The Fell Winter

Title: The Fell Winter (6/?)
Author: Aglarien
Type: FPS
Pairing: Erestor/Glorfindel
Rating: NC-17 eventually.
Disclaimer: Not mine, except for the cats. The great Master Tolkien’s estate owns everything else. I promise to return his elves when I’m done playing with them.
Warning: AU. Complete disregard for canon, JRRT’s timelines (although the years of The Fell Winter are accurate), and the fact that only the peredhil of Elrond’s lineage got to choose between human and elf. Lots of fluff.
Timeline: The Fell Winter, T.A. 2911-2912
Beta: Patricia/Slayer9649. Thank you Gwathel.
Summary: Middle-earth is in the middle of the harshest winter ever known, and Erestor is suffering from the cold. A small child and a golden warrior warm his heart.

Chapter 6

Glorfindel woke while Erestor and the elflings were still sleeping. Moving carefully so he did not wake the others, he rose and tucked the blankets securely around Erestor and the little ones. After quickly washing in Erestor’s bathroom and quietly dressing, he made sure the fire continued to burn warmly in the hearth, then left Erestor’s rooms, heading for the kitchens. His mind was full of all the things he needed to get done that day: go to his room and gather some clothing and personal items to move to Erestor’s rooms; visit the seamstresses for more clothing for the elflings; talk to Elrond about his suggestions for Erestor; get some work from his office, talk to his second and turn the rest of the work over to him; go to the library and find some books for Erestor to read to the children; find Erestor’s assistants and get them to take over most of the councilor’s work; find something to help keep the elflings distracted and entertained that would involve Erestor; arrange for their meals to be delivered to Erestor’s rooms….he was going to need help working through it all. Lindir. He needed Lindir. With any luck, the seneschal might even be in the main kitchen discussing the menus for the day with the head cook.

Pushing the doors open to the kitchen, Glorfindel was pleased to find that the very elf he needed was right where he had hoped, talking to the head cook. After asking one of the kitchen servants to prepare a tray for him to take back to Erestor’s rooms, he patiently waited for Lindir to finish his conversation with the cook. He did not have to wait long.

Lindir turned to Glorfindel with a smile. “How do Erestor and the elflings fare? Do you need any help, my friend?” he asked.

Glorfindel smiled back at his friend. Of course Lindir would know everything by now. “I believe they are doing well. I left them sleeping. And I think I need a lot of help.” The warrior snorted out a laugh. “I am just beginning to realize what I have gotten myself into, Lindir.”

Lindir chuckled and motioned for Glorfindel to join him at a small table. “Come and sit with me and we will sort it all out.”

After they were seated, Glorfindel explained about the work arrangement that Erestor had agreed to, and all the things he needed for the elflings.

Lindir carefully wrote down every item, then reviewed the list, tapping his quill on the tabletop, and wrote some more. When he was finished, he smiled brightly and said, “Here is what we will do. You run to your office and get your work and talk to your second. While you are gone, I will talk to Melpomaen about getting some work for Erestor and ask him to see to it that the rest of his work is assigned out to the scribes. Take your work to Erestor’s office, and Melpomaen will deliver it along with his later in the morning. Then go to your rooms and gather your clothing and belongings you need. While you are doing that, I will stop in the library on the way to the seamstresses and have one of the librarians pick out some books for the elflings and bring them here. Meet me back here, and we will take the breakfast tray and everything else to Erestor’s rooms. While you are seeing to Erestor and the elflings, I will pay a visit to the stables to get a kitten. No, I had better make it two kittens – one for each of the elflings. One of the stable cats had a litter and the kittens are ready to leave their mother.”

“Kittens!” Glorfindel exclaimed. “What a wonderful idea. They will keep the elfings entertained and give them something to care for. You are a genius, Lindir!”

Lindir laughed. “Well, they will do for a start. I will still need to work out a better housing arrangement for Erestor and the children, but I do not think that is needed for a few days at least. It would probably be better for the elflings to keep you all cramped together for a bit. I need to find out what kind of arrangement they are used to, Glorfindel. Did they have their own beds? Their own rooms? And what did they do? Does either of them play any type of musical instrument? Do they like to draw? What were they learning about and who was teaching them? If we can help them pick up their lives where they left off on those things it will help them adjust to their new life here.”

Glorfindel looked at his friend in amazement and thought for the hundredth time that Elrond could not have placed a better elf in charge of the running of his house. “You are a wonder, Lindir.”

The seneschal bowed his head in acknowledgement and smiled. “And we will need to find out what they like to eat. The cooks will prepare a wide variety of food for them, but it would be helpful to know their favorites.”

The two elves hurried off to their appointed tasks, and were back in the kitchen again in no time at all, surveying their stash. There was a large basket full of little gowns, tunics, leggings, night robes, cloaks, and house slippers, a smaller basket full of books, and a travel pack full of Glorfindel’s clothing and belongings. In addition to two large trays with their breakfast, there was a fresh kettle of water to hang in the hearth for tea, and special healing teas for Erestor and Melveldir. A doll for Riniel rested on top of the books, along side a big stuffed bear and carved wooden soldiers for Melveldir. Two house servants held extra pillows for the bed, large pillows for the elflings to use on the floor, elfling size blankets, and a large fur rug for the children to play on. “This will do very nicely for now, I think. I believe we are ready.” Lindir said. With the help of more servants, they gathered everything and headed for Erestor’s rooms.

“You have outdone yourself again, Lindir,” Glorfindel said as they walked. “I would never have thought of a rug and pillows for the floor for the children.

Lindir chuckled. “I think perhaps it has been too long since you were a child, my old friend,” he teased. “I used to love to play on the floor when I was an elfling. It was my favorite place because I did not have to worry about trying to climb up onto a chair or reaching the table. The world is a very big place when you are small.”

Glorfindel opened the door to Erestor’s rooms. Speaking softly, he instructed the servants to lay the rug and pillows in front of the sitting room fire. The rest of the items were placed on a table in the same room, and the servants left. When he and Lindir were alone, he said, “Let me see if they are still asleep,” and carefully opened the door to the bedroom. Peeking into the room, he found Erestor awake and watching the two elflings as they slept.

Erestor looked up as the door opened and gave Glorfindel a gentle smile. “Are they not beautiful?” he whispered.

Glorfindel nodded, smiling as he entered the room. “They are very beautiful and very precious,” he whispered back. “Lindir is here, and we have breakfast. Do you think we should wake them?”

“Yes,” Erestor said softly. “They need to eat, especially Melveldir. We will let them nap after the meal if they are still tired.”

“Erestor?” Lindir stood at the door to the bedroom and spoke in a hushed voice. “We have brought clothing for the children and some books for you to read to them, as well as a rug and some pillows for them to use on the floor. Is there anything else you would like me to get for you?”

The councilor shook his head. “Not that I can think of, Lindir. Thank you. After we find out a little more about them and what they would like, I will let you know.”

Lindir nodded and smiled. “I do have something else for them that I will bring you later – after you have had time to eat and dress.”

“What is it?” Erestor asked.

Lindir just grinned. “I will let Glorfindel tell you that.” He winked at Glorfindel, and said, “I will return later,” and left.

Erestor looked at Glorfindel with a question on his face, wondering why the warrior had such a silly look on his face. “What?” he whispered.

Glorfindel considered not telling Erestor so he could be surprised, then quickly decided that it was not the best idea. These were Erestor’s rooms after all – and his elflings. “What is soft, small and fluffy, plays a lot, and gets into constant trouble?” he asked quietly.

Erestor’s brows furrowed as he thought, mouthing the words, ‘soft, small, and fluffy’. “A kitten!”

Glorfindel nodded. “Two kittens - one for each of them. Lindir says they are just ready to leave their mother. Do you approve?”

“Oh, yes!” Erestor whispered. “It will be good for them to have a little animal to love and care for – something that is their own. And what is more adorable than a little kitten?”

Erestor had no sooner finished speaking when a knock sounded on the outer door and Elrond’s voice was heard. “Erestor, may I come in and check on Melveldir?”

Glorfindel whispered, “I will talk to him in the sitting room for a few moments so you have time to dress.” Closing the bedroom door behind him, he hurried to open the outer door and ushered Elrond inside. “We were just going to wake the children for breakfast,” he said, stopping in the sitting room so he and Elrond could speak.

“Did they sleep well the remainder of the night? No nightmares?” Elrond asked.

“They slept very soundly, thank the Valar,” Glorfindel answered. “All three of them. I do not think they stirred at all.”

Elrond nodded. “I had hoped that having the two of you and his sister close would be a comfort to Melveldir. Riniel has been with us for several days and has become comfortable with Erestor, and now you. Melveldir, however, has been conscious for only a few short hours. It must all have been very frightening to him.”

“I had not thought of that, but you are right. It has indeed been too long since I was an elfling or spent much time with them, and I have forgotten what it is like,” Glorfindel said. “We must be very gentle with him. Erestor said last night that they will need to feel safe and protected, and may even feel guilty if they begin to love us in return.”

“How is Erestor?” Elrond asked. “What else did you speak of?”

Knowing what Elrond wanted to hear about, Glorfindel answered, “I told him that he had a beautiful, kind heart and everyone here was concerned about him and cared about him. Elrond, he actually said he did not think that anyone other than the children and healers would notice if he died! He wept, and it near broke my heart, but he let me hold him and carry him back to bed. He is still colder than he should be, but not as cold as he was before, and he is still very weary. He had nearly worn himself out.” Seeing Elrond’s stricken look, Glorfindel whispered harshly, “It is *not* your fault, and you will *not* feel guilty. Erestor needs us both now, and he needs us strong if we are to help him regain his strength.”

Elrond cleared the lump in his throat and said, “You are right. My feeling guilty will not help him. I would like to go in and check on him and Melveldir now, Glorfindel.”

Glorfindel nodded, and walked to the bedroom door. Knocking softly, he said, “May we come in now, Erestor?” Opening the door at Erestor’s quiet answer, the found the elf, now dressed and kneeling beside the bed, soothing a startled Melveldir in his arms. Riniel held onto one of her brother’s hands tightly.

“Erestor? Is everything all right?” Glorfindel asked, concerned.

“Yes, quite all right now, Glorfindel. Vel was just a little frightened when he awoke because he did not know where he was.” Erestor’s voice was low and soothing. “He knows he is safe now, and that we will take care of him and his sister. Nothing will harm you or Riniel here, little one. You are both safe with us now, and we will protect you and care for you always.” Moving to sit on the bed, he gathered the elfling onto his lap.

Erestor’s voice worked its magic, and Melveldir relaxed into Erestor’s arms. He could sense the truth in the older elf’s words. He was unaware that his spirit drank deeply from the peace and love that radiated from Erestor, but a feeling of comfort engulfed him as he closed his eyes and rested his head on the councilor’s chest.

Riniel finally released her brother’s hand, and smiled shyly at her new friend that looked and felt so much like her ada.

Unable to resist the elfling’s charm, Glorfindel advanced to the bed and scooped her up in his arms, holding her close and placing a soft kiss on her head. “Good morning, little one. How is our beautiful little Riniel this morning?”

“I am well, Glorfindel,” Riniel answered, the last word broken by an enormous yawn.

“I think someone will need a nap after her breakfast,” Glorfindel chuckled.

The little head with its softly curling dark hair nodded. “Still sleepy. But I am hungry too. Will you take a nap with me after we eat, Glorfindel? Vel is still tired, and he is hungry too.”

“Then maybe we will all take a nap after breakfast. But first we will get you washed up so you can eat your breakfast.” With that, Glorfindel carried the elfling into the bathroom to help her wash and comb her hair.

“Erestor, I would like to check Melveldir’s arms, if I may,” Elrond said, sitting along side of them on the bed.

“Do you remember Lord Elrond, little one?” Erestor asked Vel. “You met him last night and he helped heal your wounds. Will you let him check your arms again?”

Melveldir raised his head and looked at Elrond with large, sad eyes. “I remember. You said we could stay here, and that I did not have to work for you. Is it true, Lord Elrond?”

“Yes, little one. It is true – all of it. You and your sister are most welcome to stay here with us. Erestor, Glorfindel, and all of the rest of us here will take care of you and keep you safe. All you have to worry about now is getting better. And there is no need for you to address me as Lord when we are together in private like this, Vel. You are with your new family now, so you may call me Elrond, as Erestor and Glorfindel do.” As he spoke, Elrond carefully unwound the bandages around Melveldir’s arms, the last of his wounds to heal. Gently brushing away the dried herbs that adhered to the skin, he was pleased to find the deep cuts completely healed over. All that remained were long pale lines that would fade within a few more days. “I do not think we need to bandage your arms any longer, but I want you to remain in bed for today, and perhaps tomorrow. Your wounds made you very weak so you must rest and regain your strength. You must eat as much of the food that Erestor and Glorfindel give you as you can, and soon you will be strong and able to run and play again.”

“I can play here?” Melveldir asked, looking up at Erestor.

“Of course you can, sweetling,” Erestor said. “When you are well, we will begin some of your lessons, but you will have lots of time to play or to do whatever you would like. What did you like to do when you did not have to help your Ada or Nana?”

“When our chores were all done for the day, Ada and I would play the flute together. I am not very good, but he was teaching me. He was teaching me how to carve things too. I liked doing that a lot.” As he spoke, tears pools in Melveldir’s eyes and ran down his cheeks until he buried his head on Erestor’s chest with a sob.

Erestor gently rocked the elfling in his arms and stroked his dark head. “It is good to cry, little one. You will always miss them, but the pain will grow less with time, and one day you will see your Ada again in the Blessed Realm, when he stands on the shore waiting to welcome you home. Your Nana and Ada live in your heart, and they will always be with you. I cannot replace your parents, Vel, but I promise you I will always be here for you and Riniel, and I will love you and care for you as if you were my very own.”

Melveldir stifled a sob and lifted his head to look at Erestor. “Will I see my Nana too?”

“That I cannot say, dear one, but the race of men was also created by the One, and are His beloved children, the same as elves are. What happens to their souls when they die we do not know, but we can hope,” Erestor said gently. “It may be that by His grace your nana will await you there since she was bound to an elf and bore you.”

Unseen by Erestor and the others, Glorfindel had stood with Riniel in his arms and heard everything that was spoken. Finally moving to the bed, he said, “And you will have me as well, Vel. Like Erestor, I will always be here for both of you. Our love for you cannot replace that of your parents, but you will always have us.” Sitting down with Riniel next to the others, he wrapped an arm around Erestor and Melveldir, holding them all close.

Elrond watched his friends and the elflings, and nodded, a smile gracing his face as he foresaw that they would all be taking care of each other in the years to come. “I will leave you all now, my friends. Remember, Vel, rest and eat what you can. That advice is also for you, Erestor. You have worn yourself out in our service, and you must also rebuild your strength. Glorfindel, you have my blessing to tie our recalcitrant friend to the bed for the next few days and force-feed him, if need be.” Seeing Erestor open his mouth to protest, he continued, “No, Erestor. You may take that as an order. You will get plenty of rest and take regular meals for a change. Understood?”

Realizing that Elrond would brook no argument, Erestor acquiesced. “Yes, my Lord. I understand. As much as it irks me to do so, I will follow your orders.” He couldn’t resist giving Elrond a glare, however.

Elrond rose with a chuckle. “I will come and visit you all again tonight after the evening meal. Until then, take are of each other.” With that, he left the room.

“What say we have our breakfast, Erestor,” Glorfindel said. “I know a couple little elfings who are hungry. Why do you and Vel not get back in bed and get comfortable, and Rin and I will bring everything in.”

After Glorfindel and Riniel had tucked the other two into bed, propped up with pillows, they went to the sitting room for the breakfast trays. “Look what Lindir found for you, little one,” Glorfindel said, handing Riniel her doll.

“For me?” the elfling asked, her eyes round as she took the doll and clutched it to her chest.

“Just for you, sweet one. She is all yours now, so you must give her a name. And here is a bear for Vel. If you will carry them back to the bedroom, I will bring the first tray, all right?”

Riniel nodded eagerly, taking the bear and dashing back to the bedroom to give it to her brother. Glorfindel just smiled as he picked up the first tray and followed her to the bedroom.

Tbc….