around, strange, mingled roar – shouts of defiance, rally, and desperation; and underneath, murmured entreaty and stifled moans; gasping prayers, snatches of Sabbath song, whispers of loved names….and dead faces with strangely fixed eyes staring stark into the sky. Things which cannot be told – nor dreamed.”
On July 3, 1863, on Cemetery Ridge at Gettysburg, union regiments, particularly those from the state of Vermont, rushed to the front line during Pickett’s Charge to cut off a Confederate flanking movement.

Part 14

The elves silently set out for the Orc camp while there was still full darkness. Glorfindel and Elrond were the best leaders in battle, so they would each lead one flank, assisted by Erestor and Caladir. It tore Glorfindel’s soul that he could not be with Elrond; he was sworn to protect his Lord and it was his first duty above all else, but the right choice was that Elrond and he should lead. It was hoped they would meet with the two flanks joined on the other side of the camp. Erestor would go with Glorfindel, and Caladir with Elrond.

The two newly mated elves were well aware that they could not protect each other and forget all else. Their duty was first. In the quiet hours of the night, while the other elves rested, Erestor and Glorfindel spoke softly, sharing words of love and devotion and long passionate kisses, and held each other close until it was time to leave. And their bond grew even stronger.

The warriors lay silently unseen in their battle lines, hidden in the tall grasses, no more than fifty paces from the noisy, restless, sleeping Orcs. The stench emanating from their camp was so foul that elves fought off nausea by imagining how wonderful it would feel to sever their heads from their disgusting bodies.

At the very hint of dawn’s arriving, with just of whisper of light beginning to herald the coming day, Glorfindel and Elrond gave the commands to “Rise up!” and “Attack!”

Arrows killed many Orc before they had even awoken, but these Orcs were strong, and their numbers were now evenly matched to the elves, but not less. As the flanking lines joined, the battle turned into a fierce hand-to-hand combat on all sides.

Glorfindel and Elrond wielding their swords were a magnificent sight, inspiring the elven warriors. Swords gleaming high over head, then crashing, slashing, their bodies twirling away from foul Orc blades. Always moving in a brilliant choreography of killing, as powerful as any Orc. But if they were magnificent, Erestor was beautiful beyond all compare. Knives twirling faster than the eye could see, moving with fluid grace in a dance of death. Covered in Orc blood, eyes flashing, near smiles on their faces, the three elven leaders shone. But none brighter than the mighty Glorfindel.shining with the light of Aman.

The battle flowed like waves on a shore, forward, then back, ebbing and surging. Elrond and Erestor were gradually separated by the undulating battle from Glorfindel’s side, but the elves were slowly advancing, slowing pushing the Orcs until each step was hindered by their fallen bodies. The sounds of the battle were deafening. The clashing of metal competed with the screams of the dying, and the roars of the attacking. And suddenly Elrond and Erestor were attacked by a massive Orc, who had correctly identified the Lord of Imladris as one of the two elves.

Something was wrong; Glorfindel knew it. He could feel it. Eyes searching, he finally saw the threat. Roaring the name of his beloved he raced to his side. Thrusting his sword into the Orc’s back, he knew he was too late. In his final move, the Orc had thrust his sword through Erestor’s side.

Glorfindel’s scream gave new purpose to elf and Orc alike. This was the reborn Lord no evil could stand before, the reborn Lord who shone with the light of Aman in battle. Orcs fled in terror, straight into the line of the waiting elves. Elves found new strength and slew all before them. And the battle was over.

Glorfindel, screaming, tears streaming down his face, fell to his knees next to his love, his life, the only elf he had ever loved, his precious gift from the Valar. The filthy Orc blade still stood in Erestor’s body. His hand was on the blade to remove the evil thing from his sweet, pure beloved’s body, when strong arms stopped him.

Caladir held him tight. “Let Elrond check him first, Glorfindel.”

Glorfindel was in agony. His heart and soul were torn out from him. Erestor’s pain was his pain.
He could face ten Balrogs, die again ten times, and never feel this pain. It transcended the pain of his death. He held onto Caladir, howling his grief to the world.

Elrond gripped Glorfindel’s arm. “Glorfindel, hear me. Erestor lives still! The blade was deflected by his chest plate. We may be able to save him!”

Glorfindel starred at Elrond, disbelief, shock and grief in his eyes, and then hope. “What do you want me to do?”


Back to the borders………

During the night, messengers had arrived in Torladen’s camp on the western border and informed him of the day’s events. Now knowing the chance of Orcs attacking on the west was even more remote, he chose one hundred and fifty of his warriors, split them into two groups, and sent them to the north and to the south to strengthen those lines. Moving his remaining fifty elves closer in to the city, he lengthened his lines and placed them as sentries. Leaving his second in command, he mounted his horse and rode in haste to the eastern border.

Meeting with Elrohir, Elladan and Suithoron, the four planned their continued defense. Shortly before dawn they moved a little over one hundred elves to each of the north and south borders; with Torladen’s elves, that would bring their defenses to nearly four hundred each, and still leave a little over three hundred on the east. Expecting the burning piles of Orc flesh to deter further attacks there, Elrohir and Elladan returned to their assigned borders. Torladen remained with Suithoron in the east.

Tbc……