Hidden Love 2

Hidden Love

Part 2

Posted: November 4, 2005
Title: Hidden Love
Author: Janalynn27

*****

Glorfindel woke to find a sleeping Erestor draped over him like a blanket. He could feel Erestor's breath on his neck and his legs were on either side of his. Glorfindel lay there basking in the warmth that was Erestor. He stayed as still as he could, not wanting to wake him, not knowing when he would get to hold Erestor like this again. All too soon Glorfindel noticed that the sky was lightening and he began to hear the camp stir. He knew that Erestor would not want to be found draped over him like this so he was just preparing to wake him when Erestor nuzzled his neck and sighed as he woke.

Erestor was so warm and comfortable; he did not remember when he had slept so well. Then he realized that he was laying on something hard and warm and smelled just like Glorfindel. Suddenly Erestor clambered off of Glorfindel and stood breathing hard.

Glorfindel sat up quickly to hide how aroused he was; the last thing he wanted was for Erestor to see how he affected him. Erestor's reaction to their closeness only confirmed what Glorfindel knew, Erestor did not desire him, did not love him.

"Glorfindel, I...sorry, I did not mean to lay on you like that," Erestor stammered. When he realized whom he was laying on his body became on fire and Erestor panicked. He could only hope Glorfindel hadn't felt his erection.

"Erestor, there is nothing to apologize for. You kept me quite warm. Are you feeling better?" he asked as he stood up and turned to fold up the blanket.

"Aye, thank you for the help last night," Erestor said. Mentioning that he needed to relieve himself, Glorfindel told him he would go and check with Elrond and the wounded.

Erestor was kneeling down at the stream washing his face when a feeling of unease came over him, "Glorfindel."

Erestor was half way back to camp when he heard the cries of the sentries. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a sword coming at his head. Deftly Erestor ducked and turned while taking out his knife and buried it in the orc's neck. Making his way stealthy forward he heard fighting breaking out all around him. Suddenly an orc came at him from the side. Circling each other, Erestor stabbed once, twice, and the third time brought the orc down. By the time Erestor made it to the heart of the camp he had killed three more orcs; all he could think of was finding Glorfindel. Seeing Elrond not far from him he knew that Glorfindel would be close by. Blocking an orc's blow, Erestor knocked the orc down and stabbed it's black heart. He just got to his feet when he spotted Glorfindel who was engaged in a fight with two orcs. Relief flooded Erestor when he saw that Glorfindel was still alive then it was replaced with horror as he watched a huge orc coming at Glorfindel's back. Not wasting any thought or time, Erestor grabbed the dagger out of his boot, throwing it hand over end he watched as it pierced the orc's back, severing it's spinal cord.

Glorfindel took down the second orc when he turned to find a wide-eyed orc only a couple of feet from him. He then watched as it fell forward face down, saw the dagger protruding from it's back, and knew immediately who it belonged to, "Erestor," he breathed. He looked up to find Erestor breathing hard, staring at him across the camp. By the time they managed to get to one another what was left of the orcs were fleeing.

Looking him up and down for injuries Glorfindel then pulled Erestor into his arms, "Erestor, you are safe."

Erestor closed his eyes and savored the feel of Glorfindel's arms about him. He drank in his warmth and fought the tears that threatened to fall. His beloved was safe.

Reality came flooding back to Glorfindel when he heard the moans of pain coming from the injured elves around them. He let go of Erestor and looked around to see blood and death. They had lost some warriors in this attack.

Erestor, feeling his pain, placed his hand on Glorfindel's back, giving him what comfort he could in a time like this. When Glorfindel turned to look at Erestor with tears falling down his face, Erestor's finally broke free.

"Glorfindel, I am so sorry," Erestor whispered.

*****

Four hours after the attack Glorfindel and Erestor were sitting with Elrond in his tent going over their situation.

"I know that it is dangerous to move some of the wounded but it cannot be helped. I feel it is even more dangerous to stay out here in the open. The scouts that we sent out have reported some unusually high orc activity in this area. Also the wounded would be better cared for in the Healing House," Elrond said, weary from healing so many.

Erestor was worried for his friend. Elrond had used a lot of energy healing the wounded and there were still a few in critical condition. "Elrond, you need to get some rest and I will not take no for an answer. Glorfindel and I can take care of things for a few hours while you get some sleep," Erestor said, brooking no argument.

Elrond smiled at his dear friend, "Ah, I was wondering when my stern advisor was going to appear."

"I agree with Erestor, you get some sleep and we will let you know if anything comes up," Glorfindel stood up motioning for Erestor to follow him out of the tent.

Elrond chuckled at his friends and sighed as he fell onto a pile of furs on the floor and quickly fell asleep.

Outside of the tent Glorfindel said, "Erestor, I am going to check with the sentries and will return in a couple of hours."

"Very well, my friend. I am going to help out Faelon with the wounded," he said and then they parted ways.

A few hours later Elrond stepped outside his tent and looked about. It was late evening and most of the Elves were getting some rest before they began their journey home. Spying Erestor he sighed at how tired he looked. Erestor literally drooped with fatigue and Elrond thought that a strong wind would surely fell his friend.

Walking to stand beside him, Elrond said, "Mellon nín, I am rested now; it is your turn. You will go and rest in my tent and that is an order from your Lord."

Erestor sighed and turned to look at Elrond. He could not deny that he was exhausted but Glorfindel had not returned yet and he just could not rest until he did.

"Elrond, I am fine. I will..." Erestor began but was interrupted by Glorfindel.

"Do not worry, Elrond. I will make sure our friend gets some rest," Glorfindel said as he stood close to Erestor. He was worried; there were dark smudges under Erestor's eyes and he looked likely to fall over.

Elrond smiled with relief, "Good, I put him in your care then."

"And do I have any say in this?" Erestor said glaring back and forth between both of them.

"No," both said at once.

"Humph, well I am not tired so I will just go and see if Faelon needs some help," Erestor said ready to turn and leave the two overbearing elves but was stopped by Glorfindel as he grabbed his arm.

Leaning down to whisper in Erestor's ear Glorfindel said, "If I have to, I will throw you over my shoulder and carry you to the tent to rest, my stubborn friend."

Erestor could not suppress the shiver as he felt Glorfindel's breath on his neck, "I am no more stubborn than you."

Pulling him closer Glorfindel said, "Then you should know that I will do what I say I will."

The next thing Glorfindel knew Erestor slipped out of his grasp and was half way to the tent. 'That little scamp', Glorfindel thought.

"If you will excuse me, my Lord, I have a stubborn Counselor to put to bed," he said as he ran after Erestor.

Elrond chuckled at his friends' antics and he became thoughtful. When they returned to Imladris he would talk to them, each alone, to try to figure out their feelings for one another. The coming years would be difficult and to have a loved one would make it more bearable. Suddenly loneliness overtook him. It had been so long since he had someone to care for him. Oh, he had his children and his dear friends at Imladris but no one to hold him thru the night. It had been nearly a century since Celebrían went into the west and he remembered what she had told him before she had left, "Elrond, you must promise me that you will not deny yourself love or companionship if the Valar so blesses you. I know you will have a long hard road ahead of you and I do not want you to walk it alone." Shaking his morose thoughts away he turned around and went in search of Faelon.

Erestor just made it inside the tent when Glorfindel caught up with him.

"You, my friend, are almost as fleet of foot as Legolas," Glorfindel said coming into the tent.

Chuckling, "Now that is a nimble little elf," Erestor said affectionately.

Glorfindel winced at the affection he heard in his voice; surely he did not desire Legolas?

"Why do you not go and sit on the furs why I get some food for us to eat? I for one am famished, and I bet you have not eaten much of anything," he said as he walked over to a bag that held some foodstuffs.

Sighing Erestor made his way over to the bed furs and said, "You know Glorfindel I am not helpless. Believe it or not I can take care of myself," he then fell back against the furs and closed his eyes.

"Oh, I have no doubt that you can but I am your friend, am I not? Should not friends help each other?" Glorfindel said as he placed some lembas on a cloth and grabbed a skin of wine. Turning to take Erestor the food he found his dear friend fast asleep.

Staring down at his love for a few moments he quickly ate a couple pieces of lembas and washed it down with a few swigs of wine. Putting the rest of the food back into the bag he walked over to Erestor and took off his armor and placed his sword on the floor next to the furs. After taking off his boots he knelt down and carefully took Erestor's off and set them aside. Taking Erestor's weapons off his person he set them next to his boots and laid down next to him, pulling a blanket over them. When he turned towards Erestor he sighed as Erestor snuggled up to him and he quickly fell asleep.

*****

Elrond crept quietly into the tent. He needed to retrieve a bag of healing herbs and did not want to send anyone in to disturb his friends. He bent to pick up the bag and looked over to the bed furs and was shocked, 'do they love each other?' he thought. There was Erestor sprawled over Glorfindel, both of them looking most content in their reverie. Not wanting to disturb them he took the bag and left, making sure no one was to enter the tent to disturb them.

This time it was Erestor who woke up first. He lay there and could not believe that he was sprawled once again on top of Glorfindel. He wondered if it was Glorfindel or himself that managed to get him in this position. He knew that he would need to move soon because all of his body was awakening and with it his desire for Glorfindel. Erestor managed to get halfway off of Glorfindel before he woke, looking deeply into his eyes.

"You seem to have a penchant to lie on top of me, mellon nín (my friend)," Glorfindel smiled. He thought how he would love to wake up like this every day for eternity.

"Yes, well, how do we know it is not you who pulls me on top, huh?" Erestor tried to hide his smile but failed when Glorfindel poked him in the stomach. "Hey!"

Chuckling, Glorfindel sat up and pulled on his boots then stood up and started putting on his armor.

"Thank you, Glorfindel, for taking care of me. What would I do without you, mellon nín?" Erestor said while he put on his boots.

"Humph, probably freeze and starve to death," Glorfindel teased.

Just then both of them heard Erestor's stomach grumble and they both laughed, "Yes, well, maybe you are right," Erestor laughed as he went and ate a few pieces of lembas.

As they ate and prepared to leave the tent in search of Elrond, a warrior came riding into camp with terrible news.

Elrond looked up as an elf approached him, "Daugion, what are you doing here. What is wrong?"

Kneeling before Elrond, Daugion bowed his head and said, "My Lord Elrond, there was an attack when we were returning to Imladris. I was with Landion and a group of our warriors who were taking up the rear; we were able to hold the orcs at bay while the wounded and the rest of the warriors were able to make it to safety. We were able to kill all of the orcs but My Lord, Landion...perished during the attack."

Elrond stumbled back and quickly looked to the tent and watched as Glorfindel and Erestor emerged. Glorfindel was going to be crushed by the news.

They were still laughing and joking around when they came out of the tent. When Glorfindel looked across the camp and saw Daugion kneeling in front of Elrond and then noticed the look of pain in Elrond's eyes, Glorfindel's laughter died. Daugion had been in Elrond's group of warriors. He had stayed with Landion and was to help him get the wounded back to Imladris. Something was wrong, Glorfindel could feel it.

Erestor felt Glorfindel tense and followed his gaze to find Elrond who was trying to fight the tears that were filling his eyes. Quickly Glorfindel and he made their way to Elrond.

"Elrond, just tell me," Glorfindel whispered.

Elrond took a deep breath then said, "Glorfindel I am so sorry, it seems Landion has passed on to the Halls of Mandos. The rear of their procession were attacked and he and his warriors engaged them while the wounded were taken to safety."

Glorfindel winced and would have fallen had it not been for Erestor catching him. Unconsciously Glorfindel leaned into Erestor for support and comfort. He closed his eyes as pain gripped his soul. How could a mighty warrior like Landion have fallen? A tear slipped down his cheek and he shuddered, trying to hold back the tears.

"I am so sorry, Glorfindel; he was such a brave, kind warrior," Erestor said as he fought his own pain. He knew Landion, as all in Imladris did; he was such a caring elf, helping out all who were in need.

Knowing that they must return to Imladris as quickly as possible, Elrond ordered that they break camp and prepare the wounded for travel.

Glorfindel walked around in a haze, numb, and Erestor more than once looked to Elrond with concern. Helping Glorfindel to gather his things and pack them in his saddlebags, he waited for him to climb up onto Asfaloth and handed him the reins. Swinging up onto Celegnen, Erestor stayed close to Glorfindel on the journey back to Imladris.

During the long journey Elrond called a halt every few hours to check on the wounded and to rest the horses. Erestor continued to watch over Glorfindel and truly worried because he showed no sign of any emotions. He tried to get him to talk and eat but nothing seemed to get Glorfindel to come out of his trance-like state. The last rest before they were to reach Imladris Erestor went to Elrond for guidance.

"Elrond, I am worried about Glorfindel; he hasn't said anything and I feel his pain," Erestor told him, fighting back his tears.

Elrond looked to Glorfindel who was sitting next to Asfaloth, his horse, "Erestor, he is probably trying to be strong for the other warriors. He is their captain and he knows that they are in pain as well, he would feel it his duty as a leader to not give into his grief. When we return to Imladris, take him to his chambers and stay with him tonight, he is going to need your friendship."

Looking at Glorfindel and then back to Elrond he said, "Very well. Thank you, Elrond."

"Are you well, mellon nín?" Elrond asked, putting a hand on Erestor's shoulder.

Giving his friend's hand a slight squeeze he said, "I will be."

When they reached the gates of Imladris they all could hear the laments being sung for the wounded and dead. Knowing that Glorfindel needed to give in to his grief and would not do so in front of the other warriors, Erestor bade a stable hand to take extra care for their horses and walked with Glorfindel to his chambers. Passing a servant in the hall of The Last Homely House, Erestor ask for tea and food sent to Glorfindel's chambers and thanked her.

Walking through Glorfindel's antechamber and heading into his bedchamber, Erestor sat Glorfindel into a chair in front of the fireplace and after lighting a few candles, prepared a fire to help warm the chamber. Erestor had just managed to get Glorfindel out of his armor and travel clothes and into a lounging robe when a servant came with the food and tea.

Filling a cup with tea, he brought it to Glorfindel who had yet to speak a word, "Here, Glorfindel, take a drink; it will help warm you."

Glorfindel let Erestor put the cup to his lips and after taking a couple of sips he finally let his grief crash over him, causing his body to shudder as sobs took hold of him.

Putting the cup down quickly, Erestor pulled Glorfindel into his arms and rocked him. Not knowing how to comfort him, Erestor started to sing a lullaby that he learned as a child. After awhile, exhaustion finally caused a lull in Glorfindel's tears and Erestor put him into bed.

Thinking Erestor was going to leave him Glorfindel grabbed Erestor's wrist and pleaded, "Do not leave me."

Brushing the hair out of Glorfindel's eyes Erestor looked down at him and with a sad smile said, "Nay, mellon nín (my friend), I will not leave you. Just let me extinguish the candles and change out of my travel clothes and I will lie down next to you."

After Erestor managed to get Glorfindel to release his wrist, he quickly changed, and made sure the fire was not going to burn out climbed under the blankets next to Glorfindel who instantly rolled into him, latching onto him as if he was afraid to let go.

"Mellon nín, try to get some rest, I will be here, I will watch over you," Erestor said while he pulled him closer to him and laying a gentle kiss upon his brow.

After taking a few shuddered breaths, exhaustion finally claimed Glorfindel. Once he was asleep Erestor gave in to his own grief, tears made their way down to fall upon Glorfindel's hair. The pain of Landion's death coupled with Glorfindel's pain made Erestor's sorrow all the more severe.

Kissing his brow once more, Erestor whispered, " Ind nín (My heart)."

*****

previous | Chapter Index | next

If you enjoyed this story, please send feedback to: Janalynn27