Resolution

Posted: May 2003
Type: FCS
Author's Name: Kharessa Bloodrose
Characters: Glorfindel/Erestor
Rating: R
Summary: Six months later… This follows "Beyond Barriers."
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters or settings, and I am making no profit from the writing and sharing of this story.
Author's Notes: Thanks to those who have contributed to my madness from the beginning of this series: Tessie, Gomory, Cobweb, TrinityC, Angilou, Morgana, Levade, Heather, Elizabeth, Lianaavatar, Sheila, Star Dust, Larian, Raven, Jenny, Jen C, Angela, Aradiria, Leslie, Rune Dancer, Jeanne, Ze, Nellas, Sarah, Alex, and Pira. I'd have lost interest and quit writing without you. Special thanks to Morgana, Aradiria, Angilou, and Jen C for creative criticism and suggestions.
Read this chapter side by side with Chapter 1 for full effect. Or don't; it's not necessary for understanding. My apologies in advance to those who might not like these last two chapters. I was uncertain myself, but this was the best I could come up with. /looks ashamed

*****

The east facing windows were not shuttered against the rain, and Glorfindel leaned against the wide casement sill. The autumn breeze was brisk, invigorating, pleasantly chilly against the skin of his face and hands. Its touch was not yet icy, but it held an edge that foreshadowed the fall of colored leaves that still clung tenaciously to branches growing winter brittle. The brilliant leaves would cover the land like a jovial counterpane, and then that too would be covered by the pristine smoothness of snow. Glorfindel found them both beautiful. He tilted his face skyward as if drinking in the warmth of the hidden sun, listening to the rain continue its ancient, staccato dance.

He had returned from the morning patrol soaked to the skin. In spite of the cold water dripping steadily down the back of his cloak and his blonde hair plastered colorlessly against his head he had not been displeased. Like all elves, Glorfindel could feel the changes in the earth in his blood and flesh, could feel the inexorable turning towards rest and quiet renewal. In the Last Homely House he knew he would find the twins in the kitchen with their sister and mother, baking cookies and listening to stories that were as important as the ones taught to them by Elrond and Erestor though in a different way. He had lived for years beyond numbering, but he was not too old to join them, would have liked to have joined them on another day when he did not already have plans.

"You seem lost in thought."

Glorfindel glanced up at the sound of his lover's voice. Erestor perched at the edge of the bed, a curious smile curving his lips.

"How was your day?" He asked, and Erestor shrugged eloquently.

"As well as most. And how did you fare?"

"The woods are quiet." He returned to his view of the yard, stepping companionably to one side as Erestor joined him. "I daresay we've staved off the dark forces for yet a little while longer."
"Indeed." There was a thoughtful tone to Erestor's voice, and the dark haired elf rose to join Glorfindel at the window. "All's well that ends well, I suppose. After the events of this past summer Thranduil was much more accepting of what Elrond could offer. It didn't hurt that Elralinde was here to witness the fact that we were hard pressed."

"So, there is always reason to be hopeful."

"Yes." Erestor said simply, rested his cheek against Glorfindel's shoulder when the warrior pulled him close. The advisor's dark eyes were full of lazy warmth, and he purred softly as Glorfindel stroked his raven black braids.

"Would you care to come with me to find some dinner?"

"That sounds good. Not much to do today; I think I could get away with a vacation."

*****

They lay together in a puddle of shifting light, gray to gold and then gray again as clouds scudded past the sun's unblinking eye. Winter velvet and the heavier weight of uniform greens and grays had been cast aside, lay draped over the simple, unadorned chair beside the spiral posted bed. Twined together, the two elves made a study in contrasts; gold kissed whiteness to moon touched gold, raven black to the shimmering of ripe wheat. They strove together in near silent passion, bodies moving atop the coverlet of pale, solid green in slow, sensual rhythm.

They reached completion as the balance of day to night shifted, as lightness darkened from hazy gray to black. Neither reached for the candle on the bedside table, neither suggested starting the fire. Night held no fearsome mystery where known flesh touched, nestled together as comfortably as seemingly mismatched garments of velvet, wool, cotton, and silk in a single wardrobe.

"My Erestor." Glorfindel whispered softly, and accepted his lover's answering kiss.

"My Glorfindel." This kiss deepened, the words spoken into the golden elf's warm mouth. "Love you forever, melethron nin."

*****

THE END

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