Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

The Dance On Water	By : redkiwi Category: +Third Age > Slash - Male/Male Views: 2174 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own anything from Tolkien's world (Silmarillion/Lord of the Rings/Hobbit), nor the characters from it. No money is made from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 10
- 11
- 12
Star light pooled into Glorfindel's eyes and he blinked his clear blue orbs as he tried to adjust to the light. A figure was at his bedside, but his unfocused eyes could not make out who sat beside him. A strange peace enveloped him, and he felt only slight pain in his side. Hazy details of the past week came flooding to him and he understood that he was back in Imladris, specifically in Elrond's healing rooms.
The strange dream that had forced him into waking ebbed from his mind, leaving only the still and calm room as his sole focus. He looked around, as best he could. His eyes slowly became more accustomed to the stars shining in from the window and to the candles that dimly lit the room.
Turning his attention back to the figure by his bedside, Glorfindel wondered who it could be. He held his gaze steady until gradually, Erestor's slumbering face came into view before Glorfindel. Blinking again, unsure if he were in reverie or wakefulness, he willed his hand to the face beside him, wanting to touch the glorious sight before him. A lone finger brushed against Erestor's face, gently caressing the smooth skin of the slumbering elf.
Erestor awoke to a gentle brush against his cheek. His eyes instantly gazed into Glorfindel's deep blue eyes. "Glorfindel?"
He rose, toppling over the chair he had been sitting on. "Glorfindel."
He took the Glorfindel's hand in his own, gripping it as if he were afraid the injured elf would slip away from him, returning back to the halls of Mandos. Elation filled his heart and mirrored a smile that spread across his face. Tears welled up in his eyes, falling unchecked slowly down his cheeks.
Glorfindel gazed up at the beautiful sight staring down at him. Both shared the understanding that their fate was still undecided, that a second chance may still be in store for them.
Erestor didn't want to leave Glorfindel who was just waking up. Glorfindel looked so pale, so fragile yet a strong will and life-force glowed deep within his eyes that told Erestor that he would keep on fighting until his full strength returned. Letting his emotions subside, Erestor switched back to his logical side. He addressed Glorfindel tenderly.
"I'll be right back. I must alert Elrond of what has now transpired."
Glorfindel's fingers tried to keep hold of Erestor's hand. Erestor paused, and he brought the pale hand to his lips before placing a delicate kiss to it. He smiled reassuringly at Glorfindel, and reluctantly let go. He dashed from the healing rooms to find Elrond. The startled healer on staff watched as Erestor sprinted down the hall, before heading off to Elrond's chambers.
"Elrond!" Erestor dashed into Elrond's chambers. Curumil and Elrond were engaged in a game of chess, for it seemed that sleep was eluding them as well. They looked at Erestor, eyes widening at the sudden intrusion.
"Glorfindel.” Erestor gasped.” He is awake! You must come, please. Hurry!"
"Awake, say you?" Elrond took no time in darting to the healing rooms, and he didn't wait for an answer from Erestor to his question.
Curumil, in his joy, smiled to Erestor, who returned the smile. Together they set a quick pace back to Glorfindel's room. On entering the room, Elrond was being briefed from the healer on watch. He examined Glorfindel, listening to her assessment. Elrond seemed pleased from what he saw.
"My dear friend, the shadow of Mandos has passed you. Your resilience always astounds me." He addressed Glorfindel. Everyone in the room listened to every word that Elrond uttered. "He will make a full recovery, given time."
Joyous smiles were exchanged amongst the group and Curumil bent down and squeezed Glorfindel's hand. "Imladris would be far too dull without you. Please know, how dear you are to all of us."
Glorfindel nodded, trying not to focus on yet another close call.
Elrond, agreeing with Curumil frowned at Glorfindel, and he conveyed his concern. "Can we go one year without a near-death experience?" He smiled at his friend.
Glorfindel managed a weak laugh at Elrond and to his worrying friends. He hated to bring pain to them all.
"Now, Elrond, what good would it do your fine healers if I do not give them some sort of challenge?" Ever the jovial one, Glorfindel did his best to make light of the grave situation that he had barely survived for the sake of his friends.
"In all seriousness, Elrond, I always feel better on release from your healing halls than before I entered.”
Elrond only smiled at Glorfindel's words, and he took from the female healer an herbal tea that she had prepared for Glorfindel. Elrond helped Glorfindel with the drink, and the warm pleasant herbs soothed his dry throat. Soon, his eyes became heavy under the weight of sleep. The warm liquid and his sleepiness pulled him back to that want of slumber.
"Rest please. Please do not fight what your body needs you to do. You need this healing rest." Elrond requested of his charge. "May your dreams be peaceful tonight, and may they bring you comfort as you heal."
Glorfindel tried to fight his weariness, but he was no match for the sleep that was needed to heal his body. "Erestor….." He mouthed before falling into a peaceful slumber under the gazes of the three elves.
Erestor was slightly taken aback by the sound of his name being whispered. "Elrond, please, let me stay by his side for the remainder of the night." Erestor implored. "I want him not to wake alone."
Elrond nodded, agreeing with Erestor's request. "Please inform me should his condition change. Try to get some rest as well, my friend."
Elrond moved to leave, motioning for Curumil to do the same. "Sleep well, and may the light of the stars guard your dreams tonight."
The two departed, leaving Erestor and Glorfindel alone for night.
It was just at the break of dawn when King Thranduil's party arrived at the gates of Imladris. The small party of elves consisted of Thranduil and his two guards. They had ridden hard without pause from Greenwood, and although weary, Thranduil greeted the welcoming party with his usual graceful poise and elegance. After pleasant greetings, Thranduil requested the status on
Glorfindel, for whom he called a close friend.
"It will please you to know that the Lord Glorfindel has woken from his slumber last night and his wounds are not grave. Our healers are skilled and his will pulled his fae from Mandos' Halls." Elrond smiled, as he told Thranduil of Glorfindel's condition. His face darkened however, when he recalled just how close they were to losing him.
"I was not certain that he would make it." Elrond confessed, his emotion bare.
Thranduil's concerned gaze mirrored Elrond's, and he kept his eyes on him. "I believe your visit will uplift our friend's spirit all the more. What Glorfindel needs now is the company of people who can bring him joy and laughter. "
Elrond beckoned for Thranduil to follow as he guided him to his room.
Thranduil listened on in his weariness, pleased at the tidings of good news about Glorfindel. But he kept his silence, as he took in the halls that he walked through.
"Legolas is doing well here." Elrond added, without being asked. "My sons have taken a liking to him, and the three have been rather inseparable."
"Is that so?" Thranduil seemed amused by this news. "Legolas had been acting so strangely for the last couple of months and I have been concerned. We use to be so close, but a distance now has found its way into our lives. It pains me to see my son like this, as if some great shadow has taken hold of him. I did not want to let him journey here, but something told me to let him go. So I did, to let him take his mind off whatever is bothering him. It pains me not to know what bothers him. Tell me, Elrond, for you see much. Have you noticed anything amiss with Legolas?"
Elrond pondered on the concern and question that Thranduil presented to him. He was a bit embarrassed that he had not taken a notice to the worry for which Thranduil stated about Legolas. With all the chaos between his two friends, and the attack on Glorfindel and the young sentry, Elrond simply hadn't given his guest the attention that he deserved.
Turning to Thranduil, Elrond could only answer honestly, "I have not. Have you asked him what has bothered him? Did he answer you?"
Thranduil smiled at Elrond, pausing at the door of his room. "On two separate occasions I inquired about what is ailing him. He answered me not, and hence started keeping his distance. We use to spend our days together, and my court called him my shadow. Now its as if he can not stand my presence. I am at a loss, Elrond."
Elrond studied Thranduil, whose face was evidently pained. "In time the answer to your riddle will be known. Perhaps my sons can help shed light on what bothers Legolas. I will enquire on your behalf."
Thranduil nodded in gratitude, and then decided to change the subject, asking. "Do tell me, is Glorfindel allowed visitors at this time?"
"Most certainly, as long as his strength allows for them."
"Good, for I wish to see him. I will refresh myself before I pay him my regards. Thank you Elrond for your hospitality, as ever."
"It is good to have you back visiting our valley Thranduil, for it has been too long. Please stay as long as you can. We are honored to have you here."
Thranduil respectfully nodded his head, and in doing so, he informed Elrond that he wished to retire to his rooms. He wanted to see Glorfindel first, before seeking out his son.
He wondered if the change in environment had eased whatever troubled Legolas. He reflected on Elrond's surprise regarding the question that he had asked about Legolas. Thranduil was surprised that Elrond hadn't noticed anything. Usually the hyper attentive Elrond picked up on these things. Perhaps he was over reacting, and nothing was indeed wrong. But his heart told him otherwise.
He frowned at the riddle before him, as he fell back onto the bed.
It was mid-morning, just around lunch, and Glorfindel had managed to drink a thick broth along with his herbal teas. He could feel his strength slowly returning and as a seasoned warrior, having lived through many battles and wounds, he knew that his recovery would take some time.
He had woken to the sight of Erestor keeping watch over him. Grey shining eyes framed by dark raven hair looked down on him before a smile spread across Erestor's handsome face. Glorfindel mused to himself, that this was a sight in which he could grow accustomed to.
Elrond's welcoming voice brought Glorfindel from his reverie and he looked in astonishment when he saw that Thranduil was standing beside Elrond.
Erestor stood and politely bowed his head in respect for their visitor and started to take his leave. His heart fumed a little when he saw that Thranduil was here. He knew that Glorfindel and Thranduil had once shared a very passionate love together. But that had been long ago. But, yet, Erestor knew that that love had been rekindled not so long ago. A jealous protectiveness surged within his heart, and Erestor had to mind himself to keep his manners towards Thranduil.
"No, Erestor, do not leave." Thranduil bade Erestor to take his seat again. "Glorfindel seems at ease with your presence, and I wish not to disturb that."
Glorfindel smiled at Erestor to stay, and Erestor inclined his head again to Thranduil before he took his seat. Glorfindel blinked his eyes, as if he doubted his reason. He hadn't heard of Thranduil's arrival, and he was the last person that he had expected to see in his healing room.
"Thranduil!?" Glorfindel cried out at seeing his long-time friend. "You really came? It takes me almost dying yet again to finally bring you back to Imladris?"
Thranduil paused and thought before he spoke, trying to remember exactly what it was that Glorfindel was referencing.
"Why, yes, you are right, my dear Glorfindel. My last visit here was due to some misfortune that you had gotten yourself into, now was it not?"
Thranduil moved closer to Glorfindel, and he inquisitively gazed over at Erestor. He had never known the two to be close before and he reflected a bit on Erestor's presence within Glorfindel's healing room. He wondered when the two had fallen in love, for it was plainly evident and it reflected between the two.
Thranduil felt his heart beat colder, but he kept his composure, and he smiled gently to Glorfindel. "News of what had befallen you came quickly on the wings of the birds and on the whisper of the trees. I had to come visit, to see you, for you brought such worry within my heart. My heart finds joy at seeing that you are awake. How comes your healing?"
"You know my stubbornness, my dear friend. I would have not stayed in Mandos Halls again. I am healing well, thanks to the skill of our healers here. There is no pain any longer, and my strength returns to me."
Thranduil smiled before he spoke again. "I would imagine the good company you have has also helped lift your spirits."
Glorfindel nodded. "It's true you know, I was back in those Halls. But it was as if a force moved and compelled me to come back. I am needed here, I know. Someone needs me, and my fae knew that."
Thranduil let a knowing smile grace his face, and moved his gaze back on Erestor. Erestor, sensing that he had caught Thranduil's attention, focused his own eyes on him.
Thranduil's appearance was surprising to him. Thranduil's long silver hair flowed down his back unbraided. He wore no decoration, crown or ornaments in his hair or on his person. His clothing was simple; a tunic of grey-blue, leggings of grey, and soft boots of dark grey. He brought no airs to the healing room of his status, and he chatted lightly with Glorfindel. His fine features shone with his mirth.
Glorfindel was enjoying his visit with Thranduil. He asked of Greenwood, of his children, of that mischievous butler Galion, and so on regarding many topics. Thranduil chatted on with great humor, allowing Glorfindel to dictate the conversation, which surprised even Erestor who had never seen this side of Thranduil before. Thranduil was stripped of all airs, and instead of his cold and aloof persona, he was so warm and jovial even.
Much time had passed, and a healer had entered Glorfindel's room, bringing him his medication and his change of bandages. Erestor and Thranduil rose to give Glorfindel his space for examinations and rest.
"You'd better not run off without seeing me again." Glorfindel elf warned Thranduil, before he left the room.
Thranduil looked innocently at Glorfindel. "I would not dare, my dear Glorfindel. Although I have not decided the length of my stay, I can warn you that you will have to see plenty of me, that is, unless I get in the way of more important things that you should be addressing."
At that he let his gaze turn to Erestor, who in return gave him a bemused expression.
Glorfindel, understanding the implication that Thranduil made instantly looked at Erestor. Was that a slight blush that had spread across his face?
"Please, Lord Glorfindel needs to be attended." The healer implored of the visitors. "Visiting will be permitted within an hour."
Both Erestor and Thranduil left the healing house in silence.
"Tell me, Erestor," Thranduil asked. "when did you two bind yourselves together?" "Pardon me, my Lord?" Erestor was surprised by the question that Thranduil asked.
"You are not bound? But your souls share such a connection, and you pulled Glorfindel's fae back from Mandos, did you not? I swore I sensed a bond between the two of you. Was I wrong in my assessment?" Thranduil raised a curious eyebrow, interested in the response his gaze demanded.
He knew Erestor's story; that when the city of Ost-in-Edhil had been destroyed, he had been the lone survivor of his family. A tragic event that he had survived, but that event had caused his heart to be locked away. Over the years with his dealings with Erestor, Thranduil had learned that he was distant and didn't reach out for friendship or deep connections. Erestor had never breached protocol in their interactions, and had always kept their dealings professional, if not unfriendly. He wondered if Erestor would confide in him regarding his relationship with Glorfindel.
"Your insight is keen, my lord." Erestor answered. "But we are not bound."
Thranduil smirked at Erestor, adding before he took his leave, "But yes you are. There is no escape from that fate now."
Erestor watched as Thranduil walk away from, mouth slightly open from his words. Thranduil always had a way of infuriating Erestor, and once again, Thranduil had found a way to infuriate him. Erestor had to mind himself to check his emotions away.
-----
Not beta read
- 10
- 11
- 12
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

The Dance On Water