To Warm An Advisor's Heart

The next two days pass by in a blur. You spent nearly everyday in the barn with Rusty because you couldn’t stand the thought of being around Glorfindel, not after what happened. During your time in the home it’s mostly filled with Elrond and his children’s excitement… oh, and a lot of packing. Apparently visiting means saying for about a month.

Yeah, Hell froze over so now you're going to Lothlorien with the others.

“At least I’ll have a few weeks to gain enough courage to take the journey back,” you say to yourself as you finishing packing away the last dress. Your hands tremble, but you ignore it. You know that no matter what you say you’re going to go to Lothlorien, even if the twins have to drag you. Elrohir said that he got permission from Elrond to do just that. “Why do they love to torture me?”

You hear a knock on the door. “Are you naked?” Elrohir walks into the room with an eager look on his face. He pouts when he sees that you are fully dressed. “Damn it, I didn’t think you’d be dressed this early!”

“I didn’t think you liked mornings,” you retort. The sun hasn’t even risen yet, but Elrohir is practically bouncing off of the walls.

“The thought of your body makes me wake up.” He winks. “In more ways than one.”

“Flirt,” you accuse. “You’ll see a beautiful elf in Lothlorien and you’ll be making all of these suggestions to her.”

“Only because you do not return the feelings,” he says. “Now come on, we need to get going.” He picks up your large bag. He waits for you to get your crutch.

“I don’t see why I still have to use this damn thing,” you say. “My ankle should be healed enough by now.”

“Father doesn’t want to risk it. Besides, it’s not like we’re walking there, you’ll be riding a horse.”

“That’s true.” You don’t complain about it again as you two walk out of the home. You give it one last look before following Elrohir to where the others wait.

“Good, Rose is here,” Elrond says. “Arwen and Aragorn will be here shortly, so let’s load Rose’s things onto her horse.” He walks towards a midnight colored stallion. “His name is Wildfire. He is picky about who rides him. I think that since you were able to make friends with Rusty, you can make friends with him as well.”

“Are you sure about this Father?” Elladan asks. He looks uneasily at the horse. “I don’t know if he’ll let anyone ride him, except for Erestor.”

Your pride gets in the way at that remark. “Erestor isn’t the only one who has a gift with animals,” you snap. The comment earns you a few odd looks. “I mean, it’s bad enough that I’m going to have to worry about orcs. Don’t make me worry about whether or not I’m going to get thrown off too.”

“Sorry,” he says.

You study Wildfire. His large eyes stare you down, almost daring you to try to mount him. He doesn’t fight Elrond and the twins strapping a saddle and your bag onto him, but you’re sure he’ll give you hell if you try to get on him.

You square your shoulders and stare back. His ears twitch. He takes a few steps forward, challenging you. You answer by walking towards him. You never look away from him as you near him. You lift your hand to his nose and let him sniff you.

He snaps his teeth at you, but you don’t move your hand. You know that he’s testing you. “Bite me if you want,” you say. “Just remember that I’ll bite back.” His eyes widen and he snorts. “I’m not joking.” He studies you before finally believing you.

You pet his head. He neighs happily and moves your hand so you are scratching his ear. “You’re a big softy, aren’t you,” you say. “You just like to have a little fun.” He answers your question when he snorts in your hair. “Hey!” You laugh. “Well at least I have the horse with a sense of humor.”

“Would you move your butt already, Arwen,” Elrohir yells. “We’re ready to go.”

You see Arwen hurrying towards all of you with a little bag in her hands. You look past her and see Aragorn struggles with two big bags. You shake your head. Arwen has become the cliché of the common female to you.

“Arwen, you can’t take both of the bags. You’re horse won’t be able to handle it,” Elrond says.

Arwen pouts. “But Daddy, I only am taking the clothes I really need,” she whines. You inwardly groan. If she puckers out her lower lip, you’ll scream.

“Sorry, but no. Now pick a bag and hurry,” he says. You silently cheer Elrond. Arwen huffs, but follows his orders.

Once all of you are ready, everyone mounts their horse but you. You pat Wildfire’s head. “I know you probably want to give me a rough time while I try to get on you, but please save it for the trip back,” you say. You point to your right ankle, noting that he looks at it. “I’ve hurt this one pretty bad and I don’t want it to get worse. Do you understand?”

He nods. To your shock, he kneels down so it is easier for you to get on. “Thank you,” you say. You mount him and scratch his ear. “But I’m sure you’ll be back to tricks once I’m better.” He nods his head again, causing you to laugh.

“Oh no,” Elrohir whispers loudly to his brother. “She seems to enjoy talking to horses more than elves.”

“I told you she’d crack sooner or later,” Elladan whispers back just as loud. “It’s probably because of you.”

“What!? What would it be because of me?”

“Well brother, there are probably many reasons. They speak better, they listen better. Oh, and they smell better.”

“Why you-“

“Enough,” Elrond says. “We will ride in twos.”

“But there’s an odd number,” you say.

“Glorfindel will be leading,” he says. “Then it will be Thranduil and myself, Arwen and Aragorn, Elrohir and Elladan, and Erestor and Rose.”

“Wait a minute,” you say. “Why am I in the back?” You don’t like complaining, but pigs will fly in Hell before you’ll let your bare back to the woods.

“Because you and Erestor are riding horses that are picky about the elves they are around. Since both horses like you two, it is the best that you two are paired up. You’re in the back because Rusty doesn’t like it when there are elves behind her,” Elrond explains.

“Oh.” So now Hell an icy pig-winged place.

You don’t say anything else, but listen to Elrond explain how all of you should be careful and blah, blah, blah. You are currently staring at Erestor. You are sad to see that he is fully dressed and even has a robe on. Stupid clothes. You’re tempted to smite whoever came up with the idea of covering the naked body, especially Erestor’s.

‘Stop it,’ you think. ‘I don’t need these thoughts when I’m going to be around this elf night and day for quite a while.’

Night and day. Hm… it doesn’t sound too bad.

“Come on or we’ll get left behind,” a voice snaps. You blink. Erestor is glaring at you while the others are already leaving.

“You know what to do Wildfire,” you say. You take off the reins and put it in one of the pouches. He neighs a thanks. He shoots off to catch up with the others. You grab his neck and hold yourself to him as he canters. He slows to a trot when he is behind Elladan and his horse.

“Having fun?” Elladan says.

“Of course,” you say. You scratch Wildfire’s ear. “I’ve got the fun one.” You look back and see that Erestor is still a ways back. “We left Erestor behind.”

Elladan chuckles. “And I’m sure you couldn’t bear the thought of that,” he teases. He notices you blush and gasps dramatically. “I knew it.”

“Shut up Elladan,” you warn.

“I really should tell him,” he says. “That would be the noble thing.”

“It wouldn’t because you’d lose your balls in the process.” His jaw drops.

“What about balls?” Elrohir asks.

“Don’t worry about it,” you say. “Right Elladan?”

Elladan grumbles, “You’re no fun.” You laugh. He smiles before facing forward.

“You need to learn how to control Wildfire better. You’ll get hurt if you’re not careful,” Erestor scolds when he and Rusty catch up to you.

“I know how to ride a horse,” you say. “But I also think that Wildfire should have some freedom. Why should I control his every move?”

“Because there are orcs in those forests and if he gets away from everyone else then you have a greater chance of running into them.”

Your heart pounds in your chest. Shit, you had forgotten the orcs until now. You look over your shoulder. All there is are trees, but you don’t feel comfort anymore. You feel your muscles tense up. You jump when you hear a bird’s cry.

Erestor looks at you with concern. “Are you okay?” he asks.

“Oh, just fucking peachy,” you snap. “I hadn’t even given one thought about those monsters until you brought it up. Thanks a lot.” You duck when you hear a twig snap. You look back, but still see nothing.

He winces before getting a cold look. “If you wanted, I could talk Elrond into letting you walk in the front with our Golden Flower. From the way it looked in the garden, you feel safe around him.”

Your jaw drops. “For your information, the only reason I was in his arms is because I thought he was someone else. I didn’t want him to kiss me and I still don’t want him to. I don’t like him like that.”

“Who did you think it was?” he asks. He is starring at you with a look that you can’t decipher.

“Why does it matter to you? It’s not like you care,” you say. A movement catches your eye. You snap your head towards your side of the woods, but see nothing. Damn paranoia. You bet you’re going to be hearing and seeing things the whole way there and back.

“You’re right, I don’t.” He shifts in the saddle. He looks at you again. “Do I know him?”

You want to smile, but stop yourself. After his ignoring you for the past few days, you feel that it’s time to get even. “Yes,” you answer. You don’t say anything else about the subject. You can tell he is about to burst from impatience. He wants you to tell him who it is.

‘Well he’ll just have to break down and ask,’ you think. ‘I’m not going to make this trip any easier from him than he’s making it for me.’

The rest of the trip you and Erestor don’t talk. You make a few jokes with Elladan, but other than that, you are usually staring into the trees. Other than the movements of squirrels and birds, the woods stay silent.

‘Good,’ you think. ‘Less likely for orcs to be around.’

Towards midday Elrond calls a halt by a river. You dismount Wildfire and pat his nose before he goes to get a few gulps of water.

You look at the woods and shiver. You really don’t like the thought of being in one place. You scream when a pair of hands grabs your shoulders. Elrohir’s laughter sounds in your ears. You spin around and push him away from you. “What is your problem?!” you shriek. You wince at how high your voice has gotten.

Elrohir stares at you. “I was just playing, don’t get all pissy.”

“No, that wasn’t playing. That was cruel,” you snap. You walk away from Elrohir and lean against a tree. You look at the ground and watch a pair of feet walk up to you.

“I’m sorry Rose,” he says softly. “I didn’t think they scared you that badly.”

You won’t look at him. “They do. They terrify me,” you whisper. “I don’t want to talk about it anymore.” You push off of the tree and walk to Elrond.

“I want a weapon,” you say.

Elrond blinks. “Come again?” he asks.

“I said that I want a weapon. All of you have weapons, even Arwen. I want one.”

Elrond looks at Thranduil, who shrugs. “I don’t see a problem with it,” Thranduil says. You beam.

“I’m sorry Rose, but I don’t think it’s wise,” Elrond says. “You don’t know how to wield a sword or a knife. You have a better chance of getting hurt than saving yourself.”

Your cheeks burn. “I’ll teach her,” Aragorn offers. You want to kiss him. This kind, though almost motherish, man is trying to help you. Bless him. “It seems to me like she’d be able to learn fairly quickly because of her surroundings.” You must looked confused because he adds, “For some, fear makes them push harder to learn.”

Ah. A saint and an intellectual. No wonder Arwen likes him so much.

You look at Elrond. “So can I?” you ask. You don’t want to beg, but you are desperate to get a weapon. It’s bad enough your bare back is to the woods, you shouldn’t have to be unarmed too!

“Fine,” he agrees. He reaches in his bag and pulls out a small sword. He hands it to Aragorn. “Teach her every time we take a break. If she wants it so badly she’ll have to earn it. I will have no accidents on this journey.”

You don’t like the fact that he makes it seem like you’ll drop it on someone’s foot, but you guess you can understand.

“All right,” you say. “What’s first?”

“Holding the sword properly,” he says. He hands you the small sword, handle first. “Unsheathe it and copy the way I hold mine.” He shows you how to hold the sword. You move your fingers to match his.

“It feels weird,” you say.

“It will at first, but it’ll seem more natural as you continue to do it more.”

“As you can tell Rose, handling swords is almost like having-“ Elrohir grins.

“Shut up,” Elladan says. “She’s trying to learn about swords, not about what you compare sex with.”

“You don’t know that. She might be learning swords because she too shy to admit that she wants me.” Elrohir winks. “Isn’t that right Rose?”

“What’s next?” you ask, ignoring Elrohir. His face falls.

He dramatically puts his hand to his heart. “Fine, deny your feelings all you want. Just know that I won’t wait forever for you,” Elrohir says.

“If you’re still waiting for her, you might as well stop. It seems like the sword will be getting more action from her than you ever will,” Elladan says. You laugh.

“Leave Rose alone,” Erestor snaps. He sits on a log. You feel your heart skip a beat when you realize that he’s watch you like a hawk watches its prey. He watches Aragorn move your feet when you take a fighting stance. He watches you study Aragorn’s hands to match his. You don’t want to admit it, but you like the thought of him watching you. It makes you feel like any second he’s going to get up and walk to you, toss your sword aside and-

“Ow!” You drop your sword. You stare at your blood as it flows from your hand.

“You should have been paying better attention,” Aragorn says. “You would have been dead by now if I was your enemy.”

“At least I lasted this long,” you joke. You see his serious look. “Sorry.”

“Let me look at it,” Elrond says. He checks your hand before applying ointment to it. “This is why I didn’t want you to have a weapon. It’s too dangerous.”

Pride gets in your way. You jerk your hand away from him. “It was one mistake. Just because I’m not swinging it around as though I’ve been doing all of my life doesn’t mean I’m not able to learn it.”

You take the bandages and wrap your hand one-handed. You walk away from Elrond and pick up the sword. No, your sword. You will learn how to swordfight just to prove to Elrond that you can.

“Show me how to defend again.” Your tone is sharp and shows that you’re going to fully focus on the task at hand.

For nearly half an hour you practice sword moves with Aragorn. He teaches you ways to hold the sword to defend yourself.

“Let’s get moving again,” Elrond says.

“We will practice those same moves for a while. I think that you need to learn how to defend yourself more than anything else,” Aragorn says. “You are doing really well.”

“Thanks,” you say. You sheathe your sword and tie it to the saddle. You mount Wildfire. You don’t want to admit it, but you arms are sore and you’re feeling sleepy.

“Do you want something to eat?” Erestor asks. “You didn’t get a chance to during our break.”

“I’m not hungry,” you say. You lean again Wildfire next and close your eyes. Before you know it, you’re fast asleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You wake up to someone stroking your face. You open your eyes to see a pair of dark brown eyes staring at you. “Hm…?” you ask, still not fully awake.

“We’ve stopped for the night. Aragorn wants to give you another lesson before supper,” Erestor says. His hand is still caressing your face. You close your eyes and lean against it.

“Five more minutes,” you murmur.

“If you fall back asleep I pour cold water on you.” His eyes are bright and you know he’s joking.

“Then I’d pour cold water down your pants,” you say. “And who said anything about falling asleep? I don’t want to move because this feels good.”

He blushes, but doesn’t stop stroking your face. You sigh. You are about to fall asleep again when you feel a pair of hands pluck you off of your saddle.

“Wha-“ You stare into grey eyes. “Elrohir, what are you doing?”

“Helping you wake up for your sword lessons,” he says. He carries you to Aragorn. He puts you down and does a mock salute. “Here is the lazy Rose. Any other orders, Sir?”

Aragorn rolls his eyes. “That’ll do soldier,” he says. Aragorn turns to you. You are rubbing your neck, which is sore from the way you slept. “Where is your sword?”

“In my pack,” you answer. You jump when you feel something nuzzle your back. You turn and see Wildfire. “Thank you Wildfire.” You scratch his ear before getting your sword. You take your defensive stance and wait for further instruction.

Aragorn tests to see how well you know each stance by calling out before delivering an attack. You struggle to hold your own against him, but are realizing that your arms are going to give out soon. Instead of being an intelligent elf and tell him this, you bare your teeth and fight to keep blocking.

“That’s enough Aragorn, she’ll pass out before she’ll admit fatigue,” Erestor says.

Aragorn raises an eyebrow. “How did you know I wasn’t going to stop until she did?” he asks.

“Because that was how Elrond trained you,” he answers.

“Well I think she’s still able to train a bit,” Glorfindel says. He stands and walks up to you. “How about it Rose? Care to learn hand to hand combat? Or are you as tired and Erestor is making you out to be?”

Damn it, he’s playing the ‘are you tough enough?’ card. The sad part is that it’s working. “I’m still standing, aren’t I?” you say. “And I know hand to hand. I took self defense classes in the other world.”

He grins. “Well let’s see how well they taught you.”

He lunges at you, but you move out of the way. He swings around, foot out. You fall on your butt. He is about to jump on top when you put your feet to your stomach. You grab his outstretched hands and push as hard as you can with your feet while rolling back. You let go of his hands and watch him soar through the air. He winces when he lands on his back. You don’t give him a chance to get his breath.

You straddle him, pinning his arms down with your legs. “Seems as though they taught me better than whoever taught you,” you say.

His eyes flash in anger. “I just underestimated you,” he says.

“You just got your butt kicked,” you say.

His angry slowly disappears, replaced by something else. It’s then you realize how you probably look to him. You’ve got sweat on your brow, you’re panting, and you’re straddling him. His lust filled eyes move up and down your body, showing you what he wants to do to you.

You jump off of him. You refuse to meet his gaze again as you sit beside Elrond. You feels eyes staring at you. You look at Erestor and blink. His fists are clenched and he looks at Glorfindel like he wants to rip his head off.

‘Why is he mad at him?’ you wonder. The thought disappears when a plate of food is put before you. You immediately inhale the food, ignoring the surprised looks on everyone’s face.

Once your plate is cleared, you lean back and sigh. “Since Rose slept during the ride, she’ll be taking watch tonight,” Aragorn says. “Who wants to watch with her?”

Hands shot up in the air. “Pick me,” Elrohir says, waving his arm like a mad man.

Elladan tries to bring Elrohir’s down while keeping his arm up. “No, pick me!”

“No, I’m stronger than Elladan.”

“You wish you were.”

“I’ll watch with her.” The twins stop and stare at Erestor in shock. You blink. Erestor is volunteering to watch with you?

“All right then. If either one of you get tired, wake up Elrohir and then Elladan, since they were so quick to volunteer,” Aragorn says. The twins wince.

Everyone goes to their own little groups as they try to find a comfortable spot to sleep at. You sit in front of a large tree and lean against it. You watch as they fall asleep one by one. You smile when you see that the loudest snorer is Arwen. Even when she’s snoring like a hog, she still is a beautiful elf.

Where is Erestor? You look around and find him sitting a ways away from you, staring into the fire Aragorn had built earlier. You get up and walk over to him. You are careful not to step on anyone. You sit down by him and nudge his shoulder. “How are you feeling?”

Erestor glares at you before looking away. You sigh. “Okay, what did I do this time?”

“Like you don’t know,” he says, his voice hoarse.

“Actually, I don’t. Care to tell me?” you ask.

“I saw what passed between you and Glorfindel. Everyone could see it. The sexual tension was so thick I nearly choke on it.” He curls his legs to his chest.

“That ‘sexual tension’, as you call it, wasn’t coming from me,” you say. “And if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were jealous.”

He snorts. “Jealous? I’m not jealous! Why would I be?”

“Because I was kicking his ass instead of yours,” you say.

“You couldn’t beat me.”

You raise an eyebrow. “Oh, is that a challenge?”

He grins. “Maybe.”

“Name the time and place.”

He stands. “Right now.” He offers you a hand. You take it and follow him through the woods. You two find a clearing.

He takes off his robe. You swallow. He’s wearing a see-through white shirt and… those hot tight black pants. You take off your robe as well, glad that Elrond gave you a pair of brown pants for the journey. You are wearing a white tank top.

“Ready?” he asks. You nod.

Without warning, he makes his move. Your breath is knocked out of you when you hit the ground, him on top. You struggle against him, managing to roll over so you’re on top. Your victory is short-lived. He grips you and rolls over again. He grabs your wrists and pin them above your head.

You gasp when you feel his bare stomach against you. During your struggles, both of your shirts moved up. You stare into his eyes, seeing how dark his eyes have gotten. He growls. You shudder against him. You feel your nipples harden at the sound.

His lips press against yours. You feel his tongue lick your lips. You open your mouth and allow him in. His tongue dances against yours. You try to move your hands, but he pushes your wrists back down.

He breaks the kiss. “No,” he says. You whimper, wanting more contact.

“Please,” you beg.

He smiles wickedly at you. You moan when his lips attack your ear. You press yourself against him as he sucks on the tip of your ear. He drags his tongue down, making goose bumps appear on your skin.

A twig snaps, causing you to jump. “Eresssssssssssssssstor,” you gasp. He doesn’t answer. “Hun…” You close your eyes and moan.

He pulls away. “What is it?” His eyes are hooded and he looks at you like he is ready to eat you up.

“I don’t think we’re alone,” you pant.

“You right,” Elrond says. He walks out of the trees.

Erestor lets go of you and hops up. He’s blushing. “We were just…” he trails off.

“I know exactly what you two were doing. I don’t care what you do in the privacy of your room, but it’s not safe to do it out here,” he says. “Rose, you and I will finish watch tonight. Erestor, you will go to sleep. You two will not be taking watch together again. Understand?”

“Yes, sir,” you mutter.

“Now put your robes back on and come back to camp,” Elrond says. He leaves you two alone.

Erestor offers you a hand up. “Sorry,” he says.

“Don’t be,” you say. “I’m not.” He still looks unsure.

You jump into his arms and kiss him hard. You push your tongue into his mouth and lick his. Your hands tangle in his hair and you bring him closer to you. His hands slide down your body and grasp your ass. He pulls you against him. You gasp at the feel of his erection grinding into you. The need for air breaks your kiss. You pant as you stare at him.

His lips are bruised and his hair is messy from your hands. You moan and kiss him again. He growls in the kiss and bites your lip. He licks it and sucks on it.

You get an idea and licks his tongue, daring it to come into your mouth. You suck on his tongue. His hips thrust against yours, wanting you to do it again. You continue your ministrations on his tongue. He makes a noise in the back of his throat that makes you hot. You bite his tongue. He gasps.

You break the kiss. “We better get back before Elrond comes back,” you whisper. Erestor nods, but doesn’t let go. You giggle. “Hun, I’m going to need that back too.” You nibble on his ear. He gasps and thrusts against you.

“If you don’t want Elrond to have to come here and drag you away from me then you won’t do that again,” he pants.

“Sorry,” you say. You untangle your fingers from his hair. He reluctantly lets go of you. Both of you manage to keep your hands away from each other as you put on your robes.

"It was me, wasn't it," Erestor says. "You thought it was me."

You smile at him. "Yes."

You two walk back to the camp grounds. You sit with Elrond while Erestor finds a place on the ground to sleep. Once he is asleep, Elrond look at you. “I want you to be careful with him,” he says. “He had his heart broken once; I don’t want him to go through that again.”

“I don’t want to hurt him,” you say. “I’d rather die than break his heart.”

Elrond does something for the first time that night. He smiles.

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What do you think? Please review.

Ivory Wolf