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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.

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The Gift
by Mirasaui

Part 22: Tempest-tossed
Tambor and Garion were sitting together on a bench in the solarium. Celeng was with them and was discussing his plan to help Tebring. He had just told the two Elves that Glorfindel would go with him to speak with Tebring, when the angry voice of the seneschal reverberated throughout the Healing House. "You do not have to worry about demoting me, my Lord, for I resign! But I will not leave Imladris. I will not leave Lindir!"
It was not a few moments later that a door slammed so hard that it caused the three to jump. Garion rose quickly and made it to the corridor just in time to see his Commander fly down the hall in a fury. Celeng was at Garion's side a second later. Both of their faces reflected their disturbance at what they had seen and heard. Garion made as if to follow Glorfindel, but Celeng grabbed his arm and pulled him back. "Stay with Tambor. I will go find out what happened. It will be a sad day in Imladris if Glorfindel has stepped down."
Garion just shook his head and watched Celeng as he hurried after the ancient warrior, the tap of his wooden crutch the only sound that broke the hush that had fallen over the building. Tambor had also risen during the outburst and as Garion turned, the smaller Elf clutched at Garion's tunic. "Tell me, Garion, has all Imladris gone mad? Are we to lose Glorfindel also?" Tambor's shoulders shook as he broke into sobs. His lover was at the door of Mandos' Hall, and now his beloved Commander was also leaving. It was too much. What would they take from him next?
Garion sighed as he wrapped his arms around the shaken elf, leading him back to the bench. When trouble came, it came in droves. A storm was brewing, that was for sure, and all he and Tambor could do was sit. Sit and wait for the tempest to break.
Glorfindel's thoughts were in turmoil. How dare Elrond try to send him away, how dare his Lord think he would harm Lindir in any way. Glorfindel wanted to scream his anger to the world. His face was red, his mouth was shaped in a determined line and fire seemed to spark from his eyes. Just as his anger threatened to boil to the surface, a hand touched his shoulder and without thought he lashed out with all his strength. Celeng went flying through the air, his crutch falling to one side as he landed with a thud on his rear, falling back stunned to the ground.
Wide shocked green eyes looked up into fiery blue, as Celeng faced a stormy Glorfindel. The blond warrior's hair flew about his head wildly, as if an electric charge had passed through it, and although there was some cognizance of his friend in the seneschal's gaze, Celeng felt a trembling in his bowels. He had faced many a foe, but the ancient creature before him was almost unrecognizable. Glorfindel seemed larger than life. Every muscle in his large frame was tensed and coiled, as that of a great cat ready to spring. There was an intangible sense of power radiating from his form and for the first time in his life, Celeng was afraid of Glorfindel, for Glorfindel was feral in his anger. Celeng could now see how an enemy would quail before the great Lord. He gazed upon a being ancient beyond imagine, wild, virulent, powerful and beautiful. But the allure was that of a poisonous serpent. One who's jeweled hues gave a false sense of charm to its prey. Celeng felt his heart stop and his control falter. His body began to tremble and his limbs to quake. He held his breath, waiting to see what the wild creature in front of him would do next.
"What. Do. You. Want? " The tempestuous vision before his eyes spoke, power emanating from every word of a voice that boomed like thunder. Celeng could not speak. A large hand reached down and in one movement pulled him to his feet, bringing his face just inches from that of the puissant warrior. It was as if Glorfindel would eat him alive and Celeng could only stare at his captor, his courage gone, his complexion wan and ghostly.
"Orch thûl!" (1) The powerful hands let him go, causing him to tumble to the ground once more. It was that more than anything that caught the attention of Glorfindel, for he suddenly took a deep breath and brought his hands to his brow. "You have picked a bad time to come after me, meldir (2). State your cause, before I completely lose control."
"I just--just wanted..." a shaken Celeng managed to get out as he fumbled for his crutch. "I mean I overheard your argument with Lord Elrond and I came to see what it was about, to see if I could help. After our conversation about Tebring, I felt I... Elbereth, Glorfindel!" The tanner struggled to catch his breath, "I thought you were going to kill me."
Glorfindel stared at his friend, his anger subdued for the moment but still boiling under the surface. "Ah, Celeng, I am sorry. You caught me unawares and my mind is in turmoil. Forgive me, for I have no ill will towards you." Glorfindel bent down and helped the fallen elf to stand, apologizing not just with his words, but with his eyes. "You are right. Tebring should be my number one concern, above all others. Let us put our plan into action. That is, if you can stomach my presence after what I just did."
"Since I am unharmed and in one piece, I forgive you." Celeng replied. "By Aulë, you had me worried, for a moment I was completely at your mercy. I hope I never truly earn your wrath, for I would not last a second! Give me a moment to calm my heart and we will seek out Tebring."
"I would never have harmed you intentionally, Celeng." Glorfindel said, feeling ashamed of his behavior. "As I said before, you caught me at a bad moment. I am still not myself, but I am not so out of control that you need fear me."
"That is good to hear," Celeng said shakily. "I would hate to think I need go through that again! I am ready if you are, mellonen (3), although I pray Lord Elrond has the wits to hide from you today."
The only answer he got from the seneschal at the mention of Elrond's name was a growl. But the warrior did wait for Celeng to get settled before they both headed back to the Healing House. Celeng could only pray that Glorfindel would keep his calm in the presence of Tebring.
Master Healer Anaran did not say a word as he ushered the two into the darkened room, although the reproachful look on his face told Glorfindel that he did not approve of the seneschal's earlier outburst. Glorfindel's response was to set his shoulders and hold his head high. But the look in the blue eyes that stared at the Healer made Master Anaran quickly lower his gaze, frightened of what the saw in their depths.
"I will leave you both alone with Tebring," the Healer finally spoke, "but I will be right outside in the corridor if he should need me. Be gentle with him, he is very weak."
It did not take a healer to see that the elf in the bed was fading. Tebring was but a ghost of his former self. His skin was pale, almost translucent, and the dark bouncy curls that usually framed his angular face were limp and dull in color. Shadows pooled underneath his eyes and hollowed his cheeks and his lips were dry and cracked. Brown eyes that used to shine with a merry gleam now gazed dully into space. If the elf was aware of his visitors, he gave no notice.
Glorfindel dragged two chairs close to the bed and beckoned Celeng to sit. Taking the other's crutch from his hand, he leaned it against the wall then seated himself. In a voice as soft as the wool on a newborn lamb, Glorfindel spoke the name of the injured Elf.
"Tebring, can you hear me, gwador (4)? It is Glorfindel and Celeng." A large hand that had previously lashed out in anger gently moved a strand of brown hair away from the pale face of the guardian who lay unmoving in the bed. Tebring did not respond or utter a word.
"We are concerned about you, mellonamin. Will you not talk with us a while? We have only your best interest at heart." Celeng, too, spoke softly, watching as Glorfindel's hand stroked the side of Tebring's face then gently turned it so the guardian was facing his mentors.
Lackluster brown eyes looked at the two Elves without recognition then resumed their vacant stare into space. Celeng wet his lips and tried again. "I know you can hear me, Tebring. You must talk to us. You cannot continue on this path, meldir, there is much to live for. Do not seek Mandos' Halls before your time."
"Aye, Tebring," Glorfindel spoke up. "It is not a place to wish for. I know, for I have been there. No matter how despairing you think life, the cold and void of Mandos' home is far worse. Take my advice, Tebring, come back to us."
"Leave me alone." The voice that issued from cracked lips was whisper soft and contained a hint of anger, but there was no force behind the words. It was as if Tebring was resigned to the fact that his visitors would not go away.
"That we cannot do, mellonamin. We cannot ignore your slide into despair. We cannot just sit and watch you fade away." Celeng's voice broke with emotion as he said these words. The young guardian in the bed was not just a student he had trained. He had followed the career of each of his pupils, and he cared for them like the sons he never had. Tebring had been one of his favorites, as the Elf had always been full of mischief and high energy. He was charismatic and drew others to him like a magnet, the type who was never lacking in friends. He had a brooding side but it rarely surfaced, and when it did, it was never for long. The youngster was a natural leader and had he not been cut down, would have advanced far in the guardian ranks. To see him in this shape, lost and hopeless, was almost more than Celeng could bear.
"There are so many here who love you and would miss you if you left, Tebring. Do you think we care less for you now that you are injured? And what of Tambor, he has sat outside your door with almost no sleep or rest ever since you were brought here. Yet you will not even speak to him. He is heart-broken, Tebring. Do you not know that if you fade he will follow? Follow you unto death? Is that what you wish? Can you truly mean to be that cruel?"
A single tear slid from under the eye lid of the wasted form in the bed, but Tebring did not speak again, just turned his head away. Trembling fingers pulled the covers up higher then with much effort switched position in the bed, turning his back to Glorfindel and Celeng.
Glorfindel would not be deterred. He rose from his chair and walked to the other side of the bed and stood by Tebring's side. "Celeng is right, Tebring. You cannot wallow here in self-pity. There are others who depend on you and you cannot forsake them. What of the guardians in your patrol, do they give up when they are injured? No Tebring, only you have done that. Did Celeng bow to despair when he lost the use of his foot? Nay. He may no longer lead the life of a warrior, but is he any less an Elf because of that? Do I love him any less? No, he is still my friend. Do you think the life of a warrior is all there is? What of Lord Erestor, he too was a great warrior but he traded in that life because of his love for books. Is he less an Elf because he does not fight? Tebring, you come from a family of warriors who have pledged their sword to their Lord and King. I know you are disappointed that you cannot continue the tradition. But everyone has other talents that can be furthered, talents that are just as fulfilling. Give yourself a chance, gwador. Do not give up so easily."
"Go away, leave me alone! I do not want your pity. I do not want Tambor's pity. You speak with such emotion, Lord Glorfindel, but only now, at the beset of my injury. Later I will be forsaken. Are you truly a friend of Celeng's? When last did you see him before today? Has he not been tossed to the wayside because he can no longer do that which his old comrades still can?
"I am sorry, Celeng, but I have seen the looks that others give you and I could not bear to see them directed at myself. Call me vain if you wish but if I cannot be whole, then I do not care to live. You speak of Tambor and his devotion. Do you think I wish Tambor to see me like this? To be with me when I am like this? What life would he have playing nursemaid to me for all eternity? I cannot even bathe myself! Tambor will find another to love. It will not take him long to forget about me." Tebring was gasping with the effort of his outburst.
Glorfindel could feel no pity for one with such an attitude. He had taught Tebring better. This was not the behavior of a warrior. Glorfindel knew, because Glorfindel was one of the greatest warriors of all time. His battles were not only those of the field. He thought of Ecthelion, who had selflessly given his life to save his comrades. He thought of all the fallen warriors of the Houses of Gondolin and those of countless battles before. He thought of the faces that he saw at night in his dreams and he remembered those who were maimed. Those who had struggled to find their way and made it and the anger that he had but a short time ago suppressed, surged back with even greater force. With all the strength he could muster, he forced his voice to be gentle.
"Do you have the courage to tell Tambor of your thoughts? If I bring him into this room right now, will you tell him what you have said to Celeng and me? If you can do that Tebring, then I will leave you be, leave you to your own fate."
"I do not wish to speak to Tambor," Tebring said in a low voice. "I do not wish to speak to you or Celeng or anyone. I just wish to be left alone! Leave me now, or I will call Master Anaran who will make you leave. He and Lord Elrond understand and respect my wishes!"
Glorfindel's eyes widened at these words and he could no longer contain his wrath. "You may do what you like, Tebring, but you will not leave young Tambor without at least saying good-bye, and whether you like it or not you will tell him to his face!" And with that, the Balrog Slayer scooped the protesting elf up into his arms and stormed down the hall to the solarium.
Tambor and Garion rose in shock at Glorfindel's entry. Celeng and Master Anaran followed in the seneschal's wake, consternation on their faces. The warrior carried a frightened Tebring to within a foot of Tambor and in a voice that shook with rage, spoke directly to Tebring. "Tell him, Tebring. Tell Tambor that you no longer want him. Tell him that his love means no more to you than a whisper in the wind. Tell him that you would willingly give him up to walk Mandos' Halls, because you are too vain to stay in this world unless you are whole. Tell him to his face, Tebring. Tell him you wish him to choose another mate!"
Tebring buried his face into the warrior's neck, refusing to look at Tambor. Tears were streaming down Tambor's cheeks as he saw how frail and weak his lover was and how Tebring turned away from him.
"Is it true, Tebring?" Tambor whispered. "Is that what you wish, for me to go away? Do you not love me anymore? I could not bear it if this is true. You bound yourself to me, melethen (5). We swore our love for all eternity before Ilúvatar, swore our love until death and beyond. I will follow you, Tebring. I will follow you to Mandos' Halls if you can live no more on Arda. You are the other half of my soul, Tebring. I cannot live without you. Please, tell me that you feel the same."
Tebring's arms wrapped around Glorfindel's neck as he pressed his face into the warrior's shoulder. Great sobs wracked his frail body as he listened to his lover's words that were spoken with such anguish. But still Tebring would not look at Tambor.
Tambor could stand it no longer. He moved next to Glorfindel and with a shaking hand, gently stroked his lover's hair. "Will you not even look at me Tebring? Do I mean so little to you that you will not even tell me how you feel to my face? Is all that we had these past centuries a sham? Please, Tebring, talk to me. I will not force you to love me, but please, do not ignore me. You are breaking my heart."
Long moments passed and still Tebring clung to Glorfindel, hiding his head from all present. 'Till finally, with a voice filled with defeat, Glorfindel addressed the group. "I will take him back to his room. I am sorry to be the one to cause you more pain, Tambor."
"Wait." The voice spoke so low that Glorfindel barely heard it but he hesitated, hoping he had not misunderstood. Slowly, Tebring raised his head and with tear-filled eyes looked at Tambor. "I cannot hurt you any longer, melamin. I love you, Tambor. Do you not understand that? But I do not wish you to be burdened with a cripple for the rest of your life. You are young, Tambor. You deserve so much better than that."
"Do you think I love you only for your looks, Tebring?" Tambor said as he pressed his head against his mate. "Do you think I care whether you are a warrior or a cook or a gardener? Do you think I will hate you because you have lost part of your leg? I will be your leg, Tebring, until you can learn to use a crutch like Celeng. I will do anything for you, my beloved, if you will stay with me. Please Tebring, I will get on my knees and beg, if it will make you change your mind." And Tambor knelt, reaching up toward his mate in supplication. "Do not leave me here alone, Tebring. Stay with me, please?"
The Elves in the room held their breath. All eyes were glued to Tebring as they waited for his answer, but Tebring just shook his head, causing Tambor to press his hands to his face and weep in despair. Garion stepped forward to comfort Tambor, his anger at Tebring for hurting his friend evident on his face. But when he went to lead Tambor away, Tebring's words made him stay his hand.
"I will stay with you, Tambor." It was spoken softly, but there was so much love in the words that all understood Tebring had made his final decision. Tambor smiled happily through his tears and stood, holding out his arms. Glorfindel carefully placed Tebring where he belonged, wrapped in his lover's arms. The two had eyes only for each other, as Tambor slowly carried the one who meant everything to him back to his bed to rest.
Tambor and Tebring were not the only elves present with tears in their eyes. Glorfindel, Celeng and Garion, warriors of the past and present, and one Master Healer all reached up to wipe wetness away from their faces. Master Anaran smiled and nodded at Glorfindel, then left the room. He had other patients to attend to. Glorfindel sighed. Turning a weary face to the others, he looked at them as if in deep thought. "Come my friends, I owe you an explanation for my actions this morning. Tebring and Tambor need time alone. I would ask you to take a walk with me."
At a nod from the others, Glorfindel led them from the Healing House out into the open to a secluded spot where they could talk in private.
While Glorfindel was doing his best to give Garion and Celeng a censored version of the fight with Lord Elrond that led to his resignation, Lord Erestor, Haldir, and Captain Naldor were seated in Erestor's office discussing the same. Lindir, fortunately, was translating scrolls in the library, totally oblivious to what had taken place that morning in the Healing House.
"Lord Elrond placed you in command upon Lord Glorfindel's resignation," Lord Erestor told Captain Naldor.
"My Lord, if I may be so bold." Captain Naldor replied. "I have known Lord Glorfindel for a long time. He has always considered it his sworn duty to protect Lord Elrond and Imladris. Surely this resignation was made at the height of his anger. I cannot believe he truly intends to step down."
"What he intends and what he has done are two separate things, Captain Naldor." Erestor replied. "As the result of his actions, Lord Elrond is left without a second-in-command. If you do not accept the position, it will be offered to another. However, in his opinion you are the most qualified."
Captain Naldor knew his first duty lay with the Lord of Imladris. Therefore, he reluctantly agreed to assume command, but only after making sure Lord Erestor knew that he would gladly take back his old position if Glorfindel should change his mind.
"I believe you have made a wise decision, Commander Naldor." Erestor addressed the new Chief of Imladris forces. Now that you have taken command, Lord Elrond wishes to know your intentions concerning the prisoner."
"I would speak with Glorfindel and the guardians first, Lord Erestor, before I make any decision. If my Lord Elrond wishes, I will meet with him after I carry out these tasks."
"As you wish, Commander." Erestor replied. "I release you to your duties." Then turning to the Marchwarden, Erestor asked Haldir if he would stay for a moment.
"Lord Erestor, Captain Haldir." Commander Naldor said, nodding to both Elves as he took his leave.
The moment the new commander left the room, Erestor's mask crumbled. "Haldir, I am afraid Glorfindel has finally gone too far. He and Elrond have had heated arguments many times before. This is not the first time Glorfindel has threatened to resign. It is not even the fact that he did so. Elrond could forgive him that, for it was said in the heat of argument. But never Haldir, has Glorfindel ever threatened to physically harm our Lord, and that is what he did today. He told Elrond in no certain words that if he came between him and Lindir, he risked a sword to his throat. That is not a threat Lord Elrond took lightly. Haldir, I have never seen him so furious with Glorfindel."
Haldir, who had taken a seat in one of the chairs next to Erestor's desk, cocked his head and simply looked at Erestor for a moment. "Erestor, Glorfindel has found something that not many do in a lifetime. His love for Lindir is not infatuation, it is that of a soul mate, witnessed and blessed by the Valar. Knowing that, what reason could Lord Elrond have for tearing them apart, for forbidding Glorfindel to see Lindir?"
"There is good reason, Haldir, but that is all I can tell you. Glorfindel is privy to a matter that could cause Lindir great harm. He took an oath long ago as did I, not to reveal this secret. Elrond is worried that if the relationship between Glorfindel and Lindir continues, they will eventually want to bind themselves to one another. If what you say is true and Glorfindel believes Lindir to be his soul mate, then how could they not wish to marry? In binding, Lindir would learn that which he should not. Can you not see what Glorfindel has done by courting the minstrel? He dooms Lindir to hurt no matter which path he takes. It is that which has Elrond so upset with Glorfindel. The fact that Glorfindel threatened him makes it even worse."
"It makes no sense to me, Erestor," Haldir replied. "Lindir has loved Glorfindel for centuries, and then Glorfindel admits he has long had the same feelings for Lindir. Did Elrond truly think he could forever keep the two apart? What secret could be so dire as to risk the grief of broken hearts?"
"Know that it is, Haldir. The sad thing is that Glorfindel knows of it and after swearing never to reveal it to Lindir, has put himself in such a position that he cannot help but do so. He promised Elrond a long time ago that he would not act on his feelings for Lindir, and he has broken that promise."
"He swore an oath to that?" Haldir asked, a look of disbelief on his face. "How could you ask that of him, Erestor? How could Elrond? How could anyone who has ever loved ask that of another? You say you are Glorfindel's friend. Then how can you side with Elrond on this? Erestor, I would never have believed this of you!"
"No, not an oath, just a promise but perhaps you are right, only someone who has truly loved another could understand your point of view. But that rules me out doesn't it, Haldir? For that is something, unfortunately, that I have never known!" And with those words and a sob, Erestor all but flew from the room.

Notes:
1. Orch thûl! - Orc breath!
2. meldir - friend
3. mellonen - my friend
4. gwador - brother (as in sworn brother)
5. melethen - my love
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The Gift