While the Lord is Away

Disclaimer: LOTR belongs to the creative genius of JRR Tolkien, not me.

While the Lord is Away.

Chapter 5. Moments of Truth

“Then be off with you, and deal swiftly with Sauron’s minions. I am eagerly awaiting your return,” he called, his eyes bright with happiness as he watched the golden warrior rode through the archway and finally disappeared from view.

Anticipation burned like fire in his veins and sent a thrill of excitement coursing through his body as Erestor returned to the library and made another attempt at transcribing the ancient scroll. It was no use; his mind was now occupied with the promise in Glorfindel’s words as well as trying to imagine what their first time together as lovers would be like. Putting his work aside, Erestor poured a glass of wine and moved to one of the more comfortable armchairs and scowled as he remembered the household was due back in a few days’ time. ‘That is rather unfortunate planning,’ he thought with some annoyance. The lack of inquisitive eyes or the need to behave in a decorous manner had enabled both he and Glorfindel to be able to interact without inhibitions, as they would in private, and Erestor decided he liked this relaxed attitude so much that he was unwilling to let it end. They could still have their privacy, all he had to do was think of a plausible excuse to give to the servants to explain why he would not require their services until Elrond returned.

Erestor smiled at the surprised faces he imagined he would see were he to tell them that he and Glorfindel wanted to be alone so that they could ravish one another without interruption wherever and whenever they wished. He shook his head to clear his mind of such a foolish notion, he was not about to divulge his personal life to all and sundry. Especially not when merely the thought of taking Glorfindel, on the hearth rug in the library, for instance, had such a pronounced effect on his anatomy, he told himself as he loosened the ties on his suddenly uncomfortably tight leggings.

As it was, most would not believe that the two lords who were constantly arguing and trading insults had suddenly become lovers. Perhaps he could tell them there was a plague of rats? Nay, they would see it as their duty to help rid the house of such vermin. Erestor sighed with resignation, he was not very comfortable with such deceit, but he still had a few more days to think of something. He smiled with affection as he found himself wishing that Elladan and Elrohir were here for he was certain they would be able to offer several inventive, if not mischievous solutions to his dilemma. ‘What am I thinking; they would be the last two Elves in Arda I would approach for assistance in such a matter. Glorfindel would never forgive me, their teasing would be merciless!’

Well, he may not be able to keep the staff from resuming their work, but there were several things he could do to prepare for Glorfindel’s return before they did, not the least of which was ‘borrowing’ a pair of Elrond’s satin bed sheets.

********

Twilight had turned to the darkness of night when Glorfindel and his soldiers arrived at the small human settlement, and a fierce battle ensued not long after as the first orcs stormed into the village. No mercy was shown to the invaders, and Glorfindel, who was enraged by their preying on innocent women and children, took particular delight in ridding Arda of as many of the foul creatures as he could. The fact that he was also irate and extremely frustratedh thh the fact that their appearance had taken him from Erestor’s arms just when their passion was about to ignite, only added to his fervour and before long the village was rid of Sauron’s minions.

Glorfindel was relieved to see that none of his warriors were seriously injured, and that those who were wounded merely sported small cuts and bruises that would quickly heal. Although the Elves preferred to keep to themselves and sleep under the stars, or in the branches of trees when away from Imladris, when an offer of a warm meal was made Glorfindel accepted on behalf of his warriors. In the aftermath of the battle, men and Elves sat around a campfire, tending their wounds and sha a m a meal and quiet conversation.

The next morning, Glorfindel formed his warriors into several small groups and ordered them to search the area for further signs of orc activity, unwilling to leave the village until he was certain the people would be safe. It was well into night before all the Elves returned so rather than travel in the dark, they spent another night in the trees near the settlement. As Captain of the guard, Glorfindel assigned himself the first watch, and once satisfied there was no danger, he settled beneath one of the trees and his thoughts turned to the achingly beautiful councillor, and the clearly well experienced warrior who hid beneath his black robes of office. For the first time in his life, Glorfindel had held one in his arms who felt as if he had always belonged there and each time they kissed, the song in his heart sang only for Erestor. That his love was returned he had no doubt. Had they not been interrupted by his scout at such an inopportune moment, his beloved would have told him so. And he would have told Erestor that he had finally realised that it was a sincere declaration of his love, not his lustful behaviour that would bring the councillor willingly to his bed. Erestor did not want to be *another* ‘notch on the bedpost’ as he so crudely put it, he wanted to be the *only* one. Glorfindel’s joyous parting words to Erestor had voiced the golden lord’s realisation that his heart had now made such a commitment.

However, the following day Glorfindel was surprised to learn just how strong and deep this commitment had already become. As they journeyed back to Imladris, they were met by a messenger from Mirkwood, bearing news of the Peredhel’s safe passage and several bottles of Thranduil’s much favoured Dorwinion, to be shared amongst those who could not attend the celebration of Legolas’s coming of age.

Although Glorfindel did not allow wine to be consumed whilst on patrol, and with good reason for even Elvish senses could be affected by overindulgence, he decided to make an exception that evening. His warriors had fought bravely, there was no sign of orcs or any other danger for many leagues in the surrounding area and so he deemed a small reward was in order.

Aey rey relaxed around the fire, some of the Elves began singing merry tunes, and soon the atmosphere became rather jovial when talk turned to battles won and lost on the field of love.

“I have heard many rumours of your skill away from the battlefield Lord Glorfindel and I would like to learn if they are true. You are most desirable,” said the Elf from Mirkwood seductively with boldness and disregard for the astonished gasps of those around him. Many amused glances were turned in Glorfindel’s direction who scowled a warning at his second when he overheard him making a wager on the outcome of the young one’s advances. The Mirkwood Elf was certainly attractive, and would normally have caught the seneschal’s interest, particularly since he was desperately in need of release, but the very thought of a taking his pleasure with the young Elf felt like a betrayal of Erestor’s trust and caused a sharp pain in his heart.

“I have heard that said of me,” conceded Glorfindel, causing the others to chuckle at his deliberate understatement. “And you are certainly most fair, if not forward, but I fear I must refuse your offer.” The younger Elf smiled in a predatory manner that reminded Glorfindel of himself in his youth, as did his next words.

“Then I shall have to do my best to change your mind.” Glorfindel knew it would be a futile task, but chose to let the brash and apparently very stubborn Wood Elf make the effort. He would soon learn that the outcome was already decided and that Glorfindel was not the least interested in taking what he was so blatantly being offered.

It was Erestor’s loving touch alone he now craved.

The remainder of the journey back to Imladris was painfully slow, or so it seemed to Glorfindel, who spent the time longing to see Erestor and ignoring the subtle ‘accidental’ touches, and admiring gazes from his would be suitor. However when the young one was foolish enough to openly declare his undying love for the seneschal, Glorfindel had no choice but to speak up.

“I doubt you have lived long enough to know the true meaning of the word, it is merely lust you feel. I advise you to seek your satisfaction elsewhere. I am sorry to hurt your feelings, but I am telling you that you will get nothing from me,” he said causing his suitor to blush deeply with embarrassment or anger, which it was Glorfindel could not tell, but he was relieved to see he was no longer the object of unwanted attention. Had he been a little more observant he would have seen that rejected lust had turned to hatred.

Finally the patrol passed beneath the archway to be greeted with a polite nod by the formally attired Chief Councillor.

“I am pleased to see you and your men safely returned, Glorfindel. I trust the orcs no longer pose a threat to anyone?” he enquired politely of the Captain who wanted nothing more than to take Erestor in his arms and kiss him soundly. It was only the fact that the courtyard was still filled with warriors and those waiting to welcome them home that prevented Glorfindel from acting on his impulse.

“Ai, we arrived in time to protect the village and left none of the foul creatures alive,” he confirmed in an equally officious manner. “Please have one of the stable boys take care of my horse,” Glorfindel told his second in command, not prepared to wait a moment longer to be alone with his love. “I believe Lord Erestor and I have some rather urgent unfinished business to discuss.” The councillor nodded his agreement and as they walked to the house together, Erestor leaned closer and whied sed seductively into the seneschal’s ear.

“My dear Glorfindel, I believe the first item on *our* agenda is a nice hot bath.”