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The Gift	By : mirasaui Category: +Third Age > Slash - Male/Male Views: 9163 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 17
- 18
- 19
The Gift
by Mirasaui

Part 18: Discord
Erestor had returned to his rooms to bathe and change after his time spent at the market with Lindir and Haldir. Now the hem of his black robe of office flared out behind him as he hurried down the corridor with an intent purpose. His mind was awash with all that the two elves had said and although he hated his errand, it was one he could not put off.
Crossing through the gardens, Erestor headed down the path toward the healing house, for he knew his lord was still holding vigil over Tebring and he believed that Elrond would stay with the guardian until his condition changed for the better or the Valar forbid, deteriorated to the point of no return. Such a sad thing to happen to one so vibrant and full of life, Erestor thought, for he liked Tebring and he hoped the young guardian could overcome his depression and find a way back to the light.
As Erestor entered the building through the wide archway and headed for Tebring's room, he saw Elrond standing in the main hall talking to Tambor and Garion. He waited until Elrond had finished his conversation then hurried to his side and lightly touched his arm.
"My lord, I must speak with you for a moment in private. I would not interrupt, but the matter is of extreme importantance."
Elrond bade leave of Tambor and Garion, then turned to Erestor and led him into one of the unused rooms. "No one will disturb us here."
Erestor sighed. He hated to burden Elrond with more problems for he could see how the past few days had affected his lord, but this was a matter of grave importance. Gesturing for Elrond to take a seat on the bed, Erestor waited for Elrond to do so then moved to stand in front of him.
"Lord Glorfindel may bind himself with Lindir," Erestor said, watching Elrond closely to see how he would take the news.
Elrond's face darkened with anger. "Has Glorfindel no concern for Lindir at all? He knows what this could do to Lindir! Why, after keeping his love silent for all these years, does Glorfindel choose now to reveal it? Curses, Erestor! I could wring the fool's neck. Send Glorfindel in to see me the moment he returns. I should still be here."
"I shall do so as soon as I find him," Erestor said, turning from Lord Elrond and moving toward the door.
"And, Erestor," Elrond said as Erestor paused to look back. "Keep Lindir away from here until I have spoken with Glorfindel. I do not wish him anywhere near the Healing House until this is resolved."
"I understand, my lord," Erestor replied, "I will keep Lindir occupied until I hear from you."
Erestor left the room and leaned against the wall of the corridor. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I had to do it," he thought to himself. "I did not want to betray Glorfindel, but I cannot stand by and watch him harm Lindir. Elbereth, forgive me for what I have done." He took another deep breath to calm his beating heart then hurried from the Healing House in search of Glorfindel.
-The Prisoner
Glorfindel was barely conscious when he felt someone leap onto Asfaloth's back. Strong arms clasped him around the waist as the proud war-horse was urged to move quickly away from the escalating attack. Realizing the arms belonged to a friend, Glorfindel relaxed and succumbed to the darkness.
A while later, a whiff of strong smelling salts brought Glorfindel back to consciousness. He was resting against the trunk of a wide tree, a healer hovering on one side and Captain Naldor, his second-in-command on the other. "Calimal and Neldur made it back safely." Captain Naldor told Glorfindel once he was sure his commander was alert enough to understand his words. "We were able to subdue all of the force that attacked. Most of them are dead or vanquished. We were lucky this time, for we captured their leader."
Glorfindel listened attentively to everything the captain said, then answered in a low, raspy voice. "They were not rabble. They were well-trained and knew how to fight against Elves. I would like to interrogate the man who led them. Place him in a cell and hold him until further orders. I will be there as soon as I gain my strength."
"I beg your pardon, my lord," the healer spoke, "But the only place you are going is to the Healing House. Your injuries are too great for you to be walking about. A litter is being readied this moment, and will we take you there as soon as Captain Naldor finishes his report."
Angry blue eyes turned toward the healer and Glorfindel issued a string of curses that caused the elf to blanch. Glorfindel tried to rise to continue his tirade and prove his point, but a wave of pain and weakness caused him to grit his teeth and fall back against the tree. Captain Naldor reached out a hand to steady him.
"The healer is right, my lord. As soon as we have finished here, I will interrogate the prisoner myself. You can speak with him after Master Anaran attends your wounds. However, I would tell you this. The one that created the false blood trail, that led you into the ambush, he is the one we captured, he is their leader. I understand now why these men were so hard to fight, why they were able to penetrate our defences. The one that led them is peredhel, but he has not aligned himself with our kind. He keeps the company of Men."
"All the more reason that I wish to question him," Glorfindel ground out. "I want to know his motives for planning this attack. Keep me informed, Captain. That knife he threw was of elven make and I felt there was something odd about the trap we found ourselves in. Send me your report as soon as you finish here then meet with the other unit leaders and apprise them of the situation."
The effort of talking and staying alert had taken its toll on the ancient warrior. The healer, who had been watching him closely, signaled to Captain Naldor that Glorfindel had had enough. He beckoned for the litter-bearers to come forward. As carefully as they could, they placed Glorfindel on the litter then hurriedly set off through the woods toward the Healing House.
-Back at the Last Homely House
"Haldir, I am worried," Lindir confided to his friend. "It is long past the time that Glorfindel should have returned. I wish to check the stables again to see if he is there."
"I will accompany you, Lindir," Haldir replied. Haldir was also worried, for Glorfindel normally reported in, but none of the guardians Haldir had spoken with had seen him. But what truly had Haldir concerned, was that none of the morning patrol had returned. Lindir was not a fool; Haldir knew the same thoughts had crossed his mind.
On their return from the market, Lindir had become decidedly animated. Haldir knew it was the anticipation of seeing his lover that had Lindir acting so out of character. But when Lindir had found his and Glorfindel's rooms empty, the giddiness had turned to anxiety. They had asked all they saw, but none had seen the seneschal. For the past quarter hour, Lindir had been pacing back and forth, unwilling to voice his fears, but expressing them through the motions of his body.
Now that a course of action had been decided, Haldir and Lindir set off briskly towards the wooden structure that housed the horses. They were within shouting distance of the barn, when they met up with Erestor and Celeng. Both looked concerned, and it was easy to see that the absence of the patrol was what caused their disquiet.
Erestor and Lindir started to speak at the same time. Lindir deferred to his elder, but the advisor voiced the words Lindir had been about to utter. "Have either of you seen Lord Glorfindel?"
"No, Erestor, we have not, and were on our way to the stables to look for him," Haldir replied before Lindir had a chance to speak. He was about to say more, when the distinct sound of hooves thudding against earth caused all four elves to turn towards the path that led to the woods. Two guardians were riding hard towards the stables. When they reached the stable yard both dismounted, and the eldest quickly walked over to Erestor.
"My lord," the guardian bowed his head in respect. "Lord Glorfindel, Calimal, and Neldur rode into a trap this afternoon. Glorfindel was able to hold the attackers long enough to enable Calimal and Neldur to escape, but was injured before reinforcements could arrive. The attack was routed and the leader captured. I was told to give my report to Lord Elrond. If you could direct me to him, I will do so now."
"He is at the Healing House attending Tebring," Erestor replied quickly. "Tell me, what is Glorfindel's condition?"
"I know not, my lord," the guardian replied. "He was unconscious the last I saw him and the healer was assessing his wounds. There are others on horse behind me, you will have to wait and ask them for more news."
"Go now and find Lord Elrond," Erestor told the messenger, "We will wait for the others.
The messenger bowed his head again then left with his partner, heading for the Healing quarters.
As soon as the messengers had gone, Erestor, Haldir, and Celeng turned to Lindir. The minstrel's face was pale. Tears were in his eyes as he prayed to the Valar for his lover. The other three could do naught but comfort him, as they waited for the rest of the patrol to arrive.
-The Healing House
"Elrond, why not return to your chambers and rest?" Master Anaran directed his question to his weary lord as they were working at the table in the herb room. "Miradhel and I can watch Tebring. I do not believe his condition will change in the next few hours, and you can not continue to push yourself as you are."
"It would be of no use," Elrond replied, "I cannot sleep. Tebring preys on my mind, but there is more. If we lose Tebring, we also lose Tambor.
Elrond sighed. "Anaran, do you remember Celeng, our old arms master? He sought me earlier asking my permission to speak with Tebring. I was against the idea, but now I wonder if I should reverse my decision. I do not wish to push Tebring over the edge, but neither can I sit by idly and watch him enter Mandos' Halls without a fight." Elrond reached toward one of the shelves for a mortar and pestle then began crushing the dried leaves that lay in a pile in front of him.
"If I remember correctly, it was Lord Glorfindel who drummed sense into Celeng after the stallion destroyed his foot," Anaran mused, "It could be that the same would work with Tebring.
"He comes from a long line of warriors. You would think that would make him more aware of the danger of permanent injury. He blames himself for his condition, Elrond. He believes that he should have seen the blow that shattered his leg, that he should have been quick enough to block it. In his eyes, he is a failure at the one duty he has dreamt of since he was old enough to pick up a bow. Tebring never thought to be other than a guardian.
"This morning, I had to carry him to the bath. Tebring was mortified. That is the only time I have heard him speak more than a syllable since first he awoke. He said he could not see Tambor carrying him every time he had to perform a bodily function. It heartened me to see him speak of Tambor but then afterward, he sank further into depression."
Lord Elrond was about to reply, when Garion knocked on the door. "My lord, there are messengers here from the morning patrol. Glorfindel's unit was attacked and he was severely injured. They are bearing him in on a litter, but the extent of his injury is not known. Do you wish to speak with the messengers now?"
Elrond groaned. "Please, Garion, send them in." Elrond turned back to the healer. "By the stars, Anaran, this is supposed to be a time of peace!"
At the sound of a slight cough, Elrond looked up and saw two young guardians waiting in the doorway. Rising to his feet, he motioned them to come inside.
-The Stables
The four elves did not have much longer to wait before the sound of hooves informed them more of the patrol was exiting the woods. Sure enough, five warriors on horseback urged their horses into a canter once they reached the meadow adjacent to the stables. They did not seem surprised to see Erestor and his friends waiting for their arrival. While the stable lads looked to their mounts, Erestor questioned the riders as to the condition of Glorfindel and what exactly had occurred during the fray.
Satisfied that Glorfindel was not mortally wounded, Erestor was able to relay the good news to Lindir and the others. He dismissed the guardians and sent Celeng back to the Healing House to speak with Tambor and Garion. Haldir, Lindir and himself would wait until they knew for sure that Glorfindel was out of danger.
More riders were coming in as the others left and each was able to give Erestor a bit more news about Glorfindel and the ambush. He was told that the leader had been taken prisoner and that Glorfindel had been conscious when the riders left and had been given a draught for pain.
Finally, a group bearing a litter could be seen at the edge of the forest. Lindir could not stand the wait and ran ahead to catch up with the guards who were carrying his lover. He was able to hear the curses erupting from the mouth of the great warrior before he finally reached his side.
Now that the pain in his leg and arm was bearable, Glorfindel himself was not. Never one to lie still and listen to the advice of the healers, the Balrog Slayer was already trying the patience of the guards who had the duty of carrying him.
Lindir spoke to one of them then replaced him as a bearer so he could be closer to his lover. "Glorfindel, are you in much pain?" he asked tenderly, looking down at Glorfindel's pale face as he bounced on the litter.
"Nay, Lindir, just aggravated at having to be carried like an invalid. I shall live. My injuries look worse than they are. It is the blood loss that has me weak. Master Anaran will sew my wounds and force some of that nasty tea down my throat. I will be up and around tomorrow. Glorfindel smiled at Lindir then his face scrunched into a scowl. "By the Stars, can you blasted guardians not keep my head higher than my feet! You shall all have double duty if you do not hurry. I am being bumped and jarred to death. I want off this blasted hammock."
The litter-bearers and Lindir just rolled their eyes, knowing their commander would not remain quiet until they reached their destination. Haldir and Erestor fell in step with the group once they reached the stables, and if nothing else, the presence of the marchwarden sobered the grumbling blond for a moment.
"Not your usual self today, are you?" Haldir asked as he gave his friend one of his well-known smirks. Now that he knew Glorfindel was not mortally injured, he did not mind teasing his friend. Glorfindel just gave him a "humph" in return.
"I have seen them carry you in worse than this, marchwarden," Glorfindel whispered through gritted teeth as the lead guardian stumbled on the pathway, giving him a painful jolt. A glance upward allowed Glorfindel to spy the black robes of Erestor. "Come to gloat, old bat?" he directed at the advisor. Erestor just raised an eyebrow and straightened to his full height, ignoring the blond's comment. "Not speaking today, I see," Glorfindel rattled on. "I had to do something to get your nose out of those old mouldy books. You need to lie in the sun, Erestor. You are beginning to look like biscuit dough, pasty and soft. You are out of shape, mellonen (1), I can hear you huffing and puffing and you have not walked but a few paces. You are not going to worm your way into Elrond's heart if you look like a dumpling. You need exercise. Pulling books off the shelves will not remove that stomach. I saw you the other day in the bath."
"Glorfindel!" Lindir was shocked at the behaviour of the warrior and his treatment of Erestor. The poor advisor had turned a slight shade of pink at the mention of Lord Elrond and the guardians were doing their best to carefully control their expressions as Glorfindel rambled on and on.
"Well, it is true." Glorfindel retorted.
He was about to say more, when a large hand reached down and covered his mouth. Glorfindel looked up into the hazel eyes of Haldir, who just shook his head and put a finger to his lips. "You had best silence your thoughts, gwador. When you come to your senses you may regret your words."
Turning to Erestor, Haldir spoke softly. "The draught they gave him for pain makes him somewhat loquacious. Do not pay attention to what he says."
"I never do," Erestor said with a sigh. "This is a tiring game Glorfindel likes to play. I cannot imagine what delight he finds in it. You would think one who has lived as long as he would act like an elf instead of an elfling."
"There is more life in me than in a thousand of you, Erestor." The voice of Glorfindel carried up from the stretcher.
"You may save your insulting remarks for Lord Elrond, Seneschal," Erestor said, giving the warrior a disdainful look, "we have arrived at our destination."
"That is correct, Glorfindel, you may now direct your comments to me," a new voice spoke from behind Glorfindel's head. "Take him into the first room," Lord Elrond said with the voice of one who would brook no complaint. "And if he cannot hold his tongue, tell Master Anaran to withhold the draught for pain while he sews up those wounds."
"Erestor," Elrond said, turning to his advisor, "we must talk."
While Lord Elrond led Erestor to another part of the Healing House, Haldir and Lindir settled down on the bench outside to wait for Master Anaran to finish attending to Glorfindel.
"Not exactly how you planned tonight's events, is it?" Haldir said, turning to look at Lindir, who was trying his best to hold back tears. "He will be fine, meldir (2). He just needs those deep cuts sewn and a night of healing rest."
"I understand that, Haldir," Lindir replied. "It was the waiting that brought me such anguish. Now that I know he will recover, I can deal with it. Thank you for staying by my side. You may leave now, if you wish."
"I prefer to stay, Lindir. Glorfindel is my friend. He may not acknowledge it, but he will appreciate our presence. You should try to rest. It will be a long night."

Notes:
1. mellonen - my friend
2. meldir - friend
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The Gift