Warrior | By : mirasaui Category: -Multi-Age > Slash - Male/Male Views: 1366 -:- 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. |
Warrior
Chapter Ten: Sorrow
His skin was like the finest porcelain, with a tint of rose on his lips and cheeks, and over the last few months, Erestor had not been able to keep his eyes from the face of his friend. Long lashes covered ocean-blue eyes that radiated a sadness that had been there ever since Elrohir had turned up missing. But the sadness did not go away when the elfling was found. What had happened to leave Lindir in this state and when had his attraction to his friend started?
He had worked with Lindir for a long time but he realized now he knew him not. He had thought he did, but the elf held secrets that mystified him. Lindir was an artist, an illusionist who painted pictures with sound. His beauty was reflected in his music, for his compositions were the melodic equivalent of a morning's sunrise or the birth of a new flower, wonders of nature that caught the eye and held it, as the sound of his voice in song caught the ear.
Tall and willowy with a curtain of snow-white hair hanging down his back, Lindir had the grace of a dancer and a brilliant inner light. Although his sorrow dimmed it somewhat, it still shone for those who cared to look, and Erestor was one who did. He sighed. For so long he had been caught up in nothing but his work. It had become his life and so he did not realize what he was missing. But now, when he looked at Lindir, he felt emotional stirring that had long lain dormant. The problem was that Lindir did not feel the same; at least that Erestor was aware of.
Erestor studied the minstrel again. He was determined to find out what the cause of his melancholy was. Rising from his desk, he walked over to Lindir's and sat across from him. "Lindir," he asked, "May I have a word with you?"
Lindir looked up from his paperwork. "Lord Erestor," he nodded, placing his quill in its holder, "Is there something wrong?"
"No, Lindir, at least not for my part, but you have changed these past months. Where once I always saw a smile, now you seem drowned in sorrow. I was hoping you would confide in me, that you would wish to speak of your trouble. Perhaps I could help?"
Lindir was surprised. Could it be that Erestor was not aware of his former relationship with Cirith, or the fact they had split? "It is no secret, Lord Erestor, Cirith broke our betrothal, h-he found someone else. It was a shock and it will take me some time to recover. I thought he was to be my partner for life." Lindir looked down at his hands.
Erestor had not known. He had been so wrapped up in his books and duties that he had not paid attention to the gossip that circulated around Imladris. "I am sorry, Lindir. If there is anything I can do, let me know. I did not mean to pry." He nodded and walked back to his desk, feeling rather foolish.
Lindir went back to work, but his eyes kept drifting to Erestor. What had prompted the elf lord to inquire of his welfare? The advisor had never expressed interest before. Puzzled, he returned to his figures, but every so often he could feel Erestor's eyes turn his way. Looking up once, he smiled and Erestor smiled back. Lindir finished the document he was working on and placed it in the stack on the left side of his desk, then stood and walked to one of the reference shelves. The library at Imladris was quite large, as Lord Elrond sought books and manuscripts from all over Arda. Lindir and Erestor spent much of their time there. Erestor was a historian and scribe and Lindir assisted him in his work.
Returning to his desk, he again caught Erestor staring at him; but this time Erestor quickly averted his eyes. Lindir wondered at the advisor's actions, but then shrugged it off. Erestor was probably speculating as to what happened between him and Cirith. Elbereth knows everyone else asked. Why was it that when misery hit, everyone suddenly became your best friend?
The rest of the day passed by quickly and Lindir cleaned off his desk and prepared to return to his room. He was filing the last of the reference books on the shelf when Erestor came up to him again. "I wanted to tell you once more, Lindir how sorry I am that Cirith chose to break off your engagement. I do not understand how he could choose another over such a kind and beautiful elf as you. I will see you at dinner." And with that Erestor left, leaving Lindir staring after him in surprise.
Chapter Eleven: One Year Later
Erestor had returned to his old self after that day, leaving Lindir to wonder if he had taken Erestor's looks and complimentary words out of context. As time passed, the pain he felt inside from his lover's betrayal lessened, but did not go away entirely. He spent his days working in the library or running errands for either Lord Elrond or Lord Erestor, or looking after the twins. Elrohir had still not regained the cheerful countenance he had before Maethor disappeared, and Lindir worried about him.
Although Lord Elrond had forbidden Elrohir to speak Maethor's name, Lindir knew that his lord did not really mean it. So he tried to encourage Elrohir to talk about what happened. "I know Maethor was a good friend to you, Elrohir, and I am sorry that we could not find him. I know you do not have many playmates your age, and although Elladan is your brother, he does not always understand you. But you do not really need your toy to continue your friendship with the warrior."
Elrohir looked at Lindir with sad eyes. Lindir was no different than the other adults in his life. He thought the minstrel had understood about Maethor. His warrior was real, not a figment of his imagination. Maybe they had not seen him, but Elrohir had, almost every day. And Maethor was as good a friend as anyone could want. His grief for the warrior was real. Why was everyone determined to belittle it? He sighed; it was enough to lose his friend, but to have those close to him not believe in him made it even worse. But although he was sad, the constant pain had ebbed. There were days that passed when he forgot about his friend. Time was beginning to erase the bad memories and leave good ones in their place.
There was another elf who understood about time and grief. Erestor had hidden his feelings for Lindir while the minstrel adjusted to his loss. But they had not gone away, if anything, they had grown stronger. It had been a year since Lindir's lover had left him and Erestor decided that was enough time to wait. It was act now or forever lose the chance.
That night after dinner when all retired to the Hall of Fire, Erestor took his usual place on a bench at the back of the room. Over the past year he had come often to listen to Lindir sing, the minstrel's voice was one of the loveliest in Imladris. Lindir's slender fingers would pluck the strings of his harp in accompaniment, the sweet notes a perfect harmony to his voice. As he took in the music, Erestor would dream that one day Lindir would sing just for him, a song of love.
That night, like most other nights in the Hall of Fire, there were many elves that had come to tell stories and listen to the songs. Lindir usually waited until later to perform, so Erestor was able to secretly watch him as he laughed and talked with his friends. The advisor's palms were sweaty and his stomach was in knots, for tonight he wished to speak with Lindir on a subject other than that of work.
Time seemed to slow and the night dragged as Erestor patiently waited for the festivities to end. When most of the elves had left, Erestor still sat alone on the bench in the back. He watched as Lindir carefully covered his harp with a piece of soft fabric and tucked it under his arm. The minstrel said his good nights and turned, walking out of the room. It was then Erestor stood and followed silently behind him. When they entered the corridors that led to the bedchambers, Erestor caught up with him. "Lindir?" he asked in a quiet voice, "Do you have a moment?"
Lindir smiled, "Of course Lord Erestor. If you can wait, I will put my harp in my room and be right out."
Erestor nodded and waited for the minstrel to return. True to his word, it only took a second and Lindir was back at his side. "What is it you wish to speak to me about?" Lindir asked.
Erestor hesitated for a second, then voiced his thoughts. "I wondered if you would care to have dinner with me in my room tomorrow night?" He held his breath and waited for Lindir to answer.
Lindir was caught off guard. He had not expected the conversation to be personal. He thought back to that time in the library when Erestor had approached him before and he smiled.
"I am honored to be invited," he replied, "And I accept. What time do you wish me to arrive?"
"I will have everything ready by the dinner bell, you may come to my room then." Erestor said, an answering smile on his face. "Thank you for accepting."
"You are welcome," Lindir replied, "I look forward to a lovely evening. If you do not mind, I will excuse myself and retire to my chamber for sleep."
"Good night, Lindir," Erestor replied softly.
"Good night, Lord Erestor," Lindir echoed.
Erestor nodded and waited until the minstrel had entered his room and closed the door, then walked down the hall to his own chamber. He went inside and removed his robe, hung it in the wardrobe then undressed for bed. He was pleased the minstrel had accepted his invitation and knew he would have much to do the next day to make the evening a success. He climbed in bed and was soon asleep, his lips curved in a sweet smile.
Chapter Twelve: The Courtship of Lindir
Erestor paced nervously. Everything was prepared and he was waiting for his guest. The dinner bell had rung a few minutes ago, and the advisor's heart rate had increased at the sound. There is no reason to be nervous, he told himself, you work with Lindir everyday. He is the same elf you have known for years. But he could not help the butterflies in his stomach when he heard the soft knock at his door.
When he opened it, the elf before him took his breath away. Lindir's hair was unbraided and fell softly about his shoulders. He wore a pale blue tunic with a floral design embroidered upon it in gold thread. Underneath was a white silk undershirt tucked into dark blue leggings. Soft tan boots completed the outfit, but Lindir could have been wearing rags as far as Erestor was concerned.
"Come in Lindir," Erestor said with an appreciative smile, secretly thanking the Valar for letting him have this chance.
Lindir returned the smile and presented him with a bottle of wine. "Lord Elrond gave this to me for a special occasion and I thought it would be appropriate."
"Thank you, Lindir," Erestor replied, taking the wine and inviting him in. The room was lit with dozens of candles and near the window a feast for two was laid on a small table. Erestor opened the wine, poured a glass for each of them and pointing to an over stuffed chair, gestured for Lindir to take a seat. When he had done so, Erestor sat down in a similar chair across from him.
They talked for a while and enjoyed the wine, then moved to the table to dine. The meal was excellent and they continued with their conversation while they ate. Erestor found Lindir charming and gracious, and Lindir thought Erestor a most kind host. After they had eaten their fill, they both agreed to a walk in the garden.
A gentle breeze accompanied them as they walked, carrying the heady scents of the many varieties of flowers that graced the well-tended beds. They spoke of nothing in particular, just enjoyed the beauty of the stars and each other's company. Soon it was time for both to call it a night and Lindir thanked Erestor again for the invitation. Erestor nodded and took Lindir's hand in his. "I would like to do this again, Lindir, if you would agree. Your friendship means a lot to me."
"As does yours, Erestor," Lindir said, smiling at the dark-haired elf he had known for so long.
They walked back to their rooms together, pausing outside Lindir's door. "Good night Lindir," Erestor said in a soft voice.
"Good night, Erestor," Lindir said in return.
That night, Erestor's dreams were filled with visions of a white-haired elf with ocean-blue eyes.
In his room, before he went to sleep, Lindir thought about their evening together. He had seen a side of Erestor that not many had, and it made him feel privileged...special. When he let down his guard, there was warmth and humor in the advisor's eyes, and it had pleasantly surprised Lindir. Erestor was not the cold, reserved elf most thought he was, and Lindir had enjoyed watching him come out of his shell.
Time passed, and Erestor and Lindir had many such dinners. Their friendship grew and they learned more about each other. Each loved the night and were often seen strolling through the moonlit gardens together after the sun went down. It was on one such night that Erestor pulled Lindir to him and kissed him. It was a sweet chaste kiss, for his lips just brushed those of the other elf. When the minstrel did not move away, Erestor became bolder. The second kiss was longer and lips parted and tongues entwined. They broke apart slowly and looked into each other's eyes. Erestor saw a sweet companion, a child of the light who would warm his heart and fill his days and nights with joy. To Lindir, Erestor was an anchor, a rock, a shelter from the storm. This was an elf who would honor and cherish him for all time. And where once his heart lay in broken shards, that night it began to grow whole, strong.
~~~~~~ TBC ~~~~~~
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