Thawing the Ice

Thanks to all my reviewers! I was delighted by the good responses I've been getting. I've never written about these two, so I was a bit uncertain that I could. Obviously I'm doing fine.

Chapter 6--Passing Time

Erestor closed the door and sat down in a chair. "You should get some sleep. It might help you heal faster," he said.

"It is too early. I will not be able too," Glorfindel said. His eyes fell upon a book lying on the bedside table. "Perhaps you could read to me?" he suggested.

Erestor muttered something best left unrecorded and picked up the book. Opening it, he began to read aloud.

Glorfindel relaxed, enjoying himself. He was surprised how soothing the advisor's voice was. No wonder he had so little trouble reading the twins to sleep. He studied Erestor's face then his gaze lingered on the dark haired Elf's lips. I wonder how they taste, he thought then chuckled.

Erestor had been uncomfortablely aware of Glorfindel's gaze and frowned at him. "What do you find so amusing, seneschal?" he demanded.

"Nothing of importance. Please continue," Glorfindel said. Erestor went back to reading then somehow without meaning to Glorfindel fell into reverie.

The warm sun shining on the bed awaked Glorfindel. He hadn't meant to fall asleep! He looked for Erestor and finally saw him sitting in a chair, eyes glazed in reverie.

Glorfindel felt a bit sorry for the advisor. The chair couldn't have been very comfortable. He tried his sprained hand and found a bit regretfully that it was healed. He returned his gaze to Erestor. He looked young and harmless in sleep, but Glorfindel knew better than to believe that now. "Erestor?" he called. He was startled when Erestor woke up immediately and looked at him.

"What is it?" Erestor asked.

"Nothing major except that it is time for breakfast and I am starved," Glorfindel said.

"Very well, I will go to the kitchen and fetch something," Erestor said. He stood and left the room, not five minutes later there was a knock on the door.

"Come in!" Glorfindel called.

The door opened and Elrond came in. He looked around and frowned. "Where is Erestor?" he asked.
"He went to the kitchen to get us some breakfast. He will be back soon," Glorfindel said.

Elrond nodded and leaving the door open came to the side of the bed. "How are you two getting along?" he asked.

"Well enough, though I do not think he appreciated having to help me use the privy last evening. He was redder then I have ever seen anyone by the time it was done," Glorfindel chuckled.

Elrond laughed at the image then sobered. "How are your injuries?" he asked.

"The sprain has healed, but my arm and ankle have been aching," Glorfindel sighed. "I never thought skinny Erestor could do such a thing to me."

"I will fetch something to ease the pain right now," Elrond said. He stood and left the room.

Erestor returned, carrying a tray shortly after. He shoved the door closed with his foot. "Who was here?" he asked.

"Elrond came to check on me. Hll bll be back shortly," Glorfindel said.

Erestor set the tray in Glorfindel's lap. "I trust by now that your sprain has healed and you can feed yourself," he said.

"Aye, but you can feed me if you like. I enjoyed it," Glorfindel offered.

"I am sure you did, but you can feed yourself, seneschal," Erestor retorted coolly.

"You are no fun at all, lirimaer," Glorfindel sighed.

Erestor scowled at him and moved away to look out the window.

"Are you not going to eat?" Glorfindel asked.

"Tend to your own business and I will tend to mind, seneschal. I do not require a caretaker," Erestor said.

A soft knock on the door drew their attention. "Come in, Elrond!" Glorfindel called.

Elrond entered, carrying a bottle. "I have brought the potion I promised. This will help with the ache. Good morning, Erestor," he said.

"Good morning, Lord Elrond," Erestor said.

Elrond frowned. "You are not eating?" he asked.

Erestor sighed. "I am not hungry this morning," he said.

"I think he is on a diet, so he will stay pretty," Glorfindel joked slyly.

"Aye, you may," Elrond said.

Erestor left without another word, closing the door behind him.

Elrond poured some of the potion into a cup and handed it to him. "Drink it, Glorfindel," he said.

Glorfindel took the cup and took a drink. It tasted awful. He held his breath and drained the cup. "What do you use in this? Never mind I truly do not want to know," he grumbled.

Meanwhile Erestor went into his chambers and closed the door and locked it. He went into the bath chamber and filled the tub warm water before stripping off his clothes. He paused to look in the mirror. A tattoo of the symbol of Rivendell was on his left shoulder with a capital 'E' woven into it. The tattoo's enchantment bound him to Elrond, so he knew where his Lord was at all times and would know immediately if Elrond was in danger. He shook of his thought and stepped into the tub.

Elrond watched while Glorfindel ate. "I am sorry that I did not tell you about what Erestor truly was sooner, mellon-nin. You would hav have gotten hurt if I had," he said.

"It is alright. I was just caught off guard. I would never expect Erestor of all of the Elves that dwell here being a guardian," Glorfindel said.

"He has done well at keeping me safe," Elrond said.

"Our dark haired advisor intrigues me more then ever, Elrond. I wish to get to know him," he said.

Elrond sighed. "Just be careful how you treat him, Glorfindel. Erestor is no prize to be won and he will not be easily coaxed," he warned.

A wicked glint sparkled in Glorfindel's eye. "I am sure of that and I am looking forward to the hunt," he said.

Evil Glorfindel! Thanks for reviewing! Do it some more, please?