Ebony, Gold and Mithril

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Ebony, Gold and Mithril

Chapter 8


While Glorfindel was occupied with removing the evidence of his latest ‘encounter’ with his lover and making himself presentable once more, Erestor took advantage of the opportunity to return the robe ha had worn earlier to his chamber. He caught a brief glimpse of himself in the mirror on his dresser as he walked past and realised that his hair was in dire need of attention before he appeared in public. Removing the plain leather tie that held the soft ebony locks from his face, he quickly brushed his hair back to silky smoothness and pinned it back with a silver and sapphire clasp that Thranduil had given him many years ago. Erestor had never worn it, believing that it was far too elegant for his usual taste, but the stones in it matched the colour of his robe and feeling a sudden desire to look his best for Glorfindel, he decided to wear it.

“There you are! I thought you had left without me,” said the object of his thoughts as he entered the chamber without so much as knocking first. Erestor found this small affirmation of their newfound intimacy to be very pleasing, and smiled affectionately at his lover.

“I would not dream of deserting you. Ever,” he replied in earnest as he moved into Glorfindel’s waiting arms. “I simply needed to straighten my hair.” The seneschal’s eyes crinkled with amusement at his love’s vanity which was very much like his own, he had to admit.

“Well, now that you have made yourself look even more desirable, shall we go?” Neither made any attempt to move apart for they were both relishing the delicious sensation of the silky fabric against their skin wherever their bodies touched.

“Ai, but not until you kiss me, my handsome one,” Erestor demanded playfully. Glorfindel was more than happy to oblige, and as their lips brushed in a kiss, that was at first tender but rapidly deepened into a promise of passion as their bodies craved more intimate contact. They parted with soft sighs of resignation, both wishing fervently that the banquet was already over. “I do not think I will be able to bear the torment of this garment all night, as pleasant as it is,” said Erestor breathlessly.

“The constant stimulation is part of the charm of the fabric. Besides, you will definitely not be wearing it *all* night, for I can not wait to make love to you again,” declared Glorfindel in a voice so seductive that the advisor felt a surge of heat travel to his groin and colour to rise in his cheeks.

It was only a sense of duty to Elrond and Imladris that forced them to make their way to the dining hall.

********

Elrond eyed the two empty seats at the main table with concern, and was just about to ask Lindir to seek out the errant seneschal and advisor when a hushed silence fell over the dining hall and all eyes turned to the doorway. Erestor and Glorfindel had finally arrived, but it was not the golden handsomeness of the formally attired elf lord that caught everyone’s eye, for they were well accustomed to seeing his beauty… it was Erestor who was the centre of attention. He looked positively radiant. The deep blue of the robes complimented his dark hair, as did the elegant clasp, yet it was his slightly flushed face and brilliantly shining eyes that won him appreciative glances from several of the elves in the room, and astonished Elrond. He could hardly believe that this exquisite elf was his staid advisor.

“Erestor, I have never seen you looking quite so… lovely,” he said, while what he was really thinking was that his advisor looked absolutely desirable. No wonder Thranduil and Glorfindel both wanted him.

“Ai, Erestor your choice of a colour other than grey is certainly most agreeable. You look stunning,” added Thranduil. “Is that the clasp I gave you?” he asked knowing full well it was, but hoping to add a little fuel to Elrond’s misconception about his advisor’s love life. Erestor knew exactly what Thranduil was doing, and answered in the same ambiguous manner.

“It is, and again I thank you for having it made for me,” replied Erestor sincerely with an affectionate smile for the King. “It certainly compliments these robes that Glorfindel gave me, does it not?
“G
“Glorfindel gave you the robes? Why?” asked Elrond, frowning in consternation.

“Our dear advisor always looks so dull and dreary in black that I thought to lighten his life with a little colour,” replied Glorfindel as he placed his hand over Erestor’s where it rested on the table, smiling as he felt a gentle squeeze in return. Elrond scowled at this display of affection that, had he thought about it calmly for a moment, he would have realised was not really unusual. He glanced at Thranduil to gauge his reaction. The King was displaying no jealousy and seemed totally unperturbed as he smiled at Elrond and did not fail to notice the confusion in the Peredhel’s eyes. The Lore Master knew there was something vaguely familiar about Erestor’s garment, but at the moment he could not think what it was…

“It has worked admirably well, for it seems to me that his demeanour is definitely much friendlier and more relaxed,” the Wood Elf commented with a knowing wink for Erestor who made no reply. “Is that the emblem of your House, Glorfindel?” Thranduil asked as he noticed the mithril flower and lightly traced it with his finger. Erestor blushed a little deeper at the unexpected touch that grazed over his already highly aroused nipple and not wishing to embarrass his friend further, and catching the flash of deep blue jealousy in Glorfindel’s eyes, Thranduil quickly withdrew his hand.

“Ai, it is, although I am surprised you recognise it,” replied Glorfindel coldly.

“Whilst it was well known that Oropher bore no love for any other than the Sindar and Silvan Elves, he was not uneducated and was well learned in the history of the Ages, as am I,” commented Thranduil.

“Did he ever mention the significance of a symbol such as Erestor wears?” asked Elrond, having now remembered what it meant. He did not wish to hurt any of his friends, but he could not allow any deception to continThraThranduil shook his head. “It signifies that the wearer has given his heart to a member of the House of the Golden Flower. In other words that Erestor and Glorfindel are lovers.”

“Well of course they are, you only have to see them together to realise that,” said Thranduil with a slight shrug. He was trying very hard to maintain his composure, especially since Elrond was now staring at him with both eyebrows raised in disbelief.

“But I thought you and he… I have never seen Erestor display as much affection before…” began Elrond trying to sort through his confusion. Glorfindel took pity on his lord who was also a much loved friend.

“You should have trusted your instincts, Elrond. You have been hinting for weeks that you suspected Erestor and I were lovers. You even realised it before we did.” he said, his eyes glittering with amusement.

“I know I have never seemed outwardly affectionate, but Thranduil is a very demonstrative Elf, and very dear friend. I always greet him thus, but we are not lovers, nor have we ever been. My heart belongs to Glorfindel,” Erestor stated simply.

Then to everyone’s amazement the aloof, cold advisor then wrapped his arms around his lover’s neck and kissed him with such sweet tenderness that they became lost in each other. It was only after Thranduil rather loudly cleared his throat that they remembered where they were.

“Would you two care to rejoin the banquet and try some of this Dorwinion, it is an excellent vintage,” he said as poured them both some wine. “I think Elrond could use another goblet as well,” he added with a sympathetic pat on the shoulder for his friend, just as the first course of the meal was being served.

Throughout the banquet, the conversation coveredarieariety of topics, but particularly the encroachment of orcs on their respective borders and along the passes through the Misty Mountains. Erestor listened with pride as Glorfindel briefly explained Imladris methods of training and assignation of border patrols to an obviously impressed warrior King.

“Enough talk of battles and patrols,” said Glorfindel when the official speeches had finally been made. “Come, Erestor, will you take a walk with me in the garden?” He was desperate to spend some time alone with his lover, and his need had little to do with the robes and much to do with a deep longing just to hold Erestor close.

“I would be delighted to,” replied the advisor, reaching for Glorfindel’s hand and pointedly ignoring Thranduil’s smirk as he muttered;

“You walk will last only as long as it takes to reach the nearest secluded spot I warrant.”

“If we make it that far!” a soft voice whispered into Glorfindel’s ear, the warmth of Erestor’s breath and the briefest touch of a moist tongue on the sensitive tip causing a sudden weakness in the seneschal’s knees.

Once they were gone, Thranduil turned to speak with Elrond.

“I am disappointed to learn that Glorfindel will not be available to show me the training grounds tomorrow.”

“Since he has already given most of the report I was expecting from him in the morning in answer to your questions, I see no reason why he can not do as you ask,” conceded Elrond. “Yo “You were not trying to keep Glorfindel and Erestor apart, were you not?” It was meant as a jest, but struck closer to the truth than Elrond wanted to admit. He was not amused with the King’s gentle teasing, and his eyes flashed with anger as he spoke.

“That may have been part of the reason. I only wanted to ensure Erestor’s happiness, which I believed lay with you. Why did you let me allow me to think that you were his lover when you knew I was mistaken?” he demanded of Thranduil.

“I am not responsible for your beliefs. I admit my responses mave ave been ambiguous, but had you been thinking clearly you would have realised your mistake sooner. What is wrong with you Elrond? I have never known you to make such a simple error in judgement.”

“I admit to being preoccupied of late. My sons have been away hunting orcs for well over a year now and I am growing increasingly concerned for their safety… and their peace of mind.”

“I understand how difficult it must be for you. It pains me enough that Legolas is away for weeks at a time protecting his home; I would beat a loss were he to leave Mirkwood on such a lengthy and dangerous quest as your sons have chosen. Nonetheless, even though your thinking is not a clear as it might be, surely you know full tha that my heart is bound to that of my beloved wife and even though the sea has called her to Valinor, I could no more dishonour her by taking a lover than could you dishonour Celebrían.”

“Ai, what you say is true and I apologise if I gave offence,” he said.

“And I now regret keeping the truth from you. However there is something else you should know about Erestor,” he said as he leaned closer to whisper a few words in private that, once he heard them, lit Elrond’s face with a brilliant smile.