Thawing the Ice

Chapter 26--Rivals

Erestor laid the finished document to the side with a sigh and paused to rest. Eying the stack of work on his desk he figured he would not be finished until dark. It was then he noticed he was out of ink. Muttering darkly about delays, he looked in his desk for the extra bottle, but it wasn’t there. He sighed in vexation and stood. He would have to go and get another from the storeroom since he and Elrond were the only ones with keys to that particular room. Fetching a couple bottles of ink he returned to his office to find he had company. “I thought you had to train new recruits all day, Glorfindel,” he said. He sat down.

“Alas, I could not bear to be separated from you another moment, my raven,” Glorfindel said overdramatically.

“You are a lousy actor,” Erestor said, opening the ink.

“I suppose I am,” Glorfindel laughed and started to sit on the desk then stopped short. “I am not going to find myself glued to this desk again am I?” he asked

."You will have to take your chances on that," Erestor said.

Glorfindel smirked and sat down. "I thought you might enjoy a picnic in the garden," he said.

"I would, but I have to much to attend too," Erestor said.

"Ahh! But you need to eat, so why not enjoy this fine day?" Glorfindel asked. He grinned charmingly at Erestor.

Erestor shook his head. "You overestimate your so called charm, Glorfindel," he said, trying not to smile.

"No, I do not," Glorfindel said. He stood and went around the desk. "Come, lirimaer, we are wasting time," he said.

"I told you I cannot, Elrond will," Erestor began.

"Will not mind since he already knows I plan to kidnap you," Glorfindel said. He pulled Erestor to his feet before he could protest.

"Glorfindel!" Erestor protested.

"Erestor!" Glorfindel mocked playfully, slipping his arm around the advisor's waist.

"I do not have time to go running off with you. I have to much work to do," Erestor protested.

"Oh, come, Erestor, relax. If you fall to far behind I will help," Glorfindel said.

“I think not, ‘Fin, I have seen your handwriting and it is atrocious,” Erestor retorted.

Glorfindel let out a melodramatic sigh. "You cut me to the quick, raven," he said. He began to guide Erestor from the room, ignoring any further protests.

Erestor gave up and allowed Glorfindel to lead the way.

Glorfindel led Erestor to a secluded spot in the garden where the blond had everything ready.

Erestor was shocked to see platters of fruit and cheese along with a chilled bottle of wine waiting on a neatly spread blanket.

Glorfindel sat down and pulled the dark Elf down next to him. He poured wine into a goblet and handed it to Erestor.

Feeling strangely shy, Erestor sipped nervously at the wine.

Glorfindel smirked, noticing right away. He began to fill a plate with fruit and cheese then set it between them. "I fear I only brought one plate, so I suppose we will just have to share it," Glorfindel purred. He chose a strawberry from the plate and held it close to Erestor's mouth. "You can have the first bite," he said.

Erestor saw a way to repay the Elda for his constant teasing. Leaning forward, he bit off half the strawberry. Settling back, he chewed and swallowed then made a big show of licking juice from his lips. He was delighted by the look on Glorfindel's face. "Is something wrong?" he asked.

Glorfindel had to swallow hard twice before he could speak. "No, everything is fine," he said. Snatching up his wine goblet, he downed its contents in one gulp.

Erestor picked up a slice of cheese and nibbled at it, hiding his smile.

Glorfindel set his empty goblet down, trying to act casual.

Smirking to himself, Erestor plucked the other half of the strawberry from Glorfindel's hand and ate it.

Glorfindel smiled. "Tease," he said.

"Turnabout is fair play," Erestor retorted.

"Then perhaps it is time to make the game more interesting," Glorfindel said. Giving Erestor no time to protest, he swept the dark Elf into his arms.

"Glorfindel! We are in the gardens! Someone might see us!" Erestor protested.

“Then let them leave. We were here first,” Glorfindel said. He kissed Erestor passionately and thrust his tongue in Erestor’s mouth before he could protest.

Erestor was trying to thrust Glorfindel away at first then suddenly he was trying to pull the blonde Elf closer, hungrily returning the kiss.

Finally Glorfindel was forced to free Erestor’s mouth, so they could catch their breath. “I love you, my raven,” he whispered. He began undoing the Erestor’s robe, eager to get to the soft skin beneath.

“Glorfindel! Slow down!” Erestor laughed. “There is no reason to rush.”

“I have longed for this and I do not wish to wait any longer,” Glorfindel growled. He finally got the robe undone and pushed it off Erestor’s shoulders.

Just then someone cleared their throat behind them. Seeing Erestor’s eyes widen and a blush stain his pale cheeks Glorfindel looked to see who was there. “Lady Celebrian!” he gasped.

Whoops, what lousy timing and they’re caught in the act! Feedback please!