Chapter 22:
Laer, Imladris, 2818 T.A.
Elladan stretched and rolled into the warmth next to him, the first rays of Anor having awakened him. He smiled down at Elrohir and teased his twin’s bottom lip with white teeth. “Wake up, ‘Roh. We have a rescue mission this morn.”
Groaning, Elrohir threw one arm over his eyes and wrapped the other about Elladan’s shoulders pulling him closer. “Nay, not this early. Let our stubborn elders stew a bit. It will be good for them.” Without opening his eyes, he tugged his twin down for a light kiss. “I can think of far better ways to spend the morning…”
Elladan returned the kiss with enthusiasm before pulling away. “Much as our preferences align on how to spend the morning, I fear we must release Erestor. As it is, he will be more than furious with Sídhiel.”
As his brother pulled away, Elrohir sat up, the sheets dropping to his waist. Elladan had to look away. “But, ‘Dan, we all agreed that they need to talk, to resolve this.”
The elder twin stood and walked into the bathing chamber as he began speaking. He pitched his voice so that he could be heard. “Have you never noticed how few Erestor trusts? Once Glorfindel broke that trust, it may never be regained and mere words over a night will certainly not do so.” Elladan finished with his ablutions and tossed his sleep pants in the hamper before walking to the armoire.
Elrohir whistled appreciatively and his twin smiled.
“Get out of bed and get dressed,” Elladan said. “Adar will be most upset, so we may as well get this behind us.”
Elrohir stretched languidly and nodded as he stood. “Aye, he will have our hides for ‘interfering’ in others’ personal matters, but I do think it will prove to a be a good thing, no matter the price we pay for it.”
Elladan nodded back, his mood subdued. “I do hope you are right, tôr.”
Erestor’s exhaustion and Glorfindel’s nearness gave the dark-haired elf a dreamless, restful sleep, so he awoke much refreshed and in a pleasant mood, until he realized he was in Sídhiel’s bed next to Glorfindel. Stiffening, he carefully moved off of the bed and retreated to the chair. Erestor stared at the blond waves as they teased Glorfindel’s face in his sleep. As understanding dawned, he began to make plans.
Glorfindel felt eyes upon him and jerked awake. His foreign surroundings confused him for a moment, but remembrance came quickly. He felt for a warm body next to him, but the bed was cold. Sitting up, he met Erestor’s unfathomable gaze. “Erestor.” Licking dry lips, he was unsure what to say for moment. The raven-haired elf just sat there, gazing at him with an unreadable expression. He sighed and began to get up.
Erestor tensed and immediately spoke up, “Nay, stay where you are. It will not be long before we are freed from here and I would have no one think something impossible occurred here.”
“Impossible? What do you mean something impossible?”
“That a simple conversation will change everything.” Erestor’s tone was clipped and his manner was the same as he used in council.
“Perhaps not everything, but surely it is a start? We can begin again…” Glorfindel’s words trailed off as he recognized the resolute expression the advisor wore. It seemed that his confessions and the entire ordeal had not broken down one wall around Erestor’s heart.
Erestor kept himself tightly controlled and sat impassively before he next spoke. “You would expect me to so easily trust you again? And what assurance could you possibly provide that I would believe? If Ecthelion himself was the one to walk through that door, what would you do?”
Glorfindel quailed. Reassuring words never came as the door burst open and Elrond stood there with flashing eyes.
Erestor stood easily and hobbled past the half-elf and his sons, only stopping once he saw Sídhiel. Harsh words died on his lips as he looked at the pale, trembling face with tears welling in her blue eyes. He could not kneel, but he opened his arms and was rewarded with them being filled by a sobbing elfling. “I’m so very sorry, Ada. I just wanted you to be happy. Please say you forgive me.”
Glorfindel walked with Elrond and the twins by the scene. Elrond turned on his heel and pressed his sons from the room, Glorfindel following silently in their wake, passing Erestor and Sídhiel. His heart was heavy and his thoughts swirled as he walked to his rooms.
Elrond entered the hall and closed the door behind him, saying nothing to his sons. There would be time to deal with the fallout from this.
Gildor and Erestor were standing on the balcony outside the gallery, gazing at the setting sun. “You are truly leaving?”
Erestor nodded. “I told Sídhiel this morning, after I spoke with Elrond.”
“And… Elrond has actually agreed to this folly?”
“Neither was pleased with my decision, but it is already made and I will not change my mind. We leave tomorrow, so I allowed Sídhiel to spend the night with Melpomaen. They have quickly become fast friends.” Erestor attempted to sound as though he was pleased with this path, but his voice wavered, betraying his misgivings.
Knowing that Erestor needed comfort and not chiding, Gildor wrapped his arms about his friend and hugged him tightly. Erestor leaned into the embrace and sighed. He had denied how much he missed being held, but knowing that he was leaving, probably never to return, his body cried out for warmth and companionship. Things Gildor had always freely offered. He would be a fool to refuse now. Erestor turned in Gildor’s arms and snuggled against his neck.
Tightening his arms, Gildor stroked the ebon hair, and murmured to the dark elf. A thrill ran through Gildor as soft lips nuzzled his neck. As he looked down, their eyes met, and ruby lips were pressed against his in a tentative kiss. Erestor nipped his lips, asking for entry. Gildor opened slightly and his mouth was plundered. He gasped and pulled back, eyes questioning. Erestor whispered, huskily, “I need you, mellon nín. Please? It has been too long.”
The dark-haired elf knew every spot that set Gildor aflame and took advantage of that knowledge to set the blond’s head reeling. As his tunic was unlaced, and calloused fingers teased his nipples, Gildor threw his head back and looked up. At that moment he glimpsed a golden head, and as it tilted down, his eyes locked with Glorfindel’s. The thought that Erestor had most likely planned this scene threw cold water on Gildor’s desire. He pulled away, and harshly hissed, “What are you playing at? I will not be used like this!”
Erestor was panting lightly, having been quite caught up in long denied sensations, and he was confused and bewildered, not understanding what Gildor was talking about. When he turned to follow Gildor’s eyes, he saw Glorfindel on his balcony and his eyes widened as he realized what his friend thought. “Gildor, please. It is not what you think…”
Hurt and anger coursed through Gildor. He loved Erestor, but could not tolerate being treated in this manner. “Why? When did you become so spiteful? Is it not enough that you deny him? But to do this? To flaunt this?” Turning away and straightening his clothes and hair, Gildor exclaimed, “By the Valar, Erestor, I do not know you any longer.”
“Please, it is not what it seems. Please, mellon nín.” Erestor was pleading, everything he did in this place went wrong, turned to ash in his hands. “Gildor…”
“Erestor… I will not be party to this. I do not know when you became a viper, but I will not aid your game. And, if you do not wish to permanently lose my friendship, you had best think on what you intended this night and make it right.” With that, Gildor stormed away, leaving a distraught and stunned elf in his wake.
Glorfindel was sitting on his balcony, staring into the fathomless depths of sky over Imladris as the first stars began to appear. He was tired, but restless, and could find no respite from the ache in his heart, not even sleep would overtake him this night. Upon hearing a firm rap, he sighed and went to the door. When he opened it, he was surprised to see Gildor standing in the hallway, looking ill at ease.
“May I come in, Glorfindel?” Gildor was uncomfortable, but knew that he must talk to the Elda about what had occurred earlier.
“But of course. Do come in.” Glorfindel stepped away from the door and motioned Gildor over to the sitting area next to the unlit hearth. “Would you care for a glass of Miruvor?”
“Hannon le, Fin. I could definitely use a drink.” Gildor sat in the large overstuffed chair, and nervously stroked the wide wale of the dark blue fabric.
After handing Gildor a glass of Miruvor, Glorfindel took his own glass and sank into the sofa by the chair. Smiling slightly at the other elf’s discomfort, Glorfindel pushed, since no words seemed to be forthcoming. “Out with it, Gildor. Not that I mind your company, but you are not in the habit of coming to my rooms for idle conversation. Why are you here?”
Lifting his eyes to the other blond, Gildor realized that he felt no anger or hurt from him. “Aí, Fin, I came to apologize. I know you saw… as Erestor…” Gildor paused, hating to continue. “I had no idea what he had planned. Please forgive me.” The blond looked up, hopeful that his words were well received.
“Mellon nín, you have nothing to apologize for.” He paused for a moment, confused at Gildor’s words. “Do you truly believe he planned that? That he used you to try to make me jealous?” Gildor only nodded. Glorfindel was dumbstruck. “I cannot believe that of him. In all the years since I… we have not been together, he has never behaved in a spiteful or vengeful manner. I refuse to believe that he would start now.”
Gildor was relieved and felt guilt that he could have ever thought that his dear friend was capable of such behavior. He ducked his head and sighed. “You are right. I… the last few weeks have been so tense. I am not thinking clearly…” as he realized what he had said to Erestor, his eyes shot open. “Gods! What I said to him! I need to apologize… beg his forgiveness.”
The wanderer was about to stand when Glorfindel placed a hand upon his arm. “I doubt he would appreciate being disturbed now for you to assuage your guilt. The morning will be soon enough.”
Gildor relented and relaxed back into the chair. “He did not deserve such suspicion from me. He only needed my support.” Guilt overwhelmed him and he drank down his entire glass.
Glorfindel nodded. Erestor had not deserved much that had happened around him, but hopefully soon they would begin to move past all that. He stood and retrieved the bottle. Holding it up, he queried, “More Miruvor? If nothing else, we shall both sleep better when well lubricated.”
Gildor grinned and held up his glass for more. “Aye, well lubricated sounds just like what the healer ordered.” Both elves sat back, relaxed, and easily conversed until there was a loud knock on the door, startling them.
It was Elladan at the door. “Glorfindel! Gildor! Where is Erestor?”
Gildor immediately stood. “Sídhiel. What has happened, ‘Dan?”
Elladan was confused for a moment by Gildor’s question, but he had no time to dwell on it. “She has run away.”
“What?!” Both elves spoke in stunned unison.
“Please come with me to Adar’s chambers. I need to find Erestor, but you both should know all that we know.”
Gildor and Glorfindel’s eyes met, and an understanding passed between them. Gildor spoke first. “I will find Erestor and meet you in Elrond’s rooms.” With that, he was gone.
Glorfindel hastily donned his boots and outer clothes, strapped on his sword and knives, and followed Elladan from the room.
The scene was pure chaos in Elrond’s chambers. Silamothien had her arms around an obviously upset Melpomaen, while a glowering Saelbeth paced the floor. Elrond was involved in an animated conversation with Elrohir, which he quickly concluded when Elladan and Glorfindel arrived, and Elrohir hurried out, nodding to his twin as he passed. Before Glorfindel could speak, Saelbeth erupted. “I beg your forgiveness, my lords. My iôn has never behaved like this before. I do not understand what has gotten into him!” At his words, Mel began trembling. Glorfindel realized that a terrified Mel would not help in the least, so he took charge. “Master Saelbeth, could you take your lovely wife and leave us?” It was not a request.
Mel was afraid of being alone with all the adult elves, but right now, he was much more afraid of his father’s temper. After much protesting, his parents left. Glorfindel walked to the elfling and knelt in front of him. “Do not be afraid, pen dithen. You have done nothing wrong and are not in trouble.”
“But, Ada is so angry….”
“Shhh. Fear not. He will calm down. All we need from you is what you know and, most importantly, what time Sídhiel left. Can you do that?”
Mel nodded.
“Do you know where she is?”
Mel shook his head. “She just said that she would find somewhere safe and stay hidden until the party leaving for Lothlórien had already gone. That way she wouldn’t have to leave Imladris.”
Turning away from the child and toward Elrond, Glorfindel glared icily at the elf-lord who flinched away from the angry blue eyes. He voiced his displeasure as well. “And just when was I going to be told that they were leaving? After they had cleared the borders?” Turning back to the child, the Elda regained his composure and asked in a soothing tone. “When did she leave?”
“She left as soon as the midday meal was over. We got a pack together and she left by the downspout beside our balcony.”
Erestor and Gildor walked in just in time to hear this news, followed shortly by Elrohir and a young stable hand.
Before Erestor could interject or ask a question, Elrohir made an announcement. “She is not on foot, so we can call off the search of the immediate environs. It seems she has taken your horse, Master Erestor.” Elrohir’s voice was cold with his displeasure, for he had learned that Erestor had intended to leave Imladris and take Sídhiel away. The elf-knight was not as taken with the child as Elladan, but anything that pained his twin tore at him.
Erestor paled. Sídhiel had about an eight hour head start, and she was riding his very swift and strong mount. The only horse faster was Glorfindel’s Asfaloth. “She could be anywhere!” he gasped out, fear twisting his insides.
Glorfindel saw the dark elf sway, but luckily Gildor was there to support him. “Erestor.” The Elda called quietly, trying to bring Erestor’s mind back into sharp focus on the current problem. When he finally looked at the blond instead of through him, Glorfindel continued. “Erestor, where would Naurion take the child? Think. Where would he think was a safe place, but distant?”
“Why? How could…”
“Sídhiel can communicate with Asfaloth. I have no doubt she can with Naurion as well. Please.”
“Gods, Glorfindel! The caves!”
Glorfindel remembered Erestor discussing a warren that he would retreat to on rare occasions, but he had never personally been there. In as gentle a tone as he could manage, he demanded. “Show me.”
Erestor hesitated but a moment before closing his eyes and lowering the barriers surrounding his thoughts. He refused to lower all of his walls, so they had to physically touch to connect. He pressed his forehead to Glorfindel’s. Their mind link was quick and effortless, something that should cause both pause if they had time to examine it. Instantly the Elda knew where the child was headed. “I will leave immediately. Elladan, Elrohir, Gildor, each of you take four guards and set out in the same general direction. Erestor will tell you where. I sent Himmion and an extra patrol to that area earlier today. Hopefully one of you will be able to find the patrol and lead them to the caves. We had a report that there may be wargs and possibly orcs in that vicinity.” With that, Glorfindel was gone, racing for the stables.
The silence in the room was deafening. Elrond took charge. Saelbeth and Silamothien walked in moments after Glorfindel left. Mel was shaking, tears running down his face. Elrond spoke quietly to his parents, “Silamothien, take Mel home. I suggest you stop by the healing wing and get a sleeping draught for him. He heard far too much here tonight for his dreams to be peaceful.” Turning to Saelbeth, he said, “Stay. You will be needed.”
Elrond next spoke to the young stable hand. “We will discuss what occurred at the stable after everything has settled down. Please be thinking on how an elfling was allowed to ride off on Master Erestor’s horse and no one even gave it a second thought. You are free to go for now.”
After Erestor explained the location to the other elves, they began to leave, hurrying to the barracks and stables. Erestor attempted to follow them, when he was stopped by a hand on his shoulder.
“Where do you think you are going, meldir?” Elrond asked.
“I am going to help find my iell.”
“Nay. You will stay here with me, where you cannot injure yourself again and you will not be in the way. You have no mount, or had you forgotten? Besides, I do not believe you could ride a horse with any speed with your thigh not yet healed. You will stay, if I have to tie you to a chair.” Elrond was tired and worried. He would brook no argument and his tone conveyed that.
Erestor tensed and closed his eyes, trying not to shout at Elrond, but he realized his friend was right. He was in no shape to aid the search. Moving stiffly, he collapsed onto the large leather sofa, and put his head in his hands. “How did I mess things up so badly?”
Saelbeth excused himself to go have tea and some light food brought in. It was going to be a long night.
TBC
Translations:
Laer – summer
Anor – the sun
Adar, Ada – father, daddy
mellon nín – my friend
hannon le – I thank you
pen dithen – little one
meldir – friend
iell – daughter