The Wrong Path
Chapter 5
Author: erviniae
Chapter 5/?
Prompt: #45 “The Wrong Path”
For the Hall of Books challenge
Pairing: Erestor/Ecthelion, Glorfindel
Rating: PG to eventual NC-17
Warning: AU, Angst, M/M
Disclaimer: All belongs to the esteemed Tolkien. I make no profit
in having fun with his wonderful universe.
Summary: Sometimes the wrong path is often the
Right one.
Feedback: If you would be so kind.
A Party to Remember
Excitement floated upon the very air. All of Gondolin had been abuzz about the "kind and generous" Lord Ecthelion’s party for the troops and students. All were invited who served, along with their wives.
The courtyard was strewn with lanterns casting a soft glow about the stone floor. Candles floated on top of flowered wreaths upon the waters of the fountain. Laughter filled the air as well as the lively songs played by the minstrels of the House of the Fountain. Food in endless supply adorned the buffeted tables watched over by the house servants as wine and ale flowed freely and constant.
The only other lords to come to the festivity were Lords Rog and Penlod. Those two along with Lord Glorfindel were steadily drinking and yelling over at Ecthelion, who seemed to be the only Elf there not imbibing thus far, and begging him to join the minstrels in song. Never one to shrink from the spotlight, Ecthelion bowed to his friends as he joined the minstrels to the cheer of all in attendance.
Singing sweetly, his voice carried gently along the breeze. The joyous sound caressed the ear of Erestor, making his heart race madly as he heard his lover's voice in song. Reaching the courtyard, he was happily greeted by his fellows, finding an ale pushed into his hand as he turned to watch the performance. His breath hitched at the scene for there was Ecthelion, resplendent in blue velvet leggings, calf high black leather boots and a tunic of gray silk sewn with diamonds and silver on the front to resemble the spray of water. His hair was braided on the sides with silver beads, some diamond encrusted, all throughout the intricate plait. Instinctively he closed his eyes and sighed, wanting nothing more than to be held by the handsome Elf currently serenading the crowd. His voice was smooth and light and filled with emotion. Erestor watched as Ecthelion turned his way; their eyes met and held. No one else existed around them now.
That was all he needed to shine. For his beauty outshone all in Gondolin to Ecthelion's keen eyes. The Lord of the Fountain suppressed an urge to run straight to him and take him in his arms kissing him passionately in front of all there to see.
Glorfindel heard the falter in his friend's singing and turned his attention away from his wine and towards Ecthelion. Ecthelion, ever the confident performer, never stumbled when entertaining. Scanning the crowd, Glorfindel smiled or nodded here and there to various Elves whom his eye caught as he was surveying. Noticing a new Elf in red, he saw it was.... now what was the Elf's name? Oh yes, Erestor, thought the Lord of the Golden Flower. A promising young Elf. Intelligence to rival any according to his notes, and not too bad with weapons either. Glorfindel did not seem to think that this young Elf would follow a warrior's path for he heard rumors that Turgon's chief advisor had his eye on this one's progress. And he had a beauty to rival any ellith’s. It was strange to see a male Elf so "pretty" for lack of a more masculine word, he thought to himself.
Glorfindel suddenly felt his stomach lurch. He watched, he observed, he learned. That was Glorfindel's way, simple but effective. What he was seeing at this moment made his thoughts race. This young Elf's gaze was being returned by his dearest friend, or was it? He remembered when they were just past their majorities and there was a big commotion amongst the Houses. The rumor going around was that Ecthelion had been caught in some sort of "situation" with one of Salgant's best guards. Glorfindel, being young, was not allowed to go to the very important and very "secret" meeting called urgently by Turgon. He knew it concerned his friend. He knew that this guard was exiled and that his friend had seemed to withdraw more into himself and was allowed to do naught but his duties for quite some time. Only once did he broach the subject with Ecthelion, only for his friend's eyes to widen and glisten as if to tear. Shaking his head sadly, Ecthelion told him to never ask him again and to speak of it no more. Glorfindel never did so again. Not realizing that the song had ended until he heard the clapping, Glorfindel decided he would observe much more closely from now on.
Ecthelion flamboyantly bowed before he made his way through the crowd: Stopping to talk to an Elf here, being introduced to a spouse there. All the while he was making his way towards his lover. Erestor drank his ale quickly, licking his lips of any remaining froth. Ecthelion whispered into his ear as he passed, seemingly only welcoming him to the revelry to the casual observer. "Stay and as most leave, make your way to my private study at the end of the long hall." A key was pressed into his hand. "I will come to you when all is clear." Erestor nodded as his hand was gently squeezed while Ecthelion made his way back to the other lords.
Standing with the other lords once more, he was congratulated on his song. Grinning, Ecthelion eagerly downed a mug of ale, the first he had imbibed in all night. Rog patted him on the back and gestured to the nearby buffet as all turned their eyes to where he pointed.
"See that one? Son of Calimion, the archivist," paused Rog. Ecthelion tried not to act unusual in anyway. "Well I heard that he is at the top of all his studies, and is ripe for the picking by the various
counselors. I also heard that he might be matched with Salgant’s niece in a few years."
"What!" Ecthelion replied much too loudly, quickly and with much interest. All around them turned his way in interest, along with Erestor, who was in the middle of popping a small sweet in his mouth.
Rog laughed out loud, "don’t tell me you had your eyes set on Salgant’s niece, Ecthelion, for she is hardly to your usual standards." All laughed but Glorfindel.
"I dare say that the lad will be the pretty one in that marriage," mused Penlod to which Rog laughed heartily in agreement.
"Truly, my lords, do not all maidens need love?" Ecthelion smiled wickedly, quickly regaining control.
"That they do, I suppose, that they do." Rog mused. "Speaking of which, I think I shall take my leave of your sorry arses and go to my own maiden for loving."
All laughed and soon the revelry began to break up with less and less Elves in attendance until it dwindled down to just Glorfindel and the servants.
"This was a splendid evening my friend and quite the success." Glorfindel clasped Ecthelion’s forearm in gesture.
"Aye, that it was my friend, and thank you for all your help and support." Ecthelion watched as Glorfindel bowed, tripped over a chair on his way out of the courtyard and made his way towards his own home.
Turning to go to his study, Ecthelion gestured for his head house servant. "I am going to my study and wish to be bothered by none."
"Aye, my lord." Nodded the servant in response.
Excitement welled within every cell of Ecthelion’s being as he walked the now too long corridor towards his private study. He had to will himself to calm his breathing as he took out his spare key and opened his door slowly. The only light in his study came from a small candelabra lit upon his desk.
Scanning the room, panic began to set in as he searched for his lover. Eyeing the settee near the window, he saw a black clad leg sticking out of the end of the white couch. Smiling wide he crossed the distance quickly and peered down to see the sleeping form that lay wantonly upon his divan.
Raven black hair spread across the pillow. He lay on his side, his head nestled against his right arm, his left leg crossed over the right, making his hip and ass curve deliciously out. Ecthelion reached down and caressed his left cheek causing the sleeping one to look up and smile. "You came," whispered Erestor as he went to move.
"No, stay there," Ecthelion smiled as he jumped over the settee and lay there facing his love.
Erestor giggled at the agility of his nimble lover, which was soon replaced with sighs as he found his lips in a sensual embrace. "Erestor, I…." He kissed the sweetest lips he ever tasted, his hands running down that lean thigh and over the smooth mound of flesh, kneading it gently. Erestor ran his hands along Ecthelion’s face as if trying to believe that he was real and indeed here with him at this very moment. His hands traveled over a chiseled chest, firm abdomen and began to rub the straining arousal of his heart’s desire. A loud moan was his reward for that touch.
They found themselves in the throws of such passion that neither could speak. Hands and lips worshipped the other and soon they found their leggings opened and the dance of flesh upon flesh began. The dance made easier by the silky slide of leaking fluids. Heavy breathing filled the room and when they came it was to arms and legs entwined tightly as if it were not two bodies on that settee, but one-one writhing in lust and love. No words were spoken as Erestor laid his head upon Ecthelion’s heaving chest. Ecthelion laid his upon the top of Erestor’s head as he stroked silken hair with one hand, the other holding Erestor’s own upon his chest. Their legs entwined together as they both fell into a peaceful reverie.
Glorfindel was halfway to his home when he remembered that he left an important missive back in Ecthelion’s study. Cursing, he turned back and decided he might as well sleep there too since he was starting to feel the effects of his merriment. Wobbly entering the house he knew as well as his own, he walked the empty corridor and turned the handle of the study door. Eyeing the document, he quietly made his way to the desk when he heard a sigh and saw boots hanging over the edge of the divan by the window. Creeping over, he decided to tell Ecthelion he was staying, but as he peered over the back of the comfortable couch he froze at the sight that greeted him there.
TBC…………
Eirien – Daisy
Calimion- Bright son (Q)