Beside You In Time

Title: Nine Inch Nails Songfic Challenge – “Beside You in Time”
Author: Janalynn27
Type: Songfic
Pairing: Erestor/Glorfindel
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Slash, Angst, Character death, AU
Disclaimer: The characters are not mine. They belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien. No disrespect is intended and no profit is being made.
Beta: Patricia Pleasant aka slayer9649, Thanks a bunch! Any other mistakes are of my making.
Summary: This was written for the Imladris_Slash Yahoo group Nine Inch Nail Songfic Challenge.
Feedback: It is greatly appreciated
Author’s Notes: 1) My muse insisted that I write a prologue to this songfic, and it became long which in turn made this story long, sorry! 2) I shortened the chorus and omitted the second one, since it was long and repetitive. All other verses are correct. 3) The lyrics are denoted by **lyrics**

Prologue


Gondolin, 511 of the First Age


Erestor nestled back against his melethron (m. lover) and sighed as arms folded about him, holding him tightly. His body felt languid, sated from being thoroughly loved. A smile was brought to his lips as he felt Glorfindel’s hand starting to caress his skin. Whenever they were alone together, it was as if his mate could not touch him enough. Always he was caressing him, whether it was a brush of his fingertips across his hand, a simple brushing of the body, or holding him in his arms. When they lay in bed he would ghost his fingers over sensitized skin, petting him as if he were worshipping his body.

Glorfindel bent his elbow and rested his head upon his hand. Looking down at his mate, “And what are you thinking of to bring such a beautiful smile to your face?” he asked as he lightly traced Erestor’s bottom lip with his fingers.

Erestor turned to lie on his back and looked up into sapphire eyes and said, “You.”

“Me?” Glorfindel said as he leaned down to nibble on the lip he had just caressed.

“Hmm mm,” Erestor mumbled and then opened his mouth for the tongue that demanded entrance.

Glorfindel moaned as he tasted the sweetness of Erestor, never seeming able to get enough of his mate. Knowing that his hervenn (husband) was more than likely sore from the times he had already loved him this evening, he still longed to have him once again. As if Erestor knew what he was thinking, he repositioned them so he cradled Glorfindel between his legs.

Rubbing their hardened arousal together Erestor said between kisses, “Love…me…again…”

Breaking the kiss, Glorfindel looked down into his mate’s eyes and saw the same desire, the same need that coursed through his body and soul. Glorfindel, never breaking eye contact, glided smoothly inside his meleth (love). Leaning down, he put all the love that he had for his melethron into a slow, lingering kiss as he started to move in and out of his mate’s tight channel. “You were made for me,” Glorfindel panted.

Erestor smiled as he wrapped his legs around his meleth’s waist, meeting him thrust for thrust, “Yes, I am and will always be yours.”

Their bodies moved together in a slow dance, a melding of bodies and spirits. Hands lovingly caressed then grabbed tightly as their pleasure mounted, becoming too much for them to keep contained and they soon were crying out as they soared together in blissful euphoria.

Erestor’s heart had almost regained its steady rhythm when he heard the faint strains of music wafting in through the balcony doors. Smiling, he started to hum the song of birth and renewal, thinking that his life had started anew the moment he had met his golden warrior.

Glorfindel raised his upper body so he could look down at his mate and asked, “I am selfish, am I not?”

“Meleth?” Erestor frowned.

“You deserve to be at the celebration tonight. I have kept you all to myself,” Glorfindel said as he raised Erestor’s hand to kiss the silver ring that adorned his finger, “I asked you to bind with me, yet I also asked you for your discretion.”

Erestor laced his fingers with his mate’s and pulled so Glorfindel had to lean down and he said, “I am happy where I am. I would rather be here, with you, than at any celebration, however grand it may be. And as for the waiting to announce our bonding and planning a formal ceremony, I care not about it. All I care about is that I own your heart, that you are mine as I am yours. I understand why you wanted to wait and I am not upset about it, meleth.”

Glorfindel brushed his lips against Erestor’s and said, “I love you and tomorrow, all will know that you have stolen my heart and that we are forever bound to one another.”

Erestor threaded his fingers through Glorfindel’s hair as he deepened the kiss. His mate had just returned from a two month patrol and therefore was able to get out of attending tonight’s celebration, much to Erestor’s delight. They had been friends since the first time Glorfindel had rescued him from a bunch of bullies. Erestor had just moved into a new home with his mother, who was slowly fading from the loss of her mate. Erestor, just past his majority, was terrified from losing one parent and having to watch the other fade away. He turned into a sad, meek ellon, which garnered many taunts thrown his way until one day a knight on a white steed came charging to his rescue and stole his heart in the process. They had become fast friends, finding every opportunity to spend together, and when Erestor’s mother finally passed to Mandos’ Halls, Glorfindel was there to help him through his grief.

As time went by, they grew closer and closer until one night they shared a passionate kiss and everything changed between them. No longer did they see each other as merely friends, but lovers. To say that Glorfindel pursued him with fervor would be an understatement. They soon became lovers, and even though those around them knew that they were, most never thought that it would turn out to be forever. When Glorfindel had asked him to bond with him, Erestor did not hesitate to say yes. Even when Glorfindel asked for them to wait on announcing their union, for Glorfindel was scheduled to head out for patrol soon; never did he waver in his devotion for his melethron.

When Glorfindel slid out of him, he could not mask his discomfort and soon he was being carried into the bathing chamber. “A hot soak in the tub will help your soreness,” Glorfindel said as he gently placed him on the edge of the tub and started to draw a bath for them. Once they were finished, they convened out onto the balcony so they could listen to the music more clearly. They were sitting on a chaise longue, Erestor cradled in between Glorfindel’s legs, both drifting in and out of reverie when suddenly a scream rent the air, startling them both awake.

Rushing to the railing, both Erestor and Glorfindel looked to the horizon and stared in horror at the smoke and flames that were making their way towards the city. Now, where beautiful music had filled the air, screeching wails and call to arms were heard, along with the distant drums of their enemy.

Erestor gripped Glorfindel’s hand and gasped, “By Eru, how did this happen?”

Glorfindel turned and took hold of Erestor by the upper arms and said, “I do not know, but you know what I must do. You must help my servants get to the secret passage. I must know that you are safe, Erestor. I will not be able to keep my mind on my enemies if I have to worry about you.”

Erestor shook his head, “No, I cannot leave you!”

The drums were growing louder and Glorfindel knew that they had precious little time left so he shook Erestor, “Meleth, you must do this for me! Saes (Please), you must stay safe for me!”

Erestor knew that he must do this for his hervenn, however much he disliked leaving him, so he pulled Glorfindel down for a desperate kiss, putting everything he had into it.

Glorfindel crushed Erestor to him and when he tasted his mate’s tears he gently kissed them away. Suddenly there was a banging on the bedchamber door and they could hear some of the servants shouting that they were under attack.

Releasing Erestor, Glorfindel opened the door and looked into the frightened faces of those he grew up with. “Gather only what you need for a journey and assemble in the courtyard. Erestor is going to lead you to a secret passageway that leads out of the city,” Glorfindel said and then closed the door to dress for battle.

Erestor was already dressed by the time Glorfindel threw off his robe and started to dress himself. After quickly laying out his mate’s sword and other weapons, he helped him with his armor with shaky hands. When his hands were taken into the larger ones of his melethron, he looked into tear-filled eyes and he flung his arms about Glorfindel’s neck, “I love you,” he whispered into his warrior’s ear before letting him go.

Hurriedly, they made their way out to the courtyard where they found the servants and warriors of the House of the Golden Flower. With a lingering look, the bonded pair went their separate ways, one leading the frightened elves through the city to the secret passageway and the other making his way towards his King.

It took Erestor longer than he had hoped to make it to the hidden tunnel, having gathered others along the way and trying to move as stealthily as possible with such a large group. Motioning for the elves to enter the tunnel, his eyes constantly searched in hopes of seeing his mate. Finally when he could not see any others approaching and waiting as long as he deemed wise, he ran through the passage.

Glorfindel fought, his soul crying out each time he saw another elf die and suddenly he knew that he must get to Erestor. Fighting his way through the throng of orcs and wolves, he made his way up to a high vantage point and looked to the pass of Cirith Thoronath and did not see any elves that had made it there yet. Suddenly out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a Balrog making a line towards the pass and Glorfindel knew now why he had felt such unease, the demon had sighted the fleeing elves.

Jumping down from the wall, Glorfindel managed to find a horse that was still alive and uninjured and leapt up onto its back, cutting a swath through the enemy and towards a break through the wall. Giving free reign to the steed, he sped his way towards his mate, hoping to get there in time to help them make it through the pass before the Balrog managed to reach it.

Erestor was helping the stragglers, ones with Elflings, when he heard his name cried out. Turning, he trembled with relief when he saw his beloved. When Glorfindel jumped down from his horse, Erestor flung himself at his mate, crying his name, “Glorfindel!”

Glorfindel closed his eyes for a brief moment then held Erestor at arms length and drank in the vision that was his soul’s desire. “Erestor, you must go and help the others make their way to the pass as quickly as they can manage. There is a Balrog coming; you all must hurry!” he said has he squeezed Erestor’s arms, wishing he never had to let go, but knowing that he must.

As if to back up the impending arrival of the beast, a mighty roar was heard along with a crack of it’s fiery whip. Looking over Glorfindel’s shoulder, Erestor’s eyes widened as he saw the Balrog coming closer. Erestor grasped Glorfindel’s hand and started to pull him along, “You must come with us. We can make it if we hurry!” he shouted, but in his heart, he knew that they would not, not with all of the Elflings and those who were heavy with child.

Glorfindel pulled Erestor to a stop and when he was going to start to argue, he crushed his mate to him and gave him a desperate kiss. Finally, knowing that there was no time left, he stepped back and said, “Erestor, you must help the others. You must promise me that you will make it to safety. I love you. I have since the moment that I met you. Saes, you must promise me that you will go on, that you will live for me!”

Tears fell down Erestor’s face, “I love you, too! I always have! Saes, come back to me. I cannot live without you, you are my life,” he pleaded.

Glorfindel slipped his ring off his finger and pressed it into his mate’s hand, “Keep this for me. I will come back for it. I will come back for you. Now promise me that you will live for me and that you will wait for me to return to you” he demanded.

Erestor swallowed and nodded, “I promise.”

“That is my mate. No matter what it takes, I will find my way back to you, that is my promise to you,” he said as he caressed Erestor’s face one last time before hopping back onto his horse and galloping towards the Balrog, blocking its way to the pass and the fleeing elves.

Erestor helped the others and they made their way as quickly as possible up the steep incline. They climbed and scrambled to the pass when suddenly the Balrog let out a great roar of anger and they turned in time to see the beast fall over the cliff along with the Lord of the House of the Golden Flower.

“NO!!!!!!” Erestor cried out as he sank to his knees. Searching out with his soul, he doubled over when he could no longer feel his mate’s life force.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Imladris, Early part of the Third Age


**I am all alone this time around
Sometimes on the side I hear a sound
Places parallel I know it's you
Feel the little pieces bleeding through
And on**


Erestor woke to find himself doubled over on the floor next to his bed. Tears streaked down his face as the nightmare drifted back to its shadowy corner in his mind. These last few months, it had attacked with a vengeance, every time Erestor lay down to rest. Taking a shuddering breath, he crawled to his feet and stumbled into the bathing chamber. Sliding into a hot bath, he sank down until the water touched his chin and yet he still felt chilled. Erestor took a deep breath as he tightened his fist around the precious rings that hung from a silver chain around his neck. Sitting up, he danged the chain so he could gaze at the silver rings, one slightly smaller than the other. His life had started the moment Glorfindel had came charging to his rescue and now, when he fell from that cliff, he took a part of Erestor, leaving an empty shell behind. Sometimes Erestor could be walking down the halls, late at night, and could almost hear his beloved’s laughter, could almost catch a glimpse of his golden mane. It was like a ghost that constantly haunted his every step. There were times that he had beautiful dreams, wonderful memories of his beloved, and when Erestor woke, for the briefest of seconds he would smile true until it dissolved into a weeping, knowing that his meleth was lost to him.


**[Chorus]
This goes on
And on
And on
And on
This goes on
And on
And on
And on**


Erestor sat at his desk in his office, thinking of all that he must do in the next two weeks. Two weeks and it will be over, his torment of living his days in shadow and pain. Time marched on and on, and yet his meleth had not returned to him. The years had seeped together, on and on he trudged along until it was simply too hard for him to even take in a breath.

Erestor sighed as he laid before him a new stack of papers he need to organize and make notes for, knowing that he could not go on any longer. He would finalize all of the documents that needed attending to and help Lord Elrond with the trade meeting that was scheduled at the beginning of next week, and then he would let the shadow consume him, finally seeking rest for his battered soul.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Glorfindel gripped the railing of the ship that carried him closer to the shores of Arda, closer to his Erestor. So long he had lingered in Mandos’ Halls, time flowed differently there, yet Glorfindel had felt each passing second as if it had been an eternity. He thought back now on Námo’s last words to him, just before he was sent back into his body:

Glorfindel, there are mighty and important things for you to do in times to come. I am sending you back to help the son of Eärendil, Lord Elrond. You must help him carry on, for he is important to the welfare of all of Middle-Earth. I also can feel your eagerness to reunite with your soul’s mate. I warn you, though, to make haste, for time is not on your side. Your mate has held on for so long that the call to my Hall’s grows ever stronger. When you reach the shores of Arda, waste no time in getting to Lord Elrond’s haven of Imladris; you will find you heart’s desire there.

Glorfindel knew that Námo would have not told him this if it had not been true. A tear fell down Glorfindel’s cheek only to be blown away by the force of the wind; the ship making great speed across the sea, taking him home, taking him to his meleth. He just hoped that he was not too late, for the closer he came to the shores, the colder he felt, like a flame slowly waning, and he knew that it was his mate; Erestor was fading.

The moment the ship pulled up to the dock, Glorfindel wasted no time, leaping over the railing and running, yelling for a horse. After quickly telling Lord Círdan of his need to make his way to Imladris as quickly as possible, he was given a horse and provisions. Glorfindel mounted and rode like the wind, passing quickly out of sight, even of the guards that Lord Círdan sent to follow and protect the born-again Elda.

Time went slowly for Glorfindel on the journey from the Havens to Imladris. Finally when Glorfindel could not push himself or his steed any further, he made camp. After a few hours, the guard sent by Lord Círdan, managed to catch up with him. They stared in wide-eyed awe at the magnificent warrior before them. Not knowing what worried the Slayer or why he was in such a rush, they never the less broke camp shortly after they had arrived and tried their best to keep pace with the Elda.

Every second that went by, Glorfindel felt the cold permeate his soul, and he knew that he had very little time left. Pushing himself, his steed, and the warriors almost beyond the breaking point, he managed to shave nearly two precious days off his journey, making it to Imladris’ border within six days after leaving the Grey Havens. Seeing a patrol guard sent ahead to warn of his arrival, he nearly cried out, he was so close to his beloved.


**Now I've decided not to stay
I can feel me start to fade away
Everything is back where it belongs
I will be beside you before long**


Erestor sat before the gilded mirror, brushing his dark locks to a burnished shine. He took extra care in braiding his hair into his finest circlet. Dressing in his finest robes, he carefully placed the letter he had written, addressed to his Lord Elrond, upon his desk. Erestor stared at the letter for many minutes, thinking that if he had any regret it was leaving Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrían. Sighing, he turned and walked to the bed, lying down and closing his eyes, already feeling the cold seep through his body.

Memories played through his mind, danced about as he felt himself drift away, of the many years he had endured since his beloved had so bravely fallen to his death. Tears fell out of the corners of Erestor’s eyes to christen his ebony locks. He had promised his mate that he would hold on, he would continue living, but no more. Now it was too late, he did not have the strength left in his soul to even sail to Aman, the cold had taken him over, leaving him in darkness. Soon he would be lost to Mandos’ Halls, he would exist there until it was time for him to be reborn and then he would somehow find his meleth once again. Peace settled over Erestor, the thought of finally finding rest, of finding Glorfindel again gave him comfort.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


**Ohhhh we will never die
Beside you in time
Ohhhh we will never die
Beside you in time**

Elrond stood in the courtyard, awaiting his new guest, only knowing that the Elda was returning to Middle-Earth. Looking around he did not see his Advisor and asked, “Melpomaen, do you know where Erestor is; it is not like him to be absent on such an important occasion?”

“I do not know, My Lord. Would you like me to go and find him?” Melpomaen asked.

Elrond nodded and then turned once more to watch for the arrival of the mysterious ellon. He had been notified not a half an hour ago of the Elda’s crossing of Imladris’ border, somewhat surprised, for he had not expected him for a few more days. The first thing Elrond saw was gigantic clouds of dust and then suddenly coming out of the haze, a golden paragon on back of a white stallion came skidding to a halt but a few feet from him.

Glorfindel was on his feet before his horse came to a complete stop. Striding up to the Lord of Imladris, for there was no mistaking the son of Eärendil, he gave a quick bow and said, “My Lord, I am told you have an ellon by the name of Erestor among your household. I beg you to take me to him at once.”

Elrond stared wide-eyed into the haunted blue eyes of the warrior before him but before he was able to form any reply to the Elda’s request, Melpomaen returned and said, “My Lord, I could not find Master Erestor anywhere. He was not in his office and there was no answer at his chambers’ door.”

Glorfindel’s heart felt like it was being ripped out of his chest, fearing that he was too late. Each second that slipped past him in his journey here, was like another crack in his soul. He knew that Erestor was here but he could feel his mate slipping away from him.

Grabbing the Lord’s hand, Glorfindel pleaded, “Saes, My Lord, take me to him before it is too late!”

Elrond knew that something awful was about to happen so he nodded and he, Melpomaen, and the Elda ran to Erestor’s chambers. When they arrived he went to knock on the door but was waylaid by the warrior who barged right in, running to Erestor’s bed.

Glorfindel sank to his knees beside the bed and as tears fell freely down his face, he looked at his beloved’s pale face. Noting his closed eyes, he grasped Erestor’s hand and gasped, “Meleth, saes, it is me, your hervenn. Saes open your eyes for me!”

Elrond was shocked at this announcement. He had known for some time that his Chief Advisor’s strength was waning, but never knowing the reason. Now things suddenly became clear to him. His heart broke as the warrior roared out his denial as time passed and Erestor did not stir.

Erestor was floating in a sea of darkness. The cold was engulfing him in its arms, carrying him away from the pain when suddenly, he heard in the distance his name being called out. The sound of the voice reverberated to his very core, calling him back to the light. Suddenly it was like Erestor was riding a whirlwind as he was catapulted out of the darkness and into consciousness.

Glorfindel could not believe that he was too late; knowing that no matter what Námo wanted of him, that he would not be able to stay without Erestor. He rested his brow upon Erestor’s hand and prayed with every breath he had that his mate would return to him. Suddenly he felt Erestor’s fingers move and he snapped his head up to see his meleth’s eyes flutter open. Caressing Erestor’s face, he said, “Beloved, saes, look at me. Saes do not leave me for I have returned to you. Your Glorfindel has come back to you. I have kept my promise.”

Erestor’s vision cleared and tears sprang to his eyes as he looked upon the face that he thought he would never see again. Slowly he reached out his hand to brush his finger tips against the vision before him and he whispered, “Are you a fantasy? Am I dreaming again?”

Glorfindel smiled and kissed the tips of Erestor’s fingers and said, “No, you are not dreaming, hervenn. I am real.”

Erestor frowned, “But how?”

“Námo has returned me to you. I will never leave you again, meleth nín (my love),” Glorfindel said just before he captured Erestor’s lips in a kiss that was filled with all the love that he had for his hervenn.

Tears filled Elrond’s eyes as he watched the two mates embrace when suddenly they were glowing with a golden light so bright that he had to put a hand in front of his eyes to block out the intensity. When the light faded to a soft glow, he stared in awe at the life that he saw in Erestor’s being, the likes he had never seen before.


The End