Ebony, Gold and Mithril

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

Ebony, Gold and Mithril

Chapter 6ElroElrond stood in the archway that opened out onto the wide balcony, his eyes gazing unseeing into the valley below as he contemplated Erestor’s unusual display of emotion earlier that day. The advisor’s smile had softened his features and made his eyes shine with a radiance that was breathtaking. No wonder he has captured Thranduil’s heart, Elrond mistakenly thought, although judging by Glorfindel’s equally dark display of jealousy, the Balrog slayer was also in love with the advisor.

Concern creased his brow as Elrond considered the implications of having two Elves in love with his advisor. He cared deeply for all his friends and this was a rather involved situation with the potential to cause great harm to longstanding friendships. He did not believe that either would deliberately hurt Erestor, but he was wise enough to know that heart break was inevitable for at least one of them.

Both Thranduil and Glorfindel were prideful Elves and oughough it appeared that the Mirkwood King had won Erestor’s heart, Elrond doubted that Glorfindel would give up so easily. Knowing how determined his seneschal could be when he set his mind on achieving a goal, even one that was apparently unattainable in this case, the Lord of Imladris decided to assist the lovers by keeping him too busy to either interfere, or to suffer from a broken heart. It was an admirable task he had set himself, but little did he know his efforts were entirely misdirected lronlrond allowed himself s secret smile as Erestor and Glorfindel entered the library. Never had he seen his advisor so radiantly happy and, if he was not mistaken, glowing in the aftermath of sexual release. Thranduil certainly had not wasted any time in claiming his lover, or so Elrond thought. Glorfindel appeared to be in much the same state, and he assumed that the Balrog slayer had sought another’s arms to temporarily ease his pain. Although he did not approve of such casual liaisons it was not proper to comment on the private life of an elf lord who was well past his majority.

“Erestor, I think you have shocked Lindir, he was almost afraid to tell me you intended to keep me waiting,” said Elrond with a nonchalance that surprised both Elves. He moved to the cabinet where he stored his ‘private’ collection of wine, and poured them all a glass, not noticing that Erestor and Glorfindel exchanged an amused glance at poor Lindir’s dilemma.

“I apologise for not immediately answering your summons, Elrond. I was otherwise engaged when Lindir found me,” Erestor said humbly having quickly regained a more formal composure as he accepted the wine. He was very relieved when Elrond did not seek further explanation because he and Glorfindel had not even had the time to fully explore their new relationship, let alone discuss when they would make it public.

“It is of no matter,” replied Elrond waving his hand dismissively. “Besides when Lindir was unable to locate Glorfindel I fully expected the meeting to be del eve even longer.” The gleam in his eye told the golden lord he was being teased, and Glorfindel merely snorted with feigned disgust.

“What is so important that it could not wait until the morning?” he asked as he sat quite close beside Erestor on the long seat near the window. Elrond scowled slightly at this unexpected act and realised that seduction was on the Balrog slayer’s mind. Glorfindel usually only favoured the large armchair near the fire.

“I thought we shouldcusscuss Thranduil’s agenda. His time here is limited, but I know he wishes to watch how our warriors train, so I am releasing Erestor from his duties in the morning to act as his escort.” Glorfindel’s eyebrows rose with puzzlement and a little anger, but he kept his comments light hearted.

“It has been many years since our advisor has wielded his sword in practice, but I am certain he knows his way to the training grounds.” Both Erestor and Elrond glared at the remark, but there was a hint of a smile in the advisor’s eyes.

“Of course I do, and I will naturally do as you ask, Elrond,” he replied also wondering what had prompted his lord to devise such an unusual arrangement. He found he needed to speak on behalf of his lover. “However, surely there will be time enough for Glorfindel to show the King the skills and prowess of the warriors under his command, of which he can be justly proud. Certainly he and Thranduil have much more in common to speak about, both as warriors of great renowned and as leaders of their respective armies.” Glorfindel had felt a glow of warmth in his heart at Erestor’s words of pride in his abilities and he suddenly did not want to share his company with anyone else.

“I agree, but Glorfindel and I have many reports from the border patrols that we must discuss before we begin the formal talks with Mirkwood that are scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.” There was no denying the need to do as Elrond suggested and the seneschal reluctantly nodded agreement. He knew his lover would understand that duty to Imladris and his lord took precedent.

At least they would have the whole night to indulge in their newfound love, and he could not resist lightly brushing Erestor’s hand as it lay on the seat between them. The advisor turned to look at him, shivering slightly as two paif eyf eyes filled with love and the faint darkening of desire met. He quickly turned away lest his need become visible but not swiftly enough to prevent Elrond from noticing the tension between the two. He totally misread Erestor’s longing and assumed he was offended by Glorfindel’s subtle advances. He cleared his throat noisily, deciding it was time to put some distance between the two elves and to prevent his seneschal from doing anything foolish.

“The banquet begins in a less than two hours, you both have my leave to go and make ready to attend. Erestor, would you be kind enough to see that Thranduil finds his way the dining hall?”


*******

“I wonder why Elrond is insisting you spend so much time with Thranduil?” Glorfindel mused as they made their way to the guest chambers, walking close enough to entwine their hands for neither could bear to be without the other’s touch. Despite their increasing desire to be alone, etiquette demanded that Erestor take a moment to inform the King that he would call for him in time to attend the banquet. Glorfindel insisted on accompanying him, not only to remain by his side but because he did not really trust Thranduil despite Erestor’s assurances that they were only friends. He did not know the Woodland King well, but he recognithe the same stubbornness and unwillingness to admit defeat in him that was also a part of his own character.

“I imagine it is because we are friends of old, as I told you, and I have had more contact with Thranduil since the Last Alliance,” said the advisor with a slight shrug.

“I thought he and Elrond were also friends.” Glorfindel was rather worldlier and far less naïve than his beautiful Erestor and suspected there was more to Elrond’s agenda than simple politeness towards a visiting King. There was a sudden lack of warmth in his lover’s melodious voice and Erestor wondered where this was leading.

“They are.”

“And you greeted him with more affection that you have displayed since I have known you,” added Glorfindel, remembering his envy. “It may be that our illustrious and very much mistaken matchmaking lord believes you and Thranduil are lovers and he is attempting to give you as much time together as possible,” he suggested, not at all ple wit with such a notion.

“That is ridiculous!” Erestor declared with disbelief.

“Is it? Did I not think the very same thing when I saw you together?” A flicker of pain crossed the seneschal’s face only to be erased by the sweetest of kisses.

“I did not mean to hurt you, my love,” whispered Erestor as he drew his arms about his beloved, not caring that they were still standing in the passageway, in full view of any who passed by. Glorfindel sighed happily and returned the embrace, claiming Erestor’s lips in a long languorous kiss as he did so.

“Surely you two can find a more private location for your reunion? Do neither of you have chambers to go to?” Thranduil demanded sounding very much as if he was admonishing his own son’s behaviour rather than that of the Chief Advisor and Captain of tuarduard of Imladris. His words caused the lovers to abruptly end their kiss but Glorfindel kept a possessive arm about Erestor’s waist as they turned to face the Mirkwood King who was standing in the open doorway to his chambers.

“We were just on our way to inform you that I am escort you to the banquet, and… ” Erestor was not quite certain how to continue. Fortunately Glorfindel was never at a loss for words and neither was this the first time he had been caught in a passionate embrace in the passageway, although the last time was well over a millennium ago.

“We were unable to resist behaving as new lovers often do,” he said unashamedly declaring his feelings for the one to whom his heart now belonged and wanting to make sure Thranduil knew it. The King merely nodded and smiled knowingly.

“So I see. I hope you two will be very happy together, as well as a little more discreet,” he added with an affectionate pat on the shoulder for them both. “Of course if you can not wait to continue your current behaviour until you reach your own chamber, mine is at your disposal.” findfindel laughed heartily at the less than subtle suggestion, and even though he felt his cheeks burning with embarrassment, Erestor managed to look daggers at the King who now wore an infuriating smirk on his face.

“That will not be necessary, thank you Thranduil.” Erestor tried to keep his voice icy to indicate his disapproval of such base coms, bs, but found it to be impossible with Glorfindel nuzzling his neck. He closed his eyes and simply enjoyed the sensation for a few moments, then twisted out of his love’s arms. Glorfindel raised his eyebrow in surprise, but then bowed politely to Thranduil who was still watching the lovers.

“If you will excuse us, I have something I wish to give to Erestor before the banquet. I will see that he arrives in time to escort you,” he said, the sultry tone in his voice sending shivers of delight down Erestor’s spine as did the touch of the elegant fingers that intertwined with his own.

“That will not be necessary. I have a rare bottle of Dorwinion for Elrond that I am certain he will wish to share with me. He can show me to the dining hall.” The offer was made mainly to appease Erestor’s displeasure, and was accepted as such by the advisor.

“Thank you, we would both appreciate that but please keep your knowledge of our relationship to yourself until we make a formal announcement. We have not told Elrond yet,” Erestor explained to his friend.

“I understand, and you know you can trust me, mellon nin, although perhaps it would be best to afford Elrond the same courtesy.” The advisor nodded his agreement then looked for confirmation to Glorfindel who was delicately kissing his lover’s fingertips.

“Perhaps we will speak to him later this evening,” he told Thranduil who then turned and entered his chamber, collected the bottle of wine and quickly made his way towards Elrond’s library.
“I think that after tonight there will be no doubt in anyone’s mind that we are lovers.” The words were whispered softly against Erestor’s ebony hair and when dark eyes met deep blue a silent declaration of love was exchanged. Yet there was also another gleam in Glorfindel’s eye that his lover did not fail to recognise as pure mischief and held the promise of a very entertaining evening to come.