Resurrection 7

Resurrection

Part 7

Posted: October 6, 2006
Title: Resurrection
Author: Larien Elengasse

Summary: Gil-galad arrives in Imladris.

*****

Erestor busied himself reading over his list of things to do in preparation for Gil-galad’s arrival. Glorfindel and Elrond had departed two days prior in order to escort the high king and his companions through the more dangerous narrow passes leading to the Hidden Valley. While no orcs or evil creatures had been spotted near the borders of Imladris, the approach of the king’s regiment could draw the attention of Sauron’s spies, who still prowled Eriador. The Dark Lord sought revenge against the Elves for his defeat at Ost-in-Edhil, and he held a particularly strong hatred for Gil-galad and Elrond.

It had been weeks since he and Glorfindel had last lain together; his best friend had spent the better part of a fortnight posting soldiers and building flets along the borders to serve as guard posts. While Glorfindel had assured him that all was well between them, Erestor could not help but feel a pang of regret when he thought of how he handled his friend in bed that night. He hoped he would have a chance to redeem himself, though he wondered if he deserved it. He had yet to offer himself to Glorfindel, despite the fact that his friend had definitely proven time and again that he would never, ever hurt him. He vowed that should Glorfindel take him back to his bed, he would give himself freely, taking whatever treatment Glorfindel gave with pleasure.

Quarters had been prepared for the high king and his entourage, which included soldiers, councilors, and a special escort, Galdor of the Havens, the Chief Councilor to Círdan himself. It would be the first visit from those from Lindon to Imladris, and he looked forward to the auspicious occasion with nervous excitement.

“Are the king’s quarters prepared?” he asked.

“Aye, Master Erestor,” Lindir answered, the corners of his mouth quirking upward into a grin involuntarily.

“With fresh flowers and bath oils?”

“And soft linens upon the bed,” Lindir finished. “The chambermaids will bring pitchers of water, wine, and miruvor upon his arrival.”

Erestor chuckled. “Forgive me, Lindir. I do not doubt your skill.”

Lindir grinned. “Nothing to forgive, Erestor. You are only doing your duty.”

Erestor looked across the wide desk at his friend and assistant, noting the lovely smile upon Lindir’s lips as he checked items off the list. “Do you not have music to rehearse for this eve?”

Lindir looked up at Erestor. “Aye, if we are finished here.”

“Be gone, Lindir.” Erestor winked. “I can finish here.”

Lindir rose from his chair and bowed his head. “Thank you,” he said softly and departed the office for the rehearsal rooms.

* * * *

Erestor sat back in his chair and stretched his arms over his head. He had done all that he could: he had been to the kitchens three times, toured the guest wing twice, seen that the courtyard was bedecked with flowers, and the young ellith and ellyn that would greet the high king were properly attired; in short, he had seen to every detail himself.

A young ellon ran into the library, skidding on the marble floor, and then into Erestor’s office. “My lord,” he said, half out of breath, “the High King approaches!”

Erestor stood quickly, pushing back his chair. “Very well. Now, go on, and do not forget your duties when he arrives!”

“Yes, my lord,” the ellon answered, then he turned and left he library at a run.

“And do not forget to straighten your tunic!” Erestor called after him, quickly following the youth down the hall.

He stopped and checked his appearance in the mirror before stepping outside. Smoothing his heavy, dark robes and his hair, he stepped through the door, crossing the porch and descending the staircase to the courtyard.

The first to come through the gate was Gildor, who bowed his head and slid off his horse, patting the beast on the rump as it followed a sharply dressed young ellon toward the stable.

“Mae govannen, Erestor!” he called.

“’Tis good to see you, Gildor,” Erestor answered, smiling as the elf lord placed a kiss upon his cheek. “It has been too long.”

“Aye, ‘tis good to be home at last.” He stood next to Erestor and watched the gate. “This is quite a welcoming party you have arranged,” he said quietly.

“Well, it is the High King, he deserves a grand welcome.”

Gildor smiled as he rubbed his friend’s back. “Aye, that he does.”

The next through the gate were Elrond’s personal guard, accompanied by some of Gil-galad’s soldiers from Lindon. They dismounted, greeted Erestor, and then followed their horses toward the stable yard. Glorfindel and Galdor followed, and more ellyn came forward, taking the elf lords’ horses and leading them away, as elleth stepped forward and greeted Galdor with flowers and curtseys. Glorfindel led Galdor to Erestor and smiled as he heard harp music floating down from the front porch. Erestor, as usual, had thought of everything.

“Galdor, my friend, I would like you to meet Erestor, Lord Elrond’s Head Librarian and the elf who designed this house.”

Galdor placed his hand over his heart and bowed his head. “Mae govannen, Erestor. ‘Tis my pleasure to meet you.”

Erestor returned the gesture. “Welcome to Imladris, Galdor. I hope you find your stay more than satisfactory.”

Galdor quickly looked Erestor up and down, a smile curving his lips. “I am sure I will. I do hope you will show me your library, I am such an admirer of the written word.”

“I would be honored,” Erestor answered with a smile.

Glorfindel winked at Erestor and led Galdor to stand next to him and Gildor.

Elrond and Gil-galad arrived next, and the courtyard erupted with a flurry of activity. Flowers, bows, curtseys, and handshakes were exchanged, as Elrond led the king up the receiving line. Erestor noted the look of appreciation and admiration upon the elves’ faces as they gazed upon Gil-galad, not to mention the expression of the king as he looked upon the Last Homely House.

Erestor had seen that every detail was attended to: rose bushes and the flowering jasmine that wound around the carved stone banister were freshly trimmed, the porch and steps were cleanly swept, the windows of the house cast open to allow the refreshing late autumn breeze in, and the soft draperies fluttered upon the drafts. Lindir led his minstrels in providing soft, musical accompaniment as the guests arrived, and the household staff waited inside with trays of finger foods, cooled tea, water, and wine for the guests as they entered. It was a first-rate reception.

“Erestor, it is my pleasure to introduce my closest friend and our honorable king, Gil-galad. Your majesty, this is Erestor, my Head Librarian and the architect of my home.”

Gil-galad reached out and clasped Erestor’s hand as the Noldo bowed his head. “Well done, Erestor,” he said kindly. “This home is a marvel; Elrond has done nothing but brag upon it since we met upon the road and I believe his words failed to do it justice.” Elrond chuckled and shook his head.

“Thank you, your highness. You are too kind,” Erestor said with a tone of reverence.

“Come, wait until you see inside to properly concede that it is far superior to your own,” Elrond teased.

“I do not doubt it,” Gil-galad said as he followed Elrond up the stairs. “I may have to steal your architect for remodeling of my own,” he said half-jokingly.

“Well, well, did you hear that Erestor?” Glorfindel said as he clasped his friend’s shoulder. “That is the highest of compliments.”

“I dare say it is,” Galdor added. “To threaten to steal you is the highest compliment he could pay. He did the same when he met Glorfindel.”

Glorfindel snorted. “You exaggerate, my friend.”

“Nay, I do not think so. Lucky for Lord Elrond, you were committed to your promise.”

“Lucky for us all,” Erestor added with a smile.

Glorfindel placed one arm around Erestor’s shoulders, and then grasped Galdor’s hand. “Come my friends, it is time to relax now that the formalities have passed.”

“Oh, I still have much work to do. I must oversee the kitchen staff, the chambermaids…”

“How many times have you spoken to the staff today, Erestor?” Glorfindel asked with a grin.

“I do not know, five or six?”

Gildor laughed heartily. “Once a slave driver, always a slave driver… you should have seen him when we were building this place!”

Erestor opened his mouth to protest and was surprised when Gildor placed a quick kiss upon it. “Sssh, slave master,” he said quietly. “I demand that you welcome me home properly, by giving me your undivided attention, my friend.” He pressed his forehead against Erestor’s. “I have missed you, you curmudgeon.”

Erestor laughed quietly. He had missed Gildor’s teasing as well. “Very well, far be it from me to argue with a stubborn ox like yourself.”

Gildor snaked an arm around Erestor’s waist. “To the victor goes the spoils!” he shouted, then pulled Erestor up the stairs beside him as he headed for the nearest goblet of wine.

Glorfindel smiled broadly as Erestor laughed and attempted to keep up with Gildor as they ran up the stairs.

“They are lovers?” Galdor asked quietly, his hand slipping around Glorfindel’s waist and coming to rest upon the curve of his lower back.

“Nay, just good friends,” he answered, still smiling.

“As good as we?” Galdor purred.

Glorfindel lifted an eyebrow and cast a sidelong glance at Galdor. “For Elbereth’s sake, you rogue, we have only been alone a grand total of a few moments and already you are seeking entrance to my breeches.”

Galdor chuckled. “It has been a long, long time, my friend. Can you blame me? You are every bit as beautiful as you were when you awoke on the ship.”

Glorfindel smiled. “That was quite a welcome you gave me, Sinda.”

“It was my pleasure, and my honor, to be the first in what I can only assume has been a long succession of lovers.” He turned his head and brushed his lips along the curve of Glorfindel’s ear, nudging the Elda’s hair out of the way with his nose.

Glorfindel closed his eyes and smiled. “Aye, it has been a long time,” he murmured. He took a deep breath and continued, “But to answer your question, no, Erestor and Gildor are not as close as you and I have been.”

“And could be again, given time and opportunity,” Galdor answered, reluctantly withdrawing as they reached the top of the stair and the entrance to the house.

“Now I am confused,” Glorfindel said teasingly. “I could have sworn you were interested in me, yet you query me about Erestor. Could it be that you seek the attention of both of us?”

Galdor’s eyes widened. “Oh, now there is a lovely idea, you and that wonderful darkling both in my bed…”

Glorfindel continued to smile but his voice took on a serious tone. “Tread lightly with Erestor, Galdor. He has not had an easy life.”

Galdor grew serious. “Is he the one you told me about? The one you rescued from Ost-in-Edhil?”

“Aye, one in the same.”

“Understood, my friend. I would not do any elf injury, particularly not one that you care so much about.” He smiled and cupped Glorfindel’s cheek. “I promise you, I will treat him with nothing but respect.”

Glorfindel nodded. “Thank you, my friend.”

“Anything for you, my beauty,” Galdor replied, and then he left Glorfindel to find Gil-galad.

*****

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