A Lonely Love

Chapter 9



Glorfindel had readied Asfaloth and a beautiful black mare for Erestor, with a coat that shone like raven silk. Smiling to himself, he thought it reminded him of Erestor’s flowing locks. Hearing soft footsteps traipsing down the stone steps leading to the main courtyard, Glorfindel turned around in anticipation. The sight before him took his breath away. Gone were the formal robes of office. Gone were the side braids. Gone was the Chief Counselor of Imladris, before him stood a vision of beauty, an elf that was hidden behind layers of clothing, before him stood Erestor, only Erestor.

Erestor’s hair was pulled back into one single, thick, silken, braid; a braid that ended just above the swell of his perfect, pert behind. He wore fitted light gray leggings that hugged long, lithe legs and they were tucked into black, leather boots that came up to just below his knee. His under tunic was white silk and covered by a fitted, dark gray, tunic that hugged his long, flat abdomen and torso. The collar and sleeves of which were embroidered with silver filigree. Silver buttons ran down the middle of the tunic. He was also surprised to see a leather sword belt around Erestor’s slim thighs that held a small dagger.

Desire washed through Glorfindel and he felt dizzy. His heart began to race and his hands began to sweat. He felt a tingling down his spine and into his groin. He felt like he was going to be ill, closing his eyes a moment he tried to center himself. This was his friend, a wedded elf, an elf who was married to one of his friends and comrade in arms! An elf who did not deserve the one coming to stand in front of him, with a brilliant smile on his face; a smile that melted his heart. Oh, he was lost, falling hard and he could not foresee the way back.

Gulping, he managed to say something coherent to the one who now held his heart. “Are you ready?” ‘Of course he is, you oaf!’ he chastised himself inwardly.

Erestor nodded in greeting and noticing that he was being stared at replied; “Surely, you did not think I would wear my robes to ride in?” he teased.

“No, no, of course not,” stammered Glorfindel. Suddenly he found he could not speak anymore!

“D-do you need help up?” asked Glorfindel still fumbling with words.

Erestor rubbed the mare’s nose lovingly and whispered words of thanks into her ears as he easily mounted in one fluid movement.

“I suppose not,” muttered Glorfindel as he too mounted. Asfaloth snorted, seeming to laugh at his friend and rider.

“Oh, be quiet!” Glorfindel whispered for the horse’s ears only. Asfaloth snorted in reply. He clicked his tongue, urging his horse along.

They rode next to each other in silence for quite sometime. Erestor was taking in the sight of the beautiful woods, becoming one with the nature around him; something he rarely took the time to do of late.

Glorfindel also enjoyed the ride and kept looking over to the quiet elf next to him, Erestor’s light literally shone brighter here in the wood.

Feeling eyes upon him, Erestor turned his head and glanced at Glorfindel. Glorfindel knew he was caught looking and decided against looking away. He held Erestor’s gaze. Erestor looked deep into those pools of blue, mesmerized by what he saw there, mesmerized and suddenly afraid.

All of a sudden, they heard water rushing; they had arrived at the Bruinen. “Oh, good, we are here,” whispered Erestor nervously and sped ahead to go to the river’s edge.

Glorfindel watched after him and sighed, ‘get hold of yourself, Fin!’
He sped up as well, coming next to the counselor who had already dismounted and had his mare drinking in the clear waters. Gracefully jumping off of Asfaloth, he nudged his stallion towards the cool waters as well.

Together they walked the edge of the Bruinen, kicking stones, staring transfixed at the beautiful river. “We should have brought a fishing pole,” replied Glorfindel.

“Yes, perhaps next time,” agreed Erestor easily.

“Yes, next time,” answered the warrior hopefully.

Trying to get a hold on his senses, Glorfindel started to walk towards a big, shady tree not too far form the river’s edge or from their mounts.

He sat down, unhooking his sword belt and placed it next to the tree. Patting the ground next to him, he called after Erestor. “Please, meldir, let us sit and enjoy the day.”

Moving towards the golden warrior, Erestor unbuckled his sword belt to sit more comfortably as well. The act looking like simple seduction unto Glorfindel’s mind and overly heightened senses. He inwardly groaned as he felt his breeches suddenly become tighter. Discreetly, crossing his legs to hide his sudden arousal, he smiled at the beautiful elf that sat next to him.

“You smell wonderful,” Glorfindel uttered before his brain could tell him not to say such a thing. He inwardly groaned.

To his surprise, Erestor laughed, “Tis honeysuckle oil.”

“Nice.” He replied. ‘Oh, you oaf!’ he scolded himself.

“This is a beautiful spot, dear Fin,” Erestor smiled and sighed leaning back against the tree. “So peaceful.”

“Aye, tis beautiful,” answered Glorfindel looking directly into Erestor’s chocolate eyes.

Feeling a flutter in his stomach, Erestor closed his eyes and sighed. “If I did not know better, dear Fin, I wouldst say you were flirting with me this day.” Suddenly Erestor tensed, as he felt moist, warm, breath against the tip of his right ear.

“Who says you know best,” came the whispered reply that went straight to the counselor’s groin.

Erestor stood up unsteadily, “GLORFINDEL, I, I am wedded.”
“Y- you are my friend!” His hands were shaking, ‘why was his friend saying these things to him?’ ‘Why did he wish he was not taken?’ He put his hand over his own mouth in shock at his own thoughts.

Glorfindel jumped up next to him, feeling guilty at upsetting Erestor so. “Please, Erestor, I, I will respect your marriage,” he felt bile rise in his throat form that word. “Though Cara does not honor you,” he sighed heavily, “ I do not understand why he treats you so?” “If, if you were mine, I would hold you dear as the treasure you are.”

Erestor’s head was reeling, he felt faint, why did Glorfindel feel this way about him, he was undesirable, and his own husband did not wish to touch him. He turned around to face the beautiful warrior, yes…oh yes, Glorfindel was beautiful, and desired by many, his light so bright and pure.
Turning around with tears streaming down his face, he looked deep into Glorfindel’s eyes. “D-did Carandhol put you up to t-this?” he asked in the quietest voice, that Glorfindel had to strain to hear. “Is he hiding somewhere laughing at me?” Erestor’s head went down in defeat.

Glorfindel was overcome with emotion; he lifted Erestor’s head up by his chin and looked deeply into those sad eyes, “By Eru, Erestor, what has Cara done to you?” He could see that Erestor’s spirit was broken, as a horse that was handled too roughly by its owner.

Lowering his head, he put his forehead against Erestor’s brow. “Tell me, let me share your burden,” he whispered so close to ruby lips.

Slowly, Glorfindel’s lips pressed against Erestor’s softly, almost not touching, as a flutter of silk alongside skin might feel.

Erestor felt his knees grow weak, Glorfindel’s breath was as a comfort, a drug, and he knew if he but tasted it, he would become its slave, forever wanting more.

Slowly, with much inner strength, he pulled away from Glorfindel, touching his fingers to his own lips. That one ghosting of lips felt more to him than all the kisses he had ever shared with Carandhol. He looked deep into Glorfindel’s eyes once more and took his hand, “Sit with me dear Fin, and I will tell you our tale…”

TBC……….