All I ask of you

Pairing: Glorfindel/ Melpomaen


Author's Notes: I love Glorfindel and Melpomaen but all too seldom I
see them together. I had challenge for this fic from Jana, who wanted
to read something with this adorable pairing. Thank you, Jana for your help. Without you I have never learnt how to use that bloody LJ-cut.

And thank you Jennie, for your excellent betaing. Without you I was lost.


Feedback: I would be so happy if you tell me what you think.

 

ALL I ASK OF YOU

 

 

Chapter 1

Erestor grinned when he heard another sigh escaping his
friend’s lips. He followed Glorfindel’s gaze, and noticed him staring
at Melpomaen…again.  The balrog slayer had visited the
library far more frequently after the young scribe had started his job.
Erestor had his own suspicions as to his friend’s reasons, but
they hadn’t talked about it yet. Maybe now it was right time.

“Ai Glorfindel! You are hopeless. Why don’t you just go,
and ask him out?” He whispered mischievously. His grin widened
when he saw Glorfindel blushing. So, the famed Balrog slayer
was really smitten with his new secretary. Erestor wasn’t
surprised. Melpomaen was indeed a pretty little elf, as well as the
best secretary Erestor has ever had.

“I would love to… he is the sweetest creature I have
ever seen. But he is so young. Maybe too young for me”, Glorfindel
sighed. He had fallen in love with Melpomaen at very first sight.
/>
He loved everything about him…

warm brown eyes, shiny auburn hair…

beautiful, though shy smile…

He didn’t dare to think what those shapeless robes hid…


Oh, this time he was in real trouble and he knew it. Glorfindel had
had lovers before, but nobody had stolen his heart like Melpomaen.
Still, he was hesitant to pursue him openly, mostly because he
didn’t want just one more casual fling with someone who wanted only his
fame.

Erestor couldn’t believe his ears.

“Glorfindel, mellon nín (my friend). I never believed
this day coming. The famed Balrog slayer has finally fallen in love! I
can almost hear your many admirers’ wailing.”

“You don’t have to be so cheeky, Erestor. I never asked
for their hero-worship. Is it so hard to believe that all I want is
someone who would love me as an elf… as Glorfindel, not just for
my appearance and fame?” Glorfindel asked with saddened voice.

Erestor frowned when seeing his friend’s sudden melancholy.
This was really unusual behavior for Glorfindel. He and the Golden Lord
had known each other for ages, but never before Erestor had seen his
friend like this.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I really
wish I could help you”, he said, worried.

“You can help me, if you really want. You know him far better
than I do. So, tell me if I've got any chance with him.”
Glorfindel whispered hopefully.

Erestor thought for a long time before answering. The truth was,
that he didn’t know Melpomaen very well yet, for he hadn't been at
Imladris very long. But what he knew, made him smile. Oh yes. The
little scribe would make excellent mate for Glorfindel. He just
didn’t know it yet. The plan began to form in his brain. He wasn’t
the Chief Counsellor at Imladris for nothing.

“I must think of this. But if you want, I can try and find
out what he thinks of you.” Erestor offered.

“All right. But be careful! I don’t want him to know
anything about me, not yet”, Glorfindel accepted, after
moment’s hesitation.

“Be at peace, mellon nín. I won’t tell him
anything”, Erestor said, smiling mysteriously.

Glorfindel wasn’t quite sure if he did the right thing to
accept Erestor’s help. The smile on his friend’s face made him
nervous. Erestor was the most cunning and wicked elf he had ever
known. Glorfindel had marveled, at times, at how the elf he knew was totally
different from that stoic and distant Chief Counsellor whom many
respected. He and Erestor had been best friends for many millennia, since
they were young elves in Gondolin.

Erestor smiled at Glorfindel when he was leaving, and returned to
his work. This time, he didn’t continue his endless paperwork.
Instead, he started to write down completely different document. The
heading was:

“How to get Glorfindel and Melpomaen to a
date?”

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

Melpomaen watched his desk unbelievingly. Amongst the usual piles
of papers, was the most beautiful red rose he had ever seen. He
didn’t know what to do. Nobody sent him roses. Ever. Finally he took the
flower in his hand and went to his superior.

“I’m sorry to disturb you My Lord, but I need help.
Someone has left a rose on my desk, and I’m sure it is a
mistake”, he said shyly.

Erestor raised his head, watching the youth carefully.

“Whyever would you think it is a mistake?” He finally
asked, surprised.

“Because… because I haven’t anyone who would send
me such gifts”, Melpomaen explained awkwardly.  His
embarrassment eased a little when he saw the Lord smiling, amused. Melpomaen
had found Lord Erestor a demanding and strict superior, but also always
righteous and honorable.

“Maybe I can correct you. You haven’t yet had anyone who
would send you such gifts. But now you obviously have such a one. I
request that you enjoy it. It’s always nice to have secret
admirer”, Erestor snorted.

Melpomaen blushed.

“But… but… how? Besides, I’m
already…”, he stammered astonished.

Erestor flinched. This was unexpected. He had thought that
Melpomaen was available. As far he knew, the elf hadn’t a lover. Had he
been wrong?

“What do you mean? If you have a lover, why wouldn't he or she
give you gifts?”

“I didn’t mean it that way. I haven’t lover,
but…” Melpomaen couldn’t continue. He had tears of
embarrassment in his eyes. He never dared to tell Lord Erestor of his
piteous crush. What made things all the worse, was that the very object of
his fantasies was his superior’s best friend. He didn’t
think that Lord Erestor would laugh at him if he knew, but would surely
think him childish fool.

Erestor watched Melpomaen with a start. The youth hung his head.
Erestor had seen tears in his eyes. How in Arda had this simple rose
succeeded in upsetting him so? He had to solve this riddle. It wasn’t
good for Melpomaen, nor their work, if the youth was unhappy. Erestor
had taken a liking to the young elf from the very beginning. He had
thought that if he had elflings, he would have someone like Melpomaen. It
was almost strange that Glorfindel also had feelings for the youth,
though much less innocent…

“Melpomaen, pen-neth (young one). Saes (please) calm
down.  There is no reason to be afraid. Maybe I can help if you tell me
what is wrong”, he said softly.

“I… I can’t tell. It is so wrong… so
embarrassing.” Melpomaen whispered desperately.

Melpomaen’s words worried Erestor even more. Was it possible
that someone had hurt this adorable elf? If something had happened, he
wanted to know it.

“There is nothing you cannot tell me, pen-neth. I appreciate
you greatly, and it pains me to see you so upset. Keep in mind that
whatever you tell me will remain within these walls if that is what you
want.”

Erestor’s words finally broke Melpomaen’s defenses and
he started to speak, his cheeks flaming.

“I am in love with someone I can never have. "

“And why do you think so? Isn’t he available,
then?”

“No! How you think that I could break someone’s
happiness like that? But there is whole sea between us. He is so noble and
beautiful… and completely beyond my reach.”

“Oh, pen-neth! Don’t make the mistake to worship anyone
like some demi-god. Behind glorious names are mere elves who want to
love and be loved… like everyone.  The title
doesn’t protect anyone against heartache.”

Melpomaen thought at Erestor’s words. He had never thought
about it that way. He was surprised at his Lord’s sympathy. He
started to think he could tell him, after all. Lord Erestor was the wisest
elf he knew, so maybe he could tell what to do. Finally he made up his
mind, and decided to pour his heart out.

“I will tell… if you promise not to tell him about my
feelings.”

“I promise. But I still suggest to you that you tell him.
Nobody in his right mind would reject you.” Erestor smiled
encouragingly.

“I don’t know about that… And the only one whose
opinion matters… is Lord Glorfindel”, Melpomaen
whispered, blushing. So. There it was. He had finally said it aloud.

Erestor hid his smile carefully. This turned out much easier than
he ever dared to believe.