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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
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The Gift
by Mirasaui

Part 23: Out of the Mouths of Babes
Glorfindel leaned against the doorframe at the entrance to the library mesmerized by the beauty of the lone elf in the room. Lindir, unaware of his presence, sat engrossed in his work, his pink tongue protruding slightly and resting against the bottom of his upper lip. A section of snow-white hair draped across his shoulder, hugging his arm like a cape of the finest silk. His long dark lashes, in sharp contrast to his pearl-white skin, fluttered slightly as his eyes scanned the unrolled parchment on the desk below. While Glorfindel watched, a ray of sunlight beamed through an open archway, highlighting the back of the minstrel's head, bathing it in a halo of gold. Glorfindel felt a contraction deep in the pit of his stomach, as his love for the Elf in that moment threatened to overwhelm him. This is what Elrond wishes to take from me, he thought. This, which I never knew I needed, which now makes me so complete. It is this he wishes to tear apart. Never, Glorfindel vowed. Never will I allow it to happen.
Crossing over to the table, Glorfindel cleared his throat. Lindir looked up at the sound and gave the warrior a quick smile. "Is this a short visit or do we have time to dine?" he asked, placing his quill in its holder and leaning back gracefully in his chair.
"I wish I could indulge in such pleasure," Glorfindel said, gazing longingly at the innocent face of the one he loved. He held the expression for a moment, then closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "There is a matter I must discuss with you."
"And I," Glorfindel thought, "who want so much to make you happy, will again bring you sorrow."
"Events happened this morning, Lindir, which affect us both. Some of the news I bear is good, but the rest, well, that is one of the reasons I have come to you in person."
The smile left Lindir's face and he looked at the warrior nervously. Was Glorfindel going to tell him it was all a mistake? Did Glorfindel wish to end that which they had just begun? There was great sorrow reflected in his lover's blue eyes. That could only mean one or two things. Either Glorfindel had changed his mind about their relationship, or Valar forbid, Tebring's condition had worsened. Lindir swallowed around the lump in his throat and prepared for the worst.
Glorfindel pulled a chair back from the table and sat so he faced Lindir. Taking Lindir's hands into his own, he rested both in his lap. "First, I wished to let you know that Tebring has found reason to live. Celeng and I went to see him this morning and were able to talk him into meeting with Tambor. The two are together right now and Tambor's fears are eased. Tebring could not continue his quest for death once he saw the way it affected his mate."
"Oh, that is good news!" Lindir exclaimed, relieved that Tebring had finally come to his senses. He had been so worried about the welfare of his friends, especially after his last conversation with Master Anaran. He had felt sure that nothing would keep Tebring from fading and that in his grief, Tambor would follow. "I am so happy for them both! Oh, Glorfindel that is wonderful to hear." But the happiness he felt for his friends was tempered by his dread of what Glorfindel would say next.
"It pleases me also, Lindir. I care deeply for those under my command and I too feared Tebring could not be saved." Glorfindel spoke softly, rubbing his thumbs across the minstrel's fingers as he thought how best to bring up the next words he must say.
"And you, Glorfindel, how are you feeling?" Lindir asked, hoping to prolong the moment before the warrior uttered that which he feared. "It is not long since you left the Healing House and Master Anaran had hoped you would spend today at rest. Your wounds were deep and you lost much blood. I have worried about you." Lindir spoke the truth, for he had been thinking about his warrior most of the morning.
"My injuries are nothing to be concerned about. What I needed most was the healing sleep of last night. I am sore, but not enough to warrant bed rest and my duties forbid it anyway. After you left, Captain Naldor and Haldir gave their report of the interrogation of the prisoner. It was not something that could be put off and their findings were frightening. The Half-elf is unbalanced Lindir. He has hate for our kind because he was mistreated in his youth. In his twisted mind he thought to conquer Imladris and use it as a base to destroy Elvenkind. I shudder to think what could have happened had we not foiled his plan. I wanted more than anything to speak with him today, to look into the eyes of the one that caused me harm and wished to do the same to our kin, but because of this morning's events that must wait."
"What type of mistreatment could cause the peredhel to hate us so?" Lindir asked. "You are right, his plan was pure madness."
"Ai, Lindir, according to Haldir the Half-elf's mother was assaulted and raped by men. Shortly after he was born she faded. As you know, youth are not always kind and can make life miserable for those who are different. He was teased about his mother's fate and spurned because of his mixed blood. Lórien looks after its orphans, but you know what happens when you group youth together. In their innocence they can be cruel. The twins know there are some that speak behind their back about their mixed heritage, but none would dare say a word to their face. The Half-elf did not have the protection of nobility. Add to that the nature of his conception, and well, I am sure more than a few mean words were directed his way. But that is no excuse for what he did, Lindir. He is evil, scum of the earth. He deserves whatever fate the council recommends, and I hope the penalty is harsh."
Lindir did not comment. He was remembering an elf whose mother met a similar fate and he was thankful he had kept the nature of his parent's death secret. What would it have been like to be shunned by others, teased and taunted with no friends to comfort or relieve your pain? Would he have been able to bear such misery? He shuddered to think what the Half-elf must have gone through. But Glorfindel was right; nothing could excuse the prisoner's actions. The punishment for kinslaying was death.
"Do not concern your self with him," Glorfindel was saying, "that is a task best left to others. What I have to tell you now, Lindir, will bring you grief. Would that I could spare you from this pain, but I cannot. It is important to me that you hear of it from my own lips and not from those of another."
Here Glorfindel paused and took a deep breath. Lindir's face turned pale and the palms of his hands clammy. Do not say it is over between us, he prayed.
Glorfindel resumed speaking. "Lord Elrond called me to task this morning. He is not happy with our relationship and was upset that I took you to my bed. He forbade me to see you and to that end planned to send me to the Grey Havens."
Nothing Lindir had imagined prepared him for Glorfindel's statement. The thought that Lord Elrond, one he thought of almost as a father, disapproved of his and Glorfindel's love. That hurt more than he could say! "Why, Glorfindel? Why would he not want us to be together? Does he think a minstrel not a match for his Seneschal?"
Glorfindel felt miserable knowing that he was the cause of Lindir's sorrow. "No, Lindir, it has naught to do with your rank or mine. I cannot tell you why he disapproves. What I want you to know Lindir, is that it matters not what Lord Elrond thinks or says. I will not give you up. His disapproval does not change the way I feel about you. He and I go back a long ways and when I returned from the dead, I swore an oath to the Valar that I would protect him and his family. Only with permission from them would I ever break that oath. But Varda gave me that permission when she told me to follow my heart. It was with her blessing that I revealed my feelings to you. You are more important to me than life itself.
"Elrond believes he has reason to keep us apart and he was furious that I thought to disobey his command. For I told him immediately that I would not go, that I would not leave you. I meant every word, Lindir. So much that I threatened a fight if he were to come between us.
"You must understand Lindir. Lord Elrond and I can say much to each other that others would not dare. But never have I threatened him before. He was already furious with me and that just fueled the flames. He spoke then of Imladris' protection and he blamed me for the security lapse. He was right, Lindir. It was due to my neglect that a force of men breached our borders and by rights I should have stepped down from my position. But I did not have the chance, for he already made the decision. But I carried it further than that. In the heat of the moment, I resigned."
"Because of me? You broke your oath to protect and serve Lord Elrond and Imladris? You resigned because of me? Glorfindel, please tell me this is not true." Lindir could not believe what he had just been told.
"No Lindir, I resigned for reasons more than that. Lord Elrond has no right to interfere in my personal life. I served as seneschal, not vassal. As to the other, what happened yesterday should have been prevented. I no longer deserve the position of Commander. Captain Naldor should take my place and I step down to his, but I fear I would also fail in that standing. Elves may not age as men, but they do age. I am an old Elf, Lindir. It is time for someone with fresh ideas to take my place. So you see, I may have made the decision in anger, but it is for the best."
"You are wrong, Glorfindel!" Lindir replied, still not believing what he had just heard. "You must go to Lord Elrond and plead with him to give you back command. Imladris needs you as its protector. I know how the guardians feel, for I am one of them. We wish to follow you, not Captain Naldor. You cannot let this stand!"
"My pride will not allow me to do that," Glorfindel admitted. "Captain Naldor is a good Elf. He will not let Imladris down."
Their discussion was broken when two Elves simultaneously appeared at the library entrance. Haldir had come seeking Lindir and Commander Naldor, Glorfindel. Finding both in what appeared to be private conversation, they hesitated to interrupt. It was Glorfindel who noticed them and beckoned them over.
Commander Naldor, newly advanced in position, deferred to the Marchwarden, allowing him to speak first. "Lindir?" Haldir said hesitantly, "I can return later if you prefer?"
Lindir was about to tell Haldir to do so, when Glorfindel spoke. "Go with Haldir, Lindir, It is important that I speak with Captain Naldor. We will continue our discussion another time."
Lindir was torn. On one hand, he was reluctant to leave Glorfindel's side, especially after all he had just heard. But on the other, he knew Captain Naldor, perhaps better than Glorfindel himself. If anyone could talk the Elda into changing his mind, Naldor was a good bet. For Lindir knew the Captain had been happy in his former position. Naldor did not actively seek to climb higher, he was proud to work under Glorfindel. If Lindir guessed correctly, Naldor would press the ancient warrior to retract his resignation.
With a squeeze to Glorfindel's shoulder, Lindir rose from his chair and addressed Haldir. "They must talk. Glorfindel, I will seek you out later tonight."
"Are you sure?" Haldir questioned, looking at both Lindir and Glorfindel. When both nodded their agreement, the Marchwarden escorted his friend from the room.
"My Lord," Naldor said with a sigh, "Never did I wish this to happen."
"You have heard, Haldir, of Glorfindel's resignation?" Lindir asked the Marchwarden as soon as they left the library.
"Erestor told me," Haldir replied. "That is the reason Captain Naldor wished to speak with Glorfindel. Lord Elrond asked him to take command of the guardians."
"That was to be expected." Lindir said. "Glorfindel has made a grave mistake, Haldir. I asked him to rethink his decision, to ask Lord Elrond to reinstate him. But he will not even consider it. He feels at fault for the attack, believes he is old and set in his ways, feels that his resignation was for the best. But the guardians will not see it that way. This is going to effect morale."
"I know Lindir," Haldir said, "but there is not much you can do besides offer Glorfindel your support. His is too proud to back down and so is Lord Elrond. Once their anger has cooled they may reassess the situation. They both have the same goal, the welfare of Imladris. I think in time Lord Elrond will take him back."
"Do you think I should speak to Lord Elrond, Haldir?" Lindir asked. "This whole mess happened because of me."
"No, stay out of it, Lindir. Lord Elrond is not upset with you, only with Glorfindel. Do not fan the flames. Let them die of their own accord."
"If you think that is the best way to handle it, Haldir, I will take your advice, but I cannot help feeling guilty."
"It is time to eat. We can finish our discussion in the dining hall," Haldir replied. "That is why I was looking for you in the first place. If you would prefer not to sit at Elrond's table we could dine in my room."
Lindir sighed. "I will have to face Lord Elrond sooner or later, I may as well do so now."
The rest of the walk to the dining hall was made in silence, each lost in his own thought.
Lindir would have preferred to dine in Haldir's room, for in spite of what he said, it would be awkward meeting with Elrond. But it was not every day that the Marchwarden came to Imladris and Lindir with all his problems had monopolized most of the time Haldir had spent here. There were only two days left of his stay and Lindir wanted him to enjoy them. Today he would do what Haldir wanted. Unconsciously, he sighed again.
Now that the shock of the morning's event had faded, he was able to think more clearly. So much of this was his fault. Maybe not directly, but his fault all the same. He had spoiled Haldir's holiday, lost Glorfindel the position he had held for millennia, not to mention the respect and admiration that went with it, and disappointed Lord Elrond. He was sure he was the last elf that Elrond would wish to see paired with his seneschal. Glorfindel was a Lord in his own right. Lindir was an orphan who had a home only through the grace of Lord Elrond. The more Lindir thought on the events of the past days, the more melancholy he became.
Haldir too was lost in thought, reflecting on Erestor. In all the time he had known the Elf, and that had been a long time, he had rarely seen the advisor show such strong emotion as he had this morning. Erestor had left the room in distress. It had taken Haldir by surprise. In some ways, many took Erestor for granted. He was the epitome of efficiency, handling his duties with such ease that most did not realize the extent of the burdens he took on everyday. But everyone had a limit, and between the emotional dramas played out these past few days and the added responsibility of running Imladris almost single-handedly, it was not surprising that a crack had appeared in Erestor's normally solid facade.
Haldir wondered if the advisor would be present at the dining table and was a bit surprised as he and Lindir entered the room, to see Erestor seated in his customary place to the right of Lord Elrond. The twins, Elladan and Elrohir were the only others at the head table besides the two lords.
"Marchwarden Haldir, Lindir," Lord Elrond acknowledged the two as they took their seats. When each had made their greeting and it was apparent that no one else would be joining the group, Lord Elrond signaled the dining staff to begin serving.
With the morning's events so fresh in the minds of all present, an uncomfortable silence marked the beginning of the meal. It was broken only by the occasional request to pass the breadbasket or to voice the choice of dinner wine. Haldir, although on holiday, still represented Lothlórien, and felt obliged to make an effort to show his appreciation for the hospitality he had been accorded.
"This is an excellent wine, Lord Elrond," he spoke, "Is it one that is made here in Imladris?"
"I am glad it is to your taste, Haldir," Lord Elrond replied, "It was pressed from a new variety of grapes we have been experimenting with. I am fond of it myself."
Elladan had been watching his elders with narrowed eyes. He and Elrohir knew nothing of the events that had taken place earlier, but his senses told him all was not well between the adults. Erestor's eyes were red and it looked as if he had been crying. Haldir, who was normally cheerful and full of delightful stories, was unusually quiet, and Lindir looked as if he had lost his best friend. His father had a scowl on his face, the kind usually directed towards he and his brother when they got into mischief, but they had been on their best behavior all morning. He leaned over and whispered into his brother's ear. He and Elrohir continued their whispered conversation until Erestor took notice.
"Elladan, Elrohir," the advisor admonished, "It is not polite to tell secrets at the table.
"We were only wondering why your eyes are red, Erestor," said Elrohir. "It looks as if you have been crying. Is my father mad at you? Is that why he has a frown upon his face?"
"I am not angry with Erestor," Elrond told his sons. Then turning to the advisor he asked Erestor if he was feeling unwell.
"I am fine, Elrond," Erestor replied in a clipped voice. "If my eyes are red it is because I did not sleep well last night."
Silence reigned after Erestor's reply. Lindir moved his food around his plate with his fork, his appetite all but gone. Erestor did the same, although he took a bite now and then. Lord Elrond's face still held a fierce scowl and Elladan and Elrohir started their whispering again. Haldir uncomfortable with the silence, started to speak but one beat him to it.
"Ada?" Elladan asked. "If you are not mad at Lord Erestor, are you mad at Haldir and Lindir?" You look terribly angry!"
"No, Elladan," his father replied. "I am not upset with Lindir or Haldir." Elrond actually said this a bit louder than intended, and the gruffness in his voice made Elladan cringe.
"If you are not mad at Erestor or Haldir or Lindir, are you mad at Lord Glorfindel?" Elladan asked, knowing that his Ada was mad at somebody.
Lord Elrond was caught. He did not want to tell a lie, so he chose to keep quiet. He should have known better.
"Are you mad at Lord Glorfindel, Ada?" Elrohir asked when his father did not answer Elladan. "Are you mad because Lord Glorfindel is not going to be a warrior anymore?
"What do you mean, Elrohir!" Elladan exclaimed. "Who told you that?"
"I heard the maids talking about it in the laundry," Elrohir said smugly. "They said that Glorfindel was going to quit being a warrior and go away and that would be a shame because then he could not marry Lindir. They also said that Erestor was crying in his room and that was because he was in love with Haldir and Haldir did not love him back and the maids felt sorry for him because he was lonely. They also said..."
"Elrohir!" Lord Elrond all but shouted.
"Yes, Ada?" Elrohir said meekly.
If Lord Elrond was not upset before, he was definitely angry now. Elrohir had turned pale and sunk low in his seat. Elladan grasped his brother's hand for support. Both elflings knew what that look on their Ada's face meant. One or both of them was in trouble!
"I have told you many times before not to repeat the gossip you hear from the servants! You have no way of knowing if what they say is true and you could hurt someone's feelings if you tell tales."
Lindir and Erestor both had been embarrassed by Elrohir's words and were looking downwards at their plates. Only Haldir showed no expression, but then Haldir had two younger brothers and was used to such outbursts.
"I am sorry, Ada," Elrohir said, his lower lip trembling slightly. "I promise not to do so again."
"You and Elladan will stay in your room the rest of the afternoon," Elrond said to both of the twins. "Maybe this will teach you a lesson."
"But Ada, I was not in the laundry room and I did not repeat gossip," Elladan protested.
"No, Elladan, you did not, but perhaps if you are confined to your room with Elrohir you will not be tempted to do so in the future."
"But that is not fair," Elladan whined.
"To your rooms, now!" Lord Elrond commanded. "No dessert!"
The twins wasted no time exiting the table and scurrying from the dining hall. They did not agree with their father's punishment, but when he used that tone of voice they knew better than to disobey.
"I apologize for my sons, Lord Elrond told the others at the table. If you will excuse me, I will retire to my chambers. I have developed a splitting headache."
When no one at the table objected, Elrond rose from his chair and quickly left the dining hall.
"Erestor," Haldir asked softly after Elrond had left, "are you in love with me?"
Erestor gave the Marchwarden a frosty stare. "I am in love with no one Haldir, and even if I was it would be none of your business. You should learn a lesson from the twins and not listen to idle gossip!"
"My apologies, Erestor," Haldir said with a smile. I did not mean to pry."
"Yes you did, Haldir, otherwise you would not have asked that question," Erestor snapped. "If you will excuse me, I do not care for dessert and will take my leave. I have duties I must attend to."
"As you wish, Erestor," Haldir replied. "We will see you here later at dinner. I hope you will be in a more gracious mood."
"Humph," was Erestor's reply as he too, rose from his chair and left the hall.
"Well, there is no point in staying, Lindir." Haldir said, "Obviously, neither of us cares for dessert. Let us make a trip to the market and see if we can find your gift for Glorfindel. That time fast approaches. Perhaps, that will take your mind off unpleasant thoughts.
Lindir forced himself to look cheerful. "If that is what you truly wish, Haldir." Lindir would have preferred to back to his room. But he owed the Marchwarden for his kindness and it would be rude to refuse.
"To be honest, Lindir, I have not yet found a gift for the one whose name I drew. So if you are game to go, I shall enjoy your company. However, if you would prefer to wait for Glorfindel, we could put it off until tomorrow."
"No, Haldir, let us go now," Lindir replied. "for if I return empty-handed, I will not be as inclined to worry."
"Then let us go, my friend," Haldir said with a grin, and with the minstrel by his side, they set off for the market.
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The Gift