CHAPTER 5: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Almost fifty years later the scars that Celebrían's departure had left behind were still visible. Arwen had not returned from her journey to Lóriën after her mother's departure, needing her grand-mother close and the twins were mostly out in the wilds to hunt Orcs.
Driven by guilt and anger Elladan dragged his brother along into a maelstrom of revenge and hate, and many days their family lay awake in fear for their lives.
But the skilled fighters that they were always returned, although not always unscathed; yet as their skills were increasing the frequencies of injuries decreased.

Aside from that, Imladris had settled into the comfortable rhythm of the Last Homely House again.

Once again the halls were filled with elves and men, sometimes with dwarfs; with laughter and light, songs and stories. Life went on, even without Celebrían; it had just taken awhile for Imladris' inhabitants to realise that.
But always the memory of Celebrían was held in high regards and her subtle influence still lingered everywhere in the Hidden Valley: her lovely gardens, the choice of furniture and decor everywhere in the house, though it was not a painful memory anymore.

Lindir took over many of Celebrían's duties regarding festivities and furthermore the responsibility of pestering Erestor, how he used to put it. His persistence paid off and more and more Erestor let him close. Often though the minstrel cursed when a seemingly harmless remark caused the advisor to retreat again, but those occurrences were getting fewer and fewer. Over the years both became good friends although that friendship could not stop the advisor from finally starting to fade again.
The signs were unobtrusive at first, non-remarkable: Erestor started to wear thicker robes even on fine, warm days, then his hearing ability and his sight slowly diminished until it was not much better than that of a common human. Lindir saw those with growing anxiety. He feared for his friend's life. But still it would take decades over decades for him to uncover the nature of Erestor's hurt.

Elrond and Glorfindel stayed friends, for a long time not daring to deepen their relationship even with the acceptance of Elrond's family.
And Glorfindel enjoyed his deepening friendship with Elrond. His love for the beautiful brunette grew with each passing day and more and more both grew comfortable with the idea of loving each other more than just as friends, letting go of the feeling of cheating on Celebrían.
They could now often be found together, walking the gardens of Imladris, playing chess, reading in the library. They took their meals together and many evenings they joined their fellow Elves in the Hall of Fire, enjoying the stories and songs there.

Glorfindel did not know when they had missed the moment to change their friendship into something else, but to him it seemed they had: they were friends, each other's confidants but they were not lovers and addressing the subject now after fifty years seemed awkward.
He still desired the beautiful peredhel, but he had simply no idea how to bring it up with Elrond.

Fortunately, Elrond didn't feel that bound by their habits and routines.

Glorfindel, after returning from patrol that afternoon, was now enjoying a hot bath in his chambers. He soaked in the warm water, letting it relax his sore muscles. They had not met any Orcs or other difficulties but still it had been tiring with the hot summer sun in their necks, cooking them alive in their armour.
He smiled lazily. Glorfindel loved the summer evenings, when the sun had barely set and the hot air, pregnant with damp and an overload of odours made way to the fresh evening air that still pleasantly smelled of flowers. His eyes closed as he sank deeper into the water, relishing the last warmth. Slowly he immersed fully under the foam coated surface, staying there as long as he could.

When finally he had to resurface for lack of air, he nearly bumped against Elrond's head, who had leaned over the tub, obviously watching him, both arms propped up on the rim on each side of the tub.
Glorfindel blinked the water out of his eyes and smoothed his hair out of his face.

"Welcome home." Elrond whispered with a small smile. The peredhel's head tilted forward just a little bit, his face only centimetres away from that of his captain.
Elrond smirked ever so slightly as he closed his eyes, breathing in deeply the scent of the blond ellon's favourite bathing oil.

Glorfindel felt his heart race. Valar, every single clear and logic thought had fled his mind, leaving room to only feel, smell, see and hear. He could feel Elrond's breath tickling his wet skin, could smell the sweet odour of sea buckthorn.

Elrond.

He could see him, his smooth skin, his long eyelashes, high cheekbones; His long, shining brown hair – an image of perfection.
And he swallowed as he heard Elrond's deep calm voice, full of affection and contentment.

'Eru don't let me get aroused just now' he begged as he swallowed again. Suddenly his throat seemed so very dry.

Then, much to his disappointment, Elrond stood back again, smiling down at him. "Forgive me if I startled you. I just came to invite you to dine with me ... in my chambers. Let us say in one hour?"

Glorfindel only nodded, not trusting his voice, a flabbergasted expression on his face. Elrond chuckled affectionately and turned, leaving the bathroom. At the door he turned once to look back at his captain still seated in the bathtub. 'Ha, and Elrohír said I was rusty!' he grinned to himself.

One hour to complete the preparations. That was more than enough time.

Glorfindel sank back into the cooling water, frowning at the ceiling, decorated with wooden wine tendrils. What had possessed the Half-Elf to approach him now after all that time? Why so suddenly?

And what made Elrond think he needed to seduce him? Not that he minded it ... it was just unexpected and unnecessary since he already loved *and* desired the peredhel.

Smiling nonetheless the blond captain scrambled out of the bathtub and fetched a towel. Just in that moment he heard the door to his chambers being closed and hurriedly he sneaked to the bathroom door, opening it ajar with one hand, the other keeping the towel in place around his hip.

"Glorfindel! Stop acting as if all of Imladris were stuffed with spies, murderers and lunatics! Come out of there!" Elladan called while exasperatedly rolling his eyes and throwing himself on the captain's sofa.

The blonde sighed. That was so not the time to lecture the elder twin on the politeness or rudeness of (not) knocking. He wrapped the towel around his hip, secured it and stepped out of the bathroom. Leaning against the doorframe he gave Elladan his best I-am-not-in-the-mood-for-your-antics look.
"Elladan this is really not the right time, can we not adjourn this to tomorrow?"

The brunet grinned mischievously. "Nope ... when do you meet with my father?" he cocked his head.

Glorfindel could not believe his ears. "Excuse me?"

Elladan sat up again, resting his elbows on his knees. Slowly as if talking with an extremely slow child he repeated his question. "When do you meet with ada?"

Suspiciously the blond raised his chin, observing his opponent closely. "Something less than one hour ..."

The elder twin immediately stood. "Very well! That's just enough time."
With few steps he headed for the door and took a large parcel from where it had been placed on the floor. With quick movements he tore away the ribbon and threw the cover through the room.

"Elladan, what are you doing?"

The next moment, the peredhel took out a beautiful blue velvet tunic and black leggings, letting the box fall unceremoniously to the ground.

"This will look so flattering on you ..." he held it up so that Glorfindel could inspect the beautiful garments. The blond stepped closer, shoving the tunic aside so that he could look at the Half-Elf's smug smile.

"You don't want to tell me that you are trying to set me up with your father, do you?"

"See? That's why I like you so much ... you're so smart." The elder twin said jokingly.

"Elladan, please!"
Pleadingly, Glorfindel stared into the silver eyes so much like Elrond's. Elbereth, how was he ever to deny them anything when they looked so much like their father, his love? Those eyes held no malevolence.

"Okay, what do you want me to do?"

Elladan gave him a winning smile. "You are going to put this on as it is a present from Elrohír, Arwen and me. I will leave you then with the best wishes from all of us."

Glorfindel took the garments that he was handed. "I appreciate that, I really do. But Elladan, the three of you can't ..."
The blond smiled awkwardly. "Such things as love must come at their own time, Elladan. I like your father, and Elrond likes me in turn. If and when we decide to deepen our friendship ... it will happen when it happens."

"Well, I think you will see that ..." The brunet cleared his throat. "... ada is quite ready to take that step. And you will wear this. It would break Arwen's heart if you didn't. Elrohír and I stole one of your tunics and legging and send it to Lóriën just for Arwen to take the measures and surely she worked night and day with the tailors there before sending it back, and you know the passes are not really safe right now...
You're not going to belittle that and trash my sister's heart, are you?"

Glorfindel straightened and cocked his head. "You are manipulative, Elladan. Yes, I am going to wear it. But you promise to stay out of the relationship between your father and me."
He raised one elegant eyebrow to affirm that order.

Elladan smiled. "Of course Glorfindel."
With light steps the eldest of Elrond's children strode towards the doors and outside. Just at the door he hesitated one moment more.
"Nearly forgot to tell you: we asked Erestor to take over for ada tomorrow. And Elrohír and I will take your duties. So feel free to take the rest of the day – and the night – off!"

"Elladan out!"

The Half-Elf chuckled and vanished in the corridor.

Elrond looked his image over in the large mirror, rather pleased with his work. He had discarded his regal robes for a dark brown silk tunic with silver embroidering, grey leggings and soft brown leather boots. He looked like a stranger even to himself. Young, full of energy and life and yet calm, self-confident without being boastful.
Yes, he knew how others saw him, and he knew what he was and what not. This trait gained him the sereneness and wisdom that others credited him for. He knew his limits, knew when to back off and when to stand his ground.
Now was the time to attack.

At the soft knock he turned and smiled. Quickly he made his way to the door and opened.
His eyes widened ever so slightly as he took in his captain's appearance. "Glorfindel, you look ... stunning."
And he did. The blue tunic emphasized his sea blue eyes and ... he swallowed, noticing the tight black leggings that did not leave much to the imagination, not only flattering the strong legs.

"Not more than you, Elrond. Shall I come in now or are we to dine in the corridor?"
Glorfindel smirked, feeling the grey eyes raking over his form. Elladan had been right; Elrond seemed unwilling to lose any more time. He watched as the Half-Elf stepped aside and begged him in with one fluid hand gesture.

Glorfindel stepped into the spacious chambers of his lord and best friend, an appreciative smile ghosting over his lips at seeing the amount of work Elrond had put in them ... or had the other peredhil their hand in there also?

The whole room was lightened with numerous candles, bathing the walls in a flickering, warm, orange light. The windows had been opened to prevent the room from heating up too much because of the candles.
In the centre of the chamber laid cushions and soft furs to sit upon and in the middle was a tray with a variety of dishes: poultry with a crackling of honey and spices, potato gratin, braised vegetables and bread. On one side stood a beautifully crafted bowl with peaches, apples, grapes and other fruits.

Suddenly the blond warrior became aware of Elrond's presence close behind him; hot breath brushed his neck, making his toes curl.

"I hope you like what you see." Elrond quietly spoke against his ear.

Glorfindel grinned. Elrond was younger than he himself if one counted the years in the Halls of Waiting; and Glorfindel was certainly no virgin maiden, neither was he inexperienced in the finer arts of seduction. Oh he could play this game, too. This should prove to be an interesting evening.

Making a step forward while turning around to face the other ellon, he effectively removed himself from Elrond's presence, cocking his head and smiling coyly. He took a moment to let his gaze drift downwards over his lord and friend's fine sculptured body, long enough to leave no doubt about his desire for the brunet but not long enough to be overly brash. "Very much so."
The half-elf smiled gently at the blond ellon.
"Good. Then please seat yourself before dinner gets cold."

The blond ellon complied, settling down on the fur covered cushions. The sweet smell of the delicacies invaded his nose and he closed his eyes, relishing their odour while Elrond seated himself opposite to him.

Glorfindel watched his lord filling two plates with poultry, gratin and vegetables.
It was an awkward situation, he thought. Here they were, both knowing what they were to each other: nothing less than soul mates, each other's true love; both knowing that they were meant to be together, that someday they would be united in marriage; and still both of them were dancing around each other as if nothing of all this was certain, as if they still needed to win the other.
But well, it was fun nonetheless ... in that rather strange way.

He took the plate that he was given and when urged by his lord he began to eat.

Half an hour later, both elves were joking freely, a now empty bottle of wine standing on the floor beside them. Glorfindel still nibbled on a piece of poultry while his friend smiled at the captain's appetite.

"That was delicious, Elrond."

The Half-Elf chuckled warmly. "I'll forward your praise to the cook, she will be delighted. But don't eat much more or I fear you will not be able to enjoy desert."

"I know what I would *enjoy* for desert."

Elrond laughed. "You are impossible, Glorfindel."

"Just because I am more forthright?"

"I like forthrightness." For a moment he remembered saying something similar to Erestor and his smile diminished ever so slightly. Immediately he chided himself for letting his chief advisor enter his thoughts when his soon-to-be-lover was there right in front of him. Wondering just why the quiet darkling was never far from his thoughts, he set down his nearly empty plate, concentrating on the blond balrog slayer instead.

Slowly Elrond stood and walked over to where Glorfindel sat. The blond never let him out of his eyes, following his every move. Coming to a halt right in front of his captain, Elrond gracefully and swiftly sat down next to Glorfindel.

"I like forthrightness ... " he repeated, taking a battle hardened hand in his, gently stroking with his thumb over the skin.
Looking into the blue eyes he decided to do away with the foolish indecision. They had danced around each other long enough.

"Half a century ago you told me to let things develop."

Glorfindel nodded. He could remember that dark day only too well, the day Celebrían had told them that she would sail, the day she had set Elrond free 'to live and love'.

"I already loved you then, and now ..."

Leading the warrior's hand to his lips he brushed a soft kiss over the fingers, making Glorfindel smile at the tingling sensation.
"I was waiting for you to give me a sign, and you were waiting for me ... but now I think we both have waited long enough. I love you and if you will have me ..."

Suddenly he smiled ... so much for doing away with the foolishness. Valar, they were already sharing everything except their bodies, why not take that last step now? But still ... his love deserved more considerate actions. "Glorfindel of Imladris, will you give me permission to court you?"

Glorfindel could not stop himself from chuckling in a mixture of happiness and amusement.
"Me being courted?" then he sobered. "I would like that very much."

Slowly leaning forward, Glorfindel brushed his lips over Elrond's pale ones. How long he had dreamt of this very moment, of those lips, their taste, their softness.
He could feel them moving against his own as Elrond deepened the kiss, slowly, sensually and all thought fled his mind.

Only when he felt those heavenly lips drawing away he found back to reality. Blinking he looked into the silver of Elrond's twinkling orbs, breathing heavily.
They revealed so much to him, love, merriment, mischief and so much more. "Come here, love."

Gently Glorfindel pulled the Half-Elf close into his arms, settling the slightly smaller body against his chest. His mouth sought out Elrond's neck, kissing and suckling, tasting his skin, feeling the other's pulse quicken under his touch.
His hands wandered over the strong but lean body while the Half-Elf turned around.

Soon the night's air was filled with soft moans and gasps and whispered words of love and promises.

Much later they lay entwined on the large bed that Elrond had shared with his wife half a century ago, Glorfindel spooned around his lover, playing with the soft brown strands.

"Remind me to thank your children, melethen."

Elrond moved in his arms to be able to see the blond ellon behind him, silently questioning him with his eyes.

"They urged you to confront your feelings, and me to face mine, didn't they?"

"I guess we needed someone to nudge us into the right direction but I did not know they came to you, too."

Glorfindel nuzzled his lover's neck, placing a gentle kiss on the delicate skin. "Elladan gave me this tunic to wear, even telling me that they would take over for me tomorrow and that they arranged for Erestor to cover up for you."

To his surprise Elrond sighed. "I am not sure if we should do that. You know that Erestor is not well. I have proof that he is once again under the hold of the elven sickness: only a week ago I found a large amount of my sleeping draughts gone. A fire now constantly burns in his office and I think his senses are diminishing ..."
He sighed, turning to the blond. "Excuse me for ruining a perfect moment like this. I did not intend to."

"You did not. Let us then take the morning off and see to it that Lindir takes our young chief advisor outside. He seems to be the only one whom Erestor allows close."

Glorfindel said this with no small amount of concealed envy. He and Elrond had protected the darkling long before Lindir had chosen to shower Erestor with his attentions. Now rumours even had it that the two of them were lovers and although he did not quite believe it and although Elrond was right there in his arms, he could not stop himself from envying the fair minstrel.
Strangely enough similar thoughts occupied Elrond's mind.

But still Lindir seemed to be the only one able to ease whatever burden Erestor carried on his shoulders and so they would approve of this friendship and maybe even this love and support it in whatever way possible.

For the moment they had each other and that was more than enough.

CHAPTER END NOTES

peredhel ~ half elf
peredhil ~ half elves
ada - father
melethen ~ my love

I know, this really did take a disagreeable course, but the Second Part is better, and a lot more exciting ;-), as I said, this was merely meant to be a prequel...

The sequel is called "Scarred Fate". I will post the first chapter of that story tomorrow.