Fic for Safire 9, mainly Erestor/Glorfindel, R
Title: Second best
Author: Milly
Author's Email: ErestormelaGlorfindel@gmx.net
Pairings: Erestor/Glorfindel, other pairings
Rating: R
Summary: Being Erestor’s lover has never been easy...
Disclaimer: This is not mine - oh the news. *sigh* Cristann (long sword) is though - and well loved he is. He was named by my precious Esteliel, but otherwise he’s my char.
Warning: Kink (as requested), d/s
Authors Note: I hope you will enjoy this, dear Safire, sadly I couldn’t ask you for more specific information, so you will have to live with my result. -it might kill the mood a little to mention that I never considered writing dominant Erestor with Glorfindel so far-. Anyway; merry Christmas! : )
My information: Glorfindel/Erestor, kink, dominant, evil!Erestor. Squicks: m-preg, scat
Last but not least I would like to thank my beta, without her steady support I would never have finished writing this story. Thank you, Pip, you know how much your help with this is appreciated! *squeezes*
Second Best
Prologue
The room was silent. There had been no fight, and there wouldn’t be a fight. He hated the silence between them, but he would not speak his mind, he never could. Others listened to him, obeyed his slightest command. But not Erestor, he never had. And that made it difficult to leave him; the arrogant advisor had captured his heart and soul in so many ways. Though he wasn’t the only one. Even Lord Elrond did not just follow the advice of his trusted councillor - he complied with Erestor’s wishes in a way he would never have imagined when he first entered Imladris.
He tried to stay calm, to swallow the first words that came into his mind. And as the time passed it worked. The advisor’s cruel words had cut him deeply, had wounded him in a way no weapon never could. But he knew that Erestor didn’t understand, perhaps he didn’t even know how much it hurt to be treated like this. Certainly no one had ever treated him this way. What could he say? He couldn’t argue with Elrond’s orders, not after the merciless discipline he had endured the last time he had dared to raise his voice in protest.
And he couldn’t tell Erestor that he was aware of the truth, he couldn’t say that he knew it was Erestor’s fault he would be sent away, far away from Imladris. If he did he would insult his Lord, he would show that he had long ago understood that it was not Elrond who ruled Imladris; although their ruler was clearly as dark-haired as Lord Elrond. And that was by no means the only thing the two elves had in common…
Slowly he lifted his head to look into Erestor’s eyes, trying to let him see that he felt hurt, that he was almost... scared of this mission. But he could not say those words. Instead he nodded, as calm outwardly as he felt troubled inside. “When will I leave?” Was all he could ask. And even that question seemed too much, as the chief advisor merely lifted his eyebrows a little and then left to resume his own work as if nothing had happened, as if he hadn’t just told his lover that he would leave for a trip that was likely to cost his life.
Nothing had happened. The ground did not shake beneath his feet, he did not cry out in pain, and he did not run after Erestor like a foolish young lover. He didn’t even travel back to the moment when he had first laid his eyes on the slender beauty. Even though that happened more often ever since he had started to fear for the loss of what he hoped would remain his. Not now though, now he merely felt the strange emptiness he had only heard others talk of so far.
‘He can’t do that to us,’ his mind whimpered, baring to him, and only him, the weakness, the fear of being left alone. Why had he never suspected anything? Why hadn’t he guessed that Erestor wouldn’t keep him by his side forever? Why had he never listened to the rumours about his lover when there had still been enough time to escape the net? But he could not plead, could not say that he did not want to leave his home.
Cristann regarded his hands, his long, slender fingers. Even Erestor had sometimes admitted to him that he enjoyed feeling their touch, the soothing coolness when he massaged his lover’s temples at night. But obviously it hadn’t been enough - not now, not when the Balrog Slayer had returned from Mandos. He had bit back his jealousy when Erestor began to seduce the beautiful lord.
It had been so easy for the traitorous snake. Elrond had asked Glorfindel to remove his clothes, to bare his scar and to prove that he was who he claimed to be. Glorfindel had furiously spurned to submit to such a treatment, and had refused the lord of Imladris until he had seen Erestor’s look. Had seen his cold mien when everyone else was either taken aback by the lord’s command or shocked by Glorfindel’s refusal to obey. Even Elrond had risen from his seat, not used to blunt resistance against his wishes. But Cristann hadn’t been able to do anything, had fought the tears back down his throat as he had watched the severe and marble punishment his lover had applied.
Erestor had always been the one to discipline those who dared to raise their voices against their lord. He was, after all, more than just an advisor and the teacher of Elrond’s sons - at least everyone hoped that they were really Elrond’s, (the open rumours of Celebrían’s unfaithfulness had been stopped by a very clear note from Lórien) and not Erestor’s…
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His trainees would have to get along without him today - he wanted to prepare if he really had to fight the spiders of Mirkwood as soon as he reached the Woodking’s realm. And he needed to gather his belongings, collect those he had left with his... former... lover and pack them into the small bundle he had arrived with from Lórien so many years ago. Would Erestor be sorry when he heard of his death? Or was this a convenient way to get rid of a no longer wanted devotee?
The note he found gave him new hope, plain and simply in his lover’s neat handwriting. To be allowed into Erestor’s bed one more time, it felt like a treat, like something he could remember when Mirkwood’s spiders would poison him and eat his insides. He would not give in until he was dead - and how could he die if there was hope that his lover would take him back if he returned from his mission?
New feelings of love rose in him, soothed the helpless fear away and calmed him again, even as he could see Erestor talk to Glorfindel outside in the gardens. He had no right to complain about that; his lover had never shown him any false affection, any romantic sweetness that had led him to any assumptions that Erestor’s heart was his. If the advisor even had a heart.
Chapter One
Glorfindel regarded the slender advisor, fascinated by his beauty. He had not forgotten the punishment Erestor had forced him to submit to, had not missed the faces of the other elves, showing neither gloating nor compassion. None of them had seemed surprised when the sweet little advisor had stepped forward to make him take off his clothes - and to cane him with the calm graveness of a Captain or a teacher punishing one of his defiant disciples. And he could still hear the cold voice, telling him never to disobey his lord’s wishes again; without threatening, without raising his voice, just as an order that was to be obeyed.
It felt strange that he craved Erestor’s attention, longed for it so badly that he almost wanted to disobey again. But what if the advisor chose not to give him a second chance? What if he talked Elrond into making him, Glorfindel, leave the beautiful realm again? He couldn’t risk it, but the desire to gain Erestor’s interest grew with each day. It was as if something dark and mysterious had triggered a desire he had never felt before to submit to orders. Wasn’t it obvious to everyone that he was to be obeyed? He was intelligent, foremost and absolutely gorgeous. Certainly Erestor couldn’t have missed that!
So why was it that he didn’t come to give him what they both wanted? For everyone wanted to be Glorfindel’s lover! Some humiliated themselves to be granted the privilege to spend a night with him - they begged on their knees, sobbing with need. They praised his beauty and his wits. At least half of the Elves in Imladris had offered him their bed and Glorfindel was sure that all of them would allow him to join them if he really put his mind to it. But he wanted Erestor to make the first step. It would be like losing one’s face otherwise.
Days passed, then weeks. And nothing happened, driving Glorfindel into deep frustration. He had bedded every pretty maid, every handsome male that Imladris had to offer, just to still his hunger and prove himself that he was still the skilful lover he had always been. But it didn’t help. He was growing distraught and he knew it. Erestor didn’t seem to notice him, seemed to have forgotten him right after the punishment was over. And none of those sweet, young ones could make him forget how it had felt to be disciplined again - to have someone care that much.
He wondered how to gain Erestor’s attention. Would the advisor even want him? If he tried too hard to get his attention… the pretty one would possibly think him boring. He knew that he grew bored of those meek lovers. And Erestor didn’t strike him as someone who was interested in others if they offered nothing to keep him intrigued. But how to get Erestor to be with him before he became utterly desperate; and without scaring him off before it even started? It seemed an impossible task.
But one day luck was on his side, when Erestor actually addressed him, asking him how he enjoyed his stay in Imladris and if he had seen the gardens and the waterfalls already. Glorfindel held his breath, wondered if the advisor had truly forgotten the circumstances of the last time they had met and then smiled, deciding that he would be the last to bring up that unpleasant topic when Erestor was trying to be nice.
“I have heard of them, but I have not found time to visit them yet,” he replied, hoping that Erestor would suggest that they could see them together. However, the dark haired elf merely raised an eyebrow and nodded, as if he was going to remember the information but had no intention to Glorfindel’s obvious plea. Instead he commented on the state of the trainees and mentioned that Cristann, the Captain of the guards, would soon leave them with a group of guards to assist Thranduil’s realm against the spiders.
It dawned then to Glorfindel that Erestor had never been interested in talking to him, he only wished to inform him that his duties would change once the former Captain of the guards had left. Obviously he had the most experience and the highest rank apart from lord Elrond himself, of course. But even with the promotion to the second highest position in Imladris, he still would have preferred to have Erestor be less formal. Where was the fun in commanding the arms of Imladris if it didn’t grant you the lovers you chose?
But his thoughts were disturbed when someone else approached him - an elf who had to be Cristann, walked towards him. It was strange that he had never cared to pay attention to the other and would soon take over his command for him. Usually they should have worked together for a few weeks before someone in a position as important as the head of arms was replaced, but Glorfindel was most certainly not the one to complain about lack of protocol.
The other elf’s expression confused him. It was strangely melancholic, but still the other smiled. “You have guessed who I am, haven’t you?” He asked, his voice soft as the caressing breeze of spring. “Know that what will be offered to you is the best position in Imladris - try your best to keep it! Enjoy what is granted to you, I just came to wish you luck, look after our fellow elves and protect them as it is your duty.”
Glorfindel didn’t back away when Cristann caressed his cheek, though he felt strangely upset at being bid goodbye by a stranger. Before he could ask any questions though, the other elf had already turned away to leave him alone again.
Chapter Two
He forgot neither Cristann nor his words when he accepted the position that was granted to him. But things began to change and it seemed that now Erestor’s interest in him was growing slowly but steadily. First they merely met more often, something Glorfindel had thought would happen once they were working together at times. But then Erestor started to talk to him, not about the defences of Imladris, but of the books in the library and the horses in the stables.
Short talks at first, but longer ones followed, sometimes keeping them together for hours. And it seemed that nothing was ever boring when talking to the advisor. Either Erestor chose the topics knowingly or he just wasn’t the dull person some people certainly assumed he was. The more they talked, the more Glorfindel was convinced of the second theory. It wasn’t possible to pretend to be interesting for so many hours.
There was only one thing that made Glorfindel feel a little uncomfortable about their talks. It seemed that the more they talked, the more he revealed of his past, while Erestor just mentioned something about his own every now and again. But somehow it didn’t feel right to ask Erestor about anything, it was different from dealing with a foolish young elf who would eagerly tell him anything he had ever been up to. And perhaps, Glorfindel thought, I should just be grateful that he doesn’t tell me about everything he ever did.
But he wasn’t, although he stopped thinking about it as often when Erestor suggested a change in their relationship. It sounded a bit like a contract, not as passionate as Glorfindel would have hoped, though he hadn’t really expected a declaration of love. Not from Erestor, he didn’t seem to be someone who would share his feelings. And after all he craved for Erestor to set up rules and be masterful…
“You will meet me at the stables tonight, as soon as you are done with your work,” Erestor informed him after he had agreed to the terms of their new relationship, then turned and left the room, giving Glorfindel time to ponder, not only about the coldness of this new order but also about his future in general.
What would happen if he didn’t go? Would Erestor be mad? Would he be punished for not attending their meetings? Possibly. But he wasn’t eager to risk finding out if he was right; not while he hadn’t won his new lover’s heart. It meant risking everything, in the worst case it could mean losing the chance to receive what he had longed for ever since he had first met the chief advisor.
Glorfindel decided that it wasn’t worth it. Instead he continued his work for some hours, wondering how Erestor would know when he was done. Was he supposed to wait if the advisor was kept busy elsewhere? Or did that annul their meeting? He didn’t know, but Erestor hadn’t left him much of a chance to ask questions anyway. And so, when he was finally done he went to the stables, wondering how many stable boys would be around.
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At the stables he waited, not counting the minutes in order not to become impatient. He felt stupid, wondering how many of the young boys were around now, to see him wait like he had made them wait before. But none of them showed themselves, none of them came to offer him the comfort of a quick roll in the hay. Instead, after what had seemed like hours, Erestor came, obviously neither in any kind of hurry nor feeling contrite over letting his lover wait at the very first meeting.
A short glance at Glorfindel seemed to tell Erestor a lot about his state of mind, and as the advisor stepped towards him and began to undress him, he talked to him, gently as if he was calming a frightened horse. “You don’t have to worry, my golden one, you and I, we both know that the stable boys have their duties elsewhere during the nights. Once the horses are fed and groomed they continue their service with different sorts of riding skills.”
Glorfindel choked, then blushed, feeling utterly embarrassed by the way Erestor was talking to him about having sex with someone else while more and more of his garments fell to the dirty ground. He often compared his lovers to each other - but he never told them he did. It was… degrading… to know that you were somewhere on a long list and he didn’t know how to react to it.
But it was also arousing, even though he hated to admit that to himself. The dry chuckle behind him didn’t help at all. And while he had felt surprised before, he was definitely shocked to feel a cold hand, trailing lazily over his body… but nowhere near as stunned as he was when he felt the reins; fixed with the skill of an expert.
“Erestor, please,” he begged, finally breaking his silence, hoping to hear words of reassurance that it would be alright. He didn’t mind being hurt. After all, that happened all the time. But he did fear being restrained, unable to move away. And he didn’t trust the advisor, not enough to let him to this on their first intimate meeting. There were rules, even to this. And he didn’t want to experience what it meant to be with the wrong partner.
There was pain, and then there was pain. And he didn’t want to experience the latter. But he received no answer and it felt ridiculous to fight. Certainly Erestor had no intention of making him suffer. Neither of them were new to this and it seemed that the advisor knew his interests. Though usually he would be the one to enjoy inflicting pain on another, not receiving it. He opened his mouth to speak again, but Erestor interrupted him before he said a word, obviously anticipating his wish to ask questions. The order to be silent was softly spoken, but it was clear that the advisor expected to be obeyed.
And in the end he did obey. He didn’t say anything, not when he felt the sweet sensation of the riding crop against his flesh, not when Erestor stepped behind him to bite his neck and especially not when felt a prodding finger inside him. They were moving too fast… Erestor was asking for too much at once, too much trust, too many favours. But Glorfindel didn’t interrupt him, not wanting to miss any moment of this.
Chapter Three
The days passed. And even more so - the nights. Glorfindel smirked when he thought back to the first days with Erestor. It had been difficult to judge his actions, to understand what he was up to. But it had also been arousing, almost unbelievably arousing. He had never wanted anyone to treat him like that… well, apart from those he had met as a foolish young one, of course. Those hadn’t met his needs, or if they had, they had spent hours on analysing them for him.
Not so Erestor. While he was completely capable of talking himself out of any situation he didn’t want to be in, he seldom said a word more than necessary in his private life. And while he had sometimes found that uncomfortable at first, Glorfindel had now come to a point where he couldn’t believe all the stories he had heard about his lover’s tricks, just in order to have what he wanted.
With utmost tenderness he caressed his lover’s cheek. Erestor was sleeping, of course, it had been a rough night. But while at first, they had remained in separate rooms during the night, he had earned himself the privilege to stay after only two years of steady service. Even though he enjoyed what he had, he couldn’t call it lovemaking, he couldn’t even call it lust. The act itself was certainly full of passion. But there was a strange coldness in Erestor’s actions whatever they did. Glorfindel didn’t mind. He learnt to enjoy what he had, and he took the love he deserved while Erestor was still asleep.
“You will not be late for work, will you?” Erestor murmured, sounding almost affectionate. And Glorfindel knew that he would be, but he couldn’t tell his lover that. Not now, anyway. Later the advisor was bound to find out, one way or the other - he always did. But for now he wanted to enjoy leaning against his lover’s body a little longer and that was worth whatever punishment he would receive for it.
Instead of answering the question, Glorfindel kissed a dark strand of hair before he continued by kissing his lover’s mouth, hoping to silence him. Although he did enjoy hearing Erestor speak to him, the time they spent talking had decreased over the years, and he preferred to hear commands or the occasional praise to comments about his work. Despite their relationship he had fought a Balrog, he had been to Mandos and back. And he didn’t enjoy being treated like a young one who needed advice on how to live his life.
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The day to follow was strange. Waking up had been so sweet and not even Erestor’s glare, when he realised Glorfindel had avoided answering his question about work, had been all that bad. But without any reason, Glorfindel spent his day thinking of Cristann and his words, although he hadn’t thought of him for a few years now. And thinking of him seemed to make things go way down hill.
First a stupid trainee ruined his sword by using it to slash a tree and Glorfindel had been forced to find a punishment - which reminded him what would be due at night, although he was currently in no mood to face one. Then, when he had swallowed his anger, he had stepped into something he wouldn’t have thrown at his worst enemy as a child. And wondered what Erestor would say if he brought back such obvious proof of his activity in the stables - or rather said - inside the stable boys.
But he wasn’t in the mood to even consider making apologies for what he did. Clearly Erestor wasn’t foolish enough to believe that he was satisfied only by their nights together. And when at dinner Elrond’s sons got drunk and started smooching with him, he wondered why he never suggested a third, or even fourth to be with them. It had to be entertaining, especially if the twins were the added company. Although secretly, Glorfindel would have preferred to take Elrohir to his bed… and leave Elladan to Erestor.
They were still so young, only a few hundred years. And the thought that they started to enjoy flirting with the older elves was fascinating as well as arousing. He laughed with them as he hadn’t for a long time. And then stopped, suddenly, when he saw Erestor look at him with a most thoughtful expression. Intended or not, the advisor had most certainly spoilt his mood for the rest of the evening, and he was none to happy about that.
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“Did you enjoy yourself?” Erestor asked, his cold tone clearly stating that he didn’t want to hear the answer. With any other elf, Glorfindel would have wondered if he had offended him, if the poor one was jealous… not so with Erestor. It was obvious that if anything had suffered during the past few hours, then it had been his lover’s pride. And even that didn’t seem to be hurt too painfully.
Glorfindel considered his options and thought it useless to pretend. After all Erestor had seen that he had enjoyed what the twins had been doing. “I did, indeed, enjoy myself, I hope you don’t mind. But, after all, you had Lindir on your lap for hours yesterday.” It was a bad idea, and he knew it before he finished the sentence. Claiming that what he had done was right because it was similar to something Erestor had done was something his lover hated - and it was very difficult to get a reaction as strong as hate from him, usually.
He sighed and shook his head, wondering if there was a fight to follow. But there was no fight, Erestor simply looked into his eyes for a few moments and then explained to him that there would be a quest soon, a quest involving hobbits and dwarves, humans and even elves. Glorfindel listened without real interest until he heard the name Sauron. And when he did listen he realised just what Erestor was saying - that Elrond and he had considered the different people who could look after them on their way to Mordor.
“You mean to say that I will follow people walking into Mordor? Do you know that’s insanity? I will fight, but I will not hide like a little girl.” Glorfindel shook his head, frowning at his lover. But Erestor didn’t as much as look up from a parchment he was writing on to acknowledge his protest. Instead he turned around and handed his note to Glorfindel when he was done. “These are your orders. Your lord expects you to leave at dawn tomorrow, to find the hobbits you are supposed to protect. If you wish you may stay in my bed tonight - if not you may leave at once.”
For several moments, Glorfindel looked at Erestor, speechless at the coldness in the advisor’s voice. He was sure that Elrond had permitted this mission - but he felt betrayed, both by his lord and, of course, even more so, by his lover. Then he considered the offer to stay in Erestor’s arms for the night. It was tempting, after all it meant that Erestor didn’t want to lose him. But he wasn’t sure if he was calm enough to stay…
Epilogue
Cristann smiled sadly when he saw Erestor. He didn’t alert him to his presence as he had no desire to speak his former lover just yet. There were things that were more important than mourning over a lost love, he had learned that in Mirkwood. And now he was to protect the young prince of the realm. Legolas was only half the age of the twins, still King Thranduil had been forced to send him on this mission, taking to Imladris the news that they had lost the creature Gollum.
None could tell how Elrond would react, according to spies he was relying on Erestor more than ever, now that his beloved Celebrían had been taken to him. And everyone, especially Cristann imagined that Erestor, while composed during talks, would be angrier than anyone about a mistake like that. The advisor did not believe in mistakes - he never made them and he cruelly punished them whenever he encountered them.
Legolas had been fully aware of that fate though, Cristann had told Thranduil all he knew and the King had informed his son, sparing him none of what he might encounter. But the prince, though not eager to be spoken at by his title, had accepted his mission with the most graceful smile at his father, acting just like it was expected of him. These things were the duties of a ruler’s son.
Elrond’s sons did his biding and Legolas did his father’s. And now the prince was wearing the most humble expression and pretended to be way more naïve than he actually was. He was riding into the court, jumped off his horse and paid no heed to the usual protocol of such an encounter. Instead he asked the first servant he found, a stable boy, of course, as he had a horse to tend to, where he could find the Lord Elrond.
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He could have asked for Erestor, but he decided that, as his rank was obviously above the advisor’s, he would ask for Elrond. He was certain that Elrond’s sons were not around, although Elladan would have been the first to address, matching him in rank. But things were the way they were and Legolas could not change them. With the most serene smile he could manage without making his expression of distress unbelievable, he stepped into the room he had been shown to and waited.
Of course they didn’t make him wait too long. Still he had to wait, of course, for ignoring the protocol like that and he was relieved that they did react in the way he had expected in that aspect, it was good to know that they were somewhat predictable.
When Elrond entered the room, followed by his trusted advisor, Legolas was looking at his fingers, his smile still calm, but grave. He looked up, as though he was surprised, then quickly got to his feet and bowed deeply, showing his respect for the leader of Imladris.
“My lord, ill tidings I bear in dark times like these,” Legolas said, speaking clearly and plainly. His father had taught him how to talk his way round topics, had had his advisors teach his son even more of these things. But they had agreed that it was a better move not to show these talents to Elrond, as they might be of use one day, if the Lord wasn’t prepared to meet them.
“It is unfortunate that it is ill tidings that bring you here, young prince,” Elrond said gently and Legolas could see the serious regret in the Lord’s eyes, instantly taking a mental note to inform his protector about it. He listened to Elrond’s words with the required interest, then informed him of his news and offered his help in any way it might be needed.
Elrond looked at Erestor, they exchanged but a short glance and then it was Erestor who answered Legolas’ offer. “It is very kind of you, my prince, to proffer your help, and in times like these we must accept it, even though it might endanger you. There will be a council in a few days and you will offer to go with the fellowship that is to be formed. Do not reveal your news to anyone else just yet, it might be of importance at the council to convince the representative of the dwarves we require to join you on your quest.”
Legolas promised to do as he was bid, then bowed lowly again and left the room as soon as Elrond had gently told him to rest before he would be announced to the court officially. Then he quickly made his way back to Cristann, informing him of his new task and then sending him off to meet Erestor.
It was of utter importance for Mirkwood to gain new information about beautiful Imladris and its inhabitants, and Erestor, taken off guard by his former lover, would certainly be the best person to gain them from. A smirk stole to Legolas’ lips as he thought about the irony that Erestor would make a mistake when he had tortured his mentor for each he had made back when they had been a couple.
But the pleasure did not last, within moments the worry returned and he sighed, wishing Cristann luck on his current mission, while he mentally prepared for his own. The difficulty was plain to be seen; playing the young fool, maybe even the spoilt prince, while at the same time never truly losing his face and protecting the fellowship that trusted him with their lives…
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When he saw a lonely figure, standing in the dark, he strode over to him, slowly enough not to show too much interest. He recognised Glorfindel immediately, and his heart filled with sadness that out-ruled his own worries. It was easy to see the pain in Glorfindel’s eyes, it was the same pain he had seen when he had still been a child, back when Cristann had arrived in Mirkwood.
“Be with me, tonight,” he proposed with the sweetest smile, offering to Glorfindel the comfort he had always wished to offer to Cristann. His mind formed a mental image and he cursed himself. It was cruel to already consider Glorfindel’s tasks for when his current wounds had healed, but it was the way his mind worked. His love was Mirkwood and whatever means were necessary to assure that she would be well and at peace would be taken.
And no one could be as useful for Mirkwood, as a new spy, who would find back his way to Erestor’s back once the quest was over and everyone believed in the peace this would bring at first. Cristann had taught him much, and among these things was the fact that no one, not even the Elven realms, would ever be perfectly at peace with each other.
There were never open arguments, but still everyone knew better than to strain the relations by not knowing what the others were doing. Lórien and Imladris had the children of Elrond and Celebrían for that matter and Mirkwood had Celeborn to trust them with what they were doing. But Imladris had always been a difficult case for Mirkwood.
A smile played on his lips, as he took off his clothes and saw the worshipping expression on Glorfindel’s face. This wasn’t just for his own pleasure, though he knew he would enjoy his relationship with the Balrogslayer while the quest lasted. But it filled him with joy to know that what he did was for the good of his realm, as for a prince there could be no greater pleasure than to serve his realm with all he had.
The End
Author: Milly
Author's Email: ErestormelaGlorfindel@gmx.net
Pairings: Erestor/Glorfindel, other pairings
Rating: R
Summary: Being Erestor’s lover has never been easy...
Disclaimer: This is not mine - oh the news. *sigh* Cristann (long sword) is though - and well loved he is. He was named by my precious Esteliel, but otherwise he’s my char.
Warning: Kink (as requested), d/s
Authors Note: I hope you will enjoy this, dear Safire, sadly I couldn’t ask you for more specific information, so you will have to live with my result. -it might kill the mood a little to mention that I never considered writing dominant Erestor with Glorfindel so far-. Anyway; merry Christmas! : )
My information: Glorfindel/Erestor, kink, dominant, evil!Erestor. Squicks: m-preg, scat
Last but not least I would like to thank my beta, without her steady support I would never have finished writing this story. Thank you, Pip, you know how much your help with this is appreciated! *squeezes*
Second Best
Prologue
The room was silent. There had been no fight, and there wouldn’t be a fight. He hated the silence between them, but he would not speak his mind, he never could. Others listened to him, obeyed his slightest command. But not Erestor, he never had. And that made it difficult to leave him; the arrogant advisor had captured his heart and soul in so many ways. Though he wasn’t the only one. Even Lord Elrond did not just follow the advice of his trusted councillor - he complied with Erestor’s wishes in a way he would never have imagined when he first entered Imladris.
He tried to stay calm, to swallow the first words that came into his mind. And as the time passed it worked. The advisor’s cruel words had cut him deeply, had wounded him in a way no weapon never could. But he knew that Erestor didn’t understand, perhaps he didn’t even know how much it hurt to be treated like this. Certainly no one had ever treated him this way. What could he say? He couldn’t argue with Elrond’s orders, not after the merciless discipline he had endured the last time he had dared to raise his voice in protest.
And he couldn’t tell Erestor that he was aware of the truth, he couldn’t say that he knew it was Erestor’s fault he would be sent away, far away from Imladris. If he did he would insult his Lord, he would show that he had long ago understood that it was not Elrond who ruled Imladris; although their ruler was clearly as dark-haired as Lord Elrond. And that was by no means the only thing the two elves had in common…
Slowly he lifted his head to look into Erestor’s eyes, trying to let him see that he felt hurt, that he was almost... scared of this mission. But he could not say those words. Instead he nodded, as calm outwardly as he felt troubled inside. “When will I leave?” Was all he could ask. And even that question seemed too much, as the chief advisor merely lifted his eyebrows a little and then left to resume his own work as if nothing had happened, as if he hadn’t just told his lover that he would leave for a trip that was likely to cost his life.
Nothing had happened. The ground did not shake beneath his feet, he did not cry out in pain, and he did not run after Erestor like a foolish young lover. He didn’t even travel back to the moment when he had first laid his eyes on the slender beauty. Even though that happened more often ever since he had started to fear for the loss of what he hoped would remain his. Not now though, now he merely felt the strange emptiness he had only heard others talk of so far.
‘He can’t do that to us,’ his mind whimpered, baring to him, and only him, the weakness, the fear of being left alone. Why had he never suspected anything? Why hadn’t he guessed that Erestor wouldn’t keep him by his side forever? Why had he never listened to the rumours about his lover when there had still been enough time to escape the net? But he could not plead, could not say that he did not want to leave his home.
Cristann regarded his hands, his long, slender fingers. Even Erestor had sometimes admitted to him that he enjoyed feeling their touch, the soothing coolness when he massaged his lover’s temples at night. But obviously it hadn’t been enough - not now, not when the Balrog Slayer had returned from Mandos. He had bit back his jealousy when Erestor began to seduce the beautiful lord.
It had been so easy for the traitorous snake. Elrond had asked Glorfindel to remove his clothes, to bare his scar and to prove that he was who he claimed to be. Glorfindel had furiously spurned to submit to such a treatment, and had refused the lord of Imladris until he had seen Erestor’s look. Had seen his cold mien when everyone else was either taken aback by the lord’s command or shocked by Glorfindel’s refusal to obey. Even Elrond had risen from his seat, not used to blunt resistance against his wishes. But Cristann hadn’t been able to do anything, had fought the tears back down his throat as he had watched the severe and marble punishment his lover had applied.
Erestor had always been the one to discipline those who dared to raise their voices against their lord. He was, after all, more than just an advisor and the teacher of Elrond’s sons - at least everyone hoped that they were really Elrond’s, (the open rumours of Celebrían’s unfaithfulness had been stopped by a very clear note from Lórien) and not Erestor’s…
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His trainees would have to get along without him today - he wanted to prepare if he really had to fight the spiders of Mirkwood as soon as he reached the Woodking’s realm. And he needed to gather his belongings, collect those he had left with his... former... lover and pack them into the small bundle he had arrived with from Lórien so many years ago. Would Erestor be sorry when he heard of his death? Or was this a convenient way to get rid of a no longer wanted devotee?
The note he found gave him new hope, plain and simply in his lover’s neat handwriting. To be allowed into Erestor’s bed one more time, it felt like a treat, like something he could remember when Mirkwood’s spiders would poison him and eat his insides. He would not give in until he was dead - and how could he die if there was hope that his lover would take him back if he returned from his mission?
New feelings of love rose in him, soothed the helpless fear away and calmed him again, even as he could see Erestor talk to Glorfindel outside in the gardens. He had no right to complain about that; his lover had never shown him any false affection, any romantic sweetness that had led him to any assumptions that Erestor’s heart was his. If the advisor even had a heart.
Chapter One
Glorfindel regarded the slender advisor, fascinated by his beauty. He had not forgotten the punishment Erestor had forced him to submit to, had not missed the faces of the other elves, showing neither gloating nor compassion. None of them had seemed surprised when the sweet little advisor had stepped forward to make him take off his clothes - and to cane him with the calm graveness of a Captain or a teacher punishing one of his defiant disciples. And he could still hear the cold voice, telling him never to disobey his lord’s wishes again; without threatening, without raising his voice, just as an order that was to be obeyed.
It felt strange that he craved Erestor’s attention, longed for it so badly that he almost wanted to disobey again. But what if the advisor chose not to give him a second chance? What if he talked Elrond into making him, Glorfindel, leave the beautiful realm again? He couldn’t risk it, but the desire to gain Erestor’s interest grew with each day. It was as if something dark and mysterious had triggered a desire he had never felt before to submit to orders. Wasn’t it obvious to everyone that he was to be obeyed? He was intelligent, foremost and absolutely gorgeous. Certainly Erestor couldn’t have missed that!
So why was it that he didn’t come to give him what they both wanted? For everyone wanted to be Glorfindel’s lover! Some humiliated themselves to be granted the privilege to spend a night with him - they begged on their knees, sobbing with need. They praised his beauty and his wits. At least half of the Elves in Imladris had offered him their bed and Glorfindel was sure that all of them would allow him to join them if he really put his mind to it. But he wanted Erestor to make the first step. It would be like losing one’s face otherwise.
Days passed, then weeks. And nothing happened, driving Glorfindel into deep frustration. He had bedded every pretty maid, every handsome male that Imladris had to offer, just to still his hunger and prove himself that he was still the skilful lover he had always been. But it didn’t help. He was growing distraught and he knew it. Erestor didn’t seem to notice him, seemed to have forgotten him right after the punishment was over. And none of those sweet, young ones could make him forget how it had felt to be disciplined again - to have someone care that much.
He wondered how to gain Erestor’s attention. Would the advisor even want him? If he tried too hard to get his attention… the pretty one would possibly think him boring. He knew that he grew bored of those meek lovers. And Erestor didn’t strike him as someone who was interested in others if they offered nothing to keep him intrigued. But how to get Erestor to be with him before he became utterly desperate; and without scaring him off before it even started? It seemed an impossible task.
But one day luck was on his side, when Erestor actually addressed him, asking him how he enjoyed his stay in Imladris and if he had seen the gardens and the waterfalls already. Glorfindel held his breath, wondered if the advisor had truly forgotten the circumstances of the last time they had met and then smiled, deciding that he would be the last to bring up that unpleasant topic when Erestor was trying to be nice.
“I have heard of them, but I have not found time to visit them yet,” he replied, hoping that Erestor would suggest that they could see them together. However, the dark haired elf merely raised an eyebrow and nodded, as if he was going to remember the information but had no intention to Glorfindel’s obvious plea. Instead he commented on the state of the trainees and mentioned that Cristann, the Captain of the guards, would soon leave them with a group of guards to assist Thranduil’s realm against the spiders.
It dawned then to Glorfindel that Erestor had never been interested in talking to him, he only wished to inform him that his duties would change once the former Captain of the guards had left. Obviously he had the most experience and the highest rank apart from lord Elrond himself, of course. But even with the promotion to the second highest position in Imladris, he still would have preferred to have Erestor be less formal. Where was the fun in commanding the arms of Imladris if it didn’t grant you the lovers you chose?
But his thoughts were disturbed when someone else approached him - an elf who had to be Cristann, walked towards him. It was strange that he had never cared to pay attention to the other and would soon take over his command for him. Usually they should have worked together for a few weeks before someone in a position as important as the head of arms was replaced, but Glorfindel was most certainly not the one to complain about lack of protocol.
The other elf’s expression confused him. It was strangely melancholic, but still the other smiled. “You have guessed who I am, haven’t you?” He asked, his voice soft as the caressing breeze of spring. “Know that what will be offered to you is the best position in Imladris - try your best to keep it! Enjoy what is granted to you, I just came to wish you luck, look after our fellow elves and protect them as it is your duty.”
Glorfindel didn’t back away when Cristann caressed his cheek, though he felt strangely upset at being bid goodbye by a stranger. Before he could ask any questions though, the other elf had already turned away to leave him alone again.
Chapter Two
He forgot neither Cristann nor his words when he accepted the position that was granted to him. But things began to change and it seemed that now Erestor’s interest in him was growing slowly but steadily. First they merely met more often, something Glorfindel had thought would happen once they were working together at times. But then Erestor started to talk to him, not about the defences of Imladris, but of the books in the library and the horses in the stables.
Short talks at first, but longer ones followed, sometimes keeping them together for hours. And it seemed that nothing was ever boring when talking to the advisor. Either Erestor chose the topics knowingly or he just wasn’t the dull person some people certainly assumed he was. The more they talked, the more Glorfindel was convinced of the second theory. It wasn’t possible to pretend to be interesting for so many hours.
There was only one thing that made Glorfindel feel a little uncomfortable about their talks. It seemed that the more they talked, the more he revealed of his past, while Erestor just mentioned something about his own every now and again. But somehow it didn’t feel right to ask Erestor about anything, it was different from dealing with a foolish young elf who would eagerly tell him anything he had ever been up to. And perhaps, Glorfindel thought, I should just be grateful that he doesn’t tell me about everything he ever did.
But he wasn’t, although he stopped thinking about it as often when Erestor suggested a change in their relationship. It sounded a bit like a contract, not as passionate as Glorfindel would have hoped, though he hadn’t really expected a declaration of love. Not from Erestor, he didn’t seem to be someone who would share his feelings. And after all he craved for Erestor to set up rules and be masterful…
“You will meet me at the stables tonight, as soon as you are done with your work,” Erestor informed him after he had agreed to the terms of their new relationship, then turned and left the room, giving Glorfindel time to ponder, not only about the coldness of this new order but also about his future in general.
What would happen if he didn’t go? Would Erestor be mad? Would he be punished for not attending their meetings? Possibly. But he wasn’t eager to risk finding out if he was right; not while he hadn’t won his new lover’s heart. It meant risking everything, in the worst case it could mean losing the chance to receive what he had longed for ever since he had first met the chief advisor.
Glorfindel decided that it wasn’t worth it. Instead he continued his work for some hours, wondering how Erestor would know when he was done. Was he supposed to wait if the advisor was kept busy elsewhere? Or did that annul their meeting? He didn’t know, but Erestor hadn’t left him much of a chance to ask questions anyway. And so, when he was finally done he went to the stables, wondering how many stable boys would be around.
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At the stables he waited, not counting the minutes in order not to become impatient. He felt stupid, wondering how many of the young boys were around now, to see him wait like he had made them wait before. But none of them showed themselves, none of them came to offer him the comfort of a quick roll in the hay. Instead, after what had seemed like hours, Erestor came, obviously neither in any kind of hurry nor feeling contrite over letting his lover wait at the very first meeting.
A short glance at Glorfindel seemed to tell Erestor a lot about his state of mind, and as the advisor stepped towards him and began to undress him, he talked to him, gently as if he was calming a frightened horse. “You don’t have to worry, my golden one, you and I, we both know that the stable boys have their duties elsewhere during the nights. Once the horses are fed and groomed they continue their service with different sorts of riding skills.”
Glorfindel choked, then blushed, feeling utterly embarrassed by the way Erestor was talking to him about having sex with someone else while more and more of his garments fell to the dirty ground. He often compared his lovers to each other - but he never told them he did. It was… degrading… to know that you were somewhere on a long list and he didn’t know how to react to it.
But it was also arousing, even though he hated to admit that to himself. The dry chuckle behind him didn’t help at all. And while he had felt surprised before, he was definitely shocked to feel a cold hand, trailing lazily over his body… but nowhere near as stunned as he was when he felt the reins; fixed with the skill of an expert.
“Erestor, please,” he begged, finally breaking his silence, hoping to hear words of reassurance that it would be alright. He didn’t mind being hurt. After all, that happened all the time. But he did fear being restrained, unable to move away. And he didn’t trust the advisor, not enough to let him to this on their first intimate meeting. There were rules, even to this. And he didn’t want to experience what it meant to be with the wrong partner.
There was pain, and then there was pain. And he didn’t want to experience the latter. But he received no answer and it felt ridiculous to fight. Certainly Erestor had no intention of making him suffer. Neither of them were new to this and it seemed that the advisor knew his interests. Though usually he would be the one to enjoy inflicting pain on another, not receiving it. He opened his mouth to speak again, but Erestor interrupted him before he said a word, obviously anticipating his wish to ask questions. The order to be silent was softly spoken, but it was clear that the advisor expected to be obeyed.
And in the end he did obey. He didn’t say anything, not when he felt the sweet sensation of the riding crop against his flesh, not when Erestor stepped behind him to bite his neck and especially not when felt a prodding finger inside him. They were moving too fast… Erestor was asking for too much at once, too much trust, too many favours. But Glorfindel didn’t interrupt him, not wanting to miss any moment of this.
Chapter Three
The days passed. And even more so - the nights. Glorfindel smirked when he thought back to the first days with Erestor. It had been difficult to judge his actions, to understand what he was up to. But it had also been arousing, almost unbelievably arousing. He had never wanted anyone to treat him like that… well, apart from those he had met as a foolish young one, of course. Those hadn’t met his needs, or if they had, they had spent hours on analysing them for him.
Not so Erestor. While he was completely capable of talking himself out of any situation he didn’t want to be in, he seldom said a word more than necessary in his private life. And while he had sometimes found that uncomfortable at first, Glorfindel had now come to a point where he couldn’t believe all the stories he had heard about his lover’s tricks, just in order to have what he wanted.
With utmost tenderness he caressed his lover’s cheek. Erestor was sleeping, of course, it had been a rough night. But while at first, they had remained in separate rooms during the night, he had earned himself the privilege to stay after only two years of steady service. Even though he enjoyed what he had, he couldn’t call it lovemaking, he couldn’t even call it lust. The act itself was certainly full of passion. But there was a strange coldness in Erestor’s actions whatever they did. Glorfindel didn’t mind. He learnt to enjoy what he had, and he took the love he deserved while Erestor was still asleep.
“You will not be late for work, will you?” Erestor murmured, sounding almost affectionate. And Glorfindel knew that he would be, but he couldn’t tell his lover that. Not now, anyway. Later the advisor was bound to find out, one way or the other - he always did. But for now he wanted to enjoy leaning against his lover’s body a little longer and that was worth whatever punishment he would receive for it.
Instead of answering the question, Glorfindel kissed a dark strand of hair before he continued by kissing his lover’s mouth, hoping to silence him. Although he did enjoy hearing Erestor speak to him, the time they spent talking had decreased over the years, and he preferred to hear commands or the occasional praise to comments about his work. Despite their relationship he had fought a Balrog, he had been to Mandos and back. And he didn’t enjoy being treated like a young one who needed advice on how to live his life.
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The day to follow was strange. Waking up had been so sweet and not even Erestor’s glare, when he realised Glorfindel had avoided answering his question about work, had been all that bad. But without any reason, Glorfindel spent his day thinking of Cristann and his words, although he hadn’t thought of him for a few years now. And thinking of him seemed to make things go way down hill.
First a stupid trainee ruined his sword by using it to slash a tree and Glorfindel had been forced to find a punishment - which reminded him what would be due at night, although he was currently in no mood to face one. Then, when he had swallowed his anger, he had stepped into something he wouldn’t have thrown at his worst enemy as a child. And wondered what Erestor would say if he brought back such obvious proof of his activity in the stables - or rather said - inside the stable boys.
But he wasn’t in the mood to even consider making apologies for what he did. Clearly Erestor wasn’t foolish enough to believe that he was satisfied only by their nights together. And when at dinner Elrond’s sons got drunk and started smooching with him, he wondered why he never suggested a third, or even fourth to be with them. It had to be entertaining, especially if the twins were the added company. Although secretly, Glorfindel would have preferred to take Elrohir to his bed… and leave Elladan to Erestor.
They were still so young, only a few hundred years. And the thought that they started to enjoy flirting with the older elves was fascinating as well as arousing. He laughed with them as he hadn’t for a long time. And then stopped, suddenly, when he saw Erestor look at him with a most thoughtful expression. Intended or not, the advisor had most certainly spoilt his mood for the rest of the evening, and he was none to happy about that.
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“Did you enjoy yourself?” Erestor asked, his cold tone clearly stating that he didn’t want to hear the answer. With any other elf, Glorfindel would have wondered if he had offended him, if the poor one was jealous… not so with Erestor. It was obvious that if anything had suffered during the past few hours, then it had been his lover’s pride. And even that didn’t seem to be hurt too painfully.
Glorfindel considered his options and thought it useless to pretend. After all Erestor had seen that he had enjoyed what the twins had been doing. “I did, indeed, enjoy myself, I hope you don’t mind. But, after all, you had Lindir on your lap for hours yesterday.” It was a bad idea, and he knew it before he finished the sentence. Claiming that what he had done was right because it was similar to something Erestor had done was something his lover hated - and it was very difficult to get a reaction as strong as hate from him, usually.
He sighed and shook his head, wondering if there was a fight to follow. But there was no fight, Erestor simply looked into his eyes for a few moments and then explained to him that there would be a quest soon, a quest involving hobbits and dwarves, humans and even elves. Glorfindel listened without real interest until he heard the name Sauron. And when he did listen he realised just what Erestor was saying - that Elrond and he had considered the different people who could look after them on their way to Mordor.
“You mean to say that I will follow people walking into Mordor? Do you know that’s insanity? I will fight, but I will not hide like a little girl.” Glorfindel shook his head, frowning at his lover. But Erestor didn’t as much as look up from a parchment he was writing on to acknowledge his protest. Instead he turned around and handed his note to Glorfindel when he was done. “These are your orders. Your lord expects you to leave at dawn tomorrow, to find the hobbits you are supposed to protect. If you wish you may stay in my bed tonight - if not you may leave at once.”
For several moments, Glorfindel looked at Erestor, speechless at the coldness in the advisor’s voice. He was sure that Elrond had permitted this mission - but he felt betrayed, both by his lord and, of course, even more so, by his lover. Then he considered the offer to stay in Erestor’s arms for the night. It was tempting, after all it meant that Erestor didn’t want to lose him. But he wasn’t sure if he was calm enough to stay…
Epilogue
Cristann smiled sadly when he saw Erestor. He didn’t alert him to his presence as he had no desire to speak his former lover just yet. There were things that were more important than mourning over a lost love, he had learned that in Mirkwood. And now he was to protect the young prince of the realm. Legolas was only half the age of the twins, still King Thranduil had been forced to send him on this mission, taking to Imladris the news that they had lost the creature Gollum.
None could tell how Elrond would react, according to spies he was relying on Erestor more than ever, now that his beloved Celebrían had been taken to him. And everyone, especially Cristann imagined that Erestor, while composed during talks, would be angrier than anyone about a mistake like that. The advisor did not believe in mistakes - he never made them and he cruelly punished them whenever he encountered them.
Legolas had been fully aware of that fate though, Cristann had told Thranduil all he knew and the King had informed his son, sparing him none of what he might encounter. But the prince, though not eager to be spoken at by his title, had accepted his mission with the most graceful smile at his father, acting just like it was expected of him. These things were the duties of a ruler’s son.
Elrond’s sons did his biding and Legolas did his father’s. And now the prince was wearing the most humble expression and pretended to be way more naïve than he actually was. He was riding into the court, jumped off his horse and paid no heed to the usual protocol of such an encounter. Instead he asked the first servant he found, a stable boy, of course, as he had a horse to tend to, where he could find the Lord Elrond.
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He could have asked for Erestor, but he decided that, as his rank was obviously above the advisor’s, he would ask for Elrond. He was certain that Elrond’s sons were not around, although Elladan would have been the first to address, matching him in rank. But things were the way they were and Legolas could not change them. With the most serene smile he could manage without making his expression of distress unbelievable, he stepped into the room he had been shown to and waited.
Of course they didn’t make him wait too long. Still he had to wait, of course, for ignoring the protocol like that and he was relieved that they did react in the way he had expected in that aspect, it was good to know that they were somewhat predictable.
When Elrond entered the room, followed by his trusted advisor, Legolas was looking at his fingers, his smile still calm, but grave. He looked up, as though he was surprised, then quickly got to his feet and bowed deeply, showing his respect for the leader of Imladris.
“My lord, ill tidings I bear in dark times like these,” Legolas said, speaking clearly and plainly. His father had taught him how to talk his way round topics, had had his advisors teach his son even more of these things. But they had agreed that it was a better move not to show these talents to Elrond, as they might be of use one day, if the Lord wasn’t prepared to meet them.
“It is unfortunate that it is ill tidings that bring you here, young prince,” Elrond said gently and Legolas could see the serious regret in the Lord’s eyes, instantly taking a mental note to inform his protector about it. He listened to Elrond’s words with the required interest, then informed him of his news and offered his help in any way it might be needed.
Elrond looked at Erestor, they exchanged but a short glance and then it was Erestor who answered Legolas’ offer. “It is very kind of you, my prince, to proffer your help, and in times like these we must accept it, even though it might endanger you. There will be a council in a few days and you will offer to go with the fellowship that is to be formed. Do not reveal your news to anyone else just yet, it might be of importance at the council to convince the representative of the dwarves we require to join you on your quest.”
Legolas promised to do as he was bid, then bowed lowly again and left the room as soon as Elrond had gently told him to rest before he would be announced to the court officially. Then he quickly made his way back to Cristann, informing him of his new task and then sending him off to meet Erestor.
It was of utter importance for Mirkwood to gain new information about beautiful Imladris and its inhabitants, and Erestor, taken off guard by his former lover, would certainly be the best person to gain them from. A smirk stole to Legolas’ lips as he thought about the irony that Erestor would make a mistake when he had tortured his mentor for each he had made back when they had been a couple.
But the pleasure did not last, within moments the worry returned and he sighed, wishing Cristann luck on his current mission, while he mentally prepared for his own. The difficulty was plain to be seen; playing the young fool, maybe even the spoilt prince, while at the same time never truly losing his face and protecting the fellowship that trusted him with their lives…
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When he saw a lonely figure, standing in the dark, he strode over to him, slowly enough not to show too much interest. He recognised Glorfindel immediately, and his heart filled with sadness that out-ruled his own worries. It was easy to see the pain in Glorfindel’s eyes, it was the same pain he had seen when he had still been a child, back when Cristann had arrived in Mirkwood.
“Be with me, tonight,” he proposed with the sweetest smile, offering to Glorfindel the comfort he had always wished to offer to Cristann. His mind formed a mental image and he cursed himself. It was cruel to already consider Glorfindel’s tasks for when his current wounds had healed, but it was the way his mind worked. His love was Mirkwood and whatever means were necessary to assure that she would be well and at peace would be taken.
And no one could be as useful for Mirkwood, as a new spy, who would find back his way to Erestor’s back once the quest was over and everyone believed in the peace this would bring at first. Cristann had taught him much, and among these things was the fact that no one, not even the Elven realms, would ever be perfectly at peace with each other.
There were never open arguments, but still everyone knew better than to strain the relations by not knowing what the others were doing. Lórien and Imladris had the children of Elrond and Celebrían for that matter and Mirkwood had Celeborn to trust them with what they were doing. But Imladris had always been a difficult case for Mirkwood.
A smile played on his lips, as he took off his clothes and saw the worshipping expression on Glorfindel’s face. This wasn’t just for his own pleasure, though he knew he would enjoy his relationship with the Balrogslayer while the quest lasted. But it filled him with joy to know that what he did was for the good of his realm, as for a prince there could be no greater pleasure than to serve his realm with all he had.
The End