The Jewel of Mirkwood

Chapter 76

For a long while the three of them walked under the shade of the trees in the little forest glade that led to and from the stream nearby. As always Erestor and Glorfindel chatted in a familiar fashion while Legolas merely enjoyed the fresh air and light happy feeling he felt in his heart. It was only after Legolas had taken a strole down to the stream by himself leaving Erestor and Glorfindel alone together that the advisor finally spoke his mind. Glorfindel knew it was coming as he himself had thought about it for the past week he’d been coherent enough to since his binding with Legolas.

“He is still like a child isn’t he?” Erestor sat calmly down beside Glorfindel on the small stone bench they had found hidden away in the glade. From their position they could see Legolas rolling up his leggings and wading into the cool running water of the stream.

“Aye, but the events of the last few months have made him grp vep very quickly I believe. He is still playfully youthful but behind it he has grown into a very insightful elf.” Glorfindel sighed as Erestor handed him a small bottle of water the advisor had been carrying with them since leaving the house. Obligingly Glorfindel took a few refreshing sips of the water as he watched Legolas begin chasing fish in the clear water of the stream a few yards in front of them. The new c hec he wore would obviously need washing by the time their walk came to an end but Glorfindel said nothing as Legolas seemed to be enjoying the first bit of freedom he’d been allowed since he’d first left Mirkwood all those months ago.

“You will have to be careful there are still unknown foe’s who wish him harm.” Glorfindel nodded understandingly as he closed eyeseyes and tilted it up towards the rays of sun streaming down through the canopy of leaves above him. He had not been so relaxed since he’d left Imladris for Mirkwood with Legolas’ brothers’ bridal party.

“Yes but the threat has considerably lessoned now he is bound to me, although I am still unsure myself if we are doing the right thing. What if…….” Erestor instantly picked up on his friends last remaining fear and instantly quelled it with a curt shake of his head.

“Do not dwell on paths not taken Glorfindel. I admit that I had my doubts during those months we were searching for him, but I now know in my heart, having seen you together that this is how it is meant to be.” Erestor paused and reached out to clasp Glorfindel’s hand in his own in a friendly gesture of support. “You are in love as is he and I am so elated for you both.” Slightly emotional Glorfindel embraced the slighter advisor by his side thankful that yet again Erestor was his sane voice of reason in times of despair as he had been so many other times before. A loud splash from the river broke the pair hastily about and although inclined to panic for his lover’s safety, Glorfindel was amused to see Legolas sitting down in the middle of the shallow stream having slipped on one of the rocks. It was only a moment and when Legolas didn’t move Glorfindel thought that perhaps Legolas had hurt himself, yet it was the rich melodic sound of Legolasughtughter that told Glorfindel other wise.

To hear Legolas genuinely laughing after so long a time brought Glorfindel almost to tears. The young elf had been through so many traumas in his short life and Glorfindel thought it was about time the elf enjoyed himself completely. Unintentionally Glorfindel found himself basking in the gloriously rich melody of Legolas’ laughter until he too was laughing out loud as was Erestor at the infectious high pitched show of delight. Glorfindel was surprised to see two other young elves appear from the far bank of the stream both of them wading into the water to help Legolas stand up again. Fearful of the reaction Legolas would give to two strange male elves Glorfindel rose from the bench ready to intervene if necessary. Legolas had, had so little interaction with elves of his own age being so confined in Mirkwood and Glorfindel feared that their binding may make the other elf nervous of meeting new people.

“Well that is quite an achievement I think. Although Elrond will be severely annoyed when he finds out the prince undertook such strenuous exercise.” Glorfindel felt Erestor pull him back down onto the bench as they watched Legolas converse with the two elves before exchanging warrior’s handshakes. More words were exchanged although Glorfindel could not hear what they were saying before a playful water fight broke out between the three of them and again there was harmonies laughter filtering through-out the glade.

“Oh leave them be Erestor let fro frolic and enjoy his youth for he has not had much chance to do so since his birth.” Erestor nodded in agreement of his friend before turning serious again as the pressing matter of interest came back to the forefront of his mind. Erestor had discussed the issue with Elrond on several occasions yet both had deemed it to early in Glorfindel and Legolas recovery to broach the subject until now. Glorfindel seemed to sense his friends impending question and sighed heavily before Ere cou could even speak.

“He is still not entirely safe Glorfindel. There is still the matter of consummation to take place.” Erestor tiptoed carefully around the subject wary of his friend’s quick embarrassment when it came to discussing such matters openly. “Have you at all discussed the issue with him? Does he know what is required of him now that he has bound to you?” Glorfindel sighed and folded his arms across his chest as he stared thoughtfully down at whLegoLegolas was still frolicking in the water with his new friends.

“I have to say I am not entirely sure if he fully understands what it is he has entered into as yet, although I am more than sure he understands that something must happen between us if not exactly what.” Glorfindel glanced sideways at Erestor knowing already that his friend had probably done his homework when it came to the topic of discussion.

“Then you have made advances on him?” Erestor question was subtly put Glt Glorfindel read it’s true meaning loud and clear. Like the nosey elf he was Erestor was again inquiring into the intimate details of his love life.

“I have but nothing more than playful innuendo’s of which I believe most went over his head.” Glorfindel raised a knowing eyebrow in Erestor’s direction to which his friend merely chuckled in amusement.

“Oh to be untouched again, how simple life was then.” Erestor smiled wistfully at a memory of his own coming of age beforeningning warmly to smile at his friend.

“You will have to talk to him Glorfindel, guide him in the ways of love. He has little experience in such things and I believe it is only recently Filgree has instructed him in the ways of self pleasure, no doubt a lesson born from one of your many innuendo’s.” Glorfindel had the good grace to blush, knowing full well what had happened after the day spent in Lorien woods with Legolas after his coming of age.

“Aye I know this Filgree but I want him to enjoy himself and relax into his freedom before I bring such a burden down upon him. You know very well what may happen upon my taking him for the first time and I do not want to cut his happiness short by forcing something upon him before he is fully ready. He is still coping with his new bond to me without rushing things.” Erestor understood everything Glorfindel was saying yet still the strings of urgency and worry pulled at his heart. They had worked so much to get Legolas and Glorfindel together and it would not be right to see it pulled apart just as quickly over such a loving act.

“You speak wise words Glorfindel but I must implore you with the urgency of this task. While ever Legolas remains untouched he is vulnerable to attack from those around him you know in you’re heart this is true. And it is not set in stone that he will become pregnant upon your first coupling. It will most likely not happen until Legolas has fully matured. Elrond still thinks that Legolas’ body is adjusting itself to majority and until it finds a balance he will not conceive. Yet if you still worry why not send a message to Mithrandir and ask for a bottle of his potion.” Erestor paused and watched as Glorfindel took all the information in nodding in parts but frowning in others. The advisor disputed himself with saying his last comment but in the end decided the truth was better than hiding it. “Besides we are still not sure he can conceive at all and in truth as you pointed out he may not even be the elf legend speaks of but only time will tell that.” Glorfindel sighed with the enormity of the psal sal laid at his feet. Everything Erestor had said was true and that nothing despite everything that had happened was necessarily the right thing.

“Aye I will think this over in the coming week and decide the best cause of action. While ever Legolas and I are still healing I will not risk upsetting him or burdening him with tough decisions until he is fully recovered to deal with them. Until then we will have to be vigilant about visitors and anyone entering the realm.” Erestor smiled happily at his best friend, having seen the old Glorfindel returning to cite the level headed authoritative decision over the subject at hand.

“Very well I shall inform Lord Elrond of your decision, he will be more relaxed now you are addressing the problem.” Glorfindel couldn’t help but smirk across at Erestor having heard the advisor’s words.

“So this conversation was not born from Elrond’s insistence but more your disgruntlement at the Lord’s unrest.” Glorfindel wiggled his eyebrow cheekily at his friend who didn’t quite understand what his friend was implying for a moment. Erestor took a moment to realise what the joke was and it was only then that the dark haired advisor lashed out sla slapped his friend hard across the shoulder.

“That is not the reason I talk to you Glorfindel and you know it.” Erestor pouted dramatically and folded his arms across his chest in a huff. Glorfindel found it all very amusing but rested his hand apologetically upon Erestor’s shoulder despite his own amusement.

“Aye I know Erestor I was merely jesting with you.” Glorfindel waited until Erestor relaxed again before inquiring after his friend’s escapades. “May I inquire how you and Lord Elrond are doing?” Erestor rolled his eyes and rose from the stone bench uncomfortable now having been corner into conversation about his own life.

“I have spent every night since our first in his bed.” Erestor blushed, as he turned away from Glorfindel suddenly coy about discussing his own relationship so openly. The controversy over Glorfindel’s unconventional binding to Legolas had quite taken the spotlight away from the blossoming relationship between Imladris Lord and his chief advisor, to which Erestor was truly grateful.

“Does he please you Erestor?” Glorfindel smiled mischievously as he watched Erestor’s shoulders rise and fall with a heavy sigh of utter bliss before Erestorned ned slowly around his face rose red in the sunlight.

“I can not tell you how he pleases me Glorfindel for there is not words to describe how I feel being with him. In everything he does it seems it is all in pursuit of my happiness. There have been nights of late when we have coupled more than three times and I have been physically too exhausted to rise for my morning chores.” Glorfindel chuckled good-naturedly as Erestor almost burst with joy as he retold his friend of his adventures with Lord Elrond.

“And what of love? Does he speak your name with it?” Erestor nodded enthusiastically as he sat quickly back down on the stone bench and moved conspiratorially close to Glorfindel’s pointed ear.

“He says that he wants to take me as his mate and has given me a ring of betrothal even thoughy ouy our closest friends know of the arrangement at all.” Glorfindel was clearly shocked at what he was hearing and leaned closer to Erestor who lowered his voice further. “I am to take my place beside him at court next month, when you and Legolas will be presented. It is to be made formal and with the grace of Elladan and Elrohir Elrond wishes to bind to me with the coming of Summer.” Glorfindel shook his head in amazement before embracing his friend in a warm delighted hug.

“I am happy for you Erestor and I will gladly bless any union between you and Elrond, you deserve every bit of joy that he brings to your heart.” Erestor nodded and again embraced his friend tightly before glancing at the sky and noting with dismay that it was nearing midday.

“Come we must get Legolas and return to the house, Elrond will be angry if I allowed you longer than he advised to walk freely.” Glorfindel rose from the bench and smiled knowingly at his friend. Erestor would probably be already in trouble for having let Legolas get wet in the stream but Glorfindel was not going to mention and would firmly defend his friend in light of any of Elrond’s displeasure. With a light step both elves began down to the streams edge where Legolas was not sitting with his friends on the bank sunning themselves. Glorfindel was reluctantly to disrupt the contentment Legolas seemed to have but as Erestor had pointed out too much exercise too early in their recovery would do them more harm than good…..

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

(A/n) Well I hope you kind of enjoyed the ramblings in the last few chapters. I've been writing it in between uni crap so it's a pretty good update for saying what else I've been doing. ANyway we all know what this is leading up to and I promise It's going to be good cause I'm practising writing smut at the moment so it's not going to be a half arsed affair (Chuckles at pun) Alrighty hope you're still enjoying the loving, smooching, happy shit cause the characters have earn't it. So what's left some smut, some baby stuff, and the big finale................