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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.

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A long week had passed and life had been carried out as it had been for centuries; the polite, but impersonal acknowledgements to each other, the small talk and teasing that was made before meetings and during meals, the subtle admiration and respect for the other as they both demonstrated their wisdom in council. Those charades were all but maddening to the both of them. Erestor stubbornly refused to accept his feelings, as he determinedly believed that slowly those feelings would fade with time, thus allowing him to continue his life as normal. Feelings were a weakness in his mind; a weakness that he believed would discontinue if he acknowledged not what his heart truly felt.
Glorfindel, on the other hand, was resolute in confronting Erestor. His mind would not let him rest until he could find a way to extinguish or strengthen the embers in his heart that Erestor had kindled. He could be just as stubborn as Erestor was, and even more so, he believed.
Even though his mood had left him drained and rather irritable, he couldn't help but reform those images of Erestor within his mind that he had seen just a week ago. Those stolen images of Erestor, uninhibited beneath the soft glow of the candles, and face uplifted to the heavens, played themselves continuously through Glorfindel's dreams and reveries. He knew all too well though that he would never hear from Erestor's lips the acknowledgement that his friendship was something that he wanted.
That morning after his mood had lifted, he had decided to confront Erestor. He had begun by paying particular attention to his clothing and hair. Glorfindel knew he presented a desirable image to others, as he wasn't unmindful to his fair beauty and strong sexual appeal. He looked in his mirror where he studied his image. Frowning, he felt somewhat foolish as he looked back at himself. He had dressed and made himself up as if he were some young love-struck maiden trying to attract a prince. It mystified Glorfindel why his feelings swayed in the direction that they did now, towards one whom was so seemingly so distant and resistant to any sort of relationship.
Who was he trying to fool, he thought. Erestor would simply mock him when he discovered his motives. Those cold grey eyes would see right through him and would tear him apart all with one glance. He should just back away from this while he still had the chance. Erestor would never be interested, and he could easily find another who could catch his fancy.
Shaking his head with soft laughter, Glorfindel went back to his wardrobe and selected less extravagant clothing. He changed into his familiar grey-green leggings, and dark green tunic that were customary for the Imladris guards to wear. He undid the elaborate braids, letting his long hair fall freely down his back to his waist in ripples of golden silk.
Glorfindel subsequently had missed the morning meal, but he really didn't mind. Though his mood had lifted, he still didn't feel much like eating this morning. The burdens of his thoughts and the uncertainty of how he would act were far too heavy on his mind than was the emptiness of his stomach on his body. Something had to be done, for he knew he couldn't continue to allow the distraction of his thoughts and feelings onto his life.
He paused a moment in his steps as a solution suddenly presented itself to him. He would just let his subconscious feelings decide his actions. There was no need for him to follow any plans or formulas as it would be best for him if he turned to and trusted in his spontaneous nature with the matter of Erestor. Feeling relieved and having found a somewhat lighter mood, he continued his walk to his office where his daily work awaited him. Glorfindel's mind no longer focused on the thoughts that had consumed him over the past week, and he could fill his abundant vigor return to him. Going over the details of his day, he paused when he had noticed that he had stopped walking. Glorfindel looked at the surroundings of where he stood.
Oh Valar! His walk had brought him just outside of Erestor's office. Glorfindel debated if he should leave, but the door was slightly ajar as if in invitation, and Glorfindel couldn't help but peer into the room. His line of vision could only make out the large bookshelf where he had placed those two boxes a week ago.
Impulsively, he rapped upon the door. He assumed that Erestor was in, and the hollow and indifferent "Enter" confirmed his assumption. He entered the office and took a seat that was placed near the desk where Erestor was seated at.
Erestor wasn't surprised to see Glorfindel in his office. He would often come to discuss issues and present him with reports and figures on security and over whatever activity was occurring within or around Imladris. Erestor feigned his indifference towards the one he secretly loved, even though his heart beat with the desire that he had for Glorfindel.
"Counselor Glorfindel, what brings you here today?"
Erestor forced his voice to remain even and uninterested in the beauty that was before him. The close proximity to Glorfindel was having strong effects on him. He felt as his heart quickened in its beating, his breath ceased as he held it, and his fingers clutched tightly around the feathered quill that he had been writing with. He sincerely hoped that Glorfindel's acute senses wouldn't catch the nervousness that he knew radiated out from his body. Erestor slowly exhaled as he gazed into those blue orbs, and he mindfully focused on keeping his cool controlled appearance with Glorfindel so close.
Glorfindel's perception had caught the subtle signs from Erestor. He let a faint smile appear on his face, to show Erestor that he hadn't been fooled by his shaky facade.
"Counselor Erestor."
Glorfindel bowed his head slightly in his welcome. Normally, Glorfindel would have made some sort of comment, teasing Erestor for showing any signs of uneasiness or distress. But he felt that now his relationship with Erestor was different, he wanted it to be different, and if he sincerely wanted to know Erestor, then he needed to be more mindful over what he said to and acted towards the other.
Glorfindel spoke no further words to Erestor, since he just wanted to observe him face to face. He had followed his subconscious feelings that had led him here, but he still was not so certain as to what course of action he would take. Glorfindel had recognized and accepted the challenge, and thus, he was determined to act out on these feelings. He stared back into the cold questioning eyes of Erestor.
Neither spoke a word for several moments, as they both could easily see that the other was hiding something from one another. It was something that neither of them was willing to speak nor acknowledge however.
Erestor could feel his willpower falter. It was beyond unnerving for him to be staring directly at the one whom he had been trying to ignore and forget, now that he could tell that Glorfindel obviously wanted something from him. How he wanted to divert his eyes from those of Glorfindel's, so that he could simply make the other disappear. But he knew that he simply did not have that power. He had no power even over his own weak and confusing emotions that stormed within him.
Erestor felt as if he was an open book to Glorfindel, who he knew could read his nervousness. Surely Glorfindel couldn't see right into his very heart though and read just how much he yearned for his love? He prayed to the Valar that Glorfindel hadn't sensed his attraction to him. He wanted to escape from those eyes; those beautiful eyes that were looking straight into his soul.
"Counselor Glorfindel, what daftness is this?" Erestor's voice faltered slightly as he desperately asked the question. He frowned and waited for Glorfindel to speak, hoping that he would just deliver whatever news he needed to discuss and then we would be on his way and far from his office.
But Glorfindel did not speak of any news, nor did he seem to care about the urgency of time. Instead, he leaned his head forward, trying to get closer to Erestor.
"You find my sitting in your office daft?" Glorfindel smiled, making himself more comfortable on the cushioned chair he sat on.
"I do not find the fact of you sitting in here daft, but I do find it strange that you have yet to say a single word about why you are here. What game are you playing? I have not the idle time to simply just stare at you."
Erestor desperately wanted Glorfindel to leave him alone. The room was starting to fell too warm, and Glorfindel was looking far too attractive to him. He was feeling trapped and dizzy. He needed to escape.
Loosing his composure, Erestor rose to his feet and went to the open window. He leaned his head out and drew in a deep breath of the rather cool air from the early morning spring day. But Erestor instantly tensed when he felt the presence of Glorfindel standing next to him. He dared not turn his attention from the world outside his window, for then he would have to look at the one who had put him in this state.
"Counselor, are you feeling alright?" Glorfindel touched Erestor's shoulder as he tried to show the distant counselor that he wished to reach out to him, and that he now cared. He was surprised to feel that Erestor recoiled from his touch.
Two distressed grey eyes were suddenly staring into his own eyes. Too quickly though, the expression in those eyes turned to sheer fury, and Erestor's usual icy glare was directed towards him.
"If there is nothing that you need to discuss with me, then I must request for you to leave my office! I do not know what duties you lack, but as for myself, I do not have idle time for staring contests and general frivolousness. Leave!"
Erestor vehemently stated those words to Glorfindel, his mind torn between wanting Glorfindel gone and pleased that Glorfindel was here. His heart pound, while his curiosity mounting with this unexplained and sudden interest that Glorfindel was showing towards him.
Glorfindel only smiled and he ignored the request that Erestor had made. He sat himself back upon the seat in which he had just been sitting, and he casually stretched his long body back, reclining back onto the chair.
"We should talk Erestor. You can tell me what does spin within your mind."
An unexpected burst of laughter erupted from Erestor. He felt defeated, and he too sat himself down at his desk. Glorfindel was far too enticing, and he had easily caused his defenses to crumble into ruins. How he had fought over the last couple of weeks to keep those defenses from falling to Glorfindel, but now when it mattered most, he was unable to keep them from crumbling into ruin.
He knew that Glorfindel could see right through him, and it seemed to Erestor that he knew what burned within his heart. He was toying with him, and Erestor fumed within. His anger began to mount, and it began to dictate his every action.
"What is so funny?" Glorfindel asked Erestor.
Erestor's behavior was bewildering to Glorfindel. He could read the unease that radiated from Erestor's body, but his other exhibited emotions were unreadable. He really didn't understand why Erestor would be laughing. Perhaps it was just a nervous laughter. But the laughter didn't have the same ring as a nervous laughter to Glorfindel. It sounded desperate, as if Erestor's very vulnerability had been exposed.
"No, Glorfindel, it is not what is so funny. I laugh not for that reason. What makes you so interested in my affairs anyways? You've never cared before, and I have ever wanted it to remain that way. Go away Glorfindel! Find something or someone else to waste your time on. I do not wish for you to waste my time anymore today. Goodbye Counselor!"
Glorfindel deliberated a brief moment before he finally stood to leave, his pride angered, his patience had been tapped and tested.
"Good day to you, Counselor Erestor."
Glorfindel spat those words he didn't mean and slammed the door. He didn't know why he had become so angry. He had expected Erestor to be difficult, so why was this bothering him so? A dull pain had developed deep within his heart, and for the first time in a long time, Glorfindel didn't know what to think or to react.
He had dealt with very difficult people before, and he had kept his cool and calm in very trying situations. So why was it that Erestor could cause such confusion and strong emotions? What was so different with him and with this situation now. Glorfindel would have pondered, but his thoughts were suddenly interrupted.
"Glorfindel!"
The sharp tone was evident within the voice from the Lord of Imladris. "Please come in my office. I want to speak with you now."
Glorfindel complied with Elrond's request, and he entered into the lushly furnished office. He sat on the same chair that he always took when he had to speak with Elrond in this room.
He looked into Elrond's concerned face, and he wondered just what Elrond may have heard regarding his exchange with Erestor.
"It is not often that doors are slammed in this peaceful valley, Glorfindel. Do you wish to speak about what troubles you?" Elrond stated. His voice was gentle and showed his kind concern.
Glorfindel sighed, but didn't speak as Elrond continued to study him.
"You seem frustrated, my friend." Elrond empathetically spoke as he looked into Glorfindel's almost unreadable face. The slight lines in his temple gave away his exasperation however.
"Have you anything that you must discuss with me Elrond that concerns Imladris? I am in no mood to simply chat about what is bothering me." Glorfindel's words were strained and cautioning, his face was set, his eyes were narrowed.
"I thought that you had learned to handle Erestor's difficult disposition. What has arisen between you two just now? Is it something that would bring me to concern?"
"Nothing has happened. That in itself is the chief problem." Glorfindel abruptly stood to exist, but Elrond had also risen and was standing next to him before he could depart from the office.
Going by what his instincts told him regarding Glorfindel's newly found interest in Erestor, Elrond spoke to his long time friend.
"In speaking with Erestor, did you do so on his terms? When you offered him your friendship, did you do so gently and with subtleness? I can tell that what was once the norm is now changing between you two, and you should take comfort in that. I believe that what is developing will be very beneficial for the both of you.”
Elrond's hand had come to rest on Glorfindel's shoulder, and he patted it as to give him encouragement. Over this past week, Elrond had noticed the strange behavior in both Glorfindel and in Erestor. Glorfindel had been in one of his "moods", and Elrond had often caught Glorfindel stealing glimpses at Erestor. Elrond was fairly certain that although Glorfindel was willing to forge closer relationship with Erestor, he was becoming troubled and exasperated by Erestor's stubbornness. Elrond for sure knew first hand just how difficult Erestor could be.
"Yes Elrond, if you must know, I spoke with Erestor, alrhough I must have taken the wrong approach. You need not worry yourself with my affairs. Is that understood?" The emphasis that struck that last word did little to deter Elrond from continuing however.
Just as Glorfindel thought, his words were ignored by Elrond who continued speaking, pleased that his friends were turning away from their past ways of viewing one another.
"I am pleased to learn of what is coming to pass between the both of you. Do not give in to his difficult stubbornness, Glorfindel. I think it would do you both good if you could find a way to break through his strong reluctances and befriend him. I know that you can be just as stubborn as he is, but you are cunning enough to find a way to reach him."
Glorfindel didn't reply to the words that Elrond had spoken, somewhat annoyed that he had been so transparent this last week under the scrutinizing eyes of his lord. In silence, and with shoulders somewhat slumped, he left Elrond's office.
Elrond watched as his long-time friend left. He had always hated how Glorfindel and Erestor had never developed a meaningful friendship between themselves. The two were opposites, but to Elrond, many similarities were present in both. Both were diligent, wise, loyal, and willful. The two had continually shown those qualities over the millennia in which they had worked as counselors in Imladris. Elrond had sought them out to be his counselors for these specific reasons.
Besides noticing the strange behavior from Glorfindel, Elrond had noticed a similarly strange behavior in Erestor over these past weeks as well. Erestor seemed preoccupied, and even more distant then usual whenever Glorfindel's presence was around. Elrond's sense and interpretation were acute enough to catch the glances that Erestor gave to Glorfindel that lingered longer than normal. Those intense observations seemed as if Erestor was trying to memorize Glorfindel's every minute facial detail, worshiping even the gentle planes and luminescent skin that was framed between shining golden locks. It was obvious to Elrond that Erestor had developed strong feelings of attraction to Glorfindel, even though he was doing his best to hide and ignore them.
Elrond began to wonder if perhaps those feelings could be mutual as he looked at the empty chair in which the troubled Glorfindel had sat in. If that was the case then Elrond knew it would take all of his willpower not to play matchmaker between his two closest counselors.
Leaving that train of thought, he then looked to the door that would lead him to Erestor's office. Elrond decided that he would continue to encourage Glorfindel in his pursuit of reaching Erestor, as well as trying his hardest to convince Erestor to open up his heart to Glorfindel, and to stop fighting his emotions.
Elrond entered Erestor's office and looked at his friend.
"Have you finished looking over those reports?" He superficially asked Erestor as he studied him. Erestor seemed tired, which signified to Elrond that his emotions had been troubling him indeed.
"I have, but I have yet to make the proper summary for the reports. They will be done before the mid-day meal. I will have them to you then."
Erestor didn't look up from his work while he spoke to Elrond, but he could tell that Elrond's eyes were on him, and were intently studying him. He noted to mind his composed persona; least Elrond would easily sense that he was troubled by something. But Elrond seated himself in front of Erestor, and Erestor knew that Elrond hadn't been fooled.
"I can tell, my friend, that your heart is heavy."
"Who's heart is not heavy, Elrond? It is a woe-stricken land in which we live. One's heart would have to cease beating, if one truly seeks to find peace in these lands."
Erestor continued to write the reports as he spoke. The white feather of the quill danced as he wrote, the image mirroring the sound of the soft scratch of the tip covered in wet ink that moved across the parchment. Erestor cared not to discuss his problems with Elrond, so he stubbornly continued to him.
Elrond sat and watched awhile as Erestor continued writing. He knew by Erestor's unwillingness to direct his attention on him that he was in no mood for discussing anything personal. He would have to try later to talk with Erestor, perhaps once he had finished his duties for the day.
"Then I will stop by this afternoon to collect the reports." Elrond exited the office where he retreated to his own study.
Erestor sighed as he leaned back into his chair after Elrond had left him alone. He had just crumbled beneath Glorfindel and his mind had not stopped spinning. He knew that he wouldn't be able to keep his feelings hidden from Glorfindel forever. He would either have to give in, confront Glorfindel and see what happened from there. Or, he could retreat even further into himself, ignoring his feelings until they completely died away, thus leaving him empty and in madness.
He decided it would just be best for him to approach Glorfindel, as trying was better than not ever knowing at all. Erestor knew that Glorfindel was rather partial to the sensual side of relationships, so he figured that Glorfindel would pay him some mind. In addition, he believed that he really should make some sort of excuse for his behavior that he had demonstrated before Glorfindel just moments ago. He had acted rather unbecoming to Glorfindel, and an explanation for his behavior could not hurt.
He glanced at the unfinished summaries that he had promised to Elrond. Those reports needed to be finished, but his concentration had disappeared since he was not in the mood for any sort of paperwork now.
Erestor collected the unfinished summaries with the reports and left his office. His short walk had taken him to a closed oak door that he knocked upon. This office belonged to one of Elrond's counselors, who opened the door and welcomed him in. The counselor's smile was inviting, and much to Erestor's relief, the counselor did not seem to notice the discord that screamed within his body.
"Good day Erestor, do come in and have a seat. Am I needed to assist you with something?" The counsellor asked.
"Good day to you as well. Elrond has asked for these various reports to be read and summarized by this afternoon. I have already completed most of the reports, but more important matters have arisen that need my immediate attention. If you would be most kind and finish the reports for me, I would greatly appreciate your help."
Erestor handed the papers across the desk to the counsellor. As chief of Elrond's counselors, Erestor could easily pass his work off to his subordinates, an action though he rarely liked to do however.
"I will complete these right away." He smiled to Erestor whom he noticed looked rather pale and drained.
"Erestor." He suddenly asked him before he could leave. "Are you well? You have not stopped by for chess or conversation for weeks now, and I have really begun to worry about you. Are you avoiding me, or is there something wrong?"
Erestor sighed inwardly, and he didn't feel like discussing his affairs, even if it was to one of his friends. "I am fine. Think no more of it. There has just been an increase in work, that is all."
Erestor tried to present a believable lie to his friend. "Perhaps tonight we can play a game of chess. I must admit that I think a game would be a good distraction for me." He did his best to present a believable smile to his friend.
"Yes, I am already looking forward to that. Although I wonder why you would need a distraction?" The counsellor raised his eyebrows in concern, although he knew that Erestor would not continue the conversation.
Erestor's only response was a feeble smile, before he bid his friend goodbye.
His walk through the halls was quick, driven as if by a madness that he could not dispell. There was only one place in all of Imladris that he wanted to be, and it was there that he now headed to.
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Not beta read / To be continued
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The Dance On Water