Title: Through the Ages
Author: Mawgy
Beta: Naresha (Thanks!)
Dedicated to my darling Para
Rated: PG-13
Genre: Ansgt, AU
Warnings: none (I think) Just Glorfindel being, well… Glorfindel
Pairing: (eventually) Erestor/Glorfindel
Summary: This fic follows the somewhat sordid lives of Erestor and Glorfindel from their childhood in Gondolin to their re-acquaintance in Imladris. Glorfindel is a Lord much like in medieval times and has power over everything and everyone, and Erestor, a lowly peasant.
Disclaimer: I own nothing and am making no money from this story… I just like to play with other people’s toys. ;)
Chapter 20
Erestor sat down and grimaced.
“Is everything all right?”
“Yes father, I am fine,” Erestor smiled back, but did not part his lips.
Earane frowned but let it go for the time being.
“How is your work going?”
“It is not as challenging as I would like it to be. However, there are future prospects that look promising. How about you? Are your wares selling?”
Earane shrugged. “Enough to keep my head above water,” Earane sighed and took a seat at the table.
Erestor reached across the worn wooden surface and lifted the tea pot, filling both cups with the amber liquid. Placing the pot silently on the table, Erestor picked up his cup and breathed in deeply the scent of the revitalising herbal tea.
“What about my earnings? Are they not helping?” Erestor inquired.
“I told you,” Earane said sharply. “That is your money and I refuse to touch it. You may keep it here, however I shall not be tempted by its presence.”
“I have told you, all my needs are taken care of. It is you I worry for. All those sacrifices when I was a child… I cannot forget all you have ever done for me. I would like the opportunity to at least reimburse you in some small way…” Erestor tried to reason, but trailed off when Earane looked at him with piercing eyes, his cup halfway to his mouth. For the first time in his life, Erestor could not remember his father ever looking so angry. And hurt.
“Do you think I did everything for you because I felt a parental obligation to do so!? Because I felt I owed it to your mother to take care of you!? You have been associating with those aristocrats for too long… Too absorbed with money and possessions to recognise their own feelings. I regret nothing and do not wish to be reimbursed for taking care of my son, whom I cherish,” Earane heaved and thumped his cup on the table.
Erestor, thoroughly chastised, looked helplessly at his father for a few moments before letting his head fall forwards out of shame. “You are right, father. I am sorry… I, I just do not know how else to help you…”
“Doing your best with your work will always give me strength. You have never failed me in that aspect before, I do not expect you to start now,” Earane said, sure to keep his voice gentle this time.
“Yes father,” Erestor perked up a little and took a sip of tea before he was ready to meet his father’s eyes once more.
“Tell me, that blonde elf I saw you with some weeks back, has anything… developed… between you two?” Earane gave a cheeky grin and winked.
“Father! A gentleman would never tell,” Erestor stoically replied.
“Very well… Can I at least learn of his name?”
“Natahl. He is a Lieutenant in the Golden Flower army and is currently away on a half-year long border patrol.” Earane couldn’t help but notice the forlorn tone to Erestor voice as he said this.
“And how long is it until he returns home?” the jewellery maker questioned.
Erestor sighed, “Five and a half months.”
“You have fallen for him, I take it?” Earane softly probed.
“How could I have? I have spoken with him only three times!”
“I never needed words to know your mother was meant for me,” Earane said almost smugly.
“Yes, well, I have never imagined myself to be with someone in the army. Not that their occupation is a problem, but even so, I have always thought to be with another scholar or similarly educated being. I would so love to be able to talk forever with someone on the same level as me. Not to say he is without intelligence, but it is of a different kind to what I have always thought of. Yet with that aside, there is something that invariable draws me to him,” Erestor sighed. “What am I to do?” he looked at his father questioningly.
“How am I to know? It is not me who has expectations of the one whom he is to be with forever.”
Erestor scowled into his cup and drank more tea.
“And how do things fare with the other blonde?” Earane prompted.
“Other blonde?” Erestor frowned. “Do you mean Lord Glorfindel?” he asked nonchalantly, as though he had not seen his tormentor in months, rather than just three hours ago as he left the Lord’s bedchamber.
“Yes, I mean that insolent, power-hungry child whom feels the world is his and his alone, and we are but ants to be tortured whenever he is bored.”
“Hush father! You must not say such things!” Erestor looked around worriedly. “You know there have been reports of an underground movement. It has even our superiors scared. They are tightening security and furthering the void between peasants and upper class. If you are caught speaking thus they could have you imprisoned,” Erestor warned.
“They could throw me in gaol and destroy the key for no reason at all. Why should I be fearful of them now?”
“True, but I would not like to see you labelled as an insurgent and put away behind bars. And, while there are no guarantees this will not happen, saying such things only puts you at more risk. Please, be careful, father,” Erestor pleaded and reached his hand across the table to grasp Earane’s.
“Very well, but never you forget precisely what I think about that boy.”
“I doubt I ever could,” Erestor half teased.
“Still, you have yet to answer my question.”
“There is not much to say, I do as I am told and am rewarded for good work. It has become a daily routine,” Erestor shrugged.
“I was talking about Glorfindel,” Earane tempted.
“So was I,” Erestor mouth twitched and looked down at his mug. “He sees me as nothing more than a dog to order around… his own little plaything…” Erestor’s shoulders slumped, hating himself for admitting this to his father.
“Why do you not stand up to him? He can order you, but it is up to you whether or not you obey,” Earane offered.
“You do not know what he is like. You could not unless you were with him for every moment. It is just… easier to do as he wishes. It is up to me to obey, yes, but even that does not sate him often. I have found that only when I take the initiative is he truly pleased and with each time gives me a little more freedom.” Erestor gave a small laugh. “It is strange that only in my obedience am I free.”
“Erestor…” Earane whispered. “I have been thinking, for some time now, of sailing. I would like to remain long enough to see you happily wed and safe from all those that would have you, however, perhaps it would be best if I were to leave soon, and have you come with me…”
Erestor lifted his head and gave his father a shaky smile. “Thank you father, but I do not believe I am destined to leave these shores for many years yet. But, please, I beg of you, leave before you see your only son shamed thus. I hate to think of the heartache you must feel, knowing what I have become…”
“Oh, no Erestor,” Earane stood quickly and rounded the table, kneeling beside his son, grasping Erestor firmly by the shoulders and maintaining eye contact. “You are not to blame in this. Forced servitude is no cause for shame. It will not be this way forever, I swear to you. If there is anything, *anything* I can do to help ease your burden, please do not hesitate to say so. I would be heartbroken should you keep anything from me,” Earane said with strong conviction, his eyes only showing comfort for his son.
“Thank you father… you have ever been a pillar of strength for me. I shall lean upon you again whenever it is necessary,” Erestor gave a half smile before he was pulled forward and crushed within his father’s strong arms.
“I love you. Nothing will ever change that.”
“I know father, for I feel the same way,” Erestor sighed into the comforting embrace and allowed himself to relax, mentally and physically, resting his head upon his father’s shoulder.
TBC
Parmasambe
Library of Imladris
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.