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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
- 18
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The Gift
by Mirasaui

Part 19: Dark Clouds
The view from the windows of the solarium was enough to take one's breath away, for watching over the Elven realm was a cloudless cerulean sky. Anor's rays, besides warming the fertile fields and the valley woodlands, wrought mysterious patterns of deep emerald and midnight blue on the carpet of tall fir that graced the sides of the steep cliffs. Here and there, bare rock contrasted against the soft green. Silvery-white water flowed down the grey surface as the run-off from swollen streams followed the pull of gravity to seek liquid pools of clear water below. The spray from the roaring falls was visible from as far away as the healing house, and the rainbows that filtered through the mist added a surreal quality to the stunning vision. But the two occupants of the cosy sunlit room were totally unaware of the beauty of nature or the ambience of the chamber, troubled as they were by the myriad events that threatened the peacefulness of Imladris.
"I am sorry, my lord," Erestor said to Elrond once the door to the solarium was closed and he was sure they were alone. "I could not find it in my heart to separate Lindir from Glorfindel once I found Glorfindel was injured."
Elrond sighed. "I understand, Erestor, but this does complicate matters."
In fact, this new problem was only one of many that burdened the Elven Lord. Humans had attacked his forces twice. First, a hoard of filthy bandits bent on nothing but greed and destruction, their folly leaving one of his guardians close to the doors of Mandos' Halls and second, a trained squadron headed by a half-elf with a heritage similar to his own, a blood mix of First and Secondborn. This usurper now sat chained in the dungeons of the Last Homely House while Elrond waited for his commanders to delve out the reason for the mortal's viscous attack. But the latest crack in the veil of tranquility that normally covered the mountain valley had taken him by surprise. Why would Glorfindel turn his back on a promise made specifically for the well being of an elf he so plainly cared for? Elrond could not begin to imagine.
"As soon as Glorfindel has re-gained his strength, I must speak with him and this time I do expect you to keep Lindir away." Elrond said as he turned around to face Erestor. Running his fingers through his hair, he voiced the thought that ran through both their minds. "What prompted Glorfindel to make this move? I thought we all agreed how to handle this a long time ago."
Erestor heaved a sigh, feeling guilty for betraying his friend but knowing he was unable to keep anything hidden from his Lord. "Glorfindel has always been a mystery to me. We are compatible, but only because I am willing to play his games. I consider him one of my closest friends, but he does not reveal his innermost self to anyone, except maybe Haldir and Haldir can be as enigmatic as Glorfindel. In fact, Haldir played a part in drawing them together.
"It all started with Haldir's story about the gift giving. I should not reveal this, but Lindir chose Glorfindel's name and came to me for advice concerning a gift. He was extremely distraught, so much that he was having problems sleeping. At first I thought his concern was that Glorfindel was his superior, but nay, it was worse. Lindir has always idolized Glorfindel, and at some point his feelings crossed the border between hero worship and love. I mistakenly took it for infatuation, never dreaming Lindir would act on his desire. Believing I was doing him a favour, I advised him to speak with Haldir.
"What it is about Haldir that makes everyone wish to confide in him, I know not, but Lindir revealed his feelings about Glorfindel to the marchwarden, and Haldir took it upon himself to play matchmaker. The result is that Glorfindel spent last night in Lindir's room and their interaction was not of a platonic nature."
"So it has gone that far." Elrond said with a frown. "Lindir confirms the binding?"
"No," Erestor replied, "That is conjecture on my part. Glorfindel would not take a lover lightly. In fact, in my memory he has never had a serious romantic interest. But according to both Haldir and Lindir, he has declared his eternal love for Lindir. Glorfindel would never jest about such a matter."
"Then the relationship has not progressed as far as I thought. I will speak with Glorfindel and if he does not heed my warning, I may be forced to send him away from Imladris, at least for a time. They cannot bind, Erestor. If they do, Lindir will know all there is of Glorfindel's mind. He will find out that which we have hidden from him all these years and he may never recover from that knowledge. It is still hard for me to understand why, if Glorfindel loves Lindir, he would place him at such risk?"
"I know not, my lord," Erestor replied. That is why I came to you as soon as I could."
Elrond struggled with the temptation to run down the hall and throttle his seneschal. "It is the will of the Valar that two minds merge during a bonding. Erestor, there is no way Glorfindel can thwart that. While I feel for Lindir, I will do all in my power to see that this relationship goes no further. I know Glorfindel is your friend, I hope you can understand why I need take these desperate measures."
"Even if I say I do, my lord," Erestor said slowly, "It does not reduce my feeling of guilt. Glorfindel, perhaps, may understand your reaction but young Lindir will not and he will be crushed. But better that, I suppose, than to have him fade as Tebring."
Elrond grimaced at the thought. "Unfortunately, I do not have any more time to spend on this, Erestor, for I must also speak with Celeng. Grant me a few minutes alone, then bid him to enter, if he is still outside."
"As you wish, my lord," Erestor said, an ache beginning to build in his stomach. "With your permission, I will take my leave." At a nod from Elrond, Erestor turned and walked to the door, leaving his lord sitting on the bed with his head in his hands. Erestor hated to walk out on him in that condition, but he knew there was nothing he could do to ease his mind. Squaring his shoulders and feeling like a traitor, he opened the door and left the room.
In spite of the furor that had taken place not so long ago, the atmosphere about the main hall of the Healing House was that of serene quiet. No one spoke above a whisper and the stillness only added to the feeling of despair that cloaked many of the elves who sat or stood within its confines.
While Erestor spoke with Celeng, Master Anaran did the same with Lindir and Haldir, the circles under the healer's eyes attesting to his long hours and lack of sleep. "Glorfindel has two deep gashes, one on his forearm and the other on his thigh. I have stitched and bound the wounds and his natural healing abilities should take care of the rest. The loss of blood and the energy he used to hold back the attacking men made him weak enough to lose consciousness, making his injury seem worse than it is.
"I will try to make him rest in bed, but I know Glorfindel and it will not be an easy task. You may see him now. I have left a draught for pain on the table by the side of the bed. It will make him drowsy, so you may wish to give it to him after your visit, unless he asks for it sooner.
"As for Tebring, his physical injury is healing well but his mental condition has not changed. If anything, he is drifting farther away. I have done everything I can for Tebring, now the only option I have is to make him as comfortable as possible."
"My thanks, Master Anaran," said Lindir. "I did not expect there would be any change, but I appreciate your effort to keep us informed."
The healer smiled and gave Lindir a pat on the shoulder. "You had best see to Glorfindel now, he was asking for you and will not be awake long." Master Anaran nodded at Haldir. "Marchwarden, I hope you enjoy the rest of your visit here. Now, if you both will excuse me, I will return to my tasks."
Haldir turned to Lindir and placed a comforting hand upon his shoulder. "If you wish, Lindir, I will wait outside."
"Nay, Haldir. I believe Glorfindel would wish to see both of us. Let us go in now while he is still awake."
Sky-blue eyes followed the pair as they entered the chamber. Glorfindel was lying on his back in the bed. His glorious hair, now removed from its braid, spread over the pillow falling in golden rivulets to the sheet below. His bandaged arm was resting outside the covers and his uninjured leg propped underneath the light sheet. Apparently, the medication the healers had given him originally was beginning to wear off, because the once garrulous blond was now quiet and subdued, his face pale and drawn, with an expression of pain glazing the surface of his eyes.
"How do you fare?" Lindir asked. "You had me worried, melethen (1). When the patrol did not return, I thought the worst."
"I am fine, Lindir, just tired. I have had much worse injury. What I need is simply a night of healing rest."
Glorfindel in actuality felt quite awful, although in his pride, he would never admit it. The loss of blood, the mental energy he had used to bring forth his power combined with the after effect of the narcotic, had left him weak and slightly nauseous. He remained quiet as he studied his lover, the only sound in the room that of his breath going in and out of his lungs. Lindir looked almost as bad as Glorfindel felt. The young elf had much sorrow in his eyes, and his face was a shade or two lighter than its normal pearly hue. Glorfindel could read Lindir's solemn expression, and knew the report of his injury had caused young Lindir a fright. Glorfindel knew Lindir planned to stay by his side and nurse him throughout the night, but that, the warrior thought, was not going to happen.
While Glorfindel wanted nothing more than to take Lindir in his arms and murmur words of love and reassurance, it was not what Lindir needed. He knew Lindir had not had much love in his young life, and Glorfindel was ready and willing to give him all he had, but he did not want Lindir to become too dependent upon him. The elf suffered from an extreme lack of confidence, and pampering him in that way would only make the condition worse. Glorfindel was determined to bring the young one out of his shell, but he was going to have to hurt him to do it.
"Lindir, before our relationship proceeds any farther, we must reach an understanding. You cannot fret every time the patrol is late. Remember your training. The time to worry is when you are informed there is a problem. Otherwise, you lose control and make mistakes. This applies not just to warfare, but also to life. That we have declared our love does not change these rules. We are warriors, pen-neth (2). I am not looking for a wife; do not try to be one."
"Can I not be concerned about your welfare, Glorfindel? You are more to me than a comrade-in-arms. I have given you my heart," Lindir replied, hurt by Glorfindel's words.
"You misunderstand me, meleth (3). I am appreciative of your care, but do not place me in my grave before my time, before you know the facts. What could you have done before the messengers alerted you of the ambush? Not a thing. And when you did hear the news, could you have arrived in time to help? No. Those are the tasks of the sentries on duty. What if the patrol had been late for more mundane reasons? Not only would we both have been embarrassed by your anxiety, but also, your stress and fear would have been for naught.
"I need you to be strong, Lindir. If you are to fight by my side, I have to know that you will concentrate on none but the enemy. That you will trust in my skill to take care of myself as I will trust yours. That you will do the same whether I am on patrol or away on a mission, otherwise, we should end what we have between us now."
"I understand, my lord," Lindir answered in a low voice, his eyes pinned to the floor. Even though the words Glorfindel spoke made much sense and were said in a kind voice, it pained Lindir to hear them, especially since a rebuke was not what he had expected. "I can do what you ask of me."
Glorfindel winced at the hurt in Lindir's voice. "Come here, meleth," he said, holding out his hand. Lindir did so and grasped his hand tightly. Glorfindel motioned for him to take a seat by his side. Reaching upward, he traced his fingers down Lindir's cheek. "Do not be upset by my words, pen-neth. It gladdens my heart to see you here, to have you close. Melin chen (4), Lindir. I have said this to no other. You hold my heart in your hands.
"But, to again stress my point, you know the dangers and the possible risks we face each day. To fight, we must be strong, physically and emotionally. If we let our love make us weak, we lessen our chance of survival. This is all I am asking, Lindir. That we stick by the warrior's code, in life and in our love for each other."
"Melin chen (4), Glorfindel. I do not wish to think of losing you, for I have just found you, our time together is just beginning."
"I know pen-neth (2). But we can not go into this relationship blindly. If I hurt you, Lindir, know that I do so only out of my love for you. You are mine, Lindir, for always if you want me."
"You know I do, Glorfindel." Lindir spoke so softly that Glorfindel barely caught his words. Lindir's lower lip trembled and a single tear rolled down his cheek. He squeezed his eyes to keep others from following, tightening his grip on Glorfindel's hand. "I do not mean to weep, Glorfindel. In the future I promise to be stronger. I will do anything you ask of me, rather than risk losing your love."
"Ai, Lindir, again you misunderstand me." Glorfindel sighed. When I am stronger we will speak of this again. Know that whatever our problems, we can work them out. Learn to trust in me, Lindir. Learn to trust my love, but above all, learn to trust yourself. You have many fine attributes, have faith in them. You cannot gain the confidence of others until you have gained the same confidence in yourself. But we will work on this together, for as of this day, you are no longer alone."
Lindir took a deep breath and managed a smile for his lover. He needed to be strong if he wished to keep the warrior by his side. Glorfindel had a way of tearing down his defences. It was as if he could see into Lindir's very soul, and it was frightening. Lindir was not sure if he could measure up to the expectations of such a great lord. He wanted so much to believe in what Glorfindel said, but he still could not come to terms with the fact that an elf such as Glorfindel would have the slightest interest in an elf like him.
"Come now," Glorfindel said, giving Lindir a re-assuring smile. "If we keep on like this, we will embarrass the marchwarden." Releasing Lindir's hand, he turned to the silver-haired elf standing at Lindir's side. Glorfindel could see the amusement dancing in Haldir's eyes.
"Mae govannen, Haldir. Do not hang back; I would speak with you also."
Haldir stepped up to the bed and grasped Glorfindel's arm in a warrior's handshake. "I am glad to see you in one piece, meldir (5)."
"Aye, Haldir, I will be as new in but a short while, the more reason for both of you to rejoice, you especially, Lindir." Glorfindel grinned toothily at his love then turned back to Haldir with a more serious expression.
"I would ask another favour, Haldir."
Haldir nodded. "How may I be of service?" he replied.
"My guardians captured the leader of the men that ambushed us. He is peredhel. Captain Naldor had him placed in chains and brought to a cell. He is on his way to interrogate him as of now. I would ask that you be present also. I could use your thoughts and insight. You have seen much of the way of men, and this rogue has teemed himself with them. Captain Naldor speaks the language of the Secondborn, but has not much experience amongst their kind. He would be appreciative of your aid."
"You have but to ask, gwador (6). I will leave immediately," Haldir replied.
"My thanks, Haldir, I am in your debt," Glorfindel spoke with sincerity. "I will meet with you in the morning, if that is convenient."
"Until then," Haldir responded with a nod. Then turning towards the door, he made a swift exit.
Once Haldir had gone, Glorfindel turned back to Lindir. "Melethen, I have a favour to ask of you also. You will not like it, but I ask it all the same. I wish you to return to The Last Homely House and find something to occupy your time. Do not think I will let you sit here by my side all night. I am going to drink that which Master Anaran left. It will induce a healing sleep. My body needs it, Lindir. There is naught you can do here. If you wish to please me, go seek Erestor. With Lord Elrond so occupied and myself injured, Erestor is forced to take on all our burdens. He needs you more than I tonight."
Lindir smiled. "Anything to make sure you follow Master Anaran's orders. I will leave as soon as you drink your tea. I have neglected Erestor this week and I feel guilt for that. He will find a task for me, I have no doubt."
Lindir picked up the cup from the small table and held it up to Glorfindel's lips. "I know you can handle this yourself, but let me do this one thing for you before I go."
Glorfindel smiled and obediently drank from Lindir's hand. When he had finished all that was in the cup, Lindir bent forward and placed a soft kiss on his lover's lips. Glorfindel deepened it, and the two were locked together in the passionate kiss for some moment. When they finally broke apart, Lindir wished Glorfindel a good night then reluctantly left the room. Glorfindel's eyes were already heavy from the effects of the hot liquid, which had started to work almost immediately. Before Lindir made it into the hall, the warrior was lost in a deep healing sleep.
The smile left Lindir's face as soon as he exited the room. He had done his best to appear in good spirits when Glorfindel asked him to leave, but it had all been an act. Glorfindel's words had stung. Only last night he had welcomed Lindir with open arms and this night he did everything he could to push Lindir away. I will not lose him so soon, Lindir vowed. If I have to submit to his every whim to keep him happy, I will. And with that firm resolve, Lindir left to find Erestor.
"How does Glorfindel fare?" Lord Erestor asked, once Lindir had located the advisor. "I would have thought you would still be at his side, Lindir."
"He is well, my lord. He asked me not to stay, but to help you instead, for he feels guilty that you must handle everything alone." Erestor did look quite harried, Lindir realized. Maybe Glorfindel was right. There was truly nothing he could do for Glorfindel while his lover slept. But there should be plenty he could do to help Erestor.
Erestor gave Lindir a quick appraisal. "I hate to put you to work on your holiday, Lindir, but there is a job you could do for me. I was copying scrolls this morning and with all the uproar, they are still laid out on the main table in the library. Some are quite old and should be placed back in their protective coverings. If you could do that for me, I would be extremely grateful. If you need another task to occupy your time, there are three crates of Lord Elrond's that I had removed from the attic sitting on the floor of my office. I am not sure what they contain, but if you would go through the contents and make a catalogue, that would free more of my time. If you cannot, do not worry. I ask that only if your concern for Glorfindel does not allow sleep. Otherwise, Lindir, make sure you eat and rest. I know this day has been a hard one."
"I will do as much as I can, Erestor. If I can help in any other way, do not hesitate to tell me." Lindir replied.
Erestor was about to make a comment when Master Anaran called to him from the adjacent room. "I must go, Lindir. Thank you for your offer of help. I will see you in the morning, if not before." And with that Erestor hurried off to see what the healer wanted, while Lindir made his way to the library.
Lord Elrond was with Master Anaran when Erestor walked into the room. If anything, his lord looked more exhausted than he did when Erestor had spoken with him earlier.
"Erestor, I have met with Master Anaran and with Celeng, and have given my permission for Celeng to speak with Tebring tomorrow. I asked only that he talk with Glorfindel first. If the two of them cannot sway Tebring's mind, I am afraid there is no hope. Tebring's condition degrades with each passing hour.
"We have a problem in that Lindir expects to meet with Glorfindel in the morning and so do Haldir and Captain Naldor. Glorfindel asked Haldir to help the Captain interrogate the prisoner, and they will wish to give him their report. I am assuming that Lindir will arrive early. If he does so, will you occupy him until Haldir comes? Preferably find a task that will keep him away from the Healing House until you hear from me. As soon as I finish my talk with Glorfindel, I will send Celeng in to see him. That should place Glorfindel's mind on Tebring and take the heat out of his anger, for he will not take my words lightly. In fact, there is a good chance, Erestor, that we may have chaos reign here tomorrow, so be prepared."
"I will help in any way I can, my Lord," Erestor promised. Realizing it was getting close to the dinner hour, Erestor mentally added a trip to the kitchen to his checklist. "If you like, I will have a tray prepared in the kitchen and brought to you here. Have you eaten at all today?"
"Do not worry, Erestor," Master Anaran spoke up. "Miradhel and I have made sure Lord Elrond is well fed and I will also make sure he rests well tonight. We will take care of the problems on our end as best we can."
"Thank you, Erestor," Elrond replied. "You may return to the house. I trust in you to make sure all is well."
"As you wish, My Lord," Erestor said, giving his lord a small bow. I will keep an eye on Lindir, and will check on the twins as well." With a nod to both elves, he took his leave.
As the last rays of Anor sank beneath the horizon, so did the hopes of many in the Healing House. Tambor and Garion still kept their watch outside the room of Tebring, and Lord Elrond and Master Anaran placed their eye on the hourglass, watching as the grains of sand marked passage of the time that slipped so swiftly away. Tebring and Glorfindel slumbered unaware of the grief and sadness that wrapped the inhabitants of Imladris in its numbing grip. And in the confines of The Last Homely house, there were others who would find restless sleep this night, for grey clouds of trouble hovered in the air and no one knew what the dawn would bring.

Notes:
1. melethen - my love
2. pen-neth - young one
3. meleth - love
4. melin chen - I love you
5. meldir - friend
6. gwador - sworn brother
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The Gift