Thawing the Ice

Glorfindel rested his hand on the small of Erestor's back as they walked into the dining hall. When they reached the table Glorfindel pulled out Erestor's chair.

Erestor knew he was probably blushing. He couldn't get used to the Elda's attentiveness. He sat down. "Thank you," he said.

"You are quite welcome, lirimaer," Glorfindel said. He sat down next to him.

Lunch was just about over when a servant rushed in. "Lord Elrond, a party from Mirkwood has arrived. They have wounded among them," he said. "They are being taken to the healing hall."

Elrond stood. "I will go tend them at once," he said. "Erestor, Glorfindel, I will need your help."

They stood and followed Elrond to the healing hall.

When Elrond hurried into the hall one of the Mirkwood Elves bowed. "Good day, Lord Elrond, forgive our intrusion. We were set upon by bandits. We were able to kill them, but we were forced to come for help," he said.

"You are welcome here," Elrond said. He moved over to the group of healers that was working on the most wounded of the group. All the healers, but two went to tend the less seriously wounded. The remaining two assisted Elrond. Finally it was done. Elrond turned to the Elf who had first greeted him. "The wound is bloody and painful, but not life threatening. He will be fine in a few days," he said.

"Thank you, my Lord. I am Kraven, the patrol leader," the Elf said.

"Welcome to Imladris. I will have you and your men given quarters, so you may rest. Erestor, will you see to it, please," Elrond said.

Erestor bowed. "Of course, my Lord," he said and led the group away.

Kraven insisted on seeing all his men were settled before he was, so he was the last to be settled.

"If you need anything just tell a servant and it will be taken care of," Erestor said.

"Thank you, Lord, Erestor, was it not?" Kraven asked.

"Yes, now if you will excuse me. I have duties to attend too," Erestor said. He bowed and left. When Erestor returned to his office he found Glorfindel waiting for him. "Do you not have duties of your own to attend too, Glorfindel?" he asked.

"I finished early so I could spend more time with you, my raven," Glorfindel said.

"It was a nice thought, but I am nowhere close to finished," Erestor said, gesturing to the stack of documents still sitting on his desk.

Glorfindel sat down in one of the chairs in front of the advisor's desk. "Then I will keep you company," he said.

"As you wish, but I am very busy, so remember you are not allowed to distract me," Erestor said.

"I would never do such a thing, lirimaer," Glorfindel said with exaggerated innocence.

Erestor gave Glorfindel a look that clearly said he didn't believe a word of it. He went back to his paperwork.

Glorfindel was quiet while Erestor worked and watched.

It was close to dinner time before Erestor finally finished with everything. He cleaned the quill then put it away.

"All finished, love?" Glorfindel asked.

"As soon as I take these in to Lord Elrond," Erestor said. He stood and gathered up the papers then headed for the door.

Glorfindel followed. "After you turn in your papers would you walk in the gardens with me before dinner?" he asked.

"I would like that," Erestor said.

Glorfindel smiled. "I will await you here, lirimaer," he said.

Erestor smiled slightly in return then left.

Elrond had just signed the last of the documents when Erestor entered. "You are finished as well, Erestor?" he asked.

"Yes, Lord Elrond," Erestor said. He handed Elrond the documents and waited while he looked through them.

"These look fine. We are finished here. I will see you at dinner," Elrond said.

Erestor bowed and left the study.

Glorfindel smiled warmly in greeting. "Are you ready to go for our walk?" he asked.

"Yes," Erestor said. They walked outside together.

"It is a beautiful night. Is it not?" Glorfindel asked.

"Yes, it is very pleasant," Erestor said.

"The stars are bright and clear as diamonds," Glorfindel remarked.

Erestor looked up at the sky and nodded in agreement.

"But no matter how beautiful the sky and stars are they pale in comparison to your beauty, lirimaer," Glorfindel said.

Erestor stared at the blonde in shock. His face got hot and he knew he was blushing to the tips of his ears.

"It is true, lirimaer. You are the most radiant being I have every seen," Glorfindel said.

Erestor blushed even more at that. Just them the bell rang to signal that it was time for dinner. Saved, he thought.

They entered the dining hall together and took their seats. The Mirkwood Elves were already seated.

Servants served everyone and withdrew.

It was halfway through dinner when Glorfindel noticed Kraven staring lustfully at Erestor. He glared at him, but Kraven just smirked.

It looked like Glorfindel now had a rival.