Keys

Keys

Posted: April 25, 2008
Title: Keys
Author: LK
Type: FCS
Characters: Erestor/Glorfindel
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Not mine, just playing. Here’s the formal version: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Warnings: Slash
Challenge: Daily Drabble - prompt: Keys
Beta: None, those mistakes are all my own

Summary: A big step.

*****

Imladris, Early Third Age

Erestor walked down the corridor, heading toward the appointed meeting place. He measured his stride so he would arrive exactly at the expected time–neither a moment early, nor a moment late. As he walked, he mused on the uncomfortable feeling he had been experiencing all morning.

He was ancient, even for an Elf. It had been thousands of years since he had felt nervous knots in his belly, or what Elladan and Elrohir referred to as “butterflies.” To his great annoyance, not only did he feel the flip-flopping and swirling in his stomach, but it grew worse as the morning hours waned and the specified time finally arrived.

He had been hard-pressed to restrain himself from seeking Glorfindel out early to get the matter over with and end his anxiety, but he refused to let the pixies dancing in his belly win out over his superior logic and cool common sense. It was true that this day represented a big step for them, but it was certainly not monumental, so what did he have to be nervous about?

Still, what if he arrived and was the lone keeper of their appointment? What if he stood there waiting, only for it to be in vain? What if Glorfindel changed his mind, and all of it was for naught?

“Nay,” he muttered firmly. “Glorfindel would not do that. This is right. We both feel it.” The dark-haired Elf rarely talked to himself, but in this instance, he needed the extra weight of hearing his own thoughts spoken aloud in order to believe them.

Approaching the last turn before he reached his destination, Erestor took a long, steadying breath. Rounding the corner, he felt a surge of relief at the sight of the tall ellon leaning casually against the wall. The feeling was quickly followed by guilt that he had ever doubted Glorfindel. The golden-haired Elf had never given him any cause to believe he was capable of something so dishonorable, and Erestor suddenly felt unworthy.

All such thoughts and feelings of guilt, nervousness, or low self worth evaporated instantly when Glorfindel smiled at him with a brilliance that was nearly blinding. Glorfindel’s smile was a common sight in Imladris; his optimistic outlook and merry disposition made him one of the most cheerful residents of the haven. This particular smile, however, was reserved solely for Erestor. It warmed the counselor to his very soul and all dark thoughts fled before it.

The Balrog Slayer pushed away from the wall and sauntered slowly toward him with a self-satisfied air. It was no secret that Glorfindel had wished for this day for many years. Now that it had arrived, he could not help feeling just a little smug. After all, he had achieved what no other had in Erestor’s long life.

Almost triumphantly, Glorfindel held up the small bit of metal he was holding. Without hesitation, Erestor did likewise.

Neither of them ever actually locked their chamber doors, and Glorfindel likely had to hunt as hard for his spare the way Erestor did, but that was not the point. The significance was in what the event symbolized–trust, open invitation, perpetual access and a welcome that was its own type of intimacy.

As they reached forward and exchanged keys to their personal chambers, Erestor knew he was really giving Glorfindel the keys to his heart. It was something he had never given to another . . . his heart, that is. As he leaned in to accept Glorfindel’s tender kiss, he was certain it would be well cared for in the golden Elf’s keeping–and not long at all before they both lived behind the same door.

*****

THE END

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