The night of Doom and Love

Pairing: Erestor/Glorfindel
Beta: Ashlyn
A/N: Erestor and Glorfindel are so beautiful together. I love them both. And thank you so much for your excellent betaing, Ashlyn! Without you I was lost.
Feedback: I would be so happy if you tell me what you think


THE NIGHT OF DOOM AND LOVE


It was late, and Glorfindel was walking slowly to his chambers when he suddenly froze. A desperate cry echoed through the night-shrouded corridor. He paused, tilted his head in order to discern from whence came the strangled sound. He quickly picked up his steps, realizing that whoever it was surely needed help.

The sounds led him to a heavy oak door and he listened again to make sure he’d heard right. Aye, indeed he had, for the cries were now whimpers. Glorfindel was not unknowing of the sounds elven lovers made in passion, but what seemed to lay beyond the door was far from loving. Someone was being hurt, and that went against everything he’d been taught.

Elves simply did not hurt other elves. That sort of behavior was for the world of men.

Quietly, he tried the door and found it to be unlocked. Stealthily he crept in. What he saw in front of his very eyes shocked him.

In the room was large bed, and in the middle were two elves obviously in some sort of struggle. It was more than apparent from the way the poor elf did his best to avert his head from the forceful kiss the other was trying to bestow, this wasn’t an issue of free will.

Glorfindel was absolutely furious. This was the sort of behavior he expected from men or from the other lesser races. Elves simply did not rape or force each other in this way. For elves, sex and sensuality were sacred and beautiful things to be shared with open minds and joyous hearts. Yes, there were those of his kin who engaged in rougher types of love-play, but even then, it was consensual even when it seemed otherwise.

The would-be rapist paid him no attention, too wrapped up in his own prize when Glorfindel forcefully pulled him away. Another shock showed on his face as he recognized the assailant.

“Maeglin, what be you about here,” Glorfindel demanded harshly. “What in the name of the Valar has brought you so low as to act this way?”

“Glorfindel,” Maeglin spat, eyes blazing.

“The golden boy and our dear King’s cherished pet! Why don’t you just disappear and leave this pretty little fellow to me? In spite of your chivalrous ways he isn’t worth saving. Everyone knows his mother is a common harlot, and this boy is just like his mother.”

Glorfindel gazed at the shivering elf who was sobbing and quivering violently.

Turning cold eyes on to Maeglin again, Glorfindel replied angrily,

“What a monster you are, Maeglin. Does it make you feel any stronger forcing a mere elfling to satisfy your needs? Look at him! He is but a child!”

This time it was Maeglin who spat as he removed himself from the bed and began to dress.

“Once again, Glorfindel the Great sticks his nose where it is the least wanted.”

Glorfindel ignored the other elf’s taunts. Instead he knelt by the bed, a warm hand gently resting on the shoulder of the sobbing elfling.

“You are safe now, pen dithen (little one). I won’t let him hurt you anymore.”

The elfling raised his head, and Glorfindel’s heart nearly stopped. He had never seen so beautiful a creature as this elfling. He really was true beauty, with raven silky locks, pale skin and dark, shining eyes.

“Did he hurt you,” Glorfindel asked, concerned. His worry eased a little when he saw that elfling’s clothes had barely been touched. The tunic had been ripped but that was all.

“Nay…you stopped him before anything happened. But I was so scared…he hit me”, the elfling sobbed, and Glorfindel felt his anger rising. How could anyone hurt this utterly adorable creature?

“Could you…could you take me from here please…” the elfling whispered shakily, a pleading gaze in his eyes.

Glorfindel nodded as he smiled gently.

“Of course. I will escort you to your home and remain until you feel safe.” With that, Glorfindel took him in his arms and helped him up. When he turned around again, he realized that Maeglin was gone.

*“Go…go you little coward! I’m going to ensure you will be punished for this!”*

As the two elves began their slow journey through the corridors, Glorfindel wondered just what had gotten into Maeglin. Then again, it wasn’t as if either elf had ever been friends. Truth to tell, Maeglin neither liked him nor made any secret of that fact. Still, this…this was something horrible. He knew that if Maeglin had indeed succeeded in doing harm to the elfling, it would have been disastrous all around.

What kind of elf could do something like this? More importantly…why?

It was when he looked down at the little one he practically carried in his arms that he felt he knew the answer and it disturbed him.

He walked quickly, following the elfling’s half-whispered directions and in no time he was at their destination.


It was a small place, yet homely, with a wooden table and chairs, a stand for washing and a low, carved bed. Glorfindel made himself useful, lighting a fire in the hearth and fetching water. Finally when he was certain all was as well as it could be, he turned to leave.

A quiet whisper made him stop.

“Could you stay, please…a little while…I – I don’t want to be alone.”

Glorfindel simply couldn’t resist. By now he knew that he wouldn’t deny the adorable little elfling anything it was in his power to give and he was mightily confused about his feelings. He’d never felt anything like this before. One gaze into those beautiful dark eyes made him shiver. It was as if the elfling’s very soul shone like the moon upon water.

He tried to sit in a chair beside the bed, but the little one definitely had other thoughts.

“I’m so scared and cold. Could you hold me? Please?”

Glorfindel hesitated, but realized he could do nothing but accept. He climbed beside the elfling and took him in his arms. He felt his pulse racing, but deep inside he felt utter peace. He didn’t know why, but this felt somehow…right.

“Man eneth lín (*What is your name*), pen dithen”, Glorfindel whispered, trying to regain some control of his senses.

“Estannen (*I am called*) Erestor”, the elfling answered shyly.

“Well, Erestor, I do not know how you fell into Maeglin’s clutches, but from now on you need to be much more careful. And Maeglin isn’t only one who could hurt you if got chance,” Glorfindel’s tone was serious. He didn’t want to scare Erestor, but for his sake, this conversation was necessary. Erestor was so heartbreakingly beautiful that many desired him now and in future perhaps even more.

“I know. I just…wanted to go out…to look at the stars and the beautiful night.” Erestor averted his gaze, ashamed.

“Erestor, look at me,” Glorfindel demanded gently.

Erestor did, and saw the most incredible azure eyes which were both serious yet warm, and looking into them Erestor felt something strange.

It was as if this elf was touching him deep inside, only by his mere gaze, and it felt so amazing. There was nothing frightening about it at all.

“I’m not blaming you. There is certainly nothing wrong with wanting to see the stars, but you must understand that it is extremely dangerous to wander at corridors this time at night. And one more thing. You have to learn to defend yourself. Promise me that you will be much more careful from now on.” He stroked Erestor’s hair while talking, to soften his words. He realized that Erestor was special, in many ways. Glorfindel was sure that most Elves saw only Erestor’s stunning beauty, and didn’t notice the very rare spirit behind his appearance.

But Glorfindel saw. And he knew that someday this little elfling would be very special.

“I promise,” the elfling whispered, eyes shining bright in the semidarkness.

“I know your words are meant well and I will be careful. I will learn to fight. And thank you for saving me.” Erestor reached forward and shyly brushed his lips against his rescuer’s cheek. Glorfindel flinched at first, but then smiled.

“Very well then, I suggest you try to sleep now. I will not leave you, unless you want me to.” Erestor’s kiss burned his cheek, and he tried desperately to understand just why he felt as if he were melting from such a simple kiss.

Just a little kiss given by elfling.

“I do want you to stay. I feel so safe in your arms.”

“You are safe. Sleep now, pen dithen.”

“You have not given me your name, my lord,” Erestor mumbled, already half asleep.

“Estannen Glorfindel.”

Glorfindel…and with his rescuer’s name poised upon his lips, Erestor fell into a deep relaxed sleep, safe and happy in the Elf’s warm and strong embrace.

Glorfindel knew that he wouldn’t sleep this night. He was sure that as long as he lived, he would remember this beautiful night rest of his life.

He couldn’t guess how short that life would be.

*******************************************************************************************************

When Glorfindel saw first rays of Anar, he saw something else too.

The days of his beloved Gondolin were coming to an end. Taking the still sleeping Erestor with him, he left the elfling in the safe hands of Idril’s household, being the only chance he could give Erestor to escape the doomed city.

When he saw his friend’s backs drawing away from him, he turned. Glorfindel didn’t hesitate to meet his own destiny, secure in his beloved’s escape.

Fire and Shadow broke him, sending him to Mandos’ halls.

Glorfindel’s last conscious thought was Erestor’s name.