One Fine Day

Part: 1/?

Pairing: Erestor/Glorfindel

Rating: R for now, higher in later chapters

Warning: erm...slash, a bit of angst, DEFINITE AU,
Authors Note: Inspired by "Un bel di, vedremo" from Puccini's Madama
Butterfly. Should anyone wish to hear it, I will post the
lyrics in chapter 3, when the songfic section itself begins, and
would advise listening to the piece performed by Leontyne Price, the
best soprano of the last century, IMN-S-HO. On with the show, folks!



Chapter 1

"Is it selfish of me to wish you would reconsider?"

Glorfindel smiled. "Only if it is equally selfish of me to wish I
could."

Erestor sighed. "But, they need you, and Elrond and I would both
rest easier knowing they have someone watching over
them." //Despite the fact that watching you stay behind is ripping
my heart out.// "Of course, if we were bound, I could – "

"Nay. We have been through this several times. You know my
reasons."

"Aye, I do," the dark-haired elf replied, voice laced with bitter
resignation. //And I find them weak. This separation was going to
be difficult no matter what, but it would have been made easier by
being bound. At least then I would have some idea of what was
happening, and maybe my thoughts could visit yours on occasion.
But, as it is, all I'll have is a thin hope and a prayer. `An
immediate separation would be too stressful on the newly-formed
bond' my left foot! Sounds like you just want to leave yourself
with room to change your mind.//

That thought didn't sit well with Imladris' former Chief
Councillor. He tried to shrug it off. However, the problem with
unsettling thoughts is that they tend to lead to even more
unsettling thoughts. This one proved no different. //Perhaps the
reason he hasn't bonded with me is that he never wanted to. I've
always been the one to bring it up. He never has…//

Erestor shoved that thought back into the dank corner of his mind
from whence it came. Doubt had always been a rather foreign concept
to the elf. He knew what he knew, acknowledged what he didn't know,
and was practical enough to be confident in his counsels and let the
future bring what it would.

Determined not to let maudlin foolishness ruin what could be his
last moments with the elf he loved for the next several centuries,
Erestor stepped back as he heard the ready-to-sail bells, forcing a
cheery smile. "Well, that would be the final call. This is your
last chance…"

Glorfindel's smile turned sad.

Erestor sighed. "Aye, I knew you would say that." He gave the
warrior one last hug. "Have a care, yes? And do not do anything
foolish, like become dead. I would be highly annoyed."

The blonde chuckled. "I will do my best. Keep our Lord humble for
me while I'm gone."

Erestor looked toward the ship and Elrond, who was already gazing
out to sea and in distracted conversation with the little
Ringbearer, Frodo. He then looked to Elladan and Elrohir waiting
impatiently some forty feet away. "I'm not sure which of us has the
more difficult task."

Glorfindel followed his gaze. "You do."

Erestor's lips twitched. "Perhaps."

A sharp whistle pierced the air, drawing the pair's attention. "It
is now or never, Councillor," announced Orophin, Haldir's brother.

Erestor nodded and turned back to his lover. "I should be going."

"Aye, you should," said Glorfindel, eyes shining.

"Please, hurry back to me, love. I will be waiting."

"Nay, Erestor, I cannot guarantee – "

"No matter how long I must wait, I will be waiting on that beach
when you arrive."

"Stubborn Noldo."

"Aye, Pot, I am. But do not make me wait too long, alright? I will
miss you."

Glorfindel hugged his lover tightly. "As soon as all three fates
are known, I will be on the first ship to Valinor. I promise."

"This ship leaves in forty-five seconds, Councillor, whether you are
on it or not!"

Erestor cursed softly. "Time to go." Fisting his fingers in warm,
golden hair, he pulled the reborn warrior into a kiss of bittersweet
passion.

"Councillor!"

The black-haired elf jumped. "Goodbye for now, my love," he
whispered against tender lips before sprinting across the sand.
Coming to an abrupt stop, he flicked an invisible speck of dirt from
his robes and coolly sauntered aboard the ship.

Orophin smiled, shook his head, and pulled in the gangplank. The
ship set sail amidst shouts of farewell and more than one last
minute "I love you!"

The remaining elves of Middle-Earth stood upon the shoreline,
watching as the silver-gray ship sailed through the morning mists.
When the ship moved beyond the point where elven eyes could mark its
passage along the horizon, Glorfindel turned and walked away, the
twin sons of Elrond falling into step behind him.