Hidden Love 3

Hidden Love

Part 3

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

*****

When Erestor woke he sighed at finding himself in a familiar position, draped over Glorfindel. He lay there for minutes just listening to Glorfindel's steady heartbeat. Looking over to the window, Erestor saw that the sun had already risen. Too soon there would be so much to do. He would need to check with Melpomaen and his scribes and then set them each a duty to do. Some would need to approach the family and friends of the fallen warriors, to see if they wanted to say something at The Honor Ceremony tonight. He would need to start transcribing the events of this last week and gather all of the information. Erestor knew that there was a lot to do in such a short time but it would also keep him busy and he knew at times like these, it could be a good thing.

Glorfindel woke to find Erestor once again on top of him. Not caring at the moment what he would think, he wrapped his arms tightly around Erestor, holding him close.

They lay like that for a few minutes until Erestor lifted his head to look down into Glorfindel's eyes, "Morning, did you get any rest?"

Smiling sadly up at him he said, "Some, and you? I see you found your way on top of me again."

Reluctantly Erestor rolled off of him and sat up, "Yes, well, we still do not know who does it. Are you fairing better this morning?"

Sitting up next to Erestor, he sighed, "Yes, thank you, mellon nín (my friend) for taking care of me last night, I was acting like a babe."

"Glorfindel, you were not, you were brave in front of your warriors. And besides, I would have continued to worry if you had not given into your grief; you need to work through it. Landion would not want anyone to grieve overly long for him," Erestor said then walked to the window to look out at the autumn leaves blowing in the wind.

Glorfindel did not feel brave, it still affected him sorely, the memories of The Halls Of Mandos. Now Landion and a few other elves were there, it was not fair.

Walking over to stand next to Erestor, he said, "I will be fine, mellon nín. I know you have a lot to do today and I can tell you already have your thoughts on things you must accomplish. I will take a bath then make an appearance in the barracks. They will need to have reassurance from their captain and thanks to you I feel strong enough to face them."

Smiling at Glorfindel, "You must promise me, mellon nín, that if at anytime today you need to talk or anything, you come and find me. Most likely I will be in my study or the library, if I am not, just ask one of my scribes and they should know where I am."

"What would I ever do without you?" Glorfindel whispered.

Impulsively Erestor pulled him into a hug and whispered back, "You will never have to find out," then he left.

Glorfindel watch him leave then quickly took a bath and dressed in his ceremonial armor and with a quick stop in the kitchen for a light breakfast he made his way to the barracks. Taking a deep fortifying breath he walked inside and was surrounded by warriors seeking comfort from their captain. After spending a few hours in the barracks and making sure he visited with each elf, Glorfindel then went to The Healing House and spent the rest of the day visiting with the wounded.

Erestor stayed busy the whole day, which helped him keep his pain at bay. He thought to see Glorfindel some time during the day but assumed he was visiting with his warriors. When it was getting near time for the feast he told Melpomaen they were done for the day and went to his chambers to change into his formal robes, then made his way to the courtyard.

Glorfindel was standing in the courtyard talking with Daugion when he saw Erestor walk out of The Last Homely House and he could not help the longing that took hold of him. He had felt an overwhelming need to find Erestor after leaving the barracks earlier but he knew that he could not disturb him. They were only friends not lovers or mates, and he knew that he was treading very close to the edge and Erestor had not shown any interest in him other than friendship, Glorfindel would not chance losing that friendship.

Erestor, seeing Glorfindel, paused on the top step before walking down into the courtyard and stopped next to Glorfindel, "Mellon nín, manen le (my friend, how are you)?"

Giving him a sad smile Glorfindel said, "I am better, you?" Spending time with his warriors during the day had helped him deal with some of his grief.

"Yes and I am happy that you are feeling better," he said looking out over the courtyard and the elves who were slowly making their way there.

When everyone was present Elrond came to stand in between Glorfindel and Erestor, then Lostariel, an elleth (female elf), stepped forward and began to sing. The song was hauntingly beautiful, tales of brave warriors, present and past. When the song came to a close there was not a dry eye in the audience.

In honor of the Imladris' warriors, miruvor was brought out and passed around and then one by one those who chose to come forward and speak of a friend or loved one took their turn, relating humorous tales or just telling of how they touched their lives. When they were all finished Elrond said his peace, honoring all the warriors and praising them for their continued devotion to the protection of Imladris and the whole of Arda. Elrond and Erestor had decided that it should be Glorfindel to bring a close to The Honoring Ceremony, they had felt it proper since he was their captain and all looked up to him.

Taking a deep fortifying breath, Glorfindel stepped forward and raised his glass, "To all of those who have traveled to The Halls Of Mandos, may you rest in honor for your bravery in the face of such evil."

Walking over to stand before the wounded that were brought out to share in the ceremony he again raised his glass, "To each and every one of you brave warriors, I await the honor of standing shoulder to shoulder in battle with you once again."

Erestor smiled with pride as Glorfindel finished his toast and then one by one grasped each warrior's arm in acknowledgement. He watched, as each warrior seemed to puff out their chests and light spring to life in each of their eyes at the compliment coming from their captain.

"Erestor?"

Erestor turned and smiled, holding out his arms, "You sang beautifully, elloth dithen (little flower)," he said has he hugged Lostariel tightly.

"Erestor, you have had your turn, now give her to me," Glorfindel said as he gently pulled Lostariel into a big hug.

Laughing Lostariel said, "You two are always try fight over me."

"Well, it is just you are so precious to us, elloth dithen," Erestor said as they all walked over to a table laden with food.

Tonight there were tables set out in the main garden and all gathered for the feast. During the meal Imladris' resident glirdan (bard) related tales of old and many toasts were made. Lindir and the other minstrels played music and some danced and remembered all of those who passed and celebrated all those who survived. After hours of celebrating, slowly the feast came to an end.

Erestor and Glorfindel had watched Elrond during the evening and both cornered him at the end of the feast. Glorfindel had asked earlier, while in The Healing House, how the wounded fared and Elrond had said that a few would be laid up for a few weeks, but all would make a full recovery.

"My Lord, we insist that you retire to your chambers for a goodnight's rest, it is time to give the other healers the duty to watch over the wounded," Erestor said in a 'I won't take no for an answer' voice.

Elrond looking from one to the other, knew that he wouldn't win the argument if he said no, especially when Erestor called him 'My Lord'. Smiling warmly at both of them he said, "Thank you, mellyn nín (my friends) for your concern."

Knowing that Elrond was just as stubborn as they were, both Erestor and Glorfindel walked him to his chambers and bade him goodnight. Making their way through The Last Homely House they came to a stop in front of Erestor's chambers.

"Oltho vae ne fuin hen, mellon nín (May you dream well tonight, my friend)," Erestor said to Glorfindel.

Glorfindel smiled at his friend, his secret love. How this dark elf held his heart, how he longed to take him into his arms and confess his love for him. Placing his hand upon Erestor's shoulder, "Hannon le, mellon nín. Fuin vaer (thank you, my friend. Good night)."

Squeezing Glorfindel's hand and giving him a smile, Erestor walked into his chamber and closed the door.

Looking longingly at Erestor's door for a few moments, Glorfindel walked the short distance to his chamber, and sighed as loneliness took hold of him.

*****

The ground was a river of blood, orc's black and elves' red, mingled to make a muddy color; the battlefield was slick with it, making it treacherous to move. Glorfindel looked over the sea of orcs and elves and then ducked, parried, thrust forward, then sliced down his enemy. He repeated this over and over, while hearing the cries of his fellow comrades and those of his enemy. In between engaging his opponents he would search the battlefield in hopes of seeing Erestor. It seemed that the battle had gone on for days, he would cut down one orc only to have it replaced by another, their numbers never dwindling. He was growing desperate to find his love, searching, constantly searching and never finding. Then suddenly he heard his name called out faintly, like from a great distance and looked once again across the battlefield to find his beautiful dark elf, it was like watching a dancer with deadly grace. Erestor seemed to flow around his enemies, wielding his knives and taking down his enemy before they even realized that he was there. Glorfindel started to fight his way to him only to find that the closer he came the farther Erestor seemed to be. Repeating his duck, parry, thrust, and slice, he cut a swath through his enemy only to be brought up short when to his horror he watched as a huge orc, branding a white hand on his helm, barreled his way towards Erestor.

"BAW!!!! ERESTOR!!!!"

Glorfindel woke up screaming, he sat up quickly in bed and fought for breath. Sweat rolled down his face, the sheets wet from it. He covered his face with his hands, shivering uncontrollably. He kept up a litany in his mind; it was only a dream, only a dream. His mind registered that fact but his heart, his soul, would not listen. Before he knew what or where he was going, Glorfindel had grabbed a robe and was in the hall making his way to Erestor's chambers. He only wanted to see him, just to see him with his own eyes, to make sure he was safe here in Imladris. Quietly making his way through his antechamber, he crept into Erestor's bedchamber and came to stand at the side of his bed, drinking in the vision of his beloved. Two candles had been left to burn and their faint glow made Erestor's raven locks shine. Suddenly a small smile came to Glorfindel's lips and he now knew why he found Erestor always draped over him. Erestor was lying on his stomach in the middle of his large bed, arms sprawled out on either side of him, and his face snuggled into a pillow. Glorfindel had only intended to come and look upon him, making sure he was safe, then planned on going back to his own chambers, but knew he would never find any rest if he did. Going over to build up the fire, he then pulled off his robe and stood in a loose pair of leggings, staring down at Erestor for a moment more. Carefully climbing into bed he placed one of Erestor's arms over his waist. He meant only to lie like that but soon found Erestor snuggling up against him in his sleep. Closing his eyes, Glorfindel pulled him tighter against him and smiled as he heard Erestor breathe his name in his sleep. Finally, his body relaxed and soon fell asleep in his beloved's arms.

Erestor snuggled closer into his pillow. He was so warm and comfortable that he hated to arise. He knew that he had responsibilities, needed to take care of them himself. Nuzzling his pillow he frowned when what should be soft was hard and covered in velvet skin, which smelled just like...Glorfindel? Raising his head he looked down into the sleeping face of a very tired Glorfindel. Frowning, he strictly remembered coming to bed alone. Glorfindel must have sought him out sometime in the night; it was good that he slept in a pair of leggings and not his usual naked form. He lovingly caressed his face with his eyes, frowning once again when he saw the dark smudges under Glorfindel's eyes.

Glorfindel slowly opened his eyes, looked up into dark eyes and a frowning Erestor. Thinking Erestor was upset that he was here, he rolled Erestor off him and sat up, "I am sorry, I did not mean to fall asleep."

Sitting up next to him and placing a hand on his back, "Glor, what is wrong."

Quickly looking into his eyes, "You have not called me Glor in such a long time."

Shrugging, "Well, what is wrong?"

"You were frowning, I thought...I mean, are you upset that I am here?" he said looking away from him.

"I was frowning because you look so tired, and why would I be upset? Did I not tell you to come to me if you needed to? Why did you not wake me?" rubbing Glorfindel's shoulder.

Taking a shuddering breath, "I had a nightmare and you...I needed to see that you were alright. I did not intend to stay."

Smiling, "Well if you keep it up I may just become used to sleeping on you, then what will I do," standing up and walking over to light a few candles, 'Did I just say that' Erestor thought, 'I am such a fool'.

Chuckling, Glorfindel got up and put his robe on, "I should go, it is becoming late. I am sure we have missed breakfast. I will be careful leaving."

Erestor turned and looked at him, "Why would you need to be careful?"

"I just thought that...you know, you would not want anyone to see me leaving your chambers at a time like this and dressed the way I am," Glorfindel said.

Walking over to stand in front of Glorfindel, "Listen to me, mellon nín, I do not give a damn what people think. You were in need, what kind of friend would I be if I were not there for you?"

Glorfindel smiled, "What did I ever do to be blessed with such a great friend?"

"What me? I thought I was a most stubborn elf?" he said smiling.

Erestor watched as Glorfindel left, laughing. He then quickly dressed and made his way to his study.

*****

previous | Chapter Index | next

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