Isolation

Title: Isolation
Author: Krit
Email: kritblack1@yahoo.ca
Pairing: Erestor/Glorfindel, Elrond/Lindir, (Elrond/Rumil Implied)
Warnings: Slash, AU, NC-17, does not follow any timeline what-so-ever!
Disclaimer: Well, obviously they belong to Tolkien/ Tolkiens Estate as I am not original enough for my own characters (else I would be writing/publishing novels by now) so I use those belonging to other people. Don’t own, don’t profit and don’t have permission to play with – but I’m a rebel and can’t control myself.
Notes: All mistakes are mine and mine alone; I cling to them devotedly because for some reason I get a kick out of re-reading my work and laughing at my own stupidity *shrugs*.
Summary: Elrond is fed up with the endless bickering and animosity between Erestor and Glorfindel and sends them on a little holiday to resolve their differences. Also Elrond discovers he has some issues of his own to deal with.

Part 1…

“Enough!”

The enraged exclamation echoed through out the small hall, bringing about absolute silence from all inhabitants as wide, frightened eyes swung towards the imposing presence of their Lord, each praying they were not the source of his current irritation.

Standing from his chair, the silver-grey of his eyes flashing in fury, Elrond loomed over the gathered elves. Formidable at the best of times, everyone knew that an irate Lord Elrond in a fit of temper was not to be trifled with.

“Erestor! Glorfindel! My study! Now!”

The two elves rose with a dignity befitting royalty and casually moved to follow their fuming Lord as though nothing untoward had taken place and that they were not the source of the half-elf’s annoyance.

Stalking towards his study, robes flapping behind him, Elrond seethed. Throwing open the door he whipped past the intricate tapestries depicting great historical events with nary a glance. He stormed across the plush hand crafted rug which graced the center of the room without taking notice of the softness. Coming, at last, to stand behind the dark hazel colored desk at which he worked, massive and imposing in it size. Upon reaching his destination he turned, placing his hands upon the top of his high backed chair and leveled a menacing stare at the two miscreants who followed soundlessly in his wake to come to a stand still across fhim.him. Continuing to glare at two of his most trusted friends Elrond made a valiant attempt to control his emotions.

It helped not at all that Glorfindel seemed to be enjoying his fit of temper, if the amused glint in his eye was any indication. Fiendish troublemaker that one, pulling pranks and causing mischief, although some how always able to talk himself out of any situation. With a warm smile and his endearing mannerisms there were few who could refuse him anything and in fact Elrond knew of only two beings who had ever been able to withstand his charm; Erestor and himself, although he privately speculated that if he had not been Glorfindels Lord and hence greatly respected by the twice born Balrog slayer he would, with a little coaxing, probably be laying down in a spectacular imitation of a door mat for the golden beauty, along with half of the elven population. With a tutor such as Glorfindel was it any wonder that the twins had turned out to be such hellions, but still able to wheedle their way out of anything?

Then there was Erestor, with his impenetrable mask and sarcastic remarks that always seemed to find their target with unerring accuracy. Even Thranduil, arrogant King of Mirkwood and self proclaimed marvel of all elven kind, dared not engage the cunning advisor in a battle of wits, having once tried and failed spectacularly, leaving red faced and humiliated. Elrond often speculated that this was the true reason for strained dealings between Imladris and Mirkwood, but didn’t have any solid proof to support it. Although Erestor was reserved and preferred solitude to socializing it never ceased to amaze him that so many of his people could even think that Erestor had no feelings. Through out their long standing association Erestor had always maintained his composure. In fact Elrond had never seen his long time friend loose his famed calm outside of war and great tragedy, and doubted more than a handful of elves had even seen the seemingly subdued counselor in battle, as most of their former comrades in arms had passed over the sea or now rested in the halls of the dead. He had seen Erestor in the midst of battle, his wrath so great as to send the enemy quaking to their knees in surrender. He had also seen him cloaked in sorrow so deep over the loss of a comrade as to overwhelm all who bore witness to it. Those who assumed that Erestor had no emotions need only observe the counselor’s actions to know how wrong those assumptions truly were. His small considerations for others, such as making sure Arwen’s favorite flowers were present in the dining hall when ever she was home from visiting Lothlorien, that Elrohir always had his preferred quill for working in the library, or even purposefully passing over his favorite desert so someone else may enjoy it, which usually ended up being Glorfindel. They seemed such little things that no one took notice of them and did not realize that there was such caring behind the action.

It was with great consternation that Elrond often found himself in the role of mediator between the two elves. For some unexplained reason the two had never gotten along and constantly seemed at each others throats; Glorfindel insistently harassing Erestor in some misguided hope of getting a more intense reaction than one of the advisors witty and oft times cutting remarks. The two had an unmatched capability to trade barbs and insults like no other. Elrond was of the opinion it was Erestors detached attitude that prompted Glorfindel to go to the extremes he did, such as earlier this evening. The two adversaries had been involved in a heated debate about the age old saying that the ‘pen was mightier than the sword’. The insults had risen to new heights and would have continued to escalate had Elrond not intervened when he did. It was getting ridiculous. The two had engaged in this behavior for ages now, and Elrond had hoped that the animosity between them would have subsided or at least lessened somewhat, but it seemed his hopes were inn. n. Something had to be done about the hostility between the two and, as he was past the limit of his tolerance, he had at long last decided that the two needed to resolve their differences and discover some way to interact without the barbs and insults manifesting. Deciding that a little time with only each other as company would give them the opportunity to communicate Elrond made a monumental decision that did not involve locking them in the wine cellar for an extended period of time – he did have his collection to consider after all. The two would learn to interact and cooperate, optimistically theyld lld learn to depend on each other, or he would be driven to commanding them to cease all dealings with each other outside of imperative issues regarding the valley and its inhabitants. Willing that the situation would not require such extremes he opened his mouth to give voice to his soon to be life altering ultimatum.

“I demand that this childish conduct cease. In order for you to accomplish this goal I have decided that you will depart on the morrow, together. You will find a secluded location and make camp. During this seclusion you will put your differences behind you and reach an agreement on how you will conduct yourselves in this household. If, after seven cycles of the sun, you still find you cannot cooperate you will return here and proceed about your duties and personal activities with as little interaction as is strictly necessary. For your trip you will be supplied with one horse, one bed roll and enough rations for one elf, all of which you will share equally. You are required to pack your own essentials such as clothing and any necessary weaponry. You will depend upon each other, and I expect your sense of honor to hold you to this arrangement. Now I suggest you leave to prepare yourselves for tomorrow. Objections to my decision are pointless and a waste of breath.” With a raised eye brow Elrond observed their reactions. As expected Erestor had remained calm and aside from a slight widening of his eyes one would have thought he had known about this newest idea from his Lord for weeks now and had only been waiting for Elrond to make an announcement. Glorfindel was plainly taken aback. His stance had gone from unconcerned to outraged and he appeared to be on the verge of spluttering in offense. “That is all.”

Watching as the two elves turned to exit his study Elrond sent a prayer to the Valar that his two loyal friends would settle things, what ever they may be, and that no kin slaying would occur while they were together in the wilds.

TBC…