Thawing the Ice
Courtship
Chapter 24--Courtship
Glorfindel wasted no time once Erestor accepted his request to court him.
When Erestor returned to his room he stopped in the doorway in surprise. A fire had been lit and his bed turned down. A single, perfect red rose laid on his pillow. He had just changed into a comfortable pair of sleep pants when someone tapped on the door. He went over and opened it.
"Hello, lirimaer, You worked through dinner again, so I raided the kitchen on your behalf. I have fresh fruit, bread, cheese, plus a bottle of your favorite brandy. May I came in?" Glorfindel asked.
Erestor opened the door wider and stepped aside. "Come in," he said.
Glorfindel smiled, blue eyes warm. He entered and set the tray down on a small table.
Erestor closed the door and turned towards the Elda.
Glorfindel was spreading a thick fur blanket on the floor in front of the fireplace.
"Where did that come from?" Erestor asked.
"I brought it when I came in earlier. Come sit down and eat. I thought I would join you if you would allow me. There is plenty for two," Glorfindel said. He picked up the tray then sat down on the fur, setting the tray next to him.
Erestor shrugged to himself and sat down. Suddenly he felt very underdressed in his silk sleep pants when Glorfindel was wearing tan leggings and a blue silk shirt.
Glorfindel didn't seem troubled by it. He poured a goblet of brandy and handed it to Erestor then poured one for himself.
Erestor sipped at the brandy and felt himself slowly relaxing.
They talked quietly about mundane things and both relaxed even more at the casual talk.
Glorfindel picked up a strawberry and ate it seductively, making sure the advisor was watching then licked his lips.
Much to his chagrin, Erestor found himself staring at the blonde’s lips. He averted his eyes, blushing.
Glorfindel chuckled and cupped Erestor's chin gently. He made Erestor look into his eyes. "You blush so charmingly, lirimaer, but it is late. I will say good night," Glorfindel said. He released the advisor and stood. He clasped Erestor's hand and pulled him up as well. "May I kiss you good night?" Glorfindel asked.
Erestor nodded. His eyes closed as Glorfindel's lips touched his. The kiss was tender and loving and the blonde tasted of the strawberries he’d eaten.
Glorfindel pulled back. "Good night, my little raven," he whispered. He left, closing the door softly behind him.
Erestor licked his lips, tasting Glorfindel on them. He locked the door and went to bed, but it was a long time before he slept.
Erestor woke up, feeling refreshed. He took a bath and dressed then went to the dining hall for breakfast.
"Good morning, my Lord, my Lady," Erestor said and took his spot.
Celebrian just smiled politely.
"Good morning, Erestor. I fear we have a busy morning ahead of us," Elrond said.
"I expected as much," Erestor said.
Glorfindel came in minutes after and sat down next to the advisor. "Good morning, Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian," he said. He sat down next to Erestor. "Good morning, raven," he whispered, leaning close.
"Good morning," Erestor said.
Glorfindel smiled at the advisor's cool composure.
Later
Erestor looked at the mountain of paperwork on his desk and sighed. It was indeed going to be a busy day. Taking a deep breath, he went to work.
At noon the pile was diminished, but not gone. Erestor flexed his fingers and rubbed the back of his neck, which hurt.
"Are you alright, raven?" Glorfindel asked.
Startled, Erestor looked up to see Glorfindel standing in the door. He had been so intent on his work he hadn't seen the blonde.
Glorfindel entered and came over to the desk. He shook his head at the stack. "You should take a rest. It's time for lunch anyway," he said.
Erestor picked up the next document. "I do not have time to take a break," he said.
Glorfindel moved behind Erestor and laid his hands on Erestor's shoulders. He felt the advisor tense. "Relax, raven, I just want to help," he said. He began to knead gently. At first Erestor was tense under his touch, but then he felt the advisor relax. "That is right, relax raven," he whispered.
Erestor's head fell forward as Glorfindel went to work on his sore neck. It hurt at first, but then the pain went away and nothing had ever felt so good.
Glorfindel heard a faint noise from the advisor and grinned. "Lirimaer, are you purring?" he asked amusedly.
"Of course not," Erestor said indignantly. He brushed Glorfindel's hands away. "Thank you, but I have work to finish."
"You do indeed, but after lunch. Celebrian is dragging Elrond from his office. Do not make me do the same to you," Glorfindel said sternly.
Erestor looked up into determined blue eyes and sighed. It would be useless to argue. He stood and followed Glorfindel from the room.
Feedback please! Thank you for reading!