Betrothal To An Elf
Part 3
Posted: August 3, 2007
Title: Betrothal To An Elf
Author: Inwë Sáralondë
Summary: The betrothal announcement is made.
*****
Erestor’s stomach was in a knot. The time was fast approaching when Elrond would announce their betrothal, and he was wishing he was anywhere else except the Hall of Fire.
“Are you trying to rub a hole into the floor, melethron?” Glorfindel whispered.
The darkling elf started. “What do you mean?”
“Your slipper has been rubbing over the same spot again and again for the last half hour. I think Elrond would prefer if his floor were left whole.”
Erestor took a sip from his goblet, noting with a little satisfaction that his hand was still steady, despite what he was feeling.
“You need not be nervous, Erestor.”
The advisor shot Glorfindel a dark look. “Do you find this funny, Glorfindel?”
“I would not dare to, melethron. I have my safety to think about.”
“And, if I were you, I would be careful. Right now I am very tempted to drag you by your collar out of here to give you more than just a piece of my mind!” There was anger in Erestor’s voice, but he still kept it lowered so as not to attract attention.
“And provide gossip for all here? I think not.” Leaning closer towards his betrothed, Glorfindel said with a smile on his face, “You do realise that your bark is worse than your bite, do you not?”
“Bark worse than my bite? Where did you learn such a phrase?”
“From some mortals at the settlement I visited the other day.” Glorfindel moved back to sit more comfortably in his chair before turning a quizzical gaze at the darkling elf. “You said ‘more than just a piece of my mind’. I confess I am intrigued; what would that ‘more’ constitute?” he asked mischievously.
“You are a bastard,” Erestor said calmly.
Glorfindel’s eyes widened. “Excuse me?”
Erestor shrugged his shoulders imperceptibly. “’Tis an expression I learnt from some mortals. Quiet now, Elrond is about to make his announcement, though I feel I should make one to say that the betrothal has been cancelled.”
“You would not do that,” Glorfindel stated confidently, but then glanced at the stern visage of his lover. “On the other hand, you would,” he muttered, before returning his gaze to Elrond.
“My friends,” Elrond began. “I have a wonderful announcement to make, one I am sure all of you had been hoping for.” His gaze rested on his seneschal and advisor, taking in the expressions on their faces. ‘Oh Valar, now what?’ he thought. Pausing only slightly, he then continued, pretending he had not seen what he had. “I am pleased to announce the betrothal between my chief advisor and seneschal.”
The Hall erupted with clapping and shouted good wishes at the pair, with a number of them shouting ‘about time’.
Elrond raised his voice. “Which means that, in a year’s time, we will be celebrating their wedding ceremony.” There were more cheers, and Elrond raised his goblet. “Let us drink to Erestor and Glorfindel.” There was momentary silence as they all took sips of their wine.
“Melin chen, Erestor,” Glorfindel said quietly.
Erestor’s throat was suddenly tight with emotion, and he had difficulty in swallowing his wine. “Melin chen, bevae,” he managed to bring out, and felt his heart flutter at the brilliant smile that Glorfindel gave him.
*****
Elvish translations:
melethron – male lover
melin chen – I love you
melin chen, bevae – I love you, too.
*****
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